Page 26 of Beauty and the Beach

Chapter Ten

Makoa was trying to figure out what he did wrong. It had been almost a week and a half since the movie theater and even though he and Ana texted every day, they hadn't seen each other since. She said that in order to get Monday off for the wedding, she had to do mermaid stuff night and day. It wasn't that he didn't believe her, but she didn't even have time for a quick swim. He was more than willing to meet her anywhere in the ocean. He missed her smile, her eyes, and her kisses. Most of all he was nervous that he had imagined her, had made up how great she was. Her texts comforted him, but not the way seeing her in person would.

He tried to keep busy, helping Hani paint the nursery for the second time. Theresa changed her mind from sand to beige. Makoa couldn't tell the difference, but he wasn't about to argue with her. Around the Palekaiko Beach Resort, things were the same. Dude still lounged in his hammock. Amelia ran the front desk with speed and efficiency. Holt was an ever watchful presence, although lately he seemed to be more interested in Joely's ass than any security issue. But there had been few instances that needed the security chief's attention. There were always drunks to corral and items gone missing that turned up where the owner forgot they put it. But for a few shrill hours, they were convinced the staff had robbed them.

Marcus and Michaela were doing their best to keep Tetsuo off their properties. And as Marcus helped prepare for the wedding while doing his other duties, he caught Zarafina looking at him in concern more than once.

He was worried too. Ana hadn't responded to his last five texts. Just when he thought she changed her mind about the wedding, she texted back.

Hey, sorry. I was underwater.

How's the fishing?

I wish I was fishing. work, work work. I think Don's finally satisfied. The good news is I'm all yours tomorrow.

Makoa let out a whoop that startled a few finches out of the bushes.

That's the best news I've heard all week.

I can't wait to see you. I've had the worst week.

I'll get the mai tai's lined up for you.

Are you trying to get me drunk?

Hell no. I don't want you passing out on me.

That might happen anyway. I'm so damned tired. But it's worth it. I can take Monday to be with you without guilt.

Why guilt?

Don says he needs me. But he doesn't. Maud can fill in for me for one night. She's earned it.

Fill in for you? She made it sound like being mermaid was a job. Maybe Don had a chart with all the nine mermaids on it and they did chores around the ocean. Amelia would totally be on board for something like that.

Hey, I've got to get back in the water. I just wanted to let you know I wasn't ignoring you. Also, I was hoping to spend the night with you on Monday. Is it OK if I stay over?

---