Page 67 of Catch a Wave

“Okay, you’ll do it?”

“Okay, that’s totally random, and I don’t know what to say.”

“Well, Phyllis is going to call you. I gave her your number. Once she gets an idea in her head, it’s pretty much going to happen. So, unless you don’t want to work right now, I think you’ve got yourself a new job.”

I grew up on an island. And locals on the North Shore all know one another or know someone who knows someone. We’re separated by one or two degrees of separation. There are only around sixteen thousand permanent residents on our side of Oahu. I know how island life can be similar to any small-town. But this way of doing things is next level, to be sure.

The air in the coffee shop feels charged. That’s the only way I can describe it. I turn to look toward the door and realize why. Bodhi just walked in, his wavy hair tousled, a big smile on his face, and his gaze focused on me. I’d be lying if I said he didn’t affect me.

“What’s up, people?” His casual air makes everyone in the place smile.

I haven’t seen him around a group for a while. I almost forgot how charismatic he is with everyone, not just me.

“Hey, Bodhi!” Summer beams at him.

If I didn’t know she was engaged, I’d be jealous.

I can’t be jealous. Bodhi’s not mine. He’s free to date and draw in whatever female attention he wants. But then his eyes drift to mine and his smile grows. He walks over to the stool where I’m sitting.

“Mavs.” He winks.

My responding smile is automatic. And then I’m thinking of him kissing my shoulder and the way he spun me around after I put my feet in the shorepound.

He leans his arms on the bar, placing himself right between Summer and me, and looking Riley in the eyes. “Tell me what’s good.”

Riley’s married, I remind myself.

Leilani’s right. I’m in trouble.

“I just made a Monroe for Kalaine.”

“No way! You got your own drink?” He smiles at Summer. Then he looks at Riley and says, “Make me a Bodhi.”

Riley laughs. “Okay. Challenge accepted.” She studies Bodhi for a minute, and then it’s like a little light bulb goes off over her head.

Bodhi turns toward me, tilting so his back is facing Summer. “What are you up to today?”

“Just meeting Summer here for coffee.”

“And considering her job options,” Summer unhelpfully adds.

“Job options?” Bodhi asks, still aiming those blue-gray eyes at me. There’s a touch of green in them today, making him all the more alluring and possibly mischievous.

Bodhi’s too near. His charm feels too potent. My hand could simply raise from the bar and drag along his jawline, or rest softly on his chest. I could wrap my fingers in his.

We used to constantly touch one another when we were a couple. We’re physical people—athletes, both affectionate by nature. When Bodhi was mine, I’d never have gone this long after he entered a room without touching him. He’s driving me crazy.

I look over his shoulder at Summer. “Tell Mila I’ll consider the position.”

“Yippee! That’s such good news. She’s going to be so happy.”

“You’re taking a job at Mila’s? That’s great, Mavs. It will be so good for you to have something to do. A job gives a person a reason to get up every morning.”

“I do have a reason,” I pause and look at him, aware of what that sounds like. “Shaka. I’m up for Shaka.”

“Shaka, huh?”

Bodhi looks down into my eyes and straight through to my soul. He knows what gets me up every day. And that’s why I need a job, pronto.

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