Page 17 of Keeping Kama

He shoved his hands into their pockets, Derek said, “If you don’t mind, can you send them to Tyson too? It makes it easier than forwarding everything on to him.”

Unlocking her arms, Leia tucked some loosened strands of her hair behind her ears. “Of course, no problem.”

Derek forced himself to look away from her, because he didn’t want her to catch him staring. “Thanks,” he said.

Derek and Leia stared out at the ocean. With only a foot between them, Derek caught the scent of her perfume. His stomach swam, making heat slowly crawl up his neck and cheeks. Forcing himself to move, Derek took a step away, moving toward the stairs.

“I already know you’re an early riser.” Derek shuffled back and forth on his heels. “Do you try to make it to bed early?”

Shrugging, Leia scratched her elbow. “When I’m teaching, I make more of an effort to go to bed at a decent hour. Especially, when I know I’m going to be in a room full of kids, and I’ll need to be patient. But I’m on a short fall break, so it doesn’t matter when I go to sleep.”

“Makes sense.” A slow smile crept across Derek’s face. “I’m sure the kids love you though.” Derek rubbed the back of his neck. He knew he was prolonging their conversation, but Derek couldn’t force himself to leave. The casual back and forth between them was a positive change to what he was used to. His ex-girlfriend spent most of her time taking pictures of herself to post on social media. With a little bit of distance from his ex, Derek was starting to see how wrong they were for each other. “I happen to remember most of my grade school teachers fondly. I’m sure your students feel the same way about you.”

Folding her arms, Leia rubbed her biceps like she was attempting to stay warm from the slight breeze. “It’s fun to run into some of the students I had years ago and see them all grown up.” Leia tilted her chin toward him and added, “I’m sure you were a top-notch student.”

“Guilty,” laughed Derek. “I was a total teacher’s pet and a major nerd.”

Leia flashed him a sideway glance and tsked. “I believe you were a teacher’s pet, but I don’t believe you were a nerd. I’m sure you were some cool California surfer boy.”

He straightened his shoulders, Derek said, “I mean, I do know how to surf …”

Dang, Derek wanted to impress her.

Leia’s gaze roamed over him. “I assume that’s why you thought you were a strong enough swimmer to go out into Shark’s Cove alone.”

With a nod, Derek replied, “I did overestimate my abilities. I tend to do that often. It’s one of my many flaws.”

Playfully, Leia shoved his arm. “Again, with the flaws.” Her lips twitched at the corners. “I want to see you surf.”

Derek knew he shouldn’t have mentioned his surfing skills. With how strong Leia was as a swimmer, he could only imagine she dominated surfing too. If they did go surfing, Derek would no doubt become a total joke to her.

“I haven’t surfed in years.” Derek almost mentioned the last time he surfed was before his mom died. “I imagine I’m very rusty.”

“You’re in Hawaii. You must go surfing,” said Leia.

“I wouldn’t even know where to go.” Derek tapped his shoulder once against hers. “And I don’t have a surfboard.”

Leia smirked. “You’re in luck.” Though they weren’t touching, Derek swore he felt her heat radiating off her body. He forced himself to swallow. “We have plenty of surfboards to share. I’ve lived here my entire life, and I know the best spots. One morning this week,” she pushed a finger into his chest. “I’m taking you surfing.”

“Ahh.” Derek rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m immediately regretting mentioning I surf. You’re going to put me to shame. I can tell by the smug look on your face that you are an expert surfer.”

Leia jutted her chin and whipped her hair over shoulder. “I don’t have a smug look on my face,” said Leia matter-of-factly. Straightening her shoulders, Leia continued, “I think perhaps you’re scared, because maybe you don’t surf at all.” She cocked an eyebrow. “And I caught you in your lie?”

“Is that what you think?” Derek laughed, loosening the pent-up nerves building in his chest. “I surf.”

Throwing her hands down at her side, Leia said, “I can meet you on Thursday morning, six o’clock, meet here. We can take my parent’s truck to fit the surfboards. I’m taking you to Pipeline Beach.”

Derek knew he should refuse. His carefully guarded business boundaries were going out the window. In the past, Derek always kept business strictly business. If he became too involved with his clients in their personal life, it made it impossible for him to think clearly.

More importantly in this situation, Leia would no doubt surf in circles around him. And Derek hated to lose, but on the other hand, he rarely backed down from a challenge. Redemption would be his.

“Then it’s settled.” Derek stared directly back at Leia. He paused, waiting for her to rescind her offer. Leia didn’t bat an eye. Taking the front steps, Derek said over his shoulder. “I’ll see you later then.” At the bottom of the stairs, Derek twisted back around. “You better be ready to eat my dust.”

Smirking, Leia replied, “Oh will I? You’re on.”

Derek laughed and left. Leia remained on the lanai, watching him walk toward his Airbnb.

His blaring alarm woke him up early in the morning. Quickly, Derek dressed in his board shorts and a T-shirt, remembering to bring his towel, wetsuit, and wallet on his way out the door.

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