Page 30 of Keeping Kama

Derek spoke up before Leia and said, “We are, and I appreciate your hospitality. It was nice meeting you, Kale.” Letting go of Leia’s hand, Derek held it out to Kale.

Kale took a step closer, shaking Derek’s hand. “I hope to see you again,” said Kale, moving toward Leia.

He held his arms out to her for a hug. Leia hugged him.

As they walked away, Kale added, “Take care of Leia. She was my favorite babysitter when I was little. She let me stay up late and eat all the candy I wanted.”

Leia scrunched up her nose. “I can’t believe you remember I let you do that,” replied Leia.

Kale shook his rag at her and said, “I remember so much.” He glanced at Derek. “I’ve a ton of dirt on her if you ever want to hear about it.”

Rolling her eyes, Leia said, “Goodnight, Kale.” Leia tugged on Derek’s sleeve, pulling him away.

They reached the dirt path which weaved back to her parents’ property. A few paces into the path, Derek reached for her hand again, interlocking his fingers with hers. They walked hand in hand with only the sound of the ocean behind them. Leia wondered what any of this meant. Derek was leaving soon, too soon. And here she was acting like she was having a summer fling but not in actual summer. They’d spend a few memorable days together, then what?

“I’m back to teaching on Monday,” remarked Leia between the ticks of her pounding pulse.

“Fall break, right?” asked Derek. Leia nodded. He scratched his head with his free hand. “I should’ve asked sooner when you were headed back.”

Swiping at a trickle of sweat on her temple, Leia continued, “I don’t have any more breaks until Thanksgiving.”

They didn’t speak for a while. Her feet tickled from the dust of the dirt being kicked up by her sandals.

As the path curved, Derek asked, “Are you glad you’re a teacher?”

They passed by the cluster of homes Aria and Kalon’s families lived in. Out front a few of her cousins were playing a game of kickball. She waved and they waved back, but Leia and Derek kept walking.

“I like being a teacher, and I like helping at the farm. I’m glad I can do both. I enjoy the kids and the challenge. Being a teacher means I have every summer off, which in Hawaii is not half bad. The breaks let me enjoy everything Hawaii has to offer. And as for my family’s business, I’m as involved with the farm as I want. It wasn’t ever my passion, not like it was for Kai. He grew up walking the fields with my dad. Kai lives and breathes the land. He understands it and cares about it more than I ever could.”

Soon the edge of her parents’ home peeked out, Leia prayed they weren’t outside on the lanai to witness them walking hand in hand. It would only embarrass her further.

The million-dollar question rolled around in her head. “When do you go back to Los Angeles?” asked Leia.

“I’m— I’m not sure,” said Derek without glancing over at her. His eyes were glued on the path back to her apartment. “I hope to stay here for a little longer than I originally thought.”

Leia was living in a dream world. One she didn’t want to leave anytime soon. This thing, fling, whatever it was, would abruptly end … soon. If Leia was smart, this would be their first and last date. Too bad the rat-a-tat of her heartbeat begged to differ.

They arrived in front of her apartment. Leia dropped Derek’s hand, digging into her pocket for her keys, pulling them out. Though the muggy air from earlier was replaced by the cool and sweet night air, Leia’s brow was slick.

The keys in her hands jangled as she fidgeted with them. Leia said, “Thanks for taking me out tonight. I had a wonderful time. I like being around you, Derek.”

With a nod, Derek gulped, “I hoped you’d say that.” Taking a step closer, Derek moved inches from her. “I like you too, Leia, and more than as my client’s sister.”

His body heat warmed her up as the intoxicating scent of his cologne danced at her nostrils. The smell made her dizzy, Leia stumbled a step back until her body found the door, she rested herself up against it.

With a nervous laugh Leia said, “Then we are in agreement, we like each other.”

His gaze boldly found hers, and for a second, they stared back at one another. Unconsciously, Leia moistened her lips.

Nerves bubbled up inside her, and with a shaky voice, Leia asked, “Now what?”

Leaning in slowly, Derek palmed the door on the right side of her. His other hand moved to her hair, weaving his fingers into it for a second before he finally swept it over her shoulder. Leia sucked in air. Her lungs refused to fill with oxygen.Dang, this guy had moves.His eyes flickered between her eyes and her lips.This was happening.

After an eternity, Derek stated boldly, “And now, I kiss you.” He waited for her to respond. “Unless you object.”

Without any reservation, Leia reached out and traced a finger along his exposed collar bone. “Is that what’s going to happen?” asked Leia.

Derek gave an almost indistinguishable nod. Leia gulped. Derek moistened his own lips. Then ever so slowly, he moved closer, giving Leia a moment to grant permission. When the tension was more than she could bear, Leia gripped a fistful of his shirt and tugged him forward. Their lips collided, making a fire light up in her gut.

---