Page 31 of Keeping Kama

Immediately, Derek wrapped his arms around her waist bringing her closer, supporting her upright. Leia’s hand plunged into his hair, raking his temples in the process. His lips danced with hers. She couldn’t remember the last time a kiss felt this good, this complete, this perfect. Leia had already known they had some sort of brewing chemistry, but kissing Derek was unreal.

The rhythmic waves of the ocean mixed with her galloping pulse. As his lips skated across hers, Leia didn’t worry about the future. Deepening the kiss, his lips parted, allowing her to taste more of him. His scent radiated off him, filling her lungs and encapsulating her with its tingling satisfying aroma.

With their lips still brushing against one another’s, Derek whispered, “I knew you would taste good. I just didn’t imagine you tasting this good.” He kissed her again.

Half laughing and half kissing, Leia asked, “My lips like your lips too.”

Leia looped her hand around Derek’s collar, bringing him nearer. Wasn’t the saying tomorrow would worry about tomorrow? Because apparently, it was Leia’s new motto. If this was going to be the only time she ever kissed Derek, Leia wanted it to last forever.

Chapter8

Derek nearly floated back to his Airbnb. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine the evening would end with a heart-stopping kiss. Sure, a guy could dream, but he hadn’t thought it was within the realm of possibility. Walking back, Derek glanced to his left taking in the view of the dark night sky against the ocean. A full moon reflected against the water. Taking a minute to enjoy the beauty, he breathed in the salty air. His being was lighter than it had been in years. And it was all because of Leia.

Leia. Leia. Leia.

A startling vibration in his pocket brought Derek back to earth. Tugging his phone out of his pocket, Derek peered at the screen. His shoulders drooped. Running a hand down the length of his face, Derek cleared his throat before he clicked accept. Placing the phone to his ear, Derek said, “Hey there, Tyson. What’s up?”

Tyson shrieked, “What’s up? WHAT’S UP?”

Derek flinched. Sure, he had ignored Tyson’s phone calls when he was out with Leia, but he hadn’t anticipated Tyson to lose it on him. “Calm down. I was out. I’m here now. What do you want to discuss?”

“Were you out withher?” asked Tyson. “The client’s sister?”

Sweat gathered on his brow, Derek swiped it with the back of his palm. “I was, but she’s not part of the deal. My financial dealings are with Noa and Kai. They own the business. Leia only helps with the books for the fruit shop. She doesn’t have any claim to the farm. So, I’m not technically breaking any rules.”

“She lives on the property, doesn’t she?!” Tyson half screamed and half questioned.

Derek knew he was in the wrong. He had no right to start something up with Leia for a myriad of reasons. Every line existing between business and pleasure, Derek was crossing. “I know, but I thought we discussed earlier today that you didn’t think it was smart to invest anyways. You said we wouldn’t make any money. I think we can, but we are at an impasse,” said Derek.

“We aren’t investing in the farm,” stated Tyson. His voice evened out a tad, the edge disappearing. “So, you need to get yourself back to Los Angeles. I have another potential investment in Boston. A cranberry bog which I believe will reward us both handsomely. I want you out there as soon as you can make it there.”

Derek groaned. In the past, he never minded the travel. With no family of his own, being home felt, well, lonely. His business dealings rarely left him in one place for exceptionally long, which was how Derek always liked it. So, why did the thought of leaving make him suddenly queasy?

He knew why.

Leia.

Leia was in Hawaii, not Los Angeles or anywhere else for that matter. What had he done by getting involved with her? And kissing her, he knew, was major mistake, practically a catastrophe.

Halting in place, Derek stared out at the beautiful, dazzling water. The smattering stars against the big ole moon settled the pounding of his heart.

“I’m not ready to walk away from the farm,” said Derek firmly. “I think I need another week to finish analyzing everything.”

And another week with Leia.

Pausing, Tyson groaned. “Another week? I don’t know what you’ll learn in a week that you don’t already know now.”

“I’ll know if there’s a way to invest in some better equipment to streamline the harvesting of the fruit.” Derek scratched his chin. “I also want to explore the idea of farm tours. It would make the farm a tourist destination and people love doing things out of the ordinary on their vacations.”

“I thought the family was against starting tours of the farm,” replied Tyson.

“They were, but I think there is a bit of wiggle room. Kai’s coming around to the idea,” said Derek.

After a long pause, Tyson said, “Fine.” He let out a long breath. “You need to find out the potential costs of starting the farm tours and how much potential revenue it might bring in. I’ll give you two days. If the numbers don’t show potential or if the family is against it, it’s time to move on,” said Tyson.

“I agree with you. I’ll discuss it with Kai,” said Derek. There was a long pause. Derek double checked the phone screen to make sure he was still connected. “Are you still there?”

Slowly, Tyson replied, “I am,” another pause, “I hope she’s worth it.”

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