Page 36 of Keeping Kama

Derek tugged at his shirt collar. “I think Tyson will come around and come to see the farm could be a profitable investment.”

Holding up a hand, Kai said, “But Tyson isn’t on board with any of this now?” He shot Derek a pointed look.

An exhale made Derek’s shoulders drooped. “No,” shaking his head, he continued, “Tyson wants me to leave as soon as possible and start on a different potential investment.” Sitting straight, Derek said, “But I’m not ready to give up on the farm. Give me a few more days, and I’ll convince Tyson to invest.” He raised an eyebrow. “I mean, are you ready to move forward with the farm tour idea?”

Kai glanced at Leia. Leia shrugged. “It’s up to you, Kai. This is your life, your family’s livelihood, not mine.”

“But you live here too, and more importantly this is about Mom and Dad too,” said Kai.

“And what do you think Dad would tell you if he could voice his opinion?” asked Leia.

Without hesitation, Kai said, “He would tell me to save the farm at all costs.”

With a nod, Leia said, “There’s your answer.”

Kai turned back toward Derek. “Ok. Let’s move forward with your investment and farm tour idea. I guess that’s if your business partner Tyson comes on board.”

Firmly, Derek stated, “He will.” But Leia noticed the shakiness in his hands as he moved to place his laptop back into his messenger bag.

She wondered if he wasn’t revealing everything. Maybe Derek would go to Tyson, and Tyson would say no. If that happened then Derek would leave, the farm wouldn’t get the money it needed, and everything would fall apart. Her head started to spin.

Sweat trickled down her back. Bile bubbled up her throat. Forcing herself to swallow, the acid burned. “When will you know for sure?” asked Leia.

As he tugged his shirt down, Derek said, “Tyson’s out for the rest of the day on a family matter. I’m scheduled to speak with him first thing tomorrow and then we can go from there.”

Nodding, Kai said, “Until tomorrow then.” He stood, pushing in his desk chair. “I need to go fill in for Alana at the store for a few hours. She’s taking the kids to their various sports activities.” Walking to the door, Kai twisted back toward them. “Keep me posted, Derek.”

“Of course,” replied Derek. “We’ll talk soon.”

Kai exited, leaving the screen door to slam shut behind him.

Leia stood, walking around her desk. Sitting down on the corner of her desk, she palmed the surface on both sides of herself. “What happens if Tyson won’t pass off on the investment for the farm?” asked Leia.

Derek scratched his jaw. “He will,” replied Derek.

“But what if he doesn’t?” asked Leia. “Then what will my family do? They could lose the farm and everything they’ve worked hard to build.”

His gaze shone with reassurance. Derek interlocked his fingers with hers giving them a squeeze. “I’m not going to let that happen,” said Derek. “Promise.”

Leia wanted to believe him, trust him. But the truth was she had only just met Derek. Maybe he was only telling her what she wanted to hear? If Tyson said no to the investment, Leia didn’t see how Derek could do anything about it.

Leia shook his hand away and folded her arms across her body. “How can you promise that? You don’t know the future.” Her voice cracked. “And no matter what you’ll be gone soon.” Leia cast her gaze away, refusing to look at Derek.

Yanking Leia into a standing position, Derek wrapped his arms around her, and she mirrored his movements. He leaned in. “I’m here now. Everything will work out. I don’t want you to be stressed out about this anymore,” whispered Derek into her hair, making her neck tickle.

With her head against his chest, Leia listened to the steady thump of his heartbeat. His spicy aftershave filled her lungs, making her reasonable self conveniently forget about the implications of their fling. Leia was being foolish, and she knew it. If she was smart, she’d end this little thing right now. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it. If she only had tonight, maybe tomorrow, or only a few more days, Leia wanted to spend them with Derek.

Eventually, she slackened her arms around his hips, Leia tilted her chin back enough to find Derek’s gaze. “I’m putting my trust in you,” said Leia.

“You won’t regret it.” Derek swiped some of her unruly strands of hair from her forehead, tucking them behind her ear. For a second, they stared at one another. Finally, Derek gulped, “Are we still on for dinner tonight?”

Up on her tiptoes, Leia kissed Derek quick on the lips. “You bet. I’m cooking for you. Remember?” said Leia.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to take you somewhere for dinner?” asked Derek.

Shaking her head, Leia replied, “No, I’m making you dinner. Then I want to take you to my favorite place in the entire world.”

His hand cupped her neck. Slowly, Derek leaned an inch from her lips. “I’d be honored.” Then he kissed her worries away.

---