Page 41 of Keeping Kama

“So, I’ll join you for the first five,” said Derek.

Then they stared back at one another. Leia wanted him to pull her tight against his body, in an embrace and reassure her this week wouldn’t be it. But Derek already felt distant, like though he was here physically, he was already gone. Part of her wanted to say, forget it, don’t bother, tonight can be our last night together. But Leia still longed for more time.

So, Leia took a step toward Derek. Once close enough, she interlaced her fingers through his, giving them a squeeze. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Her eyes caught his. “And if we only have tomorrow, then you’d better make it good.”

Derek tugged her body closer, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. Tipping her chin up, Leia rose to her tiptoes and kissed him on his cheek.

His fingers found her hair and slid through the long silky strands, continuing down her back. He held his hand firmly there. “I think we can do a little better than that,” commented Derek.

Slowly, he leaned in, cupping his other hand behind her head. Gently, his lips slid across hers. And the thoughts of tomorrow whisked away with the ocean breeze.

Chapter12

After a fitful night of sleep, Derek was grateful for the blaring sound of his alarm clock to end his misery. He dreaded his upcoming conversation with Tyson. Tyson was right, investing in the farm with such slim margins of return wasn’t in the best interest of their investment company.

His stomach clenched into knots. Caring for Leia and her family beyond a normal business relationship had been a mistake. Why had he muddled the lines of business? And now he’d have to face the empty promises he had made. Derek wanted to back out of his morning run with Leia, but it had been his idea.

Quickly, Derek dressed, pulling on his running shorts, shirt, and shoes. Leaving his Airbnb, Derek jogged toward Leia’s place. The plan was for them to meet halfway, then he’d run with her for five miles before she continued the rest of her run. In the darkness, Derek spotted Leia’s running lights on her shoes and waist. Slowly, she came close enough for him to make out her face.

Derek waved and bellowed, “Good morning!” His voice carried down the road.

“Good morning,” Leia called back. Soon she came up beside him, gesturing up the road without stopping. “Let’s keep running in this direction, then we can turn around.” Derek started running beside her, and Leia continued, “And I’ll drop you before I continue further in the other direction past your place.”

“I’ll follow your lead,” said Derek.

Digging into the side pocket on her black spandex shorts, Leia pulled out a clip-on light. Holding it out to him without slowing her pace, Leia said, “Here, clip this onto the edge of your shirt so cars can see you.”

Derek took the clip-on light from her. Turning it on, he then attached it to the hem of his shirt. “Thanks. It is pitch black out here. There’s not a porch light to be seen,” remarked Derek.

Peering to his left, Derek took in the view of the ocean. The moon shone across the water, but besides its light and a smattering of stars, there was no light. Calm serenity enveloped Derek. His worries from moments prior eased out of his being. Derek knew he’d continue running on his own when he returned to Los Angeles. If he kept up with his training, then maybe he could return and run the Honolulu marathon with Leia. There he went again, planning a future he had no claim to, and after Leia found out about his empty promises, she wouldn’t want to ever see him again.

His shoulders drooped, but he made himself listen to what Leia was saying.

“I know. But I like it. I find it peaceful to be out here before everyone else is up,” said Leia.

His breathing became labored. Derek struggled to maintain the quick pace Leia was running, but he didn’t dare ask her to slow down. “I— I could see that.” Derek managed to say in quick spurts.

Laughing, Leia replied, “Should I slow down?” With a side glance, she raised an eyebrow.

“Nah … don’t slow down on … my account,” said Derek with a shaky voice.

“I like your confidence and your refusal to admit when you’re struggling.” Leia paused then added, “it reminds me of myself.” Though she didn’t say anything, Leia slowed enough for Derek’s labored breathing to even out.

“I don’t believe that for a second. You’re confident because you have every right to be. You excel at everything you do.” Derek flashed his eyes toward Leia. “I have a more ‘fake it until I make it’ approach to life.”

“I don’t excel at everything …” Leia’s voice faded off, and she darted her glance to the road in front of them.

Scratching his head, Derek asked, “What don’t you think you excel at?”

“Relationships.” Leia shook her head. “I’m not good at them which was why I stopped trying years ago.”

“I think perhaps maybe you dated a bunch of losers. Please don’t give up on all of us because you’ve had a few bad experiences,” said Derek. “You’re not the problem. You’re incredible and any guy would be lucky to have you.”

“Thanks,” said Leia. “Though I appreciate your encouragement, but you’ll be gone soon, too. You’ll go back to where you came from … and once again …” Her voice faded off. “I’ll be alone right back at square one.”

Derek wanted to argue with her and tell her he wasn’t going anywhere. He’d stay right here in paradise, living in this dream world if she’d have him. But he remained silent. His gut twisting itself, impossible to ignore. Leia wouldn’t want him to stay, not after she learned the truth about his investment firm’s plans.

They ran another mile before turning back toward Derek’s Airbnb. His feet pounding against the pavement competed against his heavy breathing. His mind was miles away as he thought about breaking the news to Kai, Leia, and her family. A pinch between his shoulder blades made pain radiate down his back. Abruptly, Leia came to a halt. Derek stopped running and was shocked to see they were only a few feet from his place.

---