Page 52 of Keeping Kama

“Yes, in fact, I’m thinking about moving to Hawaii,” said Derek.

The words slipped right out of his mouth with no ability to pull them back. They came as no surprise to him, because the idea had been brewing in his mind since he left Hawaii last month. There wasn’t any reason he couldn’t relocate to Hawaii and make that his home base. Sure, the flights to the states would be expensive and longer, but Derek didn’t care. Leia was in Hawaii. And sometimes you rewrote your entire life for the chance to be with someone.

“Hawaii, huh,” said Steven. They walked through the sliding doors, fighting their way against the cold. “Come on. Let’s get to the office so we can talk about how to make these cranberry bogs better.”

Chapter16

Leia’s phone vibrated in her pocket right as dinner was winding down. Bane leaned in close as her phone vibrated again, and Bane whispered, “Aren’t you going to check that?” His gaze went to her pocket.

Tilting her head toward him, Leia met his gaze. “I know who it’s from.” She tugged her phone out of her pocket.

“I’m intrigued.” Bane raised an eyebrow. His glance skidded across her face, studying her. “And who is this person you don’t want to answer?”

Shaking her head, Leia peered down at her phone, tapping on the message from Derek. Two messages to be exact. Her finger lingered over the response box. The cursor line blinking back at her. “It’s from—” She looked up at Bane. “A guy. We—” biting her bottom lip, she continued, “but he lives in Los Angeles.” The reality of their nonexistent relationship made Leia close her screen, shoving her phone back into her pocket.

Derek lived in Los Angeles. And not here. Now a hot, good-looking Bane was beside her. It was time for her to lean into what the universe was throwing her way.

Running a single finger in a circle on the top of his glass, Bane asked, “But if he didn’t, you’d be together?”

Shrugging, Leia reached for her glass, taking a sip. “Perhaps. Who knows?” She glanced out at the others at the table.

Teresa rose, “Dessert anyone?” she asked, ending their exchange.

“Here let me help you, Mom.” Leia sprung from her seat.

“Can you find the dessert plates and forks for me?” Teresa pointed to the top cupboard. “I made chocolate kahlua pie.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re joking.” Bane shifted in his seat, leaning forward, he rested his forearms on the table. “Did you remember it was my favorite?” asked Bane.

Grinning, Teresa opened the fridge. “I sure did.” Taking the pie out, Teresa popped her hip against the fridge door to close it. “I made it especially for you.”

“Thanks.” Bane waved a hand. “It was completely unnecessary but thank you.”

“You don’t say.” Leia rolled her eyes. “Since when did you remember Bane’s favorite dessert?” Walking to the table with a handful of forks and a stack of plates, Leia set them down on the table.

Moving back to the table with the pie in her hands, Teresa added, “Since, Mila told me when I texted her.” Teresa set the pie down and walked back to the kitchen counter, selecting a knife from the wood block.

Mila laughed. “True story. Teresa texted me this afternoon asking what Bane would like to eat.”

Slipping back into her chair, Leia didn’t realize the extent of Teresa’s scheming until now. While Bane and Leia dated, Teresa had been lukewarm toward him, but now Teresa was singing a different tune. What gives?

Derek.

“Maybe you really made it for Dad,” said Leia. Leia reached out, giving Noa’s shoulder a squeeze. Then she turned toward Bane. “No offense, but I think she’s lying. Chocolate kahlua pie happens to be my dad’s favorite too. I think it was a happy coincidence.”

Bane smirked. “Does it really matter?” He winked.

“It does to me,” muttered Leia under her breath.

Teresa slapped the first slice of pie onto a plate and held it out to Bane. “Here you go.” Teresa shot Leia a warning look. Squirming in her seat, Leia straightened her back. Putting the next slice of pie on a plate, Teresa held it out to Mila. “Bane why don’t you tell us about how you came to your senses and moved back to Oahu, permanently.”

With a shrug, Bane said, “What’s to say? I made a mistake. I moved to Idaho. While I was there, I met my ex-wife. She was from there …” Teresa cut a slice of pie for Leia, Noa, and herself. Once everyone was served, Leia passed everyone a fork and they started to eat. “It didn’t work out. I decided I hated the cold, and nothing was keeping me in Idaho, so I moved back.” He shrugged, cutting into his piece of pie, taking a bite.

Shaking a fork at Leia, Teresa said, “I bet you regret leaving this one.”

“Mom,” hissed Leia. Shaking her head, Leia cast her gaze at her dessert. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she muttered under her breath.

Bane laughed. “I have a lot of regrets, unfortunately.” Under the table, Bane tapped his knee against hers. “Leaving Leia for Idaho is at the top of my list.”

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