Page 48 of Try Easy

Lou seemed to sense his resistance, and she leaned her head on his shoulder, giving him the same advice he’d given her when he’d pulled her from the ocean’s grasp: “Just breathe,” she said.

Keoni felt himself smile, and he tipped his head to rest against hers.

“I’m trying,” he said.

They were quiet for a long time, resting their heads together and watching the waves. After a while, Keoni felt calmer. He turned to Lou and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. It was feather-light and meant to soothe, but it relit the fire that hadn’t been extinguished from their first kiss.

Lou pulled away too soon, and turned her face to look up at him. “What have we started?” she asked.

“Something that’s bound to end,” Keoni answered.

There was an edge to his voice, and a bitter taste in his mouth. He’d gone and fallen for her, he realized. He’d fallen for a tourist. It was something he’d promised himself he’d never do again.

He stared out at the ocean. The waves looked calm now. That was Makaha for you—the waves were some of the most unpredictable on the island. A few minutes ago, they’d tried to suck Lou out to sea, but now they looked as calm as glass.

“I guess we should just quit now,” Lou said.

“K’den.”

“It’s for the best,” she said, getting to her feet.

“K’den.”

Keoni stood up, clenching his hands into fists to keep from touching her.

“Is that it, then?” Lou asked, looking up at him. There was fire in her gaze.

“Yeah,” Keoni said. He narrowed his eyes at her. “I’ll never understand women. I just told you what you wanted to hear, and now you’re angry.”

Lou’s jaw clenched. “You’re right. It is what I wanted to hear. Maybe I should just stay away from you. I only have a few more days anyway,” she said.

“Four days.”

“You’re counting,” she said, her lips twitching into a knowing smile.

Keoni raised one eyebrow. “Yeah.”

She came forward and put her hand on his chest. At first, he thought it was to push him away, but then her hand softened on his bare skin. She fingered the necklaces at his throat and said, “I don’t think I can stay away from you, Keoni. I’ve been trying that all week. I do have a favor to ask,” she said.

Keoni would have done anything for her. “I already saved your life, remember?”

“I do.” Her throat worked as she stared up at him. “I don’t want to be scared of the ocean,” she said. “Do you think you can give me that surf lesson now?”

Keoni’s gaze snapped from Lou to the ocean. He’d completely forgotten about his surfboard during the rescue. He scanned the waves, and saw a flash of bright red floating in the waves.

Keoni realized at that moment that he was probably in love with Lou. How else could he have forgotten about his most-prized possession?

---