Page 20 of Wrong Turn

Lei frowned. “Is that legal?”

Harry glanced up and her light brown eyes blazed. “Who’s going to stop me?” With her chiseled shoulders, fierce gaze, and the looming, protective bulk of Kona at her side, she was intimidating.

“I’m sure there are procedures to adopt a baby,” Lei mumbled. “Not that I have a clue what they’d be.”

“Less is more sometimes,” Harry said enigmatically. “I’m going to call her Malia. It means ‘Still Waters’ in Hawaiian, and she’s a very calm baby.”

“Yes, she is.” Lei could only agree; Malia’s mellow temperament made her easy to love, and clearly, Harry’s heart had been lost to her.

The women finished their breakfast and Harry put the sleeping Malia back in her carrier and stood up. “Let me show you a simpletai chiroutine you can use whenever you need to center yourself.”

Harry was leading Lei through it, naming each of the moves and having her repeat it, when Kelly and Cruz returned to the pool area.

Lei had never seen Kelly so bedraggled. Her gym outfit was filthy, her ponytailed hair filled with sand and bits of grass, her face dripping sweat and red with exertion. Cruz, in contrast, looked cool and composed, only a tiny shine on his nose showing he’d been up to anything more than a stroll.

“Oh yes! Coffee!” Kelly exclaimed, pouncing on the carafe and splashing dark liquid into Lei’s empty mug. “You two have been lounging over here while this dude was kicking my ass!”

“Just a few self-defense moves that I hope you never have to use,” Cruz said. “After your recent situation, Harry and I wanted to be sure you two had a few more moves to help you get out of trouble.”

Lei sneaked a glance at him as he picked up a grape from Harry’s fruit bowl and tossed it into his mouth, showing a flash of those pearly teeth. He looked delicious, all chiseled muscles in a ninja-black outfit. He caught Lei’s eye and smiled, and while there was mischief in his expression, there was also kindly regard. “You look well-rested, Lei.”

“Yeah, I got a good night’s sleep, thanks to you,” Lei said, dimpling a little. “Your instruction was super helpful.” She meant it sincerely.

“Happy to help. This was all we have time to do with you two, though. Harry and I need to get on the road.”

Harry frowned. “I was hoping for another couple of days in the lap of luxury.”

“Afraid not. We have a new job, and it’s time to move on.”

“Well, thanks, Cruz. Let me give you two something for your expenses. I’ll run back and get my purse.” Kelly trotted off, clearly invigorated by her lesson.

“We don’t need her money. Got plenty of everything we need.” Harry embraced Lei with the stiffness of someone who seldom touches others—Lei recognized it because she seldom did either.

“I’m so glad we met. I can’t imagine what would have happened to us if you hadn’t decided to help me go after those men,” Lei told her.

“I hope our paths cross again someday,” Harry said. “I’ll just run to my room and pack. Would you keep an eye on Kona and Malia?”

Cruz seemed unsurprised about the development of a baby joining their little cadre, so Lei didn’t think it was her place to comment. “Of course,” Lei said. She turned back to Cruz as Harry sped off. “You’re a talented teacher. I wish I had more time to train with you.”

“It is not to be, but what was will remain,” he said. “It’s always a pleasure to have a student who’s willing to take a chance and commit to something. You will be all right, now.”

“Yes, I do believe I will.” Lei stepped into his embrace as easily as if she’d never left it, and for a timeless moment, their hearts and breaths joined again in rhythm, as their foreheads rested against each other. Finally, their arms dropped and they stepped back. Lei gazed into Cruz’s familiar, beautiful brown eyes, and felt his kindness.

“Be well,” he said, with that little bow.

“You, too.” Lei returned the gesture. Harry appeared, knapsack on her shoulder. She scooped up the baby carrier. Kona moved to her side. “I hope I see you again, Lei.”

“Me too.” Having a friend like Harry felt good. “How can I contact you?”

Harry smiled. “You can’t. But our paths will cross again when the time is right.”

Cruz, Harry and Kona moved off down the hotel’s graveled walk to the beach and disappeared among the ornamental plantings.

Lei turned and headed back toward Kelly’s bungalow, rubbing the smooth granite pebble between her fingers.

Yes, she would be fine. Maybe someday, thanks to Cruz, she’d even find love. But for now, she’d be happy with a dog, and hopefully Aunty would still want to get one.

Chapter Twelve

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