Page 20 of Big Island Moonlight
“He’s up at the ranch with Tara’s kids today.”
“Cool. Hey, did you–”
“Hello, you!” A woman with long blond hair and a Hollywood smile strode through the crowd, homing in on Keith without so much as a glance at Emma. “Long time no see!”
“Good morning, Jessica,” he greeted her in a neutral tone.
“I miss your classes!” She stepped close and put a hand on his arm. “I learned so much. I just loved getting my hands in the earth. Really connecting with nature, you know? I’d love to get some more time in.”
“The farm’s always open to volunteers.”
“Oh yeah?” Her hand slid up his arm, fingertips disappearing beneath the cap sleeve of his t-shirt.
“Yep.” He turned and pointed, slipping out of her grip as he did so. “Monica is manning the stand today. You can talk to her about the volunteer schedule if you’re interested.”
“Right.” Jessica’s smile turned stiff as disappointment flashed through her eyes.
“Good to see you,” Keith said politely. Then he turned away, placing himself between her and Emma.
She stared at his back for a moment before she turned and walked away.
“Friend of yours?” Emma said dryly.
The corner of his mouth quirked upward. “Not really. She took the basic permaculture course, same as you.”
“She was flirting with you.”
He gave her a cheeky grin. “Does that bother you?”
Emma opened her mouth to reply, but no sound came out. She just moved her jaw up and down like a landed fish, unsure of what to say.
“Sorry,” he said, half laughing.
She narrowed her eyes and said, “You don’t look sorry.”
“I’ll be honest.” Keith leaned toward her and pitched his voice low, for her ears alone. “I’m as attracted to you as ever. I haven’t even looked at another woman since the day I met you.”
Emma stared at him, unable to look away from his bright blue eyes, and her jaw went slack.
He straightened up again. “But that’s my problem. If you’re not ready, if you’re not interested, well… I would rather have you in my life as a friend than never see you again.”
“Ask again,” Emma said suddenly.
“What?” His eyes held hers as the unseen force between them came to a crescendo.
Emma couldn’t ignore it anymore. And in that moment, she didn’t even want to.
“Ask me out again.”
A slow grin spread over his face. “Emma?”
“Yes?”
“Would you go steady with me?”
She burst out laughing, and the tension of the moment evaporated.
“I think we’re a ways past the first date, don’t you?” His tone was easy, his posture relaxed, but there was an intensity in his eyes that riveted her.
