Page 62 of Knot Your Sunshine
Finally, I stand and stretch, ready for bed. As I pad inside, something white catches my eye on the floor. Looks like… a folded paper that's been slipped under my door.
My pulse quickens as I pick it up.
Tomorrow, 5:30 AM. Resort entrance. The ocean is calling and waits for no one. Wear something you can swim in. - K
I bring the paper closer, inhaling. Through my half-dose of scent blockers, the faintest trace of salt and citrus clings to the note. Pure, delicious Keanu.
I fold the note carefully and hold it against my chest for a moment, grinning in the dim light.
5:30 AM. I haven't been up that early since I arrived, but for him? I bite my lip, already feeling the anticipation building.
Tomorrow can't come fast enough.
Chapter twenty-five
Mia
"This way," Keanu says, leading me down a winding path where wild hibiscus brushes against my arms.
The trail curves left, then right, then opens suddenly to reveal white sand and black lava rock, with the sunrise painting everything in shades of amber and coral.
"What is this place?" My voice comes out hushed.
"My secret beach." Keanu stops beside me, surveying the crescent of sand like a proud homeowner. "Maybe five people know it exists, and two of them are Josh and Noa."
I stare in awe as waves roll against the beach in gentle turquoise sighs.
"So..." He turns to study me, eyes twinkling. "Great joy I sense in you today, young Mia." His Yoda impression is terrible. "And I don't think it's just because you're on one of the most beautiful beaches on earth… Franchise test launch, perhaps?" He winks.
"Maybe." I try to look mysterious, narrowing my eyes, but he just grins like I'm adorable. "Okay, yes, you got me." I throw my hands up, laughing. "The test is live and I can't believeit's actually happening. It's the first step toward achieving my dream."
His grin spreads slow and warm. "Perfect energy for your first lesson."
"Lesson?" I glance around, then spot them. Two surfboards waiting on the sand, waxed and ready.
"Surfing lesson," he confirms, walking toward the boards. "Private instruction from Hawaii's most skilled instructor."
"Most skilled?" I ask, amusement coloring my voice.
"Well, definitely top five." He winks, then picks up the smaller board, setting it in front of me. "First, we practice here. Watch."
He demonstrates on the sand, lying flat, then pushing up in one fluid motion. His hands plant, his feet land perfectly positioned, knees bent.
I clap enthusiastically. "That, right there, was poetry in board shorts."
"Why thank you." He grins, clearly pleased. "Now you try." He pats the sand beside the board. "Show me what you've got."
I lie down, trying to mimic his grace. Push up. My left foot catches on my right ankle, and I tumble sideways into the sand.
"Graceful," he teases, helping me up. Sand sticks to my swimsuit in patches.
"I'm warming up." I brush myself off, determined. "Again."
This time I make it to standing, but my knees lock straight like a newborn giraffe.
"Bend here." He moves behind me, hands on my hips to guide them down. His chest brushes my back and I forget how to breathe for a second. "Feel that?"
"Mmhmm." My voice comes out higher than intended.
