Keeping Kama

Chapter 5

In the parking lot, Leia walked to the back of the truck and opened the tailgate. First, she removed her sunglasses from the top of her head and placed them on the bed of the truck.

Soon, Derek joined her and asked, “What’s the plan?”

His intense attention on her made heat slowly creep up her neck. “I— I—” Leia stammered. Leia tried to remember what to do first.

With shaky hands, Leia grappled with her wetsuit. Derek snagged his too, mirroring her movements. Why was she acting so skittishly? Leia surfed at this beach too many times to count. Was she worried about looking like a fool in front of Derek? Nah, she had no doubt she’d surf in circles around him. The thought made her straighten her back. But the facts were, Derek and his totally ruggedly good-looking body, were one foot from her and Leia was about to see it … again. Simmer on down. Simmer. Down.

Suddenly, the rhythmic crashing waves on the shore matched the staccato beat of her heart. Leia fumbled with the zipper on her wetsuit, zipping it all the way down. “Let’s get our wetsuits on, and then we can get the surfboards out.” Her voice almost sounded normal, not foreign, and weird like another person was talking.

Derek stripped off his shirt without a word, tossing it into the back of the truck in one long smooth movement. The sight of his trimmed abs and waistline made her pause in place. Yeah, she saw his hunky body the first day they had met, but today was different . More intimate.

Shaking her head, Leia forced herself to glance away. Derek placed his foot into one leg of the wetsuit then after wiggling around, he stepped into the other leg and pulled the wetsuit up to his waist. Leia shifted her body further from him. After she hung her own wetsuit off the tailgate of the truck, Leia removed her shirt and shorts. Swiftly, she tossed them inside the truck bed, Leia wished she didn’t feel so vulnerable and exposed, but then she reminded herself Derek saw her in a sports bra and shorts.

A loud honk from behind them, made Leia jump. A truck barreled past them into a parking space three spots up.

Leia’s gaze darted to Derek. He shrugged. Then Derek scratched his head and averted his eyes toward the beach. Leia’s hair from her updo came loose. Yanking the hairband out of her hair, she placed it on her wrist. As she held out her wetsuit in front of herself, Leia managed to slip her foot into one hole and then the other. Being tight, she struggled to bring it up and over her hips. Finally, she shimmied her arms into the top of the suit.

Once done, Leia tried a few times to reach the zipper. Exasperated, she sighed and asked, “Could you help me zip up the back?” She twisted her back to him.

His head whipped back toward her, Derek ran a hand down his face. “Sure,” he partly croaked. Derek stopped inches from her. Leia felt his breath against her back, spreading goosebumps across her skin. She wondered if he noticed. Swiping her long dark hair over one shoulder, Leia held it away from the zipper with both hands. Derek fingered the zipper, bringing it up halfway until the resistance was too tight to easily zip it up. “You might need to drop your arms, so I can zip it up the rest of the way,” said Derek.

“Oh, right.” Leia lowered her arm, doing her best to bring her entire hair over her shoulder. She dropped her hands by her sides. “Please be careful of my hair, I don’t want it getting caught in the zipper.”

Derek tugged at the open sides of her wetsuit. Leia tried to glance over her shoulder to see what was taking him so long. “Head forward please,” commanded Derek. “Like you said, I don’t want to get any of that beautiful hair of yours caught.”

Leia obeyed.

Finally, Derek brought the zipper to the top of her wetsuit. His hands lingered on her shoulders. Then in what seemed like an afterthought, Derek brought her hair from in front of her shoulder to the back. Leia sucked in air as his fingertips grazed her hair. Derek stumbled a step back.

For a moment, Leia waited for the thunder in her temples to subside. Once she could hear normally again, Leia shifted to face him. Bringing a hand to her hip, Leia asked, “Do you want me to zip yours up?”

His lips twitched as he stared down at his still bare chest. Derek nodded. “I’d appreciate it.” Pulling the dangling half of his wetsuit up, Derek pushed his arms through the sleeves. He wiggled his arms for a minute, until the suit fully covered his broad shoulders. “Okay, I’m ready.” He took a backward step toward her, stopping a mere two inches from her.

Leia’s fingers trembled as she clasped the zipper. Her fingers slipped for a second and grazed Derek’s back. Immediately, goosebumps sprawled across his skin. Knowingly, Leia smiled, zipping it up the rest of the way. Leia was satisfied that the feeling of attraction was mutual.

Unable to resist, Leia patted the top of his wetsuit covered shoulders, Leia said, “There you go.” She removed her hands, and Leia took a few steps away in a need to widen the gap between them.

First, he stretched his arms above his head, Derek said, “Thanks.” Then he twisted from side to side then bent forward, no doubt trying to get his wetsuit to form to his body.

Taking her hairband off her wrist, Leia put it between her teeth, gathering her hair into a bun. Once she smoothed out the top, Leia replaced the band. With a wink, Leia said, “Let’s do this.”

“Umm.” Derek scratched his head and finally said, “I guess there is no time like the present.”

At the back of the truck, Leia pulled out her surfboard. Derek followed suit and removed the other surfboard. After rearranging their items, Leia closed the back of the truck.

In tandem, with their surfboards underneath their arms, they walked to the edge of the water. Soon, the warmish saltwater ran over the top of their toes. Leah pushed her toes into the sand, allowing the gritty mixture to wiggle in between the empty spaces around her feet. Water nipped at her ankles.

As she glanced across the water, Leia took in the scene of the turquoise water, the brightest blue sky, and a smattering of other surfers. Leia loved it here. It had been ages since she had surfed. Making a promise to herself, Leia vowed to come here more often. As she took a few steps forward, Leia let the water soak into her wetsuit around her calves. Slowly, her body adjusted to the temperature of the water, making her brave enough to move further out into the water.

Leia raised an eyebrow and found Derek’s gaze. “Are you ready?” she asked.

With a wide grin, Derek replied, “I was born ready.” With his free hand, he scooped up a handful of water with the upcoming tide, tossing it in her direction. Leia shrieked and jumped away as the cool water seeped into her wetsuit. His lips twitched mischievously. Derek continued, “You know you talk a lot of trash, and now I want you to prove you aren’t all talk.”

Leia jutted her chin and puffed up her chest. “I don’t talk trash.” Leia kicked water at him. “I can’t help it if I happen to be good at most things.”

“Oh, I know …” Derek splashed her again. Leia attempted to use her surfboard to block herself from getting hit. After a long pause, Derek remarked, “I like it, Leia. I like it a lot.” Their eyes locked, making her breath catch in her throat.

Warmth flooded her middle as she kicked more water toward him, Derek leaped out of the way. “What do you like?” inquired Leia.

Playfully, Derek scooped up another handful of water, tossing it at her. She shrieked again as the cool water landed in the center of her back, trickling down the length of her wetsuit.

Grinning as if he had won, Derek said, “I like your confidence. In fact, I think I like everything about you.”

“Is that so?” Leia suddenly felt anything but confident. “I— I—” stammered Leia.

Derek’s uncanny gaze rocked her. “You know you can just say thank you,” said Derek without breaking eye contact.

Unconsciously, she chewed on the inside of her cheek. Leia said, “Then thank you.” The playfulness from moments before whisked away with the ocean breeze. Leia smacked Derek on the arm. “Quit trying to flatter me to get out of surfing.” She hoped to bring back the flirtatious energy pulsating between them.

Holding up a hand, Derek replied, “I’m not trying to get out of anything. I only speak the truth.”

For a second, they stared back at each other, Leia wondered if he was going to kiss her, which was an absurd thought. Derek was here in Hawaii to buy half her family’s farm not to try and date her. Her back stiffened. The playful mood from before seeped right out of her.

Leia looked away first, taking in the vast wide ocean. “Let’s surf.”

She’d show him. Leia wasn’t all talk.

Without hesitation, when the next wave crashed on the shore, Leia walked further out into the water with her surfboard under her arm. She didn’t stop until the water hit her waist. Dragging the surfboard beside her, Leia swam once she could no longer touch the ocean floor. Derek soon appeared next to her. Matching her stroke for stroke with his long broad arms, Derek kept up with her brisk pace. It took them a few moments to make it out past the breaking waves. They swam until the water smoothed out.

Once in calm waters, Leia brought herself up onto her surfboard, straddling the board with one leg on each side. A glance over her shoulder confirmed Derek was only seconds away. Once next to her, he used his strong muscular arms, to bring himself up and onto his board, straddling his too.

A few minutes ticked by as they sat on their boards, waiting for a wave big enough for them to surf. Contentment filled her being, as Leia took in the beauty surrounding her.

Derek broke the silence. “How old were you when you learned to surf?” He kept his gaze straight out at the water.

Swiftly, she brought her hands to each side of her board and dipped her fingers into the water. Spreading her fingers apart, she let the water lace in between her fingertips. “I don’t remember.” Leia kept her eyes on the waves too. “I simply remember always knowing how. How about you?” She allowed herself one peek at him, taking in his strong square jawline.

Derek ran a wet hand through his hair, smoothing it out. The water made his blond hair dull to a light brown. “My dad taught me. I think I was maybe six or seven years old. It was a wonderful day being out on the water with him.” He smiled to himself, making the lines around his eyes scrunch up.

For a second, Leia thought he’d continue, but he didn’t. “What made it so great?” asked Leia.

Tilting his head toward her, Derek met her eyes. “I remember being with my dad. And I remember feeling happy and loved.” His voice faded away, and Derek turned back toward the ocean. “Do you think we should try and catch this next wave?” He pointed.

Leia glanced out at the ocean. The wave coming was only a couple hundred yards away. With a shrug, Leia said, “Sure. I think it looks like a good one.”

The wave came near. Leia paddled away from him and ready herself on her board. As she concentrated on the approaching wave, Leia assumed Derek was doing the same. Seconds away, Leia held her breath as the perfect moment to catch the wave came. Up she sprung on her surfboard, riding it perfectly the entire way to the shore.

Once on the safety of the shore, Leia glanced out at the water looking for Derek. He must have waited for a different wave because she didn’t spot him. Then out of nowhere, Leia noticed him, riding the next wave like a champ. He wasn’t a liar. Derek did surf. And well. Leia’s insides did a somersault.

Derek reached the water’s edge, finding his footing, he made his way toward her with his surfboard under his arm. Running a hand through his hair, Derek shook his head, freeing some of the water from it.

Once within earshot, Leia asked, “Were you trying to show off?” She laughed. “Why didn’t you take the wave I did?”

Water cascaded down his temples. Derek swiped at it and replied, “I know. I decided to take the next one. I didn’t want you to see me if I failed to get up.”

Pursing her lips together, Leia replied, “I see.”

“Honestly,” Derek walked further up the sand, plopping down his surfboard beside him. “The wave you took was taller than I thought. I knew it was above my abilities to ride it, so I waited until I saw one, I thought I could ride.”

With a shrug, Leia said, “I thought you rode that wave remarkably well.”

His face lit up, sending a zing down her spine. “You did?” asked Derek.

He looked so sincere, so satisfied with her simple compliment. Leia knew she’d chase that expression repeatedly like an addicting thrill.

“I did.” Shifting toward the water, Leia raised an eyebrow. “Now, are you ready to ride another one? You can’t stop with one.”

Derek picked up his surfboard again. “I’m ready but go easy on me. I think the last wave was only a bit of beginner’s luck. Who knows what I’ll look like on the next one.”

“Nonsense,” said Leia. “Stop being humble.” Shoving him playfully with her free hand, Leia added, “Now show me what you’ve got.”

With a few steps, she moved further into the water. Then Leia waited for Derek to join her. Together, they swam out past the breaking waves again. Once to the calm water, they sat back on their surfboards, waiting for a good wave to come along. One approached; they rode it back to the shore. They repeated this several times without talking. Leia couldn’t remember when she had enjoyed herself more. The comfort of Derek’s presence, the blissful feeling of salt water against her skin, the rush of adrenaline when she stood up on her board, somehow, she wanted to live in this day forever.

After a ride to shore, Derek shook out his dripping hair. Rubbing at his eyes, he asked, “Are you getting hungry? I’d love to take you to breakfast.” He walked out of the water and onto the dry sand of the beach. Plopping his surfboard down, Derek swiped water off his temples with the heel of his hand.

Joining him on the soft, dry sand, Leia placed her surfboard down next to his. Saltwater stung her eyes. Leia used the wrist of her wetsuit to swipe at them. Once the sting subsided, Leia gently tugged her hairband free from her hair.

“I could eat,” remarked Leia.

“Then let’s head out,” said Derek.

Sticking her hairband between her teeth, Leia found his gaze. Gathering up her wet messy strands of hair, she replaced her hairband. Next, Leia reached for the zipper on the back of her wetsuit but struggled to reach it.

Without skipping a beat, Derek closed the space between them. “Here, let me help you.” He motioned for her to turn around. Leia obeyed, shifting her back to him. Derek tugged the zipper the entire way down. “Do you know anywhere good to eat around here?” Derek dropped his hands, stepping away from her.

She wiggled her arms out of the wetsuit, Leia pulled it halfway down to her waist. “There’s a place only a few miles down the road. They have fantastic banana macadamia nut pancakes.” Her stomach growled at the suggestion.

A warm grin spread across his face. “My mouth is watering already. Sounds great,” said Derek.

Derek seized the edge of his zipper without any difficulty. He unzipped it, tugging it down to his waist. Removing the sleeves of his wetsuit, Derek let it hang down around his waist. Leia forced her glance away up toward the parking lot when she caught herself staring at his perfect physique.

“Pancakes it is,” said Leia.

They both bent down and picked up their surfboards, walking back to the parking area. After they placed the boards in the bed of the truck, Leia gripped one hand on the vehicle while she used her other hand to tug down the rest of her wetsuit. Soon, she stepped out of it, Leia tossed it into the back of the truck. Derek struggled to get his wetsuit off. Hopping on one foot, he eventually managed to rid his body of the restrictive material.

With an exasperated look, Derek swiped at his brow and asked, “Why are wetsuits always so much harder to get off than on?” His curious gaze landed on her.

Nonchalantly, Leia shrugged. “I didn’t have any trouble getting mine off.” Puffing up her chest, she put both hands on her hips. “I think it might just be you.”

“Oh, it’s me. Is it?” Derek took one step closer to her. “I find that hard to believe.”

Leia gulped as the air thickened. “Believe it,” she replied, with a quiver in her voice.

Suddenly, Leia realized she was standing in front of Derek in nothing but her dripping wet swimsuit. It took everything within herself to stand straight and not agonize over whether Derek found her appealing or not.

Leaning casually against the truck, Derek folded his arms. “I think you happen to be one of those people that everything comes easily to.”

“I disagree,” countered Leia.

Derek blinked, glancing out toward the ocean. “Everything comes hard to me, but you— you looked fierce out there. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.” Leia opened her mouth to speak but didn’t know how to respond. Straightening himself, Derek reached into the truck and rifled through his pile of stuff in search of his towel. “I’m impressed. You’re impressive.” Finding his towel, Derek wiped his face off.

Locating her own towel, Leia pulled it out of the truck and patted her face dry. “I don’t think you should be impressed because I rode a few waves. You need to see the professionals. They are the ones who are impressive.” Leia ran the towel down her dripping legs.

Running his towel over his bare chest, Derek caught Leia staring at him. “I’m sure they’re good, but they aren’t the ones I’m interested in seeing.”

Boom. His words ricocheted between them, making heat wiggle its way up her spine.

Dang, this guy was good.

Too good.

Too smooth.

Leia forced a laugh, whipping her towel at his arm. “You’re such a sweet talker. I’m sure you say that to all the ladies.” She tossed her towel into the back of the truck.

“What ladies?” Shaking his head, Derek placed his towel in the bed of the truck too. Sadness splashed across his face. “I was dumped, remember? I’m obviously so not a sweet talker.”

Leia didn’t know how to respond, so she gave him a flirtatious shove. “Give it time. I’m sure in no time at all you’ll be right back out there on the hunt for your next girlfriend.”

“I highly doubt that,” muttered Derek.

Leia took her shorts out of the truck. Attempting to shove her leg through the first hole, Leia stumbled, hopping around to find her equilibrium.

Quickly, Derek’s hands found her waist and steadied her. His fingertips pressed into her sides.

Her skin sizzled. “Thanks,” croaked Leia. “I think I’ve got it now.”

Derek let go. Their eyes locked. Then Derek broke eye contact first and rifled through the things in the truck until he located his T-shirt. With boardshorts on, Leia watched him pull the shirt over his trimmed abs. Her pulse thundered, making her mind muddled. Leia quickly reminded herself to keep things professional, to simmer her eager little heart down. Clearly, Leia hadn’t been around a man in far too long. She was mistaking kindness for interest. With shaky hands, Leia snatched her tank top, shoving it over her head. With her swimsuit still wet, her shirt stuck to it. She put on her flip flops right as Derek did the same.

Clapping his hands together, Derek rubbed them back and forth. “I’m ready for pancakes.”

Leia closed the back of the truck. “I am too.” Her hand trailed the slick painted truck as she walked toward the driver’s side. Leia opened her door and took her place behind the wheel. Derek climbed in on the opposite side. Inserting her keys into the ignition, Leia paused, “Oh wait, I left my wallet at home.” Her cheeks burned. She didn’t want to assume Derek would pay for her breakfast, not when he may be bailing the farm out of financial ruin. Leia didn’t want him thinking she had personal money problems too. But maybe this was a date? Was it?

Derek gave her shoulder a squeeze, and said, “I’ve got you covered.” He pressed the window button, lowering it the whole way down. Derek let his arm hang out the side. “Besides,” Derek shifted toward her, “this is a date, and I don’t care what anyone says, I always pay. I’d let my dad down if I did anything different.”

A date? Her middle pooled with a warm swimming sensation.

Leia smoothed out the top of her hair. “A date?” She flipped the key in the ignition, revving up the engine. “Is that what this is?”

With a wink, Derek smiled. “You bet it is.” He nodded toward the radio. “Now, would you mind turning back on that Hawaiian guy—something Kai. I want to hear more from your favorite singer, because I, for one, plan on becoming an expert on all things Leia.”

Pressing the power button on the dash, the music came blaring out of the speakers. Leia cued it to another Kolohe Kai song. Casually, Derek bobbed his head to the beat. Slowly, Leia backed out of her parking space, driving toward the pancake house a few miles down the road.