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Kaimana smiled at Jun and she nodded back at the woman. “One. Ekahi, ho’okahi,” Kaimana said, holding up a single shell. Po, fascinated, went to sit by her and picked up the shell.
“I have something to show you,” Kai said. As Jun walked past his glass bar, she saw all his bottles of spirits were gone. “I packed them all up,” Kai said.
“Every last bottle?”
“Every one.” Jun couldn’t help but feel surprised. He was really trying. “And I made this.” She followed his broad shoulders into the kitchen, where she saw a blender full of green smoothie. He poured some into a glass and offered it to her.
“My kale smoothie,” Kai said. “A tweak on your recipe.” He offered her a sip and she took one. The lemon, kale and apple were there, but another sweeter and smoother taste followed. “Mango,” he said, filling in the secret ingredient.
“It’s good.” Maybe even better than mine.
“So? What’s first up today?” Kai looked so...willing as his magnetic eyes waited for her answer. She had to admit, it threw her.
“Meditation,” Jun said instantly. “First we meditate and then we exercise.”
* * *
JUN DESPERATELY TRIED to clear her mind of pesky thoughts as she sat cross-legged on a beach mat just feet from Kai under a lush Bodhi tree in the middle of the Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary. Normally, the serene seven acres of botanical gardens in South Kona were the perfect place to meditate. Amazing views of Kealakekua Bay assaulted them from nearly every angle, and everywhere she looked seemed ready-made for a postcard. The garden was a beautiful spot, quiet and peaceful. Jun couldn’t help but sneak a look at Kai and saw how much he was trying—legs crossed, hands palm up on his knees. But all Jun could think about was his muscled frame near hers, the sound of his steady, rhythmic breathing. She felt hyperaware of his body’s slightest shifts, of even the breeze rustling his gym shorts.
What was wrong with her?
Usually, she could block out anything. Meditation, so good in so many ways, lowered her blood pressure, helped her feel calmer, more in control. But with Kai sitting next to her, she felt anything but in control.
“Keep your mind clear. Listen to the sound of my voice,” she instructed, but the missive was as much for herself. “Deep breaths. In and out.”
Kai took one deep breath and then let it go. Jun, having given up on meditating herself, opened her eyes and studied Kai. His chin was so strong, his mouth a sensual curve. He was half smiling, as she’d told him to do. A small smile could make or break a good meditation session. As she took in his smooth skin, the strong slope of his neck, she just wanted to stare at him all afternoon, like this, when he didn’t know she was looking.
Then he squinted one eye open, catching her off guard. “You’re supposed to have your eyes closed,” Kai said, cocking his head to one side.
“I’m the teacher,” she pointed out.
“I can feel you staring at me.” Kai grinned, his smile lighting up his whole face. She could feel the warmth in her bones. The powerful desire she had to put her hands on him stunned her. What was wrong with her? She’d happily been man-free for two years. Now all of a sudden, she couldn’t stop thinking about what this man’s lips would feel like.
Kai glanced up. “The tree is pretty.”
“It’s a Bodhi, the kind of tree Buddha is supposed to have meditated under when he attained enlightenment. It’s a holy tree for Buddhists, and they think the tree contains the meaning of life.”
Kai studied the tree’s low-lying leafy branches. “Are you Buddhist?”
Jun shook her head. “No. I’m...still working out what I believe. My mother was a staunch atheist. I respect all religions, though. I think maybe when we die, we’ll figure out that somehow they all work together. That God has a bigger plan and that really everyone is right.”
“It’s a nice thought,” Kai said, studying her.
“It’s like alternative medicine and traditional medicine. Neither one is completely right, but together, maybe we can figure it all out,” Jun said. “It’s why I love this garden. There are exhibits representing so many points of view. The Bodhi tree is just one.”
