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My eyes follow the dark-haired girl as she comes up to the surface after maybe thirty seconds. She’s drenched in her t-shirt and shorts, hair plastered to her scalp. As she makes her way to the ladder, her scowl could knock someone out cold. I wish I could tell what color her eyes are, but I’m not close enough. Her sandals make wet prints on the concrete surface and it looks like they’re making it hard to walk as this beautiful girl, with skin the color of caramel, stomps toward the trees surrounding the backyard. My instinct is to follow her, but I pause when Alec touches my shoulder.
“What, Mate?”
“I was just asking if you want to meet Anna's friend?” Alec says, shaking his head.
I don't have a chance to answer before Anna says, “Don't even think about that girl.”
“Who,” I ask, turning to her. She wrinkles her face and points to the tree line.
“That's Leilani Kalama.” Her voice drops, and she steps closer to me. “You do not want to know her, believe me,” Anna confirms.
“I don't follow your meaning?” I ask, curious what this girl will say. I didn't know the Kalama brothers had a sister.
“The Kalamafamigliais dangerous. Leilani is a brute. She'll cut you just as soon as she speaks to you,” Anna says, taking Alec's hand and leading him toward the house.
I don't follow them. Instead, I put my beer on a table and head to the trees I saw Leilani disappear into. The party's lights help illuminate the path at first, but I have to rely on the moonlight the further down I go. I take it slow and easy because I can feel the land descent down. I hear the waves before I see the open space of the sand. The ocean is glistening, and I notice a figure standing near the water's edge. Without thinking, I jog over to her.
“Hey, Leilani, is it?” I say loud enough, so she hears me approach.
She turns. “What are you doing here?”
“I saw you at the party and wanted to talk to you,” I say.
“I don't talk to haoles. Just go away,” she says and starts moving away from me.
“Haole, huh? My name is Simon.” I smile, though I know she probably can't see my face clearly.
“I don't care what your name is. You don't know me, so don't act like you do. I'd prefer to be alone,” she says, but doesn't move away.
“I think we got off on the wrong foot. Can we start again?” I ask.
“I don't see why. Where are you from?” Leilani asks.
“Ah, so you're a little bit curious after all?” I say with a smile.
“Don't put words in my mouth. Look, it's been a long day. I'm leaving. Do not follow me,” she says, starting to walk diagonally.
After she gets a reasonable distance away, I say softly, “I'll leave you alone, for now, beautiful.”
It looks like my time in Oahu just got way more interesting.
Chapter 6
Leilani
I park my car at the tree line edge. I found this secluded spot two years ago when I was driving aimlessly one day. There is a small cottage up from the beach, but it has sat empty the whole time I’ve been coming here. I take off my shorts and tank top, revealing my bathing suit. I grab my rash guard and put it over my head and settle it over my stomach. I secure my long dark hair in a ponytail and make my way down the sandy path between the trees to the beach. The calming waves crash against each other in the vast sea of open blue waters. It’s a sound that soothes me because being near the ocean always makes me happy. There’s no hesitating, I immediately run out into the water with my surfboard, enjoying how the cool water feels against my exposed skin. Paddling out, I sit on my board, letting a few waves pass me by, taking in the serenity that surrounds me. When I see a wave I want, I paddle out further and turn around, taking my moment to get up and ride the wave. The adrenaline kicks in, and I laugh in delight. I don’t know how much time passes, but I decide to come in a bit to take a break, laying my board out in the water. The sun beats down on my skin, warming me as my eyes flutter closed.
“I never expected to see you here,” the voice calls out next to me.
I'm so startled I fall off my board. When I surface and stand, reaching out for my board, I notice the guy from last night. Seeing him in the clear light of day is startling. He's gorgeous with dark hair and dark green eyes.
“What the hell are you doing here, haole?” I almost stutter the words. I'm more annoyed than angry.
I don't like the flutter I feel in my stomach as I notice his well-defined muscles in his arms and chest and the most delectable chiseled abs I’ve ever seen.
“I should be asking you the same question. This is my beach,” he says with a grin.
I huff and roll my eyes. “Shut up! This is not your beach,” I correct him.
