Aloha, page 47
"Maybe a little too open," Nakoa chuckled, swiping the coconut milk from his face.
Their laughter faded, but their smiles lingered. Nakoa handed her half of the cracked coconut. When Kailani's fingers brushed his, it sent a little thrill through her.
"To victory!" Nakoa declared, handing his half to the little boy, who ran back to his parents with his prize.
"To victory," Kailani echoed. She took a sip of the sweet milk and sighed contently.
Nakoa wiped his face with his discarded T-shirt, then slung an arm around Kailani's shoulders. She shared her half of the coconut with him.
Looking out at the sun dipping low over the ocean, Kailani felt the world settle back to normal. It wasn’t really. Not even close. But for these few minutes, it could be. With the salty breeze ruffling her hair and Nakoa's sturdy frame beside her, she wished this moment could last forever.
Nakoa leaned in, his lips hovering over hers. "Is this okay?" he asked, giving her an out if she wanted it.
She didn't hesitate. "Yes."
That was all the encouragement he needed. Their lips met in a tender kiss. Kailani melted into Nakoa's embrace, the sounds of the barbecue fading away. His arms encircled her waist as the kiss deepened. An exhilarating rush coursed through her.
When they finally parted, Kailani's cheeks were flushed.
"Wow," she breathed.
"Yeah. Wow," Nakoa echoed, looking delightfully dazed.
But then, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Tia, asking if she could come in early for her shift tonight.
Kailani's heart sank. She didn't want to, but she needed the money. She texted back that she needed to change first, but she’d be there in an hour. "I’m sorry. Something just came up, and I have to go," she said, standing up from the table.
Nakoa looked disappointed. "Is everything all right?"
Kailani nodded. "Yeah, just a last-minute lab report that needs to be done." Ugh, why was she still lying?
"I had a really great time with you today, Kailani.”
"Me too." Kailani's heart fluttered as Nakoa leaned in and kissed her tenderly again.
“Will I see you tomorrow?" he asked.
"I'll be volunteering again in the afternoon."
"I'll see you then,” he said.
Kailani hated deceiving him, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him the truth just yet. She had always felt like she wasn't good enough, and the lie about her job made her feel like she was. She knew she had to come clean, but she didn't know how or when. And maybe she didn’t have to. After the crisis passed, he’d go back to Makena, and she’d be up here in Ka’anapali. It wasn’t a great distance, but maybe while they were apart, she would become a marine biologist, and then it wouldn’t be a lie anymore.
Chapter 3
Nakoa
Nakoa
Nakoa hated seeing his father like this. Ike sat in his chair, glued to the news. He didn’t want to step foot on the Island Breeze.
“Hey, Pop,” Nakoa said. “You should come out with me tomorrow.”
Ike shook his head. “No. You need to go get a real job. Volunteering is all right, but we need another income until the tourists come back.”
“You could go around the other side of the island. See if the resorts need some snorkel tours.”
Ike scoffed. “No. I’m taking a break from boating. So should you.”
He would, but he’d just told the girl of his dreams that he was the captain of the Island Breeze. Nakoa supposed technically he was if his father wasn’t on board. But that wasn’t the impression he had given out. He had wanted to impress Kailani, and captain sounded a lot better than unemployed and living with his parents.
“Besides, I don’t like how the Island Breeze sounds. Ever since the fire, she’s been different.”
Ever since the fire, Ike had been different too. But Nakoa didn’t say that. “The boat seems fine to me.”
“What do you know?” Ike grumped. “It’s been years since you’ve been on her. I know her. She’s suffering. But I don’t know what’s wrong with her.”
“Too bad you’re not that intuitive about me,” Nakoa’s mother, Mei, said.
Ike waved his hand and scoffed at her.
“I heard the Palekaiko Beach Resort is looking for help,” Mei said.
“I was just over there,” Nakoa said. “They’re doing a lot for the relief effort.”
Maybe it was time to get a real job. One where he put in his hours and got a steady paycheck. The thought made his entrepreneurial spirit cringe, but his family had supported him when he had started out in his business. Now it was his turn. Swallowing his pride, he took the boat over to Ka’anapali. Nakoa didn’t know what his father was talking about. It drove just fine. He left it anchored far enough away where he wouldn’t get in the way of the supply boats and rode his zodiac into the Palekaiko Beach Resort area.
After getting an application, he sat at a bench overlooking the azure waters. Nakoa tapped the pen against his lip. He had to make this good.
Experience: He wrote about his helping his dad run tours when he was a kid and his three years running his own boat in California.
Skills: Navigation, CPR certified, boat maintenance, and repair.
"I just gotta get my foot in the door," he muttered. This wasn't his dream, but it would keep his family afloat. And who knew? Maybe he'd end up liking it. It would be a nice change of pace to have an expected amount every week instead of hoping for a party boat to turn the week around.
Nakoa walked back into the lobby with his completed application. He could do this. For now, at least, until the economy turned around. He handed in the paperwork to the receptionist.
“I guess you’ll call me?” he said.
“No, let me get Marcus for you,” she said.
Marcus Kincaide was one of the owners of the resort. Nakoa smoothed down his aloha shirt and wished he had run a better iron over his khakis. But Marcus didn’t seem to notice. He shook his hand and then led him into his office.
“You clearly have extensive experience on the water and an intimate knowledge of the area," Marcus said.
"Mahalo, I've been boating here since I was a kid."
"Precisely why I'd like to bring you on board, even though we don't currently have an opening," Marcus continued. "Your skills are an asset I don't want to lose. Would you be interested in a truck driving position for us? Now, more than ever, we need someone we trust to get supplies from all over the island.”
“I can do that,” Nakoa said. “I even have use of a boat if that’s quicker.”
“Excellent,” Marcus said. “When can you start?”
“I’m not doing anything now.”
“Great, let’s get you processed, and then I’ve got some supplies that need to be picked up from our sister resort in Hana.”
“Hana.” Nakoa fought to keep the smile on his face. It had been years since he’d driven those twisted roads.
“Will that be a problem?”
“Not all,” Nakoa lied. It would be hard enough driving it with his small car, but with a big box truck… It was going to be an adventure. Maybe next time, he’d see if he could take the Island Breeze. But he wanted Marcus to know he could handle the Maui roads.
He survived the trip to Hana and back. It almost killed him. Literally. The roads were winding and narrow with traffic going both ways along hairpin turn after hairpin turn. Three hours down and three hours back. Nakoa needed a drink. Or a medal. He’d settle for a beer.
As he sat in the truck in the covered garage of the Palekaiko Beach resort, he tried to convince his white-knuckled grip to loosen from the steering wheel. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kailani. She must be heading over to the beach to help with the supplies from the boats.
His heart leapt at the sight of her—that long dark hair blowing gently in the breeze, her brown legs golden in the sunlight. Nakoa had to stop himself from waving or calling out to her from the truck.
No, he couldn't let her see him like this. Driving a resort truck, doing odd jobs instead of commanding his own boat. She thought he was successful, an accomplished captain. If Kailani knew he was barely keeping afloat, that he’d had to take this job just to pay the bills, she might think he was a loser.
Nakoa slumped down in his seat, hoping the truck's tinted windows would keep him hidden. His stomach twisted with shame and uncertainty. He wanted to tell Kailani the truth, to share his struggles with her. But the fear of losing her respect held him back. For now, he would keep up the façade. Nakoa just hoped that one day, he could reveal his true situation without jeopardizing everything. But deep down, he knew it wasn't right to keep hiding the truth from her. Kailani deserved to know what was really going on with his business and his life. Nakoa wanted their relationship to be built on trust and honesty, not appearances. If they even had a relationship after only knowing each other for one day.
After he had unloaded his cargo, he made sure to catch up with Kailani.
“I need your help,” he said.
“You do?”
“Come and keep me company while I sail to Maalaea Harbor to pick up a load of medical supplies and propane.”
Kailani looked back at the human chain that was bringing the supplies across the sand. “I could use a break.”
“And I could use the company.”
“Okay,” she said, smiling. “Deal.”
She paused at the zodiac. “Are you sure this is safe?”
“Totally.” He helped her in and then pushed it into the water before hopping in it himself. He turned on the motor and headed back to the boat.
Her fingers were gripping the side of the little inflatable almost as hard as he had been clutching the steering wheel.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Sharks,” she muttered.
“Where?” Nakoa didn’t see any.
“They’re everywhere,” she said darkly.
“How do you become a marine biologist and be afraid of sharks?”
She gave a short laugh that had no humor in it. “It’s not easy.”
Nakoa saw her looking at the Island Breeze as he helped her aboard. He suddenly felt a little self-conscious at the boat’s appearance. The scorch marks and warped metal on the bow were new, but it could also use a good paint job.
"How’s the snorkeling business?” she asked.
“Slow. It’s to be expected, but…” He shrugged. “It still sucks.”
Nakoa smiled. But in the back of his mind, worries crept in. He thought about the repairs needed for his boat, the stacks of bills piling up at home. Money had been tight ever since tourism dropped off after the pandemic. Most days, he could push those thoughts away. But now, talking to Kailani, he felt a pang of insecurity.
"What made you want to be a boat captain?" she asked.
Nakoa looked out across the water, reminiscing. "I've always loved the ocean. My dad taught me to snorkel when I was young. We'd go out fishing and camping all around Maui. I wanted to share that joy with others. I could show you some of my favorite snorkeling spots a little later."
“No,” she said, holding her hands out. “Sharks.”
“Just don’t swim at dawn or dusk,” he said. “And it’s the tiger sharks you mostly have to be afraid of. They’re territorial.”
She shook her head. “No, they’re not. That’s a misconception.”
“Oh yeah?” He smiled at her. “I forgot this is what you do. Tell me more.”
Kailana blushed. “They don’t really have territories. They go where the food is, and sometimes, they think we’re food because they don’t see so well.”
“Still,” he said. “Shark bites are pretty rare.”
“True,” she said, “but once you see an attack, it’s hard to forget. My friend almost lost her arm.”
“I’ve swam with a few,” Nakoa said. “They leave me alone, and I left them alone.”
“Then you’re fortunate,” she said tartly. “And a little foolish. What would you do if your passengers were snorkeling and a shark swam up?”
“I’d get them out of the water without panicking them.”
She snorted. “Good luck with that.”
“I’ve got shark repellent on the boat too.”
“Good.” Kailani wrapped her arms around herself.
“You don’t have to worry about sharks when I’m around,” he said reassuringly.
“Is that right?” She gave him a small smile. “I don’t suppose you’re afraid of anything?”
“I’m not a fan of fire,” he said, staring at the damage done to the bow of his boat. He was surprised when she slipped her hand inside his.
“No one is.”
Chapter 4
Kailani
After they stocked up on infant formula, medical supplies, and a large load of energy bars from Costco, they brought the cargo back to the dock outside of the Palekaiko Beach Resort. Things were winding down as night was creeping up on them.
She was tired, but it was a good tired.
There was another get-together that night for the volunteers. The guests in West Maui had been encouraged to cut their vacations short while West Maui recovered. Some tourists switched their bookings to another part of the island or one of the other islands. But the Palekaiko Beach Resort, like many other hotels on the Ka’anapali Beach, was acting as a shelter and temporary housing for families who had been displaced because of the Maui wildfires.
Kailani had been up since dawn serving breakfast and lunch. And after an afternoon of volunteering and traveling on the ocean with Nakoa, all she wanted was a nap.
But the upbeat tempo of ukulele music and the sweet aroma of kalua pork on the grill welcomed Kailani and Nakoa as they arrived at the bustling community event perked her up a bit.
"Aloha, you two!" Joely emerged from the crowd, the grass skirt of her hula costume swishing as she pulled them both into an enthusiastic hug.
"Why are you dressed like that?” Kailani asked.
“Didn’t you get my text?”
“No, I’ve been out on the water.” Kailani took out her phone and shook it, but no messages appeared. Cell service had been spotty for days.
“That’s okay. You’re here now. That’s what matters. Amelia asked us if we would join a hula dance that some of the evacuees wanted to do.”
Kailani shot a quick look at Nakoa. If he wondered why Amelia wanted a marine biologist to dance at her resort, he didn’t mention it. “I’m not a very good dancer,” she said.
“Luckily for you,” Nakoa said, “I am. My mother made sure I took lessons.”
“I never did,” Kailani said. She needed to get him out of here before someone outed her as a waitress. “Why are we doing this, anyway?” she asked Joely. “All our guests are from Maui. They’ve grown up with hula.”
“Some of the aunties and uncles wanted to hear the ancient hula chants. It’s a comfort, I guess.”
“I’ve only seen modern,” Kailani hedged.
“Just move with the spirit of aloha and you'll be perfect," Nakoa said.
“Easy for you to say,” Kailani muttered as he slung his arm around her shoulders.
Joely led them to the grassy area, where other volunteers were talking to the musicians about what dance they were going to perform. She noticed a few more people who worked at the Palekaiko Beach Resort. Kailani greeted them warily, but no one said anything about her being a waitress. Nakoa went to change into a malo, and Joely led her to a tented area where she could put on a long tapa cloth wrap and a lei headpiece.
When the music started, they began with basic hip sways and hand movements. Kailani did her best to follow along. She stood in the back so any mess-ups wouldn’t be as apparent. Nakoa, on the other hand, led the men with dazzling footwork set to the beat of the drums. He was in his element as he danced the history of their people with pride and joy.
The music swelled, and Kailani lost herself in the pulsating beat and the chants. Her movements grew more confident as she mirrored Joely’s steps. When the song ended, applause erupted from the crowd.
Kailani clasped Nakoa's hand, exhilarated. "I didn’t suck.”
"Told you.” He squeezed her hand.
Kailani breathed a sigh of relief as Joely and the other Palekaiko Beach staff headed off to. Her secret was safe, at least for now. She was going to have to come clean sooner or later because she didn’t want this to be a quick hookup. Two days and she was smitten with Nakoa. But would he want her if she was just a waitress?
After they got out of their costumes and got dressed, they took a stroll along the garden paths. The encroaching night turned everything sultry and romantic.
"Look, a red-crowned parrot." Nakoa pointed up at a palm tree, where a burst of colorful feathers peered down at them. The parrot let out a throaty screech and fluttered its wings. “There’s a bunch of them on Oahu, but this is the first time I’ve seen one here.”
"He seems friendly."
"Like he's greeting us," Nakoa said, mimicking the parrot's call. His imitation was so absurd, she couldn't help giggling.
The light wrap she had wrapped around her shoulders fluttered behind her in the breeze. The parrot’s gaze narrowed on it. Letting out an excited squawk, it swooped down from the palm tree to grab the shawl in its beak and claws.
She froze in place, startled by the parrot's tug on her shawl. It was clearly enamored with the vibrant pattern and colors.
"I think he likes you," Nakoa said with a chuckle.
"Or he just really loves my scarf." She gave a cautious pull, but it wasn’t letting go of it. The parrot was bigger up close, with a mix of greens and reds in its plumage.
"He seems quite taken with you," Nakoa said. His lips quirked into a teasing smile. "I can't say I blame him."
Heat rose in her cheeks at the compliment. "Oh, stop."
"What?" He shrugged, the picture of innocence. "You can't help being irresistible."
Kailani's breath caught as Nakoa's lips brushed the sensitive skin below her ear. The parrot let out an indignant squawk at being ignored, but she barely noticed, lost in the sensations flooding her senses.
Their laughter faded, but their smiles lingered. Nakoa handed her half of the cracked coconut. When Kailani's fingers brushed his, it sent a little thrill through her.
"To victory!" Nakoa declared, handing his half to the little boy, who ran back to his parents with his prize.
"To victory," Kailani echoed. She took a sip of the sweet milk and sighed contently.
Nakoa wiped his face with his discarded T-shirt, then slung an arm around Kailani's shoulders. She shared her half of the coconut with him.
Looking out at the sun dipping low over the ocean, Kailani felt the world settle back to normal. It wasn’t really. Not even close. But for these few minutes, it could be. With the salty breeze ruffling her hair and Nakoa's sturdy frame beside her, she wished this moment could last forever.
Nakoa leaned in, his lips hovering over hers. "Is this okay?" he asked, giving her an out if she wanted it.
She didn't hesitate. "Yes."
That was all the encouragement he needed. Their lips met in a tender kiss. Kailani melted into Nakoa's embrace, the sounds of the barbecue fading away. His arms encircled her waist as the kiss deepened. An exhilarating rush coursed through her.
When they finally parted, Kailani's cheeks were flushed.
"Wow," she breathed.
"Yeah. Wow," Nakoa echoed, looking delightfully dazed.
But then, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Tia, asking if she could come in early for her shift tonight.
Kailani's heart sank. She didn't want to, but she needed the money. She texted back that she needed to change first, but she’d be there in an hour. "I’m sorry. Something just came up, and I have to go," she said, standing up from the table.
Nakoa looked disappointed. "Is everything all right?"
Kailani nodded. "Yeah, just a last-minute lab report that needs to be done." Ugh, why was she still lying?
"I had a really great time with you today, Kailani.”
"Me too." Kailani's heart fluttered as Nakoa leaned in and kissed her tenderly again.
“Will I see you tomorrow?" he asked.
"I'll be volunteering again in the afternoon."
"I'll see you then,” he said.
Kailani hated deceiving him, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him the truth just yet. She had always felt like she wasn't good enough, and the lie about her job made her feel like she was. She knew she had to come clean, but she didn't know how or when. And maybe she didn’t have to. After the crisis passed, he’d go back to Makena, and she’d be up here in Ka’anapali. It wasn’t a great distance, but maybe while they were apart, she would become a marine biologist, and then it wouldn’t be a lie anymore.
Chapter 3
Nakoa
Nakoa
Nakoa hated seeing his father like this. Ike sat in his chair, glued to the news. He didn’t want to step foot on the Island Breeze.
“Hey, Pop,” Nakoa said. “You should come out with me tomorrow.”
Ike shook his head. “No. You need to go get a real job. Volunteering is all right, but we need another income until the tourists come back.”
“You could go around the other side of the island. See if the resorts need some snorkel tours.”
Ike scoffed. “No. I’m taking a break from boating. So should you.”
He would, but he’d just told the girl of his dreams that he was the captain of the Island Breeze. Nakoa supposed technically he was if his father wasn’t on board. But that wasn’t the impression he had given out. He had wanted to impress Kailani, and captain sounded a lot better than unemployed and living with his parents.
“Besides, I don’t like how the Island Breeze sounds. Ever since the fire, she’s been different.”
Ever since the fire, Ike had been different too. But Nakoa didn’t say that. “The boat seems fine to me.”
“What do you know?” Ike grumped. “It’s been years since you’ve been on her. I know her. She’s suffering. But I don’t know what’s wrong with her.”
“Too bad you’re not that intuitive about me,” Nakoa’s mother, Mei, said.
Ike waved his hand and scoffed at her.
“I heard the Palekaiko Beach Resort is looking for help,” Mei said.
“I was just over there,” Nakoa said. “They’re doing a lot for the relief effort.”
Maybe it was time to get a real job. One where he put in his hours and got a steady paycheck. The thought made his entrepreneurial spirit cringe, but his family had supported him when he had started out in his business. Now it was his turn. Swallowing his pride, he took the boat over to Ka’anapali. Nakoa didn’t know what his father was talking about. It drove just fine. He left it anchored far enough away where he wouldn’t get in the way of the supply boats and rode his zodiac into the Palekaiko Beach Resort area.
After getting an application, he sat at a bench overlooking the azure waters. Nakoa tapped the pen against his lip. He had to make this good.
Experience: He wrote about his helping his dad run tours when he was a kid and his three years running his own boat in California.
Skills: Navigation, CPR certified, boat maintenance, and repair.
"I just gotta get my foot in the door," he muttered. This wasn't his dream, but it would keep his family afloat. And who knew? Maybe he'd end up liking it. It would be a nice change of pace to have an expected amount every week instead of hoping for a party boat to turn the week around.
Nakoa walked back into the lobby with his completed application. He could do this. For now, at least, until the economy turned around. He handed in the paperwork to the receptionist.
“I guess you’ll call me?” he said.
“No, let me get Marcus for you,” she said.
Marcus Kincaide was one of the owners of the resort. Nakoa smoothed down his aloha shirt and wished he had run a better iron over his khakis. But Marcus didn’t seem to notice. He shook his hand and then led him into his office.
“You clearly have extensive experience on the water and an intimate knowledge of the area," Marcus said.
"Mahalo, I've been boating here since I was a kid."
"Precisely why I'd like to bring you on board, even though we don't currently have an opening," Marcus continued. "Your skills are an asset I don't want to lose. Would you be interested in a truck driving position for us? Now, more than ever, we need someone we trust to get supplies from all over the island.”
“I can do that,” Nakoa said. “I even have use of a boat if that’s quicker.”
“Excellent,” Marcus said. “When can you start?”
“I’m not doing anything now.”
“Great, let’s get you processed, and then I’ve got some supplies that need to be picked up from our sister resort in Hana.”
“Hana.” Nakoa fought to keep the smile on his face. It had been years since he’d driven those twisted roads.
“Will that be a problem?”
“Not all,” Nakoa lied. It would be hard enough driving it with his small car, but with a big box truck… It was going to be an adventure. Maybe next time, he’d see if he could take the Island Breeze. But he wanted Marcus to know he could handle the Maui roads.
He survived the trip to Hana and back. It almost killed him. Literally. The roads were winding and narrow with traffic going both ways along hairpin turn after hairpin turn. Three hours down and three hours back. Nakoa needed a drink. Or a medal. He’d settle for a beer.
As he sat in the truck in the covered garage of the Palekaiko Beach resort, he tried to convince his white-knuckled grip to loosen from the steering wheel. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kailani. She must be heading over to the beach to help with the supplies from the boats.
His heart leapt at the sight of her—that long dark hair blowing gently in the breeze, her brown legs golden in the sunlight. Nakoa had to stop himself from waving or calling out to her from the truck.
No, he couldn't let her see him like this. Driving a resort truck, doing odd jobs instead of commanding his own boat. She thought he was successful, an accomplished captain. If Kailani knew he was barely keeping afloat, that he’d had to take this job just to pay the bills, she might think he was a loser.
Nakoa slumped down in his seat, hoping the truck's tinted windows would keep him hidden. His stomach twisted with shame and uncertainty. He wanted to tell Kailani the truth, to share his struggles with her. But the fear of losing her respect held him back. For now, he would keep up the façade. Nakoa just hoped that one day, he could reveal his true situation without jeopardizing everything. But deep down, he knew it wasn't right to keep hiding the truth from her. Kailani deserved to know what was really going on with his business and his life. Nakoa wanted their relationship to be built on trust and honesty, not appearances. If they even had a relationship after only knowing each other for one day.
After he had unloaded his cargo, he made sure to catch up with Kailani.
“I need your help,” he said.
“You do?”
“Come and keep me company while I sail to Maalaea Harbor to pick up a load of medical supplies and propane.”
Kailani looked back at the human chain that was bringing the supplies across the sand. “I could use a break.”
“And I could use the company.”
“Okay,” she said, smiling. “Deal.”
She paused at the zodiac. “Are you sure this is safe?”
“Totally.” He helped her in and then pushed it into the water before hopping in it himself. He turned on the motor and headed back to the boat.
Her fingers were gripping the side of the little inflatable almost as hard as he had been clutching the steering wheel.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Sharks,” she muttered.
“Where?” Nakoa didn’t see any.
“They’re everywhere,” she said darkly.
“How do you become a marine biologist and be afraid of sharks?”
She gave a short laugh that had no humor in it. “It’s not easy.”
Nakoa saw her looking at the Island Breeze as he helped her aboard. He suddenly felt a little self-conscious at the boat’s appearance. The scorch marks and warped metal on the bow were new, but it could also use a good paint job.
"How’s the snorkeling business?” she asked.
“Slow. It’s to be expected, but…” He shrugged. “It still sucks.”
Nakoa smiled. But in the back of his mind, worries crept in. He thought about the repairs needed for his boat, the stacks of bills piling up at home. Money had been tight ever since tourism dropped off after the pandemic. Most days, he could push those thoughts away. But now, talking to Kailani, he felt a pang of insecurity.
"What made you want to be a boat captain?" she asked.
Nakoa looked out across the water, reminiscing. "I've always loved the ocean. My dad taught me to snorkel when I was young. We'd go out fishing and camping all around Maui. I wanted to share that joy with others. I could show you some of my favorite snorkeling spots a little later."
“No,” she said, holding her hands out. “Sharks.”
“Just don’t swim at dawn or dusk,” he said. “And it’s the tiger sharks you mostly have to be afraid of. They’re territorial.”
She shook her head. “No, they’re not. That’s a misconception.”
“Oh yeah?” He smiled at her. “I forgot this is what you do. Tell me more.”
Kailana blushed. “They don’t really have territories. They go where the food is, and sometimes, they think we’re food because they don’t see so well.”
“Still,” he said. “Shark bites are pretty rare.”
“True,” she said, “but once you see an attack, it’s hard to forget. My friend almost lost her arm.”
“I’ve swam with a few,” Nakoa said. “They leave me alone, and I left them alone.”
“Then you’re fortunate,” she said tartly. “And a little foolish. What would you do if your passengers were snorkeling and a shark swam up?”
“I’d get them out of the water without panicking them.”
She snorted. “Good luck with that.”
“I’ve got shark repellent on the boat too.”
“Good.” Kailani wrapped her arms around herself.
“You don’t have to worry about sharks when I’m around,” he said reassuringly.
“Is that right?” She gave him a small smile. “I don’t suppose you’re afraid of anything?”
“I’m not a fan of fire,” he said, staring at the damage done to the bow of his boat. He was surprised when she slipped her hand inside his.
“No one is.”
Chapter 4
Kailani
After they stocked up on infant formula, medical supplies, and a large load of energy bars from Costco, they brought the cargo back to the dock outside of the Palekaiko Beach Resort. Things were winding down as night was creeping up on them.
She was tired, but it was a good tired.
There was another get-together that night for the volunteers. The guests in West Maui had been encouraged to cut their vacations short while West Maui recovered. Some tourists switched their bookings to another part of the island or one of the other islands. But the Palekaiko Beach Resort, like many other hotels on the Ka’anapali Beach, was acting as a shelter and temporary housing for families who had been displaced because of the Maui wildfires.
Kailani had been up since dawn serving breakfast and lunch. And after an afternoon of volunteering and traveling on the ocean with Nakoa, all she wanted was a nap.
But the upbeat tempo of ukulele music and the sweet aroma of kalua pork on the grill welcomed Kailani and Nakoa as they arrived at the bustling community event perked her up a bit.
"Aloha, you two!" Joely emerged from the crowd, the grass skirt of her hula costume swishing as she pulled them both into an enthusiastic hug.
"Why are you dressed like that?” Kailani asked.
“Didn’t you get my text?”
“No, I’ve been out on the water.” Kailani took out her phone and shook it, but no messages appeared. Cell service had been spotty for days.
“That’s okay. You’re here now. That’s what matters. Amelia asked us if we would join a hula dance that some of the evacuees wanted to do.”
Kailani shot a quick look at Nakoa. If he wondered why Amelia wanted a marine biologist to dance at her resort, he didn’t mention it. “I’m not a very good dancer,” she said.
“Luckily for you,” Nakoa said, “I am. My mother made sure I took lessons.”
“I never did,” Kailani said. She needed to get him out of here before someone outed her as a waitress. “Why are we doing this, anyway?” she asked Joely. “All our guests are from Maui. They’ve grown up with hula.”
“Some of the aunties and uncles wanted to hear the ancient hula chants. It’s a comfort, I guess.”
“I’ve only seen modern,” Kailani hedged.
“Just move with the spirit of aloha and you'll be perfect," Nakoa said.
“Easy for you to say,” Kailani muttered as he slung his arm around her shoulders.
Joely led them to the grassy area, where other volunteers were talking to the musicians about what dance they were going to perform. She noticed a few more people who worked at the Palekaiko Beach Resort. Kailani greeted them warily, but no one said anything about her being a waitress. Nakoa went to change into a malo, and Joely led her to a tented area where she could put on a long tapa cloth wrap and a lei headpiece.
When the music started, they began with basic hip sways and hand movements. Kailani did her best to follow along. She stood in the back so any mess-ups wouldn’t be as apparent. Nakoa, on the other hand, led the men with dazzling footwork set to the beat of the drums. He was in his element as he danced the history of their people with pride and joy.
The music swelled, and Kailani lost herself in the pulsating beat and the chants. Her movements grew more confident as she mirrored Joely’s steps. When the song ended, applause erupted from the crowd.
Kailani clasped Nakoa's hand, exhilarated. "I didn’t suck.”
"Told you.” He squeezed her hand.
Kailani breathed a sigh of relief as Joely and the other Palekaiko Beach staff headed off to. Her secret was safe, at least for now. She was going to have to come clean sooner or later because she didn’t want this to be a quick hookup. Two days and she was smitten with Nakoa. But would he want her if she was just a waitress?
After they got out of their costumes and got dressed, they took a stroll along the garden paths. The encroaching night turned everything sultry and romantic.
"Look, a red-crowned parrot." Nakoa pointed up at a palm tree, where a burst of colorful feathers peered down at them. The parrot let out a throaty screech and fluttered its wings. “There’s a bunch of them on Oahu, but this is the first time I’ve seen one here.”
"He seems friendly."
"Like he's greeting us," Nakoa said, mimicking the parrot's call. His imitation was so absurd, she couldn't help giggling.
The light wrap she had wrapped around her shoulders fluttered behind her in the breeze. The parrot’s gaze narrowed on it. Letting out an excited squawk, it swooped down from the palm tree to grab the shawl in its beak and claws.
She froze in place, startled by the parrot's tug on her shawl. It was clearly enamored with the vibrant pattern and colors.
"I think he likes you," Nakoa said with a chuckle.
"Or he just really loves my scarf." She gave a cautious pull, but it wasn’t letting go of it. The parrot was bigger up close, with a mix of greens and reds in its plumage.
"He seems quite taken with you," Nakoa said. His lips quirked into a teasing smile. "I can't say I blame him."
Heat rose in her cheeks at the compliment. "Oh, stop."
"What?" He shrugged, the picture of innocence. "You can't help being irresistible."
Kailani's breath caught as Nakoa's lips brushed the sensitive skin below her ear. The parrot let out an indignant squawk at being ignored, but she barely noticed, lost in the sensations flooding her senses.
