Chapter 24
CHAPTER 24
“Paddle, paddle, paddle,” Mia yelled as the wave rose behind them.
Carter paddled like he was being chased by a terrorist and caught the wave. He stood up on the board and rode the curl a short distance before falling off again.
Mia grinned. He was getting the hang of it. More importantly, he was enjoying it. The smile that lit his face as he paddled back out to her was all the payment she’d ever need.
“That was much better,” she called when he got closer.
“I can see why you love to surf. It’s kind of like flying. It’s an amazing feeling.” Carter sat up on his board as he drew up alongside her.
“Yes, it is. I don’t do it nearly enough anymore.” Mia looked out at the waves. If this adventure taught her nothing else, it was that she needed to spend more time enjoying life and less time working.
“Did Emery say anything about what’s going to happen to Akela and Kai?”
Mia nodded. “Akela has agreed to give evidence against Bobby. Emery said she and Kai should be fine. She thought the Assistant District Attorney in charge of the case probably wasn’t going to prosecute Akela. She still has no money and has to rebuild her business but at least she won’t be in jail.” She smiled at Carter. “I still have the money I won. I thought I might give some to her, help her get back on her feet.”
“I think that’s an amazing thing to do. You’re a generous woman,” Carter commented but his face clouded over.
Icy fingers gripped Mia’s chest. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
Carter met her gaze. “Look Mia, I’m not sure what’s going to happen. There are…things going on back on the mainland, work things, and I don’t know how they’re going to play out. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be here on the Big Island but if you’re up for it, I would like to spend whatever time I have here with you. I’ve really come to love it here and you’re a big part of that. When, or if, I have to leave, if you want to…let what’s between us go, then I’ll understand. My job… My life is just in flux at the moment so I can’t make any promises.”
She breathed a sigh of relief and then her heart fluttered in her chest. “Carter, I would be majorly pissed at you if we didn’t spend all of the time you have left on the island together. I think you’re amazing too.” She smiled at him and willed the heat in her cheeks to disappear. “It’s been a long time since something this great has come into my life and you’re just blowing me away. I’m in this for the long haul, no matter where you end up. If you’re game.” Please say yes. Please say yes . She just couldn’t imagine not seeing where their relationship was going.
Carter leaned over and kissed her. “That sounds like the best idea ever. I think we should celebrate, and I have some ideas on how we should do it.”
“Oh yeah?” she breathed as the butterflies in her stomach took flight. She kissed him and then said, “Race you to shore,” she called and turned her board toward the beach.