Keeping Kama

Chapter 7

“Come in!” bellowed Leia from her bedroom. “I’m back here.”

Leia heard the screen door creak open then slam shut. Teresa’s footsteps squeaked on the wood floors down the hallway to Leia’s bedroom. Standing in front of her closet mirror, Leia tilted her head to the side, scrutinizing her appearance. She wondered if her linen shorts and black top looked okay.

A moment later, Teresa appeared at the threshold of her bedroom door. Leaning one shoulder against the door frame, Teresa’s gaze roamed over Leia. “You look nice.” Teresa raised an eyebrow. “Are you going somewhere?”

After she slid the closet door open, Leia dug out a pair of strappy leather sandals. “I’m going with Derek to Aunt Aria and Uncle Kalon’s food truck.” Sitting down on the edge of her bed, Leia didn’t glance over at Teresa as she buckled the back strap of her sandals.

Her voice raising an octave, Teresa commented, “You don’t say.” Teresa smirked. “I knew there was something there.”

Snapping her head toward Teresa, Leia said through a clenched jaw, “It doesn’t mean anything.”

Leia wondered why she was getting so defensive. As a grown woman, she could go to dinner with whoever she wanted without explanation. Though she knew her family enough to know everything was everyone’s business. Especially with her going to Aria and Kalon’s food truck, her appearance would no doubt send shockwaves through the family phone tree.

Teresa scoffed and folded her arms. “Sure, okay. Just keep telling yourself that, and maybe eventually you can convince yourself you aren’t attracted to Derek.”

With a huff, Leia stood. “So what if I am?” She smoothed out the front of her top. Wandering into her attached bathroom, Leia continued, “It doesn’t matter. Derek leaves soon enough, and I’ll go back to my life being boring and predictable. He’s a nice distraction. That is all.” Her brain was scattered, and Leia tried to remember what else she needed to do to get ready for her date.

Teresa followed Leia into the bathroom, sitting down on the closed toilet seat. Leia opened a drawer, pulling out her makeup bag. Unzipping the bag, Leia pulled out her mascara, twisting the top off. Leaning forward toward the mirror, Leia applied a layer of mascara on her top eyelashes.

“Makeup, huh?” Teresa laughed. “You might like him more than I thought. I haven’t seen you wear makeup in years.”

With her mascara wand in hand, Leia whipped her head in the direction of Teresa. “I wear makeup,” Leia said defensively. “Sometimes …”

“No, you don’t.” Teresa crossed her legs, resting her hands on the top of her knees. “You don’t even wear it when you teach,” said Teresa smugly.

“The kids don’t care what I look like.” Leia applied a layer of mascara to her bottom lashes.

As Teresa tapped her bottom lip with her pointer finger, she asked, “But Derek does?”

Twisting back on the cap of her mascara, Leia tossed it back into her makeup bag. Next, Leia took out her blush. After she flipped it open, she removed the little applicator brush. “No. I mean I don’t think so. He knows what I look like. Besides I’m not even putting on that much, only some mascara, blush, and lipstick.” She swept the blush across her first cheek.

Teresa held up both hands in defeat. “Ok. I think it’s nice you’re trying.” With one hand over her heart, she continued, “I, for one, like Derek, I think he’s a nice guy. Kai told me today about his ideas to make the farm more successful. But he lives in Los Angeles, you might be?—”

Interrupting Teresa, Leia pursed her lips together and asked, “Was there a reason you stopped by?”

Abruptly, Teresa stood and brushed a piece of lint off the front of her top. “I only came by to see if you wanted to watch a movie with Dad and I, but I can see you have other plans for the evening. I’ll let you get to it.” Taking a step to leave, Teresa said over her shoulder, “Remember, Leia, never kiss the guy on the first date. You need to make them work for it.”

Leia playfully hit Teresa on her arm. “Mom! Nobody is kissing anyone.”

Teresa cackled while she continued down the hallway. Her laugh trailed behind her echoing in Leia’s being. Eventually, the front door creaked open and closed.

With Teresa gone, Leia finished applying her makeup. Since Leia still had a few minutes to spare before Derek arrived, she decided to curl her hair. Once her entire look was complete, Leia took in her image. Staring back at her reflection, she wondered if she should wipe off the makeup. Did it look like she was trying too hard? A tapping at the door left Leia no time to change her appearance.

Swiping her purse off her bed, Leia slugged it over her shoulder. Teresa had left the door open, but the screen door closed. Leia spotted him first. Derek wore khaki shorts, sandals, and a plain blue cotton tee that made his eyes pop. Shifting, Derek saw Leia wandering down the hallway. He smiled and held his hand up in a wave.

“Good evening,” said Derek.

Leia pushed the screen door open. “Hey, Derek,” she said with a quiver in her voice. “You look nice.”

Derek’s gaze skidded over her, making her middle do a weird flip turn. Scratching his jaw, Derek said, “Thanks, but, Leia—wow.” He shuffled his feet, glancing down at them then back at her. “You look fantastic.”

Leia couldn’t hide the smile spreading across her face. “Thanks.” There was a beat of silence while they both stared back at one another. Leia fiddled with her hair before forcing herself to stop. “Should we head out?” asked Leia.

As he took a step backwards, Derek tripped on a potted plant next to her door. “Yea, sure.” He reached down and picked the plant back up, placing it back where it was. “Is it close enough to walk?”

Closing the door behind her, Leia replied, “It’s about a mile down the road, but I know a path that cuts through the farm and twists around to their property. I don’t mind walking. What you think?” Catching his gaze, she raised an eyebrow.

Shoving his hands in his pockets, Derek said, “I’d love to walk. It’ll give me a chance to see even more of the farm.”

Gesturing toward the path, Leia said, “Sounds good. Let’s go.”

They started down the dirt path, worn smooth from years of walking on it. Her Kama ancestors had lived on the land for generations. Leia didn’t know the story of how they arrived, only that they had always been here. Generations lived in harmony with one another, sharing the fruits which grew freely on the land. Any excess crop was traded with other local families. As the Kama family expanded their fruit crop, increasingly more and more each year. A portion of the profits were poured back into Kama Farm. By the time her dad Noa took over, the farm had expanded to grow a wide variety of fruit.

Dense plants, native to Hawaii, lined both sides of the path. Leia pointed out a few to Derek. Ohelo, which was a shrub with edible berries, lama, a tree with white flowers, and naio, a shrub with pink flowers. Derek listened intently as she explained that ninety percent of the plants on the farm were only found in Hawaii.

As he halted in front of the naio, Derek gently touched one of the pink flowers. “How do you remember the names of all of these plants?”

Shrugging, Leia started walking again. “My grandma taught me the names. I guess I’ve always known them.”

“Impressive.” Derek strode to catch up with her. Shoving his hands into his pockets, Derek peered at the plants as they passed by them. “This place is beautiful, magical really.”

“It’s why I’ll never live anywhere else.” Leia let out a wistful sigh. “I belong here.” Tilting her head toward him, she caught Derek’s gaze and smiled.

“You sure do.” Derek bumped his shoulder against hers. “It’s probably nice to feel so at home here.”

Leia didn’t know how to reply, so she remained silent. Soon the plants thinned out, giving way to her extended family’s property. A small cluster of homes came into view. Some of her cousins lived there with Aria and Kalon and their own families.

“We’re almost there,” said Leia. “Aria is my aunt and my dad’s sister. Aria is married to my uncle, Kalon.”

“Oh, I see. That’s nice you all live so close to one another. And you were right. This isn’t far at all,” remarked Derek.

Derek walked beside her. Their arms brushed multiple times. The physical contact drove her batty. Leia wondered if Derek was feeling the same connection. She stole a glance at him, but his eyes remained glued on the homes ahead.

“The food truck is past these homes toward the road.” Leia pointed in the proper direction. “It’s nice. They have some tables and umbrellas set up.”

Taking in a deep breath, Derek said, “I can already smell it. It’s making my mouth water.” He smiled wide at her.

“You can always smell it before you see it.” Leia tucked her unruly strands of hair behind her ears. “Aria inherited this half of the property when my grandparents passed away. My dad received the other half which had Kama Farm on it. Aria wasn’t interested in the farm, so it worked out, because she was able to open the food truck on her property.”

Soon, they arrived at the food truck. They wandered around the side of it, getting in line behind the others waiting to order. Leia fidgeted with the end of her shirt. Catching herself, she cupped her opposite arm’s elbow.

A big menu was on the front of the trailer, Leia pointed and said, “I think we should order the kalua pork plates. It’ll give you a taste of the pork with the traditional sides.”

The line moved up without Leia noticing. Gently, Derek placed his hand on the small of her back, gesturing for her to move up. Her body buzzed. Nearly stumbling, Leia took some steps forward, breaking their touch.

Once they stopped again, Derek rubbed the back of his neck. “It sounds fantastic to me. I’ll get that,” replied Derek.

Then someone from her side wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Leia’s eyes traced the length of the arm, settling on her Aunt Aria.

“Leia, your mom let me know you were heading over.” Aria gave Leia’s shoulders a squeeze. “What are you doing standing in line? Come on around to the back, and we’ll get you whatever you like.” Aria directed her away from the line. Derek followed too.

“I didn’t know you were working tonight.” Leia gnawed on the inside of her cheek. The family phone chain wasted no time. “I guess I should’ve known my mom would give you a heads up.” They continued to the side of the food truck.

Aria glanced around Leia toward Derek. “And who’s your friend?”

Leia unconsciously fluffed her hair with one hand and pointed with a thumb toward Derek with the other. “This is Derek. He’s visiting from California.” Leia didn’t want to divulge her family might be bringing in an outside investor. The less Aria and Kalon knew the better.

“Really?” Aria’s gaze flashed between Leia and Derek, before landing directly on Derek. “You don’t say.” She raised an eyebrow.

Derek held out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” Aria shook Derek’s hand. Derek continued, “Leia told me you have the best food, so I insisted she come eat it with me.”

“Thanks,” Aria warmly smiled. Playfully, Aria nudged Leia with her elbow. “So, is this a date?”

Leia’s cheeks burned, and she avoided Derek’s eyes. “I— I—” Leia gnawed on her bottom lip.

Without hesitation, Derek said, “It’s a date.” He wrapped an arm around Leia’s shoulders. Twisting toward Aria, he asked, “Leia said we should get the kalua pork plates. What do you think? Or do you recommend something else?”

Walking a few feet, Aria reached for the screen door on the side of the trailer. “I agree with Leia.” She half stepped into the trailer and shouted into it, “Two pork plates please. It’s for Leia and her date .”

Someone from inside shouted back, “My cousin Leia? She’s not on a date.” Then out poked the head of her cousin, Kale. His gaze roamed over Leia and Derek. Kale smirked, meeting Leia’s gaze. Then Kale leaned back into the trailer and shouted, “I’m wrong. Leia is on a date with a blond guy.”

Leia covered her face with her hands and groaned. Derek gave her shoulders a squeeze before dropping his arm. Sweat tickled her brow. Mortified, Leia didn’t dare look at Derek when she removed her hands.

“With a blond guy?” bellowed Uncle Kalon from inside the trailer. “I need to see this.” Seconds later, out popped Uncle Kalon. He took one look at Leia and laughed. “I guess Kale wasn’t lying.” Doing a head tilt toward them, Kalon asked, “Leia, who’s your guy friend?”

With aprons, gloved hands, and crocs on, Kale and Kalon took one step down onto the trailer stoop.

Derek held his hand up in a wave. “I’m Derek.”

“Like I told Aunt Aria, we’re here to eat.” Leia swiped her sweaty palms on the sides of her shorts. “I told Derek, you have the best kalua pork this side of the island.”

“I can’t argue with you there.” Kalon held up his gloved hands. “I would greet you properly, but I need to get back into the kitchen. I’ll bring two plates out to you.” He shifted toward Kale. Speaking to Kale, Kalon said, “Kale, find them a couple drinks. They can eat at the picnic table behind the trailer. The shade is better back there plus it’s secluded.” Kalon entered the trailer without another word.

Kale nodded toward the back. “Go on and sit around back. Leia, I’ll bring you your drinks.” Then Kale disappeared into the trailer.

Aria gave Leia a hug. Smugly, Aria said, “I’m glad you stopped by. Go on now.” She shooed them toward the back.

Derek pulled out his wallet. “How much do I owe?” He opened it and pulled out a few twenty-dollar bills.

“No way. Leia’s family.” Aria waved her hands in front of herself. “It’s on the house.”

After hesitating a second, Derek put the money back and shoved his wallet back into his back pocket. “Okay, then.” He put his hands down at his sides. “Thank you.”

“Any time,” said Aria.

Then Aria opened the food truck door and slipped inside.

Leia pivoted on her feet and waved Derek on. “Follow me.”

Derek obeyed, trailing next to Leia around back. They settled at the picnic table, sitting on opposite sides of the table from each other. Leia wondered what he thought about being bombarded by her extended family. Her family was a lot, but she loved them.

“So …” said Leia.

“So …” repeated Derek. Leaning forward, Derek stated, “I like your family. They’re nice and friendly.”

Leia rested her elbow on the table, cradling her chin with one hand. “I thought you were going to say overly loud and pushy. And way too much.”

Derek laughed, easing the pit in her stomach. “Nah, nothing like that.” He caught her gaze and smiled. “You’re lucky to have so many people who care about you. That’s what I was thinking. I can’t say I have one person?—”

Kale interrupted Derek with his arrival. “I have your drinks.” Kale set down two canned sodas. “The food will be done in about five minutes.”

With a smile, Derek picked up one of the ice-cold canned sodas and said, “Thanks.”

Kale lingered beside the table. Leia gave him a pointed look, but he didn’t take the hint to leave.

Loudly, Leia cleared her throat and said, “ Thanks, Kale.” Her eyes widened.

Kale rubbed his hands together. “I’ll go check on the food.” He walked around to the side of the trailer and entered.

Popping open the top of his soda, Derek took a long swig. Leia stared, watching his Adam’s apple bob up and down. The sight was mesmerizing. It took everything within her to not reach out and run a finger down it. Ridiculous, yep.

Suddenly, Derek stopped mid sip, catching her jaw-dropped stare. Embarrassed, Leia fumbled with the top of the other soda until it finally popped open.

Setting his can back down on the table, Derek said, “This drink is fantastic. I don’t think I’ve ever had papaya guava soda.” He twisted the can a bit, reading the back side of the label.

“I know, it’s pretty good stuff.” Leia examined her soda can. “I have kiwi strawberry.” Taking a long swig, Leia let the fruity bubbly goodness coat her taste buds. Once she swallowed, Leia smacked her lips together. Placing the soda back down, Leia folded her arms resting them on the table. “I like the papaya guava, but I think the kiwi strawberry is better. Do want a taste?” She picked her soda back up and held it out to him.

Grinning, Derek reached for the soda. “Sure.” His fingers grazed hers as he took the soda from her, sending a tantalizing zing down her spine. After taking a sip, Derek glanced down at the can and back at her. “I agree, that’s delicious.”

Pushing up her chin, Leia said, “See, I told you I was right.”

Handing the soda back to her, Derek said, “I believe you.”

Both stared back at one another. With each passing second, her pulse picked up its pace. Tension grew, practically palpable in the air they breathed. Leia wondered what kissing Derek would feel like, and if he had ever thought about kissing her.

Almost on cue, Derek reached into his pocket, pulling out his Chapstick. Slowly, he applied a coat to his lips before shoving it back into his pocket. Leia forced herself to look away, to squelch her earnest desire to hook his collar and tug him across the table toward her.

Derek broke the silence and asked, “Did you run today?”

The question caught her off guard. “No. I was surfing with you, remember?” She cocked an eyebrow.

Smacking his forehead with the heel of his hand, “Duh? I can’t believe that was this morning. It feels like I’ve already lived three lives since arriving here.” Derek took another sip of his soda. “How far do you usually go?” Setting his soda back down, he rested his hand a mere inch from hers.

Leia’s skin itched to be touched. His fingers so near hers without skimming hers drove her batty. “Usually, I only run seven to ten miles.” She took another casual sip of her soda, eyes locked with Derek. “I go longer on the weekend.”

Derek whistled. Leia laughed then shoved her hair over her shoulder. “Never,” Derek wagged a finger, “use ‘only’ when you say you ran seven to ten miles. Geez. I’m impressed.” He grinned, further unwinding the nerves in her stomach, relaxing her.

With her arms outstretched wide, Leia enthusiastically said, “I know, I’m amazing.” Then Leia rolled her eyes.

Aria arrived beside the table with a plate in each of her hands. Placing a kalua pork plate in front of each of them, Aria reached into her pocket and pulled out some disposable bamboo utensils in paper sleeves. “Here you go.” Aria gave Leia’s shoulder a squeeze. “I hope you enjoy the food.” She directed her glance to Derek. “Please come back anytime.”

“Thank you.” Derek peered down at the plate of food then over at Aria. “This looks and smells delicious.” He smiled warmly back at Aria.

“Thanks, Aria,” added Leia.

Taking a step away, Aria said, “Stop by and say goodbye before you leave.” She turned, walking around to the trailer door.

Both removed their utensils from the paper sleeves, Derek picked up his fork. “Now, tell me what is on my plate.” His fork hovered over his food.

Leaning way over the table, Leia pointed out the different items on his plate, the poi, pork, macaroni salad, rice, and salmon poke. Once done explaining to Derek about the different items, Leia straightened herself and speared a piece of the pork. “Go ahead and try something.” She shoved a bite of the pork into her mouth.

“Here goes nothing.” Derek dug into the pork, taking a bite. After chewing and swallowing, he said, “Delicious.” Next, he pierced some macaroni salad and popped a bite into his mouth.

They continued to eat. Derek gave the proper compliments. Leia wanted to find some fatal flaw that would dampen her attraction to him, but she came up short. As the meal finished, Leia found herself wondering when she’d see Derek again.

With a licked clean plate, Derek patted his stomach. “This was delicious. Thank you for bringing me here.”

Leia fiddled with her hair. “The people you really need to thank are Aria and Kalon.”

“Absolutely, you’re completely right,” replied Derek.

Cupping her ear, Leia teased, “Can you repeat that a little louder?”

Derek’s eyes twinkled around the edges. “I’ll be right back.” He swung his legs over the picnic bench. “Give me a second.” Derek walked to the trailer side door.

While Derek went to go talk to them, Leia rose too and gathered up the trash and threw it into the nearby bin. Then she joined Derek by the trailer. Kalon was at the long metal counter scooping out macaroni salad onto a plate. Aria was busy speaking to a customer through the service window. Kale was nowhere to be seen. Once they finished with their tasks, Derek gave them the proper thanks.

Aria said, “My pleasure. Come by anytime. We hope to see you again, Derek.” Finding Leia’s glance, Aria added, “Make sure you say goodbye to Kale.” She pointed out the service window. “He’s wiping the picnic tables down.”

“We will,” Leia tugged Derek away from the door. “Thanks again,” said Leia, leading Derek a few feet away. Whispering, Leia said, “We need to make a run for it, or we are never getting out of here.”

“I don’t mind.” Derek reached out and ran a single finger down her forearm. “I don’t have anywhere else I need to be.”

With his finger on her arm, Leia reminded herself to breathe. Never had a man’s touch made her feel so completely out of control. Flustered, Leia forced herself to focus on finding Kale. Pinching his shirt sleeve, Leia tugged him toward the picnic tables in front. “Come on. Let’s find Kale.”

They walked to the front of the food truck where the picnic tables were set out on a grassy area facing the road and ocean.

Her gaze landed on Kale as he wiped down a table, Leia pointed and said, “He’s over there.” Without thinking, Leia clasped Derek’s hand. He quickly interlocked his fingers with hers before she had time to realize her error.

As they approached, Kale stopped mid swipe. Clocking their hand holding, Kale smirked and folded the rag in his hands. “Are you two lovebirds out of here?” Kale shuffled around the picnic table to the opposite bench and wiped it down.

Sweat trickled down her back. Kale would no doubt run back to his parents and report seeing them holding hands. Suddenly, she felt like a teenager all over again. The phone would be buzzing and by the time Leia arrived home tonight everyone in her family would know.

Derek spoke up before Leia and said, “We are, and I appreciate your hospitality. It was nice meeting you, Kale.” Letting go of Leia’s hand, Derek held it out to Kale.

Kale took a step closer, shaking Derek’s hand. “I hope to see you again,” said Kale, moving toward Leia.

He held his arms out to her for a hug. Leia hugged him.

As they walked away, Kale added, “Take care of Leia. She was my favorite babysitter when I was little. She let me stay up late and eat all the candy I wanted.”

Leia scrunched up her nose. “I can’t believe you remember I let you do that,” replied Leia.

Kale shook his rag at her and said, “I remember so much.” He glanced at Derek. “I’ve a ton of dirt on her if you ever want to hear about it.”

Rolling her eyes, Leia said, “Good night , Kale.” Leia tugged on Derek’s sleeve, pulling him away.

They reached the dirt path which weaved back to her parents’ property. A few paces into the path, Derek reached for her hand again, interlocking his fingers with hers. They walked hand in hand with only the sound of the ocean behind them. Leia wondered what any of this meant. Derek was leaving soon, too soon. And here she was acting like she was having a summer fling but not in actual summer. They’d spend a few memorable days together, then what?

“I’m back to teaching on Monday,” remarked Leia between the ticks of her pounding pulse.

“Fall break, right?” asked Derek. Leia nodded. He scratched his head with his free hand. “I should’ve asked sooner when you were headed back.”

Swiping at a trickle of sweat on her temple, Leia continued, “I don’t have any more breaks until Thanksgiving.”

They didn’t speak for a while. Her feet tickled from the dust of the dirt being kicked up by her sandals.

As the path curved, Derek asked, “Are you glad you’re a teacher?”

They passed by the cluster of homes Aria and Kalon’s families lived in. Out front a few of her cousins were playing a game of kickball. She waved and they waved back, but Leia and Derek kept walking.

“I like being a teacher, and I like helping at the farm. I’m glad I can do both. I enjoy the kids and the challenge. Being a teacher means I have every summer off, which in Hawaii is not half bad. The breaks let me enjoy everything Hawaii has to offer. And as for my family’s business, I’m as involved with the farm as I want. It wasn’t ever my passion, not like it was for Kai. He grew up walking the fields with my dad. Kai lives and breathes the land. He understands it and cares about it more than I ever could.”

Soon the edge of her parents’ home peeked out, Leia prayed they weren’t outside on the lanai to witness them walking hand in hand. It would only embarrass her further.

The million-dollar question rolled around in her head. “When do you go back to Los Angeles?” asked Leia.

“I’m— I’m not sure,” said Derek without glancing over at her. His eyes were glued on the path back to her apartment. “I hope to stay here for a little longer than I originally thought.”

Leia was living in a dream world. One she didn’t want to leave anytime soon. This thing, fling, whatever it was, would abruptly end … soon. If Leia was smart, this would be their first and last date. Too bad the rat-a-tat of her heartbeat begged to differ.

They arrived in front of her apartment. Leia dropped Derek’s hand, digging into her pocket for her keys, pulling them out. Though the muggy air from earlier was replaced by the cool and sweet night air, Leia’s brow was slick.

The keys in her hands jangled as she fidgeted with them. Leia said, “Thanks for taking me out tonight. I had a wonderful time. I like being around you, Derek.”

With a nod, Derek gulped, “I hoped you’d say that.” Taking a step closer, Derek moved inches from her. “I like you too, Leia, and more than as my client’s sister.”

His body heat warmed her up as the intoxicating scent of his cologne danced at her nostrils. The smell made her dizzy, Leia stumbled a step back until her body found the door, she rested herself up against it.

With a nervous laugh Leia said, “Then we are in agreement, we like each other.”

His gaze boldly found hers, and for a second, they stared back at one another. Unconsciously, Leia moistened her lips.

Nerves bubbled up inside her, and with a shaky voice, Leia asked, “Now what?”

Leaning in slowly, Derek palmed the door on the right side of her. His other hand moved to her hair, weaving his fingers into it for a second before he finally swept it over her shoulder. Leia sucked in air. Her lungs refused to fill with oxygen. Dang, this guy had moves. His eyes flickered between her eyes and her lips. This was happening.

After an eternity, Derek stated boldly, “And now, I kiss you.” He waited for her to respond. “Unless you object.”

Without any reservation, Leia reached out and traced a finger along his exposed collar bone. “Is that what’s going to happen?” asked Leia.

Derek gave an almost indistinguishable nod. Leia gulped. Derek moistened his own lips. Then ever so slowly, he moved closer, giving Leia a moment to grant permission. When the tension was more than she could bear, Leia gripped a fistful of his shirt and tugged him forward. Their lips collided, making a fire light up in her gut.

Immediately, Derek wrapped his arms around her waist bringing her closer, supporting her upright. Leia’s hand plunged into his hair, raking his temples in the process. His lips danced with hers. She couldn’t remember the last time a kiss felt this good, this complete, this perfect. Leia had already known they had some sort of brewing chemistry, but kissing Derek was unreal.

The rhythmic waves of the ocean mixed with her galloping pulse. As his lips skated across hers, Leia didn’t worry about the future. Deepening the kiss, his lips parted, allowing her to taste more of him. His scent radiated off him, filling her lungs and encapsulating her with its tingling satisfying aroma.

With their lips still brushing against one another’s, Derek whispered, “I knew you would taste good. I just didn’t imagine you tasting this good.” He kissed her again.

Half laughing and half kissing, Leia asked, “My lips like your lips too.”

Leia looped her hand around Derek’s collar, bringing him nearer. Wasn’t the saying tomorrow would worry about tomorrow? Because apparently, it was Leia’s new motto. If this was going to be the only time she ever kissed Derek, Leia wanted it to last forever.