Chapter 22
22
S lowly, Sailor pulled back just enough to meet Maileah’s gaze in the half-light of the cave.
Her shimmering green eyes held such genuine emotion his heart raced like he was riding the most enormous wave ever.
In a very real way, he was.
With time suspended, Sailor slid his hand around her neck, deepening their kiss. He lost himself in the softness of her lips until he finally had to catch his breath.
That was saying a lot for a man who had trained himself to hold his breath underwater.
He rested her forehead against hers, marveling at the feeling between them and longing to tell her how he felt about her. “That was worth waiting for.”
She laughed softly. “You just stole my line.”
Sailor traced the line of her jaw, still amazed this was finally happening between them. He had to take a chance. “Ever since you arrived on the island, I’ve been attracted to you. But it’s more than that now.”
“I feel the same way,” Maileah said, her voice barely above a whisper. “There’s something between us, isn’t there? ”
A powerful force spread through his chest. Lifting a corner of his mouth, he said, “It’s real. If you’re willing, let’s see where it leads.”
In response, Maileah leaned in for another kiss filled with the thrill of new beginnings.
As Sailor held her, all he’d dreamed of with her was finally within his grasp. He couldn’t mess up now.
She turned her face up to him and smiled. “Still hungry?”
“More than ever.”
Holding Maileah’s hand, Sailor led her up the hillside back to his vehicle. He drove a short distance to his favorite sushi bar on Crown Island.
The Rockin’ Roll was an original beach house transformed into a casual eatery with the best sushi on the island. Palm trees swayed above the flamingo pink house, which opened onto patios with a prime ocean view.
Sailor held the door for her. “Have you eaten here before?”
“I can’t believe I haven’t,” Maileah said as delight filled her eyes.
“Dude,” called out a man about Sailor’s age from behind the bar. “Sailor the surfer man, where have you been?”
“Here and there,” Sailor replied, bumping fists with his friend, whose dark hair had streaks to match the theme colors. “Maileah, meet Kaito, who owns this shabby palace.”
“This guy is the best,” Kaito said to Maileah. “But if you get tired of him, I’ll be here,” he added, flexing his muscles.
“Down, boy,” Sailor said, laughing. “We grew up surfing together,” he explained to Maileah.
“I don’t surf as much with the kiddos around,” Kaito said. “Except baby waves with them.” Turning the Maileah, he asked, “Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences?”
“I’ll eat anything,” she said .
“My uncle said the catch was exceptional this morning,” Kaito replied.
“Then we’ll leave it up to you,” Sailor said. “ Omakase .”
Kaito turned and spoke in Japanese. When he turned back, he said, “He’ll create a tasting menu for you.”
“His uncle is a top sushi chef,” Sailor said. “Famous chefs often visit, making a pilgrimage here. Let’s sit outside.”
“I’m looking forward to this,” Maileah said.
Sailor grabbed two mineral water bottles and clasped her hand. As they made their way to a pair of weathered chairs at a table, heads turned, and murmurs followed in their wake. This was a local place, and Sailor knew word would spread. He felt good with Maileah by his side.
By now, the tide had turned, washing farther onto the beach while the sun kissed the horizon.
Sailor tried not to stare at how the slanting light illuminated Maileah’s features. Hers was a natural beauty he liked. When she’d first arrived, her style had been more edgy, but she’d relaxed into island life. That suited her, and she looked happier than he’d ever seen her.
He would have been content just to feast his eyes, but that would seem creepy. Instead, he threaded his fingers with hers and said, “That was a good video shoot today.”
“I can hardly wait to share that song with people. I still tear up thinking about it.”
Sailor thought of his father and the recognition this would bring him at the event. “Thanks for asking my dad to get involved. He might not show it, but this means a lot to him. He likes selling and servicing bikes because of the joy people get from biking around the island. But his music? That comes from his soul.”
“I can hear it in his voice.” Maileah’s expression glowed. “I love getting people excited. Great music, sunshine, and surf. This event is a trifecta of fun for a great cause.”
“Tell me everything you have planned.” He could listen to her forever .
Maileah plunged into her marketing strategy for the event, and Sailor’s heart swelled with admiration. Her passion was infectious, and her ideas were innovative.
While they talked, Kaito personally delivered the first dish. “Hamachi toro with pineapple puree and candied ginger. Enjoy,” he added with a quick nod and a grin.
Sailor handed chopsticks to Maileah. “They serve the best yellowtail I’ve had. Rich, buttery, and sweet.”
She took a bite and closed her eyes in sheer enjoyment. “Oh, this is heavenly.”
They continued eating and talking, with a server ferrying small, elegant dishes to them.
“Your marketing skills are incredible,” Sailor said. “You didn’t learn all that in college.”
“What makes you think that?” Maileah raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Have you ever studied marketing?”
Sailor enjoyed their banter. “As a matter of fact, I have a business degree.” He watched as surprise flickered across Maileah’s face.
“But you started competing when you were young.”
So she’d done her homework. “I started in summer school at a community college on the mainland and cobbled together extension courses in between surfing. Eventually, it all added up to a degree from the state university in San Diego.”
“That’s impressive.” Maileah’s voice held newfound admiration. “I had no idea. I thought…”
“That I was an empty-headed surfer dude?” Sailor shrugged modestly, but inside, he was glowing.
He wondered if this revelation might change her mother’s perception of him. He wasn’t looking for approval, though he knew how much Maileah’s family and opinion meant to her.
Maybe April knew, though. Ella had tutored him in science a few years ago.
“What about you?” he asked, genuinely curious. “Where did you pick up all these skills? ”
“I’ve always figured out things as I go. I love playing around. There’s always something new to pick up in marketing.”
Just then, Kaito arrived with another dish. “Avocado nigiri brushed with tamari and spicy yuzu kosho. It’s one of our most popular vegetarian items.”
They picked up their chopsticks to indulge in strips of ripe avocado draped over warm rice and drizzled with sauces.
Maileah was clearly enjoying herself. “Just when I think the last dish was perfect, Kaito’s uncle outdoes himself on the next one. This is amazing.”
“I thought you’d like this. It’s different from the taco stand, but they both have their charm.”
She pointed to the sign, Rockin’ Roll. “Do they ever have music out here?”
“In the summer. My dad plays here sometimes.”
As they continued to eat and chat, Sailor opened up more than he had in a long time. He told her about growing up on the beach, how his parents met, and how Skeeter got her nickname. “She was born prematurely. At the hospital, Dad told me my new little sister was as small as a mosquito. Your grandmother called her a little skeeter, and the nickname stuck.”
“I never heard that story.”
“Ella Raines has touched many people’s lives on Crown Island. Just like your grandfather, Dr. Raines. He delivered Skeeter.”
In turn, Maileah shared stories about her family, her eyes lighting as she talked about her happy visits to Crown Island on summer vacations. “I might have watched you surfing off the coast when I was younger.”
Sailor hung on every word, realizing how much he enjoyed simply being in her presence. He was falling hard, but he needed to know more before he let his guard down.
As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, Sailor felt sudden urgency. He was nearing a point of no return with her. If she took off after the event, he’d be bitterly disappointed.
“Are you planning to stay on Crown Island? Long term, I mean.”
He held his breath, waiting for her answer. To his relief, Maileah nodded without hesitation.
“Absolutely. Now that I’m finding work, I’m pretty sure I can afford to stay. Everything I want is here. My family, this place, the friends I’m making.”
She trailed off, and Sailor noted color rising in her cheeks.
Unable to resist teasing her a little, he grinned. “And maybe you’ll meet someone here, too.”
The flash of surprise and hurt in Maileah’s eyes made him instantly regret his joke. Quickly, he reached across the table to take her hand.
“I’m hoping you already have,” he said softly.
The relief on Maileah’s face was palpable, and she swatted his arm. “I don’t know,” she retorted with a mischievous smile. “Maybe I should take a few more applications on that dating app.”
A pang of jealousy tweaked his neck, even though he knew she was joking. “Not without a chaperone,” he added.
They lingered after their meal, and Kaito stopped by to talk. Sailor could tell his friend approved of Maileah. That wouldn’t have mattered to him if he didn’t, but it was good to know.
Sailor knew Maileah wanted to edit the video tonight to post it, so he wrapped up the evening. After the short trip home, he walked her to the door, his heart pounding with anticipation.
Running his fingers through her long chestnut hair, he kissed her forehead. “This was a good day, Maisie.”
“A very good day,” she intoned, lifting her lips to his.
Their goodnight kiss was soft and sweet, leaving Sailor wanting more, though he was content for now.
At home, thoughts of Maileah and the charity event consumed Sailor. He had an odd feeling that something memorable was about to happen on Crown Island.
As for Maileah, he’d seen her go through men with frightening speed. Would she tire of him as quickly? He hoped he wasn’t wrong about her.