His mouth finds mine again, slower this time. Softer. No rush, no claiming – just the steady press of his lips, the heat of him held in check. A kiss that feels deliberate instead of desperate. Like he’s proving to both of us that he can stop.
My pulse kicks anyway, loud and traitorous, and I hate how much effort it takes not to lean into him.
When he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against mine.
“You should rest,” he murmurs. “Concussion or not, today’s been a lot.”
I pout but nod, even though part of me wants to argue. Wants to rewind five minutes and make different choices. Or maybe the same ones, just louder.
He exhales a soft laugh against my mouth. “You’re dangerous, you know that?”
My heart is doing absolutely nothing helpful.
“Funny,” I say. “I was just thinking the same about you.”
He settles back beside me, close but not touching, the heat of him still bleeding into my space. The film starts properly this time, but I don’t take in a single frame.
Slow, I told him.
He’s giving me exactly what I asked for.
Time.
Space.
So why does it feel like I’m the one giving something up?
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NINE
KOA
I’m really looking forwardto my date with Lani this morning. I feel foolish for not getting her number yesterday, but given that she was swimming, she probably didn’t have her phone on her anyway.
Still, it would have been nice to be able to check in – make sure she was okay after that knock to the head.
I’m just getting out of the shower when someone bangs on the bathroom door.
“What?” I yell.
“Kai’s missing.”
“Yeah, and?” My twin often stays out all night, especially when the challenge is running.
“And, dickhead,” Sol seethes from the other side of the door. “I have a dozen stags coming for a surf lesson this morning and now I’m a member of staff down.”
I open the door and stare at my older brother. He looks really stressed, not just his usual grumpy self.
I’m torn. I really don’t want to step in. Kai is used to me doing that and twists it to his advantage whenever it suits him, whichis all too often. But I can’t let Sol and the company down. It wouldn’t just be embarrassing – it would be dangerous.
“He’ll show,” I say, trying to inject confidence into my voice.
Sol shakes his head. “I can’t risk it. We can’t afford to give this gig up and the insurance doesn’t cover those ratios in the water. I need you today. It’s only for a few hours.”
Sighing, I give in. Now Ireallywish I had Lani’s number or some way to get in touch with her to reschedule. All I can do is hope that I somehow see her again and that she’ll give me a chance to explain when I do.