We were both breathless when the kiss ended. His face close to mine was warm and comforting— his arms a gentle firmness surrounding me.
“Do you still think I’m teasing you?”
“Damn, Mom must be paying you the big bucks.”
He laughed and slid both arms around my waist.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from his. Every now and then, a spark of light reflected off the water would bounce around his irises and the green sparkled like emeralds.
“Do you really think your mother had anything to do with this?”
“Well, I did, but now I’m not so sure. But… I don’t get it.”
“You are looking at me with the biggest golden eyes I’ve ever seen and you have the nerve to not get it?” He sighed and let his hands drop.
I pulled mine from his neck. He shoved his hand into his pocket. “Look, I got you something. I’ve been trying to figure out the best time to give it to you.” He reached out for my hand and wrapped something cool and metal around my wrist.
I looked at it. It was delicate and shiny. There appeared to be an inscription, but in the low light, I couldn’t tell. My heart stopped in my throat.
“It’s a medic-alert band. I think I understand your mom’s overprotectiveness. I ordered this for you. It describes what’s happening if you have a seizure.”
This man confused me so much. This wasn’t a romantic gift. It was practical, yet very caring and understanding. But that kiss hadn’t felt particularly practical.
“Jeremy, I’m not trying to be dumb here. I’m really not. But a week ago, you were engaged to Leonie. And pretty much ever since I met you, all you’ve done is glower at me. And I really don’t get why you and Hank said those things at dinner.”
“What? That you’re stunning and would be perfect for the part?”
“Yeah. I mean, okay, I’m local, but other Hawaiian actors are better looking than me—”
He laughed. “You really don’t know how beautiful you are, do you? That’s why Hank thinks you’ll be perfect for the part.”
“I’m pretty at best. My eyes are too wide, my nose is wide—”
“Your mouth is full, and your chin is pointed. And all combined, you are stunning. You are also incredibly kind and thoughtful, and that shines through in your smile.” He was pulling me into him again. “Please believe me when I say you are gorgeous, and I didn’t know how to behave around you. Do you believe in… I don’t know what you would call it. It’s not fate, but, premonition?”
“I died. I had the full out of body sensory experience, and I came back. You’d be surprised what I believe in,” I chuckled.