Page 30 of Blue Hawaiian
“The cell reception’s spotty here. Besides, I like maps.”
“Okay,Grandpa.”
“I’m not the one who had a map ofMiddle Earthhanging up in my bedroom.”
An embarrassing memory, to be sure. But it was touching he remembered. “True, but when we did thatLord of the Ringsmarathon up at Big Bear, you made us watch theextendedversions. The last one was, like, five hours long.”
He gave her a scornful look. “It was four. And totally worth it. It won the Oscar for Best Picture that year.”
She poked his shoulder. “See, you’re just as big a geek as I am.”
“Nope. Not possible.” He pointed to the map. “Get to work, missy.”
She flattened the map over her thigh. “What am I supposed to be looking for?”
“Upper Waikani Falls. Find the mile marker. We can’t park for long, but we can stop to take pictures.”
“Found it. Mile Marker 19. It’s coming up soon.” She set the map at her feet and took a drink from her water bottle. By now, the last remnants of her headache had faded away, turning the previous evening’s debacle into little more than a hazy memory.
She took out her phone to take a few photos, racking her brain for clever, waterfall-themed captions, like “go with the flow,” or “chasing waterfalls, baby.” But she caught herself in time. If she posted anything on Instagram, Gabi might see it. Then she’d know her naughty little sister hadn’t spent the day in Lahaina.
Spotting a line of cars parked along the narrow road, she pointed ahead. “Up there. See? Where that red car’s pulling out. But it’s not a big space.”
“I can make it work. And to think—you wanted me to rent an SUV.”
For that, he got another shoulder poke. “Fine. Enjoy your tiny car.”
“You know what they say—small car, big…” He grinned at her.
Warmth flooded her cheeks.Nope. Not going down that road.
Not when they were crammed together in a small vehicle. As he pulled into the spot, she rolled down her window and inhaled the humid, tropical air. Upper Waikani Falls wasn’t just one waterfall, but three tall streams running side by side, cascading over rocky cliffs. Bright sunlight shimmered off the mist, creating a faint rainbow. Even from a distance, the roar of rushing water was audible. After she took few photos, she motioned to Connor.
“Pass me your phone. I have a better angle than you do.”
As his hand brushed hers, the contact made her tingle. Though they’d been driving together for over an hour, she was suddenly aware of how close he was sitting. It would be far too easy to lean over and rest her hand on his muscular thigh. Or sneak in a quick kiss.
“Jess? We should get going. I think that convertible wants our spot.”
She shook off her wicked thoughts and focused on the waterfalls, taking a slew of pictures for Connor before returning his phone.
As he eased back onto the road, she wiped her forehead, feeling uncomfortably warm. Being alone in a cramped car with Connor was more tempting than she’d imagined.
Forget an SUV. She would have been safer if he’d rented a minivan.
Chapter 12
When they reached the Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park at Mile 22, Connor pulled into a paved parking area. He’d chosen this spot as their first real stop since it contained shaded picnic tables and restrooms, with a waterfall and a swimming hole only a short hike away. At the sight of an empty table, Jess let out a cry of triumph and raced over to claim it. Once they were seated, he unpacked the box lunches and set out the food—sandwiches, chips, bottled juices, pineapple spears, and two huge brownies dusted with powdered sugar.
Jess grabbed one of the brownies and bit into it. She gave a blissful sigh. “Mmmm. Perfect.”
“You’re supposed to eat the dessert last,” he said.
“Not me. Why save the good stuff for the end?” She took another bite and licked powdered sugar from her lips.
Her lips looked so soft and inviting he had to resist the urge to lean across the picnic table and lick the sugar off them. “Enjoying the drive so far?”
“Yeah. Thanks for inviting me. Thanks for everything, actually. You’ve been nice to me ever since we got to Maui, and I’ve been kind of a bitch. Sorry.”
