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.”
