Read Getting Lei'd for Free Online

other in silence for a long moment before he breaks the tension. “Well, now that I have no blood left in the upper half of my body . . . I take it you like the drink?”
    I nod at the rhetorical question and manage to wink at him before sliding off my barstool and taking my drink back to my seat. I can feel him watching me go, and I have never in my life felt so sexy and wanted. I don’t care if this is his game and he flirts with everyone, I like how having his attention makes me feel.
    When I maneuver the shady umbrella to cover my lounge chair, Ruthie almost jumps out of her seat. “You’re blocking my sunshine,” she screeches at me before turning to smile prettily at the handsome lifeguard. I wonder at her ability to turn her feelings on and off so quickly and with such vehemence.
    Once we get the shade situated to everyone’s liking, the rest of the day is spent basking by the pool. I pretend like I’m not watching Kai. I hate to admit it to myself, but there is something about him that is disturbing to me. I decide to bring it up as we are eating lunch at the resort’s café, which is situated across from the pool, still in Kai-viewing proximity.
    “So, what do you guys think that bartender is up to?” I broach the subject with Baggy and Ruthie, trying to sound vague and casual.
    Baggy jumps on the opening. “Do you think he’s selling drugs or firearms or something behind that bar?” I had been hoping they hadn’t noticed the brown paper bags that Kai periodically exchanged for money. I had wanted to believe that I was imagining it or that there was a logical explanation for the seemingly seedy transfers that Kai was conducting. Hearing that Baggy noticed and was suspicious completely dashes that hope.
    “No, I’m sure it’s nothing like that,” I inform them, trying to convince myself as well.
    Even though I had brought the topic up, I suddenly want to dismiss the subject from our conversation (and my mind), but Baggy latches on to it and won’t let it go. She holds her pointer finger and thumb up Charlie’s Angels style into a pretend gun. “We’ll get to the bottom of this,” she assures us before jumping up from the table and peering around the corner of the restaurant, finger gun at the ready. She peeks around to make sure it’s safe, before waving Ruthie and I over. Ruthie immediately jumps into the fun, raising her imaginary gun to follow Baggy.
    “What have I started?” I wonder aloud, shaking my head at my own stupidity before getting up to follow them.

Chapter 11
    We decide to attend the resort’s weekly luau that evening. I am able to successfully convince Baggy and Ruthie that they will be less conspicuous spies if they keep their finger guns put away. They don’t want to oblige, but finally agree that the weapons might blow their cover.
    Being with the two of them is almost like having two young children to monitor. I’m not sure why I always end up playing the part of the responsible parent. In any case, getting them to sit down and behave is easy once the show starts. The performers are incredibly talented, and I recognize several of them from around the resort. Employees here must have to be flexible and capable enough to fill numerous positions.
    When Honi comes out on the stage, he dominates the ukulele. His high-pitched voice accompanies the instrument, creating a beautiful song with a haunting melody. The lilting sound is both sad and mesmerizing. When he finishes, the crowd sits in stunned silence for a moment before erupting into loud applause.
    Three lovely Hawaiian women take the spotlight to perform a traditional hula. I recognize the middle one, who has been introduced as Leilani, as the lady who was looking for Kai at breakfast. The ladies smile and relay the story of the song with their swaying hips and graceful hand movements. I can’t take my eyes off Leilani. She is the embodiment of perfection. She and Kai must look amazing together. I can’t imagine