Read Getting Lei'd for Free Online Page B

Baggy and Ruthie finally straggle in. 

Chapter 12
    The next morning I am awake with the sun, and I feel like a new woman. Baggy and Ruthie are both sound asleep. I get ready quietly and leave without disturbing them. It seems we are on completely different waking schedules.
    Since I am filled with energy, I decide to take a hike. There is an amazing-looking lush green peak that has been calling my name in the opposite direction of yesterday’s swim, so I set off toward it. It is probably much bigger than it looks from a distance, but I decide to give it a shot. Besides, I don’t have to go all the way to the top.
    I just hope it’s not an active volcano. They wouldn’t let people near it, if it were, right ? Or, do they just assume that people have enough sense not to climb into molten lava? I shake my head at my errant thoughts, unsure why my imagination can turn something as harmless and fun as morning exercise into a life-threatening, panic-inducing experience.
    I am relieved to find a well-worn path at the base of the hill and set off on my adventure. Before too long, I discover a well-worn sign pointing to a scenic overlook. Since I’m already a little out of breath, I decide to take this clearly less-traveled path rather than attempting to head up to the peak.
    This path is more overgrown, and I feel adventurous and daring for opting for it when I arrived at the proverbial fork in the road. I move an overhanging branch out of my way and almost gasp at the beauty as I step into the clearing. A huge waterfall is crashing into a deep, clear spring of water. I have never encountered such a naturally perfect spot. I wish I’d had the foresight to tote my painting supplies with me. This place is practically begging to be set to canvas.
    A head emerges from the water and I realize I’m not alone. Instinct has me dive behind the shelter of a nearby boulder so I won’t be seen. I hold my breath as I crouch in my hiding spot, hoping the swimmer didn’t see me.
    After waiting a while and not hearing anything, I peek out from behind the rock. The figure in the water is a man. I can tell by the broad shoulders and strong arms that erupt from the surface each time he does a stroke through the water. I watch, mesmerized, as his lean body slices through the water. He is clearly a natural swimmer.
    My legs get tired of squatting, so I sit down with my legs crossed. I keep my body hidden behind the boulder, but allow my eyes to peek out and watch him swim. When he stops under the waterfall and raises his head, allowing the water to crash down over him, recognition dawns on me. Kai. Of course, I should have known.
    I wonder if he has on swimming trunks or if he is skinny-dipping. I can’t stop the fantasy popping into my head of joining him in the water au natural, although I would never actually act upon the naughty impulse. It is intriguing to think about, though. I bet Kai in the buff is a sight to behold.
    He deftly swims over to the side, and I notice for the first time that a dark blue towel is folded neatly near the edge of the water. Here comes my chance to get a glimpse of him in all his glory. I strain my neck to peer out from behind the rock without poking my head out too far and risking being seen.
    I watch as his shoulders flex to raise him up out of the water. It’s as if time has slowed to allow me to fully enjoy this moment. The water runs down his back in great rivers that turn into tiny rivulets, which I imagine chasing with my tongue. Here comes the moment of truth , I think to myself as his waist breaks the surface.
    Just then, Baggy’s voice echoes across the canyon. “What’cha lookin’ at?” I jump up and whirl in her direction to pull her down next to me.
    My face is burning red with the shame of being caught leering at Kai without his knowledge. Baggy is unfazed. “Oh, we’re spying, eh?” she stage-whispers, quickly converting into her role of super sleuth. “Ya think he hides his drugs down