Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One by Kimberly Readnour

restaurant that serves them closer to where he lives.
    Silence swells between us the farther we walk. I’d talk, but I don’t know what to say. It had been easier at the bar, but without Kamp as a buffer, I’m feeling a little self-conscious. What if I say something stupid? I steal a glance at Kai. His sky-blue T-shirt stretches across his chest, and my insides stir, picturing his swoon-worthy abs. This whole attraction scene is awkward to me, but I have a feeling Kai Hale is well versed in the field.
    My pace slows to a stop when the open gazebo-like platform comes to view. When I passed the first time, a four-member band was performing a ballad. The vibe is much different now since the crowd dispersed. There’s not even a trace that anything had taken place.
    “Earlier, there was a small band playing here,” I say, breaking the silence. “They were pretty good.”
    “Yeah?” Kai looks at me and then at the raised platform. “I think they have local bands play nightly. But don’t take my word. I haven’t been to this part of the island in a long while.”
    My gaze cuts to Kai’s face right as he grimaces. He shoots me a sideways glance then averts his eyes. My heart begins to race at the possibility that I’m the reason he’s here. No, that’s absurd.
    Clearing his throat, Kai resumes walking. “Did you have fun today? It looked like you were on a tour.”
    “Yeah!” I say a little too enthusiastic. “We went to the Waimea Canyon. God, it was so awesome. And Kalalau Lookout? I’ve never seen anything so beautiful before. I…” Warmth floods my cheeks as I pause. My passion for the outdoors sometimes turns me into a spokesperson for the National Geography. “Sorry, I’m a bit obsessive when it comes to nature.”
    “No, don’t stop.” A half-grin tugs his lips. “I love when people share the same enthusiasm as I do for the island.”
    “Okay, but I warned you.”
    After describing everything I loved about the canyon and the private beach, I then tell him about the old sugar mill and the coffee fields we visited. I don’t even notice when we reach the parking lot.
    The rental sedan is the sole occupant tucked away in the far corner. Kai chuckles. “Let me guess; you’re parked over there?”
    “Yeah,” I say softly.
    Silence spreads between us again, but unlike earlier, it’s not as awkward. I’m not sure what I expect Kai to say or do, but I hate that our night’s ending.
    When we reach the car, I pull the keys out, press the unlock button, and then toss the purse on the passenger seat. I turn around, and Kai’s proximity surprises me. A few inches apart, the air between us crackles. Kai’s eyes glaze over, and our earlier interlude replays through my mind. Tingles shoot across my nerves, and I wonder if he’s going to kiss me this time. My breath hitches as he leans closer.
    “I want to see you again. Can I pick you up tomorrow?”
    My mouth goes dry, and I nod, unable to speak.
    “I’ll call you tomorrow after I get through work. We’ll go over the details then. I can’t stay out late because I have a double tour the next day, but I’m sure we’ll come up with something to do.” He grins, and my stomach flutters.
    “O-o-okay,” I stammer, staring into his eyes that seem to be studying my face. I glance down momentarily at the cell phone peeking from his front pocket. Impulsively, I reach across to his shorts and suppress my smirk at his surprised expression. I snatch his phone and quickly unlock the non-password protected screen to open his messages. I send myself a text and smile at him before replacing the phone in his pocket. His body relaxes.
    “There, you have my number.”
    Kai shakes his head and chuckles. “You’re not quite what I expected.”
    “No? What did you expect?” I challenge, raising an eyebrow.
    “Uh‌…‌I better not say. You may back out from our date.” He rubs the back of his neck and laughs nervously.
    My face relaxes, letting him off the