LEO sighed, letting his feet play in the sand. Both his hands were tucked into the pockets of his board shorts. The ocean breeze was a little chilly, and as he stood there enjoying the air, only one person occupied his mind.
After what had happened at the pool earlier, Karma hadn’t come down from her room. Nicole said she was resting. In truth, he blamed Zac and Chad, the two men who had thrown Karma into the pool. When he saw them carrying her, panic surged inside him, especially when they headed toward the pool. He knew she couldn’t swim, and it was too late when he yelled at them. They hadn’t heard him anyway because Karma’s own screams drowned his out. He hadn’t wasted a second—he had saved her. He acted fast and dove into the water before someone else could. He dove without a moment’s thought. He knew she would hate him approaching her, but he couldn’t just watch her struggle.
One hand automatically found her shoulder. When he had felt her hands on his shoulders earlier, something had stirred deep inside him. God, he missed her touch. The way her hands had felt against his skin, how her fingers had fit perfectly with his…he missed it all.
A rustle behind him caught his attention. He turned—and froze when he saw Karma. There was no trace of surprise on her face at seeing him. Maybe she already knew he was the only person on the beach.
“Karma…” he called her name. When he saw her take a step toward him, his heart suddenly pounded. She still affected him—he wouldn’t deny it.
“I just wanted to return your t-shirt,” she said. It was like a contagious illness—she didn’t actually approach him, keeping a wide space between them. He stepped closer, but she flinched, ready to run if he came any closer.
“I don’t bite, Karm.” He tried moving closer again, but she stepped back.
“I know. I-I just don’t want to be near you. So please, just take your t-shirt.”
With no choice, he took the t-shirt from her hand. He expected her to leave afterward, but she surprised him by staying put. She bit her lower lip, staring at the sand as her feet fidgeted. He just observed her, and after a few seconds, she lifted her gaze. Their eyes met.
“Um,” she cleared her throat. “Thank you…for the t-shirt and for saving me earlier.”
He smiled at that. “It’s nothing, Karm.”
She was silent for a moment, simply watching him as she cracked her knuckles. He knew her well enough—when she did that, it meant she wanted to say something but was too scared.
He cleared his throat. “Say it, Karm.”
She lifted her head, biting her lower lip again, and let out a deep sigh. “Fine. I just want to say…I owe you for rescuing me. Whatever favor you want from me, just ask.”
He paused. “Any exceptions?”
“Of course. Except asking for friendship, because I’m not sure I can give you that. And just so you know, this is a one-time offer and I want to do it now. If you want me to sing, or dance, I will. So, what now?”
He shook his head. “Just stay with me.”
She blinked twice, as if she couldn’t believe what he said. “What?”
“Just…stay here with me for now.” he repeated.
She swallowed. “Okay. But just five minutes.”
He started walking, and when he realized she wasn’t following, he glanced back. She hesitated before coming along. They walked in silence, the only sound the waves lapping at the shore. Occasionally, he stole glances at her, still quietly by his side. Unable to resist any longer, he stopped and faced her. Karma looked at him.
“Karma,” he began, gazing at her. “…about what happened three years ago—”
“I don’t want to talk about that,” she cut him off. He didn’t forget how she stepped back, ready to run if he forced the topic. When he stepped closer, she retreated again, eyebrows furrowed. She was suddenly guarded.
Leo sighed. “Won’t you just listen to what I have to say?”
“For what? You want to apologize for what you did? Explain your mistakes?”
“Karma—”
“Forget it, Leo. If that’s all you want to talk about, I’d rather just go back to the house.” And with that, she walked away. He could do nothing but watch her distance herself.