Free May (Calendar Girl #5) by Audrey Carlan

it.”
    Tai sat down in front of the raised platform and crossed his legs in front of him. I followed suit. He pressed the palms of his hands together and held them close to his chest, as if in prayer. Then he closed his eyes and bowed his head.
    I too closed my eyes and bowed my head but instead of picking one prayer, wish, or sending out love. I did all three.
    Please, God, don’t let my father die.
    I wish for Maddy to get everything she wants in life.
    Buddha, I would like to send light and love to Wes, so that he never feels alone, even when in a crowded room.
     

Chapter 6
     
    Tai drove around the island for the rest of the evening. We stopped on North Shore and had Mexican food of all things. It wasn’t anything like the Mexican food I got in California, but it was spicy and hot, and it made me feel comforted and full, just what I needed after an evening of watching the beaches pass us by. I put my arm out the window and played with the wind for a long time. Tai was content to drive and hold my other hand. The radio was playing some soft Hawaiian music. I couldn’t hear the words but enjoyed the background noise anyway.
    “When do you think you’ll settle down?” I asked him out of the blue.
    He tilted his head and pursed his full lips. “I dream of it nightly, but I have no answer.” The frown that followed his response seemed to go bone deep. Honestly, this seemed to plague the sexy Samoan.
    Tai was one of those men a woman would meet and marry. Sure, we were having fun but it was about sex and friendship not love and commitment. The latter was something I knew he wanted in a big way.
    I squeezed his hand, sending my support. “What did your mom say? You said she could see things, future things. And what she said about me, well, I can only hope it’s fact.”
    He sighed. “ Tina says I will meet my mate unexpectedly.” He dipped his head shyly and looked at me adoringly with those coal-like eyes. “I thought maybe you were her.” I shook my head instantly. “I know, I know. We’re destined to be friends. Besides, Tina would have been all over you if you were the one. It’s frustrating to wait. I feel as though I am living half a life, my other half living somewhere without me.”
    God, this man was a saint. I was convinced he’d get everything he wanted. People who are that kind, that good, and come from solid families usually come out on top. Tai deserved that. “You’ll find her.”
    “Well… Tina did share a couple hints.”
    My eyes widened, and I turned in my seat, pulling a knee up so I could view his profile fully. “I’m waiting,” I punched his arm then shook my stinging hand. “Damn, lay off the weights.”
    He snorted. Yes, Tai piggy snorted. “You’re the first woman ever who has told me that.”
    “Stalling. What did Masina say about your true love?”
    He ran a hand over his prickly dome. I could hear the pointy hair growing back scrape along his calloused hand. “She said her eyes would be the color of fresh cut grass and her hair will be a golden yellow like the sun.”
    I opened my mouth and laughed. “We’re looking for a blonde with green eyes!” That’s awesome.
    Tai shrugged. “Means she will not be Samoan.” He frowned. “That will be difficult for the family.” His tone seemed tired and uncertain.
    Rubbing his shoulder, I moved close then leaned against it. He wrapped an arm around me. “True love always is. I think you have to go through some trials and tribulations to get to the happy ending, to find that happily ever after.”
    “Think so?”
    “Know so.” I smiled, turned my head, and kissed the ball of his shoulder.
    He groaned. “In the meantime, I will enjoy a sultry brunette from the mainland.” Tai shifted so that his hand moved from my knee up my inner thigh where he cupped my sex aggressively. 
    My voice was husky and filled with desire when I replied. “Now that, sounds like an excellent idea.”
     
    ***
    Instead of turning off toward