I’ve probably had more to drink than I need, but I nod, because I’m not ready for the night to end. We head down the beach a little, cut through the sand up to the back of a pink hotel, and then in through the wrought-iron gate to the outdoor beach bar.

“I recognize this hotel,” I say, dropping into a seat at the small round table. “It’s about the only thing I recognize from my first trip here.”

“When was that?”

I shoot Kai a side glance. “Probably the year you were born.”

“That’s right. You’re closing in on fifty.”

I laugh, amused that he’s playing me at my own game. “Sixty, actually.”

“So what was it like here in the Dark Ages?”

“Dark. They didn’t have many buildings then. And just a few streetcars. Lots of horses, of course. Tourists found it hard to get around.”

He smiles and leans forward and touches my cheek briefly with the backs of his fingers. “You’re beautiful, Jackie. Film star beautiful—”

I roll my eyes. “Please.”

“It’s true.” He nods for emphasis. “And you know who you look like? Debra Messing. From Will and Grace.”

I shake my head, but of course I’m secretly, deeply flattered. Debra Messing is gorgeous. “Thanks, but we’re on two different galaxies, Debra and me.”

“Not to me.”

“Have you ever seen a celebrity?”

“Many.” Kai leans back in his chair and smiles, but his expression is interesting. Watchful. As well as guarded. “I take a lot of celebrities out.”

The moon’s high and full, and the torches flame bright orange against the night. I lean forward, elbows resting on the metal table. I’m tempted to ask for a list of his celebrity clientele, but the cocktail waitress has appeared at the table for our order, and since I don’t want to be seen as overly nosy, I let the subject drop.

It’s not until Kai walks me back to my hotel and we weave through Waikiki, which has come alive with noise and cars and bright lights, that I ask him about his job again.

“You really like being a surf instructor?”

“What’s not to like? I meet all kinds of people, and every week’s new and different. I’m in the water, get paid to surf. It’s a dream job.”

“So who takes to surfing the easiest?”

He doesn’t even hesitate. “Kids. And anyone who just wants to have fun.”

I study him, trying to be dispassionate and failing miserably. “And who has the hardest time?”

“Women who don’t let go.”

I laugh, shake my head. “You’re making that up.”

“You should let go.”

“And what? Let hell break loose?”

He shakes his head in frustration, and we’ve reached my hotel. Kai faces the Halekulani. “You know who stays here, don’t you?”