Jumping up, I grab my towel and jog away, tripping all the way up and down the rocky hill to Big Beach. I run the distance back to my car and speed to the commercial kitchen to prep for the day’s lunch service. By the time I finish loading the truck, I’m still huffing every breath. My heart is still racing. My body still feels like it’s engulfed in flames.

Callum employed a genius new battle tactic this morning, and I bet he didn’t even realize it. Everything in me screams retreat, to drive my food truck into the ocean, just so I’ll never have to face him ever again. Somehow, I properly insert the key into the ignition and navigate myself all the way back to my spot on Makena Road without crashing.

I’m not so lucky the rest of the day though. Mom texts me a heartfelt thank-you after reading my apology note on the kitchen table, but I’m too flustered to form words, so all I send back is a thumbs-up emoji and a heart. When I open for lunch, I proceed to screw up the first several orders. And then I burn a half dozen dishes. Focus is impossible after an epic distraction like that.

It all counts as a victory for Callum. A few minutes in the presence of his flawless naked body, and I’m unnerved and scatterbrained for the foreseeable future. I can’t bear the thought of ever looking at him again, let alone speaking to him.

When I close up for the day, I slowly, carefully drive back to Kihei. For a split second, I wish I lived in nearby Wailea so I wouldn’t have to risk a motor vehicle mishap when my focus is this shot. But then I remember that I will never be able to afford any of the ritzy condos or vacation homes that make up the area. So I take a breath, focus extra hard, and make my way back to more affordable Kihei and the modest yet cozy condominium complex I call home. After I park, I lean my head over the steering wheel and groan. I am so, so screwed.

•   •   •

The warfare has turned psychological. Ever since I got that front-row view of Callum’s impressive physique and even more impressive length the other day, I haven’t been able to rid my mind of him. That’s why I’m swimming at Baldwin Beach near sleepy Paia this morning instead of Little Beach. I’m scared that if I run into his naked form again, my head will explode. Best to keep my distance.