Flint’s Battle (Team KOA Bravo #3)

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

Emery kicked up to the top of the water, cresting the last of the wave as it continued onto the beach, smoothing out the sand before retreating. She loved this part of surfing almost as much as being in the thick of it. With a successful ride behind her, the sun glinting off the water, and another wave waiting for her — it was perfection. It had been a driving force drawing her back home when a part of her sill wanted to run — hide from the past she couldn’t change. The past that still haunted her.

She glanced over at Flint, watching as he talked to his buddies. Something serious based on how rigid they all looked. And how their heads were tilted slightly toward the middle of their lopsided circle. A subconscious signal for anyone else to stay away.

Then he turned and scanned the water, finally zeroing in on her. And she swore he smiled at her. All that tension gone until he turned back to his friends — resumed their talk.

She gave herself a mental shake. He was too far away for her to know if he’d smiled, or hell, had stuck out his tongue. But she liked thinking he’d smiled. That she lifted some of his demons the way he’d started to ease hers.

A flash of heat seared along her skin. She still couldn’t believe she’d told him — about the accident. How she’d been trapped. That her friends had died.

All of it.

And by choice because he would have let it slide. He’d said as much when he’d thought it was off limits. But she’d wanted him to know. Whether to judge his reaction or just to free a bit of the guilt she carried because she’d walked away still breathing, she wasn’t sure.

And he’d surprised her. Listening to her story without asking for more. Only his concern over how badly she’d been injured.

Everyone else had always probed deeper. Had it been raining? Had Scott been drinking. How did she feel being the only one to survive?

That’s why she’d gone to school in L.A. before joining the police force. Why she’d stayed away so long until she’d realized the distance hadn’t eliminated the pain or the guilt. Even now, she had trouble driving past that corner. And if it was during a storm?

She’d traveled an extra hour two months ago to bypass it.

But telling Flint had helped. Knowing he understood. That he likely had regrets in his past, too. Had lost teammates on missions and had been forced to face the same unrelenting guilt.

That maybe he didn’t think she was crazy for trying to make friends with the ghosts.

Moana paddled up beside her as Emery scrambled onto her board, looking at the men. “You know, in the right light and at the right angle, Flint’s nearly as handsome as Bowie.”

Emery laughed. They’d been teasing each other about their boyfriends and which of them was cuter ever since they were kids. “Almost.”

“But then, you do seem to go for the hardened guys. The ones with deep scars and a troubled past.”

Emery splashed some water at her. “I do not.”

“Do you want me to list the number of guys you’ve dated who fit that description? Because I might have to have Mia make me a spreadsheet.”

“Shut up. And at least I don’t fall for a guy just because he can strum a guitar and has a sweet voice.”

“I’ll have you know that Bowie doesn’t have a sweet voice and he couldn’t play a guitar to save his life.”

“I’m sure you’ll change that.”

“The guitar issue, maybe. But I don’t think I can make him a better singer.”

“I don’t know. You’ve told me a few times that he has a sexy bedroom voice.”

“Which doesn’t correlate to him carrying a tune. So, see? I’ve ventured outside my norm.”

“Trust me. Flint’s not like any other man I’ve ever dated, either. He actually listens. And when he was backing me up last night, he didn’t try to take control. Well, not until my life was on the line. But even then, he simply did what I would have done if I’d been the one trailing behind. No macho maneuvers. No judgment. Just him being my partner.” She looked back at him. “I actually think he respects what I do. Which is a first.”

Moana snagged her, nearly toppling her backwards off her board. “What do you mean, when your life was on the line?”

“Long story that I can’t really discuss.”

“Wait. That usually means it’s a police matter.” She inhaled. “You let him tag along on a call? One that put your life at risk? Is that why his arm’s all bandaged? Why Bowie got some stupid video call from his CO in the middle of the night that he couldn’t talk about? What hap?—”

“What happened doesn’t matter. The takeaway is that Flint’s unique.”

“Oh. My. God. You’re in love with him!”

Emery groaned. The last thing she needed was Moana humming that kissing song under her breath whenever Flint was around. Because the woman would do it. Find ways to work it into any situation. “I didn’t say the L word.”

“You never say the L word. Not that it matters. It’s written all over your face.” She pointed at Emery. “You’re blushing. And glowing. And from more than just a night of great sex. You’re crazy about him.”

She glanced back over at Flint, wanting to insist she wasn’t anywhere close to love where he was concerned, but she couldn’t get her tongue to form the words. As if it knew she was lying. Instead, she waved at him, beckoning him to her.

Moana laughed. “Oh, I hit a nerve.”

Emery looked over her shoulder. “Maybe I don’t want to jinx it?”

Her best friend leaned in, nodding toward Flint as he walked toward them. “Sweetie, that man is completely head over heels in love with you. Whether he’s ready to admit it or not. So, I don’t think you have to worry about jinxing anything. And for what it’s worth, I haven’t seen you this happy since we were teenagers. Since that night…”

Moana trailed off, but Emery knew she meant the accident. Since she’d all but retreated inside herself because she hadn’t known how to live and be happy.

Moana smiled. “That’s gotta mean something.”

“It means I’ve been an ornery bitch for twenty years.”

“I wasn’t going to say it but…” She laughed when Emery tried to tip her off her surfboard. “Go get your guy.”

Her guy.

It sounded so juvenile and yet so freaking perfect.

Emery rolled her eyes then paddled in, meeting Flint on the beach. He already had her other surfboard tucked under his arm, nothing but a set of trunks covering his body, and damn, he was ripped. All strong bulging muscles on top of smooth skin but with a scattering of scars that made him look rugged and tough. Exactly the kind of guy Moana claimed she targeted.

Except where he wasn’t anything like the other guys Emery had wasted her time on. Flint O’Connell was so much more.

He arched a brow as she stopped in front of him, looking devilishly sexy with his hair all messy. The sun making his skin gleam. “You’ve got that look, again, sweetheart.”

God, she loved the way he called her sweetheart. As if it was natural. And all in that low, gravelly tone that sent shivers skittering down her spine. “The one that says it’s high time you got your ass in the water?”

He smiled, nearly blinded her with the sheer beauty of it, then leaned in. “The one that says surfing might not be what’s on your mind.”

She closed the scant distance between them, running her finger along his chest, doing her best to ignore the purple smear across his skin. “I can’t help it if the mere sight of you has me thinking all sorts of wicked things.”

“We could leave early?”

“And let all that practicing you’ve been doing in secret go to waste? That’s crazy talk. But I’m willing to amend our deal a bit.”

“I’m listening.”

“You give me two or three SEAL-worthy attempts and we can pick up lattes and bagels to go and get to the rest of our scheduled activities.” She let her hand trail down to the top of his trunks. “I believe I promised to bring you to your knees.”

“You already have. But you’re on. So, get that sexy ass back in the water so I can fall on mine.”

She already had?

How was she supposed to concentrate on surfing when he’d just blown her mind with those three words?

It took her a few moments to realize she was supposed to be moving before she tiptoed up — gave him a kiss. Ignoring Bowie and Moana when they walked past and told them to get a room.

She brushed her finger across his mouth like he’d done earlier. “That’s for luck.”

He snagged her around the waist when she went to step back, pulling her in for another round. And damn, this kiss was carnal. Borderline illegal for being in public.

But Flint didn’t seem fazed, even when his buddies made cat-call noises. “I’m not nearly as good as you, so I need more luck than most.”

“We’re going to need bail money if you keep kissing me like that. Can you imagine how loud Milligan would shout if I got arrested for indecent exposure?”

“That sounds like a challenge.”

“Show me what you can do on the board, and maybe I won’t wait until we’re home to bring you to your knees. You did say you’d drive today.”

Flint closed his eyes, swallowing hard as if her words had caused physical pain before he shook his head. “Now would be a great time to get in the water before I embarrass myself.”

“I thought you SEALs were all about control?”

“We are. But I’m only human when it comes to you.”

Another hit straight to her heart and he knew it.

“Good to know.”

She took a few steps back, still drinking him in before she turned and ran for the water, going knee deep before tossing her board in front of her and jumping on. Flint caught her a few seconds later, all the muscles in his arms flexing as he paddled toward the open water. A couple of dives beneath some inbound waves and they reached the perfect spot.

Flint sat up beside her, gazing at the beach in the distance as the waves bobbed them up and down. “I’ll admit. The perspective you get being on the water never gets old.”

“It’s beautiful.”

He made eye contact. “Stunning, actually.”

Her cheeks heated at the compliment she knew was directed at her and not the scenery, splashing some water at him. “You’re an ass.”

“I know.” He motioned to the waves. “Why don’t you go first and show me how it’s done?” He smiled. “I’m a visual learner.”

“You’re something.” She scanned the horizon, watching for the perfect inbound wave. “All right, sailor. Hold tight.”

She waited until the crest was nearly on her then struck off, paddling hard until the water started to lift her board then sprang to her feet. A shift and a lean, and she was perfectly balanced — was carving through the wave with the blade. A low crouch as she cut to the inside, and she was tracing her path through the wave with her hand.

Water curled over her, spraying across her face as the sun sparkled through the thin veil. She got lower, punching out the other side still on the board. An angle toward the edge of the wave and a flip and she was going the other way for a bit before spinning, again. Maintaining her balance as she rode out the rest of the wave before sinking into the water.

Flint was shaking his head when she paddled back out, his eyes wide. Mouth kicked up into a grin. “That was amazing.”

Emery laughed, pointing to Mia as she grabbed the next wave off on the far side where they were bigger. Rougher. “I’m not bad, but look at Mia. It’s like she dances that board across the surface. It’s hypnotizing.”

Flint sighed. “Don’t sell yourself short. But out of curiosity, was Mia always that graceful?”

“Annoyingly so. Everyone knew she’d go pro. It’s like the water speaks to her, ya know? And I’ve never seen anyone read a wave the way she does. Always turning at the perfect moment to get more out of the run. I could watch her surf all day.”

“Carter said something about an injury?”

“It was awful. She blew out her knee and just like that, it was over. I mean, she’s still incredible but the daily punishment on her body was too much to sustain as a career. She went through a bit of a… rebellious period after that before finally making peace with everything. Though, I dare say your buddy Carter has definitely brought that wild side back to life, but in a good way. She’s glowing these days.”

Flint chuckled. “She’s not the only one. And I assume the rebellious period was her becoming a card shark?”

Emery stared at him for a few moments. Hadn’t Moana claimed Emery was glowing, too? “Do yourself a favor and don’t let her talk you into playing poker, or you’ll find yourself down to a bra and g-string while she’s still wearing all her clothes plus your hat and scarf.”

His eye twitched, a sure sign she’d gotten his attention. “You said that on purpose because it’s my turn to get up on the board.”

“I’m sure the instant punch of fear will quell any unwanted issues.”

“You’re hilarious.” He leaned closer. “Remember your promise. No dumping my ass when I only last a few seconds.”

She got even closer. “You last incredibly long where it counts so… No dumping. Scouts honor.”

“No way you were never a scout, sweetheart.”

Then, he was off, paddling as the next wave rolled in. He stayed down a bit longer than she would have, but then he was up and doing his best to balance. He must have put too much weight on one leg because the board cut sharply to one side, nearly toppling him on his ass. But damn if he didn’t regain control, traveling halfway to the shore before the rough water caught up to him, tumbling him beneath the thick white waves.

Emery straightened, searching for his head amidst the froth. This was the dangerous part. If the current caught him a certain way or the next wave curled over him before he got above the surface, he could get trapped on the bottom. And SEAL or not, no one could hold their breath indefinitely.

Ten seconds turned into twenty, then thirty. She was just about to start paddling when he crested the water, giving his head a shake as he took a breath — looked over at her. She relaxed a bit, watching as he got back on the board and headed her way.

“I was just about to come looking.” She ignored the shiver that prickled her skin at the thought he might have gotten hurt. Or worse. “You okay?”

He waved it off as if it were nothing. “Got caught in a hold-down. Nothing horrible. Just had to relax and wait it out.”

“You know not many people are that calm, right? And while we’re at it, I thought you said you were horrible?”

“I am. Did you see that wipeout?” He rubbed the back of his neck. “That hurt more than the round to my ribs last night.”

“Everyone wipes out, and until then, you were amazing. I don’t know how you pulled it back, but…” She winked at him. “Color me impressed. In fact, another month and you’ll be showing me up.”

She paused for a moment, realizing what she’d just insinuated. That he’d still be there a month from now. Sure, he’d joked how them being together had raised the odds to ninety to ten, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t sign those reenlistment papers — go back with his teammates. And she wouldn’t blame him if he did. He was obviously one hell of a SEAL, his actions during the shootout and chase a clear indication that he excelled under pressure. And seeing how he was in the water…

No doubt he conquered every mission the way he’d backed her up last night.

Flint inched closer, knocking the tips of their boards together. “No way I’ll get that good in another month. But give me a year, and I might be able to keep up with you.”

Give him a year?

Had he really just said that? Implied he’d be around for the foreseeable future? Because thinking that’s what he meant heated her skin until she thought she’d have to dive underwater to prevent it from spontaneously igniting.

Flint merely chuckled. “Your mouth’s open, sweetheart.”

Emery snapped it shut, giving him her best stink eye. “It’s gonna take more than a year because that was definitely a challenge.”

He waved at the water. “Then, start practicing and show me what I’m up against.”

“Oh, how you’re gonna eat those words.”

She studied the water, passing up the next couple waves for a much larger one coming in fast. An indication that they should probably call it a day before Flint got caught on one that pushed him past his limits. As good as he’d become in the few short weeks he’d been practicing, she didn’t want him to get hurt trying to save face.

And he was definitely the kind of guy who’d never back down.

She timed her entry, then took off, popping up quickly before the immense force could toss her off her board. She tucked in low, shooting out one side before the wave had truly curled over, then twisted to give it a full run in the opposite direction. Leaning into the wave while dragging her left hand. Staying far enough in front she wouldn’t get bowled over.

Until some asshole surfer popped out in front of her, cutting her off as he barreled past. She angled into the top, carving back toward the other side when a force smacked into her from behind, tumbling her forward as the board slipped out from beneath her feet.

Emery had a moment of clarity. Of the water churning below her, the spray hanging in the air as she seemed to freeze, the sun casting a hazy rainbow as it reflected off the droplets.

Then it was all rushing toward her. Her board rising out of the water, smacking into her forehead before tumbling beneath the surface, breaking the leash around her ankle. The impact twisted her in the opposite direction, tossing her backwards into the surf. She managed a single gasping breath before the force of the hit plunged her beneath the surface, quickly dragging her below the waves.