Page 23 of Flint's Battle

Emery turned then took off, kicking up sand as she ran to meet the other women. They obviously had something to say about the kiss because she gave Moana a shove as she grabbed her board, glancing back at him.

Had she blown him a kiss, or had she just tucked some hair back?

He didn’t know but thinking she had warmed the pit of his stomach. Had him watching her race into the water before someone called his name — snapped his attention back on his teammates.

Quinn looked at Emery, then back at him. “Looks as if Castle didn’t get the full story of exactly what transpired last night. Flint? Do you have something you want to share with the class?” He pointed to his vehicle. “I can get you the sharing stick if it’ll help.”

“Shut up, jackass. And unlike Emery, I’m not going to over-share with you bastards.”

Quinn inhaled, glancing at Bowie then Carter. “Wow. You really like her. As in more than just a furlough fling. You’re invested.”

Flint met Quinn’s stare. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Yeah, you did. Just not out loud.” He shook his head as he kicked at the sand. “It’s just over three weeks until our clock runs out, and we’ll have to decide one way or the other. Can we try not to muddy the waters until then?”

Flint gazed over at Emery, watching her silhouette bob above the water on top of her surfboard. And damn, it took his breath away. The strong line of her back. The way her body moved as she paddled across the surface. He’d never seen anything so striking. Other than her last night. Defying the odds and taking on armed men.

He turned back to Quinn. “Believe me. For the first time since we suspected our traitorous teammates were involved in some kind of drug scheme, I’m seeing everything crystal clear, brother.”

Quinn opened his mouth to reply when Lane shouted at him from the parking lot along with Kian, Waylen and Raider. Quinn held up one hand, then looked at Flint. “We’ll talk about this later.”

He spun then headed for the other men, shaking hands and laughing at something they said.

Carter sighed, moving in beside Flint. “Poor bugger already knows he’s out voted three to one. Because you’re staying, right?”

Flint ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll admit. I’m having a really hard time coming up with anything compelling enough to make me want to leave.”

Carter nodded. “You and me, both. I’ll head down and check on the ladies. Pray Mia doesn’t get it in her head I need to surf today. I was serious. If surfing doesn’t kill me, she might.”

“Exactly the way you’d love to go.”

Carter merely grinned then headed for the water, staring at the woman riding the massive wave. And Flint had to admit, Mia made it look easy.

Bowie moved in beside him, knocking his shoulder. “So, you and Emery…”

Flint groaned. “What about us?”

“Exactly how far gone are you?”

Flint clamped his lips together. He wouldn’t admit he thought he was in love with her. Not yet.

Bowie waited before his eyes widened as he huffed out his next breath. “That far, huh? Does she know you’re crazy in love with her?”

“How can she know what I don’t?”

“Oh, you know. You just don’t want to say it out loud because that’ll make it real. And once it’s real, you have something to lose.”

Flint scrunched up his face. “Thanks for the tip,Dr. Phil. Any other words of wisdom?”

“Just one. Don’t screw it up, because you’ll never find another woman who thinks you’re worth a perfect score.”

“She was just joking.”

Bowie gave him a pat on the back. “No, she wasn’t. Which is the real mystery, here. You’re fighting above your weight limit, you know that, right?”

“And you’re not with Moana?”

“Guess we’re both lucky bastards.” He nodded toward the water. “Looks like your girl is done waiting.”

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