Page 26 of Flint's Battle

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.”

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