Page 27 of Flint's Battle

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 regaincontrol, 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 frombehind, 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.

CHAPTER 9

One second since impact…

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