Page 34 of Flint's Battle

Emery smiled when their gazes clashed. “I’ll be fine. But if you wanted to leave me a weapon…”

He snorted. “I’ll give you a gun when I know you’re not seeing double.”

“You’re both extremely handsome.”

“Right.”

“And Flint…”

He twisted, again, after taking another step out. “Yeah, sweetheart?”

“In case I haven’t made it crystal clear, I don’t want you to leave.”

He chuckled. “Pretty sure I already told you I’m not going anywhere.”

Her smile fell a bit as she pressed them together. “I meant for more than just tonight. Or next week.”

He wouldn’t march over there and kiss her. Or pound on his chest like some kind of caveman. He had more control than that. Not much, but surely enough he could stand there and not embarrass himself. “So did I. Five minutes, then I’ll be back until I can take you home.”

CHAPTER 11

I meantfor more than just tonight.

Had she really said that? All but confessed she’d fallen so in love with Flint she couldn’t see straight? And not the concussive type of double vision she’d had when she’d first regained consciousness. That had obviously been a result of the surfboard hitting her head or the lack of oxygen to her brain. Maybe the low blood volume.

This was different. The way her breath hitched whenever he glanced at her. Or how the earth shifted from nothing more than a touch.

Five weeks of dancing around that spark, and Flint O’Connell had effortlessly brought her to her knees.

Moana arched a brow, glancing at the closed door as she crossed her arms on her chest. “Did what I think just happened, actually happen?”

Dahlia moved in beside her. “You mean the part where Emery told Flint shelovedhim, and he said the same thing back?”

Moana nodded. “Yeah, that.”

Mia crowded into the circle. “That’s definitely what I heard.”

Emery groaned inwardly. As crazy as it sounded, for that one moment, she’d forgotten she wasn’t alone with Flint. That everyone had witnessed the kiss — heard her tell him she wanted him to stay. Permanently. Hell, one of his buddies had probably filmed it on his phone, with her luck.

Flint did that to her. Made the world disappear. Helped her see what really mattered. That any future would be empty without him in it.

She shook her head, careful not to aggravate her injuries. “Are you sure I’m the one who got hit by the surfboard? Because you’re all having the same delusional dream.”

Mia scoffed. “Just because you didn’t say the actual words, doesn’t mean you didn’t say it other ways.”

“Mia’s right. You definitely told Flint you’re in love with him, and he one hundred percent returned that.” Dahlia thumbed at Mia. “And Mia should know. She’s all goo-goo eyes over Carter. Tells him repeatedly how much she loves him. Just like Moana and Bowie.” She held her chin high. “I’m the only sane one left.”

Moana scrunched her face up. “Please. You’re so hot for Quinn, I’m surprised you haven’t set off the sprinklers at Ohana’s.”

“Or melted all the ice before you get it in the drinks.” Mia smiled. “And don’t give us that look where you purse your lips and furrow your brow. We’ve known each other way too long to miss the signs.”

Dahlia huffed. “Quinn’s hot. I’ll grant you that.”

“He’s beyond hot, just like all the guys.” Moana winked at Emery. “Including Flint, I guess. You know, in the right light…”

“At the right angle.” Emery relaxed a bit, wincing when the movement pulled on her stitches. “He’s definitely something.”

Moana’s smile faltered. “You realize how lucky you were today, right? That the odds of Flint finding you, then getting you free without you both dy...”

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