Page 18 of Riptide

“I was Tutu’s favorite.” He winked at her.

“Clearly.” Kaimana shook her head and gave a broad smile.

“When I inherited the house, I did redesign the place. Tried to keep some of the important things the same. It’s got good bones. I’ve added all the security features. Bells and whistles. I don’t get here as much as I’d like. Between big wave surfs and Emerson, I’m on the road a bit. But this is home.”

“Home.” Kaimana’s eyes glazed over as she repeated the word. Home. So close but so far.

“You close to your family?” Seth asked.

“Yeah but…” Kaimana wished the pain in her gut away. “I…I’ve been busy the past couple of years. With what’s happened…well.” She sighed, her gaze meeting his, moisture brimming in her eyes. “I miss them a lot. I’m ready for this to be over. I want my life back.”

Seth reached and took her hands in his. “You’re going to get it back.”

Any other day, her stone-cold cynicism would have driven Kaimana to doubt his motivation. She wished she was immune to the lure of Seth’s magnetism, but she was losing her fight to resist him.

Her body thrummed with anticipation as he pulled her toward him and wrapped his arms around her. Kaimana’s body melted into his embrace. It had been so long since she’d felt safe. Always fighting. Always the strong one. Strong because she had no choice. Yet in his arms, with the warmth of his face brushing over her skin, her body responded, desire flowing through her.

Like a shock to her system, she pulled away, stunned. A silent understanding passed between them, and she looked to their hands that remained joined.

Heat rushed to her cheeks as her gaze fell to his lips. Jesus Christ. Oh girl, this is a mistake. Do not fall for this man. Her heart pounded in her chest at the realization she’d lost control. Maybe I’m sleep deprived. Definitely, sex deprived. No, Kaimana, no.

Out of nervousness or pure exhaustion, she yawned. Breaking the moment, she released his hands and covered her mouth. What is wrong with me? “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be sorry. You must be tired.”

“Yes,” she lied. Not tired at all. Horny? Yes. On fire with lust? One hundred percent.

“Follow me.” Seth winked at her and turned away, walking toward the staircase.

She nodded in silence, her heart still beating fast. The moment of desire they’d shared had hit Kaimana like a freight train. Confusion swept through her at the realization that her attraction to this charismatic surfer was on the verge of becoming an addiction. Logic warned her not to fall for him, but her body’s response told her that the threads of control had quickly begun to fray.

Chapter Five

“If you want to take a shower. I…there should be—” Seth stumbled over his words as he studied Kaimana. She nervously bit her lip, her arms wrapped around her waist. So strong, yet he sensed her sadness.

In the moment, he’d meant to comfort her. Yet as time lingered, their embrace had sparked a desire for her that he couldn’t deny.

“I’ve got a few robes in the closet,” he offered. “Take whatever you want. I’ll get some clothes sent here for tomorrow.”

“Thanks,” she replied, her tone soft.

Seth began to leave the room but stopped short as he reached the door. He turned toward her once again. “It’s going to be all right, Kaimana.”

“Yeah. It’s going to fine.” She nodded, her words not matching her expression.

“I’ll lock the place down tight. We’ll be safe. You’ll be safe. Sleep as long as you need. I’ll make us something to eat later. When Garrett gets here, we’ll get some of this straightened out. And I promise I’ll find out more about your brother soon. I’ve got secure internet, but if you brought your phone, you might want to turn it off until we know they aren’t tracking you. In fact, I’ll get another one sent to the house just to be safe.”

“Thanks, yeah, no worries. I’ll be okay.”

Seth glanced at Kaimana’s fingers, which trembled as she set her small backpack on the dresser. Though strong, in the moment she appeared fragile, close to broken. “I’ll be across the hall if you need me. Okay?”

“Okay. Hey Seth?” She gave him a small smile. “Thank you.”

“No worries.”

As he closed the door behind him, Seth released a slow breath. The tension between them would kill him.

He scrubbed his overgrown beard with his fingers, frustrated with the situation. I’ve had enough, he told himself. Between the shit with Lars, barely surviving the fall and the attack on a yacht, his tolerance for violence and drama had worn thin.