Page 64 of Riptide

“Come…let’s take a shower before takeoff.”

“No. We need to look at the paper…keep working.”

“We do but you’re covered in blood. So am I. The paper will still be there.”

“We should have looked at it in the car.” Kaimana shook her head.

“You’re in shock, Kai. I bet you don’t even remember the ride back to Burbank. Stop beating yourself up and let’s get in the shower.”

“I can just go look at it real quick.” She nodded as if trying to convince herself.

“Kaimana. Stop. Please,” Seth insisted.

“This is my fault,” she cried, tears starting anew as she turned to him. Anger fired through her veins. She hated what they’d done to Joli. At every turn in her life she’d been failed and now she could die.

“It’s not your fault. It’s no one’s fault but Adam’s.” Seth brought her into his embrace and though she struggled to break away, he held firm. “Stop, Kai. Come on.”

“It’s not fair. None of this is fair. I hate them,” she cried.

“I hate them too. I hate all of this. But I promise we’re going to put an end to it. Just a little bit longer and we’ll get them.”

“But Joli—”

“Joli will be okay. I just got a text from Marcus. She was in critical condition, but they’ve got her stabilized. She’s going to be out of surgery soon.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, he says she’s going to make it.

Relief flooded her thoughts and she leaned onto Seth’s chest. Within his strong arms, she forced her muscles to relax.

“When are we leaving?” she asked. “Where’s Garrett?”

“He’ll meet us in Hawaiʻi later. He’s got business tonight, remember? Marcus and the FBI are on the case now. We’re not doing this alone anymore.”

“That doesn’t make me feel better. Look what they let happen to Joli.”

“She would have been far worse if Marcus hadn’t gone in as soon as he did. They’re trying. Just like us.” Seth stripped off his own soiled clothes and took her hand.

“We’ve got to get back home,” she said, her voice laden with exhaustion.

“Let me take care of you.” Seth gently tugged the bottom of her dress and peeled it off over her head.

As he slowly undressed her, a warmth grew in her chest. Kaimana watched him, the gentle expression on his face as he removed her clothing and smoothed back her hair.

Tears brimmed in her eyes as he led her into the shower. No matter his words the guilt of what had happened to Joli weighed on her like a lead blanket. Her soul, tired and battered, couldn’t take much more.

As the hot spray hit her back, she leaned into Seth’s embrace. Vulnerable and exposed, the tears came. Safe within his arms, she clung to the one person who she trusted. Seth Tremaine was so much more than a humorous surfer. He’d become a confidant, a teacher, a savior…her lover. When this was over, and it would come to an end, she wouldn’t be able to let him go. The feelings inside of her flourished like the vines in the thickest rainforest. It both exhilarated and terrified her, but as she spiraled into infatuation, the truth of her emotion lingered in her mind. Love.

* * *

“Coordinates.” Both Kaimana and Seth said at the same time as they stared at the tattered wrinkled paper.

“Oh shit.” Seth brushed his fingers over his hair. “The auction?”

“I don’t know. You still have your laptop in the jet? By the looks of this plane, I wouldn’t be surprised if Garrett had a data center stashed somewhere. Someone’s living the high life,” Kaimana teased.

“Hey, this is Garrett’s baby. My jet only has ten seats.” He grinned.