How the hell did I get myself in this situation? ‘Kaiya,’ I grumble to myself. She is the wild child between us, and yet it seems like I’m always the one to get into trouble. I’m going to kill her for this.

Sebastian straps me into a harness as soon as we are at the dock. “I’m having second thoughts about this.”

He is close to me. Closer than I’ve been to a man since Josh and he is nothing compared to Sebastian’s tall, muscular frame. His fingers graze the skin on my thighs as he tightens the straps. I shudder at the contact his skin makes against mine.

“I’d be surprised if you weren’t.” He looks up at me from his knees. I’m aware of how close we are to each other, and the fact that he is at waist level has my body responding to him. Because of the books, I read for fun and the subject matter I write about, I knew exactly what I’m feeling. Arousal. Hot. Heady. Needy. Desire. My pulse is tripping like electricity in my veins.

“And yet you’re still putting me in a harness and on a boat?” I said. My voice is hoarse with either fear or need. I’m not sure which is the more potent emotion going through me.

“I am.” He winks at me. “Don’t underestimate my powers of persuasion, Jaci.” His beard does nothing to hide his wicked grin.

“And you really shouldn't underestimate my stubbornness, Sebastian. Seriously, my sister says it’s my worst flaw.”

“And what’s her worst flaw?” He asks, standing to his feet.

“Nothing,” I grumble “My sister is perfect. If she wasn’t my sister and I didn’t love her, I’d hate her.”

Sebastian tugs on the straps around my hips and tightens the one around my waist, while his eyes are boring into mine as I feel it cinching tighter around me. It is a moment like this one, I try and capture in my books. The perfect blend of temptation, excitement, and fear all rolled into one. The heat of the setting sun is nothing compared to the heat that sizzles between us.

“I’m sure she says the same thing about you.” His voice is gruff and soft. He reaches up and cups my face, while softly running his thumb along my cheekbone.

I take a deep breath and step back. Bas’ power of persuasion is stronger than he knows. In one afternoon, I’ve been able to relax in his presence and am feeling something; I haven't felt in a long, long time—safe.

Sebastian nods and lets me retreat to the other side of the boat. “Y’all ready?” The guy in the low riding surfer shorts asks as he gets into the boat.

“Give me a second to get in my harness. We’ll go in tandem.” Sebastian says to the guy and starts putting on his harness and a parachute pack with practiced ease. “Jaci. Nicholas.” He nods to the guy who is checking over the boat. “Drake, this is Jaci.”

Hesitantly, I nod to his friend who gives me a wickedly sexy grin. His eyes trail down my body, and I find myself blushing under his gaze. I resist the urge to cover myself. He gives me the feeling as if he can see right through my clothes.

“Cut it out, Drake.” Sebastian’s voice has changed. Gone is the easy-going guy I’d had coffee with and the one that I let my guard down around. This man looks every bit like the deadly soldier he is.

Drake shrugs and sends me another flirtatious wink, then starts the boat. “You ready to fly, Baby Girl?”

I swear I hear Sebastian growling at his friend, but Drake ignores it. “No.” I swallow hard and shake my head. “I’m not ready.”

“Trust me. You go up there once, and you’ll want to go again and again.”

“Alright, let’s go.” Sebastian finished getting himself strapped into the harness a hell of a lot faster than he did getting me done. I give him a pointed look as he walks towards me. He just sent me the same crooked grin that sends my nerve endings into a frenzy.

“Turn around Jai.” My breath hitches when he says the nickname only my family uses.

“I’m scared,” I whisper to him as I look at the broad expanse of his chest—unable to meet his gaze.

“I know, but I have you.”

“That’s another thing that scares me.” I finally raise my eyes to meet his, “I believe you.”