Chapter 2

Sweat gathered along Leaper’s brow and dripped one drop at a time down his face and neck and onto his shirt. He’d be drenched before the day was done.

The heat index in Coronado, California, increased this time of year, especially as the day wore on. The sun’s rays beat down on the occupants of the small Navy RIB. Leaper was never one to stand on ceremony or dress code, and he was the first to strip his shirt off and toss it on the heap of gear.

The recruits eagerly followed suit. Looking at their unblemished frames, he wondered what would be in store for them. If the trainees looked close enough at his chest, they’d see at least a dozen knife wounds, six bullet scars, courtesy of enemy combatants, three misshapen ribs from a botched HiLo jump, and one large, jagged scar from shrapnel. Leaper didn’t want to scare these boys off, but the reality was…bodies entered SEAL Team one way and left another way. It was rare that anyone retired untouched, unless they only rode a desk. But even then, there were complications from endless paper cuts and the usual migraines from green gung-ho officers.

Leaper’s eyes searched the horizon. Several charter boats were full of tourists out to catch something exciting on the Pacific. A few small sailboats were braving the open ocean, and in the distance a refueling ship was on its way back from filling someone up. It rode so high in the water, he could see where the hull needed to be touched up on its next maintenance docking.

Salt spray sprinkled his face. Was there any better feeling?

The wind whipped his hair as they sped through the water. He let out a long, slow breath. There was something peaceful about just riding in a boat, without some greater need for it to impart wisdom or a life lesson.

Looking at the faces of the trainees, Leaper could see them relaxing and enjoying this welcome break. He doubted any of the other Teammates were getting this treatment. Most likely those boys were toting large rocks from one place to another; getting wet, rolling in the sand, and doing leg lifts and other exercises while coated in the rough grimy sand—a.k.a. sugar-cookie drills; or running miles and miles with heavy packs. This was only a small part of the physical conditioning.

Leaper studied the recruits. “Tell me about yourselves,” he said. “Why are you here?”

The fair-skinned blond boy spoke first. “Billy Coates from Boston, Massachusetts. I went to Boston University and majored in business for my undergraduate degree and psychology for my master’s. My brother was a SEAL, and he served two tours in Iraq before leaving the Navy. He told me it was the best and worst time of his life. Regardless of his stories, I’m doing this for me.”

Next was a tanned boy with auburn hair. “I’m Cabe Tucker, and I’m from Washington. I went to SDSU here in San Diego and graduated premed. Eventually, I’d like to be a doctor and follow that life path, but first I need to do this.” He elbowed the person next to him, who was taller, with hairy arms, dark hair, and green eyes. “That’s Joe Wallace. He lost his voice last night at the bar off Rosecrans. I think he’s got a graduate degree in business. Yeah, he’s nodding.”

“Bar, huh? You’ll learn that’s not the best use of your paycheck. It’s better to save your money. Wanting a car, home, and even a girlfriend or wife takes a decent amount of funds. I’m a big believer in 401(k)s and savings accounts. But to each his own,” added Leaper. “What about you, Parks?”

Was I ever that young and green, pondered Leaper as he assessed the men. It was easy to see who would make it to next week and who would be running for the hills the minute there was a bump in the road.

“Yes, Instructor.” Parks was compact and muscular. He looked too small to be in Spec Ops, and yet he was lean and agile, never missing an opportunity to help his classmates. Of course, size didn’t mean anything. He personally knew a Frogman who was five foot two and served for thirty years.

“Go ahead,” urged Leaper.

“Ahem, I’m Lester Parks, and I grew up in the Bronx—the rough part. It taught me to never give up on what I want. I studied mechanical engineering on scholarship at Cal Tech, and after graduating I joined the Navy. I want my life to be more than punching a clock. I like the tech part of SEAL training, and I have a few ideas for new gear. I have to believe in what I do and be a part of something bigger.”

“Good to know. I agree on the ‘bigger’ part of a life occupation. So, on that note, let’s do this as a Team project. Could be useful in future training missions.” Leaper pointed at Watson, the boat leader, among other things. “I know your story. You’re the class leader, and you went to Stanford, with a degree in mathematics. You’re a bit of a genius, according to your records. Isn’t that right, Sherlock?”

Watson shrugged. His face reddened and he had large eyes, a bit googly like Leaper’s, but he kept them forward as the boat rounded San Clemente Island. “Ah, yes, Instructor.” This trainee had a medium build and his shoulders and back were wide, but he had some beef around the midsection. The weight would drop before training ended. Physical endurance and peak performance were major requirements for completing all three phases of BUD/S training.

In the distance, Leaper could see Kerry’s boat. Marine Mammal RIBs had a splash of gray color across the front, so no one absconded with their boats. “Watch out for the buoys. Stay close and stay left of them, regardless of what’s printed on their dysfunctional wrappers.”

“Aye, aye,” affirmed Watson.

Leaper pointed at the last man on the boat. “What’s your story?”

A raspy voice was cleared. “I’m Quentin Kirkland Worthington. Naval Academy graduate. I hail from Virginia. My father is Admiral Worthington.” The boy spoke succinctly and very fast, as if he was equally proud and embarrassed. Hell, it was a hindrance to go through training and be the son of an admiral and a Frogman. Poor kid had an uphill battle ahead of him.

As Leaper studied the kid, he saw the boy’s lip quiver. He was a nervous one. Wonder what makes him tick? Leaper had answered that particular question during his own Hell Week in a darkened room, with a spotlight on his face showing every bead of sweat. He’d been singled out by a giant Master Chief known for his handlebar mustache and tough techniques. Even his balls had sweated that day. The thing that made Leaper tick…was having something to belong to and knowing his actions made a difference.

Shit, being an instructor was not glamorous but he had knowledge to share. Basically, it was Leaper’s job to do his hardest to break the trainees, but getting to know them like this, somewhat informally, had major advantages. He was actually rooting for them, though they wouldn’t all make it. For instance, Leaper already knew that unless Worthington’s son stepped up and showed some backbone and emotional fortitude, he was going to ring out—ringing the giant brass bell hanging in the Quarterdeck of BUD/S meant you quit training and were swept back into the general Navy, or upon rare occasion, could choose another area to apply to.

“Big shoes,” said Leaper sympathetically. “Bet they’re beating the piss out of you. Legacies always get an extra helping of crap, Captain Kirk—get it, Kirkland?”

“Crap juice. Crap salad. Crap steak with a side of crap fries.” The boy nodded. “Any advice?” He rubbed his throat, and his nerves created a thick cloud of uncertainty around him.

Well, that’s not a good sign. It was going to be the instructor’s job to pick at this wavering sensation until it bled and made Kirkland Worthington—a.k.a. Captain Kirk—quit or get stronger. Leaper sighed.

“Stick with it. If this is what you truly want, hang in there. Don’t let them get in your head. Believe in yourself. The psychological tests are harder than the physical, and remember, we all went through it. Once you graduate, the challenges you face will kick your ass harder. Sure, ‘the only easy day was yesterday’ still rings true, but you have your Team to lean on, and they’ll lean on you. So get those skills now and be proficient. Every movement and choice has a reason. Be deliberate. Make no decision hastily and without purpose. And remember, go through the training because you can’t imagine anything else filling your life. You have to need to be a SEAL with every ounce of your heart and soul. If you can imagine any other options, then ring out and pursue them. This is an all-or-nothing experience.”

“Thank you, Instructor,” they answered in unison.

Leaper stood, joining Watson as the recruit steered closer to the boat. “Cut the engine, Sherlock. Captain Kirk, grab a line and jump on board. Parks, grab a line and follow. I want you remaining two to secure the boat for towing and to stay aboard the RIB in case any issues arise. If the line falters or anything out of the ordinary happens, you tell me ASAP.”

The trainees hustled, making quick work of their tasks, and the two boats were soon underway. In Leaper’s estimation, he’d get these trainees home in time for chow.

He scratched his chin as he glanced over his shoulder. That was a nice RIB. Too bad it was color-coded for the program, or he might consider adding it to the Team’s lost-and-found collection. Nah! She was way too cute. Besides, finding Kerry’s boat had been easy, in Leaper’s opinion. It had been moored on the far side of the island, and they’d had no problem setting up a series of towropes and hauling it back to the Marine Mammal base, but what was he going to do when he saw her? Now, that was the hard question. Could he kiss her? Ask for a date? Ugh, he’d left his smooth-talking techniques back on base alongside his Harley.

Of course, if he’d thought to ask her for the key, that would have made things easier. Faster to drive two rather than tow one. Though he suspected the key was lost somewhere in the ocean. He supposed he could dive for it, but there would undoubtedly be duplicates somewhere in her office. Shit, he was avoiding the point. He wanted to kiss her. That gorgeous mouth. Yep, that’s what he wanted. Sweet and simple.

Not that he preferred simplicity, because he didn’t…not in a lady. A challenge suited him better, kept him engaged longer, and he liked to give a lady a run for her money too. But he couldn’t decide if he was going to pursue the curious Kerry with the shapely curves outright or play coy.

Leaper rolled his eyes and stretched his arms over his head. Who was he kidding? He’d already spent more time contemplating this woman than any other in his life.

As the boats entered the bay, he knew the moment of truth was at hand. They pulled up to the Marine Mammal docks, and Kerry was the first to approach him. She eagerly threw her arms around him and hugged him. “Thank you.”

He didn’t hesitate as he leaned his head down, right then and there, and kissed her. Not a quick or congenial kiss, but a hot and heavy, I-want-to-thrill-you-to-your-core smooch.

He held her tightly to him, her body melting into his. Well, well, well. Now this is a kiss to sear the soul! They fit so exquisitely together, he didn’t want to let go. It was as if the entire world around them had drifted away, and they were the only ones left in the universe.

Holding this lady close as the sun set behind him, Leaper never imagined this was how he would end this day. This had to be the sexiest first kiss of his life.

Too soon, reality invaded and the embrace ended. Leaper’s ears finally detected the hoots of encouragement from the trainees on the boat. He breathed in Kerry’s scent, memorizing it even as she clung to him, and then he slowly opened his arms and released her. As they parted, he knew he had been rash to kiss her in front of her coworkers and his recruits, but for once in his life, he just didn’t give a damn about the opinions of others. This was a kiss he was going to remember.

* * *

The next morning, the sun struggled to shine through the heavy marine layer hovering over Point Loma. As she sat in the parking lot outside the Marine Mammal base of Operations, Dr. Kerry Hamilton wasn’t sure anyone would be feeling those delightfully warm rays today. Perhaps it was an omen.

She looked in the rearview mirror again. Yep, still the same. Exhaustion traced her features, with dark circles under eyes and a pale color to her cheeks.

Oddly, though, she couldn’t resist touching a finger to her lips as she thought about the kiss she’d shared with Leaper. What an incredible moment! The sensation of his mouth on hers had seared her senses all the way to her toes, and she was still vibrating with the delight of it. Oh God, how she wanted more. Infatuation was a marvelous high, and it had been ages since she had felt giddy inside.

Her cheeks were tinged with pink now, and it made her laugh softly to herself. As she sat in her car listening to the radio, she knew she was avoiding going into work. Of course, she was an hour early, but if she stayed here all day in the relative neutrality of vehicle, she would avoid any confrontation with the management.

Her fingers tapped automatically to the beat of the song on the radio. There was something special about the band American Authors’ song “Best Day of My Life.” It spoke to her. She wanted today to be the best day ever, yet she knew she would be taking some serious heat from her boss the minute she stepped foot onto the Marine Mammal Compound. She’d broken several cardinal rules, the first of which was Never, ever go out alone with one of the marine mammals. The second was Always log your intended path of travel and the ultimate destination.

“I better get to it. Get the worst part over with.” Turning off the car, she grabbed her bag of gear and got out. She set the alarm with a press of her key fob and took slow breaths as she made her way toward the gates.

Before she reached the barrier, a slumped man who looked more scholar and scientist than bureaucrat stopped her. “Dr. Hamilton, good to see you.”

“Dr. Boscher. Hi. What’s up?” Kerry looked up at the tall man, noticing his disheveled clothing and the bags under his eyes. “Are you doing more research on species adaptation for our program?”

“Yes, yes. Fascinating stuff. I’ve narrowed my search to the tiger shark, whose intellect appears to rival that of your beloved bottlenose dolphins. Though I’m still working out how a training staff could safely work with them.” Boscher waved a hand in front of his face, his gray pallor and slumped shoulders more pronounced as his moved. “I received approval from the Department of Defense for your study on dolphin environmental adaptation for our retired mammals. The funding was bumped an extra amount, in case you need additional modifications. I added that in, because I didn’t see any wiggle room in your proposal. I’m not sure if you’re planning on fixing up apartments for them—”

Kerry laughed. “Stop. You’re too much! You know the funding is for special tanks that will allow me to change the temperature and buoyancy levels to help some of older dolphins be more comfortable without having to work so hard to swim, play, eat, and basically survive.” She touched his arm. “Thank you for helping out. Having you as Special Funding Director for the Marine Mammal Program has been an incredible boon to all of us. You’ve added so much, and we’re lucky to have you. Maybe now, Merry will perk up. She’s showing signs of stress. Hopefully, the fancy new temperature-controlled tank will make a difference.”

Boscher nodded his head. “Well, I have two more months before they put me out to sea…so to speak…and I plan to make the most of it. Good day, Dr. Hamilton.” He stepped away from her slowly, as if his bones and muscles ached.

She wished he’d loosen up and call her Kerry, but his formality was only one of the quirks separating him from the rest of the staff. Boscher held himself apart from everyone, but she was eternally grateful for his help. She sighed. Oh well, the news of her tanks was so exciting, she could hardly wait to get started on ordering the materials and implementing them. There was so much to do.

Her mind was busy playing with the design of the tanks as several coworkers greeted her in the usual morning fashion. Maybe today wouldn’t be so bad, and her mishap with Juliet in the ocean wouldn’t be a big deal. Kerry started to relax. At least the rest of the staff wasn’t pissed at her. Why should they be? There had been no need to rally or search for her. Instead, she’d arrived back without their knowing how dangerous the trip had been, and thankfully, the dolphin was healthy and safe. Everyone loved Juliet.

Kerry exhaled slowly and felt her lips curve into a half smile. First, she’d do a medical check on each dolphin, and then feeding—

“Dr. Hamilton.” Hearing her name ground out as if it were being chewed with tinfoil made her blood freeze. She hated the sound of that voice. It was Beckstan Gellar, Marine Mammal Program Director and natural enemy to the entire staff and anyone with a hope or dream of improving anything for the marine mammals. He stood beneath the clock near the double doors to the main office like an executioner prepared to bring final judgment. His large arms were crossed, and his tinted glasses were perched on the end of his nose. “We need a meeting.”

“Of course,” said Kerry brightly. Yay, management! Damn.

It didn’t look like being an hour early to work was going to impress him. Ugh. This was awful, and not how she wanted to begin her day. She needed this job. She couldn’t afford to stay in her condo without it. She’d loathe having to go back home to her mother or one of her sisters with her tail tucked between her legs. And what about her beloved dolphins? She couldn’t leave them, especially with the newly approved funding.

Kerry’s chin dropped as she silently followed him into the main facility and through the open corral of desks to his glassed-in cube. As he closed the door behind them, she resisted the urge to claw at her throat; the sensation of claustrophobia was so keen. Instead, she held one hand with other and squeezed tight. To her boss, it probably looked as if she were praying, but she knew this was the only way she wouldn’t run out of the room screaming. At least, not yet. She’d hear the man out first.

Gellar sat down behind his Nordic, minimalist desk—probably the only thing that would fit in here, she thought—and leaned on his elbows. The gray MMP hoodie lay on the side of the desk along with a pair of sunglasses. “I heard about yesterday.” His voice sounded calm, but she knew the truth. This man regularly lied with his mouth and told the truth with his body. She hated that kind of duality. Didn’t people like that know how easy they were to read? She supposed not—otherwise, why would they continue the masquerade?

A muscle ticked in Gellar’s jaw, and his hands trembled briefly before he got them under control. His nose wrinkled as if he were breathing in something foul, and his forehead was so wrinkled with disdain, it could have been a sunshade for a family of four. “I need you to pay attention to what I’m about to say.”

Kerry nodded. She didn’t need to mask her emotions. She didn’t give two hoots about anything the man was going to say, so she wasn’t going to say a word. Nothing would make her incriminate herself. Rather, she would sit and wrestle with her true fear: claustrophobia. God, she hated cramped places.

“I know you’re aware that I’m frustrated with you for breaking the rules. I need to set an example, so you’re going to be on weekend duty for the next month.” He waited for her to react.

After several seconds, she asked, “Days or nights?” Not that it mattered either way—she was often here long hours. The Marine Mammal Program was her entire life’s focus.

“During the week, you have your normal day shifts with one rotating day off each week, and then you will be on night shift from midnight to 6:00 a.m. You can be on the water, the docks, or in the office, but you are on call.” He frowned at her and shook his index finger as if scolding a child. “If I find out that you do not take my reprimand seriously and that you aren’t showing up for each and every shift, well, then your pay will be docked and you will go before the Board of Directors. After that, your case will go up the DOD chain, and ultimately, I believe you will be fired.”

Kerry pursed her lips. Really? Bastard. Nothing is going to hurt me, if I have anything to say about it. Look at my record. Look at what I do around here. It’s not like I stand on the dock and scratch my butt. These mammals are my life.

Besides, she was a marine mammal vet whose area of expertise was nephrology with a specialty in kidney-stone prevention. There were only a handful of people like her in the country, and this program needed her help. Since the dolphins weren’t out catching fresh fish each day, they had less hydration than normal. Thus, staff would tube-feed the dolphins with extra liquids, and the dietary changes she’d implemented would isolate the incidences of kidney stones to only a handful of older dolphins. It was practically a freaking miracle. She doubted that she would be going anywhere without the Marine Mammal Foundation pushing back on her behalf. But Kerry couldn’t deny the Program Director his power or dignity, so she replied politely, “Understood.”

Gellar let out a sigh of relief. Tension lifted from his shoulders, making his muscles dip and slump downward. He waved her off. “You can go back to work, Miss Hamilton.”

That’s “doctor,” not “miss.”

“Oh, and I saw you conversing with Boscher. Remember, he’s not your boss. I am.” Gellar’s eye twitched.

She wanted to grab the gray sweatshirt off his desk and smack his sour face with it or maybe snap those fancy sunglasses in half. But she wouldn’t. Instead, she seethed inside, silently berating him.

Jealous? No doubt. Well, if Gellar had even an ounce of Boscher’s humanity…I wouldn’t be aching to wring his neck right now. Unclasping her hands to keep herself from doing anything rash, Kerry stood. She paused as she stared at the Program Director. She wanted to say something snide, but she didn’t know what. Instead, she gave him another nod. Her mother had always told her that silence is golden—or did that adage belong to someone else? Well, her mom had made it her own, and right now, it seemed like good advice. She needed to get out of trouble, not wade deeper into it.

Gellar returned the acknowledgment and then picked up a stack of papers on his desk and began sorting them. As he separated the pages, she turned away.

When she opened the door, a wave of fresh air greeted her. She waved to one of the interns and headed back through the now propped-open double doors and down to the dock. Halfway down the ramp, she keyed in the code that allowed her access and strode to the end of the gangplank, turning right and heading all the way down to Juliet’s pen.

Sitting down on the dock, she placed her hand in the water and flicked her fingers.

The dolphin came gliding by for back rubs.

Kerry felt her body relax. Why could she could barely stand being around humans, for all the stress it caused, but when it came to mammals, she was at peace? Was I a dolphin in a former life? God, I hope so.

“I’ll be back, my friend. We’ll check your vitals and then feed you. You’re going to enjoy my new creation. Salmon gelatin. Yum.” Kerry stood.

The dolphin fluttered her left fin as if to say goodbye before swimming into the next pen to play with the juveniles while she waited. The mammals had the right idea. Play. Celebrate. Live.

If only she could master those basic choices, it would change her life.

* * *

Standing in the shower of the locker room at the Marine Mammal base after a long day of work was blissful. Kerry wished the smell of rotten fish guts didn’t turn her stomach. She rarely slipped into the waste vat. If she’d been paying better attention, and not thinking about the materials order for her new tank design or how odd a few of the dolphins were acting or the fact that Leaper hadn’t called her once today… Damn, she was getting attached after only one kiss. “Turn off the brain. Steady on with the task at hand, lady,” she said to herself. “Get the fish guts out of your hair and get dressed. Besides, he’s just a guy—a guy with a tight ass and a lean, muscular body.”

Fudge! I’m too flipping eager. But how can I deny my primal nature? Isn’t that the truth of who we all are? Food, clothing, shelter, mate…or at the very least, it would be nice to have a date.

Adjusting the temperature setting to cold, she dosed herself with some humility and patience. She counted to fifty, felt more contrite, and turned off the tap. Goose bumps covered her skin, and her body shook as she stepped out of the shower stall.

Toweling herself dry, she was grateful for the warmth and promised herself that she would concentrate on her own well-being by treating herself to a nice dinner and a good book. Wasn’t there a new Joanne Fluke book on top of her to-be-read stack? She loved murder mysteries, especially when the author made the heroine so smart and savvy.

Rummaging around in her gear bag, Kerry found a yellow short-sleeved dress with small white flowers. She remembered adding it to the bag two months ago when she had taken a trip to Oahu. She’d never worn it. There hadn’t been time. She’d worked day and night on an urgent case and had been so relieved when the dolphin survived that she’d slept for two days.

Today, this dress was the perfect thing to match her mood. Let’s celebrate me—a new me. Independent, someone who doesn’t need a kiss from a handsome stud to tip my world off its axis.

As she slipped the dress on, she knew the outfit wasn’t practical for a night at home, but who cared? She was dressing to impress herself; this was a date with the most important lady in her life.

With that thought in mind, she stopped at the mirror and added a dash of pink lipstick. Now, that looked super. Fluffing her damp hair, she felt significantly better than when she’d entered the locker room.

She hoisted her gear bag onto her shoulder and left the compound with a bounce in her step. Exiting the main set of gates, it took her a few seconds to notice the man standing next to the edge of the building. As her mind registered that it was Leaper, dressed in a gorgeous fitted shirt and holding a stunning bouquet of roses, she stopped abruptly in front of him.

She was giddy with delight and found herself slightly breathless. “H-h-hi.”

“Hi, yourself. Fancy some dinner?” he asked as he presented the flowers to her.

It was impossible not to beam at him. This was such a sweet gesture. Now she knew why he hadn’t called all day. He’d wanted to surprise her. Well, that was certainly a very classy move.

“Yes,” she replied. “I do.”

* * *

Leaving the active base for the quiet streets was relaxing. Along the way, Kerry saw several people fishing from the bridge. They looked happy as they chatted.

Though, for a brief second, she could have sworn she saw Boscher, or maybe it was just someone with his size and shape wearing a Marine Mammal hoodie. The person handed a package to a very skinny man, who was fishing.

Wait, didn’t Gellar have a hoodie just like that too?

It’s probably nothing important.

The images sped by and she shrugged them off. What did it matter? Everyone should be able to enjoy a night like this, however it brought them joy.

Poehe’s was lovely. This Coronado restaurant was designed for lovers, with its subdued lighting, wonderful smells of delicious dishes cooking in the open kitchen, and private seating. Kerry almost gasped nervously. She hoped she wasn’t jumping the gun. How obvious was she being, about her interest in Leaper? She was definitely physically attracted to him, and she wanted to know him better on an emotional and mental level too. Kerry bit her lip. She didn’t want to blow this opportunity, and yet if she persevered and overshared with a personal moment, and he stuck around, would it cut through the bullshit? Why don’t men come with instructions?

“You look lovely,” he murmured in her ear as they walked arm in arm.

She stopped herself from leaning into his touch. She wanted him to make the first big move tonight. That would ease her anxiety greatly. For now, she’d just go with the flow. “Thank you.”

“I’m glad you were free this evening. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind all day.” Leaper’s voice had a sexy timbre, like a bass being plucked during a jazz solo. It sank low in your gut.

Frankly, Kerry was now grateful she had given into her whim to don the yellow dress and add a dash of lipstick. Living and working in bathing suits, sweats, or scrubs had pretty much dominated her appearance as of late, and it was nice to know she could clean up well enough to hold someone’s attention.

It had been ages since she’d met anyone worthwhile. Most of the guys around the bases were meatheads looking for hanky-panky before they shipped out. Not that she was searching for a ring or even long-term commitment, but a decent chat and a strong connection would make her night. Then, if there was chemistry…well, she’d let nature take its course.

The hostess, Becky, led them to a table next to the water. It was a lovely view of Glorietta Bay.

Leaper pulled out her chair, and Kerry smiled at him as she sat down. Good manners. You’re scoring points, buddy.

Becky filled their water glasses. “Your waiter is named Bill, and he’ll be with you shortly. If you have any problems, please ask for me. Enjoy your evening.”

“Thank you,” said Leaper. He began cracking jokes and chatting nonstop about topical things, from food to the floral arrangement on the table. She found herself laughing easily. Though it was pleasant, she wasn’t sure how to go deeper into any topic, but she craved an opportunity. “So, you work with marine mammals,” he said. “Do you prefer one species over the others?”

“Dolphins,” Kerry said without hesitation. “I adore them. I’m fascinated by their biology and their echolocation. The fact that they can navigate and identify so much with their unique system of clicks and echoes—it blows me away.” Kerry grinned. “What about you? How long have you been a SEAL?”

“Over twenty years. I could retire, but I’m not sure what else I’d like to do with my life.” Leaper drained his water glass. “So, what’s your favorite color, music, or movie? Sometimes I think these answers tell us more about each other than anything else.”

He really wanted to know her. This was it. The moment she’d hoped for. She knew what to say. She took a deep breath. “This might be an overshare, but it’s… Well, here it goes. Otto Preminger’s Laura is one of the most memorable movies I’ve ever seen. I watched it with my big sisters. It was the first time I was allowed to stay up late. We were dressed in our winter sleepwear: Lanz flannel nightgowns. Mine had red bows with bouquets of little blue flowers and a lace collar. All three of my older sisters had solid colors for their nighties, and I wanted so badly to be a big girl like them.”

She tilted her head to the side, contemplating. “They were so much older back then—twelve, ten, and nine years older. At five years old, I felt so small next to them, and I wanted to be just like them. I wanted to date boys and wear pretty grown-up dresses with silky stockings. And yet when my sisters gave in to my begging and let me dress up, my mother balked. That night was the only exception, maybe because Mom didn’t want to be alone. There was a storm outside, and she made popcorn with lots of sweet butter, and we all sat around watching this old black-and-white movie, Laura, about a supposed murder. I remember my mother saying that much of life was like the movie: perception, how you perceive an individual and an individual perceives you. Rarely do these two versions match, and knowing that early on is useful.”

Her eyes filled with tears. She hastily wiped them away. “Sorry. It’s just…that was the night my father was late coming home. Lightning filled the sky, and the thunder felt like it was beating directly on top of the house. I could imagine how big the waves were. Mom had this tight smile on her face when she shared how Father’s boat partner, Warren Kant, had stayed home to take care of his wife, who was sick with the flu. My mom kept saying that Father was an excellent seaman and everything would be fine. I fell asleep before they came to the point in the movie where they found Laura alive. But, I do remember dreaming about my father and how he liked to read the newspaper to me and the feeling of safety and warmth it gave me.”

She coughed softly. “In the morning, I learned Father had been killed. The Coast Guard wasn’t sure if it was an accident or a murder. There was blood—only his—on the deck of the boat, but no other signs of foul play. To this day, no one ever explained how he died.” She sighed sadly. “Things weren’t the same around our house after that. My sisters didn’t go out on dates anymore, and they stopped dressing me up or even playing with me. Everything…changed.”

She gave Leaper a weak smile. “Maybe I shouldn’t list that as my favorite flick, but at the time I began watching Laura…Father was still alive, and I was a member of a happy family. Life was normal, and my childhood was untainted. After that, every experience was measured against this yardstick of definable moments from wonderful to horrible.”

“Is that why you are so fascinated with sea life?” Leaper leaned forward, and Kerry could see she had his full attention. When was the last time a man truly listened to her? She couldn’t remember. “Because of your father?”

“I think so. There are pictures of me in diapers, holding a fishing pole, or toddling around in the boat. I feel…more like myself when I’m in or around the water.” Kerry hadn’t meant to go that dark with her reminiscence, yet she was relieved Leaper could handle it. It said a lot about a man’s staying power if she couldn’t scare him off with that story. It screamed daddy issues, loss, grief, and pain. Some guys couldn’t handle significant conversations, but Leaper seemed…different, and she liked his quirky manner. The way he had protected her in the ocean, returned the boat, and…well, tonight, he’d acted like a gentleman. The old-fashioned kind that held doors and pulled out chairs. Now, if she could just dig beneath the surface, what would she find there?

“I get it,” Leaper said. “My old swim buddy, Declan, could spend hours in the water. I guess I feel at home whenever I’m in motion—being active, doing something. Doesn’t matter where—whether it’s the land, sea, or air, I just prefer adventure.” His fingers toyed with the stem of his water glass. “I haven’t learned to be still.”

She nodded her head. “Me neither. That’s something we have in common: keep moving, and you keep in step with the changes of season and with life in general.” Lifting the water glass to her lips, she took a long drink and then lowered it to the table. “What’s your favorite movie?”

“Ghostbusters, the original one with Bill Murray. It always makes me laugh, and I appreciate laughter. I make it a point to laugh every day, or to bring a few guffaws to others.” Leaper looked up at the approaching waiter. “Should we order?”

“Sure.”

“Kerry, what’s your pleasure?” he asked, pushing his menu toward the edge of the table where the waiter could easily retrieve it.

She placed her menu on top of his. She was not hungry for food. It seemed a shame to waste money on food when she’d probably spend the whole night toying with it. Leaper had passed her empathy test, and she wanted to experience several new things with him.

Her eyes traveled to his big hand and then up his strong arms, highlighted by the pale blue tailored shirt. Her gaze roved over that broad chest and lanky body, moving over his kissable neck to his lips, which liked to laugh. Who talked about laughter anymore? She loved to laugh and had already smiled more with him than she could remember doing in the past year. When she reached his eyes, his gaze locked with hers. He lifted an eyebrow questioningly at her.

Heat rose in her cheeks as she smiled broadly. “I’ll have the, uh, seafood Cobb salad,” she choked out. “No dressing. Just lemon on the side. Thank you.” When she dared look at Leaper, he was folding his napkin.

“Same, and let’s take that order to go.”

Her eyes danced with mischievous delight as she held his sexy stare. The smile she gave him couldn’t be mistaken. She was so pleased he’d taken the hint. As much as she relished sitting in this posh restaurant and chatting, all she wanted to do was strip him down and get to know him in the naughtiest sense possible.

* * *

In a guesthouse off First Street near the Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, the sound of Barry White made the speakers pulse with a heady beat as eager hands caressed each other. The song “Your Sweetness Is My Weakness” filled the room.

“I like this song,” Kerry sighed, cuddling closer. Leaper’s rock-hard body was a solid wall of muscle, but he held her like something fragile or precious.

“Me too.” His words were a caress of breath, his lips brushing against her cheek.

“Leaper, is that an entire wall of records?” she murmured.

“Yes. I take my music very seriously.” He nuzzled her neck.

“Music is my vice too. I thought I had a huge collection, but this is… impressive.” She could feel the outline of another impressive thing, lower down. “I like how music can strip you bare and sing directly to your soul. It can make a moment memorable or completely change the course of your day.”

“Mmm-hmm.” His fingers moved deftly over her clothing, heating her skin underneath.

Who am I kidding? I want him. And according to evidence pressing against her, the feeling was mutual. She gave in to her need for skin-to-skin contact and tugged roughly at his clothing. Items flew in all directions, landing in disarray on the floor as Kerry and Leaper kissed passionately and wildly, falling sideways onto the bed.

They bounced lightly and stopped kissing long enough to laugh at themselves and their impatience to be naked and alone. It was a plus to have nowhere to rush off to.

Running her fingers along his pectoral muscles, Kerry’s eyes held his. She could get lost in that gaze. She licked her lips, enjoying the taste of his mouth on her tongue.

His scent filled her nostrils. It was intoxicating. He smelled so good, and the appeal stroked something deep inside of her.

“God, you’re so beautiful.” His sexy voice stroked her senses.

“Thanks.” Her hands traced the outline of his stomach muscles. “There’s not an ounce of fat anywhere on you.”

Leaper raised his eyebrows. “I beg to differ. Gich, my BUD/S instructor, told me I had quite a bit right up here.” He pointed to his head. “He’d call me Bug Eyes, like the fat was pushing out of my brains. I think I preferred Lefty, but you can call me…tomorrow.”

She frowned as she pulled his hand downward, showing him where to go. “Quit that. Stop joking. Just be here, with me.”

He nodded. “Sorry. It’s hard to stop a habit that’s decades old. I’m the jokester. Uh, just so you know, I had a physical a month ago and I’m clean. I’m almost embarrassed to say it’s been thirteen months since I was with someone.” He cleared his throat. “And, for the record, please speak up. I most assuredly appreciate a woman who knows what she likes and, um, gives directions now and then.”

“Good to know.” Well, that means he’s open-minded. Good to hear. “Also, I’ve got you beat. Two years for me, though I’m still on the pill. Too lazy to go off it. Is that embarrassing or cool?”

Leaper stroked her hair. “Cool, though you are too gorgeous to be single. It’s hard to believe men aren’t constantly knocking down your door.”

“I don’t make it easy for them. My work is my life,” she said.

“I hear you. I have a similar circumstance, and yet here we are.”

She tilted her head and looked up and down the length of him. A sculptor would have been in heaven if he could sculpt Leaper. His body was lean, hard muscle, and every ripple was a deep grove of strength. She smiled. No artist could capture the splendor of his erection, holding straight and defiant between those beefy, powerful legs. “Magnificent.”

He stared at her with a quizzical expression. “Huh?”

“I’m trying to tell you that I think you’re hot.” She rolled her eyes. Pushing him onto his back, she said, “So I guess I’m just going to have to show you how desirable you are to me.” Dragging her nails teasingly down his chest, she watched his muscles quiver with excitement.

His hands reached for her, and she pushed them away.

“My turn. You have to lie back and enjoy it. That’s your mission.”

“I can tough that out.” He put his hands behind his head and watched her. He tracked her every movement. His attention was eagle-eye sharp, and she could only imagine what Leaper and his fine body were capable of if he didn’t like what she was doing. But she had faith in her enthusiasm, even if her technique wasn’t perfect.

His phone buzzed with a high-pitched tone. “Sorry. I need to get this.” He grabbed the phone and listened. “Yeah, I’m on my way.”

Her heart sank, and embarrassment brought splashes of red into her cheeks. How could she have been so wrong about him? She moved off the bed as Leaper quickly dressed. Why had she given in to her base urges so quickly? God, she wished she hadn’t come back here.

His hands caught her to him. “Hey, don’t do that. Don’t pull away from me. I want to be here with you. Honestly. I have an emergency at the base with one of my trainees. If it weren’t life and death…”

He kissed her. It was a deep, passionate, and heartfelt kiss that ignited her passion and soothed her bruised ego. “I understand. Go.” As quickly as she spoke the words, she was staring at the empty room. “Now, that’s how I really wanted to spend an evening.” She gathered her clothes into her arms and went into the bathroom to dress.

* * *

Dropping his helmet next to his motorcycle, Leaper ran to the building and practically tore the door off its hinges in his rush to get inside. His mouth was drawn into a grim line as he made his way toward the other side of the room.

To his left, he could see three men talking in hushed tones, but he didn’t even give them the time of day. He’d deal with them later.

“Lefton. Wait. You need to hear us out.”

Giving them his fuck-you look for doing this exercise without him, he tugged open the far door and stepped through. His eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness as his nostrils flared at the smell. It was a mix of urine, sweat, shit, and fear. The room was filled with boxes, and there would be trainees in each one.

Spying Watson leaning against one of them and talking in hushed tones, Leaper crossed quickly to it. He nodded at the group leader to shove off, then opened the large wooden box, which, despite the air holes, released a series of noxious odors.

Leaper looked inside. “Trainee Parks. Let’s talk.”

“Ahh!” The trainee’s screaming filled the room. His voice was hoarse, and it was obvious this had been happening for a while.

Bastards!

Leaper sat down on the edge of the box and said, “Parks, I’m here.” When the screaming quieted, he reached down and took off the trainee’s hood. “So, Lester, what’s up?”

“I…I…I…” There were no words after that.

“Claustrophobic?”

“No, no, no.” The trainee wrapped his arms around his knees and rocked in place. “Yes, yes, yes.”

Leaper watched him. “This experience, the hood and the box… It brought something up for you…”

Lester Parks looked up, meeting his Instructor’s eyes, and nodded.

“Leave your hood, get out of the box, and follow me,” Leaper ordered.

Leaper didn’t try to help him. The trainee had to show he could act under his own steam; otherwise, the next stop was medical care. Thank goodness Lester Parks was moving in the direction of the door. Leaper spared a glance at the rest of his group tucked into boxes. He met Watson’s gaze, and the other man nodded. The unspoken command was “get your group out of their boxes.”

What a fuckup! It was guaranteed that Leaper would check on all of them before he left this place and give whoever jumped the gun on this activity a piece of his mind.

Leaper opened a side door, and the two of them stepped outside. He pointed to several barrels. “Take a seat.”

Standing in front of Parks, he asked, “What happened in there?”

“I had an uncle who locked me in my room when he left. There were no windows and it was small, and there was a fire. He got me out before the whole apartment building went up in flames. I don’t remember him rescuing me, but I remember smelling smoke and coughing and…” Tears streamed down his face. “I can’t do this. I’m ringing out. This isn’t for me.”

Leaper nodded. “C’mon. I’ll walk with you.” He escorted Parks to the BUD/S Quarterdeck where the trainee rang the bell. “Be proud of yourself for getting this far. Take the strength with you.”

“Thank you, Instructor Lefton.”

Two MPs appeared a few minutes later from inside the main building. They’d walk Parks back to his bunk, where he’d collect his belongings and be taken over to Naval Air Station North Island’s temporary Enlisted Quarters until a new duty could be arranged.

Leaper shook his head. Would Parks have rung out of training regardless of tonight’s craziness? Probably. Spec Ops wasn’t for everyone. There had been “black classes”—when no trainee made it all the way through the process—before, and there would be again. He remembered seeing the specs for one recent class. Out of 171 trainees, only thirty-one had graduated.

Entering through the side door, Leaper opened up each of the boxes holding his trainees and pulled off their hoods. He pointed to a position along the wall. They seemed relieved to see him and scrambled out of the boxes and into position very quickly. So far, his guys looked okay. This night hadn’t destroyed them.

Leaper pulled off the last hood. “Hey, Captain Kirk. What’s up?”

“W-w-what?” The legacy trainee looked up at Leaper with wide eyes. There were tear streaks along his cheeks and long scratches along his arms. None of them looked deep enough to get medical involved, but the kid was eerily quiet. How is it that I missed seeing this behavior or the evidence of it before? Is Quentin a cutter or into self-flagellation? None of that info is listed in his file. I need to keep an eye on this kid. “Okay, Kirkland. Get on your feet and into line with the rest of your group.”

The kid pulled down his sleeves and hastily wiped his eyes before joining the rest of the group. All of his trainees moved quickly and easily, which meant they hadn’t been in the boxes very long. The expressions on their faces ranged from tired to relieved.

“Okay, release the rest of the trainees, even those not in your boat group, and form two lines. Don’t worry about cleaning up this place. I know several men who are going to enjoy wiping piss and shit and puke out of boxes and off the floors. Now, move.”

“Yes, Instructor.”

Leaper left the room, closing the door quietly behind him. He silently studied the three SEAL Instructors—correction, two assigned SEAL Instructors and one future Rotation Instructor—as he approached them. He didn’t need to ask whose idea it was to “go off book” with the trainees. He stalked toward the shortest man, a guy called Zoxt, until he was only a few inches from his face. “What gives you the right to step into our Instructor Rotation? I am doing everything in my power not to put you through that fucking wall. I know BUD/S CO Swifton wouldn’t sign off on this. So tell me—why are you fucking with my men?” His voice was a low and deadly thunder. The switch had been flipped, and there was something at the back of his brain attempting to remind him that Zoxt was a brother, a SEAL. Yet there were bad apples in the bunch sometimes.

“Listen, man, this shit doesn’t normally happen to me. I’m in the next rotation, and I wanted to get my feet wet. You know how it is.” The idiot kept talking. There were no words of remorse or questions about the trainees’ welfare. Every word was me, me, me! “I had the boys call you because it seemed serious. The trainee wouldn’t stop screaming. Freaked me out.”

Leaper’s voice was like gravel on glass, low and harsh. “You sick fuck! There’s an order and protocol to how we train. The reason we do this particular exercise is to prepare the trainees for the worst of the worst, the unthinkable, which is being captured. But we’re not at that aspect of training. I think you’re a sadist. You were bored and wanted to feel like a god. That’s not what we do here. We are training and testing these men in an attempt to save their lives. What? Do you think this is your personal playground?” Leaper’s mind had clicked off the tiny voice squeaking out protests and warnings to play nice. “Do you think you’re doing the trainees a favor by treating them as your own personal chew toys?”

Zoxt chortled. “Slow yourself, man. You’re overreacting. Hell, I know it sure seems bad now, but it was good for a while. You should have seen them squirm. You know how it is. This is, you know, what it is.”

“What I know”—Leaper stepped closer so that his breath was blowing onto Zoxt’s face—“is that the trainees are not physically and mentally prepared to face it at this point. They don’t understand themselves, let alone their link to the Team or their Teammates.” It was like reasoning with a worm, trying to convince it not to crawl. “Why aren’t you hearing me, that we work in a certain order? You’ve fucked with a very careful, tried, and safe plan. You are done, and not just for the night.”

“Other people have tried to shoot me down, but I’m tough-skinned.” Zoxt was attempting to look past Leaper to the other two SEALs in the room, as if looking for backup. If they were smart, and remembered that Leaper was a wild card, they wouldn’t get involved.

“Look at me, Zoxt. Look. At. Me.” Leaper’s voice was like ice, and if it had been a sword, it would have sliced Zoxt in two.

Reluctantly, the man met his gaze. “Feel like a big man, ordering me around because I’m shorter?”

“No, but my rank is higher, if you need that excuse. I’m telling you what to do so I don’t physically twist your head off your neck. You need to read your SEAL Ethos. You need to get some basic fucking lessons in humanity, and I guarantee you that your next rotation will not be here. We do not allow egomaniacs near our training candidates. Now, tell me you’re going to report to the CO of BUD/S first thing in the morning and apologize, before I lose my last thread of control.”

Zoxt shrugged. “Yeah, man. Whatever. The exercise has lost its fun anyhow.”

Something snapped in Leaper, and it was all he could do to watch the poor excuse for a man walk out of the building. Closing the distance to the other two men in the room, he barked out orders. “Get them fed and showered and tuck them into bed. If the trainees are not treated with kid gloves while you are doing this…I’m waking Swifton and marching you into his office tonight. Oh, and the three of you, have fun cleaning up the mess in that room. I look forward to seeing it sparkle with the cleaning power of bleach. I’ll know if you bring in help.”

The men stood there, eyeballing Leaper and clearly wondering if they dared to defy him. They were young, their first rotation as Instructors, with one tour under their belts and staffer positions on their resume. He didn’t need diplomatic relations; he needed responsible people at this helm. As Leaper leaned in, their faces contorted into acknowledgment. They nodded and then sidestepped him, heading toward the box room.

Rage beat inside of Leaper’s body. His anger wanted out. Practically every man who’d had boots on the ground and had been in significant action had some kind of beast. The longer he was in the field and the bloodier it was when he fought, the bigger and stronger the beast grew, until the feral and primal creature was only a breath away from action. But Leaper knew better than to unleash his creature. Controlling it gave him so much more focus and energy. Good decisions came out of calm. The training had taught him this fact—the very exercise those men had experienced tonight, in truth. But without the knowledge that comes from the second half of this all-important lesson, it was a useless and tortuous lesson.

It was a damn shame. The three men had cheated these trainees out of experiencing personal revelations and important combat lessons. There’s power in learning from fear and pain, and learning how to move forward from emotion; as one masters the mental challenge, the skills and insights provide even more valuable information about the inner workings of an individual. Would the trainees get all of this info now, after this mess? He hoped so. But there was no doubt in his mind that all the instructors would be working double-time to give them their best.

Leaper rubbed his chin, doing something ordinary and calming and attempting to reign in his inner demon. His creature had a devilish side, and it was a ravenous and unforgiving beast. The things it had done, with his permission, were best not talked about. It was the side of him that could rip flesh open using only the strength in his arms and hands.

Stepping into the darkness, Leaper gritted his teeth and then pulled out his phone and texted Swifton. The CO was his best friend, and he needed to know about the load of crap that was walking into his office tomorrow morning. As he traded texts with Swifton, Leaper waited and watched from the sidelines…giving himself more time to cool down and to make sure his instructions were carried out to the letter.

* * *

The bombshell that waited for him at home was the most welcome sight of his life. Curled up in his lounger was Kerry. He was afraid he’d scared her off. This was the first time in a long time that a lady had surprised him, and he was grateful. Though it would have been a lot more welcoming if she were naked or wrapped in a towel…but maybe he was getting ahead of himself.

Kerry Hamilton was smart, sassy, and so damn sexy. She was definitely out of his league, and yet she hadn’t given up on him. Wasn’t it a good sign that she was still here?

His inner critter seemed to think so, because it rolled over and presented its belly in the presence of this luscious, gorgeous lady. God, he needed a little goodness in his life. She was like straight sunshine. His world had been one deployment after another until his mind felt like a gun constantly being cleaned and reloaded for the next interaction. Time to get off the merry-go-round for a while.

Giving into his urge, he sat down on the adjacent lounger and leaned forward. His lips teased along the edge of her hand and arm.

“Leaper,” she sighed. Her body was cramped, and she slowly unfolded herself from the small ball she’d curled into as her eyes opened. She blinked several times, realizing she’d fallen asleep in his lounger looking out over the water. He was smiling at her from the chair next to hers, and he looked delighted to see her. “Sorry, I must have been more tired than I realized.” She pointed across the water. “I can see the Marine Mammal docks from here, and if you listen closely—”

“You can hear the sea lions.” He pulled her into his arms. “I’m glad you stayed. Seeing you, after the hours I just spent… Well, it means a lot.” He held her close, breathing in her scent.

“I take it that things didn’t go well.”

“No. It was screwed— Uh, I mean, things went sideways very quickly. Do you mind if we don’t talk about it? Maybe we could pick up where we left off?”

She pursed her lips. “I’ve been thinking. Are we moving too fast? Should we slow down?”

His mouth descended on hers. All thoughts of protest melted away as his hands stripped the clothes slowly from her body. So much for willpower!

Leaper scooped her up in his arms and carried her into his bedroom. Placing her gently on the bed as if she were as light as a feather, he kneeled down before her. “Please…have me?” The words were spoken as a question, one that was vulnerable and heartfelt.

She couldn’t stop her hand from caressing his cheek and chin. She moved closer and kissed his mouth with a tenderness that spoke volumes.

Leaper took off his clothes and lay down beside her. His hand stroked the skin of her cheeks and lips, and then he kissed her again. The delicate touch of his lips deepened to a passionate, raw emotion that was just underneath.

As he held her as if she were a fragile, precious beauty, her own needs were rising, ignited by his ministrations.

She tossed her hair over one shoulder and then cupped her breasts. Her thumbs and forefingers toyed with her nipples. She watched his pupils dilate. Slowly she lowered her chest toward his bare skin and then caressed his nipples with the erect tips of hers.

“Kerry, I never wanted to leave you. Not like that. You’re so extraordinary, and from that first kiss, I knew I wanted to spend time with you—”

“Shush. No need to apologize. Let’s just be… Let’s connect.” She kissed him and lay down on top of him.

His breath shuddered out as his hands grasped her bottom. “You’re so radiant.” His large hands covered her backside, gently squeezing them, and the heat from his palms was an erotic and titillating sensation.

She gyrated her hips in a tantalizingly slow rhythm against his.

He moaned with pleasure.

Kerry wasn’t sure where this vixen was coming from, but this was one of her greatest fantasies coming true. She was in charge of all of this sexy muscle and heat. Thrilled by his response, she kissed her way down his belly. She teased her tongue over his skin and heard him moan with pleasure.

“Please…”

“Please what? Stop or don’t stop?” she mumbled against his skin, never halting her sensual torture.

“Don’t stop,” he sighed. “You’re so seductive. I’m totally at your mercy.”

“That’s right, funnyman. Who’s laughing now?” She reached for his member and took him into her mouth. She felt him shudder against her tongue. Giving pleasure was, for her, one of the most intense and most personal, intimate experiences in the world.

His hands sought her, stroking her and teasing her and urging her onto the path of delight.

As his scent filled her senses, she enjoyed the heady feeling of being in control of his desire and adored the way he lost himself in the sensations. Wetness seeped from between her thighs.

He tumbled her onto her back. “May I?” His eyes were alight with fervor and passion, and she couldn’t resist smiling. He growled low and lustfully.

Kerry loved it. She replied in turn, holding his head with both of her palms as she kissed him. “Yes. Yes. Yes.” She punctuated each word with a more ravaging kiss until they were lost in the embrace.

Leaper’s mouth was equal parts praise and plunder until she was the one begging for more.

Somewhere in the heat of their kisses, their bodies connected. His hips set an achingly slow rhythm, and she shifted her position, urging him to go faster.

Kerry’s hips set the rhythm as she flew over the edge of pleasure. Her body pulsed with joy as each climax took her higher until she couldn’t bear it any longer. Nothing could be greater than this moment. But as Leaper released his seed, flooding her body, he cried out her name in sheer delight. Her body drank deeply of him, and the glory of this experience gave her the biggest climax of her life. She joined his declaration as she shouted, “Leaper. Oh God. Yes!”

They clung to each other, unwilling to let go. Being joined so intimately was a rare moment; it was impossible to feel where he started and she ended. Oneness. It was the inspiration of poetry and art.

He sighed. The bliss.

Both of their bodies were covered with sweat as he rolled them onto their sides. Leaning his head against hers, he spoke first. “How…I mean, I’m…are you okay?” He was adorable.

Her lips pulled into a smile. She opened her mouth and licked at the beads of sweat on his skin. “Yes.”

He shuddered against her. “Kerry.”

“Hmm?”

“Can you say my name?”

She nodded her head. “Leaper,” she sighed. “Leap-er.” Tucking herself tight against him, she pulled a thick lock of hair against her cheek just in time to catch the tears streaming down her face.

She prayed he didn’t feel or see them. This was the most intense physical joining of her life, a connection deeper than anything she’d felt before. Not that she’d had much experience, but it was enough to know that Leaper had shifted something significant inside of her. Her heart thumped loudly, and she placed their joined hands over her it.

“Mmm, that’s great,” he mumbled.

God, this is… He is…so sexy. This is too much, too fast.

Crossing her arm over her eyes, she wiped away the evidence of her emotion. It was too early to feel this way. Why was she an all-or-nothing kind of girl? She didn’t sit on the fence—either she liked someone or she didn’t. Damn. Maybe she shouldn’t have slept with him so fast. Had her plan backfired on her? This wasn’t just a fun romp or scratching an itch. She was already becoming invested.

Right. You made your choice and you can’t take it back. Unless you want to end it now.

She was frustrated by the thought. She wanted more of him, and she couldn’t let herself dwell on any negativity.

I’ll see what happens. Uncertainty made her horribly uncomfortable, but what choice did she have? Living for the moment had to be enough.

* * *

Nighttime was a magical time in California. The moments before the sun kissed the ocean with brilliance were among the most profound and quiet on the planet.

Sure, sunsets and sunrises hit the top-ten list. They were stunning, with their hot colors, dark pinks and oranges, as they split the blue horizon and painted breathtaking pictures. But night was his preference, and it could be transporting. It was as if the sun melted into the ocean, sending out silence to ride the majestic waves in a rhythmic meter of peaceful lapping. It made one feel at peace, in tune with Mother Nature.

Was it any surprise that a few hours before sunrise, Leaper found Kerry standing at the window, gazing out at the ocean?

He slipped silently out of his bed and came up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her naked torso and kissed the side of her neck. “An early…good morning.”

She hugged his arms. Her head nestled into the crook of his neck. “Yes, it is.”

“I see you appreciate a fine view.”

She nodded her head. “I certainly do.”

“Do you like my home?”

“Very much. How can you afford it?”

He chuckled. “It’s free, the guesthouse of a Frogman and his wife who like having me around to help now and then. They think of themselves as my substitute parents. I’ll admit to having a soft spot for them. Besides, living on the water, right off First Street…well, it’s pretty cool.”

“What do your folks think about the Frogman and his wife? Are they jealous?”

“Don’t know. I’m an orphan. Well, I was until the SEAL Team. Those guys are my brothers. Along with the couple in the big house up there, that’s my entire family.” He paused, and then he said, “Guess that’s why I’m the funny guy.”

“Making yourself likable to one and all.” She touched his hand. “You don’t have to do that with me. I want you to be comfortable.”

“I am.” He nuzzled her shoulder. “It feels…different with you.”

“Yeah…for me too.”

He squeezed her gently. “Hey, are you thinking about taking a swim? Maybe the kelp beds around the far side of Point Loma?”

Tilting her head back, she held his stare. “Are you a mind reader or something? I thought you might be tired.”

“I don’t sleep much.” He grinned at her. “Who doesn’t enjoy a good late-night swim? Though I’m sure you know how cold it is… Do you want to borrow a wetsuit? I think my swim buddy Declan’s wife left a two-piece suit here a week ago. She’s tall, but you could tuck it here and here.” His hands mimicked slicking the wetsuit top around her waist.

She giggled and batted his hands away. “Stop that. I’m familiar with wetsuits. Let’s go swim before I change my mind and take you back into bed.”

“Huh, that idea has merit.” He held up his hands and took several steps away from her naked form. The trees and shrubs blocked the neighbors’ view. He knew she couldn’t have any idea how hard it was not to sweep her into his arms and worship that gorgeous, supple, and curvy form right here and now. God, he could spend years learning her hills and valleys. Before he talked himself back into a horizontal cha-cha, he strode to the closet with his raging hard-on and dug through its contents. Strewing random items all over the floor—hats, boots, coats, gloves—he finally located what he was looking for on a pile of old clothes in the back.

“Got it.” He grabbed the two-piece wetsuit, grateful his friends had left it here, and took it back to the bedroom. Laying them over his shoulders, he rushed into the bedroom and did his best Tarzan roar until she turned to look at him.

“Leaper!” She laughed as she took the wetsuit from him. Pausing, she swatted at his naked hip. “Very sexy. Me Jane.”

He grinned, sat down on the bed, and watched her pull on a pair of panties and then cover her body with baby powder. She pulled on the pants and wiggled into the tight shirt. The suit was a little too long for her tiny frame and, in his opinion, pleasingly snug in all the right places. Thank God there would only be fish out there taking a gander at her.

She walked slowly to the full-length mirror. Rubbing the baby powder off the tip of her nose and her forehead, she nodded her head. “It will do.”

Leaper donned his wetsuit, bottoms only. His body was desensitized to the water around here. Sure, it could get cold, but it was nothing like the Arctic. Somehow, that shit chilled even the nerves in his teeth. Brrr.

Closing the door behind them, he took her hand. It was tiny in his. He squeezed it gently and she squeezed back. His eyes caught hers, and he leaned down and kissed her.

Those tender lips, her sweet scent… It all had him wondering if they should make love again. But her smile as she pulled away from him and tugged him toward the water lured him like a Siren’s call, urging him into the dark and dangerous ocean.

“Leaper,” she called softly, like a whisper on the wind. The evening light silhouetted her body. Full darkness wasn’t here yet. As the runes say, it was the Dagaz—a time in between the two forces, where the veil between life and death thins and anything is possible.

She pulled her hand from his and walked ahead of him.

His brow furrowed. He didn’t want to let her go.

His hands snaked out and caught her. “Careful here. The rocks are sharp.”

“I’ll be okay,” she answered.

“Allowing rocks to mangle her feet is no way to treat a lady.” Leaper scooped Kerry up in his arms and carried her over the sharpest offenders. His feet were roughened by years of abuse, and nothing could penetrate his calluses. Hell, he could walk on a football field full of glass and never get cut.

“Oh!” Kerry exclaimed. “You make me feel like I weigh as much as leaf.”

“You do.” He smiled at her. “Maybe a little less. A quarter of a leaf.”

As they reached the sandy bottom where it connected with the water, he slowly lowered her to the ground. Electric jolts zipped through his body as she rubbed against him. “Damn, you’re beautiful,” he said.

“You’re pretty sexy too.” She leaned her head against his chest and placed a kiss over his heart.

His body shuddered. He swallowed the strange lump in his throat. “Pretty, huh? I’d rather go for handsome, but if I must live with the ‘pretty’ label, I should probably do my hair before we swim.”

Kerry pushed against his chest, and he pretended to topple over. He landed in the water with a splash, sending a wave of water her way.

They played for several moments, splashing each other and laughing, before he said, “Let’s hop. I’m ready for some adventure.”

She nodded her head and gave him her hand.

* * *

The boat was adorable, and so close to Leaper’s home. Next to the guesthouse was a small shack with wide-open double doors displaying paddleboards, kayaks, paddles, and additional water gear. Below that was a stone wall separating the land from the stone-and-sand beach where Leaper’s boat was tied to a large buoy. He could access it whenever he wanted.

Leaper helped her into a small four-person inflatable boat. He triggered the starboard and port running lights and then turned over the engine, and the boat took off. The wind picked up as they zipped past a line of carriers and ships. They went past the point of Naval Air Station North Island and the Point Loma Submarine Base and around the edge of the giant landmass until they reached the area where they could free drive and find the kelp beds.

Leaper cut the engine and tossed an anchor over the side of the boat. He set out a diving buoy and several lights before opening a small watertight chest and taking out two diving masks, snorkels, and sets of fins. After he handed her the necessary equipment, he strapped a knife to his leg, tying a bandana into one corner of the strap.

“What’s that for?” Kerry asked, fingering the orange cloth with black diamonds on it. “Is it a fashion statement?”

“It’s whatever I need it to be,” he replied with a shrug. He gave her a mock salute and slid over the side, disappearing into the cold water.

* * *

Lights from the buoy and boat filtered down, and Kerry could see the surface of waves above them. The eerie light permeated the kelp bed, catching the creatures inside unawares. A unique forest full of sea life skittered around, tickling her and making her giddy as they passed by. There was such a humbling feeling of grandeur in the ocean. You could know everything and nothing, but witness it all the same.

Her fingers touched the tall stalks of giant kelp—Macrocystis pyrifera—as they wavered in the ocean current like cornstalks in a strong breeze. She slid her fingers along part of their length. This stuff was harvested throughout the coast and used in a variety of products. It was so big here, she wondered if anyone knew about this prize cache. She certainly wasn’t going to tell them.

Diving down, she felt along the rocky bottom and recognized bull kelp. A soupfin shark swam by, its tail touching her briefly. She wondered what lived beyond the light, what could sense or see her.

She shivered. Danger was never far.

Sea lions swam above her. She checked to make sure she wasn’t going to step on a stingray, a common and often deadly occurrence. Relieved she was clear, she pushed off from the ocean floor. The sea lions were suddenly below her now, playing in and out of the numerous plants.

Her eyes sought Leaper. Where was that man? Just as suddenly as she started looking for him, there he was beside her, within arm’s reach.

He was rolling around with the sea lions and obviously having as much fun as the pups. She wanted to warn him, tell them they often bit as part of their communication, but he dodged an avaricious mouth, proving he was already aware.

He spun and somersaulted, avoiding the twisting stalks. It was as if he understood the undulating pattern of the plants and mammals. His ability to relax in the water was so natural that she almost forgot she was holding her breath. How could he stay down here so long? His lungs must hold double what hers did. Probably all that SEAL training.

She started for the surface and kicked out with her foot before her lungs burst, but an errant kelp plant caught her leg, winding itself tightly around it. She reached out and tried to untangle it, but her body was starved for air, and she could feel panic climbing up her spine.

It’s natural, she told herself. Calm down.

Her body wouldn’t obey. She struggled with the kelp, and it seemed to pull tighter with each tug.

A scream escaped her mouth, but hands on her foot forced her to look down.

It was Leaper. He cut the kelp from her foot and drew her to him. Kissing her, he forced air into her mouth. She drew it into her lungs, blowing the exhalation out her nose, and his arm held her to him as his powerful legs took them to the top.

They broke the surface. Cold batted her skin, and she gulped in fresh air.

“Slowly,” he murmured. “Take it easy. I’m right here.”

“I never panic. Don’t…know why…I did.” It took her several seconds before she calmed.

“Happens,” Leaper said, watching her. Was he assessing her fitness? Nuts, had she screwed up? She wished she could read his mind.

“Is this the way things are going to be between us?”

“What?” His brow furrowed. He looked puzzled. “I don’t understand.”

She leaned her head against him and felt his warm hands rubbing the back of her neck. “You…having the upper hand.”

His fingers found her chin and tipped her head back. “I’d say it’s equal. We both have the power. I would never want to lessen who you are, only enhance it, and I’d hope you’d want the same for me.”

That message combined with the massage took her breath away. “Where have you been all this time? I’ve lived here for years, and we’re only finding each other now. Why?” She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him with every bit of passion in her soul. “Seems improbable.”

His response was intense and immediate as he rolled onto his back, dragging her on top of him and heading for the RIB. “Improbable, but not impossible. Life unfolds as it does. A moment is forever and forever is nothing but a moment. My life doesn’t have guarantees.”

“I know, but I’ll take a million nows.”

“Agreed.” Being the gentleman he was, he put his hand under her bum and lifted her upward and into the boat.

She couldn’t stop a giggle from escaping a mouth. What woman didn’t want to feel as if she weighed nothing, bouncing around with delight?

Leaper plopped himself next to her. He leaned over her and said, “How do you feel about public displays of affection?”

She poked her head over the sides of the boat. All clear. “Right now? So risky, naughty, and very, very sexy.”

She’d risk it…for him.

* * *

He pulled in the buoy and turned off the spotlights. Grinning, Leaper turned his attention to Kerry. His eyes slid over her before he gently and methodically tugged and peeled her out of her two-piece wetsuit. When she was naked to the night air, he couldn’t resist placing a kiss on the curve of her hips where they met her thighs. The skin was so soft. He could have spent hours exploring there and the spot between those milky thighs. When she bucked wantonly against him, he hastily disrobed himself. The boat was rocking back and forth precariously by the time they were both naked.

Lying down next to her, he trailed his fingertips up her belly. “Hope no one comes a-knocking with the boat a-rocking.”

“Dork!” she laughed as she pulled his head down toward her. She kissed him.

Passion surged through his body. The boat was really moving now, and water splashed inside, breaking the mood. “Uh, how about we switch places?”

“Happy to. I prefer being on top.” She crawled from beneath his embrace. “Now you get the wet spot, literally.”

“Ha-ha,” he said as he lowered his butt into two inches of seawater. It was cold and a bit of a turnoff, but when she climbed on top of him, he couldn’t stop himself ignoring the discomfort and focusing on the delight. His next sigh was one of pure spectator’s delight. “Talk about a bed with a view.”

Her luscious body loomed over him, and she was silhouetted by a glorious moon rising and an early sprinkling of a few stars. Hey, could he help it if he was a sucker for a gorgeous lady? Hell no!

God, she’s beautiful! Her confidence is a serious aphrodisiac.

His hands steadied her hips as she lowered herself onto his erection. Kerry’s body was slick and warm as it enveloped him. This is…the definition of pure bliss, he thought.

She shuddered as her body stretched to accommodate him fully, and then she arched her back and sighed. “I love the feeling of my body coming, even when it’s a tiny cascade at the entrance.”

Flexing his fingers, he said, “Let’s see if I can turn those small moments into giant, breathtaking cries of delight.”

She wiggled her hips, sending a wave of excitement through him.

He felt the boat rocking erratically, but her kisses were so enticing that he lost track of the movement.

She leaned down and caught his bottom lip between her teeth. “Game on.” The kiss that followed her declaration was punctuated by some rather sexy groping and stroking, leading him to forget that they were in a rubber boat.

In an attempt to haul her down beside him, he moved suddenly and the boat rocked violently, abruptly dumping them both into the water.

Cold, salty ocean water was an unexpected wake-up call. Of course, the Pacific had no idea who it was dealing with.

Leaper and Kerry both came up laughing and sputtering. The boat had righted itself and was mere inches away. Thank God for the anchor, or they’d have been racing the current for their ride home.

Wiping drops off water off his face, Leaper drew this gorgeous, incredibly sexy woman into his embrace. His body was still primed and ready for love, and his chuckle was filled with innuendo. “Oh, how I love a challenge. A little cold water is not going to douse my excitement.”

Kerry placed her arms around his neck and nuzzled his shoulder. “Mine neither.” Next, she wound her legs around his waist. “You know, I am a doctor. Maybe I should check your heart rate and stamina, SEAL man.”

“Ar, ar, ar,” he replied, mimicking a sea lion. His lips found hers as her body lowered onto his waiting shaft. He thrust his hips forward, and their bodies found a slow, sensual rhythm.

Shudders of intense pleasure raced through him. Hell, he could tread water for hours, days even. In his opinion, the toughest part was already out of the way—there was no disrobing of wet clothes in the ocean. Being naked and being alone… Well, that definitely had its advantages.