Page 35 of Triton

I took both of her hands in mine and gazed down at her. “Aria, you are in perfect shape. Just relax abit.”

“I can’t. I came to Coronado to train, and I’ve been spending time with you, so I’m behind.”

“Behind on what? What are you training for exactly?”

She pulled her hair and looked away from me. “Nothing. You’re right.” She looked around the kitchen, extricated herself from my grip, and poured herself a rum and coke in a red solo cup. “Hey. I wanted to tell you something.”

“What’sup?”

“I like that you keep trying to push me out of my comfortzone.”

“I just want you to live a little, sweetheart. I spent six months of my life in BUD/S training. I was so focused. Didn’t want to let my dad down. But he died right after I graduated. He invited me to a Padres game once, and I didn’t go because I was training. I regret not taking the time to havefun.”

She gave me a sympathetic nod and stroked my forearm. “Wow. I’m sure he understood.”

“Yeah. Well, I can’t go back in time. I’d been so focused on school, my career. I want to make my personal life a priority.”

A shadow crossed her lovely face. “I don’t even know what that means. I’ve never even had a boyfriend.”

My heart hammered in my chest, and a wave of possessiveness surged through me. “Well, you have onenow.”

She opened her mouth and then closed it quickly, her gaze darting between my eyes and the floor. “I like you, Erik. I really do…more than you can possibly know. But I’m leaving. I just don’t see how this can workout.”

“Doesn’t matter that you are leaving. Any relationship I’m in is long distance. You could be in another country, and it wouldn’t make a difference. I’ll be halfway around the world next month.”

She took a step back from me. “Look, I really care about you. It’sjust—”

“Just what? What are you so afraid of, baby? We’re perfect for each other.”

“But…how can you even say that? You don’t even knowme!”

I pulled her into my arms and held her close, forcing her to look at me. “You’re drop dead gorgeous. But it’s so much more than that. We’re both over achievers . . . and you inspire me. I’ll never be lazy with you. And I can teach you to have some fun, too. I’m a SEAL officer, and I want a strong woman like you beside me. Give me a chance.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Erik…my life is just so complicated right now that I can’t even think about anything long-term. Can’t we just enjoy our time together until I leave and then figure things out from there?”

“Fine.” I pounded my beer and left her in the kitchen. I wasn’t delusional. I knew she was attracted to me. I could see the way she looked at me, feel the way she touched me. If any part of me thought that she wasn’t interested in me, I’d back off. But that wasn’t it. Something was holding her back, and I didn’t have a clue what itwas.

But I was a SEAL—and SEALs neverquit.

I’d just have to break down her walls and make hermine.