Page 75 of Riptide

“Fucking yes, fuck yes.” Seth thrust up hard inside her, over and over, coming deep inside her.

Kaimana panted for breath, her body still tingling from her orgasm. With a gentle release, Seth removed the toy and himself from inside her. Within seconds, he tugged the covers over her, enveloping them in a warm cocoon.

Kaimana’s heart crushed as she molded to him, resting her head on his chest with a leg draped across his. She’d never met anyone like Seth Tremaine. Her soul craved his. Emotion welled inside her chest as the rush of feelings overwhelmed her.

I love you.

* * *

Kaimana yawned and reached for Seth, her fingers sliding over the black silk sheets. As she grasped at a blanket, finding him gone, she moaned in disappointment.

Her thoughts drifted to the previous night and her escalating feelings for Seth. She groaned as she opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling, recalling what she’d told him. I really really like you. “Ugh…why did I say that? So cringe.”

Kaimana stilled as the scent of bacon filtered into her bedroom. “And the man cooks. He’s killing me.”

She forced herself out of bed and slid into a robe he’d left for her on the dresser. Though tempted to dart off to see Evan and Seth, she decided on using the bathroom. As she passed through the doorway, a sticky note posted to the mirror caught her attention, a handwritten note in blue ink, complete with a heart from Seth.

Good morning, Kai. I really, really, really like you too. -Seth

She laughed and a broad smile broke across her face and butterflies danced in her stomach. “My man has a way with words.”

* * *

Kaimana nearly had a heart attack when she found Evan’s room empty, but the familiar sound of his laughter sent her running into the family room. She gasped as she caught sight of him sitting on the sofa, holding a bottle of water in his hands, wearing a gentle grin on his battered face. With an overgrown beard and hollowed cheeks, she’d have barely recognized him save the twinkle in his blue eyes she’d come to know so well.

“Evan!” She rushed to her friend and knelt on the sofa beside him.

“Kaimana, thank God you’re okay.” Evan stretched out his arms to her.

“Can I hug you?” She hesitated, concerned she might hurt him.

“Come here.” He pulled her into an embrace.

“Thank God you’re okay.” Tears brimmed her eyes as she gently hugged him. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too, my little warrior.”

Kaimana eased off him, her heart full of gratitude. No matter how many times she’d said he was alive, she’d prayed that it was really true. But now actually being with him again, hearing his voice…her heart burst with joy.

“Kaimana never gave up on you, bro.”

She beamed as she looked up to see Seth. Her cheeks flushed, recalling last night. “Hey.”

“You get my note?” he asked with a devious smile.

“Yes. Yes, I did,” she laughed.

“Did you like it?” He sipped his coffee, still smiling.

“I really, really, really liked it.” Kaimana bit her lip, a silent exchange passing between them.

“That must have been some note.” Evan raised his eyebrows.

“Well, you know I’m quite the writer when I want to be,” Seth told him.

“Really? You’re a writer now? There must have been some developments while I was away?”

Kaimana’s face reddened and she desperately tried not to laugh.