“Your brother mentioned you took some classes.”
Something shutters in her expression, and I immediately regret bringing it up. But then she straightens, lifting her chin.
“I did. Six months of Krav Maga.”
Pride makes me nod.
“Good. That's good.” I start moving toward the shallower end where we can stand. “Want to learn some water-specific techniques?”
“Right now? You’re kidding.”
“Why not? We're here. Might as well make it educational.”
She laughs, following me. “Are you seriously trying to give me self-defense lessons to avoid kissing me again?”
“I'm trying to be responsible.”
“That's the worst reason I've ever heard.”
Maybe. But if I kiss her now the way I'm dying to, I won't stop. And she deserves better than me losing control on the first night.
We reach the shallow end where the water hits my chest, her shoulders. I can stand, feet planted on the smooth stone bottom.
“Okay, sir.” She's grinning now, eyes dancing with challenge. “Teach me.”
Those words in that voice nearly undo me.
I clear my throat. “First scenario. Someone grabs you from behind in the water. What do you do?”
“Elbow to the ribs?”
“Won't work as well in water. Resistance slows you down.” I move behind her, carefully—giving her time to object. “Can I demonstrate?”
She nods, and I wrap one arm around her waist, pulling her back against my chest.
Huge tactical error. I’m erect. She’s soft.
Focus.
“The instinct is to pull away,” I say with my voice rougher. “But in water, that won't work. Instead, you drop your weight.”
I demonstrate, letting my knees bend, pulling her down with me until we're both submerged to our necks.
“Then you twist.” I guide her through the motion, and she turns in my arms, breaking the hold.
When she surfaces, she's laughing, hair plastered to her face. “That actually works.”
“Told you.”
“Show me another.”
“Wrist grab.” I catch her wrist gently. “Someone gets hold of you, tries to pull you somewhere. What's your move?”
She thinks about it, biting her lip. “Twist toward their thumb?”
“Exactly. Weakest point of the grip.” I demonstrate slowly, and she mimics the motion. “Good. Now faster.”
We drill it a few times, and I try to focus on the technique instead of the way she looks with water sliding down her skin, the way her breath comes faster with exertion, the way her eyes light up when she gets it right.
