Page 21 of Wicked Rush

“You said you wouldn’t call the police,” she immediately replied, her voice distressed.

“Ho, ho, hold the presses there, darlin’. Not even close to being a cop. You got me all wrong, Doc.” Seth set the forks onto the table and slowly approached her, holding both hands up in the air. “I’m just a friend. One,” he paused as his eyes darted to Lars and back to Braelynn, “who, uh, likes to surf.”

“Your appointment?” she asked quietly.

“Yes, well, one of them. I forgot I was meeting Seth, and as always happens, he stopped by to look for me.” Lars knelt down to Braelynn, taking her hand in his. His eyes met hers, a warm smile on his lips. “I promised you I wouldn’t call the police and I meant it. You can trust me.”

Braelynn’s gaze went to Seth who gave a small smile, and back to Lars. He sensed her fear but the gentle squeeze to his hand told him that no matter her hesitation, she clung to him. She may have been unable to articulate their developing connection but her touch didn’t lie.

“Seth is just going to have some breakfast with us. Then he’s got to…”

“Yeah, I, uh, should probably get going. I can still get a few sets in,” Seth told her. “I promised a friend we’d go hike Torrey Pines later this afternoon.”

Lars gave him a nod, appreciating his tact. “Let’s just have some breakfast and then we can talk. I’ll take you back to your car.”

“Thanks. Sorry.” The color returned to Braelynn’s face.

“No need to be sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Seth offered.

“You okay?” The empathy in his voice surprised Lars. His protective streak had never been a secret but until now it had been reserved for those close to him. He prayed his attraction was skin deep, but as she blinked up at him, he suspected otherwise.

“Yes, thanks,” she replied, her eyes locked on his. “I’m sorry. You won’t hurt me.”

Lars couldn’t be sure if she meant it or if she’d said the phrase to convince herself. The words rolled through him and he wished he hadn’t invited Seth. He needed time to talk with her privately, to reveal her secrets, to touch her…body and soul. Desire coiled in his chest and he deliberately sucked a breath, swallowing the emotion. Seth would read it as easily as fear, and he wasn’t ready to reveal his cards to anyone.

She stood and released his hand, and he watched in fascination as her courage returned. Approaching Seth, she extended her hand, briefly shaking his. Her intrepid greeting ended quickly and before she sat at the table, her eyes darted to Lars, an easy smile forming on her lips. He brushed his palm over her shoulder, but catching the look of interest on Seth’s face, he broke the contact.

Lars turned to his friend, meeting his gaze directly. “Are you going to Altura tonight?”

“Yeah, Garrett wanted to have a get together before the big charity event next weekend. The building’s almost ready,” Seth responded, concern in his eyes.

“I’ll be there.” Lars mentioned Club Altura, aware he’d enjoy taking Braelynn.

Its purpose or membership wasn’t discussed openly with others. Admittance by invitation only, the members were a select group of friends engaged in extreme sports, reveling in risk. While it had been Garrett’s baby, the team contributed, selecting monthly adventures. When not jumping out of planes or rock climbing, they enjoyed the social aspect. They held private parties with few rules. Push limits as far as you want, be safe, have fun. Not all members indulged in the open sexuality, yet no one judged.

“This is really good.” Seth changed the subject.

“You need to learn how to cook.”

“This is, hmm.” Braelynn briefly closed her eyes, savoring her bite. “Sorry, it’s just I don’t get homemade food like this often.”

“It’s a recipe from my mom, but I prefer it with avocados.” As she dragged the tip of her tongue over her lip, blood rushed to Lars’ cock.

“I eat out a lot. I love to cook too, but…” her words drifted off and she averted her gaze from Lars. Stabbing a piece of the delicious creation, she lifted it to her mouth. “I used to cook before I moved here.”

“How long have you been in California?” Lars asked.

“Less than two years.” Braelynn slid the fork into her mouth and shrugged.

“You did work in the Caribbean, right?”

Braelynn chewed her food and nodded, not answering.

“What kind of work do you do here in San Diego?” Seth asked. He glanced to Lars, who gave him a pointed stare.

“I, uh, I have a degree in marine biology,” she responded, not divulging the information he sought.

“Do you surf?”