Page 8 of Riptide

“Best of the best. You should see it.”

“I’m down if you are.”

“Kaimana won’t be happy.” Keanu raised his eyebrows at Seth and shrugged. “I won’t tell if you don’t. Where the hell you gonna go in the middle of the night anyway?”

“You got that right. I could barely stand earlier today.” Seth nodded and headed out into the hallway. “You surf, bro?”

“You know I do. Can’t wait to get back home.” Keanu shook his head and waved him through the hallway toward the elevator. “Bet you got some stories.”

“Did I ever tell you about my wipeout at Nazaré?” Got some stories? Do I ever.

* * *

Seth sat across from Keanu and nodded at the waiter who placed a flower-shaped pad of butter in front of him. He glanced around the sizable dining room, noting the curved metal chandelier. Seth recalled a similar piece that a close friend once kept in his home, and it stirred sad memories. One of his best friends, Evan Tredioux, had died in a tragic skydiving accident. Since that time, a dark cloud hovered over his entire group of friends. The past months had been nothing but bad juju and tragic accidents.

His friend and associate, Garrett Emerson, who owned a government contracting company, had been infiltrated by a mole who attempted to steal top secret data. Club Altura, an organization of adrenaline junkies and friends, had endured member deaths and a devastating fire at their clubhouse. Soon after, Lars Elliott, whose tech company had worked hand in hand with Emerson, had been targeted by syndicate boss Armand Giordano. He and his goons had attacked Lars at his home…which led to him being thrown off a cliff.

Keanu’s voice broke Seth’s contemplation. “I’ll come see you next at Jaws, right?”

“You got it, buddy. Maybe you can get out with me this time.” Keanu’s appetite for surfing stories had forged a connection that Seth hoped would get him in front of the controls so he could figure out where the yacht was and exactly where they were going.

Keanu gave a hearty laugh. “My momma isn’t going to be happy.”

“I hear you, but those waves are callin’.” Seth reached for his water and changed the subject in an attempt to get more information. “So, Keanu. How long have we been at sea?”

“Long enough,” Kaimana interrupted as she stepped into the dining salon.

At the sight of her, Seth fought the rush of attraction. As she made her way to the head of the table, the silky cherry-red fabric of her off-the-shoulder dress hugged her body, a slit flashing a hint of her thigh. Her presence filled the room, her thick brown hair brushing her tanned shoulders.

Seth stood as she approached, never taking his eyes off her.

“Ah, I see you found the clothes. I wasn’t sure if they’d fit.” She sat down and smoothed her hands under her bottom and over her knees.

Seth struggled not to steal more than a glance at her body, his eyes firmly locked on hers. This woman wasn’t a love interest. She was, at best, his rescuer, at worst, his enemy.

Kaimana sighed, her shoulders relaxing as the waiter brought out appetizers and set them on the table. “Everything looks…perfect.”

“Are you feeling all right, my Queen?” Seth inquired, his stomach growling at the sight of a cold platter of seafood.

“Kaimana,” she responded without looking at him while she spooned salad onto her plate.

“Hmm? Sorry?”

“Kaimana. Call me Kaimana,” she replied and looked to the server. “We’ll take the Cristal.”

The waiter nodded in agreement and retrieved a bottle from behind the bar. Within seconds, he’d uncorked it and began pouring champagne.

“Breaking out the good stuff, huh? I feel honored.” Seth cocked his head, amused with the opulence. The corner of his lips curled upward. What is happening?

“You’re a special guest, Mr. Tremaine.” Keanu reached for his glass.

“Tomorrow is never promised,” Kaimana said, her expression somber. “This yacht has more than enough champagne. So we’ll drink it.”

“I’m just getting the drugs out of my system but at this point, what the hell is a little champers goin’ to do?” Seth laughed.

“You’ll excuse me if I don’t toast.” Kaimana raised the glass to her lips.

“Come on, sis. Just stop.” Keanu tipped his drink toward Seth. “To smooth seas.”