Page 16 of Triton
I shook my head. “Nope, sorry. I’m buying your dinner. And that’s one bet I won’t take. A couple of my buddies died at the bottom of the BUD/S pool in a breath-holding challenge. Neither one wouldquit.”
Her face dropped. “Oh, that’s awful. I’m sorry.”
I closed my eyes and took a moment to remember my friends. “It’s a hard job. Our training is life and death.”
The waitress brought us our drinks, and I saw Devin and a few other SEALs walk into the restaurant. Devin shaped his fingers like a box and stuck his tongue out through the middle. I wanted to smack that mother fucker. Luckily, Aria didn’t see him because she was facing away from them. My other buddies acknowledged me and sat at the bar, no doubt to get wasted. Aria must’ve noticed my reaction because she glanced in their direction but then quickly turned her attention back tome.
I downed my beer. “So, only in town a month? What do you have planned next? Are you trying to compete for the next Olympics?”
Her lips pressed together in a slight grimace. “Uh, not sure. I have so many opportunities I can’t make up mymind.”
I studied her face. She was lying to me. My gut told me a woman who had won a gold medal was anything but indecisive. But she didn’t know me, and this was our first date. I would let it go fornow.
“What do you want todo?”
She bit her lip. “I’m not sure exactly.” Her gaze grew distant. “Did you grow up here?” she asked.
I noted her rapid subject change. “Yup. My dad was stationed here. He was a submariner. You?”
“Marin. Near San Francisco. I spent my whole life in California, but I think Coronado is the most beautiful town I’ve ever beenin.”
“Not as beautiful asyou.”
She blushed, and her green eyes seemed to turn a brighter hue. Our food arrived, and we spent the rest of dinner getting to know each other. When the check came, I quickly paid, and weleft.
Normally, I always had a plan. But something about her made me want to let her take the lead. “The night’s still young. Are you up for an adventure?”
“Absolutely. I’m open to anything. Something active, outdoors. Let’s enjoy the beautiful weather.”
I loved how adventurous she was. My ex’s idea of a good time was finding an Instagram-worthy place where she could pose while I took hundreds of pictures of her for her followers. What was the point of recording your life when you didn’t take the time to liveit?
“Okay. Let’s grab my bike, and I’ll rent you one. We can ride around the island during the sunset. It’s an easy six miles.”
She gritted her teeth and pursed her lips tight. “Let’s just walk so we can stop in some shopsalso.”
“The bike path is really the best way to see Coronado. It’s probably one of the best bike routes in the country.”
“I’d prefer towalk.”
“Okay.” I didn’t want to press, but her reluctance baffledme.
I wasn’t ready to end this night. I thought of the typical places to take her—moonlit stroll on the beach, cocktails at the Del, or even a ride on the Coronado gondola. But nothing seemed perfect for Aria. I needed to wow her if there was any hope of getting her to help me ensnare my clients in a few weeks.
Then it hit me. Something unique, powerful, and breathtaking.
Just likeher.
My hand reached to hers, and I wrapped my fingers around her palm. “I want to show you something.”
“Where are you takingme?”
“To the Naval Special WarfareBase.”
Her mouth widened into a grin but I wasn’t sure why. Maybe she was excited to get on base. I remembered the first time I set foot on the BUD/S compound a desire to be the best overtook me. Maybe her pride as an Olympian compelled her to feel the same. We walked a few more blocks, past the Del and back to base. I flashed my ID at the gate and led her inside.
Her eyes widened like saucers as a group of BUD/S candidates raced by her. Those sorry fuckers probably hadn’t seen a woman in months. Just her scent alone must’ve driven them insane.
Their instructor, my buddy Pat, must’ve caught the destination of their gazes. “Do you think you fuckers are worthy to even look at a SEAL’s woman?”
