Lily rolled her eyes. “Just because he’s ripped doesn’t mean he can throw a trick.”
Gunner smiled. “I guess we’ll see.”
“Smooth water’s a wasting.” Josh wasn’t one to waste time talking when the lake looked like glass. “Who’s up first?”
Gunner inclined his head to Lily. “Ladies before gentlemen.”
Of course he would say that. “Let’s do it.” Lily caught the jacket Josh tossed to her. It was too big but she cinched it up tight, it would be fine. He handed over a board and the rope handle. Lily sat on the end of the dock, resting the rope handle next to her, and the board in the water. She slid easily into the boots and tightened them as far as they’d go.
“Come on in, man,” Blake said to Gunner. “You can watch her better from the boat. See what you’re up against.”
“Thanks.” Gunner climbed in the jet boat and sat on the small back bench. The brothers were in the captain’s chairs with Josh driving.
Lily slid into the cool water, feeling refreshed and excited. She hadn’t won the fight, but she’d held her own and shared one of the most romantic moments with Gunner that she’d had in a long time. Now she was going to show him up on a wakeboard. She clung to the rope and called, “Let’s do this.”
“You got it, pretty girl,” Josh said. He started the engine with a roar. The boys had explained to her that the jet boat engine was similar to a car engine, which made it easier, and cheaper, for them to get parts and work on it themselves.
The boat idled loudly forward until the slack was out of the rope.
“Hit it!” Lily hollered to be heard over the motor.
Josh gave it just enough gas to pop her to her feet. For such a young punk, he was a great boat driver. Apparently, they’d been driving dirt bikes, trucks, and tractors since they were eight.
Lily turned the board and skimmed along the water behind the boat. Time to show Gunner that she could beat him on a wakeboard, and then later she’d pick another fight with him and maybe this time she could win that as well. Maybe he’d actually kiss her if they got close again, that sounded more exciting than winning a fight with him.
She gave the boat a few seconds to get up to speed, enjoying the sunshine on her face, the wind rushing past her, and the splash of water against her ankles. She liked to board at twenty-one miles per hour. The jet boat didn’t have the gadgets to get the speed perfect like some of the newer wakeboarding boats she’d been behind, but Josh did a great job of staying even on speed. The wake was smaller than a wakeboarding boat produced, but with the extra weight the boys had added to the boat, it was bigger than last time she’d boarded behind them. Plenty for her to get the air she needed.
Leaning and turning the board at the same time, she sped toward the wake with her knees slightly bent and the rope next to her hip. Right as she hit the wake she straightened and popped with the wave. The speed and wake launched her into the air. She bent her knees and sucked them toward her chest. Grabbing the board, she did a tail grab, and then released landing with soft knees on the other side of the wake.
“Yes!” Blake hollered at her. She glanced at the boat. Gunner was smiling at her. She wasn’t sure if he was impressed or not.
She jumped the wake a few more times but didn’t do a tail grab. Messing around on the smooth water outside the wake she pushed the board parallel to the boat and bounced along for a while then she turned to the side again and brought her knees in quick, leaping out of the water a few times, making the board hop with her.
She skimmed back across to the right, deciding it was time to put up her best trick for this self-declared competition. Bumping back over the wake, she pulled hard and leaned to gain more speed going to the right side of the wake, then when she started to feel the rope tighten, she turned quickly and jetted toward the wake. She hit the wake at a quick speed, twisted her body and pulled on the rope to spin her into a three-sixty. Letting go of the rope, she flew in a circle before hitting the water with the edge of her board.
There wasn’t time to even cry out as her body pitched forward, and she hit the water with the side of her face first. Her ear and cheek stung as if she’d slammed into concrete. She caught a nose full of water and came up sputtering and coughing. Ducking her head back under, she blew out hard through her nose and cleared some of the pressure. Her head might take a few minutes to settle down.
She could hear the boat coming back around. She slid out of the board and laid her head back for a second, letting the cushion of the water relax her head and neck as she floated in the lifejacket.
“Lily!” Gunner hollered, followed by a splash.
Lily jerked up in surprise. Sure enough, Gunner had dove into the water. He swam with quick strokes to her side, his eyes filled with concern. “Are you okay?”
“Just got my bell rung. I’m fine.”
Josh cut the engine and they glided up close to them. Lily floated in the lifejacket with Gunner treading water close by her side. How cute was he to be so concerned about her? She was naturally competitive and wanted to look like she knew what she was doing, so instead of admitting how nice it was to have someone be worried about her, she said, “I thought you’d boarded before.”
“I have.”
“You’ve never seen somebody wreck?”
“I have, just not … someone like you.”
What did that mean? The way he was looking at her, all concerned and interested, made it hard for the water to even keep her cool. Did he … care for her?
“You got mouse trapped,” Blake hollered from the boat, laughing at her expense.
“Thank you, Blake, I didn’t notice.” Lily smiled at Gunner. “Thank you for being concerned about me. You ready to show me up?”
He smiled. “I don’t think I could show that up. Do you usually land the three-sixty?”
“No. I don’t even try to hold on to the rope.”
His smile became a little more secretive.
“You’re pretty comfortable in the water.” She noticed how easily he treaded water. With as muscular as he was, he should be fighting to keep afloat.
“Navy SEAL.”
“Oh. That’s … impressive.” His muscular shoulders glistening in the sunlight were extremely impressive, but being a Navy SEAL? Wow. She was awed by everyone who served in the military but knew the SEALs were in a league of their own.
“I can show you many impressive things,” he said, giving her half a grin. She wanted to see the entire smile again.
“Oh?” She splashed some water at him. “When is that going to happen?”
“Are you gonna board or flirt, man?” Josh asked with disgust evident in his voice.
“Was I flirting?” Gunner asked in an undertone to Lily. His gaze seemed confused, as if he’d never flirted in his life.
“Yes, sir. I’m still the master flirter though, so I’m definitely winning the flirting competition.”
“Yes, I can concede on that one,” Gunner said.
“But you’re getting pretty adept at flirting.” She wanted to encourage her pupil so he became a star at it, but only if she was the recipient.
Gunner smiled, relief filling his eyes. “You’ll have to tell my brothers. Jex claims I have no clue how to flirt.”
“It’s probably just me.” She winked. “I bring out the best in you.”
“Yes, you do.” He chuckled, and then raised his voice to call to Josh, “I’ll board.”
Lily pushed the board next to him, and Blake threw him a lifejacket. Gunner shrugged into the jacket, struggling to pull it tight and buckle it in the water as it kept floating up and away from his body.
“Want some help?” Lily asked.
Gunner glanced over at her. “Was it that obvious?”
She smiled. “You hold it on, and I’ll do the buckles.”
“Okay.” He pulled the jacket tight to his chest and abdomen.
Lily kicked her legs to get closer to him. His eyes were completely focused on her. S
he found herself lost in the dark depths of his gaze. She buckled the top two buckles quickly, but as she reached for the bottom buckle her fingers grazed his abdomen. The ridged muscles were impressive and heat swirled through her. It was only a simple touch, but she felt drawn to him. Gunner’s gaze sharpened on her.
“Thanks,” he murmured.
She could only nod, her mouth dry.
“Get in the boat so he can board,” Josh called.
“If I had a younger brother, I hope he’d be just as annoying as you,” Lily said back.
Blake chortled. “I wish you were our sister, ours is much more annoying than you.”
“I don’t know about that,” Josh chimed in.
Gunner loosened the straps on the boots all the way then Lily held it steady as he slid his feet in.
“I guess I’d better get back in the boat,” Lily said.
“If you want to watch me win this competition, you better,” Gunner said.
“Oh-ho,” Blake yelled. “He called you on the carpet.”
Lily smiled. “We’ll see.” She swam to the boat, and Josh helped her scramble over the low edge. She sat on the smooth seat, unbuckled the lifejacket, and dropped it on the seat next to her. Leaning back, she enjoyed the sunshine on her face and the rumble of the jet engine as the boat eased forward to tighten the slack in the rope.
“Hit it,” Gunner called.
He popped up onto the board easily. So he hadn’t lied about wakeboarding in the past. As the boat got up to speed, he glided back and forth across the wake a couple of times. The wake cleaned up, and the water sparkled in the sunshine.
Gunner skimmed to the right then pulled back across the wake. He hit the wake, launched into the air and cleared it easily.
“Whoa! The buff dude can get some air.”
Lily watched the muscles rippling in his arms and shoulders as he came from the other side, hit the wake, and rotated his body to the side. He did a sideways back-side flip that boarders called a tantrum.
“Holy cow!” Josh yelled.
Lily’s jaw dropped.
Gunner landed the trick with a grin on his face. He bumped back across the wake then pulled hard and did the flip again.
“Show off,” Lily called to him.
He simply waved at her, and then he shocked them all as he turned and nonchalantly pulled a back flip from the other side of the wake.
“No way! I’ve never seen somebody be able to launch a flip from both directions,” Blake said.
Neither had Lily. Wow. Navy SEAL and an incredible athlete. He’d said his crazy brother Jex, who rode a mountain bike like a man who had a death wish, had taught him how to wakeboard. She’d like to see what else his brother could pull off.
Gunner kept going, either clearing the wake or flipping as he crossed each time. Then he tugged himself closer to the boat, waiting for the rope to tighten. He turned and sped toward the wake, clearing it lower, spinning his body and using the rope to launch himself into a three-sixty. He held on to the rope at the end, not appearing to have any trouble as he landed easily.
“Whoo-hoo!” Blake hollered. “You totally showed Lily up.”
Lily smiled. She didn’t mind being “shown up”. She did mind how intensely she was reacting to Gunner. She didn’t know him very well, and she wasn’t planning on settling down, but everything from her spirit to her mind to her body wanted to stay close to him.
Chapter Seven
Gunner pulled one more three-sixty, and then released the rope and sank into the cool water, figuring he’d shown off long enough. The twin brothers and Lily clapped obnoxiously as the boat pulled alongside him.
Gunner laughed, pushing the water out of his short hair and handing the board over to one of the boys. “Thanks,” he said.
“For sure. You rocked it.” The kid winked. “And we love seeing Lily get schooled.”
Gunner launched himself into the boat and unclipped the lifejacket. “Lily did great too.”
“Ah, the charity vote. Thank you.” Lily stood and bowed. The boat rocked slightly, and she stuttered toward Gunner. He reached out a hand to steady her. “Thanks,” she whispered, staring up at him with those bewitching blue eyes.
She sank back down into the small bench seat at the back of the boat. Gunner took off the lifejacket, and sat next to her.
“Which of you is going to show Gunner up?” Lily asked.
“Not me,” one of the kids laughed. “It’s all Blake.”
Blake laughed. “As if. Sadly we’ve got to go move pipe. Maybe tomorrow I can barefoot for you, since I can’t pull backflips, or hold on through a three-sixty on the board yet.”
Gunner nodded. “I’d love to see somebody barefoot. I could give you some tips on the backflips. They’re pretty easy.”
“Says you.” Lily wrinkled her nose at him.
Josh, he thought, started the motor and cruised across the lake to the dock on the west side by Lily’s trailer. The warm air rushed past them, and Gunner thought this was the best job he’d ever had. Spending time with Lily was exhilarating and fun. He couldn’t believe that he’d been dreading this assignment. He had to keep reminding himself it was an assignment, as he was having a hard time not just letting himself fall for Lily.
Josh eased off the throttle, and the boat idled up to the dock. Blake caught the edge of the wooden dock and Gunner jumped onto it turning back, reaching out his hand to Lily. She was feisty and independent enough, he didn’t know if she’d take it. Resting her palm against his, she gave him a sweet smile. Gunner held on to her hand, even after she had both feet planted on the dock.
“Thanks, guys,” Lily called. “Same time tomorrow?”
“We’ll be here,” Josh said. “Will you?”
“You know it.”
“Thanks,” Gunner echoed Lily’s sentiment. He made a mental note to bring some cash for gas tomorrow. These kids seemed like down-to-earth farm boys. He’d bet money was something they worked hard for.
The boys waved and sped off. Gunner turned to Lily. “Anything you’d like to do now?”
She grinned impishly, shoving him hard. Gunner teetered, almost plunging back into the water. He leaned back toward her, getting his balance.
“Dang your reactions are too fast,” she muttered, still grinning at him.
Gunner wrapped his arms around her waist, lifted her off her feet, and jumped off the dock. The water closed over their heads as his legs bent. He hit the sandy bottom then straightened his legs and lifted Lily out of the water. His arms were firmly around her trim waist, and he loved the feel of her against him.
“Maybe you should stop trying to beat me at something,” he said, arching an eyebrow.
“Oh!” Lily grunted. “You’ll regret that.” Wrapping her arms around his head, she tried to dunk him under the water, but Gunner was planted firmly and she only succeeded in giving him a hug that he wouldn’t soon forget.
“You done?” he asked.
Lily shook her head with disgust and slid her hands down to his shoulders. “For now, but you’d better watch yourself in that tent tonight. I might come fill your palm with whipped cream and tickle your nose.”
Gunner laughed. How could he help himself? “You’re the … most fun I’ve had in a long time.”
Lily’s blue eyes sparkled at him, but her gaze turned saucy. “Well you don’t ‘have’ me so your life is really pathetic.”
He was going to kiss her. Nobody could blame him for it. She was simply too irresistible. He could rationalize that he was doing a great job of keeping her close and protecting her, but the truth was this kiss would have nothing to do with his job and everything to do with him finding a woman who was the complete package for him—funny, kind, adventurous, competitive, able to take care of herself, independent but still approachable, and naturally beautiful.
He leaned in, and Lily pressed in against him. His breath shortened as Lily stared up at him so beseechingly. He slowly crossed the distance, anticipation and desire
swirling within him.
Lily moistened her perfect lips, wrapped her arms and legs tighter around him, and turned her head. Gunner’s lips met her smooth cheek instead of her lips. Disappointment, instead of sweet connection, made him pull back.
“Ha!” Lily released her grasp on him, paddled backwards a few feet to where she could touch, and clapped her hands together. “Reaction wasn’t as fast that time.”
Gunner shook his head, staring at her in disbelief, and laughed. “You want me to show you a fast reaction?” He swam up close to her in two powerful strokes, ready to show her exactly how quick and decisive he could be. He’d never craved anything as strongly as her kiss.
Lily’s chest lifted quickly, and he saw a tinge of apprehension in her eyes. She planted a hand on his chest and pushed at him. “I don’t even know you.”
Gunner stopped, his self-control overtaking his desires. He didn’t want to scare her, ever. Becoming emotionally entangled like this in a protection detail wasn’t the best idea, no matter how he wanted her and wanted to rationalize his intentions. He scooted back a foot. “Can I see you tomorrow?”
Her full smile returned. “We’re going boating with Josh and Blake. Maybe I’ll barefoot, so I can finally show you up.”
He grinned. “I would love to see that. What time do you work?”
“I’ve got the eleven to four shift again.”
“Could we do an early dinner at Big J’s again?”
“I’ll do you one better. Come in at four, and I’ll have James make you the best steak you’ve ever tasted.”
Gunner’s stomach rumbled. “Sounds great.”
She tilted her head to the side. “And if you want to get beat at something, besides flirting, I like to run around the lake at six a.m. then go for a swim.”
Gunner smiled. “I really want to get beat at something.” He could hardly believe how much he liked flirting with her. No one else would believe he could flirt, unless they saw it, and he wanted to keep Lily all to himself. “I’ll see you then.”
Lily grinned, and then turned and pushed through the water. Gunner stayed in the water that felt warm to him now. He watched her walk back to her trailer. She waved before closing the door behind her. He pushed off the dock, swimming out into the lake a bit, and then treaded water, letting his mind wander. This job was unlike any he’d ever had, and Lily Jewel was tugging him in unlike any woman ever had. He was going to have to try harder to stay professional, and that was even more important to him because he had to keep Lily safe.
Steele Family Romance Collection Page 28