Chapter 4

Follow her?

That's exactly what Kian was afraid of because after only a couple of hours in her presence, he wanted to follow her everywhere.

Which was crazy, wasn't it? Especially when she was giving off clear signals that she wasn't the type to have a casual encounter. Not that he tried to charm every beautiful woman he met into his bed. In fact, he'd been too busy trying to find a way to fit into civilian life — jumping with his buddies from one adventure to the next just to get that adrenaline fix — that he hadn't tried to have even a one-night stand since retiring.

Not that he thought he was going to get anywhere close to a physical encounter with Blake. But he'd be lying if he didn't admit he wanted one. And he had a feeling one night wouldn't be enough.

Blake made her way back to the grass pad, motioning him to get in the front seat. He opened the door, noticing she'd moved all the boxes she'd had stacked there previously. Not that he knew if she'd simply dropped them off or if she'd purposely cleared the space so he could ride up front beside her. But he liked thinking she'd done it specifically for him.

Blake waited until he was strapped in then ran through a few checks before spooling up the engines. The chopper rocked slightly as everything sprang to life, though it did sound a bit rougher than before. He thought about asking her, but she had them lifting off and heading toward the resort before he could form all the words because watching her fly…

It was hypnotic. How she moved her hands and feet, her body swaying a bit as if she was dancing to music only she heard. The woman was stunning. And incredibly skilled.

He tapped her shoulder, motioning to the instrument panel. "I was right. This bird is loaded. How long have you been flying?"

She pursed her lips then made a point of looking out the bubble. It wasn't obvious, but he noticed the slight furrow of her brow and how the left corner of her mouth twitched. She was deciding what to tell him.

"Forever, really. It runs in the family, but I got my official license at sixteen." She glanced over at him, a genuine smile curving her lips. "Haven't looked back, since."

Christ she was beautiful when she smiled. All pretty pink lips with a few laugh lines around her mouth. What he wouldn't give to taste it.

"I'd ask you what kind of flying you've done, but you already told me. A bit of everything, right?"

She laughed, the easy sound sending a shiver down his spine. "You've got a good memory."

"You made a point of saying it was the only answer I'd get, so it's hard to forget."

That smile fell. Just vanished as she sighed, looking straight ahead, again. "Like I said. We all have baggage, and I prefer not to dwell on that. Besides, flying's flying. Whether you're taking people on a tour, making supply runs or ferrying folks between cities and hospitals, it's essentially the same thing. Haven't you heard? We're just taxi drivers with unique rides."

"Maybe. But I doubt every pilot could have pulled off that water rescue." Kian held up his hands. "I'm not going to press for more information. Just making an observation."

"Let's just say that bit of everything included more than most pilots get."

"Building that air of mystery, I see."

That got a smile lifting her lips, again. Another deep laugh filling the cockpit. "I think we're starting to understand each other. So, I'm assuming you guys are staying at the main resort?"

"Yeah. How'd you know?"

"Hawk mentioned the place had blocked off a bunch of rooms for the sailors flying in for Gadsden's retirement party. Made an educated guess you and your buddies were part of that."

"It made arranging everything easy. And the place is much nicer than we're accustomed to."

"The perks of retirement. My helipad and hanger are just up ahead. We'll land there, and I'll give you a lift over to the resort. With Kilauea erupting and it being so late, their lounge might be the only place we can grab coffee."

"Whatever you say. I'm still following."

She snorted, shaking her head as she broadcasted some kind of radio call then made her approach. Once again, he noted how smooth she was. How efficient. No plowing it on like he'd experienced in the Teams. Just a slight pause then they were on the helipad.

It took Blake a good twenty minutes to shut everything down, get the tow cart positioned, then move her machine into the hanger where her mechanic was waiting. The guy looked local, his long black hair pulled back into a ponytail. He nodded as Blake explained her concerns, then disappeared behind the chopper, tools already clanking in the distance.

Blake ushered Kian through her hanger, past a set of stairs leading to what looked like some kind of loft, then out the front door and over to her vehicle. Another minute, and they were heading for the resort, soft music playing in the background.

He smiled when she glanced over at him. "So, you drive a Jeep."

Her face scrunched up, and damn, she looked adorable. "Is that a problem?"

"Nope. Exactly the kind of ride I'd pictured. Standard, to boot."

She stared at him as if she thought he was crazy. Maybe banged his head in the chopper, earlier. "What fun is owning a car if you're not going to actually drive it?"

"Can't argue with you there."

"I'm guessing you're a truck kind of guy."

"You get that from Hawk, too, or are you just good at guessing?"

She shrugged. "All you spec op guys are truck guys. Gotta have somewhere for all that gear."

"What gear?"

"You know, the stuff you're supposed to leave behind when you retire but somehow finds its way into your personal stash." She whistled. "I've seen Hawk's office supply room. It has more weapons than the sheriff's station."

Kian chuckled. "It's good to be prepared."

"For what? A small invasion?"

"Says the woman who happened to have a collapsible rescue basket and ladder stashed under the seats of her helicopter. Face it… You're not so different, you just have a unique ride, as you put it."

She laughed, and it was just as intoxicating as in the chopper. "I'm going to have to watch what I say because you're like an elephant. Have you got one of those eidetic memories or something?"

"I just like to listen. You never know when someone's going to slip in something important."

"Talk about ominous."

"You seem to remember everything I've said, too."

The smile she flashed him would have knocked him on his ass if he hadn't already been sitting down. It was sin and promise — a hint of the real Blake shining through. "That's just because you're cute."

He coughed, laughing as she parked the Jeep. "You are, without a doubt, the most unique woman I've ever met."

"Good. I'd hate to be boring."

Kian offered his hand once he'd rounded the vehicle, wondering if she'd take it or smack him up the backside of his head, instead. Blake stared at his palm for a few seconds, just like back at the Brotherhood ranch, then slipped her hand in his.

He did his best not to react, but it cost him. Took all his focus to smile, then start walking without staring at their joined hands. Commenting on how her smaller palm fit perfectly in his, the rough callouses testament that she was so much more than she appeared.

He led her over to the lounge, then inside. Not that they stayed long when everyone stopped and stared as if they'd never seen a couple holding hands, before. Though, the large splatters of blood across his shirt probably had more to do with it than anything else.

Instead, Blake ordered some coffee and muffins to go, then followed him through the resort and up to his suite. She hovered at the entrance, looking as if she was deciding on whether it was safe to venture inside before slowly crossing the threshold.

Kian worked the buttons on his shirt, all the while smiling at her. "I won't pounce. Promise."

Blake headed for the small table next to the kitchenette, placing the food and drinks on the top. "I can handle myself if you do."

"I wouldn't expect anything less. But I'm not the kind of guy who would…you know…" He let the rest go unsaid, and she merely nodded. As if she'd already taken stock of the kind of guy he was and had found him trustworthy enough to accompany to his room.

Or maybe she was a black belt in five different kinds of martial arts and wasn't at all concerned if he behaved poorly.

He wouldn't. Ever. But she didn't know that. A reminder they were essentially strangers, though he had a feeling he'd still know practically nothing about her even after spending months together. That baggage she didn't want to unpack.

More like a past she was running from. It wasn't obvious. But he prided himself in reading people — had been trained in various interrogation techniques — and Blake Garrett had the look. The way she studied every person as if she'd be tested on whether they were wearing a hat or carrying a briefcase later, while simultaneously positioning herself so no one ever got a good look at her told him everything she wouldn't. She was either hiding from a relationship gone bad, or she was running from the cops. And since she'd voluntarily gone into the sheriff's station — had been vetted enough to work for Hawk — he bet his ass it was the first.

Which seemed a bit odd since she definitely carried herself as if she could kick his ass if needed. Just like she'd said.

He mulled over the thoughts as he grabbed a new shirt, then settled on the seat next to her. She handed him his coffee, placing the muffins on top of the bag and her keys off to one side.

He accepted the cup and took a cautious sip. "I don't know what kind of coffee this is but it's always good."

"It's a local Kona brand. Definitely one of the perks of living on the Big Island."

He nodded, relaxing back in the chair. "So, this is where most people would make idle conversation. You know, like where are you from? What did you do before you moved here? That sort of stuff."

"How do you know I wasn't born here?"

"Because Waylen was born here, and there's no way he would have forgotten you. And before you say anything, no… The island isn't nearly big enough for you to have gone unnoticed."

She snorted, wiping her mouth when she obviously wondered if she'd dribbled some coffee. "Damn, you're smooth. And no, I wasn't born here. Moved over about eighteen months ago."

"New job opportunity?"

"Let's just say I needed a fresh start."

Kian nodded, sipping more of his coffee. She was good. Answering the question, but like before, not really telling him anything. Another sign she was definitely running from something. Only he was starting to think it was more than just a creepy ex. That maybe it was darker. Far more sinister because she had that look, too. Of someone who'd gone through hell and barely made it out the other side. The same one he had whenever he chanced a glance in the mirror.

"Is that when you met Presley?"

Blake smiled, her muscles noticeably relaxing. Which made sense if Presley was part of this fresh start and not associated to whatever she'd left behind. What she obviously deemed as a safe topic. "It was shortly after I'd arrived. We were both in that skanky bar I mentioned. It's close to the marina where she docks her boats. Anyway, some asshole was giving her a hard time, so she told him to get lost and stood up to leave, when he snagged her arm."

She snorted. "Presley spun and grabbed the guy by the balls, telling him off before shoving him away. Which would have been fine if it had ended with that, but his buddy decided to get involved, and…" She shrugged. "I don't like an unfair fight."

Kian chuckled. "So you got involved."

"I'm not sure involved is the right term. It makes it sound like I tried to reason with the jerk."

"And you didn't?"

"You can't reason with guys like that."

"So, you what? Kicked his ass?"

"Like I said. I can handle myself. Anyway, we've been friends ever since."

She took a long drink of her coffee. "Enough about me. You and Waylen look like you go back a long way."

Changing the subject. She was better than good.

"It's gotta be at least fifteen years. Ever since BUD/S training. He's a giant pain in my ass, but…"

"But you'd be lost without him."

"Something like that. After all the missions, your team becomes family, which is why we're all out here."

"You guys planning on staying long?"

"That remains to be seen. Though, I have to admit, I'm loving the view."

Blake all but choked on her coffee, shaking her head as she leaned back in the chair. "Do any of your lines ever actually work?"

"Rarely."

"But you keep trying."

Kian leaned forward. "I figure there's got to be a lady out there who'll appreciate my charm."

"Let me know when you find her."

Kian placed his hand over his heart. "Ouch."

Blake grabbed one of the muffins and started eating, but he didn't miss the way her mouth kicked up, even more.

Kian picked at the food, wondering if she'd be willing to sit on the couch and watch some TV when she sighed, then pushed to her feet.

She gazed over at him when he rose beside her, looking as if she wasn't quite sure whether to push past him or lean against the wall. "It's late, and we've got an early start."

He nodded, stepping sideways so she wouldn't feel trapped. "Are you okay to drive? You look exhausted."

"Just what every girl wants to hear."

"You know what I mean. While I suspect you'd never admit it, I'm sure flying in those conditions took a toll."

"Nothing I haven't done before…"

She cringed the moment the words slipped free. Another mistake, judging by the hint of red across her cheeks. The way she pursed her lips as she closed her eyes for a moment.

"Right. One of those bits. Come on, I'll walk you to your Jeep."

"You don't need?—"

"I know. And yet, I'm still going to insist." He motioned toward the door. "Just, humor me. The last thing I need is to have to bail you out of jail because you had to kick some creep's ass."

She made a show of rolling her eyes, but he didn't miss how the tension in her muscles eased. Some of that stiff bravado slipping away. She walked to the door, stopping short as she turned. "I forgot my ke?—"

But he was too close — had been too fixated on the sway of her hips and how devastating she looked in those khaki shorts to stop in time, his momentum carrying him into her then up against the door.

She inhaled as her back hit the slab, her hands landing on his chest. He managed to catch his weight on one hand before he'd completely crushed her between his body and the door, giving his head a shake as he stared down at her. Fully expecting her to "handle herself".

Kian opened his mouth to explain, when her gaze dipped to his lips then up again, a raspy breath sounding between them. Her fingers twitched against his shirt, the tips brushing across his flesh.

He focused on her eyes, wondering how he'd missed the flecks of amber amidst the blue. The darker ring around the edge, not to mention a subtle sweet scent on her skin he was sure had nothing to do with perfumes or body lotions.

He lifted his other hand, smoothing his thumb along her jaw, loving how her breath caught, her pupils eclipsing some of that blue. He waited, drinking all of her in, when she pressed into his palm.

That did him in. Had him leaning forward, pausing with their breath mixing — his mouth brushing against hers. He waited to see if she'd shove him away, closing the scant distance when she relaxed against the door, his fingers tightening around his shirt.

Blake didn't even hesitate, tugging him closer, a low moan sounding between them as he slipped his hand behind her head — deepened the kiss.

Talk about paradise.

But this had nothing to do with the palm trees or the warm ocean breezes. This was all Blake. The taste of her mouth, the feel of her body snugged against his. He let her catch her breath, kissing his way down her neck then back, capturing her mouth, again.

How was this kiss even better? Hotter? Far more intense as if someone had cranked up the heat. Had him gasping for air once he'd finally moved back.

Had she whispered his name? Looking as if she was going to tackle them both to the ground. That pouncing he'd joked about earlier. Until a car backfired somewhere outside, the loud pop echoing through the open window.

Blake jumped, her gaze flying to the window as the sensuous atmosphere shattered. Went from searing heat to icy cold in the space of a heartbeat. Kian cursed under his breath, stepping back when her muscles tensed, her gaze scanning the room as if she'd expected to find someone else standing there.

He looked over his shoulder, too, wondering if he'd missed something, but the room was empty. Just the curtains fluttering in the breeze.

Screwed. No other way to put it. Not with how she was staring at him. Eyes wide. Her weight shifted to her toes as if she was gearing up for a fight.

"Blake I…"

He didn't know what to say because he wasn't sorry for kissing her. Instead, he grabbed her keys off the table. The reason he was in this mess.

It took her a second to snap back — focus on his outstretched hand.

She closed her eyes for a moment, then took the keys, fisting her hand around them before she nodded. Managed to reach behind her back and open the door. "Thanks."

"I'd say I'm sorry but…"

She snorted. "Pretty sure I was all-in, too. And it's not that I'm not interested or that I don't want to…" She huffed out a breath. "It's…"

"Complicated?"

"Cliché, but true." She backed up through the door, still staring at him.

"I should still walk you to your Jeep."

"Trust me. No one's going to mess with me, and I… I could use some air."

"It feels wrong, and my mother raised me better than that."

"How about a compromise, and you watch out the window? The lot where I parked is directly below."

"Not really a compromise, but…" He sighed, aware he wouldn't win this argument, and the last thing he wanted to do was send her running for the hills.

Kian stuffed his hands in his pockets so he didn't try to reach out — tug her against him. "For the record, not every guy's looking for easy. Some of us don't mind having to find our way through a maze, first."

She stopped, tilting her head to one side. "And when you discover there're monsters hiding on the path? Then, what?"

"I slay them."

Blake shook her head. "You're…"

"Charming? Irresistible?" He gave her a smile, hoping he edged the odds in his favor as he eased some of the tension. "The man of your dreams?"

"Unexpected." She glanced away for a moment, but not before he saw the smile lifting her lips. "If you still want a lift over to that hotel, I'll be in the parking lot at seven sharp."

"I'll be there."

She nodded. "It'll take us about thirty minutes. If you're lucky, we should arrive in time for you to still be a cockblock for your buddy Waylen."

Kian stared at her, wishing he knew what the hell to say to ease the shadowed look in her eyes. "I realize they have history, but Waylen's not that charming."

Blake scoffed. "Please, she named her boat and a cat after the guy. He doesn't need to be charming."

She took a few steps into the corridor. "Seven sharp, sailor, or I'm leaving without you."

Kian stared at the door once she'd closed it, her footsteps fading down the hallway. Talk about being an ass…

He never should have kissed her. Sure, she'd returned the kiss — had been right there with him. Chest heaving. Pulse tapping triple time under her skin. All-in as she'd phrased it. But he knew fear when he saw it, and Blake had been terrified.

Not of him. At least, not in the sense that she thought he'd hurt her. More the fact he'd gotten close. Dodged some of her defenses.

He moved over to the window, following her as she exited the building then darted into the parking lot — ready to vault off the balcony and shimmy down the side of the building if anyone so much as looked at her the wrong way. He could only see a glimpse of her as she got into her Jeep, but he saw it pull away, the taillights fading around a corner.

This definitely wasn't how he'd wanted the night to end. But it had made one thing clear. Whether it was fate or just really weird timing, he was already falling for the girl. And he had absolutely no idea what to do about it.