Accidental Shield (Marriage Mistake #6)(59)

Uh-oh.

I try ignoring it with an awkward laugh, throwing my weight into pushing him underwater. He finally goes down, but I get the sense it’s because he let us win.

Bryce cheers so loud I think Savanny’s nearing his limit for paddleboard fun. The cat gives me a look with his ears back that’s so over-the-top I just laugh.

We tread water, casting smiles back and forth, waiting for Flint to surface.

Our cheering slowly dies as we glance around. No sign of him yet.

“Flint?” I say, growing nervous.

“Dad?” Bryce echoes.

Flint pops up behind him then, several yards away, laughing. “Got you!”

Bryce laughs, but I don’t.

“That wasn’t funny!” I shout at him.

Whether it’s pure relief or the afterglow of that totally-didn’t-happen sexual depth charge, my legs turn to rubber.

I try kicking them harder, to stay above the water, but they’re too sluggish to do much good. It’s like my feet turned to lead. A shiver of panic ripples through me as I slip under.

I manage to surface, throwing my face up toward the dull light, but only long enough to catch a breath before going under again.

Oh, God.

It’s not working.

My panic grows. My arms and legs don’t want to cooperate. I don’t understand what’s happening, I’m not a swim team superstar or anything, but I don’t think I’ve ever—

Something grabs my waist, effortlessly propelling me up to the surface.

I cough, sputtering and gasping for air, slowly realizing I’m clinging to Flint.

“Val, you with us?” he growls, concern prickling his voice.

“Yeah,” I nod. “Sorry. I-I don’t know what just happened.”

“Too much excitement,” he says with a wink. “You’re still healing. Hang on and relax, I’ll swim you back to shore. Yo, Bryce, let’s pack it in. Almost nightfall!”

I release my hold on his neck, steadying myself against his shoulders. “I’m sure I can make it.”

We’re face-to-face again, his eyes shining like stars.

Oh, right. There’s that tingly burn, rippling up my body like a warm lashing of tongue.

Was it really just sheer overload causing my freak-out?

Or was it getting too close to this beautiful man while I’m wearing far too little?

“Yeah, I’m sure you’ll make it, too,” he says, keeping his tight hold on my waist. “I’m not letting go till your feet are firmly on the sand.”

Knowing there’s no argument with the protective drawl in his tone, I do my best to swim and support myself, but honestly? He just hauls me all the way to the shallow waters, making me feel like I’m being carried by a giant. When we reach the end, he lifts me out of the water and carries me to the lanai.

Bryce and Savanny are already waiting. I see the teenager waiting in the lounge chair with a towel when Flint lowers me down on the one next to him.

“Everything okay, Valerie?” Bryce asks, jumping up to help drape a towel over my shoulders.

Of course the boy’s a total chip off the block in the sweetness department.

He’s guaranteed to ruin some pretty girl someday.

“I’m fine,” I assure them, feeling embarrassed by causing such a scare. “Thanks for the towel. And the ride.”

I glance at Flint as he grins. “Just as long as you’re not wolfing down more crap sandwiches. Think you’ve had plenty of those lately.”

Smiling, I shake my head. “Nope. New diet.”

“She’s just worn out from all that’s happened,” Flint tells Bryce. Shaking his head, he says, “My bad. I should’ve known better than to push it. Only been a few days since Cash said to take it easy.”

“It wasn’t your fault. I had fun. I’ll live and learn.” I hope so, anyway.

It’s not like I can just blurt out the truth. How I maybe short-circuited because he turned me on like a Christmas tree. Who knew a girl could OD on blue eyes and muscles built to shame an angry god?

So I shake my head. “Please, guys, don’t worry too much. I just—”

“You just sit and rest,” he says, his voice dropping an octave. “I’ll work on supper so you can eat and turn in early.”

That actually sounds lovely.

But jeez. All this attention, everybody treating me like I’m made of glass, makes me more embarrassed.

“Really, Flint, don’t stress. I’m still in one piece. I didn’t get eaten up by a shark or anything, see?” I pinch myself for dramatic effect, hoping the phony, exaggerated grin on my face sends a message.

“I’ll stay out here with her, Dad,” Bryce says. “So will Savanny.”

As if on cue, my little monster rubs his slick fur against my foot, staring at me with those huge eyes. His whiskers twitch as he lets out a shrill mew!

Just great. Even my own cat looks like he’s worried I might drop down dead.

Flint reaches down to stroke Savanny’s head, then ruffles Bryce’s hair on the way up.

“Thanks, boys.” Then he looks at me. “You want something to drink? I brewed up a fresh pitcher of that mango stuff I know you like.”

Before I can respond, Bryce goes sprinting for the door. “I’ll get it!”