Freeforce: The Gryphon Saga Page 4

  “What is it?” Lianndra shook drops of water from her hair. I must look like a wet dishrag by now. She wondered why it mattered to her.

  Before she could muse any longer on his expression, Michael asked, “Do you like horses?”

  Lianndra smiled. “I owned one before I went to university.”

  It turned out he knew the trainer at the local riding stable. Lianndra grinned, shaking her head. I’m not surprised.

  “I’m sure she’ll agree to let you loose on a horse,” he said, starting the car. “It’s worth a try, anyway.”

  As they pulled out of the parking lot, Lianndra realized that she’d smiled more in the last few hours than she had in the last few months.

  This guy’s really getting to me. I think I’m in big trouble.

  Michael kept discussing random facts about redwoods as they drove onto Armstrong Woods Road. Lianndra listened as she admired the forest and the occasional huge house nestled in among them.

  When the dialogue hesitated, she glanced over at Michael. He frowned, and his knuckles whitened against the steering wheel. Then the vehicle gave a lurch, and she saw him wrestle to keep it on the road.

  “Think we might have a flat,” he said, steering the car to the side of the road.

  “Oh,” Lianndra said intelligently. As the car drifted to a stop, she came to life, digging in the glove compartment. “They said if anything went wrong, to call this number.”

  “I can change a tire,” he protested, and then hesitated. “So long as they have a real jack in this car.”

  “I don’t think they want you to,” Lianndra said. “Insurance, and all that. That’s why they have roadside assistance.” She dug out her phone while Michael got out to examine the tire.

  He leaned in the open window. “She’s flat as a pancake,” he said. “We must have picked up a nail in the parking lot.”

  Lianndra keyed in the number but got out to see for herself before she pushed the send button.

  “Wow, you’re not kidding. That was fast.”

  Movement up the road drew her attention, and she noticed a familiar dark green SUV moving toward them. Great. Rescued by the guys that gave me the creeps. She turned back to Michael, but he stared in the other direction where an enormous motor home approached and lumbered to a stop on the other side of the road.

  Lianndra sensed the SUV slowing just as a man in his forties emerged from the motor home. Behind him, she noticed a woman, and several small faces pressed up to the windows.

  She glanced at the SUV as it slipped past—and met the eyes of the passenger. Something in the dark gaze made her shiver. Then the vehicle vanished around the bend.

  Michael waited for a dark panel van to pass in the wake of the SUV before crossing the road and engaging in a friendly, animated conversation with the motor home owner. Within minutes she and he sat in their cramped kitchen, surrounded by curious children. Michael regaled them with stories about the redwood trees as they ate cookies.

  Only Michael, thought Lianndra, could make waiting for roadside assistance so much fun.

  “SERIOUSLY? A MOTOR HOME. FULL of children. That boy,” growled the big man, “has the luck of the Irish.”

  The small man shook his head. “It was bloody perfect. We could have grabbed them and had the vehicle towed, and no one would have been the wiser for it.”

  “There are an awful lot of people around for this time of year, and they seem to be revolving around our target.” The big man ground his teeth as he pulled the SUV off Armstrong Woods Road onto a side road. The panel van followed behind them.

  “I thought I heard them talking about going diving, when they were at the parking lot,” the small man said as he pulled out his laptop. “If they rent a boat, they’ll have to log a route with the company.”

  After a few moments tapping on his laptop, he made a sound of satisfaction. “While these two traipsed around visiting the tourist traps, his friend booked a cabin cruiser for tomorrow. Four passengers. He’s listed the destination as ‘touring the coastline.’”

  Flicking the ash out the window, the driver grinned. “Any problem getting the boat’s GPS beacon frequency?”

  “Shouldn’t be.” He tapped a little longer, and then hesitated. “What are we going to do with the collaterals? There will be two of them.”

  The driver shrugged. “Steph hasn’t made quota yet on the norm females. I got a glimpse of the girl last night. She’s a looker, so she’ll do. We’ll toss the boy in with Juke’s lot. We’re short on males for him.” He sucked on the cigarette, making the end glow. “Call everything off for today. Tell Jerry we’ll need the truck tomorrow, and the boat.”

  The smaller man nodded, digging out his phone.

  “Tomorrow,” the bulky man continued, smiling, “we go fishing.”

  MICHAEL HAD MOVED ON FROM redwoods, past manta rays and wildflowers, to Great Whites by the time roadside assistance arrived. The family had a long list of possible destinations for their visit to California, and they bid Lianndra and Michael farewell with broad grins on every face.

  Lianndra shook her head as she plunked herself back down on the passenger seat. Michael’s enthusiasm for life infected everyone he met. It blew her mind.

  After heading back along the coast to the bay, Michael pulled into the driveway of a local stable. Within moments he’d commandeered a pair of horses for them. The trainer took a few minutes to chat with Lianndra about her riding experience before allowing the two of them to head out unescorted.

  “I ride here often, so Susan lets me go on my own,” Michael said. “I have a horse at home, and I miss her. Somehow, surfing just isn’t the same.” He laughed. “I guess it’s because your surfboard doesn’t talk back to you.”

  Having seen the way a couple of the female stable hands acted around him, Lianndra decided it wasn’t his riding ability that scored him the horses. Once mounted, she noticed the animals were nicely trained and responsive. It had been at least two years since she’d ridden, but her body quickly picked up the familiar rhythms.

  As they headed out, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows. The horses must stay on approved pathways through the dunes, but once they were on the beach, they were free to go where they liked.

  Lianndra had always wanted to ride on a beach. Her heart soared as she asked her horse for a canter straight into the onrushing water, and Michael followed her lead. Their laughter rose above the sound of the waves as they splashed through the surf. Even the horses got into the spirit of it, snorting and striking at the water as they ran.

  I love riding. For Lianndra, horses were creatures of the elements—intelligent animals kind enough to let her into their world, one of keen senses and powerful muscles that reacted to the whims of each moment. They were alive in a way she often wished she could be. When on their backs, they talked to her through their bodies. For a few precious seconds at a time, she saw the world through their eyes and felt their power. Looking over at Michael, she could tell he felt it too— the sensation of oneness with his horse as they enjoyed the scents of the brisk evening wind, the feel of the water on their skin, and the rhythm of the hoof beats.

  Michael rode a tall gray gelding with big bones and a frisky attitude. The young man sat the horse’s antics easily, keeping his balance without ever having to grab the saddle or even the mane.

  His long legs help, Lianndra thought as her horse took a leap over a wave and her body absorbed the movement. Michael rode well, maybe as good as her, or better.

  Her chestnut mare had the refined face of an Arabian and a lean body built for speed. Seeming to sense Lianndra’s experience, she was up for fun and wanted to go. Lianndra held back the mare to allow Michael’s heavier horse to keep pace. Finally, she relented, letting the animal run. The red mare flattened out until she flew along the sand. The wind forced tears from Lianndra’s eyes, but she loved every second. They pulled up, both horses and humans soaked to the skin. The horses’ necks arched and nostrils flared while the
humans sported wide grins.

  Michael looked at the sinking sun and turned his horse around, patting its wet neck. “We’d better walk them back, or Susan will take a strip off me.”

  As she glanced at his silver eyes and big smile, Lianndra couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this happy.

  Careful, she thought. He’s been pushing the right buttons, but one day of fun doesn’t a connection make. The horses opened her heart and soul. She remained vulnerable, coming so recently off a failed relationship. Michael had turned on the charm all day. Is there anything about him that isn’t appealing? He seemed carefree, untouched by the world. Or maybe it’s just his magic. If so, it’s a real gift.

  The horses had dried by the time they got back. Although an employee offered to do it, Michael and Lianndra waved her off, preferring to strip the horses of their tack themselves. They brushed them until both animals were content and left them munching on hay.

  Night had fallen. Lianndra’s body hummed with fatigue, but in a fulfilled, happy way. A few days like this and I’ll feel as though I can climb Mount Everest, she thought as Michael arrived at the beach house.

  She got out of the car to switch sides, and he closed the driver’s door after her. He folded his arms and leaned on the window frame as she adjusted the seat for her shorter legs.

  To her horror, Lianndra heard herself babbling. “I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this day.” She didn’t know how to say goodbye to him. But it’s true. I had a great time.

  He grinned, but she sensed uneasiness in him as well. Then he took her hand, pitching his deep voice even lower as he bowed. “That’s me, rescuer of damsels from sharks and general boredom.” Giving her a huge smile, he lightly kissed her hand. “I’ll call you tomorrow. If the weather’s good, we can go snorkeling.”

  Maybe he’s more together than I thought. A tingling sensation moved up her arm. Nicely done, Sir Michael. He’d gone through the door by the time Lianndra remembered the cooler. Oh well, I’ll bring it tomorrow.

  As she pulled onto the road, her thoughts returned to the wonders of the day. I enjoy his company. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, even if we are spending the day with his friends. She bit her lip. As long as we don’t run into any hungry sharks.

  THE LANDLINE IN LIANNDRA’S ROOM rang at 7:00 am. The inn clerk put a familiar voice through to her.

  “It’s still cloudy this morning, but it’s clearing fast. It’ll be sunny by the time we get there.” Michael’s voice provided a dose of good cheer first thing in the morning. “We’ve booked the boat for nine. Cassidy’s bringing her extra suit and gear. It’ll be great!” His tone proved so infectious, Lianndra smiled. She still felt nervous about meeting his friends, but in the face of his enthusiasm, her nerves rapidly dissolved.

  “No problem,” she replied. “See you at nine.”

  “GUYS NEVER CAN TELL SIZES!” Cassidy laughed. An attractive blonde with blue eyes enhanced by her tanned skin, she looked like a swimsuit model.

  The typical Californian beach bunny. Lianndra gave herself a mental slap. Cassidy seemed friendly, and it was nice of her to lend Lianndra her wet suit. I don’t know if it will ever be the same again. Lianndra glanced down at her curves.

  Cassidy possessed a trim figure, including small hips and suspiciously perky breasts. Lianndra put the suit on but only with Cassidy’s substantial help. Lord help me if I sneeze. Wet suits always fit snug but this is ridiculous.

  Every pound she’d gained at university must show. With any luck, my breasts are flattened into submission. Now I know how women in whalebone corsets felt. Her full hips pushed the rubbery fabric to its stretchable limits. The zipper refused to close the last eight inches, leaving an impressive stretch of exposed cleavage. I’d make a great advert for a certain magazine.

  “I can’t go out there like this!” Lianndra made one last attempt to zip the top before giving up in disgust. “I look ridiculous!”

  Cassidy laughed. “Trust me, ridiculous isn’t the first thing the guys will think. Or the last. Or at all, actually.” She traced an hourglass in the air. “Your shape is feminine, so don’t be ashamed.”

  Easy for you to say, Lianndra thought. You’re like something Hollywood created. Maybe he’ll take one look at me and run for the hills.

  Cassidy pulled out a few towels from an overhead cupboard in the small cabin of the rented boat. Tossing one to Lianndra, she opened the door and headed up the stairs.

  Putting on her best nonchalant face, Lianndra arranged the towel around her neck before following. The guys better not think this exposure is deliberate. She let the cabin door swing shut behind her. It’s nothing he hasn’t seen before, I guess. I appeared basically naked from the waist up the other day.

  Trent, Cassidy’s boyfriend, glanced at Lianndra as she emerged on deck. His eyes slid to his girlfriend’s face, and he grinned before turning away. Michael, already in his wet suit, busily sorted through flippers and masks. He looked up when he heard the cabin door swing closed, and his jaw dropped when he saw Lianndra. She hesitated before forcing herself to walk over and stand near him.

  “Uh, the suit doesn’t fit properly,” she said. Damn, I sounded apologetic.

  Michael tore his gaze away from her cleavage with effort. He regarded her with glowing eyes and a wide grin. “I think you look fantastic.”

  Cassidy walked up, wiggling her eyebrows at Lianndra behind Michael’s back. Lianndra blushed as she bent to pick up a pair of flippers. Too late, she realized the move caused the weight of her confined breasts to fall forward, bulging as though contemplating freedom from the wet suit.

  Lianndra noticed Michael standing frozen in front of her as she snatched the flippers. Cassidy gave him a vicious poke in the ribs with her elbow as she deftly untangled two masks and snorkels before handing a set to Lianndra. The lithe blonde grabbed Lianndra by the arm and led her away.

  “Let him compose himself.” Cassidy giggled. “Our Michael’s a Boy Scout. Honestly, I don’t know what he and Trent ever had in common.” She trailed a hand through Trent’s shaggy brown mop as the two women passed. He ignored her, continuing to struggle into his wet suit.

  With a stab of envy, Lianndra recognized the ease of a long-term relationship in Trent’s nonchalant acceptance of Cassidy’s intimate touch.

  THEIR BOAT FLOATED IN SOLITUDE. The beautiful cove featured a strip of deserted beach lined with trees warped by the ocean’s wind.

  Within her wet suit, Lianndra found the water comfortable. At first the salt water stung the cuts on her ankles and feet, but eventually the pain faded.

  Captivated by the stunning underwater life the little cove had to offer, she soon stopped expecting sharks to pop out of every crack and crevice. Michael’s knowledge carried through underwater as he escorted her from one area to another. Every time they surfaced to catch their breath, he pulled out his snorkel and gave her a rundown of the species she’d seen.

  He’s a living guidebook, Lianndra thought. Her head soon swam with Latin fish names.

  After a few hours of snorkeling in the shallows, they settled on the beach for lunch. Lianndra brought the cooler, and Michael deemed the sandwiches still edible. As he stuffed his mouth full of tuna, he explained the cove was part of a new nature preserve, not yet developed for visitors.

  “By this fall, they’ll have pathways through the trees, and scuba divers will be everywhere.” He shrugged. “It’s a shame, but a better alternative than tearing it apart and building condos.”

  Lianndra nibbled on her sandwich, considerate of the stresses placed on Cassidy’s poor wet suit. She found herself growing fond of Michael’s friend. The blonde woman was a refreshing, outspoken contrast to her classmates.

  Stereotypes work both ways, Lianndra reminded herself. She probably has me pegged as a nerdy bookworm.

  They sat on the beach, eating their lunch as they traded stories about the morning’s swim. The talk circled around to Lianndra’s shark experience. Trent and Cassidy ex
pressed amazement at just how much Lianndra knew about the ocean predators.

  Lianndra laughed. “I watch a lot of documentaries. Haven’t you guys seen the shark specials?”

  Michael snorted. “These two? Television? Never. They have apps to keep them up on the latest reality show drama.”

  Trent threw a shell fragment at him, and Michael expertly deflected it.

  “Hey!” Trent said. “At least I don’t sit on my butt in front of the computer.”

  Michael kicked sand at him, most of which landed across Cassidy’s legs. She gave him a dirty look as she leaned forward to brush herself clean. “I for one would have nightmares watching anything featuring sharks. Honestly, Lianndra, I don’t know how you kept your cool. I would’ve been a hysterical mess.”

  Lianndra shrugged. “It’s amazing how calm you are when your body kicks into survival mode.” She pushed a strand of wet hair out of her eyes. “To tell the truth, I lost it. I don’t know what I would’ve done if Sir Galahad here hadn’t stumbled upon me.”

  Michael grinned. “Yeah, you were hard to miss, clinging half-naked to a flashing buoy and screaming like a banshee while waving a shirt on the end of a pole. If it’d been later in the season, everyone on the beach would’ve headed out to rescue you.”

  “Certainly all the guys, anyway.” Trent smiled as he received a brisk elbow in the ribs from Cassidy. “Seriously, though, did you actually learn the shark info from watching TV?”

  Lianndra nodded. “Exam prep avoidance. It’s amazing the things one will do to dodge studying Advanced Animal Nutrition. For instance, due to my passion for documentaries, I know the implications of the ocean suddenly retreating from a beach, how part of Hawaii is falling into the sea, that the Pacific Northwest is long overdue for the big one, and trusting anyone who tells you not to panic is unwise.”