Page 15 of Triton

7

Erik

The restof the day dragged, and I was counting down the minutes until I was off. A glimpse of the sun informed me that my commander would soon be excusing us. After six months in BUD/S, I could accurately tell time by looking at the shade of the sky, the brightness of the sun, and the position of the moon. The second we were dismissed, I showered again and dabbed on some cologne. I always kept some civilian clothes on base, so I changed into a black T-shirt and cargo shorts. I walked back to the Del, purchased some flowers, and awaitedAria.

Ten minutes later, she entered the pool area. Her red hair skimmed her mid back, and her natural beauty stood out in this sea of So Cal blondes. On this warm summer night, she wore a skimpy tank top and short shorts that hit right at her mid-thighs. I could see the outline of her panties under her clothes, and I was dying to take them off and lick her until she came for me. But I had to go slow tonight. I didn’t want a one-night stand with her. I wanted to get her to date me, trust me, and maybe she would help me with my business.

I walked over and grinned down at her. “You look beautiful. These are foryou.”

“Oh, thanks. They are lovely.” Her eyes darted around me, and she pulled her hair and rubbed her hands down her clothes. I could tell she was nervous which I found adorable. “Where are we headed?”

“To Leroy’s. It’s a restaurant down the street.” I offered her my arm, and she took it, her tiny hand sliding on my bicep. On television, she had looked so lithe, but up close I could see how perfectly sculpted her muscles were, especially her ass. Some guys liked skinny girls, but I thought Aria had the perfect body. Firm and tight. I imagined fucking her from behind with my hands gripped on her tight booty.

We strolled down Orange Avenue amongst the tourists in this picturesque coastal town. I was proud to have her on my arm and to enjoy this peaceful moment in paradise, knowing that next month, I’d be deployed inhell.

The hostess greeted us, and we sat at a table in the back. I scanned themenu.

Aria fidgeted in her seat, and I was shocked that the confident champion I’d watched on television was so shy in person.

The waitress came over to our table. “Hi. I’m Misty. What can I get foryou?”

Aria spoke first. “I’ll have the poke tacos and a blood orange Cosmo.”

“And I’ll have the burger, medium rare, and a Coronado Brew Mermaid Red Ale.” I winked atAria.

“Those will be rightup.”

Aria glared at me. “Interesting beverage choice.”

I licked my lips. “I want to see what you tastelike.”

She swept her hair over her face, hiding behind her bangs. “So, did you always want to be aSEAL?”

“Yup. I swam for Annapolis, was commissioned as an officer, and then joined the Teams. But I’ve wanted to be a SEAL since I was a little boy. Actually, I was a competitive swimmer in high school.”

“Oh, you swam? That’s cool. What events?”

“IM and butterfly. I once dreamed of the Olympics, but my parents couldn’t afford for me to move away from home and train. And even if they could’ve, I don’t think they would’ve let me. They wanted me to have a normal childhood.”

She cringed at my words.

Fuck. Why had I saidthat?

“No, your parents were smart. I had no life at all. I was homeschooled, spent ten hours a day in the pool, never went to prom. I mean, I’ve never even had a boyfriend. My life kind of sucks.”

Her words made me realize that my parents had been right. I knew the dedication to took to be an elite athlete, and I now agreed with them. That kind of life was incompatible with being a well-roundedkid.

“Seriously? You’re joking. You’re gorgeous. You didn’t date anyone at Stanford?”

“No. I mean most of the athletes hook up with each other or fall into long-term relationships. But I never had the time nor had I ever actually shared a huge connection with anyone. I was on both the collegiate team and the USA Senior National team.” She sighed. “My mind is warped. Like legit right now I feel guilty having dinner with you. I feel like I should be at home stretching or something.”

I laughed. I’d never met a woman like her. My last girlfriend had no goals in life besides partying. If anyone could teach Aria to have a good time, it was me. “Since my little sister does synchro I know a bit about it. You probably can hold your breath underwater better than most SEALs.”

She grinned, a devilish look on her face. “Not probably. Definitely.”

I loved that she wasn’t afraid to challenge me. “You think you can hold your breath longer thanme?”

“I know I can. Let’s make a bet. Winner buys loser dinner.”