Currents: An Everyday Heroes World Novel (The Everyday Heroes World) Read online

  CURRENTS

  AN EVERYDAY HEROS WORLD NOVEL

  A.C. WILDS

  CONTENTS

  Introduction

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  KB Worlds

  Also by A.C. Wilds

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Books by K. Bromberg

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead are entirely coincidental.

  © 2020 KB WORLDS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people.

  Published by KB Worlds LLC.

  Cover Design by: Pretty Little Designs Co.

  Editing by: Monique The Editrix

  Formatting by: A.C. Wilds

  Published in the United States of America

  INTRODUCTION

  Dear Reader,

  Welcome to the Everyday Heroes World!

  I’m so excited you’ve picked up this book! Currents is a book based on the world I created in my USA Today bestselling Everyday Heroes Series. While I may be finished writing this series (for now), various authors have signed on to keep them going. They will be bringing you all-new stories in the world you know while allowing you to revisit the characters you love.

  This book is entirely the work of the author who wrote it. While I allowed them to use the world I created and may have assisted in some of the plotting, I took no part in the writing or editing of the story. All praise can be directed their way.

  I truly hope you enjoy Currents. If you’re interested in finding more authors who have written in the KB Worlds, you can visit www.kbworlds.com.

  Thank you for supporting the writers in this project and me.

  Happy Reading,

  K. Bromberg

  For all those who’ve lost their person.

  CHAPTER ONE

  CARSON

  I’ve thought about it. Ending my existence. My soul is broken and shredded, unable to heal. The pressure inside of me is ready to explode at a moment’s notice.

  I dig the toes of my shoes further into the sand, reminding myself that I haven’t given in. That all the pain inside of me lives another day, fraying my resolve.

  I’m drowning in the sorrow, and I don’t know how to pull myself out. My life and everything I’ve ever known are gone. All gone.

  The cold from a wave brushes away the gritty sand and replaces it with a silky-smooth mask, something I want to sink into.

  Laughter floats on the Californian breeze, drawing my attention to a family settled down the beach. Two small children dig in the sand, their shovels throwing the powdery substance up in the air. A woman waves to them from the water’s edge before she dives in. Her perfect form caresses the surface of the water before her head submerges.

  I watch them revel in their perfect day, not a care in the world. Their happiness radiates to me, but all I feel is a hollowness at knowing I’ll never have that type of joy again.

  The sun heats my face as I tilt my head to the sky. Eyes closed against the harshness of the sun’s rays, I contemplate my next steps. I have to find a job and somewhere to live. I’ve never been on my own before.

  It scares me.

  “Momma! Momma!” a small voice screams, causing me to snap my eyes open and turn in its direction.

  “Carla! Oh my god. Fuck, Marley where’s my phone?” The man’s voice is frantic.

  My gaze returns to the water, and I see the woman struggling. A riptide pulled her out, and she can’t hold her head above the water.

  My response is automatic. I kick my shoes off while unbuttoning my shirt. Pants, phone, and cash crash to the sand with a thud.

  Running for the water in nothing but my underwear, I dive into the cold water. The iciness hits my skin, waking me up all over again. I break the surface for air and see her about twenty feet out, hands outstretched to the sky, trying to grab for something to hold on to, but there’s nothing.

  I dive again, using my powerful body to propel myself through the azure waters. Legs that have trained for this my whole life stretch with the comfortable movement.

  I reach her in seconds; the tide pulls me along to her. I roll with it, not panicking, keeping my body light.

  She sees me and reaches out, her face overtaken with fear. Grabbing her by the side, I kick us in a horizontal motion, trying to roll us out of the tide.

  She begins to pound on my arm to let her go, but I can’t. She won’t make it out if she doesn’t follow me. The need to breathe outweighs rational thought, and she digs her nails into my arm, making me wince. I kick harder, but with the extra weight, I’m not as fast.

  She bucks as she tries to get air, and I almost lose her to the current. I tighten my hold and push us a little farther. One last thrust, and we break the surface. The woman gasps for air, clinging to me, eyes wide with shock.

  We’re out of the riptide, bobbing gently in the water. Her eyes widen even more as she begins to choke. “Let’s get you to shore,” I say, pulling her to me once more. She doesn’t resist this time, and finally we crash into the sand on our knees.

  The moment we hit land, she begins to cough up the water she swallowed. I lean her to the side and hold her as we wait for help to arrive.

  “Carla! Carla!” The husband’s voice draws nearer before he collapses at her other side, pulling her to his chest.

  I release her and sit back on my calves.

  The adrenaline seeps out of my body, leaving a sense of amazement in its place. I saved someone from a fate that could have crushed an entire family. I prevented the worst day of their lives from happening.

  “The ambulance is coming, hang on, baby. Don’t try to talk,” her husband whispers, brushing her hair out of her face. Then he notices me for the first time.

  “Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done if I lost her.” Tears spill from his eyes as his two children catch up and add to the family pile. The woman holds on to her children as she sobs.

  Standing, I head back to my belongings. The ambulance siren grows louder as it pulls into the parking lot above the beach entrance.

  Two paramedics rush down the wooden ramp with a stretcher between them.

  “She’s over there,” I call out.

  One of them salutes, and they make their way over to the woman.

  I pick up my shirt up off the ground and shake out the excess sand. The cracks in my soul mend slightly with the good deed. Saving that woman was a rush, something I would like to do again. Maybe I could honor Eli this way?

  More commotion comes from the parking lot as police and other authority vehicles arrive. A Jeep, labeled Marine Safety Department, pulls up alongside where my car is parked.

  A broad-shouldered, tan guy gets out. He�
��s got the air about him of someone in charge and walks with purpose over to the scene.

  I finish putting my pants on and grab the rest of my stuff before jogging over to him. Swallowing down my nerves, I tap him on the shoulder. He spins around and gives me a once-over.

  “Hey. I’m Carson. Carson Stagg. I pulled her out of the water.” I sound like a complete idiot. Who introduces themselves like James Bond?

  “Great job, son. You a lifeguard?” His question puts me at ease.

  “No, but I’m a competitive swimmer. Have been since I was old enough to float on my own. The water is my second home.”

  “Well, it’s a good thing you were here then, Carson. I’m Rick Mather, Captain of the Marine Safety Department.” He holds out his hand for me to shake.

  I grasp his hand in mine. “Will she be okay?”

  The woman had been breathing when I’d left her with the paramedics, but something else could have gone wrong.

  “She has a laceration on her leg, but nothing major. You’re her hero today.”

  “It was a rush. I’ve never saved anyone before. I could get used to the feeling.”

  “Your first time is always the best. I remember mine well.” He gets lost in his mind for a moment, and then brings his attention back to me. “You from around here? I’ve never seen you on the beach before.”

  “No, L.A. I was passing through and the water called to me. It’s been a couple of days since I swam.”

  “You heading to Mexico?”

  “Don’t know. Didn’t really have a destination. I’m relocating, trying to find a place that calls to me.” I don’t know why I’m offering up so much information, but I get some comfort talking to him. It’s been too long since that’s happened.

  “Bordentown is a great place to settle. Different from L.A. Nice and laid back, artsy.”

  “It’s beautiful. I’d love to stay, but there is the matter of getting a job.” I leave it hanging in the air, hoping he’ll take the bait. My grandmother taught me this tactic. If you let someone think it was their idea, they’re most likely to give you what you want.

  “Ever considered being a lifeguard?”

  I almost jumped at the question but tried to keep cool as if I was considering it. To be honest, it would be the perfect job since I have no other skills.

  “Offering me a job?” I can’t help but give him a little of the Stagg charm. I got that from my grandfather.

  He laughs. “Try-outs for the seasonal positions are this weekend. We already know you’re a powerful swimmer. We could use you on the team. The seasonal guys don’t make much, but after the summer, we’re hiring a recurrent lifeguard for the year. It’s a permanent gig. One of my crew moved out east and I’ve been looking to replace her. I’m not going to lie to you, the training is rough. A lot of people fill out the application and most don’t get the job, but I got a good feeling about you.”

  Excitement rushes through me. This would be the first time in twenty-nine years that I’d have a paying job. To be able to do something on my own, make my own money regardless of how shitty the pay is, sounds like exactly what I need.

  He offers me a business card with the address of the meeting place. “Why don’t you stop by the station tomorrow, and I’ll give you more details. I have an application you can fill out and the waiver. Then we’ll see where you’re at with try-outs this weekend.”

  I take the card, rubbing the thick paper in my hand. It feels like a lottery ticket. My new start away from the darkness of my past.

  “I’ll be there.”

  I give him one last nod and shuffle back to the stairs toward the parking lot. If I’m sticking around, I’ll have to find a hotel for the night. It’s still the off-season in Southern California, and I don’t think I’ll have a problem finding a place.

  Starting my car up, I take one more glance over at the water and send up a little thank you to Eli. I have a feeling he had a hand in this. My older brother always pushed me to be better. I just wish he was around so I could tell him.

  CHAPTER TWO

  THREE MONTHS LATER

  BLISS

  As soon as my feet touch the ground in this dinky town, dread bubbles up all over again. I don’t know why anyone would get married in a place like this. Hippies and stoners line the streets. Families with screaming babies run through the Sea Lavender Hotel. It’s a nightmare.

  “Checking in,” I say, to the average woman behind the counter.

  She starts to punch something in on the screen. “Name, please?”

  “Bliss Meyer.” My attention is drawn away from her as a loud laugh comes from the doorway. A tall, muscular man walks in. Board shorts, sunglasses, and an incredibly sexy smile. Maybe this won’t be a bust after all.

  I straighten my posture as he comes farther into the lobby. One flick of my hair has him noticing me. His smile deepens as he makes his way over.

  Sun-tousled hair with blond streaks makes me think of a surfer or some type of sports nut. His feet are slipped into flip-flops, and my internal fashionista cringes.

  But that smile.

  “Hey,” he says, leaning up against the front desk.

  He’s taller than me, around six foot two with chocolate-brown eyes and a cleft in his chin. I want to reach out and bite it.

  “Hey, yourself.” I don’t care if I sound cliché at this moment. If I have to attend this event and be in this shithole of a town for two weeks, I have to find a way to entertain myself. There is no way I’m going to be bored on top of all the other family drama.

  “Ms. Meyer, here’s your room key. Would you like the bellman to take up your bags?”

  I was so engrossed in cute surfer boy that I completely forgot about the woman behind the counter.

  “Sure, I think it’s time for an afternoon drink, anyway. Want to join me?” I ask, watching his face for any sort of response to my invitation.

  “A drink sounds like a good time. I know a spot on the beach that makes amazing daiquiris.”

  I take the keycard from the woman with a curt smile and follow Mister Sexy farther out into the lobby.

  “What makes you think I drink daiquiris?” I glance up at him through my lashes. His face lights up with the knowledge that I won’t be like other girls. I’m not a ditzy sun worshipper. I’ve got more to me than people know.

  “My apologies. Is there a particular drink you do like? I know their menu inside and out.”

  “Piña coladas.”

  His laugh echoes around the marble columns and stained-glass ceiling. The hotel is impressive, which I didn’t expect from a town like this.

  “I’m glad I wasn’t too far off.”

  “I think you’re closer than you think. Where is this place of yours?” I bite my lip and wait for his answer. I’m not normally this forward when it comes to men, but if life has taught me anything, it’s that we don’t have forever. Take what you want now, make your own waves, and keep swimming. It’s over before you even get to take another breath.

  “What’s your name?” he asks, taking my hand and leading me out onto the beach.

  The air hits me, and I’m sure the humidity is doing some funky things to my hair, but I enjoy the sea air. It’s much better than the smog back home.

  “Bliss.” I purr the s out, trying to seem as seductive as possible, even though I’m anything but. If this was me two years ago, I’d be laughing my ass off. Bliss Meyer—original faker.

  “It suits you. I could probably make a bunch of sexual jokes, but I’m guessing you’re not that kind of girl.”

  “And why is that?” A pang of embarrassment goes right through me. Did I come on too strong?

  “You seem more than what you are. I’m Ashton, by the way.” He raises my hand to his lips and brushes a sweet kiss on my knuckles.

  I don’t know whether to be shocked or turned on.

  We head down a boardwalk to the beach itself. Everything seems too perfect—the weather, the people. Umbrellas dot the sand in a rainbow
of colors. The sounds of gulls and flip-flops marches in tune with each step.

  My hand is still clutched in his, and for a moment, with this complete stranger, I pretend I could be happy again.

  The sand is hot, but I bend and take my sandals off, anyway. I’ve always loved the beach, and there is nothing like digging your toes in the sand.

  “How far is it?” I ask when I’ve straightened.

  “Just beyond that cove. The boardwalk runs along the beach, but I figured you’d want a tour from the sand. Bordentown is my home, and I’d love to be your guide for however long you’re here.”

  Now who’s laying it on? I can’t help but smile. Meeting someone who reminds me of nothing from my past is exactly what I needed.

  “I accept, with one condition.” I wiggle my eyebrows a bit, trying to make myself seem playful when really, I’m just broken inside.

  “Anything.” He smirks like he’s made this proposition a hundred times before.

  “We stay busy. I’m here for two weeks for a wedding, and I need a distraction. Keep my mind off all the heavy.”

  Having to admit that I’m lonely is taking all of me. Coming here and celebrating Royce’s wedding is making me ill. The entire family together again. I haven’t seen them since we lost Tilly, and if my parents didn’t threaten to cut me off, I wouldn’t be here.

  “I can do that. Our town has a lot to offer. Especially in the way of fun.”

  “On to Piña Colada’s, then. I want to forget my morning flight.”

  “As you wish, princess.”

  FOUR COLADAS later have me stumbling through the lobby and feeling so much better than before. Alcohol is the best medicine, at least, it has been since I lost her.

  “Are you going to be okay? I don’t feel comfortable leaving you all alone.”

  I wink at him. “Trying to get into my hotel room?”

  He presses the elevator button, and the door dings behind me. I push off from the wall that’s holding me up and stumble into the elevator.

  “I don’t take advantage of intoxicated women. I like them fully clear-headed when they scream my name.”