Page 22 of SEAL the Deal
The three hungover men rose to their feet and walked slowly to the boat.
“All hands on,” ordered TJ once Ernie had the pump stowed. They grabbed a handle each.
“Prepare to lift, lift.”
They heaved the boat up and slid it across the rocky bank into the river. TJ took the back right spot as the others clambered in. Rick positioned himself in the center alongside the cooler.
“Y’all know how this works?” asked TJ as he guided the raft toward the middle of the river.
Dean shook his head.
“Pretty simple. I’ll tell you when and what direction to paddle. Try to stay in the boat. If you get thrown out go feet first through the rapids and then swim to the raft. We’ll pull you back in or meet up with you on the other side. Don’t swim toward large rocks. They’re bad news.”
The men nodded in unison.
“We’ve got a half-dozen smaller rapids before we hit the big stuff. So you better get your shit together. Rick, you might want to join the rest of us on the tubes.”
Rick waved his hand. “I’m good.”
“OK, suit yourself. Right, forward paddle.”
The splash of the water, warmth of the sun and comfort of the rubber raft soon lulled Rick into a slumber. He faintly registered the roar of water rushing over rocks as they progressed downstream.
“Back paddle!”
TJ’s yell woke him and he opened his eyes, raising his head to see what was going on. As he did the raft bucked under him.
“What the fuck?” he bellowed as he fell and bounced off the ice chest.
“Woo hoo! Hell yeah,” yelled Mike as he rode the raft like a bucking bronco.
Rick struggled to his knees as they hit the next rapids. He looked up and caught a wink from TJ.
“See you later, bud.”
He lunged for one of the rope handles as the raft bucked again throwing him head first over the side. Ice-cold water drove the air from his lungs. A rock smacked his hip as he fought his way to the surface and sucked in a breath of air. Then he shot head first over a small waterfall.
Suddenly he felt like he was in a washing machine. Surrounded by foaming white water he was tumbled like dirty laundry. Right as he was starting to panic the hydraulic action released him, spitting him back into the river.
Gasping for breath he looked downstream, searching for the raft. He spotted it a dozen yards away. Concerned faces scanned the river for him.
“There he is!” yelled Dean as Rick swam toward them.
TJ held a paddle out and he grabbed it, dragging him toward the boat. “Got yourself a solid recirculation there, buddy.” The Chief chuckled as the team hauled him into the raft.
“God damn!” bellowed Rick. “Now I’m awake.”
Laughter echoed off the water as he grabbed his paddle and joined the others, sitting on the edge of the raft.
“Did it clear your hangover?” asked Dean.
“Hell yeah, it did.”
Mike’s brother grinned. “Good, then I’m going in on the next one.”
“There’s a soft set coming up. You can swim them safely. I wouldn’t recommend hitting a grade three like Rick.”
“You could have warned me.”
