Unconditional Love (Journey of Love #1)(56)
Author: Kelly Elliott

“Will the glue hold up on the boat?”

Lark laughed and said, “The rip tides are so strong here. I can’t tell you how many times we got pulled out on our boards and my mother freaked. One good toss and I think we’re good.”

I nodded my head and smiled. “Ready?”

“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life,” he said as he placed his hand on the side of my face and gently rubbed his thumb back and forth.

I nodded and he dropped his hand and took a step back as he reached back and then gave the bottle a good throw. I couldn’t believe how far he threw it out there. I did a little jump when it landed in the water. Lark slipped his arm around my waist and we stood there for I don’t how long, just staring out to the ocean in silence.

When Lark finally talked I jumped. “I’m sorry baby, I didn’t mean to scare you.” I shook my head and turned to face him.

“I love you,” I said as the sound of the waves crashed onto the shoreline.

He smiled and said, “I love you, too.”

I crinkled up my nose and said, “I’m kind of hungry. I didn’t eat very much at dinner. Nerves I guess.”

Lark let out a sigh and said, “My oh-so-romantic girl.” He tapped my nose and laughed. “I know a great place where we can go and sit and grab something light, maybe a glass or two of wine.”

The rest of the evening was spent in a wonderful seafood restaurant where we drank a bottle of wine, talked about the restaurant, me possibly moving some things over to Lark’s place and him doing the same. Lark mentioned wanting to wait a bit more before we talked about getting engaged, which I agreed on. Even though we had known each other a year, we were really just starting this relationship. We talked about everything—except Lark’s job.

The restaurant had a small outdoor patio and Lark stood up and asked me to dance as “Come a Little Closer” by Dierks Bentley began playing.

The way he was holding me, I knew he was beginning to say good-bye. My heart began breaking knowing that we would be leaving to head back home first thing tomorrow morning. I held onto him tighter as we danced in silence.

When the song ended he looked down at me and said, “Let’s go. I want to make love to you all night.”

I rolled over to see the clock read five in the morning. I moved my hand to find an empty spot next to me. I sat up quickly expecting to see a rose sitting on the pillow. I let out the breath I was holding when I didn’t see one. I got up out of bed and made my way downstairs. I stopped on the landing when I heard Lark talking in a hushed voice.

“I told you, I’ve got it together. No, she isn’t a distraction and I can handle it. Have I ever not finished a mission or put any other soldiers’ lives in danger?”

My heart started pounding. I took a step back. I knew I shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but I was frozen.

“Yes sir, I know. No sir, I won’t.”

His voice was so cold and distant it reminded me of the guarded Lark from a year ago.

“It’s never interfered with my job before, Skip, so why are you making it a big deal? I’ll fuck whomever I want to fuck.”

I put my hand over my mouth. For him to say that after what we shared the last couple of days hurt. I knew he was upset and didn’t mean it the way it was coming out. I decided I was making it worse on myself to stand here and listen.

“The flight plan to South America is set. Yes.”

I froze. South America?

“I’ve been watching the videos. Carlito Vazquez doesn’t travel anywhere without a large security detail.”

Who was Carlito Vazquez? Lark’s voice sounded odd.

“Skip, don’t worry. I only need one shot to take the guy out. Just let me do my job.”

Oh God. Oh God no. I quickly turned and made my way back up to the master bedroom and crawled into bed. I was shaking from head to toe.

Lark’s a…sniper? Is this what he does in the Marines? Kills people?

I heard him walking down the hall, and I closed my eyes tightly. I couldn’t face him right now. I needed to let this sink in and try to decide if I was going to talk to him about it.

When I felt him sit down on the bed, I held my breath. He let out a sigh and I could picture him running his hands down his face.

My heart was beating so loudly I was sure he could hear it. Then he talked.

“I hate doing this,” he whispered as he lay down and wrapped his arms around me. I slowly let out the breath I was holding, but I stayed perfectly still.

He hated doing what? Leaving? His job? Keeping this life a secret? I had so many questions I wanted answered, but I also remembered when we first started this relationship he warned me. I promised myself I wouldn’t ever push him for answers, but news of all of this was weakening my resolve.

I closed my eyes and after picturing Lark doing his job over and over in my mind, I finally fell asleep.

After heading to my apartment and changing out of my uniform, I made my way down to my bike. I couldn’t stop thinking about this latest mission. We had no luck in finding our target and the stress was beginning to take its toll on Skip. I knew Azurdee was meeting the contractor at the restaurant around two. One quick look at my watch and I high-tailed it out of the parking garage and made my way to Wimberley.

I pulled up next to a BMW. I saw Azurdee’s new Toyota 4-Runner parked near the front of the restaurant. I put my helmet down on my bike and made my way over to the front entrance.

I walked in and smiled as I looked at how much work had been done. All the natural wood just screamed out Azurdee. One look to my right and I saw the kitchen. I walked over and looked and shook my head. “Hell of a lot bigger than the coffee shop.”

I looked around and called out, “Azurdee?”

A young guy came walking out and smiled at me. “You must be Lark.”

He reached out his hand and I extended mine. “Yes sir, I am.”

“The name is Ralph. I work for Dee.”

Shit. Not another person who called her Dee. I tilted my head and asked, “Dee?”

He laughed, “Azurdee. I shortened it ‘cause I’m lazy.”

I looked him up and down. He was built, but not as big as me. He was preppy, but a good-looking guy for sure.

“Stop eyeing me, Lark. I’m gay.”

I instantly relaxed and I could tell Ralph knew by the smile on his face.

“But that asshole out there. He won’t stop asking her out.” Ralph pointed behind me. I turned and looked at the sea of glass that faced the back outdoor patio. The creek was right below; Azurdee had gone on and on about the views and she was right. It was beautiful.