Soldier by Tarin Lex

Author:Tarin Lex [Lex, Tarin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tarin Lex
Published: 2020-04-24T16:00:00+00:00

Five

Ava

I couldn’t write this man into a romance novel, certainly not with me as heroine, no one would believe he really exists. Yet here he is; here I am too. Sam did all of this, for all of me.

We finish the most divine meal I’ve ever had in my life outside of dreams. It’s effortless, companionable smalltalk that slowly deepens toward something more meaningful, moments of just-as-easy silence woven through it, drawing us closer. Bodies, and hearts. This whole night has been dreamlike. Just like the first evening we spent together.

Is that all it is then? A dream, a fantasy? As a romance writer I’m an optimist through and through. I believe in happily ever after…but Soldier, Sam, this man before me…well he’s almost too good to be true.

“You get this look in your eyes…” Sam reaches over to swipe a lock of hair from my chin and tuck it behind my ear; his hand pauses there for a moment. “…when there’s a thought making waves behind them.”

“I do?”

We’ve moved to the comfortable chaises on the patio. There’s a cool breeze and his touch leaves chills in its wake. But I don’t shiver. I feel warm inside from the meal, the wine, his soft gaze and tender affections.

He caresses my cheek. “Like you’re piecing something together. A puzzle, or a painting. Or you already see it, but you’re not sure how it came to be.”

“You’re observant, you know that? You could be a writer.” It helps that he has a way with words. Already imbuing me with endless fodder for my readers…

“I’ll let you write the stories. What are you thinking, Beautiful?”

“So many things.”

He takes his last sip of wine. “I’ve got time.”

“And you really want to spend it with me?”

“If I told you I haven’t dated much, would you believe me?”

“No.”

“Good.” He chuckles. “You would be right, I’ve dated…enough. I’ve known so many people, Ava, and none of them like you. Do you believe me when I say that?”

It’s very hard to tell him ‘no’ when he’s looking at me like that. Like I’m appetizer and dessert, lover and friend, someone he trusts. Not only with secrets. “Yes.”

“Right again.”

“Why are you testing my lie detector, Sam?”

“I want you to know when it’s genuine, when I tell you you’re gorgeous, when I tell you I want you, not just for my own sake. I want you to know it, and feel it, in your heart, your body, your soul. For you, Ava. Not for me.”

I’ve never had a knife pointed at the base of my neck, but I’m certain the effect would be the same. A cache of breath heaved from my lungs. Head whirring. Heart racing. Stunned by his beauty, his sincerity, his measured words.

Every hesitation, every doubt I’ve ever felt, vanishes like whispers in wind. I write long, meandering, slow-burn novels, not insta-love. I never believed in love at first sight. This isn’t the first time I’ve laid eyes on Sam, but it isn’t very far removed. It’s crazy to think I’m falling in love with him, so soon.

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