The Truth of a Liar

by Cassie Graham

  My life, for the past however many months, has been a constant worry of what if’s and what-could-have-been’s. And for the first time in way too long, I have nothing to do but sit and think. And it’s really difficult to keep my mind in a good place when that’s all I have to do. Darkness has a nasty way of seeping in to your brain at the worst moments. It likes to tap-tap on your emotions and kick you in the ass when you least expect it.

  Heaving myself off of my leather couch, I shuffle my way to the kitchen and grab a glass, filling it with water. The early morning sunshine gleams through my open window and I can’t help but smile. It hasn’t snowed much this month, and for that, I’m appreciative.

  Christmas passed when we were away, so I’m anxious for Lark to come home tonight. We’re finally celebrating. I only got one gift, but I’m so excited to give it to him.

  After everything that happened, we decided to stay as close together as possible. For the first week, he lived with a couple of guys from his office, but that soon led to him staying with me every night. We found happiness in each other. We found happiness in our shared darkness. Lark moving in only seemed like the best idea.

  His assistant director, Logan, transferred him to the bureau here in the city. Said Lark made a fantastic agent and needed to stay where he was wanted. It was just another thing I was grateful for. His office is two miles away from our apartment and seven from the theater. It can’t get much better than that.

  And that’s another thing for me to get excited about. The Semantics of Serendipity starts back up again next week. I’ve been in rehearsals since we got back but haven’t made it on stage yet. I felt like I needed a bit of time to get myself together. Not only losing Liam, but also being kidnapped and almost sold did a number on me. I’m currently in counseling with a wonderful therapist and she’s really helping me through my muddled state. For days after our return, I couldn’t stop the nightmares. But she has guided me to find the good in what happened.

  I anxiously place my hands on the granite countertop and take a slow breath. Though I still feel broken, I’m damn lucky to be alive, and even luckier that Lark is, too.

  A key rattles the lock on the front door and my eyebrows furrow. Lark wanders in, his arms covered in plastic shopping bags. He’s startled when he sees me standing in the living room, though a radiant smile welcomes me.

  “What are you doing home? You’re supposed to be at the theater.”

  I giggle and take a few grocery bags from his hand, walking in front of him to the kitchen. “Andrew called about an hour ago and pushed it back until noon.”

  Lark places the rest of the bags on the counter and pulls me to him. “I missed you. This night shift business sucks.”

  I place my hands on his strong arms and make my way up to his neck, playing with his hair. “Yes it does and I missed you.” I kiss his lips and he molds to my body. His hands move to my hips and he squeezes my skin.

  As we break apart, I inch toward the bags, but Lark swats my hands away. “Get out of here, woman.”

  I purse my lips and attempt to sneak a peek inside the bags. “Why? What’s in there?”

  Lark groans, taking a dish towel from under the sink. “Nothing. I love you, but can you find something to do until rehearsal?”

  My shoulders and face fall. “Are you kicking me out?”

  Lark fights a smile as he moves close to kiss me. “Yes. Go do something. Go see Zander. You haven’t seen him in a couple days.”

  I turn on my heel, suspicious of what he has in the bags and why on earth I need to leave for him to open them.

  “Fine,” I say, lifting my shirt up and over my head, teasing him. I turn around just a bit, giving him a show. He gulps, his Adam’s apple moving up and down in his neck.

  “Wait,” he croaks, taking a few steps toward me.

  I turn, giving him my entire attention and laugh as he bites his lip. “What?” I’m being coy, but I also sort of feel like a goober. I’m not good at this.

  He stops, just inches from me, fidgeting with the towel still in his hands. “Nevermind. Get dressed.” Snapping me in the ass with the cloth, I yelp and giggle all the way to the room, closing the door behind me.

  “I love you!” he shouts turning back to the kitchen. I can hear his smile in his voice. His courage to move on gives me bravery to do the same.

  I open the door, peeking my head out just enough. “I love you more!” I holler back.

  He walks to the hallway, peering around the wall and licks his lips. “Not possible.”

  “Christ, Little One,” Lark groans. He gives up and covers my eyes with his hand. “If I have to tell you again to keep your eyes closed, I’m going to go inside and take everything down.”

  I do a little jump. “Take everything down? Did you decorate?”

  He slaps my ass. “Shit. Quiet. You’re getting me all discombobulated. Be patient.”

  I do a little jig, excited for my surprise.

  After I visited Zander, we went to rehearsals and Lark texted and told me he’d meet me at the theater to take me to dinner. It wasn’t an odd occurrence for us to meet up after work, but tonight felt extra special. When he picked me up in a taxi, I could feel a difference. I thought it was because we were finally celebrating the holiday. The light in his eyes was back and the giddy smile couldn’t be wiped from his face. I’d missed this side of him.

  And as we sat at our favorite pizza place in Little Italy, I couldn’t help but get excited, too. I had no idea what he had planned, but I knew for damn sure it was going to be perfect. I’ve never really been one for surprises, but knowing Lark took so much time and effort to prepare one for me only made me love him more.

  This hard-shelled, tough guy had a soft spot for me.

  And I know this is what it’ll be like for the rest of my life. Amazing, Disney-like days, where I’m constantly in awe of my rowdy prince charming. And yes, I know there will be bad days, but when the good outweighs the bad, how can I be upset?

  He’s shown that he can be compassionate and loving. The man I thought I knew all of those years ago is long gone.

  When he said that our stories merged, he wasn’t joking. My life slammed into his and we somehow made a new one together. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would be the outcome. Our budding romance was filled with suspense, tragedy and healing. Isn’t that the best kind of book?

  Cautiously, Lark leads me into the elevator leading to our apartment.

  “Keep your eyes closed,” he warns with I’m sure, a very serious face. I can’t see him, but I hear him as he pushes the button to our floor. I can feel the heat from his body warm me and I snuggle close to him. He wraps his arm around my waist with one of his hands and kisses along my collarbone.

  “I love you,” he whispers in my ear. “More than I did yesterday.”

  I set my hands on his, an overwhelming feeling cascading over my body.

  When the elevator dings, Lark takes hold of my hand, leading me to the door.

  “Why did you have me close my eyes before we go in the elevator?” I ask, laughing, stepping through the threshold.

  He clasps our hands together and I fight the urge to take a peek. “Because I could.” He kisses my temple and I’m overwhelmed with the smell of cinnamon and vanilla.

  “What is that?” I ask.

  Lark doesn’t answer. “You can look now.”

  When I open my eyes, I’m stunned by what I see. Lark somehow decorated our entire apartment in Christmas decorations.

  The fireplace is adorned with garland and shiny silver and gold tinsel. He somehow found a live Christmas tree and set it up with lights and a humorous amount of ornaments in the corner of the room. Presents are scattered at the bottom, and I wrack my brain to figure out how he did it.

  “How…how did you do this?” I ask, my mouth trembling. I’m so overcome with happiness I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

  He stuffs his hands in his pockets and bounces on the pads of his
feet. “We didn’t get a proper Christmas, and you deserve one. I’ve been working on this since we got home.”

  “How did you find all of this stuff?” It’s close to Valentines Day. Christmas decorations are a long lost memory.

  “The internet is a wonderful thing.” He winks and leads me to sit on a fluffy white and red rug he purchased. I squish the soft fibers with my hands and watch as he bends down to retrieve the presents he bought.

  “Oh!” I say, springing to my feet. “I have something for you, too.”

  Walking to our room, I pull out the small box from the inside of my nightstand. When I return, Lark is sitting down on the floor waiting for me.

  Handing him the box, I kiss his lips. “Merry Christmas, Lark.”

  He smiles, tearing the wrapping paper. When he lifts the lid, tears fill his eyes. Taking the frame out of the box, Lark runs his hand over the glass covering Liam’s dog tags and a picture of the two of them.

  When people serve in the military, they get more than one set of dog tags. And while we were in Europe, Liam’s mom was kind enough to offer to give her second set to Lark. At first, I didn’t think he or I could handle it. Seeing them hurt too much. So I stowed them away for safekeeping. But about a week ago, I mustered up the courage to put together Lark’s gift.

  Setting the picture frame on his lap, Lark licks his lips and sniffles. I move closer to him, taking my thumb, wiping away the stray tears that made their way down his cheeks.

  “Thank you,” he chokes.

  I rub his back soothingly. “You’re welcome.” I kiss his cheek. “I love you.”

  Lark moves his hand to my neck, tangling his hand in my hair, his dark, navy eyes staring lovingly. “More than yesterday.”

  THE END

  “WHAT IS THIS?” LARK asks as I hand him a piece of paper. He glances at it and I swat his hand.

  “Don’t read ahead. Just follow along with the script.”

  He huffs, combing his fingers through his golden brown hair. His navy eyes shine playfully as he chews on his lip. “Enter stage right, Rowan.”

  I cut him off, laughing. “Don’t read that part.”

  “Oh.” He clears his throat.

  ENTER STAGE RIGHT-Rowan Townsend, a strikingly gorgeous woman, strolls onto stage and stands in the spotlight. She looks to the side, watching a handsome man follow behind her.

  ENTER STAGE RIGHT-Lark Hawthorne, a drop dead gorgeous FBI badass, walks cautiously to Rowan, his eyebrow creased and a smile threatening his lips.

  Rowan

  I have something to tell you.

  Lark

  Is that so? What is it?

  Rowan takes hold of Lark’s hand, her tiny fingers trembling as she attempts to come up with the correct words. She stands up straight and looks deep into his eyes.

  Rowan

  For so long, I didn’t know what true happiness felt like. It was always this fleeting expression that evaded my grasp. It loomed in the dark corners of my mind and never really found its way out. But then you came along and shined a light clearer than I could have ever hoped for. You offered me something better than happiness. You offered me love. Deep, giddy, exhausting, confusing, once-in-a-lifetime, love.

  Lark laughs, his eyes shining as they stare into mine. We don’t need our scripts anymore. They were more for fun, but now that I’m building up the courage to tell him what I’ve wanted to tell him for a little over a week now, I’m sure I need to do it my own way.

  I grab the script from his hand and throw it on the ground along with mine.

  “We’ve been so lucky to have found each other. It hasn’t always been easy.” He smirks and I giggle. “But I love you so much more than I could ever eloquently put into words.”

  Pulling out the small photo of my sonogram out of my back pocket, I hold it up for him to see.

  He inhales, visibly shocked, taking the photo from my hand. A beaming smile tugs at his lips. The joy in his eyes at this very second makes my heart do somersaults in my chest.

  “Is this?? Are you pregnant? Is this our baby?” he fires questions at me, his chin trembling.

  I so badly want to roll my eyes. “No, I stole this from a woman at the store.” I smack him, laughing. “Yes, Lark. That’s our baby.”

  He gently caresses the photo of our little baby with his finger. “Our baby,” he repeats, looking up at me. Swiftly putting his arms around my waist, he lifts me up and hugs me with a fierceness that takes my breath away. “Christ, I love you so much.” He sets me down, looking at the picture once again. “Thank you.”

  I place my hand on his cheek, my love for him pouring out of my soul. “I love you more.”

  Stepping back, looking a little nervous, Lark takes out a small box from his back pocket and bends down on one knee. “I was planning this for tonight,” he says and I instantly slap my hand with my mouth, stunned. “But you sorta beat me to it with your unbelievable news.”

  I smile, happy sobbing into my hand.

  He produces the ring, his eyes brighter than the diamond, and smiles. “Marry me?”

  As if he had to ask.

  ADAM—MY HUSBAND, I love you so incredibly much. You not only brag to anyone who will listen, you also pimp the crap out of my books. I know I’m sometimes hard to live with, being a neurotic writer, but you stick with me and bring me chocolate. Hottest deliveryman I know. I couldn’t write romance if it wasn’t for you. You are my happily ever after. I couldn’t do any of this without your love. When I needed a nudge or inspiration, you were constantly by my side, offering to help. You’re my number one supporter and I’m so lucky to have you. Thank you for everything you do, but especially for loving me.

  My daughter—Every day you give me the courage to go out and chase my dreams. Everything I do, I do in hopes of making you proud. I love you, baby girl. Infinity times infinity. To the moon and back.

  Rene Williams—My sister, thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to do what I love. You get excited for me, and pimp me out. Every best friend is in honor of you. I love you. My sister is a badass nurse and somehow she finds the time to let her friends know about my books. She’s a damn superhero.

  Candy Fontz—I honestly don’t know what I would do without your friendship. We joke that this book is your baby, too, and I completely agree. You’ve consistently been on my side, cheering me on from the moment I began this book. You’re one of my best friends and I’m so very thankful to have your unwavering support. I can never repay you for the things you selflessly do for me each and every day. I love you.

  Erin Spencer—We’ve been through so much together. Some amazing things have come our way the last year, and no matter how badass you’ve become you’ve always been my number one cheerleader. You do so much more than I can thank you for. Your constant faith in me is astounding. I don’t know if I could have got through this crazy book world without you. You’ve been there to hold my hand and listen to me jabber and never once complained. You’ll always be my girl, and I’m damn lucky for it. I love you.

  April Hundza Guiterrez (Trifecta)—my other, other sister, we’re going on fifteen years of best friendship. Fifteen damn years. Can you believe it? Lord have mercy, how did we get this far? We’ve had some rough times, but I’ve also shared most of my best times with you. I don’t really consider you a friend. You are my family. There’s no stronger word for it. If I didn’t have you to watch my back, cry with, celebrate with, and maybe even talk a little shit with, my world would be dismal. You make my life fun. And even though we don’t get to see each other as much as we’d like to, nothing will ever change. I love you.

  Sandra Bradbury (Trifecta) – Your friendship is something I’m thankful for on a daily basis. We’ve had some pretty crazy times throughout the years. We’ve made mistakes, but those mistakes made us the people we are today. It made our friendship stronger than ever. You’ve been there for me so much and I love you for it. I don’t know what I’m going to do when you leave me to travel the wor
ld. All I know for sure is I’ll be here in good ol’ Arizona, waiting to give you a big hug when you come home to visit.

  Kandi Steiner—My book Big, thank you for opening your heart to me and becoming my friend. I not only look up to you, but I cherish our friendship. We often share the same wavelength and I think that’s because we were destined to be friends. I can’t wait to see where your life takes you.

  Ashlei Davison and Jess Vogel—My fearless, sexy betas. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You guys are strong bitches who know how to get shit done. You push me on a daily basis and I love you for it. Here’s hoping you’ll stick around for the next book. ;) Also, thank you for forgiving Lark and giving him a second chance. He needed to do some growing up, but he wants to always make you proud.

  Thomas Sims—You’ve been a constant supporter. You’re always there for me when I need you. You have wonderful timing and know exactly when I need a Jensen Ackles photo or meme. #DeanWinchesterObsessed, baby! You give me inspiration to keep writing. I love you.

  My Stars—OMG, I can’t believe I’m typing this, but I have a damn street team. A STREET TEAM. They are a group of badass chicks and one smokin’ man who pimp and support me. You guys are the best group of people I know. I love you all. #CassiesShiningStars make my days brighter.

  Monica Garrett—My mama, thank you for being the best role model there is. You’ve taught me with perseverance, comes happiness. It’s a lesson I’ll never forget. I love you.

  Sara O’Conner (The Incredible)—My editor. You’ve pushed me to make this story amazing. You opened up my eyes and taught me to be a better writer. Your eye for perfection and skills make you someone I truly trust to make Rowan and Lark great characters. Thank you for having my back and being my friend. I love you.

  Kassi Cooper—My wonderful and beautiful formatter. A big thanks to you for always making my books look beautiful on the inside. You do amazing work. Thank you for always being available when I needed you. You’re the best.