by Lea Hart
“Want to watch one tonight and make pasta or something?”
Pulling her phone out of her pocket, she saw that it was past four, which meant that Ace had been called out. “I think pasta and a romcom sounds perfect. You can look over the outline for the classes I’m teaching and tell me what you think.”
“Sure, no problem.” Capping the bottle of polish, she stretched out her legs. “Do you think the road to love should be easy?”
“I do, but that doesn’t mean it’s possible.”
“I wish my professor was more into me because he looks like who I thought I’d end up with.”
“Maybe he is and is just being super respectful.”
“If that’s being respectful, then I’ll pass because it just feels frustrating. I think a man can respect me and still be a filthy animal in bed. In fact, that’s what I’d prefer.”
“Then you need to update the picture in your head because the nerdy men you’ve been going out with don’t have a filthy bone in their body.”
“I know. I guess I was just hoping that I’d eventually find my gentleman by day and pervert by night, but maybe it’s not possible.”
“I think it is; he just may not come in a package you immediately recognize.”
“You’re probably right.”
“I’m definitely right.”
“Would you have gone out with Ace if you met him in town and not in the middle of a war zone?”
“Probably. I was smitten from the moment I saw him, despite all his yelling and fussing, so if he’d been charming and sexy, then there’s no doubt.”
Courtney snorted and then cleared her throat. “Sorry, it’s just hard to picture big growling Ace as charming.”
“I get that since he doesn’t have a smooth bone in his body.” Folding her hands together, she pressed them against her chest. “But his direct approach is charming as hell along with the sweet things he says and does.”
“I want him to be the one for you and hope the baby drama thing turns out to be nothing but a small footnote in your story of true love.”
“I hope you’re right because, if it becomes more, it’s going to be challenging as hell.”
“Good thing you like challenging.”
“I guess so, but mentally preparing myself for what may lie ahead is a great idea and I’m not going to ignore the very real possibility that Ace could be a father in the near future.”
Standing, Courtney held out her hand. “You won’t regret it.”
Lisa took her friend’s hand and grinned. “Let’s go grab a bottle of wine from Olive Market and some bread and then we’ll make dinner.”
“Sounds perfect; I’ll get my purse and then we can go.”
Watching her friend walk back into her place, she thought about Ace and hoped that whatever they had ahead of them wouldn’t be impossible to navigate.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Smoothing out her dress, Lisa checked her reflection one last time and decided all that could be done had, and it was time to accept it. Hearing three short knocks on her front door, she blew a kiss to her reflection and instructed herself not to read too much into Ace’s invitation.
So what if he wanted to take her to one of San Diego’s most romantic restaurants? It didn’t have to mean anything significant. Opening her door, she put her hand to her chest and smiled. “Who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend?”
“All I did was brush my hair and put on a nice shirt.”
Holding out her hand, she waited until he took it and pulled him in. “You’re wearing grown-up clothes, and I’m not sure if I should be nervous or not.”
“Good thing I didn’t come in my dress whites, or you’d be on the floor in a puddle.”
Walking around him, she whistled when she saw how well his dress pants fit his tight behind. “I hate to admit how true those words are.” She put her hands together and swayed from side to side, grinning like a fool. “You are sooooo handsome.”
Ace crossed his arms and gave her a tight smile. “Are you playin’ me?”
“No, I’m just admiring you.”
“It feels weird.”
“Suck it up, buttercup, because that’s what women feel all the time when they see you.”
“Again, are you playing me?”
Stepping closer, she rested her hands on his chest. “I haven’t seen you in a week, and I missed you, and I’m appreciating how lucky I am.”
Looking down, he took her hand and pressed it against his heart. “All right, then. I guess it’s okay.”
“I’m sure this is not the first time a woman has given you a compliment.”
“It’s the first time someone I really cared about has, and so I’m just making sure you haven’t hit your head or anything.”
“No head injuries have occurred, and I’m just telling you how I feel.”
“Well, I guess that’s okay then.”
“Is there anything else going on? Because you seem a little tense.”
“We can talk about it later because we have a reservation at the Marine Room. My buddy Travis said it was amazing and actually proposed to his wife Cary there. So, I know you’re going to love it.”
“I like making dinner and watching a movie too. You don’t have to take me someplace fancy.”
He trailed his finger down her cheek and tipped his head. “If there is anyone in the world who deserves fancy, it’s you.”
Leaning into his hand, she smiled. “You do know that I’m a sure thing, right?”
“My former commander gave me a great piece of advice, and I plan on following it.”
“And what is that?”
“He said: treat your woman like there’s someone working twenty-four hours to take her away from you.”
“Nothing wrong with that little pearl of wisdom.”
“He’s a happy man, so I figure anything he’s got to say is worth listening to.”
“So, the Marine Room, then?”
Taking her hand, he nodded. “Let’s go have a nice night out.”
“I’d like that, Ace.” She kissed him lightly and smiled. “But, I seem to like most things with you, even the near-death experiences we’ve shared.”
“And that, by the way, won’t be happening again since I can’t take seeing you in danger.”
“Now you’re spoiling all my fun.”
“Honey, we’ll have to find our fun another way.”
Sighing dramatically, she picked up her purse. “Fine, we’ll just have to try skydiving.”
“No problem. I’ve got a friend near Hemet who runs a great operation. In fact, my buddy Travis, who told me about the restaurant, took his wife Cary there to jump and had a hell of a good time.”
“I think I’m going to like this Travis-friend of yours and his wife. They sound like adventurous people.”
“They are, and their two girls have not slowed them down a bit. Cary doesn’t want a boring life and has tasked Travis with making sure it doesn’t happen.”
“Is he up for it?”
“He’d do anything in the world to make his wife happy, so if he has to plan crazy shit to do it, he’s more than game.”
Following Ace out the door, she nodded. “Bet they never swam with whale sharks.”
“Few people in the world have.”
“Thank you, by the way.”
“For what?”
“Making my life as exciting as possible.”
“You have no idea,” he responded quietly.
She climbed into his truck and wondered what in the world he was talking about. When she saw nothing but his usual smile, she decided that whatever it was couldn’t be too crazy.
***
Ace Lifted his arm and rested it along the back of the booth and hoped that what he was going to lay out for Lisa wasn’t going to make her run screaming for the hills. “What do you think?”
“It’s kind of spectacular and the only time I’ve ever been eye level with the crashing surf is whe
n I’m surfing.” Sweeping her arm up, she smiled. “I feel like I’m inside the wave.”
“Travis didn’t exaggerate, and I have to say this is beyond what I expected.”
Turning, she took his hand. “So really…why did you bring me here?”
“I wanted to take my lady out and give her a nice evening.”
“And…”
Thankfully, he didn’t need to respond because their meals were delivered. “Looks amazing.”
“It does,” she replied.
Lifting his glass, he clinked it against hers. “Happy anniversary, we met four months ago today.”
“We did?”
“Yes, it was the first time I saved your life and pulled you out of a situation you never should’ve been in.”
“That’s so romantic, Ace.”
“Which part?”
“The part where you remembered the day we met.”
“I thought my saving your life would be, but whatever.”
Lisa kissed his cheek and then looked up. “My hero.”
“Always.” Picking up her fork, he handed it to her. “Now, let’s enjoy this incredible meal.”
“Of course.”
Watching her smile as she took her first bite of salmon, he nodded and then started in on his rack of lamb, hoping that the talk after dessert wouldn’t be a total disaster.
Watching Lisa tap her spoon against the hard sugar covering the crème brulee, Ace hoped that what he was about to tell her wouldn’t shatter what they had together. “Is this your second favorite dessert?”
Lisa glanced over and smiled. “Definitely top five.”
He dug his spoon into the creamy custard and put it against Lisa’s lips and watched her lick it off slowly. Groaning, he shook his head. “Behave, woman.”
“What?” She gave him an innocent smile and ran her hand along his slacks. “I’m eating dessert.”
“You are a tempting vixen.”
“And your point is?”
“I’m a lucky son of a bitch.” Taking her hand, he decided that he’d put off the inevitable for long enough. “Honey…”
“What is it, Ace?”
“I saw Victoria last week, right before I went wheels up, and she gave me an update on the paternity situation.” Seeing her eyes grow big, he moved closer. “She seems to think that I’m the…”
“Father,” Lisa finished.
“Yeah.”
Pulling her hand away, she nodded. “Well…”
He took her hand again and shook his head. “Don’t pull away.”
“It’s just that…”
“I know this makes things a lot more complicated, but it’s not anything we can’t get through.”
Nodding, she looked down. “It certainly puts an interesting twist on things.”
He bent down, so he could see her eyes and silently cursed the situation he found himself in. “It’s not been confirmed yet, and I’ve got Kevin working on the case.”
“Tell me exactly what you do know.”
Sighing, he sat back. “Apparently, both Kevin and Dean have been ruled out, and Victoria thinks that makes me the baby’s father.”
“But…”
“All I have is Victoria’s word, which, in my experience, means nothing. I had a short conversation with Kevin this morning, and we’re going to meet on Thursday, and he’s going to give me a run-down of my rights.”
“And what would you like your rights to be?”
“I’m going to ask for as much custody as my job will allow because I have to do everything I can to balance out what Victoria does as a mother.”
“I can see how you’d want to make that happen.”
“Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“I don’t really know yet; it’s a lot to take in.”
“I want to do this with you and make the situation as good as we can.”
Sitting back, she shook her head. “Wait…what are you saying?”
“As my partner in life, you are going to have a role in this kid’s life, and I actually think that it will make a big difference.”
“You want me to do what exactly?”
Running his hand down his face, he let out a big breath. “Parent the kid together. We’re eventually going to be married and, there’s no way to avoid it.”
“We’re dating, Ace, and nothing more.”
“That’s bullshit,” he ground out as he studied her frown. “Do you really think that’s all we’re doing?”
“We’ve only been together three months, so yeah, I thought we were dating.”
“We are building a Goddamn future together, not hanging out to pass time.” Pressing his head against hers, he said quietly. “I’ve fallen for your heart and want you to be my every day.”
“Ace…”
“Do you think you could possibly feel the same way about me at some point in the future?”
She moved away and shrugged. “I suppose in a way, I sort of…already do. But….”
“You can’t add a ‘but’ to a sentence like that.”
“I can do whatever I want.”
“Of course, what I meant to say is that if you have those feelings, then, in the end, that’s all that matters.”
“No, Ace, it’s not.” She looked around the restaurant and then folded her napkin. “I love the idea that love conquers all, but I know it’s not realistic. Navigating a life together is not an easy task, and it takes time to build the foundation of a healthy relationship. Rushing forward all willy-nilly will not work.”
“So, you love me, but don’t want to rush into something just because I might have a kid entering our lives in a couple of months?”
Nodding, she took his hand. “I don’t think we have to rush things.”
“Where do you see us in a year?”
“I don’t know?”
“Okay, then I’ll tell you where I see us.”
Covering her face, she groaned. “Oh, dear Lord, here we go.”
He moved her hands away from her face and grinned. “I see us engaged if not married.” When she shivered, he kissed her head. “I love you, Lisa, and know you’re the one for me.”
“How? It’s too early.”
“No, it’s not. When you were in Aden, and I didn’t know if you were coming back, I knew there wasn’t a life I wanted that didn’t include you. Then we became intimate and the connection we created proved I was right. And every moment we spend together allows me to see how much of a freaking genius I am for recognizing my mate. The woman who is going to be at my side until the day I take my last breath.”
“I may go before you do.”
“Then I won’t be far behind because a world that you’re not in isn’t where I want to be.” He took her face in his hands and slowly dropped his mouth and kissed her with every bit of love he had. I bet you love me too.”
“I do, Ace. But…”
“No buts, Lisa. You love me, and that is all that matters. The rest we can work out.”
“But, it’s a lot to work out. Especially the part of having a baby in our lives.”
“I know, but this thing we have is too fucking precious to let go of.”
“I’m not saying yes to all of your crazy ideas.”
Letting out a low laugh, he kissed her again. “But, you’re not saying no, so I’m going to say we can find a way to work this out.”
“Promise me you will give me some time and space to process this.”
“I will; just know that I’ll be by your side every step of the way.”
“You do understand what the word space means, right?”
“Of course. It means you like to have the bathroom door closed when you pee.”
She pushed his chest and then snorted. “Ace Henderson, you are a smart man and can’t get away with statements like that.”
Putting his arm around her shoulder, he shrugged. “I kind of just did.”
“You are not as charming as you think.”
“I know, bu
t I’m never going to give up, so it doesn’t really matter.”
Lisa pulled the dessert closer and dug her spoon into it. “Don’t say anything more until I finish this.”
“Okay, whatever you want.” When she rolled her eyes and didn’t respond, he kissed her head and knew the evening went better than he ever could’ve hoped for. The love of his life was still at his side, despite the challenging circumstances, and he knew how damn lucky that made him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Lisa pulled her board off its rack and set it on the grass and heard her mom walk out to the patio. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, baby.” Collapsing on the lounge, she swept her hair up. “You’ve spent a lot of time in the water lately.”
“August is one of the best months for south swells. Can’t leave all those good waves for the boys.”
“True, but I’m guessing you’re out there because there’s something that needs to be worked out.”
Shrugging, she bent down on the grass and started rubbing wax on her board. “Life is a little crazy right now and being out in the water is the only thing allowing me to stay sane.”
“Are you going to tell me what that means before you surf, or do I need to wait until later?”
Leaning back on her knees, she ran her hand over her board. “I still remember the first time Dad pushed me into a wave and how much I loved it. He let out that wild whoop that we all used to laugh at and, to this day, it’s still the purest form of joy I’ve ever heard.”
Gabriella closed her eyes and smiled. “I remember how much he enjoyed being out in the water with you. It meant the world to him that he could share one of his hobbies with you.”
“I can still hear his voice when I’m out there. He loved testing me on where the channels were, so he didn’t have to worry when I was out there with my friends.”
“He never wanted a sneaker set to come up and have you not prepared to handle it.”
“Those were the most fun and, if I got in trouble, there were always enough locals to pull me out.”
“Which gave us both a lot of peace.”
“You think men like Daddy still exist?”
“I’m not sure, but I’d like to think so since I want you and Carissa to find someone at least half as good as your father.”
