Page 90 of Evidence of Truth

He patted his pocket. Yup. The box was still there.

The sun was low on the horizon as they left Anne’s house, and the sky was a riot of colors with yellows, orange, pinks, and red with streaks of dark purple thrown in.

They arrived at the beach and parked. Killian gathered blankets, a small folding table, two lightweight folding beach chairs, a battery-operated flameless lantern, and the picnic basket. Anne insisted she carry something, so he gave her the blankets and lantern.

They walked down a sandy path surrounded by tall sea grape bushes, palm trees, and some thorny-looking bushes. It opened to the water. The scent of saltwater filled the air.

“I love the smell of the ocean,” said Anne.

He guided Anne to a spot on the sand he had checked out the night before. It was far enough from the water that if high tide came in, they wouldn’t drown.

Groups of people were walking on the sand, their voices and laughter drowned out by the crashing waves.

“Oh my, this is so pretty,” exclaimed Anne as she helped him put down the blanket. “I hardly ever get to the ocean and never at night.”

She settled on the blanket and patted a spot next to her. “Come sit down.”

Killian settled in behind her instead and had her lean back. He put his arms around her waist and inhaled. “Hmmm. You smell minty and fresh.”

Anne laughed. “Are you telling me I smell like toothpaste?”

Yikes. Really, Killian. Comparing her scent to toothpaste? “No, I mean…”

“I know what you mean, silly. I took a bath with one of the bath bombs Silas bought me,” she said. “It was green, and there was no identifying tag telling me what scent it was.”

“It still smells good on you.”

They gazed at the waves, which were gently lapping on the shore. The moon hadn’t risen yet, although the horizon was getting brighter.

Anne’s stomach growled. Killian released her and pulled the picnic basket forward. “I don’t know what Laura packed, so it’ll be a surprise.”

She clapped her hands. “I love surprises.”

“Duly noted,” he replied.

He turned on the lantern and set it on the small table placed between the chairs. It cast a soft glow over the blanket. Then he opened the basket lid and pulled out a tablecloth and napkins, something he would never have thought of. Underneath were plates and silverware. He placed them on the cloth.

Next were two plastic wineglasses and a bottle of Beaujolais. He pulled the wine out, and underneath was a box of appetizers.

“Wow. Laura went all out,” exclaimed Anne. “Open it up and see what she made.”

Killian opened the container and shook his head. There were enough appetizers for four people.

He picked up a mushroom and handed it to Anne, who popped it into her mouth. “Oh gosh. Laura’s famous crab-stuffed mushroom.”

Killian’s cock was getting hard as he listened to her groans of pleasure.

Anne picked up a mushroom and told him to open his mouth. The mushroom was soft, but the filling, a splash of the sea, exploded on his tongue.

Killian handed Anne the box to choose. She looked in it and at him. “Laura has made us her most famous appetizers. Let’s see what else is in here.” She poked around. “I see shrimp wrapped in bacon, spring rolls, empanadas, and mini quiches.” Anne looked over at Killian. “We’re not going to go hungry.”

“How about a glass of wine?” he asked.

Anne nodded. He poured them each a glass. They toasted each other, the full moon, and a pleasant evening.

“Yum.” Anne took a sip of wine. “This is perfect.” She looked over at Killian. “Just being with you is perfect.”

Killian’s heart raced. Was it time?

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