Page 49 of The Soul of Archer
Lance laughed, “I did, didn’t I.”
“So, Sir,” she winked, “when are you going to do that huh?”
Lance let out a low sound. She knew he liked when she called him Sir and it usually got him worked up. Hell, it got her worked up too, but he didn’t need to know that. Before she could speak, he had her hand and was pulling her back toward the SUV making her laugh at his caveman behavior. He opened the door and helped her inside then a few moments later they were pulling away from the beach and back on the highway.
“Um, where are we going?” she asked, holding in a laugh.
“The Phoenix.”
“Huh?”
“You’ll see.” He winked.
***
The Phoenixturned out to be Lance’s boat. When Alora had seen it, she was awestruck. The second Lance helped her from the SUV, she bolted from him, down the dock and was lovingly caressing the rail of the boat. Lance loved how enthusiastic she got about something new to try. She had told him before she had never been on the open ocean, and no, Galveston didn’t count. Watching her pay his boat the same loving attention she had his dad car was fascinating. Seemed his woman appreciated anything of beauty. Cars, boats, food, hell just about everything.
“It’s beautiful Lance.”
Lance stepped up behind her, his arms coming around her, “Dad gave her to me after I passed my Captain’s test in high school. When I joined up, he took care of her for me and still does now that I’m in Austin.”
“How big is she?”
“She’s a fifteen-footer. Not as big or fancy as some of the other boats out here, but she’s perfect for me.” He turned her, so she was facing him, “Like I said before, the only women who have ever been on this boat have been family. You’re the first and only woman I’ve brought here.”
Alora placed her palm against the newly formed beard he was sporting. She thought he looked good with a beard and mentally made a note to say so. He kissed her sweetly before they boarded. As Lance started the engine, Alora sat and watched him. He was in complete command of the vessel. It was a huge turn on for her to see him in control like this, well, honestly to see him in control period. He was methodical. Following everything step by step with exact precision. Cupping her chin in her hands, she smiled as Lance eased the boat from its dock and out into the water, the sun glittering over the gentle waves.
“So where to Captain?” she asked, standing and joining him at the controls.
“Well, straight ahead we can go up the eastern seaboard, to the right we’re heading toward Portugal and Spain, behind us toward Florida and left, well we just go back to port.” He replied. “Where do you want to go?”
Alora moved behind him. On a sigh, her arms wrapped around his waist and her cheek rested on his back. “Surprise me Lance.”
One of his hands covered both of hers at his waist as he navigated out of the inlet and further into the ocean. It was still a bit early for a Saturday, but already she could see several other boats out. Some like Lance’s, sail boats, catamarans, even a trimaran which she found interesting seeing it book across the water. When the boat picked up speed, Alora left Lance and hurried to one of the seats at the bow, the wind causing her loose hair to fly free behind her. Unable to stop herself, she stood on the seat, arms spread out wide. Casting a glance behind her at Lance, she winked but didn’t yell out the now infamous line associated with boats and bows.
Chapter 19
Alora sighed and pushed her empty plate away. Lance had indeed surprised her and now they were currently sitting at a restaurant at the marina in Norfolk, Virginia eating some of the best shrimp scampi she had ever had. Sighing happily, she looked out at the different boats moored at the marina. To their left she could just make out the Naval base and could see some of the different vessels.
“How was your lunch?” Lance asked.
“It was delicious.” She beamed.
“Dad told me about this place right before I took my Captain’s test. After I passed, and he gave meThe Phoenix, I brought him, mom, Jack and Jessi out here.”
“It’s amazing. I mean, you have all these regular, excuse me civilians,” she teased him, “then just over there you have the Navy ships and personnel.”
“Places like this, Jacksonville, Fayetteville and others you see that. Civilians and military mingling and working together. I see it more here on the east coast than the west, but it’s still there.”
“Were you ever stationed on the west coast?”
Lance took a sip of his sweet tea before he answered. “For my first enlistment I was at Camp Pendleton at the Sniper school. I got thrown there because my drill instructor at boot camp thought I’d make a good fit there. Before I got to see combat with them, MARSOC came recruiting. The rest is history. I re-upped, joined MARSOC, met my boys and well, there you have it.”
“And because of that, we found each other.” Alora added, reaching for his hand.
Lance took her hand and squeezed it. Yes, because of the decisions he made, he was now sitting across from the most beautiful, sweet, and fierce woman he had ever met. A woman he loved and would do anything and everything he could to keep her safe from the Malconi family or any other threat that came their way. She was his and he was keeping her damnit. He signaled for the check when inspiration struck. Something that had been happening more and more this week. He excused himself, headed for a corner and pulled out his cell and called his mom.
“Hey mom.”
