Page 61 of Beautifully Broken
"Great. I hope you don't mind that I called in an order at the Italian restaurant in town. I asked what your favorite dish was, and they were kind enough to clue me in. It should be ready for us to pick up."
"Wow, you thought of everything. I'm all set if you are."
"Great, let's go."
I make sure to be the perfect gentleman, and open doors and help Ashley in and out of the jeep, even though I'm nervous. Thankfully, he either doesn't notice or is able to keep the conversation going for the both of us.
By the time we make it to the restaurant, I've relaxed enough to join in the conversation. Ash stays in the jeep while I run in to grab our food, then we're heading up the mountain to one of my favorite hiking trails.
When we pull off on one of the lesser-known paths, Ashley gives me a questioning look.
"Trust me. This trail isn't in the tour books. It's mostly locals who use it, and it's got some of the best views of Lakewood Falls. If we get moving, we should be at the spot with enough time to get a fire going and see the sunset."
"Well, by all means, lead the way, Bear."
The hike doesn't take long. I usually come out here to get lost in the sounds of the woods, but I'm finding I enjoy Ashley's company even more than coming out on my own. I'm learning a little more about him each time we hang out, and it just makes me more certain that taking a chance on him is worth it.
Ducking under the last low-hanging group of branches, I hold them out of the way for Ashley and watch his face light up with amazement at the sight in front of us.
We're on a cliff edge, with all of Lakewood Falls laid out below us. To our right is a river that runs through the valley. It's here that the water has cleared away a beach before the river drops into one of the many waterfalls in the area.
"Holy shit, Talon. How did I not know this was here?" He spins, amazement in his eyes.
"Like I said, it's more of a local spot. One of those best-kept secrets. I only know of it because of work. Why don't you take in the view while I get everything set up?"
Ashley nods, his back already facing me as he stares at the illuminated landscape below. I get the fire going, and the blanket and pillows laid out. I'm just setting out the food when he turns to face me and lets out a whistle.
"Where were you hiding all of that?"
"In my pack. Years in the military made me great at fitting a lot of shit in a little bag."'
"I didn't know you were in the military. Thank you for your service."
"I was, for sixteen years. I-I was medically discharged after a mission ended disastrously."
"Oh no. I'm so sorry, Talon. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."
The sincerity pouring out of his eyes gives me the courage to move ahead.
"No, I need to talk about it. Not only did I have a career-ending injury that still causes me pain to this day, both physically and mentally, but I also lost my partner, Declan."
"Oh."
"We were lucky to have a platoon who was not only accepting of our sexual orientation but supportive of our relationship. Declan and I worked better together than anyone else since we knew each other intimately. The bomb that injured me took his life. I haven't been with anyone since Declan. It's not because I vowed my life to him or anything wild like that. I just haven't met anyone who's made me want to take that chance again. Until you. I'm sorry if that's a lot, but I feel like you deserve to know my story before diving in with me."
"Wow, Talon. I can't even begin to imagine the loss you've suffered, but I'm honored you shared this with me. You said you have some psychological scars. Is it PTSD? You can tell me to fuck off."
"Yeah, PTSD is the big one and basically the umbrella that covers all the smaller issues that go along with it. Night terrors are a real bitch, and restaurants are a bit of a struggle. Hence the picnic."
Ashley nods thoughtfully, beside me on the blanket, before crawling towards me and straddling my lap. His legs wrap around my hips, making me groan at how perfectly we fit together.
He leans in to kiss me, but I pull back to make eye contact.
"I know this is quick and probably coming on too strong, but I've been trained to trust my instincts. If we cross this line, know that you're mine, Ashley. We can take things as slow or as fast as you'd like, but I'm all in."
"Thank the goddess above," Ashley murmurs before slamming his lips on mine.
Well, alright. Thank you, goddess.
