Escape To Sunset - Sharon Hamilton Page 0,31
come from all over the world. We used to say in high school that Hawaii always breaks everyone’s hearts. They want to come back, but most never do. I guess that’s like here,” he said.
Kiley didn’t agree. “No, you’re wrong. People come here to heal. I have this plaque at my place—”
“I’ve seen it. The beach heals everything.”
“Yes. That’s the way it is. There’s a part of me that never wants to leave. Yes, I’ve carved out a place in Portland, but when I’m done saving the world, maybe I’ll come back here and just heal.”
“That’s when you’ll fall in love, Kiley.”
The comment disturbed her. He was slipping away right in front of her and there wasn’t anything she could do about it. And then his final thought drove the final wedge into her heart.
“When your work is done, you’ll find someone on a beach just like this. And you’ll set down roots. I’ll go home to Hawaii and pick myself a nice island girl and make lots of keiki, kids.”
She turned so he wouldn’t see her tears. Mustering all the strength she could find, she bravely continued, trying not to let her voice waver.
“After you’re done saving the world.”
He nodded, “Yes, after I’m done.”
The timing of all this sucked. Why couldn’t they have met in a different time. Maybe same place, but different time.
“So why did you say it was up to me?”
He led her to sit on the sand several feet from the surf.
He kissed her hand. “When you’re done battling those demons in Portland, if you come back here, maybe I’ll join you. But only after you’re done. And only after I’m done.”
What was he saying? Was there hope, still? Taking a deep breath, she stopped short. She didn’t have words to answer him.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Kiley.” He faced the ocean, but his hand still held hers. He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles.
Was he asking that she give up her dream? Did he mean she should stop defending the helpless victims of these predators and creeps?
“But you would give up being a SEAL? You would consider getting out?”
“I didn’t say that. Not yet. The work isn’t done. I have a contract to fulfill. I made a vow and I’ll not go back on that word. But there’s always life after. And I won’t fight someone else’s war. I do what I’m signed up to do. I don’t make the fights.”
She wasn’t sure she fully understood him. So she asked.
His answer surprised her.
“It’s hard enough being with someone. Impossible if their battle and inspiration is elsewhere. If I put my Trident away, I want only one thing to focus on, one project left to accomplish. And for that, I’d give the rest of my life.”
She watched Jason all evening as he laughed, drank beer and savored the buttery crab they’d all been looking forward to. They told more silly stories. He demonstrated part of a Haka, a fierce Maorian dance he’d learned growing up. The patterns on his chest and arms seemed to come to life as he danced. Andy and Damon even joined him, playing the comic relief, unable to even partially imitate all Jason’s moves. He stretched his neck, stuck out his tongue and puffed up his chest, his enormous hands balled into fists he’d slap against his thighs. He was twice the size of anyone else in the restaurant.
With twice the heart.
She met Madison, introduced as Ned’s girl. Her mother was right in the middle of the conversation, along with her salty pirate boyfriend with a patch.
If they’d had more time, she would have participated more. But tonight she wanted to watch him, absorb everything about him so she wouldn’t forget a single smile, laugh, or glance back in her direction.
And the more she watched, the greater her heartache.
Later, when they returned to her place, she found it difficult not to cry as he softly worshiped her body for the last time. He chuckled, trying to console her, pretending that she was being silly. But he knew. He just covered up that part of him better. She was certain he would miss her too. She’d touched his heart and he had fed hers.
She was going to crave him forever.
Kiley had told herself she’d get up and kiss him good-bye, but when she awoke, he was already gone. On the kitchen table, he left a note with a bright fuchsia flower on top of it. He just signed his name and wrote