A Sense of Duty: A Former Navy SEAL Falls in Love and Begins a New Journey with his Private Consulting Company: Dark Horse Guardians by Ava Armstrong Read Free Book Online

She had just omitted a few other items that she carried in the bag, like her loaded 9mm Glock, pepper spray, a stun gun, and a five-inch fixed blade knife. Carrying weapons made her feel less vulnerable. Telling Ben that right now might be too much information.
     
    ~Ben~
    Ben could not suppress his excitement to be with her again and he felt a warm rush of happiness as he tucked Lara's arm under his during the walk. He observed everything she was wearing in a matter of seconds. A green top with a matching skirt; he knew she just came from her work at the firm. She wore a burgundy wool jacket and her perfect lips were slightly stained with lipstick that matched. Her long dark hair was pulled to one side and secured with a clasp. She wore beautiful vintage diamond earrings that moved when she turned her head. Her green eyes lit up when she spoke, "Thank you for the lovely flowers today, Ben. How did you know peonies are my favorite?" Ben had to force himself to stop staring at her exquisite face. He was taken by her sheer beauty and the fact that she was seemingly oblivious to it. "Glad you enjoyed them." Ben smiled, dimples fully displayed. "You mentioned peonies last night when I walked you home from the café."
    She was nothing like the women Ben had been with in the past. The females he had bedded were sultry temptress types with too much make-up, more like strippers, wearing false eyelashes and cheap perfume. He was usually drunk and close encounters were considered stress relief. He took what he could get in that department. Lara had a fresh innocence about her. There was depth and intellect. He decided he had to see her tonight. The autumn breeze chilled the air. "Would you consider having dinner with me tonight?" Ben asked with his subtle Irish inflection. "Sounds great." she said eagerly. "Seafood," Ben uttered, "I love it, especially in Maine." Lara agreed, "Where do you want to meet?" Ben stopped short and loosened his grip on the dog's leash. He turned and looked directly into Lara's eyes and said with his Irish brogue, "I don't want to meet you at the restaurant. I want to pick you up and bring you home, like a proper gentleman…if that's all right with you." Ben noticed Lara's surprise.
    He sensed she hadn't been in dating mode lately, if at all. Most of the guys she spent time with probably met her at the restaurant or movie theater. Lara wasn't the average young woman. She was more than careful. Except for that Eliot character, he knew she didn't go out much at all. He got the feeling it was difficult for Lara to leave the plans for the evening in his hands. Lara smiled, "It's just that I'm used to paying for my own meal and driving myself. No one ever comes to my apartment to pick me up, ever." Ben listened carefully as she continued. "But, it would be a nice change. Okay, Ben, I'll be ready at 7:00?" Ben nodded, "Perfect." An engaging smile overtook his face and the dimples returned. Ben could not take his eyes off her as they resumed walking.
    Making small talk on the walk back with Einstein, he noticed that Lara thoroughly enjoyed simple things like the natural beauty of the campus surrounding them as the late afternoon sun moved toward the horizon. The brick campus buildings framed a large courtyard of green space filled with mature maples, oaks, and elms. The leaves rustled lightly in the ancient trees as a light breeze blew through them. Autumn had been fair and warm thus far with a few cold snaps at night. He watched as Lara marveled at the beauty of the bright red and gold leaves. He was immersed in her appreciation for the smallest details as she held a bright red leaf in her hand studying the design of the veins.
     
    ~Lara~
    They paused to sit on the granite steps at the professor's building as the late afternoon sun warmed their faces. Trying to be subtle, Lara scrutinized Ben from head to toe. Even with the sunlight directly on his face, Ben was handsome. Lara detected no flaws. He had attractive