Chapter 3
Bruiser's hand in Livy's felt warm and strong as they meandered through the Art Museum exhibits. They stopped behind Jayden as he stared up at one piece encompassing the entirety of a wall. His jaw was open and his eyes wide as he followed the lines painted across the facade.
"Livy! Do you see it?"
She chuckled softly. "Yes, Jaybug, I see it."
"They did it with cans of paint." His fingers twitched. "I didn't know it could be pretty, too."
She frowned, not sure exactly what to say. Livy loved that her brother saw art in everything around him, but he tended to try to copy them later. She almost balked when she noticed the advertisements outside the massive building declaring the current exhibition of Street Art. She could envision Auntie's face at discovering the walls of her house covered in graffiti.
As if sensing her distress, Bruiser stepped up. "It's pretty amazing, but you know there's more than just spray paints here." He let her hand go, and though she missed the warmth, she was happy to watch him interact with Jayden.
Bruiser pulled Jayden to the side of the piece and pointed. "See, this is just a huge canvas and not painted directly on the wall. I know you have seen the stuff sprayed across the walls and buildings, but this is different. Those people were vandals. They were painting where they didn't have permission. It would be like someone coming to your house and drawing on your pictures in your sketchbooks. That wouldn't make you happy, would it?"
Jayden swallowed and shook his head. "I like my pictures how they are now. It's ok if someone draws on an empty page in my sketchbooks but not on my pictures."
"That's right," Bruiser continued. "You need to give them permission. Even if what they did was the most beautiful picture you had ever seen, it would make you sad that they covered your picture you already drew there. These paintings are the same. The artists are painting on canvas and boards. They aren't putting their art on walls where they don't have permission. It's very important always to make sure you get permission first."
Jayden's gaze returned to the side of the canvas and Olivia could tell he was mulling things over. Finally, with a slight nod of his head, he returned to where she was standing. "Can we stop and get some canvas?"
Olivia blinked in surprise. In all the years that Jayden had been drawing, his sketchbooks were always enough. Not even the various teachers could get him interested in working with canvases. Yet, here he was asking for a new medium all because of Bruiser's careful explanation of the rules. She wasn't sure what to think about it.
"I'll take you in the morning. I'm sure Bruiser has a lot he needs to do. He doesn't have time to be a taxi cab for us."
Bruiser stopped beside her and pulled her against him. "I don't mind at all. There's no reason for you to have to make a special trip when the art store is on the way."
"Well, okay. If you are sure?" She looked up into his beautiful deep green eyes.
The laugh lines crinkled as he smiled. "I'm sure," he murmured.
She continued to stare at him, becoming lost in the depths. She didn't know what it was about him that attracted her so much, but she knew he was fast becoming important to her. Being in the service was a bit of a damper on her social life. She made it a point not to date any of the men serving with her although she was asked many times. That was one complication she didn't need. However, there was something about Bruiser that drew her like a magnet. He was strong, disciplined, courteous, and protective. Watching the way he had interacted with Jayden touched her. He not only took the time to explain the painting to him, but Bruiser had also carefully given him an important lesson on boundaries. She smiled up at him and bit back a shiver when he ran a finger over her cheek. She liked him. She liked him a lot.
"I hope you guys aren't gonna kiss," Jayden interrupted their moment. "Kissing is dumb," he continued.
Bruiser dropped his hand. Olivia closed her eyes and took a step back. "No, we aren't going to kiss," she said ruefully. Dropping her voice, she muttered to herself, "Unfortunately."
Bruiser must have heard her because he snorted then covered it with a cough. "What's next?" he asked.
Jayden's face lit up. "The next room has air paint. There's even a video that shows how he does it. He has a little pen that shoots air and paint out at the same time. Come look."
Just like that, the mood broke. Olivia loved her little brother more than anything on this Earth, but there were times she wished he wouldn't be quite so forthcoming. "I'm coming," she said and started to follow.
Bruiser grabbed her hand and swung her around until she was facing him again. "We'll pick up where we left off later," he promised with a naughty wink.
Her heart flipped in her chest, and she couldn't do anything but nod dumbly. "Yeah, okay," she said breathlessly. Bruiser grinned and pulled her against his side. Together they followed Jayden out the door.
Bruiser placed his hand on Olivia's back and gently guided her to the table the hostess indicated for them. Pulling out the chair, he waited until she sat before taking his seat on the other side of the small table. The tiny bistro only held a dozen or so tables and required reservations, but it was worth it. Not only was the atmosphere comfortable with hundreds of tiny lights in the exposed rafters and candlelight on each of the tables, but it also played soft jazzy tunes turned down low. The food wasn't bad either.
The waiter took their drink orders and promised to return in a few moments to give them time to peruse the selections. Glancing over the top of his menu, he couldn't help but smile as Olivia concentrated on the offerings.
"Everything alright over there?" he asked.
She glanced up with confusion on her face. "There are no prices. How do you know what something is going to cost?"
He chuckled. "Don't worry about the cost. Pick out what you want. I promise it's not going to break the bank. They are extremely reasonable here." He turned his menu so she could see it. "See, it's a set list of options. You pick one item from each section. There's an appetizer, a salad or soup, an entree, and a desert. The meal is four courses."
"Wow," she whispered and looked down at her menu. "That's a lot of food."
Her indecision was adorable. "Just order what you like."
The waiter returned and took their orders. Olivia balked at the full four courses but relented when the waiter assured her he could box up any leftovers. When he left, Bruiser smiled at her.
"I remember you telling me you were leaving the Army in a few months. Have you got your plans set?" He sat back slightly and watched her over the table. Damn, but she was beautiful! She had chosen a deep blue dress with silver highlights across the bodice. It was form fitting but covered her from collarbone to knee with wide strap sleeves. The color made her eyes appear more blue than green. He also appreciated the toned down style of her makeup. It let her natural beauty shine through. If he hadn't known better, he would never have known she was on active duty. Olivia radiated sophistication and grace.
She took a sip of her wine and peered into the glass. "My separation is in June, so I'm going to apply for the fall semester at the University of San Diego. If I can't get in then, I'll try for the spring." She placed the glass carefully on the table top. "I've already started the paperwork to get the 911 bill; I don't know how long it will take."
He reached over and touched her hand, gently rubbing his finger over the top. "I admire your drive. You seem to have everything mapped out. Do you know what you want to go into?"
She looked up at him, and a beautiful smile lit her face. "I want to get a double in Psychology and Special Education. I want to be able to help challenged children who go through traumatic events. There is a trauma counselor, Ara Palmer, who worked with Jayden after..." She paused. Her eyes took on a haunted sheen as if remembering something particularly painful. Taking a deep breath, she continued. "She helped him a lot. I admired her, still do, in fact. Jayden was so deep into his mind he didn't even want to draw anymore. She brought my brother back to me."
Bruiser wrinkled his brow at the obvious pain in her voice. "Sweetheart, are you alright?" he asked gently. "I don't mean to pry but if you need to talk, I'd like to think we are friends and you can tell me whatever is bothering you."
She shook her head slightly. "No, I'm alright. It's just old ghosts haunting me."
She sat up as the waiter appeared at the table and placed a dish containing pieces of flatbread decorated with slices of fontina cheese and pieces of prosciutto. "Piadina," he announced with a flourish. "Enjoy."
After he had left, Olivia glanced down at the plate. "Sort of looks like a pizza with no sauce."
Bruiser laughed. "That's a pretty good description of it." He picked up a piece and held it to her coral lips. "Open."
Her lips pulled upward with the barest hint of a smile before opening to take the bite he offered. He watched as she chewed the antipasti and a look of delight lit her face. "Oh, that's good," she exclaimed.
He chuckled and tossed the rest of the piece into his mouth. When he swallowed, he nodded. "It is."
They worked their way through the rest of the meal. The conversation was stimulating with him telling her what he could about being in the SEALs and she recounting endless stories of her own experiences in the Army. She didn't broach the subject of her past, and he was wise enough not to ask.
Soon the waiter appeared with their desserts. "Panna Cotta," he said as he placed them on the table.
"I can't," Olivia grumbled as she looked at the sweet cold custard topped with a rich berry sauce. "I'm stuffed. One more bite and I'll explode."
Bruiser laughed. "We can't have that." He turned to the waiter, "Please box them up for us."
With a nod of his head, the man disappeared with their desserts.
"I've had a wonderful time tonight," Olivia said. "It's been a long time since I've been on a date."
"Me too, sweetheart, but it's not over yet. I thought we would go for a walk on the beach. There's a big beautiful moon out."
She chuckled. "Moonlight walks on a beach? Are you channeling a Hallmark movie of the week commercial?"
He lifted one eyebrow. "If I get to spend more time with you? Absolutely."
Her pretty caramel skin glowed in the candlelight, but his comments brought forth an even brighter sheen. He pretended to ignore it. "I'm serious, though. I do want to spend more time with you and get better acquainted. I know you only have a few more days, but I was hoping that once you came home, we could see where things are."
Once again, that beautiful smile graced her face. "I would like that very much, Bruiser."
He lifted her hand to his lips and was placing a kiss against her knuckles when the cell phone in his pocket started to buzz. With a muttered curse, he drew back and pulled the device out. His shoulders fell when he glanced at the caller ID on the screen. "I need to take this. I'll be right back."
"Of course," she piped up immediately. "Take all the time you need."
Two minutes later he returned and stood by the table. He rubbed his chin with his thumb and gave her a sheepish grin. "I'm sorry. We'll have to do the Hallmark moon thing another time. It's my job; I have to go."
Standing, she picked up her clutch. "I understand," she said quietly.
The waiter appeared with their desserts in a bag. Bruiser took it and dropped a hundred dollar bill into the bill tray. He guided her out the door and to his vehicle. "I'm sorry, Olivia."
She gave him a small, disappointed smile. "I understand. I have friends in the Special Forces, so I know how it is. Uncle Sam calls, you have to go."
"Doesn't mean either of us has to like it." After they had gotten in, he began the drive back to her house. When they stopped at a traffic light, he looked over at her and cupped her cheek. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I never know when I'll have to go."
"I don't suppose you will be home before I leave, will you?"
He let out a slow breath. "Truthfully, I don't know, but I doubt it. I'll text you when I get back stateside, yeah?"
She placed her hand over his against her cheek, and she whispered, "I would like that."
They drove in silence back to Auntie's house. Parking in the driveway, Bruiser escorted her to the door where they hesitated under the light. Looking down at her, he tenderly rubbed his thumb over the apple of her cheek. "You look amazing, tonight," he whispered.
"So do you," she countered.
He chuckled then lowered his head until his lips touched hers in the barest of kisses. The taste of the wine mixed with her flavor was a heady mix that made a growl in his throat. With her permission, he pressed in harder, holding her close to him. He devoured her plump lips like a feast, teasing and licking them until she parted and granted him access. Diving in, he plundered her mouth until they both were panting. Finally, he drew back to see the smoldering heat in her dark hazel eyes and a soft curse escaped. "I have to go, sweetheart."
"I know."
They stood staring at each other for another couple of moments. Leaving Olivia at this instant felt as if a piece of his heart was ripping out. He drank in her features, memorizing them since he wouldn't be able to see her again for a while. The longing mixed with a hint of sadness almost brought him to his knees. He couldn't help but taste her lips again, this time a much more chaste kiss. Her scent was heady and wrapped around his senses until he clenched his jaw to keep from devouring her again. "I have to go," he mumbled more to himself than to her. Quickly, he pressed his lips to her forehead and closed his eyes, letting out a breath that fanned her hair slightly. Mustering his courage, he let her go and turned away. Leaving her was one of the hardest things he had ever done. He had a feeling it would always be this way. He glanced into the mirror as he pulled away and saw her standing there, kiss-swollen lips trembling as she waved goodbye.
Normally he loved his job, but at that moment, he didn't. "Suck it up, Bruiser," he muttered. "The sooner you get done, the sooner you can talk to her again. Three months and she'll be home."
His words should make him smile. Instead, it brought home just how much Olivia already meant to him.