Read Online SEAL Forever by Anne Elizabeth - Free Book Online

when I was of age.” She pointed to a leather biker jacket on the chair. She’d invested in a well-padded one just last week so that she could ride safely with Dec. Maybe she’d send for her old gear too. Mom would send it in a heartbeat. “Just don’t stop too suddenly. Remember, I’m still sore.”
    â€œDislocated shoulders take a while to quit hurting, but in a few more weeks, that shoulder should be as good as new.” He picked up the jacket and held it so she could ease her arms in, and then he zipped her into the soft leather. Touching her chin, he tilted her face up to his and kissed her. “I have precious cargo. I promise, I will be very careful.”
    Escorting her from the apartment, he locked the door for her and aided her down the stairs. He liked playing the knight in shining armor for her. Maybe it was the fact she didn’t ask for it, or that he just enjoyed being with her so much. Regardless, he was pleased that she beamed…for him.
    The ride to the restaurant was relaxing as they sailed down the Strand and made their way into Coronado. Traffic was heading the other way as duty stations released for the day, and the other side was bumper-to-bumper with vehicles. He and Maura zipped down pretty much unimpeded, admiring the beach and sea on one side and Glorietta Bay on the other. He pinned her arms under his, wrapping her even more tightly against his body to make sure she felt safe.
    As they pulled up in front of the Brigantine, there was even a parking spot, as if he’d somehow reserved it. He set the kickstand, turned off his Harley, pulled the key, and helped his date off his Fat Boy.
    Arm in arm, Declan and Maura walked inside and he gave his name. They were whisked away to a darkened corner with the very private and out-of-the-way table he had specifically requested. The Brigantine was known for its cuisine. Though he tended to be a surf-and-turf guy, he knew he’d be going for the rack of lamb tonight.
    â€œMaura, would you like wine?” he asked.
    â€œSure.” Her nose was buried in the menu. “What’s good?”
    â€œEverything,” he said, letting his emotion into his voice. They had been on over a dozen dates in the past four weeks, and in that time, they had shared quite a bit. They’d been bike riding, enjoyed concerts in the park, seen movies, taken day trips into the mountains and the desert, and gone out to numerous restaurants. Maura had learned about his life in foster care and hadn’t balked at his frustration with the social services system in California. Instead, she had listened intently and agreed with his wish to adopt kids as well as have ones of his own. It was the first time he’d ever been so honest about his innermost thoughts with a woman, and he knew that said a lot about how much he trusted her.
    She looked up from the menu and smiled. “Really? So what should I choose first?”
    â€œBesides me?” He laughed. Learning about her large family, her parents, and their support of her dream had been refreshing. Her ability to rally no matter the occasion contributed several points in her favor. Her effervescence was contagious too. He often found himself smiling just because she was.
    Maura put down her menu. Her near-side elbow connected with his stomach and he let out a soft oof . “Stop looking at me like that. We’re in public. Be good.”
    He cleared his throat. “Yes, ma’am.” He suppressed the smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Maura was a riot when she put on her no-nonsense hat. “Fine. I’ll order. I’d like the lamb.”
    â€œOkay, how about I order the salmon, and we share?” she asked, taking a sip of her water. He usually disliked it when women ate off his plate, but with her it was different. There was a seductive quality about watching his food go into her mouth, and he liked sharing what was his.
    â€œThat works,”