« Deception » Book 1: City of Secrets

Mark threw on a pair of nicer jeans and a white polo shirt, put on some cologne, and unearthed the small square box from the bottom of his underwear drawer where he had hidden it. He opened it, smiling at the diamond ring, and then closed it and placed it carefully in his pocket. He then went back to the kitchen and hugged Lilly from behind, playing with her hair while she ate.

Lilly couldn't help but grin as she inhaled the scent of his cologne, one of her favorite smells in the world. Soon, she'd eaten almost all of the pancakes, and leaned back, patting her small stomach. "I'm stuffed!" she exclaimed. "You want anything?"

"Nope, just you," Mark grinned, kissing the top of her head. He cleared the plates, and then pulled a picnic basket filled with food out of the pantry that he had prepared the night before. "You ready to go?" he asked with a secretive grin.

Lilly smiled, still trying to uncover his secret plan. "Okay. A picnic basket? Ooh, where are we going?"

"You'll see," Mark grinned, taking her hand and leading her outside to the car, locking the house up behind them. He put the picnic basket in the trunk and opened the passenger side door for Lilly with a smile.

"Why thank you!" Lilly said, stepping delicately into the passengers seat.

Mark kissed her cheek, and the closed the door and went around to the driver's side, getting in the car and turning it on. "Put this blindfold on," Mark grinned, waving a black strip of cloth in Lilly's face. "It'll make the surprise better."

Lilly playfully rolled her eyes, taking the blindfold. "Is this really necessary?" she laughed, tying it around her head.

"Yes," Mark said with a grin, sneak-attack kissing her before he started to drive.

Lilly rolled her eyes again, which made no sense, seeing as Mark couldn't see. "How far do we have to go?"

"Not too far, maybe fifteen minutes," Mark shrugged.

Lilly smiled. "Good. I don't want to get carsick."

"Don't worry," Mark smiled. "You have no idea where we're going, do you?"

Lilly laughed. "No, not a clue."

"Excellent," Mark grinned. "You're going to love what I have planned, trust me."

Lilly smiled. "Good. I just love being with you."

Mark smiled. "The same to you, babe."

Lilly turned her head to stare out the window, but as soon as she did, felt incredibly stupid, for she was blindfolded.

"We're here," grinned Mark, parking the car in the parking lot overlooking the beach. He hopped out, running around to get Lilly's door for her.

"May I take my blindfold off now?" Lilly laughed as Mark opened her door.

"Nope. I'll make sure you don't fall. Never fear, princess." Mark picked her up, cradling her in his arms. He grabbed the picnic basket with one hand, locked the car, kissed her quickly, and began to carry her down to the beach.

Lilly smiled. No one had ever done this to her, and she loved it. Just the feeling of someone caring for her alone was wonderful.

The beach was empty due to the sun sinking lower in the sky; the boat was tied up on the dock. Mark kicked off his shoes and set down the picnic basket, and then let Lilly down gently on the warm sand, removing her blindfold.

Lilly blinked several times, looking around in excitement at the beach. Loving the feeling of the warm sand, she threw her head back in pleasure. "It's so warm!" she exclaimed.

Mark laughed, pulling her down onto the sand beside him. "You enjoying this surprise so far?"