Till Dark

They chatted easily for a while. He kept the conversation light and off the subject of last night as much as possible. She actually found herself smiling in spite of herself and he also seemed to relax a bit. They sat on the rocks and watched the ocean for a few more minutes before he asked Jordan a question that made the hairs on her neck rise again. "Jordan; can I ask you something?" "Sure." She answered with a lighthearted smile" He turned a penetrating gaze on her. "Why did you come here?" Jordan tried to laugh it off but she knew her voice sounded tight. She answered his question the best she could without revealing too much of herself or her true feelings. Shrugging her tense shoulders she replied. "I needed a vacation. Why do you ask?" "Well it doesn't seem as though you are actually here to have fun." "Why would you say that?" A cold chill crept up the back of her spine and she tried to keep her emotions under check so Clark's piercing gaze would not catch her uneasiness. A wave of her hand she dismissed his accusation and she gave him a smile. "I have a really hard time relaxing. I guess you could say that I'm more of a workaholic." She rose and turned to Clark with a face she hoped masked all her emotions completely. "I'm going to head toward my hotel but, I'm sure that we'll meet up again." He looked up at her. "Are you trying to get rid of me Jordan?" She started up the light embankment to hide her pained expression. "Actually I came out here to relax and have a few minutes alone, something I seldom get. If you like you are welcome to join me." "Thank you for the invitation. I think I will since I'm also heading back to the hotel." Jordan turned and flashed him a smile. "Are you up for a brisk walk?" A mischievous gleam in her eyes told Clark that she was up to something and he better watch out. "Sure you set the pace and I'll do my best to keep up." "Great! Let's get going." She started to make her way along the moss covered rocky shoreline to the lighthouse. Clark had not noticed the lighthouse before till he had followed Jordan out here. He studied the secluded structure perched atop the jagged cliff.