I give Careful a perplexed look, and say, “Whelp, it's just you and me, boy.” I grab his bag off the couch and set up his water and food bowls in the kitchen. Pulling out a flannel blanket, I lay it down by the fireplace in the living room. I toss the empty bag on the couch and a tennis ball comes rolling out. With a slight bounce, Careful comes running into the room from the kitchen, and catches the ball in his mouth before sliding into my coffee table with a yelp.
“What the hell?” I roar as the dog scurries through my legs heading to the back door. My arms go up and I try to keep my balance by flinging them around, stumbling backwards, I gain my footing and give a chuckle. I follow Careful to the door, and open it. I watch him race outside with the ball in his mouth.
“Come here, boy. Come on, Careful,” I call out to the dog. He sprints to me with his tail wagging a hundred miles an hour.
“Drop it,” I command, and watch him drop the slobbery ball at my feet. Picking it up gingerly, I give it a good toss across the yard. He gives chase barking happily. He charges across the grass straight for me. I cringe at the thought of the dog slamming into me and sidestep just as he reaches me. I know he is supposed to be a service dog, but he doesn't seem very graceful around people.
We play catch for a few more moments before we head into the house and I fill his bowl with food. While he's eating his dinner, I step out front to walk to the mailbox and check the mail. I noticed down the street is a Jeep that looks extremely familiar, almost identical to the one Hope has. Giving it a second glance, I realize that it is Hope’s vehicle. I wonder why she is parked there. I stroll down to her car and notice that she is looking at her phone. I tap on the glass and startle her.
“Oh, Sam. What are you doing here?” she asked with a confused look on her face.
“I could ask you the same thing,” I remarked, giving her a knowing look. Pretty much figured out that I was watching the dog as a trial to see how I could handle having him in my house.
“I was checking my email before driving home. You know, no texting and driving, safety and all that.” She stumbled over her words to get them out. She looked guilty as hell. Maybe, I should just go ahead and put her out of her misery. Or maybe not. I think I'll let this play out just a little bit longer. It could mean more time together and a chance for me to build up the nerve to ask her out.
“Well, okay. I guess I'll see you at the end of the weekend,” I nonchalantly say before walking back to the house.
Careful’s done with his food and is laying on my couch when I walk in the front door.
“Oh, no you don’t. Off,” I command firmly and point to his pallet made from his blanket on the floor. He groans and flips over. “Careful, down,” I say in a sharper tone. With another groan, he slips off the couch and slinks over to his bed. After doing several circles, he lays down with a dramatic huff. I can’t control myself and burst out with laughter. He lifts his head to gaze at me and thumps his tail on the floor excitedly.
I cook a simple dinner of chicken and rice. As I clean up, I hang my dish towel on the handle of the door. Grabbing my bowl of food, I walk to the living room. Forgetting a drink, I set my dinner on the coffee table.
“I don’t guess you could get me a beer? Huh?” I ask rhetorically.
To my amazement, Careful stands with his ears perked up.
“Get me a beer,” I state again.
He walks to the kitchen and I turn to watch his progress. He steps up to the fridge and grabs the towel with his mouth and pulls back on it. The door pops open and he sticks his head inside. I’m halfway up on my feet to stop him from nosing around when he backs out with a beer bottle in his mouth. My jaw drops open and I’m flabbergasted at the sight. Plopping back down on the couch, I watch him trot back to me and drop the bottle in my lap. This weekend might work out for the best after all.
Chapter Four
Hope
I chew on my fingernails until they are down to the nub, I should go back and fess up. He seems to already know what I’m up to. No, I’ll give them tonight to bond and I’ll check on them in the morning. I drop my phone in the cup holder and start my car. Doubt races through my mind. But I need to stick to this. I know they’ll be a good fit; I just need Sam to let the bonding happen.
Before I can change my mind, I drive back to my house. It’s cold and dark by the time I arrive. I let myself in quickly and check the thermostat. Giving it a tap, I bump up the temp setting and amble into the kitchen. Flicking on the electric teakettle, I set out a mug with honey and some chamomile tea. I’m going to have trouble sleeping tonight. I’m so used to having the dog around, I’m not sure how I’ll feel when it’s bedtime and no dog to snuggle.
My mind drifts to thoughts of Sam and how he could replace the dog with some manly snuggles. Snuggles that could lead to a little hanky-panky and fooling around. I’m not sure Sam is a fooling around type of guy. He seems to be all business. Mmm . . . naughty thoughts lead to my panties becoming soaked. Damn, he is fine with clothes on and if he looks like anything that my daydream Sam looks like then I’m in for a treat. The whistling of the teakettle breaks me out of my thoughts.
Pouring hot, steamy water into the mug, I give it a stir and head to the living room. Plopping down, I turn on the boob-tube. I run across a sappy romance comedy and zone out again.
Sipping my tea, I can feel its calming effect moments later. My eyelids become heavy and I can’t keep them open. Stretching out on the couch, I pull a fleece throw over me and continue watching the movie. You know the kind, where a girl meets a guy and falls for him but something unexpected happens and in the end it all works out and they live happily ever after.
My eyes fall closed, and I doze off. A bounding Careful drifts through my dreams. He’s chasing a ball that seems to be coming from right out of my clouded vision. I follow the dog toward the mysterious person. As the fog lifts, Sam comes into view. I pull up short, slightly skidding to a stop.
“Sam?” I whisper.
He looks up and gives me one of his sexy crooked grins. My heart speeds up and I walk the rest of the way to him. Walking right into his waiting arms, I glance up, and bite my lip. I want him to kiss me, and maybe more. Yes, definitely more.
Slanting his head toward me, I meet him somewhere in the middle. Our lips collide and I can’t keep my hands off of him. I touch him everywhere. He caresses my breasts. I really want more.
Lifting my shirt over my head, he lifts me up so my chest is level with his mouth. Sucking my nipple in, he nibbles and licks until I feel like my body is on fire. With a popping sound he releases me.
Beep . . . Beep . . . Beep . . . my alarm goes off. I sit up so suddenly that I fall off the couch. Grabbing my phone, I silence the damn thing. I want to throw it against the wall, but I can’t afford that temper tantrum.
I realize that it’s my day off and I totally forgot to turn it off. I sit on the freezing floor for a few moments to shake the wet dream. Can a girl have a wet dream? If so, that was definitely one.
I think it’s time to come clean with Sam. I know he already guessed my purpose behind his doggy sitting but I want to come clean about it all.
The clammy cold seeps through my pajama pants to the point that I can’t take it any longer. I climb to my feet and trudge myself to the bathroom for a hot shower. I know a cold one would put me in a more acceptable mental state to confront Sam and my emotions but it’s just too damn cold.
I blow-dry my hair and dress quickly to stave off the crisp temperatures. Making myself a cup of coffee and a couple slices of toast, I sit before the empty fireplace and contemplate how I’m going to tell him.
Brushing my teeth and cleaning up the little mess in the kitchen, I can’t think of anything else to do to put off the conversation.
Looking at my watch, I see it’s still kind of early. I know Sam will be awake. I dress in my warm outerwear and carefully walk to my Jeep. I don’t want another incident like yesterday. My ankle is fine and my hands have scabbed over.
I stop by the drive-thru of the coffee house for a couple cups of coffee and donuts. Nothing like some sweets and soul juice to lighten up the mood.
Pulling into his driveway behind his old Ford, I slide out taking the peace offering with me.
I hear barking coming from inside. Smiling, I cross the walkway to the front door. Sam’s there with it open and that same crooked grin from last night's dream planted on his face. I stop in my tracks for a moment to get my bearings.
“Good morning. I thought you had somewhere to be?” he remarks with one eyebrow cocked in question.
“Yeah . . . Well . . . About that . . .” I start but Careful chooses that moment to come rushing out toward me in his puppy excited glory.
“Careful!” Sam shouts to no avail.
“Stop,” I command and he skids to a stop. “Sit.” I watch him hover his butt over the cold concrete. I know he hates that feeling but I need him to calm.
“Seriously? That works?” Sam looks dumbfounded between me and Careful.
“Yes, it’s called commands. He’s actually pretty intelligent,” I brag a little. We’ve worked hard to get him out of his puppy faze and it’s paid off.
“Well, damn. I thought I would have to train him, you know, if he stayed,” he says, looking down as he shuffles his feet.
“If?” I question.
“Why don’t you come inside. It looks like you have something on your mind,” he comments and holds the door open for me. I hand him the tray of coffee and baggie of goodies as I pass him. I pause at the door to shrug out of my coat and boots and then continue to the living room.
As I sit, he hands me a cup and takes a seat next to me on the couch. And gives me a patient look.
Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage. I start with the easy part.
“Yes, I tried to trick you into getting a service animal. Actually, I want you to adopt Careful, that way I can see him whenever I want or close to that. My friend, Sarah, works for K9s for Warriors and was able to put your application, that I kind of filled out for you, with Careful’s file,” I rush the words out, kind of like taking a Band-Aid off, real quick. I worry my fingers as I try to come up with the right words to tell him how I truly feel about him.
“I’ve figured most of that out. I didn’t know about the app but I can forgive you since it was done in good faith. But it seems like there’s something you're not telling me. The relief isn’t there, the kind you get after getting something off your chest,” he pensively says. The mention of my chest has me thinking about last night’s dream and my face flames. His look deepens to my response.
“Okay, so . . . Look . . . There is something I’ve been wanting to tell you, but I’ve felt that it never was the right time or I was the right person. I just don’t want you to be disappointed or upset,” I utter as I fiddle with my hands again.
Laying his hands on mine, he says, “Just say it. I don’t think there’s anything that you can tell me that would disappoint me, unless . . . are we still talking about Careful?” he inquires.
“No, no, that’s pretty much a done deal, if you’ll take him. No, what I want to talk about is me . . . and you . . . Us or a possibility of an us. Sam, I really like you, like, like you like you. No, that’s wrong, like isn’t a strong enough word for how I feel about you,” I heavily exhale. “Sam, I love you and I want there to be an us.” I did it, I told him. I gaze into his face, trying to gauge his reaction from his expressions.
“I . . . I . . .” he begins but I interrupt him not really wanting to hear his rejection. I knew I wasn’t good enough for him.
“No, I understand it’s fine. I’m sorry I put you in this position,” I whisper too afraid to talk louder because I may start crying before I can get out of there. I go to stand up but he puts a hand on my shoulder and guides me back down to the couch.
“Hope, give me a chance to say my piece. I’ve been in love with you from almost the beginning. But why would a beautiful woman like you have anything to do with a broken-down soldier? I mean look at me.” He points to his prosthetic. My heart hurts at the thought that he thinks that he’s not enough for anyone, especially me.
“Sam, you are the most special person in my life and I’ve never seen you as broken anything. I’ve always thought I wasn’t enough because you’re so strong, courageous, and a hero.” I cup his cheeks with my hands, “I truly, unadulteratedly love you with all my heart and want to be with you now and forever.” Tears slide silently down my face as I pull him to me. Our lips meet with a gentle kiss. He wraps his palms around the back of my neck and deepens the kiss. I gasp just before he slips his tongue across mine. I slide my arms around his neck and slide into his lap.
Suddenly, Careful jumps on the couch and slobbers all over our faces, wanting in on the action.
We bust out laughing, through giggles, I command, “Careful, bed.” And he slinks to his bed by the fireplace.
Without warning, Sam stands up with me in his arms. I yelp and hold on tighter. He swiftly strides to the bedroom. Depositing me on the bed, he slides my clothes off of me before undressing himself. My mouth waters at the view of his muscular body. Dropping my gaze to his cock, my heart speeds up and I want to get up and do a happy dance. The man is packing.
Catching me staring, he chuckles, “Like what you see?”
“Most definitely,” I say huskily.
He sits on the bed and hesitates for a moment. Confused for a second, it dawns on me that he’s worried about his leg and my reaction.
“Here, let me,” I say as I scoot over and unbuckle the straps. It falls to the floor and he’s on me before the clanging sound can register.
Licking up my body, he pays close attention to my breasts which drives me wild. He slips his fingers through my wet folds to find that I’m more than ready for him.
Capturing my mouth with his, I suck on his tongue which he rewards me with a groan.
Sliding his large cock through my wetness, he slips the head into my entrance. Sinking in, he rocks back and forth until he bottoms out. We moan at the same time. The sensation of being almost too full combined with the rocking motion that hits my sensitive nub just right, sends my body into a frenzy.
I slide my hands up and down his back, stopping to squeeze those delectable ass cheeks before traversing back up to his strong shoulders.
Slipping my hand between us, I slide my fingers around his girth and squeeze tight. He growls and slams into me fast. Grabbing my hands, he pins them above my head and slides out slowly, only to drive in deep.
My orgasm peaks, and I scream his name, “Sam!”
He releases my hands to wrap his arms under and around my shoulders to get leverage to pick up the pace. As my pussy clamps down, he shouts his release and paints my womb.
Panting, he kisses the tip of my nose before saying, “I can’t believe you can doubt anyone could love you. You are the most special, sexy, loving woman I have ever known.”
Blushing, I respond, “I love you so much.
Epilogue
Sam
The barking dog wakes me, I roll over to get a last minute snuggle but I find the bed empty. I wonder where Hope is. The barking continues. I lift my head to peer at what has Careful so riled up.
He’s at the closed bathroom door. My brow drops in concern. I sit up and grab my sleeve and leg. I slip them on quickly and head toward the door. I can hear gagging sounds from the other side. I speed up and bang on the door, maybe a little too forceful, but damn, I'm concerned.
“Hope? You okay?” I ask as I lay my hand against the door and my other one on the locked handle. What the hell? She never locks the door.
Through the gagging sounds, I hear, “Go away. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
It takes me a minute or five to put two and two together. It dawns on me like a sledgehammer taking down a brick wall.
“I’ll be back,” I say to the door and take off before she responds. I grin all the way to the drug store and back
. I hold my package carefully as I rush through the house, almost tripping on the dog.
I see the door is still closed but the sounds have stopped. I knock on the door, as it cracks open, I thrust the bag at her before she can say anything. “Here.”
She gives me a startled look before taking it and closing the door.
“Oh, shit!” comes through the door. I can picture her smacking herself against her forehead. Yup, nailed it and I mean I really nailed it.
I wait very patiently, pacing back and forth. Rubbing my hands together like I’ve done something devious. Still grinning like an idiot.
A few moments later, a tear-stained Hope walks robotically out of the bathroom holding two plastic sticks in her hands.
“I . . . I . . . I just . . . I mean . . .” she stumbles as she thrusts them at me. One has a pink plus sign and the other says the word ‘pregnant’. I grin bigger, silently wishing I could totally do a fist pump in the air, but I need to see how Hope feels about this.
“Are you okay with this?” I ask. My question shocks her out of her stupor and she glances up at me with shock.
“Of course, I want babies. I just didn’t know how you would react. I love you but you can be a little elusive about your feelings and we honestly never really talk about a family,” she explains. Damn, that’s on me.
“Yes, I want babies, but only with you. I want a big family, as big as you want,” I reassure her as I pull her into my arms.
“Sam, thank you,” she says.
“For what?” I ask perplexed, I should be thanking her.
“For everything,” she says as she lays her head against my chest.
I lift her face, and declare, “I love you, Mrs. Paxton.”
She smiles. “I love you too, Mr. Paxton.”
Claire Ashlynn
claireashlynnauthor.com
No Man Left Behind: A Veteran Inspired Charity Anthology Page 30
