Hero

by Ronni Meyrick

  From across the yard, Carrie frowned when Jackie shifted her weight off her prosthetic. Instantly, she ran across the yard and took her by the arm. “What’s wrong?”

  A shooting pain shot through her again, and Jackie dropped her hand to rub her sore thigh muscle. “I think I need to sit down and rest my leg for a little while.”

  Carrie helped her over to the patio table and into a seat.

  Clenching her hands, Jackie had to fight the urge to punch the table, as she waited for the pain to subside.

  “Have you eaten?”

  Furrowing her brow, Jackie shook her head. “No, I wasn’t hungry.”

  “That’s not good, you need to eat.”

  “I’ll get something in a minute, I just need to rest.”

  “I got it.” Carrie disappeared into the house and returned with two plates of food.

  Not a word was spoken while they ate. They shared a few glances and grins, but both of them were happy to eat in silence.

  Jackie flinched when Carrie’s hand slipped into her own, and rested against the top of her thigh. “Are you okay?”

  Carrie shook her head. “I’m not sure. What am I going to do now?”

  “Anything you want,” Jackie said in a matter of fact way. “But please tell me you’re not going back to her.”

  Biting her bottom lip, Carrie shook her head. “No, that isn’t going to happen. I said I would give her one last chance, and she’s used that up and more.”

  Jackie tightened her grip, and inadvertently pressed Carrie’s hand harder into her thigh. “Then you need to tell her it’s over. But, don’t worry about that until tomorrow. Give her a chance to sober up first.”

  Carrie slumped down in her chair and leaned to her right, resting her head on Jackie’s shoulder. “Good idea, I don’t think I have the strength to face her right now anyway.”

  Breathing in the lemon scent from the citronella, Jackie relaxed back into the chair. Glancing down at their hands, she used her thumb to rub small circles on the side of Carrie’s. What I wouldn’t give to have her in my life that way. Toni doesn’t realise the treasure she’s lost.

  Got to Table of Contents

  Chapter Fifteen

  By the end of the night, Jackie was tired and needed to get some sleep. Everyone had gone home, and the clean-up was nearly done. All she would have to do is collect all the empty beer bottles in the morning.

  Carrie walked into the living room and threw herself down on the sofa. “Thanks for letting us stay. The boys are already in bed, and nearly asleep.”

  Jackie’s back straightened. Where exactly have they bedded down? “Is one of them staying with Ben?”

  Carrie shook her head. “They’ve taken the spare rooms.” As the words left her lips, her eyes widened and locked on to Jackie’s.

  Jackie chuckled. “You can take my bed. I’ll stay down here.” She patted the sofa.

  “I can’t take your bed. If it’s okay with you, we can share.”

  Sure, that’s gonna test my restraint to the limits! “Okay,” her voice trailed off.

  She led Carrie upstairs to her bedroom, and rummaged around her chest of drawers and pulled out two pairs of boxer shorts, and two T-shirts. “Here, you can sleep in these.” She tossed one set to Carrie. “I’ll go and change in the bathroom.” Once behind the closed door, she leaned back against it. Sighing, she rolled her eyes and looked at the ceiling. I’m going to need all the strength in the world to get through this.

  After changing, she walked back into the bedroom, to find Carrie dressed in just the T-shirt. The boxer shorts were on the bottom of the bed. Oh shit, she looks amazing. God help me, this is going to be a long night. Her gaze scanned the length of Carrie’s legs, the soft sinewy muscles and curves of creamy white skin. Her eyes finally stopped at the hem of the T-shirt, which landed just above Carrie’s knees. Sod getting a medal for bravery, I’ll need one in the morning for restraint.

  She sat on the bed and removed her prosthetic, then reached for the suction release. Rubbing the spot vigorously to stimulate it, she couldn’t help but flinch at the four sore areas she hit.

  Carrie moved around the bed and knelt down in front of her. “Why do you never listen to me?” She reached for Jackie’s stump, and frowned when she pulled back. “Stay still, let me look at it.” She took the limb in her hands before Jackie could stop her. “When I tell you not to stand on it for longer than an hour or two at a time, I mean it.”

  Jackie flinched when she pressed on a particularly tender spot. “I know, and I’m sorry.” She reached over into her nightstand drawer and pulled out a tube of anti-inflammatory cream.

  Carrie took the cream from her and squirted a small amount into her hands. “Layback, and hold your stump up.”

  Jackie did as she was told. The first touch of Carrie’s hands made her cringe, as pain radiated through her, but after a minute the tenderness eased, and she began to enjoy the caress, inadvertently letting a small moan escape her lips. I hope she didn’t hear that. “Thanks, Carrie.” She shifted backwards on the bed and moved her leg away from Carrie’s touch. “How’s your neck, do you want me to get an ice pack for you?” She leaned forward and gently rubbed her fingertips over the forming bruise.

  “It’s a bit late for that now.”

  Carrie shuddered, and Jackie pulled her hand away. “What are you going to do about the house?” she asked, positioning herself into a more comfortable spot on the bed.

  Walking into the bathroom to wash her hands, Carrie called her answer back over her shoulder. “Legally, the house is mine. The thing that worries me the most is that I don’t think she’s going to let me go without a fight.” Her voice sounded sad. “But I’m through with fighting.”

  Jackie leaned back into her pillows. “I’ll help you anyway I can.”

  Carrie climbed into bed next to her, leaned over and kissed Jackie on the cheek. “Thanks.”

  Squirming around in the soft sheets, Carrie’s beautiful vanilla scent filled her nose. Finally comfortable, Jackie snuggled down in the bed. “Night, Carrie. If you need me for anything, wake me.” Tired from the long day, her eyes grew heavy, and within moments, her breathing evened out. The room was silent, except for the far off screech of a barn owl that could be heard through the open window. About to succumb to sleep, she opened her eyes, when she heard what sounded like Carrie crying. Rolling over she whispered, “Hey, are you okay?”

  Carrie shook her head and rolled over to look at Jackie. “No, not really, but I’ll be okay. Go to sleep.”

  Biting her lower lip, Jackie looked down into the sad eyes. The heat of their bodies against one another made it hard for Jackie not to take Carrie into her arms. “I can’t leave you like this. Do you want to talk; can I do anything to help?” The mattress between them dipped as Carrie moved closer, causing Jackie to bite her lip harder, drawing all the restraint she could muster. Jesus, if I keep doing this I’m going to bleed or take a chunk out of my lip.

  Tucking her arm under Jackie, Carrie slid her body alongside her and laid her head on her shoulder. Not a word was spoken as Carrie shifted her left leg and arm over Jackie’s.

  She’s trying to kill me! I can’t believe I’m laying here with this amazing woman in my arms. Her hands had a mind of their own, her left went to Carrie’s hip, hugging her tighter to her body, while the other softly caressed her back through the T-shirt. “You’re safe here with me.” Before the thought registered clearly in her mind, she leaned forward and touched her lips tenderly to Carrie’s forehead. “I swear to you; I won’t ever let her hurt you again.”

  Carrie snuggled deeper into the embrace and raised her head to lock eyes with her. “Thank you, Jack.” She rose up on her elbow and kissed Jackie’s cheek, before settling back down, never breaking eye contact.

  Jackie’s hand moved from Carrie’s side and tenderly cupped her cheek. Using her thumb, she stroked it in gentle circles. The sudden sensation of tender lips on her palm caused her breath to catch
in her throat. The kaleidoscope of butterflies broke loose in her stomach, as pleasure shot through her, and settled firmly between her legs. It had been so long since her body had felt alive with desire, she didn’t know what to do. Her heart thundered wildly in her chest as she glanced down at Carrie.

  The blue pools held Jackie’s, as the soft tender lips trailed across her palm. She moaned when Carrie gently grazed her wrist with her teeth, moving up her arm. Unable to control herself, she took Carrie’s face in her hand and raised it up slowly and leaned forward until her lips were nearly on Carrie’s. Before their lips connected, Jackie’s eyes widened and fear set in. “I’m sorry, this is the last thing you need at the moment. I don’t know what came over me.”

  Carrie pushed herself up until their breath mingled. “How do you know this isn’t what I want?”

  Please, God, give me strength! She’s far too tempting for me to resist. Her prayer fell on deaf ears as an animalistic growl escaped her throat. Leaning forward, she captured the succulent pink lips with her own, kissing them tenderly until Carrie’s bottom lip was in her mouth as she suckled gently on it.

  In a slow, comforting way, the kiss deepened. “Jesus,” Jackie gasped, panting heavily as she pulled back. “You’re so incredibly beautiful. Are you sure you want this?”

  Carrie bridged the gap between them and rose up on her elbow, then placed another kiss against Jackie’s lips. When she pulled away a radiant smile lit up her face. “Oh yes, and you’re not alone in what you’re feeling; I’ve wanted to kiss you for so long.”

  “Do you think this is a little too soon? I mean, you haven’t even ended your relationship with Toni yet.”

  Carrie ran her fingers through Jackie’s hair, causing her to shiver. Goose-bumps appeared over her arms, and her nipples hardened under her T-shirt. “Oh, Jackie, my relationship with her ended a long time ago, I’ve just been too afraid to say or do anything about it. You and I have played our flirting games long enough, it’s time to act on what we feel and be open about it.” Leaning forward she pecked Jackie’s lips. “God, your lips are fantastic, I can’t seem to get enough of them.”

  “I…there…” Jackie began, swallowing hard against her incredibly dry throat. “I’ve wanted this for a long time,” she admitted. Well duh! You just kissed her! “But you already know that. I’ve honestly never felt this way about anyone before…I think I’m falling hard. But, I’m scared…”

  Carrie stroked Jackie’s cheek with the back of her fingers. “I’m not rebounding, Jack, I would never do that to you. Hopefully, once I’ve sorted this massive cluster-fuck of a mess out, you’ll be willing to explore these feelings more.”

  Jackie’s heart fluttered. “You need to ask?” She pulled Carrie down into another kiss, and they settled back onto the pillows. Carrie’s head on her shoulder, her body in her arms. Everything fit, they fit—it felt right. The feeling was overwhelming, yet comforting at the same time. It felt so good to hold Carrie in her arms. That was all she needed for the time being, there wasn’t any need to rush a good thing. Is this love I’m feeling? Jackie smiled inwardly as she laid her head back. Her eyes closed heavily once more. Instead of fighting her fatigue, she welcomed it.

  •••

  Carrie awoke, startled as the mattress bounced and jerked underneath her. She winced when Jackie’s foot connected with her thigh. What the hell? Springing up quickly, she turned to her left as Jackie’s foot shot out again, her body thrashing and jerking violently from side to side, effectively confining herself in the duvet. As beads of sweat formed on her forehead, Jackie’s face contorted in agony—her T-shirt saturated and moulded to her upper body.

  “Davis!” Jackie’s body jerked viciously. “Look out!”

  Before Carrie could move out of the way, Jackie flew across the bed towards her, landing on top of her, and pinning her down.

  With the wind knocked out of her, Carrie struggled to catch her breath, and pushed on Jackie’s shoulder. “Jackie, wake up, honey. You’re having a night terror. Come on, it’s okay, you’re in bed with me, at home.”

  Breathing erratically, Jackie slowly opened her eyes, her body trembling under the cover, as Carrie gently stroked her cheek. She lifted herself off Carrie, and sat in the middle of the bed, half-wondering if she was still in combat, or safe in the domain of her own home.

  Carrie placed a calming hand on her back, and began to stroke it in comforting patterns. “Take it easy, honey. Breathe deeply, in through your nose, and out through your mouth.”

  The sound of Carrie’s voice had a calming effect on Jackie. She looked over her shoulder, and relief instantly filled her as she flopped back into Carrie’s arms, clinging to her, as she cried out.

  Softly stroking her hair, Carrie held her tightly. “That’s it, let it all out.”

  When Jackie finally relaxed, Carrie climbed out of bed and walked into the bathroom, where she wet a wash cloth, then quickly returned to Jackie’s side. Handing the cloth to her, she turned to the chest of drawers and retrieved a clean T-shirt. Turning on her heals, she gasped, “Oh my!” Jackie was topless.

  Carrie could feel herself becoming hypnotized as she stared at her. Jackie’s nipples were provokingly hard, making her want to fall to her knees in front of her and take a breast to her mouth. Her stare slowly travelled up her body, but when it reached Jackie’s face, her arousal vanished. Vulnerability was not something she thought she’d see on Jackie’s face. Striding over to her, she slipped the T-shirt over her head and took her in her arms—kissing her forehead.

  “I’m sorry.”

  Carrie tightened her hold. “You’ve nothing to be sorry for.”

  Jackie had little strength to move. “I don’t have the dreams every night, but they seem to happen when I’m stressed or wound up.”

  Trepidation shot through Carrie as she continued to comfort the woman beside her. Please don’t let her say she’s having second thoughts about what happened between us. “It doesn’t take a scientist to work out what triggered this one. I hope it has nothing to do with us.”

  With her legs dangling over the bed, Jackie propped herself up, straightening up as she stretched her back. “The kisses we shared filled me with nothing but happiness. This was about Toni, and everything she put you through.”

  Carrie laid back and pulled her into her arms. “Go back to sleep, your body’s gone through a lot tonight, you’re bound to be tired.”

  Jackie nodded, and asked in a small voice, “Please tell me I didn’t hurt you, when I landed on top of you?”

  “No, honey, I was winded for a few seconds, but that was it.” Placing another kiss on her head, she let Jackie pull her closer.

  “I’m sorry I woke you.” Jackie slurred, snuggling closer, resting her hand on Carrie’s stomach.

  She’ll be asleep in seconds.

  Carrie’s thoughts evaporated when her eyes began to droop, and she stifled a loud yawn. “Sleep well, my darling,” she whispered, and kissed her head one last time, before Jackie’s deep, even breaths lulled her to sleep.

  Got to Table of Contents

  Chapter Sixteen

  The gentle morning light filtered through a small gap in the curtains, creating golden rays of warmth. Carrie rolled over, fighting every reason to wake up. She smiled when she felt Jackie’s soft body against the length of hers. She opened her eyes, and gazed along the slumbering form, tracing along the toned curves, taking the opportunity without interruption.

  I wish we’d made love last night.

  A soft smile curved the corner of her mouth. Inquisitively, she eyed the brown hair mixed with subtle hints of soft red and sporadic touches of grey. I never noticed that before.

  Still tired, she slipped back into Jackie’s arms and rested her head on her shoulder. Please let me fall back to sleep. Jackie’s arm tightened around her. I can’t remember the last time I felt this safe. I could easily lose my heart.

  When sleep didn’t come, she quietly eased herself out of Jackie’s arms
, and crept out of the room, then made her way downstairs.

  She pulled open the fridge door and scanned its contents. Hmm, fully stocked. She grabbed a pack of bacon and a carton of eggs. I wonder if she’d like breakfast in bed.

  •••

  She hummed a nameless tune as she filled a tray with two plates of sizzling bacon and sunny side up eggs, toast buttered and cut in diagonal halves, and two mugs of coffee. As she picked it up ready to take upstairs, she jerked when a pair of hands slipped over her hips. “Don’t do that, you almost gave me a heart attack.”

  “I’m sorry,” Jackie giggled as she rested her chin on her shoulder and kissed her cheek. “What’s all this?”

  Carrie plonked the tray down and turned around, then loosely draped her arms over Jackie’s shoulders. “It was a surprise, but considering you’re up, you’ve spoiled it.”

  Leaning down, Jackie placed a tender kiss on her lips. “I am surprised, and I love it. No one’s ever done anything like this for me.”

  “Really?” She pulled back, looking curiously at Jackie. “Not even after you had the twins?”

  Jackie didn’t answer, she just shook her head.

  Dave’s an idiot, not to have spoiled you. “If you were mine, I would do anything in my power to see that smile.”

  Jackie’s broad, expressive smile showed how happy she was inside. And, for a brief moment, the pair looked into one another’s eyes—the irresistible impulse to kiss loomed over them, as if they were mischievous school children.

  Directing Jackie over to the breakfast bar, Carrie returned for the tray, and laid a plate of food on the counter in front of her.

  “This is good,” Jackie said, taking another mouthful. “Why aren’t you eating?”

  “I am now.” Through each bite, Carrie smirked. There was only one word she could think of to describe Jackie; adorable.