Love of Truth

by C. T. Oliver

  I step away from Tim to grab the binoculars so as not to embarrass myself. Getting caught checking out a guy by your Godfather would never do. Looking through the binoculars, I can see the targets set up at 500, 700, 900, and 1,000 meters. I turn to Tim, giving him a raised brow. He merely chuckles with a mischievous look in his eyes.

  Though not a fan of guns and rifles, I know enough to get a bullet out of the barrel if I ever need to do so. So, I know that the MK12 does not have the capacity for a 1,000 meters shot, unless there are modifications.

  The sound of the first shot vibrates within the station and out into the field as the bullet pierces through the air and nicks at the center of the outlined human target. I can’t help but feel a little pride that Craig can do something like that. If I were cavewoman I would probably jump him right now. The idea of him being able to hunt and gather is doing something to my hormones.

  For each target, Craig and Cory work together to make the shot. I can see Tim is getting more impressed with each shot. When they hit the bull’s eye for the 900-meter target Tim can’t help breaking out a few handclaps. The excitement of the shot has me jumping up and down a few times, too.

  When Craig and Cory are ready to make the 1,000-meter shot, my nerves tingle throughout my body. There is a burning in my lungs from the breath I’m holding and when the bullet punctured the target I let out a scream from excitement. It’s not a bull’s eye, but Craig was able pull off the shot. Tim is so impressed he shakes hands with the brothers and even offers them a smile before wandering back to his office.

  Craig walks over and gives me a hug. “Thank you for bringing me here. That was so much fun. I haven’t done that in a while.”

  “Sure.”

  “Why don’t we take a walk and let Ben and Cory have the range?” He pulls back, straightening up to his full height.

  “Okay, there’s actually a pond near here that’s really pretty.”

  I lead Craig to the other side of the property, cutting through a few meters of thick tall evergreens. The property is between two mountains. The one to the right, they use as part of the range. The one to the left is higher with a waterfall running through it. The fall collects into a bowl like piece of land before flowing down into a stream nearby. This place is for adventure and the imagination to stretch.

  “Amelia, are you taking me somewhere to kidnap me?” He chuckles, tugging at the hand he’s holding.

  I laugh at the thought of me kidnapping strong and capable Craig. “Umm, no. But I wouldn’t mind having you hidden somewhere all to myself.” I look up and wink at him.

  “Ohhh, I wouldn’t mind that either.” He tugs me to him. Grabbing me by the waist he pulls me up his body. The second my lips touch his, my legs automatically wrap around his waist. His lips hungrily seeking mine. He nips and pulls at my lower lip then making his way down my chin. He lightly nibbles the skin on my collarbone making the muscles in my lower stomach tighten in anticipation. Craig’s hands run up and down my thighs, cupping and grabbing on to my bottom. I can remember those capable arms and strong hands wrapped around his rifle and something ricochets within me. I have to have him. I wiggle my way out of his hold and drop down to my knees.

  “Baby, what are you doing?” He breathes heavily, seemingly blinded by my actions.

  I make my way through his dark gray cargo pants and pull down his boxer briefs just enough to free his already fully erected cock. Running my hands up and down his erection, I look up at him through my lashes. “I’m having my way with you, somewhere hidden and all to myself.”

  Before he can say anything, I take him deep in my mouth and suck hard. The feel of him twitching on my tongue excites me even more. I show him no mercy in what I hope is burning pleasure for him. I want him to feel the pleasure as a way of me showing him how I’m starting to feel for him. I cup his already tightening balls and he lets out a groan. His eyes are closed tight with his hands in my hair. I work my left hand up and down his erection simultaneously with my lips and tongue. Feeling he is close, I pay close attention to the tip of his erection. This time sucking harder while my tongue circles back and forth on his slit. He takes in a shaky breath as his hand pull on my hair, which only fuels me on. I stroke him with a tighter grip and as his hips involuntarily flex, he shoots into my mouth. Groaning through clenched teeth and a slight tug on my hair as his body comes down from his release. I work my hands and mouth until every last drop and spasm is out of him before sitting back on my heels feeling triumphant and happy.

  Craig takes a second to gather himself before pulling me up and giving me a tight hug while running kisses up and down the side of my face. “That was ahh…unexpected.” He tightens his arms around me, pulling me a whole foot off the ground.

  I grin like a fool with my arms wrapped tightly around his neck. “My pleasure, babe. Come on, the pond is through those trees. You have to see it. It’s really stunning,” I try to wiggle out of his arms, but he only tightens them.

  “Amelia, you’re stunning.” He nuzzles his face in my neck and plants a wet kiss before letting me down. His stubble grazes my neck making me feel giddy inside again.

  I look up at him and brush back some of his hair that fell forward. “So are you.”

  Through the trees, I lead him to the tiny path that’s been made by my many visits to this pond. The sound of the water falling down the mountainside filters through the trees. It reminds me of the few childhood summers I spent out here with my mom. The picnics, where mom and I would just lie near the pond and stare up into the beautiful sky or collect the wild flowers from around the area to create centerpieces for the dinner table. All the memories that will forever be a part of me.

  For a while, some of the memories of my mom were like icicles cutting into my heart, but the older I get, the more I cherish them. Little by little, I’m able to go places that remind me of her and be okay with the memories. I even allow the memories to bring me some joy at times.

  I tug Craig’s hand through the last of the knee-high shrubs underneath the 100 foot tall evergreen canopy to the rocky landing at the bottom of the mountain that leads to the mouth of the bowl.

  “Wow, Amelia, this is—it’s—amazing.” He encases me in his arms as he looks up and down the mountainside waterfall. The mists of water caught up by the wind are hitting us as the water pours down in torrents into the bowl. It’s refreshing and invigorating. “Thank you for sharing this with me.” I turn to see him looking down at me with the softest eyes.

  I smile up at him. “It was my mom’s favorite place. That’s why my father bought the property. He wanted her to have her own little piece of the Earth.” I try to look away when I feel the tears start to build up in the back of my eyes, but he won’t let me. He turns my to face his, willing me with his eyes to tell him more.

  Trusting someone to know the truth doesn’t mean it’s easy to talk about it. Not being able to the fight the burning in my eyes, I let a tear roll down my cheek. Craig gently wipes it away with his thumb. “Tell me about your mom.” He pulls me into a warm hug.

  “She was beautiful,” I whisper, burying my face in warmth of his chest.

  “I can see that. You’re so beautiful, you must take after her.” Craig runs his hand down the side of my face pushing some of the hair that’s fallen out of my ponytail behind my ear.

  I let out an ironic laugh. “I actually look more like my father than my mom. Overall, I’m more like my father in every aspect.”

  “It doesn’t matter, you are an exotic beauty that I can’t even put words to.”

  I turn my face to look up at him. For the first time in a long time, I can truly believe in a compliment.

  “My mom loved to read. She was a poet. Free-spirited and loved others. Loved to help others, so positive and hopeful. How she and my father found each other, I’ll never know. But they worked. He loved her so much,” I turn and look out at the falls, “still does, I believe.”

  Craig tightens his arms around me. “What happen
ed?”

  My tears are flowing freely now as I let the memories I constantly suppress over the years to surface. “She had at heart attack,” I say angrily. I’m still so angry at losing mom at such an early age. “She was so busy taking care of my father and I, she didn’t take care of herself. She had a heart condition and didn’t even know it.” I cry uncontrollably as I grip on to Craig. I try to take in a few breaths to calm down, but I can’t seem to take in any air.

  Craig gives me kisses on my head. Trying to soothe me any way he can. “Mom died twelve years ago, when she was only thirty-eight years-old,” I say in a small voice.

  “I’m so sorry.” He kisses my head and pulls me tighter into him. As if the closer he holds me to him the more pain he can shield me from, or bear for me. He incases me in his warmth until the last tear is shed and I’m no longer shaking from the anger and sadness of not having mom anymore. “Thank you for sharing this with me. I know it wasn’t easy for you.”

  I lean back, looking up into his kind face. For the first time in over a decade, I don’t feel the pain of my mom’s death being as sharp and piercing to my soul. I feel a little freer and lighter. I don’t know what to say to him, so I just look into his eyes and nod. In all my life, I have always bore my own burdens, so peeling back this layer and showing it to Craig is numbing, but it leaves me a little invigorated.

  “This place is amazing, Amelia. I can see why your mom loved it,” Craig’s eyes roam over the fall, the bowl collecting the freshest mountain water, then into the Oregon green evergreens.

  “It’s a little piece of my mom that I can still come back to.” I look around, smiling at the memories. “Come on, let’s head home. I think Cory’s out of his mind with hunger.”

  Craig laughs and pulls me to him. “He’ll be fine. You okay?” He looks down at me. His concern etched on the corners of his eyes.

  “Very much so, thank you.” I give him a fierce hug before pulling him back through the evergreen. “Did you enjoy the range, babe?” I ask, trying to change our mood.

  “God yes! We are so coming back here again. I haven’t shot like that in a long time.” He wraps his arm around my waist and tugging me under his arm. The heat from his body causes a spark to jump inside me. His statement makes me feel excited. Craig wants to make an investment into this relationship of ours. Even though we never really declared this is a relationship, but I’m hopeful.

  “You and Cory made a great team. I think Tim was quite blown away.” I giggle thinking about the look on Tim’s face when he walked away. “And, I’m very impressed by you.” I look up his gorgeous face and then down at his powerful hands that are so capable.

  He growls. “Baby, if you keep looking at me like that, I’m going to find somewhere to hide you and have my way with you,” he gives me an intense look, “any way I want.”

  I gasp in surprise and feel the wonderful sensation of my lower stomach muscles clenching.

  Chapter 16

  We stop by the Chowder House for lunch after the firearms club. Mary is trying to show that she is not easily won over by Cory’s charm, but we can all see she already has a spot in her heart for him.

  I look to see Amelia beaming with happiness. It makes me feel as if my world has clicked into place and is finally spinning properly. From day one, I knew she was an amazing person, but the deeper I dig the more in awe I am of her. She is a survivor. In war, I’ve seen families fall apart and then new families are made with neighbors and clan members coming together so they can survive. I see that in Amelia. She gathered Blu, Pen, Phillip and Annie and made a family.

  I know there is still much more to Amelia and I’ve just barely scratched the surface, but I can be patient. I know the storms Amelia has weathered have molded her into an exceptional person, but one with armor. It is worth the time to build the trust she needs for her to let me through that armor and into her life.

  Coming back to the house from our afternoon run, the boys and I step through the sliding glass door to hear loud Latin pop and the sight of Amelia twirling around the kitchen brewing broth and grilling herbs and spices for the pho. The aroma fills the kitchen. She divides her attention between the broth and dancing with Larry who is on the island with his two front paws in her hands. When Lou Bega mentions Larry’s name he barks out his approval and her soft laughs fill the air.

  She is wearing a light teal dress with flower designs, and over that, a white apron. Her hair is up in a loose ponytail with some strands already falling out of it. As she dances with Larry she sways her hips along with the music.

  She looks over at us with surprise and her cheeks flush making her beautiful skin glow. “Having fun, baby?” I ask, walking over to the remote to turn down the music.

  “Dancing always makes the food taste better. It’s like flavoring it with soul. The spice of life,” she says and smiles proudly at her statement.

  “Shorty, it smells bomb in here.” Cory sniffs the air and walks over to the five-gallon pot simmering on the Viking burner range.

  “No tasting for an hour or so. It has to cook.” She slaps Cory’s hand away from the ladle.

  “But it’s ready, I can tell,” Cory pouts.

  “Yeah, and I have red hair and my name is Candy.” She puts her hands on her hips blocking Cory from the pot.

  “Hi, Candy. The soup is done.” Cory reaches for the ladle one more time.

  Amelia’s thumb and index finger pinch Cory’s hand inches away from the ladle, making perfect contact with the vital point on the back of his hand. Cory gasps in surprise, as do Ben and I.

  “The broth is not done. I don’t want you to taste it when it’s bland. It will ruin your perception of how it’s supposed to taste,” she says in a gentle tone with a bright smile on her face.

  “Okay,” Cory whispers, probably trying to hide the pain traveling up his arm.

  “You got owned!” Ben chuckles his amusement.

  “She doesn’t fight fair,” Cory sulks when Amelia finally lets go of his hand. Cory reaches for Larry and they disappear into the living room along with Ben chuckling away.

  I laugh as I walk over and pull her against my body. I nuzzle my face into her neck, smelling the cinnamon and ginger lingering on her skin. She’s heavenly. “Um, you smell good.”

  She giggles and turns in my arms, wrapping her arm around my neck. “How was your run?”

  “Good. Do you need help with anything?” I run my hands down her back. Liking the feel of the soft dress gliding over her skin.

  “Well, I’m going to start the cake. You want to help?” She looks up at me with excitement in her eyes.

  “Sure, but I’m a meat and potato kinda guy, you’re gonna have to show me what to do.” I head over to the sink to wash my hands while Amelia rummages through the fridge.

  She makes a workstation for me near the mixer. “Okay, I’m going to measure and lay everything out, all you have to do is add it in the order I lay it out in.” She looks up at me with a bright smile. I can’t hold back. I lean in and give her a gentle kiss on the lips.

  She gasps with surprise. “You’re going to make me forget what I’m doing and then the cake will be ruined,” she says in a mock nagging voice.

  “That’s okay, I’m not a big fan of that type of dessert anyway.” I run a hand down her back and grab one of her cheeks. Jesus, she’s wearing a thong again. I love that about her so much. “I like this kind.”

  She turns in my arms and quickly reaches up, pulling me to her. “God, you smell so sexy, babe. Sweat and man.” She goes up on her tiptoes and tilts her head to place a kiss on my neck before making her way up to my lips. She is fierce with this kiss and holds nothing back. I run my tongue along hers, but she breaks free just far enough to nip my bottom lip a little before coming back. I want to break control and make this more than just a kiss, but I want to be patient with her. I let the kiss linger for a few more seconds before pulling back and resting my forehead against hers.

  “Baby, the cake.” I t
ake in a deep breath, trying to calm the erection sandwiched between us.

  She lets out a laugh and strokes a hand down my face. “Okay, but I want some of your kind of dessert later.” She looks up at me with those wide bottomless eyes.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I drawl, snaking both hands around to grab onto both cheeks. “Mine.” I place a hard firm kiss on her lips. When she leans back, her eyes are round black onyx and I can see her nipples poking under the apron. I smile at the knowledge that she is as turned on as I am.

  “Okay, let’s get baking before I lose all rational thought,” she laughs. She measures out all the ingredients while having me cream the butter and add the eggs. Afterwards, she shows me how to add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture. The smell of rich dark chocolate fills the kitchen as she efficiently pours the batter into a sheet tray and pops it in the oven.

  She looks over at me and laughs eyeing my shirt. I see I’m covered in chocolate powder and flour while Amelia is spotless. “How did that happen?”

  “I told you to add the dry ingredients slowly.” She hands me a wet rag and heads over to clean up the mess I made. On her way back to the sink, she stops and kisses me on the cheek. “I like it dirty, too,” she whispers in my ear. Before I can grab onto her, she’s already out of my grasp.

  “Tease!”

  She laughs and starts grabbing more ingredients out of the fridge. “Of course!” She looks over and winks at me. “Why don’t you shower, babe. Blu and Pen will be here soon.”

  “Okay, but no teasing anyone else while I’m gone.”

  “Only you.” She gives me a sweet smile and blows me a kiss. Adorable.

  I shower in record time and head downstairs. Amelia has already taken the cake out of the oven and is finishing the icing. Ben is at the sink washing sprouts and other fresh herbs while Cory is at the burner cooking the noodles.

  “Oh, Craig, will you please carve the flank?” She places the tender meat in front of me.