Fire & Flesh

by Kerri Carr

  Scott Mason came back from Iraq ready to commit to Melinda. He is ready to start a family and live a normal, happy life. His only challenge is he still has feelings for his ex-lover, Dillon Ward.

  Dillon is a hard-working cowboy who loves who he loves and that is Scott; a fact that Dillon realized too late when Scott joined the service.

  Years later, Dillon is still single. He will not settle for less than his heart’s desire. He wonders if life will ever bring him happiness. Melinda will show both men there enough love to go around.

  *****

  Just a few more hours, Melina Kemp reminded herself. The room looked festive but not too overdone. “I know Scott has only been gone six months, but he deserves a hero’s welcome back.” She looked over at the enlarged photo of Scott in his Army uniform and smiled, so handsome.

  “If there are cold beers and a dart board, I’m sure Scott is going to have a fun time.” Derek, Scott’s friend decided. “If I know Scott, he will forget all about the war and the sand and focus on you, Mel. If he’s smart,” Derek wiggled his eye brows at Melinda and smiled.

  She laughed at his light flirting then sighed. “It’s just, he sounded, I don’t know, tired or distant. I guess that’s to be expected.”

  “When my cousin, Jay, came back from the middle-east he had a tough time adjusting to normal, civilian life. But then, he was there almost two years.”

  Melinda looked at her watch. Two hours before his plane lands. She had time to change and still make it to the airport on time for his arrival.

  Scott’s mother, father and sister all agreed to meet her with a premade banner. One more look around, offered Melinda the satisfaction that her back yard and patio was ready for Scott’s welcome home celebration. “I’m ready to head out. You good Derek?” she asked, starting to fret just a bit.

  “All that is left to do is to put the kegs on the tables to the right, set up the cups and wait for your man to come through the door.” He smiled, seeming pleased with himself and his participation in the party.

  “I could not have done this without your help, Derek. We should be back in a couple of hours. Just let anyone in as they arrive. I hope everyone shows.” She frowned. “I want Scott to know how much we all missed him and appreciate his service.”

  “You just get yourself dolled up and I’ll take care of the rest here.”

  Melinda smiled and walked to her bedroom, still not sure what she should wear. She had the choices down to three outfits. A black skirt and blue and yellow silky shirt; a red clingy dress that displayed her curves perfectly; or a pair of green capris with a matching tan and green floral shirt. All were lovely but she ended up picking the floral shirt so she could wear the matching hat. Twenty minutes of primping and she was ready.

  As she was leaving through the front door, a few friends were just arriving. “Hey ya’ll, I’ll be bringing Scott in just a bit. Help yourselves to some food and beer.” She hugged all three and headed out.

  #

  “Mr. and Mrs. Mason, Hello! And Emily, I am so excited. Are there any delays?” Melinda rambled a bit in nervousness. She enjoyed a fabulous relationship with Scott’s family and hoped they would eventually be her in-laws. She and Scott talked about it a few times in the last six months. How he was ready to settle down and start a family.

  Her last conversation with him was brief, he sounded fatigued and a bit more withdrawn from their usually animated conversations. The fact that Scott left at only a six-month tour of active duty was a blessing. She feared any longer and he might be like a few other soldiers she met who displayed various ranges of PTSD. This was a chronic condition most active war-time soldiers experienced. Some did well, others ended up with disability and unable to work or function in the real world.

  She figured Scott, while not full blown mentally traumatized, still must have experienced some challenges. He sounded more serious and more sedate last few weeks. “Has he seemed more distant, Mrs. M., when you spoke with him on the phone?”

  “Oh, please, call me Beverly.” She took Melinda’s arm, guiding them just inside the entrance from the tarmac. “I didn’t speak to Scott as often as you seem to have.” Mrs. Mason smiled knowingly at Melinda. “But I did notice he was not a chatty as he usually is.”

  “War will turn any boy into a man.” Mr. Mason said matter of factly.

  Emily walked to Melinda’s free side and walked in pace with the other women. “Is your place all set? Do we need to bring anything, Mel?”

  “I think we are ready, we just need the man of honor.”

  They all stopped and watched as passengers exited the commercial plane Scott took to bring him home. He was not hard to pick out from the fifteen or twenty that exited just before and after him. God, he is handsome. Six feet tall, more muscular than she remembered and clean shaven. He had a goatee when he left. He looks better now she thought. His hair is nice and short in the military fashion.

  “Scott! Over here!” Melinda waved, fighting the urge to run up and jump on him with a big hug and kiss. “He’s not wearing his uniform.” He had on dark jeans and a pull over shirt with a hoodie. It was not sporty looking but casual. He always dressed so well. She was glad she also dressed for the occasion.

  “Well, he is technically not on active duty now.” Emily answered.

  Scott waved back, walking directly to Melinda and stopped. He hugged and kissed her then turned his attention to his family. “Hello Mother.” He hugged her, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Dad,” He nodded and shook his hand. “Emily, are you here alone? No Kevin?” He hugged his little sister.

  “Kevin and I split up again.” She rolled her eyes and laughed.

  “His loss,” Scott shook his head and turned to Mel again. “Hey, babe.” He pulled her away an arm’s length. “You look stellar in that outfit.” He hugged her again and tipped the brim of her hat with his index finger.

  Melinda blushed, smiling that he appreciated her outfit choice. “I chose it just for you.” She grabbed his hand.

  “We’ll meet you later, dear.” His mother hugged him one more time.

  They walked to the luggage conveyor and helped him with his two large bags. “How do you feel, Scott?” Melinda asked as they got in the car. He did not know about his surprise party and hoped he was up for it.

  He sat in the passenger side, sliding back the seat to accommodate his long legs. “I feel good, relieved, and ready to move on.”

  “Move on?” Melinda asked, again hearing something off in his tone.

  “Yeah, like get a normal job, normal life.” He pulled his ball cap from his back pocket and placed it on his head.

  Mel gave an inner sigh of relief. At least he was not meaning move on from her. She perked up, remembering about the phone call she got last night. “Hey, Dillon called last night. He mentioned needing help on the ranch and thought you might be willing to hire on there.”

  Scott snapped his head toward Mel. “Dillon Ward? No shit. I wonder what he’s been up to.”

  She wanted to say, you will find out soon enough, but did not want to ruin the surprise of the party. As many people she invited, he will already suspect something with all the cars. She did ask people to park in the church parking lot around the corner to not alert him.

  #

  Ten minutes later they arrived at Mel’s home. Scott had not officially move in yet, they talked about it. But she assumed he would want to stay until they made more permanent decisions.

  They each took a bag and headed into the house. She unlocked the door and Scott walked in first.

  “Surprise!” A crowded room of about thirty people cried as he entered.

  Scott, always the party boy, laughed and began working the room. He greeted everyone with a hug and a smile. Mel brought his bags with Derek’s help, to the back bedroom. Already the grill was cooking hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken breasts. And all three half kegs already tapped.

  She poured a beer for Scott and walked to his side. He put his arm around h
er and included her in most of his conversations. Many of his friends were now her friends and she kept up with their lives while he was away.

  She noticed he steered most conversations from serving to what others were doing and kept a quiet word on his next steps. “It’s not like I have been away for a couple of years.” He commented. Eight months total this time. That is a third of their relationship.

  Melinda felt her stomach growl. “I’m going to get something to eat. Can I get you a plate, honey?”

  “Sounds great. I’ll come with you.” He held her hand tight as they moved passed the patio onto the back yard. “You go get us a couple of seats; I’ll bring you a cheeseburger?”

  “Yes, I’ll get us some salads at the table.” She kissed him and took his beer cup.

  She stopped to speak to a few people along the way. All well-wishing and thanking her for the invitation. To everyone else, Scott seemed the same, care-free man. Maybe she was just internalizing her nervousness of being away from him for so long.

  After all, they did not live together and not engaged. Maybe she was just wishing for something he was not ready for. She did hope he was ready for some wild sex in the next day or two. That is one thing she knew he was not shy about. Melinda became giddy at the anticipation.

  Scott walked up with the burger for her and a hot dog and burger for himself. “Here’s your plate. I gave you some baked beans, potato salad, chips and corn on the cob. Perfect summer celebration food.”

  He sat down beside her and again put his arm around her. This is exactly why she needed his physical, subconscious reassurance. They ate together as people came over to the table to chit chat. They have not had any alone time yet, which is expected since she invited like three dozen people.

  Scott’s sister Emily arrived bringing one of her girlfriends. Both gravitated to the kegs, trying to catch up to the rest of the party goers. “I’m not sure your parents were planning to come.” She rubbed Scott’s lower back.

  “Naw, but it’s all right. This is not their type of social gathering. But they do know everyone here.” Scott laughed. “Most of these people I went to school with. Ah, life in a small town.” He finished his beer and shook the empty cup.

  “Did you want a beer, Babe? I’m gonna get a refill.” He took the last bite of salad. “This has got to be your potato salad. It’s the best; just don’t tell my mother I said so.”

  “You guessed it!” Melinda smiled and blushed in satisfaction.

  He stood up and took his empty plate and cup and headed to the house. After a couple of more hours, some of the guests left but one arrived unexpectedly.

  “Dillon, how great of you to make it!” Melinda walked up to him and brought him to the back yard. “It’s still plenty light, they are playing horse shoes. Can I get you a beer?”

  “Hey, Mel,” Dillon walked with her to the patio. He stopped and looked out into the yard. Melinda followed his gaze.

  “Not much has changed has it in a couple of years?” She asked.

  Dillon shook his head. His blond hair looked slicked back from the sweat of his cowboy hat, which he held in his right hand over his heart. Melinda wondered what he was thinking so intently. She had seen this before, Patriots who have a worship like reverence for fellow soldiers.

  “I’m so glad he made it home.” Melinda offered, assuming his thoughts.

  Dillon looked to his left at her, seeming to be taking some sort of measure of her. He gave her a slight nod. “I’ll take that beer if you don’t mind.” He answered and turned his attention to the horse shoes further in the yard.

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Returning with his beer, she motioned for him to join the guys. It looks like they could use another player.

  Dillon walked over to Scott, whose whole demeanor became even more animated seeing him.

  Melinda laughed at how much fun Scott was having and took a sip of the beer she poured herself. This was a perfect day.

  *****

  Scott finally began to unwind. So many of his friends and family were around, he was safe at home and the woman he loved was in the center of it all. He looked over at Melinda and waved. She put a lot of effort for this home coming. He did not feel like he deserved it. He was only doing his job; keeping his buddies safe during mine sweeps. He used that ground penetrating radar to find them before anyone lost a limb or life.

  The guys around him threw the horse shoes, shouting their accurate throws and taunting each other. Scott just smiled but did not join the game. He raised his cup in celebration and drank more of his beer.

  He was lucky, but not everyone came out unscathed. Sure, everyone said it was not his fault. But when soldiers became maimed or worse on his watch, he took it personally. Scott felt his pulse rise. He closed his eye and breathed deep. Not my fault. “Enjoy your freedom. Enjoy your life.” He opened his eyes to see a familiar person heading toward him.

  “Hey, man. Glad you made it.” He gave Dillon a big hug and took in his scent. “How you been?”

  “Same ole, same ole. Glad to see you back and all in one piece. I see you put your skills to effective use.” Dillon toasted him by raising his cup.

  Scott clanked his cup to Dillon’s. “Mel says you called asking if I needed work.” He stared at Dillon, wondering what he was playing at.

  “We lost two men last month. Still have enough work for four, but I can hire one full time and thought of you.” Dillon did not take his eyes off him.

  Scott began walking away from the horse shoe players and motioned Dillon to follow him. The two men walked to a copse of trees. Dillon leaned against one of the thicker ones. His cowboy had tipped just down a bit his eyes hidden.

  Scott took a sip of his beer and looked over at the house. Melinda was talking to some women and casually looked over at them. Scott waved and smiled. Such a beautiful, loving woman. She was the whole package for him, smart, sexy, honest and fun. They had also had extraordinary sex. He thought about that every night when he was in Iraq. Well mostly.

  He glanced over at Dillon who looked like some fucking poster of the consummate cowboy. Button down plaid shirt, bolo tie, tight jeans and cowboy boots. He bent his right foot against the tree. All that was missing was a cigarette. But Dillon never smoked. Not that Scott knew anyway. Scott’s eyes moved to the bulge between Dillon’s legs. This made him drink more of his beer. Here is the other object of his sexual desire. He promised himself if he made it home, he would settle down with a good woman and make a family. Melinda was the one. He was sure of that.

  “You’re still in your head too much,” Dillon said not moving an inch.

  Scott laughed and shook his head. “You know me too well. I guess I do need some work. I can start Monday.” Why did I say that? I cannot work next to this man and keep my cool. It would not be fair. Not to anyone. Still, he needed a job, needed a distraction from Iraq and he missed Dillon. God help him but he never lost his desire for this man.

  “How long has it been now, two, three years?” Scott asked Dillon.

  Dillon lifted the front of his hat to look at Scott. He did not answer the question. Why should he. He’s moved on, right? “You seeing anyone, Dillon?” Scott did not want to know the answer, he did not want him to say, ‘yes I’ve moved on but I want to torment you daily.’ He did not want to think about another man in Dillon’s life. Like he replaced Dillon with Melinda. No, he did not want to know the answer but he could not take the question back. He felt like such a shit.

  Still, Dillon did not answer or speak, just finished his beer. “Ok then, Monday seven to four work?”

  Scott breathed easier not hearing an answer. “That’ll work.”

  Dillon straightened his leg and began walking toward the house. “See you Monday. Go see Marie, she’ll update your paper work.” He stopped briefly. “No, there has been no one since you,” He said quietly as he stood before Melinda. “Thank you for the beer, Melinda.” He turned to Scott. “See you Monday.” He tipped his hat and le
ft.

  Scott and Melinda watched him leave. “He didn’t stay long,” Melinda said as she took Scott’s hand.

  “He just wanted to make sure I would take the job he offered.”

  “It was good to see him. I know you used to work together before you went into the reserves, right?” Melinda asked.

  “Yes. I worked at his family’s ranch for a few years.” He flexed his arms. “It’s where I begin growing these bulging muscles.”

  Melinda laughed. “I can’t wait to see your other bulging muscle.” She giggled at him.

  “Hey now. You must wait until all our guests leave. Remember, you invited them all.” Scott leaned down and kissed her lips gently but with passion. “But if you could help me, uh with something in my c-bag. I’d appreciate it, ma’am.” He winked at her and waited for her to stand.

  “Uh, sure. I put your bags in the back bedroom.” She smiled and looked around the yard. Only a handful of people left and they would not miss them for a few minutes.

  Scott took Melinda’s hands and guided her to the bedroom. He shut the door behind her and leaned her body against it. He took in her beauty. His hand reached to caress her cheek. “You are stunning, Mel. I love what you did today.” He leaned in and kissed her. Slow at first, but his passion quickly grew as did the bulge between his legs.

  “Scott, I’ve missed you.” She stared into his eyes.

  She is so loving, so innocent. “I could spend the rest of my life with you, Melinda.”

  “That’s the best thing I’ve heard in eight months.” She rubbed Scott’s hard on between his pants and moaned. “I missed feeling this between my legs.” Melinda bit her upper lip and squeezed his cock one more time.

  A knock broke their momentum. “Hey, Mel, I’m gonna bail for now. I and Tonya have cleaned up the back. Call us tomorrow if you need help with the rest. Oh, and we have until Monday to return the kegs.”