“You referring to my ex-girlfriend?” The words stabbed a pain in his chest and a choking lump in his throat.
Misty nodded to the street. “You mean her?”
Cluny’s back went stiff, and he whipped his head around. Graciella’s car crept down his driveway. She stopped behind the plumbing van and turned off the engine but didn’t open her door. The front screen snapped shut when Beachy went inside the house. “Oh, shit,” he groaned. “Oh, shit.”
Graciella opened the door and stood next to her car. She gazed at him with unreadable eyes.
Beachy stepped outside and lifted her duffle. “I’m outta here, Mac.”
“You don’t have to leave, Mis.” But if she didn’t, what was he to do?
“There are times, Mac, when I can’t believe what a numbskull you can be. Go talk to her. What are you waiting for?”
He reached for Misty’s bag and yanked it from her hand. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
“You’re an idiot, but let’s get it over with.” She waved at Graciella.
“What are you doing, for chrissake?”
“Waving good-bye to your girlfriend.” Misty opened the passenger door and rounded the front of Jeep to the driver’s side. “Throw my bag on the seat.”
He did as instructed, slammed the door, and followed her. From the corner of his eye he saw Graciella watching his every move. His neck and shoulders cramped, and he asked himself why he was pushing it. “Give us a good-bye kiss, Mis.” He leaned close to her door.
“I carry a gun, knothead, and unless you have a death wish, you’ll step away from the car. I resign as your relationship therapist. Now back up or I swear to God I’ll drive right over you.” She glared and started the Jeep’s engine then threw it into first.
He jumped to avoid the back wheels when she accelerated. She wasn’t kidding about running over him. He might as well have been naked, standing there in the street, the dust kicked up by the Jeep swirling around his battered work-boots. He hadn’t felt so vulnerable since the evac from Fallujah. Graciella hadn’t moved, but he thought he detected the lowering sun glint off what could be a tear on her cheek. Oh, God no, Graciella, please don’t cry. He was mush when faced with female tears. He threw up his hands helplessly and stepped in her direction.
She moved around the back of her car toward him, swiped her cheeks, and clutched her arms around her midsection. The pain on her face destroyed him as effectively as a bayonet slicing slowly into his belly. Instinctively, he moved forward and opened his arms. She hesitated at first then took a tentative step, both eyes streaming now.
She was in his arms, clutching his back, holding him so tight against her that he could feel her heartbeat. It matched his. “Baby, sweetheart, my love. Please don’t cry.” Cluny rested his cheek against her head, buried his nose in her hair and breathed in her scent. Her scent meant home to him, life to him, the future to him. “I love you, my Graciella.”
“I love you so much, querido. I love you so much it hurts every cell in my body. Please forgive me.” Her lips brushed the side of his neck, nearly undoing him. “Please.”
A noisy, obnoxious car with bass pounding, full of young guys, slowed in the street. The smartass driver yelled, “Get a room!” Cluny smiled and lifted his middle finger without loosening the hold on his woman. He kissed the top of Graciella’s head, took the profane hand and lifted her chin to kiss her. Loud catcalls emanated from the rowdies as they sped away.
“Let’s go inside, baby.” He urged her up the driveway to the front walk, luxuriating in the feel of her arm around his waist, her hand clamping his side. The thought of being without this woman was like being without air. He couldn’t live without either. Whatever it took, he’d fix it with her. Leading her inside, he closed the door, leaned back against it and pulled her to his chest. “Graciella. Mis and I…”
Her fingers against his lips stopped the words. “No, amor, no. You don’t need to explain. I trust you. It was me. All me. I’ve never been so sorry in my life. I was afraid of being hurt by you, of Santos being hurt by you, and so I hurt you instead. I know you aren’t like him. It was my fear, not you, never you. Please believe me.”
His heart reared like a Wyoming mustang. A sob racked his chest. There were no words. By way of answer, he lowered his mouth to hers, brushed his lips across her mouth, then deepened the kiss. He’d swear he could sense their bodies melting into one. He raised his face from hers and pressed her head against his chest in an effort to breathe. They stood like that for a full minute, not moving, holding tight.
Graciella placed her hands on his chest and put an inch between them. She raised her gaze to his. Cluny let his hands loosen on her back and slide down to her hips, holding her firmly in place. The whisper of a smile flitted on her luscious mouth. Unable to resist, he lowered his head for another kiss, a soft kiss this time, a sweet kiss.
“Cluny,” she breathed against his mouth, “I want you to make love to me, but I have to ask you something first.”
“Anything.” He barely got the words out of his mouth because of the surge of blood draining south from his brain. “Ask me, baby.”
“If you don’t want to answer, I’ll leave to give you time to think it over.”
Over my dead body. Leave? No way in hell was she leaving. “Ask me.”
“Will you marry me?” She gazed shyly through her thick fringe of eyelashes, her cheeks flushing bright pink, hand trembling on his chest.
“Marry you? I was afraid you were going to ask me a hard question.” He grinned and pressed her pelvis against his. “Come with me. I have something for you.” When she hesitated slightly, he added, “And, by the way, my answer is yes.”
Taking her hand, he tugged her in the direction of the couch and sat her down. “Stay right there.” He had to force himself not to run to his bedroom. He yanked open his dresser drawer and rooted through his socks and shorts. Snatched the package he was looking for and returned to the living room.
“Close your eyes.”
“Why?”
“Not a good way to start. Close your eyes.”
She twisted her fingers. “OK, they’re closed.”
He gently lifted her fist. “Open your hand.” When her fingers uncurled, he placed a small brown paper envelope there. “OK, look.”
Eyes full of trepidation; she stared at the battered envelope. “What is it?”
“Open it. It won’t bite you.” He knelt before her. “Go ahead.”
Graciella turned the package over and lifted the flap. Squeezing the sides, she peeked inside then retrieved a small, tissue-wrapped lump. She raised her eyes to his. He nodded and smiled. She dropped the envelope and slowly undid the yellowed tissue. “It’s a ring,” she gasped. “A plain gold wedding ring.” She turned it in her fingers and raised her eyes to his face.
“My mother’s.” He took it from her and slid it onto her ring finger. “I’ve been saving it for you. For the last twenty-five years, I’ve been saving it for you.”
Her hands flew to her mouth, and she slumped forward against him.
“It comes with one condition.” Cluny straightened her and smiled. She didn’t answer, just stared with huge, swimming, milk-chocolate eyes. “The deal has to include my boy, Santos.” He grinned. “And a few siblings, yet unknown.”
Hands tight to her face, she nodded then lowered them, leaving red finger marks around her mouth. After a quick indrawn breath, she answered, “Yes, amor.” She gripped his forearms. “Now I have a condition.”
“Shoot.” He was beginning to have fun.
“We’d like permission to move back in here. In your house. With you.”
He pressed his lips together, delaying the answer, keeping her in suspense. “I’m nixing the separate bedrooms. We’ll need it for the siblings.” Cluny raised a finger. “One more condition.”
She raised her tawny eyebrows.
“The three of us drive up to Vegas tomorrow and seal the deal.”
“Th
e three of us? What about my step-daughter, the one with four legs?”
“OK, the four of us.” Definitely fun.
“Anything else?” Graciella raised her chin and wrinkled her nose. “Hmm?”
“We should get a head start on the sibling thing. Like now. My biological clock is ticking.”
She stood and tugged him to his feet. “Mine too.”
She took a step toward his bedroom. “Tick.”
Crooking her finger, she smiled over her shoulder. “Tick.”
Cluny suspected he was in for a wild ride with this spirited woman as his wife. He smiled and breathed. He planned to enjoy every minute of it for the rest of their lives.
Graciella collapsed into shrieks and giggles when he raced after her and lifted her off her feet.
THE END
~ About the Author ~
Nine-Eleven was a turning point in my life, as in so many others. It brought home how suddenly a world can be turned upside down, and why if there were things I wanted to do, I’d better do them. I wanted to write love stories.
I was increasingly burned out in my profession of thirty years, and time waits for no one. I’d been widowed for six years, so, what was keeping me there? I sold my travel business and coffee bar, and then my big house in California and moved to the wild open spaces of Wyoming. The breathtaking view of the Grand Teton Mountains from the dining room picture window of a small house in Jackson Hole clinched the deal. I bought the house and moved in.
Heaven on earth. The perfect place to take a cleansing breath, and write. I loved every minute of living in Jackson, including the deep snow of winter. There’s no substitute for a cozy fireplace, a cup of coffee, and a good book.
The path to publication is hard, slow work. I love the books I’ve written, and the characters I write about. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed creating new worlds populated by special people. Someone once asked me why I write what I do. I smiled and answered that with every book I get to invent another hero to fall in love with.
Discover more about Patty Campbell here
www.pattycampbell.com
www.facebook.com/Patty-Campbell-Author-5368552299661241
www.goodreads.com/author/show/6560120.Patty_Campbell
~ Also by Patty Campbell ~
Heart of a Marine
Wounded Warriors Book One
Patty Campbell
Falling in love wasn't part of the contract...
Single dad and wounded warrior, Dwayne Dempsey, has no idea what he’s bargained for when he signs a construction contract with the curvy Marla Danaher to honcho her condo conversion. The last thing he needs is a sexy property developer breathing down his neck every step of the project. Her strong-minded bossiness should turn him off, but oddly, only makes her more desirable to him.
Marla Danaher has no time for dates, flirting, or marriage. She leaves that up to her twin sister, Charlene. Building a solid financial future and determining her own destiny are her top priorities. Unfortunately, the former Marine running the construction project she's poured everything into only complicates everything. His teasing sexual innuendos drive her to distraction, and she can't ignore his raw physical strength and masculinity. They're on each other's nerves day in and day out, but that does nothing to diminish their strong attraction sparking between them. Too bad love scares them both.
When the mother of Dwayne's daughter suddenly reappears, things take a nasty turn as she fights for sole custody of the child she'd abandoned. There's no way he's giving up his daughter, but when a series of break-ins and threats begin, his protective side flares to life. How can he protect those he cares for most without driving them away?
Buy Heart of a Marine here
https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Marine-Wounded-Warrior-Book-ebook/dp/B01ELTGR02
Once a Marine
Patty Campbell
A one-night-stand, or the first day of forever?
BD James is on an upward career path. She works for a tyrant who has already cost her one fiancé, so the last thing she needs is another manipulating man. She's tired, angry, and ready for a meltdown. What she isn't ready for is Rafael Cruz—a retired Marine who lives a secret and dangerous double life.
Rafi Cruz is a man who makes things happen, but his timing couldn't be worse. He's leaving on a hostage rescue mission in two days, which means he won’t have time for a long slow seduction. He'll have to work fast, or the hot little BD will slip right through his fingers. She's the only woman in a long time who's been strong enough to challenge him—a quality he values highly. He's reluctant to change his footloose life, but he'll do whatever it takes not to lose her. She'll understand. Eventually...
But when BD learns Rafi has deliberately kept her in the dark about his black ops missions, she questions whether he’s the kind of man she can trust, and if he can be as faithful to her as he is to the Corps...
Buy Once a Marine here
http://www.amazon.com/Once-Marine-Patty-Campbell-ebook/dp/B00D8AXZWY/
Jelly’s Big Night Out
Patty Campbell
Passion, fashion, and secrets...
After life took a tragic turn, Jelly Swanson had no time for men. Providing a safe, nurturing home for her little sister and running a successful boutique left her too busy for much else, and forced the idea of a love life to the back burner. But when she goes to school for a teacher's conference, her sister Emi's science teacher takes Jelly completely by surprise. And getting pregnant with his baby? That's not at all part of the plan.
The last thing Henry Palasczewski is looking for is romance. With a broken engagement behind him, he's interested only in the job he loves and the students who adore him. Then Jelly walks into his classroom, and he's dazzled by her sexy, flamboyant manner. She's way out of his league—he's a science nerd, not a movie star—but the chemistry between them is undeniable.
But when Emi goes missing, a tangle of secrets and past loves may destroy any chance they have at happiness...
Buy Jelly’s Big Night Out here
https://www.amazon.com/Jellys-Big-Night-Patty-Campbell-ebook/dp/B007FUGHOG
More Romance from Etopia Press
Worth the Wait
Rhonda Laurel
The best things in life are worth the wait.
The minute handsome college student Wyatt Connelly laid eyes on Avery Reed at a Blake family gathering, it was love at first sight. She's smart, gorgeous, driven, and they're attending the same college in Texas. But the path to romance gets off to a rocky start when the Blake men warn him to stay away from their sweet and inexperienced niece. And to make matters worse, Tomcats quarterback Riley Sloane has been flirting shamelessly with her. Wyatt's trying his best to look out for her without crossing the line as he struggles with finding his own future career path. But watching Riley make a play for her is killing him. If Wyatt isn't careful, he might just lose the thing he wants most—the very person he's been waiting for...
Avery Reed can't figure out Wyatt Connelly. They'd grown close since attending school together, but Wyatt's sudden cold shoulder has her rethinking their relationship. The change leaves her confused and disappointed, so when quarterback Riley Sloane shows interest in her, she quickly develops a friendship with him. The sports star is fun, handsome, and successful, but she can't get her mind off a certain gorgeous, brooding college student who loves to tease her. As Avery gets ready to graduate college, she has to navigate passionate feelings and a complicated friendship headed into uncharted territory. Wyatt's certainly taking his time, but will she believe their love is worth the wait?
Buy Worth the Wait here
https://www.amazon.com/Worth-Wait-Blake-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B01IYH8NCW/
Touched to the Depths
Elsa Winckler
He was the photographer, she the model and on a sunny beach on Mahé, she stole his heart. But Darryn isn't ready for the powerful feelings Hannah elicits, so when another photographer implies he's also slept with Hannah,
Darryn uses it as the perfect excuse to walk away.
But when they meet again, he can't ignore his instincts—Hannah is in danger. Lies and threats make targets of them both, and faced with a situation of pure terror, Darryn is forced to realize he'll do anything to protect her. And to keep her with him, always...
Buy Touched to the Depths here
https://www.amazon.com/Touched-Depths-Elsa-Winckler-ebook/dp/B018WRITHI/
The Ranch Hand
Hannah Skye
A rugged cowboy, an ambitious cowgirl...and a whole lot of rope.
After growing up on her uncle’s ranch, Carol McCreedy has longed for a place of her own to put down roots, raise a big herd of cattle, maybe a few horses, and make a name for herself. And now, with the ink barely dry on the deed, she’s finally made it happen. But leaving Snowbrook to go off on her own isn’t going to be easy. Not only is she in debt up to her eyeballs, but she won’t have the excuse to flirt with her uncle’s long-time ranch hand, Harlan Lee. He’s a mighty fine specimen—rugged, hard-working, and drop-dead sexy, and Carol’s going to miss watching him ride the fences and haul bales of hay in the Colorado sun. There’s heat between them, she can feel it every time his eyes meet hers and that slow smile spreads across his amazing mouth. But she just can’t get the man to make a move.
Harlan has held his feelings in check for about as long as he can take. And now that the beautiful, headstrong Carol is leaving Snowbrook, it’s time to cowboy up. She deserves more than he can give her—all he has is his horse, and a woman like Carol deserves the moon. But he can’t let her go without risking one little kiss…and maybe another… and maybe showing her that he’s pretty darn good with a rope…
Love of a Marine (The Wounded Warriors Series Book 2) Page 32
