Vince: One Night with a Marine: A Second Chance Military Romance (Anchor Me Book 2)

by Lisa Carlisle

  She glanced up. Her surprised expression turned delighted, but then she replaced it with a challenging grin. “Were you gone?”

  He grinned. “Don’t worry, I’m back.” He moved closer, leaning on the edge of her desk. “How was your swim last night?”

  “Refreshing.”

  Over text yesterday, she’d noted that she often worked out on the base gym and was swimming last night. The image of Emma in a swimsuit had done nothing to stifle his near constant thoughts of her.

  “Oh, that’s good,” he noted. “I’m a free man as of sixteen-hundred when I start leave. Want to celebrate with me?”

  She bit her lip. “I’d love to, but I promised Karine I’d help. She has so many catering orders this time of year.” She shrugged. “Plus, it helps me out with Christmas money.”

  He covered his heart and stumbled back as if he was shot. “You’re blowing me off, aren’t you?”

  She giggled and touched his hand. “No, Vince. I’m free all day tomorrow. Want to go to the Breakers with me? Do all the Newport holiday stuff?”

  The mansion? “I thought you wanted to just get through the holidays and get them over with?”

  She shrugged and glanced off into the distance. “Maybe you helped me get more into the spirit when we were shopping.”

  When her eyes met his, they locked. His heart hammered. In that palpable moment, he’d swear that there was something deeper there connecting them.

  This time, he was the one who had to break eye contact. It was too intense. He cleared his throat. “Sure. I haven’t been to the mansions since I was in high school. I’ll go anywhere you’d like.”

  “Oh?” Her brow rose with amused speculation.

  He swallowed and raised his eyes back to meet hers. “Anywhere,” he admitted. “As long as it gives me a chance to spend more time with you.”

  Her eyes widened in reply. She then brushed his upper arm. “You’re such a flirt.”

  Vince spent Friday night at his parents. When Saturday arrived, jitters left him unable to sit still. What was wrong with him lately? He was as restless as his brother, Matty, who had the energy of a puppy.

  His father dropped him off near the Vanderbilt where Vince was meeting Emma. When he spotted her leaning against a boulder, her hair fluttering in the breeze, his breath hitched. An odd sense of lightness followed. After not being able to spend much time with her for days, just knowing they had the entire day together flooded him with relief.

  He walked over and attempted for a casual tone to offset the excitement building inside. “How did the catering go last night?”

  She tilted her head and smiled, which did more strange things to his buzzing insides. “Mostly desserts, which wasn’t so bad.”

  Emma hooked her arm in his as they lined up in the queue to enter the restored Vanderbilt mansion, a warm sensation spread through him.

  “Thanks for coming with me, Vince.”

  The gratitude in her warm eyes almost leveled him. He swallowed. “I’ve been looking forward to it.” He left out the part that it had nothing to do with the mansion and everything to do with the company.

  The scent of pine and cinnamon welcomed them. Vince stared at the countless Christmas trees twinkling with tiny lights and covered in red bows in the opulent interior. Emma sighed with wonder as they walked arm in arm while she pointed out the remarkable details on the décor.

  Although the displays were awe-inspiring, Vince quickly grew more interested in Emma’s reaction to them—the marvel in her expression, the twinkle in her eye, the soft “wows.”

  Vince stopped before one of the many Christmas trees and gaped. It was constructed entirely out of poinsettias. “I can’t say I’ve ever seen a tree like this before.”

  Emma agreed. “It must have taken so much time to create.” She pointed from bottom to top. “How many do you think are on there?”

  “At least a hundred.”

  “Spectacular.”

  They progressed into the dining room. Massive candelabras with long crimson candles perched on a table set for ten. Each place setting with a number of exquisite china plates with hints of holiday red, a variety of crystal glasses, and ornate silverware.

  “My parents put together a delicious Christmas dinner, but our table will never live up to this standard.” Vince gestured around the room.

  Emma chuckled. They ascended the staircase and entered a room full of gingerbread houses. “Look at these!” Emma marveled at the displays. “Miniature gingerbread house mansions.”

  Vince bent down and glanced inside one of the rooms. “They’ve even decorated the furniture inside. The attention to detail on these is unbelievable.” He pulled himself upright. “I should suggest this as a new hobby for my dad to keep him busy in retirement.”

  Emma tilted her head. “Think he’ll go for it?”

  He grunted. “Who knows? He loves to sail, so he goes a little stir crazy when he’s cooped up during the winter. He’ll be out on the water as soon as it’s mild enough.” He cocked his head as an idea came to him. “Maybe you can join us the next time I’m back here on leave.”

  Her small grin widened, enchanting him. “Maybe.”

  That one word filled Vince with promise. Maybe the future offered a chance where they would still be a part of each other’s lives.

  Maybe.

  Emma

  Later that evening, Emma walked arm-in-arm with Vince down the hill and over the cobblestone. The twinkle of lights along the wharves and on classic colonials looked like candlelight. They passed a tour with people holding lanterns. The tour guide pointed out some historical highlights of the area.

  Vince turned to her. “Want to join them?”

  It might help her distract her from her response to Vince.

  “No, that’s fine.” She was enjoying their walk alone together through Newport too much to want to share him with strangers.

  We’re just friends. Funny how each time she reminded herself of that fact, another part of her piped up that she was full of shit. She’d never felt this attracted to anyone she’d considered a friend.

  A brisk breeze rolled off the water, and she shuddered. “Argh, that’s cold!”

  “Come here.” He folded his arms around her, blocking her from the brunt of the wind.

  She leaned into his chest. Despite the cool exterior of his coat, she wanted to curl into his body heat. He smelled so good and provided a protective sort of cocoon that she could seek shelter in for a long time.

  “You okay, Emma?” His voice caught.

  Was he as affected as she was? Aware that the breeze had passed, and she was still pressed against him, she pulled away with reluctance. Being in his arms felt incredible. If just a short embrace affected her that way, what could happen if they didn’t pull away?

  “Yes, better now. Thanks.” She avoided his gaze, sensing he’d read her sordid thoughts. She rubbed her arms, trying to disguise how much she enjoyed being close to him, and sell it as merely seeking warmth.

  He wrapped an arm around her. “Let’s get you inside and fill you with something to warm you up.”

  An image of how he could warm her up in such a delicious, satisfying way led her to close her eyes and savor the image for a second. What was going on with her? Did all of her thoughts have to go right back to fantasizing about them being in bed?

  Still, she snuggled against him as he steered her away from the crowd and into a pub. It smelled like spices.

  “It smells good in here. What’s that scent?” she asked the server.

  “Our special mulled wine for the holidays.” He placed a menu with seasonal specials before her.

  “Ooh, that sounds perfect.” She turned to Vince. “Want to try it?”

  “Sure.”

  The server returned soon after with an oversized mug. She lifted it to her lips and inhaled. “Mmm.”

  “Smells like Christmas,” he agreed.

  When she took a sip, the spices mingled on her tongue. �
�Tastes like it too.”

  He took a sip. “Good choice.”

  “What are you doing tomorrow?” she asked, an attempt to divert her thoughts to a friendly conversation.

  He sighed. “Headed to Providence with my parents to visit my brother and his wife. They’re making dinner. My mother bought us tickets to a Christmas Carol. I’m going to stay the night and come back with Angelo and Catherine on Christmas Eve.”

  That meant she wouldn’t see him for a couple of days. “Oh, that sounds like fun.” She attempted to hide her disappointment with a cheerful tone.

  After dinner, they wandered into a venue featuring live music. They ordered drinks and gathered around to hear the band cover play pop hits and holiday classics.

  The singer encouraged them to join in, and both she and Vince sang along to Santa Baby. Although she knew the lyrics, she was far more aware of Vince behind her, singing in his low rumble, his breath warming the back of her ear, making her body turn to hot liquid. How could he make the song sound even more sensual?

  He was so close. She wanted to lean back against him, to have him wrap an arm around her like they were together.

  She should get herself in check.

  But she couldn’t fight this any longer. She rested her head back on his broad chest. Vince’s voice caught in the middle of a line.

  She took another step back, pressing her ass against him. Vince’s body appeared to harden to steel. He ran one hand down her side and rested it there.

  Her heart pounded in her ears, her body was on fire at every spot they touched. As the song ended, she turned over her shoulder. His eyes were dark with desire.

  She gulped. “Want to get out of here?”

  “Yes.” He took her hand and steered her out of the club.

  Once they veered over to walk along the waterfront where there were fewer people, he turned to her.

  “Emma.” His voice came out strangled and he rubbed his jaw as if he didn’t know what to say.

  The commercial lights twinkled on the water. The breeze felt more refreshing this time as her skin was almost on fire.

  She stared up at him, gazing into his intense eyes. “You know my deal, and I know you’re leaving. We can be friends.” She took a deep breath and exhaled. “But I don’t see why friends can’t kiss.”

  Vince’s eyes turned as smoldering as dark coals and he seemed to drink her in. His gaze lowered to her lips and he caressed her cheek. “That sounds like a fantastic benefit to our friendship.” He moved his thumb lower, rubbing it along her bottom lip. “I’ve wanted to kiss you again for so long.”

  She arched up to him and challenged, “Then do it.”

  He bent his head, and she raised up on her tiptoes to meet him. The lights along the waterfront seemed to blend into the darkness as time slowed and her heart pounded in her ears. All her thoughts were on Vince—his eyes, his lips...

  And then her lips finally brushed his. A strange, relieved-sounding gasp escaped her. The heat was just as vibrant as she’d remembered, singeing her with that simmering current. She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck and stepped closer. He enclosed her in his strong arms and she finally melted against his body, the way she’d been longing to do all night.

  Vince deepened the kiss, trailing his fingers down along the side of her neck. But then he pulled back.

  She stifled a whimper. “What’s wrong?”

  He glanced back toward the pubs and restaurants. “Too many people around. We should go somewhere more private.”

  Shit, he was right. She’d lost all sense of their surroundings as she lost herself in the moment.

  The words ‘my place’ hovered at her lips. Even if they could be friends with benefits, that didn’t mean they had to jump right into bed together. He was in town for a couple more weeks.

  And after a taste tonight, it would give them something to look forward to.

  She brushed her clothing down and ran her hands over her hair. “Maybe we should call it a night.”

  He released a slow exhale. “Of course.” He rolled his shoulders back and adjusted his stance. “What are you doing tomorrow?”

  “Helping Karine for a bit.”

  “What about Christmas Eve?”

  She bit her bottom lip. “Karine invited me over.”

  A heated silence pulsed between them.

  “Do you want to get together after we meet our family and friend obligations?”

  Her eyes widened at this unexpected invitation. “On Christmas Eve?”

  “Yeah, why not?”

  She shuffled from one foot to the other. “Christmas is a time you spend with loved ones.” She shrugged. “We don’t know each other that well.”

  He gazed at her. “The magic of Christmas is that you can spend it with whoever you want.”

  The urge to invite him back to her place returned. Before she acted on it, she kissed him on the cheek before hailing a cab. “Good night, Vince. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  Despite Emma’s attempts at distraction, she couldn’t stop thinking about Vince over the next couple of days. They exchanged a few texts, sharing what they were up to, and each one made her smile.

  On Christmas Eve, she went to Karine’s and they feasted on a Mediterranean spread with spanakopita, pilaf, hummus, and tabbouleh. When Karine tried to cover up a yawn, Emma read the sign. She helped clean up, so she could get out of their hair and let Karine and John have some rest.

  “I’m going to get going,” Emma said. “Thanks so much for having me. Everything was delicious.” She walked to the coat rack and grabbed her coat.

  “So soon?” Karine asked. “You haven’t even had any dessert or eggnog.”

  That was true. Karine was as hospitable as always, but Emma didn’t want to intrude on family time. “It’s your first Christmas Eve with the three of you. Enjoy your family time.”

  “Okay. Where are you going to go?”

  “Home. I need to get to sleep before Santa comes.” She winked. Baby Laura was too young to understand yet.

  After she said her goodbye to all, Karine walked Emma to the front door. “You’ll be back tomorrow, right?”

  “Of course. I’ll be back so soon that you won’t even realize I was gone.”

  “Okay. Text me when you get home.”

  Emma laughed. “You are such a mom.”

  Karine waved. “I’d worry about you getting home no matter what.”

  Karine was always looking out for others. Emma bit her lip, contemplating if she should reveal Vince’s suggestion. Ah, what the heck, why not? “So, the other day, Vince and I kissed.”

  “What?” Karine’s volume could wake up every baby on the block.

  “Shh,” Emma said. “It was a kiss, no big deal. We’re still just friends.”

  “Oh.” That one syllable held so much skepticism. Emma ignored it.

  “He suggested we get together tonight.”

  Karine arched a brow a significant height. “On Christmas Eve?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Hmm. That seems more than casual.” Karine raised her index finger. “But then again, I’m sure you’d enjoy yourself much more than spending time with an overexcited toddler and her tired parents.” She raised her chin toward the living room. “I bet John is already asleep on the couch.”

  Emma laughed. “I’m sure he wakes up for whatever duties you have planned.”

  Karine grunted. “The parental Christmas duties. Nothing more.” She gestured with a circular wave. “What did you say?”

  “Nothing really. I said we’d talk soon.”

  “And…” Karine prodded.

  “And what?”

  “I can hear the wonder in your voice, see it in your eyes. The whole ‘what if I see him tonight’ playing out.”

  Emma waved her hand and attempted to stifle the blush rising in her cheek. “I am not.” It was a total lie. How could she not think about Vince and what he was doing? He’d crept into her mind all night.


  Karine sighed and glanced at a clock. “It’s still early. Not even eight,” she added with a lilt in her tone.

  Emma hugged her. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Wait a second.” Karine rushed into the kitchen and returned with a brown paper bag decorated with red and green ribbons soon after. “Here take these for later.”

  “What are they?”

  “Cookies. Pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.”

  “Thanks. You spoil me.”

  Karine planted her hands on her hips. “Someone has to.”

  When Emma stepped outside, night had fallen and Newport was all lit up. She was glad she chose to walk over despite the brisk air. Newport was magical on Christmas Eve. So many of the houses had twinkling lights brightening the darkness. Others had festive Christmas trees displayed in their front windows. The stars twinkled overhead and even the crescent moon looked like it was part of the holiday lights.

  Sure, she was alone this Christmas, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy herself. She still had family and good friends and people who cared about her—people who wouldn’t betray her. Maybe things would be different next Christmas, but she damn well wouldn’t allow herself to wallow this Christmas Eve. Peter had taken enough from her. She wouldn’t let him take anything else.

  Several minutes later, Emma’s phone alerted her with a notification that sounded urgent. She pulled it out of her pocket. It was from the security system that Vince had set up warning of a possible intruder.

  She checked the camera. Holy shit. A man wearing all black was in her living room.

  She gasped. “What the—” A splinter of fear cracked inside her rib cage.

  Who the hell was he? What was he doing there? It was impossible to see his face with the mask. He was covered down to black gloves.

  Icy fingers seemed to crawl up her spine

  Focus, don’t freak out.

  Right. She rolled her shoulders back and sought the rational next step, which was displayed on her phone. She followed the prompts to report it as an emergency and connected to an operator.

  “Someone broke into my apartment and is in there now. I can see him on my phone.”