by L. Wilder
“I know what you’re trying to do, Harper.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“No. There was no way I could know that.”
“Did you force Brody to join the Marines?”
“Harper.”
I knew he was getting angry, but I kept at it. “Did Brody want to be a Marine, Max?”
“Yes, he wanted to be a Marine,” he growled.
“Did he want to fight for his country? Was he willing to die fighting for what he believed in?”
“Yes.”
“Then, who are you to take that away from him?”
His back stiffened and his face grew fierce as he barked, “He would still be fighting if …”
“No! Don’t say that again! It wasn’t your fault. None of it was,” I shouted. “You said it yourself! Brody wanted to be a Marine. Do you remember when Mom and Dad gave you both those t-shirts? The ones that said, ‘Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem.’ Brody wanted to make a difference, and he did. Just like you, he helped those people get their lives back. He knew going in it would be dangerous. It was his choice. It was his risk to take.”
His voice was strained as he replied, “He did make a difference.”
“I know he did, Max.” I leaned towards him and placed my hand on his. “And the way I see it … we have two choices here. We can hold on to the memories of his death and let it come between us, or we can remember the good times we all had together, and instead of letting him come between us, we can let him stand beside us .”
“Do you really think we can do that?”
“I think what we have is worth fighting for. We’ve both made our mistakes, and over time, we’ll make more. But we’ve got to learn from them and find a way to move on. It won’t always be easy, but together I believe we can do anything.” I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Besides, you’re my goose. I don’t want to live my life without you.”
Max reached for me, pulling me towards him and pressed his lips against mine; then he kissed me with all the love he’d kept bottled up inside of him for the past ten years. It was soft and tender and filled with promise. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer until there was no space left between us. Being with him felt like home, and my entire body melted into his. I’d imagined this moment so many times, but I never dreamed it would feel this wonderful. The boy I’d once known was now a strong, self-assured man, and I couldn’t get enough of him. A low moan escaped through my parted lips as he kissed me deeper, and suddenly everything changed, becoming frantic and full of need. We were about to get carried away, when Max suddenly broke the kiss.
Our breaths were short and strained as he rested his forehead against mine. “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes.”
“And Daniel?”
I placed the palm of my hand across his cheek and said, “Like I already told you … I don’t love him. I never have. I think he’s always known that, but he needs me to say the words. I’ll explain everything to him tomorrow.”
“So, we’re really doing this?”
“We’re really doing this.” For a brief second, I thought he was having doubts, but when I looked into his eyes, they told me everything I needed to know. His lips curled into a wide smile as he lifted me into his arms and carried me into the bedroom. When he reached the edge of the bed, he slowly put me down, and then he lowered his mouth to my neck. Warmth radiated from the spot where his lips touched my skin and slowly spread throughout the rest of me. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too. You have no idea how much.”
He reached for the hem of my sweater, carefully pulling it over my head, and I could feel the little sparks of static dancing over my skin. Those sparks, mixed with the heat of his hungry stare, lit a fire deep within me. His eyes roamed over my breasts as he reached for me, and his strong, confident hands made my entire body tremble as they slipped behind my back. With every touch, my body responded to him, just like it had all those years ago. I’d missed him, longed for him, and having him back in my arms felt like a dream. I could feel the heat of his breath tickle against my skin as he whispered, “You are still the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.”
My fingers roamed over his perfectly-toned chest and wound up around his neck as I pulled him even closer. As soon as his mouth covered mine, my mind went blank. The world washed away, along with all the pain and regret, as I was completely immersed in the moment. His tongue delved into my mouth, and a mixture of sweet tea and mint danced across my taste buds. As he deepened the kiss, I could feel his erection pressing into my hip. Knowing he was just as aroused as I was made me want him even more. Impatience took over as my hands reached for his shirt; he bent forward enough for me to hastily pull it over his head. When I reached for the buckle of his pants, he didn’t move. He simply stood there with his eyes locked on mine as he silently allowed me to unfasten his belt and slacks. Just as I was about to ease them down his hips, his mouth dropped to my neck, leaving trails of kisses as he nibbled at the flesh just below my ear. Shivers shot down my spine when he said, “I’ve dreamed about this … having you back in my arms. Now that I do, I’m never letting you go.”
As he kissed along the curve of my neck, then released the clasp of my lace bra and let it drift down onto the floor, exposing my bare breasts. His hands slipped down to the waistband of my leggings, and my entire body burned with desire as he slowly eased the knit fabric down my legs. A tortured moan filled the room as I stood before him completely naked while he gazed down at me with lust-filled eyes. In a blink, I found myself lying on the bed with Max hovering above me. Looking at him, I could see how much he’d changed. His hair was longer and thicker, his chest was fuller, more muscular, and the tips of his fingers were rough and calloused, but the loving, tender side of him had remained the same. I felt safe in his arms, like I was made to be there, and when I gazed into his eyes, I knew he felt the same.
His warm tongue flicked over my nipple, and a knowing smile crossed his face as he watched my back arch towards him. He knew he was teasing me in a way that would drive me wild, and he continued tormenting me for several seconds, before moving to the other side. My nipples tingled, and a rush of pleasure surged throughout my body with every flick of his tongue. I ran my fingers through his hair as I whimpered, “Max.”
Ever so slowly, he trailed a line of delicate kisses down my stomach, making me gasp with anticipation. I let my legs fall open, giving him access to everything he wanted, and closed my eyes as I waited for him to touch me. My muscles tensed, and my breathing quickened as he hovered over me, using only the heat of his breath to caress me. His fingers softly swept across my inner thighs, teasing me as they drifted closer. I tried to contain myself, but it was all too much. I needed more. My hips bucked forward as I urged him on. With a devious chuckle he took the hint, and a shock of pleasure rushed through me as the flat of his tongue brushed hard against my clit.
His touch was firm and demanding, like a man possessed, and it felt so damn good—better than I remembered. As his warm, wet mouth clamped down around me, jolts of pleasure surged through me. I was barely able to take a breath when two of his fingers drove inside me, twisting and turning as he dragged them across my G-spot. With each swirl of his tongue and flick of his finger, he brought me closer and closer to the edge, and it wouldn’t be long before those euphoric, tingling sensations took over my body.
“Oh, God,” I panted as his tongue raked against me. I could feel the storm of pleasure brewing inside of me. My hips jerked forward as my body clenched tightly around his fingers. After a few more grazes of his tongue, my orgasm took hold. My fingers tangled in his hair as I held his head shamelessly in place while he continued to tease me relentlessly, intensifying my orgasm. “Oh, God. Max!”
I was still fighting to catch my breath when suddenly Max stood up and removed the rest of his clothes. Gazing
at his perfectly sculpted body made me writhe with anticipation. I wanted him, all of him, and I didn’t want to wait a moment longer. My voice was filled with angst as I pleaded, “Max.”
His eyes never left mine as he eased back onto the bed and centered himself at my entrance. I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him to me, and wound my arms around his neck. His body felt so good against mine, and I shuddered when his cock brushed against my clit. Every touch was like a spark igniting a flame, causing my entire body to burn with desire. There were so many nights I’d imagined this very moment, and the waiting was almost too much to bear. I needed him, more now than ever, and gasped with relief as he finally slid inside me. I was in absolute heaven, and he was just getting started. Each and every move was meticulously slow but forceful, making every nerve in my body tingle in ecstasy. Inch by inch he drove his cock deeper, as he claimed me in the most primal way. I was his—heart and soul.
“Fuck,” he groaned as I tightened around him. He ground his hips against me until he found that steady, hard pace that he knew I loved. I met his every thrust with an eager jolt of my hips. Like poetry in motion, we moved together in perfect rhythm. He quickly began to drive faster, harder, slamming into me even more forcefully than he had before. With my head arched back against the pillow and my nails digging into his lower back, I could feel the pressure building. “Yes! Don’t stop!” I moaned and writhed beneath him as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over me.
“I love making you come … listening to you … being inside you. You feel so fucking good,” he growled as he watched me completely fall apart.
The sound of his body pounding against mine echoed throughout the room as his muscles tensed. With one final thrust, he came deep inside me. Exhausted, Max collapsed on top of me and I loved the feel of his weight covering my body. He took a deep breath, releasing it slowly as he pulled away from me and lowered himself down onto the bed. I placed my hand on his chest and felt the rapid beating of his heart against my palm. We laid there in silence for several minutes before he turned to me and said, “I meant what I said.”
“About?”
His eyes were locked on mine when he replied, “Now that I have you back, I’m never letting you go.”
“Well, that’s good, because I have no intention of letting you go either.”
“I love you, Harper Campbell.” He pulled me over to him and kissed me on the temple. “There’s nobody in the world that I could ever love the way I love you.”
My heart swelled as I let his words sink in, then I looked up at him and said, “I love you too, Max. More than you know.”
As I laid there nestled in his arms, I thought about how different things were between us. When I was younger, my love for Max was playful, trusting, and constant, much like a puppy’s love. But my love for him had changed. I wasn’t the same girl I was all those years ago. I’d loved and lost. I’d had my heart shattered into a million pieces and put it back together. I’d grown wiser, stronger, and I knew I had the power to fight for what I wanted. My love for him was so strong, so powerful and unwavering, that I’d risk everything to have it. And even though I knew he could break my heart again, I would love him without restraint. My love for him wasn’t just puppy love. It was that, and so much more.
CHAPTER 15
Max
I ’d spent so many nights haunted by painful memories. Over and over I relived every heart-wrenching moment, but after just one night with Harper, the demons that raged in the back of my mind started to fade. While I was still struggling to accept everything that she said, she’d given me a new perspective on what had happened in Iraq, and for the first time since Brody’s death, I slept—really slept. I woke up feeling better than I had in years, and it was because of her. I never believed in second chances. I’d always thought there was no way to go back and fix the mistakes we’d made, but she made me realize that it wasn’t about changing the past. Second chances were for proving that we can be better, even after we failed. There was no doubt that I’d failed her, and in more ways than I could count, but I’d never fail her again. I would do everything in my power to be a better man—for her. Harper was it for me, and as I looked down at her sleeping in my arms, I knew there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her.
I had no idea what time it was when I eased the covers back and slowly pulled myself out of bed. I was careful not to wake her as I put on my boxers and headed into the kitchen to make us some breakfast. I opened her refrigerator and was disappointed that there wasn’t much there. Knowing that a quick run to the grocery wasn’t an option, I’d have to make the best of what she had. I’d just pulled out the carton of eggs, when I heard a tap at the door. I went over to see who was there and spotted the delivery man heading down the steps. When I opened the door, I found several boxes sitting on the porch. I almost froze my ass off when I stepped out to get them, but I warmed right back up when Harper greeted me at the doorway. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun, and she was wearing an oversized, long sleeved t-shirt with big, fluffy, pink socks. Sexy as fuck.
When she saw that my hands were full of boxes, she asked, “What is all that?”
“You tell me.” I chuckled as I placed them down on the table. “They were just delivered.”
After looking at the return label on one of the boxes, she smiled and said, “Oh, these must be from Claudia.”
She walked over to the kitchen to get a knife, and then rushed back to open the first package. As soon as she tore it open, a pungent scent of flowers filled the entire room, and my eyes immediately started to burn. I grimaced as I watched her reach into the box and pull out a large basket of old lady bath soaps and candles. “What is all this stuff?”
“It was supposed to be some promotional things for my next book signing.” I watched as she reached into the second box and pulled out a long, purple nightgown with white ruffles and a pair of slippers. “I feel so bad.”
“Why? Because it looks like something your grandmother would wear?”
“No, smart one.” She sassed as she rolled her eyes. “Because I should be the one sending her gifts, not the other way around. She’s done a lot to help me, and I feel a little guilty accepting them.”
“I don’t think there’s anything for you to feel guilty about. She obviously likes doing it for you, so I wouldn’t worry about it.” There was one small box remaining, so I motioned towards it and said, “Maybe that’s the stuff she was supposed to be sending.”
She quickly opened it and found several stacks of cards and pens with her book covers on them. Her eyes danced with excitement. “Yes! These are it, and they’re perfect.”
I picked one up and studied it for a moment. It didn’t look like much to me, but I could see that she was tickled with them. “You said you’d use this at your next book signing? When will that be?”
“Not for a few months, but it takes time to get it all together, especially for the big ones like New York.”
“You’re going to a signing in New York? That’s awesome.”
“It’s just part of my job.” She started packing up the boxes and added, “But I enjoy doing it, and it’s a great way to get my name out there.”
Just as she finished talking, my phone started ringing. I went over to my coat and pulled it out of my side pocket. When I saw that it was Ryder, I quickly answered, “Whatcha got?”
“We’ve got ourselves an issue.”
“With what?”
“With Frankie’s driver … the one he sent to pick up the load.”
“Yeah? What kind of issue?”
“The kind where he isn’t breathing?”
“What ?”
“He’s dead. Like dead … dead. Like deader than disco,” he answered emphatically.
“I get it, Ryder,” I snapped, as I quickly glanced over at Harper. She looked so damn beautiful standing there looking at all her gifts, and after the night we just shared, I hated the thought of leaving her. Unfortunately, I didn’t hav
e a choice. “I’ll meet you in fifteen.”
It was Saturday, a day most people didn’t work, but there were no days off in my line of work. There was always someone who needed something, some job that I had to take care of, or a delivery that needed to be made. I hated to disappoint her, but I didn’t have a choice. After I hung up the phone, I turned to her and said, “I wanted to make you breakfast in bed this morning.”
“I hate that I missed that .” A sexy smile spread across her face as her eyes roamed over me appraisingly, making me wish I could pick her up and carry her back into the bedroom for another round. She walked over to me and wrapped her arms around my waist, hugging me as she said, “Maybe next time.”
“Absolutely.”
“I wish you didn’t have to go.”
“Me, too, doll. You gotta know, I’d rather stay here with you.”
“I know.” She looked up at me and smiled. “It’s fine. I really need to get some writing done anyway.”
“I’m not sure how long I’ll be.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’ll be here when you get done. Now, go get some clothes on. Duty calls.”
After I got dressed, I gave Harper a brief, but memorable kiss, then headed over to meet Ryder. I knew I was in for a long day ahead. When I arrived, he was waiting for me outside. As soon as I got out of my car, he started towards me and asked, “Aren’t those the same clothes you were wearing last night?”
I glanced down at my wrinkled slacks and shirt and groaned, “Just tell me what you know about the driver.”
“He was supposed to be back yesterday morning, but he never showed. So, Jay used the tracker on the truck and found out he was still in California. He wouldn’t answer his phone, so he sent one of his guys to check it out. When he got there he found the truck, but it was out of sight behind some old, deserted building. The trailer was empty, and the driver was all kinds of fucked up.”
“How fucked up?”
