I obeyed immediately, running my hands over his silky, yet hard little soldier and my mouth literally began to water. I held his gaze once more as I lowered my mouth and licked it slowly, starting at the base and making my way slowly up. Riley let out a groan I will never forget, which only encouraged me further.
Taking all of him in my mouth, and with my hand still around the base, my green eyes still locked on the ocean depths of his, I began to do what felt so good to the both of us.
His eyes rolled back and then fluttered closed as I watched his hands bunch handfuls of sheets and blankets while moaning softly. It didn’t take long until I heard, “Oh, God…” and a sigh escape from his beautiful lips.
I smiled around my mouth’s intrusive member and slowly inched off the bed. I made my way to the bathroom to get rid of the evidence.
I’m not Monica Lewinsky, you know.
When I came back into the room, he was still on his back, but had replaced his boxer briefs and he looked sexy as hell lying there like that. He opened his arms, inviting me in.
I was still very turned on, but at the same time, I felt like I was going to pass out, as the alcohol made its way out of my system, leaving me spent. My eyes felt heavy when I heard a knock at my bedroom door. I blinked a few times and got up, opening the door to see Miranda standing there, looking part satisfied and part pissed off.
“Hi,” I said, smoothing my hair down, which I’m sure was sticking up, partially hiding myself behind the door.
She was scowling, a hand on her hip and her red purse slung over her shoulder. “Married. Stupid asshole.”
My eyes got big. “Seriously?”
“Yeah,” she whispered. “I only gave him a B.J. though, thank God! He already left and I’m gonna take off, too. Call me tomorrow, okay?” She peered around me to see Riley lying on his side and she winked at me.
I mouthed, “I’m sorry” and smiled at her as she walked away. I heard the front door close and I went back to bed and passed out in Riley’s arms.
CHAPTER 4
The bright morning sun was shining something fierce into my room and there were very annoying birds chirping in the tree outside my window. My head felt very heavy and I had the worst case of cottonmouth ever. I reached for the water bottle on my nightstand and took a big swig when I felt a hand brush my hipbone. I smiled.
I quickly swiped at the black makeup smudges under my eyes I knew were there and ran a hand through my short hair before turning over. God, he was even beautiful in the morning. A small bit of stubble shadowed his face and I couldn’t take my eyes off his lips. He flipped me back over on my side so he was spooning me once again and began to kiss my neck. His fingers were still grazing over that sensitive spot between my hipbone and stomach and it was causing goose bumps to pebble my entire body.
I groaned when he reached up and cupped my bare breast under my thin tank top (I don’t remember removing my bra last night but clearly it came off somehow). He ran gentle fingers over my nipple, and between that and what he was doing with his mouth at my neck, I almost came unglued.
I was more than ready for him, and was about to take control again when he whispered in my ear. “Can I…?”
I didn’t need to ask what he meant and I answered him by rolling over and kissing him. He slid my thong off and his boxer briefs came off faster than I’d ever seen a guy remove them. I opened myself to him and put my head back when he placed himself in me. I think we moaned in unison and when he slid his right arm under my neck, he used the other elbow to prop himself partially up. We moved together, kissing, licking, panting, touching, until we both reached our climaxes together. It was hands-down the best morning sex I had ever had.
With flushed cheeks and swollen lips, I whispered, “You sure know how to treat a lady.”
I could feel him grin into my neck where his face still was, and when he rolled off of me, I missed him.
Once he returned from the bathroom, we both fell asleep instantly and when I woke again, my bedside clock read 10:08. Good Lord, I hadn’t slept in this late since I was a teen.
I got up and sat on the edge of the bed, turning my head around to sneak a glance at Riley. He was looking at me with those beautiful blue eyes and he smiled.
“What?” I said, suddenly feeling awkward.
“Well, I don’t have a car. You okay to drive me back to the base?”
I smiled. “Of course. I am gonna need to shower first, though. Help yourself to some coffee and whatever you want to eat in the kitchen. You’ll have to make the coffee, though.”
He grinned. “I think I can manage.”
After I brushed my teeth and showered, I had just finished blow-drying my hair when I wandered out into the living room wearing white denim shorts and a loose halter top. I chose the same sandals from last night. I saw him in the kitchen, drinking coffee and reading my paper. Wow, he sure made himself at home. He lifted his gaze from the paper and I could see him give me elevator eyes, evaluating me.
I bit back a smile. “Anything interesting?”
He grinned at me over the edge of the coffee cup. “Who gets the Saturday paper anyway?”
I shook my head. “I only wanted the Sunday one but they said it was a weekend thing.” I shrugged. “Are you ready to go, or would you like to use the shower?”
He looked at me seriously then took a deep breath. He surprised me when he asked, “What are your plans for today?”
I thought most guys wanted to just hit-it-and-quit-it so I was shocked he wanted to spend the day with me. “Um, I don’t have any plans. Just boring chores.”
God that sounded lame!
He shrugged. “Want to go to San Francisco? I’ve never been.”
I smiled and it dawned on me that, aside from his first name and the fact he was in the military, I knew absolutely nothing about this guy. “Where are you from?” I poured myself a cup of coffee and headed toward the fridge for some cream.
“Colorado. Well, that’s where I’m stationed. I’m originally from Arizona.”
I frowned. “Stationed? I thought you lived here.”
He shook his head. “No, I’m just TDY here for twelve weeks.”
I furrowed my brows together. “What is TDY?”
“It’s like a temporary duty station. I’m doing some training on that base.”
“Ah,” I said, feeling stupid. “But sure, we can go to San Francisco. It’s a gorgeous city if you stay to the touristy areas.”
His beautiful face lit up and I grinned. “I’ll be ten minutes.” He set his coffee mug in the sink and rinsed it out, then disappeared behind the bathroom door.
I was still reeling that he didn’t want to just go back to the base. I will admit I’ve had a few one-night stands and they barely lasted past morning of the next day, most of them not even until morning.
I was checking my e-mail on the laptop when he came in freshly showered wearing nothing but a towel. I had to tell myself to close my mouth because he looked so hot I was ready to strip off my own clothes and push him back on the bed.
He looked a bit chagrinned when he pointed to the floor. “I left my clothes in here.”
“Ah,” I said, feeling awkward again.
“Good thing I had just changed into these before I went out last night, since I have to wear them again today.”
I laughed. “I’m sure they’re fine.”
After he was ready, we got into my car with me driving. I had this weird thing about letting people drive my car. I swear I’m not a control freak or anything like that, it’s just a responsibility thing my parents had instilled in me.
As I made the turn on the interstate, Riley reached for the buttons of my radio and searched until he found a country station. I wrinkled my nose. “Ugh, turn that off.”
He looked at me, confused. “What?”
“I don’t like country.”
He snorted. “They were playing it all night in the bar last night. You didn’t seem to mind.”
&nb
sp; “Did I have a choice? Besides, I like country bars and clubs, I just don’t listen to it voluntarily.”
He tilted his head to the side and studied me. “Then why do you go to country bars?”
I shrugged and popped a piece of gum in my mouth. I offered him a piece and he took it. “Because it’s the only place to meet decent guys. The other clubs are full of thugs and stuff.”
I can’t believe I just admitted that to him. I must have had a mortified look on my face because amusement danced in his eyes, as if he had just caught me stealing.
He chuckled. “I see.”
“Seriously, Riley, turn the station.”
He shook his head. “Nope.” He leaned back in the seat with his arms behind his head.
I wished at this point I had one of those steering wheels with the radio controls on it, and I vowed my next car would.
We reached the Bay Bridge and he sat forward to look out at the beautiful view. The water was glistening over the peaks of the white ripples and tugboats and barges were floating on the edges of the shore. In the distance, the picturesque San Francisco skyline jutted into a blue sky scattered with white clouds. The TransAmerica building stood tall and proud.
I pointed to my right. “See that island out there?”
He looked out his side and back to me. “Yeah?”
“That’s Alcatraz.”
“Oh, wow,” he breathed. He looked like a kid in a candy store and I laughed to myself.
After we crossed the bridge into the city, I luckily found parking near Fisherman’s Wharf, and as soon as I locked the car and began to walk toward the Wharf, Riley grabbed my hand gently and smiled at me.
I again was shocked. I guess I was so used to jerks that I couldn’t believe this guy I just met – and slept with without even knowing – wanted to not only spend the day with me, but hold my hand in public. I think my self-esteem needed a serious boost, and he definitely was helping.
As we walked around the Wharf, I was pointing out different areas and he was buying souvenirs like the tourist that he was. I just laughed to myself, happy to see he was having a good time. We were on the deck of Pier 39 waiting for a ferry to take us to Alcatraz when my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a text from Miranda:
Can you believe that ass was married? I’m still fuming.
I laughed at her and replied, Yeah, that sucked. Jerk.
Was your guy married too? He was cute.
I don’t think so, but I’ll ask him as soon as we board the ferry to Alcatraz.
OMG WHAT! You’re with him? And in the city? Call me later, girl!
I flicked the screen off and shoved the phone back in my pocket to see Riley watching me curiously.
“Important texts?”
I chuckled. “Hardly. Miranda’s still pissed at that friend of yours. I mean, really, married? Why did he even bother telling her?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. He told me he was divorced. I don’t know him very well, just met him actually when I got here last week. He’s my roomie.”
“Well, he’s an asshole.”
He grinned at me and put his hand out for me to take as we boarded the ferry.
The ride to Alcatraz is only about twenty minutes, but it’s a beautifully windy ride and the day was just perfect – shining sun and a cool breeze off the water. I was standing on the edge and Riley was behind me with both arms holding onto the railing, cocooning me safely and making me smile. We talked about my son and my divorce and he mentioned he was also divorced and only 24, so we had that in common. He seemed okay with the fact that I had a son, but then again, I barely knew him and didn’t care that much if it bothered him or not. Aiden and I were a package deal and that’s what I told every guy I dated.
We did the tour thing, and by the time we rode the ferry back, it was late in the day. We were both tired, and as we drove back towards home, I looked over at him as we crossed back over the bridge, still with the annoying country station playing. I knew I wasn’t winning that battle so I just left it.
“So I guess I’ll drop you off at the barracks...” I asked, sounding more like a statement.
He looked sideways at me and gave me a half-smile. “Well, I do have the whole weekend off. Would you have any objections to me staying another night? I just need to grab an overnight bag.”
I was a bit shocked, for the hundredth time today, that he wanted to see me again. It’s like the never ending one-night stand. I had no plans tonight, as Miranda had no babysitter, so I thought, what the hell.
“Boy those barracks must be awfully miserable.” I bit my lip and suppressed a smile at my stupid joke.
He let out a laugh. “They’re not too bad. I would just rather sleep in a room with a pretty girl rather than a bunch of dudes.”
I could feel myself flush and I murmured my thanks.
After showing my government ID to get on base, I pulled the Acura up in front of a large three-story building painted a dull blue. He looked at me in the driver’s seat and planted a soft kiss on my lips, probably for the amusement of the other military guys walking by, gawking at us. I didn’t mind and grinned when he got out of the car. He had already had the window down and he poked his head in and said, “I’ll be out in five.”
I nodded, then looked at all the other hot military men walking around the small housing area. There were two identical buildings of barracks and a small mess hall straight across from me. The guys were alternatively looking at me, probably wondering who I was and what I was doing there, but nobody approached me. They all looked very yummy in their camouflage BDUs. I know that soldiers in full dress-blues uniform was supposed to be hot, but there was something about the BDUs that sent a tingle up my spine. As I was mentally drooling over them, I heard Riley open my car door and looked over to see he had changed clothes. He was also carrying an olive green colored duffel bag in his hand. He tossed it into the backseat and closed the door.
“Ready?” he asked.
I nodded and put the car in gear.
CHAPTER 5
“Are you hungry?” I asked as we entered the limits of my small town. “There’s a Mexican restaurant on the boulevard.” I glanced at him as we stopped at a light. He had a look in the deep depths of his eyes that definitely looked hungry. I wasn’t quite sure it was for any sort of food, though.
He nodded. “Sure. Anything you want. I’m easy.”
Yes, you are.
As we ate chips and salsa, waiting for our meal, he reached over the table and grabbed my hand. My chip paused halfway to my mouth as I looked at his hand on mine, and I followed it up his arm and into his face. His gaze was on mine, and he was looking at me curiously.
I glanced back to his hand and then back up at his face. “What?”
“I had a great time today. Thank you for showing me Frisco. It was unforgettable.”
“Of course, it was my pleasure. But just a word of advice,” I giggled a little and lowered my voice as I looked around the restaurant. He leaned in a little bit. “Don’t call it ‘Frisco’ or people will definitely know you’re not from around here.”
He shook his head and laughed. “Duly noted.”
We ordered chicken tacos and finished them fairly quickly. I had one margarita, too, but I doubt it had any alcohol in it.
We drove the two miles back to my house, as the sun was beginning to set. Pinks and reds sat lazily on the horizon and a star-filled sky was beginning to poke through overhead. It was a beautiful end to a beautiful day.
We walked into the house, and while it wasn’t as hot as it had been the day before, it was still pretty warm and I felt a bit embarrassed.
“God, it’s so hot in here. I’m sorry about that,” I said sheepishly as I tossed my keys and purse onto the coffee table and started opening up windows and made sure all the ceiling fans were on.
I admittedly felt a bit awkward, as we were both now stone-cold sober and I wasn’t sure if we should go right to bed or what. Thankfully
Riley spoke first. “How come you don’t have a TV in your bedroom?”
I smiled. “The ex got the TV in the divorce so I had to buy one,” I said, pointing at the one in the living room. It really wasn’t the whole truth, as the bastard had moved in with his girlfriend and her fully furnished house, but we’d only had the one TV anyway and I kept it in the living room so my son could watch his DVDs.
He laughed. “I can certainly understand that.”
He walked slowly up to me and grabbed my hands and looked down at me. I held my breath a little as he stared, not saying anything.
Clearing my throat, I looked up at him. “So, uh, how tall are you?” What a stupid question, but I couldn’t think of anything else to say.
He gave me a half-cocked grin and said, “The Army says I’m five-eleven-and-a-half.”
“Ah, ok. I was gonna guess about six feet so I was close.”
He leaned down and kissed me, slithering an arm around my waist while he put the other in my hair. I shivered and kissed him back. It was sweet and soft and I remembered how much I had been reveling in his kissing ability the night before. I could feel the heat inside me rise and flush every nerve ending as he deepened the kiss. I put my hand on the back of his neck and ran circles on it with my finger and I felt him shudder.
He grabbed my hand and led me towards the bedroom but I stopped him and pulled him back down to sit on the couch.
He gave me a confused look. “Is everything okay?”
How do I answer that? I don’t know if everything’s okay. I mean, sleeping with the guy on the first night I met him had been… well, probably not smart but it was fun. But it was supposed to be a one-night thing. Here he was spending the night again, and he actually seemed to be into me. Was it too late for me to be having thoughts of, “What would he think of me if I slept with him?”? Yes, yes it was. However, I really don’t want to just keep hopping in bed with this guy.
Patriotic Duty Page 3
