Latched (Coronado Series Book 1)

by Hart, Lea

  Birdie stopped at the center aisle for a moment and tilted her head as she studied the arch and the flowers she had created for the ceremony. “You think it looks okay…even and everything?”

  Mark nodded and smiled, he was looking down at her and could smell her hair. He noticed how shiny it was and how soft it looked. “Perfect,” he replied.

  Frisco stood in the aisle and studied Mark and Birdie. He realized his friend hadn’t taken his advice about leaving Birdie alone, in fact, he was doing the opposite. He studied his commander and tried to determine what his intentions were with Birdie. He realized Mark looked like he’d been hit and wondered if he was even aware of it. Birdie looked the same, open and friendly. Maybe she was going to be the one to break his heart. Hopefully she found what she was looking for. He sure hoped she knew what she was doing. He approached them both. “Birdie would you like help to your seat?” He totally ignored Mark, just to get a rise out of him.

  “I’m fine. I see my two aunts over there and I’m sitting with them.” Mark still had his hand on her back and started to lead her over. She turned and placed her hand on his chest to stop him. “Save yourself, Mark. You don’t have to sit with me. My Aunts are a kick in the pants, but they have no filter. They say whatever comes to their mind whether it is appropriate or not.”

  “I’m a big boy – I think I can handle your two Aunts.” He took her hand in his and followed her over to the two women, admiring her very fine ass the whole way. Birdie gave two identical eighty year old women big hugs and kisses. She then introduced Mark to her family. “This is Lt. Commander Mark Frazier. He just escorted me over and is going to sit with his friends.” She put her hand out to him, “Thank you, Enjoy the wedding.”

  He realized she was trying to get rid of him so he ignored it. He shook both Aunts’ hands and put his arm around Birdie. “Actually, I’m sitting with you Birdie.” It was a good way to let every man know that she was with him and also let her know he was interested in her.

  Birdie sat down and started talking to her aunts, ignoring the very large male sitting next to her. It’s one thing to hope for something to happen, but it’s another when it starts to actually happen.

  Her aunts spoke loudly and it was hard not to overhear them. Aunt Belle staged whispered loud enough for the back row to hear, “Birdie dear, I think Mark may have other ideas about you.”

  “I just met him this morning. I don’t think he’s had enough time to have any ideas.”

  Leaning over he whispered in her ear, “I can hear you and I want you to know that I’ve had plenty of time to come up with ideas… lots of ideas.” Under me…. on top of me…. next to me. He settled back in his chair and looked forward with a very serene look on his face.

  “What are you doing? Why are you sitting so close to me?”

  He tightened his grip a little and moved closer, “You smell good and I like you. I’m am trying to get as close as I can.”

  She could feel his breath on her neck and shivered. “Don’t you think we should know each other better before you say things like that?”

  “I’m trying to get to know you better. That’s why I’m sitting with you.”

  She had no idea what to say. “Well you smell good too.” He leaned over, kissed her cheek and sat back and waited for the ceremony to start. Birdie stared straight ahead, dazed and wondering if he was the type of man who would be willing to have an affair with her.

  The ceremony began and it was lovely. Birdie noticed her cousin teared up when he saw his bride. If a tough Navy Seal can show emotion in front of his family, team mates, and friends, then she figured he was ready to commit to this girl. She felt proud of the man her cousin had become and hoped that maybe there was someone out there for her. She wondered if she could convince Mark that she was fun and not a responsibility.

  Mark watched the ceremony and for the first time wondered if something like this was in his future. He never really thought about it. He enjoyed the company of women for a very short period of time and then got bored. What if there was someone out there that didn’t bore him? Was he having these thoughts because he was close to retirement? Or because of the woman who was next to him?

  The ceremony was short and the new couple went off to take pictures and everyone started working their way over to the bar. Birdie stood and started helping her Aunts stand up. “Can I help you take your Aunts over to the tables?”

  “No thanks, enjoy the wedding.” She started walking away with an aunt on each arm towards the tables closest to the reception room. It allowed him the opportunity to enjoy the view as she moved away.

  “Damn that woman is my new favorite flavor.” While he watched her walk away, he noticed quite a few men staring at Birdie. For the first time in his life he felt possessive about a woman and didn’t want anyone else looking at her. He scrubbed his hand down his face, maybe he needed a drink. He went looking for the guys - he needed to calm the hell down.

  Birdie got her Aunts settled and went off to get them some champagne. As she stood in line Frisco slipped in behind her, “Hey Birdie girl, having fun yet?”

  “I will be in about five minutes…. champagne for the aunts and then I’ll have a little break. I have a cousin that wants to meet you. I told her you were not into relationships, but she doesn’t care.” Birdie moved forward in line, “She said something about wanting to take advantage of your hot body and that was it. So what do you think, are you interested? She is a naked fun kind of girl.”

  Frisco gave her a killer grin, “Well let me think about it… of course Birdie. Do you think I’m crazy? Which one is she?”

  She looked around and spotted her group of cousins. Pointing out the tall blond, “That’s Rachel over there. She is smart, obviously very pretty and a shark lawyer. She may use you up and spit you out, but I have a feeling you’ll enjoy the whole process.”

  Frisco kissed her, “Have I told you how much I love you lately?”

  “I will deliver drinks to my aunts and then come find you. Consider this your Christmas present.” Mark stood with his friends and watched the exchange between Birdie and Frisco and wondered if his friend was throwing him under the bus. Frisco eventually came up to the group with a big satisfied smile on his face and stood there - saying nothing.

  Blake finally asked, “You look like you won the lottery dude, what gives?”

  “Almost man…. Birdie is going to introduce me to one of her cousins. Apparently she is interested in my hot body.”

  The guys looked around for the group of infamous cousins. Shane was the first to spot them, “Which one is interested?”

  Frisco looked over, “The tall blond one - her name is Rachel and she’s a lawyer.”

  Birdie approached the group as she finished her first glass of champagne and Mark noticed her cheeks were starting to look flushed. She waved to the group, “Sorry guys, to pull Frisco away. I have a cousin who is interested in his keen mind and sense of humor.” Everyone laughed because Frisco was actually crazy smart, but mostly he was just plain good looking and a lady killer. Birdie figured it was his turn to be a little man killed by her crazy cousin.

  Birdie stood next to Mark and felt his arm slip around her waist. She looked at his hand and gave him a questioning look - he just shrugged and smiled. Too much… too tall…too male. Run or stay? What if all she could handle were quiet appropriate business men? It was a good thing the actual thought bubble never appeared over her head - it would’ve been embarrassing. “Well I’m off to play cupid - wish us luck.” Birdie slipped out of Mark’s arm and took Frisco over to her cousins. He noticed she didn’t tell him to get lost. He figured that was progress and his chances were improving.

  Everyone was called in for dinner and Mark never had a chance to speak with Birdie again. He’d seen her moving around the different groups, talking to friends and family. Every time he caught a glimpse of her, he got a pit in his stomach, something that never happened to him. The guys started walking in and found that t
hey were all at the same table. Birdie was sitting across the room with her aunts and family.

  She stood in the buffet line and admired the room and her flower arrangements. She might just be getting the hang of it after all. She was looking at everyone and didn’t notice Mark slip in behind her. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Hey Birdie, did you miss me?”

  She looked up and was hit again by how attractive he was. Those green eyes with such long lashes on such a masculine face, stunned her all over again. She could feel the testosterone rolling off him. “Sure I did.”

  Mark moved in a little and kissed the top of her head, he smelled lilacs again and her hair felt soft under his lips. Birdie opened her mouth and nothing came out. She finally closed her mouth and shook her head a little. “Anything you would like to share with the class Birdie?”

  “No, nothing right now.” She turned around and waited in line until it was their turn. Mark put his hand on the small of her back and just stood there and grinned. “Let me know when you’re ready to share.”

  Birdie had to fill both of her aunt’s plates, so Mark helped by holding one. Birdie loaded them with food. She took one of the plates Mark was holding, “Thanks for your help.” She smiled, then left him standing there as she walked away.

  ********

  Mark noticed Birdie saying goodbye to her aunts. She waited until they were safely in the cab before she returned to the reception. He hoped now would be his chance to speak with her again. But before he could reach her, she was swept off to dance with her cousins. He walked back to bar where the team stood together and ordered a beer. It might be a while before he got a chance to talk with her again. It was fun to hang out and relax with the guys, but Mark wanted an opportunity to speak with Birdie again. He watched her out on the dance floor and enjoyed watching her shake and move her hips. Finally, he turned around and started talking to the guys again. Better not watch her for a while.

  Blake stood next to Mark and noticed how he tracked Birdie around the room like she was a tango. “So, what’s up with you and Birdie? I noticed you’ve been watching her since she arrived. Every time you get within a hands span of her, you’re touching her. Are you hit man?”

  He thought about what Blake was asking him and finally turned to his good friend and a man who had saved his life twice. “I think I may be hit because I keep getting this pain in my chest when she smiles at me. I’m going to ask her out on a date. I haven’t done that since college.”

  Blake studied him for a moment, measuring his intention, “Well good luck with that. She’s a good woman and you would be one lucky son of a bitch if she took you on. You know half the team is in love with her and she’s never noticed. I think it’s going to take some work.”

  “Has she ever gone out with anyone from the team?”

  “Not that I know of. She treats everyone as a friend and I don’t think anyone has had the guts to take her on. She is not someone to fool around with.”

  As the night wore on, Mark never had a chance to talk to Birdie - she never got near him. The crowd had thinned out and that gave more room on the dance floor. The cousins took full advantage of it and were dancing up a storm. The band took a break and Mark noticed Birdie and one of her cousins were heading towards the bathrooms. He put out his hand to catch Birdie as she walked by. “Why are you not out there, Mark?”

  He looked down and thought this is what she must look like after sex - relaxed, happy and flushed. This is what I want to make her feel like when we are done. “I only slow dance, save one for me.” She saluted him and kept walking towards the bathroom.

  Her cousin Ana asked, “Who is that man? He looks like he wants to eat you up.”

  “That’s Mark - isn’t he the most handsome man you’ve ever seen?”

  “I guess if you like alpha men dripping in testosterone. But he isn’t really handsome.”

  Birdie looked back at Mark, How come I am the only one who thinks he is so good looking? Can’t they see what I see? “I think he is too much for me, but I’m trying to work up the courage to go for it.”

  “You only live once. At least you’ll have one amazing night, even if nothing else comes from it. Picking the appropriate guy didn’t really work out for you, so you might as well go for what makes you happy.” She thought about this advice from her very shy, smart cousin. Maybe I should. They returned to the group of friends and cousins and started dancing again.

  Birdie was starting to slow down, she’d been up since four and had danced her feet off. She had eaten two pieces of cake and drank way too much champagne and thought it might be time to head out. Her friend Declan from high school came up to her and put his arm around her. “Birdie, do you remember our dancing days? Should we go out there and show them how it is done?”

  “Of course I do. I think I have one more dance left in me.” He grabbed her hand and they headed over to the DJ and requested a song they used to dance to.

  Mark watched all of this and noticed the guy was getting a little too close for his liking. Maybe he should go over there. He watched as they started dancing to a famous salsa song. There was only a small group on the floor, so they had plenty of room. The guys came to stand next to him and watched Birdie and the guy dance. They were tearing up the dance floor and Mark noticed her dress was looking pretty naked from where he stood. The guys stood there transfixed and Shane piped up, “It’s like watching them have sex.”

  Mark turned around, “Shut up man, you’re talking about Birdie.” But the guy was right. There was a slow part of the song, the guy dipped her and swept her slowly up the front of his body. Birdie’s face was flushed and her eyes were half closed and her lips looked like they had just been kissed. Mark stood at his full height, crossed his arms over his chest and was bouncing on the balls of his feet. He knew he couldn’t take too much more. The song finally ended, he let out a big breath and could feel the sweat rolling down his back. He was happy he survived the dance. If Birdie had been out there much longer, he wasn’t sure if he could have controlled his new found,, cave man instincts.

  Birdie and the guy got a round of applause, they bowed and walked off the dance floor. Mark watched her as she headed to the bar and followed her closely. She pulled out a chair, sat down and ordered a glass of water. Mark put his hand on the back of her chair, using the universal sign of marking territory and looked down at her, “I guess you like to dance?”

  “Almost as much as I like cake. I think I’m done though. I have to find my purse so I can call my cab. I think I danced my feet off.”

  “No,” Mark said a little too loudly.

  Birdie twisted in her chair and glared, “Excuse you, what are you talking about?”

  “I’ll drive you home. I don’t want you to be in a cab with a stranger - it’s not safe.”

  “Mark, I’m fine. I have done this before. I don’t want to take you away from the party.”

  “Baby, you are the party - I would drive you anywhere.”

  Looking up, she felt that arc of attraction that seemed to be running between them. “OK, that’s really nice of you. Let me go get my purse and we can go.”

  “What about my dance, Birdie? You promised me a dance.”

  “Mark I’m so tired - can I take a rain check?”

  “You danced with everyone except me. One dance and then I’ll take you home.”

  “All right, if you insist.”

  Nothing like a little enthusiasm to make a guy feel good. Mark went over to request some music, walked back to Birdie and held out his hand. She looked up, smiled and slipped her hand into his and he pulled her in close. They started to move to the music and she recognized the song…. it was the acoustic version of ‘Latch’ with Sam Smith singing. Mark tucked Birdie in and pressed her against his wide chest and she felt herself sigh. She rested her head against him and felt him lay his head on hers and drop a kiss on her hair. Dancing with this man was overwhelming and she could feel herself melt into his arms. If I feel this way
just dancing with this man, what’s going to happen if I go through with my crazy plan? The butterflies were dancing in her tummy……him, I want him. She’d never been this attracted to a man before, which was slightly disturbing since she’d been engaged. She couldn’t even remember what she had felt for Justin, but it sure wasn’t this. I like how my hand feels in his…. I wonder what he kisses like.

  He looked down and stared into her eyes, she looked back and all of the sudden it was just the two of them in a little bubble. The world had fallen away.

  The photographer was almost done and was ready to pack up her equipment when she caught sight of Mark and Birdie dancing. Lifting her camera she thought, This is what it looks like, in the beginning, when two people are falling for each other. She took a series of pictures and hoped they would ask her to take pictures at their wedding.

  They kept dancing as the music changed. Mark had Birdie wrapped up in his arms and her soft curves met his hard angles. Perfect fit, under me, on top of me and next to me. He lowered his mouth slowly to hers in case she wanted to protest and not getting any go away signals, he dropped his mouth to hers. His lips, firm and warm, touched hers. He could feel the electricity running down his spine as their mouths touched for the first time. He opened his mouth, ran his tongue along the seam of her lips until she opened up and he tasted her. She tasted like cake and champagne. A flood of want and need surged through his veins like liquid heat. Mine, she is mine.

  Birdie pulled back and let out a breathy moan of pleasure that made his skin so tight it ached. He felt like his body was being drowned in deep dark desire. He returned his mouth to hers and pulled her flush against his body. He could feel her hand move up to his face and his mouth opened and closed with hers as he gave and received long, feeding kisses. She pressed into him and her arms wrapped around him. She was kissing him back and the kiss just kept going on and on.