Infatuated

by Lea Hart

  “Yeah?”

  Throwing up her hands, she let out a huff. “Why do you find this so surprising?”

  “You play it a little cool and, considering all the shit we’ve had to deal with, it wouldn’t be inconceivable that you might be ready to see my ass wheels up.”

  “If that’s what you think, then you haven’t been listening or paying attention.” Sitting back, she crossed her arms. “I was the one who asked you out in the first place and the one who suggested kissing. If anyone has been putting it out there, it’s me.”

  “I would’ve eventually asked you out, but I had to get over the constant fucking heart attacks you were giving me first.”

  “Puleeeeze, that’s ridiculous.”

  “No, it’s not, and I’m the one who’s been talking about happy ever afters and marrying and shit, so as far as the one putting it out there…it’s me.”

  “Agree to disagree.”

  Taking her hand, he tugged it until she looked up. “Are you going to stick with me if I end up with a kid?”

  She looked up and slowly nodded her head. “Yes, Ace. I will stick with you no matter what.” When he was about to open his mouth, she pressed her fingers to his lips. “Despite the fact that you refuse to acknowledge it was me who got this relationship going, and that romcoms are the bomb, and that I can, in fact, whistle.”

  “You are the love of my fucking life, Lisa, and I’ll give you whatever you want. Your willingness to stick with me through this kid thing is more than I deserve. But, honey, you can’t whistle for shit.”

  “Fine, I’ll concede that one point.”

  “You really going to stick?”

  “Like super-glue, Ace.” She kissed his cheek and then sat back. “Finish your dinner, so we can see if that pie I made turned out.” When he lifted his fork and winked, she knew he was the love of her life too. Hopefully, she’d soon have the guts to admit it aloud.

  ***

  Ace felt the last of the tremors pass through his body as Lisa collapsed against his chest. Breathing deeply, he stroked her back and wondered what he’d done to deserve a woman as fucking amazing as Lisa.

  “I’ll never be able to move again,” she moaned.

  “Don’t need to, honey. You let me stay buried in your tight pussy for the rest of my life, and I will be a very happy man.”

  “Might be slightly problematic when you need to go to work, though.”

  “Suppose so,” he replied as sleepy post-orgasmic satisfaction made his brain and body feel like mush. “Thanks for the sugar cream pie, Lisa.”

  “You’re welcome, was it as good as you remember?”

  “Better,” he mumbled.

  “Are you falling asleep?” she asked as she rested her head against his chest.

  Moving his hips, he grinned. “Not if you want to go again?”

  “I’ll be dead if we do.”

  “Okay, then I’m definitely falling asleep.”

  “Mmmkay.”

  Hearing her breathing even out, he let out a quiet snort and lifted his arm to check his watch. The usual three minutes had passed, and he knew she was deep into la-la land and wouldn’t be roused unless a bomb went off or he started things up again.

  Which wasn’t going to happen because he was exhausted due to the training they’d put in over the last several days. The platoon was ready for the next deployment, and he felt confident that they’d put in enough work to make them damn near invincible.

  Rolling Lisa into his side, he kissed her head and closed his eyes, thanking whoever was in charge for allowing him the blessing of having such an amazing woman.

  “What the fuck?” Ace mumbled as he heard the shrill sound of his phone. Lifting himself up, he grabbed for it on the nightstand and looked at the display. Why the hell was Dean calling him at two in the morning?

  He hit redial and waited for the call to connect and prayed it wasn’t one more drama with Victoria. When it connected, he heaved himself out of bed and walked quietly out of the bedroom. “What’s up, man?”

  “Victoria is in the hospital.”

  “Okay…”

  “We were in an accident, and she’s in bad shape. Thought you would want to know since she told me the baby was yours.”

  “It’s not confirmed yet, but I’ll come down. Where are you?”

  “Scripps Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista.”

  “Shit, it must be serious since that’s a level one trauma center.”

  “No shit,” he replied tersely.

  “Right, I’m in Ocean Beach and should be there soon.”

  “She may need blood, and I’m not a candidate, so get here as soon as you can.”

  “Right, on my way.” Walking back into the bedroom, he saw Lisa sitting up. “There was a car accident, and I’ve got to go down to Scripps.”

  “Who was in it?”

  “Victoria,” he replied as he pulled his jeans off the chair. “Dean just called and told me she was in bad shape.”

  Moving out of bed, Lisa stood and walked over to her chest of drawers. “Give me five minutes, and I’ll come with you.”

  “Honey, that’s not necessary.”

  “I know,” she replied as she pulled out a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. “But you could probably use the support, so I’ll come.”

  “Thank you.” He watched her walk into the bathroom and then opened another drawer and pulled out a clean T-shirt. Thankful for the fact that he had half his clothes here, he pulled the shirt over his head and prayed Victoria and her kid survived.

  And, yeah, he still didn’t think of the kid as his and probably wouldn’t until he had irrefutable proof that said otherwise.

  Was it denial?

  Maybe.

  But his dealings with Victoria taught him he’d be a fool to take her at her word.

  And since she was in a car with Dean at two in the morning, he knew his suspicions were right on. Slipping his feet into flip-flops, he grabbed his wallet and phone and wished the perfect evening with Lisa didn’t have to end with a trip to the ER.

  Lisa walked out of the bathroom and tightened her ponytail. “Ready.”

  Holding out his hand, he waited until she slipped hers inside. “Thank you for coming and being as fucking amazing as you are.”

  “Thank you for saying that,” she replied as she walked out of the bedroom. “But it’s nothing in comparison to what you’ve done for me.”

  “Guess that makes us a good team then because there isn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for you.”

  “Except admit that I can actually whistle.”

  “God would strike me down for a lie like that.”

  Snorting, she grabbed her purse and keys and opened the front door. “You’re buying donuts on the way home.”

  “I know.” As they walked down the front walk and headed to his truck, he sucked in the cold night air and counted himself lucky to have a woman like Lisa at his side.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Sitting in the waiting room, Lisa sipped her coffee slowly and waited for Ace to return from donating blood. She glanced around at the other people who littered the couches and chairs and wondered which of them were not going to have their prayers answered.

  A morbid question to be sure, but it was four in the morning, and she was all out of fresh optimism. Resting her head against the wall, she closed her eyes and knew it wouldn’t take much to fall into dreamland.

  Which seemed inappropriate considering Victoria was in surgery. She lifted her head quickly and blinked her eyes several times, trying to stay awake. When she saw Ace walking down the hall, she stood and headed in his direction, hoping the movement would help keep her awake. “How was it?”

  “Fine, I usually donate a couple of times a year, so it was no big deal.”

  “Any news?”

  “No, I just ran into Dean in the hall, and no one has come out to give him any updates. Poor guy is strung out with worry.”

  “Did he tell you anything about the accid
ent?”

  “No, and I decided not to ask because he’s riding close to the edge and could crack if pushed.”

  “Do you think he and Victoria will end up together?”

  “Not sure since he’s apparently not the daddy, but who knows?” He took her hand and led her back to the waiting room. “You want to try and catch a combat nap?”

  “I almost fell asleep a couple of minutes ago and felt bad, considering Victoria is in surgery.”

  “You don’t need to stay awake. You’ve got to be dead on your feet.”

  Looking up, she noticed he didn’t look any worse for wear. “I am, how come you’re not?”

  “Because I’m used to operating with little sleep on deployment.” He collapsed onto a couch and pulled her down next to him. “Lay your head on my lap and take a nap.”

  Smirking, she did as he suggested. “You never suggest a nap when my head is near your…jewels.”

  “Behave, woman.”

  “Alright, if you insist.” Closing her eyes, she felt his hand run slowly across her face and then through her hair. “Tell me a story, Ace.”

  “What about?”

  “Your favorite part of your job.”

  “You’ve seen me do my job, so you know I love pulling people out of dangerous situations and righting wrongs.”

  “You’re just an everyday super-hero.”

  “Nah, I just get to do cool shit with my friends with some serious bad-ass toys.”

  “I guess that’s as good of a description as any.”

  “When you’re out there, what’s your favorite thing to do?”

  He ran his hand along his jaw and shrugged. “I guess one of my favorite things to do besides blowing shit up would be calling in the big guns.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m a Joint Tactical Air Controller, and I can call in air strikes with everything from an AH-1 Cobra gunship to an Airforce B1 bomber and everything in between. It’s an incredible feeling to bring in American firepower when my buddies and I are pinned in.”

  “Are you worried, Ace?”

  “About what, honey?”

  “The baby and Victoria.”

  “Sure, just like I would be about any woman and child who were in a car accident.” He stroked her cheek and frowned. “I don’t feel any connection to the kid, though, and I’m not sure why.”

  “I bet you will when you meet him or her.”

  “If it’s mine.”

  “You still don’t believe it’s yours?”

  “Maybe it’s wishing and hoping that’s making me believe it, but my gut tells me I’d feel different if it were mine.”

  “When do the results come back from the paternity test?”

  “Either Saturday or Monday at the latest.”

  “I know it’s going to be a lot easier to deal with once you know for sure.”

  “I hope so.”

  A nurse strode in and looked around. “Ace Henderson?”

  Lisa lifted herself up and watched Ace stand. “Please, let this be good news,” she prayed silently.

  “Right here,” he responded as he stood up straight.

  “Can I have a word, sir?”

  “Of course.”

  “Okay,” she replied as she looked at her tablet. “We screened the blood you donated for the patient’s baby who’s in surgery, and it’s not compatible with the fetus she’s carrying.” Looking up, she frowned. “Would you by chance know who the father is because we’d like to have him on hand if possible.”

  “Excuse me?” he asked quietly.

  “Your blood type is A, and the baby’s is O, and that makes it impossible for you to be the baby’s father.”

  Lisa stood and took Ace’s hand. “Did you ask the gentleman who was in the accident with her? I think he was eliminated as a possible father, but perhaps he can donate just to be sure.”

  “I’ll try him, even though you were listed on the forms.”

  Ace cleared his throat and shrugged. “I don’t have any other names for you, sorry.”

  “Thanks for your help; I thought it might be worth a shot.”

  “How is she doing?” Lisa asked.

  “She’s holding her own, and we’re trying to determine how long she can carry the baby.”

  “Thank you,” Lisa responded quietly. Turning, she put her hands on Ace’s arms. “Well, I guess that answers that.”

  “I don’t even know what to say, except I was right.”

  Resting her head against his chest, she let out a breath. “That you were, Ace.”

  He lifted her head with his hands and kissed her gently. “I’m so fucking relieved to know for sure.”

  “I am too, Ace.”

  “You want to get out of here and head home?”

  “No!” She pulled his hand and sat on the couch. “We need to stay until Victoria gets out of surgery.”

  “Why?” he almost shouted.

  “Because it’s the right thing to do. You had a relationship with the woman and, no matter how badly it turned out, we should stay.”

  He collapsed next to her and crossed his arms. “She has caused me more pain and grief than any other human, and I think she knew all along I wasn’t the father but wanted to jack me around.”

  “Nobody is that malicious.”

  He lifted an eyebrow and rolled his lips together. “Want to make a bet?”

  “Okay that was a dumb thing to say, considering the world we live in, but do you really think she’s dumb enough to lie, considering it could easily be disproved?”

  “Yes, clearly she’s that dumb and probably hoped one of the other guys or I would believe her.”

  “I don’t know, Ace. I think there’s a story there and you shouldn’t judge until you hear it.”

  “Pretty sure I can do that now, considering what we’ve had to deal with.” Rolling his head in a circle, he huffed out a big breath. “Though knowing you’d stick by me no matter what is pretty cool, so I guess it’s not a total shit show.”

  “I bet there are going to be a lot of things we can take from this experience that will end up being valuable.”

  “I know I’m lucky to have you and there isn’t anything that we can’t face together. We’re going to be a good team, you and me, and I’m damn lucky.”

  “Me too, Ace. Me too.”

  ***

  Ace found a parking spot in front of the Donut Bar in downtown and didn’t see a line. Which was a damn miracle considering they had the best donuts in all of San Diego. “They opened like five minutes ago, and I bet they haven’t sold out of anything yet.”

  “Makes the night we spent in the hospital totally worth it since it’s allowed us to be here before the crack of dawn.”

  “Silver lining, honey, there’s always one if you look hard enough,” he said with a grin as he jumped out of his truck. When he opened Lisa’s door and held his hand out, he laughed at her confused expression. “What? Too much Susie Sunshine for you?”

  “Give me a minute, and I’m sure I’ll adjust.”

  Taking her hand, he kissed it and then tugged her toward the shop. “I’ve been living under a storm cloud named Victoria, and today the thing finally blew itself out and moved on.” Bending down, he gave her a huge smile. “Get used to it because this happy-as-fuck grin isn’t going anywhere for a good long time.”

  “Yes, sir,” she replied as she kissed his cheek. “I like this happy-go-lucky version of you.”

  “Me too.” Walking up to the counter he studied the display and shook his head. “Too many good options.”

  “We can get one of each; that way, decisions won’t be necessary.”

  “I knew I loved you for a reason.”

  “I didn’t know an insatiable sweet tooth was a thing to love.”

  Laughing, he pulled her in front of him and kissed her head. “Go ahead and tell the nice kid what you want and then, when we get out of here, I can tell you the five thousand other things I love as well.”


  She looked up and smirked. “Five thousand seems like a small number; I have at least seven thousand things I love about you.”

  “Can I help you?” the guy behind the counter huffed out. “Or do you need to talk about your love some more and make me throw up in my mouth?”

  “What the hell is your problem?” Ace asked as he moved forward. Feeling Lisa’s hand on his chest, he looked down. “What? That was really rude.”

  “It’s not directed at us specifically. Clearly, he’s had his heart stomped on and seeing us so googly-eyed is difficult.”

  “So?” Seeing her disapproving look, he shrugged. “Whatever.”

  Lisa gave the counter guy a sympathetic look. “We have two choices here; either you let my boyfriend and me get as lovey-dovey, smoopy-loopy as we want or he’s going to lose his temper, and that’s not anything we need to have happen before I’ve had a donut.”

  “Fine,” he replied as he covered his eyes. “Make it quick, though, since I’m at my limit with breeders and their gag-worthy Instagram moments.”

  Lisa lifted herself up on her tiptoes and shook her head. “Who broke your heart?” Looking from side to side, she cupped her hand and whispered loudly, “Give me a name, and I’ll work up a revenge plan with my best friend.”

  “You’d do that for a complete stranger?”

  Lisa rested her hand against her chest. “I’m on the side of love.”

  Ace looked down and shook his head. “I knew you were not going to stay still for long, and this is just the sort of thing that will give you the excitement you crave.”

  Smacking the counter, she let out a huff. “This is just me wanting to help out a fellow human being who has clearly been tossed in the washing machine of heartbreak and come out a bit bitter. If I can help, I will.”

  “Really?” he asked as he lifted an eyebrow. “The washing machine of heartbreak?”

  “I’ve had too much coffee, all right? After I eat a couple of donuts, I’m sure my metaphors will be a lot more impressive.”

  “Don’t let him hate on your metaphors, girl, because that’s how it starts,” counter boy said loudly. “One day, they love your sassy remarks, and the next day, they ask you to tone it down.” Reaching across the case, he took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m sure that hunk of burning love behind you is a machine in the bedroom, but don’t let your brain be fogged by sex.” He shook his head vehemently and snapped his fingers. “You hold onto that sassy mouth of yours and don’t let him dim your light.”