A Soldier's Gift

by Lynne St. James

  He lost it when she sucked in her cheeks and took him so deep his cock banged against the back of her throat. One last squeeze of his balls and he shot his load down her throat. He didn’t even have a chance to warn her first in case she didn’t want to swallow. “Oh God, baby, I’m sorry.”

  “For what,” she asked after she freed his softening rod and finished licking him clean. “I wanted to. Remember pleasure, right? I knew you were going to cum, I could have released you but I wanted all of you.”

  “Are you even real?”

  “Oh yeah. I know you can’t see well but trust me, there’s plenty to prove just how real I am. Too much.”

  “Stop it, you’re perfect. Every freakin’ inch of you. Although I have to say I’m kind of partial to your mouth right now.”

  Laughing, she eased up his body and kissed him. He could taste his cum on her tongue and it was a total turn on. She just might kill him. “Your turn?”

  “Me?”

  “Yep. Hold on a sec.” He scooted down the bed and moved one of the pillows he was lying on. “Come here. Straddle my face.”

  “Are you serious? I’ll kill you.”

  “Stop it. You won’t, trust me.” He was glad for once he couldn’t see her expression, but she did as he asked. Her knees were on either side of his head, her butt resting on his collarbone and her pussy laid out like dinner.

  Holding onto her ass to keep her where he wanted, he pulled her a little closer and slid his tongue along her pussy lips, already soaked with her juices. Wet was an understatement as he licked and sucked her lips and her love liquid soaked his chin and ran down his neck. Mmmm, a bath in her juices sounds fucking perfect.

  As he swirled his tongue around her clit, she squirmed and he tightened his hands on her hips to keep her where he wanted her. Finally she gave in—or up he wasn’t sure which—but she leaned forward, her hands holding onto the headboard. Perfect. Now he had full access to her clit and pussy, and using his tongue he darted back and forth between the two, teasing her clit as she quivered then licking inside her. Her muscles tensed. It wouldn’t be long now. More of her juices slid down his chin, her scent sweet and musky, and all woman. His cock was hard again too. She was like his own little blue pill.

  “Oh God, Mac…oh God.” She almost wiggled out of his hands as she bucked against him.

  He pulled his mouth away long enough to beg. “Yes, baby, come for me. C’mon now, come for me.” Every muscle in her body tightened up as she quivered and rocked against his mouth and screamed her release. He slurped her juices like they were sweet nectar. When she finally loosened up, he helped her lie next to him. Her head fit in the crook of his arm like he was made for her. Hearing her soft sigh, he smiled with contentment.

  “That was incredible. But I was worried I was going to suffocate you.”

  “No way. It couldn’t happen. I’m glad you relaxed enough to enjoy it.”

  “Oh yeah. Shit. How do you even think of that kind of stuff?” She laughed, sounding more embarrassed than anything else. So cute. His—the voice echoed through his head. He hoped so. In the back of his mind he still worried about what she’d do when she found out about the cornea transplant. Pushing the thought away, he tilted her chin so he could reach her lips and kissed her as if his life depended on it.

  Incredible. His mouth. His hands. His body—holy shit. He turned her into a total ball of mush, mashed potatoes maybe? So this is why people have sex. If Beth knew it could be like this, she wouldn’t have waited so long after Doug. Or was it only because it was Mac that it was like this? She wasn’t sure, and she sure as hell didn’t care. She’d pack away as many memories as possible while he was in her life so when he left she’d still have them. She’d been unsatisfied with her Hitachi, truthfully sex with Doug never amazed her either, and now, after Mac, she finally understood. Doug went through the motions, Mac didn’t leave one nerve ending unattended. She’d never been so alive as when she was in his arms. Maybe he was a magician. Or a Mac-ician. She giggled until his lips touched hers then she melted.

  “Want to let me in on it?” He nipped her ear and her head emptied.

  “Umm, what?”

  “You giggled. What’s up?”

  “Oh. You won’t believe me but I don’t remember.”

  “You’re right I don’t, but it’s okay. You don’t have to tell me.” Moonlight slipping through the curtains gave him a soft glow. He really did seem magical.

  “Seriously…” But she didn’t have a chance to finish. He rolled her onto her back and slid over her once again. As he spread her legs, her muscles reminded her how long it’d been since she’d used them. She didn’t realize she’d made a sound but he’d heard her.

  “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. You’re probably sore.”

  “Oh hell no. Don’t even think about it, you stay right there.” Priceless. She wished she had her phone so she could take a picture of the look on his face. She’d used her “mom” voice without realizing and he looked like a deer in the headlights.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I just meant…”

  “I know.” Smiling, he took her mouth in a scorching kiss, lighting every nerve ending on fire. She wondered if her skin was glowing because it sure as hell felt like it. Coming up for air, he met her eyes or it seemed like he did. He couldn’t focus on her this close and she knew it. “Are you sure you’re not too sore.”

  “I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little sore, but I don’t want you to stop.”

  “Fair enough. I don’t want to hurt you.” Beth put her finger over his lips to stop him. He showed more concern for her in the three months they’d known each other than Doug had in the entire ten years they’d been together. But she needed to stop thinking about him, he was her past. Could Mac be her future? Without a doubt she wanted him to be.

  He slid in, slow and gentle, like she was a delicate flower. Earlier they’d needed it hard and fast. Again she was seeing another side of Mac. Sliding his hot tongue over her distended nipples, he circled them and blew lightly. The air tightened the already taught nubs, and a different type of moan escaped from between her parted lips.

  Bright white teeth flashed in the moonlight as he slid in and out of her. Had he put on a condom? She couldn’t remember, she’d been too busy thinking about the ex when she should have been focusing on Mac. He grasped her ankle and lifted it to his shoulder and did the same with her other leg.

  “Oh God, you’re in so deep.”

  “Is it too much?” his voice sounded strained. How much was he holding back to not hurt her?

  “No, it’s wonderful.” Moving a little faster, he slipped a finger over her clit and she sucked in a breath as her muscles tightened around his cock.

  “Mmm yes, baby, go with it.”

  Almost whimpering with desire she arched against him, pushing him even deeper and he tweaked her clit, sending a wave of pleasure over her. With every thrust he flicked her clit until she was begging.

  “Faster. Oh God, please, Mac. More, I need…” She didn’t have to finish, he read her like a book, plunging into her again and again until they both groaned their release. Incredible. She’d lost track of her orgasms. She’d never thought it possible to have more than two a night and only when she’d done it herself. “Wow…”

  Chuckling, he laid her legs on the bed and slid out of her and headed for the bathroom. That answered the condom question. Whew. No babies needed right now, that’s for sure. She hadn’t been on birth control in years, there’d been no need. She might have to rethink it now.

  The bathroom door closed and he slipped into bed. A warm washcloth slid between her legs. “What are you doing?”

  “Cleaning up some of the mess I helped make.”

  “Oh.” She couldn’t deny the heat and warmth of the washcloth soothed her sore nether lips. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure, and thank you for this whole night.”

  “Shhh, you’re going to embarrass me.”


  “Why? You’re a beautiful sexy woman. I’ve never been so turned on by anyone.”

  “Are you sure it’s not just ‘cause it’s been awhile.”

  Laughing, he shook his head and she caught a glimpse of his scar in the moonlight. “I don’t think you understand but it’s okay. I plan on proving it to you, every day if possible.”

  She’d like it, him around every day, but it scared her too. What about Dani, how would she react to them really dating and not just having coffee? Things were much more complicated when kids were involved.

  “You’re thinking too hard. I don’t know what’s going on in there, but your body language is telling me you’re stressing about something.”

  “You need to cut that out.”

  “What? I’m not reading your mind, just your body, and a sexy one it is.”

  “You’re terrible.”

  “Not what you said less than five minutes ago.” Beth’s fist connected with his upper arm before she realized she’d thrown the punch. Instant remorse. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. I hope I didn’t hurt you.”

  Apparently not. On his back and laughing like a hyena, she had to stop herself from giving him a pounding.

  “You can’t hurt me, babe. It would take a lot more than that. Trust me.”

  “Don’t push it, bud. You do have a few soft spots I can easily reach and I bet I’d get a different reaction.”

  “Shit. Okay you win. I didn’t mean to laugh. It was just such a pitiful punch.”

  “Jerk.”

  “I am sorry.” Suddenly the laughter was gone and he pulled her to him and kissed her, then tucked her against his side. “How does sleep sound to you?”

  “I think that’s an excellent idea.”

  “Do you want me to go downstairs?”

  “No.” Beth sat up and looked at him, surprised at his question. “Why would I want you to go downstairs?”

  “I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about sleeping with me. I mean. Hell I don’t know what I mean.”

  Smiling at his frustration, she was happy to see she wasn’t the only one trying to figure out what was going on. “Nope, you’re staying right here.” Settling against him with a contented sigh, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Dani was released from the hospital and the three of them settled into a routine. For the past couple of months Beth would drop Dani at Mac’s in the morning on her way to the bookstore and he’d help her with her schoolwork. Most times they’d have a cup of coffee together before she left for the bookstore.

  At lunchtime she’d pick them up and they’d have sandwiches at the bookstore before she dropped Mac at the hospital for his afternoon story telling sessions. Sometimes Dani would go with him to help and sometimes she’d stay with Beth at the shop.

  After work she’d swing by the hospital to get Mac and they’d have dinner, all helping to cook. It was almost like a perfect little family. But they’d agreed not to spend the night together if Dani was home, so they’d only had one night alone since she’d been discharged from the hospital and they were both feeling the sexual frustration. It made for some hot and heavy phone calls after Dani was in bed and Beth prayed Tag never heard them.

  Julie and Tag were spending a lot of time together too and she thought they made a cute couple. It also made her feel less guilty for spending so much time with Mac. Tag agreed to take the courses to become a realtor, even though he’d told Mac he never would actually work there. He was biding his time until he figured out what he was going to do after his medical discharge from the army came through. He’d also been getting a lot moodier and it was affecting Mac and Julie.

  Mac was still in limbo, his eyesight not good enough to read or drive, but he still held out hope to go back on active duty. It worried Beth, she and Dani had gotten so attached to him, and it was more than that too. How would Dani deal with it if he left, how would she? It had taken her about a month to admit it to herself, even though she hadn’t said the words out loud to anyone. She loved him, not just loved him, was giddy, head-over-heels, totally lost in love with him. Feeling more like sixteen than thirty-four, she had trouble hiding it from Dani and Julie, and an even harder time keeping the words from slipping out with Mac. It was hardest when they’d talk on the phone before bed. She had to concentrate on her goodbye so she didn’t accidently say those three little words.

  In her defense he didn’t say them either. Julie said no man would homeschool someone else’s child if he didn’t love the woman, especially with how Dani could be at times. She was right too, Dani could be a handful when she set her mind to it—and not in a good way. Although Beth had to admit that she was a lot better when Mac was around. She wondered if Dani had a crush on him. It would explain a lot, and could also be big trouble.

  Late night was the worst. Lying in bed after hearing his voice, longing for his touch, his kisses or even just curling against him to fall asleep. She’d concentrate on what it had been like when they were together, and it had only been twice. The second night was even better than their first. She hadn’t been able to hide it from Julie either. As soon as she’d walked in the door she’d pegged her with an intense stare.

  “You had sex with Mac again, didn’t you?”

  “Me?” It came out in sort of a squeak and proved her guilt. Shit. “Maybe.”

  “No maybe’s about it. You’re glowing. I swear you are. So how was it?”

  “I’m not going to kiss and tell.”

  “Of course you are. Only men say they don’t but we know that’s bullshit too. Now spill it. Wait. Let me get us coffee first.”

  Beth shook her head and put her purse under the counter. It wasn’t surprising Julie figured it out. She saw it on her own face. Her skin seemed pinker, her eyes greener instead of their usual hazel color, like he’d knocked the dullness right out her. The more she thought about it the more she realized that’s exactly what he’d done. Her life when she’d met him, even before the accident, was work and Dani, no fun, except for an occasional escape to the beach.

  Julie set a steaming mug of liquid heaven in front of her, and Beth almost moaned with happiness as she took her first sip. Yep, almost as good as sex but not better anymore. As the heat slid up her cheeks she was busted. Julie laughed.

  “Uh huh. Now you’re turning red from drinking coffee. Damn, girl. What has that man done to you?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Nope, not buying it. C’mon. I have to live vicariously through you. I can’t get Tag into bed no matter what I try.”

  “What? You’re trying to seduce him?”

  “No. Well not like that. I know he likes me, I think he’s worried I’ll be turned off when I see him without his clothes and prosthetics.”

  “He doesn’t know, does he?”

  “No. I don’t know how to tell him either. I don’t want him to think he’s a mercy case or something.”

  “You’re not like that, and no one would believe it.”

  “C’mon. We both know a man would. With their egos. Something is definitely going on with him, he’s getting really moody and if he was a woman I’d say bitchy. I’m starting to wonder if I’m wrong about him being the one, but holy hell can he kiss. But as soon as it starts to go further he pulls away.”

  “Maybe it’s too soon.”

  “Could be. But we’ve been seeing each other as long as you and Mac.”

  “Really? I guess you have, I didn’t think about it.”

  “Oh well. So now you can feel sorry for me and tell me about Mac.” She waggled her brows at Beth who’d just taken a drink and almost spewed coffee across the counter and all over Julie.

  “He’s amazing. Sexy, considerate, and his kisses are incredible.” Trying to come up with words for the unimaginable pleasure she experienced was useless. It couldn’t be explained and was meant to be kept between the two of them. “I’ve never experienced anything close.”

  “I always knew Doug was a jerk, but I g
uess now you know too.”

  “That’s not fair. He wasn’t in the beginning.”

  “No? I have known you how long? I’ve never seen your face glow like that after being with Doug, or any other time except when you gave birth to Dani, and that wasn’t even like it is now. Close but nope. So don’t even try to tell me I’m wrong.”

  “Maybe. Okay. You’re right, but I didn’t know anything else. Now I do.”

  Julie nodded and then came around the counter and hugged her. “You know I’m thrilled for you, right? You so deserve this and more.”

  “Well it’s nothing yet really.”

  “What do you mean? You’re together every day. Dinner, lunch, he’s with Dani, you drive him everywhere. You love him, don’t deny it.”

  Beth’s eyes went wide. She’d been hoping to avoid this. She wanted to say those words to Mac the first time she said them out loud. Grabbing her now-empty mug, she went in back to get more and heard the tinkle of the doorbell. Yes! Saved by the bell. Literally.

  Her relief was quickly doused when she saw who’d come in. Tag, Mac, and Dani were in the front of the store chatting with Julie and it made no sense. She’d just dropped Dani at Mac and Tag’s apartment. Why were they here?

  “Hey. Long time no see. What’s going on?”

  “I forgot I had a doc appointment this morning. Tag’s going to take me but I didn’t want to drag Dani there. I hope it’s okay.”

  “Of course. She could always be here but she has more fun with you.” Beth stuck her tongue out at Mac and they all laughed, but there was something wrong with Mac. He winced as he laughed. He was in pain. Was it a migraine? He had so many she even forget to ask about them, what a bitch. Some girlfriend, huh?