Kimberly’s excitement almost caused her to run into the day room with her news. She calmed herself and ushered everyone outside for formation. All she could think about was texting Jonathan. She’d last heard from him the morning of the hearing. He said he only had two percent left on his battery. It was long dead by now.
“This is so awesome!” McCoy grabbed her arm and jumped up and down when Staff Sergeant Jackson finished the final formation. “Please tell me you’re going to go out with us. It’s cause for a celebration.”
“Yes, it does.”
“First things first, though. Let’s go get a shower and out of these funky clothes.”
They headed into the female barracks. Kimberly took her time showering to ensure she removed all the grim off her. When she finished, she put on a summer dress and wedge sandals. It was perfect for the ninety degree weather.
She rode in McCoy’s car off base. McCoy’s last duty station was a few hours away. Instead of flying she drove. Kimberly relaxed in the seat. It felt good to ride in a clean car instead of the dirty cabs.
They decided to go by a steak house and meet everyone else downtown later. The hostess seated them, and Kimberly went to wash her hands.
A blonde was sitting with her back to Kimberly when she returned.
“Hey, Woodson. This is Jones. She’s in the Airborne School. I’ve met her out a few times, and she’s pretty cool. She’s here with some guys from her class and came over to say hi,” McCoy said.
Jones looked Kimberly up and down. “I’ve seen you somewhere.”
“Airborne is across from Delta Company. I’m sure it was just in passing.” Kimberly sat in her chair. She felt uncomfortable sitting across from Jones. Her shirt was tight, and it was unbuttoned enough to show the top of her breasts.
Leave some to the imagination, why don’t you.
“No, I saw you at the hotel. You were talking to my drill sergeant. Are you in the same class?” she asked.
“We were.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. Are you into white guys cause’ he’s sexy. I wouldn’t mind getting another taste of that. I mean I wouldn’t date him or anything, but he’s good for a lay.” She took a sip of her beer. “Looks like we’re being seated. I’ll catch up with you later, McCoy. It was nice meeting you, Woodson.”
The blood drained from her face.
“Are you okay?” McCoy asked once Jones was gone.
“She just admitted to sleeping with a drill sergeant.”
Their waitress headed in their direction.
“Yes, she’s a bit of a lush and kind of slutty, but she’s fun to hang out with. Do you know what you want to eat? I’m starving.”
That’s not the story Jonathan told. Men were liars. Charles taught her that lesson. She was pissed. “Yes, I’ll have Vodka with a splash of cranberry and the T-bone steak.”
Kimberly tuned out as McCoy gave the waitress her order. How big of a fool could she have been? She slept with a guy while in training. She should have known better. Wasn’t it my plan to sleep with him to relieve some stress? What the heck am I so upset for?
The answer made her drop her fork. Because you love him.
Chapter Twenty-one
Coming in from the field and getting a pass should have put a smile on Jonathan’s face. When he walked into Delta Company and Kimberly wasn’t there, it felt like a punch to the gut. He’d successfully passed the first week in the field, and the only person he wanted to celebrate with was trapped in hell.
“Are you joining us for a night out or what?” Kang asked.
Jonathan thought for a moment. Moping around wasn’t going to bring her back. “I could use a drink.”
“Downtown it is then. Get dressed. We’re meeting up in a half hour.”
He looked down at the t-shirt and shorts he’d put on. I guess these won’t pass a club dress code. He changed into dress slacks, a polo shirt, and dress shoes.
Kang said, “Hey, man, I said get dressed not outdo me. It’s all about the Kang tonight.”
Jonathan laughed. “Cool it before I change my mind.”
“Everyone’s already downstairs, come on.”
He grabbed his phone off the charger, and they headed out. Downstairs three vans awaited them. Jonathan and his platoon piled in. Everyone laughed at their success and failures in the field. By the time they made it downtown, Jonathan’s spirit had been lifted.
The strip was packed with people walking around.
“Gotta let you out here,” the driver said.
“I got it.” Kang paid as the rest of them got out.
They met up with the group from the other vans. They walked part of the way down the strip and broke up into smaller crews. Jonathan was left with his squad and Kang.
The beats from a dance club rang out as they got closer to a club. Kang’s head started bobbing to the beat. He led the way in, and Jonathan followed. They made their way to the bar.
“What you drinking?” Kang asked.
“Bud.”
“You’ll get your beer, but you’re also doing a shot of tequila.”
The bartender set their drinks on the counter. Kang handed a shot to Jonathan.
“Bottoms up.” Jonathan downed the drink. “Wow.”
“Yeah.” Kang tapped his chest. “Jose is kinda strong.”
“I’m sticking to my beer.” He took a big swallow to dilute the taste of the tequila.
Jonathan drank his drink and took in his surroundings. The club was packed and the music wasn’t bad. He checked out the people on the dance floor. Jonathan did a double take. His eyes were playing tricks on him. His angel was on the dance floor, working her body without a care in the world.
He swallowed the rest of his drink and set the empty bottle on the bar counter. People mingling on the lower level made it nearly impossible to get through, but he made it. He came up behind her and gave her a big hug.
“Hey, love,” he whispered in her ear.
She turned around and gave him the biggest smile. Then, it started to fade.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice a little cool.
“Me? You? We came back from the field today.” He pulled her into his arms and started dancing with her. He sensed her resistance.
“I found out I’m going back to class today. This is a celebration.” She backed off him.
“Why didn’t you text me?”
“I figured you were busy.” She turned to the redhead next to her and said, “I need some air. I’ll be back.”
Kimberly started walking away from him.
“Where’re you going? Wait up.” He followed behind her, trying his best not to bump into people dancing.
She headed outside.
“What’s wrong?”
She stopped walking and turned to face him. “I ran into Jones today. She has a different version of the story. Did you know she was here?”
“I ran into her a few weeks ago on my way to be with you. Version of what story?” He pulled her to the side of the building and out the way of the inebriated people walking past.
“Stop touching me. You’re a liar.”
“I’ve never lied about anything.”
“Then why is Jones saying you’re good for a lay? Is this what you do? You use your power to sleep with young girls?” Crossing her arms, she leaned up on the brick wall.
“I didn’t have sex with her. She made advances, and I turned her down. Baby, come here. She’s the one I told you I filed a complaint on.” Her crossed arms weren’t going to stop him from holding her. He missed her and didn’t care how angry she was. “Jones is a whore. She’s easy, and anyone can have her. I know what I want.”
He kissed her neck.
“Stop.”
“I’ve missed you.”
Jonathan ran his tongue alone the v-line of the top of her chest, then back up her neck to her lips. He kissed her. She pulled in her lips. He licked along the crease and eased his tongue inside. Her body heat agains
t his turned him on. Grabbing hold of her hands, he unfolded her arms and raised them over her head. Jonathan held them there with one hand. With the other, he ran it down the length of her body, reminding himself of how soft she felt.
Jonathan pressed his body next to hers, pinning her against the wall. The more he kissed her, the less she resisted. Kimberly returned them with a passion of her own. Her kisses told him everything he needed to know. She’d missed him as much as he missed her. He guided his hand under her dress and up her thigh. Moans filled the air when he toyed with the silkiness of her underwear and rubbed her clit.
He yearned for her body and was going to have it now. Jonathan heard the people walking past, but their view was obstructed by the dumpster of few feet away. Jonathan used it to his advantage. Pulling up her dress, he maneuvered his head down between her legs. He pulled her panties to the side and worked his tongue on her pearl. The honey and vanilla scent she wore consumed him.
“Oh,” she cried.
Raising one of her legs, he put it over his shoulder. Her vaginal lips opened, and he stuck his tongue deep inside. He pumped her with his tongue as she squirmed against him.
She grabbed his head. “I’m ‘bout to cum.”
He suckled her button and inserted two fingers inside her. Feverishly, he worked them inside her, while stroking her g-spot and vibrating his tongue on her clit. Her body tensed up. She was cumming. Jonathan didn’t let up. Her juices spilled down his hands. He pulled them out and licked them.
“I miss you too,” she said, tugging at him to stand up.
He rose, and she unbuttoned his pants. Freeing his manhood, she stroked his steel rod and moved it toward her. Jonathan lifted her by the waist and pushed inside of her. She bit his neck. He thrust inside her, showing her no mercy. This is where he belonged, inside of her.
“Yes, oh, yes,” she said.
“You, only you.”
She wrapped her legs around him. Jonathan continued pumping her. He was consumed with her. Her vaginal walls gripped him with each stroke. She flexed her legs and worked her body against his. The feeling was overwhelming. With each thrust, he inched closer to ecstasy. She pulled his hair, and he released inside her.
Jonathan held her as his heart rate slowly calmed down. He lowered her to the ground. They kissed long and hard, their emotions leading the way.
“I think you need to let your friend know you’re leaving,” he said.
They adjusted their clothes and went inside. He waited by the bar with Kang as Kimberly found McCoy. Back outside a few minutes later, they caught a cab. Kimberly turned off her cellphone, and they chose a different hotel. Jonathan couldn’t keep his hands to himself. He didn’t care if the cab driver took peeks at them in the rearview mirror. They kissed and had foreplay until they pulled in front of the hotel.
Jonathan opened the door and held his hand for her to step out. He checked them in, and they went to their room. For the rest of the weekend, they showed each other how much they’d missed each other. They christened the shower, chairs, table, and the bed. He never wanted to be without her again.
Chapter Twenty-two
The moment she stepped into Bravo Company, she could see the difference between her last company and this one. The Company Commander was more laid back. Their days normally ended right after dinner chow, and they were left alone to study or do whatever. Instead of two roommates, she only had one—Miller. The other bed was empty, because the other two females had failed the history exam. They were now property of HHC.
Having already completed the testing up until the seventh week, Kimberly’s first two weeks there were a breeze. With all her training from Delta Company, she’d passed the field training with flying colors. They’d just returned from the field, and she lay in her bed relaxing. Her thoughts went back to her last moments with Jonathan. Even though she’d spent the weekend before going to Bravo Company with him, she didn’t fully trust him. Weeks later, the words Jones said still stung. Everything Jonathan said to her could have very well been a lie.
Going back to class left no time for them to be together. She only caught glimpses of him as they went to the chow hall. In the field, she didn’t see him at all. The days dragged by.
Baby, I miss you. Talk to me.
Kimberly ignored his text. Her focus needed to be on class and dealing with Charles when she returned home. After three weeks, he realized she wasn’t coming home and started calling her phone, leaving several messages. His plan didn’t work, and he was livid. He still accused her of sleeping with Harvey. She felt guilty because she had been sleeping with someone. Just not the person he assumed.
Kimberly closed her eyes and willed herself to go to sleep. The next morning she had to face the battalion run for Delta Company. Running to celebrate their impeding graduation was almost too much to bear. To make matters worse, Bravo Company would be right behind theirs. She had no choice but to watch their celebration the entire run. They’d finish the run and graduate the next day. Jonathan would be gone to his next station.
How could she think about being with Jonathan when she was still married? To make matters worse, she’d fallen in love with him. The more she ignored him, the more she wanted him. This man she barely knew made her feel things she’d never felt before, and it scared her. What if it were all a game to him? Could she be another notch on his belt?
Even if he did care for her as he said, how would it work? They’d be sent to different bases. There was no point in trying to maintain a long distance relationship.
What have I gotten myself into?
Sleep didn’t come easy, but it finally came. Begrudgingly she woke up and went down to formation, and her company marched their way over to the battalion area.
This time around, running four miles was easy. Bravo Company, being in the second position, alleviated them from having the accordion affect. For majority of the run, the pace stayed the same. The person calling running cadence for her company wasn’t the best, but he did keep them motivated.
Kimberly positioned herself behind the tallest person in her squad. With Mathews blocking the view of Delta Company, it lessoned the sting a bit. They made the last turn back into the battalion area and lined up to greet the graduating class for completing their final run.
“I’m a steam roller, baby…and I’m rolling down the line!”
Her heart almost leapt out her chest and ran to him. Jonathan was leading the final march in. Pride oozed off him. He stood up taller than she’d ever seen him, and his chest was poked out. A huge smile was on his face as he sang out each line. “You better get out my way now…before I roll all over you!”
With Mathews now by her side, she had a good view of her old platoon. She saw Kang, Craig, Stevens, and even Zimmerman had completed the run without dropping out. Tears welled up in her eyes. She didn’t wipe them but clapped along with everyone else in a salute to a job well done. The sadness for not being along with them was replaced with happiness. Her friends made it through, and she was glad for them.
After the run, her company went back to the OCS routine. Part II of the history test was next. This test was the final one and also the hardest. Two weeks of field exercises made it hard to focus while in class. She, along with everyone else, was used to being up and moving during the day and not sitting. With Bravo Company turning into the senior class, senioritis also started to set in. All everyone spoke about was graduation.
She tried studying in the barracks at night, but the rest of the platoon was too loud.
“You want to study in my car?” Miller asked.
After reading the same sentence over for the third straight time, Kimberly jumped at the chance. “Heck yes.”
“Are you going to Delta’s graduation?” Miller clicked the button on her key fob and unlocked her car.
“Yes, I think I can handle it now. I was upset at first, but now I’m okay. Somehow seeing them at the run actually made me feel better.”
“I’ll go with yo
u. You may need moral support once you get there.” She sat in the front, and Kimberly stretched out in the back.
Kimberly nodded. “Let’s quiz each other. Saying this stuff out loud may help it sink in.”
They studied in the car until an half an hour before lights out. One the way back to the barracks, Kimberly gave in and called Jonathan.
“Hey.” He sounded so happy. She could envision his smile.
It was her first time hearing his voice since the weekend they spent together. She missed hearing it.
“Hi. Sorry I haven’t been in touch. I’ve had a lot of things on my mind.”
“It’s okay, I understand. You had to adjust to a few things, and I know how the field is,” he said.
Miller motioned she was heading in the building. Kimberly mouthed, “I’ll be in in a sec,” before addressing Jonathan. “That, and I’m not sure where we stand. You leave tomorrow. I felt it was best to lessen the sting by backing off.”
He sighed. “I’m leaving, but it’s not the end of us. I love you.”
She stopped breathing momentarily. “I love you too, but you’re going to Fort Sill and I’m going to Fort Carson. Texas and Colorado aren’t close.”
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
“And then there’s the Army way. I really only called to tell you congratulations. I’ll be at the graduation but can’t hang around so you probably won’t see me. The second half to the history test is tomorrow.”
“Good luck on the test. Remember when I said I’m in it for the long haul? I meant it.”
“I guess I’ll see. Have a safe trip. I wish I could see you off. Bye.”
She hung up the phone, holding back tears.
Chapter Twenty-three
It took forever for the history grades to be posted. Once they finally were, Kimberly was not only relived but impressed with her score. She’d only missed two questions. All that came next was preparing for graduation and out-processing.
Soldiers in Heat: Training Session Page 9
