“Move on?” Melinda asked, again hearing something off in his tone.
“Yeah, like get a normal job, normal life.” He pulled his ball cap from his back pocket and placed it on his head.
Mel gave an inner sigh of relief. At least he was not meaning move on from her. She perked up, remembering about the phone call she got last night. “Hey, Dillon called last night. He mentioned needing help on the ranch and thought you might be willing to hire on there.”
Scott snapped his head toward Mel. “Dillon Ward? No shit. I wonder what he’s been up to.”
She wanted to say, you will find out soon enough, but did not want to ruin the surprise of the party. As many people she invited, he will already suspect something with all the cars. She did ask people to park in the church parking lot around the corner to not alert him.
#
Ten minutes later they arrived at Mel’s home. Scott had not officially move in yet, they talked about it. But she assumed he would want to stay until they made more permanent decisions.
They each took a bag and headed into the house. She unlocked the door and Scott walked in first.
“Surprise!” A crowded room of about thirty people cried as he entered.
Scott, always the party boy, laughed and began working the room. He greeted everyone with a hug and a smile. Mel brought his bags with Derek’s help, to the back bedroom. Already the grill was cooking hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken breasts. And all three half kegs already tapped.
She poured a beer for Scott and walked to his side. He put his arm around her and included her in most of his conversations. Many of his friends were now her friends and she kept up with their lives while he was away.
She noticed he steered most conversations from serving to what others were doing and kept a quiet word on his next steps. “It’s not like I have been away for a couple of years.” He commented. Eight months total this time. That is a third of their relationship.
Melinda felt her stomach growl. “I’m going to get something to eat. Can I get you a plate, honey?”
“Sounds great. I’ll come with you.” He held her hand tight as they moved passed the patio onto the back yard. “You go get us a couple of seats; I’ll bring you a cheeseburger?”
“Yes, I’ll get us some salads at the table.” She kissed him and took his beer cup.
She stopped to speak to a few people along the way. All well-wishing and thanking her for the invitation. To everyone else, Scott seemed the same, care-free man. Maybe she was just internalizing her nervousness of being away from him for so long.
After all, they did not live together and not engaged. Maybe she was just wishing for something he was not ready for. She did hope he was ready for some wild sex in the next day or two. That is one thing she knew he was not shy about. Melinda became giddy at the anticipation.
Scott walked up with the burger for her and a hot dog and burger for himself. “Here’s your plate. I gave you some baked beans, potato salad, chips and corn on the cob. Perfect summer celebration food.”
He sat down beside her and again put his arm around her. This is exactly why she needed his physical, subconscious reassurance. They ate together as people came over to the table to chit chat. They have not had any alone time yet, which is expected since she invited like three dozen people.
Scott’s sister Emily arrived bringing one of her girlfriends. Both gravitated to the kegs, trying to catch up to the rest of the party goers. “I’m not sure your parents were planning to come.” She rubbed Scott’s lower back.
“Naw, but it’s all right. This is not their type of social gathering. But they do know everyone here.” Scott laughed. “Most of these people I went to school with. Ah, life in a small town.” He finished his beer and shook the empty cup.
“Did you want a beer, Babe? I’m gonna get a refill.” He took the last bite of salad. “This has got to be your potato salad. It’s the best; just don’t tell my mother I said so.”
“You guessed it!” Melinda smiled and blushed in satisfaction.
He stood up and took his empty plate and cup and headed to the house. After a couple of more hours, some of the guests left but one arrived unexpectedly.
“Dillon, how great of you to make it!” Melinda walked up to him and brought him to the back yard. “It’s still plenty light, they are playing horse shoes. Can I get you a beer?”
“Hey, Mel,” Dillon walked with her to the patio. He stopped and looked out into the yard. Melinda followed his gaze.
“Not much has changed has it in a couple of years?” She asked.
Dillon shook his head. His blond hair looked slicked back from the sweat of his cowboy hat, which he held in his right hand over his heart. Melinda wondered what he was thinking so intently. She had seen this before, Patriots who have a worship like reverence for fellow soldiers.
“I’m so glad he made it home.” Melinda offered, assuming his thoughts.
Dillon looked to his left at her, seeming to be taking some sort of measure of her. He gave her a slight nod. “I’ll take that beer if you don’t mind.” He answered and turned his attention to the horse shoes further in the yard.
“I’ll be right back.”
Returning with his beer, she motioned for him to join the guys. It looks like they could use another player.
Dillon walked over to Scott, whose whole demeanor became even more animated seeing him.
Melinda laughed at how much fun Scott was having and took a sip of the beer she poured herself. This was a perfect day.
*****
Scott finally began to unwind. So many of his friends and family were around, he was safe at home and the woman he loved was in the center of it all. He looked over at Melinda and waved. She put a lot of effort for this home coming. He did not feel like he deserved it. He was only doing his job; keeping his buddies safe during mine sweeps. He used that ground penetrating radar to find them before anyone lost a limb or life.
The guys around him threw the horse shoes, shouting their accurate throws and taunting each other. Scott just smiled but did not join the game. He raised his cup in celebration and drank more of his beer.
He was lucky, but not everyone came out unscathed. Sure, everyone said it was not his fault. But when soldiers became maimed or worse on his watch, he took it personally. Scott felt his pulse rise. He closed his eye and breathed deep. Not my fault. “Enjoy your freedom. Enjoy your life.” He opened his eyes to see a familiar person heading toward him.
“Hey, man. Glad you made it.” He gave Dillon a big hug and took in his scent. “How you been?”
“Same ole, same ole. Glad to see you back and all in one piece. I see you put your skills to effective use.” Dillon toasted him by raising his cup.
Scott clanked his cup to Dillon’s. “Mel says you called asking if I needed work.” He stared at Dillon, wondering what he was playing at.
“We lost two men last month. Still have enough work for four, but I can hire one full time and thought of you.” Dillon did not take his eyes off him.
Scott began walking away from the horse shoe players and motioned Dillon to follow him. The two men walked to a copse of trees. Dillon leaned against one of the thicker ones. His cowboy had tipped just down a bit his eyes hidden.
Scott took a sip of his beer and looked over at the house. Melinda was talking to some women and casually looked over at them. Scott waved and smiled. Such a beautiful, loving woman. She was the whole package for him, smart, sexy, honest and fun. They had also had extraordinary sex. He thought about that every night when he was in Iraq. Well mostly.
He glanced over at Dillon who looked like some fucking poster of the consummate cowboy. Button down plaid shirt, bolo tie, tight jeans and cowboy boots. He bent his right foot against the tree. All that was missing was a cigarette. But Dillon never smoked. Not that Scott knew anyway. Scott’s eyes moved to the bulge between Dillon’s legs. This made him drink more of his beer. Here is the other object of his sexual desire. He promised
himself if he made it home, he would settle down with a good woman and make a family. Melinda was the one. He was sure of that.
“You’re still in your head too much,” Dillon said not moving an inch.
Scott laughed and shook his head. “You know me too well. I guess I do need some work. I can start Monday.” Why did I say that? I cannot work next to this man and keep my cool. It would not be fair. Not to anyone. Still, he needed a job, needed a distraction from Iraq and he missed Dillon. God help him but he never lost his desire for this man.
“How long has it been now, two, three years?” Scott asked Dillon.
Dillon lifted the front of his hat to look at Scott. He did not answer the question. Why should he. He’s moved on, right? “You seeing anyone, Dillon?” Scott did not want to know the answer, he did not want him to say, ‘yes I’ve moved on but I want to torment you daily.’ He did not want to think about another man in Dillon’s life. Like he replaced Dillon with Melinda. No, he did not want to know the answer but he could not take the question back. He felt like such a shit.
Still, Dillon did not answer or speak, just finished his beer. “Ok then, Monday seven to four work?”
Scott breathed easier not hearing an answer. “That’ll work.”
Dillon straightened his leg and began walking toward the house. “See you Monday. Go see Marie, she’ll update your paper work.” He stopped briefly. “No, there has been no one since you,” He said quietly as he stood before Melinda. “Thank you for the beer, Melinda.” He turned to Scott. “See you Monday.” He tipped his hat and left.
Scott and Melinda watched him leave. “He didn’t stay long,” Melinda said as she took Scott’s hand.
“He just wanted to make sure I would take the job he offered.”
“It was good to see him. I know you used to work together before you went into the reserves, right?” Melinda asked.
“Yes. I worked at his family’s ranch for a few years.” He flexed his arms. “It’s where I begin growing these bulging muscles.”
Melinda laughed. “I can’t wait to see your other bulging muscle.” She giggled at him.
“Hey now. You must wait until all our guests leave. Remember, you invited them all.” Scott leaned down and kissed her lips gently but with passion. “But if you could help me, uh with something in my c-bag. I’d appreciate it, ma’am.” He winked at her and waited for her to stand.
“Uh, sure. I put your bags in the back bedroom.” She smiled and looked around the yard. Only a handful of people left and they would not miss them for a few minutes.
Scott took Melinda’s hands and guided her to the bedroom. He shut the door behind her and leaned her body against it. He took in her beauty. His hand reached to caress her cheek. “You are stunning, Mel. I love what you did today.” He leaned in and kissed her. Slow at first, but his passion quickly grew as did the bulge between his legs.
“Scott, I’ve missed you.” She stared into his eyes.
She is so loving, so innocent. “I could spend the rest of my life with you, Melinda.”
“That’s the best thing I’ve heard in eight months.” She rubbed Scott’s hard on between his pants and moaned. “I missed feeling this between my legs.” Melinda bit her upper lip and squeezed his cock one more time.
A knock broke their momentum. “Hey, Mel, I’m gonna bail for now. I and Tonya have cleaned up the back. Call us tomorrow if you need help with the rest. Oh, and we have until Monday to return the kegs.”
“Thanks Derek,” Mel answered from the other side of the door.
Scott kissed her again on the lips. “I can’t wait until we are all alone. Until then, we will see who is still here.”
With just a small whimper of frustration, Melinda nodded and followed him out of the room. Melinda tried not to pout too much. She was so close to feeling Scott inside her. He teased her, she wanted him so bad. Another hour or two will not be that bad. At least he is home. He said he could spend the rest of his life with her. Does that mean he wanted to marry her? She wanted to be his wife. Start a family. We can start that tonight.
*****
They did a walk through; four men were still playing horseshoes in the dark. “OK, ya’ll, time to leave. Me and my lady here have a date and you are delaying it.” He escorted them to the front door and helped Mel clean up the worse of the trash. Throwing a couple of bags out in the cans. How domestic. This is exactly what he wanted in his life. Normalcy. To grill some burgers, take out the trash, make love to his wife.
He was subconsciously whistling a cadence tune as he walked back into the house. Melinda stood in the living room, in a sexy white camisole and some bikini undergarment. Scott changed his whistle to a cat call and locked the front door. “My oh my. I must say you have been worth the wait.” He smiled as he walked up to Melinda, putting his arms around her waist.
She kissed him with a force that told him she did not want to wait another minute. Scott kissed her back, focusing on her lips, moving down to her neck and shoulder. He gently backed her against the wall of the living room. “You are so sexy, Mel. I can’t believe I had to wait over eight months to see you again, to feel you.” He put his arms around her and smelled the top of her head.
“God, the way you smell. You turn me on.” He stared into her eyes. “I am sorry you had to wait this long for me. I realize we did not have but a year together before I left. Thank you for your love, and for still being here.” He brought her into the bedroom, his arm still around her waist. “I love you, Melinda.” He guided her onto the bed, turning her onto her side facing him.
“I admit, as excited as I am to be with you here, I am a little nervous,” Scott admitted. He leaned over and gently kissed Melinda on the lips. “Your mouth is so perfect for kisses.” The image of Dillon leaning against the tree earlier popped into his head. He closed his eyes and sighed. Rolling his head onto the pillow.
“Scott, are you, all right?” Melinda placed her hand on his forehead and looked him over. Her medical background kicking in.
“I’m fine. I guess I am more fatigued than I thought.” He sat up and looked over at Melinda. So beautiful, so ready and so trusting. She deserves better than me. Scott wanted the proverbial white picket fence and the children. He was well on his way with Melinda. He closed his eyes and clenched his hands.
“Let’s just snuggle in and get some sleep and see what tomorrow brings us then, ok?” Melinda asked.
She did not appear bothered or upset with his failure to launch. “I feel like such a shit. I want to make love to you, babe.” His frustration began building. His staff sergeant told him he might feel like this for a while once he got home. That he should be patient with himself. He was in some pretty violent and dangerous situations, which makes a lasting effect on the psyche.
“Come on, just scoot down and let me hold you.” She directed him gently.
“I’m supposed to be the strong one.” He grumbled as he slid down and took a deep breath.
She reached around him and rubbed his left arm. She placed her left leg over his and squeezed. “You are the strongest man I know, Scott Mason. While I only have an inkling of what you went through overseas, I am sure there are some residual effects of the trauma.” She kissed his back and the back of his head. “I’m not going anywhere and God willing, neither are you.”
Scott heard what she said. It all made sense in his head, but his emotions confused everything. He was a trained soldier; surely, he could find some way to ignore the emotional bleeding. “Just be patient with yourself.” He heard in his head again. This time from Melinda.
Scott must have fallen asleep. He woke up spooning Melinda. He quietly got up to relieve himself then scooted back behind her. He listened to the sounds around them. It was so quiet, so peaceful. Familiar smells allowed him some semblance of normalcy.
He leaned down and began kissing Melinda’s shoulder. She still had on her sexy teddy. He reached down to rub her ass. It was so firm but soft. He felt his cock stir. That�
��s more like it. He said to himself. He heard Mel mumble and push herself back toward him. Her ass rubbing his semi hard cock.
Scott slid her panties down and rolled her onto her back. He saw her eyes open and smiled at her. Neither one spoke. She removed her under garment and stretched her arms up exposing her ample breasts as she did.
He did not need any prompting. Straddling her he leaned forward and began rubbing her breasts. Melinda has long, protruding nipples. His mouth found the first one and began sucking gently. She was super sensitive to having her breasts teased.
Scott earned a low moan from Melinda, still acting like she was sleeping. This is what he needed, a chance to explore her body with no pressure. He pinched the second one gently. This earned him her spreading of her legs. Like a flower, she was opening herself up to him.
He slid down to the bottom of the bed. She shaved her nether region. No hair at all. So fucking hot. Scott slid her forward and put her legs over her shoulders. He could smell her excitement. He kissed each lip and nudged her clit with his tongue.
Melinda spread her legs wider for him, still not saying anything. Just responding to his direction. He began a slow sweep of her pussy with his tongue. Up and down, his tongue darting inside her occasionally. His mouth formed a suction on her clit on the upswing, while his tongue rhythmically penetrated her. Scott repeated this movement for several minutes, watching his woman’s chest rise with excitement, still she did not make a noise. He took that as a challenge. What could he do to make her scream? He remembered just the trick. Placing his right index finger gently inside her, he began rubbing the length of her pussy. Each thrust of his finger going deeper, finding that special spot that for her is tough to find.
The natural curve of her body made it hard for his cock to reach that g-spot when they made love. But once his fingers found it, she would go wild. Scott began increasing the speed of his finger as he manipulated her clit with his tongue. He coaxed it up and out again, like a budding flower. He remembered ever sexy curve or Melinda’s body. Every aching muscle, every pitch of her voice as she orgasmed.
THE HEALING HEART: Military and Pregnancy Romance Page 56
