“What? What’s the matter?”
“Not a damn thing. Jesus, you’re tight.”
“Too tight?”
“Just right. It’s perfect,” he gasped.
He shifted his palm to her shoulder and gently pushed her down, until he was buried deep inside. They groaned at the same time as he filled her. Jory couldn’t believe he’d rekindled hot desire. She began to move.
“Don’t rush. I’m gonna go too fast anyway.”
She didn’t reply, but slowed her movements. Up and down, she rotated her hips slightly too, smiling when he moaned approval. Then, the fire got too hot. She needed to come and began to move faster and faster.
“Whoa,” he said, gripping her hip.
“Faster, faster. I need it. I want it,” she ground out.
He got her drift and clamped his lips shut, as a blush started in his chest and traveled north. Her body raced toward its climax as she stared at him.
“Oh, God,” she uttered, throwing her head back, bracing herself with her palms. He grabbed her face, drawing her mouth to his, devouring her in a hungry kiss. His hips bucked with what little movement they were allowed.
When he came, he groaned into her mouth, his palm cupping her cheek. After he let go, she slumped down to rest on his chest.
“Is this okay? Am I hurting you?”
He shook his head. “It’s great.”
She lay there for a moment, too happy to speak. Her breasts crushed against him. He stroked her back with his right hand. The warm, gentle touch soothed her, and the hair on his chest tickled her nose, making her smile.
A soft knock on the door was followed by Nurse Marie’s voice. “Fifteen minutes to lights out.”
“Okay,” Trent called.
Jory sat up and kissed him quickly before she disengaged. He felt around for the tissue box, grabbed a bunch, and slid the condom off.
“Sorry to have to give this to you to throw away, but—”
She stopped his words with her fingers on his mouth. “No problem.” She dismounted, swinging her legs all the way off the bed, then took the wad of tissues and flushed it in his bathroom. She hadn’t dressed that quickly in years, stuffing her panties in her purse and yanking her skirt into place. She’d have plenty of time to slip them on in the car.
She watched Trent struggle to put his gown back on. “Just a sec, and I’ll help you.” She left her blouse unbuttoned as she went to the bed and guided him into his attire then pulled up the blanket and sheet. “There you go, all tidied up,” she said, buttoning her top.
“Wish I could help you dress,” he said. “Maybe someday.”
“Yeah. Maybe.” She frowned because she’d just lied. There was never going to be a someday for her and Trent. She shoved the thought from her mind and took his hand. She closed hers around his thumb.
“I love you, Jory.”
“You don’t even know me.”
‘Yes, I do. You’re the good, kind, sexy, beautiful lady who loves to read and feeds the birds. What more do I need to know?”
And a liar and a phony and not nearly pretty enough.
“Time’s up,” Nurse Marie said, opening the door.
The couple rested at a respectable distance from each other with their fingers laced.
“Nicely done,” Marie murmured, looking over Jory, making heat rise to the young woman’s face.
“Thank you, Marie. I owe you one,” Trent said.
Marie laughed. “My good deed for the day.”
“Time to go. Goodnight, Trent,” Jory said, trying to keep her voice light.
“’Night, baby.”
Feeling good never seemed so bad before. Jory’s step was light as she headed for the parking lot. When she arrived home to questioning looks, she simply marched up the stairs to her room without uttering a word.
She lay in bed, staring at the sliver of moon, slicing a little tear in the night sky. She thanked God for giving her tonight with Trent. She didn’t expect to get another one, and that was okay. She doubted a second night could possibly be as soul-shaking as the one she’d experienced. As she drifted off to sleep, she didn’t know how right she was.
When she returned to the hospital the next evening, she was shocked to see Trent’s bed empty. It was freshly made, awaiting a new occupant. A shiver shot through her. Did something bad happen to him?
Chapter Six
Nine hours earlier
Awakened early from the sweetest dream about Jory, Trent copped an attitude with Nurse Marie and the doctor standing at the foot of his bed. “Did you have to wake me up at that exact moment? Damn. Ruined a great dream.” He crossed his arms over his chest, sulking.
“It’s time to get your things together, Trent.”
“What?”
“We’ve found a cornea donor. We’re sending you to New York City for the transplant.”
“What?” He bolted upright, ignoring the pain.
“You heard him. This is your lucky day, soldier,” Marie said. “Let’s get started.”
Trent thought his heart would burst. First, he’d found Jory, and now, he’d see again.
“Maybe you should buy a lottery ticket?” the doctor said.
Trent could hear the scratch of pen on paper and guessed the man was writing. “Why? I’ve already won. I’m gonna see again.”
“The donor’s sister wanted to see you. Is that all right?” the doctor asked, as he thrust a clipboard toward the Staff Sergeant. “You have to sign. Here. I’ll guide you.” He put the hard board between the Marine’s hands.
Trent made a messy scrawl of his name. “The donor’s sister? Do I know her?”
“I don’t know. She didn’t say. She’s waiting outside.”
“Sure. Send her in. I’m happy to thank whoever is responsible for this miracle.”
Trent heard someone opening drawers. He assumed it was Nurse Marie. He didn’t worry about packing up, he doubted he’d arrived with anything more than his wallet.
“Staff Sergeant Trent Stevens, this is Mary Jefferson.”
Trent put out his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Jefferson.”
“Me too,” she said in a wobbly voice as she shook it.
“Funny, I had a guy in my unit named Jefferson. No relation, I take it?”
Silence greeted him. A thought landed in his head, and his pulse jumped. His breath quickened. No, couldn’t be.
“You’re right on the money, Sergeant Stevens.”
“What?”
Tell me it isn’t true!
“Harvey Jefferson was my brother.”
“Was?”
“He was killed in action. Yesterday.”
Trent choked on his saliva. Two sets of hands pounded his back.
“Yesterday?” he squeezed out when he could speak.
“Yes. Killed in action. Harvey had willed his body parts, whatever might be left.”
“Do you mind my asking, how’d he die?”
“That’s okay. I don’t mind. Sniper shot to the neck. He bled out. So his eyes, his corneas, to be exact, are intact.”
Trent groped for words but found none.
“He had told me, a long time ago, if this ever happened, to look in his unit first. To find someone who might need something. Something he could no longer use. I spoke to your superior, and he directed me to you.”
“I don’t know what to say, Miss Jefferson. Harvey was a great guy. I’m so sorry to hear he’s gone.”
“Not completely gone. We’ve managed to save some of his parts for others. He’ll live on through you, and the rest.”
“That’s incredibly generous of you. Thank you so much for thinking of me, finding me. This means everything to me. To be able to see again. My prayers have been answered.”
“I know Harvey would be happy to know he’s helped you.”
“If there’s anything I can ever do for you…”
“No worries. Just live a good life. I hope his corneas help you to see happiness.”
/> He heard the quaver in her voice and reached out his hand. She put hers in his, and he clasped it. Then, he kissed the back.
“They will. I’m sure they will.”
When she let go, he heard her shuffling through something then a sound like someone blowing their nose. At once, he realized how hard this must be for her. A tightness grew in his chest at the memory of his friend, until the emotion could no longer be contained. Tears filled his eyes and overflowed onto his cheeks. He swiped at them, impatiently, with the back of his hand.
“Good luck to you, Staff Sergeant.”
“And to you, Miss Jefferson.”
“I hate to break this up, but we’ve got to get him to the City. Thank you so much, Miss Jefferson.”
“Go with God” were her parting words.
Trent lay back and listened to the sound of her footsteps as she left his room. As soon as she was gone, things happened fast. Like a tornado whirling around him, Nurse Marie had packed his meager belongings. He was wheeled to the front, where they loaded him onto a stretcher then stuffed him into an ambulance for the journey south.
Sirens screamed his way to the highway, cutting through traffic. The speed of the vehicle made it shake a tiny bit. Trent picked up on it and grasped the sides of the stretcher in his strong grip.
“Aren’t we going a little fast?” Trent ventured.
“Gotta get you to surgery for those new eyes, buddy, while they’re still good,” the driver said.
Fear spiked through the Marine. Another great unknown awaited him. More surgery wasn’t on his top ten, favorite pastimes list, but it was necessary. It wasn’t until he was halfway to New York before his thoughts turned from memories of Harvey Jefferson to lustful thoughts about Jory. He grinned. Now, he’d be able to see her, all of her, without that damn bathing suit.
Everything had happened so fast, he hadn’t gotten Jory’s phone number. Without the letters, and after everything he’d been through, he couldn’t even remember her last name. Besides, his phone had long since lost its charge, he didn’t know where the cord was, and he couldn’t dial anyway. So, he had no way of telling her anything.
He wondered what she’d think when she arrived to find an empty bed. He chewed on a fingernail at the idea she might assume he was dead. It gave him the creeps. He hoped Nurse Marie would rescue his girl from that horrible thought.
After he could see again, he’d figure out a way to get in touch with her. Then, they could resume their relationship as he pieced his life back together. Of course, there was still his leg. Doctors were pretty sure he’d be able to walk, but going back to active duty was out. He was resigned to receiving a medical discharge from the Marines.
He’d have to face physical therapy. Healing for the lacerations he had was progressing nicely, according to the doctors. He figured he must look like some ragdoll, some Frankenstein monster, stitched together here and there.
Jory had seen him and didn’t seem to care. Dreams for the future would be his again. He could hardly wait. And now, he’d have a beautiful woman by his side to help him through the rough patches and to make his life worth something. Silently, he thanked Harvey for the millionth time. He promised to see only the good in life through his comrade’s eyes.
When they arrived at the hospital, they gave him a local anesthetic, strapped him down, and went to work. He turned his thoughts to his girl, the countryside, and a fat, juicy steak.
* * * *
“So, you want to leave me a number where Staff Sergeant Stevens can get in touch with you? I’m sure we can locate him,” Nurse Marie said, as she opened the curtains wide and cracked the window to air out the room.
“No, thank you. That won’t be necessary.”
“I figured he probably had your number, but just in case. You two seemed so happy together.”
Jory managed a wan smile.
“I’ve got to run. Take care of yourself. Best of luck to you both. Do stop by and say hello when the Sergeant gets better, now, won’t you?”
Jory nodded. She left the room and headed for her car. Emptiness washed through her. That was it. He was gone. Now, he could see, and their relationship was over. She had much to do before he came back, if he came back.
A frown compressed her lips at the thought he’d be returning for her. Maybe even looking for her? After all, he hadn’t said anything. Didn’t notify her he was leaving. Of course, Nurse Marie had said he had left in a big hurry. Did that relieve her of any obligation to try to find him? She figured it did. Now they were simply ships passing in the night.
On the drive home, she let out a breath, remembering the dinnertime conversation after Jim Sparks had called to offer her the job.
“Jim Sparks called today,” Jory said, hiding a smile.
“Oh?” Nan cocked an eyebrow.
“Who’s he? A new boyfriend? Boy, you go through them faster than I do.”
“He’s the editor-in-chief of the Oak Bend Reporter.”
“Now you’re dating an editor-in-chief?” Amber narrowed her eyes. “How old is he?”
“I’m not dating him, Cookie. He offered me a job. I’m going to be the Managing Editor of The Reporter.”
“Congratulations, Jory,” Nan said, cutting a piece of quiche with her fork.
“It’s a long commute to Oak Bend, isn’t it? Or will you be working at home?”
Jory laid a gentle hand on her sister’s arm. “I’m moving.”
The words hung in the air.
Amber’s head snapped up. Questioning blue eyes stared at the journalist. “You’re leaving? I didn’t think you’d leave unless you got married.”
“It’s time. You can handle yourself. Honestly. And you’ll be with Nan.” As soon as the words were out of Jory’s mouth, Amber had pushed away from the table and left in tears. Jory wasn’t surprised. She frowned. Moving ahead was harder than she had planned.
Amber didn’t speak to Jory for three days. Finally, the girls made up. Still, a twinge of worry furrowed the older girl’s brow when she watched her younger sibling. Was Amber truly ready to let Jory go?
Now, Jory’d have to move up her escape plan. When she got home, she went up to her room and closed the door.
“Yes, I’ll be needing the room right away. When will you have it ready? I can come and see it tomorrow. Thank you. That’s very kind.”
Jory checked her bank balance online and moved some money from savings to checking. Although she wasn’t scheduled to start her new job for two weeks, she’d be moving as soon as possible. Although she didn’t make a big salary, with three women contributing to the upkeep of the house and food, she’d managed to sock away a little for a rainy day. And now, it was pouring.
She had enough to pay for two months’ rent before she collected her first paycheck. Perfect, all her plans were falling into place.
Dinner was at six. Nan had grilled burgers, and the temperature was warm enough for them to eat outside.
“I’m moving out, maybe tomorrow. Monday, for sure.”
“So soon?”
“Things have changed. Trent’s gone to New York for a cornea transplant. He could be back any day.”
Tears rolled down Amber’s cheeks. “You’re leaving, and it’s all my fault.”
Jory leaned over to pat her sister. “It’s not your fault. Besides, I’d have to leave sometime.”
“If I hadn’t put your name on that stupid letter, you’d still be living here.”
“It’s my fault, Cookie. I could’ve told him, at least a dozen times. I did it to myself.”
“I don’t want you to go.” The pleading look in Amber’s eyes melted Jory’s heart.
“I’m only going to be in Oak Bend. You can come and see me anytime you want. We can chat on the phone. I’ll come for dinner.”
“You’re leaving town because of what I did.”
“No, because of what I did. And I’m a coward. If I was brave, I’d stay here and take my lumps. But I’m not.”
“You
don’t want him to yell at you. You’re in love with him, aren’t you?” Her little sister had a way of getting to the heart of things.
Jory could feel the heat in her face. “Maybe. Maybe I am. And wasn’t I stupid to fall in love with somebody who thinks I’m you?”
“You weren’t stupid. Just soft-hearted,” Nan piped up, adding more catsup to her burger.
“Whatever. It’s done. Don’t cry over spilled milk, Ma used to say. So, let’s forget it and look ahead. I’m making more money now. Soon, I’ll be able to afford an apartment. You can come and have a sleep over, Cookie.”
But Amber wasn’t buying Jory’s soft soap. She turned sad, hostile, teary eyes on her sister, pushed away from the table, and fled the room. Jory toyed with her salad.
“I thought we’d come to terms with this. I don’t know what to do, Nan. She has to grow up some time.”
“She’ll get over it. Amber’s for Amber. She’ll find a way to cope. She always does.”
“I feel like I’m letting her down. And you too.”
“Don’t worry about me. I can get along okay. Who knows, maybe Dan’ll move in?”
Jory looked up, her eyes wide.
“Just kidding. Had you going for a minute, didn’t I?”
“Damn right. Don’t do that again. I almost had a heart attack.”
“Cookie and I will help you pack. You don’t need to take everything right away. Gives you a reason to come back for a visit.”
“Yep. I gave notice yesterday.”
“I’d have loved to have been there when old, big mouth, sour puss hit the ceiling.”
“He could care less about me now. He’s all gaga over Marla. Fine with me. They deserve each other. She’s the reason everyone in town stops me to ask how Trent is.”
Nan laughed. “Yeah, not a great idea to have the post mistress be the biggest gossip in town.”
“Her job gives her access to all kinds of juicy stuff, I’ll bet.”
“God, I never thought of that. I’ll have to have my sex toys shipped to your address in Oak Bend,” Nan said.
Jory choked on her iced tea.
“I was only kidding.”
Unpredictable Love Page 8
