“I’m not going anywhere.”
“You might change your mind when you see the horrors under my shirt.” Even he didn’t like to look. He’d dash past the mirrors after a shower just so he wouldn’t have to look at them. He’d throw on a shirt, hiding them from view, and then he’d continue to get dressed.
“Words won’t convince you, so let me show you.” She slipped the last button through the opening and took hold of his shirt. “Nothing can change what I feel for you. Not superficial scars, not my mother’s attitude, nothing.”
She kept her gaze locked on his as she slid the shirt open. His breath caught in his throat as if the simple movement of taking a breath would break the moment and send her running away from him in horror. He knew this moment would come eventually but had wanted to push it off as long as he could. The scars from the flames were something he didn’t want or have to face, and pretend they weren’t there.
She glanced down at his chest and slid her hands over his unmarred flesh before slowly moving toward the burns. The worst of them sat on his chest and he remembered the flames licking his body just before he’d lost consciousness. His last thought had been that he was going up like a barbeque and there had been nothing he could do about it.
“Stay with me.” She wiggled her hips, grinding herself gently against the front of him.
He shoved those memories away and focused on the woman before him.
The woman he was afraid he was about to lose.
He wanted to curse the day he signed up for the Marines, but he didn’t because that would mean he would never have met her. Better to have her for a brief period than to have never known her kindness and her touch.
She slid her fingers over the first of the scars—just a soft pucker of the skin, but as she moved her fingers farther along, she’d find the deformed, hard, textured ones that crawled half way across his chest. Even as she found the worst of the burns, her fingers explored the contours of each terrible wound.
“See, nothing has changed.” She scooted lower, positioning her hips near his mid-thigh, and lowered her head toward his chest. She started at his bellybutton, kissing her way up his chest, her hands on his sides while her nails dragged lightly across the skin. She worked her way over where the worst of the burns began and ran her tongue along them.
The intimacy of her touches, the way she worked so hard to show him the scars didn’t matter, moved him deeply, slammed home into his chest—his heart. Maybe it didn’t matter what the shell looked like but what resided inside a person’s heart. He wasn’t sure he completely believed that before, but if she could love him even with his scars and missing body parts, then maybe it was possible for others to find a love like he had.
Need and desire tore at him. He grabbed hold of her sweater and slid it along her torso. “I need you…now.” The words came out more of a growl than he had planned.
“But I’m not done.” She tipped her head up just enough to look at him as she kissed a rather nasty scar that puckered up and off his chest.
“Another time.” He wanted her naked and his shaft buried deep inside her. Knowing that she could accept the scars he had been trying to hide from her and everyone else, he couldn’t restrain himself any longer. The wait was over.
“Seems like I’m on top so I control the speed.” She leaned up and tugged her shirt off the rest of the way before reaching behind her and unclasping her bra. “Maybe I should draw this out longer.” She rubbed a hand along the crotch of his jeans, meeting his hard shaft straining to be released.
“Don’t think I won’t roll you over and have my way with you.”
“Just try it and see how far that gets you.” Through his jeans, she grasped his shaft. “Women hold all the power in sex. A few simple words can stop all the fun: Not now, honey, I have a headache.”
“Sugar.” He reached up and took one of her nipples between his fingers, gently squeezing. “You want this as much as I do.”
“It would seem as if your need is worse.” She unbuttoned his jeans and tugged down the zipper. “It’s like opening a present on Christmas morning; the excitement is just the same.”
“I’ve never been good at waiting. I want you naked now.”
“You have more clothes on than I do.” She pulled his shaft from the thin material of his boxers. “I’d say we should rectify that but I just found the best part.”
“It will be there but I can’t access your sweet spot with these pants on. So up and take them off.”
With a huff, she lifted herself off him and took them off. As she did, he tugged off his jeans and boxers, completely revealing his prosthetic leg, but she had seen that part of him before. Sharing a hotel room meant he couldn’t hide that as he put it on and took it off. He went to take off his shirt when her hands reached over and slipped it down his shoulders, letting it pool behind him.
With both of them naked, he couldn’t keep his desire in check any longer. He wrapped his good arm around her and pulled her against his body, then, his mouth claimed her as the desire exploded within. He never thought he’d have a chance with a woman again and now that he had her with him like this, he wasn’t going to waste a second of it. He pushed his tongue into her mouth, exploring, and gently gliding over her teeth. She nipped at his bottom lip as he pulled back.
“I want you on top of me.”
“Maybe I wanted to do it doggie style,” she teased as she slipped back on top of him. “It’s been years since I’ve been on a stallion; let’s see if I remember this.”
“I have no doubt it will all come back to you.” He reached between her legs, slipping his finger between her folds to make sure she was ready for him. He was met with warmth and wetness. A soft moan escaped from her as his finger caressed over her clit.
“If you do that too long, I’m not going to make it. It’s been a while…”
He sped his pace and she arched her back, tipping her head back. “Please, Kyle, I want you inside me…now.” The last part came out on the tip of a moan.
He wanted to watch her squirm above him until she found the release her body so badly needed, but she was right—he wanted to be inside of her. He wanted to feel her muscles constrict around his shaft as she orgasmed. “Lift up.”
She did as he asked and he adjusted so his shaft was just below her entry. “Slowly.” He guided himself into her as she lowered herself down. He had barely slid past her entrance when she let out a moan and her pace changed. She nearly slammed herself down onto him. The need had her propelling herself up and down while he met her with a thrust of his own.
He kept his hand on her hip as they matched thrust for thrust. With each stroke, the fire within him burned brighter and hotter. His climax loomed in the distance but he wanted to see her release before he would allow himself the pleasure. He wanted to see her eyes gloss over and the utter joy as she climaxed around his shaft.
For a brief moment, he wished he still had both of his arms so he could wrap them around her, but when she grabbed hold of his biceps, he forgot about it. She had been the only one, besides the medical staff, who had touched his injured arm. The intimacy of her touch nearly busted his control. He arched his hips into her a little harder than the last time.
“Kyle!” she cried, her voice tight and full of need.
“Come on, sugar…” His fingers tightened onto her hip, speeding her pace up and down.
“Don’t stop.” She held onto him for all it was worth, riding his thrusts like a bull rider. She leaned forward, her breast jiggling with each movement, just out of reach of his mouth, taunting him. She closed her eyes as her body tightened around him. She was nearly there.
“Look at me,” he demanded.
She opened her eyes but it wasn’t like she was truly seeing him. A glaze within their depths suggested she wasn’t completely there, but feeling the effects of her oncoming climax. “Fast, Kyle…please…”
She slammed down into him as he arched up to meet her, driving the force of ea
ch pump. He thrust deeper and faster into a perfect rhythm.
“Oh, Kyle!” she moaned as she slammed down onto him again.
Her muscles squeezed tight around him, the final act he needed to find his own release. Breathless, she leaned forward, her body pressed again his chest, while he stayed buried deep within her. Needing to see her, he brushed her hair from her face. As if understanding what he wanted, she tipped her head to look up at him, her eyes glossy and dreamy—the aftermath of amazing sex.
“That was worth the wait.” She slid off him and curled against his body.
“Wait until round two, sugar.” Contentment filled him as he pulled the blanket over them. He cradled her, caressing her spine with long, lazy strokes. Everything had come together and brought him the woman he could have only dreamed about. He nuzzled the top of her head. “You make me whole, Staci Pence. I love you.”
13
Part Three - Chapter Thirteen
It had been a few months since Kyle had married Staci, but he couldn’t get enough of her. He stood on the porch of their home, overlooking United Homefront Ranch, and there in the distance he could see her teaching one of the local children how to ride. They had expanded the ranch in so many ways, but the riding school had been Clifford’s idea. The school was something that everyone agreed would give back to the community and would keep the legacy of the Clines alive since they had done the school each summer. Normally, Clifford and his son ran the school, but today, they had gone to Nashville to pick up their new mare. Staci had covered the afternoon class while Kyle had dealt with some of the business details that needed to be attended to.
When he’d purchased the place, he wasn’t sure what he was even doing; he only knew he couldn’t let it slip through Staci’s fingers again. She loved this place and after everything she had done for him, it seemed to be the best way to repay her. Little did he know that he’d actually find something he truly enjoyed, a calling he thought he wouldn’t find since his military career had been tugged away from him. He loved the ranch and everything it was becoming.
The retreat section of the ranch had just been finished. Heather would move into a small cabin on the grounds in just under two weeks, and their first client would arrive at the end of the month. Everything Staci had wanted had come together. It couldn’t have been better if he had arranged it all himself. Sometimes things just fell into place.
There was just one other thing he wanted, and if things went the way he had hoped, there’d be a call coming in soon with the news. Until then, he’d have to find other ways of busying himself. Instead of going to his wife and having his way with her like he wanted, he took another swig of his beer and waited. She’d be done soon enough with the class and then the two of them had the evening free. They’d take advantage of it because after the retreat opened, things could get a little hectic.
“Mr. Phillips.” Josefina pushed open the screen door and stepped out onto the porch. “Sir, there’s a call for you. He says it’s urgent.”
“Thank you.” He took the phone and wondered how he went from being a foster kid to having a ranch and a housekeeper. Josefina had been the housekeeper at the ranch for years under Mr. and Mrs. Cline, and when they sold, she had stayed on. Her husband worked in the stable and they too had a little cabin on the property. Guess I don’t just have a stable of horses, but also of friends. He smirked and brought the phone to his ear. “Phillips here.”
“Lance Corporal Phillips, it’s Sergeant Major Graves. I’ve got good news.”
This was the call he had been waiting for, but the excitement that had flooded his veins only minutes before was gone, leaving him deflated. The voice of the Sergeant Major had only sent memories of his Marine days flooding back. He hadn’t had a lot of contact with Sergeant Major Graves, but it wasn’t the man that brought the memories back to the forefront of his thoughts. It was everything this call meant.
Keep it together, you’re doing this for Gunny.
* * *
The sun was just sitting over the ranch as Staci climbed the steps up to the house. Kyle sat in the porch swing, beer in hand, and a glass of iced tea sitting on the railing waiting for her. This was a perfect ending to a good day. She’d curl up against his body as the last rays of sun disappeared over the horizon.
“Hey sugar, how was the class?”
“Good.” She took a long drink from the glass before sitting it back on the railing. “The Harrison boy was a handful as always, but his sister is just a doll. I’ll be glad when Clifford is back tomorrow.”
“It will be nice to have him here for when your mare gives birth.”
“My mare.” She shook her head and sat down next to him. “Like you don’t have a thing for sweet Abbie.”
“She’s the first horse you talked me into riding, so she might hold a special spot, but that’s all you’re getting from me. I still can’t believe you got me on a horse.”
“Abbie was good for you to start with but you’re doing okay with Outlaw.” She curled her legs up under her and leaned against his chest.
“Yeah the horse we have to basically tie to the barn to get him to stay here. He’s just like his namesake, an outlaw. We’re always having to take off and look for him.”
“You know he’s just going to the neighboring farm. He’s got a thing for Hopscotch.” She smirked thinking about their solid black stallion, Outlaw, with the beautiful caramel and gold mare from just up the road. The two of them were destined to be together. “If only we could get them to sell her to us, I don’t think old Outlaw would ever leave our land.”
“I’m working on him. But there’s something else I need to talk to you about.” She started to move away but he sat his beer aside and held her there. “I heard from Sergeant Major Graves today about that cook-off they are doing. Lucky was chosen and I need to go to Colorado to do a few interviews with him. Promotional appearances to give this the biggest bang and all that crap.”
“When?”
“The day after tomorrow.”
“Oh…” She tried to figure out what they’d do with Abbie. Their first mare was about to give birth and she wanted to be there for it but she also wanted to be with him. Clifford and the other ranch hands could handle Abbie but she felt the birthing was her responsibility.
“I know, sugar. The timing is bad with Abbie and all, but we knew this was a possibility if he was chosen. I need to go, make amends…I need my Gunny to know that I don’t blame him for what happened. I haven’t seen him since I was in the hospital and I treated him like shit. This is not just for him but for myself. To close the door on my past once and for all.”
“I’ll make arrangements for Abbie. It will be fine.”
“No, I want you to stay here. Abbie needs you more. She’s more comfortable with you than anyone else and in her state, she needs that. I’ll only be gone a few days.” He cupped the side of her face. “I know you want to go with me but I’ll be fine.”
“You’re going to have to relive those horrors. To hash them out in front of reporters.”
“I know sugar, but everything that happened brought me here to you. That’s what counts. Us. Our love and our ranch.”
She slipped her hand around his waist. “Are you sure? Abbie will be fine. Clifford will see to it and if I had to I’d call my mother.” She hated the very thought of doing it but she would if it meant she could be with him.
“There’s no way I’m going to be the reason for that fight.” He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be fine.”
“My mother would have her usual comments but you know she wouldn’t let anything happen to Abbie. She’s a vet and that’s more important to her than, well, anything…me included.” She hated that it sounded like she was jealous of the animals. After her father’s death, all she wanted was her mother’s approval. She never got it and now she didn’t care if she ever did.
“True, but every time you two get together you fight. You can’t even talk on the phone without having to defend me
and for that, I’m sorry.”
“It’s not you. It has always been like this. Mom always found fault in everything I did. I’m sorry that she has taken you as her newest target.” She untucked her legs so she could turn to look at him better. “You didn’t ask for any of this; you were just kind of dragged into it because of me. You don’t deserve the way she treats you.”
“I told you before I just let it wash over me. Nothing’s going to change her attitude unless she wants to change. What is important is that we’re happy.” He slipped his hand under her shirt. “Now I think there are better ways to spend the evening than talking about Mrs. Pence.”
“I second that.” She rose from the swing and held out her hand. They’d make their way inside and enjoy each other. Maybe the memories they made that night would help get him through the time in Colorado, when he’d be reliving the hell he had gone through to come to her.
14
Chapter Fourteen
Kyle stood in front of the address that Sergeant Major Graves gave him and tried to gather the courage to go to the door. It had been more than a year since he’d seen Gunnery Sergeant Lucky Diamond. Now he was about to show up out of the blue. A letter from his former foster mother had alerted him to the cooking competition that was pinning the different branches against each other to raise money for wounded veterans. The letter had come as a surprise since their last communication had been during his deployment. But now he knew it was all part of some master plan to give him a chance to do something for Lucky and give to other Marines who came back injured as he had.
He took a deep breath, headed up the walkway, and rang the doorbell. He stood there waiting; with each second his unease grew and he wished Staci were standing next to him. You’ll be back home with her soon enough.
Back From Hell (Marine For You Book 2) (Contemporary Military Veteran Romance) Page 10
