by Roslyn Bane
“Let’s go.”
“What? It’s thirty minutes away. It’ll be dark soon.”
“Then we need to hurry so we can watch the sun go down. Come on.” Kris held out her hand, waited, and when Sam took her hand she kissed her on the cheek. “This will be nice.”
***
They walked along the water’s edge, as the sun lowered, their hands occasionally brushing. “I wish these people weren’t here. I want to kiss you,” Sam whispered.
“I want that too.” They stopped walking and faced each other.
“I want to lay with you in the sand and kiss until we’re breathless,” Sam said softly and traced a finger along Kris’ jaw.
“The sun sets in a few minutes. If you can wait.”
“Well, maybe for a few more minutes. My impulse control is not what it used to be. I must have stored it in my unleg.”
“I have the same problem. They say it can be attributed to stress. One of the many PTSD symptoms is the lack of impulse control, but for me, it’s because of being around you. I don’t want to behave when I’m with you.”
Kris looked around, and as the sun slipped below the horizon she leaned into Sam, and their mouths met in a slow, warm kiss that enticed. When she was breathless, when her fingers itched to undress Sam, she broke the kiss. She nuzzled against Sam’s neck, her fingers toying with her hair. Returning to kiss her again she whispered, “Come with me, Sam. Come with me to the beach for a few days.”
“We’re at the beach.”
“No. Somewhere we can be ourselves. Where if we want to kiss, no one will mind.”
“Where would we go?”
“My family has a house down in the Keys. It’s secluded. We could fly down, rent a car.”
Sam pulled back and studied Kris. “You’re serious?”
“I am. I’ll put in leave papers. I have the time.”
“I do too.”
“Let’s pick a few days and go. Get away from everything, and be ourselves.”
“That sounds enticing.”
They kissed again, broke apart as voices carried toward them, and then headed back.
***
Kris unlocked the door and stepped inside, Sam was unusually quiet on the way home. At first, she thought Sam had fallen asleep but soon realized that she was awake and staring out the window. Kris turned on the lights and turned around in time to see Sam limping. Obviously trying to minimize the weight on her unleg.
“Sam, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t tell me nothing. I thought we’d moved past this. It looks like you’re hurting. Is something wrong with your leg?”
“It’s burning. Like it’s hot.”
“Sit down. Take it off,” Kris demanded.
“My clothes or my leg?” Sam sat down on the couch.
“Don’t be funny. Take your prosthesis off.” Kris had dropped to her knees in front of Sam and was reaching for her leg when Sam grasped her hand and stopped her. Sam paused for a moment and stared at Kris when a sense of déjà vu swept through her. She pushed Kris’ hands away as nausea roiled up suddenly.
“Stop. I’ll do it.”
“You’re shaking. Why are you shaking?”
“I don’t know. Give me a minute.” Sam shuddered. “I haven’t felt like this in a while.” When the nausea passed, Sam released the seal and removed Betty, and the liner. She looked at her stump and ran her hands over it. “How does the end look, and the back?”
“Lean back a little and let me check. Hmm, there’s a blister. It’s about the size of a pencil eraser. And another area that’s red, but the skin is intact.”
“Let me see.”
Kris hurried to get a handheld mirror. “I’ll hold it, you look.”
Kris watched Sam’s face as she looked at the area. “Okay. It’s not as big as it feels. I need to clean it.”
“Go take a shower. I’ll cover them when you’re done.”
“Okay.” Sam looked around and realized her dilemma, “Kris? I don’t have my crutches with me. Will you help me to the shower?”
“Of course. Why are you looking at the floor? Look at me.” She waited until Sam looked at her. “I’m here for you, Sam.”
Kris helped Sam to stand up and slipped her arm around her waist as Sam draped her own across Kris’ shoulder. Together they moved one step at a time down the hall.
Sam stripped off her clothes, and Kris helped her into the shower. Sam stopped in surprise. “You had rails installed.”
“I want you to be comfortable when you’re here.” She turned on the water. “It takes about a minute to warm up.” Kris leaned forward, kissed her softly on the cheek. “Call me when you’re finished.”
“I will.” Sam lowered herself to the built-in seat and took the handheld shower head from Kris.
“Save me some hot water.”
“You could stay in here with me. We could conserve water.”
“That’s tempting, but I want to get those bandaged as soon as possible. It’ll be better if you’re not waterlogged. Do you have your medications with you?”
“There are some nerve pills in the nightstand. I left some here.”
“I’ll get them.”
Kris was waiting with Sam’s towel as soon as she turned the water off. She was worried. A wound on the stump could be dangerous. Sam wouldn’t be able to wear the prosthesis until the skin completely healed. And they had to figure out what had caused the blisters. When Sam called that she was ready, Kris helped lift her to standing and supported her until she got to the chair she had placed in the bathroom. “Here’s some shorts and a t-shirt.
Kris brought the prosthesis to the bathroom and placed rubbing alcohol and some clean clothes on the counter. She kissed Sam on the head, quickly undressed, and stepped in the shower. Following a short shower, Kris dried off.
“I found some sand in there. I don’t know how it got in, but it did. That has to be what happened.”
“Okay. But make sure you talk to your doctor about it. And your prosthetist.”
“I have a recheck tomorrow. I guess that’s good timing.”
“Are you ready for bed?”
“I need to brush my teeth and take my pill. I could use a hand getting to the bed.” A few minutes later they were settled “Kris, do you mind if we don’t…”
“Not at all. It’s been a long day. We both need the rest.”
“Thanks, babe.” Sam put on her compression sleeve and lay back.
They kissed and said good night, Kris turned to her side and smiled as Sam spooned into her, and within minutes they were asleep.
Chapter Forty-five
KRIS KNOCKED ON THE door and got no answer. She walked around the back of the house and didn’t see Sam outside. She went back around to the front and placed her hand on the hood of the car. It’s not warm. She can’t be running. She’s doing well, but running along the side of the road with no backup is a long way off. She knocked again, and when there was no answer, she used her key and entered.
The house was quiet, and it took her eyes a few seconds to adjust to the dim light. She saw Sam asleep on the sofa, curled on her side, her head on a pillow, a colorful quilt draped over her. She looks soft, almost innocent. God, she’s beautiful. Kris wanted to lie down with her but knew Sam would wake instantly. She sat in the chair and watched as Sam slept. You need to tell her that you did the amputation. Leave out you were hurt helping her.
“Hi there. When did you get here?”
Kris looked up surprised when she heard Sam’s voice. “Hi, about twenty minutes ago.” Kris moved over to her and knelt on the floor. “Don’t get up.” She kissed her. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too. Come up here.”
Kris climbed onto the couch with her. They kissed several times before Kris lay on her side, her arms and legs draped over Sam. “What have you been doing?”
“I’m starting to pick up speed and elevation on the treadmill. I am side shufflin
g well. I played a little basketball with the guys the other day. Of course, we were all a little timid, but it went well for all of us. How was your conference?”
“It was interesting. They reviewed some new techniques and approaches to abdominal surgery. There are some interesting new products out. I know you don’t want to hear about new ways to anastomose bowel loops.”
Sam cringed. “No. I’m not sure what that even means, but no.”
“I found something we can do this weekend. If you don’t already have plans.”
“I was planning on spending it with you.”
“Good! How about going to a beer tasting?”
“A beer tasting?” Sam couldn’t hide the surprise in her voice.
“Yes. It’s like a wine tasting but with beer.”
“You don’t particularly like beer.”
“I’ll be your driver. It’s at an auto museum. Classic cars, antiques, even some vintage motorcycles. You can kick back, relax, and I’ll take care of you if you get tipsy.”
“Marines don’t get tipsy. We might get drunk, but we don’t get tipsy.”
“I’ll be your wingman if you get drunk. I’ll take good care of you.” She slid her hand up under Sam’s shirt. “I’ll make sure no one bothers you.” She stroked across a bare nipple and felt it pucker. “I’ll get you home safe.” She rolled her thumb and forefinger causing Sam to moan. “I won’t take advantage of you.”
“Please do.” Sam pulled Kris up, so she sprawled on top of her. “Please do.”
***
The three-story museum was packed with a friendly crowd. People were dressed in everything from Bermuda shorts and tshirts to coat and tie. A good portion of the revelers appeared to have come directly from work. Two bands entertained and twenty microbreweries offered up samples of over seventy different beers. Restaurants had partnered with the breweries to offer small portions of their specialty foods which paired perfectly with the beer served. A cigar station set up outside was busy.
“Where did you hear about this? This is fantastic.” Sam sipped from her glass. A tiny line of foam rested on her lip.
“When I got back from my conference I passed the tourism booth at the airport. They had a banner up advertising it.” Kris reached out, wiped her finger along Sam’s lip, gathering the foam, and licked her finger. “Mmm, that is good.” She smiled at Sam. “I might have to try a taste or two.”
“You should since we’re not driving home.”
“When I found out there was a hotel right across the parking lot it was an obvious choice. They opened this week, so most people didn’t realize it was there. The manager said they didn’t sell out until late this afternoon.”
“Well, that was lucky for us. Let’s go over to that table. This brewery has a pale ale I think you might like.”
Kris tried sips of several beers and found a few that were agreeable. She was careful not to consume too much and soon switched to water. Sam was obviously enjoying herself, and Kris liked watching her let her guard down.
They ran into a group of helicopter pilots from a sister squadron, and Sam had a lively conversation with them. They asked how she was doing and also shared some good-natured ribbing. Kris caught Sam’s attention and indicated that she was going to go get some water. The guys spoke with Sam for a few more minutes before they moved on.
Sam started looking for Kris. While she was searching, she was interrupted several times by women determined to flirt with her. Sam politely discouraged them. She was about to give up her search and text Kris when she caught sight her. Dressed in snug blue jeans and a black sleeveless button shirt, she looked sexy. Her long legs looked even longer, and a small strip of stomach was exposed when she walked. Their eyes locked and Sam saw a flare of passion in them. A quick punch of lust filled Sam. She grew damp, and her breasts tingled. A gnawing sensation deep inside started to grow. She moved toward Kris quickly.
Kris smiled. “There you are. Are you okay? You look flushed.”
“Yes. I want to go.” Sam spoke quickly and took her hand.
“Already?” Kris glanced at her watch, “It’s only been ninety minutes. Don’t you feel well? Is your leg hurting?”
“No, it’s fine. I’m fine. We need to go.”
Alarmed with the urgency in Sam’s voice she started moving with her. “Okay. Would you like some water?”
“No, come on.” Sam tugged her along.
“Sam please tell me what’s wrong.” They hurried out of the building and down the path toward the hotel. “Sam?”
As they approached a small storage building, Sam stopped and spun Kris around pressing her up against the wall, “I need you.” She captured Kris’ mouth in a smoldering kiss. Her hands raced over Kris’ body, seeking skin. Kris’ groan enflamed her more. Sam slid her mouth along Kris’ neck and settled on the pulse point. Her hands slid under the cotton blouse and stroked across soft skin, “I want you.”
Kris gasped. “Sam, good God, you need to slow down.” She hissed as teeth closed on her collarbone. “We can’t do this here.” She tried to push away, but Sam pulled her back and kissed her hungrily. Sam broke the kiss and grabbed Kris’ hand, and they hurried the rest of the way to the hotel. Kris fumbled with the key card when the electronic reader didn’t accept it. After several attempts, the door buzzed to allow them into the hotel. Sam yanked the door open and pulled Kris behind her. They hurried down the hall to their room, again the key didn’t work. With a growl of frustration, Sam pulled it from Kris’ hand, shoved it into the reader and pulled it clear. The light flashed to green, Sam pushed the door open and grabbed Kris pulling her through. She tossed the key card onto the floor, spun around and pushed Kris up again the wall.
Hard, urgent hands stroked up Sam’s sides, her mouth captured in steaming hot kiss, which stoked her desire. Sam jerked Kris’ arms overhead and continued to devour her mouth, the mildly pungent taste of the beer noticeable. Kris responded, her mouth eager. Sam forced her legs apart with a knee, her hot, moist tongue left a trail of fire down her neck. Kris arched and offered the soft skin there to Sam’s hungry mouth. Her arms nearly dropped as Sam released them unexpectedly but she quickly raised them when Sam tugged her shirt off before being tossed aside.
Sam reached around and had her bra off in seconds, “God,” Kris hissed as mouth and hands closed on her breast. Sam’s moans vibrated against her chest and Kris pressed at Sam’s head holding her tightly against her chest. Kris let go and hurried to unsnap her pants. Sam’s hands tangled with hers as they tugged her clothes to the floor.
“My turn.” Kris reached out and pushed Sam’s hands aside as she fumbled with the buttons on her blouse. She released three buttons before she grabbed the center and pulled it apart. Sam released her own bra and pulled Kris back to her.
Their breathing was hot and harsh, their mouths frantic, groans filled the air as they groped and stumbled their way to the bed. They tumbled and rolled, mouths fused and hands groping, their hands seeking, finding vulnerable places, and exploiting them. They moved across the bed and back again. The sheets sprang free, pillows were shoved to the floor, Sam slid lower and wasted no time on teasing, she hurried along, and Kris gasped and reached for the sheets to hold on.
Kris was racing upward on sensation and pleasure until she erupted and felt herself flood with her release. As she lay gasping for breath, she became aware of Sam standing and rapidly jerking her own pants down. The jeans got held up trying to clear Sam’s leg, she pivoted, sat down and pulled the leg off, letting it fall tangled in her jeans to the floor.
Kris reached up and pulled Sam down onto her. Their mouths met again, and she tasted herself. She rolled quickly, reversing their position and pressed Sam down. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she felt powerful and strong as she pleasured Sam. Sam’s groans and gasps emboldened her. She would give Sam this. Hot, and urgent, letting the animal in her out. Kris tugged and tickled, and when Sam tried to flip her with her legs, she pushed them down and wide with
out thinking about it. Kris slid lower, using her mouth to wrench an explosive orgasm from Sam again.
Giving Sam no rest, Kris moved back up her body tasting the salt on her skin. Kris straddled Sam, reached between them and stroked into her. The sounds of flesh on flesh were rhythmic, and Kris watched as she drove Sam upward again; her face filled with shocked pleasure and her bright green eyes lost focus a moment before she erupted.
Sam’s breathing slowed, and she started to tremble with aftershocks. Kris wrapped her in her arms and pulled the blankets off the floor, covering them both. She spooned against her and placed soft kisses and an occasional quick bite on her shoulders. Each nibble triggering another shudder. “Are you okay?”
“Oh my God,” Sam moaned, the words garbled. “What the hell was that?” She rolled and propped herself on her elbow, “I guess you’re pretty proud of yourself.”
“Yes, I am. I love that I could get you, the strongest woman I know, to surrender completely. Yes, it was…empowering. I hope to bring you to that point again. Soon.” She pushed up to a seated position, pushed hair back away from Sam’s eyes. “What happened in there?” Kris tapped Sam’s forehead.
“I saw you. The sexiest woman in there walking toward me. And everyone was watching you. The men, half the women, and I thought, ‘God she’s here with me.’ And you had your eyes on me. Only me. It was hot. I couldn’t help myself. I needed to have you.” Sam reached out and cradled Kris’ cheek. “I was rough. Did I hurt you?”
“No.” Kris leaned forward and nudged Sam over onto her back. She straddled her immediately and lowered herself, so they lay breast to breast. “No, you couldn’t.” She lowered her mouth again.
***
Sam awakened and lay quietly for a moment trying to figure out where she was. Kris lay beside her, breathing slow and deep. Her bladder demanded she get to the bathroom. Sitting up she looked around the room for her prosthesis. In the darkness, she couldn’t find it. She leaned over reaching out to find her jeans, still no luck and she had to hurry. Damn that beer. She eased down onto the floor, now frantic to find her prosthesis. After several more seconds, she gave up, and crawled to the bathroom, cursing herself and praying that Kris remained asleep. She made it to the bathroom and relieved herself. She finished washing her hands and exhaled sharply her body heated. She used her hands on the counter to help her hop to the tub and sat down. Unexpected anger bubbled up, like lava, her hands shook with rage, and she clenched them over and over, her ears pounded and heart raced.
