by Roslyn Bane
Kris grinned at Sam. “You mean not being able to do much in the ocean. I remember we did plenty in the pool.”
Sam’s cheeks heated. “That’s true. I’ve had so much fun this trip. I don’t think I would have visited the Dolphin Research Center if I had two feet. It would have been something I skipped. But thank you for taking me, it was interesting. And the video of the dolphin with the prosthetic tail was amazing. If I ever get to Clearwater, I’m going to see her.”
“It’s been my pleasure. I’m glad you’ve had a good time. Sorry, you could only go out on a half day fishing trip, instead of an entire day. I hadn’t thought about that to arrange something sooner.”
“It was fun. I think any longer, and I’d have been too tired. The rocking of the boat made it harder to stay balanced.”
“Is your leg sore? Are you sure that you still want to go dancing tonight?”
“I feel good, my unleg doesn’t hurt.” She reached over their plates, and took Kris’ hand, “Besides I can’t wait to hold you, move with you, and kiss you, all in public. With no fear of what others will say.”
“The only one who has anything to fear is me. I have a feeling that you are going to attract a lot of attention.”
Sam laughed out loud. “I don’t think so. I’m going to have to be on guard, so someone doesn’t steal you away. You look beautiful. So sexy. I bet you get asked to dance the first time I turn my back.”
Sam was surprised as Kris’ eyes darkened and grew serious. “That’s not going to happen.”
The waiter came by to check on them and topped off their wine glasses. Kris was silent and stared at her plate while the waiter was at their table.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“I wouldn’t cheat on you.”
“I wasn’t implying you would. Are you okay?”
“It’s nothing. I’m sorry,” Kris murmured.
“No, something happened, your whole demeanor changed. What did I say?”
Kris drank most of the wine in her glass and began to twirl the stem in her fingers. “It’s just Shelly was extremely jealous and would start arguments in bars when she thought others were hitting on me. What you said made me a little uneasy.”
“I understand…I think. And if some woman asks you to dance I’ll know that she has extremely good taste in women. I can hardly hold that against you.”
Sam was aware that Kris was studying her. Sam lifted an eyebrow. “Come on, Kris, I want to dance with you.” Sam motioned for the waiter, and ten minutes later they made the short walk to the club.
Inside multi-colored lights flashed, reflecting off the mirrors and a stainless steel bar. New Year’s decorations hung from the ceiling, and tropical flowers in tiny vases were centerpieces on the table tops. Noisemaker and blowouts positioned among the flowers were pulled free and blown by women ready to celebrate the New Year surrounded by family. The music thumped, heavy on the bass as bodies gyrated. Sam took Kris’ hand and quickly moved her onto the dance floor. They squeezed into the crowded space and danced. When others moved between them, they quickly moved back together, ignoring the other women around them. They moved together well, their bodies bumped, slid against each other and lingered. Kris grazed her fingers along the sides of Sam’s breasts and stroked over her ribs. Her hips were pulled forward, so she slid against Sam, rocking with the beat of the music.
The music slowed, and Sam pulled Kris closer, her hands locked on Kris’ hips as Kris’ arms encircled her neck. They moved sensually, lost in each other’s arms. Sam pressed a kiss to the side of Kris’ head and inhaled the citrusy scent she’d grown accustomed to. The music continued, and they moved slowly in time with it. The songs changed, and they stayed on the floor, as the tempo increased they stayed in each other’s arms, their bodies moving sensually together as their blood heated. Their mouths met, and they fed hungrily. Sam slid her mouth down along Kris’ neck and nipped at her collarbone, Kris arched her neck to the side and felt her sex begin to throb.
Kris pulled Sam’s head back up and whispered into her ear, “We have to go, or I’m going to come right here.” Without another word, Sam grabbed her hand and pulled her outside.
***
Kris raced the convertible up the driveway and skidded to a stop. Before she could shut off the ignition, Sam pulled her over and kissed her hungrily. Their hands tugged at clothing and Sam leaned over the console, her arm hit the steering wheel, and the horn sounded. They laughed and shoved open the doors, and stumbled as they clung to each other, grappling the short distance to the house. Kris tried to put the key in the lock but was spun around and pinned against the door. Their mouths clashed, and when they were breathless, they staggered inside.
Sam led her to the bedroom but stopped Kris’ hands when she reached to unbutton Sam’s shirt. “Undress for me.” Sam noticed the surprise in Kris’ eyes give way to mischief. A broad smile crossed Kris’ face as she backed away several feet. Without hesitation she released each of the tiny buttons along the front of the dress, gradually revealing the white lacy bra underneath. Sam’s breath caught, and her stomach tugged as Kris slowly caressed her own skin and stroked her hand up her arm until she reached her shoulder. Sam swallowed hard as Kris brushed the straps off her arms and allowed the dress to drop to her waist.
A white lace bra revealed most of the top of her breast. Sam took a step toward her but stopped and stared as Kris placed her hands on her hips and slowly lowered the dress over her waist and started a subtle rotation of her hips. The dress fell to the floor, and Kris stood before her in matching white lace bra and panties, her tanned skin in sharp contrast. Sam gasped, making Kris smile and her eyes brightened. Her eyes were sharp and clear, the brilliance of the blue intensified by the flush on her cheeks. She’s so confident now. Not self-conscious at all. God, she’s sexy. Heat spread across Sam’s skin when Kris moved toward her like a cat on the prowl, and encircled her arms around Sam’s shoulders.
Kris nipped Sam’s neck. “Come on, Sam, let’s get into bed. We can sleep on the plane tomorrow.”
Chapter Fifty-one
THREE MONTHS LATER
SAM SAT IN THE examination room and tried to calm herself. Even though she was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, she felt exposed. Her prosthesis lay on the exam table next to her, and she struggled not to reach down and scratch at her missing foot. She rubbed her damp hands along her thighs and rolled her neck before taking several deep breaths and blowing out slowly. She was about to take another deep breath when there was a knock on the door, and it opened.
“Major Davies?”
“Yes, sir.” Sam was pleased that she was seeing Dr. Bayne, the same orthopedic doctor that she had on her last three visits.
“How are you feeling, Major?”
“I feel good. I feel strong, fit. I am moving well on Betty. Ah…the prosthesis.”
“Betty?”
Sam felt a blush rise. “I, ah, call it Betty, sometimes. My leg is Barney.”
He smiled at her. “You can call it whatever you want. Humor can help to defuse some tense situations.”
Sam lay back and watched his face as he examined her leg. He gave nothing away, and she thought she wouldn’t want to play poker with him. She moved her leg when he instructed her to. Straightening her knee all the way, and flexing it fully. He grasped her knee and tried to shift it from side to side. He examined her skin carefully feeling for abnormalities. She rolled over when asked to do so.
“Where were you getting the blisters?”
Rising up onto her elbows she twisted around and showed him the spots. He rubbed firmly over that area. “I don’t see or feel anything abnormal, so hopefully it’s resolved. If it starts up again though I want to see you. Especially if it is in the same areas.”
“Is there a problem?” Sam tried to keep her voice calm.
“No everything looks great. Your motion is fantastic, the knee is stable, and you’re active. But an area that keeps getting irritated would need to be
followed closely.”
“I understand.”
He leaned back against the counter, “I’ve read the reports from therapy. You’re doing well. They say your thigh diameter is the same on each leg. That’s great. Both your legs are strong, and the therapy team is extremely pleased. Have you moved out from the medical barracks?”
“I’ve been in my own place for several months. I had my car modified, so I am driving.”
“How do you feel about that?”
Sam grinned. “Fantastic. I feel like I have my life back.”
“Good. That’s what I like to hear. You’ve adjusted well to this.” He handed her the prosthesis. “Go ahead and put Betty on. I want to watch how you move around.” While she donned Betty, he made a few notes in her chart. “Let’s walk down to the therapy room, and you can show me what you can do.”
Ten minutes later they were back in the exam room. “Well done, Major. Now for the administrative stuff. Have you decided if you want to stay in or get out and head back home?”
“The Marine Corps is my home. I want to stay in.”
“You are familiar with the process? The petition?”
“Yes, it was explained. I have a list of questions. I realize I’d be on limited duty. But I want to continue to serve.”
“You might not be clear for flying.”
Sam dragged her teeth across her bottom lip and bit down lightly. “I’m aware of that. They are allowing some to fly with a prosthesis.”
“Not as many as are petitioning though. I’m not trying to dash your hopes. I want you to have a backup plan. In any case, you need to start preparing for your board. You’ve met your milestones, and it’s time to start the process if you haven’t already. You will initially be found unqualified to continue to serve. You must request to stay on active duty. You have the right to demand a formal board. You’ll submit a request for Permanent Limited Duty. I will tell you they have allowed some infantry back into theater overseas. Some pilots, not many, have returned to flying. I can’t predict what will happen. How many years do you have in?”
“Ten. Fourteen with my time at the Academy.”
“Naval Academy?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Well good for you. That time won’t hurt you. They look at time in service. Your section leader will help you with the process.” He stood up to leave.
“Do you need to see me back here?”
“Once a year, unless you have a problem.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Good luck, Major.”
Chapter Fifty-two
KRIS KNELT IN THE garden putting in seeds when she heard the door open. She glanced over and watched Sam take a seat at the patio table, her hands wrapped around a mug. “Good morning.”
“You’re up early.”
“I was putting some lettuce and carrots in. I’ll be finished in a few minutes.”
“Take your time.”
Kris returned to her chore and ten minutes later picked up the pile of weeds and dropped it into the compost bin. She went to the garage and put away her tools. Going into the kitchen, she washed her hands. “Do you want some breakfast? I can make us some omelets.”
“That sounds good. Do you want some help?”
“Relax, I’ll do it.” As Kris prepared breakfast, she noticed Sam start wandering aimlessly around the yard. She wondered what was bothering her. She’d been restless the last few nights and had gotten up several times to pace. She tried to ask Sam questions but she wouldn’t answer other than to apologize for waking her. Sam would come back to bed and lie still for a little while before again getting up to pace. Kris cut and seeded a melon and placed wedges onto plates. She added tomatoes and feta to the omelets, made rye toast and brought the plates out to the table. “Sam, it’s ready.”
Kris walked back inside and brought out another cup of tea for Sam and ice water for herself. She frowned slightly when Sam bent over looking at the ground. Kris hurried across the lawn “Sam?”
Sam looked up, a surprised look on her face “What?”
“Breakfast is ready. What are you looking at?”
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you. These ants. They’re so busy scurrying back and forth. Do you ever wonder if they get tired?”
Kris studied Sam’s face. She looked tired, soft smudges under her eyes, her cheeks were slightly drawn.
“I can’t say I have. Do you feel okay?”
“I’m good. Let’s eat.” Sam took Kris’ hand and walked back to the table. “This looks good.”
Sam started to sit, but Kris stopped her, pulled her in close and kissed her lightly. The faintest touch of lips, “Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
They sat down and ate, and Sam remained subdued. “Sam, what’s wrong?” Kris reached out and touched her hand.
“Hmm? Nothing. I have some things on my mind.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really. I have to figure some things out. There isn’t anything to discuss. It doesn’t involve you.”
“Oh. Well, I see.”
Kris used her knife to trim the melon from the rind and cut it into small cubes. She stabbed them with her fork repeatedly saying nothing. “Why so glum, Sam?”
“Looks like a great day to go for a ride.”
Kris smiled. “Let’s go.”
“Funny,” Sam answered harshly.
“I’m not joking.”
“No. I’m not used to riding on the back of someone’s bike.”
“That’s ridiculous. You did a few months ago.”
“That was different.”
“How?”
“We weren’t dating then.”
“That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. You rode on the back when we didn’t know each other too well, but now that we’re a couple, you won’t? If you don’t trust me…”
“I trust you. I just don’t ride two up unless I drive.”
“Oh, I get it. It’s that butch attitude. Can’t sit behind the little woman. Can’t bother her with your worries.” Kris felt her frustration growing and lashed out, “So you’d rather stay here and cling to your butch attitude than go for a ride?” She pushed back from the table and grabbed her plate. Before she could walk away, Sam grabbed her by the wrist.
“You make it sound stupid.”
Kris tugged her wrist free. “It is.” She walked into the kitchen and quickly washed her plate and utensils, and scrubbed the pan. She placed the dishes on the drain board before walking down the hall to take a shower. She needed to cool off before she said something she would regret later.
***
Sam sat and sulked. Through the open window, she heard the shower turn on. She sat alone with her thoughts and realized that twice in a few minutes she had brushed Kris off and obviously hurt her. Was not telling Kris that her medical board was coming up not trusting her? Or was she not ready to admit to anyone that she was worried? She became aware of the sounds of motorcycles rumbling somewhere in the neighborhood. After several more seconds, she admitted to herself that Kris was right.
Butch attitude? Damn right. She wasn’t sitting behind anyone like a femme. But she had done that very thing before. Besides she didn’t think of Kris as a femme. She was just Kris. Intelligent, skilled and a fierce competitor. Although she was usually submissive in the bedroom, she was never passive. Outside of the bedroom, she was a force to be reckoned with. Time to swallow your pride. She gathered her dishes and went inside to wash them. A few minutes later she entered the garage, found what she needed and walked down the hall to the bathroom.
She watched as Kris turned off the shower and snaked her hand out through the door before snagging the towel and pulling it inside the shower. She sat on the counter waiting for Kris to emerge and saw the surprise on her face when she realized Sam was sitting there holding a helmet on her lap.
“I’m sorry Kris. You’re right. Part of it was image. Part is habit. It’s a great day to ride. Will y
ou take me out for a ride?”
“Oh, Sam, I’ll ride you anytime.” Kris laughed at Sam’s arched brow. “For now, let’s start on the bike.” A few minutes later dressed in jeans, tshirts, and boots, they donned helmets and rode off. Sam holding onto Kris’ waist as they roared down the road.
They rode along the coast for about an hour before heading inland and driving through the rolling countryside. Sam enjoyed being on the bike more than she thought she would. At the traffic lights, if time permitted, she would snake her hands up under Kris’ t-shirt to her breasts. Several times she rubbed lightly across her tummy, enjoying the feel of Kris’ abdomen quivering under her touch.
Eventually, Kris pulled into a diner. She rode around to the back of the restaurant and shut off the bike. Sam dismounted and took off her helmet while Kris lowered the kickstand, and swung off. Before she could say anything, Kris fisted her hands in Sam’s short hair and pulled their mouths together in a hot, urgent kiss that Sam swore raised the temperature ten degrees. Kris broke the kiss suddenly and walked away laughing. “I’m hungry. Let’s get something to eat.”
On the way back they stopped to browse in some antique shops and watched a college softball game under the lights. They returned home shortly before midnight and fell into bed exhausted.
They walked out of the house laughing, and before getting on the bikes shared a quick kiss. Starting their bikes, they gave a thumbs up and pulled out of the driveway. They rode the back roads with long dusty straightaways and paved single lanes with wide turns. The weather was perfect, sunny, with a whisper of a breeze, and a few fluffy white clouds drifting by.
They rode along a shaded area of the road, but the longer they were in the shade, the darker it became. The light at the end of the wooded area receded away from them, and the woods grew cold, and damp as it closed in around them. Soon they could only ride single file, and they slowed as the road filled with potholes. A loud bang and a bright flash caused Sam to swerve to the left, and her bike nearly went down. As she coaxed her bike back to upright, she saw that Kris had moved ahead of her.
