Conrad

by Anne L. Parks

  Still…the idea of her naked, begging, climaxing at his hands…

  He shrugged off the idea, flipped the guys the bird, and left the conference room. Howls of laughter followed him down the hallway and out the door.

  Chapter 6

  Julie stepped out of the post office, a huge boulder lifted from her chest. She inhaled deeply, and smiled as she exhaled. Mailing the signed divorce documents to her lawyer had been a massive stress reliever.

  Now, she wanted to celebrate.

  Laughter erupted from behind her. Technically, bars were forbidden in Syria, but the compound was considered U.S. territory. So as any god-fearing military personnel would do—a makeshift bar was put together in the lobby using what was once the check-in counter of the hotel. Typically, there was only beer on hand—every once in a while a bottle of wine was donated to the cause—so the choices were limited to what was available at any given time.

  Julie had managed to avoid the bar since arriving, preferring not to spend nights turning down drunk soldiers and sailors. Most nights she spent alone in her room, reading. Suddenly, the idea of having a drink propelled her forward. Not that she didn’t enjoy reading, but tonight—tonight was for loosening up a little and socializing.

  The energy pulsed throughout the area. Music played, but was doused by the chatter and laughter from the patrons. She glanced around. A few guys checked her out, their eyes roaming over her body. Maybe this would be good for her, see what the single scene was like, and provide a bit of an ego boost for her. She hadn’t been single in a long time and she had been considerably younger then. Now, she was on the down side of her thirties. Would men be interested in a woman her age? One who had obviously not been able to hold onto a man and make her marriage a success?

  She shook her head. Nope, not tonight. She would not take the blame for her failed marriage. Lincoln had been the one to cheat. At anytime he could’ve come to her and told her he wanted to leave the marriage. Or tried to work on things before he stepped outside his vows. No, she would not let him ruin her high. She was going to have a good time tonight.

  Tomorrow she could face the grim reality of being single again in a world she didn’t understand.

  An open seat at the bar beckoned her. She slid onto it, caught the guy acting as the bartender’s attention and ordered a beer. She tossed a few dollars in the jar to assist with future purchases to keep the place up and going. It was essential the service men and women have a place to kick back and blow off steam.

  “Doc!” She swiveled around and searched for the person calling to her. On the opposite side of the bar, several men sat around a table, every eye on her. She recognized one as her patient from the day before, Kidd. Weaving through the tables towards her was Conrad, his dog following close behind. Her heart skipped a few beats, and took off racing the closer he came.

  God, she wished her body wouldn’t jump into high gear at the sight of him. Or the even the mere thought.

  “Hey,” he said, and sat down on the stool next to hers. The dog flopped to the floor with an exasperated groan. “Haven’t seen you here before. What brings you to this semi-fine establishment?”

  “I signed my papers, and they are on their way back to my attorney,” she said, and raised her glass, tapping her rim to the side of his beer bottle. “Figured I should mark the occasion with a beer.”

  What was it about this guy that made her talk so freely about her life? Was it because she knew she would never see him again after a few weeks? Whatever it was, she lacked any modicum of control over her flapping lips around him.

  “Congratulations.” He tipped his bottle back and took a drink. “But isn’t champagne more appropriate for celebrations?”

  Julie drank from her bottle, relishing the cool liquid burning a path to her stomach. “No, I had champagne to celebrate my wedding, and we both know how well that worked out. I think beer is a much better choice to toast the crash and burn of wedded bliss.”

  Conrad raised his beer. “To freedom, then.”

  “And second chances,” she answered, and took another swallow. “So, I thought you guys had a mission? Isn’t there a no alcohol rule when you’re getting ready to go out?”

  “Got the word that our outing was delayed for a few days. Apparently the intel was not as sound as originally touted.”

  “Did they say what caused the hold up?”

  “Didn’t ask. Not really my concern. I go where they tell me to go, and do what they tell me to do.”

  They sat in silence for a moment. Julie took the opportunity to check out Conrad’s profile. He had a strong jaw, evident even through his beard. He was built, and filled out his tan t-shirt better than most men she had seen. His arms were massive, and all muscle.

  “Wanna join us?” Conrad asked.

  She glanced over at the table of men. Kidd was the only other guy she knew besides Conrad. Normally, she would beg off, but that night…she needed to feel alive, and let loose a bit. She may regret it in the morning, but at that moment, she didn’t care. The mixture of ending her marriage and the introduction of a cold beer on an empty stomach was helping her lower her rigid guard and let life happen.

  At least for one night.

  “Okay, if you’re sure I won’t be intruding.”

  Conrad snorted. “Nope, not at all. It’ll be nice to add some intelligence to the conversation.”

  They ordered another round of drinks and worked their way back to the table. As soon as Kidd noticed Julie was following Conrad, he grabbed a chair from another table, and forced the other men to move around so he could make room for her.

  Conrad made the introductions stating she was one of the doctors on staff, but didn’t say anything about her divorce. Julie appreciated that. She’d had a few months to get used to the idea of being single again, but wasn’t quite ready to proclaim her relationship status to the world, or more accurately, the US Syrian Compound.

  The men had her laughing with their stories of past missions. Not typically the sort of things that are funny, but when you see the very worst in people, and what they can do to each other in the name of religion, there is either laughter or deep depression. Sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine.

  Kidd drained his beer, and set his glass on the table, and waved at the waitress. “Another round?”

  The other men eagerly agreed. Julie shook her head. She knew her limit, and she was at it. Falling down drunk was never pretty, but most especially not on an officer in front of enlisted personnel. It was hard enough to be taken seriously in a male dominated world, she didn’t need to be the drunk girl in the bar.

  “What?” Kidd asked. “You quitting already? The night is young, Doc.”

  “Yes, but I am not.” She slowly stood, making sure she didn’t fall on her face, and could actually walk out of the bar without weaving. “I have an early morning tomorrow, and no one wants a half sober doctor treating them.”

  A round of acquiescing remarks and head nods went up followed by a round of “nice to meet you” and “see you around, Doc.” Conrad stood and leaned in to her a little closer. “You okay to get back to your room on your own?”

  She paused. Was he asking to come back to her room?

  Would that be so horrible?

  A voice in her head screamed that it would be all sorts of bad if they got caught.

  “I’ll be fine, sergeant, but thanks for watching out for me.” She scooted past him, and whispered, “It’s been a while since anyone has done that.”

  It took every ounce of energy to walk out of the bar without looking back. Looking back was dangerous. Looking back would lead to gesturing for him to follow. Regret over drinking too much the night before was one thing. Waking up next to a man you were legally forbidden to have an intimate relationship with—that was a whole other level of grief she didn’t need in her life at that time.

  Sleeping with Conrad was going to have to remain an unattainable, erotic dream.

  Chapter 7


  The chatter at the table continued, but Conrad’s thoughts were somewhere else. He couldn’t get the doc out of his head. She seemed relieved, but a little sad, about the new course in her life. Conrad had never been married, so he could only imagine how difficult it was for her to wrap her brain around the fact that the person she had believed she was going to spend the rest of her life with was someone she didn’t actually know.

  It was crap…vows should mean something. Loyalty was an important part of any relationship, yet seemed to be so easy for people to toss aside. And what the hell was this guy thinking—cheating on a woman like Doc?

  She was amazing. Hot as fuck. Smart, driven, dedicated to helping people. He knew people often portrayed themselves differently than their true, private selves, but how different could Doc be? He had seen her pissed, pulling rank on him, and she was still a pretty incredible woman.

  “Dude, you still with us?” Kidd snapped his fingers in front of Conrad’s face.

  “Where were you?” Pat O’Brien asked.

  Phil Chester snickered. “The hot Doc’s pants.”

  The table erupted in laughter. Conrad’s hackles went up, most likely because they were a little too close to the truth.

  “Suck my cock,” Conrad fired back and slammed the remainder of his beer.

  “Sorry, man, I’m due to suck Kidd’s cock next, but get in line.” His smile curved up on one side. Cocky little shit.

  “I’m out.” Conrad stood and slapped Kidd on the shoulder. “Can you make sure the toddlers get to bed at a decent hour?”

  “What? You’re leaving?” Kidd asked.

  “Don’t be a pussy, Conrad,” O’Brien chimed in.

  Conrad shot the kid the bird, but otherwise ignored him.

  Kidd looked up at him and lowered his voice. “I can’t stop you from doing what I think you’re considering, but be careful, man. You’re on your way to a promising new future. Don’t piss it away for a piece of ass.”

  Conrad nodded and left to the howls of insults about his manhood and virility. He wasn’t going to see Doc. Kidd was right…it was tantamount to career suicide if he got caught.

  The elevator doors slid open and he stepped inside. His finger hovered over the button for his floor, then over the floor Doc was on.

  I shouldn’t do this…

  He pressed the button for her floor. The doors closed.

  He wouldn’t stay. Just check on her. Make sure she was okay.

  No harm, no foul. Just see she’s alright and leave.

  He stood outside her room, his big head warring with his little head. Little head won and he knocked on the door. Feet shuffled across the carpet, and he could hear a body brushing up against the door. She was probably checking to see who was there through her peephole. Would she open the door when she saw who it was?

  The deadbolt disengaged, and answered his question. The door swung open and she stood in the doorway. Still wearing BDU pants and a green t-shirt, but had shucked her boots. Blonde tresses fell in waves over her shoulders. Conrad’s mouth went dry and his cock twitched.

  Fuck…this was a mistake.

  Wide chestnut eyes stared at him. Her gazed darted down both ends of the hallway. Thankfully no one else was walking to their room. This was an officer’s only floor. Enlisted personnel were there only to deliver messages. Not check on a sexy doctor with a broken heart.

  She grabbed his arm and yanked him inside her room, quickly closing the door behind them.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked. “This is highly inappropriate, Sergeant.”

  “I know…I’m sorry.” He rubbed his sweaty palms against his pants. “I was worried about you, and just wanted to make sure you made it back to your room.”

  She quirked up an eyebrow.

  He lifted his hands in surrender. “I swear that’s all this is. I know you had a stressful day, no matter how relieved you are that the divorce is one step closer to being final. It still took a toll on you, and I was worried.”

  Her chestnut eyes softened and held him captive. He couldn’t look away if he wanted to. She had him paralyzed in her gaze. She stepped forward, crooked her fingers into his belt loops and pulled him toward her.

  Their bodies crashed together. Chest to chest. Lips to lips.

  He stilled, his mind trying to catch up with what was happening. Her soft lips pressed firm against his. Her tongue licked along the seam of his mouth.

  Is this happening?

  His groin stirred to life, his erection pressed hard against his zipper.

  Should this be happening?

  She pulled away, her eyes questioning him. He felt her move her body away from his.

  “I’m sorr—” she started.

  He wrapped his arms around her waist, yanked her hard back against his body. Without hesitation, his lips were on hers, coaxing her lips apart, and driving his tongue into her mouth, slipping and sliding together in a dangerous dance. His mind shut down. If there was any chance of him coming to his senses and stopping this before it went any farther, it was locked down.

  Her feet moved, her body pushed against his, and forced him backward into the room. His knees hit the edge of the bed. Her hands yanked his shirt free of his waistband, pulled it over his head, and dropped it on the floor. Fingers traced the ridges of his abdominal muscles. She kissed across his chest, her hot breath teasing his nipples.

  He grasped her buttocks and squeezed. Hard. Something between a yelp and a moan burst from her chest. Desire and lust blazed a path straight to his cock. The pressure to get free of his constraints and seek the warm comfort between her legs made him dizzy.

  God, he had to have her.

  Her fingers worked on his belt, flicked the button on his pants, and lowered the zipper. Pushing his pants down over his ass, she grasped his erection in her hand. Slowly…so fucking slowly…she moved up and down his shaft. He watched as she worked him, mesmerized with the motion. The tightening of her grip and then the sweet release. The things this woman was doing to him with just her hand. So much pleasure…more pleasure than he had ever felt from this simple act.

  Christ, he needed to see her, feel her skin against his. He pulled at her t-shirt, forcing her to stop the hand job. Tossing the shirt, he guided her hand back to his cock.

  A smile played at the corners of her mouth. “Like that?” she asked, her lips brushing against his.

  “You have no idea,” he whispered, his voice low, hoarse. He managed to get her pants undone, and down her legs easily. She kicked them off, pulled back the covers on the bed, and slid across it.

  Conrad slipped his pants off, remembering to grab a condom out of his side pocket before tossing them aside.

  He gazed at her. Damn, she was beautiful. Breasts full, nipples taut. Her blonde hair fanned out against the mattress. Her eyes shining, glittering with desire. He’d give anything to take a snapshot of her right now. Something to look at and remember the way he was able to get the hottest, sexiest woman he had ever met to look at him with want…and need.

  He crawled over the top of her, balancing himself so he hovered over her. Her hand wrapped around the back of his head, and she pulled him down into a kiss. He placed one knee between her legs, and dropped his hip beside her. This was likely going to be a one-of, and he wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity.

  He ran his fingers lazily up and down her body, watched as her nipples puckered when he would drag his fingertips over her breasts, over her abdomen, stalling at the sweet spot between her legs. He pressed a fingertip to the hard nub.

  Her back arched, and her head fell back. “Oh, Jesus, keep doing that.” He ran his thumb in circles over her nub, his index finger slipping through her folds, hot and wet. He pushed two fingers inside her, and slowly moved them in and out.

  One of her hands found his cock, the other grasped his wrist. Thrusting her hips forward, she forced his fingers deeper inside her hot canal. Sweet, heavy pants created a sexual melody around him. The scen
t of her arousal was a heady perfume. He was completely entranced by this woman.

  She arched her back again, a guttural moan bursting from her, the muscles in her core clenching tightly around his fingers.

  Her body fell back against the mattress. She released the hold on his wrist and pushed the hair out of her face. “God, I haven’t had one of those in…years.” She laughed through her heavy breathing, and Conrad thought he might climax at the sight and sound of her.

  He leaned over and kissed her, grabbing her lower lip between his teeth. “You’re fucking amazing.”

  “And nowhere near done with you,” she responded, pressing hard against his lips. “I want you. All of you. And I don’t want you to hold anything back.”

  “Mmm, yes ma’am,” he murmured, and reached for the condom laying on the bed beside them. He ripped the package open and sheathed his erection. Settling between her legs, he placed his head at her opening and slowly pushed inside her.

  So damn tight…

  His head swam with delirious pleasure. His body was anxious to drive deep inside her, but Conrad wanted to feel every inch of his cock moving inside her for the first time. He would never experience the first time with her ever again, and he was determined to make this moment last a lifetime.

  “You feel…so…good,” she said between heavy breaths. She grasped his ass, fingers digging into the flesh.

  When he was in her up to the hilt, he released a long, satisfied moan. It was if he had never before experienced being inside a woman. Being with her overwhelmed his senses. He wanted to laugh, cry, and yell. He wanted to howl at the moon as he pushed them both toward majestic climaxes.

  He wanted it to last forever.

  This couldn’t be wrong—it felt too right. Too perfect. Too good to stop.

  He moved inside her, slowly building to hard thrusts, forcing his cock deeper and deeper inside her. And she met each thrust with eagerness, spreading herself wide, wrapping her legs around his waist, digging her heels into his ass.

  Each thrust seemed to have a mantra…deeper…deeper. Until her body stiffened, her muscles clenched so tight around his erection he feared she may not let go. But the sweet sound of her moan as she climaxed, the way her body bucked as her orgasm unfurled, forced him to soar to a new high, and dive into his own blissful, mind-blowing climax.