by Aliyah Burke
“When did you decide you wanted to be a Marine, Sam?”
Share with her. Don’t push her away. The words resonated within and he debated if he actually could or not. He’d try. The best way to explain this was to tell her of the man who had set him on that path, Staff Sergeant Dean Richardson, as he’d been then.
“I met Dean when I was seven.” He reached for his drink and allowed the familiar scent to seep into him. “In Minnesota, around this time of year.”
Sam almost expected her to say to him he didn’t need to tell her if he didn’t wish to, but Roxi sat forward, legs tucked under her and an eager light in her brown eyes. She wanted to know more about him. Unfortunately, Tracey had been the same way, or so he’d thought.
Stop it! This woman is nothing like Tracey.
“He took me to a shelter so I didn’t have to spend the night out in the cold winter. He was wearing his blood stripes and I think that was the moment I wanted to be a Marine. He was so capable and to a young boy”—he shrugged—“especially to me, it was a pretty defining moment.”
“Makes sense to me.”
“What about you?”
“Me? Well, nothing quite so noble. I fell into a bad crowd my senior year in high school and when we got busted, the judge gave us the choice—jail or the military. So I joined the Marines. Never regretted it. Changed my life around and for the better. I can’t imagine I’d not be in jail somewhere if not for that judge.”
He was amazed. Never had he pegged Roxi for a troublemaker. She laughed and took a drink.
“Hey, don’t look so shocked, it happens. We know this. I was one of the lucky ones who got their life straightened out and I have the Corps to thank for it. I’m not embarrassed or ashamed. I’m quite the opposite. I’m proud. Proof the Marines can change a person for the better.”
“How’d you meet Master Guns?”
A grin crossed her face. “I met him in Italy. Laila had come to visit him and we met at the bar, hit it off becoming fast friends. So she introduced us.”
He drew back and frowned, his eyebrows drawing together. “Laila was only in Italy once. I was there then.” His heart pounded at the thought he could have met her sooner. Perhaps then he wouldn’t have met Tracey.
“Were you? Well, too bad I didn’t meet you then, Sam Hoch. I have a feeling that could have been a lot of fun.”
He had that same belief. “Roxi,” he said.
“You don’t have to say anything, Sam. I know you’re not into sharing much.”
He did have to say something, though. She had to know how much she’d come to mean to him. But as much as he wanted to, he just couldn’t push the words past his lips. The sadness that flashed in her gaze cut him to the core.
Some Marine I am. Can’t even tell her how I feel.
He was disgusted with himself and his inability to do so. They passed the rest of the evening talking about places they’d served. It was nearly midnight when they finished the cookies and drinks. The coffee carafe now sat empty. He carried the tray back into the kitchen, Roxi on his heels. He watched her as she loaded the dishwasher. She looked tired and so he went around checking the doors. They met at the hallway and walked to her bedroom together.
They made slow love before he held her in his arms. As her deep breaths were the only sound in the room, he brushed a kiss along her temple and whispered, “I’m sorry about today, Roxi. I was jealous.”
He slept fitfully that night and was awake when he felt her slide from the bed and walk away on silent feet. Moments later a door closed. When she stepped from the bathroom, he’d just sat up in bed and turned on the light.
“Morning,” she said.
He watched her move in her robin’s-egg-blue silk robe, skin scrubbed clean from her shower. The robe stopped at her thighs, leaving nothing to his imagination, since he knew exactly what lay below the material.
“Morning,” he replied, desire moving through him.
“You going to be at Second Chances today?” She walked to her closet and opened the door, staring in at the clothing that hung there.
“Yes. Why?”
“Just swinging by with the presents from the bank.”
“I’ll be there. Come find me and I’ll unload them for you.”
He got up and ignored the stiff cock that wanted some attention from her. After drawing on his boxers, he pulled on some sweats then approached to stand behind her. He set his hands at her waist and nuzzled her neck, her tremor making him smile. He followed it with a light lick and graze of teeth.
“Stop, Sam,” she said breathlessly. “I have to get ready for work.”
He smoothed his hands down the silk of her robe and rocked into her. “Okay.”
When she pressed back into him he almost lost it but stepped away. One final look in her direction, then progressed to the bathroom where he took his own shower. Dried and dressed, he went to the kitchen and found her eating a piece of toast, a mug of coffee beside her.
“That’s all you’re having?” he asked with a frown.
“Not that hungry this morning.”
He paused and stared at her. She still looked a bit tired. Her hair was drawn back in a braid and her suit was black. Another pants suit which she wore the hell out of. Heeled boots today instead of shoes. All in all, he wanted to strip it off her and keep her in bed for the next few months. Maybe then he’d be assuaged of this clawing need to have her, over and over. She licked her lips and another jolt went from the action to his groin. Then again, perhaps not.
Roxi finished her breakfast and put the dishes in the sink. “Okay, I have to get going. I’ll see you later on at the centre. Have a great day, Sam.” She walked by him and brushed a light kiss to his lips before continuing.
He snagged her around the waist and drew her back. “What was that?”
“A kiss goodbye.”
Fingers on her chin, he shook his head. “That wasn’t a kiss.”
“That so, Marine?” She ran her hands up his arms and looped them about his neck. Lord, she smelt so good.
“Try again.”
She licked her lips and shifted her weight. Tipping her head from one side to the other she watched him. Just when he was about to growl at her, she grinned and did as he had wanted. Kissed him again. Properly. He was straining to control his desire when it ended. Roxi’s lips were swollen and damp from their exchange.
“Catch you later, Marine,” she said, trailing a hand down his face before stepping free and walking out of the kitchen.
He didn’t move until he heard the door shut to the garage. He couldn’t, well aware that if he had, she’d be naked in bed. After a quick breakfast, he cleaned up and went to finish getting ready. Not much later, he was on his way to Second Chances, after a stopover at Laila’s to check on Dean.
Father O’Toole met him at the door when he arrived. “Good morning, son.”
“Morning, Father.” He removed his coat then hung it up, nodding at a few of the children running around. The day was frightfully frigid and a lot of the younger ones had to stay inside or limit their time out in the cold.
“A few of the Marines who will be delivering the toys for the party are here. They’ve come to help wrap items already here.”
Past Father O’Toole, he spied Brent standing, wearing civvies, talking to some of the children. His friend looked up and waved at him with a smile.
“I see them.”
“I’ll leave you to it, then. Oh, before I forget, Reba got some boots for you, so try them on and make sure they fit.”
“Yes, sir.”
Walking off, he headed towards Brent.
“Morning, Gunny,” the man said, smiling.
“Morning. I’ll help you wrap after I finish fixing one final sink.”
Ruffling the head of the child nearest him, Brent stood up tall. “I’ll see you kids later. Have to go to work.” He focused on him. “I can help out. I know a bit about plumbing.”
“Great, it’s one of the
large sinks in the kitchen.”
“Let’s go.”
“You come alone?” Sam asked.
“No. The women came as well. Corporals Blake and Weems.”
Blake. He knew a Blake. Tracey Blake, but she’d been a sergeant, not a corporal. He nodded and led the way to the kitchen.
They worked in relative silence as they fixed the sink. He liked Brent, the man didn’t talk for no reason. A man who weighed his words and chose them carefully. A tingle went up his spine and he turned his head from where he was under the sink and looked past Brent’s legs where he stood holding up the sink, and would until they’d secured it to the wall. He saw a pair of black boots and pants. He knew that clothing.
Roxi.
“Hello, I’m looking for Sam. Have you seen him?”
He smiled at the sound of her voice.
“Under here,” Brent replied.
“Oh.” The boots moved closer and she crouched down by Brent’s legs so she could see his face. “Hey.”
“Roxi.”
“I can see you’re busy, let me just move the boxes in.”
“No. I’ll do it. Just give me five minutes to finish this up.” He searched her gaze and waited for confirmation. When she nodded and rose, he released a sigh of relief he’d been unaware of holding.
He worked fast as he listened to her and Brent introduce themselves. “Let it down,” he called out.
Brent did and they checked the stability before he tightened it further. Then he wriggled out of the back and got to his feet before cleaning up. Roxi waited with Brent and he took a deep breath when he approached.
“Sam,” Brent said. “You didn’t tell me you had met such a lovely woman.”
Roxi laughed and shook her head. “I’m Laila’s friend. That’s it.”
He growled low in his throat at her comment. It didn’t appear Brent believed that either, for he cast a few glances between them. Before he could reach her, she turned and walked away.
“This the one you were looking at rings for?” Brent whispered.
“Wasn’t looking at them.”
“Keep telling yourself that, man.”
“Come help me carry boxes of presents.”
Brent fell into step with a chuckle. Roxi was already out of sight by the time they reached the back door. They pushed through and he saw her at her vehicle, the back open and four boxes of presents in the interior. And a few bags.
They made quick work of carrying in the boxes, placing them all into the large room under the Christmas tree. Roxi stood talking with Father O’Toole when Sam noticed someone move up next to him. A floral, musky smell hit him. A familiar scent.
“Hello, Sam.”
He knew without even looking. But he still did. Turned his head and was met by a pair of baby blues. Shit. Tracey Blake stood there beside him.
Everything within him began closing up. “Tracey.”
“Long time.”
He nodded, not even speaking. Years. He kept his gaze across the way, on the woman who had this ability to make him feel invincible. Roxi laughed, her head tipping back, and he couldn’t help but think how beautiful she was. She had one hand on Father O’Toole’s arm and nodded at something else he said.
“Why so quiet, Sam? Nothing to say?”
“Like what? There’s nothing for us to say to one another.”
“Want to get together?”
“No.”
Her huff of indignation made him peek at her again. “Are you still upset by that? I thought you were cool about it.”
“Cool about it? I thought we were a couple. I come back to find you in bed, the bed we shared, with another man. You really thought I would be okay with that?”
“I figured you were doing the same thing.”
“How strange. I thought I was in a committed relationship.”
“We had fun, Sam. And can have fun again.”
“No.”
Roxi walked away and headed for the door. That spurred him into action and he went after her, leaving Tracey there without a word.
“Roxi?” he called.
She paused, turning to face him. The smile on her face was only there for show, it definitely didn’t reach her eyes.
“Thanks for helping me with the boxes.”
“You’re leaving?”
“You looked rather busy to me. Something you needed to say to me?”
Yes. A hell of a lot. He took a step only to stop when a hand curled around his arm. Roxi’s face didn’t change but he could feel the chill coming from her.
“Sam, you coming to wrap presents?”
“In a minute.” He shook off her touch, disgusted by having it on him.
“And you are?” Tracey directed her question to Roxi.
“Roxi. You?”
“I’m Tracey. I see you know my Sam.”
One brow lifted. “Your Sam?”
“Yes. We used to be an item and now that we’ve found each other again…well, you know how it is when things are all kinds of hot and heavy.”
“Hot and heavy?” Roxi nodded and licked her lips. “Sounds lovely. If you’ll excuse me, I should go wrap some presents before I have to get back to work.”
“I’ll walk with you. How well do you know Sam?”
“Pretty well.”
“Where’d you meet him?” Tracey asked as the women walked off.
Rage built up within him and he wanted to scream and roar in anger. Brent draped an arm around his shoulders. “You and Tracey?”
“Ancient history.”
“Did anyone tell her that?”
He swallowed back his curse and shook his head. “Let’s go.”
They neared the presents and he grabbed one before sitting across from Roxi. Her gaze met his.
“Hello, Sam. Tracey here was just telling me how well the two of you knew one another.”
Her gaze was no longer bland and unemotional. A firestorm brewed in her eyes and he knew whatever information Tracey had imparted had pissed Roxi off. He refused to release her gaze.
“Did she also tell you it was over years ago?”
Roxi struggled to remain semi-calm and not rake her nails down that blonde’s face and play tic-tac-toe on it afterwards. It grated on every last nerve she’d had to listen to this Tracey chick talk about how awesome Sam was in bed. Okay, so she knew that as well, first-hand, but that didn’t mean she wanted to hear it from this one.
Sam held her gaze and she knew he knew she wasn’t the least bit happy. Was it the fact he’d had a relationship with someone prior to meeting her? No. That wasn’t it. Hell, she’d had ones as well. So that wasn’t the reason.
It was the smug bitch who took such pride in telling her all about Sam. And not just about them, how they’d been so close. How she knew so much about him and his childhood. It bothered her to no end, especially when this woman had been allowed into his past and he tried to keep her out. Well, not tried. He did keep her out.
With a sniff, she looked at the present before her and quickly wrapped it. Taking a deep breath, she focused on the next one. “No, she didn’t mention that.”
“Well, it was.” His decadent voice resonated through her.
“Oh.” Lifting her gaze, she found him waiting for her. His blue eyes did things to her insides that no others could. She ignored the fluttering in her belly and took another deep breath.
“We were really close,” Tracey added.
“How nice.”
“Weren’t you a sergeant when you knew Hoch?” Brent asked.
Tracey gazed at him. “Yes, what’s your point?”
“What’d you do to be dropped to corporal?”
Brent sent her a wink and Roxi hid her smile. She liked him. Interesting, though, if she wanted to think about it.
Sam shoved his chair back, scraping it along the floor. She jerked her attention to him and gulped at the intensity in his eyes.
“Roxi, a word.” He walked off and she knew he expected her to follow
him.
Setting the toy down, she rose and walked around the long table, meandering after him. He opened a door that led to a small office and led the way in. She closed the door behind them and crossed her arms, waiting for him to say whatever it was he needed to get off his chest.
He spun and stared at her. Skimming his hand over his head, he sighed and crossed towards her. Her breath caught in her throat at the predatory way he sauntered.
“What was so important, Sam?”
“This…Tracey…we…”
“It’s none of my business, Sam.”
She could see he wanted to say something else. And she waited. But nothing came and her heart shattered.
“I get it. This woman is part of your past, I have a past. But don’t expect me to stand around while the two of you relive your past. I have to get to work. I’ll have your things in the guest room by the time you get home.”
Without giving him a chance to respond, she jerked open the door and walked off. “It was nice to meet all of you. I have to get back to work,” she said, passing the group wrapping presents.
Jacket in hand, she went to the back, ignoring him calling her name. She shook on her way, her emotions ran so hard and strong within her. She swung by the house and did as she’d said—moved his things to the guest room. Back at the bank, she sat in the parking lot trying to get herself back under control.
Tall, blonde, fit and gorgeous. A perfect fit for Sam’s darker colouring. And it rubbed her entirely the wrong way. Tracey Blake wasn’t a woman she would ever like, for she’d been able to have one thing she wasn’t allowed. Part of Sam he kept from her.
“Get it together, Roxi,” she muttered, shutting off the engine.
Locking down her emotions, she climbed out and shivered against the wind. With quick steps, she hastened into the heated building. She waved at Laila as she went by and headed to her office. Not too much later a knock came on the door and she called out for whomever it was to answer.
Laila.
“Hey,” she said, waving her in. “What’s up?”
“I’m on lunch. Got a few?”
