He broke away, and their gazes locked. Desire heated his eyes for a moment before his shields pushed back into place and he pulled away. She longed for his touch again, to feel his lips on hers, his hands on her body. She craved his touch like a diabetic craved sweets.
“We’ll make arrangements to get the marriage license today and see the doctor. I’m done with duties until the day of deployment, once we have the doctor’s okay we can make flight reservations.” He rose, and grabbed his cell from the coffee table. “Rest, let me make the appointments and then I’ll start breakfast.”
Cameron loved to be in charge and she’d just given him permission to take over. Her stomach twisted and her heart pounded against her ribs.
I can’t believe I’m doing this.
* * *
The café was quiet at this time of day, giving them privacy. In just an hour both of their lives would change. Scary as it all seemed, she embraced the potential for her, but she wasn’t sure about Cameron. Would he regret it? End up hating her? Or worse—simply be her friend only until she was on her feet? Doubt plagued her.
The doctor gave her permission to travel, because of her circumstances. He insisted that as long as she rested and took care of herself, she’d have a healthy pregnancy. It did very little to ease her concern. All her life she had been carefree, but now her stomach churned with worry.
Tessa sat there watching a young couple very much in love sitting two tables over. She wished that Cameron would look at her the same way the guy looked at his woman. She missed sharing a real connection with Cameron, she treasured their friendship, but she wanted more. Soon there would be paperwork saying they were married, even if it wasn’t heart and body. Somehow, she had to make it enough.
He dug into his turkey sandwich while she barely picked at hers. “Tess, you need to eat.”
“Sorry.” She smiled at him. “Nerves.” She picked up her sandwich, taking another bite before looking back at the couple, and then to him. He looked so calm. “Cam, are you positive you want to do this?”
“Sweet Tess, are you getting cold feet?” He put his sandwich down and stared at her with uncertain eyes. “You know me better than this. If I wasn’t sure, I’d never have asked. You’ve never doubted me before don’t start now.” He shoved the last bit of his sandwich into his mouth, and looked up at her. “If you’re not going to finish eating, we have another appointment.”
“Appointment?” They had another hour before they had to be at the justice of the peace in the park behind the courthouse. “Where are we going?”
“I told you an appointment.” He took hold of her hand, gently pulling her to her feet. “Come on.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, and tucked her close to his side on their way out of the café.
Unless she imagined it because she longed for it, there was more to his touch than just the friendship he claimed. Oh how she wanted there to be more. He led her down the street towards the shops. “Where…?” Her voice failed, when he stopped in front of a small dress shop.
“Just because it won’t be the wedding of your dreams doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a pretty dress to get married in.” His hand slid down to rest on her hip. “Come on. You deserve it.”
“I can’t…”
“Don’t argue. You can’t be married in jeans. Now come on, we don’t have a lot of time.” He opened the door and ushered her inside.
An older woman, her brown hair greying at the temples, stepped forward. “Mr. White, you’re right on time. I’m Lisa, your personal shopper.”
Cameron offered his hand to Lisa. “Lisa, thank you. This is Tessa, we’re getting married in an hour. Can you help her find the perfect dress?”
Lisa looked Tessa over, taking her in as if she was a stock of meat before nodding. “It doesn’t leave us much time, but we’ll find something suitable. Come along dear.”
“Go ahead. My uniform is at the cleaners down the street. I’m going to go retrieve it and change. I’ll be back shortly.” He kissed her cheek, before turning on his heels and leaving her alone.
She’d never been a girly girl, always one for jeans, and t-shirts or if the weather called for it sweaters. She could count on one hand how many times she wore a dress. Cameron knew this and still he insisted, not as some weird sense of torture but because it was the wedding rituals. He wanted her to have the whole experience even if they were rushed.
* * *
Tessa stood next to the large oak tree, her creamy white dress flowed around her body. Even though she hated dresses, she felt like a princess. One who—in a way—was getting her prince. All her life she had wanted to be in this very place with him. She only wished they were getting married because they loved each other. Still even if for a short while, she would be Mrs. Cameron White, the wife of Gunnery Sergeant White.
He was not only the best Marine she knew—willing to lay his life down for his country without a second thought—but he was also the greatest man to ever touch her life. Look at him—marrying her, no questions asked—to provide her with security. He was her hero.
“With the power vested in me by the state of North Carolina, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Her heart leaped, as he leaned towards her. His breath feathered a caress across her mouth and then he kissed her. Adrenaline flooded through her veins, as she opened her lips allowing him entry to her mouth. His tongue slipped between her lips, the kiss devouring her until he suddenly jerked away, as if his control snapped back into place like a rubber band stretched to its limit.
He gave her one final brush to her lips before pulling back. The passion evaporated or maybe she’d only imagined it. They were married, but he seemed even more unattainable than ever.
Chapter Five
Tessa’s first day of married life, seemed to speed past in a blink. She’d convinced Cameron she needed to gather things from her apartment before they left for Clearwater. Unsurprisingly, he wouldn’t agree without the condition he carried her up the steps to her apartment citing the fact that she was on strict orders no steps.
It was the only time he had touched her since their wedding ceremony. She ached for his touch, and that did little to alleviate the demand. After the wedding, a part of her wished he’d complete the claim. She wanted to be his wife in more than just name. She promised herself in time she would be, but for now she wouldn’t let it ruin the limited time she had left with him.
She lay curled in bed with a cup of tea as he packed the last of her things. Of all the things they were taking, very little were his. He’d packed a small bag to keep at the cabin for when he was on leave. That way he could fly straight to her without the delay of coming by his apartment.
Her eyes began to grow heavy, but she fought it with all she was. She had such limited time with him that she wanted to cherish each and every second. Sleep could wait until she was alone.
“You’re getting tired, why don’t you sleep?” He added the last of the stuff on the bed to the suitcase and zippered it.
“Sleep can wait.” She wrinkled her nose, but when he raised an eyebrow and his jaw flexed, she sighed. He got points for not parroting the doctor’s orders, but she conceded defeat and took the final sip of her tea. “Fine. Will you lay with me?”
“I don’t think…” He shook his head, lifting the suitcase from the bed and sitting it next to the door.
“Don’t think, just do. Please…you’re leaving soon. I just want to feel your arms around me.” She hated that her voice sounded weak, with a touch of begging, but she couldn’t help it. She felt so alone, and it would only grow worse when he left. She was desperate for his touch, wanting to have it before it was too late.
He nodded, coming around the bed, to get in beside her. He didn’t bother to undress, and probably planned to humor her until she slept and then head to the sofa. “Okay. You need to sleep; we have a long day tomorrow. Jordan’s going to pick us up at the Jackson Hole airport to take us to Clearwater.”<
br />
Setting her empty tea mug aside she curled her body into his, and rested her head against his shoulder. Holding him tight, she tried to memorize every part of the experience—the way his body felt, the smell of his cologne, the thump of his heartbeat drumming steadily beneath her hand. She completely supported his career—it made him who he was—and she’d never ask him to give it up, not even for her, but she wished he could stay with her. Being a military wife took strength and sacrifice, and she never realized just how much—and they hadn’t even been married twenty-four hours. Maybe it wasn’t something everyone could do, but she’d go to the moon and back for him.
“Is everything okay?” He ran his fingers lazily over her shoulder, rubbing in small circles.
She tilted her head up meeting his gaze, and gave him a smile but she knew it didn’t go to her eyes. Her stomach was in too many knots. “I’m fine, still reeling from the last few days.”
He kissed the top of her forehead. “You know I’ll do everything in my power to come back to you.” A hint of anxiety thickened his voice.
She knew that and she knew it wouldn’t stop her from worrying either. The look on his face said he was thinking about his parents. He always said he never wanted to widow a woman, not after watching his mother grieve. But she doubted he realized that was his own grief talking—because he lost his dad, too.
“I know you will. What happened with your parents isn’t going to happen to you. You’ll come back to me…to us.”
“I just don’t want you worrying about me.” Anxiety filled his gaze, as if memories of his past were coming to light and he felt doomed to have them played out again, but this time instead of with his parents they would be with her.
“Cam, I’ve always worried about you. This deployment will be no different. But in the end—in a few short months—you’ll be back home. Everything’s going to be fine…” She brushed her fingers along his jaw. “I have no doubts you’ll come home to me.”
* * *
As long as Tessa was in his arms, he didn’t want to move. It was almost as though she was the missing piece to him. Her body fit snug against his as if she belonged there.
If things had turned out differently for his parents, maybe he would have made her his years ago. The worry of leaving her a widow was too much for him to bear. He still despised the idea, but she needed him and her immediate problems trumped other possibilities. His Tess deserved the world and more than he could give her.
His wife.
In just seventy-two hours she’d be in Clearwater alone and he’d be about to deploy. For the first time in his military career, he seriously regretted his orders. He didn’t want to leave her, not in her condition. When he deployed this time, he would be leaving behind family.
Chapter Six
Tessa relaxed against Cameron’s tight body, his arm around her shoulders and his fingers gliding along her collarbone. His friend Jordan drove while Jordan’s wife, Chloe played tour guide, pointing out different aspects of Clearwater. It had been a long day. All she wanted was to get to the cabin, and be alone with Cameron. In two days, he’d be gone again and while she should be used to his deployments—it felt different this time.
“I’m sorry Tessa. You had a long trip and here I’m rambling on about our town. It may seem like there’s not much here, but it’s a nice small town. I’ll do my best to see that you enjoy your time here.” Chloe explained.
“It’s fine Chloe. It’s a beautiful town, thank you for having me.” She wanted to be friendlier, but she didn’t have it in her. The sun might just be setting, but for her it was two hours later, and they had been on the go since early that morning. Between arriving at the airport two hours early to go through security, and three plane transfers she was exhausted.
“We’re almost there, and you can rest. We’ve already stocked your cabin with supplies you’ll need.” Jordan announced, glancing in the rear view mirror at them.
“Thank you.” Cameron told him. “We really appreciate it.”
She watched out the window as the small town went by, the rod iron light posts were just springing to life as they drove towards Winterbloom Bed and Breakfast. Shops were beginning to close for the night, but one in particular caught her eye, Tiny Treasure Baby Store. She’d have to make a trip there once she was off bed rest. She couldn’t wait to begin shopping for baby clothes. For the first time since finding out she was pregnant, real excitement thrummed within her. What would she have? A son or a daughter?
Deep in thought, she didn’t even realize they pulled in front of a cozy cabin. A warm light glowed inside, making the place inviting and the lake view was stunning especially with the sun sinking low in the sky. The building even had an ATV parked alongside the walkway to the cabin.
“Welcome to your temporary sanctuary. The ATV is so you won’t have to walk to the main house if you wish to come over. For now, until you’re off bed rest, and unless it’s an emergency Tessa please use the phone and call us. I also wrote down our cell numbers, they’re inside on the table. Add them to yours and keep it with you at all times. You never know when you might need us.” Chloe explained while Jordan helped Cameron with the luggage.
“Thank you for everything.” She gave Chloe a smile, truly grateful for all she was doing, and then turned towards the cabin.
The men dealt with the luggage quickly enough and Cameron came to her, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Thank you both for everything. I’m going to get her settled, we’ll see you tomorrow.” He led her inside, and she heard Jordan start the SUV, back up and drive away.
The inside of the cabin had a homey feeling to it. The warm brown couch dominated the living room, with a large flat screen television hanging on the wall, and a small fireplace catty-corner to the sofa. A creamy white shaggy throw rug covered cherry wood floors to designating the section as the living room. A small table set further in, and just beyond that, a galley style kitchen, and a hallway that she assumed lead to the bedroom.
“Come on. Let’s get you in bed, I’ll unpack.” With his arm around her waist, she was left with no choice but to go with him. The bedroom was done in a warm gold, the fluffy white comforter that contrasted beautifully with the dark walnut furniture. “Get out of those clothes, and into bed.”
She did as he asked, too tired to argue. She folded her clothes and set them on the chest at the edge of the bed, and crawled in between the sheets. “You must be as exhausted as I am. Leave the stuff, come lay with me.”
“I’m fine.” He told her, but she could see the traces of weariness around his eyes.
“Cameron, we don’t have much time left together before you have to leave, please…” She hated that there was a hint of begging in her voice. She shouldn’t have to beg her husband to come to her, to lay with her. They were married, even if he didn’t love her, she still wanted him. For the time being just feeling his body against hers was enough. She didn’t know how long that would be enough, but while it was she wanted to take advantage of each opportunity she could to enjoy it.
“I know…” He sat on the edge of the bed, watching her. “You’ve been quiet today, do you regret this?”
“Regret what? Getting pregnant? Marrying you? Coming to Clearwater?” She shook her head. “I regret none of it. My unborn child will be healthy because of you. I’ve always believed everything happens for a reason…maybe us is the reason.”
* * *
The movie ended and Tessa was surprised to find herself still awake. Neither of them had slept much the night before, and neither of them seemed in a hurry to sleep now. They cuddled together in bed, their empty popcorn bowl had been pushed to the side. Their time together was ending much too quickly. In the early morning hours, he’d catch his flight back to North Carolina and report for duty.
Her heart beat frantically with the thought of him leaving. She hated herself for being weak, for thinking she needed him to get through it. She might not need him, but she wanted him. They were very different
things, but both left her body crying out for his touch.
He nudged her chin up, his eyes dark and thoughtful as he studied her. Her breath caught in her throat when she thought he’d kiss her. “My Tess, I’ve never seen such apprehension in your eyes as I do tonight.”
“I’m going to miss you.” She tried to smile when all she wanted to do was cry. She went through this with each deployment to a degree, but normally he wasn’t there to see it. He was always so busy attending to last minute preparations that she only got a portion of his time. It was made worse because after the arduous trip to get here, he refused to let her see him off at the airport. She never missed a deployment or a welcome home. “When you board that plane, you’ll have no one there to say goodbye.”
“I’ll know you’re safe. Plus I’ve always liked our private goodbyes better.” He lowered his head, their lips met and desire coursed through her. He pulled her lower lip into his mouth, sucking on it, before letting it go and sliding his tongue deep within her mouth. His hand moving from her chin gliding up the side of her face to tangle in her hair, drawing her closer to him. She could almost taste his reluctance even as he ended the kiss. He rested his forehead to hers and their noses brushed. “If it helps when I walk out the door tomorrow just picture me boarding the plane instead. Yours is the only goodbye that matters to me.”
“I’m coming with you…to the airport.” She leaned forward pressing her lips to his again, unwilling to waste their last few hours together. Her hand slipped under his shirt, running up his rock hard chest, feeling every toned muscle with her fingertips, as she tried to pull it up and over his head.
A knock sounded on the cabin door.
Clearwater Romance Page 7
