Operation: Tempt Me

by Christina James

  The mattress dipped with his weight. His arm glided under her belly to haul her onto her knees. With his hips against her ass, he pushed his cock into her tight rosette with patient strokes until he was seated fully inside of her. The tightness subsided as her body adjusted to the intrusion. The intimacy they shared never failed to thrill her, making each time better than the last.

  “My God, Cambrie,” he said, the words rushed, his hands gripping her upper thighs hard enough to hold himself against her. “Fucking your ass is too damn intense. You make me want to come with the first stroke.” A rush of air left his lungs before he started pumping his hips again.

  Moaning with the ripples of pleasures racing through her pussy that lingered from her last explosion, Cambrie reflected on the orgasm that teased her, hovering within reach yet unwilling to show itself yet. How could this man give her so much pleasure, take her body to places that stole her breath and mind?

  Long strokes pounded her ass as his grip tightened. Her pussy lips, moist with her juices, ached to be touched, caressed. Her clit pulsed with a life of its own, begging for a finger to flick it or skim it. Miller fucked her ass harder and deeper than the last time, edging her toward the bliss she craved.

  “Cambrie! Fuck! Oh, Cambrie!” Miller yelled, holding his cock deep within her ass. His explosion sending hot cum into her tight ass.

  Rocked by his loving, Cambrie joined him with a release as powerful as the one preceding it. This orgasm had smaller but numerous tremors radiating through her womb.

  “Miller. Don’t. Stop.”

  And he didn’t until they both collapsed on the bed, gulping air and murmuring words. When he climbed off of her, she didn’t have the energy to move. He applied a warm washcloth to her ass, cleaning away their loving. She adored how he pampered her, always attentive to her needs.

  Miller crawled back into bed and hauled her on top of him to cover them both with the blankets. He scooted her to his side and cradled her head against his chest. She draped a lazy leg over his.

  “Tell me not to leave, Cambrie, and I won’t.” His tone was soft, but there was no mistaking the seriousness within.

  Did she just hear him right?

  She took a moment to let the statement sink in. She believed he would stay if she asked him to. He’d give her anything she wanted. Even if he hadn’t said the words…he loved her. There was no doubt in her heart. So she did the only thing she could do.

  “I won’t, Miller, and never ask me to do that again,” she said, leaning up on her elbow. “You’re the only one who can make that choice.”

  Staring at the ceiling, pain etched in his expression. “I know. But there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

  “I believe that. Really I do. But you had a life before me and that life needs you, too. You make a difference in this world, Miller. I could never ask you to stop doing that. No matter how much I love you.” Her words hung between them as his head slowly turned to face her.

  “Why do you love me, Cambrie?”

  “Because you never tried to change who I am. Only helped me discover the real me.” She sighed but kept eye contact. “I like who I am when I’m with you. I’m relaxed, energized, happy. I love you, Miller, because you gave me a chance when you didn’t have to. Because you have one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever seen.”

  “God, Cambrie. Just what the hell am I going to do with you?”

  “Well, you’d have to give me some time to rest, but I think we can come up with some ideas.”

  He flashed a killer smile that made butterflies dance in her belly. “That’s not what I meant.”

  “I know,” she whispered, unable to smile. “But let’s not do this to ourselves. Our lives are what they are. End of story. Dwelling on it or wracking our brains for a solution is a waste of time and energy. We just need to accept that there’s no real future for us.”

  “My team has a saying we all believe in. Never say never.”

  She snuggled close, resting her cheek on the soft mat of chest hair. “Those are just words, Miller. Reality sucks is all.”

  ****

  Cambrie loved him. Holy fucking shit in hell. When the fuck did that happen? Aw, hell. He knew she had fallen in love with him. It was easier to deny because facing reality sucked big time.

  The warm body snuggled in his arms while she slept kept his cock hard and his mind wandering to all sorts of possibilities. With sleep evading him, he stared at the dark ceiling, his thoughts jumbled.

  The military had been good to him throughout the years just like he had proven his worth and did a damn good job with every new challenge. He could retire, seek other employment, move near Cambrie. If he quit the military then he’d be free to move anywhere he chose.

  Miller loved Cambrie. He had gone and fallen in love with this amazing woman. When? Oh, he knew exactly when it had happened even if he couldn’t admit it to himself until now.

  When he awoke to find her staring at him sitting on her porch, the very second they had first met. He had fallen in love first with her beauty and then with everything about her.

  Closing his eyes, he prayed for sleep to come because no matter how hard he wracked his brain, there was only one solution that would work.

  With a heavy heart, Miller squeezed Cambrie tighter, needing her warmth when he felt so damn cold.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Cambrie should really be used to this by now, but each time Miller packed up to return home, something in her heart broke, another piece shredded with pain.

  “Are you sure I can’t take you to pick up your car?” Miller asked.

  Cambrie shook her head. “No. I could use the walk.”

  “I’ll miss the hell out of you, Cambrie. I don’t think I can come back for a few months.”

  She faced him, her palms flat against his chest. “I understand. Just be safe.” She didn’t feel like talking, fearing she may give in to selfishness and beg him to stay.

  He leaned down and kissed her lips, the heat from his body warming her. Her hands roamed his body, the last touch they’d have for months maybe. She opened her mouth, allowed his tongue to whip inside, needing his kiss to linger when he left. At her sides, his fingers kneaded her skin like they couldn’t let go.

  Stay. Please stay.

  She took her last taste of his warmth, his power. If she didn’t break the connection now, she feared she never would. Stepping back, she licked her lips. Trembling, she stood and watched him lift his duffle bag. With one last kiss to her forehead, he opened the door.

  “Don’t worry, baby girl. I could never stay away from you.”

  When the door shut, Cambrie remained where she stood. It wasn’t until she heard Miller’s truck speed off that she allowed herself to sink to her knees onto the floor, bury her head in her hands, and cry.

  Why hadn’t she begged him to stay when she knew he would’ve? Damn!

  Deep down inside her breaking heart, she knew that wouldn’t have been the right thing to do. It wouldn’t have been fair to force Miller to choose between her and a career he loved. He would never ask her to choose between him and Aunt Annabelle, so she could never ask something of him that she wasn’t willing to do herself.

  After she was all cried out, she got back to the one thing she knew how to do. Work.

  ****

  Waiting for the results of the grant program added to Cambrie’s anxiety. She hadn’t heard from Miller in four days and their hectic schedules interfered with any real communication in the three weeks since he had left. Hating her job for its constant reminder of Miller, she knew she was screwed and stuck with no options.

  “Cambrie, is it true that the Veterans Affairs Department is sending a committee here today because we’re a finalist for the grant?” Mrs. Ginnity asked, rushing in from outside.

  “Yes, ma’am, it is. Although they were expected by now,” she said, glancing at the clock on the wall by the front desk before returning to the work she had been doing. “Must be somethin
g keeping them.”

  “Oh, I’m sure they’ll be here any minute.” The woman was very giddy but Cambrie dismissed it as one of her usual quirks. “Mr. Hackler is outside waiting to greet them.”

  Cambrie would’ve replied but the front door swung open and a highly decorated military man stepped inside with Mr. Hackler and a contingent of military personnel. Cambrie swallowed hard and stepped from behind the desk.

  “Miss Brasher,” Mr. Hackler began. “General Sherwald from Veterans Affairs.”

  She shook his hand alarmed by the number of people still streaming in through the doors. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

  “Ah, the pleasure is all mine, Miss Brasher. I assure you. I can’t tell you how glad I am to finally meet you. I wanted to come here personally.” The general’s tone was confident and professional.

  Cambrie caught sight of familiar faces in the crowd surrounding the general now that he had stepped forward. “Emma? Finn? Oh, my God!” she yelled and jumped into Emma’s arms for a big hug before doing the same to Finn.

  “God, I love when I can make Miller jealous,” Finn whispered to Cambrie.

  “He’d have to be here to be jealous,” Cambrie said, her heart aching for the man she loved.

  “Young lady, when did you lose your eyesight?” Aunt Annabelle hollered from a wheelchair behind Emma and Finn.

  “Auntie? What are you doing here?” Cambrie gasped and looked around at the crowd. What was going on? Why were all these people here? Did they win the grant?

  When Cambrie went to speak to the general, she froze and stared at five impeccably dressed military men standing behind their leader. “Miller?”

  “About time you opened your eyes, girl,” Aunt Annabelle quipped, but Cambrie ignored her.

  Cambrie covered her heart with her hand and stared at Miller. “Oh, my God.” She faced the general. “What is this about?”

  “Like I said, Miss Brasher, I wanted to come to see you personally. You have been an example for our nation with your support of Lt. Miller Daly’s military service. I have come to offer you a job with my national office in Washington, DC.”

  The crowd gasped and some clapped while Cambrie stood stunned, her eyes flashing between the general and Miller who hadn’t made a move toward her, just remained standing with the other men in a serious stance, feet together, arms at his side.

  “I’ve made arrangements for your aunt to move with you as well. Her doctors agree that the medical facilities in the area are superb,” the general continued.

  “You what?” Cambrie asked before turning to her aunt. “You’d move, Auntie? But why? Maddyville has always been your home.”

  Aunt Annabelle waved her hand in the air. “Oh, sweetie. There’s nothing left for me in Maddyville. My home is gone. Most of my friends are dead. I feel terrible that you won’t leave here because of me, so I’ll come with you. We can always come back for a visit. And the general here has promised to help me learn the Internet thingy so I can, what’s it called, go onboard?”

  “Online,” General Sherwald corrected, clearing his throat and flashing a bright smile. “Or the job can be set up in Maddyville for your aunt’s convenience.”

  “Nonsense, general,” Aunt Annabelle scolded. “We’ve already discussed this and I’m all for breaking out of that prison and looking forward to a change of scenery.”

  Miller stepped forward when the general signaled to him. “Cambrie, listen to your aunt. You have the right to want your own life. You’ve done a great job taking care of her and repaying her kindness. That’s what family is all about.” He looked back at his men then back to Cambrie. “You don’t have to be alone anymore, Cam. You can be with me and together we can take care of Aunt Annabelle, with her permission of course,” he said toward Aunt Annabelle.

  Aunt Annabelle spoke up. “Well, I don’t need much taking care of and the general has been too kind to offer to visit me in Virginia. So what’s a lady have to complain about with those prospects? You youngins need to take care of each other.”

  Miller returned his attention to Cambrie who all but forgot the crowd around them. Her heart pounded being this close to Miller again. “I’ve got to tell you, Cambrie. It’s either me or no one because I won’t allow another guy taking my place. There’s no way in holy hell I’ll stand for that.”

  “Smooth, jackass, real smooth,” one of his team scolded when her hands went to her hips and she frowned. “Name’s Chance and please pardon his mouth, ma’am, but he’s not used to being gentle.”

  “And right now his words are coming out of his ass. Name’s Cade,” another man said, before nodding at Miller. “Smarten up, man. Where’s your romantic side?”

  Miller rolled his eyes. “Ignore them, Cambrie. They’re just jealous.”

  “Can say that again,” Chance said. “Screw this one up, Miller, and you ain’t ever living it down. Ever.”

  Miller smirked. “They’re half right, Cam. I’m not good at sharing feelings and emotions. But I know what I want and plan to get it.” He sighed. “What I’m trying to say is…I love you. I loved you from the moment I woke up on your porch and found you watching me. That day my life changed forever and for the best. I always knew that serving in the military was my calling. It’s what I was meant to do. But, honey, it’s not all I’m meant to be. I can be your husband, too. I can do both, I promise. My job keeps civilians like you safe and I wouldn’t choose any other career until I’m forced to retire from this one. But through it all, I will love you and give you the best life I can.”

  “That better include keeping yourself safe, Miller,” Cambrie said, tears pricking at her eyes.

  He looked stunned. “Does that mean you’ll marry me?”

  “That depends.”

  He scowled. “What the hell do you mean? Depends on what?”

  “On whether or not you’ll ask me. I didn’t hear you propose. Did anyone else?”

  The crowd chanted “no” while shaking their heads.

  Miller smirked and got down on his knee, pulling a ring from his coat pocket. Holding it up, he stared at it then at her. “Cambrie Brasher, would you do me the honor of walking down the aisle, taking my name, and keeping me in line for the rest of my life? I love you and promise that love will be as strong when we’re together as it’ll be when we’re apart. Marry me, Cambrie, and love me forever.”

  “Will I still be in your dreams nightly?” she whispered.

  “Oh God, baby. You are my dream.”

  “Then yes, I’ll marry you, Lt. Miller Daly, because I love you more than I could’ve ever imagined possible. You were never just my pen pal. You are my other half, the part that completes my soul. I love you.” Tears welled in her eyes. Happy, long-awaited tears.

  Miller slipped the ring on her finger and stood. He lifted her into his arms and kissed her. The crowd erupted around them with cheers and applause. His men slapped at his back once he placed her back on her feet.

  The general yelled out. “Does anyone want to know who won the library grant?”

  “Yes!” the crowd screamed and then fell silent.

  The general faced Cambrie. “Miss Brasher, on behalf of the Veterans Affairs Department, I am pleased to award the one hundred thousand library grant to Highland Library for its fine example of how to support our troops and proving that patriotism still exists today. There were selfless acts of kindness documented by Lt. Daly that were not only orchestrated by Miss Brasher but supported by the entire community, young and old alike. Together you have made a difference in the lives of countless veterans with your donations. Congratulations.”

  The crowd cheered. Pride swelled within Cambrie. At her side, Miller squeezed her hand.

  The general continued speaking. “I have also included Miss Brasher’s signed petition in a letter to Congress about supporting bills to increase all veterans’ benefits instead of trying to decrease them with budget cuts. The overwhelming support in that petition will hopefully open the eyes of lawmakers
who choose to cut funding for the very people securing their freedom to run for office and freely express their opinions.

  “Miss Brasher, your new job will focus on the efforts you’ve begun in that petition. I believe that, while you will have your work cut out for you, there is no one better to defend our soldiers’ benefits.”

  “Thank you, general. And I look forward to the hard work,” Cambrie said, hoping it was not all a dream.

  Once again the crowd erupted.

  Miller and Cambrie stepped over to her aunt. “Aunt Annabelle, thank you, ma’am, for your permission to marry your niece. I’ll make her happy. I promise.”

  Cambrie’s jaw dropped. “You knew about this, Auntie?”

  “Yes I did. This young man came to me on his own asking permission. Why, I had to keep my tongue in my mouth for far too long before he could get here to do the official deed. But I must say you proved me wrong, Miller.”

  “How so?” he asked.

  “I once told my niece that today’s young people didn’t know anything about romance. You certainly do, Miller. That’s why you got my blessing and because you make my Cambrie smile like I’ve never seen before. Now excuse me while I go speak with the general. He’s single you know.” She winked and wheeled herself off.

  Cambrie gasped. “Did you hear her? That’s not my aunt in that wheelchair. She would never openly flirt with a man.”

  “Maybe you just never noticed that side of her,” Miller said, holding his arm at her waist.

  “Maybe. And now we’re moving to Virginia. Wow.” Cambrie was still in shock.

  “Thank you, Cambrie,” Miller said. “The general tore up my retirement paperwork.”

  “You were leaving the military? For me?”

  “Yes, even if it’s the job I love, I would’ve found another. As long as I’m with you, baby girl, that’s the only thing that matters. You were stuck here because of your commitment to your aunt, which couldn’t be changed. I had a contract with the Government that, while also a commitment, had more flexibility to change so I could be with you. But your aunt had spoken to the general about trying to keep us together once she learned of my plans.”