“Good, because I want to spend as much time with you as I can,” he states, moving closer and pulling me into his arms. Internally I’m screaming ‘me too’...but I keep a calm facade on the outside.
“Yeah?” I ask, my voice coming out breathy. Totally not like me at all, but he sets all the sparks flying and I forget to inhale. What happened to that calmness I was trying to portray? Seems to have fled the moment my mouth opened.
“Yeah,” he croons, cupping my face in his hands and leaning in to kiss me. His lips are firm yet soft, and I reach out and grasp his biceps in my hands. When his tongue swipes my lower lip, I gasp, and he presses his advantage drawing me further into his arms. As our tongues duel, my hands move around his waist and I feel the muscles bunching at my touch. A thrill courses through me at the thought that I might be impacting him as much as he is me. I nearly forget to breathe. The need clawing inside of me to feel his skin touching mine is all my brain can decipher.
“Let’s celebrate!” I hear called out from my side. It’s like nails on a chalkboard the way it interrupts our time.
“Axe! Man, do something with your woman, I’m doing my own brand of celebrating over here!” he calls out, I can hear the annoyance in his tone.
“We can go somewhere more private—the suite has bedrooms.” What the hell? I’m not that kind of girl, what is this man doing to me and my libido? He’s turning me into a shameless hussy!
“Later, babe. My dick isn’t finding his way home until I have a ring on that finger…” before I let him continue where his thoughts are going. I wave my hand exaggeratedly through the air and call out for a drink!
“I need a jack and coke over here! Stat, double shot please...you were saying?” I rush out.
His chuckles fill the room as he walks toward the bar and fixes me my drink. “I was saying, gonna put a ring on it, Paisley. You’re not the type of woman a man lets escape his grasp, at least not if he’s smart. And I like to think I’m pretty damn intelligent.”
Wait, what? Marriage? “Uh, just saying, Travis, we only met a few hours ago.” I really need to get this man to a hospital. I think he’s hit his head! Maybe he was injured and that’s the reason he’s on leave. I begin to let my eyes travel his body and head looking for any obvious signs of trauma.
“What’s your point? You either know or you don’t know. And I know I wanna spend the rest of my life learning all about you.”
“What about love?” There, that’s a sensible question, right? One I could argue and make him see reason about. A couple should be in love before they marry...right?
“Based on my grandparents, I’d say it’ll happen, beautiful. My grandpa married my gram three days after they met for the first time. Six kids, fifteen grandkids, and a shit ton of great-grands and they’re about to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary.” He’s just invalidated my whole argument in mere seconds because suddenly, I can see us, older, maybe a bit heavier, surrounded by laughter.
“They knew just like that,” I snap my fingers together, “that they’d be together forever?” I just don’t get it. My parents only made it to year two before they were rushing to the courthouse to end their marriage. I haven’t had the best example of couples in love. Mom’s on marriage number four and Dad is still married to his second wife but has kids with two other women. Monogamy is something that’s not ingrained into him...that’s for damn sure. And something I really want when I settle down. I want one marriage, so it has to be the right person when I slide that gold band on his ring finger.
“They knew just like that,” he repeats, snapping his fingers back at me. “And so do I. What do you say, Paisley? Want to take a chance on us?”
“I don’t believe in divorce,” I warn him. “If shit hits the fan, we fight it out.” What the hell am I saying? Am I agreeing to this madness?
“Wouldn’t expect anything less. Looking forward to the making up part though,” he replies. “And to seeing you riled up.” Oh, he has no idea how stubborn and mean I can get when I’m riled up. He may have bitten off more than he can chew when it comes to me.
“This is insanity, you know that, right?” I question. “I mean, it was a bit nuts for me to take off with you guys to begin with, but what you’re saying now has made that look like a walk in the park.” I’m beginning to feel lightheaded, am I seriously considering this? Maybe I need an aspirin and to get off my feet. I’m having a delusional conversation in my head...that has to be what’s happening here.
“Let’s do this thing!” Hatch yells. Fuck, I forgot we weren’t alone. Okay, nix that...it’s not in my head—this is really happening!
“Paisley,” he murmurs, pulling me close again. “I promise to take care of you, to work shit out with you, to treat you with honor and respect. Say you will?”
I’ve obviously fallen down a rabbit hole myself because all I can do is nod and say, “Okay.”
“Y’all are nuts!” Daria screams out. I’m finding that this is the only time she’s opened her mouth and said something that I’ve agreed with.
At my words, Hatch breaks into song, singing, “Going to the chapel and they’re, gonna get married.” Now I’m wondering about his mental stability.
“Daria, snap it shut or go home,” I hear Axe rumble out.
“Fine, but when they come crawling to us crying about jumping into it too fast, I want it known that I tried to make them come to their senses,” she snottily replies, making me wonder what the hell he even sees in her.
“God she’s a bitch. That’s one piece of tail, I hope and pray, that doesn’t stick around,” Travis whispers in my ear.
“Me, too,” I agree. Even Axe seems a bit put off by her behavior. But when a soldier is on leave, he thinks with one head and it’s not the one that he’s supposed to be using. Hopefully, she isn’t around their whole leave, but I’m not holding my breath. She seems to have latched onto him and looks to be digging her claws in for the long haul.
Thirty minutes later, we’re in a small chapel off the strip looking at rings. “I like this one,” he says, pointing to a matching set. “Someday, we’ll get a better set.” I look at the one he’s pointing out and my heart melts. The rings aren’t fancy, not by a longshot, but they’re beautiful in their simplicity.
“I like them,” I announce. The clerk pulls them from the case and motions for us to try them on. As he slides them on my finger, I feel my breath catch at the intent look on his face.
“They fit,” he states.
“A perfect fit,” I whisper in awe. It’s as if it’s meant to be. “Travis and Paisley...for now and always.”
“We’ll get that engraved as soon as we can,” he responds.
* * *
Twisted
* * *
Standing in front of an Elvis impersonator does absolutely nothing to take away the excitement I’m feeling in this moment. I can hear Hatch snickering, making ‘burning love’ quotes, as I’m staring into Paisley's eyes repeating vows. When we say our ‘I do’s’ I grab her into the embrace of my arms and lay a kiss on her...it’s not sweet, it’s a claiming. I’m officially letting everyone know that she’s a taken woman.
“Party time, fuckers!” Hatch hollers. I give my woman, my wife, my life, another squeeze and turn to face my two best friends, a shit-eating grin on my face.
“Let’s light the strip on fire, y’all!” Daria screeches. For once, even though her voice makes me want to gouge my eyes out, I agree with her sentiment. Pulling Paisley into my side, I give her another quick kiss and head towards the door and our future.
* * *
That night is still somewhat of a blur to me. Between the three of us, we lost over a grand, but we had the time of our lives. “Dad, you married Mom after only knowing her a handful of hours? And you just knew?” Tig’s never heard this story before. No one has really, other than my two best friends who lived it with me.
“Yep. And again, yep. Best fucking thing I ever did. Not once in all these years,
have I regretted it, either,” I reply.
“Me either,” Paisley responds, burying herself into my lap. I can’t wait until I’m buried in her later and fight a losing battle not to get hard, something she realizes as she wiggles her ass.
“Everyone thought we were crazy,” I express, staring into those eyes I love so much.
“We proved them all wrong,” she whispers before placing her lips over mine. “Kiss me, Twisted,” and I do. I’ve never shied away from public displays of affection where it comes to her. I want her to always know how I feel about her and never cause her to feel that she’s someone to be hidden and tucked away for a later time.
“So, you had two weeks together before you had to leave again?” DJ inquires. I glance at her and realize that she’s genuinely curious, but she has that gleam in her eyes that tells me that somehow, she’ll work it into one of her books.
“Just remember, any of this ends up in a bestseller, we get royalties,” I tell her. She bursts into laughter at my comment and waves her hand as if to say, ‘go on’. Looking around and seeing our family, the one that we helped build, I nod. This makes me think about when I had to get onto that plane and leave her.
* * *
“Two weeks has flown by,” she cries into my shoulder. “It’s too soon, I'm not ready to let you leave.”
“I know, sweetheart, but we’ve left you with important numbers of people to contact should you need help. Nan is Braxton’s mom and she’s ready and willing to come help you for anything...or just be an ear to speak to if you’re lonely. Our buddies, Smokey and Bandit, are taking their leave next month and will be coming out to stay in your neck of the woods. Lean on them, trust them, they’re pranksters and hellions, but they’re damn good men I trust with your life. Don’t let their shenanigans push you away.”
“When do you come back?” she asks, wiping snot on my BDUs.
“I’m already here, baby,” I whisper. “And I’ve put in a request for base housing for us. Hopefully, by the time we come back, you’ll be moved in.”
Her giggles pierce something inside before she replies, “I can wait, Travis, until you get back. I don’t really want to give up my job and don’t have a car. I need to keep busy while you’re gone.”
I think about what she’s saying and nod. “Okay, sweetness. I’ll let my commanding officer know to still file the paperwork, but inform the housing commission that we won’t be taking up residency until I get back.”
“I like that idea. I don’t want to stay somewhere that you’ve not been without you.” Now, that’s something I like to hear. The guys have given us a lot of privacy and her little hole in the wall has given us both many hours of pleasure. I’ve marked her body in every single way a man can.
* * *
“Let me get this straight...you made her deal with Smokey and Bandit on her own for the first time? Were you guys insane?” Chef chastises us.
* * *
Paisley
* * *
Now that is a memory I’ll never forget! Smokey and Bandit have always been two of my favorite members. Only because they were there for me in a time, I needed a friend the most.
* * *
I’m making a Shirley Temple for Daria, when the front door to the bar slams open, and two imposing men come strutting in. They act as if they own the place when one opens his mouth and says, “Honey, I’m home!” and the other one exclaims, “Let the party begin!” I zero in on their BDUs and realize this must be the infamous ‘Smokey and Bandit’ I’ve been hearing so much about.
“Which one is which?” I ask, reminding myself to have a word with Travis. He didn’t say anything about them being identical twins. He could’ve also warned me that they’re so fucking gorgeous that every woman’s mouth is watering since they walked through the doors.
“I’m Smokey, the good looking one.” he points to his chest, “this poser wannabe is my brother, Bandit.” He smiles at me and I swear every woman in the bar just swooned.
“You’re the poser, motherfucker. I was born first. You were just envious of my looks and had to copy them for yourself.” Yep, they are going to be a handful.
“Can I get you gentlemen a beer?” I ask and am confused when they start looking around the room. What the heck are they looking for?
“Umm...just saying, I think they have a screw loose,” Daria whispers loudly.
“Nope, no screws loose, just looking for the gentlemen,” Smokey jokes.
“I’ll take a beer,” Bandit interjects. “Thank you.” Then he turns to Smokey and says, “See? I used my manners, so she was obviously talking to me.”
“I’ll take a draft, sweetheart. Now, what are we gonna do tonight when you get off?” Smokey asks, rubbing his hands together. Shit, I have a feeling I’m going to end up their babysitter. This is going to be a lot of work keeping these two out of trouble.
“Who are you, gorgeous?” Bandit asks Daria.
The intent I see in his eyes has me blurting out, “She’s Axe’s!” He jumps back as if he’s been burned.
“Next!” Smokey hollers, as they leave the two of us and head to make rounds with the women.
I spend the next hour having to listen to Daria bitch and whine about not really being Axe’s woman. He never claimed her as his before leaving, and all I can think about is that may not have been such a bad thing. I have to bite my tongue in order to not ask her what the hell she’s still doing hanging around if she’s not his girl.
“Last call!” I yell out.
“Give us two more, would you, Twisted’s love?” I have a name!
“It’s Paisley, you morons!”
“Oh! She likes us, she really likes us,” Smokey clutches his chest. I look over and Bandit is wiping a pretend tear from his eye.
“You guys are a little insane, you know that, right?” Daria examines them.
“And you’re a downright loser, you know that, right?” Bandit comes back. She throws her head back as if she’s been slapped. Just when I think she’s going to give them a piece of her mind, she does something unexpected—she throws her head back in laughter.
“Whatever. At least I didn’t get hitched like this one,” she states, pointing in my direction.
“Hey, that’s our brother’s woman. She’s a Twisted’s kind of love,” Smokey bats his eyelashes in my direction.
“Crazy is what it is, they’ll be divorced by his next leave.” I’ve heard this song and dance from Daria since the guys left.
“Why are you such a sourpuss?” Bandit probes her.
“Because life isn’t fairy tales, and I’m worried about my girl here.” No, she’s not! She’s lying through her fucking teeth. She doesn't worry about anyone other than herself. There’s only three people in Daria’s life who matter...Me, myself and I.
I busy myself with the cleanup, just wanting to get upstairs to escape her. I haven’t felt well this past week, and have pushed through despite the fatigue that wants to suck me in and never let me go.
4
Twisted
Dear Love,
* * *
It feels like forever since I’ve held you in my arms. Hopefully by now you’ve met the terrible twosome. They’re really good guys, sweetness. Not much to say about where we’re at except it’s hotter than Satan’s armpit. Hatch caught something and has been in the infirmary for two weeks now. Kind of miss his crazy way of keeping us on our toes. Axe and I have been on night duty. Hopefully this mission won’t keep me away from you for long. How’s that crazy bitch Axe hooked up with? Gotta tell you, I hope like hell he doesn’t decide to put a ring on that one. She’s not a nice person, so keep your guard up. You’re the most important person to me. We never talked about it, but I hope you want kids at some point. Always wanted a bunch of kids and if they’re as beautiful as you, I’ll know I struck the jackpot. Even though I’m here, I managed to start up a joint account, so you don’t have to go without anything. The guys will have the information for you. Don’t be stubb
orn, you’re my wife and it’s my honor and job to take care of you. I know I’m rambling, but there’s so much I want to tell you and also want to know about you. Do you know what I miss most? How after we’ve made love you curl into me. I miss your hands on me, sweetness. Mine just aren’t the same and yeah, I’m talking about that. That jackass, Hatch, went to the base store and bought me a huge thing of lotion and gave it to me with a bow. Joke’s on him though, because I’m using it with you in mind. Alright, I gotta get some shuteye. Stay safe. I’ll call as soon as I’m able.
Always yours,
Travis
* * *
When I wrap the letter up, I seal it in the envelope and place it under my pillow. If anything happens to me, my men will make sure she gets this. My intention is to mail it out in the morning, but with what we’re facing here, anything could happen at any point and time. No one’s safe, not even in their sleep.
I wake up and wonder how her first meeting with tweedle dee and tweedle dumb went? Getting up in need of what the military considers coffee, it sucks, but it’s needed. I barely got any sleep last night, I had visions of my wife playing in my head the entire night.
* * *
“Hey now, we weren’t that bad, were we, Paisley?” Bandit inquires in reply to Chef’s earlier question.
“Actually, you two came along when I needed y’all most,” she accounts, “but, when you two took me car shopping, I was so embarrassed I could’ve crawled into the closest hole and never came out!” I’ve heard this story and it’s really fucking hilarious. She wanted a small car, and yet they insisted she get something bigger, for the imaginary crew they were trying to convince her we’d have.
A Twisted Kind of Love Page 3
