“Guest room? You mean the storage area.” She teased, giving her something to say besides the fact that she took his bedroom to be close to him. It sounded stupid, especially since she hadn’t seen him in years, but being in his house, it brought back all the old feelings she buried deep within her.
“When I bought the house from Mom and Dad, I was leaving for a deployment. I barely had time to get my stuff from my condo and bring it over here. Since then, it’s just kind of piled up in that room. I keep hoping one day between deployments I’ll be able to deal with it, make room for it or just get rid of it, but it never happens.”
“Wynn said you’re never here, she can’t figure out why you wanted this place anyway.”
“It’s home. It might sound cheesy but if ever the day comes when I can have a family of my own, I want them here. I want the pictures that line the staircase to be of my children and family, to have them enjoy the treehouse my father and I built when I was a kid. Silly, right?”
“No.” She shook her head, wishing she could do the same with her child. For that, she’d have to have a place she considered home. Instead, she was going to find a cute little house on the edge of town, with a little land that her daughter could play in.
“It doesn’t matter how long I’m gone, when I walk through the front door I feel like I’m at home. I never had that with my condo. Plus, I couldn’t picture someone else living in this house. It’s the Diamond household, and since Wynn wasn’t going to move out of her beach condo, I bought it.”
The Diamond household.
Oh, she knew what that meant. It was so much more than just a name. They’d had some amazing parties in this house, and had a tendency to do it Vegas style. Not hard to believe since Mrs. Diamond had named her kids for their poker party days. The Diamonds weren’t gamblers, they preferred playing for favors or candy. Nothing illegal, but they played it like it was all or nothing. No one who knew them was surprised when she named the children Ace, Lucky, and Wynn.
The silence ticked by until he finally spoke. “Moving back here, what about your career?”
“I’m a virtual legal researcher, so it can be done anywhere there’s internet. Plus, the company I work for has a second branch in downtown Virginia Beach, so if I ever need to go into the office, there’s one close.”
“Where were you before?”
“Nashville, Tennessee, that’s where the main branch of Madison and Strine is. They hired me fresh out of college.”
“What did they have to say about…your pregnancy?”
“They only know I’m pregnant, not how.” She ran her hand over the curve of her stomach. “I paid for everything off the books, didn’t use my insurance for any of it. Not because I’m embarrassed by my choice, but because it was no one’s business.”
“Instead your employer thinks you’ve slept around.”
She shot to her feet. “How dare you!”
“I apologize, that was out of line.” Remorse was clear on his face.
“Damn right it was. You have no right to judge me.”
“Gwen, I’m sorry, I just wasn’t thinking. This all came as a shock. I never expected you to go about it the way you have.”
“I’ve changed from the little girl you used to know.” She grabbed the plate and glass from the table. “There’s a lot that happened over the years that would shock you. Maybe if you would have stayed in touch you’d know.” She stormed off into the kitchen before the tears came.
One of the things she hated most about being pregnant was the tears. She hated being so emotionally uncertain. She could cry at any moment, and the next she’d be laughing as if nothing happened. Hormones.
The soles of his boots echoed on the hardwood floor as he followed her. “Listen, Gwen, I am really sorry. I know it doesn’t change anything, but I am.”
“You’re right, it doesn’t. Sorry doesn’t fix anything, it doesn’t mend hurt feelings.” She placed the dishes in the dishwasher and started cleaning up the counter without looking at him.
He leaned against the island behind her, and kept his words low as if he wasn’t sure she should hear him. “All these years I hoped you had found a wonderful man and had that perfect family you always wanted.”
Pain shot through her heart. “You never bothered to ask Wynn what happened? Every time we talked I made sure to ask about you.”
“No.” It came out in a low whisper. She wasn’t sure he’d spoken until she turned around and saw him shaking his head. “I didn’t…I had hoped if I left things be, then you would be able to find someone to give you everything you deserved. We both know I wasn’t the one to give you what you wanted.”
“You chose to not be that person, without even giving me a say in it.” She didn’t bother to wipe away the tears that were freely falling down her cheeks. “What did you think would happen? That I’d just forget about you, the time we shared together, and find someone new? Do you really think I’m that much of a bitch?”
“I never said that. Damn it, Gwen, I did what I thought was right.” He slapped his hand on the counter.
“Here I thought I always had a say in what was right for me.” She threw the dishrag in the sink. “Just forget it.”
Chapter Three
Shocked and unable to believe how quickly things had gotten out of hand, Ace just stood there watching Gwen stalk from the kitchen. She was upset, tears streaming down her face, and he wasn’t sure how to make anything better. When he put distance between them, he did it for her. It hadn’t been easy for him, but neither was seeing her again.
He wanted to believe that all those years ago, he had made the right decision, that he wasn’t the reason she was single and pregnant now, but for the first time he had some serious doubt. Seeing her there in his family home brought back all the memories, bringing to life all the feelings he had for her.
Every part of him itched to go after her, to comfort her. Instead, he kept himself rooted to the spot. Feeling her in his arms would be the end of him. He’d never be able to stuff his emotions and hide them away again. Before he realized it, he was halfway across the open space, nearing the steps.
“Get it together, Diamond.” With one last glare at the steps, he forced himself to turn away from them. He’d get himself under control and then go upstairs and get some rest.
In three days, he’d be leaving again. He couldn’t forget his life revolved around training and missions, there was nothing left over for a committed relationship. Gwen needed a man who would be there, and now she needed a father for her child. He couldn’t be that, and thinking otherwise wasn’t fair to her.
His cell phone rang, pulling him back from the brink of his dangerous thoughts. He snatched it from the table and checked the caller ID.
Rebel. What trouble is he getting into now?
Luke “Rebel” Rodríguez wasn’t that much younger then Ace, but he partied like he was still twenty-one. Wherever he went he managed to find trouble. It didn’t matter where he was or what he was doing, trouble followed him around like a shadow.
He slid his finger across the screen, and brought it to his ear. “I thought you’d be catching up on your sleep so you could get crazy tonight.”
“I’m about to do just that. I’m surprised you’re not already asleep. Diamond, with your old age, you need your rest. The guys and I are going out tonight, hitting this new club downtown. You coming?”
“No man, I already promised Wynn I’d stop over tonight.” The excuse slipped out before he could stop himself. They had barely been off duty for a couple of hours and already Rebel was looking for fun. This time Ace wanted nothing to do with it. He wanted to stay home and maybe find a way to make up his blunder to Gwen.
“Come on, old man. You can do that early, then meet us for drinks.”
“Next time, you have my word. Have a good time.”
“Damn man, you and Boom are getting too old for your own good. Successful missions should be celebrated, you never know when the next o
ne might be our last.”
Wasn’t that the truth, but not tonight.
“Boom?” He and Jared “Boom” Taylor were in the same SEAL class, going through the torture of training together. Sticking together, they’d somehow made it through when most of their class dropped out.
“Yeah, he’s staying home tonight too. Something about a list of shit to do before we leave again.”
He didn’t like the fact that the boys were going out without him or Boom; they were the ones that kept the younger men in line and out of jail. “What’s the name of the club?”
“Pulse. It’s off Mediterranean Avenue, just past the Japanese restaurant. You can’t miss the signs. Does that mean you’re coming then?”
“I might stop by.” He left it open, so if he didn’t feel like going no one would be watching out for him.
“See you there.” Excitement poured from Rebel’s voice.
“Maybe,” he reminded him before ending the call.
Just what I want to do, go out to a loud club. Don’t the boys believe in resting at all?
With a shower calling to him, he slid the phone into his pocket, grabbed his olive top load canvas duffel bag and headed upstairs. Shower, some sleep, and then hopefully he’d have an idea how to fix the tension between Gwen and him without getting to close to her.
Gwen curled up on the king size bed. The tears had finally begun to subside when the shower kicked on in the hall bathroom. She had debated leaving. At this time of year, she could find a hotel without a problem, but something kept her there. Seeing Ace brought everything back with a vengeance. It broke her heart to hear the only man she ever loved stand there and criticize her choices.
It took a near fatal car accident to make her realize she couldn’t keep waiting for him. She had to move on with her life. She fell in love with Ace in high school and never got over it. Even the few short-term boyfriends she’d had since then could never compare to him.
She’d once believed they would spend their lives together, though she hadn’t been comfortable with the idea of being a military wife. That was where his ambition was, and she had accepted that. Then he just went off to boot camp and never looked back.
She didn’t understand how he could just leave her without explaining it to her. All she received was a Dear Jane letter. She had hoped to be able to talk some sense into him, to get him to see reason, but every letter she wrote went unanswered. Finally, she decided to wait until he came back, but each time he had a break in his training he made an excuse. By the time he finished his training and joined SEAL team two, she had moved to Tennessee and was busy with her own career. Too much time had passed for her to seek him out; there was no logic left, only pain.
Sliding her hand along the curve of her stomach, her thoughts turned to her unborn daughter, and she tried to convince herself everything had worked out fine. Maybe not the way she wanted them to, but that didn’t matter anymore. Now she had to focus on making a life for her and her daughter, and the first step was to find a new place to live.
Chapter Four
Two houses down, Gwen and her realtor stood outside a condo building. The building was two blocks from the beach and just down the road from Wynn’s. It was at the top end of her budget, but still within it if it didn’t need a lot of work.
“This condo has two bedrooms, two baths, and the open floor plan you asked for. It also has a den you could use as your office.” Trudy read off the house details while Gwen looked over the outside.
“What floor?”
“The eighth floor. There’s a large balcony with nice views, as well as a play set on the other side of the building for the children. There’s an indoor pool and fitness area, a large area on the first floor that can be used for birthday parties, events, pretty much anything a tenant needs. Shall we go inside?”
She nodded and followed her realtor to the door. The additional amenities the condo provided were appealing. So far, the only thing that wasn’t was the additional housing fees associated with it.
“I know it wasn’t entirely what you were looking for but I think it might work better for you. The building next door has a daycare in it that a lot of the families who live here use. The beach and almost everything you need is all within walking distance.”
Another couple of positives for the condo that she added to her mental list. At this point, she didn’t plan to use daycare. Her hours were flexible enough that it wasn’t needed. She could always hire a daytime nanny if she needed someone to watch her daughter while she worked. That would allow her daughter to be home with her instead of in a daycare.
Inside, the creamy white marble tile and warm gold walls gave the place a touch of class. A small coffee area sat cattycorner to the door, with the television overhead tuned into one of the daytime soaps. It felt welcoming, almost as if it wasn’t a lobby.
“There is security detail round the clock, they make sure there is fresh coffee out here at all times,” Trudy explained, winking.
“Security?”
“There’s nothing to worry about. There are never any issues, they’re here as a precaution. So close to the beach, many of the condo owners are not year round residents, so the condo board decided it would put many of the owners at ease to have the security on site.” Trudy pushed the up button in front of the bank of elevators.
The elevator doors opened and Lucky was standing there, Ace’s younger brother. “Gwen? I can’t believe it! That’s you, isn’t it?”
“Oh, Lucky, how nice it is to see you.” She stepped into the elevator and wrapped her arms around him. “It’s been too long.”
“Tell me about it. What are you doing here?” His arms tightened around her until she couldn’t breathe before finally letting her go. “You’re pregnant.”
Not having any desire to get into her pregnancy in front of Trudy, she nodded and quickly made introductions. “Lucky Diamond, this is my realtor Trudy, she’s showing me a condo on the eighth floor.”
“Condo eight-twelve.”
“How did you know?”
“I’m next door in eight-eleven. A fellow Marine lived there, until he received his PCS.” As if he realized at the last moment he was talking to a civilian, he added, “Permanent Change of Station.”
“Hmm, we could be neighbors.”
“Mind if I tag along, then maybe we could get some coffee and catch up?”
She nodded and realized the elevator doors had closed but they hadn’t moved. “Sure, if you weren’t off to do something.”
“It can wait.” He reached past Trudy and pushed the button for the eighth floor.
Gwen leaned against the wall between them, almost unable to believe it was Lucky standing in front of her. The sweet, slightly geeky boy from high school had grown into one fine looking man. Being a Marine had given him muscles he didn’t have before, and the shaggy hair had been replaced with a crew cut. He was attractive, but to her he was like a younger brother, nothing more. At least he’s happy to see me.
Twenty minutes later the tour was complete and Gwen sat in Lucky’s condo. The floor plan was identical to the one she’d just seen, the only difference was it was clear a single man lived here. Where a dining table should have been there was an air hockey table in its place, and there were weights near the television. Otherwise, the area was relatively spotless, not that she expected anything less from Lucky. He had always been the most organized of the Diamond family, and lived a strict timetable, making him a good fit for military life.
“So…” He leaned against the kitchen bar, watching her.
Knowing Lucky wouldn’t come straight out with what was on his mind, she took a sip of the water and decided to cut to the point. “Did Wynn tell you, or are you wondering where my husband is?”
“She only told me you’ve moved back into town alone.” He sat his beer down on the counter and gave her a serious look. “Do I need to break some guy’s legs?”
With a lighthearted laugh, she realized how much she
’d missed Lucky. He always could make her laugh, even when she thought her world was falling apart.
She laid her hand over his. “It’s nothing like that. I did this on my own. It was time I had a family. My daughter was conceived by a sperm donor.”
“Good for you.” He laid his other hand on top of theirs giving it a squeeze. “You took your life in your own hands and got what you wanted. I’m sorry it wasn’t how you pictured it, but you’re living life on your own terms and there’s nothing better than that.”
His words sent a shockwave rippling through her. Even Wynn hadn’t been supportive at first.
“Thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that.”
“I know Ace is back in town and you were staying at the house while you searched for a place of your own, so if you need a place to stay you’re welcome here. I have a guest room you can use.”
“Thank you, Lucky, but it’s not necessary.” As she sipped her water, she pictured Ace’s reaction to that. He would blow a gasket if he knew she was leaving his place to stay with his younger brother.
“I know how things went down with you two and I don’t want you getting hurt again. It would be wrong if I have to beat the shit out of my own brother again. I’m not sure Mom would like that too much.” He took a deep swig from his beer and watched her.
“I don’t think Mrs. Diamond would be happy over her grown sons fighting, plus it’s not worth it.”
“You’re worth it. Never doubt that.”
“It’s all in the past and that’s where it’s going to stay. I didn’t decided to stay in town to be close to Ace, but because I have so many fond memories here. It’s where I want my daughter to be raised.”
In reality, when she’d decided to move back home, she had hoped she wouldn’t bump into Ace. Her heart didn’t need the pain. Too much time had passed for them to go back to the way things were, and the child growing inside her needed her to be at her best, not love sick over someone who’d left her without an explanation. Despite this, she couldn’t get Ace out of her mind no matter how hard she tried.
Field Stripped: 15 Steamy Military Romances Page 2