Sandra kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Momma.”
Her mother headed for the exit, and Sandra bee lined it to the elevator. She couldn’t wait to see Zach. It seemed to take forever for the small box to reach its destination, but the bell finally dinged and the doors opened in front of the nurse’s station on the fourth floor.
Still a little unsteady on her feet, Sandra carefully made her way to the desk. The same nurse worked that had been there the first time she had come to find Zach. She looked up and smiled.
“You again. Did you lose your phone a second time?” she giggled.
Sandra blushed. “No, this time it’s a personal visit. I don’t want to get Zach in trouble, but I just got freed from my wheelchair and I wanted to show him I’m walking.”
The young lady smiled. “Quite an accomplishment. I’d want to share too. Don’t worry, you won’t get Zach in hot water, he’s a favorite around here. I’ll call him and he’ll be here in a jiffy.”
With a coy smile the nurse dialed a number and sing-songed into the phone, “Oh, Zachary, you have a visitor at the front desk.” She nodded as if he could see her. “Okay, I’ll tell her.”
“He’s taking some vitals. He’ll be up as soon as he’s done. You want to sit?”
“Thanks, but I think I’ll stand, I’ve been sitting for a month.”
The pretty nurse laughed. “Gotcha, I bet your bootie is tired.”
“You have no idea.”
The phone rang and the nurse went back to business. Sandra glanced down the hallway, wondering what ward this was, she and Zach hadn’t discussed what kind of care he did for his patients. She’d have to ask him about that. Speak of the devil, Zach stepped into the hallway and strode toward her as she watched. Such a big man, it seemed kind of incongruous to think of him as a medic in a hospital. In the field, yeah, she could definitely see him as a field medic.
“Little bit,” he said, opening his arms and engulfing her in a hug. “Look at you! You’re standing up, but you’re still no bigger than a minnow.”
She glared at him, “Look mister, just because you are the size of the incredible hulk doesn’t mean I am small, it just means you’re big!”
“I don’t think so sister. What are you, five foot nothing?”
She stood to her tallest. “I am foot three and a half, thank you very much.”
“Oh, let’s don’t forget the half.” He laughed. “Like I said, a minnow.”
“And what does that make you? A shark?”
He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Yes ma’am, and I’m going to eat you up.”
Sandra glanced at the nurse’s station to make sure their conversation wasn’t being overheard. “You can’t say things like that to me, Zach. You’re making me hot.”
“I hope I’m making you hot and wet.”
Damn, he sure as hell was.
He leaned back, arms still circling her waist. “I saw Caleb this morning—”
“Yes, I know,” she interrupted.”
He frowned at her. “What’s that look for?”
“He ribbed me something terrible about our dating, and then asked about us double dating this weekend.”
“I’m gonna kick his ass.”
“I’ll help.”
“I was going to ask you about that tonight. Would you like to double this weekend? Or are you too pissed at him now?”
Sandra laughed. “I’m not pissed. I gave as good as I got. I think a double date would be fun. And this time I can really dance with you.”
“Oh baby, I don’t know if I can wait. A whole night with you in my arms. I’ll call you tonight and we’ll work out the details, okay? I gotta get back to work.”
“I gotta go too. Momma is waiting.”
“I wish I could kiss you goodbye, but…”
“I know. I’ll talk to you later.” She gave him a wink and turned back to the elevator. It had been one hell of a red letter day.
Saturday night emerged with perfect spring weather for Tennessee, clear and warm. Sandra brought along a jacket, just in case the temperature dropped while they were out. Because if you learned one thing in Tennessee, it was if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes, it will change.
Tonight they were going Honky Tonkin, and Sandy donned in her best cowboy duds. Without the immobilizer, she slipped back into her Wranglers, damn she loved those jeans, cowboy boots and a deep blue off the shoulder blouse. Her jacket, a fringed number that screamed cowgirl, and she’d even pulled her straw Stetson out of the closet. It topped her crimson curls to perfection. Look out Wild Horse Saloon, Sandra O’Donnell was in the house!
She’d traded the awful medical cane they’d given her at the orthopedist’s office for a hand carved wooden cane with a horse carved on the handle she’d found in a specialty shop. She loved the piece of art…much more her style.
Zach’s knock on the door had thrills racing up her spine. She felt like a teenager on prom night, or Cinderella waiting for her prince at the ball. She opened the door and smiled up into his handsome face.
“Howdy partner,” she said in an exaggerated drawl.
“Woo wee.” He wolf whistled. “You are one hot momma. Are you sure you want to go to the bar? I could just take you home to bed.”
“Zachary Winters, you better hush. If my daddy hears you, he’ll be out here with his shotgun!”
Zach laughed and drew her into his arms for a kiss that almost melted her panties. “Damn, girl you look good.”
“Thank you. You look mighty fine yourself,” she drawled again.
He arched a brow. “Is this a roll playing game we are having tonight?”
She shrugged a bare shoulder, and ran a hand down his chest. “Would little ole me play games with a big ole boy like you?” she teased.
“Oh, I think you would, and I might like it.”
She melted her frame against his body and tipped her face up for another kiss, Zach seemed happy to oblige.
“I think this is going to be a good night.” He smacked her ass and drew her to his side with an arm around her shoulder. “Let’s hit the dusty trail, little lady,” he said, joining in the fun.
Sandra giggled and they made their way to his truck. Even on two feet she wasn’t making into the giant vehicle without assistance, so Zach lifted her up and deposited her in the seat as he had before. She really liked this big truck.
An hour’s drive to Nashville and the Wild Horse Saloon would get them to their destination, but the time passed quickly.
“I never asked what ward you work on at the hospital. What do you do?” Sandra asked.
“I’m on orthopedics post op. So, just like the ward where you woke up after your surgery.”
“Really? That’s quite a coincidence.”
“Yeah, it is.”
“How long have you been at the base hospital?”
“I’ve been stateside the last three years.”
“Wow, that’s a good gig. Where were you before that?”
“I did a tour in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.”
“I didn’t know you’d been in Afghanistan, so you saw what I’ve seen, been there. Were you a field medic?”
“Yeah, it was pretty rough.”
“That’s funny, when I saw you at the hospital today, I thought about how I could see you in that position.”
He gave her a hard look. “Really? Why?”
“I don’t know. You are just so big, and strong. Capable, commanding.”
Zach was quiet for a moment. “Thank you, I think. I’m glad you think I’m capable. I’m good at my job, but I’m more than my size you know. Strength comes from the heart, not the body. I’ve known big men who were weak, who hurt others with their physical strength, bullies, jerks. And I’ve known men who were small in stature, but had hearts of a lion.”
Sandra nodded. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“No, I’m sorry. You didn’t offend me. I just get tired of being judged by my size.
I hate stereotyping.”
“You’re right. I hate it when people think I’m weak just because I’m small.” She laughed. “And you’re a gentle giant.”
He reached across and squeezed her hand. “Minnow.”
“Hulk.”
They pulled into the parking lot of the club and managed to find a parking place. Zach texted Caleb.
We’re here, where you at?
Already inside, got a table, head to the right as you come in. I’ll be looking for you.
“They’re here, let’s go.” Caleb jumped down from the truck and came around assist Sandra to the ground. Though crowded inside the saloon, Zach spotted Caleb instantly, his six foot plus frame standing out even in the large crowd.
Zach and Sandy wove their way through the tables until they reached their friend. Zach and Caleb embraced in a man hug, patting each other’s back and then fist bumping. Caleb hugged her and kissed her cheek, and Sandra tried to mask her shock. Stepping back, he pulled a lovely blonde to his side.
“Zach, Sandra, this is Tabitha Owens. Tabitha, Zach Winters, and Sandra O’Donnell.”
Greetings were exchanged and they all sat down. The loud bar made conversation difficult, but they learned Tabitha was a local massage therapist and had just started her own business.
After one drink and the shouted conversation, Zach and Sandra hit the dance floor. Still a little unsteady on her feet, Sandy eyed the crowd nervously, but she felt safe in Zach arms. She knew he wouldn’t let her fall, and they would only dance to the slow songs.
As they swayed to the beat on the floor the song changed and I Drive Your Truck came across the speakers. Tears filled Sandra’s eyes and she laid her head against Zach’s chest and whispered. “This song always gets me.” She looked up and his eyes were suspiciously moist too.
“Yeah, I know.”
They held each other close as the words poured over them, swaying slowly to the melancholy lyric. Thank goodness the next song was Sangria by Blake Shelton and that lightened the mood.
Caleb came and tapped on Zach shoulder. “May I have this dance?” he said with a bow.
Zach slapped him on the shoulder. “I suppose, but just remember, she’s my girl.”
Caleb laughed. “No promises.”
Caleb swept her into his arms with an alarming dip as Zach headed back to their table and Sandra tried very hard not to laugh at his antics.
“You’re good for him,” Caleb said. “He’s really happy.”
Sandra smiled demurely. “He’s good for me. He’s a good man.”
“He is. He’s the best, and if you break his heart I’ll have to kill you.”
Startled, Sandra blinked up at him. “I don’t think I could break his heart. He might break mine.”
“Would never happen.”
She looked at him hard. “Seriously? You’re going to stand there and tell me a man that handsome man doesn’t have a string of broken hearts in his past?” She shook her head. “Sorry, not buying it.”
Caleb shook his head. “Well, you’d be wrong. I won’t tell you the man is saint. He’s had his share of one night stands, we all did in our time. But when Zach is in a relationship, he’s in it. I see the look in his eyes, he really cares about you. Don’t hurt him.”
The sincerity in Caleb’s eyes touched her heart. “I would never intentionally hurt him, Caleb, but…I don’t know what Zach has told you…I’m dealing with some stuff—.
“What kind of stuff?” Caleb interrupted shortly.
Sandra hesitated. “PTSD.”
Caleb’s shoulders immediately relaxed. “Oh, is that all.”
Sandra gave him shocked look. “Is that all? Are you nuts?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make light of it. But PTSD is soldier stuff. We deal with that. We can handle that. As long as it’s not old boyfriend crap, or some other guy’s baby, or drugs, or that kind of shit, he can deal, no problem.”
“God, you sound just like Zach. My life is falling apart and you two think it’s just a walk in the park.” She shook her head in frustration.
Caleb shook her shoulders. “Cut that shit out. Your life is not falling apart. Hell, I see you three times a week. I’d know if your life was that much of a wreck.”
“No, Caleb, you wouldn’t. You don’t. You really don’t.”
He stepped back and looked down at her, pausing their movement on the dance floor. “It’s really that bad?”
A single tear slid down her cheek. “I took a swing at Zach in my sleep the other night.”
Caleb pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry, Sandy. I had no idea.”
“Good, because I didn’t want you to. I don’t want this to define my life.”
“I get it. I’m just sorry I made an ass out of myself acting like it wasn’t a big deal.”
She gave him a wan smile. “It’s okay. I understand where you’re coming from, and I’m glad you think he can handle it, because I really need the support.”
He hugged her again. “You can count on me too,” he said into her ear. “Anything you need, I’m here for you.”
Zach walked up and grabbed her around the waist. “Hey, what’s going on here? Quit huggin’ on my girl.”
Sandra’s eyes were moist when she looked up at him. “Just having a moment, big fella, nothing to worry about.”
“Well, I want you to save all your moments for me, little bit,” he teased.
She smiled up at him and hugged his waist. “You got it, partner,” she said slipping back into her fake drawl. That was more like it. He’d had enough drama for the night, it was time for some fun and some lovin’. “Dance with me darlin’” he said drawing her into his arms.
“Sho ‘nuf, honey chil,” and with that the mood of the night changed to playful and romantic.
By the end of the third slow dance Zach wasn’t sure he could stand much more. Sandra had her body pressed close to his like a second skin. Her sweet curves melted to every muscle and plane of his body, her hands in the back pockets of his jeans. His ass was doing a happy dance.
She looked up at him, her pupils dilated with passion. “My leg is a little tired, honey buns. I think I need some ibuprophen and a rub down.” She squeezed his ass for emphasis and desire shot straight to his cock.
“Well, my little dew drop, let’s head for the homestead and take care of that right quick.” He rubbed his erection against her abdomen and she moaned. “Mmm, yes ‘em, that’s just what I need.”
They made their way back to the table and said their goodbyes. Zach made certain he kept Sandra in front of him to hide the evidence of his aroused condition. If he could manage to make it home without crashing the truck it would be a miracle. Maybe they should just rent a motel room here in Nashville. He wasn’t sure he could wait an hour to get his hands on her.
When they got to the truck he lifted her onto the step board and pressed her into the side of the vehicle, this made her the perfect height. He tossed the hat from her head, throwing it into the bed of the truck and thrust his hands onto the mass of fiery curls, holding her in place for his kiss. Ravaging her mouth, he couldn’t get enough of her taste, sweet tea and honey. Her lips were soft and pliable, and he licked and bit the delectable morsels before sweeping back inside to mingle with her tongue and teeth.
A wolf whistle and a shouted “Get a room.” brought him to his senses and he pulled back, hands sliding down her back to grasp her ass and slowly slide her down his body to the ground. She looked up at him with a vacant stare.
“We’ll continue this at home,” he whispered, opening the door and depositing her inside the truck.
Chapter Five
Sandra barely remembered the drive to Zach’s home. She’d been in an erotic haze since the kiss in the parking lot, her body thrumming, and her senses on overload. He’d held her hand and caressed her knuckles, the feeling shooting straight between her legs. How the hell could her knuckles connect to her clit? Like a live wire, circuits all exceeding maximum
capacity, her nerve endings tingling and vibrating like a tuning fork.
Zach pulled into his parking place and when the rumble of the engine stopped, her engine fired on all cylinders. He pulled the key from the ignition and turned to look at her. The heat of his gaze enough to light a bonfire.
She had her door open before he made it around the truck and she slid into his arms when he reached her side. Zach didn’t let her feet touch the ground. He swept her up and kicked the door closed with his foot, carrying her to the front door like a bride on her wedding night.
He pressed the keys into her hand and she fumbled to open the lock. He once again kicked the door closed and strode straight for the bedroom.
“This blouse you have on has been driving me crazy all night. Your beautiful creamy shoulders on display and me unable to kiss them.” He set her on her feet next to the bed and proceeded to do just that. Kissing down her neck and shoulders, teasing her collar bone with his tongue, nibbling her freckles. “God, I love your freckles. I want to taste every one.”
Sandra laughed. “That would take a while, I have about a million.”
“I hope it takes a lifetime,” he whispered against her skin.
Holy crap! Did he really just say that?
Zach knelt in front of her, burying his face in her cleavage, his hands sliding down her back, over her butt and then down the back of her thighs. When they rose again, they were at her waist undoing the snap of her jeans. The zipper slowly descended and his hands slipped inside, pushing the fabric down as he reached around to massage the globes of her ass, left bare by her tiny thong.
“Mmm, I like this,” he murmured between her breasts.
“I do too,” she giggled.
“Sit on the bed and let me get your boots off.”
Sandra moved to comply and like an expert Zach pulled her boots off in a single tug from the heel, peeling her socks off and tossing them over his shoulder with a jaunty grin. “Do you have smelly feet?”
“God, I hope not.” She laughed.
“I want to nibble your toes.”
Field Stripped: 15 Steamy Military Romances Page 82