The Soldier's Final Mission

by Laura M. Baird

  “With us? What do you mean?”

  Another step brought him closer. “I’m here for you, Becca. I spent the last six years thinking about you, and lately wondering why I was such a dumbass for not giving us a chance. For letting my own fear and uncertainty ruin what could have been something great. What I hope could still be salvaged.”

  The hope in his voice, now in his eyes, had Becca’s mind reeling. “Why did you never contact me?”

  “Tessa told me you had moved on, married, had a kid. I couldn’t disrupt that. I was always gone on missions, and that seemed to reaffirm my conviction for not getting involved. But it didn’t stop me from thinking about you, wishing things could’ve been different.”

  “There was never anyone else over the years?” She found it hard to believe that he had never hooked up with anyone else. She watched him lower his head and almost blush. “Okay, maybe I really don’t want to know about that.”

  His head came up and his stare met hers. “Becca, nobody has ever invaded my thoughts like you. I can’t explain it, and it doesn’t really matter. All that matters is I’m here, ready to beg if I have to.”

  “Bob, I—”

  Bob closed the distance between them to stand within inches of her. “Can you give me a chance? Is there any possible way you could consider loving this broken man?”

  Becca reached out her hands to take his, gripping them tightly. “Don’t say that. You’re not a broken man.”

  “Becca, there’s a lot you don’t know.”

  “Like the scars?” She looked to his arm, seeing much more than she had earlier. “The limp?” she said as she looked down to his legs before returning to his face. “They don’t matter to me. That’s only superficial.” She leaned in closer, releasing a hand to place on his chest. “What matters is what’s in here. Your strength. Your courage. Your heart.”

  ****

  Bob felt the heat of her hand above his heart through the thin material of his t-shirt. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting her words sink in, enjoying the fact that she was even touching him again. When he finally opened his eyes, he saw the hope he longed to see in hers.

  “Becca,” he began, his voice strangled with emotion. “There’s so much I want to say, so much…”

  “Bob, there’ll be time for words later,” she said softly.

  He leaned in, gently pressing his lips to hers. Bob felt her surrender, heard her sigh as she gave herself over to the kiss. He began to wind his arms around her and she jumped on him, wrapping her legs around his waist. Bob surprised himself with the chuckle that escaped. “Still, such a tiny thing,” he said between kisses.

  “This tiny thing is yours. Don’t lose me again.”

  “Never.”

  They assaulted one another with their mouths as their hands found purchase in each other’s hair. They stumbled toward the couch, frantic for each other.

  “Where’s Riley?” Bob mumbled against her lips.

  “He’s asleep in his room. Don’t worry, an earthquake couldn’t wake him.”

  Becca tried to reclaim his lips, but Bob pulled back slightly to make his intentions clear. “Good, because I can’t wait any longer. Please tell me again that I don’t need a condom.”

  “We’ve waited too long already, and no, no condom. Take me, Bob.”

  And he did.

  The urge to claim her and claim her quickly, as if she’d somehow change her mind or disappear, drove Bob to near wild and reckless abandon. As he stood Becca on her feet and savagely ripped the clothes from her body, he barely heard her gasp as blood rushed to his head and roared in his ears. His eyes feasted on her beautifully delicate form as her eyes widened, questioning.

  “God, I don’t deserve you,” he mumbled.

  He would have taken a step back, his aggressive action now registering and causing humility, but Becca fisted her hands in his shirt, effectively holding him in place.

  “Yes, you do, just like I finally deserve you.” She stepped to him, her naked body pressing against his fully clothed one. “Don’t pull away, Bob. Please, don’t ever pull away.” Without waiting for further words, Becca guided him back until his knees hit the couch and he sat. She worked open his jeans, quickly freeing his erection and cradling it in her hot little hand.

  Bob hissed as his head hit the back of the cushion, her touch feeling so damned good.

  “Bob, look at me,” Becca nearly commanded. And when he did, he kept his eyes locked on her as she straddled his lap and took him in, seating herself until they met pelvis to pelvis.

  His hands flew to her hips, keeping her anchored, her flesh to his. He pulsed inside her hot channel, relishing the feel of her body’s acceptance of him. Her pussy clenched around him as she rocked her hips, a sinful smile transforming her face.

  “You’re too good to be true,” he rasped. His hands caressed her skin, bringing them up her sides to the softness of her breasts which he molded.

  Becca shook her head. “No, I’m not.” She covered his hands with her own and used the leverage to rock even more across his lap, withdrawing slightly before seating herself again. She increased the rhythm, the pace, continuing to smile at him as her eyes sparkled.

  Bob gently squeezed her breasts before releasing them, hooking around her back. As Becca’s hand landed on his shoulders, he pulled her forward, latching onto a nipple, suckling and teasing one then the other. As she rode him faster and faster, her moans increasing along with his, he knew it wouldn’t take long before they both shattered. Bob kept his face cradled between her softness, inhaling her sweetness as he pumped into her harder and harder.

  “Becca,” he breathed onto her skin. He felt her tighten, squeezing him as he surged into her one more time before exploding. Convulsing, their bodies rocked together, the roughness of his clothing no doubt chaffing her.

  With ragged breaths, they slowly came down from their high as Becca’s body released Bob. He kept her in his arms as they sat on the couch with her straddling his lap. Staring at one another, they exchanged goofy grins between nibbles on each other’s mouths. Bob stiffened as she began to lift the edge of his shirt, her hands seeking his skin.

  “Becca, don’t.” He started to protest, but she cut him off with the shake of her head.

  “Don’t expect me not to see you—all of you.”

  She began to lift the shirt off his body slowly, carefully, as if the action caused him pain. And it did. It pained him to have her see his ugliness, but without protest he allowed her to continue. When the garment was off and his torso was bare, her eyes traveled the expanse of his chest and abdomen. He knew she wouldn’t see much from this view, as the damage done to him wasn’t on his front. Still, Bob suddenly felt the need to cover himself, concerned that his scars would repulse her. They covered the right half of his backside as well as that side of his neck and down his arm. He had suffered nerve damage in his back and leg, which caused the limp.

  As she gingerly touched his neck, she whispered, “Lean forward.”

  Bob hesitated, a flash of worry running through his brain. But he complied after seeing something in her eyes that told him he was safe with her. And he needn’t have worried as he felt her fingers softly caress his body and she leaned forward, her lips placing kisses upon the skin below his ear.

  “You can love this?” he asked.

  Becca sat back to meet his gaze. “I can love you,” she answered.

  Framing her beautiful face, he kissed her reverently. As she moaned into his mouth, he felt her hands continue their exploration, not realizing until now how much he needed, craved, had been starved for her touch. Bob trailed a hand down her abdomen, settling between her legs and stroking her clit, feeling it pulse as it became engorged. Their kiss became urgent as their breaths increased, their moans more insistent.

  Becca lifted her body slightly and circled his renewed erection, sliding her hand along its length. She guided it to her entrance as Bob’s hand landed on her hips. He thrust up, burying him
self inside her.

  Home.

  That thought hit his brain, his heart, and he knew where he belonged. Forever with this woman.

  Their lips separated as they held still a moment, just gazing at one another, solidifying more than just their physical connection.

  Becca leaned back, planting her hands behind her on Bob’s thighs, and moved in tiny thrusts. Open to him, he thumbed her clit as he added to the movement. He felt her quickly tighten, and her whimpers told him she was close.

  Bob watched Becca throw her head back, triumphing as her scream escaped and her orgasm rocked her. His own release soon followed, his body convulsing in sync with hers. He pulled Becca close, wrapping his arms around her, feeling her arms circle his shoulders as her hands traced up his neck and into his hair.

  Bob knew he’d never tire of her touch and thanked God that he had it once again.

  “I love you, Becca,” he whispered in her ear.

  “And I love you, Bob,” she returned, feeling her lips smile against his skin.

  Eventually, they made it to Becca’s bedroom where he shed the rest of his clothes, and they slept soundly through the night in each other’s arms.

  ****

  Riley woke them Sunday morning, happy to see Mommy’s friend again, not even questioning why he was in Mommy’s bed. Thankfully, they were covered by the sheet. The last thing Becca wanted was to have her son see their naked entangled bodies.

  “Mommy, Mommy, get up! It’s time for waffles and ice cweam! You too, soldier!” Before he received an answer, Riley was running out the door, no doubt headed to the kitchen, dressed only in his Captain America underwear.

  Becca giggled as she turned to face Bob and saw the cutest grin on his handsome face.

  “Waffles and ice cream? For breakfast?” he questioned, raising his brow.

  “Yeah, well, I might have promised him that before bed last night.”

  Bob leaned forward to press a kiss to her forehead. When he fell back, he pulled her on top of him, wrapping his strong arms around her body. She instantly felt the rise of his growing erection pressing into her center.

  “Um, Bob, as much as I’d love to take care of you this morning, Riley is known for his impatience, and I doubt you want him running back in here to witness, uh,”—she glanced down at their bodies then back to his face—“you know.”

  “What?” His grin grew wider.

  Becca squirmed and tried to dislodge herself from his arms. “You know. Come on, we need to get up.” When she made no progress, she looked to Bob who was only smiling like the devil.

  “Come on, Becca, you can say it.” He nuzzled her neck, causing her to giggle even more.

  “No.” She laughed while doing her darndest to scramble away, but all she managed to do was grind even more on his impressive, fully erect cock. She was instantly wet, her insides clenching. “Bob…” she groaned.

  “I want to bury myself deep inside you and never let you go,” he ground out.

  Becca held herself still, moaning against his chest. “Dammit, me too.” She looked up at Bob, sure that the heat in his eyes matched her own. “Later. Promise.” She gave him a quick nip on his chin, and when she felt him loosen his hold, she hastily—reluctantly—moved away and into her bathroom.

  Making quick work taking care of business, she returned to her room, grabbing clothes and dressing. She figured she’d shower later once her son was satisfied with breakfast. Becca saw that Bob sat at the edge of her bed wearing only his jeans. She then realized that his shirt lay on the couch in the living room.

  “Bob?”

  His head came up and met her gaze, both his mouth and eyes smiling. This time, it was genuine. He stood and reached for her hand. “Let’s have breakfast.” Just then a loud clang sounded from the kitchen. Bob added with a chuckle, “Before Riley hurts himself.”

  Becca chuckled as well as they quickly walked toward the kitchen. “I thought I kid-proofed every room, so this should be interesting.”

  When they found Riley, he had managed to climb onto the counter via a pot that sat on a chair he had ascended with the help of his little step stool. The pot now rolled on the floor as Riley stood with a bowl in his hand and a proud smile on his face. Ice cream already sat on the table, as the freezer compartment was easy for him to reach, being the bottom portion of the refrigerator.

  “Hi!” the little sneak exclaimed.

  “The kid’s got priorities,” Bob teased.

  Becca nudged his side before moving forward to scoop Riley off the counter. “You, young man, are in trouble. You should know better than to climb up on this counter. You could have hurt yourself.”

  Wrapped in her arms, Riley brushed his nose against Becca’s and giggled. “But I didn’t, and I was just about to get the bowls for ice cweam.”

  “I see that, but I haven’t even made the waffles yet, silly.” She spun around to face Bob who stood there smiling, looking so delicious that she could certainly eat him up for breakfast. Becca blushed at the thought, and from the narrowing of Bob’s eyes, she was certain he knew her thoughts as well. Before either could say a word, Riley spoke out.

  “Wow! You did get owies!”

  Becca glanced at Bob, seeing what her son saw—puckered skin running from the right side of his neck, across his shoulder, and down a portion of his arm. If he were to turn, they’d see the right side of his back puckered and pruned as well. Searching his eyes, Becca was glad to see a neutral expression. Again, Riley spoke before either adult could utter a word.

  “Did bad guys do that to you?”

  “Sure did.” Bob stepped closer. “But remember when I said I was all better?”

  “Uh-huh,” Riley said and nodded his head.

  “It’s true. It doesn’t even hurt anymore.” Bob smiled.

  Riley’s smile beamed. “Mommy said you were a bwave man. My owies don’t hurt anymore, so I must be bwave too.”

  “You absolutely are,” Bob answered.

  Riley turned his proud smile to Becca. She had to contain the tears that moistened her eyes and choke down the sob that threatened. “Okay, big buy, go get dressed while I start breakfast.”

  As she placed her son on his feet, he protested, stating, “He doesn’t have a shirt, so I why do I need one?”

  “Good point,” Becca muttered. “Um, Riley, Bob’s going to put his shirt on, so you go get yours. And pants too.” When he marched off toward his room, she looked up to find Bob grinning.

  “What? You’re too distracting with all that.” She waved her hand out in front of her. “So go cover up.”

  Bob was instantly in front of her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. He nuzzled her neck, saying, “Distracting, huh?”

  “Yes,” she replied hoarsely, her hands automatically going around his head. “Deliciously distracting. I’ll feast on you later.”

  “Mmm, I like the sound of that.” Bob nipped her lips before pulling back, winking at her before heading to the living room.

  Becca watched his retreating backside, seeing past the scars. All she noticed was his returned confidence and she loved it. She made haste in her preparations as Riley and Bob both returned to the kitchen, chattering to one another about the best qualities of superheroes.

  “Captain America is so fast and strong and has his shield and I love the red, white, and blue!”

  “But what about Iron Man? He has the coolest suit and he can fly.”

  For several minutes they carried on, Becca enjoying how at ease they were with one another. When she announced that breakfast was ready, she plated plenty of food for them all, and the guys dug in with gusto. Once finished and the kitchen somewhat restored to normal, she led Riley to his bathroom to brush his teeth while Bob remained in the living room.

  “Mommy, is Bob going to stay with us?”

  “Well, for a little bit anyway. That’s something we need to talk about. Are you okay with that?”

  “Oh yes! He can stay fo’evuh!�
� Riley spit his toothpaste into the sink and rinsed his mouth before giving Becca a big grin for inspection.

  “Perfect!” As soon as she kissed her son, he was dashing off, back into the living room.

  “Bob! Mommy said you could stay fo’evuh!” Riley flung himself into Bob’s arms, surprising both him and Becca. But Bob quickly caught the little boy and smiled down at him, chuckling.

  “Is that so? And I guess you’re okay with that?”

  Riley pulled back, smiling broadly. “Yes! I have a real hero to play superhero with!” While Riley tried hard to sound out his R’s, they still came out sounding like W’s. Becca was glad they’d be meeting with a speech therapist in the coming week. Her son’s pediatrician assured her that his physical development was fine, he just needed help controlling his lips and tongue to make the proper sounds.

  When she looked to Bob to see his reaction to Riley’s declaration, she was pleased to see him continue to smile, no fear or apprehension present.

  “Guess we have some things to talk about, don’t we, big guy?” Bob said to Riley.

  Riley sat back with a puzzled expression. “Like what?”

  “Well, like the fact that I love your mommy, and yes, I want to be here with her and with you. But also, the fact that I have a daughter, which means your mommy would be getting a daughter, and you’d be getting a sister. How do you feel about that?”

  That realization sunk in, and Becca was surprised at herself that she actually felt excited. Bob’s daughter would become part of her life. And he talked so casually and comfortably about it, that it warmed her heart. When she looked to him, she saw a questioning in his eyes, and she reassured him with a smile and a nod. His returned smile glowed.

  “A sister? Really? Is she little like me?”

  “Really, but she’s not little like you. She’s ten and she’s taller than you. Her name is Mackenzie.”

  “Mackenzie,” Riley sounded out. “She even has a bigger name.”

  Bob chuckled. “Yes, she does.” He reached for his wallet and pulled out a picture, handing it to Riley. “This is her school picture.”