Heart of a Marine (The Wounded Warrior Series Book 1)

by Patty Campbell

  He stood straight. “I’ll take my leave now. I feel I must warn you—that man, that laborer who just left here is beneath you. He’s unsuitable. You’re wasting yourself on him. I pray you’ll come to your senses.” He brushed past her on his way to the door.

  “No…he’s…”

  He pulled open the door and there stood Charlene with her key in her hand. Her eyes got big. “Oh, hello, Edwin. How nice to see you. Should I leave?”

  He sniffed. “Not on my account.” Then brushed past her and stalked across the lawn.

  Char eyed her. “Lordy, you’re one surprise after another, little sister. Anybody else in there I need to know about?”

  “Bite me, Charlene. Come in and watch me hang myself. After yesterday and today I’ve come to the conclusion that real life isn’t for me.”

  She retreated to the kitchen, poured herself a cup of Dwayne’s strong coffee, and plopped in a chair.

  “Don’t mind if I do,” Charlene said. She poured herself a cup of coffee, dumped three spoonfuls of sugar in it then sat across from Marla and stirred. “Good morning to you too.”

  Marla smiled. “I did invite you for breakfast, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, you did. What are we having, besides drama pancakes and break-up sausages?”

  There were times, and this was one of them, when Marla realized how much she truly loved her flighty, carefree sister. The sister who’d flitted through life enjoying every minute of it, while she’d had her nose pressed to a self-inflicted grindstone. “I love you, Char.”

  “I know, me too…you I mean.” She took a sip of the coffee, grimaced, got up to add more sugar, and returned to the table. “Ugh. Dwayne made this? I won’t sleep for days.” She grinned. “So, what’s new?”

  * * *

  Cluny acted as his spotter while he pumped iron. His pectorals trembled under the massive weight. He grunted, “Eight!”

  “You’re at the upper limit of what I can lift off you, Gunny.”

  Dwayne panted. Sweat streamed down his neck. “Yeah, I’m done.” He pushed the weight up, dropped it in the cradle, and gasped for air.

  Cluny gave him a hand up. “You planning on entering the Mr. Universe competition? Or just showing off?”

  Dwayne laughed and scrubbed his face and neck with a towel. “Neither. I was imagining how much stronger I’d need to be to rip Luke Henry’s ugly head off. Let’s hit the steam room.”

  “He’s stupider than a rock, going after the boss lady like that. I don’t know what he thought you’d do.”

  “You’re assuming he’s capable of thinking.”

  “He’s tough but a moron. What’re you going to do now?”

  “My lawyer told me to back off. He said I was playing into their hands by chasing them down. He’s right. I shouldn’t have touched the skinny weasel.”

  “Did you hurt him or just scare him?” Cluny pushed open the locker room door. They got out of their shorts and underwear and wrapped clean towels around their waists.

  “Both. I imagine he had Francine take pictures of my fingerprints on his neck to use against me in court, if that’s where they’re going.”

  He removed his prosthesis and took crutches from his locker. It was men-only on Saturday mornings, so they’d be able to remove the towels and stretch out in the steam room. They could even fart if they had to without raising eyebrows.

  “I wish they’d go back to more men-only days. I hate co-ed gyms.”

  “Hey, spoilsport! I’ve picked up a couple of good lookin’ babes in here. You want to kill my love life?” They stepped in the steam room, and Cluny snapped him on the butt with his towel.

  “Careful, buddy. Somebody might think you’re in love with me.”

  Cluny chuckled and plopped down on the wooden bench. “Not likely, Gunny, I go for the petite, soft, curvy fem-in-nine type. The he-she muscle girls are a real turnoff.”

  Dwayne groaned, poured water on his head, and rubbed his belly and knees. “I hear you.”

  They ate a massive breakfast at Denny’s then parted company. He went downtown to shop for a gift for Marla. After an hour, he was ready to give up when he spotted the perfect thing in the window of a jewelry and accessories shop. He had the sales clerk gift wrap it in a large box, and then for good measure he grabbed a bouquet of irises from a street vendor.

  He had plans for the evening. Big plans.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Marla shook the weightless box. “You brought me an empty box? What are you up to Dempsey?” She gave him a sly look and puckered her lips.

  “Open it, Danaher.” He sat back, took Skip from her lap, and grinned. “Come over here, Corporal Danaher. I’ll rub your fat belly.”

  “I don’t trust you.”

  “Good. You shouldn’t. I always have some sneaky ulterior motive, don’t I?”

  She pulled the ribbon. “I can only hope.” Digging through mountains of crumpled tissue paper, she was about to concede he was joking when her hand touched a small package. She lifted it from the box. “What is this?”

  “I don’t remember. You’ll have to open it to find out.”

  Her heart thumped. “Will it explode?” She shook it.

  “Nope. I never got trained in explosives. Guaranteed not to explode.”

  Marla slid off the ribbon, ripped through the paper, and squealed with delight, “I love it! It’s perfect!” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on the lips.

  She sat back and grinned. “Look, Skippy, Dwayne bought you a present.” She held the sparkly dog collar in front of his tiny pointy face. “It’s covered with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. You’ll be the fanciest dog in Spring Grove.”

  She grinned at Dwayne. His face was full of pleasure at her reaction. “Put it on him. See if he likes it.”

  He unbuckled the narrow leather collar and fastened on the bejeweled one. “This is far too fancy for a Corporal.”

  Marla kissed Dwayne again and giggled. “He needs another advance in rank, wouldn’t you say?” A warm swell of love for Dwayne filled her chest. She studied his profile and thought he was the handsomest man she’d ever known. She traced his forehead and nose with her fingertip.

  He caught her finger in his mouth and growled. She squeaked and yanked back her hand.

  He snapped off a salute to Skipper. “I think Master Sergeant will do for now. Soon as he learns how to man a Bushmaster on an M-3 Bradley, he’ll qualify for Gunnery Sergeant.”

  “Dwayne.”

  He faced her, a brief flash of alarm in his eyes, then he smiled. “Yeah?”

  “I love you.”

  “Beat it, Sergeant Mutt.” He pushed Skipper off his lap and dragged Marla over to replace him. “I love you more. Dig down to the envelope in the bottom of the box.”

  Her heart soared. “There’s more?”

  “Oh, yeah.” He lifted the box and held it while she reached inside.

  Marla found the envelope and he tossed the box on the floor. “What’s this?”

  “Open it.”

  The outer envelope was unmarked. Inside she found a theatre ticket envelope for Disney Concert Hall. She lifted the flap, shrieked, “Joshua Bell!” and leaped off Dwayne’s lap. “Oh, my gosh, they’re for tonight.” She hopped with excitement. “I have to change clothes. I have to get ready. You have to wear a suit, do you have a suit? Get up, we only have three hours. It takes an hour or more to drive there. Get up!”

  He stood and put his arms around her. “Go change. My suit’s in the truck. Charlene is going to baby sit.”

  “When did you plan all this?” How could he possibly have known that she loved Joshua Bell? She’d longed to go to the hideous Disney hall ever since it had opened.

  “Pack an overnight bag. We’re staying at a hotel downtown tonight.”

  “We are?” What next? Heart racing, she ran to her bedroom and grabbed a small rolling bag. She wished she had some filmy, sexy lingerie, but she didn’t, so she threw in a change of underwear and
slacks and a blouse for tomorrow.

  Dwayne entered the bedroom with a suit bag over his shoulder and carried a prosthesis with a dress shoe attached. “Do we have time for a quickie?”

  “No!” Was he crazy? Yes, he was. She loved him for it.

  He chuckled. “Just checking.”

  She dressed in her new Vera Wang outfit that Sil and Char had picked out for her. Short of attending a snobby wedding, she hadn’t known when she’d have the opportunity to wear it. Tonight—it was perfect for tonight.

  He caressed her bottom and headed for the bathroom. “I gotta shave before I change.”

  “No. Not tonight. I kinda like that dangerous look.”

  She hadn’t known he could possibly look more masculine and delicious that he already did, but when he put on his dark blue pinstripe suit with a snowy white shirt and blue-green tie that matched his eyes, her heart did a little tap dance.

  He did a three-sixty and grinned. “Whadaya think?”

  Hand on her heart, she sighed. “I can’t say it. You already think you’re God’s gift.”

  “So now you want to argue with God?” He kissed her on the ear. “You look sensational, Danaher.”

  “You look sensational-er, Dempsey.”

  “You ready? Let’s go out and get Charlene’s opinion.” He picked up the bags and stepped into the hall.

  Charlene stood wide-eyed as they entered the living room. “Lordy lord, you better get out of here, mister. If Donovan Dempsey shows up you’re toast. He’s a jealous man. And, who is that supermodel with you?” She ran to her purse and grabbed her phone.

  “Stand over there. I have to get a picture. Marla, pick up Skipper. He’s all dressed up too.”

  Marla gazed at the man she loved. He kissed her as Charlene took picture after picture. She’d spend a lot of time mooning over them later.

  “OK, Charlene,” Dwayne said. “We gotta get going. I expect we’ll be back late tomorrow afternoon.”

  Marla put the strap of her Carlo Fellini evening bag over her shoulder and kissed Skipper good-bye. “What car are we taking?”

  “She doesn’t know?”

  “She’s about to find out. Come on, honey. One more surprise.” He led her out the front door and pointed to the emerald green Lincoln MKZ parked in front of the house.

  “Is that yours?” Realizing she was gawking, she closed her mouth and stared.

  “Nope, I borrowed my daddy’s new car for the weekend.” He extended his arm. “Shall we?”

  “Uncle Johnny loaned you his new car? How did you talk him into that? Dad said he won’t even let Irene drive it.”

  “Blackmail.” Dwayne laughed. “I’ll tell you on the way.”

  She waved. “Bye, Char. Bye, Skipper. See you tomorrow.”

  Charlene returned her wave. “I left something for you in the trunk. Have fun!”

  “What did she leave?”

  “No clue.” He carried their bags to the back of the car after Marla was seated and grinned from ear to ear when he sat behind the wheel.

  “What are you so happy about?”

  “Must be that Victoria’s Secret bag in the trunk.”

  Her breath caught and an unexpected blush warmed her neck and cheeks. “Charlene’s a troublemaker.”

  “My favorite brand of trouble.” He reached for her hand, brought it to his lips, and brushed a kiss on her palm.

  Her breath caught and her eyes shimmered. She was in deep, deep trouble if this relationship ended.

  * * *

  He held her hand and pressed it to his cheek. He hadn’t known it was possible to fall this hard and fast. He glanced across the seat. Her lips were pressed together and she’d closed her eyes. He hoped she was feeling the same. He would ask her to marry him, but not yet. They needed more time.

  “Did I say you look beautiful, beautiful?” He laid her hand on his knee and covered it with his.

  In answer to his question, she choked on a slight sob and nodded but didn’t say anything.

  “God, Danaher, I am so in love with you.”

  She gazed at him with a wobbly smile. “Is this a dream?”

  “Let’s make it one.”

  During the concert, he spent more time looking at her than the performance. She caught him at it and pushed his chin with a finger so he faced the stage. He immediately turned and gazed at her again. A woman behind them snickered. Marla lowered her forehead into her hand and shook her head. He loved teasing her.

  After the valet brought the car, they drove less than a mile to Hilton Checkers hotel. When the bellman removed their luggage from the trunk, Dwayne took the Victoria’s Secret bag and insisted on carrying it through the lobby to the check-in desk where he set it on the counter. He grinned at Marla’s embarrassment and the obvious amusement of the young man who checked them in.

  “You have a supper reservation in our restaurant, Mr. Dempsey. Shall I have the bellman take the bags to your room while you dine?”

  “Yes, thanks.” He took the key card. “Shall we go, honey?”

  She leaned close to his ear and whispered, “If you carry that shopping bag into the restaurant I’ll kill you.”

  He chuckled and gave her a quick kiss. “Have the bellman take this with the bags, please.”

  “Very good, sir.”

  He put his arm around her waist as they walked away. When his big hand drifted low on her hip she said, “You have a death wish, Dempsey.”

  Marla’s breath caught when they entered the restaurant. “Oh, this is lovely.” She looked around the room. “I’m surprised to see so many diners this late in the evening.”

  The maitre d’ seated them at a candlelit table in a quiet corner. A chilling bottle of champagne waited for them in an ice bucket that stood guard next to the table. She cocked her head in confusion. “Are you drinking alcohol tonight?”

  “I have a confession. It’s sparkling fruit juice. I hope you don’t mind. I wanted the festive look.” He laid his hand over hers.

  Uh oh. She wasn’t sure she wanted to hear his answer, but she asked anyway, “Why don’t you drink? Are you a recovering alcoholic?”

  “Nope, nothing like that. It’s a long story, and I’ll tell you another time.”

  The wine steward approached their table and asked Dwayne’s permission to open the bottle and pour for them. He lifted it from the bucket and studied the label. With a perfectly straight face, he said, “An excellent vintage, sir.”

  Dwayne winked and nodded toward Marla. “Yes, I need my wits about me tonight.”

  Blushing hotly at the man’s knowing smile, she held her breath until he filled their glasses, bowed, and left.

  “You certainly enjoy mortifying me. First the Victoria’s Secret bag and then that comment.” She shook her head, sighed deeply, and fanned herself with the leather-bound menu.

  “So what’s wrong with me telling the world I love you and I’m going to make love to you?”

  What could she say? He was incorrigible. A part of his character, and she wouldn’t deny she found it attractive and erotic. “I don’t know. I’m just not used to it.”

  “Get used to it. I’d like to shout it from the rooftops.” He picked up his menu. “What looks good?”

  She opened hers and perused it for a moment. “Hmm. You look good.”

  He leaned forward and whispered, “Yeah, besides that.”

  “You pick. My brain isn’t functioning at top speed right now.” In fact, her brain hadn’t been functioning at top speed since the first time they’d made love, two weeks ago. Only two weeks? How had this man become the most important person in her life in two weeks?

  He signaled the waiter. “We’ll have the Seared Maine Sea Scallops to start, Roasted Jidori Chicken for the main course, and then decaf Cappuccino after dinner, and please, have the Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee sent to our room, ten-seventeen.”

  “Excellent choices, you won’t be disappointed, ma’am, sir,” he assured them. Before he left the table, he toppe
d off their Champagne.

  “I had no idea you were such a sophisticated gourmet, Dempsey.”

  “You mean because I like Cheerios? There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet, Danaher.”

  * * *

  Groaning with satisfaction, Marla leaned back in her chair. “That was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Or maybe it’s the ambience, or the concert afterglow.”

  He laid his hand, palm up, on the table. She leaned forward and put her hand in his. “Could the company have had anything to do with it? Hmm?” If he ever got tired of teasing her it would be because he was dead.

  “Quite possibly. Thank you for this lovely day and evening. I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed myself so much.” She sighed. “But you might want to cancel the crème Brulee. I couldn’t eat another bite.”

  “That’s for later. I predict you’ll be hungry during the night and need something to restore your strength.” The flash in her brown eyes and the slow nod sent heat soaring through him.

  “You may have a point.” An eyebrow went up, and she squeezed his hand. “I might not want to know where you learned to plan ahead so well.”

  “Blame it on the USMC. Plan ahead, or be dead. But even then something can go wrong. In that case we learn how to improvise.”

  “Yes, I’ve noticed you do that quite well.”

  He stood. “Shall we?” He drew her to her feet. “It’s time to see what’s in that pink bag Charlene left in the car.”

  When they got to the room, Marla snatched up the bag. “I’ll look at it first by myself, in the bathroom. You stay out here.”

  He stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Where’s the fun in that?”

  “Just stay out here!” She turned when she had her hand on the bathroom door. “I mean it.”

  He raised his hands. “Got it.” He chuckled and went to the table to examine the service tray, lifted a lid, and sniffed at one of the rich sugar-encrusted custards. He took a crispy, rolled-up cookie he didn’t know the name of and popped it in his mouth in one bite.