A Beautiful Purpose

by Alicia Rae

  Needing to feel his bare skin, I brought my hands to the hem of his cotton tee and pulled it upward. Blake broke our connection only long enough to remove his shirt, and then he was on me again. I set my palms flat on his chest, finally able to feel every chiseled muscular curve of him. All the while, our mouths stroked and caressed one another, igniting my desire for him.

  He reached for my blouse and began to unbutton it. By the third one, he must have lost his patience because the next thing I knew, buttons were popping everywhere. He yanked off my clothing, exposing my black with silver trim lace bra.

  He dropped his hands to the small of my back and carefully lowered me to the hood of my Charger. I clung to his nape for balance. Just the thought of him taking me against the hood of my car had my blood revving to impossible heights.

  Once my backside was firmly against the metal, I let go of him and set my elbows on the hood while gazing up at him. Blake rose, and with one quick movement, my pants were gone.

  He stood back slightly with his eyes dark, admiring, as he raked them up and down my body. Just witnessing that look in his gaze, seeing the way he wanted me, as if he needed me to breathe, made my core tighten and pull. My sex throbbed with anticipation, and my legs pressed together around his thighs in hopes of easing the ache between them.

  “God,” he breathed roughly. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Audrey.” He paused as if he were gathering his words. “It makes me ache for you.”

  For the first time, my eyes had the chance to travel up the length of his bare chest, paying full attention to every detail, not wanting to leave an inch of him undiscovered. “So are you,” I whispered. I let myself only see his outer beauty even though he had been showing me his heart all along.

  The moment struck me hard.

  He was such an incredible man with his compassion and generosity for others, his giving ways without expecting anything in return, his willingness to help someone he barely knew, and his complete love for his family.

  It gave me…hope.

  My breath caught in the back of my throat as I drowned in emotions. I truly feared how much I felt for him.

  Blake must have sensed my panic because he hunched over me, closing in as though he was shielding me. “It’s okay to feel, Audrey.”

  I shook my head, overwhelmed by him. “I don’t know how, Blake. It’s too much.”

  He took my hand and set it over his heart. I felt it beating furiously beneath my palm, matching my own heartbeat.

  “It’s the same for me.” He gave me a soft smile. “We are in this together.”

  “Together,” I agreed, holding on to the meaning. I wasn’t doing this alone. He was right here by my side where he had been all along.

  “Damn right,” he growled, swooping down.

  He kissed me reverently, taking charge and giving me no chance to let my reservations reemerge. It was like he was becoming the cure to my fears. Overwhelmed by him yet yearning for more at the same time, I bit his lower lip and drew it into my mouth before we came up for air.

  Blake let out a husky groan and pressed me flush against the hood. My panties were the first to go, followed by my bra. I eagerly worked between our bodies to undo his pants. He grabbed a condom out of his pocket before helping me slip his jeans down his waist.

  I barely had time to admire the sexy V of his hips and his toned thighs before he lowered himself and settled between my legs, widening them to better fit the width of his broad shoulders. I drew in a sharp breath and momentarily held it as his tongue connected with my center. He wasted no time in running it along my folds, up and down, driving me wild. On the next downward pass, he dipped in and out of my sex before making his way back up to swivel a perfect circle around my clit.

  I dug my fingers into his shoulders, trying to absorb every sensation he arose in me.

  It was heaven. It was hell.

  “You taste so fucking sweet,” he rasped in between each precise suck of my sensitive flesh. “You’re so sexy. I can hardly stand the wait to be inside you.”

  “Blake—” I nearly cried, breaking off, unable to take the intensity of my brewing orgasm.

  I looped my legs around his back, and the movement only made him increase his pace. He pulled my clit within his lips and sucked hard, and I was lost, coming against his mouth. I had no shame as waves of ecstasy rocked through me.

  As I tried to steady my breathing, he placed kisses from the curve of my left hip all the way to my right while sheathing himself. When he finished, I slid my legs down to his ass and squeezed, effectively making him rise up over me.

  His head brushed my sex in the most extraordinary way, causing me to gasp from my lingering hypersensitivity. He reached under me, grabbed my waist firmly, and repeated the motion. It was amazingly erotic.

  I moaned at the feel of his thick girth sinking inside, slipping deeper and stretching me wide.

  His eyes locked on mine. “Fuck,” he groaned, drawing out and then thrusting deep again until he was fully seated.

  I broadened my legs to accommodate him, exposing my center even more, as I locked my ankles around his muscular ass.

  Blake hunched forward, surrounding me. His lips found mine, tenderly this time, right as he started to move with a slow, sensual rhythm.

  Nothing had ever felt so damn good.

  Heat flooded to the lowest parts of my core, and I was amazed to feel myself climbing the edge again. He tipped his pelvis, thrusting with precision and hitting all the right places. I moved my hips to counteract him, and I lost myself in our passionate embrace.

  My orgasm ripped through me, spiraling, as sensual tingles reverberated through every fiber of me so hard that I barely heard Blake groan as he came while nuzzling his nose against my throat.

  Minutes passed as he held me in his arms, his warm body against me, while I lay on a metal hood. Nothing had ever compared to this moment, so I wanted to savor it because I had no clue what the future would bring.

  Nerves started to creep in, knowing I was testing the limits. I was torn between wanting to stay and needing to run.

  Blake sat up on his forearms and looked at me while brushing my messy hair off the contours of my face.

  Oh, those gorgeous blue eyes. Nothing had ever looked so beautiful to me. They made me want to believe so much, yet my roots had such a profound hold on me.

  “I should go,” I murmured, accepting it was time since he had to work tomorrow. “It’s getting late.”

  His brows pulled together in an adorable frown. “Will your mom be okay with your father throughout the night?”

  “Yes, but I should—”

  Blake swooped me up in his arms, ignoring my protest.

  I automatically looped my arms and legs around him to keep from falling as I screeched, “Blake!”

  “You’re staying,” he said in a reverent, sincere tone that left no room for arguing.

  And just like that, this man had my willpower crumbling. Who am I to argue when I’m wrapped around this hot, sinful body? I’m not stupid.

  “Wait!” I laughed, looking over at my clothes all over his garage floor. It looked like a sexy love scene. “I need my clothes!”

  “Trust me,” he said, his tone raw. “You won’t be needing those tonight.”

  ~Blake~

  I awoke with a start. My heart was racing so fast that it took my fucking breath away. I squeezed my eyes tight, ridding all the faces of my brothers and sisters I’d lost in combat. I rarely had nightmares, but when I did, they included the most haunting images paired with screams that would turn my blood ice cold.

  I stared in front of me, finally realizing dawn was on the brink. To my left, I felt Audrey stir and turn onto her side, facing me. The faint glow in the room allowed me to see her tucking her hand under her head as she drifted back off into slumber.

  Watching her look so peaceful made my pulse slow and even out. I smiled into the darkness, recalling the change in her this past week. She was so strong and dete
rmined to keep her independence. She would give the shirt off her back, but letting me into her heart was another damn story.

  I couldn’t really blame her though. I had grown up in a household of love and laughter. Audrey hadn’t been blessed with the same chance. When she was around my family and me, I could see how much she yearned for it, yet her strong will would keep those steel barriers locked in place.

  I was working hard as hell to get her to open up to me, and nothing was working. So, all be fucking damned, today, I was going to find the missing key.

  Still clueless how to tackle my goal, I bent over to kiss her supple lips just once, and then I climbed out of bed. If I stayed, I was going to ravish her gorgeous curves, and we would never leave my place.

  I searched for my phone on the nightstand before heading out to my living room. After sliding my finger across the screen, I saw twenty-five unopened emails. I had time to kill, so I scrolled through them to see if there was anything besides junk mail.

  My attention caught on one email from First Sergeant Witherstone. I was surprised to realize that since I had been on leave, my reenlistment hadn’t really crossed my mind, but I still had time to decide. I immediately opened it.

  SERGEANT BLAKE JOHNSON,

  IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER IS LOOKING TO ADD QUALIFIED SERGEANTS TO THEIR TRAINED ELITE FORCES.

  SINCE THIS IS YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE AND IT WOULD ALLOW YOU TO STAY NEAR YOUR FAMILY, I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN TAKING A LOOK AT THE GROUNDS. LET ME KNOW, AND I CAN MAKE THE CALL.

  FIRST SERGEANT JACK WITHERSTONE

  I knew the Mountain Warfare Training Center was located in Toiyabe Forest, California, not far from Lake Tahoe. I recalled that the training base was established with the specific purpose to train elite forces in the harshest environments. It was definitely right up my alley, so I typed a response.

  FIRST SERGEANT WITHERSTONE,

  THANK YOU FOR FORWARDING THE INFORMATION. I AM DEFINITELY INTERESTED IN TOURING THE GROUNDS.

  PLEASE INFORM ME OF HOW TO PROCEED.

  SERGEANT BLAKE JOHNSON

  It was probably a long shot since Mountain Warfare Training Center wanted the best of the best. My rank was excellent for eight years of service, but there were probably several more Marine applicants who had more time under their belts.

  I clicked Send and decided to close up shop. Cell phones were way overrated these days, and I had plans to make for the sweet girl in my bed.

  I went back to what Gail had said to me weeks ago about Audrey.

  My suggestion is to show her the person you are.

  Suddenly, it all came together in my mind. I could only hope Audrey would take the leap with me.

  We hopped out of my Ford and began to walk up to Skydive Tahoe. As we neared, Audrey caught sight of the sign that finally came into view, realizing where I had taken her. Her feet came to a dead stop, and her head whipped up to stare at me. A combination of excitement and fear flashed in her eyes.

  “Are you one of those secret adrenaline junkies?”

  A chuckle escaped from deep in my chest as I realized this could go one way or another. “Hmm…I might have been called something along the lines of that a time or two before.” I gave her a lopsided grin and reached for her hand. “Don’t worry. This place has excellent credentials. In the Marines, most missions required airdrop. I have done this so many times that I can do this in my sleep. I can personally say it’s one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve ever had.” I hesitated, reading her expression. The interest was definitely winning, so I challenged her. “You with me?”

  She bit her lip and glanced between the building and me. Just when I thought fear might take over, she shocked the hell out of me by grinning. “You only live once, right?”

  “Hell yes,” I reflected her enthusiasm. “So, every day counts.”

  Audrey squeezed my hand while snuggling into me. “Then, let’s do it.” She teasingly pinned me with her eyes. “But if my parachute fails, I’m going to come back as a ghost and haunt you.”

  I set my hand on her cheek and tenderly caressed her soft skin. “I would never let anything happen to you, Audrey.” My voice was confident and reassuring as I said, “I have my military A license in parachuting, so you and I will be jumping together. I’ll be strapped to your back with our parachute and an emergency one, not that we’ll need it.” I knew there was no way in hell I would have brought her here and put her fate in someone else’s hands.

  “So, if I go into shock and possibly faint, you can pull the cord?” she asked with humor.

  “Yep, I got your back.” I leaned forward and kissed her. “Always.”

  Her beautiful smile reached all the way to her eyes, and it was beyond gratifying to see.

  So, together, we walked inside the building and entered an hour-long mandatory instructional class. Two male instructors educated the ten other jumpers and us on how to operate the harness equipment, what to expect, and safety measures.

  When it was our turn, we boarded a white Cessna 206 where we took our seats along the edges of the plane and prepared for liftoff. The pilot started the powerful aircraft, and I could feel the engine’s vibrations in my body as we began to move. It gave me a rush.

  Audrey’s hand came down on my thigh and squeezed.

  I rotated to face her while setting my hand on top of hers. “You ready?”

  “No!” After a short pause, I could see the thrill in her features as the Cessna picked up speed on the runway. “I mean, yes!” she added with a laugh.

  In no time, the male lead instructor unbuckled his belt and addressed us, “Jumpers, we have reached over thirteen thousand feet, and we are cleared for the skydive.”

  “Wow,” Audrey whispered at my side.

  The guy came around and helped up the first couple. The back of the aircraft opened, and I could hear the wind reverberating through the cabin.

  Within minutes, six people had jumped. Next, it was our turn. Audrey and I made our way to the back of the plane. Another man checked over our gear and began clipping my harness to the back of Audrey’s as he repeated important instructions. Audrey and I slipped our goggles over our eyes at the same moment.

  “Whenever you’re ready, count to three, so you’re both prepared,” the guy told us, pointing to the open door.

  I gazed out into the opening, seeing the bright blue sky scattered with a thin coating of clouds.

  Audrey peeked over her shoulder at me. That same excitement and fear filled her features. She looked utterly breathtaking.

  “You ready?” I asked.

  “Maybe.” She chuckled nervously.

  I set my hands on her shoulders to comfort her. “All you have to do is set your mind free and jump.”

  Audrey let out a deep breath and smiled. “Okay,” she answered, pivoting to face forward. “One…” Her voice was squeaky. “Two…” One foot moved onward, and I followed close behind. “Three!”

  And then, we were free-falling.

  The wind blew and buckled around our bodies that were only a mere twelve inches apart. Audrey’s screams filled my ears for countless seconds before it changed over to the most carefree laughter I’d ever heard from her. My mind absorbed the sweet sound, mesmerized by it.

  Her hands came out in front of me, causing her to look like an eagle spreading its wings and soaring in the air. In all truth, we weren’t soaring. We were falling.

  At approximately four thousand feet, Lake Tahoe came into view, still appearing so small from this high up.

  “Look! There’s the lake!” I yelled over the wind, pointing at the water.

  “I see it!” Audrey cried back. “It’s beautiful!”

  The vibrant green grass below was becoming more apparent with each passing second.

  “All right”—I braced us—“I’m going to pull the chute!”

  Without hesitation, I repositioned my right arm and yanked on the cord to my pack. The parachute
came out of the bag and flew above us, opening in the blink of an eye.

  It yanked us slightly when the wind caught beneath the material. Once the parachute was fully inflated, it began to steady our movements, lessening the first rapid jostle from the air catching under the chute, as we continued our descent.

  “Remember, toes and then heels!” I reminded her.

  “Got it!” she squealed just before her feet hit the ground.

  I landed right behind her and noticed the wobble in her legs. I banded my hands around her waist and gear just in case she might lose her balance.

  Audrey spun around and nestled her nose against my chest. There were no words to describe how I felt sharing this moment with her.

  I gave myself a second to catch my breath and steady my pulse, as did Audrey. Adrenaline always ran high after a jump.

  Audrey tipped her head at me as I detached the clip of our adjoining harnesses. “That was…” She trailed off as she looped her arms around my neck and tried to jump in my arms, but the weight of the remaining gear slowed her down.

  Sharing her excitement, I caught her in the nick of time and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around me. I repositioned her, and our foreheads came together.

  “That was amazing,” she whispered against my lips, out of breath. “Thank you.”

  “You’re amazing,” I said, meaning every word. Then, I had to laugh in awe. “I can’t believe you actually jumped.”

  She set her jaw and playfully narrowed her eyes at me. “You didn’t think I would do it?”

  “No.” I chortled, shaking my head against hers. “I thought I was going to have to push you over the edge,” I teased.

  Audrey gasped and gave me a backward shove with her hands. “You would have definitely witnessed my wrath.”

  I perked a brow at her. “Your wrath?” I questioned.

  “Oh, yes, and you don’t want to be on the receiving end.” She snuggled into my arms once more. “I can be quite feisty when I choose to be.”