Thoughts of his own demise crossed his mind more times than Luke cared to admit. More so because he worried about how detrimental it would be to Amy. It was then that he wondered what exactly he thought when he enrolled. There was no such thing as a man’s game or a woman’s game. This war was not a game at all. The reality of lives being lost was a natural way of existence there and that tone of thought sent him into a stark depression.
That was when Luke made the first call. It wasn’t one that he and Amy planned. It was just him randomly reaching out, needing to hear her voice to cling to some sort of reality that didn’t include war or death. However, Amy was on the road and although it saddened Luke not to be able to reach her, it didn’t help his situation. His mind tumbled and quickly he remembered Jessica. Before he left for his tour, she’d seen him the day before at the going away party that was held by the town. Amy was there, but when she went off to the bathroom, Jessica found her way to Luke, making sure to write her number down on a torn piece of paper that she stuffed inside his jean pocket.
“Call me if you ever need to talk. I’m here for you to vent,” she said.
“I appreciate that, thanks,” he said.
Jessica simply nodded and moved on without a second thought.
That day he found that piece of paper and dialed Jessica with the hope that maybe she could take his mind off of his woes. And she did, answering the phone with a question in her voice.
“Hello?”
“Jessica, it’s me, Luke, are you busy or do you have a moment?”
Luke could tell Jessica was surprised to hear from him.
“Luke Sutter?”
“Yes.”
“Oh my God, how are you? Of course, of course, I can talk, are you okay?”
Luke couldn’t deny that he felt relieved. He’d let out a deep breath and moved forward with their conversation.
“I’ve been better, but I didn’t call to talk about me.” He hesitated. “What’s going on in town?”
He needed anything that would take his mind elsewhere. It was as if Jessica caught on to his dilemma and quickly obliged, going into detail about the goings on around town. Their conversations had been much the same whenever he called, but if Luke was honest with himself, he did begin to lean on Jessica and enjoy their phone conversations, maybe even a little too much.
His thoughts shifted to the exchange that crossed into unknown territory.
“So, Luke, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but are you and Amy still together?” Jessica queried.
Luke didn’t respond right away, and that hesitation made him wonder why it was there in the first place.
“Yes, we are.”
The phone became quiet and Luke spoke again.
“If that means you’re ready to throw me to the curb then I understand, but I hope you won’t. I’ve enjoyed talking to you.”
That was it. The moment the dynamic of their “friendship” changed.
“Oh, no, Luke, I enjoy receiving your calls; possibly too much.”
The phone became quiet again.
“Too much,” he asked.
Jessica cleared her throat and swept a layer of her red strands behind her ear. “Well, I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but I was hoping you weren’t seeing her, still.” Jessica swallowed and moved forward with her courage. “I just know if I was your girl, I’d never be away when you called. This stage in your life is important. You need the support more than anything I’m dealing with in my little civilian life.”
Her words made him feel two different ways. On the one hand, it was refreshing to hear that she would always be there for him. On the other, he felt it as a jab toward Amy. And frankly, he loved Amy to death, so the tone of her voice wrestled with his spirit. Luke shifted the conversation, but it didn’t go unnoticed.
“Is it late there? Since I’ve been here, I’ve gotten the days and nights mixed.”
“It is early morning here and I’m sure it’s late night there. We’re on opposite sides of the world so that’s understandable.” Jessica cleared her throat. “Luke, if I’ve overstepped, I apologize. You make talking to you easy, comfortable even. I’ve always thought you were a stand-up guy but getting to know you on a more personal level like we've been doing the past few years is special to me. I can’t deny that I…” She didn’t finish her thought and Luke shut his eyes thinking this conversation was probably not the best one to have. “I like you Luke.”
“Jessica,” he said interrupting her. He shuffled around a bit before finishing his thought. “I like you too, but I need you to understand that there can’t be anything more than friendship between us. I’m sorry if I’ve led you on in anyway. If I need to, I’ll stop calling, but I don’t want to.”
Jessica clutched the phone tight and nodded although Luke couldn’t see her. “I don’t want you to either,” she said. “I overstand,” she said in a lighthearted tease.
“Are you sure?”
The groove in his deep voice saturated Jessica’s eardrum and in return she lied. “Yes, I’m sure.”
From then on, their conversations had gone over just about every topic. With Amy only being around during their scheduled calls, Luke’s mind also wondered on her whereabouts. It wasn’t long before he found himself becoming jealous of whatever was occupying her time. If he had to admit it, that was the reason he sought Jessica out more. Now standing over Amy, watching her sleep soundly, Luke felt like a complete fool. Amy had done her part. How could he take it out on her because she wasn’t around during his random calls?
Luke didn’t mean to do that, but that was exactly what transpired. The sun continued to rise and with it the rays spilled through the blinds across the floor of Amy’s bedroom. He traipsed up to them and closed them tightly, trying to fight off as much of the light as possible. He wanted Amy to get the rest she needed, and he also needed to make a few phone calls. His mind shifted back to Jessica. There was a conversation between the two that needed to be had. It was time he broke it off with her, now that she’d shown her cards by showing up at the airport. Luke couldn’t move forward being “just friends.” Amy would never have it, and Luke didn’t want to disrespect her.
He left the room and entered the bathroom. Inside, he grabbed his duffle bag and rummaged through it to find his toothbrush. Pulling it out along with a few clothing items he laid across the clothes hamper, Luke’s mind continued to overthrow him as he searched for the words that would get his point across to Jessica without being harsh or upsetting her.
That in itself was a problem. He was worried about hurting her. Why? Luke strolled to the sink and turned on the faucet. As the water ran, he stared at his reflection in the mirror. If he hadn’t kept a steady regimen and close friendship with his buddies while on active duty, surely the years would’ve taken a toll on his health and his appearance. But instead, he’d completely transformed into a handsome athletic man, with sharp angles in his masculine face, and rich buttermilk skin. Glancing down at the water, Luke held his hand under its downpour and splashed the remnants on his face. From there he brushed his teeth while in a constant state of thought. It was now or never.
5
After freshening up, Luke checked the time. 9:30 a.m. Today was his first official full day back home. Luke hadn’t even reached out to his parents because getting to Amy had been the only thing on his mind. That and he knew when his parents found out he was home, they would shower him with love and attention, and rightfully so. He couldn’t shoo them away, but for selfish reasons of his own, Luke wanted to spend at least the first night with Amy.
Leaving the bathroom, Luke crossed into the bedroom only to find Amy sitting upright with the sheets pooled around her waist. Her breasts stole his attention and his dick hardened instantly.
“Shit girl,” he said. “What’re you trying to do to me?”
Amy smiled softly and blushed causing a layer of golden blonde hair to sweep off her shoulder and bounce against her face.
�
��I got cold,” she said.
Luke strolled over to her and Amy’s gaze drank in his strong arms, biceps and muscular physique. She shuddered at the mere art of his mold and held her breath as he approached. The bed sank when his weight was added, and Amy’s hand instantly skipped to his fingers in need of his touch.
“I missed you. Your body heat kept me warm.”
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I was hoping you’d sleep longer. You need your rest.”
Amy did feel drowsy but not because she was tired, but because Luke had rocked her world so hard, she’d felt as if their tango had gone to the moon and back.
“Should I put you back to sleep,” he asked.
Amy’s eyes lit up and she smiled widely. “You’d like that wouldn’t you,” she teased.
Luke leaned forward and bit the bottom of her lip. The move sent a tremor falling down her flesh. He sucked in her lip then took total control of her mouth in a mouthwatering kiss.
“Mmmm,” Amy moaned.
They tasted one another, reveling in the plush softness of their mouths.
“You’re so sweet,” he said. Luke swiped his tongue up her lips like a dog would lick his owner.
Amy melted and without noticing, she fell back as Luke’s body covered hers. In between her legs, he sank to his stomach and perched on his elbows while positioning her thighs over his shoulders. Amy’s body shuddered when his tongue cruised across her labia. The heat from his mouth and the wetness from his tongue sent Amy into an instant vibration from the pressurized plunging of his soft muscle.
“Oooh shit…” Amy moaned. Her head thrashed side to side as Luke took in the fullness of her pussy. “Luuuuuke!”
He slurped and sucked on her vagina before plunging his tongue inside her trying to taste the walls of her womb.
“Oh my God in heaven,” she screeched.
She tasted of something sweet that Luke couldn’t put his finger on, but whatever it was gave his palate a clandestine pleasure that rippled through him and caused a growl to trek from his throat.
“Aaaah!” Amy squealed.
Her thighs began to quake, and she gripped the sides of his head.
“Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God,” she moaned.
Luke latched on to her clitoris and as he sucked, his tongue needled her sensitive flesh, sending Amy into oblivion.
She bucked, her body thrashing against his mouth then dropping to the bed. She was delirious and out of her mind, the discombobulation sending her into another realm where she spoke another language.
As if it couldn’t get more blissful, Luke bullied her clit with his tongue and Amy couldn’t hold on to this ride any longer. She came hard with a shout.
“Luuuuke! Ah!”
A spasm ripped through her and a wave of crème filtered like a blanket on his tongue.
“Hmmm,” Luke groaned slurping her up like she was his last supper. “You taste so damn good.” He continued to suck her, and Amy’s nerves began to cause a riot. Chills attacked her skin and another rocking orgasm broke through her. The vibration rocked her like an earthquake and her body fell against the bed as she scurried to get away from him. But Luke would not be denied. He held onto her vagina with his hands planted against her thighs to keep her in position. Amy screamed, and her hands clutched his head to pull his mouth from the suction he had on her.
Finally, after much dismay, he pulled off her and Amy scurried across the bed to get away from him. With his lids lowered and Amy caught under the brim of his stare, she shuddered and clutched the sheets, hoping beyond hope he stayed on the other side of the bed.
“You know I’m not done with you, yet, right?”
His thick voice sent another shrill of chills down her skin and the threat heated her flesh.
“Lu-Luke,” she stuttered. Amy shook her head, torn between undeniable pleasure and surreptitious agony.
“Luke what,” he said. “Is it too much for you, baby?”
“That was everything, but I need a minute to- to-,” she stuttered. To get her mind right is what she wanted to say but she could barely form a sentence.
“Maybe you should eat breakfast. That should fuel you, yeah?”
Amy’s eyes widened. “And then?”
Luke’s gaze darkened. “Round eight.”
6
Later that evening
Steam rose from the popping hot dish of pizza, pulling a string of cheese with it as Luke added the piece to Amy’s plate. They were at John’s Pizzeria waiting for Erin and Caleb to arrive.
“Are we waiting for them to get here before we eat, babe, or are you hungry?”
A grin cornered Luke’s lips. “I’m hungry; worked up quite an appetite throughout the day, and night.” He winked, and Amy smiled. “You should be hungry, too, or should we go work on that more?”
“No, no!” Amy practically shouted. The grin on Luke’s face widened.
“Are you sure, baby? I’ve got more fuel in the tank if you need—”
“I’m sure, positive actually.” Amy giggled. “I’m starving too, but I was trying to be polite and wait for our guests.”
Luke put down the slice of pizza he had halfway to his mouth. “You’re right, we should wait. But if I get too hungry then I may start eating off you.” He leaned in traipsing and arm around her waist. Pulling her close, Luke nibbled on her earlobe and Amy gasped; her hands sliding up the pillar of his throat to his face. A giggle tickled from her and a storm of heat buzzed across her skin.
“I see you two sure know how to pass the time,” Erin said saddling up to the table with Caleb at her side.
Both Amy and Luke peered over at them with Amy holding a wide smile.
“You two would show up now, wouldn’t you?” Luke joked. He released Amy and stood to his feet, meeting Caleb halfway. The two embraced each other with a firm hug and slap on the back.
“Hooah!” They yelled simultaneously garnering the attention of other patrons in the bar.
Noticing their military call, a few people strolled up, one of them being the owner of the establishment. He held his hand out for a shake.
“Good evening, gentlemen. I’m John Daniels, owner of this lovely place you’re in.”
Luke accepted his proffered hand and they greeted before the owner moved over to Caleb.
“You two servicemen?” John asked.
“John, this is Luke Sutter and Caleb Malone,” Amy said from her seated position at the table.
Luke, Amy, Erin, and Caleb frequented Johns Pizzeria when they were teenagers, but the guys’ transformations during their tours in Iraq changed their physical appearance drastically. John glanced over to Amy and his eyes widened as he looked back at Luke and Caleb.
“We are, sir,” Luke said responding to Johns query.
“Well I’ll be damned,” John said. He scratched his gray and black hair then held his hand out for another shake as if the first one wasn’t proper enough. Luke accepted his hand again. “It’s very good to have you boys or I should say men home. Congratulations and thank you for your service. Your dinner tonight is on the house.”
“Thank you, sir,” both Caleb and Luke responded.
“Do either of you drink?”
“I’ll take a Michelob,” Caleb said.
“Make that two,” Luke added.
John turned to Amy and Erin. “Ladies would you like anything to drink?”
“Just water for me,” Erin started.
“Don’t listen to her John, we both want your house margaritas,” Amy said with an easy smile.
John chuckled, and Erin pursed her lips and cut her eyes at Amy.
“I’ll be right back with your drinks.”
“Thank you,” they all chimed. Luke made his way around to Caleb and pulled Erin in for a quick hug.
“It’s good to see you again, Erin.”
“Not as much as it is to see you, Luke. I’m sure Amy was the most thrilled.”
Caleb, Luke, and Erin, glanced over at Amy and Amy held he
r smile even though the light in her eyes dimmed a bit.
“I can only hope so,” Luke said.
He returned to her, wanting to be by her side at every moment. Sitting back against his chair, Luke tossed an arm across the back of Amy’s chair as Caleb and Erin took their seats.
“It’s good to be home,” Luke stated.
Caleb nodded in agreement. “You’ll hear no denial here, brother.” The men slapped hands again and Erin winked over at Amy with a smirk on her lips.
“I know we were supposed to have this dinner last night, but Erin never told me why you guys canceled. Is everything good between you two?” Caleb peered at them with suspicion.
“We’re good, aren’t we baby?” Luke said glancing over at Amy.
“Better than ever,” she confirmed.
Luke leaned in and kissed her on the cheek and Amy blushed.
“Well look at this shit,” Erin said.
“What?” Amy asked.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush a day in your life.”
“Oh, shut up. You’re exaggerating I did not blush.”
“And then she lies on top of that,” Erin added.
Amy rolled her eyes. “Whatever. We could talk about you and Caleb and how you guys have nearly disappeared from the public eye since you’ve gotten engaged,” Amy said flipping the conversation on Erin.
“Well played,” Erin said catching on.
Amy stuck her tongue out.
“That’s right, congratulations are in order,” Luke said. “Man, you moved fast didn’t you? How long have you been home?”
“Long enough,” Caleb responded.
They all laughed.
“When you know it’s right, there’s no need to wait.” Caleb looked at Erin. “We’ve done all the waiting that was necessary, for six years. I didn’t want to wait anymore.”
Worth The Wait (A Military Romance Book 2) Page 3