“I went to work and stayed at home watching TV every night except one. I went to the bowling alley with Andy one night. He’s been with Missy a lot, so it was one night she had something else going,” Cody told her with his easy grin.
“Pick up any chicks at the bowling alley?” she teased as she took a sip of champagne. “You’re pretty good at that, you know.”
“Jessie…how can you ask that?” He feigned surprise.
“Well, I did nothing but work and study except for one night when I went to a dance club with some co-workers. That was the night I ducked out early and called you, you know the night we had a very stimulating phone conversation.”
“I remember it well.” He grinned.
Smiling, she asked, “How’s Andy? I haven’t talked to Missy, anything going on there? You said he’d been spending a lot of time with her.”
“Andy’s fine. They’re just good friends. With her leaving soon to start a new job in Kansas, of all places, I doubt anything will develop now. For never having done the deed, they’re very close, though. They go out together a lot, but just casual dates from what I gather.”
“She thought he was so hot when they first met, I still can’t believe they aren’t lovers.”
“He was getting over a bad relationship and she knew she was going to be moving, so they didn’t want to start anything, from what he’s said. And the relationship he was in really was a bad one. It’s probably a good thing Missy came into his life when she did, if only as a friend. That was probably what he needed the most.”
“Still…if the attraction was there, how could they not?”
“Not everybody’s like us, pretty lady. I can’t keep my hands off you, haven’t been able to from the start and apparently, you feel the same way. I guess they have more restraint than we do. But look at what they’re missing out on.” He reached over and tickled her playfully.
“We certainly do make fireworks together.” She giggled as she squirmed away from the tickling.
“Ready for more of those fireworks...do I need to order more whipped cream?” he asked as he pushed his plate aside.
“No, I think we’ll move to something else, are you game?” She got up and walked to the bed, attempting to straighten it, wiping a sliver of whipped cream, grinning as she remembered how it got there.
“With you, I’m game for anything,” he said as he took the room service tray to the door, placed it in the hallway, hung the Do Not Disturb sign on the door and walked over to her. Pulling her to him, he kissed her while his hands began their familiar roaming. Her robe dropped to the floor, revealing the sexy red teddy. He pushed her away to admire it, perusing her from head to toe.
“I want you in every way imaginable tonight, Jessie. I want to know you inside and out. Tonight is our night. We’re going to shut out the world.”
“I want you, too,” she answered softly.
Later, he gently brushed her long brown hair back from her face and asked, “Ready for a nap yet?”
“Maybe a short one,” she whispered as she positioned herself in his arms.
They slept soundly in each other’s arms until around midnight, when he awoke and began moving his hands along the length of her body. She woke then and stared into his beautiful chocolate drop eyes.
“Don’t stop,” she murmured. “You want me again?”
“Always, baby, always.” He kissed her passionately and murmured in her ear, “Jessie.”
“Cody…” she started then she was lost in his kiss once again.
Much too soon, the night came to an end. The homecoming celebration had been a perfect night of passion but now it was morning and the real world waited for them outside the door of the suite. They had succeeded in shutting it out for one night, though, one perfect night. After breakfast, they hurriedly gathered their things together, checking out of the room just at check-out time.
He kissed her as he helped her into his truck. “Where to now?”
“I should go home. I know work will be hectic tomorrow.”
“I think I’ll go see what Andy is up to then.”
Dropping her off at her car, he gave her a long, lingering kiss. “Sure you don’t want to come in?” he asked mischievously.
“I’d love to, but I’d better go home for a while. Call me later.”
“You can bet on that, pretty lady.” He waved as he pulled out of the driveway and she soon followed.
****
He drove straight to Andy’s, who was surprised to see him. “I thought you’d be spending the weekend in bed. Didn’t your lady come home?”
“She did. And we had a night of mind blowing sex. She went home to rest.”
“Does she know you like to kiss and tell?” Andy laughed as he handed Cody a beer.
“Like she’s not telling your pal Missy the same thing right now?” Cody popped the cap and took a long swig of the golden liquid.
“What the hell is going on with you guys, man? Is it just the sex or are you serious about this one?” Andy looked at his friend questioningly.
“I’m not sure. I need to talk to you about that. That’s the main reason I stopped by here today. Last night has me really confused.”
“Well, talk away, buddy. I’m here to listen.”
Cody took a seat in the moss green chair in Andy’s living room as his friend plopped down across from him on the matching couch. As he popped open another beer can, he began, “It started out as fun and games. I thought we’d have a brief affair and that would be it, but now we can’t seem to get enough of each other. I think about her all the time, man, and the two weeks she was gone, I nearly went out of my mind missing her.”
“Missy and I’ve discussed this. She thinks it’s more than a casual affair for both of you. She says Jess is different with you than other guys she’s dated in the past.”
“I’m going to play it slow, I think.” Cody took another long drink of the cold beer then set the can down and looked at Andy.
“I hate to tell you this, but you’re way past slow. You slept with her the day after you met and have been having crazy hot sex with her ever since. That’s not slow, Cody. Hell, Missy and I have never even had sex and look how close we are.”
“She’s an obsession,” Cody observed.
“You’re gone. Way gone, buddy. You’re in love, whether you can admit it to yourself or not.”
“I’m not going to jump the gun. If it’s real, I want to be sure. If it’s not, the sex will die off, eventually. Isn’t that usually the way it goes?”
“Somehow, I don’t see that happening,” Andy told his friend as he pointed to his beer can indicating it was time for another one.
“No, thanks, I’m good. And how is it by the way that you’re still not bopping little blonde haired, blue eyed Missy? That’s what Jessie and I can’t figure out.”
“It’s just different with us. We’ve built a beautiful friendship and I’m not sure either of us wants to mess that up with sex. She’s moving soon so maybe it’s a good thing we didn’t get it too deep. She came along at a time in my life when I wasn’t sure I ever wanted a relationship again and she was planning on leaving this area so she told me up front she didn’t think it was good idea. She did mention being friends with benefits once but somehow I couldn’t do that with her. Not that I wouldn’t love to take her to bed, just not like that.”
“So you really aren’t immune to her charms, you would take her to bed if the timing was right?”
“Oh, believe me, the more I get to know her, the more I wish she were staying here in Lawton. I would definitely make a move on her.”
“When’s she moving?”
“In a few months,” Andy said sadly.
“That’s too bad, man. Maybe you should do something about that.”
“Yeah, maybe I should,” Andy said thoughtfully.
“Well, I’m going home now, thanks for listening.” He stood up and shook his best friend’s hand.
“Anytime, take it easy, Cody.”
Andy watched as his friend got into his truck and drove away.
Chapter 11
Jessica entered her apartment, set down her overnight bag and touched the face on her cell phone to call Missy. She really needed a friend right about now.
“Hey, Jess. You’re back?”
“Yes, got in last night and went to Cody’s, he had a surprise for me.” Jessica smiled as she remembered the evening and how sweet it had been.
“Which was?”
“A night of passion in a hotel, complete with room service, champagne, strawberries and whipped cream.”
“Did you tell him yet?” Missy asked apprehensively.
“No, why ruin a perfectly good night of sex with the most wonderful man on earth?” she asked flippantly, although she knew by now it was more than a night of good sex drawing her to Cody.
“Jess, I’m going to ask you again, are you falling for him?”
“I don’t know. All I know is I can’t get enough of him, in or out of bed. I want to spend every minute with him and the sex is the best I’ve ever had. He makes me feel more loved and cherished than I’ve ever felt before. My short term rebound affair can no longer be called that, I’m afraid.”
“You’re gone, completely. What the hell are you going to do now?”
“I don’t know.” She began to cry. “Missy, I don’t know. I do love him, more than I’ve ever loved anyone in my life. What have I done? What am I going to do?”
“Think about it long and hard, your future depends on it, my friend.”
“I know, Missy, believe me, I know.” She wiped her eyes and continued, “Well, I guess I’d better go. I need to get ready for tomorrow so I’ll see you at work. Thanks for listening.”
****
Missy hung up the phone and shook her head. After a few minutes, she picked up the phone again and called Andy. “Hey, Andy, mind if I swing by your place?”
“Sure, that’d be great. I was just thinking about you, actually. I’ll order pizza.”
He sounded pleased to hear from her.
“Okay, I’ll be there soon. No anchovies.”
“Got it, oh, have you talked to Jess today?” he asked before they hung up.
“Yes, have you talked to Cody?” she asked warily.
“Yes, it’s worse than we thought. We’ll talk when you get here.”
“Okay, I’ll be there as soon as I change.” She hung up, slipped on a pair of loafers, ran a brush through her hair, and grabbed her purse and keys before running out the door. She was excited to see Andy. In a way she hated it she was transferring. Their relationship might have developed into something given more time.
She drove to the duplex and rang the doorbell. He answered with a smile. “How’s my girl?” He gave her a hug and ushered her into the living room.
“Your girl is worried.”
Unbeknownst to Jessica, Missy had told Andy the secret weeks ago. He had agreed not to tell Cody.
“It’s up to Jessica to do that,” he’d said.
Like Missy, he’d worried about the reaction Cody would have after all this time. “I understand why you wouldn’t want to tell two guys you just met you were Army officers,” he’d said when she’d told him. “But Jess needs to tell Cody now. He’s in way over his head and I’m not so sure she isn’t. How long before she gets her orders?”
“Soon, I’m sure. She’s up for a promotion to Lt. Colonel, you know.”
“Whew…even more reason for her to come clean with him.”
Now today, after the big homecoming, it was even more evident to Missy and Andy their friends were heading for disaster.
He handed her a Smirnoff Ice. He kept them on hand these days, knowing she liked them.
“So what’s the scoop with Jess?” he began as they sat on the couch.
“She’s in so over her head. She pretty much admitted her feelings go way beyond a casual affair now. She’s worried to death about his reaction when she tells him the truth.”
“And she should be. I can’t believe she’s let it get this far without telling him.” Andy looked at Missy. “I’m glad you told me the truth and we aren’t even involved.” He reached over and patted her hand.
“I kept telling her to tell him. She just kept putting it off, thinking she’d be with him as long as she could before her transfer orders came through. I don’t think she ever gave a thought to actually falling in love with him. She was coming out of a bad relationship when she met him, much like you were. Her boyfriend had cheated on her one too many times and she’d ended it. That’s why when she met Cody she only planned on it being a short term casual affair, almost like a rebound thing. She never dreamed it would ever be more.”
“How soon will her orders come through, do you think?”
“She’s not been here as long as I have, so she has time. Sometimes a transfer gets delayed for one reason or another.”
“Will she go to Iraq?” he asked.
“She and I have both done a tour, so probably not,” Missy replied softly.
“You never told me.” He put his arm around her. “You’re so amazing, Missy.”
“It’s not something I like to talk about. But that’s where we were before we came to Fort Sill.” Missy laid her head on his shoulder. It felt like such a natural thing to do.
“Cody stopped by here today. He’s in over his head as well, I’m afraid. I’ve never seen him so wrapped up in a girl before.”
“It’s sad really. And who knows, maybe he loves her enough it won’t matter when she tells him she’s an officer and not just a civilian worker on post. Maybe it won’t even be a big deal to him.”
Changing the subject, he said, “Hey, by the way, I looked at the map the other day and Manhattan, Kansas isn’t so far. I could visit you there sometime.”
“I’d love that.” She took a sip of her drink and looked at him, wondering if she’d missed out on a good thing by insisting they just be friends. “A weekend visit would be great.”
The pizza arrived then, ending the moment. After they’d each eaten a piece, Andy continued, “Missy, you have to know how special you are to me. Our friendship’s been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“You mean a lot to me too, Andy.” Missy smiled at her friend then saw something in his eyes she’d not noticed before.
“Do you think we could ever be more than friends?” he asked softly, taking her hand in his, gently caressing it with his thumb.
Her heart was racing by now. “I’d love nothing more than to explore a relationship with you, but with me leaving, is it a good idea?” she asked breathlessly.
“We could try. I’m not interested in anyone here, no one but you.”
“I haven’t had any interest in dating anyone else either, so maybe we should give it a shot, if you can handle my being an officer and moving a lot.” She laughed and touched his cheek softly.
“I’d like to give it a try.” He looked deeply into her eyes and in that brief moment she saw her future. It was with her best friend, Andy Reed.
“Well, then, consider yourself from this moment on officially the boyfriend of Major Melissa Roberts.” She teased as she leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek.
“With pride and pleasure, Major Roberts.” He saluted her then drew her in for a passionate kiss, the first they’d ever shared.
Missy returned the kiss, a thousand thoughts swirling in her mind. When she pulled away, she smiled up at him. “Now how about another piece of that delicious pizza?”
“Really, that’s what you want right now?” He chuckled as he said, “Okay, I’ll get us another drink to go with it.” He walked into the kitchen and returned with two bottles. Handing the Smirnoff to her, his fingers gently brushed hers. She shivered.
“Cold?” he asked.
“No, getting hotter by the minute.”
He grinned as he walked over to where she sat on the couch and took her in his arms for the embrace they’d both waited a lifetime for.
Chapter 12
Monday morning rolled around again and it was a rainy and dismal day. As Jessica prepared for her return to the office, she relived the special moments of her weekend with Cody, each and every one over and over again. She realized with each passing day her time here would end and they needed to have that talk. For some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She’d been awake most of the night, rehearsing the words over and over in her head. I have to do it and soon.
Karen greeted her with a smile as she entered the office. “Welcome back, Major. How was your trip?”
“Busy, Karen. How were things here?” she replied with a smile.
“About the same as always, Colonel Anderson called for you again a few times from Texas. You’d think he’d have gotten the message by now.” Karen made no secret of her dislike for Jessica’s former boyfriend, even if he was a Colonel.
“Dan called? Gee, I haven’t thought about him in ages. Guess he really wasn’t all that important to me after all.” Jessica went into her office to begin her day. She looked at the huge stack of papers on the desk waiting for her attention. If I intend to keep my lunch date with Missy, I’d better dig in.
At noon, Missy entered the office, smiling from ear to ear, her pretty face glowing.
“What’s with you? Get laid last night or something?” Jessica teased her friend, knowing that couldn’t possibly be the reason for her obvious glee.
“As a matter of fact…” Missy was actually blushing.
“Not you and Andy…after all this time?” Jessica looked at her friend in utter amazement.
“Yes. We’re going to try a long distance relationship.” Missy was ecstatic and it showed in every feature of her face.
“Why now? Think of all the time you’ve wasted,” Jessica asked, still reeling from her friend’s startling announcement.
“I don’t consider it wasted. It was time spent building a friendship that has every possibility of turning into more. He was getting over a failed love when we met and I didn’t want to be the rebound girl.”
“I’m happy for you, but now you’re in the same boat I am,” Jessica said as they walked to the commissary.
Unlikely Lovers Page 6