Unlikely Lovers

by Anna Kristell

  “Well…not exactly. Andy knows.” They had reached their favorite lunch spot.

  “He’ll tell Cody,” Jessica said worriedly as they sat down.

  “He won’t. That’s your call. But he agrees with me that you need to tell him.”

  They both ordered taco salads for a change then Jessica asked, “What was his reaction?”

  “He understood why we kept it a secret at first, but he’s glad I told him. You just need to get it over with. Cody loves you, I’m almost certain of that. Surely he’ll be all right. He might be pissed off for a while. But don’t you think he’d get over it?”

  “I know I need to tell him and get it over with, but I just can’t. I want to enjoy my time with him as long as I can. If I tell him now, he’ll be gone. And I’ll be alone. I’m not so sure I’ll ever enter into a relationship again, after Cody.”

  “Is there any possibility the two of you would ever consider marriage?”

  “We’ve never talked about it,” Jessica answered. “Why would you ask me that?”

  “Well, you’re so sure that it’s going to end…what if there’s a chance it wouldn’t?” Missy urged her to consider.

  “Missy, all I know is right now, I can’t live without him.”

  “I hate to say it, but you’re in love with him whether you admit it or not.”

  “You could be right. I’m going to miss you and our little chats when you leave Fort Sill.” She looked at Missy sadly. “I should be used to this by now.”

  “I’ll only be a phone call or a text or an email away. You know that. And we can visit each other on weekends occasionally. Although my weekends are going to be pretty tied up I think.” Missy blushed again. “Andy’s planning on visiting as often as he can.”

  Happy for her friend, Jessica asked for the details. “What made you decide to get together now?”

  “It was strange, really. Right about the time I was wondering if I’d made a mistake by insisting we only be friends, he asked me if we could ever be more,” she explained.

  “Sounds like some weird kind of karma, doesn’t it?” Jessica laughed.

  “All I know is that it was perfect after that. I don’t know why I waited so long.”

  “Maybe it wouldn’t have worked out this way if you hadn’t. You guys formed a close bond as friends first and gradually grew to be lovers. Not like Cody and me, who went straight to the bedroom and became friends later. Maybe that’s where we made our mistake.”

  “You don’t know it was a mistake.”

  “You’re right. I don’t know it was a mistake. Let’s go back. I have a lot of work to catch up if I want to go home tonight.”

  “Okay, think about what I said, though. You need to have that talk with Cody as soon as possible.”

  “I will.” She sighed at the mere thought of that conversation.

  They returned to their offices and Jessica worked straight through until four when she received a message telling her that her transfer was being delayed by four months. That buys me some more time, she thought. That would give her at least six more months with Cody. She walked to Missy’s office to give her the news.

  “Well, it gives you more time, but I still think you need to come clean. And the sooner the better,” Missy told her.

  “I know, it’s just so hard, now that it’s gone on so long.”

  “And the longer you wait, the harder it’s going to be. I’m heading out now, I have a date with Andy.” Missy began putting files away and locked her desk.

  “I’ll get my things and walk with you.” Jessica went back to her own office to lock up.

  The women continued their conversation as they walked to their cars.

  “What are you doing tonight?” Jessica asked.

  “Dinner and a movie, I think, nothing exotic like a hotel,” she teased as she opened the door of her Camry and threw her purse inside.

  “Have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

  “I don’t think you have to worry about that.” Missy laughed.

  Jessica waved as Missy drove off then got into her own car. She drove home, changed into gray sweats, watered her plant, and sat down waiting for a call from Cody. When he hadn’t called by seven, she warmed up leftover meat loaf, popped a potato in the microwave, and sat down to catch an episode of General Hospital.

  The call from Cody still never came and around ten she finally gave up and went to bed. It was unlike him not to call. Maybe I should call him. Just as she was reaching for her cell, it rang. She answered apprehensively.

  “Cody?”

  “I called to say goodnight. I got tied up, one of the guys at work had car trouble and I helped him out.”

  “Thank God. I was beginning to worry.”

  “Oh, you’re worrying about me now. I like that,” he teased.

  “Smart ass,” she laughed.

  “You love my ass and you know it,” he shot back.

  “Among other things, yes, I guess I do.”

  “Naughty girl, my Jessie.” He was baiting her now.

  “Naughty boy, my Cody,” she returned the favor.

  “This is leading us down a path we won’t be able to finish unless you want to try phone sex again,” he told her with a deep chuckle.

  “I’d rather have the real thing.”

  “It’s here for you anytime you want it.”

  “It’s late.”

  “You can spend the night and go home when I leave for work. I leave early.”

  “I could. But this is crazy.”

  “Crazier than staying awake wanting it when all you have to do is come over here and get it? I can’t come to you because I don’t think your roommate would appreciate listening to our acrobatics for half the night.”

  “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes,” she replied as she jumped out of bed.

  “I knew you would. I’ll be waiting in the bedroom. Use your key.”

  This is nuts, going out at bedtime to get laid, she thought as she pulled her long hair into a ponytail. She hurried out, drove off post and straight to Cody’s apartment, quietly letting herself in. She tiptoed to the bedroom where he was waiting as promised.

  “You didn’t waste any time,” he observed, grinning.

  She quickly stripped off her sweat suit and joined him on the bed, saying nothing. There were no words to be said. She’d driven across town in the middle of the night to make love to the man she loved and that was what she intended to do.

  “Now wasn’t that better than phone sex?” he asked later as he stroked her long brown hair. He’d released it from the ponytail earlier.

  “Oh, yes, it definitely was.”

  “I’m glad you decided to visit tonight.”

  “I’ll bet you are. But you have to make it worth my while. You’re not going to get by with just once.”

  When the last shudder of delight had subsided, he pulled her into his arms. “Time for sleep, pretty lady.”

  She fell asleep immediately and slept soundly until the alarm went off at four. While he got ready for work, she dressed, kissed him goodbye and quietly left to drive home and get ready for her day.

  Missy’s Camry was just pulling into the lot as Jessica got out of her car. Jessica waited as she parked in the spot next to her and they walked into the building together.

  “Did you see Cody?” Missy asked.

  “I didn’t tell him, never got the chance, we were occupied.”

  “I can just imagine,” Missy teased.

  “How was your date?”

  “Dinner was good. The movie was great.”

  “And after?” she prodded.

  “Wonderful.” Missy blushed.

  “I’m so happy for you, just sorry you’ll be leaving soon,” she told her friend as they entered the building.

  “Andy’s planning to visit like I said. He’s even talking about looking for work in Kansas while he’s there. I think this may be the real thing, Jess,” Missy said as she walked toward her office.


  “Once you got started, you really got started.” Jessica laughed as she reached her office.

  She was just going through her messages when Karen burst in, obviously in a panic.

  “I’m sorry, I tried to stop him.” Karen began and was interrupted by a man barreling past her.

  She looked up to see Colonel Daniel Anderson barging into her office, uninvited.

  “It’s all right, Karen. I’ll handle him.” She dismissed Karen, knowing she’d be waiting right outside the door if she needed her.

  “Well, well, you’re going to handle me? That sounds like fun,” he said confidently.

  “Dan, what do you want? I’m busy.” She continued to look at the papers in front of her.

  “What do you think I want? This little pouting session of yours has gone on long enough. It’s time to stop this foolishness, Jessica. Enough is enough, I get the message.”

  “Whatever do you mean?” Jessica looked up at him innocently.

  “It’s time to get on with our life. You’ve made your point. I’m ready to apologize and make an honest woman of you. You were always the one I knew I’d settle down with. You are the most obvious choice for a wife…and you understand my weakness for the ladies.” He looked at her as if he thought she would fall at his feet in gratitude.

  “I’m sorry but I don’t feel the same way about you, Dan. I told you the last time we talked I’ve moved on. I’m seeing someone else and there’s no way I’ll give him up for you. By the way, he’s far better in bed than you ever were,” she added with just a touch of malice.

  “You little slut, always lecturing me about my affairs and all the while you’ve been spreading your legs for someone else. Who is he, Jessica?” He was livid and for a brief moment she was frightened of him. “Who the hell have you been screwing behind my back?”

  “You don’t need to know who he is. Now get out of my office before I call security and have you thrown out. And I will screw anyone I want. I don’t have to answer to you anymore. We’re finished, over for good, Dan. I wouldn’t be your wife if you were the last man on earth. You’ll have to find someone else to put up with your arrogant ass. You can show yourself out and head back to Texas.”

  “You cheating little bitch,” he said, slamming the door with a bang, but as he walked out she heard him mutter, “I’ll get even with you if it’s the last thing I do.”

  After that she could no longer concentrate on her work. The encounter had left her with a horrendous headache. She walked out to Karen’s cluttered desk and told her she’d be at home the rest of the day. Driving quickly to the welcome haven, she immediately took two aspirin and slipping out of her fatigues, climbed between the cool sheets with nothing on but her panties and went to sleep.

  She awoke hours later to the ringing phone. It was Missy.

  “Jess, it’s me.”

  “Hi, Missy, you heard?”

  “Karen’s concerned. She walked down to my office a little while ago and told me all about it. I guess she heard most of it. Should I come over?”

  “No, I just have a headache, probably from stress and lack of sleep.”

  “If you’re sure, get some rest and call me if you need me. Oh, I especially like the part where you told him Cody is better in bed than him. I’ll bet that got his goat.”

  “I’ll be fine, and it’s the truth, by the way. They always say the truth hurts.” She laughed as she assured her friend she was going to be all right alone.

  She got out of bed, brewed a cup of herbal tea, made some cinnamon toast, and went back to the bedroom. She’d been burning the candle at both ends between work and the late nights with Cody.

  The next time she was awakened by the phone, it was Cody.

  “I talked to Andy and he said you went home early, you all right?” he asked, obviously concerned.

  “He must’ve talked to Missy.”

  “Yes, they’re together now, did you know that?” Cody asked in amazement.

  “Yes, I forgot to tell you. Isn’t that strange after all this time?” she replied with a smile.

  “I kind of knew from some things Andy said the other day that he’d like for it to happen. But I wasn’t sure she would go for it. Guess I was wrong. Anyway, you okay, baby? I was worried about you.”

  “I’m exhausted and just have a little headache. I just need a good night’s sleep. I’ll be fine in the morning, honey, don’t worry.”

  “The late nights wearing you down?” he teased.

  “Maybe. I’ll be raring to go again in a few days, don’t worry about me.”

  “Seriously, it’s probably jet lag catching up with you.”

  “Could be, how about if I call you tomorrow?” she asked, loving the concern she heard in his voice.

  “Sounds like a plan, get some rest. I’ll be thinking of you…and missing you.”

  “Thanks, I’ll miss you, too,” she answered softly.

  Chapter 13

  She sailed through the next day, answering emails, taking calls, and catching up on the pile of paperwork waiting for her on her desk. For lunch, she ordered a turkey sandwich, eating at her desk while continuing to work. By four thirty, she had managed to lock her door and quickly drove home to change.

  Once inside, she quickly changed into jeans and a purple silk blouse before phoning the restaurant to order take-out. Looking at the forlorn plant sitting on the kitchen windowsill, she gave it another drink. On the way to Cody’s, after picking up the food, she rented a movie. She let herself in and set down her packages, just as he came walking down the stairs.

  “I thought I heard you. What you got there?” he asked as he pointed to the packages on the table.

  “Dinner and a movie, I hope you haven’t eaten yet.”

  “No, I just got out of the shower. Are you feeling better, baby?” he asked as he walked to her and pulled her to him, planting a kiss on her forehead.

  “I feel great. Let’s eat,” she replied as she turned and began setting the table.

  “You know what I like,” he said as he saw the name of his favorite restaurant on the bag.

  “I hope so,” she answered suggestively as she sat down to a steaming plate of delicious lasagna.

  “We may not make it through the movie if you keep looking at me like that,” he teased.

  “We’ll see.” She laughed, taking a bite of the lasagna.

  “You think you had a twenty-four hour bug yesterday or maybe something else?” Cody searched her face as he asked.

  “Nothing to worry about, I told you it was just a headache. Why are you so concerned?”

  “I thought maybe something else was up and you were afraid to tell me.”

  “Something else…oh, Cody, you thought I might be pregnant?” She looked at him in disbelief.

  “The thought crossed my mind,” he replied seriously.

  “And if I were, how would you feel about it?” Jessica hadn’t given it a thought but since he’d brought up the subject, she wanted to know his thoughts on the matter.

  “I’d be happy about it, Jessie. I’ll admit, it wasn’t planned and I was a little scared when the thought first came to mind, but I thought about it last night and if you were, in fact, pregnant, I’d not be upset about it at all. In fact, I sort of like the idea.”

  “Well, Cody, I love it that you feel that way, but I’m not pregnant. It really was just a bad headache. I had a disturbing visit yesterday morning in my office from someone I didn’t want to see and I went home to rest afterward. That’s all it was. I’m fine now. But I love that you were so concerned about me.” Jessica was touched by his words.

  “Okay, if you say so, baby. But if you were to become pregnant, just know that you wouldn’t have to fear telling me.”

  “Good to know, but I really hadn’t planned on any surprise babies in the near future.” She laughed as she stood up to clear the table. I wonder if I have to fear telling you my real secret.

  After he’d helped her clean up the small kitchen
, they went to the couch and popped the movie into the DVD player. Watching for a while, they snuggled. She slipped off her shoes and began to rub her foot.

  “Feet hurt?” he asked.

  “A little,” she replied as she continued to rub her left one.

  “Put them on my lap, I’ll massage them.”

  She swung her legs onto his lap. As he massaged her feet with magic fingertips, she sighed. “Feels good.”

  “I love to make you feel good, baby,” he answered quietly.

  “You know talking like that will get you in trouble.” She looked up and smiled her most seductive smile.

  “You know, I’ve never had you on the couch.”

  “Then what are you waiting for?” She invited him with her best come-on grin.

  “Woman, you are impossible,” he whispered, pushing her down on the couch and covering her body with his.

  As her emerald eyes met the brown eyes of the man in her dreams, she saw a hint of the love he was willing to share with her. As they lay on the soft, seductive suede of his couch, he murmured sweet words before kissing her earlobe then her neck. Trailing kisses down her body, he moved up to claim her parted lips in his in a kiss so demanding Jessica thought she’d faint.

  “Anything you want, baby. I’m all yours,” he told her in a husky voice.

  “I want it all with you, Cody, only with you.”

  “Jessie…” he murmured as he continued to give her butterfly kisses.

  “Cody, we are so good together.”

  “Yes we are.” He continued to tantalize her until the familiar desire began to make its presence known once again.

  “Cody…if you don’t stop…You’ll have to have to finish what you’re starting.”

  “You think I can’t?”

  “Don’t stop,” she begged.

  “Tell me what you want.”

  “I want you.”

  “Baby, tell me what I want to hear.”

  “Stop teasing…”

  “I want to hear you say it…”

  “Cody...I want you so bad I could die.”

  “Well, I guess that’ll have to do.”

  They lay together afterward, dozing off and on, until she finally awoke and looked at the clock.

  “Cody, wake up…I have to go.”