by Jules Dixon
“Maybe you’re getting your period back?”
“No, the spot wasn’t like that, and as I’ve said before, all three OB/GYN oncologists have been very clear that part of my life is over with. I’ve accepted it. I hope you can, too.”
“I accept you the way you are. I only want you to be healthy and happy.”
“I am both until I tell you otherwise, okay?”
“Now that’s worth a hooah.”
“Hooah,” I said with little oomph.
He laughed. “You’d never make it in the army.” His lips pressed against my forehead while we sat at a red light.
We arrived at Sugar Plum Dream Design and he walked me inside. An obvious macho move to let Oliver know whom I belonged to, but I didn’t mind his display of possession. It was kind of nice. Most of the ladies’ mouths dropped open as we walked to my cubicle. His black outfit was completely swoon-worthy: the shirt skimmed the muscles of his upper body and the pants emphasized his shapely backside; black leather boots with a heel that was thick and said, “I don’t do ballet”; and his mirrored aviators.
Like having my own hot ninja.
I set my bag down in my chair. “I have an installation today, so I need to get ready to leave with Andi. Plus, I have some information that’s going to make her go a little crazy. I’d rather you not be here to hear her tirade about our incompetent framer.”
I stepped into his hard body and he guided me to the aisle for what I thought would be a peck, but turned into a toe-numbing, heart-pounding, tongue-twisting kiss. I was positive that several heads popped out to take in the view before returning to their cubicles.
Really, Mr. Wow?
He lifted his sunglasses. “I’ll pick you up at seventeen-thirty?” He brushed my hair behind my shoulder, running his hand down to my lower back. His large hand covered me from the top of my butt-crack to mid-back when fully splayed. The move was possessive and yet tender.
“That works,” I whispered breathily. “I love you.”
“I’ll always love you, Angel,” he said louder than necessary.
Goose bumps covered my skin as several gasps erupted from the cubicles around mine. I shook a grin at him. He smirked and raised his eyebrows.
For someone who got so little sleep, you sure are feisty.
“Go to work.” I pushed on his chest, but his center of balance was a lead weight and he stayed steady.
His lips brushed my ear. “Maybe we can make you scream ‘wow’ tonight?”
I blushed and nodded. “Only you. Now go.”
Andi rounded the corner. “I’ve been looking everywhere for…” She stopped but her mouth stayed open. “I’m sorry to interrupt. You must be Mr. Vendetti.”
“Yes, nice to meet you, Mrs. Jostens.” His large hand enveloped her thin one.
“Please, call me Andi. Thank you for taking such good care of Sage. I don’t know what I’d do without her. She truly is sent from God.”
I giggled and her eyes flicked to me but then returned to Rahl with a flutter.
She continued, “We have a big installation to finish today but I’m sure it will run smoothly. Thanks to her planning and efforts.”
That was a subtle hint that we needed to get moving. I also sensed Andi was sucking up to Rahl, but I had no idea why she needed to do that.
Rahl seemed unaffected by her schmoozing. “Sage, I’ll see you at seventeen-thirty.”
“Ooh, I love military time,” Andi twittered.
I was within a breath of questioning her odd reaction. Instead I rolled my eyes to Rahl. “Have a good day. I’ll see you later.”
There was something going on. I almost felt like I knew less than an innocent bystander would. With no changes in his expression, I shook my head at him and he winked. He kissed my cheek and gave a nod to Andi before turning on his black boot heels and strutting out of the building.
Seriously!
“Your boyfriend is, and pardon my lack of professionalism, but he is fucking hot!” She fanned herself. “Good for you, Sage.” She shook off what I figured was a rush of lust, the same flare of heat I got when I looked at him, and cleared her throat. “Okay, I know about the artwork. Anton called me last night frantic, he’s still not going to have two of the biggest ones, the one for bedroom…” She continued to drone on about our framer’s lack of integrity while I daydreamed about tonight.
Wow, I am totally horny.
Chapter Twenty-One
Rahl
The day was jam-packed from the moment I stepped through the office doors. Vendetti Security, Inc. was starting to get a name. We’d been awarded a contract to do surveillance for a division of Homeland Security, and I needed to get four more guys hired ASAP. The day was filled with six interviews, which Max and Leah set up. I trusted their gut instincts in finding talent but I made the final choices of who had the skills for what we needed and would work well in the VSI dynamic.
By lunch and after three unsuccessful interviews, I was worn down from no sleep, but the day was long from over. I wasn’t going to disappoint Sage by backing out on looking at house finishes. It seemed like a bright star in her cancer-concerned life.
I needed to find some energy for later. Every cell in my body was craving her wrapped around me. It had only been three days, but I missed the connection we had. Although, part of me worried that having sex would make her health problems worse, so I did what I had to do.
I pulled out my phone.
Rahl: Hey, Sage told me about the spotting. Do you think having sex will worsen it or harm her? And don’t laugh, doctor. It’s a legitimate question.
A few minutes into my third cup of coffee my phone vibrated across my desk.
Tyson: I’m definitely not laughing. Have you and Sage had sex?
Rahl: Yes.
Tyson: When?
Rahl: Why? And this is starting to get a little creepy, dude
Tyson: Just answer.
Rahl: We had sex several times (five to be exact—but not to brag—okay, to brag) last Thursday and we made love Saturday and I froze my nuts off!
Tyson: Five? Liar! Made love? Nuts off? WTF? For a guy who can come off a little gruff you sure have a soft side. Fi told me it was in there. Now I believe her, especially after watching you ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’ at our wedding pictures for two hours. That was taking one for the team, bro. I couldn’t even do that! My medical opinion is … if Sage wants to have sex I don’t see any medical reason she can’t. If she wants to have sex with you, I’m only concerned about her sanity.
Rahl: Fuck off, Richter!
Tyson: LOL. I’m happy for you, Rahl.
Rahl: Thanks. Now, if I can be the man she needs and deserves.
Tyson: You are that man, she knows it, that’s all that matters. Have fun tonight.
Rahl: Thanks for everything.
Tyson: Anytime.
I finished my cup of coffee but my head slumped forward into a quick nap.
“Boss, your next appointment is…” Leah stopped just inside the door. “Are you okay?”
I sat up straight, wiped drool from my chin, and blinked. “Yeah, yeah, I’m good. Please send Mr…” I viewed the file and my eyes blurred. “Does that say ‘Crapstein’?”
Leah laughed. “I think you need some sleep, Rahl. It’s Greenstein. Jacob Greenstein.”
“Okay, send Mr. Greenstein in.”
Good candidate. Retired special ops Marine, well versed in specialty security detail and the intelligence training that VSI needed. Plus, he was a technology guy. Even better.
The next interview was someone I already knew.
“Buzz Paxton, I didn’t know you were in the firing line today.”
Buzz, the massive bouncer from Two Fine Irishmen, sauntered into my office. We shook hands. “Hey, Rahl. Didn’t know this was your business. Impressive.”
“Thanks. Let’s talk.”
I found out that Buzz—his real name was Eugene and I understood the need to change that shit—was a Ranger from
the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Reg in Fort Benning, Georgia. He had impressive training and skills, was highly intelligent, and with his quick wit he’d fit in well here. I offered him a position on the spot and he accepted. He relayed he would be putting in his notice at Two Fine tomorrow night and could start work next week.
The last interview followed the first three, so only two out of the six were VSI material, but that wasn’t bad. If I’d filled all the spots, I would’ve been concerned I wasn’t listening to my gut instinct. I instructed Leah and Max on different essentials for future candidates, then hightailed it out of there to get at least an hour of sleep before picking up Sage. I woke from the nap with more energy, showered, and dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt, my leather jacket, black leather riding boots, and grabbed an extra helmet on my way out.
****
The skies had cleared and, typical of a Nebraska spring, it was now almost eighty degrees after starting the day close to freezing. I sat outside of Sugar Plum Dreams Design, taking in the purple logo with a flicking, sparkling wand above it. Wasn’t sure what a wand and dreams and interior design had to do with each other. Maybe some fairy tale thing only girls understand.
It was after our agreed meeting time, so I climbed off the bike to head inside when Sage stepped out of the building. She stopped and the smile that crossed her face made my heart jump in my chest. I crossed the sidewalk to her, pulling her into my arms.
I kissed down her neck. “Screw picking out finishes. Let’s go to your apartment. I need you, Sage.”
“I need you, too. Let’s take a ride to a place I know.” She approached the motorcycle like it could bite her. “Now how do I get on this thing?”
I glanced down and, thankfully, she was wearing canvas shoes—not the heels she had on previously. The jeans, t-shirt, and light jacket she’d changed into weren’t the preferred leather and we’d need to invest in something a little safer soon, but they’d do for tonight.
After stowing her items in the top-box, I helped her put on the helmet and got her seated. I mounted the bike, and she let out a small shriek when I rocked it to disengage the kickstand. I wrapped her hands around my waist and she dug her nails into my leather jacket. With caution, I pulled from the parking lot. I was never a racer, but the cargo I was carrying was precious to me.
She directed me ten minutes out of town and down a dirt road. I rarely traveled the back roads on the Harley. Asphalt seemed to be a smarter choice than rock or dirt roads but the short drive wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. We turned down a small road to a picturesque farm and she pointed me to the front of a white barn.
I hopped off and helped her dismount.
“That was really fun, Rahl.” She removed her helmet. I’d need to invest in something a little smaller to fit her head.
“Beautiful farm.” I placed her helmet next to mine on the seat.
Sage opened the trunk and pulled out a folder. She tugged on my hand, dragging me behind her.
“It’s my grandparents’. They’re out of town for the next two weeks seeing my grandmother’s sister in Florida. I stop by once in a while to check in. They have a farmhand, but Dave plays cards at the Legion in Gretna on Tuesday nights, so we have the place to ourselves.” She led me into the barn and past several horses that made their presence known with noises similar to the sound of Humvee tires on a washboard road. My gut hallowed out.
Sage stopped at a stall that had horse blankets hanging across the door. I grabbed a couple and followed her out the back door. After a short walk, she motioned for the blankets and we laid them on the ground in front of a small pond.
“How are you feeling?” I kissed the top of her head while guiding our bodies together.
“Really horny.”
Deep chuckles rumbled from my chest. “Good to know.” I lifted her hand. Sliding the jacket sleeve up, I kissed the fading bruises. “Sage, I’ll never hurt you like this again.”
“I know you won’t.”
“And I’ll always protect you.”
“I know you will.”
“And I’ll make love to you for the rest of my life.”
She raised her eyebrows. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
I grinned. “Challenge accepted.”
She shrugged her jacket down and off, then I freed the strands of her hair from her ponytail, wound the silky brown chaos around my hand, and brought her face close to mine. She sighed as my lips slid along the soft skin under her ear. Her sweet floral perfume lifted the lustful, depraved thoughts in my head and replaced them with devoted and gentle ones. The evening heat created a little glow of perspiration on her body that shimmered in the lowering sun.
Sage unzipped my jacket and slid the leather off my shoulders. Tugging my t-shirt from my jeans, and with a gaze up through her lashes, she asked for a little help and I pulled the fabric over my head. She lifted her arms and I tugged her shirt off. While she placed kisses all over my chest and paid reverence to my scars, I unclasped her bra and she allowed it to fall to the blanket. Knowing she understood and accepted the scars I had outside and inside made me want to show her that I accepted and loved her the way she was, too. I sank to my knees and worshiped her body like she had mine. It was the first time I’d really touched her breasts and possibly the first time any man had after her cancer. I wanted the reverence to be special and meaningful. I started cautiously, but when she threw her head back releasing a loud whimper of approval, I slid my lips and tongue over every inch of the beautiful design on her velvet skin.
I slipped an arm under her legs and swept her from her feet to lay her on the blanket. The move took her by surprise and she let out a squeal that had the animals in the barn making noises, too. This time the horses sounded happy, a different framing of an event like the psychiatrist had said I needed.
Sage pulled me down to her and we shared a deep and long kiss. She pushed on my shoulders, and I rolled to my back, taking her with me. Her hair curtained our heads while her breasts pressed into my chest, making my muscles jump.
“Do you know how beautiful you are to me, Sage?”
She blinked and swallowed. Rising to her elbows, she exposed her breasts.
“You are more beautiful and rarer than … a double rainbow.” I gently traced the large flower in the middle of one breast with a finger. Her eyes closed. “You are more beautiful and flawless than … those dozen roses I gave you last night.” I moved to the other breast and traced that flower, stopping in the middle to skim my thumb lightly across the skin. Her breath hitched. “You are more beautiful and precious than … any piece of priceless artwork.” I cupped her breast and the roundness rested perfectly in my hand. “You are my beautiful love, Sage.” I lowered my head and suckled at the perfect blossoms. The purrs and hums of appreciation that came from her were as moving as any song she could ever sing to me.
She slid down my body and made quick work of getting my boots off. Then she focused on my belt and jeans. I helped to slide the denim and my boxers down. Her urgency had my cock hard as a steel pole, throbbing to every beat of my heart. While holding my gaze, she stood between my legs and strip-teased the bottom half of her clothes and shoes off. Her mouth opened in a pant and her eyes glistened as her underwear floated like a feather down her bronze, toned legs. The sunset created a perfect halo of light behind her head.
My angel.
Her soft body lay on top of mine.
“I love you, Rahl.”
I slid her hair back and kissed her shoulder. “I love you, too.”
Bending my legs, she rose up on her knees and leaned back. She positioned my cock at her warmth and slid down until we were one entity.
I held her delicate face in my hands. “And I will make love with you for the rest of our lives.”
She moaned, threw her head back, and began to ride me with long, deep, slow strokes. Every time she planted against me, my body jerked at the soft but intense heat surrounding me.
I was her stre
ngth. It was what I was meant to do, and ensuring her blissful peak was my only goal at the moment. My pleasure was inconsequential. Only hers.
Only you, Sage.
I reached between us and brushed her slickened clit with my finger. Her eyes shot open and she bucked her hips. I rolled the sensitive tissue with my finger, firming my pressure with each turn. The hot gasps coming from her mouth matched the amount of pressure I used. I lightly pinched the sensitive bundle of nerves and on the next glide down she detonated into a pulsing suppleness around me. Her eyes opened wide while she moaned my name. I grasped her hips and in three quick and deep thrusts I found my own release. As we slowed our movements, I watched a slow smile radiate across her face.
“Wow … and … wow.” She collapsed to my chest.
We took our time getting dressed and lay in front of the lake watching the sunset. She showed me her ideas and I loved them all. But give me a place to brew my beer and a comfortable chair to drink the product of my hobby, and I would be happy. It was still early and the store didn’t close for two hours. Even though I’d rather lay here with her all evening, I could tell she wanted to go. She hopped on the bike with confidence.
Without hesitation, she led me through the choices at the design center. Her ideas were clear, and I liked the vision she had. My vision for the future became clear, too, as I watched her face light up each time I made a choice and I could tell it was the one she wanted. If it wasn’t, I would pretend to waiver and ask her to choose and she would smile even bigger. This wasn’t going to be just my house. It would be our home.
“Which of these three granite choices do you like the most?” she asked, organizing the samples from lightest to darkest.
“Well, I can tell you which one I don’t like. That one.” I pointed to a sample, dark grey with white streaks. “Reminds me of an ailing zebra.”
Sage giggled and moved the sample away. “Okay, well, with your darker cabinets…” She stopped and stared across the room at a woman who balanced a baby on her hip. Another small child clung to a man’s leg as they checked out the tile samples.