She made a good point. “You’re probably right about spending time together out in the real world.”
“And maybe…” She hesitated, biting on her bottom lip.
“What? You can tell me.”
Prue gave a little scoff. “I was going to say maybe if you’d talk to me and tell me what and how you’re feeling, you’d feel better.”
“It makes me feel like a pussy,” I grumbled.
“You didn’t used to have a problem with talking to me and expressing how you felt,” she said softly, her eyes turning sad.
“I was a stupid kid back then who didn’t have any problems. Now…” I choked on the word.
“Now?”
“Now, I think if I don’t talk about them, they aren’t true, or I can deny them a little longer.” I grumbled bitterly. “I thought if I made it through my deployment, I’d come home and get the girl. And once I got you, I was going to get you pregnant and have a bunch of little Prue’s running around.” I shook my head at how wrong I had been. “Now…” I shrugged, uncertain if I’d ever reach my dream.
“Now, it’s just going to take a little while longer. You’ll get there. We’ll get there.” I could feel the conviction of her words through our connection.
“Prue,” I uttered her name so seriously her head swung up, her eyes blazing, “what if you don’t like who I am now?”
“I like everything about you, Holden. Except when you don’t talk to me. As long as you let me in, we’ll be fine. I meant my vows when I said them.” Her eyes grew big. “I’ve got it! We should renew our vows. Then we’ll both know it was done for the right reasons.”
“I’d marry you again, or a thousand times.” My lips tipped up. I’d marry her every day if she’d let me.
“Good. It’s a date. I’m going to guess from all the avoidance that today didn’t go well.”
“You hit the nail on the head. If it weren’t for you, I’d probably have given up. It was…excruciating,” I closed my eyes and melted into the hard bed. “I knew it would be hard.” I opened my eyes for her to see the truth. “That’s why I don’t want you here. For the most part, I’ve been pretty drugged, so I don’t feel much, but today the painkillers didn’t work against all the rubbing and pressure. The bad part is I know it’s only going to get worse.”
I watched as a tear slipped down her cheek.
“I wanted to give up until l thought about you and how you’re waiting on me. Is that open enough?”
“It was perfect,” she choked out. “I want you to listen to me, okay?” She waited for me to answer so I nodded. “I will wait forever for you. I’m not going anywhere. I’d be there if you let me.” She gave me a mocking glare. “Knowing that, don’t push yourself too hard. Take all the time you need. It’s not going to happen overnight.”
“I fucking love you, Prue. So damn much. You don’t deserve this.”
“Neither do you.”
“And Holden,” she brought me out of my musings, “I love you too.”
30
PRUE
Late September
Watching out over the yard, my gaze followed Mason as he chased Atticus, laughing each time he unsuccessfully tried to catch him.
“Are you letting him tire himself out so you can get it on with your man?” I glanced over to Alex as she sipped on her drink. Mason had been running around my backyard for at least thirty minutes.
She shrugged. “He’s having fun, but I bet before we get home, he’ll be asking for a puppy for his birthday. And if we waited until Mason was worn out, we’d never have sex.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Luke smirk before he hid it by taking a sip of his beer.
“You should get him a dog. It would help wear him out,” I laughed as her cheeks reddened.
“I don’t know. Would we take a dog with us when we’re in LA for the summers?”
“I don’t see why not, but if you ever need someone to watch your dog, I can always do it. I owe you like a gazillion favors.”
Alex waved her hand at me. “Please, you don’t owe me anything.”
“When is your…” Luke looked to Alex for guidance, but she was too busy petting Atticus after he jumped up on her lounger. “Holden…” He raised a brow. “Isn’t he supposed to be home soon?”
Tears burned the backs of my eyes, and I looked away.
“Luke,” Alex scolded before putting her arm around me. “I’m sorry, Prue. He doesn’t know. Obviously.”
“It’s okay.” I tried to smile at her. “He’s supposed to be coming home soon. I thought maybe by the end of next week, but…” I choked on my words.
“Fuck, Prue, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” Luke’s eyes widened with alarm.
Alex moved to sit on my lounger with me and hugged me to her. “He still hasn’t called or answered any of your messages?”
“Nothing.” I wiped away my tears. “Now when I call, it goes straight to voicemail. Why won’t he answer?”
“I’m sure there’s a good reason. Maybe his phone broke.” Alex shrugged, and I looked at her in disbelief. “Okay, it probably didn’t, but it’s possible. You never know.”
“What if he got out and ditched me?” I cried out.
“I seriously need to meet this man.” She smiled at me. “From everything you’ve told me, I don’t think he’d do that. How did he act the last time you talked to him?”
Taking a deep breath, I laid my head on her shoulder. “He seemed fine. Upbeat because he wasn’t going to be there much longer. I told him to let me know when so I could fly out there, and after we got off the phone, it’s been radio silence.”
“Maybe he had a setback,” Alex suggested, chewing the inside of her cheek.
“Oh God, I can’t imagine how he’d take it if he did have a setback. He’s been doing so well, and I’m sure he’s pushing himself harder than he needs to.”
“Is he still going to need therapy once he’s here?” Luke asked.
“I think so. He’s not very open to discussing anything about his leg, but he did mention therapy here.” My chest ached for Holden, for everything he’d been through and still had to endure. No one should have to go through it, but so many soldiers and veterans did.
“It can’t be easy, and as a man,” Luke started, and Alex giggled at his words. He shot her a stern look but smiled instantly. I wasn’t sure he could be mad at her even if he tried. “We men like to take care of our women and family. He probably feels as if he’s unable to do so now.”
“I know, and I’m sure he’s traumatized. How could he not be? He didn’t talk about what he saw over there, but I could see it in his eyes, haunting him. As much as I hate to say it, it’s probably good that he’s been in rehab and secluded instead of having to deal with all the stresses of the real world.”
“I’m so sorry, honey. I hate that he’s gone through all this and you too. I know it can't be easy, but you’ve done an amazing job supporting him. Did you get approved for a dog yet?”
“Not yet, but I’m hoping soon. I let them know that we would like to grant a few other veterans’ dogs. You’d think that would help push our application through. Since we’re willing to pay outright, it should be faster, but who knows?” I shrugged. Holden had never mentioned the dog again after the one phone call that started him talking to me once he got back. I wasn’t sure if he wanted one or needed one, in all honesty, because even though he had started to talk to me about some things, there was still plenty he didn’t speak of.
“At least you don’t have to worry about getting jobs. That should relieve some of the stress most returning veterans go through,” Alex said the last quietly, her head tilted to the side. “Who the hell is that? Luke,” she called quietly, her body going rigid.
Alarmed, I swung my head to where she was looking and almost passed out. Coming toward us was Holden. He looked intimidating as he limped our way. He stood tall, his muscles rippling with each shift of his body. Wearing only jeans and a
t-shirt, his tattoos gleamed in the sunlight from under the white material, making him look like a bad boy biker. He was a sight for sore eyes, and it looked as if he’d bulked up since I’d last seen him; my mouth watered and my lady parts spasmed.
With his eyes trained on me, Holden continued to make his way toward me. Each stride exhibited pure determination.
I couldn’t move. My brain had short circuited. He was walking.
“Prue,” Alex nudged me. “Is that?”
“Holden,” I breathed.
His lips tipped up as if he heard me from all the way across the yard.
My mouth cracked into a giant grin as my heart burst with unadulterated joy. I wasn’t sure if it was a dream or not, but if it was, I never wanted to wake up. Standing on shaking legs the world around me disappeared. All I could see was Holden as he walked toward me. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I ran to him and couldn’t get there fast enough. It was like in the movies when two people run toward each other and it’s in slow motion. I wanted the world to move faster so I could make sure he was real.
When there was only about a foot between us, Holden stopped, and I could see him brace himself. I wanted to throw my whole body at him, but I wasn’t sure if he could take the brunt of my weight or the impact. Instead, I slowed down and threw my arms around his shoulders.
The moment my arms wrapped around his warm body, I started to sob. Strong arms enveloped me and held me close as he swayed us back and forth. It was all too much. The feel of him, his heat so close to me. The way he smelled like home even after being gone for so long. I could hear his heart pound underneath my swirling head. It seemed impossible for him to be here with me in that moment.
I pulled back and placed my hands on his stubbly cheeks. “Holden, I can’t believe you’re here.” My lower lip quivered in disbelief. “I’ve been trying to call you and got nothing.”
His lips tipped up, face brightening in the moment. “I know. I wanted to surprise you, but I didn’t count on losing my charger and my phone going dead. Getting here was a bit of an experience, but I made it. Are you surprised?” He knew I was surprised. So much so I thought it was all a dream.
“Surprised doesn’t even cover it.” I still had tears streaming down my cheeks as I stared up at him with a smile on my face that made my cheeks ache. “I missed you so much. Oh God, I feel like I’m going to explode, I’m so happy.”
“We can’t have that.” He grinned full out. “Come here, I need to kiss you.”
There was no way I was going to deny him. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pulled him down for our lips to meet. I didn’t expect our kiss to start off so tender. It had been too long since I’d last kissed him. His lips brushed across mine feather-light. His thumb swept over my cheek as his mouth moved ever so slowly. I’d forgotten how soft his lips were, but now that he was here, I planned to rectify that.
I gasped as his tongue slipped over my bottom lip; the ache between my legs grew. When our tongues finally touched, I let out a moan. A thrum of desire shot straight through my body. His long fingers wrapped around the strands of my hair, pulling me the way he wanted me. Giving him better access. I slipped one hand down to press against his rock-hard chest as the other scraped along his scalp.
“Maybe we should leave them alone,” I heard in the faint distance.
“That’s hot,” Alex murmured.
“I’ll show you hot,” Luke growled.
Holden pulled away, amusement written all over his face. His voice was full of gravel when he spoke. “I need to be alone with you.”
Face planting into his chest, I softly said, “I couldn’t agree more.” Pulling back, I reached up on tippy-toes and placed a chaste kiss on the lips I’d been dreaming about for the past few months.
Before I got lost in Holden again, I turned around to our guests with a bright smile on my face. “In case you haven’t guessed, Alex and Luke, this is Holden.”
“It’s really nice to meet the man who’s put that smile on her face,” Alex greeted.
Holden ducked his head. “Thank you, both of you, for everything you’ve done to help Prue. It means a lot to me to know she’s had good people backing her up.”
Luke stepped forward and they did a weird man hug thing. I think Holden was a little taken aback by the gesture. “Thank you for your service. It’s great to see you under better circumstances.”
“Yeah, I guess I didn’t make the best first impression, did I?” Holden wrapped his arm around my waist.
I wanted to swoon. Everything seemed so normal and yet so surreal. It was nothing like the last time I’d seen Holden.
“That’s okay. We all go a little crazy sometimes for the women we love.” Luke smiled. Apparently, their meeting that morning on my front porch forgiven.
“Thanks, man.” A chuckle escaped. “I was a little crazy. I hate to be rude, but it’s been too long since I last saw my wife.”
My heart rate picked up at the word wife and my stomach fluttered. My love for him was endless and I couldn’t wait to be alone with him. I was too overwhelmed to hear what else was said. I stood dreamy-eyed as they spoke until Alex gave me a big hug, her smile wide. “I’ll talk to you soon. No rush, you’ve got some making up to do,” she whispered in my ear.
“Thank you. I can’t believe he’s here.” I squeezed her harder.
“It was a great surprise. I’m glad he’s finally home. Go be with your man and get him settled in.”
Holden and I stood side-by-side while we watched Luke, Alex, and Mason leave with Atticus trying to follow. Once they were out of sight, I laced my fingers with Holden’s and led him up to the house. I stood at the back door and turned to Holden, and the moment I faced him, his lips crashed into mine. We were all tongues and teeth as we devoured each other. Gone was the tenderness from earlier. We were desperate for each other.
“Welcome home, Mr. Montgomery,” I breathed against his lips.
“It’s good to be home, Mrs. Montgomery.”
31
PRUE
Smiling wide, I slowly dragged Holden inside the house. I still couldn’t believe he was finally here, and that he had surprised me in the best possible way. I couldn’t help but continue to glance back at him every few seconds to make sure he was real and admire how handsome he was. When we were in high school, I’d thought no one could be as good looking as he was, but damn he was fine now. Manhood suited him. Holden took everything in as he let me lead him through the house and into the bedroom.
“Prue.” My core clenched from that one husky word alone.
Stopping in front of the bed, I placed my hands on his rock-hard chest. My fingers trailed down to the hem of his shirt and slowly started to lift it over his head but stopped dead in their tracks at the tattoo on Holden’s chest. My eyes flicked up to his and then back down.
“Holden,” I gasped, my hand going over mouth, “when did you get this?”
“The day I enlisted in the Marines.” He swallowed roughly, his eyes boring into mine.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” My fingertip traced over the letters of my name that graced his left pectoral muscle.
“What did you want me to say? That I’ve loved you all these years, and to prove it, my first tattoo was of your name. I wanted it to be a surprise. Now, can we get this shirt off me? I’d like to touch you,” he said impatiently as he peeked over his shirt, arms still in the air.
“Yes, of course, I was taken aback by my name on your body. I can’t believe you did that.” I tore his shirt off the rest of the way and went back to staring at his chest. I kind of wanted to get his name inked on my skin like it was stamped on my heart.
His hands came to my waist, pulling me closer until our bodies were flush. Mine melted against his as my arms circled around his neck.
“I need you naked,” he growled. His head dipped, and his lips skated down the column of my neck. Pulling my shirt off, his heated gazed intensified as he took in my lace covered breasts. His hands ski
mmed down my torso. The feel of his touch on me made my core throb with need. Pulling down my shorts, I stood before him in only my bra and panties. Thank God I’d worn a sexy pair today, and I knew Holden approved by the desire in his eyes and the hardness pressed into my stomach. All I could think about was how much I wanted to feel it in my hands and wrap my lips around his length, tasting his salty goodness.
“Fuck, Prue, when you look at me like that, I want to devour you,” he moaned from deep in his throat. “It’s been too long.”
With shaky fingers, I popped the button on his jeans and slowly undid the zipper. “Let me take care of you.”
“Please,” his head fell forward, chin to his chest, as he watched my every move.
My hand slipped inside and met velvety steel. Pulling his thick length out, my mouth watered at the sight before me. Slipping my hands around to his ass, I pulled his jeans and boxer briefs down his legs until I got to just above his knees. Looking up, I waited for some clue as to what he wanted me to do, but his eyes were clenched tight.
“Sit on the bed,” I murmured, placing a kiss on the tattoo that covered his heart.
Doing what I asked, Holden slowly sat down and then looked up at me with uneasy eyes.
Slowly I bent, taking off his shoes and getting my first look at the metal that now replaced part of his left leg. It wasn’t anything I hadn’t seen before, and I knew what to expect. I’d done a lot of research these past months. The only surprise was how easily Holden bared himself to me. I paid no mind to the prosthetic as I pulled his jeans and boxers the rest of the way off.
My hands smoothed their way up his muscular thighs, feeling the course hair until they met the juncture of his pelvis. One hand went to his waiting cock and the other gripped his hip. His dick twitched at my touch, and I couldn’t wait to give him more. His hips jerked up as I licked across his slit and swirled my tongue around his tip. Sucking him into my mouth, I bobbed up and down as far as I could go, letting my hand take over the rest.
Unsteady in Love: Fairlane Series #3 Page 13