The Grunt

by Nelson, Latrivia S.

  Just then, the lead singer eyed the couple and brought them up on the stage. Brett could barely believe it. Jumping up on the stage, he lifted Courtney up and danced around with the band as they sang their very patriotic rock tune, Take It to the Limit. After they sang on the stage in front of everyone, the lead singer asked Brett name and thanked him for his service. The crowd erupted and fellow Marines screamed out their names and their units. It was a proud moment for Brett and Courtney was right there to share it with him.

  ***

  It was way after midnight by the time that Brett and Courtney made it to the hotel. Courtney had thought of everything. Realizing that they would be drunk off their asses after the show (which they were), she had arranged a room at the Marriott for the night, which was walking distance from the club.

  Under a perfect full moon, Brett had carried Courtney on his back to the hotel as they talked and laughed. It seemed they had more in common than he thought. Courtney liked the same music that he did, including Bob Marley and Rage Against the Machine. She also loved to rock out, hated vodka, enjoyed skinny dipping, wondered what her life would be like at fifty, dreamed of being comfortable and had no desire to be rich.

  He found her energy relaxing and at the same time revitalizing. She had so much to give the world. And she genuinely loved people. But yet and still, she was okay if not proud of what he had to do in his career.

  Getting to their room, he put the key in the door, waited for it to turn green and pushed down on the lever. The door opened and a gush of cold air from the air conditioner met them, cooling their sticky bodies.

  “Oh, this feels so good,” Courtney said, lying on the bed. “I think I have quite the buzz.”

  Brett lay on the bed beside her and looked up at the ceiling. “I’m completely fucked up.” His voice echoed around the room.

  Courtney giggled. “Well, I guess the second part of the night is out then.”

  Brett’s brow rose as he threw his arm over her. “I’m not that drunk,” he said, pulling her close to him. “Just drunk enough to make you regret taking advantage of me.” His eyes locked on to hers.

  “Oh, I haven’t taken advantage of you yet,” Courtney said seductively.

  “Cort, no one has ever done anything this nice for me before. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” She put her fingers on his lips and traced the curves in their fullness.

  “Do you know how much I love you?” he asked seriously. He swallowed hard and pulled her on top of him. He wanted her to see his face and hear his words to know how true they were.

  She straddled him slowly and leaned down where their bodies touched. “Yes, I think that I know now.”

  Brett’s voice was low and gruff. “It’s horrible to say but the best thing that ever happened to me was that plane crashing. I would still be trying to work things out in a relationship that should have never been in the first place. But you saved me.”

  Courtney had a twinkle in her eye. “You saved me right back, Brett Black.”

  Brett shook his head. “No, you’re so strong. You would have been alright with or without me. But Cameron and I were lost. We didn’t know what to do.” He clenched her waist. The combination of alcohol and love overwhelmed him. “You know, when my mom died, I felt like a hole burned deep down in my soul. We were really close. She was always doting on me, proud of me, proud of everything that I did. No one had ever treated me like that, and after she was gone, I just figured that I’d never experience that again. Amy was not a nurturer. She was always on the war path, never happy with a damned thing that I did. Even when I was given the Purple Heart, the only thing we did to celebrate was go to the Golden Coral on military discount day.” He chuckled. “But a man needs to feel special, Cort. He needs to know that there is someone at home waiting for him, who loves him and thinks that he’s special.”

  “Well, you know that I do.”

  “Oh, I know. I’m not sure what I’ve done to deserve it, but I have to tell you that I’m sure damned glad to have you in my life.” He ran his hand over her face and moved her hair from her eyes. “This isn’t the booze talking either.”

  Courtney shook her head and spoke softly. “No, it isn’t the booze.” She smiled. “You make me feel special, Brett. All I’ve ever wanted in this life was to be needed. And you and Cameron make me feel like I’m a part of something special.”

  His heart squeezed tight. “Don’t ever leave me, okay. I know that at times it’s difficult being with someone who is always gone, but I promise you that I’ll always come back. I have something to come back to now, and there is nothing out there that is going to keep me from you.”

  Tears ran down Courtney’s face. “Why would I ever leave you? You’re the best man I know…except daddy.”

  Brett laughed. He loved that she was daddy’s girl even though he was certain her father wanted to kill him. “Yeah, well, Old Man Lawless is a hell of a man. So, I better shape up, if I’m going to follow his footsteps.”

  “You’re doing just great now. I always thought that you Recon boys were hard to the bone. But to see how you take care of your son, how you love him, how you love me…it makes me think that maybe you boys have the biggest hearts. You’re always giving, sacrificing and you never ask for anything in return.”

  “I have one request,” he said, running his finger down her neck. He looked up at her under lusty eyes.

  “Just one?” she asked, biting her lip. “You mean to tell me with all that muscle you can only do it once?” Her eyes had a glint of mischief in them.

  “Is that a challenge?” he asked in a husky voice, rolling her over on the bed. In between her legs now, he pulled off his shirt to reveal a perfect muscular frame. “Now, you’re in trouble.”

  Courtney put her foot up on his chest and gave a lazy smile. “No, I think it’s quite the opposite.”

  Sex with Courtney was different than with other women. He enjoyed her muscular, slim frame, her sexy smile, her fragrant skin, but he also enjoyed how she gave herself to him in every way. When he needed it rough and hard, she pushed her body physically to the breaking point. When he wanted her slow and easy, she moved with his body in a synchronic grace that made him feel like he was floating. But no matter how they made love, it was always beautiful, never demeaning. He never wanted her to feel cheap or unappreciated. He would never ask her to do anything that went against her morals. Even though they were not married, he regarded her body, mind and spirit as a pure temple, and he was grateful for her every gift. Maybe it was the way that she carried herself. Maybe it was the way that she made him feel. Maybe it was just because she was so special. But the thought of her existence was so powerful until he couldn’t help but marvel at her.

  Easing his jeans down, he watched her match his every move. His pants came off then hers. Teasingly, she pulled off her shirt then her bra. And the way that she ran her hands over her naked skin, over her soft flesh, sent chills down his spine. She was so sensual. So graceful. So feminine. Slipping off her lace panties, she laid back on the bed and rested in the nest of her long, flowing hair. Hazel eyes stared back at him, loving and pure.

  She watched his every move, never taking her eyes off of him as he kissed the ball of her foot. Arched into his hand, he cupped her foot to his cheek.

  “Did it hurt?” she asked suddenly.

  His brows rose. “Did what hurt?” he asked as he kissed her ankle.

  “Your wound. The bullet that went through your arm.” Her eyes locked on his shoulder, tense and bulging with muscle.

  “Yeah, it hurt,” he said with a smirk. “It didn’t feel good.” Looking down at his shoulder, he curled up his lips. “Does it bother you?”

  “No,” she said, reaching out for him. “It’s a turn on. It reminds me of how strong you are.”

  Brett liked that she thought of him in that way. He slid between her legs and kissed her flat stomach. Spearing her navel with his tongue, he looked up at her with is blue, icy eyes.
“You make me feel like a man,” he confessed.

  “And you make me feel like a woman,” she smiled. “All woman.”

  Running his hand down the outer sweep of her thigh, he made his way up to her breasts. He groaned deeply. “I want you so bad.” His tongue lapped her nipples.

  Courtney closed her eyes and bit her lip. “Take me then. I’m all yours.”

  Her will to submit only made him harder. He took her hand and placed it on his throbbing penis. “Where do you want me?”

  “Inside me,” she whispered, rolling her hips as she opened her legs wider. “I want you to fill me to the brim.”

  Now directly on top of her, he looked into her eyes and ran his hands down her shoulders. She felt like satin as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

  “Don’t take your eyes off of me,” he said as he lifted his hips.

  His entry was slow and easy.

  She did what he commanded. Even though she wanted to close her eyes and drift off into her dream world, she watched him. His perfect face tensed as he entered her, eliciting another gasp from her pouty lips as he moved.

  Her fingers clenched the sheets. Taking all nine inches of his thick sex was not an easy chore. Sucking in a deep breath, she realized that he was not wearing a condom, but she did not want to protest. The feel of his unprotected body inside her was glorious.

  Breathing shallow, she pushed into his erection, the tip of him deep inside of her. Hot liquid lapped between them as he moved in and out of her. His large arms covered her from sight as he rested them beside her head. She looked again at the bullet wound in his arm. The thought of him not coming back from Afghanistan caused a strain in her chest.

  “Promise me that you’ll come back from war,” she said with tears in her eyes. The salty tears ran down the sides of her face.

  “I promise,” he whispered. Bending down to her lips, he kissed her slowly, savoring the taste of her.

  He flexed his taut hips as he lifted himself up and pushed down with all his strength into her body. This time she closed her eyes and screamed out.

  “Open your eyes,” he commanded.

  She obeyed astonished at his hypnotizing penetration.

  Slowly, he rocked into her body as he killed her with his eyes. Holding on to his wide back, she took his thrusts as they came one after the other. Filling her to the brim, as she requested, he leaned in and kissed her slowly.

  “I’m going to make love to you,” he said into her mouth, “all night long.”

  ***

  Courtney had permanently moved to cloud nine by the next morning. She woke up feeling like a million dollars, wrapped in Brett’s embrace, protected from all danger. This was the first time in her entire life that she could articulate what love felt like. Never having this before, she held on tightly to ever moment like it was her last. But to her surprise, when Brett had woken a few minutes later, he too had a look of utter happiness.

  He smiled at her as she curled into his body like a cat.

  “Did you sleep well?”

  “Like a baby,” he said, amazed that he didn’t have any nightmares.

  “So did I,” she said with a grin. Looking at her watch, she yawned and stretched out. “I miss Cameron. We had better head back to get him.”

  “Dinner is at your family’s house tonight, right?” he asked, trying to hide his discomfort with seeing her father.

  Courtney raised her brow. “Yeah, but I’ve been giving it some thought, and you don’t have to go.”

  “Yeah right.”

  “No, I’m serious. I don’t want them to – well, not them, daddy – I don’t want Daddy and David to meddle in my business anymore. All that matters is us.”

  He sat up on the pillow and pulled her up on his chest. “Do you mean that?”

  “Yes, I do. I don’t need their approval and neither do you.”

  So, now the ball was in Brett’s court. That made him feel even more pressure but it also let him know that Courtney was different. Her brother’s words stuck in his head. Regardless of their disapproval of him, what her family wanted most was for her to be treated with respect. Any father or brother would want that. And one day, he would want that for his daughter. And while having children was not even a discussion that they had seriously broached, he knew that one day he would give her his seed.

  Kissing her forehead, he sat up and shook his head. He knew what he had to do. If she was willing to put him in front of her entire family then he needed to be her family.

  ***

  Breakfast in bed had led to a quick shower together and then they dressed and hiked back down to the truck. The trip home was slow and relaxed and the conversation had been basically about the night before and how awesome the show had been.

  Never in her life had Courtney not had to try in a relationship. But with Brett, there was no effort. They shared the same interests and enjoyed sharing their opinions. She wanted to know what was on his mind, what his thoughts were on life, God and politics. She wanted to hear what he wanted out of life. And amazingly, he reciprocated. He was always grateful for everything that she did for him, and he never had a problem saying it. Plus, he looked at her like she was made of gold, and he made her feel like she was a queen. Every touch was careful, every word appreciative. He had become something important and needed in her life. He was like air, and she craved him all the time.

  How she wished that he had not rescinded his proposal now. Sure, she understood why he had done it, and a part of her felt it to be very necessary, but there was a new part of her that could not wait for him to ask again. This time, she would say YES, and she would not hesitate, because she was in love with Brett Black. There was no getting around it.

  Chapter Fifteen

  When they got home the next day, after Courtney left the house to get Cameron, Brett quickly headed to Jacksonville on a mission. Whenever she went to her parents’ house, she normally stayed for a while. And considering they were having dinner, he had a little time. After spending a night alone with her, no kids, no Marine Corps and no barriers, Brett knew that she was the one. He could barely contain himself when they drove home. He wanted to ask her then. Marry me, the thought to himself every time that he looked at her. Sure, Old Man Lawless and his son could potentially be a problem, but Brett didn’t see it as a reason to back down anymore. He knew now. There could be nothing to get in the way of him having Courtney for his own.

  Impatiently, Joe was waiting for him at the front entrance of the mall with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and a scowl on his face. The sun beat down in his bald head as he paced back and forth. Brett had texted him, then called him earlier, begging him to cancel his plans for the afternoon and meet him for something very important. Being the good friend he was, Joe obliged and skipped out on Judy and kids at the water park.

  Brett pulled up to the front of the mall and jumped out of his truck with his shades on and his baseball cap down and ran over to him. “Thanks for coming,” he said with a huff.

  “You’re really going through with this?” Joe asked. He knew what the important business was that Brett had without even asking.

  “Yep, I’m ready” Brett said in a low baritone.

  “You’re glowing,” Joe nodded.

  “I am?” Brett smiled. “Well, I should be. I just realized that my future wife has been living with me for the last few months. I woke up this morning with a new outlook on life man. I can’t explain it, but I feel…amazing.”

  “It was that good, huh.” Joe smirked. “I’m just fucking with, dude. That’s good. You deserve it.”

  “I was hoping you could help me pick out something that is…you know…classy. I’ve seen the stuff that you buy Judy. It’s nice. And I want Cort to really like her ring, considering that she’ll have it on for the rest of her life…if she says yes.”

  “Oh Brett, I’m honored,” Joe said in a high, mocking soprano. He batted his eyes at his friend and stuck out his butt.

  “Can
you help me or not, man?” Brett asked nervously. “I’m desperate here. My life is in your hands.”

  “Yeah. I’ll help your love-struck ass,” Joe said, flicking his cigarette. “Stop being so melodramatic though. It doesn’t fit you.”

  Brett’s shoulder’s slumped. This business with Courtney had made him a bit soft.

  “But being in love does fit you,” Joe said, hitting Brett on the back. “Come on. We’ll pick out something that will take her breath away and put you in the poor house.”

  ***

  The entire family was at the house when Courtney arrived. A little hung over from the drinking extravaganza the night before, she slipped her shades on as she pulled behind David’s BMW and parked. While the date last night had been the best of her life, she knew what was waiting for her on the other side of the front doors. The truth. She’d finally have to answer some questions about Brett Black to her father, and she was done hiding their relationship. Plus, she had never been a liar. She would rather people disapprove of the truth than live her life for her lies. It just seemed so wrong and unfair for everyone involved.