The Storm Within

by Christa Ann

  Skye sat outside and watched the sexiest man she had seen in a while run around, though she did her best not to look at the dog tags around his neck. That wasn’t the only thing that bothered her; she’d noticed his gunshot wounds. He’s military and probably active duty. I can’t get involved with someone in the military. But, damn he’s sexy.

  Wearing her sunglasses, she hoped her friends hadn’t noticed. Skye listened to her friends and even turned her head in their direction, but her eyes were on Trev. She’d heard the men call him and wondered if it was a nickname or his name.

  When the game ended, she watched Trev talk to one of his friends and then head to retrieve his shirt. He must be heading inside with his friends. She started to turn and truly join the conversation.

  “Well, look who is coming over,” Skye heard someone say, but her eyes followed the one man that got her attention and made her heart race.

  He stopped at the bottom of the steps. “Hi. Would you like to take a walk?” Trev asked.

  “Umm. Sure.” Skye felt nervous, and her palms felt sweaty. Following him to the water’s edge, they started walking toward the pier. Glancing over her shoulder, her friends all gave her a little wave. Damn them. They’re going to bug me about this now. Turning back, she asked, “Who won the game, or were you playing for fun?”

  “Just for fun. To release some stress,” Trevor replied. “Having fun with your friends? How do you all know each other?”

  Small talk, Skye could do this. “We were sorority sisters in college. You?” She had no idea what she was doing with him.

  “Served in the military together. We get together once a year. We stay in touch as much as possible.” Trevor looked at Skye.

  She glanced at Trevor not really sure what to say. That’s nice or great. Not wanting to go too far she stopped. “So, are you still in the military, Trev? I noticed your dog tags.”

  With a shocked look, he asked, “How did you know my name? And yes, I’m still in the Navy. Your name is?”

  “It’s Skye, Skye McKenzie. Oh, I heard one of your friends say yours.” Skye could feel her face heating up from embarrassment. Being Irish and having fair skin, she could blame it on sunburn.

  Turning, he held out his hand. “Nice to meet you Skye. Trevor Evans.” She felt an electric shock go through her body when she placed her hand in his. They both asked at the same time. “Do you like the beach?” while Trevor asked, “Would you like to go out to dinner?”

  Chuckling, Skye looked at Trevor. “You first.”

  “I wanted to ask you to dinner with me tonight.” Trevor smiled.

  Before she realized it, she was saying, “Yes.”

  He smiled wide, showing his dimples. “I’ll call to make reservations for six and pick you up at five-thirty. Okay with you?”

  “That will be fine. See you then.” Skye started back to the house.

  Reaching the house, she hurried past her friends who had stopped talking to watch her. She made her way to the shower and then needed to decide what to wear for her date. Date. She hadn’t been on a date in years. Her last date, Doug, reminded her of an octopus. She’d spent most of the night swatting his hands. Maybe she should’ve told Trev she would met him there, just in case. Too late now. Dinner and conversation with Trevor, I can do this. Eat, talk, and leave. No noticing his wide shoulders, six-pack abs, muscled arms, dimples… Oh, I may be in over my head and in so much trouble.

  3

  Trevor picked up Skye for dinner at Flynn’s Irish Tavern. He hoped she would like the Tavern. The door opened, and Skye stood there in a hunter green sundress with Celtic knots and black sandals, her hair up in a French braid. “You look beautiful.”

  She looked up at him slightly. “Thank you. You look good yourself.”

  “Thanks. You ready to go? I made reservations at Flynn’s Irish Tavern.” Trevor held out his hand for Skye.

  “My buddies told me about a pub close by, but I haven’t had a chance to go there yet.” Trevor just hoped this place was good. His buddies seemed to like it.

  The drive lasted about twenty minutes, and Trevor held her hand. They talked about what kind of music they enjoyed, favorite color, and their friends. He hoped she would enjoy being with him, and they could do more together. He needed to find out what she enjoyed doing.

  Pulling up at Flynn’s to park, he saw the lot was almost full. He rushed around to help Skye out of the car, but she was already closing the car door. Below the name of the tavern were three words he didn’t understand: “Céad Míle Fáilte.” He would ask about that later. The hostess greeted them when they entered the dining area. He noticed a large wooden harp with the word Guinness. “Do you have reservations?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Trevor Evans for two.” Trevor placed his hand on Skye’s lower back. She stiffened slightly before relaxing.

  Following the hostess to their table, Trevor scanned the walls with all the Irish memorabilia. He pulled the chair out for Skye then took his seat after she sat. He ordered a Guinness while she ordered Bunratty Mead and water. The waiter, Jason, gave them some time to review the menu. They both ordered the special: prime rib, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a vegetable medley.

  Jason left to turn in their order. “Did you see the words under the name of the tavern outside? Do you know what they mean?” he asked.

  “Yes. It means A Hundred Thousand Welcomes. It a Gaelic greeting.” Holding up her glass of Bunratty Mead, she said, “Sláinte mhaith. It is an Irish toast for Good Health.”

  He repeated the words, and they both took a drink. “Have you ever been to Ireland?”

  “It’s where I was born. My parents moved from Ireland when Fintan, my older brother, and I were toddlers. So, I really don’t have many memories of living there. But we took family vacations to Dublin to see family,” Skye explained. “What about you? Siblings?”

  Smiling, he said, “Yes, I have two sisters. Susan is two years older, married, and expecting. Beth just turned thirty and is single.” This was the first time he’d ever told anyone so much about his family. “Is your brother married? What do your parents do?”

  “Fintan has a girlfriend named Amber. We get along. I just wish they would get married sooner rather than later. Fintan and my parents own an Irish pub, but not as large as this one. They do a good business, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.” She winked at that last bit.

  Trevor had a strong urge to learn more about Skye. “Can you teach me another Irish toast?”

  “Sure.” She thought for only a minute. “Okay, I have one. ‘May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future’. My favorite is ‘May friendship, like wine, improve as time advances. And may we always have old wine, old friends, and young cares’.”

  “I agree; I like that one too.” Trevor wanted to talk more but their waiter came with dinner. They ate and made small talk. He smiled to himself every time Skye started humming to one of the songs playing. She tapped one of her feet most of the time to the music. Trevor knew because the table vibrated. He wondered if she even knew she was doing it.

  Both of them declined dessert after dinner and headed out the door after paying the bill. Trevor didn’t want to leave her company yet. “Do you want to walk along the beach when we get back?”

  “Okay. For a little while. It will be good to walk off dinner anyway.” Skye glanced at him then turned to the passenger window.

  Trevor noticed her tension but couldn’t figure out why. He thought dinner went well. He still wanted to learn more about her. Something ate at her; his military training helped him see the smallest of details. He noticed the scared look when she glanced at his dog tags, at the way her body tensed and moved ever so slightly back as if she fought the urge to turn and bolt. He’d put them inside his shirt when they got to the restaurant, and Skye seemed to relax.

  He wanted to ask why the sight of his dog tags made her act that way. Was she aware of her own body’s reaction? Waking up from one of his nightmares always had him in
a state of shock. His breathing sped, blood pressure raised, and his heart racing as if trying to come out of his chest. But he hadn’t earned that trust, and to be honest, he wouldn’t be able to confide in her about his nightmares. They just might give her the reason to run.

  Trevor pulled up to the beach house and they both got out. Skye was glad Trevor had put his dog tags in his shirt at the pub. She didn’t want to be reminded of the accident. Accident wasn’t the right word; attack was what the police wrote down in their report.

  She didn’t want to see them or be reminded that the only guy who sparked a reaction from her body happened to be in the military. Skye wanted to pretend this was a normal date with a normal guy. They would walk along the beach, make small talk, and go their separate ways.

  After reaching the back of the house, Skye took off her sandals. “Let me put these on the back deck.”

  Before she moved, Trevor reached out for her hand. “Here, I’ll take them and put them with mine.” He took her sandals and his shoes and placed them on the bottom step leading up to his beach house. After taking her hand, they headed toward the pier.

  As they walked to the end of the pier and took the steps to the upper level, she didn’t notice many people around. Oh, this could be a bad idea. So, why am I not protesting?

  Trevor sat down with his back against the wooden pole, straddling the bench. She hadn’t realized he had a jacket in his hand. “Here, sit on this,” he said then placed the jacket between his legs on the bench. Glancing over her shoulder, she didn’t see anyone, and they were far enough up that no one would see them if she needed help.

  Slowly, she sat down. Trevor placed his hands on his thighs. She should’ve felt caged in, but for some reason, warmth and safety bloomed within her. Why, she didn’t know. But, it felt right and that bothered her.

  “I enjoy being up here. It soothes my soul and clears my head,” he informed her.

  Skye was glad he told her. “As a little girl, my brother and I would lay down on the grass and make up shapes using the stars and, of course, try to find a falling star to wish on.”

  They sat there in silence for a little while, and she noticed that at some point she’d leaned back again his chest. Trevor broke the silence first. “What do you do for a living?”

  “I’m a therapist in Georgia. My family lives about thirty minutes away. Where are your parents and sisters?” She didn’t want to talk about her job.

  Trevor turned her so she was sitting sideways. With the dock lights, they could still see each other. “They live in Virginia. My sister Susan and her husband work for a company in Richmond. I haven’t seen them for a couple of years.”

  Wanting to know, she couldn’t help asking, “Why not?” When he answered, she realized shouldn’t have asked.

  “I got deployed, came back, did some field training, and got deployed again. I didn’t want to worry them. So, I didn’t tell them about the back-to-back deployments. They found out later anyway,” he answered her, but she noticed the last part held a hint of pain.

  She didn’t know how to respond and didn’t want to discuss the military. So, she opted to give a vague response. “It can be hard on a family. But, it may have been better to let them know than have them worry.” Looking into his eyes, her sorrows were reflected at her. Whatever happened had affected him more then he let on. Do not ask. I don’t want to know. The therapist inside screamed at her to help him.

  “I love the freckles you have; they run from your cheek, across your nose, to your other cheek. I’ve heard some call them being kissed by the sun or angel kisses. Which one do you prefer?” As he spoke, he brushed his finger along her cheek.

  “My granddad always called them angel kisses; I prefer that.” No one had ever asked her opinion before.

  Inhaling, she not only smelled the ocean but the warm spicy scent on his skin. With the waves crashing against the pilings and the seagull’s song being carried through the breeze, she wanted nothing more than to taste his mouth. To know that she could still feel safe in a man’s arms and not worry about being hurt. For some reason, her heart told her to trust Trevor, but her mind continued to remind her of what happened.

  The decision was made when Trevor closed the distance between them, giving her time to pull back. “We… we should head back.” She looked into his eyes and then his lips, which huffed every so close to hers.

  “Why?” His hand moved to her waist and gently squeezed.

  Her breathing sped up and a heat grew inside her that wanted to be put out; Trevor was the only one that could.

  “Trevor… I—” Instead of finishing, he leaned in, gently brushing his lips against hers.

  She licked his bottom lip, wanting to deepen the kiss. She couldn’t remember feeling such a yearning for anyone. She lost all reason why this shouldn’t continue as a deep, sexual hunger stirred to life.

  His hands threaded into her hair, pulling her closer to deepen the kiss. He still tasted of the Guinness he’d had for dinner and she wanted more. Their tongues danced together, tasting and exploring.

  She felt his hand roam down her neck and dance along her collarbone. Breaking the kiss for much needed air, they both breathed heavily. Trevor leaned forward, tasting, licking, and sucking at her earlobe and the side of her neck. “Oh, that feels so good.”

  “Hmm. You taste of fine wine.” Moving his hand down between her breasts, she instinctively pushed them forward. Trevor gave her what she wanted and squeezed and kneaded her left breast.

  Skye shifted, and Trevor lifted her legs up to lay over his. She was glad to be sitting sideways with her leg together; he wouldn’t be able to feel her wet heat.

  Needing to taste him again, Skye threaded her fingers in his short hair at the same time he moved his hand to her hip and moved her even closer. She could now feel how affected his body was. His hard cock was pressing up against her.

  This kiss became more demanding, and they each tried to get even closer. Her hand moved down the column of his neck to the buttons of his shirt. After getting the top three undone, her hand slid to the smooth skin of his muscled chest. She felt his hands move under her dress to her bare thighs. She tightened up; she didn’t want him to move to her back or hip and feel her scar.

  He must’ve felt the tension and quickly moved his hand. He opened his mouth and placed soft, wet kisses from her neck to the valley between her breasts.

  The logical side of her brain told her to slow down; it’s too fast. You don’t really know him. But, the reckless lust-filled side screamed louder. YES! It’s been too long, and this feels incredible. I need to come. She hadn’t realized that she’d voiced the last part out loud until… “I can help with that.”

  When she opened her mouth to explain that she hadn’t meant to say it aloud, it was too late. Trevor had one hand to her lower back, and the other he began to glide between her legs. Before he could go any higher, Skye gripped his elbow to stop him.

  With her hand on his chest, she felt his heart pounding wildly beneath his skin. “Skye?” Trevor whispered in her ear, and she shook her head.

  He moved his hand to the inside of her thigh. “Too fast. Too soon.” She wanted him with every cell in her body. Her pussy ached with desire and clenched, wanting something inside. Anything. The passion and pleasure he woke in her needed release.

  “Slow down.” Trevor leaned in and nipped at the side of her neck. “But, we can sit here enjoying the sea and stars. And make out like teenagers.”

  Skye complied, and Trevor moved a hand to the side of her hip. “Thank you for understanding.” Placing her hands on his forearm, she laid her head on his shoulder.

  He pulled her even closer. “You are beautiful. We can wait.” Then placed a kiss on her forehead.

  Skye just looked up at Trevor in shock. Was he for real? No man would agree to just stop. He even implied that they would be seeing each other again. She hoped so.

  They sat there in silence, and every so often he would caress her back o
r leg. They did do a lot more kissing and that alone fired her up. She looked up at the sky. “A shooting star. Hurry up and make a wish.” May the wish I wish come true: that the one for me will find me soon.

  “Did you make your wish?” Trevor asked.

  Skye looked at him. “Oh course. And no, I won’t tell you my wish, and I don’t want to know yours or they won’t come true.”

  Chuckling, he said, “Okay. You ready to head back?”

  With a nod, Trevor helped her up and they headed back to the house hand in hand.

  4

  Trevor didn’t want to leave her. Noticing her backing up and getting ready to go up the steps, he said, “Skye wait. Do you want to walk along the beach and find some shells tomorrow?”

  She just glanced at him. “That sounds great. See you later.” She then turned around and headed up the stairs.

  Trevor placed his hands behind his neck and looked up into the night sky, breathing in slow and deep. He could feel the frustration starting to boil. Why? Nervous. He did the breathing exercises that the therapist taught him. Deep breath through the nose, out through the month.

  As he walked next door, he continued the exercise until he could feel the tension leave his neck and shoulders. Reaching the bottom step, he noticed their shoes; he’d give them back to her tomorrow.

  Opening the back door, he noticed the house was quiet. Too quiet. He didn’t have the energy to worry about anything. He just wanted to go to his room, shower, collapse on the bed.

  Sitting on the bed after another cold shower, he thought about everything. Something about her made his heart race, his palms sweat, and his cock hard. His body has never reacted to a woman this strongly before. He wanted to ask her about the perfume she’d worn. God, that perfume is intoxicating; add her natural scent, which reminds me of vanilla, and she has me enchanted.

  For the first time, Trevor wanted someone who made him feel something, rather than the nothing he was used to. Who sparked him to life, and with whom he wanted to spend time. How could anyone make you feel such emotion after one night? Being with Skye reminded him of sitting in front of a blazing fire on a cold night and wrapped up in a blanket.