The Storm Within

by Christa Ann

  For the first-time since the failed mission, Trevor slept without a single nightmare. Instead, he dreamed about Skye and him on the pier. He woke from the dream stroking his hard cock beneath his underwear. Fuck. He gave up and closed his eyes again, picturing a redhead with fair skin and freckles. Skye.

  He pictured his hands traveling from her breasts to her already wet core. Tasting her lips and hearing her passionate cries. But, they would come together screaming each other’s name. With that last thought, he came. Fuck. Now, I need another cold shower.

  He wanted nothing more than to feel her next to him. Find out what she looked like in the morning. What she liked to eat. Does she enjoy working out or jogging? Did she have a pet?

  He got cleaned up and ready. Heading to the kitchen, he saw some of his buddies sitting at the table. “Morning. I’ll be right back.” Before anyone could say a word, Trevor left through the back door, picked up Skye sandals, and walked next door.

  Going to the back door, Trevor knocked. He could see inside only because the double doors were glass. Trevor didn’t see Skye among the women he could see from the door. An attractive curvy brown haired woman answered the door. Before she could say anything, he said, “Is Skye here? I’m Trevor. I would like to talk to her. I have her sandals; she forgot them last night.” By the looks, they knew what happened.

  “She’s still sleeping. I’ll let her know you came by. You can leave her sandals with us,” came from a blonde.

  “Thanks.” Trevor didn’t know what else to say. He needed to go for a jog. After handing the sandals over to the woman who’d answered the door, he left.

  He started back to the house until he glanced over and saw his buddies watching. Instead, he decided to take a run on the beach and release some stress. Running help cleared his mind, and that’s what he needed. Reaching to the pier, he jogged underneath and began pacing back and forth.

  Needing someone to talk to, he ran back to the house to make the call to someone that might help. His father. He needed some advice and hoped his father could help.

  Trevor stayed outside and walked around to the front of the house. He had his keys with him and unlocked his car, sitting down in the passenger seat and making the call.

  The phone rang three times before he heard the one voice he needed to hear. “Hello?”

  “Hey Dad, it me. Do you have minute?” He hoped he had the time and wasn’t in the middle of anything.

  His father never disappointed. “Of course, son. Everything okay? Aren’t you with your friends at the beach this week?”

  Swallowing his nerve, he said, “Yeah, I am. It’s not them I need to talk to you about.”

  “Okay. Spill it before your mother gets back from her morning walk.” His father had always been a straight shooter.

  Oh, yeah, that was what he needed, his mother on the other phone. No fuckin’ way. “The house next to us is being rented by some women. Long story short. I met one on the pier, saw her again the following day, and asked her out for dinner. Took her to the pub, she’s Irish by the way. Anyway, dinner went well and we talked. After dinner, we went for walk on the beach and…” Trevor stopped. He didn’t know how much to tell him.

  His father put two and two together. “I take it by the sudden pause the two of you had some…private time.”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, you can say that. I stopped by this morning to talk to her, but she was sleeping. She’s special; I can’t explain it. Anyway, how did you know mom was the one for you?”

  “Trevor, that’s not a easy question to answer. For me, her smile and laughter had me hooked. You need to spend time with this girl.” His father always had the best advice.

  “I’m hoping to spend time with her later today,” Trevor told his father

  “Your mother is getting home; I can hear the garage door. So, I’m going to make this last statement to you and go. You need to talk to this woman if she’s the one you want. Listen, really listen to her. Mostly, son, be honest and talk to her, too. I know more of what’s going on with you than you realize. But, that is for another day, and we will talk about it later.” Pausing, he heard him call to his mother. “Call your mother and me later. Let me know how it goes. Love you, son.”

  “Bye, Dad. I’ll call later. And Dad, thank you.” After hanging up the phone, he sat in his car, trying to clear his mind and consider everything his father had said.

  5

  After rushing into the house, her friends just looked at her. Liana started to get up, but Skye shook her head. She didn’t want to talk to anyone. She wanted only to shower and sleep, so she took half a sleeping pill to help her out. She didn’t want to dream. But, she did anyway, and the past and present intertwined.

  They held a staff meeting after everyone’s last patient. Her boss, Dr. Williams, wanted updates with any problems they were having. Skye informed him of one of her patients who was suffering from PTSD; she believed he needed more help than she could provide. “Here is his file.”

  After handing the file over to Dr. Williams, he reviewed the reports she’d written. “Okay. Let’s sign the paperwork to get him in the hospital for a seventy-two hour hold. He needs more help than outpatient care. I agree with your findings.”

  Skye locked eyes with her boss, “I have the forms here to sign.” The meeting broke up after that pronouncement.

  It was late, and she needed to get home. The door to her office opened and Trevor stood at the door. Getting up, she went to him, wrapped her arms around him, and then kissed him. “What are you doing here?”

  “Why are you still here?” he asked her. Then a noise came from the outside office. Trevor lost it when the door opened to reveal the building’s security guard standing at the entrance.

  “Trev?” That’s when he reached into his boot and pulled out a knife. “What the hell!” He lunged; she turned and the knife… Skye woke up gasping for air, whispering, “That’s not what happened. Trevor didn’t attack me.” She sat up, pulling the pillow to her face, and cried.

  All her emotions mingled together: Hurt, pain, and fear from being attacked by one of her military patients suffering from PTSD. Her parents had been surprised at her career choice because they’d always said she had a soft heart. Skye believed it benefited her, but it ended up hurting her instead.

  Levi had made an appointment with her and begged her for help. Apparently, his friend was being treated and he’d recommended her. Skye found out later that his friend was told that Dr. Williams didn’t have any openings; that’s how he’d become one of her patients.

  Then there are her instant feelings for Trevor. Passion so strong that it was surprising. She’d never felt an uncontrollable passion and lust for anyone. But, what shocked her the most was the feeling of safety and trust. She hadn’t been able to be totally let down her guard to any man except her father.

  “I am going to get over this and move on.” She was working with her therapist. Though it did bug her because she was a therapist, dammit, and helped her patients deal with their issues every day.

  She wasn’t sure how long she sat up in bed until a knock on her door had her raising her head. It’s probably Liana. “Come in.”

  “Hi. Did you lose something?” Liana asked her as she held up her sandals. “Trevor came by to give them back. Seems you left them next door.” She came all the way into the room and shut the door behind her.

  “We took a walk along the beach after dinner.” Skye sat on the bed, her legs crisscrossed. “You would love the pub. The food is fantastic.” Oh, please let me not talk about Trevor.

  She knew by the look on Liana’s face that the change of topic wouldn’t work, but what came out threw her for a loop. “When I walked by earlier, I could hear you crying. What’s going on?”

  Skye opened and closed her mouth. She rambled when she was nervous, and Liana knew it.

  “Girlfriend, we have always talked about shit. So, don’t you start clamming up now on me. I will call your parents and find out. Yo
u know damn well I’ll do it too. They love me.” Liana sat on the bed across from her now. “Start talking.”

  She needed to talk to someone other than her therapist, and no way in hell would she talk to her parents or brother. Plus, she wanted to get Liana’s advice regarding Trevor.

  Skye stared at her friend as tears ran down her face. Liana reached over to hug her. “You’re breaking my heart. Please, talk to me.”

  Skye pulled back. “First, do you remember the patient I told you about? I called him L.” At that, Liana nodded her head. “About four months before this trip, he attacked me in my office. Before you ask, I don’t know why. I don’t know what triggered it.”

  Liana opened and closed her month, and it reminded Skye of a fish out of water. But, she knew not to tell her that. “You didn’t call me or text me. Damn it, you should have contacted me; I would have come.”

  “I know, but I wasn’t in a good place. Both physically and emotionally. My family drove me crazy. The security guard shot him, and the military have him in custody. I had to have surgery to fix the damage done. I have a scar on my back.” With that, she turned on the bed to show her, knowing the nurse side of her friend would want to see the damage for herself.

  “From the looks and area, the knife went deep. It had to have hurt like a bitch,” Liana commented. Skye heard the concern in her voice. “Okay, now Trevor.”

  Damn, she’d hoped that part could be dodged. Skye told her about meeting at the pier, taking her to the pub for dinner, and the walk along the beach. “I had a good time and enjoyed his company.”

  “And?” Liana asked.

  “Every time I see those dog tags, I wait for the bottom to drop. And then what I wanted to happen…” Shit, I hadn’t told her that part yet.

  Liana raised one eye brow and gave her that nurse glare that told her patients ‘keep on going’. “Okay. We walked to the pier after dinner.” Before Liana said anything, Skye continued. “Yes, we went to the top level of the pier. It was perfect, romantic. The stars and sound of the waves.” Skye in turn raised both her brows and widened her eyes as if to say ‘get it’.

  She opened her month in the silent O. “So, you two…?” she asked at the same time her finger waved back and forth.

  “NO! We didn’t have sex. Well, we… He didn’t…” Skye could feel her face heating up from embarrassment. She glanced up and couldn’t believe what came out. “We didn’t fuck. Okay?” At that she clamped her hand over her mouth.

  Liana started laughing hysterically. “Yep, you said it.” Laughing so hard, Liana fell to her side.

  “It’s not funny.” Skye tried to complain sternly, but failed. Smiling, she said, “You seriously need to stop cackling. You sound like a hyena.” She was laughing harder herself.

  “So, how far did you go?” Liana asked after getting her laughter under control.

  Knowing she could tell her everything without judgment, she told her friend every little detail between the two of them. The kissing and nipping along her skin. How his chest felt under her hands. How his hands glided over her and had her so aroused.

  She took a deep breath. “He’s didn’t get upset when I said we needed to go slow. We saw a falling star and just enjoyed the night. But…”

  “Skye, you can’t compare every military solider to one bad egg. You are listening to the wrong organ. What does your heart say? If he’s turning you inside out, then maybe you should take that chance.” She looked at her watch. “Take a drive, go for a walk and clear your head, or go shopping, but really think. You may want to talk to him. Be honest and tell him how you feel.”

  Getting up, Liana gave her a hug. “I’ll see you later and we’ll talk.”

  “See ya. I’m going to shower. You’re right; I need to talk to Trevor.” Skye headed to the shower after Liana closed the door.

  She took her advice and went shopping. She picked up something for her parents, brother, and Amber. Checking out, she realized she’d bought a hat for Trevor. After going back to the house, she ate lunch with some of her friends and they laughed and joked around.

  Glancing out the window she saw Trevor and excused herself. Getting the hat, she jogged over behind him. “Want to go for that walk now?”

  “Sure,” Trevor said with a smile. “Did you get your sandals? I brought them over early this morning.”

  “Yes, thank you,” Skye said as she bent over to pick up an oyster shell. “Oh, I got you something this morning. Hope you like it.” She handed him the gift.

  “Thanks. I haven’t had time to go out and get anything.” Trevor put the ball cap on after adjusting the back and taking off the tag. “Well?”

  “Looks good.” Skye smiled back.

  Trevor leaned in giving her a sweet kiss. “Let’s go walk and find shells.”

  Taking her hand, they walked up and down the beach, every so often picking up shells. Skye even pushed Trevor into the water. He got her back by picking her up over his shoulder and racing into the ocean. She has never laughed so hard and had so much fun.

  That night, they sat around talking and playing cards. Everyone came and went. They moved to the beach and sat on a towel to watch the sun set. Skye rested her back against Trevor’s arms with her head on his shoulder. She felt him kiss her forehead gently and almost sighed out loud. The sun set and they had to move back once due to the incoming tide.

  Skye moved and now sat between Trevor’s legs. He wrapped his muscled arms around her, keeping her warm. Her eyes closed on their own at the sound of the waves rolling in and out. It relaxed every cell of her body, soothed the soul, and quieted the mind.

  “I had fun today. Will I get to see you tomorrow?” Trevor spoke against her hair.

  “I’d like that.” Getting tired, Skye moved to look at Trevor. “I’m going to head inside. I’m getting tired.”

  Helping her up to her feet, Trevor walked her to the steps that lead to the back door. Trevor pulled her closer into his arms. “Good night, Skye. Pleasant dreams. And I hope you dream of me.”

  Before she could say anything, he leaned forward and, in one smooth movement, covered her mouth with his. His kiss ignited her blood and fired up the passion within her. She moved one of her hands to the nape of his neck, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss.

  Breaking the kiss was the hardest thing to do. But even though it was dark, they were outside. Trevor must’ve realized the same thing. Pulling back, he moved his hand to sides of her neck and pressed a lingering kiss on her forehead. Looking up at him, she could see the passion in his eyes.

  Trevor looked at her. “I could kiss you all night. But, if I don’t stop now, it will be hard not to take this further. And I want to.”

  Skye reluctantly nodded her head. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night, Trevor.” Moving up the steps, she glanced over her to see Trevor still standing there. “Night.” With that, she opened the door and walked in. Then is hit her: they lived in two different states; he was active military, and she couldn’t do long-distance relationships. She knew she was going to have to end this; it was for the best.

  Going to her room, Skye started thinking where it was going. She would be going back home, and Trevor would be going his way. Did she really want to start things only to have to end it in a couple of days? Was that fair to them both? She didn’t want to get her heart more invested only to have it broken. But, it felt right and she even felt safe with him. Oh, what am I going to do?

  6

  Skye woke up to her phone ringing. Without looking at the number, she answered, “Hello.”

  “Hey, sis. What going on?” Her brother, Fintan, had a cheery upbeat attitude. On any other day, she would love to talk to him. But, she needed to let Trevor know that maybe they should just be friends. What happened between them had been a mistake. Her heart hurt every time she thought about telling him, but she had to, right?

  “Hey big brother. You woke me up, jerk.” She could never be mad at him. But, it was fun teasing him.

&
nbsp; “Whatever, red bug. Look, I wanted to know if you’d thought about what we talked about?” She had no idea why he insisted on calling her red bug. He’d started calling her that because of her red hair and how small she’d been at birth. Fintan claimed she reminded him of a bug. “No, I haven’t. I’ll think about it, I promise and let you know.”

  Skye had mentioned to her brother she might not go back to being a therapist. She knew she due to return to work after a five-month leave of absence in roughly three weeks. Her family wanted her to work at the pub. They’d purchased the building next door and were planning on expanding. And she was seriously considering the offer, but she wasn’t planning on letting them know yet. She wanted to make sure leaving her practice was what she really wanted. Her boss would be devastated to lose her.

  “We contacted an architect the help revamp the other side. The guy seems nice and enthusiastic about the project. The good thing is we would only have to close for one or two days.” His excitement made her smile.

  “That’s great. You won’t lose too much income.” The one thing they’d worried about was the amount of time they would have to close.

  “Your enthusiasm is over the top. What’s bugging you? Don’t say ‘nothing’. You sound funny.” Fintan was too observant for his own good.

  Great, she needed to tell him something. “I met someone. But, not sure if I will be seeing him anymore. Before you ask, no, he didn’t do anything to hurt me. He’s in the military, active duty. So, I’m not doing a long-distance romance.”

  He was too quiet. “Fintan, are you still there?”

  “I’m not sure what to say. I just can’t believe one, he’s military and two, why you didn’t tell me.” Oh, boy. He didn’t always listen well.

  “Fintan, listen. I’m not… not going to see him.” I repeated everything very slowly. “Plus, I only met him— what— two days ago, so this is nothing anyway.”