Bittersweet Symphony (The Damaged Souls series Book 2)

by Belinda Boring

  She began nibbling higher, exploring my body. I couldn’t tell what I enjoyed more—the sensation from the water or her decadent mouth.

  “Like that, huh?” Her tongue traced over the spots she’d softly bitten, creating a swirl of fiery pulses in my stomach.

  My hands skimmed up her sides, hoping to leave my own trail of fire in its path. I abruptly stopped her, twirling her around so I could cup her breasts. Despite my better judgment, I decided to curb my impatience and draw out the game we were playing. It was a razor sharp edge we were riding already. All it would take was one more lingering touch and we would both shatter.

  “I thought you wanted to get cleaned up?” I teased, brushing lightly over her nipples. I felt her give herself over to me and smiled. Sooner or later, it always happened.

  “Who says we can’t do both?” She chuckled low and the sound rumbled through her into me. The attention I was giving her caused another sigh to escape her lips. I stoked the fire burning between us, knowing exactly what to do and how it made her feel.

  We’d been together long enough to sense when the other’s pleasure was building—our desires heightening to the point where everything disappeared and all that remained was incredible passion.

  Caylee slipped around and wrapped her arms around my neck. With our bodies pressed firmly against each other, I marveled again at how wonderfully we fit. When she dragged her fingers down the edges of my back, it was my turn to growl.

  “I like it when you do that,” I whispered and I licked my lips. That’s when I realized I hadn’t kissed her yet. In my need to hold her, I’d neglected something important.

  Water sprayed down over us, dripping through her hair and down the side of her face. It didn’t stop Caylee from staring at me with hunger in her eyes. I liked seeing that look, loved knowing I’d put it there.

  “Am I forgiven for not letting you help earlier?” I asked, knowing the moment was fast approaching where things would explode between us. There was only so much teasing either of us could handle.

  Caylee shook her head and shrugged her shoulders slightly. “Nothing that a little loving from you couldn’t fix.” Her lopsided grin made my heart race. It always had that affect.

  “Just a little?” I bent my head, my focus on her mouth.

  “Or a lot.” She stretched upward and placed the lightest of kisses over my lips. That was all it took—just the briefest of touches and the passion that always lurked beneath the surface erupted in a molten explosion. Taking hold of her hips, I crushed my mouth over hers and was met with no resistance as she opened up to me. Cupping her round behind, I all but lost my mind as her body pressed into me and another blast of heat burst through me.

  I was rock hard and ready. Whatever foreplay we’d had in mind was tossed aside for what we both wanted—craved. With her now on the pill, there was no need to think . . . only act.

  I couldn’t get enough of her and, judging by the intensity she poured into her kiss, Caylee felt the same.

  As for me, I was careening toward my need to dominate her completely.

  “Cooper,” she gasped, breaking away so she could catch her breath. “Cooper,” she uttered again. “I need . . . I can’t . . .”

  She didn’t need to beg me. I knew exactly what to do—what I’d been waiting for. In an assertive move, I turned her around so her hands rested firmly against the opposite wall.

  “Spread your legs. Now.” The growl in my voice instantly caused her breath to hitch. She didn’t hesitate doing what I commanded. “So beautiful,” I murmured into her ear. “And all mine.”

  “Yes, all yours,” she whimpered, her eyes closing in anticipation. Kissing her shoulder, I finally connected our bodies—the perfect moment of completion, of wholeness. There was nothing else that mattered—it was just her and me.

  “I need you.” Each word was paired with the powerful thrust of my hips. Each movement built upon the other and I knew it wouldn’t take long before we both crashed over the edge. “I can’t hold back.”

  “Please don’t,” she moaned.

  I didn’t need to be told twice. Encircling her waist to anchor her to me, I showed her why it was so good between us.

  There was a split second of nothingness before we both shattered. From the water still cascading over us and the way our bodies responded to each other—the hard, relentless pounding pushed us hard over the edge.

  I sagged forward, my head resting in the crook of her neck. This moment was epic—beyond epic. It wasn’t about who dominated who anymore. It was about sharing yourself with someone else and making sure they got what they needed. Judging by the way Caylee’s voice mingled with mine and how her body became languid in my embrace, she wasn’t complaining either.

  “Thank you,” I whispered, my breath skating over her skin and causing goose bumps to flare.

  “That was pretty amazing.” She softly chuckled.

  I kissed her one more time before pulling away and I instantly missed the connection. I wanted more of her, so, after quickly rinsing us both off, I made short work getting dry before carrying Caylee into her bedroom.

  Sitting in the center of the bed with her body facing mine as she sat in my lap, I knew I held the most precious thing in the world in my arms. She was everything I’d dreamed and hoped for. She was everything I would ever want. Knowing that made my breath catch—the fact that someone could affect me so completely. Caylee had broken through every defense I’d erected and settled herself deep within my soul.

  This kind of love, the kind that felt so utterly familiar that you couldn’t ever pinpoint the precise moment you fell, just that you have always felt this way—was humbling. I just had no clue how I deserved it or whether I would be able to keep it without screwing up. What I did know was that I’d never felt like this before and I would do everything in my power to safeguard it.

  I wouldn’t be another asshole who ruined the best thing to ever happen to him. I would prove myself worthy of Caylee’s love. I vowed never to let her go.

  Cradling her cheek with my hand, I lowered my voice, honoring the intimacy of the moment. “Remind me why I don’t drag you home with me. Why I let you stay here?”

  “You allow?” Her breathless tone gave way to a playful grin as her eyebrow cocked at my question. “Are you asking me to move in with you, Cooper Hensley?”

  It was amazing how natural this felt. In the past, the thought of making such a big commitment used to terrify me. But right in this moment, still surrounded by the magic we’d created together, it felt inevitable.

  “Maybe?” I replied and, unable to keep my hands from touching her, my fingers traced invisible patterns over her skin.

  “So, it’s not because we just had the most incredible sex ever?” There was a questioning look in her eyes as Caylee peered up into my face. I guessed I couldn’t blame her for making sure considering I was the flaky one in the relationship.

  It was time for a little honestly. “I’m not going to lie, I know it’s a big step for us, but I don’t know . . . it feels right. This feels right. You. Me.”

  There was no uncertainty in her response. “Us.”

  The word sent a shiver through me. I kissed her sweet lips, hovering a little with my eyes closed. There was no fear inside me. Us.

  “You don’t need to answer right away. Think about it.”

  I found her staring at me intently when I opened my eyes. “But what if I want to tell you now?”

  “Well?” There was a sudden rush of jitters in my gut.

  “Or better yet, let me show you.” It was her turn to make the next move. Caylee’s hands gently pushed me backward onto the bed and she moved to straddle my hips. Lifting ever so slightly, she connected our bodies again.

  She was breathtaking.

  What followed was a perfect way to say yes.

  ****

  A week later . . .

  Sitting alone with Lola snoozing at my feet, I couldn’t have asked for a better day. Caylee’s
finals were over and she was free for the summer. My sweet dog only had a few more weeks left before her splint came off her now healing leg. Thanks to Marty’s gift of the gab, the band had a full schedule of gigs that would hopefully bring us more exposure. After our trip to Vegas, Cian had also called to invite us to their studio, talking about how excited he was to help us record a professional demo.

  Things were definitely on the up and up. Without testing fate, I would even say life was perfect. I was content where I sat, watching the sun slowly fade and eating a hot dog.

  Fuck, it felt good. It didn’t matter how many times I said it, the simple sentiment didn’t diminish how grateful I was. I’d earned this respite—surviving everything life had thrown at me.

  There was none of that now. I was happy, and I owed it all to the gorgeous woman talking with my grandmother. Caylee had been a nervous wreck when I’d picked her up earlier. Her usually neat room was a complete disaster as the contents of her closet lay sprawled across her bed, some discarded in piles on the floor. Rebecca had whispered softly not to make any sudden movements, that like a skittish deer, Caylee was in full panic mode over what to wear. Personally, I thought my girlfriend would look amazing in a potato sack, but based on the gasp from Rebecca and the murderous disbelief that shot across Caylee’s features, that hadn’t been the correct response.

  As a guy, I apparently didn’t understand the significance of the BBQ, so I kept my mouth shut and sat patiently while Caylee changed four or five times before she finally declared the turquoise, white, and black maxi dress the one. Pulling her hair back into a loose braid that fell over her shoulder, she’d slipped on some jeweled sandals and a matching bracelet.

  She was stunning and, just like I tried convincing her during the drive to my parent’s home, there was no need to worry.

  The instant I introduced her to my grandparents, they lit up and took an immediate liking to each other. In fact, the reason why I was now sitting alone was because my nana had kindly kidnapped Caylee with the request that she fill her in about what her favorite grandson had been up to.

  All that was needed was for my mother to pull out my baby book and I’d never be able to pry Caylee away from the women in my family. She fit right in. Even she admitted earlier she’d been nuts to think differently. They didn’t even know we’d planned on moving in together, either. The second we made that announcement, I knew where their thoughts would next go—marriage.

  It wouldn’t surprise me if my mother had already started collecting baby stuff. Even I caught myself during the day thinking about the future. I couldn’t help it as I listened to the sounds of Caylee laughing over something my grandmother said and the other familiar chatter of my family.

  Chewing slowly, I broke off the end of the hot dog and dropped it by Lola. One whiff of the grilled meat and she gobbled it up. She sniffed around for more and, when finding none, settled back down.

  “I love her, girl. I didn’t want to at first, but now I don’t think I could ever stop.” My admission fell on deaf ears, Lola snuffling as she dozed.

  “It does my heart good to hear that, son.” In my musings, I’d failed to notice my grandfather approach until he took a seat next to me.

  Besides my dad, Edward Hensley was one of the most important role models I’d ever had. As a retired Marine, it was him who’d given me my first taste of what it would mean to join the military—teaching me how to salute around the same time I’d started walking. I was his little soldier. He’d been so proud the day I called to let him know I’d enlisted after graduating high school.

  He was the one that taught me the importance of integrity and honor, a shining example in my life. I’d never told him that, but part of the reason why I hadn’t fallen into a rough crowd as a teen was because I didn’t want to disappoint him. The thought of having him look at me with his wise gray eyes, knowing that I had somehow failed to live up to the Hensley name, it was all the motivation I’d needed.

  I’d followed in his footsteps.

  Now here we were—two veterans enjoying the afternoon, the air filled with the excited chatter of those we loved.

  Dusting the remaining crumbs off my hands, I reached for my drink. “What do you mean, sir?”

  “That you love that sweet girl over there. She’s a darling.” He balanced his plate on his knee, holding the edge lightly with his hand. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that she’s got your grandmother smitten.”

  He didn’t. Caylee had the uncanny ability of making people fall in love with her. “It runs in the family.” I chuckled, nodding.

  “She reminds me of my Violet . . . that same way of lighting a room up by simply being in it. She’s like a flame, son, and we are all moths, unable to keep away. I married mine.”

  And there it was—a gentle prodding in that direction. “I asked her to move in with me the other day.”

  “And she said yes, right?” My grandfather glanced in Caylee’s direction, a smile on his face. “You’d have to be blind not to see how head over heels for you she is. Mark my words, Cooper, don’t let that one go. She’ll bring you such incredible joy. She’ll be like the air you breathe.”

  “Is that how it was for you and grandma?” I asked, knowing the story of how they met, but wanting to hear it anyway. As a newly recruited Marine, he’d met his future bride during a deployment, their mutual attraction and connection instant. Edward had known the moment he’d set eyes on her that she would be his forever love and the mother of his children. Whether it was a sign of the times, or they weren’t plagued with doubts, their engagement had been brief one. Then a year later, they had their first son, my father.

  “Every day I thank the good Lord for helping this stubborn fool convince that woman over there to give him a chance. There’s no one else I would ever trust my heart with. She is my entire world.” There was a slight tremor in his hand as he raised his fork to his mouth, some of the potato salad falling back onto the plate. “Caylee’s yours. Trust an old man. I know these things.”

  I didn’t doubt him. I felt it in my heart, too. “I’m glad you guys were able to come. I’ve missed you the past six months with all the travelling you’ve been doing. What’s next on the list?”

  The infamous I love you list.

  Another reason why I admired my grandfather was there was nothing he wouldn’t do to make his wife happy. Marrying a military man, she’d made a lot of sacrifices, moving from base to base, sometimes country to country, wherever her husband was needed.

  Growing up, I’d asked to see it whenever they visited, curious to see if anything had been added since the last time. As part of his marriage vows and promise, my grandfather had sworn to show his wife the world—anything she wanted, regardless of what or where it was. Since retiring, they’d started crossing items off.

  It’s where they’d been the past few months. My grandmother had had her heart set on visiting old Buddhist temples in Thailand and riding an elephant. I had no doubt by the end of their stay, we’d all be regaled with stories and home videos.

  Sure enough, out came the old, creased piece of paper from his wallet. Handing it to me, my grandfather said nothing. He sat quietly eating more food as I reverently opened it. This was a tradition for us—one I cherished.

  “Wow, it looks like you’ve both been busy,” I exclaimed, admiring the steady lines drawn through numerous items. It went clear down to the bottom of the page.

  “Turn it over, son. We added another wish.”

  Without question, I did what he said. My gaze scrolled down to halfway before stopping with a jolt. The last item hit me like a freight train—shaking me to the core.

  See Cooper happily in love.

  “Grandpa,” I uttered in disbelief. Out of everything that could’ve been written there, this had been the very last thing I’d expected.

  He didn’t reply. Instead, he reached into his pocket and handed me a pen.

  “Now cross it out.”

  A large lump f
ormed in my throat and once again, I glanced over at Caylee. There was no denying I’d unknowingly fulfilled my grandparents’ hope for me. It filled me with awe that I’d made their list. He could’ve knocked me over with a feather.

  “What are you waiting for? Do it!” He nudged me affectionately, gesturing to the paper shaking between my fingers. “It’ll please your grandmother to see it crossed out.”

  “When?” I began to ask, emotion stopping me from finishing my thought. Resting the sheet on my knee, a bit of stationary from the diner they’d shared their first meal as husband and wife, I struggled to keep my hand steady as I slowly drew a line through my name.

  “Shortly after you returned from that last deployment. We’d just come from visiting with you and your grandmother hadn’t said a word in the car ride home. When we stopped to get gas, she’d asked for my wallet. She pulled that out. I didn’t even question her. We’d both seen the change in you . . . the darkness that scared us. Out of everything on that list, Cooper, that has been our greatest desire, to see you, not just happy, but in love. We’ve prayed every day since then that you’d find that special someone who would help you find yourself again.”

  “Caylee,” I murmured.

  “Caylee.”

  “I don’t know what I’d do without her. It scares me how quickly I fell for her and how intense those feelings are. I shouldn’t feel like this . . . not about her.” Usually I kept these things to myself, but there were no secrets between my grandpa and me. He was someone I knew I could open up to—be vulnerable with—and not regret it or be ashamed. Along with my dad, he’d shown me what being a man was and what it wasn’t.

  “Because of Owen?” He studied me, seeing everything—even the things I thought I kept hidden. When I nodded, he clenched his jaw, thinking. “I understand why you’d think that way, son, but don’t you see? You’re not dishonoring the memory of your best friend, her deceased husband. You’ve been given a chance to find a once-in-a-lifetime love. I’d think this Owen would be proud to see the two people he loved and respected find hope together. I’m almost positive if he was here right now, he’d say the exact same thing.”