“Yes, Lacey, it’s gorgeous. Keep mind, though, we don’t know where we’re going next, and something like this coffee table isn’t cheap to ship.”
“Spoil sport,” Lacey pouted as she playfully smacked his chest.
Bryce grabbed her wrist and tugged her closer, kissing her lips. He held her close while he looked down at her. “You know if you really want it, you can have it. I’m just letting you know, everything in the military is temporary, and all that shit has to be moved. Can you imagine how long it would take to get this piece to the next place? How long did it take to get the little bit we shipped here?”
“Fair point. I hate when you’re right.”
He gave her a swat on the ass, eliciting a yelp and a giggle from her. “Come; next.” He guided her to the door.
“You know…” Lacey pondered out loud as they walked down the street, hand in hand. “Soon, we’re going to need to shop for baby furniture.” She added a little excited bounce to her step. Bryce groaned beside her.
“Yippee,” he teased. “We can just order it all online, right?”
“No, you ass. I want to actually look at these things before we buy them.”
“Whatever you want, Lacey.”
“Thank you, that sounds much better,” she quipped back.
“You’re going to be the death of me. Let’s get back home now. Everything’s closing up anyway.”
In the truck, Lacey tapped her chin then turned sideways in her seat. “You know what?”
Bryce eyed her cautiously.
“I think I want to work in a German bar before we leave. I bet it would be a blast.”
He let out a growl. Yep, her alpha male growled at her. She tried to hide the giggle as she waited for his response. She was certainly enjoying poking the bear.
“While you might enjoy it, it wouldn’t be really productive to me doing my job here. It’s not quite like back home, and there’s no Tyler to watch over you when I need to work or sleep.”
“Hey, I can handle my own.” She really believed she could. She had been handling her own for a long time.
Blowing out a breath, she watched his grip on the wheel tighten. “I’m sure you can, but I’m not interested in you proving it. No bartending in Germany. If you really want a damn job, and you don’t enjoy the FRG shit, I’ll help you find something, ok?”
She was not going to cry. Goddammit, those were not tears ready to fall from her eyes. Fucking hormones; she was losing her damn mind already.
Bryce glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, and sighed. “Lacey. Come on.” He squeezed her thigh gently. “I’m not trying to be an asshole, but I protect what’s mine. You and that baby are the most important things in my life. Something happens to either of you, and I’d lose my damn mind.”
“No, I know.” She wiped at her eyes. “I don’t know what made me so upset, all of a sudden. It’s been a huge adjustment being here; and you, you fit right in. I don’t feel like I do. Maybe I will one day, but I don’t yet, and I’m not used to sitting home all day. It gets lonely.”
“I know it does, babe, and you’ve been a rockstar about this whole thing. You have, and I’m damn proud of you. Let’s start with the FRG and go from there, ok?”
“I’ll try it,” she sniffled as they pulled up outside of their house.
“That’s my girl. Now, let me get you in the house and show you just how proud I am.” He shot her a sexy smirk and darted around her side of the truck to open her door.
He had her over his shoulder and was jogging to the door in seconds, while she laughed and swatted at his very fine ass that was right in her line of sight.
Outcast—Kerrie Roberts
Lacey stood apprehensively at the back of the room, taking in each of the women who had already arrived. There were nine of them so far, not counting herself. Most of them were dressed in business attire, and here she was, in a pair of leggings and a baggy sweater. She felt frumpy compared to them.
“You must be Lacey.” A gorgeous lady put a hand on her shoulder, taking her by surprise. “Oh, I didn’t mean to startle you, dear.”
She took a closer look at the woman, probably in her fifties, and dressed in a black skirt with a pink button-up dress shirt. Her blonde hair was styled back in a perfect bun on top of her head. She looked pristine and classic, if one could possibly look classic.
“I’m Christine Allen, General Allen’s wife.”
If she looked like a deer in the headlights, Christine pretended not to notice. Nerves filled her belly and she prayed she wouldn’t toss her lunch. “Lacey. Lacey Matheson. Master Sergeant Bryce Matheson’s wife.” There, she did it and no one got puked on. Yet. “I feel a little underdressed. I didn’t know there was a dress code.” And there went her diarrhea of the mouth.
“Sweetheart, you’re fine. I’m just coming from work; otherwise, I’d be in jeans and a t-shirt myself.” She squeezed Lacey’s shoulders in reassurance. “Come. Have a seat and we’ll get started.”
Lacey nodded, not trusting herself to speak again. She followed Christine to the front of the room and took the only open seat, while Christine stood facing the room.
“Good evening, ladies. Before we get started, we have a new member joining us today. Everyone, welcome Lacey.”
Yep, this isn’t awkward at all, Lacey thought to herself as she turned in her seat and gave a nervous wave.
“Lacey’s husband is Master Sergeant Matheson. They just got in a few weeks ago, so be sure to make her feel welcome.”
A round of kind hellos chimed throughout the room, breaking the tension Lacey was feeling, just a little bit.
Once everyone had quieted back down, Christine launched right into business.
Bryce was right, the FRG was much more than women making cookies for soldiers. A sense of pride filled Lacey as she silently vowed to commit herself to this community of women.
“How’d the FRG meeting go?” Bryce asked later that night, as they cuddled in bed.
“You know, it wasn’t so bad. Christine is pretty nice.”
He gave her a shit-eating grin. “Told you so.”
“Shut up,” she laughed. “It was nice. It’s something I think I can stand behind. Most of the women were genuinely nice. There was one who I’m not so sure about. She kept watching me. It was weird because she never spoke to me. I don’t even know who she is, but I get the impression that she doesn’t like me.”
“Women,” he groaned. “Always drama.”
“Hey, I was kind to everyone. I don’t know what her deal is. OH! But you could have told me to dress up! My God, Bryce, they were all wearing skirts and slacks.”
“What did you wear?” He laughed.
“Fuck you. I wore leggings and a sweater; same thing I had on when you got home.”
“Were you comfortable?”
“No. I felt out of place,” she admitted.
“Lacey. You’re killing me. Fuck what everyone else thinks.”
“You really don’t care if I make a bad impression in front of your boss’s wife?” she mocked.
“Nope. Because I don’t believe you can. In fact, I happened to be grabbing a cup of coffee with the good General, when his wife called, raving about you.”
Lacey propped herself up on one arm and stared at him. “You’re lying.”
Bryce put his hands up in surrender. “I’m not. Scout’s honor. She said that you fit right in and had a lot of great ideas that they can’t wait to explore further.” He was grinning at her like a loon. “I was pretty damn proud. But then again, I knew this would be right up your alley.”
“Yeah, well, I almost puked on Christine when we met because I was so nervous. So, there’s that.”
He laughed out loud and shook his head. “You did not.”
“Almost. Really. It almost happened.”
“Well, you can practice not throwing up on the General’s wife tomorrow night too. They invited us to dinner.”
“No,” Lacey spit out imm
ediately.
He pulled her flush to his chest and kissed the top of her forehead.
“It doesn’t quiet work that way, Lace. I can’t tell the General, my CO, that I can’t come to dinner. He invites, you show up.”
“Tell them I have the flu. You go.”
“Not happening. You’re going with me. I’ll even let you go shopping tomorrow while I’m working, if you want.”
“Oh, how kind of you to let me,” Lacey huffed as she turned away from him.
Well, fuck. He’d went and stepped in the proverbial pile of shit now. “Lacey.”
“Leave me alone, Bryce.”
“Babe.” He rolled over and pressed against her back, kissing her shoulder. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
“You meant it exactly like that. Leave me be and let me sleep, Bryce. I’m done talking tonight.”
Bryce moved to his back and flung his head against the pillows with a sigh. If only he could shake this feeling like something bad was about to happen, or get Lacey to see where he was coming from. Either one would be a victory in his mind.
He battled the feeling of unease ever since they arrived. He was on high alert most of the time, watching and waiting – like he was trained to do. Sure, they were on a secure military base in a relatively safe town, but everything felt off. A feeling that he only felt in combat, when an enemy was near, had consumed him. The only time he truly didn’t feel it was when they were tucked inside the walls of their tiny home or when he was buried elbows deep in work, his mind on his assignment, as it should be.
Maybe he should have mentioned it to Lacey, but he didn’t want to scare her. Especially not here, when she was alone as much as she was with him. Plus, she’d probably roll her eyes and tell him he was crazy. Hell, maybe he was. It’s exactly why he decided he needed to let her get out a little bit. Figuring, if she managed, he’d be more at ease. Apparently, that only pissed her off more.
To The Moon and Back—Luke Bryan
Lacey slid on the black slacks and zippered them. They were a size larger than she usually wore, thanks to the baby weight she was finally starting to put on. The top she chose was comfortable and loose enough to distract from the tiny belly that would make an appearance after a full meal. The new clothes made her feel more confident than she had in weeks. And may have even made up for Bryce’s attitude lately.
Maybe.
She was still feeling the sting of his words from the night before, and annoyed with herself for letting it get under her skin. Now she had to plaster a smile on her face and pretend all was well in front of his boss and his boss’s family. She was never good at playing pretend, so she knew the evening would be interesting enough.
Bryce was still in the shower while she brushed on her favorite eye shadow and dried her hair. She smiled back at herself, quite pleased with the new haircut she’d treated herself to, on Bryce’s dime. It was the least he could do for ‘letting’ her out of the house for a few hours. Her once long hair was missing a good twelve inches, and now hung in a medium-length inverted bob.
The best part was her husband had no idea she’d cut her blonde locks that used to hang down past her shoulders, nearly to her ass, because she’d kept her hair up in a towel when she got out of the shower. But that was about to change.
The shower cut off and in a few seconds, Bryce was stepping from the bathroom and into their bedroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets were still running down his chest, and her mouth watered, heat pooling between her thighs at the sight of him. She knew the minute he noticed her. His nostrils flared and his pupils dilated. He froze mid-step and stared.
“Cat got your tongue?” She smiled innocently, trying her best to maintain eye contact. A brief glance lower let her know she was affecting him.
He cleared his throat. “You cut your hair.” His voice still came out gritty.
“I did.” She tucked a piece behind her eye and batted her eyes once. “I wanted something a little different, for a change.”
“You look hot as fuck,” he groaned as he made his way toward her. He stood right in front of her and reached under her arms, gently pulling her till she was standing flush against him. He brushed the hair behind her ears with both hands, then held her face as he leaned in for a passionate kiss. When he let her go, they were both struggling to catch their breath. “Tonight, you’re mine. You’re damn lucky I don’t throw you on the bed and have my way with you right now.”
“Promises, promises,” Lacey teased as she slipped her feet into the classic black ballet flats she found to match her outfit for the evening.
Bryce grunted as he pulled on the pair of khakis that she so kindly pressed for him. “Oh, it would be happening right now, sweetheart, if it wouldn’t make us late for dinner with my boss.”
Lacey laughed and watched as he struggled to adjust his hard-on in his pants. She continued to admire the view as he slid into the light blue dress shirt and fumbled with the buttons before rolling his sleeves halfway up. Fuck, he was hot. As always.
“Ready?”
“I guess so.” She nodded as her nerves revved up again.
The idea of being in the presence of a two-star General didn’t do much to keep her calm.
“Sir, this is my wife, Lacey.” Bryce held his hand on the small of her back. “Lacey, this is General Allen.”
“None of that formality here, Bryce.” The General smiled as he shook Lacey’s hand. “Just Lee when we’re off the clock.” He winked at Lacey as he took their coats and hung them on a hook near the front door for them.
Lee Allen was not what Lacey expected at all.
The man looked younger than his fifty-two years, a tidbit that Bryce had given her on the way over. Minus the grin lines on his face and the flakes of gray in his hair, she would have never pegged him for being nearly twice her age. He was dressed much like Bryce, and looked to be in impeccable shape too. She could see exactly what had drawn his wife to him.
“Come on in. Christine is just finishing up dinner. I hope you’re hungry because she cooks to feed an army.”
They followed Lee through the small entryway and down a hall, into an open kitchen with a cozy dining room off to the right, overlooking the back yard.
“Oh great, you made it just in time!” Christine beamed as she set down the meat she’d just pulled from the oven and rushed over to Lacey, wrapping her in a hug. “I’m so glad you could both make it.”
Lacey was momentarily stunned by the act of affection, but quickly recovered. “Thank you both, for having us.”
“It’s our pleasure. Christine loves to cook and entertain. She doesn’t get to do it too often, with the kids out of the house these days.” Lee put his hands on Christine’s shoulders. “Christine, this is Master Sergeant Bryce Matheson. Just Bryce today, though,” he smiled.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you.” She gave Bryce the same welcoming hug. “Lee speaks highly of you.”
“Thank you, ma’am. It’s an honor to work with your husband.”
“Well,” – Christine clasped her hands together – “let’s eat while it’s hot. You all sit, and I’ll get the rest of the food on the table. Make yourselves at home.”
“Can I help with anything?” Bryce and Lacey asked at the same time, before sharing a small laugh.
“You two are too cute,” Christine laughed with them. “No, no, we’ve got this. Just grab a seat anywhere.”
Bryce guided her to the neatly set table and pulled out a chair for her to sit in, waiting for her to take her seat before he sat down next to her.
Lee grabbed a few of the side dishes from the kitchen island and brought them to the table, while Christine sliced the meat. As she finished, Lee brought over the baked ham and set in on the table, his wife following behind with a bottle of wine.
“Would either of you care for wine? Bryce, Lee also has some Scotch or beer, if you’d prefer. Or we have tea, soda, water?” She aimed the bottle toward Lacey’s glass.
/> “Oh, no, thank you.” Lacey held up her hand gently. “Just water.”
“Lacey is with child.” Bryce beamed proudly.
“Oh, my heavens! Lee, you could have told me! Congratulations; oh, you must be over the moon.”
Lacey smiled at her husband and then Christine. “We are.”
Christine quickly shelved the wine and grabbed water and tea for everyone else. Over dinner, the men talked sports and whatever else came to mind while Christine fussed over Lacey and talked all things baby-related. It was refreshing, even if it was a bit overwhelming, to be the center of attention. It had been a long time since Lacey needed to make new friends and she found it quite awkward, but she could see Christine being a good ally to have.
Their meals finished, no one rushed to leave the table. Bryce draped his arm around her chair and alternated between running circles on her shoulder with his fingers, and playing with her hair. It had to be the pregnancy hormones making her crazy because the most affectionate touch was instantly a turn-on. As it was, she was fighting not to squeeze her legs together, to ease the ache somehow.
“Lacey, so what did you do back in the States?” Lee asked. Apparently, the conversation had circled back around to their life before the move.
“Uh, well…” her voice trailed off. Was she ashamed of working at the bar? She hadn’t been until now, afraid to ruin Bryce’s image.
“She worked two jobs to take care of her grandmother, until sweet Ms. Eloise passed away. We actually met at her second job, where she saved my ass from getting into too much trouble with my cousin Connor.” Bryce shot her a wink, causing a blush to fan her cheeks.
Lee let out a hardy chuckle. “We need good women to keep us out of trouble, that’s for sure. This one saved me a time or two. Didn’t you, sweets?” He gave his wife a sideways hug.
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