“The military has my full support. If it weren’t for people like you to protect us, where would we be? Military personnel put their lives in danger to stop the horrors we see from happening here. I understand why you do it, I admire it.”
Halting, Blue pulled her into the shade of a tree. “I’m not asking for admiration, Charley.” His expression was serious. “I’m not a hero. I’m a man doing what I feel is right.”
“I know.” She nodded. “I do understand that.”
His hands slid down to her wrists before he linked his fingers between hers, his gaze following the movement.
Silence fell between them, until finally she asked quietly, “What’s wrong?”
Slowly, he removed the sunglasses to reveal his eyes, the piercing blue irises framed by black eyelashes almost startling. In the daylight, the blue almost rivalled the sky.
At first she didn’t think he was going to answer, but then he said quietly, “I’ve seen some of my mates killed by enemy fire, by home-made bombs. We’ve laughed, we’ve talked, and we’ve sat and drank while unwinding. But I’ve never forgotten my family back here. Knowing my family is here - my brothers, my cousin, my aunt, and my sisters-in-law - they keep me going. They’re my sanity when things get dark, they’re my hope when things get stressful. They mean the world to me.”
She nodded.
“They understand me, my need to do what I do, why I do it.”
“They accept you, Blue, and everything you do.”
“Yes.” His thumbs rubbed the backs of her hands. “Do you, Charley? Do you accept it all?”
Now she understood what he was trying to say. Without him putting it into words, she knew.
Moving forward until they were toe-to-toe, she freed one of her hands only long enough to remove her own sunglasses, sliding the crooked arm into the neck of her t-shirt so she could meet his eyes directly, so he could see into her very soul while she answered with complete honesty. “I don’t pretend to know half of what you do over there on missions, or what you go through. I have an idea from what I see on TV, on documentaries and in the news, and from whatever you are free to tell me. I understand there are things you aren’t allowed to tell me, and I accept that. I know there are things that happen that you don’t want me to know, for whatever reason be it personal or military allowability, and I accept that. I know you’re wondering if I can take it, having a boyfriend that goes overseas for months at a time, having a boyfriend that isn’t around as often as everyone thinks he should be for a successful relationship.”
Silently he waited, and she could swear she felt the inner turmoil inside him, the concern, the need for her support. His caring for her feelings.
It made her fall just a little bit more in love with him.
Reaching up, she cupped his cheek. “Blue, you don’t have to worry about me like that. I accept you, I accept your job and all the conditions that come with it. I’m not about to walk away because you can’t be here all the time. I’m okay. I have my job, my life. You have your job, your life. And when we’re together, we’ll have our life.”
A muscle jumped in his jaw then he swallowed, though his gaze didn’t waver. But his fingers tightened around hers.
“I can wait,” she said. “When you’re gone, I will wait for you to come back. Can you?”
“I can.” Emotion made his voice husky. “I will wait. Charley, for you I’d wait for eternity.” His arm slid around her, drew her close as he took her hat off and dropped it to the grass, his cap following it before he could lean down to kiss her gently on the lips. He drew apart only a fraction of an inch, just enough to whisper, “Thank you.”
Then he kissed her, and this time it was slow, sweet, everything he was feeling poured into it.
In his arms she felt safe, loved, cherished almost, and all she could do was kiss him back.
By the time the kiss broke, both were breathing a little heavily.
Blue leaned his forehead against hers, looked deeply into her eyes. “I didn’t mean to have this profound conversation just yet.”
“Ah well.” She smiled a little. “I guess it had to be broached sooner or later.”
“It should have been later. This was quick.”
“Sometimes things happen sooner for a reason.”
“Yeah.” His eyes crinkled a little at the corners. “So I guess I didn’t scare you off.”
“Takes a lot to do that.” She dimpled up at him. “My obsession with flowers and the colour yellow didn’t scare you off, so you know, tit-for-tat.”
The crinkles deepened with amusement.
“Plus you saw me at my worst and still date me.”
“You mean your bed-head?”
With a gasp and a giggle, she smacked his bicep. “You’re awful! No!”
“The sleepy eyes?” The seriousness was being replaced with his usual light humour.
“I meant my bad taste in men and bawling my eyes out.”
“Oh. Well, I fixed your bad taste in men, you now have excellent taste.” He winked. “And the bawling? I can handle it.” Sliding his glasses back on, he chucked her under the chin with an air of immense satisfaction.
Sliding her own sunglasses back on, she sniffed haughtily. “You, Mr Wells, have a major problem.”
“I know,” he said. “But you love me anyway.” Laughing at her eye roll, he scooped up her hat to place it gently on her head, plopped his cap back on, tugged the brim down a little then slid his arm around her waist. “Come on, Sunflower, let’s get breakfast. I’m starving.”
“By the way.” She fell into step beside him. “I’ve just decided that you will pay after all.”
“That was never in question.”
“I’m ordering big.”
“Good.”
“Huge.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Massive.”
“Righto.”
“I’m gonna make your wallet cry.”
Hooking his thumb in the waistband of her shorts just under her t-shirt, Blue flicked the small of her back, making her go a little hot. “Eat massively, Sunflower, because you’re going to need your strength.”
“For what?” She spotted the café up ahead, trying to keep her mind off the teasing caress on her skin.
“Because I have the afternoon planned for some arduous workout sessions.”
She grinned. “On your own?”
He leered.
“On your own.”
“Trust me, honey, you are so in those workout sessions.”
“Trust me, honey, I so am not.”
“Oh yeah, you are.”
“Want to bet?”
“Sure.”
“You’ll lose.”
“No I won’t. Trust me, you will be doing some very nefarious things with me.”
“Bet you a movie night with a movie of my choice that I won’t.”
“So sure of yourself, Sunflower?”
“So sure of yourself, Blue?”
“I’ll take that bet.” His thumb unhooked, slid down to cup her bottom. “Yes.”
“Then you lose.” Taking his hand, she set it back at her waist. “Because I have to work this afternoon, remember?”
“What?” Mouth falling open, he stopped walking. “You do? Since when?”
“Since I told you after you tackled me and we ended up lying on the grass the day before yesterday. Oh look.” She opened the café door with immense satisfaction. “I win.”
Following her into the café, he glowered as they sat at one of the corner booths.
Humming happily, she plucked up a menu and regarded it with fake interest while Blue looked narrowly at her from across the table.
“This had better be a bloody good movie,” he growled.
“Oh yes.” She fluttered her eyelashes at him over the edge of the menu. “‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter’ is out on DVD. Guess what we’re seeing?”
He groaned. “A horror movie? Really?”
“Uh-huh. Horro
r. I get a little scared at times when watching horror movies.” Laughing silently, she pursed her lips as she surveyed the menu. “I won’t be able to sleep alone after that, I’ll be much too scared.” She gave him wide, innocent eyes. “Whatever will I do? Whoever will keep me company all night?”
“Well, what do you know.” A slow, wicked grin curved his mouth. “Suddenly I’m liking this idea a whole lot more.”
“Thought you would,” she said dryly.
“How about you call in sick and we watch it tonight?”
“Blue!”
“Just a suggestion.”
~*~
The days passed quickly. Too quickly for Charley, aware that every day was a day closer to Blue leaving. But she was determined to enjoy the time they had, and adjust to having a boyfriend that went away for long periods at a time.
Going into the staff room to collect her handbag, she was accosted by Bev.
“Oh my God!” Her workmate’s eyes were huge. “Is that your new boyfriend?”
“Huh?”
“In reception there’s a hunk of a bloke, says he’s your boyfriend and he’s here to pick you up.”
“Oh.” Charley couldn’t help the ripple of pleasure that went through her. “Yes. That’s Blue.”
“Introduce me.”
“Why? So you can flaunt your boobs at him?’.”
“You’re right. I need to undo a few buttons. Hang five.”
Laughing, Charley left the staff room.
“Hey!” Bev called after her. “Where’d you find him?”
“Did I mention he’s my landlord?”
“Oh boy. Next shift we’re on together, I want all the details.”
Entering the reception area, Charley found no sign of Blue. She did, however, find the receptionist and the accounts lady lurking at the window, peeking out between the curtains.
“He’s here for you.” Hilary shook both hands. “He is hot.”
“Better not let the old dears see him,” Jess added. “If he’s almost giving me a heart attack, imagine what he’ll give them.”
Amused, Charley left to find Blue waiting in the parking lot. Her smile faded as soon as she took in the big monstrosity he was leaning back against. “Oh no.”
Hey.” Straightening, he closed the gap between them to drop a kiss on her lips.
“When you said you were picking me up to go to your Dad’s house, I thought you meant in the car.”
“Too nice a day to be cooped up in a car.” He held out the spare helmet.
“I’m in my uniform,” she excused feebly.
“You were going to be in your uniform in the car.”
“I’m not dressed for a motorbike.” Making no attempt to take the helmet, she eyed the big motorcycle in dismay.
His eyes twinkled as he slid the helmet over her head. “You’re wearing long pants and filled-in shoes, perfect for riding.”
“But-”
“You haven’t been back on this since the first ride,” he cajoled. “I watched your movie. I went to the mall with you.”
“You had to buy some new undies anyway, so that doesn’t count.”
Swinging a leg over the motorcycle, he started the engine, the powerful throb of it filling the air.
Yeah, no doubt about it, he did look hot, real bad boy bikie in fact with his dark hair, muscular legs in jeans, leather jacket stretched taunt over his brawny shoulders, boots. But the bike bit… She eyed it dubiously.
Blue slapped the seat behind him. “Come on, Sunflower, hop on.” When she wrinkled her nose, he added, “I would never put you in danger.”
Man, he just had to say that, didn’t he? She frowned. “Dirty play.”
“Trust me.”
“Still dirty play.”
He gave her an injured look. “How about people will see you refusing to get on the bike with me and they’ll all think I’m a bad person and I’ll be all embarrassed and stuff?”
“You are such a child.” With an exasperated puff of air, she slung her leg over the seat and settled behind him, looping her arms tightly around his waist.
“Yeah,” he said over his shoulder, “but I’m a child who gets my way.”
“This time,” she threatened. “Wait until we get home.”
“You gonna smack me? Kinky.”
It was impossible to stay annoyed. “Just get us to your Dad’s house in one piece, Blue, before I put my foot up your bum for doing this to me.”
“Still kinky, but I’m not into the boot part.” With a laugh, he put the motorcycle in gear and pulled away from the nursing home.
As the motorcycle went down the wide, curving driveway, she yelled, “I’m telling your Dad.”
His wide shoulders shook with laughter.
“Don’t laugh!” She grabbed him tighter around the waist. “You’ll tip us.”
“Never, Sunflower,” he vowed.
Slowing at the entrance, he checked while she closed her eyes and muttered a quick prayer, keeping her eyes closed tight as he throttled the bike, pulled onto the road and opened the engine right up.
Well, it felt like he opened it right up, but knowing Blue, he kept to the speed limit. He wasn’t a man to take rash risks. She had to admit that even though she wasn’t a fan of motorcycles, he handled the big monstrosity with expertise.
Opening her eyes, she concentrated on the houses and businesses flashing by, comforted by his body in front of her.
By the time they pulled up in Mr Wells’s driveway she was more relaxed, but the motorcycle still remained her least favourite mode of transport.
“Cars,” she informed him as she pulled the helmet off and handed it to him, “are the only way to travel.”
“What about airplanes?”
“I mean on the road, doofus.”
“Ooh, strong language, Sunflower. Don’t let Dad hear you, you know what he’s like about swearing.” Slinging an arm around her neck, Blue pulled her against him to nuzzle her temple as they walked up the path to the veranda. “Be nice to me and I won’t tell him.”
“You so owe me.”
His grin was a sudden, wicked flash of white teeth.
“And you’re not paying me back like that.”
“Wicked and wanton? But it’s my favourite way.”
“Which is why you don’t get to pay me back like that.”
“I could convince you.” He winked.
“You’re incorrigible.” As the front door opened and Mr Wells appeared, she added, “Your son made me ride the motorcycle here even though he knows I don’t like it.”
Mr Wells raised one eyebrow at Blue.
“Geez,” Blue said as he followed her inside, “I didn’t think you meant it when you said you were dobbing me in to Dad.”
Charley smirked over her shoulder. “Yeah, well you obviously don’t know me that well.”
His wicked gaze travelled down her length and back up. “Hidden depths. Mmm-mmm. Yummy.”
A deep throat-clearing sounded and he grinned faintly as he stepped aside to allow his father to go ahead of them.
“Did I hear that you forced that poor girl to go on your motorbike?” Aunt Lora demanded, coming out of the kitchen wiping her hands on a tea towel.
“I didn’t force her, per say,” Blue replied.
“Such a bad boy.” His aunt shook her head.
“Told you so,” Charley said.
Blue pointed a finger at her. “You’ll keep. You can’t hide behind my family forever.”
“Shoo with you.” Aunt Lora flapped the tea towel at him. “Come into the lounge, dear, we’ll leave the boys to their manly talk while we discuss grown-up things.”
Hearing the familiar male voices coming from the kitchen, Charley wasn’t surprised to see Shea sitting on the sofa, but the sight of Elspeth Arkwell perched on one of the big old armchairs was unexpected.
Aunt Lora sat Charley down beside Shea while she took the other armchair.
“I’m glad to see you,” Elspeth said
. “It saves me calling around.”
“Oh?” Charley asked politely.
“This Saturday night I’m holding a party, a little charity do. Everyone is invited, including you. Especially now you’re family.”
“Well, thank you.” That was a surprise. “I’m honoured. Though I’m not sure if Blue-”
“Blue’s coming, of course. I’ll tell him.”
Charley shot Shea a glance to find her watching in amusement, so she switched her attention back to Elspeth. “Okay.”
“I know Blue, dear. I know all the Wells family.” Elspeth touched a slender finger to her wispy up-do, smoothing an artfully loose curl back into place. “I met them first through Mikki haranguing Luke about his landscaping and convincing me to hire her boyfriend of the time who, might I add, made a complete balls-up of it.”
‘Balls up’. Astonished, Charley blinked. Had Elspeth really said ‘balls-up’? But a quick check of the other women didn’t reveal any surprise, so maybe she had misheard.
“Luke made Mikki beg him to fix the job, you know,” Elspeth continued. “I tell you, I could see the sparks flying between them even then, but the silly buggers didn’t know it.”
Oh yeah, she’d definitely said ‘buggers’ that time.
“Took the pair one week to fall for each other once they were in the same place day in and day out,” Elspeth announced with satisfaction. “Short time when it happened, yes, but I can tell you it took them awhile to get to that point.” A smile played around her lips. “But I knew way back.”
“Wow.” Charley couldn’t help but be astonished. “A week?”
“Yes, sweetie.” Elspeth’s smile widened. “Just like you and Blue, except yours was about two weeks.”
Aunt Lora groaned. “Elspeth.”
“What? It’s the truth.” She waved one elegant hand. “The boy’s mad for her, anyone can see it.” The dainty woman winked. “And the girl’s mad for him.”
“I do believe that’s their business, don’t you?”
“No.”
“Elspeth!”
“Yes.” She sighed. “Fine.”
Charley’s cheeks were a little pink but she simply shrugged. “I’m not ashamed of it.”
Elspeth immediately pounced. “There you go! Well done, sweetie.” She switched her delighted gaze to Shea. “Written in the stars, just like you said.”
The Wells Brothers: Blue Page 23