by Peyton Banks
Gripping his shirt, I followed him as he checked every inch of the cabin. “The cabin is secure,” he stated upon returning to the living room.
“I need to secure the grounds.”
He slipped the green machine gun strap over his body.
“You really think all the fire power is needed?”
“Yes.” He didn’t bat an eye. “I’ll bring the groceries inside after a while. Don’t turn on any lights. There are candles in the kitchen drawer next to the stove.”
He placed a flashlight in my hand then stalked outside into the darkness before I could say a word.
I removed the white sheets from the furniture. My fingertips swayed over the rustic hand made wooden counter.
The candles were where he said they’d be. Did I think they wouldn’t be? Military men believed in order. Well, that was what my aunt said. She’d know. She was married to my father’s brother Arnold Kerns for twenty-five years. She said she enjoyed moving to a new state when my uncle was reassigned. My aunt Florine always had a bright outlook on life.
Watching the candlelight flickering on the kitchen counter, I thought about Aiden’s words. ‘The goal was to keep to myself and focus on my business.’ A man as gorgeous as him choosing to ‘keep to himself.’ Hm, why?
The thought of running my tongue along his angular jaw, down his neck, and over his pecs sent tingles all over my body. Yes, those pecs I caught a glimpse of when he slid on the T-shirt. A purple heart medal hung on the American flag which was tattooed over his right pec.
There were other tattoos, but that one piqued my interest. His war stories should probably become movies. My lips curled upward as I shook and emptied a silver bag of coffee grounds into the small coffee pot. If we’d be awake all night, coffee would be what was needed.
I turned, jumped back, eyes wide. “Eek! You scared the mess out of me.” I placed my hand over my heart.
“Didn’t mean to startle you, but I called your name. You appeared to be in another world.” He sat the grocery bags on the counter.
“Oh, I was thinking about how crazy this evening has been,” I said retrieving items from the bags, placing them in the fridge.
“The coffee smells good. Just what I need tonight.”
“What we need for our stakeout.” I straightened my spine, peering into his green eyes.
He snickered. “No, you can take the bedroom. Rest. I will take the couch.”
My eyebrows wrinkled. “But there are two bedrooms.”
“The best view of the woods is out that front window.” He pointed.
I stepped to the counter across from him. “You are protecting me. I can’t allow you to stay awake all night while I am fast asleep in the next room. Besides, I know nothing about you. I’d love to hear war stories,” I beamed.
He exhaled, lifting the brim of the cap, and raked his fingers through his dark mane. “You don’t know how to follow rules.”
I folded my arms across my chest. “I am not one of your men, Commander Wilder.”
He planted his palms on the counter and his jaw twitched in the candlelight. “You are right! You aren’t because they would follow orders.”
I didn’t budge. We glared at each other.
“You have two hours of talk time then off to bed,” he growled.
“This explains why you are single. You’re too bossy,” I snarled.
He stalked around the counter toward me. “You know why they say I am the best at what I do? Because I have lost the least amount of men under my command. When this great fucking nation is falling to the ground. I am the one they call. I am laying my life on the line…for you,” he roared.
“Oh, so I am just another mission?” I grimaced.
“Yes! You are a very attractive woman. I am not looking for a girlfriend or a wife. All I care about is helping you get your life back, so I can go back to mine.”
My mouth dropped open. He stepped around me to the coffee pot.
The connection you thought you two had in the truck isn’t there. He made it clear, Nadia he found you attractive but wants nothing at all to come of you two. My eyes glassed over. How could he be so crass? Well he didn’t become a Commander sparing his Sailors feelings. I strolled over to the couch and curled up at one end.
He exhaled. “I apologize, Nadia. I was out of line.”
“You’re an attractive man on the outside but you are ugly, cold, and bitter inside. Don’t take your frustrations out on me. I understand you are helping me. And I am truly thankful.”
“You are right. I am bitter. I am bitter at myself for being a warrior. A person the Navy needs and calls on at the drop of a dime.”
He placed a mug on a saucer on the wooden coffee table. “Would you like cream and sugar?”
“Cream please.” I sat up, straightening my spine.
He walked into the kitchen then returned with powder creamer.
He sat at my side hunched over the coffee mug.
“I enlisted in the Navy at eighteen, a year after my brother Valen enlisted. My job is dangerous. I fought for seven years. What if I’d gotten married and was killed in the line of duty? It was better I never had that worry on my shoulder. So many of my friends died over the years. Staring into my buddy’s wife tearful eyes three years ago crushed me. She was devastated she lost him.”
I placed my hand on his bicep. “Aiden, his wife knew what she signed up for. My aunt loved my uncle with all her heart. There were plenty of days she didn’t know if he’d come home. But she didn’t stop loving him for one moment. She cherished every moment they had together like it was their last.”
“Your aunt sounds like a special kind of woman.”
I smiled, retracting my hand. “She is.” Scooping up the piping hot mug, I pressed my lips against the brim and blew. The strong coffee bean dangled under my nose. Aiden sipped the black coffee and strolled over to the window. Staring into the distance. “There are women who aren’t cut out to be military wives.”
“I see. That’s what you’re worried about. If you would marry the wrong woman. Don’t you trust your instincts?”
“I’ve never had a woman so no.”
“Aiden, I think you should be honest with whoever you date. Ask the woman a litany of questions.” My eyebrows rose as I snapped my fingers. “Or you could date a female Sailor. I bet the thought never crossed your mind?”
“No,” he sighed. “Soon Admiral Cutner will send me on a new mission. Not sure how long I’d be away this time. Three years was the longest time I’d been off duty.”
Now I understood why he was defensive. He was afraid to fall in love. He didn’t want to break a woman’s heart, and he surely didn’t want his heart broken. Maybe I gave him hope to open his heart to love. Too bad he’d never allow me into his heart. He was the kind of man I’d cherish but would share with the world. Because he was a hero.
7
Aiden
I’d only been in her presence for two-and-a-half hours and she already tugged at my heartstrings.
“Mr. Grizzly, have you calmed down? Am I allowed to learn more about the man who saved my life?”
I chuckled and glanced back at her over the rim of my mug. “Yes… I am from Atlanta, GA. My mother was strung out on drugs and lost me in to the family courts. I was placed in the foster care system. After a couple of years, my last foster family, Barry and Mary-Anne Wilder, adopted me. Their son Valen was a year older than me. My birth last name was Fuller.”
“Does my past abuse of drugs make you hold animosity toward me?”
My eyebrows wrinkled. “No, actually, I respect you for cleaning up your life. That was something my mother couldn’t or wouldn’t do.”
“Was it hard changing your last name? Did you feel you were losing a part of your mother?”
“It was weird at first but, I wanted the same name as my new family. I made the decision a year after living with them. They were loving people. Only wanted the best for Valen and I. We lived in Blue Ridge Moun
tain, GA. A small town known for camping. Maybe that’s why I was drawn to this cabin. It’s a little piece of home. I miss my parents and my brother. He and I were close. I shook my head. We are still close.”
“Why did you two join the military?”
“We wanted to fight the war on terror.”
“Is your brother married?”
I stared into the dark cup. “Divorced.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, they were high school sweethearts. She said she would always be by his side. Instead of his wife greeting him when he returned home from active duty, he found divorce papers on the kitchen table.”
I sighed. “I thought she would remain by his side no matter what. Like I said every person isn’t built for military life.”
I peeked at her. She removed the baseball cap from her head and slid her fingers through her wavy locks.
Shit, stop staring asshole.
My eyes peered into the darkened night.
“It all makes sense now. You are afraid you’ll meet a woman who will break your heart the same way.”
“Would you like another cup of coffee?”
“Yes.”
I swiped up her mug and strolled into the kitchen.
“Aiden, do you plan to avoid the elephant in the room?”
I felt her eyes on me.
“Nadia, it doesn’t matter. I am comfortable being alone.”
I prepared a fresh pot of coffee after filling our mugs.
“Forever?”
My eyebrows rustled together. She reached for her mug as I approached. I sat beside her.
“Yes, Nadia, forever.”
She scratched her head. “Do you have a friend with benefits?”
I chuckled. “No.”
Her mouth dropped open. “You’re celibate?”
“Yeah. What’s the matter? I don’t see the problem.”
“How long has it been?”
I blew then sipped the steaming hot coffee. “Three and a half years.”
She bent over coughing. I slapped her back a few times.
“Are you ok?”
She raised her index finger.
“The co… ffee… went… down.”
“Don’t talk. Relax.” I rubbed her back.
She nodded, sipping the coffee. “I feel better.” She leaned back against the sofa. “Sorry I thought you’d say a few months. Its been about the same length of time for me… three years. Guys at work, try to make conversation. I’m sure they’d like to hook up. I want more. I’d love to have forever with the perfect guy. Hopefully, he’s out there. Not sure how I expect to meet him living in the retirement community.” She placed her hand over her chest and laughed.
I laughed too. “Yeah, probably not the best place to find a mate.”
“You know what?” She straightened her back. “I will work harder to find Mr. Right. I can’t give you advice I am not willing to take. There are enough young people in town. I’m sure I could meet a nice guy.” She brought the mug to her lips.
I didn’t want to hear her talk about finding Mr. Right.
“The coffee is pretty good.” She smiled.
“Happy you like it. I order from a small beanery housed outside a rain forest.”
Her cute mouth dropped open. “Get out of here.”
“No, I am serious. They harvest the best coffee beans. I order every six months. The last time I was here a few months ago, I left a box. I have plenty at the house. When we return, I’ll give you several packets.”
“Thanks.”
I hated my commitment phobia. The perfect woman was in my presence and I wasn’t willing to let her into my heart. See if we had any chemistry. Shit, I knew there was chemistry. But was it only sexual? We both hadn’t had sex in years. She was looking for something I couldn’t give her. Forever. She stared out the window. I stole a glance. Threading my fingers through her hair and crushing those thick lips. I wouldn’t be able to turn them loose. My cock strained my khakis. As long as she didn’t peep into my lap she’d never know.
“Nadia, I want you to make yourself at home. We’ll be here for a while. Tomorrow morning, I’ll load up my laptop and we’ll watch the surveillance footage. Hopefully, I can get answers.”
“Great.” She peeled off her sneakers, tucked her legs to her right then leaned her head on my shoulder.
I needed a cold shower. My cock jumped the second her soft face fell upon my bicep.
“What was it like when you first entered the Navy?”
Planting my lips against the top of her head was what I wanted. She was right. I needed to put myself out there and date.
“Overwhelming. I began lifting weights when I was seventeen. But the rigorous training to become a Sailor could make you sick to your stomach sometimes. Not to mention being out at sea for months on end. The rocking of the ship against the ocean waves kept grown men tossing their cookies.”
She chuckled.
“What set me apart from the other Sailors was my sheer
will to be the best. I mastered every task. And moved up
the ranks quick.”
“I bet, Commander.”
I smiled.
“Have you ever dated a service man?”
“No. But I’m not opposed. I know he’d do anything to keep me safe.”
I couldn’t see her face. I wished I could. Did she mean in general or was she hinting to me?
“Yes, he would. He’d shred a man for you.” My voice was low and groggy.
She clutched my arm. “I know.”
My heart raced.
“Continue,” she whispered.
“In my third year, Admiral Cutner recommended I train to become a Navy SEAL. I decided to go for it and became a Navy SEAL Special Operative. I was one of the youngest Team Leaders.”
“Wow, that’s a real honor. And no one to share those special memories with?”
“Not true, I had my parents and my brother.”
“Good thing you had family,” she trailed off.
The little beauty fell asleep. I sat still enjoying the smell of her hair. I sat my mug on the coffee table, then scooped her up into my arms. She was light as a fucking feather. I stood a moment longer staring at her peaceful face. In that moment I realized I didn’t want to find another woman. I’d rather see if something could progress between us other than sex. I walked into the bedroom, laid her on the bed, and pulled the quilt over her.
“Stay with me,” she whispered in her sleep. “Keep me safe.”
I sat at her side. “I will be in the next room.”
She nodded and turned on her side in a ball. My lips melted against her hair. Almost couldn’t move. I didn’t want to leave her side. Sweeping her hair back, I stared at her soft skin. Aiden, snap out of it. Head in the game.
I stalked out of the bedroom back to my post. Staring out the window, gripping my Glock.
8
Nadia
Sunlight peeked through the sheer curtains across my face.
I sat straight up. How…When did I go to bed? I clutched my eyes shut, squeezing my head.
Stay with me popped in my head. “Shit!” I said aloud.
I needed to wait a moment before I faced him. Tossing my feet over the side of the bed, I padded toward the bathroom. Maple bacon dangled under my nose.
“Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes,” he shouted.
I placed my hand against my forehead. “Good morning, I’ll be right there.”
After shedding my clothes, I hopped in the shower. The hot water thudded my skin. Cabin life wasn’t all bad. Thank god for hot running water.
“Good morning, again,” I smiled, pulling my wavy locks into a low ponytail.
He stood, at the counter, sipping a piping hot mug of coffee.
“Good morning, have a seat.”
“Did you sleep at all?”
“Nope.”
“Aiden, you need to take a nap.” I bit into a strip of bacon.
“I will.
Right after I teach you how to shoot a gun. You’ll stand watch while I catch a few Z’s.”
“Sounds fun.” I gulped down the OJ.
He dropped his head. “It’s not fun, Nadia.”
I waved off his statement. “May I have a cup of coffee?”
“Absolutely, would you like a second helping?”
“Sure. Do you mind?” My fork hovered over the eggs and bacon.
“Help yourself.” His eyes widened. “You can pack it away to be a petite woman.”
“I eat breakfast burritos almost every morning.”
He placed his hand up. “I’ve heard enough.”
I laughed.
“Aiden, I’m sure you can pack it away.”
“Of course. But look at me.” He gestured.
“What I only see that thick neck.” I chuckled.
He exhaled then glided his T-shirt over his head.
My mouth dropped open. I imagined he peeled off his shirt in slow motion. My eyes marveled over every one of his eight pack of abs and those gorgeous tanned pecs. I had a better view of the American flag tattooed on his chest. A purple heart hung on the flag. The biceps on that man were salivating.
“I work out every day.”
I remembered to close my mouth. “Where? At the local gym?”
If he did, I needed to join.
“In my house. I turned the bedroom on the first floor into a gym.”
“Nice. You look great. Maybe I need to cut back on the breakfast burritos. I thought running would slim down my ass and thighs. It hasn’t worked yet.”
His eyebrows rose. “They look perfect. I don’t think you need to touch up your body at all.”
“Thanks. That’s sweet but, you can’t see what’s under these jeans. My shapely jeans are holding me in place.” I smiled.
“I saw your… You know never mind.”
“Aiden, you saw what?” I met his awkward gaze.
“You ran to the curb in a short robe one morning when I was leaving for work. I saw… everything.”
Leaning my elbow on the counter, I tented my hand over my brow shielding my eyes. I caught a glimpse of his hardening cock through his camouflage pants. He quickly slid on his shirt in an effort to cover up the bulge. I squeezed my thick thighs together. Shit, I want this man.