Loved by a Soldier: A Military Romance Collection

by Alison Mello

  In fact, I silently plea that Poppy will take up her previous position. But she just looks at me with a mask of horror and shakes her head. Sighing, I give her a reassuring smile and nod.

  I hope that one day soon, Poppy will be able to find comfort from me while conscious, just as she is able to while asleep.

  ***

  “I’m going to propose to Rachel.”

  The fifty-pound dumbbell slips from my right hand, causing it to make a loud clunk that sounds through the gym. I look over at Talen, my eyes widening with the news he just laid on me.

  “Yeah, man. I just—I wanted your permission. You’re important to Rachel, and I want to have your blessing before I ask her.”

  Shaking my head, I grab the dumbbell off the floor and continue my reps. Talen stands by, watching and waiting for my answer. “I never would have let you date her if I didn’t think you were worthy of her. You have my blessing, idiot,” I say, placing the weight back on the rack before I turn to him. “Welcome to the family.” I hold out my hand, allowing him to shake it.

  Talen lets out a chuckle. “Had me worried for a moment.” I step back, allowing him to do a few reps while I watch, taking a swig of water.

  “You still would have proposed, even without my permission,” I grumble, glancing at the mirror that stretches along the length of the gym. I tighten my hold on the water bottle for a moment, seeing the muscle cords in my arm work.

  “At least you’ll walk Poppy down our aisle, since it doesn’t look like she’ll ever walk down one for you,” Talen says, causing me to glare at him. The stupid smile on his face suggests he’s joking, but I don’t find it funny.

  Talen knows of my devotion to Poppy—he’s known since he first saw the two of us together. Anyone could see, really. I never stop looking at her. I can’t. She’s too beautiful and I don’t want to miss a smile.

  She doesn’t genuinely smile enough, so when she does, it is so special.

  Rachel is either blind, oblivious, or chooses to remain quiet. She has never said a word or hinted at knowing how I feel. I sort of wish she did, so I could gather some advice from her. I don’t know how to approach the subject matter, afraid Rachel will grow angry at the thought of her brother with her best friend.

  “You just need to tell her, man. You need to walk up to her, proclaim your love for her, and whisk her away. She’d be stupid to not feel the same way. I mean, you shunned every other female on the face of the planet just to save yourself for her.” Talen shakes his head incredulously.

  I chuckle. He’s right. There was no reason for me to date other women; no one held any interest for me. Poppy was the only one I wanted, the only one I needed.

  She still is, and always will be.

  “Just walk up to her on her next shift and announce my love to her for the whole lobby to hear? Do you think shy and innocent Poppy will like that, Talen? Hmm?” Talen chuckles, holding his hands up in surrender before he dramatically drops to the floor and begins a series of push-ups.

  I lean against the mirrored wall and take another swig of water, watching all the members of the gym working out. I’ve always found peace in the gym; everyone is here for the same reason, therefore there are hardly any annoyances.

  “It’s been eight years, Talen. And she still doesn’t trust me. Not really…if she trusted me, she would be able to speak to me the way she does with Rachel. It’s frustrating, you know? I’ve tried to be there for her, but she never allows me to help.”

  “Pop isn’t going to just tell you what’s wrong, Reid. She’s introverted. The only way you’ll get information out of her is if you coax it out…and I mean very gently. She’s like a frightened rabbit, ready to dart at the first sign of trouble.”

  Hmm, he’s preaching to the choir.

  I know every characteristic and mannerism of Poppy Evans. I know what every smile means, every laugh, and every glance. I know that when she bows her head, she tries to disappear from sight, but I still see her. I know that when she bites her bottom lip, she’s actually happy.

  She bit her lip when I said, “I see you.”

  The only thing I don’t know about Poppy Evans, is who Poppy Evans really is. There is a whole other world, another story to her that she has hidden and tucked away.

  And I am determined to find out who she is.

  Chapter 3

  Sabotage

  Poppy

  May 19, 2016

  I lie down on my couch with my two-year-old German shepherd curled up in a ball by my feet. I hug a red decorative pillow to my chest as the TV plays.

  My eyes hardly take in what is being displayed, my mind elsewhere as thoughts swarm.

  My dad had reached out to me yesterday morning, asking to get together with me. I had to double check, but when I looked at the calendar I saw that it was May 18th, Stephanie’s birthday.

  Stephanie is my step-sister. She is a year younger than me, however that didn’t stop her from making my life a living hell. She made fun of me for being so introverted and quiet. She would gossip to her friends, telling them I had some sort of mental illness and couldn’t hold proper conversations without stuttering or losing focus. Stephanie, as my father had said, was meant to be my best friend. She ended up being one of the many reasons I am the way I am today.

  I have watched how she would act around my father, pretending that she was some sort of angel who deserved all the love and attention he gave her. She would cozy up next to him on the couch, even began calling him “Dad.” It made me sick, not only because she was replacing me, but because she was making me out to be the bad guy.

  My father would scold me for not befriending Stephanie, saying she has been trying to have a relationship with me and that I’ve been cold to her.

  Stephanie has showed me just how two-faced people can be. For that reason alone, I find my trust in people very limited.

  I hardly trust my father anymore…how could I, when he didn’t see through her façade to trust me? He so easily and quickly took her side.

  So why, on God’s green Earth, would I go visit for Stephanie’s birthday this weekend? Because when I spoke with my mom, she told me it would only cause more issues if I didn’t attend. That I had to be the bigger person, that I shouldn’t allow Stephanie to have this small win if I didn’t show up.

  Of course, my mom is always right.

  Therefore, I called Rachel and begged her to attend the party with me. Rachel didn’t hesitate to say yes.

  However, Rachel just called me to say that Talen had booked a reservation at some expensive hotel this weekend and it is paramount that Rachel goes with him. I understood. I told my father I was going to go, and now I have to face them all on my own.

  I close my eyes and take a deep breath, looking down at my dog, Aragorn. He sleeps peacefully, however wakes up to check on me when he hears my exasperated sigh. His big brown eyes hold a sense of sadness as he feeds off my energy. A soft whine sounds from his lips before he moves to snuggle closer to me, offering me comfort.

  Dogs.

  My phone vibrates against my chest. I reach between my body and the pillow to grab the slim iPhone. I glance at the screen to see an unexpected text.

  Reid: Rachel told me about the party. I’m letting you know that I’ll be filling in for her. I’m not letting you do this alone.

  The text from Reid makes me smile to myself as my stomach grows fuzzy. Even though I would enjoy his company this Saturday, I don’t want to burden him.

  Poppy: You don’t have to. But thanks for the offer.

  Reid: It wasn’t an offer. I’m telling you that is happening. Would you like for me to pick you up?

  Well, then. I try to knock the smile off my face, telling myself that Reid shouldn’t make me feel this way. As though I actually do want to see him. That I do want him to pick me up and save me from my crazed family.

  I know I shouldn’t feel this way. He’s Rachel’s brother…and besides, there is just no way he would ever be able to look at me
in such a way.

  Poppy: Sure, if you don’t mind. Saturday at 10?

  It will give us enough time to drive at a leisurely pace to my father’s house, maybe even have enough time to come up with a plan on how to get out of the party.

  Reid: Perfect. I’ll see you at 10.

  ***

  I tug at the material of my light pink summer dress. It’s my favorite dress, mostly because it’s one of the few dresses I wear. It’s long sleeved, however the sleeves are cut open with a cuff at the wrist. The dress ties at the waist and stops at mid-thigh. It’s simple and I feel as if it fits me well.

  I pull on white, strappy wedges, and after running my hand through my hair a few times, I deem myself ready.

  Never have I been one for appearances, and I’m not about to start now, especially not for Stephanie.

  I growl to myself as I come to the realization that I don’t even have a card for her. I gnaw on my thumb’s fingernail, trying to think of a solution.

  Stephanie is turning twenty-one, perhaps I can just buy her a bottle of champagne and watch as she squeals from the pop.

  I don’t keep myself from smiling as I open the door to my apartment complex, walking to the parking lot where Reid is stepping out of his truck. He’s dressed in dark jeans with a gray button-down shirt tucked in. The first few buttons of his shirt are undone and his sleeves are rolled up to just below his elbows.

  He stops short when he sees me, a charming smile twitching on one side of his mouth. I smile back, allowing Reid to follow me to the passenger side, where he opens the door for me.

  “You look stunning,” Reid says once he’s behind the wheel and buckled in. I blush, looking down at my crossed legs.

  “Er…I need to stop at the liquor store,” I whisper. Reid puts the car in drive and is already on his way. I feel him look over at me, chuckling lightly.

  “Ah, we’re playing it this way? We’re going to show up half-blazed and sabotage this party?” I turn my head to see Reid wearing a wide smile, one I hardly see. It looks good on him, creating a dimple on his cheek.

  I do find his idea tempting, however. I’m sure Stephanie would be at her wit’s end if we showed up drunk.

  “No, it’s going to be her present,” I say, shrugging my shoulders. Reid nods his head, placing his arm on the armrest in between us. I look down to see his hand spread out on the leather, his veins prominent as I follow them up his arm until they disappear under his sleeve.

  Evidence of an athletic man.

  Reid was on the football team all four years of high school, two years of which was at my school. He was first string quarterback all four years, as well. He dedicated his time and pushed his body to ensure he got the position.

  After high school, I assume he maintained a healthy workout for when he returned from his years away, as he was even larger than I remembered.

  I peek back up at Reid to see him smirking at me. I blush profusely, knowing I’ve been caught looking and divert my attention forward and out the window.

  When we get to the liquor store, I nearly jump out of the truck to breathe fresh air. It became a little too awkward and the air was hard to breathe. Reid follows me as we walk down the aisles, staying close behind me.

  Finding a suitable champagne bottle, I clutch it and look back over at Reid. He gazes down at me with arched eyebrows. “Got everything you need?” he asks, pressing his lips together as he nods to the bottle in my hand. I look at it.

  It hurts that I will be spending my money on someone who did nothing but torment me. I will be gifting this to her, as if it’s a friendly gesture. However, there’s nothing of the sort between Stephanie and I.

  “It’s going to be okay, Poppy. I’ll be with you, every step of the way.” Looking up at Reid one more time, I gather strength from his words.

  Which surprises me. Rachel has always been my source of strength…and my mom. But now, it’s Reid who is encouraging me, and now I feel as if I will get through this gathering with ease.

  “Let’s do this.” I proceed toward the cashier with Reid following behind….every step of the way.

  ***

  “Poppy!” I am engulfed by warm, large arms. I let out a sigh as I cling to my dad, holding him as tight as I can, because, when I let him go, he will no longer be mine. I only have this moment, this short second to have my father. And when I release this hug, he will return to being Diane’s and Stephanie’s.

  I press my head into his chest and breathe in his scent, a sense of comfort falling over me. I wish I could stay like this for hours. I wish he could be mine again.

  Feeling his arms loosen, I take a step back and put on a small smile as I look up at him. My dad’s blue eyes flick over to behind me and I step back until Reid places a hand on my shoulder, giving me an encouraging squeeze. “Dad, this is Reid Holt. Rachel’s brother.” I do a quick introduction.

  Reid steps forward, sliding his hand down from my shoulder to grab my own, squeezing my fingers impossibly tight. But I know that it’s for me, not for him. To remind me that he isn’t going anywhere. I watch as he shakes my father’s hand.

  Their exchange is brief because Stephanie makes an appearance. I again step back and Reid follows, keeping our hands interlocked. He gazes down at me, his eyebrows furrowed, and I just shake my head at him, silently telling him that everything is okay.

  But nothing is okay.

  “Hey, Pops! Long time no see!” I flinch at the nickname, looking up at her as she bounds forward, giving me a hug that makes me feel as if I am a piece of the dirt she walks on. Her arms barely touch me and she pats my back as if I am sick. I force on a smile.

  “H-hey, Stephanie. Happy birthday.”

  Stephanie is dressed up, wearing a baby blue dress that resembles a prom dress. Her thick, curly blonde hair is pinned up with tendrils hanging around her face. Her deep, brown eyes glimmer as she notices my uneasiness. Her thick, red lips purse together as she turns to Reid, giving him her legendary crooked smile.

  I feel my stomach fall as I realize that I have just lost him. Stephanie has claimed Reid…she smirked at him. Now, she’ll do all she can until she has him. Besides, who can deny her? She is absolutely stunning.

  “Hi, I’m Stephanie.” Stephanie holds her hand toward Reid, her eyes never leaving his.

  Reid reaches out and shakes it. “Happy birthday.” He nods, dropping her hand, and turns to face me. “Can you show me a tour of the house, Poppy?” he asks. My mouth drops open in shock as I nod, stupidly.

  He just dismissed Stephanie as if she were nobody. Reid pulls me close, angling us so he’s in between Stephanie and me as we walk out of the room. I peek back to see a scowl on her face.

  Crap. She is not happy.

  Once we’re out of sight, I drop Reid’s hand and run my palm against the soft material of my dress. “She’s interesting,” Reid finally says. I roll my eyes, leading us up the stairs to my old bedroom, where I can take a few breathers. I lock the door and lean against it.

  “She has her eyes on you. Be careful,” I mutter, closing my eyes as I take a few deep breaths.

  I stuttered like a blubbering idiot. I can’t even say hello to her without stuttering. Why am I so weak?

  Why am I so awkward?

  “She may look all she wants. Not going to change how I feel,” Reid says. I hear the telltale squeak of my old bed, and I open my eyes to see him sitting on the edge, resting his elbows on his knees. He clasps his hands together, pressing them to his chin.

  “W-what do you mean?” I ask, shaking my head. Reid’s ocean blue eyes meet mine.

  “I’m not oblivious, Poppy. I know how she makes you feel. I know she hurts you just by being in the same room with you. So there is no way on Heaven and Earth that I will ever feel anything other than contempt toward her.”

  I stare at Reid in awe. Is he being for real? His opinion of someone is based wholly on my feelings? He dislikes her because I hate her? He refused her company because I can’t stand her near?<
br />
  My stomach twists as my heart races. I smile down to the floor, a blush touching my cheeks.

  “Thank you, Reid. For just being here. You’re making this so much more…bearable.” I look up to see him wearing a kind smile. He stands up from my bed and walks over to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear, just as he did a few days ago. My eyes widen and I bite my bottom lip.

  Reid’s eyes zero in on my lips and I see them glimmer with happiness before he clears his throat. “Let’s get this party started, shall we?”

  Chapter 4

  Family Gathering

  Reid

  May 21, 2016

  Poppy walks out of her old bedroom, champagne bottle in hand as she leads me back down the stairs and toward her family’s gathering. I can see the tension in her shoulders as she keeps her head held high.

  What is she so worried about?

  There is some history between her and Stephanie, that much is obvious.

  Poppy was so comfortable in her father’s embrace, she nearly sunk into his arms. I saw how she gripped his shirt, not wanting to let go. And then, as if a spell were broken, my Poppy reverted back to her frightened, timid self, watching Stephanie with wide eyes. My jaw clenched when I heard her stutter.

  What did Stephanie do to Poppy that has made her so scared in her presence?

  I’m glad I was holding Poppy’s hand the entire time, it kept me sane and clear-headed. I might have confronted Stephanie then and there, if I weren’t holding onto Poppy.

  But one day, when Poppy isn’t around, I will get to the bottom of it.

  “Hello, Poppy,” a woman says, an undertone of distaste coating her tongue. I turn my head to see an older version of Stephanie and quickly assume she is Diane.