“Brilliant.” She smiled and stepped out of his arms, taking his hand in hers. Then she looked back across the room. “Boston, is it?” she asked.
“Uh. Yeah.” He stood, rubbing the back of his neck as he flushed red.
“Ah. Well, let’s all hope that the WAAF isn’t ever integrated into His Majesty’s forces. It would be a shame for me to officially outrank you, Pilot Officer.” She offered him a polite smile, which Jameson knew well enough to recognize as her go-to-hell face, and he failed to stifle his laugh. Her smile shifted to a genuine one when she spotted Howard. “Lovely to see you, Howie.”
“You too, Scarlett.”
Jameson led her down the hall, then opened the door to the empty briefing room. He tugged her inside, shut and locked the door, then tossed her coat on the nearest desk and proceeded to kiss her senseless.
…
Scarlett didn’t melt; she came alive under his touch. She wound her arms around his neck and arched, seeking as much contact as she could get as his tongue twined with hers. He groaned into her mouth and kissed her deeper, wiping out the agonizing weeks of separation with every stroke of his tongue and scrape of his teeth.
Only with Jameson did Scarlett allow herself to simply feel. The need, the longing, the pain, the overwhelming ache of love in her heart—she surrendered to it all. Every other part of her life was managed and controlled. Jameson shredded the rules she’d been raised under and brought her into a world of emotion just as vibrant and colorful as he was.
Urgent need beat at her. More. Closer. Deeper.
As if he sensed the hunger within her, or felt it himself, he grasped her backside and lifted her against him so they were eye level. Her fingers speared into his hair as he walked to the briefing table and sat her at the edge of it, all without breaking the kiss.
She’d never been more thankful for wearing a skirt, which made it easy for him to fit himself between her thighs, bringing them flush. She gasped at the contact, and he tilted her head, taking her mouth as though he needed to lay claim again, as though she might disappear at any moment.
“I missed you,” he said against her mouth.
“I missed you, too.” Her voice came out breathless as her heart pounded. Even if they’d only shared this moment, everything she’d done to get here would have been worth it.
His lips trailed down her neck, lightly sucking just above her collar. She inhaled sharply when he flicked his tongue against her. Mercy, that felt good. Shivers of pleasure darted down her spine, pooling low in her belly as she caught fire. He burned away the November chill that had clung to her skin since she’d arrived this morning. She could never be cold in Jameson’s arms.
He flicked open the buttons of her uniform and slid his hands inside to caress her waist over the soft, white shirt. His thumbs stroked her ribs, teasing the inches just below her breasts, and she rocked against him, urging him on.
He kissed her again and pulled her closer.
She gasped, feeling the hardness of him through the layers of fabric that covered their bodies. He wanted her. Instead of shying away, she blatantly rolled her hips against his.
Anything could have happened to him in the last seven weeks—or to her. She had him now and she was done denying herself, done fighting the reckless speed or the intensity of their connection. She’d take him in whatever ways he wanted to give himself.
“How long do I have you for?” he asked, his breath tantalizing the shell of her ear just before his lips did.
“How long would you like me?” Her grip tightened on his neck.
“Forever.” His hands flexed on her waist as he skimmed his teeth along the delicate flesh of her earlobe.
Lord, he made it hard to think when he did that.
“Good, because I’ve been reposted here,” she managed.
Jameson froze, then slowly drew back, his eyes wide with disbelief.
“Are you displeased?” she asked, her chest clenching at the possibility. Had she been a fool? What if the letters hadn’t meant anything to him? What if he’d already moved on but hadn’t had the heart to tell her? Every girl back at Middle Wallop had made it clear they’d be happy to take her place, and she knew it had to be the same here.
“You’re here…as in here, here?” His eyes searched hers.
“Yes.” She nodded. “Constance and I asked to be reposted, and it was granted just a few days ago. I didn’t want to get your hopes up in case it was denied, and when it wasn’t, I figured I’d be here before a letter would even reach you. Are you disappointed?” She repeated the question, her voice hitching at the end.
“God, no!” He smiled, and the tension in her chest evaporated. “I’m…surprised, but it’s a great surprise!” He kissed her soundly. “I love you, Scarlett.”
“And I love you. Thank goodness, because I can’t just go and ask to be reposted back to Middle Wallop.” She tried to keep a straight face, but she simply couldn’t. Had she ever been this happy in her life? She didn’t think so.
“I don’t know how long the 71st will be here,” he admitted, stroking his thumbs over her cheeks. “Squadrons move all the time, and there’s already talk that we’ll be reposted elsewhere.” Just the thought of it made his stomach curdle. Her reposting here was a temporary bandage on a hemorrhaging wound, but he was so damned grateful for whatever time they’d have.
“I know.” She turned in to his hand and kissed his palm. “I’m prepared for that.”
“I’m not. These months have been unbearable without you.” He leaned his forehead against hers. “I didn’t know how much I loved you until I had to wake up, day after day, knowing there was no chance I’d see you smile or hear you laugh, or hell, hear you shout at me.” He’d been incomplete, always thinking of her no matter what he’d been doing.
He’d been so distracted, he was surprised he hadn’t pranged an aircraft, not that he couldn’t fly one of those Buffaloes with his eyes closed.
“It’s been awful,” she admitted, dropping her gaze to his lips, then down the lines of his uniform. “I missed your arms around me, and the way my heart leaps whenever I see you.” She brushed her fingers over his lips. “I missed your kisses, and even the way you tease.”
“Someone has to make you laugh.” He nipped at the pad of her thumb.
“You do that quite well.” Her smile faltered. “I don’t want to spend another month like that, let alone two.”
His face tightened. “How are we going to avoid it in another few months when they decide the 71st is needed somewhere else?”
“Well, I’ve had a thought about that.” Her eyes narrowed in speculation. “But it would require you telling me your thoughts again.” She pressed her lips between her teeth.
He blinked. “My thoughts? I asked you to m—” His jaw dropped. “Scarlett, are you saying…” His eyes frantically searched hers.
“I’m not saying anything until you ask.” Her chest tightened, praying he hadn’t changed his mind, that she hadn’t gambled her entire happiness and dragged her sister across England to be refused.
His eyes flared. “Wait right here.” He stepped back, holding his pointer finger in the air. “Don’t move a muscle.” Then he ran from the room.
Scarlett swallowed and set her knees together, rearranging her skirt. Surely he hadn’t meant those muscles. God knew anyone could have waltzed in.
The mechanical ticks of the clock were her only company in the silence, and she did what she could to steady her heart.
Jameson slid back into the room, his hand gripping the doorframe to make the turn. Then he recovered his balance and shut the door behind him before approaching her.
“Better now?” she asked.
He nodded, nervously jamming his fingers through his hair before dropping to one knee before her and holding a ring between his thumb and forefinger.
S
he sucked in a breath.
“I know I’m not what you pictured when you thought of marriage. I don’t have a title, or even a country right now.” He grimaced. “But what I do have is yours, Scarlett. My heart, my name, my very being—it’s all yours. And I promise I will spend every day of my life earning the privilege of your love if you let me. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?” His brows knit slightly, but there was so much hope in his eyes that it was nearly painful for her to see it, to know she’d made him question what her answer would be.
“I will,” she said, her lips trembling as she smiled. “I will!” she repeated with an excited nod. She now knew what her life looked like without him in it, and she never wanted to feel that loss again. Her job, her family, this war—they’d deal with whatever came together.
“Thank you, God.” He stood and swept her into his arms. “Scarlett, my Scarlett,” he said against her cheek.
She held on tight, letting herself absorb this moment. Somehow, they’d make it last.
He set her down and slipped the ring onto her left finger. It was beautiful, with a solitaire diamond set in gold filigree, and it fit her finger perfectly. “Jameson, it’s gorgeous. Thank you.”
“I’m so glad you like it. I picked it up when we were at Church-Fenton, hoping I could get you to change your mind.” He kissed her softly, then took her hand. “We can still catch the commander if we’re quick.”
“What?” she asked as Jameson gathered her coat, then guided her into the hallway.
“We have to get the commander’s permission. Chaplain’s, too.” His eyes were bright with excitement.
“Well, there’s plenty of time for that.” She laughed.
“Oh no. I’m not risking that you’ll change your mind again. Wait here for just a second.” He dipped into another room, leaving her in the hallway, struggling not to sputter. Within a moment he was back with his own jacket and hat.
“We are not getting married tonight,” she said quickly. That would be complete and utter madness.
“Why not?” His face fell.
She cupped his cheek with her hand. “Because I’d like to unpack the dress I bought. It’s not much, but I’d like to wear it.”
“Oh. Right.” He nodded, considering her words. “Of course you would. And your family?”
Heat rose in her cheeks. “Constance is now the only family I have.”
“Not for long.” He pulled her gently against him. “You’ll have me, my mom and dad, and my uncle, too.”
“And that’s all I need. Besides, we’ll need to find accommodations. I’m certainly not spending my wedding night with the 71st sleeping beside us.” She gave him a pointed look.
He blanched. “Hell no. We can see the commander and the Chaplain tomorrow, if that works for you.”
She nodded. “I’ll unpack my dress but not much more.” A hum of anticipation vibrated through her whole body.
“I’ll find us a place of our own.” He touched his forehead to hers.
“And then we’ll get married,” she whispered.
“Then we’ll get married.”
Chapter Thirteen
Georgia
Dearest Jameson,
I miss you. I need you. Nothing here is the same without you. Constance thinks we might be able to move the rosebush, but I’m not sure we should. Why uproot something that is happy right where it is? Unlike me. I’m wilting here without you. Keeping busy, of course, but you’re never far from my mind. Please stay safe, my love. I cannot breathe in this world without you. Be careful. Before you know it, we’ll be together again.
All my heart,
Scarlett
“What do you mean he just showed up?” Hazel’s eyebrows flew sky-high, her green eyes flaring wide.
“Out of everything I told you happened yesterday, that is what surprises you?” I looked pointedly over my coffee at her.
“As much as I love you, Ava rolling out the minute the advance hit is pretty much her MO. Was I hoping she’d keep her promise and stay? Of course. I was rooting for her to turn over a new leaf, but she might need to turn over a whole tree at this point. I just thought you would have called me when— Colin, honey, don’t touch that.” She scurried to my breakfast nook where her children sat playing, and she shut the first cabinet door.
“It’s fine,” I assured her. “Gran always kept those cabinets full of toys for exactly that.” Most of those toys were older than I was.
“I know, but I don’t want them to—” She caught the look I was leveling on her. “Right. This cabinet is fine, but let’s leave Aunt Georgia’s other cabinets alone, okay?” She swung open the door and walked back to the island, taking the stool beside mine. “I swear, I just wanted to stop by and check on you, not ransack your house.”
“Please.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m glad you did. It’s not like I have a whole lot going on.” A smile tugged at my lips as I leaned back slightly and watched them play.
“So he’s…here?” Hazel asked, lifting her coffee mug.
“He rented Grantham Cottage.”
“He what?” Her mug clicked against the granite as she set it down, forgetting to drink.
“You heard me.” I took another fortifying swallow. All the caffeine in the world wouldn’t help me today, but I was willing to give it a try.
“That’s like…” She leaned in as if someone might hear us. “Next door.”
“Yes.” I nodded. “I even called the trust attorney last night, who confirmed that the property manager rented it out as I instructed.” I scrunched my nose. “Then I may have asked if I could revoke the lease, and he told me that not liking Noah wasn’t a legal reason.”
Hazel gawked at me.
“Would you please say something?” I asked when the silence became painfully awkward.
“Right. Sorry.” She shook her head and glanced at the kids.
“Relax, they aren’t going anywhere.”
“You have no idea how fast they move. I swear I clocked Dani at a three-minute mile yesterday.” She crossed her legs and studied me. “So, the hottie is next door.”
“The writer is…well, if you can even call the cottage ‘next door.’” It was basically on the property—that’s how close it was, which was one of the reasons Gran had never sold it. She said it was better to pick and choose your neighbors than get saddled with a nosy Nellie.
Hazel’s eyes narrowed.
“In fact, he’s supposed to be here any minute so we can get down to the super fun business of arguing. He literally moved here so he could argue with me. Who does that?” I took another sip of my coffee.
“Someone who recognizes you for the stubborn—”
“Hey now,” I warned.
“You know it’s true. If anything, he gets points for getting on a plane instead of hitting redial.” She shrugged. “Plus, it makes my earlier suggestion of working out your frustration with him on him easier.”
Traitor.
“Whose side are you on?”
“Yours. Always yours. I didn’t even add the man to my hall pass.”
“Good. Then he doesn’t get points. There are no points to be had.” I finished off my coffee and took the mug to the sink. When I turned around, Hazel’s head was tilted as she studied me. “What?”
“You like him.” She sipped her coffee.
“I’m s-sorry?” I sputtered, my stomach twisting.
“I said what I said.”
“Take it back!” I snapped, like we were seven years old again.
“You’re wearing real clothes. Jeans, a shirt you had to iron, and your hair is down. You like him.” A smile spread across her face.
“I’m starting to regret letting you through the door.” My phone buzzed, and I snatched it from the counter before Hazel could see the screen. It was a text message from No
ah.
Noah: Headed up. Need anything?
It would have been childish to respond that I needed him to take his gorgeous, insistent ass back to New York. I thought about doing it, anyway.
“I do not like him,” I fired back at Hazel, then tapped out a text message.
Georgia: Come on in. The door is unlocked.
“And he’s on his way,” I added, leaning my hip against the counter. Just because I’d woken up and felt…human didn’t mean I liked him. It meant I was preparing for a business meeting. My phone buzzed again.
“Kids, we need to pack it up. Aunt Georgia has a friend coming over,” Hazel called over to Oliver and Dani.
Noah: You can’t just leave your doors unlocked. It’s not safe.
I scoffed. Unsafe, my ass.
Georgia: Says the man who climbs mountains.
I set my phone on the counter and sighed at my best friend. “I don’t like him,” I repeated.
“All right,” she said with a soft nod, taking her coffee mug to the sink. “But you need to know that it’s okay if you do.”
I flinched. It wasn’t, though.
“Give it back!” Oliver wailed.
“It’s mine!” Danielle shrieked.
Both Hazel and I spun, but Danielle raced right past us, Oliver on her heels.
“For fuck’s sake,” Hazel muttered to the heavens, already moving.
“You cannot leave your door—oomph!” Noah’s voice bellowed from the entry.
Before we could make it out of the kitchen, Noah was already rounding the corner, a giggling kid under each arm. I didn’t notice the sheer size of those biceps. Nope. I didn’t. I also didn’t pay attention to the curve of his mouth or the straight-up sex appeal in his smile. It was inhuman to look that good this early in the morning.
“See what happens when you leave your door unlocked?” he asked, bouncing the kids slightly. “All sorts of wild creatures get in.”
Dani roared, which only made Noah smile wider.
No. No. No. No melting, no sighing, nothing. Nada.
“Hey, you’re not supposed to be nice to strangers,” I groaned.
The Things We Leave Unfinished Page 16