by Fiona Archer
“Yeah, he decided not to stay. It’s getting late. Are you ready to get out of here?”
She grabs her purse and stands up again from the table. “Sure. Let’s go. We need to head to your place to grab the extra set of car keys anyway.”
She walks around the table toward me, and I can’t stop myself. I pull her close and breathe her in. I run my hand through her hair, and she melts into my embrace. She feels incredible in my arms. I pull back and place my lips on her forehead. Her sigh of pleasure rocks me, and I want to hear more. I want to see her face when she lets go. I want to feel her legs wrapped around me. I want to taste her skin and drink in her kisses. Every day. Every night.
“Come home with me, Juliette,” I whisper in her ear. “Please. And not just for the car keys. I just... I need to tell you.”
She steps back and this time, she takes my face in her hands. With a teasing glint in her eyes, she asks, “Cole Nixon, what are you up to?”
I reach in my pocket, grab my phone, and make a call. The whole time, I never break eye contact with her. Her ocean blue eyes are twinkling. She knows. I can see it in her eyes. When the call picks up, I don’t even wait for a hello. “I need a favor. You still in the parking lot? Get Bessie. You got the extra key still? Thanks, I owe you. Yes, Whiskey. I know. It’s about time.”
Jules
We make our way out of the bar, his fingers clasped tightly in mine. There is this delicious anticipation between us. The air around us seems to crackle and tingle on my skin. Whatever he is going to tell me will change everything between us. But in my heart, I hope everything does change between us.
I’m in love with my best friend. I need him to love me back just as much.
I’m glad Cole’s high-rise apartment isn’t far from the bar. My heels pound loudly on the sidewalk, and our breathing is heavy until finally, I can see his building come into view. We head inside, and the doorman greets us in the lobby.
“Mr. Nixon… Miss Acosta. Good to see you. Have a great rest of the evening.”
“Thanks, Mr. Reed. It’s good to see you too,” I answer as we move toward the elevators. He smiles with a tip of his hat, and Cole ushers me inside the waiting car. As the doors close, Cole pulls me into his warm embrace again. We stay that way, wrapped up in each other, and I’ve never felt this excited and, at the same time, totally relaxed. The doors open, and we step out and down the hallway to his apartment.
With my back to his front, Cole reaches around me to open the door. As soon as we are inside, he closes the door, and I turn around. The gentle light from the lamp on his coffee table softly illuminates the space. We simply take each other in, his emerald eyes smoldering but still filled with uncertainty. He inhales a deep breath and pats his heart for courage.
“Jules, I’m in love with you.”
My heart is racing. I couldn’t have heard this right, could I? I gasp and tears fill my eyes. “What? You what? Say it again, Cole. Say it again.”
Only he doesn’t say it again. He shows me instead. His soft lips gently take mine in the perfect first kiss. It’s filled with promises and desire. His arms go around my waist, and I feel his rock-hard cock rubbing against his jeans. The kiss deepens, and Cole’s tongue licks the seam of my lips. I open and let him in, tasting the bourbon he had sipped on earlier and something that is just him, and soon, I’m drunk off it.
He takes his lips away and his eyes are dark and filled with lust. And something else.
“I said I love you, Jules. I’m so in love with you. I have always been. I want everything with you. A home. Babies. I want the next fifty years with you. I want you naked and under me every night and in my arms every morning when I open my eyes. I may not be your first. Just let me be your last, Jules. Let me love you the way you deserve to be loved and cherished. Here I am, babe. Flaws and all.”
I can’t believe my dreams are coming true after such a horrible day. I gaze into his eyes as tears roll down my face. “Do you know how long I’ve waited to hear you say this to me? I have always thought I was in this alone. I mean, I’m me and you’re you. And we have always just been friends. Best friends. I know I have been in love with you since the first time ‘Jules’ rolled off of your tongue. I want your future to be my future too, Cole. Me and you. Flaws and all.”
Are those unshed tears I see in his eyes? Oh my God. I’ve gone too far. Maybe he didn’t need to know all that. I’m going to backtrack my words, but then he grabs me and whisks me into the air. His lips land on mine, and I feel all the years of wanting this, wanting him come rushing out in this deep, passionate kiss.
He carries me down the hallway to his room. His hold on me is strong, as if he’s afraid to let me out of his presence. My heart is still pounding, but I see the need and determination in his eyes. He is going to make me all his tonight. In every single way possible.
No more waiting. No more wondering. As he leads us through the door, he gently lays me down on his bed. His lips take mine in a deep, sensual kiss as he pulls the straps of my dress down my shoulders. His kiss is a claim on my heart and all my remaining doubts disappear. This is where I’m meant to be, and tonight is going to be everything I’ve ever hoped and much more.
Thank God for closing time.
Copyright 2020 C.G. Burnette
About C.G. Burnette
Thank you so much for reading Closing Time!
If you want to read more from Author C. G. Burnette, check out the amazing love story between restauranteur Gideon Alexander and celebrity chef Bethany Thorne is Simmer: A Second Chance Romance, available now at Amazon and for free in Kindle Unlimited. From the southern charm of Savannah to the bright lights of New York City, love is always best when it is set to simmer.
Now available: https://amzn.to/38eRGXP
* * * *
About C. G. Burnette
I'm a self-proclaimed book addict. It's sad but true. I want ALL THE WORDS! My love of words led me to blog and blogging led me to this new and most awesome adventure as an author. What a ride this will be!
I'm a southern girl and mom to two amazing little dudes with a strong addiction to Godzilla and I’m a wife to a wonderful man whose undying support has made this writing journey possible. Over the years I have amassed a collection of Godzilla toys, dinosaurs, LEGO pieces, and blocks in all shapes and colors. Not fun to step on in the middle of the night. Romance novels have been my thing since my aunt put a Harlequin in my hand when I was ten. From all things old school to romance that has made me swoon, this has been one crazy adventure.
Join me and let the fun begin!
Follow me here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcgburn/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cgburn
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cgburnette/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/c-g-burnette
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/C.-G.-Burnette/e/B07GYXDFJJ
Exit Wounds
by
Cara Carnes
Chapter One
Callista Yates pulled to a stop in front of a large gated entry. She’d contemplated what The Arsenal would look like a lot during the two thousand and twenty-two mile drive from North Carolina, but none of the possibilities matched what awaited behind the armed guard heading her direction.
Cows grazed in a pasture. A cluster of small homes in assorted stages of completion took up the bulk of the right side of the area—a massive sprawling compound of sorts. If it wasn’t for the tall, muscular heavily-armed man walking toward her and the equally brawny operatives exercising nearby, she’d think the navigation program directed her to the wrong place. It wasn’t like Resino, Texas was a common place to visit.
Nervousness slithered through her as she pushed the button and lowered the window.
The man remained a couple feet back but offered a curt nod. “Can I help you?”
You can do this. They’re Owen’s only hope. Callista took a deep breath and exhaled as she processed everything her best
friend had told her. “I need to speak with the Edge or Quillery.”
The man’s eyebrows furrowed. “They’re not available.”
So much for the easy entry. But as always, her BFF Kayla had provided a Plan B, C, D, E, and F. “Then direct me to whoever is overseeing operations, please. It’s urgent.”
The cliché “it’s a matter of life and death” echoed in her mind as the worry she’d chewed on the past four days boomeranged in her brain. No wasn’t an option. Not today.
“Follow the road and head to the right at the fork. Park in the lot in front of the first building. Someone will greet you inside.”
Road was a generous description for the narrow path, but she nodded and accelerated once the gate opened. Boomer wagged his tale and woofed as he danced in the passenger’s seat. The German shepherd had been her companion since the harrowing ordeal began—a presence Kayla had insisted on.
She parked and opened the door. Boomer vaulted out but remained near the vehicle and pressed his weight against her legs when she exited. Her hands trembled as she clutched the folder and headed toward the entry. In full protective mode, the dog entered first. A low rumble rose from him when he halted just inside the door.
She signaled for him to sit and waited until he’d obeyed to look up.
“What a gorgeous big boy,” a blonde commented from behind a long counter. “I’m Ellie. Welcome to The Arsenal, Mrs. Yates.”
What the heck? Had Kayla demanded her father phone ahead? The colonel wasn’t supposed to be activated until plans D, E, and F. Surprise kept her mute a moment as she swept her gaze to the tall, dark-headed man standing beside Ellie.
Arms crossed, his gaze remained on Boomer a moment, then swept to her. “I’m Jesse Mason. If you’ll follow me, we’ll sit down and find out why you’re here.”
“Right.”
“Should he be on a leash?” Jesse asked.
Callista glanced down at Boomer. “They don’t work all that well when he’s in work mode.” She swallowed. “He won’t be a problem.”
“What exactly is his work?” Ellie asked.
“He’s a hybrid. Somewhere between a protection detail and a therapy dog, though he leans more toward protective.” She flashed the signal for move. “Come on, Boomer. Let’s not leave the nice man waiting.”
Two security panels and three winding corridors later, Callista found herself in a white-walled conference room with a high table. Tall stool-like leather chairs surrounded the glass surface. Boomer made two rounds of the room, pausing a couple of times before returning to her side and sitting atop her feet.
“He didn’t approach me,” Jesse commented.
“He won’t worry about you unless you become aggressive or approach me.”
“Interesting.” The man sat on one of the seats and motioned for her to do the same. “How can we help you, Mrs. Yates?”
“You know my name.”
“Our security system, HERA, ran facial recognition on you when you pulled up outside the gate. It’s a precaution we take with anyone who comes to The Arsenal.”
“Of course.” She set the folder in front of him. Breathe. “I need to hire your organization to rescue my husband. He was taken captive six days ago while on an assignment in Afghanistan. A friend of mine got the intel she could, but it’s not much.”
The door behind Callista opened. Boomer shifted at her feet as a brunette and a tall man resembling Jesse entered. The latter knelt near the dog and smiled.
“Hi there, Boomer. You and I ran a couple of ops together.”
They had? Callista glanced down at the dog, who’d somehow become the focal point since her arrival. Fear clawed its way up her throat. “My husband was Army but left the service so he could be home more.”
For her.
“It’s always about what you want, Callista. What about me?”
“What about you?”
“We keep chipping away on my dreams to make this work between us. I’m not sure how much I have left to give.”
“Don’t say that.”
Owen turned and headed toward his truck. “We’ll talk when I get back. Maybe you’ll pull your head out of your ass by then and see I’m doing the best I can.”
Regret soured her stomach. The argument they’d had before he left for the mission recycled in her brain, an unwanted reminder that she’d put him in this situation. He never would’ve signed on with Jaxsun if she hadn’t demanded he leave the service.
“He contracted with Jaxsun after he left. Are they planning a retrieval?” the woman asked.
“No.” Callista pulled out the crumpled check from her pocket and tossed it on the table as the woman and man sat. “They knocked on my door less than a day after they received word of his capture and offered their condolences, along with this. Five thousand dollars is the going rate for an operative’s life, in case you didn’t know.”
The two men regarded one another. Jesse fisted his hands while the other man cursed. The woman took the folder and shifted through the contents. From what Kayla had said, The Arsenal was the best private paramilitary organization around. They never failed on a mission.
“We have some money in savings, and I can get an emergency mortgage on our house. My friend said she could cover the rest of whatever your fee is.” Her eyes burned as she watched the three people rifle through the scraps of intel she’d accumulated. “Please. You’re his only hope.”
“Your friend is Kayla Dunn? Her father is a colonel.” The woman shut the folder and looked at Callista. “Why didn’t you involve him?”
“He’s plans D through F,” Callista replied.
Amusement flickered across Jesse’s face. “I’m curious to know what these plans were.”
“I’m thinking Callista isn’t leaving without a yes,” the second man commented. “I’m Dylan Mason. My five brothers and I run The Arsenal.”
Two of the five head honchos in the meeting was a good sign. Right? “I’d say it’s good to meet you, but this whole thing is a nightmare.”
Dylan’s gaze cut to the woman at the head of the table. “Is it doable?”
“Anything’s doable with enough time,” the woman answered as she looked to Jesse. “Levi’s team is already nearby. You ran their last op. Are they usable for this?”
Callista’s pulse quickened. Hope bubbled to the surface as she held her breath and awaited an answer. If they said no…
No wasn’t an option. Owen needed them.
She needed them.
“Even if they weren’t, they wouldn’t turn away from this,” Dylan commented. “It cuts too close to the bone for them, and for us.”
Tension thickened the air as the two men regarded one another. The woman broke the silence. “It’s your call, Jesse. I’m only here out of curiosity.”
“They’re mission ready. We’ll need to restock supplies, but that’s doable. Since Lexi’s with them, we’ll have an easier entry and exfil if we commandeer a helo.” Jesse thrummed his fingers on the table and glanced at Callista.
Relief and shock filled her. Was that a yes?
“Which plan is Boomer part of?” Jesse asked.
Damn. They’d put two and two together quickly. “C.”
“I’m missing something,” Dylan said.
“Kayla is on the top of Marshall’s acquisitions list,” the woman said. “I’m Mary, by the way. HERA alerted me when your background flagged her. We’ll do what we can to get Owen home. Maybe when this is over, she’ll finally answer Marshall’s phone calls.”
Tears streamed down Callista’s face. She wiped them away and nodded. “Thank you. I-I can’t say that enough.”
“Before we forget, this one’s on the house. We won’t charge to bring one of our own home.” Jesse stood. “I’ll have Ellie get you situated and show you around.”
* * * *
Owen Yates ignored the blood dripping from untended wounds. Night blanketed whatever hellhole he’d been dragged to after the ambush. He was somewhere
in the Hindu Kush mountains, but that was a large, impossible landscape without support. Needle, meet haystack.
There’d be no recovery operation, though. He’d signed that right away when he tapped out of service and entered the private sector for the bigger payday and safer assignments. Amusement rolled through him at the irony. Callista was gonna be pissed when he didn’t make it home.
Callista.
He held on for her even though death was inevitable. If he ignored the pain and squeezed his eyes closed he could almost chase her phantom touch, a caress down his body. He’d give anything for one more day, a chance to make things right.
I’m so sorry, Callista. I never should’ve left shit unsettled.
She’d move on. Emotion clogged his throat. Though a part of him had accepted his fate, another refused to give up. There’d be an escape strategy.
Then what? He was in the middle of nowhere with no weapons or coms or backup.
Rowdy cheers and revelry echoed from outside. He clung to the sounds, fed his rage with a vow. He’d escape this hellhole and get back to Callista. One way or another, he’d get out.
She was right. You never should’ve signed on with Jaxsun.
Shots echoed around him. Shouts fractured the night and quickened his pulse. Adrenaline surged within him as one of the asshole guards entered, weapon drawn. Gunfire just outside the small structure drew the man’s attention.
Go. Go. Go.
Whatever was happening, this was Owen’s chance to escape.
He waited until the man’s back turned fully as he backed closer. With the last of his strength, he tugged upward on the restraints cutting into his wrists and locked his legs around the man’s throat. Though weakness and dizziness assailed him, he squeezed.