Chapter 12

Night had fallen. It had been a long day, and Aria was pleasantly exhausted. The tea had been a real eye-opener, and she was happy that she’d gone. She looked forward to getting to know the SEAL wives better. They were different than she’d thought they’d be—funny, relaxed, and very human. There’d been no one-upmanship or cattiness. Instead they felt more like…sisters, or what Aria thought sisters should be like.

One of the stories had astounded her…about a house flooding and the husband being deployed and having three kids under five to keep track of while the wife called the plumber and simultaneously strapped them into a car with a movie to watch and then tried to stop the waterfall coming from her bathroom. These women were remarkable…ingenious. Could she do it, too? Be that on the ball and capable?

Yes, she told herself. Hadn’t she raised her brother and helped her stoic uncle as well as gotten herself through school with practically straight As?

Of course, the news that had been toughest to deal with was the Haussey death. Nothing could prepare her for it, she knew it, but she didn’t want to lose Dan. Making dinner for him, spending time together… It was the best she could do to tell him stay alive, stay safe, and come home to me—always.

She sliced a cucumber so that the pieces were extra thin, almost see-through, and then she arranged them on the plate next to the baby carrots, sugar-pea pods, broccoli, and the big bowl of full-fat ranch dressing for the dip.

Checking the clock, she realized it was time to turn off the roasted chicken with homemade corn-bread stuffing and the ears of roasted yellow corn. She knew it was Dan’s favorite. It had stretched their food budget a little, but it was worth it.

Breathing in the scent of a home-cooked meal, Aria knew Dan would appreciate it. Things had been a little rocky lately, and she wanted to soothe the sore spots. She missed the calm way they interacted. Where had that gone?

The sound of his key in the lock brought a smile to her face. She walked to the door, feeling the swish of her silk robe against her legs with every step. She hoped he’d like the green silk panty-and-bra set.

The door opened and she beamed at him. She began to move toward him and then froze.

“Aria.” The way he said her name was as if he was suspicious, or worse, angry.

“Dan. Welcome home.” She smiled, smoothing her wild hair away from her face, trying to figure out what was going on. Had she done something? Her mind ran through a list of activities, and she couldn’t imagine a single one that would give him pause. On the contrary, he should be proud of her for getting to know some of his Teammates’ wives.

Hanging his jacket on the knob of the front door, he said, “I got your texts. Interesting movies.”

Aria turned back toward the kitchen. She wanted to check that dinner wasn’t going to burn. “It was great, wasn’t it? We had the best afternoon. A couple of your friends joined us for lunch, too. Declan and Harvey.”

“Yeah,” he said, his tone flat and cold. “I got a couple of texts from them.”

She turned to look at him. Dan seemed off, and she didn’t like it.

He spoke again. “So Mark is spending a lot of time with you…”

What was this…was Dan jealous? If he was, should she soothe him or kick his ass for being such a numbskull? “No. Not really. I mean I invited him to spend the afternoon with Jimmy and me. As a matter of fact, Jimmy is staying at Mark’s apartment. You know…for a guy’s night.” Her husband was seriously bursting her bubble. Didn’t he notice the home-cooked meal, the sexy nighty, et cetera? She had been happy before he arrived.

Dan crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. “He didn’t need to do that. We’re a family. We can make it work.”

Aria frowned at him. “I know that. I just wanted us to have a little ‘alone’ time.”

“Roger that.” He pushed off from the wall and came toward her. “What’s all this?”

She looked behind her at the candles and the lovely display of veggies. “I wanted to arrange a treat. A memory.”

“Why? What did you do?”

Her formerly pleasant mood melted into a pool of anger. “You think I did this because I’ve been up to something?” She poked her index finger into his chest like a spear. “You better take that back this instant, Dan McCullum, before I really get angry.”

His eyes raced over her face and body. Finally, he brought them back to her own. “It’s nice. I like it. Thanks.”

“Oh, ho, you are in for a whole lot of trouble, Dan, if you don’t take back that crap you’re giving me and apologize. Think carefully, my friend.” She poked him again, harder.

“Maybe I’m angry, too. I’m not thrilled with your best friend being a man who wants to fuck you.”

She sucked in air between her teeth. “Take that back.”

“No, it’s true. If you’d open your eyes, you’d see it. Aria, can you put your own feelings aside sometimes and look at the world from his perspective? He’s waiting for you to see him as your lover. And if that day ever happens, we’re through.” His words were like a knife.

“Damn it, Dan, how could you ever make such accusations?” She was seriously pissed at him. Her hands were balled into fists.

He seemed to notice them. He put his hands in front of her, palms up. “I’m sorry. You’re right, I didn’t think before I spoke. I’m not mad at you.”

Her temper was already flaring. She always had a hard time getting it to back down. “Today I attended a tea full of SEAL wives, and I did it for you, you jerk!” She tossed a punch in his direction and he caught it. He held it tightly in his fist and then he kissed it.

“Don’t you be nice to me after coming in here all jealous and angry!”

His arms came around her. “I wasn’t thinking. I had a bad day and took it out on you. I’m sorry, Aria.”

“It was amazing.” Her breath came out in short huffs. “Those ladies…their stories made me laugh and some of them broke my heart.” Tears suddenly filled her eyes and frustration choked her throat. She spoke through the well of feelings. “Ripped a piece of me, when I learned that Kelt Haussey died suddenly, and I don’t even know them!” She couldn’t stop herself from weeping, from letting all the strain of the past few days out. Getting married, her uncle’s death, becoming a full-time mom, and figuring out a way to talk to her damned husband—it poured from her spirit until she was shaking and hiccupping.

“Shit! Haussey… Damn, that fucking hurts!” He cuddled her closer. “I’m such a bastard. Aria, I’m sorry.”

She sniffed. “You can’t do that. Come in here and lay all your stress on me. I spent a lot of time to make something special for you—for us—and you’re acting like a jerk.” Her nails dug into his shoulder. “I hate you sometimes. But I love you, too.”

“I know. I’m a jerk.”

“Yes, you are.” She rubbed her face on his shirt. “Don’t die, okay?” She felt her lower lip tremble.

“I won’t. I’m here. Please, don’t let…this fuckup spoil everything. Let’s just start this night over. Deal?” He seemed so earnest, so wishful. “Come on, I really appreciate this beautiful meal and I want to share it with you.”

She nodded, hoping the do-over was better. Because right now she just felt hurt and sad that he ever doubted her fidelity.

He leaned down and kissed her. He was tender at first, but soon turned intense—as if he couldn’t get enough. After a few minutes she was practically ready to forget dinner and jump his bones right on their new dining room table. She melted into his embrace. God, he felt good.

“How’s that for starting anew?” he asked softly.

“It’s a beginning,” she said. It wasn’t hard to admit that she wanted him and was willing. She needed that rock-solid unity that happened when they made love. It made the whole world disappear…made her feel safe and loved. “Dan, I missed you.”

Dan seemed reluctant as he said, “Me, too. I’ve…been dreaming about you.” His finger touched her chin. “It’s hard…to miss you.”

The emotion behind his words set a match to her already-heated body. She arched into his touch as his hands moved over her, peeled back the robe, and explored the sexy underwear set.

“There’s food,” she murmured, even though she wasn’t hungry. He’d been losing weight from all of the training and Ops, and she knew he needed to fuel. And selfishly she wanted him to have a lot of energy tonight.

“I can do both,” he said, picking her up and depositing her on the kitchen counter. “I guess I should eat my veggies first…” Stripping off her bra and panties, he picked up a carrot, dipped it in dressing, and swirled it around her nipples. They hardened immediately from the cold. He ate the carrot and then lowered his head, lapping at the taut nub until she was moving into his touch.

He reached for the vegetables, popping several sugar-pea pods into his mouth and then grabbing a cucumber. That he used for a scoop to frost the other nipple.

“Dan,” she sighed as he began his ministrations on her other breast. His heart was racing and he could tell she was on the verge of coming…if only she’d…

“Keep going.”

His fingers trailed down her stomach, sliding between her legs and finding her clit, and drew small circles in the same direction his tongue was going.

“Yes,” she cried as he pushed her over the edge. Her body convulsed and he could feel the wetness between her legs.

This time he reached for a piece of broccoli, using it to mark her body with patterned strokes all the way to her womanhood. He ate the broccoli and then licked his way down her stomach and up her thighs.

“More!” she cried. His face was buried between her legs now, and his tongue was praising her in ways that made it impossible to issue any sound from her throat other than soft grunts.

He could feel her body climbing, rushing toward the sheer precipice until she reached the end and tumbled in a free-fall decent, crashing toward the ground. “You’re safe. Come for me, Aria. Come. For. Me.”

And she did, crying out, “Dan. Yes! I love you!”

He held her while her body shook. Willing his warmth to heat her gleaming skin, wet from effort, she clung to him. Aria was his safety, his home, and his peace. Whatever made him doubt their relationship or her? The life they had together was more important than he could put into words. Only she made him this satisfied, and her love could make him feel as if his life were ending and beginning—all at the same time.

***

Curled up in front of the fake fireplace with its crackling sound, she fed him chicken one piece at a time. The couch was very soft, and she had to lean forward, exposing her cleavage to him, as she placed each morsel in his mouth. Every time he wrapped his lips around her fingers, wiping them clean, she shivered.

“Where did you get the fireplace?” asked Dan, whose eyes were at half-mast. He had already stifled two yawns.

She placed a piece of chicken in her mouth and chewed thoughtfully. “When I dropped Jimmy off, I was detoured down a road I had never been on…and there was this little second-hand shop with this baby in the window. I remembered the stories you told me about your grandfather, and I thought you would get a kick out of it.”

“It’s cool. Thanks.” He leaned down and kissed her. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”

“I’ll let you know when you’re finished earning the credits toward that goal,” she said against his lips.

Dan laughed. “My, my, we are cocky tonight.”

“Just aware of my worth,” she said with grin as she picked up the chicken and napkins and took them back to the kitchen.

“Do you need any help?” He stretched his arms over his head.

“No. I’m putting everything in the refrigerator and then taking you to bed.” She made quick work of the mess in the kitchen, putting the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, covering the food and stowing it away, and then wiping the counters. She washed her hands and dried them on the pretty hand towel with tiny houses on it and a message that read, Believe. It had been a housewarming gift from Hannah, stuffed in with the food from her first visit. Aria wasn’t certain what she was supposed to believe in…but she knew she’d get there eventually.

Aria walked around the couch, and she couldn’t resist teasing her fingers over Dan’s taut stomach and chest. He could have been used as a poster boy for fitness. She loved touching him, being caressed by him, and most of all…being wrapped safely in his arms.

Placing her lips on his forehead, she kissed him. “Hey, you feel hot. Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” He pulled out of her embrace and got off the couch. Dan took her hand and led her to the bedroom. “I got sick earlier, but I’m fine now.”

She tugged him to a halt. “I don’t think so.” Cupping his cheeks with her palms, she gauged his temperature. “Wait here.”

It was only a few feet to the bathroom. She flipped on the light and rummaged around in a drawer. “Here it is,” she said.

“What?” he asked from the doorway. “If that’s a rectal thermometer, you can forget it.”

“Ha, ha. It’s oral. Now open wide.” She shook it out, checked to make sure it was at a low point, and then slid it under his tongue. “Close your mouth.”

“Mmph pleasure.”

“Don’t talk,” she ordered, shaking her finger at him.

He put both hands up before him and then sighed.

Taking his hand, she led him into the bedroom, flipped on a light, and sat him down on the air mattress. He bounced on it gently and gave her a stern look.

Aria stared right back at him. “Don’t give me that look. The mattress company canceled today and is coming tomorrow.”

Checking the time on his watch, she pulled the thermometer out. “Dan, it reads 103. That’s pretty high. How about if you take a cold shower or some Tylenol?”

“Took some aspirin already.” He lay down and stretched his body out in the center of the bed. “I’m fine, Aria. Let’s just go to sleep.” His eyes were already closed, and she could see worry lines around his mouth and eyes. She stood there watching him as he dropped off to sleep.

Going back into the bathroom, she wiped off the thermometer with some alcohol, put it back in its holder, and stuck it in the drawer. She rinsed her hands, brushed her teeth, and rubbed a soft warm washcloth over her face. Snapping off the light, she went back into the bedroom and found him huddled in a ball in the center of the bed.

She didn’t like the look of that. Turning off the light, she lay down next to him and placed her hand on his back. He was shivering. Spooning her body against his, she held him tight until she fell asleep, too.

***

Waking up to the sound of someone retching had her on her feet and running toward the noise.

Aria stood in the bathroom doorway, staring at Dan as he huddled over the toilet, throwing up that wonderful dinner she had made him. She knew it wasn’t the cooking and was concerned it was the fever. She searched her mind… What kind of infection could he have?

She wet a washcloth with cool water and waited until he was done. “Dan.”

He looked up at her and his face reminded her of a boy’s…so young and so hurt. “I’m okay.” Then he leaned back over the bowl and threw up. It took a few minutes before he stopped, but this time it was evident his stomach was empty.

She handed him the washcloth and he wiped his face. She took it back and tossed it into the dirty-clothes hamper and then opened the medicine cabinet and took out a small bottle. Breaking the seal, she poured a small amount into a cup. “Drink it.”

“Smells sweet. I don’t want anything sweet.”

Raising her eyebrows, she gave him a stern look. “Do it before you start dry-heaving again.”

He did and the grimace that followed made her laugh. “I will never drink Coke again.”

“Yes, you will. Cola syrup is magic. Not only will it stop the heaving, but it will also give you a little energy. Now into the bath with you.” She stepped over him, put in the stopper, and turned on the water. As she helped him off the floor, she noticed his thumb was swollen and there was a small red line leading up his wrist. After settling him in the tub, she picked up the injured digit and examined it. “Why didn’t I notice this before?”

“It’s nothing.” He waved her off.

She went to the kitchen and got a small knife, matches, a metal pan, some bottled water, Palmolive green soap, and salt. Going back into the bathroom, she unpacked her collection and said, “Don’t give me that crap. Now give me your thumb and tell me what happened.”

Dan let out a long breath. “Can’t we add some heat to this water?”

“No. Man, you’re fussy when you’re sick.”

“My grandfather would read to me. Will you read to me?” Dan’s eyes beseeched her.

She laughed. “Yes, but only if you answer my question.”

“Good.” He splashed water on his face and then stuck his hand out for her to look at. “I cut it on the cage. So much crap in there. I wasn’t thinking, and look what happened. Hammer fixed it, so it’s okay.”

She lit a match and heated the end of the knife. Then she put the spent match aside and laid the sharp point of the knife over the wound. Pushing it deeply, she kept going until blood welled out. “Does that hurt?”

“I guess,” he said as he used his feet to turn on the water.

“Stop messing around,” she said, and he immediately turned it off. “Now watch this.”

He leaned his head over the side of the tub, doing as she asked.

Aria filled the small pan with water, salt, and a few drops of soap. Then she put his finger into it. The blood seeped into the pan, turning the water a color.

“Pretty color…like roses.”

“Shush. Watch.” The wound oozed thick pus.

“What’s that?” asked Dan, whose interest seemed much more sober.

“Infection. Whatever was lingering in that cage! You guys need to clean them. Get some bleach and really scrub ’em down.” Aria waited until the puss had completely oozed out, and then she dumped the contaminated water, rinsed the bowl with hot soap and water, and performed the whole process over again.

“I have Cipro. I’m going to give you 1000 mg now, and tomorrow you’re going to the doctor.” Aria worked, making sure the septic line was gone before she stopped.

“Where did you learn to do this?”

Aria helped Dan out of the tub, rubbed a towel briskly over his body, and brought him his robe. “I want to change the sheets.” She pulled off the wet linens, wiped the mattress with a spray cleaner, and put on another set, grabbing a clean blanket from the closet. “Two good friends of mine from high school, Liz Palmer and Augusta Shaw, were first responders. They dragged me to wilderness training school, a place called SOLO—Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities—where I ended up earning my emergency medical technician’s wilderness certification. They teach you stuff to do using what you have…and how to manage when you’re far away from home or medical professionals.”

“I didn’t know that about you.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” Aria smoothed out the wrinkles and then pointed at the bed. “At one point, I thought about being a doctor.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Too many other things took precedence.” Aria peeled off her T-shirt and took another one out of the drawer. She put it on and took the other one to the bathroom.

When she got back, Dan had sunk to his knees and was crawling onto the bed. “I feel better. Thanks.”

“Yeah, I bet you do. Sepsis can knock the shit out of you. Dan, for future reference, you should have checked the wound again.”

“I had other stuff on my mind.” Dan rolled away from her, pulling the blanket under his chin. “Shit like that happens all the time. I can’t always stop and take a time-out for a boo-boo.”

“Understood. I’m just saying people die from sepsis. Your body is so primed that the infection spread fast and you need to keep an eye on…” She stopped speaking. The man was breathing like a train, and he had definitely fallen asleep on her again.