CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Sunday October 15th
Coronado
Brooke lay on the couch and flipped through the series available on Netflix and hoped she’d come across something binge-worthy. She had another two days before she was leaving for Chad, and she needed something to keep her company, because her brother had flown back to Virginia and Piper had gone up north to visit her cousins.
When a preview for Poldark came up, she clicked on it and decided it was perfect. It didn’t get better than an English period piece with a handsome man and interesting women. Clicking on the first episode, she settled in, and the doorbell rang.
Hitting Pause, she hauled herself off the couch and wondered who in the world was stopping by unannounced. Sliding across the hardwood floor in her socks, she skidded to a stop and then opened the door.
Feeling her heart skip out of rhythm, she covered her mouth.
“I’m so damn happy to see you,” Frisco said as he stepped forward and picked her up. “I missed you, sweetheart.”
Wrapping her legs around him, she buried her face in his neck as tears slid down her cheeks. “You’re home.”
“You feel so fucking perfect in my arms.” He walked in, kicked the door closed with his boot, and started up the stairs. “We’re going to work this out,” he said against her hair.
Feeling his arms around her and inhaling his familiar scent, she cried harder and wondered why this was the moment she fell apart.
Frisco walked into her room and sat down on the bed, holding her tightly against his body. “I love you, Brooke, and I know you broke up with me, but I can’t accept it, because when we kiss, I can taste forever.”
Not sure if she heard him correctly over her crying, she willed herself to stop and then took in a gulp of air. “Wh…what did you say?” He leaned back and framed her face with his hands. His dark gaze swept over her face, making her feel vulnerable and unsure. “Tell me.”
“I love you, Brooke Foster, and…”
Wiping her hand over her face, she shook her head. “We hardly know one another; how can you say that?”
“Because it’s true.” He pressed a kiss to her mouth and spoke against her lips. “I love you, and eventually, your doubtful heart will understand and accept it.”
Before she could respond, he devoured her mouth like his life depended on it, and desire exploded, making them both clumsy. Teeth clashed, hands became greedy, and all the arguments she had mounted disappeared as he laid her down. “Frisco, what…”
“Let me remind you who we are together, and then after that, we can talk. You’re mine, and I want to show you what that means.”
“We can’t just have sex and fix what’s wrong.”
“But we can meld our bodies together and get up inside one another and remember what we are together.”
Running his finger over her face with more tenderness than she was prepared for, she looked away. “I’m trying to control my freak-out, and it’s not going well.”
“Let your man handle things for the next little while, and tell your freak-out it has to wait until I’m done loving on you.”
She pushed her hand against his chest. “You can’t say things like that.”
“Just did.” He wrapped his arms around her tightly and held her close. “I think you have it bad for me, and fighting it has made you cranky.”
“You are delusional.” Burying her face in his chest, she was engulfed in warmth and the scent of clean skin, warm musk, and the indefinable something that let her know he was right. She did have it bad for him, despite his job, her fear of letting go, and his general cockiness.
“I think if you go with your instinct nine times out of ten, you can’t go wrong. Things are not always complicated, and understanding when to give up the hand-wringing and give in can save a lot of energy.”
“But the tenth time, that can screw you over.”
Rolling on his back, he took her with him. “I’m never going to let anything happen to your heart.”
“You can’t be sure of that,” she replied petulantly. Seeing his intense gaze, she met it squarely.
“Give in to what’s happening and show some faith that what we’ve been blessed with is something we can hold on to.” Cupping her face, he tilted her chin up as their gazes tangled. “You know you want to.”
“I don’t know how.”
“Follow my lead, honey, ’cause that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
Sitting up, she pressed her hands against his chest and looked out the window. “Maybe.” When a loud laugh rumbled out of his chest and he sat up as well, she wondered what she was in for.
“Stubborn woman.” He lifted her to her feet and then flipped her T-shirt off her body. “Pink lace. Nice. Take it off.”
“You’re being incredibly pushy.”
“I’m just getting started.” He slid her yoga pants off along with her undies and licked his lips. “I like seeing what’s mine.”
“You’re not the boss of me.”
“I will be in a minute.” He rid himself of his BDU in record time and then lifted her onto the bed. Grabbing her ass, he pulled her into his face. “All mine.”
Slipping his tongue between her folds made her gasp as arousal bloomed between her legs. He ate her up, and the hungry, greedy slide of his lips and tongue made her moan. “Oh…Frisco.” Her hands went to his hair, and she dug her fingers in as she shamelessly rode his mouth and cried out his name. One last flick and glide of his tongue and she came gloriously hard. “You are amazing,” she muttered.
“We are amazing together.” He moved up her body, canted his hips, and pushed inside, never once breaking eye contact. “Feel that?”
Scraping her eyes open, she blinked. “Yes.”
“This is the truth of us. The way we’re connected in this moment with nothing between us is who we are.”
She licked her bottom lip and tried to squirm beneath him to get some space, to give herself a moment to process his words. “I’m not…”
He pinned her with his hips and shook his head slowly. “Nope, you cannot fight this.”
“Frisco,” she whined. “Why are you pushing so hard?”
“Because I want you to accept the truth and let me in.” He dropped his head to her shoulder and kissed her gently. “Please.”
She lifted her head and pressed her mouth to his ear, “Don’t let me regret this. Don’t break me and not do what you say you’re going to do. If I let you in, you can never leave.”
“I promise, honey.”
Without another word, she wrapped her legs around his waist and mentally dropped the sword she’d been holding. Maybe giving up the battle for a while would be wise so she could see if what he said was what he did. “Okay.”
Shoving his hands into her hair, he tipped her head back so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. “I promise you won’t regret it.”
Moving his hips, he began his assault with strokes short and fast. Every thrust had her body clenching around him as she clung to his shoulders, wave after wave of pleasure pulsing through her. An earthquake of emotion split her open and shattered the last of her walls as she exploded in pleasure.
Seconds later, he followed her over, groaning loudly as his own orgasm took over his body. Breathing loudly through his nose, he sounded like a bull ready to enter the arena. She held him as well as she could as the last of his release washed through her.
“God damn, that was powerful.” He raised his head and let out a dark chuckle. “I am the boss of you after all.”
Pinching his arm, she gave him one good Kegel squeeze and heard him whimper. “Who is the boss of whom?”
“You, honey, are the boss of me.”
Patting his shoulder, she dropped her head. “That’s what I thought.”
“Admit it, you like me a whole lot, though.”
“I do. A lot more than I planned, in fact.”
“Knew it.” He rolled off her and bent his arms behind his head. “You probably love me too, but I can’t imagine that you’re going to confess that anytime soon since it scares the living daylights out of you.”
Rolling on her side, she rested her head on her hand. “If I were you, I would bask in my postorgasmic glow and keep my mouth shut.”
“Are you saying I’m not helping myself?”
“Yes, I am.”
A cocky grin lit up his impossibly handsome face, and she let out a laugh. “Are you going to be insufferable now?”
He opened one eye and threw her a sideways glance that revealed his determination. “I’m going to be such a giant, chest-beating pain in the ass, you have no idea.”
Noticing his radiant smile, she wondered if it had ever caused blindness. “I have a pretty good idea.”
He sat up, let out a laugh and then suddenly stopped. Following his gaze, she saw that he was looking at her suitcase. “I’m going to Chad the day after tomorrow.”
“You’re what?”
“The woman I worked with in Baga Sola had a stroke, and I’m going to help her out until she recovers.”
“Did you sign another contract with MSF?”
“No, I’m going solo, and I’m not sure how long I’ll stay.”
Standing, he ran his hand down his face. “We have a lot to talk about.”
“What’s going on, Frisco? Why are you angry?”
“I’m frustrated because I just found out my woman is planning on flying halfway across the world to a place she can’t travel alone.”
“I’ve spent the better part of the last five years in war-torn countries. A trip to a place that’s not experiencing civil war is the easiest thing I’ve done in longer than I can remember.”
“But not alone. You were attached to MSF or the UN Refugee Agency. A woman does not travel alone in Chad.”
“This one does.” She stood and stomped to the bathroom. “Don’t try to tell me what to do.”
Throwing the door closed, she yanked the shower curtain open and turned on the water. “He is not the boss of me.”
***
Frisco collapsed on the bed, heard the water run and pulled in deep, calming breaths. What the hell was he supposed to do? He couldn’t forbid her to go like he wanted to, and he couldn’t let her go by herself.
Between a rock and a hard place was a perfect description for where he was.
What to do?’
Looking at her suitcase, made the answer pop into his mind. He would go with her. He had a ton of time off accrued, and since he was officially in his down cycle, he figured he could get some leave and go with Brooke. Not only would he keep her safe, they would also have a chance to spend a good chunk of uninterrupted time together.
Really get to know one another and cement their relationship.
Brilliant.
He stood, walked into the bathroom and threw open the shower curtain. When Brooke glared at him, he gave her a big smile. “I’ll come with you.”
He stepped into the shower and moved her over so they’d both fit. “Honey, close your mouth unless you want soap in it.” Sliding the shower curtain closed, he moved her under the spray and finished washing her hair for her. “We may have to move the departure date, though, in case I can’t get on the flight that you booked. If we could leave on Friday, then I could get my leave approved, book a flight, and make sure we have an escort up north. I made a bunch of friends in the Chadian army when I was there for Flintlock, so I’ll put out a call and see who’s available.” He tipped her head back and gently rinsed the shampoo out and then squirted some bath gel into his hands. Lifting it to his nose, he inhaled. “Oranges.”
Pushing at his chest, she made him take a step back. “What are you jabbering about?”
“Our trip to Chad.”
“You want to take leave and come with me?”
He put his hands on his hips and took her full measure before responding. “Honey, did you not pay attention to what I said earlier?”
“What part?”
Smirking, he cupped her face and then dropped a kiss to her mouth. “I must be better than I thought, ’cause I wiped your brain clean when I made you come.”
“Don’t be a pig.”
Straightening, he narrowed his eyes. “Reporting the facts as I see them does not make me a pig.”
“Agree to disagree,” she said firmly.
“I’m your man, and if you’re going someplace, then I’m going with you.”
“Always?”
“As much as humanly possible.”
“This is going to take a long discussion, and I don’t want to have it in the shower. So let me finish, and then I’ll make us something to eat and we can begin negotiations.”
“I like the sound of that.”
She pushed him back and filled her hand with soap. “Give me some room so I can get cleaned up.”
Scooping the bath gel out of her hand, he ran his hands over her body. “Allow me.” When she trembled under his touch, he grinned with satisfaction. “I’m going to make you come a couple of times so that when we sit down to discuss our relationship, you’ll think well of me.”
“Unfair tactical advantage.”
Sliding his hands between her legs, he felt her hands grip his arm. “I’ll do whatever is necessary.” Her hips moved against his hand, and he knew he was doing the right thing not only because he wanted her happy and satisfied, but because he needed as much of an advantage as he could get when he laid out his plans.
Her body trembled as he strummed her clit, and she gave in to the pleasure, calling out his name. “One down, two more to go,” he muttered as he dropped to his knees and lapped up her honey. Who was the boss of who?
The doorbell rang, and Frisco padded down the stairs and opened the door. Dinner had arrived. “Thanks, man.” He dug money out of his wallet and handed it to the kid and then took the extra-large pizza out of his hands.
“No problem.” He gave a salute and then walked back to his car.
Heading back into the house, he walked into the kitchen, slid the box onto the counter, and then grabbed a couple of waters out of the fridge. Heading back upstairs, he wondered if Brooke was ready to wake up. Apparently, three orgasms in a row was her limit, because right after she came with him buried inside her, she passed out.
Was he satisfied with himself?
Absolutely.
Did he have plans to do it again?”
Of course.
He walked into the bedroom and almost tripped when he caught sight of the blissful smile Brooke was giving him.
Got him every time.
“Hi, honey. Did you have a good nap?”
She pushed her hair over her shoulder and nodded. “Yes.”
“Ready for pizza?”
Pushing the sheet off her body, she moved to the edge of the bed and put her feet on the floor. “Absolutely. I’m starving.”
“Don’t get up, I’ll bring it up, and we can eat in bed.” He walked over and handed her the bottle of water, then kissed her head. “Be right back.”
Another delighted smile hit him, and he walked backward toward the door. “Don’t go anywhere.”
“All right.”
Satisfied she was going to stay put, he turned around and headed back to the kitchen. If he could keep her in bed while they talked, it would be much easier to do what he had to if the discussion started to go south. Not that he expected it to, but he was a man who liked to be prepared, so being able to love on her if she got irritated seemed like a good strategy.
They had demolished almost all the pizza, and Frisco felt like he’d done everything he could to ensure she was in a good frame of mind, which meant now was the time for talking. “What is your biggest objection to having a relationship with me?”
Her eyes flew up, and she scrunched her nose. “We’re starting with that?”
“Yes, let’s get the hard stuff out of the way first.”
“Well…I guess I’d say your job.”
“Because of your dad or for some other reason?”
“I know what it takes to be in a relationship with a SEAL, and I’m not sure if I have the skills to have a successful one.”
“That’s fair. I get the long separations and constant worry would be difficult and it’s certainly not for everyone. For every successful marriage, there is an unsuccessful one, and I’m sure stress is a huge contributing factor to the ones that don’t make it.”
“I saw my mom constantly sacrifice because my dad was never around. She did the heavy lifting when it came to our family life, and that’s not something I want. If I’m going to be in a relationship with someone, I want them to be around. Otherwise, why bother?”
“Makes sense. I think that’s why a lot of SEALs don’t get involved.”
“I think a lot has changed for you guys over the last ten or fifteen years because you’re in constant demand. I know my dad’s career changed dramatically after 9/11. He went from maybe a half a dozen direct actions a year to a half-dozen a month, and I bet you have one almost daily when you’re deployed.”
“That’s pretty accurate and leads me to my next question. What if I wasn’t on the Teams for very much longer?”
Crossing her legs, she shook her head. “You’re not ready to retire.”
“Maybe I am. I have another eight months on my current commitment, and I’m considering not re-upping.”
“Why?”
“The mind and body hold out for only so long, and I’m getting to the end of my peak performance. As you pointed out earlier, we’re almost constantly engaged in direct action missions of some sort, and after eleven years, I’m no longer operating at full capacity.”
Shaking her head, she twisted her hands together. “I doubt that.”
“It’s true. I’d rather go out at the top of my game than stay too long and make my team members pick up the slack.”
“Were you considering this before you met me?”
“Honestly?”
“Yes, Frisco. Full disclosure.”
“Not really. But the idea of us has given me all kinds of thoughts I never thought were possible. All of a sudden, I see a future outside of being on the Teams, and honestly, it’s pretty damn exciting.”
“What does that future look like?’
“Us getting hitched and starting a family.”
She pressed her hand to her heart. “Hitched as in marriage?”
“Yes, Brooke. Hitch our lives, our hearts, and our futures together.”
“I didn’t see that coming.”
He moved the pizza box off the bed and scooted closer, taking her hands. “Then you weren’t paying attention.”
“Hitched?”
“Yes, forever.”
“I think we should get to know one another beyond the bedroom and see if it’s a possibility.”
“That’s all I ask.”
Throwing her head back, she let out a disbelieving laugh. “No, it’s not. You’re going to ask for everything and not be satisfied until you get it.”
“True.” He pulled her into his lap and kissed her head. Running his hand up and down her arm, he breathed in the satisfaction of knowing he’d cleared the first hurdle. There were a hundred more to go, but he didn’t care, because they were going to do it together.