Chapter 10: Body and soul

December 28, 1943

Espritos Marcos, Allied Rear Area

Jim sat with Greg, Kate and a couple of other Black Sheep in the officers' club on Espritos Marcos. It was early evening and although Sarah had written to say she'd arranged a 24-hour pass to join them, she hadn't arrived yet.

He almost didn't recognize her when she walked into the room. Her slender form was backlit by the late day sun as she paused in the doorway. She was wearing dress uniform, not the rough field kit he was used to seeing. Come to think of it, he'd never seen her in anything else, besides the cut-offs and shirts she borrowed from Kate. And Boyle's pants. She looked better in those than Boyle ever had.

He'd always thought she looked damned fine in whatever the Army or Marines could throw at her to wear but now, in clothes actually made for the female form, she looked spectacular. Khaki wasn't the most flattering of fabrics but the skirt and jacket sculpted her curves like they'd been custom tailored. Low-heeled pumps set off a spectacular pair of legs, sleek in silk stockings. Her hair was pinned up neatly, with a tumble of curls just brushing her neck. She looked around the room before spotting him. A smile lit her face and Jim wondered if the others could feel the heat of it or if it was just him. He rose and stepped to her side, taking the small satchel from her hand.

"Hey, darlin'. Glad you made it."

"Hey yourself." She stretched up and gave him the briefest of kisses, a brush of her lips across his that let her scent waft around him. It was the same as he remembered from the first time he'd kissed her, like sun-dried flowers dusted with spice. Several nearby men were giving her admiring glances and his answering kiss was maybe a little longer than decorum dictated. So what if he was deliberately making a claim. She didn't protest. He slid his hand to the small of her back and guided her to their table where she exchanged greetings with Kate and the other men.

"Hi, Katie! Hey, guys," she said.

"Glad you could join us," Greg welcomed her. "What are you drinking?"

Sarah laughed and Jim saw the good-humored disbelief in her eyes.

"How long have you guys been at it?" she said, taking in the array of bottles and decanters littering the table.

Casey looked at his watch.

"An hour, give or take."

"You take your R and R seriously."

"You would, too, if you'd spent the last week in a nonstop furball over Rabaul," Jim said. "You're the best thing I've seen since TJ shot that Zeke off my tail this morning. Course, he damn near took me out in the process. And you're one hell of a lot better looking." While TJ protested and everyone else laughed, Jim passed her the wine and topped off his own Scotch. "Here's to R and R with the Black Sheep, darlin'."

The party was on.

XXX

Sarah studied the room with interest. Linen table cloths, crystal tumblers and stemware, a polished wood floor and ceiling fans twirling lazily overhead made her feel like she was on a different planet. In one corner, a jazz quartet was playing a Glen Miller tune. After months of mud and canvas, this was a veritable paradise.

"Haven't you been here before?" Kate asked. She was wearing a Navy uniform and masquerading as Lieutenant Laura Halvorson, one of the nurses at the hospital on La Cava. It was a ruse she'd perpetrated several times while traveling with the Black Sheep, since Colonel Thomas Lard didn't know K.C. Cameron's true identity. If he ever found out, Sarah knew that would mean the end of Kate's Associated Press assignment in the Solomons. She thought that assignment certainly agreed with her sister. There was a lot to be said for being in love, Sarah thought.

"No." She shook her head in answer. "I've always spent my R and R with you lot on La Cava. The only time I was here, I had Raider with me. I don't think they would have appreciated him in here."

"The last time we were here, your sister smacked me up side the head and accused me of offending her honor," Jim recalled. "Say what you like but she knows how to create a distraction."

"I think you liked it," Kate grinned.

"One of you boys have to tell me that story," Sarah said, raising her wine glass and sipping. "Kate's mentioned it but I think she gave me the edited version."

"Well, she was wearing black –" Greg started. His grin deepened as Kate protested, laughing, clearly not offended. Sarah was reminded, again, of the depth of emotion the two of them shared.

"How many details do you need?" Kate said to her, trying to look severe. "You're my sister but there's a limit!"

"It all started when Pappy got the idea to come over here and find a set of secret coordinates . . . " Casey began.

XXX

"And after Lard left his room, Greg and Katie kind of forgot Jim and I were hiding in the bathroom. We got out of there and fast," Casey finished. "Your sister was wearing a little black lace number, by the way."

"Hey!" Kate snapped, color coming up in her cheeks. "I didn't think you were looking!"

"It was hard not to, beings as Greg had you half undressed and pinned up against the wall," Casey said. A grin split his boyish features. "Oh lord, please don't tell Dee I said that, she'll have my ass."

"It would serve you right," Kate said, but the edges of her mouth were turning up. The boys were sharing a good laugh. Sarah thought they were all mental. As it turned out, there had been a lot more to that story than what Kate had originally told her.

"Speak of the devil, here comes Lard now." Jim sobered, nodding at the door. Colonel Thomas Lard, accompanied by several other high-ranking brass from Washington and their wives, walked into the room. The entourage passed by the Black Sheep's table and Lard gave a pained grimace as he glanced at the group.

"Major." He said, acknowledging Greg first.

"Colonel." Greg sketched a salute.

"Lieutenant." He nodded at Kate.

"Colonel." She smiled pleasantly.

"Lieutenant." He tipped his head at Casey.

"Colonel." Casey was having a hard time not laughing.

"Captain." He nodded at Jim.

"Colonel," Jim returned with the barest civility.

Sarah noticed, uncomfortably, that Lard's gaze had fastened on her with a scrutiny that went beyond a casual greeting.

"And who is this young lady?" He extended his hand to her. "We've not met but you look very, very familiar."

"Sergeant Sarah Cameron, 137 Infantry, K9 Tactical Unit," she said, taking his hand, aware he was no doubt judging her by her the company she kept. So be it.

"That's how I recognize you!" Lard exclaimed. "I saw your photo on the cover of Stars and Stripes a few months back. I've heard good things about those dogs."

Sarah remembered the article. It had been about the introduction of military working dogs into the Pacific Theatre. With a pounding heart, Sarah remembered that in addition to profiling some of the trainers – including herself - it had featured a reference to her being the sister of "noted war correspondent K.C. Cameron." Of course, most of the world didn't know K.C. stood for Katherine Christine.

"Thank you, sir. The program is still in its infancy but I think we're making a difference."

Lard continued to study her.

"K.C. Cameron is your brother, correct?"

Next to her, Sarah felt Kate stiffen imperceptibly. The air seemed to tighten around the table.

"That's right," Sarah said brightly. "I'm K.C.'s sister."

"Is he with your . . . group . . . this evening?" Lard looked around the table as if expecting to see another person to materialize. "I have yet to meet the man." It was clear none of the Black Sheep had seen fit to enlighten Lard that K.C. was not of the male persuasion.

"I'm not sure what his plans were, sir," Sarah replied slowly. "We don't see much of each other since I'm stationed on Rendova. But K.C.'s probably around here somewhere. He's pretty tight with the Black Sheep. He speaks very highly of Major Boyington and I'm sure he'd like to thank you for the posting." She gazed innocently around the bar, as if searching for the errant correspondent.

Lard didn't say anything. He continued to study her face. He looked at Kate, who smiled sweetly. He looked back at Sarah.

"You know, you and Lieutenant Halvorson look tremendously alike. In fact, you could be sisters."

Sarah shrugged.

"You know what they say, everyone has a double," she replied briskly.

"Yes . . . they do say that, don't they." His gaze lingered.

A three-star general in Lard's group called for him to hurry up and join them so they could order drinks.

"It's been nice meeting you." He inclined his head slightly in Sarah's direction.

"Likewise, Colonel. I'll tell K.C. you sent your regards the next time we see each other."

"I'd appreciate that. I really need to talk to that man. His coverage of the 214 is . . . remarkable. He's gone beyond what I expected when I cut the orders to have him embedded with that unit."

Kate coughed. Greg rubbed a hand across his face to hide a smile.

"I'm sure K.C. is giving the Black Sheep very thorough coverage," Sarah continued. "Wouldn't you agree, Major?" She turned an innocent smile on Greg, who nodded.

"Working with Cameron has been one of the most pleasurable experiences I've ever had with the press." He inclined his head. "I think your party is waiting, sir."

Lard turned away.

Sarah let out her breath. Finding her wine glass empty, she took Jim's whisky tumbler and downed the contents in one gulp. Coughing slightly, she turned to Kate.

"By the way, Colonel Lard sends his regards."

"Oh shut up," Kate said. "You nearly gave me a heart attack. Thorough coverage? Jim, she's nothing but trouble, just warning you."

Jim refilled his glass and raised it.

"Here's to you, Red, you're a Black Sheep if I ever saw one," he said.

If Colonel Lard heard the uproarious laughter and clinking of glasses at the table behind him, he ignored it. He could never figure out how those regulation-defying Black Sheep seemed to attract the most beautiful women.

XXX

Several hours later, Greg and Kate stood to leave.

"You two keep the bottle," Greg said, pushing the half-full bottle of Aussie red across the table toward Sarah.

"Here." He flipped a key into the air. Jim caught it with a questioning look.

"What's this?"

"My room," Greg said quietly. "Third Quonset, room 4, in the back. You take it tonight."

"But where will you - ?"

Greg slid his arm around Kate's waist.

"K.C. Cameron has acquired press accommodations, which I'm told are even nicer than officers' quarters." He chuckled and lowered his voice further. "That way you won't have to bargain with TJ." He referenced the double occupancy dormitory rooms the men usually shared when on leave. "And I've already had your bag sent over there."

"Thanks." Jim pocketed the key with a feeling Kate had been behind this. She'd never used the press accommodations when they were on Espritos before, not wanting to chance Colonel Lard discovering her real identity. He hadn't known if he and Sarah would be able to spend the night together or not. He'd been afraid it was going to come down to creative bargaining with TJ to find other accommodations or knocking the kid out and locking him in a broom closet so they could have the room to themselves. Now it looked like neither would be necessary.

Kate looked at him like she was going to say something, then thought better of it and smiled broadly at Sarah.

"G'night, Sair." She winked. "Sweet dreams."

"Go away," Sarah hissed. Kate laughed and she and Greg disappeared.

Sarah met Jim's eyes and he watched in amusement as a light flush rose in her cheeks. They were clearly thinking the same thing. She was a little tipsy from the wine, letting a reckless sensuality rise to the surface. Seeing her like that was an enjoyable change from the brisk, and occasionally frightening, business-like efficiency with which she approached life.

The quartet struck up a rendition of "As Time Goes By."

"They're playing our song, darlin'." He held out his hand.

"I didn't know we had a song." She took it and stood. He led her to the dance floor and pulled her into his arms.

"That's because I never get to dance with you. I get to watch you shoot people and I get to sit with you overnight in the hospital and I get to watch you leave. But I haven't danced with you in months."

She tipped her head back, laughing, and he felt the supple warmth of her body against his. He pulled her closer and let the music weave a tapestry of unlimited possibilities around them.

XXX

The crowd in the bar was thinning. Half of the squadron had disappeared, vanishing to more private accommodations with female personnel who were also seeking a temporary escape from the war. The other half was either still looking for a willing partner or had found solace in the bottom of a glass.

The evening had passed with drinks, dancing and enjoying the Black Sheep's company. The boys were in tearing high spirits and had alternated between pursuing girls and teasing her and Jim. Apparently Kate hadn't been the only one who saw Greg toss Jim his room key. Sarah had seen the wisdom of abandoning any pretense of innocence where they were concerned. She'd had Jim's fingerprints all over her since the night of the bonfire on La Cava and the boys knew it.

Now, Casey was regaling her with tales of a mission involving a Navy aircraft carrier.

"We had to take Hutch because Navy mechanics don't know how to fix anything," he was explaining. "It was an off-the-wall mission to start with because Pappy had talked General Moore into flying it in Japanese planes and we could barely get some of them off the deck."

Beneath the table, Jim's hand stroked her knee, then slid under her skirt and teased along her thigh. She jumped, her eyes gone wide at the unexpected caress. Casey gave her a questioning look.

"Would you like another drink?" Jim asked politely, his fingers warm against her leg as he lifted the wine bottle with his other hand.

"No," she replied with equal politeness, crossing her legs and neatly trapping his hand. He was inappropriate as hell and it sent her heart racing. "I don't believe so." She smiled at the look on his face.

Casey didn't know what was going on but he was sure it didn't involve him. He busied himself pouring another drink.

"Would you like to leave?" Jim squeezed her leg. His eyes were a dark suggestion and it was all she could do not to grab his tie and take his mouth right there.

"Yes, I believe I would."

The rough warmth of his fingers sent tongues of heat flickering through her. She uncrossed her legs. He stood, offered her his arm, and they bid Casey goodnight. Jim picked up her satchel. Bobby Anderson appeared, brandishing a bottle of Scotch, and joined Casey, so Sarah took the wine with them.

They walked through the darkened base toward the officers' quarters. The night breeze carried the scent of the ocean and nearby shipyard. Some optimistic gardener had planted a bed of ornamental ginger along the sidewalk. It was blooming madly, filling the air with spicy perfume. Jim stopped, pulled her to him and kissed her, his tongue grazing her lower lip.

"You're okay with this?" he asked softly, "coming with me tonight, I mean?"

"Yes." The wine sang in her blood. She knew exactly what she was doing. Well. Sort of.

He kissed her again and she pressed herself against him, aware of nothing but his arms around her and his mouth on hers. Nearby, a small knot of senior officers and their wives strolled past on their way back from the club.

Colonel Lard shook his head and snorted. Public displays of affection were frowned on, especially if they involved officers. He was sure there was something in the Marine Corps Manual about that. The nearby security light glinted on the copper and gold curls tumbling from under the girl's cap and he did a double take. It was K.C. Cameron's sister. With that trouble-making executive officer of Boyington's. That figured. He shook his head. Damn. How did they do it?

XXX

The key turned in the lock and Jim swung the door inward. Sarah stepped in ahead of him. The room was clean and spare, with a double bed, desk and wardrobe and an adjoining private bathroom. Compared to canvas walls and outdoor showers, it seemed to her like a five star hotel.

She set the wine on the desk as he closed the door. The click of the lock sliding home sounded very loud in the silence. The window faced the ocean. She opened it and a breeze drifted into the room. Her stomach was knotted and her mind was a swirl of emotion.

"Join me in a drink?" Jim's voice cut through her thoughts.

He poured into the stemware sitting atop the desk. Handing her one, he raised his glass to hers.

"Here's to you, Red."

She was lost in the heat of his eyes, feeling the rough promise of him wrapping around her.

"Here's to us," she answered. Her voice was not as confident as she had hoped.

He tapped his glass against hers and a single crystal note hung in the air. They both drank, not taking their eyes off each other.

Jim leaned around her and flipped off the overhead light. The room slid into shadow. The curtains at the window lifted slightly on the breeze. She didn't protest when he took her wine glass and set it back on the desk. He cupped her chin, tipping her face to his.

"Come to bed with me, Sarah."

She didn't trust herself to speak. Then she was in his arms, his mouth was on hers and every other thought vanished from her mind.

He undressed her slowly, unbuttoning her shirt and kissing her throat and the tops of her breasts as the fabric fell to the floor. She took a deep breath, ordered herself not to tremble. Her skirt went next, tumbling down, and he cradled her hips in his hands, pulling her against him. She could feel the stiff heat of his arousal and swallowed hard. This was really going to happen.

"Damn, darlin', you look good in white lace." The honest appreciation in his voice sent a spike of pleasure through her. "I know you don't dress like that every day."

"You're right." Her hands were against his chest, loosening his tie. She was afraid they'd start trembling if she didn't keep them busy. God knew the rest of her was starting to.

"How'd you know I'd see it tonight?"

"Educated guess." She wasn't about to tell him she'd spent a ridiculous amount of time dwelling on how the evening might end, on what she should wear beneath her uniform. She stepped back and bent to roll down her stockings. She could feel his eyes tracing her figure. "This was my birthday present from Kate."

Standing again, she shivered as his fingertip brushed the top of her panties. "This was what Kate sent you? Remind me to thank her." His voice was hoarse. Her heart picked up speed.

When he started to pull off his tie, she stopped him, putting her hands over his. "Let me."

He smiled, his hands cradling her waist, as she finished un-knotting the cloth and pulled it loose. His shirt was next and she grazed her mouth across his chest, letting the taste of his skin linger on her lips. Her heart was in her throat as she unfastened his belt, unzipped his trousers and tugged them over his hips.

He stepped out of them, lifted her and laid her on the bed, then lowered himself against her. Sarah quivered at the unaccustomed sensation of skin on skin as his hands brushed over her, leaving a trail of flame wherever he touched. Single-handedly, he unfastened her bra and pulled it off. Cool night air drift over her hot skin, fanning the flames. His tongue flicked over her nipple, then he gently closed his teeth on it and drew her into his mouth. She gasped, unimagined pleasure rocking over her.

"You're more beautiful every time I see you," he whispered against her neck. He slid his hand the length of her thigh, pausing briefly over the ridge of scar tissue where the bullet had dug its furrow a month ago. It had healed but she'd always carry the scar. He traced it down to her knee, then, slowly, up her inner thigh.

"You see more of me, every time you see me," she pointed out, some small part of her mind still capable of coherent thought.

"Got a problem with that?"

"No," she whispered, caught in the dark demand of his eyes.

She jolted as his fingers slid along the edge of her panties. No man had ever touched her there before. She forced herself to relax as Jim brushed his fingers between her legs, their heat searing through the fabric to her soft wetness beneath. The sensation was dazzling. She surrendered completely, giving her body to him, trusting him with it. Her hips rose without conscious thought and he drew her panties off, leaving her totally bare to him.

He kissed her, slow and deep, his tongue on hers, as he slid his hand between her thighs and cupped her slick heat. She gasped at the unaccustomed intimacy, the light stroke of fingers that was paralyzing her. He was gentle but not hesitant. She was torn between telling him to stop, to wait, to go slower . . . and not telling him anything for fear he would stop.

Jesus, Kate hadn't told her it would be anything like this. His touch was exquisite, borderline unbearable. Sensation threatened to consume her, driving every other thought from her mind, leaving only a blank canvas where his hand could create things she had never dreamed of.

She was caught in his eyes, reading the pleasure he took in her body even as she was helpless under his hand. His touch drove her beyond the limits of control and she cried out, dug her nails into his shoulder as the heat burned through her, then plunged her into the abyss of mindless release. She moaned against him, body humming like a high tension wire, unable to move as aftershocks rippled through her.

Jim stroked her back, cupping her hips to press her against him, as she slowly came back to reality.

In Kate's defense, her sister possibly had told her it would be something like that but honestly, how did you put that into words? Her mouth found his, opening to invite him deeper. She wanted more of him, doubted anything that came next could compare to what had just happened but driven by an overwhelming need to return the pleasure.

He took her hand and slid it across the flat plane of his stomach to press against his hard shaft. She was tentative at first, but the feel of him throbbing against her fingers sent a bolt of unexpected arousal through her. She worked loose the buttons on the waistband of his shorts and he shifted to let her pull them off. His breath caught and he groaned at her touch, the heat of his body wrapping her like a dark promise.

"God, Sarah." The sound of her name on his lips as she stroked him sent another hot rush coursing through her. She hooked a leg around his, pulling him closer. The feel of his need pressing against her echoed through places she'd never been aware of before.

As if reading her mind, Jim whispered, "If this isn't what you want, tell me now, while I can still stop."

"This is what I want," she said softly. "I want you."

He kissed her. He reached down to his bag near the bed, then unwrapped and rolled on the condom with a practiced ease that Sarah wasn't sure if she found reassuring or unsettling.

"I don't want this to hurt. I'll try to be quick," he said.

"Don't hurry on my account." Her voice was barely audible.

He rolled her onto her back and her legs opened to welcome him. She felt him press against her, heat, hardness, entering her slowly. She tensed, hesitant, and he whispered, "Relax, darlin', just relax."

She shifted against the mattress, yielding to him, as he eased deeper. Relaxing was a lot easier said than done. She cried out this time, a sharp gasp of pain, and he stilled. She could feel his heart pounding against her chest.

"Sair?"

"I'm okay," she whispered, not entirely believing it but helpless to resist.

Then he was full into her and moving slowly. She felt like her body was betraying her, demanding she take part in something that was both sensual and painful at once. Uncomfortable? Yeah, she'd have a few words with Kate about uncomfortable. Time hung in a delicate balance between desire and pain and she surrendered to it.

Then the worst was over. Or at least it wasn't getting any worse. She gradually became aware of the rhythm of his body and let herself rise, cautiously, to match it. Her fingers were light on his back, barely daring to breath as her body grew accustomed to him filling her. She could feel the tension as he held back, forcing himself to go slowly.

Her body responded to the slow rocking motion. Her legs wrapped around him, their bodies entwined as one. She could feel the storm building in him, rising higher, harder.

"Sair . . ." his breath was ragged. "I'm sorry . . ."

He thrust into her roughly, once, twice, three times and she felt him explode, his climax ricocheting through her as he pinned her hard onto the bed. She cried out at the sudden violation, then realized it hadn't been painful, just unexpected.

His face was buried in her neck. She felt his heart, a racing beat that matched hers. They lay in a tangle of limbs, not speaking, the ceiling fan revolving slowly overhead. She felt the sheen of sweat drying on her body, acutely aware of new and unfamiliar sensations echoing through her.

Jim rolled onto an elbow and brushed the hair back from her cheek.

"Did I hurt you?" he asked.

"Not much." She wasn't lying. It had been hard to separate the pleasure, the aching need to take him inside her and possess him, from the pain that had come with it.

"Don't lie to me, darlin'." He sounded doubtful.

"I'm not," she protested.

"Is that why you were biting your lip the whole time?" He kissed her.

Oh lord, had she actually been doing that?

"Okay," she buried her face in his shoulder, "It was a little . . . uncomfortable . . . part of the time." She could just make out his face in the room's shadow, his expression indicating she should go on. "I mean . . . when you . . . at first . . . " She gave up, flustered. "But some of it was very . . . not uncomfortable."

"I love you, Sarah." He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her head onto his chest.

"Thank you."

"For loving you? I'd say the pleasure was all mine but apparently it wasn't." He chuckled.

"No." She poked him lightly in the chest. "For saying no to me, that night on the beach. I'm glad we didn't . . . there." She couldn't imagine having done what they'd just done outdoors, with only darkness to create an illusion of privacy. Her sister and Greg must be insane to go to the beach as often as they did. Either that or really, really good at what they shared together there. She suspected it was a little of both.

Jim's breath was soft against her hair.

"I said we weren't doing it there that night, not that we'd never do it there."

She raised her head to study his face. Dear God, he was serious.

"I love you, too, but we'll see about that."

"Don't make me pull rank on you, Sergeant," he chuckled.

"I'd like to see you try."

XXX

"Are you awake?" Jim's voice was soft against her ear. She was curled on her side against him in the dark, his arm around her.

"That's a ridiculous question," she said drowsily. "There's only one answer you'll ever – oh!" She jerked as his hand cupped her breast and slid lower. "Yes! I am now!"

"Thought so."

Her body responded to his deliberate caresses as he brought her, quivering, to the last possible point of endurance before taking her. She was molten under him, welcoming him with an intoxicating sense of possession.

His need was as strong as before but more controlled now, after the searing flame of their first time had tempered the edge of demand. It felt different now, she thought, less invasive, tender but not painful.

Feeling him inside her triggered an unknown need. The more he gave her, the more she wanted. Embers were starting to ignite somewhere deep inside her even as she felt the hard surge of his release. She thrust her hips up to meet him, her body soaring with exaltation as his pleasure echoed through her.

As they lay in the darkness, he ran a thumb across her mouth.

"You didn't bite your lip this time."

"I had other things on my mind." The tension still hummed through her body, her need an almost tangible thing. She swallowed hard. "I still do."

He cradled her breasts, her nipples gone hard against his touch, then slid his hand across her belly and lower.

"Oh really?"

"Really."

His answering smile was lost in the shadows and he teased her until she rose hard against his hand, crying out wordlessly, totally and unapologetically, his.

XXX

She woke as the horizon started to glow with gold and rose. Conscious of the limited time they had together before the war pulled them apart again, she traced her fingers down his back to the lean curve of his hip, across his belly and -

"You have my complete attention, Sergeant," Jim said, rolling to face her. His dark hair was tousled, making him look younger than his 22 years. That good old boy's smile sent her stomach tumbling as he raked his eyes over her.

"Finally," he said.

"Finally what?" She couldn't believe she was lying here with him, nothing but a smile between them, and it seemed like the most natural thing in the world. She'd been afraid that fragile sense of oneness, of words and heat shared in the dark, would fade like mist at sunrise. It hadn't.

"We're finally waking up together the way it should be – both of us in the same bed, with no clothes on." He stretched, scrubbed a hand over his face. "Damn, girl, you're hard on me."

She didn't say anything, just smiled and tossed the sheet back. The look on her face was an open challenge.

With one fluid movement, he rolled her and pinned her on her back, their fingers entwined as her arms stretched over her head. Her need echoed his, her body comfortable now with the balance between invitation and demand. She was achingly wet as he slid into her, her eyes gone wide at sensation that was no longer pain or discomfort.

She gave herself to him body and soul, wanting nothing more as time blurred to a standstill. She saw the reflection of her own desire in his eyes, felt the fire rising in her blood. There was no hesitation this time, no holding back by either of them. He played her body with rough skill and she was caught in a web of pleasure, not in surrender, but in the shared joy of giving even as she took. The delicious agony of the climax pounded through her, consuming her. Calling his name, she pulled him into the flames with her.

XXX

Sarah and Jim ate a very late lunch with Kate, Greg and the few members of the squadron who were conscious and sober enough to sit at a table and hold utensils. Talk was about the mundane business of war, of the Rabaul campaign and Sarah's travel to Kolombangara with Raider in the coming week. Kate had given her a couple of meaningful glances but they hadn't had time to talk privately.

Sarah figured her sister was certainly capable of adding two and two and getting four. In spite of being neatly back in uniform, it was hard to keep her mind focused on the meal and conversation. Every time Jim caught her eye, he grinned and that didn't help any. Greg had given her one look when they first sat down at the table and raised his eyebrows. She'd blushed – damnit, was it that obvious - then answered with a lazy smile of her own. He'd chuckled. She didn't think he had any room to talk. Kate certainly looked radiant this morning, too.

Sarah wanted to ask her sister about that mysterious reference in her letter but she never got a chance. "There's something I need to tell you but it needs to be in person and I'm not even sure yet myself, so it may have to wait." It couldn't be anything serious or Kate would have found time to tell her. She brushed it off.

Then it was time for the Black Sheep to head back to La Cava. Jim kissed her good-bye in full view of the squadron, much to their delight, and the boys whistled with enthusiasm. If there weren't any secrets on La Cava, apparently there weren't any on Espritos, either. She was sure TJ hadn't wasted any time pointing out Jim had not spent the night in their room. The only benefit to flying back to Rendova on a separate transport was that she wouldn't have to face all the boys up close and personal for an extended flight. But then, they thought she and Jim were already sleeping together before last night so maybe they would go easy on him. Yeah. Right.

"See you later," she whispered, hating the good-byes as much as ever. "I love you." She didn't beg him to be careful. They never said it, neither of them, as if saying the words out loud would somehow tempt fate.

"Love you, too, darlin', see you in my dreams." He touched her cheek and was gone.

She and Kate hugged a quick good-bye and then the transport lumbered down the airstrip. Watching it lift into the air she thought now they'd all go back to the war – her with her dogs, Kate shooting photos and filing stories, Jim and Greg flying missions in planes held together with baling wire and beer can patches, counting on skill, arrogance and luck to bring them back in one piece.

XXX

Most of the Black Sheep were still hung over by the time they got on the transport for the trip home. Greg didn't look like he'd gotten any more sleep than Jim had. He didn't look like he cared. Kate took a seat next to him and demurely smoothed her skirt.

Jim climbed over Casey's legs and sat down. The memory of Sarah, the innocent heat of her body tangled with his, played through his mind. He couldn't keep the grin off his face as he smothered a yawn.

"What are you so happy about?" Bobby Anderson grumbled, "Only one thing makes you that happy and we want to hear about it, James. Don't hold out on us this time."

"Stow it, Anderson." Jim leaned against the bulkhead and closed his eyes. "Ain't nothing you need to hear."

"Come on, Jim," TJ wheedled. He was clutching his head as if it might fall off. "You didn't come back to the room last night, your bag wasn't even there, so where'd you sleep? Just tell us that."

"Did you get laid this morning, too?" Bobby persisted. "You did, didn't you? I knew it!"

Jim opened one eye and fixed Anderson with a warning glare. He noticed Kate following the exchange with interest. He gave her what he hoped was a perfectly innocent smile. The look on her face said she wasn't buying it.

"A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell," he said. A few months ago, he would have cheerfully regaled the boys with a play-by-play. But that was a few months ago. Knowing what he'd taken from Sarah last night – what she'd willingly given him – it damn well wasn't anybody else's business. She was everything that was good and pure and right in his life, and he thought, maybe, just maybe, he could manage to keep it that way.

"Since when are you a gentleman?" TJ grumbled. "And I'd bet kissing was the least of what you did. Sarah's one sweet piece of – never mind," he added hastily, seeing the look on Jim's face.

Jim leaned back and tipped his hat over his face. "I need to catch some sleep, so if you boys would be so kind as to keep your noses in your own business, it'll save me the trouble of having to hand you your teeth when we land." He adjusted his cap and looked at Kate. "By the way, that was an exceptionally thoughtful birthday present you gave your sister."

He enjoyed the knowing look on her face and the men's confusion before dropping off to sleep.

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