Chapter 41: Missed you.

It's been a struggle to get Kelsey into the small confines of the downstairs bathroom and he'd respectfully stood outside while she did the whole needing to pee thing.

Because the room is much too small for the wheelchair Alex prepared it earlier by placing a small padded stool inside so that she would be able to rest when getting washed or dressed.

Clay now helps her across on to it, allowing her to sit for a moment. "You okay?" he frowns concerned that she seems a little agitated.

"Not really." she sighs accepting what she considers the indignity of having to ask for help with even the most basic of tasks "This is so embarrassing" She frowns, forlornly looking up at him "Sorry, you don't need this. I'm sure it's not what you signed on for when we started dating"

"Hey, don't worry. Kelsey, we're together and that's the only thing that matters to me. We're gonna get through this, you'll see. So.." he smiles "you still wanna wash your hair?"

Mmmm! "I suppose. I mean, if you don't mind helping me. Though it does seems a lot of effort" she holds her bandaged leg in the air " I'm not sure how we're going to do it with this?"

"We'll find a way." he smiles clipping her chin between his thumb and finger "We're Navy, we can't let a bit of hair washing defeat us, right?" He frowns, he can see how downbeat she seems "Look, you sit there. I'll work something out"

He runs his hands over his head while he thinks. He admits, to himself, that he's not sure exactly how they're going to do this without at least one of them getting soaked through but his main concern is keeping the casts on her arm and leg dry.

Turning the shower tap on he lets the water run from the hose to warm up. "Okay hold on, I have an idea" He grins and then starts to undo the buttons on the front of the light cotton shirt she's wearing. Mmmm! He groans. Quietly smiling to himself, as he realizes she's not wearing any underwear.

Alex was a little tetchy and hurried at the hospital this morning and in his grumpy rush to get out of there the shirt was the only clothing she could manage to get on over the cast on her arm before they were ready to leave.

Her bright blue eyes watching him, she smiles as his hand brushes gently over the warm soft of her skin. It feels like an eternity since she felt him touch her. Being up close like this, is such a nice feeling and the hairs on her arms bristle with pleasure.

"You're so beautiful. I missed you so much" he leans forward and gently places his mouth against hers and then kisses her.

She can feel her cheeks flush with a slight blush at his compliment. There's a weird awkwardness as he slides the shirt down her arms to take it off, his hand following the fabric along the line of her arm, and then up the side of her body until it settles on the soft roundness of her breast.

"Clay..." She grins watching him, anxiously darting a glance towards the door "we can't. Alex is just through there"

Mmm! "Yeah..." he kisses her again while his hand continues to fondle against her soft mounds of flesh "yeah, he's through there but we're in here" He frowns, concerned by the look on her face and he turns around, pushing the bolt lock into place and locking the door to any outside distractions "That better?"

Mmmm hmm! She nods, staring at him.

He now pulls his grey tee up over his head and takes it off and then unbuttoning his jeans, he drops them onto the floor. Now he's stood in front of her wearing, only, a tight white pair of boxer shorts.

She frowns looking at him confused. "Clay.." she nervously giggles "what the hell are you doing? You do know I'm not going to be able to do that, right?"

"Oh, yeah of course. What do you take me for?" He frowns "Oh this..." he points to his near naked body "this is not for you. No, I had to take them off otherwise they're gonna get wet, when I wash your hair" His smile broadens as he leans forward to kiss her again "Oh wait .." he grins teasingly "did you have other ideas, Ms Roberts?"

Shaking her head, she smiles as he places his hand gently against her cheek and she nuzzles her face against his touch. There's a buzz of electric tension as his skin brushes softly on hers.

It feels great, after such a long time away to feel the shape and strength of his bicep under her fingers while she strokes her hand gently up along his arm.

He removes his hand from her cheek stroking it delicately in a line down her neck before once again softly cupping her plump breast in his palm.

"Clay... " She smiles teasingly "I thought you were washing my hair?"

"Yeah, I was. Sorry, I ...I got distracted by this" his gaze drops to where his thumb and finger are playfully teasing her nipple and she smiles enjoying the moment of intimacy between them. Both of them have their eyes fixed on each other but eventually it's Clay who breaks the longing gaze "Right, let's do this."

Lifting her up from the stool and supporting her weight against his body he moves her towards the show. She sighs thinking how nice it feels to be held in his arms like this. The warm firmness of his chest is pressed against the soft of her flesh while she nuzzles her head into the gap between his neck and shoulder. His arms wrap supportively around her as he steps backwards into the shower.

She takes the opportunity to enjoy this moment together. Taking a long breath in and filling her nostrils with the scent of his aftershave.

"Okay, you have to trust me now while we do this. I want you to know I've got you and I won't let you go, so don't worry"

She smiles, brushing her lips over his, kissing him. The look on her face tells him she has complete trust in him.

While he steadies her weight, using his upper body strength to support her he feels behind checking the water temperature and then he steps inside the shower cubicle still holding her tightly. She leans her head back as far back as she can, while he rinses warm water through the length of her hair.

It's not easy and she's at a slightly awkward angle but he's conscious the whole time about not getting the cast on her arm wet. Then he gets the angle just right and it feels so good, the warmth of the water cleaning her hair, while he holds her in his arms

"Oh god..." she sighs "this great! You know, I can't wait until I can shower properly."

"Yeah well, one thing at a time." he kisses her cheek. Then using his fingers her pulls some shampoo through her locks. Gently washing and rinsing the hospital smell out, replacing it with a much more pleasant refreshing soap smell.

She closes her eyes, enjoying how it feels to have him touching her like this. It's been such a long time since they've had alone time together like this. Up close and personal, they're both totally at ease with each other even if it is only for a few moments.

Clay's thoughts are the same as hers. He smiles, also enjoying the fact, that at long last he's physically able to put his hands on the warm nakedness of her skin.

As he rinses the last of the suds from her hair he sighs loudly. Then helping her forward he sits her, once again, on the small stool.

Taking a towel from the shelf he dries the excess water from her hair and then using her one good hand she rakes her fingers through the tangles.

He continues to enjoy touching his hands on her skin. Lightly brushing over the bruising on her back and down her hip before massaging her shoulders gently.

She groans teasingly Mm-mm! "Clay, kiss me!"

He doesn't hesitate to respond, instantly placing his lips against hers. He can't get enough of her taste and she smiles. He feels so good and wrapping her, one good, hand in his hair she tugs at his curls pulling him forward and holding him locked against her.

"Clay...I love you so much!" she gasps as she breaks the comforting hold she has on him. Their eyes lock looking at each other and then as she allows her gaze to explore the rest of his wet naked body, noticing now the large bulge pressing against the front of his shorts Mmmm! she laughs "It's been a while since I've seen that!"

"Yeah.." Hmm! "well I'll just have to cope. It'll be hard, now I have you here like this. You're myy captive!"

"Your captive?" she smiles. "Oh, I like that" she smiles teasing him by stroking her hand gently up his thigh.

"You know we managed to keep on top of things while you were away, so. .. maybe we can use our imagination now you're back?"

Mmmm! "Yeah maybe" she sighs again this time it's more regretful "Clay, I'm sorry. This is not how I wanted things to be when I came back. I .. I had so many plans of what we could do together"

"Hey c'mon, this is not your fault aright. It was an accident. You're alive and that's all that matters to me. Other things can wait, they're not important." he kisses gently against her forehead "Kelsey, things will get better."

She smiles watching him, his hand resting on her arm. She locks her fingers between his and then temptingly she slowly moves his hand until it's back cupped around her breast.

The teasing grin on her face gives him permission to touch. Mmmm! He groans closing his eyes enjoying the soft feel of her delicate flesh in his hand "I missed this"

Though their inventive late-night video sessions were great for taking care of pent up needs and frustrations, this is a much nicer way of being intimate with each other. The physical feel of her skin turns him on so much and knowing it, she smiles reaching forward to kiss him again

"Look..." he sighs wistfully stopping before he gets carried away in his own wants "I'll get you back in bed then I'll take a shower before we get something to eat"

"No, Clay wait!" she smiles "I want to stay here. While you shower"

"What?" he frowns puzzled "You wanna watch me shower?"

Mm hmmm! She giggles "What, you don't want me to?"

For a moment he hesitates wondering if it would be weird. He feels nervously awkward but if he's honest the idea also turns him on. Being close to her, a quiet moment of gratifying pleasure between them, the only way they can be, considering her injuries and the fact they are in someone else's house, seems a nice idea.

With Alex and the world locked outside it's just the two of them, alone and naked in here. "Okay!" He laughs "Why not"

Then helping her turn around on the stool, so she can lean her back against the door for support, he then, apprehensively, takes his shorts off. In a moment of madness, he laughs loudly, throwing the, now wet, underwear at her.

"Clay!" She shrieks with laughter, which is a really nice thing to hear.

He continues to smile, leaning forward to passionately kiss her. As he does he can no longer hide his physical want for her and Kelsey bites her lip. Then tormenting him she makes the need greater by stroking her hand up his thigh and over his butt.

Mmmm! She moans quietly. Closing her eyes she enjoys the touch of her fingers against the firmness of his skin. It's so nice after all this time apart and teasingly she slowly drags her hand over his hard stiffness.

Oh god! Clay groans tensing as he continues to touch him "Kelsey don't tease me like this!" he sighs loudly as she firmly but gently wraps her fingers around his hardness.

"What, you don't want?"

"I do want. That's the problem. I want you very much. It's just..." Hmm! he sighs "we can't, not today. Let's just slow things down."

"Really?" she keeps smiling as her hand continues to caress him "You don't want me to do this?" She grins, biting her lip seductively as her hand slides forward.

Oh god! He gasps even louder, closing his eyes, fisting his hands in her hair, enjoying the pleasure she's giving him "Oh yeah I want!" he nods.

He can't help groaning as testosterone pulses around his body. All the wants and needs that he put to one side now hurriedly race between his legs.

She smiles, very much enjoying watching the effect her gentle loving touch is having on his body. It's not long before she can feel a flexing pulse against her tightly wrapped fingers. It's now so obvious the physical want he has and he's not going to be able to hold off.

Oh Kelsey! He groans, ready to cum. He looks around for a towel, grabbing one from the rail wrapping it around himself Oh god! His eyes tight shut, his body shudders with satisfaction and then it relaxes. Opening his eyes he smiles as he looks at the wicked grin on her face "You Kelsey Roberts..." he leans forward, kissing her " are so bad!"

"I know!" She laughs in a flirty teasing tone "And you need to remember that!"

She laughs leaning her head back watching as he steps back into the shower and starts washing himself under the warm running water. Her imagination runs wild wondering how long it will be before she's able to wrap herself around him, have his muscular arms hold and touch her. How long before they can make love again.

She's tired now and yawns while he dries himself off "Kelsey, you okay?" he frowns concerned

"Yeah. I-I just feel a little tired"

"Okay, let's get you back to bed then you can sleep for a while" he places his lips on hers and he again kisses her. Suddenly there's a hard knock on the door which catches both of them by surprise. "Hey..." Clay calls out

"Oh sorry, just wondered if are you two are okay in there? You've been a while"

Kelsey stifles a laugh as Clay grins "Um... yeah! Yeah we're fine. It took a lil longer than we thought. We'll be out in a minute" he points at her to stop as she laughs again "Don't!"

"Okay, well I'm making some tea. Do you both want one?"

"Um... I'd love one." Covering her mouth with her hand, to stifle the sound, Kelsey can't help but continue to laugh

"Yeah, yeah that will be great!"

Clay smiles, he wraps the large, navy-blue, toweling robe around her. It's Alex's and much, much too big for her but does the job of covering her, and her plaster bandages, easily. Then taking her weight in his arms he lifts her up and awkwardly they make their way back to the makeshift bedroom.

Settling her back into the bed first, Clay then turns around looking at Alex. He's stood in the doorway holding two mugs of tea "Did you manage to take care of everything?"

"Um ..." Clay frowns a slight embarrassment flushes his face. "yeah! Yeah we did. Was a little awkward in there but... we got there"

Kelsey's face breaks into a huge grin as she grips Clay's hand tightly in hers "Yeah, we took care of things. It feels much better now doesn't it, Clay?" she smiles teasingly while pulling her fingers through her slightly damp hair.

o-o-o-o-o-o-

"I wish I didn't have to go" he sighs loudly " You sure you're gonna be okay?"

"Yeah!" she smiles trying to reassure him despite her own apprehension "Look Clay, we talked about this. You've been gone nearly four weeks, you need to go back. We both know, the Navy's not going to wait for me to get better. Jason told you they want you back and...well at the end of the day, Casey needs you. I want you to be with him."

Hmm! He sighs still unconvinced that going now is the best thing to be doing. He looks up at Alex as he hovers in the bedroom doorway watching while they say their goodbyes.

"You gonna be able to cope?" he frowns " with looking after her. I mean your knee seems to still be giving you problems."

"We'll be fine. My knee's getting better each day, that's not a problem. Anyway, I'm organising a private nurse for a couple of days a week, just to give us a hand"

"You are?" Kelsey frowns disturbed by this unknown information "You didn't say anything to me about that. Look Alex, I'm sure we'll be fine... I mean I don't think a nurse will be necessary."

"Well I think we're going to need help with somethings, like washing and dressing and more .. intimate things"

"Oh ... yeah, yeah I suppose" she sighs " I hadn't really thought that far"

"Look..." Alex frowns he's feeling a little out of place, intruding on the two of them " I'll leave you two alone, let you say your goodbyes. Clay, just to let you know, the cab will be here in about fifteen minutes"

"Okay and um... Alex thanks. For this, I mean taking care of her while I go back. You were right, she couldn't have managed in that apartment alone."

Alex nods in acknowledgement knowing how hard it must have been for Clay to thank him like that. Kelsey smiles, feeling good inside, the one good thing in this past two weeks is that Clay and Alex come to an uneasy tolerance of each other.

Clay finishes packing the last few items into his bag before sitting himself on the bed next to her and strokes her face.

She places her hand, gently, against his cheek and sighs. "I'm going to miss you so much" it's hard to swallow the stony lump of emotion that's lodged in the back of her throat. Hot tears burning around the rim of her eyes which sting like acid as each large one finds its way down her cheek, dripping with a splash from her chin.

"Hey c'mon, please don't cry" Clay frowns his hand wiping her face dry.

"I'm sorry I just... " she bites hard at her lip, desperately trying not to break into a full sob "I can't wait 'til you bring Casey back. You'll make it as soon as possible, yeah?"

"Yeah. I'm gonna get on it as soon as I get back. Two weeks tops. I've missed him too. I ..I .. " he hesitates his heart hurting and his words won't come out without his voice breaking up. Shit! He shakes his head, trying to hold it together "I'm gonna miss you so much. Kelsey, I love you!" he looks up, hearing the loud sound of a beeping horn outside the bedroom window.

The taxi is early Shit! Oh god! He sighs "God this is harder than when you left. I really don't wanna leave you like this"

"I know ... I know!" She sniffs, stroking his face with her hand as she gulps back her tears. Her heart aches so much that she feels like it might break in two, the pain unbearable "Give Casey a kiss and cuddle from me, and you'll call, right? Just as soon as you get back."

"Yeah ... yeah you know I will. Every damn day!" he smiles, leaning forward to kiss her again "You'll be fed up with me soon"

"Never...uh uh! Never. You promise me ... every day?"

The horn beeps again and Alex appears at the door "Cabs here!" he sighs watching the both of them

"Yeah thanks" Clay sniffs loudly taking a breath. He looks her in the eyes and wipes the tears from her cheeks "Right then... I best go. Take your tablets and do as Alex says." he smiles

"Yeah..." Alex laughs "like that's ever gonna happen"

She smiles at the both of them her vision clouded by tears "You know I'm gonna be a pain in the arse to live with right?"

"Yeah I know that, I mean when haven't you been" the room goes quiet for a moment the words feel a little awkward they all know Alex meant nothing by it but still their history together lurks like a ghost in the room. He coughs "It' ll be fine. Clay, just get home to that son of yours, he's what counts right now"

"Yeah um... look, I'll let you know as soon as I do about the flights back"

Alex takes his bag. "I'll put this in the cab for you. Give you a minute"

As Alex leaves Kelsey can't hold herself together any longer. She starts to sob uncontrollably. "Clay please... I don't want you to go!" She grabs at his neck forcing another more needy kiss on him. "Please..."

"Hey c'mon.." he takes a deep breath struggling to hold his own tears now " I told you, two weeks and then I'm coming back, with Casey. If I can get away sooner I will, I promise. As soon as I've spoken to Jason and got the okay. We're on that plane back. Please don't get upset like this"

"Okay..." she nods taking a deep breath trying to get herself under control "Okay.. but you'll call as soon as you land, let me know you got there safely"

"Of course, I will. Hey, hey what is it this?" he frowns watching as her hands shake and he can see how anxious she is

"I'm sorry. I'm...I'm just worried. Worried something might happen to you. I mean.."

"Hey, nothing's going to happen alright. What happened to you it was just an accident, a one off. I'm gonna be fine." He smiles again and then gives her one last soft lingering kiss.

Mmmm! She frowns. Sniffing, again her chest tightens with heart break and anxiety "I know, I know but... I- I don't want to be here on my own"

Alex is at back in the doorway "The cab drivers getting testy" he frowns concerned by how agitated he can see Kelsey's getting right now and how she's struggling to let Clay go "Hey anyway... you're not on your own. I'm here!"

"I know but..." she closes her eyes taking a deep breaths through her nose as she tries to calm herself.

Alex takes this as an opportunity to gesture for Clay to leave. "We'll see Clay, and Casey, in a couple of weeks. Clay, you need to go. She'll be fine. I'll stay with her. Just go!"

Clay sighs loudly somewhat annoyed that Alex is the only choice he has to look after her right now. That jealous rivalry is still there, bubbling just below the surface.

"Bye then" he frowns as he hesitates in the doorway. He blows her one last kiss and then disappears out of the door.

As the latch clicks closed and the car engine sound outside the window becomes more distant, Kelsey can't hold her broken emotions any longer.

She breaks down into Alex's arms sobbing so hard against his chest. He strokes his hand down the length of her hair to comfort her.

Watching her ache like this it hurts him too, even if once, not long ago, he would have given anything for her to be here with him right now, leaving Clay behind. This, now, doesn't feel good. This hurts. Watching his best friend, the woman he loves, so totally heartbroken.

"Hey.." Shhh! " C'mon, Kelsey please... he'll be back in a couple of weeks and he's going to bring Casey" He smiles. "It's going to be so great to see him. "

Leaning back he has her cradled in his arms. Comforting her against his chest until she can cry no long, there are no more tears and there's nothing left she can do except fall asleep.

o-o-o- o-o-o-o

Clay sighs loudly as he turns the key in the apartment door lock.

The flight was long enough without the two hour delay and he feels exhausted and weary now. He had plenty of time to think things over. He and Kelsey texted each other a few times until eventually his tiredness took over and he fell asleep on the plane.

Checking the time, he realizes its about 4am in the UK and he sighs again deciding that instead of calling her like he promised, he'll text and tell her he's home safely.

As he opens the door to the apartment it's all quiet inside and the only light in the room is from the TV that's on, the volume down low.

He smiles and frowns "Sonny!" He's sitting upright on the couch, beer in his hand, fast asleep and snoring. Casey at his feet, in his favorite rocker chair, turned facing the TV, but also fast asleep.

Placing his bag quietly on the floor he continues to smile watching the peaceful scene of the sleeping pair. Then Casey opens his eyes and Clay can see him trying to focus as he leans over him.

"Hey, baby boy." Clay smiles and Casey smiles back. He hushes his tone so not to disturb Sonny "Did you miss me?" Shhh! "Look, Uncle Sonny's asleep" He then lifts the still sleepy baby up out of his chair, holding him tight his chest and he kisses his forehead " I love you so much" He sniffs taking in the sweet aroma of his warm baby scent. "Oh god! You really don't know how much I've missed you"

He smiles continuing to hold him tight, protecting him with his arms around him. "You know something else? We're gonna get your Mommy home real soon too. She.." he hesitates, welling up with emotion struggling to get his words out ".. she loves you and is missing you very much." he whispers quietly. The side of his cheek resting against his sons.

As he looks up he can see the silhouette of Audrey. She's in the hall doorway wearing only a large tee shirt that she sleeps in.

"Clay.. " she smiles so very pleased to see him " I'm so sorry. I fell asleep. We weren't sure what time you'd be back when you said your flight was delayed"

"Yeah sorry my fault... I should have called ahead but I just wanted to get back." He sighs. Turning towards the couch he gestures towards his sleeping friend " Sonny alright?"

"Oh yeah!" she laughs "He was determined to stay awake until you got back but I think his training exercise today made him over tired"

"Yeah looks that way." Clay smiles pleased that Sonny is here. Pleased to know that he's been looking out for his son while he was away "So, you okay?"

"Oh ... yes, I'm good, thank you. I um.. . I kept you some dinner. I can heat it up if you want?"

"No! No don't worry. It's late and you know what I think I'm gonna just go to bed"

"You want me to take Casey, put him to bed for you?" She steps forward smiling as she watches Clay holding the baby. She places her hand on Casey's sleepy cheek."He's missed his daddy. We've both missed you being around. It's not been the same" she smiles awkwardly "Sonny's missed you too, though he pretend he didn't"

"Yeah well I've missed you all, especially this little one" he kisses Casey's cheek "You know what I think I'll keep him in with me tonight. I'll take the little travel crib then he can sleep next to me"

"Okay! He'll like that" She smiles again, gently touching Clay's arm "I'll get it for you. It' just in the nursery"

"Thanks. While you do I'll just get a drink"

He sighs, stroking his hand gently against Casey's head. As he does his phone vibrates. He's surprised that it's Kelsey already replying to his text asking if he got back okay and why his flight was delayed.

"You know, your Mommy really should be asleep!" He sighs as he types a quick reply to her back
Tired .. Speak to you tomorrow. Casey sends hugs. Everything's fine. I love you! XXX

Exhausted but happy that he has his son in his arms at long last. He carries Casey through to the bedroom. Laying him down on the bed, he then strips out of his tee shirt and pants.

"Oh!" He halts where he is as Audrey brings the travel crib to the door.

"Oh, sorry!" She smiles, blushing as she tries to avert her gaze, realizing that her eyes are drawn to looking at his naked toned chest. She awkwardly looks away and places the crib on the end of the bed "There you go...there are bottles of milk made up in the fridge. Are you sure everything will be alright with him for tonight?"

"Um... yeah. Yeah thanks" He also feels uncomfortable, her standing there and him in his underwear "Well good night!" he sighs "Oh and Audrey... thanks, for everything. Looking after Casey while I've been away. I really do appreciate it"

"It's find my pleasure. He's a really good boy." she smiles "Good night Clay" she exits the doorway turning back before she does watching as Clay places Casey into the travel crib. "You know Clay... we're glad to have you home again. We all missed you."