Author's note: Told you it'd be quicker lol hopefully I can get twenty-three written just as quickly. But for now, this one is definitely rated M folks so happy reading and enjoy. Dark rolling sea.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Mike felt a happiness inside him that had been missing for a long time. His date tonight with Ginny had gone well, probably the best one they had been on. As he parked his truck and they walked inside, Mike felt the electricity from her touch. He knew this had turned, and he was in love with this woman. He felt it returned. The silence between them now was not only comfortable but comforting as well. Her hand tangled up in his.
He had every intention of walking to her own apartment but as they passed his door he stopped. She felt the tug and turned back to look at him with curiosity. He took a moment to still his thoughts and then smiled at her. Without a word he pulled his keys out and unlocked his apartment door. He stood there as she stared at him, her head slightly to the side, wondering what he was up to.
Mike took a deep breath to steady his nerves and then simply tipped his head towards his open door, pulling on her hand slightly. She stepped forward, her mouth tipping into a grin. Mike swallowed and breathed steady through his nose, trying to control his racing heart. He wanted her tonight. As she came to him, he stopped her, freeing his hand from hers and placing it on her shoulder. His other hand came to her opposite shoulder, and he held her there in place. He lowered his head, and she pushed up on her tiptoes to meet him. He kissed her slow, gentle, and sweet. When he pulled back and stepped through his open doorway, he pulled her inside with him. She pushed his door shut and Mike turned so he was facing her, her back to his door.
Still no words had been exchanged as he leaned down and kissed her again, his hands finding her hips. Her hands came up and wrapped around his neck, holding him tightly as they explored each other, with lips and tongues. Mike's right hand moved up her side and found her shoulder, pulled at the strap of her dress. He spun them around and started to walk her backwards towards his bedroom as he pulled at her other strap. The dress slipped to the floor, and Ginny kicked her heels off, stepping away from all of it. Mike paused a moment and took in the sight before him.
He felt his insides spark and his erection harden. He stepped into her and picked her up, her legs locking around his hips. Her forehead touching against his, he walked them into his room. He kissed her as he slowly lowered her to his bed. Once she was down, he pulled back and stripped off both his shirts and worked his pants and shoes off. He then joined her on the bed.
They kissed some more, before Mike broke away from her mouth, kissing a line down her jaw, her neck, her chest. He paused briefly as he removed her bra then went to work on her breasts. Her hands were roaming his back, caressing. His nerves were firing, his body reacting. He kissed a trail down her stomach as she arched and wiggled against him. Her hands skirting down his sides, tickling, enticing. He broke away just long enough to pull on her panties, her hips coming up so he could fully remove them. He kissed her hip bone, then down her inner thigh. The sigh sparked his insides.
Her hands were at the waistband of his boxers. He continued to kiss his way up to her mouth again as he felt her tugging his boxers down. He reached down with a hand and helped her strip them off. Her hand found his erection and he groaned as her fingers encircled it and moved, her thumb caressing the tip. His hips bucked a little. Their kiss deepened as he thrust his tongue into her mouth. She met him with matching fever, tongues tangling, tasting each other. Her hand continued to work him. He reached down his hand and ran his fingers over her clit, then stuck a few inside of her. She thrust her hips at him and moaned.
Her hand released him and came up to his face, pulling him deeper into a kiss. He pulled his fingers out, his hand going to her breast. He reached down with his other hand and lined himself up. He pushed just the tip in and pulled back and smiled at the frustrated gargle that escaped her mouth. Her hands sprang to his ass, and she pulled him hard onto her. He smiled as he kissed her again.
"Stop teasing," she breathed out and Mike smiled.
"Yes, Ma'am," he whispered back and reached down, lining himself up again and thrusting in fully this time. They both groaned and Mike buried his head in her neck, inhaling her scent and willing himself to not explode. Her hips started to rock, and Mike joined the movement, matching her pace. It was slow. Mike leaned down and kissed her, sweetly, exploratively, as their hips locked in sync.
Mike felt his orgasm building as they continued to move as one. Ginny was beginning to lose her rhythm, her thrusts coming erratic and frenzied. He could feel her starting to flutter around him and he continued to pulse in and out. He worked hard to maintain his pace, trying to prolong it as much as possible, drowning in the feelings coursing through his body.
He felt her squeeze him over and over again as she threw her head back into the pillow, hissing his name as she orgasmed. The clamping of her muscles around him and the sound of her pleasure pushed him into a frantic pace of erratic thrusts as he neared his own end. She tucked her head down into the crook of his neck and bit him as she twisted her hips in her thrust. The sensations were enough to send him over the edge as he ejaculated into her.
His moan was low and guttural, as he got lightheaded and felt the release. He collapsed next to her panting and sweating, completely spent and immediately relaxed. She bit him again, then he felt her tongue smooth the spot before she kissed it. He rolled onto his back, as his breathing slowed. She curled into his side, hooking her leg over the top of his, her knee resting against his groin.
"That was amazing," she whispered against his ear, then nipped at his earlobe. Mike smiled.
"It was," he breathed out. He turned his head so he could see her, locking eyes with her, his heart swelled, and he knew he was a goner. She was his home, his center now, and he wanted this forever. "I love you," he whispered as he reached over and tucked her hair behind her ear. She smiled at him and leaned over and kissed him soundly, passionately, completely. She pulled back, her hand landing over his racing heart.
"I love you too," she whispered. She planted her head on his chest and he wrapped his arm around her. He felt her weight gently deaden and her breathing level out and he knew she had fallen asleep. He grabbed his phone and texted Tom asking if he was good to stay for a while longer. He texted back that Ty was asleep, but Wyatt was still up playing with Legos, but he was okay. Mike settled in, enjoying the feel of skin on skin with Ginny. He grabbed the blanket and dragged it over the top of them and closed his eyes.
Mike woke to Ginny nipping at his neck and her hand caressing his balls. He groaned a little and rolled slightly, chasing her mouth with his. As he rolled her hand slipped to his dick and her fingers circled around it, stroking up the shaft. Mike's eyes closed tight, and he lost his concentration on the kiss.
"Got another round in you?" Ginny asked seductively into his ear, her breath brushing along his skin. His brain lost the ability to form words, so he grunted and brought his hand to her breast. As she worked him hard again, he leaned down and kissed her along the neck and shoulder, his hand exploring her body.
When they were done, Mike laid spent with his eyes closed. Ginny was half on top of him still and he felt he could stay in this moment forever. He was completely content, relaxed, and calm. It had been a long time since he had felt all of those at the same time. Ginny was kissing his chest and his hand was lazily tracing circles on her shoulder.
"Told you, you'd come around eventually," she whispered against his peck. He chuckled deeply and smiled.
"Yeah, you did," he sighed. "So, was I worth the wait?"
"Absolutely," she replied and kissed him. She pulled back and laid her head on the pillow next to him so she could look at him. She stared at him for a while and Mike started to feel self-conscious.
"What?" he asked. She hesitated and he wondered what she was thinking about that would cause that. He waited her out. She was quiet for a few more moments before she tilted her head a little to the side. Mike stroked his fingers through her hair.
"Who's Andrea?" she asked quietly. It was not a question he was expecting at all, and his face must have shown his surprise. She back pedaled quickly. "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked I just…"
"How'd you know about Andrea?" Mike asked. He had told her about his wife, and his children. He had told a lot of his story to her over the last couple months, but he had not mentioned Andrea by name or his relationship with her. He was trying to figure out when he could have said her name.
"It was…earlier today…when you were dreaming. You…called her name out. I know you said your wife was Christine so I just…sorry. I shouldn't have asked. You obviously aren't ready to share," Ginny was babbling. Mike put his fingers over her lips to stop her.
"Shhh. It's okay," Mike breathed out. Ginny nodded slightly and Mike pulled his hand back using it to prop his head up. He thought about how he wanted to answer the question. "She was Commander Andrea Garnett. I served with her first on the Nathan James. She was our chief engineer."
"She was special to you," Ginny stated. Mike nodded as the memories flooded his brain. He blinked against the tears.
"Yes, she became very special to me."
"But?"
"But she died in my arms," Mike whispered as he swallowed to dislodge the lump in his throat. "We got closer as we both lost our families during the red flu. She lost a husband and a daughter. Eventually friendship morphed into something more."
"Is that why you were so hesitant with me?" Ginny asked.
"Yes, part of it. After losing Christine and my kids, I found someone to love again. But before we had a chance to build anything, she was taken away. She died on the deck during Fleet Week, trying to bring me ammunition for a deck gun."
"Oh, Mike," Ginny said softly as she stroked the side of his face with her fingers. Mike gave her a half smile. He leaned his forehead against hers pushing his feelings down.
"It's okay. I'm ready to move forward now," Mike whispered. She pushed a little closer and rubbed her nose with his before she kissed him. They settled against each other, and Mike glanced at the clock on his bed stand. He sighed. "It's getting late. Should I let Tom know we'll be back soon, or we'll be back in the morning."
"Tempting," she breathed out as she stretched against him, then snuggled closer again. Mike grinned as he kissed the side of her head. "We should get up and let him get some sleep."
They got up and got dressed and walked down to Ginny's apartment. Mike had his arm around her holding her close to his side. They came in and found Tom on the couch watching Wyatt jump on the cushions on the other end.
"Ut-oh, we got busted little man," Tom side whispered as Wyatt bounced one more time before springing from the couch and running towards Mike. Tom gave Ginny a shrug. "He was a little wound up tonight."
"I see," she chuckled. Wyatt had pushed between Mike and Ginny and raised his arms for Mike to pick him up. Mike scooped him onto his hip and Wyatt wrapped his arms around Mike's chest. "I think he missed you," Ginny said to Mike before turning to Tom as he walked towards the door. "Thanks for watching them, Tom, I appreciate it."
"Yeah, anytime," Tom said then glanced at Mike. Ginny came over and pried Wyatt off Mike and carried him towards his bedroom. Tom walked to the door and turned back, cocking his head to the side as scrutinized Mike.
"What?" Mike said defensively. Tom's grin broadened.
"Nothing," Tom smirked, and Mike glared at him. "Next time just get me in the morning." Mike smiled and shook his head.
"I gave her that option, she thought we should let you get some sleep."
"Way to go, Mike," Tom chuckled and then clapped Mike on the shoulder and walked out. "Don't come back tonight," Tom threw over his shoulder and then disappeared into Mike's apartment. Mike locked the door and walked towards Wyatt's bedroom. He peeked in to see Wyatt bouncing on the bed.
"Mike!" he shouted and pointed. Mike stepped inside.
"Hey, Wyatt, it's time for sleep now," Mike said gently. Wyatt continued to bounce on the bed. Mike caught him when he was air born and settled him down on the bed, then laid with him. "Why don't you go to bed, Ginny, I'll be in soon."
She smiled at him before she nodded and got up and left. At the door she looked over her shoulder, "Dad duty, huh?"
Mike smiled at her and leaned down and kissed Wyatt's forehead then gave Ginny a simple nod. Wyatt snuggled into Mike and wove his hand into his shirt. It didn't take long once he settled for him to fall asleep. Mike kissed him gently one more time then slowly left the room. He walked to Ty's room and cracked the door slightly, peeking in at the older boy. Then he made his way down to Ginny's room. He was stripping off his shirt when he felt his phone vibrate. He frowned wondering who was texting him this late. He pulled it out and looked. It was a message from Sasha. He raised his eyebrows and read the text.
Is it too late to call you tonight?
Mike frowned and reread the message twice. He fired back a text telling her it was okay to call him. Ginny looked up at him curiously from the bed as he smiled apologetically at her. His phone rang in his hand, and he gave Ginny a tight-lipped smile.
"Sorry, I have to take this," Mike said softly then pressed the answer button putting the phone to his ear. He was halfway out the door when he finally spoke. "Hey Sasha."
He walked into the living room and sat down on Ginny's couch, waiting for Sasha to acknowledge him. Wondering what had prompted her to call. He glanced at his watch and frowned again. It was almost two in the morning.
"Something wrong?" he asked, his voice carrying the worry he felt.
"Maybe, I'm not…I'm sorry," Sasha finally breathed into his ear. Mike frowned deeper and felt his chest tighten.
"What's wrong?" he asked more forcibly. He heard Sasha sigh on the other end. "Sasha, you can talk to me, it's Mike," he said gently, softly, his heart hammering away.
"I…I need to talk to you in person. I don't want to do this over the phone. I…don't want Tom there."
"Okay," Mike drawled out slowly. "I can't really get away," Mike started.
"Oh, no, no, I'll come to you. I'm not…I just want…need to… I just need to talk to you first…before I talk to Tom."
"Okay, Sasha. Tom sees the therapist tomorrow at one. I'll have two hours of time to talk to you."
"Okay. Is there somewhere we can meet?"
"Yeah, there's a diner. Mac's. I'll be there."
"Okay…umm…how's he doing, Mike?"
"He's trying. Therapy is…slow going, but he's going, and he's actually talking to the therapist."
"I really miss him, Mike, the real him."
"He's still the real him, Sasha, he's still there, I see him a lot, just there's a lot of scars and baggage on top. You just have to be patient."
"I have to say thank you, Mike," Sasha said, and Mike thought she might be crying.
"For what?"
"For getting him to do this. I've tried…and tried. You're right, he's still there…that's what makes it hurt so bad."
"Just hang in there, Sasha. Give it time to work." She paused and Mike wondered what had changed on her end. He waited feeling that she wasn't done yet. Finally, she continued.
"We'll talk more tomorrow…it'll be good to see you again, Mike."
"Likewise," Mike replied, and the line was dead. He stared at his phone for a long moment, wondering what the call was about. He thought that maybe Sasha needed some help as well. It was going to be interesting tomorrow to hear her side of things. He sighed and walked back to Ginny's bedroom, stripping his jeans off as he entered and tossing them aside. He climbed into the bed with her, and she immediately snuggled into her side.
"Who's Sasha?" she asked groggily. Mike kissed her temple and wrapped an arm around her.
"Tom's girlfriend," Mike whispered, replaying their conversation in his head, looking for clues to what was going on.
"Oh?" Ginny asked as she settled against his side.
"Yeah, she's coming to visit tomorrow."
"Will that make Tom happy?"
"I don't know, she doesn't want to see him until she talks to me first." He felt Ginny shift her head came up and he looked at her. She looked confused.
"Why?" Mike shrugged his shoulders and shook his head slightly.
"I'm not sure. I guess I'll find out tomorrow," Mike said, then yawned. Ginny settled back against his chest, and he felt sleep overtaking him.
To Be Continued...