Song:
"Mr. Blue Sky," Electric Light Orchestra
**Fiddling was had. All mistakes are mine.
Chapter 2
"How does this look?"
Rose's eyes get bigger as she leans into her webcam. "Turn around. Let me see how you look from behind."
I do as instructed and even cock my hip to the side, angling my laptop so she can see my reflection in the mirror from the best angle.
"Why have you not worn these jeans before, Bella? Your ass looks phenomenal in those."
"Guess I didn't feel the need to dress up for going to the grocery store or to pick up the boys, Rose."
"Don't be cute. Now, what about a shirt? Alice said casual is okay, right?"
"Yeah. I was thinking ..." I reach into the closet and pull out the slinky, blue halter top I bought on clearance years ago but have never had an opportunity to wear. "What about this one? Is it too dressy?"
"No, it's perfect! And that color looks so good on you."
I whip off my t-shirt and slip the silky material over my head, smoothing out the wrinkles. "Okay, so altogether, how does it look?"
"Well, you need to switch out the bra for a strapless, but if you don't catch the eye of at least one of those flyboys, I fear for our national security."
I bark out a laugh. "What?"
"Because if they can't see how hot you look, they need to get their eyes checked."
"Okay, now you're just being ridiculous." The sound of the boys arguing floats up the stairs. "I need to go, Rose. Thanks for the input." I make a kissy face at the camera.
"Love you, B. Have fun tonight!"
After settling the squabble between the boys and making sure they're ready, I send them out the door to spend the evening with their dad and his girlfriend.
"Have fun," I yell as they climb into Garrett's truck. I watch as they pull out of the driveway, and as I close the door, my phone buzzes with a text.
We'll be there in thirty. - Alice
I'll be ready. - Bella
I run back upstairs to grab a pair of strappy sandals and check my hair and makeup. Once I deem myself presentable, I head back downstairs to wait for Alice and Brandon. Not ten minutes later, they pull up.
"Good afternoon, Miss Bella," Brandon says as he opens the passenger door for me. He may be only twelve years old, but he's a near carbon copy of his father, down to the blue eyes and dimples.
I giggle at his adorable chivalry. "Hello, Brandon. Thank you." I slip into the passenger seat of the Whitlocks' SUV and lean toward Alice, whispering. "He's so stinking cute. I'm not sure I'll ever get used to those manners."
"Jasper would have his hide if he didn't get the door for a pretty lady." She winks my way before turning around to back up.
"Thanks for picking me up." I smile over at her. "Having the afternoon off is a bonus, too."
"You're welcome. I guess owning the place has its perks."
"Really. It means a lot that you'd invite me. I know this is a special occasion for your family. I just hope I'm not intruding."
"Stop." She reaches across the console and grabs my hand. "You may have only worked for me since the beginning of the year, but I already think of you as a very good friend, Bella. And I know you need to have some fun. This is the perfect opportunity. Okay?"
I nod once. "Okay."
"Okay. Now, let's go see my man fly his last fighter jet."
Luke Air Force Base is northwest of Phoenix, surrounded by mountains, and I'm in awe as Alice drives us onto base. Airplane hangars and outbuildings are everywhere I look, and the men in uniform milling around are quite a sight, too.
"Just wait until you see some of these boys let their hair down tonight. You haven't seen charm until you've seen a man in uniform with a target in mind." Alice glances my way and grins, giving me a once-over. "And believe me, you will, without a doubt, be someone's target."
When we're finally where we need to be, Alice parks and scurries over to where her in-laws are standing. She makes the introductions, and Alice was absolutely correct; Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock are a force all their own. Mrs. Whitlock even pulls me in for a hug when she meets me.
"Our Alice told us all about that no-good husband of yours. He must have lost his mind to let you go. Look at you. You're adorable."
My cheeks heat as she holds me at arm's length. "Thanks," I manage to reply.
We're eventually ushered to a secure area where we watch a single F16 fighter jet take off.
Alice smiles through happy tears as she watches Jasper make what will be his last flight in uniform ... his last flight as a Major of the United States Air Force.
As his wheels touchdown, we're allowed to move a little closer. And as he taxis and rolls to a stop, two firetrucks stream water on either side of the plane. Alice grabs Brandon's hand, and they race over to where his squadron is readying water and champagne to be sprayed all over Jasper when he climbs down from his jet.
And when he does, it's a free-for-all.
His family, especially Brandon, takes special delight in dousing Jasper. The streams of water are constant, thanks to the pump canisters they each have. Members of his squadron eventually get in on the action, shaking bottles of champagne and popping the tops and aiming the bubbling spray all over him.
It seems to go on forever, but I can feel the happiness and camaraderie between them all. Beaming smiles light everyone's faces, and I can see how close they are.
One smile in particular catches my eye. It's all white teeth and cheekbones, and my insides—along with other neglected parts of me—clench. The man it belongs to is tall and lean, and his bronze, tousled hair shines in the sunlight. His long fingers are wrapped around the neck of the champagne bottle in his hand. If only he would remove the mirrored aviators he's wearing, I could see his eyes.
Before I'm done with my ogling, though, he's called away, and I turn my attention back to the man of the hour.
Jasper is soaked through but grinning from ear to ear. Alice hangs on one side of him while Brandon hangs on the other. Alice told me they've all been waiting for this day for a long time, and I'm so happy I'm here to witness it.
I'm hanging back with the photographer who's capturing the memories for them.
"Are you sure you don't want to get in on that?" he asks me.
I shake my head and smile. "No, I'm good."
As if she knew, Alice pops her head up and calls me over. "Bella! Get your ass over here."
Reluctantly, I join her. But as always, Jasper's easy smile puts me at ease. "Hey, darlin'. How are you?" He holds his arms out for a hug, but I back away.
"Nuh uh." I shake my head and laugh. "I'll wait 'til you're dry."
He grins. "Fair enough. Are you sticking around for the party tonight?"
"I'd love to."
Once Brandon is whisked away by his grandparents, Alice tugs me toward the car. "Come on. Now the real fun starts."
"So, where is this party taking place?" I ask as Alice navigates the streets on base.
"The squadron. And I guarantee you've never seen anything like a pilot's going-away party."
When we walk into the building, it looks like almost any other bar. High tops and low tables fill half the room, while a pool table takes up most of the other half. There's a small open area near the front, a small dance floor, and a fully stocked bar against one wall. The door on the far wall is open, and the smell of a lit grill wafts inside.
Alice loops her arm through mine. "Come on. We'll snag a spot near the front of the room by the dance floor." She extends her arm and twirls under our joined hands. "I absolutely want to dance tonight."
"Alice, you know I don't dance."
She looks at me pointedly. "You will dance, missy. No excuses."
We place our purses on the table Alice wants to claim, and she drags me toward the bar. My footsteps falter. "I don't know, Alice."
"Let down your hair, please. You've been playing the responsible adult for too long. It's your turn to have some fun."
I bite at my lip, hesitating.
"Please?"
"Okay, maybe a drink or two."
"Excellent. Now, what's your poison?"
"I'll just stick with beer."
She grabs a Solo cup and fills it from the tap before filling one for herself. She hands me a cup and once again loops her arm through mine. "Now, let's go have some fun."
One by one, officers, their wives and guests show up, and Alice introduces me to almost everyone. Before long the room is practically full. Music blares and the alcohol flows. I'm seated beside Jasper, who happens to have Alice on his lap. When another person passes by to tell Tex to enjoy his retirement, I ask the question that's been bugging me for a while.
"Tex, huh?" I ask over the music.
"It's my call sign," he says.
He leans toward me to finish his answer, but his wife beats him to it. "And I can tell you how he got it, but it depends on which reason you want to hear," Alice says with a tipsy giggle.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, do you want the reason fit for polite company, or do you want the reason these guys give that gets them laid?"
A laugh bubbles up out of me, and it's more because of the laughing fit Alice is having as Jasper grabs at her sides.
She gathers her wits and leans toward me. "He told Momma Whitlock it was because he's a good boy from Texas."
"Obviously," Jasper interjects.
Alice nods. "Obviously." She gets closer to me and whispers. "But when he met me, he said it was because he wanted to show me everything is bigger in Texas."
While Alice dissolves into another round of giggles and her husband tries to calm her down, I scan the room for that bright smile I saw earlier.
I spot him across the room. He's locked in a conversation with someone, so I can take my time giving him another once-over. He definitely fills out his flight suit. His shoulders are broad, and he's so tall I don't doubt he's got a good foot over me. An errant thought of climbing him like a tree passes through my mind before I realize how ridiculous I'm being.
Seeing Alice and Tex tangled in a kiss, I decide to make myself scarce for a few minutes and go get another drink.
I weave my way through the crowd toward the keg and someone manning the tap takes my cup to fill it.
"Thanks," I say with a smile.
I turn back to return to our table, but I'm stopped short by the current object of my obsession walking past me. He's nearly six feet away when he stops in his tracks and turns around.
For a brief moment, I consider running for my seat, but when his bright green eyes lock with mine, I'm frozen in place, immobile.
He takes a few slow, calculated steps toward me and stops. That toothy smile he had earlier returns, but this time it's more like a grin. His eyes travel up and down my body, lingering on my hips and the dip in my halter top for a moment longer than is considered polite. When his gaze returns to mine, his grin widens.
"Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?"
His cheesy pickup line isn't what I expect, and I toss my head back and laugh. Once I've recovered, I smile up at him. "I have to know if that awful line has ever worked for you before."
He licks his pouty lips and I'm mesmerized. "Maybe once or twice, but there was probably a copious amount of alcohol involved." He points to my still-full cup. "What are the chances that's not your first and I've got a shot?"
I cock a brow. "It's not my first, but"—I lean closer, the smell of his cologne filling my senses—"it's not enough." With all the willpower I have, I step past him and walk back toward our table.
I chance a look back, and he's right behind me. He leans in, his warm breath warming my bare shoulder as he speaks. "So, what brings you to Tex's going-away bash?"
"I'm friends with Mrs. Tex. I work with her."
"Really?" He bolts past me and stands directly in front of me, blocking my path. "Where has she been hiding you?"
"In their dungeon. I'm their prisoner and she only lets me out when I've been a good girl."
His smile turns positively indecent. "Oh, I bet you're a good girl."
I glance at the patch on his chest— Lt Col Edward "Vamp" Cullen—and grin. "So, Vamp, care to tell me how you got your call sign."
He leans in close and my eyes flutter closed. His lips brush against the shell of my ear. "I like to bite when I play."
"Oh, you're good. I'll give you that." I rise up on the tips of my toes and kiss him on the cheek. "It's been fun." I walk around him and go back to my seat, but Vamp is right behind me.
"That's it? You're just going to abandon me? I'm wounded. I don't even know your name."
I spin on my heel and raise a brow. "In all fairness, you haven't formally introduced yourself either."
His grin returns as he holds out his hand. "Lieutenant Colonel Edward Cullen at your service, ma'am."
I relent, slipping my hand into his. When his skin touches mine, sparks travel up my arm. "Bella McCarty," I manage to say as my heart pounds in my ears.
He holds out his arm to me. "May I escort you back to your table so you can lose the cup and I can take you for a spin around the dance floor, Bella McCarty?"
"I don't really dance. I'm pretty sure I was born with two left feet."
He leans in again, and my heart beats double time. "It's all in the leading."
When we approach the table, arm in arm, Alice's eyes go cartoon-wide. It takes her a moment to snap out of it, but when she does, her gaze lands on Edward.
"Hey, Vamp."
"Hey, Alice." He lets go of my arm and leans in, kissing her cheek. "I'm sorry I didn't call you back this morning. The PoC assured me everything is set for the retirement ceremony next Friday." When he pulls back, his arm lays loosely at my waist.
She's momentarily distracted by the arm around me, but she recovers quickly. "Thanks. That's one less thing to worry about." She looks over at her husband and back to the man at my side. "It's hard to believe this is finally happening. Feels like we've been working toward this for forever." Her eyes soften. "And I know it's going to be rough to let go of your right-hand man, but it'll be nice to have him in one place for more than a few years."
"I think Tex was just tired of seeing my ugly mug every day and decided to punch. Southwest is lucky to get him. He was one hell of a pilot and—"
"Was?" Jasper scoffs.
Edward laughs beside me. "Hey, I just hope they appreciate what they're getting. Our loss is their gain, Tex." He looks back to Alice, and his expression changes. "But family is more important. I know he's been looking forward to this day for a while."
Jasper smiles up at him. "You're just upset you don't get to order me around anymore." He turns to me but points at Edward. "This guy has been a pain in my ass since we were at the academy together."
"You've known each other since then?" I ask, looking between them.
Jasper nods. "More than fifteen years. We even flew together in our first assignment at Shaw." He looks up at his friend and smiles. "But I'm getting out before he can corrupt me into staying until I'm old and grey."
"You're going to miss me, Tex. Admit it."
"You'll just have to come visit us more often and see how good civilian life can be." Alice eyes me with a conspiratorial smile before turning to Edward. "And I see you've met my friend Bella."
He looks down at me and smiles. "I have." He turns back to Tex and Alice. "I think tonight calls for a toast." He releases me to pull out my chair. "Get comfy and I'll be back with some drinks for us."
He disappears back to the bar, and my eyes follow him the whole way.
"Careful, Bella, or I'll have to get a bib for you." Alice's cackle earns a scowl from me.
"Shut it, Alice." I discreetly swipe at my mouth and mumble, "I don't need a bib."
"Hey, there are worse people to set your sights on than Vamp. He's a good guy."
Before I can ask why such a good guy is still single, he's back with shot glasses and a bottle of Jeremiah Weed.
"This should do the trick," he says as he places his haul on the table. Plopping into the seat beside me, he scoots so close our legs are touching. He screws off the cap of the bottle and pours some into each glass. He picks his up and waits for the rest of us to do the same.
With one arm slung over the back of my chair and the other holding out his glass, he talks over the noise. "To my favorite wingman, my second, my friend. You already know I think you're one hell of a pilot. Well, you've been one hell of a friend over the years, too. I'll miss knowing you're watching my six when I'm up there, but I know you're moving on to brighter skies. And to Alice ... you're one hell of a woman to tame this one." He nods in Jasper's direction. "Tex, may you never lose your love of the sky and always treasure your soft place to land. To Tex!"
We all tip up our shots, and the alcohol burns all the way down. It's been a long time since I had anything so strong. I'm sure my face is screwed up in a grimace, but no one says anything.
"Whew!" Alice shouts. "That'll put hair on your chest."
"No kidding," I mumble, covering my glass when Edward goes to pour me another. "No, thanks."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I think I'll just stick to this," I say, reaching for my cup. "I need to be able to function tomorrow."
He smiles and nods, politely relenting. "So, how do you like working for the little drill sergeant?" He tilts his head toward Alice.
"Hey! I am not a drill sergeant," she insists.
Edward ignores her as he leans in closer to me. "I bet she's a handful."
I smile over the rim of my Solo cup. "She can be, I guess."
Alice's expression turns indignant. "Hey! Now you're picking on me?"
I burst into a fit of giggles.
"That's about the prettiest thing I've ever heard," Edward says in my ear. His arm is still on the back of my chair, and he's mere inches away from me.
I straighten my back and try to put a little space between us. "So, Vamp, tell me the real reason you got your call sign."
Jasper's chuckle is low, and I know whatever he's about to say is going to be good. "That's a story from way back."
Edward groans beside me.
Jasper leans forward, putting his elbows on the table and pointing at Edward. "This guy thought it was a good idea to get into an argument with another butter bar over—" He looks at Edward. "What was that fight about anyway?"
Edward smiles and shakes his head. "I don't even remember." He glances at me. "I was a little drunk."
Jasper raises a brow. "Right, a little. Anyway, we're all roof stomping the new Colonel at his after-hours promotion party at his house, and we get invited in. About an hour later, Vamp and this other pilot get into it and wind up on the floor trying to beat the shit out of each other. The other guy must've had eighty pounds on Vamp and had him pinned to the floor. The only way Vamp could get out from under him was to take a chunk out of the guy."
I pivot in my seat and look up at Edward, my eyes wide. "You bit him?"
Jasper cackles. "Crazy fucker drew blood."
Even in the dim light of the bar I can see Edward's cheeks pinken. "Guess not too many people hear that version, do they?"
He shakes his head and grins, reaching for the whiskey and pouring himself another. "Consider yourself lucky. Only my inner circle knows the true story." He shoots me a wink and I melt on the inside.
We spend the next hour or so being regaled with stories of the time they trained together and their shared assignments. And the longer we sit together, the more comfortable I feel. At one point, Edward's fingertips start playing with the ends of my hair. The simple gesture makes me break out in goose bumps.
I can feel Edward's eyes on me every now and then, but I try not to cave and look his way. I have no doubt he's used to turning on the charm and getting what he wants, and I don't want to be that girl, no matter how attracted I am to him.
Abruptly, he stands and holds out a hand to me. "I believe you owe me a dance."
"I don't remember agreeing to that," I retort.
With more power than a tiny woman should possess, Alice hoists me out of my chair and nudges us toward the dance floor. "You promised you'd dance, Bella. Don't make me get ugly about it."
"Okay, stop." I shrug out of her grasp. "You don't have to be so pushy."
When we're finally close enough to the small group of moving bodies, Vamp's hands land on my hips and he spins me around. With my back to his chest, he pulls me tightly to him.
"Let me lead," he says in my ear as he begins to move behind me.
I close my eyes and let the rhythmic beat move through me. We aren't moving as fast as the music, but his hands on my hips guide me, and dancing with this man feels almost effortless. I let myself get lost in the feeling of being surrounded by him. As his fingertips brush against the bare flesh of my waist, my skin prickles and my pulse races.
"See? I told you it was all in the leading." His voice is a deep rumble in my ear.
The music changes, and I'm spun around. His hands encircle my waist as we begin to move, pulling me closer. Automatically, my hands move to his shoulders, and there's barely an inch between us. The song is slow, but with all the blood rushing in my ears, I can't make out what it is.
"So, Bella McCarty, tell me about yourself. When you're not locked in the Whitlocks' dungeon, what do you do for fun?"
I shake off my nervousness but can't bring myself to meet his gaze. "Well, let's see. I'm a drug dealer in training. I'm a personal chef for two bottomless pits, and their personal chauffeur."
"So, you've either got two large dogs with very active social lives or ..." He gently tilts my chin up so I meet his eyes, and the grin he's been wearing has been replaced with a soft smile. "Or you're a mom."
I give him a genuine smile in return. "Two boys."
"Tell me about them."
"Isn't this where you try to bow out gracefully when you realize you've stepped into a minefield?"
"Well, the Air Force doesn't give any minefield training, so I'm not sure how to do that."
I chuckle. "Jacob is ten, and Seth is seven. They're the loves of my life."
"And is their dad still in the picture?"
"This is some pretty heavy conversation for a dance, Lieutenant Colonel Cullen."
His grin returns. "I'm just doing some recon."
I sigh, knowing our playful back and forth is about to come to an end. "I'm actually in the middle of a divorce."
He nods but doesn't say anything. His hold on me never loosens, though.
"What about you?"
He grins. "What about me?"
"Any kids?"
He shakes his head. "No. But I have an ex-wife I'd rather forget."
I raise a brow.
"When I was sent on my second deployment, she realized she wasn't cut out for this life. She decided her free time was better spent in the arms of her mechanic."
"Ouch."
"Yeah"
"I'm sorry," I say softly.
"It was a long time ago, but it was also a long time coming."
He holds me tighter, and I close my eyes, resting my head on his chest as he sways us back and forth. I know I should ask him more questions. I want to know more about him, but I feel like asking him to tell me more would open the door to more than I'm ready for right now. My thoughts run wild with the fantasy that someday someone will hold me in his arms like this and never let me go.
When the song ends, I reluctantly open my eyes and pull away, smiling up at him. "Thanks for the dance, Vamp."
He doesn't loosen his hold on my hips. "Where are you going?"
"You should probably find someone whose life isn't so complicated to spend your time with."
He pulls me back to him, this time until there's no space between us. "You let me worry about that," he whispers in my ear. "I want to get to know you, Bella. I wasn't promoted to commander without knowing how to adjust my flight plans."
A/N: So, what do we think of Edward? Cocky? Confident? Smooth as buttah? Lol. I can't wait to hear your thoughts!
A note about the year in which this story is set. Some of you guessed 60s/70s/80s, based, in part, on the song choice from chapter 1. The song for this chapter is also an oldie, but Bella's used a cellphone and Skype in these chapters, so we aren't quite that far back. ;)
A teaser pic was shared yesterday with a few images from Jasper's Fini flight, so if you're interested in seeing those, hop on over to my Facebook group, Sunshine Fics, or catch me on Twitter at CSunshine1220.
Just a reminder that the TwiFicFandom Awards are accepting nominations through this Sunday, 1/23/22. Make sure your voice is heard and show your faves from the last year some love.
I'm out of town for the next week, so I'm not 100% sure which day next week I'll update, but I WILL update.
"See" you next week!
Be kind.
Stay safe.
Stay well.
Lots of love
~Sunshine
