**Fiddling was had. Words were added. All mistakes are mine.


**You get a few bonus songs this week! The first seven are a handful of songs I can imagine being played in the club. So, if you want to set the mood as you read, or before you dive in, give the playlist additions a listen.

Songs:

"Walk This Way," Aerosmith
"La Grange," ZZ Top
"Paradise by the Dashboard Light," Meat Loaf
"You Shook Me All Night Long," AC/DC
"Fooled Around And Fell In Love," Elvin Bishop
"Love of a Lifetime," Firehouse
"Head Over Feet," Alanis Morissette

"Not Afraid Anymore," Halsey


Chapter 16

"I thought we were going to the squadron." I eye the unfamiliar building. It's different from the one I visited with Alice for Jasper's party.

"No," Angela says, shifting the car into park and cutting the engine, "this is the O; the officers' club. Didn't Vamp tell you about the commander's call they had tonight?"

I shake my head. "He didn't mention it. What is it?"

She sighs. "Typical man, leaving out the details. It's like a little pep rally meeting for the officers. Then when they're done with official business, most people stick around the club and hang out in the bar to let off some steam and socialize. It was probably over an hour ago, so I wouldn't be surprised if a few of the guys are half in the bag already." She grabs her purse from behind my seat and reaches for her door handle. "Come on. Let's go have some fun."

I climb out of the passenger seat and close the door. With a touch of trepidation, I walk alongside Angela, making inconspicuous adjustments to my shorts and sleeveless button-down shirt as I go. This time I won't have Alice to lean on if I feel uncomfortable, but when Angela smiles at me, I realize that worry is unfounded. Even though I only met Angela a handful of weeks ago, she already feels like an old friend. So, with a straight spine and newfound confidence, I follow her inside.

Aerosmith is pumping through the speakers when we walk into the bar. It's crowded and loud, the mood every bit as jovial as the first time I was on base. People are laughing and having a good time, and I have no doubt Angela is right; it's obvious more than a few are on their way to being intoxicated.

I scan the bar, but I don't immediately spot my boyfriend. "Where do you think—"

Loud cheers come from the far end of the sparsely lit room, and it doesn't take me long to spot my pilot in the middle of the rowdy crowd gathered around a pool table.

From beside me, Angela sighs. "We've already lost our men. We might as well grab drinks. If the game just started, it'll be a while before they're done."

"What are they playing?"

"Crud."

"What the hell is Crud?"

She loops her arm through mine, smiling as she leads me toward the bar. "Oh, there's so much I need to teach you."

I glance in the direction of the dozen or more men shouting and scrambling around the table. Those at the table's ends are pushing and shoving at each other, all while onlookers cheer and egg them on. "Okay, now I'm really curious."

Angela steps up to the bar and orders a beer. She turns to me. "Do you want one?"

"Oh, um …" I meet the eyes of the bartender and offer him a smile. "How about a Coke?"

"Coming right up, ma'am."

"No alcohol?" Angela asks, her brow raised.

"Not yet." While the bartender grabs a glass and fills it with ice, my eyes travel the room. I spot a long table off to the side, set up with an informal buffet. "Maybe once I eat something. I was sick last week, and I don't want to overdo it."

"Do you want to grab a plate now?"

"Let's wait for Charlotte. You said she'd be here soon, right?"

"She should be, but who knows?"

The bartender hands over my glass. "Your soda, ma'am."

"Thanks." I turn and follow Angela toward a table.

"Edward mentioned to Ben that you and the boys were sick."

"He's talking about me at work now?" I joke, even though the thought of him sharing us with his coworkers makes me irrationally giddy.

She leads me to a high-top and we sit, angling ourselves to have a good view of the commotion at the other end of the room. "Not exactly. It seemed more to me like he was explaining where he was since it wasn't a planned day off for him last Friday."

"I feel bad he took off just to come and play nursemaid."

She places her hand on my forearm, leaning in. "Don't. Ben said Vamp seemed almost … proud when he told him. I think he secretly loved taking care of you and your boys. I might be a little sentimental, but it sounded crazy romantic to me."

My gaze is drawn to the laughing man across the room. And as if he knows we're talking about him, Edward looks up, meeting my eyes. I smile. "Yeah, it was."

I watch as he says something to one of the men at his side then calls out for a time out. He weaves his way through the gathered crowd and makes a beeline for me. There is color high in his cheeks and his eyes are glassy. Spying the tumbler of amber liquid in his hand, I have a pretty good idea why he's flushed.

"Hey, baby." He plants a kiss on me before slinging an arm around my waist.

"Hey. You look like you're having a good time."

His ever-present grin grows. "I am. Even more so now that you're here. But I can't stay long. I need to get back over there and referee a few more games. Ben said he'd take my spot after a while." He kisses me again, this time holding me tightly as his tongue delves briefly into my mouth. I can taste the liquor he's been drinking. When he loosens his hold and pulls back, his words come out in a breathy growl. "Damn, it's good to have you here."

"What kind of game is it tonight, Vamp?" Angela asks, interrupting our little moment. "Gentlemen's rules or combat rules?"

He turns to Angela with a scowl and scoffs. "Gentlemen's rules are for pussies."

My gaze bounces between a laughing Angela and a now-smiling Edward. "I still have no idea what's going on, guys."

Edward squeezes my waist. "She'll explain it to you, but I need to get back."

"Okay."

"Love you." He grins, nipping at my neck and patting my bare thigh. "Later," he promises before walking away and back to the game.

"I love you, too. Have fun!" I call out to him before turning to Angela. When I do, I'm met with a knowing smirk.

"Well, well, well. That's a new development."

I roll my eyes but can't hide the heat filling my cheeks.

"How long since …"

"Just this week."

"I'm so happy for you. For both of you." She sighs. "Looks like I have my work cut out for me. I've got a whole lot less time than I thought I would to teach you all the things."

I chuckle. "What are you talking about? What do you need to teach me?"

She shrugs, reaching for her glass. "Do you remember me telling you about my job as the OPSO's wife? Being the one to organize events and certain social things?"

I nod.

"Well," she begins, "if things get that serious, and the two of you have a more … permanent relationship—"

I hold up my hand. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's still pretty early."

She waves me off. "I know. I'm just saying, if it were to get that serious, then I'd have to hand over the reins to the Lieutenant Colonel's wife."

Her comment doesn't scare me like it might have a couple of months ago. I'm not ready to sneak off to Vegas to get hitched any time soon, but when I look at Edward, I can see a long-term future with him.

Shaking my head of my errant thoughts, I clear my throat. "Then you better start now. I'm still waiting for you to explain this game to me."

She hops off her barstool and grabs her drink. "It might be easier to explain if we go watch. Come on."

As we approach the mayhem, I step toward a nearby table.

Angela holds out a hand to stop me. "You don't want to get too close."

Not a moment later, one of the uniformed pilots is shoved in our direction.

"Whoa!"

"See what I mean?" Angela tilts her head toward a table near enough to watch but not too close. "We'll be safer over there."

Once we're settled, Angela explains the rules of the game. And the more I watch, the more I realize it's not a game for the faint of heart. It's fast-paced and ruthless as two teams of three try to sink the perpetually moving striped billiard ball into a corner pocket by lobbing the cue ball or "shooter" from one of the short ends of the table. Curiously, to block the ball from dropping into the side pockets, there are rolls of toilet paper stuffed into them.

"Balls! Balls!" several of the men call out, pointing and shoving one of the men at a corner of the table.

I turn my head toward Angela, but I can't tear my eyes away from what's going on. "What just happened?"

"He went out of bounds. If your crotch crosses the invisible line, you lose a life." I finally turn to her, and she rolls her eyes, laughing. "If women are playing and go out of bounds, they call 'lips.'"

I chuckle. "You've got to be kidding."

She shakes her head, the smile never leaving her face. "I told you it's ridiculous. And it gets rough. Some of these guys draw blood. I've seen a few broken noses and more bruises than I can count over the years."

Amused and somewhat horrified, I turn back to the game, watching grown men try to convince Edward they were not, in fact, out of bounds. After several rounds of back and forth, the call is settled. Edward tips back his glass, leaving behind a bit more than a trace, and sets it on the edge of the table.

"Oh, you're in for an interesting night," Angela says, her eyes on the table.

"Why?"

She points at my boyfriend. "See what he just did with his glass?"

"Yeah."

"If someone knocks it over and spills it, they have to buy him a drink. And with that many men running around the table like that, it's bound to—"

A seemingly synchronized shout rings out and a familiar officer scrambles to grab the glass he just knocked off the edge of the table. "Sir, lemme getchu another!" Mike Newton slurs.

Surprisingly, Edward doesn't look at all upset that his drink was knocked over.

"Oh yeah, he knows what he's doing. He's probably mapped out the optimal spot on the table to guarantee maximum spillage." Angela leans in and giggles. "At this rate, he'll be three sheets to the wind by the time you're ready to go home."

Before Newton can get back with Edward's drink, a familiar song begins to play, bringing with it memories of the fateful cookout at the Whitlock's months ago. But I shake off the disheartening memory when the music gets louder and just about everyone in the room starts singing along.

"I remember every little thing
As if it happened only yesterday
Parking by the lake
And there was not another car in sight."

Ben charges over and yanks Angela off her barstool, whisking her away in a dance. A moment later, and without much warning, Charlotte's husband, Peter, tugs me out of my seat and twirls me around, all the while belting out the song.

"I'm just gonna borrow you for a second before I deliver you." He winks as he continues to guide me in the direction of the man I'd rather be dancing with.

I can't stop the laugh that bubbles out of me, and before I know it, I'm passed off to the set of arms I really want.

He doesn't miss a beat, either, laying a kiss on me before shouting the next lines.

"C'mon! Hold on tight!
C'mon! Hold on tight!"

Half the room sings the crescendo, their voices rising with every note, before the other half breaks out in the chorus.

"Though it's cold and lonely in the deep dark night
I can see paradise by the dashboard light."

Edward sways us along to the fast beat, his grip on me firm and his grin huge. It's contagious. And as I look around the room, seeing everyone singing and laughing together, I imagine what his life must have been like. The people he works so closely with become family, no matter where he goes in the world. That camaraderie must define so much of him.

As I stare up at his beaming face, it gives me a little bit more insight into the man I've fallen in love with.

When the song is over, everyone is riled up and anxious to restart the game.

"Thanks for the dance." Edward kisses me soundly, eliciting a few catcalls, before releasing me. "A few more rounds, then I'm all yours, okay?"

"I'm counting on it. And don't let all that booze go to your head, okay? I've got plans for you tonight."

"Head?" Peter shouts. "Who said head?"

"I'll take some of that, motherfucker!" Edward shouts over the crowd, waggling his eyebrows at me, a naughty grin on his face.

When he opens his mouth again, I realize nearly every man in the room is chanting along with him, "And I did, and I liked it, and there was much rejoicing!"

Laughter fills the room as they get back to their game. Even though I don't know what exactly just happened, I laugh, too.

Angela shoots me a knowing look when we get back to our table. "I told you there was a lot I needed to teach you."

"Do I even want to know what saying"—my voice lowers as I lean closer—"'head' means?"

She chuckles. "Just remember, cranium is the word of choice unless you want a repeat of that. These guys may be hot shots in the air, but most of them are just kids trapped in grown men's bodies."

"That was … crazy. Fun but crazy."

"And just so you know, that song's on the short list of mandatory sing-alongs."

"I can see why."

While my attention returns to the game, Angela's gaze travels the room. Her face screws up. "Ugh. I was hoping they'd have something better to do tonight." She discreetly points in the direction of the catty women I remember from Ben's birthday barbecue—Jessica and Victoria. "Keep an eye on those two. Jess, especially. She may be on her best behavior these days, but I still think that woman is trouble."

Before I can comment, Charlotte comes waltzing in. "Sorry I'm late."

"It's about time," Angela says. "Bella wanted to wait on you to get here before we ate, and she needs to eat so she can party."

"Hey, babe. I'm so glad you made it." Charlotte kisses my cheek.

Angela hops out of her seat to head for the buffet table. "Come on. Before it's all gone."

I look at Charlotte expectantly, but she waves me off. "Go ahead. I'm going to go get a beer first."

I join Angela and grab a plate. There are wings, potato skins, and chicken tenders, along with a few other things.

"You should probably grab some for Vamp. He's not going to think to stop and eat, even if he probably should." She glances over at the ongoing game where someone has, yet again, spilled Edward's drink, and chuckles. "He'll keep his post as referee as long as people are buying him drinks."

When Charlotte returns, she and Angela make me feel like I'm catching up with old friends. It's comfortable and easy, and once I've eaten something, they're able to convince me to order a drink. I'm finishing my second and feeling pretty good when Edward walks up and snakes his arms around my waist, nuzzling my neck.

"What do we have here? Smells good." He nips my ear before reaching for a chicken wing.

Charlotte laughs as her husband does the same thing. "Hey, she's not on the menu, Vamp." Giggling, she nudges Peter when he attacks her with kisses. "I'm not either."

"But she should be." Edward winks at me before biting off a chunk of chicken.

I must be feeling the effects of the alcohol because just the sight of him eating, licking his lips and his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallows gets me all hot and bothered.

I shake my head and clear my throat. "I think I'm going to go grab some water." I eye his empty glass. "Do you want anything?"

"Yeah, can you get me another?" Edward asks, holding up his glass. "Just tell them it's what Vamp's been drinking. And put it on my tab."

I raise a brow, finally meeting his gaze. "Are you sure you don't want some water?"

"Nah." He waves me off, reaching for the nachos this time. "I'm just getting started."

At the bar I order Edward's drink and my water. While I wait for the bartender to get our drinks, someone I have no interest in speaking to steps up beside me, slapping the bar.

"I need two more cosmos," Jessica shouts. She turns to me and gives me the fakest smile I've seen in a while. "Well, I'm surprised to see you here … Bella, was it?"

"Yeah, that's me." The bartender returns with my order, and I grab the glasses with a "thank you" as I try to make my escape.

I don't get very far.

"You're not cut out for this, you know."

Her snide remark stops me dead in my tracks.

"Being with an officer, being part of the Air Force isn't all parties and luncheons. And it takes—" She holds the side of her fist to her mouth as she belches. "It takes a special kind of woman to keep a man like Vamp happy. I don't think you have it in you."

Slowly, I turn to face her and tilt my head as I make eye contact. "What would you know about keeping him happy? Seeing as you have your own man to worry about, I don't understand why you'd give two shits about mine. It really shouldn't matter to you what he does or who he does it with." I give her my own fake smile. "Have a good night. I know I will."

I turn on my heel and march back to our table, and by the time I get there, I'm seething. When I lay eyes on Edward and his drunk, sexy self, I slam our drinks on the table and grab hold of his flight suit, pulling him to me and laying a kiss on him that verges on indecent.

The catcalls and whistles encourage us both, and we get a little carried away. Hands roam and tug, and our tongues tangle. By the time we pull apart, we're both panting.

"I don't know what brought that on," he says, grinning like a freshly kissed fool, "but feel free to do that anytime."

"Oh, I know what brought it on," Charlotte says, nodding in Jess' direction.

Edward looks to where Charlotte is looking and groans. "What now? What the fuck did she say to you?"

I shake my head. "Don't worry about it. She's delusional." I watch as she stumbles back to her own table. "Or drunk."

I down my glass of water, hoping it'll cool me off, but holding Edward's stare as he tips back his drink and swallows only seems to get me more wound up. We're both caught in each other's sights, and it isn't until his glass is empty and he places it on the table that the spell we're both under is broken.

He leans in, his warm breath wafting over my bare shoulder as he pulls me to him and trails his nose along my neck. "I'm ready to hold you for the rest of the night."

There's no dance floor, but it doesn't stop him from leading me around in a stolen corner of the room. With his arms around my waist and mine around his neck, it feels like the most natural place to be.

"So," he says as we sway back and forth. "What do you think of all this?"

"All what?"

He twirls a hand, motioning to the room. "The O. What do you think of all this nonsense I've dragged you into?"

"Nonsense, huh?"

He nods his head toward the back of the room where the pool table is. "We must look like a bunch of stark-raving lunatics to you."

I bite back a smile. "Good thing I think a little crazy is sexy."

A slow grin spreads across his face. "Sexy, huh?"

"Oh yeah."

He hums, his hands gliding from my waist up and down my back, and when he asks his next question, his voice is a little more serious. "So, I haven't made you want to run for the hills?"

I shake my head, unable to fight my smile any longer. Everywhere his skin touches mine, an electric current seems to flow through us. I look up, meeting his eyes. "No. I'm done running."

One hand glides up to my neck, his fingertips weaving into my hair as he pulls me closer. His lips hover over mine. "That is excellent to know." When his lips touch mine, it's with purpose, the kiss all-encompassing as he cradles me in his arms. That electric current sparks the always-smoldering fuse between us, and I can feel his kiss down to my toes.

I never saw myself going down this road with a man like Edward, but he brings out a whole new side of me, a side I'm slowly getting to know.

Several songs play, some fast, some slow, but he never lets me go, even when we make a detour or two to the bar for rounds of shots. We exchange kisses, he spins me and I laugh, and when someone jokingly asks to cut in, he tells the guy to fuck off.

"Don't you think that was a little rude?" I ask, playfully chiding him.

He shakes his head, his face buried in my neck. "Nope. You're mine tonight, and I'm not sharing."

"Yours?"

"Damn straight you are." His hands drift down to my ass. He pulls away, and the look in his eyes sets me on fire. "All mine. In fact, I don't think I'm letting you go all weekend. If I had it my way, I'd never let you go at all."

The song changes, and Edward's face returns to its spot, his lips whisper soft against my neck as he murmurs words I can't hear. When the music changes, his kisses trail up my neck to my lips, kissing me once, twice more, before he pulls away, resting his forehead to mine.

"Are you gonna put me out of my misery tonight, baby?"

With my eyes closed, I smile. "You don't seem too miserable to me."

He presses his lower half to my stomach, and I can feel how hard he is. "Do you feel that? I think if I don't get you in my bed tonight, I might combust."

The longing in his voice makes my insides clench, and I breathe a laugh. "That would be a shame."

"I mean, think about the amount of money the military has invested in me. If I combusted, all that money would be—poof—gone, up in smoke all because I couldn't make love to you."

His words give some levity to the moment, but thinking of what tonight might bring sends a flash of panic racing up my spine. It's gone as fast as it came, though. It's taken us so long to get where we are. I don't want him to think, for even a moment, that I doubt us.

I'm finally ready to take that next step with him.

I swallow my nerves and tilt my chin up, kissing the underside of his jaw. "Then I'll consider it my civic duty to make sure that doesn't happen."

"Bella," Angela shouts, dragging out my name as she runs for me. When she reaches me, she tugs on my arm. "Charlotte and I were talking and … well, you just have to come with me. There's something you need to try."

"Seriously?" Edward whines.

"Oh, stop it." She nudges his shoulder, not moving him an inch. "You can give her up for, like, five minutes. Besides, I think you just might like this." She grabs hold of my hand and tugs me toward the bar. "Come on."

"What are we doing?"

"You and I, my darling Bella, are going to give our men a show." She glances at the other side of the room, muttering, "Jess, too." When she turns to face me, walking backwards, her eyes sparkle with mischief. "We're going to bat hang."

"What?" I ask with a laugh. "Bat hang?"

"It's something a few of us brought back from Korea." She points to two metal bars hanging from the ceiling over the bar top. "We're going to climb up there like graceful trapeze artists and hang upside down from those. Then we're going to take a shot. Please tell me you're game."

Between the hopeful look on her face and, when I look over my shoulder, the dawning realization on Edward's, I can't say anything other than, "Okay, I'm game."

Her squeal is infectious, and I'm suddenly excited to do something so out of character.

"What can I get you ladies?" the bartender asks over the music.

Angela looks at me, her brows raised. "What shot do you want?"

Familiar arms wrap around my waist as Ben scoops up Angela in his. He and Edward look at each other before calling out, "Blow jobs."

"Two blow jobs coming right up," the bartender says with a chuckle.

It's my turn to squeal when Edward lifts me up onto the bar top. "Up you go."

The tipsy haze I'm under has me moving slowly and carefully, but I eventually get myself up onto the suspended metal bar. My hands grip the straps it hangs from, and when Angela looks over at me and asks if I'm ready, I nod. Slowly, I lower my upper half until my head is hanging over the bar top.

It's disorienting, and I have to close my eyes for a moment as I get my bearings, but when I feel a gentle touch on my now-exposed stomach, my eyes flutter open.

"Ready for your blow job?" he murmurs, his voice low and gruff as he splays his warm palm over the naked sliver of skin. "Damn, baby."

My stomach clenches. "Yeah."

"Open up."

He holds the shot glass to my lips, and I snake my tongue out to lick the cream off the top. Edward's responding groan tells me it's having the desired effect. When the top of the cream is level with the glass, I wrap my lips around the rim, and Edward slowly tips it back.

It's awkward, but I manage not to spill a drop.

I sit up and cheers erupt around us, but before I can soak up my moment of glory, Edward slides his hands around my waist and gets me down in half the time it took me to get up there.

"We're going home. Now," he growls as he picks me up.

With my legs wrapped around his waist as he walks us toward the door, I laugh. "Bye, Angela! Bye, Charlotte!" I shout as I'm whisked away.


Curled into Edward's side, it takes all my self-control to keep my hands to myself while we're in the backseat of his lieutenant's car. Edward has a tight grip on his thighs, both of his hands practically white-knuckled, and I don't have to guess it's just as difficult for him. Thank god the drive to the gate is short, because I don't know how long we can both behave. I'm sure the last thing the poor young man behind the wheel wants to see is his commanding officer making out with someone in the backseat.

I could blame it on the drinks I've had tonight, but I don't. I'm tipsy but nowhere near drunk. The cool night air has sharpened my senses, too. Just Edward's proximity, his smell and the warmth radiating off his body are enough to make me want to rip his clothes off and straddle his lap.

When we finally reach the gate, Edward helps me out of the car and thanks the lieutenant, sending him on his way.

"You're too far away," he says, pulling me into his chest and wrapping his arms around me. Automatically, he attaches his lips to my neck and sneaks his hands up the back of my shirt. We stand there, hidden in the shadows, and make out like teenagers trying not to get caught until he spots our ride.

We tumble into the taxi, and Edward mumbles his address. As soon as the car begins to move, the two of us unabashedly become a tangle of limbs and lips. By the time the car reaches the main road, I'm pressed into the backseat. Edward hovers over me, and the only things I hear are whatever is playing over the radio's speakers and the sound of our heavy breaths in the enclosed space.

I grab onto Edward's flight suit, pulling him closer, and his hands wander as he kisses me like his life depends on it. When he tries to unbutton my shirt, I glance at the rearview mirror, afraid we're making a spectacle of ourselves. I meet the driver's stare, but he quickly looks away, focusing back on the road. Choosing to ignore our audience, I give myself over to the moment, closing my eyes and allowing myself to get lost in the feel of Edward's hands on me. The alcohol in my system may not have been enough to get me drunk, but it was enough to lower my inhibitions. I don't feel the least bit embarrassed when Edward sneaks a hand into my shirt.

"I can't wait to get you home," he murmurs into my ear. "Into my bed. Goddamn, I want you so much."

My heart thrashes wildly in my chest, his words sending a fresh wave of desire through me. I'm so caught up in what he's doing to me, I don't realize we've stopped until the driver clears his throat.

Edward peers over the seat to check the meter. He digs a bill out of his wallet to hand to the driver. "Keep the change."

Faster than I thought possible, Edward climbs out of the taxi, taking me with him, both of us laughing the whole way. My feet barely hit the sidewalk before I'm tugged toward his porch. When we make it there, he lifts me into his arms, albeit clumsily.

A surprised squeal escapes me as I cling to him, my legs wrapped around his waist. Instead of putting me down to open the door, he presses me against it, smashing his mouth to mine while grinding his obvious erection against me.

"Door," I gasp, pulling away. "Get the door."

"I need to get—dammit." With his his lips locked back on mine, he fumbles as he tries to reach into his pocket.

I weave my fingers into his hair and tug, which only spurs him on. His hold on my tightens, and his hips only rock harder against me as his tongue delves deeper into my mouth. Opening the door seems all but forgotten. But eventually, I hear the faint jingle of keys. It takes him several attempts to get the key in the lock, and when he's finally successful, we practically fall into the house as the door flies open.

"Oh, shit!" He grabs me tighter as he regains his footing, and I can't stop laughing. "You think that's funny?"

"No," I say, unable to stop gigging. "Not at all."

He grunts as he hoists me up and over his shoulder like I weigh nothing at all. "We'll see if you're still laughing when I've got my face buried between your legs."

I shriek when he slaps my ass, walking down the short hallway toward his bedroom, managing to only bump into one wall on the way. The room spins when he tosses me on his bed, the mattress bouncing beneath me just a little.

With a pounding heart and rapid breaths, I watch in rapt fascination as he starts to unzips his flight suit.

He shrugs his arms out of the sleeves and starts to shimmy out of it, but as he tries to pull his legs from it, he mutters, "Shit." He sits, somewhat unsteadily, on the end of the bed and bends over toward the floor.

Kicking my shoes off, I clamber to my knees and crawl over to him, placing my hands on his shoulders and sliding them down over his chest. My lips attack his neck for a change. "What's wrong?" I mumble between kisses.

"My damn boots." He sways where he sits, and it takes all his focus to untie the laces and to pull at the seemingly endless number of eyelets.

Meanwhile, I can't keep my hands to myself. I've slipped my hands beneath his undershirt, and I press myself against his back. I can't seem to get close enough to him. My excitement builds when I hear one boot thump to the floor.

It feels like an eternity before the second hits the floor, and when it does, he nearly topples over and joins it on the carpet.

"I'm good. I'm good," he mumbles, righting himself as I stifle another giggle.

It's not graceful, but he stands and fumbles and sways a bit as he pulls his legs from the suit. And to be honest, it's almost endearing to see him not so in control for once.

Finally rid of the flight suit, he pulls his undershirt over his head and tosses it away, leaving him in nothing but his boxer briefs and the chain around his neck. Lit by only shadows and scant, pale light, he's absolutely breathtaking.

I've never wanted a man more in my life.

He crawls back onto the bed, stalking me like prey as I lie back and scoot toward the pillows. "You're wearing way too many clothes," he mumbles as his lips leave a trail of kisses up my leg, starting at my ankle.

Along the way, he unbuttons my shorts and tugs them down my legs, tossing them into the darkness to join his clothes on the floor. He resumes kissing me, finding spots I never realized were sensitive, making me giggle and sigh.

Or maybe it's just him that my body is so sensitive to.

When he's finally peeled off my clothes and tossed them into the pile on the floor, he settles between my legs. We're separated by a thin layer of cotton, and I can't decide if I'm thankful for it or frustrated it's not already gone.

I don't have long to ponder it, though, because his lips and hands once again descend on my already charged body. There's hardly a place where we're not touching. But the frantic pace of earlier has slowed. It's obvious he's trying to regain his control and focus, despite how much he's had to drink, by how slowly he moves.

He seems driven by instinct as his kisses move lower, brushing along my breasts, my ribs and stomach, his hands trailing behind, until finally, his lips skim my hipbone. He presses slow, gentle kisses to my skin, his fingers joining in his exploration.

"So fucking beautiful," he mumbles against my belly. "My Bella. My beautiful Bella."

The faint glow of the streetlamp shines through the window, illuminating the outline of our bodies. Seeing his broad, strong shoulders as he covers my stomach with kisses makes me forget about any and every thing before this moment.

I run my fingers through his hair, timidly guiding him. When he reaches up and grabs my free hand, squeezing it, that one bit of reassurance is all I need. I'm finally ready to put all my trust in this man.

"I love you," he whispers into the darkness, his lips ghosting over my skin. "I love you so goddamn much."

Just like that, I let myself be carried away.

Slowly, he kisses lower, finally reaching my aching center. His fingers glide through my slick folds, spreading me open, exposing me. "I knew you'd have a pretty pussy. You have no idea how long I've dreamed about this, baby." He takes a long, languid lick, twirling his tongue around my clit, and nearly sends me shooting off the bed.

It's like nothing I've ever felt before, the way he licks and sucks parts of me that have been neglected for so long. When he pushes a finger inside me, a moan tumbles from my lips … and his. I'm awash in sensation as he laps at me like a starving man, determined to make me see stars.

With another press of his tongue and the curling of his fingers, see stars I do.

My orgasm rockets through me, lighting up my entire body as a long, drawn-out wail of pleasure spills from my mouth. Even as I lie here, trembling, he doesn't let up. In fact, it feels like he redoubles his efforts. He's unrelenting, and so is the ecstasy buzzing through me. It isn't until the tremors racking my body calm that he slows his pace.

When he finally lifts his head and meets my eyes, I'm a panting, vibrating mess.

"That's the prettiest fucking thing I've ever seen." He crawls up my body, and I'm so sensitive, I shake with aftershocks everywhere his skin glides against mine.

He kisses me, and I can taste myself on his lips. It's as shocking as it is arousing, and it triggers something in me I'm not used to feeling—the desire to reciprocate.

It was always something that felt like a chore. Who could blame me? My ex never put enough effort into it to make me feel half of what I just experienced. But as I stare into the eyes of the man who, over and over, has shown me how amazing life can be, I want nothing more than to get on my knees for him.

"My turn," I rasp.

"Oh yeah?" he growls, kissing me again. He runs a finger along my bottom lip, following the movement with his eyes. "Are you gonna suck my cock with this pretty little mouth?"

His dirty words send a fresh wave of arousal through me and give me courage I haven't felt in a long time. With very little effort, I'm able to push him onto his back. It would seem the alcohol flowing through our veins is affecting us both. Or, judging by the gleam in his eye, he's just eager to see me with his cock in my mouth.

"Now who's wearing too many clothes?" I ask, slipping my fingers under his waistband. As I run them back and forth, they brush the velvety tip straining against his boxer briefs.

His eyes fall closed as he groans, tilting his head back into his pillow. When I wrap my hand around him, pumping slowly, his breathing picks up.

"That feel good?"

"So fucking good."

His gruff reply makes me impatient to get him naked. "Lift up," I prompt, tugging on the band at his waist.

He does as I ask, and once he's rid of his underwear, I take a moment to look at the man laid out under me. It wouldn't take much for me to throw my leg over him and sink down onto him. I'm more than ready for that. But as I see the effect I'm having on him—his rapid, labored breathing, his muscles all contracting as I stroke him—I realize I want to bring him pleasure this way. He's been so strong, so patient and caring with me, I want to give him this.

So, with newfound determination, I bend down and take a long lick, from base to tip, before wrapping my lips around him.

A breathy grunt escapes him. "Fuck."

Closing my eyes, I concentrate on my breathing as he starts to carefully thrust into my mouth.

"That's it. Suck it, baby. You like my cock in your mouth?" A keening sound fights its way up my throat, and it spurs him on. "God, that feels so damn good."

His voice is a low rumble, and his reaction gives me confidence. I suck and swirl my tongue around the tip as I jack what I can't fit in my mouth. When I reach up and fondle his balls, he weaves a hand into my hair, guiding me.

"If your mouth feels this good, I can't wait to get into your pussy, baby."

His rough voice makes me moan, and apparently, he likes it.

"Fuck. Do that again." When I do, he starts to move faster. "So fucking good."

His movements get choppy as his grip on my hair gets tighter, and when I glance up at him and meet his hungry stare, it's enough to tip him over the edge.

He closes his eyes as he screws up his face, his whole body tensing. "Fuck. Shit. I'm gonna come."

Instead of heeding his warning, I suck harder, hollowing my cheeks and running my thumb along the sensitive spot behind his balls.

My name spills out of his mouth on a deep groan that seems to come from his toes. When the first ribbon of come hits the back of my throat, I swallow. Just watching him get lost in the euphoria makes me feel in control, and it's a little intoxicating.

He's overly sensitive, his muscles tightening and twitching, as I let him slip from my mouth.

"Fuck, that was … I can't even think straight," he mutters with a chuckle as I crawl back up beside him. When I'm settled in his arms, he kisses the top of my head. "Just give me a minute." He shifts and tucks my head under his chin. "I'm not through with you yet."

His heart rate slows as his breathing does, and I start to kiss his chest, hoping his recovery time isn't too long. I can't wait to make love with this man. But when he doesn't react to my kisses, I pull back and look up at him. Soft snores come from his parted lips. He's out cold. I laugh and drag the covers over us, snuggling into his arms and allowing his deep, even breaths to lull me to sleep.


A/N: Did he just—

Yes.

Yes, he did.

I can't wait to hear what everyone has to say about this chapter. It's been a favorite so far of mine and all my prereaders.

I'll be sharing some other pics and maybe video in my FB group of people playing Crud. Like, there's an actual Crud PIT at the Nellis AFB! The game is something I stumbled across when I was looking up some other things, but Pamela brought it to life for me through her accounts from her time at the O on base over the years. She also was the one to tell me about bat hanging. Yes, it's an actual thing. I couldn't resist including it. ;) This chapter wouldn't have been nearly as colorful without her firsthand insight. Thanks, babe. Xo.

I'm also hoping to do a video chat this week or next in my Facebook group for those of you interested! I know some of you may have questions about the O club and Crud … and maybe a few other things. Keep an eye on my group if you're interested.

Two weeks from today you'll get chapter 17 … and I'll officially be on the road for TFMU. I'm getting an early start on the festivities when I pick up Ms. Pamela Lorraine, aka, DrivingEdward, that day. I hope to see many of you in Cleveland!

For those of you who want to know, a blowjob shot is 1 part Kahlua and 1 part Bailey's, layered in a shot glass, topped with whipped cream, and drank with no hands. I'll have to give this one a try myself.

Remember, the best way to stay up to date with what I'm up to, join in the discussion, and to see exclusive weekly teaser pics, check out my Facebook group, Sunshine Fics. I'd love if you all could join us. I'm also on Twitter at CSunshine1220.

I will "see" you in two weeks!

Be kind.
Stay safe.
Stay well.

Lots of love
~Sunshine