^^TotS^^
BPOV
"Ugh. I can't believe today is my last official day of leave. This SUUUUUUUCKS!"
I giggle as Max chases me through the yard. I'm squeaking his favorite chew toy in between rounds of "Max in the Middle". I toss the fuzzy alligator back to my boyfriend who's lounging on one of his deck chairs shirtless, sweaty and sexy as fuck. I'm also sweaty, but in the trenches getting jumped on and doused in loving doggie slobber. It's all good, though. This dog is the sweetest, and Edward was right; Max warmed up to me immediately when we got back from Maui on Tuesday evening.
"It's only Friday, Cap'n! You still have a five-day holiday weekend ahead of you!"
Edward groans, unimpressed by my logic. His next throw is short, and Max leaps up, successfully snatching it before I can get there. Fine by me, I'm ready for a break anyway. I whip my tank top off and use it to wipe my forehead, making my way back toward the deck. As I step up, Edward is patting his lap, inviting me to take a seat.
"I'm a sweaty disaster." I sound pathetic; the truth hurts sometimes. He chuckles, but opens his arms anyway as I flop onto his lap. Max seems perfectly happy to end our game as well. He wanders over to our chair, wagging his tail, laps at his water bowl several times and then collapses onto the deck with a relieved thud.
"Want to go out to dinner tonight?" Edward asks, pulling my hair off my shoulder and leaning down to kiss my neck.
I nod, guzzling my water. "Sounds good to me." I offer him my bottle, and he finishes it off. "We should call Riley, too. See if he and Nalani are available."
"Maybe they can bring Kalia out so you can meet her."
My mouth opens in an excited gasp. "Oh! I would love that! Call them, call them right now!" I start bouncing in his lap like a little kid.
"Clementine, watch the hip and ass movement," he murmurs with a bite to my ear lobe. "Unless, of course, you want to give Maxxy-boy a peep show right here on the deck chair."
I smirk as he picks up his cell to call Riley. Then I decide to tug on his dog tags until he raises his eyebrows. I mouth the words, "I want a kiss."
He melts me with his million-dollar smile and puckers his lips.
"Ri!"
I make it a quick one and then hop off his lap, whispering that I'm off to take a shower.
^^TotS^^
An hour later we walk into Haleiwa Joe's at Haiku Gardens. I spot Nalani in a crowd near the bar, waving us over.
"Get the hell outta here!" I hear Edward playfully shout from behind me.
I turn around to find out who or what he's yelling about and find him with an enormous smile on his face. A moment later, the crowd parts, and a burly guy with a crew cut puts his hand out for a handshake and then proceeds to hug the daylights out of my boyfriend.
"I don't believe this! What the hell are you doing here?" Edward laughs, embracing the bear's blonde lady friend— scratch that— wife; I see the matching rings on their left hands.
"Well, we couldn't miss the baby getting promoted, now could we?" Bear snickers, and his wife turns her attention to me looking like she's bursting with glee.
"Bella?"
I nod, a timid smile on my face, just as Edward slides his strong arm around my waist and kisses my cheek.
"Baby, this is Rosalie, and this," he smacks his palm against Bear's chest, "is her husband, my brother from another mother, Emmett."
"Ahhh, Mrs. Masen, is it? Did you end up getting Maui'd before you left?" Emmett jokes and wraps me up in a friendly embrace. We're on hugging terms already; I love it.
We all laugh as Edward throws his arm around Emmett's neck and attempts to put him in a headlock. It's a fruitless effort though, because Emmett has at least two inches and about twenty-five pounds of muscle on Edward.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Edward grumbles. "Still with the jokes. But seriously, what are you two doing here?"
"Please, I told him to bring his ass out here for your promotion," Riley interjects, passing out the round of beers he just ordered at the bar.
"We figured we'd make it a vacation. Hang out here for a while, maybe check out another island or two and then off to Australia on the twentieth. Check-in to Oki is on the first," Emmett adds before gulping his beer.
"Wow, so you guys are moving to Okinawa, too?" I ask, and no fewer than four of them nod in unison.
Riley throws a fist pump in the air. "First time all three of us will be within driving distance of each other since our commissioning."
"Yeah, except Em and I will actually be doing some work while you're off swingin' with the Wing."
"Fuck you, I deserve cushy these days after the last few years."
"Wait, Riley, you'll be in Okinawa, too? How did I not know this?" I turn to Edward, and he shrugs. Typical guy; never finds the need to spill the essential details…well, what girls might consider essential, at least.
Nalani's smile seems strained, and I instantly know why. They're going to be doing the long-distance thing as well. And the distance between Hawaii and Japan is a whole lot worse than my measly two-hour plane ride from Korea. God, this military life really sucks sometimes.
"Jeez, party in Okinawa," I sigh, feeling left out.
Nalani grumbles in agreement, "Right?"
"C'mere, baby," Riley soothes, putting his arm around his girlfriend's shoulders as she tucks her head into his neck. He kisses the top of her hair sweetly. "Don't worry; we'll figure it out."
I smile, warmed by the comfort he shows her. I also happen to catch him wink at Edward and Emmett, who smile and raise their eyebrows suggestively.
Hmmm. Methinks those boys know something I don't!
"See, baby? Don't you wanna blow off Korea, and come with me to Japan?" Edward teases, putting his nose to mine.
"Don't tempt me, Cap'n," I murmur and give him a quick peck.
The night drifts on, and we have a fabulous time together. Rose is very kind, but quiet and reserved; the complete opposite of her husband who is gregarious and absolutely hysterical. I get a kick out of listening to Emmett and Edward exchange Bailyn stories. Apparently, Bailyn is on Emmett's case just as much as she is on Edward's. They talk several times a week, too.
Riley, Emmett and Edward talk shop from time to time. Exchanging horror stories of commanding officers they've worked under throughout the years, and discussing who's in command in Okinawa and if things will flow smoothly under General So-and-so. Rose and I find our common ground in teaching for DODDS. Her new position will be at Kubasaki High School on Camp Foster, which also happens to be where Emmett's been assigned. Apparently it's only ten minutes down the road from Camp Kinser, Edward's new duty station. He then goes on to explain that there are fourteen different bases on the little island. Learn something new every day!
As we're walking to our cars at the end of the night, Emmett pulls me aside.
"I hope you don't mind that we teased Edward about the Maui'd thing."
"Oh, no," I chuckle, "I still tease him, too."
He grins; his dimples are deep enough to wade in. "I've never seen him like this. He's happier than he's ever been. I'm pretty much speaking for our entire group when I say we hope you'll stick around, because we know you're the reason for his smile."
No matter how many times people say it, it still fills my heart. Everything they say I've done for him, he's done for me, too.
"Well, I certainly hope to," I say, catching Edward's eye. Even knowing he's mine doesn't stop those darn bald eagles from flapping about.
^^TotS^^
After a Fourth of July lunchtime barbeque at Riley's house with the whole gang, we head over to the Bayfest celebration. Edward tells me it's an annual event the Marine Corps hosts on base. Carnival rides, great food, exhibits from local artists and bands play throughout the three-day party.
Nalani is slated to work for a few hours each day of the festival doing luau exhibitions, so I happily volunteer Edward and myself to hang out with Riley and help entertain Kalia. Of course, Emmett and Rosalie are with us as well, allowing ten-year-old Kalia to be in big brother-big sister heaven.
Kalia could be Nalani's doppelganger with her long, straight dark hair, adorable dimples and a vivacious personality to match. She's precious. Any fool can see how head over heels Riley is for this little girl and she idolizes him in every way. "Riley this and Riley that," it's just too cute. Not to mention the fact that Edward relishes her attention as well.
We spend the afternoon eating funnel cake, riding the Ferris wheel and the tilt-a-whirl. The girls and I dance in the audience while Nalani performs on stage, and Kalia and I even snap pictures together in one of those instant photo booths. I'm constantly soaking napkins in water and wiping traces of powdered sugar, cotton candy or ketchup off Kalia's face. She's having a blast...we all are.
The fireworks are the culmination of the night's festivities. Lying on a blanket, wrapped in Edward's arms, and watching the exploding spectacle above is an unforgettable experience. Kissing under the fireworks might be corny, but I cherish every minute I can get. It's all about making memories.
I hear some squealing behind us, and I turn to see Nalani and Kalia piled on top of a flat-on-his-back Riley who's laughing and hugging the girls.
"What's going on back there?" I whisper to Edward.
"If I'm not mistaken," he pauses to place a kiss between my shoulder blades, "Riley just proposed to Nalani, and by the reaction we're seeing, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say she accepted."
I watch them all sit up, laughing and crying, and I can't wait to scramble over to their blanket to give them hugs.
"Congratulations!" I wrap my arms around Nalani; the poor thing is shaking in my arms.
"I swear I had no idea." She's laughing through her tears. "What he said to me was beautiful, but what he said to Kalia…"
She trails off shaking her head and keeps wiping at her eyes; her tears of happiness are unstoppable. I hug her again and she squeezes me so tightly. I feel like I've found a true friend.
When Rose and Emmett come over to congratulate her, I turn toward Riley.
"Well done, Major Biers." I give him a hug and he pats my back.
"Thank you," he says, a hint of excess moisture glistening in his eyes. "She's my whole world…they both are. I can't wait to make them mine officially."
Now I'm crying and laughing. I love to see big, tough Marines shed that armor and become complete mushballs around those who really count.
After all the hugging and ogling of Nalani's sparkly, solitaire princess diamond, Kalia's best friend tracks our group down. Once we send her off for a sleepover, we decide to head over to the O-Club for a nightcap.
We toast the newly-engaged couple with champagne and listen with rapt attention to the recounted words Riley said to "his girls," as he calls them. According to Nalani, Riley also presented Kalia with a delicate, gold bracelet that had an inscription saying,
Ohana Forever
Kalia, Nalani and Riley
We enjoy another round of drinks, and then the urge to dance claims us. The floor is mobbed but we find our own little nook where we can tune out the rest of the world. Edward pulls me close and slides his hands down my sides, squeezing my hips before parking his hands on my ass. Practically every surface of our bodies is pressed up against each other. The charge between us is electrifying. Every once in a while, Edward mouths the lyrics to the song thrumming through the speakers of the club:
"And I might take you home with me if I could tonight.
And baby, I'mma make you feel so good tonight…"
My hands move down his upper arms and over to his chest. I feel the rippling and flexing of his taut muscles underneath his shirt. His rock-solid thigh is planted firmly between my legs and when he nudges it up against my crotch, teasing me with the friction, my eyelids flutter closed. What I wouldn't do for a private room right about now.
He spins me in his embrace, his fingers splayed around my waist, tugging me into every inch of him. His steamy breath wafts down my neck, and I turn my face toward his. I recall a very similar scene several weeks ago in the club in Honolulu when we ran into each other and shared a dance. He made my heart race then, and it only beats faster for him now.
My arm slinks up behind his head now, my fingers scraping gently at his hairline. We sway side to side, with him grinding his evident arousal into my backside. I'm fairly certain we look like the cover of Dirty Dancing. I remember seeing that movie as a young girl while babysitting for our neighbor's infant one night. That was the first time I ever felt desire…like a serious pulling in my belly, wanting to be in Baby's shoes. To have a guy dance with me like that, touch me in that way, look into my eyes the way Johnny did.
I turn back around after another verse of the song and realize: I have it. I have it all at my fingertips, complete with my man mouthing the lyrics to a song.
"Grab somebody sexy, tell them,
'Hey! Give me everything tonight….
For all we know, we might not get tomorrow,
Let's do it tonight…'"
I smile and giggle when he pulls me close during the line about grabbing somebody sexy. The feeling is more than mutual.
It only takes two more songs before I start whimpering in Edward's ear, needing him to take me home and claim my body. We carpooled to the festival with Emmett and Rosalie, so our first stop is at The Lodge on Kaneohe on base to drop them off. Emmett barely gets a chance to slam the car door before Edward speeds off, leaving Emmett laughing in the lot. Like a bat out of hell, he races back to his place, throws the car in park, and practically drags me to the door like his pants are on fire, which— let's face it— isn't too far from the truth.
Like a whirlwind, his body collides with mine in his living room, my purse and his keys dropping haphazardly to the floor. Edward kisses and sucks on my lips, pawing off my shorts and panties; it's all I can do to try to keep up with him. While I'm struggling with his belt buckle, his fingers brush down my belly and below to find me wet and ready for him— no surprise there.
"Hold on tight, this one's gonna be fast, baby." He spins me around, and I fold myself over the arm of the couch, wantonly spread my legs, and glance back at him over my shoulder.
"Give me your best, Cap'n." There's no shame in my game. It's time to be fucked silly.
He grips his hardened shaft in his hand and teases my opening with the head until I growl in frustration. He takes that as his cue and plunges into me without further warning.
The fullness I'm feeling combined with the quick pistoning of his hips makes my eyes roll back in my head. I'm gripping the throw pillow and panting, whimpering into the cushion where I've buried my face.
The sounds of our skin slapping are so damn erotic. Listening to the control Edward has over my body right now turns me on even more. His fingers press into my skin with such strength, I wonder if I'll bruise…I couldn't care less. The thought of him marking me where only we can see it is hot as hell.
One of his hands runs up my back to my neck and he slips two fingers into my mouth. I suck hard, my tongue twisting and twirling all around his digits. He removes them quickly and presses them up against my clit and rubs furiously. It doesn't take much for the tightening in my belly to start. I hold my breath as my climax approaches, concentrating…wanting it so desperately.
"Ahhhh! Fuckfuckfuck, yes," I grit through my teeth. I seem to frequently curse like a sailor when I'm in the throes of passion with Edward. Who would blame me?
"So goddamn sexy, Bella." He continues to pound into me relentlessly while I come back down after my high. I hear his tell-tale hum, which means he's really close, too.
"Shit, I feel you squeezing…unnngh." He grinds against me, swiveling his hips and gripping my ass in the process. Some moaning grunts and the slightest loss of rhythm tell me he's climaxing, too. He slows his strokes and plants his forehead against my spine, his warm lips peppering my skin there.
Edward thrusts a few more times, and then I feel his stubbly cheek resting against my lower back as he fights to catch his breath. My eyes have been closed during almost this entire encounter. When I open them, I see Max sitting about four feet away, his head cocked to the side; he's studying us. I can't help but giggle.
"Stopstopstop Clementine…I'm still too sehhhhhnsitive," poor Edward whines through a laugh. "What's so funny?"
"Look at Max."
I sigh as Edward pulls out and straightens up behind me, rubbing my thighs and ass.
"Sorry about that, Max," he chuckles. "You'll understand when you meet a girl you can't keep your paws off."
I stand up, still giggling, and Edward wraps me up in his arms.
"Come with me," he whispers along my neck and shoulders. "I need to take my time with you now."
I follow him down the hallway and into his bedroom, our fingers threaded. "I'm not complaining. I enjoyed myself quite a bit back there."
He pulls me back into his body and kisses me with such fervor, my knees actually buckle.
"So did I…but now you deserve to be worshipped."
And so he does. And his actions continue to speak the words he fears to say. And I continue to melt into him. His words, his ways…his world.
^^TotS^^
EPOV
With Emmett visiting, it's a no-brainer to switch things up and have Riley stand as my promoting officer while Emmett pins on my new rank along with Bella. I'm still blown away that he and Rosalie came here just to be with me for the promotion. We don't have the same blood running through our veins, but that guy has always been next to me when it's counted most, just like I've been there for him.
After Gunny Hunter, a good buddy from Afghanistan, reads my promotion warrant, Emmett and Bella step up on either side of me. Emmett pins the gold oak leaf on my right side. He's quick and efficient, while Bella struggles just a bit on my left…close to my heart this time.
"Sorry," she whispers as I feel her fumble with the back of the pin on my collar. When she finishes, she moves to glance at the other side to compare. Bella nods briefly and then winks her beautiful brown eye at me. I can't respond, but my heart races knowing how exhilarating it feels to have her at my side today.
"Raise your right hand and repeat after me," Riley commands as I make sure to square my shoulders and look him right in the eye. With every sentence he recites, I proudly say it back with conviction and confidence.
"I, Major Edward Masen, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies both foreign and domestic. I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. I take this obligation freely and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
Riley nods at me, only giving the slightest hint of a smile. We can't express any overt emotions or demonstrative facial expressions, but he knows how psyched I am that my day has finally come. And I know he's proud of me, too.
When the ceremony is complete, I walk over to where Bella is standing with my closest friends.
"Congratulations, Major," she sings softly with a simple kiss on my cheek. That's my girl. She knows the protocol and decorum. You can't go tonguing each other down in public while wearing a uniform. I wink at her and hold her hand in mine, just enjoying the moment. My eyes scan the crowd and settle on Leah, who's currently talking with Mrs. Cullen, God help me.
After accepting some congratulatory handshakes and doing the "grip and grin" with the few other commanding officers who attended my ceremony, I make my way over to Leah, the only officer I haven't yet greeted.
She stands as I approach; Mrs. Cullen remains seated, however. Nice lady, really nice.
"Congratulations, Sir." Leah salutes and I reciprocate.
"Thank you, Lieutenant. How are you?"
"I'm well, thanks. You look rested," she says with a smirk and a quirk to her brow. "Enjoy your leave?"
Mrs. Cullen butts in. "Yes, I was just telling Leah that Carlisle and I ran into you on Kauai," she says, standing from her chair. "You were with some girl— Polly something or another?"
Leah's eyes widen and she pulls her lips into her mouth to stop from laughing at Mrs. Cullen's blatant stupidity.
"Isn't it Bella?" Leah questions politely, so that I don't have to pimp-slap this woman myself. But I am curious as to how Leah would already know.
"It is Bella." I smile, proudly. "How'd you hear?"
"Good news travels fast, I guess." Her kindness seems genuine. A product of divorce and a young divorcee herself…she was only ever in it with me for the temporary companionship and to scratch an itch. Leah knew the score with me when we first got involved; hell, she felt the same way. She's never given me a headache, and I've never harassed her either. That's why we clicked, I think.
"Want to meet her?" I ask Leah, doing my best to ignore Mrs. Cullen whose eye-rolling I don't miss. Time for me to walk away. I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my promotion day being NJP'd by the Colonel for smacking his wife for her consistently rude behavior. Instead, I just take a deep breath and ignore the bitch. It's a fine line, though.
"Absolutely," Leah replies at the same time Mrs. Cullen chimes in with her two cents.
"Well, I'm off to be the arm candy for Carlisle. Wonderful to see you again, Leah-dear."
"Major." Mrs. Cullen nods with a curt smile. I suppose I should be impressed that she addressed me. Honest to God, Colonel Cullen should be given some type of award for putting up with her. I haven't the foggiest idea what he could possibly see in her. She's never displayed any redeemable qualities during the years I've worked for and with the colonel. I guess what they say is true, though; there's a lid for every pot.
"Well done, sir." Leah whispers watching Mrs. Cullen saunter off. "I could see your hand twitching at your side."
I chuckle as we start to walk toward Bella who's across the room.
"I'm just glad Riley wasn't in ear shot of that exchange. He'd have volunteered to hold her down. He hates that woman."
"Most people do."
I see Nalani whisper to Bella, who turns to find my gaze. When our eyes meet, I give her a huge grin and see her swallow with only a hint of that beautiful smile that melts me daily. Don't be nervous baby…you've got nothing to fear.
"Bella, this is my good friend, Lieutenant Leah Clearwater. Leah," I grab Bella's hand and pull her into me, "…my girlfriend, Bella Newton."
"It's wonderful to meet you, Ma'am," Leah says, shaking Bella's hand.
"Oh, please, call me Bella. And I'm happy to meet you as well. Edward's spoken of you kindly."
Leah smiles back, a blush coming across her face. She's somewhat embarrassed, I suppose. It's no secret here that we all know who's who in this mildly-awkward moment.
"Have you enjoyed your vacation thus far?"
"It's been wonderful. I still can't decide which of the islands has been my favorite. They've all been spectacular in their own way."
"It is a lovely state, that's for sure," Leah agrees. "Have you been to the Polynesian Cultural Center here?"
"No, we didn't get to do too much sightseeing of Oahu before we took off and went island hopping."
"Well, you'll have to be sure and check it out. They put on a fantastic show. All of their events are fabulous, really."
"Isn't that where Nalani works?" Bella questions me.
"Yes, it is. We'll definitely get you over there soon," I say, my fingers rubbing little circles on her waist.
"Well, I need to get back to work. I just wanted to congratulate you, sir." Leah turns once more to me with a smile. "I'm really happy for you. It's a great accomplishment…you should be proud."
She and I both know the underlying message here. Leah knows what I've been through in my life. The fact that I have a girlfriend might've been a blow to her ego at some point along the way, but ultimately, I think she's happy for me. And maybe, in small part, the fact that I've embraced the concept of a relationship has given her a glimmer of hope, as well. Maybe things will change for her, too.
"Thank you. Wet down is tonight at Rock Rose."
She smiles mischievously. "I'll definitely try to make it. I'm on the prowl, you know."
I chuckle at her candor. "Good luck."
"Take care, Bella. It really was a pleasure."
"You too."
"Ready to celebrate?" I whisper into Bella's ear.
^^TotS^^
BPOV
There's a terrific crowd out to celebrate Edward's promotion. I'm already a little tipsy and I think Edward might be, too. I remind him about his tab, making sure he doesn't get screwed like in the story he shared about Riley's wet down. He told me that every bartender including the manager knows about the dollar limit, so he's covered all his bases.
After about forty-five minutes of the deejay spinning his proverbial records, he announces that karaoke is about to begin. There's enough alcohol flowing through Riley's system that he starts jumping around, grabbing the song book and furiously writing down all the songs he plans to serenade us with as the evening progresses.
"This may not end well," Nalani shouts across the table at me. "Riley and karaoke will always have hilarious consequences! I've witnessed it!"
I'm laughing hysterically as Edward approaches with another Captain and Coke for me.
His eyes are glassy and he's had a perpetual crooked grin for the last twenty minutes. God, I can't believe his sexy ass is mine. Mmmm, mmm, mmm.
"Major Masen!"
"Sir?" Edward replies to Riley who has a shit-eating grin on his face.
"We're up third!"
"You want to go ahead and repeat that order?" Edward's eyebrows have risen to his recently buzzed hair line. Now that he's back to work and has a serious lack of hair, there's no more tugging for me when he goes downtown. Boo.
"You, me, Em. On stage for karaoke after the first two songs are over."
Emmett continues to chug his beer, shaking his head. Clearly he's in, and this isn't the first time he's been roped into similar shenanigans.
"Yeah, that's a negative Ghost Rider; your pattern is full."
Top Gun quotes for the win. My boyfriend, ladies and gentlemen.
"I'm feeling the booze, but I'm not that drunk, Ri."
"Oh come on, you never do this! Gimme one good time, and I'll never bug you again," Riley pleads.
Edward looks at me, and I narrow my eyes playfully, trying to send my "grab-life-by-the-balls" mentality his way. He smirks and shakes his head with a chuckle.
"All right, I'll do it."
I can't contain my surprised smile, and the rest of the table erupts in cheers.
Ten minutes later, "The Few and the Proud" are called up to the stage. Edward gives me a quick kiss and confidently walks toward the announcer with Emmett and Riley whooping behind him. I think Edward flabbergasted everyone, including his best friends, with his sudden change of heart and willingness to make a fool of himself.
The opening beats of "Down" by Jay Sean fill the speakers. Rosalie starts roaring, Nalani buries her face in her hands, and I sit there still stunned that Edward has— yet again— stepped outside his comfort zone and is standing on stage ready to sing karaoke in front of his Marines, fellow officers and complete strangers.
Riley starts singing first; I'm shocked. He's on pitch, knows the words without staring at the monitor and is even doing some dance moves. Meanwhile, Edward is bobbing his head in time with the beat in between taking pulls from his beer. Emmett's in the background doing a combination of raising the roof and the Dougie.
I'm pretty sure the only way to describe this scene would be with the word epic.
As Riley finishes his verse and the chorus, he hands the mic to Edward, who puts his beer on the edge of the stage. The Flynn Rider smolder he's had in place for the last minute fades instantly. He gets this animated look on his face and focuses on me, complete with pointing and a thousand-watt smile.
"Just let it be;
Come on and bring your body next to me.
I'll take you away;
Turn this place into our private getaway."
He nods as he's singing directly at me. Of course the lyrics are perfect for us...talk about private getaways! His voice blows me away. Yes, he's sung along with me in the car here and there, but this? This is swoon-worthy. I should probably slow down on the drinks or else I'm going to fling my panties up onto the stage at his feet.
"So leave it behind 'cause we have a night to get away.
So come on and fly with me as we make our great escape.
So why don't we run away?"
He's killing me. I feel like I'm sixteen and watching 'N Sync live at Madison Square Garden all over again. Except this time, I'm going home with my very own Justin Timberlake.
Not only has Edward been singing perfectly, but he's dancing…seriously dancing, and not missing a beat. I'm astonished. Meanwhile, Riley and Emmett have impressively choreographed a routine that have Nalani and Rosalie flushed and fanning themselves. This can't possibly be the first time these three have been on stage together.
"So baby don't worry,
You are my only,
You won't be lonely,
Even if the sky is falling down.
You'll be my only,
No need to worry,
Baby, are you down, down, down, down, down?"
During the chorus, Riley chimes in with the background "downs," and then Emmett proceeds to wow the crowd with his stellar Lil Wayne impression, nailing every word of his rap.
As they end the song, Edward extends both his arms, pointing right at me, nodding and mouths the words, "All for you, baby."
I'm pretty sure he can mop me up with sponge at this point. This vacation…this man…can it possibly get any better than this?
^^TotS^^
The weekend passes into the next week, and we get into a bit of a routine. Seeing Edward in his digital deserts every day is quite the treat. Yes, he's been sexy as hell in his civilian clothes while we vacationed, but now? There should be some kind of law against this man wearing his tight olive green undershirt, dog tags around his neck and his belted cammie pants and tan boots. Standing at the edge of the bed, looking at me like I'm something to eat…Jesus, it's a wonder I ever let him out the door.
Edward wakes me with a kiss on the temple every day as he prepares to leave. I enjoy my mornings playing with Max and drinking the Kona coffee we had shipped back from the Big Island. He comes home for lunch, and I always have something prepared when he walks in the door. Most days we end up having a quickie before he goes back to work because we're completely insatiable. And one time, as promised, I even met him at the door naked. He was a little late getting back to work that afternoon.
The timer on the oven buzzes, shaking me from my daydream. It's after six, and he's still not home yet. I tried his cell a little while ago, and he didn't respond. Maybe things got crazy at work or he's stuck in a meeting. He told me that when Colonel Cullen finds his groove, he could yammer on forever.
I hear the keys jingle in the front door, bringing a smile to my face, just as I put the finishing touches on the pulled pork I made in his crockpot. He doesn't immediately come into the kitchen, which is unlike him and the pattern we've created this past week.
I walk through the house checking all the rooms, and I finally find him in his bedroom, sitting on the bed facing the opposite wall.
"Hey," I say, leaning against the door jamb. "Everything okay? You're later than normal."
I see his body sag on an audible exhale. Something's wrong, I can tell. I walk over and kneel down in front of him.
"Hey." This time, I rub my hands up and down his thighs.
He nods, acknowledging my presence. "Hey. Bad day…sorry I'm late," he croaks.
I shake my head. "Don't worry about it. I'm…I'm sorry you had a bad day." I pause, not knowing if I should dig at all, but I decide to offer my ear just in case. "Do you want to talk about it…I mean, are you allowed?"
He purses his lips and cups my cheek in his hand, "I have to make a CACO call by seven."
My stomach drops, and I close my eyes remembering the day Edward knocked on my door just over three years ago.
"I'm so sorry. Was it someone you knew?"
"No." He drops his hand from my face, and suddenly his look changes. He's no longer my soft and caring boyfriend. His armor is on…I guess it's the only way he can bolster himself to navigate through the awful mess of what he's about to do.
"I'll be home late tonight and maybe for the next couple of days."
I stand back up, nodding silently, as I watch him pull his Alpha uniform from the closet and lay it on the bed.
"Let me just get out of your way, then," I whisper and walk to the kitchen.
Just like that, I feel like everything changed. He needs his wall, and I'm on the outside. I can't judge him, but I can't say I'm not concerned.
Less than ten minutes later, he's fully dressed and ready to go.
"Can I get you something to eat before you leave?"
He gives me a hollow look. "I'm not hungry. I'll be okay, but thanks."
I nod.
"I'll see ya." He turns and walks out the door. After it closes, I realize this is the first time since before we got involved that he left without a kiss. It causes an ache in my chest.
Two steps forward, one step back.
^^TotS^^
The dipping of the bed behind me startles me awake. I look over at the clock: 2:23 a.m.
Edward's arm slinks over my waist and pulls me toward him. I twist onto my back, searching for his eyes in the dark. The small light in the bathroom gives the room a muted glow. The pained expression on Edward's face guts me.
I cup his face feeling my eyes well up with tears. Even his eyes are glistening. Edward has never displayed this much outward sadness in my company.
"Please, don't ever leave me," he whispers.
I half-gasp and half-sob, only imagining what he must have endured for the last seven hours.
I pull his face down for a kiss, my tears running down my temples. What this job does to him…just like that, I feel like it stripped away all the confidence he gained over the last month with me.
I'll help him get it back…we'll get it back together. We have to.
His lips gently ghost over mine, and I continue to lightly scratch my fingers through his hair.
"I'm here, Edward. I'm here."
Those words are the catalyst for the ensuing passionate kiss. His lips are hard, then they're soft with gentle tugs…it's like he can't figure out what he wants or needs.
He settles between my hips, so I hook my right leg around his thighs and run my foot down the back of his legs. He thrusts forward as his erection grows, still separated by the material of his boxers, my panties and baby doll nightgown.
Minutes of kisses pass. My lips are swollen, and my tears have dried. My hands still hold his face, trying to calm him. I continue to rub my thumbs tenderly back and forth along his stubbled cheek. And in that moment, I could swear I feel a drop of moisture fall on my face from above.
He pulls back from me and pauses in silence.
"What is it?" I whisper, ready for whatever he needs. I want to be the one to fix him; I want to believe I can undo the damage this night has done.
"Bella…" I see his Adam's apple rise and fall. "I love you, Bella."
My heart bursts with happiness and breaks all at the same time, if that's even possible. He's damaged, but he doesn't want to be. I know this, and he does, too.
I'll fix him…I'll help him through this. I know I can. He deserves it…we deserve it.
"I know…" I nod. "…And I love you."
Military Terms:
leave- vacation time
Oki- how the Marines refer to the island/duty stations of Okinawa, Japan
"Swingin' with the Wing"- Referring to the Marine Corps Air Wing. Supposedly the more cushy of the Marine Corps assignments. My hubs has never been blessed with such a position...he's always managed to get the grueling jobs, LOL!
DODDS- Department of Defense Dependents' Schools
O-Club- Officers' Club; usually a restaurant and bar, sometimes also including a fancy banquet hall. And yes, as the title says, it's restricted to officers...or you at least have to be the guest of an officer.
"Gunny"- nickname for a Gunnery Sergeant, a higher-ranking enlisted Marine aka Staff Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)
"Grip and grin"- exactly as it sounds, gripping handshakes in thanks and smiling nicely for all the world to see. My hubs says this phrase all the time!
NJP'd- Non-Judicial Punishment - a form of military justice; it permits commanders to administratively discipline troops without a court-martial. Punishment can range from reprimand to reduction in rank, correctional custody, loss of pay, extra duty, and/or restrictions. The receipt of non-judicial punishment does not constitute a criminal conviction (it's equivalent to a civil action), but is often placed in the service record of the individual.
wet down- a party to celebrate the promotion of any staff NCOs or officers. The Marine getting promoted is supposed to cover the tab for anyone who comes out to honor them.
digital deserts- the camouflage, everyday uniform worn by Marines from the start of Daylight Savings Time in the spring until the fall when it ends. After that, they wear digital greens. They're in shades of tans and creams to blend in with, you guessed it, the desert.
Alpha uniform-The service uniform consisting of olive green and khaki colors. It's roughly equivalent in function and composition to a business suit
A/N: And there you have it...what many of you have been waiting for. Hope it lived up to your expectations. Love and hugs to Team Cabana: BetaNazi=LaMomo and pre-reading Cabana girls= Born Onhalloween, Cejsmom Twifan and Jules Lovestoread. And long-distance cuddles to my military advisor, Major Hubs, who did a lot of coaching for this chapter, especially.
Come play with us at The Cabanaboy's Playground on Facebook! Find me and "friend" me!
Definitely coming up on crunch time for writing. I still have to write the Fandom 4 Oklahoma Outtake, but can't until I finish the next chapter, which only has 250 words right now...so review replies will have to go on the back burner, I think. Please know I love and appreciate every review that comes in. To all my readers, reviewers, alerters, favoriters, pimpers, tweeters and lurkers...your presence and kind words continue to humble me. Thank you for all your love and support.
xo, Jen