Page 11 of Waiting to Love You

“How do you know she was talking about you?” Riggs questions as he flashes the girls another smile, taking the time to wink at Leia for good measure.

“Do you see any other attractive Marines around?”

“Brady isn’t too bad looking,” Leia giggles, motioning toward Brady bending down to grab another beer out of the cooler. “I’m sure he knows how to treat a woman right in bed.”

Riggs throws his arm over Leia’s shoulder, pulls her tightly against him, and whispers, “I doubt Brady has what you’re looking for.”

Leia’s cheeks instantly flush as she licks her bottom lip before she shoves him hard, causing him to stumble backward slightly. “Pig.”

“You’re the one who brought it up, and I aim to please, Leia. Always.” He winks at her before she storms off toward the house.

“She’s probably going to ask Walker if he’ll come kick your ass,” Bristol snickers.

“Probably, but totally worth it,” Riggs replies before he follows Leia, no doubt thinking of some way to push her buttons again, leaving Bristol and me alone.

We stare at the beautiful scenery surrounding the Armstrongs’ home. The sun is setting behind the hills, giving the sky a pink hue. This would be the perfect opportunity to talk to her, to figure out exactly what her hang-up is about exploring things between us, but my mind is completely blank.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Bristol murmurs, bringing my mind back to the present.

“It is,” My eyes lock on her as I step closer, cupping her cheek and turning her face toward me. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

“Seth.” She whispers my name, sending shock waves of need down my body as I lean toward her.

“Bristol.” I bury my nose into the crook of her neck. My senses are bombarded with the reminder of the first day of spring, a scent that is specific to her. Who could imagine that a simple smell could set my senses on fire? Bristol is the most gorgeous woman I have ever laid eyes on. Now, if I could just convince her how amazing we would be together, everything would be perfect.

“This can’t be normal,” she mumbles as I step further into her personal space.

She takes a step back, bumping into the railing.

“Nowhere to run.” I lick my lips, barely resisting the urge to claim her mouth as I grip the railing, caging her in with my arms, bringing my face within inches of her rose-colored lips. “You feel it, don’t you?”

Her emerald-green eyes flutter closed as my breath fans across her face. I hear her whimper as I grind my cock into her stomach, letting her know just how much I want her. A smile from her is all it takes to send fireworks shooting off in my body and make every cell yearn to bury my cock between her folds.

“You want me, don’t you?” I run my nose down the curve of her neck, nipping at her porcelain flesh.

She doesn’t say a word. She just wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me tighter to her body. I can feel her pebbled nipples through her shirt as they brush against my chest.

“I need to hear the words. Tell me what you want and it’s yours.” I pull her ear between my teeth, nibbling on it softly.

“Kiss me,” she begs.

Fucking finally. I send up a prayer of thanks as I devour her mouth, nipping at her bottom lip until she grants me access. Our tongues connect, and we both moan in pleasure as I slide my hand into her hair, pulling her head back for better access.

When we break apart, both desperate for air, I stare into her eyes, waiting for her to tell me she needs me. That I’m the only person in the world who can quench the burning desire coursing through her body. I can see that she wants me too, but until I hear the words, I won’t touch her. I want her to give herself to me freely and completely, putting us both out of our misery once and for all.

“I have to go,” she murmurs before brushing past me and scurrying back into the house.

I know it would be easier for both of us. Give us both space to get our libido under control, but I can’t. Not this time. There’s something between Bristol and me, and I know she can feel it. I’d give my dying breath to have a shot with her, to show her how amazing we’d be together, even if only for one night. One night together to survive the next year before I get out of the military. But let’s be honest; I’m willing to take whatever she’ll give me. And then I’ll show her how amazing we could be together. That I’d do anything to see her smile and for her to be the last person I see at night and the first person I see in the morning.

Having made up my mind, I follow Bristol into the house, completely ignoring our friends as they call my name. I watch her go through the kitchen, heading toward the back of the house where Leia’s room is. Right before she’s able to slip into the room, I grasp her wrist, pulling her towards me. I wrap my arms tightly around her waist before leaning down and whispering in her ear. “You need to stop running away from me, Bristol.”

“I’m not running from anything,” she growls, wriggling in my arms, trying to get free. “I just needed a minute.”

“A minute for what?” I ask, spinning her around and forcing her to look at me.

“Why does it matter to you so much?” Bristol’s pupils dilate as I inch closer to her, pressing my body into hers while she backs into the door. She wants me. This. Us.

“Why are you resisting this thing between us so hard? And don’t give me a bullshit line about it being because I’m a Marine. There must be something more to it than that.” I lean down, running my nose along her ear. “You want whatever this is between us, Bristol. I know it. Whether it’s just for tonight or forever is up to you. But you can’t deny the connection between us.”

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