Page 43 of Forever My Soldier

I shrugged. “Isn’t that what every girl wants in her boy?”

She didn’t answer, just pressed the button and waited for the elevator to open. It was empty, just as I suspected. I wasn’t too surprised, though, considering it was the middle of the day. No one was around, everyone was probably at work or school, and that was just fine by me.

Whatever trepidation she had dissipated when she turned and looked me directly in the eyes. “I can’t say no to you, you know that?” She flipped the emergency lever and raised an eyebrow, as if challenging me.

I nodded. “I may,” I said, pushing her back against the wall.

She leaned back and spread her arms over her head, her legs spread, too. She was mine for the taking and I had to remind myself we were on borrowed time. “What are you waiting for?” she asked, a mischievous look in her eyes that made me groan with desire.

Without another word, I raised one arm above her head, locking her wrist in place, my mouth hot with desire over hers. With my other hand I made fast work of her skirt, lifting it, inching my hands up, pushing her panties to the side. She was wet with desire and I let my fingers slip in, finding her center.

I inhaled deeply and whispered in her ear, “You’ll always be my girl.” I worked my magic and she moaned my name until she was finally about to come over the edge when I got down on my knees and replaced my hand with my tongue so I could taste her.

Panting, she raked her hands over my back and pulled me closer as I stood tall again. “I’ll always be your girl? Always sounds like a really long time.”

I kissed her, lifted her up, hitching her legs over my hips, her skirt pooled around her waist. “It’s not nearly long enough. No amount of time with you will be.”

She made fast work of the button and zipper on my jeans now, releasing me. “Now, Deke, now,” she cried before throwing her head back and letting me do the rest.

Damon’s voice brought me out of my head again, away from thoughts of the past. “Earth to Deacon. Where’d you go?”

I ignored his question, not wanting to get into the thick of it, and jabbed my elbow into him lightly. “You know, you’re a goof, but you dole out some sage advice. Sometimes. Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Just get out of here so I can do my job. I have a few cars ahead of you today, so you can come by tomorrow morning to pick up your death mobile.”

“Hey, be good to it. I love that thing.”

“Boy, do I know.”

Before I left, I had to ask, “How did you know, Damon, when to propose to Sabrina?”

“I followed my gut,” he said. “If you’re asking me whether you should propose to Jenna, I’d say work out your shit and then go for it, it’s high-time you did. You two have been together for a couple of decades already.”

It was good advice and I was keenly aware that if I could forgive Jenna, then we needed to make some real changes. No more one foot in, one foot out. No more playing around. No more waiting. I wasn’t even sure what we were waiting for. I did love her and if I could forgive her like Damon suggested, then there was no reason not to make this official.

Ignoring his commentary on my life, I asked, “You do know I’m not that old, right?”

“I know, but it’s fun to annoy you.”

I turned around only to bump into my baby brother Colt.

“What are you doing here, Deke?”

“Motorcycle was acting up. How’s Scarlet? I’ve been meaning to stop by.”

“She’s good, ready to deliver. I can’t say I’m not ready for her to, either. It’s been like walking on eggshells around her. Anything I say, even if it’s a compliment, gets blown out of proportion. She either cries uncontrollably or hurls an object at my head. Last night it was a heel and it was a good thing I saw it coming so I knew to duck.”

“See,” Damon added, “this is why I’m glad Sabrina’s not looking to have children right away. We’re just enjoying each other’s company.”

“Yeah, can’t say I envy you, brother.” I clapped Colt on the back. “You can always stay at Mom and Dad’s with me if you’d like. They’re still away, so it’ll just be the two of us.”

“Tempting, but I’m pretty sure Scar wouldn’t appreciate that.”

Damon nodded. “This is why we have the ladies and Deke here is having trouble keeping his.”

I rolled my eyes.

“What’s he talking about?” Colt asked.

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