Page 21 of Everybody Needs a Hero

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The phone call came. Bryce expected it sooner actually, but she had tried to ignore her quickly approaching decision. Making up her mind would not be easy. Other than Ashley’s coffee shop being in shambles, the rest of the three days after the disaster were nothing but perfect. Anything Bryce might have imagined happening between her and Ashley was slowly unfolding. Her attraction to the woman grew stronger every minute they were together, which was nonstop. If she read the signals coming from Ashley correctly, the feelings were very mutual.

After the earthquake, Tess had insisted they stay with her a few nights while her nerves settled down and, even though Bryce and Ashley slept in separate bedrooms, there were plenty of steamy moments between them. Not that Bryce only wanted Ashley in her life because of physical attraction. Quite the opposite. The woman amazed her. All the qualities she found herself drawn to in college were still there, but she learned new things about Ashley too. Little details like her favorite ice cream flavor, her favorite music, and how competitive she was at everything. Plus, not only was she wicked smart, especially in terms of business, but Bryce confirmed her guess that Ashley was sensitive and kind. She cared deeply about people, wearing her heart on her sleeve. Although they hadn’t talked about what Ashley witnessed at the boardwalk when the wave hit, Bryce could tell at times the memory bothered her and at some level probably always would.

On loungers by Tess’s sparkling blue pool, Bryce stared at her buzzing phone, trying to decide what to do with the call. After a moment, Ashley raised her sunglasses and looked at her. “You don’t look happy,” she said. “Who is it?”

Unable to hide the truth, Bryce sighed. “My company commander,” she answered. “I haven’t checked in for a few days, so it’s my fault.”

“Checked in?” Ashley asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. Bryce mentally kicked herself for not addressing specific facts with Ashley earlier. Bryce was very tied to the military, even if she was on indefinite leave. As a highly-trained Marine, they wanted her to reenlist immediately, but Bryce stalled while she got to know Ashley better. Still, she couldn’t delay things with the Marine Corps forever.

Standing, Bryce had to accept the phone call at least. “I’ll be right back, and then I will explain everything,” she said to Ashley before stepping through the open sliding doors into the house’s great room. “Hello.”

“Corporal Cooper. It’s good to hear your voice,” said a man Bryce knew and respected. Marine Captain Wilson Roberts was a good leader. Firm, with strict standards, but there was a compassionate component to him. If Captain Roberts didn’t have empathy in his personality, Bryce would never have been able to take care of her father in his last days. For that, she would be forever grateful, which was why ducking his calls would be dishonorable. She needed to face up to her responsibilities.

“Thank you, sir,” she said. “I apologize for not calling in. Things here were a little bit… unusual.” The last thing Bryce wanted was to start making excuses, even if they were warranted. After all, there had been an earthquake and a tsunami.

“Are you in Los Angeles?” Captain Roberts asked. “Because I have heard reports things were more than only unusual. Were you nearby the natural disasters?”

Bryce paused, not sure how much to reveal. If she described her role in things, the fact she saved the lives of four civilians, the Marine Corps would no doubt want a written report of her involvement. Immediately.

She cleared her throat. “Yes, sir,” she said. “I was in the coastal area of both the earthquake and the resulting tsunami.”

When Bryce didn’t elaborate, there was a beat of silence. “I see,” the captain said. “Well, I’ll expect a debrief upon your return. What is your ETA?”

That was the question Bryce didn’t want to answer. She did not have an estimated time of arrival in mind yet. “I’m not sure, sir,” she admitted. “I am working through some personal matters here.” She hesitated before asking yet another favor when the Marines had already been so generous. “I’d like another week.”

Ashley wasn’tsure what to think. From what she saw, although the phone call didn’t precisely upset Bryce, it brought on a seriousness she had not witnessed before. Although Ashley was aware from their experiences three days ago that the woman was a Marine, the reality of what that meant overall hadn’t really crossed her mind. As in, there wasn’t any connecting the dots that Bryce could still be active in the military.If that is the case, how can she be running around Los Angeles with me?she wondered with a frown.It must have something to do with her taking care of her dad before he died.But does that mean she has to go back?

Regardless of the reason, it was clear they needed to talk about the situation. The question was when. If Bryce wasn’t ready, she wouldn’t push her. When the woman was willing, they would work through whatever was going on. Turning her head, Ashley saw through the patio doors and watched Bryce lower the phone from her ear, staring at it as if not sure what to do next. Ashley decided maybe it was time she refilled her glass of iced tea.And see if Bryce wants to talk about anything.

As she approached the doors, Bryce hadn’t seen her yet, and Ashley could observe her. There were so many things she liked about the woman. Until that moment though, Ashley hadn’t considered her military bearing being a big part of the attraction. Levelheaded. Confident. Strong.But let’s not forget sexy, she thought. There was a tenderness to Bryce whenever they kissed, but a definite hunger too.So much heat.She wondered how long they would stay with Tess and have separate bedrooms. Every night, after making out on the couch for hours, they separated, leaving Ashley with an ache inside her. If things kept going like they were, something would have to give soon.

Not that Ashley was quick to jump into bed with someone, but the chemistry between the two of them was hard to deny. Even after only a few days, she connected to Bryce in a way she never had with anyone else. They got each other’s jokes and seemed to like so many of the same things. Still, that didn’t necessarily mean they needed to sleep together, and as Ashley walked toward the house, she resolved to keep working on getting to know Bryce before taking all her clothes off.

Finally noticing Ashley as she neared the door, Bryce smiled. “Hey,” she said. “Had enough sun?”

Deciding she wasn’t quite ready to talk about anything serious yet, Ashley closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around Bryce’s shoulders. “I came in for more tea,” she said. “But if you’re done at the pool for the day, I’m okay with that too.”

Bryce put her hands on Ashley’s hips and pulled her closer. “Whatever you want,” she said, leaning in to kiss her. The caress was a gentle brush across her lips but with a promise of more behind the touch.

A tingle ran through Ashley, and she felt her resolve slipping already. “Whatever I want?” she murmured against Bryce’s lips. “That’s wide open.” Chuckling softly, Bryce nuzzled her neck, leaving a trail of hot kisses. Ashley felt more than a tingle and gasped when Bryce nipped at her hot skin.

Bryce kissed her way up to Ashley’s ear. “What do you want, Ashley?” she whispered, and Ashley felt her resolve melt a little more. Her mom was on the movie set for another couple of hours at least and would text when headed home. Plus, they were grown adults, and even though she always felt like a kid again around her mom, they most definitely were not. As Bryce’s hand roamed up her back, stroking the bare skin barely covered by her bikini top, Ashley had to work to suppress a moan. It would be so easy for the woman to untie the string, leaving Ashley’s breasts bare and ready to be touched. She could feel her nipples tighten at the image of Bryce’s mouth on them.

When the familiar ache started low on her body, Ashley knew what she wanted. “I want you, Bryce,” she whispered. “I want you.”

Not hesitating,Bryce lifted Ashley in her arms to carry her down the long hallway to the bedroom. Every fantasy she ever had while staring at the ceiling in the military barracks night after night came rushing into her mind. There were so many ways she wanted to touch Ashley, arouse her, and ultimately take her until she came.

Ashley wrapped her arms around Bryce’s neck, letting out a little cry of surprise and excitement. “I love how strong you are,” she said, her voice low and thick with anticipation. “There are so many things that make me crazy about you.”

Smiling, Bryce liked the sound of that. “Really,” she said. “Well, you make me crazy too. You’re so damn hot in that bikini, for starters.” Coming to the bedroom she had been sleeping alone in since they arrived at Tess’s house, Bryce gently kicked the door open. In three steps, she set Ashley on the giant king-sized bed, appreciating how incredibly sexy the woman was while grabbing the hem of her tank top.

With a sultry smile, Ashley reached behind her back. “This bikini?” she asked, making Bryce pause. “Wouldn’t you rather it be on the floor instead?”

Licking her lips, Bryce nodded. “Yes, I would.” In one deft move, the bikini top was off, and Ashley laid back in all her magnificent glory. She wore nothing but a small pair of bottoms, and at that point they were more of a tease than for modesty. “You are so incredible.”

Ashley arched her back, lifting her full breasts and tight nipples. “Well, don’t make me wait,” she said. “Take off your shirt.” Happy to oblige, Bryce finished pulling the fabric over her head, leaving her chest bare. She heard Ashley gasp. “My God, Bryce. You’re perfect.”

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