Page 75 of The Flame of Carson
“Yeah...oh that feels good.It’s the not...”he hissed in a mixture of pain and relief as she worked on the knot.“The not knowing who this fucker is.”
“I understand that, but you must stop letting it get to you.You’re worried about me; I’m worried about you.We can’t keep doing this.”Stacey sighed, as she added more oil to her hands.
Gage knew she was right.As her hands moved over him again, he felt more of the tension leave his body.He remembered the first time she had done this.It was the second time they had got together after that first weekend.She had been in Austin, and they were in his bedroom.He had been surprised when she told him she wanted to give him a massage.He smiled as he remembered that night.
“You’re smiling,” Stacey teased, “care to fill me in as to why?”
“I was just remembering the first time you gave me a massage.You remember?”
Stacey giggled, “Oh I remember.If I recall, it led to an incredibly fun night of sex.”
“Yeah, it did.”He chuckled.“As much as I’d like to recreate that...”
“Gage, you don’t have to explain.You’re meeting Dennison in a few days, and we don’t want to risk aggravating your ankle before then.”
Gage shifted under her.Stacey moved off him and sat next to him as he rolled onto his side.“I know.With any luck Friday morning will be the last day I’ll have that fucking cane.”
Stacey grinned a little and lay down, cuddling into him.“We’ll see what the doctor says Friday then.”
Gage kissed her forehead as he wrapped her in his arms.Three weeks without their normal level of sex for both of them sucked on a huge level.And not just for him.He could tell that Stacey was getting a bit antsy on that front as well.While their relationship was not just about sex, it played a big part in it.It was their own way of physically showing one another how they felt.
“So, after the doctor visit, you’re heading into Blackout?Back to your desk?”
“Yeah.Me and Morton have to go over some details.Nick is doing a speech the first week of December and Blackout is handling security.After that, well, I’m not sure what else is on the agenda.”
“Just let me know.”She said.“If you’re the one who will be working late on this political stuff, I may be the one taking you in and picking you up from work.Or at the very least taking you lunch.”
He laughed, “Yeah, I guess you could.If that’s what my woman wants.”
Stacey lifted her head and kissed him gently.“Yes, it is what I want.”
Gage cupped her face, “Then that’s what you’ll have baby.”
Stacey nodded.She reached over to turn out the light.Gage held her a little tighter.He felt her body relax as she slipped to sleep.He, however, he was still wide awake.‘When are we going to catch a break with this guy?He seems to know enough about us, or ME rather, to stay two steps ahead.’A sudden thought hit Gage.In the dark his eyes widened.‘What if this guy is someone from MY past?From before I got to MARSOC?Okay, I need to think on that a bit and then I’ll talk to Ethan first before deciding if I should tell Stacey.’
With that decision made, Gage closed his eyes and took several slow breaths.On each exhale, he could feel his body relaxing.In minutes, he joined his woman in sleep.
––––––––
––––––––
“Well Mr.Carson, I’ma bit surprised to say this, but your ankle seems to be healed.”Dr.Dennison said, not hiding his surprise.“I was expecting next week at the earliest.”
“I’ve always been a fast healer Doc.Ever since I was a kid.”Gage shrugged.
“So, what does that mean exactly?”Stacey asked, holding Gage’s hand.
“It means, I would feel no issues with signing the papers for him to return to full duty.With one stipulation.”Dennison answered.
“What’s that?”Gage asked.
“For the next week or two, still take it a bit easy.A few weeks is still enough to cause your ankle to be a bit tender and weak.I recommend exercises to build it back up.Think you can agree to that?”
“I hear you.I’ll talk to Lance.He was our team’s go to medic.He’ll probably know of some good exercises for me.”Gage agreed.
“All right then.I’ll go get those papers for you to take with you.”Dennison nodded as he stood from the stool.
“So, what does this mean for you?I mean, will you still be...”Stacey began, but Gage cut her off.
