Deep Night (24 page)

“I can't believe you've never flown before.” Chris looked at Sara with a mix of concern and amusement. “Relax and enjoy the ride.”

One at a time, she stretched her fingers, slowly releasing her death grip on the armrest. “I've never had a reason to,” she replied.

He pressed the button, and the back of his seat reclined with a smooth hum. “Not all flights are equal. I've been on troop transports where we sat on upside-down Homer buckets and hung on to netting because there were no seat belts. And I've run the gamut of experiences on commercial airliners from acceptable to horrible.” He leaned against the headrest and closed his eyes. “But I've never been on anything like this baby.”

Only a guy could speak so passionately about an airplane. Sara had read every word of the brochure for the Gulfstream G200 even before the door was shut and locked. She had committed to memory the illustrations of how to safely exit the plane in case of a water landing or other emergency situations. She dared a look out the round window next to her seat and was immediately mesmerized by the patchwork landscape below. Brilliant green fields, brown freshly turned earth and stark dried grassy pastures were blocked out in squares. Perfect circles showing the pattern of irrigation systems colored some of the squares, and gray roads stitched the whole quilt together. Farmhouses and barns looked like tiny Monopoly pieces scattered sparsely around, usually surrounded by trees that some far-thinking farmer had planted long ago, hoping to break up the boredom of flat plains and endless winds.

She turned to see Chris studying her with twinkling eyes and a crooked grin on his handsome face.

“What?” she asked. She reached up and wiped her mouth. “Do I have something on my face?”

Impulsively, he leaned over and kissed her. It started as an innocent peck, but quickly flared into something much more heated. “Want to join the Mile-High Club?” he whispered, his breath warm against her lips.

“Maybe next time,” she promised. “I don't think I'd enjoy it knowing there are two pilots and a super-hot flight attendant on the other side of that curtain.”

He nuzzled her neck, sending shivers racing all the way down to her toes. “I could make you forget they were there.”

She had no doubt he could. He had a way of making her feel like they were the only two people in the world.

Before she could answer, Tanya, the hostess who had greeted them when they boarded the plane, stopped next to their seats. She was wearing a tailored suit made less severe by a ridiculously short skirt and a crisp white blouse with the top three buttons open, revealing impressive cleavage that probably was quite an icebreaker for the businessmen who usually occupied this jet. She was holding a chilled bottle of champagne and two crystal flutes. “May I offer you some champagne?” she asked. “We also have wine and beer, if you'd prefer.” The gorgeous brunette was clearly more focused on Chris than on Sara.

“Sure,” Sara answered. She rarely drank champagne and didn't really like it. But taking her first flight in a luxurious private jet with a man she was absolutely crazy about seemed to call for a celebration.

Chris barely glanced at the hostess. “I'll take a light beer. And he'll take a bowl of water.” He reached down and rubbed Riley's floppy ears. The dog was sleeping at their feet under the table that was in front of their seats.

Tanya placed a flute in front of Sara and filled it with golden bubbling liquid, then went back to the galley.

“Now back to my question.” Chris focused back on Sara.

“As tempting as that sounds, I'm not sure I'm ready for public sex quite yet,” she said, trying to keep it light.

“I'm okay with keeping it private.” He gave her a sexy wink.

Friday night, she had been a wreck. At first she hadn't believed that her father was dead. He had been such a force in her life for so long, she thought she would have felt it when his spirit left this world. She now realized it was impossible that he'd been following her. It was all part of the trauma he'd inflicted on her. And even though she knew that awareness of her problem was a major breakthrough, she was committed to talking to a therapist to help her deal with her past. Chris had gone with her to the chief, who, after hearing the history of her abuse and that she'd imagined being stalked by her father, had agreed that with a little time off and some counseling, Sara would be able to pick up where she'd left off.

That was quite a relief, because Sara knew the punishment could have been much worse. If Chris hadn't been there and stopped her…she didn't want to think about what might have happened. He'd saved her and stuck with her, even more solidly than before, which was more than she could hope for. Well, actually, she was hoping for more…but she dared not dream past tomorrow.

She and Chris had celebrated by spending all day Saturday in bed, making love…talking…napping…making love again. A week ago she couldn't imagine sharing her bed with a man. Now she couldn't bear the thought of sleeping without him stretched out next to her.

The hostess returned with a frosted beer mug filled with golden liquid and a bowl of water for Riley. “Here you go,” she said, setting the mug on the table and the bowl on the floor. “I'll be right back.” She returned quickly with an elaborate cheese and meat platter decorated with grapes, olives, pickles and radishes cut into rosettes. “Is there anything else I can get for you?”

Chris was busy loading a pile of different cheeses and salami slices on a cracker. “No, we're good for now.”

Tanya disappeared behind the blue velvet curtain that separated the crew area from the passenger section.

“Check this out.” Chris handed her a cracker with cheese and ham on it. “Do you like Brie?”

Sara had already popped the cracker into her mouth and couldn't answer, so she nodded. He sliced off a big piece of the soft cheese, put it on a water wafer and gave it to her, then got one for himself. They attacked the tray as if they hadn't eaten in hours—which, in fact, they hadn't.

This whole trip had been thrown together at the last minute. A Marine officer had been waiting for him when he arrived for his shift on Saturday night. He and Chris had spent almost an hour in the conference room while Chris's new partner, Brad, stocked the ambulance. When he got home after his shift, Chris filled her in on the details of the meeting. Miller's autopsy had been completed and his ashes were ready to be sent to his ex-girlfriend. When Chris offered to personally deliver them, a couple of calls to the mayor of Miller's hometown had turned into an invitation to participate in the Memorial Day celebration in Bardstown, Kentucky. Another call had located a local businessman, also an ex-Marine, who had generously donated the use of his private jet for the transport.

Chris and Sara had packed some clothes and Riley's dishes, then drove to Centennial Airport, where the Gulfstream was waiting for them. They hadn't taken time to eat breakfast, and now it was almost time for lunch, so the appetizer tray was a welcomed treat.

“I could get used to this,” Sara said as she popped the last olive into her mouth.

“Not on my salary,” he scoffed. “Next year, you'll be in med school, and we're going to barely be able to afford an occasional pizza.”

Sara's heart soared higher than the plane. Chris was clearly making plans that included her. And she was glad he'd invited her to come with him on this mission. But a lot had happened in the last forty-eight hours. She yawned and rested her head on his shoulder. The gentle motion of the plane and the hum of the engines were making it difficult to stay awake. With the armrest lifted, she was able to snuggle up against Chris, and soon she was sound asleep.

The grinding whine of the hydraulic motor lowering the flaps and the thump of the landing gear dropping woke them up. Sara's head was on his shoulder and Chris had been leaning his head against hers in a comfortably balanced position. They slowly unwound themselves and stretched just as the plane started its approach.

“Please fasten your seat belts and prepare for landing.” Tanya cleared the empty plates and glasses off the table. “I hope you enjoyed your flight.”

Chris combed his fingers through his hair and grinned. “We're probably the most boring passengers you've ever had.”

Tanya's smile was genuine, but just a touch envious. “You two make a cute couple.”

He looked at Sara with obvious affection. “We do, don't we?”

Sara's heart did a little flip. It was the perfect thing to say to make her feel completely comfortable.

Tanya went back to the galley and Chris and Sara snapped their seat belts closed, then peered out the window as the small jet centered over a runway at Lexington Blue Grass Airport. The wheels touched down without a bounce and slowed, then turned until the plane was in front of a row of large hangars. At least a dozen other small planes were parked off to the side. The jet taxied until it stopped about fifty feet from the TAC Air terminal.

Tanya fastened the curtain back, then released the door. It slid open, revealing a set of steps. Chris and Sara snapped open their seat belts, gathered their things and headed toward the exit, with Riley close on their heels.

“Welcome to Bardstown. I understand you'll be returning to Denver Tuesday morning?” Tanya asked.

“Yes, that's right. Eight a.m.?” Chris confirmed.

“We're here for your convenience. Just let us know if you need to change your departure time.” She gave him a business card with the plane's N-number on it and a phone number to call.

“Can you imagine hearing that from Southwest?” he whispered to Sara as she stepped out the door and headed down the staircase.

“You forget…this is the only airline experience I've ever had.”

“Trust me. You'll notice the difference.”

There was a rental car waiting for them, and they quickly loaded their luggage and headed toward the small town that was about fifty-five miles southwest on Highway 902. Neither Sara nor Chris had ever been to Kentucky before, so they looked around with interest. Bardstown was nestled between the fingers of a twisted river and gentle hills. It appeared to be fairly isolated, with no major cities within sight. And unlike Denver, everything was very green.

It wasn't difficult to find their way to their hotel, because downtown was basically three main streets. The buildings were charming and well kept and the streets were clean. It was easy to see why it had been named as one of the prettiest cities in Kentucky.

“What's going on tonight?” Sara asked after they checked in and were in their room. She was relieved that there had been no discussion about whether or not they would have separate rooms. There were too many advantages to sleeping with Chris, and being with him in a strange place would be comforting.

“The mayor wanted to meet and work out the details of tomorrow's ceremony. It sounds like he's going to say something about Miller in his speech.”

“That's nice. Miller would have loved that.”

“Are you tired?”

“Not really. That little nap helped,” she answered. “I wouldn't mind walking around. I've never been out of Colorado, so it would be fun to be a tourist.”

“Sounds good to me.” He hung his garment bag in the closet and filled Riley's bowls with water and food. The dog politely took a bite, but it was easy to see that he was more interested in exploring his new surroundings, too.

They spent the whole afternoon wandering around the small town, checking out shops and sampling the local cuisine. Most places were pet-friendly, so even though he was officially a service dog, Riley enjoyed spending the day off-duty, just being a dog hanging out with his masters. They even found an outdoor restaurant where Riley could lie near their table with only a short wrought-iron fence separating them.

When they returned to the hotel, Sara decided to stay with Riley while Chris went to his meeting. She took a shower and stretched out on the bed with the intention of watching television until Chris returned. The last two days had been pretty stressful, but the slow pace of the town had worked magic in draining out what little tension she had left and she fell asleep.

She awoke when Chris returned an hour later, but dozed off again as he and Riley went out for a last walk. Sara struggled to stay awake until he finished his shower, but was barely aware when he pulled the covers back and slid in next to her. As soon as she felt his warm naked body against hers, the need for sleep was quickly replaced by her desire to feel him inside her. She was like someone who had never tasted chocolate. Once that first piece melted on her tongue, she was hooked.

“I didn't mean to wake you up,” he said as he slipped his fingers between her legs and gently stroked her sensitive nub.

“Liar,” she whispered, completely without reproach.

He nibbled the tender skin below her ear. “Do you want me to stop?”

“Never!” She sighed and melted against him.

They made love slowly, as if they had all the time in the world. She opened herself up and gave him everything. But he was not a selfish lover, and he made sure she was thoroughly and completely satisfied before he allowed himself to climax. They stayed wrapped in each other's arms, not willing to let go…even in sleep.

Sara got up first, so she took Riley out for his walk. The town was so different from Denver. In a way, it reminded her of Parker, where she and Chris had grown up. It was barely eight a.m., and already the streets were busy with people going out for breakfast or setting up their lawn chairs in anticipation of the parade that would start in a couple of hours. Red, white and blue bunting draped across the fronts of many of the buildings, and everywhere she looked, American flags stirred in the faint morning breeze.

Chris had told her the schedule for the day started with the parade, then a speech by the mayor in the park, followed by a barbecue in the afternoon and a dance in the evening. All the activities were going to be held outside, and the weather seemed to be cooperating. Only a few fluffy puffs of clouds floated across the pollution-free sky. The slower pace was a pleasant change, although Sara wasn't sure she would like living there. She couldn't imagine how boring the local paramedics' shifts must be. She thrived on the almost constant activity in Denver. The shifts passed quickly, and she felt like she was truly making a difference by saving lives on a nightly basis.

Sara returned to the hotel, opened the door to their room and gasped. Chris, dressed in full Dress White uniform, stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his hat.

He turned and held his hands out from his sides. “So…how do I look?”

“Wow!” she exclaimed. “You're freaking hot.”

“Thanks…I think.” He looked confused. “I never would have guessed you'd be a sucker for a uniform. I wear one every day.”

“Not like this.” She realized she was drooling and struggled to form a coherent thought. Honestly, she was as surprised as he was at her reaction. She worked around medics, cops and firefighters all the time and wasn't impressed by their rankings or uniforms. But the combination of Chris and that crisp, snowy white uniform with all its gold braid and colorful ribbons, including his own Purple Heart, was making her knees weak. “Uh…stupid question, but why were you were in the Navy, but not on a ship?”

“I wanted to be a medic for the Marines, but they don't have a medical branch, so I had to join the Navy with the understanding that I'd work out of the field hospitals. That's why I was deployed with Miller's Marine battalion.” He held out a wide piece of black crepe. “Can you put this around my arm?”

She took it and fastened it around his left arm about halfway between his shoulder and elbow where he indicated. “What is this?”

“It's a mourning badge. I thought it would be appropriate for today.” He turned back to the mirror. His dark hair stuck out around his ears and neck below the hat. “I need a haircut. Did you bring some scissors?”

Sara welcomed the distraction as she took out a small medical kit that she always carried with her. It held a basic supply of bandages, cold packs, antibiotics and other emergency items, including a pair of trauma shears. “Are you sure you want me to do this? Other than cutting my own hair, I don't have a lot of experience.”

“Just trim it around my ears and across the back. If it's not perfect, it'll grow out.” He put his hat on the counter, took a bath towel off the rack and wrapped it around his shoulders.

“You're going to have to sit down so I can reach you,” she stated.

“Oh right, I almost forgot that you're vertically challenged.”

“Hey, I'm holding scissors and your fate is literally in my hands.”

Chris nodded. “You've got a point.” He carried the desk chair and set the back against the bathroom counter. He sat down and looked up at her with a twinkle in his eyes.

“Ha, ha. Now, sit still.” With surgical skill, she snipped an arc over his ear, straight across the nape of his neck, then over his other ear. Inches of hair fell into the sink and when she was finished touching up the edges, she stood back and studied him critically. The haircut was just so-so, but the man was perfection. Before her sat the guy of her dreams. The nightmare of her life had blocked any thought of a normal life, but Chris, her childhood hero, had once again come to her rescue. Her heart thudded in her chest until it felt like it was going to burst. She had loved him all her life, starting with a child's adoration, moving naturally into a teenage crush, then followed by this overwhelming combination of peace and passion in their mature relationship.

“I've never used this word in my whole life, but you look dashing,” she told him. “You're going to have to fight the women off.”

“That's your job.” He stood, removed the towel and checked out his image in the mirror. “I hardly ever wore this uniform. I was usually in camo when I was in the field and in scrubs in the hospital.”

“Hmm…too bad. Did you ever see that movie
An Officer and a Gentleman
?”

Chris grinned, then bent down and picked her up in his arms. “If I'd known you could be swept off your feet so easily by a man in a uniform, I'd have dug this out of the closet a lot sooner.”

She looped her arms around his neck and smiled. “If I'd known you cleaned up this well, I'd have left my door unlocked.”

He gave her a long, deep kiss. “If you ask nicely, I'll let you take it off of me later.”

“Or maybe I'll get you to leave it on except for a few strategic parts,” she teased and stretched up for another kiss. “But right now, I've got to get dressed. I'm starving and we've got a parade to catch.”

Thirty minutes later, they tied Riley up outside a cute little coffee shop. As soon as they opened the door, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked bread filled their nostrils and pulled them inside. It was crowded, but a couple was just getting up from a table by the front window, so Sara hurried to claim it while Chris placed their order.

He returned with two hot cups of coffee and two bacon-and-egg croissant sandwiches on a tray. Sara was pouring cream in her coffee when a sharp knock on the window caused her to jump.

“Hey, look who it is!” Chris exclaimed, motioning for the man standing outside to come in.

Nick Archer, the DEA agent they had met when he was in Denver, strolled inside and sat on the empty chair at their table. “Well, look at you,” he said to Chris. “All decked out in your Whites.”

Sara's gaze swept over Nick, who looked incredibly handsome in his Marine Dress Blues. “You look different.”

Chris leaned toward Nick. “Careful, I've just found out she has a weakness for men in uniform.”

Nick gave her a wink. “Then it's a good thing she has a Marine to protect her while you're out there playing soldier.”

“Did I mention that we're together now?” Chris added, a little defensively.

“Hell, it's about time,” Nick snorted. “It was obvious you two were already mind-fucking each other.” He gave an exaggerated sigh. “Another good one gone. I guess I'm doomed to be alone.”

Sara reached out and placed her hand on the dark navy sleeve of his uniform. “There's someone out there who's perfect for you…although, from what I know about you, she's going to need the patience of a saint.”

Nick laughed out loud. “Yeah…well, that's the problem. There aren't many saints who want to put up with me. Besides, I'm not really looking. I don't mind being alone.”

A cute waitress came out from behind the counter and approached them. “We don't usually serve the tables,” she said to Nick, “but I couldn't help but notice that you didn't have any coffee. Can I get you something? Maybe some eggs?”

He grinned up at her. The masculinity practically dripped off him, and she looked as if her knees had suddenly gone weak. “Sure, that sounds great. Whatever you've got.”

“I'll be right back.” She hurried to the kitchen.

“I didn't know you were coming,” Chris commented.

“It was kind of a last-minute decision,” Nick explained. “Thanks for sending me a text. I only met Miller that once at dinner…if you don't count when he was unconscious on the ground…but I really liked him.” Nick placed his white hat on the table next to him and shook his head. “I thought he'd make it.”

They were all silent for a moment as they reflected on the man whose ashes had been given to the mayor last night. Miller was one of the unlucky ones who hadn't been able to find a way to survive the double blow of suffering from battle fatigue and rejection by the real world.

The waitress returned and placed a full order of eggs, bacon, hash browns, grits and fresh biscuits in front of Nick, along with a steaming cup of coffee. “Here you go, sir. Is there anything else I can get you? Anything at all?”

“Thanks. This looks great,” Nick answered. “I'm good for now.”

“I'll be at the dance later. Maybe I'll see you there?” she asked hopefully.

He shrugged noncommittally.

“I'll save you a dance,” the waitress added, undeterred by his answer. “And thanks for your service.”

Nick lifted his cup of coffee toward her. “And thanks for yours.”

She hesitated as if hoping he'd say more, but when he plunged into his food, she walked back to the counter.

“There you go—she seemed ready and willing,” Sara pointed out.

“I have socks that are older than her,” Nick muttered between bites. “I'm too old for all that shit.”

“Too old? You can't be but what? Thirty-eight? Thirty-nine?” Sara asked.

Nick's expression showed his disgust. “I'm only thirty-six.”

“Oh, sorry. You just seem…more mature.” She knew she was making it worse, but she couldn't stop talking.

“Forget it. I've packed about fifty years' worth of shit into those thirty-six.”

The local high school band walked by the window, obviously heading for the parade staging area. Chris finished his coffee and stood up. “The mayor wants Sara and me to ride in the parade. Why don't you come along? I'm sure he wouldn't mind having a jarhead tagging along.”

Nick wiped his mouth and tossed his napkin on his plate. “Wouldn't want to dress up for nothing.”

They left a generous tip on the table, then stopped by the register. The owner insisted on comping their meals and gave Chris and Nick a crisp salute, sharing the brotherhood of the military.

“Gotta give this place credit for its patriotism,” Nick commented as the three of them and Riley threaded their way up the now crowded sidewalk to the parking lot where the parade was lining up.

A big, burly guy in his mid-sixties with piercing blue eyes and a shock of gray hair approached them. He was almost bursting out of his Marine Blues, but obviously very proud to be wearing them. He held his hand out to Sara first.

“You must be Sara. Welcome to Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World. I'm Tom Avitts, the mayor.”

She shook his hand. “Your town is beautiful. Thank you so much for hosting us.”

“It's my honor. Thank you for bringing our native son back home.”

“That's
our
honor,” she answered, echoing his words.

“This is Captain Nick Archer.” Chris performed the rest of the introductions. “He was one of Miller's friends in Denver.”

Tom snapped a salute at Nick, who quickly returned it. “Special Ops,” Tom commented, noticing Nick's ribbons and decorations. “I spent a little hard time with them in Nam.
Always faithful, always forward,
” he said, quoting the Special Ops motto. Then he and Nick exchanged some sort of fancy fist bump. “So you're from Denver?”

“No, I was just there on assignment,” Nick told him. “I'm DEA now, stationed in Austin.”

“We'll have to talk later. I'm a little concerned with some of the new synthetic drugs we've been seeing around here.”

“Sure thing.”

Disjointed and totally lacking in harmony, the band started warming up on their instruments.

“I want you folks to ride with me in my convertible,” Tom said.

“It would be an honor, sir,” Chris answered.

Sara felt a little overwhelmed by all the testosterone in the air, but when Chris took her hand and pulled her closer, she relaxed.

The next hour was a whirlwind of color and sound. Sara rode in the front seat with Riley patiently at her side while Tom's wife drove the big classic Cadillac convertible, leading the parade. The three men sat in the backseat, smiling, waving, and returning salutes as they rolled by. Countless horseback riders and dozens of homemade floats lined up behind them with the high school band providing the background music. Unfortunately, they knew only five songs, which they repeated several times. What they lacked in skill and repertoire, they made up for with enthusiasm and volume.

Both sides of the parade route were packed solid with families and veterans, some of whom joined the group of veterans who were already marching. Most were wearing their uniforms or fatigues and fell right into step as if they still practiced every day.

The mayor's car arrived at the park first, so its occupants had time to go to the restroom and then grab a cold, fresh-squeezed glass of lemonade before Tom and his wife climbed the steps to the platform where he would make his speech.

Sara sat between Chris and Nick in the front row with Riley sitting patiently at her side and couldn't help but feel proud of her escorts. As far as she could see, they were the most handsome men here…and she was with them. She also couldn't help but notice the envious glances and obvious flirts of the local women. It was not something she'd ever experienced. No one had ever wanted what Sara had, which made her nervous. How would she ever be able to hang on to someone as wonderful as Chris? He had everything going for him, and she was just a butterfly, barely out of its chrysalis, its wings still wet and unable to fly.

She slid a glance over at him. He was a hero to her on so many levels, but she had never seen him like this. With his shorter hair, stiff posture and spotless uniform, she was seeing a whole different side to him. It reminded her that there was a lot to his life that she knew nothing about. But she was very sure that she wanted to find out. He was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She could only hope and pray that she was interesting enough to earn his love.