Love of a Marine (The Wounded Warriors Series Book 2) (28 page)

She returned to join Marla minutes later and leaned close. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me to react that way to their friendly teasing.” She reached for her purse and pulled out a small notepad with pen attached then climbed up to the three women and forced a happy smile onto her face.

“If you’ll put your names and contact information here, I’ll call you in a few days and we’ll work out a schedule. Marla’s taking care of next week. Cluny dumped this week on me with very little notice. I really appreciate your help.”

The blonde who hadn’t spoken before tilted her head. “You have an accent I can’t identify.” She took the pad and scribbled her name and numbers. “We’re glad to help with the kids. That’s why we’re here. And don’t pay attention to what we say. We drool over Coach Dempsey too.” She flashed a charming and friendly grin that put Graciella at ease.

“But not Chief?”

“Oh heck yes, him too, the grizzled old grouch. We’re just a bunch of harried, frustrated housewives.” The three blonde women laughed. Then she asked, “Where are you from originally?”

“Brazil. Sao Paulo. I married an American sailor and he brought me to California. You think maybe I reeled Cluny in with my exotic accent?”

“Marriage didn’t work out?”

“My husband was a SEAL. He was killed in action in Iraq.”

“Oh, honey,” The woman grabbed her hand. “I’m so sorry. How long ago?”

“Marvin died before Santos was born. He’ll be ten soon.” The woman’s sincere reaction, her sad watery eyes, almost had Graciella tearing up. “It was a long time ago.” She squeezed the woman’s hand. “Sonja, right? I’m so happy to meet all of you.”

The three began talking all at once, reassuring her how happy they were to make her acquaintance and apologizing again for teasing her.

“Don’t give it another thought.” She raised her eyebrows. “But hands off my boyfriend, OK?” She playfully raised a fist.

They exchanged relieved smiles, and Graciella returned to her seat next to Marla. “Disaster averted. I can’t imagine why I reacted the way I did. I’m either in love or crazy.”

“Love makes one do crazy things. For instance…” She rolled her eyes. “I’m pregnant.”

Graciella jerked back. “You’re…? But Declan’s only—”

Marla sighed. “So much for breast feeding preventing conception. I nearly fainted when the doctor told me yesterday.”

“How did Dwayne react?” She was still wrapping her head around Marla’s revelation.

“He doesn’t know yet, but he’ll be crowing and strutting like a rooster when I tell him. It’s entirely my doing. Good grapes, I can’t keep my hands off him. It’s been that way since the first time he kissed me.”

Graciella stared across the diamond at Dwayne. “Gosh.”

“Yes. There I was, smart, unflappable, independent business woman. I had big plans that didn’t include a man. Then in walks Dempsey oozing testosterone, teasing me relentlessly, hitting on me every five minutes. I wanted to kill him. Instead, I fell in love. What do you think of that?”

Graciella put her arm around Marla and hugged her tight. “Oh, Marla, I think it’s wonderful. It’s obvious to everyone how much you love each other and your kids.” She reached out her hands. “Let me hold the Dec. I love cuddling a baby in my arms.”

Marla handed him over. “Thanks, I need to get to the restroom. Seems I have to pee every thirty minutes.” She stood and checked to make sure her blouse was properly buttoned. “Remind me when I get back; I have a favor to ask of you.” She hurried to the cinder block building housing the toilets.

Cluny wandered over and sat next to Graciella. He dropped an arm over her shoulder and kissed her cheek. Graciella imagined she could hear Sonja, Molly, and Diana sighing. She giggled.

“What’s so funny?” He put his index finger in Declan’s tiny hand and made a silly face for the baby.

“Nothing, other than the fact I’m burning for you and want to kill every woman within fifty feet.”

“Yeah?” He pecked her cheek again. “I like that.”

“I’m going to beg the Dempsey’s to take Santos home with them because if I don’t get you to myself for a few hours, I’ll need to be locked up.”

“Holy cr…!” He pressed his hand in his lap. “Don’t tell me that in a public park where children are present. You want to get me ejected?” He tightened his grip on her shoulder.

She leaned into his side. “Are you totally, miserably frustrated?”

“Shit, yes, baby.”

“Me too. Now do me a favor and go away.” She nudged him with her shoulder until he stood and walked to the dugout.

“Lover’s quarrel?” Marla slid onto the bench next to her.

“Just the opposite.” She cast imploring eyes at her friend. “I need a big favor. Could you please take Santos home with you for a few hours after practice?” She held her breath and mouthed
please
.

“Sure, but I also have something to ask of you.”

“Anything.” Graciella got up and lowered the sleeping baby into his carrier. “Ask.”

“It’s something you might enjoy.” She shifted the carrier to keep the afternoon sun off her son’s face. “I really want to do it because I have a feeling it’ll be another year before I can squeeze into a sexy dress.”

“What is it?” Sexy dress probably meant Marla needed a babysitter so she could go on a date with her husband. Graciella would love to babysit little Declan for an evening.

“I’d be so grateful if you and Cluny would attend a black tie event with us for the Wounded Warriors of Ventura County. It’s next Saturday night. Dwayne knows several people there, and if I know him he’ll wander away to shoot the breeze about the good ole days and leave me sitting there like a frog on a log. I’d like you to come and keep me company. How about it?”

“I’d love to go.” Graciella clapped her hands. “I haven’t been to a dressy affair in forever. I’ll need to shop for a new dress though. When is it? Will Cluny have to rent a tuxedo?” Excitement at the prospect sent her blood racing. “Oh, but who will watch the kids?”

“My parents have already volunteered. Adding Santos to the mix will be great for Amber.” Marla put her hand on Graciella’s arm. “May I go shopping with you? Hey, the malls are open until ten every night. Dwayne and Cluny could watch the kids.” She sighed. “I really need this.”

“Tuxedos?”

“The vets have a choice of black tie or their dress uniforms. Dwayne will wear his uniform. I’m not sure about Cluny. There’s a bridal shop on L.A. Avenue that can do a turnaround in twenty-four hours if he decides on the tux.”

Graciella grinned. “You and I can pretend like we’re having so much fun at the party without them they’ll be curious and spend more time with us.” Graciella pointed. “Looks like they’re breaking up for the day. Do you want a ride back to the house with me?”

“It’s only a couple of blocks. I need to walk. The stroller is under the bleachers. Dwayne and I’ll meet you at your house. We’ll take Santos home with us. He’ll stay for supper. You can pick him up between eight and nine, OK?”

“Thank you, Marla. I’ll owe you.”

“I’m sure I’ll find a way to collect.” She waved at her approaching husband and stepdaughter. “Amber, invite Santos to share dinner with us tonight.”

“Rilly?” She skipped off to tell Santos.

Other parents made their way down the bleachers to fetch their tired and sweaty kids. When the three blondes reached the bottom, Dwayne winked. “Ladies. Nice to see you again this summer.”

Sonja smiled and brushed past them. “You too, coach.”

“See you next Saturday,” Molly called over her shoulder.

Diana fluttered her fingers.

“Graciella.” Chief joined them. “Earl and Lillian will come next Saturday. The detectives told them Jamal’s left town, but he’s on their radar. The stubborn bastard’s trying to track down Krystal in New York, but she’s on a photo shoot in Tel Aviv.”

“Tel Aviv!” Krystal was achieving her dream of the glamorous life of a super model. She felt happy for her, in spite of recent events. “When did she leave New York?”

“A few days ago. There’s no way he’ll go after her now, because they’ve put him on an international no-fly list, and her agency never divulges the whereabouts of their models.”

“Do you know what the shoot is for?”

“Lucille told Lu they were creating an international La Perla Lingerie calendar. They’ve set up several locations in Israel, and then they’re moving on to Greece. We won’t be seeing Miss Krystal for some time. Her folks are breathing a sigh of relief, I can tell you.”

But this news also meant she and Santos could probably return to their apartment. She had mixed feelings about that. She’d talk it over with Cluny. Not this afternoon, though. They’d be too busy to talk.

No more than half an hour later, Dwayne’s vehicle backed out of the driveway. Graciella and Cluny waved until the big black truck turned the corner. He took her hand and led her inside. “Queen’s out back, baby. Could be a long boring afternoon with just the two of us,” he teased.

Instead of answering him, she tugged on his arm and raced down the hall to his bedroom. “Get your clothes off and hit the shower, Marine.”

He pulled her around, grabbed her hips, lifted her off her feet, and wrapped her legs around his waist. “Not unless you take your clothes off too. What’s fair is fair.”

Graciella panted with all-consuming desire when he walked backward to the master bathroom holding her tight against him. The heat from his body, added to hers, seared her flesh like a branding iron. Clutching handfuls of his hair, she pulled him in for a scorching kiss. He detoured to the bed, fell back, and pulled her down on top.

“Baby,” he gasped between kisses, “I didn’t realize until a few weeks ago that before I met you I was only half alive. I’ll never get enough of you.” He flipped over, pinning her underneath. “I’m going to make love to you right now. The shower can wait.”

She stared into his serious blue gaze and nodded. “Yes, now. I don’t want to wait either.”

He eased off her, unbuttoned her shorts, and slid down the zipper. “Wiggle out of these, sugar. I’m in a hurry.” He reached across the bed and took a box of condoms from the bedside table, scattering them over the bed and floor in his haste. Catching one, he ripped it open, went up on his knees and undid his jeans.

“Aren’t you going to…?”

“Nope. Like I said, I’m in a hurry. No nice. Down and dirty. You with me?”

Raising herself on an elbow, she answered. “All the way.”

“God, baby, you’re scary. I love it.” He put his hands on her shoulders and eased her flat on the bed.

She put a palm on his cheek. “Remember this morning you promised me you were going to…oof!” He slammed into her so fast and hard the breath left her body in a whoosh. “Oh, Cluny, oh, Cluny, amor.” Before she could utter another word, he covered her mouth with his and speared inside with his tongue to the rhythm of his hips. Her excitement rose to such a high pitch she feared she might faint.
This man. This man. Oh Deus, this man.

Cluny raised his head and stared into her face, teeth clenched, urging her on with every thrust. Her muted scream started at the knees and shot up to her throat. Only then did he allow his own release, slumping heavily on her. “God in heaven.”

She could barely breathe, but she clutched him around the waist as tight as she could and held him close. “Don’t move, please don’t move.”

“I don’t ever want to move from here, but I also don’t want to crush you.” His forehead pressed to hers, he whispered, “You blow me away, sweetheart.”

“Amo-te, Cluny.”

He kissed the tears from her cheeks then repeated her words, “Amo-te, my Graciella, amo-te.” He rolled on his back, carrying her with him.

She dropped her head on his chest and listened to his thundering heart, fearing she loved him too much, too soon.

He quietly sang to her
.
And when he got to the lyrics, “
I wanna love you till I die
,” her tears flowed anew.

Warm water pounded down and against them in Cluny’s made-for-a-man shower. He’d installed specialized showerheads on two levels at both ends. It was a luxury she’d never experienced. “Aaaah, this is wonderful. I’ll never be satisfied with my shower again.”

“No reason you should be. Make this your shower.”

“Don’t tease me. We both know I’m only here temporarily.”

“It doesn’t have to be temporary, baby. I’m serious. I want you and Santos to stay here for a long time.” He massaged her shoulders and back. “God, you’re so soft. I’ll never be satisfied to shower alone again.”

It hadn’t escaped her notice that he’d said “long time,” not forever.

For the love of Deus, Graciella, stop it. Do you want to end it now?

“Amor, Earl told Chief the detectives thought it would be all right for them to come to the baseball games on Saturdays. It would probably be a good time for me to think about returning home.”

His hands went still. “He told me too, but I don’t think so. Not yet.”

“Why not?” She leaned back so her shoulders touched his chest.

“That Jamal creep will probably return to L.A. when he gives up on finding Krystal in New York. He might show up on your doorstep. It’s not safe for you to go home yet, I don’t care what the detectives said. It’s too soon.” His hands slid across her breasts as he pulled her tight. “Give it a little more time, baby. Give it a month at least.” He turned off the water and took the two towels hanging over the glass, handing her one of them. “It’s after seven. We should get over to Gunny’s and bring our boy home.”

Her breath caught at his use of
our
boy. Cluny’s affection for Santos was sincere, and her son returned it in kind. She hated herself for being so full of doubt, so anxious. Either things would work out for the three of them, or they wouldn’t. Her constant anxiety prevented her from enjoying their wondrous love affair in the moment.

As if he’d read her mind, he added, “Take a breath, baby. Take your time making the best decision.” He pulled the towel away from his face and gave her a husbandly peck on the nose and stepped out of the shower.

Later, while driving to the Dempsey home, he smacked a hand to his forehead. “Damn, I forgot to tell you something. I bought tickets to the Wounded Warriors formal dinner-dance for next Saturday night. Dwayne and Marla are going. Is it too late for you to decide? I’d really like us to go.”