Her Soldier (That Girl #3) (7 page)

“Auntie.”

Danielle rounds the corner in her white apron, with a caring smile covering her face. Letting go of Beau’s hand, I race over to her and let her wrap me up in her loving hug. She’s the only family I’ve ever known, the one person who has loved me through everything.

“Jenni, don’t you ever stay gone that long again,” she scolds as she lets go of me.

“I won’t.”

“You look different.” Her eyes boldly rake over my body looking for something. “You are not as glittery and makeup-y.”

“Nice,” I say with a quick laugh.

Stepping back and taking Beau’s hand, I drag him up to the conversation.

“Danielle, this is Beau, and Beau, this is Danielle.” I give them each a second to nod and say hi. “I’ve talked about both of you to each other a lot.”

“Yes, I feel like practically know you, Beau. Jenni seems to be quite infatuated with you.”

A deep chuckle escapes him, and I feel him relax a bit.

“Same here. I’ve heard all about you and your business here.” Beau gestures toward the showcases of pastries.

“Jenni tells me you like to eat.”

“Danielle,” I squeal.

Beau laughs even harder. “Yeah, it’s one of my favorite pastimes.”

“Move your ass, Jenni, and get this boy served up. I just need to finish a batch of cupcakes and I’ll be right out.” Danielle disappears around the corner to the back.

Beau sits at a table, and I slide behind the counter.

“What do you want to try?”

I wait for an answer and it never comes. Peeking over the top of the case, I see Beau staring down at the table and running a path along the edge with his finger. He’s lost in thought. I don’t force him to answer and just gather a few of my favorites in a pink box. Between all of our activity this morning, we haven’t eaten anything, not even my new go-to food, pizza pockets.

Quickly, I grab a couple leftover sandwiches from the lunch crowd and two Cokes.

“Gorge away, my love,” I say, setting the food down in front of him.

He looks up and finally speaks to me. “You know my gram had a bakery.”

“I do remember that.”

“Where is your gram’s bakery?” Danielle joins us at the table with an ice cold bottle of water. The three of us sit and wait for his response.

“Um, she had a bakery. She passed away a few years ago. It was in Iowa, where I grew up.”

“Very good. I see that’s probably where your love of food came from.”

Beau lets out a chuckle and says, “You have no idea.”

I watch as he snags his first pastry. He chooses a chocolate éclair and isn’t bashful about devouring it.

“Well, how does it measure up?” Danielle asks.

“I don’t know.” Beau rubs his stomach. “I think I need a few more.”

“By all means, Beau.”

We spend the next hour talking and eating. Beau opens up about his gram and her specialty cupcakes. He shares childhood memories of being chased around by Gram with a wooden spoon for sneaking into batter. Danielle makes sure to tell him that I’ve been chased a time or two by her with her wooden spoon. It must be a baker’s thing.

“You two don’t stay away.” Danielle hands Beau a large box of goodies.

“We won’t,” I assure her.

“When does your school start?”

“In three days. I’m so excited.”

Danielle walks us out to Beau’s truck and watches as he opens the door for me. I give her a quick hug and kiss before settling in. I watch as Danielle holds her hand out to Beau, but he doesn’t take it. Instead he wraps her up in a hug.

When he climbs in the truck, I can’t help it. “See it wasn’t that bad.” I slide over to the middle. “Living again isn’t so bad is it?”

Beau pulls his on shades and backs out of the parking lot. “Don’t push your luck.”

“Or what?”

“I’ll spank your ass tonight.”

“Well, then, if that’s the case…”

We laugh at each other.

“I need to go to the store before we head back to my place.”

“Sounds good.” I lay my head down on his shoulder. “Let’s rent a movie.”

“Okay, but I get to pick.”

“My ass. I get to pick, being the lady and all.”

We pass my apartment and stare at it thinking the same exact thing. I don’t want to even begin to think about going back there, but the time is near.

“Two more nights,” I whisper.

Beau pulls into a store I’m not familiar with, but I spot the Redbox and race out of the truck in the hopes of finding a chick flick and adding it to the cart before he notices. I hear him the shut the door to his truck when I reach the Redbox. It’s worn out, and when I study the storefront, I notice it’s kind of scary.

“You just going to fucking stare there, princess?”

I turn around to see an incredibly filthy man behind me. The stench assaults my senses, and I hold back a gag. I try to respond, but freeze up and feel panic set in. I look past him for Beau, but don’t see him.

“Don’t know how to talk, bitch?” He steps in closer and my knees to begin knocking.

“Got a problem, man?” Beau’s voice is calm but menacing.

“Yeah, I fucking do. Little princess here won’t get her ass out of my way.”

“I suggest you don’t talk to her like that.” Beau steps up into the man’s space.

“Bitches like this don’t deserve anything else.”

Beau has the man pinned up against the crumbling brick with one hand around his throat and the other cocked back, ready to pound him.

“Again, what do you think of her? I’d love to fucking hear it.”

The man gurgles out something. I guess Beau’s hand choking him was not convincing enough to change his mind about me, because Beau punches the man and lets him drop to the ground. He then turns to me and finds my hand, guiding me back up to the video rental machine.

“Mine is already in the cart.” I bury my trembling hands in my pocket and try to avoid the man who is slumped in a heap on the pavement. I wait impatiently as Beau makes his selection.

Chapter 6

Lynlee: Want to celebrate you going back to school.

I haven’t responded to any of her texts or calls. She hasn’t been very persistent, and I know it’s because of her crazy schedule. My phone dings again and I silence it, not wanting to wake Beau. We were up way too late watching movies. We rented a chick flick and a shoot-em-up gory movie since we couldn’t agree. We watched both of them, eating an obscene amount of junk food, and then got carried away in the shower.

Lynlee: Everyone is in town tonight and we want you to join us.

Me: Who is everyone?

Lynlee: She’s alive!!!

Lynlee: Levi, Jazzy, Linc, and me…duh! What do you say?

Me: Sure. When?

Lynlee: 7 at Duncan’s Pub.

Me: okay.

I consider telling her I’ll be bringing Beau, but figure her line of questioning may be easier to deflect in person rather than texting. Lynlee of all people knows my brash decision-making tends to get me in more trouble than not, but Beau is different, and I’ll just have to show my friends that. I get a little nervous wondering if he will go or not. Last night’s incident at the grocery store makes me hesitant to even ask. Beau was ready to brutally beat a man for being a clear ass to me. Part of me loves his aggressive, protective side; it makes me feel safe and worth fighting for. On the other hand, it scares me, because I worry what happens when he’s not able to stop himself.

Tonight will be tricky, and getting him to agree to go will even be trickier. Quietly, I crawl from the bed and tiptoe to the bathroom. My reflection in the oval mirror above the sink catches my attention. I analyze my dark roots and unkempt hair. My aunt was right. I’m definitely not sporting my typical on-spot looks, complete with a dark spray tan, bleached blonde hair, and gobs of glitter. I’ve always hidden behind those superficial elements, but I don’t need to anymore.

I know it will be the first thing Lynlee and Jazzy notice—hell, all of them will. It’s what I’m known for. That and my loud, obnoxious personality. That is still intact, and Beau seems to enjoy it. I use the restroom and wash up. When I hear Beau rustling, it hits me. I know exactly how I can get him to agree to go tonight.

Rushing back to the bed, I crawl up from the bottom. Beau lifts his head, looking down at me, and tries to wipe the sleep from his eyes.

“What are you doing, Jenni?”

I don’t answer him and keep crawling up the length of his body while tugging down the blankets. His bare chest is revealed as I drag the blankets even lower. His prominent v-shaped muscles come into view, and I draw back the blankets a bit more. Then I sneak my fingers into the waistband of his boxers.

I feel his body shift and look up to see him propped on his elbows watching my every movement. I don’t offer an explanation, but keep moving forward, releasing him from his boxers. He’s hard and ready for my mouth. This will be a first for us, so I make sure it’s unforgettable. I drag my tongue from the base of him all the way up, stopping before I reach the tip. Repeating this action several times, I pay attention to every side of his glorious cock.

Beau moans and bucks his hips at me. I know I’m driving him wild and instantly become wet with the thought. I continue teasing him over and over again until he fists my hair, forcing my mouth to cover him, and for the first time I hear Beau yell my name. His hips continue to jerk as my mouth takes care of him. I use my teeth, tongue, and lips. I suck hard for several moments and then gently glide up and down his length. His legs tense beneath me and I know what’s coming, but I don’t back down. He begins his grunts while guiding my head up and down. I feel his release and let go myself. It’s not until now that I realize I had been grinding on his leg. Between his elicit groans and the taste of him in my mouth, the movement against his leg was just enough to spiral out of control.

Popping my mouth off him, I look up and grin. “Good morning, sexy boy.”

“Well, good morning to you too, naughty girl.” Beau reaches down and lifts me up to him in one swoop. Face to face, I admire the smile on his lips.

“That was nice,” he says.

I know I have him exactly where I want him.

“My friends want to go out tonight. Will you go with me?”

“Mmmmm. God, that was amazing, Jenni.” he leans up and kisses me once again. His tongue fights to enter my mouth.

“Did you hear my question?”

He mumbles out a yes and goes for my mouth again.

“So, will you take me?”

Beau flips me over onto my back and presses down into me. He rubs his nose against mine, then kisses my forehead and then my chin. I’m ready to scream at the man, but he leaves me speechless as he moves down my body, kissing every inch of me. When he gets to my panty line, he gently slides them down my ass and even lower to my knee. Up on my elbows, I watch as he uses his teeth to drag them completely off. He makes eye contact the whole time.

“Answer me,” I finally demand after my thoughts catch up to me.

Beau buries his face between my legs, leaving me speechless again. His tongue explores my folds while he nips with his teeth, making me moan and squirm. Moments later, he lifts his head.

“Yes.”

I don’t even comprehend why he is speaking. My hands find the back of his head and push it back into me. It only takes a few more licks before I’m screaming without reserve. I pull on his hair and let go, spiraling into the most intimate orgasm of my life. My body continues to relish the sensation as it slowly comes to an end. Rubbing my legs together, I milk out every single ounce of it.

Beau is on top of me again, covering me with his body. He slowly kisses me, and I find myself melting into him and kissing him back. It’s like his touch is a curse and I fall for it every single time.

Pulling back, I say, “You never answered me.”

“Yes, I did.” An evil grin cover his face.

Wracking my mind, I try to remember if he did or not and come to the conclusion he’s pulling my leg. I shake my head. “No, you didn’t, Beau Morgan.”

“I sure did. I believe you were moaning so loud you missed it.”

Warmth creeps into my cheeks as I remember the moment. I’m not embarrassed, but rather heated up recalling the sweet moments we just exchanged.

“You may have a point.”

“I think you like that, Jenni.”

“It was a first for me.” This time I bury my face in his shoulder as I speak.

“Oh shit,” Beau says, bouncing off the bed.

“What?” I sit straight up, scared to death by his sudden movement. Beau has already gone into the bathroom. “What did I do, Beau?”

Peeking his head around the corner, he grins at me. “You were about to make me hard as hell again, and I need to get going for the morning.”

Lying back down, I tingle at the thought I can excite the man so easily. Mentally I groan, wishing he could stay in bed with me and go a couple more rounds, but he has a job interview today with a local construction company.

“What time is your interview?”

I hear the water running. “10:30, which means I need to leave here in about an hour. No time for playtime, Jenni.”

Making my way to him, I wrap my arms around his back and watch him shave off his beard. Inwardly I cringe because his stubble is so damn sexy.

“I wasn’t asking that.” My lips blaze a trail along his back. “I’m thinking I’ll have you drop me off at my apartment while you do your thing.”

He stops shaving, places his razor down, and braces both arms on the sink. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I could get some things organized for school and some fresh clothes while you’re gone, and plus they said if they like you it would take most of the day to get paperwork and stuff done.”

His arms are locked and his jaw clenched. “I’m not okay with it.”

“Baby, I’ll be fine. I have to go home sometime.”

My words don’t provide him with any comfort. He remains rigid and staring straight ahead into the mirror with white shaving cream still covering his face. I snake to his front, positioning myself between him and the sink. I use my arms to jump up onto the counter and wrap my legs around him. Turning on the water, I pick up his razor and make him face me. I gently run the razor along his jawline, following the path he had set up.

“You have to let me go back to my apartment. We both have outside lives we have to live.”

Beau relaxes just enough to allow me to continue shaving him, but I can tell he’s not happy with the idea.

“We can do this, Beau.”

I finish the last trail down his face and use the hand towel to wipe away all the extra shaving cream and then dab on his aftershave. I watch him squirm a bit at the sting, but it smells heavenly.

“Fine.” He grips my face in his hands roughly. “But I don’t like it.”

I reach forward and kiss him.

“I need space right now, Jenni.”

I take that as my cue to leave the bathroom. He’s been able to verbalize when he’s reaching a boiling point and I know to back off. I go to the living room to gather some things I need to take home and wash. I know I’m coming back here tonight, so I make sure to leave many visual reminders for Beau and myself. I also make sure that my ass is ready to leave in ample time so I don’t frustrate him any further.

And like clockwork, Beau is ready to leave right on the dot. We walk hand in hand out to the truck. He opens the door and I slide in. We drive to the other side of town in silence.

“Would it make you feel better if you dropped me off at the bakery?”

Beau’s knuckles go white around the steering wheel. “Why, so you can walk to your apartment? Are you just fucking asking for Maxton to beat you again?”

His words ring crystal clear and I don’t try to ease the situation again. I take his cellphone and send myself a quick text so I have his number. At this point, I’m not sure if he wants to ever talk to me again. I didn’t think asking to go home for a couple hours to prepare for school starting on Monday was that big of a deal. Clearly, I had awoken the beast in him.

He pulls up to my apartment, and I notice my car is sitting in my normal parking spot. I stare hard at it, and it’s mine; the familiar dent on the bumper is there. Silver Honda Accords are very popular around here, but there’s no doubt that’s my car. Lynlee, I guess. I don’t verbalize any of this to Beau in fear of further enraging the man.

I slide over to the passenger door and open it. Looking back at him, I can still sense he’s pissed off, so I don’t say a word. I feel gutted by the way he’s acting toward me. I’ve ruined it all. Walking to my door, I can only hope for the best.

“Jenni.” My hand rests on the bronze doorknob. “Jenni, wait.”

I turn around to see Beau jogging toward me and freeze.

“God, I’m sorry.” He runs his hands through this thick dark hair. “I’m just scared. I can’t lose you.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t be a dick to me when you get angry. I understand your issues, but I don’t like it.”

My words shock me, but really, what’s the difference between being abused by Maxton and at the mercy of Beau’s anger?

“I know. I know,” he repeats as he closes the distance between us. “I know, Jenni. I’m sorry.”

Dropping my hand from the doorknob, I wrap my arms around his neck and squeeze him. “Thank you, Beau.”

He inches back and kisses me. “I have to go, but I’ll be back.”

“Go, I’ll be here.”

Beau places one more kiss on my lips before he turns and trots down the sidewalk to his truck.

“Beau.” He stops and turns back to me. “I really am falling in love with you.”

He shakes his head and gets into his truck. When he pulls away, I immediately feel empty. I’ve always been the clingy type, and the last two weeks spent with him have ruined me. Hours, he’ll just be gone hours. But maybe this is good practice for the days when I’m at school from eight to six and he’s at work. It will make the night that much sweeter.

I rummage for my house keys in my oversized purse and can’t find them. I know I threw them in here at Beau’s apartment. I always keep my car keys and house keys separate. Mindlessly, I twist the cold knob, and to my shock, it opens. My blood runs cold because I do know that is something I’d never do. It’s my one paranoia. I always lock my doors whether I’m running a short errand or in for the night. It’s one of those things I get up out of bed at least three times to check before falling asleep. I even did this ritual growing up, no matter the place. It’s something I didn’t do with Beau, either from being doped up on painkillers or wrapped safely in his arms.

Standing in the doorway, I try to remember the day I left here. It was the night before the wedding, and I was meeting up with the girls for a bachelorette party. I was on top of the world with the way things were going for me. I was just officially accepted into the local beauty college, and things with Maxton were looking up. I know I locked this door when I left. I have no doubt at all.