Latched (Coronado Series Book 1) Page 4

  His hands tunneled in her hair and he could feel himself start to lose control. He pulled back and was breathing as if he just ran a marathon. He dropped his mouth again and gave her one more kiss, Was it ever going to be enough with her?

  He rested his forehead against hers and could hear her breathing fast. He dropped his hands and wrapped her in his arms and kept moving with her to the music. He was hoping to calm down before the song ended but wasn’t sure if it was possible.

  A smile twisted the corner of Birdie’s mouth. He wanted her, she could feel it from the kiss and also against her thigh. She’d never felt that desired before and it was powerful. She was beginning to understand he was a man with a strong will and she could feel it focused on her. The music ended and they slowly walked off the dance floor, “Wow, you sure know how to dance Mark. Don’t let anyone ever tell you different.” His mind was so blasted by lust that he was only able to let out a little growl. He kissed her on the head and took her hand.

  Birdie gathered her things, said her goodbyes and headed outside to Mark’s truck. He helped her in and made sure she was buckled up. Pulling her down, he gave her a sweet kiss, “Thanks for the dance Birdie.”

  She was feeling the effects of the evening and mumbled her thanks to Mark. She gave him her address as they headed out. Leaning her head against the seat she fell asleep instantly. He looked over at Birdie as she was sleeping and could feel his whole body respond to her, “Birdie girl, I am coming after you. I hope you’re ready.”

  He parked in front of her house and was surprised how nice it was. She lived in a two story California craftsman on what must be a double lot. It looked like a house a family would live in, not a single woman. Leaning over, he called her name to wake her up. She opened her eyes and looked confused. “We’re home baby, wake up.”

  She stared and then started to smile, “Oh it’s you.”

  “Yes it’s me. Do you want me to carry you to your door?”

  “No, no, I got it.” Mark came around and opened her door. He took her hand and started walking with her up the pathway. She stopped him with a hand on his chest, “I have it from here.” I can’t take the chance of kissing him anymore, I might drag him in the house even if it is not a good idea.

  “Don’t give me a naughty kiss, just a sweet one. I think that’s all I can handle right now.”

  She obliged, leaned up and gently pressed her lips to his. “Thank you, I enjoyed the dance too.” He let her go, she walked up her steps and slipped inside. He stood there a moment with a shit eating grin on his face. Me too baby…..me too.

  CHAPTER THREE

  SUNDAY

  Birdie stood on the front lawn watering her flower beds while listening to Adele sing on her iPod. She sang along thinking about how much she had gotten done that day despite her hangover. She thought about Mark and tried to figure out what happened last night. She remembered most of the night, but the dance with him seemed like a dream. She wondered if it really happened.

  Mark pulled up in front of Birdie’s house and watched her water the flowers and shake her hips. She had on a T - shirt and jean shorts and looked amazing. He noticed her ear buds and figured she was listening to music. He wanted her as much today as he did last night at the wedding, maybe more. He jumped out of his truck, walked through her gate and tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention. She must not have noticed him because she turned around and soaked them both. Her eyes were huge as she looked at him and when it finally registered she knew him, she dropped the hose. “You scared me to death!”

  He stared back and held out her wrap, “I was returning this - you forgot it in the truck.” He slipped off his sunglasses and started to wipe them on his shorts.

  She started laughing and went to turn the water off, “You should see the look on your face. Sorry about soaking you.”

  “Funny, you don’t look very sorry. I also came over to see if you would like to go out to dinner?”

  She stood up, turned towards him and felt herself staring at his wet shirt. He has the most perfect chest and arms…. I feel like licking him. You can’t lick a Naval Commander on your front lawn right? He’s better than the guys I was looking at the other day, he is sex on a stick. Holy moly macaroni. Shaking her head, she tried to focus, “Well come on in. I’ll get you a towel so you can dry off.”

  “That’s ok. I have my go bag in the truck - I can just get a new one.” He took his shirt off and wiped his face. She stared with her mouth hanging open and felt her breath hitch. She could feel herself leaning towards him. Him, I want him. I have never seen someone with a body like his in person. Mark displayed an impressive set of hard cut abs and a massive, well developed chest. I just want to run my hand up one side and down the other. She lifted her hand and was about to touch his chest before she realized what she was doing and quickly dropped it. He had a tattoo on one of his biceps that wrapped over his shoulder; she wanted to read it in braille, running her fingers over every single inch.

  “Have you ever been on a calendar?” She slapped her hand over her mouth, “Did I just say that aloud?”

  “Yes, you said that aloud and no, I’ve never been on a calendar. Why would I?”

  She continued to stare and worried she might be starting to drool. “Because you are the most physically perfect man I have ever seen. I thought maybe you were in one of those “Hot Men of the Navy” calendars.” She nervously wiped the water off her arms. “I’m sorry, that’s inappropriate of me to say. I’m objectifying you and I know that’s wrong.” Her face felt hot, but she couldn’t pull her eyes away. Can I have him please, just for a little while? I promise to give him back soon.

  He took a step closer and wrapped his arms around her waist, “Please feel free to objectify me anytime you want.” He took possession of her mouth like she was the last woman on earth. For the first time in his life he felt powerless. He was defenseless against this woman and for some reason he didn’t mind.

  The most perfect man was kissing her - god he smelled good. She smiled against his mouth and wrapped her arms around him. “It feels good - you can really kiss.”

  “Well that’s why I do it.” Kissing her again, he ran his hands up and down her back. “I like your wet shirt. Can I objectify you now?”

  She looked down, “Well at least I wore a pretty bra today.” She grabbed his shirt and held it in front of herself, turned and walked into the house.

  He started laughing and went to his truck to get a new T- shirt. Do they even have a, “Hot Men of the Navy” calendar or did she just make that up? I like that girl’s underwear…. pink lace bra… very good taste.

  He walked up the steps into her house and slipped his sandals off by the door. Birdie called from upstairs, “Make yourself comfortable, I’ll be right down.” He closed the door and noticed he would need to put in new locks and an alarm system for her. Better wait to tell her that though, she might not take it the right way. The first floor was one big room, with a separate office and guest room off the kitchen. It looked like she’d done a lot of work on the house and it felt like a home. The floors were dark wood, the walls were painted white, and she had big photographs on the walls. The kitchen was large and open with a farm table set against the French doors that lead out into the back yard. Mark walked over to the book case that took up the long wall and noticed she liked to read. It looked like she read all types of books.

  He watched her walk down the stairs and felt his heart thump in his chest. She had changed into jeans and a sweater and put lip gloss on. She did that for me so she must like me and want to kiss me. Birdie walked towards him as if nothing had happened on the front lawn. Well, he could act polite too.

  “What can I get you to drink, Mark? I have beer, wine, a full bar?”

  “A beer would be great. You have a great house - how long have you been here?”

  “I’ve been here for about a year. My Grandmother left it to me, along with the flower shop and the building that it’s located in. The
house, as you can see is a work in progress, I’m about half - way done. I decided I’m staying in San Diego, so I’m going to finish all of the renovations.” She walked into her kitchen, “Please have a seat. I will get you some snacks to go with your beer, while I make dinner.”

  “I asked you out to dinner - you don’t have to make me dinner.”

  “I made my pasta sauce today because all of my tomatoes decided to ripen in the same week. I also have homemade meatballs and some rosemary rolls too. You said no one ever cooks for you, let me. I want to thank you for bringing me home last night.”

  “Thank you, but tell me first when I can take you out.”

  Tilting her head, she studied him, “Let’s just see how tonight goes. Then we can decide.”

  He sat down on the comfortable stool and felt a little uneasy. Why won’t she just go out with me? She kissed me back and enjoyed objectifying me.

  Birdie got him a cold beer and a plate of cheese and almonds and started moving around the kitchen getting the dinner ready. He sat back, and enjoyed the view of her working in the kitchen. She poured herself a glass of wine, flipped on her iHome and started getting the meatballs ready to put in the oven. “So Mark, how long have you been in San Diego?” This was something that he’d never experienced before. Only his Mom cooked for him - never a sexy beautiful woman. He felt damn lucky to be sitting in this seat, talking to Birdie and watching her cook.

  “I’ve been here for eleven years. I grew up in San Luis Obispo, went to Cal Poly and then came down and joined the Navy. I went through BUD/S here and I’ve been assigned to a team here since graduating. He took a drag of his beer and ate some of the cheese she put out for him. “I’ve been on loan to the teams on the East Coast a couple of times, but it was never a permanent assignment. What about you?”

  “I went to USD for my undergraduate and lived with my Grandmother during college. Then I moved back to Los Angeles to get my graduate degree at UCLA. I worked for a firm up there until I moved down here last year.” She handed him dishes and cutlery, “Can you set the table for me?” He got up and set the dishes on the big farm table that looked out over her garden. This woman has a real life and I want to be part of it…. the whole thing.

  “So is this what I’ve been missing out on when you have the guys over for dinner?”

  “I guess, but it’s no big deal. I never make anything fancy, I make a lot of it, but it is usually pretty simple.”

  “I’ve heard a lot about these dinners. I think it’s a big deal to the guys and I hope they tell you how much they appreciate it.”

  She stood with her back against the counter and thought about it, “They don't so much say it, as show it. Frisco and I have become good friends. I’m always trying to give him advice, which he ignores. But he helps me out at the shop when I have to move something around. Ace is a sweetheart - he helped me figure out the garden and showed me how to put it in this year. Blake introduced me to his brother who is my contractor and helped me go through the garage. Sam and Shane built new shelves in my shop last month. The guys have helped me out a lot more than I have helped them. I just feed them and make sure their bills are paid when they’re deployed.”

  He wondered how he’d missed out on all of this. Birdie had become family with the guys and he had no idea. She checked the oven and pulled the meatballs out, drained the pasta and added the sauce and tossed the salad. “I think we’re ready - I hope you’re hungry. Can you put the salad, bread and the cheese on the table for me?”

  He took the things over to the table and poured the water into the glasses. Birdie brought a huge bowl of pasta to the table, she served him a big plate and a much smaller one for herself. “Anything else we need?”

  He looked at the table and looked at her, “Perfect.” He made sure Birdie was seated and eating before he started. He took his first bite and couldn’t believe how good it was. “You are an amazing cook. I may have to marry you.”

  “You wouldn’t be the first person to say that. Don't worry - it usually wears off.”

  I don't think I’m going to get over this and I don't know how someone would. They talked during dinner and he couldn’t remember the last time he enjoyed talking to a woman so much. Maybe because he hadn’t spent a lot of time talking to them since he joined the Navy. This was a completely new experience. He hadn’t been on a “date” with a woman in over eleven years. It was true he had too many women over that time, but no one he could remember at the moment. He took her hand and held it and smiled into her eyes.

  She looked at his arms and hands and noticed his hands were big and had several nicks and scars. His arms and hands are sexy. That was one of her favorite things on a man - he had to have good hands. “Can I get you more pasta or would you like some dessert?” He’d eaten two large plates of pasta, several rolls and all of his salad. She was happy when someone ate at her table, it made her feel good. He made her feel very good in places she didn’t remember she had.

  He looked at his plate and couldn’t believe he ate so much. “I can't eat anything else. Thank you for the best meal I’ve had in a long time.”

  “You’re welcome, let me pack the leftovers for you.” She started to clean the table and Mark got up and helped clear. They stood side by side at the counter, then he took her hand and turned her towards him and pulled her in close. Dropping his lips to hers, he kissed her. I could kiss this woman for a long time and not get bored. She pulled back and looked up, “OK, I’ll go out to dinner with you.”

  He threw his head back and laughed, “Birdie, what made you decide in my favor? I hope it was the kissing?”

  “Well I wasn’t sure if I could handle you, but I guess I can. The kissing definitely helped. You can kiss, better than you can dance.”

  Thank god, I passed the kissing test. “When do you want to go out… tomorrow… Tuesday?”

  “Why so soon - what about next weekend?”

  “Why would I want to wait to see you? I like you, I want to see you and kiss you?” Is this how people dated? They wait around and play games… he didn’t play games. He saw her, he wanted her and she was going to be his. He just needed to get her on board with his plan.

  “I’m not available Monday or Tuesday - I have plans. But, I’m free on Wednesday and I would love to go out with you.”

  He stood up straight with his feet set apart and his shoulders set wide. “Birdie, who are you going out with?” She could feel the shift in his demeanor, he went from relaxed Mark to Commander Mark.

  She stood up straight and put her hands on her hips, “That’s not something you can ask me. That is none of your business. I don’t need to tell you anything. I’m free and single and you are not the boss of me.”

  “I know I’m not the boss of you. I just want to know who I have to get rid of if you are dating other guys.”

  She studied him and considered if the possibility of great sex was worth putting up with a bossy man. “I don’t know if going out with you is such a good idea after all. You seem bossy and I don’t like that. No matter how handsome you are.”

  “You think I am handsome? I’m a lot of things, but I don’t think handsome is one of them.”

  “Really, that’s what you got out of all of that? You didn’t hear, I don’t like bossy. You heard the good looking part - how is that possible?”

  “I heard you, I was just focusing on the good part first. I’m not trying to be nosy or bossy. I’ve not had a girlfriend since I was in college, so I may be a little rusty with dating etiquette. I spend all my time around the guys and I am used to being the boss. I know that I’m not the boss of you. I just want to spend time with you and get to know you. I want to get rid of any other guys who think they may have a chance.”

  “I’m not sure. I guess we could go out and see how it goes. But I don’t like bossy.” She pointed her finger at his chest, “There is only room for one bossy person and I am it!”

  Mark grabbed her finger and brought it to his mouth and kissed i
t. “Got it - you are the bossy one. Why do you get to be bossy and not me?”

  Birdie lost focus for a moment as she felt Mark bring her in close to his body. Her mind started to go blank and she shook it off. “I get to be bossy because I am the girl. I’m shorter, smaller and not as strong. If I’m the one being bossy it evens things out. If you were the bossy one, it would just be out of balance.” She looked up and put her arms out, “You’re almost a foot taller than me and you probably weigh twice as much as I do. I want to even out the playing field. By the way, don’t use your body to get your way. I’m supposed to be able to do that.”

  “What if I kissed you and ran my hand up your back? Would you still be able to be bossy?” He had his hand around her arm and was running his fingers up and down. “What do you want to be bossy about anyway?”

  “I would like to be bossy about things that I think of ….. when I think of them.” This man needed a lesson, she stepped up to him and stood flush against his body and pressed her chest into his. She slipped her hand underneath his shirt and heard him take a big breath in. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him gently on the cheek and whispered in his ear, “My mind is very clear. I feel like I can be all kinds of bossy, how is yours?”

  She kept her hand on his chest and ran her fingers back and forth, she let her other hand rest on the waist of his jeans with one finger inside. His brain went blank, he didn’t have any blood left in it. He couldn’t form a thought if his life depended on it. He blinked a couple of times and lied, “Birdie, my mind has never felt sharper.” She felt like a flash bang - good thing he had so much training recovering from them. She wiped out everything from his brain and all he had was muscle memory. He started rocking his pelvis into her and could see her eyelids close, she looked a little flush and her lips parted. She didn’t look like she could be the boss of anything.

  Birdie kissed him letting out a year of pent up desire, he took over the kiss and slipped his hand up the back of her sweater. Finally breaking the kiss, he pulled back, “Maybe we can take turns being bossy.”