To Love a Soldier Read online

  He just smirked as he drove onto the mall drive. We circled until we reached the theater. He got out and ran to my side to open my door for me before I could. He reached in and helped me out of the seat.

  “You know you don’t have to keep that up all night,” I told him.

  “Keep what up?”

  “Nothing. Never mind.” I backed out of the conversation feeling guilty that I thought he was only pretending to be a gentleman. I should really have known better, even in this short span of time. “Let’s get inside. Apparently, I have a show to put on for the moviegoers.”

  He put his large, heavy arm over my shoulders and pulled me in while we walked through the main doors. I unstuck myself from under his arm so we could fit in between the rope line that was set up to herd the customers to the register. John grabbed me and pointed towards the movie usher.

  “Well, since you already figured me out, I guess I should come clean again and tell you I already bought the tickets.”

  I followed his lead to where the teenage usher was collecting ticket stubs. John towered over him as he handed him our tickets. The usher’s hands shook as he ripped the tickets in half and handed John back the stubs.

  “Theater 9 on the right, sir.”

  “Thanks, buddy,” John said back as he casually slipped a tip into the usher’s coat pocket.

  We moved past the usher and got right on line at the concession stand. “You know you don’t need to tip an usher, right?” I asked.

  “I know. I don’t have to tip anyone,” he answered.

  Seriously? That was his answer? I wasn’t satisfied. “So, I’m curious,” I said with a smile. “Why exactly did you tip him?”

  “No particular reason. I just know what it’s like in a job that pays shit, and every little bit helps.”

  “I guess that’s true. I should know, being a waitress and all.”

  “If I have the extra money on me, I give it out. I guess it just makes me feel good.”

  “That’s really kind of you. Now go give some more out and get me some Razzles.”

  John got me my Razzles and bought himself popcorn and water. We took a straight path from the stand to theater 9. Normally, I’d be weaving in and out of the crowds and getting bumped around, but when I was under John’s arm it was different. The crowd seemed to divide around him as he walked, almost like Moses parting the Red Sea. It was amusing, but disappointing at the same time. It was strangers’ perceptions of John. He was certainly very big and formidable, but underneath it, he was the absolute gentlest man I’d ever known.

  As we walked into the actual theater, John stopped me before we got around the corner to enter the seating area. “You know we really don’t have to watch this movie if you don’t want to.”

  “John, I said it’s fine,” I assured him. “Come on, we better go in. It sounds like the previews are ending.”

  “Okay, then, time to show you off.” He wrapped his arm around me again, prominently displaying me like a trophy to the entire theater. As we cornered the wall to come in view of the seats, he let out a loud cough, clearly to get everyone’s attention. I was sort of embarrassed and raised my eyes to scan for a seat.

  I let out a roaring laugh at the sight. The theater was completely empty.

  “What the fuck?”

  “Epic fail, Johnny boy,” I said. “At least we’ll get a good seat.” I poked him in the ribs and ran up the stairs towards the top of the rows of seats.

  He followed and the movie started within seconds. We sat down, and I wrapped my arm inside his and leaned my head against him. About 45 minutes into the movie, though, I didn’t think I could take much more. John kept whispering about all the things the Army dudes in the movie were doing wrong. It was constant. “They wouldn’t do that” or “That would never work.” It was kind of starting to grate on my nerves.

  I turned my head and him a look.

  “I guess you wanna go, right?”

  “Only if you do.” I tried to be polite, but if he’d said no, I probably would’ve dragged his ass out of the theater. I really thought I could handle it, at least just for him, it was such a boring and just downright stupid movie that I couldn’t take any more.

  “Thanks for trying.” John laughed as he got out of his seat. “Come on, I have a plan B. It was more about getting to be seen with a hottie like you anyway.”

  Giving me his charming smile, he pulled me out of my seat and escorted me down the dimly lit staircase.

  Chapter Nine

  Test of Character

  Mandy

  We left the theater and drove about 100 feet, until we reached the mall parking lot. John pulled into a spot and shut off the car.

  “I’m taking you shopping,” he said.

  “Come on, John,” I said, feeling embarrassed. “You don’t need to do this.”

  “I don’t have to do anything, babe. I want to. Just consider it payback for the movie.”

  John always seemed so selfless. It was clear that helping and giving to other people truly did make him happy. The more time I spent with him, the more head over heels I felt for him.

  After walking around the mall for a bit, I realized there was no way I was just going to let him take me shopping and pay for anything. However, I did let him buy me cinnamon pretzel bites from Twists. They would probably ruin my appetite, but I could never resist them.

  John continued to bug me about getting something nice for myself, except for when we passed stores showcasing lingerie. Then he was dead silent and picked up his pace. I continued to decline, knowing it was most likely futile. The lingerie thing had me laughing inside, though; this big guy was clearly intimidated by it. Or, in true John fashion, it was probably just that he didn’t want to imply or offer to buy me that sort of thing because he was a gentleman. In true Mandy fashion, of course, I couldn’t resist…

  “I want to get something from Victoria’s Secret.” I purposely bit my bottom lip, just to make it that much more uncomfortable for him. His handsome face began to redden and he kept looking around, like a child nervous about being caught for something.

  “Um, okay then,” he stuttered. “I guess there’s going to be some lucky guy sometime.”

  Standing on my tippy toes, I got as close to his face as I could and ran my hand softly up the back of his neck. I pulled his face towards me, avoiding a kiss, which he desperately wanted.

  I whispered in his ear. “Then consider yourself one lucky guy, soldier.” I stuck my tongue out slightly and slowly ran it up his ear. I continued to whisper to him. “Pick out anything you want me to wear for you.”

  I dropped back down off my tippy toes and attempted to lead him in the store. He pulled back and grabbed my pretzel bag out of my hand and quickly held the bag in position over his crotch.

  “I need a minute here,” he said, half in humor and half in embarrassment.

  I took a finger and pulled the bag forward while peeking behind it. Apparently, I had done a good job of being a tease because pushing against his dress blues was his little soldier at full attention. Only the bulge was anything but little.

  Looking up at his blue eyes, my heart swelled as I smiled. “Sure thing, soldier boy,” I giggled.

  I gave him the time he needed to cool down by window browsing. After a few minutes passed, he came up behind me and gave me a hug. I really hoped he wasn’t going to shy away from my offer.

  “Damn you for that,” he said, still holding me from behind.

  “I’m sorry.” I leaned my head back to talk. “I just couldn’t resist.”

  “Well, I’m keeping you to your word.”

  “Good,” I teased. “I would never lie to a man in uniform, so let’s go pick something out.”

  We walked hand in hand into Victoria’s Secret. Holy shit, I think this was a big mistake. Right away, I noticed a bunch of women making their way to whatever section John was closest to. Each time he moved, they followed. From how these women were acting, you would have thought th
ere was a model show going on. I thought I was pretty for the most part and carried myself well, but being surrounded by all these beautiful, sexy women was a real test of my self-confidence. They were sure to visually inspect panties and nighties right in front of him. One woman even held up lingerie to her body to show off. Some would attempt basic eye contact, while others were more extreme and purposely bumped into him, hoping for an opportunity to talk.

  I was quickly losing my confidence and self-esteem among the crowd of hot-bodied women that clearly seemed to have a craving for the man I came in with. I had a feeling that John sensed my annoyance because he was never more than two feet from me at any given time. He was sure to keep his eyes glued on me and not let any of those women distract him. That helped to lighten my mood up, and I quickly gained my confidence back.

  “How about these?” I asked as I held up a pair of hot red, lace panties with matching bra set.

  “I think anything in here would look great on you,” he said loudly. “But what you’re holding up now is my pick!” he practically yelled as he pointed to the matching set.

  I laughed at him, “Okay, relax. You’re being loud and everyone’s looking.”

  “I don’t care. They think they’re sexy, but I want them to know what sexy really looks like,” he said as he wrapped his arm around me. By now a third employee scurried over to ask not me, but John, if there was anything she could help him with. I took a step back to see how he handled her.

  “Actually,” John said, pointing at me, “we’re here for her.”

  “That’s fine. Looks like she found something already. So, is there anything you’d like from me, sir?” she continued to press.

  Holy shit, is this a store or the new red light district? I couldn’t believe how these women were throwing themselves at him and making totally innuendo based comments. What the fuck?

  “Actually, now that I think about it, can you explain to me why it says PINK on the back of those blue sweatpants?”

  “Sir, those are NOT sweatpants!” she exclaimed, annoyed. “They’re comfort cool wear. It’s a brand.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know how important they are to you.”

  “Oh, it’s fine,” the bitch said, batting her eyelashes. “Are you sure there isn’t anything you’d like me to show you?” She asked in a last attempt to persuade John.

  “Nothing at all,” John said, brushing her off and turning towards me. “Unless you can show me how to win this gorgeous woman’s heart,” he finished, wrapping his arm around me.

  We paid at the register and got out of the store as quickly as we could.

  “I bet your ego is the size of a hot air balloon right about now,” I said, rolling my eyes.

  “I won’t lie; it’s nice to feel wanted, but believe me, I have no interest in any of them or their STD-coated offers.”

  All those attractive women practically throwing themselves at him and he says he has no interest. I found it hard to believe, but for some reason, I did believe him.

  “Don’t forget,” he said, pointing to his wristwatch. “We have dinner reservations at Julian’s soon.”

  Shit. I shouldn’t have eaten those pretzel bites! Now I’m not hungry.

  “Yeah, of course.” I was appetite less, but still excited to go. “I can’t wait.”

  Chapter Ten

  My Real Appetite Is For You

  Mandy

  Arriving exactly on time, John held the door for me and walked up to the hostess station.

  “Reservation for two under Kane,” he told the pretty girl. She checked her list and crossed off his name before grabbing two menus.

  “Right this way,” the pretty brunette said. At least she was professional and didn’t throw herself at him. It was a good start to dinner. “Franco will be your server. He will be right over.”

  John walked to my side of the table and pulled the chair out, before pushing it in and sitting across from me. He moved his seat a little closer to my side, which I thought was sweet. Franco was over and took our drink orders.

  I had wine. Lots of wine. John ordered a whole bottle for the table, and I couldn’t stop refilling my glass. I ordered a small salad and some shrimp and picked at it throughout the entire dinner. John did most of the talking. He got himself a large Surf & Turf meal and casually ate while telling me stories. He had so many stories from his boot camp days, along with being shipped overseas, and his buddies, and the areas he’d been to. He couldn’t always tell me details of where he went or what he did, but it was clear that he felt he had a purpose helping those who needed it. Towards the end of dinner, his happy mood seemed to dissipate.

  “…It’s been great to be home. I miss my mom and Liz so much while I’m away. A lot of the time, my missions don’t allow phone calls and it’s hard to feel so removed. When my mom couldn’t get through to me at first she called every high ranking person she could and they tracked me down. It was a no brainer that I needed to be here. In a way, I feel like I failed her. I should have been here to protect her and now this asshole is out on the streets again, and I have to go back. Don’t get me wrong, Brady seems like a really likeable guy, but a pussy. Then, I wasn’t expecting to meet you.”

  I put my hand on his. “I know. We don’t have to decide anything just yet. We have a little more time together before we need to go there, so let’s just enjoy the evening.”

  “I like you Mandy. Like really like you.”

  Seeing this big guy get flustered over me kind of cracked me up. I knew that our time together would be short, but memorable. Honestly, I didn’t know what the future held for us, and I was going to have to consider the possibility of it being a long distance thing. I wanted to take what we were building further. I can make this work. Can’t I? I have to make it work. When will I ever meet another guy as remarkable as John? What I did know was that I was really falling hard for him and, after such a fabulous night, I wanted nothing more than to keep it going. I made the decision that I was taking him home tonight. We got to his car and he put the key in the ignition. He stopped himself from turning over the engine and turned his head to look at me.

  “Mandy, I had such a fantastic night with you. You’re a special person, and I feel really grateful to have met you, not just because of what you did for Liz,” he gently kissed my hand. “Do you want to get a coffee or anything?”

  “No, thanks, I’m kinda tired,” I answered with a lie. I had no intention of going to bed anytime soon. I planned on spending my night fucking the hell out of him and, with any luck, hopefully making him breakfast.

  “All right, no problem.” He tried to hide that his face fell, but I caught it. “I’ll take you home,” he said, starting the car, and we were on our way. He resumed his storytelling, and I gladly listened, gaining insight on what had shaped this wonderful man next to me. It was almost 10 when we pulled into my driveway. He left the car running, got out, and walked around to open my door for me.

  “Can I walk you to your door?” he asked. I appreciated and actually admired all this gentleman stuff, especially because it seemed to be a rarity nowadays, but I wasn’t going to let it cock block me. As he came around the car, I grabbed his keys and shut it off. I stepped out, and he closed the car door behind me.

  “You’re wasting gas.” I couldn’t come up with a better excuse as I handed him the car keys.

  He laughed. “I guess you’re right. Every little bit helps, right?”

  What was with this every little bit helps bit he says? First the usher with slipping him the tip and now 30 seconds of saving gas.

  “What’s with that?” I had to ask. “Every little bit?”

  “I’ve been witness to a lot of things while serving, but if you’ve known real struggle more than you’d like, then you would know just what a little bit in many different meanings would have. I won’t cry or whine about what I couldn’t or didn’t have growing up. What these people consider living conditions is insane. Even what we have is far from the Ritz.�
� He was solemn as he looked away.

  “I guess I can’t really complain,” I told him. “But I do know struggle. My grandparents raised me. My Gramps died from a heart attack when I was eleven, and my Grandma Kat passed away when I was twenty, so I’ve been on my own the last five years trying to make ends meet.” I couldn’t help but feel slightly offended.

  “That’s not exactly a struggle. You have a good life, Mandy. Trust me,” he gave a half smile. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, or imply anything. I could spend days telling you stories.”

  “It’s fine, really. Apology accepted, and I would love to hear them sometime, but I have a feeling they’re not warm and happy, so tonight I’ll pass.” I grabbed his hand and led him to my front door. Unlocking and opening the door, I turned to face him. He looked like he was unsure what to do. I took his hand and pulled him inside behind me.

  “I need to be honest,” I confessed. “I lied about being tired. I really just wanted to get you home with me.”

  “Mission accomplished,” he said, sounding relieved. “That reminds me of…”

  I sprang onto my tippy toes and planted my lips on his before he could start telling me another story. The kiss quickly became passionate. He kicked the door shut and swooped me off the floor with ease, cradling my body in his arms and looking around.

  “Bedroom’s that-a-way,” I said, pointing up the stairs. He carried me up and gently laid me on my bed. I grabbed my throw pillows from behind my head and tossed them out of the way.

  “I’m going to fuck you like you’ve never been fucked before, soldier. But I’ll be nice and ask you to take off your uniform, so it doesn’t get messed up.”

  John stepped back, grinning, and started undressing. First his jacket, then his dress shirt, which he neatly hung over the back of my chair. I just sat on the edge of my bed enjoying the show. It was like having my own Chippendales dancer in my room, except this one I was going to have my way with.

  “Shake it, bitch,” I shouted playfully, as he pulled his dress pants off. Boxer shorts and a very tight undershirt were all he was left with. I couldn’t wait to see what he had underneath, especially since I had caught a glance earlier.