For Liberty: A Red Hot and BOOM! Story Read online

  She wasn’t kidding when she said her place was right around the corner. She managed to rent a house on the large lake located in the center of town. I bet we’ll be able to see the fireworks from her yard.

  I know it sounds crazy, but as soon as I walk in, I feel like I’m home. Yes, it’s not my home necessarily, but with Libby and the baby near me, I feel this sudden, overwhelming sense of peace and serenity. I’ve spent way too long surrounded by people motivated by war and hatred. So, this small feeling of contentment makes me suddenly realize how homesick I’ve really been.

  I’m not even three feet into the door when Henry comes running up to me like seeing me every day is a normal occurrence.

  “Hey there, buddy,” I say as I kneel down for his wonderfully sloppy kisses. “Miss me that much, huh?”

  “You know he’d slobber all over you even if you just saw him five minutes ago,” Libby says with a laugh.

  “Yeah, but I sure missed these wet kisses,” I coo, allowing him to lick me a few more times before I get up and wipe his drool from my face with my sleeve.

  I watch with fascination as Libby bathes and feeds little Max to get him ready for bed. The little dude is out like a light before he’s even done eating, and I can tell she’s very good at all this baby stuff.

  She begins to lead me out of the room, and I suddenly panic. “We can’t just leave him alone in here, can we?” I whisper.

  Holding up a little speaker box-looking thing, she smiles and says, “Don’t worry, we can hear him if he wakes up. The boy can sleep through anything though. These fireworks tonight probably won’t faze him in the slightest.”

  Her confidence makes me feel a bit better as I follow her downstairs and into the kitchen to get a few beers. Fascinated by just the sight of her, I silently watch her body move as she bends over, pulls the bottles from the fridge, and pops the tops. The pressurized sound is loud amongst the silence between us, yet doesn’t seem to drown out the obvious sexual tension that’s beginning to build.

  My eyes continue to take her in while she carries both beers back up the stairs and I trail behind. And what a glorious behind it is. I’m thankful she can’t see my devious smirk as I stare at her ass.

  Walking through her bedroom, which I must say, smells divine, I watch her carefully as she stops at a set of French doors and looks back at me. Setting both beers down on a nearby table, she says, “You’re going to love this.”

  The sudden excitement in her eyes captures me. Opening the set of doors, she steps to the side and reveals what the sheer drapes had obscured moments before. I cautiously step beyond the threshold, worried my sudden movements will somehow make the sight before me disappear like a mirage.

  Standing upon a spacious, two-story deck, the scene beyond the wrought-iron railings is breathtaking. The moon is sitting high in the sky, causing sprinkles of light to glitter the surface of the lake. Various other neighbors, along with their children, play along the banks of the lake, sparklers in hand. A live band plays in the distance from the city’s public beach party. Even though we feel secluded up on her private deck, we can still see the whole town as they gather along the banks and wait for the community fireworks show.

  Taking a deep breath, I allow myself to enjoy the humid summer night air, thankful my lungs are no longer becoming clogged with the rough, sandy atmosphere I lived in for so long. Without realizing it, I make my way to the edge of the patio, my free hand gripping the railing as if my life depends on it.

  I’m beyond grateful Libby kept some of my clothes over the past year. Changing out of my uniform has me feeling somewhat normal again, like I am finally settling down in a comfy chair after a really, really long day of work.

  A soft touch against my shoulder makes me jump before I realize it’s just Libby—my Liberty.

  “Sorry,” she says, backing away. “I didn’t mean to—”

  “Don’t be sorry, love,” I soothe. Turning my back to the lake, I hold my hand out to her and make it obvious I want to feel her touch on me again. “C’mere.”

  Instead of easing her way toward me and slowly enclosing her hand in mine, Libby barrels into me, nearly knocking me back into the railing. Warmth spreads through my soul with the feel of her arms around my waist and her face pressed to my chest.

  “You okay?” she asks, her voice muffled against my shirt. Her question catches me off guard until she begins to explain herself. “I’ve never known you to be so skittish.”

  Kissing the top of her head, I try to find the words to explain how fucked up my mind is, even subconsciously. “I just... I haven’t felt your touch in so long. So, I’m just not used to anyone... ahh... touching me, I guess. I’d like to say it’s like riding a bicycle, but my mind isn’t quite processing things... well. It’s really hard to explain. I’ll be fine though. I’m definitely fine now that I’m here with you.” I finish off my rambling with another peck to the top of her head, pressing my lips into her hair and lingering there for a while, relishing the fruity smell.

  Looking up at me while keeping her arms wrapped around my waist, she grins and says, “I understand. Which is why I’m not going to let you go until you’re used to being near me again.”

  “That sounds like a great plan.” I can’t help but smile at this beautiful woman. Her breath tickles my lips with her close proximity—taunting me—daring me to close the distance. She’s like a delicacy, and I’ve been starved for way too long.

  With the need to taste her, I gently wrap my fingers behind her head and bring her lips to mine, touching them ever so slightly together.

  Just as our tongues touch, a damn firecracker booms above us, causing us both to jump with surprise and pull away. If it weren’t for the adorable smile on her face, my frustration would’ve been more obvious. But instead, my attention is brought to those luscious lips, her teeth lightly grazing the pink flesh—deliciously tormenting me.

  My palpable impatience makes her grin while we stand staring each other down. She knows just what she is doing to me—and fuck if that isn’t hot as hell. Her teasing act really has me wrapped around her cute little finger, and I am just aching to be wrapped around her entire body soon.

  The electricity between us is tangible with pent-up frustration. Apparently feeling more confident now that we are used to the loud noises, she slowly inches closer.

  Pressing her front to mine, she wraps her arms around my large frame again and trails her way up my back. The feel of her fingers caressing each contour of my muscular build through my shirt has me trembling with desire.

  She will soon find out just how much I want her.

  Chapter Nine

  Liberty

  Nuzzling my face in the crook of his neck, I inhale, filling my nose with his scent. Boldly, I let my hands creep beneath his shirt and begin to lift the soft fabric from his skin. I can feel every ridge of his taut abdomen as my fingers glide over his warm body. As if instructed to, Max reaches behind his neck and starts pulling his shirt over his head in that delicious way men do. Flinging the fabric into the opening of the doorway, he turns to face me, causing his dog tags to lightly clank against his chiseled chest.

  Tracing the chain around his neck with my eyes, I notice several scars covering his left shoulder. He tenses beneath my gaze, as if my eyes have silently insulted him. Without even thinking, I trace my fingers along the raised skin. Gouges and scar tissue litter the left side of his shoulder and arm—disappearing around his back. I continue my feathered assault along his marred skin, studying the injuries like they are a work of art.

  “I... it’s not—” he stutters, obviously self-conscious of his heroic war wounds.

  “Shh,” I lightly shush, letting him know he doesn’t need to explain right now.

  Feeling an overwhelming need to let him know he’s still beautiful, I slowly move closer and begin caressing his skin with my lips. His muscles shudder beneath me each time my mouth comes in contact with his now-healed injuries.

  Hooking hi
s finger beneath my chin, Max lifts my face to gaze into his eyes. His lips press to mine once... twice... the sensation of kissing him makes my head swim.

  I can’t help but chuckle as he wraps his arms around me and picks me up. Playful Max is always so much fun. Within moments, he’s on me. His lips push hard against mine, like he is dying of thirst and I am the last drop of water in his world. God, he tastes divine. His bare chest presses against me, making me wish I were also naked, skin on skin against this sexy man. The scratch of his rough stubble against my skin as he devours my neck causes a sensual moan to escape my lips, encouraging him for more.

  Wrapping my legs around him, I thread my fingers through his soft hair and hold onto him for dear life, needing him to be inside me. His mouth teasing my sensitive skin and his hips grinding against my heated core is clearly his way of returning the tortuous tease.

  “Libby?” he mumbles against my neck, as if asking for permission to something.

  “Yes, Max,” I whisper, almost unheard over the crackling fireworks overhead. Pulling away, but still allowing him to hold me, I look into his eyes and say, “I’ve been waiting way too long for you to come home to me. How about you fuck me now?”

  “Oh God, I’ve missed you. But there will be plenty of time for fucking. Now? Now, I want to make love to you the way you deserve to be loved,” he says, devouring my mouth again as he briskly walks into my bedroom while carrying me. I’ve always marveled at his strength to pick me up and lug me around. The muscle and dominance of the powerful act makes me putty in his hands.

  With a gentleness I’ve never experienced from him, he lays me down on the bed and stands before me, looking down up at motionless body.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he whispers while staring at me. The bright fireworks lighting the sky behind him makes his form look dark, potent, and oh so sexy.

  Placing his legs against the edge of the bed, he trails his hands over my body and begins to lift my tee with slow precision. With the distance between us over the past year, every touch seems foreign and new. Nervous flutters begin to consume me as his fingers graze the bare skin of my ribs.

  After my shirt clears my head, my hair falling to the side in a mess of waves, he stares at me some more. I’d never really felt self-conscious in front of this man before, but now that my body isn’t as fit as it used to be—a product of having a child—I suddenly feel out of place and fight the urge to cover myself.

  Without a comment or care for my lackluster appearance, Max presses his body on top of mine and tugs at the thick strap of my nursing bra. “I’m not quite sure what to do with this,” he says, attempting a joke to cover his discomfort.

  “Well, they better stay under wraps unless you want me to leak all over the place,” I kid in return. “I’m sorry. Must be really sexy, huh?”

  “You’re always sexy to me, sweetheart,” he whispers as he trails his fingers over my bare shoulder. The contact makes me shiver, in a good way, and I crave more of his touch. “I didn’t think I could love you more, but when I saw you caring for our child earlier, I thought my fucking heart would burst from my chest with adoration. You have no idea how amazing of a surprise it was to come home and meet him today.”

  Placing my hand on his cheek, I look him in the eyes and pray my emotions stay in check. “You don’t know how wonderful it is to hear you say that. I was so worried...” My voice trails off.

  My honesty is rewarded with another kiss, one that takes my breath away with its potency and passion. His tongue is warm and inviting as he silently pleads for me to open to him—to give him all of me. The light nibble on my bottom lip has me moaning against his mouth.

  With steady fingers, I trail my hands down the front of his gorgeous, toned body. I marvel at his chiseled chest and that sexy tattoo on his right pectoral of an American flag. Damn. His muscles aren’t overly large, but they are definitely perfect—very cut and defined.

  I grab onto his biceps, wanting nothing more than to feel his power.

  As he so skillfully overwhelms my mind and my mouth, his excitement presses into my side, causing me to involuntarily reach for him. My need to satisfy him consumes me with every push of his tongue against mine.

  A low growl escapes his chest as my fingers make contact with his hardened length through his shorts. Before I can manage a few sensual strokes, he backs away and slowly begins his descent, causing my skin to erupt in a constant flurry of crackling warmth and making me feel like the fireworks littering the night sky are suddenly being lit inside me. My back arches, seeking more of his attention as he continues descending down my body, starting from my neck, to my chest, over my ribs, until he reaches my belly. His lips feel like fire against my skin, caressing until he reaches the top rim of my jeans.

  “Right now, I plan to take care of you, sweet Libby,” he mumbles against my navel as fireworks continue to pop and sizzle just beyond the open doors. “I don’t think I could ever get my fill of you, but I’m hungry and crave the taste of you.”

  I don’t have a chance to respond before he begins to unbutton my jeans and peel them from my skin. Snaking his thumbs beneath the fabric, he slowly, methodically, slides them over my hips and down my legs, discarding them somewhere on the floor behind him. Gone are all the doubts and fears I have about my body. All I can think about is this starving man before me.

  He manages to remove my jeans and panties in one swift movement, leaving me bare except for my bra. Gliding his way back up my body, I hear him suck in a quick breath as he trails scorching kisses up my thighs.

  I feel so sensual as I lay in the moonlit room, fully disrobed in front of this man with eager desire in his actions.

  His feathered kisses pass over the most sensitive part of me—the part that aches for his touch—and he presses his lips against my stomach, just below my breasts. His face, all scruffy and unshaved, tickles me and causes a light giggle to leave my mouth. Responding to my tenderness, I feel him smile against my skin and stick his tongue out to lick me.

  I thrust my hips forward as I tilt my head back. My eyes flutter shut while I enjoy his sensual touch, his tongue, and those wonderful lips. The sharp, tantalizing feel of his mouth on me causes me to moan and writhe beneath him.

  Making his way downward again, his warm breath tickles over the small triangle of curls just above my wetness. He glides his hands under my thighs, grabbing the backs of my knees and pulling my legs over his strong shoulders.

  Then he begins to tease me, kissing my inner thigh. Out of pure reaction to being tickled, I start to close my legs, but he firmly pushes them apart again. Now he is really trying to drive me crazy with his breath so close to my sex. Just the thought of his tongue touching me is going to make me climax, especially after being away from him for so long.

  I moan so he knows just how ready I am for him. Remembering how much he enjoys tormenting me, I pick my head up and look at him positioned between my legs. Staring into his eyes, I say, “Max, I need you to stop fooling around and lick me already.” I know I sound very demanding, but I don’t care. I need to feel his warm mouth on me... now.

  His low chuckle quickly turns into a sensual growl as he uses his thumbs to separate my folds, exposing my sensitive area. The sensation of his tongue coming in contact with my clit sends electric currents up my body, through my belly, and to my breasts.

  Splaying his hand over my belly, he keeps me still and continues his assault with his tongue. I thread my fingers in his hair, tugging and letting him know just how amazing he is making me feel. The fact that I am attempting to last longer doesn’t seem to matter as the feel of his muscles tightening beneath my touch has my control ripping at the seams.

  Taking a breath, he murmurs, “Christ, I’ve missed your taste, Lib. So amazing.”

  As I tense and tighten my grip in his hair, he begins to move his mouth in such a way that threatens to shatter my resolve into a million pieces. I tremble uncontrollably—my legs shaking, my mouth dry, and my senses screamin
g for reprieve.

  “Oh, God,” I gasp as he continues to pleasure me.

  In response to my audible gratification, Max sucks my clit into his mouth and sends me over the edge.

  I moan helplessly as my orgasm starts to build and swell. My body begins to quiver as waves of pleasure ripple through me like an incoming tidal wave. Exquisite gratification bombards me and rains down over my body.

  My sob echoes over the room and I fight for breath as desire overtakes me, robbing me of my sense of reality.

  Max slowly rises up and looks at me adoringly before placing his soaked mouth at the center of my belly and kissing his way up my torso.

  Grabbing the back of his neck, I forcefully bring him to me and crash my lips to his. My kiss muffles his groan of pleasure, the sweetest sound of agony. My show of hunger for this man will never go unnoticed.

  “Mmm. You taste good,” I say as I lick the side of his mouth, knowing I will get an immediate reaction from him for my candor.

  “Fuck, Libby. I’m dying to be inside you,” he says as he grinds his hips into my center. The fact that he is still wearing his shorts is a problem that needs to be rectified.

  Gritting my teeth, I say, “Well, remove those damn shorts and take me.” I need him to know just how much I desire him—want to feel his warmth deep inside me.

  Sitting up on his knees, he begins to pull down his shorts and boxers. Within moments, his erection springs free and I can’t help but smile. He’s always been so perfect for me.

  My gaze fixes hungrily on his cock. I want to wrap both hands around it and taste him again. Later. There will be plenty of time for me to lick my Maximus lollipop now that he is home with me.

  Climbing over me, he settles between the juncture of my thighs. He then gently cups my cheek with his hand and looks into my eyes.

  “I love you more than words can express. The need I have to be near you is more potent than the need for my next breath.” His words are my undoing. I want him inside me, and I want him now.