Thirteen
Around One Month Later
I was sitting at the kitchen table, staring into space. A habit I had fallen into ever since Nixon had left.
Some days, I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience. Either that or I wasn’t in my own skin but someone else's entirely. I was a stranger to myself; just floating around and staring down at that sad little shell of a person. The more coherent part of me wanted to shake that girl, yell at her, and tell her to get a grip.
I was barely functioning, having majorly lost my way and I didn’t feel like I belonged in any room I was standing in. I was slowly having a meltdown of vast proportions.
After Nixon had gone, the days seemed to pass by so slowly. I spent most of my time fantasising about him. Eventually, I managed to force myself into a routine, helping my parents in the office and sorting my bedroom out, but I was still miserable. My original excitement about starting college in September had vanished, replaced by a morbid feeling of loneliness and failure. To be honest, my ambition and confidence to do anything had slowly drained away. If I couldn’t make my marriage work, how on earth would I be able to do anything else right?
During those instances when I ran into one of Nixon’s brothers, they were civil, well, Mason and Seth were. Boyd just looked uncomfortable.
I wondered if Nixon had said anything to them. They obviously knew something was off as I’d only been back to the house once to collect some toiletries. Maybe Nixon had explained to his brothers that I would stay with my parents whilst he was away? He certainly wouldn’t have wanted them to know our business. Nixon was a private person and had never shared the details of our relationship with his brothers. Not that I was aware of anyway.
I briefly flicked through my book, recalling the events of that first, painful week. Scarlet had come to see me and promised that nothing had happened between her and Nixon. I’d listened to what she had to say, offering her a cup of tea like the polite girl I was and then she had left. Eventually, I accepted I was wrong. Nixon had never slept with Scarlet that night. I had used that as another excuse to extricate myself from having to remain at his house alone for weeks on end. I knew that now.
Once I’d admitted this to myself, I marginally managed to pull myself together. I bought myself a new iPhone, as my father had my old one and I ported my original number, which in turn made my last phone defunct. Loads of messages appeared from some of my friends and a few from Charles, but there was nothing from Nixon.
One day in my father’s study, I found my old phone and saw that Nixon had tried to contact me. This gave me hope and made me more determined to drag myself out of the rut of my making.
I took out some self-help books from the library and spent quite a bit of time in my room reading and learning from other people’s mistakes.
As I continued to toy with the cover of my latest book, I flicked a crumb off the kitchen table and thought about what Seth had texted me last night.
Nixon was coming home, at last. It had been almost four weeks since I had seen him. And this time, it would be permanent. He’d worked off his notice period and would never return to the army. Excitement had momentarily burst from my chest before my fear had clawed it back in again.
What if he no longer wants you? I pushed away the thought. Lately, I let fear dominate every aspect of my life. But enough was enough. I had to get my grit back .
When I’d entered the kitchen, it had been empty which was a surprise, usually, this was the room in the house which was bustling with energy.
My mother had left a note to say she’d gone to Norwich and my dad would of course be working on the farm. I wasn’t sure where everyone else was.
Amy was still working at Kiplings Stables and now had a boyfriend whom she’d met at work. So, she was probably there. His name was Alex and he was one of the nice guys. I was surprised by the match to be honest as he seemed rather tame for Amy’s fiery standards. I was glad that she had someone though. It took some of her focus off me.
I would keep discussions about Nixon to a minimum with all my family members as they were all determined to keep us apart when he returned. Amy spoke about my marriage like it was already over and I had left him when that so wasn’t the case. I certainly wasn’t done yet. Marriages took work but no line had been drawn in my eyes.
As I sat there, fingering my wedding rings, Amy burst into the room like a whirlwind.
She asked me something about Chrissy but I was too busy thinking about Seth’s news.
Her phone banged down on the table, dragging me from my reverie, “Jenna,” she prompted, throwing herself into a chair opposite. I decided to give her the news. I knew it wouldn’t be welcomed.
“Seth McKenna texted me to say Nixon is coming home,” I began softly, testing the water.
Colour immediately etched a line of annoyance across her face and she leaned back in her chair and shot me a pointed look. Her tone was bland, “It doesn’t matter Jenna. It’s over . Remember all the horrible things he said before he left.”
I turned away from that sharp stare and glanced out of the window again. I always found that look the hardest to deal with from Amy .
“Maybe things will be different this time. Marriages take work, don’t they?” I pointed out, turning back to face her.
A thought then occurred to me, “We could live here instead? Without all the male hormones. He’s so different when he’s not around his father and brothers.”
Amy being Amy then delivered her usual lecture about how Dad wouldn’t allow it and that Nixon wasn’t welcome at our place any more. The interesting thing was that I had never heard our father say that. State that Nixon wasn’t welcome. It was more like Amy had put those words into his mouth. She had always had a serious vendetta against the McKenna boys.
The discussion that followed was more of the same. Amy stated how he should have taken me with him on tour if he really loved me. She didn’t have a clue what she was talking about. Soldiers rarely took their wives to hostile countries; it just wasn’t safe. Amy also reminded me that I’d felt stifled at his house and how Nixon had been so controlling. She basically didn’t pull any punches and just recapped those harder times.
I didn’t care what she said, I needed him back in my life.
Fiddling with the spine of the book as a distraction, I looked at Amy and told her what I knew would happen.
“He’ll come to me; I know he will,” I informed her.
She immediately gave me my instructions on how to deal with that, “And you have to be strong enough to say no. I just can’t see you hurt again, Jen,” my sister said in a firm, frustrated voice.
After delivering her last sentence she changed the subject which I was thankful for. We spoke briefly about something Amy had heard about Chrissy and a boy at the village fair and about Mattie recently coming out. I had known for a while of course, but now everyone knew and he was like the new trendy addition to the Taylor-Joy family .
We spoke about Vicky and how my riding lessons were going. I could now gallop and was looking forward to showing Nixon my progress. That’s if he even wanted to see it.
I’d asked for space and I had it. And, out of that, the biggest thing I had come to realise was that I had hated it. Hated that space.
Later that evening, I was toying with what to do. My family usually all ate supper together, but Amy was going out with Alex. He was taking her to a pub that had been refurbished in Necton, the village next to ours.
There had been an odd atmosphere in the house when Amy brought up Alex, especially coming from Mattie, but I put this down to the fact that maybe he didn’t like him.
As Amy had given her excuses for supper, I did the same and said I was going out with Charles. Which was of course a lie. Something I was getting good at. I hadn’t spoken to Charles much at all during Nixon’s absence, it would have felt like I was betraying him after what I had threatened.
Then the text had come and hope bloomed in my chest. I spent some time in my bedroom, making myself look extra pretty. I had received a message from Nixon earlier that day.
You know where I’ll be if you want to talk. That was all it said and my heart had jump-started, that frozen numb feeling in my bones melting with the heat of my excitement.
I’ll be there.
I showered and appropriately groomed myself everywhere . I then pulled on black lace underwear, the sexiest I owned. I left my hair loose and pulled on a black dress with white polka dots on it. It was fitted with spaghetti straps and flared slightly at the waist, falling just above my knee. My feet, I pushed into sandals .
I checked myself in the mirror, the darkness of the dress made my skin glow almost translucent and my hair looked like golden fire as it fell in waves down my back. I’d lost weight, and the bones of my hips jutted out which wasn’t nice.
After one last look, I made my way out of the house, ready to meet Nixon in secret. That fact made it even more exciting. To be doing something others thought I shouldn’t.
When I arrived at the pool, the river was flowing quite fast as there had been a bought of summer rain recently. This always made the water level higher. I searched around the area. It was still a nice evening and the sun warmed my skin.
I hadn’t visited the pool that much over the last few weeks as it had made me feel depressed.
Lowering myself onto the cool grass, I pulled my knees up to my chest and waited.
I had not been sitting there long until the telltale beat of a horse's hooves drumming in the distance filtered into my ears. It reminded me of the first time we had met. That sound caused a huge wave of relief to rush through my chest.
Nixon. He had come. Just as he said he would.
I pushed to my feet, the scratchy grass tickling my toes and I shielded my eyes from the sun with the palm of my hand.
That anticipation I felt at seeing his face was strong, almost painful. With my other hand, I smoothed down my dress and realised that my hands were shaking. I shouldn’t be nervous, not really. I attempted to regulate my racing heartbeat.
Now that his time in the army was through, would Nixon slowly be able to start to bury that darker side or would it remain with him always? Would he come back to me hard and cold or caring and attentive, with that softer side I loved so much? It didn’t matter really, I loved Nixon and all his sides. You had to take the rough with the smooth. He had been through a tragedy, one that had changed his life forever and he would probably never get fully over it. It didn’t make any difference to me now; his imperfections made him even more beautiful.
The sound slowed as the rider negotiated his horse through the trees and I saw him for the first time in weeks. Weeks that had felt like months. Nixon McKenna, my husband, and the love of my life.
He still looked magnificent , sitting so confidently on his mount, the reins in one hand. His eyes glittered as they fell on me and a slight smile tugged his mouth. He was pleased to see me, I knew it! I moved forward, my feet having a mind of their own, bringing us closer together. He steered Shadow through the water as he had done that one time before when he had attempted to scare me off. How far we had come since then.
I resisted the urge to rub my eyes at the sheer sight of him. Nixon hurriedly dismounted, pulling off his leather riding gloves and carelessly dropping them to the ground. His eyes were glued to mine as he moved toward me with a quick, determined stride. His thighs flexed in the faded denim jeans he wore and his tee was pulled tightly over the muscled expanse of his chest. A place I had kissed every inch of. God how I had missed him.
I fluffed my hair back over my shoulder as we met halfway and his gaze drank me in, roaming all over my body, taking in my dress, my hair, and my face.
Staring at his mouth, heat pumped through me; Nixon’s lips were made for me. My voice dropped low and I went in for the kill, “Don’t speak, just kiss me,” I instructed, my voice unusually husky. His faint smile shifted into a sexy slant as he stopped, his eyes searching my face. My breath hitched as he raised his hands and cradled my jaw and I inhaled taking in his scent. It was musky and it called to every part of my body. Anticipation exploded inside me.
“Whatever you say, my love,” he whispered before lowering his head and placing his mouth on mine. And… BOOM! My heart went off like a rocket, that yearning need I had felt for weeks was suddenly being fed .
The kiss was firm and demanding. He devoured me, almost like it was intended as a punishment for our time apart, but it soon softened into a sensual caress. The inevitability of it was sweet and sharp. It blew every thought from my brain.
My mouth opened automatically to allow in the thrust of his tongue and I pushed myself up and further into him, crushing my breasts against his chest. I was on my tiptoes, my hands in his hair and Nixon growled into my mouth and deepened the kiss.
My happiness was in his hands as desire flooded into me and I literally wanted to climb up his body. The kiss became more passionate and frenzied and I’d have gladly allowed him to push me down onto the softness of the grass and do whatever he wanted with me right then.
This man owned me, body, and soul, always had. We owned each other. How I had missed him, this . The heat between us was amazing, a crippling chemistry that nobody else would ever understand. Nixon would always hold my heart.
Eventually, he slowly lifted his head, those dark eyes of his, boring into me. His face was lined with desire and passion, and I sensed that he was almost undone. His breathing was laboured and husky
Time passed by unnoticed, we were so wrapped up in each other.
I ran my tongue across my lips, savouring that tingling sensation and his eyes darted to that area, forcing his mouth back to mine once more.
Desire shafted through me, a rush of sexual excitement as heady as any drug.
Nixon released a drawn-out, growl of self-denial as he dragged his mouth away and placed his forehead against mine, “Stop doing that or I’ll have you on your back in the next second,” he warned in a dark, thick, desire-fuelled tone. I noticed his voice was also slightly slurred. Like he was drugged on me and I loved it.
“Welcome home Mr McKenna,” I whispered against his mouth, his lips hovering over mine. Nixon then lifted his head and stepped back. My arms dropped to my sides and he ran his hand over my hair tenderly. The kiss had shaken me.
“It’s good to be home, Mrs McKenna,” he replied with raw emotion, staring at me with new eyes.
His use of my married name made me smile. Happiness must have been shooting from every pore. I felt so giddy I was surprised I hadn’t broken out into a full-on dance of glee.
“I’ve missed you, so fucking much,” Nixon rasped, dragging me back into his arms and placing his chin on my head. His arms held me loosely.
“Me too. I was worried. I hated the no-contact thing,” I confessed.
He pulled away and looked down at me, “I did try and message you but we were in the middle of nowhere and to be honest, it was probably for the best. You are a distraction, always have been and I needed to focus. Get my shit done.”
Nixon placed his hands on my bare shoulders and massaged the flesh there suddenly looking sorrowful, “I’m so sorry, Jenna. I behaved like such a dick. I was so wrapped up in my own shit that I didn’t realise you were struggling. Please forgive me.”
I didn’t let him take all the blame, “It wasn’t an easy situation. Plus, it didn’t help with everyone sticking their ore in and then the Scarlet thing. It was just a build-up,” I said in agreement.
“ Nothing happened, you do know that don’t you? Between Scarlet and me I mean,” Nixon said, looking down at me, his arms moving to my waist.
“Yes, of course. At first, I was shocked and angry but I realised eventually. Scarlet did come to see me to explain, but I knew before then that you would never have done that to me. It just didn’t help that Boyd used to say things to me about you and her too. To wind me up. ”
“He what ?” Nixon said as his brow threaded. He sounded surprised, but of course, he would, I had never told him anything about what his brother had said to me. Maybe I should have been more open about that.
“That little fucker,” Nixon cursed, stepping back, and dashing his hands down his face. He hadn’t shaved but I loved the rugged look.
“ Please , don’t get angry about it, it’s water under the bridge. He’s been better toward me since you left. Almost regretful.”
“You should have said something,” Nixon said with a tilt of his head as he assessed my expression.
“I didn’t want to create trouble. Things were already strained. Boyd called me Yoko Ono for goodness’s sake.”
Nixon huffed, “For fucks sake, he’s such a little twat. He probably doesn’t even know who that is.”
I smiled, “Anyway, it’s done now,” I said, beaming up at him. Love oozed from every pore. He looked so handsome and was even more tanned from the sun. I was so pale in comparison.
Taking another step back, Nixon got serious, “Will you come home with me then? I need you tonight, Jenna.”
“It depends where home is,” I replied, not wanting to make it too easy.
“Home with me, to my place,” he said hopefully.
I pursed my lips before I asked for clarity, “So, you want me to move back into your house again, with your brothers and all that?”
“Yes, it will be different this time though. Please , Jenna,” his voice was almost pained.
I knew there was no other alternative and I just wanted to be with him. I would probably have moved into a shed if he’d asked me to, “I will. But I do wish we had somewhere of our own,” I whispered.
Nixon ran one hand down my cheek, reassuring me that it wouldn’t always be this way. “One day we will have our own place, but I can’t leave now, not with Mitchell being in the state he is in. Mason can’t run things single-handedly and it’s hard to find honest hardworking farm hands at the minute. You do understand that, love. Yes?” Him calling me love made my heart sing.
“OK, I’ll come back with you. I really want it to work, Nixon, properly this time, no more back and forth.”
He nodded his head in agreement, “Me too. Look, fuck it. How about I build us a house, separate from the main building. It would be ours and I could still oversee the business?”
A surge of exhilaration whooshed through my body at those words, “Really? We could do that?”
“Why not, we’ve plenty of land. You’d be close to your family too,” he pointed out, his face lifting with the idea.
“Oh my God, I love that idea and yes, of course, I’ll move back for a while. I want to be wherever you are Nixon.”
“Fucking music to my ears, the thought of you back where you belong.”
I moved away and started to pace, pushing my hair out of my eyes, the sun had started to set. A thought came into my mind and I turned to my husband.
“Look, my parents are due to go away. Would you speak to my father and try and resolve things first? Before we tell them about us again? Amy told them everything about that night and they were not impressed as you can imagine.”
He exhaled, his nostrils flaring, “She really does hate me, doesn’t she?” I watched as he pinched the bridge of his nose before he straightened and said, “Yes, of course. I’ll speak to Adrian. Make it right.”
He tugged me into his arms again and kissed my nose.
“Are your brothers glad you’re back?” I questioned.
He grimaced, “Not sure, I haven’t seen them. They’d left for the pub when I got back this evening. I thought I would be tied up at the base for a couple more days but got everything done quickly. They aren’t expecting me for another day or so, so it will be a surprise. A good one, I hope. I haven’t had much contact with them either. Signal was shocking, even when we left the dead zone.”
“Well, as I said, my folks are going away. Would you stay with me at mine for a bit and help me move the rest of my things across in stages? So, it isn’t as stressful as last time,”
“Your sister was the one who made it stressful the last time,” he pointed out.
“Yes, and she will again if I go all out and do it in one fell swoop. If we do it bit by bit and squirrel stuff over, I can then break it to her gently,”
He took a moment to ponder that before he replied, “OK.”
“Wow, that was quick. You didn’t use to be so agreeable.”
He raised his eyebrows, “Maybe I’ve learned a lesson. Give and take. I can’t expect to have it my way all the time. Most of the time of course,” he said with a grin.
There was a beat of silence as we stared into each other’s eyes. Like the stuff you see in romantic movies.
Nixon lowered his head, “Jenna, I want you, any way I can have you.”
I grinned, raising my face to his, “You shouldn’t tell me that, as you said before, it gives me power over you.”
He placed a soft kiss on my lips before lifting his head, “You already have it, have always had it,” he confessed before sweeping me up into his arms. He walked over to Shadow, his mouth fusing against mine. I sank against him as he carried me. He was so strong, I felt as light as a feather. He lowered me gently to the ground for a moment whilst he collected his gloves and pulled them on.
The sun was setting and the clouds cast shadows across the grass, it was so romantic. Nixon then lifted me onto his horse's back. I had to pull my dress up which exposed my thighs as my husband climbed up behind me. As he settled himself, he ran his hands up my bare legs, sending a tingle all over the skin there.
“Nice,” he whispered against the shell of my ear. “You smell amazing. ”
I leaned back against his chest as he reached around me for the reins. Those strong arms of his made me feel safe, “I think I like you in black, it’s sexy. Or is this a mourning outfit because you missed me so much?” he said with an arrogant smirk, I couldn’t see it but I could feel it.
“You need to see the whole outfit before you comment, Mr McKenna,” I purred as I gripped the pommel.
Nixon dug his heels in and Shadow started to move, “There’s more? I can hardly wait,” he husked.
We took the back route which led us over the bridge and toward the barn. He didn’t stop there and I was relieved. It was a special place to me, it being the location Nixon had proposed but the temperature had dropped and it wasn’t quite warm enough. And I so needed to be back in his bed. Smell his scent on the sheets.
“So, you’re not going to have your wicked way with me in the barn then?” I said twisting my head to the side, against his chest.
“No way. Tonight, you will be back in my bed, where you belong,” he stated, his deep voice resonating.
When we got back to the house, it was in darkness. The boys must still be out at the pub and I was thankful about that. I wasn’t really in the mood to face them just yet or let any opportunity dampen Nixon and I coming back together again.
Nixon dropped me off at the bottom of the porchway into the house and gave me his key. He’d dismounted first and then lifted me off the horse as if I was as delicate as China.
“You go up, are you hungry? I could whip us up a snack?” Nixon questioned, looking down at me. Shadow swished his tail, a signal of his impatience. He would need to be put down for the night and fed.
“How about, you settle Shadow, and I’ll sort us something to eat. We could have a bedroom snack? How does that sound? ”
“Pretty good, then we can skip dessert. What do you say?”
My cheeks heated at the suggestive undertone, “Yes please,” I said with a grin.
Nixon dropped a kiss on the end of my nose and then led Shadow away towards the stables.
Racing up the stairs, I unlocked the door and turned the lights on. It was cold and had that empty feeling, as though it had been stood for a length of time without anyone living there which was odd. Surely the boys and Nixon’s parents would have been there over the last few weeks.
Making my way over to the kitchen, I realised nothing had changed. There were still pots in the sink and crumbs on the side. It appeared that their kitchen had been altered whilst Nixon was away. It was a large space, with shaker-style units the colour of chestnuts and the large central island had been removed. I imagined this was to allow more space for wheelchair access. Mitchell wasn’t a cripple yet but he did spend a lot of the time in his chair.
I quickly washed the pots and then made my way to the fridge, hoping there would be something for me to use. The boys were never that good at restocking it. Melanie and Mitchell usually ate frozen meals that were specially prepared.
Luckily, I found some cheese and ham in the fridge which I placed on a tray. I also grabbed some cherry tomatoes and added some brioche rolls and a large bag of crisps.
I also added a couple of beers from the cooler. As I surveyed the feast, I felt quite proud of myself. Not exactly fit for a king but it would keep us going.
The kitchen door rattled suddenly, startling me. I hadn’t expected Nixon to have finished with Shadow that quickly.
Twisting my head, I turned to see the door open and the boys bustled in. I felt a sinking feeling but managed to plaster a smile on my face.
“Jenna!” Seth said, coming toward me and pulling me in for a hug. I was surprised but I accepted it. Mason and Boyd shuffled in behind him. I could smell that they had been drinking .
Seth was suddenly pulled backwards off me as Mason grabbed him by the back of his tee, “So, I guess Nixon got back early. We saw his car out back,” he said as he manoeuvred a tipsy disgruntled Seth to one side.
I nodded, “Yes. He just missed you guys he said. He’s settling Shadow.”
Mason’s eyes roamed over me and his expression was comforting. He appeared pleased to see me.
“You had fun at the pub?” I questioned, filling the silence. Both Boyd and Seth watched the exchange quietly.
“Absolutely loads. At your sister’s expense though,” Boyd said shamelessly.
Mason elbowed his brother in the ribs, “Shut it dickhead,” he then turned back to me and pushed his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “She can take it,” he pointed out to soften the blow.
The brothers shot each other a look and I just smiled. I certainly had no intention of getting involved in that war and I knew Amy could look after herself.
Mason sniffed, dashing a hand across his nose before saying, “Anyway. We’ve missed you.” He then peered around my body at the tray of food. “And to think you made me a snack too. You’re the perfect sister.”
Gently moving me aside, he pinched a cherry tomato, popping it between his lips and glancing back to see my expression. Mason was too quick and got away with it.
“Oy!” I playfully slapped Seth’s hand as he attempted the same.
I could feel Boyd to the side of me, lingering awkwardly and I turned to give him a smile. I didn’t want any bad blood. What was the point? This was a new beginning for all of us.
Mason and Seth shot each other a look before saying something about an American Football game and they shuffled out of the kitchen, leaving Boyd and me alone .
I chewed my lip as Boyd moved to lean his back against the kitchen counter. He looked different, less pristine, but they had been out at the pub drinking.
“I’m glad you’re back Jenna. Believe it or not, but it’s been as cold as fuck living here without you to torment.”
His words were genuine and not threatening, even with the torment comment, “It’s good to be back. I’ve missed this place too. And not just because of Nixon.”
This was met with silence and Boyd watched me through narrowed eyes.
I shrugged and motioned with my hands around the space, “We did have some laughs, didn’t we?” I questioned, my eyes searching his face. “It wasn’t so bad having a girl living here?”
Boyd exhaled noisily and then took a step toward me, looking down into my upturned face. I could see he regretted his past actions and what he said next just confirmed that.
“I’m sorry Jenna. For making your time with us shit. I was just jealous and you were so sweet, an easy target,” he explained, two dimples which I had never noticed appearing on his face. He was such a handsome guy, especially when he wasn’t scowling.
“Thank you, Boyd, that means a lot.” My reply was immediate as this was one apology I had never seen coming.
“My brother is a lucky guy. You really are the most perfect thing I’ve ever seen.”
“I’m not perfect, Boyd,” I reassured him.
He dashed a hand across his face, “I don’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. What I mean is that… I’m proud to have someone like you in my life, as my sister.”
His words impacted me massively. Boyd had been the biggest thorn in my side whilst I had lived there. If he was OK with it then so was I.
“That makes me really happy, Boyd. ”
“So, you’ll have me then, as a brother?”
Nodding I said, “Yes, absolutely.”
He flexed his shoulders, “You do get that I will always be a pain in the arse though. That’s just the way I’m made,” he explained with an apologetic cringe.
I laughed. At least he was being honest. Irrespective of his sorry, I couldn’t imagine him behaving for long. But I was stronger now and I would give as good as I got.
“I get that.” At my words, he stepping into my space in a non-aggressive, friendly way and kissed me on the head. I felt such a sense of relief. It was like another box had been ticked.
“I can’t say I’m going to go easy on your little sister though. Fuck me, she’s a handful,” he scoffed. I wasn’t worried about that. Fill your boots.
I thought of her battle with Mason. Boyd worshipped Mason and probably disliked Amy because of how she treated his brother. Years of pranks had certainly built up.
“By all means. Amy can take care of herself,” I replied honestly.
Nixon suddenly came in through the front door, obviously realising the guys were back and bellowed through the house, “So, what the fuck did I miss?”
That empty cold feeling in the house was then smashed away as the atmosphere became charged as all the brothers joined each other in the hallway. Boyd squeezed my shoulder with his hand affectionately before he moved passed me and grabbed Nixon in a bear hug.
They all did that man-hug banging each other on the back thing, smiles on their faces, and an occasional playful punch to the stomach. It was great to see, Nixon’s face was animated. He was happy to be home.
“Well, there’s a fight set up, Friday night. Mason’s up,” Boyd said to Nixon before twisting toward me, “Just FYI! For Nix, in case he wants to referee of course.” He was reassuring me that he wasn’t trying to lure Nixon back into their fighting club again and I was thankful for that .
“Jenna, I’ll join you upstairs in five if that’s OK,” Nixon called out to me as I watched them from my position leaning against the doorframe into the kitchen. My smile was wide and I nodded and collected the food tray.
The boys all shouted goodnight as I made my way up the stairs.
When I got to the bedroom I would once again be sharing with Nixon, I noticed his case in the corner of the room. I disregarded it, that was a thing of the past. It appeared that he’d put fresh sheets on the bed, grey ones that I hadn’t seen before. My nightie was also laid out there next to the robe he hated so much. That made me smile, he was already trying to make me feel more comfortable before I’d even arrived back. My heart swelled in my chest.
I placed the tray of food I had collected on the top of the dressing table and popped into the bathroom to freshen up.
When I came out, Nixon was leaning with his back against the closed bedroom door. He had removed his top and stood there in faded jeans. His feet were bare. My eyes roamed over that perfect chest I had missed so much. He was darker now, tanned by the sun.
His stare was a furnace of emotion that blasted into my core. I moved towards him, tilting my head to the side, viewing him with hungry eyes.
As I stopped beside the bed, I motioned the night clothes, “I thought you hated that dressing gown?” I began, my voice soft and husky. The thought of being in Nixon’s arms again was making my insides churn with need.
“I do. But I also love taking it off you,” Nixon said and shoved off the door. His walk towards me wasn’t rushed, it was lazy but determined. He looked over my body and that expression should have melted my clothes off me.
Before he could take the initiative, I placed a hand out to stop him in his tracks and he obeyed. I then pulled the dress up over my head and stood before my husband in the black lace knickers and bra which I wore beneath. It was totally see-through .
Nixon’s stopped, his eyes pooling with desire and his breath caught in his chest. Lust started to pump through my body as he undressed me further with his eyes.
“Fuck me, how I’ve missed you,” Nixon’s voice was deep and husky and it spoke to that special place between my legs, almost like he was already stroking me there.
As we stood together, in Nixon’s bedroom, it felt like we had never been apart. My skin felt extra sensitive and my nipples peaked as my husband ran his hands over my shoulders and down my arms. His body was hard and searingly hot, pulsing against mine with naked desire.
I sucked in a breath and moved to the buttons on his jeans. As I struggled, Nixon grinned down at me, “Patience,” he said as he helped me peel the jeans away from his body. He had no underwear on and this excited me even more.
Before I could go any further, Nixon’s hands closed over my hips and he pulled my body flush against his with one firm yank.
He then hauled me up onto my toes. He was so tall, my lace-encased breasts pushed against his chest and his mouth met mine.
It was like an invasion; the kiss was consuming . He gave a guttural growl of satisfaction as his lips moved against mine like he was slaking a thirst which had long been denied. My mouth parted as his tongue pushed demandingly into that moist cavern and I began kissing him back.
Our bodies were locked together, his rock hardness against my softness and I moaned softly into his mouth. This made his kiss deeper, allowing him further access as he demanded my entire submission to him.
He tasted delicious, of spice and a hint of mint.
My pulse began beating wildly behind my breastbone as Nixon slid his hand to my backside, massaging my skin. His long hard shaft rubbed against my core, sending a flurry of butterflies into my stomach and a dampness between my thighs. I wanted him so much .
My tummy clenched as Nixon’s hands moved up my spine and started to undo my bra. Within a second that piece of lace dropped to the floor, bearing my breasts. Nixon pulled back from our kiss and stared down at my chest. My nipples begging for his attention.
He widened his stance, his thighs surrounding mine.
A harsh brooding look came over his features as he lifted his hands and cupped my breasts in his large, rough hands. My back arched as he toyed with my nipples, that heat between my legs increasing; I was so wet for him.
“My wife and so fucking sweet,” Nixon whispered. “I thought of nothing but you for weeks.” That confession filled me with joy and love and I wanted to pull him into my arms, show him the strength of my feelings toward him. Nixon McKenna, my husband, my life.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any more wildly insane, Nixon lowered his head and took the nipple of one breast into his mouth, suckling it forcefully, his tongue tracing the area before he bit down gently, causing me to gasp in pleasure. He then did the same thing with its twin before raising his head.
His face was almost fevered now, “I think we need to pick up the pace a bit,” he said, his breathing ragged.
I nodded and removed my knickers and looked down at him. That hard slick length I knew so well stood to attention, a huge throbbing piece of muscle that was all mine and I couldn’t wait to take him into my body. I was more than ready for him.
Nixon picked me up and laid me down on the top of the bed before coming down on top of me.
I sucked in oxygen as his large frame pushed my much smaller one into the mattress and he started to part my thighs with one of his.
A shallow pant fell between my lips as he propped himself up on his arms on either side of my body and then moved a hand to push one of my legs wider. Nixon then started to kiss my neck, before drawing one of my earlobes into his mouth, “I’m going to make love to you, my wife. Do you hear me?”
“Yes,” I gasped, feeling so special at how tender and loving he was now being.
He then started to kiss me and I could feel the tip of him between my legs, pushing against the damp folds there.
Nixon then entered me in one sure thrust and I rocked my hips against him. My heart was pounding so hard it was almost painful and my eyes opened and flew to his. Nixon’s were closed. His face screamed the pleasure he was experiencing from being inside of me again.
I could feel him throb and grow harder as he remained still, allowing my muscles to readjust.
He muttered something gruff in the back of his throat. And then he started to move.
Molten heat ran through my pelvis as it met with the rocking motion of Nixon’s. Sexual need shivered down my spine.
Opening my legs wider to accommodate his size, I moved with him, greedily taking him into my body. His hard chest was stimulating as it brushed back and forth against my nipples.
He then became wild, deepening the strokes of his body against mine, kissing, and licking my upper body as he rocked us both to heaven. He pressed me into the mattress and I wrapped my arms and legs around him.
His mouth took mine one last time with urgency before he yanked it away, “I’m close baby,” he whispered in my ear and before I could echo those words, he crashed into me one last time, hitting that special spot with such force that my entire body jerked, the groan squeezed from my mouth as I rode the biggest orgasm, he had ever given me.
Nixon then groaned, like a dying man and after a couple more thrusts, his body tensed, his muscles bunching in the arms that braced his body and he emptied that hot warmth inside of me .
My entire body was alive with pleasure and I felt an immense level of fulfilment.
He waited a moment or two, his hard body stiff and heavy against mine before he pushed himself up. We were both dripping with sweat and there was that sweet smell of sex in the air. Nixon then slid his hand around the back of my neck and gripped it, before pulling my head up and forcing his mouth over mine. He pushed his tongue into my mouth and held it there and I stroked it with my own. He then slowly withdrew, placed another hard kiss on my mouth and then rolled to the side of me.
He pulled me into his arms and my head fell against his chest.
“I’m never letting you go ever again,” he whispered into the room, his hand stroking my hair.
Those words sank in through my skin, and I welcomed them with ever part of my being.
‘Nor I you,” I thought, grinning to myself.
Once we had both come around from our wild, passionate, and totally fulfilling encounter. We showered together; both touching and exploring each other’s bodies but we didn’t have sex again. We were both famished, having worked up an appetite, and we sat on the bed together naked and tucked into the picnic I had thrown together.
Nixon talked about those last weeks in the army and explained that the mission had been straightforward. He also said that he had been given a recommendation of a counsellor that worked with ex-soldiers and that he was planning on making an appointment.
I told him about Mattie coming out which didn’t seem to surprise him and that Amy was seeing someone. I also reminded him that my parents were going away.
Nixon had already said that he would speak to my father before we started moving some of my stuff over .
Being reunited with my husband felt incredible . I knew that we still had things to work out, but what marriage didn’t?
I messaged my mother that night so she wouldn’t worry and was honest, saying I was with Nixon. We were still married after all. I did mention that Nixon was intending on calling my father.
I hope you know what you’re doing darling . Was my mother’s reply.
I do, I love him, Mum.
Well, we are always here if you need us. I’ll tell dad to expect his call. She messaged with a smiley-faced emoji.
As I slept in my husband's arms feeling sated in so many ways, I had the deepest sleep ever and felt more alive than I had in weeks.