10. Sheri
10
SHERI
I hang up the phone and blow out a breath of frustration. It’s been three weeks since the guys have gotten home, and still Ace and I haven’t had a chance to get away. I’d been hoping for this weekend coming up, but my babysitter’s just called to say her boyfriend is taking her away for her birthday, so now she can’t come anymore.
I’m not sure whether to cry or throw my phone across the room. Still busy contemplating which would give me the most pleasure, I shriek with fright when the damn thing rings in my hand. Checking the display, I see it’s Ace.
“Hey, I was just thinking about you,” I say as I answer.
“Funny thing that. I was just thinking about you ,” he replies with a laugh.
His good humor immediately lifts my spirits. Plopping myself down on the sofa, I stretch my stiff body, phone tucked between my cheek and shoulder. Tension and frustration have my muscles tight. But just hearing his voice has them relaxing somewhat.
“So, what were you thinking?” I can all but hear him waggle those damn eyebrows of his.
“How frustrated I am that we’ve not had a chance to get away together,” I reply.
“It’s like we’re telepathically connected today. I was just thinking the same thing.”
“Nina just called ...”
“Hm, I don’t like the sound of that.”
“I didn’t either. She can’t make it this weekend. Her boyfriend surprised her with a weekend away for her birthday.”
I know it wasn’t intended to, but his growl of frustration has my panties going damp. God, I’m hot and ready for this man, and he hasn’t even touched me. Which, in turn, feeds my own frustration. I really need this time away to happen. We’re making out like teenagers hiding from their parents, because I can’t bring myself to have sex in my own home with my kids around.
“I hate this. I’m tired of feeling like I’m sneaking around.”
“Well, there’s a solution to that. We could always just come clean to everyone, and we’d have a host of babysitters.” There’s something in his tone I can’t quite put my finger on but am too tired and annoyed to attempt to analyze it.
“Ace, can we please not talk about this now?” I hear him sigh, but he doesn’t say anything, and my heart aches. I know how he feels about the situation, but I don’t seem able to move past it. “Any thoughts on how we can solve this issue?”
“I’ve got noth— heeey, wait. What if you asked one of your mom friends if the boys can do a sleepover one weekend? You can maybe offer to return the favor at some point.”
“Damn. Why didn’t I think of that? I’ll absolutely get on that as soon as we’re done talking. I’ll give Karen a call and see if she can help out. Does next weekend work for you?”
“Yeah, sweet cheeks, it does.”
“Sweet cheeks, huh?”
“Yep. Sweet cheeks.” I don’t even need to see him to know he’s grinning.
“That’s an interesting nickname. How did I come by it?” Curiosity burns bright. I mean, seriously — sweet cheeks?
A beat goes by, and I can hear rustling on the other side of the phone. “Remember that day I came over and told you I love you for the first time, and then we kissed?”
“Yes,” I reply, wondering where the hell this is going.
“One of the boys yelled for you, and when you stepped back your cheeks were pink — whether with desire, embarrassment, frustration, or a combination of any or all options. It was just the sweetest thing, and that popped into my head.”
“Huh. Sweet cheeks ...” I try it on for size and discover I love it.
“I have to get going — lunch break’s over. But I’ll see you tonight for dinner. Six as usual?”
“Six is perfect. And I’ll give Karen a quick call in the meantime. See you later.”
“Later, sweet cheeks.” And with that, the phone goes dead in my ear.
Shaking my head and grinning to myself, I dial Karen’s number and set about putting our weekend getaway plans into motion. Finally.
“So, you’re sure next weekend works for you?” I ask for the fourth time, probably frustrating the hell out of Karen.
To confirm it, I hear her sigh. “It’s absolutely fine, Sher. I promise. The boys will love having the company. Besides, you do the same for me when something last minute comes up. Stop stressing. It’s all good.”
“Woman, you are a life saver.”
“As are you when I need one.”
“I have to dash,” I say, looking at the time. I want to stop by the grocery store before I pick the boys up from school, and I still have a few things to do before then. “Have a fabulous afternoon. Thanks again, Karen, I owe you one. Take care and I’ll chat with you soon.”
“Chat soon. Bye.”
Grinning from ear-to-ear, I send a text to tell Ace that all’s set and have to laugh when he sends back a GIF of a man doing a happy dance. Half an hour later, the grin is missing and my good mood right alongside it.
“Hey, sweet cheeks,” Ace says when I answer his call.
“Hey, what’s up?” There’s a beat of silence from Ace while I hear someone speaking on the other side. “Yeah, cool. Thanks, Merlin.” Then I hear the crunch of gravel underfoot.
“Everything okay, Ace?”
“I’m sorry, babe. About dinner tonight, I won’t be able to make it. I’m on my way home to grab a power nap and my gear. We’re headed out in a couple hours.”
My heart sinks at his words. I know it’s part of their job, it’s what we sign up for when we get involved with a military man, but none of that makes it any easier when plans fall through or when they have to be away from you.
“Damn it, that sucks,” is all I reply, disappointment a heavy feeling in my chest.
“It seriously does. I was really looking forward to seeing you tonight. The only consolation is that, if all goes according to plan, we shouldn’t be gone more than a couple of days.”
“That’s something at least. I know you can’t talk about it, but can you at least tell me if you think you’ll be home in time for the weekend?” I mentally face-palm myself, because I should know he can’t accurately answer that. They never know how long a mission will take. They can only guess and hope like hell nothing goes wrong. “Never mind. Stupid question.”
Ace chuckles at my words. “Hey listen. I have an idea, if you’re game.”
“Um, sure. Let’s hear it.”
“I’d like you to do something for me — with me …”
“Oo-kay. I’m not sure whether I should be worried or not.” My heart beats a little faster in anticipation of what he’ll say next.
“You are alone still, right?”
“Well yeah, it’s not time for me to fetch the boys for a while yet, and I don’t have any other company.”
“Excellent.” The way the man draws the word out almost sounds as if he’s purring. “Go on up to your bedroom, sweet cheeks, and make sure your phone’s on speaker, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Oh, and ignore all distractions. You won’t want to be interrupted, I promise.” His voice has gone husky, putting all my hormones on high alert.
“Okay, hang on a sec.” Heart racing now, I get to my feet and dash up the stairs like I’m training for the Olympics.
I have a fair idea of where all of this is headed, and I’m so here for it. I reckon without even so much as touching me he can get me off. That voice alone, when it’s all deep and gravelly with desire, can set me off under the right circumstances.
“I’m in my bedroom,” I say, a touch winded. I guess I’m not as fit as I used to be.
“All right. Then, sweet cheeks, I need you to get naked for me.”
Hot damn. Phone sex for the first time in forever. And with Ace. Yes, please.