By Honor Bound Read online

As he moved his boot, water slapped against the wall. A prickle ran up Abe’s spine. Someone was there, behind him in all the water and muck.

  He spun around, his heart pounding as he stared around the basement. It was empty.

  What about under the stairs?

  Grasping a wrench in his hand, his senses sharp, he slowly made his way to the stairs. The swamp smell was thick in the air. Winter chill turned to jungle heat. Sweat beaded on Abe’s brow and upper lip. It trickled down his neck as he clutched the wrench harder and raised it high as he stepped under the overhang, knowing the scrawny son-of-a-bitch waited, ready to blow his brains out—

  Abe turned as someone touched his shoulder. He shoved the plump, red-haired man in white overalls against the wall and cut off his breath by pressing his forearm across his throat.

  The man gasped and sputtered, his eyes wide.

  “Abe!” Angela splashed through the water. She pulled on his arm, her expression frantic. “What are you doing? This is John, the plumber!”

  Abe released him immediately. “I’m sorry. You snuck up on me.”

  “My mistake,” John choked out, rubbing his neck.

  “Are you all right?” Angela asked, touching the man’s shoulder.

  “I think so.”

  “I’m real sorry,” Abe said, placing the wrench aside and climbing the basement steps. He’d nearly reached the front door when Angela grasped his arm.

  “Where are you going? Abe, what happened down there?”

  “They call it a flashback, Angela.” He glanced at her, noting her shoes, stockings, and the hem of her dress were soaked with water from the flooded basement. “I can’t stay here with you.”

  “Why?”

  “Last night. Just now. That stuff’s going to keep happening. I don’t know when—or if—it will ever stop.”

  “So you’re just going to leave?” Her brow furrowed. “I didn’t think Marines ran from anything. I know Jim never did, and somehow I doubt you ever have, either.”

  “I’m not running. I’m doing what I have to for you and Polly, too.”

  “I love you, Abe! I said it last night and that wasn’t just pillow talk, damn it! I meant it! Didn’t you?”

  “Yeah. I meant it.” He took her face in his hands then dropped them before he stepped out the door. “That’s why I have to go.”

  “Abe!” she shouted, but he ignored her as he slid into his car and sped off.

  * * * * *

  Angela sat in the diner, fidgeting with her spoon and glancing at the door while trying not to appear anxious.

  A week after Abe had stormed out of her house, she’d given up on trying to forget him and sent him a letter. Enraged at him for waltzing out of her life after a couple of marvelous days and feeling stupid for believing he was actually going to show up, she’d asked him to meet her at one of the only decent diners in town. The place was tiny and showed wear and tear since its construction back in the twenties, but the owner, Rosemarie Simons, kept the place spotless and served the best food in the state. Rosemarie had been a good friend of Angela and Jim for years.

  “Another cup of tea?” Rosemarie approached, her plump frame covered in a flowered dress and white apron.

  “Thank you.” Angela glanced at her and smiled.

  “All right.” Rosemarie dropped into the booth and tapped her fingertips on the back of Angela’s hand. “Are you going to tell me what celebrity is supposed to walk through that door so I can roll out the red carpet and such?”

  Angela looked surprised. “No one. I was just looking in that direction.”

  “No, baby, you was fixed in that direction like a dog fixin’ on a hunk of steak.”

  “I guess I should try looking less obvious.”

  “So who is he?”

  “Just a friend.”

  Rosemarie raised a bushy brown eyebrow.

  “A friend of Jim’s.”

  “Oh,” Rosemarie looked thoughtful. “Another Marine?”

  “Yes. He’s in the Corps.”

  “You know you get a gleam in your eye when you talk about him?”

  “Do I?”

  “Sure do, and I—” Rosemarie jumped up and smiled. “Abe! When did you get back?”

  Angela swallowed hard, her pulse racing and hands trembling so much she nearly dropped her fork. Calm, Angela. Appear calm and disinterested.

  Abe, wearing a blue T-shirt tucked into snug jeans that hugged every long, muscular inch of his legs, strode inside and accepted a hug from Rosemarie.

  “Damn, it’s good to see you, baby.” Rosemarie tugged his face down for a kiss on the cheek. “I was so worried when I heard you was missin’.”

  “I got out of the hospital a couple of weeks ago.” Abe said, though his gaze strayed to Angela. His expression revealed nothing, but his throat moved as he swallowed.

  “Couple of weeks? The least you could have done was let ol’ Rosemarie know you was all right.”

  “Sorry. Thought you’d be glad not to have me here every week eating you out of house and home.”

  “Shit, boy, I know you since you was a skinny eighteen-year-old private, and you thought I wouldn’t care what happened to you?”

  Abe smiled at her, though his gaze again wandered to Angela. This time Rosemarie noticed. She watched as Abe approached and slipped into the seat across from Angela.

  “He’s a good man.” Rosemarie rested a hand on Abe’s broad shoulder.

  A powerful shoulder that led to a long, gorgeous arm of rock-hard muscle. Angela’s mouth went dry. Don’t let him know he’s got you, Angela. Look nonchalant.

  “And she’s a good girl.” Rosemarie shook the shoulder she clutched. “You treat her right, hear me, Abraham Forbes?”

  He glanced at her. “Yes, ma’am, I do and I couldn’t agree more. She is a good girl.”

  “If you two are finished talking about me like I’m a pet dog, Abe and I have to discuss some things.”

  Rosemarie raised an eyebrow. “I’ll make myself scarce and fix you some lunch. Want the usual, Abe?”

  “That’d be fine, Rosemarie. Thanks.”

  “How about some of my House Special Stew and a nice chunk of sourdough bread for you, Angela?”

  “That sounds good. Thank you.”

  Rosemarie left them staring at one another.

  Abe’s pulse raced like he was about to hit the beach into a storm of enemy fire. Angela was even more beautiful than he remembered, with her large, innocent eyes and luscious curves beneath her blue and white striped dress. She did things to his insides no one had ever done before. That was why he had to meet her today. Her letter had gotten under his skin and pissed him off, though his anger was mostly directed at himself.

  “How’s Polly?” Abe asked.

  “She’s fine. She talks about you a lot.”

  “She’s a good girl.”

  “Like me. A good girl?”

  “Not like you, and you know it, Angela.”

  “I assumed you thought of me as a child, since you treated me like one.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means you don’t think I can decide for myself the sort of man I want to see.”

  “I told you it’s for your own good. I’m a Marine.”

  “Don’t you tell me about Marines! My brother was one. I’m raising his child. I know what you do and the risks you take.”

  “And you want to tie yourself up with that all over again? Jim was your brother. Think real carefully about what it would be like with a husband in the Corps. Imagine yourself with two or three kids along with Polly, raising them for months while I’m away. What do you think of that picture?”

  “I’m not some delicate flower who’ll shrivel at the first sign of frost, Abe!”

  “What about what happened in the basement with the plumber?” He lowered his voice and drew a deep breath. “What if that was you I’d grabbed instead?”

  “I’m not afraid of you.”

  “Maybe you
should be.” She held his gaze and he shook his head. “You’re a damn fool, woman. And what the hell did you mean in that letter when you said I used you?”

  She shrugged, flinging him a haughty look. “I figured all that line about you leaving for my own good was just an excuse for you to take off after you got me in bed.”

  “There’s not a bit of truth to that.”

  “So did you plan on never seeing me again?”

  “At the time I thought it was best.”

  “And now?”

  Abe’s gaze switched to Rosemarie who approached carrying plates of food. As if sensing the seriousness of their conversation, the woman said nothing as she placed their meals on the table and left.

  “Abe, if you don’t want to see me, I can handle it, but only if it’s because you decided you don’t like me after all. If it’s because you’re protecting me, then you’re making a mistake. I’ve waited my whole life for the right man. I don’t care if he’s a businessman who’ll be around all the time or if he’s a Marine whose life is on the line. There are no guarantees for anybody.”

  “You have one guarantee.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “That I’ll love you until the day I die.”

  Angela’s throat constricted and she blinked back tears. No one had ever said anything so beautiful to her. God, if anything ever happened to him, it would tear her heart out, but it would be worth it. Whether she had him for a single day or the next sixty years didn’t matter, as long as they spent what time they had together.

  “Want to have dinner with me and Polly tonight?” she asked.

  “Yes, I do. Where is she now?”

  “Back in school this morning and Daddy picked her up afterward.”

  “You know I missed you a lot this past week,” he said.

  “I missed you, too.”

  “I want to spend as much time as I can getting to know you and Polly.”

  She smiled. “I’m glad, Abe.”

  He held her gaze and nodded. “Good. That’s good.”

  “You know what I’m thinking about right now?” She blushed a bit and cast her eyes down to their fingers entwined on the table.

  He lifted an eyebrow. “I’m hoping it’s what I’m thinking.”

  “Then let’s finish lunch and get back to my place before Daddy drops off Polly.”

  Abe grinned and reached for his knife and fork. “That’s even better inspiration to eat than pure hunger.”

  Chapter Seven

  “How’s the leak?” Abe asked as he followed Angela into the house.

  “Fixed.” She switched on the light, stepped into the living room, and sat on the couch.

  A wry smile played around his lips. “How’s the plumber?”

  “He was fine, Abe. Just a little shaken up.” She slipped off her shoes and cast him a sultry look. “Aren’t you going to ask how I feel?”

  “No.” He sat next to her and pulled her into his arms, nuzzling her neck. “I’m going to find out for myself.”

  “Abe!” She giggled as he tickled her ear with his tongue. Though it had only been a week, it seemed like years since they’d held each other like this. It was such a deep, incredible feeling that no words could fully express it and only his touch could satisfy it.

  Settling her onto his lap, he tucked his head in the hollow of her shoulder and gazed at his hands as he began unfastening the front of her dress. “There sure are a lot of little buttons on this thing.”

  “There sure are.”

  She ran her hands over his sinewy forearms lightly dusted with hair and he continued with her dress. When she stood almost naked, his gaze lingered over her soft belly and full, plump breasts nearly spilling out of her bra. Abe bent and took one of her nipples between his lips while taking the other between his thumb and forefinger. He sucked and stroked simultaneously while she clutched his head tightly.

  “Oh, Abe, I want you so much. I’ve missed you so much,” she breathed, her nipples aching with pleasure from his touch. Her pussy turned to liquid and she squirmed, more than ready for his cock to fill her. From her position on his lap, his hard staff pressed against her bottom in the most teasing, delicious manner. Such overwhelming desire for this one man overshadowed everything she’d ever wanted or needed. Love was the most glorious feeling in the world!

  “I want you, too, darlin’.” He gently pushed her onto the couch and stood, lifting his shirt over his head and baring his magnificent, steely chest and well-defined abs.

  Her breathing quickened as he kicked off his boots and jeans. Oh! He wore no underwear beneath! The sight of those full balls and thick erection tightened her nipples even more. She slipped off her panties and tossed them atop her dress. Angela’s pulse skipped as she watched him roll on a condom and sit beside her. Grasping her hips, he tugged her onto his lap. She knelt, one smooth leg on either side of him, and slid onto his cock.

  Angela closed her eyes, moaning with pleasure as every hard, marvelous inch slipped into her. While she used her knees and hips to guide their passion, he fondled her breasts, his callused palms rubbing and fingers gently pinching her nipples. It amazed her that he could inspire such wild, hot passion yet remain a tender, caring lover.

  “Abe, oh, Abe!” she panted as he sucked first one nipple then the other.

  Unable to restrain her movements, Angela flung her arms around his neck. He kissed her, thrusting his tongue into her mouth and exploring as she gyrated upon him.

  Orgasm burst within her and Angela cried out into his mouth. His arms tightened around her as he lunged up several times then stiffened, every muscle hard against her as he came.

  Angela let her head drop to his shoulder, her lips against his neck as they rested a moment, wrapped in contentment.

  The sound of a car pulling into the driveway roused them.

  “God!My father and Polly!” Angela leapt off his lap and threw his jeans in his face as she reached for her panties and dress.

  Abe smiled as he dressed, his gaze fixed on her.

  “Damn all these little buttons!” she said, her fingers trembling so much she couldn’t fasten one. Instead she ran for the bathroom, managing to lock herself in just as the front door opened.

  “Abe!” Polly shouted as she stepped inside with her grandfather.

  “Hey, darlin’.” Abe accepted her embrace.

  Mr. Franco cleared his throat. “Didn’t expect to see you here, Abe.”

  “Angela asked me over for dinner.”

  “It’s just after lunchtime.”

  “I’m early.”

  Mr. Franco made a sound that might have been a growl just as Angela stepped out of the bathroom.

  “Hi, Daddy. Polly, did you have a good day at school?”

  “Yes. We had to draw a picture from Christmas so I drew this.”

  She handed Angela a picture in crayon of the family sitting around the table eating dinner.

  “See. I drew, Abe, too, and my dog.”

  “She loves that dog you gave her. Hardly lets the thing out of her sight,” Angela said.

  “So you asked him to dinner,” Mr. Franco said.

  “Yes, I asked him to dinner.”

  “Are you going to marry Aunt Angela?” Polly gazed up at Abe.

  “Polly, you know better than to ask a question like that!” Angela said.

  “I just thought he was going to because Grandpa said if he didn’t, he was a low-down snake in the grass looking for one thing.”

  Mr. Franco looked properly embarrassed as he edged out the door. “If I’m late, your mother will kill me. See you all later.”

  “What’s the thing Grandpa was talking about?” Polly asked.

  “Nothing, honey. Grandpa was just teasing.” Angela forced a smile. If her parents ever learned to mind their own business, it would be a miracle. “Go get cleaned up and I’ll hang your picture on the refrigerator.”

  Polly hurried upstairs and Angela turned to Abe. “If you can take me with my parents then I can sure
ly take you and the Marine Corps.”

  He grinned as he followed her to the kitchen, knowing better than to agree but unable to disagree, either. There were times when it was best to just be the strong, silent type and Abe was smart enough to know it.

  * * * * *

  A few days later, Angela had just sent her Friday afternoon student home when a note arrived at her door.

  She grinned, immediately recognizing the bold lettering on the envelope. Tearing the edge, she slipped out the note.

  My Darling Angela,

  I would like to escort you to dinner tonight at seven o’clock.

  Until then, I’m thinking of you.

  Abe

  Her smile broadened and she tingled inside. She’d never gotten an actual love letter before.

  Seven o’clock! It was four o’clock now. She’d have to hurry. Abe must have remembered Polly was spending the weekend at her parents’ house. It was also the last weekend of his leave. Come Monday, she wouldn’t get to see him nearly as much. For the past week, he’d eaten dinner at her house every night, taken her to breakfast almost every morning, and picked up Polly after school while Angela had been doing some extra tutoring for a child who was home recovering from surgery.

  She’d gotten quite accustomed to having the Master Sergeant around. Though Abe promised to visit her and Polly every moment of his free time, she was going to miss him terribly. Her niece felt the same. Abe had the knack of relating to a child without spoiling her. Polly obeyed Abe like she did Angela and Jim, when he’d been alive. Finding a man who was a good father figure for Polly was just as important to Angela as relating to the man herself. Abe seemed to be the wonderful combination of both. Yet in spite of what she’d told him about not caring if he was in the military, she couldn’t help thinking how hard it would be for both her and Polly when he was sent away again.

  Enough of such thoughts. He wasn’t going away tonight, and she had a date to get ready for.

  Angela spent the next few hours bathing, shaving, rubbing on lotion, painting her finger and toenails, and arranging her hair and makeup. Finally, wearing her black dress with a full skirt and a rope of pearls around her neck, she glanced at herself in the bedroom mirror. The results pleased her. She looked pretty good.