Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 61190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
David breathed in deeply before giving me a grateful smile.
“Thank you,” he told me. “It’s just… frustrating. I really want to help these people.”
“Even being here is helping them,” I said as I leaned against his side. “I believe in all of you. Really, it’s great seeing you in action.”
David lifted an eyebrow at me, starting to relax as we sat close together in the privacy of our room. It was great spending time with the others, but I still enjoyed some alone time with my husband.
“Oh, yeah?” he asked, seeming genuinely curious.
I nodded. I only heard about the things he did, but getting to see him in action was a whole other thing. I got to see how strong and smart he was right in front of my eyes, and I loved seeing how good of a leader he was to the others.
“You’re amazing at what you do. I’ve always known that, but… I’m even prouder of you now than I was before,” I replied. He worked so damn hard every single day.
David leaned closer and rested his head against mine, his hand squeezing my knee.
“That means a lot. More than you know. I’ve hated having to choose work over us when I’m called on,” he told me, guilt lingering in his voice. “I enjoy what I do, but I love you more.”
I closed the space between us and pressed my lips against his in a passionate kiss, my hand resting on his stubbled cheek. It meant a lot that he said that, and I knew that he was being truthful. Things were just hard at times when we were apart for so long.
“About what we’ve been doing with the others… how have you been feeling about it?” I asked once we parted from each other.
David smiled with a hopeful glint in his eyes.
“Good. I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said before his expression became more serious. “What about you? Have you been liking it? And I don’t want you acting like you do just because I do.”
My thoughts on it all were still complicated, which I hoped would simplify in the coming days, but I wasn’t sure. What was going to happen after the whole mission ended?
“I’ve really enjoyed it,” I assured him.
David raised an eyebrow.
“But what?” he asked. He knew me well enough to hear a “but” in my words.
I sighed and turned to face him more, letting him pull my legs over his knees.
“You know how I grew up. This is a big leap from the strict monogamy that I was taught,” I replied. I sounded like a broken record at this point, but the issue still lingered in the back of my mind. Would I ever shake it?
David nodded in understanding.
“I know. I’m proud of you for even trying to explore your desires. I know it’s a lot,” he said as he rubbed the front of my leg. “Besides the guilt from your past, does everything else about this feel okay?”
I thought for a moment and nodded.
“Yeah, it feels great. I get along with the guys great, but… I don’t know how to picture the future. What’s going to happen when the mission ends?” I asked.
David sighed softly and shrugged.
“Honestly, I’m not exactly sure. I want us to be stronger when we go back, though,” he told me. “Regarding the guys, I have no clue.”
“I guess we can just enjoy this while we’re out here,” I said, figuring that was the best course of action for right now. We could enjoy our time together with the guys while on the mission, and when David and I got home, we could fully focus on each other and our marriage.
Admittedly, the thought of things ending did make my heart ache a little, but maybe that was for the best.
David offered me a comforting smile.
“Hey, I trust you. And I trust my guys. If you ever wanted to see them after this mission, I’d be fine with that,” he said.
My eyes widened in surprise.
“Really?” I asked.
David nodded.
“Of course. Something to think about. I just want you to be happy and satisfied,” he said.
I frowned and cupped his face, drawing his eyes to mine. The last thing that I wanted was for him to think that he wasn’t enough for me. He was plenty for me.
“You do make me happy and satisfied,” I told him.
David chuckled as he fully pulled me onto his lap.
“I know, but we can always have even more fun,” he pointed out. “Even if that calls for more people.”
All I could do was sigh as I wrapped my arms around his neck, my heart fluttering as I took him in. I had loved this man for years and years, but my love for him still deepened to this day. Over and over, he proved that he cared for me in all sorts of different ways.