The Long Road Home Read online

  Reveling in her quick response, he dropped his hand from the breast he laved and trailed southward, not stopping until he slid his fingers along her waistband and began pushing the final garment down. Slowly and with patience, he worked the material until it fell to her knees, trapping her in place while revealing short, light brown curls protecting her most secret area.

  Releasing her breast with a resounding pop, he leaned back to blow on the moist area, watching the nipple pebble even more. Satisfied, his gaze dropped to the source of her femininity right in front of him. Lifting his fingers, he slid between her thighs, moved upward, then slipped between her folds. Heat and ample moisture welcomed him.

  Glancing upward, he focused on her face as he dipped one finger lower, found her entrance, and pressed upward.

  Her mouth fell open as her breathing hitched. She grabbed for his shoulders, held on tightly as her panties puddled at her feet. Gingerly, she stepped out of them, the movement pressing his digit deeper and earning a throaty groan from her.

  Such tightness. He couldn't believe how her channel gripped his finger, milking and caressing as if begging for something more. His cock throbbed with immediate need, a near painful sensation as he reached granite hardness and jutted straight out.

  "I want you, badly."

  Gwen looked down, taking a moment to focus on his face. "Good. Because I want you more than I want anything else."

  He soaked in the splendor of her words for a moment, then reluctantly withdrew from her depths, promising to re-visit very soon with his aching erection. "Climb on here."

  She didn't hesitate in the least. Instead, she crawled across the comforter, stopped in the middle, then spread out on her back. Long brunette hair lay to one side as she adjusted her ponytail and straightened out supine. Her eyes met his, then dipped lower, her gaze fastening onto his cock and stayed. Sultry want showed on her face as she reached for him.

  A modicum of doubt and worry entered his mind. What if I can't do this? He hadn't had sex since before his accident and didn't know how his stump would change things, especially in the missionary position. Pressure mounted, more than he ever recalled feeling, even as a virgin about to experience his first time. What if I'm a bumbling idiot? He tried to remember what Tyler had told him, but his sluggish mind moved at snail's pace.

  "I think you should know up front. I've never danced like this before." She coyly looked up at him from under her lashes, an impish grin tugging at her lips.

  He smiled at the same words she had spouted when he'd chosen her as a dance partner four years earlier. Taking a moment, he recalled his response then. "It's okay. I'm far from a pro myself. No worries. We'll figure it out together."

  Concerns vanished with the retelling of the first words they had ever spoken to one another. His confidence buoyed. Together. They would learn and do this together.

  Her innocence didn't surprise him. Gwen always exuded purity from the brief time he had known her. Always sensible and grounded, she'd never spoken of partying or drinking or other, more wild adventures that many teens away from home for the first time partook in. She hadn't changed. He felt her relax under him, a teasing grin appearing on her face.

  Levering himself over her body, he braced himself with both forearms bracketing her head, letting her absorb some of his weight while shifting into position. Thank goodness he only lost his lower leg, allowing him to still kneel, although a bit unsteadily with the left stump just a few inches below his knee. Balance proved a bit tricky, but he managed to line up their bodies and still have a sturdy enough purchase for the activity to come.

  Sealing his lips over hers, he kissed her with passion before leaning back to watch her face. He checked his balance again, cussing under his breath as his knee and amputation lost purchase in the sheets.

  "Hold on a second." Gwen wiggled out from under him, then shoved on his shoulder. "Turn over."

  With a sigh of relief and growing excitement, he did as she bid, flipping over until he lay flat on his back. Immediately, he reached for her.

  She grinned and tsked. "Patience. I think I want to explore a little first."

  He bit back a groan, dropped his hands, and balled the sheets in his fists. She'd drive him to the brink and probably over with any more stimulation than she'd already provided just sitting on the bed staring at him like he was a chocolate-covered sundae and she hadn't eaten in a week.

  Reaching out, she traced his muscles, from chest to belly, before following the line of light colored hair straight down to his waiting groin. Each touch ratcheted him higher as he shook his head in sheer amazement. Fully accepting, she seemed to embrace him as a whole man, regardless of his stump. His confidence soared.

  Trailing her fingers over his erection, she smiled when his cock jumped in a desperate plea for more tactile attention. "You're gorgeous. Perfect." Again she lightly caressed his length before wrapping her fingers around him, lightly stroking.

  He sucked in his breath. "You're the perfect one."

  Leaning over, she pressed her lips to his. He took advantage, aggressively flicking his tongue over her bottom lip, and slipping inside as soon as she opened her mouth the slightest. Cupping the back of her head, he held her in place while passion ruled their kiss, deep, hot, and enduring.

  A long moment later, she pulled back to stare down at him.

  Her rosy cheeks and heightened breathing spoke of arousal while her pebbled nipples begged for his touch. Covering both breasts with his hands, he squeezed lightly, plumping before he lightly pinched the nipples, drawing a surprised gasp from her.

  She dropped her attention back to his groin. Almost tentatively, she delicately rubbed the end of his cock. Her mouth opened as she encountered the first beaded drop, then spread the substance across his sensitive head.

  "Silky."

  Logan's hips bucked. He set his back teeth and grappled with his quickly slipping control. "Gwen…"

  Her gaze met his, delight and sultry need sparked in her brown eyes.

  "I can't wait any longer."

  "Just a second." She hopped off the bed, dug through the top drawer of her dresser, and quickly returned with a foil packet. Her fingers ripped it open and plucked out the condom.

  Crawling back on the bed, she kneeled by his side. "Hold still."

  He nodded as she began at the tip and rolled the rubber in place with finesse. The act only added fuel to his already raging fire. She shot him a wry grin. "Lots of practice on fake penises at work. They don't move, though."

  He chuckled and reached out. "Come here." Extending his arms, he grabbed her around the waist and helped her straddle his body.

  Releasing her, he dropped one hand to the junction between her legs. Gently, he parted her folds, found her opening once more, and slipped his first finger inside.

  She moaned and leaned forward, bracing her hands on his chest.

  "Feel good?" He pushed deep, retreated, then doubled his presence inside her.

  "Oh, yes."

  Twisting his wrist, he buried his digits and used his thumb to strum her little nubbin.

  She tensed and gasped, her short nails digging into the skin on his chest.

  He grinned at her reaction. So responsive, so beautiful. He was damn lucky.

  Removing his fingers, he grasped his throbbing tumescence and lined up their bodies. "Sink down, Gwen."

  When his cock slipped into her channel, he grasped her hips with both hands, slowly guiding her downward motion, even as a low moan erupted from his throat.

  He'd never felt such tightness or heat. His cock twitched as her snug walls caressed him with every breath, each tiny movement. Welcoming him with lavish moisture and sensual friction. Absolute paradise.

  Gwen halted and shifted, just enough to make her next attempt at descent a bit easier. Slowly, ever so slowly, she joined their bodies. Another pause as she bit her bottom lip and a flicker of discomfort crossed her face.

  Logan instantly knew the reason as his cock lodged
against a barrier deep inside. Proof of her innocence.

  She lifted once more, just a couple of inches, then pushed down with more force. He met her with a powerful upward thrust, enough to push through the thin membrane and allow him to reach her depths.

  She sucked in a breath and froze in place. Pain washed across her face as she closed her eyes and simply waited.

  Laying his hand on the back of her neck, he tenderly tugged until she lowered her upper body to rest on his. He kissed her with exquisite reverence and care, pouring his thoughts out through his actions.

  She'd never know how much her gift meant to him. Not only for choosing him for her first time but also her understanding of his predicament and taking the top position for this round. Her compassion and consideration only added to his feelings for her.

  "You okay?" He nuzzled her cheek and placed a butterfly kiss to the tip of her nose.

  She braced her hands on his chest and sat back up. "Yeah. It's just…"

  "Painful?"

  She shook her head. "Just so…"

  "Uncomfortable?"

  "No." She rocked gently, moving her body over his. "So full. So right. So worth waiting for."

  He grinned even as his breath whooshed out with her movements. "Oh, you haven't seen anything yet, baby."

  Her quizzical expression made him chuckle. "It only gets better from here on out. Much better." To prove his words, he met her next thrust, then ground his pelvis against hers.

  "Ohhhhh."

  He reached out once more, slid his fingers through her folds, felt where they were connected. Slick and sexy, he explored for a few seconds before centering his focus on her clit. With infinite gentleness, he brushed the tip of his fingers over the nub.

  She shivered and picked up the pace a hair.

  Again, he caressed her with a feather-light touch, watched as she arched her back, threw her head back, and began to pant. Over and over she rocked, lifted, and pushed downward, learning to ride him with vigor as enthusiasm replaced hesitancy.

  "That's it, baby. You're almost there."

  Gwen whimpered as she first bounced straight up and down, then changed her course to an angular motion, which rubbed his cock solidly against the front of her feminine core.

  His fingers picked up the pace, pressed slightly harder, even as he sucked in great gulps of air. His control slipped another few notches, hanging by a bare thread. Bracketing her sensitive clit between his thumb and forefinger, he plucked.

  She tightened like a bow right before releasing the arrow.

  "Take what you need. However you need it." He tapped once more, then ever so lightly pinched.

  Her mouth opened on a soundless scream as her innermost muscles clamped on his cock in precise timing. With the first contraction, he hit his climax with a harsh shout. Jerking against her, he rode out the delicious waves to passionate fulfillment, all the while aware of Gwen's body in the throes of her own version of nirvana.

  Chapter 31

  Logan sat on the weight bench, his thoughts running amok. All morning, he'd been focused on the events of the previous night, his distraction apparent as he took twice as long to get through his weight exercises than normal. He didn't care. After all, he had all day to fill before Gwen would be home. Hopefully, round two would follow.

  "Penny for your thoughts."

  Blinking, Logan glanced over at Tyler who leaned causally on the steel frame of the leg press. "They're worth more than that."

  The therapist grinned. "That good, huh? How about a dollar?"

  Logan shook his head. "Primo, bud."

  "Sounds like you got some last night. How did it go?" Tyler met his gaze steadily, no signs of embarrassment crossed his face.

  Logan smiled. "Pretty damn good."

  Tyler slapped him on the back. "Way to go, Ranger." He grinned wickedly. "Did you try my suggestions?"

  "Not yet." Logan repositioned his feet on the foot rest. "Tonight, maybe."

  "Good deal. And don't worry about the details. Somehow they figure themselves out." With a small salute, Tyler headed across the room.

  Finishing another set, Logan stood up, grabbed the cleaning cloth, and wiped down the seat.

  "Hey, Logan."

  Turning around, he found Heath entering the door. His gait slow but fairly steady despite the double, above the knee amputations.

  Logan shot him a grin. "Hey. How's it going?"

  "You know. Same old, same old." A frown crossed his face.

  Concerned, Logan followed him. "What's up? You look pissed."

  Heath waved his one remaining arm. "Nothing, just a bad day."

  Logan wasn't buying it. He'd said those same words before to deflect further questions, but they hid a burning cauldron inside. "There's bad days, and there's bad days. Which one is it?" He crossed his arms over his chest and waited.

  Heath bent over, his artificial arm clamped to the balance bar, and picked up a free weight. Standing up, he wobbled a bit but quickly caught his balance. He began a set of curls.

  For the longest time, Heath said nothing, his eyes focused on the weight. Then he glanced up. "I learned today my best unit buddy bit the dust on the front line." His eyes welled up.

  "Oh, shit. I'm sorry." Logan felt his pain. He'd lost more than one comrade to the war. The loss never sat well.

  Heath nodded but remained mute. Then his chin lifted. "At least I made it home to my wife and kid. Maybe not a whole man, but I'm here. More than Roger did."

  Hearing the small glimmer of hope in the man's voice, Logan reached out and patted him on the shoulder. "Yeah. We're here. Beaten up some, but still here." He recalled something Gwen told him. "Someone once told me that being a man is on the inside. The outside counts for something, but it's the heart of a warrior that really matters. Sounds like your family might share the same philosophy."

  Heath sniffed and slowly bobbed his head. "That's what my wife tells me. It's hard to believe, but…"

  Logan went with this gut. "But you're a damn tough man to kill."

  A small smile crept up on Heath's face. "There's that."

  "Yeah. There's that." Logan patted him once more. "Get to work, soldier. You've got a baby to rock to sleep tonight."

  "Yes, sir." Heath answered in a hearty voice, reminiscent of his active duty days.

  Heading back to the weight machines, Logan paused when Tyler called his name.

  "Nice job."

  Logan shrugged.

  Tyler smiled. "You really are a good people person. Look into physical therapy school. I'll give you a resounding recommendation."

  "I'll do that. After I get tired of being a soldier."

  "You never tire of it, Logan. You simply change the locations and types of battles you fight." With a slight head tilt, Tyler moved toward the back of the room.

  Logan considered his words. Perhaps Tyler was right. A warrior was always a warrior deep down inside. He simply moved from one issue to another, but his will to live and win never faded. Letting the thought sink in, Logan returned to his workout.

  No sooner had he finished and prepared to leave for the day than Tyler hollered at him.

  "Hey, Ranger."

  "Yeah?"

  Tyler gestured to a man dressed in slacks and a button-down shirt. He appeared around fifty with dark hair graying at the temples. Glasses sat on his nose as he spoke to another patient. "The prosthetic guy is here. Your turn to see him."

  "I don't recall being scheduled yet…"

  "You're here and ready for an upgrade. Hop to it, soldier."

  Not about to argue, Logan walked over to the man, waited patiently for him to finish, then introduced himself.

  Erik, as the name tag read, reached out and shook his hand. "Follow me to my office. Tyler said you're doing great and would excel in the latest models, especially if you're to return to your unit."

  Excitement flared. Ever since he'd read about the newest devices that most amputees wore at the front lines, he couldn't wait for his t
urn to give the item a try. "Yes, sir."

  An hour later, he stood up, walked around, a wide smile plastered on his face. The battery operated prosthesis worked like a calf muscle, allowing for a more natural motion, and took tons less energy than the old standby. For the first time since losing part of his leg, he felt stability and strength, as if the appendage had been replaced by more than a simple peg leg. He couldn't be happier.

  "When can I get one of these to wear?"

  Erik watched him move a minute more, nodding with approval. "Right now, soldier. That's yours."

  Yes! One step closer to his ultimate dream. I can do this! Logan barely refrained from pumping his fist in the air.

  Instead, he thanked the man, grabbed up the bag with the charger and spare battery, and trotted down the hall, more than eager to get home and show off his latest gadget to Gwen. Picking up the pace in his excitement to run for the first time since his accident, he nearly bowled into Dr Fields as the man turned the corner.

  "Oh, sorry."

  Dr Fields looked at Logan, down to his prosthesis, and back. "In a hurry or just excited?"

  "Both." Logan couldn't stop grinning. "Got the new model. I can run now. It's just amazing."

  "Sounds like." Dr Fields smiled. "Good to see you looking happy and upbeat."

  Logan nodded. "I'm going back to the front." He glanced down. "With this device, there's no stopping me."

  The psychiatrist patted him on the back. "You're well on your way, son. Well on your way."

  With a quick salute, Logan jogged to the door, a bright smile still covering his face.

  Chapter 32

  Shifting on the work station stool, Gwen felt a pinch of soreness between her legs. Each time the tiny bit of discomfort zinged to her mind, the physical reminder conjured up memories from the night before. All day long, she'd revisited their evening in bed, which only whetted her desire for more. And soon.

  Her belly flip-flopped as she remembered straddling Logan's body, accepting his presence in her body for the first time, the gentle way he'd touched and caressed, bringing out every ounce of pleasure in her body. The one time didn't fulfill her need, only added to her cravings for more. Like a chocolate addict, she couldn't wait to get home, find the object of her fascination waiting, then precede to lick. And touch. And make love until they fell asleep from sheer exhaustion.