Rebound - Marie Johnston Page 0,12
pleasure as she climaxed forcefully, feeling him pulse inside of her.
She looked almost shyly down at Kane and found an unreadable expression on his face.
“That was the most erotic thing I have ever seen,” he stated simply.
Doubtful.
Her expression must’ve reflected her thoughts. He leaned up and gathered her close before laying back down with her stretched across him. “You don’t believe me.”
“You’re what, almost thirty, have traveled the world?”
“I’ve traveled some, thanks to the Navy, and I’ve had my share of wild moments, but believe me Olivia when I say you have topped any experience I’ve ever had.”
She looked up at him and considered his words before laying her head back down on his chest. “Ditto, except for the traveling part. And wild moments.”
“Haven’t you been a little bit naughty?”
“Nope,” she said, shaking her head. “I always joke that I’m cursed with responsibility.”
Kane tucked her in close. “I’m glad you took your chances with me.”
She was too. And now to face the heartache of his leaving.
“I’m serious about giving us a chance, Olivia.”
“Kane, it’s just…” She couldn’t think of what to say. It was crazy to wait, how long, for a man she’d just met. “How long before you come back?”
“Probably within seven months. We can’t give out specifics, but I don’t know the end date yet anyway.”
“And then what?”
“Then I work out of Norfolk until my next station. Virginia’s not far away. Close enough for us to give it a shot.”
“Seven months?” she echoed.
She felt Kane’s heavy sigh. “The separation is what does most couples in, but we can e-mail, and I can call when I can while I’m at sea.”
He was so earnest, but she just wasn’t ready to commit. It didn’t sound like he was asking for much, but in reality it was so, so much. Because no matter how well long distance worked, if they became serious, really serious, then she’d have to be the one to uproot her life and move. And for what? A husband who would be working a lot and gone for long periods of time.
“I don’t know, Kane.”
He looked at the clock. “I need to report back.” Kane sprung up and grabbed their clothes off the floor. She was afraid he was upset with her, but he turned, his eyes alight and handed her clothes to her before scrolling through his phone. “I have an idea. They give tours and my ship is having one tomorrow at thirteen-hundred. Oh sorry, that’s one o’clock. How about you come and I’ll join you for the tour. We’re docked at Staten Island. You can take the ferry over and you’ll get to see my home away from home.”
A refusal was on the tip of Olivia’s tongue. It would only prolong the agony of parting ways. If she left now, it’d be a bittersweet departure. She’d miss him, miss the idea of him, but have wonderful memories.
Or she could go home and look forward to seeing him Sunday, then miss him and the idea of him Sunday night.
“All right.”
Chapter Four
Time. Was moving. So slow. Kane looked at his watch for the millionth time. It was twelve-thirty. Was she going to make it? He wanted to call and confirm, but didn’t want to come on too strong. He was already afraid he’d chased her away, pushing for her to keep this thing between them going.
Kane cleared his participation in the tour with his superiors and the Sailors acting as tour guides. He could hang out with her and enjoy her company before sailing back to Norfolk.
“She really has you tied up in knots, doesn’t she?” Chief Petty Officer Tyson Fields gave an apt description of what Kane’s insides felt like.
Kane blew out a gusty breath and checked his watch again. “Can I ask you a question?”
“’Course.” Tyson and Kane had become close since Kane landed at Norfolk. The man was stolid, honest, and didn’t put up with any BS.
“How did you get your wife to agree to all this?” Kane waved his hand around them.
“You mean to me being gone a lot, traveling the world while she deals with dirty diapers, late homework, and moving every handful of years?”
“Yeah,” Kane’s heart sank. He felt like he was already fighting a losing battle, and Tyson made it sound like he was defeated before he started.
“Listen up, Lieutenant Swenson, this time I’m giving you orders. If you want a relationship to survive, military or not, here’s what you do. You need to love her like no one else