Latched (Coronado Series Book 1) (11 page)

“I know you’re a person. I also know you haven’t had a date since college and we had one the other night. I’m trying to play by your rules. Do you think I don’t know what you guys do when you go down to that bar? Why would I assume you’re going to completely change and want to date me?” Sticking her hand on her hip, she glared at him. “Since we already had it twice today, we’re done for the day.”

“We are not done for the day. I like you and you’re not going to get rid of me. So you can just get that idea out of your head. My toothbrush is next to yours and that’s not something you can ignore.”
 

She didn’t understand his logic and really didn’t get the whole toothbrush thing, but decided to leave it alone.
Why was he coming on so strong
?
 

“You haven’t had sex for a year and it has been at least seven months for me, so we have a lot to make up for. We’d better just keep doing it until we’ve caught up. I think that’s the best plan. You’re the accountant - you can figure it out and let me know how we can catch up for the year.”

She hugged him and laughed, “If we tried to do that we would wear out body parts. But it might be fun to try.”
 

“Birdie that is the can-do spirit I like to see in a person. I’m sure we can work something out.” He pulled her out of the laundry room, “Do you want me to drive you to the shop this morning?”
 

“I usually walk, but a ride would be great.” She gathered her purse and bag and they headed out to Mark’s truck. “When we get to the shop, you can park in back next to my delivery car.”

“I noticed your vintage Wagoneer last week. That’s a very cool car. Was it your Grandmother’s?” He pulled out, turned around and headed to the shop.
 

“It was. Grams kept it in good shape and it has really low mileage. I had it checked out when I moved down, and the only thing I have to do is see if I can have airbags added.”

“You can’t drive it if it doesn’t have airbags.” He looked over, “I’ll have them put in for you.”
 

She was looking out the window and waved to one of her neighbors, “I only drive around the island. If I have to go off, I take my Volvo. Don’t worry, I’m very safe.”

“I don’t like it. Let me have it next week and I will take it in. I don’t want something happening to you.”
 

She had her head down and was looking in her bag, “I’m fully capable of taking care of it.”
 

“I know, but it would make me feel better if I could do this for you. Have you found a place to have it done?”

“That is part of my problem. Everyone I’ve called so far can’t seem to figure out which ones to order and how to install them. I just have to sit down and do the research.”
 

“I can ask Blake or Shane, they’re both gearheads. So they can probably figure it out.”
 

“Thank you. That would be great.”
 

He leaned over and kissed her, “My pleasure. I want to be able to do this for you. Don’t drive it until we figure it out.”

Birdie shrugged her shoulders, “OK, I guess.”

********

He pulled into the back parking lot and went around and helped her out. He looked around, “So this whole building is yours? It looks like you recently updated it. I don’t remember it being this nice.”

They started walking around to the front of the building, “When I moved down here, I had the plumbing and electrical checked. Then six months ago I had the exterior painted and put up the awnings across the front. I still have the upstairs to work on, but I’m in no rush. My grandmother left me the building and the flower shop and her house. I’m her only grandchild and my mom wanted me to have it.” They stood in front of her store, “Come inside and take a look at my shop. I don’t think you’ve ever been here before.”
 

He followed her in, looked around and was surprised how nice it was. The place felt very open and modern - it definitely seemed liked Birdie. “This place is great, you did an amazing job. You must be proud of it.”
 

“I like how it turned out.” She led him into the back and showed him her office and the cooler and the big tables where she made the arrangements. “This is where I create the magic.”
 

Mark lifted her onto one of the tables and stepped between her knees. He slipped his hand up her shirt and caressed her nipple through her bra. “I like your shop. Have you ever made out here before?” Birdie was unable to form any words, so she just shook her head and tried to get up. Mark kept a hold of her, “I’m not done yet, let’s make some magic together.” He dropped his mouth to hers and began learning what made Birdie happy.

She held on to him and could feel how much he desired her. It was so different from any experience she’d ever had. Somehow she had ended up with men who were ambivalent about her. Mark gave her the gift of feeling wanted and somehow it was becoming everything to her.
 

He lifted his head and ran his mouth down her jaw and kissed the spot on her neck that made her wild. He felt her lean in and heard her sigh, “What time do you want me to come and get you?”
 

She straightened and tried to focus, “I can walk home and meet you there. I should be home around 4:00.”

He adjusted himself and stood up, “I guess…. if I have to wait that long. I’m going to stop by the base and get my medical certificate and then I’ll go home and get some stuff done.” He kissed her gently and lifted her off the table. He adjusted her blouse and ran his fingers through her hair, “Have a good day. Think about where you want me to take you to dinner.”

She watched him head out and took a deep breath. That man was like a force of nature - you had to be careful around people like that. Otherwise you found yourself almost naked on your work table. She heard the front door open and heard Adam’s kid’s Lisa and Steve talking. They walked back to find Birdie. “Hi guys, thanks for coming in. Ready to get started?”
 

They both nodded, “Did you bring us any treats Birdie?”
 

“Sorry guys, I didn’t have time. I had to deliver that wedding a day early. I’ll buy lunch next door and next week I’ll bring treats.” They all got started cleaning up and getting the shop ready for next week, 4:00 couldn’t come soon enough for Birdie.

********

Birdie locked the doors to her shop and walked next door to the gourmet grocery and deli. She waved to Tom the owner as she made her way back to the meat counter. Marcus, Tom’s husband, came out and gave her a big smile, “What are you going to make tonight?”

“I have no idea. I’m cooking for a friend and I need some new ideas. Should I make lamb?”

Marcus’s eyebrows lifted, “A friend… what kind of friend? Why haven’t I heard about him before? Spill the details?”

She leaned over the counter and her eyes were bright with excitement. “I met him last week at my cousin’s wedding, he’s Frisco’s commander. He took me on a date this week and we’ve hung out a couple of times and I think I really like him.” She continued on… dreamily looking up, “He is the most handsome man I have ever seen. But he is very alpha and bossy, but funny and sexy too. I’m not sure what it’s going to be, but I’m sure having fun finding out.”

“I’m very proud of you girl. You’re stepping out finally and have a great attitude about it. Bring him in so we can have a look and then I will give you my opinion.” He folded his big arms over the case, “I think you should grill some steaks, add the twice baked potatoes and a salad. It will please your man and give you lots of time to see if he’s any good in bed.”

She looked down and studied her shoes and didn’t say anything. Marcus handed her the steaks and smiled, “Well I guess you have tried him out already and you are making him dinner. He must have passed your initial test.” He came around the counter and gave her a hug, “You deserve it, enjoy.”

Birdie kissed his cheek and finished her shopping. As she was checking out, Tom gave her a look, “I suppose I have to get all of the details from Marcus. That’s ok, you go, get ready.” He handed her the last bag, “I hope it’s the same man who brought you to work this morning.”
 

Birdie loaded her basket, “His name is Mark and it’s the same man.” She hugged him, took her basket and started to walk home.
 

Her house was about three blocks from the shop. She loved that she could walk most days and leave her car at home. As she got close, she saw Mark’s truck parked in front of her house. She opened the gate and rolled her basket in and noticed him on the steps. He glanced up and didn’t look very happy, “Where were you? I went to the store and it was all locked up and then I came here and you were not here. I was worried.” He walked down the steps and took her in his big arms and hugged her. “I don’t like the feeling of not knowing where you are.”
 

She hugged him back and rubbed her hands down his back, “I could not have gotten far. My shop is only three blocks away. I stopped at the market to get some things for dinner.”
 

He didn’t let go, “I’m taking you out to dinner. Let’s go out after the beach.”

She slipped out of his embrace and grabbed her basket, “That’s fine with me. I just thought we might be busy doing something else. I wanted to have something to make in case we didn’t make it out.”
 

A huge smile spread across his face, “You’re right, we’ll probably be busy. We can order pizza though, I don’t want you to cook.” He grabbed her around the waist and bent her over his arm and kissed her with so much enthusiasm that she started to get light headed. He lifted her up, took her basket and picked up some bags he’d left by the front door. She followed him and looked a little dazed as she unlocked the door.
 

He dropped the bags by the couch and took her basket to the kitchen. She unpacked the food and then came over to the couch where he was sitting. “Are you ready for your surprise?” He started opening the bags he brought. She noticed they were from the local surf shop in town.
 

She sat and closed her eyes, “I’m ready and very excited.” She felt something heavy in her lap and opened her eyes and looked down. Mark had bought her a wet suit. “Oh my god, this is so sweet of you, I love it.” She kissed him and stood up and held it in front of her. “I think it’s perfect.”
 

He pulled out another one, “I got you a spring suit as well. This is probably all you need for now. You can use the full one next month when it gets colder.” He leaned over and got something out of his pocket and handed it to her. “I went to the base and pulled a copy of my last medical exam. I wanted you to have it.”
 

She opened it up and started to read it. “6’3”, 242 pounds, 17% body fat. That is just wrong. I have more body fat than you do - that is slightly depressing.” She continued to read and noticed his resting heart rate, “Are you a cobra - your resting heart rate is 60?” She put her hand on his chest and felt his heartbeat…. they smiled at each other. She kept reading, he was very healthy and completely disease free. “Thank you for bringing this to me, I’ll get you mine, it’s in my office.” She walked over to her desk and started going through some files, “Found it.”
 

He opened it and looked at it, “Baby you don’t have to show me this. I trust you.”
 

“I looked at yours and I think you should look at mine.” He started reading her report and she put her hand over the middle of the page, “Just skip down to the bottom. You don’t need to read that part.”
 

He moved her hand and laughed, “I weigh a hundred pounds more than you do. You’re small next to me.”
 

“I’m not small at all. You are just supersized and don’t read anymore. I don’t want you to look at my body fat information - not after I looked at yours.”
 

He grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap, “Birdie I think you are the perfect size. I like all of your curves. I like that you have soft places. In fact, you could stand to add a couple of pounds.”
 

She kissed him, “I’ve never felt small.”
 

He kissed her back and slipped his hand down her jeans and massaged her behind. “This is one of my favorite parts of you. I think you have a world class ass and I intend to enjoy it.” He kissed her and was really starting to enjoy himself, “Maybe we should skip the beach, go upstairs and continue this.”
 

She tried to sit up, “Let’s go and then we can come back and use my new outdoor shower.” He growled, kissed her and finally let her go. He grabbed his bag and they started to walk upstairs to change. She stopped on the stairs, “Do you want to still not use condoms?”
 

He looked up at her surprised, “I thought that’s why we did the whole medical info exchange. I don’t want anything between us.”
 

“But then we have to agree to be exclusive. I don’t want to change your life, but I don’t want to risk dying. Maybe we should just use condoms to be safe and then it won’t be awkward.”
 

 
“I’m happy to only sleep with you and I will kill any son of a bitch who gets close to you. How does that sound?”

“You could’ve left out the last part and I would have assumed you were normal. Now I know you have a streak of crazy mixed in.”