The Soldier Next Door (4 page)

What felt like heaven lasted a good long time. Eventually they collapsed into each other’s arms, panting.

“See?” He gazed at her with a charming smile. “Age is meaningless. We rock together.”

“You’re right,” she said on an airy breath. “That might just be the best sex I’ve ever had.”

“Stick around.” He gave her a wink. “I can make it even better.”

Chapter Three

Sydnie sat at her desk, trying to focus on work, but Mason dominated her thoughts. Their night together had taken her off guard. Now she worried about the awkward neighbor-slash-we-had-sex phase. She wanted him to call yet worried they’d jumped into bed way too fast. With his many problems and her skittishness over relationships, she thought perhaps it might be best to guard her heart. This man was young, hot, and wild. Surely his old girlfriend would realize what she lost and come crawling back.
They always do.

If the situation became too uncomfortable, she could always do what she’d been putting off, sell this empty house and move to the beach like she wanted. Change wasn’t something she embraced, which was why she still lived like a hermit. Buying a beachfront home didn’t seem like a bad idea. She tossed around her options while browsing images for her next design.

She’d been playing around with graphic art ideas for over an hour when the doorbell rang. Deep inside she hoped to see a certain soldier at her door, but doubted he’d walk over before calling first, especially on a holiday. She inwardly scolded herself for this infatuation that would most likely end. To her surprise and secret delight, Mason was at the door when she opened it.

“Hi!” She motioned for him to come inside. Spring was kicking into gear at last and most of the snow from the storm had melted. “How are you today?”

“I was wondering if you’d like to come to my mom’s with me. They’re having a Memorial Day picnic and I get really nervous in groups of people.”

“You want me to attend a family dinner? Are you sure they won’t mind? They don’t even know me.” She was flattered and excited, but apprehensive all the same. Meeting his family was a huge deal. What would they think of their young soldier hooking up with an older woman?

“They won’t care. I already told Mom about you. She’s cool with it. I told her that I can really talk to you, that I can be myself with you.”

“Oh…I don’t know. I’m not very good at family gatherings. I’ve been alone so long. Maybe another time?”

And there it was—that wounded yet longing expression in those beautiful eyes she could not resist.

“Hey, that’s cool, another time,” he said, failing to conceal his disappointment. He turned to go.

“No…” She touched his arm. “I’ll come. I need a few minutes to change. I’d like to put on something other than jeans.”

His bright smile was reward enough yet she had a feeling he’d make it more than worth her while. Not that she expected him to. He just seemed like that kind of guy.

“I’ll pull my truck over so you don’t have to walk through the grass.”

She nodded with a smile. “Okay. Give me about a half hour then?”

Another hair-raising ride in his truck brought them safely to a farm outside a small city fifty miles east of her home. The weather had taken a wonderful turn with temps rising into the mid-seventies.
Typical Pittsburgh weather,
she mused.
Snow one day and heat the next.
Her nerves were on edge as she did a visual scan of the numerous parked vehicles. She hadn’t done the huge family scene since before her divorce.

Mason helped her out of the truck. “You look awesome all dolled up with the makeup and skirt.” His gaze moved over her. “The boots are hot. You have great legs.”

“Thank you. I dance to stay in shape. It’s more fun than walking a treadmill.”

“Well it works.” He took her hand and led her into a ranch-style home.

Sydnie smiled and nodded as he introduced her around.

His mother seemed very welcoming and even gave her a light hug. “We all heard the story of the night you found him,” Glenda said with a knowing smile. “Mason has some trouble with flashbacks. You were very kind to stay with him. Most people would’ve run like hell in that situation.”

“It was a little…scary…but I just couldn’t leave him there. I needed to make sure he was okay.”

Glenda looked from her to Mason and back again, then smiled. “Hm. I see.” She gave a little wink before returning to her work in the kitchen.

“C’mon.” Mason slid an arm around her waist. “I’ll introduce you to Nicole.”

“Your ex is here?” Her stomach did a flip-flop.

“Don’t worry, she’s cool. She walked away from me. I got over it. No hard feelings. You’d probably meet her eventually anyway since she comes by the house.”

He walked her back outside to a very tall woman with dark blonde hair, standing beside a brawny man sporting a gray ponytail.

“Hey, Nicki, this is Sydnie.”

Nicole stuck her hand out. “Hi. Nice to meet you.”

They looked each other over. Sydnie accepted her light handshake.

“Likewise.”

“So you’re the new woman in Mason’s life now.”

“Um…we’ve shared a couple dates.”

“Well, honey, let me warn you, this man is one hell of a trip.” Nicole eyed her with open scrutiny. “But something tells me you already know.”

“He’s sweet.” Sydnie glanced at him and smiled. “I needed some excitement in my life anyway.” Her focus shifted back to his ex.

Nicole let out a boisterous laugh. “You came to the right place then. See that man over there?” She pointed to a gathering in the back yard. “The big dude with a beard, showing off his motorcycle to the crowd?”

Sydnie nodded.

“That’s Mason’s dad, Jack. He’s a hell raiser, too. Like father like son in this family. And Mason has three boys. God help them.”

“Hey, at least they won’t grow up to be pussies.” Mason laughed. He grabbed two wine coolers from a barrel filled with ice. “Don’t worry about Nicki, she’s a badass. Her new boyfriend rides with my dad.”

“You don’t ride?”

He shook his head. “Nope. I like my truck and my quad, take the dirt bike out once in a while, but never got into road bikes. Why, do you?”

“No, I’ve led a pretty uneventful life.”

“We’ll have to work on that,” he said with a wink.

She laughed, arching questionable brows. She couldn’t even fathom what might come next with this guy. Regardless, he seemed to have cast a spell and charmed her into his lair. She’d never been a thrill seeker—until now.

After a lovely dinner of traditional favorites and a few ethnic dishes as well, Sydnie offered to help in the kitchen. Glenda allowed her to help clear the table, but that was all.

She politely shooed her away. “You’re our guest. You go have a good time. I can take care of the dishes later.”

“I don’t mind a bit of work.”

Glenda cupped her chin affectionately. “Such a sweet girl. Go on now.”

Sydnie walked away with a smile and found Mason outside chatting with family and friends. They all appeared to get along fine. She didn’t understand why he felt everyone had turned away. He seemed to be having a good time talking about all the custom features he’d added to his truck. Everyone looked at ease, sitting under a huge tree.

He grabbed a chair and unfolded it for her. “About time you joined the party. Do you need a drink?”

“No, I’m fine.” She noticed the glassy eyes and intoxicated state setting in.

While sitting there, hollowed out acorns started dropping from the tree and hitting the cab of his truck. Sydnie looked up and saw a gray squirrel leaping from branch to branch. The little furry critter was searching for food, kicking empty shells from its nest and nibbling on budding conifers.

Mason began to get agitated. “What the fuck is that?” He glanced up. His body tensed.

“It’s just a squirrel, Mason, chill out.” Nicole’s voice sounded condescending.

“Fuckin’ squirrel bombing my truck,” he muttered, then kicked his chair aside and jumped behind the wheel.

Everyone scattered. Jack grabbed Sydnie and pulled her out of the way. “Best to stay away when he gets like this.”

“He does this often?”

“Only when he drinks, booze and pills don’t mix. He’s not supposed to drink. His meds don’t work when he does. Mason knows this, but it doesn’t seem to stop him.”

Mason gunned the engine and, to her horror, began ramming the tree. “Get down here you fuckin’ pricks. Stop bombing my truck! I’ll kill your ass and eat you for dinner!”

“Better call the MPs,” Jack called to Glenda. “Mason’s gone off the edge again.”

“MPs? Here?”

“That’s what we call the medics from the psych ward. He won’t go with them any other way.”

“You’re putting him back in the hospital?” She didn’t understand.

“Look at him, darlin’, he’s fucking crazy.”

She faced off with a bear of a man, keeping her voice steady. “No, he’s your son.” Then she turned away.

Tears filled her eyes as she watched the man who’d made beautiful amazing love to her just the night before, repeatedly ram the front of his truck into a tree while shouting at an innocent squirrel. She heard someone make a few rude comments about Mason, squirrel bait and nuts. Their lack of compassion angered her. Yet here, among his people, she felt powerless.

During his phase of unprovoked rage, Mason didn’t seem to hear the ambulance pull up. Two men dressed in white approached both sides of the truck and tried talking him down. Mason took one look at them and jerked the vehicle into reverse, slamming straight into the parked ambulance. Trapped, a look of sheer panic crossed his face followed by an expression of what looked like fight-flight mode.

He jumped from the truck and raced across the yard. The men gave chase, as did his father. They cornered him on the back porch. Everyone else just stood there and watched, as if nothing traumatic was happening. Sydnie couldn’t bear to do nothing. She ran after the medics. Mason squatted on bent knees, rage painted on his face. There was no way these men would take him peacefully, this she knew.

He dashed into the house. The orderlies followed Jack inside. Glenda stood at the base of the stairway that led to the upper floor. Tears trailed down her cheeks.

“You won’t go up?” Sydnie asked her.

“I-I just don’t know what to do for him when he gets this way. It breaks my heart.”

She placed a hand on the woman’s shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. “I’ll try. I’m not afraid. He told me how much he hates hospitals and the psych ward.”

Glenda nodded in open gratitude. “Good luck. Nicole was always too afraid to deal with him when he’s like this.”

“He won’t hurt anyone except himself and I’m not going to let that happen.” She scaled the steps cautiously, wondering how she’d become so brave while keeping an eye out for sudden movements or flying objects. At this point, she had no idea what to expect. His father and the two orderlies stood outside a bedroom door.

“Mason, come on out,” Jack hollered through the door. “You’re in the Army, boy, You gotta listen to the MPs.”

“Fuck you! I know what they want. I’m not going back to the rubber room!” shouted Mason. He sounded very much as he had when he’d mentally killed Mick, full of fight and blind fury.

Her mind raced for a solution. A bizarre idea came to mind. “Mason…it’s
Kool
. I’m trapped behind enemy lines. Will you let me in?”

“Are you fucking nuts?” Jack shot her a pointed look.

“Have you ever sat and simply let him talk before picking up the phone?”

He moved his mouth to speak, but said nothing. Shuffling sounds could be heard from inside the room. Then the doorknob turned and the door cracked open barely an inch. Mason peeked out, then swung the door open, and jumped at the men while brandishing a wicked knife.

“Stay the fuck back or I’ll slit your motherfucking throats!” He grabbed Sydnie by the arm and yanked her into the room, then slammed and locked the door. “Get down,” he said in a low voice before crawling back toward the window. “Look, Kool, we’re surrounded.”

She dropped to her knees and stared out the window with him. “I see that. How do you wanna proceed?”

“We gotta get to Sergeant Dan. He’s trapped behind that fuckin’ Bongo truck.”

Hunched beside him, peering out the window, she realized that he viewed the ambulance as the trucks he’d told her about used by the enemy. Guardedly, she laid a hand on his shoulder.

“Sergeant Dan is dead,” she said in a firm and quiet voice. “He died in the last attack. It’s just us now.”

His head jerked toward her. Sudden recognition dawned in his eyes. The look of war transformed into instant sorrow. “Sydnie? What’s going on? Why are we up here?”

She stared at him with wide eyes, sincere with concern. “It’s okay, Mason, you’re all right. Nobody is taking you anywhere but home.”

“Home?” Tears flooded those expressive brown eyes.

“Yeah…” She fought back the urge to cry. “I’ll drive you home in your truck. You wanted to see me drive your truck, right?”

He nodded, then everything seemed to hit him at once. “They’re all dead. My whole fucking unit killed by some fucking bomb. They’re all dead, aren’t they?” Heartache flooded his voice. He reached for her.

“Yeah, I’m so sorry. They are gone.” She knelt beside him and opened her arms.

“I’m sorry, baby,” he cried, falling against her, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning his forehead against her chest. “I’m so sorry, baby.” He wept quietly in her embrace.

Tears streamed down the sides of her face, but she held it together and didn’t make a sound. The demons in this man’s head were real yet not. She’d never dismiss him, never mock him, or never hand him over to the men in white coats.

They stayed there on the floor for quite some time. She rested her cheek against his head and held him close, offering comfort to the bravest of the brave. Men who gave their life for others did not deserve to be cast aside when war took its toll. She did not agree with anyone outside that bedroom door.

Gradually, Mason pulled himself together. “Thank you, baby…thank you.”