Tiger's Lily (11 page)

Chapter 14

Monday arrived too quickly, forcing her back to work. Knowing Cale waited at home for her brightened the whole day and sent her zipping out the door at the first opportunity. They shared a chuckle when she explained how Carson took one look at her face that morning and slapped a script for birth control pills in her hand. The gesture garnered a blush then just as it had when the incident happened.

They had shared chores all holiday weekend long, playing with the growing kittens, and sharing an evening meal prepared by Cale. Often, they retired to the bedroom, Cale showering her with love, leading her to wonderful delightful bits of heaven on earth. He taught her, showed her, and gave her confidence in not only herself, but in their relationship. Everything felt right and happy in her world. She lived in bliss.

Until his phone rang Monday evening. Another job. Another location. They would pick him up at seven in the morning.

They spent all night in one another's arms, seeking peace and solace in their own quiet world, trying to make up ahead of time for his absence. Lily showered him with her love, needing him to understand her deep feelings, and realize that, unlike his former wife, she would be waiting for him, counting the hours until he returned.

All too soon, dawn arrived.

Her ideal life clashed with the real world, leaving her saddened and upset. A week with the man she loved wasn't nearly enough time. Lily's mind told her to be rational. She always knew he had a job that kept him on the move. On the other hand, her heart encouraged her to cling tightly to him, lest he walk out the door and never return.

"I'll be back. Don't worry."

Lily nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I believe you."

He pulled her close, pressing butterfly kisses to her cheeks, soaking up the tears. "Then believe this. I've never had anything to come home to before. I know you'll be there waiting for me and nothing will keep me from returning to you. Promise."

"I love you, Cale." She hugged him all the tighter.

"I love you, too."

Stunned surprise stilled the hamster wheel inside her mind. The words she longed to hear. She could hardly believe her ears.

Cale grinned down at her, his heart in his eyes. "I mean it. I do love you."

So excited, she nearly bowled Cale over when she threw herself into his arms, squeezing him for all she was worth. "I love you, too. So much."

He chuckled holding her tight for a moment longer.

She rained kisses over his face, still giddy about his declaration. The moment bittersweet as he finally said the phrase she feared he might never utter to her, then having to immediately ride off into battle once more.

A horn honked behind them.

Coming back to reality, Lily wiped the tears from her eyes, looking up at Cale.

"I'll be back as soon as I can. Take care. You have our numbers in case you need them?"

She nodded. "I'll try not to be a pest." Last night, he gave her a list of important phone numbers but cautioned her that on most jobs they shut down communications for the protection of them and their loved ones. Technology could be easily traced and the men they dealt with had no problem using innocent people for a means to an end. Not only that, distraction could be deadly. After her experience with Lansing, she understood completely. The thoughts of how close they all came to a shootout at her house and possible death sent shudders down her spine.

"Never a pest, love." He gave her one final squeeze, a quick kiss, then picked up his gear and strode to the car. Spoon climbed out to open the back. Together they wrangled the large canvas bags into the vehicle, shutting the rear door afterwards.

Cale turned once more, looking at Lily as she stood in the doorway.

Her eyes riveted on him, trying to commit the image to memory.

With a tender smile and wave, he climbed into the car.

Lily watched until she could no longer see the tiny speck of black in the distance. Slowly, she shut the front door and headed for the couch. Tears overflowed once more, her heart aching at the sudden loss.
He'll be back.
That fact gave her a bit of solace, but she couldn't help the onset of loneliness at his departure.

A paw reached up to pat her cheek. Looking over, she saw Hope, sitting beside her with a look of concern in her large expressive eyes. Lily immediately pulled the calico into her lap, taking comfort from Hope's loud purr. The kittens followed suit, Faith and Charity rubbed against her arms, setting their own engines to humming. She soaked in all their affection, happy to have them there. "What would I do without you?"

A few days ago, all she needed to combat loneliness was her little brood. Now, she needed Cale, too.

A few minutes later, she strode into her bedroom, needing to get ready for work. She paused at the familiar black jacket tossed across the comforter. A bright white paper rested on top. Perplexed, she picked up the note, quietly reading it to herself.
This will keep you warm when I'm not there. Love you and see you soon.

Lily placed the note back on the bed using both hands to pick up Cale's coat. Pulling it close, she inhaled deeply, easily scenting his woodsy smell imprinted on the fabric. She couldn't help but smile.
I might sniff this thing until the scent wears out.
His consideration and generosity touched her deeply. It was a gift she would wear and treasure, thinking about him each and every time she pulled it on.

* * * *

Promptly at noon, her cell phone rang. Concern immediately flashed through her. Only Carson or Casey ever called and those were fairly few and far between since Casey delivered Adam and spent all hours of the day and night caring for him. Besides that, she was at work. If Carson needed her, he simply had to walk around the corner to the kitchen where she sat staring at her peanut butter sandwich with little interest.

Dillon's voice carried over the line. "Cale says I'm besotted. He said to ask you what it meant."

Lily giggled in relief and in sheer amusement. Leave it to Cale to pester Dillon mercilessly at any given opportunity. "Remember your first crush?"

"Blonde with big boobs in those music videos?"

She snorted. "No, silly Neanderthal. How you felt with your first crush in school." When he remained mute, she continued on with her explanation. "Well, it means you are doting and obsessed or infatuated with someone. You thought of her all the time, planned on when to see her between classes, carried her books, etc. Thus, you are besotted."

"Oh." Dillon went quiet for a beat. "Maybe I won't kick his butt like I promised after all."

"Uh, huh." She didn't believe that for a minute. "By the way, how's Della?"

"Absolutely wonderful."

She heard the sheer adoration in his tone. No doubt about it, he loved that woman from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet. "Yep, you are definitely besotted."

"Hey!"

"I'm just agreeing with Cale." Lily picked at a potato chip. The unexpected call helped ease her loneliness with Cale leaving.

"You miss him." It wasn't a question.

"Yeah. A lot." She sighed into the phone.

"Don't worry. He's good at what he does."

She nodded then realized he couldn't see it. "I know. It's just hard."

"Yeah. It sucks being on this side." He waited a beat before speaking again. "You love him, huh?"

"More than I ever thought possible." Truth rang with those words.

"Ha! Welcome to the club!"

Lily burst out laughing. She could tell Dillon missed his brother nearly as much as she did. But, together, they would make it through until he returned.

"Lily, really. Call me. Anytime you want to talk. I'll be here. Doc won't release me back to work for a few weeks." He offered up, his voice going serious once more.

"I will. Thank you, Dillon. You made me feel better already."

"What are friends for?" With that, he hung up.

Lily clicked her phone off, smiling for the first time since Cale left.

* * * *

Lily returned to her old routine with work and home chores. The first week proved a challenge for everywhere she looked, a memory of Cale replayed in her head. She missed him more than she could say. But, with some pep talks from Carson, Casey, and Dillon, she slowly accepted his absence as well as any military sweetheart could. Not like there was much choice in the matter. He loved his job and she couldn't insist he find another. No. You love someone for who they are. Taking out the bad guys was simply a part of who Cale was.

Sure, she worried that he might never return for one reason or another. Deep down, she knew he would. He meant what he said. She simply needed a bit of faith and trust in order to make it through the days without him.

The no communication rule sucked. She lost count of how many times she wanted to call him up, make sure he was okay, and find out if he would return soon. Dillon coached her through that. More than once he pointed out the reasons not to distract Cale, rational ones she could certainly understand and abide by. It didn't stop her from sending him a quick text now and again, just to let him know she was thinking of him.

"He loves you, Lily. Have no doubt about it." Dillon reassured her one weekend over the phone. "You don't see the changes you made in him. But, I do. He will be back before you know it."

The words gave her strength to carry on for another week, throwing herself in her work. The girls were a huge help, cuddling up on her lap, and sleeping the cold nights lying against her in bed. They might not speak, but they sure made great listeners.

Speaking of the girls, Lily found another surprise Cale left for her. About a week after Cale left, Carson handed her a card. "It's from Tiger."

Curious, she quickly opened it, scanning the contents. "A gift card? To the vet?"

Carson smiled down at her. "He wanted to take care of the financial burden of getting the girls spayed and a few other items."

Her eyes began to water. He couldn't have left her a better gift. "But, it's too much money…"

"No. He said it didn't come close to what he owed you. Besides, he left me something as well." Carson shook his head.

"He did?" Lily couldn't imagine what it could be.

"He knew I wouldn't accept his money, same for you. So, he got crafty. Got you those gift cards. Sent me a complimentary weekend at a bed and breakfast fairly close to Casey's parents."

Lily smiled wide. Leave it to Cale to come up with the perfect thank you for Carson. His in-laws could watch Adam while the doctor and Casey spent some quality alone time together. Something they certainly needed.

"Wait until I see him again." She could think of many ways to show her appreciation. Some of those scenarios quickly turned erotic.

Carson burst out laughing. "Good thing you started taking those birth control pills. I imagine as soon as you see him, you'll drag him to your bedroom, and no one will see either of you for a good week."

Her face heated but she couldn't deny his words.

Chapter 15

Two weeks came and went without word from Cale. Lily continued the normal routine of her life, lecturing herself often not to worry. Whispers raced through her mind, flooding her with doubt now and again, before she shoved them away with sheer willpower. It wasn't like his job had set hours and down time like hers. He said he loved her and would return. Thus, he will.

The girls had been spayed Monday, thanks to Cale's gift. All tolerated the procedure well and had, for the most part, resumed their usual daily activities. Certainly, the surgery didn't make even a small dent in their appetites. More than once, she considered buying stock in the company that made their cat food. Yet, as much as she commented on the amount and cost of the food, she would do whatever it took to keep providing it for her girls. Never again did she want to see a half starved cat, desperate to survive. It broke her heart seeing Hope in that condition and put a smile on her face each time she compared the plump healthy feline to what she had been before. Each homeless animal had such potential if only given the chance. Hope showed her appreciation each and every day, being the most affectionate and loving cat Lily had ever known.

Friday evening arrived with a cold snap complete with frigid wind gusts, enough to take your breath away. She hadn't heard the latest weather forecast, but if snow fell from the dreary sky, it wouldn't be a surprise.

Nearly home, Lily noticed something unusual. A small black SUV sat in her parking place. She didn't recognize the vehicle or the license plate, an out-of-state tag. Unease settled over her as she considered the possibilities and what she should do about each one.

Moments later, fear fled like rain in the desert when she recognized the tall man leaning on the front bumper of the unfamiliar car. Joy and relief engulfed her as Cale glanced up and smiled.

Hastily, she parked the car and jumped out, racing to throw herself in Cale's arms. "I can't believe you are here! I've missed you so much!" She spoke against his ear, holding him tight.

He chuckled, gave her a hard squeeze before pulling back just enough to cover her mouth with his for a quick kiss of greeting. "I missed you, too."

She met his eyes and searched his face. "Are you okay?" Her hand automatically went to his jacket, tunneling under, to check for any injuries or wounds.

He shivered as her hands found bare skin on his belly. "Your hands are like icicles."

"I think you told me once that cold hands only made your blood run hotter."

He leaned over enough to rub his nose against hers, tugging her hands from under his shirt. Wrapping his fingers around hers, he tried to warm them. "I said your hands, not cold hands, sugar."

"Oh, was that it?" She teased him, unable to wipe the smile from her face in sheer happiness at seeing him again.

"Uh, huh." He gave her another squeeze and chaste kiss on the mouth. "Let's go inside where it's warm."

Lily grabbed her purse out of the car, along with a small stack of library books, locked it, and then returned to Cale.

His gaze settled on the burden in her arms. "Plan on reading a lot this weekend?"

"Well, I did." The heat settled in her cheeks as he pulled the top book off the stack, looking at its cover. For some reason, his knowing she read juicy romance novels pinged her embarrassment.

An eyebrow arched up after he turned the book over to read the back. "Romance, huh?"

She grabbed the book away from him before he could rifle through the pages to the sex scenes. Change of topic was definitely called for. "How long have you been here?"

He shrugged. "A few hours. I already filled the water and checked fences for you."

"Thanks. I really appreciate that."

"You should." He tugged at her ponytail. "That damn bull didn't cozy up to me nearly like he does you."

Her fingers intertwined with his as they walked the short distance to the back door. "I'm sorry."

"No problem. Stew is ready on the stove. Oh, and I've got a surprise for you." He paused before opening the door, a mischievous grin on his face. Those light blue eyes sparkled.

"A surprise?" Lily couldn't imagine what in the world it could be. He better not have spent more money on her. The vet bill for the girls was more than enough, even if he had a stash of grand wealth at his disposal.

Instead of answering, he opened the back door, ushering her inside.

It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the brighter light, but as soon as they did, her mouth dropped open at the sight.

A large black German shepherd rested on an oversized dog pillow near the couch. Her head came up at their entrance, but she didn't move to greet them.

"Oh, my." Lily walked slowly over, kneeling before the animal. Slowly, she held a hand out to the dog, smiling when a pink tongue flicked out to lick her. Chocolate brown eyes, dull and sad, returned her gaze. Then Lily noticed the shepherd was missing a front leg. Despite that, she appeared in good health with a shiny coat and muscles with a tad bit of fat covering her bones.

She petted the dog, softly speaking at the same time. "Where did you find her?"

Cale sat down on the floor beside her. "This is Tally."

Charity trotted over to crawl on his lap while Faith took the obstacle course, climbing over the large dog to reach Lily. Tally didn't even blink at the kittens.

"She's a retired Army dog."

"Army dog?" Lily had heard the military used dogs for tracking and detecting drugs and mines and other things. But, she really knew very little about the program.

Cale nodded, picking Charity up to pet her, being extra careful with her shaved tummy. The orange and white spotted kitten purred in delight. "She was trained to sniff out bombs. Spent the last couple of years in Afghanistan."

"Her leg?" Lily stroked between Tally's ears, noting the dog seemed to lean into her hands as if asking for more.

"Roadside bomb. It killed her handler. The shrapnel she took cost her the leg."

"Oh, no." Tears welled up in Lily's eyes at the thought of what the poor animal had been through. "Where did you find her?"

"An old buddy works at the rehab clinic for Army dogs in Texas. The Walter Reed for dogs, if you will." His free hand reached out to rub along Tally's back. "Anyway, I was close to there and looked him up. He told me about her. How no one would adopt her because she still struggles with post traumatic stress."

Lily looked away from the dog for the first time, her eyes settling on Cale. "Dogs get PTSD?"

"Apparently. It makes sense, if you think about it. Everything that they see and hear during battle." Cale's eyes dropped as he looked away.

Lily reached over to him, patting his thigh. It didn't take a genius to know Cale's mind envisioned something horrific in his past. Wanting to distract him, she inquired more about Tally. "You said she was up for adoption?"

He scratched Charity's ears, then turned to Faith, sharing the attention between the siblings. "The military adopts out the dogs that are no longer able to work. Some go for police dogs, others go to civilians willing to adopt them and care for them."

"You said no one wanted her?"
How could anyone look in those eyes and turn her away?

"She wasn't a police dog candidate with the missing leg. None of the civilians wanted her either. The hospital did the amputation and gave her extensive rehab, doing everything they could to give her a normal life. But, the PTSD seemed to be the issue that turned adopters away. Loud noises send her to hiding, refusing to budge. They say she shakes and is literally terrified. Storms and fireworks are her nightmares."

"Oh. Poor, poor girl." Lily rubbed both hands through the thick fur. "After everything she did there to save lives, now no one will step up and take care of her."

Cale smiled. "Well, someone did."

She pinned him with her gaze. "Who?"

"You."

She blinked. Her mouth opened and shut a couple of times before any words emerged. "Me?"

"Yep." He sat the kittens aside. One hand reached up to cup her cheek. "I couldn't think of anyone better for her. You have a touch, a way with animals."

Lily's mind whirled. "She needs someone with her all the time to build up her confidence and ease her fears. I have to work…"

Cale's finger shushed her. "I've already talked to Mayberry, before the adoption became official. Told them the trainers recommended a quiet home where someone could be with her all the time due to her fears. He understood. Talked about how many times those dogs saved his life and the life of those in his unit. He didn't even hesitate just offered to let her come to work with you each day and hang out in his office. Said it was the least he could do."

Lily nodded, touched once more by the generosity of her boss.

"The cats?"

He gestured at the kittens rubbing all over Tally. "Cat tested and approved."

"Hope?"

"She walked up, smacked Tally on the nose, gave her a royal stare, and then rubbed against her legs. I don't speak feline, but I took that for acceptance after she showed the dog who ruled the house." They both looked up to find the calico resting on a throw on top of the couch, her front legs tucked under her, in a content and lazy mood.

Lily smiled, picturing Hope doing that very thing. It was no secret the cat ruled her little world. "Okay." She sighed deeply.

For the first time, doubt clouded his expression. "You don't want her?"

She looked down into those big dark eyes, knowing she could never abandon such an animal. "No. It's not that. She just looks so… forlorn. As if she's seen too much, been dealt too many blows in life and has forgotten what happiness and fun is."

Cale shifted closer, his arm wrapping around her shoulder. "That's what drew me to her. That expression. It tore at me. I knew you could bring her back." He pressed a kiss to her temple. "Just like you did with me."

Tears overflowed with his words. Lily turned her head to meet his kiss, breaking apart to wipe at the teardrops. "I love her already. Almost as much as I love you."

His smile lit up the room.

She petted the dog once more, promising she would be well taken care of. "Welcome home, Tally."

Cale stood, pulling Lily up with him. They had to step around the cat toys and a couple of new dog toys before making it to the kitchen. "Let's get you fed."

Using a dipper, he scooped up two big bowls of steamy stew, setting them both on the table. Lily pulled two bottles of water from the fridge and placed them beside the bowls. Both hungrily dug in.

She finished first, her eyes roaming over Cale, still shell shocked and ecstatic that he was there. "Thank you. This is the best gift I could have gotten."

"I can think of a couple of ways to thank me." His voice carried a low husky tone, full of sexual hinting.

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah." He stood, taking her hand in his, kissing the palm before drawing her finger into his mouth, cleaning it with his tongue.

Lily's breath caught at the erotic teasing. Her belly did a slow somersault while parts below clenched in anticipation of what would come next. "You know. It's been a few days. Perhaps I should make sure you still have that belly button, just in case it's disappeared or something."

He laughed before pulling her flush for a deep kiss.

Claws dug into her leg as one of the kittens decided she made a good mountain to climb. At the same time, Tally stuck her cold nose against Cale's groin.

Cale cursed while Lily giggled. "Perhaps privacy is necessary for belly button inspection."

Lily unhooked the trouble maker kitten from her pants, sweetly chastising her while carrying her back to the couch. Cale took charge of Tally, whispering softly to her while digging a chew bone out of a plastic bag sitting on the kitchen counter.

"I think so. Besides, I'm not sure I ever recovered from someone's kitten biting my nipple in search of her breakfast."

"Awwww." She grinned up at him, the memory fresh and funny as ever. "Want me to kiss it again and make it all better?"

"Oh, yeah. Better feed the endless pits before they return for an encore." He rubbed his chest like the bite still hurt.

With a shake of her head, Lily headed to the kitchen to do just that. Cale moved to fill the dog's food bowl. Feeling his gaze, she turned around, finding his eyes locked on her. Quickly, she put the food out, stepped over the cats, and met him in the hall. Taking his hand into hers, she kissed his palm. "I love you, Cale."

"And, I love you, too." He tugged her into the bedroom and shut the door firmly behind them.

No sooner had Cale ensured their privacy than Lily began tugging at his shirt, clutching the hem in her fingers and lifting. He took the hint, helping her, before returning the favor. Within a few seconds her clothing lay in a heap on the floor. Cale still wore his jeans even as he stood with a bare chest.

His mouth covered hers as his hands roamed all over her body, leaving sparks in their wake.

Lily kissed him for all she was worth, showing him in the most elemental way possible how much she missed him and welcomed him back. Her sure hands reached out, unbuttoning his jeans, slipping her hand in to find the object of her search. His erection jumped with the slightest brush of her fingers. Unable to help herself, she shimmied the jeans down his hips, letting them fall to his feet. Following them down, she kneeled before him, grasping his cock in hand. She looked up at his face for an instant then reached out with her tongue, licking over the tip in a sultry kiss.

He groaned deep, but his gaze never wavered.

With more confidence, she focused on her task at hand, slipping her mouth over him, licking and suckling, moving as deep as she dared before reversing her maneuvers, elating with each jerk and moan from Cale, signaling her limited skills met his approval.

He reached down to cup her cheek, gently pushing her away. "I can't take any more."

Lily looked longingly at the arousal dangling in front of her and licked her lips, not ready to give up her succulent prize. Just as she leaned forward to take him inside her mouth, he scooped her up and carried her to the bed.