The Soldier Next Door: A Forbidden Romance Read online

  “Okay, I just didn’t know you could fall in love over letters, without being with someone in person.”

  I turn to her.

  “Marc, remember how we read Cyrano de Bergerac in English class? It’s like that. Cyrano and Roxanne fall in love via letters! Brady and I did the same thing, and trust me, it’s real.”

  She nods slowly, her eyes still on the road.

  “Okay. So you’ve been saving yourself for a man that lives in Afghanistan. You turned down Bud Koolhouse in order to wait for Soldier Daddy to come home. But he’s old, Susie. Does he need some help from Dr. Viagra to even make sure you have a good first experience? Wait, does he even know this will be your first experience?”

  Loudly, I blow out air. I feel insulted by her shots at his age and these insinuations that somehow I’m a crazy person. She doesn’t understand, and would never understand.

  “Yes, he knows it’s my first time and you know what? If you want to hook up with Bud Koolhouse, then just go for it. You’ve got as much ass and boobs as me. Bud won’t even be able to tell it’s you and not me,” I shoot at her. “Plus, Brady’s not that old. Thirty-five is hardly over the hill, you know.”

  I can tell I’ve hurt Marcella feelings by how red her face gets. I instantly regret what I said, but I’m still hurt that she would even say that to me. Is it my fault that Bud likes me more than her? I didn’t ask for this either. But immediately, I’m repentant.

  “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. But I really am in love and I’m super happy and just want your support and not your jokes,” I say apologetically.

  She looks out her window briefly, and then softens up.

  “I’m sorry too. I didn’t realize how serious this was for you and I shouldn’t have made all those comments. If you’re happy and in love, then I’m happy for you. Let’s just enjoy today. How many times are we going to graduate high school, after all?”

  I smile at her. “Exactly. Plus, my parents are throwing a fun party at my house after. This is going to be the best day of our lives!”

  We lock pinkies and smile big as we pull into the crowded parking lot of Remford High.

  8

  Brady

  * * *

  I check my watch as I step off my flight. I’ve already missed Susie’s graduation, but hopefully, I’m not too late for her graduation party. She told me about both, and I didn’t say anything about coming home in time because frankly, the United States Army has a mind of its own. I might be back, but then again, I might not be. It was easier not to say anything.

  But now, I’m stateside, and my step is quick. I can’t wait to see my luscious curvy girl, and to finally taste her lips with my own. I quickly make my way to baggage claim and wait impatiently for the conveyor belt to beep and the carousel to begin.

  After what feels like a lifetime, a red light starts flashing and there’s a groan as the conveyer belt starts to circle around a large opening where suitcases emerge. Luckily, mine is one of the first ones. I hoist it over my shoulders and hop into one of the waiting taxi cabs.

  “Where to?” the man asks me in a deep country accent.

  “South Fourth Street please, and make it quick.”

  With a lurch, he pulls away from the curb and heads away from the small airport. I watch as cows and fields pass by in a haze. I can barely concentrate I’m so excited. Susie has no idea that I’m coming back today, and I cannot wait to have her in my arms.

  The last year has been beautiful, but torturous too. All I’ve been able to think about is Susie, me and Susie, Susie and me, again and again. Our letters started off as a type of cross-Atlantic sexting, but then she started to open up to me about her parents and her hopes and dreams. My heart almost broke when she told me she was staying in Remford because she wanted to wait for me. I tried to convince her otherwise. College is her destiny, and I wanted her to experience it, but she was adamant. She wanted to wait, and my heart secretly unfurled with joy at her patience.

  Even now, I pull out a few pictures of Susie, running my eyes over her lovely curvy form. I look at the picture she sent me of her in her graduation dress. That dress is so beautiful and it fits perfectly. I knew then, I was coming home the day of her graduation just to see her in that dress in person.

  I smile, touching her face in the photo. Finally, my nights of self-pleasure will be over. The woman who I need is mere miles away, and nothing’s going to stop me from plucking her flower.

  We finally pull into the neighborhood and excitement floods my veins. Neat homes with manicured yards roll by, and my impatience grows.

  I barely let the man stop the cab before I’m thrusting money over the divider and thanking him for his service. I step out of the car and drag my bag with me. Everything is just how I remember it, except now Susie’s house is filled with guests and music is drifting out of the windows onto the street.

  I decide to drop my bag off on my porch before going to Susie’s house. I’m still in my uniform and the guests outside turn when they see my cab pull up. I know what I look like: a hardened military man with a muscular frame and a determined look on my face. Hell, more and more people are throwing me curious glances, and it seems like everyone from the neighborhood decided to attend Susie’s party.

  After putting my bag on the porch, I make my way to Susie’s house. I school my face into a calm expression even as sweat forms at my temples.

  Get a grip. Who wants a sweaty, clammy man in their face? I tell myself. I take a deep breath, smile at some of the other partygoers, and then ring the doorbell.

  I’m surprised when Susie herself answers the door. She looks absolutely gorgeous in the dress I purchased for her, her brown hair waving about her shoulders as she laughs at something someone has said. But when she turns around, her eyes go wide. She stutters, trying to find the right words, then embraces me in a tight hug.

  “Happy graduation, sweetheart,” I whisper in her ear, elated by how her curvy figure feels against me. This is right, and I know I did the right thing by coming over straight away.

  “Oh my gosh, are you real?” she asks breathlessly, holding me even tighter. Her breasts smash against my chest, and I moan silently at their lush feel.

  I laugh. “Yes, yes I’m real. I’ve missed you,” I whisper into her hair. She smells just like all of her letters, sweet with a hint of vanilla.

  She takes a step back, her face flushed with excitement and her eyes full of happiness. I can’t stop smiling and we both stand there, goofily grinning at each other.

  “Susie honey, who’s there? Oh Brady, hello and welcome back!” Mrs. Monroe greets me, embracing me in a light hug. “And thank you for your service. Please come in! Jim!” she calls. “Our next door neighbor is here!”

  Her husband shuffles over. He’s very average looking, with a plaid shirt and khakis.

  “Hey Brady, it’s good to see you. We’re so glad you could drop by. It’s a combination block party and graduation party for our daughter, Susie, so make yourself at home. And thank you so much for all you’ve done for this country. Please help yourself. We’ve got cake, food, drinks, and you know they’re adult drinks. Not much of that in Afghanistan, right?” he chortles.

  I’m half listening to Mr. and Mrs. Monroe, while trying not to stare at their aforementioned daughter. She’s having difficulty looking away from me too. Susie’s looking me up in down like she’s mentally undressing me with her eyes, and I hope to god her parents don’t notice.

  I snap back to attention.

  “Um, sorry?”

  Jackie smiles.

  “Brady, can I get you anything? Water or beer?” she asks me.

  “Sure, why not? Got a corona with a lime?” I ask.

  She smiles.

  “Absolutely. Susie, help me?” she asks.

  Jolting to attention, Susie agrees and follows her mom into the kitchen. I can’t help but watch her ass sashay back in forth in her short, flirty white dress.

  “So, tell me, ho
w was deployment?” Jim asks, slapping a meaty hand on my shoulder.

  “Deployment was the same old same old, nothing special,” I answer, hoping to end the conversation as quickly as possible.

  He nods his head at me. “You know I’m more of a Marines guy myself. I traveled all around Asia and Africa throughout the eighties.”

  “Really?” I ask, feigning interest while subtly watching the kitchen door for any sign of Susie.

  “Yep, yep, best time of my life. Then I met Jackie in between tours and decided to settle down. Then we had Susie. I loved traveling the world, but when you know, you know. You know?” he asks me, chuckling at his own joke.

  I smile at him wanly, mulling over his words. “I do know actually. Thanks man. I appreciate it.”

  Just then, Jackie and Susie come walking towards us, Jackie with a beer and Susie with a plate of food.

  “Here you go. My mom thought you might be hungry since you just got off your flight,” Susie murmurs, handing me the plate. Jackie hands me the beer and pulls Jim off to talk to some relatives. They suspect nothing, and for that, I’m grateful.

  Meanwhile, Susie and I sit down and catch up.

  “Thank you for the food. I actually was starving,” I say with a grin.

  She smiles. “Oh my gosh I still can’t believe that you’re here. I’ve dreamed of this moment for months and you’re here. Just…wow. I’m so happy I feel like I have a hanger in my mouth.”

  I chuckle at her, loving her forthrightness. “This burger is good but it has nothing on all the treats you sent me.”

  She blushes, and I watch as her décolletage turns slightly pink.

  “Well, now that you’re here, you can finally get them fresh. If you think you loved me then, well just wait,” she tells me. “You’ll love what I have now even more.”

  “Love?” I ask her, cocking my head to the side. My blue eyes pierce her with an intensity that makes her blush.

  “No, I meant “love” as in love my food…I mean, my baked goods. Just watch your waistline is what I’m trying to say,” she stammers.

  I stare at her, watching her turn red again. It’s endearing and I gently touch her knee.

  “I’m sorry Brady, I just wow, I don’t know how to be around you. This is so exciting, and new, but so sudden too,” she admits softly.

  I shake my head at her. “No need to apologize for anything and hey, just relax because it’s me. The same person you’ve been talking to for months. Take a deep breath. It’s just you and me…and everyone else.” We both look around us, all the partygoers oblivious of the little bubble we’re in.

  She takes a deep breath and smiles, her beautiful brown eyes making my heart contract. She’s so different from the girl I met a year ago talking over the fence. This one seems more mature, more beautiful, and a little more serious. She’s not over the top with her sexuality, but lets it subtly seep out of her, making me want her even more. I decide I can’t wait until I finish my plate. Taking a long swig of my beer, I lean in and whisper to her, “Why don’t you and I find somewhere quiet to talk?”

  She looks at me, a mix of nervousness and excitement, but then she nods. “Let me just tell Marcella to keep my parents distracted so they don’t come looking for me. I’ve said hi to everyone else here already so we should be good. My room is the first one on the left. You go first, okay? I’ll be up in five minutes so just make yourself comfortable.”

  With one last smile, she gets up quickly and disappears into the crowd of people roaming the living room. I find a trash can and get rid of my plate and beer bottle. Then I slide through the crowd, undetected, and make my way up the stairs.

  Is it really going to happen? Are my dreams going to come true, right here, in her parents’ house? The thud of the music fades to a gentle pulse as I stand outside a white door with a purple S hanging on it. I slowly open the door and take in the room. I’ve seen parts of it from the pictures Susie sent me, but now I see it in full.

  It’s a girl’s room, and for a moment, I pause. This is no sophisticated vixen. She’s still young, and the décor reminds me of that. The bed is made with a frilly white coverlet and a teddy bear is tucked away in the corner. There are different medals hanging on the wall, and also a poster of a boy band whose members look too young to shave.

  On her desk, I come across a picture of young Susie. She’s standing on the sidewalk with an orange popsicle melting all over her and the white t-shirt she is wearing. Her curly hair is wildly flying about her head and she has a big smile. I pick up the picture, touched by the image of this young and carefree little girl.

  “That’s one of my favorite pictures,” a small voice murmurs from behind me.

  Startled, I turn around and see Susie standing in front of her closed door. She must have been as light as a mouse because I didn’t hear her enter. But now, she closes the door with an emphatic click, and turns the lock too. Everything fades away, except for the woman before me.

  “You look beautiful in this photo,” I say, returning the picture to its place. “You look beautiful in all your pictures, sweetheart.”

  We stand there for a beat, looking at each other. We’re in a bubble, just the two of us, and time seems to have stopped around us. She coyly smiles at me and I can’t help myself. In three strides, I’m across the room, embracing her with my right arm wrapped firmly around her waist and my left hand cupping her face. I lightly stroke her cheek with my thumb, her nose inches from mine. Her curly hair, sparkly brown eyes, and smooth skin make my heart flutter.

  “I’ve waited a year for this exact moment. I knew from the moment we met that I wanted you all to myself, Susie Monroe,” I rasp into her ear.

  She smiles and nods. “I’ve thought about this moment for the last year too and I still can’t believe you’re here. If you weren’t here holding me, I think I would faint.”

  She laughs gently, and I shake my head at her utter sincerity. I can’t resist any more and I crush her lips with mine, pulling her even closer. I clamp one hand on her butt, savoring its meaty feel and groan deep in my chest. I know there is no way we can be any closer, but I don’t want to any space between us because that time is past.

  9

  Susie

  * * *

  Brady takes my breath away while he kisses me. Our kiss is slow at first, with him nibbling slightly on my bottom lip. He’s stroking me all over, on my butt, hips, back, everywhere. Our kiss builds up, becoming faster and more passionate. Before I know it, he picks me up off my feet, pulling me closer to his rock hard abs, hands squeezing my bottom.

  He walks us over to the bed, and gently lays me down. He kisses all down my neck and collarbone, running his hands up and down my legs, moaning deep in his throat.

  “Oh my God, you feel so good,” I whisper.

  He’s panting already, the look on his handsome face ravenous.

  “Just let me know if you want to stop. I want to make sure you’re comfortable.”

  I tilt his chin and stare deep into those navy blue eyes.

  “I want you to take me. I want my first time to be with you, Brady. Right now. I trust you.”

  He smiles at me and starts kissing me again. He spreads my legs and slides between them, running his hand up and down the outsides of my hips. Shivers run through me as his soft touch makes small circles on the inside of my thighs. His mouth moves from my lips and down my jaw line and to my neck. In between kisses, he nips at my neck slightly. I giggle and squirm away from his ticklish kisses, but to no avail. He has my body locked tightly under his and I’m trapped in the spell he’s put me in.

  “You look good beneath me,” he growls in my ear.

  My reply is breathless.

  “I do?”

  He chuckles low in his throat and nods before moving downward, kissing the tops of my breasts that show over the top of my dress. He gingerly pulls down my dress straps and slides the fabric down slightly, exposing my pale strapless bra. With one swift motion, he unclips the fro
nt, my breasts spilling out. His eyes widen as he takes one in one hand, and closes his mouth around the erect nipple on the other.

  I throw my head back in pleasure, feeling that same tingling sensation all through my body and in between my legs. He switches between my breasts, gingerly nibbling and sucking on one while playing with the other, rubbing his thumb in circles around my nipple. I run my hand through his hair and moan in pleasure as he moves down from my breasts, pushing my dress off and to the floor.

  “I like these,” he comments, pulling at my lacy nude panties. He keeps kissing all around my waist. I squirm in delight and try to sit up to look at him but am forced down by his strong arms. He uses his teeth to slide my panties off, pulling them down the back of my ass with his fingers.

  I suddenly realize how naked I am and get nervous. He must feel me tense up because he presses me down gently. “Don’t be scared. It’s just you and me. Take a deep breath and relax, sweetheart.”

  I do as told.

  “Okay, I trust you. I’ve just never gone this far before,” I whisper, laying back on the bed.

  “I know, I know,” he tells me, and then before I know it, his face is deep in my crotch. He starts playing with my clit with his tongue, circling it in sure, seamless motions. Instantly I’m driven crazy and it feels so much better than when I take care of myself. He continues playing with my breasts at the same time, gripping them and rubbing them in circular motions.

  I feel his tongue slide further down and enter and exit the deepest, most intimate part of me. Everything feels so good, and it’s like my body is on fire. I have no idea how long he’s down there before he comes up, his chin shiny and glistening from my wetness. I’m instantly turned on even more and seize his face, pulling him in for a kiss so passionate that I think it takes him by surprise. I roll over so I’m on top of him and start pulling at his clothes. I can tell he’s hard, and his erection springs up as soon as I slide his pants over his strong thighs.