He’d spoken with me about what his superiors had said to him about my dad not long after he’d gotten there. Honestly, he hadn’t even wanted to tell me that because he didn’t want me to feel bad. But I’d all but forced him to tell me.
I was so glad that I did, because I’d let my dad know that I wasn’t happy with him and his meddling.
Troup patted my butt and then set me down onto my feet. “No, don’t. It won’t matter. And, honestly, if it makes him feel better that he’s accomplishing something, I’m okay with it. But… we’ll figure it out together.”
I was suddenly furious.
My dad had butted his nose into shit again, and I’d almost missed seeing Trouper! He’d almost missed his brother graduating!
That was important!
“Does Easton know that you’re coming?” I asked, pulling away and offering him my hand.
“Nope,” he said. “He told me that ‘I didn’t have to come’ knowing that it was a tough time for me with the end of the year tests. But I was able to finish them all up before I came.”
“How long are you allowed to stay?” I whispered, knowing I wasn’t going to like his answer.
“I have to fly back out tomorrow.” He looked at me with regret in his eyes. “We start training Monday. I have to be back by Sunday.”
I knew that my shoulders slumped.
To hide the fact that I was super bummed, I looked at him with a narrow-eyed gaze. “How did you do on your tests?”
“Aced them,” he replied.
I grinned wickedly at him. “I knew you would.”
He blew out a relieved breath. “I’m glad that you had the confidence in me, because I sure the hell didn’t.”
“Were you scared that you wouldn’t?” I asked. “Because you studied your ass off for those. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. You’re so damn smart, Troup.”
He looked away as if he still couldn’t take a compliment.
“Come on,” I said. “My car’s parked in the hour parking. If we don’t hurry, I’m gonna have a ticket.”
He took my hand into his and together we walked out of the airport.
“No baggage?” I paused at the exit.
“Not staying long, remember?” he reminded me.
I felt that pierce straight through my heart, too.
“I remember,” I admitted. “I was just hoping for a different answer.”
He flashed me that trademark ‘Troup’ smile that was bound to make all the women faint.
“Where to first?” he asked, holding his hands out for my keys.
I rolled my eyes.
Same ol’ Troup.
Couldn’t allow me to drive anywhere.
“To our spot,” I said. “Graduation is at six. That gives us three hours.”
His eyes went hot.
And neither one of us said a single word as he drove us to our spot, parking down the dirt road entrance so that nobody would see my car.
“Your dad at home?” he asked as he glanced at the car.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I didn’t even tell him I was coming. I wanted to spend time with you.”
His eyes went electric and I screamed when he up and tossed me over his shoulder.
Seconds later, I was watching his ass as he slowly trudged through the woods.
“I think you’re stronger,” I said. “Not that you weren’t strong then, but seriously, you can really, seriously tell. I mean, your ass.”
I cupped both of his cheeks in my hands and squeezed, causing him to laugh.
“Are these new jeans?” I asked curiously.
“They are,” he confirmed. “I bought them for a special occasion.”
“For watching your brother graduate?” I teased.
“No.” He stepped over a log, causing my head to bounce off said ass. “Because I was going to see you.”
I felt my insides start to warm at his words.
And soon he was making the final trek through the woods that led to our meadow.
Our spot was marked by the same down comforter as last time.
There wasn’t one difference between this time and the last. I even had the ice-cold beers in the cooler next to it.
He didn’t waste time pushing me down onto the blanket.
Nor did he hesitate in ripping off my shirt.
I gasped when he dropped down onto me and pressed his lips against mine.
“Mmmmm,” he growled against my lips. “You taste so fuckin’ good.”
I licked my lips. “You smell good. And taste good. I missed you bad, Troup.”
He smoothed his hand up my stomach, his calloused hands catching on the silky material of my bra as he came up to cup my breast.
“Missed you more, Beck,” he rasped, then went back to devouring my mouth.
At the same time, though, he was busy reaching between my breasts and unclasping the clasp.
My bra snapped apart, and soon my breasts were free for him to fondle as he pleased.
Which he did.
Relentlessly.
“Damn,” he growled against my neck. “I’ve already lost control.”
He didn’t look like he’d lost control. He looked like he had too much of it if you asked me.