Free A Ranger's Love: A Military Erotic Romance by Kristin Fletcher

hear nothing Tuesday or Wednesday, but Thursday evening Mike calls me. We talk for a while, but then Mike begs off. He claims he has homework to do, but he promises to see me Friday.
     
    Friday, I cancel with Beverly, Teri and Kat. They are on the prowl again, but I will have everything I need at home when Mike arrives. He shows up late, tired and stressed out. We cuddle on the couch, saying little. We kiss and touch gently until he falls asleep. If it were anyone but Mike I would be pissed, but I simply settle in with him until bedtime. I finally wake him about midnight and we go to bed. We snuggle, but don’t make love. I don’t care. I will have him in the morning, when he is fresh. I slide into a deep sleep, content and happy with his closeness.
     

     
    And so the next three weeks pass. We get together when we can and make love when we are able. Sometimes we only see each for an hour over a burger. Other times we spend three days walking, holding hands, and making love. Regardless of the amount of time, I treasure each moment I spend with Mike. Each time I see him, I feel closer to him. The bond between us rapidly grows stronger.
     
    I am definitely falling for Mike and I think he is falling for me. As his training in Benning winds down, we have more time to spend together. The lovemaking is better than ever, but I find that is no longer the primary reason I want to see him. Now, I want his companionship in addition to his body. 
     
    I’m noodling around on the computer, selecting classes for my fall semester when my cell rings. I smile, as I my phone plays Happy by Pharrell Williams, Mike’s personal ring tone. I grab the phone up, “Hey, babe,” I say. My day has just gotten better.
     
    “Daisy,” Mike says quietly. I hear the despair in his voice.
     
    “Mike, what’s wrong?”
     
    “They just told us. We ship out two weeks early. I deploy Saturday.”
     
    “This Saturday?” I ask. That’s only three days away. I knew this time was coming, but it’s like my parents all over again. It’s so unexpected.
     
    “Yeah. Even worse, we’re restricted to base until we ship out.”
     
    I sit in stunned silence. It’s not Mike’s fault. There is no point in pissing and moaning about it when there is nothing he can do. “Okay,” I say. The only thing I can say. “When will you be back?”
     
    “I don’t know. That’s the truth. It could be a couple of weeks or a month or more. I just don’t know. Daisy, I’m sorry.”
     
    I hold my tears. I have been preparing for this moment, but that doesn’t make this any easier. “I don’t suppose you will be able to call while you’re gone?”
     
    “No. Daisy…” Mike begins but stops.
     
    “You don’t have to say anything, Mike. I knew this was temporary.”
     
    “No! No, that’s not what I was going to say. Daisy, I love you. I want to stay, but I have to go. This is what I do. I want to make a difference. Will you wait for me? As soon as I get back, I’ll call. I’ll think of you every moment I’m gone. When I get back we will figure something out. You could come to North Carolina. Maybe I can get transferred to Benning. But I want to know you will be here, waiting for me, when I get back. Will you wait for me? Please?”
     
    I am so shocked I can’t speak. I wasn’t expecting this at all. This is the first time Mike has said that he loves me. I’m rocked back on my heels. “Mike, I don’t know. I want to be with you, too. But…”
     
    “But what?”
     
    “But, it’s so sudden. I can’t leave here. This is my home.” I am so out of sorts; I don’t know what to do. I want to scream that yes I will be waiting for him when he returns. I want to shout it so loud that he could hear me without the telephone. But, I’m afraid. Afraid to make the leap, afraid of being abandoned again. Afraid to truly open my heart and risk the loss and the pain of Mike not returning.
     
    “I understand,” Mike says softly.
     
    “No!