Duty With Honor Book Five: An Unexpected Pause Read online

  He gasped in surprise -- but managed to turn it into a cough as Beth gave him the tiniest of winks, before once more giving her full attention to Jack's ongoing story. But, she'd seen him flush as he stuffed the panties in his pocket. She'd also seen his confused expression.

  Chapter Two

  Jack offered to drive them back to the loft, but Andrew said they'd just take a cab, insisting the restaurant was so close to Jack's townhouse -- it was foolish for him to go so far out of his way when he was nearly home.

  Drew wasn't sure what was going on, but he planned on finding out. As soon as they were settled in the back of the taxi, he turned to his bride, and in a husky voice, whispered, "Beth--"

  However, he didn't get to say much, because Elizabeth cut off his words by stopping his mouth with a kiss. Andrew didn't fight her. Instead, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her back. When they broke apart, she murmured, "I want you, Drew." Then she ran her tongue along the edge of his ear.

  The cab jerked to a halt in front of their building. Drew overpaid the driver, helped Beth out of the taxi and over a rather large puddle, before rushing her inside. He pushed the elevator button, and spent the wait kissing Beth more.

  He loved the way she melted against him. He loved how she'd teased him all evening. Most of all, however, he loved her.

  In fact, he intended to show her just how much he loved her once they were upstairs in their loft.

  He didn't get the chance. As soon as they were behind closed elevator doors and on the move, Beth pressed against him and unzipped his slacks.

  Andrew kissed his way from her mouth, down her neck, and back to her ear, and asked, "Elizabeth? What has gotten into you tonight?"

  "Nothing...yet."

  "I've never seen you like this before."

  "Does that mean you don't like it? That you don't approve?"

  "I didn't say that," he insisted. "I just--"

  He didn't get a chance to finish his thought, as she simultaneous gave him a deep, passionate kiss and pushed the emergency stop button. "Make love to me, Andrew. Right here. Right now."

  While Beth had embraced their physical relationship, she was usually reticent -- almost coy to the point of being coquettish -- accepting him leading her, as if they were dancing. But, this was an entirely new Beth. One Andrew found intriguing, beguiling, and positively hypnotizing.

  She ran her tongue over his bottom lip, before she pressed her mouth over his. He did his best to catch his breath, as he returned the favor. Then, as they kissed again, he unzipped her dress and unhooked her bra. Releasing her, he placed his hands on her shoulders, slid her clothes down her arms and off, in one swift, fluid movement.

  Even as her dress pooled around her feet, he cupped a breast in each hand, and leaned in for another kiss. Her lips burned against his. Her nipples brushed against his chest. Her skin glowed in the dim light.

  God how he loved her, and how he wanted her.

  Still, there wasn't any reason to rush things. They had the only apartment in the building. In fact, they were the only ones in the building at night. So no one else would be calling for the elevator, and he was finding her total abandon extremely exciting.

  He kissed her tenderly on the mouth. Softening his kisses, he worked his way down the graceful curve of her neck, to the hollow at the base of her throat, before continuing his way down, until he captured one of those pink, pebbled buds in his mouth and suckled it. The gasp that escaped her almost drove him mad.

  Kissing his way back to her ear, he whispered, "You are the most exciting, bewitching woman -- and you are all mine." Then he lifted her up a bit, crushed her against the wall, and pressed himself into the white hot center of her.

  He groaned at the sublime sensation of her velvety skin against his own. Never had he felt so much...felt so aware of everything. His senses were on overload. He'd rediscovered his youth; and he was making love for the very first time.

  The voice whispering in his head was telling him, 'Slow down...you have all night'. But the voice rumbling in his chest was screaming, 'Hurry...please!'

  However, in the end, there was really no contest...or choice.

  *****

  Andrew fastened the waistband of his slacks, gathered up Beth's things, and locked up. He shrugged off his dinner jacket and undid his tie as he climbed up the stairs to the bedroom.

  He found Elizabeth sitting on the edge of the bed, with her arms and legs demurely crossed. When he tossed her things, his jacket, and tie on a chair he noticed her stockings and garter belt were on the floor near the heels she'd been wearing. Only then did Drew realize Beth was sitting, waiting for him -- soft, warm and rosy-skinned -- wearing only a mysterious, Mona Lisa smile.

  His eyes locked onto hers. Even as he unbuckled his shoulder holster and set it, still holding his pistol, on the dresser, he couldn't look away.

  While she sat, absolutely still, and mesmerizing.

  Drew managed to remove his cufflinks without difficulty. His troubles started when he went to take out the studs from his shirt. Andrew fumbled with the first several, but in the end, merely gave up, and allow them to fall to the floor and roll into oblivion. He was still unable to look away from his bride.

  Drew kicked off his shoes and socks and then removed his trousers, boxers, and belt in one swoop, but he never broke his gaze. He watched as her smile grew as she stared at him as he stood before, naked except for his dress shirt. This caused his desire to grow. Which shyly peeped out from between his shirttails.

  "Bethy," he asked, "What's going on?"

  "Nothing," she insisted. "I just love you. And...I want to make love to you."

  Her voice melted over him, exciting him, inspiring him. But, Andrew was also confused. He was almost fifty-years-old, yet he felt like a bumbling fifteen-year-old. They'd made love only minutes before, but already he throbbed with desire. He had to have her again.

  His lips burned for hers. His mouth twitched for another taste of her rosebud nipples. But, most of all he wanted to be surrounded by her -- buried within her.

  With only a few steps, Andrew stood before her. The laughter that bubbled out of her when he scooped her up and tossed her down in the center of their bed, delighted him. It also made him burn for her.

  Andrew stretched out beside her, skimming his fingertips over the length of her body -- and relished her responding shudders. Beth reached out for him, and he yielded to both their desires.

  He rolled onto her, and savored the vine-like way she wrapped herself around him. Gentle caresses grew to urgent strokes; their breathing ragged, and their hearts beat in unison.

  He could no longer tell where he ended and she began. They were truly united: physically, mentally and emotionally -- into one undulating, divine being.

  Andrew sensed the tension coiling up in Beth, as she clung even tighter to him, and knew she was close to her release. Just as he knew she would pull him over that precipice along with her.

  But even as the waves of pleasure broke over them, he sensed something wasn't quite right. Yet, Beth merely clung to him, silently smiling. He held her close and whispered, "My God, Bethy -- how I love you." Then, kissing her sweetly on her cheek, he got up, and moved over to a chair.

  "Where are you going?" she asked in a soft voice.

  "Over here. You're so beautiful, I just want to look at you."

  She rolled towards him, and stared. But after watching him for a moment, she got up too and moved over to the chair. She stood in front of him and bent down to kiss his forehead.

  Meantime, he found her nipples tantalizing close to his mouth, and he took full advantage. Elizabeth submitted to this. She straddled him and sat on his thighs.

  Then, to his delight and surprise, his heart started to pound once more and he felt those wonderful stirrings in his groin again.

  Beth wound herself around him. She kissed him, as she raked her nails across his chest. Then, she slipped a hand between them, and stroked him a few times, before she adj
usted her position so that he glided into her.

  They didn't move much, they just kept kissing each other. Until Beth shifted again and she groaned with pleasure. The sound had an astounding effect on Andrew. It was as if a bolt of lightning shot through him, inspiring him to thrust up, into her.

  Something had definitely happened. Perhaps, he had stumbled upon the illusive 'G' spot he'd heard urban legends about, for she writhed in pleasure and need at the same time. He thought how he'd just made love to her.

  After all, he already managed twice. Even in his prime, as a randy uni student, he'd never gone three times so close together. But of course, he hadn't been with Beth.

  His bride was extraordinary. Her smiles warmed him. Her kisses were addictive. Her skin was like velvet. Now her moans just drove him on.

  Suddenly, she leaned close, nipped his earlobe, and then arched her back as her orgasm flooded over her. It was all he could do to keep her balanced on his knees.

  He was beginning to think he might have been drugged, because he was so incited by her actions, he had no intention to stop. For whatever reason, Beth was insatiable tonight, and he would keep up with her, or die trying.

  Andrew shuddered from another climax. As he returned to consciousness, he found Beth clinging to him. She was looking down and seemed suddenly quiet -- overly quiet.

  He picked her up, and swung her around, so she was now sitting on his lap. It was then he noticed she was shivering a bit. So, he slipped off his shirt and wrapped it around her, as she burrowed deeper into his chest.

  At first, he thought she was chilled by their exertions. So, he rubbed her arms to warm her. He lifted her face to give her a sweet, loving kiss and found that tears welled in her eyes.

  "Bethy? What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"

  "No, you made me feel wonderful. It's..."

  "Yes," he said, encouragingly.

  "What will I do without you?"

  "Are you planning on leaving me?"

  "No, of course not."

  "Should I be worried for my safety?"

  "No."

  "Then why are you going to be without me?"

  "I'll rephrase my statement. What will I do when you tire of me?"

  "Tire of you? Good Lord, woman! Did you not see how you affected me? You're like a drug." He kissed her eyebrow, and added, "Besides, I thought we'd discussed this months ago, back in Connecticut."

  He looked at her, waiting for her response. Only there was none, other than her breathing, which had become even more rapid. "Elizabeth, you've been so assertive -- aggressive tonight. What's caused this panic?"

  He felt her fears and panic bubble up within her...before it spilled out. "I saw her... Natalia...naked. She's so young and beautiful. I know you say you'll always love me. But how can you know? How can you be sure?

  "You'll stay handsome. Just look at Father. He's going to be eighty and he's still very attractive. That's how you'll be.

  "But, I'll grow old. My hair will grow gray and my body will sag. And you won't want me anymore. Not when there are so many beautiful, young women willing to please you."

  Then her tears grew into sobs. The sound of it broke his heart. She feared this. It was very real to her. It was what she'd feared before they were even a couple. He'd thought he'd shown her his love and devotion.

  Hadn't he just made love to her at least three times within an hour? Didn't that prove how much he loved her -- needed her? He was sure he'd pleased her. He was positive she knew she'd pleased him.

  Sometimes he just didn't understand women. He made a mental note to ask Jack -- after all, he had been married four times. Surely he'd gleaned some useful information -- something to explain this.

  Then he had an inspiration. "Bethy," he crooned, "You know I love you. I married you because I wanted you -- forever.

  "And, I think you're wrong. It's me who will become old. You women never lose your desire or ability to achieve an orgasm. But, men get older. Things take longer and longer; and then they don't happen at all.

  "Did it ever occur to you that I might secretly worry that you'll stop loving me? That you'll lose interest when our love-making becomes a chore?"

  "Andrew..." she looked at him, wearing a wounded expression. "How can you believe such a thing?"

  "I don't believe it. I'm trying to make a point. Our physical relationship is wonderful -- but isn't the only thing that binds us together. You made me realize that.

  "Now, I think we should just get some rest. I'm sure you were a bit concerned about your certification test. Then, you rescued me. Believe me, I know how that adrenaline rush kicks in, and you can do anything. Then it passes, and you feel drained." He kissed her, stood up, still holding her, and carried her over to her side of the bed. He sat her down on the edge, turned to her, and asked, "Now, what nightgown would you like?"

  "None...I want to stay in this."

  "Elizabeth, not only is it sweaty, but there are no buttons. I think you need a nightie."

  "It's not sweaty. Well, at least not stinky, which is what you meant. It smells like you -- which is why I want to wear it."

  "Really?" he asked. "Well, I'm going to take a shower then. Because that shirt smells. And not in a good way. Now, if you promise to behave, you are welcome to join me."

  "Hmm...it might not be a completely bad idea," she said, finally smiling again.

  "Well, come along then. But you're on your honor."

  Chapter Three

  As usual, Andrew was up early, reading his newspaper, over a large pot of Earl Grey tea. He had decided to let Beth sleep as late as she could. Even after their shower and more talk, she hadn't slept very soundly. He'd even taken the precaution of bringing her cell phone downstairs with him.

  Just as he was reaching for his own phone, to call Jack, Beth's cell phone rang.

  "Hello?"

  "Oh, Andrew. I'm so sorry. I meant to call Beth."

  "You did. She's still asleep, and unless it's an emergency, I don't want to wake her up. Is it possible for you to tell me what you need?"

  "Well..."

  "Come on Fitz, you know she'll tell me," Drew said.

  "Sir Anthony has an assignment for her. I don't have the details -- exactly. But, he'd like both of you back here by Friday, at the latest. That isn't going to be a problem, is it?"

  "No. However," he told the factotum, "don't think for a minute that I believe that twaddle about you not having the details. But, I understand. I'll have her call you just as soon as she is downstairs.

  "Now, my little assignment yesterday didn't go quite as well as I'd hoped. So, I'm going to have to have another go at Natalia. But, I need to call Jack and find out where he stashed her."

  "Oh, well, no. You don't. He called earlier. Apparently, he wasn't tired after he left you two last night, and went to speak to her again. She didn't like the idea of a long vacation at Guantanamo. I've already given Sir Anthony the information."

  "Really? Well, I wanted to talk to him about something anyway. But now, I have even more to say to him."

  "Andrew...please..."

  "All right, Fitz. I get it. You two like each other. But, he shouldn't pass information to you. You know, he could just call you because he wants to talk to you -- when you aren't working."

  "Yes, Andrew. I'll speak to him about it -- when he calls again."

  "I really do have to talk to him. He'll need to reschedule Beth's jump classes. Or, does he already have that information?"

  "Well...ah..."

  "Fitz, you know we love both of you. Nothing would please Beth more than you finding what we have. But, no more circumventing us, all right?"

  "Yes," Fitz said. Then in a lower voice, asked, "What about you, Andrew?"

  "What?"

  "You said Beth would be happy. And, I'm asking what about you?"

  "Well, of course, I'd be happy as well. But, that is not what we're discussing. I'm trying to talk to you about business."

  "I understand. I will not talk out o
f school, so to speak. All right?"

  "Yes. Thank you. Now, I'm going to trust you to find us a good flight home. You know -- nothing too early or too late; first class; and diplomatic pouch on board. Or," he added with an edge to his voice, "have you and Jack already arranged something?"

  "No, of course not. I'll do just as you ask, Andrew. And, I do understand what you said. Please remember to have Beth call as soon as she can."

  "I promise."

  "Thank you."

  "Fitz," Drew said, in a gentler tone, "I really do want you to be happy. It's just that you... that Jack..."

  "I appreciate what you're saying, Andrew." She hung up.

  Andrew hung up as well, and dropped the cell onto the table. Then, sighing deeply, he picked up his own phone, and dialed. "Jack."

  "Andy, I was just going to call you."

  "So I hear."

  "Now, Andy, don't be like that. I know I shouldn't have questioned Natalia, or passed on what I found to Fitz. But..."

  "Jack, I've already discussed this with Fitz. I will overlook this morning's...ah...over-enthusiasm. But, it is not to happen again."

  "You're right. And I--"

  "Jack, I have something to say, and I'd appreciate if you'd let me say it.

  "You are a very good friend, but Fitzpatrick is a very good friend too. And, I don't want her hurt. I just want you to really think about that before things go too far. All right?"

  "Yes," his friend mumbled.

  "Now," Drew said, in a more cheerful voice, "I was going to call you anyway. There's something else I want to talk to you about. Any chance you could swing by here for a minute? You don't even have to get out of your car."

  "What else have I done?"

  "Nothing, Jack. I just need ask you about something. That's all."

  "Why? What's wrong?"

  "Nothing. At least I don't think so. I need to talk to another man, and this isn't something I can speak with Richard about."

  "All right. I'll be right over."

  "Fine, I'll be downstairs watching for you."

  After hanging up, he scribbled a little note for Beth, telling her to call Fitz, and how he was just downstairs, because Jack needed to speak to him for a minute on his way to work, he went to wait for Jack.