One Letter

Christin Lovell





ONE LETTER

Copyright © 2013 by Christin M Lovell

Cover Image © CURAphotography

Cover Image © US Army

�"~�"

This book may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission from the author. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All characters and storylines are the property of the author and your support and respect is appreciated. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.





To all those who serve, and have served, thank you. Your efforts will never be forgotten.

�"~�"





1 Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

2 He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

- Psalm 144:1-2

�"~�"





ONE LETTER

It started with one letter.

Kellie Patrick sent one letter into the Middle East, to any soldier. Sergeant Daniel Rodriguez was the one who received it.

Three years and eighty-six letters later, Daniel is ready to meet the woman who got him through his last three tours of duty.

Three years and eighty-six letters later, plus size Kellie is nervous to meet the man who wrote his way into her heart. Could a sexy as sin soldier really want forever with a curvy Southern gal like her though?

�"~�"





�" Preface �"

I never knew that one letter could change a life, but it changed mine�Ś





�" 1 �"

May 7, 2010

Dear Soldier,

I’ve never written one of these before, but the volunteers assure me they make a difference. What do you say to an important stranger though, aside from the repetitive obvious? I would feel silly asking the standard set of questions.

How are you? – Probably not good considering you’re in a war zone.

How was your day? – Truth, probably not as good as mine, even though I got let go from my job today.

I think that’s what propelled me to finally write this letter. As bad a day as this has been, it’s not as bad as it could have been, and that’s because of someone like you, fighting to ensure I have the overabundance I do.

I’ve never been in your position, but I appreciate all you’ve sacrificed. I know it’s not easy, but you have a beautiful country waiting for you to return.

I’m not sure what part of this great country you’re from, but I’m enclosing a few photos of my home city, of Savannah, Georgia.

Keep your head up and your ass covered, soldier.

Love & Respect, Kellie Patrick





�" 2 �"

May 19, 2010

Dear Kellie,

Thanks for your letter and the photos. I’m from Detroit. Savannah looks like a beautiful place to live though.

I’m sorry that you lost your job, but it doesn’t sound like you’ve lost your hope, which is good.

Keep your head up.

Sgt. Daniel Rodriguez





�" 3 �"

June 4, 2010

Dear Sgt Daniel Rodriguez,

I was pleasantly surprised to receive a reply from you.

I’m happy to report that I’ve found another job already, with higher pay – bonus! I start next week. I think my dog, Rocco, is a bit sad about it though. My constant company spoiled him.

Given that I’ve had so much time lately, I’ve been baking up a storm. Ironically we’ve had a week of rain to compliment my sessions. I read somewhere that soldiers often miss comfort food, and my favorite has always been an extra moist chocolate chip brownie. I really hope you don’t have any food allergies or - God forbid – diabetes. If you do, feel free to curse me for filth for sending you such a large batch of them.

Stay safe, Sergeant.

Kellie





�" 4 �"

June 22, 2010

Dear Kellie,

The two things I’ve missed most in the desert is rain and a great woman’s cooking. With one bite, my entire platoon fell in love with you. The brownies were delicioso. Feel free to send more anytime.

I’m happy to hear you found another job. What are you doing now? I’m a little late on the reply, but I hope your first week went well and Rocco didn’t miss you too much.

Stay safe and keep baking.

Daniel





�" 5 �"

July 12, 2010

Dear Daniel,

I’m happy to hear you and your platoon enjoyed the brownies. Dutifully, I’m sending you a batch of peanut butter cookies and a batch of sugar cookies that I hope your team enjoys.

I’m a legal secretary. Nothing fancy, but I enjoy the work, even more now that my boss actually includes me on some case meetings. I’ve always loved law, but never had the gumption to go after a degree. And, while Rocco missed me, he stayed entertained�Śby chewing up my favorite pair of heels. I’m enclosing a picture of my guilty bulldog with said heels.

How is the desert this time of year? I hate the summer heat and humidity, and I live where it’s green and grassy. I can only imagine how unbearable it is there, especially with all that gear on.

Stay safe and stay hydrated, Sergeant.

Kellie





�" 6 �"

August 9, 2010

Dear Kellie,

The cookies were great. A few of the guys are hounding me for your address. Don’t worry; I protected you. Officer Staley is an annoying ogre and Officer Johnson thinks he’s God’s gift to women. You’ll thank me for saving you later.

The weather is consistent here. It’s always hot with a chance of a sand storm on occasion. You get used to it though.

Rocco is a handsome beast. Sorry your shoes suffered. They were a sexy pair of heels.

I’m glad you’re enjoying your new job. I’ve always believed everything happens for a reason. Some laugh, but things always seem to work out.

Have a great week.

Daniel





�" 7 �"

August 23, 2010

Dear Daniel,

Thanks for protecting me. Based on your description, I definitely owe you one. Feel free to collect anytime. If you need anything, I’m more than happy to send it.

Work is still going great, but my best friend, Hannah, doesn’t think my boss has good intentions with me. Of course, to her, any married man glancing at another woman for longer than two seconds is guilty of infidelity in her eyes. There is nothing between us, but she’s not convinced. It’s made for some very interesting and somewhat awkward conversations with her lately.

Thankfully the heat is starting to back off here. I can walk outside without sweating in less than five minutes now. Rocco looks happier too. Of course, it could be because his tummy has finally recovered from the shoe-eating incident. Sadly I haven’t found another pair of red pumps to replace them though.

I haven’t had much free time lately, which is why I’m only sending a single batch of brownies this time. How many soldiers are in your platoon? In the future, I’ll make sure to send enough each time, with a few extra just for you.

Stay safe, Sergeant.

Kellie





�" 8 �"

September 17, 2010

Dear Kellie,

Sadly, we recently lost two of our men, Hollings and Anderson. A bomb attached to the undercarriage of a vehicle got them. The guys are always a little down after we lose someone. That brought the number in our tight group to seventeen.

I haven’t met Hannah, but I like her already. Any man who truly loves a woman won’t even glance at another. The whole look-but-don’t-touch line is bullshit. I see no reason to look at all if I have a beautiful woman who loves me at home. Most of my men agree. (Johnson disagrees.) Most soldiers would kill for a woman who felt the same.

Ronny just got a letter from his mom telling him his wife is divorcing him the second he gets back, and that she’s already taken up with another man. He’s a wreck. Can’t say I blame him. A soldier’s biggest worry, outside of staying alive, is losing his partner to someone else while he’s gone. It’s tough.

I don’t think I want to collect on that debt just yet, but if you’re feeling generous, we could always use the basics. Toiletries are hard to come by in this part of the world. And, if you’re the kind-hearted woman I think you are, you’ll send a batch of something to cheer up the guys. No pressure. I just know how much we enjoyed the last batch; a few nearly lost limbs over it.

Take care, sweet girl, and listen to Hannah.

Daniel





�" 9 �"

October 2, 2010

Dear Daniel,

You’re the kind of man I, and most of the women I know, dream of finding. If you have a girlfriend, fiancé or wife, please tell her she’s the luckiest woman alive to have found a man with your values and devotion.

I’m so sorry for your loss. I know to some degree you must be used to it, but I doubt it ever gets easier.

Tell Ronny Hannah and me personally volunteer to teach his wife a lesson. When you have a good man who loves you, it doesn’t matter how far away he is or how long he’s gone to war, you cherish him; you don’t give him up easily. You especially don’t do it without trying to work things out first.

I’ve never been one, but I’m sure being an army wife isn’t easy. Hannah gets lonely after not seeing Roger, her new boyfriend, for two days. Love isn’t easy, but commitment is. I’ve never seen the point of getting married if you’re not committed to love though.

On a better note, for me, it’s fall in Savannah. The weather is breezy and cool enough for a sweater while the scenery is breathtaking. I’m enclosing some pictures I took in the dog park the other day in the care package so you can see for yourself.

I know I’ve told you before, but I really meant it. Stay safe! That goes for you and your team. And yes, that’s an order.

Kellie





�" 10 �"

October 18, 2010

Dear Kellie,

Just got your package today. You brought all of us an early Christmas. The guys said to give you a big thanks, and a few are proposing marriage, especially now that Gregg has shampoo, body wash and deodorant. He was stinking up our barracks. We held his batch of cookies hostage until he used it. You’re an amazing woman, Kellie. Just the kind of woman a soldier could get serious with.

This is my fifth tour of duty, and every year I start to get homesick about this time. The holidays are coming up. We all miss home then, but we make do. Your package helped erase a bit of that today. It meant a lot.

Are you still liking your job? Is your boss behaving? Ronny said he may take Hannah and you up on that offer. We all go home in February. I’ll get a month with my parents before coming back. Your letters and packages will help me get through until then.

Take care, sweetie.

Daniel





�" 11 �"

Kellie

Three years and eighty-six letters later, I received the letter of all letters.

Near the end of the first year, I became as addicted to Daniel’s letters as he claimed to be to mine. We got through his Dad’s death and several re-assignments on his end, and Hannah’s many break-ups and two moves on my end. Slowly, we developed this co-dependency upon those letters.

Our greetings and salutations evolved with our relationship. We never declared it, but it was an unspoken known. I couldn’t even look at another man without thinking of Daniel.

That first February, while he was on leave, he called me for the first time. We talked for hours on end that month, and every time he returned home thereafter. Daniel sent me a few photos of himself that I kept in frames around my apartment. As far as my heart was concerned, he owned it.

I had one stipulation, one giant fear that kept me from bravely giving him the key: myself.

Daniel asked several times for photos of me, but I never sent them. I knew the moment he saw me all of this would change. It would end. I would lose all I’d come to cherish.

My heart raced, my head pounded and my hands shook as I read his letter. The closer I got to the end, the more my heart ached and my stomach hurt. I was going to lose it all. A blanket of darkness, a surreal sensation, washed over me, compressing my chest.



April 16, 2013

Hey Babe,

My tour is coming to an end in two months. My contract is ending at the same time. I’ve decided not to re-enlist. I’m ready to start a new journey. I’m ready to do all those things we talked about, which is why I’m flying straight to Savannah when I leave. I should have gone to see you long before now. I promise I’ll make it up to you.

See you soon, sweetie. I can’t wait to finally see your beautiful face in person.

Love, Daniel



I swallowed hard, re-reading the last line several times. My stomach morphed into a hollow pit. I’d always known the day would come, but it still shocked me. A bucket of ice water cascading over me would have been a more pleasant experience than reading this letter.

I gazed down at my extra plush, soft stomach, double wide hips and thunder thighs. Even if I starved myself, there was no way I could lose it all in time for his arrival. Dread seeped through my veins as reality smacked me. There was nothing I could do. Losing twenty, even forty pounds, wouldn’t make much of a difference on me. It wouldn’t make me model skinny. It wouldn’t even take me from the doctor’s obese category to overweight.

These past three years, I’d been living a fantasy. It was a fantasy to believe a sexy soldier would ever commit to a girl my size, no matter how many letters or packages I sent him or tours I supposedly got him through.

I was startled to feel a tear kiss my cheek. I bit my bottom lip, rising from the couch to do what any girl would do: call in back up.

Hannah was there in less than thirty minutes with cheap champagne and a frozen pizza.





�" 12 �"

Kellie

Two Months Later

I froze, mid scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough, as the doorbell rang.

My heart took off as I looked at Hannah. We gazed at each other for a minute, but somehow we knew.

He was a day early.

�śI can’t look,” I said, setting down the bowl of dough. I pushed away from the counter. A quick glance confirmed my navy blue velour pants and grey tank top were covered in flour.

Hannah walked into the entryway beside the kitchen and pushed the curtain aside to peer out the front window. �śSweet peaches and cream, he’s sexy as hell, Kellie.”

My pulse bounced rather than pulsed. I wrung my hands. �śHe’s early,” I stated dryly.

Hannah ran her fingers through her brown hair. Her full figure swayed a little more than usual as she ambled back into the kitchen. �śAnd sexy. You heard the sexy part, right?”

She watched me closely, gaging my reaction. When I stared blankly towards the entry, panic seizing my brain, she moved closer. �śListen, Kellie, I’ve read a few of his letters, and there are two things I know for sure. One, he’s not leaving until he sees you; and two, he loves you. And no man can love a woman without finding the beauty in her.”

I frowned. �śI have a pretty heart, not a pretty body, Hannah.” My voice was a rushed whisper as the doorbell rang again.

This time Rocco dragged himself to the door to issue a single, deep bark.

�śI’ve told you a thousand times that you’re beautiful, gorgeous, a great catch, yada-yada, but I know you’re not going to believe me until he says it. I’m positive he’s going to though.” She smiled mischievously. Her hazel eyes sparkled before narrowing. Her features stilled, scrunching slightly. �śNow get your ass to the door and open it, or else I will.” Her hands flew to her hips, emphasizing her command.

She was right. I had to answer the door. I had to face reality at some point. I thought that point was tomorrow at 12:43pm, when his flight landed. It was why I was baking today. The least I could do was give him an apology and a final care package.

I took a deep breath as I scrubbed my suddenly sweaty palms on the side of my pants. My heart hammered against my rib cage. My legs felt like jello as I made my way to the door. This moment was three years and eighty-six letters in the making.





�" 13 �"

Daniel

My heart pounded against my rib cage. I wasn’t this nervous in the middle of a fucking war zone. There was something about this woman though. Her letters got to me. She got to me. Over the course of three years, she wrapped herself around my heart.

She ruined me. I couldn’t even look at another woman without thinking about her. Her sweet voice with that sexy Southern drawl grabbed me every time I heard it.

She wasn’t like the others. She wasn’t like any of the women I’d met or been with. She wasn’t a uniform bunny. She wasn’t anxious to be with me for my benefits, bonuses or other bullshit. She was genuine, rare.

She was the one who got me through these past few years. Her letters and packages kept me going. She kept me going. If it wasn’t for her, I couldn’t say that I would even be alive. Every soldier hits an emotional wall at some point, where you feel it’s easier to die than to keep fighting day in and day out. War is hardcore. Killing for a living, constant unrest, turns the softest of bastards into cold pricks. If not dead, I’d be a hell of a bigger asshole than I am now without her.

Simply: she saved me.

I studied the front of her quaint home. It was a small bungalow style house with a generous sized front porch. The landscaping was simple, but complimentary.

Motion caught my attention at the front window beside the door. The brown hair brushing against the glass told me it was Hannah, not Kellie. No, Kellie was a blonde haired beauty with dangerous curves.

A year and a half in, Hannah sent me a few pictures of Kellie, and one of Kellie and her together. She swore me to secrecy. I obliged because I was grateful. Every day I looked at those photos. One in particular I handled the most. I could close my eyes and recall it anywhere.

It was a picture of Kellie at her brother’s wedding. She was gorgeous. Her lush figure was in a sapphire dress that skimmed her knees, hugged her body, showed off those fuck-me nude heels and every tempting curve of her above. Her blonde hair fell in large curls, framing her face and drawing attention to her teasing cleavage and plump pink lips. I dreamed of caressing her full figure for three years, I dreamed of kissing her lips and tasting all of her.

Shit. I adjusted my military issued uniform pants and rang the doorbell again. I hadn’t come all this way for nothing. I was a stubborn bastard, and I’d decided on the plane that I wasn’t leaving here without her. I couldn’t. Not even the other men’s wives did all that Kellie did. She took care of me from afar. It was my turn to return the favor. Ok, so I selfishly wanted to return the favor and demand forever. Soldiers are hardheaded. We want what we want and we know how to fight to get it.

And I wanted Kellie.





�" 14 �"

Kellie

Staring at the glossy wood of my front door, I swallowed the lump in my throat. Clenching and unclenching my hands, I took a deep breath. I can do this.

Heart thrashing, pulse skittering, I opened the door.

My breath hitched as I gazed into his soft brown eyes with determined brows framing them. Soft plump lips had me fighting the urge to kiss him.

His dark brown hair was shaved short, not quite military crew style, but sexy as hell. It added to his badass edge, as if the army issued uniform wasn’t enough. Despite the material not clinging to his form, I could tell he was ripped.

�śDamn, you’re beautiful.” His words, his awe-filled voice, took me aback.

I gazed into his eyes, locked on him. My heart hadn’t stopped, but rather, sped up. Three years had brought me to this moment. �śYou’re early.” Nothing like stating the obviously, Kellie.

And then he smiled. If I ever thought I could walk away from him with a semblance of my heart in tact, I was wrong.

His eyes crinkled as his face lit up. God, he was stunning. His photos didn’t do him justice.

Abruptly, I was hyper aware of myself, of my flaws. I fidgeted, struggling to keep my mouth shut. I knew if I spoke, I would insert my foot into my mouth.

Thankfully, rudely, Hannah shoved me back and forced her way between Daniel and myself. She thrust a hand towards him. �śI’m Hannah. It’s nice to finally meet you.” The woman was incorrigible. Despite our similar sizes, Hannah never lacked for confidence.

�śNice to meet you.”

Past Hannah’s curves, I caught Daniel shaking her hand, a courteous smile barely curling his lips.

�śExcuse Kellie. I think she’s a little frazzled. You’re early though. Didn’t your momma teach you never to show up early to pick up a woman? We need all the time we can get to prepare.”

Daniel met my gaze, his smile widening, his features relaxing; his eyes glittered with some untouchable emotion. �śMy mom said it’s better to be early than late.”

�śHumph.” Hannah assessed him as we openly stared at each other.

A moment of silence passed. I couldn’t stop gaping at him. He was here. God, he was handsome; not in a pretty boy sort of way, but in a manly, masculine, alpha Dom sort of way. I knew the moment my nerves subsided, I’d want to rip his clothes off. The man was drool worthy.

Hannah made a scene of checking her phone. �śWell, if you look at that. Time just flew by. I’ve gotta go meet, Sam, my boyfriend.” She turned towards me. �śI’ll call you later, Kel.” She winked at me, silently encouraging me. Facing Daniel, she gave him one last once over. �śGo easy on her, soldier.” Grabbing her purse off the hook by the door, Daniel moved aside to let her through.

Rocco meandered towards the man. He cocked his wrinkled face up towards him, watching him from a little distance.

�śHey, buddy.” Daniel squatted down and held out his hand out for the lazy dog to sniff him.

It only took a minute before Rocco moved into Daniel’s waiting palm. He generously rubbed down the dog, giving him plenty of attention before he stood again.

Suddenly, I recalled my manners.

�śOh! Sorry. Come in.” I shook my head in dismay. What is wrong with me?

He bent and picked up a worn black duffle bag off the porch, snagging his hat from atop it before. He stepped over the threshold, giving Rocco one last love pat before he dropped his stuff on the wood floor and faced me.

He studied me, and I knew his keen eyes saw every detail, every flaw. He lifted his hand and swept his fingers along the side of my face. �śYou’re a hell of a lot prettier in person.”

I felt myself blush. I’d dreamed of hearing those words, but never thought he’d say them. �śI’m a mess. You, uh, caught me baking.”

Blindly, he pushed the door shut, his focus never leaving me. Silence passed between us, yet so much more, unspoken, wrapped around us.

Looking at him was surreal. I’d handled his pictures endlessly. I swore I had memorized what he looked like. I didn’t think I’d be surprised, yet I was.

In person, I saw his sun kissed skin, the tiny freckles from the desert sun. I saw the depths of his irises, full of buttery soft chocolate and honey. I saw the softness of his lips, the way they timidly met the hard outline of them. I could see his five o’clock shadow up close, almost imagine what it felt like.

Without thinking I ran my fingertips across the sturdy scruff. I could tell he’d shaved before leaving, and showered. He smelled of the manly body wash I’d sent him a month ago. Beyond the body wash, I smelled something crisp, rugged, almost a tad woodsy, musky, that meshed with something akin to sandalwood.

It was him. That was his unique scent. I had to hold myself back from shoving my nose into his chest, which is about where it met. He wasn’t lying when he saw he was 6’2” to my tiny 5’2”. He was tall, dark and manly. He was�Śbeautiful.

His lips curled up in a sexy smirk. �śYou have a bit of flour on your nose.” Before I could wipe it away, he brushed his thumb over it.

�śUm, thanks.” I tilted my head down, casting my gaze downwards with it.

�śHave I told you how beautiful you are?”

My cheeks heated. I bit back a shy smile. �śA couple times.” I glanced up at him. �śYou’re a lot sexier in person, which I didn’t think was possible.”

He chuckled, his cheeks rouging a bit. That’s when I realized that I wasn’t alone. We were both nervous. And that’s when I knew the chemistry flying between us, surrounding us, wasn’t in my head. It was real. He was real. And I never knew I could want a man so bad.





�" 15 �"

Daniel

Damn she was gorgeous. Her blonde hair had dimension; I knew the lighter strands would shimmer beneath the sun. I fought the urge to set it free from the chaotic bun resting at the top of her head.

Her brown doe eyes were bright and clear. I could drown in them. Her porcelain skin was silky soft, blemish free, and kissable. I wanted to run my tongue over every pore, across every curve and dip before capturing her full lips. Fuck, did I want to kiss her.

I wanted to grab her; I wanted to squeeze every dangerously rounded edge of her body. I would never lack for something to touch on her.

Thick thighs led to an overblown hourglass, if a bit bottom heavy, that would have the most married of men drooling. Her hips were the perfect resting place for my hands before I trailed them down to a Kardashian ass the Kardashians would be jealous of. Her curves were dangerous because they were in all the right places, and I knew I’d fight any man who dared to look at them, let alone touch them. Somehow her plush stomach added to her feminine aura. She was a fucking work of art. No wonder her boss flirted hard. I’d envy the man who had this at home. Thank God I planned to make her mine.

The pictures Hannah sent didn’t do her justice. Fuck. I wasn’t prepared for this. I wasn’t prepared to want to jump her like a sex-craved maniac.

My cock throbbed, curving firmly upwards as I continued to watch her. I couldn’t stop my mind from going there. I couldn’t stop my heart from falling a little more in love with her.

She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth, sending my pulse racketing. Fuck, she was sexy, with just enough innocence to turn a sane man crazy.

�śYou keep doing that, babe, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to behave.”

She promptly released her lip, now red and swollen from her anxious nibble.

Our breathing fell into rhythm, becoming more labored the longer we stared into each other. You picture a moment for years, but it never plays out the way you think it will. This was way more intense than I expected. I knew she’d hooked me with her letters, packages and phone calls, with her big heart, effortless charisma and easy conversation, but fuck. I didn’t expect this. I didn’t expect her to be all that I didn’t know I wanted and more.

A chill ran down my spine as she pressed a lightly shaking hand against my chest. Her touch singed my flesh beneath my layers. She trailed it downwards, further enticing my raging cock. �śI didn’t expect this.” Her voice was shaky, uncertain; I sensed her vulnerability.

I cupped her cheeks and angled her face upwards. �śI want this, Kellie. I want you. I didn’t know how bad until you opened that door and everything in my life suddenly aligned.”

Her eyes searched me. She expected doubt, but she wouldn’t find any. �śI want this too.” The words were a breathless admission.

I wrapped a demanding arm around her waist and yanked her against me. Her eyes widened and brows lifted as I pressed my erection against her lush stomach.

The soldier in me reveled in her reaction. I had her right where I wanted her, and knew now was the time to make my move.

�śI want to make love to you, Kellie. I want to make you scream my name in pleasure repeatedly. I want your sexy curves writhing beneath me, because of me.” I moved my lips near her ear, listening closely to her quick, sharp breaths. �śI want to own your body the way you own my heart. Maybe you don’t realize it yet, but you’re mine, sweetie.”

She shuddered. I felt her nipples tighten, poking through her layers against me. The predator in me smiled victoriously. Leaning back, I met her dazed gaze. �śSpeak now or forever hold your peace, babe.”

Her brows furrowed inwards, causing lines to appear on her forehead. �śYou really want me.” It was a statement, but I heard the question in her tone.

�śDamn right I want you.”

I waited for her to work through it in her mind. I knew the moment she accepted my answer. A broad smile lit up her expression, bringing a novel shimmer to her eyes. �śWell, damn right I want you too, Sergeant Daniel Rodriguez.”

�śGet your sexy ass over here.” I growled as I finally claimed her lips. And, as cheesy as it sounds, I heard the fucking fireworks.

She tasted like sin, the richest dessert. She felt like heaven; she felt like home. Never had anyone felt so right in my arms.

I plunged my tongue between her surprisingly apt lips. She met my eagerness with eagerness. Without fail, we were always in line with each other, even when there were thousands of miles between us. I doubted I would ever find a more perfect woman, a more perfect moment. I hadn’t realized I’d been waiting three anxious years for this.

Three years worth of longing surfaced quick, driving me into a rough frenzy to claimed her in every way possible, the way she’d laid claim to my heart over the years.





�" 16 �"

Kellie

I swore I heard angels singing as he captured my lips, as he finally laid claim to the heart he’d owned for years.

I felt his muscles coil and flex as he wrapped his arms around me. His hands molded to every curve, traveled up and down my body manhandling every inch of me with perfection.

I grabbed his uniform, bunching the material in my hands as I clung to him. Appropriately, I wanted to lift a leg and point my curled toes towards the ceiling. He ravished my lips the way every woman I know longs for a man to possess them.

We gasped for air between kisses, between plundering tongues and aggressive hands.

Abruptly, he broke away. Determination was vivid in his expression; desire darkened his eyes; red rouged his well-kissed lips. �śBedroom?”

�śDown the hall.”

I shrieked as he hoisted me into his arms, reclaiming my lips. Blindly, faithfully, I allowed him to carry me to my bedroom. I was giddier than a schoolgirl inside, my soul shouting in delight for many reasons.

He set me down beside the bed, pushing the back of my legs against the mattress. Impatiently, he ripped at my clothes between breathless sweeps of his lips across mine.

Just as eager, I jerked his uniform top free of his pants and undid his belt. I’d been stripped down to my bra and panties by that time though.

He stepped out of my reach. His chest rose and fell heavily as I met his heated gaze. His eyes traveled up and down the ample swells of my plus size body. I crossed my arms across my chest, struggling not to fidget.

�śYou’re so damn beautiful.”

I swiftly met his gaze, my racing heart calming just a bit at the sincerity in his expression, the truth in his tone. Hannah was right. I wasn’t going to believe her until he told me, and I wasn’t going to believe him until he’d said it repeatedly. Somehow, he knew that though. Somehow, he knew what I needed without me saying it.

His attention was locked on me the entire time he removed his uniform. When he stepped back towards me, he was stripped down to his boxers; he’d torn down damn near every last barrier between us.

Just as I’d suspected, he was shredded. His muscles had cuts I’d never seen on a man before. He was strong, self-assured. I knew by the way he gently, yet fiercely embraced me with his bare arms that he would always protect me, that his arms would forever be a safe haven for me.

He slowed down. Gone were the rough caresses and impatient grasps. He took a moment to carefully free my hair, allowing it to cascade down and around my shoulders. He immediately thrust his fingers into it, kissing me with a new, softer passion.

My fingertips outlined the front of his body, feeling every deep frame of muscle on him. My warm, wet pussy seemed to weep under the new, slow pace he was setting. I sensed his anxiety, yet appreciated him even more for appreciating me.

I slid my hands down the front of him until I brushed his impressive erection. His lips broke from mine, a hiss passed through clenched teeth. His breathing sped up as I drew my hand up and down his stiff cock.

�śFuck, babe.” The words were a winded statement.

Before I could process what happened, my bra was off and his hands molded to my sensitive, swollen breasts. His thumbs flicked across my nipples, sending waves of pleasure shooting through me. My pussy pulsated anxiously; my womb tightened in anticipation.

Before long, my breathing matched his labored pants. Touching each other was made all the more intimate as we stared into each other, lost in what we did to one another.

He pursed his lips, his eyes seeming to gloss over a bit. He remained quiet, hauntingly, beautifully gazing into my depths. I’d never been more naked in front of a man, despite wearing panties. There were no barriers between us. I couldn’t hide from him in this moment, and, based on the strong set of his jaw, I knew he wanted it that way, that he was in some way demanding it and would accept nothing less than complete honesty.

In a split second, I was tossed backwards, landing with my back on the mattress. He immediately covered my body, claiming my lips again as he continued to work my breasts.

Given my new leverage, I found my body arching into his moves, my nails digging into his bulging biceps and my womb heating unbearably, begging for him to take me.

I’d never experienced this sort of connection with anyone. As cheesy as it sounded, I knew in my heart that he was my soul mate. You didn’t feel like this towards someone you’d just met. You didn’t do this, with this degree of emotion, with a stranger.

But that was it; Daniel was never a stranger to my soul. What he’d written long ago, what he still believed, that everything happens for a reason, is true. I’d written one letter; he’d written one reply, and all of this fell into place. Fate worked her magic to ensure, out of all the soldiers who could have received my general letter that he did. The universe ensured the right soldier, my Mr. Right, received my letter and felt compelled to reply. God works in magical, mysterious ways.

I moaned as Daniel pressed a trail of kisses down the front of my body, over places I was once embarrassed and ashamed of. He hooked his fingers into the lace of my hipster panties. Pressing one final kiss to the material over my pussy, he stripped them from my body, revealing all of me.

I felt myself blush as his gaze traveled up and down my exposed flesh. �śDamn, you’re beautiful.” Daniel said those words more than my boyfriend of two years ever had�Śin under an hour. He reassured me around every corner. Anytime my confidence wavered, somehow he knew I needed those words again and said them with just as much enthusiasm as the first time.

A shy smile lifted my lips. �śYou’re not too bad yourself, soldier.”

A single brow lifted as he considered me. �śNot too bad? Sweetie, I’m sexy as hell.”

I broke into laughter. �śWow. You were never that cocky in your letters.”

�śThat’s because I wasn’t sure you’d accept me.” He slithered up my body, meeting my gaze. �śBut judging by the honey dripping from your pussy, I know you will.” His voice took on a husky quality. �śI know you want me just as bad as I want you.” He dipped a single digit between my slick folds.

I gasped as he brushed my hyper sensitive clit.

He claimed my lips. Suddenly, it wasn’t enough though. It wasn’t enough that he was here, that he was kissing me or touching me. Abruptly, I needed more. I needed all of him. I needed him in me.

�śPlease, Daniel.” I didn’t care how needy I sounded, that I was begging. I just wanted him. I needed him. I didn’t know until now how much I needed him, how much I relied on him, how much I loved him.

�śYou never have to beg me, babe.” He sat back and pulled off his boxers, unveiling his large cock, curving slightly as it stood at attention.

I swallowed hard, licking my lips as he gripped himself. A single pearl of pre-cum oozed from the tip, pleading for me to swipe my tongue over it.

�śNot now, sweetie. That pretty mouth of yours comes anywhere near me and I’ll blow like teenager on his first time.”

I chuckled lightly. �śWe wouldn’t want that.”

�śHell no. I want you screaming with me.”

He held himself over me, taking the weight of himself on his left elbow as he aligned his cock at my entrance.

My heart felt heavy, as if I knew what this moment was about to do to me.

Dropping his weight evenly on his elbows, he curled his hands around my shoulders. I molded my hands to his biceps, staring into his eyes, waiting.

He captured my lips, conveniently capturing my cry as he plunged into me. Pleasure burst through my core, sending tingles of awareness through my entire body. He continued to kiss away my fears, kiss away my nerves, as I lost myself in the pleasure he brought me.

He set a sluggish, torturous pace that had me crawling from the inside out. His cock expertly hit every nerve, every sensitive swell of my inner walls before kissing my cervix. I scratched at him, clung to him. His mouth swallowed every moan, every groan as he skillfully undid me.

I couldn’t get enough of him. My legs wrapped around him, my hips met every thrust of his own, my hands grabbed at his arms, shoulders and back as my lips begged him for more, yet I knew that more would never be enough. I knew I would never get enough of Sergeant Daniel Rodriguez.





�" 17 �"

Daniel

God she felt so damn good. Her slick channel swallowed my cock, caressing me tightly, perfectly.

Her soft curves were amazing beneath my hard build. Her hard nipples rubbed against my own every time I slid into her. Her hips eagerly met mine on every plunge. As tightly as she gripped me, I was fighting harder not to bruise her. No woman had felt so good.

My groin tightened unbearably as her pussy clenched, compressing my dick.

�śPlease, Daniel.” Those two words had me ready to take on the world for her.

�śWhat do you need, baby?”

She broke away from my lips, tossing her head back. Her mouth fell into the perfect �ŚO’ as a whimper escaped her.

I closed my mouth around her neck, teasing my tongue over her thumping vein. Her moan squeezed my cock. Fuck. I’d been so careful. I didn’t want to be careful with her though. I didn’t know how much longer I could hold back. Everything she did increased my testosterone. I wanted to fuck her hard and senseless.

Her hands clasped my neck, clutching me roughly. �śI need more.” Her voice was a sexy plea with a bit of husk.

�śI don’t want to hurt you. I can tell it’s been a while.”

She opened her eyes and stared straight at me. Her eyes glimmered. �śYou wouldn’t hurt me. I trust you.”

The dam fucking broke. A swell of emotions crashed through me, sending me spiraling. I thought war would be what broke me. Turns out it was a petite blonde with dangerous curves and unrivaled heart.

�śHold on, sweetie.”

She wrapped her arms around me, never looking away from me. She smiled beautifully until I let loose. Her cries filled the room, surrounding my heart, driving my passion as I pounded in and out of her. Her nails dug painfully into my flesh; it was the only thing that kept me grounded, that kept me from losing myself entirely.

Once I started, I couldn’t stop. Harder, faster, my body craved, my cock demanded more and more of her with each thrust.

Her lips were parted perfectly, framing each pleasure filled sound that bellowed from her.

I pressed my face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her as I gave her all of me. Pleasure ripped through my core, shredding the last of my inhibitions. She was my new drug, the one I became addicted to after one try.

Suddenly, my name fell from her lips as her pussy convulsed around my cock, driving up my pleasure, pushing me into a dangerous frenzy, turning me into a desperate junkie seeking another hit. My movements lost their grace as my conscience slid into darkness. I pounded her pussy; I knew my hands would leave bruises as I drowned in her. I shouted her name as my heat marked her womb, as unimaginable pleasure rocked me, knocked me on my ass. I’d never felt anything so intense, so potent and powerful overtake me. I had no control over it. It was a high, an erotic experience I knew no one else could ever match. Kellie brought out the best in me as she gave me the best.

My breathing was ragged as pleasure continued to singe my groin unapologetically. There was no reprieve. The pleasure shredded me from the inside out, had my head spinning, my mind blanking, lost in the dense hedonism that owned me in that moment.

My movements slowed as I came down from my high. I feathered her upper body with kisses, unable to pull myself from her.

Her petite hands cupped my face; she aggressively pulled me to her and took my lips. This time I allowed her to own the kiss. Our chests collided roughly with each staggering breath. I couldn’t stop touching her. She was mine. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I’d always known it. Kellie’s letter wasn’t the first I’d received. People sent general letters to soldiers all the time. I’d received one on every tour I’d completed, but Kellie’s was the only one I’d responded to. There was something about hers that compelled me; the woman herself compelled me. The army may have owned me on paper, but I was all hers.

Breaking away, I pulled her against me as I rolled onto my side. Her hands glided down to rest on my chest, ironically over the heart she owned.

Sweeping a few stray hairs away from her face, I brushed my lips gently across hers one last time. I opened my eyes to gaze into hers. I knew she needed that level of intimacy, that degree of reassurance. �śI love you, Kellie.”

She cast her gaze away, smiling timidly. Leaning in, she kissed my chest. �śAnd I love you, Sergeant.”

I knew I wore a goofy grin, the type of grin that would have every soldier in my platoon ragging on me for months. I didn’t care though. That’s how gone I was. I didn’t give a shit about what they thought. The only person who mattered now was Kellie.

She returned my smile easily. She kissed my jaw, giving me a hug. �śYou must be tired. Why don’t you take a nap while I finish baking?”

�śSweetie, I’m used to going up to forty-eight hours without sleep. The only thing I want right now is to hold you.”

I felt her smile against me. �śI think I can handle that.”

�śGood.” My tone had a bit of bark to it, but I knew the military man would have come out had she not agreed. I never wanted to let her go, not now that I had her.





�" 18 �"

Kellie

I swore my soul was dancing. I’d never felt so loved and appreciated, and I came from a good family with an older brother who would give me the world if he could. I was beyond blessed. Daniel was the one to show me how well though.

I easily settled into him, against him. After the best, most mind-blowing orgasm of my life, there was nothing more I wanted than to sleep for a bit before doing it again. Daniel had started it. Little did he know he’d just released my inner, insatiable freak, and little did I know how much I would enjoy being a bad girl. Of course, Daniel never treated me like a bad girl. He treated me like a princess. He cherished me the way I cherished him.

One weekend and two �śsick” days later, I still couldn’t get enough of him.

He hugged me from behind, sweeping my hair aside to kiss my neck. Tingles never ceased when he did that. A shiver worked through me as I angled my head, giving him better access.

�śYou know I can’t keep calling out. I’m going to have to go back to work tomorrow.” I put the bowl I’d mixed the brownie ingredients in into the sink. Daniel moved with me, spinning me the moment my hands were empty.

He kissed me. My heart reacted to his lips every time. �śI have a better idea.”

�śOh yeah?” I smiled against his lips.

�śWhy don’t you quit and go back to school?”

We’d had this conversation more than once over the past couple days. I softly sighed. �śYou know I can’t afford to do that.”

�śYes, you can.”

I leaned back, studying him. I felt my brows dip inwards. �śWhat do you mean?”

�śMost of my military money is in savings. I have plenty to pay our bills and tuition. I also plan to talk to the local recruiter about the Army Reserve to cushion our income until I decide what I want to do.”

I shook my head negatively, despite my heart soaring. That he would even offer made me love him all the more. �śI can’t accept that. I�ŚI can’t let you do that, Daniel.”

�śYou will if you love me.”

I cut my eyes at him. �śThat’s not fair.”

An easy smile curled his lips; his eyes sparkled with mischief. �śI love you, Miss Kellie Ann Patrick, and I intend to make you my wife. What kind of husband doesn’t take care of his wife in every way?”

My heart stammered as my lungs struggled to expand. �śWhat are you saying?”

�śI want to make you my wife, babe. I want my ring on your finger, my baby in your belly, and my arms around you every night. I swear I’ll do anything I can to always make you happy.” Emotion twisted his features. �śLet me take care of you, sweetie. Let me marry you.”

�śAre you serious?” My pulse skittered quick; my throat felt tight.

�śDead.”

I knew I was staring dumbly at him, but I couldn’t help it. It was the last thing I expected yet everything I wanted�Śminus one detail. I worked my bottom lip. �śWill the Reserve send you back?”

His expression grew serious. He licked his lips, looking away for a moment. He brushed my hair back. �śI’m not going to lie; there’s a chance. But since I’ve already done so many tours, I doubt they will.”

Tears pricked my eyes. �śI don’t know if I could let you go now that I have you.” I was honest.

�śNeither of us want that, but I know that we would get through it, the same way we’ve gotten through before.”

As hard as it was, Daniel was a package deal. He came with risks attached to his chosen career. I didn’t dare hold him back though. He continually encouraged me to pursue my dream, to go after the life I wanted. For now, I had to accept that Daniel was a military man. He chose to dedicate his life to the Army and me. I had to trust him. I had to trust that he would do everything in his power to come back to me every time, the same way he trusted me, the way he believed that I was capable of enduring that distance with him. That’s what makes love easy: commitment. As long as you’re committed to the person you love, time nor distance can ever destroy what you have.

�śOkay.”

His head jerked up.

I couldn’t help but grin like a fool, a love drunk fool. �śI love you, Sergeant. I’m not a hypocrite. You’re a good man I cherish, near and far. And, near or far, no man could ever replace you. How could he when you’d be taking my heart with you?”

I shrieked as he swiftly bent and hoisted me over his shoulder. I slapped his back. �śWhere are you taking me?”

�śTo make love to you. Then we’re going ring shopping. After that, you’re going to promptly take me to your parents’ house where we will tell them. Your mother and Hannah can help you with all the details, but I fully expect us to be married within the month. Tomorrow you can give dickhead your two weeks notice. Once we’re married, we’ll get you signed up for school.”

�śHey! Don’t I get a say in this?”

He threw me against the mattress. �śDo you object?” He cocked a brow.

I pursed my lips, considering his proposal. �śWell, no-”

�śGood, then it’s all settled.”

�śControlling much?”

�śNo. I’m just a soldier who knows that death doesn’t discriminate, and I’d rather not waste time when we can have all we want now.” He swallowed hard. �śI’ve never been so sure of anything, Kel. I love you, sweetie.”

I wrapped my arms around him. �śI love you too. I didn’t expect it so soon, but I can’t wait to become Mrs. Sergeant Daniel Rodriguez.” I pursed my lips playfully. �śAnd I promise not to bankrupt you on the ring�Śmuch.”

He snickered. �śWe’re buying the biggest ring possible. I want the dickhead, and every other after him, to know that you’re taken.”

�śI’m taken by a sexy as sin soldier. Trust me, my boss doesn’t come close.”

�śI don’t give a shit if he does. You know my feelings about marriage, and you know I’m serious about you. You ever think of straying, you talk to me first. I’ll do anything I can to make you happy, babe.”

My smile softened as my heart gushed. I nodded my head in agreement. �śI will.” I spoke sincerely. I knew a soldier was always preparing; he knew what the worst was.

His expression changed. The look on his face sent chills through me; it was a look I would never forget. �śIf, God forbid, anything happens to me, I want you to move on and be happy. Promise me that.”

How had this conversation so quickly been swept into heartbreaking territory? Tears stung my eyes as a heavy weight compressed my chest. It hurt just to think about it.

�śHey, sweetie. I’m still here.” He brushed the back of his hand against my cheek.

I bit my lower lip, trying not to get lost in the what-ifs and could-bes.

�śI’m a stubborn, possessive bastard. As long as I have breath in me, I’ll fight to be with you. I’ll fight to fuck this pretty body of yours, and to kiss these sexy lips.” He trailed his fingers over my lips. �śAnd I’ll fight to ensure no other man has the pleasure of doing the same.” He brushed his lips against mine.

As he moved away, I felt lighter. I couldn’t control what was to come. The only moment I had control over was the now. �śWhat’s the hold up, soldier?”

He leaned back, quirking a brow, a tight smirk stretching his lips. �śCome again.”

�śWhy aren’t you fucking this pretty body yet?” I tried to bite back a smile, but failed.

�śBecause you’re not naked.” He kissed me hard and fast before he broke away to strip us.

Through the years, clothes were my saving grace, the only thing that stopped Sergeant Daniel Rodriguez from lavishing my extra plump body every minute of every day. He proved his love time and time again, and I proved mine those seven months we were separated for his last, and shortest, tour of duty.

You can’t control everything in life, but the one thing you can control is your level of commitment to love. It’s those that love without commitment that fail. It’s those that aren’t committed enough that divorce. People like to say they fell out of love, but the truth is, love is more powerful than time or distance, than trials or obstacles. Love is what multiplies our blessings, but if you lose your passion, your commitment to it, certainly you will eventually lose it too.

Thankfully, Daniel and I never did. And who would have thought a lifetime of love could ever come from one letter?

�"~�"





Dear Reader,

Thank you for purchasing this title. It’s my hope that you enjoyed Daniel and Kellie’s story.

For more information on this title and my others, please visit my website: www.christinlovell.com

Have a great day!

~ Christin

�"~�"