Love of a Marine (The Wounded Warriors Series Book 2) (32 page)

“God, I’m so sorry that happened to you.” Tears of sympathy sparkled in Marla’s eyes.

“It’s been extra hard for me because I’ve let Santos believe Marvin was this virtuous, noble war hero.” She blew her nose. “He was a war hero. I won’t take that away from him. I’ve never discussed this with anybody because I was afraid it might get back to my son. I never want Santos to know the truth about his father. He’d be devastated.

“The shameful thing is…when he was killed, I momentarily felt a jolt of savage justice, that he’d been punished. I have a lot of guilt about that, Marla.”

“Oh, honey, don’t blame yourself. You were just a kid.”

“I blame myself for being so foolish. For falling in love with him at first sight, leaving my life and everyone I loved behind to be with him. Marvin was handsome and charming. His smile could stop traffic. He was the kind of man everybody enjoyed, he made those around him laugh. His fellow SEALs had him on a pedestal and they trusted him with their lives. I’m trying so hard not to let this spoil my chance of happiness with Cluny.”

Marla pushed aside the dregs of her cappuccino. “Don’t you think it would help if Cluny knew this? You’ll have to tell him eventually, won’t you?”

“Yes, I will tell him, but what I don’t want is to make him feel pressured to rush into marriage as a way to
fix
me.” Her stomach cramped with indecision. It was a secret she’d have to share with him. She knew that, but not yet. “I need for him to understand that protecting Santos is my primary concern.”

Marla gathered her packages. “Trust Cluny. He’ll protect your son no matter what.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s time we got home. I’ll keep your confidence and Dwayne will never breathe a word of it without your permission. I wish I could do more.”

“Just sharing it with you has been a relief.” She retrieved her hanger and bags. “I can think less emotionally about it now and decide the right time to tell him.”

Marla drove into Cluny’s long driveway and turned off the engine. She reached for Graciella and kissed her cheek. “For now, let’s concentrate on how great we’re both going to look at that big party Saturday night. It will be a happy occasion for the four of us to share. I’m so glad I met you, Graciella. I hope we’ll be friends for many years, until we’re old and gray. You can always tell me anything. I’ll never betray your trust, I promise.”

“That means a lot to me, Marla. And I do feel better.”

“I suppose the men will have a plan for one or two cars on Saturday night. I’ll put my two cents in with Dempsey about driving two cars. That way if for any reason one of us has to leave early, we won’t have to spoil the party for all of us.”

“That’s a good idea. I’ll plant the seed in Cluny’s mind too. Will we be taking the kids to your parent’s house, or will they come to yours?”

“Dad will pick them up from our house. He’s planning a cookout for them and he’s erecting the pup tents in the family room so they can sleep over at their place if we’re late. It all depends on my mother. We’ll check with them when we’re ready to leave the party to see if she’s OK keeping Dec overnight. I’ll be pumping breast milk for the next two days. Ick.”

Graciella grinned. “Or maybe for the next ten years?”

Cluny and Santos were asleep in front of the TV. A partially eaten bowl of popcorn sat precariously close to the edge of the coffee table. Graciella tiptoed to her bedroom and hung up her new outfit and hid the shoebox in the closet. She had no intention of giving him a peek until Saturday night.

Queen wandered in to investigate. “Don’t say anything, Queenie. I’m counting on you.” She knelt down and gave the dog a vigorous back scratch, giggling at her twitching leg and moans of pleasure.

“Are you spoiling my dog?”

“Cluny! You scared me to death!” She dropped her forehead on Queen’s back.

He chuckled and pulled her to her feet. “How’s about a kiss? I missed you.”

“Oh, pooh, I don’t believe that for a minute, but I’ll take the kiss anyway.”

Drawing her tight against his lean body, he came up with a real knee-knocker. “Believe me now, baby?”

She trembled in his arms. “Oh, yes. Do that again.”

He kissed her again, and this time his hands caressed her sides and back. He groaned and yanked her tight. “Let’s go to bed.”

“We can’t leave Santos in the living room.” She pushed back. “I’ll take him to his room.”

His head fell back and his fingers dug into her bottom. “OK.” He blew a breath. “I’ll take Queen out back for a few minutes. I have something special in mind for you tonight. Could take hours. We’ll start in the shower.” His grin was so deliciously sinful, her heart tripped wildly.

Oh, Deus. This man.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Ventura Greens Country Club, Saturday night.

“What a great turnout, I didn’t expect so many people here,” Cluny handed her shoulder wrap to the coat-check clerk and took the ticket. “Do you see Gunny and Marla?”

“No, but we’re assigned to the same table. They’re sharing with us and another couple. Do you know who they are?” Graciella craned her neck as she looked around the large ballroom then took Cluny’s arm.

“No, but I expect it’ll be a veteran I’ve met in the past.” He led her across the dance floor surrounded by tables for six. “We’re over here, baby. Oh great, I recognize Joey Hamilton at our table. One of your favorite vets.”

Graciella’s eyebrows drew together. “I’ve met him?”

“He’s one of the boys who had too much to drink at Gunny’s party and shot off his mouth.”

“Oh.” She tightened her grip on Cluny’s arm. “I don’t recognize him, but I didn’t get a good look. Maybe he won’t remember the incident. Who’s the woman he’s with? She wasn’t at the party.” Her stomach cramped, but she was determined not to let Joey Hamilton spoil the evening. It had to have been the alcohol talking. If the man had had his wits about him, he wouldn’t have been so obnoxious. She’d give him the benefit of doubt.

Cluny whispered in her ear. “I’ll ask them to change our table.”

“No, amor, please. I don’t want to make anything of it.” She held his uniform-clad arm and continued in the direction of the couple who’d just noticed their approach.

The good-looking man with a military haircut stood. “Hey, McPherson, we’re at the same table.”

Cluny’s face was unreadable. “I believe you’ve met my lady, Graciella Jefferson.” He gave a polite nod to the brunette sitting next to Hamilton.

“Yes, I’ve had the pleasure. Nice to see you again, Graciella.” He indicated the brunette. “This is my sister, Liz.”

“Your sister?” Cluny didn’t look convinced. “She can’t be the same Liz I met when she was this high.” He held a hand at waist level.

The young woman smiled. “Yes, I really am the same Liz. Joey calls me whenever he can’t get a date, so I get to go out a lot.”

Joey rolled his eyes. “Thanks, sis.” He pulled back the vacant chair next to him. “Graciella?”

She hesitated for a split second then smiled and took the seat. She leaned past Joey. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Liz.”

Cluny, who’d been silent, rounded the table to Joey’s sister. “Liz, give us a kiss.” He put his hand on her arm and pecked her cheek then took the chair next to her, across the table from Graciella.

Joey stood again. Graciella looked over her shoulder. Dwayne and Marla made their way to the table. Dwayne gave a warning evil eye to Joey, and the man lowered his eyes and cleared his throat.

Cluny embraced Marla. “You get more beautiful every day, Ms. Danaher. You
are
dancing with me tonight, no matter what Gunny says.” He turned and spoke to the other couple. “Joey, you remember Dempsey’s wife. Marla, this brave young lady, who appears far too decent to be seen in public with Hamilton, is his sister, Liz.”

“Nice to meet you, Liz.” Marla smiled and took the chair next to Cluny.

Dwayne remained standing, leaned past Graciella’s ear to kiss her cheek. “How you doing, gorgeous? Looks like you and Red had a very successful shopping trip.” He briefly fingered the sheer silver tunic at her shoulder. “Nice, very nice.”

She reached up and patted his hand. “Thank you, Dwayne.”

“Back off, Gunny,” Cluny teased.

After a few minutes, a waiter in white livery arrived at their table with a tray of champagne flutes.

Dwayne told him, “The men here will have sparkling cider or soft drinks. You can bring them after you’ve served the ladies.” He looked pointedly at Joey.

“I’ll have club soda, please, with lemon,” Joey said.

“Very good, sir.” He lowered the tray and Marla and Liz accepted the proffered champagne. “Any specific requests for you gentlemen?” He looked at Dwayne first then Cluny.

“I’m good with club soda,” Cluny said.

“Make it four,” Dwayne added.

Graciella felt a wave of gratitude toward Dwayne’s making sure there would be no further incident of embarrassing drunken talk. She patted his arm and sighed. “You’re very handsome tonight, Mr. Dempsey. I couldn’t believe my eyes when Cluny walked into the living room in his dress blues. For a minute I thought a stranger was in the house.”

“We clean up pretty good when the occasion calls for it.” Dwayne grinned and nodded his head in Joey’s direction. “The uniform does wonders for us, even Boozy over there.”

“OK, OK.” Joey raised his hands. “I get the message, Gunny. I’m on my best behavior. Anyway, I’m off the sauce and I reenlisted. I didn’t like the nickname anymore, and my dad would have my hide if I didn’t bring Liz home safely.”

“Glad to hear it,” Cluny said as the waiter returned with the club sodas. He picked up his glass. “Here’s hoping they raise a ton of bucks tonight. I hear they brought in a great orchestra. Liz, save a spot on your dance card for me.”

Liz sighed dramatically and put a hand over her heart.

The tables filled quickly, and the waitstaff rushed efficiently through the room placing salads and French rolls on the tables. Graciella relaxed as Joey engaged her in pleasant small talk. Joey impressed her as an intelligent man with a sweet sense of humor. Dwayne was seated at her other side, and Cluny sat between Marla and Liz. Liz laughed and blushed at something Cluny said. Yes. It promised to be a pleasant evening and worth what she’d spent on her outfit.

She’d also indulged in a mani-pedi this morning. But instead of visiting the hairdresser she’d let her hair fall in natural waves and curls over her shoulders, the way Cluny liked it best. She smiled to herself when she remembered his last-minute suggestion they stay home, get naked, make love all night, and forget about the party.

Soft music began to play near the end of the main course. A few couples made their way to the dance floor. Cluny stood and reached for her hand. “Let’s dance, baby.”

She moved easily into his arms and they joined the other dancers. In her spike heels she was nearly as tall has Cluny. She tilted back her head and looked into his twinkling blue eyes. “What?”

He pulled her tighter and nipped her earlobe. “I want to grab your ass and take a bite out of your neck, but they’d frown on it here. Marines must maintain a certain level of decorum when in uniform. There are at least two generals in the room.”

Her blood raced as his hand slid low on her back. “Watch it, Marine. I don’t want you to end up in the brig. What would I tell Santos?”

“He understands a lot more than you think he does. He’s stopped me dead in my tracks with a few of his questions lately.”

“Such as?” She stroked the back of his neck, knowing it only added fuel to his fiery libido. How nice it was to wield such power over him.

He chuckled. “He asked me if I wanted to make a baby with you.”

“What!” she hissed. “Oh, Deus. What did you say?”

“I said no.”

“Thank goodness.” She was shocked that her little boy had asked him such a question. Had even
thought
to ask such a question.

“Yeah, I said no, not
a
baby, several babies.” She groaned and dropped her head on his shoulder. His chest bumped against hers in silent laughter. “Take it easy. He’s just an innocent kid. If a kid asks questions it means they’re old enough to get an honest answer. I didn’t elaborate, and he didn’t probe deeper.”

“What did he say?”

“He said, ‘That’s nice,’ and went back to the popcorn and the ballgame.”

Deep in her heart, she sensed Cluny was a natural-born father. His easy manner with her son, the way he respected what Santos had to say, and the adoration and enthusiasm of the boys and girls he coached at the park spoke to that. Someday she’d question him more about his parents and his life in foster homes. She wanted to know everything about this man she loved.

A senior officer wearing the uniform of a different service tapped on the microphone. The dance floor quickly emptied as guests returned to their tables and resumed their seats. He announced the program for the evening, promised there’d be no long-winded boring speeches, and then introduced a woman, identifying her as the chairman of the Wounded Warriors of Ventura County.

The tiny, gray-haired lady lowered the mic. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Our thanks to all of you for attending tonight. Our ticket sales increased fifty percent over last year.” She paused for polite applause. “That’s the conclusion of my speech.” She smiled at the laughter and enthusiastic applause. “In a few minutes volunteers will be approaching your tables to sell raffle tickets. We’ve received many generous donations from several of our supporters, the value of the prizes greatly exceed the ten-dollar ticket price. So, buy more tickets! Thank you for coming and for your financial support.”

The musicians took a break and the conversation level in the ballroom increased as ticket sellers went from table to table, while the waitstaff cleared away dinner and served dessert. Drinks around the table were refreshed.

“Hey, guys.”

Heads turned at Misty Beachy’s greeting. Graciella’s breath caught. She saw the perplexed look on Joey’s face when his eyes flicked from her to Misty to Cluny. Graciella met Joey’s eyes and his cheeks reddened. He stared at his club soda.