Protecting Cheyenne (SEAL of Protection Book 5) Read online

  Giggling softly, Cheyenne simply said, “Okay.”

  “Sleep, Shy. For the love of God, close your eyes and sleep.”

  Dude lay in the dark waiting for Cheyenne to fall asleep. It didn’t take long. The excitement of the last couple of days and the nervousness she’d felt tonight had obviously taken a toll on her.

  Dude hadn’t lied to her. Holding her in his arms was one of the most satisfying things he’d ever felt. Knowing she was just the kind of woman he needed and that Cheyenne wanted to please him was heady stuff. It wasn’t just that he had a woman in his bed who Dude knew would be open to just about anything he wanted to do to her. It was that he had Cheyenne in his bed who would be open to anything he wanted to do to her. That was what made his control hard to hold on to. He never expected when he’d been called to a bomb threat that he’d meet his match, but Dude knew he’d spend the rest of his life thanking Christ he had.

  When Cheyenne mumbled in her sleep, Dude clutched her closer to him and smiled as she quieted. He knew they’d moved really fast and he’d have to back off a bit so as not to scare her, but he wasn’t going to let a day go by without making sure she knew he was thinking about her.

  Chapter Nine

  Cheyenne smiled at the text message from Faulkner.

  Thinking about you.

  He never used shorthand when he texted her. He always spelled out every word and never used cute little emoticons in his messages. Not a day went by without him texting her at least once.

  She thought back to their first morning together. She’d woken up and opened her eyes to see Faulkner staring down at her. She’d been on her back and he was propped up over her on an elbow. He’d taken her hair and smoothed it behind her ear.

  “Morning, Shy.”

  “Good morning.”

  They’d just stared at each other, but when he’d lowered his head as if he was going to kiss her, Cheyenne sprang into action. There was no way she was letting him get near her with morning breath. She could feel how dry her mouth was. Yuck. When she’d explained, he’d merely laughed and let her up to head into the bathroom.

  He’d cooked her breakfast as he’d promised. They’d spent a lazy morning together, getting to know each other better. Cheyenne found out Faulkner loved to read and had no issues reading romance books. He’d winked and told her it was “research.”

  When he’d dropped her off at her apartment, he’d kissed her long and hard. Cheyenne had decided on green apple lip balm that morning and she could tell how much he liked it by his reluctance to let her go. She smiled at the memory.

  Then in typical Faulkner style, he’d simply held out his hand and demanded her cell phone. She’d unlocked it, given it to him, and watched as he programed in his numbers. He dialed his own phone and let it ring once, so he’d have her number as well.

  He’d given it back, brought her lips to his once again with a hand at the back of her neck, given her one more deep kiss then let her go.

  “I’ll talk to you later,” and he was gone.

  Faulkner had been true to his word. She’d gotten several texts from him during her shift. He demanded she let him know when she got home. He didn’t like the thought of her going home at eleven at night.

  Cheyenne just rolled her eyes at his demanding text. She’d been working second shift for so long, the late night hours didn’t faze her anymore. She told Faulkner as much, but he merely told her that while she might not care that criminals tended to be more active and would troll for victims when the sun went down, but he did.

  While she might pretend it annoyed her, deep down Cheyenne knew she was lying to herself. She loved that Faulkner was worried about her. It felt good.

  Over the last two weeks their schedules were out of sync, so they hadn’t been able to spend the night together again. It had worried Cheyenne until Faulkner reassured her.

  “I don’t care if it’s a year before we’re able to get together, Shy, you’re mine. We have all the time in the world. Stop worrying about it.”

  Thinking about his words could still make her tingle and feel better, no matter what was going on in her life.

  Cheyenne needed his text today more than usual. She’d talked to her mom that morning and heard all about how Karen had been involved in a big case that had won in court. Her mom had bragged about Karen for twenty minutes straight before even bothering to ask Cheyenne about how her day went.

  When Cheyenne had told her how she’d helped a man deliver a baby after he’d called the emergency line, her mom had actually said, “Cheyenne, when are you going to get a real job?”

  Cheyenne had merely sighed and listened absently until her mom had finally said she had to go. She was meeting Karen for lunch. It always hurt knowing her mom and Karen got together regularly, and never bothered to invite Cheyenne.

  So looking at the three words on her cell phone from Faulkner made her feel good.

  Miss u 2. :)

  Cheyenne put her phone aside when the phone on the console in front of her rang.

  “911, what is your emergency?”

  The voice on the other end of the phone sounded completely calm, which was highly unusual. “Yes, I’m looking for a Cheyenne who works as a 911 operator.”

  Cheyenne frowned. What the hell? She couldn’t tell if the person on the other end of the line was a man or a woman, it was muffled and soft.

  “Do you have an emergency? This line is for emergencies only.”

  Cheyenne heard a dial tone in her ear. She shivered. That was really weird. She didn’t really keep her job a secret, but she’d never had someone ask for her specifically when they’d called. She tried to see if she could see what number the call had come from, but the person hadn’t stayed on the line long enough and they were using a cell phone. The data simply wasn’t available.

  Her cell phone dinged with a text message.

  I’m picking you up after work tonight.

  Forgetting the weird call, Cheyenne snatched up her phone excitedly.

  Don’t u have pt in the am?

  I don’t care.

  But u’ll be tired

  I said I don’t care. This has gone on too long. I need to see you.

  Cheyenne smiled happily. She needed to see Faulkner too. They’d gotten to know each other pretty well over the last two weeks. He’d call when she was working and they’d chat until she had to answer the emergency line. Faulkner never cared that she’d have to hang up with him immediately when that happened. He’d merely told her to text when she was done and could talk again.

  It’d worked out really well. Cheyenne had found out all sorts of things about Faulkner and about his friends. She loved how loyal he was and how loyal it seemed his friends were back with him. She learned that he liked to cook, but hated to do laundry. He admitted he’d read his first romance novel as a dare by Caroline, and that he’d actually enjoyed it.

  Cheyenne had shared about her mom and sister and how she’d always felt second fiddle to them, then had to listen to a lecture from Faulkner about how wrong they were and how he and all his friends thought she was an amazing human being.

  Talking with Faulkner always made her smile.

  Cheyenne would always remember the conversation they’d had one night after she’d gotten home from her shift. She’d uncharacteristically texted him to see if he was awake. She typically didn’t like to wake him up late at night because she knew he had to get up so early, but she’d had a horrible phone call and desperately wanted to talk to him.

  He’d texted back immediately and told her to call him.

  “What’s wrong, Shy?”

  “I just…I had a hard night.”

  “What happened?”

  “Just a call.”

  “It’s never just a call, not if it upsets you. Tell me.”

  “I probably should let you go, you have to get up in like, three hours.”

  “Cheyenne…”

  Not able to resist him when he used that tone of voice, and
knowing she honestly really did want to talk to Faulkner about it, she told him.

  “A woman called, hysterical. She went into her twelve year old son’s room to check on him and found him hanging in his closet. He’d wrapped a belt around his neck and killed himself.”

  “Oh, Shy…”

  Faulkner’s sympathy almost broke her, but she continued quickly. “She told me he’d been quiet lately. She knew he was struggling at school. Seventh grade is tough on all kids I think. I know I hated it, and myself, most of the time. She said she was a single mom and hadn’t had the time to check in with him lately, not the way she should’ve. He was gay and had told his mom that some of the other kids had been picking on him. She blamed herself, Faulkner. She said that it was all her fault. I talked to her until the paramedics got there and tried to revive her son. By what she’d told me I knew he was probably already gone, but I kept her busy until help arrived. She didn’t want to hang up with me. She wanted to tell me all about how great her son had been. She said he was an artist and wanted to grow up to work in animation. It wasn’t until the police told her she had to hang up and talk with them, that she finally let me go.” Cheyenne had sniffed once. “It was tough.”

  “She’ll never forget you were there for her though.”

  “I’ll never understand people as long as I live, Faulkner,” Cheyenne complained sadly. “Here was this kid, full of potential, a good kid, and other people made him feel like he was less of a person just because of his sexual orientation. Less worthy. It’s just not right. It’s not fair.”

  “Listen to yourself, Shy. Hear what you just said.”

  Cheyenne stilled.

  Dude continued, hoping she was really hearing him. “Your sister has done that to you her entire life. And now even your mom does it, knowingly or not. They put you down and make you feel like what you do for a living isn’t as important as what Karen does.”

  “Holy shit, Faulkner, you’re right.”

  “Of course I am.”

  Cheyenne chuckled, in spite of the heavy conversation they’d been having. “Thank you, I needed that.”

  “I know, baby. I’m sorry you had to go through that, but don’t ever think I’d rather sleep than listen to you and help you work through a tough call. I’ll be pissed if you do it after tonight. Got me?”

  “Got you.” She’d hung up and slept soundly that night. Usually after a tough call she tossed and turned most of the night reliving it over and over.

  Cheyenne startled when her cell phone buzzed in her hand. She’d been so lost in her thoughts of the past, she hadn’t texted Faulkner back.

  We’ll figure out your car later. I’ll be there at 11:10. Is that enough time?

  Cheyenne quickly typed out a response.

  Y, can’t wait

  Cheyenne couldn’t wait until the end of her shift. While she’d enjoyed getting to know Faulkner over the last couple of weeks via texts and phone calls, she was more than ready to see him in person again. She didn’t know if he was just giving her time to get used to him or if he really had been busy, but at this point she didn’t really care.

  She really hoped the chemistry they’d had before hadn’t waned. She didn’t think it had, but what did she know about men like Faulkner?

  Cheyenne sat back and drummed her fingers on the tabletop. Only two hours to go until her shift was over.

  Chapter Ten

  Cheyenne waved to David, her relief operator, and headed out the door. Faulkner had texted her ten minutes ago to say he was outside and ready whenever she was.

  She’d closed up her station and explained what had gone on that night to David. Luckily, so far it had been pretty quiet, all things considered. She put her purse over her shoulder and pushed out into the dark parking lot.

  Faulkner was parked under one of the lights in the lot and was standing outside leaning against the passenger door of his truck. Cheyenne walked toward him with a wide happy smile on her face.

  Suddenly feeling shy, and not really knowing why, they’d talked on the phone almost every day, but it was different being face to face with Faulkner again. It was much easier to bare your soul to someone when you weren’t looking them in the eyes.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey. The night go okay?”

  Cheyenne loved that Faulkner always asked about how her shift went. “It was good, kinda boring actually.”

  “Boring is good.”

  Cheyenne nodded in agreement.

  “Come here.”

  Cheyenne shivered at the tone of Faulkner’s voice, and went to him.

  Dude wrapped his arms around Cheyenne and breathed her in. Tonight she smelled like vanilla. He smiled at her penchant to wear sweet food-smelling lotion.

  “I wonder what flavor your lips are tonight.” Without giving her a chance to answer, Dude leaned down and stole the kiss he’d been desperate for since the last time he’d kissed Cheyenne. He ran his tongue over her lips, tasting cherry, before plunging into her mouth. She opened willingly to him and Dude loved feeling her hands grab onto the back of his shirt as he continued his sensual assault.

  Before he could go too far, he pulled back. “Cherry. Yum.” Dude watched as Cheyenne’s lips quirked up into a smile and she turned her head to the side adorably. “Let’s go, it wouldn’t do to get caught necking in the parking lot of a public service building.”

  Cheyenne looked up at Faulkner again and simply nodded. He reached over and opened the door for her and once again waited until she’d settled in the seat before shutting the door and walked around to the driver’s side.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Your place.”

  Cheyenne wasn’t expecting that. “Mine?”

  “Yeah. Yours. You don’t have any of your stuff, so we’ll go there, you can pack, then we’ll go back to my house.”

  “Why don’t we just stay at my apartment tonight? If we’re already there…” Her words tapered off at the look Faulkner was giving her, then she asked, “What?"

  “Because the first time I make love to you will be in my bed, in my house. I’ve been dreaming about seeing you splayed out on my sheets waiting for me. I’ve jacked off to the thought of you in my space the entire time we’ve been apart. I’m done waiting. You’re mine, and you’ll be mine tonight in every way possible.”

  Cheyenne just stared at him. Wow. That was intense. She loved it. She smiled. “Okay, Faulkner, whatever you say.”

  He smiled back. “Get used to saying those words, Shy. I fucking love hearing them come from your lips.”

  Cheyenne wasn’t surprised when Faulkner leaned over to her and captured her lips again for one more intense kiss before he pulled back and started the truck. He pulled out of the lot and headed toward her apartment, leaving three cars sitting in the parking lot, one of which wasn’t empty.

  ***

  Faulkner had walked her up to her apartment and stood in the living room while she packed. It didn’t take her long, but Cheyenne made sure to pack a couple of outfits. She was off for the next few days and didn’t know what Faulkner had planned. She figured it’d be better to be safe than sorry.

  She walked out of her bedroom and said, “Sorry it took so long, I’m ready.”

  Faulkner didn’t come toward her, just stood next to her window looking out. He turned when she spoke and simply looked at her. Finally he said, “Be sure about this, Shy. Be sure it’s what you want and not something you’re doing because I want it.”

  “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my entire life, Faulkner.”

  “Then come on, let’s go.”

  The ride to Faulkner’s house was quiet, but electric.

  Finally when they were a block from his house, Dude broke the comfortable, but intense, silence. “When we get home, go into the house. I’ll give you five minutes before I follow you. Make sure you do what you need to in the bathroom. When I get there, I want to see you in my bed, naked, covers pulled back, not covering you. Lie on your back
with your arms over your head. Keep your head turned toward the door so you’ll see me the second I walk in. Don’t speak. Do you have any questions or concerns before we get there?”

  Cheyenne felt her nipples peak at his words. My God, Faulkner was completely one hundred percent serious. This was really going to happen, and it was going to happen his way. Cheyenne tried not to hyperventilate. “Will I get a safe word?”

  “Fuck no,” his response was immediate. “You don’t need a safe word. You don’t like something, just tell me. I told you I’m not into games. But I promise you, Shy, you’ll like everything we do. I’m not into pain, yours or mine. If you need to stop me, I’m not doing it right.” He paused a beat. “Anything else?”

  Cheyenne shook her head.

  “Words.”

  “No, Faulkner. I’m good. I’m so good, I’m about ready to go off without you even touching me.”

  Cheyenne saw Faulkner smile quickly, a small satisfied smile, before he banked it and ordered. “Don’t. You don’t come until I say you can.”

  “Jesus,” Cheyenne muttered under her breath.

  The cab of the truck was silent until Faulkner stopped the truck in his driveway.

  “Go on, Shy. Five minutes. Remember what I said.”

  Dude watched as Cheyenne headed into his house, her bag over her shoulder. He’d given her his key and she didn’t hesitate for one single second to take it and make her way quickly through the door. Dude put his head on the steering wheel.

  The past two weeks had been hell. He’d made up reasons why they couldn’t get together in person. He’d done everything he could to try to slow things down, to really get to know Cheyenne and to have her get to know him. Two weeks really wasn’t a long time in most normal relationships, but this one didn’t seem “normal” to him. He felt deep in his gut that Cheyenne was meant to be his. They were both in the right place at the right time to meet. Dude hadn’t believed much in fate before, even after seeing his friends and teammates find the women of their dreams in the most unusual of ways. The two weeks apart had given Dude a good understanding of what made Cheyenne the person she was today, and made him fall for her all the more.