Elise nods her head as her cheeks heat with a blush and she drops her head in shame. There is no way he wants to get involved with a sheltered, 27-year-old virgin. The tears spring to her eyes before she can will them away. Warren grabs her chin and forces her to look at him.
“Look at me, Elise.” She lifts her gaze to his. “Don’t ever be ashamed of being a virgin. Damn! I’m thankful no man has ever touched you, ever entered your hot body. When you are ready, I want to be your first and your last, sweetheart.” Warren declares firmly.
“God, Warren. No one has ever spoken to me so bluntly.” Elise can’t keep the heat out of her face. “I want you to be my first and last, too. I’m not sure how long it will take for me to be ready. Will you wait for me?” The pleading in her eyes almost undoes him.
“I’m sorry I was so blunt, but I’m an old man and I’m used to saying what is on my mind. Yes, I will wait for you, sweetheart. Even if it takes years for you to be ready. I’ll be waiting for you.” Warren makes sure to look into her eyes as he tells her his heart. He wants to make sure she understands how important she has become to him in such a short amount of time.
“Warren, you aren’t old., not to me.” Elise laughs. “Thank you for being willing to be patient. Most of my life everyone around me has tried to make decisions for me. Thank you for letting me make this one for myself.”
“You are very welcome, sweetheart.” Warren places a kiss on the top of her head as she lays her head back onto his chest. “Take all the time you need. I’m here.” They lay quietly for a long time before he notices her breathing has slowed and become the regular rise and fall of sleep. He lays there in the dark holding her for a long time listening to her breathing before sleep takes him as well.
Chapter 13
The next morning,they return to base and find that Worm is already prepped for the trip home. The flight home to Camp Lejeune is uneventful. The chaos awaiting them at base when they returned however was more than anyone could have anticipated. Reporters, high level brass, and Elise’s parents were all on the tarmac as soon as they disembarked from the plane. Deadeye was helping Elise down the stairs when they heard her mother shout her name.
“Elise! My baby!” Ellen comes running to the steps as they reach the last one. Ellen takes Elise into her arms with her husband close behind wrapping his arms around the two women. Deadeye remains on the stairs during their tearful reunion. Hawk is standing nearby, giving him an assessing look. Deadeye just nods in silent communication. Once the family reunion is out of the way, Deadeye walks over to his friend and commander.
“Good to see you alive and well.” Hawk says as he clasps Deadeye in a man hug and slaps him on the back. Charlotte and their boys are there as well, and she quickly throws her arms around him in a tight hug. Deadeye hugs her back with enthusiasm. He never thought in a million years he would have such a close group of friends that was more like family. His team has disembarked the plane as well and the happy reunion has continued with hugs and back slaps abounding. Deadeye looks around for Elise. He wants to share this with her. He still has Charlotte tucked into his side when he catches Elise’s eye. The uncertain look on her face, nearly guts him.
Elise’s parents are trying to guide her into the base hanger away from the crowd of reporters, but they are surrounded. It’s impossible to move. Elise looks over her shoulder to seek out Warren. She sees him embracing some beautiful woman about his age. Elise can’t keep the ugly green monster of jealously from rearing its head. Warren meets her eyes then and with the woman and several others with them begins to move in her direction.
“Captain Jackson, get us out of here!” Jackson Sommers yells above the fray.
Hawk motions to the team and they move to form a human barrier around the family. Deadeye moves to Elise’s side. She looks up at him uncertainly. He wraps his arm around her, tucking her into his side while steering her toward the safety of the hanger. His sole focus for the moment is getting Elise to safety and away from the vultures wanting an exclusive interview.
“It’s alright, sweetheart. Just stay close to me.” Deadeye says into her ear. Elise relaxes into his side, tucking her head into his chest. After several minutes they have finally fought their way into a secure room where they can debrief. Several MPs move in to guard the door. Others escort the press to another room where there will be a press conference later in the day.
Once they have all gotten into the safe room, Deadeye looks down at Elise as everyone begins to settle into chairs around the room.
“Are you alright, sweetheart?” Deadeye inquires with concern in his eyes. He still has his arm around her waist. He turns so that she is wrapped in both of his arms as he questions her. Elise nods, but doesn’t say anything, wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head against his chest.
Deadeye motions with his head for Charlotte and Hawk to come closer. Deadeye dips his head to speak into her ear. “I want you to meet some important people to me, sweetheart.” Elise looks up to see the woman Warren had hugged earlier coming toward them with a man and smiling broadly.
“Elise, I would like to introduce you to my Captain, Jordan “Hawk” Jackson and his wife, Charlotte.” Deadeye presents them to her with a smile. Elise smiles shyly at them and is surprised when Charlotte grabs her in a tight embrace.
“Elise we are so happy you are home and safe.” Charlotte declares while hugging her close. Elise hugs her back. When Charlotte releases her, Hawk steps up and places a kiss on her cheek.
“Glad you are home, hon. I have to say, I never thought I would see this guy be enamored by a woman, but I can see why.” Hawk smirks at Deadeye followed by a grin. Elise is blushing profusely at the attention.
“Hawk, you’re embarrassing the poor girl.” Charlotte scolds him. “Don’t mind these guys. They love to tease each other. They are more like brothers than co-workers.” Charlotte laughs.
“Elise, what are you doing over here?” Ellen questions as she approaches them. “Come sit with us.”
“Mom, this is Warren. His team rescued me.” Elise informs her mother. Ellen frowns when she notices Elise leaning into Deadeye and his arm snaking around her waist.
“Thank you, Warren for saving our daughter.” Ellen says politely. “We are ready to get her home as soon as possible. Come, Elise. We need to get this debriefing over so we can take you home.”
Elise pales and grabs Warren’s shirt tightly in her hand. She looks up at him with wide, scared eyes. He pulls her closer to his side, while giving her a reassuring smile. Hawk intervenes before Deadeye can say anything.
“Ms. Sommers, this will take a little time. I realize you are anxious to get Elise home, but we need to make sure she is ready for more travel, ok? She has been through a lot in the last week or so. How about we all have a seat and we will begin the debrief and prepare a statement for the press.” Hawk ushers the woman away from Deadeye and Elise.
“It’s going to be fine, sweetheart. I promise I am here for you.” Deadeye says softly in Elise’s ear so only she can hear him. He can see her father giving him the stink eye, but he is unwilling to allow the man to intimidate him. He gently guides Elise to a chair where she can relax for a moment. He takes the seat next to her while Straw takes a seat on her other side. Her parents take seats on the opposite side of the table and glare at the men.
Hawk begins the debriefing then, so no words are exchanged between Elise’s parents and the men on the team. Several high-ranking Army, Navy, and Marine officials are in the room are in the room observing everything. Each man on the team gives their account of what happened on the mission. The whole thing is video, and voice recorded for documentation purposes. When it is Deadeye’s turn to relate his account, he gives Hawk a hard look.
“Perhaps, Elise should not be here for this part, Sir.” Deadeye is trying to be as professional as possible since they were being watched by high-ranking Army, Navy, and Marine officials. Hawk considers his request for a moment, but Elise speaks before he makes a decision.
“I’ll be fine, Warren. I was there and I haven’t forgotten.” Elise says softly while looking into his eyes. Deadeye stares back at her for a long moment. He knows she is trying to be strong, but she shouldn’t have to be. Sighing heavily, he agrees. She needs this, to show her parents she’s strong.
