Salvation At Sunset (A McGinty's Of San Antonio Series Novel Book 5) Read online

  “Would you play a song for me, here, tonight, just us?” I hold my breath waiting for his reply. Garrett blinks surprised at my request. He must have really thought I would want to go home and that hurts my heart. “Please?” I ask softly.

  “Yeah, I’ll play for you. I’d do just about anything for you.” He retrieves his guitar from the truck, sets it down on the bed then removes it from its case. He leans against the edge of the tailgate and begins to strum softly. I’m lost in a trance watching him play. That trance is broken when Garrett begin to sing George Strait's Blue Melodies. His voice is beautiful. The song is heartbreaking and perfect. I sit listening, praying he doesn't ever stop singing.

  When the song is over, Garrett carefully places the guitar back in its case and stores in back in the truck. I scoot back and lay down to where I was earlier.

  “Garrett, that was beautiful,” I whisper to the stars but I know he can hear me.

  Garrett hops up and then comes over to where I am and lays down next to me, resting his head on the other pillow. I feel his eyes on me before he turns and looks up into the Texas sky.

  “Thank you, Bella.” I believe he’s saying thank you for more than my compliment but I keep my eyes on the stars. I only close them briefly when a soft, steady breeze starts blowing across my skin. I can hear soft waves lapping at the shore and crickets chirping all around. Frogs are croaking and I know that fireflies will be blinking all around us. We stay like that for a long while, but eventually I turn on my side and face him. He turns his head on the pillow, and when his eyes travel to my lips, I lean into him for a kiss. The moon is full and the sky is lit with its glow bathing us in its beams.

  Garrett cups my head, before gently taking over the kiss. In seconds my body is on fire with need. The kiss becomes unstoppable and my body crawls on top of his. Garrett moans as he trails wet kisses down my neck and uses one hand to grip my hair, keeping it away from his mission. I whimper and angle my neck to give him better access.

  “Garrett,” I whisper softly with need, as his grip on my hair tightens almost painfully causing me to whimper. “Please,” I plead.

  His hand disappears from my head and in one swift movement he reaches behind my knees and pulls them forward to straddle him while he sits up. I moan from his strength and deepen the kiss on my end. Running my fingers through his dark thick hair, I pull his lips closer. His hands go to my hips and he starts rocking me against him. I feel him through his jeans and I know he wants me as much as I want him.

  His hands travel under my shirt and up my back. My God, his touch feels good. I tighten my grip on the strands of his hair as he slowly starts lifting my shirt, pausing in question. I release his hair and raise my arms, giving him the answer he needs. When it’s off, he tosses it aside and leans forward, his warm mouth trialing warm, wet kisses along my neck and the swell of my breast. With one of his arms tight around my waist, he leans me back and then his mouth is on my breast, his breath warm through the lace of my bra. He moves back and forth giving each side the same attention but soon it’s not enough for me. He senses my need and slowly he pulls one of my bra straps down freeing one side and then his warm mouth is on me again. I can’t hold back, I cry out when he gently bites down. When he hears my reaction, his hands find the back hook of my bra, unhooks it and tugs it down my arms, tossing it aside, forgotten. His strong grip is tight on my neck as he pulls me down until our lips meet again. I need to feel his skin too, so I reach down and began unbuttoning his shirt. When I can’t reach the bottom, Garrett takes over. He gets the final few while my lips travel down his neck and chest. Once he gets them undone, I run my hands up his chest spreading his shirt open so I can feel him. I trail my fingers along his abs, up his muscular chest to his broad shoulders, and finally I cup his face in my hands as I rest my bare skin against his. Finally, my mind sighs. We continue kissing, our hands touching, exploring until Garrett pulls back.

  “Bella, we should stop.”

  “Why?” I kiss down his neck.

  “I need to do the right thing,” he growls. “Fuck. But first, I just need another taste.” He leans me back and his mouth lowers to my breasts.

  “Garrett, please, don’t stop,” I cry out as I start rocking against him. He growls so deep it seems to be drawn from his soul. He raises his hips, helping me chase the feeling.

  “Baby, come for me,” Garrett orders softly as his hands go to my hips, his fingers gripping me as he rocks me hard against him.

  “Garrett, please. I need you.” I stop and look in his eyes. “I need you in me, please.”

  All of the sudden, I’m on my back and with his lips still against mine; his hand travels to the button on my jeans. When he gets it undone, he slides his hand inside bypassing my panties and his fingers are on me. I lift my hips, wanting more.

  “Baby, you’re wet.”

  “Yes.” I can’t stop this time. The need is too strong.

  “Bella, we need to...”

  I look up at him when he calls my name. “No. We need each other. That’s all we need,” I plead in a whisper. “I hurt. I need you so much.” I beg.

  His expression is torn between desire and fear. I reach down for the button on his jeans and flick it open and slide my hand inside. When I feel how big and hard he is, I let out a soft mewl. I run my hand up and down, loving how he feels like hot velvet.

  “Bella, are you sure?” he groans, his hips moving with my motion. I look into his eyes showing him I’m more than sure. “Protection? I didn’t bring anything,” he moans.

  “I’m on the pill and I’m clean,” I inform him, knowing I had a checkup not too long ago. I pray that’s enough.

  “Me too. Was tested before I left the military. I’ve always used protection.”

  With that, Garrett sits back on his haunches and tugs off my jeans and panties. I’m lying there completely naked in the warm night watching Garrett pull his boots and shirt off. Before he gets his jeans off, he lays back down beside me. Our lips touch softly as he runs his hand down the middle of my breasts, then across my stomach until finally he reaches me. He runs his fingers up and down before he slowly enters me with one, teasing me. Only going in a little and then back out circling me. I lean over and grasp his shoulder, trying to pull him closer.

  “Honey, please,” I press.

  He only pauses briefly, looking into my eyes before ridding himself of his jeans and lying on top of me. He pushes my legs apart with his knee and settles before bringing his mouth back down on mine. He never breaks our kiss as he rises up and positions himself at my entrance. We both moan in relief when he slowly starts thrusting into me.

  “Bella,” he moans and then in one hard push, he’s in me. I can’t hold back the gasp and cry that escapes me.

  He stops to make sure I’m okay. It hurts because he’s big and it’s been a while. But it’s a good pain.

  “Baby, I’m sorry. I can’t hold back.” He rocks into me again.

  “Don’t hold back, honey.”

  This is what I want. It’s what I need. It’s what I’ve been waiting for, and I think he has too. I run my hands down his back and dig my nails in, pulling him forward, urging him on.

  “I need you, Bella,” he finally admits, drops his weight and begins slamming into me.

  “I’m here. I have you.” Oh, God, his body feels perfect against mine. He’s filling me so much and in so many ways, I’ll never feel empty.

  He reaches for my hands and when he finds them, he intertwines our fingers and pins them above my head like the night at the drive-in. As his thrusts get faster, he releases them and pins down my wrists with one of his hands. He goes up on his elbow and his beautiful eyes stare into mine.

  Our eyes stay locked as he powers into me and soon I feel it building. He must feel it too because he leans down and sucks one of my nipples into his mouth and bites down on it while he teases it with his tongue. I struggle to get loose but he won’t release me. He takes my nipple into his mouth and only this time
I call out his name into the night as my orgasm hits. He slows his thrusts then kisses me as I sigh and look up into his eyes. “You okay,” he murmurs.

  “Yes," I pant. I move my hips up and rock into him, knowing he hasn’t come yet. I wrap him up in my arms and legs as his moves become more frantic. He buries his face in my neck and stills, letting out a loud moan.

  “Bella.” My name falls softly from his lips as he comes. Once his breathing calms, he brings raises his head and studies me. Our connection is deep, deeper than anything I've ever felt and I know by the look in his eye, that he's feeling the same. With the dark night blanketing us, we lie next to each other and kiss for a while longer. Before falling asleep, I have the strong urge to tell him I love him. Yes. I love him, but I don’t say the words in fear of scaring him off.

  We stir awake in the early morning when the sunrise is nothing more than a line of gold glowing against the tops of the hills. I lay against Garrett’s chest, both of us watching the sky say goodnight to the moon and stars. As I stare out at the last few stars refusing to be outdone by the sun’s light, I wonder if he’s thinking what I’m thinking, that this could be a new beginning for both of us. The first of many mornings to share.

  We share a kiss before getting up and dressing. We stay close to each other, packing things up before we load everything up in the truck. After we take our seats, Garrett looks over at me and just stares. I know he’s feeling what I feel. I can see it reflected in his eyes, just like the night before. It’s unbelievable but it’s also undeniable. Neither of us says out loud what we know to be true. We just hold hands as we head back into town.

  We hold hands the entire ride back but the closer we get to my home, Garrett’s hand turns from warm and soft to cold and hard. Something is wrong but I hold on tight, not allowing myself to react to the change in his touch. I need to fight his demons. I can’t let them win. I won’t let them take him away from me.

  We turn into the driveway and my heart begins thumping so hard I think it might burst from my chest. I reluctantly let go of his hand and face him. We didn’t get much sleep last night. I’m exhausted and just want to sleep but I want Garrett with me. I know something is definitely wrong and that holds me back from asking him to come inside.

  I tear my eyes from him and look out the window when I hear little pinging and see rain has started to fall. I decide to be risk it and invite Garrett in, but when I glance at him, he's not looking at me.

  “Garrett, please don’t push me away.” I demand softly as a rush of rain starts pouring down followed by rumbles of thunder and distance lightning.

  “I have to go,” he states, still not meeting my eyes.

  “Come inside. We can talk.” I attempt to sound calm but I’m shaking and panic is setting in.

  “Can’t. Got to go, Bella.”

  “Garrett, I have strong feelings for you. I’ve fallen in l..."

  “Get out!” he bellows and slams his fist down on the steering wheel.

  My body jerks in shock, not fear.

  “Plea—” I plead.

  “Bella, get out!” he growls. He reaches across me and pulls the door handle, pushes the door open before leaning back on his side of the truck. “I shouldn’t have let things go as far as they did. I can’t do this. I thought I could but I can’t. Don’t make me feel, goddammit. Just don’t. I can’t!” he bellows.

  “Garrett, please, I know you’re scared but…” I try to plead.

  When he doesn’t say anything, I reach out to touch him, but he jerks away and my jaw drops as I suck in a stunned breath. My hand stills midair, as he opens his door, gets out of the truck and comes to my side. He stuns me when he gently removes me from the truck, setting me on the ground. Rain is pelting both of us. He grabs all my things as I stand in the rain and watch him set everything down on my porch. I'm shocked and heartbroken as he walks back to me. I allow hope to flare momentarily when he stops in front of me but just as fast it dies when he reaches around me and closes the truck door. I hang my head and try to keep control of my breathing.

  “Go inside,” he orders me.

  My heart has just dropped to the ground and died. How am I still standing? How am I alive? I squeeze my eyes shut and hang my head while getting drenched, sending up a prayer to God to please not let this be happening. Finally, I take a chance and look back at up at him. The expression on his face has my body turning weak. His eyes are stone cold. It’s enough to have me turning away. This isn’t my Garrett. This Garrett is on emotional lockdown. He’s cold. Dark. Empty. I don’t look back as I walk through my yard and up my porch steps all the while rain soaking me. I quickly snatch my keys from my purse and open the screen. Within the sounds of the storm I think I hear his voice soft and desperate call out to me. Maybe I’m wrong and it’s my heart’s wishful thinking. Either way I don’t turn around as I let the screen slam shut and close the door. I stand in my nightmare willing myself to wake up. My body jolts when I hear the truck door. Garrett’s truck lights travel across my walls as he backs out of my driveway. I slide down the wall and sit there, allowing the tears to come.

  What did I expect? I knew he was holding back. I grasp my broken heart as I beg for forgiveness for hurting it and stand up from the floor. I grab my pillows and purse and head upstairs to my bedroom. I discard my wet clothes, grab a muscle shirt and panties, and head for the bathroom. I dry my hair as best I can with a towel. I’m too emotionally exhausted to do more than that. I brush my teeth, grab a box of tissues from my bathroom vanity and put it on my nightstand. I pull several out, wipe my tears and blow my nose before collapsing on my bed. As the tears flow steady from my eyes, I lay awake and listen to sound of the rain, the sun hidden behind the dark clouds in the sky. I cry myself into a brief sleep only to wake up and start crying again. Finally, I give up and get out of bed. My head is pounding and my eyes are swollen. On the way to bathroom to grab some aspirin, I stop and look out my bedroom window. Thunder rumbles in the distance and the rain is still coming down heavy. I sigh as I think it’s perfectly fitting for my how I feel. I take my aspirin and look in the mirror, disgusted with the mess starting back at me. I turn on the shower. As it heats, I undress then step in and let the hot water try to relax me but all I do is start crying again.

  He’s gone. He’s really gone.

  After washing my hair and body, I get out, wrap my hair and dry off. I grab my coconut scented lotion that I love and rub it on realizing I’ve done nothing more than link the smell to my heartbreak. I change into another pair of panties and tank top because all I plan on doing is going back to bed. I’m emotionally done and my body is fatigued. I run the hairdryer through my hair and flip my head down and run the hairdryer underneath the back strands but when I hear a thump, I stop and rise. Before I get a chance to turn off the hairdryer, I hear more thumps and it registers that someone’s banging on the front door. My heart pounds as I quietly turn it off and set it down. I rush out of the bathroom and into my bedroom and grab my phone off the nightstand. I start to call the police when another round of banging starts. It sounds like the door is being busted in. I’m shaking, and can barely breathe and as I’m about to press the call button I hear my name being bellowed over and over. Garrett? I hurry to my bedroom window, look out and see his truck in the driveway.

  “Bella!” he bellows again, and my eyes fly down to my porch.

  Garrett is pacing, disappearing and returning from my view under the roof of the porch, soaking wet and looking frantic.

  “Bella,” My name rumbling from him sounding like the thunder from above.

  I stay quiet, in shock and watch as he appears from the porch and starts back down the sidewalk. I think he’s going to leave but instead he turns and looks back at the house. The sky lights up with lightning and a distant sound of thunder rumbles sounding weak next to him calling out to me. His eyes travel across the front of the house and he sees me in the window.

  “Open the door, Bella,” I hear his demand loud like he�
�s right in front of me rather than separated by a story, the storm and the walls of my home. I shake my head no. I’m not sure if he can see me but I keep it up.

  “Bella, I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please open the door.” he pleads looking up at me while getting pounded by rain.

  I back away from the window so he can’t see my uncertainty.

  What if I let him in and he hurts me again?

  It’s already too much, and if I fall even harder and then he leaves again? I can’t deal with that. Maybe I’m not strong enough to help him fight his demons. My thoughts are interrupted and I jump, letting out a yelp when there’s a loud noise downstairs, causing me to drop my phone. I rush back to the window and see Garrett has disappeared under the roof of the porch. Jesus, he’s trying to break in the front door. I know it’s not going to matter how many locks I have on that door, Garrett is huge and if he wants in, he’ll get in. I walk on shaky legs down the hallway and stand at the top of the stairs. I listen as he slams against it and when it flies open, I scream. Garrett’s eyes quickly find me on the landing. He walks in, the screen door slamming behind him, his breathing heavy and his body shaking. He turns and closes the door as best he can with the latch broken and then turns back and starts stalking towards the stairs, and me.

  “No, I don’t want to see you again.” I raise my hands and take a tiny cautious step back.

  “Bella, I beg you to please hear me out. I’m sorry about the door, baby. I’ll fix it. Just please don’t put walls between us like that. I couldn’t get to you.”

  He’s drenched. His hair is dripping water droplets all over his face and shirt which is also soaked. I’m distracted by how freaking hot he looks but when I come back to myself, my eyes widen because he hasn’t stopped. He’s halfway up the stairs. I want to run to him and wrap my arms around him, but instead when he just a few steps from me, I turn away.

  “I’m sorry.” His deep voice is hoarse and full of remorse but there’s also something else. Fear? I can’t take it. He may not love me but I love him and I don’t want him to hurt.