Hannah flopped back on the bed feeling ten years had just been scared out of her. When she recognized Ben he pulled his hand away. She punched him in the stomach and smiled when he made an oomph sound. “That’s what you get for scaring me.”
Ben stood back up and took his uniform off and walked towards the closet to put it in the hamper. “I would have waited until morning to tell you but someone was sleeping in my bed.”
Hannah blushed at being caught in his bed. What could she say to that? “I missed you and I felt closer to you sleeping in your bed.” Ben came back out of the closet only in his boxers and what a sight he made. He smiled warmly at her and gave her an all too brief kiss. That’s all she got after not seeing him for just over a week?
“I need a shower.” He told her, sensing her inner pout.
Oh.
“Need help scrubbing your back?” She didn’t know who was more surprised at her offer. Him or her.
“Next time,” He promised. “I’ll be right out.”
Less than five minutes later Ben was clean and wearing only a towel. She could definitely get used to this view. He went back into the closet and came back wearing a new pair of boxers. Hannah wanted to pout but knew boxers were easily removable. He slipped under the covers and pulled her to him. Hannah sighed in pleasure at having him home and in one piece.
“A guy could get used to this.” He said more to himself but she agreed. She hated the waiting but if this was her reward for her patience it could be worth it.
“Everything okay?”
Ben tensed under her touch for a moment before relaxing it. “It was nowhere near as bad as the last mission but there was a hiccup at the end.”
Now it was Hannah’s turn to tense. “Was anyone hurt?” No one thankfully was last time.
“Cricket,” Ben growled out in anger. “Some little shit clipped him when we were leaving. It's superficial but still, I hate it when one of us gets injured.”
Hannah hugged him close giving him her strength.
“What have you been doing while I was gone?” Ben asked, steering the conversation away from his team and saying something he shouldn’t.
“Shopping, I’ve missed you terribly but your neighbor, Cora has been a gem and has kept me occupied.”
“I’m glad to hear it. She is a great lady and is always there for me when I have to leave.”
“Did you know she dated Liam?” Hannah asked excitedly. Hannah wasn’t one for gossip but she wondered if there was some way to get the two back together. Cora didn’t like talking about her relationship with Liam but she seemed to miss him and hadn’t wanted the relationship to end.
“I did,” Ben said slowly as if afraid to reveal something.
“Do you know why they broke up?” Hannah pressed him.
“Guys don’t really talk about their feelings amongst each other or explain their dating situation so no.” A catch in his voice told Hannah he knew more than he was willing to tell. She wanted to know the answer but with a man who dealt with secrets for a living, she knew he would not tell her unless he wanted to. And speaking of secrets.
“Well, I did learn something interesting while you were away?”
“Oh? And what’s that?” he asked, tracing a hand down her arm.
Hannah was about to forget what she was going to say. She had missed Ben’s touch but she wanted him to know she knew his secret and didn’t care. “I learned you’re a Delta Force operative.”
Ben’s hand froze on her arm. If she hadn’t been looking for it she would have missed the brief look of panic come over his face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Hannah sat up and looked down at him. “It’s okay. Cora told me. I know it’s super-secret and you don’t have to worry about me telling anyone. Not that I know anyone.”
“Liam told her?” Ben said absently. “That’s not like him.”
“I think he liked her a lot and that’s why he told her, but it doesn’t matter. I know and I promise I will never tell a soul.”
Ben smiled at her and pulled her back towards him. “Do you know what it means to be Delta Force?”
“Cora kind of explained it to me. I know there are a lot of secrets involved.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?” He asked carefully, secrets could eat away at a person.
“I’m not a fan of it but I get it. I’ve had Cora to keep me company so that’s helped. It’s not the secrets I think will bother me most of the time it’s the not know when you’re coming home.”
Ben sighed and looked away. “It’s why divorce rates are so high in the military. All the missions and the not knowing. How about if I get sent out again before we wrap up this ambush situation I’ll call you as soon as my mission is done and let you know when I’m on my way.”
Hannah’s heart hurt at the thought he didn’t want to keep seeing her past the Fox situation. They hadn’t talked about it yet, nor had they had the time. She had over a week to think about it and realized she regretted letting Ben go when she was younger and she didn’t want to make the same mistake again. Maybe after the Fox was caught they could talk about it. “It’s a deal. Now I think it’s time for a proper homecoming.” Hannah husked and slid a hand down his belly to his bulge.
Ben gripped the back of Hannah’s head and pulled her down for a kiss. This kiss was much better than the peck she got earlier. Their tongues mated each seeking dominance over the other. Hannah groaned into Ben’s mouth and
