A Second Chance at Love Read online

  Table of Contents

  A Second Chance at Love

  Kyle

  Callie

  About the Author

  Note From the Publisher

  A Second Chance at Love

  L. K. Shaw

  After Glows Publishing

  A Second Chance at Love

  © 2017 by LK Shaw

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  Published by

  Davis Raynes Publishing Group, LLC

  dba After Glows Publishing

  PO Box 224

  Middleburg, FL. 32050

  * * *

  Cover by: LKO Designs

  Formatting by AG Formatting

  * * *

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  A Second Chance at Love

  1. Kyle

  2. Callie

  3. Kyle

  4. Callie

  5. Kyle

  6. Callie

  7. Kyle

  8. Callie

  9. Kyle

  10. Callie

  11. Kyle

  12. Callie

  About the Author

  Note From the Publisher

  A Second Chance at Love

  An abusive ex-boyfriend had broken Callie Foster down, but she’d rebuilt herself. When she started a flirtation during the beginning of her three-week vacation, she felt a connection she hadn’t felt in five long years. She knew her feelings were reciprocated, but he had pushed her away. Imagine her surprise when, over a week later in Myrtle Beach, she runs into him again.

  Kyle Harper, a Veteran amputee, has lost everyone he’s ever cared about. When he began to feel something for Callie, he pushed her away before she could leave him like everyone else in his life had. When he heads to Myrtle Beach for a yearly get together with his military buddies, he stumbles upon Callie.

  Can Callie show him that she’s not the kind of woman to leave her man behind? Can Kyle open his heart to her, leaving himself vulnerable?

  1

  Kyle

  A mental health break. That’s how my therapist described it. Almost every year since I’d been medically discharged from the Navy after having my leg blown off, I’ve taken a “mental health” vacation. Each year, a group of guys I know from the military take some time off to rest, relax, and otherwise decompress. This year, we decided to rent a beach house in Myrtle Beach over the Fourth of July holiday. Gannon’s ex-mother-in-law found us a great deal on the rental.

  It hadn’t really sounded like my idea of fun when my therapist first suggested it, but it had been what the doctor ordered, so I went. Regardless of my original reluctance to go that first year, I’d had a good time. Each of us had been dealing with our own shit in our own way, and it was nice to see the guys. Now, I looked forward to these yearly trips.

  One of my other Navy buddies had just spent the last two weeks with me at my house in Miami, but he’d taken off to chase down the love of his life. I wished him well. Against my will, her face flashed before my eyes. Callie Foster. Damn, just thinking about her had me hard as a rock. I’d met Callie while my buddy had been visiting. She was the best friend of his girl. The women had been vacationing in Miami, and we’d all gone out to dinner together. I’d groaned when my friend told me he was dragging me along, but it had actually turned into an unforgettable night. And week.

  Callie was bold-as-brass and didn’t give a shit what anyone thought. She was, unapologetically, who she was. It was refreshing to talk to a woman who spoke her mind. She’d been funny, smart, and sassy. And sexy as fuck.

  At first, I’d been taken aback by her boldness, but the more we talked, the more turned on I’d become. Right up front she’d asked about my prosthetic. Most people stared, while trying to appear as though they weren’t staring. The ones who stared outright then asked the stupidest and, usually, the rudest questions. Questions that were none of their business. Oddly, some of the same questions I’d been asked before that pissed me off, didn’t bother me when Callie asked. She told me she worked with Veterans, and she was curious about my recovery and how I was adjusting to civilian life.

  We spent the entire evening talking about me. It was comfortable and effortless with her. I hadn’t realized how much I’d been rambling until dinner was over, and I discovered I hadn’t learned a single thing about her beyond the fact that she worked with Vets. I didn’t even know what kind of work she did. I felt like an asshole. She laughed it off and said she’d rather talk about me anyway.

  When my buddy asked me to take Callie home, I jumped at the chance. She was the first woman who’d sparked my interest since I’d been injured and since Leslie’d left me. Coincidentally, Callie and her friend had rented the house next door to where I lived. It was as though we were destined to meet. I had no ulterior movies when I took her home other than to spend a little more time getting to know her. During the ride home, it was my turn to ask all the questions and to try and figure her out. Callie had been humble and modest and didn’t seem too keen on talking about herself. It only made me that much more anxious to find out about her.

  Once we reached the house, I planned on dropping her off at their rental and saying good night. To my surprise, she invited me inside. I didn’t hesitate accepting. She poured herself a glass of wine and handed me a cold beer. We settled in on the couch and talked. Several hours passed before I realized it. When I glanced at the clock and saw how late it was, I figured I’d worn out my welcome, and after I took another empty beer bottle into the kitchen to throw away, I turned around to say my goodbyes and literally ran into her. Her breasts flattened against my chest, and the semi-hard on I’d been sporting all night lengthened. I pulled back slightly so she wouldn’t feel my erection pressing into her. Her soft, flowery scent pleasantly tickled my nose. I wanted to bury my nose in her hair and breathe in her smell.

  Without warning, she leaned up on tiptoes, wrapped her arms around my neck, and pressed her lips to mine. Lust exploded through me, and I couldn’t help pulling her close and deepening the kiss. My tongue traced her lips, almost begging for entrance. Elation filled me when, without hesitation, she opened for me. I plundered her mouth, and it was as though I’d been parched until this moment. Flavors flooded my mouth, and I reveled in the taste of her. I caught a moan that escaped her. We stood in the kitchen, tongues dueling, and all I wanted was more.

  I couldn't help but groan in ecstasy when she pressed herself fully against me so we were molded together from chest to thigh. Her hips undulated slightly, and my cock twitched at the contact. I moved my hands from her waist to grab two handfuls of her ass. I pulled her even closer as I kneaded her cheeks. I’d always been an ass man, and Callie’s was the perfect heart shape. I freely admitted I’d checked it out more than once tonight. I bet she even had those fucking sexy dimples at the base of her spine too. My body ached with the need to find out, even though my mind said to slow down.

  Callie kissed like a dream. I could have spent the whole night just kissing her, but the second her lips touched mine, she’d ignited a fire inside me that was now burning out of control. It was a fire I hadn’t felt in years. In fact, it had been so long, I had almost given up on feeling it ever again. Even still, if she didn’t want this to go any further, I’d stop, no matter how much I thought it might kill me. Bracing myself for whatever answer I got, I reluctantly tore my lips from hers.

  “Would you like to move this some place a little more comfortable?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.” Callie pulle
d away, grabbed my hand, and led me down the hall then up the stairs to the second floor.

  2

  Callie

  As I led Kyle upstairs, I couldn’t help wondering what the hell I was doing. My sex life had been as dry as the Sahara for the last five years. I’d taken a vow of celibacy that, until now, I’d had no trouble sticking with. After Travis had hit me for the last time, I’d finally found the strength to leave. I hadn’t felt the touch of another man since. But something about Kyle spoke to me. He presented with a happy front, and I’m sure he was happy. Sort of. But I also sensed a deep need for that special connection with somebody. A connection I hadn’t realized I too longed for until I saw the reflection of that need in Kyle’s eyes.

  I’d never been reserved in the bedroom. I knew what I wanted and wasn’t shy about not just asking for it, but demanding it. Now, I was hesitant. Unsure. Something I never wanted to be. The only good thing about my relationship with Travis had been that, in the beginning, he’d approved of my boldness. But then, he became insecure. As though me telling him what I liked meant he wasn’t pleasing me enough, which hadn’t been the case at all. He became condescending and began mocking me. It started out small, but gradually escalated until he became so verbally abusive I couldn’t take it.

  When I smarted off one night, he slapped me. Our shocked expressions must have matched, and to an outsider they may have seemed comical. Of course, he apologized, and like an idiot, I forgave him. Then, it happened again. And again. Until I didn’t even know who I was anymore. I never told anyone. They probably suspected, but no one ever knew for sure. Not even my best friend.

  One day, though, I decided it was for the last time and I left. Of course, not before I pulled a gun on him. When he made a move to take it from me, I pulled back the hammer, and he realized I wasn’t bluffing. I packed up my shit and walked out the door. Thankfully, I never saw him again. But I still kept a loaded firearm near my bed, just in case.

  As I recovered from the abuse, my boldness gradually returned. I didn’t take shit from anyone, and I always said what I thought. After what happened to me, I was tired of someone telling me how to live. I had no fucks left to give. I wasn’t mean or hurtful, but I spoke my mind. I was outgoing again. At least outside the bedroom. Once burned, twice shy and all that. I had no desire to place myself in another position of vulnerability. Which was where the celibacy came into play. I hadn’t had any type of intimate relationship since Travis. Five years was a long dry spell. A dry spell I was now in the process of watering, in a manner of speaking.

  I couldn’t put my finger on exactly what it was about Kyle, but I trusted him. Maybe because of how he spoke of his platoon members being killed in action. Or a similar vulnerability I sensed in him when he’d talked about adjusting to not only civilian life, but to life as an amputee. Neither of which I expected was easy. Regardless, a spark had singed my insides, and I wanted to fan the flames. So, for tonight, I planned on being bold, like the old me. Even if I got burned in the process.

  The bedroom we entered was decorated like your typical rental property with the cheesy floral slash beachy print bedspread in garish oranges, pinks, and blues splayed out over the queen-sized bed. There was a white wicker chair in the corner with giant complementary throw pillows. We bypassed the suitcase tossed on the floor with clothes spilling out of it. I forced myself not to worry what Kyle was doing as I quickly removed my shirt and pants. When I turned toward him, I kept my eyes pinned to the floor, not feeling quite bold enough to see the expression on his face.

  A cough had me quickly glancing up. I saw Kyle’s eyes were widened at the sight of my near nakedness, and a light twinkled in his eyes as they roamed across my body, sending goose bumps up my arms. A boldness I’d forgotten I possessed gave me a knowing smile, and I slowly reached behind me to unfasten my bra. I took my time drawing the straps down, teasing him as, inch by minuscule inch, I moved the article of clothing out of the way to finally expose my breasts to his view. I’d never been well endowed, but I was the perfect handful, in my opinion. From the look in his eyes, Kyle was more than appreciative of what he saw. My breasts ached so much to be touched that I had to restrain myself from reaching up to cup them in my hands.

  I kept my eyes on his when, with the same torturous speed, I lowered and stepped out of my underwear. I stood proudly, now completely nude, as his eyes scanned my body from head to toe, and I saw him swallow hard. The growing bulge in his pants was another indication he was enjoying the view.

  “You’re a little over-dressed, don’t you think?”

  A giggle escaped me when he could only nod. Words seemed to have escaped him at the moment. My words must have triggered Kyle into action, because suddenly his clothes began flying as he practically ripped them off. When he stood fully naked in front of me, I couldn’t help staring in awe at the gorgeous body in front of me. My eyes skimmed over his prosthetic, barely even giving it a glance, because my gaze zoomed in on his erection.

  It had been five years since I’d seen a man’s cock, and I didn’t remember Travis’ being this nice. Unconsciously, I licked my lips at the thought of it plunging inside me. My knees grew a little weak at the thought as well. Finally, I was able to pull my eyes away from the glorious appendage and kept a northern track before, at last, we were looking eye to eye. An endearing flush covered his cheeks.

  It made me feel a little better knowing he looked as oddly uncomfortable as I felt. Needing to put him at ease, I did something that I could tell he wasn’t expecting. I knelt on the floor in front of him, reaching out for his prosthetic.

  “Let me.”

  His Adam’s apple bobbed, and I saw his eyes widen in shock and an uncertain expression crossed his face. It was as though he didn’t know how to react to my offer to remove the mechanical appendage. It made me wonder how long it had been since he’d been intimate as well. It also made me want to punch those stupid women who’d made him feel so self-conscious in the face. It was as though no one had ever offered this service before. My heart hurt for him. He inclined his head and then sat down to observe me. When I struggled a little to figure out the mechanism, he gave me a soft smile.

  “Push the button on the side. Under the socket. It’ll slide right off when you press it and pull. Then, just roll down the liner.”

  I followed his instructions and easily removed the prosthetic and liner, which I tucked inside the carbon fiber socket when I was done. Not that I even cared about it, but he didn’t give me a chance to catch even a glimpse of his stump before he scooted up to the head of the bed and wiggled around until he’d pulled back the covers, his amputated leg buried under the sheets. He crooked his finger, and as though pulled by an invisible string, I began crawling on all fours across the bed. When I reached him, he pulled me down so our bodies aligned and our lips crashed against each other, both of us voracious in our attempts to taste the other.

  3

  Kyle

  My mouth completely dried up when I’d stopped my perusal of the room and saw Callie standing there half-naked. She was gorgeous. And the sensation of her body on top of mine, skin to skin, was heaven. The graze of her fingertips dancing across my shoulders sent an electrical charge through me. Without breaking our kiss, I rolled us until she was under me. A place I’d secretly been hoping to get her in all night. Something about her resonated inside me.

  Sure, she was stunning with her golden blonde locks cascading around her shoulders and her bright, blue eyes. Her bow-shaped lips begged to be plundered. And her figure? She was curved in all the right places. But looks faded. Take it from me, I knew. I was a scarred, one-legged mess of a man, yet Callie looked at me as though I could move mountains. It wasn’t a look I was used to seeing. Not even from my former fiancée, Leslie.

  Propped on one elbow, the fingers on my other hand trailed up and down her thigh, and my lips left hers, but only to nibble a path down to her breasts. I paid homage to both of them, leaving little love bites on her pretty nippl
es. I moved into the cradle of her hips and rocked my pelvis against hers, Callie’s breath catching as my engorged cock grazed her clit. Sudden realization hit me, and I groaned in agony.

  “What’s wrong?” I hated the uncertainty that sounded in her voice.

  “I don’t have a damn condom.”

  A puff of air exploded from her lips, and a small chuckle escaped. “Oh my god, I thought it was something worse than that. We can do one of two things I guess. We can still have some fun in other ways. Or… just so you know, I’m clean and on birth control.” She bit her lip, and dodged eye contact, a move completely opposite to the bold women I’d met earlier. “It’s been a really long time since I’ve been with anyone. Like, a really long time.”

  I was still propped on my elbows above her, and I cradled her head in my hands, turning it so she had to face me. I dropped petal soft kisses on her nose and closed eyelids, which now fluttered open. Her crystalline blue eyes, still avoiding contact with mine, were full of what looked like embarrassment and possibly shame.

  “Hey, look at me.” Callie’s focus honed in on me. “It’s been a while for me too. Over a year. And I’ve been tested in the last three months, so I know I’m clean. But I don’t want you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. I’m okay with just fooling around. You won’t get any pressure from me. I’ll let you lead the way. Whatever happens tonight is completely up to you.”