Honeybun Hottie (Plus Size Romance 5) by Lynn Cooper Read Free Book Online

can’t help them in their current state of mind.  At this stage they are unmalleable.”
    “I don’t understand.  How will a hike change anything?”
    “It changes everything.  The physical exertion combined with the sensory overload softens their resistance, making them more receptive and open to my training.  Nature is a powerful thing, Blythe.  Seeing the majestic mountain before them, hiking its magnificent terrain and conquering it is empowering.  It restores their self-worth, making them feel as though they can do anything.  More importantly, it’s humbling.  Surrounded by thousand-year-old trees that stand taller than skyscrapers sends a silent but deafening message.  One that says, We’re not alone .  There’s something in this crazy, fucked-up world that’s bigger than us and all our problems.   Once these kids get that, then I can work with them.  Teach them coping and survival skills.  Productive ways to express their anger, frustration and pain.  Ways that will keep them out of jail.”
    Blythe released a long, slow breath.  “What you do is incredible.”
    He shook his head.  “These kids are incredible.  They just don’t know it yet.”
    “How does the art come into play?”
    “Once they reach the first summit, Shelly will set up easels and tell them to paint the sunset.  I’m always astounded by their pictures from the first hike.  No matter how rich or bright the colors, most of them will paint the skyline as black or grey.”
    “Why?”
    “It’s a reflection of their souls.  The way they see the world.  Everything is dark and unredeemable.  By summer’s end, they will hike the same trail. When instructed to paint the sunset, the colors on their canvases will pop with a brilliant palette of pinks, blues, oranges and yellows.  After only three months at Camp Semper Fi, the world will look and feel like a whole different place to them.  Despair will be replaced with hope.  Depression with joy.  Fear with peace. Zero self-esteem with utter confidence.  I never grow tired of watching their transformation.  Each time it is nothing short of miraculous.”
     
    IN LESS THAN FORTY-EIGHT hours, Blythe had been transformed.  She had gone from a woman who wanted to spend her summer vacation alone to one who couldn’t imagine being away from the man standing before her.  A man who, three months ago, she never wanted to see again.  Now, she was at his camp, in his cabin, being wooed by his words.  They weren’t flowery, poetic, romantic ones; but, they were much more powerful.  These words showed her the beauty of his heart.  The strength of his soul.  The depth of his character.  He truly was a good man. A good marine. One she could depend on.  Feel safe with.  Trust with every fiber of her being. One she wanted to make love to more than anything.
    Being a well-trained soldier, he should be able to handle the element of surprise. She giggled to herself as the naughtiest of plans formed in her mind.  Yes, she wanted him to dominate her.  And there would be plenty of time for that but, at this moment, she wanted to be the one to call the shots.
    Taking him by the hand, she led him back to the bed.  Her hands caressed his biceps as she slowly, seductively turned him so his back was to the edge of the mattress.  Her fingers fluttered over his big, broad shoulders and down his chest.  She rested them there for a moment, gazing into his eyes.  They reflected the want and need in her own.  Smiling wickedly, she shoved him down on the bed and echoed his earlier words.  “Let’s play.”
    When he hit the mattress, instead of falling onto his back, he caught himself with his hands.  In a seated position with his muscular thighs spread, he was breathtaking.  His erection strained against the camouflage material of his pants.  His breath was coming hard when he spoke.  “I think this is all backwards.  I’m the one who’s supposed to be doing the dominating