Shades of Shame (Semper Fi) by Laura Cooper, Christopher Cooper Read Free Book Online

looked forward to having their faith in each other rejuvenated.
    “Everything is already there, sir,” Ronald said as he opened the door for David.  “Put the finishing touches on the penthouse myself this afternoon.”
    “Thanks Ronald.  That’ll be all.  Pick me up in the morning, 7:30 sharp!”
    “Got it!  Have a great evening, sir.”
    “You too.”
    David punched in the personal access code to take him to the penthouse.  This was a standard, monthly meeting, and he was quite anxious to get everything settled and clear the air.  The last month had been particularly complicated; he needed to make sure they were still on the same page.
    The refreshing wave of cool air conditioning nearly knocked him down as he entered the penthouse.  It was brightly lit, her familiar soft jazz played in the background, and it nearly always calmed his nerves.  David needed this, and much more important, he deserved it.  He took note that the flower arrangements he’d ordered for her were especially nice.  The opened boxes from Saks Fifth Avenue that were strewn across the love seat told him that she’d enjoyed his bank account this afternoon.  A trail of clothes littered the floor next to the sofa.  His drink was already poured on the bar and the crystal had begun to sweat even in this chilly room.  Her perfume was heavy in the air as he loosened his tie and dropped his coat on the bed.  David took a moment to savor his surroundings, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.  Yes, I definitely need this .  He sat in the chair next to the sofa, and slipped off his Spazzolato loafers off and rubbed his feet.  He took another sip of his scotch before heading out onto the balcony overlooking L Street.
    He bent over and kissed her gently on the cheek and squeezed her hand as he took the lounge chair next to hers.  She’d been through a few cocktails, he could see, yet her genuine smile was worth waiting for.  “Good evening, Darling.  Sorry I’m late.”
    “Don’t worry about it.  I’ve been relaxing, listening to music.  Thanks for the flowers and gifts.  You shouldn’t have.”
    She rose from her lounge chair and moved over to the railing of the balcony.  She unbuttoned the top two buttons on her blouse, allowing the cool night air to hit her chest and face full force.  The gentle but steady breeze blew her hair back just enough to show her soft facial features.  Her eyes were closed as she stretched out her arms, grasping the railing, and David wondered where she was in her mind.  The slight smile on her face was so familiar, yet always comforting.  He could see that she was enjoying wherever her mind was taking her, and David never failed to instantly fall under the charm of her breathtaking beauty.
    She was more than just an attractive woman, she was exquisite.  Her long legs and tiny waist gave way to her ample bosom, a feature that rarely went unnoticed.  Yet this was the first time he’d seen her let her guard down in a very long time.  She was becoming , dare he think it, more protective like the rest of us .  She shifted the weight onto her left foot and slid her stocking covered right foot up the back of her leg to massage sore muscles there.  If she only knew how badly he wanted her.  He just to feel her warm skin under his fingertips, smell her perfume as it danced over the invisible air waves filling his nostrils and inflaming his desire.  David swallowed his drink in gulps, trying to dull his arousal.
    “Mmm…” she murmured, “you know I used to resent that we had to come here to escape but it’s become one of my absolute favorite things now.”
    David nodded, “Too many people honestly think they have a right to our lives, Elise.  But I agree with you, being alone with you, off their radar, is something that I ache for all month.  Perhaps we should change it to every two weeks?” he sipped his scotch.
    Elise turned her head to look at him lounging behind her, he was