No Strings Attached

No Strings Attached

S. M. Butler

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No Strings Attached

Ashlynn Connolly has been Ethan Kearney’s best friend since they were twelve, despite the difference in their tax brackets. Though he played stupid pranks on her as a child, and left for a career in the Navy, Ash has always stood by him. But now Ethan has a deadline, and he’s going to put their friendship to the test with a business proposition—a marriage proposal.

If Ashlynn hadn’t been flat-out broke, and about to ask for a loan from her best friend, she might have laughed at Ethan’s proposal. But being laid off with a small child to care for alone changes one’s perspective and the idea of being Ethan’s wife is too much to turn down, and not just because of the money he offers.

Getting married is the simplest solution to both their problems, or so it seems. But while the passion between them scorches the sheets, a shadow from Ash’s past prepares to burn them more thoroughly than either ever expected.

Table of Contents

No Strings Attached

No Strings Attached Blurb

Dedication

Acknowledgements

The Beginning

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty One

Twenty Two

Epilogue

Author’s Afterword

About the Author

Other Books

Copyright

Dedication

To all enlisted men and women

serving in the United States Navy.

To Carolyn, Sophia, Jess, and Alice,

who somehow WANT to put up with me every day.

Acknowledgements

As always, Team Awesome was a big part of this book. They have been relentlessly supportive of all my writing endeavors, and my quick flips when I change my mind on where I want my career to go. And also, I thank my family, who has never asked me about my books, but are always supportive when I say I’m doing something because of my books.

I’ve wanted for a long time to write a book about enlisted military that wasn’t a Navy SEAL or an Army Ranger. Mostly because I am military enlisted myself, but because they deserve their stories too. These people are out there every day, in the very thick of things. They are every bit as important as Special Forces. They support the ones that are on the front lines, and sometimes, are there themselves.

As always, any errors found in this book are mine and mine alone.

The Beginning

Ethan cracked his knuckles, anxiety beating through his body. The hospital air was cold and sterile, but his blood still boiled hotter than a volcano. He let out a frustrated breath. He’d paced, he’d sat, and he’d rocked back and forth. He was anxious. The police were inside the room with his best friend, where she lay injured and in pain. He wanted to hurt something, someone. The person who was responsible.

He closed his eyes. When she’d shown up at his door, Ashlynn hadn’t looked anything like herself. Her eye was swollen and purple. Her smooth skin and her dark hair were stained with drying blood from a cut above her eyebrow. Her normally pink lips were puffy and angry swelling made them look like she’d been stung.

He wished he were in there with her, but she’d asked him to leave.

He stepped toward the door as it opened. The police officers left the room. One glanced back at Ash, and then looked at him. Ethan? She asked to see you.

What’s going to happen now?

We’ve got her boyfriend at the jail. She gave us enough to press charges. We’ve got your statement. We’ll be in touch soon.

Thanks. Ethan whispered.

He waited only a moment, watching them walk down the hall, before entering Ash’s hospital room. An IV was set up, the needle in through a vein in the crook of her elbow. Bandages covered a fair amount of her body. The smaller cuts on her face had been cleaned, but no bandages had been put on them. The bruising around her eye was still fresh.

He pasted on a smile, but he didn’t feel like smiling. He was downright homicidal. Being woken up at one in the morning by panicked pounding on the door of his apartment, and then opening it to see his best friend hardly able to stand on her own did that to a man.

Hey, he said, stepping over to the bedside. Ash’s eyes tracked him, but didn’t say anything. He hated seeing this part of her. He hadn’t seen her smile in weeks, and now he knew why. How had she kept this from him? Why had she kept it from him? How are you feeling?

Better, Ash replied. My brains feel like they’ve been scrambled.

Very nearly. Ethan sat down on the white sheets, careful not to sit on Ash. His throat tightened up as he took in each injury. The shiner. The bruises across her collarbone and shoulders. The wrap around her broken ribs. His pasted smile fell away. Why didn’t you tell me?

Tell you what?

Ash… you’re my best friend.

I couldn’t. I was afraid. A sob escaped her, pain radiated from her expression. He wasn’t… I didn’t…

Shh… He brushed hair from her eyes. Her beautiful dark tresses stuck to her face, still matted with residue blood, even though she’d been doctored up. Just how much had she bled before he’d found her? Ash, I don’t ever want you to be afraid to tell me anything.

I didn’t know what he’d do if I said anything. Her eyes watered, and she looked away from him, toward the ceiling. Ethan, there’s something else.

What?

She hesitated, rolling her lower lip over her teeth. Hell, you’re going to find out sooner or later, anyway.

What is it, Ash? Tell me. He tried to keep his voice calm, but it was like holding back a dam with a twig.

I’m pregnant, she spat out.

Ethan stared at Ash, not quite comprehending.Pregnant?

A moment later, his brain caught up and rage took over. Red colored his vision. Buddy Pierson had not only beaten Ashlynn... he’d nearly cost her the life growing inside her, too. He did this… knowing?

Ethan, I don’t want—

Stop protecting him! He roared. She flinched, and immediately, he regretted raising his voice. I’m sorry… Ash, he’s not here. You’re safe. He’s not going to hurt you again.

I know. Ash’s eyes were watery. I still feel—" She stopped and grimaced. New tears left her eyes, falling down her cheeks.

He never wanted her to cry. Ever. But there was nothing he could say or do which would make this situation better for her. She was laid up in the hospital, hurting and pregnant by a man that had nearly killed her.

He said it wasn’t time for a child. That he didn’t allow it. Her tears created track marks on her face, the liquid glistening in the bright lighting of the room.

He took her hand, gently and pulled it to his chest, holding it there. With his other hand, he wiped the tears from her face. You will always be safe with me. Know that, Ash. I won’t ever let anyone hurt you. Not ever again.

She glanced up at him through watery eyes. She wanted to say something. He could tell. The way her jaw set in that determined, but hesitant way. The way her hand tightened around his. Their twelve year friendship didn’t mean jack if she didn’t feel like she could come to him whenever. They had always been able to talk. This time it had nearly cost her life, and the life of the unborn child inside her.

Pregnant.

Buddy didn’t deserve to be a father. He didn’t deserve Ashlynn. Hell, even Ethan didn’t deserve Ashlynn. He’d never been closer to anyone in his life like he was with her. It was scary, but perfect at the same time.

Ashlynn!

The shrill voice of Ash’s mother, Betty, filled the silent hospital room. Ethan dropped Ash’s hand and stood as she hurried through the doorway. Ash’s father followed her, accompanied by her brother and her sister. The room filled with sounds of concerned family members.

Oh, god, Ash. Are you all right?

I’m fine, Mom, Ash replied. Really.

Betty’s sounds of outrage and concern continued. The family crowded around Ash and for the first time that night, Ethan felt like an outsider. As they doted over her, he stepped back, his hands balled into fists at his side. All he could hear was the roar of blood in his ears. Hatred for Buddy Pierson filled his body. Honestly, he’d never felt so much anger for one person before. Hell, watching her family, he was overcome. His chest tightened. He’d almost lost her tonight.

She lifted her eyes and met his. For a moment, the rest of the world disappeared and there was only the two of them. A small smile of gratitude appeared on her face, directed toward him. He knew then, without a doubt, he’d protect Ashlynn and her unborn child with everything at his disposal. He’d make sure no one ever harmed her like this ever again.

One

Six Years Later

Michael Kearney III leaned forward, tilting up his head to peer down through his reading glasses. Ethan was sure it was a play to appear superior. Michael did everything with a purpose in mind. Nothing was accidental with his father.

His life was a board meeting. His mother was the minutes taker; his father the board president. It was the same talk every month, and every month, he disappointed them. Before joining the Navy, he had fought hard to stay on their good side. They were his parents. He wanted them to be proud of him.

Right then, though, he would rather have stabbed himself in the eye with a spork than sit there across from them at the large oak table. Papers were arranged up on the surface in nice, neat orderly stacks. Silence reigned through the room, only the soft rustle of paper breaking it.

When are you getting married? Cerise’s bright voice broke the silence of the room. Ethan’s head snapped up. He’d expected his father to break the silence first.

We talked about this marriage thing, Mother. He tried to maintain a level tone in his voice, though irritation was reigning. He clenched his fists in his lap, digging his fingernails into the center of his palm. The pain focused him, kept him from making the mistake of losing his temper. It was one of the tricks his father taught him: Never piss off the person who signs the paycheck. I’m not even seeing anyone.

Honestly, he hadn’t given any thought for the marriage bit. Not until he’d seen the agenda for this month in his email. He hadn’t realized the deadline was this year.

Her expressionless face turned up from the notepad. Her light turquoise eyes met his, hard-edged and professional. You do realize marriage is necessary to continue your trust fund?

So you’ve told me, every month since I was eight. He tapped on the desk, one finger at a time. Index, middle, ring, pinky. Back the other way. Pinky, ring, middle, index. But the tapping was loud, and his father’s eyes fell to the origin of the sound without moving his head, the annoyance clear. Ethan leaned back in the chair and placed his hands on his knees.

His mother wrote more, her manicured nails scraping the page along with her pen. His father shuffled some papers around. More seconds ticked by on the wall clock behind them. Prisoners in Guantanamo had it easy. None of them had to deal with his parents. Every month this meeting was like an interrogation.

We do these monthly meetings to make sure our interests remain in line with each other. His father’s gruff voice boomed over the silence of the room. Ethan inhaled deeply, preparing his next argument. Whiffs of the pricey pot-pourri his mother liked hit his senses. Lavender, jasmine… He wasn’t sure what it was. He much preferred the sweet raspberry scent of his best friend. We have to maintain the family business.

Forcing me to get married has nothing to do with the family business.

Michael tilted his head to the side. Ethan hated when he did that. It was never good. We take pride in our work, son. Dallas is a leading center for commerce because we made it that way.

Yeah, because none of the other millionaires had anything to do with it.

Can we skip the speech today, Dad? Ethan’s irritation scratched at the skin on his arms. I’m meeting Ashlynn later for lunch.

Yes, we should have a discussion about her as well. Cerise, please add that to next month’s agenda.

His relationship with Ashlynn was simple, but complex at the same time. Best friends since they were twelve, but lovers for the last two years. There would not be any discussion. Ashlynn is my friend. That’s not changing.

Ashlynn’s a sweet girl, Cerise said. Not for you, though.

Being at his parents always left him super frustrated and Ash was good at working it out of him. But she was bringing her son to lunch this time. Not that he didn’t adore Corwin. Good kid, but his mama, with her shapely hips and her killer long legs… Now she was something and he was dying to feel her soft curves against his body.

How would you know, Mother? You barely ever say a word to her. His voice was more clipped than he’d intended. Ash was his best friend. It burned his blood anyone would say bad things about her.

Mind your tongue, boy, his father said.

You never minded Ashlynn before. Ethan ground his teeth, his temper burning its way through his blood stream. As I recall, you encouraged our friendship.

It’s good to see how the other side lives, son. That’s why we allowed you to enlist as well. Michael picked up a stapled packet from a stack and scanned through it. Ethan sat quietly, fury silently mounting within him. Ashlynn wasn’t the other side. Being with her didn’t lower him to some base being.

But we never encouraged the idea of you having a serious relationship with her. His father set down a stack of papers and smiled. It looks like your enlistment is up next December. Good to know you’ll be back in Dallas then. Ethan stared at his parents. His mother had stopped writing—thank God—and was demurely listening to the conversation. His dad had that smirk of triumph on his face.

I’m re-enlisting, Dad.

Both his parents stilled simultaneously. His mother cleared her throat. His father’s eyes narrowed. Shit. He hadn’t meant to tell them yet. He glanced at the clock. He was going to be late for lunch. Ash was going to kill him. Of course, he could make it worse and blurt out he’d been sleeping with Ash for the last two years too. His parents would love that.

Ethan, we decided you would not be re-enlisting.

You decided, Mother. He leaned back in the chair, attempting to appear calm when really, there was a tornado inside his mind. This is the career I chose. I like it.

While the retirement plan is interesting, it’s not needed. Your investment portfolio will cover you long term.

It’s not about the money. He kept back the annoyance, though he swore little bits of it laced his voice anyway. The Navy is… they’re real people, with real problems. Not like us. When he’d first gotten into the Navy, he’d been surprised by the sheer honesty of people in his unit. In business, particularly business like his parents who bought and sold businesses for breakfast, you were only honest if it got you further.

When he was twelve, he’d met Ashlynn, and immediately tried to con her out of her lunch money by trading her a shiny rock. He’d figured girls liked shiny rocks. His mother certainly did. Instead, she’d kicked him in the groin, and proceeded to lecture him on why bribery was wrong. Surprised him, because he’d never expected an emotional reaction. Life was business. Everything was planned or re-planned and there was no deviation.

He wanted life. Real life. Not necessarily a kick in the groin, but something to feel. Ash gave him that, showed him what the real world was really like.

Well, his mother’s voice clipped the word. That was as close to anger as she got. We’ll discuss that in a later meeting.

Dismissed.

She turned toward Michael. We’ve covered the financials. Is there anything else?

Pushed to the side.

They couldn’t discuss it because it wasn’t on the agenda for the month. Most of the time it didn’t bother him when they did that. They treated dealing with him the same as one of their contracts or mergers.

That’s all that was on the schedule. I’m not happy with this re-enlistment thing. Michael stared pointedly at him.

It’s not your decision, Dad, Ethan ground his teeth, the scraping probably ruining the enamel.

You need to think about settling down soon. Michael turned to his wife. Put ‘Discuss Navy career’ on the agenda for next month.

There’s nothing to discuss, Dad! He stood, unable to keep his muscles calm and relaxed any more. He wanted to punch a kitten. I’m not giving up the Navy. I’m not ready for marriage.

Actually, marriage was on his never do list. He disliked the business-like relationship his parents had. He imagined he would at least be on friendly terms with the woman who would bear his children. He couldn’t imagine having to have sex with a woman just for procreation. Didn’t people want to enjoy themselves any more?

Then I suggest you get ready, Michael replied. It’s on the timetable. You turn twenty-five next year. It doesn’t leave you with much time.

Ethan knew there was something missing from his parents’ relationship. They didn’t touch. Even now, his mother had her hands clasped together, his father holding papers and there was a firm six inches of space between their shoulders.

He was closer with Ashlynn and she was just his friend. God, he enjoyed that friendship, even more since they started sleeping together. She called it their side arrangement.

It was cute how she didn’t like to say the words.

We trust you to do the right thing, Ethan, Cerise said, the amphibious smile drawing up on her face.

He placed his hands on his hips, his feet shoulder width apart. The right thing. What was that? Marry the right match, a stranger? Marry someone of his choice? Someone he