Out Of Time

Dedicated to all our beloved Australian servicemen and women. We appreciate everything you all do for us daily and we are truly blessed to have such amazing people serving our country. Thank you.

And Liz... You were truly an inspiration for me as James and Riley's story came to life. Eliza's personality just wouldn't be the same if I hadn't put some of you into her. Your spunk, passion and yes... even your stubbornness, are what makes Lizzie, Lizzie xx.

Chapter One

What's a gorgeous girl like you doing in a dodgy bar like this? I looked over at my commanding officer and best friend, Matt, and wondered if he'd cracked his head somewhere between the airport and here.

The redhead that he'd thrown the horrible line at, sighed and set her face and shoulders in a way that was going to help get the 'Piss off!' message across to Matt, that she was no doubt getting ready to hit him with. She turned towards us and I was instantly captivated by her eyes. They were like two amazing emerald gem stones that were glowing under the light of a full moon. I was embarrassed at Matt's lack of tact and tried not to make eye contact, but it was almost like they drew my attention and I couldn't look away.

She swung her long, slender legs around and I couldn't help but wonder what they would feel like, wrapped around my waist. The thought shocked me and I gave myself both a mental and a small physical shake. Thoughts like that weren't something that I made a habit out of having.

I really hoped she slapped Matt, so that I could try and talk to her. I usually despised picking up in bars, but I'm sure I could make an exception just this once.

My best friend owns this bar, so I'd thank you to not insult it and I'm really not in... She caught sight of my uniform and something in her face changed. She quickly turned to look at Matt. Her breathing changed and tears welled in her eyes. She sat there stunned for a moment before Matt smiled at her. It was like that was all she needed. She let out a little squeal before jumping off her stool and throwing her arms around his neck.

I had to admit that I was a little confused. Matt had said we were going to the bar to surprise his lifelong friend, Riley. He never mentioned anything about having a beautiful woman waiting at home for him. I'd never been a jealous person, but the green-eyed monster inside of me was trying to rear his ugly head right now.

Miss me? He asked her, still holding her tightly. She shoved him in the chest and stepped back. I took a tissue out of my pocket and handed it to her. She took it graciously and smiled at me. I honestly thought the ground was about to open and swallow me whole. I would have died a very happy man. Once she'd wiped the tears from her face, she gently placed the tissue in her pocket, swung back and punched Matt straight in the stomach. He doubled over, but I knew how strong he was, so I guessed it was more from shock than pain.

You asshole! You said you were coming home next week! Matt straightened up and smiled at her before kissing her on the top of her head. She was a petite little thing. I doubt she'd reach the shoulders of my six foot two frame.

So, I decided to surprise you. There's no need to try and kill me because of it. I just got away from one war zone. I don't need to come home to another one! She laughed at the look of mock devastation on Matt's face.

I hate you. You know that right...

Of course, you do princess. He replied with a wide grin. He looked over at me and blinked as if suddenly remembering I was there. Shit! Sorry man... What's up? He asked, seeing the confusion on my face.

You said we were coming here to surprise your mate Riley. Three years fighting alongside one another and you never told me you had a woman waiting for you at home. Especially not such a gorgeous one. Both the redhead and Matt laughed. What?

Well you guys succeeded. I am absolutely surprised! She said.

Wait... You're Riley? I asked. I suppose the name works for both genders, but Matt had never said anything to make me believe that Riley was a woman. She turned to face me properly and gave a small nod.

Yes. Riley Masters and you are? I took a moment to take her in. She was slim, but had the most amazing curves. Her hips, her chest, her thighs, were all the image of perfection. Her dark red hair was hanging in loose waves and reached the centre of her back. Her lips were luscious and practically begged to be kissed. She had to be the most amazing creature I'd ever laid eyes on.

Something hard hit me on the back of the head. I turned and glared at Matt.

Take a picture dude. It'll last you longer. I rubbed the back of my head and gave Riley an apologetic smile.

Sorry. I'm James Everett.

Oh, you're James! Matt's told me so much about you. I like that you don't seem to be stuck up about your military title like this ass is. She said, jabbing her finger into Matt's ribs. Whenever we go out anywhere and he's trying to pick up, he always introduces himself as 'Captain Matthew Mackenzie.' Her imitation of Matt's deep voice made me laugh. She was pretty spot on with it. He did the same thing during our tours of duty as well.

Well it's common knowledge that men in uniform get the girls easier than suits. Matt said with a wink. I shook my head at him and Riley rolled her incredible eyes.

Well it's nice to officially meet you. I said, giving her a small smile.

You too James. She said, holding a hand out. I took it and gave it a gentle shake. As if I wasn't already on edge enough from the beauty radiating off this woman, touching her amazingly soft skin almost knocked me out cold. I looked down at the bar to stop myself from staring and saw that her glass of wine was nearly empty.

Can I buy you a drink? I asked her. She smiled sweetly up at me until Matt shouldered me with a growl.

Oi back off Everett! I got dibs on this chick!

You don't have dibs on anything, thank you very much Matthew! Riley was standing there with her hands on her hips, hell fire shooting daggers out of her eyes at him and my god did she look sexy!

Whatever. You two have fun then. I'm gunna go put this uniform to good use. Matt said sarcastically.

Fighting to keep our loved ones free, safe and happy isn't good use? I raised an eyebrow at him and tried to conceal the grin that was threatening to break through, but I couldn't do it. Matt and I both started laughing.

Be careful Jamie boy, or I'll have you at the head of all the patrols on our next stint.

Nah you wouldn't. I'm one of your best mates. You care about me too much. I gave him a flirtatious grin and fluttered my eyelashes at him.

You know me too well... He threw his arms around me. I love you man! He added, pretending to be in tears, before bellowing out his deep laugh and walking off to find some hot little thing to keep him company while we were here.

Do you guys always act like that? Riley asked with a smile as I sat down beside her at the bar. I ordered her another glass of the wine she was drinking and a beer for myself, before answering.

Yes ma'am. I answered with a small, fond smile.

So formal... Please, just call me Riley.

No worries Riley. I hadn't had a Cascade since the last time I was home nearly a year ago, so I savoured the flavour for a few minutes. I felt Riley looking at me a few times, but we sat in silence.

You and Matt have been serving together for three years? She asked quietly. I laughed to myself. I'd been wondering how long it would be before she had to break the silence. She lasted longer than most women would.

Yeah. I was based out of the Toowoomba barracks, then I got promoted and transferred to Enoggera where I joined Matt's platoon. We became mates pretty quick. There's been rumours amongst the other platoons we've served alongside about whether we're 'together'. Riley chocked on the sip of wine she'd just taken. I automatically rubbed her back to try and help her. Are you alright? She took a few moments to get herself under control and then nodded. I hadn't realised that I still had my hand on her back until she glanced over slightly. She looked up at me through her beautiful long eyelashes and gave a small, shy smile.

I'm fine now. Thank you. We were both silent for a few moments. I gingerly moved my hand from her back, to the bar and wrapped it around my beer to keep it busy. I was entirely too tempted to touch her again. I can't believe that people would actually think that Matt is gay... He's the biggest man-whore I know! My deep laugh rumbled throughout the bar. Matt looked up from the blonde he was talking to and raised an eyebrow. I shook my head at him. He just shrugged and turned his attention back to the woman sitting beside him.

The men in our own platoon know the truth of course, but he and I get bored over there sometimes, so we play it up a little. She looked up at me a little shocked. Oh! Nothing over the top like you are probably imagining. It's just when we are at a base camp and we hear rumours about us flying around, we just do little things, like touching each other’s thigh when we're eating or hug before we go to bed. We generally only do it for a night or two before we go out with them all and Matt finds a local to give some good old Aussie attention to. Confuses the hell out of some of the blokes, but most of them have a good laugh over it. Riley giggled.

That is such a Matt thing to do. We were quiet again for a few moments. It was a comfortable silence though. I'd only just met this woman, but I felt very at ease with her, which was weird for me, since I am usually shy with the opposite sex until I get to know them.

I used the lull in conversation to think about what had happened since we walked into the bar. Walking in; having a few people shake our hands and thank us for serving; having a few women come over and try to chat us up before we were barely in the door; My embarrassment over Matt's atrocious pick up line and then seeing Riley properly for the first time and realising that she was the bloke that Matt had spoken about. I didn't realise I was staring at her until she snapped her fingers in front of my face.

You still in there, Lieutenant?

Yeah, sorry. I blinked and shook my head a little. How'd you know I was a Lieutenant? She pointed to my shoulder where my army badges were on my uniform. Oh right.

You still seem a little confused by me for some reason. Matt didn't tell you I was a woman, did he?

No ma'am... I mean, Riley, he didn't.

Is it a problem?

Not at all. I just wasn't expecting a woman, let alone an absolutely stunning one. A blush creeped up Riley's cheeks at my compliment. I could feel my own cheeks heating at my forwardness.

I'm nothing special.

You are joking, aren't you?! The heat in my cheeks disappeared as disbelief took over. She shook her head. You're one of those women that go through life oblivious to how beautiful they are, aren't you? May as well just keep the forward approach going. She didn't seem deterred by it.

I guess so. She replied with a small smile, the blush deepening slightly. I wondered if she always blushed so easily or if it was just me. I preferred the second option over the first. This woman was intriguing. I wondered whether Matt would try to beat the crap out of me if I asked her out. Are you from Brisbane too? She asked, drawing my attention back again.

Yeah. Born and bred.

So how come over the past few years, I haven't met you. Every member of a platoon usually goes home at the same time, don't they?

Generally, yes. My folks moved down to Sydney when I first enlisted, as that's where I was based before Toowoomba, so I would fly straight there when on leave. They moved back up here a few months ago.

Do they know you're home?

No. I replied, shaking my head. We're going there next to surprise them. That's why I have tissues in my pocket. For my Mum and my sister if she's home too.

Good idea. Riley said with a laugh. I bet they hate it when you get posted.

Yes and no. They worry of course, but they are immensely proud as well.

Yeah. I understand the emotional conflict. I'm the same with Matt. I know he's strong and brave and everything like that, but whenever he's away, I spend most of the time waiting for the call to tell me that something has happened to him. I nodded my understanding.

I think that's fairly normal of most of the loved ones that are at home waiting. We all have similar thoughts when we're over there too. Will we get home? Will we see our loved ones again? Will the war get us this time?

I can't imagine how scary it is. She gave a little shudder as she said it.

It can be. Luckily, we haven't come across any real trouble, but the threat is always looming. We never know what each day is going to bring us. Silence again. So, what's the deal with you and Matt? Have you ever stepped out of the friendship zone? She raised her eyebrows at my question. I'm sorry if that's too personal. You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I added quickly.

No... It's fine. Matt and I have known each other since we were five. We lived next door to each other. Our parents were best friends. All those cliché things. We went to the same schools for both primary and high school. When we were in grade one, they tried putting us in separate classes, but we both cracked the biggest tantrum and they never tried that again. We spent the next seven years in the same class, giving our teachers hell. She gave a little laugh and I smiled. We gave dating a go in the final year of high school. It only lasted a few months. After graduation, I moved to Melbourne for university and he enlisted. Both of us realised that we didn't feel anything other than friendship towards each other, so we went back to best friends.

That easy?

Yeah it was. We've always had a close bond. I doubt much could sever that. I could tell by her tone and the look on her face, how much she cared about Matt.

I had a mate like that growing up too. Well minus the dating part. We enlisted at the same time, but were posted to different barracks and served overseas at different times. We only crossed paths once in Iraq during my second and his first, tour of duty. Pain was starting to constrict my breathing. That's what I get for bringing him up.

Do you get to catch up with him much when you're on leave? She asked, oblivious to my inner turmoil. I shook my head sadly.

He died a week before he was due to go on leave from that first tour. His platoon was ambushed during a patrol. Riley gasped, her hand went to her mouth and her eyes welled up slightly.

Oh, my god! James, I'm so sorry! How devastating for you. She got off her stool and put her arms around my neck. The embrace was meant to be comforting and it was, but it also lit a fire deep inside my gut. She stepped back slightly, taking her arms from around my neck and placed them on my arms, where they lingered on her hips. I'm sorry. I know you don't even know me. I just...

It's fine. Really. Even us 'tough-as-nails' soldiers need a hug sometimes. I gave her a reassuring smile and she gave me a shy one back.

I'm sure you 'tough-as-nails' soldiers need them more than most people.

You're probably right. I leant forward, meaning to kiss her on the cheek to show my appreciation, but she turned slightly at the same time and I ended up kissing the edge of her lips.

Chapter Two

My brain didn't know which way was up. Part of it was elated that this gorgeous man's lips were almost on mine, the other half froze in shock. I hadn't realised what James was doing and now we were practically kissing. The handsome blonde had made me feel nervous from the moment I laid eyes on him and now my heart was beating so fast, I was sure he'd be able to hear it over the noise of the bar.

It was brief, considering it was obviously meant for my cheek and it was over entirely too soon for my liking. I reached up to my cheek, touching where I could still feel where the stubble on his jaw had rubbed against my soft skin.

He leaned back on his stool and looked at me with a look of shock that was probably mirroring my own. His cheeks were tinged a little. Was it possible that I made him as nervous as he made me?

I'm sorry. I was just... I held a finger up to his lips to shush him.

It was my fault. I thought you were going in for another hug. He reached up and moved my finger away from his lips. His hands were slightly callused, but they were also gentle. My heartbeat quickened at his touch. I shouldn't have accepted that last glass of wine. It was my third and obviously, the alcohol had gone to my head and was turning me into a giddy teenager all over again.

Can I be honest about something? He asked. I couldn't explain why, but I was suddenly even more nervous.

Of course. I replied. I could hear that my voice was a little shaky.

I'm not sorry I kissed you. Even if it was an accident. He said. I felt the blush that was already in my cheeks, deepen. I couldn't remember ever blushing as much as I had in the last half an hour.

Really? I asked quietly. I looked up into his light denim blue eyes, from beneath my lashes.

Yes, really. His hands were still on my hips. Mine still rested on top of his arms. I didn't want to move. I was quite happy to stay standing like this for a while longer. I wonder how we'd look if someone was to take a photo of us right now.

Can I be honest about something? I sent his own question back at him.

Of course. He replied. Mimicking my answer.

I'm not sorry you kissed me either. A slow, dazzling smile spread across his beautiful, full lips.

I'll have to make the next one more memorable then. He was still smiling, but his tone was serious.

There's going to be a next one? I asked, almost coyly. Was I flirting? I didn't realise I knew how.

If I get my way there will be. He threw me a lopsided grin that was absolutely endearing. A dimple appeared in his right cheek and I suddenly worried that I was going to melt into a puddle at his feet.

This Greek god with a buzz cut was intriguing. Matt had mentioned him a few times before. He'd said he was a lot of fun once you get to know him, but was generally the silent type until then and yet we'd been talking the entire time he'd been here.

What? His voice snapped me back to reality and made me realise I was staring.

Matt's mentioned you a few times, but he always said that until you get to know someone, you're usually the silent type and yet we've been chatting since we first met.

He's right. There's something different about you though. I'm not sure what it is. Even though you make me nervous as hell, I still feel comfortable with you. I have to admit that it's a little confusing.

I make you nervous?

Absolutely! You're a stunningly beautiful woman. I usually get all tongue tied with women of any kind. I usually don't even bother trying to talk to a woman that looks like you. They usually all eye Matt off first.

I looked over at my best friend. I knew what he was talking about. Matt was a little shorter than