Unexpected Love

Unexpected Love

Tracy Johnson

Copyright 2015 Tracy Johnson

Smashwords Edition

Cover Art: Laura Shinn

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Chapter 1

The awards banquet started in typical military fashion, promptly at seven o’clock, preceded by the customary cocktail hour. The occasion for the festivities was the end of a grueling month long advanced aerial war games exercise dubbed ‘Red Flag’ held at Nellis Air Force Base, located in Las Vegas, Nevada. This premier exercise tested the readiness of militaries worldwide in air and ground superiority. Excelling here granted the winners bragging rights for a year as the best of the best in the world. The banquet hall resembled a United Nations meeting with representatives from most of the free nations, all arrayed in a conglomeration of uniform styles ranging from the elaborate to the sublime. If one were to make a gross generalization, one could say that some countries appeared under the assumption that an elaborate uniform elevated one’s status in world standings, not so with the United States. Lieutenant Colonel Adam Nobel was dressed, as were the other officers of the Air Force contingent in a subdued yet formal dark blue Mess-Dress tuxedo with cummerbund minus the tails.

This was not Adam’s first Red Flag competition. He’d flown in many earning his share of recognition but it was his first as Commander of an elite fighter squadron. He looked down the long table of men and women serving under him. To say he was proud of all the squadron’s accomplishments was an understatement. And even though there were some who might still resent taking orders from a black commander none could however question his loyalty and commitment. A table laden with various plaques and several awards were testament to his unwavering synergistic leadership. When the ceremony ended he gathered his personnel together for a toast. Lifting a wine glass high, he praised, To America’s best, may we only exceed ourselves next year! The chorus of ‘Here, Here’ filled the air along with much handshaking and backslapping. The usual after-banquet congratulatory mingling ensued. Adam waded confidently through the throng of people seeking out friends and colleagues. With tonight’s achievements for the Air Force, overall and in particular the outstanding performance of his squadron, Adam was confident the promotion to full-bird colonel was in his near future.

As Adam moved around the room he was suitably impressed with the décor. Nyssa Nakamora, the Hotel Administrator responsible for the arrangements was a good friend of his. The level of grandeur surrounding him was more on the line of attending a state dinner rather than a military function. And he’d attended enough to appreciate the differences; all fell short of the understated splendor of Nyssa’s design. Of course red was the basis of the decorating theme, but it was her ingenious simplicity of its use that made a statement. Instead of the liberal use he’d seen in past banquets, she’d limited the color to the crystal water goblets only. The stood out boldly against the elegantly neutral backdrop of off-white china on stainless steel chargers. Vanilla scented candles clustered around vases of beige roses formed the centerpieces while providing ambient lighting. Billowing antique bronze linens covered the tables and chairs.

Adam looked around the room again noting how the neutrals also accentuated the many hues of uniforms. He laughed silently to himself. Only Nyssa could have him assessing color with a discerning eye. He’d lost count of the numerous conversations on the subject. He could vividly recall the first time he saw her. That was over a year ago at a conference held at this very resort which she’d coordinated. He had been immediately captivated by the grace and serenity Nyssa exuded and her hair. It held a mystery all its own. Tamed by combs into a twist of sorts, he swore it called out to him for freedom. The up-do would have bared her neck if not for the traditional high collar of the Mandarin-style dress she’d worn. The teal silk molded seductively over her curvaceous hips exposing fleeting glimpses of thigh through two side slits as she moved. Adam knew from his travels that some Asian cultures believed the back of a woman’s neck was far too arousing to be exposed in public hence the covered neck. Remembering Nyssa then and how she looked now, he agreed wholeheartedly with that sentiment. He could easily envision placing kisses on her nape before releasing her lush sable hair as a prelude to lovemaking. At the time the imagery was powerful enough to have caused him to shift uncomfortably in his seat. The attraction was as strong then as it was now. He’d asked her out. She’d outright declined, stating emphatically she didn’t date servicemen. He’d thought that funny, not even remotely taking her seriously. But the joke however had been on him. They’d become friends. Good friends but nowhere near lovers.

Scanning the crowd, he spotted the object of his musing near a set of French doors leading to a balcony. Her poised exotic looks never ceased to take his breath away. She had on her signature Mandarin-style dress she wore when hosting an event. This one was red with a gold dragon design, and it drew him to Nyssa like a magnet. She was a striking blend of Japanese and African American ancestry culminating in unblemished light brown skin and wide rounded face with prominent cheekbones that seemed to follow the slant of her lovely half-moon brown eyes. Sable hair, so full of body it seemed alive was coiled atop her head held in place by what resembled decorative red and gold chopsticks. He remembered wondering at its length the first time he saw her, sure she would be righteously offended had he taken it upon himself to remove the combs then. Well, he knew the length now and it flowed down her back, ends curling at her waist. The urge to have it cascade down into his hands had not dissipated. A lot of things he’d originally thought and felt about Nyssa had not dissipated nor had they come to fruition. If anything, they had only grown stronger.

A slight smile spread across Adam’s lips in wonder at all he did know about Nyssa. She was an only child and military brat. She’d grown up in Alaska and preferred cold weather. Favored sunsets to sunrises. Loved foreign movies although she didn’t always understand them. Enjoyed her job and was exceedingly good at it. Her father passed away when she was young during service to his country. That trauma was her justification for not dating military men and his hindrance to becoming her lover. Adam sighed with a frown of frustration. He’d assumed time spent together would eventually overcome her phobia. That was not the case and it left him with too many unknowns about Nyssa. Unknowns he’d spent countless sleepless nights cataloging. Like the taste of passion on her lips. The joy of holding her close in the aftermath of making love. The pleasure of expressing open affections for her. He’d erred in channeling his amorous desires for her into a friendship. And as gratifying as it was spending time with her, it fell far short of the lover status he’d come to crave. He wanted… Adam halted the thought unconsciously shaking his head in correction. He needed more from Nyssa and secretly hoped she was beginning to want and need the same from him. He’d caught her looking at him with…he paused. He didn’t know what that look meant but he was ready to find out. With a determined glint in his eyes, Adam moved towards her because he was about to up the ante in their friendship.

Nyssa slipped onto the balcony for a quick breather. This was not her first time working a Red Flag banquet. But it was her first time totally in charge of coordinating one. It had gone off relatively flawless with the reception phase now in full swing and progressing smoothly. It was very rewarding seeing weeks of planning successfully implemented. She closed her eyes, taking a deep cleansing breath. A few more hours and this event would officially be over, in the books as accomplished. Rolling her neck to release taunt muscles, she let out a deep sigh. This season of events was taking its toll on her. She’d worked a variety of events for military and civilian alike but the usual balance between the two seemed off in favor of the military sector. Or maybe, she was just overly sensitive given her bias against the military. Then again, it was entirely possible it due to the long drawn out conversations she was having with herself over the merits of dating someone currently on active duty. During the past month her thoughts had been all over the spectrum and her unconscious sigh held all the doubt and frustration that came along with indecision. Nyssa stared blindly out over the lights of the strip and the many people milling about. Surely, she could have fallen for someone that didn’t challenge her core values. A loud laugh from the hall broke her musing. Heavy thoughts about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were for another time. Right now…well right now, she had a reception to finish.

She took one last breath of night air loving the coolness against her bare arms and legs. It was almost reminiscent of summers in Alaska. Having lived several years in the desert, she absolutely preferred the cool night air over the days’ heat. Turning to leave, Nyssa found her way blocked by a man, in uniform of course. He was unsteady on his feet and held a drink. Before she could take action, he spoke.

Wow, you’re beautiful, words slurring together. How’s about you and I get better acquainted?

She ignored the invitation, saying instead, Why don’t we both go get some coffee and a little food to help you sober up.

Only if that leads to you and me in a room together, he leered.

Again she ignored his words keeping her attention on the officers’ physical state. You couldn’t work in the hospitality sector without dealing with inebriated customers. Usually a little tact and a lot of patience saw them settled and sobering up without incident. With a smile plastered on her face and a placating tone in her voice, Nyssa repeated the earlier suggestion of food and coffee.

Adam reached the balcony doors in time to witness Nyssa dealing with an overzealous Air Force officer. She appeared to have the situation under control, customer relations being one of her strong attributes. It was the officers’ sudden grab for her that unconsciously spurred him to action. Moving quickly, he captured the man’s wrist, twisting it in the process causing the officer to immediately release Nyssa. Still holding his wrist, Adam stepped between them speaking softly for the officer’s ears alone. He released the man watching intently as he return silently to the hall.

Because everything happened so quickly, Nyssa couldn’t say exactly what happened. Suddenly, she was being accosted and then just as suddenly freed. Adam seemed to materialize from thin air. She didn’t hear what he’d said to the officer, but wasn’t overly surprised when he gave way to Adam.

Are you alright? He didn’t hurt you? Adam asked in quick succession. He sincerely hoped not for the officer’s sake. A tongue lashing was the least of his worries if he’d left as much as an indentation on her.

Nyssa answered the last question first, No. The man truly hadn’t held her long enough to register his touch. As to whether she was all right, she couldn’t quite say. She was accustomed to handling problems alone so the sudden arrival of a knight in shining armor in particular this knight was a little unnerving.

I want to apologize for his behavior. That is not indicative of how an officer of the Air Force should act. Despite their friendship, he’d chosen to apologize formally hoping to alleviate any possibility of a lasting negative impression. He’d worked too hard to change her opinion of military men to have it destroyed by the acts of one officer under the influence.

Thank you. His apology for another’s behavior was not indicative of how most men in general would act. But she’d learned that Adam could not be classified as a typical anything. During the course of their friendship, she’d found him to be an intelligent thoughtful man and compassionate leader. And lately, regardless of her principles, she’d found herself wondering exactly what kind of lover he would make.

Holding out his hand, Adam asked, May I see? needing to judge for himself. Unnerved by the near miss and not wanting to imagine what would have happened to her if he hadn’t appeared. Without hesitation Nyssa placed her hand in his. The light coming through the doorway was meager at best, but she didn’t need it to make out Adam’s shadowed features. They were indelibly etched into her memory. Warm brown complexion a shade or two darker than her own, a square angular face and a strong jaw-line, lazy black waves with a side part fading into a tapered military haircut. She wasn’t overly tall herself but liked that he was comfortably taller than her five-foot eight-inches at six-one. And at thirty-seven, he’d acquired an air of dignity without coming across as stuffy.

Adam turned, allowing the light to shine on Nyssa’s wrist, taking note of her manicured nails painted a fiery red to match her dress. An exotically fragrant scent of lilies and jasmines suffused with citrus emanated from her. He rubbed his thumb over the offended area feeling her pulse leap. In all the times he’d touched Nyssa, casual or otherwise, he’d never garnered this reaction from her. Adam caressed her wrist again not trusting his senses, because he wanted this so badly. His name being called broke the entrancement touching Nyssa always caused. He looked around to find one of his officers hailing him.

Colonel Noble, General Wolsey sent me to find you. Major Neal Stone knew his commander well. He could hobnob with the best of them, but preferred smaller gatherings. When he hadn’t located Adam in the hall, he’d systematically searched the balconies for him not at all surprised to discover Nyssa by his side. She’d been his escort to military functions on occasion and Neal knew she’d worked this event. Hello, Nyssa, great job.

She peered around Adam. Hello, Neal, and thank you.

I’ll be right there, Major, Adam called over his shoulder, still holding Nyssa’s hand, reluctant to let her go and loose the moment. From day one he’d felt an overwhelming attraction and connection with this