“I love you, too, Gabe.”
Eventually, they dragged themselves out of the hot tub and back into the chalet. They enjoyed a delicious meal, made love, and fell asleep in a sated, tangled mess of limbs. Then woke up and made love some more. It was easily the best night of his life, and he had no qualms about letting her know, both in words and deeds.
They were enjoying a leisurely breakfast in bed when the silent alarm sounded, signaling someone had breached the perimeter.
“Taser,” Virginia growled.
“How do you know it’s him?” Gabe asked.
“Because he’s the only one who would trip the alarm to the cadence of ‘shave and a haircut.’”
Gabe laughed, too. “At least he gave us last night. I guess that means we’d better get dressed, though.”
They were dressed and waiting when Taser arrived at the door, looking as smug as ever when he saw Gabe. “Told you. I’m never wrong.”
She rolled her eyes. “Careful, Taser, or we’re going to have to expand that doorway so you can get your head through it.”
“It’s not ego if it’s the truth.”
Gabe inclined his head in her direction. “You didn’t doubt me, did you, Virginia?”
“She never doubted you, Saint, only my omniscience.”
“Enough,” Virginia interrupted, but she was smiling. “Why are you here?”
“Because playtime’s over kids. Time to get to work.”
Gabe listened as Taser outlined their next mission. Getting back to work was just fine with him, because he’d be doing it with Virginia—and Fred—by his side.
Thanks for reading Gabe and Virginia’s story
You didn’t have to pick this book, but you did. Thank you!
If you liked this story, then please consider posting a review online! It’s really easy, only takes a few minutes, and makes a huge difference to independent authors who don’t have the mega-budgets of the big-time publishers behind them.
Do you like free books? How about gift cards?
Sign up for my newsletter today! You’ll not only get advance notice of new releases, sales, giveaways, contests, fun facts, and other great things each month, you’ll also get a free book just for signing up and be automatically entered for a chance to win a gift card every month, simply for reading it!
Click here and get started today! https://abbiezandersromance.com/newsletter-signup/
Thanks again, and may all of your ever-afters be happy ones!
Abbie
If you liked this book...
... and want to know more about the Ghost Team, then you might be interested in their stories. My Callaghan Brothers are seven hot Irish brothers, former Navy SEALS who have formed their own off-the books team. Each has his own specialty, which is fortunate, because they need each other when they’re faced with their biggest challenges yet – finding and keeping their croies, the women fated for them and them alone.
Check out this excerpt from Dangerous Secrets...
The closer Jake got to her, the stranger he felt. He likened it to an electrical current flowing through his body, which, unfortunately, he had experienced. Comparatively speaking, this was much more pleasant.
Who had eyes like that? Layered, like a custom paint job. If he had to guess, he’d say they were purplish with a couple of clear coats of smoky gray on top, the exact hue of the sky moments before a summer thunderstorm. It had to be a trick of the lights, though, because no one could actually have eyes like that. Thankfully, there was no trace of the haunted look he’d seen earlier, making him think he might have imagined it.
“What was that last order?” he asked, locking his blue gaze with hers.
“Excuse me?”
“The last order I took. What was it?” He fixed her with a level gaze.
“Oh, come on, Jake,” began Ian, but Jake ignored him.
The woman took a breath. He knew, because his eyes were drawn to the subtle rise and fall of the nicely-endowed chest peeking through that jacket.
“Two pints of Killian, one Irish coffee, a Baileys and cream no ice, and two fingers of Grey Goose with a splash of lime.”
The corners of Jake’s mouth twitched. “What’s the secret to pulling a good draft?”
She appeared to consider his question for a moment, then leaned forward. Jake mimicked the movement, putting his ear within inches of her lips. Even with all the noise, Jake had no trouble hearing her low, quiet-toned answer. “Giving it just the right amount of head.”
The twitch became a full-fledged grin.
It was a crazy idea. Jake didn’t tolerate just anybody behind his bar. But he was desperate. Plus, for some strange reason, he liked the idea of having her back with him instead of out in the rowdy crowd. Quite a few of the men were already looking at her as if she was a tasty snack. He rationalized the impulse by telling himself he wasn’t doing it for her or even him, for that matter; having someone like her behind the bar was simply good for business.
“Right,” he said. “You’re hired. Get your ass back here.”
The smile she gave him lit up the entire room, but it quickly faded when she tried to move. He understood the problem immediately: to get where he was, she would have to cross the length of the long bar and around the other end, which, given the current mob, would take about half an hour. She looked at him helplessly.
“Oi, Big John!” Jake barked. “A little help for my new barmaid, please.”
A huge, bearded man shifted next to her; plate-sized hands circled her waist and she was suddenly suspended over the bar. A host of cheers and catcalls went up in the immediate vicinity as Jake grabbed her out of the air and brought her down on the other side.
Jake was stricken by yet another strange sensation as his hands closed around her waist. It was like hitting the sweet spot on a baseball bat, or releasing the perfect three-point shot, knowing it was going to be a total swish without even having to look. And his thumbs didn’t skim the underside of her breasts. They didn’t. Because if they did, he’d have to think about how full and firm they were against his fingers, and that would be bad...
♥ * ♥ * ♥
Want to read more? https://abbiezandersromance.com/dangerous-secrets/
~ * ~
Praise for Dangerous Secrets...
“Love a hot romance with a good plot and a lot of suspense. This book has all of that and more.” ~ Amazon Reviewer Charlotte T
“This was the very best book I’ve read this year. Wonderful writing, interesting characters, and a story quite different from the ordinary. I couldn’t put it down!” ~ Amazon Reviewer Joan W
About the Author
Abbie Zanders (and her naughty alter ego, Avelyn McCrae) loves to read and write romance in all forms; she is quite obsessive, really. Her ultimate fantasy is to spend all of her free time doing both, preferably in a secluded mountain cabin overlooking a pristine lake, though a private beach on a lush tropical island works, too. Sharing her work with others of similar mind is a dream come true. She promises her readers two things: no cliffhangers, and there will always be a happy ending. Beyond that, you never know...
Acknowledgements
The term “self-publishing” is a misnomer. Sometimes it takes a whole village of skilled, talented people to get a book into the hands of readers, and this one is no exception. Huge, heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped bring Gabe and Virginia’s story to life on the pages. I couldn’t have done this without you.
Cover Photo Credit: Jules Godfrey Photography
Cover Model: Henny Seroeyen
Cover Design: Becky McGraw
Editing Team: Trenda London of It's Your Story Content Editing, Meg Weglarz of megedits dot com, and Eve Arroyo of evearroyo dot com. Ladies, you keep me humble.
Thanks also goes to my good friend and fellow author, Tonya Brooks, for always being there to kick me in the backside when needed, then put a hand out to haul me right back up.
Thanks to Mireille Hay for sharing
her first-hand knowledge of the Scottish Highlands with me. I will visit your lovely country one of these days.
Thanks to my friend and fellow author, Chris Sarantopoulos, for helping me out with my Greek phrases and his insight into Greek life and culture.
And thanks to the Suspense Sisters, Too (Cat Johnson, Sharon Hamilton, Maryann Jordan, Becky McGraw, Donna Michaels, KaLyn Cooper, Kris Michaels, Geri Foster, J.M. Madden, Desiree Holt, Trish Loye, and Caitlyn O’Leary) for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing Silver SEALs project.
Also by Abbie Zanders
Callaghan Brothers - Contemporary Romance
Plan your visit to Pine Ridge, Pennsylvania and fall in love with the Callaghans
Dangerous Secrets
First and Only
House Calls
Seeking Vengeance
Guardian Angel
Beyond Affection
Having Faith
Bottom Line
Forever Mine
Two of a Kind
Not Quite Broken
Connelly Cousins - Contemporary Romance
Drive across the river to Birch Falls and spend some time with the Connelly Cousins
Celina
Jamie
Johnny
Michael
Covendale Series - Contemporary Romance
If you like humor and snark in your romance, add a stop in Covendale
Five Minute Man
All Night Woman
Seizing Mack
Cerasino Family Novellas - Contemporary Romance
Light, sweet romance you can read in one sitting
Just For Me
Just For Him
More Contemporary Romance
Enjoy these standalone, single titles
The Realist
Celestial Desire
Letting Go
Protecting Sam
Time Travel Romance
Travel between present day NYC and 15th century Scotland in these stand-alone but related titles
Maiden in Manhattan
Raising Hell in the Highlands
A Timeless Love Boxed Set
Mythic Series - Paranormal Romance
Welcome to Mythic, an idyllic community all kinds of Extraordinaries call home.
Faerie Godmother
Fallen Angel
The Oracle at Mythic
Wolf Out of Water
Howls Romance - Paranormal Romance
Classic romance with a furry twist
Falling for the Werewolf
A Very Beary Christmas
More Paranormal Romance
Enjoy these standalone, single titles
Vampire, Unaware
Black Wolfe’s Mate (written as Avelyn McCrae)
Going Nowhere
The Jewel (written as Avelyn McCrae)
Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind
Rock Hard
Immortal Dreams
Rehabbing the Beast (written as Avelyn McCrae)
Historical/Medieval Romance
Get lost in another time and place
A Warrior’s Heart (written as Avelyn McCrae)
The Next Wave
Want a sneak peek at Sign, SEAL, and Deliver - the next wave in the Silver SEAL series by Geri Foster? You got it!
CHAPTER ONE
Retired Commander Rye Ellison, lowered his eyelids as he listened to the soft waves gently caressing the Florida coastline like a lover’s touch. The blue canvas beach chair sunk low enough into the sand for him to stretch out his long legs and cross his ankles. While the warm sun toasted his body to a golden bronze, he slipped his sunglasses back on.
As he’d done four times earlier, Rye reached into the cooler beside him, pulled out an opened Corona and tipped it to his mouth, draining the last few drops. Then he relaxed back thinking how wonderful it felt to be surrounded by quiet, peaceful nothingness. Even the friendly seagulls were quieter than usual this time of day.
By all statistics he shouldn’t be here in this haven, but the Navy SEAL Gods had smiled down upon him. He’d made it to retirement and loved it. No tangos, no funerals, no adrenaline rushes, and no fucking bureaucracy.
Life looked perfect through his eyes and felt even better in his soul.
He’d been a SEAL for most of his twenty-five years in the Navy and it hadn’t been a damn picnic. Thanks to back to back missions, it now took him ten minutes every morning to roll out of the sack. Afterwards he still limped around for another half an hour before all the kinks went away.
He’d managed to stay in fairly good shape for a forty-two-year-old man who loved hard, lived harder and carried around all the scars to prove it. Body and soul.
They could have all the hooray shit they wanted. He was finally free to live a normal life.
He’d given the Navy his all. Now with the job complete, he was finished. He wanted to lay back and enjoy the waves washing up on the sandy shore in such perfect rhythm, it sounded musical.
The sun had slowly set by the time he stood, folded his chair and picked up his cooler to head home. A small cabin near Fort Pierce had been ideal for his frame of mind. He lived there alone and wouldn’t dream of having it any other way. He didn’t want to be accountable for his actions, or his time. He’d learned life tended to be better this way.
The place he called home was a far cry from the house he once owned near Virginia Beach. No fancy swimming pool here and no spare room. Just a kitchen, a living area, and bedroom and bath. None of it fancy by any stretch of the imagination.
As he approached the cabin, he noticed a shiny black SUV with tinted glass parked behind his dusty jeep on the circular drive. The vehicle screamed Government issued like a blaring siren.
A tall man dressed in a black suit, black tie, white shirt and buffed loafers lounged against the side, his ankles crossed casually, arms lackadaisically folded. He wore sunglasses although they were no longer needed. Rye knew this particular man had come to see him. He drew closer, his eyes taking in the three other men identically dressed, armed to the teeth and watching their six like his little piece of paradise had turned into a warzone.
As he walked up even closer, he recognized him.
Crash. Shit! Lieutenant Commander Silas Branson.
Rye’s eagle eye let him down for the first time ever. Usually he could’ve spotted the Commander from a mile away as memories of their missions together flashed through his mind. Crash carried the handle of being one of the best Navy SEALs out there.
Rye called out, “I thought you’d skip right over me.”
Crash tilted his head, and removed the glasses, his brown eyes curious and wide. “You think you know why I’m here?”
“Hell, yeah I do.” Rye challenged, being careful where he placed his feet. “SEALs talk. I got word you’re working for DHS now.”
Crash shoved off the car and stepped closer, his lips pursed. “You going to invite me in, or do we stand out here where there’s a strong possibility we might be overheard?”
All business...as usual.
Rye stepped on his porch and propped the canvas chair against the frame of the house then slid open the door. Carrying the cooler into the kitchen, he placed it on the counter to be refilled for tomorrow.
He braced his hands behind him on the kitchen bar and faced the man he’d admired for years. Tall, muscular, dark headed and damn good at what he did, Crash wore his reputation proudly. “I hear you been offering retired Navy SEALs special assignments. That true?”
Crash’s mouth twitched, a good sign he wasn’t happy Rye knew so much without him saying a word. His brows lowered. “That’s supposed to be top-secret.”
Rye chuckled and reached in the fridge for another beer, offering Silas one. The Commander shook his head. Rye unscrewed the cap and took a long drink, before saying, “Hell, you know the SEAL community. Word gets around.”
“So you know I work for Homeland Security? I might as well spill it.” He sat in a wicker chair across from R
ye. “I’ve created a new division called Bone Frog Command. If you know that much, you know why I’m here.”
Rye flopped down in his comfortable chair and propped his sandy, bare feet on the coffee table.
His house was a mixture of old furniture he’d picked up at yard sales, consignment shops, even a few things, like the table, were sitting on the curb with the trash. He didn’t need much. He didn’t want anything he would grow attached to. He had done that once and it nearly cost him his life.
“I didn’t know the handle of the Department at Homeland, but I respect Bone Frog just like the Trident. But, I’m telling you right off the bat, I’m not interested.” Rye said, eyes flashing. “I’m flattered you’d come to someone as washed up as I am, but after what I’ve been through...” He shook his head and lowered his gaze and began peeling the label off the bottle. “I’m afraid I don’t have anything left to offer you.”
Crash’s somber demeanor plummeted, his eyes brimming with sympathy. “Rye, you were cleared of all those charges. It didn’t even go to trial.”
“That doesn’t negate the fact that the United States Navy accused me of killing an innocent civilian, raping his wife, and suffocating his young son.” No longer able to control his anger, Rye jumped to his feet. “They threatened to take away every fucking thing I had. They wanted to lock me up and throw away the fucking key.” The madder he became, the more distant his long day of tranquil thoughts became.
Crash leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I went to Afghanistan and proved you’d done the right thing. We learned Ishah Hussein raped his wife and killed his son. It wasn’t you. We cleared that up, or have you forgotten that part?” Crash straightened and raked stiff fingers through his hair, his face flushed. “I went over there and investigated the entire situation until I cleared your name. You killed the number two man of Afghanistan’s renegade branch of the Taliban. You had every right to take that shot.”
SEAL Out of Water Page 21