“Give it up now, Lieutenant. You’re damaged goods. The way I heard it, you begged for desk duty because you weren’t man enough to go back into the field.” Sal stepped into Dante, shoving him out of the way.
“You might want to check your source, Petty Officer Rossi.” Dante held his ground, with fists clenched at his side.
She really did not need this to come to blows in front of Dylan and twenty witnesses under the age of twelve.
“Salvador Rossi, you don’t know what you’re talking about.” She pushed her way to stand between the two posturing roosters.
“I’ll deal with you in a minute,” she said to Dante and turned to her ex. “As for you, I’m not worried about your threat or your petition. They’re empty accusations. But here’s some food for thought. You talk about being an unfit parent. What do you think the judge is going to say when he learns you cheated on me, then abandoned me… pregnant with no money hundreds of miles from my family? What do you think he’ll say to you turning down billets close to your son for years? And what do you think he’ll say about that fight you got into with your leading petty officer last month?”
Sal narrowed his eyes at her, gaze darting back and forth to Dante.
“Yes, my attorney has done his homework. We also know about you getting kicked out of the strip bar a couple of weeks ago. And then there’s Dylan’s testimony about how he doesn’t want to live with you because you’re never home when he’s there.” She kept her cool, kept her voice low so anyone walking by couldn’t hear their conversation.
“I’ve got evidence against your boyfriend—”
“You’ve got hearsay, base gossip at best. Now if you want to cheer your son on during his race, I don’t have a problem with that at all. But if you’re just here to stir up trouble, you can leave.”
“You can’t make me leave.”
Dante stepped forward. “I can, or I could call base security and report you for assaulting an officer.”
“That little shove? What are you a—”
“Say it,” Dante urged.
“Don’t, Sal, or you will lose your son for good.” She stepped aside.
Dylan stood about fifteen feet away watching the whole exchange.
Sal swallowed hard, probably choking down the crow he was about to eat, and stepped back. “This isn’t over. I’m not pulling my petition back.”
“Not asking you to, but a judge can’t order your son to forgive you or love you.”
Sal gave her one more glare and stalked past them to greet Dylan. She couldn’t hear what was said, but could tell by the thin line that passed for her son’s mouth it didn’t go as Sal hoped.
She turned to Dante next. “What are you doing here?”
“Keeping my promise to Dylan.”
So he was just here for her son. She tried not to let the hurt show. “Where have you been?”
He stepped closer and leaned into her. “Long story short, at the Groton clinic ridding my body of the medication they’d had me on. I had an adverse reaction, but I’m better now. I’m sorry, I should have called.”
“You don’t owe me anything, Dante. Thank you for coming today, it means a lot to Dylan, and I’m sorry for Sal.”
“Yes, I do, Fiona. I owe you an apology and an explanation, but the race is going to start soon. Will you let me come over after and explain?”
Her heart stopped beating, literally, while she thought about his request. Possibly from fear of what he’d say or because she’d forgotten to breathe. Her gaze flicked to Dylan who had moved closer to them. His little face was full of hope. A half smile lit up his features.
“Five o’clock. And Dante? Bring dinner.”
* * * *
At four fifty-eight Dante stood at Fiona’s door juggling the bag of Chinese take-out, a bouquet of flowers, and a box of chocolates for Fiona and Dylan’s favorite, chocolate chip cookies.
He may have been an idiot, but he was a good listener and a fast learner.
He rang the bell and waited. What if she said no thanks? Tawny was pretty sure this would work out and she’d had some experience with making mistakes and redemption.
Dylan opened the door, took one look and walked away. “Mom. He’s here.”
Maybe he should have stopped at the bookstore, too? No, that was stupid; the kid was too smart to be bought off.
“Hey there. Got your hands full.” Fiona walked down the hall in a cute pair of shorts that showed off her toned legs, and a loose flowing tank top that left a lot to the imagination and was sexy as hell. She took the bag with dinner in it and walked into the kitchen to place it on the counter.
He handed her the food and flowers. “These are for you. Before we talk, can I talk to Dylan?”
She took the roses, eleven white and one single red bud, and inhaled deeply. “Thank you. He’s in his bedroom. I’ll put these in water and take care of the food.”
He kissed the top of her head and walked to the closed door. He gave a light knock and when no answer came, took a chance and opened the door.
“Hey there, Ace. Give me a minute, please?”
Dylan shrugged and kept his eyes glued to the book in his lap.
“I owe you an apology. I broke my promise and made a huge mistake. I shouldn’t have left, especially not without telling you good-bye, but I really shouldn’t have left at all.”
“Why did you?” Dylan finally asked after several long moments.
“I thought I was doing the right thing, protecting you both from getting hurt, but I was scared.”
“Of what?” Dylan studied him through dark lashes.
“Of losing you both.”
Dylan thought about it and then nodded. “I can see that. Mom and I talked and she told me, but I wanted to hear you say it.”
Dante laughed. The kid was the spitting image of his mother. “I know I’m asking a lot, and if you need to think about it, I’d understand. But do you think you could give me another chance to prove to you and your mom that I’m a good person? I promise, I won’t walk away again.”
“Did you miss us?”
He held his breath. “More than anything.”
“I missed you, too. So did Mom.” Dylan put down the book and stood up, wrapping his little arms around Dante’s neck. “Thank you for coming today. Did you see Chris’s face when I beat him?” The kid was grinning ear to ear when he leaned back.
“I did and you were like a dolphin out there. I’m so proud of you, Ace.” Dante let out a relieved breath. “I need to go talk to your mom, clear things up with her.”
“Do you love her?” Man, he missed this kid and his never-ending questions.
“Very much and you, too.”
“Did you bring a ring?”
“What?”
Dylan threw his hands up, walked away and came back. “A ring? You know for when you ask her to marry you? You’re going to ask, right?”
“I thought I’d start with an apology.”
“Trust me. She loves you. Ask her and then you can be my dad.”
“Did she tell you that she wants me to ask?” Dante narrowed his eyes and raised his brows, giving Dylan his best interrogation face. “Come on, Ace. Throw me a line here.”
“Dude, you’re going to have to man up and find out.”
Dante laughed and rumpled Dylan’s hair as he headed out to learn his fate. Fiona was sitting on the couch, two glasses of wine in front of her waiting.
“What’s so funny?” she asked.
“Your son told me to man up.” He took the seat next to her. “He’s an awful lot like you.”
She took a sip of her wine and smiled. “Did he make you grovel?”
“Not really.”
“My work is clearly not done with him.”
“Are you going to make me grovel, Fiona?”
“Maybe. Depends on what you’ve got to say.”
So he told her everything: his fears, the doctor’s prognosis, his career ending, the hospital stay, and his sister calling him an idiot.
“I really like your sister,” she said. She set her glass down and tucked her feet up under her cute tush. “So now what? Who is Dante Torres?”
He’d thought long and hard about that question over the last several days and he thought he’d found the answer. “A naval officer, a son, a brother, an uncle, a bit of an adrenaline junkie, someone who likes teaching and may want to do more of it, sometimes an idiot, sometimes the guy who makes you laugh and hopes to do so for the rest of your life, and the guy who’s completely in love with you.”
“Sounds complex.”
“No, it’s really easy.” He took her hand. “See this is where I say, I’m sorry and you say?”
“You’re forgiven.”
“Then I say, I promise to try to do better in the future, but you know I’ll mess up and you’ll…”
“Forgive you again because you’re human.”
“See, easy. Then I say, Fiona Sinclair, mi alma—my soul—I love you. Give me another chance?”
She glanced down to their joined hands. Silence stretched out between them.
“I love you, too. I should have said that before, so you’d know. I also should have told you that while I don’t need a man to help me raise my son and live my life, I want you to do those things with me, Dante. When life gets rough, I want to be able to turn to you and know I can lean on you. And you can do the same. I want to share the good and the bad with you.”
He shifted and reached into his front pocket. It was now or never, and if she said no, he’d ask her every day for the rest of his life until she said yes, or took out a restraining order.
“Forever?” He popped the top on the box to reveal a single cut emerald ring set in platinum gold.
Tears slipped down Fiona’s face as she nodded and held out her hand. “Forever.”
Note From The Author
Dear Readers,
Years ago I met a colleague of my husband’s, a fellow sailor whose story captured my heart. You see, he was a hero, and boy did he have the “chest candy” (a military term used to refer to the medals worn on their uniform) to prove it. This man had put his life on the line countless times. He’d made sacrifices and paid some pretty high prices for our freedom. If you asked him, he’d tell you he was just doing the job. How could I not want to write about him? This was the birth of Dante’s story. But before I could get to Dante, I had other stories to tell and you met a few of those characters in DISARMED BY LOVE.
If you’d like to read more about them, here’s where you can find each…
West Side Romance Series:
In BACHELORETTE FOR SALE, Cherry Ryan headed to the bright lights of Hollywood looking for her Prince Charming on a reality dating show, only to find heartbreak and scandal. Thankfully, at the encouragement of her best friend, she came out of hiding to throw herself into a fundraising project to rebuild the local community center and met Jason Valentine.
And don’t miss out on how workaholic Tawny Torres ended up with the “King of Pleasure,” David Farber in BOYFRIEND FOR HIRE (where you’ll first meet Dante).
The series wouldn’t have been complete without FIANCÉ FOR KEEPS and brooding, hot lawyer Brody Nichols who gets a second chance at love with the woman who got away, Dr. Denise Saunders.
The Changing Tides series does take us away from our friends in Providence, just down the road in fact to Groton, Connecticut and the Naval Submarine base. We kick off the series by diving deep into military life with LOVE RUNS DEEP, where you can read all about Lt. Nic Riley, the first female fast-attack submarine officer and the man who stood by her side through thick and thin, Lt. Kyle Hutchinson. This is where you’ll also first meet Dante’s buddy, Jax.
Next up is A HERO TO LOVE, with scrumptious, sweet-talking, Southern-bred, Jax Faraday and feisty, animal loving, and anti-military (dating that is) veterinarian, Risa Reynolds.
I had so much fun writing all these stories, but I couldn’t have done it on my own. Starting a new book is always an exciting and scary adventure. Trying to figure out how to get from a blank page to 300+ pages filled with words that make sense and tell a good story is definitely a challenge. Thankfully, I have lots of support to get me over, under, and around the obstacles that get thrown my way. Please let me introduce these amazing people to you as I thank them.
My MTBs (Jamie Beck, Regina Kyle, Sadie Hartwell, Jamie K. Schmidt, Katy Lee, Megan Ryder and Jen Moncuse): Thank you. I’m sure if you all put your minds to it, you could plot a successful takeover of the universe. Kristan Higgins for your friendship, support, and advice. I hope I do you proud. Jess Andersen for… everything. I would not be here if not for you!
My husband, Jim: Honey, I’d still be on page one without you.
And to my editor, Martin Biro, one of the most patient people on the planet—thank you, along with all the other fabulous people at Kensington and Lyrical who work so hard to bring us so many great books.
My deepest thanks to you wonderful readers. Thank you for your support and choosing to spend your time in my world.
XOXO ~ Gail
If you enjoyed Disarmed by Love, be sure not to miss all of the books in Gail Chianese’s Changing Tides series, including
A military police officer on the verge of a new beginning. A beautiful woman devoted to her career and her dream of putting down roots. The hardest thing they’ll ever do is to take a chance on love…
Navy Chief Master at Arms Jackson “Jax” Faraday is at a crossroads. He has to decide whether to reenlist or get out while he’s young enough to make a difference in the civilian world. Either choice could mean leaving behind his girl: his K-9 partner, Bella. But when she’s injured during a training session, Jax’s only concern is making sure she’s okay.
As the navy base veterinarian, town local Risa Reynolds is right where she belongs: close to her parents in a farmhouse full of animals—with room to grow. She’s seen enough to put military men are on her “not happening” list, because they always leave.
But when a tall, hazel-eyed sailor arrives in her clinic with his dog in his arms, Risa finds herself falling hard. And all kinds of rules will get broken when Jax, a man who sticks to the straight and narrow, learns that there’s no predicting the twists and turns of the heart…
Read on for a special excerpt!
A Lyrical Shine e-book on sale now.
Chapter 1
Jackson Faraday was worried about his girl.
He should have been worried about his future. Time was running out for him to make a decision—stay in the navy or get out—and the detailer was breathing down his neck. But the decision to throw away the past twelve years wasn’t easy.
He wanted more.
If NCIS—Naval Criminal Investigative Service—would make a decision on his application, that would be great. But what if they turned him down? Did he stay in for twenty years and retire? Then what? Start over at the bottom? Go home to a one-stoplight town with a police force that spent all its time dealing with bored teens wreaking havoc or frustrated couples fighting? Work security for one of the nearby casinos? All viable options, just not what he wanted.
He wanted to make a difference.
He shoved away the nagging questions. He had more pressing concerns. Like what was wrong with Bella, which was why he was at the base training center, even though his shift was officially over.
“Come on, Bella. Give me your best for an hour, and then I’ve got a treat for you.” He wagged the Frisbee to get her attention. Instead, Bella whined and flicked her ear.
“Hey, Jax. Heard we had a win in the courtroom today.” Chief Casey Thomas drove his Jeep up next to the chain link fence.
�
�Stone? Yeah, he’s going away for a good couple of years for that little video stunt of his. Not that it makes up for what he put Lieutenant Riley through, but it’s a start.”
“Me and a couple of the guys are going to grab some grub and head out to the beach. Enjoy what’s left of summer. Come join us.” Casey drummed his fingers on the outside of the driver’s door, giving away he had more on his mind than a night’s celebration.
“What’s up with you, man? You seem agitated.” He and Casey went back a ways; spent some time in the sandbox together. Normally the guy was as easygoing as cool beer slipping down your throat on a summer day.
“Got my orders in today.” Casey slid out of the vehicle and walked through the gate. “I’m heading to Pensacola.”
“Isn’t your ex-wife there?”
“Near enough.” Casey squatted down and scratched Bella’s ears. “Did you hear back on your application yet?”
“You know what they say: No news is good news.” At least he hoped that’s what it meant.
“You know what you need? To find a nice lady who can take some of your stress away and make you forget your worries.”
“The only lady I need in my life is Belladonna.”
“She’s a little hairy and full of attitude.”
“Aw, but you forget. She loves me unconditionally and always has my six.”
“Not lately.” Casey stood and looked out at the obstacle course. “The new handler had her out this morning, running her through basic commands, and she ignored them all. I know you two have a tight bond, especially after two tours, but you’re leaving soon. She’s got to get used to new people.”
Bella had been more than his partner while deployed; she’d been his anchor, his pillar of strength, his confidant, and his hope when all seemed lost. She wasn’t just his K-9 partner. She was his family, and the idea of leaving her was ripping him apart inside. Chances were she could sense his mood and the turmoil going on inside.
“Which is why I’m passing on your offer.” Jax released the German shepherd’s leash. “Thought I’d do some special one-on-one training with her and see how it goes. Find out if it’s the new guy or her.”
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