by Lea Hart
Could he trust her words and believe she was ready for the next step?
Maybe he should ask her a few questions first and then decide if his next move made sense. “We haven’t talked about what happens next…and I was wondering what you think would work best for you.”
Tessa leaned her face in her hand and twisted her mouth together. “Was it Cecily or Kelly who fed you that line?”
“I can’t remember.” Running his hand over his head, he then leaned back. “Apparently not asking what you want to happen first is a mortal sin and since I’ve already racked a bunch up, I didn’t want to add any more.”
“I appreciate your sensitivity but would prefer if you just spoke plainly, so I know what I’m dealing with.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, Seth. Just tell me what you want.”
“Fine. But if you get mad later on, I want you to remember you asked for it.”
“Cross my heart; I will not go coco loco later on.”
He held up his hand. “Pinky promise?”
She hooked their fingers and nodded. “Pinky promise.”
“I want to pack up your stuff and get on a plane home and start our lives together. If you want me to buy you a little theater so you can do your acting thing, then I will. I’m gonna support whatever dream you have and just want you to come home and let me love you.”
When tears fell down her face, he sucked in a breath, shoving himself out of his chair. “Tessa, that wasn’t supposed to make you cry.”
“But it was so beautiful,” she said through sobs. “How could I not weep?”
Getting down on bended knee, he took her hands. “Does any part of that seem at all appealing?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, it does.”
Letting out a huge breath, he dropped his head. “Thank fuck. You had me worried there for a second.”
“I think our food is coming, so you better get up and sit down.”
“Are you done with my romantic confession of love?”
She took his face in her hands and kissed him twice. “For now.”
“Fine.” He shoved himself off his knee and got up right before the waiter arrived with their lunch. Once they were halfway through their meal, he took her hand and raised an eyebrow. “Your turn?”
“For what?”
“To tell me what you would like to happen next?”
“Well…”
“I’m not going to freak out, T. Just tell me.”
“I have a six-month sub-lease on the studio I’m in and…”
“If the owners don’t want to let you out of it, then I’ll write them a check.”
She shook her head and then lifted her glass of lemonade. “You have to let me finish speaking before you jump in and offer a half-baked solution.”
“Okay, but that was a full-baked solution, in case you were wondering.”
“I have a lot of acting friends, and I was going to see if anyone might be interested in the place.”
“Oh, well…that’s a good one too.”
“I know,” she replied before picking up her fork. “I’m actually a competent adult who’s able to problem solve.”
“Good to know since you’re going to be the mother of my children. I mean if you hadn’t just pointed that out, who knows what sort of illusions I would’ve been living with?”
“You are not as funny as you think.”
“But I’m probably a lot more amusing than you give me credit for.”
She tilted her head and then smiled. “True.”
“Do you want to see if there’s a spot for your act again at the Ceylon Rose or find something else?”
“I haven’t given it much thought.”
“I’m sure Valentina would love to have you again if you decide it’s something you want to do.”
“I’d have to lose ten pounds before I could get into the costume again.”
“I don’t think you should lose anything and think you look amazing.” He leaned across the table and took her hand. “I love you, Tessa, just the way you are.”
“I love you too, Seth.”
Going back to his meal, he felt confident that they were going to find their way home and make an incredible life together.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
In case anyone cared, Seth hated grand romantic gestures. Or more accurately, hated trying to execute them.
He’d failed at four and didn’t think he had enough time to come up with a fifth since he was fairly certain that Tessa was pregnant.
They’d been home for a month, and all she’d done was sleep, throw up, and eat Ritz crackers.
Which, according to Cecily and Kelly, was a pretty good sign she was pregnant.
Not that they were talking about it or anything since she’d laughed at him every time he’d brought it up.
It was do or die time for the proposal, and he wasn’t going to fail.
“Are you almost ready, T?”
“Give me ten minutes; I can’t find anything to wear.”
Deciding to brave the storm, he walked down the hall into their bedroom. “Need help with a zipper?’
“I literally have nothing to wear and don’t know if I can even go out.”
“Honey, you look amazing in everything.”
“God strikes down people who lie, and you should get ready to be incinerated since that was a doozy.”
“Think that was a bit of an overstatement.” Seeing her head spin and blonde hair fly, he knew that nice Tessa had left the premises and her evil more erratic twin had taken residence. “What I meant to say was…”
“I’m a crazy over-reactive drama queen who is making a mountain out of a molehill?”
“No…I’d never even think something like that.”
“Your left eye is twitching, and your hand is fisted, so I’m guessing you’re thinking a lot worse.”
Letting out a breath, he held out his hand. “Come here, honey.”
Crossing her arms, she shook her head. “I don’t want to.”
“I know, but you’re going to because you always feel better after a hug.”
Her shoulders dropped, her head fell, and a sad groan filled the room. “I’m sorry, Seth. I don’t know why I’m being so nutso.”
“Do you want to stay home in your sweats and binge-watch something?” Her head bobbed up and down as a tear slipped down her face. “Tessa, we don’t have to go out.”
“But you made reservations, and it’s so sweet and romantic, and I’m a shrew for not being more excited for an evening out, and I would completely understand if you wanted to break up.”
Taking her into his arms, he hugged her tight. “I love you and am never going to let you go.”
“But I’m all crazy and emotional.”
He led her over to the bench that sat at the end of their bed and sat down, pulling her into his lap. “Tessa, do you love me?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I love you too.”
“I’m not sure how you can.”
“It’s easy, and I plan on doing it every day until the day I die.”
“You may want to hold off on saying things like that until we’ve been together six months. Based on how things are going, you could have a real change of heart, and making proclamations probably isn’t wise.”
“Nothing you can do will change the way I feel.”
“Wait another week, and tell me if you feel the same way.”
“Not going to happen.” Moving her off his lap, he got down on a knee and took her hand. “Tessa, I want you to be by my side through all the ups and downs and know there is no better partner in the world.”
“Seth…why are you on your knee?”
“Because pulling off a big romantic gesture is damn near impossible.” Pulling the small box out of his pocket, he looked up. “Will you marry me and let me be the man who loves you and cherishes you until our last days on earth?”
“You’re proposing.”
&nbs
p; He opened the light blue box and grinned. “I sure the hell am and expect a yes.”
“Are you sure?”
Letting out a loud snort, he nodded. “Yes, honey. I’m sure I want to marry you.” He took the ring out and slipped it on her finger. “Make my dreams come true.”
“I’d love nothing more,” she replied as she fell into him and they collapsed on the floor. “I will marry you, Seth McCallan.”
“Thank God,” he murmured as he held her against his chest.
“But…”
“What?” he asked as he rolled up and held her on his lap.
“I think…”
“Yes?”
“I might be pregnant.”
“Honey, I’m almost a hundred percent sure you are.”
“Is that why you proposed?”
“No!” he shouted. “I’ve been trying for six weeks, and every time I’ve planned a big romantic gesture, it’s ended in near disaster. Tonight was going to be my last attempt, and we didn’t even get out the door.”
“I think our everyday life is romance enough, so don’t worry about some gesture.”
“Thank God,” he murmured, burying his face in her neck. “I love you, Tessa, and appreciate the hell out of the broken road that brought us together.”
“Same,” she replied.
Seth took Tessa’s face in his hands and appreciated everything that had brought them together and knew he’d found his perfect match. “Should I order a pizza?”
“Let’s consummate our engagement and then you can.”
“Never heard a better idea in my life.”
The End
INSPIRATION
Every story has a playlist and here is the one for Scoundrel
If you would like to see the storyboard for this book: Scoundrel
STAY IN TOUCH
Leahartauthor.com
If you’d like to see what happens with Daisy and Tyler look for the first book in the Gentleman Wolf Series in March.
CORONADO SERIES
The Coronado Series are fun, sexy contemporary military romances that are set in San Diego, California. These stories are fast-paced, emotionally satisfying, and feature bad-ass SEALs who fall for their girl…almost instantly.
Alpha heroes crash to their knees in love and lust when they finally meet their match.
So…if you enjoy a fast-paced, sexy adventure with hot heroes and sassy heroines then this is the series for you.
Latched
Betrayed by her ex–fiancé, Birdie James decides a sexy fling will give her the excitement she needs without the problems of a relationship. Luckily for her, Mr. Right Now is gorgeous, interested and curls her toes with one look. There’s just one problem.
Lieutenant Commander, Mark Frazier sees Birdie, and he only wants one thing. Her, forever. As a SEAL, he flourishes beneath both trials and adventure. However, changing the mission directive of this woman may be the biggest challenge of his life.
What happens when a woman whose life is based on certainty targets a Navy SEAL who thrives on the unknown? Can Mark find a way to overcome her stubborn mindset and convince her to give them a chance? Or is her heart latched against him?
Snatched
When a stalker targets Rory Basso, she thinks she can handle the situation on her own. Then it escalates. Fearing for her safety, she takes the advice of her best friend and hires a security professional to help her track down and eliminate the threat. But Max is more than she expects.
Max Bishop hasn’t met a target he can’t acquire or a mission he can’t complete. Until Rory. As a retired Navy SEAL and CEO of Security Alliance International, he has spent most of his life in charge. Now his mission is to convince this headstrong woman that he can protect her….and love her.
Can Rory trust Max with her safety and her love? Will he convince her to place her protection and heart in his hands? Or will the person terrorizing her snatch the opportunity away?
Attached
Cary Simmons is a kindergarten teacher. Her boring life leaves her craving a summer of adventure, a kick start into an exciting future. However, when her car breaks down in the middle of the California desert, she decides to make the most of it. After all, a biker bar holds some pretty adventurous men, right?
Travis Mathers can’t believe his eyes when a pretty little thing walks into the roughest bar in Ripley wearing a flowered sundress. Instantly, the retired Navy Seal knows this woman needs his protection, and he’s going to give it whether she wants it or not. Besides, who could possibly have more to show her about adventure?
Can Travis convince Cary that he can turn around her boring life? Can Cary fight the allure of a risk-taking alpha male? How long can they resist becoming attached?
Catch
Rachel Miller made a mistake. A year later she is still paying the price. Too embarrassed to ask for help, she tries to manage it on her own. Until, that no longer is an option.
Retired Navy SEAL, Chris Iceman Ellis has spent his whole like protecting people. When he discovers that the woman he’s had his eye on for a year is being threatened, he steps in immediately. Whether she wants it or not.
Can Chris persuade Rachel to accept his protection and convince her that he will always be there to catch her?
What happens when a mighty warrior falls for a woman and becomes her hero… and she becomes his saving grace.
Match
This is a collection of short stories about the couples, that didn’t get their story told in the first four books.
What happened when Birdie matched Ed up with her friend Amelia?
Also, what about Frank and Cat? Does he win her over and prove that he’s a good man?
And, please let Derick find someone. Maybe Birdie’s friend Gracie would be perfect.
Then of course, there’s Laird and Lexi…can he win the heart of a woman who has so much going on in her life?
And, finally David…sweet lord, please let this man find someone who will make him cookies.
All is revealed in this collection.
CORONADO II SERIES
Bewitched
Paige Bennett finds herself in the hands of terrorists in northern Jordan. Not completely unexpected considering her career in the diplomatic corps, but not welcome, either. She and a fellow diplomat need the cavalry, and they need it now.
Unfortunately, their captors’ talk of executing them is increasing rapidly, so the chances of a rescue are slim to none. Unless Lieutenant Commander Blake Carmichael and his fire team get there in time.
Blake and his team find themselves faced with the usual dangers in the hills of Sakib as ISIS makes a play for the region. The one danger he didn’t see coming was the tiny tornado from Texas.
A routine snatch and grab turns into the mission of his career as he finds himself captivated by a woman who works her magic on him without even trying.
Watch what happens when a SEAL finds himself bewitched by a diplomat. Will he surrender to the spell she’s cast, or will she disappear from his life forever?
Hitched
After six months working in the Dar es Salaam camp, Brooke Foster is ready for McDonalds and downtime. The dangers of war-torn Africa have made her rely on the military to keep her safe. But as the daughter of a rear admiral, she swears she’ll never get involved with anyone from SPEC OPS.
Until…she runs into Frisco.
Navy SEAL, Frisco Jones is on assignment in Chad, and sees a picture of Brooke on a friend’s tablet, and is smitten instantly. With all the tenacity that has insured his success on the Teams, he makes sure he has a chance to meet...the girl of his dreams.
Unfortunately, she’s resistant to his charms and it takes herculean efforts for her to see he’s more than his job.
A night under the African moon changes things for both of them and Frisco is determined that what they’ve started in Africa will continue when they get back home to San Diego.
Will Brooke’s struggle with the appearance of an old thr
eat end things?
Or will they conquer them and find a way to get hitched?
Switched
Daphne Ross is enjoying her career success in Naval Intelligence and doesn’t expect anything to take her off track.
Until a certain Navy SEAL crosses her path and makes her think otherwise.
Lt. Bryce Andrews is on his third deployment with the Teams, and all his focus is on becoming the best SEAL he can be.
Until he meets a CIO in Djibouti that makes him realize there’s more to life.
Will these two find a way to mesh their naval careers when they both end up at NAB in Coronado or will find themselves at cross purposes? Watch what happen when two tenacious people go after what they want.
Will they succeed or will the switch stop them dead in the water?
OCEAN BEACH SERIES
The Ocean Beach books are fun, sexy contemporary military romances that are set in San Diego, California. These stories are fast-paced, emotionally satisfying, and feature bad-ass SEALs who fall for their girl…almost instantly.
If you enjoy a hero who has sh*t together and a sassy, smart heroine, grab one of these and enjoy!
INFATUATED
A recipe for love or disaster?
Mix one fearless journalist and one Navy SEAL, add some near-death experiences and what do you get?
A witty, delicious romp with enough heat to make an icy-cold margarita an excellent idea.
Ace can’t decide if he’s going to throttle Lisa the next time he pulls her ass out of the fire…or kiss the hell out of her.
Lucky for him, she takes the decision out of his hands.
If you’re looking for a military romance with the heat turned all the way up, come see what happens when these two take one another on and dive into the infatuation smoldering between them.
FASCINATED
Coming in 2019