by Cat Johnson
“Who’s that with your dad?” I asked.
“That is a very good question.” Maisie cut me a sideways glance before walking over to the truck.
“Maisie. Jamey. This here is Judith. She’s my, uh, friend.”
I found seeing Charles Holtz looking anything besides strong and confident both amusing and comforting.
Maisie got over her shock and welcomed the woman with a warm smile and even a hug. I guess after twenty years, it was nice for her to see her dad with someone who made him happy.
“Nice to meet you.” I stepped forward and shook Judith’s hand.
“Nice to meet you too. I’m a big fan.” She pumped my hand before stepping closer to Charles.
She was maybe fifty and pretty. I daresay hot too, in cowboy boots and tight jeans.
I shot Charles an approving glance that had him rolling his eyes before he pulled me off to the side.
While Maisie took Judith inside to see the facilities, Charles said, “I know it’s a few months off yet, but do you think it would be okay if I brought Judith to your movie premiere?”
“Wow. Things are serious.” My words earned me the lift of a brow and I added, “Of course. You are more than welcome to bring her as your date.”
“Thanks,” he said gruffly. “And thanks for what you did for Dusty too. He might be a dick, but he is the kid’s father.”
As part of my plan to embrace my enemies, I’d extended beyond the list of paparazzi and included Dusty.
“We needed some extras with rodeo experience so I gave casting his name. No big deal.” I shrugged.
“It was a huge deal to him and to Charlie. After what he did to you, selling you out to the press, I wouldn’t have been surprised if you’d beat the shit out of him. And instead you went and gave him an incredible opportunity. You were the bigger, better man and I want you to know I appreciate it.”
“Thank you, sir.”
He accepted my thanks with a nod and moved to walk away toward the two women who were now petting Violet while an excited Charlie sat on the grass with the dog.
I took a step after him and reached out for his shoulder. “Sir. Before you go. Can I ask you something?”
He turned back. “Sure.”
Swallowing hard, I suddenly found it hard to breathe. Not because I was unsure. Hell, I’d never been more sure of anything in my life. More because of the enormity of this single step I was about to take by asking this one question of the father of the woman I loved.
I didn’t have much experience with fathers. At least not with any other than the foster care variety and that had been a mixed bag that would stick with me forever. This man in front of me could become the closest thing I’d ever had to a real dad, and that felt more overwhelming than asking Maisie to marry me.
I drew in and let out a breath. “Sir, I would be honored if you would allow me to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
His bark of a laugh against my jangled nerves had me jumping—and a little scared—until he said, “Of course, you can. What the hell, boy? You’re as pale as a ghost and look as if you’re about to pass out. Did you think I’d say no?”
“I don’t know.” I laughed, shaking my head at my own insecurity.
He leaned in close. “When you think you’re gonna do it?”
“I was thinking maybe at the movie premiere.”
He grinned. “Good plan.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“What are you two huddled together whispering about?” Maisie asked, walking to me and wrapping her arm around my waist as she pressed close.
“Man talk,” her father said, before he stalked away toward Judith.
I was still recovering from asking him for her hand, but I managed to elaborate with at least part of the truth. “Your father asked to bring a date to the premiere.”
Her eyes widened. “Judith?”
“Yup.” I smiled and nodded. “Looks like it’s serious.”
“Yes, it does. I wonder if there will be wedding bells in the future.” She was looking at them, but I was looking at her.
“I have a feeling there definitely will be.”
~ * ~
Dear Reader,
Thank you for joining me for Jamey and Maisie’s story. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.
What’s next? More Navy SEALs! You can read about HOT SEAL, TIJUANA NIGHTS below.
And in case you missed it, HOT SEAL IN HOLLYWOOD is the book where we first meet Jamey during the filming of his movie with Sierra and Rick.
In fact, all the SEALs you see in this book have their own stories. Jon, Zane, Rick, and Rick’s sister Darci and his teammate Chris—they’re all part of the HOT SEALS. Check them out today and happy reading!
One more tidbit for my long time readers—did you take note of the name of the western movie and the character Jamey will be playing? Cowboy Blue, featuring cowboy hero Bonner Blue Bolton, is my book! You can read it now in eBook or print.
XOXO
Cat
HOT SEAL, TIJUANA NIGHTS
Navy SEAL Zach gets back from a mission to find a squatter living in his house...a sexy AF interior designer who is as hot as she is annoying.
Gabrielle claims she was hired by her friend, his sister, to redecorate his place as a surprise, but even Zach knows decorators don't move in to their jobs. And his sister Amanda should have known that the two things Zach hates more than surprises, are change and people touching his stuff–and Gabrielle Lee Interiors and More has done all that and more.
Zach survived the Houthi rebels, but he might not survive these two women–especially when his sister calls him in a panic. Her friend Gabby is missing, possibly kidnapped, in Tijuana, and she's convinced he's the only one who can save her.
He can't believe that just when he finally got Gabby out of his life and his house, if not quite out of his mind, he's supposed to take time away during his leave to go find her. But when he does, things get downright explosive–and not just from the chemistry between them.
What happens in Tijuana...might just kill you.
Get HOT SEAL, TIJUANA NIGHTS
Did you miss the book where we first meet Jamey?
Get Hot SEAL in Hollywood today!
HOT SEAL IN HOLLYWOOD
Hot SEALs
Hot SEAL Rick Mann is out of his element, and going out of his mind, navigating some treacherous and unfamiliar terrain . . . Hollywood. Give him a clear enemy he can capture or kill and he’s good. But in La La Land nothing is that clear cut or what it seems.
LA is driving a wedge between him and the woman he loves, actress Sierra Cox. Or maybe it’s less LA and more Sierra’s co-star, pretty boy Jamey Garret.
When Rick finally loses his cool and decides to make him a little less pretty with his fist the shit really hits the fan both personally and professionally. Then he has to call in his old teammates for help to save the movie and his future with Sierra.
Get Hot SEAL in Hollywood
MORE FROM CAT JOHNSON
HOT SEALS
Night with a SEAL-Jon
Saved by a SEAL-Zane
SEALed at Midnight-Thom
Kissed by a SEAL-Chris
Protected by a SEAL-Rick
Loved by a SEAL-Brody
Tempted by a SEAL-Mack
Wed to a SEAL-Rocky
Romanced by a SEAL-Jon/Ali
Rescued by a Hot SEAL-Grant
Betting on a Hot SEAL-Dawson
Escape with a Hot SEAL-Thom/Ginny
Matched with a Hot SEAL-Will
SEAL the Deal-Zane/Missy
Hot SEAL in Hollywood-Rick/Sierra
MORE NAVY SEALS
SEAL Strong
Hot SEAL, Dirty Martini
Hot SEAL, Tijuana Nights
FOR HIRE
Standalone Spin-offs of the Hot SEALs Series
Billionaire for Hire (Brent)
Hot Chick for Hire (Chelsea)
Spy for Hire (T
ristan)
Hero for Hire (Jamey)
STUDS IN SPURS
Unridden-Slade
Bucked-Mustang
Ride-Chase
Hooked-Luke
Flanked-Garret
Thrown-Skeeter
Champion-Cooper
Spurred-Aaron
Wrecked-Wade
MORE COWBOYS
Rough Stock
Cowboy Blue
Cowboy Hearts
Smalltown Heat
MEN IN UNIFORM
Crossing the Line
Cinderella Liberty
RED HOT & BLUE
Red Blooded
Smalltown Heat
A Few Good Men
BB Dalton
Model Soldier
A Prince Among Men
True Blue
MANY MORE TITLES AT CATJOHNSON.NET
ABOUT CAT JOHNSON
A top 10 New York Times bestselling author, Cat Johnson writes the USA Today bestselling Hot SEALs series, as well as contemporary romance featuring sexy alpha heroes who often wear cowboy or combat boots. Known for my creative marketing, Cat has sponsored bull riding cowboys, used bologna to promote my romance novels, and owns a collection of camo and cowboy boots for book signings. I writes both full length and shorter works.
For more visit CatJohnson.net
NEVER MISS A RELEASE OR A DEAL
Cat now has three ways for readers to get news—email, text and Facebook message. Choose one or all three. It’s up to you!
Join the email newsletter list at CatJohnson.net/news.
Text EZESS57685 to 313131 to get new release and sale alerts by text message.
Click HERE to get new release and sale alerts through Facebook Messenger.
HERO FOR HIRE
CAT JOHNSON
Copyright 2019 Cat Johnson
All Rights Reserved
CatJohnson.net