STORY EXCERPT

Sean rolled over and away from his wife. Her persistence and allure both drove him crazy—for different reasons. Married just eight months ago, it quickly became their custom to spend their mornings enjoying their mutual passion—each other. This particular morning, however, began the way the previous evening ended, with the discussion of Ashlynn’s desire to attend the police academy.

Sean sighed wearily. “Ashlynn, you seem to have forgotten the fact that you wanted nothing to do with me when you found out what I did for a living. Now, suddenly, you want to become a cop? I don’t understand.”

“That’s because you won’t let me finish a sentence. Every time I try to tell you why, you shut me up with your protests.”

He tossed back the blankets, swinging his feet to the floor. “I’m taking a shower.”

Ashlynn sat up, the sheet falling from her shoulders to reveal her naked torso, healthy and toned. “We haven’t made love yet.”

Sean turned, his eyes drinking in the view she willingly gave him. His body reacted. Her auburn tresses—unkempt by sleep’s beautician—poured over her shoulder, barely covering the firm swell of flesh. Her passion always turned her sultry blue eyes a subtle shade of navy. He couldn’t deny he had a beautiful bride “You didn’t seem interested.” He held his stance despite his body’s urging to relent to her sensuality. “You just wanted to talk.”

She frowned. “Go take your shower.”

He’d played the wrong card. Shrugging, he went into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Falling back against the pillows, Ashlynn groaned out loud. The argument he posed brought back memories of the ordeal her half sister, Clara, had put her through.

He’d saved her life. Spared her from certain death. She’d fallen in love with him months before that, but hesitated giving in to her desires because of the danger of his job. Inside the family cemetery, Clara held her at gunpoint. Sean fearlessly, and without second thought, drew Clara’s aim to himself and away from Ashlynn. The ensuing events caused her to wonder how easily he put himself in danger through the course of his job.

She shivered, remembering vividly how close she’d come to using the empty grave Clara had opened for her over a year ago.

Feeling the need for Sean’s protective embrace, she went into the bathroom, opening the door to the shower stall. When Sean held his arms open, she stepped into the steam and water.

A smile curled on her lips as his arms folded around her, bringing her flush with the hard muscled contours of his six-foot-four body. He buried his face in her hair. “I’m sorry,” he whispered before his mouth covered hers.

Their eyes met again. “Each time I remember, I’m reminded that I’m a survivor.”

“It only means you’re strong.”      

Ashlynn shook her head. “It means I’ve lived through my own personal hell. It means something so terrible touched my life that I had to choose between surviving and being eaten alive. I can’t close my eyes some nights without my mind replaying that night from beginning to end.”

She felt his embrace tighten, knowing he’d gladly make her nightmares his own.

He nuzzled her ear. “I love you.”

She pulled away from him, hoping he’d see the tears on her lashes as drops of water from the shower. Searching his dark brown eyes, she saw the truth there. “You always know what to say.”

Sean grinned. “You always amaze me.”

“I don’t suppose we still have time?”

Reluctantly, he shook his head. “I have an early meeting.”

She frowned.

He grinned. “I’ll make it up to you this evening.”

“How?”

“Dinner and….”

“…dancing?”

“You mean dessert.”

“After dancing comes dessert.”

“You should be giving in to me,” he said.

She tilted her head, looked up at him, and watched as his resolve wore thin.

“I give up,” Sean proclaimed. “You win. Dinner, dancing, and dessert.”

She pushed the envelope further. “And the police academy?”

“Is not accepting applications,” he said, reaching around her to turn off the water.

Ashlynn allowed the subject to drop, following her husband out of the shower. Playfully, she swatted his backside. “Nice tush.”

“Is that all you like?”

She shrugged. “I could have answered that question without words, but you said you didn’t want to be late for your meeting.”

“Just what I needed, preoccupation.”

“You could have had something much better than preoccupation—me.”