by Aria Ford
She put her hands on my face and kissed me with such passion, I nearly exploded in my jeans.
No matter how many times we had sex, it was always like the first time. I was always ready and willing. I had a feeling there were going to be many nights in like this for us.
Epilogue
Lindsey
I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. I had to pinch myself daily to ensure it was all real. It was. My life couldn’t be better. I had the man of my dreams literally by my side as I worked toward my goal of winning an Olympic medal. Of course I wanted to win the gold, but hell, I’d be just as happy with a silver or bronze. The very fact I get to represent my country was amazing.
“Hey,” Tanner said, coming up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist before dropping his head on my shoulder. “What are you doing out here? It’s early.”
I sighed. “I like watching the sun come up. I can’t believe we’re here. Like, we’re living here and training at the Olympic facility. Do you know how long I’ve dreamed about this?”
He chuckled. “I do, actually. I think I have been dreaming the same thing for just as long, although I never had any desire to be the one in the pool. I’m glad I get to be your trainer.”
“Me too. I think my parents are going to come out this weekend. They’ve been dying to see the training center out here. I can’t wait to show them around.”
He stepped away and went back inside the small apartment we had rented when we moved out here to Colorado Springs nearly six months ago. The climate was a little cooler than we were used to. Gone were the days he could walk around wearing shorts every day. He came back out, pulling on a sweater.
“It’s fucking cold out here. Thank God that pool is heated. You would freeze to death,” he grumbled.
“What are you and Brian doing today?” I asked, ignoring his comment about the cold. He always complained about the cold.
“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I’m going to go by his office while you attend that nutrition class. We have to hook him up with somebody. I mean, he’s a lot better now that he’s moved out here, but the guy needs a woman.”
I laughed. It was good he was so happy with his relationship that he wanted to share the feeling with her brother, but Brian wasn’t quite ready. “One step at a time. Brian has always been more career orientated than the type who wants to settle down and get married.”
He nodded. “I guess. I’m glad your dad agreed to let him open a branch out here. When we move, do you think he’ll stay behind?”
“I don’t know. He seems to really like it here. Maybe he was simply not cut out for life in Southern California. He needs the mountains and the cold, fresh air.”
He grabbed my hand and pulled me back inside, shutting the doors to the terrace. “I’m happy he’s here, and I’m happy he’s cool with us, but I hope it doesn’t change when it’s time to get back to the real world.”
“We’ll see. I need to get ready to head over to the center. Are we still on for that hike later today?” I asked.
“Yes!” he said with way more enthusiasm that I would have thought. We’d been hiking several times a week. It was one way for us to spend time together, alone, while I strengthened my legs and lungs.
“Okay, well, I better get moving.”
After a boring session about eating right and fueling our Olympian bodies, I was ready to get outside into the fresh air. I walked home, enjoying the cool, brisk air. I couldn’t wait to see Tanner. Granted, I had seen him this morning, but I missed him. I missed seeing those green eyes and that tousled blond hair. I couldn’t wait to run my hands through it and maybe squeeze in a quickie before we left for our hike.
When I walked into the apartment, Tanner was there—pacing.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, fine. Everything’s great. Are you ready? Do you want to change?” he asked, slightly out of breath.
“I think what I have on is okay.” I looked down at my jeans and tennis shoes. “I’ll grab a jacket in case it gets cold.”
He nodded. I could tell something had him worked up. I grabbed my jacket from the bedroom and returned to see him packing a bottle of champagne into the little picnic basket we had bought at a flea market.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked again. He was really starting to freak me out.
“Yes, I’m great. You ready?”
I nodded, still a little concerned for his mental health. Maybe he was going stir crazy from waiting cooped up inside all day. A walk would do him good.
We headed to his truck. The trailhead was a few miles up the mountain. Once there, Tanner grabbed the picnic basket from the back, and we started out. It was a trail we frequented. We had even made love on it one occasion. Thankfully, it was off the beaten path and few people bothered to come out this way.
He grabbed my hand, and we walked at a leisurely pace, taking in the sights, sounds and smells. I loved it up here.
“You think we could live out here one day? Like in the future,” I said clarifying.
He stopped walking. I stopped, too, and studied his face, worried I’d freaked him out with my talk about the future. We hadn’t really broached that subject in the past.
He carefully set down the picnic basket and dropped to one knee. I stared at him, not sure if what I was seeing was what I thought it was or maybe he was just going to tie his shoe.
“Tanner?” I said on an exhaled breath.
He reached into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out a small, black velvet box. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest, and I could feel tears welling before he even spoke. Then he said the words.
“Lindsey Scott, will you please be my wife?” he said, holding out the opened box.
I looked down, my vision blurred with tears. Inside was a gorgeous teardrop-shaped diamond surrounded by vivid blue sapphires.
I was nodding my head, bobbing up and down, and I couldn’t speak. I wanted to say the word he was looking for, but my throat felt like it was closing over the giant lump that had appeared.
“Yes,” I squeaked out.
He stood up and slid the ring on my finger.
“You’re mine, Lindsey Scott. Now it’s official.”
I was still bobbing my head up and down like a fool.
He wrapped his arms around me, holding me while I wept tears of joy.
He stepped away and reached into the picnic basket, pulling out two plastic champagne glasses and the bottle of champagne I had seen him pack earlier. He popped the cork and filled the glasses before he handed one to me.
“To our future. We can live anywhere you want. Wherever you go, I go. I love you more than words can ever say,” he said, clinking his glass to mine.
We drank, and I finally managed to clear my throat. “Tanner, you are full of surprises. I can’t wait to call you my husband.”
We stayed at our special spot for a long while, talking about the future and making tentative plans for our wedding. When we noticed the sun was getting lower in the sky, we headed back to his truck.
“Let’s go tell Brian,” I said.
Tanner grimaced. “I don’t know. Do you think that’s a good idea?”
“He has to find out at some point. May as well be now.”
“Okay, if he says anything stupid, I swear I’m going to hit him,” Tanner vowed.
I rolled my eyes but didn’t disagree. I would be the one who slapped my big brother if he had anything negative to say.
When we told Brian, his response surprised us both. “I’m the best man, right?”
We all had a good laugh and quickly dove into the wedding planning. Brian seemed to be very excited for the wedding. It made me unbelievably happy to see my two favorite guys getting along so well. Life was good. Just when I had thought it couldn’t get any better, it did. I was going to be Tanner Brown’s wife.
The End
MY HOT STEPBROTHER
A Second Chance Romance
CHAPTE
R ONE
Ryan
Darkness enveloped us. Bradley and I moved side by side, silently trekking a path through the wilderness. Our footsteps were quiet, but leaves crunched beneath our boots, making us hold our breath. My nerves were calm and my heartbeat steady. Nothing about this mission was simple, but I knew my team had my back.
Bradley and I slowly entered the compound from the north, while Jacob and Drew came from the east. The southern and western sides were covered by a deep, murky swamp.
As Bradley and I approached the building, I felt my breathing slow even more. My mind went blank as I let my training take over. Bradley and I moved slowly, checking our surroundings with every step. There wasn’t room for fear, only action.
When we reached the designated room, Jacob and Drew came around a corner. We nodded to one another and silently planned the extraction using hand signals. We’d made it this far; we weren’t turning back now.
Jacob ducked to inspect the lock on the door. He nodded to let us know it was an easy entry. Quickly, he slipped his tools out of his pocket and inserted them in the lock. Bradley and Drew stood with their backs to us, watching the hallway for any signs of life. When Jacob opened the door, my gun was raised, ready to fire on sight.
Luckily, the room showed no signs of enemy resistance. I entered first, sweeping my gun from side to side as I moved. Jacob grabbed Bradley and Drew, who walked backward into the room. Drew kicked the door closed behind them. It swung shut with a soft click. Finally, we were in.
The room was dark. It took our eyes a few seconds to adjust. Once they did, we saw her sitting against the back wall. Her arms and legs were tied together, a gag shoved in her mouth. When she saw us, her eyes went wide with fear, and she tried desperately to crawl away. Bradley moved forward, quickly bending down in front of her.
“Shh,” he whispered. “We’re here to help. You’re okay.”
The girl still looked scared, but Bradley’s words calmed her. He untied her and removed the gag from her mouth.
“Stay quiet,” he said firmly. “We’ll get you out of here.”
Bradley handed the girl off to Jacob, who swept her up in his arms. Now that we had her, we had to move fast. If we were caught, none of us would make it out alive.
We moved back through the door and down the deserted hallway. As we emerged from the building, everything was clear. We moved as a team, taking steps in unison and constantly swinging around to check our surroundings. It wasn’t until we made it to the tree line that things took a turn.
Bradley and I stood back, making sure Jacob made it to cover with the girl. Drew followed close behind, and just as I was about to step into the woods, I caught sight of an insurgent behind Bradley. Without thinking, I grabbed Bradley by the collar and threw him to the ground, swinging my gun around as I moved. My shot went off just in time, and the insurgent fell to the ground.
“Tango eliminated,” I said into my headset.
Bradley jumped to his feet. We ran into the woods, falling close behind Jacob and Drew. We didn’t stop running until we were a safe distance from the compound. Finally, we slowed to a walk, and Jacob put the girl down. She stretched her legs for a few seconds before she could walk on her own. After muttering a soft “thank-you,” to each of us, she fell silent. I could tell she was battling some serious hunger and pain, but she was strong. She didn’t slow down or stumble until we reached our camp.
Jacob took her to a place where she could sleep, while Bradley and I disappeared into our bunks. We would be extracted within a few hours, so sleep was out of the question, but we could have used some rest. I fell back on my bed with a thud, not bothering to remove my boots.
“How does it feel?” Bradley asked. I turned to face him with a frown. “Completing our last mission.”
“I feel exhausted,” I said without emotion. “And sore.”
“Seriously,” Bradley said. “We haven’t talked about this yet. It’s been years since either of us had normal lives. We’re about to reenter society. How do you feel about that? What are you going to do with your life now?”
“I have no idea,” I admitted. “Honestly, Brad, I’m just trying to get through this. When we’re back home, I’ll figure it out.”
“I hear ya,” Bradley said with a nod. “But you must have some plans. Something. Anything.”
“Nope,” I said, staring at the ceiling.
I thought about what he said, but nothing came to mind. For nine years, my life revolved around the military. I worked my way up to become a SEAL, and then I went on missions. It was a simple life, but not an easy one. I got orders. I followed them. Simple as that.
Now I didn’t know what to do next. In just a few hours, we would be on a plane bound for America. Once we landed, I would have to figure out my life, but right now I didn’t want to think about anything.
“Well,” Bradley said. “Listen, whatever you decide to do, you should at least go by and see Mom and Dad.”
“They aren’t my parents,” I said without hesitation. “They’re yours.”
“Still,” Bradley said. I could feel him roll his eyes beside me. “They’ll want to see you.”
“After they kicked me out?” I scoffed. “I doubt that.”
“I talked to them yesterday,” Bradley said. “They’re planning a huge homecoming party for us—both of us.”
“That’s great,” I said. “I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.”
“Dammit, Ryan,” Bradley snapped. “Just quit being a dick and listen to me for a second, okay?”
It wasn’t often that Bradley lost his temper. I sat up slowly and turned to face him. His eyes were fixed on my face with a determination I recognized all too well. His father had that same look in his eyes the day he threw me out.
I sighed. “I’m listening.”
“I know you have your issues with them,” Bradley said slowly. “God knows you have every right to be angry, okay? But they did take you in when no one else would. They adopted you, man. How many other people would have done that?”
“They adopted me for a few years,” I corrected. “Then they kicked me out. Or did you forget that?”
“I didn’t,” Bradley said. “But I also remember the reason they kicked you out. You weren’t exactly an innocent victim, Ry.”
I turned away from him and scowled at the corner of my bunk. Bradley always had a way of getting under my skin. He wasn’t wrong about his parents. They did adopt me years ago, but things had changed since then. I was only a member of their family for a short time. I barely had a chance to feel like one of them before they made me leave. Why would I waste my time visiting them now?
“I just don’t think I can,” I said, my voice soft. “I’m sorry.”
Bradley sighed, but didn’t argue. He knew my mind was made up.
“Thanks for the save back there,” he said, reaching over to slap my shoulder. “It would have sucked to go home with a bullet in my ass.”
I laughed. “It would’ve been in your head, dipshit.”
“Nah, those shits couldn’t shoot the broadside of a barn,” Bradley said.
“Whatever you say.”
“Seriously,” he said. “Thanks.”
“Look,” I said. “Whatever happened with your parents, you’re still my brother. That hasn’t changed after all these years, and it’s not going to now. I couldn’t just let you die back there, even if I wanted to.”
“Hilarious,” he said. “You’d be fucking lost without me.”
“Doubt that.” I smiled, lying back down against my thin pillow.
It wasn’t comfortable, but it felt good to be off my feet. I couldn’t wait to be back home. I didn’t know where I would go once I was released from duty, but I’d thought about it a lot. Bradley wouldn’t understand if I told him the truth. He only wanted me to go back to Lexington and make nice with his parents, which was something I just couldn’t do.
Still, there was something about Virginia that sounded appeali
ng. The idea of living in Lexington again made my skin crawl, but I’d always liked the state. As I laid there silently, I wondered what the housing was like in Richmond.
CHAPTER TWO
Jacqueline
My brother’s homecoming party was more lavish than most weddings. With a mother like Veronica Keeton, no party of ours was ever lowkey. I hated her over-the-top nature, but she would never change. As I looked around the living room at the insane decorations, I rolled my eyes and wondered what my brother would have to say when he arrived.
“Jacqueline!” Mom called from the kitchen. “Sweetie, I could use some help in here if you don’t mind!”
“Coming!” I called back. I sighed and glanced around the room one last time. Between the fondue station and the patriotic everything, I knew Bradley would be miserable in seconds.
I walked into the kitchen without enthusiasm to find my mother standing by the stove, stirring a large pot of something that smelled amazing. Without asking, I knew it was gumbo, Bradley’s favorite. I smiled at the scent, remembering all the times I watched my brother shovel bowlfuls into his mouth.
“What can I do?” I asked.
“Would you mind getting the appetizers set out?” she asked. “There are some trays right there on the counter.”
I nodded. “Sure thing.”
Moving to the counter, I laid out all the trays and grabbed the appetizers from the refrigerator. I rolled my eyes again as I realized just how much my mother must have spent on this party. Deep down, I knew she meant well. It wasn’t easy for her to worry about Bradley’s safety. For years, she was the mother of a Navy SEAL. There were times when we didn’t know where he was or even if he was alive. The fear often got the best of me, and I knew it was much worse for Mom.
As I thought about this, my feelings softened. I glanced up at my mother and saw the excitement on her face. With a smile, I walked over and hugged her. She smiled, surprised, and hugged me back.
“I’m excited too,” I said. “I can’t wait to see him.”
