“Oh my God,” she murmured, her gaze shifting away from his to stare at the diamond ring.
“Lucia,” he said. “Will you marry me?”
“You… You…” Lucia drew a deep breath, hoping to steady her trembling voice. She hadn’t gone to Vegas looking for this. She’d been happy enough to find desire, acceptance, and love in one weekend, let alone the time they’d found together in the months afterward. And now, the SEAL with the panty-melting voice was offering the promise of forever.
Awe, excitement, and love formed a tangled knot in her throat. She glanced up at the painting hanging on their living room wall. The piece they’d created when he’d flown across the country determined to declare his love.
“Cade, I was yours from the moment you made love to me on the canvas.” She knelt in front of him and held out the ring. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
“Yes?”
She heard the echo of disbelief in his voice, as if he still couldn’t accept the fact that he’d managed to merge a long-term, loving relationship with his call to serve.
“I’m going to marry you,” she said firmly, offering her hand.
He slipped the ring onto her finger. Then he reached up and cupped her cheeks, drawing her mouth to his. He kissed her hard and long, as if savoring the taste. She placed her palms on his chest. She wanted more, so much more before her fiancé—
Oh, God. She knew just what to do. She opened her eyes and broke the connection, just for a moment.
“I’m adding to my list.” She pulled her shirt over her head. She tossed it aside, then stood and stripped off her skirt.
“I’m listening,” he said.
She unhooked her bra and drew it away from her breasts. His eyes tracked her movements, and his body tensed as if preparing to pounce and devour her. Never in a million years would she tire of the way this man looked at her—of the way he made her feel.
Desired. Cherished. Loved.
“Cade, I want to make love to you.” She held up her left hand and wiggled her manicured fingers. The square-cut diamond perched on the silver band caught the late-afternoon light slipping through the drapes. “Wearing only this ring.”
“Gorgeous, I’m your man.”
Did you love this Brazen? Check out more of our steamy titles here!
And for exclusive sneak peeks at our upcoming books, excerpts, contests, chats with our authors and editors, and more…
Be sure to like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Acknowledgments
When I sit down to write, I have a clear picture of the scene in my head. Thus, when it came time to craft my acknowledgments, I imagined writing a few witty paragraphs. I tried channeling clever but touching Oscar speeches. And I sought inspiration from my fellow Brazen author Samanthe Beck. (Have you read her clever acknowledgments? I’m tempted to send her random gifts in the hopes of receiving humorous thank-you emails. She’s brilliant.) But in the end, the picture in my head looked more like an ugly-cry acceptance speech. Maybe next time I’ll nail humorous. But for now, I’m sticking to straightforward and heartfelt.
First, I owe my agent, Jill Marsal, a huge thank-you for helping shape the idea for the Sin City SEALs series.
To Heather Howland, thank you for adding me to your list of amazing authors, and for working your editorial magic on this story.
To the team at Entangled, thank you for everything you do behind the scenes to produce these books and get them out to readers.
To my husband, thank you for watching the kids while I write and for tackling the mountain of dirty dishes. I hope you know how much I appreciate your support. I’ve tried to tell you, but I generally end up in tears with a goofy grin on my face.
And last, but certainly not least, to my readers—thank you. I couldn’t do what I love without you!
About the Author
Sara Jane Stone lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her very supportive real-life hero, two lively young children, and a lazy Burmese cat. When she is not finger painting with the kids, she loves writing sexy stories, staying up past her bedtime reading red-hot romance, and chatting with her readers on Facebook.
Sign up for our Steals & Deals newsletter and be the first to hear about new releases from Sara Jane Stone and other fantastic Entangled authors!
Reviews help other readers find books. We appreciate all reviews, whether positive or negative. Thank you for reading!
If you love sexy romance, one-click these steamy Brazen releases…
Lover Undercover
a McCade Brothers novel by Samanthe Beck
When timid yoga instructor Kylie Roberts is forced to step into her twin’s sexy stilettos, she isn’t prepared for the dead body in the parking lot—or ridiculously hot detective Trevor McCade. It’s only a matter of time before Kylie’s awkward attempts at seduction land her in Trevor’s bed, but how long can a good girl from a small town hide her identity from a big city detective?
Her Forbidden Hero
a Heroes novel by Laura Kaye
Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend’s little sister, but her return home changes that. Now that she’s back in his life, healing wounds he never thought would heal, will he succumb to the forbidden temptation she presents one touch at a time?
Down for the Count
a Dare Me novel by Christine Bell
After Lacey Garrity’s wedding day goes horribly, adulterously wrong, she shucks her straight-laced life and accepts a reckless challenge from sexy boxer Galen Thomas, her best friend’s older brother. The dare? Take him on her honeymoon instead, but will running away with the enemy lead Lacey to love?
Caught
an Elite PR novel by Clare James
PR professional Vivian Blake is in trouble. Her newest client, race car driver Jarod Cage, is Hot. Haaaaw-awt. And his sex tape (she has to watch them, honest) makes Viv’s unused engine bits overheat big time. Now she has to find a way to salvage his sponsor and his racing career. Not so easy when the sexy chemistry between them is total carnal combustion. But when you go this hard and fast, putting on the brakes is the most dangerous thing you can do...
Seducing Cinderella
a Fighting for Love novel by Gina L. Maxwell
Mixed martial arts fighter Reid Andrews needs to reclaim his title. Lucie Miller needs seduction lessons to catch the eye of another man. They agree to help each other, but by the end of their respective trainings, Reid and Lucie might just discover they’ve already found what they desire most…
To Tempt a SEAL Page 16
