Tag: superromance

NAVY HOPE Chapter Twenty

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Twenty

“To bring a soldier back from the brink of insanity, like we do with the newly returning vets, is one thing,” he began. “It’s rare that I get to see what kind of success I’ve had—the soldiers go through treatment with the goal of being released to a local program, in their hometown or wherever their unit’s stationed, if they’re going back to active duty.” He turned to face her, Val and put both arms around her. She laid her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat underneath her cheek while he spoke, his chin on her head.

“Here, these folks don’t have the burden of wondering if they’re going to make it. They have made it, through tremendous grief and loss. The choice they have at BTS is whether they’re going to simply keep surviving, or try to go beyond that. To thrive.”

His hands were massaging her back, exactly where the strain of the day had pooled.

“To see such courage, Val, and to know they let me in, let me be part of their decisions, is the most moving therapy I’ve participated in.” He leaned back and raised her chin so she could see his unshed tears. “What you’re doing here is vital. You understand that, don’t you?”

“Yes.” She swallowed. “It means the world to me that you think so, too.”

He stared at her and she couldn’t break the connection between them.

“Why didn’t you ever try to find me after college?” she asked. She didn’t want to sound needy but at this moment she couldn’t grasp how they’d lived apart from each other for so long.

“You already know, Val. The same reason you didn’t look for me. We moved on.” He stroked the side of her cheek. “And I didn’t think I deserved you after leaving the way I did.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” God, he’d been helping his family.

“No, but it wasn’t yours, either.”

“That was then.” She smiled and turned her lips into his palm.

“Can you let go of our past, Val?” he whispered.

She lifted her head. “I already have. You must know that.”

He touched her lips with his tongue, a warm caress, and then he moved his hand to her nape and kissed her.

Val met him with no restrictions. No hurt, no questions, no resentment from the break-up of long ago.

Lucas pulled back. “I’m staying, Val. We’re going to make this work.”

“What do you mean by this?

“I mean BTS, if you’ll let me sign on as a full-time team member.” He traced her lips with his fingers.

“Oh.”

“And I mean— us. You’ve become my best friend, Val. But I’d like to make it more—a lot more.”

He kissed her again and she accepted everything he had to give.

“Do you think you can live on an island forever, Lucas?”

He laughed. “With you, my dear Valentina, I could even live on a ferry.”

THE END

NAVY HOPE Chapter Nineteen

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Nineteen

Pepe gave his mother a curt nod and lowered his hands to his sides. “Okay.”

He stepped off the board and fell into the water, hardly making a splash as Lucas caught him under the arms. Val liked how Lucas let Pepe go under for a bit, just to have the feel of the jump, before he helped the boy reorient himself.

The small crowd broke into huge applause and whooped for Pepe.

Pepe swam to the side of the pool and hauled himself out. Serena was on her knees to catch him as he threw his soaking wet self at her.

Lucas watched from the deep end as he continued to tread water.

“Nice job, Dr. Lucas.” Tanya’s quiet compliment said it all.

Val wiped her tears away.

“Anyone else want to jump?” Lucas smiled, his teeth white against his skin, the sun and water reflecting his joy.

“Does this mean we’re done for the afternoon, doc?” Todd, one of the few single family members who’d come for the week, took off his T-shirt and dove into the deep end. Val thought that was what the past year must have felt like for him, after his wife died in Afghanistan. He’d told her at dinner last night that he was finally giving himself permission to start a new life. Her heart pounded as she wondered if Todd was aware of the metaphor in what he’d done, diving into the deep end in one bold leap.

Lucas climbed out of the pool and his chinos clung to every muscle on his runner’s legs. Val wished she had sunglasses on so that she could get a better look at him—all of him.

“You deserve to go after your own happiness, Val,” Tanya said quietly.

Val smiled at her observation. No doubt she’d watched Val ogle Lucas.

“It’s not that easy, Tanya. He goes back next week.”

“Only if he wants to.”

An hour later, Val found Lucas sitting in the cushioned cedar swing she’d hung within a week of moving into BTS. It was in a secluded part of the small garden but the swing allowed glimpses of the surrounding islands when the weather was clear.

“Mind if I join you?”

Lucas looked up from the client folder he studied and turned his intensity on her. She felt caressed by his gaze as he took her in from head to toe, lingering on her breasts and hips.

How had she kept him at arm’s length for the past six months, especially when she knew how well he kissed?

“Here.” He patted the cushion beside him. As she sank into the soft pillow, his arm went around her and they sat that way for what felt like hours, content with each other’s company.

“Have you gained what you expected from BTS?” She broke their comfortable silence.

“I honestly didn’t have any expectations, except for getting a break from the insane pressure cooker I’ve lived in for the past few years in D.C.” He used his leg to keep them swinging, just a bit, and Val relished how her body leaned into his with each sway.

His fingers were on the back of her neck, drawing delicious little swirls over her skin.

“I figured anything that happened here would be tame compared to what I was used to. I didn’t realize how much impact the families would have on me.”

“In what way?” She thought she knew, understood what he meant, but she wanted to hear it from him.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Eighteen

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Eighteen

“Val, you need to get over to the pool area.”

The tone of Maggie’s voice sent fear coursing through Val.

“What’s going on?”

“Just go. I’ll be right behind you.”

Val made it out of the office, around the lodgings and through the pool fence in under two minutes.

Pepe, the six-year-old son of a U.S. Marine gunnery sergeant who’d died in battle two years ago, was the child she’d told Lucas about during their last briefing. He stood atop the pool’s small diving board, hands clasped in front of his little chest, his hair wet, his eyes screwed shut.

Lucas was treading water under the diving board, fully clothed. His voice was low and steady as he spoke to Pepe, but Val was too far away to make out his words.

Serena, Pepe’s mother, was on the concrete deck with the other group members, two of whom held their arms around her. Val wondered if it was for support or to keep Serena from lunging after her son. Gold Star families tended to be more reliant on each other than other families, but Val had noticed that Serena was especially protective of Pepe. And why wouldn’t she be? He’d been barely five when his father was taken from him.

Val saw Tanya and walked over to her. “What’s the deal?”

“Lucas asked everyone what they were most afraid of. Pepe said he was scared of heights. So he wants to jump off the diving board—to prove he can do it.”

“The pool’s supposed to be a backdrop for the sessions, not part of them!”

“Pepe was wearing his swim trunks. He and Serena have gone in the pool each day after the workshops.”

“But Lucas wasn’t dressed to swim.”

“No, he wasn’t, but he took his phone out of his pocket before he got in and told Pepe to get up on the board.”

“If that kid doesn’t jump, Tanya…”

“He will jump, Val. If he doesn’t, he’s not ready yet, and that’s a good lesson, too.” Tanya’s expression remained neutral, but Val caught the innuendo that was aimed at her.

“I’m not afraid to jump.”

“Hmm.” Tanya gave the uniform counselor’s reply.

Val kept her gaze on Pepe and the swimmer below him. Pepe’s eyes had opened. The air was still and Lucas had raised his voice.

“Everyone’s afraid to make the first jump, Pepe. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a buddy. I’m your jump buddy for this one. Your mom can be your buddy, too. You can ask anyone you want. Remember, if you jump, you won’t be alone.”

“If I don’t like it, I’m not doing it again.”

“You don’t have to, Pepe. You can even decide not to jump this time. Whatever you decide is okay.”

Pepe looked up, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears as he searched out his mom.

Serena smiled at her son, her lower lip trembling. Tears spilled from under her sunglasses.

“Go for it, mi hijo.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Seventeen

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Seventeen

June

“I’m going to miss working with you.” Lucas looked at her over his cup of tea. Their morning briefings usually included Tanya, but she was off-island for the day.

“I’ll miss you, too.” Val was grateful her voice didn’t crack. Their professional-only relationship would never be enough for her.

She took a sip from her mug before she opened the case folder in front of her. She perused it, then slid it across her desk toward Lucas.

“It’s a family of two—a mom and her young son. He hasn’t been able to trust another adult besides his mom, and they’ve had some issues with him in kindergarten. His dad died two years ago.”

“Most of the families we’ve worked with come here sooner after their loss.”

“Our clients come when they’re ready to come.”

His gaze lingered a beat longer than necessary on her face.

Damn. Her distress at his leaving, their undeniable attraction for one another, her frustration at not being able to expect more from him, was coming out sideways.

“I sound like a complete bitch. I’m sorry. I’m not being fair. You’ve seen as much as anyone here. You’re right. This family waited a long while. “

He smiled and she forgot what they were talking about it.

“It’s not just you, Val,” he said. She wanted to grasp a deeper meaning in his words but didn’t dare.

Lucas sighed. “I’ve spent the last three years dealing one-on-one with returning vets who’ve suffered unimaginable losses and traumas. I’m used to getting in and treating the mental damage as fast as possible, before it has a chance to become debilitating. It’s still hard to shake my urge to lean toward going for the ‘quick fix,’ even after several months at BTS.”

“You’ve done wonderfully. It’s almost as if you were meant to be here.”

Her words seemed to hang there, and she blushed.

“I’m not saying—”

“Don’t explain, Val. I understand.” He stood up. “Mind if I take this and study it for the next half hour before we meet with them?”

“Of course not. That’s why I pulled it. Here are the three additional families we’ll be welcoming this week, two tomorrow and one on Wednesday.”

“You said the pace would stay fast and furious when I arrived six months ago. It’s only increased over the spring.” There was that maddening smile again.

“Good thing you love what you do.”

“You’ve got me there.”

Lucas turned and left the office, and Val let her attention drift down to his backside.

Two more weeks.

She’d be able to relax again, not constantly on vigil against her feelings for Lucas.

Of course, he’d be gone then, possibly forever. There’d been no talk of any future together and realistically, they faced too many obstacles. She knew all that. And yet…

“Crap.”

She spoke to the empty office; Maggie was out of sight. San Juan Island in the twenty-first century wasn’t Regency England, but she needed a chaperone. Only two weeks until Lucas’s contract was fulfilled. She suspected he’d be gone as fast as the weather changed on the island. At least she’d be able to breathe again. Staying professional while fighting her attraction to Lucas had become too difficult.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Fifteen

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Fifteen

“You’re obviously good at what you do, Lucas. Thanks for listening.” Val offered him a brave smile.

“I wasn’t listening as a shrink.” She raised her brows in query.

“We’re old friends, Val. That’s enough for both of us, don’t you think?” It’ll have to be, she told herself.

But all she said was “Hmm.”

Lucas was the kind of man a woman wanted to make a life with, and Val didn’t deny her attraction to him. What healthy woman wouldn’t be enthralled by all that lean muscle, those good looks, the brains behind the brawn? She hadn’t expected to be so intrigued by him—his thoughts, his manner, his kindness. In some ways, it was as if the years since she’d been with him didn’t exist. He’d made clear he wanted to keep their relationship friendly but professional. She had to agree.

And yet…Her disappointment crushed her. At least she was admitting it to herself.

He’s your employee.

That kiss had been damn hot.

She squeezed her nylon net shower puff and hung it on the door handle before she stepped out of the steaming stall and dried off.

A morning run and a cup of coffee made with island roasted beans were her staples and all she needed to get a good start to her day.

Now she had a kiss to forget about.

She wiped away the condensation from her mirror and looked at the reflection of her flushed face and wild hair. Her routine had been shot to hell with one devastating kiss.

It’d been two years since she’d broken up with Bob. Longer still since she’d been this attracted to anyone. Perhaps never had a man’s kiss been so exciting, except for those early kisses in her late teens, when everything was new and hormone-charged.

Lucas.

This morning, when he’d put his mouth on hers, she’d felt nineteen again. Better.

As she towel-dried her hair, she remembered Chet and Erin’s wedding. Even if they’d known it would end in the horrific tragedy of Chet’s death in a war halfway around the globe, she knew that both of them would do it again in a heartbeat.

Life was short.

Instant connections were rare, deeper connections often once-in-a-lifetime.

She owed it to herself not to give up. She’d just have to be patient and wait out his time as her employee.

Patience had never been one of her virtues.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Fourteen

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Fourteen

Val chose her words carefully. “Kind of—I mean, yes, you were. I dated other boys, went on with my life. But I always wondered…”

“I’m sorry for any hurt I caused you. I wasn’t worthy of you back then, Val.”

“We were both so young.”

She started to walk down the trail, away from where they’d embraced.

“Let’s head back. There’s a lot that needs to be done before our first session at ten.” Professional Val, fearless team leader of BTS, was in charge again.

As they ran down the hill, Val explained that she’d decided to keep the schedule on a timetable more akin to that of a resort or cruise, so the vacation ambience permeated the family’s stay.

“What if they don’t come up with a plan for when they leave?” So far each family he’d worked with had, but he didn’t assume that was always the case.

“That’s okay, too. The point is, we gave them an opportunity to think about their lives away from the identity of being a Gold Star Family. Not to invalidate it in any way, but we try to help them form their own dreams and aspirations.”

“Has it ever been hard for you to let them go at the end of their week?”

“Truly? No. I don’t get as close to them as you and the other counselors do. BTS is set up so that I’m the go-to person for anything they need to facilitate their time here. But I made a point of putting all the right experts in place to handle the various aspects of the retreat. Life-mapping, journaling, motivational speakers, resumes—there are folks more trained in these things than I’ll ever be.” She slowed to a walk in front of the office. The sun was beginning to send a few rays up over the horizon, dissipating the fog they’d left in.

“As I’m sure you’ve already observed, I’m the back-up. If one of the counselors gets sick or takes vacation time, I can step in. But it’s essential that I remain a bit more detached, so that I can support the counseling team.”

“Don’t you miss using your social work skills?”

“Sometimes, but not as much as I thought I would.” A shadow crossed her face. He wanted to whisk it away and bring the sparkle back to her green eyes.

“It was a long haul, losing Chet. Not as hard as it was for Erin or my nephews, of course.” She pursed her lips. “I was burned out from social work when I went to help Erin and the boys. The wall of grief that we all had to push through—watching them go on, day after day— well, let’s just say it was enough to last me a lifetime.”

He was quiet, humbled that she’d shared so much with him, so soon.

You kissed her too soon.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Twelve

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Twelve

Val had never been so attracted to a man in her life—and that included their relationship fifteen years ago. Neither had she ever spilled her guts so readily. His open, nonjudgmental attitude made her trust him.

“Like I said, I hope I don’t scare you with all this chatter.”

“Not at all. It’s my privilege to hear your story.” His thoughtful reply enhanced his already considerable appeal.

“That’s the city of Victoria over there.” She pointed to the silhouette barely visible through the morning fog.

“I don’t mean to go on about the weather, but is it always this mild in February?”

Lucas had run the hill alongside her for the past mile, yet he showed no sign of breathlessness nor was he particularly sweaty. Not that she was looking at his chest or the way his shirt stretched over his pecs.

“It’s pretty typical. Our warmest month is September, but even the early part of October can be balmy. The fog keeps it cool from June through mid-August. I find this weather kind of raw, but you’re right, compared to the Northeast it’s mild for February.” She inhaled the salt and cedar scent of the island. “I’ve spent many hours up here, especially when I first started BTS.”

“You’ve spent even more hours in the office from what I can tell.” Lucas’s breath was warm on the back of her neck as they stood on the precipice. She felt his body heat imprinted on her back, and desire roiled in her belly…and moved lower.

“Have you dated anyone since Bob?”

His words were followed by the warmth of his hand on her shoulder. She turned and found herself face to face with him, his eyes intense and focused on her.

She averted her glance—to his lips.

“No, I’m not seeing anyone.”

“I’m glad.” Lucas leaned toward her until his lips blurred and she closed her eyes.

His lips were cool from the morning air but his mouth was hot, his tongue eager. Val moaned when he dropped an arm around her waist, his hand pressing the small of her back. His other hand was around her neck, massaging gently as his mouth worked over hers with deliberate care.

Val didn’t think about it; she wrapped both arms around his neck and kissed him back. The give-and-take, the joy of sharing a passionate kiss with an attractive man—she’d forgotten how good it was.

It’s never been this good.

Lucas lifted his lips from hers and she opened her eyes to meet his gaze.

“Am I being too forward?” he asked.

“No.”

As he leaned back in, Val put her fingers to his lips. “But some people might see it as inappropriate. I’m supposed to be your boss. Your employer.”

NAVY HOPE Chapter Six

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

 

Chapter Six

He liked the way she tossed her head as though she could wave a wand and make everything easy, no regrets.

Back in college, they’d met in math class, a pre-requisite for both of them as she pursued social work and he was taking a pre-law curriculum. He’d loved teasing her about how much money he was going to make dealing with the world’s problems, while she’d be trying to solve them on a pauper’s pay.

“I read online that you graduated from Penn State, and then went to Catholic University in D.C. for your graduate work. How did you end up here, so far out west?” He was curious but also didn’t think it was fair for her to ask all the questions.

Her eyes narrowed and she bit her lower lip.

Pay dirt.

She was here because of a man. He didn’t see a ring, but a bare hand meant nothing.

“Family circumstances.” She smiled. Professional, smooth and completely impersonal. Yeah, he’d hit a button.

“Touché.”

“I’m not trying to spar with you, Lucas. I really did end up here because of family issues, most of which you’ve probably read about on BTS’s website.”

Before he could offer condolences on her brother’s death, she’d regained her composure, and he watched her as she collected several files from her desk and handed them to him.

“Here’s everything you need for the first week. Your client load, information about the island, the ferry schedule and some travel brochures for Whistler and Vancouver. Do you ski?”

“I love to, but I rarely have time anymore.”

She smiled. “I know what you mean. Life gets in the way, doesn’t it?” She pointed at the folder labeled Fun. “You’ll find information on skiing at Whistler in British Columbia, and Mount Baker on the mainland. You’ll need breaks from the work and even the island.”

“I’m used to a very intense work schedule.” Did she really think he’d need a break from a resort?

“Sure you are. But you’re on my team now, and one of my requirements is that you be as relaxed and happy as possible while you’re here. You’ll project that well-being and confidence to our clients, and they deserve nothing less.”

“Got it.” Actually, he did, and he was impressed by Val’s depth of commitment. As the owner and boss of BTS, she certainly called the shots with her staff in a very different way.

This wasn’t going to be anything like Walter Reed.

Starting with the hot woman in the tight white pants. The girl he’d had the most memorable sex of his life with all those years ago.

She’s your boss.

Holy shit.

He needed space. He’d only been here fifteen minutes, and he already had island fever.

More like Val fever.

He tried to focus on something else. His gaze caught on a pair of woman’s running shoes next to Val’s desk.

“You still run?”

“Yes.” No invitation for him to join her, though.

A good run around the island that was going to be his home for the next six months would calm his nerves and get rid of the sensations caused by shaking her hand.

Awareness.

Need.

A need he’d rationalized ignoring because he wasn’t “ready” yet.

The truth was that a man in his mid-thirties was pretty much ready at all times. For a physical relationship. But sharing emotional intimacies? Nope, he wasn’t going to pay that price.

Lucas did what he always did when his head warred with his instincts.

He decided to throw himself into his work.

“When do I start?”

 

NAVY HOPE Chapter Two

By Geri Krotow
Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Two

As the boat continued its lurching journey, Lucas focused on Valentina DiPaola, owner and director of Beyond the Stars military family healing retreat, and once his first real girlfriend after high school. They’d been together for an entire semester before he’d had to leave unexpectedly at the end of sophomore year. His family in Philadelphia had shattered, thanks to his father’s drinking and his mother’s nervous breakdown. He was the oldest child and his little sister had needed him to be a steady care provider. His dreams of joining the military had been delayed but he’d managed to finish his degree locally, then serve in Navy Special Forces for a couple of tours before he started medical school.

He’d never told Val what a mess his family was. That wasn’t something he’d been willing to do when he was twenty, and when he’d matured enough to realize he had nothing to be ashamed of, it didn’t matter anymore. She was long out of his life; too much time had passed.

He was grateful that Val hadn’t rejected his application for this counselor’s position. She’d communicated through her assistant from their very first reply to his email inquiry about the open counselor’s job.

He thought she’d nix it when she read his résumé and found out who he was.

But she’d been more concerned that he wasn’t a counselor but in fact a psychiatrist. There’d been a brief flurry of questions about his being overqualified for the position, but when he’d agreed to the full six-month employment period she’d hired him. She’d explained that the six-month term was a benefit to both parties: Beyond the Stars was located on San Juan Island, a remote part of the country accessible only by ferry or airplane. Val knew she couldn’t expect employees to sign on for longer, at least until they’d seen the place. It was beneficial to him as the employee, since he’d be free to leave at the end of six months, which Lucas planned to. The time on San Juan was his respite from what he considered his primary calling.

His specialty was helping war veterans, especially those with PTSD. The six-month leave of absence from his job at Walter Reed was a sabbatical of sorts. He wouldn’t be dealing with vets at Beyond the Stars but instead, the families left behind by those who’d died in the service. The wartime widows, widowers and surviving children.

Gold Star families.

You’ll be working for a woman again.

That was how he’d fallen in love with Betsy; she’d been the hospital’s Head of Psychiatry when he’d done his residency. Long hours, intense cases at a wartime pace made emotions run high and created an insistent need for release.

Betsy had been there. Ten years older than Lucas, she seemed to want the same things he did. A partnership, and not just on hospital rounds or in bed. A lifetime commitment.

She’d let him down gently, but he could still hear the roaring in his ears as she’d explained that she was accepting a position in another city; she needed a change.

Taking their relationship to Chicago with her wasn’t part of the plan.

It’d been a mistake to get involved with his boss, a mistake he wouldn’t make again. Judging by her lack of interest in him other than the professional, Val didn’t care about their previous attachment. He hoped she was married and completely unavailable. She still used her maiden name, but a lot of married women did. Even if she was single, he was only here for six months. After that he needed to get back to the real world, wherever and whatever he decided that would be.

The deck shifted beneath his feet and the vibration of the motor ceased. As the ferry docked, he turned to walk back to his car, ready to drive onto the tiny island that would be his home and workplace for the next half year.

Peace, Joy, and Total Spring Madness

We’ve been back home in the States for 10 months. I’ve settled my office (um, er, well, you know–it’s functional), planted flowers and now vegetables, and both kids have made it through most of a full school-year. I’ve had more writing success than ever–I’m launching my Whidbey Island series in June with the first book (and my fourth published novel) NAVY RULES, and I’m in the midst of contract negotiations for a 3-book deal with Harlequin Superromance. There will be more Whidbey Island books–yeah!!

Cold Weather Blooms

The work-up for June promo, as well as getting ready to speak at RWA in July with my Romvets sisters, is exciting and exhausting. I’m so excited about all of the new changes and opportunities that I often find myself awake at 4 am, pondering the universe (or what subplot I should write next). I’ve found that when I’m getting too full of “me” stuff, it’s good to get grounded by reaching out and helping others. So this year I’m again happy and humbled to be a part of Brenda Novak’s Auction for a Cure for Juvenile Diabetes. Whether you’re a writer or a reader, there’s something here for you, including a book club basket from me and an Amish gift basket from the Three Glindas–me, Ann DeFee and Linda Cardillo. Check it out–there are so many wonderful items to bid on, and each bid takes us another dollar closer to a cure for this devastating disease. http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/.

I’m also getting geared up to meet my readers and re-connect with so many writing colleagues at many different events this spring and summer. Please peruse my bio page and scroll down to the Events list. If you can come out and meet me, please do! I’d love to meet you and talk about books, writing, knitting, military family life–you pick!

I don’t know about you but I’m going to brew a cup of tea now. Plain green. Peace.

Container Gardening–the Basil is from Seeds