Ride the Storm by Geri Foster
Storm Warnings Series Book 4
Release Date: December 11, 2018
When EX-Navy SEAL, Jeff Crawley spent too much time in Iraq to think he might ever fit back into society. While receiving a Dear John out of country, Jeff decides staying away from women suites him just fine, too. He’s settled at his ranch after-military life only for a tornado to uproot him. With everything destroyed, Jeff has no choice but to move himself and his herd closer to his brother in Rainwater, Texas.
At forty, Nancy Wigan has never had any kind of a relationship, and held no hopes of a knight in shining armor coming to rescue her. It didn’t help being call the Plain Jane of Rainwater, either. For years she worked the bank and cared for her ailing parents, now left alone, she feels more forgotten than ever. Then one day Jeff Crawley blows into Rainwater, Texas like a nor’easter.
Will Jeff’s past catch up with him? Can he protect the woman he’s come to love? Will all be lost in an ultimate show-down?
Can two people who have nothing in common, both empty hearted, and alone, fine love? Find out in RIDE THE STORM
Exclusive Excerpt
She was alive, and that’s all she cared about right now. She’d share with the dog if it kept her safe. She blinked several times, then said. “Thank you, Jeff. That’s very kind of you.” She glanced around behind her. “I’m very grateful you took it upon yourself to look after me. I’m in your debt.”
He waved her gratitude away with the swipe of his hand. “Not something you need to worry about.” He knelt in front of her, his hand resting on his bent knee. “Who do you think did this?”
“Wh-what?” she stuttered and looked away. “I have no earthly idea. Maybe a druggie needing money for his next fix?” Her shoulders nearly touched her ears. “I can’t think of anyone who’d want to hurt me.”
“No one you’ve refused a loan to, or gave you a hard time at the bank lately?”
She shook her head, going through her memory bank for anything she might have done that might provoke anyone. “Nothing.”
“What about the guy showing up for the veterans’ meeting? You see him around?”
“No, I haven’t. Then again, why should I? I don’t think he lives around here. At least, I’d never seen him before or since.”
“I didn’t see him get into a car, but I swear I was followed that night.”
She leaned forward, placing her hand on his shoulder. “Really? How awful. Did you report it to Lucas?”
“No, I couldn’t be sure, but I get this weird feeling between my shoulder blades when something isn’t right. I had that sensation that night. Whoever the guy claimed to be, he isn’t. I’m sure he gave us a wrong name.”
“Then why did he show up there? What did he hope to find?”
“Maybe me.”
A barrage of shock waves rocked her body. “You?” She pressed the bridge of her nose. “But, what did you do?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Then why on earth do you suspect such a thing?”
“I don’t know. In a strange way the guy looked kind of familiar but I can’t place him. There was just something that made me think I’d seen a younger version of him somewhere.”
“Jeff, if he’s come for you, why try to take me? We barely know each other.”
“But he doesn’t know that. He rolls into town figuring most vets in the area will attend the meeting. He shows up looking for me, but I don’t show up until later. Then, he sees me walk you home.” He stood, limping slightly as he crossed the floor. “Easy for a young guy to make assumptions.”
“You mean, he thinks we’re a couple?” She laughed. “That’s so far off course.” She glanced at him and saw pain rounded his eyes. She jumped to her feet and fought off a mild case of dizziness before saying, “I’m so sorry. The insult isn’t meant for you. I mean, let’s be honest. A man like you would never be interested in someone like me.”
He put his hands on his hips and tilted his head. “What do you mean? A man like me?”
“Not you, me.” She pressed her fingertips to her chest. “Look at me. No man is ever gonna want me.” She bit her lip. How many times had her mother used the exact same phrase. Embarrassment had her closing her eyes against the onslaught of humiliation. “I’m sorry,” she muttered, lowering her head.
He moved next to her, pulled her into his arms and lowered his head. Her heart tried desperately to escape from her chest at his closeness. Suddenly, warm, demanding lips pressed against hers and she clutched his shoulders, braving the storm headed her way.
For a woman who’d barely had a peck on the cheek, Jeff’s kiss blew up like a firestorm. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against his hard body. One of them groaned. Muscles moved and flexed as he deepened the kiss, slanting his mouth.
Her breath came in short pants and she hoped she was doing this right but, in that moment, at the thought of putting a stop to it, she decided if she screwed it up she’d just take lessons later. For now, she wanted to breath him in, absorb him into her and never be separated. When he thrust his tongue into her mouth, she grew weak.
Something magical had just happened. Nancy Wigan, the plain Jane of Rainwater, the old maid, just fell head over heels in love.
About the Author:
For as long as she can remember, Geri Foster has been a lover of reading and the written word. By the seventh grade she had worn out two library cards and had read every book in her age area of the library. After raising a family and saying good-bye to the corporate world, she tried her hand at writing.
To her surprise, she won a couple of contests, hooked up with a really great critique group and her writing career was well on its way. She spent several years studying her craft and developing her voice.
Action, intrigue, danger and sultry romance drew her like a magnet. That’s why she had no choice but to launch her published career with action-romance suspense. While she reads every genre under the sun, she’s always been drawn to guns, bombs and fighting men. Secrecy and suspense move her to write edgy stories about daring and honorable heroes who manage against all odds to end up with their one true love.
To keep the serious side of life at bay, Geri likes to write sexy short stories for her fans. In the Women of Courage series, Geri explores the deeper, darker nuances of life and relationships in small-town mid-century America.
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