UPDATE: The winner is…Colleen!
*~*~*

Hello, Delilah!  Thank you for inviting me here today to discuss my new short story in a great anthology!  Who hasn’t wondered what happens at last call?  Well, some of your readers might know.  Me? I’ve never closed down a bar…

I signed up for this anthology without a single clue what I would tell for a story. But when has that ever stopped me from throwing my name in the mix? Uh…never?  I had about a year, so I let the ideas flow.

Right.

Nope. I put the entire anthology on the back burner and focused on the myriads of projects I needed to write at the moment.

Now, I’ve mentioned my wonderful Plot Whisperer previously.  I give her the parameters of a story, and she often fills in the richness of any story.  She didn’t have an idea for this one either, but I should tell you one more thing about PW.  She LOVES memes.  She often scrolls Facebook just to find fun memes.  And she’s always happy to share them with me.  Some make me laugh, so bring tears, and some just make me think. I love it when I can learn something new.

Another friend explained that sharing things is like pebbles.

Huh?

When a penguin is interested in another penguin, they bring pebbles.  I’m thinking of you. I love you.

Yeah.

Well, then, I’m the queen of pebbles.  I’m often sharing pictures of sunrises, puppies, and books.  I want to bring happiness and to let people know I’m thinking of them. That I love them.

My point?  PW dropped a pebble into our chat, and it had such an impact that I asked, “Can we turn this into a story?”

She was like…sure…?

Hence The Last Laugh.  I can’t share the meme because it’ll give away the story.  But I’m hoping readers will enjoy the story and get a kick out of the twist.  I’ve also tossed in cameos from other characters to fill the bar on New Year’s Eve.  Hopefully everyone will connect with the last call…

Okay, that’s it!  I loved telling the story.  I usually do.

Thank you, Delilah, for inviting me!  As a thank you, I would love to give away a $5 Amazon GC.  To win, please leave a comment. Where is the most interesting place you’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve? I struggled with this one, but I’d say my mother’s home on December 31^st, 1999.  I was racing back to Toronto from the Yukon to make sure I was home for Y2K.  If you’re too young to remember that, consider yourself lucky.  Leave a comment!  Random will pick a winner.  Good luck!

Last Call: A New Year’s Romance Collection

A little bit of bartender wisdom for you:

Dance like the music will never stop.

Love like it’s your first time.

Celebrate like it’s midnight on New Year’s Eve.

That last stroke on the last hour of the last day has magic in it.

Sounds like a fairytale, doesn’t it?

I’ll tell you another secret.

It’s not.

Find out more in this spicy collection containing exciting stories from USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors curated by The New Romance Café.

Authors:
Gabbi Grey
Emma Lynn Everly
VK Holt
Jill Brashear
Keighley Bradford
Mila Chase
Katie Baldwin
Chelle Pimblott
Bella Paige
Renee Dahlia
MacKade

The anthology will only be available for a limited time.

Links:
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/tnrc2024lastcall
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CX1SJ7S7
Add it to Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209467380-last-call

About “The Last Laugh” by Gabbi Grey…

Robbie

My coworker died before I could apologize. That’s a regret I’ve had to live with. Then on New Year’s Eve, there he is—or his living ghost, as gorgeous as ever. He can’t be real, but if there’s any chance to right my wrongdoing, I have to take it.

Brody

This guy staring at me across the bar somehow doesn’t feel creepy or like he’s hitting on me. He seems shocked, almost afraid. And he’s a guy I wouldn’t toss out of bed for eating crackers, so when he gets the courage to come talk to me, I figure what the hell. Maybe I’ll get lucky tonight.

The Last Laugh is a 15k short story about second thoughts, second glances, and second chances. Also, two super-hot men hoping not to go home alone at the end of the night…

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author Gabbi Grey lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black and Gabbi Powell.

Personal links:
Website: https://gabbigrey.com/
Newsletter sign-up: https://sendfox.com/gabbigrey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbigrey/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Gabbi-Grey/e/B07SJVFX1M
Audible Profile: https://www.audible.com/author/Gabbi-Grey/B07SJVFX1M
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey

Report Card

Last week…

1. My sister, Elle James, and I met up in the city for lunch—we drove to meet halfway (I had a driver get me there). It was so great to catch up. We had a lovely meal and lots of conversation and laughs.
2. I completed two authors’ edits!
3. I had a bit of a health setback mid-week that lasted for three days—throbbing back and sternum pain that had to be helped along with some opioids. TG for opioids. I also had a white blood cell count booster shot on Monday. Love those needles—not!
4. I’m still doing the daily Advent giveaway on my Facebook friends page. If you’re not there, you don’t know what fun you’re missing! I’ve given away signed books, pens, hand-painted bookmarks and postcards.
5. I watched Die Hard with the 15-year-old, who proclaimed the movie, the “best Christmas movie ever!”
6. I also took a look at my writing schedule for the coming year and made some plans. I put it to paper that I’ll have some bounty hunters and Dead Horse books out in the New Year!

This next week…

1. I have an appointment in the morning for a blood draw to see whether everything is progressing as it should and to nail down my chemo appointment for the following Monday. MY LAST CHEMO APPOINTMENT, hopefully.
2. I have no authors’ edits to complete this week. And I’m happy to have the break.
3. I still need to upload Once Upon a Legend to sites other than Amazon since it’s no longer exclusive there. I’ll try to get it done today so my calendar is completely clear.
4. I still have Christmas presents to wrap. Ugh.

Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs:

1. Word Search: Last Minute Stocking Stuffers (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Gabbi Powell: On Brand (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win a SERIES of stories!
3. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Raindrops — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Krysten Lindsay Hager: New Release: Fake Dating/Pop Star Romance That’s F*R*E*E in Kindle! — Get your FREE read in Kindle!
5. Word Search: Christmas Movies I’ll Watch! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
6. Get your copy now! F*R*E*E READ! MONTANA BOUNTY HUNTER: DEAD HORSE, MT — ELI — This offer ends the day after Christmas! Get your FREE copy now!
7. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Another Night Before Christmas — Win an Amazon gift card!

I love this time of year—the music, the colored lights, the tree, the holiday movies, and the excitement. Like most families, we have various traditions that have changed or evolved over the years. But one tradition that never changes is my mother’s fruit cake.

Yes, I said it. Fruit cake. We’re big on this holiday staple in my family and all of us would feel slighted if our mother didn’t make us one of her amazing cakes. Heck, when I was a kid, I used to ask for one for my birthday every year. Mom would make a fruit cake for the family celebration and a vanilla one for the party with my friends. I don’t know what makes hers so special. Maybe it’s the love. All I know is Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it.

Another tradition is chocolate fudge, but not just any fudge. I use the same recipe my mother used when I was a kid. It’s fast, easy, and delicious. I share it every year, but it has the seal of approval of six decades behind it.

Five Minute Fudge
(From the Carnation Milk Cookbook)

2/3 cup of Carnation milk
1 2/3 cups of sugar

~Bring sugar and milk to a boil and boil on low heat for 5 minutes. Stir constantly. Remove from heat.

Add:

1 ½ cups chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet dark chips)
1 ½ cups of plain mini marshmallows (I use Kraft minis)
1 tsp of vanilla flavouring

Stir until smooth and pour into greased 8” X 8” pan.

Cool and cut into squares.

A tradition that was lost for some decades was chocolate making. It’s labor intensive but such fun.  My brother, sister-in-law, and I revived it and have made chocolates for the past several years. It’s not only fun to revive cherished family traditions, it’s yummy too.

This time of year can be hectic with holiday preparations—decorating, baking, shopping—not to mention the parties and get-togethers. So often, when the holidays arrive, many of us are too tired to enjoy it. It doesn’t have to be that way. It shouldn’t be that way. Do yourself a favor and turn off the computer, put down the phone, and take some time to breathe. Go for a walk. If you walk in the evening, you can enjoy the festive lights. Sit in front of the tree and enjoy it. Watch a favorite holiday show with your family. Don’t let the season pass by in a blur. Being present is better than any store-bought gift you could give your loved ones.

However you spend the holiday season, I wish you and yours a Happy Holiday, Happy Yule, and a very Merry Christmas! ~ N.J.

Check out N.J.’s Lone Wolf Legacy Series

Lone Wolf Legacy Series:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTKCDR77/

About the Author

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, assassins, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Visit her at:
Website: http://www.njwalters.com
Blog: http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/gdblg5
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters

I’ve been writing YA pop star romances for a while, and this time I have a pop star romance with a fake dating trope! When Stars Collide in the City is my latest book that’s a standalone in an interconnected series. Join these teens as they take on the entertainment world.

Check out the blurb…

From the outside, Olivia Macomb looks like she leads a charmed life. She’s an up-and-coming influencer who is an heir to the Macomb family fortune, and about to start a lifestyle brand with her childhood sweetheart, Jeff. Then her world gets blown apart by her longtime boyfriend leaving her the morning of their website launch. Not only has he left, but the business she created is all in his name and she’s been left with nothing to show for all her hard work. Now she has to pick up the pieces and find out who she is on her own.

Enter Walker Vinton, the indie pop star who used to date Olivia’s close friend, Paige. When their school throws a big event, Paige asks Walker to be Olivia’s date to give to the gossip bloggers something else to talk about other than Olivia’s broken dreams.

Walker ends up coming to Olivia’s rescue in more ways than one at the party, and a twist of events leads to the two embarking on a fake relationship. Walker and Olivia wind up becoming best friends and she realizes he’s the boyfriend of her dreams.

He helps her build both her brand and her self-esteem back up. Walker even helps her start a new business. However, the lines begin to blur as Olivia’s feelings for Walker are very real. The two share intimate conversations and dreams, but what’s real and what’s fake in this starry world?

***FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED***
Get it here FREE for a limited time:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/When-Stars-Collide-City-Book-ebook/dp/B0D8BR4H2L
Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0D8BR4H2L
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0D8BR4H2L
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0D8BR4H2L

About the Author

Krysten Lindsay Hager is a bestselling author of YA and contemporary romance. She writes romance because she loves bringing people swoony moments and hope-filled happily ever afters. She writes about falling in love, fame, fitting in, frenemies, first loves, and finding your way in the world. She loves reading, watching movies, and lipstick.

Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

Many people may not know the name, Clement C. Moore, but I’m willing to bet most know his famous poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. Or perhaps, many do not know the poem by that name. How about The Night Before Christmas? Did that ring a (sleigh) bell? (See what I did there?) And who doesn’t recall these verses?

“But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

Saint Nick. Saint Nicholas. Kris Kringle. Santa Claus. Santa. Father Christmas. Are we sure this guy isn’t in the Witness Protection Program? That’s a lot of aliases for one man. Of course, he has been breaking and entering across the globe for centuries and is on plenty of news forecasters’ watchlists. But that’s not the point. Have you ever heard of Papa Noël?

Papa Noël is Louisiana’s version of the man mentioned previously. And no, there wasn’t a mistake in using the term version because there are differences. Let’s start with his mode of transportation. Reindeer, right? Eight of them plus the most famous of them all, Rudolph? Yeah? Well, forget them. Papa Noël doesn’t fly in the sky in an extravagant sleigh with jingle bells and gold trim. Nope. Papa Noël travels down the Mississippi River and Louisiana bayous in style in a pirogue pulled by a team of alligators.

“Den out on de by-you, ‘Dey got such a clatter, ‘Make soun’ like old Boudreau, ‘Done fall off his ladder.’ Santa uses a long pole to steer his pirogue, a small, shallow boat, pulled by eight alligators through the bayou. He calls to the ‘gators: ‘Ha, Gaston! ‘Ha, Tiboy! ‘Ha, Pierre an’ Alcee! ‘Gee, Ninette! ‘Gee, Suzette! ‘Celeste an’ Renee! ‘To de top o’ de porch, ‘To de top o’ de wall, ‘‘Make crawl, alligator, ‘An’ be sho’ you don’t fall.’”

And since gators pulling a pirogue is more realistic than flying reindeer pulling an enchanted sled, it’s only logical that instead of an LED-nosed reindeer, there’s an illuminated neon snout gator. Just joking. Whoever heard of a gator with a glowing snout? That’s ridiculous… more so than a halogen-endowed stag. Actually, there is a discrepancy with Papa Noël’s gators. It’s always been said that he has eight pulling his pirogue. However, Nicollette, a gator with extremely glowing green eyes, is said to lead the team. So, either, one of the gators has a double identity/ fake ID or someone can’t count. Honestly, my money is on the ladder. However, I’m not going to be the one trying to figure it out because a gator is a gator, and they all have lots of teeth—extremely sharp teeth. Just leave my gifts by the tree please and thank you. Merci.

Glowing eyed-gator or no, Papa Noël’s way is lit by lighting bonfires along the river. Beginning early in the evening, around 700 PM, bonfires are lit. These bonfires are approximately twenty feet tall and burn all night. Tourists are invited to visit the bonfire celebrations along the levees. St. James Parish has some of the most popular ones. For more information on the bonfire celebrations, visit www.myNewOrleans.com.)

And there’s no need to leave Papa Noël milk and cookies. Instead, Papa Noël takes a cold, frothy draft with his boiled shrimp and crawfish. And if draft isn’t available, he’ll have anything that’s on tap or a tumbler of an adult beverage. (Hey, this is the bayou! What do you expect?)

Now, there is some grumbling about where exactly Papa Noël hangs his hat for the other 364 days of the year. The first theory is one that most would expect: the North Pole. But have you ever seen an alligator in the North Pole? Gators are more cost-efficient than reindeer, and who couldn’t use that in this economy? Reindeers do not hibernate and would need to be fed year-round. Alligators, on the other hand, stop feeding when the temperatures drop. Besides, couldn’t you just see them feasting on all those elves? How messy. And yet, another reason the kiddos shouldn’t wait up on Christmas Eve. Gators be hangry. That’s a tad more problematic than the Grinch wrecking the Who’s meal.

“He took the Who’s feast, he took the Who pudding, he took the roast beast. He cleaned out that ice box as quick as a flash. Why, the Grinch even took their last can of Who hash.”

The second theory which makes far more sense is that Papa Noël resides deep in the Louisiana bayous. And if it’s where I’m thinking, this girl won’t be trying to find it. Cos anyone who knows anything about the bayous already knows that if something moves you better be prepared to run. There are plenty of things (on the ground, in the trees, floating beneath the water) that snack on walking people-kabobs. What better place to avoid prying eyes than where the Swamp People dare not venture? Papa Noël definitely wouldn’t have an issue with solicitors or anyone peddling propaganda pamphlets. There would be no need for grocery shopping because supper would be fished straight out of the river. And he’d never have to worry about rezoning mandates or annexes that would increase the taxes on his toy factory. (As a bonus, the elves wouldn’t know about minimal wage increases. Just saying.)

Now, let’s talk about the Grimm twist. For this part, adults might want to turn the kiddies’ eyes away from this. The Brothers Grimm weren’t known for their…uh, should we say…sensitivity? Case in point:

• In the original Cinderella, the stepsisters chop off their toes and heels to fit into the boot.
• In Hansel and Gretel, their parents willingly abandon them in the forest.

Most people are familiar that if a person is on Santa’s Naughty List, Santa will leave that person a lump of coal in their stocking. Papa Noël doesn’t make that threat. “Why?” you ask. Because after Papa Noël finishes leaving presents for all the children on the Nice List, Papa Fouettard arrives to whip and beat the rotten out of the bad ones. Yes, you heard correctly. He shows up with a belt in hand. He doesn’t waste time with timeouts or grounding. It’s the strap… or a switch if you’re way out in the woods. Complain about a lump of coal now. I dare you. Call CPS if you want to, but he’ll spank them, too.

References:

• A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore
• Cajun Night Before Christmas by Trosclair and James Rice
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

That’s all I got. I hope you had a few giggles. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. Had you ever heard of Papa Noël or Papa Fouettard? Do you think Papa Fouettard is too politically incorrect for present day? Where do you think Papa Noël lives? Have you ever visited one of the Louisiana bonfire celebrations? If so, which ones. Let me know your thoughts below in the comment section. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. And if you like this post, consider clicking the like button and sharing.

Demon Rodeo

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

*Note: All of my books can be purchased from brick-and-mortar bookstores (e.g., Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million, etc.) as well if requested at the checkout counter.)

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

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Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

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LOCKER ROOM LOVE

Locker Room Love Series

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

• Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out.
• Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game.
• Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin.
• Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin.
• Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

I’m thrilled to be joining Elle James’ Brotherhood Protectors World with the release of Under Fire in February 2025.

This book is the first in a series about four brothers in arms, but what makes it extra special is that it was inspired by Desiree Holt, a longtime beloved author friend. Desiree contributed several books to the Brotherhood Protectors World, and the readers were always supportive and enthusiastic.

I waited a long time to approach Elle about writing in her world, but I finally got the gumption. Elle said yes, and the plotting began! The book is dedicated to Desiree, and the main characters are named after her: Desiree, the heroine, and Holt, the hero.

Here’s a sneak peek from the book. If you’d like to be notified when it’s available, click here.

About the Book…

Holt Stevens had two choices–retire from his beloved SEAL team or face a dishonorable discharge. Neither was fair, and his forced departure left a chip the size of a mountain on his shoulder. When he hears about Hank Patterson’s elite organization, it is his last chance to find a brotherhood like the one he left behind. He’s ready to pledge his life and his allegiance to the man willing to give him a second chance. What he didn’t count on was an indefinite stay in a remote mountain cabin with a single mom and her belligerent fourteen-year-old daughter.

Desiree Harbaugh has dedicated her life to protecting her daughter from the father she never knew. A powerful political force behind the scenes due to his family money and connections, Desiree discovered he was peddling his influence to foreign powers soon after becoming pregnant. After fifteen years on the run, her secret has been discovered which means neither of them are safe. When Desiree turns to her old friend and employer, Sadie McClain, now Sadie Patterson, for help, she must entrust her and her daughter’s safety to a stoic stranger.

With unlimited resources and a maniacal determination to claim his daughter, Desiree’s ex-lover corners the trio in a standoff that may cost Holt his life. If they survive, saying goodbye to the woman and child he has come to love could demand an even bigger price–his heart.

Enjoy this Sneak Peek…

“Explain it one more time, son. This time without the attitude.” Hank Patterson crossed one booted foot over the other and leaned against the wooden beam at the top of the stairs leading up to the wide front porch like he didn’t have anywhere to be.

Holt Stevens clamped his back teeth together hard enough to grind rocks. One, Hank Patterson wasn’t old enough to be his father. Two, he intentionally played off the height differential, using the advantage to try to intimidate Holt. Three, he’d been trying to shake the attitude for three months now but its grip only tightened. It was a python around his chest, slowly squeezing the life out of him.

“I was instructed to voluntarily forfeit my military career or face court martial and potentially being dishonorably discharged.”

“It would take a helluva reason for a SEAL to give up his team.” Patterson narrowed his eyes, as if that made it easier for him to peer into Holt’s skull.

He stood his ground, unphased by the Montana man’s assessment. If anything, the astute observation that he’d been forced to quit his team–not a job, not a career, but the men he’d served with–reaffirmed Holt’s conviction that his future lay with Brotherhood Protectors. Only another SEAL would understand the depth and strength of those bonds.

Which made his CO’s betrayal burn even deeper.

“I didn’t have a choice, sir.” He held Patterson’s gaze, waiting to see how hard he’d push.

“There’s always a choice. Doesn’t mean it’s easy. And a lot of times it isn’t fair.”

There it was. The open door. The invite. The test.

If he wanted a job with Patterson’s organization, there had to be trust. And it apparently went both ways.

“My commanding officer has a nineteen-year-old daughter.” Holt sucked in a breath, eyes momentarily drifting to the view of the hazy purple foothills leading into the Crazy Mountains. “She caught me in the parking lot outside a bar one night, came onto me, and I sent her on her way. She must have hooked up with someone later that evening who took advantage of her offer and assaulted her. She went to Daddy with her black eye and torn sundress and blamed me.”

“Why didn’t you fight it?” Patterson looked more curious than judgmental. “Why would she name you and not the actual perp?”

“With what proof?” Holt barked, no humor in his laugh. “It was a case of he said, she said. No one witnessed the encounter in the parking lot, and I spent the rest of the night alone at my apartment. Someone beat her up, and my CO was willing to take her word over mine. At least I left on my own terms instead of living under a cloud of suspicion and disgrace.”

“There you go.” A grim smile creased Patterson’s face. “You made your choice. But I’ll bet you’re still living under a dark cloud.”

For the first time since leaving San Diego, the python’s grip abated and Holt could breathe again. “I need a job.”

He needed more than that–a new start, a new brotherhood, a new purpose–but he’d start with employment. Steeple McGuire, one of the instructors that got him through SEAL training now retired and living in Key West, had told him about the elite organization that provided protection to those in danger. If Patterson didn’t take him on, Holt wasn’t sure what his next move would be.

“McGuire gave me a heads-up you might land on my front porch. Had a lot of good things to say about you, but he warned me you’re the type to simmer. You tend to hold a grudge. We deal with enough explosions, literal and figurative. Don’t need any more.” Patterson relaxed his stance and hitched a thumb toward the front door. “Hungry? I was just sitting down for lunch. Sadie, my wife, went into town with Emma. I’m not used to eating in silence.”

He shifted uncomfortably, remembering how things had gone south with his CO. The guy had known him for almost a decade. He was family, just like the rest of the SEAL team. But blood really was thicker than water, and the betrayal left him wary about getting close to people again.

Still…Patterson would never hire him if he doubted Holt’s loyalty and commitment.

“I’ve been sleeping in my truck and eating fast food for the past month. A homecooked meal sounds great.” He followed Holt into the rustic house, drawn in by the warm colors, natural textures, and expansive framed views of the landscape. A woman’s touch had softened the rough beams and angular spaces, turning the structure into a beautiful home.

Something hot and uncomfortable exploded in Holt’s chest. It took a few seconds to recognize the emotion as envy. The loss of his career and community left a vast empty space in his life, underscoring the consequences of choosing to serve in the military. With sudden, painfully sharp clarity, he realized how much he’d given up to become a Navy SEAL.

Now, here he was with absolutely nothing to show for it.

A burst of anger replaced the envy. All of his sacrifice and dedication had proven worthless, ripped away by the false claims of a spoiled young woman who couldn’t handle rejection. Hell, he’d done the right thing and still lost it all.

“Stewing in all that misery is going to ruin your appetite,” Patterson commented. “If you’re too obsessed with whatever dark thoughts are running through your head, I’ll make you a baloney and American cheese sandwich on white bread. My wife’s green chili enchiladas deserve your undivided attention.”

Coming in 2025!