My Daddy is a Hero 3

By Dahlia Rose

Lies made Gunny Sergeant Aidan Brooks turn away from the connection he made with Cherish Walker. Their one nightstand that was filled ecstasy and need like he never knew ended with his friend ruining it all. It seemed that it culminated in something else as well because when Cherish finally reached him, she was three months pregnant. When the truth finally came out, Aidan rushed home just in time to see the birth of his son and the betrayal in Cherish’s eyes. Dealing with bombs, insurgents, and danger at every turn in Afghanistan was almost routine. Trying to be a new father and make amends for his mistakes with Cherish was the hardest mission of his life. He loved the woman who gave him the gift of a child, but working his way back into her life might not happen if she never trusted him again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dahlia Rose
• Release date: Apr 23, 2012
• ISBN: 9781936668786

Dahlia Rose

Dahlia Rose is the best-selling author of contemporary, military and paranormal romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on a Caribbean island and now currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her five kids, who she affectionately nicknamed “The Children of the Corn,” and her biggest supporter and longtime love. She has a love of erotica, dark fantasy, sci-fi, and the things that go bump in the night. With over six dozen books published Dahlia has become a reader favorite. Not only because of her writing but her vivacious attitude in talking to her fans online and at various events. Books and writing are her biggest passions, and she hopes to open your imagination to the unknown between the pages of her books. http://hearttoheartwithdahliarose.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/author.dahliarose www.twitter.com/dahliarose1029

Book preview

My Daddy is a Hero: Gunnery Sergeant Aidan Brooks

By Dahlia Rose

Published by Dahlia Rose at Smashwords

www.authordahliarose.com

Copyright © April 2012 Dahlia Rose

Cover Art by For the Muses Design

ISBN 978-1-936668-78-6

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

The nightclub in Charlotte, North Carolina was jumping. Maybe it was because it was filled with Marines on leave or because it was the perfect Saturday night where the wind was cool and you could smell summer in the air. Twenty-seven-year-old Cherish Walker already had her guy and he was a definite keeper. They clicked from the time he asked her to dance and he was at the bar getting them a few drinks while she sat at the table with his buddy. Gunny Aidan Brooks was sexy as hell with green eyes that held laughter and a jaw line that looked as if it was sculpted by the gods. He was thirty four and had a career in the military, first signing up when he was eighteen years old. His arms were huge, and she could imagine being held in them. If she even thought about his abs, they wouldn’t get past the drinks. His buddy, on the other hand, was a slime ball. Jose Rodriguez knew full well that she had a thing for Aidan yet he still insisted on hitting on her behind his friend’s back. It was like he couldn’t understand why she liked Aidan over him, and as the night progressed she liked him less and less.

So when are you going to let me take you home? Jose asked.

The twelfth of never, she answered instantly. Listen, can’t you see I’m into your friend?

Jose laughed. Can’t you see I could give you a better ride than he ever could, baby?

He reached out to touch her hand and Cherish gave him a cold look. If you touch me I’ll taser you in the balls and fry those boys.

Jose grinned, but it didn’t travel to his eyes. Okay, baby, I get when I’m not wanted.

Obviously not, she retorted and got up to find Aidan. Don’t wait up for your friend; we’ll be hanging out all night.

Bitch.

Even over the music she heard his words. Cherish knew that Jose wanted her to hear him, but didn’t care. She met Aidan in the middle of the crowded dance floor and stood on her tippy toes to kiss him. He put the drinks he was holding on the table closest to him and pulled her in for a searing kiss that left her breathless.

When he broke the kiss, she whispered close to his ear so he could hear her. I don’t usually do this. In fact, I never have, but I feel a connection with you. Aidan, come back to my place.

Let me just tell Jose I’m out. His green eyes darkened with desire.

I already told him we were leaving. Cherish took his hand and pulled him out into the cool Charlotte night.

The streets were pulsating with people and music as they walked.

Aidan put an arm around her waist and pulled her closer before teasing, You’re not using me as a one night stand, are you?

Do I look like that type of girl? Cherish asked.

You never know. You might just want me for my righteous body, Aidan said.

Righteous? Laughter spilled from Cherish’s lips. Trust me. I want more than that.

Good because when we head out in the morning, I want to see my e-mail inbox filled with messages from you while I’m gone, Aidan said. I’ll call you whenever I can.

Don’t all the soldiers heading out say that for a night of sex with an unknown woman? Cherish questioned.

I don’t, he said huskily. "I feel something with you, and I’d like to see where it goes. Plus, you invited me, remember?"

That’s because I’m a woman who knows what she wants, Cherish said, wrapping her arms around his waist. And I want you.

Another two blocks to the second ward area of Charlotte and they arrived at her place. It was in one of the new high rise condo units that were built around the city. And the cost was upwards of three hundred thousand dollars. Cherish had bought her condo for the full price, paid in full.

Aidan whistled. You live here? The rent must be out of this world.

I own my place, Cherish replied and used her key card to get into the lobby.

Maybe I should ask what you do for a living. Aidan followed her inside.

I’m a clothing designer, and I own my own boutiques.

I’d like see your work sometime. Aidan kissed her fingers before they took the stairs. I knew these hands were perfect for a reason.

Cherish shook her head. You are completely different than the other men I know. Most guys are uncomfortable that I make more money than they do.

He shrugged. If a man can’t be secure in himself, it’s on his head. If he’s not happy, he should go for his dream. You did it and good show. Why would I fault you for being successful?

Cherish felt a little breathless and it wasn’t because of taking the stairs. Aidan Brooks was that perfect fit she had been looking for in her life. The thought of him going away to Afghanistan caused tears to prick her eyes. They would make tonight special, and then they would have time to learn about each other from thousands of miles away. She had never been one to

Reviews for My Daddy is a Hero 3

[sheila · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good story

[arecafe · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My Daddy is a Hero: Master Chief Marrone by Dahlia Rose is a fairly short story with a fast paced plot. The story features an interracial couple. Fabian is no stranger to dating women of color and in fact his ex-wife is black. Taryn has no problems dating a white man and she’s loved him in silence for years. Despite being a short novel, there is much attention to details in developing each character and creating a complex plot with many angles. It begins on a happy note with Fabian looking forward to returning home and then bam! His world is turned upside down by the kidnapping of his daughter.

Master Chief Fabian is glad his days of active duty are over and he can’t wait to start his life stateside. Fabian’s daughter, Cae, is growing up without either parent since his ex-wife decided drugs were more important than her family. Cae’s caregiver, Taryn, has been by Fabian’s side as a friend and substitute mother to Cae and he’s decided to make them a real family if Taryn will have him. Disaster strikes when his daughter is kidnapped by her strung out mother. Taryn is wracked with grief because Cae is stolen while in her care. Both characters are very realistic in their approach to the situation. It seems normal though unfair for Fabian to blame Taryn and for this intense and emotional time to be the moment for Taryn’s true feelings to come spilling out. The suspense heightens as they search for his daughter. The chemistry between Fabian and Taryn seems to flow naturally and clearly it makes perfect sense for them to take their relationship to the next level. This is a great short read with a fun plot.

~ Susan for AReCafe