Tanner

By Pandora Snow

This disciplinarian's craving a sweet sensual siren. She's messy, overworked, and accidentally underdressed. What happens when fate forces them to choose between forever and family?

 

Tanner lives by ingrained military regimen and order. Two lonesome years at sea have left his appetite voracious for a temptress. But his sexy sassy neighbor won't relent unless he loosens his impenetrable restrictive rule.

Savannah's barely surviving twelve hour shifts in the ER. Tanner's resurrecting her burned out body with every demanding passionate touch. When a crash victim dies before her eyes, she questions everything.

Tanner's maintaining restraint until a devious familiar face threatens to shatter their intoxicating love affair. Unless he can have her all to himself, he won't have her at all.

Will Tanner sacrifice his own identity to protect her safety and recover her precious bleeding heart?

 

Tanner's a captivating steamy small town military romance. If you love a cocky commanding hero with an undiscovered heart of gold, you'll fall for Tanner too.

Click here to read Tanner, prequel to the runaway best-selling ALPHAS series by Pandora Snow.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pandora Snow
• Release date: Nov 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393703167

Pandora Snow

I’m a blossoming romance writer hoping to inspire women with passion, desire, and self-acceptance. Give yourself permission to take some time for self-care and escape from your everyday worries. And if all else fails, hug a pug (Proud Pug Mom of Three).  You are a blessing and I appreciate you. Love, Pandora

Book preview

Savannah

The lightness of my heart feeds my glorious mood this morning, completing a three-mile run along the winding city park trail. My nursing certificate is nearly complete, the remaining microbiology final Wednesday. 

I'm in love with the abundant year-round sunshine and relaxed pace of living in San Diego. My move six months ago was perfectly timed, the internship offered at Sharp Memorial proving invaluable experience. The cost of living is also much more affordable, the skyrocketing rents of San Francisco pricing me out of the city.

My pace slows as I near the house, watching Mr. Wallace's vehicle enter the driveway. A mist of sweat beads across my forehead, my hair damp and unkept. Katey's enthusiasm was contagious yesterday as she relayed every detail of her big brother's arrival. It's evident she worships him, her fragile self-esteem in need of a familial boost. I transition to a cool down, approaching their driveway as the three neighbors exit the car.

Hi Savannah, she greets with an exuberant wave, grinning from ear to ear.

Hey, Katey, I reply sweetly, my sporadic breath returning to a steady pace.

I wish she would have warned me. From the rear right passenger seat exits a six-foot-four sandy-brown haired hunk dressed in a Navy uniform. His physique is expertly honed, broad shoulders, a trim waist, and captivating blue eyes. My suddenly nervous feet remain firmly planted to the cement as he strolls casually in my direction, his facial muscles neutral.

He opens the trunk lid, removing an overstuffed Navy duffle bag, Mr. Wallace saying hello. My admiring expression gives away my emotions; Katey walking over to make introductions.

This is my big brother, Tanner. Savannah's our new neighbor, she smiles to her brother, his intense gaze sweeping greedily along my unnerved body.

Pleasure to meet you, Savannah, he croons in a low deep voice, tingling ensuing in the recesses of my core.

Likewise, Tanner, I reply, unable to prevent the obvious desire in my voice from escaping my suddenly dry lips.

I stand still like a buffoon, watching them enter the garage, Katey excitedly tugging on his long arm. Dating hasn't been on my radar; every spare minute spent studying for exams. The relentless internship schedule leaves me little available time. Perhaps after I take my final, I'll find a subtle way to determine if he's interested.

This glorious Saturday has turned out to be fantastic, indeed. As I continue about my day, his intriguing eyes dance through my mind, wondering if he'd go to a movie with me. I'm working the third shift tonight at the hospital, twelve hours of organized chaos in the ER. One thing I know already about my handsome neighbor is his steadfast love for his little sister. Any man who shares open affection with his sibling is date-worthy indeed.

Chapter Two - Tanner

Damn, Katey should have warned me. Savannah's hot. Any guy would jump at the chance to date her after staring at men’s ugly mugs aboard ship the last forty-eight months. She's a runner, an easy way to spark a conversation next time we meet. I noticed her hair was a bit of a mess, and her clothes looked well worn. My high standards require a neat, clean state at all times. But that could be overlooked given the right situation, like if we were naked.

Katey's a nonstop chatterbox as we have lunch, telling me about her circle of friends and who's dating who. I’m shocked other parents allow their teenage daughters to spend time alone with hormonal boys. Dad's been pretty loose enforcing rules with her. I'll step in and ensure we're all clear about acceptable behavior and curfews. Guidelines establish order, maintaining agreement, and allowing the days to flow smoothly.

My phone lights up, a text from Barber. We served together in the tower, his specialty radar surveillance. He shares there's a new gym opening near his house, looking for personal trainers and managers. His father is friends with the owner. I reply we should meet up this afternoon. 

Working at the San Diego Airport is my ultimate goal, but I need specific commercial certifications before transitioning into a civilian post. The fitness center would be a perfect interim position to keep me in peak physical conditioning while earning a paycheck. Of course, the side benefit of a steady flow of women in spandex yoga pants would add tremendously to the appeal.

I've got a job opportunity at a new gym later today. Do you want me to start on the yardwork, Dad? The lawn's turned into a weed garden.

Sure, go for it.

More than one do-it-yourself project has been left undone around the home, my Dad neither a handyman nor a perfectionist. 

Can you drop me off at the mall on your way? I'm meeting some girls from school.

I glance to Dad, unsure what, if any, rules he's issued. When he shrugs his shoulders, I take command.

Sure, Katey. But I'm going to meet these friends first before I leave you alone. Two hours is enough time to get what you need.

Geez, it's Saturday. Tell you what; I'll ask Chrissy's Mom to drop me off after we see a movie. They only live a few blocks away.

I can't even count the issues I have with that plan; out past dark, in a movie theater for hours, with friends I haven’t met, and riding in a stranger's car.

Negative tower, sis. What movie do you want to see?

She doesn't immediately answer, confirming my suspicions the movie isn't what or who’s piquing her interest.

My offer stands, two hours.

Dad! she whines, his hands surrendering in the air.

Fine, she huffs, stomping to her bedroom.

Some semblance of discipline and order must quickly be reestablished in this house. Dad’s admirably navigated her precarious teenage years in my absence; they’re a social landmine for sure. But letting her run rampant without structure will keep both of us up at night with worry.

After enjoying a simple, comforting lunch, which I made myself, I knock on my sister's bedroom door and turn the handle. The lock's engaged, another violation I'll need to correct.

Ready? I ask, hearing her chatting on the phone.

Meet you in the car, she yells through the door.

My disapproving face instantly frowns as she walks out the front door wearing a skimpy tank top and ripped jeans shorts. Facing her attitude changes in these blossoming years will surely test my patience. Remaining calm is my best line of defense in maintaining her trust while persuading her to embrace modesty.

I'm not used to seeing you in these types of clothes, I muse as we begin driving towards the downtown mall.

Two years is an eternity when you're a teenager. I'm more grown-up now. You shouldn't worry about me.

"My protection instincts are strong thanks to regimented Navy training. I want us to have clear lines of communication, so I know