Colonel Neil: A Romantic Short Story

By Scarlett Press

Don’t fall in love with the man who kidnapped you.

It’s a simple rule, but Jodi’s track record with men has been one train wreck after the other. The cherry on top is her attempt at being a Good Samaritan resulting in being taken captive and held hostage in a hotel room.

Wearing army issued fatigues, she assumes her captor is from the base nearby. He has the haircut and the clipped discipline of a professional soldier. And despite his threats, he as the polite respect which his drilled into an officer.

When men dressed in all-black find their hotel room – shooting without warning – the possibility that her captor isn’t the real bad guy here slams home. Jodi is thrust into a split decision: Help the wounded soldier escape, or leave him and run?

Colonel Neil is a short 9k word story. A quickie for when you don’t have much time. It features a soldier and a damsel who both need saving. There will be some trials, and there will be an HEA.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steamy eReads
• Release date: May 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005390761

Book preview

...and they left me there on the base, Jodi finished tensely.  Her fingernails were digging into her palms, drawing blood.  Why must I tell you this every session?  she burst out.

Jarod put his pen down on the yellow legal pad he used to take notes. Because you need to talk about it freely.  It's still affecting your life in many ways, Dr. Townshend explained.

Jodi shrugged. Not in any way that's important, she replied defensively.

Shaking his head, Jarod reminded. You've been my patient for three years, and still no long-term relationships.  She shrugged again. Don't you want a husband, children, a personal connection with a man?  he asked gently.

Jodi shook her head. I trust no one.

She was freezing up, so Jarod moved along. Have you spoken with your father lately?  he inquired, probing delicately.

No, she said definitely.  Mom called last week, and she wants me to come to the base for Thanksgiving.  My brother Jake and his wife Windy were transferred there.  I want to go but the general will be there... she trailed off.

Jarod sighed with frustration.  He'd seen her for three years, and for three years she'd never call the general father.  I think you should go.  It would allow you to resolve some issues.  I know it's a different base, but you need to see your father.  It's been ten years, hasn't it?

She nodded. Two weeks after... I came here to Fiji to live with my grandmother Irma.  I still remember my mother telling me that she thought Washington was the best place for me until the general calmed down.  Jodi wore a bitter expression, and her body language radiated hostility.

Give some thought to going, Jarod suggested.  There's not much else I can do for you, Jodi.  Not unless you face some of these issues and decide you want to get better.  I'm here to help you help yourself, but I can't be your crutch, and I can't help you if you don't open up.

Jodi thought about it for the rest of the week and finally decided to spend Thanksgiving at the base in Idaho with her... family?  It was a word she hadn't used much since grandma Irma died and had not applied to the other Topellos for many years.

She took her first vacation from KFJI in the five years she'd worked there and headed out in her Suzuki Sidekick for the drive from Washington to Idaho.  She found her foot dragging on the accelerator more than once and had to force herself to continue onward.

She arrived in thirteen hours, and her mother greeted her stiffly.  There were no hugs, no kisses, no words of love exchanged, and not one tear was shed by either woman.  The general was nowhere inside when Jodi was led into the house her parents lived in, technically not base housing but still inside the compound.