Some Kind of Hero

By Ava Catori

He's built like a god—sexy and strong.

She'd give anything to be in his arms. Unfortunately, she barely registers on his radar. When she does, sparks fly, and a new relationship is born.

 

Austin is recently back from a tour of duty and hardened from past hurts.

He needs time and space to heal. Women are the last thing on his mind. After caving and finding himself drawn to Kate, his life is turned upside down. When he's called away, their new relationship gets put to the test. Are their new feelings real or is it simply infatuation? Should they fight for love or walk away before everything comes crashing down?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ava Catori Books
• Release date: May 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201898533

Book preview

Chapter 1

I dove for the ball—not the smartest idea. Here, I thought I was being sporty and awesome, but instead I face planted into the ground. To add insult to injury, the volleyball slammed into the net and never made it over.

My team surrounded me. Are you okay?

It was my wounded pride that got me off the ground. Everything hurt. It was like I’d been tackled by a football’s defensive tackle team. I bit my cheek to stop from crying.

I nodded, and gave a big thumb’s up, hoping my false bravery was enough to cover my bluff.

As soon as the others started to play again, I excused myself to clean up. That’s when the tears started. The shock of the moment wore off, and all I was left with was pain and embarrassment.

Let’s get you some ice, Heather chimed in. She guided me to the kitchen. Summer was coming to a close. Having a barbecue with some friends seemed like the thing to do.

Fudge, it hurts so much, I said, trying to stop the flow of bad words that wanted to come out.

Heather grabbed a bag of frozen peas and wrapped them in a kitchen towel. After she handed them to me, I placed the bag on my face. I groaned, thinking the worst. I hope I didn’t break it.

Heather’s husband, Scott, found his way to the kitchen, You okay, Tiger? Nice dive.

I’ll survive, I said, trying to act tough.

I’m going to make a quick beer run. Austin and Jake are on the way over, and they’re ready to let loose. Scott and Heather had been married for a while now, and were the cutest couple I’d ever met.

Okay. Heather turned her attention back to me. She lowered her voice to a hushed whisper. I was hoping they’d make it. Austin is the one I was telling you about.

Are you still trying to set me up? I was certain Austin would be another of her ‘he’s perfect for you’ pitches. Not that there weren’t some nice people along the way, but it was getting old. We had different opinions of what was good for me. I hate to say it, but I need chemistry. If there isn’t a spark, I wasn’t interested in kindling the fire.

She groaned and cautioned me. I know what you’re thinking, but this is Austin, you know the soldier I told you about. Jake and Austin just got back from deployment. He’s not looking for a lifetime career – I know that’s something you were worried about with some of Scott’s other friends.

Heather, I love you, really I do, but we have different ideas on this, I finally said, hoping it was enough to stop her continual need to set me up.

Fine, be that way. Just know Jake is in a relationship and off limits. Austin, on the other hand is a free man, not to mention, a sight for sore eyes. Her tone went up playfully. I’m pretty sure you’re going to thank me for introducing you.

I shook my head. And here I am looking my best. Aren’t I a peach, a swollen, rosy face after slamming onto the ground? And this is when you want to introduce me to Prince Charming? You’re never going to stop, are you?

Nope, not going to stop, so it’s easier to just accept it don’t you think? Heather grinned. Anyway, you’ll thank me.

We’d become fast friends after meeting through work. We hit it off right away. Her husband Scott was in the military, as was half the town. It was a way of life here. At work, our cubicles were a little farther apart than they used to be, but we’re still in the same office.

This year alone, she’d already set me up with five or six guys. It’s not that they weren’t nice or attractive; it’s just that we didn’t click. I think she has other ideas of what I want in a relationship. I did my best to laugh off the bad dates, because she got so much joy out of the matchmaking process. And let’s face it, it’s not like I had anything better to do.

After getting fixed up with ice, we went back outside to join the others. Scott was due back shortly from his beer run, and the party was going strong. There were easily thirty people talking, eating, playing ball, and hanging out. What were one or two more?

When Jake and Austin showed up, it was obvious everybody knew them. They’d gone through their last tour, had their reintegration period, and were finally on their block leave ready to have fun.

I didn’t know which was which, but damn, one of them held my attention. As they made their rounds, I finally got an introduction. I couldn’t look away from one of the guys. He was gorgeous, like dreamy, gorgeous, the kind of hot that makes you sweat like you’d been eating too many chili peppers.

Heather walked over with me. Austin, Jake, so glad you boys could make it. This is my friend Kate. We work together.

I sensed her ‘told you so’ smile. "Kate, this is Jake, and this is Austin."

Wow. That’s Austin. Nice. I couldn’t think clearly. I looked at the man before me and prayed I didn’t make a fool of myself, something I did well on most occasions. I felt like a schoolgirl. My entire body was on fire—better call the fire department. I tried to sound casual, but I’m pretty sure there was a sigh or squeak in there. Hey.

When he smiled, he oozed sex appeal. His short, dark hair was cropped in a military cut, and his eyes, wow, I could get lost for days. Don’t even get me started on his body. He was as big as an ox, tall, and muscled. His shoulders went on for miles and his biceps were like rocks. I ached to feel his arms around me and put my head on his chest. Holy moly, I was in lust.

It’s nice to meet you, they said in unison.

We made small talk until Scott came in to steal them away. I turned to look at Heather. She knew immediately I was smitten. Maybe it was the way my eyes went wide and glossed over, or the huge smile I couldn’t wipe off my face, but she knew. She grinned at her victory.

I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. The guys joined the volleyball game in progress. I think I melted into a puddle of goo when he pulled his shirt up over his head and tossed it aside. I forced myself not to drool. It was a challenge!

Austin had ink on his arms and his body screamed soldier. It was embarrassing how hard I was falling...I had it bad. I could barely look away. His dog tags jingled as he jumped for the ball, spiking it down onto the other side of the net. I’d never been so drawn to a guy on one single impression. I wanted to lick his body from top to bottom.

The problem was that he barely flinched when he met me. He didn’t feel the spark, or should I say burning flames of desire that I did. I wasn’t sure how to change that, but I made it a goal to spend a little face time with him at some point during the picnic. I wanted his number. I needed him to call me – now. I wanted to take him inside and do naughty things with him, but my reality was so obviously one-sided, because the only thing he seemed to care about at the moment was beer and volleyball.

My long, dark hair was tied up in a loose ponytail. I was mostly make-up free after icing my face, and my t-shirt was stained from grass after my fall. I was hardly at my best, and it hit me hard when I realized he barely noticed me.

I groaned. I look like crap, not exactly a great first impression.

Give it time. He needs to let loose. Once that’s out of his system, then I’ll set you up. He’s had a rough year. I’ll broach the topic with Scott when the time is right. She stood up and pasted a smile on her face. I’d better make the rounds and act like a host. I’d be happy to sit in the shade and have a few more beers with you, but I should at least mingle. I’ll be back.

When Heather left, I turned my attention back to Austin. I didn’t mean to stare. He caught me looking. I twisted away and tried to act like it hadn’t actually happened.

Chapter 2

Scott was manning the grill. My stomach rumbled at the thought of food, and I was more than ready to eat. He plated up a hot dog for me, and I set off in search of ketchup and potato chips. I carefully squeezed a line of ketchup on my dog.

My back was turned when I heard his voice. I’m more of a mustard guy myself.

There’s no accounting for taste, I teased, not exactly sure who was talking to me. I spun around and came face to face with Austin. I startled and almost dumped my plate. I caught it just before my hot dog could roll off. I wrangled the hot dog back to its original spot. Hey! It’s Austin, right?

Yep, he said. Grabbing some chips.

He turned and walked away. I guess my conversational talent wasn’t quite the magnet I’d hoped it to be. This was bad. I wanted him to feel the same pull I felt when I was in his orbit. Only, he barely registered that I was standing before him. I could have been naked and I think he would have looked right through me.

Austin! I called out, desperately trying to think of something clever and charming to say.

He turned around, a few feet away now, Yeah?

Nice to meet you... And she falls flat on her face for the second time today. I kicked myself for not saying something funny and delightful, something that would draw him back to me like glue.

You, too. Then he was gone, off to find his friends and better conversation.

Well, it was nice while it lasted. He’s obviously not interested – enjoy him from afar.

Heather found me. I’ve done my good host bit and made the rounds.

We rambled about nonsense, enjoying the last days of summer. The big shade tree in her backyard offered comfort on the hot, sunny day.  I filled her in on my lackluster performance with Austin. I totally blew it. I wanted to be cute and witty, but I had nothing. Seriously, it was bad. Apparently, I’m the queen of boring quips, because he couldn’t get away from me fast enough.

Oh, you have it bad. I’ll see if I can accelerate things. I’m such a good friend, she mused. Besides, you don’t want him yet. He needs some downtime. Let him get that stuff out of his system first. Trust me, when Scott gets back after a deployment, it takes awhile for us to work through those bits and pieces. You’ll have plenty of time later – when it will count.

He’s so... my jaw was open wide, full of expression when who should walk up, of course, again looking my best.

Heather, can I steal Scott away next weekend. He says it’s up to you. Austin’s sweaty body gleamed in the sun, giving him a delicious masculine glow.

The entire weekend? She winced.

Be a pal, he coaxed. I just want to help my little sister get moved into her new place at college. I told her I’d send a bunch of guys to help her get settled.

Heather gave in. Fine, but that only takes one day.

She’s in California, he grimaced.

What?

Austin laughed. I’m playing. I hoped to get some one-on-one time with him. I could use someone to talk to if you don’t mind. You know, guy stuff.

Are you okay? Heather asked, concerned.

He nodded. Just the usual crap after a tour.

Okay, you can have him, but stay out of trouble, she teased.

Thanks, Heather.

Austin, could you help my friend Kate. She was saying she wanted to... she stumbled, and I watched her revive in an instant. She wants to learn how to spike the volleyball over the net, but she’s having trouble.

Could be a height thing. And, you need to be close, he said.

Show her how, she nudged.