Desert Alpha: A Lady Boss Press Navy SEAL Novella, Bethany Lopez [readict books .txt] 📗

arms or seeing her cheer up my buddy who, let’s face it, was often crass and unfit for company, all with a giant, guileless smile on her face. But sometime during the day I’d been hit with the realization that I wanted more than this trip with Cass.

Strong, funny, sweet, beautiful, and so empathetic and caring. She was everything I’d been wanting in a woman but hadn’t believed was out there. I was so sure of my feelings that I did something I hadn’t done since my divorce. I texted my mom to tell her I’d met someone.

Which was huge.

“Scotty seemed to be doing better by the time we left,” Cass said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

We were sitting on a blanket on the beach, looking out over the crashing waves and enjoying the sea breeze.

“Because of you,” I told her, taking her hand in mine and holding it on the blanket between us.

“Not only because of me, he was happy to see you too,” she replied.

Rather than argue the point I simply smiled at her.

My phone buzzed and I glanced at it, a chuckle escaping my lips when I saw my mother’s response.

“What’s so funny?” Cass asked.

“I texted my mom about you.”

“You did?” she asked, seeming surprised.

I nodded and said, “Yeah. Told her I’m met someone and in true mom fashion she went off the deep end.”

“My mom’s the same way. What’d she say?”

“She wants to meet you. Said we can fly out there to see her or she’ll come here. She asked what you’re like, where you work, what you look like, and if you’re nice.”

“Wow, all that in one text?”

“Told you she went off,” I said, leaning back to rest on my elbows.

Cass laid down with her head on my belly but faced me instead of the ocean.

“Would you want me to meet your mom? Already?”

I gazed into her beautiful eyes and told her the truth.

“Yeah, I would, and I don’t say that lightly. The only women my mom ever met was my high school girlfriend and my ex-wife. But I’m sure about you, about us and where I see us going.”

“You think we can make a long-distance thing work?” she asked, chewing on her bottom lip in a way that made me want to follow suit.

“The distance isn’t that long. Plus, it’s not like we’ll be at these bases forever. I’ve only got about another year on my enlistment and I haven’t been so sure I’d stay in. This job can be hell on your body, mind, and soul. Plus, I’ve had some job offers in the civilian sector.”

“Really?” she asked, excitedly.

“Yes, really. Especially after this last mission,” I admitted, blocking out the sounds of gunfire and men screaming.

“I had no idea you were so close to getting out.”

“Does that make you feel a little better about being more serious with me?” I asked, praying she’d say yes.

“Even if you weren’t close to getting out, or if you decide you want to stay in, I’d still want to see where things go between us. Yes, the thought of long-distance is a little scary and we haven’t known each other very long, but I’m ready to go all in if you are.”

“I definitely am. To be completely honest, I’m falling in love with you, Cassandra.”

She sat up quickly, her eyes filling, and I moved quickly to catch her when she dove into my arms,

“I love you, too,” she said against my chest.

Everything within me seemed to get lighter as I pushed back a bit to wipe the tears off of her cheek and whispered, “Tell me again.”

“I love you, Rip.”

I sealed our declarations with a kiss and said, “I hope you always look at me the way you’re looking at me right now.”

Cass cupped my face with her hands and pulled me down for another kiss and said, “Take me home, Rip. I’m in the mood for some homemade pizza and then … dessert.”

“You’re speaking my language, sweetheart.”

The End

More Information

For more information about The Lady Boss Press Navy SEAL Novella Collection, please click here:

https://www.ladybosspress.com/navy-seals-collections

Also By Bethany Lopez:

Contemporary Romance:

A Time for Love Series

Prequel - 1 Night - FREE

8 Weeks - FREE

21 Days

42 Hours

15 Minutes

10 Years

3 Seconds

7 Months

For Eternity - Novella

Night & Day - Novella

Time for Love Series Box Set

Easy Risk - Kristen Proby’s Boudreaux Universe Novel

The Lewis Cousins Series

Too Tempting - FREE

Too Complicated

Too Distracting

Too Enchanting

Too Dangerous

Three Sisters Catering Trilogy

A Pinch of Salt

A Touch of Cinnamon

A Splash of Vanilla

Three Sisters Catering Trilogy Box Set

Frat House Confessions

Frat House Confessions: Ridge

Frat House Confessions: Wes

Frat House Confessions: Brody

Frat House Confessions: Crush - Coming Soon

Romantic Comedy/Suspense:

Delilah Horton Series

Always Room for Cupcakes - FREE

Cupcake Overload

Lei’d with Cupcakes

Cupcake Explosion

Cupcakes & Macaroons - Honeymoon Short - FREE

Lei’d in Paradise - Novella (Carmen & Bran)

Crazy for Cupcakes - Coming Soon

Women’s Fiction:

More than Exist

Unwoven Ties

Short Stories:

Contemporary:

Christmas Come Early

Harem Night

Reunion Fling

An Inconvenient Dare

Snowflakes & Country Songs

Fool for You - FREE

Fantasy:

Leap of Faith

Beau and the Beastess

Cookbook:

Love & Recipes

Love & Cupcakes

Children’s:

Katie and the North Star

Young Adult:

Stories about Melissa – series

Ta Ta for Now!

xoxoxo

Ciao

TTYL

Stories About Melissa Books 1 - 4

With Love

Adios

Young Adult Fantasy:

Nissa: a contemporary fairy tale

New Adult:

Friends & Lovers Trilogy

Make it Last

I Choose You

Trust in Me

Indelible

About the Author

Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than thirty books and has been published since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.

When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.

Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!