Sanctioned
Michelle Cornish
(A Salvation Society Novel)
Publication date: February 7th 2021
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense
Sometimes love happens when youre running for your life . . .
Carolina Borden isnt interested in being tied to a man. Shes worked hard to build a life for herself, and her dream career as a fertility counsellor is all she needs.
Retired Delta Force Operator Duncan Kade just wants to start over somewhere he isnt a danger to anyone. But danger follows him . . . everywhere.
When faced with a deadly cartel, Carolina and Duncan must rely on each other to save themselves from the pasts theyve each tried so hard to hide.
Falling in love wasnt part of their plan . . . It wasnt sanctioned.
—
EXCERPT:
DUNCAN
Why am I so bloody nervous? Im a trained hostage negotiator for Christs sake. Ive talked people through some of the most stressful situations there are. Youve got this,” I say to myself and take a deep breath before getting out of my modern black Dodge Charger. I cant mess this up. I need to get working again.
Natalie is rounding the corner as I enter Cole Security Forces. As the office manager, I had my initial interview with her, and shes the one Ive had the most contact with since. I give her a little wave.
Ill be right back,” she says, passing by me with a file in her hand. When she returns, the file is gone and she tells me Ill be meeting with Carolina Borden in her office. Carolina is on loan to us for your assessment.” She doesnt say from where. Even though Natalie told me the next stage of the hiring process was a psychological assessment, the words put me on edge. My stomach swirls with nerves.
Sparkles!” someone yells as we pass an office. It sounded like Mark. Ive only met him once, but Id recognize his voice anywhere.
Natalie turns to me. Sorry. The boss needs me,” she says. My office is the next one. Carolina is waiting there for you.”
Thanks, Natalie.” I continue to her office. When I get there, I raise my hand to knock, but pause, enjoying the view.
Carolina is nothing like I imagined. She looks at her phone, completely unaware Im watching her. I should probably knock but pause to enjoy the view a little longer instead. Her long black hair is pulled up and I find myself wondering what it looks like when its not tied up.
I clear my throat and she looks at me with the most beautiful dark eyes Ive ever seen. I introduce myself and offer her my hand. She stands to greet me.
Nice to meet you, Duncan,” she says, and I detect a subtle Spanish accent that cuts straight to my heart. Keep it together, Duncan. Youre a professional. Here for the job, thats it. I let out a quick breath to remind myself I need to stay at the top of my game if Im going to pass this assessment. Getting this job will be a major step in moving on with my life. No one can know what happened in Cartagena.
Carolina starts the assessment by asking if I know what its all about. Natalie mentioned what happened with a couple former employees and I know they want to make sure Im not going to lose it like those two. Delta Force was no walk in the park. Ive seen a lot of shit and lost a lot of friends. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is all too common in the military.
I explain that Ive seen a therapist in the past and believe my symptoms have completely resolved. I keep the reason for the PTSD general. Theres no way Im telling her it was because of what happened in Cartagena.
All right,” she says and puts on a pair of dark-rimmed glasses. When she looks up from her notepad, I get a strong sexy librarian vibe. Whats wrong with me? I need to focus if Im going to pass this assessment. Lets get started,” she says.
I fold my hands in front of me and hang on her every word. My answers are short and to the point. I keep her talking as long as possible so I can enjoy that sultry accent.
When she finishes the verbal assessment, she hands me a two-page self-assessment and asks me to fill it out. She offers me her pen and I grab it close enough to her hand that I skim one of her fingers as I take it. The pen is warm from her touch and I let the heat soak into my hand as I write. Get a grip, Duncan, get a grip.
Author Bio:
Michelle Cornish is a recovering CPA with a passion for stories. Writing mostly romance and women's fiction with strong female heroines, Michelle's books often include nods to her former life as a CPA. When Michelles not writing, shes hanging out with her two boys and husband in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada.
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