I’m so excited for you to read K-9 TRACKER! I love this story about Nicky, a young woman seeking justice for her missing father and trying to help her mother receive much-needed medical treatment. I also love Cisco, the hero who is a slightly cynical former soldier who fully embraces Nicky’s quest, but has to fight falling in love with her. And then there’s Havana, an adorable beagle who’s not only good at tracking scents, but also a wonderful emotional support for both Nicky and Cisco. Today I’m giving you a sneak peek at the story. In this scene, Nicky and Cisco are finally exploring the emotions growing between them! Pre-order your copy of K-9 TRACKER today at https://amzn.to/4pT0QiD.
Excerpt
“G’night,” they both said at the same time, and the video call ended.
Cisco relaxed back into the chair, which creaked from the weight of his body. He turned slightly, faced Nicky, and said, “It’s time we got some rest. Tomorrow is going to be busy.”
With a quick bob of her head, she popped to her feet and glanced toward the living room.
“Are you sure you’re going to be comfortable on the couch. You’re…big,” she said as color exploded across her cheeks.
He fought back a grin and said, “I’ve slept in worse conditions.”
Nicky gestured upward with her index finger. “I could take the couch, and you could sleep in my bed. It would be more comfortable.”
It was his turn to be discomfited as desire rose at the thought of lying in her sheets, surrounded by her scent. He shifted uncomfortably on the chair and, in a husky voice, said, “I’ll be fine. Besides, I want to be the first line of defense from anyone coming through that door.”
The earlier color on her face fled, leaving it a pale, almost sickly green from fear.
Hating that he’d put that worry there, he rose and engulfed her in his arms. “I’m sorry. I can be…tactless at times.”
She snuggled against his chest and murmured, “No, you’re right about taking precautions.”
Pulling away slightly to meet his gaze, she said, “I want to believe no one would really hurt us, but that’s wrong. I need to grow up and accept what’s happening.”
Cradling her cheek, he soothed his thumb across the creamy skin there. It was so soft and smooth, and with his touch, that telltale flush of color crept across her cheeks.
“I imagine you had to grow up fast after your dad disappeared. And it’s okay to believe the best in people.”
“Like you? Should I believe the best in you?” she said, then cupped his jaw, and scraped her thumb across the dimple in his chin and the silvery scar there.
With a rough laugh, he said, “Sometimes people disappoint, but I’ll try my best not to.”
She surprised him then, rising on tiptoes to brush a fleeting kiss across his lips. “Try hard,” she said, and before he could react, she raced to the stairs and bounded up the steps.
He almost couldn’t believe she’d kissed him, but there was the barest hint of cherries on his lips, maybe from the lip gloss she wore.
A young woman’s fun lip gloss. A woman who didn’t need a beat-up, cynical, old thirtysomething warrior like him.
