Sanctioned
Michelle Cornish
(A Salvation Society Novel)
Publication date: February 7th 2021
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense
Sometimes love happens when you’re running for your life . . .
Carolina Borden isn’t interested in being tied to a man. She’s 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 isn’t 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 they’ve each tried so hard to hide.
Falling in love wasn’t part of their plan . . . It wasn’t sanctioned.
—
EXCERPT:
DUNCAN
Why am I so bloody nervous? I’m a trained hostage negotiator for Christ’s sake. I’ve talked people through some of the most stressful situations there are. “You’ve got this,” I say to myself and take a deep breath before getting out of my modern black Dodge Charger. I can’t 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 she’s the one I’ve had the most contact with since. I give her a little wave.
“I’ll 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 I’ll be meeting with Carolina Borden in her office. “Carolina is on loan to us for your assessment.” She doesn’t 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. I’ve only met him once, but I’d 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 I’m 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 it’s not tied up.
I clear my throat and she looks at me with the most beautiful dark eyes I’ve 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. You’re a professional. Here for the job, that’s it. I let out a quick breath to remind myself I need to stay at the top of my game if I’m 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 it’s all about. Natalie mentioned what happened with a couple former employees and I know they want to make sure I’m not going to lose it like those two. Delta Force was no walk in the park. I’ve 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 I’ve seen a therapist in the past and believe my symptoms have completely resolved. I keep the reason for the PTSD general. There’s no way I’m 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. What’s wrong with me? I need to focus if I’m going to pass this assessment. “Let’s 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 Michelle’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her two boys and husband in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada.
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