Aching Series by A.C. Nixon

Introverted flight attendant Veronica Mills had no idea her life would change on a sunny San Diego layover. After more than six months of e-mails, occasional phone calls, and pictures, she gained a friend and confidant. For the first time in years, she felt comfortable enough with a man to share stories of disastrous dates and everything from the dangerous to the mundane. For her, the feelings went further than platonic... moreIntroverted flight attendant Veronica Mills had no idea her life would change on a sunny San Diego layover. After more than six months of e-mails, occasional phone calls, and pictures, she gained a friend and confidant. For the first time in years, she felt comfortable enough with a man to share stories of disastrous dates and everything from the dangerous to the mundane. For her, the feelings went further than platonic. But was she willing to risk a possible lifelong friendship for the uncertainty and pitfalls of a sexual relationship? Not that he’d indicated an interest in anything more. After six months of sparse showers, rotten food, and sand in every orifice possible, Master Sergeant Joe Sanders felt good to be home and in civvies. It felt even better being with Veronica. Now, all he had to do was persuade Veronica to take him out of the friend zone. The poor woman was about to learn a very valuable lesson- never underestimating a Marine on a mission. This is a 17,300 word story. less

Master Sergeant Joe Sanders prided himself on his reputation as a man with a plan, and that plan did not include a repeat of the crushing sense of loss when Veronica Simms disappeared from his home and walked out of his life. Now that he has her back, his determination to keep her at his side terrifies him more than an enemy sniper. Veronica finds it easy to forgive, but struggles to forget how easy it was for Joe to keep much of his past hidden... moreMaster Sergeant Joe Sanders prided himself on his reputation as a man with a plan, and that plan did not include a repeat of the crushing sense of loss when Veronica Simms disappeared from his home and walked out of his life. Now that he has her back, his determination to keep her at his side terrifies him more than an enemy sniper. Veronica finds it easy to forgive, but struggles to forget how easy it was for Joe to keep much of his past hidden. Nevertheless, she’s willing to take a chance with the man that fills her days with laughter and her nights with passion. Can this couple manage a minefield littered with family secrets, distrust, lies, and come out intact? Or will their insecurities push them further apart? This 33,500-word novella continues where Aching for You ended, but can be enjoyed on its own. less