Shadow in the daylight, p.1
Shadow in the Daylight, page 1
SHADOW IN THE DAYLIGHT
SHADOW SEALS
KALYN COOPER
CONTENTS
About This Book
A Letter to Readers
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Epilogue
Books in the Shadow SEALs Series
About the Author
More Books by KaLyn Cooper
Shadow in the Daylight
KaLyn Cooper
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Cover Artist: Cat Johnson
Editor: Erica Scott
ISBN978-1-970145-30-4
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eBook Published by Black Swan Publishing
Copyright © Published 2022, Black Swan Publishing
Printed in the United States of America
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.
ABOUT THIS BOOK
He was done with missions…but Charley wasn’t done with him.
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After he left the Navy, stripped of his SEAL Trident and his pride, Andrew did a quick covert job for Charley before parting ways. As the Security Officer aboard a cruise ship, he invited several SEAL friends to travel as his guests through the Panama Canal. He never imagined he’d need his highly trained skills for another of Charley’s missions in the middle of the cruise.
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Kendra had worked her way up the male-dominated bridge crew, first in the U.S. Navy then for Monarch Cruise Lines, to Staff Captain, second in command of a huge cruise ship. Her crew was well trained and respectful…except for the too sexy, bossy Security Officer who reported directly to her. After succumbing to him, she discovers she enjoys their life together.
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When all hell breaks loose, and Charley needs both of them for her next mission, will Kendra be able to keep him in her life with all the odds stacked against them?
A LETTER TO READERS
Dear Reader,
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Thank you so much for purchasing Shadow in the Daylight, the next novel in the multi-author Shadow SEALs Series.
Shadow in the Daylight runs parallel to Shadow in the Darkness by Becca Jameson, next book in this series. What that means, is that both books follow the exact same timeline. The heroes and heroines make appearances in both books. Although both books are complete romance novels—each with a happy ending and can be read as a standalone—you may wish to read both books to fully understand the complexities of the characters.
This book has many genres including; contemporary, military, romantic suspense, and action adventure.
At the end of Shadow in the Daylight you will find a sneak peek at Shadow in the Darkness by Becca Jameson.
I hope you enjoy reading Shadow in the Daylight and buy the other books in the Shadow SEAL series. For your convenience, there’s a complete list and links at the end of this book.
I hope you enjoy Shadow in the Daylight.
Always,
KaLyn Cooper
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For the latest on works in progress and future releases, check out KaLyn Cooper’s website
www.KaLynCooper.com https://kalyncooper.com/
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DEDICATION
I dedicate this book to those who have had career choices taken from them, then found equally satisfying second careers, or third, or fourth.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Every book I write requires my awesome team to get it into your hands and Shadow in the Daylight was no different.
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My sincere thanks to my writing partner, Becca Jamison. Because our books run parallel once again, we had to work together closely, which isn’t easy for two very different writers. You wouldn’t believe the length she went in order to write her book!
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My special thanks to suspense writer (and occasional lunch & travel partner) Rachel Rivers for her brainstorming sessions. As pantzers, we don’t plot out a story, we just let it happen, but when it doesn’t “happen” we need help from our friends to dig the right idea out of our brains. Lunch is good, too.
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I’d like to thank the members of the Black Swan Book Club for their constant support!
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I cannot thank my new editor, Erica Scott, enough for her patience, understanding of both plots (mine and Becca’s) and speedy services.
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A huge thank you to my publicist, Michelle Duke, and my personal assistant, Charlotte Oliver, for everything you do for me.
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Thank you to my wonderful husband for sharing his military expertise. I’d like to thank my brother, a retired Army Command Sergeant Major, who sat beside me as we transited the Panama Canal and discussed the best ways to temporarily close it down. Thank you both for your invaluable input!
CHAPTER 1
“Sir, the last passenger just disembarked. We have three carryover cabins,” Andrew Buchanan’s second-in-command announced over the security department radio.
“Roger.” Hot damn. That meant that both he and Kendra were free for about thirty minutes before she had to take reports from the bridge staff and prepare to leave the terminal pier. The ship’s master, Captain Phillips, would be doing the VIP Meet and Greet so Andrew knew she didn’t need to change into her formal uniform.
He climbed the staff stairway three steps at a time. Glancing into the bridge, he was reassured that she was not there. Lieutenant Commander Adams strutted around, obviously in charge. Andrew keyed his way into the private corridor leading to the senior officers’ quarters.
He smiled when the door to his cabin cracked open one inch. Kendra was the only other person who had a key. They met in his room because as staff captain, her cabin was right next to Captain Phillips’. Fraternization rules were nowhere near as strict as they’d been in the Navy, but since technically she was his boss, neither wanted the accusations.
He glanced up and down the empty hallway before he casually opened his door and stepped in. Sweeping her into his arms, he immediately crashed his lips on hers.
“We have twenty-six minutes before I have to be back on the bridge.” Kendra started unbuckling his belt as he grabbed his white uniform shirt by the back of the collar and pulled it over his head. He deftly slid it onto the hanger next to her uniform blouse. Since the cruise ship was rolling over passengers, both were required to be perfectly pressed all damn day.
Andrew toed off his shiny white shoes and slipped out of his socks, placing everything hurriedly next to hers. Both had been U.S. Navy officers before joining the cruise line so they knew how to get dressed, and undressed, in seconds.
Nearly naked, he cupped her face with his hands, sliding his fingers into her soft collar-length brown hair. “One day we’re going to take our time and do this right.”
“Sorry, Andrew, but today is not that day.” She lifted her face until her lips met his, wrapping her arms around his T-shirt–clad shoulders. “Besides, you do it quite right as far as I’m concerned.”
Andrew gathered Kendra in his arms, running his hand down her spine while deepening the kiss. With a snap of his fingers, he unhooked her utilitarian white bra. He brought his hands forward, planning to move the straps down her arms.
Her cell phone chirped three loud beeps while vibrating.
His hands immediately stopped.
Kendra sighed and dropped her forehead to his T-shirt–covered chest. They both knew that indicated a very important message.
She reached over to his nightstand and grabbed her still buzzing phone. After scanning the message, she let out a long breath and collapsed on the side of his bed. “Captain Phillips suddenly has to go into Fort Lauderdale on ship’s business and needs me to take over the VIP welcome.”
One corner of Andrew’s mouth kicked up sarcastically. “Surprise, surprise.” He sat down beside her and threw his arm around her soft shoulders. “You do such a wonderful job of making nice with the important passengers.” It was true. Captain Phillips could come across as very gruff, but the bridge staff had learned that was simply his personality. Andrew wrote it off as being German.
In his twelve years as a SEAL, he’d been through Germany several times and found the people to be cautious. They didn’t seem to make friends quickly and it took a long time for them to trust. They also didn’t waste words. Why say five, which included the word please, when one would do? He was also very large and imposing with a booming voice.
<
“I swear, since I made captain, he’s given me all the jobs he hates the most. Last cruise I did five captain’s tables while he hid out on the bridge.” She turned in his arms to face him. “I’m perfectly capable of running the ship and he knows it. Hell, I commanded a U.S. Navy LPD in heavy seas as part of a carrier strike force.”
He kissed the top of her head. “You know why he wants you on the receiving line; you are a beautiful woman with an outgoing personality that also wears captain’s stripes. He wants the guests to feel welcome. I’m sure he’s aware of his demeanor.” Andrew chuckled. “When I first met him, his smile looked forced, and he seemed to search constantly for the right words in English. You don’t have that problem at all.”
“But this is our last cruise together.” She tilted her head to face him. Normally she smiled back at him, but today sadness filled her beautiful golden eyes.
He hugged her tight to him. “Babe, we’ll only be separated for three weeks.” A shot of fear pierced his heart. “You are still planning on joining me in Miami after you finish your contract, aren’t you?”
Her smile was reassuring before she leaned up and gave him a soft kiss. “Absolutely.” She pecked his lips again and grinned. “And as soon as I get there, we’re going to take our time, slowly stripping each other, kissing each revealed inch of naked skin.” She placed kisses over his chin and down his throat. “We’re going to slowly explore each other’s body.” She nipped at the hollow in his collarbone. “And sex will be completely unhurried and delicious.” She pulled up his white cotton T-shirt and ran her fingertips over his defined abdomen muscles then pinched his flat nipples.
He grabbed her hand before she made him rock hard.
His watch buzzed. Glancing at the face, he read the text: problem. bow linemen. ours.
“Fuck.” Andrew grabbed his shirt and slid it over his head. “I gotta go.” Tucking it into his trousers, he gave himself a quick onceover. Pleased that his uniform maintained the creases even though he’d been up since four o’clock and all over the ship, he started to sniff his armpits then remembered he was heading to the bow lines. He’d have to change his shirt when he was finished so it didn’t matter if it smelled like sweat at that moment. It was going to get a lot worse.
Leaning over the bed, he gave Kendra one long kiss. “You still have time to catch a combat nap.”
She shook her head and stood. “I’ve got to shower and get into my dress uniform.” Her smile was resolved.
“That should only take a few extra minutes,” he noted as he picked up his crisp white hat.
“We’re required to wear pantyhose, so it takes me considerably longer to get dressed than you. The cruise line is very sexist when it comes to appropriate attire for women. Females are required to wear dresses and skirts with heels.” She picked up her durable everyday shoes. “You know I’d rather be in these and slacks.”
“Yep. And I’d rather be in combat utilities but neither of us get our way.” He grinned. “When you captain your own ship, you can change that.”
She gave him an evil smile. “You’re right. The master has those privileges.”
Kendra stepped into her slacks and slid her feet into the shoes without lacing them. “Will you check the hall on your way out?” Buttoning her blouse, she added, “I’m hoping I can make it to my cabin without being seen.”
“Sure.” Andrew gave her one last short kiss and reached for the door. “Since you’re doing VIP welcome, you’ll get to greet my buddies before I do.”
“I take it you got them VIP passes?” she asked while glancing at herself in the mirror, running her fingers through her hair where he had mussed it up.
“Yeah.” Andrew knew he’d used his position as security officer to finagle a great price for the unfilled cabins, then bribed the hotel director for VIP passes for his former SEAL buddies, but what the hell. This was his last cruise, at least for a while.
His contract ended when they returned to Fort Lauderdale. After cruising for the last three months all over the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal, he deserved some fun in the sun. When he took the job as security officer, he liked the idea of being on a ship once again. Wearing commander’s stripes on a white uniform that was so similar to the one he’d worn for twelve years in the Navy went a long way to boosting his personal morale. He would’ve been a commander by now if…
No. He wouldn’t allow himself to go there.
He checked the hallway to assure it was empty then gave her one last kiss before heading to the bow.
“I’ll take good care of your friends.” She gave him a salacious grin. “You can take good care of me later in thanks.”
Kendra pasted on her professional smile and dutifully greeted each of the VIP guests. She stood at the end of the receiving line as the highest-ranking officer present. Most guests had passed retirement years ago and had spent much of their newly discovered freedom aboard cruise ships.
“Welcome aboard.” Kendra thought she recognized the couple in their seventies. “I’m Captain Benson.”
“Harrison and Esther Harrington.” The man held out his hand and she gave it her usual firm shake. She’d learned as she rose in rank in the U.S. Navy that eye contact and a firm handshake made an impression of strength.
“We have over three hundred nights aboard ships with Monarch Cruise Line alone,” Esther announced. “Harrison and I have cruised several different lines. Personally, I prefer those where appropriate dress is required for supper.” She sighed. “But the Panama Canal was on Harrison’s bucket list, and this was the next ship heading there so he insisted we book a suite.” This time she scowled. “Since all the larger ones were taken, we had to settle for a cabin in your new exclusive area.”
Her gaze swept down the VIP line and abruptly stopped on four large, muscled men in desperate need of haircuts a month ago, wearing plaid shirts and jeans. They did look a bit out of place mixed in with septuagenarians, rising wannabes dressed to impress, and wealthy couples anxious to get away.
I’ll bet those are Andrew’s friends.
Esther sneered. “We’ll see how exclusive your private area is.”
Kendra bit back her comment about the military men who had fought for her freedom. Instead, she clenched her back teeth and bared two rows of straight pearly whites. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy our butler service and private pool in our new Sanctuary, as well as the very large suites. I’m sure you’ll enjoy our secluded dining room that offers exclusive meal choices. The Sanctuary also has an exclusive viewing deck where you want to be as we enter the canal.”
The elderly woman seemed more pleased as Kendra guided her to the VIP host who would show the Harringtons to their cabin.
