Homegrown Heroes: Ryan

Cassandra Cross has loved Ryan Sears since the minute she met him, too bad he’s been her number one enemy from about that same time. Ryan is off limits and it would help if Cassie could remember that. Besides there’s no way the sexy, self-disciplined ex-Marine could be attracted to a curvy, smart-mouthed woman like Cassie.
Ryan’s not only attracted to Cassie; he’s in love with her. For years he’s tried to forget her and the pain she caused him. He still wants her, but he’s tired of being ignored.
Now Ryan has two weeks to prove to Cassie that he’s a real man and a Marine in every sense of the word. Unfortunately, great sex isn’t enough to put old insecurities to rest and when push-comes-to-shove one of them will walk away and the other will have to find the courage to either fight for their love or risk losing it forever.
This complete short read has the added bonus of two gorgeous, outspoken Marine buddies who don’t pull their punches. As well as, Cassie’s dirty-minded best friend – Alyssa, who doesn’t hesitate to tell her like it is.
Due to explicit language and sexual content, this story is intended for mature readers only.

Read an Excerpt -
“Did you purposely do that?” he accused, adding to her confusion.
“Do what?!”
“Show up naked!” he growled.
Now Cassie was sure he’d lost all common sense. “I’m not naked,” she said, tugging at the collar of her night shirt as proof.
Ryan raised a disbelieving eyebrow and his gaze zeroed in on her chest. Cassie followed his appraisal only to realize she’d forgotten about the water that had spilled earlier and the damp fabric was now slightly transparent and clinging to her skin.
“Oh, I-I spilled some water that’s all. It’s not a big deal. You’re overreacting, Ryan.”
“It damn well is a big deal. I can still see your nipples clearly right now!”
She crossed her arms in front of her embarrassed and defensive. “For god sakes. I’m sure the girls at the bar were showing a lot more skin than this. Did you yell at every woman there too, Ryan?”
If possible, he looked even angrier. “No, because they’re not you. You shouldn’t prance around naked in front of other men, Cassandra.”
Then it donned on her — the real reason why Ryan was so angry with her.
“Because I’m fat?” she replied angrily. “Is that the reason? You can say it you know, Ryan. You don’t have to spare my feelings. I know exactly what I look like, I have a mirror. And for the record, Dane didn’t seem to be grossed-out by my fat body.”
Ryan’s expression turned menacing and a low growl emitted from his throat. “Cassie, you are so pissing me off right now.”