Guarding Amberley Read online

  Guarding Amberley (Special Forces: Operation Alpha)

  Guardian Seals Book 8

  Nicole Flockton

  Contents

  Foreword

  About the Book

  Acknowledgements

  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

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Also by Nicole Flockton

  More Special Forces: Operation Alpha World Books

  Books by Susan Stoker

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  © 2019 ACES PRESS, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  No part of this work may be used, stored, reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the publisher except for brief quotations for review purposes as permitted by law.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please purchase your own copy.

  Dear Readers,

  Welcome to the Special Forces: Operation Alpha Fan-Fiction world!

  If you are new to this amazing world, in a nutshell the author wrote a story using one or more of my characters in it. Sometimes that character has a major role in the story, and other times they are only mentioned briefly. This is perfectly legal and allowable because they are going through Aces Press to publish the story.

  This book is entirely the work of the author who wrote it. While I might have assisted with brainstorming and other ideas about which of my characters to use, I didn’t have any part in the process or writing or editing the story.

  I’m proud and excited that so many authors loved my characters enough that they wanted to write them into their own story. Thank you for supporting them, and me!

  READ ON!

  Xoxo

  Susan Stoker

  About the Book

  Former Hollywood child prodigy Amberley Price is determined to forge a new career in screenwriting, but her A-list actor parents want her to get back into acting and marry a fellow A-lister herself. When she receives a big break to write the script for a major movie, she’s beyond excited. Even better, it leads her to reconnect with her best friend’s brother, who agrees to help with her research. As her parents push their matchmaking agenda, Amberley makes a desperate announcement—that she’s already in a relationship. Too bad her faux-beau has no idea.

  Thomas “Red” Grant has no problem being the last single guy on his SEAL team. But when his teenage crush calls from the airport asking for a ride and a place to stay, he does what any man would—he collects and takes her back to his place. After weeks of texting and helping with her screenplay, having Amberley is in his home is beyond tempting. But he made a pact with his sister years ago to keep his hands off her—until he learns Amberley’s already declared them a couple.

  Passion explodes between them, but when a gift from a stranger puts Amberley’s life in danger, Red will do everything he can to save her.

  To my bestie Abigail who’s been on this crazy ride with me since 2016.

  I couldn’t do half of what I’ve done without you!

  Acknowledgements

  Once again a huge thank you to Susan for letting me play in her world and use her characters. This series maybe over but it’s not the end of our journey together.

  With each book I thank my readers and this one is no different. While the Guardian Seals stories may be over, I won’t be able to keep these boys from making guest appearances. Thank you all for taking a risk on me and starting with Protecting Lily and staying with me until we reached Red’s story. I appreciate each and every one of you.

  Abigail, you are the best friend and writing partner a girl could have. Even recovering from surgery you were able to give me your insight and help.

  Jennifer, again you created a wonderful cover for me. We continue to travel this road in publishing together and I’m so glad we are.

  Margaret, thanks for beta reading this book for me. Appreciate your insight, even though we do have such different styles LOL.

  Finally, to my family, thank you always for supporting and loving me.

  Chapter One

  Team Cap all the way.

  Amberley Price bit back a smile as she typed the message under the table. Texting Thomas Grant was the only way she could get through this dinner. A few seconds later her phone vibrated and she covertly glanced at the screen under the table.

  I don’t think we can be friends anymore. #TeamStark for the win.

  Swallowing down a snort, she fired off another response.

  Really? Shouldn’t you be all Team Captain America considering he’s the defender of all men ?

  “Have you given anymore thought about that screenplay I sent you, dear,” her mother’s voice penetrated, bringing her back to the dinner table. “I think you’d be perfect to play the lead role. It’s almost like it was written with you in mind. Rob, here, is already slated to play the lead male role.”

  Amberley head jolted up, laid her phone on her lap, and shoved another forkful of Beef Wellington into her mouth so she didn’t have to answer. The second she’d walked into her parents’ Beverly Hills mansion she’d suspected her mom and dad were up to their match-making scheme again. Once a week she had dinner with them and over the last two months there had been an extra guest. Always a single guy. Always in the industry. Always eager to please Amberley.

  God, how many times did she have to tell her parents, she wasn’t looking for a long term relationship. Her main focus was on her career as a screenwriter, which gave her mother, big screen icon Bettina Price, heart palpitations.

  Prices belong on the big screen. We always have. We don’t belong behind the scenes where the limelight doesn’t shine.

  As if it wasn’t hard enough growing up in Beverly Hills, it was ten times harder when you came from Hollywood royalty. Her mom and dad had fallen in love on a movie set, just like her maternal grandparents.

  It’s in the blood, her mom kept prattling on. Well, it wasn’t in her blood. Amberley preferred to be out of the limelight and work her magic with her laptop. Create beautiful stories so actors, who weren’t her, could bring them to life.

  “Did you hear your mother, Amberley?” Her father’s stern tone suggested only one thing—answer or be banished to her room without dessert, like she was fifteen again. The threat didn’t work then and it wasn’t going to work now.

  “I heard, Dad, but as I’ve told you and Mom on numerous occasions, I don’t want to take any acting roles. Not anymore. My acting career is over.” She looked up in time to see Rob’s eyebrows rise in surprise at her declaration.

  Of course, it didn’t help that for a few years as a pre-teen, she’d succumbed to family history and had a role in a very successful TV sitcom. A show that still netted her the occasional residual check, thanks to streaming services having picked it up. Not enough income to live off, but always a lovely bonus when it came in.

  It had been fun at the time, and for a short while she’d enjoyed being famous. Like the saying, all that glitters is not gold, being famous became a chore. Finding friends who liked her for who s
he was and not her name was even more difficult. Now that her life was not in front of the camera anymore she couldn’t be happier.

  Her mother sighed. “Oh Amberley, that’s such a huge mistake. You could be making so much more money if you’d just let go of this silly little dream of yours to write.”

  This script she was writing had to be a success, if not her parents would up the ante in their Amberley Must Act program. There was one thing her parents hadn’t learned about her, or refused to acknowledge, was that no matter how much they pushed, she wasn’t going to fall in line with their wishes.

  Her phone vibrated and she forced herself not to pick it up. Although it was tempting, her mom certainly wouldn’t be happy if she did.

  “I think it’s important to follow your dreams. I know I wouldn’t be where I am if I’d listened to my parents. They wanted me to join the family construction business.” Rob piped up beside her.

  Even though there was no chance in hell she’d hook up with the guy, she was grateful he was trying to show her support. She smiled at him in thanks and he returned it with one of his own.

  There was no zing of attraction between them. No spark of need to jump across the table and rip his clothes off. The way Rob was looking at her, it was clear he felt the same way. Most of the other guys her parents had tried to set her up with attempted to make love to her feet with their own. Rob kept his firmly on his side of the table.

  How many numbers had she had to block after these dinners? Too many to count. Two of the dates her parents had invited weren’t even big named stars, they were wannabes playing at the big time. Amberley still couldn’t understand why her mom presented those guys to her. One guy had been so persistent she’d threatened him with a restraining order to stop calling her. It had been a couple of months since she’d last heard from him—thank goodness.

  “Well I’m glad you didn’t listen to your parents. The world would be a poorer place without the talented Rob Gregor gracing our screens.” Her mom sent him her I’m-a-star smile.

  Geez, could Mom lay it on any thicker? She looked at Rob as if he was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Luckily Rob was taking it all in his stride.

  “That’s very kind of you, Mrs. Price, but the words are what make my job easy. If it wasn’t for the skill of the screenwriters, then I wouldn’t have the material to work with.”

  Rob was definitely ticking all the boxes when it came to dealing with her mom. Not to mention supporting her. In a couple of sentences, he’d managed to validate her career. A career that was beginning to take off. Pity she just didn’t find him attractive. Now if it was Thomas Grant, well then that would be different.

  Placing her knife and fork on her plate she rested her hands in her lap, on her phone. Pulling it to the side she unlocked it and read Thomas’s message.

  Clearly you don’t understand the sacrifices Stark makes over all the movies. Our friendship was beautiful while it lasted.

  She snorted, holding it back was impossible. She fired off a quick response.

  Shame, lately I’ve been finding military guys … fun ;)

  “Amberley, are you texting at the table?”

  Busted.

  “Sorry, Mom, I was just, um, talking to someone about the script I’m writing. It’s an action adventure move involving—”

  “I’ve taught you better. Don’t text at the table.”

  Well if Rob was any type of interested in her before, he wasn’t now. Not with her being reprimanded like a child. If he hadn’t been sitting right there she’d strongly remind her mother that she was a grown woman.

  Geez, she couldn’t wait to leave and get back to her words.

  “Well, Mr. and Mrs. Price it’s been wonderful but I’ve got an early call tomorrow, so I’m afraid I’m going to have to leave.” Rob pushed his chair out and stood.

  “I’ll see you out, Rob.” Amberley repeated the action. That’s the least she could do seeing as he’d given her support when her mom got onto her career high horse.

  They reached the front door and a glance down the hallway showed her mom peeking around the corner.

  Oh my God, she never gives up.

  Amberley waved her hand in a shooing motion, hoping her mom got the message. She really needed to put some space between her and her parents. Maybe a research trip for her new script was called for. Immediately a vision of Thomas flashed in her mind. He’d been so helpful and as she was getting deeper into the script his insight would be invaluable. Maybe he’d be open to her visiting in person instead of exchanging messages.

  “I have to say this evening was rather different.” Rob’s words pulled her back to the present.

  She smiled, glad he could find humor in a difficult dinner. “God, I’m so sorry. My mom thinks because she and dad fell in love on a movie set that I’m destined to as well. Unfortunately, you got dragged into it.”

  Rob chuckled. “Yeah, I kind of worked that out.” He leaned closer to her. “I didn’t want to break your mom’s heart, but I don’t think my boyfriend would appreciate me stepping out on him.”

  Amberley looked up at Rob in shock. “You’re gay? I had no idea.” Growing up in Hollywood, she had plenty of gay friends, she just hadn’t had a clue with Rob.

  He shrugged. “I don’t talk about my sexuality. It’s no one’s business. When the time is right, I’ll come out to the world. I’m looking at a movie now which could be the stepping stone to that announcement.”

  She placed her hand over her heart. “I promise your secret is safe with me. Thanks again for standing up to my mom, it doesn’t happen often.”

  Rob bent and pressed a soft kiss against her cheek. “I believe it’s important for people to follow what their heart desires. If acting isn’t that for you and screenwriting is, go for it. Just let me know when you’ve written a script you think would work for me. I’d love to be part of it.”

  Amberley opened the door. “Thanks Rob. And I will definitely send something to you when I have it. How do you feel about action and adventure movies?”

  “I’m always up for a challenge. I’ll see you around, Amberley.”

  “Bye, Rob.”

  Amberley tracked his movements down the stairs that would rival the staircase Cinderella fled down as midnight struck. It would be doubtful that Rob would leave behind a glass slipper.

  No wonder there was no spark between them, she pondered as she closed the door. No chance of him being interested in her at all. Sadly, having to convince her mom that the chances of her becoming Mrs. Rob Gregor was about as likely as her winning an Oscar for acting. Now an Oscar for best original screenplay, that was her dream. Whatever her mom said, or how much she tried to convince Amberley to pursue Rob, she would keep his secret.

  When the news came out it would no doubt break a lot of female hearts. Then again there could be many young teenage boys who would be thrilled with the news.

  Time to face the firing squad. She couldn’t keep hanging out in the foyer. Sighing, she closed the door and walked to the living room. She had to come up with something to stop them in their matchmaking steps.

  She was going to be a screenwriter, wasn’t she? Surely she could come up with a plausible and believable story that would get them off her back.

  As she paused outside the room, she wished for a fairy godmother to get her out of her dilemma. And boy, she really needed to drop the Disney references. Besides she could save herself, she didn’t need anyone’s help.

  Straightening her shoulders, she walked into the living room. “Mom, how many times do I have to tell you, please stop with the matchmaking attempts, it’s getting old and I’m never going to hook up with one of your suitable suitors.”

  Her mother waved away her concerns. “I’m doing nothing of the kind. I’m just inviting colleagues over for dinner. Although I do think Rob is a lovely man and would be perfect for you. You would be a Hollywood power couple for sure. Did I mention he’s the lead in the movie of the script I sent you?”


  Now why didn’t that shock her? Of course, he would be. She sat on the couch. Her mom didn’t like her standing while arguing with her. “I don’t care, Mom. I’ve told you I’m not going back into acting. I’ve been there, done that and don’t really want to do it again. I want the freedom to be able to go shopping when and where I want. I don’t want to be recognized all the time.”

  Acting was behind her and now she was an independent woman, who had a script to write. A research trip to see Thomas was looking like a fabulous idea.

  Thomas. If only there was more between them than just texts. It definitely wouldn’t be a hardship. He’s filled out nicely since he became a SEAL. I bet he can squat while holding an eight foot plank of wood across his shoulders.

  Hmm, maybe her inner voice was on to something. No, it was a bad idea, she shouldn’t go with it. It really wasn’t a sensible thing to do.

  But it would get your mother off her matchmaking track if she knew you had a boyfriend.

  Yeah, but her mom wanted her with an A-Class actor as a boyfriend, not a man who couldn’t catapult Amberley’s star higher into the stratosphere.

  “Amberley, sweetheart, we’ve tried to support your little escapade into screenwriting, but I’ve seen screenwriters come and go. I think you need to reconsider what you’re doing. And I strongly believe your future lies with making movies. Every movie you star in will be a box office smash. You come from Hollywood royalty, darling.”