I previously published a steamy version of this story using my former pen name, Susan Craig. I have rewritten it as a closed-door romantic suspense. I like it better this way, and hope you will too!

One ex-black ops Marine. One stubborn single mom. And a stalker planning to teach her a lesson.

After ending his stint with the Marine corps, Jim Donovan dialed back his alpha attitude and befriended military widow Sally Johnston. That was three years ago. Now the new partner in Jim's veterinary clinic is hitting on Sally, and there's an unknown stalker on her tail. Following his own code of honor, Jim must protect the woman he loves, but won't allow himself to chase her. She's going to have to come to him.

Sally doesn't want protection or to fall in love. She'll consider a fling with Jim's new colleague, but Jim himself is off the menu. Keeping his friendship is more important. And the anonymous messages? Sally won't play that game. She'll do what has worked for her in the past-ignore them until they stop. She and her son have made it fine so far. That isn't going to change now.

But from the woods behind her home, cold eyes watch Sally's every move, and an unhinged mind plans vengeance for imagined sins.