Excerpt from 'SEAL at Heart' by Anne Elizabeth

I met debut author Anne Elizabeth at the RWA national conference in July, introduced by (name dropper alert!) Cathy Maxwell, author of The Scottish Witch.

Anne Elizabeth's first romantic suspense, SEAL at Heart, came out this week from Sourcebooks, and I have an excerpt to share with you.

First, here's what it's about, from Anne:

Being a SEAL means everything to Petty Officer First Class John Roaker. So when a head injury coupled with a bout of amnesia takes him out of the action, he has to find a way to heal his wounds and recover his lost memories. Enlisting the help of beautiful physical therapist Laurie Smith, he heals his body and discovers that his unlocked memories hold a dangerous secret about his last mission that threatens his life, his country, and the woman he's starting to fall in love with.

And here's an excerpt:

His body language spoke volumes as he leaned closer. The scent of aftershave tickled her nose. Not bad. Definitely spicy! Those wide shoulders and huge biceps practically had her panting.

"Isn't there any other place we could talk?" she yelled. He sure was cute, with his buzzed blond hair, gorgeous eyes, and chiseled features, but she didn't really get physical on a first date. Not that this was a real date.

The music stopped pulsing and for a few seconds there was an abrupt silence. As voices started to fill in the break, she took her chance.

"Jack, do you, ah?" She licked her lips again and watched his eyes follow the movement of her tongue. Heavens, I'm sweating! The man is making me perspire. I hope my deodorant holds up. "Do you work in the area?"

"Yeah, Laurie." His voice sounded like clover honey. "What about you?"

"I have my own practice." Her words were cut off by music blasting through the speakers.

He took her hand. Every nerve ending fired again as he held it.

Damn, I need to get a grip! Going all gooey while surrounded by half her childhood friends would undoubtedly make her die of embarrassment.

On the other hand, her secretary would say "Way to go! It's only been... how long?"

"So, you're donating a gift to the auction." The corners of his lips turned up at the edge. What gorgeous full lips.

"Yes." She swallowed hard. She thought to ask him how he was associated with the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, but the muscles of his biceps flexed, stretching the fabric of his shirt, and the thought drifted away.

To find out more about Anne and her book, you can visit her website, AnneElizabeth.net. You can also connect with her on Twitter (@AEAnneElizabeth).