Saturday Sample and Weekend Writing Warriors: Purple Heart

Blurb:

Jenna West has no idea what she might have done to her new tenant Mike Hightower. He's surly and hateful every single time they meet, and he looks at her as though he despises her.
He does despise her. She's from the Middle East, and people like her killed his friend Ramirez when the army sent them to Iraq.

Will the power of love work its magic to soften Mike's bitter hatred, or will he ignore his growing attraction for his pretty landlady?

Last Week:

Captain Perry yelled, “Hightower, Mason, hold your fire.”

Moments later Perry knelt beside Mike. “Where are you hit?”

“Shoulder and leg.”

“Sit tight. We’ll get a medic as quick as we can.” 

“What about Ramirez?”

“Sorry, he’s gone.”

As his anger built, Mike forgot about the pain in his shoulder and leg. Ramirez had been his friend. These people didn’t appreciate a thing that the United States was trying to do for them. 

Excerpt: We've left Mike and the battle behind and today we meet our heroine Jenna West. I included two or three extra sentences in the excerpt.

A world away, Jenna West signed her name on the dotted line and became a homeowner. “I think you got a bargain,” the realtor said. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but it definitely has potential. The structure is sound. All it needs is a bit of cosmetic work and a new hot water heater.”

“I don’t mind the work,” Jenna assured him. “I’ve never owned a home before; fixing up the place will be a labor of love.”

She took her daughter’s hand on the way to the car. “When can we move in, Mama?” Jo demanded.

“Not for a few weeks yet, but don’t worry, sweet pea. The place is all ours.”

“Hooray,” Jo cheered.

“Hooray,” Jenna cheered right back, and Jo burst out laughing, making Jenna feel as if she were the best mom in the whole world.