HDH #33

Welcome to Pt 2 of  the scene on Molly's blog:)  It's simply a continuation.  Enjoy:)

“Randi...what happened to us?”

           

  “I...don’t know...”she whispered.  She tore her gaze away from his, responding to the emotions he was still able to bring out in her.  “Brian, why are you telling me this?” she quietly asked, confused.

           

He stood up and went to sit beside her.  He slid his arm around her shoulders, feeling her stiffen, then gradually relax.  “I’ve always had a high opinion of you, and I’ve always been able to talk to you.  Hell, right now you know more about my frustrations and high points than my own family, or even John!  Denise just sees the benefits, but...you’re getting the whole picture.”

            

She started to speak, but he stopped her.  “No, let me finish.  Am I wrong in assuming whenever you have something bothering you, you call John, because you can’t call me?”

            

She smiled and blushed, leaning her head agaist his strong shoulder.  “No, you’re right.  You’re the first person I want to call if something’s wrong, or just good news.  But I didn’t feel right, calling you, now that you’re married.  So I call John, hoping he’ll cheer me up, or at least drop some news about you.”

            

“That’s what I thought.”  He breathed a sigh of relief.  “What I’m trying to say is, I’m tired of fighting my feelings for you.  One thing I’ve always admired you for is your loyalties to people.  A couple of years ago, when John was being an ass toward you, you let me have it when I suggested you ditch him and sleep with me instead.”

            

“That’s right,” she stated firmly.  “You’re married, Brian.  I don’t care what your circumstances...I don’t sleep with married men.  No matter how screwed up their marriages are!”

            

“And I admire you for sticking with it,” he tried again.  “But you’ve got to admit...we only had that one time.  I haven’t slept with Denise in over a year.”

            

“What the hell are you trying to say?” she jerked away from him and looked him in the eye.  “I will not have an affair with you!”

            

“I’m not suggesting that,” he placated her, grasping her hands in his.  “I just want to see you more often than whenever Fate has us in the same damn town.  I want you to tell me that it’s okay for me to call you when I’m in the city; I want to make an effort to see you more often.  Maybe even take you to lunch once in a while.”

            

“So...what you’re saying is, you want to see me once a week, maybe do lunch...all for the sake of maintaining a friendship?”

            

“Exactly.”  He flashed his dazzling smile at her.  What the hell...you’ve come this far.  In a low, silky voice, he continued, “I’d still like to sleep with you again, but you’ve told me in no uncertain terms ‘no’, so I’ll just have to be content with seeing you, talking to you face-to- face, instead of maybe catching a glimpse of you every three years.”  He raised her hand to his lips and softly kissed her knuckles.

            

“No strings?” she said huskily, her fingers on fire where his lips had been.

            

“No strings, no committments...no one gets hurt,” was his reply as he kissed her other hand.

            

She pondered the question as she turned around, wrapping his arms around her waist and settling back against his chest.  Am I strong enough for this?  Seeing him once a week would be wonderful, and I know it’s probably just a line married guys use, but this is Brian!  You want to be with him, admit it!  And none of the guys who have asked you out even come close to measuring up to him!  So just have fun with it; spend a little time with him every week, and get to know Brian the man, instead of Brian the boy whose body you crave.  Maybe in time, you’ll decide you don’t want him, after all!  Yeah, right.  And maybe he’ll divorce Denise in the process...or maybe pigs will fly...

            

Brian’s lips on her ear brought her back to reality.  She closed her eyes and inhaled his fresh scent, and a fierce longing welled up inside her.  She wrenched away and stood up, tears forming in her eyes.  Brian also stood, and went to wrap his arms around her again.  What happened?  All I did was kiss her ear...maybe she’s going to refuse, after all.  I can’t push her...  “Randi,” he whispered.

            
All of a sudden, she turned in his arms.  “All right.” 

HDH #28

Click here for more HDH fun:)

Story Recap:
Brian meets his best friend John's new girlfriend Randi and instantly flips over her.  Randi experiences similar feelings, but doesn't want to come between two friends.

It is now six months later, and Randi's back in town after the summer break.  John has been seeing Crystal while Randi's been gone; Brian goes with John to pick up Randi and tries to feel out where John stands with the two women.  It doesn't go very well.

"And Crystal?  What’s she like?”

            “Oh, she gives good head and all, and she’s got bigger tits, but Randi’s quiet...she knows when to keep her mouth shut.  Crystal talks too much, sometimes.  Although, Rand likes to psychoanalyze a topic to death, if you get her started.  But once I start kissing her, she generally shuts up about her studies.”  John grew thoughtful.  “Do you think she’d marry me?”

            “Dude,” Brian choked.  “Marriage?  You planning on keeping Crystal on the side?”

            “Naw.  Randi’d have my balls if she knew about Crystal.  I just wonder if Randi’s The One, you know, that would keep me faithful.”

            “Are you insane?  The instant Randi left college, you were on the phone, rounding up a woman to be with!  You?  Faithful?  Don’t make me laugh.”  Brian looked out the window, his resolve weakening by the minute.  Why did I agree to come?  This was a bad idea...Randi deserves someone who’ll be faithful to her, not someone who’s finding a new woman the minute her back is turned...Man, if he does propose, and she’s stupid enough to accept, then there’s nothing I can do...

            “There’s Randi, waiting as always.  You know, I like a woman who’s on time.”  John slowed the car and honked.

            “If you love her so much, why don’t you get out and hold the door for her?” 

See you here next week for Randi's POV!

HDH #27: Halloween Fun!

Click here for more Hump Day Madness:)
Since it's Halloween tomorrow, I'm giving you a break from Randi and Brian.  Since none of my books or wips have any Halloween scenes, I decided to continue the scene posted over on Molly's blog.  In Endless Love, after leaving the Haunted House, Peter, Caitlyn, and Amy join the rest of the gang at a local bar, where a surprise awaits.  Enjoy!

 “At eleven o’clock, we have to get up on stage and let the audience choose the winners. Anybody want to switch costumes with me?”

“Oh, Keri, it’ll be fun. Besides, neither of us can squeeze into that tiny skirt of yours. Thank you.” She accepted her whiskey sour from the server.

“Or your shoes,” Amy added.

Keri pouted then shrugged. “Oh well, if I get drunk enough, it won’t matter, right?”

“Just don’t fall down. I’m going to join Steph, Gretchen, and Troy on the dance floor.” Taking off her hat, Amy made her way to the crowded dance floor.

“What happened to her nose?” Keri signaled to the server. “It looks swollen.”

“It is.” Caty filled her in on what had happened. “Peter, do you dance?”

“Sure, what the hell.” He pulled himself to his feet and followed her. When the judging began, Troy, Gretchen, Keri, and Stephanie went on stage. A large selection of others in costume joined them, and after the first round, they were still in the running, along with a pregnant nun, a Hershey’s Kiss, a green M&M, and a pair of aliens. The judges eliminated the two candies first, then the aliens. After several moments of consultation, they announced a tiebreaker. To everyone’s surprise, the DJ announced, Robert Palmer and Girls as the winner.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!  See you back here next week for another exciting snippet:)

HDH #26

Welcome to another exciting installment of my scary, potentially controversial wip, titled Anatomy of an Affair.  You seemed to enjoy last week's, where Brian meets Randi and has an instant attraction.  Was it mutual?

For more HDH fun, go here.

Apologies for the head-hopping and for the length.  I'll clean it up later.  This was written maybe 12 years ago.  In this scene, Brian has called one of his stand-by girls to satisfy his arousal, but now can't get Randi out of his mind.

Just a few blocks down the street, Randi stood looking outside John’s bedroom window, her robe pulled tightly around her.  In the bed, John lay snoring, and she stared out at the stars, thinking of the man who’d rocked her world with the slightest pressure of his fingers.  How did this happen?  She asked herself over and over.  You’re acting like a teenager with a crush!  Get a grip on yourself!  The guy’s obviously a womanizer...looking to get a quick lay...look at how quickly he charmed the other girls...I wonder who he left with...who he’s with right now...Stop it!  It’s none of your business!  Besides, I love John, she argued with herself.  She turned to look at the young man sprawled across the waterbed, oblivious to everything but his dreams.  You just can’t throw away six months and go chasing after his best friend!  It’s just not done!  You never come between two guys!  Now stop acting like an oversexed idiot and get control of yourself!  Giving herself a shake, she returned to the bed and slid in beside John, shedding her robe and shivering as his body heat reached out to her and enveloped her in its warmth.  But in spite of her good intentions, her mind focused on a pair of arresting brown eyes...

            

Alone at his own window, Brian was also giving himself a mental pep talk.  She’s taken...even if John doesn’t know how to treat her the way she ought to be treated...How in the hell would you know?  You just met her!  Maybe she goes after sleezeballs...some chicks go after the bad-boy image...maybe she likes being disrespected...No way.  I recognized her type...she should be with me!  She should be with me!

            

“Brian?” A sleepy voice interrupted his thoughts.  “What’s wrong?”

            

“Nothing,” he whispered back.  “I just couldn’t sleep.”  He returned to the bed, determined to put Randi out of his mind. 

            

“Here...I’ll give you something guaranteed to help you fall asleep,” she said, sliding her hands down his chest and following with her lips.

            

Summoning his self-control, he allowed her to play with his body, squeezing his eyes shut and conjuring up Randi’s image when he felt himself not responding.  Shit.  Was this to be his fate, then?  Having to picture another woman’s face just to perform?  Afteward, he feigned exhaustion and snuggled her close until her heavy breathing signaled sleep.  Gently he eased out from under her and put as much distance from her as he could, accepting the fact that sleep was far off.

Did you check out Molly's latest installment of 'our' wip?  Yes, Hunter and Kayla will be under my name....

HDH #25

Yes, I'm aware I haven't participated lately.  Blame Molly, lol....she's even posted some of the current wip which will be under my name!

Anyway, several of you asked for a snippet of my infidelity story, called Anatomy of an Affair.  In the beginning, they meet, but Randi (heroine) is with Brian's best friend.  She's just told him her roommate is dating Mike; Brian states he hadn't seen him yet.

“He’s occupied, if you know what I mean, dude,” John Kendall winked and clinked his beer against his friend’s, inclining his head slightly toward the house.

            Brian immediately understood; Mike always preferred to take his women upstairs first, then spend the rest of the evening hitting on the other ladies before ultimately drinking too much and then going home with his original female.  He didn’t know how some guys still managed to do that...it had been fine in high school, and the first two years of college, but lately meaningless sex was losing its appeal.  He preferred to engage the women he chose in conversation, unless of course, they were an absolute knockout, then he might bed them without question.  But the last girl he’d done that to had turned out to be self-centered and uninteresting.  These days, he was more cautious about who he approached.

            “Have you found anyone yet?” John was saying, stroking Randi’s cheek.

            Yes, I have, but you found her first, he wanted to say.  Shaking his head, he sipped his beer and looked around.  Might as well be honest.  “I noticed Randi, and was about to introduce myself,” he said, careful to avoid her eyes.  “I see Brenda’s looking lonely.  See ya later.”

Over the next several weeks, I'll take you through this complicated relationship, and if you think it's believable, then I might try to finish it.  This is the story that every time I add more to it, I find out a few months later that one of my friends is going, or has gone through, a similar situation.  So I'm a little scared to keep going, lol!  This is very rough, and I'm going to have to clean it up, since there is a great deal of head-hopping.  I'll try to keep those segments off of here:)

Winners Announced!

Yes, I chose TWO:)

Carol Marvell

and

Krista!!

I've already contacted my winners; I think Marci's taking care of the rafflecopter entries.

Thanks for playing everyone!

Take The A-Train-er-Autumn Blog Hop!

Do you have a favorite fall memory linked to a train? What do you imagine you would see if you were riding a train in the fall? Join the authors of Wild CHild publishing and Freyas Bower as we Take an Autumn Train Ride through our blogs.

Prizes will include

• Four $50 gift certificates (two for Wild Child and two Freya's Bower)
• An awesome swag package that includes:
• Bookmarks
• Books
• Wild Child T-shirt and mug
• Wild Child and Freya's Bower bags
• Four handmade, crochet coasters by Kit Wylde
• An autographed copy of Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire
• A rare DVD copy of the Matheson/Furst classic "Up The Creek" (lovingly used)
• One ebook copy of Nita Wick’s short story, The Dream (previously published as part of a Freya's Bower anthology.)
• Book trading cards
• Signed Dangerous Waters poster
• of "Battle for Blood: The Blood Feud"
• winner's name as a character in Kissa Starling’s next sweet romance story.
• A Yankee Candle
• more...

Chance Encounter
by
Kenzie Michaels

She gazed at the majestic black engine, fourteen feet tall and ninety feet long.  For years the NKP 587 steam locomotive had held wonderful memories.  The first time she had climbed behind the controls and pretended to be the engineer.  The first time she dared to slide down the coal chute.  The first time she balanced precariously on the top, feeling like a giant and pretending to be a train robber.

But this time, she had come to say goodbye to her old friend.  For years the engine had sat in Broadripple Park in Indianapolis, just two blocks from her grandmother's house.  One of the happiest days of her life had been the day she was allowed to walk to the park alone.  No rocket slides for this gal; no, her love was the locomotive.  But now the engine was off to new beginnings.  A library now sat where the engine had been housed for most of her young life, and this is why she'd made the trip to Nobleville, to the transportation museum.  Here it would make one last run before being shipped to another home.

She gazed at the coal car, now filled to the brim.  Oh, how she'd love for it to be empty again, to take one last slide down, and see if it was as steep as she remembered.  She walked around the to the side and climbed up to the engine's door, taking one last nostalgic climb around to the front and along the side.

"I'm going to miss her when she's gone," said a deep male voice.

She turned her head to see the dark-haired man perched on the ladder.  "Did you used to climb on her at Broadripple too?"  She made her way closer to the engine's door.

He joined her on the catwalk and stroked the side of the nose.  "I sure did.  Every chance I got.  I even met my wife there."

"That's amazing.  So the two of you played together as children, or did you meet in high school and use it as your secret hideout?"

He laughed.  "You know, I owe it all to a stranger.  I'd gone to the park to meet a girl I'd never met, but spoke to on the phone."  He picked his way to the front, carefully setting one foot in front of the other.  "But when I arrived, this skinny kid-she couldn't have been more than twelve-was climbing out of the coal car.  Remember how we could slide down the coal chute?  Anyway, she looks at me and says, 'If your name is Brian, your girlfriend's too afraid to meet you.  She asked me to meet you instead and ask you a bunch of questions.'  Then she pulled a sheet of paper out of the pocket of her shorts and proceeds to grill me on likes and dislikes.  Halfway through-"

"Your girlfriend came out of the coal car and said she'd heard enough; you seemed like a decent guy."

His jaw dropped.  "How the hell-"

She smiled.  "I'm guessing you're Brian and you ended up marrying Nancy, whom I met when I was fourteen?"  She stuck out her hand.  "Nice to meet you officially, Brian."

Question:  
Have you ever switched places with a friend, to 'test out' the blind date? 

Welcome to my world!  One lucky commenter will win his/her choice of my back list:)  So browse through the covers and pick the one which appeals to you the most. Don't forget to leave your choice and your contact info in your comment!

The Anderson Chronicles (trilogy).....

When Amber Johnson agrees to fill in as a last-minute chef of a dinner party, she is surprised to learn the client is none other than her ex-boyfriend, Marc Denton. The kitchen sizzles with their unfinished business; will the flames of love reignite, or will Marc’s scheming father succeed in keeping them apart?

Marc and Amber are furious when they discover lies that have kept them apart for three years. With Amber by his side again, will Marc find the courage to stand up to his father and hold on to his true love?

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After being burned pretty badly by two different women in his past, Brian Vellinger has sworn off romance. Commitment-shy for the past fifteen years, he is stunned by his sudden attraction to a woman he's not seen since the last day of their senior year.

Natalie Collier thinks she's successfully put Brian Vellinger out of her mind. After harboring a secret crush all through high school and into college, she is both alarmed and thrilled when Brian makes his intentions known at their 25th class reunion. But will she succeed in softening his casual, 'sex only' policy, or will she end up just another notch on his belt?

Buy links:
Freya's Bower

Amazon

Nook

Austin Harmon is intrigued by his quiet, efficient new administrative assistant. Why does she have an obsession with her watch, and what does she do after hours?

Cara has put her social life on hold while caring for her elderly mother. But after her boss helps her through a crisis, she can't deny their attraction. Romance and Alzheimer's don't mix... or do they?

Buy Links:
Freya's Bower

Amazon

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Teacher's Pet is a stand-alone, and happens to be my best-seller!

What happens when you discover the man you had mind-blowing sex with three months ago is your son's teacher?  Tammy Saunders is horrified when she realizes the man who set her heart racing is her son's favorite teacher.  With one bad relationship behind her, will she trust her heart again, or will she continue to deny her feminine side?
 
And is this particular teacher popular only with his students?  Kevin has made some bad choices in his life, but sleeping with not only one, but now two, of his students' mothers, has got to be the worst mistake he ever made. Especially when he realizes he's lost his heart to one of them...

Buy link:
Freya's Bower

Amazon

Nook 

Please visit these sites for more chances to win, the more you visit the more chances you have to win. We have 46 participating authors. You can stop at as many or as little blogs as you wish. At each stop, you will find either two chances to enter per blog to win some awesome prizes. If you visit all, that's 92 chances to win! There will be five, lucky winners.

Take the Blog Train and Visit These Blogs for more chances to win
Marci Baun/Kit Wylde
Critters at the Keyboard
Teresa D'Amario
Judith Leger, Fantasy and Comtemporary Romance Author
Writing
The Fictional World of Jaime Samms
Follow Where the Path will Take You
The Wandering Mind of Lizzy P. Bellows
Where Love and Magic Meet
Kissa Starling
Marianna Heusler
Hell's Ambrosia
C.M. Michaels
The Shadow Portal
The Blog Zone
Blog By iMagine
Ardyth DeBruyn Author Blog
Shadows of the Past
Dear Reader
Cassie Exline -- Mystery and Romance
Sarcastic Rambling & Writing
That's What I Think
Sue's Random Ramblings
Make Old Bones
Elements of Mystery
Molly Dean's Blog
Kenzie's Place
The Forbidden Blog
David Huffstetler
Cassandra Ulrich
Carol Marvell
Andrew Richardson
Nick Lloyd
Fiddleeebod -- land of stories
Nita Wick's Blog
Ruth G. Zavitsanos
Too Poor for Texas
Jenn Nixon
City of Thieves
Musings and Doodles
Husein
The Western Writer
Bike Cop Blog
The Character Depot
Allen Currier
Tracy Holohan

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SCP Blog Hop

Welcome to the SCP Blog Hop!  For a complete list of participating authors, please visit the SCP Blog.  Happy Hopping!

My family and I took a vacation to Estes Park, Colorado, in order to celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary.  We had a wonderful time, and I even began writing a sequel to my latest release, Wild At Heart, since part of that book takes place in Estes Park and showcases Nicky's Steakhouse, where we held our celebration.

We also had a bittersweet moment, when we saw the booth where my grandmother, who passed away in 2011, 'held court' during breakfast in 2002.  She would arrive and order her meal, then various family members would drift in and out until we planned our excursion for the day.

Here's the family picture:  Front Row, L-R:  Nephew D (10), Mom (it was also her 71st b-day), Niece R (7), Dad, granddaughter A (age 1), Son W (9).  Back Row:  Sister W, Son K (21); me, Spouse D (59); Daughter S (19)

For your reading enjoyment, here's the scene at Nicky's, where Emma tries to put Brad in his place.

. Gavin encouraged him to try a beer labeled Stella Artois. As they sipped their beverages and enjoyed hot Buffalo wings, Emma appeared. Her damp hair was caught up in a silver clip, and dark blonde ringlets cascaded down her back. Her cowboy boots sounded firm on the wooden floor as she walked toward the men, her slight frame clad in black jeans and a loose red shirt. Brad felt his mouth go dry when he realized there was no bra under that shirt, and had to keep tearing his eyes away from the glimpse of cleavage when she greeted Gavin. She slid into the chair beside the older man, and Brad shifted uncomfortably every time she leaned forward.

Emma reached for the hot wings Gavin had ordered and told the waitress to bring her a Coors.

“Gavin likes that crap, but I prefer to stick with a Colorado beer,” she stated as Brad shifted in his seat again. “Something wrong, Mr. Morrison?”

“No, no. It’s just I’ve had too much good food the past two days,” he lied.

“Don’t they feed you back home?” Emma stretched her arm back and patted Gavin on the back. Brad swallowed at the sight of her nipples through the fabric and looked away. Keep breathing, remember Angie…

“Actually, my girlfriend is quite a cook.” Brad managed to get his tongue working. He reached for a wing at the same time she did, and as their fingers brushed, Brad felt an electric jolt all the way to his groin.

“Maybe she doesn’t feed you enough,” Gavin laughed, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents.

Brad was spared by the appearance of the waitress, ready to take their orders. Brad and Gavin ordered the Prime Rib; Emma opted for the shrimp scampi. Brad ordered another beer, and then excused himself to the men’s room, hoping to get his raging hormones under control.

Wild At Heart can be purchased at Secret Cravings, Amazon, and B&N. 

Want to win your copy of Wild At Heart?  Let me know which of my six covers you like the best and why:)

Final Stop! Are You Enjoying Yourself?

Final destination today is Book Freak:) At the end of the day, not only will a comment win a free download of my back list, but two more comments will be chosen from ALL comments this week for a download of Class Reunion plus a $10 Amazon AND a $10 Freya's Bower GC.

Excerpt:
“It’s…been a long time for me, Austin, so go easy?”

“Anything you want,” he promised. He eased a hand between her thighs and stroked her damp petals, kissing her when she jumped. Moist heat closed around his finger as she panted. He slipped in another finger and was rewarded with a small cry of delight. God she was tight! He teased her some more with his fingers before withdrawing and slipping the tip of his latex-lined cock into her. “Are you sure you’re not a virgin?” He gasped as her muscles gripped him.

“Maybe it grew back?” Cara slid her palms up his arms and guided his lips back to hers, spreading her legs wide and arching upwards. “Ohhhh…”


“Sweet Jesus.”

Welcome To Day #4!

Come on over to Harlie's Book Blog:) I always have a good time over there so here's hoping she doesn't disappoint me!

Plus, a very Happy Birthday to my mom!  This time last year, she underwent hernia surgery, so to have her up and walking around, pain-free this year is HUGE relief!

Excerpt:
Austin captured her once inside the darkened office and swung her into his arms for another kiss.  Her shoes hit the floor as she moaned, and felt his tongue slip past her teeth.

Cara struggled and tore her mouth from his.  “Wait. This can’t be happening.”

“Why not?  I’ve enjoyed the past two weeks of getting to know you.  I’d like to get to know you a little better, that’s all.”  Austin pulled her back and covered her mouth with his.

She hesitated a moment.  How long had it been since her last kiss?  It’d been two years since David had broken up with her, not understanding her responsibilities to her mother.  With a muffled groan, Cara tossed her purse to the floor and twined her arms around his neck.  Moisture pooled between her thighs as his tongue explored the corners of her mouth.  She eagerly returned the kiss, and was rewarded when one of Austin’s hands slid upwards to palm her breast.  Cara didn’t pull away; soon his cool fingers slid inside her bodice and nudged the lace of her bra aside.  She moaned when he rolled the nipple between two fingers and pressed herself closer to him.  Dimly in the background, she heard the vague tones of Bette Midler singing “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

“Wait. My phone’s ringing.  Austin,” she pleaded and forced herself to pull away.

“Can’t you ignore it?” He panted, reaching for her waist.

“I can’t.  This one is important.”  Cara stepped to the side and fumbled with the clasp with shaking hands.  Doreen wouldn’t have called unless something happened!  One look at the clock on the outside told her it was past ten o’clock.  “Hi, it’s Cara.”  She cleared her throat to sound normal.  “I’m sorry, Doreen, I just looked at the clock–What?”  She reached back for Austin’s hand to steady herself.  “Oh my god, which hospital?  Thanks.  I’ll be right there.”  She snapped her phone shut and whirled around.  “I have to go.”

“Wait a moment, Cara.  Hospital?  Let me go with you.”


Cara shook her head as she tried to shove her feet into her shoes.  “No, this is something I have to do.  It’s my responsibility.  Besides, you have guests.”

Buy link

Day #3 of the 'Tour'

I'm over at Jany's Book Blog today, so come by and give me some love?

Today's excerpt foreshadows Off The Clock.  I was happily writing CR when all of a sudden, Austin 'demanded' I include Harmony House.  Enjoy!

Excerpt:
“Lisa was telling me about it.  She said the restaurant is open, but not the rest?  Something about it being part charity, part club, part teenage hangout?  And Austin Harmon owns it?”

Brian drained his cup.  “Yes.  Remember how Austin used to get into so much trouble, and spent time in juvenile hall? He won the lottery last year and decided to provide a safe place for kids to hang out so he bought some acreage and began building last fall.  The kids can take golf lessons, tennis lessons, swim in the pool, shoot hoops, play soccer, and get homework help –basically, anything they could want or need.  He’s not going to turn anyone away because of their income level.”

“That’s a fantastic idea,” Natalie exclaimed.  “How about transportation from school?”

“He’s hired one of the bus drivers.  A lot of the programs are still in the experimental phase.”  Brian stood up and fished his cell phone from the pocket of his shorts.  “I’ll give him a call and see if he’s open tonight.”

“It’s Sunday and late,” she objected.  “I don’t want to bother him.”


“Nat…he’s a friend.  He won’t mind.”  Brian had already dialed and was listening to the music in his ear.  “Austin?  How are you?”

CR can be bought here:) 

Day #2 of the Goddess Fish Tour:)

Welcome to Day #2 of the Review Tour!  Today you get to go to two places, DanaSquare and Freda's Voice.  So comment away!

Today's Excerpt:
Austin drummed his fingers on his desktop, and, as the door to his office opened, picked up a sheaf of papers and waved them at her. “Care to explain this?” 

Cara’s complexion paled, but she continued to look him in the eye. “The snack bar is in need of an overhaul. The counter is rotting, the windows are cracked, and there’s no air conditioning out there. One of the microwaves needs replaced, and shelves need to be built in the storeroom.” She crossed the room as she spoke and settled herself in the oak chair in front of the desk. “Those are the estimates from bidders. I told them you’d make a decision by the end of the week. Repairs are set to begin at the end of the month.” 

Austin struggled to contain his rising temper. “And how did you come by this information?” he demanded. “I hired you to straighten out my office, not to start running the place.”

Buy Link: 

On The Road With Goddess Fish:)

This entire week my latest, Off The Clock, will be on a review tour, courtesy of my publisher and Goddess Fish:)

At the end of each day, one lucky comment will be chosen for reader's choice of my back list, and yes, comments count if you post them here or on my FB page:)  Info can also be found on Molly's blog and the Goddess Fish blog.  So come show me some love this week?  It's already gotten two so-so ratings on GoodReads, so I have a feeling my ego's going to be a bit bruised.  At the end of the tour, all comments go into a hat and someone will win a copy of Class Reunion, plus a $10 Amazon GC.  Publisher is awarding a $10 Freya's Bower GC, so the more you comment, the more chances you have to win:)

In the Good News category, according to my sales report, Class Reunion is catching up with Teacher's Pet for the title of Kenzie's Best Seller.  Thank you to everyone who's purchased my books!  I'll have to get busy and finish those twelve WIPS, ha ha!

For today's stop, go over to Addicted Reader

Blurb:
Austin Harmon is intrigued by his quiet, efficient new administrative assistant. Why does she have an obsession with her watch, and what does she do after hours?

Cara has put her social life on hold while caring for her elderly mother. But after her boss helps her through a crisis, she can't deny their attraction. Romance and Alzheimer's don't mix... or do they?

Excerpt:
“Austin! Where did you find her?” His best friend Ryan clapped him on the back. “She’s fantastic, man! Nothing like Leslie.” 

“She answered my ad in the paper. She’s my office assistant.” Austin Harmon took a sip of his drink and followed her with his eyes as she paused to speak with an elderly couple. 

“You lucky dog! You banging her or is she taken?” Ryan adjusted his striped tie. 

A flash of anger welled up. “Stay away from her,” Austin warned. “Leslie left my office records a mess and 
Cara finished sorting everything out today. She’s a dream come true.” 

“I’ll say. And are you kidding? Andrea would string me up alive if she even caught me looking at another woman. I was just thinking of you, man.” Ryan smiled and held out his hand. 

Austin shook it. “After the Leslie fiasco, no more office romances. Harmony House doesn’t need any more visits from the Health Department.” .” He spotted one of his suppliers moving toward him and disengaged his hand. 

“Excuse me a moment. Drew! How are you?” 

“I’m doing well, Austin. Tell your young lady the delivery will be made at nine o’clock sharp on Thursday, and that I’m tossing in a surprise for her at no charge.” The middle-aged man with the bad comb-over smiled and pumped Austin’s hand. “I had no idea you had plans to improve the snack bar by the pool. Excellent idea, and I’ll be glad to fax over the new supply list in the morning.” 

Austin’s smile froze. “New supply list?” he repeated. 

Drew Daniels looked puzzled. “Yes, for the new line we just started last month, for healthier snacks. Didn’t 
Leslie tell you? I sent her the form a month ago. Cara called me yesterday, and I told her more about it earlier tonight.” 

“Oh, that supply list.” Austin recovered from his slip. “I’m sorry; Cara did mention it, but we haven’t really had a chance to discuss it in detail. And Leslie is no longer in charge of my office.” 


“Yes, so I’ve heard.” Drew adjusted his glasses. “If you don’t mind me saying this, I’d give Cara a raise. That girl has worked her magic. Everyone I’ve spoken to has sung her praises tonight, in a way they never spoke about Leslie, no offense.” 

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Day #3: Sexy Friday:)

Winner from yesterday:

Melissa!
Send me an email storimom2@aol.com

Okay; I've introduced the characters....shown the conflict....how about some ROMANCE for this rainy Friday?

“It’s…been a long time for me, Austin, so go easy?”

“Anything you want,” he promised. He eased a hand between her thighs and stroked her damp petals, kissing her when she jumped. Moist heat closed around his finger as she panted. He slipped in another finger and was rewarded with a small cry of delight. God she was tight! He teased her some more with his fingers before withdrawing and slipping the tip of his latex-lined cock into her. “Are you sure you’re not a virgin?” He gasped as her muscles gripped him.

“Maybe it grew back?” Cara slid her palms up his arms and guided his lips back to hers, spreading her legs wide and arching upwards. “Ohhhh…”


“Sweet Jesus.”

Steve and Angie:

Angie sighed and shifted; it was all the encouragement he needed.  Raising her shirt, he bent his head and drew the taunt nipple into his mouth, reaching behind her back to find the bra clasp,  Getting it unsnapped, the fabric fell away, and he filled his hand with her other breast, getting to know her all over again.

Panting, Steve worked his own shirt over his head and pressed their torsos together, feeling her nipples burn against his chest.  He tongued both nipples, hearing her soft moans and the rush of blood pounding in both his head and his groin.  He unsnapped his jeans with the increasingly uncomfortable pressure building, and carefully managed to free himself.  Holding his swollen cock with one hand, he unfastened Angie’s slacks and tugged them down over her hips, nearly losing it when he saw the transparent underwear and the ginger triangle beneath.  He lightly inserted a finger in the waistband.  Angie bucked her hips; he peeled the final barrier down and lightly stroked.  She cried out softly at the contact, and he tugged both slacks and underwear to her ankles.

He brushed his palms over her mound, feeling the tension in her muscles and listening to her increased breathing.  He reached behind him for his wallet and withdrew the blue-foiled packet.  He waved it in front of her.

“Do I need this?” he asked, giving her one last chance to stop him.

She nodded, and he mentally thanked God, fate, and whoever else that he wasn’t going to be denied this final pleasure he’d waited so long for.  He ripped the packet, removed the latex sheath and rolled it on his nearly bursting member.  Gently, he slipped inside her folds, nearly crying with the sweetness of the action.  But it had been so long…and he’d wanted to love Angie physically before that fateful night… three quick thrusts and it was all over for him.  He collapsed on top of her, mortified that it hadn’t lasted longer.  He stayed inside of her, willing his body to grow hard again, but she shifted beneath him and he slipped out.

He rose up on his elbows and kissed her softly.  “God, Angie..that was beautiful,” he panted.  “I just wish I could have lasted longer…” 

*****

Brad and Emma

“I like the view from here too,” he said.

Emma swung around and sauntered over to him, positioning herself so his face was upside down to hers and kissed his chin, then his lips.  He reached above his head and tugged her shirt loose from her jeans so it floated over his head.  He scooped her breasts free of the white cups, feeling the nipples tighten in his palms.  Emma moved to straddle him, and tugged her shirt and bra over her head.  Brad’s teeth fastened one of her nipples as he growled at her, flipping her over on her back.  His hands went to her belt buckle, and soon had her jeans and underwear around her knees.  He slid backwards off the bed to tug off her boots, and then proceeded to nuzzle behind her knees, causing her to squirm.

“That tickles,” she complained.  “Stop…”

He increased the pressure of his mouth slightly and moved upwards to her smooth thighs.  Emma sighed and parted her legs wider.  Brad gently spread her pink petals and found her button, licking it lightly.  Her breath expelled in a rush, and he dragged his tongue lower, hearing her whimper.  Her hips bucked in invitation; he slid two fingers into her moist entrance and felt her body tighten around them.  Her breathing increased; he continued to lap at her clit, even sucking it lightly.  She shrieked and convulsed around his fingers.

“Brad….please.…oh Brad.…” she gasped, her hands reaching for him.  “I need you….”

Remember, all you have to do is comment.  I'll pick TWO winners tonight; one will receive a free download; the other a Grand Prize.  Don't forget to include your email address and what format you'd prefer along with your comment!

Day #2

Welcome to day #2 of my easy-peasy contest!  All you have to do is leave a comment, telling me which character has you most intrigued.  Yesterday's winner is....

Cara Marsi!!

Email me at storimom2@aol.com and let me know what format you'd prefer.  Now, back to the excerpts.

“Drink,” he told her. “You’ll feel better soon.”

She heard the motor turn over and sipped the scalding coffee, glancing at him in surprise. “How did you…” Her voice trailed off as she tasted her favorite latte flavor.

He flashed a smile as he put the vehicle in gear. “I’m your boss. I’m supposed to notice little details, like what you drink every morning. Besides,” he continued as he pulled out onto the busy street, “filing charges isn’t easy. When we get back to the office, I’ll give you Grant Coleman’s number. He handles all the legal details at Harmony House.”

“Grant Coleman? The gentleman whose wedding reception we just planned? Maybe he won’t want to take on a new client so soon.”

“Nonsense. Grant’s the best, and, besides, he owes me a favor. Don’t worry about it. In fact, when we get back to the office, go home. Roxie and I can handle things for the rest of the day.”

Cara sipped her coffee, marveling at the fact that Austin was so understanding. I’ve seen him bring staff members to tears and yet he’s really a compassionate man. Why can’t I find anyone like him?
Because right now you have no time for anyone else. Caring for Mama and staying employed are your top priorities, not romance!

Off The Clock is now available at Freya's Bower and All Romance Ebooks.

Steve and Angie:
“You don’t have to be scared of me, baby,” he cajoled, shoving his hands back in his hip pockets.  “You’re all I’ve ever thought about the entire time.  What we had and what I threw away…”

Angie found her voice and her anger at the same time.  “We had a good friendship and I trusted you,” she said, her voice getting firmer as she spoke.  “You broke into my home.…you tried to steal the TV, for god’s sake!  Not to mention my stereo.”  She slapped her hands on the counter.  “Do you know how hard it was for me to sleep after that?  I can’t even sleep now, unless I know every single door and window is locked tight.  You took away my security, my self-respect….and you think you just made a mistake?”  She moved around from behind the counter and rounded on him.  Smack!  She balled her fist and punched him in the face.  Shaking her stinging knuckles, she slapped him across the other cheek with the opposite hand, and poked a finger in his chest, not even noticing he was stepping backwards.
“How dare you come into my shop, my business, and spout your prison counselor’s platitudes,” she said hotly.  “I am over you, Steve.  Get that? Over!  So get out of here and leave me the hell alone.”  By this time, they’d reached the door, with Steve blindly reaching for the doorknob, rubbing his sore face. “Angie, honey…”
“I am not yours anymore, now get out.”  Angie gave him a push which sent him sprawling through the doorway just as he managed to open it.  
            
“You haven’t seen the last of me,” he thundered back at her.  “I try to make amends, but no; you won’t listen, as usual!”  He threw her one last angry look and rubbed his jaw again before stomping down the sidewalk.

Angie slammed the door so hard the bell above the door fell off, narrowly missing her head.  She sagged against the door frame and stuffed her fist in her mouth, sinking to the floor as she gave into the tears.  She sat there for several minutes, shaking so violently her feet tapped on the bare floor.  Gradually, the tears ceased, and the realization of what she’d done gave her courage again.  She hadn’t run from him. She’d actually thrown him out of her store…. Laughter welled up inside of her as she remembered him practically cart wheeling out the door.  Drying her cheeks with her shirttail, she slowly got to her feet and poured herself a cup of coffee to drive the sudden chill from her body.  Curling her hands around the Styrofoam cup for warmth, she was struck by another thought.  What if he brought charges against her?  He’d already filed a complaint against the café…

“Too late to worry about that now.”

*****
Brad and Emma:
Emma reached for the hot wings Gavin had ordered and told the waitress to bring her a Coors.

“Gavin likes that crap, but I prefer to stick with a Colorado beer,” she stated as Brad shifted in his seat again. “Something wrong, Mr. Morrison?”

“No, no. It’s just I’ve had too much good food the past two days,” he lied.

“Don’t they feed you back home?” Emma stretched her arm back and patted Gavin on the back. Brad swallowed at the sight of her nipples through the fabric and looked away. Keep breathing, remember Angie…

“Actually, my girlfriend is quite a cook.” Brad managed to get his tongue working. He reached for a wing at the same time she did, and as their fingers brushed, Brad felt an electric jolt all the way to his groin.

“Maybe she doesn’t feed you enough,” Gavin laughed, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents.

Brad was spared by the appearance of the waitress, ready to take their orders. Brad and Gavin ordered the Prime Rib; Emma opted for the shrimp scampi. Brad ordered another beer, and then excused himself to the men’s room, hoping to get his raging hormones under control.

Wild At Heart is now available at Secret Cravings Publishing and Amazon.

Remember, leave me a comment and I'll draw a random winner later tonight.  Tomorrow night, all names go in a hat for the Grand Prize.  The more you comment, the better your chances:)

Release Week Madness

My 6th 'baby' is now available!  The premise of this sprang from an idea a friend had for an anthology for our writer's group to publish.  But my brain kicked into gear and two weeks later, I showed up and informed him I'd started it off by setting it at a country club, and had written the manager/office assistant's story.

"Ummmm.....we were thinking of setting it at Chicken Shack or some other fast food place."

"Oh."

I kept writing, since Austin and Cara were busy telling me their story.  And when it was written, I kept the title, since none of the others were writing their parts yet!  And when T read my story, he was impressed.

"You keep surprising me!  I was expecting a cheesy romance, but this is great!"

So here's a snippet of that 'not-so-cheesy' romance.  Enjoy!

Blurb:
Austin Harmon is intrigued by his quiet, efficient new administrative assistant. Why does she have an obsession with her watch, and what does she do after hours?

Cara has put her social life on hold while caring for her elderly mother. But after her boss helps her through a crisis, she can't deny their attraction. Romance and Alzheimer's don't mix... or do they?

Excerpt #1:
“Austin! Where did you find her?” His best friend Ryan clapped him on the back. “She’s fantastic, man! Nothing like Leslie.” 

“She answered my ad in the paper. She’s my office assistant.” Austin Harmon took a sip of his drink and followed her with his eyes as she paused to speak with an elderly couple. 

“You lucky dog! You banging her or is she taken?” Ryan adjusted his striped tie. 

A flash of anger welled up. “Stay away from her,” Austin warned. “Leslie left my office records a mess and Cara finished sorting everything out today. She’s a dream come true.” 

“I’ll say. And are you kidding? Andrea would string me up alive if she even caught me looking at another woman. I was just thinking of you, man.” Ryan smiled and held out his hand. 

Austin shook it. “After the Leslie fiasco, no more office romances. Harmony House doesn’t need any more visits from the Health Department.”

Available NOW at Freya's Bower:)

Wild At Heart was supposed to be released May 31st, but I discovered it released ten days early, and now it's already on Kindle, along with the wonderful 5-star review I was afraid of losing!  Here's an introduction to each character.

Angela Clayborn:
“Golden Boy Gets Parole”

Angela Clayborn clapped her hand over her mouth as she stared at the morning paper on her doorstep. With a muffled cry, she bent to pick it up. So it’s true, they really let him out, after all. She straightened up and reentered her condo, locking the door securely behind her. She walked to the kitchen table and sat down as the impact of the headline continued to roll through her.

Steve Blumenthal. Her high school sweetheart. Star basketball player, with a promising NBA career after college. Three years before, the Chicago Bulls had moved him from the bench to a starting position, with the media recording his every move. With the pressure mounting, he’d tried drugs one night. Angie had discovered him in her apartment late one night, in the act of disconnecting her stereo.

I must act normal; no one else must know how much this bothers me.

Steve Blumenthal:
“Damn it, Josh…I’ve served my time; paid restitution; been clean for nearly fifteen fucking months. I’m trying to get on with my life, and what happens the minute I’m back in town? That scrawny-assed manager at the café downtown refuses to let me in his goddamned restaurant.” He paused to light another cigarette. “If there’s one thing I learned in the slammer, it was how to be treated fairly. I ought to sue his ass for discrimination.”

“Will you calm down? Maybe Angie was in there,” Josh sounded weary. “Her shop’s down a few blocks…maybe he thought he was protecting her.”

Steve stopped in front of the window overlooking the swimming pool, the cigarette halfway to his mouth. He sank into the nearest chair and ran his free hand through his blonde crew cut.

“I didn’t think of that,” he muttered. “You told me she’d opened her own business and was downtown. You’ve seen her; how’s she doing?”

Joshua winced. “Look, man. Don’t torture yourself. We need to figure out what you’re going to do next.”

“What I’m going to do,” Steve said, crushing out the cigarette. “Is go see her, talk to her…God, she’s been on my mind for months.”


Brad Morrison:
Brad Morrison whistled as he parked his black Mercedes in the underground parking lot of the hotel in which he was staying. His client had treated him to one of the finest restaurants in Denver, and just happened to meet a tourist couple at the next table, who had just returned from Estes Park. When Brad had mentioned he’d always wanted to go there, the husband had whipped out a business card.

“If you do get up there, be sure to eat at Nicky’s Restaurant. They have the best beef steaks in the country.”

Brad had thanked him for the information, and then turned back to his host.

“If you’d like to stay another day or two,” the owner suggested. “I have a cabin not too far from Rocky Mountain National Park. I’ll be glad to take you up there and show you around. One of our subsidiaries has a shop along the strip.”

Brad’s face had lit up. “That would be great! Thank you.”

“Wonderful. I’ll call for you around seven.”

Just thinking about the unexpected side trip put a spring in Brad’s steps. He hurried to his room and called Angie, wanting his conversation to be private. Some people didn’t mind calling home from the middle of the lobby; Brad preferred the comforts of the room. He sank onto the comfortable couch and waited for Angie to pick up on her end.


Emma Nichols:
Emma Nichols shifted her cell phone to her other ear. The mare she had just unsaddled nickered at her and brushed her arm, nearly causing the phone to slide down her shoulder.

“Hold on, Dad. Let me get Misty’s saddle put away.” She placed the heavy brown leather saddle on the shelf and slid the saddle blanket from the horse’s back. “Okay…now I’ve got a free hand again…You did what?” As she listened to her father, Emma took her currycomb and brush and began grooming the horse. “I’ll have to check the book, but I’m pretty sure I’ve got a few slots open. I can always call Ethan and have him take a group or two…you know how he is about the store, but he’ll help out at least one day a week—Hold still, Mist!—Sorry, Dad.” Emma ducked under the palomino’s head and began brushing the other side. “He said what?” The brush clattered to the stable floor and she bent down to pick it up. She felt Misty nuzzle the blonde wisps of hair that escaped her braid in the late afternoon wind. “I’ll have your food in a minute…you can’t have my hair,” she scolded the horse as she straightened. “No, not you, Dad.” Emma resumed her task. “No, everything’s current! Yeah, business was a little slow after that late snowfall, but the books are all up to date…No; I’ll go talk to him. There’s just been a misunderstanding or something. I paid for the materials myself. Tell Bruce not to panic; I’ll get it taken care of. Damn!” she swore, clicking off the phone and shoving it back into the clip on her left hip. “Misty, that idiot brother of mine has done it again,” she muttered. “If he keeps this up, I’m going to lose my free advertising.”

Are you intrigued?  Let me know which story line you're most curious about.  Or has Off The Clock caught your eye?  I'll be posting more excerpts the rest of this week, so leave me a comment.  I'll award a free book each day, with one lucky person on Friday getting an extra special surprise.  So see you back here tomorrow!