Swept Away Blog Hop

Just discovered Freya's Bower is having a 20% off sale!  Use the promo code LOVE when you check out!

For more Swept Away posts, click here:)

Happy Valentine's Day:)  When I was in my teens, I was always envious of my friends with boyfriends.  They sported teddy bears, chocolates, or even jewelry.  In college, roses, 1st Promise rings, or even engagement rings were given.  I had only two V-days while seeing someone, and received a red rose from one, and a vase of yellow roses from the other.

The man I ended up marrying later got me not only a huge Hershey Kiss, but took me out to dinner.  Since then, I've pretty much bought my own chocolate, and focus mainly on the kids.  He's taking me to lunch today, and then I'll fix him a good meal tonight before we watch Big Bang Theory.

Not very romantic, but after 22 years, I've come to realize any day can be special.  It's your attitude, not just the fact 'Oh, it's the 14th.  I must get him/her XYZ....'  He says 'I love you' whenever he pays for my promo items; deals with the kids when I'm trying to meet a deadline; and brings me pistachios during March Madness.  Oh, and doesn't complain about how many boxes of Girl Scout cookies I order!

Anyway, only one of my books has a Valentine's Day scene in it.  It's not your typical 'Happy Valentine's Day, I love you.' scene.  Enjoy:)

Two weeks later, on Valentine’s Day, Kevin drove Tammy to a quiet restaurant in the next town, reputed for its tender, flavorful steaks and succulent seafood.

“I know this is a little cliché.” Kevin paused as the waiter poured their champagne. “But I thought, what the hell.” He pulled out a tiny blue velvet box and set it in front of Tammy.

Her heart nearly stopped. “Oh, Kevin…you sent me flowers, you brought me a box of chocolates…the dinner….and now…?” Shaking, her fingers opened the box and revealed the beautiful sapphire and diamond ring. Eyes brimming with tears, she raised her head and looked at Kevin, her mouth trembling.

He took it from her. “Tamara Renee,” he removed the ring from the box and reached for her left hand, “will you do me the honor of marrying me?” He slipped the ring on her finger.

She couldn’t speak. Thoughts swirled around in her head. The first time she’d laid eyes (and lips) on him; meeting him in his classroom, after purging him from her thoughts; the first time they’d made love in a bed; the fact he didn’t raise a fuss over her craft fair booths; hearing Melanie claim he was hers; standing up for him in the face of sexual harassment charges; the issues with her son’s anger management. And her own insecurities toward relationships.

“I can’t.” Tears splashed on her cheeks. “I’m sorry…I just don’t feel ready.” She continued to study it on her hand, until she removed it and put it back in its box, placing it back in front of Kevin. “Excuse me.” She dashed for the ladies’ room and locked herself into a vacant stall, muffling her sobs with her fists and toilet paper. Eventually, she calmed and washed her face at the sink and did her best to repair her makeup. Putting on a brave face, she returned to the table, where the little blue box was nowhere in sight. Kevin was drinking his champagne with a somber expression. He looked up when she reached the table.

“Tam.” He stood and slid his arms around her. “I was afraid maybe you’d tried to run off.”

“We came in your car.” She indicated the table. “What’s this?”

“I ordered you some stuffed mushrooms. That’s all you talked about, all the way here.” He took her hands in his and took a deep breath. “Maybe I rushed things a bit. Can I just retract the offer, and we enjoy a good meal?”

Tears threatened to fall again. “And here I was worried you wouldn’t want to see me anymore.” She slid into her seat and was startled when Kevin knelt down.

“I love you, Tammy. I want to spend tonight and the rest of my life with you, and if the thought of a formal commitment freaks you out, then I’ll settle for the unconventional. You let me know when you’re ready, and I’m sorry I rushed you.” 

Teacher's Pet available at Freya's Bower, Amazon, and B&N. 

Want to read more?  Tell me if you've ever been proposed to on V-Day or broken up with someone.  I'll draw a random name for a free copy of Teacher's Pet:)

Final Day For Reunion Contest:)

Mini-reunions:)
I've attended two, and they are relaxing, informal, and you never know what's going to happen!

2011:
Was able to talk, really talk, to two people I really enjoyed being around in Junior High.  Neither of these women had been at the 25th, so it was really great to catch up in a setting where the noise level was manageable!

Myself and friend A, BFFs since 5th grade:)

The group shot of all us ladies (I'm in the back, 2nd from left)

2012:
Slightly more 'formal', but a good time was had by all.  Again, reconnected with people who'd never attended any reunions, and also saw friend Melissa, whom I'd not seen since the 20th.

Friend Les, me, Melissa, and Susan

Fred, on the dance floor with the women:)

Final excerpt:)  This one foreshadows Off The Clock:)


“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?”

Thanks for making this a heck of a release week!  I'll choose my Grand Prize winner tomorrow:)  Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!

And The Madness Continues Day #4.....

Whew!  What a week it's been!  Tuesday night, friend Benjamin showed up with some wonderful and gooey brownies, and instead of celebrating with one or two people, I celebrated with six friends and several coffee shop customers who came over to help us eat the goodies.  I even passed around the few cover flats I had on me and found some business cards.

Yesterday, instead of only one person showing up for my celebratory lunch, two more showed, and we talked, laughed, joked, and had a friendly rivalry over the lunchtime trivia game.  Which I did eventually end up losing, by less than 200 points, in a 4/4.5 match:)  Trav was exhausted and we were tied at 2 matches apiece, so instead of finishing the 7 questions, we quit at 4.  And he smoked by me.

My promo items came in, and they're soooooo pretty!  Took them to choir with me and sold at least two more (at least they SAY they'll download it, yay!!) and came home and crashed.

Today, as soon as I'm finished with my promo, I'm turning the brain back over to Molly.  She has to finish some complicated edits by next week, and I've been taking up all her spare time.  Plus, we're fighting bronchitis again, but think we're finally on the mend:)

My Official 25th Reunion:
Forgot to mention something yesterday:  I walked into the bar behind friend A, and as we're wandering around, I spot a familiar face.

She points her finger at me and smiles.  "You didn't go to Mc----YOU went to J!"

"Yes, I did.  But so did YOU!"

"Hey, I married a grad.  Why are you here?"  (We're hugging each other at this point)

"I went to school with half of these people from K-9th grade!"

Rewind several months:
After I'd gotten my invitation on FB, and began communicating with classmates, of course the question of 'what sort of books do you write?' came up.  And the two people I trusted the most at this point received an eye-opener when I dared to send them each an excerpt of All She Ever Wanted.

"I fell off my chair after I read that!  Sweet, innocent YOU wrote THAT?"

"LOL....Sweet, innocent me went to college and grew up!"

And so I walk into the party...and our class clown grabs me in a hug.

"Kenzie....Kenzie....Kenzie.....I got nothin'."  

"Did you see that?  I've managed to render him speechless!  Mark this day down in history!"

I had a good time talking with B and his wife, and seeing pictures of their girls (they had twins!), and even reconnected with the gentleman who took me to my 1st HS dance when we were seniors (I was a late bloomer) and his wife, whom I'd known her brother.  I tried not to bore anyone with long descriptions of my books, and both evenings went well.

Until a group of us decided to continue the party at a local bar.  None of anyone from 'my' group went, and the gang I met there were people I didn't really talk to.  So I drank one drink, danced one dance, and went home.

Class Reunion Excerpt #3:  Everyone has at least one unpleasant encounter!


“Jim Storms…How are you?”  She pasted a smile on her face.  Jim had given her nothing but aggravation in school, and hoped that over the past years he’d gotten over his narcissistic attitude.

“I’m good; got me a farm outside of town and my oldest is about to follow in his old man’s footsteps and play football this year.”  Jim took a drink from the Pepsi can in his meaty hand.  “Heard you were out West somewhere.”

“Yes. Idaho.”  

Jim burped.  “Beautiful country out there.  My wife’s sister lives in Cour d’Alane.  You anywhere near it?”

Relief flowed through her.  “No, that’s up in the northern part, up by Montana.  I’m actually in the southern part, between Oregon and Wyoming.”

“Well you saved my ass in Biology.  I have you to thank for that.”  He leaned closer and she smelled the alcohol on his breath.  “Wanna go off and discuss some Anatomy?  You’re as pretty as I remember.”

Natalie gaped at him.  “But what about your wife?”  Where is Brian?  I seriously need help here!

“Awww…why bring her up?  Unless you swing both ways, like she does.”  Jim took another swallow of whatever he had in the can.

Eeuuu…that was really more than I wanted to know; looks as if some in our class is stuck in a time warp!  “No, Jim, I’ll pass.  But it was…good…to see you.”  She stepped around him, only to feel his hand on her arm.  “Jim…I’ve got to go.”

“Now I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, Nat. I was just having some fun.  Remember the day Mr. Hudgins had us dissecting the pigs and your friend Lisa threw up all over hers?”

CR is currently available at Freya's Bower 

Release Day....Madness??

Class Reunion went LIVE yesterday around 2:30pm !  Get it here:)  Or, wait to see if you're the winner...;)
Remember, leave me your best/worst/whatever memory of any reunion, be it class, family, vacation, whatever!  And don't forget your contact info and what format if your're selected:  PDF, Nook, or Kindle.

25th Class Reunion
Facebook had maybe been around for a few years at this point, and I'd heard horror stories about it being full of viruses.  But after a while, I got curious, and opened an account.  I really didn't 'get' what it was all about, until our Class Organizer decided to post the invitation on FB, so I was dragged, kicking and screaming, onto the site.

And was instantly hooked!  Granted, I only spent maybe the grand total of fifteen minutes a day.  I threw pillows, handed out drinks, and reconnected with people I'd not spoken to in years.  And best of all, reconnected with my best friend from the 5th grade!  And met up in person while I was visiting my parents over Spring Break.  And I wondered if her class was having a reunion that year.

"Wouldn't it be hysterical if I were to crash it?  I've not seen anyone, outside of KB, since May 1981!"

"If my boyfriend doesn't want to go, you could be my 'date'!"

And so a plan was hatched.

Thanks to friend A, classmates I'd not seen or even spoken to in nearly 30 years were friending me on FB and begging me to attend their reunion.  Some I accepted with trepidation; others more eagerly.  And cleared it with their organizer, so he'd be in on the surprise; I didn't want to blindside him.  But he was gung ho, since we hadn't seen each other since 1995.

And when I walked in, the ones I'd been most friendly with from grade K-9 greeted me with open arms!  The one's I'd thought were not that friendly 'back then', we spoke for a few minutes, then several weeks later they de-friended me.  Oh well; their loss.

And when everyone found out what I wrote?  Well, let's say alcohol loosened a few tongues and ideas began flowing for 'your next book!'  I also was privy to personal information, stories, and intimate details that I probably wouldn't normally have heard.

But I took some of those details, rolled them around in my head, and Class Reunion was 'born.'  Here's the deleted prologue.  Enjoy!

July, 2004

            

  “I can’t believe she filed…just last week.” Brian Vellinger burped.  “With no warning.  Nope, none at all.”  His beer sloshed over the side of the mug as he gestured.

           

  “Whoa, Bri…I think you’ve had enough.”  A female voice accompanied the hands which tried to take the glass away from him.

            

“Hey now, that’s not nice to take a perfectly good beer away from a man!  Whaddya doin’, Sue?”  Brian kept a firm grip on the handle as he turned to look at her.

          

  The auburn haired girl sighed.  “You’re drunk, Bri…why don’t you go upstairs and sleep it off?”

          

  “Only if you’ll come with me.  Didja know my wife left me?  And I always thought you were better lookin’, but you wouldn’t go out with me.”

           

  “That’s because you were just another dumb jock.  But now Brad tells me you’re a banker?”

           

  “Mortgage broker,” he corrected her.  “And I’m in line for a promotion.”

          

  “Really?”  Her brown eyes sparkled as she helped him from the barstool and eased him toward the door of the hotel bar.  “Are they going to make you a manager or something?”

          

  “Even better.”  Brian swayed and his hand slipped down to land on her generous sized breast.  “Vice President.”  He belched and squeezed his fingers.  “God your tit feels so good.  What size are you?  Didja know my wife hasn’t let me fuck her in weeks?”

 ****

   

 He awoke with a raging headache, alone and naked.

           

  “What the hell?  I remember screwing someone last night.  Shit.  Oh God…not Sue…”  He pulled the pillow over his head.  “Please, God…tell me I wore a fucking condom…”

           

  Sue had been one of their class sluts in high school; no telling what diseases she’d be at risk of passing along.  And from what he’d heard the previous night, she hadn’t changed much, except for the breast implants.

           

  Brian sat up and noticed with relief the empty foil packets scattered on the floor.  God…how many times had he nailed her?  Quick inspection of the trash can revealed two full and three broken rubbers.

            

“At least I had that much sense.” The world tilted on its axis when he tried to stand up, but managed to stagger into the bathroom.

           

  Thirty minutes later, showered and dressed, he checked his wallet.  “Oh fuck!” He held his aching head.  All of his cash was missing, but his credit cards and identification remained.  “I know I had at least a thousand on me last night.”

            

Brian picked up the phone and called the front desk, asking for Sue French’s room.  The clerk informed him she’d already checked out.

           

  “Damn it!”  He slammed the receiver down, but picked it up again and this time asked for his friend Brad’s room.

           

  “Hey man…was I throwing money around last night? …No? … I left with Sue, right? …Okay…yeah, I’m good.  Thanks.”  Brian hung up and pinched the bridge of his nose.  “That bitch!”

Countdown: Day #2:)

Welcome to day #2 of the Reunion Week Contest!  Simply leave a comment about your best/worst memory about any reunion and include your contact info for a chance at a free copy of Class Reunion:)

20th HS Reunion:
Ten years had passed, and once again I got the invitation while pregnant.  I was beginning to think I'd set a horrible precedent at the 10th; surely I wouldn't have a baby every time we had a reunion?  *Kenzie grabs her hair and screams 'Nooooooo!'*  But this time, my little bundle of *ahem* unexpected joy arrived several months before the reunion.

My spouse refused to go.  He'd had a horrible time at my 10th, not being amused by my BFF's 'fixation' on the fact I was finally out of a training bra.  So I went alone.  And promptly ran into Melissa and Laura again, and was eager to catch up on the happenings in their lives.  And when I revealed my first book had been published, well, word spread and soon people I'd not even known wanted their picture taken with me!

And the funniest thing of all, beside the fact all the women had blonde highlights to cover up our gray hair, but   the fact so many women who were climbing the ladder of success at 28 were now choosing to stay home with their kids!  I was the only one passing out business cards that night, or so it seemed.

As for B, he had married a year or two earlier, and I'd not had the honor of meeting his wife, nor had I spoken to him since the engagement.  So it was a total shock when I finally sought him out and discovered he'd not only divorced his wife, he'd also remarried, and his new wife was pregnant with twins!  M and I were cordial to each other, and spoke for a while, then I noticed the 'B' from the 10th snuggling up to her and many glances made my way.  I decided to ignore it, and if she was telling tales out of school, then she needed to grow up.

Again, I hadn't joined the 'digital revolution' yet, and shot a roll of 35mm film from my four-hour socializing.  And 'lost' my car keys....turns out they were in my hand.  Talk about embarrassing!  I'd checked the bathroom; everywhere I'd sat; and when I asked the bartender if a set of keys had been found, I slapped my hand on the bar....and there they were.  And I'd only had two rum and cokes.....and bored another classmate silly when he asked me, in all innocence, what my Arbor U series was all about.  My 'cut-it-off' radar wasn't working yet.  I finally shut up when I realized he and I were the only ones left at the table!

********

Ready For Another Exciting Excerpt?
This is from All She Ever Wanted, and explains why 'Brian Vellinger' was an important factor in Amber Johnson's life.

“Go ahead, slut, or I’ll tell him,” Clint smirked.

“What is it, Amber?” Marc’s voice held a note of anxiety.

She closed her eyes and handed him the paper. “I made a deal with the president of the Credit Union. He would loan me the money for repairs, if I agreed to be at his beck and call for six months.”

“You slept with him?” Marcus scanned the document in disbelief.

“No. I never slept with him. I accompanied him to a few dinners, a couple of banquets, and organized two parties at his house.” She swiped at the tears rolling down her cheeks. “But I did not sleep with him! No matter what that memo may imply, or what that photocopied hotel receipt may have you thinking. Yes, he had reserved a room, but we never used it; it was for a client of his. Marc—please believe me?”

“Ha! A likely story,” Clint interjected. “Her signature is on that receipt.”

“Shut up.” Marc’s frustration was reaching a low boil. He faced Amber. “Did
you pay him back?”

She nodded. “One year later. Business has always been good. He still comes in for lunch every now and then. But I don’t understand how your dad got his hands on a private note.”

(later)

“I want to meet with that bank president and assure him that you will no longer be at his
beck and call.”

Amber laughed. “Oh, honey, that ended two years ago. But if you want, I’ll invite him to lunch so you can talk to him.”

Marc frowned. “I still don’t like the fact you did him a favor like that. Don’t ever do anything else like that again, promise me?”

“Marc, it was a one-shot deal,” she protested. “At the time, he was the only one who didn’t proposition me. Brian Vellinger’s a good, decent man who was willing to give me a break when the others weren’t.”

All She Ever Wanted is also available at Freya's Bower, Amazon, and B&N:)

Reunion Contest!

Class Reunion goes LIVE in 3 days.....are you ready for a contest?  Each day this week I'll be posting some of my memories of past high school reunions, and I invite you to do the same.  Even if the only reunion you've attended is of the family-natured....I want to know the best, the worst, or even your feelings on reunions.  Simply leave a comment, plus your email info and what format you'd prefer your free book in (pdf, kindle, nook) and I'll pick a random comment each day.  On Friday, all names will go into the hat for a 'Grand' prize.  Sound good?  So dredge up those memories!

If you missed me on Chad McPherson's blog, go HERE to check out a never-before-seen scene.

Today, I'm on Carol Preflatish's blog, so click HERE for a 'deleted' scene:)  And yes, comments posted there count in the contest!

Okay.....reunion memory #1:

The 10th Class Reunion:
I was nervous about this one.  It was scheduled for a time when I could, literally, be in danger of going into labor with my daughter; or not being able to attend due to giving birth.  I even joked with my doctor about taking him as my date, should the event not have happened, or being induced five days before the event!  Plus, I was nervous for another reason:  My husband and I had done the math after the birth of our 1st born, and if I returned to work, my entire salary, plus $20 of his paycheck, would go for daycare.  So it made more sense for me to stay home full time.  And by 1994, I was still having a serious identity issue, and a little defensive of my choice to stay home and pursue my writing passion.  In fact, I'd already been in contact with a NY publisher who was interested in what is now Book #2 of Arbor U.  I'd not finished Keri's story, and Gretchen's was about three chapters at this point.  Book #1 wouldn't be written until 1999.  But I digress.

As luck would have it, my 'firecracker' arrived three weeks earlier than expected.  So I was thrilled to have my slimmer figure back, and had chosen a dress which looked good on me with or without the baby bump.  My only fashion  faux paux?  I'd chosen to wear my white pumps with my black dress.  And when we arrived, business cards were literally flying through the air, ala 'look at me, I'm important!' 

I recognized people I'd known, but really had no desire to pursue any sort of conversation.  Until my friends Melissa and Brian arrived.  Melissa I'd known since Sunday School days, and we ended up sitting at her table with another good friend from band, Laura.  And when BFF Brian walked in with his new girlfriend Jan, I spent a considerable amount of time with them, and his old buddies Mike, Mike, and Scott.  And the fact I now had a bosom was quite the talk of the group.  Especially later when it got closer to my daughter's feeding time!  Plus, no one could believe I'd shrunk down that much in three weeks!

I enjoyed getting to know Jan, and gave B my 'official best friend approval'.  But as I was leaving, I got a verbal slap in the face from one of the 'bitches' in our class.  She was talking to Jan, then looked at me and laughed, "You're the BEST thing that ever happened to B!"  I took it as a slap; he and I had been friends for 13 years; how dare she say that?

I sought out B as we were leaving and hugged him.  He squeezed me tighter.

"Oooooh, something feels different!  I like it!  Why can't you stick around a little longer?"

"Shut up.  It's time for me to feed my daughter."

He drew back and sucked in his breath.  "Wow....let me see if I can slip my credit card down your bra!"

Again I mock-slapped his face.  "Shut up and go back to your girlfriend!  Call me tomorrow if you have time for lunch."

He shook my husband's hand, hugged me again and kissed my cheek, and we departed.

I don't have any digital pics from that reunion; above is B and I at the 25th.

We weren't able to get together for lunch the next day; he and Jan had stayed at the party until the wee hours of the morning, and had drunk too much.  And we left in the early afternoon to return home.  Over the next ten years, B and I continued to talk on the phone, and see each other whenever we happened to be in the same town.

In fact, I even borrowed his name for the lead character of 'Brian Vellinger', borrowing the last name of another classmate, who was another close friend of ours in HS.

Excerpt:

“Brian, my man!  Great reunion you organized.  This was better than the tenth.”

        

Brian Vellinger stood by the keg of Bud Lite, nursing his third beer of the evening and watching his old friends and classmates mill around the reserved room of the local country club.  The staff cleared away the remains of their buffet dinner and the DJ was getting ready to start the music.

          

“Thanks Brad.  I thought something more informal was in order.  I mean, shit, half of us live on the golf course, so why not spend the whole damn day here?”

          

 “Exactly.”  Brad Townsend clapped him on the back.  “Hey, there’s Pat.  I didn’t know he was coming.  I’ll be right back.”

          

 “Brian, how are you?”  A young woman walked up to him, carrying a wine glass.

          

  “Natalie Collier.  Oh my God.”  Brian smiled and held out his arm to hug her.  “How long has it been?  You weren’t at the tenth.”

           

  She shook her head, strands of her dark blonde hair catching on the stiff collar of her blouse.  “No, I couldn’t make it home for that one.  And no one organized a twentieth, so I made sure I was free for this one.”  She sipped her red wine and looked around.  “What’s this I hear about you and Tracy being divorced?”

           

  Brian showed her his left hand.  “She left me with no warning.  She was tired of my long hours and took up with a guy she met at a coffee shop.”

           

  Natalie’s dark blue eyes widened.  “No.”  She gasped.  “You two looked so happy together!  Did you have any kids?”

           

  “No.”  Brian sipped his beer.  “So what are you doing now?”

           

  “I’m a pharmacist at our local hospital.  I’ve been offered a position with a national chain, but I’m still weighing my options.”

           

  “Pharmacy?  I thought for sure you were headed for law school, as much as we argued our senior year.”

           

  “No; you whipped my ass on the debate team that one time we ended up on opposite sides.  That showed me you were better in front of people than I was.  I could tackle you one-on-one, but not in front of an audience.”  She took another drink of her wine.  “I hear you’re in finance?”

           
“Sort of.  I worked my way up in our local bank, moving from teller to doing mortgages.  I went as high as I could and a couple of years ago started my own Credit Union, helping small businesses get off the ground.  Right now, we’re just trying to keep everyone solvent in this damn economy.”  

Pre-order Class Reunion HERE. 

Don't forget to leave your contact info along with your comment!

"The Staging Area Of The Party"

Remember that Friends episode, when the gang had to have two birthday parties for Chandler, since both his divorced parents showed up?  Whenever Chandler's mother would drift into Monica and Rachel's apartment, they informed her it was the 'staging area' of the party and sent her back across the hall.

Anyway, this is my 'Staging Area' post.  I've been featured on Chad McPherson's blog, so there's Sneak Peek #1:)

All next week, I'll be reminiscing about the four reunions I've attended, plus the two 'mini' ones.  You're invited to share your own memories, both good and bad, and you'll have a chance to win a copy of Class Reunion, All She Ever Wanted, and Teacher's Pet.  Sound fun?

You've got the weekend to prepare:)  So hang you coats here, grab some food and a beverage, and prepare for the party to start on Monday!

Blurb:

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?

See you back here next week!