Cerise DeLand's Blog, page 57

3 more Naughty Stories by Desiree Holt, Allie Standifer and Brenna Zinn!

Yum, yum. Rush over to http://decadentpublishing.com to get your copies of Desiree's, Allie's and Brenna's one night stands in our NAUGHTY SLEEPOVER series.
You will be deliciously happy.
God knows, I was. Am. Still.                      





Blame it on Texas by Allie Standifer Everything's supposed to be bigger and better in Texas, right? Sexy plus size model Serena Morgan isn't convinced until Texas country star Kale Winters takes her in a night of passion. Come morning will Kale convince Serena he's the real deal or Blame it on Texas?


















When a Lady Meets a King by Brenna Zinn Lady Pembrook went to great lengths, traveling thousands of miles and assuming a false identity to satisfy her fantasy of a one-night stand with a real Texas cowboy. But when a mysterious stranger in dark sunglasses threatens to expose her scandalous behavior, a handsome King comes to the rescue.

MORE THAN YOU KNOW, my own Naughty Sleepover!

Come on over to the historic Menger Bar in San Antonio, Texas where 7 more lucky women find that one night stands offer more than a few hours of fun!



More Than You Know by Cerise DeLandOne redhead. One bartender. Lots of laughter. A desire so tender that the sheets they burn up together could set the hotel on fire. But can he intrigue a woman who’s older? What if he never lets her out of bed? Will she still want him tomorrow?

Need a little nibble? 
Sure you do!

Copyright, 2012, Cerise DeLand.

Luke strode toward her in the little hallway that led to the reception desk and the ballrooms.“Josh, listen to me.” Rita caught her son’s arm, and the young man wheeled toward his mother. “This will blow over. When you stand up to people who make unreasonable demands, they back down.”“Yeah, I know, Mom. But Tamara’s dad is a piece of work. And what do you want?” Josh turned to Luke.“To talk to your mother,” Luke replied, sidling up to Rita, sensing a conflict to come with her son.“I’m sorry but I don’t think we need you to—”“Josh, don’t be rude. Luke and I are friends.”Luke moved closer to Rita. Pressed to her side, he felt the warmth radiating from her. With her declaration, he knew triumph, too, and moved to support her from behind.“Ah! Okay. Okay. Sorry, Mom. Luke. I’ll work this out!” And off he trod down the long hall.Rita exhaled, her marvelous body falling back against Luke’s own. Christ, she felt supple and strong, her hip against his. He curled an arm around her waist, her fabulous breasts heavy on his forearm. He put his lips to her ear. “You smell wonderful. Feel divine. Did I do right to come out here or will he be furious?”She turned into his embrace, so close he could feel the outline of her pussy along his aching cock. The pebbling of her nipples, boring into his shirt. The sensitive brush of her lips across his own as she whispered, “Yes, absolutely the best thing you could ever do.”He secured his arms around her, pressing her so near that his poor cock nearly spilled right then and there. With a will of their own, his fingers caught handfuls of her thick rich waves. Against her beautiful mouth, he gruffed, “Maybe the best thing I could do is this.”To kiss her had been a fantasy. Like a teenage boy, he had done nothing but want her and suffer to have her. So this mating of skin and tongue and teeth was a young man’s dream, an older man’s bright invitation to taste her and tease her, savor her and devour her.“Jesus!” He broke away for air, his head falling back, his eyes squeezed closed. “I’ve wanted you—this—since the second I laid eyes on you.”Her purse slipped from her fingers, down his back, and hit the floor with a clunk. Then she wound herself around him like the golden siren she appeared to be, gentle and seductive, wild and fervent. “Makes two of us. And that’s not rational.”Swirling her around, he backed her to the wall and dove in for another savage kiss. “You taste too good to be real.”She grabbed a handful of his hair. “Oh, but you’re very real. I can feel your heart beat. And something else.”

Sassy 7's Naughty Sleepover series debuts Tuesday!

Mark your calendars for Tuesday when the SASSY 7 take you on a NAUGHTY SLEEPOVER!
This series, brought to you by those wild and crazy gals, the SASSY 7 (http://sassyseven.com) inaugurate the first of two—yes, I said TWO—series to celebrate their conference in February.
This NSO series brought to you by Decadent Publishing (http://decadentpublishing.com) finds 7 women in search of 7 fine men. They find them in the famous old bar where Teddy Roosevelt met with the Rough Riders at The Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.
You do not want to miss this fabulous series!
Just to look at the covers is a mind-blowing experience! Designed by our own Sassy Nicole Austin, these covers speak of yummy tales you do not want to miss!

Fran Lee debuts MY SEXY SENSEI with a giveaway!

Read all about my buddy Fran Lee's newest, MY SEXY SENSEI with a giveaway of one of her e-books! (AND do we want to lick the cover? Heck, Yeah!)

To one lucky person who posts, a giveaway! BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDY!

On to biz:

Lisa Hampton is committed to her martial arts career, but a woman in the traditional Japanese martial arts is seldom taken seriously. At least not until one hot and hunky man takes her very seriously. James Rhee runs his own brand of martial arts studio, teaching movie stars who want to shine in their on-screen stunts.
It’s a work ethic that Lisa genuinely wants no part of. But she soon finds it’s hard to refuse the maddening man anything…including her body. Before she knows it, she’s let her guard down and sinfully sizzling sex has turned into something she simply can’t fight.
Excerpt:
I turned, glancing up at the man standing beside my car, who was leaning down to speak to me through the open window. I thought that he was Japanese at first, but from the size of him I decided on second thought that he was more than likely Korean. A closer look at his face as he removed his reflective dark glasses confirmed my second impression. I rolled my window down the rest of the way and said, “Yes?”
I never usually pay more than scant attention to men—it’s safer not to. But I couldn’t help but pay attention to this one. He was tall for an Asian man. Judging by the way he was bending down to talk to me, he stood over six feet tall. I inhaled deeply as I lifted my wide eyes up the long length of that incredibly ripped body and noted the way he had been assessing me as well. My gut clenched as he returned his dark eyes to my face and his smile curved wickedly as if he knew the exact effect he was having on me.
He dropped down onto his haunches beside the car and his eyes were almost level with mine as he said quietly, “I would like to see your letter of recommendation, if you don’t mind.”
I frowned. How had he…? I hadn’t noticed him inside when I had shown it to Hirokawa. So how the hell had he known my name? My wary hesitation made him grin and my thoughts went a trifle haywire. And so did parts lower down my anatomy.
Holy shit! The man was absolutely the most intense, dangerously sensual male I’d ever laid eyes on.
I swallowed the dryness in my throat and fought to control a sudden glandular reaction that I’d never experienced before—total and consuming lust.
Oh, yeah. This man is dangerous.
I hesitated, unable to frame a reply.
“I’m sorry. You have no idea who I am, of course.” He extended his hand and I reached out of the car to take it as he said in quiet amusement, “I’m James Rhee. I’mShihan Hirokawa’s business partner.” His hand was calloused, hard and warm. A shot of something akin to a hundred gigawatts of rampant electricity zapped up my arm to my heart, curled around my chest and zoomed unerringly straight to my suddenly wet, clenched pussy.
“Oh.” My physical reaction must have been visible, because he seemed amused. I felt oddly breathless and uncertain beneath that intense, dark stare and I tugged my hand free. “Um…of course you may see my letter.” I opened my case with trembling hands and drew it out, handing it to him through the open window.
As he stood and looked at it I opened my car door and shimmied out, feeling that it was awfully rude to be sitting in my car while he was trying to talk to me. As I rose to my full height I realized how big he truly was. At five foot seven I was used to looking down on most Asian men. I was craning my neck to read his expression.
And the man has absolutely no concept of personal space.
Instead of stepping back and giving me room to take a deep breath, he remained planted like an oak right where he stood, making it impossible for me not to feel the throbbing heat sifting off that Greek-god body and enveloping my senses in the heady scent of sandalwood and hot male. He glanced at me and I noted his gaze taking another slow detour down my businesslike slack suit before returning to my face. My woman-senses went to full red-alert status.
Dear God. What a hunk.
“I’m afraid my Japanese is pretty rusty. Can you translate?” He shifted slightly, his hard, mouth-watering chest brushing my shoulder as he handed the letter back to me, and I chewed the corner of my lower lip as I ended up being the one to take a cautious step backward to sanity and safety. I avoided his eyes, opening the letter again and glancing at it, flushing warmly at the praise Matasi had heaped on me.
I felt uncomfortable translating the letter as written, so I edited out the more effusive compliments and the part about my being his finest student. I gave him only the facts about my rank and my years of study, and the part about my capabilities as a teacher. I refolded the letter but he reached for it once more, nodding with a slow smile as he opened it and his eyes ran over it a second time. I had the sneaky feeling that he could read the letter as well as I could and I blushed again as he glanced back up to meet my eyes. His eyes were sooo sexy.
“You left a few things out,” he murmured as he handed me the letter. “When can you start?”
I must have looked comical with my mouth sagging open and my eyes shocked, but he was polite enough not to tell me so. “Start? You…you mean I have the job? Without even showing you anything?”
His eyes were glittering black as he said, “I’ve seen everything I need to see, and the recommendation of a man as highly respected as Matasi Kanegawa is good enough for me.”
“But…I’m a woman!” I blurted, totally confused now.
His eyes detoured down my tailored suit again and returned to my face. “I can see that.” 

Need a warlock? TRICKERY by Sabrina York!

Magical Domination Anyone?Who wouldn’t love the power to have complete control over the hot, hard man of her fantasies? When Willow Ostreth realizes she has that power—even though it’s against the rules—she cannot resist. She uses a magic potion to seduce a scrumptious coffee vendor with massive rippling biceps. What she doesn’t realize is that he’s not just a sexy mortal, but a powerful warlock—and her worst nightmare!Part of Ellora’s Cave’s Hex line releasing this Fall, Trickery by Sabrina York is now available for preorder on Amazonand Barnes & Noble. It’s fun, frantic and darkly sexy. Magical domination at its best! Trickery by Sabrina YorkReleasing October 3rd. Now available for preorder on Amazonand Barnes & NobleThough seducing a mortal is expressly forbidden, novice witch Willow Ostreth wants Austin. Bad. Unbeknownst to Willow, Austin—the glorious, delicious specimen who makes her heart pound and her body weep—is no mere mortal. He’s really Damien DeWinter, a powerful warlock, a man determined to lure Willow—and bind her—to his bed.When the luscious Willow breaks the rules and uses her magic to ensnare him, Damien—rebel, renegade, outcast from the Witching World—figures he has carte blanche to pursue her and seduce her using any means possible. And his arsenal is vast.What neither of them realizes as they tempt and torment each other with pleasure is that there’s a greater magic at work here. One that could bind them together, forever.
An Excerpt From: TRICKERYCopyright © SABRINA YORK, 2012All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
The walk back to her apartment took forever. Willow had trouble restraining herself from skipping ahead and grabbing his hand and tugging him to move faster. Her mind roiled with scenarios of seduction and they all ended in the same way. His cock—his thick, hard cock—deep inside her.She licked her lips and gazed at him, loving that she had to tip her chin to see his face. She loved a looming man. A big, muscular looming man. She loved when they pushed her down on the bed and forced their way between her thighs. She loved the weight of them, the pressure of their bodies on hers. The domination…Of course, it wouldn’t do to begin there. She’d have to lead Austin down this path step-by-step. Train him properly. If he was as good as she expected, as good as her instincts screamed, she’d want to keep him, even after the Circle. Even after the Goddess assigned her a warlock mate with whom she would be obliged to make magical babies.She’d have to keep him a secret. The Sisters would have a conniption if they found out—they were very particular about whom she fucked.Why they cared, she didn’t have a clue.“Here we are.” Austin sprinted up the steps and held open the door to their brownstone. He bowed in a charming old-fashioned manner. “After you, milady.”Willow giggled and stepped inside, aware that he followed, prowled behind her like a big cat. Silly boy. He thought he was seducing her.She glanced at him as she fit her key in the lock. Saw his face fall.“I thought…” He trailed off, looking woebegone and dejected.“What?”“I thought maybe we’d go to my place.” He gestured up the stairs. “Have a drink?”Her lips curled. He thought she was dismissing him. That she’d simply allowed him to walk her home and this was the end of it. Silly, naïve little mortal.“A drink? I’d like that.” She opened her door wide and waved him in. He didn’t budge. She cleared her throat. “I have a lovely bottle of wine I’ve been saving for a special occasion.”Just how special, he could never know.“Great.” His face lit up. “Bring it.”Willow blinked. She’d always envisioned entrapping him in her apartment, had layered spells all around the bed to ensure his compliance with her wicked wishes. But…surely it didn’t matter if they fucked first in his bed. Did it? The potion would guarantee his submission.“Okay. Let me grab it.” She rushed into her apartment, through to her kitchen and grabbed the bottle she’d filled only last night. It was sealed with a waxed stopper, intricately etched with an erotic incantation. She snagged the chalice as well and chuckled to herself.Austin wouldn’t know what hit him.She practically floated up the two flights of stairs in his wake, twitching and creaming and trying to still her heart as his ass—his perfectly molded, tight ass—waggled in her face. Yum. Yum, yum, yum.It was delicious, having power like this, despite all the pesky rules and constraints that came with it. She could have any man she desired. Anytime she wanted him.Delicious.His hand trembled a little as he unlocked the door. It took several tries for him to put the key in the lock but he was hardly tentative. He ushered her into his apartment, spun her around, plastered her against the wall and put his hot, hard mouth on hers.Mercy! The calling spell was definitely stronger than she’d realized.She didn’t mind at all.Austin’s kiss was scrumptious, a tantalizing mix of sweet arousal and banked passion. His lips dragged over hers in a drugging rhythm. Then he sucked on her lower lip, nibbled.Willow shivered. Dear Gaia, he was a good kisser. She really didn’t want to stop, didn’t want it to end, and she groaned in protest when his warm, wet lips trailed away, across her cheek and to her ear. But then…But then his mouth settled on the crook of her neck and he nuzzled her there until she shuddered. With that shudder, that convulsion of every cell in her body, a glob of cream oozed out of her cunt and dampened her panties.Perhaps it was her imagination but when he lifted his head, a dazed look in his eyes, his nostrils flared as if he could smellher. 

Editors taking appointments at NAUGHTY SLEEPOVER!

YES! Time to party but also time to pitch your story idea!
At the Naughty Sleepover, you can get an appointment with the editor of your dreams. So many to choose from!
Sign up now with me HERE, after you have registered!
What is the Naughty Sleepover?

Ever attended a convention with BDSM demo, sex toy demo and male strippers?Say wha? Did not hear you. I know you've attended lots of conventions in your day. My 9-5 type conferences focused on financial planners. Stock brokers. Team bonding. TOTAL SNORES, right?But I have one for you that you won't EVER FORGET!The Sassy Seven's Naughty Sleepover in February in San Antonio at The Menger Hotel.And for ladies who want to have a great weekend, laughing and learning about stuff that perhaps you've not known too much about before, this is your weekend. In a safe environment. Controlled. Only with other women.Women who read erotica.Women who write it.Women who enjoy getting away from their significant others and maybe taking home a bit of knowledge to spice up their love life.And if that cake needs icing, we have all of this:GIVEAWAYS of books and bling.A great little city that you can safely walk in. A hotel, historic and comfortable, as well as affordable.The Alamo across the street, just in case you need a shot of history with your strippers, BDSM demo, line dancing, fun games and Tex-Mex dining. A conference fee that includes 4 meals and one Chocolate Extravaganza.Authors to schmooze with.Editors to pitch your story idea to! Register first to get on the list!Sassy Seven babes who are giving away tee shirts, books, bling of their own!Raffle baskets.(Yes, you will need another suitcase cuz your carry-on will NOT hold all this!)And love.So what are you waiting for?Got to http://sassyseven.com 

Desiree Holt's Oldie But Goodie, One of my Faves!

I like a little laughter with my erotic romance, don't you?
One of the funniest I have ever read is Des's STARK NAKED.
Have you tried it?
If you need a hearty chuckle, this is your book! And my Oldie but Goodie for Oct. 1!
What's the chuckle for? You must read to learn...after all, I do not want to spoil it for you!
Here's the set-up:

Naked is nice. But Stark naked is definitely more fun…Reenie Davenport learned the hard way that men are cheating, promotion-thieving poison. A month after making a fresh start in Texas, she looks forward to taking a breather at her old college friend Amy’s family ranch. Instead, she’s left breathless when Amy’s very drunk, very sexy, very naked brother lands at her feet. Even as she hardens her heart, a small part of her wishes that quickly tossed towel would shift…just a little.When Matt Stark shows up at Reenie’s dor to apologize, he can barely squeeze a word past her emotional barriers. Suddenly nothing else matters except convincing her not all men are clones of her ex. Sweet-talking her into lunch is only the beginning.One touch, and boom! Much to Reenie’s dismay, lunch ends in a hot, flaming dessert—in her bed. Shutting Matt out isn’t as easy as simply blowing out a match. Especially since this cowboy is equally determined to unlock her heart.Warning: Contains graphic and explicit, hot nekkid cowboy lovin’.And the cover?Lickable!

Tory Richards has a HOT SPOT (and giveaway) that will send you UP IN FLAMES!

I’m so thrilled to be here today! One of the perks of being a writer and sharing my stories is meeting and making new friends. And lately, I’ve been all over the internet, promoting. So yes, I am shamefully plugging my three current releases. Two came out in August and the third just this month.Okay, so who am I? I’m a grandma who writes smut. NOT porn, as my hubby used to teasingly call it. There is a huge difference. He was proud of me and my accomplishments, yet he never read one of my books.  Below are blurbs and pictures of my current releases. And before I forget, just yesterday I was offered a contract for my first interracial romance, Instant Attraction ! So you’re probably wondering, is there a prize involved. Who doesn’t like free stuff? I recently won my first ebook prize. Writers are readers, tooJ Leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered into a drawing for a download of Hot Spot . I’ll let randomly pick a winner one week from today. So do post your email addy and I’ll send you the ebook.  UP IN FLAMES Blurb – Rachel Masters has had a crush on her sexy boss for three years. As far as she knows the millionaire architect is oblivious to her, walking past her desk every morning with barely a nod in her direction. But when the power goes out and they're trapped in an elevator, the truth comes out in one steamy episode designed to take Rachel's mind off being claustrophobic.PASSIONATE ENCOUNTERS Blurb – Pretty divorcee Emma Stuart is ready to begin her new life in a new home down on the lake. She hasn’t sworn off men, but she isn’t looking to replace her cheating ex anytime soon. Until a mistake lands the small town’s sexy detective on her door step. The attraction is instant, and explosive, and soon they’re as involved as two people can get. Mike Denton isn’t looking for any complicated relationships. He’s too busy raising a teenage daughter on his own. But the moment he looks into Emma’s pretty eyes he knows he’s in trouble. The curvy temptress keeps him in a constant state of arousal, and manages to break down his willpower with little more than a smile. He lusts after her body, but will he be able to keep his emotions in check?You can find all my books on Amazon -www.amazon.com/Tory-Richards/e/B002DBFNUQ

Jessica Subject celebrates CRASH LANDING with giveaway!

5 Things Cael wished he’d done before crash landing on Earth!First of all, thank you so much, Cerise, for having me on your blog today. It’s such a pleasure to be here. JMy second erotica short story, Crash Landing, released today from Decadent Publishing as part of their Edge series. And I thought I’d share some things Cael wished he had done in his life as he plummets toward Earth.1.     I wish I’d said a proper goodbye to my parents before leaving Narian.2.     I wish I’d reached my thirtieth year to experience mating or had someone on the ship to practice with.3.     I wish I had someone else on this ship to help save us from crashing.4.     I wish I’d paid better attention in training.5.     I wish I’d learned how to swim.Here’s an excerpt:Cael gripped the cushioned arms of the captain’s chair as his ship tumbled bow over stern. The console flashed a blinding red in front of him. Piercing alarms drilled into his mind and he lost focus. The seconds raced by as he plummeted toward Earth. He’d fucked up this mission of peace. Contact with his home planet had ended months ago. No one from Narien could save him now. His death was imminent.The water below wouldn’t soften his landing. At its current speed, his ship would disintegrate on splashdown. The planet’s gravity pulled him down faster.He coughed; the acrid scent of fried electronics stung his nose and the back of his throat. Please let my death be quick.A rattling to the left caught his attention above all other noise. The handle on the cabin door shook. Freedom. It wasn’t his time to die, if he could get out.The altimeter on the dashboard read six thousand meters, high enough to jump and land safely with his chute. Only to land in frigid water and die of exhaustion or hypothermia from treading without any hope of a rescue.“Shit.” But he’d die if he stayed. He had to take the chance. Yanking off his safety harness, he pulled himself to standing and strained to reach the recess where his pack hung. Stretching up, he fingered the cloth strap. Not close enough to grab hold of it.The ship jolted and flung him to the stern. He weaved his arm through the straps of the pack on his way past, dislodging it from the hook. Yes.His triumph was short-lived as he flew starboard, smashing his shoulder against the wall. He groaned when an electrifying spasm shot down his arm to the tips of his fingers. The ship lurched again, and he tumbled back toward the console. He grabbed the door, his feet dangling in mid air. If he didn’t get out now, he’d forfeit any chance to survive.The ship righted again. He planted his feet against the bottom of the door and twisted the crank. The latch snapped open, filling him with a sense of hope. Careful to keep at least one hand on the handle at all times, he slung the pack over his shoulders.All set. Time to jump. Pushing off the floor, he slammed his uninjured shoulder against the door. It blew open and tore away from its hinges, lost to the sky.Cael teetered on the edge before plunging out of his failing ship. Wind whipped all around him as he twisted to catch his bearing during freefall.Glancing down, he spied crystal blue lake, much closer than he’d expected. Too close.He jerked the cord on his chute–several hundred feet lower than he should have. At least. His feet skimmed the cold waves just as his chute caught the current and heaved him back into the air.The ship splashed into the water beside him, disintegrating into millions of pieces. He raised his hands in front of his face as shrapnel flew at him. Tiny shards sliced into his arms and legs, but the extreme heat from the cloud of steam billowing up at him stung the most.From the moment his toes touched down in the once frigid water, his skin sizzled. He screamed in agony. His death would have been quicker and less agonizing if he’d remained in the ship.A hard piece of his spacecraft smashed down on his head, and he welcomed the darkness. Crash Landing Blurb As his ship plummets toward Earth, Cael believes his life to be over. His last ditch effort to save himself ends in a fiery crash. When he wakes up, he believes he’s entered the afterlife, but his surroundings indicate otherwise. He made it to Earth. But who saved him, and what do they want with him?Now available from Decadent Publishing and other ebook retailers.
More information and Buy Links here: http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/?page_id=10879 Giveaway!! For your chance to WIN an ebook copy of The Power of Three, my other story from The Edge, be sure to a comment along with your email address. Winner will be notified on October 1, 2012. Bio: Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.Website/Blog / Twitter / Facebook/ Goodreads/ Amazon

Ella Jade writes about PASSION'S PAIN, out now! (And wow, for that cover!)

Thanks so much for having me here today. I’m thrilled to be celebrating the release of my latest contemporary romance Passion’s Pain. This book was a long time in the making. The idea has been with me for years, but I always thought it was a little unconventional as far as romances went. One day I sat down and started writing and then I couldn’t stop. Passion’s Pain is a romance at the core, but it’s also a journey about a woman who has fallen on some hard times and wants to find some peace and stability. She thinks she’s finally found it when she meets an intriguing older stranger, but she soon realizes the man she thought was her savior was only the one who would bring her to her true destiny. What’s it about? One woman…two men. Who will she choose? The father or the son?Lilli Daniels has been down on her luck for quite some time. She's been homeless, hungry and alone for far too long. When an intriguing, older stranger enters the strip club where she's waitressing her life takes on a new direction. Successful attorney Jackson Avis maintains complete control of every aspect in his life. When he lays eyes on the beautiful, young Lilli he's captivated and has to have her. He tempts her with a life of privilege and security. He introduces her to a world she never knew existed. Complications arise when Jackson's son and aspiring doctor Cameron expresses an interest in his father's girlfriend. Lilli fights the attraction, but Cameron wants to give into his heart's desire. He's the complete opposite of his controlling, manipulative father and will stop at nothing to protect the woman he's falling in love with. Sometimes life leads you down one path only to bring you to your true destiny. Can Lilli come to terms and figure out exactly who her heart belongs to?
Excerpt Lilli glanced down at the floor for a few seconds before looking up and giving Jack a small smile. Her long black hair fell down the center of her back and curled slightly at the ends. Her eyes were a most alluring color. Jack couldn’t tell for sure in the dim lighting, but they almost appeared violet. He’d never encountered such a unique woman before. He knew right away a girl like her didn’t belong in a shit-hole like this.“What would you like?” She looked down at the pad she held and waited for his order.“For you to have a seat.” He got up, pulled the chair out, and then motioned for her to sit.“What? No, I can’t. I’m working.”Jack looked around and noted it wasn’t that busy.“I think you can sit for a few minutes.” He smiled. “Pat said you should give me what I want.”“I-I don’t do that.” She shook her head. "Some of the other girls here do, but not me."“I’m only asking you to sit and I rarely ask twice.” He felt a sense of relief knowing she didn't prostitute herself to the customers in this disgusting place. “Please.”“Just for a few minutes.” She looked around the bar and then quickly took a seat.“It’s nice to meet you, Lilli,” he said. “Do you have a last name?”“I do.” She was too busy looking into his eyes that he thought maybe she forgot to finish answering.Jack smiled and cleared his throat when he realized she was staring at him.“Oh, it’s Daniels.”“I see. What do you do besides work here, Lilli Daniels?”“I work at the bookstore over at the community college,” she said. “I’m hoping to save enough money to take a few classes there in the fall.”“It’s only January,” Jack said. “Why wait so long?”“Classes are expensive.” She nervously fidgeted with the cocktail napkin sitting on the table. “So, what do you do?”“I’m an attorney. I have my own practice in the city.”“Oh, that sounds interesting. I’d like to study law someday, too.”“A pretty ambitious goal.” He teased. “How old are you?”“Twenty-two.” Well, at least she's legal. But, for a girl working in a strip club trying to save money for school, she seemed awfully naïve. He briefly wondered if it was an act to get men to feel sorry for her. Maybe she knew exactly how to get a bigger tip out of her customers.“Getting a bit of a late start with school, aren’t you?” Jack asked. “My son is about your age and he's in medical school.”“My father’s not an attorney.” She ran her fingers through her hair and Jack immediately recognized she was uncomfortable when she mentioned her father. The lawyer in him needed to investigate a little further.“What does your father do?”“Are you ready to order?” she said. “I should be getting back to work.”“Not just yet.” He wondered why she changed the subject so quickly. “I’m curious as to what a girl like you is doing in a place like this.”“Me, too.” She looked around the dark room. “I fell on some hard times and I’m just trying to get my life back together. It’s honest work.”“What kind of hard times?” He was trying not to interrogate her, but he wanted to know more about her.“I can tell you’re a lawyer.” Her full pink lips curved into a smile. Jackson wondered what it would feel like to have her mouth against his. She was probably soft and warm.“It’s in my nature to ask questions.” He wanted to know more about this beauty.“Do you always get your answers?”“I always get everything I want.” He let his eyes wander down her body. She was flawless, but he shouldn't have been entertaining any possibilities at all. But then again, when did he ever let anything stop him from getting what he wanted?Jack reached into his pocket, pulled out his business card, and handed it to her. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. “I have to get back to the office now, but I’ve rather enjoyed your company. If Pat gives you a hard time, please give me a call. I’ll set him straight.” He knew he should leave her alone. He wasn't sure he’d be interested in getting involved with a girl in her situation, but he wasn’t ready to walk away. Not yet.She glanced down at the card. “I went to high school with a Cameron Avis.”“Did you date?” That would be far too amusing.“Oh, God no.” She laughed. “He was a year older than me, popular, and would never give a girl like me a second glance. I was from the wrong side of the tracks.” She rolled her eyes.“Hmm.” Jack began to get a clearer picture of who Lilli was.“I was shy and kept to myself,” she said. “He was gorgeous, smart, and came from money. Definitely not my type."“Really?” Jack grinned as he got up from the table. “It seems to me I’ll have to have a talk with my son about not recognizing a good thing when he sees it.”“Oh.”***Passion’s Pain – Available September 26, 2012 - http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/I love connecting with readers. You can find me here…http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ella-Jade-Author/186959391390708?ref=hl About Ella… Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.