Xondra Day's Blog, page 5

Author Spotlight: Kelsey Blue

Time to time I feature a fellow author on this blog to help promote their work. This time I've chose to highlight a good online friend of mine and fellow Siren author, Kelsey Blue. She's had a new release recently, and I hope you give her a try. Her books are well written and did I mention the hot men?






Buy


Blurb: [Ménage and More: Erotic Interracial Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, shape-shifters, sex toys, HFN]

Kendra Winters is a journalist who’s come across the story of a lifetime. A pack of shape-shifters is living in her city, hidden from the public eye through stealth and subterfuge. If she can expose them when all others have failed, she’ll go down in history and maybe finally get her editor off her back. At least, that’s the plan... 
Will Castle and Brad Cook can’t believe their luck when Kendra walks up to them in a bar. Not only is she smart, witty, and beautiful, but she’s interested in both of them. They hold a secret, though. They’re both shape-shifters, able to take on the forms of wolves at will, and they belong to a pack that are willing to do anything to keep their secret hidden. 
Will the boys be able to show her the error of her ways, or will Kendra forsake love for the headline of a lifetime?

Excerpt:

Kendra sipped at her drink as she watched the two men cross the road from her seat in the diner. She had originally been irritated to have arrived just as their meeting was ending, but it looked like the night wouldn’t be a total disaster after all. If she was lucky, maybe she could get close to the tall one with the cute smile and ply him with a drink or two. First things first, though…

She turned back to the counter and caught the eye of the waitress. “Excuse me, miss?”

The woman, whose nametag identified her as Trish, smiled. “Can I get you something?”

“I was wondering if you knew the men who just left. It’s just that I’m sure I’ve met the tall one somewhere before, but I can’t remember his name.”

The woman folded her arms. “Cut the crap, honey.”

Kendra felt her stomach flip. “Pardon me?”

Trish grinned. “I saw the little smile between you. You want to get in his pants.”

Blood rushed to her cheeks, and Kendra was thankful it wasn’t noticeable. “Oh. Yeah.” She feigned a sheepish grin. “He’s cute, right?”

“Definitely. The other guy, too.” Trish screwed up her brow. “Uh, tall one’s called Will, and the other guy’s…Nah, can’t remember. I know the huge guy they were with is called Raul. My boss has called him over before when someone needs ejecting from the premises.” She smiled. “Don’t let that put you off, though. They’re all always friendly. I don’t know what they talk about, but I guess it’s like a fitness group or something, since they’re all so buff.”

Kendra smiled and thanked the woman for the information, then left the diner and jogged across the road to join the queue outside the bar. As she waited to get in, she ran through a few ideas for meeting the two men. That was the plan, anyway. Her brain had a different idea, though, and inserted the two men into the ménage fantasies she’d had earlier that night. Suddenly she was very glad the night was cool. Otherwise she’d be sweating.

The line eventually shuffled forward and she was let inside the club. It was one she hadn’t been in before, but it didn’t take long to orient herself and head to the bar. There were no free seats, and no shifters, either. She turned to face the dance floor and tried to find the two men. After a few moments she caught sight of the shorter of the two men heading toward a booth near the rear of the building. Gotcha.

It took a few minutes to get the attention of the bartender, but once she had a drink in hand, she made her way across the room and walked straight up to the booth that the two men occupied. They both looked up as she smiled.

“Mind if I join you?”

The taller man, Will, moved up to let her sit. “Please. You were in the diner.”

“Methinks you followed us,” the shorter man said, though he was smiling. “I like that.”

She shrugged. “Life’s too short for coyness. You’re both cute and at the very least I’ll get a drink and some good company.”

Will laughed. “I’m always up for good company. I’m Will, and this is Brad.”

“Nice to meet you both.” She sipped her wine. “You from around here?”

“For a few years, now. We’re originally from out west.”

“Oh? Are you related?”


“Nah,” Brad said. “Just very good friends. We do everything together.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Everything?”

Brad only smiled, but his eyes said more. Her previously quashed mental images returned and this time she let them stay. She’d only come in the hopes of some information for her article, but if she could get something more fun out of the night, all the better.

“So, what do you two do for fun?”


Note: For some reason the other covers won't upload. You can view them by clicking the buy link.

http://www.bookstrand.com/katt-amongst-the-wolves

Katt Amongst the Wolves

Blurb: [Ménage and More: Erotic Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, werewolves, HFN]

Katherine “Katt” Miller tracks and hunts the supernatural, in search of an ages-old vampire that long ago took her sister from her. He’s elusive, though, and in the last year there have been almost no sightings.

As a result of one of her nightly hunts, she meets Glen and his friend Mark. A three-person relationship isn’t something she’s used to, but she’s willing to try anything once, and soon finds herself in a smoking hot, if quirky, relationship.

At the same time, the vampire she’s been hunting resurfaces with an appetite for revenge for what Katt did to him. Will she manage to juggle a burgeoning relationship with a battle for her life? And how will she react when she finds out that her two new men are both werewolves?


http://www.bookstrand.com/shifting-michelles-boundaries

Shifting Michelle's Boundaries

Blurb: [Ménage and More: Erotic Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, shape-shifters, HFN]

Michelle Needham’s sordid rendezvous with hunky Craig Matheson turns into a whole new experience when he reveals that not only does he want to see her again, but so does his best friend, Jack Page. She’s unsure at first, but decides to jump in with both feet and has an unforgettable night with the two men.

The closest of friends for many years, Craig and Jack are ecstatic that they’ve finally found a woman who’s willing to be with both of them. But they’re also worried. While she was accepting of their odd relationship, how will she react when she finds out that the two men are powerful supernatural beings, able to take on the forms of animals at will?

Will the lust triangle survive the incredible revelation, or will it all come crashing down around them? Either way, Michelle is in for a hell of a ride.


Added Note: All books are MFM and are also available on Amazon and other third party e-tailer sites except for Exposure which will be on third party sites in a couple weeks! Enjoy!


XD

Recent Fantastic Reads

I've been reading a ton of books lately, so I decided once again to share my favs with anyone who is interested. My reading tastes vary quite a bit as you can see.


Blurb: My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe. 
It started with the discovery of a young woman's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer--and to his other victims--lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next. 
Verdict: What an awesome read! This book totally engrossed me. It's the first in a series and as you can read from the blurb it's pretty unique and dark. 

Blurb: Grace Livingston Hill weaves an enchanting love triangle and introduces one of her most delightful characters in part one of the Miranda trilogy. Two sisters are as different as night and day--and inexplicably linked by the man they both desire. Kate Schuyler lives only for what pleases her in the moment, while Marcia Schuyler sacrifices her youth to marry her older sister's jilted fiance. Can Marcia endure living in borrowed clothes and a borrowed home with a borrowed husband? Is there hope to win her husband's love when Kate returns, spinning a web of deceit?
Verdict: This was a great romance in the purest sense of the word. It isn't hot or steamy, but the love is genuine between the hero and heroine. It's funny to think of this one as an historical since it was written about a 100 years ago as a contemporary for the time. If you're looking for an wholesome read with some pretty interesting characters and angst, try this one!

Blurb: A Fresh Start
Lily Farnsworth can thank a mysterious benefactor for the chance to open her own flower shop in Bygones, Kansas. But Tate Bronson is the biggest challenge the relocated Boston attorney has ever faced. Forget about tossing out the welcome mat—the handsome widowed rancher seems determined to keep Lily at arm's length. As everyone buzzes over the identity of the anonymous donor, Lily's doing her part to revitalize the struggling town. With the help of Tate's little girl-turned-matchmaker, can she create a garden of community and love deep in the heart of Kansas…and one special man?
Verdict: I like reading Harlquin's line of Christian romances. It's isn't really because of the religious element in them, but I find them easy reads that focus on the romance between the characters more so than anything else.
This book was a nice, easy read. Tate was a wonderful man, and I can see why Lily fell for him so easily. The blurb pretty much tells the jest of the story. This is also a series. I can't wait to read the next book. If small town romances are your thing, try this sweet read.

Blurb: A family struggles to survive bereavement, bombing and bitter rivalry... Patsy Rushton's brother Barney doesn't know the meaning of hard work, so when their father tragically dies, Patsy has no choice but to save the family's business. Meanwhile, Barney has got his girlfriend pregnant and, feeling trapped, he abandons her and leaves Merseyside altogether. But trouble follows Barney wherever he goes and when he learns of his sister's growing success, he can't help feeling resentful. Why is their mother, Beatrice, so quick to forgive him? Surely, she can't be blind to his faults? As Patsy is to discover, there's something else about Barney that is frightening her mother so much she has never dared to speak of it before.
Verdict: Anne Baker is one of my favorite authors. I adore her books and I don't think she's written a bad one. Love is Blind is a sweeping family saga set during the World War II. I got really enveloped in this story. Nancy was such a strong woman. If you're looking for an enticing read set during an interesting time, this book is the perfect read.

XD

Cover Reveal: Full-figured? Why yes she is!

I am extremely pleased to show off my cover for my upcoming menage, Risky Secrets. It's being published by Evernight Publishing and when the cover was first sent for me to view, I was thrilled. 
First the heroine is plus-sized. She's about a size 16. I knew when I sent the cover art form in that I wanted someone on the cover who looked like the heroine, Jayne. I have run across so many books where the heroine has a fuller figure, yet when you look at the cover she's thin or simply has huge breasts! It's a bit of a pet peeve for me and I'm glad I did not have to deal with that.
Risky Secrets has a release date. It's due to be out on August 14th! I'm excited!
XD

Recent Enjoyable Reads of Mine

On occasion I share recent reads that I have enjoyed. Some books stand out more than others and these are the books that I have enjoyed over the past few months.


Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.Verdict: I really enjoyed this book. Philippa Gregory is known for her historicals. The people are real, but the story is fictional. It was interesting to get a glimpse of what it was like to live and survive back  then. At times I did feel like I was reading a history book, but saying that the author definitely kept my interest. And I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, The Red Queen.
Finding out she was a witch had upended Mari Saguna's staid life, but being thrown into a war between dark, otherworldly creatures in New York City surpassed the surreal. Her coven battled a clan of vampires…and caught in the middle were Mari and one vampire hell-bent on rescuing his kidnapped brethren.No spells could protect her from Nicholai, the potent, mysterious seducer. No potions could assuage the longing he'd awakened in her. In his lair, Mari wasn't sure she wanted protection…until she discovered Nicholai's dark intention. Could she believe the enemy she'd come to love meant to destroy her? And would it matter when Nicholai discovered she�and her blood�were her coven's secret weapon?Verdict: This was on my TBR pile since forever! I picked it up because I wanted to get through some of the older books I'd purchased. I was pleasantly surprised. The story contained many twists and turns in the plot and I whizzed through it in two days. Vampire's are a tad overdone these days, but this book was enjoyable and fresh!
"Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentleman without other attachments need not apply." —Miss Sophie Valentine
A Scandalous Lady
Sophie Valentine knew placing an ad for a husband in the Farmer's Gazette would bring her trouble—and she was right. When the darkly handsome, arrogantly charming Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, the nosy residents of Sydney Dovedale are thrown into a gossiping tizzy. After all, it's common knowledge that Sophie is a young lady In Need of Firmer Direction. But even Sophie isn't so scandalous as to marry a complete stranger . . . is she?

Seeks Handsome Stranger
Lazarus Kane has been searching for Sophie half of his life. She may not remember him, but he could never forget her. But the past is a dangerous thing, and it's best if his remains secret if he wants to tempt Sophie with...

A Most Improper Proposal
Verdict: This is the first in a series of Regency's by Jayne Fresina. I loved this book! It was a joy to read. What I liked most was that there was a lot of humor in the story. It wasn't stuffy or traditional which was completely refreshing. There was also just enough heat to keep things moving along nicely without it being a raunch fest! 



Added Note: I've also enjoyed a variety of m/m shorts from the M/M Romance group on Goodreads which they do every year as part of their Don't Read in the Closet Event. Check them out: http://www.mmromancegroup.com/ There are some great stories listed there!

XD

Sean & Toby(Lust at First Sight 1) Release Day!

It's finally out! You can purchase it directly from Evernight Publishing at a discount or from Amazon, Bookstrand, and All Romance.
http://www.evernightpublishing.com/sean-and-toby-by-xondra-day/
Blurb:
 Lust at First Sight, 1
First time meetings can lead to many things, but when you meet the one guy you're automatically attracted to—the chemistry sizzles. Strangers or not, it doesn't matter. It's lust at first sight and anything's game... Sean's mundane job at a call center leads him to make some changes in his routine life. Getting fit is one of his goals and after joining a local gym, he meets cute and twinky Toby.Toby nearly knocks the breath out of Sean with not only his cute looks, but also his wit and charm. Their attraction to each other is instant and Sean can't stop thinking about Toby and his perfect butt. 
Things quickly heat up between them, but Toby isn't who Sean thought he was. Looks can be very deceiving. There's another side to Toby's personality. Sean's definitely met his match!Excerpt: Toby returns with our order and glides back into his seat. “Coffee for you, and café mocha for me.” He takes a sip and licks his lips. “I like it when the whipped creams melts into it,” he says.There’s a pause of silence as we look at each other. The tension’s thick between us, but it’s the good kind. I want to tell him straight out that I find him adorable.“I like cream,” I say. I blush instantly. Where in the hell did that come from?I feel something brush against my foot under the table. I jump from sheer surprise, and Toby winks at the same time. He’s being bold with me. This is something unexpected, but I’m liking this side of him.“You’re cute,” he tells me. He takes another sip of his café mocha. “You surprised me in the locker room. I didn’t think you would speak to me.”I swallow hard and clear my throat. “Normally I wouldn’t. I am out, so it’s not like I’m living in the closet or anything like that.”“You caught me off guard. You could probably tell that.”“You looked a little uncomfortable,” I admit. “It can be a little awkward when you know nothing about the other guy. I try to tread lightly in such cases.”“So, you hit on a lot of guys when out and about?” Toby asks.I nearly choke as I swallow a mouthful of java. “Hardly,” I mutter, shaking my head. “This…You and me.” I cough. “Sorry. This is the first date I’ve been on since forever.”“This is a date?” Toby asks. “I thought it was coffee.”See, it’s like I was saying. The two can easily get confused. “It is coffee, I guess.”“I’m screwing with you. It’s whatever we want it to be.” A mischievous look is all over his sexy face as he waits for me to respond.I nearly gulp down the last of my coffee. I honestly don’t know what to say. Toby’s brashness makes me almost nervous, but inside my jeans I’m rock hard. His foot nudges mine again.“You’re something,” I say, almost laughing. “Looks are most certainly deceiving.”“Are they? I’m being too forward, and you can’t handle that.”“You’re playing with me. That’s what I think.”“And you don’t like that,” Toby adds. He runs his hand back through his hair. “So asking you to leave here and come back to my place would be a terrible thing.”“No, definitely not.” I don’t want him to think that I’m not interested because I am.“That’s a yes or no?” Toby pushes his cup to the side.“Yes,” I reply quickly. “Let’s go.”****“This is it,” Toby says once inside his apartment. We drove the short distance in my car from Joe’s. “It isn’t big, but I call it home.”Toby’s apartment is extremely clean and neat. That’s the first thing that stands out to me. The design is what I would call comfortable modern. The furnishings are sleek and contemporary, but the place has a homelike feeling too. I settle on the couch, and I can’t believe that I’m sitting there. I’m surrounded by his personal space and everything feels extremely intimate.“I like it,” I say. “You have a flair for design.”“Isn’t that typical.” Toby smiles. “I’m a bit of a walking cliché. But anyway, would you like a drink?”“Sure,” I reply. “This really is a great space.”I’m a little envious. There are times when I wish I didn’t have a roommate. My situation with my roomie and friend has become way too complicated.“I have sodas,” Toby says coming back into the room. “Since you’re driving, booze isn’t going to be in the picture.” He takes a seat next to me, and our knees touch. “Perhaps you don’t drink. I’m jumping way ahead. I know very little about you.”“I drink on social occasions.” I’m very aware of Toby sitting so close to me and inside, I feel like someone is doing flips in my stomach. The sweaty palms have returned. “But don’t think I’m a lush or anything remotely like that.” The last thing I want is for him to get the wrong impression.“I don’t think that.”“You surprise me,” I suddenly blurt out. I feel hot, like I’m burning up. My cheeks are flushed, and I can’t help but squirm a little. “At the gym when we first met, I kind of had you pegged as being more…How should I say this?” I pause to find the right word and then it comes to me. “Submissive.” That’s the word.“Like ‘Fifty Shades’ submissive?” Toby rolls his eyes. “I like it hot and a little rough, but I’m not into BDSM if that’s what you’re hinting at.”“What?”“The book. Surely you have read it?”“No.”“It makes no difference. I’m not a submissive type of guy.” Toby’s voice goes a little deeper. “I like guys like you.”“Guys like me?”“Yes.” He leans in close to me. I shiver as his hot breath caresses my ear. His arm now rests around my shoulders, and he draws me even closer to him. “If I saw you on the street or at the gym and didn’t know any better, I’d think you were one hundred percent straight. It was only when you kept looking at me and struck up that conversation in the locker room that I knew you and I played for the same team. You smell fucking awesome.”A small moan escapes my lips as I feel Toby kiss my earlobe and he moves to my neck. This is my weak spot. “You don’t know what you’re doing to me,” I manage to mutter. My cock strains inside my jeans to get free. My excitement is obvious.“I think I do,” Toby replies. He’s coy and sexy at the same time, which is a deadly combination. “I’m not that innocent.”

A New Cover and a Freebie!

This is the cover for my upcoming release from Evernight Publishing! It will be out July 12th, 2013! If you would like to add it on Goodreads, here is the link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17936376-sean-toby . Also I have a freebie out on Smashwords. The short story, Summer Surprise was originally included with my novella, Worth Waiting For. You can download it here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333011

XD

What's New

During the past few months the day job had pretty much taken up most of my time. Toss in trying to have a personal life and I haven't had much spare time to write.

I recently sent off two subs. One has been accepted which is the first in a series of shorts(MM). The other sub(MMF) I'm waiting to hear back from.

I'm currently working on a few other things which I'm hoping to have completed within the next couple of months.

Life has been crazy and hectic here. People tell me to 'make time' to write, but that's easier said than done when you have a lot on your plate. Right now my day job is where the money is and we all need money to live. Writing brings in a good second income, but it's not enough on its own to live on.

On an up note, the weather had been good here. Summer's coming and I'm looking forward to it.

XD

Coming Soon: Sean & Toby(Lust at First Sight 1)

I am pleased to announce that my first in a series of shorts has been accepted for publication by Evernight Publishing!

I'm extremely excited about this series which consists of tales of insta-lust. Note that I'm saying LUST and not LOVE. These stories are fun, highly sexual, and each end on a cheerful HFN(Happy for now) note.

Look for Sean & Toby's story soon. I'll post further details as I get them.

XD

What to Blog About?

What to blog about? That's been a question I've asked myself so many times over the past year. There's the usual posts when a new release comes out, and on occasion other authors drop by to plug their books. At times I have blogged about my personal life without getting too personal. Whatever you post online stays there forever and I always keep that in mind.

The winter's over and spring's here finally. We had a terrible winter as you can see from the picture above. That was one of many mega blizzards we had. There's a pathway to the street buried under all that snow. I'm so glad that we're through that and I'm looking forward to a nice summer.

There isn't much new on the writing front. I have a couple of works in various stages of completion that I hope to sub soon, and I have the first story in a series of shorts completed with many more to come. They're m/m and they standalone. Hot guys, passionate moments... What more could you ask for, right?

I need to update this site too. I'm hoping to get that done in the next couple of weeks. I hope everyone is doing well in life.

XD

Dashing Doctor, Pregnant Nurse

My other pen, Vivan Kees has released a MF short! It's a medical romance! Check out the excerpts below. It's available from the Evernight Publishing site and on all third party sites like Amazon, All Romance, and Bookstrand.

Blurb: Passion, love, and a shocking secret…

Janine Croft never thought her affair with the dashing Dr. Kyle Van Peter would turn into anything more than it was. After all, it wasn’t supposed to be anything serious, right? But when a sudden unexpected bump in the road derails everything she’s known in her otherwise routine life, the once practical nurse must face her newfound reality. Which may or may not include the man who’s seen to her every need both physically and emotionally during the past few months.

When did things change between them? Kyle Van Peter can’t help but question Janine’s motives when she suddenly dumps him without warning. Normally things like this didn’t bother the handsome doctor, but the sassy and extremely sexy nurse has already stirred something deep inside of him that can’t be extinguished that easily. He demands answers that only she can give him.

Excerpt: “Kyle, you have no reason to be sorry. I made a huge error in my better judgment. I should never have bombarded you like that. It was neither the time, nor place. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“It’s just that … it surprised the heck out of me. I honestly thought that things were good between us. I know we had set limits and stuff, but I felt we were headed somewhere more serious. Then when you told me it was over, that we were over.” He turned to her, and reached out to grasp her hands. “I thought we had something special.”

His hands. Janine looked down at them. They were large compared to hers. His fingers were long and thick. They were healing hands. They were hands that had loved her, and caressed the most intimate parts of her body. She thought back to the last time they’d made love. God, it had been delicious.

There had been nothing particularly different about it. Sex with Kyle was always fantastic. Yet, she could still remember how he had felt next to her in bed afterwards, spooning her from the back. His warmth permeated throughout her body as his arms curled around her waist until his hands settled on her belly. He’d unknowingly cradled their unborn child who at the time had been still unknown to her too.

Janine shook. “It isn’t like that, Kyle. I do feel for you.”

“Then what’s the problem?” he asked. A look of utter confusion crossed his handsome face. “I’m at a loss, here Janine.” He cast her a forlorn look.

So many things ran through her head. Too many memories and conflicting emotions filled her. She did care for Kyle, but a baby? She couldn’t begin to fathom how this would change both their lives.

He moved closer and leaned into her. His breath felt hot against her neck. “You must feel something for me?” he whispered, as one strong hand moved up to caress her cheek. “Remember that weekend at the lake?”

She did. How could she ever forget?

“We connected on a deeper level.” His hand moved to the back of her neck. This was a very sensitive spot for her, and he was well aware of that fact. Just feeling his fingers sliding across her skin and their tips delicately brushing was enough to cause her to groan. She did her best to stifle her unwanted reaction. He knew how to push her buttons, and did so in every way imaginable.

She must have looked horrid to him, sitting there in her flannels, her hair askew and her breath… Well, she just hoped it wasn’t too offensive. And then mid-thought, he did it. With one hand firmly planted firmly under her chin, he guided her to his lips.

He tasted like coffee and mint. “We shouldn’t,” she murmured. “We ended this earlier today. We’re over.”

“No.” Kyle placed one finger against her lips. “You ended it. And right now your kiss tells me that you might have second thoughts. You have feelings for me, Janine, and I for you.”

He wasn’t altogether wrong. She did feel for him. But exactly what it was she wasn’t sure. “Kyle, I’m confused. I don’t know what I think or feel anymore. I like you. I really do, but I don’t think that extends anywhere beyond friendship.”

“We were always friends,” he answered. His fingers fumbled with the top button of her pajama top. She gently pushed them away.

“This isn’t going to happen.” And when he tried to kiss her again, Janine turned her head from him. “I think you should leave, now.”

“Janine,” he started, his voice pleading. “Please don’t push me away like that.”

“I’m not pushing, Kyle.” She stood in front of him with both hands planted firm on her hips. “But I can’t go against my feelings simply to make you feel better.” She was determined to stand her ground.

“Okay.” Kyle stood and walked out of the living room and down the hall towards the front door. She followed. He turned before exiting. “I won’t force myself on you. I hope we can at least remain professional at work.” He was gone with only his scent lingering in the air to remind her that he’d been there.