Sandra Bunino's Blog, page 17

Mid Week Tease: Get Your Flair On #MWTease

Happy Teasing Day!

Inspiration hits writers when we least expect it. That’s what happened to me this week.

I found the world of flair bartending while planning a cocktail event for the Hot Mojave Knights Reader weekend in September. During my research, I texted my favorite Jersey Girl and our conversation somehow turned to a certain leafy vegetable and hot fudge sundae toppings. LOL

My awesome girlfriend said how the leafy vegetable would make a great hero’s name and I took it and ran. Damn, I hope she didn’t want to use it. O.O

Anyway, here’s a brand new (unedited) scene from my WIP, The Passion of Us. It’s Alex and Miranda’s story and the second book in the McAvery’s Bar series. (BTW, Erin is a waitress at McAvery’s.)

Picture Source: Generation Flair - Eric Parker in the World Flair Competition

Alex slid a draft after draft down the bar to the group of young guys who stopped at the bar to watch the hockey game. He’d sent for a complementary sliders appetizer from the kitchen which were devoured before the plate hit the bar. The simple act of generosity resulted in seven cheeseburger deluxe orders and an additional hundred dollars to their bar bill. Alex’s feet ached but it was a small price to pay since it was turning out to be one of the better nights McAvery’s had had in a while. Erin, hoisting a tray of burgers to the bar was trailed by a guy with spiky blonde hair carrying a second burger order.

“This is my cousin I told you about,” she said as she served the burgers to the cheering crowd. The Rangers had just gained the lead over The Islanders.

Alex nodded. “That tray goes to the foursome on the other side.”

“You got it,” Spiky hair guy said and strode to the end of the crowded bar. Alex noticed he stopped at an empty table to grab a catsup bottle and salt and pepper shakers before serving the guests and returning to Alex’s side of the bar. “They want refills on their beers. Mind if I do it?”

Alex raised his eyebrows. So far this guy showed more brains and initiative than he’d seen out of his past three bartenders combined.  “Be my guest,” Alex said, waving his hand to the beer taps.

The younger guy ducked under the bar and pulled four beer mugs from the rack like he’d been working at McAvery’s for years. He poured each mug with the perfect amount of foam and served the group without spilling a drop. Alex watched him survey the bar in search of glasses in need of refilling and approached a group of women slipping on their coats. “Another round, ladies?”

“No thank you, we’ll pay our tab,” one of the women said.

“And here I was about to make my famous French martinis for you,” he said, taking their empty glasses from the bar.

“French, huh? Is it good?” another woman asked.

“The best. In fact my French martini won an award last summer in Providence.”

The group looked at each other and nodded in agreement “I think we can stay for another.”

He set out three martini glasses and pulled an opened bottle of vodka from its spot behind the bar. Palming the bottle, he tossed it up an inch or two and caught it. Before Alex could stop him, the bottle flew in the air, spun in an arc and landed perfectly in the spiky hair’s hand. The women whooped in whistled as he grabbed a metal martini shaker and juggled the bottle and shaker in one hand.

Alex stepped to his side and shot a smile to the women who appeared throughly pleased with the impromptu show. “What the fuck are you doing? That’s a forty dollar bottle of vodka,” he whispered, careful not to bump the man’s arm.

“It’s called flair, dude. The ladies love it.”

“I know what its called but we don’t flair here at McAvery’s. It’s not that kind of place.”

“No? You strike me as a good businessman. I think some entertainment could only increase your business.” The guy didn’t take his eye off the items as they whizzed in a circle through his fingers and over his head before he grabbed the shaker and caught the bottle inside the cup. A round of applause erupted from the bar. He poured the mixed drinks and topped each off with a pineapple juice floater. “Enjoy, ladies,” he said and posed for a picture before moving to Alex’s side. “Sorry sir, I just wanted to show you what I could do.”

Alex glanced around the bar. An energy he hadn’t felt since Hunter left surrounded him. “You have a name, flair boy?”

“Kale.”

“Kale? As in—“

“Kale as in Kale.”

Alex blinked and furrowed his brows. “Your mother named you after a head of lettuce?”

“You got a problem with that?” Kale asked, without missing a beat.

“Not at all. You got yourself a job, Kale. Welcome to McAvery’s.” Alex extended his hand, sealing the deal. McAvery’s had a new bartender.

 

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A Sexy Sexclusive from Her Imaginary Lover by Doris O’Connor

Welcome my next Sexy Sexclusive guest, Doris O’Connor! Doris is one of those amazing author who I swear never sleeps. I mean, how can she? She’s a prolific author with a steady flow of new releases, plus she has a wonderful husband and nine beautiful children. Yes, nine!

I’m thrilled to help celebrate release of Her Imaginary Lover with Doris today. Don’t you love the cover? Tell us all about it, Doris!

Thanks so much for having me here today, Sandra, with my paranormal BDSM story Her Imaginary Lover.

Did you have an imaginary friend as a child? I bet he felt very real to you. What if these imaginary friends were real, however? And what if, not all of them were nice friends… What if there was a whole other dimension…

Such is the premise behind Her Imaginary Lover.

To Macie, Kaylom has always been real. Blind from birth, she never realized other people couldn’t see him, until her parents started to doubt her sanity, and eventually she sent him away.

That was fifteen years ago, but Kaylom is back now, and Macie is not a child anymore…

 Blurb:

 ~Editors Pick~

When your imaginary friend turns out to be real, there’s only one thing you can do—have the best sex of your life.

Macie Johann’s ordered world is thrown into chaos, when she is attacked on her way home from work. The muscle bound hunk that comes to her rescue would appear to be naked? Okay then, maybe she has hit her head a bit too hard, but then again no one else seems to notice him, and there is something very familiar about this guy.

Blind from birth Macie has learnt to trust her senses, and they all scream at her to grab her chance of true happiness with the man, who makes her body and soul sing. Never mind the small fact of his not being human.

When their actions get Kaylom yanked back into his dimension to stand trial, Macie follows determined to fight for her man.

Sexy Sexclusive Excerpt:

Kaylom let the hot water wash over his body and resisted the urge to smash his fist into the tiles. Somehow he didn’t think Macie would appreciate the expense of needing her tiles replaced because he couldn’t control his urges. Fuck it to Athuron and back, he’d almost bitten her. Even now his fangs pricked his lips, and he could still taste that spot of blood he’d licked off her lips.

It would have been so easy. Every fiber of his being had urged him to drive his incisors into her neck. To mark her as his and to cement the bond between them—a bond that shouldn’t exist, yet had done from the minute she’d asked him his name all those years ago.

Kaylom thumped his head against the wall and screwed his eyes shut. He needed to get away, to put distance between him and the woman who called him like the old sirens of legend. She could never be what his soul told him she was. It wasn’t possible. The slide of the shower stall made him tense. He didn’t dare open his eyes and look. As it was his imagination filled the blanks in just fine.

Macie’s small hands slid up his back, and he let out a breath. Even that simple action had his cock harden to the point of pain, and there was no chance in hell she would miss his fangs. Maybe that’s what was needed, though. Maybe to feel those lethal protrusions would make her see sense.

If she told him to leave, if she ran from him in terror it would tear his heart to shreds, but it would keep her safe from him and his dark urges. She was human and fragile, and even if by some miracle, the elders relaxed their rules, there was no future for them.

Macie deserved it all. She needed a nice normal husband she could take home to her parents, and who would be able to give her children. He smiled despite his dark thoughts. She would make a fantastic mother one day. There was a good reason her practice was thriving. She was a natural with kids.

“Kaylom, what’s wrong?” she asked, and he groaned as she pressed her breasts into his back, and hugged him close.

“I shouldn’t be here, that’s what’s wrong. I’m a fucking monster, and my kind screw with humans all the time. You can’t see us, so that we can better fuck with your mind and bodies. We like nothing better than to have a little human sport. To see you jump through hoops and writhe underneath us, while we fuck your clueless brains out, and you think you’re just dreaming.”

He grimaced at his crass words, but he had to drive her away, because he sure as fuck didn’t have the strength to just leave her.

Macie tensed slightly, but she didn’t let go of him, and he felt her nod into his back.

“I knew there had to be more of you, and I know not all of you are friendly.”

She took a step back when he roared and spun around.

“What do you mean you know? Has some other Athuron been sniffing around you, because I swear I’ll—”

Her laugh interrupted his angry retort, and he glared at her. Her raven mass of hair clung to her overgenerous curves, and he couldn’t help but follow the rivulets of water as they caressed her breasts, and then dropped along her long legs. Even her bright red toenails turned him on for fuck’s sake.

“You think this is funny?” He grasped her hand and brought it up to his mouth until she could feel his elongated canines. Heat rose in her cheeks, but instead of screaming in terror as any sane person would have done, she moaned and stepped closer to him. Tracing his fangs with her fingertips she looked a picture of concentration, and even his gruff warning to be careful didn’t deter her.

A heavy weight settled on his chest watching her innocent exploration of his teeth and mouth.

“You’re not a vampire?” she asked.

Kaylom snorted in answer.

“No, I’m not that, but my bite will change you nonetheless. It’s how my kind mates for life. It goes against all the rules to bite a human, and I almost fucking bit you back then. I can’t … I won’t do that.”

Macie blinked several times, and Kaylom switched the shower off and opened the enclosure.

“Look, this is not the place to discuss this. Seeing you all wet and naked like this all I want to do is bend you over and take you right here against the wall like some fucking animal.”

Macie’s little mewl in answer had him jump out of the shower as though the hounds of hell were after him, and she frowned when she seemed to notice his actions. He wrapped a towel round his middle, swiped the moisture off the mirror and grimaced at the sight of the seemingly floating towel. This right there was why Athurons could not wear clothes in this realm. It would send the humans screaming for an exorcist.

Unfortunately the mirror also granted him the perfect view of a naked Macie climbing out of the shower, and he almost swallowed his tongue when she swung her leg out. The action afforded him an unrivalled view of her puffy little cunt and the feminine dew clinging to her nether lips. The shower had masked her scent somewhat, but now he got the message loud and clear. She was wet for him, and he cursed himself all kinds of a fool for not taking her up on her silent offer. To lose himself balls deep in her soft body would surely be worth any possible punishment.

Before he could make up his mind one way or the other, she’d pulled her bathrobe over her shoulders and hid her body from view.

She glanced in his direction, and he wondered at the delicate blush that stained her cheek bones, until she pulled the toilet seat up, and the penny dropped.

“Are you going to stand there and watch me pee, or are you going to give me some privacy?”

 

Available from Evernight Publishing  today!

For all other buy links, please check the book page here.

http://www.dorisoconnor.com/her-imaginary-lover.html

Add it to your Good Reads list:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22449639-her-imaginary-lover      

Author Bio:

Glutton for punishment would be a good description for Doris… at least that’s what she hears on an almost daily basis when people find out that she has a brood of nine children, ranging from adult to toddler and lives happily in a far too small house, cluttered with children, pets, dust bunnies, and one very understanding and supportive husband. Domestic goddess she is not.

There is always something better to do after all, like working on the latest manuscript and trying not to scare the locals even more than usual by talking out loud to the voices in her head. Her characters tend to be pretty insistent to get their stories told, and you will find Doris burning the midnight oil on a regular basis. Only time to get any peace and quiet and besides, sleep is for wimps.

She likes to spin sensual, sassy, and sexy tales involving alpha heroes to die for, and heroines who give as good as they get. From contemporary to paranormal, BDSM to F/F, and Ménage, haunting love stories are guaranteed.

Stalking Links

Website Blog Twitter  Facebook Pinterest  Evernight Publishing

Amazon All Romance E-Books BookStrand Barnes&Noble

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Sexy Sexclusive from #TakingCourage by @SJMaylee

Do you love the new graphic? Sexy Sexclusive is a new feature to help promote authors’ new releases. Instead of posting just the usual standard media kit material, I’ve asked the featured author to send me a steamy exclusive peek into a sexy scene.

I’m thrilled to debut Sexy Sexclusive with a great friend’s new release.

Taking Courage (Love Projects #2)

by: S.J. Maylee

Blurb:

Janna’s ready to make over her life and get out from under the controlling thumb of her father. She doesn’t want another failed arranged marriage. She’s ready to do whatever it takes for the career she wants, enter the lifestyle she craves, and to earn the trust and love of the man that has captured her heart, but heartbreak and career hiccups seem to be her destiny.

Simon’s still recovering after his last submissive lied her way into his life. He’s not ready for Janna and how she pushes against his prejudices. He needs to decide if he’s willing to lose her or if he’ll fight for her love and submission.

 

Sexy Sexclusive Excerpt:  

He sauntered back to her, his darkening eyes trained on hers. He grazed her hip as he reached past her to lock the door. “Remove the skirt and panties.”

“Here? Now?”

“It’s sink or swim time, darlin’.” He sat in one of his guest chairs and patted his lap. “I’m waiting.”

Even with the heat seeping across her sex, she hesitated. Risk bombarded her from every direction. The thought of refusing him felt wrong, but so did stripping behind a locked door on her first day. One thing she knew for sure. Her new life in Chicago would go to ruin if she couldn’t get Simon to forgive her.

No more thinking. The Dom has given you an order.

His dark gaze roamed over her body. She slipped off her skirt and panties, leaving them on the floor as she walked to him and laid herself across his lap. Her hands steadied herself on the floor. Would it hurt? His fingers took hold of her butt, massaging deep. She let go.

“Why are you being punished today?”

“Because I wasn’t honest. I neglected to tell you it was my first scene.”

“Well done, omission is lying. Will you lie to a Dom again?”

His choice of words didn’t escape her notice. Just because he was punishing her didn’t mean he would ever scene with her again. “No, Sir.”

“You will count and thank me for each. Hesitate and I will start from the beginning. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Remind me of your safe word.” He squeezed her right butt cheek.

“Lasagna, Sir.”

“That’s right.”

Throughout their chat he had rubbed her bum, and she felt warm all over. The first slap forced her from the comfort zone.

“One, thank you, Sir.” Heat radiated across her right side. “Two, thank you, Sir.” And now her left. “Three, thank you, Sir.”

“You please me, pet.”

His approval draped over her like a warm blanket. His fingers traveled over her skin and swiped across her pussy.

“You’re soaking wet … interesting.”

His fingers continued to move over her folds. Her muscles strained to remain still. The next several slaps were harder to take than the first set, but soon his fingers were back over her folds. Her orgasm raced to the surface.

“That’s enough.” His hand disappeared from her sex. “Up you go. Get dressed now.”

“But—”

“What, do you want more, or do you expect pleasure with your punishment?”

“Only if I’ve earned it, Sir.” She reached for her clothes.

“I think you know the answer.”

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND TAKING COURAGE:  

Evernight Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

All Romance eBooks | BookStrand | Goodreads

 

S.J. MAYLEE BIO:

S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time.

When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict.

As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook Page | Google+ | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page

Mid Week Tease: Busted! #IntimateDanger by @DCStoneAuthor #MWTease

Happy Wednesday!

Today is extra special. Not only is it Mid Week Tease day, but it’s also release day for a wonderful friend, D.C. Stone. D.C is up there as one of the hardest working authors I know. She’s a full time fraud investigator and mom of two cute kids by day. Author, editor, NJRW officer and conference chair by night. Did I miss anything? I’m sure I did. Oh, yeah – she also served eight years in the Air Force! #BadAss

D.C. has been a great supporter and I’m happy to be her cheerleader today because INTIMATE DANGER is here! I had the pleasure of beta reading this story earlier this year and loved it! It’s fast paced, witty and filled with sexy stuff, like Detective Trent Rossi. #Yum

Here’s a tease from one of my favorite scenes…

Jesus, he should be looking for this Detective Lopez, but his body screamed for this woman. He fought the urge to fidget, cursed the hours he had been working, unable to get any kind of companionship. He would have to work quick and then find Charlie. “I’m Agent Rossi with the FBI.” He leaned against the desk, gave her the look that had gotten him into pants faster than any of his college buddies, and held out a hand. She looked at his palm as if it were a serpent ready to strike.

“And? How can I help you, Agent Rossi?” She rose from her chair and crossed her arms under her breasts. He tried—and failed—to ignore how the movement pushed her plentiful mounds up toward her chin.

Ooookkkayy.

He pulled his hand back and ran it through his hair.

Bad move! The stench coming from under his arm made him wince.

“Look, I know you probably have things to do,” he said.

She nodded, brows lifted to her hairline, as if saying “no shit.” He went on, “But I do need to find Detective Lopez. You’d be a real sweetheart if you could point me in his direction. I’m here on a case and I don’t know…maybe after I’m done briefing him, you’d like to have dinner with me? That is, if you’re not busy?”

The contortion of her brows twisted before a sly smile spread.

“You’re looking for Charlie, huh?”

Someone groaned, and Trent glared over his shoulder, perplexed. The heavyset guy in need of Tide shook his head and looked away. Irritated at the interruption and apparent lack of man code, Trent turned his attention back to the cute little female.

He nodded. “Yeah.”

The woman shifted and sat in the chair with purposeful, slow movements. She set one foot on the desk, crossed a long leg over the other. Each action played out in slow motion through his lust-filled brain. He shifted, his focus glued to the smooth expanse of a jean-covered thigh, and stepped closer.

Hummidy, hummidy, hummidy.

“And why is it you need Charlie?” The woman ran a hand up the outside of her leg and his attention followed it. His mouth went dry.

“Umm, a case.”

“A case?”

“Yeah.” When silence met him, he realized what was happening. You didn’t have to go through interrogation and interview classes in order to figure it out. He was being led. His gaze snapped to hers, except this time, her face did not look friendly. If the hardening of her mouth was any indication, she looked pissed. And he’d been totally caught just checking her out.

Resigned, he let out a breath.

“Yeah, a case. Look, I’m sorry for all—” He waved a hand between them. “This. Could you just point me in the direction of Detective Lopez?”

Her hard mouth softened and she stood from her chair again, lips turning up at the corners. Leaning into him, her scent surrounded him and he got a whiff of coconut.

His gaze tracked along her face, and dropped to her shirt, which parted as she leaned forward. He about choked as he tried to swallow, his mouth dry as the Arizona desert.

“Well, Agent Rossi.”

Lean forward a little more, please.

“If you could stop staring at my tits for all of two seconds, then I’ll tell where you can find Detective Lopez.”

 

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Mid Week Tease: He’s Back to Take What’s His #MWTease #McAverySeries

Happy Month of June!

The turn of the calendar brings me one month closer to the debut of my brand new McAvery Series. If you’ve read some of my past posts and Mid Week Teases, you’ll notice the series name has changed a few times. I tried out a few…Shaken, Not Stirred, Broome Street, and most recently, SoHo, but nothing I came up with totally fit the feel of characters and tone of their stories, until now.

Over the weekend I had a great chat with one of my bestie author friends. She helped me brainstorm my way out of a plot hole and *wham* the story unfolded. The end of book 2 almost wrote itself and thanks to the new plot twist Liam McAvery, Hunter and Alex’s estranged brother, is back in New York with his own story to tell. With three sexy books about the three sexy McAvery brothers, no other series name fit except McAvery.

Here’s my vision of Liam and a tease from the end of book 2, The Passion of Us, (still a work in progress)…

Alex’s head pounded as he tried to focus on the pile of neglected mail that had accumulated while he’d been in the hospital. Bills, restocking orders, and invitations all wanted his attention. Rubbing his eyes, he reached for the bottle of ibuprofen he’d been popping like M&Ms. He leaned back in his chair and gulped three capsules down with a swig of water as the knock on his door echoed into the office. “Yeah,” Alex croaked.

Erin peeked her head in. “I’m sorry to bother you. There’s someone here to see you and he won’t take no for an answer.”

The door opened further to reveal a man he’d seen last during the worst moment of his life. A man who’d been dead to him for eight years. A man with eyes the same color as his own.

He glared at him and stood, almost losing his balance from the pain ripping through his head. “Get the fuck out of my bar,” he spat, his heartbeat drumming in his ears.

Erin stepped back mumbling. “I-I have tables to wait on.”

The towering form stepped into the office and closed the door. “I know you’re pissed as hell, Al. Just give it to me now and get it over with.”

Alex’s vision blurred. He shook his head in an attempt to focus on the brother who’d let him down so many years before. “Pissed as hell? Pissed as hell doesn’t cover half of it. Get out. You’re dead to me, Lee. I won’t give you the satisfaction of kicking your ass.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“Why the hell did you come back?” Alex asked.

“To help you,” he crossed his arms. “And to take back what’s mine.”

The blood rushed to Alex’s ears. His eyes widened. “Yours?”

“Yeah. Mine.”

“Fucking asshole,” Alex bit out as his fist clenched and he charged the man. Skin met flesh but his twin, who stood at least two inches taller than Alex, remained standing. His arms at his side.

Liam rubbed his chin. “Nice one, but you don’t pack a sting like our little brother. I think he dislocated my jaw.” He walked around Alex and leaned against the desk. “But he was always the fighter, you were the lover and I was the fuck up. Funny how those labels stuck.”

“So that makes it okay? You’re the fuck up so you got to walk away when your family needed you most? You’re nothing to me. Nothing. You gave up being a McAvery when you left us at her funeral. This place is mine.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. Hunter gave me his portion of the bar. Like it or not, we’re partners now, bro.” Liam stood and pulled a folded piece of paper out of his back pocket and handed it to Alex.

Alex snatched it out of his hands and scanned the document. His eyes narrowed and focused on Hunter’s signature. “Why?” he whispered.

“Believe it or not, he did it because he’s worried about you. He knew you’d never agree so he just did it. Face it, you need help. You need me.”

Alex closed his eyes as rage bubbled up from his belly. He swallowed. “Need you? I needed you eight years ago when mom died and left us with the bar and Hunter. I needed you then and what did you do? You were a fucking coward and disappeared.”

“You don’t know the whole story, Alex,” Liam said so soft, Alex almost didn’t hear him.

“So now you’re back to tell me, huh? Fuck you, I don’t want to hear it. I don’t care. Just crawl back to the hole you’ve been hiding in.”

Thanks for stopping by to meet Liam “Lee” McAvery! If you’d like to see more pics of the McAvery brothers and setting inspirations for the series, check out the series’ Pinterest board! Be sure to check out the teases from my rockstar author friends!



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Mid Week Tease: “What are you doing to me?” #MWTease

It’s time for the tease! Thanks to everyone who’s been following Michelle and Hunter’s story from The Colors of Us. It will be available in August from Evernight Publishing. Here’s the unedited blurb:

Everything she knew to be true fell apart. Then fell apart again…

Michelle Willis is running from her past. What better place to hide than in the anonymity of New York City. Finding refuge in a tiny SoHo art gallery, she rebuilds her life one painting at a time.

A wrong turn sends Hunter McAvery on a crash course with disaster. He fights his own demons by following his big brother’s lead – drinking and bed-hopping his way through Manhattan.

A glance at Michelle’s self-portrait triggers emotions Hunter can’t tamp down. Driven to meet the artist, he discovers a fiery chemistry as their lives collide. But when their past threatens to tear them apart, can they find the colors of love that lie within?

And the tease…

Michelle stepped back to study the mural. Almost done. She had to finish it and leave McAvery’s. She couldn’t stand being so close to the man she trusted with her secrets and fears, only to be humiliated and left alone. She sighed, picked up the cup filled with murky water and carried it to the bathroom. Dumping the contents into the sink, she rinsed the cup and pulled a few paper towels from the dispenser before heading back. She stepped into the hallway as she wiped the cup dry and ran into a wall of muscle. Her head shot up and her gaze landed on Hunter’s honey colored eyes.

“I’m sorry I left the gym like that yesterday. I–”

Michelle tried to step around him in the narrow hallway. She had to get away. His voice, his scent, his everything threw her into a black hole where nothing made sense except being wrapped in his arms. Stay strong. She lifted her palm to him. “I don’t want to hear your excuse. I get it. I’m a head case. Just put me in your ‘not my problem’ category, and let’s go our separate ways, okay?”

“I can’t do that,” he said huskily.

“Help me understand something. I overheard your argument with that guy. Greg? If you don’t want me, why do you care if someone else asks me out? Is this some kind of game you’re playing?”

Strong hands grabbed her arm, guiding her around the corner and out of view from the bar. He backed her against the wall, caging her in with his hands. “No games. Don’t you get it? I want you. I want you so bad it scares me.” His breath blew heavy above her, sending shivers down her spine.

Her hands stayed off his body, but just barely. Heat radiated onto her palms like a sensual invitation. Finally, she snaked a hand around his waist, and palmed the planes of his back while her other hand explored the corded muscles of his arm. Tilting her face upward, their breath mingled for a moment before his lips crashed upon hers. She whimpered into his mouth as her hips bucked against his leg. He leaned into her body, his hard cock straining through his jeans and warming her belly. Her tongue tangled with his as she fisted his hair. Pulling at his t-shirt, her fingertips found a soft patch of hair from his belly button to the waistband of his jeans. She broke their kiss and skimmed her lips up his stubbled jawbone to his ear. “What are you doing to me?” she whispered.

He cupped her cheek and pushed her head back, pinning her to the wall. Her gaze followed the planes of his face as his other hand slipped up her shirt. Her breath caught as his touch awoke her body. It was as though a fire erupted within her belly that had been dormant for far too long.

He tipped his forehead to hers, his eyes locked on hers. “I. Don’t. Deserve. You,” he bit out between clenched teeth. His hand, hot on her bare skin, stilled for a moment before slipping away. He stepped back and walked away. Leaving her cold in the dark hallway.

Men are so fickle, aren’t they? Be sure to visit the blogs of my teasing friends:

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Mid Week Tease: Sex, Lies and Videotape #MWTease

First, thanks to everyone who downloaded TIE ME FREE last week! It zoomed to #1 on AllRomance eBooks. Sweet!

I’m switching gears back to my new series, SoHo. The first novel in the series, The Color of Us, was just acquired by Evernight Publishing. Woo-hoo! I’m excited for the August release! I’m hard at work on the other two stories in the series.

Here’s a tease from my “Photographer” novella WIP:

I peered at the dark wood door, imagining Luke Johnson sitting in one of the chairs next to my desk. No, strike that. He wasn’t sitting. He was standing at the window looking out at the city. My office faced the site of his project. He was probably watching his creation take shape. I smoothed my pencil skirt, pleased I decided on a conservative sweater instead of the silky blouse I’d originally picked out. I made the switch at the last minute because I was afraid my nipples, still tight and puckered from the night before, would show through the fabric. A definite risk when in the same room with Luke. He was the poster child of Mr. Tall Dark and Sexy.

Before I turned the knob, I grabbed a folder from Scotty’s desk and cradled it in my arm, pretending to look through its contents. My eyes averted to the folder, I strode into my office as the rich spicy scent of Luke Johnson filled my senses.

“Hello, Cat.”

I looked up from the papers, pretending to be startled to see him. “What do I owe this personal visit?”

“Your office called for the plans to get started on a design theme. I have something particular in mind so to be respectful of both our time, I thought I’d make the trip for an initial discussion.”

“I have a few minutes before my first meeting. However, please have your assistant call mine the next time so that I’m able to carve out enough time for you.” I actually did not have a meeting that morning, but I didn’t want Luke to think he can walk in on my and I’d drop everything for him. I sat in the large leather chair at my desk and waved my hand to the opposite side of the desk. “Please take a seat.”

Luke’s long legs carried him to the front of my desk where he sat, his eyes never leaving mine.

“What do you have in mind?”

I powered up my computer to take notes about his ideas. I worked with Luke before on a small boutique hotel he constructed last year. Our styles meshed well and Luke, Sly and I were thrilled with the results.

“Something different. Very cutting edge and high-tech. I want each unit outfitted with the newest technology and security.”

My eyes flicked to his and I fought off the need to give him an eye roll. Different? Hardly. It describes every other new high end building in Manhattan.

His intense blue eyes met mine. “I know exactly what you’re thinking. You had to stifle a yawn, didn’t you?” he asked.

I leaned back and crossed my arms, glancing at my watch. He was toying with me and I did’t like it. “I did mention I have just a few minutes, Luke. You can schedule additional time—“

He leaned forward and a sly smile crossed his lips. “Sex.”

I refused to be flustered by this man but my insides were churning for more reasons than one. I raised my eyebrows and rested my elbows on the desk. “Excuse me?”

He stood and moved to my office window. “You have the perfect view of the city from your office. You can even see the river, can’t you?”

I swiveled in my chair. “You can’t lay that bomb on me without details. What does sex have to do with high-tech and exactly how are you planning to incorporate it into the design?”

He turned and rested his perfect ass on the window sill. “I’m sure you can use your imagination, Cat. That is, if it hasn’t been so long since your last personal experience you can’t remember what it’s like.”

 

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Mid Week Tease: #RT14 Special from The Satin Rose #MWTease

Happy RT Week! My nails are painted a Mardi Gras red and I’m on my way to (hopefully) sunny NOLA for my first RT Booklovers Convention!

As a treat for new readers I meet during my stay, as well as you lovely tease followers, my newest SRE series book, Tie Me Free, is FREE on ARe this week only! Here’s a tasty tidbit:

Kate turned back to face the painting and leaned into his chest. “You scare me,” she whispered.His fingertips trailed a path up and down her arms. “Why?”

“Because you seem to know what I’m thinking before I do.” Because you’re so right for me but so wrong. Because you’re like a gooey, delicious ice cream sundae I’ll never allow myself to taste.

Mason chuckled. “Is that a bad thing?” His voice poured through her body. Closing her eyes, she pulled away from him. Her glance moved from the door to the platform. She’d never have another chance like this to experience it. Kate squared her shoulders. “Okay. But I’m not getting naked,” she said, holding an index finger up. She moved to the platform and kneeled. Even though the surface was hard, a calmness came over her as she moved to the middle of the table and gazed over the painting in front of her.

“I’m fine with that limit, for now, except for your feet.” Mason slipped off her shoes and rubbed tight circles his thumbs into the arch of her foot.

Kate let out a throaty moan. “How do you know how to do that?”

“Reflexology. It’s part of the study of shibari. I also learned where the body’s pressure points are.” His thumbs traveled to the balls of her feet and let up on the pressure. “How’s that feel?”

Kate groaned. “Heavenly.” Her muscles loosened instantly.

“Good. Now just relax, spread your knees apart and sit on your heels. This will be the most comfortable position for you as we do this.”

Kate complied as his fingers traveled up her back to her shoulders. “You have knots in your shoulders. Under stress?”

“That’s an understatement,” she snorted.

“Close your eyes and get lost in the music. Don’t think of anything outside of this room. It’s just you and me.”

Kate smiled. “There is no you and me, Mason.”

If you’d like more Tie Me Free, download it free on AllRomance eBooks or Evernight Publishing today!

 

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Tie Me Free is a #FreeRead for the RT Booklovers Convention #RT14

I’m headed to NOLA this week for the RT Booklovers Convention! Since it’s a special week, I’m offering my latest release, TIE ME FREE, for free on ARe and Evernight Publishing.

Be sure to download it now, TIME ME FREE will be back to regular price when the convention is over. Check back throughout the week for updates from #RT14!

xoxo

~S

Mid Week Tease: Sexy Things Come in Small Packages #MWTease

It’s teasing time again!

I’m switching gears and sharing a tease of one of four WIPs in various stages of completion. I started this story in third person and switched over to first person narrative. I love telling the tale through Caterina’s eyes so in first person it will continue. Cat has an interesting weekly arrangement with the yet to be introduced Matteo. Read on…

I stride from my office, closing the door behind me and pull my coat from the closet next to Scotty’s desk.

“Have a good treatment, Cat,” he whispers to me like it’s our little secret.

“Can you make sure the new Johnson Street building plans are on my desk in the morning. We have a tight deadline on them and we’ll need to develop design boards immediately,” I said loudly for the benefit of the entire staff. The plans will be on my desk I have confidence in my staff because they fear me. That’s the way I like it.

I head to the elevators and check my watch. I have ten minutes to get to the post office down the street. Plenty of time as long as– Shit, Sly Drake stepped out of his office and headed my way.

“Hello Sly.”

“Cat. I’m glad you’re taking advantage of the unseasonable weather and leaving the office before dark.”

“I have an appointment uptown and you?”

“Julie bought theatre tickets and made me promise not to be late for a pre-show dinner she planned.”

Julie was Drake’s flavor of the month and by the looks of her, she imagined Drake was on a double dose of Viagra to keep up with her. I was just happy he had somewhere to go and wouldn’t derail me from my important errand. We shared the elevator car down to the lobby. “How are the Johnson plans coming?” he asked.

I knew he would. “My staff is collecting final plans tonight and we’ll have initial design choices for the client by next week at the latest.”

He nodded. I know he’s pleased. “I look forward to seeing them. Good night.”

“Enjoy the show, Sly.”

We separate and he heads to the black sedan waiting for him at the curb. I turn to the corner and wait for the light to change. The post office is in my sight. I flip down the sunglasses from their perch at the top of my head and take a moment to enjoy the sun’s rays warming my cheeks. I may take my dinner to the terrace to watch the sunset. I mount the steps to the revolving door and push my way inside. Pulling the key from the pocket of my handbag, I open box 375 and remove the plain brown box. My heartbeat ticks up as it always does when I collect my weekly box. Mostly due to the anticipation of finding out what’s inside but what really sends hot lava through my veins is the knowledge that he held the box and its contents in his hands. He wrote my address in neat block letters on the outside. My weekly deliveries are one of the only personal things I get from him. Most women receive a kiss; I receive a box. It’s the beginning of the delicious ride that has become our Thursday night ritual. I’m never prepared for the journey he has waiting for me but I crave the rush of anticipation. Taking a deep breath, I tuck it under my arm and head west to my apartment.

I do love mysterious boxes, don’t you?

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