Sandra Bunino's Blog, page 21

Second Chance Layover (Part 12) #FreeRead #HolidaySerial #MondayBlogs

Welcome back to Second Chance Layover: A Holiday Blog Serial written by Lila Shaw and me. We’re getting to the sexy bits so, heads up, there’s a “c” word or two in here. Need a Charli and Cal refresher before you dive in? Here are links to the past ten parts: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 - 11

All caught up? Great! Enjoy Part 11…

Charli ~

I don’t know what came over me but suddenly I was a sexy vixen. I unlocked the door and he pushed it open, banging the back of it against the doorstop. I kicked it closed as he carried me inside and eased me down against the wall.

His body melded into mine as he planted kisses along my jawbone and down my neck. He found the exact spot just under my ear that made my legs turn to jelly. I moaned and pulled his shirt from beneath the waistband of his jeans. My hand snaked under the crisp cotton, my palm discovering the muscular planes of his back as my other hand raked through his hair.

Stepping back slightly, he made enough room between our bodies for his fingers to make quick work of the buttons on my blouse. He pushed the fabric over my shoulders and I followed his glance downward to my cleavage. I sent a silent prayer to the lingerie goddesses for helping me make the right choice in underwear that morning. The tops of my breasts peaked out of the lacy pushup bra just as the Victoria’s Secret sales girl said they would.

A primal growl erupted from his lips. I giggled. So much for sexy vixen, but I was loving every ministration of Cal’s tongue along my heated skin. I arched my back, pushing my breasts against his chest as I reached behind and unhooked my bra. It stayed in place between our bodies until he trailed his fingers down my arms taking the bra straps with them. A shiver ran through my body when his palms slid beneath the lace, baring me, to cup my breasts. His thumbs circled my nipples as he broke our kiss.

“I’ve been wanting to do this all day,” he whispered into my mouth.

I unbuttoned Cal’s shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. He jerked both arms free of the sleeves and cuffs and dropped it on the floor with my discarded blouse. He picked me up again and carried me to the bed. We toppled together on the cool comforter. The bulge of his jeans pushed against my belly sending a flood of slick heat to my sex. His body became still and my half-closed eyes flicked up to meet his stare. He brushed a wisp of hair from my face and smiled down at me.

“Are you sure this is what you want, Charli?” His husky voice moved through me causing me to catch my breath.

“More than anything.” My fingers traced the muscles of his shoulders and arms. I used to wonder what touching him would feel like. Now I knew enough to know I wanted more.

He blew out a breath. “Good, because I don’t think I could stop now.” He slithered down my body and released the button of my jeans, which I wriggled out of with his help.

“My god, you’re beautiful.” He stared down at me.

I pushed up onto my elbows giving him a come hither crook of my finger. Yes, the sexy vixen was back.

He stuck his index finger up and mouthed ‘one second’ as he strode to his suitcase on the floor. I scooched up the mattress until my head reached the pillow. I grinned as he rooted around in his suitcase. A series clicks, zippers and a torrent of swear words later, Cal was at the foot of the bed shimmying out of his jeans. His cock sprung from its confines in glorious fashion. I licked my lips and our eyes met.

“You have grown up, Charli Tierney,” he chuckled and crawled up my body resting his weight on his elbows. He turned to his side and put the foil square between his teeth.

“Allow me,” I took it from his hand and tore it open before kissing him. Pushing on his shoulders, I toppled him to the side and straddled his body, inching downward toward his legs. I took his length into my hands, sliding my palm over his velvety flesh. His groan filled my ears. Like a beacon, my sex responded to his earthy response. I needed him inside me. I rolled the condom on and guided his tip to my heat. We moaned in unison as I slowly took him into my core.

“Charli.” He sat up and wrapped his arms around my back as his cock filled me. His day old stubble abraded my cheek as he moved within me. The sound and smell of sex filled the room.

I breathed hot and deep into his mouth as our tongues matched the sexy rhythm of our bodies. He lay back and dragged his hand from my breast over my belly, venturing lower until his thumb found my most sensitive spot. I threw my head back as his digit orchestrated a talented dance on my engorged button of nerves. I rode him harder, the sensual slap of our sweaty aroused bodies meeting as one spurred me on as I tumbled over the edge with him into a sea of moans and whispers.

He pulled me down onto him and cradled me into his arms. We laid together as our breathing returned to normal. He rolled me to the side so my back was against his chest and kissed my head. “Wow. Can I just say something?”

A grin crossed my lips.

“Your brother is going to kill me, but at least I’ll die happy.”

I giggled and covered his hand with mine. “Well he did tell you to take care of me, didn’t he?”

We ordered a pizza, half pepperoni for him, half olives for me, ate, talked and laughed about the serious and the silly before making love again. The sun’s rays started to peek through the curtain before Cal then I drifted off to sleep.

***

HOT NEW RELEASE: UNTANGLE ME by SJ Maylee

I’m thrilled to feature my gal pal and fellow Evernight author, SJ Maylee, today! Her new release, UNTANGLE ME, is oh so sexy and not to be missed! SJ shares her 5 favorite indulgences that won’t break the bank. Take it away, SJ!

I’m so excited to be back here today. I’m a big fan of Sandra’s. So, I love being here and I’m super excited to talk about my second release, UNTANGLE ME.

The hero in this romance is a successful businessman. With all his wealth, extravagances are easy to come by. I believe luxuries don’t have to be costly or out of reach. Here are my top five inexpensive favorite things:

Spritz of lavender water on my pillow. Certain smells can take my stress away. There’s nothing like my mom’s cooking or a fresh cup of coffee, but when I need to quiet my mind and breath deep, a simple spray of lavender can help my mind let go and relax.
Chocolate. Any kind of sweet yummy chocolate is an indulgence. It doesn’t take long to enjoy a little morsel either, but they take me to a happier place.
A snazzy drink. For me it will probably be a cup of coffee from my favorite local coffee joint. I make an excellent cup of coffee at home, but there’s something about going out and having it done for me that makes it better.
Watch something funny. It doesn’t matter if it’s an old favorite or something new. Every week, I take the time to sit down, put my feet up, and laugh.
Call a friend. I have several friends that live several states away. Although I might not have seen them this year, a few minutes on the phone will bring us right back together and will do wonders at stripping away my stress.

These are just a few of my favorites. One of them is Ivy’s favorite too. She’s the heroine in UNTANGLE ME. You’ll have to read the story to find out which one and the heart breaking reason why she needs it. I wish I could talk about it more. I love this story and I hope you will too.

What a great list! I’m with you on scents, SJ. The smell of lavender always brightens my mood. Here’s UNTANGLE ME’s cover and blurb…

Untangle Me

by: S.J. Maylee

Genre: Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novelette

Published: December 5, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

UNTANGLE ME BLURB:

Ivy’s revenge on the people behind her family’s downward spiral is simple and it’s working. There’s no need to long for help from the wealthy business owners who turned their backs on her father. Ivy may be worn out, but she’s finding herself again after joining the local BDSM club.

Seth has it all. He has homes around the world and the little red speedster he dreamed of as a little boy, but none of the things he can buy satisfy him, not the socialites hanging on his arm or the submissives falling at his feet. Then, he hires Ivy to plan his next event.

Seth and Ivy enjoy each other’s company in and out of the planning stages for Seth’s charity event. Their playful bets lead them to a first date. When their secret kinks are revealed, the pair fall deep, but it’s not meant to last. Past hurts come back to haunt Ivy. Now, it’s time for Seth to use all he’s learned, regardless if he can win back the girl.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18710704-untangle-me

 

UNTANGLE ME EXCERPT:

 

Where was Seth?

Once in the center of the dance floor she turned in a circle, looking every direction.

There.

From the center seat at the bar, Seth’s direct stare held her captive. A new song excited the crowd and cheers surrounded them, but neither of them paid it any attention.

His jacket and tie were gone, giving her a closer look at his all-male body. The top button on his white shirt was undone. She wanted to undo the rest and get a glimpse at what lay underneath. Round shoulders tapered to his waist. She bit her lip as she imagined his length.

He made no move to come to her, his elbow still rested on the bar. He was a man waiting for the world to come to him.

Not the world. Her.

The comfortable confidence and the heat shining in his eyes turned her on. She swayed her hips to the hypnotic beat. Her hands felt their way up her thighs, around her hips, and an inch past her waist, he got up and walked towards her.

In no time, his feet stepped in between hers and together they rocked to the music. The drums and base from the band pushed a rhythm into her body, driving her desire. Their fingers interlaced. She snuggled closer and breathed in his clean musky scent.

She wanted to touch him, but he kept a hold on her hands. He pushed them both behind her, causing her back to arch and her breasts to press deliciously into his hard body. Heat rolled through her. She let her head fall back, exposing her neck.

His lips brushed across her collarbone. They continued to rock back and forth, their hips swaying and rubbing together. He took her wrists in one hand and his other stroked down her neck, over her shoulder, caressed the side of her breast, and around her waist to land on her butt. He squeezed her ass and pressed her into the hard ridge of his cock. She lowered her chin and moaned as she took in his expression filled with raw desire. A slow devilish smile lit his features and sent a tremble through her.

The song ended and another began while they continued their dance. He let go of her hands and she wrapped them around his neck. Both of his hands molded her ass. She nuzzled his neck, taking a nibble and a few kisses as she breathed him in. She wanted more.

Lots more.

She made her way closer to his mouth. Before she stole a kiss, she looked into his eyes. His brown eyes had darkened to the color of night, matching his hair. She sucked on her lower lip.

“You know what you’re doing, right?” he asked.

“I know I want you.”

“The Masters work the back rooms on club nights. But we can stay on the dance floor all night, if you want.”

“You’re talking about the one on one rooms?” She sucked in a breath.

“I don’t think this crowd is prepared to see what I want to do to you.”

“Can we go back there? I want to go back there.” She looked directly into his eyes.

 

UNTANGLE ME BUY LINKS:

 

Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/untangle-me-by-s-j-maylee/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Untangle-Me-Romance-S-J-Maylee-ebook/dp/B00H3WXVTK/

All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-untangleme-1367983-147.html

BookStrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/untangle-me

 

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: http://SJMaylee.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SJMaylee

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Maylee/339463696094996

Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SJMaylee

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7224328.S_J_Maylee

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sjmaylee/

 

GIVEAWAY:

 

To celebrate the release of UNTANGLE ME, SJ is giving away one $15 Amazon Gift Card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Second Chance Layover (Part 11) #FreeRead #HolidaySerial

Open the window, baby. It’s getting hot in here…

Cal ~

I shoved my room card into my pocket and headed to the elevator, the first step to making my way to the third floor, to room 312, to Charli’s room. I slapped my palm against the elevator button. What was taking the stupid thing so long?

What would she be wearing when she opened her door? Would she invite me in or would I have to finesse my way inside? Would she want to talk first, to get in the mood and shed any nerves, or would she expect me to pounce? A man could hope…. God did I hope.

An image of Charli stretched out naked on the crisp white sheets curled sensuously through my thoughts before slithering down my spine to tease my more primitive brain. The image expanded and took on the scent of coffee and lust. My mouth watered at the taste of her skin, her lips, her nipples, pink and taut with her arousal, her pussy wet and ready for me. Echoes of ecstasy joined the daydream.

I slammed the elevator button three more times. “Come on, come on.”

Maybe she’d have a sheet pulled up over her breasts. Maybe she’d lie on her bed, every inch of her delectable body exposed, and crook her finger at me. I’d take my time walking to her, fucking her with my eyes and fighting every instinct to leap on her and pound her into the mattress. Anticipation fizzed through my veins. Was the same hurricane of want overwhelming her?

The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Only a single occupant stood in the car, a lock of hair twirling between her fingers the only hint of nerves that couldn’t possibly be as jangled as mine.

Charli opened her mouth to speak. No words came out.

I charged into the elevator. I didn’t think. I didn’t weigh risk and reward or ponder consequences. I didn’t ask. I didn’t hesitate. I took.

I didn’t offer her the possibility of protesting, of saying “no”. She was in my arms before my brain even registered that I’d slammed her against the back wall of the elevator and was kissing the living daylights out of her.

And when the first coherent thoughts clawed their way through the red haze of lust and desire, I realized she held me as tightly as I held her. Her fingers gripped my hair and held my mouth against hers. She hitched a leg up around my hip. My hands cupped her luscious ass and lifted her up. Both legs wrapped around my waist. Adrenalin flooded my system and powered my muscles because she felt no heavier than a cat, a lithe languorous cat purring in my arms.

I plundered her mouth with my lips and tongue. God, she took everything I gave and returned it in multiples.

Between kisses, she squeezed out, “I didn’t—”

“I want you,” I said, my voice hoarse with need.

“Oh, thank God,” she said smiling. With both of her palms pressed against my cheeks, her forehead against mine, tiny puffs of air from her laughter caressed my mouth.

I kissed her again, taking my time, savoring her mouth, her scent, the smooth delicacy of her skin. All the tools in my seduction arsenal I wielded with deliberate intent. She molded her warm body to mine and moaned. More! my body urged in response. “I’m hungry for you,” I said half growling. I spun her around and out of the elevator.

Thankfully my room wasn’t far because I had a hot, snickering woman in my arms and a cock so fucking hard I wouldn’t even need my room key. I could smash down the door with the damned thing. It was practically clawing its way out of my pants to get at the feminine heat a few thin layers of clothing away. I was hornier than a sixteen year old with a stack of porn magazines, and if I didn’t get myself under control, she’d know it too.

Where was the blasted key to my room? Oh yeah, my pants pocket. I shifted and held her with one arm, just like fucking Superman, as I fished out the card and gave it a swipe. The door handle didn’t budge. Another swipe, another rejected entry attempt.

“Goddammit!” I swiped it again. Somebody hated me.

“Give it to me,” Charli said taking the card from my hand. One swipe with her magical touch, and the lock surrendered. She’d unlocked my Pandora’s box unleashing all that was wild and unholy.

***

Second Chance Layover (Part 10) #FreeRead #HolidaySerial

Sexy texting, anyone?…

Charli ~

Cal’s firm must have clout because we used the priority check in and whizzed right past the line of tired travelers. I peeked over at Cal as I checked in, admiring not only how deliciously he filled out his jeans, but also how sweet he was with the older woman behind the counter as he checked in. Our eyes met and he winked at me. I waited until he finished, and we walked to the elevator together.

“All set?” he asked.

“Yup. I’m in 312.” The elevator doors opened and we stepped in.

“I’m in 535. How about we get settled into our rooms and meet back down here in fifteen minutes for dinner. Are you hungry?” He gave me a look that made me think of anything but food. I stared back at him. The door opened and a couple with a crying baby walked in between us.

I stepped out of the elevator and mumbled something about meeting him downstairs in a few. Walking to my room, I glanced back to the sinful look in his eyes. I didn’t have too much experience in the ‘I want to rip your clothes off’ stare, at least directed at me. But I’d have bet a million he had just sent one in my direction. The butterflies doing flips in my stomach urged me to let him and do the same to him. I dragged my carryon through the door, turned on the light and sat on the bed.

No, I couldn’t do that. I laughed and headed to the bathroom with the toothbrush and paste the front desk gave me. The thought that entered my head was something Tiffany would do, not boring, predictable Charli. I turned on the water and unwrapped the bar of facial soap. Lathering the soap in my hands I thought of how my fingers would feel as they raked through his hair and ran down his back to his delectable ass. I washed and rinsed my face and stared at myself in the mirror. “What the hell,” I said to the reflection as I finished patting my face dry with a hand towel. I gave my teeth a quick brush and added an extra dab of toothpaste to the back of my tongue before finding my phone.

Booty calls. I’d never made one. I turned on my phone and decided a booty text was much safer. I selected his number and after much thought, tapped out:

I’m not hungry for food.

I groaned after I hit send. What if I’d read his signals all wrong? What if I had just made a world-class fool of myself? The good news was I could slip out of the hotel undetected tomorrow morning and hide out in the terminal until my flight. I wouldn’t have to see him again, even if we lived in the same city. New York City’s hugeness almost guaranteed it.

***

Cal ~

Stupid key card took five swipes before the gremlin-infested contraption finally conceded defeat. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned skeleton keys? Electronic hotel keys and I had always had a love-hate relationship. Good thing the room justified the hassle.

I hoped Charli liked hers. If I’d had bigger balls, I’d have only mentioned a single room. Charli was nobody’s kid sister anymore. She had grown up independent and beautiful, and so sexy and desirable I ached thinking about her.

Back in the terminal, I had wanted to kiss her so badly, but what did she want? She took the offer of the second room without a second’s hesitation. Had I only imagined what I wanted to see in her eyes?

My phone chimed with an incoming text, probably the airline with an update for tomorrow’s departure. I pulled my phone out of my pocket, read the message and frowned.

Charlie had texted me, but what the hell did her message mean? She was standing me up for dinner? Did she get a better offer? From who? Shit!

I read her message again.

Wait a second. There was a Grand Canyon-sized difference between “I’m not hungry” and “I’m not hungry for food” depending on a man’s perspective. Those last two words offered much more room for interpretation.

“Oh Charli, baby… do you mean what I think you mean?”

My dick piped up and assured me she did.

“Down boy!” I muttered. Only one way to find out. My fingers flew across the keys typing, “Lots of different kinds of hunger.”

No. That sounded like I wanted to debate. I clicked and held down the erase key until all the letters so artlessly splattered on my screen disappeared into cyber-nothingness.

“How about a drink then?” I typed. We had agreed to meet in fifteen minutes. If she wasn’t hungry, maybe she simply meant she wanted a drink. I could test the waters, make sure we were on the same page without seeming like a complete jerk if we weren’t.

My dick twitched with irritation. If the dumb beast could talk it would have whined at my chicken shit obtuseness.

I erased the text, smiled and typed, “I think we should explore this hunger of yours,” and hit send.

Second Chance Layover (Part 9) #FreeRead #HolidaySerial

Hi All! Sorry I’m a little late with my post today. It’s my birthday and I was chilling with a cup of coffee on this chilly Wednesday when I realized I forgot to push the go button on today’s installment! 

Are you ready for more Charli and Cal? Here ya go…

Charli ~

“That’s my flight,” I whispered.

Cal’s touch left my face, and he took a step back. His Adam’s Apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. Had he been about to kiss me? “Good to see you, Charli.” He leaned over and pulled me into a one-armed hug, and kissed the top of my head. Like he would do to a little sister. “I’ll give you a call after the holidays.”

I hesitated. I wanted to link my hands around his neck and give him a kiss he’d never forget, like one of those dramatic breathless kisses the leading lady gave her hero in the movies. I certainly wasn’t looking leading ladylike standing awkwardly staring up at him with nothing to do but nod in acknowledgement. He winked and left me to board my flight. A shiver zipped up my spine as I watched him walk away.

The chatter of the people standing too close jarred me back to reality. My few hours in Cal’s and my private world had come to an end. Time to grudgingly shuffle onto an overcrowded airplane to spend the holidays in overcrowded condo with my family. I walked to the cattle line waiting to board.

***

Cal ~

A collective groan sounded throughout the terminal nearly drowning out the rest of the announcement. No flights would be taking off that night. The runways had been closed due to a losing battle with snow and ice accumulation.

Great.

I sprinted to the nearest ticket agent, and after a solid fifteen minute wait, got my tickets for a flight out the next day.

My mind shifted to the lone bright spot: Charli Tierney. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number. The call went directly to voice mail. I smiled at her goofy message and wondered if our game had used up the battery life of her phone. Worried that she’d be left stranded without her phone, I quickly scanned the gates as I dodged frustrated travelers.

Aspen. Bingo!

I craned my neck over the crowd of people hoping I hadn’t missed her. I smiled when I spotted a familiar blonde dragging an obnoxious pink carry-on and moving away from an agent’s counter. She stared at her phone, oblivious to my approach.

“Hey, that thing works better if you turn it on.”

***

Charli ~

I whipped my head around, relieved to hear his voice. “Cal.” I glanced back at my phone and blew out a deep breath. “I’m just delaying the inevitable. You know, the call to Mommie Dearest. Somehow this will all be my fault.”

“She can’t possibly blame the Nor’easter on you.”

“Not the storm, but she’ll say I should’ve left earlier. She’ll bring up how my brother and sisters found ways to get to Aspen on time.”

“Is Duncan there yet?”

“He wasn’t when I called a few hours ago, but he probably is by now. Why?”

“Give me his number,” he said with a smirk.

I narrowed my eyes but gave him the number. Shit, I’d do anything if it’d save me from the wrath of my mother.

He waggled his eyebrows, and I giggled. He put his finger to my mouth and shushed me.

“Hey Duncan, my old friend. You know who this is?….Yes…Hey man, how’ve you been?….Well, funny thing just happened. Guess who I bumped into at O’Hare?…Uh, huh…yup.” He laughed and nodded his head. “Listen, they closed the airport and no more flights are leaving today. Charli’s phone died, and she’s with a ticket agent trying to get a flight out tomorrow morning. She feels horrible about being so late. Can you let your mother know? Yeah, thanks. I’m moving back to New York, so let’s get together after the holidays…Yes, of course, man…I’ll take care of Charli. She’ll call tomorrow. Okay…talk to you later.”

Cal winked and tapped his phone.

I breathed a sigh of relief. “I owe you my life.”

“I’ll settle for you having dinner with me, but first let’s get a place to spend the night. There’s a hotel in the next terminal. We’ll check in and get dinner, stay ahead of or avoid the crowds.”

“Yeah, right. The hotel is probably booked by now. I was about to lay claim on those chairs against the wall before they’re taken. Come on, there’s enough room for both of us.” I took his hand and turned toward a group of unoccupied chairs, but he wouldn’t move. My hand slipped from his.

“No need to do that. The firm I work for has a deal with the hotel chain. I reserved two rooms on the chance we weren’t getting out of here tonight.”

I cocked my head and smiled. “Really?”

He laughed. “I always prepare for contingencies. And I never joke about a hot shower and warm bed. Let’s go,” he said holding out his hand.

I slipped my hand into his and looked away as my grin broadened. So this is what it felt like having someone look after you. I liked the feeling. I liked it a lot.

Second Chance Layover (Part 8) #FreeRead #HolidaySerial

We’re up to Part 8 where Charli and Cal are about to part ways when Cal delivers some sad news…

Cal ~

Charli, looking almost as flustered as I felt, checked her watch. “Oh my goodness! Me too!”

What’s your gate? I’m at H-10 in Terminal 3.” In our geocaching fun, we had somehow meandered to Terminal 5 where all the international flights arrived and departed. Typical Charli to go exotic on me.

Charli tapped on her phone bringing up a digital image of her boarding barcode. She always was a smarty pants. I still hadn’t developed enough trust to abandon paper boarding passes.

“I’m flying out of gate K-11, also in Terminal 3. I guess we better get a move on.” She tacked on a smile full of beautiful white teeth surrounded by a pair of lush red lips.

A primitive urge rose up and began stirring my hormone pot. I would be having some vivid dreams tonight. But now was not the time. I motioned for her to precede me out of the bookstore’s narrow aisle and out into the concourse. My eyes drifted to the pert ass swaying with every step she took in her heels. With a pang of regret, I abandoned the view and moved to walk beside her.

We chatted about the weather and how long before we thought our flights would de-ice. We took bets on the number of times we would have to be de-iced before taking off. When the unspoken regret of parting ways began to weigh heavy, Charli piped in with a change of subject: “So how’s Renata doing? Is everything okay with her.”

Had she read my mind and plucked out the one topic I dreaded discussing but couldn’t avoid?

“I mean, I emailed her several times but never heard back from her. All my calls went to her voicemail and she never returned them. I finally gave up.”

“How long ago was this?”

Charli shot me sidelong glance, full of tentative delicacy, like she wanted to ask so much more but tiptoed through a landmine field. I wondered how much she already knew.

“About a year ago. I finally gave up. Duncan said you guys hadn’t been in touch in awhile either so he had no idea.”

I steered her to the side and out of the flow of human traffic. “Listen. There’s no right way to tell you this other than to just state it flat out. Renata’s dead, Charli.” How I managed to convey the news and keep a hitch out of my voice, I had no idea.

Charli’s hand flew to her chest. “What! Oh my God! When did this happen?”

I gave up the last breath holding my secrets in check. “She started dying about a year and a half ago.”

“Started dying?” She gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. “Was it cancer?”

“Of a sort. You knew she tried to make a career in Hollywood, right?” I hoped Charli knew at least some of the preamble, because the less I had to rehash, the better.

“She mentioned wanting to be an actress, many times, of course she did. What happened?”

I scraped my hand over my face. “She moved to L.A., had some minor success at first, but it wasn’t enough. She sank into a depression and turned to… self-medication—”

“What? Like drugs?”

Drugs, sex, cutting. I tried to get her to get some help, but the people she hung out with…they kept dragging her back down.”

“Oh, how awful. I wish I’d known,” Charli said softly. “How did she die?”

“A drug overdose, a lethal mixture.” I left out that Renata had been doing porn for her drugs. I found all that out later. The filmmakers kept her stoned, cultivated her habit. It would be a mercy to Charli and to Renata’s memory to keep that part of her life locked away. Charli also didn’t need the details of how my little sister danced on the boundary between life and death for nearly two weeks before I made the difficult decision to remove her from life support and watch her die. “I’m just so sick of Hollywood, of the entertainment industry, of film and television, of the leeches who prey off on girls like my sister.”

Charli pulled me into an embrace. “I’m so sorry, Cal. That’s why you decided to move back to New York?”

I nodded.

***

Charli ~

Died? Overdose? The news hit me like a ton of bricks. I couldn’t believe Renata got caught up in such a horrific downward spiral. She was a couple of years younger than me, but we became pretty close in high school.

“I wished I had done a better job at staying in touch with her. Maybe I could’ve helped in some way,” I said quietly.

“I doubt you could’ve done anything.”

“Damn. Too many girls who fall into that trap; it’s easy to get caught up in the glamour.”

He glared at me. “Glamour? Shit, Charli. Watching Renata destroy herself and waste away to nothing was not my idea of glamour.”

“That’s not what I meant. Look, I’m in the entertainment business, too. I know what goes on—how young girls are forced to starve and quickly drop weight to get a job on camera. I know it too well. I’ve been told if I have any chance in getting on camera for our magazine’s cable TV channel I’d need to lose twenty pounds. I tried too. Unsuccessfully, obviously.” I snorted and rubbed my hips.

His eyes softened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. Renata’s death is still really raw for me. She was perfect the way she was, and,” he cupped my cheek, “you are too.” His husky voice dug through me and my eyes flicked to his.

Attention. Flight 1097 to Aspen will board in ten minutes.

Second Chance Layover (Part 7) #FreeRead #HolidaySerial #MondayBlogs

Are you ready for more Charli and Cal? We left these two in an airport coffee shop, reunited after 10 years. Cal is pleasantly surprised to find his childhood friend’s sister has grown up but is a feisty as ever.

Need a refresher? Click here for Parts One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six!

Now on to Part 7…to pass the time before their respective flights, Charli and Cal decide to play a high tech version of hide and seek…

Cal ~

I checked the coordinates Charli texted me again. My phone’s GPS app put me in the general area where she should be. The only clue she had given me besides the coordinates was “Have a sip of water.” I spun in a circle scanning the area. A pair of men’s and women’s lavatories on the right with two water fountains between them offered the most likely hiding places given her clue. But where was my mischievous treasure?

I picked my way through the human currents running perpendicular to the direction I needed to travel. Advance. Pause. Step back. Pause. Step left. Advance, just like that old video game, Frogger.

Finally I reached the water fountains. Those had to be the water sips she meant and not that I needed to invade the ladies room or that she was hiding in the men’s room.

An old memory of Charli wormed its way into the present. I was fifteen. Back then, her brother Duncan’s room offered the best hangout on bad weather days when no adult would chauffeur us anywhere. Duncan had a better stereo, a better dirty magazine collection, better everything. He also had a pesky little sister who liked to hide and spy. Duncan had three sisters, but only one gave me grief, the same one deviling me with GPS coordinates not leading me to her, my living, urban geocache.

While that Charli might have hidden in the men’s room, visions of a very grown up Charli huddled in the handicapped stall, perched on the toilet seat encroached into ridiculous territory. On the other hand, no one I knew but Charli had the guts to do something so crazy. No doubt she was snickering, pressing a hand against her mouth to keep as silent as possible. Perhaps I only needed to listen for her to give herself away.

I tiptoed into the men’s room and scanned the stalls. None of the doors were closed all the way, but I pushed them open one by one. All empty. Reversing my tracks and ignoring the puzzled faces of the men watching me from the urinals, I headed to the water fountain.

The anemic water pressure made taking a sip of water a risky business. As I ducked my head to the water, I spied a tiny post-it note tucked between the edge of the fountain and the wall.

Good Job! Read any good books lately?

A rush of adrenaline made my insides tingle and put a smile on my face. Behind me, and opposite the lavatories, sat a bookstore. Of course. She was probably watching me right now.

Not yet, Charli.

Rising, I made a big show of glancing all around and scratching my head before ambling down the concourse. I melted into the crowd until out of the line of vision for anyone inside the bookstore. A nearby vending machine offered the perfect blind from which to wait and spy.

Sure enough, within a few seconds Charli emerged from the bookstore and cut her way through the crowd to the water fountains. She paused, took a drink, and then darted into the ladies restroom. Time to go. I hightailed it to the bookstore, praying the whole time she wouldn’t pop back out and bust me. I hid between some shelving units near the front. A few relocated paperbacks and I had created the perfect spyhole out into the concourse.

My cell phone chimed with an incoming text. Shit! Should have silenced the damn thing. Aha!

Dude. I’m going gray waiting for you 2 find me.

I dashed off a taunt of: I’m hot on your trail.

Right. If you don’t find me in 10, you forfeit.

I had to stifle my laugh when she emerged from the ladies room, and after a quick glance right and left, trotted into the bookstore. My heart pounded as I waited for her to draw even with my hiding spot.

The clicking of heels and the purr of a roller bag gave her away.

With expert timing, I lunged out, grabbed her hand, and tugged her into my secluded nook.

“And this is how you find a moving cache!” I said laughing.

She giggled and charged me, her fists thumping against my chest with what I knew to be mock fury. “Damn. I thought I had you!”

I caught her wrists and pulled her against me, both of us still laughing. Her soft body fit perfectly against mine, warm and pliant. Our racing hearts, pressed together through the fabric of our clothing, seemed to synchronize to a common rhythm. I’d never wanted to kiss a woman so desperately in my life, especially if she kept looking at me like that.

She would soon be jetting west while I headed east, and who knew how long it would be before the next time we saw each other. After all, it had been over ten years since the last time. Destiny might have thrown her in my path, but karma wasn’t done collecting my debts. Charli hadn’t asked me about Renata yet.

The drifting voice of a woman urging her husband to hurry, coupled with her announcement of the time, broke the moment. My time in O’Hare had trickled down to minutes. I hadn’t even noticed the passing time thanks to the woman in my arms. With searing regret, I released her.

“Um, I have to go catch my plane,” I said quietly.

****

Thanks for following Charli and Cal’s holiday adventure. So, what do you think so far? Leave me a comment for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift certificate drawn at the end of the week! Each daily comment will earn you a shot. Last week’s winner was Mary Jo Toth! Congrats, Mary Jo! Your certificate will be emailed soon. 

xoxo

HOT NEW RELEASE: Sin’s Flower by Carlene Love Flores

True story: I only read books by authors I like. Like as in let’s go out for martinis one night. Well, guess what? I really like Carlene Love Flores, the author of today’s HOT NEW RELEASE. Carlene is one of those people who have a genuine sweetness about her that you just want to be around.

Not only is she a wonderful person, she’s also the wonderful author of A Sin Pointe Novel series. If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend it! I’m in the middle of book one, Sidewalk Flower, and I’m loving it, especially the super sexy hero, Lucky. Sin’s Flower, book 2, is next on my list and I can’t wait to dig into this one…

Take it away, Carlene!

If you want to have some real fun, write a book about an ultra-smart webmaster who knows way more than you about websites, technology and the like and then invite him to sit down and check out all the super sexy stops on his book’s blog tour. Ben was sitting next to me a second ago, but now I think he’s run to the kitchen claiming sudden hunger. (I smell microwave popcorn.) I’m sure he’s just blushing…over the rose-pedal laden midriff he just saw…which thrills me to no end. Big Ben is adorable and together, we send big hugs to the sexy Miss Sandra for hostessing us today and to all of you for reading! Ben just peeked back around the corner. His hat is pulled down over most of his face but he says hello. Silly boys. Don’t you think it’s sexy when they have no idea how sexy they are? Enjoy!

Sin’s Haven (A Sin Pointe Novel, Book 3) Blurb:

When Sin Pointe webmaster, Benjamin Wright, is publicly humiliated on his birthday, he knows he’s never gonna be able to show his face around the guys again. But an angelic hostess who lets him sleep it off at the club seems surprisingly eager to help him out. Is his luck changing or does she just feel sorry for him?

Hazel Temple, bagel mistress by day and club hostess by night, feels horrible for inadvertently playing a part in Ben’s embarrassment and vows to make it up to him—by telling him they had a sizzling hot one night stand. Still recovering from losing her fiancé to suicide, she worries about Ben when he discovers her lie. Is she bound to hurt the men she cares about?

A Sin Pointe camping trip provides Hazel her chance to get Ben’s groove back.

Will her webmaster be the one to rock her world?

 

Sin’s Haven Excerpt:

Finally, after finding out he seemed to be the only person there, he tossed the last paper towel he’d used to clean up his mess and plopped down on the toilet seat where he sat now. What he wasn’t prepared for was the note he found tucked into his shirt pocket. He patted it and pulled it out carefully.

“Holy crap. No way.”

He read it again.

Apparently he’d had relations with her, pretty good ones at that, but had no recollection of it. What was her name? He couldn’t remember but it started with an H according to the note. Crap. He’d had hot, amazing sex last night with her? With Haven?

He closed his eyes, and tried to remember more, considering dropping his pants and inspecting his stuff. He didn’t go that far but adjusted himself in his briefs, now conscious that he’d been inside a beautiful woman who he’d somehow brought some pretty decent pleasure to. More amazing than that, she hadn’t been turned off when she’d seen him. God, this was the weirdest feeling in the world.

But straining to remember more was no use. It only gave him a worse headache, not a name of the woman he’d slept with so carelessly. Or any remembrance of touching her. No way would he have not touched her. Ah, he did remember feeling something. He was an idiot. She’d sung him happy birthday, which would have been cool if he hadn’t just been crowned king of the losers by Erby. Wait, before that. The chorus of his favorite song as he’d sat there in silent chaos had touched him, even if he hadn’t let it show.

Somehow, after all that, he’d gotten close enough to kiss this other woman. Back on that well-meant futon. But how in the world did a guy like him end up hooking up with a woman like Haven?

She probably felt bad for him.

Story of my life, he thought.

Where was she now? Was she okay? They’d been in the office together. Which meant she could have seen him tossing his nachos. Surely she’d written the note and left in time to spare them both that lovely experience. And apparently, she was well. Better than well.

He shook his head, trying to understand last night. The problem was, his pride might be swelling on one hand but on the other, he felt like a huge ass wipe. He’d slept with a woman whose name he couldn’t remember and oh yeah, he didn’t do that kind of thing. It wasn’t anywhere in his nature. Jaxon and Stefan made women melt at the mere thought of the things those guys could do to them. Unless a chick was super into a personalized website or slick Facebook banner, Ben didn’t have much woo factor to offer. And a one-night-stand-to-blow-your-mind was definitely not on his menu. He wouldn’t have slept with Erby on their first date and he’d known her for six years! Okay, maybe he would have last night…

“I suck and ow,” he said, holding his head in one hand while his elbow dug into his knee. Closing his eyes, he tried to remember Haven’s hands on his legs, maybe playing with his knees. It was a hot fantasy, but he got nothing. “Great, just great,” he muttered and then stood up and flushed, even though he hadn’t even dropped his trousers.

It was time to make his way out.

But what if she was out there, waiting?

An apology. That’s what he owed her. A big ole I’m sorry. This woman might have been pleased with her experience but she should know he wasn’t that kind of guy.

As he dragged his reluctant feet from the stall, her kiss popped onto his lips. He remembered. She’d tasted like sweet cherries. He was so screwed. He knew he’d messed up and had no idea how to deal with this which meant avoidance until he figured it out. What would Jaxon do?

“You’re not Jaxon, dip wad. You’re Saint Benjamin,” he told himself as he swallowed, and followed the narrow hallway from the back office up to the café.

Coffee.

He needed some and if she was up there, he could invite her to have a cup with him. And maybe talk. Nerves brewed heavy in his stomach as he pushed open the curtains that divided the club from the café. Why in the world he chose that very moment to start worrying about condoms was beyond him. But he fumbled for his wallet and found the one he kept still tucked into his bill fold.

“Oh shit.”

 

Check out Carlene’s books here:

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/carlene-love-flores/

and here:

http://carlenelove.com/carlenesbooks/

 

Come say hi here (I’d love to hear from you):

Website: http://carlenelove.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlene.l.flores

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cloveflores

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6887320.Carlene_Love_Flores

 

 

Second Chance Layover (Part 6) #FreeRead #HolidaySerial

Happy Friday and welcome to Part 6 of Second Chance Layover! Charli and Cal are chatting, well flirting, really, over coffee and a gooey cinnamon bun at an airport coffee shop where Cal lets her in on a secret…

Charli ~

Heat traveled up my neck and settled into my cheeks. I tried to hide the flush of my cheeks by resting my elbows on the table and cradling the coffee cup in front of my face “Oh, no thanks. You know what they say. A moment on the lips a lifetime on the hips.” Crap. That just went down as one of the most stupid things I’d ever said to a man. My cheeks must’ve been a bright shade of Santa Claus red.

Cal chewed the first bite, and his eyes widened. “Mmm, so good. Here, try. One piece won’t hurt.”

He used his fork to slice a triangle of the warm bun, which he dunked into the gooey icing before offering it to me. I leaned over the table and inhaled the sugar and spice aroma. I opened and slid my lips over the fork, taking the warm morsel into my mouth. Oh, he was right. So good. I closed my eyes and groaned. When I reopened them he was staring at my mouth.

Like a shot of tequila, the influx of sugar made me brave. It helped I was about to board a flight in a few hours and might never see him again for another ten years, if ever. “You know, I had such a puppy dog crush on you back in the day.”

He chuckled. “I thought you hated me. You used to tease me like crazy.”

“Yeah, I remember. You gave it right back though. But when I got to high school you and Duncan looked out for me.”

“Duncan looked out for you; I was just there for backup.” He chuckled and began tackling the second half of the bun. He pointed with his fork. “Want to know something I never told you?”

“Okay.”

“During my senior year I was going out with–”

“Loose Lucy!” I squealed, remembering the girl I wanted to kick in the shins every time she walked by me in the hall.

Cal snorted. “Oh yeah, that’s what you used to call her.”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s what everyone used to call her.”

He nodded knowingly. “I guess there was something to that. Anyway, she broke up with me right before the senior formal and I didn’t have a date. I asked Duncan if I could take you.”

I opened my mouth. “You did? What did he say?”

“He said if I did, he’d kick my ass. So I didn’t.”

“Wow. I had no idea.” I wondered what would’ve happened if we had gone to the formal together. I glanced up into eyes that seemed to be thinking the same thing. I cleared my throat. “You did a nice job on the cinnamon bun. So what should we do now to kill time?”

He pushed away his plate and took his smart phone from his pocket. “Want to play a game?”

“A game?” I laughed. He suddenly reminded me of the Cal from ten years ago.

“Yeah. I heard of this new geo tracking app.” He put his phone in the middle of the table and swiped his finger over the on button. I glanced down and spied the Meet-And-Go.com site on the screen. No way.

“Were you on Meet-And-Go dot com too? So was I, in fact I was–” My eyes flicked to his. “Wait. You’re not BroadwayBound, are you?”

He let out a hearty chuckle and slapped a palm against the table. “I don’t believe it. This must be the weirdest thing to ever happen to me. Nice to meet you, Chartier.”

My jaw dropped even further. I slowly shook my head, my eyes pinched shut. When I opened them again, we locked gazes and our laughter slowly tapered off. To whatever deity or mystical force responsible for throwing this man in my path again, I offered a silent but heartfelt ‘thank you’. To Cal, I simply said, “I guess we were destined to meet here one way or another.”

He continued to stare at me, his smile growing wider and deeper, blooming over his face until his eyes sparkled and threw off tiny creases in the corners. The sadness I had thought I had seen before evaporated.

I couldn’t help but grin back and warmed in places other than my cheeks. I pointed to his phone. “Okay, show me what you got.”

***

Second Chance Layover is taking a refueling break up will be ready to fly again Monday morning when Charli and Cal have some fun at the airport. 

Thanks for reading and a special hug to those who have stopped by each day and left a comment. I’ll draw a winner of the $25 gift certificate on Sunday! xoxo

Second Chance Layover (Part 5) #FreeRead #HolidaySerial

Welcome to Part 5 of Second Chance Layover! Today we’re in Charli’s head as she’s caught off guard by seeing Cal again. Remember to leave a comment below for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate at the end of the week!

Charli ~

There were plenty of other lonely travelers at O’Hare to keep BroadwayBound occupied for a while. I was sure he was probably already scrolling through the list as I stood staring at my reflection in the mirror.

Holy crap, Cal Wheaton. How long since I’d last seen him? I closed my eyes and did the mental math. Ten years. He had changed so much, I barely recognized him. I had a crush on him when we were kids, even though I never let that fact on to him or Duncan.

Cal’s appearance had certainly changed over the past ten years. His chest and shoulders filled his button down shirt nicely, a hint of well formed biceps strained the fabric in all the right places. His year round, L.A. tan favored his dark features.

I examined my pale face in the glaring artificial light. I overslept and hadn’t enough time for my normal makeup ritual. I pinched my cheeks to bring some color to the surface. I’d seen Tiffany do the same before talking to Brock, the new hottie at the station. Pinching made me look like I had a weird rash. Great. I dug to the bottom of my purse for the emergency tube of cranberry tinted lip gloss and a stray Tic Tac. Thank goodness the breath mint gods were on my side. I found and popped a Tic Tac into my mouth. After giving my hair a good fluff, I headed back to the coffee shop.

I spotted him before he noticed my return. I used the couple of spare seconds to leisurely give him a good once over. His knee bounced under the booth table. His body wore a tense stress I didn’t recall him having. His eyes flicked from the menu to me, like he sensed me studying him.

Sadness peeked through the mask of his smile. His eyes still crinkled at the corners. Cal always smiled with his eyes, a look I’d never forget. He waved me over, and I rolled my ridiculously pink carryon to the table.

“Pink, huh? I don’t remember you as much of a pink girl, but apparently that seems to be the vogue color these days,” he said, handing me a menu.

I snorted. “Got it on sale. I can always pick it out at baggage claim when I check it during longer trips, when I can’t be without my favorite hair products.” I glanced over the menu filled with usual fattening coffee shop fare. “What are you having?”

“I already ordered you a latte, but you wanna split a cinnamon bun?”

My tastebuds went into overdrive, flooding my mouth at the thought of gooey goodness smothered with icing. Unfortunately, I may as well attach the bun to my ass because that was where it would end up.

“Just the latte’s fine.” I smile and studied his face. “I can’t believe it’s been ten years.”

“I know. Seems like just yesterday your brother and I raced you to our clubhouse.” He chuckled.

“Yeah, you said if I beat you, you’d let me in. Do you remember what I used to ask?”

A grin passed over his lips, and he crossed his arms like I used to do. “Do I get a head start?”

I laughed. “You bastards never gave me one.”

His eyes met mine. “I was so stupid back then.”

A glint of wonder in his eyes made me lose my train of thought. I cleared my throat as the waitress stopped at the table to take our order. Cal rattled off our order, which gave my brain time enough to recover from its lusty hiccup. “I hear you’re a big time LA lawyer now. You must’ve traded your motorcycle for a shiny red convertible,” I said when the waitress left our table.

“You still remember that bucket of bolts?” His eyes widened, brows hiked up.

“Remember? How could I forget that summer you and Duncan got it running. I thought my father was going to kill Duncan for all of the grease stains on the driveway.”

The waitress brought the cinnamon bun wearing an extra few tablespoons of icing. She spent a little too much time refilling Cal’s coffee cup. The diversion gave me a chance to recall how I’d rush to the window every time the rusty motor chugged to a rest in front of my house, an almost daily occurrence. I used to fantasize about Cal swinging open the front door and taking my hand in his. He led me to the motorcycle where I straddled the seat and nuzzled my cheek against his back. I wrapped my arms around his waist. The heat from his body radiated through his thin t-shirt, touching me in places I had never been touched.

“Earth to Charli.”

A flash of metal from the fork he waved in front of my eyes returned me to the present.

“Want a taste?” He raised his eyebrows, forcing my brain down a more grown up trail of impure thoughts.

***

Would you like to read our story on your eReader? Volume 1 is now available on Smashwords!