K. Larsen's Blog - Posts Tagged "tug-of-war"

Bars & Barf

Eventually I’ll get to the bar, hopefully before last call but at this rate my chances are looking slim. I should have done what Marg did and ordered two drinks knowing how busy the club would be on a Friday night but I didn't. I’m sweaty from dancing with my girls in the throng of people crowding the dance floor. Without warning my hair is swept off my back and over my left shoulder. Hanging to my shoulder blades, it’s hot and heavy, the movement creates a breeze on my neck that feels good but who the hell just touched me so intimately? I stiffen as warm breath blows over my shoulder.
“Could I interest you in a drink?” Comes a deep rough voice in my ear. I swing around shooting steel daggers and find myself eye level with a broad chest. Tilting my head back I look up to an extremely handsome, tan chiseled face.
“Excuse me?” I snap. He smirks. My snarky inner bitch already hates him.
“I’d like to buy you a drink.” His deep vibrato sends chills down my spine which surprises me.
“Oh?” I quirk a well groomed eyebrow at him.
“Yes, what would you like?” I want to smack the smug look off his face. I hate arrogance and entitlement and this dude oozes it.
“I’d like to not be manhandled by a stranger.” I snark.
“My apologies, but I’ve been watching you and I couldn't resist.” He steps closer to me.
“Creepy.” I quip taking a step back. Mystery man reaches out grabbing me at the elbow.
“Let me get you a drink.” He pleads a little more sternly.
“Why?”
“Why not?” He questions looking amused.
“Persistent aren’t we?” My voice is laced with disdain.
“Yes. I’ve been called that.” He grins. His eyes lighten slightly with his smile. He really is attractive.
“Give me one good reason.” I offer sarcastically. The corners of his mouth drop and his brows furrow.
“You intrigue me.” He says finally.
“That’s hardly a good reason Mr...” I snort and wait. His lips twitch.
“Mr. Napoli and I’d like to get to know you Ms...” He counters.
“Lord. Ms. Lord. You don’t know me but I can assure you I’m stunningly average in all areas of life.” I inform him.
“I beg to differ.” He argues. Man this guy is relentless and totally hot for himself. Anyone who thinks so much of themselves must be a catch, I snicker to myself sarcastically. Stepping in close to him I place my hand on his hard chest and smooth his tie with my hand. Who wears a suit to a club anyways? He grins at the contact and his eyes go dark as if I’m his prey. I fist the tie and tug gently until his tall firm frame bends to my five foot four level and bring my mouth to his ear. “You can differ all you like but only I know the truth.” I purr. Releasing his tie I turn on my bootheel and stalk back to my girls fuming about that stupidly hot, I’m so full of myself I could get any girl and I will jerk. I plop down in my chair irritated and start ranting.
“Remind me why they don’t offer clubs that only let women in?” I ask sarcastically. Two dolled up ladies stare at me wide eyed. “Uh...what?” I ask noticing their faces.
“Do you have any idea who you were talking too?! What did he want?!” Marg screeches.
“He wanted to buy me a drink and who the hell is he?” I bark back.
“Clara... do you live under a rock? That’s Dominic Napoli, real estate mogul, one of Boston’s ten most successful businessmen under forty. Didn’t you read the article I emailed you?” Amanda looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. I did read it, but I read it because she wrote it, I didn’t really absorb or pay attention to the photos or why those guys were worth reading about. She knows I could give a crap about rich men.
“I guess I skipped his bio?” I shrug still not sure why it’s that awesome that I met him. Sure he’s successful but I don’t care about money and prestige. I’m not that into appearances and mingling with the right people. Been there, done that.
“Ladies. Mr. Napoli sends his regards. Please enjoy the wine.” The bartender interrupts us placing a very expensive bottle of white wine on the table with three glasses.
“Man what a jerk!” I cry in frustration.
“Shut up Clara.” Amanda hisses horrified. Marg ignores me and dives into the wine.
“I told him I didn't want a drink from him and what does he do? He does it anyways. This,” I gesture to the wine, “is sneaky and backhanded. Now it doesn't matter if I said no, he’s made it look all good natured. Pompass ass.” I ramble my irritation.
“Shut up and drink.” Marg laughs.
“Fine, but it’s consumption under protest.” I state and relax a little. What I really want to do is strut over to that cocky jerk and hand him his bottle of wine back while giving him a piece of my mind. What part of, no means no, is so hard to understand? Icona Pop’s I Love It starts. This is my jam. I flat out love this song and I immediately jump up, snag the bottle of wine, leaving both girls screeching and hit the dance floor. Shrugging at each other Amanda and Marg follow and the three of us jump around shouting the words to the song and shaking our hips.

Taking a pull directly from the wine bottle I notice Mr. Napoli watching from the VIP section. He’s really quite handsome, it’s a shame really. If he’d been that handsome and an average Joe maybe he would have gotten lucky tonight but my pure hatred of wealth and all that comes with it makes him off limits. I toss my head back and take another pull before passing the bottle to Marg as Wild Ones starts and I lose myself in the music. Three songs later Amanda tugs on my arm wanting my attention.
“What’s up?” I shout above the music.
“Marg and I want to hit up The Harp.”
“‘K, let’s go.” I shout back and follow them to our table to collect our things. The wine bottle passes between the three of us again polishing it off.

I have a serious buzz at this point which was my entire goal for tonight and tomorrow night. I’m only in town for the weekend and wanted a wild girls weekend with my two favorite ladies. I haven’t seen them in forever but work brought me back to Beantown finally so I’d emailed them both seeing if they were up for a couple nights on the town with me.
“How’s Alliecat and Sawyer?” Marg asks.
“Allie’s amazing per usual and Sawyer,” I sigh. “Sawyer is the only reason I was able to come. I don't know what I’d do without him.” Amanda and Marg shoot loving looks at me before we head into The Harp.
“God! I missed this place.” I squeal. “Is The Zoo playing tonight?” Marg and Amanda both double over laughing at me. “What?”
“Do you really think eight years later they’re still playing here?” Amanda chuckles.
“Oh. Right. Guess it’s been a while.”
“Yeah, a while is an understatement Clara.” Marg quips at me.
“I know, I know, but you guys know why I had to leave.” I throw my hands up in defense.
“Yes, we do and we understand. We’re just happy to have you for the weekend babe!” I get double teamed by my girls in a giant hug and can't help but giggle with them. It really has been too long. I’ve missed out on a lot in their lives. We email, text and call but it’s not the same really and lord knows they’ve missed out on my life. It is was it is though and I did what I had to do and never looked back and I’m happy with my life now.

Cramming into a table for two we order three beers and wait for the band to come on. “So how was the exhibition today?” Marg asks.
“It went really well. I mingled with some other people in the Virginia area too. Hopefully it will drum up some new business.”
“Is the shop turning a profit that you can live on now?” Amanda inquires.
“Yeah, it has been for a while. We’re really starting to get busy. Sawyer and I might need to bring in a third artist. That was the other part of coming to the show today, I wanted to scope out some talent.”
“Well it sounds like things have really come together for you. I’m happy.” Marg smiles approvingly. It’s nice to know they support me. Eight years ago, hell five years ago if you’d asked me if I would be running my own shop and making money doing it I would have laughed in your face.
“Thanks.” I smile.
“Any of you ladies care to dance?” A stocky guy with a bad teenage mustache asks. I snort and shake my head no while Marg looks like she wants to hide under the table and never look at his face again and Amanda, oh boy, she looks like she’s ready to give the guy hell. “You have balls I’ll give you that. What are you? Eighteen? Twenty? How’d you get in here? The street lights are on it’s past your bedtime.” She flicks her wrist shooing him away as I burst into laughter. “What? We’re cougars but we still have standards.” She giggles.
“Cougars? Seriously since when does thirty two put you in cougar territory?” I chortle.
“When the boys hitting on you are a decade or more younger than you. That’s when.” Marg finally lifts her eyes. “Is creepy mustache gone?” We all double over with laughter as we sip our beers.
As the band steps onto the stage and starts to play their nineties cover songs I think back to when this was the norm in my life. College had been a blast and these two girls had been my partners in crime for four years and change. I really did miss them and having time to just be crazy and wild and free.

Marg tugs me to my feet and stumbles a little. I’m really glad I wore my cowboy boots instead of heels. Sure I probably stick out like a sore thumb but I’m comfortable, can dance and will still be able to walk home without my feet feeling like they are bleeding. Hey Jealousy ends and Laid starts and I can’t help but be swept away in the moment. I feel carefree and eighteen again.

Mid song I’m singing my heart out jumping around wildly having the best time ever when two large hands grip my waist. His fingers splay wide holding me firmly. I feel a tingle course through my body at the contact. My hormones go into overdrive at the long forgotten feeling of being held by a man like this. I stiffen and stand stalk still enjoying the sensation before realizing that I have no male counterpart with me. Don’t Stop Believing starts just as I whip around to face my grabby fan. “We meet again Ms. Lord.” Dominic says coyly. His hands are scorching my sides as I stare up into his dark eyes. He’s so attractive. His black hair is perfectly coiffed and his suit looks like it was tailor made just for him. I’m sure I’m staring like an idiot but the beer has officially sent me one sheet past three to the wind and I can’t form a witty retort. Instead I stare dreamily, like a reject, at the chiseled face before me. I can’t be sure but I think I even sigh. He smiles widely at me and I blink.

Gathering myself I pull out of his grip and in my drunken stupor stumble backwards landing on the stage. The lead singer takes this as an invitation and hauls me to my feet. Figuring what the hell I rip the mic from his hands and start belting out the song. “Working hard to get my fill, everybody wants a thrill. Payin' anything to roll the dice, just one more time. Some will win, some will lose. Some were born to sing the blues. Oh, the movie never ends, it goes on and on and on and on...” The mic is stolen away as the chorus begins and he holds the mic out to the crowd. Amanda and Marg yank me down from the stage barely containing their laughter at my show.
“What the hell Clara?!” Amanda can barely contain her laughter.
“Yeah Clara, I had no idea you were a rock star.” A booming deep voice calls out. Marg and Amanda spin around and eye Mr. Dominic Napoli as he reaches out, snags my hand and pulls me to him. I’m stupefied. He’s warm and hard and he smells so flippin’ good. Instead of moving away I stand molded to him.
“Mr. Napppppoli.” I slur and silently will myself to shut up. “What a pleasuuure.” Amanda kicks my shin hearing my tone but I ignore her. I know she’s trying to save me from the verbal diarrhea attack thats about to happen. “Although you are apparently the perfect male specimen.” I drag my eyes from his face down to his crotch and back up lewdly. “I really would appreciate it if you could keep your hands to yourself. Perv.” I can’t help it. I know it’s not the right time but I am really freaking hilarious and I bust out laughing at myself.

He cocks his head to the side and openly stares at me with curiosity. There’s something about him that makes my skin crawl and tingle simultaneously. A war starts between my brain and my hormones. The rational side of me says run away, you hate his kind, but my libido screams, it’s been months, he wants you, have a wild night-take him.
“Ladies, could I convince you to let me give you all a ride home?” He looks back and forth between Marg and Amanda who stand there stunned stupid looking like enamored school girls. I grunt and give this Dominic character a little shove out of my personal space. “We’re not leaving now.” I growl. I hate being told what to do. It’s a problem.
“I think you’ve had enough.” He clips.
“Excuse me? What are you, my father?” I bite out.
“I think you’ll have a terrible hangover if you don’t quit now.” His arrogance is really really irritating me.
“Marg, Manda. We’re leaving. I hate him.” I spout, poke him in the chest and yank my bag from Amanda’s hand while making a beeline for the door. The cool night air hits me like a brick in the face and suddenly instead of feeling refreshed, I feel tired and sick. I lean against the building and hang my head trying to get the spinning to stop.
“Hey, you alright?” Marg asks rubbing my arm softly.
“I don’t feel well.” I moan pathetically.
“NO puking in the taxi.” Amanda laughs. She’s teasing, I never puke. Well not never but it’s a rare occurance and I usually can hold it together until there’s a clean bathroom insight.
“Hey! I’m no PJ, there will be no puke and throw from this gal.” I point at myself and attempt to laugh.
“Oh my god! Do you remember that?” Amanda doubles over with laughter at the memory. Our friend PJ was disgustingly wasted, interestingly enough at the bar we just left, and he threw up in his hand, cupped it, then threw it behind him. He repeated the act until he was finished throwing up. Seriously. Amanda and I had caught him in the act as he stood in the corner discreetly covering his mouth then whipping it behind him into the corner. “That was the most disgusting yet hilarious thing I’ve ever witnessed.” I chuckle. A wave of nausea rolls over me stopping my laugh. I groan and turn away from my friends while I try to fight the impending doom lurking in my stomach.
“Ew. Are you going to be ok?” Marg asks.
“Mmhmm... why don’t you head home. I'll text you tomorrow for brunch.” I mutter between deep breaths.
“Alrighty.... Amanda, see you tomorrow. Love ya Clara!” She calls, her heels click and clack on the sidewalk as she hails a cab.
“Offer still stands.” That voice is like dark chocolate and silk. I want to look up but I can’t move so I stay doubled over.
“I don't think you want her riding in your car.” Amanda giggles pointing at me I’m sure.
“You look tired. Why don't I have my driver take you home and I’ll stay with Clara until she sobers up.” He offers. I want to protest but my stomach is rolling and I need to continue my deep breathing and concentration to keep everything contained.
“That sounds wonderful.” Amanda elates. What the fuck! Why is she throwing me under the bus. Hoes before bros apparently has no meaning to her. A strangled groan escapes me and Amanda is instantly at my side.
“What are you doing?” I hiss at her.
“Shut up Clara. I'll see you in the morning when you’re ready to thank me.” She snips. I want to strangle her and her good intentions. A car door shuts and I hear Amanda call out have fun before wheels screech and I assume she’s taken off by Dominic’s driver.
“Clara. Can you stand?” He asks hesitantly.
“Of course I can stand you turd.” I straighten, push off the wall and immediately wish I hadn't. Everything tips sideways and I feel like death. My crouched hidey hole was a much, much better position. His arm darts out steadying me and I clutch it for dear life. “Wait a moment.” He grumbles. “Yes. The Harp. Thank you.” He clips into his phone. Jerk. Who is he talking to with such attitude? “Clara, I’m going to pick you up.” He says softly, the irritation in his voice from a moment ago gone.
“Nooo.” I groan. “Feet need to stay on ground.”
“Sorry darling but we need to move and I don’t think you can keep up.” My feet leave the ground making my stomach turn or maybe it was the pet name, I detest pet names. I wrap my arms around his neck and press my head into his shoulder trying to mentally right myself and tamp down the bile rising in my throat. He walks swiftly, as if I weigh nothing, to the curb and waits as a man opens a car door for him, squatting down he slides into the car with me still attached to him. I’m positioned on his lap and although I really dislike this weirdo I’m relieved to be on my way home. I don’t dare lift my head so I keep it buried in his neck and surprisingly, he holds me tightly to him silently.
God, what kind of cologne does he wear, I want to get some for Sawyer because I need to smell this smell all the time. His fingers move gently through my hair and I want to tell him to cut the shit but I can’t make my mouth perform the task. The longer I keep my eyes closed and the firmer he holds me the more the spinning sensation subsides and sleepiness takes over. As I drift off to sleep it occurs to me that he didn’t ask for my address, but maybe Amanda told him when she left.

Summer is so busy and I get swept away by things like road tripping and lake days and holidays and birthdays and fireworks and ok- you see where this is going....

Tug Of War is due out in just a few short weeks....

Teaser Wednesday anyone?!


Light filters through the curtains as my phone vibrates off the side table. Without opening my eyes I fumble for it but as I reach down I’m hauled back across the bed into Dom’s strong arms.
“Morning.” He smiles at me.
“Good morning to you.” I flirt. He shakes his head at me grinning. “What?” I ask.
“I’ve waited a long time, four months almost, to have this happen.”
“Have what happen?” I ask suggestively.
“To wake up with you Clara.” He leans in and brushes a feather light kiss across my lips. “To spend the night with you.” He breathes in my ear while nipping at it.
“If you wake me up and I don't get angry you must be pretty effing special. I hate waking up.” A hot flush breaks out across my chest as he kisses a path down my neck.
“We don't have time for this.” He stops at my collarbone and I whine in protest.
“Why not?” I ask running my hands along all the hard ridges of his torso.
“We have to find you a dress and the wedding’s in four hours.” I pout and relax back into the pillow.
“Fine.”
“Don't look at me like that. We’ll have plenty of time for fun later.” He winks and smacks my thigh playfully.
“I don’t want to alarm you,” I say sitting up and straddling him. “but you may have unleashed a monster last night.” He hardens at my opening. “An insatiable monster.” I breathe into his mouth as I kiss him. With ease he lifts my hips and slides me down on him while I wrap my legs around his back. He stands and crashes my back into the wall opposite the bed as he stays deep and swivels his hips. My head dips back hitting the wall and my eyes close as he quickly brings me racing towards release. Suckling and kissing my exposed throat he drives deep skidding me up the wall some and stays planted while he rotates his hips. My muscles clench, my breath catches and gripping my hips to steady me he rolls up and in twice more and nips my neck before my orgasm rips through at an alarming rate. He finishes just after me and carries me to the bed, setting me down carefully and slowly pulling out. “Will that hold you over my dear?” He teases.
“Mmmhmm.” I sigh and watch his amazing naked body saunter to the bathroom for a shower. I grab my phone and check my messages.

Amanda: Are you ok?
Marg: Dom the Dominator huh? I was hot just watching you two dance!

I text Amanda and Marg back letting them know what's up and that I’m the worst friend ever for missing almost all of girls weekend and decide to leave it that.

So I just finished "Uncharted"- Excellent book. Loved it. Went to rate it on Amazon as I do all books that I read and now it wont let you rate a book without writing a review. As an author I like to leave reviews and get them too... but I need time to write them. Sometimes I just want to rate the book because it deserves that little extra bump and I can do that quickly! What's with this new system anyways?

Another rant... totally different... but I want feed back y'all.... what is your biggest pet peeve about men? I want detail...don't care if its generic or stereotypical or not... just rant away my lovelies... but humor me and follow it up with your absolute favorite thing about men as well...


Let's see how ridiculous this conversation can get...

Hi all! Check out the giveaway that's happening this week!
Enter, enter, enter!
Click Here To Win!

http://klarsenauthor.blogspot.com/p/o...
You can now ADD Objective to your TBR!! Woot! Go forth and show love!

This is book 2 of the Bloodlines Series. Each book can be read as a stand alone. Tug of War is the first installment.

So I'm very happy to report that I am freaking adoring the Bloodlines Series.

They are all stand alone books (think Kristen Ashley Colorado Series- Characters run throughout books but all are individual stories!)

Suggested reading order for now will be:
Tug Of War (available now)
Objective (April 2014)
Resistance (August/Sept 2014)
Truth Or Lie (2015)

Honestly if you love funny stories, dark stories, hot tattooed men, motorcycle guys and strong kick ass females- this is the series for you!

I've been so fortunate to be able to make time to write and get my books out there. Some amazing bloggers have paved the way for me by helping to pimp out my work.

2013 was pretty significant for me- releasing 5 books but I feel like 2014 is going to blow last year away.

I'm also going to leave 30 Days #FREE for a while longer. Committed is available everywhere (that is important to know because 30 Days IS a cliffy)

Stalk me so you can stay up to date with all the signings I'll be attending! I want to meet ALL of you :)

I'm just feeling positive about this year in general- not just for writing, but in life. I get to travel meet a new found author/friend, I get to attend book signings,my daughter turns 9 (GASP) and I'm hoping to travel to a couple book signings! I love travelling! I love seeing the country. I am truly content with my little world right now.

Tell me, going into this new year what are you hopeful for in your life? Are there things you are excited about (big or small)?

Go read it! You *hopefully* won't be disappointed!

http://klarsenauthor.blogspot.com/201...

Got your attention, didn't I?
HA!

So this week, is the cover reveal for Objective. I can not wait to share it with you all. ARC's go out this week to bloggers too! I'm nervous as shit and excited to get their feedback!

*if you are a blogger and want an arc please message me.

Objective was a labor of love that has turned into my favorite book so far!

Resistance (Sawyer's story is 50% done.) I am getting excited to finish it and put it out there for you all to read! You will def. want to see how his story concludes!

Then- it's on to Target 84. It's going to be darker than normal, out of the norm and fast paced.

Of course- my brain doesn't stop- so while planning, writing and promoting all the above- a new book idea popped into my head. I've made notes for it so it sticks, but it's currently being referred to as "insane book idea". It will be a stand alone... and you'll probably want to read it. I hope.

Tell me loves, what are your thoughts on all this?

So, this week I got 5 mins notice that no one was going to be home to get the kiddo off the bus... ran out of propane after hours... smeared cream cheese on my pants - by accident- gained 2 lbs and burned dinner, TWICE.

BUT!!!!!!!! Guess whatttt... I'm not going to let any of that get me down- why?
Because Objective releases in 12 days and I am so stinkin over the moon excited for the release that it's all going to be okay.

I've had 2 people tell me this week that Resistance is awesome so far and they can't wait for more so it's kept me motivated to keep plugging along on that one too!

Do me a solid and join the event to celebrate- I'll love you forever.
https://www.facebook.com/events/27684...
#BloodlinesSeriesForeverBitches!Objective

That's right. PEE MY PANTS! hahaha So happy to share that Objective is LIVE!

Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Objective-Blood...

If any of you ARC readers have reviews or posted reviews to Goodreads already, could you kindly copy those reviews to Amazon pretty please?!

I sincerely hope that you all enjoy the book!

Phew- now I can start focusing on Resistance more (Sawyer's story!)

Much love!