M.C. Cerny's Blog, page 7

Being Thankful

Wow - Flashers! I feel pretty thankful this year. My Indieversary isn't until January 31st, and in the time I've been on this crazy ass rollercoaster, I can't even begin to explain how much I love all of this and all of you. Now of course, I'm thankful to my family, friends and the ability to do this ,but I have to admit to you a few guilty pleasures... (and I don't mean doing "research" on tumblr LOL) I'm talking about sweet pumpkin pie and creamy spinach/artichoke dip... okay, end rant? Yeah, Maybe. XOXO 

(Thanks JS for sharing this pic with me! I prefer to spend my time with a good book and PIE!)
 One of the joys of being apart of such a great Indie authorship community is that you get to meet so many cool, interesting people that I might not have ever had an opportunity to meet before. Everyone comes from a diverse background and has a united goal in putting out the best reads out there. Views on social platforms are changing and YOU the reader are probably missing out. So in my quest to continue thankfulness, posititivity and share the good word on good books, I'd like to share some gems with you this week. As always you can do your part by leaving reviews. Reviews often save authors to keep persevering through our darkest of times.   Happy Holidays this week and if you really want to avoid the shopping crowds, these books are all available online, from the comfort of your home... just like tumblr...*smile* Some really cool events coming up Join Book Haven and awesome authors giving away books for 12 days in December, and having fun 5-9pm EST on Facebook  |12 Days of Bookmas| Book Haven is also sponsoring an Authors Honoring Authors project, see deets here: LINK 

INDIE IMPRESSIONS - LOVE this PAGE!
Check it out & give them a like!

   AUTHORS TO CHECK OUT!  Katherine Rhodes will have some new goodies out soon, thanks to Nano  
 Olivia Linden just released GLITCH! Love a hitman? Awwe, you know you do you bad, bad girl! xoxo | Amazon USA | Amazon UK | 
 Lia Fairchild CIRCLE IN THE SAND - A Kindle and Nook bestsellerFour Friends. Four Different Paths. One Unwavering Friendship
..
Amazon Kindle | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes  Brandy L. Rivers is releasing Mending Scars!! 12/29/14   Bev Elle  is releasing Obsidian Faith, 12/4/2014 PREORDER      KOBO | iBook | Amazon | B&N   Lisa Suzanne has a giveaway going on right now! Who doesn't love a chance for FREE books and swag??
LISA SUZANNE’S REVIEWER APPRECIATION GIVEAWAY
Leave a review for one of Lisa’s books, put your link in the
Rafflecopter by December 8, and you could win:
✔CAMEO in Lisa Suzanne’s next book
✔SIGNED PAPERBACK
✔ $20 Amazon GIFT CARD!
➜ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4feaa7f930/
If you haven't read her books yet, here are the links!
Read these three for free on Kindle Unlimited:
➜ SEPARATION ANXIETY: http://amzn.to/SxCAlB
➜ SIDE EFFECTS: http://amzn.to/1iyhO1r
➜ SECOND OPINION: http://amzn.to/1sbqdup
And check out the He Feels Trilogy:
➜ HOW HE REALLY FEELS (BOOK 1): http://amzn.to/1kNVIY9
➜ WHAT HE REALLY FEELS (BOOK 2): http://amzn.to/TI3FDH
➜ SINCE HE REALLY FEELS (BOOK 3): http://amzn.to/1kZPxBk 





 

 J. Rose Alexander will have new goodies coming soon! Love the cover!
   Theresa Troutman  My Secret Summer
US: http://amzn.to/1guRQEz
UK: http://amzn.to/1iljDtL
B&N: http://bit.ly/1mMpM4T
Kobo: bit.ly/1ttV5TN

Life's What You Make It 

US: http://amzn.to/1lZAOqe
UK: http://amzn.to/1grKuGi
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1eHPdzM
B&N: http://bit.ly/1n7BdXY

Love This Life

US: http://amzn.to/1k7H12A
UK: http://amzn.to/1nie6vn
B&N: http://bit.ly/RKn9Gb
Kobo: http://bit.ly/TZWzuY Lucy James just released Those Lies We Tell! AMAZON   Emerson Shaw wrote Acts of Desperation, a great Romantic Suspense! Here's the Amazon link: http://amzn.to/ZaWqqG  

   **********     *********     ********* I also want to share with you two anthologies I was lucky to be apart of this year. Both Nighttides and Hot For Teacher include really hot stories by AWESOME authors, and new friends I am so very thankful for.   Nighttides Anthology ---> http://amzn.to/1nmSMhC

 Hot For Teacher Anthology ---> http://amzn.to/1pYcOBU And hey, here's my debut novel Flashpoint. Love romance? Suspense? A hot alpha male, with a loyal dog and a moxie news reporter?Bada Bing! Bada BOOM! Flashpoint (Romantic Suspense) ---> http://amzn.to/1i8s3VN
  Have a great weekend Flashers! If you want updates on new books and shenanigans, check out my newsletter for kicks. xoxo

  

CONTEST!! Want a chance to win a $10 giftcard...

 CONTEST!!  Want a chance to win a $10 giftcardand YOUR name in the acknowledgements of the  full length novel of ONE SUMMER? All you need to do is leave a review on Amazon for Nighttides.Choose a ringtone that you feel fits Roman Winters of Abigail Holliday.Put your entries into the rafflecopter link below. | RAFFLECOPTER | THANKS! XOXO  LINK TO BUY NIGHTTIDES HERE     Contest ends on or around December 1st. See graphic above for rules.

ONE SUMMER - Early November :-)

Buy Links for NIGHTTIDES here: Amazon  After a crazy, awful week I figured we all could use a "ROMAN HOLIDAY."  BWAHAHA! Get it? Yeah, I'm overly tired and my nerd humor sucks, forgive me? :-) So... I think this book boyfriend needs no further introduction...  (This is UNEDITIED and all mistakes are mine. O.o)
NOVEMBER

CHAPTER 13
ABIGAIL
I answer the phone with apprehension and dad jumps right into it. “Abigail, its Leah, she’s sick.” Dad isn’t one to mince words and the way he says things leads me to believe this is pretty serious. Roman nods to me with a reassuring smile and walks out on to the deck shutting the door behind him. I watch him go and suddenly feeling coldness settle over me.
            “What do you mean sick, Dad? She was fine weeks ago tearing me a new one for leaving LA.” I don’t know what else to say. She did purposefully steal my boyfriend… well, Lucas left me for her on his own, but still… Leah and I have never been close and this just floors me. I don’t know why she isn’t calling me, does she actually need me? My older, overbearing, bitchy sister needing anyone just sounds crazy to me.
            “You saw her in June, its September. The doctors did a biopsy and its cancer.” The dreaded C word makes my mind buzz into numbness. I listen to my dad say a bunch of other things that don’t register. The only word I’ve heard so far is cancer and it scares the shit out of me.
“D-dad… are you sure its cancer?” The word feels thick, unused and tainted. Immense regret fills me and tears pool, blinding my vision as I sink to the floor prostrate. All I can think about are the phone calls I didn’t take the past week or so, ignoring life outside our happy little bubble and as fate would intervene, our bubble is now obliterated.
“Of course I’m sure, I’ve been the only one here to handle things.” Angrily, he lashes out at me and I take it because part of me feels like I deserve it. I did run away. Dad goes on about doctor appointments, treatment options, my sister’s work schedule reduced, her obvious stubbornness, and Lucas moving in with her much to his dismay. I can barely process it all. My sister, my older, wiser, more perfect sister, has cancer.
Just.
Like.
Mom.
            I hang up the phone and fleeting memories of our childhood surface. I want to fold in on myself and lock out the bad. I remember our last trip to the aquarium for one, just the three of us girls. Leah and I fighting constantly over something and mom gently intervening and making both of us somehow feel validated and apologetic at the same time. Leah’s bullying ways. I love my sister but have barely been able to understand the increasing distance in our relationship as we got older. I think about all the boyfriends she stole from me and I half laugh and cry because really I wonder if that was her way of protecting me?  They were pretty terrible as boyfriends and she would always dump them as soon as I got over them. Except for maybe Lucas… he seems pretty firmly entrenched in our lives and dad’s firm. I’m overwhelmed and the thought of losing someone who was just as close to our mother as I was is devastating to even consider. The cries that rack my body are surprising and terrifying. Roman runs into the bedroom scooping me up. He’s asking me all sorts of questions and I don’t know how to answer him except to clutch his safe arms and blubber out words.
            “Roman, it’s my sister. Leah has cancer and it’s just like my mom all over again.” I’m huffing air to catch my breath and Roman just holds me closer in the only way I guess he can. His grip is tight and unrelenting and the pain of his hold is the only thing giving me purchase to feel alive.
            “Then let’s get you home, sweetheart.” I know I love this man unexpectedly and wholly in this moment. He is rocking me gently and kissing my hair as he brushes the wild mess from my teary face. I have no idea how we make this work, can we make this work? “Let me make the arrangements and take care of you.” Roman hushes any protests I might have and instead tucks me into the bed under the covers. “I’ll be right back.” He kisses me again and leaves the bedroom. The silence hurts, but I have to trust we’ll get through this. I allow myself to block out the pain and drift into exhaustion.
***
            “Yes, I want a first class ticket on the next flight out of Seattle, direct to LA. Yeah, I know what it costs and I’m not limited by a budget here Gary, just get me the ticket. Round trip? No, but leave the option open. Car service? I’m not sure, but yes just in case. I don’t want her to have to worry about anything.” I feel the mattress dip and Roman is sitting on the bed next to me when I open my eyes. He threads his fingers through my hair relaxing me. His palm cradles my cheek tenderly and his callused thumb brush away another tear drop. His own eyes are looking into mine and I realize he just booked me a flight ticket home… as in singular.
            The boat no longer feels as smooth sailing as it did previously. My stomach wants to revolt both from nerves and the pitch of the waves the boat cuts through. I can tell it’s moving at a clip, but my brain is still disoriented from my dad’s phone call and bawling my eyes out to Roman. To say I feel insecure is a bit of an understatement.
            Roman hangs up the phone and tosses it on the bed. “Come here, Hollywood.” He crawls over me and strips the bedding away, peeling me from between sheets and pillows tugging me in the direction of the bathroom. I give a little stumble into Roman’s backside and he turns placing his warm hands over my bare shoulders.
            “What?” My voice croaks from the tears earlier and Roman looks deep in thought. A breath escapes his lips but he doesn’t say anything and the sudden distance between us feels more than just a pending flight away. Why does this feel like fucking good bye?
            “Nothing. I just don’t ever want to be a reason you cry, Abigail.” He smiles softly and if I could have puddled on the floor I would have. Instead, I follow him mindlessly on unsteady legs into the bathroom. He sets me in the corner and gets the shower going. I watch him grab his t-shirt by the back of his neck and deftly pull it off, tossing it on the floor. Next he’s pulling me towards him and lifting my top up and off me gently to toss it on the floor next to our little pile. His eyes don’t leave mine for even a millisecond to look at my now naked body. I feel like he’s imprinting me in his mind for some reason. I pray this isn’t a goodbye of some kind, one last intimate sendoff, but I can’t be sure.
            “R-roman…” There is so much I need to say to him, but he puts his finger to my lips and kisses my temple instead. I let my brain yell I LOVE YOU SO DAMN MUCH, because I can’t get my mouth to say the words except to utter hoarse choking cries. I pray he hears me through all of this.
            “Shhh.” He tells me and then drops to his knees to kiss my belly and peel my panties from my hips. I reach a hand into his hair running my fingers into the soft strands looking up at the ceiling for hope or divine intervention to fix this. I can’t believe we are so close and now so far. He hugs my knees and spends time with his head against me kissing me. I tug a bit and he looks up, eyes sparkling with mischief as he stands and peels his own lounge pants off.
            We step into the shower and everything is slow and savored from the way he washes my hair to the way he trails his fingers over my skin, delicate, loving and tracing me as if he could draw me for eternity. I don’t want a moment of this to end, because now, I finally know what love feels like.
***
ROMAN
            I don’t want a moment of this to end… I never got a chance to ask my parents during their lifetime how you know when someone is The One. Death and a drunk driver cheated me of those things twice. I want to tell Abby, I love her so damn much, but I don’t want her to feel obligated to return to me out of guilt. You know that saying… if you love something set it free…
I fucking hate that saying. I have to let her go, because damn if our timing isn’t the worst possible thing right now. I need to be there for her no strings attached, because if she comes back to me… when she comes back to me… I don’t ever want to let her go.
            The shower is hot and steam covers the glass instantly cocooning us one last time. Abby stands with her back to me and I wash her hair slowly, massaging her temples and scalp, running my fingers through her golden hair until I hear her moan against the tiled walls. I step forward crowding her in, pressing her against the wall. I kiss every possible inch of skin on her neck and trace my hands over her body. God help me if I forget a single curve or soft spot of her body while we’re briefly separated, and it willbe brief.
            “Roman…” I love how she says my name dragging out the first syllable like it will prolong the limited time we do have. I have my crew sailing us back to the marina as fast as they safely can. This wasn’t the getaway I had hoped to make it for us, but it’s not like my boat is going anywhere until she comes back. We’ll have just enough time for me to drive her to the airport, breaking a few speed limits, with what she has. I’ll get her car to her in a week or so, and we’ll worry about the rest later. I just need her to smile again and be alright.
            “Let me take care of you, Abby. Let me do all of the worrying until you get there.” I feel her nod and lean back into me as the water sluices over our bodies. I use the soap from the body wash to make her skin slick. She reaches back and puts her hands into my hair holding me close to her. The feel of her fingers touching me is both soothing and painful because I know putting her on a plane is the last thing I want to do...
***
            We stand together on the deck of the boat as she pulls up to the marina. Not many words have been spoken and really, what can be said? My hope is that she’ll work things out with her family and her sister will be okay, because if not then I don’t know what my girl will do with the guilt I know she’s been harboring since she picked up the phone. I hope she’ll come back to me as unscarred as possible, but there’s no guarantee and it’s nothing I can control.
            The ride to the airport is just as silent and I park the car. “Roman…” Glassy eyes look back at me and lips are puffy from biting them.
            “I am not going anywhere, Hollywood.” I assure her taking her small hand in mine.
            “But I am.” Her voice wavers.
            “But never far from here.” I take her palm and risk putting it over my heart trying to convey the very thing I am scared of saying. I’ve lost everyone else I ever loved, if she rejects me, I will be crushed.
            “I don’t know how long…” Trailing off her hand grasps my shirt over my heart painfully. At least we’ll both feel the loss.
            “Hush…” Soothing her I say. “And I will be waiting for you when you’re ready to come back.” Blonde curls escape from her braid and I go around the truck to help her out. I grab her bag of clothes and we walk into the airport holding hands. Checking the boards, I see her plane is on fucking time. Of course, it couldn’t be late or delayed now when I want a fraction more time to spend with her.
            The ticketing counter has her ticket ready and I know she still has to go through security and boarding. Even I couldn’t finagle priority passenger status for her and I did have Gary try.
            “So this is it.” Abby hasn’t told me much. I hug her and she clings to me as much as I cling to her. I know Leah is diagnosed with cancer and that could mean anything until she physically gets to see her for herself, and feels reassured. Douche canoe still has a job with her dad’s firm but he’s not my competition. I think the competition I have to fear most is Abby’s inability to tell her family no, especially her dad. It would be hard for me to make the move to LA right now, but not entirely impossible and not something feasible for at least a year with the projects I have ongoing, but Abby doesn’t know that. I guess not everyone can be rescued? 
            “Flight 437 to Los Angeles is now boarding.” I step back from her looking her over one last time, fucking interfering PA systems. Luckily there’s no line at security and the guy is waving us on. I can’t go because I don’t have a ticket. Why didn’t I get a fucking ticket?
            “I’ll make sure your car gets back to you and whatever you need from the cottage. Maddie has everything under control in Gold Beach.” I tell her tucking my bright blue scarf around her neck a little tighter.
            “Roman.”
            “And I want you to call me every day, not because I’m creepy, but because I want to know if you’re okay.” I keep my hands on her shoulders and I hear the PA system again grating on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.
            “Roman… I.” I’m shaking my head no because I don’t want to hear how we’ll make it work, get through it, or call it a day. Her eyes tear and I take my finger tips to brush them out of her eyes.
            “This is the last boarding call for Flight 437 to Los Angeles, boarding now at Gate C.” The air buzzes around us.
            “Be safe, Hollywood, or I’m coming down there before you’re ready for me.” I kiss her wrinkled forehead, her tear stained cheek and her lips that taste salty before turning her around and giving her a gentle spank on her rear that has her looking at me blushing. I push towards the annoyed security guard whose been watching us like a hawk since I came down to the roped off gate floor.
            She turns briefly before giving the man her ticket and he takes her bag for the scanner. It all happens to damn efficiently and I watch her get through the gate and look over her shoulder at me before jogging to the boarding desk. She makes it just in time and I wish we’d been a moment later. Selfishly, I would have wanted her to miss the flight. Her braid of hair disappears through the door bouncing off her back as they shut the gate.
            I thought when I finally found love it would mean that you felt good inside, whole and not ripped to shreds. I walk over to the large glass windows and watch as her plane sits on the tarmac waiting to take off. I feel a buzzing in my pocket and slip out my phone. It’s a text from Abby.
            Abby:  I love you…
            I slam my hand against the glass… looking around, I check to see if the security guard is still there and he is, fucker. There’s no way I could have run past him to the gate to pull her off the plane and drive her myself to LA or wait out the next flight that wasn’t sold out. Fuck it! The security guard already looked like he wanted a piece of me so pulling any crazy shit would not have worked in my favor. I hold back from slamming my hand against the glass again. If she had just said before… if she had only fessed up to it… I would have never let her go. Damn it.
I look around but find myself largely ignored by the rest of the airport dwellers. “Yeah, I love you too, Hollywood, except I’m going to say it to you in person you little chicken shit and then I’m really going to spank you.” I mutter shaking my head. I don’t bother to text her back because I know she’s already turned off her phone. This is the woman who ignored her family for weeks. I know her well enough that she won’t be waiting for my response. Brat. Her plane taxis on the runway before speeding off and lifting into the air. I watch it bank gently on silver wings circling the air space before heading in the direction of California. I really am going to spank her the next time I get my hands on her. *** STAY TUNED FOR MORE CHAPTERS ONLINE! COPYRIGHT - M. C. CERNY - NOVEMBER - 2014

COVER REVEAL for PULSE POINT - BOOK TWO

PULSE POINT – Releases December 2014.  Want a peak into the action? PROMOVIDEO: Check out the Video to get the run down on the action in the Reed Series!

Add it on GOODREADS#ONECLICK BOOK ONE - FLASHPOINT NOW! #99CENTS|Amazon US|Smashwords|Nook|iBooks|KOBO|   Don't they look so purdy together? :-)  

HUGE $100 Amazon giftcard GIVEAWAY for Hot For Teacher

HUGE #GIVEAWAY to celebrate the Release of #HOTFORTEACHER :-) YOU could be the lucky winner of a $100 AMAZON GIFTCARD!! Wow, that's a alot of books you could be reading!  GIVEAWAY LINK!!!  

Hot For Teacher is live!

#HOTFORTEACHER is #LIVE just $0.99 for a limited time only for 10 brand new student/teacher romances!|AMAZON US|AMAZON UK|AMAZON AU||BARNES&NOBLE|KOBO|

 Some of today’s bestselling authors bring you the highly anticipated collaboration, Hot for Teacher.
Ten brand new, steamy, and original novellas complete this forbidden student/teacher anthology.   Rite of Passage by Mandee Mae
Haley knew she had a lot to learn since she pretty much grew up in a bubble. She just didn’t realize the classroom wasn’t the only place she was going to be taught new and exciting things.
 
Deviation by M.C Cerny
Deviation: an action, behavior, or condition that is different from what is usual or expected. Example: Edith and Jack deviate from the acceptable student teacher relationship.
 
The Life Plan by Phalla S. Rios
Everything was perfect, until the middle of my senior year. Our art teacher succumbed to bad health, leaving us with a substitute--and my plans turned to flames, turning into ashes. I thought I wasn't going to fall anymore. But the moment I laid eyes on Mr. Tomlinson, I begin to fall all over again. This can't be happening…
 
The Teacher's Pet by Niquel
The Cunningham twins looked alike but were polar opposites. When Maxine Sheppard, the sexy English teacher, arrived, they had one common goal: becoming the teacher's pet.
 
Unwritten History by Missy Johnson and Carly Grey
We met online. We’d been friends for nearly six months before we finally met. Sparks fly. Things happen. I don’t know what it is we have, but then again, I’m only seventeen. He thinks I’m twenty, because that’s what I tell him. But Secrets never stay hidden for long.
 
Debating Number Ten by Amalie Silver
His goal was ten. Ten notches on his bed post before seducing his debate coach, Miss Shields. Will Simon reach his ideal woman, or will he end up Debating Number Ten?
 
Teach Me by Elle Bright
History belongs in the past. Or so Savannah thought, until her new history professor decides to teach her a thing or two…
 
Back to School by Vicki Green
Emma Danielson's last year of College and with bartending at night she's walking through life like a zombie. But, when the new teacher walks into her music class she definitely wakes up and takes notice. Josh Tyler's playing and singing at bar's and practices doesn't give him much time but, when he walks into the first day of his new music class and notices a beautiful girl sitting in the back, a fresh set of issues arise and a whole lot of trouble.
 
Love Lessons by Liv Morris
Desperate to find a teaching job after graduating college, Tali Tillman returns to her high school to teach English Literature. One of her students and star quarterback, Daniel Johnson, begins to fail her class, so Tali's asked to tutor him after-hours. Lines between teacher and student become blurred, but will they be crossed?
 
Extra Credit by Nicole Blanchard
If nothing else the expensive education at St. Christopher's College should have thoroughly instilled upon Eve Stratton the virtues of avoiding risks. But much like her namesake, all it takes for her resolution to be swayed are the smooth words of a charming devil. And Theodore Drake, her new professor, may as well have come with a warning label. Even though she’s well aware that a relationship could mean ruin for them both, there's nothing more alluring than the temptation.

COVER REVEAL COMING SOON!

 PULSEPOINT IS COMING SOON! PULSEPOINT SIGNUP Can you feel the anticipation? Ready for book two in the Reed Series? Or is my anxious energy sending you racing for the hills? Me too! All of your favorite characters from book one will be back to join in the shenanigans and hijinks of the Reed Software and Securities Company.  Jacob, Katie and Hauk will return to cameo as you get to know Simon and Cassie in the second high paced installment of monkey business. Eli is of course up to no good and we'll get sneak peaks at new characters who have decided to join the group.  If you are a #reader, #blogger, or #flasher lover join us in revealing the second gorgeous cover in the series designed by Ari from Cover It! Designs. She is simply amazing at creating beautiful covers that speak to the story between the pages.   
 

Have you read book one yet?

 | FLASHPOINT || BOOK ONE - REED SERIES |  Everything you’ve ever loved could be gone in a FLASH.     Jacob Reed has it hot for Katie Wilson, and nothing will keep him from her, now that he's gotten a second chance. 
 AVAILABLE NOWJUST $0.99 | AMAZON | SMASHWORDS | NOOK | IBOOKS |

One Summer - because I love a good party :-)

I may be a tad trigger happy when it comes to sharing my love of Roman with all of you... and really what better way than to celebrate my Nighttides co-author Lisa Suzanne's new release of her book Second Opinion. Totally click the link and check it out. :-)

So without further adieu... nom nom nom on some Roman Winters XOXO

 This awesome pic was found on Pinterest by my even more awesome PA: Angie. If any of you Flashers know this Roman 'look alike' please send him to NJ. Thanks!

(This is UNEDITIED and all mistakes are mine. O.o)

ONE SUMMER

CHAPTER 12

ROMAN
            I wake up arching my back, to find Abigail resting her head on my chest, a small hand under her cheek. Her scrunched up face is beautiful and blonde hair tickles my bare chest. I take a few of the strands between my fingers and rub them together, testing their color and silky texture. We’ve stayed in the past few days avoiding the rain, the outside world all together, ordering takeout and enjoying each other’s company and now I want to take her to see my boats and maybe invest a little more of her heart in mine.
            As I’m enjoying the quite space of time, her phone begins ringing with a low tone. It’s not enough to wake Abby, but enough that I give in to temptation and pick it up from the nightstand, slipping the charging cord out so I can hold it up. Reading it, it says incoming call from first name ‘Ex-Lucas the Loser’ and last name ‘unfortunate co-worker.’ I’m glad Abby has a sense of humor. I let it go to voicemail before I scan her call log. Several calls from Lucas show up over the last few days, none picked up or returned. I also notice that her dad has called just as many if not more times, again none answered or returned. My LA girl is avoiding the reality just as much as I am. A part of me wonders how long we can keep this going. I promise myself to make her answer the next call that comes in so we can figure out what we’re doing, as much as I hate that. I put the phone down and go back to watching her sleep.
            “Mmmph…” Abby grumbles a mostly unintelligible something.
            “Wake up beach bum.” I pinch her hip softly.
            “That’s Hollywood to you.” Her eyes open still filled with a sleepy smirk and she stretches up to meet me. Without words she’s crawling up my body, breasts slipping from her strappy tank tops and panties slipping off her hips taking my lips hungrily. Our passions equal and yet it’s another reason this girl is so well matched to me. God I want her to stay in Seattle. I can’t bare for her to go back to LA. If I could keep our little cocoon a bit longer I know I can convince her to make the decision on her own. Our tongues play, rolling, sucking and slipping deeper together. I nip her bottom lip to get her attention and move my hand to her free breast squeezing just enough to get a groaning whimper from her.
            “Today is boat day.” I peck her mouth again and hold her still to keep her from launching back into my lap, despite how much my dick would love to make contact with her sweet tight center.
            “Tomorrow, tomorrow can be boat day.” Abby is pouting and while I see plenty of advantages to giving in, I decide my cooler head has to prevail before we become mummified in my loft.
            “Toss a couple of days’ worth of clothes in one of my duffle bags and let’s hit the marina.” I tap her rear and she leans up on her elbows.
“Did you just spank me, Roman Winters?” Abby is coy and I know what she’s doing as she drags a fingertip down my chest. I roll us over so I am on top.
            “Pack wench or you’ll be the most unfashionable sailor on board.” I hold her still while she wiggles and tries her best, yeah her best to get me in a better position.
“Fine… but I need caffeine.”
“You’re plenty awake. We can grab some on the way.” I let go of her and run to the shower as she gives chase only to bang on the door mere fractions of a second before I can lock it. “Pack, Abigail.”
“Arrrg. You’ll be sorry, Roman!” I hear Abby yelling from behind the door and I laugh. She smacks the door hard and I imagine her hand must be smarting from the force of it. It seems like Hollywood has a little violent streak in her when she gets denied. Good. To. Know.                   
ABIGAIL
            Roman Winters thinks he can deny me and I’ll come running. He is kind of right. It’s been pure bliss these past few days cozy and holed up in the loft. Well… with the exception of my phone going crazy. I’m not back at work and don’t know if I plan to go back to LA at all at this point. I’m sure I could take the bar exam and maybe move up here or close or I don’t know. Feelings of guilt sweep through me and I’m conflicted all over again. Roman is still in the shower. He’s probably getting himself off so I can’t weasel my woman way into making him stay. Evil man, he should have learned these past few days that I would do it for him…
            I go back to the bed and crawl in, the sheets are still warm from our tumble earlier. I reach over the bed, hugging a pillow and grab my phone from the nightstand. The screen is flashing so I slide the bar across and see a selfie of Roman and I with the  Space Needle in the background. We haven’t had a chance to go there yet and I’m excited to have that as another first with this man. I check my messages. There are several from Lucas and more from my dad. Only one from Leah and while I’m sure it’s not an apology I delete them all. My plan is to deal with them after we do whatever it is that Roman has planned on the boat. 
***
            “Let’s take my truck to the marina.” Roman tells me as he picks up my bag and his and takes them down to his truck. We haven’t stepped inside since we came to Seattle. Anywhere we went we walked or took public transportation. It made me think of my car still sitting lonesome in Maddie’s driveway. I left her my keys in case she had to move it. “Whatcha thinking about, Hollywood?” Roman slips a lock of my hair behind me ear and I sigh because his touch is that good.  
            “Platypus.” I tell him thinking of my car and then I instantly regret the words out of my mouth.
            “Plat-a-what?” He asks as he puts the truck into gear and drives out of the garage under his loft.
            “Oh it’s nothing. Forget I said it.” I feel my face heat up a thousand degrees. Ugh. How will I explain this one?
            “Nuh uh. You can tell me now or I’ll pull this truck over and tickle you until you fess up. I know your soft spots, woman.” He has the gall to smirk at me and I wonder what I did karmically to deserve this now of all things. He flexes his fingers threateningly and I know he’ll pull the car over. “Abigail…” I know it’s my final warning.
            “Okay. Okay!” Roman pulls the truck over.
“I’m waiting…” I swear this man is impossible.
“It’s um my name for my car.” I cringe and wait for the laugh. Lucas looked at me like I was stupid for naming my car when I had told him all excited about it. I do feel stupid.
            “Platypus, huh?” Roman nods his head testing the name out.
            “Platinum Platypus, actually. You know, cause she’s silver.” I feel super self-conscious but Roman isn’t scrutinizing me. He’s just sitting there thinking. “It’s pretty shameless, I know.” I duck my head and hope to god my tan skin is hiding my embarrassment. 
            “Nah, it’s perfect actually. Makes me think I should ask if you would name my boat though. Not the one we’re sailing on this week, but another one I built that I planned on keeping.”
            “Really?” I squeak.
            “Yeah, she’s still in production so she’s not seaworthy yet, but we can take a look and you can think of something good for her.”
            “Oh Roman…” I don’t know what it is but the fact that he trusts me to name one of his boats is pretty cool and feels pretty serious. 
***
            We pull up to the marina and I see several things all at once. Several large ships decorated with an anchor logo and the initials R.W. sitting pretty right in the middle, beautiful shiny new hauls sitting in docks. Crews hosing them down and keeping them pristine while others seem to be doing things people in boat yards and marinas do. Hey, I’m from LA we don’t know jack about boats except these are big luxury ones.
            “Oh, my god, Roman, your boats!” I say pressing my nose to the window clearly impressed. I look back at Roman who is smiling shyly now. “How?”
            “I engineer the designs. I got a very nice backer and business partner who is letting me buy back shares in my company from the loan he gave me to start up.”
            “They’re beautiful.” I whisper looking back out the window. I knew Roman loved boats but this, this explains so much more about him and why he lives in Seattle but can take so much time off to go home to Gold Beach.
            “Come on, Hollywood. Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a little water?” Roman gets out of the truck and slowly walks around to my side opening the door and unbuckling my seatbelt to help me out.
            “Well… you know what they say about a man who makes big boats.” I mutter and he grabs my hand excitedly half dragging and propelling me up the dock to the boat we’ll be taking out.
            “Yup and if you’re lucky, I’ll even let you steer my big wheel.” Roman chuckles and we both know we're totally big cheeseballs. “Come on I want to show you around the deck and cabin before we take off.” I follow Roman as he puts our bags down inside and then takes me back on desk toward the front of the boat. We can see the marina, the little safe harbor we are moored in and the city of Seattle. It’s a gorgeous view and I take out my phone to take a picture of us. I frown noticing a text from Lucas. The top half of the message is telling me I need to call my dad at the office. It pisses me off so I slide the screen open and put the camera mode on to take the pic.
            “Here, let’s have Jeb take it for us.” Roman slips the phone from my hand and one of the crew members takes it from him. “Smile Hollywood, you make my boat look good.” Roman nuzzles the top of my head kissing me and I lean into his embrace. God I really do love this man.
ROMAN
            Yesterday we spent the day getting acquainted on my boat. I showed Abby around the deck, crew quarters and master quarters where we would be staying for the next couple days. We sailed out into the Pacific and enjoyed the sunshine. The chef on board created a delicious meal of fresh salmon and prawns and we drank far too much wine to be healthy. This morning I’m feeling pretty hung-over in a good way and my heart feels heavy and at peace listening to Abby sleep and the ocean gently rock us. 
            Abby is snuggled deep under the covers and from my angle all I can see is a mop of blonde hair against the starkness of my pillows and sheets. One arm is over her face and reaches out for the far side of the bed. A gentle snore pushes past her slightly parted lips still puffy from our kisses. The ever slight rocking motion of the boat is like a lullaby keeping us suspended in time. She is relaxed and quiet, a change for Ms. Bossypants and a chance for me to admire her.
“Abby, Abigail…” I nudge her gently, inching my arm around her middle squeezing.
“Mmmph.” She mumbles something unintelligibly as ususal and I sneak a kiss on her cheek.
“Wake up, Abigail. You know your arm hanging off the bed is boogieman bait…” I try to pull her closer to my side of the bed and I hear her breathing change, waking up.
“Nuh uh.” She utters.
“Um yeah, so you better get over here so I can protect you.”
“You’re weird.” She says not opening her eyes stretching a bit and I take that as my cue.
“Weird?” Abby knows by now I’m going to retaliate something fierce.
“Uh no, just, um… I didn’t say that. Mean that.” I roll over on top of her and push her arms up. “Hiya.” She says eyes glowing and smiling.
“Hiya right back, counselor.” I whisper before I start to slowly tickle her from her prone position. I know she’s fighting back a giggle so I increase my pokes and rubs in the spots that affect her most.
“This is non-consensual tickling!” Loudly reprimanding me I double my efforts.
“Say it and it all goes away.” I’m egging her on enjoying her wiggling body underneath mine.
“This offense is punishable in a court of law!”
“Eh, I’m a first time offender, just say it.”
“Liar!”
“Prove it!” I kiss her neck and she’s pushing her hips up to move me but I’m much stronger just laying over her.
“Fine, Roman Winters has the biggest boat in the bay.” Ah there’s my girl.Um wait... just the bay?
“Just the bay?” I admit I’m hurt. After all she hasn’t seen all of my boats just the ones at the marina.
“Yes, just the fucking bay you torturer!” Abby lifts her hips up again and rolls them into my own. My dick is aching to be inside her again as we roll over again, this time I’m on the bottom.    
“That’s quite a potty mouth you have there, Hollywood.”
“So punish me, Sailor.” Abby is taunting me. I let my head fall back on the pillow and take a deep breath. She’s crawled her way over on top of me, kissing and licking. I don’t want to have to do this but if I don’t I fear we’ll be cocooned forever with this elephant in the room.
“Abby, Abby…” She gently bites my nipple and even though that doesn’t really do it for me something about my girl’s mouth anywhere on my body is exciting. “Abigail, please, one sec.” God, she’ll make me beg as much as I make her beg. I take hold of her arms and hold her steady. Her eyes are heavy lidded with passion and something else I can’t describe.
“What is it?” She bites her bottom lip and chews it nervously. I set her astride me holding her hips in place so she can’t wiggle out of the conversation.
“The elephant, Abby.” I say not very articulate. I watch her eyes widen with surprise.
“Uh, Roman, I’m not calling your co--.” I put my hand over her beautiful dirty mouth.
“No, Abby. I mean… what we’re not talking about.” I keep my hand over her mouth until she licks my palm. “Bad, Hollywood.” I tell her shaking my head no and already distracted. God I love this woman.
“I know. The phone calls.” I let Abby go and she slides off me to sit next to me, crossing her legs.
“Yeah, Abby, what do you want to do?” I watch her grab a long lock of hair twisting it over. I take it from her hand to pull it gently and get her attention back on me. Nothing this delicate and beautiful should be twisted and knotted.
“Honestly, I’m not really sure. Everything, I have is there, in LA, but…”
“But?” We stay silent a moment looking into each other’s eyes. Just then her phone rings lowly from somewhere inside the bedroom. We both look in the direction of the sound. “Answer it, Abby. Please.”
“I… I don’t know if I want to.”
“Abby, it’s not a question of wanting to, it’s a matter of doing it and then we’ll figure things out.”
“Roman.” A single tear slips down Abby’s cheek and I brush it away with my finger. Her tears are like precious diamonds, made from pressure and pains in her life not yet fixed. I desperately want to be the one to fix them for no girl this gentle and loving should ever have to cry.
“Answer it. I’m not going anywhere.” Abby takes a deep breath and gets up from the bed reaching into her bag she picks up the call on the third ring.
“Hey Dad, what’s going on?” I get up from the bed and head out to the deck to give her some privacy because it seems like the right thing to do. I can’t hear her conversation from out here so I just stand at the railing taking in the beauty of the ocean as my boat skips along the waves. I close my eyes and breathe deep asking for peace. Just as I’m about to take a walk to the upper deck I hear a cry from inside the suite.
“Abby, sweetheart, what is it?” Abby is on the floor curled into a fetal position crying loudly and I can’t make any words out. Her phone is laying on the carpet the call no longer ongoing. Is it her dad? The douche canoe Lucas? I don’t know how to help her if I don’t know what’s going on.
“Roman, it’s my sister. Leah has cancer and it’s just like my mom all over again.” The words set me back as I fall into auto pilot and pick Abby up in my arms. I sit with her on the bed and just rock her carefully. I’m afraid I’ll make it worse no matter what I say. I sure as hell can’t make it better.  
“Then let’s get you home, sweetheart.” I whisper in her ear and squeeze my eyes shut. I’m afraid I’m going to lose Abby...  because now I have to get her home and I don’t know if she even wants me with her…           

*** STAY TUNED FOR MORE CHAPTERS ONLINE! COPYRIGHT - M. C. CERNY - OCTOBER - 2014   Want to read ONE SUMMER from the begining?Check out NIGHTTIDES here: AMAZON 

50% of PROCEEDS from NIGHTTIDES goes to ANIMAL ARK a NO KILL ANIMAL SHELTER. THANKS! xoxo
 

HOT for TEACHER - revealing the cover!

HOT for TEACHER!!  Cover Reveal!! I'm so excited! Check out some of my co-author's blurbs!
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Expected release date: October 28, 2014.

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