Michelle M. Pillow's Blog, page 68
May 15, 2013
Excerpt: A Midnight Seduction by Michelle M Pillow
Paranormal Romance
After her mother’s death three years ago, Audrey Hayes is mildly content to run the greenhouse left to her. She has a good life, though she is alone. Then, on All Hallows’ Eve, a man walks into the store looking for her mother, Clara.
Porter is a full blooded lycan sent to collect Clara and bring her back to the Dark Realm to be with Audrey’s vampire father so they may conceive a child by midnight in fulfillment of the elfin prophecy, or both their worlds will be lost to demons forever. Instead, he discovers Clara is dead and must he take her daughter instead —a woman who has no clue she’s even of supernatural descent. Getting Audrey to the realm is the easy part, it’s convincing her to join him in fulfilling the prophecy that proves to be a challenge.
This book was previously published in an anthology.
EXCERPT
Must be 18 years and older to read. If not, please leave the site.
Chapter One
“Tick or teat, smell my feet!” a little voice chimed. Audrey Hayes looked up from the shop counter and smiled. The round cherub face of a four year old was painted red like a demon, but the big brown eyes looked better suited to a cute little puppy dog.
“Ew,” Audrey flinched, shaking her head and wrinkling her nose in mock disgust. “I don’t want to smell your stinky feet. Gross!”
The child giggled and Audrey loaded his little plastic bucket down with candy. The kid’s dad was a customer and he smiled kindly, urging the boy to say thank you.
“Tank you!” he chirped, before remembering he was a scary demon. He held up his hands to make claws, as he growled.
Audrey jumped back and pretended to be scared. “Oh, no! Don’t hurt me!”
The boy giggled and they left. Looking around her shop, she sighed. She’d owned the Dorian Greenhouse since her mother died three years before, leaving it to her. Her mother had been a witch, well a ‘naturalist’. Audrey had always teased her that she was a witch. Her mother had just always smiled and said, ‘You never know dear, you never know.’
Audrey had been pretty close to her mother. Clara had been eighteen when she got pregnant with her by the captain of the football team. She’d never met her father.
Audrey grinned as another group of monsters and a sorely outnumbered princess ballerina came in for candy. She liked to stay open late on Halloween for her customers’ children. It was, after all, her favorite holiday. The kids got a kick out of walking through her spooky haunted greenhouse out back. She’d hired a few high school students to watch over them to make sure no one and nothing was hurt—like her plant inventory. They also rattled leaves around to scare the kids. It was all in good fun.
Outside it was evening. The sun had just set and she’d be closing her doors in about an hour. Not many kids seemed to stay out past dusk trick-or-treating anymore. She couldn’t blame the parents. It’s not like when she was little. Neighbors had known each other back then and there was no ‘razorblades in the candy bar’ scare to contend with. Audrey wasn’t sure if that was just a myth or had actually happened to someone, but if she was a parent, she’d not take chances.
Frowning, she sighed as a wave of loneliness rolled through her. She went to reload her candy bowl with tooth-decaying goodness. What was she thinking? She’d never be a parent—not unless she met a man with a ready- made family or she adopted. Part of her wanted a baby desperately, but a serious infection when she was little had left her sterile, so she knew it wasn’t possible. Anyway, with no prospective man in her life, and no love life or sex life to speak of, the idea of a family had never seemed so far away.
The door chime went off and Audrey made her way back to the counter with the candy. A man stood just behind the front display, a look of distaste on his handsome face. Brown hair spilled in gentle waves to his shoulders, framing his dark features. She felt her heart speed up. His profile was to her as he glanced around—strong European nose, bold lips, perfectly chiseled features. Her body grew hot and she had to keep her knees from buckling by leaning on the countertop for support.
Damn! He was gorgeous, like a Greek God sent down to torment mortal women with his mere presence. Her whole body came to life just looking at him. It was strange for her to react so strongly to a man, but she was instantly drawn to him.
Audrey took a deep breath, trying to calm the very wanton sensations causing hot moisture to gather between her thighs. Her eyes closed and she got the strangest flash of being leaned over the countertop and fucked by him from behind. It was so real that she could practically feel his cock inside her.
She shivered. What was she doing? This man was probably out with his kids and wife! Any second now the happy family would come trotting through the door, and the wife would be a gorgeous supermodel, and they’d both speak Italian and…
Her thoughts faltered as his dark brown eyes turned around to meet hers. The spark inside her continued to grow at his look and she felt the strongest urge to jump over the countertop and wrap her arms around him. He blinked, smiling slightly, his firm lips curling up at the side.
As he came from behind the front display into view, she saw he wore tight black leather pants. They molded to him like a second skin. He had tight calves and strong thighs with a large bulge in between them. His dark shirt was just as tight and Audrey wondered what it would be like to rip it off him right then and there.
What is wrong with me?! Say something clever, her mind yelled, even as her throat went dry. Say something! Anything! Just stop staring at him and picturing him naked.
“You’re a little old to be trick or treating aren’t you?” Audrey forced a laugh, continuing to eye the handsome man. Her voice wasn’t as strong as she would’ve liked, but at least the words came out light.
“I am looking for Clara,” the gorgeous man stated.
Audrey was disappointed to note his voice only held the barest trace of an accent. Damn. She’d been so sure he’d have a strong accent. Still, his voice was wickedly low and smooth enough to give her chills. Altering the fantasy playing in the back of her mind, she felt a wave of desire again assault her. Oh, yeah, his voice would do just fine.
“I’m sorry,” Audrey answered, doing her best to keep up the polite smile she gave him. It was hard to talk with her heart in her throat. Her mind raced for what he’d said, and finally she answered, “Clara’s not here.”
The man came forward and she saw a look of desperation cross in his eyes. “I must speak with her—tonight. Please, tell me, where might I find her? She’s…expecting me.”
“Listen, I’m sorry. Clara was my mother. She died three years ago in a car accident,” Audrey said, keeping her voice light. How on Earth did this man know her mother? Clara had looked young, being as this would’ve only been her thirty-ninth year.
“No,” he said, more to himself and she could but wonder at it. He glanced around and then turned to study her. “You own this place?”
“Yes,” Audrey answered with a small nod. The door chimed and a group of children rushed in. Audrey smiled at them and then glanced at the handsome stranger, “Excuse me one moment.”
“Are…are you like your mother?” he asked, ignoring the fact that she walked away from him.
Audrey sighed. Great. Just her luck. She’d finally feel a spark of burning desire for a man and he’d only want to talk about her mother. It wasn’t the first time. Her mother had always naturally drawn attention to herself. Couldn’t this one have just been married? She ignored his question, politely teasing the kids. Peeking through the corner of her eye, she saw he looked very annoyed by the interaction.
When the kids were gone, he stated, “Clara never gave out candy and dressed up for All Hallows’ Eve. It really isn’t a time to celebrate.”
Audrey blinked in surprise, looking down at her outfit. Her long sleeve black t-shirt had a skeleton on it, but she’d hardly call that a costume. “How do you know that? How exactly did you know my mother? Who are you?”
His mouth opened to answer and he looked uncomfortable. He glanced away, before placing his palms flat on the counter. “I’m Porter. Are you sure it was a car accident that killed her?”
Audrey nodded. The memory of it brought her pain and she had to fight down the burning of tears. “Yes. Strangely enough it was caught by a news crew filming a local festival. She was hit by a drunk driver in broad daylight. It was very…sudden.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Porter answered. “Very sorry.”
“Thank you,” Audrey nodded. The whole affair was a blur. She barely recalled the funeral, except as a bad dream. “Now, how did you say you knew my mother?”
“I didn’t,” Porter returned. He began walking away from her, craning his neck as he looked around the shop. “Tell me, do you know why she called this Dorian Greenhouse?”
“Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. It was her favorite book. That’s what she told me,” Audrey answered. “She was eccentric like that.”
“No,” Porter said, laughing slightly. “She named it after your father, Dorian Risdon—Lord Dorian Risdon.”
April 30, 2013
Date With Destiny (Pleasure Cruise II) by Michelle M Pillow & Mandy M Roth
Paranormal Erotic Romance
Academically-minded, uptight Anna only agreed to go on Date with Destiny, a campy game show, because she wanted to win an SUV. She never dreamed that accidentally selecting the wrong prize would land her on a cruise ship full of supernaturals. At least she’s bringing someone along for the ride—her best friend Winter, a kooky free spirit with a penchant for mischief.
Andre and Christian, were-panthers and twin brothers, are polar opposites as far as personalities go. One views life as a party, the other is entirely too serious. But once they meet their intended mates, this night-and-day duo can finally agree on one thing—Anna and Winter will be theirs and theirs alone before they get back to shore.
The Powers That Be have ensured none of them will get off the ship until the two couples are mated. But as the brothers quickly realize, these human females mean to challenge them every erotically-charged step of the way.
Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence
This book was previously published. It has been revised and revisited for this second edition.
EXCERPT
Must be 18 years and older to read. If not, please leave the site.
An Excerpt From: Date with Destiny
Copyright © MICHELLE M. PILLOW AND MANDY M. ROTH
“Don’t you read the news, Winter? Do you know what kind of diseases are on cruise ships? They’re like floating viruses, breeding grounds for any sickness you could imagine. My goodness, if they don’t kill you with communicable diseases transmitted from person to person, the food will get you. I shudder to think how many forms of hepatitis could be contracted on this thing. Don’t even get me started on restaurants at each port. You never know…
Winter rolled her eyes behind Anna’s designer-suit-clad back and mimicked her talking. Her friend hadn’t shut up about the cruise since she’d won it on the game show. Looking at the giant ship at port, along the Texas coastline, she didn’t see Anna’s floating virus. She saw a portal to fun. The blue ocean and warm, salty air beckoned them out to sea. Though they would sail around the Caribbean, the ship schedule didn’t show them docking at any island ports—or so Anna said as Winter didn’t live her life by adhering to schedules. Instead they would be trapped, adrift in paradise with nothing but the waves and, if her tea-leaf reading held true, scores of single, hot men. Could anything be more romantic?
Hearing Anna’s loud, grumpy sigh, Winter said, “Everything happens for a reason. Why not have a little faith in the master plan? Maybe this cruise is your destiny.”
“No,” Anna said, matter-of-factly. “My date with destiny was a brand-new black SUV with brown leather interior and all the add-on features. Oh, and the complimentary Jet Ski to pull behind it. Not some floating deathtrap and a week of debauchery.”
“You’re planning on debau—on getting laid?” Winter arched a brow, hopeful her friend was finally ready to take a walk on the wild side of life. “By something that’s not mechanical or requires batteries? Maybe you’re right,” she reached for Anna’s forehead, “maybe you already contracted something.”
* * * * *
Christian sighed, leaning forward as he peered into the suite’s oval bathroom mirror. Combing his long brown hair back from his face, he pulled it into a neat ponytail at the nape of his neck. Not a hair was out of place when he finished. He had personal grooming down to a science.
He wore nothing but a towel wrapped neatly around his firm waist. His bare feet absently tapped on the floor as Andre started on his next ’80s tune. His twin really wasn’t a bad singer, if he’d just stop butchering the lyrics.
Suddenly the shower turned off and Andre hopped out, glistening wet as he strummed an air guitar and flicked his tongue in and out. Christian’s brow rose as he tried not to watch Andre’s one-man show. Though the event was oddly like a car crash—as much as one didn’t want to look at it, the compulsion to do so trumped all restraints.
Andre didn’t even seem to notice he had an audience, that or he just didn’t care. Still humming softly, he grabbed a towel off the wall and haphazardly dried his hair then his body, not caring that he missed a few spots.
“Hey, let me get in here,” Andre said, dropping his damp towel on the floor and reaching toward the neatly organized sink. He knocked down a bottle of cologne while grabbing the mousse. Squirting some hair product on his hand, he continued humming as he dropped the can in the sink. As Andre moussed his hair, combing the messy length only with his fingers, Christian picked up the fallen bottles. “Oh yeah, thanks, I need that.”
“You have a bathroom in your own cabin.”
“Oh, I know. But I sort of forgot to bring my toiletry bag. I don’t have anything but my toothbrush next door. Well, that and my clothes of course.”
“I gave you a list of what to pack.”
“Yeah, and when I was out the other night, I ran into this foxy gal and needed something to give her my number with.” Andre smiled. “It worked great, thanks.”
Christian didn’t dignify the comment with a response. He sighed as Andre grabbed his cologne and put it on, not bothering to recap it when he was done. Picking up after Andre as his brother strode from the bathroom naked he mumbled, “Just like home.”
Andre ignored his grumbling brother and headed to his cabin in order to dress. Christian spent too much time being perfect. Andre was just the opposite. He liked music, movies, making an artistic mess and a well-written novel, especially the ones that had loads of steamy sex poured on each page. Who wanted to have an intellectual conversation when you could lie on your back and just let your mind drift aimlessly? Or watch the latest hottie ride you as her tits bounced in your face.
Ah, this is the life…or at least it was, for soon I’ll be a married man.
April 24, 2013
Faire Justice – No one said she had to play faire.
No one said she had to play faire.
Paranormal Romance by Michelle M. Pillow
Finding herself undercover as a serving wench at a Renaissance Faire, FBI Agent and mild psychic Leda Williams isn’t planning to partake in any role-playing games. She’s there to find a mace-wielding serial killer, which isn’t easy with everyone around her pretending to be in character. Not only does the entire village fit the Medieval-obsessed profile, but she’s already been propositioned by a few of the knights. Clearly, sexual harassment wasn’t around in the Middle Ages. But, when she sees the delectably gorgeous, magically seductive tournament champion, Sir Calum, Leda realizes there might be one knight she wouldn’t mind getting into character for.
NOOK: Waiting on B&N, Should be very soon
Re-release
Coverart by Natalie Winters
April 21, 2013
Book Update for my readers who use Nook
NOOK Readers: You might notice some of my books temporarily going off sale at Barnes and Noble over the next month or so. A few of you even emailed me about some of them, so I thought I’d explain…
This is because they are converting to a new system behind the scenes and, unfortunately, there have been some glitches.
In short, the system won’t let me sync my old account to my new account, even after endless attempts to get customer service answers (that don’t come, or are non-answer that don’t solve what is a very clear issue, rinse repeat, rinse repeat, frustrated author). I hope this lack of answer is because the system is new and they’re very busy.
Because I know I have several dedicated NOOK Readers, I’m going through the process of manually uploading and reformatting my many, many, many backlist books into the new system. This is a long, tedious process that will take some time.
—>*But you my dear readers rawk and you’re worth it! So I don’t mind doing it!*
So, please, bear with me and be patient if a book you want is not up on B&N. I promise I’m working as fast as I can to ensure there are minimal delays.
As always, feel free to email if you have questions about one of the titles 
April 19, 2013
Book Giveaway For Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice
by Michelle M. Pillow
Giveaway ends June 17, 2013.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
April 17, 2013
Raven Author: Excerpt: The Unexpected by Rory Michaels
Contemporary Western Threesome Romance
A Macon Valley Ménage 1
Best friends since childhood, Perry and Sean know each other’s deep dark secrets. The people of Macon Valley whisper of their deviant sexual ways—the fact they like kink and enjoy sharing women. But the town doesn’t understand they’re looking for that one perfect woman to fill the void in their hearts. They understand they’ll be sharing her both in and out of the bedroom and they’re fine with that. Trouble is the woman they’ve selected isn’t so sure she’s ready for both of them. Can they sway her heart and her mind?
Warning: This short story contains ménages a trios, explicit sex, strong language and cowboys who will melt your socks off. This short story also has explicit, graphic sexual content and is not for the faint of heart.
EXCERPT
Must be 18 years and older to read. If not, please leave the site.
Chapter One
The faint glow from the wall light in the dimly lit hotel room cast shadows over the brown carpeting. Jesse wouldn’t go so far to say the décor was cheap but rather builder grade and cookie cutter. There was nothing personal about the room. It felt sterile in a sense. The walls seemed as if they were closing in on her. She clasp and unclasped her hands. Fear licked at her insides. She tipped her head and her long dark hair fell forward. She pushed it out of her face and tried to calm her nerves. She couldn’t believe she was about to do something as wild and crazy as this. This was such a stretch for her character she wasn’t even sure how to label it.
Her gaze fluttered towards the blond in the hotel room with her. Sean licked his lower lip. She found it hard to look away from the obvious bulge in the front of his Levi’s. Was the man truly that hung? She’d often wondered and soon she’d find out. The room heated to unbearable levels and she tugged at her blouse. What was she doing here?
“You still game?” the blond asked, a twang apparent in his deep voice. He looked so unsure standing there. Part of him seemed slightly predatory-like, the other seemed uneasy, as if he sensed she was on the verge of bolting and running.
Her throat constricted and she dug her nails into the palms of her hands. “Y-yes.”
“Listen,” he said. He stalked toward her. “If you aren’t into this, I get it. Perry will understand, right?”
Jesse looked toward her fiancé wondering if he’d object to what had been his idea to begin with. Perry’s dark gaze swept in Sean’s direction. She knew he wanted a threesome. It’s all he’d talked about for the past six months. He wanted more than anything to see her with another man and he wanted the man to be his best friend Sean. She knew from his past that he and Sean had shared women before. The small town she now resided in was full of stories of their past conquests. They were the talk of the town—each person whispering about the kink the guys were into. She wouldn’t be the first woman they shared but she would be the last. Perry had given up his wicked sexual ways when he met her and she’d thought he’d left the deviant desires behind him. It was glaringly obvious he’d not.
Perry pulled his shirt over his head, tousling his dark hair. He tossed his shirt aside and motioned to her. “Come here, sweet thing.”
Blindly, she did as instructed. She was putty in his hands and he knew as much. She’d come to him a virgin and he’d taught her things she never imagined possible. Still, this seemed like too much. She wasn’t the type of woman who shared her body with multiple men. But Perry wanted a threesome and it was the least she could do for him. He’d done so much for her. And she loved him. That wasn’t the issue or the question.
Sean moved out of her pathway. He made a move to grab his cowboy hat off the hook near the hotel door. He and Perry worked as ranch hands. Their jobs were hard and their bodies were proof of as much. They were honed and tanned. Delicious looking. “I can go.”
“No,” Perry said, his tone level. “Stay. Jesse is fine. Aren’t you, sweet thing?”
Once again, her throat tightened. She managed a tiny nod.
Perry drew her to him and his muscles rippled. “It will be good. Very, very good. Trust me.”
She did trust him. What she didn’t trust was herself. One too many times she’d gotten lost in fantasies about Sean. Perry was a stone cold ten by anyone’s standards. Sean was on par. It was hard to avoid noticing the two of them and it was equally as hard resisting the temptation of Sean’s green eyes. It wasn’t right to lust after two men. She’d been raised with better values than that. Yet here she stood, at the ready to let them have access to her body. The entire event felt dreamlike. She was trapped in a testosterone driven whirlwind and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to throw caution to the wind or get to packing.
Jesse took a deep breath and allowed Perry to unbutton the top two buttons of her blouse. Her gaze moved to Sean. Unable to hold his hungry stare, she flicked a speck of lint from her skirt. Perry caught her wrist and brought her hand to his mouth. He kissed the back of it. “Relax, sweet thing. Let us love you.”
Her breathing quickened and she looked toward Sean again. This time, he was closer yet she’d never heard him move. He pulled at her blouse and eased it over her head. Her nipples hardened to diamond like points as the cool air of the room dusted over them. She knew they were visible through her lace bra. Sean’s hand found one and he smoothed his finger over it. Her nipple flared to life even more so than before. Her breath caught in her throat. Already she was prepped to explode and he’d only just grazed her. Could she really handle a night of both of them?
April 15, 2013
OFFICIAL RELEASE – In ebook and print!
Brand New Medieval Historical Romance
by Michelle M. Pillow
www.michellepillow.com
“She found herself unimpressed with him, having expected more of the legendary man–Brant. Lord Blackwell. Brant the Gladiator. Brant the Vigorous. Brant the Flame. Brant the Viking Hero. Della snorted in unladylike disgust. More like, Brant the Thorn in my Arse!”
Lady Della the Cold-Hearted
Lady Della despises all things Viking. They may rule the land, but they will never rule her. Unfortunately, her father doesn’t seem to agree. To prove his continued allegiance to the Viking king, the Ealdorman of Strathfeld betroths his only daughter to a respected Viking Lord–a warrior who’s legendary prowess isn’t reserved for the battlefield. Fighting the newfound craving in her body and the unwelcome fire in her heart, Della must choose between everything she knows to be true and the one thing she never expected…
Lord Brant of Blackwell, the Fiery One
Lord Blackwell is as fiery on the battlefield as he is in his passions. He has fought valiantly for King Guthrum and has earned the respect of the nobles. When his overlord offers the hand of his beautiful daughter and the right to inherit his lands, Blackwell can hardly refuse. However, he soon discovers that his noble bride is anything but the meek and mild woman he envisioned for his wife. One minute she’s kissing him back, the next she’s swearing to do whatever it takes to dissuaded him from their marriage. Can his lust for life and his new bride melt the ice that surrounds her heart? Or will Lady Della the Cold be this warrior’s undoing?
Length: Long Novel
Heat Level: Very Sensual
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/274693
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lordoffireladyofice-1162770-161.html
~~~~
Brand New Medieval Historical Romance in the style of the award winning Maiden and the Monster.
Sh.. wanna know a book secret? Remember Vladamir in Maiden and the Monster. Want to meet him before the scar? Check out Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice. He’s not the hero, but he plays a big role.
Cover art (c) 2012 Michelle M. Pillow
127,000 Words
April 11, 2013
On Goodreads? Over 18? I’m having a giveaway!
Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Stubborn Lord
by Michelle M. Pillow
Giveaway ends May 10, 2013.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
April 10, 2013
Excerpt: Pleasure Cruise (Pleasure Cruise I) by Michelle M Pillow & Mandy M Roth
Paranormal Erotic Romance
Clare needs to loosen up and have some fun—not to mention some hot sex with someone other than herself. Her best friend, Kira, knows exactly what she needs—a vacation full of hunky single men who’ll knock her panties off. When she booked the cruise for Clare’s birthday, the travel agent left out one tiny detail. It’s a supernatural cruise, and they aren’t getting off until they’re married.
The powers that be are tired of waiting for the supernatural to find their own mates and reproduce. In a desperate act to get the dwindling population back up, they’ve decided to take matters into their own hands. Dominik, a lycan, and Braden, a vampire, are just the two perfect candidates to start this experiment. They’re sexy, in the prime of their reproductive immortal lives and ready to mate—just as soon as they can seduce their unsuspecting brides, or at the very least, keep them from swimming back to shore.
WARNING: This book contains hot, explicit sex and violence explained with contemporary, graphic language.
EXCERPT
Must be 18 years and older to read. If not, please leave the site.
An Excerpt From: Pleasure Cruise
Copyright © MICHELLE M. PILLOW AND MANDY M. ROTH
Prologue
Interoffice Memo
From: The Powers That Be
Re: Pleasure Cruise, Cruise Line Corporation, Pilot Program
TOP SECRET
Due to the dwindling population of certain supernatural factions and the reluctance of the supernatural kind to take mates for all eternity, we will be establishing a comprehensive program to repopulate the various supernatural species. Many of the supernaturals we’ve observed are unwilling to take mates from within their own population. This reluctance has been exacerbated in large part by the old grudges still held from the Middle Ages. In addition, the ratio of supernatural females to males have widened considerably. There are significantly fewer females for men to choose from. We assume Global Climate Change is to blame—if not, it does seem a good scapegoat.
In an unprecedented move, we will now be allowing humans on the Pleasure Cruise to participate in the preordained mating process. Because of existing prejudices against supernaturals in human culture, some human participants will not be aware of the paranormal elements on the cruise. However, these humans will be blessed with a sixth sense so as to subconsciously recognize their mates upon first sight. We do not wish to have a boat full of frightened humans defying our will. Some resistance is expected, but in the end, we gods know what’s best for them.
We do expect some opposition amongst the supernatural factions to this plan. Not all species will be happy to have their food source considered as suitable mate material. If questioned, you are authorized to cite declaration thirteen: The gods have willed it so. If they continue to question our judgment, turn their names over for possible smiting. We expect banshees and leprechauns to give us the most problems. You all know how they are when dealing with change.
It is our hope that, by introducing humans into their bloodlines, the supernatural will be less reluctant to take a mate. All humans who mate themselves to a supernatural will be blessed with eternal life. They will also be given the gift of procreation. If this goes well, we will be slowly introducing humans into our other business ventures as well, including Pleasure Air and Pleasure Train.
Chapter One
Clare grimaced as she looked at the gangway of the cruise ship and took a deep breath, trying to steel herself to get on board. The walkway looked nothing like she’d imagined. It was a long, plastic-covered hallway leading from the second story of the check-in building.
A long strand of wavy, blonde hair worked itself out of her loose ponytail. Kira had talked her into the highlights, and every time she saw them it caused her to pause. Frowning, she pushed the lock of hair out of her face and reached down to grab her duffel bag. It was the only bag she’d managed to convince the rather pushy bag boys at the port loading zone to leave in her care. Of course, this was seconds before they demanded a tip for carrying her belongings two feet and handing them off to the next person. Already the cruise was starting off on a sour note.
Slinging the bag over her shoulder, she looked around. She felt like a product in an assembly line. First stop, luggage drop-off. Wait in line. Second stop, health declaration. Wait in line. Third stop, check in. Wait in line. Fourth stop, go upstairs to, yep, wait in line. Fifth stop, photographer. Clare sighed. Apparently waiting in multiple lines was a major memorable event on a cruise ship. And finally, wait in line to get on the boat.
Cruising on a luxury ship wasn’t something she’d ever imagined herself doing. No, she was a career-driven woman who never thought of anything beyond deadlines and new deals. Clare was still shocked Kira had gotten her to agree to this trip.
“Welcome to the boat of love. I wonder what will happen on this week’s exciting journey? Will the captain steer the boat off course and into a giant iceberg? Or will the tired executive toss herself overboard due to lack of intellectual stimulation and line waiting?” she muttered, a little too sarcastically.
“That was the Titanic that hit the iceberg. And for the record, I graduated with honors… summa cum laude, baby. And I’d gloat but you graduated with the same honorable distinction,” Kira, answered, batting her eyes in a dramatic fashion.
“I know. If you recall, I was there. Besides, I wasn’t implying you aren’t intelligent. Though I am happy to see you’ve decided to admit you’re smart. Why you always feel the need to hide it is beyond me,” Clare said. “You’re the top of your field. You should be proud of it, not ashamed. If men are intimidated by that, they don’t deserve you.”
“And then I’d never get laid.” Kira shrugged, as carefree as ever. The line inched forward, winding slowly through the clear plastic hallways. “I’m not ashamed. I just don’t want to be labeled as some boring pinstripe workaholic prude because I happen to be good at my job. I hate stereotypes.”
“We’ve already agreed to disagree on this topic. Because I love you like a sister, I’ll let it drop.” Clare did her best to appear chipper. This was a vacation, after all.
“Thank you,” Kira answered, grinning. “I don’t complain about your boring life and you don’t complain about my wild one.”
“Kira…”
“Okay, dropped.” Kira winked before whispering, “For now.”
“You know I’m not used to taking trips like this. I spend my life avoiding time-sucking getaways. You can’t get more useless than sailing on a boat that goes absolutely nowhere. Does this thing even make port anywhere interesting? Did you even check?”
Kira pursed her lips.
“You didn’t check the itinerary the booking company sent you?” Clare asked, surprised. Kira had refused to send it to her.
Kira shrugged again. “I looked to see what time to board. Don’t worry about it. Anyway, continue, you were on a pretty good rant of some sort.”
“Can’t a girl be left in her nice little pessimistic place?” Clare grumbled. “Even you have to agree that drowning might be preferable to learning how to play shuffleboard.”
Kira laughed. “Yes, I totally agree about the shuffleboard thing. Besides, with my lack of grace, I’d only end up slipping in front of the world’s sexiest man. Hopefully, he’d be a lawyer. Then he’d want to talk to me about a possible lawsuit. We could discuss it over a lovely night of screwing.”
“Kira!” Clare scolded.
Tossing her hands in the air, Kira snickered. “Just kidding. But thanks for taking on the stern mother role you do so well.”
“Someone has to try to keep you in line.”
“Ah, yes. Considering I’m a grown woman and have a mind of my own, the key word there is try.”
“Believe me, I know.” Clare took a deep breath. This was an old argument. She could no more control Kira than she could the shining of the sun. She loved her friend despite her quirks. The only thing she could do, as a friend, was to be supportive of her. “If one more person tells me to control you I’m going to scream. Short of locking you in the house, I’m screwed.”
“Tell them to kiss your ass. You aren’t my keeper, and if they want to try the job on, let them. I could use a good laugh.” Kira’s words were clipped. Clearly she was annoyed with the entire topic.
Deciding to make Kira smile, Clare changed the subject. The line moved, inching slowly forward. The people around them were busy pointing at the boat and paid no attention to their conversation. “Just think, if you do manage to fall while playing shuffleboard, you may end up with a hot doctor on board to care for you.”
“Oh my… I can’t believe you just said that. There may be hope for you yet, Clare. I’m proud of you.”
Thoughts of the endless times she and Kira had made fools of themselves around hot guys popped into Clare’s mind. Chuckling as the plastic hallway finally opened up to the fresh sea air, she took in the sights and sounds of the ship. It was breathtaking, much bigger than she had expected the boat to be, but Clare would wait to admit that to Kira. She waited to see what her friend would do next to try to cheer her. The woman had an endless supply of one-liners and the dirtiest mind in the world, but that was part of what made Kira unique. If Kira’s personality had been the same as Clare’s, they never would have become friends. Thankfully, it wasn’t, and neither one of them could deny how beautifully they gelled. Kira was the yin to Clare’s yang.
“Okay, getting a little touchy-feely,” Kira said, making a face. “Before we grab each other and hug for the entire week, can we at least find our stateroom? I love ya to death, babes, but this bag is heavy.”
Clare snickered, knowing that as open as Kira was, she didn’t like to get weepy. “It’s a deal. Besides, some of that body glitter you always wear might get on me. My luck, I’d spend the entire week with hives.”
“I’m willing to risk it. Heck, I’d even sit with you and hand you anti-itch cream as needed. Not as sexy as suntan lotion by the pool, but what are friends for?”
Picturing the scene in her head, Clare rolled her eyes. “Thanks for not saying you’d rub it on for me.”
“Ha, I almost said that. Damn, you know me well.” Kira sighed and rolled her shoulders. “Are we there yet, Mom? Seriously though, the boat of love joke sort of fits. It’s a floating paradise. That’s what the brochure claims anyways.”
It was early evening and a purple haze spread beautifully over the rolling waters of the ocean. A cool breeze whipped Clare’s gray T-shirt against her slender frame, and a strange feeling unfurled in her gut. Her knees weakened in apprehension, and her feet refused to move from their spot. Slowly, she began to back away from the large ship.
Great, I’ve reached whole new levels of neuroses.
Clare laughed softly and did her best to stay on top of their conversation.
“At least we look good in swimsuits. Unlike…” Kira pointed toward a short man with a gut that hung a good six inches over the top of his tight swimsuit. He glanced in their direction and cast them a smarmy smile. Kira leaned in and whispered, “I’ll bet he wears a budgie smuggler.”
“Budgie…? No, I don’t want to know. Kira, tell me again why I let you talk me into this?” Clare gave her a pointed look.
Grinning, Kira innocently tipped her head. Clare wasn’t buying it. “Because you never have any fun, you’re too serious and you’re too polite to say no to a birthday present from your very best friend. Who was very willing to kidnap you if need be to get you on board.”
Clare’s lip twitched as she fought back a laugh. That answer was so very like Kira. Everything she did in her life screamed carefree and confident. She oozed sex appeal from her long, straight black hair to her dark red lips. Her green eyes flashed with constant mischief. Regardless of what she was doing, she always looked like she was up to something sinful. From Clare’s experience, she usually was. Life without her, while quieter, would also be boring.
“Sometimes I really want to bop you over the head with a wet noodle,” Clare mumbled.
“Who says that? Bop me with a wet noodle? What are you? Pushing ninety? Man, Clare, we really need to get you out more. Oh, but if you’re willing to make the wet noodle a dildo, I’ll think about letting you.”
That did it. A steady stream of giggles escaped them both. They’d been friends for a long time and neither one of them took the comment seriously. Clare looked over the ship and shook her head. She’d really hoped that being friends with someone as carefree as Kira would’ve rubbed off on her. So far, unfortunately, none of Kira’s confidence and exuberant behavior had come her way. Next to her friend, Clare knew she looked like the ultimate prude. Just thinking of it caused a wave of sadness to overtake her. Perhaps she was.
Perhaps? I’ve spent the last three weekends alphabetizing my collection of dictionaries from around the world just because it annoyed me that they weren’t in order.
“You’re going to have to select another weapon for me to use. I’d freak out about hitting you with a dildo,” Clare whispered, not a fan of even saying the word out loud.
“A flogger?”
“No.”
“A horse whip?”
“NO!”
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March 30, 2013
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