Shelli Stevens's Blog, page 10

Snippet Saturday ~ My baby’s got a secret

Welcome to another Snippet Saturday. Today’s theme is My Baby’s Got a Secret. Enjoy my excerpt and then blog hop to the other blogs listed below.

The man who vows to protect her may be her biggest threat.

Savage, Book 1

Being the daughter of a world-renowned scientist, Sienna Peters has struggled to carve out her own career in the field. But her world is sent spinning when she discovers a secret species being held in the lab where she works, and the horrible things being done to them. Compelled to do more than hand off an information-packed jump drive to her father, she sets out to free the creatures.

The minute his team enters the compound, federal agent Warrick Donovan knows their mission will have more trouble than they bargained on. Unfortunately, trouble comes in the form of Sienna Peters, the younger sister of his close friend. Now not only does he need to save her pretty ass, he needs to discover just how involved she is with the imprisonment of the shifters.

Sienna knows she should trust no one—not even the man she might still love. But as the danger escalates and past passion ignites, her heart has other ideas. Even when the shroud of mystery is ripped off more than one stunning truth…

Warning: Must love alpha males, be intrigued by federal agents who may or may not shift into wolves, and most importantly be prepared for intense action of the dangerous and sexual kind.

“A thrilling, sexy adventure from page one. Awesome!” Cherry Adair, New York Times Bestselling Author

“The first book in the Savage series by Stevens is off to a rockin’ start. Filled with intrigue and action it seems like the plot of a television series. It has a cast of characters guaranteed to cause a reaction — either annoyance or intrigue — and is sure to catch even the most cynical reader’s attention.” ~Romantic Times Magazine

Order on Kindle | Nook | Samhain Publishing

EXCERPT

“How long have you been working for Feloray Laboratories, Sienna?”

And let the questioning begin.

Biting back a sigh, she tugged her hand away and moved to lean back against the trunk of the tree. Warrick touching her, even as innocently as holding her hand, was far too distracting. And she wanted to confess. Right now, more than anything, she wanted someone she could trust. But as much as she ached to, she couldn’t tell him everything. It was too risky.

“Two years. I want to get some experience in the field before I go back to get my master’s degree.”

Warrick paced between the trees, reaching up to grab a branch. “And what exactly do you do there?”

Sienna inhaled the refreshingly clean air, let it fill her lungs and calm her as she tried to keep her mind sharp.

“Well I went to school to be a biochemist, but right now, there are not a lot of jobs out there, so I’m a grunt. With a promise to be promoted to lab technician soon. Or there was the promise.” Her mouth tightened. “As a grunt I do what they tell me to do. A lot of data entry. A lot of cleaning up of someone else’s mess.”

“And what about the shifters?” He snapped the small, thin branch from the tree and twirled it between his fingers. “Were they just another mess for you to clean up, Sienna?”

Her lips parted and a noise of indignation slipped out. Why was he always so quick to assume the worst? There’d been a time when she could do no wrong in Warrick’s eyes. So much had changed since that time though…he’d changed.

“No. I told you that I wasn’t even aware the shifters existed until yesterday.” Though she couldn’t tell him everything, at least that much was the truth.

“Ah, Sienna. I’m just not quite sure I believe you, kid.” Warrick sighed and glanced away. “You’re hiding something.”

Of course she was, and they both knew it. But he should also be smart enough to realize she wasn’t going to bend on this.

She stared at his profile, the strong line of his jaw and the curl of his mouth expressing his displeasure. The sun shone behind him, silhouetting Warrick’s muscled, beautiful body like he was Adonis.

She’d always done that. Cast Warrick in some deity-like glow that set him above all other men. Made him seem beyond extraordinary.

Her stomach fluttered with awareness. And a heat that had nothing to do with the sun beating down on them slid through her blood.

The silence between them stretched on, seeming louder than the birds chirping happily around them.

For one insane moment, she was tempted to tell him everything. To go grab the jump drive from the bathroom, and unload the emotional burden of keeping this secret.

But again Leo’s warning gave her pause. He hadn’t thrown that in there just for the hell of it, he’d completely believed there to be some kind of threat from a supposed ally to the shifters. And for creatures that shouldn’t have even existed, the P.I.A. was probably their biggest—if not only—ally.

“You trust me, Sienna. I know you do.”

“Look, Warrick, I’ve told you everything I know,” she said softly and sank her teeth into her bottom lip to avoid saying anything else.

He turned on his heel and was next to her before she could blink. His arms slammed against the tree on either side of her.

“Dammit, this isn’t one of your little games, Sienna. There’s a lot at risk here.” His gaze slid over her face and his voice gentled. “So much you can’t even begin to understand.”

With his body pressed just inches from hers, Sienna stilled. Hot awareness slid through her as she stared at the tic in his clenched jaw. Warrick had always had that unrestrained air about him, but the black stubble peppering his jaw made him seem even more dangerous and fierce.

“How did you find out about the shifters?” His voice took on a hypnotic note and she found her gaze unwillingly lifting to meet his.

Everything around them faded as her attention locked onto the gray-blue depths of his eyes. Her breathing slowed as she watched his pupils dilate. A calm settled over her.

Warrick moved his arm and a moment later he traced two fingers lightly down her cheek.

“Tell me, Sienna.”

She exhaled softly. “I was told about them.”

“Good girl.” His thumb brushed over her lower lip. “Who told you about them?”

Can’t tell him that. Don’t tell him that.

His head dipped, his lips so close to hers she could feel the hot breaths of air over her mouth.

Almost of its own violation, her body leaned into his. Her eyelids fluttered closed.

Warrick’s lips grazed the corner of her mouth. “Who told you, Sienna?”

Her lips parted on a sigh. The name ready to roll off her tongue.

“Warrick.”

The harsh male voice snapped her from the daze. The heaviness that had taken over her mind and body dissipated and she blinked her eyes open in dismay .

Shit.

Warrick stared down at her, his gaze clouded with frustration and a burning heat that turned her bones to liquid.

“What’s up?” he called back, without moving away from her.

Larson answered a second later. “I need you to help me with something in here.”

Sienna slipped beneath his arm and stumbled away from him. Her ankle hit a protruding root, but she caught herself before she could fall. Her body trembled from the blood rushing through her veins and she shook her head.

Dammit. How had he gotten her to almost spill her guts? What kind of crazy spell—

“We need to get back inside.” His terse command snapped between them before he turned away and walked back toward the safe house.

Obviously he expected her to follow, and really, what choice did she have? Run and get two feet away?

Sienna started after him and tried again to figure out what the hell had just happened.

 

Rhian Cahill

Mari Carr

Shiloh Walker

McKenna Jeffries

Taige Crenshaw

HelenKay Dimon

Lauren Dane

TJ Michaels

Shelli Stevens

Authors Against Bullying ~ Shelli’s story

When I was asked to participate in this blog project I was all over it. Like, hell yeah I’m in! And then I was like I mean, did I really want to talk about bullying and my experience? It’s opening an old wound, makes me vulnerable in a way I don’t like to revisit. It was another life time. Another person. But I know every time I read or hear a story in the news about bullying, it touches a chord. Like Phoebe Prince, Tyler Clementi, and  the recent case of Amanda Todd. They all make me so sick and furious. So yeah, hell yeah, I wanna do this.

My story of being bullied

I was always teased to some degree. In elementary school I was made fun of because of my curly hair. Called Medusa or Fro.  Junior High I was bullied, and sexually harassed on the bus by the shortest boy in school. I’m not sure I even knew what sexual harassment back then. I never told anyone. Maybe I should’ve, but I  understand what it’s like to have the urge just to keep silent. To not want to make waves or draw attention to myself.

I was raised with three brothers, so I was way more into fishing and playing outside than worrying what the trendy new fashions were. (Stretchy jeans and save the earth shirts were AWESOME according to me). I think the first time I wore makeup was prom. I say this, honestly, almost fondly and definitely with amusement. I was visually a hot mess in high school. I had hair like Krusty the Clown, glasses, and no sense of style in clothing. But you know what? Seriously? I didn’t give a damn.

I was happily oblivious. Who cared what others thought of my appearance? I was a choir geek (before it was kind of cool) who excelled in music and leadership within the musical community. I was in my element. I also dabbled in drama and became a Thespian.

I found ‘my people’, which honestly, helped me with the bullying. Having somewhere to go where you’re accepted for who you are is KEY. And I had a lots of friends in my music/drama community, including a solid, core group of close ones. I loved life. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t popular or considered ‘attractive’. I was happy. And for the most part people let me be.

But there was a few guys who would follow me around, call me ‘grandma’ (I get it, I did sort of look like sixteen going on sixty), and sometimes push me or throw things at me. I tried to ignore them. I made it a point to not engage and just ignore.

But there’s one I remember most. He was the worst. I could theorize all I want, but honestly I really just don’t know what him such an asshole. But he was, and mainly to me. I know this guy had friends and some people think he’s awesome, but for some reason he made me his target. One day we were all dressed up in nice clothes to say goodbye to the upperclassmen in an assembly. He followed me to the bathroom. I can’t remember if he cornered me inside the bathroom, or in the small hallway outside. I was literally alone with him, trapped from getting out the door. And he started on the teasing again, moving closer to me. And I just lost it. I finally snapped. I had a Diet Coke in my hand and I dumped it on him.

Yup. I tossed my soda all over his pretty white dress shirt. It probably wasn’t the smartest thing for me to do. He looked absolutely shocked and enraged. I was 99% sure he was going to hit me. He lunged at me and called me a few choice names, but fortunately didn’t come after me when I ran past him. After that, I don’t think he bothered me again. Maybe gave me dirty looks in passing, but for the most part he left me be.

* * *

So life went on. I went to college, got immersed in an elite music program and discovered I could be friends with all kinds of people. Popular people. And, gasp, they liked me! And they were just normal people. Like me. To which suddenly, all that “It gets better” advice, was starting to come true.

My confidence bloomed. Continued to bloom as I ‘grew up’. I’m not at all the same girl I was back then. I’m a lot more confident in every way. Okay, I’m kind of the after image of a makeover show after years of exploring fashion/makeup/fitness/hair ideas. I have a successful career doing what I love–writing romance novels. And I’m raising a confident, smart, daughter as a single mom. I have amazing friends and family. I’m having fun jumping back into the dating scene. I’m just enjoying life.

But it doesn’t matter what I looked like then or now, it shouldn’t make me a target. And the scars of being bullied don’t ever really go away. Sometimes I revert to the same mental status of someone being bullied. I’m always a little surprised if someone flirts with me–wonder if they’re just messing with me. Sometimes I often wonder if some comments I overhear are a veiled joke about me. An insult. Sometimes I’m just bracing to be teased. And I’m making a conscious effort to get over that.

I don’t think bullying will ever go away completely. There will always be someone so insecure, so miserable, they turn to hurting others. Standing against it. Sometimes not until after a victim has taken their own life. To which I wonder…why didn’t people care enough when it was happening? Or, worse, did they make a mean comment too just to fit in? We can’t just be oblivious. We can’t just turn a blind eyes and be grateful it’s not happening to us. Though, no doubt, it’s the easy thing to do.

I’ve raised my third grade daughter with this simple theme: We’re the nice ones. We’re not going to be mean. There’s enough mean people, make it a goal to be a nice person. It’s really pretty simple, and it’s amazing the friends you’ll make and how you’ll feel about yourself. Why don’t you try and befriend someone who you know is struggling with being bullied. Let them know you care. Sometimes they just need to know someone cares. Maybe encourage them to get help. If you have the gonads, you could even stand up for them. It’s not easy. But there are things we can do to bring bullying out of the dark. Awareness is a big step and social media is doing wonders to get these victims’ stories out. I’m glad I made the choice to share my experience, as uncomfortable as it may be, and knowing this blog may be read by former classmates.

Being bullied is not a new thing. Please don’t be afraid to tell someone you need help. And always remember, you’re not alone. I know sometimes it feels like it, but you’ve never been alone. Somewhere, someone is hurting just as much as you are right now. And as cliche as the phrase is? It does get better. I promise.

Check out what other authors have to say on bullying at the links below! But first let me leave you with then and now costume pics (and I love them both!). Left: High School (Thespian Initiation week) Right: Present Date (Halloween Party)

Mandy M. Roth
Yasmine Galenorn
Lauren Dane
Michelle M. Pillow
Kate Douglas
Shawntelle Madison
Leah Braemel
Aaron Crocco
NJ Walters
Jax Garren
Shelli Stevens
Melissa Schroeder
Jaycee Clark
Shawna Thomas
Ella Drake
E.J. Stevens
Ashley Shaw
Jeaniene Frost
Rachel Caine
Kate Rothwell
Jackie Morse Kessler
Jaye Wells
Kate Angell
Melissa Cutler
PT Michelle
Patrice Michelle
Julie Leto
Kaz Mahoney




Cynthia D’Alba
Jesse L. Cairns
TJ Michaels
Jess Haines
Phoebe Conn
Jessa Slade
Kate Davies
Lynne Silver
Taryn Blackthorne
Margaret Daley
Alyssa Day
Aaron Dries
Lisa Whitefern
Rhyannon Byrd
Carly Phillips
Leslie Kelly
Janelle Denison
Graylin Fox
Lee McKenzie
Barbara Winkes
Harmony Evans
Mary Eason
Ann Aguirre
Lucy Monroe
Nikki Duncan
Kerry Schafer
Ruth Frances Long
Julie Chicklitasaurus

Authors Against Bullying ~ Shelli’s story

When I was asked to participate in this blog project I was all over it. Like, hell yeah I’m in! And then I was like I mean, did I really want to talk about bullying and my experience? It’s opening an old wound, makes me vulnerable in a way I don’t like to revisit. It was another life time. Another person. But I know every time I read or hear a story in the news about bullying, it touches a chord. Like Phoebe Prince, Tyler Clementi, and the recent case of Amanda Todd. They all make me so sick and furious. So yeah, hell yeah, I wanna do this.

My story of being bullied

I was always teased to some degree. In elementary school I was made fun of because of my curly hair. Called Medusa or Fro. Junior High I was bullied, and sexually harassed on the bus by the shortest boy in school. I’m not sure I even knew what sexual harassment back then. I never told anyone. Maybe I should’ve, but I understand what it’s like to have the urge just to keep silent. To not want to make waves or draw attention to yourself.

I was raised with three brothers, so I was way more into fishing and playing outside than worrying what the trendy new fashions were. (Stretchy jeans and save the earth shirts were AWESOME according to me). I think the first time I wore makeup was prom. I say this, honestly, almost fondly and definitely with amusement. I was visually a hot mess in high school. I had hair like Krusty the Clown, glasses, and no sense of style in clothing. But you know what? Seriously? I didn’t give a damn.

I was happily oblivious. Who cared what others thought of my appearance? I was a choir geek (before it was kind of cool) who excelled in music and leadership within the musical community. I was in my element. I also dabbled in drama and became a Thespian.

I found ‘my people’, which honestly, helped me with the bullying. Having somewhere to go where you’re accepted for who you are is KEY. And I had a lots of friends in my music/drama community, including a solid, core group of close ones. I loved life. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t popular or considered ‘attractive’. I was happy. And for the most part people let me be.

But there was a few guys who would follow me around, call me ‘grandma’ (I get it, I did sort of look like sixteen going on sixty), and sometimes push me or throw things at me. I tried to ignore them. I made it a point to not engage and just ignore.

But there’s one I remember most. He was the worst. I could theorize all I want, but honestly I really just don’t know what him such an asshole. But he was, and mainly to me. I know this guy had friends and some people think he’s awesome, but for some reason he made me his target. One day we were all dressed up in nice clothes to say goodbye to the upperclassmen in an assembly. He followed me to the bathroom. I can’t remember if he cornered me inside the bathroom, or in the small hallway outside. I was literally alone with him, trapped from getting out the door. And he started on the teasing again, moving closer to me. And I just lost it. I finally snapped. I had a Diet Coke in my hand and I dumped it on him.

Yup. I tossed my soda all over his pretty white dress shirt. It probably wasn’t the smartest thing for me to do. He looked absolutely shocked and enraged. I was 99% sure he was going to hit me. He lunged at me and called me a few choice names, but fortunately didn’t come after me when I ran past him. After that, I don’t think he bothered me again. Maybe gave me dirty looks in passing, but for the most part he left me be.

* * *

So life went on. I went to college, got immersed in an elite music program and discovered I could be friends with all kinds of people. Popular people. And, gasp, they liked me! And they were just normal people. Like me. To which suddenly, all that “It gets better” advice, was starting to come true.

My confidence bloomed. Continued to bloom as I ‘grew up’. I’m not at all the same girl I was back then. I’m a lot more confident in every way. Okay, I’m kind of the after image of a makeover show after years of exploring fashion/makeup/fitness/hair ideas. I have a successful career doing what I love–writing romance novels. And I’m raising a confident, smart, daughter as a single mom. I have amazing friends and family. I’m having fun jumping back into the dating scene. I’m just enjoying life.

But it doesn’t matter what I looked like then or now, it shouldn’t make me a target. And the scars of being bullied don’t ever really go away. Sometimes I revert to the same mental status of someone being bullied. I’m always a little surprised if someone flirts with me–wonder if they’re just messing with me. Sometimes I often wonder if some comments I overhear are a veiled joke about me. An insult. Sometimes I’m just bracing to be teased. And I’m making a conscious effort to get over that.

I don’t think bullying will ever go away completely. There will always be someone so insecure, so miserable, they turn to hurting others. Standing against it. Sometimes not until after a victim has taken their own life. To which I wonder…why didn’t people care enough when it was happening? Or, worse, did they make a mean comment too just to fit in? We can’t just be oblivious. We can’t just turn a blind eye and be grateful it’s not happening to us. Though, no doubt, it’s the easy thing to do.

I’ve raised my third grade daughter with this simple theme: We’re the nice ones. We’re not going to be mean. There’s enough mean people, make it a goal to be a nice person. It’s really pretty simple, and it’s amazing the friends you’ll make and how you’ll feel about yourself. Why don’t you try and befriend someone who you know is struggling with being bullied. Let them know you care. Sometimes they just need to know someone cares. Maybe encourage them to get help. If you have the gonads, you could even stand up for them. It’s not easy. But there are things we can do to bring bullying out of the dark. Awareness is a big step and social media is doing wonders to get these victims’ stories out. I’m glad I made the choice to share my experience, as uncomfortable as it may be, and knowing this blog may be read by former classmates.

Being bullied is not a new thing. Please don’t be afraid to tell someone you need help. And always remember, you’re not alone. I know sometimes it feels like it, but you’ve never been alone. Somewhere, someone is hurting just as much as you are right now. And as cliche as the phrase is? It does get better. I promise.

Check out what other authors have to say on bullying at the links below! But first let me leave you with then and now costume pics (and I love them both!). Left: High School (Thespian Initiation week) Right: Present Date (Halloween Party)

Mandy M. Roth
Yasmine Galenorn
Lauren Dane
Michelle M. Pillow
Kate Douglas
Shawntelle Madison
Leah Braemel
Aaron Crocco
NJ Walters
Jax Garren
Shelli Stevens
Melissa Schroeder
Jaycee Clark
Shawna Thomas
Ella Drake
E.J. Stevens
Ashley Shaw
Jeaniene Frost
Rachel Caine
Kate Rothwell
Jackie Morse Kessler
Jaye Wells
Kate Angell
Melissa Cutler
PT Michelle
Patrice Michelle
Julie Leto
Kaz Mahoney




Cynthia D’Alba
Jesse L. Cairns
TJ Michaels
Jess Haines
Phoebe Conn
Jessa Slade
Kate Davies
Lynne Silver
Taryn Blackthorne
Margaret Daley
Alyssa Day
Aaron Dries
Lisa Whitefern
Rhyannon Byrd
Carly Phillips
Leslie Kelly
Janelle Denison
Graylin Fox
Lee McKenzie
Barbara Winkes
Harmony Evans
Mary Eason
Ann Aguirre
Lucy Monroe
Nikki Duncan
Kerry Schafer
Ruth Frances Long
Julie Chicklitasaurus

Snippet Saturday ~ Best Friends

Welcome to another Snippet Saturday. Today’s theme is Author’s Choice. Enjoy my excerpt and then blog hop to the other blogs listed below.

 

The man she wants is the one she must deceive.

Seattle Steam Book 2

Christy Wallace may be a respectable Seattle Spanish teacher, but she’s got a sultry side. She lets it come out to play during the summer, when she moonlights as a Salsa dancing instructor.

Sexy, cowboy Adam wants more time with her than just a fleeting cup of coffee, but she makes it clear that if he wants her, he’ll have to sign up for dance class. Amazingly enough, he does. And Christy finds herself falling for a charming country hick with hands as fast as his feet.

Adam’s no hick, though. He’s the owner of Adam’s Apples, the fastest-growing cider business in eastern Washington. To his own surprise, one night with her has him thinking in terms of forever. That is, until he walks into a restaurant for a family lunch—and finds Christy on the arm of his brother.

Is there a logical explanation? Or is something rotten in Seattle?

EXCERPT

“Good morning, sunshine,” Christy called out as she strolled into Bob’s Café the next morning. The smell of grease was thick in the air, and almost every table was full. Nate stood in the entryway, waiting for her to join him.

“Is it?” He yawned.

“Well, it is for those of us who didn’t have to work all night.”

“Hey, I wanted this little meeting to be later in the day.”

She kissed his cheek. “I know, I know. Thanks for accommodating me. Let’s sit down.”

Christy led him slowly through the crowded restaurant.

“Why are you so damn cheerful, anyway?” Nate grumbled, his dark eyes narrowing with suspicion.

“He showed up last night.”

Nate frowned and tilted his head, then his eyes widened. “Oh! The guy you met at the coffee shop? No kidding!”

“You kids need to see a menu?” Doris, their usual waitress, stopped in front of their booth and gave them a brief smile. Her lips were coated in an obnoxiously pink lipstick shade that hadn’t been popular since the eighties.

“No, we’re good.” Christy grinned and flipped over her coffee mug. “Regular coffee for me.”

“You want coffee, honey?” Doris asked Nate, and then turned her face away to emit a haggard-sounding cough. “Damn cigarettes.”

Nate cringed. “I’m fine, thanks.”

Doris tilted the pot of coffee over Christy’s upturned mug. Christy’s expression remained neutral, even though every fiber in her being protested the drinking of bad coffee. She had yet to find a breakfast joint that served decent coffee. But bad or good, she needed her caffeine.

“All right, you two need a minute?” Doris asked after filling the stained mug to the brim.

Nate shook his head. “I’ll have a mushroom and green pepper omelet, made with egg whites only. Oh, and tomato slices instead of hash browns.”

Doris’s lips twitched and her eyebrows rose, but she said nothing and look expectantly at Christy.

“I’ll do a six-egg, bacon, cheddar, and sour cream omelet,” Christy replied immediately. “And could I get extra hash browns with that?”

“Would you like that heart disease for here or to go?” Nate asked after Doris had walked off. “Jeez, you and my family. You all eat like crap.”

“Just because you’re eager to convert to being a health nut, doesn’t mean the rest of us have to.”

“Well, sweetie…” he rolled his eyes, “…I don’t know how you can eat an omelet made with a half a dozen eggs—loaded with fat and calories—and still stay a size four.”

“Genetics and a great metabolism. Don’t you just hate me?” Christy smirked and drank another sip of the bad coffee.

“I would if you weren’t so damn cute.” He sighed. “I hope she remembers the tomatoes instead of hash browns.”

“She’s never forgotten.”

“Yeah.” He scowled. “But there’s always a first time.”

“My, aren’t we grouchy today?” Christy crossed her legs and gave him a narrowed look. “What’s going on? Does this have something to do with your date yesterday?” His face changed so quickly she had to laugh.

“Yesterday was amazing. We sat talking over the same cup of coffee for two hours,” he confessed, leaning forward eagerly. “We have so much in common. And did I mention how hot he is? He’s a Drama major at Cornish.”

“Wow, sounds promising.”

Nate sighed and stared at his hands. “I just really think that it could be different with him.”

“Yeah? I hear you on that one.”

His attention snapped back to her. “That’s right. Tell me about the boy.”

“Grown man, thank you very much.” Christy giggled. “He’s wickedly good-looking, a charming flirt, and he makes me forget my own name when he kisses me.”

“You’ve kissed?” Nate gasped. “You’re one up on me. He sounds fabulous, Christy. Hang on to him for awhile.”

“I would, but he’s not a Seattleite.” Her stomach clenched at the reminder. “He’s just visiting. So now the question is—do I have amazing sex for a few days and then see what happens? Or do I just call it quits while I’m still ahead?”

“Uh, no brainer here. Have some sex, Christy. Before your hymen grows back. How long has it been anyway?”

“Not that long,” she protested and then averted her gaze. “A couple of years. Maybe.”

“God, I can’t even go a couple of days without masturbating.”

“I never said that I don’t masturbate. And of course you think about sex more often, gay or not, you’re still a guy.”

“Anyway!” He rolled his eyes. “What are you going to do?”

“I have no idea,” she admitted with a despondent look. “I get the feeling that if I try to have casual sex with him, I’m going to end up getting really hurt. I think I like him too much for it to be casual.”

“Hmm, I see your dilemma. Well, my advice to you is to play it by ear,” Nate told her. “If he shows up to class tonight—”

“He told me he would.”

“Then go out with him afterwards and see how it goes. How you feel.” He paused, looking thoughtful.“Ask yourself ‘Can I live the rest of my life knowing that I gave up a few nights passion with this man?’ and if you think you could look back with no regrets on passing, you’ve got your answer. But if you think you’d always wonder… I say go for it.”

“Thanks, Nate. That’s very philosophical.”

Doris returned with plates full of heaping food.

Christy grabbed her fork and then dove into her omelet with great enthusiasm.

Mmm. Bacon. A few minutes later she glanced up to see Nate watching her with disdain. “Shut up.” She waved her fork at him. “I don’t want to hear it.”

Rhian Cahill

Jody Wallace

Leah Braemel

Mari Carr

Shiloh Walker

McKenna Jeffries

Taige Crenshaw

Shelli Stevens

HelenKay Dimon

Lauren Dane

TJ Michaels

Snippet Saturday ~ Author’s Choice

Welcome to another Snippet Saturday. Today’s theme is Author’s Choice. Enjoy my excerpt and then blog hop to the other blogs listed below.

Revenge can be sweet…and oh so sexy.

Lena Richards’s whirlwind vacation to Europe with a friend is a welcome chance to shake her pre-wedding jitters—until she learns her high-school sweetheart is cheating on her, Hawaiian-style. Figuring all’s fair, she indulges in a fling of her own with a sexy New Yorker she meets in Amsterdam whose kiss blows her mind—and the lid off her hormones.

Tyler Bentz is wary that the petite bombshell, who only a short time ago insisted their one kiss must never happen again, has done a complete 180. His questions only make it clear she’s interested in probing of the sexual kind. Who is he to turn her down?

As they burn their way across Europe, something shifts, and it’s not just the earth moving with their exploding passion. Lena begins to realize what it really means to fall in love. And Tyler finds himself tumbling hard and fast.

Reality catches up with them in Paris, leaving Tyler to wonder if Lena’s really the one, or if he’s nothing more to her than a pawn in her game of revenge.

Product Warnings

Americans misbehaving in Europe. An attraction more potent than any drug Amsterdam has to offer. A fling that breaks all the rules. And the creative, sensual use of Chinese takeout.

Buy at Samhain | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

EXCERPT

Lena stared at him, her gaze boring into his. For a moment she could have sworn she heard the music to “Let’s Get It On” in her head.

She’d done it. She was actually here in Tyler’s hotel room. And, damn, he looked good. Even though he wore a fluffy hotel robe, she could see the hard muscles of his chest and smattering of hair.

“Lena?” He straightened up a bit, and his brows drew together. “Hang on. You don’t look so good. Are you okay? Why don’t you come in?”

She stepped through the door and past him, but didn’t trust herself to speak. She kept her back to him and went outside on the balcony, taking a moment to look down at the city below. The air hit cold against her lungs, but she didn’t mind too much.

“Answer me. What’s wrong?” He came up behind her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

His touch ignited her already simmering desire for him. If she didn’t do this now, she’d chicken out. She took a deep breath and spun around, grabbing his robe and jerking him to her.

“Easy—” He broke off when she grabbed his head and stood on her tiptoes, pulling his mouth down to hers.

Her tongue plowed between his lips and came up against his. His body went rigid, and for a moment she wondered if he’d push her away. Then his hands settled against her waist, and he backed her up against the guardrail.

She stroked her tongue over his, pulling open his robe and running her fingers through his chest hair.

He gave an approving laugh and pulled his mouth away from hers. Lena groaned as his lips settled against the wild pulse in the curve of her neck.

Keep the control. If he takes control, you’ll be emotionally vulnerable.

She squirmed away and pushed him back from her, moving forward so he had no choice but to back up into the room.

“I’m sorry.” He frowned. “If this is moving too fast for you—”

When the back of his knees encountered the bed, she tackled him, knocking him backward onto the mattress. She reached out a hand and slid it into his boxers, wrapping it around a—oh my—pretty damn big erection.

Tyler’s eyes closed, and his loud groan sent a tremble of excitement through her. Keith had never given such an intense reaction to her touch.

“Hang on, Lena.” He shook his head as he held her away from him, giving her a suspicious glance. “This morning you were pretty adamant that we shouldn’t even have kissed. Now… What’s going on?”

Lena froze, and heat flooded her cheeks. “What’s going on? I would think it’s pretty obvious—”

“Well, yeah, it is.” He moved away from her. “But I just don’t want you to rush into anything you’re going to regret.”

Nearly two feet of space separated them now, and his gaze roamed over her, but she saw wariness in his eyes as well.

“Lena, I like you. Enough that I don’t want to feel like an asshole in the morning for taking advantage of you. Are you sure you want to do this?”

Argh. Could he make this fling thing any more complex?

“I’ll be blunt. I am trying to seduce you here. I am a woman who is blatantly throwing herself at you. There shouldn’t even be an issue. So are you going to sleep with me, or do I have to find someone else who will?”

He blinked. “Are you drunk?”

Oh for the love of… “Why does everyone keep asking me that?” All the doubts came rushing back. Bad idea, Lena. You should have known it from the start.

“You know, forget it. I wanted you and had the crazy notion you wouldn’t mind getting me into bed, but apparently I was wrong.”

She’d almost made it to the door when he grabbed her by the waist and spun her around.

“Oh, I want you all right,” he said, his voice low and thick. He lifted her so her legs wrapped around his waist. “I just had to make sure you knew what you were doing.”

Rhian Cahill

Shelli Stevens

Anne Rainey

Jody Wallace

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Myla Jackson

Taige Crenshaw

Delilah Devlin

HelenKay Dimon

Lauren Dane

Shiloh Walker

TJ Michaels

Leah Braemel

Snippet Saturday ~ Talk, Talk

Welcome to another Snippet Saturday. Today’s theme is Talk, Talk. Enjoy my excerpt and then blog hop to the other blogs listed below.

A is for Alpha series (book 1)

Indulge your fantasies with these steamy, contemporary romances about sexy, billionaire alpha males, and the women who capture their hearts.

His price is her innocence…

Holly Winchester is desperate. With her brother facing theft charges and a potential prison sentence in a foreign country, she seeks help from the one man she knows can give it. But will the ruthless, billionaire sheikh who once broke her heart be able to forget and forgive their painful past?

Two years ago, Sheikh Rafiq Al Hakimi allowed a beautiful foreigner not only into his country, but nearly his heart. It was all too easy, falling for the one woman who didn’t fear him or his scars. Until he discovered her intentions were as shallow as the modeling world she thrived in.

Now Holly’s returned to his country, begging for his help. He’s willing to give her brother his freedom—if Holly gives up hers by agreeing to become his mistress…

Available at Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

EXCERPT

“Will you just stop this?” she cried, losing any ability to stay civil. “You forced me to stay here at your palace last night in pretense that you’d consider my brother’s case, but you never had any intention of letting him go. Did you?”

Rafiq leaned back in his chair, watching her through narrowed eyes.

Holly closed her eyes briefly, instantly regretting her outburst. Stupid! She’d made it this far, only to scream at him like a fishwife the moment they sat down for breakfast.

“Your brother is guilty.”

The world around her spun out of focus at his flat declaration. A clammy cold sweat broke out on the back of her neck and she forced herself to suck in a needed breath. Her hands shook at the image of her brother locked in a prison in this intimidating, foreign land for ten years. “You condemn him as judge and jury without a trial.”

“I have seen the footage. He was as discreet as a three-year-old stealing from a cookie jar.” Rafiq leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “And it’s not the first time he’s done this, is it, habiba? Your brother has also stolen money from you in the past, countless times.”

“He’s changed,” she whispered. How could Rafiq possibly have known about Andrew stealing from her? “He promised me.”

“I understand why you would like to think as much, but the evidence says otherwise.”

Bile rose in her throat. She believed him. She didn’t want to, but oh God, she did. “So you intend to lock him up? For how many years? He’s all I have, Rafiq.” She didn’t care that she’d dropped his respected title. What would he do? Call in his servants to scold her again? Throw her in prison next to her brother? Let them!

Tears blurred her vision as she plunged on. “He kept me from going into foster care after our parents were killed. He gave up everything and quit school to raise me. Please, you can’t throw away his life like this.”

“I would think twice before trying to place the blame on me.” His words snapped like a whip through the empty dining hall, his stare glacial. “You’ve protected him for too long, Holly. When will it end? He’s a grown man who lives the life of a spoiled boy.”

“You’ve known all along you wouldn’t help him.” She thrust back her chair and stood. “I don’t even know why I let myself think you’d help. You’d probably rather face a firing squad than help me. I’ll go to the American embassy. I’ll—”

“No one would dare challenge my decision.”

Her heart pinched with helplessness and the despondency that flowed through her blood thickened until it consumed her. “Then why did you do this?” Tears burned behind her eyes. “Why toy with me and keep me here last night?”

“It’s simple, habiba. Because I want you.”

Holly’s heart slammed into her ribcage. He still wanted her? For a moment she didn’t believe it, refused to believe it.

Until she stared long enough into Rafiq’s eyes to see the smoldering heat and desire.

It was so potent it sent a rush of warmth through her body and quickened her blood.

“What are you saying?”

Rafiq stood and approached her, or rather, stalked her like a lion with his prey. Holly just barely resisted the urge to turn heel and run, and then it was too late as he stood in front of her, blocking her exit.

Every harsh and beautiful feature on his face came into focus, especially the thick scar that began barely an inch away from his captivating dark eyes. “I will release your brother under one condition.”

She knew. Even before he could say it, she knew. Her head jerked from side to side in denial, but her gaze was riveted to his lips as named his price.

“You will agree to stay in Raljahar as my mistress.”

Her knees nearly gave out and she gripped the back of the chair, closing her eyes. She’d come so close to losing her heart once, it was ludicrous to consider putting herself at risk again. Especially after the way he’d ended things, the way he’d humiliated her.

How dare he think she could be bought? That she would essentially trade herself for her brother’s freedom? Never would she agree to such degrading terms.

Never, ever would she let him hurt her again.

Rhian Cahill

Shelli Stevens

Anne Rainey

Jody Wallace

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Myla Jackson

Taige Crenshaw

Delilah Devlin

HelenKay Dimon

Lauren Dane

Shiloh Walker

TJ Michaels

Leah Braemel

Snippet Saturday ~ Fireworks

Welcome to another Snippet Saturday. Today’s theme is Fireworks. Enjoy my excerpt and then blog hop to the other blogs listed below.



When lingerie heiress Brandy Summer gets cold feet and runs out on her Vegas wedding, she has nowhere to turn—so she hijacks a hunky biker waiting for a red light and begs him for help. What she doesn’t know is that her instincts are right: the groom has a hidden agenda. He needs her money to pay off his gambling debts and she’s his ticket to the good life.

Marco Vargas isn’t sure what he’s getting himself into when he rescues Brandy, but figures he’ll do the chivalrous thing. He offers her a job in his bar and the chance to sort out her feelings. But it seems that keeping Brandy hidden is easier than keeping his hands off her—and what will happen when Brandy discovers that Marco has secrets of his own?

Order from Carina Press |Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Also available in Audiobook

EXCERPT

Brandy looked up at him and her lips parted on a silent oh. And then, suddenly, she did look like she was going to cry. Fuck. He’d just had to remind her of the luggage.

“My luggage,” she said with a tiny sniff, and she blinked rapidly a few times. “I’ll be fine. We—I’ll figure out something.”

“We’ll figure something out.” Had he just made a commitment to her?

But he couldn’t leave her like this. Not yet. Even though he’d rather break any single bone in his body than deal with a weepy woman, he wouldn’t be able to look at himself in the mirror if he left her now.

He’d get through the evening—somehow—and then send her on her way. Wherever that was. The bottom line was she wasn’t his responsibility and he would be stupid to make her so.

Brandy’s blue eyes connected with his, and he could see the faint sheen of tears across them. Damn. His hardened resolve melted a bit at the sight of her quivering lips.

Who was she? Besides some uptight teacher.

Her phone began to ring in her purse and she pulled it out and then turned it off with jerky movements.

The doors to the elevator opened and they stepped out, making their way through the casino. The sound of slot machines was deafening and the floor appeared packed. Marco, in a hurry to get them out of the hotel, grabbed her hand and weaved them through the Friday night crowd.

Soon they were back out on the Strip. The sun had set, but the lights were so bright that darkness never really fell in Vegas.

“Where do you want to go?” Marco asked as they stood at the crosswalk.

“I don’t know.” Her eyes lit up. “Do you live around here?”

Shit, she wanted to go home with him? No. No way. “Henderson.”

“Oh. That’s not too far.” When he didn’t say anything, she looked away chewing on her lip. “You don’t have to stay with me. I can book a room somewhere and figure things out.”

“Do you want me to leave?” Marco steered her out of the path of a bunch of drunken men crossing the street in the opposite direction.

“No. I don’t want you to leave. But I can’t expect you to stay.”

She turned to face him once they were on the sidewalk again. He saw the spark of interest in her eyes and then she stared at his lips. He watched her swallow hard. Her tongue dart out to wet her lush mouth.

He bit back a groan and his jaw hardened. You don’t want to kiss me, sweetheart.

She had no idea what she was asking. But faced with the naked vulnerability in her eyes and obvious interest, something shifted inside him. Some of the hardness melted around his resolve, and before he could stop himself he reached out to stroke his thumb down the side of her cheek.

“I’m not going anywhere.” His thumb moved to rub across her bottom lip, which parted on a sigh. That mouth. God, if she didn’t have the mouth and those legs…she’d be some freak mutant, you idiot.

Don’t do it. Kissing her will just complicate things. Don’t even go there…

“Ah, shit.” He lowered his head toward hers.

For some reason, it seemed perfectly natural for Brandy to lean forward into Marco’s kiss. The smell of leather and spice enveloped her senses, just before his arms wrapped around her body.

His mouth closed over hers, firm and confident. It was a hard kiss, nothing hesitant about it. Definitely not the kind she was used to getting from Gordon.

His tongue traced the seam of her lips and a shiver raced down her spine. With a deft move, he slipped inside her mouth and she grabbed onto his T-shirt to keep her balance as the world around them spun.

His tongue rasped against hers. He tasted faintly of beer and all kinds of sin.

Pressing his body harder against her, he moved his hands down her waist to grab her ass. Brandy gasped at the contact and he used it to his advantage, stroking his tongue deeper.

Heat speared down her belly, between her legs and she curved her body closer to his, wanting so much more.

He pulled back suddenly and she tightened her grip on his T-shirt to keep from falling forward. Dazed, but not so far out of it that she didn’t notice the hard muscles under her fingers.

She groaned. This was insanity. Pure insanity. Or just lust. That was a pretty plausible explanation too.

“We should go somewhere.”

Perfect, let’s get a room. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but then she swallowed them.

This was all too crazy, too sudden. She should be grieving or at least a little confused about the whole Gordon situation.

But Gordon was the last darn thing on her mind. Instead all she could think about was that erotic kiss she’d just shared with a perfect stranger. The thing was, she knew why she’d kissed him—he oozed sex and danger. He was attractive.

The question was why had he kissed her? She was nothing like the models she’d grown up envying.

She raised her gaze to his and noticed he looked a little uneasy about what had just passed between them.

“Why did you kiss me?” she blurted, the passion bubble starting to deflate. God. Why had she even asked that? But since she had…“Men like you don’t kiss women like me.”

He shook his head and looked away. “Don’t worry, it won’t happen again.”

Rhian Cahill

Shelli Stevens

Anne Rainey

Jody Wallace

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Myla Jackson

Taige Crenshaw

Delilah Devlin

HelenKay Dimon

Lauren Dane

Shiloh Walker

TJ Michaels

Snippet Saturday ~ Author’s Choice

Welcome to another Snippet Saturday. Today’s theme is Author’s Choice. Enjoy my excerpt and then blog hop to the other blogs listed below.

The line between friends and lovers can get a little blurry…especially when you add tequila.

A Chances Are story.

Gabby is serious about her search for Mr. Right, but no one can say she hasn’t had a good time looking. She enjoys her numerous dates and the sex that comes with them. Until she finds herself falling for the one man she vows to never love. Her best friend and roommate, Justin. A player in every sense of the word—and a reminder of her awful past.

One night, with the help of a bottle of tequila, things get a little too hot for comfort. She moves out, intent on removing him from the line of temptation.

Justin has different plans. The tequila did more than just change how he sees his good friend. It made him realize he doesn’t want to be just friends any more. He’s ready for something more intimate, and he’ll do whatever it takes to find out why she’s running. And convince her to stay.

Buy at Samhain Publishing |  Amazon | Barnes and Noble

EXCERPT

“Look at me, Gab.”

Her shoulders rose with the deep breath she dragged in, and then she tilted her head to give him a sideways glance. Her eyes were carefully schooled. He knew that look. She’d come to poker night too many times with the guys for him to not recognize that you won’t get shit out of me look.

“I want you to be completely honest with me,” he said quietly and tightened his grip on her hand—her dainty, soft hand. His brows drew together. Had her hands always been this feminine?

“Okay.” She arched an eyebrow. “Are you going to ask it?”

He shook his head, wondering how the hell she was managing to get him so damn flustered.

“Yeah. I’m gonna ask it,” he said gruffly and then focused his attention on her face again. “Did you move out because of that night?”

The only sign that he’d shocked her was the slight widening of her eyes. But then she narrowed them just as quickly and a sardonic grin slipped across her mouth.

“That night? Ah, Justin, you’re going to have to be a lot more specific than that. We lived together for a couple of years.”

“Damn it, Gab. Don’t pull that crap on me. Anyone else might buy it, but I don’t.” He scowled. “You know exactly which night I’m talking about.”

Her fingers arched against his hand, but he didn’t loosen his grip. The slight smell of sweat from their run lingered in the room, with the overlying scent of her lotion. Some melon thing she’d worn the entire time he’d known her. It had never seemed seductive before, but now…

She lowered her gaze from his and her tongue swept across her bottom lip before retreating safely back into her mouth.

Desire stirred low in his groin and his next breath in wasn’t quite as steady. Jesus. He still wanted her.

The idea rocked him to his core.

Bad idea, Justin.

“Are you telling me—” He leaned forward and caught her chin, his face just inches from hers. Very bad idea, Justin. “—that you don’t remember this?”

The need to remind her of that night consumed him. Her eyes widened in trepidation, just before he lowered his mouth down onto hers.

So soft. So sweet.

When she would have pushed him away, he moved his palm to her back and held her still, moving his mouth against hers.

Half a year. How had he gone a half a year without her? And why had it taken two years for them to reach this level of intimacy?

His tongue teased the crease of her mouth open, and then slid inside to taste her.

The angry sound she made morphed into a frustrated moan and finally one of surrender. Her tongue moved out to meet his—almost angry in the bold strokes she made to tease him.

Justin’s blood pounded through his veins. His entire being focused on the smell of her, the press of her breasts against his chest, and the soft sounds she made as she kissed him back. Sounds that alternated between pleasure and frustration.

Her hands slid up to his shoulders to wrap around his neck, pressing her body snugger against his. The scrape of her hardened nipples against his chest sent another rush of blood to his cock, bringing it fully erect. He groaned, grateful for his loose running pants.

He explored her mouth thoroughly, teasing the hidden spots before returning to spar with her tongue.

His hands, which had been resting on her waist, slid up her ribcage to just under her breasts.

He barely hesitated before sweeping his thumbs up to stroke over the tight peaks of her breasts. He lifted his lips from hers just a fraction to allow her strangled gasp, before he captured her mouth again.

All rational thoughts on why he’d come here tonight—because it couldn’t have been for this, could it?—abandoned his mind. The need to touch her naked skin, to taste the salty sweet softness of her flesh, swept through him.

He deepened the kiss, caught her nipple between two fingers and pinched, all while easing her onto her back on the couch. It was a move he’d mastered in years of seducing women.

Tonight it failed.

Gabby wrenched her mouth from his, shoving him so hard he fell off her and onto the floor.

“Stop.” She scurried off the couch and across the room from him. “What was that, Justin? What the hell was that?”

He winced, picking himself up from the floor. His balls ached and his dick still throbbed with the need to be buried inside her. Inside…Gabby. Shit.

Megan Hart:Read in bed!

Leah Braemel

Eliza Gayle

Mandy M Roth

Lissa Matthews

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Myla Jackson

Taige Crenshaw

HelenKay Dimon

Lauren Dane

Shelli Stevens

Delilah Devlin

Jody Wallace

Snippet Saturday ~ Life is Beautiful

Welcome to another Snippet Saturday. Today’s theme is Life is Beautiful. Enjoy my excerpt and then blog hop to the other blogs listed below.

Megan Hart:Read in bed!

Leah Braemel

Eliza Gayle

Mandy M Roth

Lissa Matthews

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Myla Jackson

Taige Crenshaw

HelenKay Dimon

Lauren Dane

TJ Michaels

Shelli Stevens

Jody Wallace

Snippet Saturday ~ Author’s Choice

Welcome to another Snippet Saturday. Today’s theme is Author’s Choice. Enjoy my excerpt from The Billionaire’s Baby Bargain and then blog hop to the other blogs listed below.

A is for Alpha series (book 2)

Indulge your fantasies with these steamy, contemporary romances about sexy, billionaire alpha males, and the women who capture their hearts.

There’s nothing he won’t do…

Searching for adventure, Chloe doesn’t expect to find it in the dark, sexy man who makes his desire—and his intentions to bed her—blatantly clear. Working at one of Spain’s most exclusive resorts, she soon discovers her new lover isn’t just a guest, but the powerful and ruthless owner.

Hotel tycoon Andrés Montero’s reputation as Spain’s most elusive bachelor billionaire is slow to trust. And when Andres believes his relationship with Chloe is born from a more sinister purpose, he ends their affair with the harshness of a business deal gone sour.

But the realization that Chloe is carrying his baby brings Andrés back into her life, and there’s nothing he won’t do to protect his unborn child—and claim the woman he still secretly desires. Even if he must resort to blackmail.

Available on Kindle | Nook | Smashwords

EXCERPT

With his body still burning with the need to touch her, Andrés gave a slight lift of his shoulder and gestured for her to step out.

“Sí, I will take you home.”

When she didn’t move, Andrés moved around her, stepped out and then took her arm to pull her from the limo.

“What are you doing?” her voice sharpened with alarm and she struggled to keep up as he guided her to the plane. “Andrés?”

“Taking you home,” he said flatly, hoping to avoid any confrontation, but knowing he was being idealistic.

“On a plane? I live ten minutes from the restaurant!” She tugged at her arm and dug her feet into the ground. “If you think for one moment I’m getting on that plane, then you’re obviously nuts.”

Andrés stopped and turned on his heel to face her, gripping both her elbows and putting his face next to hers.

“Basta!! You will get on that plane, Chloe, if I have to carry you onto it,” he said resolutely. There was no room to be gentle or let her try to talk her way out of this. If he gave even an inch, he had no way of guaranteeing the safety of his child.

She grew so pale he almost hoped she’d faint. Then he could simply scoop her up and carry her onto the plane without incident. But then she shook her head, her eyes sparking with fury.

“I don’t care how much money you have, you can’t just do whatever you want.” She tried to jerk free, but he tightened his grip.

“You know that I can, Chloe.”

“I’ll scream,” she threatened as the panic settled into her eyes now.

“And who do you think will come to your aid? Everyone around you is employed by me,” he reminded her. “Do you really think they would go against my wishes to help you? Besides, they’ve been informed that you are reluctant to come with me, but are depressed and at risk of hurting yourself.”

“They’ll never believe that!”

“Won’t they?”

She stared at him for a moment, dismay still bright in her gaze. He watched as her lips began to tremble and her expression shifted into one of helplessness. For a moment, he hesitated, but then he reminded himself he was doing this for the wellbeing of his child. A child whom he would protect at any cost. It had nothing to do with how he felt about Chloe. He clenched his jaw. There was very little he felt for her beyond lust and anger.

But he knew that was a lie by the way his stomach clenched. Shoving aside the possibility of anything more he might feel for her, he muttered, “Make a decision, Chloe. Will I carry you, or will you walk willingly?”

She pulled from his grasp, her mouth tight. “I’ll walk.”

He allowed her to step past him, her steps almost wooden as she climbed the stairs to enter the fuselage of the plane.

It was only when she was belted into the seat across from him and the plane taxied down the runway did she finally turn to look at him.

“Why are you doing this, Andrés? What do you want from me?”

The tension left his body now that she was safely on his plane and they were airborne. “I have already told you.”

“You can’t be serious about marrying me,” she cried with exasperation.

“I’m quite serious.” From the moment he’d seen her again, realized how much he wanted her still, he’d concluded marriage was the most sensible solution.

Twin flames of color flared in her cheek. “Well I won’t do it.”

“Fine. Then you will be my mistress,” he called her bluff and offered a casual shrug. “Either position will have you lying beneath me in my bed. It, of course, is your choice, Chloe, I simply thought you would prefer the idea of marital bliss.”

“Well, I choose neither, and if you think I would ever consider sleeping with you again, you’re completely delusional.”

Andrés gave a soft chuckle at the image she made. Her shoulders quaked and her eyes flashed fire, but even truly livid with anger, Chloe was difficult to take seriously. In her just-off- the-farm style dress and braided hair, she was simply a combination of sexy and adorable.

With the plane having leveled off he had the urge to pull her onto his lap and kiss away the rigid scowl that marred her face. The blood in his body moved south and his amusement vanished, his smile faded. Dammit. What was wrong with him? Would he ever stop wanting her with this mindless ferocity?

It didn’t matter. He would have her regardless. And the sooner she accepted it, the better.

“Let me be clear, Chloe. You will be with me so I can keep an eye on both you and my child that you carry.” He unfastened his belt and came to sit in the seat next to her. Reaching up, he cupped her cheek and slid his thumb into the crease of her lips. “And if you think that I will be content to spend my nights without you in my bed, then you, cariño, are the one who is delusional.”

Her head moved in denial, even as awareness flickered in her gaze and he felt her exhale a ragged hot breath on the pad of his thumb.

“I won’t,” she whispered.

He didn’t reply, just lowered his head to silence any more feeble protests. She struggled to break away from his kiss, but he followed her lips with his own, piercing his tongue into her mouth and claiming her.

She fought for only a moment, before letting out a groan of frustration and leaning into him, returning the kiss with a heat he recognized all too well. With a growl of triumph, he unfastened her seatbelt and pulled her onto his lap.

He’d meant to maintain control. To distance himself from a kiss that was simply to prove her how much she wanted him. How compatible they were on this level. But tasting her, feeling the press of Chloe’s curves against his hardness, put his control on a volatile foundation.

 

Megan Hart:Read in bed!

Leah Braemel

Jody Wallace

Eliza Gayle

Mandy M Roth

Lissa Matthews

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Myla Jackson

Taige Crenshaw

Shiloh Walker

Delilah Devlin

HelenKay Dimon

Lauren Dane

Shelli Stevens