The Proposition:

You’re looking for a summer fling…a man whom you least expects wants to get to know you. He seems to meet all the qualifications except for one. He’s not black. Could he be the one you’re looking for? What do you do? Excerpt: Ebony “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Two dimples rested on either side of firm lips when he smiled. Wow. The man looked good from the dance floor, but up close, his presence demanded my full attention. He was tall, probably a good six-two to my five-foot-five. His build reminded me of a well-built basketball player. The low lights of the club reflected off damp blond hair with dark undertones. His confident smile cocked to the side, revealing pearly white teeth. The blue shirt he wore complimented the color of his eyes, sparkling like waves of the ocean while hinting at mischief. Baggy shorts and a pair of clean black Converse completed his attire. His attention went to the bartender. “Joe, put her drink on my tab. I’ll have the usual.” The bartender nodded before walking away. The blond focused his gaze back on me, watching before he spoke again. “You’re not going to thank me?” I raised my eyebrows at his comment. “I didn’t ask for you to pay for my drink.” I couldn’t stand a man who expected me to be ecstatic because he bought me a drink. I was capable of doing that myself. Humor flashed in his eyes. “Excuse me for being a gentleman. Unfortunately, it’s too late for you to pay. Guess you’re stuck.” He reached for his beer when the bartender returned, twisted off the cap, and took a huge swig. Stuck? Is that what he thought? Passing the drink over to the brunette, saying it came from him, then ordering my own sounded like a good idea. But at ten dollars a drink, I’d be a fool not to accept a freebie. Instead of saying thanks, I said, “Don’t let this dress fool you. If you expect me to sleep with you because you bought me a drink, forget it.” My focus left him and resumed searching the crowd for my friends. I turned back around in time to catch blue eyes exploring the length of my body. “That was not my intention.” His eyes now focused above the deep cleavage of my dress. “Since we’ve gotten that out of the way, maybe you’ll answer this question.” I narrowed my eyes. “What?” He chuckled. “What’s your name?” He extended a hand. “I’m Brian.” My focus immediately went to his hand. Large palm, slightly calloused, sporting a deep tan, his nails were a little rough, fingers sporting a few cuts, but they were clean. I glanced back up at his face. This white man was hitting on me. I was flattered knowing he watched me dance, but buying me a drink and asking my name? What did he expect to happen next? He waited patiently, his hand suspended in midair. “Ebony.” I accepted his handshake. “Ebony. That’s a beautiful name.” The tingle going up my spine from the way it rolled off his tongue, and the sensation of our connected hands, kept my lips from moving. This was unreal. I didn’t expect any kind of spark from him. I studied his eyes; lust and desire weren’t visible, but there was something else. Something made him hold my hand longer than necessary. I squirmed involuntarily before being the first to turn away. “Meeting like this is not the best way to get to know someone.” He released my hand before leaning down to talk to me without yelling quite as loud. My body tingled at the warm caress of his breath near my ear again. The scent of his musky cologne mixed with sweat from standing under the stage lights was alluring, the heat from his body inviting. #### - From A Heart Not Easily Broken (A Butterfly Memoir), Chapter 1 Ebony Campbell is a smart, sexy career-oriented black woman who wants nothing more than a summer fling with a man who challenges her mind and body. What she doesn’t expect is Brian Young, a blond-haired, blue-eyed bass player to step up to the challenge. Despite negative reactions, their fling develops into a deep relationship, and Ebony discovers juggling love, family, and career are nothing compared to the ultimate betrayal she endures. Now her dreams spiral into lies and secrets that threaten her future and the trust of those she loves. Buy Now! Amazon Nook Google Play Books iBook Smashwords Kobo Be sure to follow my website, newsletter, and connect with me on BookBub in order to stay in the loop for contests, giveaways, and sneak peeks of other works to come! -MJ #MJKane #MJKaneMedia #TheButterflyMemoirs #Writing #Life #Books #Authors #NewReleases #Blogging #Bloggers #Blog #AHeartNotEasilyBroken #Jaded #Shattered #SundayBlogShare