Flash Fiction Friday

Here's a short, complete short story for your entertainment. Enjoy!

Her Perfect Family
by Ericka Scott

She climbed the stairs, her arthritic knees making almost as much noise as the wooden risers. She hadn’t been upstairs in years, but the sound of their laughter was irresistible. The children must be pleased with their new little brother.

She felt a small thrill of pleasure. All those years of longing. She’d almost given up hoping for another boy. Then, there he was at the park. She fell in love with his blond hair and chocolate brown eyes; he was destined to be hers. She brought the toddler home and settled him in the playroom. Her family was now complete: two boys and two girls. Perfect.

At the top of the stairs, a whirling dervish in the shape of a toddler careened into her. She scrabbled to hold on to the railing. Suddenly, the air around her was filled with voices. This time, they sounded anything but happy. Unseen fingers pried at her hands and a sharp intense pain shot up her right arm. It felt as if someone had bitten her! Her new son had backed off, staring at her. Inattentive, she let go of the bannister. With a yell, the boy ran at her. She gasped and stepped backward into darkness.

* * *

Lieutenant ‘Mack” McDonald had difficulty piecing together the abducted boy’s story. Was the woman’s death a premeditated attack or an accident? Could a three-year old really grasp the concept of death? He thought about his own little boy at home. It seemed incomprehensible. But the toddler now sitting quietly on the floor had been very clear.

“So you waited at the top of the stairs and then pushed her?”

The boy looked up and nodded without blinking “They said if I didn’t, I’d end up like them.”

Mack sighed. He’d searched the house; there was no sign that anyone but the old woman lived there. “Tell me again, who told you to push her?”

“Them.” The boy stood up, came over and took his hand before leading him to a window overlooking the overgrown lawn.

“Them,” the boy reiterated and pointed down. Mack could see the grass grew greener in three suspicious-looking spots. Oh, God. Graves?


Ericka Scott
coming in March, Song of Seduction, Cobblestone Press
Unleashed, Phaze
AND IN PRINT - The Werewolf Whisperer published together with Unleashed, Phaze

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A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS

A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS
by Vijaya Schartz
Sapphire Blue Publishing
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com
ebook
$3.50 download

First Place - Best Short Romance Story 2008
from Preditors and Editors Readers Poll Award 2008

BLURB:
Rookie Border patrol Agent Kaitlin Harrington hates Christmas and all men since she lost her unborn child on Christmas Eve. This year, as she guards the Mexican border, she encounters more than she can handle in the person of a gorgeous Desperado, a despicable human smuggler of all people! Miguel is fascinated by the green eyes of the feisty auburn-haired beauty bent on impeding his important work. But he is a man of many secrets. And on this dangerous adventure through the Arizona desert, anything can and will happen.

A Desperado for Christmas small

EXCERPT:


Did she just see something move? Maybe not.

Raising her infrared binoculars, Kaitlin focused on that particular area. There it was again. A flicker of movement. Then she saw people furtively running from rock to rock. She couldn’t tell how many. Fifteen? Twenty? Did they know she was watching? Had they seen the lights of the visiting Jeep? Heard the engine? The conversation?

Sliding down the slope, she searched the Hummer but couldn’t find the blasted radio. Then she remembered it hanging from Josh’s belt. Now it rode with the nitwit toward a damned titty bar.
She flipped the switch of the car’s com system. Only static. Strange, Josh had used it earlier and it worked then. She shrugged. Electronics could be so unreliable and she wasn’t computer savvy. As a last resort, she pulled out the cell phone at her belt and checked the reception. Out of range.

Damn and triple damn!

Light gravel dribbled down the slope. She dropped the cell phone and reached toward her holster. Drawing the Beretta, she turned around, her back safely to the Hummer. Her heart faltered as she held the firearm toward the sound.

"Sweet Mother of God!" She gasped as her target came into view.

Apollo himself couldn’t have looked more handsome under the full moon. Muscles rippled on the smooth torso, shirtless beneath the open denim jacket.

"Stop right there. Hands on your head," she croaked rather than shouted.

He held up his hands, jostling the backpack on his shoulder.

Glossy black hair fell over his forehead, and the dark gaze of the Latino man burned with intense fire. He pinned her with his stare as if trying to say something important, but no words came out. He appeared to be unarmed, strong, yet she sensed no threat emanating from him.
"On the ground. Face down. Spread ’em."

He didn’t move, maybe he didn’t understand, so she motioned with the Beretta. Would he resist arrest? Somehow the thought conjured appealing images.

He dropped the backpack and laid face down.

She took the four steps separating them, kicked away the back pack then reached for the handcuffs at her back. She spread his legs apart. Long, muscular thighs, calves bulging under his jeans. He turned his head to watch her, a half smile on his lips. His temple glistened with sweat. He must have been running but seemed hardly winded. Unlike her breath which came in quick gasps.

Fascinated by his physique, she could not think. But who other than an illegal would roam the desert on Christmas Eve? He didn’t look afraid. Why? The memory of the group she spotted came to mind, but she heard nothing move in her immediate vicinity.

She straddled the man. He didn’t resist when she cuffed his hands behind his back, then patted him down, looking for a knife or a handgun. Her hand only found the planes of his hard muscles. It had been a while since she’d felt a male body this close. He exuded the musky scent of sage. Astounded by her sensual musings, she rose and stared back at him. She hoped she looked fierce, like a predator hypnotizing her prey.

She slowly moved away and motioned with the Beretta for him to get up and get into the Hummer.

The man smiled as he stood up slowly and stared past her. "Ola!" he said in a deep baritone.
"Ola!" another man answered, disturbingly close behind her.

Kaitlin froze and a shiver ran up her spine. She’d made a mistake by leaving the protection of the Hummer.



Vijaya Schartz
Award Winning Girls with Guns and Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

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Bear Combustion

Now available from Total E-Bound Publishing:

Bear Combustion

The second book in the Untamed Hearts Trilogy
Co-authored by Jude Mason and Jamie Hill

Fire rages, not only through the forest to threaten the lives of his clan, but in the hearts of Tarek, the leader as well as Inuka, his fiery lover and Raven, the stoic companion who secretly adores him. Can the flames of their love survive?

The amulet around his neck glows with fiery heat. Darkly handsome Tarek would just as soon ignore the warning and resume frolicking with his seductive companion, Inuka. But as the leader of the bear changeling clan, responsibility rests on his shoulders. Suddenly, the warmth of the talisman is overwhelming, and its meaning becomes clear. Wildfire races through the forest threatening everyone, and everything, in its path.

The bears must retreat to their winter caves for safety. The journey is long and time proves short. As flames dance from the treetops, sparks explode and embers shower the fleeing clan.
Not all are as strong and able-bodied as Tarek and his muscular mate Inuka. Seeing the clan members to safety is Tarek's primary concern. When their escape doesn't go as planned, the burden of his obligation may be too much for one man-or one bruin- to bear.

Becky from Dark Angel Reviews gives Bear Combustion a Recommended Read and says:
"WOW! Bear Combustion, the second book in the Untamed Heart Series, by Jude Mason and Jamie Hill, tops the scales. The opening scene is a scorcher....Turn on the fan and pick up a copy! Buy now!"

Read a never before seen steamy excerpt here.
Buy here.

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"Jenny's Passion" by Diane Wylie


Jenny’s Passion
Vintage Romance Publishing
Release date: November 2008
ISBN-10: 0981559247
ISBN-13: 978-0981559247


David Reynolds joined the cavalry out of a sense of duty and adventure. As he rides into battle at Mine Run he has no idea his life is about to change forever.

The forbidden Yankee attracts Jennifer Winston like no other. She would do anything to save him…even kill.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Excerpt From "Jenny's Passion" by Diane Wylie

Jenny retrieved her special treat from her bundles, stealing glances at him all the while. How she wished that things were different. If only there were no war, no animosities between North and South. If she could have chanced to meet David at a party or ball somewhere and her father had had a chance to see what a good man he was…

“Look what I brought for you!” She held the fragrant, golden-crusted pie in front of his face.

He looked up at her in surprise and grinned, making his eyes twinkle in a most attractive manner. “This is your surprise, Jenny?”

“Yes,” she answered proudly. “I smuggled it away right out from under Patsy’s nose. Here.” She placed the pie in his hand and handed him a fork.

“Shouldn’t I cut a slice for each of us?” “Oh, no.” She shook her head emphatically. “The whole pie is for you. You have grown so thin, and you need to regain your strength. Besides, I can always get some at home. Patsy made several. This one won’t be missed.”

“Oh! This is wonderful,” he mumbled, closing his eyes.

She clapped her hands and laughed. “Oh, I knew you would like it!” He was chewing with eyes closed and such a winsome expression on his face that Jenny could bear it no longer. Gently placing her hands on his cheeks, she bent down and kissed him softly, hesitantly, afraid of what he would think of her. Apparently David needed no further encouragement. Placing the pie tin on the table, he reached for her with both arms, pulling her onto his lap.

His mouth was sweet and warm, tasting of apples and cinnamon. She felt an unfamiliar, but thrilling sensation when his tongue darted into her mouth, probing, but gentle. He made her senses come alive. Her skin was so sensitive that her clothing was suddenly extremely restrictive. Reaching up, she unbuttoned the top button of her high-necked dress so she could breathe. An urge to remove every scrap of her clothing jumped into her head. She was shocked at herself. Not only did she want to take off all her clothing, but she wanted the captain naked as well. It was outrageous that she should have such thoughts! Jenny opened her eyes and pulled away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Links to buy: Amazon:

Target:

Barnes and Noble


Books-a-Million


Bible Shop

Thanks and have a great weekend!

~Diane

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The Shimmering Flame by Jeanne Barrack



R rated Excerpt

BLURB:The battle begun over 3,000 years ago wages on...
Brigid Kawsantower travels to Ireland with her husband, Gabe, unaware of the true reason for their trip--or her true identity--until she comes to the little town of Carrigclarseach. There she learns of the Terrans, a clandestine group of supernatural beings who struggle to keep the earth in balance.
Brigid is a Terran Water and Fire Keeper--and the daughter of Dagda, a powerful Water Keeper, and at one time the leader of the Terrans of ancient Eire. Retreating before invading forces, he concealed Brigid's spirit until the day when her help is needed to defeat Nimhnach, a maniacal Destroyer, who seeks to gain eternal life and world domination. Can Brigid believe enough in her newfound powers to fulfill her destiny?
Gabe is a Terran Protector with a secret--can he protect Brigid from Nimhnach's plans and his own dark desires?
Irish archeologist, Ethan Clark, is a Terran Singer and Air Keeper. Ages ago he was Dagda's harper and right-hand man. And ages ago, Ethan was Brigid's lover. Should he try to regain her love?
Now they all must work together to vanquish Nimhnach before he unleashes a terror that will enslave the world and destroy Brigid's loves--past, present ... and future.
SET UP:
Dreams they say are the gateway to the soul and a gateway, in The Shimmering Flame to memories.
In this excerpt Ethan remembers another time and place
EXCERPT:
Gabe bent and lifted Brigid in his arms, despite her loud protests. "Yell at me later. Sleep now." And he carried her into the brush behind the ash tree.
Ethan gazed at the retreating backs of the three ancient warriors ands sighed. "If only it were as easy for me." He thought a moment. "Perhaps it is."
He took Ceol Mhor into his arms and played a soft, easy tune, his fingers slowing as the gently rocking melody lulled him to sleep and to dream.
* * * *
Brigid danced sky clad in the moonlight.
The fine mist that clung to her skin twinkled like diamonds. He smiled. She was in her Element. She flung out her hand and a shower of water flew across the sky in an arc. A droplet of pure crystalline liquid clung to each nipple and he yearned to suck them from those rosy peaks.
The first time they had made love had been in the warmth of the sun. She had burned for him. Had it just been yesterday morning that the golden halo of her hair had shone in the green shadows of the forest as he thrust into her willing body?
How he wanted to feel her cool, slick flesh against his. Wanted to feel her melting in his arms. Wanted to feel her tears of intense satisfaction fall upon his face.
Wanted her.
He stepped from the shadows.
"Brigid."
She twirled and faced him, her hand flying to her throat. "You startled me. I didn't hear you. You moved like the whisper of the wind."
He smiled. "And isn't the Air my Element? Why I could become a breeze and..." He melted from sight. A moment later a gust of wind touched her body. He felt her shiver and he warmed the gentle currents of air that surrounded her. He teased her, blowing a tendril of hair cross her face. He moved in circles around her puckered nipples and then darted away, solidifying once more into flesh.
She chuckled. "So, you'd rather play than make love?"
He threw back his head and roared with laughter. "I'd rather play first and then make love. Come, my bright love and lie with me in the cool of the evening. I'll keep you warm."
He spread out the blanket he'd left by the foot of the tree and stripped off his clothes. He leaned back against the rough bark and waited for her to join him.
She moved up his body until his cock was nestled at the entrance to her sex. She braced her hands against the tree and rose so that she hovered above the tip of his penis. He watched, his throat dry, as she sank upon him, taking him inside, adjusting to his size.
She bit her lip and winced. He knew he was large for her, but she just gripped the birch tree harder, the tendons in her arms flexing. Then he was there, in her to the hilt.
She began to rock as he moved within her slick warmth. She leaned lower so that her breasts were in reach of his lips and he suckled greedily, pulling and biting the taut peaks. The cool touch of her skin was like a balm against the heat of his need for her.
They moved together faster and faster, her little cries of pleasure building until she was screaming his name and tears seeped from beneath her eyelids and he knew she, too, felt the exquisite beauty of the moment they shared.
He thrust in short, sharp jabs, raising her up as though she rode the waves of the ocean. He poured his seed into her with a rush as they climaxed together and a soft, rain fell upon their heated bodies.
And he exulted because he knew that Brigid had called forth the mist to seal their desire.

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Born to Run by Jamie Hill

Now available from Phaze Books:


Book Two in the Phaze Rocks: Streets of Fire Series:

Born to Run



Detective Sam Nielson has always been a casual, no strings type of guy. He loves New York City and the diversity of men it offers him. He also loves his job in South Bronx's forty-first precinct, affectionately nicknamed 'Fort Apache' for it's violent history.


Sam's caught off guard when handsome detective Bobby Rodriguez transfers to Fort Apache. The two are immediately thrown together on a high profile murder investigation. Their fast brewing passion makes concentrating on work difficult. It becomes even tougher when Sam discovers what type of relationship Bobby has in mind. He's a Dominant, looking for a submissive. It's a whole new world for Sam, who has to decide if that's the type of life he wants to live. But first he has to survive the murderer they're been tracking, who's now after them. (m/m contemporary erotic romance, BDSM)

Buy here


Excerpt:

Chapter One



"You're late." Sam Nielson drummed his fingers on the table at Houlihan's Pub.

"And you're ugly. But I can buy a watch." Gil Gates slipped into the chair next to Sam, glancing around. "Apparently I'm not the only late one. Where's D'Amato?"

"Oh, you know." Sam screwed up his face. "All lovey-dovey at home these days. He probably won't even show up."

"Who won't show up?" Nick D'Amato slapped the back of Sam's head. "Wouldn't be talking about me, now, would you?" He pulled out a chair, throwing his leg over the back, and sat.

"Don't do that!" Sam cradled the back of his head. "Christ, you'd think we were back at the academy together."

Nick smiled. "Sometimes I feel like we still are. These past few months, I'd swear I was twenty years younger."

Gil raised a hand, summoning the waitress. "Regular sex will do that to you. So come on, spill it. How are things at home? William getting along okay?"

They paused long enough to greet their regular server. "Hey, Donna," Sam said. "Could we get three beers, please?"

"Sure, detective. Light beer on tap, I assume?"

"Fine, thanks."

The plump, middle-aged woman nodded and returned to the bar.

Sam turned back to his friends, and had to smile. They did look the same as when they'd met in the police academy. A little more filled out, with a crease or the occasional gray hair, but basically the same. Gil still wore his blonde hair closely cropped. Nick's hair was consistently shaggy, hanging over his collar. That hadn't changed.

The spring in Nick's step, however, was a fairly recent development. Since he settled down with his lover, William, Nick wore a permanent smile on his face. They exchanged rings in front of a long-haired minister and all their friends, and settled into a bungalow in Bedford Park. Nick transferred from the vice squad, in the forty-first precinct where Sam worked, to the fifty-second precinct, and a job working with kids in an anti-gang task force.

Now both Nick and Gil lived in the more affluent Northwest Bronx. Sam was the lone holdout, content to remain in South Bronx at the older precinct, affectionately nicknamed 'Fort Apache' for the violence there decades ago.

Donna returned with three mugs of beer, setting them on the table. "Want me to run a tab?"

"D'Amato's paying," Gil informed her, picking up his stein.

"Whatever." Nick shrugged good-naturedly.

The waitress held her hand out to him. "Well?"

"We're not quite done drinking, Donna," Sam said.

She rolled her eyes. "I know that. Since when has Mr. Stuck-in-the-Eighties not wanted me to play something on the jukebox?"

"Oh!" Nick pulled a wallet from the pocket of his black leather jacket. "Here you go." He handed her two dollar bills.

"I think they put Springsteen's new song in there. Like to hear it?"

Nick screwed up his face. "Not really. Something classic, maybe?"

"What a surprise." She snatched the bills from his hand and walked off.

Sam shook his head, sipping his beer. "Some things never change."



Copyright ( C ) 2009 Jamie Hill

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Born to Run by Jamie Hill

Now available from Phaze Books:


Book Two in the Phaze Rocks: Streets of Fire Series:

Born to Run



Detective Sam Nielson has always been a casual, no strings type of guy. He loves New York City and the diversity of men it offers him. He also loves his job in South Bronx's forty-first precinct, affectionately nicknamed 'Fort Apache' for it's violent history.


Sam's caught off guard when handsome detective Bobby Rodriguez transfers to Fort Apache. The two are immediately thrown together on a high profile murder investigation. Their fast brewing passion makes concentrating on work difficult. It becomes even tougher when Sam discovers what type of relationship Bobby has in mind. He's a Dominant, looking for a submissive. It's a whole new world for Sam, who has to decide if that's the type of life he wants to live. But first he has to survive the murderer they're been tracking, who's now after them. (m/m contemporary erotic romance, BDSM)

Buy here


Excerpt:

Chapter One



"You're late." Sam Nielson drummed his fingers on the table at Houlihan's Pub.

"And you're ugly. But I can buy a watch." Gil Gates slipped into the chair next to Sam, glancing around. "Apparently I'm not the only late one. Where's D'Amato?"

"Oh, you know." Sam screwed up his face. "All lovey-dovey at home these days. He probably won't even show up."

"Who won't show up?" Nick D'Amato slapped the back of Sam's head. "Wouldn't be talking about me, now, would you?" He pulled out a chair, throwing his leg over the back, and sat.

"Don't do that!" Sam cradled the back of his head. "Christ, you'd think we were back at the academy together."

Nick smiled. "Sometimes I feel like we still are. These past few months, I'd swear I was twenty years younger."

Gil raised a hand, summoning the waitress. "Regular sex will do that to you. So come on, spill it. How are things at home? William getting along okay?"

They paused long enough to greet their regular server. "Hey, Donna," Sam said. "Could we get three beers, please?"

"Sure, detective. Light beer on tap, I assume?"

"Fine, thanks."

The plump, middle-aged woman nodded and returned to the bar.

Sam turned back to his friends, and had to smile. They did look the same as when they'd met in the police academy. A little more filled out, with a crease or the occasional gray hair, but basically the same. Gil still wore his blonde hair closely cropped. Nick's hair was consistently shaggy, hanging over his collar. That hadn't changed.

The spring in Nick's step, however, was a fairly recent development. Since he settled down with his lover, William, Nick wore a permanent smile on his face. They exchanged rings in front of a long-haired minister and all their friends, and settled into a bungalow in Bedford Park. Nick transferred from the vice squad, in the forty-first precinct where Sam worked, to the fifty-second precinct, and a job working with kids in an anti-gang task force.

Now both Nick and Gil lived in the more affluent Northwest Bronx. Sam was the lone holdout, content to remain in South Bronx at the older precinct, affectionately nicknamed 'Fort Apache' for the violence there decades ago.

Donna returned with three mugs of beer, setting them on the table. "Want me to run a tab?"

"D'Amato's paying," Gil informed her, picking up his stein.

"Whatever." Nick shrugged good-naturedly.

The waitress held her hand out to him. "Well?"

"We're not quite done drinking, Donna," Sam said.

She rolled her eyes. "I know that. Since when has Mr. Stuck-in-the-Eighties not wanted me to play something on the jukebox?"

"Oh!" Nick pulled a wallet from the pocket of his black leather jacket. "Here you go." He handed her two dollar bills.

"I think they put Springsteen's new song in there. Like to hear it?"

Nick screwed up his face. "Not really. Something classic, maybe?"

"What a surprise." She snatched the bills from his hand and walked off.

Sam shook his head, sipping his beer. "Some things never change."



Copyright ( C ) 2009 Jamie Hill

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Happy Valentine's Day!

I've got a new release to heat up a cold winter day -

Will the man of her dreams live up to her fantasies?

On the eve of her birthday, Penny Granger is desperate to lose 'it' before she becomes a forty-year old virgin. After a sexy stranger drops his business card on her tray, she throws caution to the wind and fills out an application to e-bootycall.com. Time goes by with no response.

Is there really a shelf-life on virginity and once it’s old, no one wants it anymore? Then, on the eve of her ‘big day’, she gets a birthday surprise. For the sexy man she’s matched with is someone she's been fantasizing about for years. Her boss!

>
Excerpt:


“You’re still a virgin?”


Belinda’s voice was way too loud in the diner, and heat rushed to my cheeks. I motioned for her to keep her voice down, but she didn’t appear to notice.


“How can that be? Your fortieth birthday is next week!”


A man at the table next to ours looked over with interest and caught my eye. Although he was dressed in a business suit, he didn’t fit in with any of the bankers, lawyers, or stock analysts who usually frequented this particular diner. He had a five o’clock shadow even though it was only ten in the morning, and his spiky brown hair was tipped with gold highlights. A small black ring pierced his eyebrow, and a diamond sparkled in the ear turned toward our conversation. I didn’t want to stare at him but out of the corner of my eye, I memorized his features to use later in a few of my fantasies.


I leaned across the table, hoping she would catch my drift that this was confidential information I didn’t want shared with the whole world. “I didn’t plan it this way. It just happened.”


Belinda’s brown eyes got a little wider and if anything, her voice grew louder. “But what about Rick? I thought you two had been making out! At least, that’s what you implied.”


Had I? Well, yes. I had mentioned a few details but that was last week—when Belinda and I were sitting in the booth at the back, away from prying eyes and ears. But did she have to bring this up today when all the tables were filled and we’d had to take a seat in the middle of the floor within sight and sound of the entire diner?


I prayed everyone was too busy enjoying the all-you-can-eat Friday buffet to pay any attention to us. Unfortunately, it appeared I wasn’t going to be that lucky.


Not only was the guy at the next table studying me with interest, our conversation had also caught the attention of other customers. One lady was so enthralled she stood in the aisle next to our table, openly listening. I wished a large earthquake would hit and the ground would swallow me up.


“Well, did you?” Belinda insisted.


“Of course, we did,” I mumbled. “And we got close to, um…doing it the other night, but when I told him I was a…” I dropped my voice to barely above a whisper, “virgin, he suddenly remembered he had to be somewhere and took off. I figure he probably thought I was saving it for marriage and had decided he was the one.”


“Do you think that’s why he broke up with you?” Belinda asked, then answered herself. “Of course it was. The M-word makes them head for the hills every time.” She gave me a knowing nod.


“But I didn’t mention marriage,” I protested. “I waited for him to call, then finally broke down and called him yesterday. He gave me the it isn't you, it's me speech and then said he’d met someone else.” I tried to shrug it off, but tears filled my eyes. Damn. I really wished I hadn’t responded to Belinda’s question about why I looked so sad. We only worked together; she wasn’t really my friend. Unfortunately, the heartache had been right there, on the surface, and had just spilled over.


“So, what are you going to do about your virginity? Don’t you want to lose it?”


“Yes. No,” I snapped out. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” When her expression went from interested to hurt, I tried to soften my words by adding a belated, “Please.”


“Sure.” She looked at her watch. “I’m due back anyway.” Without gathering up her tray, she flounced over to the door and left without even a backward glance or wave. Shit. There went another possible friendship.


I sighed and took another bite of my sandwich. It tasted like chewy cardboard. Oh, well. I had a pile of work on my desk so I, too, should probably return to the office.


While gathering Belinda's tray as well as my own, I was surprised by a touch on my arm.


“Miss?”


It was Mr. Gorgeous from the table next to us.


“I have a solution for your…ahem…problem.”


Shit, the guy was coming on to me. Probably going to offer to help me lose my virginity. Not that I’d protest overmuch; he really was a hunk. But having him proposition me in the middle of the diner where I ate my lunch almost every day was too much. I pulled my arm away and tried to glare at him. Instead, I found myself smiling back at his contagious grin. Oh, heavens, I wasn’t desperate. Really. I fixed my face into some semblance of a disapproving look and walked away.


I could feel him walking beside me but didn’t want to encourage him. What if all these people saw me leave with him? They’d all think… Shit, I was going to have to find someplace else to eat every day.


But instead of following me all the way to the door, he slid a business card onto my tray and then headed back to his table.


I willed my feet to keep walking. Since I couldn’t very well dash out still carrying the remains of my lunch, I had to stop at the big red trash can near the door. The small white card on the bright blue tray taunted me. It would have been so easy to throw it away. However, at the last minute, I shoved it into my purse and fled back to the safety of my cubicle.


It wasn’t until five o’clock, when I was digging in my purse for my bus pass, that I really took a look at the card he had handed me.


Jason Bigelow—if that was his real name—was a relationship consultant for a company called e-bootycall.com. Discreet and Confidential was written in red right above the web address.


Was this the answer?


 



**********************************copyright 2009, Ericka Scott
www.erickascott.com



Have a great Valentine's Day!

XOXO XO

Ericka Scott
www.erickascott.com

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Free Read from Jamie Hill for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Trouble, the short m/m sequel to Fictionwise and Phaze best seller Nothing But Trouble, is now online for your reading pleasure:


http://www.phaze.com/freevalentines/ValentinesTrouble.pdf


Find many other free Valentine's reads here:

http://www.phaze.com/valentinesday.html

And read my interview with Victoria Blisse about this story here:

http://www.victoriablisse.co.uk/

(Thanks Victoria!)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

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Secret Rendezvous is here!

Now available!


Secret Rendezvous

from Total E-Bound Publishing

in the My Secret Valentine line

Peter McClellan is a partner in a Chicago advertising agency. His company is doing well, but if he can land Mirabel Cosmetics' Rendezvous Cologne account, he thinks the agency will skyrocket to success.

Aaron Whittaker is the last person he expects to see in the Mirabel offices. The two men were college lovers, their relationship irreparably severed when Aaron 'borrowed' an idea from Peter for his senior project.

Aaron's reactions to Peter are cold and hot--icy when they first become reacquainted, but hot as fire when they reconnect in the bedroom. Can old transgressions be forgiven, or is the past doomed to haunt their possibilities for a future together?



Excerpt: (adult m/m content)

He stomped from the restaurant, ignoring the surprised look on the face of the maitre'd'. He found his keys and punched the remote to unlock the door of his black Volvo.

"Pete, wait!" From the sound of Aaron's voice, he was close behind.

Peter wanted to get in his car and lock the doors before the other man reached him. If Aaron stepped in front of his car, God help him, because at that moment, Peter thought he might run the sucker over.

"Wait!" Aaron grabbed the car door just before it closed.

"Let go," Peter snarled through gritted teeth.

"Please, just let me talk for two minutes. Then, if you want to leave, you can. Two minutes."

Staring straight ahead, Peter replied, "Clock's ticking."

Aaron's words rushed out, sounding like one long sentence. "I'm sorry. Seeing you again shocked the hell out of me. I was confused and conflicted and behaved just like you said, a total asshole. I tried to fight the feelings I had for you by being rude and obnoxious. I think you'll remember, that's really not my style."

Peter glanced at Aaron crankily. "You pulled it off pretty well."

Aaron smiled. "Maybe I should have gone to acting school. I'm sorry, Pete. I really am. I was an idiot. I'll apologize to Marsha if you want, but first, I need you to forgive me." Aaron paused to gulp a breath.

Peter couldn't believe his ears. Is this guy to be believed? He turned his head and looked up at Aaron. "You still have one minute. You're a man who uses words to make a living. Talk to me and convince me you're sincere."

Aaron leaned in closer. "I do my best convincing without any words at all. If you'll unlock that other door, I'll crawl in and explain it to you very clearly."

"You have got to be fucking kidding me. You think sucking my cock is the key to forgiveness for the way you've been behaving? That your mouth is so special, one blowjob and I'll forget everything that's happened between us?"

Licking his lips, Aaron grinned. "Yes."

Peter stared at the face that had once turned his world upside down. So much time had passed. So much bad blood had passed between them. He scowled and pushed the unlock button on his armrest. "Get in."

Aaron was around and in before Peter had time to change his mind. Not that I would. The handsome, blond-haired hunk was on him in a flash, kissing with a passion and hunger that rivalled his own. Peter pulled back long enough to ask, "We staying here?"

"You can go if you want." Aaron's mouth trailed down his neck. "I've got some serious cock to suck, but you might remember I can do that while you drive."

Peter groaned and leaned back. "We'll go to my place."

Copyright (C) 2009 Jamie Hill



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Dilemma of the Heart


My post-Civil War romance story, Dilemma of the Heart, released yesterday. I’m very excited about this release as it is my first historical with The Wild Rose Press.

Blurb:
Cassandra Huddleston has a dilemma. Her heart still resides with her sweetheart, Frederick Adair, reported as killed in action at the close of the Civil War. Now she has a new suitor, Emerson Bryce, powerful, attractive, and dominant; he usually gets what he wants. Cassandra must decide if she can forget the man of her heart and learn to love the man offering her a future.

As she struggles with her feelings, Cassandra is faced with the possibility that Frederick’s death might have been greatly exaggerated. If that is true, will Emerson be willing to let her go?

Excerpt #1
Placing her hat on the bench, she removed the golden charm from around her neck and held it in the palm of her hand. She opened it and admired the lock of lovely golden brown hair held inside. She touched the strands of Frederick’s hair, the softness causing deep emotions to stir within her. A hand came to her mouth to stifle the sob forming in her throat. With him, she had formed all her hopes and dreams. All that was gone. Now the future only seemed to spread before her like an empty, desolate land.

Lord, why? Why did you allow Frederick to die? Why did he have to leave me? Why? Huge tears began to tumble down her cheeks.

Snapping the locket shut, she shot to her feet as her hands bunched into fists. These thoughts were a poison to her soul. It was as if she was determined to make herself continue in perpetual grief. Her life had become a vale of tears and she was tired of it. She had to let him go if only to allow her heart to rest. She knew that would only come by allowing God to heal her pain but she couldn’t. If she permitted herself to stop hurting over Frederick, it would be like admitting she had forgotten him.

Excerpt #2

Frederick began to move toward her, his strides determined and sleek. “And how shall I address you when you’re married?” His voice drawled into a low and provocative tone, making her heart give a little leap.

She made the mistake of gazing into those deep, wonderful eyes of his and forgot to breathe as his eyes, no longer playful, seared into her, down to her beating heart. When she was finally able to gulp some air, her lungs began to pump again. “You may call me Cassandra as you always have…I hope.” Her voice came out breathy and weak.

“Oh, no, I don’t believe that would be proper.” He stepped right in front of her face and touched his forehead to hers. In that moment, it felt as if a dozen butterflies had been released inside her stomach. He grabbed her around the waist, but before he had the chance to kiss her, she returned to her senses. Pushing off from his chest, she moved down toward the stalls, keeping her back to him as she held a hand over her galloping heart.



Available Now at The Wild Rose Press.


Cindy
http://cindykgreen.com/
http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com/

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EROS' VALENTINE by Cat Johnson

When the god of love and sexual desire finds himself bored with both, can a Valentine’s Day trip to the mortal realm and one woman cure him of his malaise and remind him of passions long forgotten?



Excerpt (PG13)

Considering his choices, Eros took in the scene within the bar until one woman sitting alone caught his eye. She was lovely, as far as mortals went, which is what made it even stranger that she was alone. Though she was waiting for someone, judging by the way she continuously peered over her shoulder at the entrance, when she wasn’t consulting what Eros recognized as a phone.

With a huff, she observed her watch and then the phone, followed by the door one more time, just as Eros opened his mind to her. The moment he dropped the mental barrier he usually kept in place, the waves of emotion that radiated off of her struck him like a physical blow. The rich tapestry of feelings drew him to her, and before he knew it, he had risen and was seated next to her. Her deep emerald eyes were trained upon him as all she felt filled his body. Anger. Hurt. Jealousy. Doubt. Insecurity. And below that all, the underlying cause, the unfulfilled desire to be loved.


“I am really not in the mood for a pick up line, so if that was your plan, save it.” Then she laughed. “Although, I should take you up to that overpriced hotel room I just paid through the nose for and fuck you until neither of us can walk. That would teach him!”


Eros raised his brow and considered that. “I’m afraid I don’t know anything about pick up lines, but that second part you mentioned I’m very well versed in.”


ALSO BY CAT JOHNSON
LOVE'S IMMORTAL PANTHEON: ERATO

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