The Blind Date: Episode 8
This is a serial novel that will run on my blog through the spring. I’ll post a new episode of one or two chapters every Friday.
BLURB
One night changes everything…again.
Years ago when Ryan Stewart saw Shawna Ferguson, it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a free man, and his deception caused him to lose her after a weekend that changed his life.
When Shawna’s sister and brother-in-law set her up on a blind date, she has no idea it’s with Ryan, with whom she’d spent a weekend she wishes she could forget. She reluctantly agrees to finish the date with him, but doing so leaves her vulnerable to his charms and the heat he ignited in her that very first night.
Meet the characters Episode One Episode Two Episode Three Episode Four Episode Five Episode Six Episode Seven
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Ryan awoke with a start and sat up, his subconscious alerting him that he wasn’t in his own bed. He looked around the small space and gradually his memory came back. He was in Shawna’s bedroom.
He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and swung his legs off the bed, squinting at the sun coming in through the window. She must be downstairs already because he didn’t hear her in the adjoining bathroom.
Smiling to himself, he stood up, thinking about the night before.
Shawna.
He was behaving like a man experiencing his first love, but maybe that description was accurate. He’d never felt this way about anyone.
The experience with Shawna in Chicago had become the benchmark by which he measured every other woman. It didn’t make sense when he considered they’d only had those two days, but no other woman had ever made him feel such an intense attraction. Not a single one, and it wasn’t for lack of trying to recapture the feeling.
One by one he lifted his clothes from the floor and put them on before he went downstairs in search of her.
He found her in the kitchen, wearing a white silk robe, looking out the window over the sink. He walked toward her. “Good morning.”
“Morning,” she greeted over her shoulder. He knew what she was doing. Over thinking, over analyzing.
Shawna sipped her coffee. She was reliving what had happened and hiding from her feelings and what she’d done.
She’d gotten so caught up, not bothering to think about what it all meant. This morning she’d woken up and tried to figure out if this meant they were a couple, or was this one of those odd reconnects with no real definition. And if it was, could she handle it?
Her life was as near to perfect as it could be. She owned her own place in an exclusive part of town, she had a successful business and a clique of close girlfriends she could call on any time she needed companionship. But Ryan added a dimension that she hadn’t anticipated, and it threatened to disrupt her peaceful life.
She wanted to do the modern thing and act as if sleeping with him had been no big deal, but it was a big deal to her.
“Coffee?” she asked.
“No.” She heard him come closer. “Can I tell you what I really want this morning?”
“Sure. Would you prefer tea or juice?”
“Neither,” he said quietly. “I’d rather have you.”
Shawna closed her eyes and tightened her fingers around the mug before carefully setting it on top of the counter. “You had me last night,” she said, in an effort to resist the inevitable outcome.
“I want you this morning, too.” He grasped the back of her neck, and she shivered at his touch. His rough thumb moved back and forth over her skin. He pressed against her, his erection hard and long against her backside. “You feel that?” he said, his voice a husky whisper. “This is me all the time, every time I’m near you. I can’t keep my hands off of you.”
They had a similar problem. She’d been aroused long before he even touched her. Closing her eyes, Shawna fought back the moan building up in her chest. She remained in a constant state of arousal around him.
Her head fell back, and he kissed the underside of her jaw.
She touched his rough cheek with the back of her fingers, turning her head so he could kiss the corner of her mouth. The silk of her robe brushed along her inner thigh, feeling way too sensual in a way it never had before.
Was there no end to the ways in which he affected her?
Turning completely around, her eyes sought his, seeking some kind of answer, but only finding the lazy smile that seemed to hover perpetually around his mouth.
He unfastened the belt and slid the robe from her shoulders, letting his hand glide along her arms on its way down. A heavy heat settled between her thighs as she watched his appreciative gaze scan her naked form, his eyes darkening to cobalt blue as he pulled her closer.
She slid a hand around his neck and dragged his head down to hers. Their kiss deepened, and she lost the ability to think. But thinking could come later.
Right now, she just wanted to feel.
****
Shawna awoke slowly. The curtains were closed, so no light came in. She’d fallen asleep after she and Ryan made love again.
She looked around the room in search of him, and her gaze landed on a note propped against the lamp beside the bed. He’d torn a page from her small pad on the desk in the corner.
Had to go in to the shop. I’ll call you later.
She lifted the piece of paper and ran her finger over it. This was the first time she’d ever seen his handwriting. The script was bold and heavy. Masculine, like him.
The house phone beside the bed began to ring, and she answered after checking the caller I.D.
“Why haven’t you called to tell me what happened last night? Am I going to have to beat it out of you?” Yvonne asked. She could tell her sister was in the car and heard her niece and nephew talking in the back seat.
“Whatever happened to hello?” Shawna asked, stretching and stifling a yawn. She placed the note back on the bedside table and sat up against the pile of pillows. She really needed to get her butt out of bed, but it was Saturday and she felt lazy. Good sex and plenty of orgasms could do that to a person. The boutique was in good hands with her employees, but she’d check on them after she ended the call.
“Since we’re sisters, we’re not limited to such formalities,” Yvonne said. “Now spill it.”
“We had a nice time,” Shawna said cautiously, wondering how much she should divulge.
“Hmm…that’s vague.” Yvonne paused. “William thinks he’s a great guy, and when I met him, I thought so, too. How do you feel about him?”
“He’s fine.”
“So, how serious was it in Chicago? You never told me about him.”
“That’s because it wasn’t serious.” Shawna dreaded the fallout from her next words. “We met right before I left Chicago, and um…he had a girlfriend he didn’t tell me about.”
“What! I remember you didn’t seem like yourself when you came home. Why didn’t you tell me? I’m so sorry. If I’d known I wouldn’t have set you up on a date with him.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“How did you feel when you saw him again?”
Shawna shrugged, though her sister couldn’t see her. “Angry at first, but then…” Shaky, desperate, achy.
“But then…?”
She might as well confess everything. “We had sex.” She heard a series of car horn honks and sat up in alarm. “Yvonne, are you there? Is everything okay?”
“I have my babies in the car. You can’t just spring that on me while I’m driving. Plus, I’m pregnant.” Yvonne had a habit of using her pregnancy as an excuse for every mishap, miscommunication, or mishandling of any situation. “Are you guys okay back there?”
“Yes, Mommy!”
“What does being pregnant have to do with anything?”
“You’ve never been pregnant, so you wouldn’t understand. I take it you’re going to continue seeing him?”
“Yes, but I want to take things slow.” She rushed on to thwart the snappy comment she knew her sister would make. “I can still take it slow even though we’ve already slept together. Who knows, maybe we can keep it physical and just enjoy each other for now.”
“You’re not the kind to have S-E-X and remain detached, so don’t pretend that you are.” Yvonne had lowered her voice so the kids couldn’t hear her in the back.
“Can I please have my moment?”
“No, because you’re being ridiculous. If you’ve already done you-know-what, it’s obvious you have strong feelings for him. Why not just go with it?”
“I’m not jumping into a serious relationship with the first man I’ve started seeing in months.” She didn’t even know if Ryan wanted a relationship. “There are plenty of other men out there I could date.”
“Like who?”
“They’re out there.”
“First you complain there are no available men—wait a minute, he is available now, isn’t he?”
“Yes.” At least that’s what he said. Surely he wouldn’t lie to her about that twice.
“Now you have a man who’s interested, and you want to take it slow. But you’ve already you-know-what with him. I think that ship has sailed, honey.”
“I don’t need your voice of reason right now.”
“And what about Jerome?”
Shawna plucked at the sheet. “What about him? There’s nothing going on between us. We’re friends, that’s all.” She and Jerome had dated a few times, but it didn’t work out.
“He’s your neighbor, and he’s going to see Ryan coming and going.”
“And…? We’re friends.”
“He’s always so helpful, lurking around—”
“Lurking?”
“—acting like his only concern is being a good neighbor. I don’t trust him. No man hangs around like that without an ulterior motive. At least that’s what William said, and he’s a man, so he should know.”
“We talked after we stopped dating, and we both agreed we were better off as friends. Sometimes he can be a little pushy, but it’s hard to cut him off when he’s been so nice to me. I wouldn’t want to hurt his feelings.”
“You know what your problem is?”
“I’m sure you’ll tell me.”
“You’re too nice.”
“There’s no such thing.”
“Yes, there is. You’re a perfect example of it.”
“Are you done?”
“For now.” Shawna heard the worry in her sister’s voice when she spoke next. “One last thing. I know I joke a lot, but be careful with Ryan. I don’t want to see you get hurt, and I’ll feel terrible if I had any part in it because I got you two back together. You say you want to take things slow, but it doesn’t seem like you have. You seem to be all-in with this guy already. I hope you know what you’re doing.”
Shawna had the same concerns as Yvonne—that she was in over head. They both knew she wasn’t much of a risk-taker.
“I hope I know what I’m doing, too,” she admitted.
(Click the next page for Chapter Sixteen)
Breaking News: New Harlequin Kimani Authors
Yesterday I teased my Facebook and Twitter followers by saying my girlfriends and I had some news to share. Well, I’m not going to beat around the bush. I, Delaney Diamond, am officially a Harlequin Kimani author!
I’ve been reading Kimani romance novels for years, and I’m excited to be part of their company and join a group of writers whose work I admire. What’s even sweeter is that my two buddies, my writing partners in crime, authors Candace Shaw and Sharon C. Cooper are new Harlequin Kimani authors, too!
How it happened
Last year, Sharon was contacted by a Kimani editor about writing for them. She told me and Candace about it, and the three of us sat on the phone chattering excitedly and discussing her options. Fast forward to January of this year, I checked my email and found a message from a different Kimani editor with the subject Greetings from Harlequin Kimani, asking if I would be interested in writing for them.
Minutes later, my phone rings. It’s Candace, and she received a similar message from the same editor. After we got through our screaming match, we—you guessed it—contacted Sharon. We set up a time for the three of us to talk. Before long we were on the phone discussing options again and what this would mean for our careers to write for a publisher with their type of reach and readership.
We agreed that we wouldn’t say anything until we’d all signed our contracts so we could announce our news together. I won’t bore you with the rest of the details, but Sharon finally wrapped up her contract negotiations, Candace was next, and they’ve been waiting impatiently patiently until I completed mine.
What’s next
Sharon and Candace signed a two book deal with Kimani. I signed a contract to write a novella
Rio de Janeiro Botafogo Flamengo Brazil (source: Wikipedia)
in a 2014 summer anthology with Donna Hill and new-to-me author Grace Octavia. The theme of the anthology is “mixing business with pleasure abroad.” My story is an interracial romance that involves the fashion industry, a sexy Brazilian, and a heroine he can’t get enough of. Rio de Janeiro, anyone? I might need to take a trip there – for research purposes, of course.
It was very important to me that I be able to continue self-publishing my own books, and Kimani was absolutely fine with that. However, they have their own deadlines, and even though my story doesn’t release until next summer, it must be completed by the end of this summer. Right now I’m working on More Than a Mistress, but I’ll have to set it aside in the next few weeks to work on the anthology story so I can satisfy my obligation to Kimani.
Conclusion
I call Candace and Sharon when I need to vent or bounce ideas off of someone. Bottom line, we support each other, and I’m so, so happy to be navigating this next phase of my writing career with my girlfriends!
To read about their stories, stop by their blogs:
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Readers, what do think? Do you read Kimani novels? Have you read anything by Donna Hill or Grace Octavia?
Contest and Jezebel by Koko Brown
My special guest is interracial romance author, Koko Brown. I’ve read a couple of her books and they were filled with humor and witty dialogue. Today she’s sharing details about her latest release, Jezebel, a romance set in the 1930′s, and she’s giving away an ecopy to one lucky commenter. Let’s get started!
Tell us about yourself…
I’m a Florida native with an active imagination. I started writing for others at the age of eight when I published a newspaper for my fellow classmates. After one bestselling issue, the principal put me out of business because it conflicted with the school’s official newspaper. Personally, I believe he shut me done because my paper was 100% better than what they were producing. When I’m not writing, I love to travel, sell/buy vintage clothing, go to baseball games to ogle all the players in tight pants (Go Nats/Blue Jays!), ride motorcycles and workout.
What is the most romantic gesture you’ve ever received?
The most romantic gesture I’ve ever received would probably be a marriage proposal. I’ve had four and turned down every single one. So…maybe they weren’t that romantic after all.
What type of music do you listen to?
I have a huge Love Jones for music from the 1950s.
What are your favorite types of movies to watch?
I’m a vintage type of gal (one of the reasons why I find nirvana in thrift stores) so my favorite movies are classic films. I’m a huge fan of James Dean, Marlon Brando and Betty Davis. Thank God for Turner Classic Movies!
What types of books are on your bookshelf at home?
I have all, and I mean all, of Johanna Lindsey’s books many of them with the original covers created by artist Elaine Duillo. I also have a ton of books from or by authors who were instrumental during the Harlem Renaissance.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
I could live anywhere in the world as long as I have a hot guy as a companion.
What is your dream car and why?
My favorite dream car is a 1959 Lincoln 300 in black with red leather interior because it screams cool.
What is your favorite body part on a man?
The V-cut in lower abdominals.
Tell me your favorite pick up line, and did it work on you or for you?
A line that seems to work with guys is, “hey superstar.” Don’t ask me why, but it works every time.
What inspired you to write your latest release?
I was inspired to write Jezebel because I’m essentially an old soul and I love that particular time period in American History. The early 20th century was abysmal due to the world wars, the economy and society’s misogynist/racist mindset, but the history and culture was so rich you can’t help but be drawn to it. I was equally inspired by the fact that most of my family is from the Harlem, NY area. My grandparents and great aunts/uncles moved there in the early 1930s during the Great Migration. They worked hard and played even harder, so the book is kind of a tribute to them.
Is there a scene in the book you particularly enjoy?
I think my favorite scene in Jezebel would have to be the morning after Shane and Celeste become intimate. Shane is acting like the typical man from that period in that he wants Celeste to sit home while he continues to be the breadwinner. She isn’t having it because she’s worked to become a headliner on the vaudeville circuit. Her dialogue in the scene was inspired by Marlon Brando’s iconic “I could’ve been a contender” speech from On the Waterfront.
You and I need to have a sit-down so you can tell me the secret to getting four proposals. Before we do that, tell us about Jezebel.
Blurb
Celeste Newsome is a good time girl with plenty of personal demons. The beautiful dancer holds them at bay with late night benders, plenty of hooch and the company of the opposite sex.
Determined to never let anyone change her bad girl ways, and risk discovery of her Achilles heel, Celeste is turned inside out when Shane Brennan walks into her life. The handsome prizefighter slowly chips away at the hard-hearted Hannah’s defenses and becomes the only man capable of taming her wild heart.
Excerpt
“You got me, daddy. Now what are you going to do?” Celeste asked, proud her voice didn’t quake like her insides.
“You’re a real party girl aren’t you?” He brushed his hands over her forearms and Celeste called on all her reserves and years of experience to keep from wrapping her legs around his waist. “You’re all fun and games.”
Not the least bit insulted, but the consummate flirt Celeste touched her finger against the tip of his nose. “There’s nothing wrong with having a good time as long as no one gets hurt.”
His green eyes darkened to a dark coffee color and his nostrils flared. Even though she wanted to run for cover, Celeste held her ground.
“Even at another’s expense?” he asked.
Called on the carpet more than once in her life, Celeste studied her polished fingernails. “There wasn’t any harm done.”
“No harm done?” Fascinated, Celeste watched his Adam’s apple bob with each syllable.
“Nope,” Celeste replied cheerfully. His dark mood seemed to lighten hers. Anger was so much more manageable than kindness. With a coquettish tilt of her head, she traced the edge of his jacket lapel with a finger. “Don’t have a hissy, daddy. All of this can be rectified quite easily. After tonight we’ll simply steer clear of each other.”
Celeste ignored the pang of regret her words caused. Somehow and in the most surprising way possible, he’d crawled under her skin. He made it impossible for her to think about anything except the two of them naked rolling around in clean white sheets.
“That’s not going to work for me. I’m calling in the favor and aim to collect.”
“You won’t get any objections here,” Celeste gushed in relief. Then in a purely submissive move, she placed her arms behind her back and leaned against the wall.
To her surprise, his gaze narrowed and she faltered. Had they not been on the same page? He didn’t help matters by simply standing there with his trap sealed shut. He was probably married, why hadn’t she thought of that earlier?
Embarrassed by her faux pas, Celeste felt her cheeks explode with heat. Thankfully, her dusky skin hid her humiliation. In an effort to save face, she ripped open her purse. “How about I even the score. Let me buy the next round.”
“I’m in training,” Shane reminded.
“You said that earlier, and yet you also sucked down a stogie. I doubt one of those can be good for an eight rounder.”
Shane’s eyebrow lifted as if surprised by her answer. She might be a floozy from Brooklyn, but as a performer on the road more than not, Celeste had seen more of the world in the past three years than most people would in their entire life.
“It’s ten maybe twelve rounds depending on the promoter,” he corrected.
Celeste blushed furiously. Not only had she failed at seducing him, but her attempt at impressing him fell pathetically short.
“Not many dames know the technicalities of boxing. I’m impressed.”
Even though she wouldn’t have admitted it to anyone, even under the threat of death, his compliment thrilled her from her natural roots to the tips of her toes.
Suddenly bashful and woefully out of her element, Celeste dipped her head. Not for long, Shane thumbed her under the chin until she met his gaze.
Buy it now: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance Ebooks
***GIVEAWAY***
Prize: An ecopy of Jezebel.
To enter, answer the following question below: Shane Brennan, the hero in Jezebel, is patterned after the quintessential matinee idol. He’s the tall silent type, a man’s man. What’s your classic movie star crush?
If you want to learn more about Koko Brown, you can follow her at Facebook or on her website blog!
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Readers, leave your comments and questions for Koko below. And don’t forget to answer the question for a chance to win a copy of Jezebel!
The Blind Date: Episode 7
This is a serial novel that will run on my blog through the spring. I’ll post a new episode of one or two chapters every Friday.
BLURB
One night changes everything…again.
Years ago when Ryan Stewart saw Shawna Ferguson, it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a free man, and his deception caused him to lose her after a weekend that changed his life.
When Shawna’s sister and brother-in-law set her up on a blind date, she has no idea it’s with Ryan, with whom she’d spent a weekend she wishes she could forget. She reluctantly agrees to finish the date with him, but doing so leaves her vulnerable to his charms and the heat he ignited in her that very first night.
Meet the characters Episode One Episode Two Episode Three Episode Four Episode Five Episode Six Episode Eight
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Neither of them said much as Ryan drove the truck toward Shawna’s home in Buckhead.
She sat with her arms crossed, staring out the side window, when the vehicle began to slow down. To her surprise, Ryan pulled into the parking lot of a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m getting doughnuts.” He got in line behind two other vehicles.
“Is this really necessary?” she asked.
He looked calmly at her. “It won’t take long. This is something I do sometimes after I leave work late. Thanks to you, I’m helplessly drawn to the “Hot Now” sign.” He looked anything but helpless.
The flashing red sign alerted passersby the glazed doughnuts—the signature item—were hot and freshly made. Shawna stared at it, since it was significantly less dangerous than looking at him.
Her stomach tightened as she remembered stopping at the store near Michigan Avenue and insisting he try one. They’d shamelessly gone through the box in the hotel room. When the last doughnut was left, they playfully fought over it. He’d been stronger and pinned her to the bed, but he offered to let her have it in exchange for a kiss. They’d then spent the next hour making love, the pastry completely forgotten.
Once Ryan placed the order and paid, he pulled out of the parking lot. Holding out the green and white box, he said, “You’re welcome to have one.”
Shawna could almost taste the sweet confection melting on her tongue. “No, thanks.”
“Come on. You know you want one. You have just as bad of a sweet tooth as I do.”
As if his cajoling tone wasn’t enough, he waved the box under her nose. She smiled despite herself.
“Fine. But only one,” she insisted, taking the box from him and opening it. Six freshly glazed doughnuts sat nestled against each other in the container.
Ryan chuckled. “Yeah, right.” He took one and shoved most of it into his mouth.
“Slow down, you’ll choke,” she chastised him.
He shrugged. When he could speak, he said, “I’ve been hooked on them ever since that day we had them in Chicago. I swear they lace these things with crack. That’s how they get you.”
Shawna giggled. “I wouldn’t doubt it.”
He reached for another one and they ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes while the truck rolled slowly along the long road. When she finished the first one, Shawna sheepishly pulled another from the box. “I don’t want them to go to waste,” she explained.
“You’re a martyr,” Ryan countered with amusement.
They smiled at each other, and Shawna felt warmth in her chest. She didn’t want that feeling. It meant she was getting comfortable with him. It meant she was enjoying spending time with him.
The white glaze covered the tips of her thumb and finger. The doughnuts were good, but they were messy. She placed her thumb in her mouth, absentmindedly sucking off the icing.
“Now why’d you go and do that?” Ryan asked softly.
She turned to him. “Do what?”
“That,” he replied, inclining his head toward her hand. “Now you have me wishing I was that finger.”
An unbearable sensation crawled across her skin, and awareness crackled between them.
Shawna cleared her throat. “I’ll use a napkin,” she muttered. “Please keep your eyes on the road.” She suddenly felt on edge and continued talking to keep her mind off of being in such close quarters with him. “How’s your mother?” Six years ago, his mother had been recovering from breast cancer.
“I told you about her?” he asked.
She nodded. “One time you mentioned her fight with cancer. You said you didn’t know what your father would do if anything happened to her.”
Ryan remained quiet for a moment before he answered. “She had a relapse a couple of years ago but was able to beat it again. My dad was a wreck, and the medical bills piling up made things worse.”
“Did your brother have to step in to help again?”
“We both did this time. It surprised my father that I was actually able to contribute. He finally admitted that my decision to leave college wasn’t a completely crazy idea.” He smiled ruefully.
“You can’t live your life for other people. You made the right decision for you.”
He looked over at her, a grateful smile on his face. “Thanks.”
Few words were said the rest of the way to her house. Aside from her giving him the occasional instruction on where to turn to get there, the only sound in the truck was the soothing soft rock music coming through the speakers. She handed him her keycard so he could swipe it and let them into the small community—ten buildings with two townhouses in each. When they pulled up in front of her home, she hopped out of the vehicle.
Ryan turned off the engine. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“I don’t mind.”
Acutely aware of his soft footfalls behind her on the walkway, a feeling of déjà vu stole over Shawna. At the front door, she rummaged in her purse for the keys. The neighborhood was quiet, which caused the sound of her searching fingers to be magnified. The darkness of the porch enveloped them. She would have to put replacing the burned out light bulb on her list of things to do, because she kept forgetting. She finally pulled the key ring from her purse.
Shawna hesitated before placing the key in the door. She didn’t want to appear ungrateful. She looked up at Ryan, feeling jittery and uneasy. He seemed bigger in the dark, with the moon and the night sky as a backdrop. “Thank you for bringing me home.”
He leaned in close and she stopped breathing. His voice was soft, caressingly low when he spoke. “It was nothing. I’d do anything for you.”
Ryan felt his body harden. The intimacy of the porch wreaked havoc on his senses, and so did knowing he was at her home. He’d told himself to back off, but he was right at it again.
She didn’t respond, instead choosing to insert the key into the lock. The light from a pole in the parking lot cast a faint glow across the skin of her neck, and he wished he could press his lips against her tender flesh and listen to her soft little moans as she became aroused in his arms. He was so engrossed in his thoughts it was a few seconds before he registered she was struggling with the dead bolt.
“Is it stuck?” he asked.
“Yes. Sometimes it gets like that.” She pushed and turned the key at the same time.
“You should get that fixed. Let me try.”
Instead of allowing her to move aside so he could work on the door, he reached around her, enclosing her in his arms. Any excuse to be close to her. He heard her soft intake of breath. He was as close behind her as he could possibly be without pressing his entire body into hers and letting her feel how much he wanted her. She stiffened as he placed his hand over the batch of keys, twisted, and pushed. The door gave.
“There,” he said.
Neither of them moved, and the temptation to press his face against the inviting crook of her neck and immerse himself in her smell overtook him.
Shawna felt his breath on her ear. Did he want to touch her as much as she wanted to be touched by him? Because right now she wanted to be made love to, the same way he’d made love to her before. The trembling fingers of one hand reached out to grasp the doorframe.
“Good night, Ryan.”
She felt compelled to say that, because she was worried that if she didn’t, she would invite him in. Part of her wanted him to come inside and remind her of what it was like to be blindingly out of control. Thoughts of him had decreased over the years, but she’d never truly forgotten him and what they’d shared.
His knuckles brushed the base of her spine, and her skin prickled under his touch.
“I’m not leaving, Shawna,” he said.
“What are you going to do? Just stand out here?”
“No.” His hand covered hers and stilled the trembling of her fingers.
“I’m not letting you in. You have to leave.” It was a last-ditch effort to save face, but spending the night together was inevitable from the minute she climbed into the truck with him.
“You don’t want me to, and I don’t want to.” He rested his head against hers and whispered the next words. “I’m coming in.”
(Click the next page for Chapter Fourteen***The next chapter contains material of a mature and adult nature that may not be suitable for younger readers. You must be at least 18 to read it.)
Fiction Novels by The Black
It’s been a while since I’ve had a male author on the blog. Help me welcome The Black, who is a multi-genre fiction author. Why does he call himself The Black? Here’s the answer in his own words: I call myself The Black because if the categories of stories that were born and live in my imagination were colors, then they’d be what colors become when they’re combined into one: Black. There’ll be many colors to read in the near and far future. I hope you enjoy them.
Let’s get started with the interview!
Tell us about yourself.
I’m originally from the New Jersey Shore (natives call it “The Beach”) but have been fortunate to be able to travel the world and meet many kinds of people. Besides writing, I’m a music and movie fanatic. I like racquetball, but don’t get to play enough. I’m teaching myself to play bass guitar. It’s fun but frustrating because I want to play like James Jamerson, Larry Graham and Bootsy, right now.
What is your favorite body part on a woman?
Legs.
What is the most romantic gesture you’ve ever received?
She chartered a limo to take us on a tour of Washington, DC and to dinner. During the ride she got down on one knee and proposed, to include a ring and lots of tears. We already knew we were getting married so that wasn’t a surprise; just that she wanted to propose as well.
Tell me your favorite pick up line, and did it work on you or for you?
My nephew asked an IHOP waitress, “Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven?” It made her smile, probably because my nephew was 12 years old.
What dish, when you prepare it, has everyone asking for seconds?
Spaghetti. I make my sauce from scratch. Sauce from a jar is a sin. That’s in the Bible.
On your road to megastardom, what types of interesting or odd jobs have you held?
Twenty-four years in the Air Force, then Government Software Licensing Specialist for a Fortune 500 company.
What type of music do you listen to?
Almost every type. I grew up around music and around people with a talent for singing or playing instruments, so I lean more toward music from back in the day. In my view the 1960s and 1970s were the greatest decades for all kinds of music, from R&B to Funk to Pop and Rock. And, we had such diversity in music then. The industry wasn’t trying so much to bite off whatever was popular and thereby creating a lot of fast food cookie cutter music.
How long have you been writing?
All my life. I’ve always had ideas for stories in my head, and long before I ever put word to paper. I still write that way; mental outline first, and then start writing.
Which of your books has sold the best so far and why do you think that is?
“Elle (Insatiable: Book One).” I think that one sold well because it speaks to a desire that most women have: to be able to trust a man enough that they can give over control with the assurance that things will be taken care of. Not just in sex and submission, but in life. This is not so much my opinion as it is the feedback I’ve received from women readers about the book.
If you could date the heroine from one of your books, who would it be and why?
Dr. Britt Chandler from “With Benefits.” She’s based on a real person, one that I knew when I was much less experienced in life and relationships. It would be interesting to see how I’d navigate her emotions using the knowledge and experience of a mature man.
Is there such a thing as too much sex in a romance novel? Explain.
Yes. I feel that every sentence in a story should have the purpose of revealing something about the characters or moving the story forward. Sex can be used for that purpose. But when a sex scene is thrown in just for the purpose of sex, then in my view it’s superfluous. Even in the Erotica genre there ought to be a story behind the sex, in my opinion.
What inspired you to write your latest release?
My latest release (coming out at any minute) is “With Benefits.” As the title infers it’s about two people trying to navigate a close friendship that includes them sharing physical intimacy. The story was inspired by a real life back in the day experience.
Where in the world did your nephew get that pick up line from? Or is that top secret? So, you’ve piqued my interest with your comments about Elle. Tell us about the book.
Blurb from Elle (Insatiable: Book One)
To her employees and friends, Gabrielle Archer is the epitome of the self-made, strong black woman. With her aggressive style and razor tongue she’s made it in a man’s world with room to spare and bodies in her wake. She’ll put anyone who crosses her – especially any man – in his place, and then she’ll despise him for his weakness. No man dares challenge her…except one.
Simon Bishop knows what buttons to push – not to ignite Gabrielle’s wrath – but to strip away her emotional armor to reveal the woman within – the woman she yearns to be: Elle.
Elle has no power and no control. Elle is free to give herself over to a strong man, a man she trusts to take care of her so that she can give all to him. And what Elle has to give is a fiery passion that knows no boundaries and no shame. Elle is the woman that every real man desires, and the woman that every other woman, deep in her heart, wants to be.
Excerpt
“So what work have you published?” Gabrielle asked Simon over dinner.
Simon said, “I have a couple of books on the shelves right now. I’m about to send the third to my editor.”
“Simon is being modest,” Felicia said. “He’s about to get a movie deal for one of his books.”
“Oh really?” Gabrielle asked, trying not to look too impressed. “Would I know this book?”
“It’s called Memoirs of an Insatiable Man,” Phillip said. “It’s been on the bestseller list for over a year.”
“I’ve heard that title,” Gabrielle said. “I thought it was something pornographic.” She felt Felicia kick her under the table. She ignored her friend’s warning. This is what Felicia got for trying to set her up again.
“Well, it’s definitely erotic,” Simon said. “But that’s not the point of the story. It’s about a man searching for answers about himself after his marriage fails.”
“And is this story of yours autobiographical?” Gabrielle asked. Let’s see how this dude handles being put on the spot.
Simon smiled at her, unfazed. “Every writer puts something of himself into everything he writes.”
“And what about you, Simon – are you insatiable?”
“Gabrielle, you’ll have to know me on a much more personal level than a book to find that out.”
His locked his brown eyes on hers, still wearing that little smile that she was starting to view as a little smug and a lot irritating. She stared right back. Let him be the first one to blink.
Felicia jumped in before the verbal sparring became a real fight. “Hey, we’ve been trying to get Simon to sell from our stores exclusively, but he’s not having it,” she joked.
That broke the ice. Simon turned his smile to Felicia. “As much as I like you guys and want to support black business, I need to get paid.”
“In America today it’s not about black and white,” Gabrielle said. “It’s about green. That’s the only color that matters.”
“Actually Gabrielle, it’s always about skin color,” Simon responded. “The thing is, our blackness doesn’t matter in America, and it won’t matter until we start to use the color green correctly. As a people we need to stop being only consumers, spending our hard earned green to make somebody else rich. We need to save our money; invest our money. We need to use our money as a base of power instead of letting it slip through our fingers as soon as we touch it. When our green starts to matter in America, then our blackness will also start to matter.”
Felicia clapped and said, “Preach, Dr. King, preach!”
Where can readers connect with you online?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackWriter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBlack_Writer
My Blog: http://theblackwriter.wordpress.com/
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Thanks for being my guest today, The Black. Readers, please leave your comments and questions below.
The Blind Date: Episode 6
This is a serial novel that will run on my blog through the spring. I’ll post a new episode of one or two chapters every Friday.
BLURB
One night changes everything…again.
Years ago when Ryan Stewart saw Shawna Ferguson, it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a free man, and his deception caused him to lose her after a weekend that changed his life.
When Shawna’s sister and brother-in-law set her up on a blind date, she has no idea it’s with Ryan, with whom she’d spent a weekend she wishes she could forget. She reluctantly agrees to finish the date with him, but doing so leaves her vulnerable to his charms and the heat he ignited in her that very first night.
Meet the characters Episode One Episode Two Episode Three Episode Four Episode Five Episode Seven
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Present day, Atlanta
“You never answered my question,” Shawna said. “How is Holly nowadays?”
“I haven’t seen her in a long time. We broke up.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Sorry for Holly mostly, because she seemed to love Ryan.
“Don’t be. It was for the best. She found the right man for her and married a dentist. They have two kids.” The waitress came by to check on them, and when they told her they didn’t need anything, she moved on to another table in her station. “How about you? Are you seeing anyone?”
“My sister wouldn’t have set us up if I were. Are you dating anyone seriously? Please answer honestly this time.”
A rueful smile twisted the corner of his lips. “No, I’m not, because no one compares to you.”
“Stop it. Stop making everything about me.”
“Everything is about you.”
“I said stop it, Ryan, or I’ll leave.” She wouldn’t fall prey to his charms again. After what he’d done, she shouldn’t even be seated at a table with him.
Silence extended between them, and in want of something to do, Shawna sipped her water. Her gaze arced over the rest of the diners. Some engaged in animated conversations. Others—mainly the ones with two people eating together—appeared more intimate. She easily discerned which ones were lovers. It was obvious in the little acts of affection, such as the man stroking the woman’s hand on the table near them. Or the couple seated in the booth in the corner, sharing a dessert with the same fork.
By contrast, she and Ryan made it obvious they were not lovers. They sat across the table from each other and hadn’t touched since they were seated. If she could move farther away from him, she would.
So different from how they’d been together before the reality of Holly intruded. Memories flooded her mind—memories of flirtatious laughter, play fighting, and making love beneath white sheets until every muscle felt drained of energy because she’d been thoroughly satisfied.
Dragging her thoughts from the past, Shawna drained her glass of water and signaled a passing waiter for a refill. She needed to cool down from the titillating thoughts. She also needed to do a better job of regulating which paths her mind chose to wander down so she could maintain the wall of animosity necessary to remain unaffected by Ryan.
“I wish you hadn’t left the hotel,” he said.
Her gaze swung back to him. “You mean after I saw you and your girlfriend? There was no reason for me to stick around. I certainly wouldn’t allow you back into my bed, and I’m sure Holly wouldn’t have approved of us spending any time together.”
“Don’t be too sure.”
“What did you say?” Shawna asked sharply. She must have misheard.
“I told Holly about us once she and I were back in Oklahoma. She forgave me—said that she understood if I needed to get one last fling out of my system before we settled down.” He laughed, an empty, hollow sound. A pained expression came over his face. “I wish things had been different. That you had been the one to forgive me and she’d been the one to walk away.”
“Don’t say that.”
“It’s true. I never stopped thinking about you. I tried to find you in South Carolina. I still thought about you, and I thought if I could get a chance to talk to you and explain, you’d understand.”
She’d changed her number shortly after she left Chicago because her sister had decided to move to Atlanta with her new husband, and Shawna had followed, seeking new opportunities.
“Understand what? You made me the other woman.”
“That was never my intention.”
“Well, what was your intention, because I don’t understand. Why approach me when you had a girlfriend?”
“I honestly don’t know. I didn’t think far enough ahead. I regret the way I handled things, but I couldn’t let you walk away without approaching you.” The rawness in his voice reached out to her, made her insides quiver. “Afterward, I decided to use whatever means necessary to hold onto you.”
“Even if it meant lying?”
“Yes.”
“That doesn’t make you a very trustworthy person.”
“I’m telling you the truth now.”
Shawna looked away from the intensity of his gaze. Playing with the napkin resting on the tabletop, she berated herself for the bit of joy that filled her with his words. I couldn’t let you walk away. Yet he had, eventually.
Head held high, she’d walked away with as much dignity as she could. Once out of eyeshot, she took off running down the sidewalk, uncaring of the stares of strangers and the tears streaming down her cheeks. She only knew she had to get back to the hotel and the privacy of her room so she could manage the unbearable pain of seeing him standing there with another woman, and the realization that what they’d shared had been a lie. She’d never felt pain like that before or since.
“You hurt me.”
“I know.”
“Were you ever going to tell me? Was what we did supposed to remain a dirty little secret?”
“It wasn’t dirty,” he said forcefully. “I swear to you, I was going to tell you. When I saw you on Sunday, outside my brother’s apartment, I was going to tell you. I just didn’t get the chance.”
“How do I know you’re telling me the truth now?”
“You don’t. But it is the truth. I’ll tell you the truth about anything. Just ask me. I know you have questions, and I want to earn your trust. Ask me anything, and I’ll answer truthfully.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes.”
Shawna’s fingers stilled on the napkin. “Were you in love with her?”
“The way I felt about her paled in comparison to the way I felt about you.”
“Answer the question. Were you in love with her when you slept with me?”
“It’s a terrible thing to say, but no, I didn’t love her. I’d had my doubts before, but being with you made me realize that I didn’t love her. I’d gone to Chicago to make a decision about my life, and you helped me make it.” He took a deep breath, as if bracing himself. “What else?”
“You said you broke up, but…did you ever sleep with her again?”
“Shawna…”
“You said I could ask you anything.”
“Anything but that.”
“Your response is my answer, but I want to hear you say it.”
His eyes looked steadily into hers. “Yes.”
She’d goaded him, yet now that he’d told her, the words tore at her insides. “Of course you did. You have quite the libido.”
“It’s not what you think. It was only after I thought I’d never see you again, and I—”
“Thank goodness you didn’t get our names mixed up.”
“Shawna, listen to me.”
“After I saw you with her, I kept telling myself it was a nightmare.” She started to shake, could feel her control slipping away.
“Shawna.”
“I didn’t want to believe it had happened.”
“I was young and stupid. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to handle the situation with both of you there.”
“You never even called.”
“I should have, right away, but I didn’t know what to say, and I thought you hated me. I didn’t think you’d accept a call from me.”
“I waited.” The pain-filled words fell between them like a bomb, shutting down the back and forth. Her eyes dodged his. She hadn’t meant to admit that. It just came out and she wished she could take it back.
He reached across the table, but she pulled back before he could touch her, placing both hands in her lap. She couldn’t stand it if he touched her. His touch wouldn’t offer comfort—it would simply cause more pain in her emotional state.
His fingers curled into a fist on the tabletop. “I went to the hotel as soon as I could, but you were gone.”
She looked across the table at him. “I never received a single message or a text from you.”
He shook his head. “I gave up too easily.” He leaned forward. “I’m sorry. I left the Haven hotel and I just wandered for a while. I couldn’t face Holly or my brother. I didn’t know what to do with myself. Everything was screwed up. I never touched her in Chicago because that was our place. You and me. Holly and I argued, and I—”
“I’d rather not know the details, thank you.” She still couldn’t look at him. She had no right to feel envious. She had been the other woman, but for two nights he’d been hers, and the fact that he’d wound up back in Holly’s arms opened a fresh wound.
“You should have never approached me that day on the street and make—” She’d almost admitted it. She’d almost said aloud what she’d hardly been able to say even to herself: make me fall for you, make me need you.
“I know I shouldn’t have approached you, but to be honest, I didn’t expect things to move so fast. Once we had dinner, I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t not spend time with you. Can you understand that at all? Can you comprehend a little bit of what I felt?”
She could. She understood it well because she’d been driven by the same strong desire to be with him. She didn’t want to feel that way again, because she didn’t know herself when she was with him. It scared her.
It was time to go. She started putting on her sweater.
“What are you doing?” Ryan asked in an alarmed voice.
“I’m leaving. I did what you asked. I had dinner with you.”
“We haven’t finished talking.”
“There’s nothing else to say.”
“We have a lot of catching up to do. I have questions.”
“I won’t be answering them.”
“What about you? Don’t you have any more questions?”
She set her purse on her lap. “You answered the only one that I cared about.”
“Shawna, I never touched her until we were back in Oklahoma—until I tried and couldn’t reach you.”
“I don’t care. What’s done is done and we can’t go back. Okay? Just let it go.”
He shook his head, his jaw hardening with resolve. “I can’t do that. I’m a different man than I was back then. You’re right, I should have never approached you. I should have never lied when you asked me if I had a girlfriend. I was selfish. I was an ass. But everything I did was because I knew you were special and I felt that we could have something special. For a couple of days, I was the happiest I’d ever been in my life.”
“I don’t want to hear this.”
“My life hasn’t been the same since the day I met you.”
Invisible fingers squeezed her heart tight. “Don’t.”
“When I saw you tonight, I realized nothing had changed. Give me another shot, Shawna. I’m not the same man.”
“I’m not the same foolish woman I was, either,” Shawna said.
“We had a connection, and you can’t deny that.”
“You’re a liar, Ryan.”
He swallowed. “Yes, but not about my feelings for you. Six years we’ve been apart. I can’t let you walk out of my life again.”
“Watch me.”
“You have to forgive me. Please,” he added with desperation, his eyes pleading.
Shawna rose from her chair, and the waitress picked that moment to come by the table. “Is everything all right over here?” she asked, looking from one to the other.
“We’re fine,” Ryan replied, keeping his gaze pinned on Shawna. He rose from his chair, too.
“My life is perfect, okay? No drama, no problems. I like my life the way it is.”
“I’m not bringing any drama.”
“Leave me alone, Ryan.” At the hard note in her voice, the waitress eased away. “I never want to see you again. Stay away from me for good this time. Do you understand?”
She turned around and started walking away.
“Shawna, wait!”
She didn’t slow down. She didn’t turn. She kept on moving until she was safely out the door.
(Click the next page for Chapter Twelve)
The Perfect Choice by Libra Rajani
Please welcome Libra Rajani to my blog. She’s sharing an excerpt from her latest release and admits to her biggest mistake as an author. Read on to get the scoop on this talented author.
Tell us about yourself.
Greetings everyone!
I am Libra Rajani and I am a romance/women’s fiction writer. Libra Rajani is a pen name I selected because occasionally I write erotic romance and my husband leads a slightly public life. I picked Libra Rajani because it defines me, Libra (searching for balance), and Rajani (the dark side). I definitely have one.
I am from Chi-Town, born and bred. I am the only female of three children born of my parents. I married my high school sweetheart; we have been married for twenty-eight years, and have three sons.
When I’m not writing, which is only twenty-five percent of the time, my husband and I love to sample unique dishes and travel to different countries, which is a great inspiration for my novels.
When is your favorite time of the day to make love?
Although I love spontaneity, I would have to say my favorite time to make love is between the hours of eleven p.m. and one a.m.
What are your pet peeves?
One of my pet peeves is people who can’t admit that they are wrong and in turn won’t apologize. Others would be cursing in public, leaving the lights on, spitting in the street, flatulence, and fatalism.
What are your favorite types of movies to watch?
I love romantic comedies, mysteries, thrillers, and tear jerkers.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
I would love to live anywhere that was warm all year around and near the ocean, preferably an island.
What is your favorite body part on a man or woman?
I love a man’s forearms and wrists with just a touch of hair, go figure?
Finish this sentence: You gotta love a man who…
knows how to take control.
Short answer choices:
Leather or lace? Lace
Long or short hair? Long hair
Fruity drink or strong liquor? Strong liquor
Heels or flats? Heels
Jeans or skirt? Skirt
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Glamorous girl or girl next door? It depends on my mood
Picky eater or adventurous? Picky eater
Glamorous makeup or au naturale? Au naturale
Sexy bed-head or sophisticated coif? Sexy bed-head
Did you always want to be a writer? If not, what else did you want to do?
I wanted to be a medical research specialist focusing on a cure for cancer.
How do you celebrate each book release?
I celebrate each book release with a glass of Pinot Grigio.
What has been your biggest mistake as an author?
Releasing a novel before I felt it was completely ready. Don’t submit to the pressure.
Why should readers consider buying your books?
I write books from the heart that women can relate to.
Which of your books has sold the best so far and why do you think that is?
I would have to say Soul Custody. It was my debut novel and it is full of drama, heartache, betrayal, humor, sex, and redemption.
What can readers expect from you next?
A novel titled A Temporary Woman. It focuses on Giselle Warner. She is a young conflicted woman who is torn between two worlds. She has to learn that if you don’t have love (the love of oneself or others) in your life, no amount of money will ever be enough. How do you like the cover?
Where can readers find you online?
Author Libra Rajani on Facebook
Blurb of The Perfect Choice (book 2 of the Soul Custody Series)
Tanya Campbell is full figured, full of life, and has no business on a ‘let me fix you up’ Caribbean cruise. But when Isaiah Scott promises to be the man of her dreams she is intrigued. However, once on board she discovers that he can’t make it after all. Thus, when a mysterious stranger approaches her and asks her to spend some time with him she has nothing to lose and agrees.
Malik Anderson has reservations about playing investigator for Isaiah, but he owes him a debt and giving him daily reports on Tanya Campbell is the least he can do. However, when he finds himself falling for her, text messages to Isaiah become few and far between. How can he choose between the mentor who shaped his future and the woman that he longs to be with?
After you’re done with Soul Custody and The Perfect Choice, follow Tanya as she heads to Chicago to help Gabriella and Matthew fight Devon in Soul Custody 2 Devon Returns. It will be released in summer 2013!
Excerpt from The Perfect Choice
Tanya sat in the Florida home of her friend Simone Holiday and listened to her go on and on. “Tanya Campbell,” she said with a pointed
finger. “I’ve heard everything about your horrible history with men, but after you meet Isaiah Scott, I promise you that this will be the year I hear you say, ‘I do’.”
Tanya rolled her eyes and poured more of the Mojito cocktail into their glasses.
Simone glanced up as she raised her glass. “What?”
Tanya nudged her forward. “What do you mean, ‘what’? If you’ve listened to anything that I’ve said, you know damn well that marriage is not on my vocabulary list. As I told you when I moved to Miami six months ago, I’m focusing on my career as a fraud investigator. If I can have some fun in the process, that’ll be even better.” She watched her friend shake her head and take another sip of her libation. She laughed. “Don’t look at me that way. Most people don’t find their soul mate in high school and if they do, they don’t stay with ‘em. My girl Gabriella can attest to that.
“I know I’ve been fortunate on the love front, but you can too if you just give yourself a chance.”
Tanya nodded and knew that Simone Holiday’s was well intentioned. For the past three months, she’d listen to her brag about her half-brother Isaiah Scott. Her mother remarried an up and coming real estate broker. When good investments paid off, her mother never had to work and Simone wanted for nothing. She worked as a volunteer at a hospital. That’s how they met. Tanya sprained her ankle trying to climb one of those rock walls. Nevertheless, for the most part, Simone had nothing but time on her hands. Now, her main objective in life was to find all of her single friends a husband. Tanya was next on the list. All she heard was, “Isaiah’s so wonderful. He’s such a good catch.” Simone didn’t even know what he looked like let alone who he was. Her mother was never married to her biological father who lived in Chicago and when Simone was two years old, he later moved out of Illinois all together. Simone never knew an Isaiah existed until a year ago.
According to Isaiah, when his mother recently died, he looked through some of her papers and discovered their wayward father had another child. He was elated and immediately looked Simone up. They’d been emailing once a month ever since. Simone was just as ecstatic and through the correspondence, discovered that he was the product of a previous relationship his father had, five years before her birth. Isaiah was a lifetime Chicagoan and the notable founder of a youth program there. As a result, he was the recipient of several awards and doing well for himself.
In any case, meeting Isaiah was the reason for the girl’s night. Simone was trying to convince her once again to go on a cruise so that everyone could finally meet. Isaiah relayed to her that he was looking to settle down. She in return, relayed to him that she knew the perfect woman. He was more than eager to jump aboard.
Buy it now on Amazon
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Thanks for being my guest, Libra! BTW, I like the same kinds of movies you do, and I’d add action movies to the list. Readers, leave your comments or questions below.
The Blind Date: Episode 5
This is a serial novel that will run on my blog through the spring. I’ll post a new episode of one or two chapters every Friday.
BLURB
One night changes everything…again.
Years ago when Ryan Stewart saw Shawna Ferguson, it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a free man, and his deception caused him to lose her after a weekend that changed his life.
When Shawna’s sister and brother-in-law set her up on a blind date, she has no idea it’s with Ryan, with whom she’d spent a weekend she wishes she could forget. She reluctantly agrees to finish the date with him, but doing so leaves her vulnerable to his charms and the heat he ignited in her that very first night.
Meet the characters Episode One Episode Two Episode Three Episode Four Episode Six
CHAPTER NINE
Chicago, Sunday, six years ago
After taking a quick shower, Ryan dressed hurriedly in the bathroom. He’d only come back to change clothes and drop off his brother’s car. The past two days with Shawna had been the best days he could ever remember. At his request, she agreed to stay an extra day and fly back to South Carolina tomorrow, taking an afternoon flight instead of the one she’d had booked.
He needed time to think, because he hadn’t been able to get much thinking done while in her presence. He’d been so focused on her and how she made him feel.
When he’d told his brother about his feelings for her, he’d asked Ryan if he was crazy. “You have to stop being so impulsive, Ryan. It’s exciting now, but how long will that last? You don’t even know this girl. Have your fun, but don’t throw away a solid relationship for someone you just met.”
Ryan knew he just didn’t understand. Shawna wasn’t just some girl. He was falling for her.
As ridiculous as it sounded, he knew it was true. They’d only known each other a short time, but how else to explain this urgent need to get back to her? How else to explain the rush of excitement at the thought of laying eyes on her or the crush of pain he felt in his chest when he thought about her flying out of his life tomorrow?
He stared at his reflection. If he felt so strongly about her, he had to tell the truth, because no good could come from starting a relationship based on a lie. Today at brunch, he resolved, he’d tell her the truth and hope that she understood.
As he shoved his foot into the second tennis shoe, the doorbell rang. Quickly, he tied the shoelace and raced to the door. Peering out the peephole, his heart plummeted when he saw an unexpected face.
What the…?
Ryan ran his fingers through his hair, his mind racing.
The doorbell rang again, longer this time. Taking a deep breath, he swung open the door.
“Surprise!” The perky blonde dropped her bag and flung her arms around his neck.
Ryan returned a tepid hug. “Holly, what are you doing here?”
“Is that any way to greet your girlfriend?” She pouted up at him.
Holly Cullen was the reason he was in Chicago. He’d needed to get away from the constant pressure of marriage talk. It seemed everyone knew he and Holly were supposed to get married—their friends and family, Holly, her parents, his parents. Everyone except Ryan.
He’d known her forever. They’d gone to the same schools, and their parents were best friends, so their families spent time together often. When they were old enough to date, it was understood they would date each other, which they did, but broke up for a while when they went to college. They both moved back home after she graduated and he dropped out, and they’d been dating off and on ever since.
Eventually, Holly started hinting around about marriage, and his mother and hers added pressure. In his head it made perfect sense that marriage should be the next step in their relationship, but his heart wasn’t in it.
He cared about Holly a lot. She was wife material. She knew how to cook, worked at a daycare center, and was great with kids. But the more he thought about getting married to her, the more it felt like what others expected him to do. Not what he wanted to do.
“I didn’t know you were coming,” Ryan said, bringing her bag into the living room.
“That’s because it was a surprise, silly. Wow, this is nice.” Her mouth hung open as she walked deeper into the apartment. Ryan and his brother’s tastes were different. Where Ryan would have gone for a more rustic abode, his brother’s home was all sleek lines and modern technology. A remote controlled everything, from the lights to the appliances.
“It is a great place,” Ryan agreed. The almost two weeks he’d spent there had been pleasant, but now his refuge had been disrupted by the person he’d been seeking escape from.
“It’s gorgeous.” Holly flung open the drapes and looked down at the street.
Ryan glanced at his watch. He was supposed to meet Shawna for brunch in a few minutes. “Um, Holly, what are you doing here?”
“I came to see you, Ryan. You haven’t been returning my calls.”
“I’ve been busy. How did you get here?”
“I flew.”
There was no way she’d just bought a ticket on the spur of the moment to come out and see him. It would’ve been cost-prohibitive, so she must have bought the ticket long before and been planning this all along.
“I told you I wanted to come out here to think.” He tried to keep the frustration out of his voice, but he heard it creeping in.
“About what? Are you reconsidering your career in making furniture?” She asked the question with a bit of disdain in her voice. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that,” she added hastily.
Sometimes he wondered if she really loved him, or was she just in love with the thought of getting married. Or was she simply going along with everyone else’s expectations.
Her idea of the perfect spouse was a professional man with a degree wearing dress shirts and ties and going into the office everyday. She’d bragged about him when he was studying information systems, but when she found out he’d left college, she hadn’t been pleased. She hadn’t understood his passion for his work, and for a few days they didn’t speak after he told her. Then out of the blue, she called and said she could work with it.
By contrast, Shawna hadn’t batted an eye when he told her about his career choice. She hadn’t judged him for being a college dropout, and in fact she’d been curious about his work and asked him questions about the types of machinery he used and the process involved from the blueprint to the finished product.
“I’m not rethinking my career. I came out here to think about my life and my future, and I wanted to do that without any distractions.”
Her brow wrinkled with concern and she pouted. “Your life and your future are our life and our future. I’m here to help. Aren’t you happy to see me?” This was why he needed to get away. She was suffocating him, and he felt cornered by her desire for marriage.
Now he felt like a pile of horse dung. Holly had a way of manipulating him with guilt. He knew he was being manipulated, yet he allowed it to happen. “Of course I am,” he lied. “I’ve been thinking about you.” Though not in the way she thought.
“Good,” she said with a sigh. “For a minute, I thought you didn’t want to see me.” She laughed as if the very idea was ridiculous.
Now would be the time to broach the topic of their relationship, but he chickened out. She’d come all this way to see him, and he didn’t have the guts to tell her that he’d met someone. And was his brother right? Was he throwing away his future?
“I’ve been worried about you, Pooky Wooky.” She walked over and circled her arms around his neck, while at the same time Ryan tried not to wince at the pet name. When his friends had found out about it, they’d ragged him mercilessly for months.
His mind shifted gears to Shawna. Sexy, curvy Shawna. It had been hard as hell to leave her this morning. The only thing sustaining him was the promise to meet up again. He couldn’t wait to climb into bed with her one more time and run his tongue along the curvature of her hip, suck those dark brown nipples—which he’d come to think of as his own—into his mouth to savor and enjoy while she gasped with pleasure.
“Ooh, you do miss me, don’t you?” Holly reached down and covered his hard-on.
Ryan laughed uneasily and pulled his pelvis away from her. “Whoa, let’s slow down for a minute. I don’t have any condoms, so we can’t do anything.” That was a boldfaced lie because he’d bought a new pack. They weren’t all gone, but he’d put in a good effort to get rid of as many as he could with Shawna. “Are you hungry? I was about to go eat.”
Holly’s mouth puckered into another pout. She rubbed his chest. “I’d rather stay here with you, but I can’t let my man starve. Let’s go put food in your tummy. Then I’ll be your dessert.” She rose up on her toes and gave him a quick peck on the mouth.
Ryan swallowed down his discomfort and followed her out the door. He didn’t know what he was going to do yet, but he knew he had to think of something fast.
****
Shawna sat in the lobby of the hotel waiting for Ryan. Maybe she’d misunderstood the arrangement. Were they supposed to meet here and walk to brunch together, or was she supposed to meet him at his brother’s apartment?
She tried calling him, but his phone rang several times before going to voice mail. She sent him a text and then went into the hotel restaurant to get something to eat. The menu items looked delicious, but she didn’t have much of an appetite.
While a string quartet played soft music in the background, Shawna sat in the ornately decorated dining room, worried that she’d misread Ryan. They’d been getting along so well. Surely it hadn’t all been pretense on his part.
She’d hoped they could stay in touch, that their romance wouldn’t be reduced to a two-night tryst that didn’t have a future. True, he lived in Oklahoma and she in South Carolina, but they could continue to see each other if they wanted to make it work.
She’d wait a little while longer. Maybe she’d simply misunderstood, or something had come up. He’d respond to one of her messages eventually.
****
Ryan thought he’d never get away from Holly. He left her at the elevator and hurried out of the apartment building.
While Holly had discussed menu options with the waitress at the restaurant, he’d managed to send a quick text to Shawna and tell her he’d see her soon.
Now that he was on his way, he didn’t know what he’d say. The summer sun beat down on him, and he wasn’t sure if that’s what caused a sweat to break out on his forehead, or if it was the predicament he’d gotten himself into.
He couldn’t spend the night with Shawna while Holly was here. He couldn’t spend the night with Holly when he’d asked Shawna to postpone her trip home so they could have more time together. He had to choose, and the person he didn’t choose would be hurt. But which one?
He knew which one. The only real option was to tell Shawna the truth and hope that she’d forgive him. Then he’d have to face Holly and the fallout from her disappointment that their relationship was over. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he couldn’t think of any way to spare her feelings.
Outside the building, he called Shawna.
“Ryan? What’s going on? Did I get our plans mixed up?”
“No, you didn’t. I’m sorry, love. I had a…situation I needed to take care of. Where are you right now?”
“I’m—” She stopped, and that’s when he saw her.
They looked at each other from a short distance. Today she wore jeans, a white V-necked T-shirt that molded over her ample breasts, a wide belt, heels, and chunky jewelry. She always looked so put together.
“I came to see you,” she said softly. She sounded unsure.
Ryan lowered the phone and started toward her, determined to allay her fears and soothe away any doubts she had about what she’d come to mean to him.
“Yoohoo, Ryan, there you are.”
He stopped moving and held his breath.
That was Holly’s voice behind him, and it resonated like a record scratch in the musical interlude of this perfect moment.
(Click the next page for Chapter Ten)
The Blind Date: Episode 4
This is a serial novel that will run on my blog through the spring. I’ll post a new episode of one or two chapters every Friday.
BLURB
One night changes everything…again.
Years ago when Ryan Stewart saw Shawna Ferguson, it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a free man, and his deception caused him to lose her after a weekend that changed his life.
When Shawna’s sister and brother-in-law set her up on a blind date, she has no idea it’s with Ryan, with whom she’d spent a weekend she wishes she could forget. She reluctantly agrees to finish the date with him, but doing so leaves her vulnerable to his charms and the heat he ignited in her that very first night.
Meet the characters Episode One Episode Two Episode Three Episode Five Episode Six
CHAPTER SIX
Chicago, Friday, six years ago
After circling the area several times, Ryan parked the car about three blocks from the venue. They took a set of stone steps below street level, where music poured from the open doorway of a townhouse basement.
A few men loitered outside, smoking cigarettes and watching the women walk in wearing their booty-hugging dresses and sky-high heels. The crowd was predominantly African-American and squeezed into a space too small to accommodate a group of that size, resulting in a fire marshal’s wet dream.
Stuffed into a corner on a makeshift stage, the deejay called out, “Did y’all come here to paaaar-tay!”
A resounding, “Yeah!” erupted from the dancers.
“This place is crazy,” Ryan said. His breath tickled her ear.
She nodded in agreement. “It’s always like this.”
They stood on the edge of the crowd, watching everyone shake and shimmy.
“Do you want to dance?” he asked.
As much as Shawna wanted to, she hesitated. How much rhythm did he have? “Why don’t we stand back and watch for a minute?”
He nodded. “That’s probably best. I’m not much of a dancer.” After a few minutes, he dipped his head to her ear again. “If you want to dance, go ahead. I’ll stand here and watch.”
“You came here to watch?”
He placed a hand at her lower back, and the touch sent sparks dancing along the base of her spine. “I like to watch.” His steady gaze held hers, leaving no doubt as to what he’d implied by the words. He straightened, his attention drawn back to the dancers.
Shawna rubbed the goose bumps from her arms.
“I’m going to get something to drink. You want anything?” Ryan asked. She shook her head. “Be right back.”
She watched him disappear to the other end of the room where a small bar was set up.
“Hey, you want to dance?” A black guy with dreads stood beside her.
She looked over at Ryan, who was now engrossed in conversation with the bartender. He had given her permission to dance, she reasoned.
“Sure,” she said with a shrug.
She and Dreadlocks squeezed between the myriad of bodies and started dancing, but after several songs, Shawna broke away from him when he got too handsy.
She looked around for Ryan. As the only white male in a sea of black faces, he shouldn’t be hard to find, but she didn’t see him anywhere.
She went outside and asked a couple of people if they’d seen him. No one had. She climbed the steps up to the street and looked back and forth but didn’t see any sign of him. She stood there indecisively, wondering if she’d offended him by dancing with another guy. But she couldn’t have, because he’d given her permission to. Hadn’t he?
She went back inside to search for him, and that’s when she saw him.
Shawna couldn’t believe her eyes. Her mouth fell open. Ryan was dancing, shaking his hips and bouncing his shoulders to LL Cool J’s “Jingling Baby.” His dance partner was practically doing a strip tease in front of him, tossing her long tresses and working her voluptuous body in a series of provocative gyrations.
The next thing Shawna knew, another woman danced up behind him and created a Ryan sandwich. He handled them both by switching back and forth, turning every so often to give each woman his attention, and even incorporated spanking motions with his hands.
Someone nudged her in the arm. “You better go get your man.” The warning was issued, and then the woman walked away.
As the song ebbed into another, Shawna made her way over to Ryan.
“Hey.” He smiled but kept on dancing.
“I was looking for you. Where were you?” Shawna yelled to be heard over the music.
“I was in the bathroom for a sec.”
“I’m ready to dance now.” She gave the women dirty looks.
Ryan stopped and smiled apologetically to both of them. When they walked away, Shawna narrowed her eyes at him.
“You played me.”
He flashed his teeth. “No. You played yourself.”
Chubb Rock’s “Treat ‘Em Right” started his shoulders bouncing and feet moving again, and Shawna shook her head and started moving, too. She was going to have to watch him.
****
The night air wafted across Shawna’s face and cooled down her heated body. “That was so much fun!”
The venue had shut down and the partiers disbursed, heading for their cars. Her feet hurt after being in heels all day and spending the last few hours dancing, but she didn’t regret it.
“Should I be offended that you sound so surprised?” Ryan had removed his tie and stuck it into the right pocket of his pants. He looked more relaxed with one button undone at the top of his shirt.
“No. What do you mean?”
“Didn’t think the white guy could dance, huh?”
Embarrassed, Shawna slanted a sheepish grin at him. “There’s not an anti-defamation league I have to answer to, is there?”
He laughed, the sound especially attractive as they walked along the dark street. “Not this time. I’m giving you a pass.”
“Thank you.”
Up ahead, a man with a handwritten cardboard sign on a food cart offered sausage dogs for sale. “Do you mind if I stop and get a bite to eat?” Ryan asked as they neared.
“Are you sure you want to do that? He’s always out here after the parties selling his overpriced hotdogs.”
“Right now, I’d mortgage my parents’ farm for a bite.”
“How is that possible? We didn’t eat that long ago.”
“We sat for a long time talking in the restaurant, and we ate almost eight hours ago,” Ryan pointed out. “Do you want anything?”
“No, you go ahead.”
They waited in line while others were served. When it was Ryan’s turn, he ordered a spicy sausage dog with everything and purchased a bottle of water. They started walking again, and he lifted the napkin-wrapped hotdog, taking a third into his mouth with a big bite.
“Mm. This is good.” He spoke around a mouthful of meat and bread. “Sure you don’t want some?”
Shawna looked at the sandwich. The alluring smell of onions, sauerkraut, and relish moistened her taste buds. “You don’t have cooties, do you?”
“No, I was immunized from them years ago.”
She grinned. She felt relaxed with him, as if she’d known him forever. “In that case…”
They stopped a few feet from the car and he held out the hotdog to her. As she opened her mouth, their gazes met. She became very aware that she was taking a bite from the exact same spot where his mouth had been. All of a sudden, the act seemed very intimate. The smile on Ryan’s face eased away, as if the same thought crossed his mind the moment it did hers. His eyes went from being filled with humor to darkening with something that looked very much like lust.
Shawna’s chest tightened, and she diverted her gaze to the hotdog, sinking her teeth into it and quickly withdrawing when she’d pulled off a small chunk.
“Good?”
She nodded, still unable to look at him. He offered his water, and she hesitated this time. A quick look at him showed he watched her closely. She took the bottle and their fingertips grazed each other, sending a pleasurable warmth throughout her chest.
After taking a mouthful, she handed back the bottle. “Thank you.”
They stood in silence for a moment before Ryan erased the small distance between them with one step. “Shawna—”
“I’m ready to go back to the hotel now.” She was starting to feel things she didn’t want to feel—hadn’t expected to feel when she came out tonight. A temptation that unsettled her and made her suddenly ill at ease. Ryan should have been a temporary diversion, but right now she felt he could be much more than that.
Among her friends, she was the good one, the one who always did everything right. She’d never had a one-night stand—only long term relationships. When she and her friends went out, it went without saying that she’d be the designated driver. But the more time she spent with Ryan, the less she wanted to be good.
Her priorities were to finish her summer job and open her own boutique. A man didn’t figure into the picture until later on down the road. Certainly not one she’d never see again come the day after tomorrow.
Ryan finished his hotdog and got into the car, and before long they were on their way. Shawna huddled close to the door, sitting as far away from him as she could, which didn’t seem far enough. The mood of the evening had changed. No more light-hearted banter or teasing smiles. A veil of tension settled over them, hindering the ability to speak.
On the road to the hotel, the weighted air wouldn’t go away. Ryan fiddled with the tuner on the radio and finally settled on a station playing music. At that time of night, slow jams filled the airwaves, and a woman sang an invitation to a distant lover in a sultry voice that only served to stretch Shawna’s nerves even tauter than they already were.
When they arrived at the Haven hotel, Ryan pulled into the underground parking garage instead of dropping her at the front. “What are you doing?”
“I’m going to escort you to your room.”
“You’ll have to pay for parking.”
“It’s not that much, and it’ll be worth it.” He shut off the engine. “Let’s go.”
Her hands shook as she grappled for the door.
The tension between them magnified in the quiet of the elevator, and so did the heaviness that had settled in her stomach. By the time they reached her room, she was a nervous wreck with sweaty palms and wobbly knees.
She fumbled with the key card before finally fitting the plastic strip into the narrow slot and hearing the door click open.
“Shawna?” His mouth was so close behind her that his lips brushed her earlobe, affecting every nerve from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.
“Yes?” The word came out in a breathless whisper.
“I’m coming in.”
She almost sagged with relief. Her eyes found his over her shoulder, and without a word, she led the way inside.
(Click the next page for Chapter Seven)
Fully Persuaded: 30 Days of Encouragement in Times of Trouble by Cassandra Baker-Durham
Today’s guest is Cassandra Baker-Durham, and the book she’s sharing is outside the norm of the types of books guests usually stop by to talk about. However, in light of what happened in Boston, it turns out to be timely.
Because of last week’s events, I find my emotions running the gamut from anger to sadness to helplessness. Normally, I’m an upbeat person and very little can get me down. I avoid negativity and tend to focus on the positive. But all the violence in recent months has really affected me: the children and teachers killed at Sandy Hook; Hadiya Pendleton’s murder in Chicago; the gang rape and subsequent death of a young woman in India, etc.
I’m constantly asking the question Why?, even though no explanation would be adequate and certainly wouldn’t justify these untimely deaths. I can’t imagine the grief of the victims’ families. So yeah, I’m really happy to have Cassandra on my blog today. Words of encouragement are just what we need right now.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, student, teacher and a new author. I was born and raised in the “Furniture Capital” of the world, High Point, NC. My first love is reading, which will probably be the thing that continues to hinder me. When I should be writing, I am sitting under a tree somewhere reading a great book!
I am also a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is the thing in my life that keeps me humble, grateful and appreciative because I know He made it all possible.
I am a graduate of North Carolina A& T State University school of Social Work. I received a Master of Science in Human Services from Capella University. I am currently completing a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry at Liberty University.
ARISE
We all have areas in our lives that are dead. In other words there a few things in our lives that are not breathing, growing, or changing. They are dead hopes, dead dreams, dead inspirations and dead relationships. We can get so caught up in the grief process concerning these dead things that we forget that we serve a God that creates life.
Perhaps you’ve started college, but for one reason or another are unable to finish. Perhaps you’ve wanted to start your own business, but because someone said now is not a good time to do that, you did not do it. Maybe God gave you a dream or a vision of how things in your life should flow but because you have disconnected from the vine (God) there is a blockage.
God did not bring you this far to leave you! But you have to do something too. Take off all of those grave clothes. Get out of grief gear. Pick yourself up. Go wash your face and get ready to command your day. Change your outlook, change your mentality, change your thought process and then you can change your future.
Consider the story of Ja-i-rus and his daughter in Mark chapter 5. Ja-i-rus’s daughter was sick. He knew that Jesus was coming through so he did what any father would do. He went to see if Jesus would heal his daughter. Our children encompass our dreams and hopes for the future. As they were going to see Ja-i-rus’s daughter they were interrupted. How many times have you been on your way to getting your dreams fulfilled and you are stopped by something or someone?
Ja-i-rus’s servants told him to trouble the master no further, because they girl had died. Jesus told him be not afraid only believe. That’s the same thing Jesus is telling us too. Just believe….Get rid of the fear…… God can do anything but fail. Jesus healed the little girl by telling her to arise. So I say the same thing to you this morning…Arise.. Arise out of your grave clothes. Arise… out of your depression and despair. Arise… out of your humiliations, frustrations and disappointments….Arise out of your troubles, your terrors and uncertainties…. Arise, Arise, Arise….& Live out your dreams, your hopes and your inspirations…Arise & Live!!
Mark 5: 41-42 41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. ~ Let your light shine!!!
Where you can find me online
Website: www.cassandradurham.com or www.saltlightandwitnesses.com
My new blog where I will be showcasing the books that I love and the books that I am currently reading: www.cassiesbookcafe.com.
Upcoming Release
I have a new book coming out this summer…my first novel, The Summer of Wrath: In her new book, Cassandra Baker-Durham takes readers on a heart-thumping ride where love, loyalty, and faith collide. How far are you willing to go to save a loved one? Are you willing to kill? A captivating, gritty look into human trafficking and the depths of a brother’s love. Wilson is an ordinary man with an extraordinary commitment to his family…Adventure, Sacrifice, Redemption-The Summer of Wrath.
Blurb of Fully Persuaded: 30 Days of Encouragement in Times of Trouble
Written by someone who has “been there and done that,” these daily devotions offer help, hope and encouragement to new Christians or long-time believers seeking spiritual refreshing. Each day contains a devotional that reveals truth, grace and wisdom to overcome life’s little ups and downs.
The book, Fully Persuaded: 30 Days of Encouragement in Times of Trouble, encourages readers to get back up, put on the whole armor of God and keep fighting the good fight of faith knowing that Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Excerpt
Day 4-If God be for us………
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? The enemy just loves, loves, loves to try and convince us that God is not on our side. Just reflect on all the stuff he shows us: sickness, disease and despair, economic destruction (for some reason likes to show us an image of us being homeless and helpless desiring to make us hopeless). He fills our minds with negative thoughts about ourselves. He fills our minds with negative thoughts about others, as well. He has the gall to make us think that people are talking about us as if, others are not too busy being consumed by their own problems.
But just for a moment consider every situation in your life…and know that not even that can be against you. Sickness cannot be against you. Evil plots of the wicked cannot be against you; your enemies can’t be against you, death, destruction and mayhem cannot be against you. Nothing, not one single thing can be against you successfully. You tell me who is bad enough to stand against OUR God. That means tests, trials, tribulations will come against us, but it will not work, it will not be successful, nor will it be victorious for those that sent it.
Meditation: Every time the enemy whispers lies in your ear about who you are, remember that he is NO MATCH for our God!!! ~ Let your light shine!
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Thanks for coming by my blog to share your words of encouragement and devotion. Readers, please leave your comments and questions below.
