Cover Reveal~

A Hades Abyss MC Romance

Delilah – I love my family. I really do, but having three older brothers and an overprotective father doesn’t make it easy to have a life. They’ve run off every guy I’ve ever tried to date. It’s time I made a life of my own, even if that means I have to leave home to do it. I never thought I’d end up in yet another town with a motorcycle club, or that I’d be working out of their clubhouse as a webcam girl. I enjoy the freedom, and the money. No one would ever believe I’m technically a virgin. I haven’t even been really, truly kissed much less done anything else with a guy before. When the club President, Titan, kisses me then issues a challenge, how could I possibly refuse?

Titan – I no longer looked at the girls frequenting the clubhouse the same way I had before. Being a dad changed my perspective, especially since I had a daughter. I still had fun, but it had lost it’s appeal. Then she walked in. Too young. Too innocent. Until she asked to join the webcam girls. The thought of strange men watching her made my hands clench. It was safer if only I had access to the feed, or so I told myself. Really, I’m just being a possessive bastard. Delilah will be mine, whether she realizes it or not. One kiss is all it takes for me to know she belongs to me.

WARNING: This book contains strong language, graphic sex and violence, and spanking. It also has a dog who’s too smart for his own good, a sweet yet sassy heroine, and a hero who knows there’s nothing more valuable than love and family.

Coming October 2020 from Changeling Press

Add to your Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55285204-titan

Beast #Contemporary #Romance #MCromance

I protect what’s mine – to the death. Fleur is mine. She’s about to find out why they call me Beast.

Fleur: Never in a million years would I have expected a woman I considered a friend to betray me in the worst possible way. Yet it happened. Drugged and in the back room of a BDSM club, I was about to be used in a brutal way. Until he exploded to my rescue.

Beast: I’m Salvation’s Bane’s enforcer. My job is to protect. So when I notice something amiss in the BDSM club Bane owns, I’m there to shut that shit down. What I find is a woman who ignites passions inside me better left alone. What will she think when she finds out the lengths I’ll go to protect what’s mine? I come by my name honest. When it comes to protecting my club, or my woman, I’m the most ferocious beast you could ever imagine.

https://www.changelingpress.com/beast-salvation-s-bane-2-b-3043

Thrill me – Tina Donahue

Tina Donahue is running a great giveaway via Rafflecopter to get the word out about her next great release THRILL ME. Click on the picture above to find out more.

Like your romance with a little kink? #BDSM #romance #booksale #discountedbooks

#Interracial #BDSM #Erotic #Romance #Bondage #Submission #Series #HEA

Cuff Me, Sir

Bonds of Worship 3

By Lynn Burke

Release Date: November 19, 2019

Blurb:

He promises distraction from her grief. She falls captive to his heavy hand. Luna fulfills Rian’s desire to be needed, but will the truth of who he is break her trust? PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/CUFFMESIR B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cuff-me-sir-lynn-burke/1134460936 Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cuff-me-sir iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/cuff-me-sir/id1485424927 Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/988435 Books2Read Universal: https://books2read.com/cuffmesirbow3 GOODREADS LINKS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48569866-cuff-me-sir

EXCERPT:

Natalie all but pulled Luna toward me in a pile of tulle and silk, one a fluff ball of white, the other wrapped in a horrid shade of yellow. A purposeful stride and determined glint carried Jordan’s new wife toward me. I focused on the woman whose hand she clasped, dragging her along through the tent. My gaze finally connected with Luna’s for the first time, and I damn near lost my breath. Little Luna Perez, petite Latina with lush tits spilling from that golden dress that tucked neatly around her tiny waist. Too damn young, but too damn hot to ignore. My dick swelled, and I turned my focus back on Natalie, raising an eyebrow. “What the hell?” I’d forgotten Brock stood beside me—a close friend of mine and the JAG owners—and our pilot. “Thought she was off-limits,” he muttered when I didn’t respond. “I thought so, too,” I mumbled a second before the two women approached, Natalie yanking Luna forward to stand before me. I lost myself in her amber eyes with their flecks of gold. But, Natalie had put her in front of me—I wasn’t about to ignore the gift of being allowed to look my fill. “Luna, this is Rian,” Natalie said, not sounding pleased in the least over the introduction. “Rian, my younger sister.” She huffed an exasperated sigh. “She needs a distraction.” I jerked my focus toward Natalie. “Excuse me?” “A. Distraction.” Her dark eyes glinted as she scowled up at me. “I trust you can give her something to think about?” Her words settled into my brain, jerking my dick in my damn pants. “I thought she was off-limits.” “I changed my mind.” Natalie didn’t sound too happy about that fact. “But if you hurt her—and you know what I mean—I’ll make you beg for death before I’m done with you.” Brock chuckled. I didn’t. I knew exactly what Natalie was telling me, and it wasn’t hard to understand why. My stomach fucking fluttered like it did when I used to be a kid and was about to try something new. I shifted my attention back on Luna to find her peering up at me with blown-out pupils, the pulse in her neck throbbing, her brow furrowed. Satisfaction sped through my system, hardening me to the point of nails. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” “You, too,” she said, her voice full of husk and lust. I clenched my teeth against a groan wanting to rumble up from my chest. “What are you doing, love?” Jordan asked from the other side of Brock. I hadn’t even realized he’d approached us. “Probably making a mistake.” Natalie released Luna’s hand, wound her arms through Jordan’s and Brock’s, sandwiching herself between the two men. “You have my blessing,” she told me, her pointed chin lifted and eyes flashing. “Just make sure you have her permission first.” “Of course.” “I better not regret this,” Natalie grumbled and turned, pulling my friends away in a rustle of silk. “Kick his ass if he doesn’t deliver,” she shot over her shoulder at Luna. Jordan glanced over his shoulder at me, his eyes full of threat. Hurt her, you hurt my wife. I dipped my head in acknowledgment of his unspoken threat and turned to find Luna glancing between Adam and me. “Well, that was awkward as hell,” she muttered, craning her head back to peer up at me once more. I studied her face, the freckles on her nose, her pouty lips, and the slight indent in her chin. Flawless—hot as fuck—and young enough I wondered if she knew what her sister had just done, what she’d given her blessing for me to do. Having a green light, however, I wasn’t about to waste time wondering. I handed my drink to Brock without looking at him. “Lucky fuck,” he muttered, taking the glass from me. Ignoring him, I held out my hand to Luna. “Care to dance?” She studied my hand, then my eyes. “Somehow I get the feeling booze might be safer than touching you.” I laughed loudly and when I sobered, I found one of her dark eyebrows arched with the kind of sass that shot an ache through my balls. “Give me your hand, little girl,” I said, my tone one most didn’t deny, “and I promise I won’t hurt you—unless you ask me to.” © Lynn Burke 2018

BIND ME, SIR, BONDS OF WORSHIP 1, IS ON SALE THIS WEEK ONLY!

Jordan knows everyone wants to use him for his family name and wealth. Natalie is forced to take on the heavy responsibility of a troublesome sibling. Can Natalie prove to Jordan that the only thing she wants from him is his love and dominance? Or will a misunderstanding cause Jordan to lose the submissive of his dreams? Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/BINDMESIR All other vendors: https://books2read.com/bindmesirbow1

ABOUT LYNN BURKE:

Lynn Burke is a full time mother, voracious gardener, and scribbler of spicy romance stories. A country bumpkin turned Bay Stater, she enjoys her chowdah and Dunkin Donuts when not trying to escape the reality of city life. Website: https://www.authorlynnburke.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Lynn-Burke-555282497937461/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorLynnBurke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlynnburke/ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lynn-burke

Follow Your Heart (Lust Bites)

Blurb:

She left love behind, but he followed his heart…and her.

Paige Havalland left her career as an attorney in her father’s law firm and the older man she loved for small lake-town living. She thinks love is something she can never have because of her new career. Then Ben shows up at her bed and breakfast, throwing all her preconceived notions about love and life topsy-turvy.

Benjamin Beckett has a plan for a future in the small town of Riverbend, Pennsylvania. The possibility of a new law office and being with the woman he loves calls him from the hustle and bustle of big city living. He’s sure he can reignite the fiery passion he and Paige shared two years before but convincing her that they can overcome her notions about their relationship will be a different story.

This is Paige’s one shot at true happiness. Will she push Ben away or follow her heart to have the life of her dreams?

Excerpt:

“You can’t leave,” he objected.

I sighed. “Why does it matter so much?”

“You know you mean a lot to me, Paige.” Benjamin ‘Ben’ Beckett ran his hand through his silver-toned hair.

“My body is important to you, nothing more than that. My father left me their old house in Riverbend. I’m going to turn it into a bed and breakfast. This law shit has never been for me, I’m not lawyer material.” I faced the window.

The sun had begun to hide behind the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink, purple, orange and blue. The end-of-the-workday whiskey I sipped burned a path down my throat into my empty stomach.

Ben grabbed me, spun me around and deposited my ass onto my desk.

“What the fuck?” I sputtered.

He pulled my skirt up my thighs and stepped between my legs.

I opened my mouth to object to the rough handling but stopped when our gazes collided. Heat smoldered deep in the depths of his blue eyes. “Look,” I said finally. “We had a lot of fun with each other, a lot of great sex. But you knew that was all it could ever be…just sex.”

Who was I kidding? I’d been head over heels in love with the man for three years, but we could never be more than what we were. I wasn’t lawyer material. I never would be. Staying on with the company after my father had passed wasn’t in the cards and I’d known for the last two and a half years that I wouldn’t stay here.

The blue of his eyes deepened in color, something I couldn’t read reflecting back at me. Lust pooled low in my belly, sending a wave of liquid heat through my core, dampening my panties. “What?” I finally questioned when I found my voice.

“Is that all I am to you, Paige? A good fuck?” He grasped my hand and placed it over his erection. “See what you do to me?”

“No, Ben. You aren’t just a ‘fuck’, as you so eloquently put it. But it can’t be more than that. It can’t.” I shrugged my shoulders.

He glared at me before crushing my body against his. “Fuck it.” He captured my lips, robbing my mind of sanity. My blood whooshed in my ears as passion flared to life. “Let me have you one last time.”

“Yes. Come to my place tonight,” I murmured between kisses.

Stepping back, he allowed me to slide off the desk and readjust my skirt.

“See you later,” I said over my shoulder.

With that, I walked away, fighting the urge to run. What have I done? I’d just invited the hottest man I’d ever known to my place this evening for what I hoped would be a marathon of sex.

I entered the ladies’ room, moved to the sink and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My doe-round blue gaze stared back, my pupils dilated. Pink flushed my pale cheeks. My chest rose and fell as my breaths came rushed.

My appearance matched my mood…horny.

Buy Links:

Totally Bound: https://www.totallybound.com/book/follow-your-heart

Books 2 Read Universal Buy link: https://books2read.com/u/m2ryJO

About the Author:

I live close to the Maryland border in South Central Pennsylvania. My husband is wonderfully supportive of me in all aspects of my life. I have a son who is currently serving our country in the U.S. Navy. My daughter is still in school. I’m blessed to have the three of them in my life.

From a young age, I remember burying my nose in a book. A love that my mother and father passed onto my brother and myself. From my passion for reading sprang my love of writing. My mind is so often full of story ideas from the wildly paranormal to contemporary. I have notebooks lying about with story outlines and character descriptions. A song or TV show can spark an idea which circles my mind until I put the idea on paper.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy spending time with my family, burying my nose in a book, and watching a vast variety of television shows from crime dramas to 1970’s game shows. I’m also a graphic artist. You can see my works of art at www.designsbl.wordpress.com.

Who doesn’t like a good Bedtime Story?

PreOrder Now Available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SYX5Y7F

 

This story’s about how Sam saved Troll’s Blog by coming up with one of the coolest ideas ever. Bedtime Stories Publishing…

Shelby Morgen — Troll’s Blog: Perfect skin, dusted a light powder blue. Bright burgundy Mohawk. 6’4”. Dark blue uniform. Big shiny gun. Yeah. I’m the Troll under the bridge. But if you’re reading my blog, you know that. That’s why I call it Troll’s Blog. Duh. But I digress. This story isn’t about me. Not exactly. It’s about my blog. And Sam. And another one of Sam’s great ideas. You’re gonna love it. Really.

Lena Austin — Ugly Duckling: Jean-Paul, incubus editor for Bedtime Stories Press has been assigned a new author. Dominick may be a fantastic author, but when he gets aroused, the situation gets ugly. Literally. Jean-Paul is sure he can handle Dom. Maybe…

Anne Kane — Pixie’s Playmates: “While the story had an engaging quality, I feel that the flavor of the sex was too vanilla for Bedtime Stories Press.” When Bedtime Stories Press review coordinator Pixie calls the reviewer into the office she finds out “B.J. Smith” is really two very drool-worthy males who want to demonstrate their toys. What’s a pixie to do?

Marteeka Karland — Shut Up! As official kitty of the Bar and Grille for the Bedtime Stories readers and authors, Callie has the last say in everything she does and with everyone in her vicinity. Then Troll makes a proclamation that could very well get someone killed. Anyone who can get the last word in on Callie gets to have his way with her in bed. It’s a proposition Eli can’t refuse. Callie’s about to get all the loving from Eli she can stand. If she can just shut up.

Note: Bedtime Stories in no way represents any actual publishing company. Any resemblance to the staff and authors of Changeling Press is purely coincidental.

That’s our story and we’re sticking to it.

PreOrder from any of these links HERE

Driven by Dragonblood

Hash Tags: #MMF #Shifters #Dragons #BDSM #Bisexual #Menage #Contemporary #Romance #HEA

Driven by Dragonblood
Blood Born Series 3
By Lynn Burke
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Release Date: May 28, 2019

Keywords: MMF, Shifters, BDSM, Bi-sexual, Menage, Contemporary, Romance, HEA

*WARNING: This title contains explicit sexual scenes, BDSM, and anal sex.

More dragonblood than human, Primrose Cadet yearns to find her fated mates and ease the loneliness of her secluded life. But with her beta behind psychiatric bars and the other denying his beastly nature—and hers—she’ll have to fight for them, even if it means exposing her heritage.

A manipulative voice in his head promising he can fly landed Jaxon Denham in the psych ward. Eighteen and legally allowed to finally leave his parent’s enforced prison, he searches out the golden goddess of his dreams, the one the voice within claims will give them the release they crave.

Doctor Patrick Macaire fought his inner darkness for thirty-four years, living a life of self-control and discipline to prove his sanity. When a barely legal boy and seductive siren threaten the foundation of his calm existence, he’s driven to battle the voice inside and remain untouched.

But fate is clever, and Patrick’s relentless mates won’t allow him peace, catching him up in unhuman-like passion that threatens his self-identity. Will he accept he’s an alpha dragonblood born to dominate his mates, or will his human side keep the three from fulfilling their destiny?
PURCHASE LINKS:

Evernight Publishing 25% SALE: https://www.evernightpublishing.com/driven-by-dragonblood-by-lynn-burke/

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/DRIVENBYDRAGONBLOOD
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/driven-by-dragonblood-lynn-burke/1131766341
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/driven-by-dragonblood
SCRIBD: https://www.scribd.com/book/411663768/Driven-by-Dragonblood
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/941221

EXCERPT:

The second night I’d stood cloaked outside Lockwood’s eastern wing, the need to be impulsive, something I’d never dealt with before, fought my better judgment. Regardless of my beta’s mental state, I had wanted to sneak into his room and allow him to have his way with me, claim me like my inner dragon longed for.
Luckily, my ancestors had kept informative records in the cavern’s library of my sheltered upbringing, so I understood all the possible sexual positions—and means of giving pain for pleasure—as most alpha blood born were known for. Unfortunately, I had no personal knowledge of such things, and my dragon was determined to undermine my will to wait for his freedom.
My fingers ached from grasping the chain-link fence to keep my human form in place. The energy linking me to the window strengthened and pulled taut as a shadow moved into view. Even with my dragon sight, I couldn’t make out the color of his hair or eyes, but as he turned his head side to side as though seeking out where the energy attaching us came from, I took note of a strong nose and full lips, a square jaw I wanted to lick and nip with my teeth as he thrust into me.
Arousal, hot and wet, rose between my thighs, same as the previous night, and I bit my lips, my dragon’s needy growl rumbling in my chest as my beta locked his gaze on where I stood, cloaked by a dragonblood gift and darkness.
Want.
My human form wanted, too, and I swallowed as my dragon attempted to take over in a burst of golden light I quickly squashed. “Soon,” I promised with a whisper.
Through the tall, barred windows, I realized my beta’s hand moved over his body, the heat in the energy linking us rising. Did he touch himself? He propped his forehead on the window, shoulder hunched as though in pain, and again, I fought the need to shift, tear through the fence and walls to free my beta mate.
His form stiffened, and head tipped back, and the most luscious race of tingles swept through me, settling in my core.
Need.
Lower lip between my teeth, I released one hand from its hold and slid my fingertips down over the front of my leggings where I throbbed. I gasped as the feather touch grazed the hardened nub at the top of my slit, and I rubbed back up over it, my hips bucking on their own as though he thrust into me, burying against my womb.
Heat exploded like a blinding light through the energy between us, capturing my human form and my inner dragon in a euphoric race to the stars. I cried out, unable to keep my lips sealed as wave after wave rippled through my body, pulsing my pussy where his hard length ought to be.
I gasped for breath, my stare on the window as he slowly moved away from sight seconds later. Wetness coated my leggings, the sweet scent of my cum rising to fill my nose.
Please.
My dragon whimpered with the need for more, for our beta’s physical touch, but I tore myself away from the fence and focused on the motel’s room where I would plan my silent, cloaked assault on the mental hospital where one of my mates remained locked inside.
I would free him come morning—or die trying to.

© Lynn Burke 2018

ABOUT LYNN BURKE:

Lynn Burke is a full time mother, voracious gardener, and scribbler of spicy romance stories. A country bumpkin turned Bay Stater, she enjoys her chowdah and Dunkin Donuts when not trying to escape the reality of city life.
Website: https://www.authorlynnburke.com/
Blog: http://authorlynnburke.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Lynn-Burke-555282497937461/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorLynnBurke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlynnburke/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lynn-burke

Bed of my Truck by Megan Slayer

Bed of My Truck by Megan Slayer

Publisher: Megan Slayer Publications

ISBN: 9781370970513

Contemporary

Short Story

M/M, Anal Sex, Spanking

Can he have the house, the dog and the lover of his dreams or will it all fall apart right before his eyes?

The one Carson never thought he’d see again could be the one to save his life.

Carson never expected to see his dog or a man from his past ever again. His ex took Dragon when he left, then carelessly lost the dog.  Dragon’s been found and in the last place Carson expected to find him—a vet’s office.

But, the surprises just keep coming.

Carson hasn’t seen Alec since school, but the feelings he had for the man haven’t abated. When he’s reunited with Alec at the veterinary office, Carson’s got to face his feelings.

Includes scenes of spanking, oral sex, anal sex and male-male sex. This book has been re-edited and re-issued in this edition.

 

Search Terms: explicit, spanking, masturbation, dogs, pets, dirty talk, oral sex, reunited, artist, medical personnel

 

Available now at major retailers where ebooks are sold.

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/3LrLk1

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9Q3204/

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bed-of-my-truck/id1193602593?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bed-of-my-truck-megan-slayer/1125461145?ean=2940154238875

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bed-of-my-truck

Excerpt:

©2017, Megan Slayer, All Rights Reserved

“I never got a chance to give you his rundown.” Alec grinned. “Since the waiting room is empty, I’ll just tell you now. No worms, no fleas, but I’d give him a bath. The weight loss helped but I’d also suggest getting Dragon on a tooth brushing regimen. He’s been eating things he probably shouldn’t that did a number on his gums. I ran a heartworm test which was negative and I’ve given him a pill for this month. When you come in next we’ll set you up right. Call, okay?” He winked and walked back into the closest exam room.

We’ll set me up? Call? He wanted me to call him? I hadn’t heard those terms in such a long time. Maybe my assumption more than fifteen years before had been more on the money than I thought. I shrugged him off back then. I could be over-thinking. Again.

I looked down at Dragon, who was sprawled on his side on the floor.  He gazed up at me with his droopy eyes and his tongue sticking out of his mouth. At least I had him back. What I’d do about my overzealous crush on the vet and his advances, well I hadn’t figured that out yet. I stress yet.

 

 

About the Author:
Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library. Find out more about Megan and Wendi at: http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm Sign up for the newsletter here: http://ymlp.com/xgjmjumygmgj

Bound by Desire by Wendi Zwaduck

 

Bound by Desire by Wendi Zwaduk

Novella

Contemporary

BDSM, Younger Man/Older Woman, Anal Sex, Bondage, Toys, Sensory Play

From Totally Bound

 

Stella wants her groove back after her divorce, but she never figured a younger man would be the answer to her prayer. He’s determined to do more than bind her wrists. He wants her heart, too.

Stella Barnes isn’t looking for love. She’s convinced it’s not in her cards. The guys she’s met seem to want her money and greeting card business. When her sister throws a freedom party at the local dance club, Stella meets a man who makes her think twice about giving up on love. Can the young buck command her body and soul in the sensual ways she needs or will her desire to be spanked send him packing?

Wes Chase has known he wanted Stella since the moment he saw her–at the club and two years before when she was still with her husband. Her plan to use him for her date to attend her ex-husband’s second wedding makes him cringe. He’d rather be with her out of love and kinky devotion, not as a dodge. Will he convince her they belong together and he can set her spirt free or will her fear keep them apart?

 

Available from:

Totally Bound: https://www.totallybound.com/book/bound-by-desire

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LFGB4QJ/

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mBPaLZ

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LFGB4QJ/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07LFGB4QJ/

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07LFGB4QJ/

Amazon FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B07LFGB4QJ/

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bound-by-desire-wendi-zwaduk/1130025290?ean=9781786864185

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bound-by-desire-8

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bound-by-desire/id1447267498?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=mn-ADwAAQBAJ

EXCERPT:

“Oh shit. I’m late.”

She opened her eyes and a tall man with dirty-blond hair ran up to her. He gripped a binder and his brown eyes blazed.

“Hi, I’m supposed to meet a guy,” he said. He puffed and doubled over for a second. “Sorry. I ran down the block.”

“I can see that. You’re a mess.” She drew her legs up and folded them beneath her. He’d piqued her interest. She guessed he was there to meet with James. The poor guy. So young and handsome…he’d get shot down by James, no doubt. Still, she wanted to keep speaking with him. “What, again, are you here for?”

“I want to open a business.” He offered his hand. “I’m Wes Chase.”

“Stella.” She shook hands with him. The moment she touched his skin, hers tingled. She fought the urge to pull away from him. She hadn’t felt such a reaction in a long time—probably not since she’d met James back in college.

“Stella.” He smiled. “That’s a pretty name.” He tucked the binder under his arm. “So, see, I’m envisioning a record store. Think lots of neon—besides what’s already here—lots of couches, turntables, vintage…listening areas and lots of vinyl.”

“Sounds interesting.” She tucked her hands under her butt to keep from touching him again. “What’s your plan?”

“Oh!” He tugged the binder free and opened it, then placed it on the counter beside her. “I’ve got half of the capital and connections secured. I’ve met with people in the record sales and trade business. This area doesn’t have any specialty shops and needs one. I believe once there’s one started, then others will follow. You’ve got a thriving downtown scene and it should be utilized.”

She laughed. He knew how to say the right words anyway. She glanced down at his charts. He had the correct information, too. “I agree. I miss the unique shops we used to have.”

“With the right marketing—which I’ve laid out here—this can be a reality. I’m hoping Mr. Barnes will allow me to rent the building.” Wes nodded. “Are you looking into renting this place?”

“Oh no.” She shook her head. “I’m not in any position to rent anything.” Truth be told, she wasn’t financially independent of James at the moment. But until now she hadn’t needed to be. Looking at her situation, she realized she needed to have a plan for herself.

“Good. I don’t want competition.” He paused and his eyes widened. “I mean…sorry.” He frowned, then bowed his head. “I know his penchant for pretty girls.”

She suppressed a snort. Pretty girl? She had to be at least ten years older than him, but she’d accept the compliment. Besides, she wasn’t on James’ radar. She was his friend and the person who lived at the house with him.

“Do you know him? You’re his girlfriend, right?” Wes leaned in close. “Wait…I know you. Have we met before? Maybe another professional setting? You look familiar but I swear I can’t place you.”

“I know him.” She nodded to hide her disgust—not with Wes, although his pushy nature grated a bit on her nerves—but at James for cutting her out…already. “Well, why don’t we ask him? If your plan is up to snuff, then I don’t see why he’d turn you down.” Except that he’d already decided to demolish the building. If nothing else, Wes would get a great lesson in not getting his hopes up.

“I’m afraid to ask him because he’s notoriously tough to work with and cranky. He kills deals because he doesn’t like a person’s tie or whatever.” Wes adjusted his crooked necktie. His collar was askew.

She waggled her fingers. “Come here.” She fixed his collar and smoothed out his tie. Then she swept his hair off his forehead. “Better. Less messy.” She sat back and looked him over. “If you’ve done your homework, then you’ve done your part and you won’t know what he’ll say until you ask.” She turned her attention to her husband, who’d just returned to the room. “James? This gentleman wants to rent the building.”

 

About the Author:

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library. Find out more about Megan and Wendi at: http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm Sign up for the newsletter here: http://ymlp.com/xgjmjumygmgj

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