Saturday, August 2, 2014

Spiral by Zara Cox Book Blitz


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Book Title: Spiral
Author: Zara Cox
Genre: Erotic Romance
Release Date: June 24, 2014


Seven Nights. Seven Highs.
Welcome back to The Indigo Lounge, the scandalously sexy sky-high playground where anything can happen…
SPIRAL is the latest story in the sizzling Indigo Lounge Series, geared for fans of The Crossfire and The Stark Series.
Sinfully sexy venture capitalist, Noah King - a man with a haunted past and dark cravings - is a short fuse away from being consumed by his needs. When his desires propel him to the Indigo Lounge, there’s only one course of action - unleash his innermost hunger or lose his mind.
Leia Michaels has spent the last five years trying to find her way out of a shattered labyrinth of pain and tragedy. In a daring move, she takes a chance on a sizzling adventure aboard the Indigo Lounge.
Within seconds of meeting on the luxury, decadent adults-only jet, they realize they're better off apart...but their chemistry defies logic and their needs have gone far too long unanswered.
Seven Nights. Seven Highs. He will strip away her inhibitions and show her that edgy existence between pleasure and pain. Will she survive his dark secrets and risk revealing her own, or will her world spiral out of control?



John Legend - All Of Me
Nickleback - My Girlfriend
Nickleback - You Remind Me
Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
James Morrison/Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings
Justin Timberlake - Not A Bad Thing
Sam Smith - Stay With Me
Cold Play - A Sky Full of Stars
Cold Play - Midnight
Justin Timberlake - Mirrors
Clean Bandit - Rather Be

I’m keeping you…
Leia wasn’t sure whether to be shocked or pleased at the outcome of acting out on that crazy instinct. The shock of finally having Noah King’s mouth on hers had been beyond explosive.
So she’d bitten him.
She’d bitten him!
She stared at the red spot on his finger and watched, mesmerized as he brought it to his mouth and licked it off.
“God, I’m so sorry. I’m not sure what came over—”
He stopped her words with a forefinger on her mouth. “This time, I’ll take care of it. Next time you lick it off.”
She gasped at the vivid imagery and his finger moved to the side of her mouth. Tracing. Exploring. “I… There won’t be a next time.”
“Yes, there will,” he drawled. His tongue snuck out and soothed the tiny cut on his lower lip. Savored it.
The intensely sensual action spiked fire between her legs. Her panties grew damper, her clit throbbing incessantly against the seam of her leather pants. She moved in the seat, desperate to alleviate the discomfort.
His gaze dropped between her legs and darted back to her face. “You’ll bite me whenever I tell you to. And I’ll bite you right there, between your legs.”
“I’m not a biter,” she said in a rush.
“You’ve just proved otherwise. You’ve made me so hard I can’t see straight.”
Another blush threatened but she forced it away through sheer strength of will. She was done blushing in front of this man. Her stupid blushes had nearly made him walk away. The recollection hollowed out her stomach, the way it had ten minutes ago when she feared he would.
His finger traced her lower lip and brought her attention back to him. He watched her with such intensity, his gaze compelling her as his finger slipped into her mouth. The soft pad caressed her lower front teeth as if testing their sharpness. He reached her left incisor and pressed down.
Leia squirmed. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing you’re not enjoying.”
She shook her head but the feeling of his finger lazily exploring her mouth was like nothing she’d felt before.
“You want me to stop?”
She moaned.
“Words, baby. Use words.” He pressed again and she saw his pupils dilate. “Tell me what you’re thinking. Do you like what I’m doing?”
Such a simple thing, nowhere near indecent or decadent. And yet it felt so erotic, her sex clenched and unclenched with sharp, hungry need.
“Yes.”
He smiled and removed his finger but not before he circled her lips with its wet tip. “The first rule is vocalization. Whatever you’re feeling, you say it. I don’t want to have to guess what’s going on in your head. Agreed?”


Zara Cox has been writing for almost twenty-five years but it wasn't until seven years ago that she decided to share her love of writing sexy, gritty stories with anyone but her close family (the over 18s anyway!). The Indigo Lounge Series is Zara's next step in her erotic romance writing journey and she loves to hear from her readers.


  1. I'm British but am often mistaken for an American.
  2. I'm a HUGE Formula 1 Fan. As in DIE-HARD ADDICT!
  3. I once spoke to Gary Barlow (lead singer of TAKE THAT) on the phone!
  4. I write in bed (where I get my best ideas!)
  5. I'm painfully shy and often cover it with talking too much!!
  6. The No.1 thing on my bucket list is to tandem sky-dive attached to a super-hot guy (what a better way to plummet to my death?).
  7. I read three or four books at the same time and often have books scattered throughout my house so I always have reading material to hand.
  8. My husband thinks I'm afraid of spiders. I choose to let him believe that.
  9. I'm obsessive about my book boyfriends, especially the one I write!!
  10. In another life, I'd love to be an inventor of sex gadgets. Or a racing driver!


Instagram : zaracoxwriter









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Friday, August 1, 2014

That Man 1 by Nelle L'Amour Sales Blitz

sale blitz
In celebration of That Man being released in paperback That Man 1 e-book is being offered free for a limited Time.
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Title: That Man 1
Genre: New Adult
Release Date: April 8, 2014
goodreads

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | KOBO | I Tunes


There’s a new beautiful player in town…

Blake Burns, the sexy head of SIN-TV, who goes through women like some go through water. Until he meets Jennifer McCoy, his outspoken new assistant and development executive.

Newly engaged Jennifer has no idea that her devastating new boss is the man she kissed, blindfolded, in a game of Truth or Dare. That kiss, that man, that beautiful stranger she cannot forget.

Blake hasn’t been able to stop thinking about that kiss either…and he’ll do anything to win Jennifer —even if it means being a beautiful bastard and breaking all the rules.



“Kiss him, kiss him!” I heard my friends chanting in the distance. Oh, God. What was I going to do? I couldn’t let them down or I’d never live it down. I’d come this far. Without overthinking, I blindly ran my hands over my victim’s face. His skin was soft with a fine layer of silky stubble, and his features were distinct and defined—a straight manly nose, a strong, slightly clefted chin, and above it, a set of lush, velvety lips. I lingered on his lips, tracing them with my fingertips, building up the courage to touch down on them with my own. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m playing a game of Truth or Dare, and I have to kiss you.” God, how ridiculous I must sound and look with my blindfold. I took my victim’s silence as a sign he was willing to play along. Okay, here goes. Clutching his angular jaw between my hands, I bent down to kiss him. But before I could latch my lips onto his, he rose and, in one swift move, crashed his lips onto mine. Oh. My. God. A heat wave shot through me. It was one of those kisses like in a movie. Fierce, delicious, passionate. Opened mouth and oh so consuming. And he tasted divine—the sweet taste of champagne lacing his breath. He bit my upper lip, forcing me to part my lips, and plunged his warm, velvety tongue inside my mouth. His tongue instantly found mine and they entwined, dancing like they’d been together forever. He tugged hard on my ponytail, yanking back my head, and coiled it around his hand, tearing at my roots. The delicious pain mixed with the delicious pleasure of his kiss, sending a rush of erotic sensations through me. Every nerve ending was a sparking little fuse. My breathing grew shallow. Already lightheaded, I was now borderline delirious. I’d never been kissed by a man like this before. I didn’t want him to stop. What was wrong with me? I’d just gotten engaged. In the background, I could vaguely hear my friends cheering and whistling. “Go, girl!” For sure, head cheerleader Chaz. My inner voice told me to stop, but no matter how much I willed it, I couldn’t get my lips to part from his. In fact, I deepened the kiss, pulling him closer to me by the collar of his shirt. The material felt expensive, like the gazillion thread Egyptian cotton kind. Everything about this man tasted and felt divine. He squeezed my ponytail tighter. I moaned into his mouth and he moaned back. God, the throaty sound of him was sexy! And then suddenly, as fast as he had plunged his tongue into my mouth, he withdrew it. In tandem, he let go of my hair. I gasped, desperate for more. “Wait!” I cried out, my hands grappling for him. Instead of finding him, I found myself knocking over a chilled glass. My heightened sense of smell told me it was his champagne. “I’m sorry,” I croaked, struggling to tear off the tight, blinding tie. “I’ll buy you another glass.” Finally, I undid the tie. I blinked once. He was gone, and I was painfully all alone. Where did he go? My eyes frantically searched the pulsating crowd, darting left and right, but he was nowhere to be found. Even if he was facing me somewhere, staring into my eyes, I wouldn’t know it because I didn’t know what he looked like. My friends were now all standing and applauding me. I’d lived up to the dare. Kissed a strange man on the lips, Oh those lips! Dazed, I staggered back to the group and dared not tell them how much I’d enjoyed it. And wanted more.  



nelle
 
Nelle L’Amour is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Los Angeles with her Prince Charming-ish husband, twin teenage princesses, and a bevy of royal pain-in-the-butt pets. A former executive in the entertainment and toy industries with a prestigious Humanitus Award to her credit, she gave up playing with Barbies a long time ago but still enjoys playing with toys with her husband. While she writes in her PJs, she loves to get dressed up and pretend she’s Hollywood royalty.
Her books include the highly rated Seduced by the Park Avenue Billionaire Boxed Set, Undying Love, Gloria’s Secret, Gloria’s Revenge and the That Man trilogy. Gloria’s Forever, a novella, will be published in Spring 2014.

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Open Road: A Bikers Anthology Cover Reveal

Nine authors come together to bring you this boxed set:

Open Road - A Bikers Anthology

Release Anticipated 1st week September 2014
All proceeds go to the Charity - Toys for Tots


EIGHT Biker Books from nine authors make up this Bikers Anthology. All full length novels make up this Biker Anthology Boxed set.  

Individual Blurb:

Chelle Bliss – Throttle Me

Suzy’s a control freak and has her life mapped out - work hard, find a man with a stable job, and live happily ever after. She’s content with the status quo, but her plan comes to a screeching halt when he enters her life and turns it upside down. City gave up on love when his heart was crushed in college, preferring to be the typical bachelor. He spends his nights hopping from one bed to another and his days working at his family tattoo shop, Inked. A chance encounter on a dark road makes him question what he had sworn off forever – a relationship. A night of passion and lust causes them to question everything. Is City the knight in shining armor to the damsel in distress? Can their relationship survive when a fantasy falls apart and a secret comes out that changes everything? This is the first book in the Men of Inked Series.
*****

Dawn Martens and Emily Minton - Renegade Lady

Jenna “Ice” Chandler grew up as part of a motorcycle club. She considered it her home, until one wrong move made it her prison. After months of abuse, she is rescued by Chipper, who takes her to Big Clifty, Missouri, home of the Renegade Sons MC. Kiddrick “Kidd” Jones is the president of the Renegades. He knows there is something special about Ice the moment his older brother, Chipper, brings her into the club, but stays away, because she is too young. When time comes for Ice to take her place in the club, she has two choices, become an old lady or a club whore. Not believing in love and knowing a man can never be faithful, she decides to earn her spot on her back. With each passing year, Kidd's feelings for Ice grows and the urge to make her his becomes stronger. Frustrated and jealous, he finally decides it’s time to make her his. Will Ice finally thaw out and give love a chance, or is Kidd fighting a losing battle? WARNING: Renegade Lady contains adult situations some readers may find offensive. This is a raw and gritty story involving explicit sex, graphic language, violence and drug use. Not intended for readers under 18.
*****

Nina Levine - Fierce (Storm MC #2)

She's everything he's never wanted. He's everything she's never known. Scott Cole is a force to be reckoned with. As Vice President of the Storm Motorcycle Club he carries out his duties with a ruthless determination. He moves through life with a clear agenda - protect his club and his family at all costs. He is intense. He is loyal. He is fierce. He doesn't give his love easily, but when he does, he loves fiercely. Settling down, however, has never been part of his plan. Harlow James is a country girl who has never met a biker in her life. She is also done with men. In her experience all they ever do is lie, cheat or steal. When she meets Scott Cole she knows he is heartbreak on legs. He is confident. He is sexy. He is bossy. She knows she must fight her growing attraction to this complex man in order to guard her heart. When his world crashes into hers and danger comes calling, Scott's fierce desire to protect kicks in and Harlow realises that she might just have found a man worth taking a risk on.
*****

Jani Kay - The Beginning

THE BEGINNING - A Duet: Ryder & Two Worlds Colliding is a compilation of TWO books that starts off the Scorpio Stinger Series. It contains: Ryder (Prequel) Book 0.5 Two Worlds Colliding Book 1 Bonus Chapters 1 - 5 of Razor & Lexi's story (NEW material never seen before) (That's over 95 Thousand Words) The Princess & The Biker A modern day Romeo & Juliet story. Ryder Knox wants freedom from the hatred churning in his gut. Saved by the Scorpio Stingers MC boys, he owes his life and allegiance to them—they are his family. He doesn’t need a smart mouthed woman who pushes every one of his buttons. But he can’t get Jade out of his head. Jade Summers is a good girl. She wants a man just like her lawyer daddy. Not the alpha male, cocky biker who storms into her life, who looks like a sex god with tattoos and piercings. He’s demanding, controlling and won’t take no for an answer. Their chemistry is off the charts and they are drawn to one another like magnets. Neither can resist the other. Two worlds collide. Their families are determined to tear them apart. With everything stacked against them, is what they have strong enough to overcome the odds? They must choose: family or one another. The ultimate price may be too high. Will their polar opposite worlds destroy and rip them apart forever? WARNING!!! Extreme language and sexual situations. Recommended 18+ This book is intended for mature audiences (18+) who are not offended or squeamish about extreme language or graphic sexual situations (including rape scenes).
***

A.C Bextor - Holding On

This novel contains material that is not suitable for individuals under the age of 18. Content includes: drug use, explicit language, violence, rape, and other scenarios with content that readers may find offensive. Please use caution when deciding on this book, as every reader has the right to understand the product before purchase. This book is one of two and does not contain an exact HEA as the reader may expect, yet. “You are mine. You’ve been mine since you took those training wheels off that pink bike of yours and fell at my feet. Never even cried, you didn’t. Just sat on my lap trusting that I had you. Well I have you now, baby. You’re grown up, you’re a woman, and you’re mine. Mine.” That’s Shame. My brothers best friend and the Vice President of Lights of Peril MC. Along with my best friend Sadey, we’ve all grown up together. I don’t have a memory that isn’t surrounded by the four of us. Years together as friends and often times in the face of adversity has led Shame, Hem, Mace, and Sadey to share their lives now as adults. Sadey and Mace have been best friends since they were five years old. As a child, teenager, and then young woman, Sadey longed for Hem to notice her. As years passed, she vowed to save all of herself for him with the hope that one day he would see her as the woman she was turning herself into, not just the child he remembers. Mace and Hem are siblings that grew up in a small town in the Midwest. Sharing the same mother, Mace’s father refuses to accept Hem as his own, leading him to a life similar to that of his biological father. Hem never set out to be President of the Lights of Peril Motorcycle Club, but when he left home at 17 to find the acceptance he was so desperate for, he ended up finding Doc. After Doc's passing Hem was determined to lead Peril into a clean existence. The story is about love, heartache, and tragedy. Sometimes we search our whole lives for something we think we are missing, only to find out what we had with us is what we were looking for all along.
*****

Ryan Michele - Ravage Me

After spending the last two years stuck behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, Harlow ‘Princess’ Gavelson’s time inside has finally come to an end, and she’s ready for revenge. Unfortunately, being the daughter to the Vice President of the Ravage Motorcycle Club cuts into her plans, as orders must be followed. Trying to settle back into this life is proving difficult when the tables are turned and the woman who framed her is out for blood. Lucky for Princess, growing up in a MC has taught her how to hold her own. After spending years in hell overseas, Donavon ‘Cruz’ came home to lose the very thing he went into hell for, sending him to the darkest moments of his life. Joining Ravage two years ago was his safe haven, and he protects his family at all costs. When a dark-haired bombshell struts into the club’s shop, he’s caught off guard but immediately knows she’s the one he’d do anything for. Tough as nails, and taking no crap from anyone, he’s captivated by a woman who could handle this life. Trying to meet the needs of the MC business and follow his heart proves to be difficult when the two collide, and lives are at stake. Can these two find a way to be together, or will the needs of Ravage cost them everything, including their lives? *Contains mature content including, sex and violence. Mature audiences only.*
*****

Glenna Maynard - Grim

My name is Grim and this is the beginning... This isn't a fairytale romance or for the faint of heart. Deep in the hills of Drag Creek Kentucky, there is a group of outlaws, whose love of moonshine and Harley Davidson runs through their blood. We are known as the Black Rebel Riders' MC. For the past twenty years my club has been at war with a rival MC, The Devil's Rejects.
*****

Lila Rose - Holding Out

Zara Edgingway is a twenty-six year old secretary. She has a daughter that apparently knows it all and a best friend that could possibly have the mouth of Satan, but she's been with her through hell and back. Then there's the hunk'a'licious biker neighbor finally showing interest in her. If only she wasn't about to face her next obstacle in life, the one she ran from six years ago; her ex-husband. Talon Marcus is the president of the Hawks Motorcycle Club. For two years he's had his eye on the quiet, reclusive, yet sassy, neighbor Zara. Finally, he has the chance to claim her as his woman. Just when her past catches up with her, she'll need, not only his protection, but the help from his biker brothers.
Now, if only she'd stop fighting him along the way.

Individual Book Covers



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UNDENIABLE LOVE by Kelly Elliott Cover Reveal





Tristan Williams thought the path of his life was on the right journey. He had a successful career, good looks, and a carefree lifestyle. One conversation changed Tristan’s way of thinking forever as his father presented him with a bottle, representing his journey and forcing unwanted thoughts of a lasting relationship to the surface. Running from the fear of commitment, he pushed away the only woman he ever had feelings for and turned to the one girl he knew he didn’t love. 

 Ryn Webster was finally putting her past behind her. Moving to Texas and concentrating on the success of her own company, she had her life almost where she wanted it. One thing was missing though…love. She thought she had found love with Tristan until he casted her aside.

 After being hurt by Tristan, Ryn does whatever she can to push him from her heart, even if it means being with a man she doesn’t love. 

 Regardless of the path one thinks they are on, the journey of life can cause unexpected turns, altering the planned course. Will Tristan and Ryn’s bottle be tossed about, lost in the rocky waves of life? Or will calm seas prevail to help Tristan and Ryn finally find their journey of love…together?








Kelly is married to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has a knack for making her laugh almost daily and supports her crazy ideas and dreams for some unknown reason...he claims it's because he loves her!

She’s also a mom to an amazing daughter who is constantly asking for something to eat while her fingers move like mad on her cell phone sending out what is sure to be another very important text message.

In her spare time she loves to sit in her small corner overlooking the Texas hill country and write.

One of her favorite things to do is go for hikes around her property with Gus....her chocolate lab and the other man in her life, and Rose, her golden retriever. When Kelly is not outside helping the hubby haul brush, move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for her that day, you’ll find her inside reading, writing or watching HGTV.



Stay connected with Kelly Elliott:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KellyElliottAuthor

Twitter: @author_kelly

Website: http://www.kellyelliottauthor.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6581091.Kelly_Elliott

Email: authorkellyelliott@gmail.com

PUBLISHED BOOKS BY KELLY ELLIOTT:

THE WANTED SERIES
WANTED
SAVED
FAITHFUL
BELIEVE
CHERISHED
A FOREVER LOVE
WANTED SERIES BOX SET 


THE BROKEN SERIES
BROKEN
BROKEN DREAMS


JOURNEY OF LOVE SERIES
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE 
UNDENIABLE LOVE
LOVE WANTED IN TEXAS
WITHOUT YOU




COVER REVEAL HOSTED BY:
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Not Yet by Laura Ward




Title: Not Yet
Author: Laura Ward
Genre: New Adult / Contemporary Romance
Expected Release: July 28th, 2014




Emma Harris is learning that life is just a series of lessons. 

Lesson #1: Nothing goes the way you plan.

Lesson #2: You can’t trust men. Especially not the pretty ones.

Lesson #3: Turns out, appearances are almost always deceiving.

Emma thinks she has life all figured out, and what she knows isn’t good. For years, she’s put her big sister, who was born with Down syndrome, first. Now Emma’s ready to start her own life, but fate has other plans. To do the right thing for the sister she loves, Emma’s dreams will just have to wait.

She doesn’t plan on meeting Landon — a rich, flirtatious jock, who never has to wait for anything. Not for attention, not for money, and certainly not for girls. Meeting Emma marks the first time in his life that he’s had to fight for something. And Landon doesn't know how to lose.

Emma has no interest in wasting her summer with a superficial guy like Landon. But very soon she realizes she is wrong about him. The question is, can she trust him? Or will he let her down like every other guy in her life? But most importantly, can Emma trust herself enough to live the life she's always dreamed of?

Life has a way of sneaking in the most important lessons when you aren't looking. And once the heart gets involved, that's when the real learning begins.

*** This book is intended for mature audiences. 18 and over!






*** Trailer made by Tamara Debbaut of We Art Books ***




Laura Ward lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not changing diapers, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels. 



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Pieces of Autumn by Mara Black book blast

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Pieces of Autumn photo autumnfinal-400_zpsd40add7d.jpg
Title: Pieces of Autumn 
Author: Mara Black 
Genre: Dark Romance 18 + 
Publish Date: July 31, 2014 
Publisher: Indie Published
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.    

        

I wish I could tell you that I was stolen.
Kidnapped off the street in some third-world country, sold against my will, while a desperate family back home waited and prayed and talked about me on the news.
I wish I could tell you that, because then you might understand.
What really happened? I walked to my fate with my eyes wide open. But before you say I deserved whatever happened to me, you should know. I was desperate. I was alone. I was afraid for my life. You would have done the same thing.
I thought things couldn’t possibly get any worse.
But then, I woke up in darkness, unable to move. There was only one thing I was sure of: I wasn’t alone anymore.
And then I heard HIS voice...

Add to Goodreads

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MAIKXCA


Mara Black is a connoisseur of love that lurks in the shadows .
~ Giveaway ~
~ Signed book of Pieces of Autumn ~
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The Light Between Us by Beth Morey Review Blitz



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The Light Between Us ebook cover.jpg
Book Title: The Light Between Us
Author: Beth Morey
Genre: New Adult Romance
Release Date: June 14, 2014



For twenty-something Boston school teacher Ruth, she's gotten by just fine on playing it safe, thank you very much. But now her risk-free life and nice-girl demeanor are leaving her increasingly heartsick. So when she meets bad boy Derek, she's willing to overlook her “no romance” rule and give him a chance to prove her fears wrong. Because he, also, is plagued by a sense of ennui and pointlessness, wanting to change his fast-and-loose living but not knowing how.
Neither can deny the inexplicable, illogical attraction drawing them together, and they are hard-pressed to resist it. But what will their unlikely relationship cost, and who will be caught in the crossfire?
The Light Between Us is a sassy and sensual romp. Part love story, part comedy of errors, part and coming of age tale, The Light Between Us is a delicious read for fans of the romance and new adult genres alike.
"The Light Between Us is a raw and powerful love story about forgiveness and learning to trust our instincts. Sexy and intense, I couldn't put this novel down and wished, at the last chapter, for more." - H. Mattern, author of Saving Katie Baker.




Derek placed his hand over hers where it rested on the table.  She stared at the sight of his hand on hers.  Was this really happening?  The hottest guy in the bar – no, the hottest guy in ever – was interested in her?  Was touching her?  She wasn't sure if she should be flattered or suspicious.
To hell with should, she told herself firmly.
Then he looked Ruth squarely in the eye and – her mouth fell open – drawing her hand to his mouth, placed a warm kiss on its back.  
She froze.  She was probably meant to find the gesture alluring, she knew, but all she could think of was how her father used to kiss her mother's hand in just the same way when he wanted her to shut up, to quit nagging him or wanting him to take her out or put his dirty socks in the damn hamper already.  And her mother would always, always fall silent, her voice somehow smothered by an act that should have been one of love, and instead had become one of dominance, of distance.
Ruth felt her face twist in revulsion.  She refused to be the silent – no, silenced – partner in any relationship, no matter how superficial.  
“I'm sorry.”  She sprang to her feet, sure that her whole face shone crimson but not much caring.  “I have to go.  My friends – they – sorry . . .”  Ruth wheeled away, not caring to finish making her thin excuses.
When her friends noticed her approach, their faces lit, then quickly fell when they noticed her expression.
“Ruth, are you okay?” Padme asked, sitting bolt upright.  
“You look like you're going to puke,” said Maddie.  “What the hell happened?  Do you need me to go kick that sleazebag in the nuts for you?”
Ruth shook her head.  “No, nothing happened.”  He's just probably a slime ball.  Like every other guy in ever, she added mentally.  She grabbed her coat and her purse.  
“But . . . at least let us walk you to the T,” Cecelia said, moving to follow her.
She drew a deep breath, feeling a pressing need to get out of the bar's stuffy clamor, alone.  “No, I'm fine.  Really, you should stay.  I'll get a cab.”  She paused.  “I just need some fresh air and then my bed.”  
“Well, if you're sure,” Padme said, face twisted with concern. “Text me when you get home, so I know you're safe?”
Ruth nodded and ducked through the crowd, keeping her eyes away from the table where Derek still sat. Probably thinking I'm the biggest ass of all time, she thought, rolling her eyes. But as she shoved out the door into the pleasantly cool autumn night, she couldn't help but throw one more glance his way. She started – he was staring right back with a hurt expression on his face.
She'd hurt him? Could she really possess this power? She couldn't fathom it.
Ruth shook off the shock and kept moving. Outside, she stood on the sidewalk, breathing deep, feeling her lungs expand more fully out in the fresh air, gulping the crisp scent of fall down to her depths.
What the hell was wrong with her? Could she have misread his gesture? A perfectly fine – no, a perfectly fine – man had showed an interest in her, and she'd gone running for the hills at the tiniest trigger?
It didn't matter. Even if the kiss had not been what she thought it was, he was probably still another disappointment in the relationship department. Aside from her novel characters, she'd had yet to meet a man who was anything else. Ruth shook her head at herself, sure that she should have known better, and stepped forward to flag down a cab.


Beth writes, paints, and dreams in Montana. She is the author of the creative healing workbook Life After Eating Disorder, and is the owner of Epiphany Art Studio. In addition to her quirky little family and her three naughty dogs, Beth is in love with luscious color, moon-gazing, and dancing wild. She writes soul into flesh at www.bethmorey.com.





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