Hi Everyone,

Well, Den of Desire is almost here. July 1st it will go on sale from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. Make sure to check it out.

Here’s a little blurb about it:

Mara Templeton may be a bestselling erotic romance writer; but, deep down, she knows it’s a lie. She’s never come close to experimenting like her characters. Weeks from a deadline, she’s desperate to find inspiration. So, when she accepts an invitation for a private tour of Club X, a club known for its exotic pleasures, she knows she is in way over her head. But nothing can prepare her for the Club’s sexy owner.

Joe Gates sees right through Mara’s cool façade. He’s made a business of learning people’s secrets in Club X. And he’s good at what he does. He sees the unsatisfied desire in Mara’s eyes. And he’s more than ready to show her just what she’s been missing.

But someone else is watching, too.

Someone who will stop at nothing to claim her.

Here’s what they’re saying about it:

What can I say but hot, hot, hot. This is not only a love story with blow your mind sex scenes but a book you can’t put down. There is suspense, characters you want to know more about and a fascinating setting. Joe is the man you would love to come home to, and Mara is the woman we women sometimes strive to be. Purchasing this book will leave you wanting to read more from this author. You will not be disappointed.

You can check it out at www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid.

Thanks and Have a great weekend,

Shauna

Is MySpace Advertising right for you?

 

By Shauna Hart

 

In this tough economy, it is very important that we, as authors, check out every available means of getting our work in front of readers.  Which is why I was so curious about MySpace advertising. 

 

I started a MySpace page a little over a year ago, and through diligent marketing my friend list has grown to over 1,500.  I have used the medium to send out banner ads in HTML enabled comments to my friends.  I have also started serial blogs with old books that I am not currently looking to publish to develop a following and keep in touch with readers. 

 

So, you can imagine how curious I was when I saw the MySpace Advertising link at the bottom of the page.  In reading about the program, I was sold. 

 

On many sites that I have advertised on, I pay a monthly amount to have my book cover posted.  I never get individual statistics on how many people have clicked on my ad.  Which is what made MySpace so much more tempting. 

MySpace does not charge a monthly amount for your ad to be viewed.  They only charge your account when someone clicks on your ad.  In addition, you decide what the charge will be for each click.  To give you an idea of the cost per click, I believe that I set mine at around 37¢ per click.   Then, it is up to you to choose a lifetime budget amount.  You can set this budget as low as $25.00.   Once you have chosen your budget, you will also need to decide on the dates you want your campaign to run.  The content that you use for your ad can be something as simple as a banner ad that links to your book site.

 

Now, it is time to choose who you would like to target to see your ad.  MySpace is pretty good about giving you a lot of options.  You can select the age range, sex, location and interests of your target market.  Once you have selected the ad parameters, it is time to submit your ad for approval.  After MySpace approves the ad, it will begin to run.  When your budget or time frame is met, your campaign will stop. 

 

I have been testing this advertising for the past few months with a banner ad I had created.   So far, over 1.2 million people have seen my ad, and over 1,300 people have clicked on it.  They may not all turn into sales, but this is a type of advertising that allows you to see the statistics every day.  During the campaign, I was on my publisher’s bestseller list.  I believe that the advertising that I did on MySpace also helped me sell my next two books.  The first I submitted to my publisher at the beginning of my campaign, and it was accepted in three weeks.  The second was submitted during my campaign, and it was accepted for publication within a week. 

 

Each click may not turn into dollars; however, it can spotlight you as a major seller to your publisher easing the way for future book deals.  All in all, I would say that my foray into MySpace advertising was a huge success.

One of the best features of using MySpace advertising is that I could monitor the progress on a day-to-day basis.  Each night, I was able to come home, log in and check the statistics for the day.

 

In these tough times, it is very important to utilize marketing opportunities that are quantifiable.  With money so tight right now, it is important that we make sure that our advertising dollars are paying off.  That is what makes MySpace advertising such a great option.  You set the time.  You set the price.  And you decide on a budget that works for you.  MySpace advertising is an option that puts you in charge.

 

Shauna Hart is an erotic romance writer for the Whiskey Creek Press Torrid line.  Her first book, The Pleasure of Sin, came out in December 2008.  Her next book, Den of Desire, is slated to release in July, 2009.   And her book, The One Nighter, is scheduled to come out in October, 2009.  You can visit her at www.shaunahart.com.  Or check out her MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/romancewithhart.

Hi Everyone,

I hope that you have all enjoyed Lake of Lies.  I have one last treat for you.  It’s the epilogue of the book and it will give you some final moments with Samantha and Nick.  I hope you like it as much as I do.  I am starting edits on the sequel to The Pleasure of Sin.  If you haven’t checked it out, make sure to visit http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=364.  It just made #9 on the Bestsellers list.

Epilogue

 

One year later, Christmas Eve

 

Samantha watched as Nick, Derek and Christina happily hung ornaments on the Christmas tree.  Nick hoisted Brandon on his hip as he reached up to place a large gold star on the top.  Brandon’s bluish green eyes lit up with excitement as the lights on the tree blinked out a Christmas carol.  Nick looked over his shoulder, his boyish grin warming her heart.  Tears of happiness crept into her eyes.  Every day she found a new reason to fall in love with him all over again.  She glanced around the room.  If someone had told her two years ago that she would be sitting amongst her new family, she would’ve told them that they were crazy.  Yet, here she sat, happier than she had been in a long time. 

Derek joked that the tree had so many ornaments it might fall over, which earned him an elbow in the side from Christina.  Samantha couldn’t help but wonder if the two of them would ever come to their senses, and stop fighting their feelings for each other.  She guessed that she didn’t really have any room to talk in that arena.  She had taken her fair share of time doing exactly that.  Still, from the look in Derek’s eyes when he looked at Christina, he wouldn’t be able to hold out much longer. 

“Cookie?” Margaret asked gleefully, as she held up a tray full of red and green Christmas cookies. 

“No more for me, thank you.  I’m still trying to lose the rest of the weight from Brandon,” she admitted ruefully. 

Margaret huffed.  “Oh, please honey, if you get any skinnier you’ll blow over.  Take one more,” she admonished, handing Samantha a green butter cookie in the shape of a Christmas tree. 

She chuckled, throwing up her hands in surrender.  The cookie seemed to melt in her mouth.  Everyone seemed to agree that Margaret had never seemed happier than she was right now with her family growing.  She watched as the other woman walked over to Nick to take Brandon out of his arms, despite his protests.  She carried him over to the wooden rocking chair.  Brandon snuggled against her, as she rocked him to sleep singing a Christmas carol that meant for his ears only. 

Nick walked across the room to take a seat beside Samantha.  “Our child has been kidnapped, again,” he explained softly, his lips twitching in amusement. 

“I see that,” she observed, handing the remains of her cookie to him. 

He popped the rest of the cookie into his mouth, and ate it in one bite.  “Dad can’t seem to get enough of the excitement,” he joked, motioning to where his father was snoring peacefully.  Thomas, who had fallen asleep early on in the festivities, was slouched in a chair, a blanket thrown haphazardly across him.  Even all the laughter wasn’t enough to wake him. 

“I’m going to put this little angel to bed,” Margaret announced, carrying Brandon toward the stairs. 

“We’ll be up in a minute to kiss him goodnight,” Nick said, putting a restraining hand on Samantha’s arm to stop her from following his mother. 

“What is it?” she asked in curiosity. 

He waited until Derek and Christina went into the kitchen, before turning to her with a mischievous smile.  He slowly pulled a black velvet box out of his pocket.  “I wanted to give this to you tonight, while we were alone,” he explained, placing the box into her hands. 

Her eyes narrowed, her lips curving into a smile.  She lifted the lid with shaking hands.  A gold necklace with a heart in the center lay inside.  The heart in the center was the most unusual color of blue she had ever seen.  Her gaze met Nick’s in awe, her throat constricting with emotion.  “It’s a blue diamond,” he explained, taking the necklace out and securing it around her neck.  “The color reminded me of your eyes, and the heart is because you’ve always had mine.  Merry Christmas.” 

Tears formed in the corner of her eyes, as she threw her arms around his neck hugging him tightly.  No matter what happened in their lifetimes, she knew she would never forget this moment.  “I love you,” she whispered huskily. 

He pulled back to look deeply into her eyes.  “No, I love you.  Thank you for making my life worthwhile.” 

She pressed her lips against his, wondering how she could ever be this lucky.  She guessed the old saying really was true. 

Sometimes, dreams really do come true.  

Have a great weekend,

Shauna

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I haven’t posted lately.   As most of you know, I just moved so I am still living among boxes.  Then, as if that wasn’t bad enough, I got sick.  So, I’ve been recovering.    Also, I received the release date for my next book, Den of Desire.  It will be out July 1st.  Keep an eye out for it    And don’t forget to check out The Pleasure of Sin which just hit number 9 on the Torrid site.

Excerpt 24

Every day was the same for Samantha, now.  In the blink of an eye, her entire life had changed.  She went from a single woman with a career, to a married one expecting a child.  With the move to Nick’s, she no longer had her career to distract her.  Nick left early each morning, and she was left alone to stare at the same four walls all day.  She did her part.  She busied herself with new projects around the house, kept her regular doctor appointments, and began to attend Lamaze classes.  But deep down she was lonely. 

If only she had someone to talk to, to confide in, but she didn’t.  Nick wasn’t much for talking these days.  He barely spoke to her, and after what she had witnessed at the wedding she was afraid she knew why.  The days passed quickly into weeks and the weeks into months.  She glanced down at the large bulge that used to be her stomach.  Soon, the baby would come.  Then, she would have to face the tension between them.  She wouldn’t allow her child to be raised in such a cold environment.  Despite what she had resigned herself to, she couldn’t allow her child to face the same fate. 

She knew now that she should never have agreed to marry him.  On the outside, he appeared to be the perfect husband.  He bought child-rearing books and doted on her at Lamaze classes, but on the inside the tension between them seemed to crackle with a life of its own.  Christmas was coming soon.  It had always been her favorite holiday.  The festive decorations on the street never failed to make her smile. 

Nick, too, seemed to be caught up in the season.  He bought a lush evergreen that filled the apartment with its invigorating scent.  Neither one of them had bothered with a tree when they were single, so they spent an entire evening picking out multi-colored ornaments to hang.  She smiled as she pulled them out of the boxes remembering how it had almost felt like they were the happy couple they presented to everyone. 

Nat King Cole crooned Silent Night behind her, as she reached out to hang an ornament on a higher branch.  A sharp pain seized her abdomen.  She took a couple of deep breaths, closing her eyes as her hand came up to cover her stomach.  Another pain sliced into her midsection, making her stumble to the couch.  She collapsed on the cushions. 

“Please stop.  It’s too soon,” she pleaded out loud. 

She waited for a few minutes, taking deep breaths.  Just when she thought the pains might recede, another hit her hard making her double over in pain.  Something’s wrong, her mind screamed.  She reached the phone dialing 9-1-1.  She cradled the receiver in her hand, willing the pains to stop.  She gave the operator her condition and address in short gasps of air.  When they confirmed that they were on their way, she dialed Nick’s office.  She barely explained what was happening to the secretary, before another pain seized her stomach. 

The phone fell to the floor as she gulped in air.  She curled up on the couch, her arms curved protectively around her stomach.  Tears slid down her face.  Some from pain, others from fear.  “Oh God, please don’t take my baby,” she whimpered. 

Nick and Pete strolled in to the office after a leisurely lunch.  They had decided to walk the few short blocks, since it was such a nice day.  When the elevator doors slid open, Karen, his secretary, was waiting for them.  Panic covered her face, causing fear to race up his spine.  “What’s wrong?” he asked in a gruff voice. 

“Mr. Daniels, it’s your wife.  She called me about fifteen minutes ago.  She said that an ambulance was coming to take her to the hospital.  She sounded like she was in a lot of pain.  I tried to call the restaurant, but you had already left,” she stumbled through the words, following Nick into his office as he went to get his car keys. 

After finding out what hospital, he hurried downstairs.  He drove through the city streets like a lunatic, barely avoiding a couple of accidents.  Thoughts raced through his mind.  Was she okay?  What was happening?  She was only eight months pregnant! 

He arrived at the hospital, sprinting over to the admittance desk. 

“Can I help you, sir?” a white haired nurse inquired. 

“Yes, I’m looking for my wife, Samantha Daniels.  She was admitted here just a little while ago.”  He tried to swallow his panic, as the nurse searched the files on the computer.  Before the nurse even finished giving him the room number, he was already running toward the elevator.  He raced through the maze of hallways, until he finally reached the maternity ward.  He frantically asked the nurses what was going on. 

At that moment, a door opened at the end of the corridor.  He saw Samantha’s obstetrician come out.  He rushed down the hall to meet him.  “Dr. Beardson, what’s going on?  I got a message that they brought Samantha here!  Is she okay?”

The doctor led him to a small waiting area.  “Samantha is in premature labor,” the doctor informed him. 

“But she’s only eight months pregnant?”

The doctor gently pushed him into a chair, leaning down.  “I know.  We’ve tried everything to stop the contractions, but nothing is working.  Unfortunately, she’s going to have to deliver this baby now.” 

He swallowed hard.  He had read enough to know how dangerous premature delivery could be for the baby and the mother.  “What can I do?” he asked, his voice cracking. 

The doctor placed a consoling hand on his shoulder.  “Unfortunately, nothing.  I know that’s tough to hear, but the best thing you can do for her now is wait.  Once it’s over, I’ll come get you.” 

With that, the doctor disappeared into the restricted corridor.  Nick buried his face in his hands, trying to still the tears that were beginning to well up.  He couldn’t lose her.  He just couldn’t.  Never in all his life had he felt so helpless, so useless.  He wasn’t sure how long he had been sitting there, when he felt a hand on his shoulder.  He looked up to see Pete looming over him. 

“What are you doing here?”  He couldn’t believe it.  After all the times that he had been inconsiderate lately, Pete was here to offer support.  He watched as his friend took a seat next to him. 

“I couldn’t let you sit here by yourself,” he said honestly.  “Besides, what are friends for, right?” 

How a selfish bastard like him had ever been lucky enough to gain a friend like Pete he wasn’t sure?  But he thanked the powers above for giving him such an understanding friend.  He wanted to say something to let his friend know how much he appreciated his kindness, but all that came out was, “Thanks.” 

For Pete, however, it was enough.  As he explained what he knew of the situation to Pete, thoughts raced through his mind.  What was she going through in there?  God, she must be so scared.  His hands curled into fists so tightly they hurt.  He would give anything right now to take her place in there.  She didn’t deserve to go through this.  He cursed himself inwardly.  He was the reason that she was laying in there.  Looking up at the ceiling, he made a promise to God.  If she made it through, he would do whatever he had to do to make her happy, even if that meant letting her go. 

 

Samantha’s heart was pounding, as the nurses scurried around her.  A man appeared leaning over her, as he placed an oxygen mask over her mouth and nose.  “Just breathe in nice and easy.  Now, I want you to count to fifty,” he instructed. 

She tried to keep her eyes focused on the ceiling as she repeated the numbers.  Soon, her vision began to blur.  Numbers were left out or skipped.  Her eyelids slowly drifted down, despite her best attempts to keep them open.  Was the baby okay?  What was happening?  Her eyelids fluttered, before closing all together.  Her last thought was that she would give anything for her baby to live, even if it meant giving up her life.

 

  Nick paced the small waiting room, running his hand through his hair.  He glanced over at Pete who had now read every magazine twice, regardless of the fact that they were all two months old.  “It’s been over two hours,” he bit out. 

Pete raised his head.  “I’m sure it won’t be much longer,” he assured in an even tone. 

Nick glared at him.  “That’s what you said thirty minutes ago,” he reminded gritting his teeth. 

“Well, wait another thirty minutes, then,” Pete replied curtly. 

He paced back and forth for a few more minutes, before stopping.  “That’s it!  One way or another, I’m getting into that room, and I’m going to find out what’s happening!” 

He headed toward the entrance of the room like a man on a mission.  Just as he was about to reach the doorway, Pete jumped out of his chair, stopping him with a restraining hand on his chest.  “Whoa!  You’re not going anywhere, big guy!” 

He glared down at his hand for a moment, before his gaze pinned Pete.  “Pete, get out of my way!”

“Let’s run the scenario, shall we?  You go busting in there.  The nurses call security.  They escort you out of the building.  What good will that do Samantha?” 

His lips formed a thin line.  Pete was right, damn him!  Busting in there would only serve to get him kicked out, and then he would be even further away than he was right now.  He collapsed in a chair, rubbing his eyes. 

Pete took a seat next to him. 

“I just can’t stand this waiting,” he explained, his voice laced with exhaustion. 

The look in Pete’s eyes spoke of his sympathy.  “I know,” he replied. 

“What am I going to do if something happens to her?” he whispered, his voice revealing the fear he was trying not to show. 

“Samantha’s strong.  She’s going to be okay,” Pete said reassuringly. 

He took a deep breath, hoping desperately that Pete was right.  Suddenly, he heard the door open.  He jumped to his feet, as he saw Dr. Beardson come into the room.  The haggard look on his face made Nick’s heart jump into his throat.  He pulled the green cap off his head.  Nick didn’t breath as he waited for the doctor to speak. 

“Why don’t we sit down?” the doctor suggested, pointing out a chair behind him.  He practically fell into the chair, as his knees threatened to give way.  Pete sat beside him, the line on his forehead etched with concern. 

“How is she?” Nick asked, his voice barely audible. 

The doctor smiled reassuringly.  “She’s doing fine, Nick.” 

He heaved a sigh of relief.  “Thank God,” he breathed, his eyes closing for a moment before opening again. 

“The baby is doing fine, too, right now.  We have him in an incubator for the time being, because of his size,” the doctor explained. 

Nick felt his heart leap with joy at the doctor’s words.  “Him?” 

Dr. Beardson beamed.  “Yes, you have a son, Nick.  Congratulations.” 

As soon as the doctor made the announcement, the intercom blasted that he was needed elsewhere.  “When can I see her?” he asked anxiously. 

“She’s sleeping, now.  Wait about a half an hour, and then she’ll being in room 413,” he called over his shoulder, as he began to leave.  Nick leaned back, resting his head on the back of the chair. 

“Congratulations,” Pete exclaimed happily. 

He grinned.  A son!  He had a son!  “Thank God,” he said reverently. 

Dr. Beardson turned around as he reached the doorway.  “Oh, Mr. Daniels, would you like to see your son?” 

His chest seemed to expand with joy.  Nothing had ever sounded so wonderful.  As the nurse led them to the ward, he tried to blink back the tears.  But, when he saw his son, there was no stopping the deluge.  He had never seen anything more perfect in his life.  His son lay peacefully enclosed in his glass house, amidst a sea of squalling babies.  He looked over every inch of his new addition.  Black hair covered his head.  He had Samantha’s nose, and his lips.  He was beautiful.  He knew without a doubt that he would do anything in his power to make this child happy for the rest of his life.

“He’s beautiful, Nick,” Pete observed, patting him on the back. 

“He is, isn’t he?  My son,” he repeated, savoring the words as he said them.   

After Pete left, he made his way to Samantha’s room.  He hesitated in the doorway.  She looked so peaceful, as she slept.  As if sensing his presence, her eyes fluttered open. 

“Come here,” she mouthed sleepily. 

He walked in slowly, taking a seat beside her.  After everything she had been through today, she still looked incredibly beautiful.  “How is he? Did you see him?” she asked, wetting her lips with her tongue. 

“He’s beautiful,” he replied, his eyes lighting up.  He took her hand in his, testing its fragile strength.  “Sam, there’s something I need to tell you,” he began slowly. 

She turned her head away, refusing to meet his eyes.  “I know, Nick,” she whispered in a broken voice. 

His eyes widened.  “You know what?” 

She blinked back the tears, as she slowly described the scene she witnessed between him and Lauren. 

Suddenly, he leaned his head back, howling with laughter.  “You thought that I had something going on with Lauren?” he asked, gulping for air. 

“Well, don’t you?” she demanded, angry at his callous behavior.  She tried in vain to pull her hand away. 

“No honey, she was drunk.  Maybe she wanted something to happen, but it didn’t.  She made a play for me, and I stopped her.  I had Derek drive her home.” 

She desperately tried to remember the events of the night.  Had she misread the whole thing?  She hadn’t actually seen Nick make any advances toward Lauren.  Lauren had been the aggressor.  She did remember him telling Lauren several times that she had had too much to drink.  Okay, she admitted to herself, so maybe she had jumped to conclusions a little.  Still, with the tension between them at the time, she couldn’t be blamed for her overreaction, could she? 

“Honey,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s always been you.  Don’t you know that by now?”

She stared at him.  Love sparkled in the green depths of his eyes.  Had that love always been there, but she had been blind to it?  A slow hesitant smile crept across her face.  “What were you going to tell me, then?” she reminded. 

He looked down at her hand, tracing the delicate patterns with his fingers.  “I heard what you said to Christina about our marriage being a mistake,” he started. 

She tried to put up a hand to stop his unnecessary words, but he stilled her.  “No, let me get this out, while I still can,” he said, leaving the chair to pace around her bed.  “When I found out you were pregnant, I was selfish.” 

Seeing her curious look, he explained. “I used it to my advantage to keep you with me.  It was wrong.  I know that now.  I thought that what I was doing was for the best at the time.  But I realized that I hurt you more than I ever could have helped.  Sitting out there in that waiting room not knowing if you were okay or not, I realized something.  I realized that the most important thing to me is that you’re all right, that you’re happy.  I, also, realized that for the past few months I’m the reason that you haven’t been able to be either one of those things.  So, if you want to leave me, I won’t fight you anymore.” 

At first, she wasn’t sure she had heard him right.  He had used the pregnancy as a way to keep her with him?  He wanted her?  She knew that baring his soul was one of the hardest things in the world for Nick to do.  And she loved him even more for allowing her the unguarded moment.  His stiff back told her what her silence was costing him.  Had she ever loved another man like she loved him?  She knew the answer as soon as the question posed itself.  He was the man she loved, the man she would always love. 

“Nick, I don’t want to leave you,” she replied honestly. 

She admitted to herself now that she never had.  She had only been afraid, afraid that he didn’t really want her, afraid that she couldn’t make him happy.  Now, she realized how much time she had wasted.  His head rose, and he spun on his heel to face her.  The relief she saw in his eyes made her heart flutter. 

He walked over to her bedside, leaning a hip on the edge as he reached out to take her hand in his.  He brought it to his lips, pressing tender kisses into the palm.  “I promise that I’ll make you happy, Sam,” he vowed vehemently. 

Her smile lit up his heart.  “You already have.” 

She looked at his bent head, and thought of another little dark haired boy that waited for her in the other room.  “You already have.”

 

  

 

Stay Tuned for more of Lake of Lies…

 

 

 

Hi Everyone,

I’ve been bad lately.  I know that I have missed a couple of posts.  Unfortunately, I have been in the process of fixing up a new house and moving.  Thankfully, I am in the new house now (amid way too many boxes).  The good news is that things should start returning to normal now.  If you were a fan of my blog book, The One Nighter, you will be glad to hear that I have recently signed a contract with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid for them to print the book

Also, if you haven’t checked out The Pleasure of Sin, go to http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=364.

Excerpt 23

Samantha stared at her reflection in the mirror, knowing that she couldn’t hide out in the bathroom forever.  Suddenly, she got an idea.  If Nick wanted to consummate their marriage, she certainly didn’t have to make it easy for him.  She quickly washed all traces of makeup off her face.  Then, she changed into her old red flannel pajamas, which almost covered her from head to toe.  She topped her brave ensemble off by pulling on bright green thermal socks.  As if that wasn’t enough to deter him, she pulled her hair into a lopsided pony tail.  She even left some of her moisturizer dabbed around her face, as if she didn’t forgot to rub it in all the way.

Satisfied, she leaned back to admire her handiwork.  With white splotches all over her face and this outfit, he was sure to opt for sleep over making love to her tonight.  She barely stifled a chuckle at the sight she made.  If he wanted her that bad, she thought immensely pleased with herself, he could have her. 

Once she had composed herself enough to wipe the smile off of her face, she walked outside without looking at him.  She yawned audibly, as she climbed sleepily into bed, and pulled the covers up to her chin. 

Nick, who had been standing by the window, turned to look at her.  One corner of his mouth tugged up in a half smile at her attempt to dissuade him.  He had to give her credit for trying.  Well, two could play at that game.  Slowly, he began to disrobe.  He kicked his shoes off, keeping his eyes locked firmly on hers.  He tossed his jacket on the chair. 

Samantha’s gaze followed his every move, as the items of clothing covering his body became more and more sparse.  Her mouth went dry as he began unbuttoning his shirt revealing inch by precious inch of his tanned chest.  When he took off his belt, her breathing seemed to stop.  Then, he slowly slid his pants down one leg at a time.  Finally, when he was standing before her in nothing more than his boxer shorts, he stared deeply into her eyes. 

A soft smile graced his full lips, and his thumbs hovered in the elastic waistband of his shorts tauntingly.  When her eyes grew wide in expectation, he slid the shorts down over his hips and let them fall to the floor.  He stood before her splendidly nude, and she couldn’t have torn her gaze away if she tried.  Samantha couldn’t help her tongue from snaking out to wet her parched lips.  His eyes were immediately drawn to the movement and she could tell by the look on his face that he knew it was a sign of her surrender. 

The bed dipped under his weight, as he slid into bed next to her.  Every inch of her body seemed to be on fire with awareness.  She could feel the heat of his naked body drawing hers closer.  Her body was beginning to betray her in all the wrong places.  Heat pooled between her legs.  She wanted to succumb to him, she couldn’t deny that.  But she couldn’t, she couldn’t let him seduce her so easily knowing that their life together was a lie.

He leaned over her, poised above her on one elbow.  Her wide eyes made him grin.  He grabbed the corner of the white sheet and began to wipe away the dabs of moisturizer from her face.  Samantha remained absolutely still throughout his laboring, her eyes regarding him warily.  Then, his hand slipped lower to smooth over her stomach.  The imprint of his hand seemed to burn through her pajama top. 

Her eyes met his.  The look on his face left no question of what he wanted, what he was sure to have.  She wanted it too.  She couldn’t lie to herself about that when her sex was throbbing for him even now.  She was a fool.  Even when she hated him, she still wanted him.  Hopeless…

His gaze focused on her mouth, which fell open in response to his unspoken request.  His head began to descend toward hers, and she felt her eyelids flutter closed.  He brushed his lips over hers gently.  Before she could stop herself, her tongue slipped into his mouth, hungry for the taste of him.  He rewarded her by opening his mouth wider.  His tongue came out to twist around hers, causing a low moan to escape her mouth. 

This was going to happen.  He knew it, and so did she.  Fighting it was pointless.  She had just sealed her life with his, regardless of the information she had gleaned post-wedding.  Her body ached to be filled, filled by him.  More than that, she wanted him to touch her…everywhere.  She grabbed his hand, moving it under her pajama top to touch her bare skin.  This time it was Nick who released a husky groan.  His hand slid higher until it covered her breast.  She broke the kiss to release a gasp of pleasure.        His head moved lower until his reached where his hand.  When his mouth closed over her nipple, she squirmed against him.  His tongue circled the straining bud slowly before nipping it slightly with his teeth.  She gasped, thinking that she would soon go mad if he didn’t fill her.  When her pajama top got in the way, she hastily pulled it over her head and flung it across the room.  Still, there was one part of her that he had yet to satisfy.  One part of her that cried out for his touch. 

She moved against him in a motion that left little doubt of her silent request, but he stayed where he was treating her to the sweetest kind of torture.  She writhed on the bed beneath him, silently begging for his attention.  When she realized that he would not capitulate without her instigation, she grabbed his hand pushing it lower until it reached its destination.  His palm covered her through the barrier of her clothes, but it still wasn’t enough.  She quickly pushed her pants down over her hips, pulling her pants and socks off in one swift motion. 

She moved against his hand, mindless of her actions, as his tongue swirled around her nipples infusing them with the wet heat of his mouth.  Still, she wanted more.  Her panties were still in the way of her feeling him against her.  She pulled them down, kicking them the rest of the way, before tossing them across the room to join  the rest of her discarded clothes in a heap on the floor. 

Cold air drifted over her naked body, which lay bare before him.  His hand covered her, one finger slipping inside her moist folds.  Before she knew what he was doing, he slid down her body to replace his hand with his mouth.  His thumb continued to massage the tight bud, while his tongue thrust inside her.  She cried out as her first orgasm took control, thrashing her about like a violent storm.  Her hips moved against his mouth of their own volition, leaving her breathless.  When she was close to reaching her second peak, he changed his position. 

His mouth came up to fuse against hers, as he drove inside of her.  She cried out, as waves of pleasure flooded her body.  Her legs instinctively came up to encircle his waist in an iron grip, pulling him deeper and deeper inside of her.  He leaned back on his arms to allow himself to penetrate her more deeply.  Tingles crept up her spine as he increased the tempo of his body, until he was driving into her with a single-minded goal. 

Finally, when she thought she could take no more, climax shook her body making her cry out his name.  He threw his head back emitting a low groan, as the warmth of his seed spilled into her body. 

He pulled away from her, collapsing on the bed beside her.  The splendid warmth that she had felt only moments before was replaced with cold.  She lay there for a minute staring at the ceiling, unable to believe what had just happened.  After a few minutes, she heard the steady sound of his breathing. 

He was asleep!  Once again, he had broken the resolve of her mind with the vulnerability of her body.  After all the trouble she had gone to making herself less desirable, in the end she had ripped her own clothing off to offer her body to him.  Embarrassment colored her cheeks as she remembered how eager she had been to have his body fill hers.  There had been no need for tender words or soft promises.  In the end, Nick hadn’t needed to use any of them to consummate their marriage she had done the job for him.   She supposed it was better that he hadn’t spoken words of love to her tonight, any way.  He wouldn’t have meant them anyway, and that knowledge only would have hurt worse. 

The next day they barely spoke.  Samantha suggested that they not spend the entire week at the cabin, because she wanted to get settled into his apartment and pick out a new obstetrician.  Her family doctor had given her a list of good doctors in the area of Nick’s apartment.  Nick, not knowing anything about obstetricians or Lamaze classes, had readily agreed.  He, too, seemed happier to get home than to stay the rest of the week. 

Settling into the apartment had been less of a job than he expected.  Before he knew it, he was back at work.  He leaned back in his chair behind his desk, pondering what had occurred between them on their brief honeymoon.  The door flew open.  He sighed heavily, despising being disturbed.  Although, he couldn’t honestly say he was actually getting any work done.  He was too concerned about Samantha.  Since he knew his secretary had been given strict instructions not to disturb him, he knew his visitor could be only one person. 

Pete closed the door behind him, coming to stand in front of his desk.  “I guess that I might be happy for you, if I didn’t want to smash your face in so badly,” Pete barked. 

He continued to stare out the window without seeing.  “What did I do now, Pete?” he asked, his tone belaying his fatigue. 

Pete snorted, falling into the leather chair in front of his desk.  “What did you do? First, you take off for over a month without even telling me or anyone else why.  Then, you get married and you don’t even invite me.  I think that I need to seriously reevaluate the pros and cons of this friendship,” he explained. 

Nick sighed, shaking his head.  He put his hand on his forehead, massaging his temples.  “I’m sorry, Pete, you’re right.  I’ve been acting like an asshole.” 

Pete’s eyes widened.  “That’s it?  That’s all you have to say?” he asked sharply. 

He glanced around the room for a moment, before his gaze returned to Pete.  “You expected flowers?” he replied sarcastically. 

Pete jumped out of his chair.  He leaned across Nick’s desk placing his hands in the center of the papered surface.  “No, you idiot!  I expect answers!  I mean, I know that you got married to Samantha!  I had to get that from the girls in the mailroom, but I would appreciate some news first hand,” he cried out in disgust. 

He threw his hands up in a bewildered gesture.  “You want answers!  Well, okay, you’ll get answers!  A few weeks ago, my brother comes here to tell me that Samantha is pregnant with my baby.  I asked her to marry me, and after countless ‘no’s’ and several attempts to escape she finally consented.  Happy now!  You have your first hand account of what happened!” 

He stalked across the room to stare out the window.  He wasn’t ready to discuss this.  He didn’t have answers himself for the things that had happened between them.  He knew he shouldn’t be yelling at Pete.  Pete had a valid reason for being upset.  The simple truth of the matter was that Nick just hadn’t thought.  So much had happened over the past month that simple courtesy hadn’t stood a chance.  Now, things were even worse.  For the past week since they returned home, she had acted like a ghost.  She drank her milk and took her vitamins, but the spark in her eyes was missing.  The fight that he had always loved had died.  He had personally killed it, and he hated himself for doing it. 

The hell of it was that he didn’t know what to do to fix things.  He had even taken to sleeping in the guest room, because he couldn’t stand the lost look in her eyes.  He had no idea what he could do to change the way she felt about him, but he damned sure wanted to try. 

Pete, seeing the defeated shrug of his friend’s shoulders, relented.  He put a consoling hand on his shoulder.  “Come on,” he said, leading him to a chair. 

Nick gritted his teeth.  He hated appearing weak to Pete, but his life at home had exhausted his cool reserve.  Pete returned placing a glass of scotch in his hand as he took a seat across from him.  “Now, what seems to be the problem between you two?” Pete asked, concern laced in his features. 

Nick emitted a harsh laugh.  “Am I about to be psycho-analyzed by the all-knowing Pete?” 

Pete smiled ruefully at his accurate description.  “Actually, yes, and I have an appointment in forty-five minutes, so hurry it up.” 

He leaned back in his chair, sighing heavily.   “That’s just it, Pete.  I can’t fix the problem,” he admitted. 

Pete leaned forward in his chair.  “Why not?” he inquired. 

He tipped his head back, allowing the strong liquor to slide down his throat.  He stared at the swirling fluid in the glass, as he replied, “Because, I’m the problem.” 

Pete looked at him, his confusion evident.  “What do you mean?” 

He took a deep breath, before he bit out the truth.  “She didn’t want to marry me, and now that she has she regrets it.  In fact, I think her exact words were that ’she made a huge mistake’.  It’s ironic, isn’t it?  All of my ex-girlfriends are probably applauding around the world.  I finally marry the only woman I’ve ever truly loved, and she can’t stand me.”   

Stay tuned for more of Lake of Lies…

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I missed the post last week.  It has been really busy.  We are in the process of moving.  Plus, I just received a contract for my novel, The One Nighter from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid.  So, it has been a busy few weeks.  I’m still trying to catch up.  Also, if you haven’t checked out my novel,  The Pleasure of Sin, from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid you can find it at:

https://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=364

Excerpt 22

Later that night, as the guests dined and danced, Nick excused himself to run upstairs.  Last night, he had had just enough time to escape into town.  The local jewelry shop had the most exquisite sapphire bracelet, and he knew that it would make a perfect wedding gift to his new bride.  As he started up the stairs, he heard someone calling his name.  He walked back downstairs to the family room area searching for the owner of the voice. 

“Nick,” the voice called out again.

He rounded the corner to find Lauren standing by the fireplace, a glass of wine in her hand.  She swayed a little when she walked over to stand in front of him, which warned him that she was more than a little intoxicated.  “Oh, Nickie, how could you do it?” she asked. 

“Do what, Lauren?” he replied, giving her a puzzled look.

She pouted her lower lip out.  “How could you marry her?  We could’ve had so much fun together,” she purred seductively. 

“Lauren, you’re drunk.  I’m sure that things without me will seem a lot better in the morning,” he reasoned, looking around the room for an escape. 

Before he could stop her, she curled her arms around his neck and pressed herself against the length of his body.  “I guess that it really doesn’t matter that you’re married, Nickie.  We could still have a lot of fun together.  You know, I never forgot how hot you were in bed.  You were the best lover I ever had,” she confessed, trying to press her lips against his. 

He reached up, trying to pull her arms from around his neck, without throwing her off balance.  “Lauren, you need to go home.  Why don’t I call you a cab?” 

Suddenly, she pulled his head down to hers fusing her lips against his.  When he gasped, she thrust her tongue inside his mouth.  He shoved her away violently, causing her to stumble for a moment, before finally collapsing on the couch.  “Don’t ever do that again, Lauren.  We were through a long time ago, before I ever got married,” he barked, as he left the room before she could regain her composure.  In his haste to escape the room, he didn’t even see a stunned Samantha hiding around the corner. 

Samantha couldn’t believe what she’d just seen.  She had come up to the house to change from her wedding dress into a rose colored satin skirt and blouse.  What she found when she came in made her want to vomit.  Lauren was talking about them carrying on an affair after the wedding.  She was talking about what a great lover Nick was.  Then, when they kissed, Samantha refused to watch any more.  She had stumbled into the hallway, practically collapsing against the wall in tears. 

She had made a terrible mistake.  She had allowed him to convince her that he loved her, but he had just been going through the motions.  How could she have been so stupid?  Tears streamed down her face, but she seemed rooted to the spot, unable to move. 

Suddenly, she heard the front door open again.  Her stomach cringed at the thought that Nick was coming back to his mistress.  Instead, she could hear Derek’s voice faintly echoing through the hallway.  She couldn’t hear what he was saying to Lauren, so she edged closer to the opening.  By the few words she could make out, she realized that Derek was ushering her out of the house, offering to take her home. 

So, Derek was doing Nick’s dirty work for him.  He was removing the evidence of Nick’s tryst, so that no one would see.  But someone had seen.  She had witnessed the entire thing.  She couldn’t believe that Derek was going along with Nick’s little plan to keep the wife and mistress apart. 

A few moments after they were gone, the door opened again.  Thinking that it was Nick, she went out into the entryway.  Instead, Christina stood at the door.  Once she saw the tears in Samantha’s eyes, she hurried over to her.  “What’s wrong?” 

Despite the intense need to tell someone that her worst fears had been confirmed, she couldn’t seem to speak.  Christina led her into the family room, motioning for her to take a seat on the couch.  “Samantha, what happened?” she asked, her concern evident. 

She couldn’t tell Christina the truth about what she had seen, no matter how much she wanted to.  Her stomach rolled in revulsion as the images continued to assault her mind.  Nick with another woman.  Nick kissing another woman.  On her wedding day!  She wanted to smack him.  She wanted to smack her too.  How could he do this to her?  How long had their little fling been going on?  The entire time she’d been here? Had it been going on even longer?  Why had she ever agreed to trust him?  She knew the answer, even though, she hated to admit it.  She loved him, like the fool she had always been.  She loved him so much that even reason had been blotted out.  The entire time he had been betraying her right under her nose and she had been too stupid to realize it. 

Christina put an arm around her shoulder, in an effort to comfort her. 

“Oh, Christina, I think that I made a huge mistake today,” she sobbed heavily.

“What are you talking about?” Christina asked in confusion. 

“Marrying Nick wasn’t the right thing to do.  What have I done?” 

Christina looked at her worriedly, before pulling her into a gentle hug. 

She squeezed her eyes tightly shut.  “I shouldn’t have done it,” she wept as Christina tried desperately to console her. 

Neither one of them noticed a stunned Nick leaning against the front door.  He exited the house as quietly as possible, not wanting them to know that he had heard the entire conversation.  She thought marrying him was a huge mistake?  She hated him so much that she was in there crying on his sister’s shoulder.  He couldn’t believe what he had just heard.  How could he have actually believed that she was happy? 

But he had.

All day she had pretended to be happy that they were getting married, and he had wanted to believe it so badly, that he had fallen for it.  She had probably only done it for everyone else’s benefit, he realized now.  She would never put on such a performance for him.  No, with him, she let him know how miserable she was.  And now, he would spend the rest of his life facing that fact every day. 

How could he have been so blind? 

She never wanted to marry him.  She had told him that from the start.  He walked back into the tent, where the reception was still in full swing.  His scowl deepened.  He wanted to get the hell out of here.  He certainly didn’t want to pretend to be the doting husband for the rest of the night.  So, she hated him, he thought angrily.  Well, she would hate him even more by the end of the night, if he had anything to say about it.  He was done trying to make her happy.  It never seemed to work any way. 

He walked straight over to the bar, and ordered a scotch straight up.  He downed it in one gulp then held the glass up for another.  After about the fourth, Derek grabbed the glass from him.  “Hey, watch it!  Don’t you think that’s enough for one night,” he scolded. 

Nick glared at him.  “No, I don’t think it is,” he bit out, jerking the glass out of Derek’s hand and holding it up for a refill.  The bartender obediently filled it, and he downed the remnants quickly. 

Derek grabbed his arm, pulling him into a darkened corner.  “Look, what’s wrong with you?  I mean, I know you’re mad about Lauren, but if you’re not careful you’re going to pass out at your own wedding reception.  Besides, you don’t want to ruin Samantha’s evening, do you?” 

He laughed harshly.  “Samantha’s day has already been ruined.” 

Derek’s eyebrows drew together in confusion.  “What are you talking about?  What did you do?” 

He spotted Samantha entering the tent with Christina, and he grimaced. 

“I showed up,” he admitted sarcastically, as he walked back to the bar. 

He got another scotch before Derek could stop him, then he walked over to join Samantha.  He couldn’t help but notice that Christina quickly disappeared at his arrival.  He stared after her slightly amused at her departure. 

“Ah, my beaming bride, would you like to dance with your new husband?” 

She offered him a defiant stare, before taking his hand.  He led her out onto the dance floor, swinging her in a wide arc, before taking her in his arms.   “Smile, everyone is watching,” he instructed. 

The smell of scotch drifted up to her nostrils.  “How many drinks have you had?” she asked, through gritted teeth. 

He gazed down at her.  “Just enough to make it through the night,” he answered with a sarcastic smile. 

She rolled her eyes in disgust.  “You’ll probably pass out in the limo,” she muttered under her breath. 

He leaned in closer, so that his breath tickled her ear.  “Don’t worry, my blushing bride, I wouldn’t dream of passing out on you tonight.  After all, there is the small task of consummating our marriage, and I always live up to my obligations.” 

She inwardly cursed her physical reaction to him.  Yes, he always did live up to his obligations.  After all, that’s why they were all here today. 

So that Nick could do his duty to her.

The rest of the night passed by fairly quickly, and no one was happier for that than Samantha.  They walked out to the limousine amid the spray of floating bubbles and well-wishers.  Once inside the car, they barely spoke to each other during the drive.  Nick had rented a small cabin in the woods for the week of their honeymoon.  It was supposed to be romantic, but instead it was turning out to be a nightmare. 

Samantha’s feeling of dread at the prospect of the night to come seemed to intensify with each passing moment.  He stared out the window, stoically oblivious to her presence, until they reached the cabin.  She couldn’t deny that she adored it.  Nestled in the middle of the woods, the little log cabin was the perfect retreat.  She could swear she even heard the trickle of a stream in the distance. 

The cabin was lit from the inside, and the driver carried their bags in.  Nick obligingly carried Samantha over the threshold, which she knew was more for the driver’s sake than for hers.  But once they were behind closed doors, he unceremoniously dumped her on to her feet.  He left her standing there, while he quickly escaped into another room. 

She sighed heavily, pursing her lips in distaste before surveying the room.  A small sitting room held an overstuffed couch, a loveseat, and a television set.  In the corner a small table sat filled with a champagne bucket and a half gallon of milk.  Two champagne glasses set beside the bucket. 

Samantha couldn’t help but smile at the milk’s presence in lieu of champagne.  Her hand absently strayed to her stomach.  A fire burned brightly in the fireplace providing a warmth she wished she could feel in her heart.  Samantha ventured further into the cabin.  A small kitchen in the back was equipped with wooden table and four chairs.  As she walked a few more feet, she pushed open the first door to reveal the bedroom.  A huge oak four poster bed, which had already been turned down in preparation for the night, seemed to dominate the room.  A small dresser sat in front of it with candles glowing. 

Well, she found Nick, she thought wryly.  Of course, right now, he was sprawled in an overstuffed chair in the corner staring at her ominously.  He glanced over at the bed, then back again at her.  Suddenly, she felt nervous at the prospect of sleeping with him.  She had made love to him a thousand times.  Being nervous around him now was ridiculous. 

Still, somehow tonight was different. 

Tonight, they were a married couple making love, and they were both absolutely furious with each other.  She hated the fact that her wedding night would be remembered this way. 

“I’m really tired.  Maybe we should just call it a night,” she said, desperately trying to stall. 

His lazy smile alerted her to the fact that he saw right through her plan.  “We are going to sleep together as husband and wife tonight, Samantha,” he explained with a finality. 

She knew what that tone meant.  It meant that any discussion was over.  She grabbed her bag, and walked into the bathroom effectively closing herself inside.  She felt like a lamb going to the slaughter.  She looked at her reflection in the mirror.  She looked like a woman who would probably spend the rest of the night crying. 

How could she be expected to lay in his arms tonight, when she knew the truth? 

How could she be expected to pretend everything was okay when she had found another woman in his arms only hours earlier? 

Stay Tuned for more of Lake of Lies…

Hi Everyone,

It has been a busy week.  Not only am I in the process of writing a new book, I am also editing my erotic romance, The One-Nighter.  Some of you might remember this book from when I posted it on my blog.  Now, I am in the process of “making it pretty” for the editors.   I’m also waiting for the first edits on the sequel to The Pleasure of Sin.   Plus, we are in the process of moving.   And, if that wasn’t enough, next week I’m helping my mom move.  But, on a more positive note, my husband is going to get me an ebook reader!  I couldn’t be more excited

I hope you all have a great week,

Shauna

Excerpt 21

 

Nick looked around his parent’s room, his blood racing through his veins.  The fact that he hadn’t been able to see her all morning put him on edge.   Thomas and Derek exchanged nervous glances as they watched him pace the length of the room.  Ever since, he found her gone this morning, a sense of dread had taken over.  Even though he knew that she was with his mother, it didn’t seem to pacify his unease. 

His father seemed completely bewildered by his attitude.  Derek, on the other hand, seemed to understand his unspoken fear.  He wasn’t normally the type to wear his heart on his sleeve, but something about Samantha would not allow him to hide.  As much as he told himself he was overreacting, he couldn’t help but wonder if she would show up.  With the way things had been between them lately, he couldn’t even say he blamed her.

A knock at the door broke the tense silence.  Nick’s spun on his heel to face the door.  “Come in,” he said sternly. 

Gladys poked her head around the door, not brave enough to venture inside.  After several run-ins with Nick’s unruly disposition already, even she now seemed to be a little gun-shy.  She cast a worried look at him that let him know that she wasn’t happy that he wasn’t dressed.  He had refused to get into his tuxedo until he knew that Samantha was back.   He wasn’t about to be a schmuck sitting in a tuxedo, while she was on a plane back home.  Everybody around the house seemed sure that it was just a case of the wedding jitters.  Everybody except Derek.  Derek was the only one that seemed to understand Nick’s discomfort. 

“Is she back yet?” Nick barked. 

Gladys had come upstairs several times to check on them, and each time she had informed them that Samantha wasn’t back from the salon yet.  Every time she said the words, the tension seemed to reach another all time high in the room.  The air around him vibrated.  Even though he loved Gladys like a mother, he still had to stifle the urge to throttle her each time he heard her say it.  He held his breath awaiting her answer. 

“Yes, they just got back,” she answered, offering him a warm smile. 

At first, he wasn’t sure he had heard her correctly, despite the audible sighs of relief that came from his brother and father.  “Samantha’s back?” 

She laughed at the pensive look on his face.  “Of course she is back.  Now, will you please hurry up and get ready?” 

Despite himself, Nick had to grin ruefully at his behavior.   He had to admit that if Derek had been acting so strangely, he would’ve probably had him committed to an institution by now.  Thankfully, the rest of his family wasn’t so quick to declare insanity.  He nodded his head at her request, a chuckle escaping deep in his throat.  As he began to get dressed, he chided himself inwardly.  Okay, so maybe he had been overreacting a little bit.  Maybe it was a lot, but the events of the past few months were enough to knock any man off his feet. 

Once they were dressed, Derek came over to pin on his corsage.   He looked into his eyes, smiling as he tacked the flower onto his tuxedo.  “Nervous?” 

Nick stared down at his brother.  He remembered when Derek used to follow him around like an obedient puppy.  Those days were long gone now.  It seemed ironic that after all that had happened between them, Derek had been the one that Nick had chosen to confide in about Samantha.  Nick knew that her reappearance in his life had definitely been the turning point in his relationship with his brother.  Finally, they both had a good reason to get past all of their resentment.  It had helped their relationship immensely.  His only regret was that they hadn’t stopped the stubbornness sooner. 

“Of course not,” he shrugged, trying desperately to deal with the tension that gripped his stomach. 

Derek’s smile widened, as he chuckled under his breath.  “Liar,” he accused playfully. 

He couldn’t help the grin that broke through the austere barrier on his face.  “Maybe a little bit,” he admitted.  “I just hope that everything works out alright.” 

Derek finished placing the corsage on his lapel, before leaning back to admire his handiwork.  “It will.  You two were meant to be together.  Everything will be perfect.” 

Nick watched his younger brother.  For years, their relationship had been strained at best for many different reasons.  Jealousy, competitiveness, Christina.  He had always disapproved of what was happening between him and Chris.  But now, he understood Derek better.  He knew better than anyone what Derek was going through.  He, also, knew that it was just a matter of time before Derek’s steel reserve broke down. 

“It will work out for you, too, Derek,” Nick replied. 

Surprise flickered in his eyes.  “You think so?” 

Nick laughed.  “Hey, if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.”              

Derek chuckled.  “I guess you’re right.  Maybe I do have a chance after all.  I mean if you found someone…” he trailed off, grinning mischievously.         

“Hey, watch it!  I’m still your older brother,” Nick reprimanded, his tone teasing.

Thomas stepped between them.  “Boys!  No fighting is allowed today.  It’s Nick’s wedding day.” 

Derek backed away carefully, his hands held up in defeat.  “Well, I can tell when I’m not wanted.  I’m going to go check on the girls,” he explained, heading toward the door. 

“Hey, you can’t see my bride before I do.  Come back here,” Nick called out to him, as Derek opened the door. 

“That’s the breaks, big brother,” Derek taunted, giving him a devilish grin as he walked out.

Nick turned back to face his father, who was staring at him.  “Well, son, this is it,” he said, eyeing him with concern. 

“Yep, I guess so,” Nick replied, thinking about all the things that had brought them back together, here, on this day. 

“You know, if you still aren’t sure about this, you don’t have to go through with it,” Thomas prodded gently. 

The look he gave his father told him everything he needed to know.  “Dad, I’ve never been more sure about anything in my entire life.  She’s the one.” 

His response seemed to take the weight off his father’s chest, because he exhaled heavily.  He offered Nick a warm smile, as he nodded his head.  “Good.  Well, I guess that we had better get down there, then.”

Nick followed his father down the hallway thinking of the events to come.  Tonight she would be his wife.  He had never expected to feel the emotions that assaulted him as he made his way to the room where he would vow to love her forever.  Once, he had thought that he would feel boxed in if they married.  But now, he realized how wrong he had been.  He didn’t feel boxed in.  He felt lucky.  Extremely lucky that he was about to marry the only woman he had ever loved. 

Now, if she would see things the same way, everything would be perfect.

 

Margaret and Christina helped Samantha into her dress before starting to get ready themselves.  Samantha placed small pearl drop earrings in her ears and a pearl drop necklace around her neck.  Her mother had always loved pearls, which was why she had chosen to wear them on her wedding day.  She looked down at the diamond engagement ring that Nick had purchased a few weeks ago.  Questions raced through her mind.  Were they doing the right thing?  Or were they making a huge mistake? 

Only time would give her the answers. 

She twisted the ring nervously on her finger wondering what their life together would be like.  Margaret must have sensed her indecision, because she came to stand behind her looking at her reflection in the mirror.  She put reassuring hands on Samantha’s shoulders to provide the comfort she sought. 

“Everything is going to be fine.  You’ll see,” she assured her. 

Samantha smiled, hoping beyond hope that she was right.  A knock sounded at the door.  “I guess it’s time,” Margaret said brightly, as she went to answer it. 

Her stomach churned.  She wasn’t ready yet.  She still needed more time. 

“Hey ladies, it’s almost time.  Were you going to join us or were you going to stay in here all day?”  Derek asked, poking his head around the door. 

“Oh, Derek,” Margaret chided, as she scurried out of the room with Christina at her heels. 

Samantha stared down at the ring on her finger, her stomach tight with nerves.  What if she really was making a mistake today? She loved Nick, but was her love alone enough to make their marriage survive?  What if one day he hated her for trapping him into this marriage?  Thoughts raced through her mind making her dizzy. 

“Hey, don’t look so scared,” Derek warned, coming behind her to grin over her shoulder. 

She took a deep breath, trying her best to give him a rueful smile.  “You’re right,” she replied softly. 

He turned her to face him, taking her hands in his, and squeezing them gently.  “Of course I am.  This was meant to be.  Things are going to work out fine.  Just remember to put one foot in front of the other on the way down the aisle,” he instructed jokingly. 

She laughed, despite her nerves.  “I’ll do my best,” she replied, letting him lead her into the hall.  The doors to the banquet room seemed much larger than they were the day before.  They also seemed to be approaching way too fast. 

“I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you soon,” he offered, giving her a playful wink.  He leaned over giving her a chaste kiss on the cheek.  “By the way, you looked absolutely radiant.” 

Samantha smiled at his compliment.  “Thank you,” she replied, as she watched him walk inside.  She walked over to join Margaret and Christina where they stood patiently awaiting their cues.  The music started and Samantha’s heart lurched in her chest.  She wasn’t ready.  Thoughts raced through her mind.  Her stomach tightened, then rolled.  She took a deep breath, trying to still the feeling that she would soon pass out. 

Margaret started down the aisle, leaving Christina and Samantha alone.  Christina turned to face her.  “Don’t worry, everything will be fine,” she assured, before starting down the aisle herself. 

She was left alone outside.  Everyone kept telling her that things would be all right.  It was the kind of thing people said even when they didn’t believe it.  She just wished that she felt the words were true in her heart.  She tried to regulate her breathing as her head fell back.  The ceiling loomed overhead.  The music signaled her that it was her turn.  She gripped her bouquet in an iron lock grip, took a deep breath, and followed Derek’s advise by putting one foot in front of the other. 

When the doors opened, the first thing she saw was Nick standing at the end of the aisle.  His eyes brightened as her gaze met his.  She grinned realizing that she had worried for nothing.  The way he was looking at her made her truly believe that things would be okay.  When she reached him, she handed her bouquet to Christina.  He took her hands in his, infusing her with his warmth and strength.  The minister began to speak, but she barely heard the words.  All she could do was stare into Nick’s eyes with all the love she felt in her heart for him.  Yes, everything would be okay.

 

She had never looked more lovely.  Did every groom think that of his bride on their wedding day?  He wasn’t sure.  All he knew was that his bride looked ravishing.  The look in her eyes made his heart beat a little bit faster.  His breath caught in his throat.  He knew that he would remember this moment for the rest of his life, no matter what happened between them.  The day she became his wife.  He repeated the words the minister instructed, without really hearing them.  All he could do was stare into eyes as blue as the ocean, eyes that were sometimes stormy, and other times crystal clear.  Eyes that never failed to express everything she felt.  Looking at her now, he knew that he would do whatever it took to keep her by his side. 

Losing her was no longer an option.   

His heart seemed to stop as she repeated the words that pledged her life to his forever.  The minister talked about the sanctity of marriage, and the vows that the two of them had just spoken.  He had heard the ceremony through two full rehearsals, but today he didn’t hear it at all.  All he could do was stare into the eyes of the woman who was becoming his wife.  A crystal tear hovered in the corner of her eye, before sliding down the length of her cheek. 

His eyes followed its path.  He ached to kiss it away.  He wanted to taste the saltiness on his tongue.  Words couldn’t begin to express how relieved he was that she had stayed with him.       “Now, you may kiss your bride,” the minister said, beaming at him. 

He turned to look at him for the green light, before bending down to brush his lips against hers.  He couldn’t help but allow himself a small taste of her lower lip.  He smiled down at her, when he pulled back.  Then, he turned his new flustered bride to face their guests, and led her slowly down the aisle.  Her hand automatically curved around his elbow, as if it was made to fit there. 

Once outside the doors, he pulled her into his arms, and kissed her with a passion that promised much more that night.  When he felt that she was sufficiently breathless, he led her into the side room while they waited for the guests to enter the tent his mother had erected in the back for the reception.  She was truly his. 

Nick was watching her make the rounds thanking everyone for attending, when Derek came up to slap him on the back. 

“Well, you finally did it,” Derek said.  He handed him a glass of champagne, and they both turned to look at the woman who had changed their lives. 

“Finally,” Nick repeated, smiling wistfully.

“I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks,” Nick replied, taking one last look at Samantha before turning to face his brother.  “Now, what about you?” he prodded ruthlessly. 

Derek scanned the crowd, his eyes inevitably straying to Christina before turning back guiltily.  “Maybe some day I’ll find someone that makes me as happy as Samantha makes you,” Derek relented, taking a sip of the champagne. 

Nick looked at Christina, noticing that she couldn’t help but glance at Derek every so often.  “Maybe that person is closer than you think,” he suggested. 

Derek’s gaze shot up to collide with Nick’s.  Surprise registered, before becoming quickly guarded.  “I don’t think so,” he denied in an icy tone. 

Nick put a consoling hand on his shoulder.  “You know, I know what it’s like to try to shut out the woman you love.  I’ve done it more often than I care to admit, but all it does is make you miserable.” 

Derek brushed off his arm, giving him a stern glare.  “You’re the one who so graciously pointed out the problems with such a match,” Derek replied curtly, motioning Christina’s way. 

He sighed deeply.  His brother was right.  He had been a big part of the reason that Derek and Christina had stayed apart.  When he was younger, he just couldn’t see past the fact that Christina was supposed to be their sister.  Unfortunately, he had never let Derek forget that fact, either.  Now, after what he had been through with Samantha, he knew that what they had didn’t come around often.  And when it did, you had to jump on it.  People weren’t always able choose the person they fell in love with, he knew that now. 

“Derek, I’m sorry if the things that I said influenced you.  Don’t listen to me.  Look at how long it took me to admit my feelings for Sam.  Anyway, I guess what I’m trying to say is you should do what makes you happy, because I want that kind of happiness for you.  If it’s Christina, then I think you should go for it.  It’s obvious how you two feel about each other.” 

Derek stared at Nick, as if trying to judge the sincerity of his words.  When he realized that the words were genuine, the tension in his body seemed to ease.  “It’s more complicated than that, but I appreciate what you’re saying,” Derek said solemnly.         

Nick glanced over, noticing that Samantha had taken her seat at their table.  “Well, at least, let me offer you one last piece of advice.” 

Derek looked up expectantly.  “What?” 

“Don’t let the woman you love walk away.  You might not get another chance.” 

With that last thought, he left Derek and went to take his seat by his wife.  Just thinking those words made him smile.  His wife.  He would’ve never thought that he could be so content with marriage.  But here he sat, next to his wife, and he couldn’t have been happier.  Now, all he had to do was convince her that married life would make her happy too.  And, he planned to. 

In fact, he was going to start tonight.

Stay Tuned for more of Lake of Lies…

Hi Everyone,

I hope that you are all having a wonderful week!  I have had a busy week this week with trying to market my new release, The Pleasure of Sin, and starting to write a new book.   My husband and I are also starting an author promotions company called Hall & Hart Promotions, so we have been working overtime.

I hope that you are all enjoying Lake of Lies…

 

Excerpt 20

Before she could even catch her breath from the tumultuous events that happened between them, it was time for the wedding rehearsal.  The wedding was to be held in a large banquet room in the back of the house.  Nick escorted her into the room, which had already been decorated in preparation for the ceremony tomorrow.  Beautiful yellow ribbons were lined on the rows of chairs.  Candles were placed strategically around the room to create a romantic ambiance.  A small altar had been erected in the front of the room where she and Nick would stand when they took their vows. 

As soon as she saw them, Margaret crossed the room to join them.  She placed a reassuring arm around Samantha as she led her around the room.  “I know that it looks a little sparse right now, dear, but tomorrow it will be beautiful.  I’ve arranged for the room to be filled with the most gorgeous lilies you have ever seen.” 

Nick walked over to talk to the minister, while Margaret continued on about the decorations.  Samantha glanced around the room.  Everyone seemed caught up in the excitement of the coming day.  She and Nick seemed to be the only two that were immune to the festivities.  They were both still too wary of each other and this new delicate truce they had so recently forged. 

Thankfully, the rehearsal was short, and she couldn’t help but be extremely thankful that no one chose to prolong it.  She wondered if they could all sense the tension between the bride and groom.  Tears sprung to her eyes as she looked around the room after the rehearsal.  Despite how much she loved Nick’s family she felt an ache in her heart that her parents could not be with her.  She could just imagine them enjoying all the fuss that was being made.  The car wreck that stole their lives had robbed her of this moment, and moments sure to come.  As a little girl, she had dreamed of the day when she would get married.  Unfortunately, this was not the way she had envisioned it happening. 

She gave herself a mental shake.  Thinking about the things she didn’t have wouldn’t bring them back.  If it would, things would’ve been different long before now.  Still, she couldn’t help but hope that they would be watching her from above. 

That night at dinner everyone celebrated the impending union by making congratulatory toasts.  Nick held her hand tightly, and she knew that he was trying to assure her that she made the right choice in staying.  She smiled as everyone told them how happy they would be together, but deep down she couldn’t help but wonder if they were right.  Or were they making a mistake that would haunt them for the rest of their lives? 

“Well, I guess that we are going to get some sleep,” Nick suggested. 

Margaret’s eyes widened in surprise.  “You can’t sleep together the night before your wedding.” 

Nick offered her a curious smile, one eyebrow quirked up.  “You don’t really believe those old superstitions, do you?” 

Margaret slapped his hand.  “Bite you tongue!  You will not sleep in the same bed the night before your wedding in this house!” she admonished. 

Nick laughed, leaning casually back in his chair.  “Mom, I can’t believe you!  Those are just old wives tales!” 

Margaret grinned at him.  “You’ll thank me on your fiftieth wedding anniversary.  I promise,” she assured him.

That night as Nick lay in the guest room bed staring up at the ceiling, he thought about the events that happened.  He had almost lost her.  It was only by dumb luck that he had been able to hold on to her for now.  His body still needed reassurance.  He needed to feel her beneath him.  He needed to be inside her to feel sure that she wouldn’t leave.  He contemplated going to her room.  He wanted to make love to her until the sun came up, but he knew he couldn’t. 

He shifted uneasily on the mattress, knowing that sleep would probably elude him tonight.  He prayed that his mother was right.  He prayed that they would make it to their fiftieth anniversary.  At this point, he would settle for making it to their first.  That night for the first time in a long time, he prayed.  He prayed that some how, some way, they would be able to make this marriage work.  He just hoped the Lord was listening.

The next morning Samantha slept in.  She knew that most brides were up early with the excitement of the day.  But she barely made it up in time to take a shower.  Afterwards, she pulled on a robe stepping out of the bathroom covertly, so she wouldn’t run into Nick.  When she heard a door open at the end of the hallway, she panicked sprinting the distance to her room in lightning speed. 

As she leaned her head back against the door, a giggle escaped her mouth.  This was ridiculous!  Nick was right.  It was just an old wives tale.  As quickly as she had dismissed the notion, she remembered that old wives probably had a lot more knowledge about making a marriage work than she did.  She supposed it would be wise not to tempt fate.  She barely had time to change before Christina and Margaret whisked her away to a quaint cafe for breakfast.  They ate leisurely, each speculating on the coming day.  She couldn’t help but be grateful for their cheerful banter.  It took her mind off everything that had transpired in the last day. 

Then, they were off to the salon to be primped and prodded into perfection.  They joked and giggled as the stylists fixed their hair.  Samantha began to feel the first signs of morning sickness as she sat in the chair.  The stylist twisted her hair before spraying the hairspray.  She breathed in deeply, but only succeeded in sucking in more of the irritating spray.  Finally by the second row of curlers, she could endure no more.  As the stylist turned to pick up a few more curlers, she flew out of her chair barely making it into the bathroom before losing the remains of her breakfast. 

She sat in a huddle on the floor, praying that this torture would end soon.  As if her prayers had been answered, the violent heaving finally stopped allowing her a moment to catch her breath.  After remaining on the floor for a while to make sure that her stomach had stilled, she slowly crawled to her feet to flush the evidence of her humiliation down the toilet.  As she looked into the mirror patting cool water on her face, she sighed deeply.  The sickly pallor in her face was unmistakable. 

Unable to contain herself, she released a small chuckle at the irony of the situation.  It seemed fitting that her child wanted to make its presence known on the day of their wedding.   When she returned to the other room, Margaret and Christina looked at her in concern. 

“Are you alright, dear?” Margaret asked, putting an arm around her waist as she led her back to the chair. 

“I’m fine,” she laughed, a little embarrassed at the fuss they were making over her. 

When they still exchanged worried glances over her head, her eyebrows rose.  “I’m fine, really.  Now, get over there and get in your chairs.  You wouldn’t want me to be late to my own wedding, would you?” 

At her not-so-subtle instigation, they hurried back to their chairs to finish.  Samantha’s stylist offered her a warm smile as she patted her shoulders before continuing her work.  When their hair was finally perfect, the makeup stylist did their makeup one by one.  She insisted that Margaret and Christina go first hoping so that she could take a minute to catch her breath.  When the stylist was applying Christina’s eye shadow, Margaret came to sit beside her. 

She handed her a glass of Sprite and a package of crackers.  “Here, dear, I know how my morning sickness was with the boys.  I’m sure that you must feel the same way I did then, and I certainly wouldn’t have wanted anyone trying to make me look beautiful on those occasions,” she offered sympathetically. 

Samantha smiled as she took a sip from the glass and began to nibble the crackers.  Her stomach seemed to thank her by settling down completely.  Margaret rubbed her back.  Tears sprung to her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.  She missed having a mother so much in moments like these.  But now, with Nick’s help, she finally had one. 

Soon, she would be his wife, and she would have a family again.  He had given that to her, even if he didn’t truly want her.  She would always love him for that.  She wished that things could be like they used to between them before everything went so wrong.  All she could hope for now was that he would come to love her again. 

But what if he didn’t? 

What if he ended up resenting her for stealing the life he wanted for himself? 

 Stay Tuned for more of Lake of Lies…

Hi Everyone,

It has been a busy week!  I just received a new contract from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid for the second book in my Club X series, Den of Desire.   Also, if you haven’t checked out the first book in the Club X series, The Pleasure of Sin, be sure to check it out at:  http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=364&zenid=ff9eff93c36a8a0e769b019b5b9d77d7.

I hope that you are all enjoying Lake of Lies.  Thanks to the wonderful emails you’ve been sending me, I’m planning to go back through this book and try to re-submit it for publication.  I’ll let you know when it becomes available.

Will Samantha take the plunge?  Or will she run from him again? 

Find out in Lake of Lies…

Excerpt 19

             Tears began to slide down her cheeks at his reaction to what had just occurred between them.  He had taken her without love or feeling only to leave her lying there like some common whore.  She curled onto her side wishing she had stopped him, wishing that she had not succumbed so easily to his seduction.  At that moment, she would have let him do anything he wanted with her.  She was hopeless.  In her attempt to leave him, she had just effectively raised the white flag in surrender. 

            She grabbed a corner of the bedspread, pulling it around her to shield her nakedness.  But it did nothing to cover her vulnerability.  Even if she left now, it wouldn’t stop her pain.  He would come after her.  Or worse, he wouldn’t come after her at all.  She wasn’t sure which would hurt more.    She had lost the only thing she had left, control.  In one moment, he had forced her to realize that it had all been a mirage.  She had never had any control in the situation.  She had been lying to herself when she thought she could so casually walk away.  The worst part of coming to that realization was knowing that she had just confirmed it for him.

Nick walked into the guest room slamming the door behind him.  He couldn’t deny it.  She got to him.  She twisted him in knots and made all rational thought disappear.  He hadn’t meant to let her know just how intense his feelings were.  He had only meant to show her that no matter how far she ran, she couldn’t escape what they had together.  Neither of them could.  It was an indisputable fact that he had had to come to terms with.  They were bound together forever, and it was time that she admitted it.  Instead, he had ended up touching her in ways that left little doubt about the depth of his true feelings. 

In his quest to expose her true vulnerability, he had revealed his own.   

He sat on the bed, remembering the events of the morning.  Christina rushed downstairs stammering about Samantha leaving.  When he had finally been able to decipher what her ramblings meant, he had been outraged.  He hadn’t allowed himself a moment to reconsider rash acts.  He had all but blocked out that voice of reason.  He had just reacted.   

The whole thing was a joke.  He knew now that he could never let her go.  He would fight her and anyone else, even if he knew letting her go was the right thing to do.  If he let her walk away, he wouldn’t survive it.  He had barely survived it last time.  He wouldn’t go through that again.

He couldn’t. 

God, the way he slammed out of the room earlier, he felt like a fool.  She probably thought that he was insane.  At this point, she might be right.  If she hadn’t hated him before, she surely did now.  Disgusted with himself, he got up crossing the room to stand before the door.  This wasn’t going to be easy, but it had to be done.  He took a deep breath, before pulling the door open to stalk across the hall.  He looked at the closed door, knowing that the harsh scene he was about to face was his own doing.

Refusing to give himself too much time to reconsider, he opened the door.  She looked so fragile, curled up in the middle of the bed with the cover pulled around her.  Was this the same girl who had so brazenly surrendered to him earlier?  

The bed dipped as he eased down beside her.  She immediately stirred.  He tried to be quiet, but it was too late.  She turned on her side, her eyes meeting his.  She pulled herself upright, yanking the bedspread even tighter around her.  Her eyes wary, she leaned back against the headboard to study him. 

He turned his head unable to bear the hurt and accusations he saw in her eyes.  He knew he was responsible.  He knew that he deserved whatever punishment she dealt out. 

“Sam, we need to talk,” he began. 

She sighed heavily.  “I don’t have anything to say.” 

“Well, I do,” he interrupted, his tone firm. 

She rolled her eyes.  “Fine,” she hissed. 

He stood, unable to sit down through this conversation.  He paced the length of the room, raking a hand haphazardly through his hair. 

God, he didn’t know what to say to her. 

What could he say that would make things better between them? 

“Look, I’m sorry about earlier.  I shouldn’t have done that,” he started. 

Samantha snorted loudly, pulling the covers tighter around her. 

He spun around.  “I mean it okay.  I’m sorry,” he repeated. 

Samantha got out of bed, taking the bedspread with her.  She walked around the room collecting her clothing. 

“Fine, you’re sorry.  Are we done yet?” she asked furiously. 

He grabbed her arms, spinning her around to face him.  “No, don’t you get it!  We will never be done, Sam.  That’s what I’m trying to tell you.  You and I will never be over.  It’s time that we both face that.” 

She stared at him, angry at the truth of his words.  She knew that he was right.  Maybe she had always known that it was the truth in her heart, the only place where she could admit to her desires so freely.  The one place that you never wanted to trust, even when you knew you should.  

“I know, Nick.  Are you happy now?” 

He released her.  He couldn’t bear the look in her eyes.  God, what was he doing?  He had to get out of here.  He brushed past her on his way to the door, unable to take anymore. 

“Nick,” she called out after him. 

He stopped, his hand poised over the door handle.  He didn’t turn around to face her, he couldn’t.  This was going to be hard enough. 

“If you want to leave me, I can’t stop you,” he admitted in a broken voice.  

With those simple, devastating words, he left her.  She sat on the bed, staring at the door.  She had to face the truth.  There was no place that she could run to escape her heart.  No matter what he said or did to her, she still loved him.  She had always loved him.  No one had captured her heart the way he had.  And, now she was pregnant with his child.  

Leaving him now would be a mistake she would not be able to take back.  Deep in her heart, she would regret it.  He had proved that fact to her today completely.  No matter where she went she would never be able to get over him.  No one else would ever do.  Marrying Nick was the right thing to do.  It was the only thing she could do, for her baby and for herself. 

Could a marriage that began this way actually last?  She wasn’t sure.  But she would never forgive herself if she denied her baby the chance to have a family.  She wanted that for her child more than anything.  Even if they failed, she had to try.

She pulled her clothes on quickly, creeping across the hall to the bathroom trying not to arouse attention.  She quickly showered and returned to their room to change into fresh clothes.  As she was finishing buttoning her blue dress, Nick walked into the room.  His surprise that she hadn’t left was evident.  He gently closed the door behind him.  Neither of them could break the hypnotic gaze that sparkled with questions. 

He glanced around the room searching for her suitcase.  When he didn’t find it, he asked the obvious question. 

“You’re not leaving?” 

She took a deep breath as she saw the disbelief in his eyes.  Her heart began to flutter.  She suddenly realized that the prospect of her leaving had truly terrified him.  It wasn’t a declaration of undying love, but it was a start.  She wanted to rush over to him and take him in her arms, but she held back. 

“No, I’m not leaving, Nick,” she replied quietly. 

He breathed a sigh of relief, stumbling over to the bed to sit on the edge.  “Thank you,” he said, after a moment of silence.

She walked across the room to take a seat beside him on the bed.  She turned toward him, taking his hand in hers as she looked deeply into his eyes.  “I want to make this work, Nick,” she explained softly. 

He held her hand, squeezing it gently.  “It will, I promise.  It has to,” he vowed. 

The moment was almost perfect.  But that forced edge in his tone warned her that the road ahead was not going to be an easy one.  Would he ever truly want her for a wife? 

Or were they destined to act out a lie instead?

 

Stay Tuned for more of Lake of Lies…

Hi Everyone,

 

I hope that you are all enjoying the holiday!  It is a New Year with New Possibilities.  One thing I love to do at this time is decide what my goals are for 2009.   Decide what you want out of life and plan a road map to get there.  Don’t just say “I want to be published”, “I want a job making $60,000 a year” or “I want to lose 20 pounds.”  For your goals, write down how you will go about getting there.  For instance, write down that you will enter 2 contests for writing, that you will come up with 2 different ways to impress the boss or that you will join a gym by a certain date and visit at least 2 times a week.  These are ways to get yourself to the end result.  And by doing these things, you will reach the level you want to be.  Make a decision that this year will be The Year that you make the changes you have always wanted to make. 

 

Good Luck!

 

Now, find out what Samantha will do that will change her life forever…

Excerpt 18

Samantha took a deep breath as she heard the door close.  A single tear slid down her cheek.  She looked up at the ceiling, wishing that she had some fairy godmother to come down and rescue her.  Unfortunately, she had been taught a long time ago when her parents died, that fairy tales didn’t come true.  They certainly didn’t happen to people like her. 

She quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.  There would be enough time for tears later.  Now, she had to concentrate on getting out of here in one piece. After she had cleared out a few more drawers, the bedroom door flew open. 

Nick stood silhouetted in the light from the hallway.  He looked like a towering medieval warrior prepared to begin a battle.  His gaze flew back and forth from the suitcase to her, then they narrowed dangerously.  He slammed the door closing the distance between them in two long strides.

“You’re leaving me?”

She tried desperately to still her shaking hands as she crossed the room to place a folded tshirt in the suitcase.  “Yes, I am,” she said, her voice so low it was almost a whisper.  She gathered her resolve turning to confront his wrath.   “I think it’s for the best, Nick.” 

He took a step toward her causing her to take a step back.  She collided with the wall behind her.  He was so close to her that each time he inhaled his midriff brushed against her middle.  “Is it?” he asked, his voice deceptively soft. 

She could tell by the clenching of his jaw that he was trying to keep a hold on his temper.  She couldn’t help but feel a moment of fear at what might happen if that hold were to somehow slip.  She used the only thing she could think of, the only thing she had…reason. 

“Nick, we both know that this would never work.” 

The way his shoulders stiffened made her all too aware that her gamble had not paid off.  He placed his hands on either side of her head leaning in.  She was effectively caged.  She tried to assure herself that he would never hurt her, but the look in his eyes warned her not to underestimate him. 

He leaned in a little closer so that his face was a breath away from hers.  “Are you that eager to be rid of me, Sam?” he questioned, his voice a husky whisper. 

God, why did he have to stand so close?  It had been so long, and her body was beginning to betray her by responding.  Her eyes fluttered involuntarily shaken by his nearness.  “You know that that’s not it, Nick,” she denied, her voice quivering. 

He leaned in, rubbing his cheek against hers hypnotically as he whispered in her ear.  “Do I?  All I know is that every time I turn my back you end up trying to run away from me again, Sam.  Why is that?  What are you afraid of?” 

Her thoughts were becoming scattered due to his close proximity.  His breath teased her ear making it tingle under the attention he gave it.   The friction of his cheek rubbing seductively against hers was electric.  She couldn’t think straight.  Her nipples tightened under her shirt. 

“Answer me,” he commanded softly. 

She answered the only way she could.  “You…this…I’m afraid of this,” she whispered honestly. 

His tongue snaked out to encircle her earlobe taking it into the warm splendor of his mouth.  A delighted sigh escaped her lips. His tongue plundered the sweet hollow of her ear making her tremble.  His hands clutched her hips, pulling her against him.  He rubbed her lower body against his in a rhythm that was maddening.  She could feel the length of his erection prod at the notch between her thighs and an impatient cry left her lips. 

She knew that she should stop him.  She knew that this was wrong, but she couldn’t control her longing for him.  Her physical reaction was too intense to contain.  He moved his attention to her neck, his tongue swirling delicate circles on the sensitive flesh.  She longed to feel his hands on every part of her body.  She couldn’t get enough of him.  She wanted to feel him everywhere, invading.  She squirmed against him like a wild animal. 

Frantically, her hands came up to clutch at his shoulders pulling him closer.  A low chuckle sounded deep in his throat at her not-so-subtle invitation, but she didn’t care.  Just when she thought she would cry out, his hands came down to still her swaying hips.  They slid around to cup her buttocks pulling them up so that she cradled his burgeoning erection.  Her hands blazed trails in his hair, as she emitted a soft moan of release. 

Suddenly, he swept her off her feet.  Her legs instinctively wrapped themselves around his waist in welcome.  His tongue trailed a fiery path down to the collar of her shirt.  One hand undid the buttons allowing him further access, while the other remained firmly locked around her waist.  All the while, he continued his erotic movements against the aching spot between her legs.  It was an ache that only he could fill and they both knew it. 

Finally, she could take no more.  “Please, Nick,” she begged, unable to stop herself from saying the desperate words. 

Before she knew what was happening, he had spun her around placing her on the bed.  With the room spinning, she focused on the only figure that remained still…Nick.  With him hovering over her, he reminded her of a Greek god.  Flames of passion sparked in his eyes that threatened to rage out of control consuming them both. 

She lay beneath him watching his every movement as he slowly began to remove her clothing piece by piece.  His touch was so light that she barely felt the pressure of his hands.  Hands that she longed to feel covering her naked body.  With each piece of clothing he removed, he stared at her for a long, lingering moment.  When she tried to help him to speed up the process, he stayed her. 

Finally, when she thought she would go mad if he didn’t hurry, he removed the last piece of clothing.  She lay before him completely naked and vulnerable.  The look in his eyes told her that the true torture had only just began.  He kneeled on the floor beside the bed, his face level with her tempting body.  He lightly trailed his fingers from the tips of her toes up the length of her thigh.  He lightly skimmed her inner thigh coming dangerously close to the downy curls between her legs before callously veering over her stomach. 

She whimpered at his blatant disregard for the one spot that cried out for his touch the most. His palm never made contact.  Only the light touch of his fingertips skimmed her body.  Tension began to swirl in her abdomen.  When his fingers reached her breast, his index finger lightly circled the straining bud until it flared into a tightened peak.  Just when she didn’t think her nipples could possibly get any harder, he turned his attention elsewhere.  His fingers journeyed up her neck to the fullness of her lips.  Her lips slowly parted to allow him access, but he turned his attention elsewhere.  His fingers trailed over to the delicate lobe of her ear denying her a taste of her tormenter.  Her body was on fire, and she didn’t think she could take anymore. 

“Nick, please,” she pleaded, writhing on the bed. 

He got up to lie down on the bed beside her.  She folded into his arms easily.  Her mouth opened, ready and demanding, for his much anticipated kiss.  Unfortunately, Nick had other ideas.  He denied her the pleasure of his mouth by allowing his tongue to stroke the length of her neck instead. 

She pulled frantically at his clothing, but he would not let her accomplish her feat.  Unable to control herself, her hands went to his jeans trying desperately to divest him of the barriers that stood between them.  He leaned forward, pulling her hands above her head and pinning them there in his grip.  He wanted her completely vulnerable to his sensually administered pleasures.  “Uh, uh.  Not this time,” he breathed heavily. 

His mouth drifted down to take her nipple inside, swirling his tongue around the straining bud.  “Nick,” she whimpered softly, unable to take any further temptation.  One hand ventured lower to caress her quivering mound.  Her hips moved of their own volition against him willing him to take her.   She moaned as he finally rewarded her by slipping one finger inside her tender folds.  She didn’t know how much longer she could take this. 

He groaned as her sweet nectar slid down his finger.  Unable to bear any more, he slid between her legs.  One hand held her arms firmly above her head, while the other undid the buttons on his jeans sliding them and his boxer shorts down to his knees in one swift motion.  He hesitated looking into her eyes as his manhood began to gently prod its way into her entrance.  She seemed completely lost in the sensual haze he had created.  Her eyes clouded in passion.             She knew what he was doing.  She also knew that he had succeeded in what he began.  He had kept himself so rigidly in control to teach her a lesson.  He was showing her just how much he could control her.  She was his no matter what she said, and he wanted to make sure she knew it.  He was showing her that no matter what she told herself she could deny him nothing, not even the pleasure of her body. He wanted her to remember that he could take her however he wanted, with her naked and vulnerable to his every whim while he remained completely closed and in control. 

Part of her hated him for that realization, even though, she couldn’t stop herself from wanting him.  She had allowed him that victory today, unable to stop her body from reacting to his.  The things that he was doing to her, showing her, both infuriated her and set her body on fire with passion.  She was powerless to stop him. 

God, he thought to himself, he had never seen a more beautiful temptress than the one that lay before him now.  She seemed to have all the answers to drive him to new heights of arousal.  And she was his, even if she didn’t seem to be willing to admit it.  Seeing her lying beneath him naked and vulnerable and loving every minute of his touch drove that fact home to him even more.  He could take her today and tomorrow.  He could take her any way he wanted to, and she would enjoy it calling out to him for more.  The thought made his erection twitch against her slick folds.  God, he had never wanted a woman more than he wanted the one beneath him.  He wanted to be inside every part of her.  She had consumed his thoughts, his soul.  The thought jarred him more than he wanted to admit.

When she looked up at him questioning his hesitation, he drove into her releasing a groan of pure satisfaction.  It was always this way with her, he thought.  Every time he was inside of her, he never wanted to leave.  She must have felt the same way for she emitted a husky moan at his entrance.  His rhythm was slow at first, teasing her, taunting her.  Then, he increased it faster and faster, until they both thought they would explode. 

She wanted to reach out, she wanted to grab him, but she was helpless.  Helpless to stop him from whatever sensual torture he had devised for her next.  She ached to feel the exquisite pressure of his lips against hers.  He hadn’t kissed her once since this sexual foray had begun.  God, he looked so beautiful moving in and out of her body, his eyes closed tightly in passionate surrender.  His muscles tightened with each thrust. 

She pulsed around him, her body begging for more.  “Nick, please, kiss me,” she begged softly. 

He stopped in mid stroke staring down at her, his breathing labored.  He gently eased his body down further, his mouth hovering over hers.  His eyes searched hers as if he was trying to discover the motive for her request.  What he saw must have pleased him, because he rewarded her by fitting his mouth against hers.  His tongue delved into her mouth searching its warm barriers.  Her tongue met his, dancing playfully around it.  All the time their eyes remained locked together.  His grip on her wrists loosened, and he finally released her.  Her hands came up to caress his face as she kissed him.  His hips began to move again, slowly at first until neither one of them could stand the built up tension any longer. 

Then, his body began to drive into hers with a single-minded goal.  Her hands came down to clutch his buttocks pulling him inside her faster and faster until she thought she would explode.  A minute later, a white-hot rush of release claimed her.  He followed her lead releasing a harsh groan, his head thrown back in ecstasy before collapsing on top of her.  He stayed there for a moment, his breath fluttering along the sensitive skin of her neck. 

Suddenly, he rolled away getting to his feet.  He righted his clothing, cursing under his breath, before casting a scowl at her.  “Damn you, Samantha,” he muttered. 

With that, he left her naked and alone.

 

Stay Tuned for more of Lake of Lies…