A while ago, I posted about doing things that will change your life. A lot of times we get mired down in the day to day things and we tend to forget the things that are important.  One of these things is continuing to grow.  True living stops when we stay stagnant.  Stagnation begins with holding on to things that are no longer helping us grow. 

One of these things for me was the relationship I had with my biological father.  My parents divorced when I was three years old and because of that my father wasn’t around much.  He has always lived at least three hours away, a lot of times more than that.   Even when I did spend time with my father, I always felt like I was competing for his attention.  A lot of my childhood was spent trying to make him happy with me and wishing that he was the type of dad that I saw on tv.  

I grew up with The Cosby Show, Growing Pains and Family Ties.  In those shows, the fathers were always hands-on and really cared about how their kids were doing.  So, it was hard to understand as a child why my father didn’t seem to want to spend time with me.  Most of the visits I had with him, I spent with my grandmother or my aunt.  As I grew up, I began to expect less and less from my father.  In all honesty, I felt like he didn’t really love me.    From what I saw, my father was always better with kids that weren’t his.  With me, it felt like he saw me as a burden – something that he HAD to do.

Eventually, as I grew into an adult, I had to accept the fact that he would never be the father that I wanted.  Along the way, we have tried to rebuild a couple of times, but it always comes back to the same fact.  My father will never change.  I can continue to let that cloud my life with pain or I can let it go.  I can move on and build a life that I am proud of.

My point is this…Everyone has a past.  Many times we have painful issues from our past that we have to deal with.  But we can’t let them hold us back from continuing to live.  We can’t continue to wish that things would change.  I was watching an episode of Dr. Drew and one of the patients said “I just want my dad to love me and want to spend time with me.”  One of the counselors said “You didn’t get that.”  We can’t become stagnant because we wish things from our past will change.  They won’t.  We each have our own baggage that we have acquired over the years.   It’s your job to unpack that baggage and move on with your life.  Don’t let it weigh you down to the point that you can’t travel anymore.

So, what are you going to let go of?  I can speak from experience when I say you will feel much lighter.  And, always remember, you can change your life.  You can be anything you want to be.  BUT you have to give yourself the power to be that.

Enjoy life!

Shauna

I know that I have been missing in action for a while, but I have a good excuse!  We just welcomed a new baby boy into our family.   So, as you can imagine, we have been quite busy!  With our new blessing in tow, I started thinking about persistence. 

Is there a limit to persistence? 

It is a question that everyone must answer for themselves.  But it really boils down to how badly you want something. 

I’ve been writing ever since I can remember.  I didn’t always think that I could ever achieve my dream of being published.  For a long time, I just accepted what I had.  I settled for things I thought I could get instead of thinking of things I wanted.   I’m not a gambling woman by any means.  I’m the girl that accepts the $20 she just won on the slots instead of spinning again. 

But some things are worth fighting for.

Getting to see my work in print was definitely one of them.  I had to ask myself “what would I regret not doing?” 

After seven years of working hard to perfect my novels, persistence paid off!  I received a publishing contract with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid.  Since then, I have published 3 other novels with them.  All of them have made it to the bestsellers list and 2 have finalled for EPIC awards. 

So, what would have happened if I had stopped at year 3 or 5?  I would have never experienced the joy of seeing my work in print or of having others enjoy my work.

The one thing that I have learned from my publishing journey is that if you want something bad enough you will go after it.  Unless you are very lucky, you will get rejections.  It is just a part of growing into a published writer.  Some of the rejections will hurt, but you have to lift yourself up and keep going.  Don’t let anyone tell you that you won’t make it.  Writing is a very subjective business.   What one agent or editor doesn’t like, another may love. 

An Olympic medal winner doesn’t just lay around all day and then go out and win the medal.  They train…most of them for many years.  Consider the rejections part of your training.  One day you will get the gold medal, but you have to work for it.

Just remember…Persistence is the key to your success.  You will eventually get there.  You just have to believe in yourself.

Have a great day,

Shauna Hart

Okay, I know it has been a while but I have a good excuse…I had a baby! My husband and I were blessed with a beautiful baby boy. So, needless to say, we have been busy!

Now, I’m trying to catch up on my writing. I’m currently working on a new vampire book. Plus, the Club X series megabook comes out in July! I also have a contemporary romance that is very near and dear to my heart with a publisher right now…more on that to come

And I finally got the app for my blog so I will be able to keep you up to date!

Have a great weekend,
Shauna

I know that I have been a little MIA lately on my blogs.  I have been dealing with few unexpected things that have taken up a lot of my energy.   But I do apologize.  I will try to do better.

For Christmas I gave out a few gifts that I made and it got me thinking about the new year.  One of them was an affirmation box that I made for a friend of mine.  I made a box and filled it with decorative pieces of paper with affirmations and challenges for the next year.  These challenges were things like “try a food that you have never had.  Experience the different flavors of life.”   Or “Express yourself in a creative way you have never tried.  Be it crafts, painting, writing, etc.  Let your inner colors come out.”  The object of this box would be that each day you would pull out a card and do what was on the card.  The point of the box is to open your mind to new ideas and to open yourself to new experiences.

The more that I thought about the box, the more I realized how important these concepts are.  It is important to open ourselves up to new ideas.  When we do, it makes everything in our lives that much richer.  I never really realized it but the more I thought about it I think that is one of the things that I have tried to incorporate into my novels.  Each of my characters has to open their mind to new things with an open heart.  We can’t stay stuck in old patterns and beliefs.  If we do that, we are not growing as human beings.  We have to stay open to what is out there.

I know that that may sound like a BIG concept that will be hard to incorporate into our every day lives, especially when many of us have demanding schedules with kids, jobs, etc.  But it really doesn’t have to be.  We can start small.  A food we have never tried could be a fruit or vegetable we have never had.  Trying new things also keeps our brain energized.  If we are always stuck in the same pattern, our brain can get tired.  It is important that we keep ourselves excited about life.

Look around you.   How many people in your life would you say are truly happy?  A lot of us are working at jobs we need just to pay the bills.  Our daily lives are filled with “have to’s” not “want to’s.”  I say that 2011 should be the year of Want to. 

So, in honor of that, I will be giving out affirmations or challenges on my blog!  I promise to do it if you do!  I would love to hear about your experiences and I will detail my experiences too.  Together we can change our lives!

So for the first challenge we are going to do something hard but important:  Let go of one thing from your past.  Remember, it is a part of your past but it does not have to be a part of your present or your future.

I will detail my own experience in the next few days.   And, as I said, I would love to hear some of your experiences as well. 

Until then,

Shauna Hart

I know that I have been pretty quiet lately, but that is because I have been working on my latest project.  It is a paranormal romance about a vampire!  I’m really excited about this book.  This is my first paranormal, but I have loved reading them for years.

So, I figured who better to share a sneak peek with then my favorite people…YOU! 

Here it is:

Enclave

By Shauna Hart

Chapter 1

            She didn’t even know he was here.

            Each night, he watched her.

            To protect.

            It was his duty.

            She let out a low murmur as she twisted on the bed, the sheets slipping below her waist.  The satin negligee she wore moved against her skin revealing the side of her milky breast.  His body went taut.  As much as he wanted to touch her, he knew he couldn’t.  She was not for him, no matter how much he desired her.  He had been chosen for this task because of his loyalty, and he refused to dishonor that. 

            She rolled over, her legs slipping out from under the sheet.  He drew in a deep breath.  His hand ached with need to caress her thigh, to tease the hot center of her.  Each night was like this. 

A lesson in torture. 

Each night as she slept, he watched her.  He had to.

A sound outside made his head turn.  Soon, he wouldn’t be the only one watching her.  Soon, the others would come.  He just hoped that he was strong enough to protect her when they did. 

Dawn was approaching.

It was time to disappear.

He stood to leave but stopped when he heard rustling in the bed.  He slipped through the French doors to the balcony just as she sat up.  Standing on the street, he watched her look out the small glass panes. 

She was searching.

Searching for him.

Luckily, the shadows were like a second skin.  They enabled him to hide.  Still, her senses were developing fast.  Quicker than anyone expected. 

Soon, he wouldn’t be able to hide. 

Soon, she would know the truth about him and about herself.

 ****

            Kat Montague stared out the window into the French Quarter. 

            It had happened again.

            Each night she woke up with the feeling that someone was there. 

            Watching her.

            And each night she woke up alone.

            The rational part of her brain thought she was most likely cracking up.  Maybe the grief of losing her mother had finally taken its toll.  After six months, she was finally beginning to move on with her life. 

            So, why did she feel this…presence each night?

            Even now, she felt like someone was watching her. 

            A quick check of the street below made it clear that no one even noticed her.  She padded across the wood floor on bare feet to slide into bed.  Clutching the sheet around her, she lay down.

            It wasn’t just the feeling that bothered her.

            Ever since she came back to New Orleans, the dreams had become an unwelcome guest.  Dreams of a faceless stranger that she knew she belonged to.  Dreams she hadn’t had since she was a child.

            Why had they come back now?

            She closed her eyes.

But sleep wouldn’t come

****

            The next morning she stepped out onto the street.  The Louisiana heat was so intense that she could see steam rising from the pavement.  She hurried through the throngs of tourists and street performers glancing down at her watch. 

            Shit!

            She was going to be late.

            If it wasn’t for her addiction to the snooze button, she wouldn’t be in this mess. 

            That and the dream.

            The dream had been so intense that she didn’t want to wake up.  Maybe she had gone without for too long.  After all, six months without sex was like seven dog years. 

            It was a damned long time.

            Maybe that was why her subconscious mind was so fascinated with her mystery dream man.  If she would’ve just gone out and gotten laid, she might be on time today.

Finally, she spotted Mina sitting at a small table at Café du Monde.  The little café had begun long ago and become a fixture in the community.  With its chicory coffee and legendary beignets, it was the perfect place to enjoy a part of the Cajun culture for tourists and locals alike. 

Mina in her black shirt and long billowy skirt definitely did not fit in with the rest of the patrons.  Still, she had to hand it to the girl that she held her head high despite the curious stares.  Mina had agreed to help her get an inside look at the underground vampire scene in New Orleans.  In fact, Kat would bet her last dollar that Mina was not the girl’s given name.  She would also bet that her gray eyes were courtesy of contacts instead of genetics.   A small gold loop pierced her upper lip.  Despite the harsh glare of the sun, her skin was as pale as a ghost.

            “You’re late,” she observed, her blond hair bouncing around her shoulders.  Her black tshirt was ripped across the midriff and she wore a fishnet top underneath it that had built in gloves with the fingers cut out.

            Kat took a seat across from her doing her best to bite back an equally sarcastic comment.  As much as she hated to admit it, she couldn’t afford to piss Mina off.  Not until she got her into the club.  Besides that, she needed this assignment.  It wasn’t as if freelance reporting was a lucrative profession.  In truth, she wouldn’t have been able to pursue it if it wasn’t for the money her mother left her.  That and the insurance money was enough for her to buy the French Quarter loft and live comfortably for a year. 

            When she first came to New Orleans, she had been running.  Running from memories.  After a couple of months, she began to find her calling.  Investigative journalism helped her push past her grief and get on with her life.   And, so far, she’d done pretty well for a newcomer.  She’d even gotten a couple of pieces published in the Picayne Times.  When she proposed a piece on the underground goth crowd, they had jumped at the idea.  If she didn’t get into the club, she was dead in the water.

            That’s why Mina was so important.

            The girl had literally fallen into the palm of her hand when she moved into the lower level of Kat’s building.  After a few conversations, she had convinced Mina to get her into the club.  According to the girl, it was a who’s who of the local goth scene. 

            Mina’s eyebrows lifted.  “What’s his name?”

            Kat shook her head.  “It was nothing like that.  I just had a bad dream.”

            Mina pursed her lips.  “Must have been pretty bad judging from those bags under your eyes,” she pointed out.

            She tilted her head to the side.  “Are you always so silver tongued this early in the morning?” she challenged.

            Mina let out a harsh laugh.  “No, sometimes I let my fangs show,” she admitted.

            Kat shook her head as the waitress walked up to take her order.  She quickly ordered a cup of coffee and beignets.  The jazz band outside began to play a slow sultry tune. 

Turning back to Mina, her eyebrows rose.  “So, when are we going?”

Mina leaned back in her chair, studying her intently.  “Anxious?”

She pursed her lips.  “I like to think of it as interested,” she answered.

Mina let out a long sigh.  “I’m still not sure about this.  Are you sure you’re ready?  I mean, no offense, but you seem pretty vanilla to me.  Are you sure you want to do this?”

She squared her shoulders, trying not to take offense to the other woman’s comments.  “Mina, it’s all I’ve thought about for the past three days.  I’m ready,” she assured.

The other woman’s eyes narrowed, the tips of her fake vampire teeth peaking over her lips. 

“We’ll see.”

I hope you enjoyed it!

Have a great week,

Shauna Hart

I’ve been a bad, bad girl!  It has been way too long since my last post and I apologize.  Between computer problems and a hectic schedule, it has been really hard to keep up.  But I’m back!!!!  And don’t worry, I will soon post a new excerpt from Choices…

I’m also pleased to say that you helped make Shadows of Ecstasy #3 on the Top Ten!  Thank you so much to all of my loyal readers.  I wouldn’t be able to do this without you

If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, here is a teaser:

Cal Rutledge never expected to see Emma Lake again after she walked away from him fifteen years ago. She was the daughter of his father’s worst adversary, and getting involved with her had been a mistake, a mistake he couldn’t make again.  But when she walks into Club X, a club he secretly owns, logic and reason seem to disappear.

Emma Lake has lived a lie for the past fifteen years. Ever since she walked away from the only man she ever loved to marry someone else. But now the only thing she wants is to get her life back together.

Fifteen years ago, they kept their affair a secret.

But someone else knows the truth.

Someone who is watching them.
Someone who will do anything to keep them apart.

You can check it out at http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=140

Have a great week,

Shauna Hart

I spent a wonderful weekend with the hubbie celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary.  Hard to believe it has already been 5 years.

I’m also getting ready for the release of Shadows of Ecstasy from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid on July 1st!  I hope you check it out

Now, back to Choices:

Chapter 23

She wasn’t sure how she was going to make it through the rest of the night.   While the signing was definitely turning out to be a financial success, it had also turned out to be an emotional nightmare.  The scene she had participated in with Darcy had generated enough interest to keep the gossip hounds in business for the next ten years.  It was a public outing of her frustrations that she didn’t need or want.  As if that wasn’t bad enough, she had to watch Jackson flirt with countless women who practically threw themselves at his feet. 

Several times throughout the night she found herself on the verge of creating an even bigger display than she created with Darcy.  The whole thing was way too unsettling.  Still, she couldn’t let things blow up in her face like they had before.  The less anyone knew about her troubled past with Jackson the better off she would be.  With Darcy, the gossips would write off her bad behavior as retaliation over losing Derrick. 

They would never realize that it had anything to do with Jackson.

And it was best if she kept it that way. 

Glancing at the clock, she released a tired sigh.  One more hour and the damned thing would end.  She watched as a redhead slowly ambled up to his table, sliding her books over to him with a sly grin. 

The long night, it appeared, was about to get longer.

“Who should I make these out to?” he asked, repeating the words he had used as a mantra for the past two hours. 

“Make it out to Andrea…Andrea Mitchell.  I’ve been a fan of yours for years,” she purred.

The noise level still hadn’t eased making it hard for her to hear.  Moving closer, she pretended to stack books on the bookshelf to his right.  He caught and held her gaze for a moment, before returning his attention to the woman standing in front of him.

He offered her an easy smile.  “That’s great.  I’m always glad when I can please a reader,” he replied, his hand scrawling black ink on the first page.

She leaned closer, her lashes fluttering.  “I’ll bet you know other ways to please me,” she taunted suggestively.

His head rose, his brows quirking up.  “Excuse me,” he managed. 

She pulled her lower lip beneath her teeth.  “Tell me, Mr. Hart.  Are you single?”

Mallory’s eyes narrowed at the woman’s blatant proposition. 

What was it about this man that inspired such disregard for the normal rules of etiquette? 

What was it that made every woman lose all of her inhibitions just to be with him? 

She knew his power was potent.  She had lost many battles herself, but she was also just as determined that this girl would not get any more from him than a simple signature. 

Taking a deep breath, he slid the book back to her.  “Yes, I am,” he admitted.

Her tongue ran over her lips.  “Mmmm…Girlfriend?” she prodded.

Turning slightly in his chair, his gaze met Mallory’s for a brief moment, before he looked away.  “No.  No girlfriend.”

Spinning on her heel, she walked over to the cash register to ring up several customers.  Tears burned the backs of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.  She wasn’t sure why his answer bothered her so much.  After all, he hadn’t lied. 

They weren’t together.  It was impossible. 

So, why did her heart feel like it had been pried out of her chest and thrown on the floor?

Finally, the event came to an end. 

Locking the front door, she watched Jackson stretch his legs. 

“Well, I would say that the event was definitely a success, from what I saw anyway,” he observed.

“You would be right.  I can’t believe how many people actually showed up.”

Amusement lit his eyes.  “Hard to believe they all showed up for a no account like me, huh?” he teased.

“You know that’s not what I meant.” 

He shifted his weight back and forth to stretch.  “No, I know what you mean.  It still surprises me that people show up and actually want to meet me.” 

She came around the counter to stand in front of him.  “It shouldn’t.  You’re a literary genius,” she cajoled.

Chuckling, his head fell back for a moment.  “Right,” he laughed, shaking his head.  “I’m not sure if you could even call what I write literary.  The critics sure don’t.”

Tilting her head to the side, her lips pursed in distaste.  “Since when did you ever care what they think?  Right?”

His gaze turned thoughtful.  “No, I never did,” he replied solemnly.

She knew what he was thinking without him saying it. 

She did. 

He was thinking that she cared what everyone else thought. 

It was the reason they ended their relationship. 

But he didn’t know the truth. 

If he did… 

“Well, everyone who came tonight was definitely charmed.  You were wonderful,” she explained, trying to change the subject.

He closed the distance between them.  “Half of the women that showed up tonight wouldn’t even look at me in school, and if they did it sure wouldn’t have been to learn about who I am.  It’s ironic, don’t you think?”

His nearness was making her dizzy.  Her senses reeled from the heat of his body.  “Maybe they realized that they made a mistake,” she suggested, her voice coming out as a breathy moan.

Leaning in, his hands gripped the counter behind her, his face so close she could feel his breath on her lips.  “Did you?” he asked, his eyes piercing her.

Her lips parted.  “What do you mean?”

One hand came up to caress her cheek, his gaze hooded.  “Did you realize that you made a mistake?” he repeated, his voice husky.

The look in his eyes demanded a truth she could not confess.  “I…” she trailed off. 

Before she could finish, his mouth covered hers.  His tongue slid past the ineffective barrier of her lips, tasting her, demanding that she submit to him. 

And she did. 

Her tongue met his, tentatively at first, then with less resistance.  Circling his neck, her fingers delved through his silky hair.  When his hands gripped her hips, pulling her against his erection, she was lost. 

She told herself to stop him, but she couldn’t. 

She didn’t want to. 

The desire to feel his hands on her body, his mouth against hers was too intense.  Feeling his body against hers, she wanted more.  Her body pressed against his silently begging him to give her what she wanted. 

He growled, a low hungry sound, as he pressed her back against the counter.  She clung to him, unable to stop the desire coursing through her veins.  He devoured her mouth, refusing to allow her any quarter.  His hands moved to clutch her buttocks.  Moving her against him, his erection was cradled against the one place that needed him, the place that demanded him. 

A leaf flew against the window, ruffled from the breeze outside.  His head turned at the sound, breaking the delicious spell he had cast over her.  Her eyelids fluttered as she struggled through the sensual haze to return to reality.  When he turned back to face her, she could see the remnants of desire mirrored in his gaze. 

Suddenly aware of their precarious position, she eased away from his grip. 

What the hell was she doing? 

She was about to have sex with Jackson Hart right there in the front window of her shop, where everybody could see. 

Was she insane? 

Crossing the room, she grabbed the folding table, and began to dismantle it.    As she pulled the legs down, she desperately tried to regain some of the sense she had obviously discarded.

Jackson watched her fold the legs of the table, her hands shaking. 

She wanted him. 

There had been no doubt about that. 

So, why was she fighting it? 

He crossed the room to still her hands.  The look on her face was one of defeat.  He should’ve let her go, should’ve let her retreat into herself, but he couldn’t. 

Not now. 

Things had gone too far. 

As much as he wanted to deny it, it was fifteen years ago and he was sharing an elicit kiss with the one girl he could never have.  When he had her the other night, alcohol had blurred the moment. 

But this time, things would be clear. 

His eyebrows drew together in a frown, as he fought for control.  Turning her hand over in his palm, she raised it to his lips to place a tender kiss in it.  Then, he turned gently guiding her to the back room.  To his surprise, she didn’t offer any resistance.  Once inside the back office, he pulled her against him his mouth claiming hers.

His tongue played with her, teasing her into submission.  Backing her against the desk, his hands came around to caress her buttocks before hoisting her up on the edge of it.  Her fingers clawed through his hair, holding his mouth prisoner against hers.  Pulling her against his bulging erection, he used his hands to wrap her legs around his hips. 

God, he needed to get inside her…soon.

Breaking the contact of their mouths, he reached for the edge of her sweater, pulling it over her head.  His hands came up to mold her breasts together through the lace bra she wore.  Taut, pink nipples peaked through begging for his attention.  She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and he guessed she would always hold the title.  He had been with many women, even a few supermodels, but none of them got him as hot as Mallory did. 

His tongue teased her nipple through the lace, nipping at it gently.  Her moan let him know that she wanted more.  He wanted it too.  He wanted to spread her out on this desk naked.  And he had every intention of doing just that.  One hand reached around her back.  A flick of his wrist released the clasp on her bra, making her breath rush out in a sigh.  The bra loosened around her straining breasts.  Raising the cup, he took one perfect bud in his mouth.

Swirling his tongue around it, he felt her chest expand.  She held his head against her as he was a lifeline.  When his mouth returned to hers, his hands slid into her jeans, past her underwear to caress the smooth skin of her buttocks.  His fingers dug in holding her still as he moved against her.

“What do you want, baby?” he asked, his mouth drifting over the line of her chin.   Her eyes were squeezed tightly shut, her jaw clenched.  

“Open your eyes,” he commanded.  “Look at me.”

She obeyed him, a dazed look on her delicate features. 

“What do you want?”

“I…” she moaned softly.

“You what, baby?  You want me inside of you?”

His tongue snaked out to tease the sensitive skin of her earlobe, pulling it into his mouth. 

He felt her shudder. 

“Mmmm,” she sighed, unable to respond articulately.

“I want it to.  I want to tear those jeans off, and get as deep inside you as I can,” he confessed.

She let out a breathy gasp at his words. 

“I’ll give it to you.  I promise I will.  I just want one thing,” he whispered in her ear.

She moved against him, unable to stop herself.  “What?” her breathy reply fluttered through the still interior of the room.

Pulling back, his eyes met hers as his hands held her head in place for his inquisitive stare. 

“I want the truth.”

Stay tuned for more of Choices!

Well, it has been a busy month already.  On May 23rd from 2-4pm, I am going to be signing books alongside Karen Rose, Karen Hawkins, Karen Kendall and James Gillen at B&L Books in Altamonte Springs.  Drop by if you are in the area.  I would love to see you there

Also, I have finished edits on Shadows of Ecstasy, the third book in the Club X series.  It will be out from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid on July 1st and I can’t wait!

Now, let’s get back to Choices…

Chapter 22

Mallory looked around the shop in awe.  In truth, she never would’ve believed that her little place could actually hold this many people.  Women were lined up along the walls.  All of them were clamoring to get the chance to talk to Jackson.  She allowed herself the indulgence of taking a long look at the man who had been commanding her thoughts for years.  His head was bent down, intent on writing some endearment to the elderly woman standing over him.  The woman sighed, her cheeks turning pink as his head rose to look up at her.  The mischievous wink he gave her made her giggle. 

            He definitely knew how to work a crowd.

The power he had over women, it seemed, extended to all ages. 

The next woman was a busty blonde who was about to burst out of her top.  Stepping up to the table, she leaned over him giving him a generous view of her attributes as she wet her lips.  Jealousy flared through her, making her want to run over and rip the other woman’s eyes out.  She barely held back the raging impulse by reminding herself that the woman was a paying customer. 

Wasn’t that what she wanted? 

Paying customers? 

Wasn’t that the reason he was here right now?

            Deep down, she wanted to scream out that she didn’t care if the woman was paying or not, she needed to step away from the table.  Glancing over, she watched the woman reach out to touch his shoulder. 

That was it! 

She was going to go over there and tell that woman to back off.  Just as she took the first step, she heard the bell jingle.  She winced.  At this rate, she was definitely going to get a visit from the fire marshall for being over capacity.  Besides that, the noise level in the shop had reached eardrum-shattering proportions.  She could barely hear a thing amidst all of the chatter.  When she looked up, she saw Darcy Sampson standing by the door. 

            The look on the other woman’s face left little doubt that she knew she was in enemy territory.  She clutched a couple of books to her chest as if they could protect her.  Mallory’s eyes narrowed, her lips pursing together in a frown.  Darcy had never set foot in her shop before.  In fact, she avoided any place Mallory frequented like the plague.  It had been the only way that they had co-existed for this long without a big blowout.  

Yet, here she stood. 

The other woman’s gaze remained focused on something across the room. 

When Mallory followed her stare, she noticed that it was centered on Jackson.

            She gritted her teeth.  It seemed that even Darcy Sampson was helpless to resist his allure.  Despite herself, she almost growled in anger.  She wanted to drag the other woman out of her shop right now. 

Preferrably by her hair. 

The woman definitely had a lot of nerve.  It was too bad that she didn’t have the same amount of brains.  Well, this time, she wouldn’t sit back all quiet and accepting.  This time she would show Ms. Darcy Sampson that she couldn’t have any man she wanted.

Especially if that man was Jackson Hart.

            “Mallory,” she heard someone say, feeling a gently tug on her arm. 

            She turned to find Leah standing next to her, a confused look marring her features.

“What?” she snapped.

            Leah’s eyebrows rose.  “You okay?”

            “I’m fine,” she replied harshly, turning to grab another stack of books off the counter. 

            Leah nodded.  “Yeah, you sound fine,” she snorted, rolling her eyes. 

            She let out a huff of aggravation.  “Leah, what are you doing here?”

            Leah threw her hands up in the air in surrender.  “Hey, I just came to see the legend,” she explained motioning to Jackson with a tilt of her head.  “But now, I see that I’m needed here for a different reason.”

            Her mouth formed a grim line.  “And just what is that?”

            Leah chuckled.  “To keep you from tearing Darcy Sampson’s hair out,” she pointed out.

            Begrudgingly, Mallory released the tension in her jaw. 

Damn, sometimes having a best friend wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, especially when they could read your every thought. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she quickly denied, hoping that Leah would drop it.  But it just wasn’t in Leah to leave it alone when she knew there was something there.

            “Don’t you?  You’ve been glaring daggers at her across the room.  I’m half tempted to sit back and watch what happens hoping you will actually finally give her a little piece of what she deserves.  But, then again, I am trying to be a better person these days and give up my evil ways.  So, I guess I have to stop you.  At least, until these people leave so that you don’t cause a scene in front of paying customers.  But once they’re gone I can’t make any promises that I can maintain my good behavior.”

            Unable to stop herself, her lips curled into a smile. 

Leave it to Leah to somehow find a way to make her laugh. 

It was one of the reasons she loved her. 

“Okay, so maybe I gave her a look,” she admitted slowly.

            Leah laughed, the sound barely muffled by the chatter all around them.  “Honey, if those looks were actually daggers then little Miss I Think I’m Perfect would be nailed to the wall right now.  To be honest, I can’t believe that she had the guts to show up tonight.”

            They both turned to stare at the other woman who was moving steadily closer to Jackson in the line.  Sensing their rapt attention, she lifted her chin as if she had every right to be there.  Mallory’s fingers tightened painfully around the books in her hand. 

Damn the woman! 

She was nothing but a two-bit tramp who slept with anyone who came along. 

Well, almost anyone. 

If they were remotely involved with Mallory, it apparently made them extremely attractive. 

The woman was a vulcher. 

But Jackson could see through her, couldn’t he?  Her stomach tightened. 

What if he decided he wanted Darcy?

            After all, it wasn’t like Jackson was hers.  He was free to do whatever or whomever he wanted.  The thought made her heart ache.  When she turned back around, she saw that Leah was staring at her.

            “Come on,” Leah said, tilting her head to the side with a devilish wink.  “I’ll take a night off from being good, and we’ll go deflate her boobs!”

            Unable to stop herself, she burst out laughing.  She had to admit that it was good to have a friend that could make her laugh when she was seriously considering doing bodily harm to another.  Suddenly, her face turned somber.  She stared at the couple across the room whose easy conversation was slowly driving her insane. 

“Jackson can see whoever he wants, Leah,” she explained, even though it was tearing her apart.

            Darcy threw her head back on a laugh, flipping her hair over her shoulder.  Mallory all but snarled in frustration. 

This would not happen to her again. 

She refused to watch Darcy Sampson throw herself at Jackson. 

She wouldn’t let her get away with it. 

Walking across the shop to the table, her eyes blazed fire at her adversary. 

            “Go get em, girl,” Leah prodded.

            Jackson’s head lifted as she came over to stand beside him.  Turning to face the other woman, she hoped that she could contain the overwhelming need to let her claws come out.  Darcy seemed unfazed by her presence, meeting her gaze with a challenging one of her own.  Gritting her teeth, she put the books down with a resounding thump. 

            “Sorry, but we have to keep the line moving,” she bit out, silently daring the other woman to defy her.

            Darcy blinked, her red lips forming a condescending smile.  “I didn’t hear anyone complaining.”

            Mallory had heard of people seeing red when they were angry, but she had never experienced it.

Not until today. 

“I’m complaining,” she explained, her tone harsh. 

A quick glance told her that Jackson was clearly enjoying the show.  His eyes traveled back and forth between the two women, a surprised grin forming on his mouth.

            Darcy placed her hands on the table, as she leaned in.  “Do I have to remind you that I’m a paying customer?” she asked, her lips forming a grim line.

            Leaning in, her face came level with the other woman’s, her voice barely audible to anyone but the intended victim.  “Do I have to remind you that this is my shop, and I can have you thrown out at any time?  Now, take your books and get the hell out before I give these people the scene they’ve all been waiting for.”

            Surprise registered in the other woman’s eyes, as if she couldn’t actually believe she was being threatened.  Seeing the anger in Mallory’s eyes, she scooped up her books.  Her eyes scanned the crowd who was watching avidly with anticipation.  After casting a disgusted look her way, Darcy hurried out of the shop.  She could feel Jackson’s probing gaze, but she couldn’t return it.  Not now.  Trying to put some space between them, she hurried to the other side of the room. 

            Eventually, he would demand an explanation for the little scene she caused.  She also knew that she didn’t have one.  At least, not one that she could share with him.  Her feelings for him were way too powerful, too consuming.  And despite the fact that she had told herself that she would not fall for him again, here she was.  She had been kidding herself by thinking that she could resist him.  Loving him was a habit she never seemed to break.  And it was dangerous.  She had found that out the hard way many years ago. 

But loving him now could destroy the life she had so carefully plotted out for herself. 

            If she gave her heart to him now, she could lose everything.  She would lose Jacob, and that was something she was not willing to risk. 

No, she had to stop this thing between them. 

She had to stop it before it was too late, before she confessed all her sins. 

If she trusted him again, she would be laying everything on the line.  Jackson Hart had more money than she could even dream of.  Once he found out that she had kept his son from him, he would fight her with everything he had.  She had no doubt of that.  

After what she had done to him, she deserved it. 

But she couldn’t risk losing Jacob. 

She wouldn’t. 

Even if it meant turning away from the one man she would love forever.             

Stay tuned for more of Choices…

Well, it has been a productive couple of weeks. I have finished reviewing edits for my new novel, Shadows of Ecstasy, which will be out July 1, 2010. I also finished writing my new young adult novel. Now, I get to decide which project to work on next!

If you would like to come and visit, I have a booksigning planned for May 8th at the Borders in Altamonte Springs from 2-4 pm. And if you miss me there, you can swing by B&L Books in Altamonte Springs on May 23th from 2-4 pm.

I hope to see you there!

Excerpt 21

The air between them felt charged as they watched Jacob disappear down the hall to his room.  Jackson took a seat on the couch, looking completely at home in her inner sanctum.  Nervously, she sat down beside him, not knowing what to expect after what happened between them the other night. 

He turned to face her, his leg easing onto the couch.  His knee brushed against the outside of her thigh.  Memories flashed through her mind.  Memories of his mouth covering her breasts, his head between her legs, his body filling hers.  Every nerve in her body was on ultra-sensitive alert. 

She wanted him. 

Maybe she had denied herself for so long that it made her overly receptive to his advances, but deep down she knew she couldn’t fall back on that stale excuse.  Jackson Hart had always been able to drive her wild with a single touch.  The other night she had practically begged him to take her to the dizzying heights she knew only he could sustain. 

And he had.

Her body still hummed with the satisfaction those hands and lips brought.  But it wasn’t just that.  It was more.  It was the boy she had fallen in love with and the man he had become.  She would never be able to erase those desperate moments, no matter how much she wanted to, but it seemed at least for now that they had come to a truce.  He had fulfilled his long ago promise.  He had come back with enough money and fame to bury all of them. 

But he hadn’t. 

Instead, he had done the one thing she would never expect.  

He offered her help.

She still couldn’t believe that he had actually agreed to a signing after all that had happened between them.  In truth, she had only been half serious when she suggested it.  Sure, it would do wonders for her business, and the revenue it brought in would get her father off her back for the time being. 

But one question created a black cloud over her head. 

What was in it for him?

Why was he doing this?

Instantly, she thought of his earlier warning.  He had told her that he wouldn’t leave until he had the answers she denied him fifteen years ago.  She stiffened. 

The only thing he wanted was the one thing she could never give him. 

Were they truly doomed to repeat the past?

“What’s wrong?” he asked innocently.

She shook her head.  “Nothing,” she lied softly.

Turning to face him, she slid her arm along the back of the couch.  “Jackson, I was only half serious about the book signing.”

One corner of his mouth tugged up in amusement.  “What?  You don’t think I’ll be a big draw?” he teased.

A blush crept into her cheeks, as her tongue snaked out to wet her lips.  “No, it’s not that.  I know you will.  I just don’t want you to feel obligated,” she admitted, her voice low.

Adjusting his position on the couch, his leg brushed against hers again.  His arm slid onto the back of the couch, his fingers almost touching hers. 

“Mallory, you should know by now that I don’t do things out of obligation.”

Her lips curved into a begrudging smile, and his eyes followed the movement.  “Jackson, the things that happened between us…” she trailed off not knowing how to end or even where to begin.  The emotions between them were too raw, too vulnerable. 

He held up a hand to silence her.  “Not tonight.  That conversation will come in time.” 

When his hand resumed its place on the back of the couch, it covered hers.  His long fingers slid in between her own, stroking, caressing.  He entwined them with hers raising her hand so that his thumb could trace lazy circles on the sensitive skin of her palm.  Her eyes met his and her lips parted. 

“Jackson,” she said.

“What, baby?” he answered.

The sound of that rich baritone drifted over her skin like a lover’s caress. 

God, would she ever get enough of him? 

Would she ever be able to turn him away in the interest of self-preservation? 

She was afraid that she already knew the answer. 

It was the same one that had doomed her fifteen years ago. 

His thumb picked up speed, the circles becoming deeper, more intense.  She felt the movement in every part of her body.  Her pulse quickened.  He had promised to be a boy scout, and here she was thinking about ripping off his clothes. 

“I…” she breathed, the sound almost coming out as a moan. 

Suddenly, his movements stopped, and he got to his feet with difficulty from the burgeoning erection that was clearly straining against his pants. 

“I should get going.”

Blinking, she tried to clear her head as she walked him to the door.  When he stood in the entryway, he turned to face her.  His hand came up to caress her cheek as her gaze lifted to meet his.  When his head began to descend, she realized that she wanted this. 

She wanted it more than anything.   

His mouth hovered over hers for a minute before sealing the distance between them.  His tongue stroked the line of her upper lip.  She inched closer, drawn to the heat of his body wanting to feel him against her, needing to feel him against her.  When he pulled away, she released a small moan of protest.  Lust glittered in the depths of his green eyes and she felt a small amount of satisfaction in knowing that he wanted her as much as she wanted him.

“Good night,” he said, turning and disappearing into the darkness.

She hadn’t seen him in a week. 

She couldn’t deny that it had been a productive week.  After all, she had had a lot to do to get ready for the signing.  All of her regular customers got a mailer and she posted flyers throughout the town square.  Everywhere she went someone was asking if Jackson Hart was really going to be at her shop.  The buzz she had created was definitely gratifying. 

After a week of frenzied preparations, the day finally came.  She set up a table in the front of the store stacked with her own stock of his books.  Finally, the bell chimed alerting her that he had arrived.  Feeling her stomach tighten, she watched him come in.  His dark hair slightly ruffled from the wind, he wore a dark green polo shirt that matched the deep color of his eyes.  Holding a box, his muscles flexed in the overhead light.   

“Hi,” he said, his eyes lighting up.

“Hi,” she replied in a strangled tone. 

Thankfully, he didn’t notice. 

Sitting the box down on the table, he glanced around to make last minute changes to the setup for a better flow.  He pulled some books out of the box along with other promotional items bearing his picture.  Insecurity washed over her.  It was obvious that Jackson had done his fair share of signings, while this was her first. 

Had she done something wrong? 

Had she made some terrible mistake that screamed newbie? 

“Is everything okay?”

He glanced over his shoulder.  A grin teased his lips, making her ache to kiss them. 

“Fine, why?”  

“Well, I’ve never actually held a book signing before.  I guess I wasn’t sure what you would need,” she admitted shyly.

Taking a step toward her, he tilted his head to the side.  “It depends.  I mean, when I first started, I think I maybe had five people buy a book throughout the entire signing, and two of those just did it out of sympathy.”

She chuckled.  “Well, things have definitely changed since then.”

“Not so much.  I mean, it’s true that more people know my name.  But it still feels the same.  It still feels like I’m putting myself out there, on display.  And that is never comfortable.”

“I didn’t know.  I guess I just thought…” she trailed off, unsure of how to phrase her thoughts clearly.

One corner of his mouth tugged up.  “What?  That having a certain amount of fame is fun?”  He snorted out a harsh laugh.  “It has its perks, I won’t lie.  Once I even got out of a traffic ticket because the officer was reading one of my books and wanted to discuss who the killer was.”

“Really?” she asked, her eyes widening.

Nodding his head, he gave her a teasing smile.  “I couldn’t believe it either.” 

Taking another step toward her, his body came dangerously close to hers.  His gaze lowered to rest on her mouth.  “But there are other times, times when I want to be alone, and I can’t.  Fame changes things.”

“How?” she couldn’t stop herself from asking.

He reached out to tug on a lock of her hair.  “Well, there’s the women,” he explained.

“Women?” she gulped.

His finger teased the sensitive skin of her earlobe.  “There have been a few,” he taunted.

“I know,” she replied, crimson filling her cheeks.  “I mean…” she stumbled over her words.  Jealousy swept through her as she thought of how many women there had been.  “How many?” she asked, before she could stop herself.

His grin deepened, before turning somber.  “Enough to wonder why they’re with me,” he replied.

Her eyebrows furrowed together on a frown.  “What do you mean?”

His head descended further, bringing their mouths dangerously close to each other.  “Well, are they with Jackson Hart, the man?  Or are they with the writer?”

Her lips parted involuntarily at his nearness.  His hand curled around the nape of her neck, and she knew that she was lost.  He had a power over her that only he could wield effectively.  His lips hovered over hers, teasing her, making her want him to press them against her own. 

“So, what about you?” he inquired, his tone husky.

Her eyelids fluttered closed.  “What do you mean?”

Sliding his other hand around her waist, he kneaded the sensitive skin he found there.  “Are you with the man or the writer right now?” he demanded softly, his voice barely a whisper.

“I…”

Before she could respond, his lips met hers, his tongue plundering the depths of her mouth.  Her arms instinctively rose to circle his neck pinning him against her.  She couldn’t deny it.  She wanted him.  She had always wanted him, and it wasn’t going away no matter how hard she fought it. 

Jackson Hart was the one man she should never have.

And the one man she desired most. 

When his hand rose to cup her breast, she should have stopped him, but she didn’t. 

She couldn’t. 

She had always been powerless to resist him.

And this time it might truly destroy everything.

 Stay tuned for more Choices…

Well, I just got my copy of New Moon. It was just as good as when I saw it in the theater. Now, I can’t wait for Eclipse!

It has been a long week. I’m almost finished with my young adult novel and then I can ship it off. I’m really excited about this book.

Next, I will start another romantic suspense called Deadly Secrets. I think you will like it.

But now…can Jackson really get through an entire meal and keep his hands to himself? And more importantly, does she want him to?

Chapter 20

Jackson looked down at his watch. 

Right on time. 

Finding the house had been no trouble at all.  He glanced up at the single story dwelling, noting the small touches that made it a home.  Flowerbeds lined the front door with blooms of orange and red.  The window frames of the brick house were trimmed in white. 

He had to admit that it was more modest than he expected. 

            Climbing the two steps to the front door, he looked down at the doormat.

It read, Wipe your paws. 

He couldn’t help but grin as he reached over to push the glowing button next to the door.  In a matter of minutes, Mallory opened it wearing jeans and a t-shirt.  A lock of hair fell into her eyes, which she blew out of the way. 

“Hi,” she said in a breathless tone.

            He couldn’t help but feel like he had the wind knocked out of him. 

God, she was beautiful. 

For years, he had tried in vain to erase the sound of her voice, the smell of her skin.  Having her in such proximity these past few days had been a lesson in torture, and now that he’d had her again it only made the ache worse.  Staying away from her wasn’t a viable option any more.  But he wasn’t that boy whose heart she had easily claimed years ago.  Now, he was a man, and he wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice. 

This time he would be the victor in their little game. 

This time he would take what he wanted and leave her as coldly as she’d left him. 

            “Hi,” he replied. 

His eyes locked on hers, and they stood there for a moment, each very aware of the other.  

            “Come in.”

            Stepping aside, she let Jackson edge in beside her.  His body brushed against hers.  Sensation shot through his arm.  Being a boy scout might be harder than he thought, but he would damned sure do his best.  Scanning the room, he noticed an overstuffed blue couch that was flanked by two glass coffee tables.  A large coffee table sat in front of the couch holding a wide variety of books and magazines.  A white pillow with the saying Home is where the heart is embroidered on it was smashed into the corner of the couch.  The house looked lived in.  It was a home, a place where someone could feel comfortable immediately.

And he did.

            His eyes narrowed as he glanced at the pictures on the wall.  One was of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.  The other was a painting of the Coliseum.  The pictures looked strangely out of place with the furniture, and he couldn’t help but wonder why she had chosen them. 

He walked across the room to get a better look.  “Have you been to Italy?”

            A blush crept into her cheeks.  “No, I’ve just always wanted to go there,” she admitted.

            He turned, his eyes meeting hers.  “Why don’t you?”

            “There just never seemed to be time.  I mean, I had Jacob…” she trailed off.

            He was just about to push her on the subject when Jacob entered the room. 

“Hi, Mr. Hart,” he greeted cheerfully.

            “Jackson,” he supplied with a smile.

            Jacob shrugged, offering him a shy grin.  “Sorry, Jackson, I mean.  I just finished reading your new book,” he explained in a rush.

            “Already?” he exclaimed with a chuckle.

            Jacob bobbed his head excitedly.  “It was awesome!”

            “Well, I still have a few things to do in the kitchen.  I’ll let you two talk,” she offered, as she started to leave the room.

            When she reached the kitchen, she let out the breath she had been holding.  This was going to be harder than she thought.  Having Jackson Hart in her home was more intimate than she could have ever imagined.  She had thought about canceling a million times, had even reached for the phone, but in the end she knew she wouldn’t be able to.  She had always been a fool for him, and now that he needed her she couldn’t possibly turn away. 

            Still, just feeling him near was a torture that she hadn’t expected.  When he brushed past her in the entryway, her nipples had tightened instantly.  After all these years, she still wanted him just as much as she ever had.  Time had done nothing to ease her attraction to him. Gripping the edge of the sink, she sent up a silent prayer. 

To get through tonight without make a fool of herself, she would need all the help she could get. 

            Jackson listened as Jacob gushed enthusiastically about his latest novel.  His eyes caught sight of Mallory through the open door to the kitchen.  The jeans she wore hugged the curve of her ass, and he could see the outline of a lacy bra through her shirt.  He tried to focus on what Jacob was saying, but it was getting harder by the minute. 

            “So, you’ve got a thing for my mom, huh?” Jacob prodded.

            When he looked at him, the boy was watching him intently.  Suddenly, he felt like a teenager being cross-examined about his motives. 

“I…” he trailed off. 

How could he explain something he didn’t truly understand himself? 

            “It’s cool.  But my mom’s been through a lot lately, and I don’t want to see her get hurt.”

            His eyebrows furrowed together. “Why do you think I would hurt her?” he asked. 

He hadn’t expected Jacob to display such a protective nature, but it was clear the boy meant every word.  Jacob had been able to see through him and his motives.  He wanted to deny his concerns, but he couldn’t. 

Hadn’t he planned to hurt her?  To seduce her and then leave? 

Hadn’t he wanted to make her pay for leaving him? 

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

            Jacob shrugged nervously.  “Look, it’s just that you’re a big time writer.  You’re not going to want to stick around here.”

            The kid was right. 

And he knew it. 

There was no logical reason for him to stay. 

So, why was he still here? 

Why was he playing this game with Mallory? 

Because he hoped that winning this round would finally purge her from his soul.  He hoped that when he walked away, this time he would walk way a whole person.    

            Before he could answer, Mallory called out to say that dinner was ready.

            As they ate, Jacob’s warning echoed through his mind.  He knew the boy was right.  But he couldn’t leave.  Not yet.  For once, they would settle this thing between them and he would be free of her.  For months, he had felt stunted, like life was moving all around him but he was still.   Success had fallen at his feet, but he didn’t feel it. 

            It was the worst kind of irony.  

 “Jackson?” he heard Mallory’s soft voice.

            He lifted his head.  “What?”

            One corner of her mouth tugged up.  “I asked if you liked it?”

            He nodded.  “It’s great.  You’re a good cook,” he answered.

             “Well, I try.”  Her eyes met his and held.

            “So, how long are you planning on staying?” Jacob asked.

            It was a trap. 

He knew it the second the question left the boys lips. 

“I’m not sure.  I just started working on a new book.” 

It was the truth.

Sort of. 

Okay, so he hadn’t written a single, salvageable line.  But he couldn’t very well tell them that he planned to stay until he had revenge for what had happened fifteen years ago.   Still, Jacob’s protective nature struck a chord.  Wouldn’t he have done the same thing for his mother?  The fact that the kid saw him as a threat hurt more than he wanted to admit.  He liked the kid.  He didn’t want Jacob to hate him when this was over. 

            “What’s your new book about?” she inquired.

            Good question, he wanted to say, but didn’t. 

“It’s a mystery,” he admitted. 

Even to me, he didn’t add.

            “Well, I’m sure that it will be a bestseller.  Your books just fly off the rack at the store,” she admitted.

            He tilted his head to the side.  “So, business is good?”

            She bit the corner of her lip.  “Business is…great.”

            She was lying. 

The way she bit her lip made that clear.

“It must be hard in a small town like this to find enough business to stay afloat,” he prodded.

            Pulling her lower lip further beneath her teeth, she worried it gently.  “It can be a challenge at times, but I love it.  I love being able to grow the business from the ground up.”

            Her honesty tugged at a part of him he didn’t want to acknowledge.  Wasn’t that exactly how he felt about his books?  He could only blame the fierce determination in her eyes for his next offer.

            “Anything I can do to help bring in business?” 

What the hell was he doing? 

Had he lost his mind? 

He didn’t need to entrench himself any further with her. 

Getting involved was a mistake. 

But before he could stop himself, the offer was on the table.

            With a quick shrug, she tilted her head to the side.  “Actually…you could do a book signing.  I mean, having you at the store is bound to bring in business,” she suggested.  Pink tinged her cheeks and she looked away sheepishly.

            His gut tightened with arousal. 

God, she could seduce him with the merest tilt of her head. 

“Why not?”

It was as if his cock could talk for him.  

Still, having a valid reason to be close to her might serve a purpose. 

After all, a grateful woman was more likely to give into her lustful needs than an ambivalent one.  

He would do her little signing, but he would demand a reward. 

A reward he was sure to enjoy.

Chapter 20

Jackson looked down at his watch. 

Right on time. 

Finding the house had been no trouble at all.  He glanced up at the single story dwelling, noting the small touches that made it a home.  Flowerbeds lined the front door with blooms of orange and red.  The window frames of the brick house were trimmed in white. 

He had to admit that it was more modest than he expected. 

            Climbing the two steps to the front door, he looked down at the doormat.

It read, Wipe your paws. 

He couldn’t help but grin as he reached over to push the glowing button next to the door.  In a matter of minutes, Mallory opened it wearing jeans and a t-shirt.  A lock of hair fell into her eyes, which she blew out of the way. 

“Hi,” she said in a breathless tone.

            He couldn’t help but feel like he had the wind knocked out of him. 

God, she was beautiful. 

For years, he had tried in vain to erase the sound of her voice, the smell of her skin.  Having her in such proximity these past few days had been a lesson in torture, and now that he’d had her again it only made the ache worse.  Staying away from her wasn’t a viable option any more.  But he wasn’t that boy whose heart she had easily claimed years ago.  Now, he was a man, and he wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice. 

This time he would be the victor in their little game. 

This time he would take what he wanted and leave her as coldly as she’d left him. 

            “Hi,” he replied. 

His eyes locked on hers, and they stood there for a moment, each very aware of the other.  

            “Come in.”

            Stepping aside, she let Jackson edge in beside her.  His body brushed against hers.  Sensation shot through his arm.  Being a boy scout might be harder than he thought, but he would damned sure do his best.  Scanning the room, he noticed an overstuffed blue couch that was flanked by two glass coffee tables.  A large coffee table sat in front of the couch holding a wide variety of books and magazines.  A white pillow with the saying Home is where the heart is embroidered on it was smashed into the corner of the couch.  The house looked lived in.  It was a home, a place where someone could feel comfortable immediately.

And he did.

            His eyes narrowed as he glanced at the pictures on the wall.  One was of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.  The other was a painting of the Coliseum.  The pictures looked strangely out of place with the furniture, and he couldn’t help but wonder why she had chosen them. 

He walked across the room to get a better look.  “Have you been to Italy?”

            A blush crept into her cheeks.  “No, I’ve just always wanted to go there,” she admitted.

            He turned, his eyes meeting hers.  “Why don’t you?”

            “There just never seemed to be time.  I mean, I had Jacob…” she trailed off.

            He was just about to push her on the subject when Jacob entered the room. 

“Hi, Mr. Hart,” he greeted cheerfully.

            “Jackson,” he supplied with a smile.

            Jacob shrugged, offering him a shy grin.  “Sorry, Jackson, I mean.  I just finished reading your new book,” he explained in a rush.

            “Already?” he exclaimed with a chuckle.

            Jacob bobbed his head excitedly.  “It was awesome!”

            “Well, I still have a few things to do in the kitchen.  I’ll let you two talk,” she offered, as she started to leave the room.

            When she reached the kitchen, she let out the breath she had been holding.  This was going to be harder than she thought.  Having Jackson Hart in her home was more intimate than she could have ever imagined.  She had thought about canceling a million times, had even reached for the phone, but in the end she knew she wouldn’t be able to.  She had always been a fool for him, and now that he needed her she couldn’t possibly turn away. 

            Still, just feeling him near was a torture that she hadn’t expected.  When he brushed past her in the entryway, her nipples had tightened instantly.  After all these years, she still wanted him just as much as she ever had.  Time had done nothing to ease her attraction to him. Gripping the edge of the sink, she sent up a silent prayer. 

To get through tonight without make a fool of herself, she would need all the help she could get. 

            Jackson listened as Jacob gushed enthusiastically about his latest novel.  His eyes caught sight of Mallory through the open door to the kitchen.  The jeans she wore hugged the curve of her ass, and he could see the outline of a lacy bra through her shirt.  He tried to focus on what Jacob was saying, but it was getting harder by the minute. 

            “So, you’ve got a thing for my mom, huh?” Jacob prodded.

            When he looked at him, the boy was watching him intently.  Suddenly, he felt like a teenager being cross-examined about his motives. 

“I…” he trailed off. 

How could he explain something he didn’t truly understand himself? 

            “It’s cool.  But my mom’s been through a lot lately, and I don’t want to see her get hurt.”

            His eyebrows furrowed together. “Why do you think I would hurt her?” he asked. 

He hadn’t expected Jacob to display such a protective nature, but it was clear the boy meant every word.  Jacob had been able to see through him and his motives.  He wanted to deny his concerns, but he couldn’t. 

Hadn’t he planned to hurt her?  To seduce her and then leave? 

Hadn’t he wanted to make her pay for leaving him? 

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

            Jacob shrugged nervously.  “Look, it’s just that you’re a big time writer.  You’re not going to want to stick around here.”

            The kid was right. 

And he knew it. 

There was no logical reason for him to stay. 

So, why was he still here? 

Why was he playing this game with Mallory? 

Because he hoped that winning this round would finally purge her from his soul.  He hoped that when he walked away, this time he would walk way a whole person.    

            Before he could answer, Mallory called out to say that dinner was ready.

            As they ate, Jacob’s warning echoed through his mind.  He knew the boy was right.  But he couldn’t leave.  Not yet.  For once, they would settle this thing between them and he would be free of her.  For months, he had felt stunted, like life was moving all around him but he was still.   Success had fallen at his feet, but he didn’t feel it. 

            It was the worst kind of irony.  

 “Jackson?” he heard Mallory’s soft voice.

            He lifted his head.  “What?”

            One corner of her mouth tugged up.  “I asked if you liked it?”

            He nodded.  “It’s great.  You’re a good cook,” he answered.

             “Well, I try.”  Her eyes met his and held.

            “So, how long are you planning on staying?” Jacob asked.

            It was a trap. 

He knew it the second the question left the boys lips. 

“I’m not sure.  I just started working on a new book.” 

It was the truth.

Sort of. 

Okay, so he hadn’t written a single, salvageable line.  But he couldn’t very well tell them that he planned to stay until he had revenge for what had happened fifteen years ago.   Still, Jacob’s protective nature struck a chord.  Wouldn’t he have done the same thing for his mother?  The fact that the kid saw him as a threat hurt more than he wanted to admit.  He liked the kid.  He didn’t want Jacob to hate him when this was over. 

            “What’s your new book about?” she inquired.

            Good question, he wanted to say, but didn’t. 

“It’s a mystery,” he admitted. 

Even to me, he didn’t add.

            “Well, I’m sure that it will be a bestseller.  Your books just fly off the rack at the store,” she admitted.

            He tilted his head to the side.  “So, business is good?”

            She bit the corner of her lip.  “Business is…great.”

            She was lying. 

The way she bit her lip made that clear.

“It must be hard in a small town like this to find enough business to stay afloat,” he prodded.

            Pulling her lower lip further beneath her teeth, she worried it gently.  “It can be a challenge at times, but I love it.  I love being able to grow the business from the ground up.”

            Her honesty tugged at a part of him he didn’t want to acknowledge.  Wasn’t that exactly how he felt about his books?  He could only blame the fierce determination in her eyes for his next offer.

            “Anything I can do to help bring in business?” 

What the hell was he doing? 

Had he lost his mind? 

He didn’t need to entrench himself any further with her. 

Getting involved was a mistake. 

But before he could stop himself, the offer was on the table.

            With a quick shrug, she tilted her head to the side.  “Actually…you could do a book signing.  I mean, having you at the store is bound to bring in business,” she suggested.  Pink tinged her cheeks and she looked away sheepishly.

            His gut tightened with arousal. 

God, she could seduce him with the merest tilt of her head. 

“Why not?”

It was as if his cock could talk for him.  

Still, having a valid reason to be close to her might serve a purpose. 

After all, a grateful woman was more likely to give into her lustful needs than an ambivalent one.  

He would do her little signing, but he would demand a reward. 

A reward he was sure to enjoy.

            Stay tuned for more of Choices…