Marie Rochelle: Coffee and Cream

 �Hello, is there anyone here?�  A masculine voice called out.

Keira took a quick look at her watch frowning the time.  She didn�t realize how late it had gotten. It was time for the guy to show up for the keys. She hoped that Jim Russell understood when she gave him the bad news. She just didn�t understand why his name seemed so familiar to her. Oh well�it didn�t matter he would be a distant memory in a few minutes anyway.

�I�m coming,� Keira yelled back coming back towards the front of the building. She came around the corner and saw a tall, white man with dark, long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail looking at a couple of the older Harley Davidson that her father had kept proudly on display.

One was a 1979 FXEF that showed the tachometer which was mounted below the speed. Her father had repaired that making it back into its original condition. The second bike was a 1980 FXB Sturgis.  She recalled seeing him ride that bike about three or four times when she was a little girl. This shop had been her father�s world, but no matter how many long hours he spent in the shop. He always made enough time for her and anything she wanted to do when she was growing up.

Keira started at the man for a second or two wondering why he looked somewhat familiar to her.  Maybe he had been a passenger on one of the flights she was on a while back before the crash. Well, she wasn�t going to worry about it because it would come to her soon enough where she knew him from.

�Excuse me sir, may I help you?� she asked.

�I�m here about the bike shop. I�m Jim Russell, the new owner,� the guy said as he turned around.

�I can�t believe it!� Keira gasped. �There is no way in hell my father sold our family business to you.� How was it that bad luck seemed to follow her no matter where she went now?

 "Good morning, beautiful," Ben said the second the door opened and he saw Rishelle standing on the other side. "Are you ready for the best time of your life?" He was up half the night making sure that everything was taking care of at his family's cabin.

All the cabinets were stock with food and everything else they might need.  He wanted to make sure there was no reason for them to go into town. All he needed now was for Rishelle to allow him to make up for the past and become a part of her life.

            "You're early,"she said turning away from the door and going back into the living room.

           "Didn't you get the message I left on your answer machine last night?" Ben asked as he came into the house shutting the door behind him. He stopped in the room and looked around surprised that Rishelle had completely redone the room since he was last here. Well, why wouldn't she?  It had been years since he stepped foot into her home.

The theme of the living room used to be mostly black and white but now it was more colorful with the red couch and matching loveseat. He loved how this room fit the personality that he thought Rishelle always kept a secret from the rest of the world.

"You have redecorated since I was here last. It really looks good.  I think it fits the fire I always saw lurking in your eyes. It was one of the first things that drew me to you."

"It's such a shame that it didn't keep you there," Rishelle retorted. "I guess I wasn't fiery enough and that is why you were having sex with your boss on her couch."

"Damn it! I wasn't having sex with her." He was trying to find a way back into Rishelle heart, but all she wanted to do was live in the past. "Why won't you let that go and focus on how much we cared about each other before that day? I know you were in love with me.  Shit, I was totally in love with you."

" You stayed on my mind twenty four seven. I couldn't wait to get to work and see you on the days you didn't spend the night and we went to work together."

Spinning around, Rishelle opened her mouth to say something but then snapped it closed at the last minute and regained her composure. "How about we just leave the past where it needs to be and get through these next thirty days? I'm sure you have a lot planned to keep us entertained."

Ben walked across the room until he was right in front of Rishelle. He noticed how the pulse in her neck started to beat a little faster. He was thrilled to realize that she was lying to him. She might keep telling him over and over how much she despised him. In addition, how she couldn't wait until this trip was over and he was out of her life for good, but her body was giving her away. Rishelle was still attracted to him and he was going to use this piece of juicy information to his advantage.

"Sweetheart, I planned to keep you very entertained while we are away. Your hands are always going to be filled with something long and hard from the moment we get to the cabin and you are going to love it."

A sudden icy contempt flashed in Rishelle's captivating eyes. "Do you always have sex on your mind? I'm not about to touch any part of your body anytime soon Ben Forster, so you can get that crazy idea out of your head this instant!"
            "I'm not talking about you touching my body parts Ben replied, clearly confused by where the conversation was headed. But if you want to I wouldn't stand in your way later on. I remember how soft your hands felt stroking my chest after we made love. I thought that was the best part of our lovemaking."

Instead of answering him, Rishelle grabbed a medium size suitcase off the floor and her purse off the couch. Ben noticed how Rishelle was literally biting her lip to keep from saying something to him as she walked around his body towards the front door.. He didn't care if  she screamed at him again. He just loved hearing the sound of her voice and would do anything to keep get her talking to him.

"What's wrong, sweetheart. Does the cat have your tongue? You are usually more vocal than you are being today. Are you afraid that you might let something slip that you don't want me to hear?" Ben taunted loving how Rishelle glanced over her shoulder  giving him a frosty look. It only added to his plan to make her fall for him again rekindling the love they once shared for each other..

"Can we just get going? she asked as she continued to the front door.. The quicker I get to this place the quicker I can get back home."

Ben hurried in front of Rishelle and then stopped in front of her,, so she wouldn�ft storm out on him. He grabbed the suitcase away out of her hand before she could stop him.  "You remember me well enough to know that I never do anything quickly. I love taking my time and going very slow. I think it only adds to the experience, don't you?" Before she could move, he planted a quick kiss on her mouth and then stepped away from her. .

"Come on and let's hit the road. We have a long drive ahead of us. I want to get to the cabin before it gets too dark."

"Don't you dare kiss me again," Rishelle snapped walking behind him. "You have no right to do that."

"Sorry, I can't do that, Ben answered as he opened the front door and paused in the entranceway."

"Why not?" the question hovered in the air as Ben wrestled with if he should tell Rishelle  the truth or let her sweat it out on the long drive to his favorite getaway place, but in the end he decided to give her an answer.

"I can't because I'm addicted to your mouth. I love the way it tastes too much to ever give it up." Ben continued on out the door without looking back because he already knew that Rishelle's mouth was opened in a cute little O. Because anytime he said anything to shock her that is what she did to him. It had to be the cutest and sexiest thing he had ever witness in his adult life. Yeah, this was going to be one hell of a trip.

Rishelle might fight him tooth and nail for about a week maybe two if she really wanted to be stubborn, but in the end she was going to be his. He was beyond ready to settle down and start a family like his best friend Spencer and there was only one woman he wanted as his wife�� the firecracker behind him Rishelle Damian.

Tasha Kelly stood in line and waited while the person in front of her gave their order before walking away. She was taking a break from purchasing some items off the internet at her job. If she stayed positioned at the computer a moment longer, she was going to get cross-eyed. However, she loved that new supply-chain software that Dylan installed. Her job was so much faster now. Instead of taking about six hours to place orders, it got knocked down to a little over three.

�Ma�am, may I take your order?� the young girl asked her.

�Coffee with cream and two sugars.� Tasha gave her order, walked away, and found a booth to sit in. She usually didn�t drink coffee this late in the afternoon, but she needed the caffeine to keep her going. She had a long day ahead of her with a lot of orders to fill.

Digging the romance book out of her purse, Tasha removed the bookmarker and placed it on the table. She had only been reading for a few minutes when the sound of a man yelling made her stop and look towards the front of the coffee shop.

�I don�t have any cash on me. Why can�t I pay for it with my credit card? Damn it, I don�t have time for this,� the man snapped.

�Sir, our credit card machine is down. We can only take cash today,� the cashier informed him.

�Why didn�t you tell me this before I ordered my coffee? Is that anyway to run a business?�

Tasha watched at the girl struggled to think of an answer. The man�s temper wouldn�t be so bad if he wasn�t well over six feet tall and built like a god. The white t-shirt was clinging to the bulging muscles in his arms. Dark blue jeans cupped his tight ass and the black cowboy boots only added to his sexiness. The man�s presence was intimating and hot all at the same time. She noticed everyone was waiting to see what was going to happen next.

�Are you going to answer me?�

�Sir, you order comes to $8.75.�

�Haven�t I already told you that I don�t have any cash on me? How do you think I�m going to buy that coffee?�

Tasha knew this had to end. She grabbed her wallet out of her purse and went to the front counter. She almost fainted as she stood next to the man. He smelled so good, like he just stepped out of the shower and splashed on cologne to make a woman fall at his feet. Lord, she had a weakness for good-smelling men.

�I�ll pay for his coffee.� Taking a ten dollar bill out of her purse, she handed it to the nervous girl in front of her. �Don�t worry about the change,� she told the girl when she started to count out the change.

�I didn�t ask you to pay for my coffee,� the rude man growled at her.

Tilting her head back, Tasha�s hazel eyes clashed with a pair of indigo eyes. Shit, the man�s face was just beautiful. A strong nose, firm lips, a dimple in his chin made him too dangerous looking to ever been consider model material, but he would certainly have a center stage in her dreams tonight.

�Sir, I know you didn�t; however, I got tired of listening to you scream at her, so I paid for your coffee.� Tasha gave the man a long look, hoping he was getting her meaning.

�Black coffee with cream and two sugars,� a guy yelled out his order before she could continue her conversation. She spun away from the gorgeous yet angry man. She picked up her drink and returned to her seat trying her best not to look at the man watching her.

* * * *

Nick couldn�t believe that woman had enough nerve to pay for his coffee and then gave him a lecture about his attitude. Moving away from the counter, he took a seat at the booth across the room from her. He sat facing her, so he could watch her.

The black shirt she was wearing stopped mid-thigh over a pair of blue jeans. It hugged her curvy body showing off her perky breasts. The off-black heeled boots gave her some height to her smaller frame.

He watched as she took a sip of her coffee before sitting it back down and turning the page in her book. After giving her body a final appraisal, he let his gaze land on her face. Her skin reminded him of dark Dove chocolate, his favorite treat late at night He liked how her black hair stopped at the nape of her neck and a piece kept falling in front of her glasses. He had to admit she was one hot little number.

Richie would have a good laugh at his expense when he told him about this. He was always telling him not to let the small stuff bother him. He really had no right screaming at the girl trying to take his money. It wasn�t her fault that the machine was down.

�Sir, here�s your coffee.�

Nick glanced to his side and found the girl he yelled at earlier standing there next to him. �You didn�t have to bring this to me. I could have came and gotten it.�

�That�s okay. We aren�t that busy now. I think you scared most of our customers away with your tirade.�

�I want to apologize for my behavior towards you. I shouldn�t have lost my temper like that,� he apologized.

�Oh, that�s okay,� she said, waving off his apology. �I�m used to grumpy people who are craving their caffeine. Enjoy your drink.� The girl spun away from him and went back to work like she had already forgotten all about him.

Nick took a sip of his drink not flinching when the warm liquid hit his tongue. He had been through too much to let some coffee phase him. Now, he had already made one apology which meant that he only had one left. He looked back over at his coffee-paying woman and found she was gone.

How in the hell did she get past him without him noticing? Well, he wasn�t about to give up on apologizing to her. She would probably be back here tomorrow. He would just come back and do it then.

Caught 2: Ajana's return (unedited excerpt)

Release date: Dec. 14th from Phaze Books

�Don�t be surprised if I don�t believe you want to help me,� she said, clearly bewildered that Ryan suggested he was still going to help her clear her name.

�I had to test you to see if you were still sticking to your story,� Ryan admitted. �I still believe everything you told me at my house was the truth. However, I had to convince my boss to still let me be on the case. It was a little touch and go for a while, but he still let me have it instead of giving it to Angelo. I wouldn�t trust him for anything in the world because he has his own agenda and always will. He only cares about one person and that is himself.�

Ajana didn�t know what to do so she stood there, astounded and more uncertain than ever about her thoughts when it came to Ryan. She had been tossed under the bus so many times in the past year and a half that she was scared to truly trust anyone.

�How do I know that I can really trust you and you aren�t setting me up for a huge fall once I leave this room with you?�

She stared at Ryan wordlessly across the room, her heart pounding against her ribcage as she waited for him to say something. So, she was totally caught off guard by the sudden spark of passion in his eyes.

�Let me show you why you can still believe in me.� 

Coming across the room, Ryan paused mere inches from Ajana and just started at her for a minute or two before hauling her to his rock hard body capturing her full lips in a hot kiss. It wasn�t the kind of kiss that had a beginning or an end. Rather it was something a man gave a woman he had missed the hell out off and was thrilled to have her back in his arms.

Ajana was too stunned to do more than anything but just stand there and let Ryan take what he needed from her. Not that she minded because all she could time about while she was talking to him was how much she still wanted to be with him.

A soft moan escaped from between her lips as she opened her mouth to allow Ryan�s talented tongue to slip in. He only ran it across the top of her teeth before using it to lick at her tongue. It seemed like time stood still as Ajana let her body get reacquainted with Ryan�s masterful touch. She had missed him so badly. With the way they were kissing each other it appeared like they had been apart from months instead of a little over tow weeks.

�You taste so much like a sexy innocence,� Ryan�s breathed against her moist lips as he hands worked to unzip the back of her skirt.

The slight touch of Ryan�s hands on her body made Ajana�s common sense slowly start to return to her.  She couldn�t have sex with Ryan again until she got her name cleared. She didn�t want him to get into trouble for having a relationship with a suspect in a high-profiled case. It would ruin his career and she cared about him too much to let that happen to him.

�No, we shouldn�t do this,� Ajana complained as she reluctantly pulling her mouth away from Ryan�s. She was out of her mind, but it had to been done and Ryan sure in the hell wasn�t about to do it.

unedited exceprt (Coming soon from Red Rose Publishing)

 Pausing at the desk, Steven tapped the bell and waited for about five minutes for someone to show up. However, when no one appeared he decided to call out and prayed that someone would come sooner instead of later.

�Hello, is there anyone here? I would like a room,� he called out.

 �Hello, sir. Can I help you?� a soft feminine called out behind him.

Spinning around, Steven looked over his shoulder and saw the most beautiful black woman he had ever laid eyes on sitting at a table watching him. Her skin was a smooth mocha complexion; it made him want to touch her to see if she felt as perfect as she looked. He had been so busy trying to the check-in that he never noticed her at all and she wasn�t twenty feet from his body.

He continued to let his eyes slowly traveled over the rest of her body. She had her legs crossed displaying shapely limbs. He had always been a leg man and this mystery woman owned a great pair. He couldn�t wait until she stood up so he could get a better look at them.  Steven even liked how she had her hair styled without a piece of it out of place.

For some odd reason that made him wanted to find a way to mess it up. Steven wanted to say something to her, but he couldn�t get the words to leave his mouth. All he could do was just stand there and look at her.

�Sir, can I help you?� she asked him again and placed her drink down on the table. �Are you looking for directions?�

�No, I�m not looking for direction.  I want to check into a room. I hope that you have one empty,� Steven replied when he finally regained his voice.

�You�re in luck. We do have a couple of empty rooms.� The mystery woman replied as she stood up and came towards him.

Steven couldn�t help but noticed how amazing her legs looked in those three inch heels. They were better than he could have ever imagined. He usually wasn�t this instantly attracted to any woman, so he knew the woman in front of him had something special about her to draw his attention like this.

Three Cheers (unedited) excerpt:

�You are the most stunning woman I have ever seen,� Brock complimented as he slowly removed her shirt and bra. �Today at the park, I saw how the other men were envious of me being with you and I hate to say that I loved it.�

�I noticed the same thing when it came to the women there. I actually thought a few were going to come over and say something to you.�

�What would have done if they had?�

�I would have told those heifers to get lost and leave my man alone. I don�t play when it comes to the man in my life. If I�m dating you then you are the only man in my bed.�

�That�s good to hear, because I would kill any other man if he even thought about making love to you. You�re mine and for anyone who doesn�t know it I�ll be damn happy to tell them,� Brock growled as he stripped Jamina out of her pants and skimpy red underwear.

�Have I told you how good you smell?� Leaning towards her, he breathed in scent and then his whole face spread into a devilish grin. �I swear I can�t get enough of you.�

�You can have me as many times as you want, because I only want you,� Jamina purred running her tongue across her bottom lip. Why was Brock talking so much when all she wanted him to do was live up his promise from downstairs? She was a patient woman, but hell she was dying from lust here and Brock wasn�t even trying to satisfy her needs.

�God, if you keep talking to me like that I�m bound to come right in my pants instead of your tight body.�

�I have suggestion how to fix that problem.� Getting on her knees, Jamina slowly crawled across the bed until she was in front of Brock. Rising up, she grabbed the hem of his shirt and moved it over his well-defined chest and then over his head tossing it somewhere on the floor. �You need to take off these clothes and make love to me for the rest of the night.�

Just as she was about to reach for Brock�s belt, he brushed her hand out of the way. �Let me do this.�

�If you insist, but I get to have my fun later.�

     Charisma tried not to squirm but if Dave kept staring at her like that she wouldn�t be responsible for her actions. All she could think about on the way back from the beach was how good Dave�s body had felt on top of hers.

     She had to stop this before it went past a few hot kissed and stolen touches with him. She couldn�t get involved with that hunk and the way he constantly mentally stripped each article of clothing from her body. Whatever happened between her and Dave couldn�t amount to more than a hot and steamy affair. It wouldn�t do either one of them any good to think about a happy every after.

     She stole a peek at the numbers on the panel and saw there was still four more floors before it stopped on hers. In her mind this had to be the slowest moving elevator in history.

     Acting indifference had become such a deep part of her life that Dave�s endless appraisal was wearing her down, but she wasn�t about to let him know that. After what seemed like ten minutes the elevator finally came to a stop and Charisma let out a sigh of relief. Anymore time in these closed quarters with Dave and she might start licking those tattoos that covered his massive arms.

     �Here I am,� she said stepping out of the elevator with Dave�s towering presence right behind her. She felt the warmth of his body as he walked behind her. �You don�t have to escort me to the door.� Charisma knew that she couldn�t stay a minute longer around Dave or she was going to invite him in to spend the night.

That thought barely left her mind before another followed. All the tingling sensations that Dave evoked in her body was brought back in full force. She had to get away from him immediately before she ended up doing something that she would regret in the morning.

�Thank you for the date and making sure I got back to my room,� she said spinning around to face Dave.

Bedroom brown eyes held hers for a spilt second before Dave moved closer to her and let his hot gaze run up and down the length of her body. Don�t do this to me, she thought as the desire in her body for him leaped to life. Fight it. Don�t give in.

�I really need to get into my room. Keira has probably already worn a hole in the carpet worrying about me,� Charisma tossed out trying to get rid of Dave, but her excuse even sounded weak to her ears.

�I�m pretty sure your outgoing friend isn�t back yet herself,� Dave whispered inching closer. He reached out and cup her face in his hands, and then ran one of his fingers down the side of her face. �Do you share a room with Keira?�

Kiss me�.Kiss me. Her mind screamed as Dave�s wandering touch control her weakening body. She never wanted a man as much as she did him. The wetness of her panties only proved that she was losing her battle with keeping him at arms length.

�No, I�ve my own room and we share a connecting door,� she moaned as two long fingers disappeared inside the top of her strapless dress. �Please stop we can�t go any further out here in the hallway.�

Dave gave her a smile that sent pulse racing. �So, you finally admit that you want me,� he smirked tugging her top down under her breasts sprung free.

Closer to you:Lee

Excerpt:

Coming Soon from Marie Rochelle and Phaze

�Please tell me you�re kidding?� Cherise asked wrapping the bathrobe tighter around her body. �This can�t be happening to me.� She had gotten up this morning to running water and about five minutes into her shower it stopped. Now a plumber was here telling her that most of her pipes needed to be replaced.

�Ma�am, I wished that I was,� he replied. �But I�m not. Your pipes are gone and they need to be replaced as soon as possible.�

�Isn�t there a way I can at least stay here while you�re fixing them?� She didn�t want to think about the money she would have to spend on a hotel.

�I think it would be best if you didn�t try to use any water while we replace these pipes. We aren�t positive how good the other ones are until we look at them.�

Cherise stood in the middle of her yard and looked at the areas the plumber said would have to be dug up. This was going to cost her a small fortune, but she loved her old house and didn�t have it in her heart to sell it.

�I guess you can go ahead and do it,� she sighed already hating the check she was going to have to write.

�Okay�let me take a better look at everything and I can give you an estimate.� The plumber patted her on the shoulder and then walked around the side of her house.

�Why does this kind of stuff always happen to me?� Cherise mumbled under her breath.

�Do you mind telling me why you�re outside wrapped in a barely there robe? I don�t want to fight off your male neighbors for looking at your gorgeous body,� Lee�s voice demanded behind her. �I�ve been at work waiting for you for almost an hour. What in the hell is going on?�

Great, she thought. Lee was all that she needed this morning.

�Didn�t you get my message? I told that I might be a little late this morning,� she said looking at her house and not at the temping man behind her. Her dreams were filled of him doing wicked things to her body and she hated when the alarm clock woke her up this morning.

�I consider being late maybe fifteen to thirty minutes not a whole damn hour. So, I got concerned and came to check on you, but I find you outside in your bathrobe showing off your amazing breasts to the world. Now, tell me what in the hell is going on?�

Spinning around, Cherise gasped at the sigh of Lee in a dark pinstriped suit and a dark green shirt with no tie. He totally looked amazing without a tie! God, why did her brother-in-law have to be so damn fine!

�I�m having trouble with my pipes.�

�You�re pipes look pretty good to me, Sunshine,� Lee whispered as he reached out and slipped his hand inside of her robe. Cupping one of her breast he ran his thumb over the nipple. It hardened instantly under his touch.

�Lee, what are you doing?� Cherise hissed trying to remove Lee�s hand from her body. He was making her hot and they couldn�t be happening, not outside in her front yard.

�Shhh�come closer,� he whispered as he tugged her body against his. �I want to touch you.� Lee hand eased down her body and brushed against her moist curls. �You�re already wet. Have you been thinking about me?� Two thick fingers moved down a little further and dipped into her body.

�Oh, shit,� Cherise whimpered as Lee�s fingers worked in and out of her. His free hand held her butt and gave it a squeeze. She knew she should stop him, but it was so hard to think straight when Lee was this closer to her.

�I love a woman that can handle me,� he growled by her ear. �I�m a big man and I need someone that can take me loving them.�

Wow�she bet that Lee could love her right, but she couldn�t get seduced by him. They had to work together and more than that he was family now. If anything went wrong, it would put a strain on her sister�s marriage to Zack. She couldn�t do that to Traci.

�Lee, please stop,� she whimpered tugging Lee�s hand from her body. �We have to stop. This isn�t right. We�re family.� She took a step back from Lee so she wouldn�t be tempted to kiss him.

�We�re only family through marriage. So, I can enjoy that wonderful luscious body of yours anyway I want. All you have to do is give me the green light and I�ll take you right here in the middle of the yard. I don�t give a damn who sees us.�

Cherise pulled her robe closer around her body and tried to not think about how good Lee would feel inside of her. �Stop talking like that. It isn�t right. You�re my brother-in-law. We can�t have a relationship with each other. You have to date someone else and so will I.�

�The hell you will date another man around me. I�ll make sure he understands who you belong to. You�re mine and I don�t share.�

�Lee�I�m not dating anyone. I don�t have time for a man in my life. I�m busy with work and my catering business, so why don�t we just leave it alone?�

�Tell me the guy who did such a number on you that you think the only pleasure you can have in life is work. You�re a beautiful woman that deserves a good man.�

Where was the cocky Lee from a few seconds ago? This understanding Lee was too much for her to handle. She would rather fight with him. �Lee, why don�t you go back to work and I�ll be there as soon as I can.� She shivered as the cold air hit her. It was early October and she didn�t know why she was outside in the damn cold.

�Here take my jacket.� Lee held out his suit jacket while she slipped it on. It wrapped completely around her. Most guys� jacket didn�t do that. Lee was truly a huge guy and there wasn�t an ounce of fat on his entire body. It was solid muscle. �Now are you going to tell me why you�re out here?�

The warm scent of his cologne filled her nose and the warmth from the jacket heated up her body. �My water pipes busted this morning while I was in the shower. The plumber is checking on them so he can give me an estimate of how much it will cost. So, now I�ve to stay at a hotel until they get fixed.�

�You aren�t going to stay at a hotel,� Lee said wrapping his arms around her waist. �I know the perfect place for you to stay.�

�Okay�Mister know-it-all. Where do you think I�m going to stay? I�m not going to ask Traci can I crash at her house. I know Zack likes me better now, but he still wants some private time with his wife.�

�Of course. You aren�t going to stay with them. Sunshine, you going to stay with me,� Lee confessed in her ear. �I have a bed at my house that�s screaming your name.�

The shock of Lee�s words almost made her pass out. There was no way in hell she would be staying under the same roof as him. �You�re out of your mind. I can�t stay under the same roof as you. We�ll kill each other.�

�With sex?� Lee asked at the same time the plumber came back around the house.

Buy now @ www.phaze.com in ebook and print
 

Tycoon's Club: Dangerous Bet: Troy's revenge

 A shiver ran through him as her soft breasts brushed over his chest. It had been such a long time since he wanted to lose himself in a woman�s body. Holding Headley close to him, he backed them up until her back touched the desk behind them.

�You smell so good,� he whispered burying his nose below her ear. �I could just eat you up.� Nipping at her neck, Troy cupped Headley�s ass in his hands and held her against him. �Why don�t we just stop all of this fighting and get down to the good stuff?�

�Troy, you aren�t going to seduce me into giving in to you,� Headley moaned by his ear. �I�ll fight you every step of the way.�

�That�s such a waste of energy. I know we can find a better way for you to get rid of it. With the built up sexual tension we have we�ll be explosive together. Hell�the fire alarm will go off when we finally give in.�

�You�re wrong,� she denied with shake of her head. �I don�t want you.�

Inching back, Troy stared at Headley while she fought to keep her body under control, but he could see how hard her nipples were through the thin t-shirt. Reaching out, he ran his hand slowly down the front of her shirt pausing long enough to give each nipple a firm pinch.

Headley gasped but she didn�t tell him to stop. Instead she drew her full bottom lip between her two front teeth and waited. He slowly ran his fingers over her bare stomach almost getting lost in the silkiness of it. 

�Are you sure that you want to get into another bet with me? I�m already going to win this one. Do you really want to get into another with me?�

He was ready to prove that there would more than a strong sexual pull between them. His whole being seem to be waiting for her response all he needed was the word and Headley would be screaming his name.

�You�re a smug something, aren�t you?� Headley asked running her hand down the middle of his chest. �How do you know I�m not faking my need for you?�

His lips recaptured her, more demanding this time. Parting her lips, he thrust his tongue inside and devoured its softness. He had to prove he was the only man for her. A low growl erupted from his throat when Headley�s arms wrapped around his neck and her hips grounded against his.

Tearing his mouth away, he nibbled a path down her neck while his hands eased between them and he unbuttoned her pants. Slipping a hand inside, he worked two fingers into her wetness.

�Fuck�you�re so damn tight! Will your hold my cock this snug when I finally get inside of you?�

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Taking a deep breath, she shook off the last of her nerves and walked the last few steps. The sight that caught her eyes made her gasp in the back of her throat. A coal black stallion with a white strip going down to its muzzle stood in the middle of the stall. His liquid brown eyes stared back at her like he was trying to decide if she was his friend or his enemy.

�Why aren�t you out toward the front with the other horses?� Syleena whispered. Slowly she moved closer to the magnificent animal and she talked softly so he wouldn�t be frightened of her.�Hello there, aren�t you something to look at? I bet you get all kinds of attention with your beautiful black coat.�

The horse raised his ears like he always understood what she was saying to him. Syleena bit her lip to keep coming laughing when he moved cautiously toward her voice. Only a few more inches and she would be able to touch him. �Come here, boy, will you let me touch you?� She moved her hand out slowly toward his muzzle. He moved to the edge of the door and stuck his head out at her.

�See, I knew you wanted some attention form me.� Leaning in closer to the amazing animal she whispered. �I don�t want the other horses to hear, but you�re the most striking one here.� The stallion shook his head at her like he understood every word coming out of her mouth.

�Do you know what you�re doing is really dangerous? What if he had tried to bite your hand?�

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Syleena flinched at the sound of Storm�s usual growled behind her. She noticed even the stallion moved its head back when Storm�s voice echoed around them.She wiped her hands on her jeans, then spun around to look at Storm. �Why did you do that? I was having a good time talking to him and you scare him away?�

�Thunder is very dangerous. Most of the men here are scared to come within ten feet of that damn horse. Then I walk up on you and he�s practically eating out of your hand.�

�Maybe I�ve a better connection with him.�

�Really�.? What would you call the connection-Beauty and the Beauty?"

Syleena tossed one last look at Thunder, then brushed past Storm. �I don�t have stand here and listen to you insult me.�

�Wait�. I didn�t mean it as an insult.� Storm yelled after her. �Stand still so I can apologize.�

She didn�t want to hear it, so she kept walking toward the front of the stable. She heard Storm�s footsteps gaining on hers, but she didn�t turn around. How much more of him could she really take?

�Damn it! Woman�will you slow down!� Storm hissed. His hand wrapped around her arm and jerked her back around to face him. �Will you stand still and let me apologize?�

She glanced down at Strom�s fingers attached to her wrist. She was surprised by his dark tanned. How did he get so dark if he spent all his time at the office? �Let go of my arm first.� Slowly his grip eased off her arm and he moved back.

�I�m sorry for what I said. I was joking, but you didn�t take it that away. How about I make it up to you with riding lessons?�

Her mind tingled with the possibilities of being alone on horseback in the woods with Storm. Stop it, girl! This man doesn�t want you. �When would you want to start the first lesson?�

�It�s almost dinner time so it�s too late to start now. How about later on in the week? I�ve to check my schedule at work first.�

�Sounds like a plan to me.�

�Do you think Brian will mind you spending so much of your free time with me?

She could barley control her eye roll this time. Here we go again.�No. Brian is very understanding and he won�t care. Actually, he�ll love I�m finding things to do while I�m here for the wedding.�

�Yeah�the wedding I still can�t believe Vicki�s son is your date.�

�Who�s your date for the wedding?�

�I don�t have one.�

�You�re kidding right?�

�No, I don�t have a date,� Storm replied.

�Why not? I�m pretty sure you could find one at the drop of a hat. So what is the hold up?�

�What if I told you the woman I wanted to take already had a date and I was jealous?�

�I guess you should have asked her before the other man did, but I can�t believe you would be jealous of another man.�

�Don�t you want to know who the woman is?�

Syleena stood frozen in front of Storm. She didn�t know what to say. A part of her wanted to know, but the deeper part of her didn�t. It was like of she found out it would change how she looked at him.

�Do you want to know?� Storm asked again moving closer to her.

She took a step back and shook her head. �No�.I don�t think it�s any of my business.�

She didn�t fight when Storm wrapped his fingers around her upper arms and tugged her to his body. She could feel the heat from his body through the layers on clothes on their body. Syleena was so taken back that she didn�t know what to do when Storm�s lips brushed her ear.

�Syleena, live a little and ask me who she is?�

�I�I don�t want to�.know who it is.�

Dark gray eyes flashed with sudden anger before Storm�s mouth started to lower toward hers. Syleena wanted to feel guilty about wanting this kiss, but she didn�t. Storm�s firm lips were an inch from hers when she heard.

�Syleena, are you in there,� Brian yelled from outside.

She wrestled her body from Storm�s tight grip and stumbled backwards. What in the hell was wrong with her? She couldn�t let Storm kiss her. Pressing her hand against her chest, she took several deep breaths.

�You better answer him before he comes in looking for you.�

She hurried away from the temptation of Storm for the safety of Brian. �Yes, I�m in here.�

�Good�I�ll come in there to you.�

�Don�t come to me I�ll come to you.� She rushed out the stables right into Brian.

�Brian, what are you doing here? �I thought you were helping your mom finish planning the wedding.�

Brian smiled. �I left early because I wanted to take you out to dinner.�

She observed him through lowered lashes. The crisp white shirt and dark slack did compliment his blond good looks. She would be an idiot to turn Brian down after what almost happened with Storm. �You look very nice, Brian.�

�Thanks, so I that a yes to dinner?

�Yes�.Just let me go shower and change then I�ll be all yours.�

�Great, do you mind if I wait for you outside in the car? I�ve to make some business calls on my cellphone.�

�No, that will be fine,� Syleena said.

�Let me walk you back to the house.�

�Sure.� Syleena agreed.

Without turning around, she knew Storm watched them every step of the way back to the house. She could feel his eye drilling a hole into the back of her head.

Construction industrialist Hayward Campbell walked across the porch of his newly remolded home and squinted in the bright morning sunlight. It was July, and up in the mountains it meant scorching sun and cool breezes. He let his robe hang open, enjoying the breeze across his naked chest, and the slight flapping of his green silk boxers against him. He sighed and stepped on the dew covered grass, the soft green grass felt good to his bare feet as he sauntered along.

He was in no hurry, the peace fullness of his cabin was the thing he needed, and hopefully in time, it could help to mend his battered heart. Nothing could ever fix the damage that she had done. But if what everyone said was true, maybe he could learn to live with it.

Hayward slowed his gait. Unconsciously he caught the edge of his robe and pulled it together. Someone had moved in the house next door because the For Sale sign was gone. He felt a burst of anger at the intruder; this was his peace of heaven. Who would dare invade his paradise?

How could he not notice someone was moving in next door? Was he so locked away inside this house that not once did the sound of a moving truck echo through his ears? Just how long had the For Sale been missing from the yard? A month? A week? He really couldn�t remember the last time he saw the tan sign next door. His real estate broker had tried to make the owner an offer for him, but the guy never would accept any of his offers.

He had lost count how many females had rented the house only to leave after two months of living there. Rural Montana wasn�t a place most women want to live in the first place, so he still didn�t until why so many moved in next door.

There weren�t any clothing stores or restaurant for miles and he loved that. The unfortunate women who had moved next door found out rather quickly and moved rather quickly.

The further away he was from the fast paced speed of the city the calmer his life was. That kind of life had cost him something precious and he wasn�t about to be pulled back into the lifestyle again for anyone, no what how much his family wanted it.

His brother called him last week and tried to coach him into coming back for a little visit, but he turned him down instantly. Now, he loved his brother however it was past time Clinton stopped trying to heal his wounds. His like the pain the memories caused him, it made him realize how being focused only on money shattered his life.

Rubbing the side of his eyes with the back of his hand, he blinked some of the sleep from his dark blue eyes and wondered about his new neighbor. Would it be another woman this time? The last females who had lived there within six months of each other thought he might need a little �extra� neighborly hospitality, but he shot their ideas rather quickly. He didn�t move out here to find a warm body to his bed doing the winter months.

Hayward couldn�t want to find out who was the next person was that decided to take on the chance of living in that huge house next door. It didn�t matter if it was a family, a man, or a woman. As long as they left his to his own devices he would be the best neighbor that anyone could ask for. He was about to turn and go back into the house the sound of a speeding car coming down the street caught his attention.

A firecracker red Mustang pulled up into the driveway next door and the roaring engine became a soft purr before it was shut off. Well, his question was about to be answered in a few seconds. Please don�t let it be another lonely female looking for a man, because he wasn�t about to fit into the role ever again in his life.

The car door swung open then as he watched, a pair of well-toned cocoa legs appeared, followed by a nicely firm bottom encased in blue jean shorts. She got out of the car, stretched, took in a long full breath, and his blood warmed at the sight. He would swear a plain white t-shirt never looked so good.

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Thirty minutes later the rough drafts for the renovations were spread out on the table in front of Clinton.  With a pen and pencil near him, he started working on several items that were in his head at dinner. Jenisha had pulled up a seat next to him, so she could watch him work.

The joy on his face surprised her. �You really love your job don�t you?�

Without taking his eyes from his work Clinton replied. �I�ve loved this job since Hayward brought me in years ago. I didn�t have anything going on in my life at the time and he knew it.  I know this is what I�m meant to do.�

Jenisha moved a few inches so she could look over his shoulder and get a better look at what he was doing, �Do you have any idea what Mark wants to be done?� 

�No, I don�t.� He answered looking at Jenisha quickly before returning his eyes to the paper in front of him.

He loved the light brush of her hot breath on his ear. She was making it hard for him to concentrate on what he was doing. All the blood had rushed from his head to another part of his body. �Right now, I�m just putting designs down on paper.� 

Leaning over his arm, she pointed out a problem to him, �That wall right there is connected to the gym. I don�t know if Principal Kimball will let you knock it out.� 

Turning his head, he stared at the beauty of Jenisha�s ebony face. He had never seen a more perfect woman in his life. �Well, I�ll just add it to the plans for now and see if he wants it changed.� Jenisha was so close to him and the need to touch her was so great that his hands shook.

He tossed the pencil down and rubbed a piece of her silky hair between his fingertips. �Is there anyway I can talk you into getting the curls back. I loved them so much on you.�

She removed the piece of hair from his fingers and shook her head. �No, I wanted a different look, but I can always get them back if I wanted to.� She stood up and moved away from him.

Getting up from the table, he grabbed her elbow and spun her back around, �Will you get them back for me?�  He ran his eyes up and down the length of her body. God, the dreams he was going to have about her tonight. He almost couldn�t wait until she left.

�Why are you so concerned with my hair style all of a sudden?�

He ran his thumb along her jaw, then traced her plump lips smearing the gloss that covered them. �After you get them back I�ll be more than happy to tell you why.� He gently tugged Jenisha closer to him. Dropping his green eyes down her moist mouth, the need to sample those lips again ate at him. It was like a hunger he never felt before. �Would you care if I kissed you again?�

 �What are you trying to do to me?�  She whispered, placing her hand in the center of his chest.

 �I�m trying to possess you.� He growled before his lips swooped down captured hers.

This kiss wasn�t like the first two playful. This one screamed fulfillment and longing on his part like he has been waiting a lifetime to have Jenisha  back in his arms. With his thumb against her chin, he eased her mouth open thrusting his thick tongue inside. She squirmed in his arms as his tongue showed her what his body wanted to do.  Cupping the back of her head with one hand and wrapping the other around her waist Clinton molded them together as one. Jenisha wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with equal passion.

His hands moved down her back and cupped her behind in his large hands. �You feel so right in my arms.� He groaned into her ear. �How can you keep denying what you feel for me?�  He had to fight down his overwhelming need to toss her over his shoulder and carry her to his bedroom down the hallway. Grabbing her hips, he pressed his erection against her, it throbbed painful with the need to know her body better.

He licked the side of her neck, drawing the tender flesh between his front teeth. She moaned, the sound vibrated over his aroused body and only enhanced his desire to possess her even more. �I want you.� He growled by her ear.

Jenisha stiffened in his arms. �Please let me go.�

 �Let�s me prove how good I can make it for you.� He encouraged as he backed away from her.

 �No, I can�t let myself fall in love with you. It wouldn�t be good for either of us in the end.� With tears rushing down her cheeks, Jenisha snatched her purse off his couch and rushed out the front door.

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Fancy Shayne sat outside the closed door and wondered for the fifth time what in the hell was she doing here. Sure, the job read perfect in the paper but did she really want to apply for it. The Tycoon Club money was excellent. However, if she landed this job she could quit the club and save up money faster.

            Wiping her sweaty palms down the front of her pants, she tried to calm down her racing pulse. It wouldn�t do her any good to show him how nervous that he made her. She was here to land this job not drool all over the man who was about to interview her. Headley was so wrong thinking she would get the job just because he knew her. Hell, half the time he wouldn�t even speak to her when he walked past her in town. Why would he invite her to live under the same roof as him?

            No, this was a mistake. She had to get out of here before she made a huge ass out of herself. Standing up, Fancy was about to head for the entrance when the door opened in front of her. She froze to the spot as the man she had a Texas size crush on filled its doorway.

            �Sorry to keep you waiting, Ms. Shayne,� Maxwell Reed said. �I was on the phone. Why don�t you come on in and we can get this interview started?�

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Administrative Assistant Layla Reynolds has loved Christmas ever since she was a little girl, but she hasn�t been able to enjoy it since beginning to work Director Enterprises. Her tyrant of a boss hated the holiday and now she was stuck with him for two weeks at his house during a snow storm.

CEO of Director Enterprises Preston Scott wasn�t a man known to celebrate the Christmas Holiday. So, why after one day of having Layla in his house he wanted to celebrate the holiday in a whole different way?