Michelle Turner's Blog
January 2, 2018
Killian's Solace
Killian's Solace is LIVE!!!
Killian's Solace is the first book in the Masterson Pack Series. This is a spin-off from the Bloom Daniels Series. All the book in this series will be novella's (around 25,000 words).
***Cover by Moonstruck Cover Design***
Synopsis:When you’re a shifter you know two things for certain. One, you’ll change into a wolf. And two, you’ll find your true mate. Though he knows these things, Killian O’Brian has given up hope on the second thing happening for him. So, when his niece predicts his time has come he’s in complete disbelief.
Reeve Quinn has always had to hide her true self. So, when she gets offered a position in a small town run by wolf-shifters she thinks she’s found the perfect chance to stop hiding and just be her. Little does she know she’ll find a whole lot more than acceptance.
Can Killian handle Reeve’s true self?
Can Reeve handle being mated to a wolf?
Or will they both be consumed by the ominous threat looming over the pack?
Chapter OneKillian
Rose is running around the playground, chasing her cousins. Every so often she takes a break long enough to come to where I’m seated and hug me. She does this quietly, and then quickly takes off again. This time I watch as she heads for the swings. She hops onto the empty one beside of Grady, and even from this distance I can hear them squealing with delight.
The bench squeaks beside me, and by her scent I know it’s Emily Drake. She’s the only person I know that wears that floral perfume. “Go join your cousins.” She says shooing away her kids, Leah and Aiden. Aiden the oldest glances briefly at the younger kids before going the opposite direction to where some older boys are tossing a football. Leah catches sight of Rose and heads straight for her. I watch as Rose hops off the swing in midair, landing smoothly, before she takes off running towards Leah. She grabs her slightly younger cousin by the hand and together they head to the slides.
“So, Kill, any sign of this mate?” Emily asks as she sits down her cup of coffee.
“I see you heard what happened last week.” I say, continuing to watch the kids play.
“That our five-year-old niece predicted your mate is coming?”
“That would be it.” I confirm.
“The whole family can’t stop talking about it.” She informs me of something I already know.
“How has her gift surfaced at such a young age?” I ask, more to myself. I move my eyes from the twins on the swing set, now side by side, seeing who can swing the highest, to Rose, who is standing at the bottom of the slide waiting on Leah to come down.
“When Bloom’s gift started, her predictions would happen almost immediately after she had them. Maybe this isn’t what we’re all thinking.” Emily states, though I can tell by her tone she thinks it’s exactly what we’re all thinking. Our five-year-old niece is gifted. We all knew she would be. She comes from a long line of rare female Oracles. This is her destiny, though no-one thought it would begin this soon.
I glance over at Emily to see her leaning back against the bench, so her small rounded belly shows a little more prominently. Baby number three for her and her mate, Kit. I’m happy for them, all my family, but it’s long pass the time for me to have found my own mate. I was scared when little Rose first made the announcement that the person to complete me would be coming, but deep down I’m ready. My wolf and I need this person who completes us, who will soothe our soul. However, Emily’s right. Bloom’s predictions were always instantly happening. So, could my niece’s prediction not be a real one?
“I find it hard to believe that she’s already coming into her abilities.” Maybe, it’s less I doubt it’s happening and more I’m not ready for it to be. I’m attached to all my nieces and nephews. Though I can’t deny with my blonde-haired niece I am little more so. Maybe it’s because she looks like a blue-eyed version of her mother and in turn my own. But, I think it’s more that the little girl always has a smile on her face. It’s hard to be sad when you face that kind of sweetness daily. She steals the heart of everyone who is blessed to meet her.
Emily picks her coffee cup back up and takes a sip before responding. “Bloom, thinks she’s already met her mate.”
I turn and stare at her in shock. “Met her mate at five?”
“Yes, met. Not realized it. They’ve been traveling to a lot of other pack territories recently. She thinks one of the kids Rose has come across during these meetings is her mate. It could be the brief meeting has kicked her abilities into effect. From what we’ve learned from Amelia and Bloom it’s not impossible. The mating hasn’t showed itself because the children are obviously too young. But this early contact with whoever her mate is has already awakened the Oracle side of her.”
“That little girl is destined for greatness. I don’t need to have a special ability to recognize that, but I’m still doubtful about this prediction of my mate.”
“At this point I think we just have to wait and see. If your mate shows up, we’ll know for sure if her abilities are truly surfacing like Bloom believes.”
I don’t answer. There’s no need. She knows she’s right. So instead I holler at the twins. “Not so high, boys.” But I have no more than got the words out when I realize it’s too late. Grady goes flying, and unlike Rose who had jumped off from a safe height, my dare devil of a nephew has attempted it from the highest possible spot. There is no way he is landing gracefully. I’m up and running to him, but he’s already come crashing down with a hard thud.
I hear the crunch of bones before I even make it to him. He’s fractured something. Shit! I bend down instantly upon reaching him, and gently scoop him into my arms. Then, I’m heading towards my car. He needs to be seen by Doc to have the bones reset before his shifter genes heal them the wrong way. If this happens Doc will have to rebreak the arm to set it right. I don’t want him to go through that additional pain.
“I’ll gather the rest of the kids and meet you there.” Emily calls out behind me. I don’t take the time to thank her, and I know she understands why. We’re racing against the clock. I lightly place him in the passenger seat of my car and dash to get behind the wheel. Grady to his strength isn’t making a sound, though I can see the tears silently sliding out of his amber eyes. Eyes that match his fathers, and my father’s. The man he was named after. I push away the stabbing pain that hits my chest at the thought of my father. I have to focus on the issue at hand.
“It won’t be long kiddo.” I reassure him as I fly out of the playgrounds parking lot.
“Okay, Uncle Kill.” He responds, his voice shaking from the obvious pain. I can easily see the wrist is bent in the wrong direction, while the arm seems to have snapped in the complete opposite way. Noticing this I press the gas pedal farther against the floor and don’t let up. It’s not long before we’re sliding into the gravel parking lot of Doc’s office.
I don’t even shut off the ignition before I’m rounding the car, and lifting him out. “You’re doing so well, Grady. Just keep it up a little while longer because we’re almost there.”
I push through the front door of the office, calling out as I do. “Doc, I need you.”
His receptionist, Megan, rushes around the side of her desk. “He’s out on a house call, Killian. But bring the boy back. His new partner started today. She’ll be able to help.” She guides us to the first exam room, and then heads right back out. I’m assuming so she can track down the new physician.
I’ve just laid Grady on the exam table when I’m hit with a fragrance so strong that it drops me to my knees. My wolf takes control as he rumbles in my head. Mate.
Buy Links:Amazon Smashwords
Killian's Solace is the first book in the Masterson Pack Series. This is a spin-off from the Bloom Daniels Series. All the book in this series will be novella's (around 25,000 words).
***Cover by Moonstruck Cover Design***
Synopsis:When you’re a shifter you know two things for certain. One, you’ll change into a wolf. And two, you’ll find your true mate. Though he knows these things, Killian O’Brian has given up hope on the second thing happening for him. So, when his niece predicts his time has come he’s in complete disbelief.
Reeve Quinn has always had to hide her true self. So, when she gets offered a position in a small town run by wolf-shifters she thinks she’s found the perfect chance to stop hiding and just be her. Little does she know she’ll find a whole lot more than acceptance.
Can Killian handle Reeve’s true self?
Can Reeve handle being mated to a wolf?
Or will they both be consumed by the ominous threat looming over the pack?
Chapter OneKillian
Rose is running around the playground, chasing her cousins. Every so often she takes a break long enough to come to where I’m seated and hug me. She does this quietly, and then quickly takes off again. This time I watch as she heads for the swings. She hops onto the empty one beside of Grady, and even from this distance I can hear them squealing with delight.
The bench squeaks beside me, and by her scent I know it’s Emily Drake. She’s the only person I know that wears that floral perfume. “Go join your cousins.” She says shooing away her kids, Leah and Aiden. Aiden the oldest glances briefly at the younger kids before going the opposite direction to where some older boys are tossing a football. Leah catches sight of Rose and heads straight for her. I watch as Rose hops off the swing in midair, landing smoothly, before she takes off running towards Leah. She grabs her slightly younger cousin by the hand and together they head to the slides.
“So, Kill, any sign of this mate?” Emily asks as she sits down her cup of coffee.
“I see you heard what happened last week.” I say, continuing to watch the kids play.
“That our five-year-old niece predicted your mate is coming?”
“That would be it.” I confirm.
“The whole family can’t stop talking about it.” She informs me of something I already know.
“How has her gift surfaced at such a young age?” I ask, more to myself. I move my eyes from the twins on the swing set, now side by side, seeing who can swing the highest, to Rose, who is standing at the bottom of the slide waiting on Leah to come down.
“When Bloom’s gift started, her predictions would happen almost immediately after she had them. Maybe this isn’t what we’re all thinking.” Emily states, though I can tell by her tone she thinks it’s exactly what we’re all thinking. Our five-year-old niece is gifted. We all knew she would be. She comes from a long line of rare female Oracles. This is her destiny, though no-one thought it would begin this soon.
I glance over at Emily to see her leaning back against the bench, so her small rounded belly shows a little more prominently. Baby number three for her and her mate, Kit. I’m happy for them, all my family, but it’s long pass the time for me to have found my own mate. I was scared when little Rose first made the announcement that the person to complete me would be coming, but deep down I’m ready. My wolf and I need this person who completes us, who will soothe our soul. However, Emily’s right. Bloom’s predictions were always instantly happening. So, could my niece’s prediction not be a real one?
“I find it hard to believe that she’s already coming into her abilities.” Maybe, it’s less I doubt it’s happening and more I’m not ready for it to be. I’m attached to all my nieces and nephews. Though I can’t deny with my blonde-haired niece I am little more so. Maybe it’s because she looks like a blue-eyed version of her mother and in turn my own. But, I think it’s more that the little girl always has a smile on her face. It’s hard to be sad when you face that kind of sweetness daily. She steals the heart of everyone who is blessed to meet her.
Emily picks her coffee cup back up and takes a sip before responding. “Bloom, thinks she’s already met her mate.”
I turn and stare at her in shock. “Met her mate at five?”
“Yes, met. Not realized it. They’ve been traveling to a lot of other pack territories recently. She thinks one of the kids Rose has come across during these meetings is her mate. It could be the brief meeting has kicked her abilities into effect. From what we’ve learned from Amelia and Bloom it’s not impossible. The mating hasn’t showed itself because the children are obviously too young. But this early contact with whoever her mate is has already awakened the Oracle side of her.”
“That little girl is destined for greatness. I don’t need to have a special ability to recognize that, but I’m still doubtful about this prediction of my mate.”
“At this point I think we just have to wait and see. If your mate shows up, we’ll know for sure if her abilities are truly surfacing like Bloom believes.”
I don’t answer. There’s no need. She knows she’s right. So instead I holler at the twins. “Not so high, boys.” But I have no more than got the words out when I realize it’s too late. Grady goes flying, and unlike Rose who had jumped off from a safe height, my dare devil of a nephew has attempted it from the highest possible spot. There is no way he is landing gracefully. I’m up and running to him, but he’s already come crashing down with a hard thud.
I hear the crunch of bones before I even make it to him. He’s fractured something. Shit! I bend down instantly upon reaching him, and gently scoop him into my arms. Then, I’m heading towards my car. He needs to be seen by Doc to have the bones reset before his shifter genes heal them the wrong way. If this happens Doc will have to rebreak the arm to set it right. I don’t want him to go through that additional pain.
“I’ll gather the rest of the kids and meet you there.” Emily calls out behind me. I don’t take the time to thank her, and I know she understands why. We’re racing against the clock. I lightly place him in the passenger seat of my car and dash to get behind the wheel. Grady to his strength isn’t making a sound, though I can see the tears silently sliding out of his amber eyes. Eyes that match his fathers, and my father’s. The man he was named after. I push away the stabbing pain that hits my chest at the thought of my father. I have to focus on the issue at hand.
“It won’t be long kiddo.” I reassure him as I fly out of the playgrounds parking lot.
“Okay, Uncle Kill.” He responds, his voice shaking from the obvious pain. I can easily see the wrist is bent in the wrong direction, while the arm seems to have snapped in the complete opposite way. Noticing this I press the gas pedal farther against the floor and don’t let up. It’s not long before we’re sliding into the gravel parking lot of Doc’s office.
I don’t even shut off the ignition before I’m rounding the car, and lifting him out. “You’re doing so well, Grady. Just keep it up a little while longer because we’re almost there.”
I push through the front door of the office, calling out as I do. “Doc, I need you.”
His receptionist, Megan, rushes around the side of her desk. “He’s out on a house call, Killian. But bring the boy back. His new partner started today. She’ll be able to help.” She guides us to the first exam room, and then heads right back out. I’m assuming so she can track down the new physician.
I’ve just laid Grady on the exam table when I’m hit with a fragrance so strong that it drops me to my knees. My wolf takes control as he rumbles in my head. Mate.
Buy Links:Amazon Smashwords
January 4, 2017
New Cover Reveal & Re-release - Strip Me
Title: Strip MeAuthor: Michelle TurnerGenre: Adult RomanceCover Designer: C & K CreationsHosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Blurb: Briar Roberts is controlled by her father. From the way she dresses and acts to what she’ll do with her future. So, on a girl’s trip to Vegas she decides to give herself one night of freedom. Freedom to find the real her, even if she can only be that version temporarily.Zane Oliver started out a dancer, but through his hard work, he now owns the hottest male strip club in Vegas. His club’s number one rule is “No Messing with the Customers”, and he’s had no problem following it until the night Briar Roberts comes in. But the innocent beauty has him throwing all his rules out the window so he can have her.What’s Briar going to do when she learns what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas? Buy Links:
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Strip-Me-Free-...
Barnes & Noble - coming soon
Based in Ohio, Michelle, is often found with her spoiled son and equally spoiled dogs. When she's not at her day job she can be found reading, writing, or binge watching Game of Thrones for the billionth time.Author Link: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iwGzj6Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShellJTurnerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleTurnerAuthorGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6549315.Michelle_TurnerBlog: http://michelleturnerauthor.blogspot.com/
“No messing with the customers.” He recites. That’s right. It’s simple; the guys are to be fantasies for the ladies, not realities. It’s when they try to cross the two that drama starts up in my club. And I hate drama.I pat Davis on the shoulder as I walk by him to the door. “That’s right. And don’t forget it.”The stage lights are off while I get in place, right at the front of the stage. My back to the crowd, arms crossed at the wrist behind my back, feet a little bit apart, head down. The opening licks of Hendrix’s version of “The Star Spangled Banner” kick in, the lights come up, and I spin around to face the crowd. I do some synchronized army type marches and then the song fades into Foo Fighters “My Hero” and I get down to it. The camouflage jacket gets ripped off revealing my tight t-shirt. The ladies scream, of course. I’m not arrogant. I know I’m built and that this shirt fits me like a glove. That’s why they come here to see what they don’t normally see at home. It’s all a part of the fantasy. I start out at the right of the stage doing my dance, which is very intricate moves mixed with a lot of gyrating and hip thrusts. I barely work the pole; it’s never really been my thing. The t-shirt gets slowly peeled off, revealing my toned chest when I make it to the opposite side of the stage. This earns another round of squeals from the audience. I get down on my knees and grind on the floor. Bills are all over the stage and me, and I haven’t even got the pants off yet.I do a move that slides me across the stage till I’m right at the very front middle. Right where Davis said the hotties are sitting. I find them, a group of five. He wasn’t lying; they’re nice on the eyes. Too bad I made rule number one. My eyes lock on the girl closest to the stage. A brunette with hair that’s been styled to look like she’s just been fucked; it’s wild and sexy. My moves take me back to my feet and just in time to rip off the pants and reveal my white thong. The whole time, the crowd is going nuts and shoving bills at me left and right. My eyes stay locked on the brunette. Her pale green eyes look me over while her top teeth nibble on her bottom lip. When her eyes reach my groin area, her cheeks flush and she quickly turns away. It’s cute and, in my line of work, refreshing. I decide I need to push her boundaries. There’s only a little bit of time left of my performance so I hold out my hand for her. She hesitantly takes it, letting me bring her up on the stage. Her eyes are the size of saucers and her soft hand in mine is shaking ever so slightly. I position her with her chest against the pole. Her hands are above her head, wrapped around the metal, hips and ass pointed out towards me.I lean in and whisper directions in her ear. “I’m going to touch you. If you don’t like it, stop me by bringing your hands back down. Otherwise, keep them right there. Don’t move them unless I give you permission. Understand?”I’m hoping she answers with words because I want to find out if her voice is as sweet as I’m imagining. But instead, she swallows hard and nods her head. So innocent. This is going to be fun.I run my hands down her sides and feel her shiver. She doesn’t bring her hands down so I take that as a sign to continue. One hand goes to her hip, the other goes to her stomach to bring her back against me. I grind against her ass, holding her tight. Her head falls back against my shoulder, but her hands stay rooted to the pole. I use my hands to guide her hips in grinding against me. I can see that she’s biting her lip again and it just spurs me on. I slide the hand on her belly down, skimming over her sweet spot ever so briefly, to her bare thigh. She moans just loud enough for me to hear.I spin her around, bringing her legs up to wrap around my waist. Her hands come free in the position change. But as soon as she’s wrapped around me, she puts them back in place. Her back is arched in this position, causing her perky little breast to be in sucking distance. I force myself to refrain, though I really want to take a taste. I’m already crossing lines we’re not supposed to with customers, but there’s something about this girl that makes me not care. I look down where our hips are meeting and I see her short dress has slid up to show me a pair of hot pink lace, boy short panties. Fuck me! Literally, please!As the song winds down and the grinding picks up, her hands leave the pole to grip my shoulders. I can hear her labored breath in my ear. And if I didn’t know better, I’d say I have her close to coming. At the exact moment the song ends, her forehead hits my shoulder; she lets out a gasping moan and her entire body quivers. Fuck, that is hot!I continue to hold her up long after the song has ended. Finally, when the shivering stops, I whisper in her ear. “Will you be okay if I put you on your feet?”She pulls back and those pale green eyes of hers lock with mine. She nods her head and for the first time I get to hear her voice. “I think so.” It’s a soft, delicate voice. It reminds me of a princess, which fits her perfectly. I slide her down my body, making sure we’re touching the entire time. It earns me another full body shiver that causes me to grin.“I’m Zane, by the way.” I introduce myself, still holding her at the hips because I can’t seem to let this girl go.She pushes a strand of hair out of her face. “I’m Briar.” Perfect princess name if you ask me. It’s around this time I realize two things. One, I’m going to break rule number one for Briar. And two, I need to take a cold shower, right now, before I make a big fool of myself by coming in my thong in front of the entire crowd. That’s more than any of them are paying for.“Well, Briar, I have to get backstage.” She looks down and nods. I put my hand along her jaw, forcing her eyes back to mine. “Promise me you’ll stick around until I can come back out.”She watches me intently and I’m actually afraid she’ll say no, but she finally says. “I’ll be here.”My hand at her hip gives her a little squeeze before releasing her. “Thanks, Princess.” Her eyes flare at the use of Princess, but I brush it off. We’ve already been on the stage long past my music ending, giving these people a show. I walk her back to her seat and then make my way to the stage door.Davis and Christian are both standing in back waiting on me, twin smirks on their faces. Davis speaks up first. “So, what happened to rule number one?”
November 18, 2014
ENLIGHTENING BLOOM
ENLIGHTENING BLOOM IS LIVE!!!
Who knew finding out shifters are real would be the easy part? Trying to finalize the bond with her mate, Pike, Bloom is struck with a mysterious illness that puts a strain on thenewly mated pair. They’re forced to take off on their mating night to track down a long lost relative in hope’s she’ll have the cure and answers they desperately need. Bonnie Harris took it in stride when her best friend hooked up with a wolf shifter. But can she do the same thing? Her mind is telling her no, but her heart is telling her yes. Which will she listen to? The Masterson pack is thrown for a loop when a pack member’s past is revealed. Will they all be able to stand together and survive when one of their own brings an old enemy to their door?
Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Enlightening-Bloom-Daniels-Book-ebook/dp/B00PPPHZCQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416231772&sr=8-2&keywords=enlightening+bloom+by+michelle+turner Barnes & Noble Buy Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enlightening-bloom-michelle-turner/1120788821?ean=2940150532649 Smashwords Buy Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/493714
Who knew finding out shifters are real would be the easy part? Trying to finalize the bond with her mate, Pike, Bloom is struck with a mysterious illness that puts a strain on thenewly mated pair. They’re forced to take off on their mating night to track down a long lost relative in hope’s she’ll have the cure and answers they desperately need. Bonnie Harris took it in stride when her best friend hooked up with a wolf shifter. But can she do the same thing? Her mind is telling her no, but her heart is telling her yes. Which will she listen to? The Masterson pack is thrown for a loop when a pack member’s past is revealed. Will they all be able to stand together and survive when one of their own brings an old enemy to their door?
Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Enlightening-Bloom-Daniels-Book-ebook/dp/B00PPPHZCQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416231772&sr=8-2&keywords=enlightening+bloom+by+michelle+turner Barnes & Noble Buy Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enlightening-bloom-michelle-turner/1120788821?ean=2940150532649 Smashwords Buy Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/493714
January 31, 2014
Release Day Blitz ~ Damaged by Becca Vincenza
Damaged by Becca Vincenza.jpg)
There are some beings in this world, long thought to be extinct. Some seek to protect them, others want control, but some . . . some are hell bent on their destruction.Audrey was taken from her father, hidden away from the world, and tortured for five years. She was rescued, but is she really safe, or is there someone else waiting to betray her? Can she trust those who saved her? Can she learn to accept who she really is?Stone was on a routine mission to extract valuable information from a rival clan of paranormals. Instead, he and his team find something much more valuable: a scarred, damaged young woman who holds many secrets, and whose power is beyond anything they could ever have imagined.There is much more to Audrey than meets the eye and Stone is determined to protect her.Audrey and Stone are about to find out it’s hard to know who to trust.
Buy Links: Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/damaged-becca-vincenza/1118325790?ean=2940045586771
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/399992
Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Damaged-The-Rebirth-Series-Volume/dp/1495282600/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391146213&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=damaged+becca+vincenzi
Amazon (ebook): To come!
About the author:
Oh jeez…do you know how many people I told I didn’t want to write this? So here is the one my friend made me:Becca Vincenza lives in wonderful Michigan. She has a love for Skittles, rainbows, Star Wars, *giggles* and Hot Men. She spends time in her basement with Airicka… Apparently that’s where the best ideas come from.Any who….she loves meeting new people, so feel free to message her on Facebook and friend her on Goodreads!Although her phone number will not be given out because, well…she doesn’t like heavy breathing.So a sort of serious one: For real, I am a geek. I grew up watching Star Wars, and my father read Lord of the Rings to us, along with the C. S. Lewis series. I love to write. In all honesty, it took me a lot of work to get where I am today and I don’t regret a moment of it. Reading and writing are honestly the best things ever. I couldn’t be happier that my parents put me through so much extra help. Anyways! Me, me, me…. Huh…I love paranormal stuff…Love it.Stalker Links: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278389.Becca_VincenzaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/beccavincenzaBlog: http://beccavincenzaauthor.wordpress.com/
January 24, 2014
New Work In Progress - Meet Bailey & Drew
I'll admit it...I've been cheating on Enlightening Bloom with a new book I've been writing with my sister-in-law, Caitlyn Turner. I know, I know. You all want more Bloom, Bonnie, and their wolves. I promise you'll get them because I'm still working on putting their story down but this post isn't about them. It's about introducing you to mine and Caitlyn's newest characters. Bailey and Drew....their story is currently untitled. And we've decided we want your help in naming it! There's a poll at the bottom of this post so please vote and help us out!
But first here's the synopsis:
A damaged boy the world ignored.
A sweet girl shattered by loss.
Can they admit their feelings and be together or will their pasts always keep them apart?
Andrew "Drew" Owens was beaten down over and over. A step-father who always reminded him of how worthless he was. A mother who didn't care enough to protect him. Then Bailey Porter came into his life. He found the one person who had undying faith in him. Can he get past his demons to be enough for the only girl he's ever loved? Or will he forever push her away?
Bailey Porter experienced loss very young. But when her world was turned upside down she found the one person who was able to set it right again. Since the night she met Andrew Owens he's been the strength she needed to get through. But when her world is once again shaken will Andrew be able to get past his own issues to save the girl he loves?
Now here are the first two chapters. Keep in mind they are unedited and subject to change. And don't forget to vote on the books name at the bottom of this post!
Chapter One – Drew (20 years old – Sophomore Year)
I have no clue how I ended up here. Not college, that was a given after Bailey broke down about me not going. But how I ended up here at this frat party on a Saturday night. I love a good party but these obnoxious, trust fund, assholes aren’t my normal idea of a good time. I should’ve been at work. Tonight’s the biggest tipping night at Distraction, the club where I bartend several nights a week. But I’m here instead and for the life of me I can’t remember why.
A group of girls walk by tottering on heels too high for them to wear when they’re sober let alone when they’re smashed, short skirts, barely there shirts, and not much else. A tall red head who’s positioned in the center of the group stops her friends so she can give me a good look over. Her lips tip up into a sloppy smile and her half lidded eyes find mine. I now remember why I’m here. I need my regular dose of distraction. The kind that comes in an easy to unwrap package, like these girls. It’s not just the high I get from no strings attached gratification that keeps me looking for my next conquest, it’s that in those moments when my skin is pressed against theirs that I forget everything that haunts me. My fucked up step-dad, my selfish mom, and the brown haired girl I long ago learned I’d never deserve, all fade away as I get lost in the pleasure.
Tonight I really need this distraction. It’s either slip into the red head and away from my reality for a short while or find Oliver, Bailey’s other male “friend”, so I can knock him around. The red head is less likely to piss Bailey off. Well, not much but less than me taking my fists to the weasel who’s wormed his way into her good graces.
If I thought I hated perfect fucking Peter Reynolds then I absolutely despise overachieving Oliver Jeffreys. He’s had his beady little lawyer wannabe eyes set on Bailey since the first day of freshman year. Bailey, being Bailey, friend zoned him though. He acts like that’s fine to her face but I can see that’s he’s plotting a way to slide out of that zone and into a more erogenous one. My suspicions were confirmed today when I overheard the douche telling one of his frat brothers his plans to push Bailey for a more intimate relationship, starting by asking her on a real date tonight at their weekly study session.
I’d like to think Bailey’s going to turn him down flat but she’s too sweet for that. She’ll give him a chance and he’ll use that sliver of an opening to latch his claws into her tender flesh and never let go. For all of Oliver’s bad traits, he is a smart guy and he knows what he’d be getting with Bailey. Sweetness that can drown out the bitterest days. Loyalty that’ll follow you into the afterlife. Any guy would give his left nut for qualities like those. The only problem is that most guys our age aren’t interested in treasuring a girl, let alone someone so special.
And I can tell Oliver is like most guys. He’s excited about the trophy he’ll have on his arm when he walks into one of his frat parties with Bailey. But he won’t stay pleased long. He’ll look for his next shinny toy and he’ll move on, or he’ll try to play with both girls at once. Just like perfect fucking Peter Reynolds. Bailey was able to get past that heart break once. I’m not sure she’ll be able to recover from another person she trusts her heart to doing the same thing. And just like the sun setting and rising, Oliver Jeffreys breaking her heart is inevitable.
The red head breaks off from her friends. They watch her progress to me with envious glares. She pushes a drink into my hand. It’s something pink and fruity. I shake my head and hand it back. Her mouth puckers into a pout. I grab a bottle of Patron from nearby and hold it up to her as an offering. Her face lights up and I take that as a yes. I grab her wrist with one hand and with the tequila in the other I guide us through the packed house.
We find a bedroom upstairs as it’s just being freed up by its previous guests. It’s a total pig sty but I’m not going for romance so it doesn’t bother me. The doors barely closed before she starts pulling off her top. I eye her bare chest and with a wicked grin I hold up the bottle. “I forgot shot glasses. Looks like we’ll have to get creative.”
**********
The red head, I never did catch her name, passed out as soon as we finished doing the deed. I left her in the room so I could go back into the party to find some more alcohol. I’d finished the Patron by myself for the most part. Though like usual after I allow myself to indulge in my distractions I have to turn to a bottle to drown the guilt. I know I’m not cheating. I’m single. As far as I know, the girls I do are as well. But in the back of my mind, haunting me and saving me in equal parts, is Bailey. The disappointment I know she’ll have if she finds out what I’m doing and the fact that I know if I asked she’d forgive me. Her love comes unhindered even when she’s not proud of the things I’ve done. She’s both my angel guiding me to do well, and my devil unknowingly pushing me into the bad.
Downstairs I stumble into a room where some frat guys and sorority girls are playing quarters. I instantly hone in on the blonde with an empty seat beside her. I can’t see her face from my position but at this point I’m too drunk to do anything more than scrape together a conversation and maybe loose a couple rounds so I’ll be good and smashed. I slide in the seat and instantly regret it when the blonde who turns to me is the second last person I want to see tonight.
“Jesus, they’ll let anyone into these parties.” She says, looking at my rumpled hair and clothes with disdain.
“It’s a pleasure to see you too, Priss.” I smart back knowing my nickname for her will only make her angry. Marissa “Rissa” Logan, known to me by Priss, has been Bailey’s roommate and friend since freshman year. The girls couldn’t be more different but somehow for their friendship it works. Where Bailey is fair, Rissa is tanned. She has dyed blonde hair to Bailey’s natural brown. And where Bailey’s style is girl next door, Rissa’s is upscale whore. Okay, that wasn’t nice she’s not a whore. She just likes to dress like a high priced call girl. You know the kind that you see on the news for screwing Senators for money. Anyways, I tried to play nice with Rissa in the beginning. We got along okay for a few weeks even, but after she threw herself at me during a party and I turned her down (there was no way I could mess with Bailey’s roommate and first college friend) she started going into full on bitch mode every time I came around. Not one to back down from a challenge I give her dickhead Drew right back.
I grab a quarter and bounce it off the table and it misses the glass. I down the shot myself, not knowing or caring if that’s the rules they’re playing by. At this point of the night all I care about is feeling the burn slide down my throat.
Out of the corner of my eye I see Marissa shaking her head. “How much have you drank?”
“Not enough to forget.”
“Forget what?” She asks as her brow scrunches in confusion. Or is that concern? How much have I really drank tonight?
Some skinny sorority girl takes her turn. It goes into the glass so giggling she directs me to take the shot. I down the shot, quickly. Then slamming the glass back on the table. “Not enough to forget I’ll never fuck you.”
“Fuck you!” Marissa shouts, as her face turns red.
I turn to the skinny girl and ask. “Didn’t we just go over this?” She nods with another giggle as if this scene is the funniest thing she’s seen all year. I turn back to Marissa. “That’s not happening, Priss. You really need to stop fantasizing about me.”
“I fucking hate you. The only reason that happened was because I was drunk otherwise I wouldn't have come near you.” Marissa takes her turn, misses the glass. Just before the glass hits her lips I hear her say. “I thank god that didn’t happen. Lord knows where your dick has been.”
“Half hour ago it was buried inside some red head.” Marissa spits her drink out. It hits the frat guy who was unfortunate enough to sit across from her. I ignore that and slide my arm around skinny. “Half hour from now, though, it might be buried somewhere new.”
Skinny presses her body into me, planting her lips on my neck. I look at Marissa and give her a wink. She shakes her head. “You’re shit faced.”
“What if I am?”
“I swear if I didn’t love Bailey like a sister I wouldn’t care at all.” She mumbles to herself, then thrusts out her hand and demands. “Give me your truck keys.”
“You aren’t driving my truck.” I respond, my words slightly slurred.
She leans toward me, shoving her hand down my pants pocket. A combination of shock from her brazen move and my drunken state causes me not to push her away. She pulls her hand back out, holding my set of keys. She shoves them into her own pocket. “I don’t want to drive your clunker. I have to make sure you don’t kill yourself by driving drunk. No clue why, but Bailey would never get over it if you did. Not that you care.”
I push away from Skinny, leaning right in Marissa’s face. “You don’t understand what I feel for her. So stay the fuck out of it!”
Marissa stands. “She’s my best friend and if you cared for her half as much as you claim you wouldn’t keep doing this shit to her over and over again.”
I scrunch up my face, confused by her words. “What am I doing to her?”
Marissa rolls her eyes. “If you’re too dumb to see it for yourself then that’s your own damn fault.” She stomps off before I can get anything else out of her. Skinny, apparently not caring about the scene, probably because she’s just as drunk as I am, pulls me back down beside her and into the game of quarters. I suck at quarters by the way. If I remember correctly, I didn’t get it into the glass once.
It wasn’t long before my mind started to go blank. I think I took Skinny up on an offer to go back upstairs. I may have fucked her. Hell, for all I remember I may have starred in a homemade porno starring me, Skinny, and the red head. Though I doubt that happened. I wasn’t really up to my usual talents with all the boozy floating through my system. But I do remember when I finally passed out I dreamed of Bailey. She was taking on the role of my angel, saving me like she’s always done.
Chapter Two – Bailey (19 years old – Sophomore Year)
I have no idea how long Oliver and I have been studying but my bed definitely wasn’t a good choice for me to pick to study on. Even though I’m sitting Indian style on my pillow and not in a more comfortable position I can feel eyes starting to drift closed with each flashcard Oliver holds up. I’ve told him I don’t think I’ll last much long but do you think he offered to stop? Heck no. He’s too worried I’m going to fail so he said he’s staying here until I get through every flashcard in his deck. Which judging by the size of it will keep me here until tomorrow evening. I blink drowsily at him and prop my elbow against my knee, dropping my chin to my palm then look at the clock beside of my bed and see that it’s well past one o’clock. I look back to Oliver. “Can we stop yet?” He drops the flashcards to his lap where his legs are sprawled out toward me. He cocks one perfectly sculpted blond brow at me and nudges my knee with his foot. I stare at him, puzzled until I realize what it is he’s wanting. Stifling a yawn, I let my eyes drift closed as words tumble from my lips, “Je suis désolé. Pouvons-nous arrêter, s'il vous plaît?” Which I hope translates to “I’m sorry. Can we stop, please?” I hear Oliver groan then start moving around but I can’t muster up enough energy to even think about opening my eyes to see what he’s doing. How did I even get this tired? I haven’t done anything today except go to work and come back to the dorm to meet Oliver so we could study. I even stopped into the café to grab a cinnamon honey hazelnut iced coffee (what a mouthful) on my way back to said study date. But I’m still two seconds away from being comatose. I thought coffee was supposed to wake you up not make you sleepy. “Okay.” I hear Oliver finally say so I peak one eye open to look at him. “If you can read what this last card says, we’ll stop.” He brought up another flash card with a wicked grin on his face. Straining my eyes, I blink a few times before finally getting them to adjust so I could read it, “Vous allez à l'échec.” I have to read it over a few times to make sure I'm seeing things correctly before quickly picking up one of my black and white chevron plush pillows and tossing it at him. “I am not going to fail!” He threw his arms up just in time to keep the pillow from connecting with his face chuckling, “Yeah, you are. Your test in on Monday and you haven’t even made it through half the stack of cards yet.” Still laughing he tosses the pillow back at me but misses and it lands next to my leg. “We could have started yesterday and I wouldn’t have made it through half the deck by now.” I pick up the pillow, turn to my side and collapse onto the bed, hugging it tightly to my chest, “Now, we can study tomorrow. I’m sleepy and going to bed.” Oliver makes a noise that sounds something like a growl. I wiggle around until I can see him at the end of the bed, a pretty little scowl marring the edges of his lips and his arms crossed at his chest. I want to laugh looking at him like that but keep it in because I know he’ll get even angrier if I do. But how could I not want to laugh? He looks adorable with his lips puckered up and his blonde hair all fallen out of place where he’s been running his hands through it all evening. “You look like an angry kitten.” I admit. His scowl deepens but this time instead of bottling it up, I let my laugh escape my lips. He keeps his lips puckered for a few seconds before finally breaking into a smile. He shakes his head then starts looking around on the bed. Once finding whatever he was looking for he tosses it at me, “God, you’re frustrating. I should’ve just let you wander around campus your first day instead of helping you.” I giggle and grab the item that I now know is a pencil and toss it back. “Yeah, but then who would help you with French?” “You? Helping me? With French?” He asks, humor lighting his eyes. “Let’s not forget if it wasn’t for me…” His sentence is cut off when a loud buzzing sounds from the other side of the room. Oliver looks to the desk where the buzzing is coming from then back at me and sighs. I shrug and close my eyes again as he gets off the bed thinking it was his phone ringing and not mine. Who could be calling me at one in the morning anyway? Unless…Andrew. Crap. I sit up and watch as Oliver reaches the desk and picks up my phone. He turns to me with another scowl on his face. “It’s Marissa. She’s probably drunk dialing you. I think you should ignore it.” I held my hand out to him. “No, give it to me.” “Fine.” He rolls his eyes and tosses the phone to me. After catching it I eye him while I answer, “Hey, Rissa.” The only sound that meets my ear is the sound of the bass thumping in the background. Oliver moves away from the desk and sits next to me on the bed. I scrunch my brows and try again, but still can’t hear anything other than the music. “What’s wrong?” Oliver asks with concern on his face.
I shrug and take the phone away from my ear. “I think she butt-dialed me.” I move my thumb to the little red button but stop when I think I’ve heard something. I put the phone back to my ear, “Hello? Marissa?” Through the thumping I hear Marissa’s voice but it’s faint, “Bailey, hello? Damn it Stephen get the hell out of my way so I can get outside. I can’t hear.” The thumping begins to get softer and softer until the only thing I can hear is Marissa’s breathing. “Uh, Marissa?” “Hello? Can you hear me now?” "Yes, I can hear you." She sighs into the phone, "Good." I had to laugh, "We sound like we're in one of those bad AT&T commercials." I put on a fake masculine voice "Can you hear me now? Good." Oliver shook his head with a chuckle but Marissa didn't seem too amused, "Har. Har. Very cute." "Sorry." I giggle "What did you need?" "It's about Drew." I knit my brows together and look at Oliver, “What happened?” Oliver’s face fills with worry before Marissa answers, “Oh, the usual. He’s completely wasted and making an even bigger ass out of himself than normal. The bastard’s lucky I’m here or he might have killed his stupid ass trying to drive back to the apartment.” She sighs. “And since I don’t have Ryder’s number to call him to pick Drew up that leaves you… or Oliver.” I jump from the bed practically knocking Oliver over as I went. I mouth “sorry” then to Marissa say, “I’m on my way. Where are you?” Marissa rattles off an address as I run to the closet and grab a jacket. I slip it on then move to my desk beside of Marissa’s to search for my room keys. Turns out, I inherited that gene from Mamaw May. I always seem to misplace those darn things. Especially when I really need them. “Crap. Where did I leave them?” I absently ask the room then jump when I hear an answer, “In the drawer.” I spun around and look at Oliver apologetically, “I am so sorry Oliver. I completely forgot you were here.” He looks to the side and mumbles, “Yeah, you always do when Drew’s involved.” I heard him perfectly but had to ask anyway just to make sure, “Excuse me?” “Uh, nothing.” He stands from the bed and walks toward me until he reaches the desk. Looking at me he opens the drawer next to my leg and pulls out my set of room keys, “I take it you’ll need me to drive considering you can’t, am I right?” I nod silently as does he, “Right then let’s go.” I nod again and practically run from the room, forgetting completely that I didn’t even bother to change into regular clothes. Oh well. My cupcake covered pajamas would have to do. It’s not like I’m going to stay at the party anyway. This is just a get in, get out mission. Oliver met me outside the door and presses a hand into my back to get me moving but we only make it to the stairs before I stop and groan, “Shoot. I forgot my keycard to get back in the front.” Oliver sighs, digs a hand into his jeans pocket and pulls out the thin piece of plastic then pushes on my back again. “I grabbed it on the way out. Go.” I let out a breathy “okay” and let him lead me out to his truck. After opening the passenger door for me – like he always does, he got into the driver’s side and started it up. As he pulls away from the parking spot he asks where we we’re heading and I read him off the same address Marissa had given me then sat quietly when the cab fell silent. It wasn’t an awkward silence but something felt a little off. But instead of focusing on that, I decide that maybe I should try to focus on keep my breathing normal. It may have been a few years since I’ve had a panic attack when riding in a vehicle but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from getting them so much it’s that you can never be too careful. After realizing I wasn’t going to have one I began twisting my hands in my lap and turn to Oliver, “Thank you. You didn’t have to do this for him.” Oliver peers at me from the corner of his eyes just like Andrew would and tightens his grip on the steering wheel until his knuckles turn white, “I’m not doing this for Drew. I could give two shits about Drew. I’m doing this for you.” I look toward my twisted hands, “Either way. Thank you.” He doesn’t say anything else so I decide to try and focus my attention on anything other than him. Oliver’s never actually said it but I know he doesn’t like Andrew. I guess I could see why though. Nobody truly understands Andrew when they meet him. You have to actually take the time to get to know him to understand him but nobody ever seems to have the time to do that. Oliver being one of those people. I don’t hold it against him or anything. It isn’t my job to make him like Andrew because I don’t want to have to force him. But it would be nice if the two of them actually got alone. It would make my friendship with both of them a lot easier. But I doubt that will ever happen. Andrew’s hated Oliver since the first time he met him. I had missed my Orientation group so Oliver offered to take me himself. I was a little weary at first but let him because I feared I would be completely lost my first day if I didn’t and it turned out that we actually had a lot in common. After the tour we stopped by the café to get to know each other better where we ran into Andrew. I could tell immediately that it was going to be a tense meeting but my theory got confirmed when Andrew tried to play me off as his girlfriend. It took forever to clear that one up. After finally convincing Oliver I wasn’t dating Andrew and we were just friends he left and I figured he’d never talk to me again because Andrew had scared him off but come Monday it turned out we had French together. Since then, our friendship has kept growing. Now if I could just get Andrew and Oliver’s friendship started, it’d be great. “We’re here.” Oliver says dryly, pulling me out of my head. Hmm, I didn’t even notice the truck had stopped. I unbuckle my seatbelt and go straight for the door but Oliver stops me by placing his hand on my shoulder. I turn to look at him as he starts talking, “Bailey, listen…” “No.” I cut him off and open my door anyway. Getting out I call back, “I know what you’re going to say but just don’t. Not now.” Without waiting for him I start toward the house where I could already hear the music thumping. Behind me I hear, "Of course" but decide to ignore his comment and keep walking. The front of the house has some kind of writing across the front but I don’t recognize it. I think it's the sign from one of the frat houses but I'm honestly not sure. I never really paid much attention to any of those. Stepping up to the door I place my hand on the knob but hesitate and turn back to Oliver. He gives me a bleak look before removing my hand from the knob and placing his own on it. With his other hand he touches the small of my back and opens the door. The minute he does the smell of alcohol hits my nose making me scrunch my face in disgust. Yuck! I have no idea why people enjoy coming to these things. They always smell awful and people are always shoving you around. Who would willingly put themselves through that? Oliver gives me a slight push making me realize that I have yet to even take a step into the room. I took a quick step in and began darting my eyes around the room. Alright, just in then back out and everything will be okay. I can do this. Oliver leans in close to my ear so I can hear him, “Stay here. I’ll go find Drew.” I nod dumbly. Okay, I thought I like this plan better. This way I don’t actually have to go in to the actual party but just get to witness it by the door where I can make a quick getaway if need be. Oliver nods as well then moves away from me. I watch him until his head disappears in the sea of students then I look around the room to see if maybe Andrew or Marissa were close by. They aren’t but a few girls wearing nothing but bikinis seem to be the highlight of everyone's attention in the center of the living room. The music switches to a really upbeat rap song and one of the girls puts a hand behind her. I've never been to a college party before so I don’t know what’s going to happen next but before I could even blink she was flinging her bikini top in a completely different direction than her body. "Oh my gosh." I whisper quickly and cover my mouth with my hand. Why would she do that? I dart my gaze away from the scene in front of me and decide that my feet are a lot more suitable for me to look at. I'm not judging her for doing what she did, to each his own but I don't see the point in it really. Shouldn't she respect her body more than that? "Bailey!" I jerk my head up when I hear my name and try to see where it came from but can't see anyone I recognize. I look around again, trying my hardest to avoid looking at where the girl had just abandoned her bikini but couldn't and notice that not only did she lose her bikini but the other two with her had as well. Pinching my eyes shut I turn my face back to my feet but then feel someone's arm slide across my shoulders so I look back up. A guy, I think his actual name was Stephen but that isn't what the kids around campus call him. They call him something I really don't want to say so I'm just going to stick with Stephen. "Bailey, hey!" He slurs out "What're you doin' here? Nice PJs." I feel my cheeks blush but ignore it and remove his arm from around my shoulders with a sigh, “I’m just here to pick up Andrew, have you seen him?” He hiccups and leans in closer to me. I move my head as far away from him as I can because the smell of the alcohol on his breath is enough to make my eyes water. “Disappeared bout an hour ago with a blonde.” My heart starts to speed up. He couldn’t be talking about….no of course not. She wouldn’t do that to me. They wouldn’t do that to me, regardless of how drunk they were, right? Still, I have to ask, “Marissa?” "Mmno." He slurs "Dunno her name. Skinny." "Skinny?" "Skinny." He repeats like I should know what that means. I decide to ignore it and try to turn my attention away from him so maybe he'll leave. Unfortunately, I guess he doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon because he starts talking again. "Whatdya say we go upstairs and try to find him?" "Uhm..." I mumble but was thankfully cut off by Marissa's voice "Bailey!" Stephen takes a step away as she approaches us. Marissa gives him a once over then hooks her thumb over her shoulder. "Keep walking Skeevie, she’s not interested." Stephen rolls his eyes, “Why ya gotta take all the fun away, princess? We were just talking.” Marissa’s eyes narrow, “Beat it or I tell Drew that you’re coming onto Bailey. Your choice but I suggest choosing the one that makes you less dead.” Stephen glares at her for a moment before throwing his hands up in defeat and backing away, “I’m just gonna go.” “Jackass.” Marissa mutters under her breath then finally turns her attention to me. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine.” She sighs, "Alright listen. He was pretty wasted and I lost sight of him after he stumbled upstairs because I was notgoing to walk into that. I love you but there's just no way. None. I think you should probably send Oliver in." I shake my head, "No. I need to be the one to get him. He won't go with Oliver." "He won't have a choice if Oliver makes him." She protest but again I shake my head. It doesn't matter how drunk Andrew is, he won't be leaving this party unless I'm the one who gets him. "I have to go." Marissa shut her eyes tightly and looked to the ceiling with a deep breath before looking back at me, "Alright fine but what you're about to see you can't un-see, do you understand?" I nod my head and just as Marissa goes to open her mouth again Oliver pops up beside of us panting, "I couldn't find him. Hey, Marissa." "Hey." She answers weakly "I know where he is but I'm trying to talk Bailey out of going. She doesn't need to walk into that if you catch my drift." Oliver’s eyebrows drew together in confusion before his eyes got wide and he looks toward me. "Yeah, Bailey I think you should stay here while we get him." "No. I'm going with you. He won't leave unless I'm there." "Bailey..." They both say in unison but I stop them both by ignoring their protests and deciding that I'll just go get him myself. If they don’t want me to go with them then I'll just go alone if that's how they want it. With a huff I push myself past the two of them and through the bodies dancing around the living room. A few people stumble into me and try to coax me into dancing with them but after declining them politely they quickly turn their attention to another person that was passing by. Finally reaching the stairs I take one step up then turn back to see Oliver and Marissa also pushing themselves through the sea of students to get to me. I wait for them to reach me before trudging my way up the steps. Halfway up, I have to step over a girl who looks to be sleeping. How in the heck is she doing that? That can’t be comfortable. I look away from her and continue walking until I make it to the top. I turn back to look at Marissa and ask which room. “Second door on the right.” I nod and take a step forward but Marissa stops me by catching my hand in hers, “But Bailey I don’t think you understand what you’re walking in to.” “Marissa, it’s fine.” I insist. “I’ve done this a million times. I can take it.” She sighs but doesn’t further the protest. Instead she lets go of my hand and motions for me to keep going. When I reach the door I don’t even bother to hesitate before swinging it open but then I stumble back into, I think Oliver, when I get a good look inside. The first thing I notice is how messy the room is. It looks like a tornado has gone through it and thrown clothes and books everywhere. Holy crap, does this person ever clean? The second thing I notice are the people strung across the bed. I think one of them is a blonde and the other a red head but their hair color doesn’t matter because both of them are extremely gorgeous, extremely unclothed, and lying next to my unconscious best friend. Oliver grabs hold of my arms and peers around me as I fall back into him and blurt, “Holy crap.” Marissa moves to the opposite side to look around me before Oliver lets go of my arms and moves around me muttering, “God damn it.” Marissa takes my arm, “Bailey maybe you should wait outside.” I take a deep breath then let it out slowly. He’s not mine. There’s no reason for me to be upset. “No, it’s okay. Help me find his clothes.” “Bailey…” “I’m fine. Help me find his clothes.” Marissa huffs then stomps herself into the room. She stops at the foot of the bed and plants her hands on her hips. “Fine. Then let’s get this shit over with.” She bends down and begins flinging different articles of clothing around the room while grumbling to herself. I blow out a breath, my bangs flying up then decide to do the same as Marissa and bend down to start looking around the area I’m in. The first few things I pick up are two sizes too big for Andrew so I toss them to the side. I spy a blue halter top with something black peeking from beneath it so I stretch out and snatch the black item up. I barely get it in my hand before jumping up with a squeal. Oliver and Marissa both stop what they were doing to look at me but Marissa’s the one to speak, “What? What’s wrong?” I close my eyes and shake my head, “Nothing. Just a bra. Ignore me.” “Why in the hell are you yelling?” A girl’s voice interrupts the moment I'm having so we all turn our attention off the fact that I can’t even look at a bra without getting freaked out to the bed where the blonde was now sitting up, rubbing her head. I fling the bra in her direction and turn away quickly, “Quick. Put that on.” She groans. “But I’m tired.” Marissa growls and picks up a few things from the floor then walks them to the girl, “Put this on and get the hell out, “Skinny”.” “Oh.” I mumble without thinking. Both girls look at me confused so I wave them off and tell them to continue. So that’s who Stephen was talking about. Makes sense I guess, she is pretty skinny. It only takes “Skinny” a few seconds to slip her clothes on. I think it may have taken her longer but with Marissa’s glare shooting daggers at her I’m sure she sped it up. She does a once over of me before leaving and mumbles something under her breath that sounds like “So much for forgetting” but I don’t know what she could be talking about so I ignore her and turn my attention back to where the red head was still lying. “Alright, one down. One to go.” Marissa sneers before slapping the red head on her back “Get the hell up and get out.” The red head jostles awake and turns toward Marissa. She blinks a few times before shooting up from the bed and begins gathering her clothes from the floor. What exactly is it about Marissa that has people so scared of her? She’s actually a really sweet person once you get to know her. The red head, who happens to be a student in my sociology class bends down near me and picks up the shirt I’d just moved. She huffs and it takes a moment for me to realize what she’s looking for. I clear my throat and look down at her. “I think I gave your bra to the other girl. Sorry.” She looks up at me with a fixed expression before shaking her head and standing up. She slips her shirt over her head, shrugs then turns away from me and walks out the door without so much as another word. I turn back to Marissa in time to watch her roll her eyes and look at me. “You are so fucking lucky I love you.” I open my mouth to tell her sorry but hear Andrew groan so instead I give her my best apologetic look and move to where he's lying. I look to Oliver, “Can you help Marissa find his clothes?” He nods and backs away from me to join Marissa in her search. I turn my attention back to Andrew. He reeks of booze but I do my best to ignore it as I begin trying to wake him up. I nudge his shoulder, “Andrew, you need to wake up so we can get you home, okay?” He blinks his eyes open then blinks a few more times before reaching a hand out and trying to touch my cheek. He misses and his hand falls back to the bed as he slurs out, “My angel. You came for me.” Angel? What? Before I can ask what he means Marissa shrieks loudly and I have to turn my attention from him to her. I look to see her standing back straight with a scowl on her face while Oliver’s next to her hunched over with laughter. “That is fucking disgusting.” She curses and looks toward me “So fucking lucky.” I look at her confused, “What’s wrong?” Oliver chuckles and picks up what looks like a pair of boxer briefs from the floor then stands back up. “Nothing, Bailey.” “No, seriously, what did she find?” Marissa pinches the bridge of her nose and takes a deep breath before answering, “Let’s just say at least the dumbass was smart enough to use protection.” My eyes widen. “Oh.” Marissa scowl deepens. “Yeah. Oh. God help us if he ever accidentally reproduces. Now wake him up so we can leave.” I nod once then go back to attempting to wake Andrew up. I try everything I can think of. Patting his back, shaking him, talking to him, but nothing. Finally, Oliver abandons his search and comes over to us. He puts his arm under Andrew’s stomach and somehow manages to flip him over. He then does the same thing by putting his arm under Andrew’s back and sits him up. Andrew again blinks a few times but doesn’t speak as Oliver throws the sheets back and moves him so he’s sitting on the edge of the bed. I gasp and fall back to my behind when he does because due to the fact that Andrew isn’t wearing any clothing I can see everything. And by everything I mean everything. Oliver steps away from Andrew to attend to me but I wave him off, “I think maybe you should do this.” Oliver takes a step back and shakes his head. “Hell no. I’m not dressing him.” Marissa groans and steps in between the two of us, taking the boxer brief’s from Oliver’s hands growling, “Oh for fuck’s sake you big ass baby, I’ll do it myself.” Oliver shakes his head at her but doesn’t say anything. Instead he puts a hand out and helps me to my feet as Marissa tries to put Andrew’s boxer briefs on him. She curses and groans as she tries to get them on him but he’s not offering her up much help so it takes her a good while. Finally, she takes a step back from him and sighs. Now that he was at least semi-dressed I can finally look at him. He honestly looks like crap. And he doesn’t smell much better for that matter, either. “Do you think he can walk?” I ask but just as soon as I do Andrew groans and falls backward onto the bed. “Okay, guess not.” Marissa again growls in answer and moves so she‘s hovering over his body. Somehow she pulls him back to sitting position and before I can stop her she slaps his face. “Marissa!” I scold but she ignores me and slaps him again. Oliver looks away from the scene wincing, “Damn, Riss. That’s cold even for you.” Marissa turns back to look at us, “Do the two of you want to leave or not?”
Oliver and I look at each other then turn back to Marissa and nod. “Then shut the hell up and let me do this.” She turns back to Drew “Alright, wake your drunk ass up so we can leave!” She yells but he doesn’t move. She huffs, “Damn it Andrew, my feet are fucking killing me and I’ve seen more naked girls tonight than I should have to see in a lifetime so wake the hell up! I want to go home!” Still, nothing. She growls for the millionth time. “Fuck! Fine.” She steps away from him and turns to me, “You try. He’ll listen to you.” I move closer to Marissa and put a hand on Andrew’s shoulder. I turn to Marissa who impatiently give me a look that I take as hurry up so I turn back to Andrew, “Andrew” I tap his cheek lightly, “Andrew, wake up. We need to get you home but you need to wake up or we can’t move you.” He blinks his eyes open. “Bailey?” “Yeah, it’s Bailey. Did you hear what I said?” He nods. “Then can you help us out and stay awake for us. At least until we get you to the car.” He nods again. Oliver sighs from behind me, I turn my head back to look at him. “There’s too much shit in here. I can’t pick what’s his and what isn’t.” Marissa rolls her eyes. “Whatever. At least he’s wearing something and we don’t have to drag him out of here naked. He can just come get his clothes later.” Marissa sits down on the bed next to Andrew and puts one of his arms over her shoulders then glares at Oliver. “So are you going to help or just stand there like an idiot?” Oliver groans but then mimics Marissa except on the other side of Andrew’s body. They count to three then move him to his feet. Marissa’s knees buckle as she stands and she almost goes down so I throw my hands out to stop them but she waves me off. I back away from them as they start walking him away from the bed and toward the door. Andrew didn't give them very much help as they went for the stairs. They basically had to drag him down them and then out the door. Other than hearing him groan a few times I'm not even sure he knew what was happening and by the time we make it to Oliver's truck Marissa's cursing Andrew with every ounce of anger in her tiny body. I tell them to get him in the truck then Marissa can sit up front with Oliver. If she's in the back with Andrew I fear she may beat him to death before we even make it to the dorms. She happily accepts my offer after helping Oliver slide Andrew into the back. Andrew falls over as soon as they let go of him so I go to the opposite side and get in then move his head so it's on my lap and begin running my hands through what little hair he has. I’m not sure why but every time Mamaw May did this to me it always soothed me so I hope that maybe it will work for him as well. He groans a few times before his breathing starts to even out and I know that he's fallen asleep. For some reason we make it to the dorms in less time than usual. Possibly because Oliver was so scared that Andrew was going to puke in his truck he broke ever speed limit he could. He pulls into the closest parking spot he can find, shuts the truck off, then both him and Marissa share a groan when they look back to see Andrew sleeping. I apologize but that doesn't stop the grumbles they let out while getting out. I push Andrew up with every ounce of strength I have so Oliver can grab him and pull him closer to himself. Oliver successfully gets Andrew from the back as I slide out and shut my door then the one Oliver just pulled Andrew out of. Marissa moves next to Andrew and lets him lean some of his weight into her. Oliver and Marissa exchange a look before starting to move.
I stop them and move in front of them so I can keep a look out for our dorm advisor. She'd kill us if she found out we were trying to sneak Andrew into our dorm room. I partly think it's because she's had a crush on him since she met him but she won't admit it to anyone. I make it to the steps before them and give the all clear so they can start up them. It takes them at least ten minutes to get him up the steps and then to the door of our dorm. I unlock the door as quickly as I can then step away. Oliver groans as he shoves open the door. “Where do you want him?” I look around the room and sigh. I guess I could put him on the couch but that’s probably not very comfortable so instead I say, “Just put him on my bed.” Oliver turns to look at me, “Where will you sleep?” Marissa curses, “If you don’t put him in that bed in the next two minutes Oliver I swear to god I will let him fall right here and not even give a shit.” Oliver rolls his eyes but listens to Marissa and drags Andrew threw our tiny dorm living room then into mine and Marissa’s room and to my bed. He looks at me and then to Andrew a few times before sighing, “Well he’s safe. Can I go now?” I nod as does Marissa. “Thank you…for helping him.” Oliver walks toward me and kisses my cheek before I can lean away. “Again, I didn’t do it for him. I did it for you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I whisper, “Okay” then watch as he walks out and shuts the door before turning to Marissa. She's already begun stripping off her clothes and I couldn’t help but tell her that she shouldn’t with Andrew in the room. She eyes me but keeps removing clothing, “He’s passed out. Do you really think he can see anything?” I sigh, remove my jacket, and drape it on the chair to my desk. “I guess not.” “Exactly.” She fumbles through her drawers for a few seconds before pulling out a shirt and slipping it over her head. “You’re more than welcome to try and sleep with me if you don’t want to sleep with thatconsidering where it’s been tonight.” I shake my head and move toward my bed sighing. “No, it’s okay.” Somehow I manage to maneuver myself in behind Andrew and watch as Marissa walks over and turns off the light then climbs into her own bed. She sighs as our eyes catch, “You must really love that boy.” “Of course, he's my best friend." I answer automatically “Yeah.” She mumbles then lays down with a roll of her eyes. “Okay.” “Uh…” I start but Marissa cuts me off “Goodnight, Bailey.”
“Goodnight, Rissa.” I lay down and will sleep to hit me. Well, tonight was definitely a night I’ll never forget.
#qp_main59236 .qp_btna:hover input {background-color:rgb(99,185,255)!important}
What should we name Bailey & Drew's book?Take Care of MeWhen It Comes to YouOtherPlease Specify: Poll Maker
But first here's the synopsis:
A damaged boy the world ignored.A sweet girl shattered by loss.
Can they admit their feelings and be together or will their pasts always keep them apart?
Andrew "Drew" Owens was beaten down over and over. A step-father who always reminded him of how worthless he was. A mother who didn't care enough to protect him. Then Bailey Porter came into his life. He found the one person who had undying faith in him. Can he get past his demons to be enough for the only girl he's ever loved? Or will he forever push her away?
Bailey Porter experienced loss very young. But when her world was turned upside down she found the one person who was able to set it right again. Since the night she met Andrew Owens he's been the strength she needed to get through. But when her world is once again shaken will Andrew be able to get past his own issues to save the girl he loves?
Now here are the first two chapters. Keep in mind they are unedited and subject to change. And don't forget to vote on the books name at the bottom of this post!
Chapter One – Drew (20 years old – Sophomore Year)
I have no clue how I ended up here. Not college, that was a given after Bailey broke down about me not going. But how I ended up here at this frat party on a Saturday night. I love a good party but these obnoxious, trust fund, assholes aren’t my normal idea of a good time. I should’ve been at work. Tonight’s the biggest tipping night at Distraction, the club where I bartend several nights a week. But I’m here instead and for the life of me I can’t remember why.
A group of girls walk by tottering on heels too high for them to wear when they’re sober let alone when they’re smashed, short skirts, barely there shirts, and not much else. A tall red head who’s positioned in the center of the group stops her friends so she can give me a good look over. Her lips tip up into a sloppy smile and her half lidded eyes find mine. I now remember why I’m here. I need my regular dose of distraction. The kind that comes in an easy to unwrap package, like these girls. It’s not just the high I get from no strings attached gratification that keeps me looking for my next conquest, it’s that in those moments when my skin is pressed against theirs that I forget everything that haunts me. My fucked up step-dad, my selfish mom, and the brown haired girl I long ago learned I’d never deserve, all fade away as I get lost in the pleasure.
Tonight I really need this distraction. It’s either slip into the red head and away from my reality for a short while or find Oliver, Bailey’s other male “friend”, so I can knock him around. The red head is less likely to piss Bailey off. Well, not much but less than me taking my fists to the weasel who’s wormed his way into her good graces.
If I thought I hated perfect fucking Peter Reynolds then I absolutely despise overachieving Oliver Jeffreys. He’s had his beady little lawyer wannabe eyes set on Bailey since the first day of freshman year. Bailey, being Bailey, friend zoned him though. He acts like that’s fine to her face but I can see that’s he’s plotting a way to slide out of that zone and into a more erogenous one. My suspicions were confirmed today when I overheard the douche telling one of his frat brothers his plans to push Bailey for a more intimate relationship, starting by asking her on a real date tonight at their weekly study session.
I’d like to think Bailey’s going to turn him down flat but she’s too sweet for that. She’ll give him a chance and he’ll use that sliver of an opening to latch his claws into her tender flesh and never let go. For all of Oliver’s bad traits, he is a smart guy and he knows what he’d be getting with Bailey. Sweetness that can drown out the bitterest days. Loyalty that’ll follow you into the afterlife. Any guy would give his left nut for qualities like those. The only problem is that most guys our age aren’t interested in treasuring a girl, let alone someone so special.
And I can tell Oliver is like most guys. He’s excited about the trophy he’ll have on his arm when he walks into one of his frat parties with Bailey. But he won’t stay pleased long. He’ll look for his next shinny toy and he’ll move on, or he’ll try to play with both girls at once. Just like perfect fucking Peter Reynolds. Bailey was able to get past that heart break once. I’m not sure she’ll be able to recover from another person she trusts her heart to doing the same thing. And just like the sun setting and rising, Oliver Jeffreys breaking her heart is inevitable.
The red head breaks off from her friends. They watch her progress to me with envious glares. She pushes a drink into my hand. It’s something pink and fruity. I shake my head and hand it back. Her mouth puckers into a pout. I grab a bottle of Patron from nearby and hold it up to her as an offering. Her face lights up and I take that as a yes. I grab her wrist with one hand and with the tequila in the other I guide us through the packed house.
We find a bedroom upstairs as it’s just being freed up by its previous guests. It’s a total pig sty but I’m not going for romance so it doesn’t bother me. The doors barely closed before she starts pulling off her top. I eye her bare chest and with a wicked grin I hold up the bottle. “I forgot shot glasses. Looks like we’ll have to get creative.”
**********
The red head, I never did catch her name, passed out as soon as we finished doing the deed. I left her in the room so I could go back into the party to find some more alcohol. I’d finished the Patron by myself for the most part. Though like usual after I allow myself to indulge in my distractions I have to turn to a bottle to drown the guilt. I know I’m not cheating. I’m single. As far as I know, the girls I do are as well. But in the back of my mind, haunting me and saving me in equal parts, is Bailey. The disappointment I know she’ll have if she finds out what I’m doing and the fact that I know if I asked she’d forgive me. Her love comes unhindered even when she’s not proud of the things I’ve done. She’s both my angel guiding me to do well, and my devil unknowingly pushing me into the bad.
Downstairs I stumble into a room where some frat guys and sorority girls are playing quarters. I instantly hone in on the blonde with an empty seat beside her. I can’t see her face from my position but at this point I’m too drunk to do anything more than scrape together a conversation and maybe loose a couple rounds so I’ll be good and smashed. I slide in the seat and instantly regret it when the blonde who turns to me is the second last person I want to see tonight.
“Jesus, they’ll let anyone into these parties.” She says, looking at my rumpled hair and clothes with disdain.
“It’s a pleasure to see you too, Priss.” I smart back knowing my nickname for her will only make her angry. Marissa “Rissa” Logan, known to me by Priss, has been Bailey’s roommate and friend since freshman year. The girls couldn’t be more different but somehow for their friendship it works. Where Bailey is fair, Rissa is tanned. She has dyed blonde hair to Bailey’s natural brown. And where Bailey’s style is girl next door, Rissa’s is upscale whore. Okay, that wasn’t nice she’s not a whore. She just likes to dress like a high priced call girl. You know the kind that you see on the news for screwing Senators for money. Anyways, I tried to play nice with Rissa in the beginning. We got along okay for a few weeks even, but after she threw herself at me during a party and I turned her down (there was no way I could mess with Bailey’s roommate and first college friend) she started going into full on bitch mode every time I came around. Not one to back down from a challenge I give her dickhead Drew right back.
I grab a quarter and bounce it off the table and it misses the glass. I down the shot myself, not knowing or caring if that’s the rules they’re playing by. At this point of the night all I care about is feeling the burn slide down my throat.
Out of the corner of my eye I see Marissa shaking her head. “How much have you drank?”
“Not enough to forget.”
“Forget what?” She asks as her brow scrunches in confusion. Or is that concern? How much have I really drank tonight?
Some skinny sorority girl takes her turn. It goes into the glass so giggling she directs me to take the shot. I down the shot, quickly. Then slamming the glass back on the table. “Not enough to forget I’ll never fuck you.”
“Fuck you!” Marissa shouts, as her face turns red.
I turn to the skinny girl and ask. “Didn’t we just go over this?” She nods with another giggle as if this scene is the funniest thing she’s seen all year. I turn back to Marissa. “That’s not happening, Priss. You really need to stop fantasizing about me.”
“I fucking hate you. The only reason that happened was because I was drunk otherwise I wouldn't have come near you.” Marissa takes her turn, misses the glass. Just before the glass hits her lips I hear her say. “I thank god that didn’t happen. Lord knows where your dick has been.”
“Half hour ago it was buried inside some red head.” Marissa spits her drink out. It hits the frat guy who was unfortunate enough to sit across from her. I ignore that and slide my arm around skinny. “Half hour from now, though, it might be buried somewhere new.”
Skinny presses her body into me, planting her lips on my neck. I look at Marissa and give her a wink. She shakes her head. “You’re shit faced.”
“What if I am?”
“I swear if I didn’t love Bailey like a sister I wouldn’t care at all.” She mumbles to herself, then thrusts out her hand and demands. “Give me your truck keys.”
“You aren’t driving my truck.” I respond, my words slightly slurred.
She leans toward me, shoving her hand down my pants pocket. A combination of shock from her brazen move and my drunken state causes me not to push her away. She pulls her hand back out, holding my set of keys. She shoves them into her own pocket. “I don’t want to drive your clunker. I have to make sure you don’t kill yourself by driving drunk. No clue why, but Bailey would never get over it if you did. Not that you care.”
I push away from Skinny, leaning right in Marissa’s face. “You don’t understand what I feel for her. So stay the fuck out of it!”
Marissa stands. “She’s my best friend and if you cared for her half as much as you claim you wouldn’t keep doing this shit to her over and over again.”
I scrunch up my face, confused by her words. “What am I doing to her?”
Marissa rolls her eyes. “If you’re too dumb to see it for yourself then that’s your own damn fault.” She stomps off before I can get anything else out of her. Skinny, apparently not caring about the scene, probably because she’s just as drunk as I am, pulls me back down beside her and into the game of quarters. I suck at quarters by the way. If I remember correctly, I didn’t get it into the glass once.
It wasn’t long before my mind started to go blank. I think I took Skinny up on an offer to go back upstairs. I may have fucked her. Hell, for all I remember I may have starred in a homemade porno starring me, Skinny, and the red head. Though I doubt that happened. I wasn’t really up to my usual talents with all the boozy floating through my system. But I do remember when I finally passed out I dreamed of Bailey. She was taking on the role of my angel, saving me like she’s always done.
Chapter Two – Bailey (19 years old – Sophomore Year)
I have no idea how long Oliver and I have been studying but my bed definitely wasn’t a good choice for me to pick to study on. Even though I’m sitting Indian style on my pillow and not in a more comfortable position I can feel eyes starting to drift closed with each flashcard Oliver holds up. I’ve told him I don’t think I’ll last much long but do you think he offered to stop? Heck no. He’s too worried I’m going to fail so he said he’s staying here until I get through every flashcard in his deck. Which judging by the size of it will keep me here until tomorrow evening. I blink drowsily at him and prop my elbow against my knee, dropping my chin to my palm then look at the clock beside of my bed and see that it’s well past one o’clock. I look back to Oliver. “Can we stop yet?” He drops the flashcards to his lap where his legs are sprawled out toward me. He cocks one perfectly sculpted blond brow at me and nudges my knee with his foot. I stare at him, puzzled until I realize what it is he’s wanting. Stifling a yawn, I let my eyes drift closed as words tumble from my lips, “Je suis désolé. Pouvons-nous arrêter, s'il vous plaît?” Which I hope translates to “I’m sorry. Can we stop, please?” I hear Oliver groan then start moving around but I can’t muster up enough energy to even think about opening my eyes to see what he’s doing. How did I even get this tired? I haven’t done anything today except go to work and come back to the dorm to meet Oliver so we could study. I even stopped into the café to grab a cinnamon honey hazelnut iced coffee (what a mouthful) on my way back to said study date. But I’m still two seconds away from being comatose. I thought coffee was supposed to wake you up not make you sleepy. “Okay.” I hear Oliver finally say so I peak one eye open to look at him. “If you can read what this last card says, we’ll stop.” He brought up another flash card with a wicked grin on his face. Straining my eyes, I blink a few times before finally getting them to adjust so I could read it, “Vous allez à l'échec.” I have to read it over a few times to make sure I'm seeing things correctly before quickly picking up one of my black and white chevron plush pillows and tossing it at him. “I am not going to fail!” He threw his arms up just in time to keep the pillow from connecting with his face chuckling, “Yeah, you are. Your test in on Monday and you haven’t even made it through half the stack of cards yet.” Still laughing he tosses the pillow back at me but misses and it lands next to my leg. “We could have started yesterday and I wouldn’t have made it through half the deck by now.” I pick up the pillow, turn to my side and collapse onto the bed, hugging it tightly to my chest, “Now, we can study tomorrow. I’m sleepy and going to bed.” Oliver makes a noise that sounds something like a growl. I wiggle around until I can see him at the end of the bed, a pretty little scowl marring the edges of his lips and his arms crossed at his chest. I want to laugh looking at him like that but keep it in because I know he’ll get even angrier if I do. But how could I not want to laugh? He looks adorable with his lips puckered up and his blonde hair all fallen out of place where he’s been running his hands through it all evening. “You look like an angry kitten.” I admit. His scowl deepens but this time instead of bottling it up, I let my laugh escape my lips. He keeps his lips puckered for a few seconds before finally breaking into a smile. He shakes his head then starts looking around on the bed. Once finding whatever he was looking for he tosses it at me, “God, you’re frustrating. I should’ve just let you wander around campus your first day instead of helping you.” I giggle and grab the item that I now know is a pencil and toss it back. “Yeah, but then who would help you with French?” “You? Helping me? With French?” He asks, humor lighting his eyes. “Let’s not forget if it wasn’t for me…” His sentence is cut off when a loud buzzing sounds from the other side of the room. Oliver looks to the desk where the buzzing is coming from then back at me and sighs. I shrug and close my eyes again as he gets off the bed thinking it was his phone ringing and not mine. Who could be calling me at one in the morning anyway? Unless…Andrew. Crap. I sit up and watch as Oliver reaches the desk and picks up my phone. He turns to me with another scowl on his face. “It’s Marissa. She’s probably drunk dialing you. I think you should ignore it.” I held my hand out to him. “No, give it to me.” “Fine.” He rolls his eyes and tosses the phone to me. After catching it I eye him while I answer, “Hey, Rissa.” The only sound that meets my ear is the sound of the bass thumping in the background. Oliver moves away from the desk and sits next to me on the bed. I scrunch my brows and try again, but still can’t hear anything other than the music. “What’s wrong?” Oliver asks with concern on his face.
I shrug and take the phone away from my ear. “I think she butt-dialed me.” I move my thumb to the little red button but stop when I think I’ve heard something. I put the phone back to my ear, “Hello? Marissa?” Through the thumping I hear Marissa’s voice but it’s faint, “Bailey, hello? Damn it Stephen get the hell out of my way so I can get outside. I can’t hear.” The thumping begins to get softer and softer until the only thing I can hear is Marissa’s breathing. “Uh, Marissa?” “Hello? Can you hear me now?” "Yes, I can hear you." She sighs into the phone, "Good." I had to laugh, "We sound like we're in one of those bad AT&T commercials." I put on a fake masculine voice "Can you hear me now? Good." Oliver shook his head with a chuckle but Marissa didn't seem too amused, "Har. Har. Very cute." "Sorry." I giggle "What did you need?" "It's about Drew." I knit my brows together and look at Oliver, “What happened?” Oliver’s face fills with worry before Marissa answers, “Oh, the usual. He’s completely wasted and making an even bigger ass out of himself than normal. The bastard’s lucky I’m here or he might have killed his stupid ass trying to drive back to the apartment.” She sighs. “And since I don’t have Ryder’s number to call him to pick Drew up that leaves you… or Oliver.” I jump from the bed practically knocking Oliver over as I went. I mouth “sorry” then to Marissa say, “I’m on my way. Where are you?” Marissa rattles off an address as I run to the closet and grab a jacket. I slip it on then move to my desk beside of Marissa’s to search for my room keys. Turns out, I inherited that gene from Mamaw May. I always seem to misplace those darn things. Especially when I really need them. “Crap. Where did I leave them?” I absently ask the room then jump when I hear an answer, “In the drawer.” I spun around and look at Oliver apologetically, “I am so sorry Oliver. I completely forgot you were here.” He looks to the side and mumbles, “Yeah, you always do when Drew’s involved.” I heard him perfectly but had to ask anyway just to make sure, “Excuse me?” “Uh, nothing.” He stands from the bed and walks toward me until he reaches the desk. Looking at me he opens the drawer next to my leg and pulls out my set of room keys, “I take it you’ll need me to drive considering you can’t, am I right?” I nod silently as does he, “Right then let’s go.” I nod again and practically run from the room, forgetting completely that I didn’t even bother to change into regular clothes. Oh well. My cupcake covered pajamas would have to do. It’s not like I’m going to stay at the party anyway. This is just a get in, get out mission. Oliver met me outside the door and presses a hand into my back to get me moving but we only make it to the stairs before I stop and groan, “Shoot. I forgot my keycard to get back in the front.” Oliver sighs, digs a hand into his jeans pocket and pulls out the thin piece of plastic then pushes on my back again. “I grabbed it on the way out. Go.” I let out a breathy “okay” and let him lead me out to his truck. After opening the passenger door for me – like he always does, he got into the driver’s side and started it up. As he pulls away from the parking spot he asks where we we’re heading and I read him off the same address Marissa had given me then sat quietly when the cab fell silent. It wasn’t an awkward silence but something felt a little off. But instead of focusing on that, I decide that maybe I should try to focus on keep my breathing normal. It may have been a few years since I’ve had a panic attack when riding in a vehicle but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from getting them so much it’s that you can never be too careful. After realizing I wasn’t going to have one I began twisting my hands in my lap and turn to Oliver, “Thank you. You didn’t have to do this for him.” Oliver peers at me from the corner of his eyes just like Andrew would and tightens his grip on the steering wheel until his knuckles turn white, “I’m not doing this for Drew. I could give two shits about Drew. I’m doing this for you.” I look toward my twisted hands, “Either way. Thank you.” He doesn’t say anything else so I decide to try and focus my attention on anything other than him. Oliver’s never actually said it but I know he doesn’t like Andrew. I guess I could see why though. Nobody truly understands Andrew when they meet him. You have to actually take the time to get to know him to understand him but nobody ever seems to have the time to do that. Oliver being one of those people. I don’t hold it against him or anything. It isn’t my job to make him like Andrew because I don’t want to have to force him. But it would be nice if the two of them actually got alone. It would make my friendship with both of them a lot easier. But I doubt that will ever happen. Andrew’s hated Oliver since the first time he met him. I had missed my Orientation group so Oliver offered to take me himself. I was a little weary at first but let him because I feared I would be completely lost my first day if I didn’t and it turned out that we actually had a lot in common. After the tour we stopped by the café to get to know each other better where we ran into Andrew. I could tell immediately that it was going to be a tense meeting but my theory got confirmed when Andrew tried to play me off as his girlfriend. It took forever to clear that one up. After finally convincing Oliver I wasn’t dating Andrew and we were just friends he left and I figured he’d never talk to me again because Andrew had scared him off but come Monday it turned out we had French together. Since then, our friendship has kept growing. Now if I could just get Andrew and Oliver’s friendship started, it’d be great. “We’re here.” Oliver says dryly, pulling me out of my head. Hmm, I didn’t even notice the truck had stopped. I unbuckle my seatbelt and go straight for the door but Oliver stops me by placing his hand on my shoulder. I turn to look at him as he starts talking, “Bailey, listen…” “No.” I cut him off and open my door anyway. Getting out I call back, “I know what you’re going to say but just don’t. Not now.” Without waiting for him I start toward the house where I could already hear the music thumping. Behind me I hear, "Of course" but decide to ignore his comment and keep walking. The front of the house has some kind of writing across the front but I don’t recognize it. I think it's the sign from one of the frat houses but I'm honestly not sure. I never really paid much attention to any of those. Stepping up to the door I place my hand on the knob but hesitate and turn back to Oliver. He gives me a bleak look before removing my hand from the knob and placing his own on it. With his other hand he touches the small of my back and opens the door. The minute he does the smell of alcohol hits my nose making me scrunch my face in disgust. Yuck! I have no idea why people enjoy coming to these things. They always smell awful and people are always shoving you around. Who would willingly put themselves through that? Oliver gives me a slight push making me realize that I have yet to even take a step into the room. I took a quick step in and began darting my eyes around the room. Alright, just in then back out and everything will be okay. I can do this. Oliver leans in close to my ear so I can hear him, “Stay here. I’ll go find Drew.” I nod dumbly. Okay, I thought I like this plan better. This way I don’t actually have to go in to the actual party but just get to witness it by the door where I can make a quick getaway if need be. Oliver nods as well then moves away from me. I watch him until his head disappears in the sea of students then I look around the room to see if maybe Andrew or Marissa were close by. They aren’t but a few girls wearing nothing but bikinis seem to be the highlight of everyone's attention in the center of the living room. The music switches to a really upbeat rap song and one of the girls puts a hand behind her. I've never been to a college party before so I don’t know what’s going to happen next but before I could even blink she was flinging her bikini top in a completely different direction than her body. "Oh my gosh." I whisper quickly and cover my mouth with my hand. Why would she do that? I dart my gaze away from the scene in front of me and decide that my feet are a lot more suitable for me to look at. I'm not judging her for doing what she did, to each his own but I don't see the point in it really. Shouldn't she respect her body more than that? "Bailey!" I jerk my head up when I hear my name and try to see where it came from but can't see anyone I recognize. I look around again, trying my hardest to avoid looking at where the girl had just abandoned her bikini but couldn't and notice that not only did she lose her bikini but the other two with her had as well. Pinching my eyes shut I turn my face back to my feet but then feel someone's arm slide across my shoulders so I look back up. A guy, I think his actual name was Stephen but that isn't what the kids around campus call him. They call him something I really don't want to say so I'm just going to stick with Stephen. "Bailey, hey!" He slurs out "What're you doin' here? Nice PJs." I feel my cheeks blush but ignore it and remove his arm from around my shoulders with a sigh, “I’m just here to pick up Andrew, have you seen him?” He hiccups and leans in closer to me. I move my head as far away from him as I can because the smell of the alcohol on his breath is enough to make my eyes water. “Disappeared bout an hour ago with a blonde.” My heart starts to speed up. He couldn’t be talking about….no of course not. She wouldn’t do that to me. They wouldn’t do that to me, regardless of how drunk they were, right? Still, I have to ask, “Marissa?” "Mmno." He slurs "Dunno her name. Skinny." "Skinny?" "Skinny." He repeats like I should know what that means. I decide to ignore it and try to turn my attention away from him so maybe he'll leave. Unfortunately, I guess he doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon because he starts talking again. "Whatdya say we go upstairs and try to find him?" "Uhm..." I mumble but was thankfully cut off by Marissa's voice "Bailey!" Stephen takes a step away as she approaches us. Marissa gives him a once over then hooks her thumb over her shoulder. "Keep walking Skeevie, she’s not interested." Stephen rolls his eyes, “Why ya gotta take all the fun away, princess? We were just talking.” Marissa’s eyes narrow, “Beat it or I tell Drew that you’re coming onto Bailey. Your choice but I suggest choosing the one that makes you less dead.” Stephen glares at her for a moment before throwing his hands up in defeat and backing away, “I’m just gonna go.” “Jackass.” Marissa mutters under her breath then finally turns her attention to me. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine.” She sighs, "Alright listen. He was pretty wasted and I lost sight of him after he stumbled upstairs because I was notgoing to walk into that. I love you but there's just no way. None. I think you should probably send Oliver in." I shake my head, "No. I need to be the one to get him. He won't go with Oliver." "He won't have a choice if Oliver makes him." She protest but again I shake my head. It doesn't matter how drunk Andrew is, he won't be leaving this party unless I'm the one who gets him. "I have to go." Marissa shut her eyes tightly and looked to the ceiling with a deep breath before looking back at me, "Alright fine but what you're about to see you can't un-see, do you understand?" I nod my head and just as Marissa goes to open her mouth again Oliver pops up beside of us panting, "I couldn't find him. Hey, Marissa." "Hey." She answers weakly "I know where he is but I'm trying to talk Bailey out of going. She doesn't need to walk into that if you catch my drift." Oliver’s eyebrows drew together in confusion before his eyes got wide and he looks toward me. "Yeah, Bailey I think you should stay here while we get him." "No. I'm going with you. He won't leave unless I'm there." "Bailey..." They both say in unison but I stop them both by ignoring their protests and deciding that I'll just go get him myself. If they don’t want me to go with them then I'll just go alone if that's how they want it. With a huff I push myself past the two of them and through the bodies dancing around the living room. A few people stumble into me and try to coax me into dancing with them but after declining them politely they quickly turn their attention to another person that was passing by. Finally reaching the stairs I take one step up then turn back to see Oliver and Marissa also pushing themselves through the sea of students to get to me. I wait for them to reach me before trudging my way up the steps. Halfway up, I have to step over a girl who looks to be sleeping. How in the heck is she doing that? That can’t be comfortable. I look away from her and continue walking until I make it to the top. I turn back to look at Marissa and ask which room. “Second door on the right.” I nod and take a step forward but Marissa stops me by catching my hand in hers, “But Bailey I don’t think you understand what you’re walking in to.” “Marissa, it’s fine.” I insist. “I’ve done this a million times. I can take it.” She sighs but doesn’t further the protest. Instead she lets go of my hand and motions for me to keep going. When I reach the door I don’t even bother to hesitate before swinging it open but then I stumble back into, I think Oliver, when I get a good look inside. The first thing I notice is how messy the room is. It looks like a tornado has gone through it and thrown clothes and books everywhere. Holy crap, does this person ever clean? The second thing I notice are the people strung across the bed. I think one of them is a blonde and the other a red head but their hair color doesn’t matter because both of them are extremely gorgeous, extremely unclothed, and lying next to my unconscious best friend. Oliver grabs hold of my arms and peers around me as I fall back into him and blurt, “Holy crap.” Marissa moves to the opposite side to look around me before Oliver lets go of my arms and moves around me muttering, “God damn it.” Marissa takes my arm, “Bailey maybe you should wait outside.” I take a deep breath then let it out slowly. He’s not mine. There’s no reason for me to be upset. “No, it’s okay. Help me find his clothes.” “Bailey…” “I’m fine. Help me find his clothes.” Marissa huffs then stomps herself into the room. She stops at the foot of the bed and plants her hands on her hips. “Fine. Then let’s get this shit over with.” She bends down and begins flinging different articles of clothing around the room while grumbling to herself. I blow out a breath, my bangs flying up then decide to do the same as Marissa and bend down to start looking around the area I’m in. The first few things I pick up are two sizes too big for Andrew so I toss them to the side. I spy a blue halter top with something black peeking from beneath it so I stretch out and snatch the black item up. I barely get it in my hand before jumping up with a squeal. Oliver and Marissa both stop what they were doing to look at me but Marissa’s the one to speak, “What? What’s wrong?” I close my eyes and shake my head, “Nothing. Just a bra. Ignore me.” “Why in the hell are you yelling?” A girl’s voice interrupts the moment I'm having so we all turn our attention off the fact that I can’t even look at a bra without getting freaked out to the bed where the blonde was now sitting up, rubbing her head. I fling the bra in her direction and turn away quickly, “Quick. Put that on.” She groans. “But I’m tired.” Marissa growls and picks up a few things from the floor then walks them to the girl, “Put this on and get the hell out, “Skinny”.” “Oh.” I mumble without thinking. Both girls look at me confused so I wave them off and tell them to continue. So that’s who Stephen was talking about. Makes sense I guess, she is pretty skinny. It only takes “Skinny” a few seconds to slip her clothes on. I think it may have taken her longer but with Marissa’s glare shooting daggers at her I’m sure she sped it up. She does a once over of me before leaving and mumbles something under her breath that sounds like “So much for forgetting” but I don’t know what she could be talking about so I ignore her and turn my attention back to where the red head was still lying. “Alright, one down. One to go.” Marissa sneers before slapping the red head on her back “Get the hell up and get out.” The red head jostles awake and turns toward Marissa. She blinks a few times before shooting up from the bed and begins gathering her clothes from the floor. What exactly is it about Marissa that has people so scared of her? She’s actually a really sweet person once you get to know her. The red head, who happens to be a student in my sociology class bends down near me and picks up the shirt I’d just moved. She huffs and it takes a moment for me to realize what she’s looking for. I clear my throat and look down at her. “I think I gave your bra to the other girl. Sorry.” She looks up at me with a fixed expression before shaking her head and standing up. She slips her shirt over her head, shrugs then turns away from me and walks out the door without so much as another word. I turn back to Marissa in time to watch her roll her eyes and look at me. “You are so fucking lucky I love you.” I open my mouth to tell her sorry but hear Andrew groan so instead I give her my best apologetic look and move to where he's lying. I look to Oliver, “Can you help Marissa find his clothes?” He nods and backs away from me to join Marissa in her search. I turn my attention back to Andrew. He reeks of booze but I do my best to ignore it as I begin trying to wake him up. I nudge his shoulder, “Andrew, you need to wake up so we can get you home, okay?” He blinks his eyes open then blinks a few more times before reaching a hand out and trying to touch my cheek. He misses and his hand falls back to the bed as he slurs out, “My angel. You came for me.” Angel? What? Before I can ask what he means Marissa shrieks loudly and I have to turn my attention from him to her. I look to see her standing back straight with a scowl on her face while Oliver’s next to her hunched over with laughter. “That is fucking disgusting.” She curses and looks toward me “So fucking lucky.” I look at her confused, “What’s wrong?” Oliver chuckles and picks up what looks like a pair of boxer briefs from the floor then stands back up. “Nothing, Bailey.” “No, seriously, what did she find?” Marissa pinches the bridge of her nose and takes a deep breath before answering, “Let’s just say at least the dumbass was smart enough to use protection.” My eyes widen. “Oh.” Marissa scowl deepens. “Yeah. Oh. God help us if he ever accidentally reproduces. Now wake him up so we can leave.” I nod once then go back to attempting to wake Andrew up. I try everything I can think of. Patting his back, shaking him, talking to him, but nothing. Finally, Oliver abandons his search and comes over to us. He puts his arm under Andrew’s stomach and somehow manages to flip him over. He then does the same thing by putting his arm under Andrew’s back and sits him up. Andrew again blinks a few times but doesn’t speak as Oliver throws the sheets back and moves him so he’s sitting on the edge of the bed. I gasp and fall back to my behind when he does because due to the fact that Andrew isn’t wearing any clothing I can see everything. And by everything I mean everything. Oliver steps away from Andrew to attend to me but I wave him off, “I think maybe you should do this.” Oliver takes a step back and shakes his head. “Hell no. I’m not dressing him.” Marissa groans and steps in between the two of us, taking the boxer brief’s from Oliver’s hands growling, “Oh for fuck’s sake you big ass baby, I’ll do it myself.” Oliver shakes his head at her but doesn’t say anything. Instead he puts a hand out and helps me to my feet as Marissa tries to put Andrew’s boxer briefs on him. She curses and groans as she tries to get them on him but he’s not offering her up much help so it takes her a good while. Finally, she takes a step back from him and sighs. Now that he was at least semi-dressed I can finally look at him. He honestly looks like crap. And he doesn’t smell much better for that matter, either. “Do you think he can walk?” I ask but just as soon as I do Andrew groans and falls backward onto the bed. “Okay, guess not.” Marissa again growls in answer and moves so she‘s hovering over his body. Somehow she pulls him back to sitting position and before I can stop her she slaps his face. “Marissa!” I scold but she ignores me and slaps him again. Oliver looks away from the scene wincing, “Damn, Riss. That’s cold even for you.” Marissa turns back to look at us, “Do the two of you want to leave or not?”
Oliver and I look at each other then turn back to Marissa and nod. “Then shut the hell up and let me do this.” She turns back to Drew “Alright, wake your drunk ass up so we can leave!” She yells but he doesn’t move. She huffs, “Damn it Andrew, my feet are fucking killing me and I’ve seen more naked girls tonight than I should have to see in a lifetime so wake the hell up! I want to go home!” Still, nothing. She growls for the millionth time. “Fuck! Fine.” She steps away from him and turns to me, “You try. He’ll listen to you.” I move closer to Marissa and put a hand on Andrew’s shoulder. I turn to Marissa who impatiently give me a look that I take as hurry up so I turn back to Andrew, “Andrew” I tap his cheek lightly, “Andrew, wake up. We need to get you home but you need to wake up or we can’t move you.” He blinks his eyes open. “Bailey?” “Yeah, it’s Bailey. Did you hear what I said?” He nods. “Then can you help us out and stay awake for us. At least until we get you to the car.” He nods again. Oliver sighs from behind me, I turn my head back to look at him. “There’s too much shit in here. I can’t pick what’s his and what isn’t.” Marissa rolls her eyes. “Whatever. At least he’s wearing something and we don’t have to drag him out of here naked. He can just come get his clothes later.” Marissa sits down on the bed next to Andrew and puts one of his arms over her shoulders then glares at Oliver. “So are you going to help or just stand there like an idiot?” Oliver groans but then mimics Marissa except on the other side of Andrew’s body. They count to three then move him to his feet. Marissa’s knees buckle as she stands and she almost goes down so I throw my hands out to stop them but she waves me off. I back away from them as they start walking him away from the bed and toward the door. Andrew didn't give them very much help as they went for the stairs. They basically had to drag him down them and then out the door. Other than hearing him groan a few times I'm not even sure he knew what was happening and by the time we make it to Oliver's truck Marissa's cursing Andrew with every ounce of anger in her tiny body. I tell them to get him in the truck then Marissa can sit up front with Oliver. If she's in the back with Andrew I fear she may beat him to death before we even make it to the dorms. She happily accepts my offer after helping Oliver slide Andrew into the back. Andrew falls over as soon as they let go of him so I go to the opposite side and get in then move his head so it's on my lap and begin running my hands through what little hair he has. I’m not sure why but every time Mamaw May did this to me it always soothed me so I hope that maybe it will work for him as well. He groans a few times before his breathing starts to even out and I know that he's fallen asleep. For some reason we make it to the dorms in less time than usual. Possibly because Oliver was so scared that Andrew was going to puke in his truck he broke ever speed limit he could. He pulls into the closest parking spot he can find, shuts the truck off, then both him and Marissa share a groan when they look back to see Andrew sleeping. I apologize but that doesn't stop the grumbles they let out while getting out. I push Andrew up with every ounce of strength I have so Oliver can grab him and pull him closer to himself. Oliver successfully gets Andrew from the back as I slide out and shut my door then the one Oliver just pulled Andrew out of. Marissa moves next to Andrew and lets him lean some of his weight into her. Oliver and Marissa exchange a look before starting to move.
I stop them and move in front of them so I can keep a look out for our dorm advisor. She'd kill us if she found out we were trying to sneak Andrew into our dorm room. I partly think it's because she's had a crush on him since she met him but she won't admit it to anyone. I make it to the steps before them and give the all clear so they can start up them. It takes them at least ten minutes to get him up the steps and then to the door of our dorm. I unlock the door as quickly as I can then step away. Oliver groans as he shoves open the door. “Where do you want him?” I look around the room and sigh. I guess I could put him on the couch but that’s probably not very comfortable so instead I say, “Just put him on my bed.” Oliver turns to look at me, “Where will you sleep?” Marissa curses, “If you don’t put him in that bed in the next two minutes Oliver I swear to god I will let him fall right here and not even give a shit.” Oliver rolls his eyes but listens to Marissa and drags Andrew threw our tiny dorm living room then into mine and Marissa’s room and to my bed. He looks at me and then to Andrew a few times before sighing, “Well he’s safe. Can I go now?” I nod as does Marissa. “Thank you…for helping him.” Oliver walks toward me and kisses my cheek before I can lean away. “Again, I didn’t do it for him. I did it for you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I whisper, “Okay” then watch as he walks out and shuts the door before turning to Marissa. She's already begun stripping off her clothes and I couldn’t help but tell her that she shouldn’t with Andrew in the room. She eyes me but keeps removing clothing, “He’s passed out. Do you really think he can see anything?” I sigh, remove my jacket, and drape it on the chair to my desk. “I guess not.” “Exactly.” She fumbles through her drawers for a few seconds before pulling out a shirt and slipping it over her head. “You’re more than welcome to try and sleep with me if you don’t want to sleep with thatconsidering where it’s been tonight.” I shake my head and move toward my bed sighing. “No, it’s okay.” Somehow I manage to maneuver myself in behind Andrew and watch as Marissa walks over and turns off the light then climbs into her own bed. She sighs as our eyes catch, “You must really love that boy.” “Of course, he's my best friend." I answer automatically “Yeah.” She mumbles then lays down with a roll of her eyes. “Okay.” “Uh…” I start but Marissa cuts me off “Goodnight, Bailey.”
“Goodnight, Rissa.” I lay down and will sleep to hit me. Well, tonight was definitely a night I’ll never forget.
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What should we name Bailey & Drew's book?Take Care of MeWhen It Comes to YouOtherPlease Specify: Poll Maker
November 10, 2013
Cover Reveal ~ The Virginia Templeton Stories by Marsha Casper Cook
Title: Virginia Templeton StoriesAuthor: Marsha Casper CookGenre: Adult RomanceReveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours
Synopsis:Virginia’s marriage of ten years to Slater Templeton, a ruthless corporate titan, has provided her with all of the comforts she could ever imagine, but still something is missing. He is all about wealth and accumulating power and has been successful far beyond all expectations, but she has her own agenda and is obsessed with the power she leverages through her undeniable sexuality. Together they are a force to be reckoned with. Slater is the demon and Virginia his temptress. In this loveless relationship, their only connection is the power they share while the diva within her needs more. Will her unquenchable desires lead her to keep dark secrets and to create a life for herself that will take her where most others fear to tread?Author Bio:
Marsha Casper Cook is the author of 10 published books and 11 feature-length screenplays. Her published works include LOVE CHANGES, a contemporary romance novel, and TO LIFE, a non-fiction biography about being a teenager and surviving the Holocaust. She has also written four books for young children, SNACK ATTACK ,THE MAGICAL LEAPING LIZARD POTION and the poetry collection THE BUSY BUS. Her book NO CLUES NO SHOES is the first of the Emelina Hewitt and her dog Stanley series. Marsha's latest work and her first in a romance collection, VIRGINIA TEMPLETON STORIES has just been released in paperback and she is currently working on LEO LOVES GRACIE characters taken from her screenplay Prince Charming which will be out after the first of the year.Since early 2010, Marsha has hosted radio shows on Blog Talk Radio. She and Virginia Grenier,the other half of World Of Ink Network Blog Talk Radio, have been doing shows for almost four years. Her show "A Good Story Is A Good Story" is about writing.Marsha does discuss many subjects on her radio shows but her love of writing draws her to talk to other authors and marketing experts.
She will be adding different shows this year with her partner at World Of Ink Network, Virginia Grenier. Marsha is also is doing Radio Book Launches with Marnie McNiff and Virginia Grenier with Michigan Avenue Media.Inc. specializing in Children's Books, Romance and Thrillers.
Join Marsha at Blog Talk Radio where she does her WORLD OF INK NETWORK radio shows. http://www.worldofinknetwork.com.
Author Links:
Website - http://www.michiganavenuemedia.com/the-virginia-templeton-stories-.html
http://michiganavenuemedia.com/marsha-casper-cook.html
Radio Shows http://www.worldofinknetwork.com/meet-the-hosts.html
Blogs http://www.virginiatempleton.blogspot.com/
Social network
https://twitter.com/mba3308
https://www.facebook.com/MadisonMMontgomery
http://www.linkedin.com/in/mmeindustrial
Buy Links:AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/The-Virginia-Templeton-Stories-ebook/dp/B00FEON5MW/
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/360580
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/MARSHA-CASPER-COOK?store=allproducts&keyword=MARSHA+CASPER+COOK
Excerpt:
chapter one
Virginia Templeton arrived at her psychiatrist’s office, ten minutes late as usual. She was always late, as she rather enjoyed a grand entrance. Virginia was beautiful and knew it, tall and graceful, with hips tapering into long, slender legs. A body to die for, as they say. All heads turned when Virginia entered a room; women wanted to be her, and men just wanted her.She was just as sexy dressed as she was undressed, as she absolutely loved fashion. Her favorite expression was “shop until you drop,” and she did just that. Virginia loved expensive clothes and shoes— oh, how she loved shoes — and accessorized every outfit. She didn’t look at price tags and, luckily, she didn’t need to.Virginia’s image didn’t allow her to be all smiles or say nice things, as she preferred to play the misunderstood diva and use her good looks for favors. People didn’t cross the line with Virginia often and, when they did, her wrath was like nobody else’s.Nicholas Waters, her psychiatrist, sat behind his desk, waiting for Virginia to make the first move. Sometimes she didn’t speak during her sessions, instead just walking back and forth, angered that she was wasting her time in sessions that she loathed. The only reason she had even agreed to see a doctor was because her deceitful husband made that a provision in their ongoing divorce proceedings. She wanted every last dime she felt she had earned in their ten-year marriage. She had smiled when she had to, and undressed when her husband wanted her. A small price to pay for getting anything and everything she wanted.Virginia thought that Nicholas wasn’t paying attention to her, which really pissed her off. Even though he was just her psychiatrist, it was still important to her that he pay attention. Little did Virginia know that Nicholas couldn’t concentrate on anything else when she was near him.Nicholas Waters was bound by an ethical code to avoid involving himself with his patients. But in his mind, they were just fantasies. Desiring a woman and actually acting upon his desire were two different things, and his fantasies usually went away after a visit or two. Virginia Templeton was a different case. He knew it, she knew it, and so did anyone who had ever come in contact with her.She had been looking at him from the moment she arrived, but didn’t say a word. Nicholas sometimes wondered if she knew how much he wanted her. He would imagine himself lying next to her, consuming every inch of her sensuous body. Kissing her, touching her breasts, wondering how he could make her happy. She was filled with desire―and, sometimes, quite a bit of rage―but that didn’t stop Nicholas from having tight control of his mind every time she came for a visit. He was her psychiatrist, and that was the way it had to stay … for now.He was also a married man and, regardless of his unhappiness, he had remained married to the same woman for more than twenty years. When Nicholas met Carmella, he was a struggling medical student with loans, minutes away from personal bankruptcy. She was beautiful, with vibrant red hair and a sweet smile that usually presented her in a glamorous, but guarded, light. Love never entered the picture. Her family was very wealthy and highly visible. He knew she was the solution to his financial problems.Carmella’s main flaw was that she usually had a drink in her hand at eight in the morning and continued drinking until very late at night. She never wanted sex with him. That didn’t mean she didn’t like sex; she just didn’t like sex with her husband. For his part, Nicholas didn’t care about love or sex until he met Virginia.From the very moment Virginia Templeton walked into his office, attitude and all, he was hooked. He had never felt such a strong, passionate connection to anyone. Actually, he never questioned his life as much as he did once Virginia Templeton became his patient.A friend of his had referred her, and Nicholas reluctantly took her on as a patient because he felt doing otherwise might put her on the edge of doing something horrible. She came in with a lot of hatred and, whether she admitted it or not, he sometimes thought they made a breakthrough. A patient who didn’t want help never got better, but he felt she could make progress by increasing her visits to his office.Nicholas watched Virginia, waiting until she was ready to start. It always took her a little bit, as she prepared to start the sessions in her own way.After strutting around the office, Virginia kicked off her leopard, four-inch Stuart Weitzman pumps and sat her ass right smack in the middle of Nicholas’s desk. She was wearing a very tight, black leather skirt, and a see-through, white lace shirt. Because she was all leg when she crossed them, which she liked to do, Nicholas could see her black lace panties and the tiny rose tattoo on her upper right thigh.“So, Nick, where shall I begin today?” Nicholas didn’t answer, and that angered her more than he knew. “What the fuck? Help me out here, Doc. I need some answers.”For months, everything Nicholas had tried had completely pissed her off. At that moment, he felt she might be ready for a breakthrough, and quietly let her continue.“Okay, let me tell you what happened last night,” she went on. “Slater, my loving, sweet jerk of a husband was out of town. I got in my car, went right back to my old stomping grounds, drank too much, and fucked a whole lot of times. Since you didn’t ask who I was with, let me tell you. Two men were in my bed last night. One was very tall, with dark curly hair. The other was very short with a long blonde ponytail, kind of a freaky looking guy. One was on my right and one was on my left. Blondie had one finger in my ass and the other dark, sexy guy, who looked a lot like you, was in my cunt. What do you think about that?”Nicholas began to write notes. All thoughts of him having a conversation with his patient were off the board for now. He was so busy picturing the details that he couldn’t really concentrate. He was so far away from where he should be ethically that he stopped himself, took a breath, and then continued with his notes.Virginia took full advantage of the moment, as she quickly scooted off his desk and proceeded to strut around the office. “Wow, Doc, when did you get that picture-perfect plant?” She didn’t actually give a shit about the plant on the floor; she just wanted Nicholas to enjoy the view as she leaned down to touch it. “Follow me, Doc.” Bending down even lower, she spread her legs, once again exposing her lace-covered bottom. Then, just as quickly as she had lowered herself, she stood up, turned around, and smiled beautifully.“You know, Nick, you’re such a bore. You just sit there and write and write and write. Come on. Say something. Do you ever answer your patients, or do you like to totally piss them off? If that was your intention, it worked. You win. I’m totally pissed off.”Nicholas could sense her anger boiling over, and watched in anticipation that Virginia might actually be feeling something. She was just about to explode; he knew it, but chose not to stop it from happening. Sometimes that was all a patient needed to break through the barriers they’d surrounded themselves with. He also had to keep reminding himself of what was ethical. He was in danger of crossing the line, and he knew it. He hoped his feelings weren’t transparent to Virginia.“I hate boring men,” she continued, as she paraded around the room. “My father was boring. He rarely talked, and he never smiled. You can write that in your little notebook. My father was a piece of shit―a mean, selfish asshole. He never talked to me or treated me like his daughter. He had no love in him; that’s what my mother used to say. He had no soul, and I didn’t even cry when he killed himself. It was no loss to anyone. There are two things I hate in men. A man who doesn’t smile, and a man who acts like he’s better than me.”Nicholas glanced down at his watch, realizing that Virginia was getting more agitated. There was usually a moment during her treatments that pushed her to the top. The moment varied, but the pattern always repeated.“Is my time up?” she asked. “Even if it’s not, it’s time for me to go. We’re getting nowhere today. As a matter of fact, I think today will be my last visit. I don’t need to be here. Time is money. Face it, Nick, you can’t help me. No one can.”Nicholas decided it was now or never. “Virginia, sit down and stop pacing. Let’s go with what you just said. You do want me to help you, don’t you?”“No, I don’t think so. How would you feel if you were seven years old and your father pulled out a gun and pointed it at your mother? Then shot her, took the same damn gun and shot himself in the head while his daughter watched? I watched that! What kind of a person does that to his child?” She was quite proud of herself for once again coming up with a good story. “What makes it worse was my phony foster parents stuck me in the attic with ten other kids. Sometimes I looked around the attic and wondered how my life could ever be anything but dreadful and confusing. There were days when I didn’t even feel human.” Oh, she was so good at this.“Okay, Virginia. Now that you have told me what happened to you, and you think I bought it, let’s begin all over again. Every time you come here, you tell me a different story. This time, tell me the truth. Then maybe, just maybe, I can help you.”“Fuck you, Nick!” she growled. “That was the truth.”“Okay, then. Tell me how and why you married a man you didn’t love.”Virginia began to laugh. “You don’t really think I come here for your advice. Do you? I come here because my asshole husband makes me come here. He won’t give me my fair share in the divorce unless I agree to have some therapy. He wants to ease his conscience. He’s afraid he’ll look bad if I go off the deep end, and he doesn’t want any headlines. A man like Slater puts himself before anyone.”Nicholas returned to his desk, which served as his safety net. He could sense Virginia was getting quite angry, and wasn’t sure if he should push during this session. Usually, that only infuriated her more, causing her to tell more lies.“Okay, Nick. Since we’re having this nice little chat, let me tell you what I think. My husband wants to fix me and set me free. Women like me don’t get fixed. We like men, sex, and booze. We drink for fun and fuck like crazy. What’s so wrong with that? If it feels good, why not? I hate to think that being in love is enough for anyone.”After thinking for a moment, Nick figured it was time to talk. “Believe it or not, love is enough for many people. One day, you will be in love, and maybe that will be enough for you too.”“Oh, really? Are you in love with your wife? Do you even have a wife? I don’t know anything about you, other than I want to fuck you. And I think you want to fuck me. I don’t do normal, and I don’t think you do either. Or let me put it another way. You might do normal, but you don’t really likenormal.”Nicholas was on his way to understanding her convoluted view of what she was all about. He didn’t soften just yet, but he was on his way. He didn’t want to compromise, but he was a man. Virginia had gotten to him even with all his armor; she knew how to dig deep. He was very close to giving in to his fantasy, and she knew she had finally penetrated into his soul. It was, she thought, her moment.Game on! She was euphoric. “I bet if you let me get you in the sack, we would be born again as one. If you allowed me to slowly undress you, button by button, and then gently massage every morsel of your being. My lips would embrace that cock of yours and you, my dear doctor, would never be the same. I promise you that! I can take you on a journey that will totally overwhelm you, and you will be mine forever, or for as long as I want you.” A sultry smile spread across her face.Virginia found herself moving as close to Nicholas as she possibly could. She could barely breathe. Her breasts pressed against his chest, she could feel his hardness against her. He didn’t feel like other men. He was distant and completely disconnected from her. To her surprise, he showed no reaction. He just stared at her in silence.Being this close to a man who seemed to feel nothing was quite disturbing to her ego. Every man she knew would have reacted quite differently. Although, she was excited by the challenge he presented. She straightened her shoulders, not allowing herself to be weak.Nicholas wanted to forget that he was her doctor and instead take her in his arms. He was uncertain how long he could resist, but he knew there would be no turning back once he gave in. He stepped back, putting some distance between them.His rejection angered Virginia. “You’re not the right doctor for me. Tell me why you took my case. Your practice was full, but you added me to your patient load. Did you really think you could help me?”“Yes, of course I thought I could help you.”“Then why the fuck aren’t you helping me?” she spat.“Because you don’t want help. You have repeatedly told me one lie after another. I can’t perform miracles.”“Screw you, Nick. Screw you. I don’t like to waste time and today, as usual, I am wasting my time. The only thing left is for us to go to bed together. I know you want me, I can tell. But you can’t do it if you’re my doctor.”“Virginia, sit your ass down. I’m your doctor, not your lover. Why would you think that I want to go to bed with you?” His patience was wearing thin.“Because every man wants me,” she purred, again closing the distance between them. Reaching for his belt, she began to slowly lower his zipper. “You want me and I know it.”“Virginia, you need to leave. Now. As of this very moment, my services as a doctor are over.”Virginia backed off. “You don’t mean that.”“Oh, but I do. Watch this.”Nicholas wrote on his notepad, “Virginia Templeton’s sessions have ended as of July 9.” He signed the paperwork to make it official, then pointed to the door.“You need to leave right now.”Virginia strolled out of the office, not looking back. She refused to let Nicholas see the tears in her eyes. He had won, and she hated that.Nicholas took several deep breaths, relieved to have resisted her very tempting offer. Their sessions had ended, and only time would tell if he would miss her. If he was honest with himself at that moment, though, he was disappointed at the thought of never seeing her again.
November 7, 2013
Release Day Blitz ~ The UnKnown by Lara Henley
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Title: The UnKnownAuthor: Lara Henley Genre: Young AdultExpected Release Date: November 7th 2013Blitz Host: Lady Amber's ToursSynopsis:Misty found out early in life that things just don't come easy. She has learned to trust no one, and that you can't depend on anyone but yourself when the chips fall. Finally free of the states clutches she sets out on a whirl wind adventure called LIFE....
But she never expected Drake....
Drake... is Use to being in the lime light just graduated from college. Wondering what's next? Misty is a welcome surprise. So different from his everyday mundane experiences..
Can two completely different people share a journey that could change both of their lives forever? Or will they end up destroying each other in the process?
Escape to The UnKnown
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Unknown-Lara-Henley/dp/1492235512/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_dnr_2
Excerpt:
We walked inside the restaurant of the very small Angelo’s. It was busy because it was a Saturday night. The walls were painted a very dark red and each table was outfitted with a matching red table cloth with a lit candle sitting on top of it.
“Very romantic, Mr. Mitchell.”
“I try my best, Miss Scott.” The waitress walked over and took us to a very small, quiet booth in the back of the restaurant. When we reached it there were a dozen white roses sitting there. I was confused, had he planned this?
“Drake, you have already given me flowers. This is too much.”
“I can never give you enough. I want to give you the world. Do you know what the white rose signifies?” He pulled me down into the booth with him.
“I don’t, but they are just as beautiful as the red ones you gave me.”
“The white rose signifies purity and innocence. The red rose signifies love, beauty, courage, and respect. And together they signify unity. Baby, you are those things to me. You are my heart.” He kissed the back of my hand. “You are as pure as the driven snow.” He kissed it again. “And you are as beautiful as an angel descending from heaven.” Drake’s eyes danced with hope and love. I could see that he truly loved me. Where did this man come from? Tears were beginning to form in my eyes.
“And together,” he pulled out a single white rose and a single red one and laced the stems together. “We are strong. We can’t be broken.” By the time he finished I was a blubbering fool. I was so happy in that exact moment. “I love you with all my heart,” he whispered lovingly. I closed my eyes and savored his every word. I hadn’t ever known love like this. I never wanted to let it go.“Baby, you ok?”
“Yes. I love you so much. I can’t believe you did this. My makeup is probably running.” I wiped the tears from my eyes. Who knows what I look like right now, but I couldn’t help it. This was just all too wonderful not to cry.
Author Bio:
Lara Henley was born in the Midwest. She holds a degree in Fashion Marketing and loves all things creative. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her first love is writing and hopes to make it her full-time career. She first began her career as a writer with children's books and has since transitioned into writing young adult and adult romance. Links:Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7092327.Lara_Henley Blog- www.larahenley.blogspot.com Twitter- https://twitter.com/laraisadiva Facebook- www.facebook.com/larahenl
October 31, 2013
Release Day Blitz ~ The Virgin Charmer by Rachel A. Olson
Title: The Virgin Charmer (The Triple Goddess Trilogy: Book One)
Author: Rachel A Olson
Genre: Paranormal Romance
BLURB:
Hope Richards has only ever known the life of a big city girl. When her boss gives her an ultimatum, she decided to try out the country life during her forced vacation. After falling in love with a mysterious old mansion on the edge of a town that time forgot, Hope finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of someone else's crazy love obsession, and realizes in the middle of it all how lacking her own life is in that department. Hope is faced with a decision: return to the mundane life she thought was her passion, or find a way to experience something far stronger that she secretly yearns for.
LINK: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NGI0NGU2MzBjOGQwMjdhMTE2ZDUxOGZlY2M3ZWFmOjU2/
AUTHOR BIO:
Somewhere amidst her forty-hour job and playtime with her three-year-old, Rachel finds time to walk the streets of worlds only existing on manmade paper. She resides in small college town Northwestern Nebraska with her young son, just a few blocks from a city park, the public schools, and her parents. She enjoys socializing with adults, sipping strawberry wine, and head banging to music that doesn't carry a beat worth the effort of rock star hair slinging.
"The paranormal world is a much more desired realm. There's no limit to possibilities, no comparison to probabilities, no concept of actualities. There's no solid platform for racism, judgment, or hierarchy. It is exactly the manifestation you choose it to be, darkness and death included."
AUTHOR LINKS:
Website: http://rachelaolson.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorrachelaolson
Twitter: http://facebook.com/whitesouljamma
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/whitesouljamma
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/rachelaolson
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/authorrachelaolson
Buy Links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G99S6RA Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Virgin-Charmer-Triple-Goddess-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00G99S6RA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382995204&sr=8-1&keywords=the+virgin+charmer Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/368145
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-virgin-charmer-rachel-a-olson/1117193442?ean=2940045334822
EXCERPT:
Abigail snapped her fingers in the air two times, and the man behind the bar immediately jumped on command. The closer he got, the stronger the pull became that Hope had felt previously. He walked with his face downcast, most likely watching where he stepped in an attempt to avoid tripping on anything or anyone. When he finally reached their table, Hope was in the middle of scrambling away, utterly terrified by what she was feeling. As soon as she caught sight of his face, her chair tipped back with her still in it.
Hope found herself sprawled out on a grubby wooden floor that didn’t look like it’d been swept in several days. Her sweater had somehow tangled itself around and between her knees, making any attempt she made to stand look very similar to a fish out of water.
Hope stopped all futile attempts to stand independently when a very masculine hand jabbed itself in front of her nose. With large, crossed eyes, she gasped and managed to scoot away from the floating hand by a few measly inches. A deep, silky chuckle rolled across languid airwaves and nearly choked Hope with its thick perfume. Hope glanced up through half mast eyes at the blurred face hovering just beyond the floating hand, and smiled crookedly, one eyebrow popping up a hair higher than the other. Another bout of chuckling ensued just as something lifted Hope to her seat.
“...Bump her head?”
“I’m...sure.”
Hope was only grasping portions of surrounding conversation. Her head swam through an enervated, unknown substance, causing a reaction similar to that of narcotics. She tried to shake herself and clear her mind, but whatever it was, it insisted on clinging tightly to every inch of her, inside and out.
“Do you mind telling me what your nose is doing on my boyfriend?” Hope was ripped from her strange trance when a cold, bony little hand landed abruptly on her shoulder. Her eyes flew open, finding that her nose was indeed buried into the chest of a man.
No, not just any man. Theman. The one that was causing the pull.
“Holy shit,” she muttered to herself, stuck in the glistening eyes of a man several years younger than herself. She was fully aware of the stares she was earning, as well as a perfectly annoyed Abigail behind her. She was also aware that, at that particular moment, she didn’t have the willpower to pull away from the younger man directly in front of her, or whatever it was that possessed her.
Slowly, Mr. Gloriously Addictive stepped away from her snout, swallowing loudly as he did. Hope could hear Abigail impatiently tapping her foot on the floor. The further he got from her, the stronger she felt. Finally, Hope managed to turn a bit to look at Abigail over her shoulder, knowing her cheeks would match the color of unfriendly fire. She opened her mouth to apologize, and the next thing she knew, she was falling face first toward the table. Abigail clumsily caught her full weight, gently lowering her into the nearest chair. Hope opened a single eye, finding the bartender entirely too close for comfort, and no doubt the cause of her sudden lack of leg control and balance.
He was frowning at her, probably just like Hope frowned at him. Abigail popped up out of nowhere next to him, the man that was yet to own a name, offering Hope a crystal clear glass of liquid heaven. She swallowed a mouthful, expecting it to slide down like the cool, refreshing water it should’ve been. Except it wasn’t water, and it ignited the very fires of hell in her throat and belly.
“Sorry,” Abigail winced as Hope coughed and sputtered. “I should’ve told you it was Vodka. Your weird dizzy spells and swooning had me convinced you were in desperate need of a hard drink.” Hope only offered a half smile, practically glaring up at the man still standing entirely too close to her. “Oh jeez, my manners ran away with my good mood. This is Garrett, my boyfriend.” Garrett offered a friendly hand to shake, but Hope just stared at it. She was more concerned about the close proximity of that hand, and why his very presence made her feel like her skeleton had decided to take a vacation without the rest of her.
“I think I need some fresh air,” Hope finally managed to announce. YOUTUBE BOOK TRAILER: HTML: a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 22, 2013
Book Trailer Reveal ~ Few Are Angels
Title: Few Are Angels Author: Inger Iverson Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours 
Synopsis: After a fatal hit and run accident, Ella Monroe fears that she’s lost more than her beloved parents. Horrifying visions of a past life and a disturbing voice in her head have psychiatric professionals convinced that she’s lost her sanity as well. But when Kale--a dark and handsome stranger with a mysterious past--reveals the true meaning of her visions and the tremendous power she wields through them, Ella must come to terms with the devastating truths of her own past, while eluding an ancient Dark Prince who seeks to control not only her future, but all of mankind’s, by means of abilities that Ella is only beginning to understand.
Book Trailer:
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mciYezKcSg
Author Bio: Inger Iversen was born in 1982 to Anne and Kaii Iversen. She lives in Virginia Beach with her overweight lap cat, Max and her tree hugging boyfriend Joshua. She spends 90 percent of her time in Barnes and Noble and the other ten pretending not to want to be in Barnes and Noble.
Author links:
FacebookTwitter Website
Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Few-Are-Angels-Volume-ebook/dp/B0086Z2KT0/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1345696321&sr=8-1
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Few-Are-Angels-Volume-ebook/dp/B0086Z2KT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381622195&sr=8-1&keywords=few+are+angels
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/few-are-angels-inger-iversen/1111266976?ean=9780615650432
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/few-are-angels/p9mO0urzDkSPI-FCtVMliw
Except:
I’d had a hell of a time convincing Jace that I needed to know the truth about myself and where I was going, but I was getting better at convincing people. If only it had worked with Kale. To me, two days was more than enough time to calm down, but Kale seemed to need more time. That was one thing I didn’t have. He wasn’t answering his phone, and he wasn’t at the mausoleum when Jace, Mia, and I went to check. He and I both avoided answering Mia’s questions with the promise of a full explanation once we returned to the house. I had started to get worried, but Jace explained that Kale was tying up loose ends because I would be leaving and he would have no reason to stay in the area. I wasn’t sure what loose ends he had, but I hoped I would get a chance to say ‘until we meet again’ because I was never going to say goodbye to him. It was better that we split up until Laurent was taken care of.
I had another reason to go with Jace to the Council. I had a favor to ask. In return, I would stay with them until Laurent was killed. Alex’s flight would be in at midnight and then there was the thirty minute drive to the house, and I had a while to explain everything to Mia. Jace and I had discussed a plan to get Alex’s cooperation with helping me disappear. I hated saying it like that, but that’s what it was. It was Alex’s job to make sure his family knew I was appreciative of all they’d done, but I needed to leave. On the way to Mia’s from the cemetery, Mia was surprisingly easy to talk to. Her only demand was to be there when Alex arrived. I had told her about Kale believing that the tattooed man was in some way related to the killer and since her parents weren’t home that she shouldn’t stay there. Jace and I took her home to gather some things.
“I can’t believe this, Ella. I mean, I just can’t,” Mia said for the hundredth time. “Why would someone want to kidnap you?” She spoke without a bit of sarcasm. She was truly confused.
“Mia, it’s a long story that I only want to have to tell once, so you can stay with me tonight. When Alex gets here, I will tell you both everything.”
“Fine, but who is this guy?” She pointed at Jace.
He smiled in the rearview mirror as we drove into Elmwood City and reintroduced himself. “I’m Jace Vesco.”
Mia giggled and commenced flirting. “Beautiful accent. Where are you from?”
That was a good question. In fact, any personal question was a good one because I had never asked him about anything other than the Council.
“I’m from Belarus, but I have lived in so many different places that I believe my accent has evolved,” Jace joked, and Mia giggled again.
I could see why she was attracted to Jace. With his blue eyes and shockingly white-blond hair, he was incredibly handsome. His features were exotic and strong, but he didn't hold an air of mystery like Kale. At least not to me.
“My family is part Italian,” Mia said.
I peeked in the rearview mirror, taking in Mia’s blonde hair and pale skin, and was tempted to ask her about it. But hair dye and makeup could drastically change anyone’s looks. Instead of interrupting their banter, I sent Kale a text, but he didn't reply. Meanwhile, Jace and Mia continued to flirt back and forth, and I tried not to let my lousy mood interrupt them.
“It would be great to visit my roots in Italy,” I heard Mia say. “I hate living in a small town. It sucks and most of the women never escape it. If they aren’t pregnant, they’re waitressing with nowhere to go,” she murmured. Shocked once again, I looked in the rearview mirror. Mia’s face was hidden as she looked out of the window. I felt bad for her, she seemed to feel trapped too, but the only problem was that she wasn’t doing anything about it.
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October 18, 2013
Cover Reveal ~ Damaged by Becca Vincenza
Title: Damaged Author: Becca Vincenza Release Date: Dec 2013 Cover Desginer: Airicka Mystical Creations (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airickas-Mystical-Creations/462373910480084 ) Genre: NA Paranormal Warnings: Language, sexual content, abuse and violence Formats: eBook & paperback
Follow me here (Or commonly known as Stalker Links):
Author Blog: http://beccavincenzaauthor.wordpress.com/
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/beccavincenza
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278389.Becca_Vincenza
Damaged Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18522868-damaged
Synopsis:
There are some beings in this world, long thought to be extinct. Some seek to protect them, others want control, but some . . . some are hell bent on their destruction.
Audrey was taken from her father, hidden away from the world, and tortured for five years. She was rescued, but is she really safe, or is there someone else waiting to betray her? Can she trust those who saved her? Can she learn to accept who she really is?
Stone was on a routine mission to extract valuable information from a rival clan of paranormals. Instead, he and his team find something much more valuable: a scarred, damaged young woman who holds many secrets, and whose power is beyond anything they could ever have imagined. There is much more to Audrey than meets the eye and Stone is determined to protect her.
Audrey and Stone are about to find out it’s hard to know who to trust.
Author Bio
Oh jeez…do you know how many people I told I didn’t want to write this? So here is the one my friend made me:
Becca Vincenza lives in wonderful Michigan. She has a love for Skittles, rainbows, Star Wars, *giggles* and Hot Men. She spends time in her basement with Airicka... Apparently that's where the best ideas come from.
Any who....she loves meeting new people, so feel free to message her on Facebook and friend her on Goodreads!
Although her phone number will not be given out because, well...she doesn't like heavy breathing.
So a sort of serious one: For real, I am a geek. I grew up watching Star Wars, and my father read Lord of the Rings to us, along with the C. S. Lewis series. I love to write. In all honesty, it took me a lot of work to get where I am today and I don’t regret a moment of it. Reading and writing are honestly the best things ever. I couldn’t be happier that my parents put me through so much extra help. Anyways! Me, me, me…. Huh…I love paranormal stuff…Love it.
Excerpt:
“I deserved most of these scars. But…” My hand went instinctively to touch the one on my face, but Stone’s hand was already there, touching unflinchingly at the puckering, revolting scars.
“No, you didn’t deserve any of these scars, especially these.” He leaned down and kissed each scar, length for length. I closed my eyes against the sweet attack. While he was holding me earlier, he laid me down now, his body lightly touching mine but never pressing on me. When I opened my eyes, his were a deep purple looking back at me. “You are the most stunning woman I have ever met.” He leaned down and kissed my lips this time. I lifted slightly when it felt like he was going to pull away. My hands moved to his hair. I understood why his hands had always sought out my hair, even when I didn’t think he realized he was doing it. When we were at the cabin, which felt like weeks before, we would be sitting on the deck and his hand would be touching and lightly tugging strands of my hair. I never complained because it placed me into this relaxed feeling. Now I was touching his hair, feeling how it slipped past my fingers, leaving strange tingling feelings I couldn’t stop.
Stone groaned and his body pushed lightly onto mine. His lips left mine, and when I tried to follow, he nudged my head back into place as he moved to kiss my scars again. He touched the damaged part of my lips and I felt his tongue touch every ridge. I shivered violently. I moved my head slightly so that I could kiss him back. He let me this time, allowing me to control the kiss, to take it at my speed. I was nervous, but I touched his lips with my tongue and he opened for me. I practically sighed when the taste of him flooded in. I pulled away first, trying to get air.
“Gods, I don’t ever want to stop kissing you.” Stone’s hand moved from my waist up. I squirmed lightly, feeling uncomfortable memories surfacing. I tried to push them away, reminding myself who I was with.
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