Wednesday, December 31, 2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!



Happy new year to all of our followers!! This past year has been a bit of a rough patch for most of us but with the new year just in mins away I wish you all lots of joy happiness and love that your hearts desires and soooo much more!! May God for ever bless you and your families.

Love you all

The 50shadesofsas team
Saskia
Catarina
and
Donna

Shutter Vol 3 By Sarah Dosher




Title: Shutter
Author: Sarah Dosher
Series: Shutter vol #3
Genre: Erotic Romance
Buy Links: Amazon Goodreads
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆


Synopsis:

The final volume of Shutter, a three-part series from bestselling author, Eli Chastain.

My entire world changed when dark secrets surrounding me were revealed. Through the hurt and loss an unlikely savior has emerged to shield and protect me. However, my true desires haunt me day and night with thoughts of forgiveness and trust - yet knowing where to place them is unclear.

Having finally found my way back behind the camera, I’m not willing to let anyone deter my dreams again. Trusting my instincts has never been an easy task. But in order to determine if the sins from our past can be forgiven, I must listen to my heart and decide if an undeniable connection is worth the gamble.

***Previously listed under the pen name Eli Chastain. Even though the name has changed the content is still the same.



Sas' Thought's:

After the shocking revelation at the end of volume two I wasn't sure what to expect for volume 3.

By the end of this book I was over joyed with glee!! This entire series was so much more than I ever expected it to be.
I am however sad to see the story of Niko and Brook come to an end and at the same time excited to her the possibility of some of the other characters getting a story of their own.
 


Destroy Series By K.D Carrillo








DESTROY ME
Author: K.D. Carrillo
Series: Destroy Book 2
Genre: New Adult | Romantic Suspense

~ SYNOPSIS ~

Some pasts linger long after the wounds have healed.


Kate guards her secret from all that know her. Independent and cunning, she traverses through her life one day at a time. Keeping to herself and living her life on her own, just the way she likes it.


There is one man that is intrigued by her mysterious ways, despite her attempts to keep everyone at arm’s length.


Reed struggles with the circumstance of his past on a daily basis. His nights are full of terror and haunting memories. He’s a man looking for his purpose outside of the tragedy that curses his mind, and he thinks he may have found it in a reserved and mysterious blonde.


However, demons can only hide for so long.


Secrets can devastate.


Pasts can haunt.


Can these two people, struggling to survive in the present, rescue each other from everything in their past that threatens to destroy them both?



Catarina's Thoughts:

If you believe in True love, ever lasting love, suspense that leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat, and a mystery to solve, this is a book for you.


KD Carrillo has done it again. destroy Me is book 2 in the Destroy series and it is filled with all of the above, this book is gutsy and fall of twists and turns , at one point you think that Kate and Reed won't end up with each other and then things start to fall in place for them. Fear plays a big part of this book but it's not only Kate's fear but Reeds as well. Together they help each other through their fears and nightmares, they are both broken but they know together they have the strength to fight anything.


I loved this book I couldn't put it down, I was sitting on the edge of seat, trying to to help them solve the mysteries. I felt the fears both Kate and Reed had, you will feel the anger they felt but most of all I loved how all their friend rallied around to help support they through every dark moment they had. These friend were true family to kate and Reed and not once-abandoned them or turned them away.


I gave this book 5 stars, I loved book 1 Self Distruct and now book 2 Destroy me, KD Carrilo just get better with each book. I look forward to seeing her future work and can't see what she will come up with next.






























~ DESTROY SERIES ~



SELF DESTRUCT
Author: KD Carrillo
Series: Destroy #1
Genre: New Adult | Romantic Suspense

~ SYNOPSIS ~
Becca Scott spent years burying her traumatic past under alcohol and boys. With the help of her best friend she struggles to accept herself and let go of the pain. She thought she had figured out how to stop the cycle of self-destruction she was on, until she met Aiden.


Aiden Ryan lives with constant self-hatred. He allows those close to him to manipulate his life for their own gain, because he feels he deserves it. He was resigned to marry a woman he doesn't love, until he met Becca.


Becca and Aiden try and let go of their painful pasts to be together, but can their pasts let go of them?





Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU





~ K.D. CARRILLO ~



K. D. Carrillo is a graduate of Central Washington University, the setting of Self Destruct. Her days are spent with her son, her rescued Aussie, and usually with a book.


Social media links:

Monday, December 29, 2014

Surrendered By LP Lovell




Title: Surrendered
Series: She Who Dares #3
Author: LP Lovell
 Release Date: December 29, 2014


Synopsis


I have spent my entire life fighting. Fighting for survival. Fighting my past. Fighting to keep anyone from getting to close. Until him. Theodore Ellis.

He’s my light in the darkness. The only person who makes me truly feel. My most unlikely of saviours. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to fight him.

No matter how many blows I rain down on him, he remains, loyal and unmoving. I love him. I need him.

Theo is my vulnerability, the chink in my armour, but he is also my strength. I can’t fight him anymore.

The past only holds as much power as you allow it to. It’s time to tell my story. It’s time to bare my soul, and let Theo in to my dark world. It’s time to take back my power.

Love is a war. She who dares wins.

I’m ready to risk it all. I’m ready to surrender.








Links to Buy 

AMAZON US / UK

Also Available


AMAZON US / UK



AMAZON US / UK




Catarina's Thoughts:

Well what can I say, to fully get the gist of this book, Surrendered, you need to read book 1 Beseiged and book 2 Conquered. This is definitely not stand alone book.

What a mess you will thoroughly love this book. It will take you on a roller coaster of emotions as Theo and Lilly battle through every obstacle that in their way but you will feel triumph because they do it together. The love these two feel for one another is ever lasting and the power that both have together can conquer anything.

As you read you see how Lilly has grown and it is because of Theo, he is her rock and his love for her really shines. Theo will do anything he can to make shore Lilly is happy. Theo will do anything to protect her, when things start to look grim for Lilly and her brother Harry, Theo does everything in his power to fix it.

Lilly is a strong women but at times she really need Theo to keep her calm.

I fell in love with Theo, yes he could be arrogant at times and full of himself but he real came through for Lilly and not once did he falter when it came to loving her. He would be any girls dream.

You will love all the secondary characters who appear in all the books. You will see how they can become family to each other.

I gave this book 5 stars. In fact the whole series was fantastic, yes it did get a bit predictable in book 1 & 2 but it didn't diminish the series. LP Lovell has really out done herself with this series and I can't wait to see what she has planned for her next book.










Author Bio

LP Lovell is an Indie Author from Salisbury, England. She's known for her seriously laid back attitude, sick sense of humour and a general lack of brain to mouth filter. Fuelled by copious amounts of Diet Coke, she likes to create feisty female characters who bring men across the pages to their knees. If she’s not writing then LP can be found riding her horses, or walking her ever present writing companion; Tulula the dog.




Author Links









Giveaway

Signed Paperback of Surrendered
$10 Amazon Gift Card

Aroused and Desired By Jade Kerrion




Title: Aroused
Author: Jade Kerrion
 Release Date: December 29, 2014


Synopsis


Recently divorced, Dr. Vera Rios is too busy navigating the potholes of single parenthood to look for Mr. Right, but along comes a man who cherishes her, adores her daughter, and helps her find her sexy groove. The only problem: Mr. Perfect is an escort.

Rowan Forrester conceals many other secrets, one of which threatens the happiness he finds with Vera. Can love find a way, or will Vera have to choose between her beloved daughter and the man of her dreams?





Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK



Catarina's Thoughts:

Jade Kerrion has written a wonderful book in Desired showing us how we can take each other for granted. Gabriel and Valeria have been married for years, where high school sweethearts and decided together they would make a better life for themselves. They never wanted their children to go through life the way they had.

All the hard work in the world comes at a price, while Gabriel works hard to give Valeria and his children everything, Valeria feels they have drifted apart and he doesn't love her any more. She wants more out of her life she want more of Gabriel's time.

This book shows us how we not only take each other for granted, but how we can loose everything because of lack of communication, how we can loose ourselves because we think that is what the other person wants. Without communication we just become nothing.

Part of Gabriel's fears is how he grew up and he feared by pushing he would be like his father and he didn't want to hurt Valeria that way.

We all feel at a loss at times but when we communicate and let our true feeling surface as a couple you can achieve miracles.

I gave this book 4 1/2 stars and look forward to reading more from Jade Kerrion
.





Title: Desired
Author: Jade Kerrion
 Release Date: December 29, 2014


Synopsis


At seventeen, Gabriel Cruz and Valeria Trevino exchanged promise rings and agreed on the grand plan for their life, including marriage, children, and a happily-ever-after. Twenty years later, “The Plan” is on track, and a key milestone—Gabriel’s partnership in a law firm—is within grasp, but Valeria derails their shared lives by demanding a divorce.

Valeria can’t explain her decision, but she is compelled by a desperate need for something more than they had agreed upon. What can they do when the foundation of their grand plan crumbles beneath them?





Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK




Catarina's Thoughts:

Jade Kerrion has written a wonderful book in Desired showing us how we can take each other for granted. Gabriel and Valeria have been married for years, where high school sweethearts and decided together they would make a better life for themselves. They never wanted their children to go through life the way they had.

All the hard work in the world comes at a price, while Gabriel works hard to give Valeria and his children everything, Valeria feels they have drifted apart and he doesn't love her any more. She wants more out of her life she want more of Gabriel's time.

This book shows us how we not only take each other for granted, but how we can loose everything because of lack of communication, how we can loose ourselves because we think that is what the other person wants. Without communication we just become nothing.

Part of Gabriel's fears is how he grew up and he feared by pushing he would be like his father and he didn't want to hurt Valeria that way.

We all feel at a loss at times but when we communicate and let our true feeling surface as a couple you can achieve miracles.

I gave this book 4 1/2 stars and look forward to reading more from Jade Kerrion.



Also Available


AMAZON US / UK



AMAZON US / UK




Author Bio


Jade Kerrion writes award-winning and occasionally best-selling science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary novels anchored on unlikely romances you will root for and happy endings you can believe in. Her favorite romance is the Double Helix love triangle between Galahad—the lab-created perfect human being; Danyael—an alpha empath and Galahad’s physical template; and Zara—the woman who can wreak more havoc with love than most people can with hate

Sign up for Jade’s New Release Mailing List for news of giveaways, contests, and new releases.

 


Author Links

Giveaway

No Ordinary Love by Kenya Wright




Title: No Ordinary Love
Author: Kenya Wright
Release Date: December 29, 2014


Synopsis

Debt-ridden author Nyomi must complete her book on Tokyo’s underground sex industry in order to revive her stalled career. But first, she needs to get permission from Kenji, head of the Japanese mafia who controls the red light district under his father's watchful eyes. With one meeting, Kenji traps Nyomi in his gaze and locks her into a deal—spend time with him during her three-week stay, and she will earn the access she needs in order to make her book a best seller.

But Kenji's plans for Nyomi not only include allowing her a look around, but also a first-hand taste of the kinds of things that go on behind closed doors. And if Nyomi isn't careful, she just might find herself falling for Kenji, a man with many demons and a passion so dark, it could change everything you think you know about love.

No Ordinary Love is a dark erotic romance from bestselling erotica author Kenya Wright.







Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK


Book Trailer









 Author Bio


Writer. Lover. Foodie. Mother. Book Addict. Masturbator. Comedian. Super Hero. Blogger.
Professional Adventurer.


 Author Links






Giveaway

Saturday, December 27, 2014

BOOK BLAST: Micheal Rhineheart P.I books

The Last Private Eye  
23171432


Title: The Last Private Eye Michael Rhineheart, P.I
Author : John Birkett
Genre: Thriller
Series: Micheal Rhineheart P.I.
Publication Date: December 30, 2014  


Nasty horseplay at the Derby lands Rhineheart in a race against time to stop a murderous scheme …


Michael Rhineheart is a Louisville private eye with a taste for bourbon and a nose for trouble. He's as tough and savvy as they come. His sleuthing secretary, Sally McGraw, is desperate to learn the ropes. Their pal Farnsworth is a crusty old pro who hasn't lost his touch.

Together this hardboiled trio sets out to solve a mysterious disappearance at the racetrack. Soon they are galloping onto a trail of lust, greed, and murder … and enough dirty deeds to turn Kentucky's bluegrass red with shame.


   

Buy Links for The Last Private Eye

 

Amazon // Barnes and Noble // HarperCollins

        queen

Title: The Queen’s Mare Michael Rhineheart, P.I
Author : John Birkett
Genre: Thriller
Series: Micheal Rhineheart P.I.
Publication Date: December 30, 2014

    

All bets are off when it comes to kidnap, mayhem, and murder …

When the "Grand Dame of Kentucky Racing" enlists private eye Michael Rhineheart to deliver the ransom for a kidnapped broodmare and her foal, Rhineheart thinks it will be a speedy transaction.
But what should have been a simple mission turns into a deadly double-cross, and soon Rhineheart is on the hunt for the horses … and a ruthless killer.

Fans of Dick Francis will love Birkett's hardboiled gumshoe and his Kentucky bluegrass flavor.



Add to Goodread

Buy Links for The Queen’s Mare

Amazon // Barnes and Noble // HarperCollins

About the Author

  JOHN BIRKETT is the author of The Queen’s Mare and The Last Private Eye, both to be released by Witness. He is a winner of the Shamus Award, given by the Private Eye Writers of America.  
       

Giveaway


Giveaway 5 Promo Codes for each book, for digital download. Winner must have access to Bluefire Reader and have an Adobe account to receive free

The Sect By Courtney Lane




Title: The Sect
Author: Courtney Lane
Genre: Dark Thriller
Series: N/A
Buy Links: Amazon Goodreads
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆+++

Synopsis:

Keaton Mara ran away from a life that had become a nightmare to live on the streets. While the location she now calls home is a dangerous place, she is protected by an unlikely friendship.
The streets provided her with the education she could’ve never earned from the prestigious university she attended. Regrettably, the term ‘educated fool’ becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Due to meeting a man with whom she shares a captivating chemistry with, her judgment is clouded, resulting in a fateful decision.

The consequence of trusting the prepossessing stranger results in her being stolen away to a place unknown. Her deceptive new surroundings are just as beautiful as the people who reside there. She discovers that it’s a place where the culture of sex without limits or morals is their religion.

Keaton quickly begins to realize that the beautiful scenery serves to hide a very dark truth. The seductive and enigmatic man—who lured her there—desires to save her soul. His intentions are sinister, because saving her soul is synonymous with breaking her.
Because Keaton believes her soul was brutally stolen from her many years ago, she thinks he can’t save (or destroy) something she no longer has.

She…was…wrong.

Warning: This book contains pretty much every dark theme there is. Not recommended for those with any triggers or sensitivities to violence, dubious and/or absent consent, and deviant sexual acts.








Sas' Thoughts:

This book was recommend to me by a friend who I share similar tastes in books with. Her exact words.. I know how much you love a darker read.. This is one you don't want to miss out on... so I looked up the book to find out what it was about and I was sold after reading the warning label. I didnt read the synopsis til after finishing the book lol...

Keaton Mara is running away from her past, and is hiding in plain sight.Which works for her for a while, until she finds her self drugged, kidnapped and under the control of a sadistic beast that got off on making her life a living nightmare. 
Refusing to submit cost her a great deal of pain and torcher by the one person she never thought she'd ever have a connection with. But if nothing else she new she could save him from himself... or alteast she thought she could...
"He was an enigma wrapped inside a decrypted mystery"
The sect is a jaw dropping WTF did I just read good kinda book!! That you will fall in love with.
I suffered a serious case of whip lash trying to keep up with the main characters and his antics. (I can't say who because I feel it gives away a little too much of the story)

In fear of twisting my soul further, The Sect is exactly what the doctor order me to stay away from! I didnt listen... I never do!

This book is highly recommended for anyone looking to read something a little different!

5++++ stars Ms Lane! I can't wait to see what else u have in store for us next!!


About the Author:

I’ve been creating my own little world since I was very young. When I was eight years old, I began to bring those worlds to life with pen and paper.

Although I’ve had a few short hiatuses, writing has been of passion of mine for many years. I've always viewed my writing as a hobby or a purgative process; I never thought to share my very personal works with anyone outside of my family. Now, I’m taking the plunge and self-publishing my works. I’m very excited and apprehensive about the opportunity to share my work with people who may enjoy it.

While I write across genres (I find it hard to stick to one genre), I do have an archetype when it comes to the female protagonist — they have to have certain brand of strength and layered personalities. There will often be a lot of darkness and depth to my stories, because I'm intrigued by characters who are thrust into "dark" situations that explore their psyche.

Writing Science Fiction/Fantasy is my first love. If there is one thing for sure, I'm a bit of a misfit when it comes to Romance. I don't feel that I write romances, thus the tagline. I prefer gritty love stories, where the protagonist isn't necessarily the girl next door, or the girl you encounter in everyday life. In other words, I don't tend to write characters who are easy to fall in love with.

The elements that will be common in my stories are: depth, controversy, thought-provoking and complex plots, and misfit characters. If literature that appeals to your senses and pushes your boundaries intrigues you, then I sincerely hope you enjoy the journey.

The piece of paper







Jason Luke is back ladies and gentlemen!!! And I couldn't be more happy to share this with you all!!

Jason has created a blog that will now be sent straight to your inbox that you can read in your own time!! "A piece of paper" is his latest entry and if you've followed along with his blog tour early this year you know Jason always gives it to you good!! 

So click the link... read "The piece Of Paper", subscribe to his latest email... the whole process takes less than 5 mins... I promise you wont regret it!!



The piece of paper - A snippet of erotic romance fiction sent free to your in-box every day.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Striving for Acceptance by B.L. Mooney




Title: Striving for Acceptance
Series: Striving #3
Author: B.L. Mooney
 Release Date: December 26, 2014


Synopsis


Third in the Striving Series, but can be read alone.

We all want to feel accepted, but sometimes we do unacceptable things. When we push it too far and do the unforgivable, are we still allowed to hope for that acceptance?

Or are we doomed to accept a life of loneliness?

My current bed friend is someone who’s struggling to find his own acceptance. His big crime? He’s following his dreams. His father can’t accept the fact he no longer wants to follow in his footsteps. Should he be shut out because he quit the family business? I don’t think so. But if he should, I’ve got bigger problems.

My crime?

I cheated on my husband and then killed the man I cheated with. Would you still accept me?

Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence.








Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK




Also Available


FREE

AMAZON US / UK



AMAZON US / UK






Catarina's Thoughts:

Striving for Acceptance is the third book in the Striving series and you really need to read the first two books, Striving for Normal and Striving for Perfection to get the full story of this book. With saying that you will love the series.


Book three is Deb's story, Deb life is a total mess, guilt has made her push everyone away, and she want except help from no one. Deb emotions are in turmoil, she feels like a failure, feels unloved and used. She has a broken marriage to a man who cheered on her, feels used by her parents because she had to baby sit her siblings when her parents had to work and she was filled with hate towards her future sister-in-law Drew when she took up with Craig, who only used her to get to Drew. That is until Mick a former cop now landlord comes into her life.


As you read through this book you can see how broken Deb is, emotionally and physically, through therapy and the love of Mick she can slowly heal but her barriers are always up. Mick also has a secret that he knows may just push her over and all the trust and hard work may just go out the window.



Even though this is only a story, we can apply this to every day life, it may be someone we know or the any of the stranger we pass in everyday life who struggle with themselves because of guilt, and feel worthless. Who hide their true feeling and suffer on their own because of fear of being broken again.


You will love the characters in this series because together they move forward and heal. You will fall in love with Mick because even though at times he feels he is taking two steps forward and four steps back he never falters, he is patient and always loving. He is willing to play by her rules and slowly helps Deb break down her barriers, he take total care for her, he becomes her guardian angle never once believing she is guilty and always encouraging.


I loved this book and this series, I gave it 5 stars and would read it again. You will cry and feel every ounce of pain that Deb feels, but in the end you will feel the weight of the world lift from your shoulders when Deb finally feels acceptance. B L Mooney has written a brilliant series.




Excerpt




“Could you hand me another clay pot, please?” I was crouched down, getting the displays ready for opening day. Never mind it was still three weeks away. I needed to keep busy.
The pot appeared before me and I grabbed it. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
I turned my head to the male voice and was inches from a bulge I’d gotten used to having in my face. I hadn’t seen what the bulge was made of yet, but he sure liked thrusting it in my face every chance he could.
I snipped the shears I had in my hand. “You’re very brave to come that close.” He backed up. “That’s what I thought.”
I stood and looked at him. His curly blond hair needed a cut, as usual, and the smirk on his face needed to be smacked off. I tilted my head to the side and wondered what he would look like without the scruff he tried to pass off as a beard. Why should I care what he would look like? I shook my head.
“What do you need, Mick? I’m busy.”
“I just thought I’d see if you needed help.”
“As I’ve told you the other fifty times you’ve come over, no. I’ve got everything under control.”
He rocked back on his heels and looked around. “It does look good.”
“Thank you.”
My sister, Rachael, came from the back and smiled. We were complete opposites. She had long, wavy blonde hair while my hair was black and cut short. You might have been able to tell we were from the same gene pool if I showed my body off the way she did, but I liked to keep things a little more under wraps compared to her curve-hugging style. Besides, I’d always been the more casual type and she was all about the latest styles. It looked good on her, but I’ve got better things to worry about than clothes.
The other thing which set us apart was the fact she was friendly. I wasn’t. “Hey, Mick, what brings you over?”
“Just being neighborly.”
I rolled my eyes and turned to work on another display. “We’ve got it. Thanks for stopping by.”
Rachael waited until he left. “You’re not very nice to him.”
“He isn’t someone I want to be nice to.”
“I think you could be very nice to each other.” She smiled. “I’ve tried to get Carl to grow some scruff like that. It’s sexy. The least you could do is play nice with him and tell me if it—”
“Look, he’s the lease-holder. I don’t need to be caught up in that. Plus, he’s a little rude, always pushing his cock in my face.”
Her hands fell to her sides. “Excuse me?”
“Yes, it’s always there.”
She smiled. “Maybe you’re just always looking.”
“Don’t you have to pick up Amy?”
“Shit.” She looked at her watch. “I really do, but this conversation isn’t over.”
I mumbled, “It is for me.”

~*~

I had just finished wiping down the counter even though I’d already cleaned it a dozen times. I wasn’t ready to go home. I wanted to make sure it was perfect for opening day.
There was a small tap on the door. “Let me in already!” Mick yelled.
I rolled my eyes and walked over to the door. “It’s unlocked. Just open—” I opened it to see him balancing two plates and two glasses of wine. He walked past without an invitation. “What are you doing?”
“Come over and help me.”
Curiosity got the better of me. I walked over and watched as he turned his ass to me. “Take out the tablecloth, will you? It’s a little big, but if you keep it folded in half, it should fit the counter.”
I took the tablecloth from his back pocket and laid it out as he said to. “What are you doing?”
“Dinner.” He set the plates and glasses down. “You never leave for dinner or have anything ordered in.” He looked me over. “You’re too thin.”
I placed my hands on my hips. “Excuse me?”
“You need to keep your strength up if you’re going to run a company by yourself. You need to take care of yourself or you have no business taking care of anything else.”
He handed me a napkin with a fork and knife and pointed to the plate. I watched him grab a couple of stools for us. “Eat.” He sat on his stool and dug in. “Are you going to tell me you don’t like steak?”
I shook my head. I sat down and looked at the steak, baked potato, and green beans. “I’m just trying to figure out what your motive is.”
“Money.”
I looked up. “You want me to pay you for this.”
“No, I want you to pay for your lease, and you can’t do that if you run yourself down.” He took another bite and pointed at my plate. “Eat.”
I could live with that answer. It was honest and impersonal, so I liked it. I started eating. “This is really good.”
“Thanks.”
“How did you keep it warm?”
“I don’t live far.”
“Oh.”
We sat in silence and finished our meal. It wasn’t uncomfortable. The sounds of the utensils against the plates filled the air and before I knew it, I had cleaned the plate.
“See, you feel better now, don’t you?”
I allowed a small smile. “I do. Thank you.”
He nodded and looked around. “It’s remarkable how good this place looks. You’ve done a great job.”
“Thanks. Thank you for dinner, too.”
He turned back to me and smiled. “You’re welcome.”
A police car with lights and sirens went by and I started shaking. He noticed. “I’m going to take the plates to the back and rinse them off for you, but I don’t have any detergent to clean them.”
He held my hand and stopped me from taking his plate. “What’s wrong?”
“Oh, it just startled me, is all. I’ll be right back.”
He allowed me to go to the back with the dishes. I set them in the sink and took a deep breath while I hung my head and leaned on the counter. I wondered if Al was available. It made it easier after I moved into Rachael’s apartment to see her neighbor down the hall, but it also made it more difficult to avoid him. I needed to forget life for a while and he always helped me with that, but he had started to want too much. I just wanted sex.
“Hey.” Mick came into the back, scaring me. I jumped, dropping the knife in the sink. “I’m sorry. You were just back here a little longer than I thought it would take to rinse plates.”
“I must be tired.” I grabbed a hand towel and dried the plates. “They still need soap, but at least you won’t get anything dirty.”
“Thanks.” He looked back out to the front. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“No. There’s nothing to talk about.” I walked around him and took the plates to the counter. He had already folded the tablecloth.
“Okay, but I’m a pretty good listener.”
“I’m not good at talking. Just ask my sister.”
He smiled. “I’m not, either. I think that’s what makes me a good listener.” He looked around. “Well, I think I’ll get out of your way and let you go home. You need to rest up for your big day.”
I laughed. “That’s a lot of resting. It’s still a few weeks out.” What I needed wasn’t rest. I checked my watch. Al went to bed early, and I needed to catch him before he went to sleep.
He pointed to my watch. “Do you have somewhere you need to be?”
“Not exactly. I wanted to catch a friend before he went to sleep.”
“He?”
“I’m allowed to have male friends.”
“I never said you couldn’t.”
“It was implied.”
He raised an eyebrow. “From one word?”
“It was the tone.”
He tilted his head forward. “The tone was surprise that you liked the male species.”
“Occasionally.”
“I’m a lot closer.”
“To what?”
He stepped up to me but didn’t touch me. “For what you need your friend for.”
We stood there staring at each other. He was probably wondering if I was going to take him up on his offer, and I was wondering if he was serious. It didn’t matter. I couldn’t get involved and risk losing the shop, no matter how promising the bulge he constantly put in front of me was.
“You have no idea what I need my friend for.”
He walked me backwards until I hit the counter. “You want him to take care of your needs. Needs you suddenly have ever since that cop car went blaring by. You need him to help you forget life for a while, to make you feel good, and protected.” He leaned in and whispered in my ear. “Deny it.”
I swallowed as he leaned in more, pressing his body to mine and reaching behind me to grab the dishes. I closed my eyes when he walked away. The breath I had been holding was finally released. Al better not have gone to sleep yet.

~*~

I unlocked my door and threw my purse on the chair. I wanted to take a shower before I went to Al’s. He didn’t care if I came over dirty from working in the shop, but I cared. Before I got to the bathroom, there was a knock on my door. I smiled; only one person knocked like that. He could shower with me.
I opened the door and smiled even wider. “Hey, I was just going to jump in the shower and head over, but you can come in with me. My back needs washing.”
He stepped in, but didn’t look happy. “Deb, we need to talk.”
I lowered my head and shut the door. I was dreading this day, the day he demanded more than sex. I turned and looked at the guy I’d spent the last several months with but knew very little about. That was how I wanted to keep it.
He was blond, dumb, and a great fuck. That’s all I needed to know and all I wanted to know. I was going to miss the orgasms he could give me. Fuck. “Al, we’ve talked about this.”
“No, actually.” He looked at the package in his hands. “I met someone.”
I took a step back. I hadn’t expected that. “You did?”
“Yeah, and I want to be exclusive with her.” He handed me the package.
“What’s this?”
“A goodbye gift.” He rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. “Don’t open it until I leave, but I feel bad about this.”
I put the box on the side table and hugged him. “Do not feel bad at all. I’m very happy for you.”
He hugged me back. “You are?”
“Of course.” I backed up and patted his chest. “You have a big heart in there and have wanted to give it to someone for a long time. I’m glad you’ve found someone to give it to.” I looked at the gift. “You really didn’t have to.”
He smiled. “Yes, I did.” He checked his watch. “She’s coming over any minute, so I should get back to my apartment. Thanks for being cool with this. I’m going to miss you.”
“I’m not going anywhere, champ. We’ll still see each other. We’ll just see each other with our clothes on.”
He smiled and nodded as he walked out. I locked the door behind him and turned to the package. I should’ve given it back to him. He didn’t need to give me anything. What I received from our time together was the only thing I’d wanted from him. I opened the package and smiled. I guess he wanted to make sure I still had my orgasms.
I took it out and looked at the deluxe model vibrator he had given me. I wasn’t much into vibrators and didn’t have the need for them with him next door. I shrugged and took it to the bedroom. I didn’t have him anymore, so no need for his money to go to waste.



  



Author Bio

B.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do—she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she’s made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up in her head just fine.

B.L. lives in the Midwest, and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.

She loves to hear from her readers and you can contact her via email at 
AuthorBLMooney@gmail.com



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