TIGERS LIKE IT HOT by Tianna Xander

TIGERS LIKE IT HOT by Tianna Xander

Caspian Cascade # 1

Who knew shape shifters exist and they adore curvy, full-figured women?
 
When Jessi decides to leave her home town for the second time, she and her best friend Kelly devise a plan. They’ve researched six different towns, they’ve drawn the orders of their visits from a hat and they’re determined to stick to the new path they’ve set out for themselves.
 
When Gareth and Mac set out in search of a mate, they didn’t expect company in the form of two unwanted tag-along friends, and they certainly didn’t expect their sort of well-laid plans to grind to a screeching halt in a town they had never even heard of before.

How did they all end up in the town dubbed Halloween town for the week when none of them had even planned to stop there for anything more than lunch?

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Excerpt:

“That’s it! I’ve had it.” Jessi snarled as she stalked into the apartment she shared with her best friend, Kelly. “I’ve had it. I am so out of here. Just watch how fast I’m outta here. Your head will spin.”

Throwing her purse on the couch, she stomped to the coat closet and pulled her suitcases out. One by one, she dragged them into her room and hefted them up onto the bed. After hoisting the last one up, she unzipped them and started pulling her dresser drawers out, which she unceremoniously dumped into the open bags.

“What’s the matter?” Kelly leaned against the door frame, her arms crossed, a little crease between her brows. “What are you doing?”

“I’m leaving. That’s what I’m doing.” Jessi waved her hand above her head. “I’ve had it up to here with Billy’s innuendo and Bobby’s pawing. Let them find some other girl to torment. I’m not taking it anymore.”

Tears burned her eyes as she thought about leaving home again. It wasn’t the town she would miss. It was Kelly who would fill her thoughts as she drove away, leaving this town in the dust for the last time. At least she wouldn’t leave Kelly penniless. She’d managed to invest her way into a sizable bank account over the years. While she had a larger bank account than Kelly’s, it wasn’t much larger. The money she’d saved and invested for them both over the time she’d lived and worked in the city, if they continued to invest it wisely, would last the rest of their lives.

“I should have known that I could never come home.” She dashed the tears away with the back of her hand. “Why can’t those jerks just leave me alone?”

For whatever reason, the people in town, mainly the guys she grew up with, wouldn’t forget her wild youth. They reminded Kelly of it constantly. What had made her think that she would be any different?

Every person in town was guilty of doing something they weren’t proud of doing when they were younger. Yet, they constantly reminded her that she wasn’t perfect, and she wasn’t wife material. She and Kelly were good enough to screw any man in town—not that they would do that anymore—but they drew the line at a one-night-stand. Apparently, the men in town had never made it into the modern world. They still held their women to different standards. Jessi hated that.

So what that she’d had low self-esteem when she was younger? What difference did it make that she had done the very thing that every man in town had done at one time or another in their adolescence.

“I just can’t take it anymore.” Jessi shook her head and sighed. A year was already too long to put up with that crap. “This time when I leave, I’m never coming back here.”

Jessi stared at the clothes haphazardly piled in her bags. Her shoulders drooped at the thought of losing her best friend, yet again. She turned to Kelly. “I’ll miss you.” Her voice cracked as she barely kept herself from bawling. She felt like she did fifteen years ago, all over again.

“No you won’t.”

“What do you mean, I won’t miss you? Of course, I will! You’re my best friend.” Did Kelly think she didn’t really care?

“You won’t miss me because…” Kelly paused, then grinned. “I’m going with you this time. If you think I’m going to let you leave me here again, you’re out of your cotton pickin’ mind.”

“B-but why would you leave your home, too?”

Kelly tilted her head and stared at her with a frown. “Do you think those asshats treat me any differently than they treat you?” She shook her head. “I’m sick to death of it, too.” She sat up, clapped her hands together and grinned. “I say we get the hell out of this little Podunk town and find a place where we can really live!” She headed for the doorway, presumably to go pack. “When does our adventure begin?”

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THE ADVENTURES OF MAX DAILY by Alex J. Alex

THE ADVENTURES OF MAX DAILY by Alex J. Alex

Max, a young hunk who has very little experience with women, gets out of the Marine Corps in 1968 and finds out his girlfriend has gotten married and moved away. He jumps in his old convertible and heads west to see the country.

It seems that everywhere he goes he runs into fascinating--and sexy--women who fall all over him, from a ski bunny with two broken legs to a well-preserved bordello madam. From joining the mile High Club to starring in a triple-X movie, Max's sexual experiences are not only plentiful, but original and entertaining as well. 

Come along for the ride, and keep the top down.

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Excerpt:

Then, she appeared. She was carrying a large cloth bag.

“Oh, a red convertible.”

“Yeah. I just love to ride around with the top down.”

“How old is this car?” she asked as she ran her hand along the fender.

“It’s a 1954 Lincoln. It weighs about three tons and it’s faster than it looks.”

“Ooo, good. I like to go fast.” She hefted the bag. “Could I put this in the trunk?”

“Sure.” He opened the trunk and she threw the bag in. It looked like a laundry bag that Max had had when he was in the Marines.

“Dirty underwear?” he asked

She gave him a smoky look and leaned against him, putting her arm around him and tiptoeing up to whisper, “I don’t wear any underwear.” She squeezed his buttocks, then slapped his butt. “Let’s go,” she said with a laugh, and she skipped around to the passenger side and got in.

Max hadn’t seen many women where he had been stationed for the past year, especially round eyes. This hitchhiker was almost more than he knew what to do with. The girls he remembered from before he had enlisted certainly hadn’t been as forward as this. A lot must have changed since he had left for Okinawa in 1965. He knew that there was a lot of anti-war sentiment, and that there were folks called flower children whose slogan was “Make Love, Not War”. He was beginning to think that he was linking up with one of them, and wasn’t too sure how to take it.

He was proud of his service in Viet Nam. The few Vietnamese he had met had been friendly even though they were awfully poor. They seemed to be pretty much indifferent to the war, but they treated U.S. servicemen with respect and friendship. He had heard that it was different down South in the delta, but North of Hue there was a conventional war going on between the North Vietnamese army and the U.S. Third Marine Division.

He got in the car, pumped the gas pedal once, turned the key, and pressed the starter button. The big V-8 roared to life with a healthy rumble. He put it in Drive, released the brake, and headed out onto the highway. The four-speed hydramatic shifted flawlessly as the big Lincoln shot down the acceleration ramp and merged with the westbound traffic. What a beautiful day for a ride.

“I like this car,” said Anita, her hair streaming in the wind. “I might even get a little tan.”

“You don’t look like you’ve been in the sun very much yet this summer.”

“You don’t get much sun in The Village.”

“The Village?”

“Greenwich Village. In New York.”

“Oh. Are you a Beatnik?”

“Sort of. They call us Hippies now.”

“I was a Beatnik for a while, before I joined the Corps. I still carry around a copy of On The Road by Jack Kerouak. I even took it to Viet Nam with me. It’s in the glove compartment.”

“Were you a Marine?” she asked with a wide-eyed expression on her face. “You do look like you could be a killer. I don’t think much of the war. I don’t think much of anybody killing anyone else.”

“Listen, my old neighborhood in Newark is a lot more dangerous than Viet Nam was. I had a nice safe bunker to live in over there. At home, you never know who might shoot you or stab you in the alley and there seems to be more dope on the streets than I ever saw in Viet Nam.”

Neither of them spoke for a moment.

“Who cares? Let’s just live for the moment. I don’t care who you are or what you did. I just want to snuggle up to you.”

With that, she slid across the bench seat and leaned against him. Max put his arm around her. She was warm and soft. She licked his neck.

“What was that for?”

“Did you like it?”

He looked down at her and grinned. She snuggled closer. Then she took his right hand, slipped it under her arm and placed it on her breast. Max could tell that she hadn’t been lying about not wearing underwear--at least she apparently wasn’t wearing a bra. Her nipple was hard.

“How long has it been since you had a woman?”

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STERLING SUNSHINE by Cheryl Dragon

STERLING SUNSHINE by Cheryl Dragon

Men of Alaska Book 2

Gretchen isn’t in Sterling to find men. At least she keeps telling herself that. She has a new job to do promoting local businesses. Still, she can’t resist hoping she’ll find the right group of hot men to really make her dreams come true. She already has her eye on a certain sexy trio, and when they fail to make the first move, she uses work to make a meeting happen. Alaska is definitely bringing out her bolder side.

Tony and Ross are eager to date and seduce the voluptuous beauty but their third lover is a roaming pilot with notoriously bad timing. Do they count him in or out? Should they wait for him to show up or move on her? The attraction proves too hard to resist, but Matt turns up just in time to make it a foursome. It complicates the relationship but adds to the passion. Besides, love and lust aren’t practical.

The deeper Gretchen gets into the lives of her three men, the more she knows they need to be shaken up and she’s just the woman to do it!

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Excerpt:

Early on a Monday morning, the sun was already high and shining. Summer in Alaska meant lots of craziness with only a few hours of darkness. After the long dark winters, people soaked up the sun, and it meant not enough sleep, too much energy, and stupid stuff. Tony Wooden was ready for another day of tourists and locals who needed help. He saw all of it firsthand working as a paramedic with the Sterling Fire Department.

As he sat at the breakfast table across from his steady guy, Ross Isaac, Tony tapped on the side of his coffee mug. The excessive sun affected him too.

“Too much coffee?” Ross teased.

“Too much routine.” Tony glanced over. As usual, Ross was studying his tablet for the latest news. The new mayor of Sterling wanted to boost tourism and make his mark. At only thirty-three, he was young for that sort of job, but everyone liked him. A long-time resident, Ross was one quarter Native and it showed in his dark black hair and brown eyes. He wanted progress but respected tradition, which pleased almost everyone.

“Can I help?” Ross asked.

“I’m just a jealous jerk. My little brother Jason and his guys have the perfect woman for them and I feel like I’ve been off and on with guys all my life. I knew I liked men and women growing up. I found the right men, but Matt always makes it complicated with his job priorities. We’re finally set but we could be missing a chance,” Tony said.

“Gretchen.” Ross sighed. “I agree, she’s the best thing that’s happened to this town in a long time. And us. I’m just as interested as you are. You’re so cute when you’re smitten.”

“You have to like her and...” Tony stopped before he brought up the guy who’d hopped in and out of their lives regularly.

“She’s very attractive. I can’t say I’m in love right now. I more than like her but we haven’t had a lot of time to do any traditional sort of dating. She’s been busy moving up here. Back and forth to Michigan then setting up her advertising work with your brother and his group. It’s hard to seriously date someone who is still moving and settling in. Will she stay in Alaska? Plus I’m still figuring out this mayor job.” Ross grinned. “It’ll happen.”

“With just two of us? Or will Matt show up and ruin it? Throw a wrench in it?” Tony asked. He was used to putting out fires and handling emergencies, so when Matt landed in town, it wasn’t too bad. Ross and Tony dealt with it and enjoyed it. Maybe Tony had been putting off moving seriously on Gretchen because of the Matt question. He and Ross had spent time with her, but it was more friendly time at gatherings.

“He could jumble things if we’re trying to win Gretchen.” Ross nodded.

“No shit! He showed up right after the wedding she was in, but she was busy going back and handling things at her old place. By the time she came back, he was off again. They’ve crossed paths at most. Now she’s staying with her friend Melody and my brother and Ryan and Dale, but Matt’s gone again. I don’t want to screw it up. It’s already complicated,” Tony said.

“Small towns are always complicated. New women don’t move here every day. We shouldn’t keep things on hold. I think she’s settled in now and, with summer here, we have lots of events and options to socialize. But are we ready to shut the door on Matt? Maybe he’d settle in if we had the right woman?” Ross asked.

Tony had been wrestling with that for weeks. Matt had met Gretchen once or twice while he was here, but, like most times, he’d gotten some job and hopped in his plane.

He didn’t want to lose Gretchen over it, but Matt was a complicated guy. His dad was an ice-road trucker who was gone for long stretches. It seemed to be genetic. Matt was a pilot who loved to take high-paying jobs transporting things needed by people living on islands and in remote areas. Not every place had a ferry, and once it warmed up, the ice roads shut down. He made good money, and Tony understood, but it was hard to build a relationship without all the players.

“What do you think?” Tony turned the question back around on Ross.

“We love him. We always will. We know what he is and accept it. He’s not going to change tomorrow because of an ultimatum. We just need to live our lives. If we want Gretchen, we go after her. Date her. Two stable men isn’t bad. Gretchen came up here for Isa’s wedding. Isa only has two men and she’s very happy,” Ross said.

“And if Matt drops in while we’re dating? You know his timing,” Tony replied.

“Then we tell the truth. We tell Gretchen all about him and our history. The ménage tradition in this town is odd enough. She doesn’t seem to mind it for her friends. Guys with jobs that take them away for chunks of time is part of why the ménage structure worked in Sterling. Being on the Kenai Peninsula, some of the men went out in boats to fish while others went north and up the mountains to mine. And everyone hunts. All of it is dangerous. Sharing a woman gives the family protection. Matt says he wants the old-fashioned relationship because he loves the real Alaska.” Ross shrugged.

Tony nodded. “Matt loves the adventure. He could make a living around here giving tours. We just have to be honest with her. Two men are plenty when you have such a safe job. We’re both in town.”

“Isa married two men in the coast guard. There are no guarantees in life. You have to roll the dice and hope for the best,” Ross said.

“I know. I want to make her part of our life and keep her safe. I deal with chaos at work. I don’t like chaos in my personal life.” Tony left the table and put his dishes in the dishwasher.

“Then you should’ve cut Matt out a long time ago. A new player means uncertainty. She might not like it. She might want four men. Who knows? The longer we wait, the better the chance other men will go after her. Right?” Ross asked.

Tony leaned down and kissed Ross slowly. “I know. When you explain it, it makes sense. I want to offer her the world not a hard to explain trio.”

“If we’re that hung up on her, we need to stop stalling and move on this fast.” Ross looked at Tony. “You’re worried I won’t fall for her?”

“Of course I am.” Tony sighed.

“I’m crazy about you, and we both can’t get Matt out of our system. I think the odds are good. Let’s see what we can do to get her attention.” Ross cleared his place.

“I hope I haven’t waited too long.” Tony leaned on the counter. “She was moving and working but I danced with her at the wedding and stuff.”

“Stuff?” Ross asked.

“Nothing like that. Flirted. You’re right. We need to move on it before she thinks we’re not interested. I just don’t want Matt to screw it up.” Tony knew he was overanalyzing and looked at the time. “Work is always a distraction. Have a good one.”

“You too, and stop worrying,” Ross said.

That was easier said than done. Tony wanted a stable family of his own. Tourism did better over in Homer. Sterling was a bit more traditional, but they had their share. New women moving in didn’t happen much. Any woman wouldn’t do. Gretchen caught his attention, and Tony trusted his instincts.

Growing up in Alaska, he was ready for the bear in the backyard or the moose on the road. He trusted his gut on a camping trip or when driving in a blizzard. At work he made split-second decisions about life, death, and the conditions around him. When it came to personal things, he agonized because he had time to think. He couldn’t trust that Gretchen and Matt would work out. He wasn’t that lucky, but he couldn’t pick between the two. He had to trust Ross and explore the options.

* * * *

Gretchen stayed out of the way as the flurry of activity swept through Melody’s home. Technically it was the guys’ home, but she’d relocated and made it hers. Three kisses and the men headed off to their boat repair shop while the women lingered over coffee.

“Well the boat repair business is picking up,” Melody said.

“I wish we could get your dress-making business humming.” Gretchen had been working on advertising but it wasn’t working as well. Alaskans were a fairly practical lot. Fancy dresses were for very special occasions only.

“I’m still getting some work, but the self-sufficient nature of Alaskans means sewing isn’t the most in-demand skill. Weddings are my best business, but people might not have the funds to buy custom gowns.” Mel shrugged.

“But you’re happy?” Gretchen asked. She knew the answer and was doing her best not to be jealous of Mel’s blissful state. Alaska was an adjustment, but Mel had easily transitioned to a complicated relationship.

Mel grinned. “Very.”

“Good. I think if we focus on weddings, we can build a business for you. We’ve got some samples and you’re working on a few more. I’m trying to get a meeting with the mayor. Maybe link up with the tourism push I heard he’s looking to do.” Gretchen’s mind whirled as she nibbled a piece of bacon leftover from her breakfast.

She’d been working hard to prove her new job; helping with the advertising and promotion of the boat repair and dress design business was worth it. After a long stretch of unemployment, she had purpose. There was plenty to do but progress was only showing on the boat side. Gretchen feared that was just the good weather, but she’d gotten the word out farther than the guys.

“You don’t need to push so hard, Gretchen. No one expects magic overnight. We’re doing the bridal show in Anchorage. That’ll help,” Mel said.

“It will and it’ll be even better if we can build up Sterling as a spot for destination weddings. Alaska is a great vacation place, we can make Sterling a great location to get married in and enjoy the scenery, the nature, and all that good stuff. If we can tie our promotion budget in with the town, we’ll more than double the reach.”

“Destination weddings? Here?” Mel asked.

“Sterling has it all. Small, cute feel. Water and gorgeous nature settings. The men can fish, hunt, hike, and all that. Women too. Or the women can do the wine tasting in Homer like we did. We need to build up the draws for women because they really are the ones who make the wedding decisions.” Gretchen nodded.

“That’s true. There’s a beauty salon in town. Not a ton of shopping beyond basics. Photographer.” Mel frowned.

“You’re sure you’re not going to have a wedding? We could make a blitz of promotion about that.” Gretchen grinned.

“No. Marriage is great for some people, but I won’t play favorites.” Mel shook her head.

Mel had overcome a lot of marriage doubts and independence issues to move here. Committing to such a complex relationship was great progress, and Mel didn’t want to be legally married to one man and not the others. Gretchen admired her friend’s perspective, but she couldn’t imagine still not wanting a big wedding. Legal or not...it was a celebration!

“I hope gay marriage is made legal here soon. That’d add to the business. Two brides, double the dresses. Or two custom-designed tuxes works too. Group marriage will take forever, but we don’t need it to be legal to throw the party,” Gretchen said.

“I know you were out of work for a while and it was really depressing, but you don’t have to push so hard. Big things take time. I won’t be a billion-dollar dress designer in a day. Especially not after moving here.” Mel patted her friend’s hand.

Gretchen took a deep breath and sipped her coffee. “I get it. Too much too fast. Too much pressure on myself. It’s just so nice to have something to do. I’m living in your house and eating your food. You know I just want to make myself useful.”

“You are. There’s no rush to move out. Trust me, the guys don’t mind. The deal was room and board while we get things going. Once business picks up, we can start paying you more. You can find a place, if you want to stay,” Mel said.

“I’m not sure I want to live alone here. Definitely not yet. It’s different, but nice. Small town. Things feel a bit simpler, yet other things are a lot more complicated.” Gretchen had been eating more in-season fresh fish and local meats instead of the processed food that were cheaper and easier to come by in the lower forty-eight. That alone helped her take off the weight she’d added while jobless.

“You fit in better than I did at first.” Mel checked her phone.

“It’s summer too. That helps. The darker winter was a rough way to explore a new town with wedding stress on top of it. You were a great maid of honor and made fabulous dresses in the dark. At least now we know what we’re in for. We can soak up the sun and prep for the winter.” Gretchen looked down at her smartphone.

Technology was a big part of what helped Alaska run better these days. Even if they were snowed in, information still came through. “What if we do an app?”

“An app? For dresses?” Mel asked.

“Yeah! What if we had an app designed where women take a selfie and pick a design of yours, and it adjusts to their form? They could virtually try on your whole line. There would be a place to put in for a custom dress, of course. But the idea is they can see what you’ve done and how it’d look on them from anywhere. We could advertise in Canada and all over Alaska. Offer the app for free.” Gretchen started making notes in her phone.

“You’re really good at this. See. I knew I hired the right woman for the job. Maybe Ryan can help?” Mel suggested.

Gretchen nodded. Ryan was the tech expert of Mel’s men. “Make sure we load those prom designs you did too.”

A text popped up on her phone.

From the office of the Mayor: He has an opening at 11 a.m. today. Please reply if you’d like this spot or not.

She replied yes quickly. “I’m seeing Ross today at eleven. Hopefully he’ll be on board.”

“He will and he’s hot.” Mel grinned.

Gretchen’s jaw dropped. “You have three hot guys.”

“I meant for you. Tony was flirting with you at Isa’s reception. He and Ross are an item. They’d been running into you every chance they get. You don’t see it? I don’t know why they haven’t been here trying to get you out on a date all spring,” Mel said.

Copyright © Cheryl Dragon

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SWEETEST SALVATION by Kacey Hammell

SWEETEST SALVATION by Kacey Hammell

After the deaths of her husband and child, tragedies that she blames herself for, Andrea “Andy” Sheaver has shut herself off from the world. The only place she finds any relief from her shattered heart is Club Splendor, where she and her husband often frequented together. There, Andy submits to pleasure and pain in situations so her grief is forgotten for a little while.

But Hunter Sullivan won’t stand idly by and watch Andy self-destruct. A friend of her husband, and the owner of Club Splendor, Hunter has kept his love for Andy hidden for years. He refuses to think of her at the club, cold and detached as she’s become, looking for an easy fix to take away the pain in her heart. Hunter wants her to be vibrant in life again and sets out to prove he is exactly who she needs.  

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Excerpt © Kacey Hammell, 2013

Hunter sighed, which caught Andy’s attention. Her eyes met his briefly before lowering to her hands, which were clenched tight in her lap.
 

“Look, Andy,” he began.
 

“What do you want, Hunter?” Her forest-green-eyed gaze met his. Anger swirled in their depths.

“I’m tired of this. Dammit.” He snarled, rising, and crossed to the fireplace. He ran his fingers through his hair and leaned one arm on the mantel. He looked over at her, stomach churning with indigestion and pain. He’d loved Patrick and Peter too. Could she not understand that she wasn’t the only one suffering?

“Tired of what? I never asked you here.”

“This!” Hunter spread his arms wide. “You. I’m so tired of seeing you locked away in this house, never leaving and pictures gone.”

“Go to hell,” Andy spat and leapt to her feet. She moved behind the loveseat, obvious fury making her hands shake as she laid them on the back of it. “You don’t have any say in how I live. I never asked for your opinion. If you don’t like it, get the hell out of my house. And my life!”

Hunter breathed deep, nostrils flaring. He could no more walk away from her than he could from the Sheavers. She was as much a part of his life, and his heart, as they were.

But his love for her went far beyond sisterly.

He pushed that thought away, buried it deep within himself as he’d done for years. She was Patrick’s girl, his wife. He always honored that.

“Dammit, I don’t want to argue with you, Andy. But you really need to move on. Live life again and leave this house.”

“I leave the house. You don’t know what I do every day.”

“Oh yes, you go out. Like the other night? Why did you go to the club? I thought we agreed you were no longer a member,” Hunter demanded, curious about her answer.

“No. You decided I was no longer a member. Not me. I never said I wanted that. Who are you to make decisions for me?” Andy retorted, cheeks flushed, hands on her hips.

Hunter had to admit he was finally seeing a glimpse of the fiery, strong woman she’d been until this last year. He liked her eyes ablaze, jaw clenched and fury radiating off her body. He just needed to provoke her enough and challenge her to move beyond these walls and back to the things she loved to do.

“I don’t want to make decisions for you.” He took a calming breath. “Listen, the club is not the place for you any longer. Without Patrick… There’s no need for you to be there anymore.”

“Why do you think that?”

“He was the one who wanted to show it to you. He never really thought you’d come to enjoy it as much as you did. Neither of you interacted with others. What can you find there now without him?”

Andy smiled, cold and detached. He hated that smirk.

“Oh, come now. You know what happens in your club. Surely, I don’t have to spell it out for you.”

Goddamn her.

Yes, he knew what she’d done inside the room she’d once used with Patrick. Though he normally didn’t interfere in his members’ activities unless there was a problem, he did ask Paige and Nolan if Andy had simply watched. He’d been shocked, then livid, to learn a few details of what happened between the three of them.

Andy had always been a devoted wife to Patrick, faithful to the core. To know she’d been an active participant at the club for the first time had suddenly left him empty and alone.

But he couldn’t allow his feelings on the matter to distract him from pushing her back into life.

He shrugged. “No. You don’t have to spell it out for me. But is that what you truly want and need in your life?  Sex with strangers? Do you need to find comfort in people who don’t care about you?”

Andy glared at him. “That is none of your business.” Her voice rose as she continued. “What I do in my life is for me to decide. I never asked to have you in my life. Don’t expect me to want you there now.”

His heart clenched. Her words were like a punch to the gut.

Yes, he’d sort of come as a package deal when she’d married Patrick. But the Sheavers were the only family he had. And when Peter was born, oh, he’d played the dutiful uncle to the little boy. Though she’d never voiced her frustration at his being in attendance at nearly all family gatherings or taking up some of Patrick’s time once a week for a guys’ night out, he’d understood the stone-faced woman who left the words unsaid.

“I always promised Patrick I’d look after you if he couldn’t.”

“Fuck off, Hunter. Don’t give me that.” Her hands fisted at her sides. “Look, please just go. I don’t need you here. I have things to do.”

He wouldn’t be so easily dismissed.

“Things to do? Like what, plan your next adventure at the club? I don’t think so. Why? Explain to me why you felt the need to go there?”

Arms wide, she yelled, “I wanted to fuck somebody. Is that what you want to hear? That I wanted to have a cock inside me for the first time in almost two years? I wanted to have a man inside, pounding me—brutal and painful. What better place to do that than at the club where I know I’m safe?”

Hunter’s heartbeat accelerated. To know she needed someone that close to her was agonizing. It was a barren and desperate act of someone who had nothing to live for. Or didn’t think she was worth much.

“Why pain? You couldn’t have found satisfaction in that. No pleasure, Andy? You, of all people, found pleasure in that kind of sex? I don’t believe for a moment that you’re now into rough sex,” Hunter said, gruff. His mouth was dry, and confusion made his head hurt. Would he never understand this woman?

Andy crossed her arms over her chest. She looked out the window behind him. Her gaze was unfocused, filled with pain.

“Yes, pain. It’s what I deserve, isn’t it?” Her gaze captured his. Hunter felt his heart crack at her desolate look.

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SALESMEN ON THE RISE by Cheryl Dragon

SALESMEN ON THE RISE by Cheryl Dragon

Lucky Springs Book Six

With the Lucky Springs factory expanding, the sales force needs to step up their game. Marketing guru Zoe Avery is retraining the sales force. Two hot sales teams are just as interested in seducing her as they are in raising their sales numbers.

The last thing Zoe wants is to settle down in such a small town, but she can’t turn down a lot of fun while she’s looking for a better job in a big city. There isn't much to do except those four sexy men anyway. Unfortunately, keeping it casual and secret isn't as easy as Zoe hoped!

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~Excerpt~

Cameron Shea stared at the clock on his laptop. Another day of meetings with Lucky Springs Industrial’s new marketing guru, Zoe Avery, for him and the three other salesmen assigned locally. The Lucky Springs Industrial plant had expanded, and now, their little town was packed with factory workers. Zoe made the suddenly crowded town worth it. The higher ups really needed to add more women to the office.

Zoe was fairly new in town. She possessed brilliant marketing skills and seemed to love the ever-present male attention.

“You’re counting down to the meeting,” said Donovan Weber. Cam and Don had been a sales team and lovers for years and had grown up in Lucky Springs. They shared an office, a house, and throughout the years, various guest lovers.

“It’s a bizarre torture in a way. She’s hot as hell and loves marketing.” Cam loved Don and their shared interest in women. Don was a cute guy with brown hair and brown eyes who everyone liked instantly. Their relationship worked, but they’d included girls in their sexual relationship off and on. Occasionally, other men made the cut, too.

Now that Lucky Springs had a lot more men than women—thank you factory expansion—the bisexual men weren’t as bad off as the straight guys were. Still, this woman had a lot of attention, not just Don and Cam’s. Competition was fierce. Single women had their pick of groups, pairs or single men.

True, the men could just venture out to Baton Rouge or Shreveport, but those cities were hours away. If one wanted a woman in his life or bed regularly, Lucky Springs was still limited.

“Why don’t we just make a move on her?” Don suggested. Naturally, as salesmen, they had a bit of a competitive streak with other guys.

“Sounds good to us.” Owen Pratt leaned in the doorway with his sales partner and acknowledged boyfriend, Jarrett Falcon.

Owen and Jarrett had moved into the spare room in Cam and Don’s house a month ago when they scored their sales jobs. The town needed more apartments but having the other men around had turned out to be fun. The roommate thing helped as far as chores and saving money. Their compatibility was a plus. The guys weren’t unpleasant to look at, certainly. It was almost too comfortable.

Cam and Don had discussed their attraction to the other men. Owen was handsome, with brown hair and striking green eyes. Don loved to stare at Owen’s round ass.

Jar was blond with serene blue eyes that made him look innocent and sweet, rather like his Bible belt upbringing. So far, the quad hadn’t hooked up. The two couples had been tiptoeing around wanting each other and their mutual interest in the right woman.

“We don’t want to push her too fast. She’s only been in Lucky Springs a few months.” Jar shrugged.

“She dated around a bit before you two moved here. Zoe knows the game. We don’t want to lose out on the chance since we’ve got her captive in these meetings.” Don grinned.

“She’s not the settling down type. That’s the thing. From what I’ve heard, she’s not looking to be domestic. So let’s make it a no pressure thing until we see where it goes. Hot and seductive,” Cam said.

“All four of us? Or shall we see which duo she wants more? Pretend to fight over her a little?” Owen asked.

“I don’t think pretending is a good idea. She already thinks salesmen are full of shit. Working with as many as she has in her career, she’d see right through us. I’d rather be direct. Plus, her friend moved in with a quad of guys not long ago. We won’t freak her out. I think we’re stronger going in as a group. We all live together, so it’s less awkward and more convenient if we’re all in. Let’s see how it goes.” Don closed his laptop. “Meeting time.”

“Wait, so it’s open season. Orgy? We all screw each other, too?” Jar asked.

Attraction sparked as Cam patted Jar’s shoulder. “Afraid of all the men?”

Jar had grown up with extremely religious parents and, while his sales skills were formidable, he hesitated with personal stuff that would upset his family. Apparently, his lust for men was undeniable, and he’d made peace with one man. Cam found the allure of a pious rebel a serious turn on.

Owen chuckled. “You’re with one guy. What’s a couple more plus a girl?”

Cam knew Don wanted to play with Owen, but not everyone was as open as they were.

“If you’re good with it, so are we.” Don winked at Owen.

“I think we should keep this about Zoe. Especially at first. We can screw around at home all we want. If you guys are into it, great! We don’t mind sharing. The missing piece is the right woman. We can’t try to tie her down and lay claim like we’re cavemen. But she’s the main goal, not a side dish or this whole thing blows up.” Cam had nightmares of it backfiring. Lucky Springs was his hometown and news spread like lightning.

“If we didn’t need the right woman, we wouldn’t be hatching this plan. We’d be content with men, but we’re not. Let’s play the game she wants. Like playing golf or going to dinners to close a sales deal. It’s all about Zoe, so let’s keep it casual.” Jar shook his head. “I don’t know how to do that with sex.”

Owen smiled. “Don’t worry, just focus on her sexually. Get her off and don’t talk relationships. We’ll make the first move. Follow our lead.”

Cam nodded to Owen. “Sounds good. With any luck, we’ll keep her so happy she’ll want to stay with us.”

“Are we all sure we want her? Don’t get too attached to any ideas until we explore things.” Don grabbed his Smartphone and led the way down the hall.

“You’re right. It’s a lot of people to juggle and keep happy.” Owen checked his watch. “We’re late.”

The halls were busy, but the people seemed to part for Zoe as she walked toward the men. In a sexy skirt and heels, with a silky bronze blouse catching the light, she showed off her curves like a woman who knew exactly the sort of power she held over men. And she loved it.

Cam and Don had been studying her since she arrived. The new marketing campaign finally gave them up-close access to her without looking like horny animals on the prowl.

“Gentlemen, did I bore you so much yesterday that you’re boycotting me?” Zoe put her hands on her hips and lifted an eyebrow at them.

Her black hair was neatly angled along her chin while her hazel eyes hinted at mysterious thoughts. She wasn’t drop-dead gorgeous, but Cam preferred a real woman to fake perfection. Zoe was well put together and had confidence that made everyone take notice.

“No, we were just comparing notes,” Cam said.

Jar nodded. “Yeah, you covered a lot yesterday about the new branding and everything.”

“Well, get in that conference room for day two. We’re ordering in lunch, and I think I’ll have a surprise this afternoon.” She leaned in and gave them a big smile.

Cam inhaled her perfume and knew today was the day. She flirted with them. True, playful was her personality, but he’d caught her checking out the men yesterday. Today, it was time to get her naked on that conference table or get reported to HR. They needed to find out if she was interested.

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PRE-GAME SHOW by Zenobia Renquist

PRE-GAME SHOW by Zenobia Renquist

Tawnie and Hudson have been together for a long time. Their marriage isn't bad, but a woman needs some excitement in her life. Fortunately for Tawnie, Friday nights provide just the sort of adventure married life's been short on of late.

Friday nights mean Hudson's poker tournament, with a crowd of Hudson's friends. Big, noisy friends who love to do guy things. Tawnie knows just what they'll want. Snacks, booze, and a special brand of pre-game entertainment only she can provide.

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Pre-Game Show
Zenobia Renquist br> All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2012 Zenobia Renquist

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Tawnie could hear them on the stairs. Her boys. They were never quiet. Always cracking jokes about who would go first and making bets on who could last until the end. So far Jason remained the reigning champion.

Jason.

She squirmed, rubbing her thighs together to soothe the anticipatory ache that made her pussy tingle. Jason always invaded her thoughts when she wanted to get herself off in a big way. He was the athletic sort who lived in the gym. The results had her sitting in a wet spot every time she saw him. She envied his wife, a woman equally obsessed with exercise, though Jason's wife looked very much like a woman who went for weights more than aerobics -- next to zero body fat and all muscle.

Tawnie had it on good authority that Jason liked his women a little soft, with curves he could hold. He and his wife enjoyed a terrible sex life. But that explained why Jason always visited Tawnie.

She smoothed her hands down her sides and over her thighs, enjoying the feel of the silk, fur-lined robe wrapped around her body. A bark of laughter made her smile to herself.

Doug.

His looks were the polar opposite of Jason's. An ex-military man, Doug had let himself go the moment he got out. But he still remained a gentleman. That was his charm. He worshipped a woman with his amethyst eyes and made her feel special, like royalty come to life. And Tawnie did have a habit of bringing him to his knees.

Another married man. But even a man as good as Doug had moments of weakness. In fact, all her boys were married men. And each one had shown up for a Friday night poker tournament two hours early just to see her.

Ben knocked twice at the bedroom door. He was the gatekeeper, but then, it was his bedroom. Ben never stayed, though. He let the boys in and then took off until everyone had finished. He was the only one of the bunch not married and never had been. So far as Tawnie knew, he never wanted to be.

He opened the door enough so he could see in but the others couldn't and asked, "Ready?"

She blew him a kiss as her answer.

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IT HOUSE CALL by Cherry O

IT HOUSE CALL by Cherry O

 

Workaholic Simone needs a little computer help for her side business. What
she gets is a whole lot more!

Afraid of making the same mistakes as the other women in her family, Simone always focuses on work and keeps sex to the fantasy stories that fit around her schedule. When coworker and IT guru Jared finds her stories, he gives her a taste of just how thrilling the real thing can be! Forced seduction and blackmail turn Simone on even as she tries to resist every new scenario the younger man creates. From sex at work to doing a group and even satisfying the hot young executive who could fire them all… Simone might be saying no, but she’s finding out that it’s okay to say YES!

 

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~Excerpt~

After a long day at work, Simone Yates set aside her laptop and took a short break. Jared Peters would be there soon. And she needed his help. Networking her laptop, tablet, printer, and her reliable old desktop to be one lean, mean computing system for her home business hadn’t gone well on her own. Simone kept people happy, not machines.

Opening the folder filled with her favorite erotica stories, she clicked on one called Forced to Please. She knew it was stupid to start a new story since Jared would be there any minute, but her personal time was extremely limited. Any spare moment she had for her favorite pastime—reading—was not wasted.

Simone’s life revolved around work. After coming home from her day job, her nights were devoted toward making her small, fledging business a success. Same with her weekends. Despite her busy schedule, which she nearly killed herself to maintain, her naughty stories were the one, small reward she allowed herself to have. She welcomed the rush of excitement brought by the explicit sex that helped ease away the stress of the daily grind. She grabbed short stories off the web. Then the shame would kick in and she’d spend all night working toward her goals.

She let herself get drawn in the story. Jared was always late. The IT specialist took his time but he could fix anything. He’d worked at Stewart Ltd., along with Simone, for the last five years. The guy might be young at only thirty, but he was reliable, smart, and not bad to look at. He’d done side work for some of the technically challenged people in the office before, so she felt confident that he could help her as well.

Simone hated to think she was one of the technically challenged. At thirty-eight, she had plenty of techno gadgets and knew how to work them. All the devices did what she needed them to do. Her small business even had its own app. But she couldn’t network it all together no matter how hard she’d tried, and the overseas tech support she’d called for help only made her want to break everything in her apartment.

Focusing on the story rather than the problem at hand, she let the stress slip away as the woman in the story gave into her desires and climaxed. Simone’s body heated up. It was all fiction. No one actually had that sort of dirty sex with people they barely knew. Reality wasn’t that good.

All her life, she’d watched her mother and aunts put up with men who believed that because they made more money, they made the rules. It was old-fashioned and, in Simone’s mind, crazy.

Strong men were incredibly sexy but the women in her family worked plus took care of the house and the kids. In return, they had men who watched sports, drank beer, and made no effort to romance their wives. Apparently “sticking around” made those men great catches for some people.

Simone refused to settle. Growing up, she was the only girl. With two brothers and a lot of male cousins, she got stuck with kitchen duty and assorted cleaning chores every day. As long the boys kept the yard up, they were free to do what they wanted.

No wonder she moved away and avoided serious relationships. She’d never end up like the women in her family. Being alone was better than the depressing prospect of always coming in second.

How many times had she overheard her aunts and her mother crying to each other? They often talked about leaving but were afraid they couldn’t make it on their own. As a little girl, Simone had feared that sort of big change. Now she was ashamed the women didn’t have enough faith in themselves to even try.

Simone worked twice as hard as the others in school so she wouldn’t be dependent on a man. Still, a good job with benefits and steady pay wasn’t enough for Simone. It was a good start, but now she wanted to work for herself. Being in control of her life was critical.

At least the X-rated reading fit into her schedule whenever and wherever she needed. It took her to another place and left her satisfied. Blowing off steam by dancing or drinking with her friends hadn’t worked in her early twenties. All they wanted was to get a man.

Finishing the story, she closed the file and put her laptop back on the desk. Normally she’d go and work off some releases of her own with her toys, but not now. There was definitely no time for that.

She did go into her bedroom to make sure her closet door and nightstand drawers were closed just in case Jared needed to go in there for some reason. Her office was in part of her open living room that flowed to the dining room, but she wanted to be sure he didn’t see any toys even if he glanced in the bedroom.

Jared was so casual, but there was something about him that made her very aware of his presence whenever he came around. Not like he was a company spy trying to get people in trouble. It felt as though he was genuinely interested in all of the people he worked with. She trusted him. The company would not like her moonlighting with her own business, but she knew Jared wouldn’t say a word.

The doorbell rang and she jumped up. Simone answered the door and Jared smiled easily. Short brown hair and brown eyes, he blended into a crowd. He wore shirts that were just a little too big but walked with a hint of a swagger.

“Thanks so much for coming! I really appreciate this,” she said.

“No problem. I got stuck at work or I’d have been here sooner.” He stepped inside. “Nice place.”

“Thanks. It’s all right there on the desk. I’ve tried everything I know.” She waved at the command center in the corner of her dining room. She didn’t entertain, so her small dining set left more than enough room for her desk as well.

“I’ll have a look. Any passwords?” he asked.

She handed him a sticky note with them. “I’m happy to pay you for your time. This has nothing to do with our day job. Home tech help would be a great side business for you.”

“Don’t worry about it. I don’t mind helping people out, but I like my job. Can’t work all the time or you’ll go crazy.” He sat at the desk and started with the desktop.

“I work all the time. How else can you succeed?”

Jared smiled. “You need to relax, Simone. Seriously. Have some fun or you’ll stroke out before you’re forty.”

“I’m fine.” She ran her hands over her pulled-back hair. Long, brown and pin-straight, the stuff never did anything without massive help, so she simply clipped it up behind her head.

“Sure you are. An attractive woman like you should have a boyfriend. Someone to take you out and make you laugh. Work is fun, I love what I do, but it’s not everything.” His fingers tapped at the keys while the laptop came to life. He had the tablet on his lap. He worked them all like a master.

“Can I get you something to drink?” She switched to hostess mode to change the subject. This wasn’t a conversation she needed to have with Jared. She might be considered attractive but Simone preferred to use her brain to impress people.

“Water would be great, thanks.” Jared nodded.

Simone went into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water. Not in a hurry to get back and have more awkward chitchat, she looked at her selection of frozen dinners. Food, exercise, and work were the routine.

Standing there with the freezer door open, the cold felt good on her heated skin. She tried to deny the arousal the story had on her. But Jared’s direct talk and casual attitude only added to it. He wasn’t drop-dead sexy, but there was something about his easy confidence that tugged at her sexual fantasies. Whenever there was a problem, he jumped right in and took charge of things. Generally it was computer issues, but he never second-guessed himself. He read people well, knowing which of the new hires would last and which would flee the company in no time. Part of her wanted to have a bit of whatever made Jared, Jared.

As she walked back into the living room, he smiled at her like he had a secret to share. He always did have good office gossip. He was so non-threatening that people told him everything.

She handed him the water.

“Thanks. So you’re all networked. I had to upgrade some of the drivers and software, but they’re talking now. You might want to keep an eye out for a sale on a newer printer that’s wireless. It’d be more compatible. When it’s in your budget.” He stood up and sipped the water.

“It’s done? That was fast. Wow, thanks! Next time I’ll call you first and save myself evenings of headaches.” She smiled.

He nodded. “You should do that more.”

“What?” She looked around and put her hands on her hips.

“Smile. Relax. Enjoy things. Come on around and I’ll show you the set up.” Jared waved her closer.

She walked over to Jared “I enjoy work. Getting a small business up and running takes sacrifice and a lot more hours. That’s reality.”

No doubt, she loved her work with customer service, and her side business would be even better. Her friends who lived for fun got pregnant by men who ended up never paying child support.

“Well, if you need tech help, call me. I don’t live far. Here’s the network. If something goes wrong, refresh the connection here first. Updates to one item might make the network sluggish or confused. A refresh could fix it all.” Jared pointed to the screen.

She nodded. “Okay, I’m fine with upgrading the printer if I need to. It’s a write off. I want reliable technology in place before I try to go full time on this.”

“I think you’ll do great. Just make sure to have some fun too. Maybe you should try some of that kinky stuff for real.” Jared screwed the cap back on the water bottle tight and set it aside.

“What?” She looked at his slight smile and her stomach knotted up.

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QUALITY ASSURANCE by Cheryl Dragon

QUALITY ASSURANCE by Cheryl Dragon

Lucky Springs Series, Book Five

The most popular girl in school, Ashley Tassin wanted a life in the big city but fate brought her back to Lucky Springs, where the factory’s expansion has created jobs and lured a lot of men to the town. Working with a foursome of hot guys who are in a relationship and want to add a woman is very tempting to Ash. However, two of the men went to high school with her and one holds a grudge.

Eli Hollier was a geek and now he’s a sexy genius. The four hatch a plot to teach the former head cheerleader a lesson for rejecting Eli long ago. But what starts as friends with benefits turns into something more. Falling for Ash is easy, but for it to end happily, they must bury the past and start fresh.

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Excerpt:

 

There were a lot of country songs about leaving home and returning home. When Ashley Tassin had left, she’d never expected to move back to Lucky Springs, Louisiana, but here she was. Bittersweet and anxiety inducing, both feelings fluttered inside of her as she sat in her grandmother’s kitchen after almost ten years away from home. She’d never intended to move back, but being an adult meant tough choices. Life hadn’t been as smooth as she’d hoped.

At the moment, she felt like the seven-year-old who’d sat in this very kitchen for Sunday dinners and dreamed of life in the city. Lucky Springs wasn’t New Orleans or even Shreveport, but she wasn’t alone, her three friends had gotten jobs in her hometown as well. Having support when facing the past made it a little easier.

They’d share the house for now. Lizzie was sweet and friendly from the deep south of Louisiana. Crystal was frank and very smart from the suburbs of Shreveport. Zoe was a couple years older and bold with no shame. She’d moved around all of her life so Zoe was rarely flustered by anything. They’d all bonded over wanting to make it on their own and not rush to the altar.

Good southern girls could now work, get married, have kids and be perfect homemakers. Ash could just hear her mother going on about women needing to raise their kids not stick them in daycare and other mantras that made Ash want to chew glass.

“I don’t know why you’re so down, Ash. It’s such a cute little town. Makes me feel like Anne of Green Gables. Everyone is so friendly and it’s surrounded by nothing for miles.” Lizzie’s Cajun drawl hadn’t diminished at all from college or work up in Shreveport.

“Do you want to go back to the bayou?” Ash asked.

Lizzie bit her lip and shook her head. “Going home is rough.”

Ash nodded. “Lucky Springs isn’t so little anymore. The factory retooling and expansion has doubled the population.”

“Mostly men—another point in our favor.” Zoe poured another cup of coffee. “Don’t get me wrong. I prefer the city too, but we need jobs. The market hasn’t bounced back yet. Once it does, I’ll be headed to New Orleans or Atlanta. But the men here will make it better.”

Smiling, Ash pulled up the website for their new employer, Lucky Springs Industrial, on her computer. Ash was more interested in her new work situation than men, but Zoe could juggle many interests without a bit of stress. It was Zoe who had fueled the Sex and the City fantasy of living in a big town and enjoying the single life with tons of hot men and no commitments.

Shreveport wasn’t New York, but they’d all gotten jobs there, at a same company, after college. Then they’d all been downsized. They’d stuck together. The arrangement suited her personality since Ash hated being alone but needed to get away from her family if she wanted to be happy. Her parents had created a pressure cooker for her throughout school. All parents wanted their kids to achieve, but her parents had demanded excellence. Now, she was back here and it scared her a little.

Crystal, the plus-sized beauty with a brain for numbers, set a mixed drink in front of Ash. “That’s enough pouting. I know your family bugs you, but we’re lucky to have a place to live. All the apartments and houses are full up. We’ll pay fair rent and what can your parents say then?”

“They don’t want money. Nana moved in with my parents because she falls. She’s thrilled to have me here and to have nice southern girls like you in her house instead of rowdy single men.” Ash loved her Nana. She was the one person Ash missed regularly.

Zoe rolled her eyes. “You’re an adult, Ash. They can’t put you in beauty contests or expect you to win prom queen anymore. That part of life is over. You’ve got a great job now and didn’t disgrace their small-town sensibilities by bringing home a baby fathered by some random guy. They should be thrilled.”

“Do you think Lucky Springs is Mayberry?” Ash laughed for the first time since she’d returned three days ago.

Lizzie blushed. “I heard people talking in the salon when we were there. Sounded wild to me.”

“What?” Crystal and Zoe asked in unison. Ash and Lizzie had gone to get their hair trimmed while Crystal and Zoe had their appointments on a different day.

“I was talking to some friends and the owner of the salon, Jessica. It seems like there’s an underground sex party thing going on in Lucky Springs.” Ash shook her head in disbelief. Sweet little Lucky Springs was a place to raise kids and let them roam the streets. No one locked their doors. In some ways, it was Mayberry, but they didn’t have strictly old-fashioned values.

“Parties? It’s all the men.” Zoe nodded dismissively.

“No, this was before the male infusion. I’m sure that doesn’t hurt since there’s a shortage of women now. Some of the factory jobs were taken by women, but let’s face it, most factory work attracts men. Who moves for a job? Single men without kids in school or wives with jobs. So I found out that some of these men are sort of pairing off or grouping up.”

“Like prison? They’re turning gay?” Crystal sighed. “I thought I had a shot with those odds.”

Zoe poked Crystal’s shoulder. “Don’t get down on yourself. We’re in a position to be picky and play the field.”

“Obviously, they’re living together for cost and space limitation, like us. But Jessica has four men to herself. They’re bisexual.” Ash’s mind whirled at the options there. “I guess that’s catching on with some of the men. I’m sure plenty just want one woman and wouldn’t touch another guy, but it’s not my Nana’s Lucky Springs.”

“Your nana’s a widow?” Zoe asked with an arched brow.

“Yes, why?” Ash braced for her friend’s filthy mind.

“She might get lucky. Some of these factory men are hot. One of them might want a MILF or have a granny complex.” Zoe winked.

“Yuck. I’m just warning you guys. If you get a weird sexual proposition, it might not be a joke or dare. So don’t tease the men.” Ash pointed at Zoe.

“And don’t let them take advantage.” Ash pointed at Lizzie.

“Like I’m just going to go home with five guys.” Lizzie rolled her eyes.

“Like I wouldn’t. I’m not a tease.” Zoe grinned.

“What about me?” Crystal asked.

Ash looked up from her computer. “You and I are too practical to fall for that crap, Crystal. I know you’ll do the smart and safe thing.”

Sitting down next to Ash, Crystal snagged the laptop. “Checking out the guys in Quality Control, are you? No pictures. That sucks. Will your daddy hate you working with all the men?”

Ash shook her head. She knew she’d touched a nerve by not warning Crystal about all the men. It wasn’t because her friend was big, but simply that she didn’t fall for stuff. She had her guard up. “I’m the liaison between the sales department and quality control. My job is to keep the customers happy. It’s not all men.”

“QC is. The company makes electric and battery powered carts and parts for cars. So the customers are mostly other companies or industrial places. Men,” Lizzie said. Her job was in customer service.

“And the salesmen are mostly men. Like ninety percent.” Zoe smiled. “They’re hiring new teams, and I get to train them in marketing our products to the customer. Hands on sales.”

“Right up your alley.” Crystal rolled her eyes. “You two are welcome to visit me in accounting or Lizzie in customer service. Plenty of girl talk there.”

“Darn right.” Lizzie nodded.

Ash shook her head at the computer. “I’ll be coming by. Eli Hollier…”

“Who’s he?” Zoe shrugged.

“Maybe he forgot all about it?” Ash hoped. “He had a crush on me in high school. Well, okay, junior high and even elementary school. I ignored it, but in high school, he got brave and it was awful.”

“Is he ugly? Gross?” Zoe scrunched her nose.

Ash shook her head. “He was a super brain with glasses who got straight As and didn’t play any sports. When we were little, it was cute. Then you grow up and he went to the geeky side of things and I was lucky. I was popular and kids are crazy. You even talk to the wrong person and you’re a loser. He had a crush, but he had to ask me out in high school. In front of people. I’m sorry but it was an impossible situation. I felt horrible.”

“You didn’t know he was there when you interviewed?” Crystal asked.

“No, my pay is through the sales division. They hired me to coordinate with QC to keep things moving and free up their sales force. I wish they’d needed someone in human resources, but it’s the same thing. Dealing with people. I just have to learn the product.” Ash ran her fingers through her hair. “Damn.”

“I’m sure he’s over it. Maybe he’s married? It’ll be a funny joke about high school stereotypes and clique crap.” Lizzie grabbed the computer and searched his name.

“That’s not the kind of thing people forget,” Crystal argued.

Zoe leaned over Lizzie’s shoulder. “No, they don’t forget. But this guy isn’t married, and he’s got a lot of degrees. Moved back to Lucky Springs from a job in Houston. God, I love Facebook!”

“No one stalks men like you, Zoe. Is there a picture?” Crystal asked.

“No, sorry. Just an avatar.” Lizzie closed the laptop. “He’s not the only guy in QC, Ash. Charm the others. You’re great with people.”

Ash took a deep breath and leaned back in the chair. “He’s not the only guy, but he’s the manager of QC. No way around him.”

“So charm him. Wait for the right moment, and tell him you’re sorry for being a bitchy beauty queen in high school. Family pressure, blah blah blah. Just because you were popular doesn’t mean you didn’t have lots of pressure and expectations from your family. It takes work to stay on top.”

“Except this isn’t high school anymore. Now, he might be the one on top. I’m moving home just lucky to have a job.” Ash hated feeling like a failure.

Zoe couldn’t be more right about Ash’s past, but in the light of maturity, Ash had no excuse. Crystal’s silence spoke tons about the scars and resentment high school could create, but until Ash met with Eli, there was no way to know how he’d react.

Lizzie turned on her ray of sunshine smile and glowed positivity. “Don’t underestimate the impact of a genuine apology. Then just be nice and do your job. HR could have an opening soon if the place keeps expanding.”

Ash tried to soak in the shiny happy attitude and hoped for the best. She had feelers out for jobs in big cities. Maybe, she’d get a ticket out of Lucky Springs soon. No one wanted to face their past, but people had good memories in her home town.

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