Excerpt - Her Hands-On Man

Ivy felt sick inside. That Jake hated her was apparent, no matter that his gaze moved over her with interest, lingering briefly on her breasts. It was obvious that he still found her attractive, but what was between them was in the past. Although facing him now was bringing it back at an alarming speed. She felt heat envelop her body and knew it probably colored her cheeks. She could barely meet Jake’s quiet gaze.

Can I trust him not to take out his anger with me on my brother? As quick as the thought came to her, Ivy knew the answer. If he took it out on anyone, it would be her. “He’s my only family. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

For the first time Ivy saw emotion flicker in his eyes. If she didn’t know better she’d swear it was humor.

“Really?” This time when Jake’s gaze moved over Ivy her nipples hardened into peaks of awareness. She resisted the urge to run her arm over her breasts to ease the tingle.

Damn him! He’d always had the power to make her body betray her in the most obvious way, letting him know she wanted him, no matter where they were. When they’d been together it had usually led to hot and heavy sex. Now it was the worst betrayal. She watched one brow lift arrogantly.

“Is that why you’re dressed the way you are? Were you prepared to pitch that same remark to my father?”

It didn’t take Ivy long to realize what Jake meant. There was nothing wrong with her silk blouse, short skirt and stilettos. This was how she usually dressed for a day of work at McCaffey’s Jewelry Store. But the way his gaze was running over her, he made her feel as if she were dressed like a hooker or something. She reacted before she could think, raising her hand to respond to his obvious insult. Too late, she saw his sensuous mouth turn up in a smile.

He stopped her hand in midair. “Easy, sweetheart. There’s already one person in your family heading for jail.” His comment took the fire right out of Ivy. She relaxed her arm, although Jake didn’t release his hold. “That’s better. I think we should finish this inside.”

It was obvious he meant his father’s office. Ivy cast a glance at the receptionist, who quickly averted her gaze and pretended to be looking at something on her desktop.

Ivy wanted to get the hell out of there. Being alone with Jake wasn’t a good idea. So why am I letting him drag me inside? She’d always been weak where he was concerned. She wasn’t fooled into thinking anything had changed in three months. The man was too damn sexy. And the worn jeans, boots and work shirt only emphasized his rugged appeal.

It was too late to dig in her heels. Before she knew it they were in the office and Jake was closing the door. Her heart skipped a beat when he reached behind him and locked it, never taking his gaze off her. Something in his eyes and the sudden tautness of his body brought back the memory of the last time they’d been together.

Big mistake.

The memory of that night opened the floodgates of emotion. Ivy stepped back nervously, gasping when she came up against the desk. She felt her heart beating out of control. A quiver of intense awareness in her belly released damp heat between her legs. The last time Jake had looked at her like he was now, they’d been naked and fucking like there was no tomorrow. He stepped forward and her eyes widened.

“Why are you so nervous, Ivy?”

She cleared her throat. “I’m not afraid of you, Jake.” He couldn’t hurt her anymore. Could he?

A humorless chuckle passed through his lips. “Have I ever hurt you?”

Not physically. But a few months ago he’d broken her heart. A pain so raw she never wanted to go through it again. Ivy was determined not to rehash the past and decided to get right to the point. She took a calming breath. “I’m here on Wally’s behalf.”

“So talk.”

“He’s young, Jake. We’ve all made mistakes when we were his age. He deserves a second chance. He came to me the moment he realized he’d made a big mistake and asked me to help him make it right.”

“Why isn’t he here pleading his case? He’s a man now. When are you going to start letting him run his own life and grow up?”

“You don’t understand.”

“I understand, remember? The last time he got into trouble I heard it all. Has it changed?”

“He’s sorry he borrowed that money!”

Jake snorted. “Borrowed?” Ivy watched him move around the desk and sit. “I don’t want to hear any more. I’m not interested. All I want to hear now is how you’re going to make it right.” He paused before raising his brow and adding, “Twenty-thousand-dollars right.”

Twenty thousand dollars! Oh god, it was worse than she thought. Wally had led her to believe it was significantly less. She took a deep breath, wishing she had the answer. She’d come here with the intention of offering a six-month payment plan but it would take years to pay back that kind of money.

“There must be something I can do.”

She didn’t like the way Jake leaned back and studied her. When he linked his hands behind his head, she couldn’t take her gaze off his muscular biceps and the width of his chest. Then he brought his booted feet up and crossed them on top of the desk. Ivy’s gaze followed the length of his legs and powerful thighs up to the front of his dusty jeans. There was no disguising the growing bulge behind his zipper.

Fire erupted through her. She’d never stopped loving him or wanting him. And she wanted him now. She’d been addicted to him since the moment they’d met four years ago. I wonder what he’d do if I walked around the desk and unzipped his pants. In the old days she would have had the nerve.

“Well?”

His deep voice dragged Ivy back to the present and Wally. Her wayward brother was counting on her one last time. Because she’d made it clear this was it. The next time he screwed up he was on his own. Jake was right. He was a man now.

“Maybe we can work out some kind of a…ah, payment plan?” She chewed on the inside of her lip, realizing how weak and pitiful she sounded.

“I have a better idea, Ivy. Seeing you again has only reminded me of what I’ve been missing. With interest, a payment plan will take years. How about one weekend?”

One weekend? “I don’t understand. You know I can’t come up with that kind of money in one weekend.”

Laughing, Jake slammed his feet to the floor and leaned forward. “Come on, honey, you’re not stupid. But just in case you can’t read between the lines, let me clarify. I want one weekend.”

Her brows furrowed. “One weekend of what?”

There was a long pause. “Of you.”

Too funny!

Property taxes.

Your house as seen by yourself...

Your buyer...
Your lender...
Your appraiser...
And your County's Tax Assessor...

Monday Man Candies...

Three of them? Oh god...hurt me now!

A friend, or so I thought, sent this to me:)

4.5 Cherries from Whipped Cream Reviews!

For Someone to Love Me, and...it's up for book of the week! Please take a moment to pop in over there and vote, even if it isn't for me. Okay...I bet you could see right through that little fib. LOL Seriously, I would appreciate your vote and voting ends Sunday April 24th. Thanks!

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/index.htm

Some of what the review had to say:
This is a must read for all lovers of romance and it contains elements relatable to anyone who has loved and lost only to unexpectedly find love again. The passionate moments between the characters are breathtakingly described and the emotions conveyed are vivid. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading a Tory Richards story, this is the perfect introduction to her work and a highly recommended read.

Wow...

Medical insurance doesn't kick in until June at my new job so yesterday I had to pick up my three monthly prescriptions and went into speechless shock. I bet my jaw dropped so low that the woman at the drive through window couldn't see it because it was on the floor! My usual bill of $12.00 cost me a whopping $175.00! I debated skipping them but decided against it. One keeps my blood pressure under control, one helps regulate my insulin, and the third keeps me sane:)

I knew it wasn't going to be $12.00 but never dreamed insurance covered so much of it.

Excerpt - The Promise

Just as she stepped off the bottom step, she heard a noise at the front door. She hesitated, unsure what to do. Who could be visiting at this hour? Just when she expected to hear a knock, she heard something else instead. A key was being inserted into the lock, and right before her startled eyes, she watched the knob turn and the door open. Her gaze landed on a pair of army boots and slowly traveled upward, taking in the muscular body in military fatigues. Her mouth dropped open in shock.

Ohmygod! Ryan had come home!

He appeared just as startled as she was. Halting in the threshold as their eyes meet, his rugged expression carved in granite. Only his eyes, those piercing blue orbs, showed any sign of life, if you could call it that. Shannon had a feeling that Ryan Hayes didn’t reveal any emotions that weren’t hardened by years of combat. For a moment, she thought he wasn’t going to speak and half expected him to back out and leave.

“Do you mind if I come in?” His deep voice was just as Shannon remembered. “It’s damn cold out here.”

For the first time she realized she was blocking his way. Swallowing, she stepped back enough for him to enter and close the door behind him. He dropped a large army bag on the floor by his feet, and shook off the snow onto the floor mat. All the while keeping his eyes trained on Shannon, as though she were the enemy. She took a nervous step further into the foyer, directly into the soft glow of the lamp that had been left on in the living room.

Ryan looked just like he did the last time she saw him. Big and tall, cloaked in that attitude of quiet strength he seemed to possess. His black hair cut in military fashion and suited his strong, square boned face. Though sporting a tiny scar over his left eyebrow and another, bigger one halfway down his left cheek he was still a handsome man. He eluded danger in practically every move he made, every glance. His eyes dropped, running over Shannon rapidly, making her painfully aware of her disheveled state.

She refused to reach up and smooth her hair back, knowing that it would do no good. The tiniest quirk on his full, sensuous mouth revealed he found her condition amusing. Quickly, his lips thinned almost menacingly when his gaze narrowed on her breasts. It was then that Shannon reached up and pulled her ruined blouse together where the buttons had come off. She finally found her voice.

“Welcome home, Ryan.”

“Where is everyone?” His tone seemed hard, gruff, more commanding than inquiring. He slipped off his jacket and hung it on a peg on the back of the door, and then bent to slip off his boots.

“Mom went to bed with a headache. Sheila must be putting the kids to bed. The rest won’t get here until tomorrow night.” Shannon couldn’t help but notice the quick glance he shot her way when she called his mother mom. She watched quietly as he set his boots against the wall and stood, towering over her again.

“It’s just as well. I’m tired as hell and want to turn in early myself. But first, I want to find something to eat. I’m starved.” Closing the distance between them, Ryan halted when he reached Shannon. “Is that okay?”

Shannon felt a telltale heat rush up to her cheeks when she realized she was watching Ryan’s mouth form the words. What the heck was wrong with her? Jet lag, that’s what. She gave her head a little shake. She must be more tired than she thought. As his words became clear, it dawned on her that she was once again blocking his way.

“Oh! I’m, ah sorry.” Instead of moving to let him pass, she turned and began to walk in the direction of the kitchen. “I’ll be glad to fix you something to eat.”

“Thanks, but that won’t be necessary.” He was right on her heels.

“That’s okay.” Shannon pushed the kitchen door open and flipped on the light switch on the wall next to it. “Sheila put a plate for me in the oven and if I know her, she left enough for two. I don’t mind sharing.” Not waiting for Ryan to acknowledge her, Shannon took the potholders from the counter by the stove, opened the oven door and retrieved the plate. “Just as I thought.”

She turned and showed him the full plate of corn beef hash. But the expression on Ryan’s face almost made her drop it. Sweat had broken out on his forehead and he’d turned pale, his lips were thin as a muscle twitched in his jaw that had hardened in an effort to hold back that he was in obvious pain. Intense pain. He was clutching the island counter in the middle of the kitchen as if it alone was holding him upright.

“Ryan!” Shannon set the plate down and rushed to his side. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

He held a hand up in a silent warning for her to back off. She stopped immediately and waited for another sign from him, afraid he was having some kind of attack. After a few more seconds, he sucked in several deep breaths and released them slowly. It was clear by his expression that he hated showing her even that one small weakness. It was very clear that he didn’t intend talking about it. Shannon knew the moment the pain left his body when his expression relaxed.

“You said something about sharing your dinner?”

He pulled out one of the barstools from around the island and sank down onto it. Shannon hesitated for a moment, fighting the urge to question him. Something was terribly wrong, she just knew it, but she didn’t know Ryan well enough to feel she had the right to ask him anything personal. The look in his cold eyes warned her she’d be shot down before she managed to speak the first word. Forcing a smile she was far from feeling, she turned to get a second plate.

“I’ll thank you not to mention what just occurred to my family,” Ryan surprised her by saying while her back was turned to him.

“If that’s what you want,” Shannon responded, opening a cupboard door. She glanced with surprise at where the plates were usually stacked. Glasses had replaced them. Marsha had obviously done some rearranging since the last time Shannon had been there. She opened up several other doors before finding the plates, stacked on the second shelf. Standing on tip toe she strained to reach them.

“Here, let me help you.”

“Oh!” Feeling Ryan brush up against her, Shannon spun around before she could think. Suddenly, it wasn’t her backside feeling his hardened muscles. Since he was in the process of reaching over her head for a plate, they were now flush against each other. Her breasts flattened against his hard chest, the lower halves of their bodies were shockingly aligned, and their thighs were touching. Mouths within inches of each other, their breath mingled. It was crazy but Shannon was sure she felt their hearts beating in rhythm. She began to tingle everywhere and held her breath.

Their gazes met and held and Ryan became motionless, his arm still above her head reaching for the plate. It struck Shannon that she was seeing the dangerous side of him, the soldier sizing up the situation and preparing for action. Only in this case, what would that be? She refused to let her mind go there.

Release Day!

Ellora's Cave

Monday Man Candy

Oh my...he's beautiful!

Can You See 3 Women?

Lord...I bought this blouse. Pretty really, black and gray with silver sparkles all over it. Dressy, not cheap. But those darn sparkles! The first day I wore it one of my team opened an outside door and then burst out laughing. I asked her what she was laughing at and she said I had sparkles all over me. Apparently the sun caught them and like little tiny mirrors I was reflecting everywhere. That day wherever I went I left a trail behind me.

They're all over my car, my office, on my shoes. And they wouldn't wash off my skin in the shower! I had to launder that blouse today and I was smart enough not to wash it with the rest of the clothes. In fact, I washed it all by itself after everything else was clean. Keeping my fingers crossed that when I took it out all the sparkles would be gone. Noooooo...it's as pretty as ever!

I don't think I'll be wearing that blouse very often.

Can You See 10 Faces in the Tree?

Got Milk?

Students in an advanced Biology class were taking their mid-term exam. The last question was "Name seven advantages of Mother's Milk,' worth 70 points or none at all.

One student, in particular, was hard put to think of seven advantages. He wrote:

1.) It is perfect formula for the child.

2.) It provides immunity against several diseases.

3.) It is always the right temperature.

4.) It is inexpensive.

5.) It bonds the child to mother, and vice versa.

6.) It is always available as needed.

And then, the student was stuck. Finally, in desperation, just before the bell rang indicating the end of the test, he wrote...

7.) It comes in 2 attractive reusable containers.

He got an A.

Release Day!

Liquid Silver Books

Monday Man Candy

I'm feeling generous this week. Aren't they yummy?

Seniors, you gotta love them!

An elderly lady decided to give herself a big treat for her significant birthday by staying overnight in one of Chicago 's most expensive hotel. When she checked out next morning, the desk clerk handed her a bill for $250.00. She exploded and demanded to know why the charge was so high. "It's a nice hotel but the rooms certainly aren't worth $250.00 for just an overnight stop without even breakfast." The clerk told her that $250.00 is the 'standard rate' so she insisted on speaking to the Manager. The Manager appeared and forewarned by the desk clerk announced: "The hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference center which are available for use." 'But I didn't use them," she said. ' 'Well, they are here, and you could have," explained the Manager. He went on to explain that she could also have seen one of the in-hotel shows for which the hotel is famous. "We have the best entertainers from New York , Los Angeles , and Las Vegas performing here," the Manager said. "But I didn't go to any of those shows," she said. 'Well, we have them, and you could have," the Manager replied. No matter what amenity the Manager mentioned, she replied, "But I didn't use it!" The Manager was unmoved, so she decided to pay, wrote a check and gave it to the Manager. The Manager was surprised when he looked at the check. " But madam, this check is only made out for $50.00." ' 'That's correct. I charged you $200.00 for sleeping with me," she replied. "But I didn't!" exclaims the very surprised Manager. "Well, too bad, I was here, and you could have." Don't mess with Senior Citizens!

There is nothing nicer than sinking your feet into brand new carpet! Had some installed this weekend. I think my cats think I had it installed especially for them:)

New Review in for Talk Dirty to Me!

Here's some of what Sizzling Hot Book Reviews had to say... Talk Dirty to Me is a steamy quick read. A very graphic story with a little bit of kink (spanking), be warned (this one doesn’t pull any punches). It’s also a great story about two people meant for each other, with Lilly already knowing she is in love with Blake but thinking he is only after sex. Talk Dirty to Me makes for a great bedtime read, even better if your partner is close by.

I survived my first week at my new job! Whew! I knew it was going to be rough in the beginning but I must have put in at least 60 hours. First one there and the last one to leave. And what I love about my new job? I have a much smaller team to work with. I don't sit at a computer all day. I feel more in control. And they feed us! Most of it I walk right off! LOL

I've come home every day totally exhausted. And literally bathed, ate dinner, and went to bed. I spend half the week with hubby in our Winter Haven home and the other half in Deltona with my daughter and her family. I really have the best of both worlds. Of course, I've been getting attitude from my feline family. They don't like my being gone but it can't be helped. They'll adjust.

Poor things. They're going to be totally freaked today when I gather them up and put them in the bathroom. The carpet man is coming:)

I hope ya'll had a great week!

Monday Man Candy

Yum! Yum!

Another Great Review for Breathless Surrender!

Vicky from Sizzling Hot Book Reviews said...Breathless Surrender has lots of between the sheets action involving the ‘girl next door’ and a sexy FBI agent. Does it get much better than this? A quick fantasy to distract us from everyday stress, this will go on my re-read, keep shelf. 4 Hearts!