Snippet Saturday--Fears

When I saw the theme today is 'fears' I knew I wanted to share an excerpt from Tasting Candy. Candice Warner was date-raped and as a result she has a major fear of men. In this scene, a couple of guys flirt with Candice, not realizing that their attention brings out her worst fears possible...in comes badass Blade Vaughn to the rescue. :)

In a few long strides, he yanked two of the huge men away from Candice. He slammed them both against the opposite wall, then glared at the third man, promising bodily harm if he so much as blinked. "You three hassling the lady?"

They all stammered at once. Blade was about to hit one of them when Lacey arrived. "Let them go, Blade," she pleaded, but he wasn’t in the mood to be accommodating. "It’s okay. I don’t think they meant any harm."

Blade wasn’t so sure. Keeping his eyes on the three idiots, he asked, "Candy, are you okay?"

"I-I’m fine." Candice’s reply was so small he barely heard her. He released the two Casanovas and watched as all three men hurried off. When he turned around, Candice was red as a beet and breathing erratically. Even more puzzling, his sister was helping her back toward the private workout room.

"Lacey?" he asked, feeling like an intruder. Lacey’s stern expression forced him to hold all his questions for later. A sense of helplessness settled in his stomach as he followed behind the two women, blocking curious patrons. He might not know Candice well, but he realized she was probably embarrassed. Candice was shy and she wouldn’t appreciate the gawking stares.

Once they were back in Lacey’s private workout area, Blade closed the door, effectively shutting out prying eyes. Lacey seated Candice against the wall on the floor, then ran to fetch a bottle of water.

Blade stood back, watchful and unsure what to do to make the shell-shocked expression on Candice’s delicate, oval face go away. She breathed easier, but now her cheeks were deathly pale. Her huge, dark blue eyes appeared to stare at nothing. She kept clenching and unclenching her fists. He was afraid she’d hurt herself if she continued to dig her fingernails into her palms.

What could the three men have done to make her panic? It didn’t appear as if they’d done anything more than talk to her. Hell, there hadn’t been time for more than that, but why would she get so upset over a little harmless flirting? Answers. Blade needed answers and he wouldn’t get them by playing guard duty.

He closed the distance between them. Candice blinked and stared up at him, then smiled. God, she was pretty when she did that. There was such a sweet innocence about her. Every time Blade was in her presence, he felt out of her league.

He crouched in front of her and took her fists in his hands, then gently uncurled her fingers and smoothed his thumbs over the little crescent moons she’d created with her nails. "If those assholes hurt you, I’ll kill them. Just say the word, Candy."

She blinked as if dazed. "No, but thank you, Blade. They didn’t do anything wrong. I just had a panic attack, that’s all. And my name is Candice, not Candy." His sister returned and handed Candice the glass of water, then fussed over her, breaking the fragile connection between them.

"Why did you go out to the main floor?" Lacey asked as she started to fan her with her hands. "You know how busy it gets on weekends, hun."

Candice shrugged. "I wasn’t thinking. I only wanted to give you two some privacy and I thought if I could just get to the bathroom and back I’d be okay, but…" Her words trailed off and she peeked at him again, making it clear that she wasn’t about to discuss the strange episode in front of him. He wanted her to open up to him, but every time the opportunity arose, she managed to wiggle away again.

Lacey massaged her arm in a soothing gesture, and a pang of envy shot through him. He wanted to be the one massaging Candice’s smooth, ivory skin.

"I think we better quit for today, don’t you?" Lacey said, "You should get home and take a nice warm bath. Try to relax and forget about all this."

Candice nodded and started to rise, and just that quick, Blade was there, grabbing the opportunity to touch her again. He helped her to her feet, but she stepped back as soon as she was upright. He was forced to release her or look like an idiot.

"I’m fine now, really. I’m sorry you had to take your time searching for me, Blade. I know you’re a busy man." When he started to tell her he hadn’t been put out, she talked right over him in that soft way she had. "I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you were there to help me with those guys. Thank you."

She smiled one last smile and walked away. She retrieved her gym bag and left out a back entrance, leaving Blade to stare and wonder what the hell had just happened.

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***
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Snippet Saturday--Family

The theme today is family. I'm sharing an excerpt from my upcoming release, Sam's Promise. The Jennings family is turning out to be quite fun to write. I hope you enjoy it!

Note: Sam's Promise releases on Tuesday, December 13th from Samhain Publishing.

Pre-order From ~ Amazon Kindle | B & N Nook | Samhain

“Sammy, don’t badger the girl,” his mother reprimanded.

Sam smiled, despite the gravity of the situation. “Even from a hospital bed, you’re scolding me.” After the nurse left, Sam moved next to the bed to receive his hug. As he pulled back, he grumbled, “You scared the daylights out of us.”

“I’m sorry, honey.” She patted his cheek, but her hand shook a little. “I’m going to be okay, though, you’ll see.”

“Yeah, you will be,” he confirmed. “The first step is getting you to slow down.” Sam could see the pallor in his mother’s cheeks, and there were dark circles under her eyes. Retirement was definitely on the horizon. When he looked over at Vance, he could tell his thoughts were running along the same lines.

“I’m with Sammy,” Vance said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Wanda laughed. “How’d I raise such bossy men? Must be your father’s influence.”

“Ha!” Sam exclaimed. “We all know that when push came to shove, Dad always surrendered to your stubborn will.”

“It was my sweet smile that always had him melting.” She paused, then said, “Speaking of sweet smiles, did Julie go home?”

“No,” Vance quickly answered. “She’s in the waiting room.”

“She should be a nurse,” Sam admitted. “Didn’t lose her head one time through all this.”

“Yeah,” Vance agreed in a soft, faraway voice. “She’s something else.”

“Pretty too,” Wanda said. “Don’t you think, Sammy?”

Sam narrowed his eyes as comprehension dawned. “You wouldn’t be trying to fix me up with her, would you?”

She shrugged. “All I did was invite her to dinner. Would you rather she spend the holiday alone with a microwaveable meal instead?”

Sam rolled his eyes at his mother’s description. “A bit dramatic, don’t you think?”

“I’m only speaking the truth. She has no one, Sam.”

An image of Julie sitting in some dimly lit room, alone and sad, clouded his vision. He didn’t like it and swiftly shoved it away. “And it didn’t once enter your mind that one of us might find her sexy? That one of us might not be able to resist her pretty smiles and infectious laugh?”

“I don’t care if you did invite her with the intention of fixing one of us up with her,” Vance said with total sincerity. “I’m just glad you did.”

He glanced over at Vance and wondered at the sideways grin he sent his way. “Because she was there to help when mom had the attack?” Sam asked, even though he was damn sure that wasn’t what Vance meant.

Vance shook his head. “Because she’s a yummy addition to dinner.”

“Jesus, she’s a person, not a slice of cake.” Deep down, Sam knew Vance had it right, though. Yummy, yeah, that described her to a T. The hell if he wanted anyone else to think of Julie in that light, though.

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Snippet Saturday--Action

Ready! Set! Action!

That's the themes this Saturday. I couldn't resist the fight scene I wrote in A Diamond at Midnight, which happens to be my one and only vampire romance. You can get it for .99 on the Kindle and Nook.

Hope you enjoy it!

He kept her at his back as he left the bedroom, his senses open to danger at all times. To Rafael.

Just as he entered the living room, he felt the change in the air.

Evil brought a heavy, dark scent wherever it went.

“I see you’ve come to save your little gem. How sweet.”

The lamp beside the couch was on, and Rafael’s blond hair gleamed in the light. Cain had always thought the man looked angelic. Too bad his nature was as black as hell itself. The six- foot-six vampire sat at one end of Diamonique’s couch, one leg crossed over the other, his huge body relaxed, as if he’d come to have tea instead of torturing and killing Diamonique.

Cain was angry with himself for not sensing Rafael sooner. For sleeping, when he should have been alert—watching over Diamonique. Christ, he’d practically drawn The Dominion a map straight to her door!

“You’re too late, Rafael. But then, what else is new,” Cain shot back, as he ran through his options. He could easily dematerialize, take Diamonique to safety, then come back and kill Rafael. But, who was to say that Rafael hadn’t already planned for that outcome. Hell, he probably had his minions all over the place, ready to do his bidding.

“See how differently we view things, Cain? From where I’m sitting, I’m right on time.”

Rafael in all his arrogance thought himself unbeatable. Cain would use that character flaw to kill the twisted being. “This is between you and me. Leave Diamond out of it.”

Rafael made a tsking sound. “Wish I could, but it’s too late for that, isn’t it?”

“Your fight is with me. You want ancient blood? Come and get it, asshole, but she stays out of it.”

With slow, careful movements, Rafael rose to his full height. Anger made his face contort into the hideous creature he truly was. “You dare dictate to me, Cain?”

“You have no hold over me anymore, old man. You haven’t for a long time.”

In a heartbeat, Rafael was across the room, his long, bony fingers wrapped around Cain’s neck, squeezing. “You think you’re so goddamn smart. That was always your problem, Cain. You never could see the forest for the damn trees.”

He squeezed harder. Instinctively, Cain grabbed Rafael’s arms and dug his nails into his skin, knowing any blood loss would weaken him. Blood coated his fingertips, and Cain scraped his sharp talons upward, creating deep furrows. Rafael never loosened his hold and hatred fueled the other vampire’s rage.

“I despise you, Cain. It’s going to be a pleasure taking your precious diamond from you.”

Fear for Diamonique pushed Cain into action. He drew his right arm back and slammed his fist into Rafael’s face. The force of the blow thrust Rafael several feet to the side. He stumbled and came right back, his teeth gleaming, spittle dripping from his mouth.

“You little prick! I never should have made you one of us,” Rafael raged, then his fist shot out. Cain was faster as he swiftly ducked the punch. He grabbed Rafael by the front of the shirt and used his other hand to rip open several deep slices down the vampire’s cheek. Rafael howled in rage, then delivered a right hook. Cain lost his hold on Rafael, but recovered from the blow quick enough to see the depraved bastard’s fist coming at him again. This time Cain was prepared and dodged to the left, then delivered an uppercut of his own.

“You’ve lost it, Rafael,” Cain taunted, as he continued to duck and punch. “You need to be put down. You’re a goddamn embarrassment.”

Cain dodged a roundhouse kick, then delivered a swift jab to Rafael’s jaw. Bone crunched beneath his fist and blood spurted. Finally, the ancient showed signs of weakening from the deep cuts. Then his gaze shot to Diamonique. In an instant, Cain leaped in front of her. Rafael vanished, then reappeared behind Diamonique. He grabbed her by the hair and yanked her backwards. Diamonique slammed a hand into Rafael’s nose, surprising Cain and Rafael both. It was all the time Cain needed to get a message to her.

Cain pulled her away from Rafael and growled, “Dissolve, Diamond, go to our private place!”

Diamonique shook her head, denying him. “I won’t leave you to deal with this alone.”

He wanted to kiss and throttle her at the same time, but there would be time later for that. He hoped. For now, he needed her gone. “Go now! I cannot fight him if I’m worried about you. I’ll come for you, Diamond, just leave now!”

In a flash of color, Diamonique was gone, leaving him alone with an enraged six hundred-year-old vampire.

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Snippet Saturday--Sexy!

The theme this time around is 'sexy'. I knew I had to pick a scene from Tasting Candy. I just LOVE Blade Vaughn. Yum! :)

Also, the winners of my giveaway are:

Joanne
Jewel
ClaudiaGC
Deana
Mai

Please email me (annerainey11 at gmail dot com) with your mailing address so I can get the books to you. Thank you ALL for commenting!

Blade woke when Candice started to shuffle out of bed. "Where you going, baby?" he asked in a sleep-roughened voice as he grabbed Candice’s arm to halt her escape.

"I need a hot shower." She looked at him a moment, a pretty, content smile lighting her drowsy eyes. "You may be used to all this…activity, but I’m not."

Blade smiled with possessive delight. "Yeah, I know. Pleases the hell out of me, too," he said, starting to get up with her. "Come on, we’ll shower together."

"Together?"

Candice sounded scandalized by the idea. Amazing after all they’d done together, she still blushed over the idea of him seeing her wet. He’d never figure out the female mind, not as long as he lived.

"Together," he reiterated, then proceeded to drag her cute, naked body from the room.

"Blade, I’m not entirely sure about this."

She frowned, biting her lip and trying to cover her breasts with her one free hand. Which wasn’t really working out too well for her. He stopped in his tracks as a horrible thought occurred.

He lifted her chin with the side of his fist. "Are you sore, baby? Was I too rough?"

Candice’s expressive blue eyes grew large. "Oh, Blade, it was wonderful. You were wonderful."

"That doesn’t answer my question. Are you sore?" he asked again, with more force this time.

She shrugged and stared down at the floor. "A little."

He was an animal. Scum. The lowest form of scum. "Shit, I should have left you alone after the first time."

Candice quickly shook her head. "Don’t you even think it, Blade Vaughn. Every minute, everything you did was worth some soreness this morning."

He stared another second, then visually scanned her. He didn’t see any bruises, and considering how vigorous he’d been that was amazing in and of itself.

"I’ll wash you," he stated. Candice blushed. Her modesty had him smiling. He moved behind her and kissed the delicate skin below her ear. "Real gentle. It’ll feel good, I promise, baby."

Just the idea had his usual morning erection going harder. He seemed to sport a permanent woody around Candice.

Blade gave her a nudge, spellbound as her ass swayed while she moved the rest of the way down the hall. It was a sight he could get used to.

Once in the bathroom, Candice bent and turned on the overhead spray. Blade couldn’t resist a quick feel. He reached out and slid two fingers over the silky seam of her bottom, causing her to jump and screech.

"Blade!" she yelped.

He chuckled shamelessly. "Well, you stuck it right out there for me. What’s a guy supposed to do? Besides, you do have the sweetest ass, sweetheart." Blade growled.

"Oh."

He chuckled at how naïve she was to her own sex appeal. The woman had set his blood on fire the night before and yet she still acted like a virginal school girl around him.

Blade kissed her forehead, enjoying her more by the minute, then gave her butt a swift swat, ordering, "In you go, Candy girl."

He waited for her to step into the tub before moving in behind her. "Which soap?" he asked, perplexed by the countless bottles that littered every flat surface of the tub.

Candice had about five different scents from what he could tell. What was it about women that they thought they needed to be all smelly? It was the feminine scent they were born with that a man liked best.

"How about this one?" She held up a short, fat bottle with some sort of milky stuff inside.

He popped the top and sniffed for himself. "Mmm, yeah, I like this."

She beamed at him, apparently pleased by his comment. "Milk and Honey. It’s my favorite."

"Ah, I see. Well, let’s find out what it smells like on, shall we?" he asked with wicked delight.

Washing a woman, washing Candice Warner, would undoubtedly be on his top ten list of favorite things to do.

Blade located a peach-colored puff and squirted some of the milky liquid onto it. He squeezed it, watching the bubbles appear and started on her arms. He moved downward, washing each finger with great care before moving on to her back and finally her feet. She had cute toes. Her middle toe was somewhat crooked, and Blade found it adorable. She giggled, and he looked up from his kneeling position to see her holding back a laugh.

"Ticklish?" he asked with mischievous intent. Candice squinted suspiciously down at him and gave him a petulant shrug.

Seeing that little movement as pure challenge, Blade purposely washed the soles of her feet, loving the laughter that spilled out of her. He kept up his gentle torture until she cried uncle.

Candice was becoming so free with him, it turned his heart to mush. Damn, he was in love with her. It was as plain as the impish nose on Candice’s face. An easy sort of contentment washed over him.

He moved up her strong calves, past her knees to her soft thighs. Candice’s laughter died, giving way to fast breathing and languorous eyes.

"Spread your legs for me, baby." When she did as he asked, Blade dropped the puff and poured the soap directly into his palms. Nothing was getting in the way of his hand and her flesh.

 Tasting Candy

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Snippet Saturday--Setting

It's Snippet Saturday and this time around the theme is 'setting'. I've decided to go with a public setting from Touching Lace. In this excerpt, Nick and Lacey are at the gym working out. At least, that's what they're supposed to be doing. Nick has other ideas.

SPECIAL NOTE: Throughout the month of November, Touching Lace is being offering for FREE on the Nook and Kindle devices. Sweet, huh?

And be sure to leave me a comment at the end of this post becuase I'm giving away 5 print copies of Pleasure Bound! Winners will be announced next Saturday! :)

“Damn, woman, are you trying to kill me?”

“What’s the matter, Nick? Am I too much woman for you?”

“Not a chance, baby. You and I are a perfect fit.” His voice dropped an octave as he leaned toward her to whisper, “You’ll soon see just how perfect.”

“Nick,” Lacey groused, “focus, damn it.”

They’d been working out for only half an hour and she was having the hardest time keeping his mind off her and on their exercise routine. Now, as they did crunches side by side, he kept looking over at her, groaning and saying completely inappropriate things. It obliterated her concentration, and she was growing increasingly warm. Unfortunately, the burn had nothing to do with their workout and everything to do with Nick.

“Oh believe me, I’m totally focused.”

“Nick,” she said in warning.

He placed his palm to her lower abs. The movement thrust Lacey back into her dream as she remembered him doing the very same thing while they made love. She dropped down onto the floor and looked at him. “What are you doing?”

“You promised an answer for me. I’ve yet to receive one.”

“Will you let me finish working out first?”

“I don’t think I can stand the suspense. Please, I need to know if you’re willing to let me help you get over this silly fear you have of being an inadequate lover.”

“Yes!” Lacey blurted.

“Yes?” Nick’s voice sounded harsh, as if raked over hot coals.

“Yes. I want you to…instruct me,” she explained, her stomach clenching tight.

“Fuck, Lacey.”

Nick’s hand began to massage her stomach, and she nearly forgot where they were. She quickly put her palm over his, stopping his actions. “We’re in a gym full of people here.”

Nick looked around them then back at her, a cocky grin on his handsome face. “Everyone else is in the main area, baby. We’re all alone back here in your little private workout room.”

“We need to finish exercising. Don’t we?” All of a sudden, she wasn’t so sure. His hand had drifted downward and it cupped her mound through her black workout shorts.

“We’ll get a workout, don’t worry. For now, I just want to touch you. May I?”

“Yes,” she said breathlessly. “I suppose that wouldn’t be too bad.”

The carnal expression that spread across Nick’s face wasn’t at all reassuring. The little lopsided tilt to his sensual lips gave her body an inner jolt, which went clear to her toes. Nick was so clever in his movements, too, and Lacey had the feeling he would be the most adept man when it came to foreplay. As his mouth skimmed below her ear, touching a particularly sensitive spot, she became aware of one other thing. She really didn’t want to think too much about how he’d come by such expertise. Enjoy and learn, she reminded herself. This was only the first in many such moments. Once Nick was through with her, Lacey would have the confidence to get any man she wanted.

Which was exactly why they were doing this.

If that were the case then why was she so easily imagining Nick making love to her, as opposed to what he would really be doing, which was teaching her? Helping her get over some insecurities. Lovemaking didn’t have anything to do with it.

That was a given.

Her thoughts scattered to the farthest corners of the earth as Nick’s fingers found their way beneath her shorts. “Damn, I can’t believe I’m touching lace.”

“I’m wearing cotton,” she mumbled.

“Mmm, yes you are.”

Then his fingers moved past her panties as he stroked the curls of her mound. It was such a forbidden thing for Lacey, making out in her place of business. She always left her feminine side outside the gym. Here she was a personal trainer. She helped men and women alike learn to live a healthy lifestyle. Only now, all she saw was Nick. All she felt was his overheated skin, his breath against her neck. All she smelled was the potent mixture of sweat and man and desire. She was more aroused than she’d ever been, and he hadn’t done a single thing but touch.

“Nick, please,” Lacey found herself pleading.

Nick leaned over her until he was staring directly into her half-closed eyes and growled, “Please what, baby?” He skimmed his thumb over her clitoris and asked teasingly, “Please do this?”

She wanted to speak, really she did, but his touch was electric. Lacey was a marionette, and only Nick had the power to make her come alive.

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Snippet Saturday--Thrilling

This week's theme is (of course) thrilling, considering it's the month for chills and thrills. I chose a scene from So Sensitive. I hope you like it!

When she heard the pinging sound again, Gracie quickly switched over to the other line. “Hello?”

“Ms. Baron?”

“Yes, this is Ms. Baron. Can I help you?”

“This is Frank Gaetz. I’m a friend of your father’s. He asked me to call you.”

She wasn’t aware her father even had friends. Concerned now, Gracie asked, “My father?”

“Yes, ma’am. He’s been in an accident. It’s pretty bad.”

Gracie paled. “Oh, God. Where is he?”

 “He’s at Saint Mary’s Hospital.”

Saint Mary’s was just a few blocks away. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Gracie slammed her phone shut and shot out of her chair. After grabbing her purse from beneath the desk, Gracie headed toward the elevator. She stopped short when she realized she had no ride. Damn! Wade was her ride, and he wasn’t due for another hour. Gracie looked around the office and spotted her boss, Marie, explaining something to a coworker. She headed toward her. “Marie?” The gray-haired woman looked up and smiled. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

“Sure, Gracie.” Marie closed the distance between them. “What do you need?”

“I just received a call. My dad’s been in an accident.” Gracie’s hands shook as she thought of her father lying helpless in a hospital bed. He might be a drunk, but he was still her father.

“Oh, no!”

“I need to go to him, but I don’t have a car. I hate to trouble you—” Gracie stopped midsentence. She hated to ask the woman for a favor after she’d been generous enough to give her the time off after the accident. But what choice did she have?

Marie held her hand in the air. “Think nothing of it. Just let me grab my keys.”

Gracie stopped her before she could rush off to her office. “You have that conference call at noon with those suppliers. You can’t miss that, it’s much too important.”

Marie frowned. “Shoot, I forgot about that.”

“If I could just borrow your car? Normally I wouldn’t ask, but I’m really worried about my dad.”

“Of course, Gracie. Don’t know why I didn’t think of it myself. Let me get my keys. Be right back.”   

Gracie watched her hurry off. Grateful all over again for having such an understanding boss. When Marie came rushing back to her, handing the keys over, she said, “Will can swing by and get me, go ahead and keep it until morning.”

“Thanks, Marie. I’ll take very good care of it, I promise.”

Marie tsked. “You’re the most reliable person I know, Gracie. I’m not worried.”

Gracie smiled and thanked her again, then headed for the elevator. She hit the down button and waited. The elevator doors opened another man was inside, but she barely noticed him. Her mind was on her father. The last she’d heard her father didn’t have a license. So, how could he have been in an accident? As an afterthought, Gracie sent Wade a quick text, explaining where she was headed.

Gone to St. Mary’s. Dad’s been in an accident.

As the doors opened, Gracie tucked her phone into her purse and sprinted across the parking lot, easily locating Marie’s black BMW. Just as she hit the Unlock button, a hand closed over her mouth. A sweet-smelling odor filled her mouth and nostrils. She tried to scream, but no sound came out. Gracie reached into her purse, hoping to grab the mace Wade had insisted she carry that morning, but the words filling her ears sent a chill down her spine, freezing her in place.

“I’m very disappointed in you, Gracie Lynn. I thought after that last lesson I was forced to teach you that you’d be more circumspect in the company you keep.”

No, it couldn’t be. Gracie struggled harder, kicking out with her legs, using her fingernails to claw at the hand clasped tightly over her mouth and nose. She heard him curse, but he didn’t release her. She fought harder, tried to kick him in the shin, but her legs felt like rubber. What was wrong with her? Suddenly, her vision blurred. Oh, God, he’d drugged her. Gracie felt herself being lifted into the air, and then there was nothing but darkness.

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A Little Bit Naughty--out now!
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Snippet Saturday--Workplace

It's Snippet Saturday time. I'm sorry to say life got crazy and I missed the last two Saturdays. Crazy how, you say? Well, for one we found out that my mom is now CANCER FREE! Great news, huh?

Also, I'm on a tight deadline and not nearly done with my book. So, that has me busy, busy, busy. :)

The theme this time around is 'workplace'. I chose a scene from Tempting Grace. I love the all relationships in this story. It's the last of my Vaughn series and this couple is special to me because of that. I hope you enjoy this scene!

Read an Excerpt | Buy on ~ MBaM | Kindle | Nook | Fictionwise | Borders

It was all Jackson could do not to laugh as he watched Grace stalk out of Merrick’s office. He’d gotten to her, and she was running scared. It was only a matter of time now. He’d been lusting after the little blonde imp from the moment he’d spotted her at one of Merrick’s family’s cookouts. He’d tried the subtle approach, but that had gotten him exactly nowhere. She’d shot him down like a clay pigeon. The more he’d gotten to know her, the more he’d come to realize that Grace used sarcasm to keep people at arm’s length. Especially him. She was damned good at holding him off. Jackson was getting desperate. If he didn’t get her to submit soon, he’d explode.

“Quit thinking about her.”

Merrick’s voice dragged him back to reality. “I wasn’t,” Jackson lied.

Merrick rolled his eyes and sat back in his chair. “What the hell is it with you two? I can’t figure it. It’s as if you like fighting with her.”

“The truth?”

“No, I’d rather you lied to me,” Merrick ground out. “Yes, I want the truth.”

“Just remember, you asked,” he warned. “Fighting with Grace is like foreplay. It turns us both on. She wants me as much as I want her. She just can’t seem to let her guard down long enough to let me in. I’ve yet to figure out why.” He leaned forward in the chair and said, “Maybe you can help me with that one.”

Merrick shook his head. “You are aware that I’m not only her cousin, but your boss, right?”

Jackson recognized Merrick in overprotective mode. But Jackson had no intention of staying away from Grace, now or ever. “Is this the part where you warn me away?”

“Grace is my employee, and I protect my employees. You’re in dangerous territory, flirting with her. Sexual harassment isn’t something I take lightly, Jackson.”

Jackson went rigid. “Did she say I sexually harassed her?”

“That’s not the point. The point is I protect what’s mine.”

“I would never hurt Grace.”

“But you are making her uncomfortable, and I can’t have that. Either back off or I’ll move her to a different position.”

Merrick had just tossed down the gauntlet. If Jackson pushed the issue he could lose Grace and probably his job, not to mention his friendship with Merrick. Still, he wasn’t about to make a promise he knew damn well he couldn’t keep. Jackson rubbed his jaw and decided to lay it all on the line.

“This isn’t a game to me. I care about your cousin. You can fire me, pull Grace under your wing or whatever, but I won’t stop pursuing her until she tells me to stop.”

Merrick slammed his fist on the desk. “What the hell is up with you? I’ve never seen you act like this. You’ve never dated an employee. Why Grace?”

Jackson had wondered that himself. “She’s the most annoying woman I’ve ever met. She tells me to go to hell and I get a fucking hard-on. She threatens to maim me and I start drooling. Damned if I can figure it out. But until I do, I won’t let up. She wants me, she’s just fighting it. I scare her.” Jackson rubbed his jaw and thought for a second. “No, that’s not right. I think the idea of being with me scares her.”

“Grace doesn’t scare easily,” Merrick mused. “But you’re right. She’s been watching you like a caged lioness. If you aren’t careful, she’ll have you for lunch. Grace can be damned mean when cornered.”

It was now or never. Time to make a deal with the devil. “I have a solution. One that will please everyone.”

Merrick drummed his fingers on the desk for several seconds before saying, “I’m listening.”

“The Interop Convention in Vegas is coming up,” Jackson stated, referring to the nation’s biggest information technology convention. Businesses from all over the world attended to view new cutting-edge technologies. It was May, and the convention was a week away. “I want to take Grace with me when I go. If she’s still resisting my irresistible charms after that, I’ll back off.”

“You and Grace in Las Vegas for a week? You think I’ll agree to this?”

“I think you want Grace to be happy. I think you want harmony back in your office. Let me take Grace to Vegas. Not the whole week. Three days, that’s all I’m asking, and I promise you’ll have both.”

Merrick got out of the chair and paced. Jackson was almost afraid he was going to fire his ass right then. He had every right too. Jackson was surprised when Merrick said, “If Grace wants to go, I won’t stop her. But it’s her choice, not yours. You won’t force her because you’re her boss. Understood?”

Jackson said a silent prayer that Grace wouldn’t fight him on this one. “Understood.”

Merrick came around the desk and leaned against the edge. “One more thing.”

Jackson stood, sensing a battle coming. “Yeah?”

“Grace is like a sister to me, to Blade and Lacey too. I’d be very careful with her if I were you.”

He nodded. “I know how close you all are, but this is between Grace and me.”

Merrick crossed his arms over his chest. “Grace is all grown up now. Chloe says she can take care of herself, but that doesn’t mean I won’t kick your ass if you make her cry. Remember that while you’re trying to sweet talk her into going to Sin City with you.”

Jackson laughed. “Hold off on buying the tar and feathers until after I get back, will ya? I wouldn’t want you to waste your money.”

Merrick shook his head. “You have to get her to agree to the trip first. I’m not so convinced you’ve got what it takes.”

“We’ll see.”

“Yeah, we will.”

***
And be sure to check out these other authors' workplace snippets!
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Mandy M Roth
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Alison Kent
HelenKay Dimon
Shelli Stevens
Lauren Dane
Lacey Savage
TJ Michaels
Shiloh Walker


A Little Bit Naughty--out now!
http://annerainey.com

Snippet Saturday--Milestone

Today's Snippet Saturday theme is supposed to be 'milestone'. I've chosen a scene from Cherry on Top because this is the first story I sold to a New York Publishing house. It's still special to me. :-)

Also, don't forget about my 'follow' contest!

As he maneuvered the car into a space, he shut off the engine and turned to her. “We’re here.”

“I barely know you,” she blurted out.

Dante leaned forward and took her face in the palms of his hands. “I’ve watched you every day for the last three months. I’ve wanted you since the first moment I saw you. I can’t stop wanting you, believe me I tried.”

It’d been the same for her, but she wasn’t about to give him that sort of leverage. “But you want my shop. You want to close me down. You admitted that yourself.”

He shook his head. “It’s true I wanted the space. Hell, look at it from my viewpoint. I go away on a two-day business trip only to come back and find it already leased. I won’t lie to you, Cherry, I wasn’t real thrilled.”

“Yeah, I thought as much.”

“I had that place all planned out before you came along,” he murmured “And I had thought to coerce you into giving it up, but I still would’ve compensated you so you could open Serene Comfort elsewhere.”

“And now?”

 “Right now the only thing I can think of is you. What you look like underneath those conservative slacks and that silk blouse. I have a fair idea, but I’d really like to see for myself.”

“You’re much too bold and I’m way out of your league.”

“How so?”

“For three years I was married to a man who tried his best to destroy my sense of self-worth by cheating on me.”

Dante’s face hardened, as if angered on her behalf. “Why did you stay with him?”

She shrugged. “When you love someone you don’t give up at the first sign of trouble. I wanted to make it work, no matter what.”

“What changed?”

“I realized that some men are better off single.”

Dante’s grin lit her on fire. “He was an idiot. I never would have looked at other women if I had you in my bed.”

She leaned back, to preserve her sanity if nothing else, which forced him to drop his hands. “Don’t flatter me. I’m already here so obviously flattery isn’t necessary.”

His features changed, turned hard. “I do not lie. I say what I mean.”

She faltered at the seriousness in his tone. “I’m not perfect, Dante, I have just as many flaws as the next gal.”

“Maybe, but I like you just as you are. I wouldn’t expect you to be anything other than you.”

“You don’t even know me.”

Dante closed the gap she’d created. “You’re Cherry DuBois, the sexy massage therapist who managed to snap up the space I’d been eyeing for the last six months. You’re the woman I’ve craved so bad I go to bed smelling that damn cherry oil you use on your clients. You’re the woman in my car arguing over whether you deserve compliments or not. You’re the only thing I want.”   

Every bone in her body seemed to gel, her blood heated and her mind went quite literally blank. She couldn’t counter an attack like that. No woman would be capable of speech after such a statement.

Dante didn’t seem to require words from her though, he simply placed two fingers against her lips and murmured, “Just follow me and you’ll see.”

Hmm, I wonder if she follows him? ;-)

And for some other interesting milestones:
TJ Michaels
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
HelenKay Dimon
Vivian Arend
Shelli Stevens
TJ Michaels
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Denise A. Agnew
Beth-Ann Mason


A Little Bit Naughty--out now!
http://annerainey.com

Snippet Saturday--Important Date

I'm a bit late getting this up this morning. Sorry about that! So, this week's theme is an important date. I chose a scene from Touching Lace. Lacey has just found her boyfriend in the arms of her best friend. She's a little raw and feeling as if she's somehow a loser in bed. Her good buddy Nick has come to the rescue and asked her out for coffee. Neither of them realize just how important this coffee date will turn out to be, because it's the moment their friendship turns to that of lovers...

They sat in Turro’s, a little coffee shop close to Lacey’s apartment, eating apple cobbler and drinking cappuccinos. She was being so meek and quiet. Nick couldn’t help but smile. She was never meek and rarely quiet. His little maneuver in the theater had gotten to her. Good, let her ponder it a bit, wonder at his motives. Lord knew he had been pondering and wondering over his attraction to her for what seemed like an eternity. She owed him.

Nick decided to start with the topic of her recent break up. “So, as you already know I got the low down from your mom about Evan, but I’m all ears if you want to talk about it.”

Lacey looked up sharply, her pretty blue eyes revealing just the slightest hint of pain. Had he misread her relationship with the dickhead? Could it be she had real feelings for him? He’d thought she was more upset over the loss of her friendship with Christy than losing Evan. Now he wasn’t sure.

 

Nick reached across the scarred wood table and just barely touched her fingers. “Did you love him, Lace?” He nearly got sick at the thought of her wasting those kinds of feelings on a loser like Evan, but he needed to know what he was up against.

Lacey’s easily given kindness shone in her gorgeous eyes. He knew she was seeing her best friend in the whole world sitting across from her. She probably saw the worry he felt staring back. Her sweet smile was the same as always and had the same impact to his libido as ever. As usual, Nick hid his unfriend-like reaction, and he hated it.

“No, I didn’t love Evan.” She wrinkled her nose. “I guess that’s the saddest part. I didn’t even feel the slightest bit hurt when I caught them sponging each other up.” She laughed, and his body reacted to the throaty sound. “Oh, Nick, you should have seen them. Their ridiculous expressions, so shocked, and all I could think was ‘oh well, saves me the trouble of dumping him’.” She tried to laugh again, but sobered instead. Her expression beat at him.

His Lace was feeling a cruel stab of insecurity, and he hated it. She looked down at her cobbler; like him, she’d all but forgotten it.

“What’s wrong with me that men find it so easy to dump all over me?” Lacey’s question surprised him. She dropped her spoon in her bowl where it made a loud clang then crossed her arms over her chest and continued her angry outburst. “Why can’t I seem to hold a guy’s attention for more than a few pathetic months?”

First, Nick wanted to shout with glee because she hadn’t loved the idiot. Second, he wanted badly to shake her and rattle some sense into her. She’d damn well held his attention for a lot longer than a few meager months. But he’d only scare her away.

“You’re not to examine yourself over this guy, Lace.” He dropped his own spoon, pulled her arms apart and entwined their fingers. “There isn’t a damn thing wrong with you. It’s the men you date. They aren’t worth the air you breathe, baby.”

Lacey only shook her head in denial. “No, Nick, that’s not true. They can’t all be losers.” She gave him a half-smile. “Though I appreciate your undying loyalty.”

“It’s not loyalty.” She didn’t look convinced, so he changed tactics. “You say it’s you, right?” She shrugged, neither confirming nor denying. “Then explain to me what it is you think is wrong with you.”

Nick began to stroke his thumb over her wrist and he could feel the quickening of her pulse as it jumped wildly. As if uncomfortable, Lacey took back one of her hands, and he very nearly groaned aloud.

“It’s a little complicated.”

Nick frowned. She was keeping something from him. He could always tell. Lacey was never very good at deceit. She gave herself away every time by looking down toward the ground. “Uncomplicate it for me then.”

She tilted her head. “Is that even a word?”

“Don’t change the subject. Explain why you think every man you date ends up bored.”

A pretty bloom of pink filled Lacey’s cheeks at his personal question. Even as close as they were, he was still a guy, thus making such a conversation uncomfortable. This time he wasn’t going to let it slide. Nick wouldn’t allow her to bury her head. Lacey knew him like no one else, which meant she knew deep, meaningful conversations didn’t scare him off the way they did most men. Hell, with Lacey, going deep was a damned pleasure.

“I don’t think I’m very good in bed. There, is that plain enough for you?”

Lacey’s words were so rushed Nick would have missed half of what she said if he wasn’t so attuned to her. Luckily, Lacey couldn’t lose an eyelash without him taking notice.

Of all the reasons for her sudden lack of confidence, that had never once crossed his mind. Now he knew for sure she was picking the wrong men. Lacey’s feisty attitude and easy sensuality would make her nothing short of explosive in bed. Hell, a man would have to be blind not to see the passion and fire that simmered just beneath the surface. It would take years for a man to get bored with a woman like her. Nick suspected she didn’t have a single problem, but how could he prove it to her?

It was true a sensual and uninhibited woman like Lacey could intimidate someone like Evan. Even cause him to turn to a woman like the overblown and too obvious Christy. The loser probably needed to be in control to stoke his ego. Yep, the guys Lacey chose were clearly wusses. Otherwise, they’d know what to do with the dark-haired beauty who fairly shouted flaming hot sex!

Her sexual confidence had been shaken and it pissed him off enough to want to pay a little visit to Evan the Dickhead. And that’s when a plan began to form.

She didn’t think she could heat up the sheets worth a damn. Well, who better to teach her how completely wrong she was than a man she already cared for and trusted? He mentally squashed the little voice in his head, which vigorously shouted to him just how wrong this plan of his could go. Now to convince the stubborn and hardheaded Lacey Vaughn that her good buddy always knew best.

Check out some more important dates!
Mari Carr
TJ Michaels
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
Vivian Arend
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker

 

A Little Bit Naughty--out now!
http://annerainey.com