Unexpected

by Jenna Hartley

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  What’s Next?

  Lauren

  No lies.

  No feelings.

  Just sex.

  Sounds simple enough, right?

  At least, that’s what I told myself.

  But Hunter Pruitt is insatiable, incredible, and…irresistible. When it comes to this man, I'm coming to realize my feelings are anything but simple. And the only person I'm lying to…is myself.

  Hunter

  No lies.

  No feelings.

  Just sex.

  It's basically my mantra. So when I meet a woman who demands nothing more of me than those three things, it sounds like the perfect arrangement.

  Or so I thought.

  Because for the first time in my life, I find myself wanting more. I find myself wanting the one woman who seems intent on keeping me at arm's length.

  Irresistible is a friends with benefits romance with a guaranteed HEA.

  Excerpt

  “Well, that was fun.” I grinned as I smoothed down my skirt, then checked my lipstick in the small mirror I carried in my purse.

  Jake wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, nuzzling into my neck. “You’re not leaving already, are you?”

  “I have a meeting with a client.” I closed the mirror and stepped out of his embrace.

  He pulled up his jeans before securing his tool belt once more. He had a good body, and boy did he know how to fuck. He was a little younger than my usual, but hey, I didn’t discriminate. As long as he was over eighteen, not in a relationship, and not looking for one, it was all good.

  “I was really hoping we could have lunch together.” When I shook my head, he asked, “Dinner instead?” His expression was hopeful, too hopeful. I was beginning to think he’d gotten the wrong impression about what this was.

  I trailed a finger down his bare chest, delighting in the way his nipples puckered. He really did have a nice body, even if he wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. “What’s on the menu?”

  “Well, I was thinking you could come to my place. We’d drink some wine. I’d cook for you.”

  This was all sounding good. I liked wine and hot men who cooked. Especially hot men who cooked and gave me orgasms. I could totally get behind this.

  He stepped closer, grabbing my hips. “You could spend the night.”

  And then he had to go and ruin it.

  It was as if someone had doused me with a bucket of ice water. Spend the night? He’d clearly forgotten who he was talking to.

  “Jake, sweetie.” I smiled, giving his chest a tap. “I don’t do sleepovers. You know that.”

  “I thought maybe you’d make an exception—for me.” He blinked at me with those gorgeous green eyes, and just the thought of spending the night with him—with any man—had my heart squeezing in my chest.

  I backed away a few inches. “I don’t make exceptions. I thought you realized by now that this is just sex. No strings. No feelings.”

  He held my hands in his. “Maybe it started out that way, but I want more.”

  I let out a deep breath. Why? Why did they always have to go and catch feelings? Feelings ruined everything.

  “It sounds like we want different things. But, hey, it was fun while it lasted.” I gave him a flirty smirk, hoping he would focus on that instead of the fact that I’d just shut him down.

  A look of pain flashed across his face. “So, that’s it? You’re really going to end this?”

  “Yes, Jake,” I said, trying not to let my irritation show. I’d never been anything but up-front with him. I distinctly remembered telling him I didn’t do relationships or dating. “This was just sex, and you said you were okay with it. More than okay, if I remember correctly.”

  “I have a good job, a good body, a promising future. I could make you happy.” Other women might have been swayed by those arguments, but not me.

  “You did—with multiple orgasms.” I turned on my heel, ready to walk away.

  “You think you can replace me so easily?” he called from behind me.

  And now he was just getting on my nerves. This was over; he needed to accept that. Better to rip off the Band-Aid now than to have him holding out hope for something that would never happen. I’d learned that lesson the hard way.

  Which was why I spun, looked him in the eye, and said, “I know I can.”

  “Wow.” He stumbled backward as if I’d struck him. But when he recovered, there was fire in his eyes. “Coldhearted bitch,” he spat.

  I’d rather be coldhearted than brokenhearted, I thought as I heard the sound of voices approaching. I turned on my heel, my head held high as I stepped over a two-by-four.

  “Cock-sucking slut,” he called as a few of his co-workers came into view.

  “I didn’t see you complaining when I was sucking your cock,” I threw over my shoulder with absolutely no remorse or shame.

  Several of the guys coughed into their hands to hide a laugh.

  “Hello, boys.” I smiled as I passed, putting on my sunglasses as I emerged into the bright California sun.

  Add Irresistible to your TBR!

  This book was so much fun to write. Inspired by Charlie Puth’s song, Boy, the characters sprang to life. I loved the idea of a woman who was confident yet struggled with insecurities. And a man who was young, but so much wiser than his years.

  Thank you for reading Unexpected. I love writing for the pleasure of it, but seeing readers’ reactions, reading your comments and reviews is definitely a highlight.

  Thank you to all the amazing readers, bloggers, and bookstagrammers who helped spread the word about this book. You guys are awesome, and I so so appreciate every post, every comment, every “like,” and every share. Seriously, I’m honored and humbled by your response to Alexis and Preston’s story.

  To my editor, Lisa with Silently Correcting Your Grammar. I so appreciate your attention to detail, and your patience with my questions. You always go above and beyond. And your comments crack me up! Thank you for helping me create a thoughtful and well-polished book I can be proud of.

  Thank you to LJ for designing such a gorgeous cover that really captures the feel of the story and characters. And a huge thanks to Linda and Alissa for everything you both do. You’re rockstars!

  Thank you to Ellen for taking this journey with me. Thank you for being so supportive and positive, for being a friend. Thank you for helping me rediscover myself at a time that I felt very adrift in my life. And thank you for sharing your incredible eye for detail.

  Thank you to Kristen for being such an amazing friend. I value your judgment and honesty, and I so appreciate your support. We’ve been through so much together, and I treasure your friendship and advice. Seriously, I cannot thank you enough for all that you do. Thank you for getting me through those last few chapters. I had a loose idea, but you helped me find the way.

  Thank you, Kirsten. You are thorough and fast, and I so value your opinion. Your comments made Preston the man he is today! I appreciate you having the courage to point out his shortcomings.

  Thank you, Jade. You make me a stronger writer, and you challenge me on pacing. You are so clever and always provide great insight. And you are always so on top of cover reveals, teasers, etc. Thank you so much for promoting me on Instagram.

  A huge thank you to all my beta readers. Thank you for making me a stronger writer, for offering your unique insight and advice. You each seem to bring something different to the table, and I’m always amazed and impressed by your suggestions. I’m honored to have you on my team!

  Thank you to my husband for always encouraging me. For always supporting my dreams. You are better than any book boyfriend I could
ever imagine. And to my daughter, for always putting a smile on my face. You are spirited and independent, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Dream big, my darling.

  A big thanks to my parents and my in-laws for taking such good care of our daughter while I write. And to my mom for always being my number one fan.

  If this list of people shows you anything, it’s that dreams are often the effort of many. I’m grateful to have such an awesome team. And I’m honored that you’ve taken the time to read my words.

  Contemporary romance author, Jenna Hartley writes about strong, independent women and the men who dare to love them. Her characters aren’t perfect; they're authentic. Her passion is to make their stories feel as real for readers as they do to her, infusing each one with sexy, sweet, and laughable moments that reflect real love.

  When she's not writing, Jenna spends her days chasing after a hilarious and imaginative toddler, as well as hunting down new allergy-friendly recipes for them to cook together. She lives in Texas with her family and loves nothing more than a good book, good chocolate, and Topo Chico.