ROMANCE: Paranormal Romance: The Valley (Book One) (Fun, Sexy, Mature Young Adult Vampire Shape Shifter Romance)

by Charlotte Swanpol

A song was in her soul, nagging to get out and she had to release it. Taking a pencil and paper, at sunrise, she ran to the field of wildflowers and sat amongst nature while the words poured from her.

  It would be the song that she had to sing tonight in order to set her soul free.

  Chapter 9

  Lila went on to become a singing sensation and soon had to take her songs and her band on the road. Her smash hit "The Kiss Goodbye" had been the talk of the club for a month and when a music producer came looking for her, she had to take the chance at a better life. It was the reason she'd come to live in France in the first place. Singing took her traveling all over and she felt rewarded by her efforts. Most importantly, she got a chance to sing the song that talked about her love for the one man that had stolen her heart.

  She wished each and every night that he was safe while he fought the war and that he would return her heart to her all in one piece.

  Then came the day that Europe celebrated Germany's surrender. Entire nations were ecstatic and breathed a collective sigh of relief. Lila's tour was in full force, but she wanted to do one thing. She knew in her heart that he would be back for her.

  No matter how far she traveled, Lila kept her room in the small village where she once lived. That was her link to Thomas. He would know how to reach her, how to come back to her. She'd written him letters from all over the world, letting him know that she had been touring and that she was happy. His letters were consistent at first, but then she had not heard from him in months. And now with the war ending, she just knew that she would have to go back and wait for him to return.

  Sitting by the window waiting for him to walk down the road served her no purpose. Louis asked her to come back to the club and sing for a few nights while she was in town. Lila agreed, knowing that she would have to leave in a few days to go finish her tour. She had not received any mail from Thomas and still hoping for the best, she went to sing the song that had made Lila Moreaux a household name.

  Lila sang her heart out, trying her best to see through the smoke filled room, but to no avail. Her beau had not come for her. The war had ended over a month ago and no one had seen the presence of the handsome stranger that had won over her heart. When they'd said goodbye, he'd bid her goodbye until tomorrow and she was still waiting for the day to come. She no longer felt the pain in her heart. Singing The Kiss Goodbye night after nigh had somehow taken the sting away. Now she knew what it was like to have the good memories of the love their shared. It was all that she wanted to keep with her.

  So she would not have to walk alone, one of the boys in the band gave her a ride back to her room. They were slated to leave town in another two days. Lila had all but given up hope of seeing Thomas again. Maybe he had moved on and married another and if that was so, she hoped that he was happy.

  Once she made it up the stairs to her room, she spotted a single red rose and a note. Running as quickly as she could, she snatched the note from the door and flipped it open.

  Her hands trembling so, she could barely read the note.

  "It says that I heard your song on the radio. Is it about me? A soldier in the war all the way from Kentucky?"

  She closed her eyes, knowing that the voice behind her was that of her beau.

  "You came back to me. Thomas, you came back."

  "Woman, I told you that it was not goodbye. It was until tomorrow. Well, now tomorrow has come. Is that alright with you?"

  He picked her up in his arms, immediately kissing the woman that he loved.

  "I waited for you."

  "I came back to you. So I guess we make a good pair."

  His smile, the dimple, those boyish good looks. The way he kissed her and left her no doubt that he only had eyes for her.

  "I think we do," she replied.

  "I'm back and I promise you Lila Moreaux, I will never ever let you go. If that's okay with you."

  Her love had come back, just like he said that he would. And this time when he promised not to let her go, he could make good on it.

  "I would not have it any other way, my love."

  "Good. Now woman open that door and sing that song for me."

  Lila unlocked the door singing the song that she'd written for Thomas.

  He loves me

  There's no doubt

  He needs me

  Can't go without

  Tells me when he leaves

  That it's not for long

  His love's so good

  No way it's wrong

  Tells me he will never leave

  My loves the reason why

  He can kiss me til tomorrow

  But never kiss me goodbye

  THE END

  Back to Table of Contents

  Business As Unusual

  Lexi Summers

  Business As Unusual

  Chapter 1

  Growing up, Lara Parks didn’t have it easy. Her British father left her and her African mother for another woman when she was only a child. Still, her mother Bella had worked day and night to see to it that Lara was given the basics that any young girl of her age would want. Lara had her own goals and she was sure that some day she would achieve them. She looked much more like her mother with milk chocolate skin and curves in the right places that any man would stop to take a second look.

  Lara had been very honest in her phone interview with her prospective employer that she worked as a temporary secretary and had been attending night school to enhance her knowledge in the administrative field in hopes of becoming a fully-fledged administrative or executive assistant. This was her dream and she was adamant that she reach it.

  Fortunately she had her best friend Diana to thank for having brought the newspaper ad about the interview at D’Frank Financiers. She had prepared herself very carefully for the interview, having read everything she could lay her hands on about D’Frank Financiers – the way they did business, their clientele, their performance on the stock exchange and how their shares traded. But most of all she had read all about the CEO and owner James D’Frank. He was seen frequently in the tabloids with a different brunette or blonde wrapped around his arm. In the business magazines he was different – always looking ruthless and determined as if he wanted to conquer the world of finance, which secretly Lara thought was his intention.

  By time the interview approached, Lara was ready. She wore a gorgeous second hand pale blue linen designer suit and had her thick black hair blow-dried and straightened. She did her own make up and was very happy with how she presented herself prior to this monumental moment. It was just the image she was going for: professional, well groomed, and a little bit sassy. When her mother entered her room to take a look at her daughter, a tear rolled down her cheek. “You look so beautiful my dear,” Bella said proudly. As she helped Lara get prepared for the interview, all she could do was smile.

  Her interviewer Veronica Damon was dressed in a stern black trouser suit with black high-heeled shoes. Her red hair was cut in a neat oval shape that matched her face and eyes.

  “Mr. D’Frank would prefer someone who has even a slight knowledge of Japanese,” said Veronica.

  “Oh, I was not aware. That was not in the advertisement nor was it mentioned to me when we spoke on the phone yesterday,” Lara replied.

  “Mr. D’Frank has his reservations about putting everything we require in the advertisement. It gives us the ability to analyze applicants when they arrive for the interview and determine if they are a good cultural fit for D’Frank Financiers,” said Veronica somewhat condescendingly.

  “Which means I don’t fit the bill?” said Lara.

  “Well I did not say that, said Veronica shrugging her shoulders.

  Lara stood up, tears threatening to fall, but she held her head high and thanked Veronica for her time. As she walked out of the office, her eyes a blur, she did not see the person in front of her. She bumped into a hard masculine chest, whose owner broke Lara’s fall by taking hold of her hands and pinning them to his bod
y.

  “I am so sorry, how clumsy of me. I was not looking where I was going,” she exclaimed brushing the tears off her face.

  “Why are you crying?” asked her rescuer.

  “Oh it’s just that James D’Frank thinks that he could waste my time by bringing me to his office for an interview only to be patronized by who I’m guessing is one of his bedmates…I am sorry, I should not have blurted that out, especially to a complete stranger. Please excuse me…” said Lara as she walked around the tall man’s well built body. The man stepped aside so Lara could make her exit. He turned back and smiled as he walked into the office that Veronica had interviewed Lara in.

  “Who was that who just left?” asked James D’Frank pointing to the door.

  “That was one of the women I interviewed,” Veronica replied firmly.

  “So what was wrong with her?” asked James. Veronica shook her head. “She does not know a word of Japanese and I thought that was a big negative in her favor.”

  James looked at Veronica and smiled. “Why is it that you still have not found me an executive assistant?” asked James in a joking manner.

  Veronica looked directly into the eyes of the man who she had been bedded several times. “I don’t know, I guess the right candidate has just not come along yet.”

  Can I have the woman’s application and credentials please?” James asked amusingly.

  Veronica thrust a file at James. “Here you go,” she said with some attitude.

  James walked into his room and threw the file on to his table. After pouring himself a glass of scotch, he sat down, heaved his legs on to the table, and reached across for the file. “Lara Parks, not bad at all,” he murmured as he read the rest of her application and supporting documents. Picking up his mobile, he dialed Lara’s number. Lara was back home and fuming that her time had been wasted.

  “Hello Miss Parks,” came a deep voice.

  “Hello,” Lara replied somewhat confused.

  “I believe you came for an interview to D’Frank Financiers this morning. Mr. D’Frank has reviewed your application and would like to interview you himself. Would tomorrow at nine be alright with you?” asked James.

  Lara hesitated. “Thank you but I was told that I am unqualified for the job, so to make the best use of everyone’s time, it’s probably best that I pass,” Lara responded having no idea that it was James on the line.

  “Oh no but Mr. D’Frank insists that he sees you,” said the man.

  Lara paused. She had nothing to lose at this point and the man made it seem quite promising. “Okay, tell him I will be there tomorrow at nine. Thank you for the call,” Lara said enthusiastically as she hung up. She was both confused and excited. Something told her that this was going to be worth her time.

  Chapter 2

  James D’Frank was a very determined personality and always seemed what he wanted. He was ruthless when it came to business and was never short of women. He had his pick of them all, but he never been with a black woman.

  He looked at his watch and then at the door. Veronica was tending to her sick mother that morning and would not be in until late afternoon. Sarah, the office temp was covering in Veronica’s place.

  Lara walked into the office and locked eyes with Sarah as they exchanged smiles. She was relieved to see that Veronica was not around. “Good morning, I’m here to see Mr. D’ Frank,” said Lara.

  “Oh yes, Mr. D’ Frank is expecting you Miss Parks. Please proceed right into his office.”

  Lara entered the room and looked around in awe at the expensive materials and beautiful fabrics, which dripped from every curtain. It was clear that Mr. D’Frank was a very wealthy man. Although, she was already well aware of this as her research had confirmed that he owned one of the most lucrative finance companies in New York.

  “Miss Parks, if you are finished admiring my office, we can proceed with the interview,” came a deep voice that made Lara jump. She turned around and came face to face with the man she had met in the reception area the previous day. “You..you…” she stammered. “Yes, I’m James D’Frank. Pleasure to meet you, again,” he said smiling. He stood roughly six foot two with seductive charcoal black eyes and a perfect masculine figure. He looked like a Calvin Klein model. His jet-black hair was slicked back with a generous portion of gel.

  Lara was kicking herself inside for not realizing who he was the day prior when she bumped into him.

  “Please, take a seat Miss Parks,” said James pointing to a set of plush sofas across his room. Everything about him and his environment screamed wealth. Lara walked toward the sofa, her feet sinking deep into the plush carpets. “How I wish I could remove my shoes and feel the softness of these carpets,” thought Lara to herself as she settled down on a sofa and cross her legs.

  James watched Lara cross her legs and was overcome by a feeling of sexual tension. His groin tightened as he wished he could run his tongue along her shapely, smooth legs.

  Lara looked at James and wondered what he was thinking, while completely mesmerized by his smile and those supple lips that made his smile so sexy. Lara contained herself and looked at James in a stern, professional manner.

  “I’ve reviewed your application and resume, very impressive.” He continued. “Now you are aware that this is a full time position, Monday to Friday beginning at nice a.m. sharp. I’m looking for someone very tactful and committed to their work. We take a lot of pride in our team and compensate employee’s well for their hard work and loyalty,” said James looking directly into Lara’s eyes.

  “I understand Mr. D’Frank,” replied Lara.

  “Oh, and there no formal names like Mr. D’Frank. Just call me James, we’re very casual around here.”

  Lara smiled and nodded affirmatively.

  “Well that’s settled. Can you start today?” asked James.

  Lara looked at him wide-eyed. “Today?” she asked.

  “Yes today, unless of course you have a lunch date with your boyfriend, in that case, you can start tomorrow,” James responded, testing the waters a bit.

  “I don’t have a boyfriend Mr….D’…..James,” said Lara smiling. “I would be happy to start today.

  “Very good. Do you mind waiting until Veronica arrives? She should be here by eleven,” said James.

  “No problem, Lara replied happily.

  Right at eleven on the dot, Veronica arrived to find Lara sitting in the waiting area. “Hi, what are you doing here? I thought we had our interview yesterday,” said Veronica with a sneer in her voice.

  Before Lara could answer James walked into the main reception area. “Veronica, Lara’s going to start working with us today. Can you please orient her on her daily tasks and give her the list of files,” said James as he walked out of the office and headed for the elevators. Veronica looked at Lara and shrugged.

  Veronica pulled out a few files and put them on the table before Lara. “Study these,” she commanded. Lara took one file and opened it. “Why is Veronica so rude?” she thought to herself.

  Veronica inspected Lara as she glanced through the files. Veronica was clearly jealous at the fact that such a beautiful girl was chosen as James new executive assistant.

  Chapter 3

  All day at the office, Lara could not take her mind off James. He was so stunningly handsome and Lara felt wetness between her thighs just at the thought of him.

  After Veronica left D’Frank Financiers, Lara began working diligently to make a good impression on her new boss.

  The next morning when Lara arrived for work, she found James pacing in his office like a caged tiger. Lara was about to close the office room door when James grabbed it. “Come in Lara and bring your notebook.” Within seconds Lara was seated opposite James. “Lara there has been a fraud detected at my office in Greece and I have to be there to meet with the local police and detectives for the investigation,” said James.

  “That sounds very serious,” said Lara.

  “Indeed it is,” James res
ponded. “We will leave for Greece on Wednesday morning,” ordered James. Lara studiously wrote notes on everything James was saying. Suddenly her head shot up when she realized he had said “we”.

  James grinned at Lara. “I know what you are thinking, don’t worry,” said James. “Hand your passport over to Dirk at Travels and he will take care of everything.”

  “But James…”

  “No buts…” said James holding his palms up. “I need you there with me.”

  Lara left the room, her head in a spin. That evening she discussed her trip to Greece with her mother. Bella was thrilled for Lara. “You are a very lucky girl,” she said.

  “But Mom, I have never been abroad and I am scared stiff that it has to be with James.”

  “He is your boss, so what are you afraid of?” questioned Bella.

  Little did her mother know how attracted Lara was to him.

  On Wednesday morning James’s private jet soared into the early morning sky and all Lara wanted do was to close her eyes and sleep. She had spent the night before packing for the long flight to Greece, and now here she was sitting across from her handsome boss, her stomach tingling with butterflies.

  Maria the stewardess served them a lavish breakfast of waffles, fruit, pastries and excellent coffee.

  James sighed and stretched his legs. He could have made this trip alone but wanted Lara to join him as he had other ideas and he hoped that the mutual attraction between them could be quenched. He knew the feelings were mutual as he had caught Lara eyeing him hungrily several times back in the office.

  Lara slept most of the way and was gently awoken by James as the pilot prepared to land. “Lara, fasten your seat belt,” whispered James. Lara’s eyes shot open as she watched James bring the seat belt around and snap the clasp, his fingertips brushing against her breasts. Lara caught her breath as she looked at James with half closed eyes. James felt his groin tighten.

  The jet came to a halt and a few seconds thereafter James and Lara were descending upon the runway. Lara looked in awe at the limousine parked just next to the plane. In seconds they were speeding toward the city where James had booked a suite for Lara at the Hilton with a connecting door to his own luxury suite.