Behind the Book
Sexy Series, Book #2
Heather Dahlgren
Behind the Book
Copyright © 2016 by Heather Dahlgren.
All rights reserved.
First Print Edition: December 2016
Limitless Publishing, LLC
Kailua, HI 96734
www.limitlesspublishing.com
Formatting: Limitless Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1-68058-909-2
ISBN-10: 1-68058-909-1
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.
Dedication
To every author―big or small, new or established, published or indie―this book is for you.
For all the time, tears, insecurities, smiles, laughs, lack of sleep, frustration with characters, and pride that we all feel with every word we write. It isn’t easy, but it is so worth it.
Believe in yourself, in your words, in your talent.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Epilogue
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Prologue
London
No matter how many signings I go to, I am always just as excited and nervous as I was for the first one. I always hope for a big crowd, to meet new readers, to see readers who already love my books, and to connect with other authors. There is no better feeling in the world than when a reader tells you that your book, your words, affected them. Whether it helped them escape from reality for a while, they’ve been through something similar, or they simply fell in love with the characters, it all means so much to me.
I always marched to the beat of my own drum, always did things my way. Even back in high school when everyone was moaning about a writing assignment, I secretly was jumping up and down. I never understood what the big deal was. I loved writing. My mom used to try to push me out the door to go hang out with friends, but I wanted to stay home and write. No one understood it and I lost a lot of friends, but I didn’t care because if I wasn’t writing, I was reading, and those characters were my friends. I could connect with a book and let it take me away or write characters that I wanted to be friends with.
When I was in college, I majored in journalism, and I made some amazing real friends, some of whom I am still very close with. I also met Axel my freshman year, and by senior year we were engaged. I thought this was the beginning to my happily ever after. We had so much in common. We wrote, had the same friends, and supported each other completely. That is until we moved in together. Things started to change quickly. He went from the sweetest, most understanding guy to a complete control freak. I wasn’t allowed to hang out with my friends anymore. He needed to know what I was writing, and if he didn’t like it, he would delete everything. I started to actually fear him toward the end. He would get angry if I didn’t follow his rules, and for a while I did, but when I found myself pretty much a prisoner in a sense, I knew I needed out. He went to work one day, and I packed up everything and moved to California.
No one believed me when I told them how he was. They all argued how sweet he was, how happy he made me, and crazy people didn’t have his clean-cut look. They all thought I moved to California to pursue my career and I used him as a scapegoat. I didn’t give a shit what they thought. I finally felt safe and last I heard he was involved with another journalism friend.
When I moved here, I had college loans, no job, and about a hundred dollars to my name. I was able to find a restaurant looking for help that also happened to rent an apartment above it. I worked there for a few years while I wrote my ass off. I wrote under the pen name, London Tweed, because I was scared that Axel would find me. I only go by that name now.
Once I had the first three books of my series done, I got in touch with a few author friends I’d made and they helped me. They taught me how to self-publish, got me in touch with cover designers, formatters, editors, and photographers. This was the start of the most exciting time of my life.
When I published my first book, I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous as hell putting myself out there, but when readers not only started buying it but promoting it, it felt like a dream. Each book after has been even more successful, and I still find it hard to believe I’ve been doing this for three years.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a household name. I haven’t quit my day job, but I am making money, good money. I have a house now, I have a huge fan base, and I thank God every day for all of it. It’s a lot of work, takes up an unbelievable amount of time and money, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love what I do. I love creating stories with characters that readers love. I sometimes find myself ignoring my real friends for the ones I’ve made online, readers, authors, and models. They get it; they understand what this world is about and how much of yourself you put into it. I love having that connection.
When I decided to have Blake Foster on the cover of my latest book, I was beyond excited. He was extremely sexy with his tattoos, muscles, and grin. As of right now, I worked with whatever photographer was willing to do a shoot for me, but I’m on the hunt for one I can always use. Kallie Gregory is who I really want to get involved with and I’m beyond excited she will be at this signing today.
When I got the photos back from Shannon, I was blown away with how incredible Blake looked. If I could have licked my computer, I would have. I knew exactly what photo I wanted of him and Ivy. It was sexy, romantic, and panty dropping hot. This book had been my biggest seller and I had to give credit to Blake and Ivy for pulling the readers in.
When I emailed Blake and asked if he wanted to come to New York with me, he was so gracious and overjoyed. I paid for his plane ticket, but he said he would take care of the hotel, which was a blessing because it gets so expensive paying to have my models with me. I needed to cover the travel and hotel for them and myself. If it was a signing across the country like this, one model was all I ever brought. I couldn’t afford to bring any more than that.
When I got to New York, my stomach was in knots. I’d been here several times since I moved to California, but just being on the east coast freaked me out. I knew Axel was in Florida, but even New York was too close for me. That’s why I usually only stayed until the day after the signing and headed back home. Not that I think he would even search for me at this point…it’s been five years, but I liked being on the opposite side of the country.
***
I get to the hotel late at night and I drag my jet-lagged ass up to my room, crashing before even taking my clothes off. Upon awakening this morning, I feel horrible for not getting in touch with Blake. I check my phone and see I have a few missed text messages from him. I dial him right away and ap
ologize for not talking with him. He is extremely understanding, and we decide to have breakfast this morning so we can finally meet up. It makes me laugh that we only live a short distance from each other and the first time we meet is across the country.
We have a great breakfast and laugh through most of it. He is such an easy guy to talk to and funny as hell. He says he’s also there with Kallie and Jax. Those two made some of the biggest talk I’ve ever heard in this industry when it came out they were together. Fans were jealous as hell, photographers were nasty and catty, and authors saw a story. When they both made those videos and posted them, I think every female’s ovaries exploded. It was the sweetest, most romantic thing I had ever seen. Since then, they have been the ‘it’ couple. Blake never talks about them like that though, and that makes me like him even more. He doesn’t get involved with the drama, at least he didn’t lead on to me that he did.
After breakfast, we part ways to get ready, and I tell him I’ll meet him at my table. Once my long brown hair has curls in it, my makeup is perfect, and I put on a cute dress with my boots, I’m ready to rock. I set up my table, chatting with some of the authors I’ve become friends with and meeting new ones. We take several pictures before the models and readers get here. It is a really great start to a crazy day.
“So I’m just supposed to sit here?” I look over at Blake and laugh. This is his first signing, and I’m excited I get to pop his cherry.
“You can get up. You don’t need to sit here. Bring the readers over with your sexiness.” He smirks at me and winks. Damn, I love my job.
“You want the women over here, you got it.” I laugh and he gets up and pulls his fucking shirt off. Yep, that will bring them over. He glances down at me and smiles. “Give me five minutes.”
He once again winks and heads off into the crowd. The amount of people is insane, and I have no doubt that it’s because of the models and honestly, Kallie. I think most readers want to see the ‘it’ couple in the flesh. I’ve watched her and she’s completely professional. She doesn’t let the fans interrupt her concentration and that right there is what makes me finally decide to talk to her about doing all of my future shoots.
Blake comes back and holds his hand out to me. “You have plans?” I question with a smile.
He laughs and I place my hand in his and he helps me up. “I may have a small crowd coming over who are very interested in your book.” When you have a model that is just as invested in your book as you are, well shit, there’s nothing better.
When I stand up, son of a bitch, he wasn’t kidding. There’s a group of giggling young girls heading our way. I look up at him and laugh. “You are too much.”
He smiles down at me and puts his arm around me. “Just trying to do my part.”
That is exactly what he does. It is the most interactive signing I’ve attended. Blake makes sure to keep the readers coming over, and once they do, I have so much fun talking about my books and taking pictures. He keeps me laughing the entire day. He definitely isn’t just a sexy guy; he’s fun as hell to hang out with, which makes me even happier that Kallie invited me out with all of them tonight. I haven’t gone out and let my hair down in a long time. I’ve been so busy writing, and I think I deserve a night of fun.
After the signing, I go back to my room and change into a pair of skinny jeans, a black and white tank, and my black heels. I fix my hair, throwing in a few more curls, and apply more makeup, making it more dramatic for going out. I check myself out and smile. I love getting myself done up like this. I need to do it more often. I go back out into the bedroom, get my debit card, and stick it in my pocket. I hate bringing my purse when I go out, it’s too much to worry about. I sit down on the bed and text Kallie, asking her what time we’re meeting up in the lobby. She gets right back telling me they are going to head down now. I smile, stand up, and put my phone in my pocket before going down to meet them.
“Wow, you look amazing, London,” Kallie says.
I hug her because I already feel like we are going to have this amazing friendship. “You’re pretty hot yourself.”
Blake wraps his arm around me and I stare up at him. “Hey, I’m your model. How do I look?”
I laugh and tell him how sexy he is. He winks at me and I say my hellos to Jax and Max. It is actually surreal to think I will be spending the night hanging out with all of these beautiful people.
We hit several different clubs, and I have the best time. Kallie and I dance and I get drunker with each stop. By the time we hit the last club, I am having a hard time walking. We go inside and I laugh when I see all the women. Every club we’ve been to, the woman have been all over Jax, Blake, and Max. Kallie and I have started taking bets how long it will take before they notice them. Jax, of course, smiles and takes photos, but always comes right back to Kallie’s side. Blake and Max are really enjoying the women, and I think it is fun seeing this personal side of them.
“Hey, what’s so funny?” Blake asks.
I snap out of my thoughts and glance up at him. “All the women. We won’t see you guys once we get a few more feet in.” I laugh again and he wraps his arm around me when I sway to one side.
“Well, how about I just hang out with you at this one?”
I smile up at him, liking the idea of him hanging out with just me. “Sure. Let’s go get a drink.” He leads me over to the bar and orders us each a shot and a beer. We get our shots and I hold mine up. “To the best cover model and guy I’ve been lucky enough to meet.”
He winks and we throw our shots back. We grab our beers and go in search of everyone else. They are already on the dance floor. Kallie and Jax are all over each other, and I feel a bit of jealousy. I wish I had a guy who couldn’t keep his hands off me. I just stand there watching, captivated by the love they have for each other.
“London?” I gaze up at Blake and he grabs my hand pulling me close to him. “If we’re going to hang out, you need to dance with me.” I’m so drunk. I laugh and try to put my arms around his neck. I end up spilling some of my beer, and he laughs, pulling it out of my hands. He places it on the table behind us and comes back over pulling my body flush against his. “This is better.” Holy fuck, is it ever. We start moving, and the more we move, the more I feel myself getting turned on. That’s probably not a good thing, but shit, what author isn’t attracted to her models? He spins me around and wraps his arms around my waist. I bend forward, allowing my ass to push up against his cock. He runs one of his hands down my back and around to the front of my upper thigh. My pussy clenches, knowing his hand is that close.
“London, here. I got you two shots.” I turn to Kallie and smile. She glances behind me at Blake, and she doesn’t look happy. It’s probably because I haven’t hung out with her and I start to feel bad. I go to pull away from Blake, but he keeps a strong arm around my waist. I turn my head back to him, and he gives me that grin I find so fucking sexy.
“Take your shots,” he whispers.
I smile and take the first one from Kallie. She and I throw it back and I know I shouldn’t take the last one. I’m trashed. “I’m good with one, Kallie. Thank you.”
Blake reaches over my shoulder and takes it from her.
“You want to come dance?” she asks as she stares at Blake with her lips pressed together.
“Hey. London and I are hanging out.”
She turns to me and I smile. “Yep, Blake is all mine right now.” She shakes her head and goes back over to Jax.
Blake and I continue dancing, and the more we dance, the more sexual it starts to feel. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t loving it. I love having his attention, being in his sexy tattooed arms, and having his hands on my body. This is by far the most fun I’ve had in probably years, and the most turned on I’ve been in longer than that. I haven’t been with anyone since Axel, and being here with Blake makes me realize just how long it’s been.
I wake up the next morning with my head pounding. Shit, I don’t even remember leaving the
club last night. I was really trashed. I roll over and just about have my heart jump out of my chest. Next to me, completely naked, is Blake Foster. I pull the covers up my naked body to my chin and cover my face with my hands. Holy fuck, I think I just made the biggest mistake of my life.
Blake
I open my eyes and look around my hotel room. I can’t help the grin that finds its way to my face. I roll over to find London but she’s gone. I sit up quickly and glance around the room. Well, isn’t that some shit. I’m usually the one sneaking out the next morning. I lie back down and think about my first signing yesterday. What a fucking amazing time that was. I never expected to have so much fun, but meeting all the fans was unreal.
Of course, my thoughts then start drifting to the club last night. I never intended to bring London back to my room when the night started. I mean shit, you’d have to be blind not to realize how stunning she is, but I didn’t want to ruin the friendship we had going on…well, all right, that’s a lie, I couldn’t care less about friendship, but I didn’t want to ruin the chance at another cover. I know people might want to throw shit at me for thinking that, but they don’t know the whole story.
***
Every club we went to last night, Jax, Max, and I were approached by women, women that were willing to let us fuck them in the bathroom if that’s what we wanted. The thing was, even as I was dancing with them or talking with them, I had my eye on London. She just captivated me. It was as if I was drawn to seeing what she was doing, making sure she was all right, that she was having fun. I don’t know why, I’d just met her, but I felt like I wanted to protect her.
When we got to the last club, I couldn’t fake it anymore. I wanted to spend time with her, dance with her, and have my hands on her. I no longer cared about future covers. I just wanted to be near her. I wanted to be friends…fuck, I wanted to be a hell of a lot more than friends. I wasn’t Jax. I knew what I wanted, and I knew London wanted it too. Every time my hands touched her body, I could feel her melt into me. She craved the way I made her feel. I didn’t give a fuck what anyone thought. When Kallie shot me daggers across the room or Jax shook his head, it didn’t matter. What mattered was listening to the sighs of arousal London kept making, and the more she made them, the more turned on I got. We were practically dry humping on the dance floor when I nipped her neck, sending her hips thrusting hard against my cock.
Behind The Book (Sexy #2) Page 1
