Photo Opportunity

by Jess Dee

  When he pulled away, leaving her gasping for more, he said, “I knew that if we could just get past that first kiss, if I could just get you excited to touch me, I could convince you to love me, slowly and surely.”

  “It worked.” She needed to show him how much. Now. “I do love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  “Prove it.”

  Daniel did not disappoint. In less than a second he was making short work of her jeans and panties. She took the opportunity to shove his boxers down over his hips.

  “God, Morgan, I missed you.” He dipped his hand between her legs and her moisture oozed onto his fingers.

  She was so ready for him. She clasped his erection and pulled him closer. Later, there would be time for slow and sensual lovemaking, kisses and snuggles, foreplay and after play. There would be a lifetime for it. Right now she just needed him to fuck her. Needed him to affirm she was his. Always.

  She wound her arms around his broad shoulders, relishing the hard, male muscle in his chest and back, and pressed her hips up into his. “Show me.”

  He did. Right there against the wall. While she slipped first one leg and then the other around his waist, he hoisted her up by placing two firm hands beneath her butt. Then, with a low groan, he plunged into her, filling her, completing her.

  It was a wild, hot, desperate ride. Their frenetic pace matched her feverish need for him and she came quickly, high on the knowledge that he loved her.

  When she’d milked the last drop of semen from his body, he held her in his arms, and whispered, “Welcome home, my love.”

  Several moments passed before Amy felt capable of either movement or conversation. Daniel slipped out of her when she lowered her legs to the ground, but he did not release her.

  Her heart still pounded unevenly in her chest. “You made up the whole Leona story just so I’d fall for you?” Although she already knew the truth, she was still wonder-struck.

  “I had to. I couldn’t let our friendship go on any longer without letting you know how I felt, but I couldn’t risk telling you before I was sure you felt the same. I knew you’d doubt my motives.” He frowned and his hands stilled. “I was right.”

  She hugged him tight. “I was wrong. I’m sorry. Being in love with you is all so new, so uncertain. I didn’t know how to deal with it. I was so sure I’d just be another in a long line of girlfriends.”

  He shook his head and looked at her, disbelieving. “You still don’t get it, do you?”

  “Get what?”

  “I’ve always loved you.”

  “Huh?” What?

  “For as long as I can remember. I fell in love with you the day we met at school. Why do you suppose I’ve never been able to commit to another woman?”

  He had a reason? “Why?”

  “Because she wasn’t you. None of them were. They could never measure up. Hard as I tried with some of them, I’d always end up wanting you.”

  “Me? It’s been me all along?” Her heart was just about to burst.

  “Morgan, it’s only ever been you.”

  She couldn’t hold back her grin. It pretty much exploded onto her face. “Then I guess I’ll just have to accept your punishment.”

  “You’ll marry me?” She could hear the smile in his voice.

  “On one condition.”

  “Name it.”

  “Promise it’s forever.”

  “Amy, my friend, I promise. Trust me when I say all I’ve ever wanted is forever with you.”

  This time, Amy trusted him.

  About the Author

  To learn more about Jess Dee please visit www.jessdee.com. Send an email to jess@jessdee.comor stop by her blog and say hello: http://jessdee.wordpress.com/.

  Look for these titles by Jess Dee

  Now Available:

  Ask Adam

  Coming Soon:

  Only Tyler

  Steve’s Story

  Ask Adam

  © 2007 Jess Dee

  Lexi Tanner’s got a major problem: AJ Riley, the man she’s about to approach for a hefty donation, turns out to be the stranger she shared a night of steamy sex with less than a week past. She’ll do anything to raise money for a children’s charity—anything except sell herself. Now how can she ask AJ for money without it seeming like he’s paying for sexual favors?

  If there’s one thing the past has taught Adam “AJ” Riley, it’s that loving someone can only lead to pain. He knows he shouldn’t feel so attracted to Lexi, and he definitely shouldn’t trust a woman who’d sleep with a man one week and approach him for money the next. Yet somehow Lexi breaks through all his barriers. His instincts tell him to run but his heart wants to give Lexi—and love—a second chance. How can he let go of his tragic past and still protect his battered heart?

  Warning, this title contains the following: steamy sex, graphic language and red-hot romance.

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Ask Adam:

  Lexi accepted the congratulations and kisses of ten thousand well-wishers before finally taking her seat at her table along with Sarah and her family. After Daniel and Amy danced the first dance, other family members and guests rose to join them on the floor.

  Lexi grabbed her nephew’s hand. “Come on, Benny. It’s time to dance.”

  “I don’t know how,” he told her, in all his four-year-old’s innocence.

  “It’s easy, I’ll show you. Just stand on my feet and I’ll lead you around.”

  Ben stared at her feet with mistrust. “I don’t know, Lekth,” he said. “Thothe shoeth look vewy high.”

  She laughed. Her heels were a little higher than usual but they looked good and that was what mattered. “Don’t worry, just hold tight and I promise you won’t fall.”

  In minutes, she was laughing with her nephew as they tried a series of dance steps, looking for a suitable one for a woman of nearly six-feet and a boy who barely reached her hips. Finally, she surrendered to the inevitable and picked Ben up, hugging him tight while she swayed them from side to side.

  As Daniel and Amy joined them, Ben tugged at her arm and lisped, “Lex, why is that man staring at you?”

  “What man, sweetheart?” Three pairs of eyes turned to look in the direction Ben pointed.

  Her stomach lurched as she found the man. His gaze froze her movements, and her heart pounded in her chest. What was he doing here? He looked yummy enough to eat, dressed in a tux and crisp white shirt that showed off his tanned skin and contrasted sharply with his black hair. Lexi swore to herself. Dammit, what happened to the air whenever he was around?

  “It’s AJ,” Daniel said.

  “You know him?” Lexi asked, astounded.

  “Yep. He came to the exhibition, bought a few of the photos. We’ve become quite good friends since. We run together about three times a week.”

  “He’s hot,” Amy observed, “in a cold kind of a way.” She placed a placating hand on Daniel’s arm. “Don’t panic, Tanner. He doesn’t hold a candle to you.”

  “He’d better not,” Daniel huffed and Lexi moved discreetly out of their way as her brother dipped his head toward Amy’s.

  “Who ith he?” Ben asked, unaware of the acute discomfort the man stirred in her.

  “Just a man.” A man who threw her world off centre. A man who made her feel as glorious as the rising sun and smaller than the tiniest flea. A man who seemed to turn up every time she came to terms with not seeing him again.

  “Well, why’s he staring at you?” Ben lisped.

  Why was he staring? He’d made it clear he wanted nothing more to do with her by dismissing her from his life and sending Matt to deal with her instead.

  “I’m not sure,” she told Ben. “Maybe he’s wondering who this cute guy is I’m holding.”

  “No,” Ben disagreed. “He’s looking at you. Do you know him?”

  “Yes, sweetie, I met him through work.”

  “Then why don’t you say hello to him?”

  Because that’s pro
bably the last thing he wants. Besides, I can’t seem to breathe properly when he’s around.

  “I’ll do it if you’re too scared,” Ben offered and lifted his arm and waved at Riley. “Hello, man,” he yelled across the room and Lexi snorted, though in amusement or horror she wasn’t certain.

  He hadn’t taken his eyes off her for a second, not from the minute she’d preceded the bride down the aisle. He’d hidden in the crowds and watched her, content to keep his distance yet drink his fill. Touching her may be off limits but he couldn’t stop himself from staring.

  She looked stunning. Her dress was the same color as a predawn sky, with a simple line that clung in all the right places. The long slit up the side allowed for an enticing view of shapely thigh—thigh that had been wrapped around his waist, and his neck, more than once in Melbourne. A low neckline showed off slim shoulders and a teasing glimpse of firm, round breasts. Breasts he wanted to bury his face in. Breasts he had buried his face in.

  He headed over to her, watching as the boy wriggled out of her arms and skipped off to play with another child across the room. He sighed in relief. One less stress to deal with. Dealing with Lexi on her own was hard enough.

  She frowned as the child raced away, then she stood a little straighter and flicked her hair over her shoulders as if bracing for his arrival.

  “Lexi,” he greeted her, keeping his voice neutral.

  “Adam.” She eyed him nervously.

  Who could blame her? Last time she’d seen him he’d said some pretty outrageous things. “Congratulations.”

  “Thank you.”

  “They make a handsome couple.”

  A brief smile touched her mouth as she looked at the bride and groom. “Yes, they do.” She turned back to him. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “That would explain the stunned expression on your face.”

  “I never knew you and Daniel were friends.”

  “There seems to be quite a few things you never knew about me.”

  A hint of color touched her cheeks. “Yeah, well that’s the thing about meeting someone for the first time. You generally don’t know very much about them.”

  “Does it make you uncomfortable? Knowing you’ve slept with a friend of your brother’s?” Shit, why’d he have to talk about sex every time he saw her? What made him so damn horny all he could think about was hauling her off into some secluded corner and fucking her stupid?

  Her eyes blazed. “Not as uncomfortable as it does knowing the friend thinks I slept with him under false pretences.”

  “Did you?” The way she got all worked up and hot under the collar like that, well it got him all worked up and hot under the collar.

  Her hand fisted at her side and for a minute he thought she might punch him.

  “I have answered that question,” she bit out and stepped closer, speaking into his ear, her voice soft enough so only he could hear and aggressive enough to get those hot bits under his collar really burning. “Several times. Now, you listen up, and you listen good. This is my brother’s wedding and I will not engage in some two-bit discussion with you about what kind of a whore you think I am. I won’t do it now, and I won’t do it tomorrow or the next day. If you have anything else you need to say to me, I’m sure Matt will be happy to pass on the message. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I see someone I would like to spend time with.”

  Ouch.

  As she twisted around to leave, he grabbed her wrist and spun her back to face him.

  “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?” she asked in a ferocious whisper. Her smile was tight and her gaze darted around as she checked to see if anyone had noticed their little altercation.

  “I’m clearing something up.” He kept his voice low.

  “I told you, speak to Matt.” She tried to pull away. He gave her arm another tug and she teetered on her heels for half a second before losing her balance and stumbling into him. He wrapped his arm around her waist, steadying her and pulling her close at the same time.

  “This isn’t really something you’d want Matt to hear.” Damn, she felt good in his arms.

  “Adam, let me g—”

  “I don’t think you’re a whore,” he cut her off. “I never did.” His mouth was by her ear and his voice was soft. He couldn’t help but notice the goosebumps that skittered over her bare shoulder and down her arm.

  She stopped struggling. “Then why do you insist on treating me like one?”

  Because if I treat you like you ought to be treated, if I give you half a chance, I’ll fall for you . “I’m sorry. You don’t deserve it. You never have.” How could he tell her she scared the crap out of him? How could he explain the only way he knew to keep his distance was to punish her emotionally? She wouldn’t understand why he needed to keep his distance, why it hurt too damn much to ever love again.

  The fight drained out of her. Her resistance slipped away. “No,” she agreed, “I really don’t deserve it.”

  Suddenly, he didn’t want to let her go. He wanted to keep on holding her. “Dance with me?”

  Her body tensed up again.

  “We’re on the dance floor anyway and people are beginning to stare.” Shit, why’d he need to make excuses to hold her? “It’s just a dance, that’s all.”

  She nodded uncertainly and her arms fluttered midair for a minute before she wound them round his shoulders. Shivers ran down his spine as she touched his hair.

  Will one night in Sin City equal a lifetime of regret?

  Nothing Stays in Vegas

  © 2008 Moira McTark

  On his way to be best man at his friend’s wedding, Caleb Daniels has high hopes that his run of bad relationships has come to an end. He can’t wait to lay eyes—and hands—on the funny and intelligent maid of honor. They’ve never met, but she’s been charming him for weeks over the internet.

  At first Lara Sinclair’s cyberspace chats with Cal centered around the preparations for her sister’s extravagant wedding, but it quickly blossomed into an intense online affair. Now she’s more than ready to meet him face to face, and have his fingers stroke more than just the keyboard.

  But before she can even say hello to the sexy groomsman, her trouble-come-hither, look-alike sister bursts her bubble with a bona-fide, happily-every-after emergency. And Lara finds herself faced with a heartbreaking choice.

  Let her sister solve her own problems, or risk her budding relationship with Cal to help save the wedding—by pretending to be someone she’s not.

  Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, mistaken identities, hot sex in a boathouse, and proof that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas!

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Nothing Stays in Vegas:

  From her vantage point, Lara could see the men collecting their bags, laughing, exchanging jokes. Nice looking bunch—even the airport shuttle driver, who caught sight of her at the window and winked before circling around to the back of the van. But no one’s looks alone screamed “I’m Cal!” Then a last pair of legs beneath the trunk caught her eye. Thick fingers reached over the edge and swung the trunk closed, revealing a smiling, chiseled face that made her heart skip a beat. Lara swallowed and sucked her bottom lip between her teeth. Please let this be my best man.

  Hunk didn’t begin to cover it.

  He was taller than the other men by several inches, and the fit of his khakis and long sleeved T-shirt suggested an athlete’s build. Wide shoulders, defined pecs and a back that flexed with enough definition to show through the taut fabric of his shirt when he threw the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Well-formed was an understatement. Disheveled was an understatement for that matter. The spray of thick sandy hair shooting out in all directions had an authentic quality about it. That tousled look was pure cowlick and pure sexy. Only a man could mistake it for “horrible”.

  The bedroom door jerked open behind them. “Oh my God, Lara, I need you. Bitty, leave!”

  L
ara spun around to see her sister, Claudette, white as a sheet, backed against the wall. Her arms outstretched like she was trying to hang onto the ivory and sage wallpaper to keep herself from falling. Dette tended toward the melodramatic, but the frantic expression plastered across her face had Lara at her side in a second.

  “What’s the matter?” she asked, rubbing her sister’s arms.

  Dette’s eyes were wide, her face flushed. “Do you love me?”

  Oh no.

  Bitty walked over, hands on her hips and jutted out her chin. “What’s the matter now?”

  “Bitty, I’m serious. Leave, I need to talk to my sister, in private.”

  Their cousin huffed. “Just say no, Lara. Whatever it is.” Grabbing the bin of boxed almonds, she walked out.

  When the door closed, Dette’s gaze fixed on the ceiling, tears already pooling at the corners of her eyes. “This is serious.”

  Lara’s gut tensed, her face hardened. Damn, she’d only been here for two days, this couldn’t be happening already. “Just tell me what happened, what you need me to do.”

  “Say you were in Vegas one month ago. No one will know you weren’t.”

  Dette talked and Lara listened, the sinking feeling in her stomach increasing as the story unfolded.

  “One of the groomsmen?” Lara shrieked.

  “This is a bona fide happily-ever-after emergency! I know it’s bad, don’t give me crap right now.”

  “Happily every after? Dette, fairy tale romance doesn’t include the bride-to-be running off to screw one of her attendants a month before the wedding!”

  “I didn’t know he was a groomsman!” Dette hissed, her arms, straight at her sides, ending in balled fists of frustration. “He said his name was Kenneth or something…but I just saw him outside, so he must have been lying,”

  Dette never ceased to amaze her. “The fact that you didn’t know who he was really isn’t the point. You slept with someone other than Adam!”