“No.”
“Well, I think we’ll be able to find you something here.”
“HERE,” I said, throwing him a pair of basketball shorts and a loose, white t-shirt. “These should suffice for today.” I grabbed two yoga mats off the rack and led Justin down the hallway toward the studio while pointing to the men’s room on the left. “You can change in there if you want to. I’ll set up in here.”
“Ah, I should be okay.”
Following me into the yoga studio, he removed his shorts down to his, The Incredible Hulk boxers, and kicked off his running shoes and socks. Then he pulled his shirt off over his head, while I busied myself laying out the mats. I tied my long and frustratingly thick dark, red hair back into a ponytail and secured the whispies with a thin black headband I keep wrapped around my wrist. All the while desperately trying not to watch him in the giant floor to ceiling wall mirrors, but it was difficult, especially since he was watching me. Our eyes locked for just a second, then that smirk was on his face again. I rolled my eyes and kicked my flip-flops to the side while unzipping my white hoodie.
He had a nice body considering how little he took care of it. I studied his arms and torso, looking to see where I could add definition and toning. We’d definitely have to lift some heavy weights to build up his delts, traps, and pecs, they were virtually non-existent, but he had nice toned legs and from what I could see a taut little ass.
“You’re going to put me in an early grave with those sexy yoga pants and hot-pink top Miss Black. Are you trying to give your clients a heart attack? Or in my case another heart attack?”
I rolled my eyes again and ignored his come-on. “All right let’s begin with some deep breathing. Stand in the center of your mat, feet together facing the mirror, hands in prayer position in front of your heart.”
I watched him walk over, his big masculine feet with a light dusting of hair on the tops and toes making small imprints on the cobalt blue mat. Big feet, big… My mind wandered for a second and his eyes caught me staring, which of course earned me another large playful grin. But despite all that he followed my orders and we managed to make it through a full hour of yoga. His flexibility was paltry at best and his sense of balance laughable, but I had to give the man credit: he tried every position without a grimace and didn’t roll his eyes or ask to stop. And every time he lost his balance he’d get right back up and attempt it again.
“SO, will this work for you then?” I asked as I handed him the proposed schedule that Lacy had printed out. It had us seeing each other five days a week for two hours a day, and four hours on Mondays to allow time to set up his meal plan for the week.
“Yes, uh, I think this should work. Sooooo, I guess I will see you on Monday then. Thank you, Miss Black.”
He extended his hand, and I shook it, our eyes locking again, a small squeeze of his fingers sending a jolt of awareness to my very core. When our hands separated, he offered me a very genuine and surprisingly small smile before nodding at Lacy and turning to leave, placing his sunglasses back in front of his eyes.
“Hey, babe.”
I turned around to see Alexa as she walked up behind me. And without thinking, I immediately grabbed her by the neck and planted a kiss on her lips. She was surprised at first but didn’t pull away. Instead, she deepened the kiss as her hand grazed my hip affectionately. When we came up for air from our more-than-a-peck lip lock I noticed Justin standing just outside the open door; his sunglasses were pushed down onto the bridge of his nose, his mouth open in surprise like an octopus. Smiling, I pulled Lex closer and captured her mouth with mine again, sliding my hand around to cup her perky butt.
“DO you want to go out tonight?” Lex asked as she turned into the liquor store parking lot.
I loved looking at her. She was absolutely stunning: her tanned almost muted copper skin glowed vibrant and youthful, while wild, jet black hair fell in thick, voluminous waves down her back, and big, soulful, dark brown eyes held wisdom far beyond her years. We’re not what you would call a “couple,” we’re best friends and roommates who also happen to occasionally sleep together and have threesomes when we feel like it. She’s my safe place, my rock, my family. And when I find a guy I’d like to sleep with Lex is always there too, making sure nothing bad happens.
I climbed out of her sleek little red Miata. “I don’t know,” I said. “Do you want to?” My own Jeep was in the shop, so Lex, who’s the head pastry chef at a cute little bakery and is usually off work by three, had come to pick me up.
“Well, I just got a text from Chad saying that a bunch of them are going out to The Fig for dinner, and they want to go dancing at that hot new nightclub up the street afterward. Want to do that?”
I nodded and fought off a sudden yawn. “Yeah, could be fun.”
“So how was work?”
We walked into the liquor store, and immediately male heads and a few female ones turned and took in the vision that is Lex: all big breasts, rocking ass, long legs and curves that won’t quit. And the worst and the best thing about her is that she’s the most down-to-earth and least vain person I’ve ever met. Truthfully, she has no idea how gorgeous she is.
“It was pretty good,” I said. “I have a new client. He’s handsome as hell, super rich and is a serious playboy. He can’t help but hit on anything and everything that walks. I practically caught him delivering pickup lines to a lamppost until he realized it wasn’t just a really thin woman.”
“Dear God, is he stupid too?” she asked with a throaty laugh, picking up a bottle of red wine to read the back label.
I shook my head. “No actually, I don’t think he is. I thought that he might be. You know, a rich boy spending all of Daddy’s money without a care or concern in the world. But I actually think he’s self-made and pretty smart. He’s an investment banker who owns a bunch of buildings and a few clubs and restaurants in town as well. But he’s one of those guys that just can’t turn it off. You know? He’s just always on, always joking around, but at the same time, he’s attached to his phone like it’s another appendage. He answered it three times during our session and was constantly texting and checking his emails even after I asked him to give his phone to the front desk. I can’t figure him out.”
“So is that why you sucked my face off when I picked you up?” she asked, giving me the side-eye as she scrutinized the wall of beer.
I managed a rueful smile. “I just needed to send him the message that I wasn’t interested. Thanks by the way.”
She shrugged. “Anytime. How about vodka? Hey, let’s get some Galliano and orange juice and make Harvey Wallbangers!”
“Yeah sure, whatever...” I trailed off, my thumb wedged sideways between my teeth as I wandered aimlessly up and down the aisles. “I just can’t figure this guy out. You know? He doesn’t work out, eats shit and has no stress release besides sex… what’s his deal?”
“You also can’t stop thinking about him. Or talking about him. Maybe his other stress release is humor? Should we grab some beer?” She tucked the bottle of Galliano under her arm and wandered back over to the microbrew section.
“What?” I chased after her. “I’m not thinking about him, or his stupid hair or stupid blue eyes…” She gave me a wry look. “But you make a good point about him being constantly on.”
She rolled her eyes at me. “Come on, let’s go pay for our booty and head home to change. I want to wear my new dress, but I need you to help me accessorize.”
OTHER AVAILABLE BOOKS BY WHITLEY COX
Love, Passion and Power: Part 1
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Series Book 1
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Love, Passion and Power: Part 2
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Series Book 2
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Sex, Heat and Hunger: Part 1
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Book 3
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Sex, Heat and Hunger: Part 2
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Book 4
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Hot and Filthy
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Book 4.5
UPCOMING RELEASES
Quick and Dirty
Featured in the Sultry Nights boxed set
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True, Deep and Forever: Part 1
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Series: Book 5
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True, Deep and Forever: Part 2
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Series: Book 6
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There are so many people to thank who have helped me on this daunting journey to becoming a published writer. First and foremost, my friend and editor Chris Kridler, you lady are a blessing, a gem and an all around amazing human being. Thank you for your honesty and hard work.
Jeanne St. James for doing the first beta-read for me, your notes, incite and ideas were so helpful. Thank you. Justine and Krista for their beta-read as well. I love that I can hand you the rough, unedited stuff and you’ll read it and give me your feedback. Thank you.
Tara at Fantasia Frog Designs, your covers are fantastic, and you are a peach. Keep ‘em coming, lady!
My Romance Writer’s Behaving Badly Blog crew, I love being part of such a tremendous set of inspiring, talented and supportive women. Thank you for letting me learn, lean on and join the team.
My street team, Whitley Cox’s Curiously Kinky Reviewers, you are all awesome and I feel so blessed to have found such wonderful fans.
The ladies in Vancouver Island Romance Authors, your support and insight have been incredibly helpful, and I’m so honored to be apart of a group of such talented writers.
And lastly, of course, the husband. My rock, my travel companion, my partner in crime, my everything. I love you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A West Coast baby born and raised, Whitley is married to her high school sweetheart, and together they have a spirited toddler and a fluffy dog. She spends her days making food that gets thrown on the floor, vacuuming Cheerios out from under the couch and making sure that the dog food doesn't end up in the air conditioner. But when nap time comes, and it's not quite wine o'clock, Whitley sits down, avoids the pile of laundry on the couch, and writes.
A lover of all things decadent; wine, cheese, chocolate and spicy erotic romance, Whitley brings the humorous side of sex, the ridiculous side of relationships and the suspense of everyday life into her stories. With mommy wars, body issues, threesomes, bondage and role playing, these books have everything we need to satisfy the curious kink in all of us.
Website: WhitleyCox.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CoxWhitley/
Blog: https://whitleycox.blogspot.ca/
Twitter: @WhitleyCoxBooks
Instagram: @CoxWhitley
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/234716323653592/
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SUNSET SEDUCTION
CARMA HALEY SHOEMAKER
Haunted by the image of her husband and his mistress, Julia Turner has decided men aren‘t worth her effort anymore. Her friends talk her into a girls' vacation to Saint Lucia. Hoping the tropical sun will burn away the bitterness and depression, Julia embarks on a journey to find her own happiness.
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Perpetual groomsman, Seth Chambers isn't so sure true love can happen, at least not for him. His long-time friend’s beach wedding may end up being just what he needs to heat up some romance in his life.
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When Seth meets Julia at the airport, they are unprepared for the instant attraction or tide of passion to come. Julia may have found just what she needed to drown the memories of her ex-husband and buoy her self-esteem. As her lustful desires come to the surface, desires she forgot existed, she wonders if Seth could be the one to bring her back to life.
Dedicated to Missed Opportunities
CHAPTER 1
J ulia Turner closed her eyes and tilted her face towards the sky as the sun warmed her skin. Her mind filled with thoughts of running away on an island vacation. No meeting. No presentation. She envisioned sitting on the beach, sand between her toes, while sipping on a tall drink with a cute little umbrella. Sighing deeply, she opened her eyes. Instead of holding the tropical drink she wished for, Julia held her left shoe in one hand and its broken heel in the other. “Great. Just great.” She turned around and walked back inside the house. She quickly found a new pair of heels, changed and headed out the door to begin her journey to work.
As she drove, she ran through the schedule for her presentation one last time. “Start with the handouts.” Julia tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. “Explain the five steps, move to development, then to the numbers. Okay, I’ve got this. Now all I have to do is...”
Her car sputtered and choked. Julia looked at the gauges on the dashboard. Gas is fine. What the hell? Looking over her shoulder for oncoming traffic, she pulled the car to the side of the road. Her breathing became rapid; her heart raced, beating a hard rhythm against her chest. I’m already running late. This can’t be happening. As the car rolled to a stop along the shoulder of the highway, the last bit of life sputtered from the engine.
“No!” Julia slammed her hand on the steering wheel. This can’t be happening. Not today. Grabbing her phone off the passenger seat, she shook her head and dialed her husband’s number. He was supposed to fix this piece of shit. I still don’t know why I can’t just get a new car. He got a new car.
The phone went straight to voicemail. “Brian!” Julia didn’t hold back her frustration or anger. “Brian, you need to call me back. I’m stuck on the side of the road. My car broke down—again.” Julia turned on the hazard lights and carefully got out of the car. Moving to the passenger side door, she began gathering her things. “I thought you said you were going to get it fixed. Dammit, Brian, this is getting old. Why aren’t you answering your phone?”
Julia placed a storage box, computer bag, and her purse on the hood of her lifeless car and stood on the side of road. Her hair blew back from her face as cars rushed by. “Brian,” she continued.” Her tone dripping with frustration. “One of the benefits of having a husband who works from home is he can take an hour off work for emergencies and not get fired. Now I’m going to be late for my presentation. If I’m lucky and don’t get fired, I’m getting a new car. You know what? Never mind. I’ll call Grace to come and get me. I know she’ll answer her phone.”
Julia ended the call and begun mumbling under her breath as she dialed her friend. “This is ridiculous,” she said. “Probably at the gym. Again. Wish I could go to the gym. Wish I had time to go to the gym.” She moved to the back of the car and leaned against the trunk.
“Hello?” Grace said.
“Oh my God.” Julia bounced off the trunk with relief. “I am so glad you’re home. Can you come get me?”
“Hi,” Grace said, laughing. “I’m good, and how are you?”
I’m such an idiot. Julia covered her face with her hand as she realized her rude behavior. “I’m so sorry, but my car broke down—again. I’m standing out here on the highway. I’m late for work and I have a presentation today.” Julia paused and leaned again the car again. “And hi. How are you?”
Julia heard Grace laughing through the phone. “I’m walking out the door now. Where are you exactly?”
JULIA ARRIVED at worked and tossed her purse, along with the keys to the rental car, onto the large wooden table. “What do you mean it’s gone?” Julia grabbed her assistant’s arm and pulled her into an empty conference room.
“I don’t know,” Kelly said. “I went down to administrative services to pick up the copies and they said they didn’t have them. There was never an order or a master dropped off for you.”
“Who was supposed to drop it off?” Julia moved to the window and looked down at the street as she rubbed her forehead with her fingertips.
“Joe
,” Kelly’s voice cracked, probably with fear for her own job. She cleared her throat. “Joe was on services yesterday. He had all the paperwork—yours, Ms. Mason’s, and Mr. Holmes’.”
“Did the others get done?” Julia quickly turned to look at Kelly and moved toward the large conference table in the center of the room.
“No, just Mr. Holmes’ work.” Kelly looked nervous. Julia could tell by the way that Kelly shifted her weight she was worried.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Julia fell back into an empty chair and covered her face with her hands. “What is going on today? Are gremlins stalking me or something?”
“I could find the master on your computer and use the printer in your office,” Kelly said. “They wouldn’t be as high quality, but they would be ready in time for the meeting at least.”
Julia gasped as she sat up in the chair. “Yes,” she said. She stood up and moved to Kelly. Wrapping her arms around her, she hugged her. “You have totally saved my ass, Kelly. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Even though I’m also saving my ass, glad I can help.”
Julia watched as Kelly quickly moved out the door and down the hallway toward her office. “I got lucky with that one.” She stood with her hands on her hips, trying to calm down. “I have to make sure she gets a raise or at least a really good Christmas bonus.”
Tropical Tryst: 25 All New and Exclusive Sexy Reads Page 186
