by Webster, K
“How much will it take, Jordan, to keep the company afloat? I want to invest,” he said simply to me.
“Sir, that’s really not necessary. We realize that this is our fate and—” I started to explain but Trent interrupted.
“Five million will get them through the next few months, which will allow them to recover with the new jobs they have on the books. I can invest a million.”
I stared at him, completely astonished.
“I’ll invest a million,” Calvin chimed in behind Lou, and my jaw dropped.
“I’ve got close to a million in my trust that I’ll throw in,” Jackson said, sitting up in his chair. “You’ve probably got about the same, right?”
Knowing that I didn’t, I rubbed my face in my hands. “Actually, I used most of it for the museum sponsorship and the auction,” I sighed, defeated.
“No matter. I’ll invest two million,” Lou said without hesitation.
I looked up from my hands, amazed at these men willing to do whatever it took to keep this company afloat. Suddenly, I was overcome with emotion and excused myself, hurrying into my office.
Minutes later, Jackson came in and hugged me. Normally, I was the hugger, but he’d always known when I’d needed it the most. Once I composed myself, I pulled away. He nodded, leaving the room, and I followed him back into the conference room.
Pete, Lou, and Trent were huddled over the computer, talking excitedly. It was going to work.
Elizabeth was napping when I slipped into the bedroom. She looked so fragile with her cast peeking out from under the covers. Fluttering her eyes open, she caught me watching her and grinned.
“Come here, you. I missed your sexy face,” she said sleepily. She was so incredibly beautiful.
As she sat up in bed, the blanket fell to her hips, revealing her naked body. My cock twitched at the heavenly sight. I strode over to the bed, but she stopped me.
“Don’t you dare crawl into this bed unless you’re naked and ready to make love to me,” she said saucily, eyes still droopy from sleep.
A few seconds later, I was naked and under the covers with her.
“Someone’s happy to see me,” she giggled, grabbing onto my cock with her uninjured hand.
“And someone is frisky as hell,” I teased, kissing her lips. Grinning, she pushed me onto my back and straddled me.
I could still see the bruises all over her body, but it only signified that my girl was a survivor. When she glided herself over my cock, her pussy clenching around it, I groaned in pleasure.
The sight of her head tossed back, breasts bouncing, ensured that I was going to come fast. Helping her along, I stroked her clit with my thumb quickly in a circular pattern—just the way she liked it. Her breathing picked up, and her pants soon turned into moans.
When she clamped down around my cock with her constricting sex, indicating her orgasm, my own release pumped furiously into her, not far behind.
Stretching out over me, she cuddled into my chest. I fought back a wince because of my still aching ribs and clutched her to me. Any amount of pain was worth having her with me like this in this moment. She was perfect and belonged only to me.
As if we’d rehearsed it, we both said in unison, “I love you.” She burst into giggles making me slap her on the bottom. Elizabeth grew quiet again as she felt my dick, which was still inside of her, begin to harden. Flipping her over onto her back, I showed her the rest of the night just how much I really did love her.
New Year’s Eve
“I can’t believe how nice our hotel room is!” I exclaimed for probably the hundredth time as we were waiting for the ball to drop. The room was beautiful and had the most amazing bathtub with a gorgeous view of the city. We were half tempted to christen it but needed to get on to the pre-party.
Jordan had paid a lot of money for this package, and it was totally worth it. We’d already gotten to see several performers and even met a few celebrities. The rooftop party had an open bar and was catered with delicious cuisines from an upscale restaurant nearby.
I sighed happily as I thought about how wonderful things had been since I’d moved in with him. My parents adored him. His mother and mine had become quite close over Christmas. Daddy treated him like a son, and they had regular “man dates” at the cigar lounge.
Things were going great with Compton Enterprises as well. As it turned out, Bray was actually pretty useful for something in his life and was nailing business deals faster than they could keep up. I hated to admit it, but he’d actually turned out to be a good friend to the guys. The investors had stayed on, but their funding hadn’t been absolutely necessary.
As for Nadia, the bitch had gone down. The case had gone pretty quickly, considering they’d had so much stacked against her. Since Daddy knew the judge really well, she hadn’t had much of a chance anyway. She was going to prison for quite a while. Everyone had been completely happy about that revelation. She’d been required to pay restitution to Compton Enterprises for their loss, but they would probably never see a dime of that money. Not that they needed it.
Jordan pulled me out of my daydreaming when he pecked me on the lips.
“Really, babe? I don’t think you mentioned it,” he teased at my mention of the lovely hotel room once again, causing me to playfully punch him in the gut. “You’re so hot when you’re violent,” he growled, nibbling my ear.
“Gross! You’re such a man,” I joked but let him pull me into a deep kiss. I’d loved every minute we got to spend together since the day I met him.
“Look, they’re about to start the countdown in about a minute,” he said to me, pointing at the screen that was counting down.
Giggling, I hopped up and down, overcome with excitement.
“Elizabeth,” he said, bringing my face to see his. “You are everything to me. I can’t imagine living my life one second without you. We were made to be together. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Every day, you amaze me with how funny, intelligent, and strong-willed you are. I love you more than you’ll ever know.” My eyes grew teary at his sweet words. “I want to see your belly swell one day with the growth of my child. Everything I do, I want you to be a part of it. You’re mine, babe. Forever.”
When he crouched down on one knee, I gasped, completely at a loss for words. The countdown began. 10, 9, 8…
“Will you marry me, sweet Elizabeth?” he asked, slipping a gorgeous ring on my now healed left hand. 5, 4, 3…
“Yes!” I exclaimed, pulling him up to me.
The crowd went wild with one big, “Happy New Year!” and I couldn’t help but think that they were celebrating for us. Jordan’s mouth captured mine and I shared the most romantic kiss to date with my future husband. My love.
Coming Soon…
Scarred (Breaking the Rules #3) – Coming April 2014
Rock Country – Southern Seduction box set novella – Coming April 2014
Moth to a Flame, a novel – Coming May 2014
Apartment 2B, a novel – Coming June 2014
Everyone has someone they look up to—a mentor of sorts. That person, throughout this entire process for me, has been Ella Fox. Thank you Ella for always being there for my unending questions, for knocking sense into me when I get too close to the ledge, and for being my friend. Never could I have imagined a year ago when I was reading that adorable Hart family and gushing over the author that wrote them, would I later become good friends with her. You are rad, girlfriend!
I also want to thank my beta readers, whom are also my friends. Holly Sparks, Leann Jester, Mandy Abel, Star Price, and Erica Thompson, you guys provided AMAZING support and feedback. Pointing out areas that didn’t work and gushing over parts you loved, you helped boost the confidence I needed to finish what I’d started. I can’t thank you enough and look forward to sending you more of my stories in the future.
I most certainly wouldn’t be where I was without the love and support of my fellow Indie Romance Author Chic
ks. You ladies gave me advice when I needed it most and were there when I needed to vent. Without your guidance every step of the way, I’d surely be lost in sea of confusion. Each and every one of you rock. I can’t wait to hug all of your necks (even though hugging is totally not my thing) and even put Tessa Teevan in my back pocket because she’s so damn cute.
Mickey, my fabulous editor from I’m a Book Shark, without you, my story would have been a mess of overused words. You kept my story consistent with the first book, gently reminding me of what really happened. I’m sure you were ready to pull your hair out or grab your laptop and throw it out the window by the end. My favorite comment was, “Let’s give this word a break.” Thank you for leaving me happy little smiley faces to soften the blow of my “special” writer moments. My books would be a grammatical mess without you.
Wendy Shatwell and Claire Allmendinger of Bare Naked Words, thanks for pimping my book and holding my hand all the way from the UK. You two really go above and beyond with everything you do—and have incredible work ethic. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Bare Naked Words! Thank you Stacey Blake for formatting my books and making them look gorgeous. You’ve got talent, kid.
A huge thanks goes out to my wonderful husband, Matt. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to make this dream possible as it took a lot of time and money. Not only did you write check after check when I “needed” something else for my book, but you also kept the children fed and bathed. Tighten those apron straps because I don’t have plans of stopping any time soon!
Lastly, but certainly not least of all, thank you to the wonderful readers out there that are willing to hear my story and enjoy my characters like I do. It means the world to me! My heart swells happily every time a reader messages me to tell me how much they enjoyed my book and read it in one night. You guys are fab—cyber kisses and hugs to you all!
I’m a thirty two year old self-proclaimed book nerd. Married to my husband for nearly eleven years, we enjoy spending time with our two lovely children. Writing is a newly acquired fun hobby for me. In the past, I’ve enjoyed the role as a reader. However, recently, I have learned I absolutely love taking on the creative role as the writer. Something about determining how the story will play out intrigues me to no end. My husband claims that it’s because I like to control things—in a way he’s right!
By day, I run around from appointment to appointment wearing many hats including, mom, wife, part-time graphic designer, blogger, networker, social media stalker, student, business owner, and book boyfriend hunter (It’s actually a thing—complete with pink camo. I lurk around the internet “researching” pictures of hot guys that fit the profile of whatever book boyfriend I’m reading or writing about).
I guess you can blame my obsession with books on my lovely grandmother whom is quite possibly my favorite person on the planet. At an early age, she took me to the Half-Priced bookstore each weekend and allowed me to choose a book. Every single time, she caved when I begged for two. Without her encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to cope during some hard times without my beloved books.
Currently, I am finishing up my college degree that has taken me forever to complete. It’s just on the list of my many “bucket-list” goals that I subject myself to.
Most days, you can find me firmly planted in front of my computer. It’s my life. If the world ever loses power, I’d be one of the first to die—of boredom! But, I guess as long as I have books and a light, I might just survive.
Looking forward, you can expect to see one more novel in the Breaking the Rules Series. Also, I have two standalone novels and a novella that will be released soon as well.
This writing experience has been a blast and I’ve met some really fabulous people along the way. I hope my readers enjoy reading my stories as much as I do writing them. I look forward to connecting with you all!
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Check out these excerpts from some other really amazing authors…..
Push the Envelope
By: Rochelle Paige
Prologue
Flowers…check.
Chocolates…check.
Champagne chilled and ready to go…check.
Noise-canceling headphones so I didn’t have to listen to whatever noises were going to float up from the rear cabin…check.
This was so totally not the normal pilot’s checklist. When I talked to Dad over the summer about offering Mile High Club charter flights so we had some extra money coming in to cover my room and board at college, I had no idea how the idea would take off. I’d figured I would take a couple flights out each month so Dad wouldn’t have to scrimp on anything so that I could live on campus. He really wanted me to get the whole college experience, especially since I had chosen to stay in town for school.
Who knew there were so many middle-aged housewives looking to spice up their marriages? I usually had three to four flights booked each week now. At a cool grand per booking, we made enough to cover my room and board and maintenance on the planes, and we even had money left over to pay off my student loans and to cover my tuition for my next two years. I guess they’re right when the say sex sells!
Since the flights were offered in the evening, they didn’t interfere with my classes. Dad wanted as little to do with this venture as possible. He had told me that this was my idea, and he expected me to run with it. Talking about anything connected to sex with his daughter wasn’t really high on his list of things to do. I figured I was lucky that he was willing to let me use the Cherokee for the flights. I just had to make sure I booked them when I was able to be in the pilot’s seat. The last thing I wanted to do was screw my grade point average over because I was skipping too many classes to pilot the flights I was only offering so I could pay for school in the first place.
Today’s flight was due to depart in about thirty minutes, so the lucky couple should be here any minute now. I needed to get my butt in gear so I would be ready when they arrived. The plane was set up for their romantic rendezvous. I was dressed in my charter pilot gear of loose khaki pants and a Hewett Charters polo shirt. I’d pulled my long brown hair back in a low ponytail. This appearance seemed to help the wives feel more comfortable with the idea that their pilot was a twenty year-old girl. Add into the equation that I am passably attractive and I could have a problem on my hands with my paying customers. So I did what I could to make sure I presented myself as a capable pilot and nothing else.
I know it’s crazy for some people to picture me piloting a plane, but I started flying with my dad before I ever got behind the wheel of a car. He lived to fly and taught me to love it as well. I had my permit when I was sixteen, earned my private license when I was seventeen, and got my professional license when I turned eighteen. Some days it felt like I spent more time during my life up in the air than I did on the ground.
Yet another reason Dad wanted me to live on campus this year—so I could hang out with girls and act my age. Dad and I had been two peas in a pod forever, and now he worried that I needed to have a normal life with girlfriends, parties, and boys. I admit that my upbringing wasn’t exactly orthodox, but I was happy with the way things were. I just wished Dad would understand that.
Damn, it sounded to me like my housewife of the day had gone all out for this trip based on the click of her stilettos hitting the tarmac. I didn’t understand how women could walk on shoes that looked like skyscrapers to me. Guess that was just the tomboy in me, much to my best friend’s dismay. Time to get my head in the game so I didn’t scare off the paying customers.
“Welcome to Hewett Charters,” I greeted the middle-aged couple as they made their way towards me. “You must be Mr. and Mrs. Williams?”
“Yes, that’s us,” tittered the platinum-blond woman as her husband looked at me quizzically. I guessed that she hadn’t used their real name in the hope that they could kee
p their trip private. She needn’t have had that concern since I offered complete confidentiality.
“Thank you for booking your flight with us today,” I said. “Everything is all set, and we can be in flight as soon as you are ready to go. Did you have any questions before we board?”
“Ummmm, are you our pilot?” asked Mr. Williams.
“Yes, I’m Alexa Hewett. Don’t worry. You’re safe with me. I’ve been doing private sightseeing tours for a couple years and have had my pilot’s license for almost three years. I might be a little young, but I grew up with my dad in the cockpit of a plane. I can assure you that I am fully qualified to take you up,” I answered.
“And how does this work exactly?” he questioned.
I couldn’t help but smile at the question. It seemed that the wives always booked these flights, and the husbands always seemed uncertain once they got here. I even had flights where the husband had no idea that his wife had booked the tour with the sole purpose of getting it on mid-flight. The expressions on their faces when they saw the bed in the cabin were priceless. It kind of cracked me up since I always figured guys were less shy about sex. Which may still prove to be true since I hadn’t seen a single guy yet turn down the opportunity offered by my special charter flights.
“If you will follow me this way, you can see how we’ve set the Cherokee up so that you will have plenty of room in the rear cabin. Once we are in flight, I will draw the privacy curtain and wear noise-canceling headphones during the flight. I will be able to communicate with the tower but won’t be able to hear anything from the cabin. Any of your activities while on board will be as private as possible.” They both nodded and looked at each other while blushing.
I walked the couple towards the plane, showed them the bed area we had fashioned by removing four of the seats, and asked them to sit in the rear-facing seats during takeoff for their safety. If the hot looks they were flashing each other as they buckled up were any indication, they were ready to go.
