Very Bad Things

by Ilsa Madden-Mills

  God, what was she thinking? That sounded like relationship talk. Hence the reason why she always stuck to the one night stands, two nights if the sex was actually good, but no more.

  Danny gave her his best fatherly smile-hug combo—at least that was what she thought it was, since she had never received one from her own father—and he whispered in her ear, “Ly, you are not an island, and you deserve so much love…so much.”

  She felt her throat tighten but refused to show any emotion. While she could, and would, help people deal with their own feelings, hers were off limits. So she took a deep breath and gave him one final squeeze before letting go.

  Lyla’s thoughts quickly shifted back to her best friend. It was always better to think about Janie than it was to give any headspace to her own life.

  “She is such a good person. God, I hope I did the right thing.”

  “Who are you talking about?” Danny asked. “You mean, Janie?”

  “Shit, was I thinking out loud again? I really need to stop doing that,” she sputtered, her blue eyes, bright.

  “Listen, Lyla,” Danny said with what the group referred to as his ‘serious face’, “Max has been thinking, and talking, about Janie for what feels like forever. He is a good guy no matter what he—”

  Lyla interrupted. “Danny, I’m sure he’s a great guy, but what Janie needs is a good fu—”

  Danny placed his hand over Lyla’s mouth, “Max is a good guy. Listen to what I am not saying. I see him as a son, so please don’t make me say it more clearly than this.” A bashful blush crept up Danny’s neck, “He will give her whatever she needs tonight. Understand?”

  She looked into Danny’s pleading eyes, and with a smile as huge as the relief she was feeling, she stood up, hugged him, and said good night to the rest of the staff. They firmed up Sunday dinner plans, and she walked out to her car, parked in her special spot right by the front door.

  LYLA SLID INTO her BMW, buckled up, and pressed the windows down to let the late-summer night breeze blow through her car. September nights in Pennsylvania were her favorite because one never knew if the weather would be hot and sticky or crisp and chilly. Like life, it was unpredictable, and she knew how to handle unpredictable.

  She was selecting the playlist on her iPod when she heard the growling sound of what could only be a Harley roll up to the side of her car. Hmm, she thought with a smirk, the things I’ve done on a motorcycle… The sound alone made her internal engine purr. She continued to scroll to her favorite playlist, when the back of her neck began to tingle.

  She could feel him—her body was actually reacting to a perfect stranger—and there was a slight tap on the roof of her car. Lyla looked up from her iPod and saw what may have been the most startling pair of blue eyes that had ever been created. Here she thought her own were pretty fabulous, but nope, not even close in comparison. She wanted to drown in the pools that stared back at her. She had never seen him up-close before—he was breathtaking. Lyla felt her chest burn from her shallow breaths as she took in the curve of his jaw and sculpted chin.

  “See something you like?” He asked with a dimpled grin.

  “Before you opened your mouth I did,” Lyla answered in kind.

  The next thing she knew, the passenger door opened. Oh shit! I forgot to lock the doors. “I’m such an idiot!”

  “I wouldn’t say you’re an idiot, but you really should lock your doors. Any crazy man could just open them up and sit down next to you,” he said with a wink.

  “I really need to get this problem of thinking out loud under control,” Lyla stated, purposely out loud that time.

  “Or maybe you just need a man that wants to listen to your all thoughts.” There was that killer smile again. Dangerous.

  His baby blues watched her with what appeared to be interest. Lyla snickered and then laughed to the point of tears.

  He looked at her with lust and confusion. “What?” he asked in that voice that would forever haunt her dreams.

  “Does that line actually work for you?” Lyla said, wiping her eyes with the palm of her hand, trying in vain to pull herself back together.

  “Actually, I haven’t had to use that line before,” he said smoothly, “Because I don’t run into many beautiful, sexy, desirable women who spend the better part of their evening talking to themselves.” He chuckled a throaty laugh, and once again Lyla felt goose bumps rise on her skin. Oh Lord, the dimples, the smile, the laugh –– what the hell is wrong with me?

  Trying to hide her reaction to him, and of course, her latest quirky bullshit, Lyla squared off her shoulders, lifted her head, and looked straight at the sensuous man sitting, uninvited, in her car. How the hell did that happen again?

  “So…” Lyla waited for him to offer his name, but he didn’t. He just looked back at her with a piercing stare, his soulful eyes framed with black lashes so intense she swore he could see right through her.

  “So,” he repeated, “I know that you come here on Thursday nights—”

  “Stalker much?”

  “Lyla.” Her name was honey dripping from his lips. “Knowing your name and that fact that you come to Danny’s on Thursdays doesn’t make me a stalker.”

  Lyla’s insides melted and her panties actually dampened, just from hearing her name slide out of his mouth. I’m so screwed. “Oh my God…”

  “What’s wrong?” He smiled.

  “Shit!” Realizing she, again, spoke her thoughts out loud, she moved to slam her fist into her thigh. Just as her expletive filled the tight space of the car, his left hand sliced out and grabbed her fist, holding it in his big palm. Their skin connected, and just like in the bar, electricity surged through her body. But here, now, they were sitting face-to-face, his eyes to hers.

  She felt her skin bloom, every hair rising from her flesh, as he reached out and placed his right hand on the side of her face. Before Lyla knew it, he pulled her to him. She tried to resist, but his lips were soft and warm as they caressed hers. The kiss that started out slowly, maybe even a little chaste, turned inferno as soon has his cedar smell hit Lyla’s senses. Her throaty moan was all the acceptance he needed.

  “Nice,” he muttered as he pulled her tighter. He tried to consume her with his kiss, and she went willingly. Her hands started to travel down his hard, muscled chest, over his pecs, and spread across his abdomen. He breathed in deep and slowly pulled away, keeping his hand wrapped around her fist. Lyla opened her eyes, trying to figure out what the hell had just happened, when she heard the click of the door being opened. The overhead light in the car came on.

  He was getting out of her car…he was leaving?

  “What are you doing?” Lyla practically shrieked as she leaned over to look at him through the passenger window.

  “Not you. Not tonight,” he answered, a strength in his voice that Lyla couldn’t imagine any man able to possess after that kiss.

  She was embarrassed, angry, and aroused beyond belief. “You know what? I didn’t even invite you into my car. I don’t even know you! Why did you even bother, asshole? Next time you see me, just…just...walk the other way,” she dismissed him. “Jesus Christ.”

  Trying to gather her determination, she straightened herself behind the steering wheel and inhaled. Scrubbing her hands over her forehead, she closed her eyes for a quick second, forcing herself to keep it together.

  “What the hell is wrong with me? I didn’t even know his fucking name, and here I am with my tongue down his throat? He could have fucking killed me, and I would have deserved it…shit!” She slammed her palms into the steering wheel again.

  The tears started to well up as the fragrance of cedar and leather tickled her nose again. She opened her eyes and was startled to find him leaning in through the open driver’s side window.

  “Now what do you fucking want?” She spat, “Go the hell away!”

  “Lyla…”

  “No, I’ve had enough for the night…just go,” she said, trying to rein in her emotions.
She had about sixty seconds before her wall would crumble, and she knew she had to get out of there. She did not cry—ever—and definitely not in front of a gorgeous man with dimples and a sexy smile, whose kiss could make her forget things she wished she had never learned.

  “Lyla.” His was voice firm, demanding her attention. She reluctantly raised her eyes and looked at him. His electric gaze sparked as blunt words left his full lips. “My name is Gage. I see you come here each Thursday with your friend, and to be honest, I’ve wanted you for weeks. I’ve seen the way you laugh, the way you smile. I’ve seen the way you throw sass when someone gives you a hard time.” She watched as the muscles in his jaw clenched and released. She could feel his gaze penetrating her body. “If you think…Christ…if you think I’m gonna kiss you”— his eyes raked over her—“and then fuck you in a parking lot after the fantasies that have been living in my mind, then yes, sweetheart, you have lost your fucking mind.”

  Lyla looked away, her cheeks warm, her panties damp.

  “Lyla, look at me, sweetheart. I’ve seen the men you take home,” he went on, “You have the F-and-R pattern down to a science.”

  Lyla jerked her eyes back to stare him down. “F and R?”

  Ignoring her question, Gage continued his monologue, “I practically invented that routine, and I refuse to go there with you. You deserve everything good and sensual. Don’t think I haven’t noticed that no matter how much ‘fun’ you’re having, the sparkle never quite hits your eyes. You deserve a man who is going to worship you—body and soul. I am going to be that man.” He paused a beat, “But it is not going to be tonight. It can’t be.”

  Her eyes didn’t leave his. “So, until we are both ready, that kiss is as far as we can go,” he explained. “Please, drive safely… and I will see you when I see you.” He leaned into the car, gave her a slow kiss on the lips, slipping his tongue into her mouth and gently caressing her tongue with his, and then he was gone.

  When she opened her eyes he—Gage—was nowhere. Was he ever here? Lyla’s lips tingled, and she could still smell a trace of his cologne, feel his hands on her cheek. She could taste man and…salt? She looked into her rearview mirror, and she saw what she feared: a stream of tears had trailed down her cheeks and onto her lips.

  Exhaling, she wiped away the tears, “Worship my soul?” She spoke aloud, “Bullshit. My body on the other hand…that I can handle.” She wiped her face again and headed for home.

  Alone.

  For more information about Lisa N. Paul and her books, visit:

  Website

  Twitter

  Facebook

  Goodreads

  Anywhere with You,

  a new adult romance by Kaylee Ryan

  COMING August 20, 2013.

  Allison Hagan has not lived the life of a normal teenager. Her parents died in a car crash when she was ten and she has been living with her elderly grandmother who happens to be her only living relative ever since. Allison became best friends with the boy next door Aiden. Aiden’s family has taken her in as part of their own, which is why when her gran insists that she live in the dorms at college so Allison chooses to attend the same school as Aiden.

  Liam MacCoy is a college senior and quarterback of his college football team. Liam is rumored to be first round draft pick for the NFL following graduation as is his best friend Aiden. Liam has one focus and that’s football that is until his little sister introduces him to her roommate Allison. Since he met her he hasn't been able to think of anything else.

  Liam is not a relationship kind of guy and Allison wants it all. She wants the romance and the family that she grew up without. Will Liam overcome his fear of relationships as well as the tangle of friendships to give Allison everything she wants?

  **This excerpt is unedited and is subject to change.

  LIAM’S POV

  I STOPPED IN front of the bathroom door and leaned my forehead against it. I could hear her soft cries. I knocked softly, “Allison, it’s Liam can you let me in, sweetheart.”

  “Just give me a minute, I’ll be fine,” she choked out.

  “Please,” I whispered.

  I heard her shuffling towards the door and heard the handle move. When she pulled the door open her face was blotchy and her eyes were red and swollen. Without even thinking I stepped inside and shut the door. I pulled her close to me and wrapped her in my arms. I kissed the top of her head and as I did she began to cry harder. I’m not sure how long we stayed like that but during that time I think I lost a piece of myself to Allison Shay Hagan.

  She pulled away from me slowly. “Sorry about your shirt,” she whispered.

  I pulled her chin up with my thumb and forefinger so that she was looking me in the eye, “Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?”

  She shook her head no. “I feel like such a baby. It was years ago, I should be able to talk about it.”

  “Is there something in particular that upset you?” I asked softly as I pulled her back into my chest as I slowly rubbed my hand up and down her back.

  “Not really, it’s just…” she sniffled.

  “What baby, what happened?

  “It’s just family dinners. I miss those, Gran is all I have left and her health is failing and I’m here when I should be with her. She is all that I have in this world.”

  I couldn’t find words through the lump in my throat. My only reply was to pull her tighter. As I did she in turn wrapped her arms tighter around my waist. After getting my emotions under control, I pulled away from her and cupped her face in my hands. I wiped her tears away with my thumbs. “You are amazing, you have so many people who love you, Aiden, his parents and Hailey. My parents adore you.” I swallowed back my emotions. “You have me,” I whispered never tearing my eyes from hers.

  “Liam,” she murmured.

  Her plea sent me over the edge I slowly brought her face to mine as I leaned down. I stared at her lips and then back to her eyes letting her know my intent. I needed to kiss her more than I needed my next breath. I waited, as my intentions set in, I could see when understanding flashed across her face, she licked her lips. I leaned a little closer, closing the space between us. Hesitating, giving her the opportunity to stop me, she didn’t.

  When my lips touched hers I felt the tremor in my hands that were gently holding her close to me. She must have felt it to because she placed her hands over mine as I continued to caress her cheeks while I kissed her. I felt her open her mouth and I slipped my tongue inside. The taste of her on my tongue caused me to release a deep moan, as I did Allison slowed the kiss and rested her forehead against mine.

  “Liam.”

  “Mmm,” I was again at a loss for words. I have kissed hundreds of girls and not once did any of those kisses elicit that kind of reaction from me. I have never in my life felt this kind of connection with any other human being.

  “What are we doing?”

  I kissed her forehead as I pulling back to look her in the eye. “I was kissing the most amazing girl I have ever met.” I needed her to know that she was different.

  She blushed “I want more Liam. Not that I expect a proposal next week but you’ve already made it clear that you won’t make a commitment, so what are we doing?”

  I shook my head and pulled her to my chest. “I don’t know baby. All that I can tell you is that kiss was incomparable to anything I have ever felt. You wreck me, you know that?” I asked searching her face for understanding.

  “Well, since that was officially my first kiss, I don’t have anything to compare it to, but this feeling” she grabbed my hand and laid it over her heart. “This connection that makes my heart race is uncharted waters for me. I wish that I could hold onto it and never let go.” She sighed, “But I need all of you Liam, I don’t want to share you, and I can’t just be a fling. My heart can’t take it.” She brushed her hands across my cheek. “If you ever decide that you can give me all of you, you know where to find me.” She lifted up on her tippy toes a
nd gave me one last chaste kiss on the lips. “Thank you for listening and for the kiss” she said as she turned and walked out of the room.

  For more information about Kaylee Ryan and her books, visit:

  Facebook

  Twitter

  Goodreads

  Read the new adult romance excerpt below from

  Don’t Let Go by Michelle Lynn

  Sadie Miller is attempting to change her ways and hide somewhere no one knows her former self. She only wants to finish her final year of college, obtain her degree and get out from her parent’s hold. Then she meets Brady Carsen, the lead singer of the college town band, The Invisibles. Although she tries to stay away, his persistence quickly wins her over and she realizes although he is everything she’s not used to, he might be exactly what she needs and more importantly wants.

  Unfortunately, Sadie’s troubled past at her last school left her with insecurities that make her question Brady’s true intentions. While Brady is convinced Sadie is the one for him, he has his own secrets that he fears will be their undoing, destroying everything they have grown to become.

  If they want to be together, they will have to stand united and fight the outside influences that are threatening to tear them apart. Can they put the distrusts and apprehensions formed by their pasts behind them for good in order to secure their future?

  Excerpt:

  The next morning the light wakes me up, streaming into the small room and I find myself alone in a strange bed. I look around, trying to remember where I am and what I did. The dirty clothes overflowing in the hamper and the sports team paraphernalia on the wall tell me that I am most likely in a frat house…again.