by Karen Deen
LOVE’S HOT
Copyright © 2019 by Karen Deen
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in either, electronic, paper hard copy, photocopying, recorded or any other form of reproduction without the written permission of the author. No part of this book either in part or whole may be reproduced into or stored in a retrieval system or distributed without the written permission of the author.
This book is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events, locations or persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
The author acknowledges the trademark status and owners of products referred to in this fiction which have been used without permission. The publication and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Published by Karen Deen
Formatted by Opium House Creatives
Edited by Contagious Edits
Cover Design by Opium House Creatives
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karen Deen has been a lover of romance novels and happily-ever-after stories for as long as she can remember. Reaching a point in her life ready to explore her own dreams, Karen decided now was the time to finally write some of her own stories. For years, all of her characters have been forming story lines in her head, just waiting for the right time to bust free.
Sitting up in the early hours of the morning with her cups of tea, chocolate and music she gets lost in a world of sexy, alpha men who are challenged by some funny, sassy and strong-willed women. Bringing you unexpected laughs, suspense and a little bit of naughty.
Karen is married to her loving husband and high school sweetheart. Together, they live the crazy life of parents to three children. She is balancing her life between a career as an accountant by day and writer of romance novels by night. Living in a beautiful coastal town two hours south of Sydney, Australia, Karen loves to enjoy time with her family and friends in her beautiful surroundings. Of course, when she is not shut in her writing cave bringing you more words to devour.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Where do I even start?
This has been such a journey from the beginning of this series to the very last book. I look back at what was a personal dream to help me center myself and find that place that made me smile. From the first word of Love’s Wall to the last word in Love’s Hot, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. This journey, though, quickly became more than just for me. You all came along for the ride. It still amazes me. I will never stop being grateful for all the love that you give me. Thank you, to all you gorgeous people who read my words. I hope I’ve given you my smile to put on your face, too.
I can’t write this without thanking my Stevenson family. They let me tell their stories, share their inner thoughts and gave me permission to write their love stories and happy-ever-afters. They will always be special to me. I hope you have loved them as much as I do.
A big thank you to Linda and all the team at Foreword PR & Marketing. Linda you are amazing and have been such a big help to me. Just having you in my corner has given me more time to concentrate on writing and know that everything is still happening when and where it should be. More importantly, you are my go-to person for all my questions and someone to bounce my ideas off. I love your honesty and guidance. You give me confidence to go out and tackle new things. Can’t wait for what we can achieve together, going forward. Love you and thank you.
Lindsay at Contagious Edits you are such a gem. Thank you for sorting my words, finding my mistakes, constantly inserting my commas and laughing at my Australian slang. You make the editing process as painless as it can be for which I am truly thankful for.
I have been blessed to have the lovely Sarah Paige at Opium House Creatives with me for the whole journey of ‘The Time for Love Series’. The help and guidance she gives me, I can’t even begin to explain. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her. She is responsible for my beautiful covers, proofreading, formatting and my hot teasers that have everyone swooning. Thank you, hun, love your work.
Everyone has one of these friends. You know the one who gives you the push to take that leap when you don’t think you can. For me, that is Nicole. The first person to ever read my words, the one who told me to keep going. The one who pushed me to publish, just because. Told me she would read it and convinced me maybe a few other people might too. Then as soon as ‘The End’ is written, she’s pushing me to start the next. You know I love you, beautiful lady, and can’t thank you enough for taking every step with me on this journey. Here’s to many more years of laughter, love and travels. P.S. I promise to always keep you on your treasure hunt of finding yourself in my books.
My beta readers are the wonderful women who make my stories better. They drop things when I send a chapter through just to read and tell me if I’m on the right spot. I appreciate their honesty and the love they share. They celebrate with me, even to the point of tears when I’m in tears. I couldn’t ask for a better team. My special ladies—Nicole, Vicki, Di and Brenda—I love you all and thank you, thank you, thank you for everything.
To my tribe, Sharon, Charmaine and Nicole. Each of you bring a different light into my life. Love you all. To my mentor, words of thanks will never be enough. You have brought the light into my life and continue to make it burn bigger and brighter every step of the way. Love you loads.
Family and friends who supported me in the beginning and are still standing beside me cheering me on. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My three cherubs. My stories I write for you. You may never read them but know that everything I do is to make me a better mom for you and a better life for our family. My love for you is endless and I will always be your soft landing, whenever you need me.
You know you are blessed when you have a husband who says, “Sure, be an author, lock yourself away in your office for hours (weeks/months) so I don’t see you. Come to bed four hours after me and I will gladly let you drag my warm blankets off me so you can warm up. I’ll even put up with all the jokes from my friends. But yep, you go be an author and I will always support your dream.”
Now, that is true love. Michael, thank you for sharing this crazy journey with me and giving me the love you have, to help me spread my wings. I thank the universe every day for sending you to me. Eternally grateful.
Now time to write a new story and discover a whole new world between the pages.
Grateful to you all for believing in me.
Karen xxx
CONTACT
For all the news on upcoming books, visit Karen at:
www.karendeen.com.au
[email protected]
Facebook: Karen Deen Author
Instagram: karendeen_author
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
EPILOGUE
Dedication
This book and series I’m dedicating to my inspiring Stevenson Family witho
ut whom I would have never found my happy place as an Author.
Mitch/Gruffy, Sophia/Me-Me, Grant, Zach, Luke, Alesha and Lilly.
Zara, Emily, Zoe, Xavier and Kane.
Samuel, Sophia and Baby Thomas.
Natalie and Jordan
All the future Stevenson children who will eventually find their place on my pages.
Plus, to my other Lilly – Thanks for being the Lilly to my Alesha xx
Forever Grateful to you all.
1
Lilly
“YOU SAW HIM, he was so friggin hot! But when it came to the important part of the night, oh lordy, we just didn’t click. Not sure if it was him, me, or just we weren’t a good combination. Did absolutely nothing for my little need that was looking to be satisfied last night. Man, I sound like I’m desperate even though I’m not! I’m just so picky with my men. Maybe that’s my problem.” Simone bursts out laughing on the other end of the phone. We were clubbing together last night when I left with Lenny. “I should have guessed with a name like Lenny. Oh well, another poor guy who will be calling the sexaholics membership number when he tries to call me for a second date. But honestly, how could he expect me to give him my real phone number?” I’m yelling into my phone that’s on speaker, while I’m trying to pack last minute for my trip.
“You are so naughty. The poor staff will be wanting to find you and kill you what with the amount of prank calls they think they’re getting. Everyone looking for a woman named Lilly. Luckily you never tell them your surname. Otherwise the sexaholic people would hunt you down, woman.” Simone laughs as she listens to me tell her how I managed to get out of his place in record time after the failed event.
“Thank god I can always come home to Bob, my friendly battery-operated man whose size and performance is perfect every time. Value for my money. Well, that’s what I said in my Amazon review.” I can’t help but laugh at myself.
“Shit, you did not review a vibrator on Amazon. You are too much. Tell me what it’s called, I need to go and read this. Don’t get angry when I rate your review with the appropriate stars.”
We both have a good laugh at my ability to do wild things that my family would simply die if they knew about.
“Anyhow, I really need to run, otherwise I’m not going to be ready when my sister arrives. She will be the one wanting to kill me. She is so super organized; nothing like me who is still standing here with an empty suitcase. Now you be good while I’m away. I want all the details of tomorrow night with Zoren, and that means all the details! Talk soon, sweetie.”
“Bye, you crazy girl, be safe. I want pictures of all the details, not just a message, okay? And thanks in advance for the porn you will be sending me. Bye, hun.”
She knows me too well. Porn spam on her messenger coming right up. She will wish she never mentioned it now.
I press end and then freak out looking at the time that pops up on my phone.
Shit!
Alesha and Xavier are going to kill me if I don’t get my ass moving.
A whole shoe cupboard, shelf after shelf of my little beauties to pick from. I can’t understand a woman who doesn’t love shoes. What better way to attract a man? Shoes that grab his attention, running his eyes up your calves, thinking about your legs wrapping around him while he enjoys more than just the shoes. My biggest problem right now is deciding which pairs I need to pack for my trip.
Today’s one of those days I don’t have time to deliberate for too long.
The perfect shoes will set the mood for this weekend, so I need to choose right.
I run my fingers across the shelves, seeking the ideal pair. It’s almost like checking out a guy in a bar. What takes my fancy today?
Trips where you’re flying and need to pack lightly hurt my soul. Women should get extra luggage allowance for our shoes and make-up alone. The current limit is just ridiculous. I need my full suitcase, plus my handbag with all the emergency life essentials that a woman just can’t be without when she travels. You know, spare underwear, toothbrush, condoms, my vibrator to name a few. Just in case your luggage gets lost, you are still prepared for every occasion.
I take offence to Alesha’s comments when she says I have enough shoes that if they were sold, I could feed a small nation. I work hard for my money and these are my rewards. Along with my clothes, make-up and, of course, handbags. You can’t have the complete outfit if you don’t have the matching handbag. I like to look classy and sophisticated. There is nothing wrong with being proud of how you present yourself.
It’s time to start placing things in my suitcase, otherwise I’ll be running more than just a little late. My family takes great delight in constantly picking on me for never making it anywhere on time. Normally I figure it’s okay, but I’m not sure the plane will wait for me. I mean, it’s not like I’m the princess my dad always tells me I am. Princesses have their own plane, anyway, which I could totally go for. I need to put rich on my checklist for the men I date.
Future Date Checklist
-Big bulge… big cock…
-Brags about what he can do with the above-mentioned big cock
-Hot as hell
-Taller than me when I’m wearing heels
-Strong and muscular
-Hot as fuck
-Knows how to treat a lady
-Hot as sin
-Sexy and is good at fucking
Perhaps a little repetitive but then there are no mistaking what I want.
Now I need to add to this list
-Rich and has his own plane
-Willing to become a member of the mile-high club in abovementioned plane.
Some may say I have a thing for hot men who know how to fuck well. I actually can’t argue with that. Life is for living and having fun. We all have our own way of defining fun. My fun is a little wilder than my family know about. They know I’m the crazy child, I’m just not sure they realize how crazy. They see the put-together professional businesswoman by day. Family girl when we are together. They just don’t really get to see the let loose party girl at night.
I’m the youngest child in the Stevenson family. Annoying little sister to Grant, Zach, Luke and Alesha. Little princess to my dad, Mitch, and the sparkle of mischief in my mom Sophia’s eyes. I work with my family in our construction business, which has its advantages. Some days, though, I just wish I had that anonymity of a regular job. Being bossed around by your older brothers wears thin at times. Luckily, I’m pretty carefree most days; I just say my piece, get over it with and move on. No matter how much I frustrate them, at least I know they can never fire me, so that’s one perk.
The chime on my phone is the text to tell me Alesha and her fiancé, Xavier, have left his apartment and are on the way to pick me up. Crap, I need to move faster, let’s hope they get stuck in traffic. I knew I should have started earlier. That statement sounds like a familiar sentence in my head that’s playing on repeat.
We’re heading to New York for a few days to see Zara, Grant’s girlfriend, dance in her current show. I’m so excited to see her perform with the New York Dance Company. It’s her dream role. A dream so important that she almost gave up a life with Grant, because she was worried she couldn’t have both. Luckily, he got over his stubbornness and realized he couldn’t be without her.
It’s also great for me because it gives me an excuse to visit New York. The mecca of great shopping and night life. Although being the fifth wheel on a night out is not ideal. So, I’ll be looking for a little company once we hit the town. Thinking about the nightlife makes me grab my red dress that I have been dying to wear. It hugs my body so tight, there’s not a spare inch of room. The low scoop neckline has my boobs almost on show but in a classy way, while the back has several straps crossing over my spine while the whole of my back is exposed until just above my butt cheeks. It makes me feel sexy so I can imagine what it looks like to a guy who takes the time to look. I match it with my black sky-high stiletto shoes. They are new and I’ve been w
aiting for the perfect night to break them in.
I’m just sitting on my suitcase trying to squash everything in when I hear the front door open and Alesha call out as she comes through the apartment. We both have keys to each other’s apartments. It just makes life easier.
“In here, just trying to close this damn suitcase,” I call out to her.
“Hi there. Lordy, Lil, how much did you pack? You do know we’re only going for two nights, right, not two weeks?” Alesha starts laughing at me bouncing up and down on top of the suitcase.
“Shut up and get your butt over here on top of this bag and help me. You know I need a lot of things no matter how long we travel.” Finally, the zipper passes that point that seems to be the stumbling block and slides freely towards the end. “Done. Now just let me touch up my face and I’m ready. See? It is possible for me to be on time…occasionally,” I call over my shoulder as I disappear into my bathroom. Now to decide on which shade of lipstick to pick for the plane, like there’s even a choice if I’m not at work in the office where I need to be more professional. Red lipstick every time. Sexy, hot stand-out lips is what I want.
“Jesus, Lilly, what the hell is in this bag?” I hear coming from my room as Lesh tries to lift it off the bed. “I’m going to call Xavier up to drag it to the car.”
“Don’t you dare!” I yell back at her. “I’m no weakling, you know; this is what your fiancé has been training us for, supposedly. Although, I’m pretty sure our gym sessions are spent with him too busy checking out your ass to be worried about what I’m doing. Luckily for me, his sister is just as good a personal trainer as him and Natalie keeps me going while he’s drooling over you.” I laugh, walking back towards my bed and a blushing Alesha.
“That’s not completely true,” she mumbles. “Well, not all the time anyway.”
