Crawl in Bed With Angelina Rain

 Crawling Into Bed With Angelina Rain

And Rescued Love

Important things first, are these sheets silk or cotton? Silk, of course! Black silk sheets because I like the better things in life. Don't you?

What are you wearing? I'm one of those old fashioned women who likes to wear those skimpy little baby doll like dresses to bed.

What are we snacking on in bed while we read tonight? Ice cream! I love funky flavors too, like right now I'm having coffee flavored ice cream.

If I open this nightstand drawer, what will I find? Oh, nothing much. Just spare batteries, my vibrator, anal beads, condoms, and flavored lube. Where else would I keep that stuff?

Do you roll up in the blankets like a burrito, or kick the covers off during the night? My back needs to be covered, but I do like to have one leg sticking out.

Can I put my cold feet on your calves to warm them up? *Shivers* But then I'll be cold too.

What are we reading?

We're reading Rescued Love, my new contemporary romantic suspense.

BLURB:

One by one, household dogs disappear only to come back after senseless abuse. Veterinarian Jordan Powell will stop at nothing to ensure her patients' safety. Even if that means seeking help from ex-boyfriend, police officer Nate Thrillson, the man whose heart she once broke.

The last thing Nate wants is a relationship. He has an inoperable cancerous tumor in his brain and his days are numbered. Yet, he couldn't resist Jordan.

It's a race against time to save the dogs and the man who captured her heart. Can the doctor, who made a life out of helping animals, heal a human?

EXCERPT:

"We have to talk." His tone dripped with tension.

She turned to him. "I've had enough bad news for this week. Whatever it is can wait a couple of minutes."

He looked irked and worried, and he avoided her gaze. The moment seemed to stretch forever and Nate ran his hand over the back of his neck. Eventually, he nodded.

She indicated for him to sit at the kitchen table and pulled out the leftover lasagna Petra had brought over that morning. She popped it into the oven.

"I hope you like lasagna," she said in an attempt to start a normal conversation.

"Did you make it?"

"No." She sat across from him. "Petra did."

Why was Nate so tense? She was curious to know what he intended to tell her, but given the pained expression on Nate's face, she was also scared. From the look in his eyes, it wasn't going to be something she wanted to hear.

"So anything new about the case?"

He shook his head. Her attempt at conversation failed.

It wasn't until after dinner as Jordan washed the dishes that Nate spoke. "We have to talk."

Jordan turned to face him, the damp rag from drying the plates hung in her hands. "Can't it wait?"

"No." He stood, and walked closer to her, his stance powerful. He looked dangerous. His eyes were cold, hard, the look in them hollow and heartbroken.

She didn't expect to hear any good news so she braced for the worst. "What is it?"

Nate sighed deeply, as though stalling what he had to say. "I can't see you ever again."

BUY LINK: http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&products_id=297

Angelina's site: www.angelina-rain.com

Upcoming Release: Risking It All

Coming EXCLUSIVELY to Breathless Press on 

September 7, 2012

After nearly a year, Bastian Grey is growing discontent with the lack of intimacy in his relationship with Rick Claremont. Can an adopted cat be the key to a real relationship?  

EXCERPT

"Turn over." Rick's raspy voice caressed his lips before he drew away to kneel beside Bastian.

"I want to gaze into your eyes while you make love to me," Bastian protested. Rick avoided intimacy whenever and however he could. Rick's eyes narrowed at the words make love, but he didn't respond, no doubt choosing to ignore the comment. Nevertheless, his slender, strong hands guided Bastian onto his side, stroked gently down his spine. Bastian relaxed. At least like this he could see Rick's face, could watch his eyes darken, his cheeks flush.

Rick pressed a warm, soft kiss at his nape, and Bastian moaned softly. Rick could call it fucking but there was too much gentleness, too much caring in his touch, in the brush of his lips, to be anything other than affection and lovemaking.

The smaller man brushed his fingers down, tracing the muscles of Bastian's back, teasing him into relaxing, coaxing him into position. Bastian drew his knee up to the side, giving Rick access to his body. A cap snicked and a slick, gentle finger probed between his cheeks, massaging gently at the opening there. Bastian sighed, pushing into the touch. He needed that touch so much. It shocked him sometimes how much he relied on these "dates" with Rick.

"Good idea." Rick murmured against his spine.

"Uh?" His body focused on the pleasure of Rick's touch, on the heat of his breath whispering across his skin, stirring the fine hairs. The furor of his heartbeat in his ears, the loud rush of blood nearly drowned the words out.

"Meeting at this place today." This place meant the hotel closest to Arden's office complex, a small, discreet establishment in the business district that probably catered to more than its share of nooners and cheating spouses.

Upcoming Release: Risking It All

Coming EXCLUSIVELY to Breathless Press on 

September 7, 2012

Pre-order today to save 30% with this link:

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=310

After nearly a year, Bastian Grey is growing discontent with the lack of intimacy in his relationship with Rick Claremont. Can an adopted cat be the key to a real relationship?  

Fire fighter Sebastian Grey has finally gotten what he's wanted since he was sixteen: Rick Claremont in his bed.  Only now he wants more. Convincing cautious Rick that loving him is a safe bet seems impossible.

Rick Claremont grew up in a hurry and experienced danger and loss early. He's not sure risking himself on Sebastian is a viable option. The man is gorgeous and the sex is amazing, but Sebastian's whole life is about taking chances. He throws himself off mountains for fun and runs into burning buildings for work. How can Rick trust this risk taker with his battered heart?

Will the advent of a cat and a corpse into their relationship give Bastian the entrée to Rick's heart as well as his bed?

Crawl in Bed With Rawiya

Crawling Into Bed With

Rawiya

And a Good Book

Smooth Like Latte

Important things first, are these sheets silk or cotton?

Rawiya: I love the feel of silk. I don’t get luxuries like this often I’ve got kids. *smiles*

What are you wearing?

Rawiya: I’m quite a bore. Silk loungers and a tee shirt. I can only dress sexy for hubby. *giggles*

What are we snacking on in bed while we read tonight?

Rawiya: Ohh I brought my favorite. Caramel and Cheese corn from a Chicago institution, Garretts Popcorn. Not an endorsement, just the truth!

If I open this nightstand drawer, what will I find?

Rawiya: My Kindle, some allergy medicine, cough drops, and tissues. *laughs* In the other drawer you might find some of my fave toys. *winks*

Do you roll up in the blankets like a burrito, or kick the covers off during the night?

Rawiya: Roll up like a burrito. Sorry, I love covers around me, makes me feel warm and safe. Pardon me if I steal the blankets.

Can I put my cold feet on your calves to warm them up?

Rawiya: I suppose my hubby won’t mind, this time! *laughs* Ooh your feet are cold. Would you like to borrow some of my footies? I have an unworn pair of course. We can play footsie games later on after we read. *winks*

What are we reading?

 Naughty Nights Press is proud to announce that Smooth Like Latte, an interracial gay male romance, is available to purchase from All Romance  Amazon and Smashwords

SMOOTH LIKE LATTE by Rawiya.

Synopsis:

Brendan Walsh is an uptight business executive working for his father and missing out on real life due to his relentless drive for success. Fearing his homophobic father’s wrath - and the potential to destroy his financial future - Brendan hides is true orientation and lives a life of boring celibacy.

Upon meeting Davori Jenkins when the hunky barista serves him a latte just the way he likes it, Brendan takes a chance, leaving his number with the tip in the hopes of changing his future love life.

Will Brendan be able to come clean with his father - risking his fortune - or will he take a chance at losing a man who he wants as his future?

Warning: This is an m/m interracial romance. Real romance. Some sappiness is ahead with two very good looking men who are searching for that happy ever after ending.

Excerpt:

“Brendan, you must uphold the family name. Nothing is more important than the Walsh name! Nothing!”

The words of Brendan Walsh’s father, Alexander, rang true, like a menacing alarm in his head every single day. Why did he have to be the son Alexander depended upon most? Could it be because the other Walsh brother was completely useless?

In his father’s eyes, Brendan’s older sibling Brian was a disappointment, all because he didn’t want any part of the Walsh family business. Instead of living off his trust fund and becoming the successive CEO to the Walsh Financial Corporation, he’d opted to follow his dream and become a rock musician. That made Alexander extremely unhappy and because of this, the elder Walsh made changes to his will which took away his portion of the family fortune. Brian didn’t care, though; he said no amount of money could bring him true happiness.

Brendan, on the other hand, did like money and security, but the constant meetings, the traveling, and all the responsibilities of being the boss had started to wear thin. He attended college and went straight to graduate school afterward. Then he became top partner at Walsh. It was a lot of responsibility, but Brendan had been well groomed by his dad, who was adamant about not wanting his younger son to become a “useless fuckup.”

“Ugh…” Brendan restlessly turned over. Opening one eye, he glanced at the clock. Six a.m. Time to get up and head in to the office to make more money for the Walsh Empire. Not wanting to move, he groaned, running his fingers through his short, wavy, brown locks. He’d just gotten his hair cut, and it still felt funny. He’d allowed it to grow past his shoulders, but that had only prompted Alexander’s comment that he should “stop looking like a fag.”

“Damn.” If Alexander only knew. Maybe that was just what the old man needed. To see his son for exactly what he was – a man in the closet who desperately wanted to come out.

Yeah, that’ll be the day.

Pulling up the shades, he squinted his eyes into the daylight; the few stragglers out on the street were probably either coming home from or on their way to work. Or were they returning from Valentine’s Day parties in the city? A part of Brendan wished he were doing just that, especially since he’d spent this particular V Day in his Lake Shore Drive condo, reading and comparing sales figures from the year before. That wasn’t his job: it was someone else’s, but he’d opted to do it himself because that employee had someone to go home to and he didn’t. Truthfully, numbers remained his first love, and he’d never known any other.

While he tried to read over the latest figures the night prior, his father called to get him out of his high-rise condo. “Brendan, I’m at the country club with a bunch of friends. You should come by.”

The last thing Brendan wanted was to be around his father on the most romantic day of the year. “No thanks Dad, I’m real busy.”

“Oh c’mon, son,” Alex slurred his words and cut him off. “There’s some pretty ladies here and lots of Scotch. You could walk outta here with the next Misses Walsh. Besides, you need to give me a grandchild.”

Completely annoyed, Brendan rolled his eyes and sighed. “No thanks, Dad.” He promptly hung up the phone.

Oh, he’ll get me for that later.

Too bad I can’t be that bold all the time.

“Pfft.” Dejected, he shook his head and stretched his arms while he strolled slowly to the bathroom. Flicking on the lights, he winced. The coffee-colored marble floor was cold on his bare feet. He rubbed his eyes, thinking how nice it would be to crawl back under the covers and blow off work, but he knew Alexander would bitch if he didn’t show up.

A hot shower was what he needed to warm him up and get him into his daily routine. Turning the small silver knobs, he took off his boxers and stepped in, allowing the hot water to cascade down his body. He ducked his head under the hot spray and exhaled, feeling the warm drops hit his scalp. Several ran down his face, both soothing him and waking him up, as he wanted. In minutes, the sound of whiny saxophones and soft piano melodies filled the bathroom. Like an alarm, he’d set smooth jazz music to play while he showered because he loved hearing it when he woke up.

Brendan wished there was someone to share these morning moments with him. “Maybe someday, I’ll get up the nerve.” He rubbed his newly cut hair and leaned against the marble wall. “When Brendan, fucking when?”

RAWIYA is the more sensual erotica writer in the BLRawiya duo. Rawiya's first sole author book, Time to Make the Donuts released in Feb and her first MMF Living in the Now released in April from NNP. The third book, Smooth Like Latte is out now. She has several shorts in anthologies, the latest, That Thing in the STARbooks collection, Tall Dark and Delicious. A lot of her shorts are also on Every Night Erotica. She blogs regularly at Wicked Sexy Writers. For more please visit the Rawiyas blog on Wordpress.

Breathless Press Birthday Bash Begins!

It's Finally Here!

Birthday Month has arrived! 

Click on over to he all new Breathless Press website to celebrate our third birthday! 

There are 12 birthday freebies- a dozen short stories just for our readers, 

available no where else on the web! 

Follow this link to my story- Nothing to Forgive

And after you're done loading your cart with the free party favors, check out our other titles. All Breathless Press titles are 30% at the Breathless Press Website for the month of August...including preorder titles such as 

Risking It All 

and It's Simple, Simon 

Welcome Guest Silvia Violet!

Good morning everyone!

 Today I have the always lovely, always amazing Silvia Violet visiting, sharing a recipe, and a look at her latest book. 

After a round of hot morning sex, what could be better than walking downstairs to see your man flipping pancakes at the stove, ready to re-fuel you with a hearty breakfast. That's the scene Jonah sees one morning after being rescued by Cole and moving into his farmhouse. And luckily for Jonah, Cole really knows his pancakes. I've never tasted better ones.

He was kind enough to share his recipe with me so I'm passing it right along to you….

Cole's Pancakes

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup white whole wheat flour (or regular whole wheat)

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp salt

1.5 Tbls baking powder

1 egg

2 cups milk

2 Tbls butter, melted

Mix dry ingredients. Add milk and egg. Mix thoroughly, then stir in melted butter. Cook on a hot griddle dropping batter by ¼ cupfuls.

Finding Release by Silvia Violet (Wild R Farm Book 1)

https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/894/

Blurb:

Coleman Wilder is a half-breed werewolf. Some days he believes the tension between his human side and his werewolf instincts will tear him apart. But the challenge of running a horse farm as a gay man in a conservative Tennessee town keeps him focused until he meets horse shifter, Jonah Marks.

Jonah's family insist that using their shifter abilities is sinful, but Jonah finds freedom when he lets his stallion run free. And he's got another secret, he likes men, Cole in particular. Desperate to escape from his family's preaching, he asks Cole for a job. Cole turns him down, scared his desire for Jonah will make him lose control.

When Jonah's brother threatens his life, Cole struggles to save him, forcing the two men confront their feelings for each other and their willingness to fight when running would be easier.

Excerpt

"That should be the last of it." Jonah tossed the final sack of feed on the back of Cole's truck parked outside his family's feed store. "You need anything else?"

Jonah looked at Cole with his big brown eyes as if he needed something. Cole caught his scent, and his wolf stirred to life. He smelled like horse and sweat with an underlying citrusy scent, young and clean. Prey. Cole's cock wanted to fulfill all Jonah's needs, but Cole wasn't stupid enough to even flirt with an eighteen-year-old high school senior whose stepfather had been the most vocally anti-gay preacher in town. The only reason the Marks family deigned to sell him grain was because in these hard times they needed his money.

Cole tried to ignore the fantasies playing out in his mind. "Nope. We're good."

Jonah looked down at his dusty boots. "You got a minute?"

Cole took a deep breath. He glanced around. They couldn't talk here, not openly. Jonah needed a friend, and Cole had once been young and different and scared. "Sure. You wanna get a cup of coffee?" He tilted his head toward the diner down the street.

"Yeah." Jonah looked at his watch. "I'm due for a break."

"All right. Mind if I leave the truck here?" Cole asked.

"Nah, we're not expecting another big delivery until this afternoon."

They walked to the diner in awkward silence.

Cole couldn't let himself think about how gorgeous Jonah looked, staring at him with those puppy dog eyes. Jonah was off limits for too many reasons to count.

They got a booth by the front windows, and Cole ordered coffee for them. Once the waitress brought the steaming mugs, Cole let himself look at Jonah. His red-brown hair was rumpled from finger combing. A combination of sunburn and embarrassment tinted his cheeks. His denim jacket hugged his broad shoulders and… No! Cole wasn't going to let his perusal go any lower, not even in his imagination. His wolf growled deep inside, his werewolf nature recognizing the equine inside Jonah, the shifter side his family forced him to deny.

He concentrated on Jonah's strong, pale hands as they wrapped around the coffee cup, holding it tight for warmth and stability. Cole wanted to reach out and take Jonah's hands in his own, but that would be bad for both of them.

Cole realized he'd made a mistake. He should have told Jonah he was in a hurry to get back to the farm, or something that would've kept him from sitting here alone with a very young horse shifter who was having an indescribable effect on him.

"Mr Wilder?"

Well, being addressed as 'Mister' certainly burst the lurid fantasy in his mind. He was only thirty, but now he felt ancient. "You know you can call me Cole."

Jonah's cheeks got even redder. "I know… it's just… I was wondering if you'd consider hiring me. I know I don't have experience working in a barn, but, I… well… I'm kind of a natural with horses." He grinned as he said this.

His cutely upturned mouth made him look even younger, and Cole cursed his inappropriate thoughts. The boy needed his help, not his perving.

Jonah's home life had to be hell. His father had left them when he was little, and his mother and elder brother were both self-righteous Bible-thumpers. From what he could tell, Jonah couldn't do a damn thing right in their eyes, but Jonah working at Wild R Farm would be a disaster. Cole could smell Jonah's desire for him. Sooner or later, he'd give into his own desire and exploit that. Jonah deserved freedom and a man who had more self-control.

Cole's wolf growled, the sound almost escaping Cole's mouth. If he put his hands on Jonah, he feared his wolfish instincts would take over. Jonah smelled like prey, like something to be consumed, possessed. Cole shuddered. No. He could never let those desires loose. "Jonah, I—"

"Please…" He dropped his voice to a whisper. "My family… I can't live with them anymore."

"Your mother's not going to let you work for me."

"I'm eighteen. She can't stop me."

Cole tried a different tactic. "You need to finish school. Didn't I hear you'd won a scholarship?"

Jonah looked directly into Cole's eyes as if willing him to understand. "Yeah, but I can't take it anymore."

"You'll graduate in four months. Then you can get out of here, go to college."

He shook his head. "I won't last that long."

He wouldn't last long on Cole's farm either, if Cole snapped and let his werewolf side take control. "Why ask me?" Cole thought he knew, but he wanted confirmation.

Jonah glanced around the restaurant. Only a few tables were occupied, and no one sat nearby. In a voice so low even Cole's sensitive ears could barely hear, he said "Cole, I'm… different, like you. If my brother finds out…"

If Nathan found out, he'd kick Jonah out, maybe beat him. Cole wished Jonah didn't stir him up so much. "I'm sorry. I've got all the hands I need right now."

The eager light went out of Jonah's eyes. He sloshed coffee on the table in his haste to get out of the booth. "OK, I understand. I'm sorry."

Cole grabbed Jonah's arm before he could run. Heat snapped between them, nearly making Cole let go. "I'm sorry for what you're going through."

Jonah shook his head. "Not sorry enough." He pulled free and left.

Jonah's condemnation hit Cole like a punch to the gut. Cole leaned back and closed his eyes, willing the thick, bitter coffee to stay down.

Welcome Guest Rosana Leo!

Good morning readers! Join me in welcoming Rosana Leo today! 

Hello fans of romance!

I wrote Up In Flames when I realized that women go absolutely crazy for firemen!  And I’m one of them!  It occurred to me that it might be interesting to pit a hot fire chief against a stubborn beauty who has grown to despise the firefighter uniform, because of how she was once treated by these men in uniform.  It was a lot of fun writing this book and watching the sparks fly between my hero and heroine.  I hope you’ll enjoy it too.  It’s a tale of sizzling desire, betrayal and learning how to trust again. 

Blurb:

Juliet Baker is not looking forward to coming home after six months. Yes, the fiery brunette wants to make a go of turning her parents' farmhouse into a B&B. She’s just not looking forward to seeing the place where they died. To make things worse, she knows she'll finally have to face her cheating, firefighter ex-boyfriend.

Luckily, her sister has found Jules a boarder. Easy money, right? Not when she realizes the boarder is Captain Shane Gaskill. Not only is Shane a firefighter, he’s the town's hot new fire captain.

Jules is determined to hate all firefighters. After all, the men of that precious brotherhood protected her cheating ex. Shane, however, proves he’s different from the start. He's protective and kind, and she can't stop looking at his smoking, Viking-hot body. She learns, though, that Shane isn't so willing to love again either. He's been hurt, too. They both fight the sexual chemistry, and resulting tenderness, between them. But when a stalker begins to target Jules, they realize they can't fight their desire forever.

As the threats escalate, Shane and Jules are thrown together. The resulting passion overwhelms them. But are they willing to trust each other and surrender to the flames of love?

Excerpt:

When he saw the woman, his breath caught in his throat. It was her, the rude but delectable brunette from the gas station. The one, he loathed to admit, he’d been thinking of almost the entire drive over.

“We meet again,” he whispered. “Maybe Ms. Baker has a gorgeous granddaughter?”

Gorgeous didn’t seem to be the right word for her, he decided, as he watched her argue with the firefighter. Her delicate face had blushed rosy pink from anger, and her bright eyes shone with indignation. She was splendid in her fury, from her cropped black hair to the shapely legs extending from her khaki shorts. Her body was tense, but her stiff shoulders could not detract from the soft, swelling bosom below them. The woman’s fists were clenched, so much so he ached to calm and relax her. Her generous lips were pursed into a tight line, but he remembered their sweet fullness when she’d gawked open-mouthed at him at the gas station.

No, her anger did nothing to diminish her many charms. Gorgeous wasn’t quite a strong enough word to describe her. Stunning seemed more appropriate.

“Oh, come on, babe,” the other man replied. “You always took things so seriously.”

“You mean, like our relationship? Yes, I did.”

“I swear, those others meant nothing to me.”

Listening to the other man, the other firefighter, Shane felt his own anger rising. How many others did he have when he had this knockout as a girlfriend?

“Kevin, I can’t do this right now. Please, just go.” Her eyes grew moist.

Her tears were not lost on Shane. He felt his stomach clench, and he was seized by the extraordinary impulse to protect her. She might be a bit odd, careening away from him earlier, but something in her luscious figure and angelic face called to him.

He heard the other man, Kevin, begin to protest. And then, Shane heard his own baritone voice cutting through it. “I believe the lady asked you to leave.”

Shocked, the other two turned to see Shane hurtle over the porch railing to the yard below. He pulled himself to his full height and approached Kevin and the brunette.

“Who the hell are you?” Kevin demanded. “This is a private conversation.”

“The lady asked you to leave.” He nodded at her, and then came to within a foot of Kevin’s face. “Consider it an order from your captain.”

“What?” Kevin blurted, as the woman’s jaw hit the floor.

“You’re the new fire captain?” she asked. And then her eyes dropped to his chest, the one he’d last displayed in its naked, sweaty glory.

Shane inclined his head toward her and smiled. Damn. Up close she was even prettier. At that moment, he would have given anything to get rid of that Kevin.

“Captain Gaskill?” Kevin ventured. A comical flurry of emotions flew across his face, betraying everything from anger at being interrupted to fear for his job.

“And you are?”

“Kevin McGuinness. It seems you’re my new boss,” he said slowly, as if mentally choosing his tactic for dealing with the unwanted newcomer. “You’ve got the wrong idea, though. This lady and I have a relationship…”

“Had a relationship,” she broke in.

“Mr. McGuinness, we’ll talk again when I’m settled at the station.” Shane used his most authoritative tone, the one that brooked no opposition.

Kevin, blue eyes blazing and blushing himself now, stared down his captain. Shane suppressed a chuckle, wondering at his luck at making an enemy in Riverbend, despite having only been there a few days. He could see Kevin wanted to take a swing him, but had enough brains to decide against it.

Instead, the man addressed the woman. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Whatever,” she replied. As soon as Kevin pulled away in the Mazda, she stormed toward the house.

Shane called out to her. “Miss, excuse me. Do you know where I can find Ms. Baker?”

“Why, Captain Gaskill, you’ve already found her.” She turned about, hazel eyes flashing and then pounded down the walkway to the house.

Buy Links:

www.liquidsilverbooks.com

http://www.amazon.com/Up-In-Flames-ebook/dp/B0086WCFN4/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338243336&sr=1-2

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-upinflames-804341-149.html#.T8Px1de3UwY.facebook

Deleted Scene: It's Simple Simon

Every once in a while a little something slips into the first draft that just doesn't make the final cut. 

This is one of those scenes. I can' stand to just kiss it good-bye, so I thought I'd toss it up here. Meet Chase...The Pieman

He's one of the heroes of It's Simple Simon, releasing in August. 

Copyright ©  2012 by Lee Brazil

***

"I need to return these." He dumped the bag of bedding on the counter at the service desk.

"Yes, sir. How may I help you?" A bright perky voice and a wide smile weren't going to cover for stupid very long.

Chase took a deep breath and spoke in his slowest, calmest, please-understand-me voice. "I need to return these items." He nudged the bag closer to the vacuous clerk.

"Yes sir. Let's see..." The little blonde eagerly dove into the bag, pulling out sheets, pillow cases, blankets, and a fluffy comforter. "Oh yes. We carry this design."

"I know. I bought them here last week." Chase checked his watch. Someone behind him in the line coughed and he scowled. Keep your germs to yourself!

"Do you have a receipt?" Cherry red lips parted in an impossibly bigger smile.

"Right here." He handed over the receipt, waiting patiently.

The clerk accepted the receipt and peered at it intently. The smile dimmed a little. The brows drooped. The smooth brow wrinkled. The clerk looked back up at him, seeming to take in his size and appearance for the first time. "Mr. ummm?"

"Garvin, Chase Garvin." He supplied. "Is there a problem?"

"Just a small one. These items were on sale when you bought them."

"Yes, I know."

"I can't take these back if they were on sale." Pretty lips thinned to a stubborn line. The people behind him shifted and muttered. Heat rose in his face. Not sure why he was so embarrassed, it wasn't like he was paying in pennies or anything.

"The clerk in the department said I could bring them back if they didn't work as long as I had the receipt." He insisted.

"I see." The blonde reached for a pad of pink white and yellow forms and began filling it out with neat bubble writing. "Why are you returning them?"

"I bought a new bed." That was understatement. He'd bought a whole new bedroom, including king size furnishings, new paint, carpets, etc. to impress a man who wouldn't ever see them.

Blue eyes widened in disbelief. "That's not on here. I can't put that." She pointed with her candy cane pen—in June! "It has to be: wrong size, wrong color, flawed. Are they the wrong color maybe? Cause this color probably makes you look yellow."

Well, thank you very much! "No, this is the color I wanted. It might make me look yellow, but it makes my boyfriend's skin glow." It might be an exaggeration to call Simon his boyfriend, but...

Perky's turn to blush.

"Look, just put wrong size, okay? These are full size and I got a new bed that's king size."

It should have been all over. It wasn't. Perky picked up a small phone and mumbled into it, pushed the bedding aside. "I have to get the department head's approval since they were on sale." She seemed not to notice the restless natives in line behind Chase, but he was more than aware of the impatient huffs, the shuffling feet and the mutters. He was tempted to turn and run, but Perky had the linens, and he didn't have the refund, or the store credit, or anything, and it was a hefty sum of money.

When a few minutes later the serious faced department head approached the counter wielding a bright red pricing gun and a box cutter, he heaved a sigh of relief. "They didn't work," he blurted. "You said I could return them if they didn't work."

She looked at him, spun the pricing gun in her fingers, snapped her gum and clipped it to her belt. "Lessee what we got here." She peered into the bag, waved Perky over. The two conferred in tiny little whispers that Chase couldn't make out.

"You've opened them." The department head said, moving to the front counter. "I can't take them back if you opened them. I have no packaging to put them in."

"What? You didn't tell me that!" He scowled, checking his watch again. "How the hell was I supposed to tell if they worked or not if I didn't open them?"

Perky and the department head just stared blankly at him. "Who's going to buy them if they don't have packaging?" Perky asked matter-of-factly.

"For all we know, you used them, threw them in the bag and brought them back unwashed." The DH chimed in, nodding her chin resolutely.

"For fuck's sake. You can still see the crease marks where they were folded!"

"They smell like cologne." The DH said, as though that ended the matter.

"You've got to be kidding me. I just stood in this line, at this counter, when I have a plane to catch, and you're not going to give me my refund." He was going to miss his flight.

"No refund," The DH slammed her box cutter on the counter.

"Fine." He spun out of the line and the customers behind him melted out of his way as he stalked off.

"Sir!" Perky called after him. "Sir! You forgot your stuff!"

"Keep it!" He yelled over his shoulder. "The fuck am I gonna do with sheets two sizes too small?" Besides, even if he checked them on the flight, the airline would probably lose them. Not to mention, he'd have to pay extra for them to be on the flight at all.

Pounding feet skidded to a halt next to him. He glanced at the brave soul who'd approached him out the corner of his eye. It was the DH. He kept walking, lengthened his stride so she had to really hop to keep up.

She shoved the bag at him. "We can't keep this, it's illegal."

He ignored the bag. "I'm late. I won't press charges. Deal with it. You have no problem with unethical business practices. I'm sure you can find something to do with those sheets. Trash them for all I care."

Thank God for e-tickets and that he had only one small carry on duffle.

---

Crawling Into Bed With Liz Borino's Steve Michaels

Crawling Into Bed With

Steve Michaels from Action, by Liz Borino

And a Good Book

Important things first, are these sheets silk or cotton?

Cotton

What are you wearing?

Boxers.

What are we snacking on in bed while we read tonight?

Snack? We don’t eat in bed…unless it’s each other.

If I open this nightstand drawer, what will I find?

Oh, um, you don’t want to open that drawer. We keep our assorted toys in there.

Do you roll up in the blankets like a burrito, or kick the covers off during the night?

I tend to kick them off onto Zack. He’s always cold.

Can I put my cold feet on your calves to warm them up?

Yeah, sure. I’m used to it.

What are we reading?  Action available at Amazon AllRomance 

 

Crawl in Bed With Shelton

Crawling Into Bed With

Shelton

And a Good Book

*crawls across the bed and snuggles into the pillows* Important things first, are these sheets silk or cotton?

We use silk sheets when Nevil’s home. I especially like the dark blue set that matches his eyes. *blush* But since he’s gone for the week I’m using the cotton ones. Very soft. *runs hand over sheet then pats the spot next to him* Come try it. I like this teal color.

Well, it's a very lovely shade. You're sure Neville isn't going to come bursting through that door and want to kick my ass? What are you wearing?

Flannel pajama bottoms. *nibbles bottom lip* Should I put a shirt on?

*casts an admiring gaze over Shelton* Not on my account.What are we snacking on in bed while we read tonight?

Frozen grapes and blueberries and dark chocolate truffles. Oh, and a bottle of Port. Yea, I have a sweet tooth.

Lovely. Frozen fruit is fantastic in this heat. If I open this nightstand drawer, what will I find?

*blush deepens* Um…We’ll just keep that closed. Thank you.

*eye roll* You do know there's nothing in there these folks haven't seen, right? *shakes head* Okay, Mr. Modesty. Do you roll up in the blankets like a burrito, or kick the covers off during the night?

Burrito, all the way, especially when Nevil’s not here to warm me up in the middle of the night.        

Good thing I brought my own then. Can I put my cold feet on your calves to warm them up?

Um, sure… Where on you can I put my cold hands?

Yikes! Not there! What are we reading?  

Shelton’s Homecoming, where finally, after two years with my    elusive lover, I get my HEA.     

Awesome! I love a HEA!

 

Shelton’s Homecoming

Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/

Shelton’s grown tired of living a life separate from Nevil. So when Nevil is hurt in an accident at work, Shelton comes home for good. Feeling closer than ever to his lover, Shelton’s ready to make a lasting commitment to their relationship. But is that what Nevil wants? Nevil is less than enthusiastic when an old flame marries, leaving Shelton

wondering if he’ll have to keep his dreams on hold indefinitely.

Excerpt:

The doctor returned as promised; checked Nevil over; and discharged him.

"I left a prescription at the nurse's station for you to pick up on your way out. Pain meds for the headache I know you're hiding; and you can also take them for your arm."

"Thank you, Andrew," Nevil said with his charming smile.

Shelton gave the love of his life a dry look. Always the flirt. He shook the doctor's hand and took the copy of the release papers from him. "Thank you for taking such good care of him. I have to tell you it was a relief to find him here rather than in ICU."

"It was my pleasure. Take care."

Nevil collected his prescription at the front desk and they made their way to the elevators. A soft rain fell as they emerged from the hospital entrance and made a dash for the train depot. Deep in thought, Shelton chewed his lip while they waited.

He glanced at Nevil beside him and noted the white set of his lips. "I could take you home first if your head hurts. There's no reason I can't retrieve the car myself later and pick up your prescription."

Nevil gave him a smile and slipped his warm hand into Shelton's. "Let's pick it up together. I feel like I've just been released from prison. I want to be outside for a while."

"Just don't get chilled," Shelton said, and then he groaned. "Please ignore me. I think I left my brain back in Colorado."

Nevil chuckled. "As long as your luscious body is here," he murmured and smacked his lips together.

Shelton glanced around quick. No one paid them any attention so he gave Nevil a light kiss; then wished he hadn't as every nerve in his body ignited. He wanted Nevil wrapped around him--now; with Nevil's gorgeous cock buried deep inside him.

He jerked his gaze down the tracks; embarrassed and aching. He hoped Nevil hadn't noticed the tremble in his hands. They would pick up the Prius and go home; where Nevil would take his meds and go to bed. Shelton would have to content himself with a shower where he could get rid of the hard-on he'd suffered all morning. The idea made him feel alone and without a thought he squeezed Nevil's hand.

Nevil leaned close to whisper in his ear, "Don't forget … you promised to let me 'do' you."

Shelton laughed, breathless. He turned back to Nevil and touched his lips with an unsteady finger. "I'm holding you to that," he said, then sucked in air when Nevil's velvet soft lips closed over his fingertip. He watched in captive fascination as his digit disappeared bit by bit between those pale lips. He felt the roughness of Nevil's tongue in the moist, hot depths; then Nevil pushed the finger to the roof of his mouth and started to suck on it. God! Shelton's prick hardened more with each draw as Nevil’s tongue undulated around his finger; his balls were tight and ached.

"Damn, Nevil … stop! You're going to get us arrested," he panted in his lover's ear. He knew that at any second he was ready to drag Nevil behind the hospital and fuck him senseless.

Nevil's throaty laugh made him shiver with bliss. "The train’s coming."

Shelton dropped his head on Nevil's shoulder and fought to calm his unsteady senses. Nevil didn’t play fair. He almost sobbed when Nevil's body heat wrapped around him and teased him closer when it was time to pull away.

"Come on, Love. It won't take long to get the car and then we can go home," Nevil said with encouragement and he tugged on his sleeve. Shelton boarded the sleek train car; but chose to stand when Nevil patted the seat beside him. He couldn’t tell where Nevil's fingers would roam if he sat down. Nevil gave him a delighted smile in answer as he read his mind with ease. Shelton scowled and looked out the window as the train gathered speed. His errant mind pictured Nevil's mouth on him as they swept along the tracks; and he had to stifle a moan in his throat.

Dianne Hartsock

Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

FB: http://www.facebook.com/diannehartsock

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4850270.Dianne_Hartsock

New Contest! Win It's Simple, Simon!

Congratulations 

to our Winner by Random Draw 

danhox@msn.com 

who suggested Rub-a-dub-dub, Three men in a tub!

  I am emailing Dan. 

Thank you to everyone who commented!   

Release Day is fast approaching!

That means it's giveaway time!

I'm offering an advance copy of It's Simple, Simon to one lucky reader who responds to this post in the comments section...

Want to know what you're getting?

It's Simple, Simon

 copyright© Lee Brazil

Simon Carter has achieved unimaginable success

and he owes it all to a man from his past whose scorn set fire to his ambition.

"It's Simple, Simon. You lack ambition."

Chase Garvin's jibe had sent Simon Carter on unexpected paths and brought him unimaginable success. No longer a penniless musician, the highly paid investment banker is going home for the first time in years. He plans to rest, relax, and spend a little time rubbing his ex-lover's nose in his success. A visit to the Renaissance Fair brings this not-quite-so-simple- Simon nose to nose with his past and somehow revenge doesn't seem quite so attractive.

Chase Garvin, Denver, Colorado's very own Pie Man, is still incredibly handsome. What's more, the more mature Chase is very appreciative of Simon's talents.

When the old attraction flares between them, Simon and the Pie Man get caught up in tasting the wares, and neither counts the pennies.

Excerpt

He sniffed the golden pies. Mmm. Chase had always been talented in the kitchen. The aroma was intoxicating. Delicious. As he ate, savoring the flaky crust and rich fillings, he contemplated the man who'd treated him to the pies. Chase was one hot baker. He'd always been sexy, but there was no way that hunk of beef could fit into his old Renaissance garb. Chase had put on muscle. His shoulders had broadened, his biceps bulged, and mmm.... The rest was hidden behind that voluminous apron, but Simon doubted that it had changed much.

Best of all, Chase still seemed to find him attractive. That was just icing on the cake. The sugar on the pie? He chuckled softly. Whatever it was, he liked it. Liked the idea that Chase might still be interested in him sexually. As he licked the sugary filling off his fingers, he contemplated abandoning his plan. After all, Chase hadn't meant to hurt him years ago, and he'd certainly seemed welcoming enough, even though to all appearances Simon hadn't changed over the years. Yeah, there really wasn't any reason to prove to Chase how successful and ambitious he really was. He should just come clean.

On the other hand, he felt like enough of an idiot for hiding his success in the first place. He bit into the next pie, feeling the juice trickle down his chin. He licked at it, chewing and swallowing, scrabbling absently for a napkin to wipe his chin. It would be horribly embarrassing to go back to that booth and offer to pay for the pies, to tell Chase why he hadn't wanted to pay in the first place.

"Here, I'll get that for you." Chase grabbed his napkin. To his surprise, Chase drooped down onto the grass next to him. Instead of dabbing his chin with the white paper napkin, the man leaned forward, his breath a warm buttery scented breeze as he hovered close for a moment before gently licking the juice off Simon's skin.

Pre-order link: http://www.breathlesspress.com/it%E2%80%99s-simple-simon

Now- how do you win it?

It's Simple.

*snicker*

Leave me a comment, including contact info, with your favorite nursery rhyme- or a nursery rhyme you think would make a great foundation for a naughty tale...and on July 31, 2012- I'll select a winner by random draw form the participants!

See? Easy...