Top Ten Reasons Why Southern Boys are Hot

By M.K. Schiller (Guest Blogger)

Thank you to the lovely Lisabet Sarai for hosting me today. My new book, A Girl By Any Other Name, is different from anything I’ve written. It’s mostly from the hero’s POV, has elements of suspense, and switches between the past and present to create the complete story. My hero, Caleb James Tanner, is a southern boy with a big heart and a penchant for swearing. I thought it might be fun to share make a top ten list of his best traits. (Of course, he does have faults too, but that would be a longer list!)

Although this lists specifically pertains to Cal, I do write all my heroes with similar traits, and I’m not just drawn to the good ole Southern boy either. A British mogul of James Bond caliber? I’m there. A charming poet from Rajasthan? Where do I sign up? I’d love to hear some of your favorite hero traits.

Please leave a comment below, and one lucky winner will receive an e-copy of this book. 

Good luck!

10 - His accent – The deep gravelly sweet voice of a southern man is such a turn on. It’s slow sugary seductiveness combined with husky masculinity is just right in my opinion.

9 - His endearments – why is it when a man refers to a girl as girl in certain contexts it’s super cute? Take this for example, “Girl, I think you’re making me lose my mind!” Also, I love “sweetheart” too, which is a common term of endearment in the south.

8 - His clothes – A man in jeans is always hot, but a man in old, jeans…who can swagger when he walks. Well, that’s special. (I love a suit and tie too of course)

7 - His loyalty – He has a soft spot for his hometown. He’s proud of those roots.

6 - He’s old fashioned - In a report by psychologist Dr. Diane Plummer of Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, Southern men indicated that they treat a woman with the utmost respect and place importance on values. In addition, Ford writes that Southern men want traditional male-female roles, such as a man who opens the door for a woman and fixes the leaky faucet around the house. 

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/how_7783229_date-southern-man.html#ixzz2pRwpTEZY

I’m a modern kind of girl, but yes, I do like a man who opens doors, and fixes my broken plumbing.

5 - His family relationships – A southern man’s momma is probably the most important girl next to his beloved. It’s true what they say, if you want to know if a man is truly good, look at how he treats his mother.

4 - His cockiness – I like a man who recognizes when he’s good at something. He doesn’t necessarily brag, but he doesn’t sweep it under the rug either. You’re swagger though should always be supported.

3 - His Southern charm – the south is a hospitable place. Who can resist the y’all greeting? I certainly can’t. The manners and politeness that go along with that makes southern men some of my favorite characters to write.

2 - His dominance – a need to lead, and set the pace, which extends in and out of the bedroom.

1 - His convictions – Cal doesn’t waver on things he believes in. If he feels it, he will tell you.

Blurb

Everyone tells him he needs to move on, but how can a man function without his heart?

Ten-year-old Caleb Tanner wants nothing to do with Sylvie Cranston, the annoying weird girl who moves next door to him and gets him in trouble for swearing. But at twelve, they become friends when he teaches her how to hook a fishing line and she shows him the value of a selfless act. At fourteen, he falls in love with her.

At sixteen, she dies.

Or so he’s told. But Cal never believes it. Sylvie has become part of his soul. He knows her like the steady beating of his own heart. He’d know if she was dead. Cal looks for her, prays for her and finally he just waits for her.

Nine years later, she walks into the community college English class Cal is teaching. Only this girl claims her name is Sophie Becker and she doesn’t know him. Cal knows better. He’s determined to get the girl he loves back—and protect her from the danger that took her away all those years ago.

Excerpt

The worst part of being a kid was that you never knew how good you had it until it was too late.

Childhood was simple. My parents told me it was because I didn’t have bills to pay or mouths to feed, but it was more than that. It was because nothing was planned. When you didn’t plan for it, you didn’t worry about the consequences. They just happened naturally without the coercion, manipulation or mindfuck games that came with becoming an adult.

I never planned for Sylvie Cranston to be my best friend. I never expected her to be the muse in all my dreams, or the girl who later haunted my nightmares. I certainly never planned to fall in love with her, but that was exactly what happened.

Everyone told me I needed to move on. That was like asking me to pierce my own flesh and crush my empty, beating heart. They wanted me to toss it away and continue to breathe. How could a man function without his heart?

About the Author

MK Schiller is a hopeless romantic in a hopelessly pragmatic world. Writing is her passion, but with a full time life and two busy teenagers, it proves difficult. But in the quiet dark of night, she sits by the warm glow of a computer monitor, and attempt to conjure up passionate heartwarming stories with plenty of humor.

She started imagining stories in her head at a very young age. In fact, friends started making requests for stories where they were featured as the heroine and the object of their affection was the hero. You've heard of fan fiction... this was friend fiction.

Even with that, it took many years to realize her dream. She hopes you enjoy her stories and always find The Happily Ever After in every endeavor.

Author’s Website	http://www.mkschillerauthor.com/
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/MKSchillerauthor
Twitter	@MKSchiller
Amazon Author page	http://www.amazon.com/M.K.-Schiller/e/B00FE0FGDM/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1388851375&sr=8-1
Publisher’s site	https://www.totallybound.com/a-girl-by-any-other-name-print
Goodreads page	https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19231810-a-girl-by-any-other-name

Whipping Up a Hero

By M.K. Schiller (Guest Blogger)

Sorry if the title is misleading, but I hope I got your attention! I want to chat with you all about one of my favorite aspects of writing…creating characters, especially palatable protagonists. When I read a book, I want to identify with the heroine, but I desperately need to fall in love with the hero. I want a visceral reaction of my own – one that may induce swooning, sighing, and smirking when taken in large quantities. The substance of a great hero is a culmination of many internal and external factors, and the choices are like an endless buffet. It’s like your mother always said, ‘you won’t know if you like it, unless you try it.’

Recently, a critique partner told me the hero in my current work-in-progress was somewhat beta. I disagreed, choosing to view him as a gentle bodice ripper. The kind of man who will defend the heroine to his death, but does not actively look for a fight (he is a college math major after all). However, the comment made me think about how to marinade and season the perfect alpha/beta male specimen, so I started a list.

In my humble opinion, the ultimate hero is muscular, but not overly so... more swimmer than weight lifter. His eyes can be blue, green or red for all I care, but they have to be sparkling or mischievous. Sprinkle in some unique character traits like jagged scars, meaningful tattoos (not overly done), or boyish dimples to add zest. As for danger, it has to make sense or it will overpower your creation. He’s not dangerous because he’s stupid. He’s dangerous because he’s protecting someone (probably our heroine), or he works in a field that commands it. I’m not into bad boys without a purpose.

My hunky hero is savory and sweet. He’s incredibly smart and successful, but occasionally silly and spontaneous too. The kind of guy that can laugh at himself. He’s loyal even if he doesn’t realize it. He’s cocky enough to be confident about his sex appeal, but not conceited. He’s the jealous type, but not obsessive. He has angst…lots and lots of angst to pepper his character. Women are nurturing in general, and this ingredient makes the final dish more mouth-watering. Then again, maybe he’s just normal and has the right amount of sugar to cure our acidic heroine. Add in a heaping cup of charm, a pinch of fury (for drama), a teaspoon of selfishness (to make him real), a hearty dash of rebellion (I like my food spicy), and there you have it! My recipe for a yummy hero, Witches of Eastwick style. It’s pretty cool to be an author!

It’s not enough to just describe him though, because I think many women would have similar ingredients in their cupboards, and we don’t want all our dishes to taste the same (most embarrassing when you’re at a potluck). So, let me give you some examples. If you’ve ever seen Jerry McGuire, I love Tom Cruise’s character…yes, he had me at hello. He was a self-absorbed, fickle man that didn’t see his flaws, until he meets the heroine and her adorable little boy. Then there’s George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life –I know it’s not a romance, but I love this movie. A very different hero who sets aside his own life for others, yet he always felt cheated by the sacrifices he made, until a certain angel crosses his path. Finally, there is Christian Grey from Fifty Shades of Grey fame. I know there are some differing opinions here, but there’s something to be said about a man who’s both powerful and vulnerable. If you had told me a few years ago I’d find a man who got off on dominating woman and had mommy issues irresistible, I’d say you were crazy, but that’s exactly what E.L. James did. She made me fall for that man. Now, I love dominating men as much as fiery shrimp Gumbo. 

Isn’t that what a good story should do - make you think outside the box, or in this case, the casserole pan? The three examples above probably have you wondering if I’ve lost my mind, but the reality is, like the food we eat, the hero we choose to love is subjective. You may not love my hero choices, and if they were placed in another time or setting I might not love them either. It takes too much or not enough of one ingredient to spoil the whole pot. That’s what’s so great about an enticing hero - he’s flavorful, but everyone’s taste buds are different. No matter what your preference is, always heat on high and serve piping hot!

I am honored that Lisabet asked me on her blog. I am new employee at the hero factory, with my debut novel set to come out on July 26^th from Total-E-Bound, but I do love a tasty hero. I would love to hear from all of you. Please leave a comment about what traits you like in a protagonist either physical or emotional. Give specific examples if you can. One lucky commenter will receive a $10 US Amazon gift card. Just send me an email (make sure it’s the same email you want the gift card sent to) to mk @ mkschillerauthor dot com with a copy of your comments and link. I’ll enter you in the drawing to take place on July 13. Please note I won’t keep your email addresses unless you specifically ask to be on my email distribution list.

Also, please consider picking up a copy of The Other C-Word, my debut novel and let me know if you think my hero is a recipe worth passing around.

The Other C-Word will be available from Total-E-Bound on July 26^th and all other sites in late August.

Blurb

Can she overcome her consuming desire for him? Can he make her comfortable with the other C-word…commitment?

Marley Mason is dreading the arrival of the new business consultant. After all, this man will most likely outsource her job to China. The last thing she would expect is a case of mistaken identity, leading to false accusations of kidnapping when she attempts to pick up the wrong man at the airport, or worse…that she would have such a visceral reaction to the right man.

Rick Randy is super sexy, scandalously flirty and perfect masturbation material, but a relationship is out of the question. Rick is contracted on a temporary basis to fix Marley’s ailing company, and then pull out, although as he expresses to Marley, pulling out is difficult for him, in more ways than one! Marley’s feelings range from utter confusion to intense contemplation as Rick charms his way into her life. All of those C-words Marley can control, but it’s the other C-word she fears—commitment.

Bio

MK Schiller is a hopeless romantic in a hopelessly pragmatic world. Every evening, she sits by the warm glow of her computer monitor, and conjures up handsome heart-warming heroes and the vivacious heroines they love. Although she loves to write, she is a reader first and enjoys nothing more than curling up with a good book and some tasty Italian (the food, of course!).

What Makes a Hero, a Hero?

By Sophie Greyson (Guest Blogger)

Your car has broken down - again. You’re stranded on the side of the road, your cell phone battery has died, and it’s a hundred and eighty degrees outside. Your hair, which is in desperate need of highlights, is plastered to your forehead like seaweed, and your makeup has slowly made its way down your face to hang off your chin. And of course, you’re wearing that outfit that fits a little too snug around your middle, but you refuse to buy up a bigger size. You’re going to lose those five pounds – as soon as you get out of this mess.

And as soon as Blue Bell quits making Banana Pudding ice cream.

You hear the speed, the whine as it races towards you. A sleek, black Porsche Boxster skids to a stop in front of you along the gulf shore highway. Waves pound the beach as the wind whirls sand through the air and into your face. Heat rises from the concrete in waves as the driver door is thrown open against the setting sun. A man emerges, long, lithe, muscular. Shutting the door, he stops to check his hair and teeth in the side mirror before turning towards you wearing a pale pink polo, deck shoes and plaid shorts. He yells at you across the distance that he is calling a tow truck.

Skreech. Wait. What?

Stop the presses.

OK, a show of hands: When you were a little girl, did you say, “One day my prince will come. He will be tall, handsome, wear plaid shorts and have the ability to call tow trucks in a single speed dial.” Swoon.

Odds are, that would be a no.

In the distance, you hear a rumble. Nothing too loud, but you know, instinctively, power is near. Shading your eyes with your hand, you make out a motorcycle in the distance. A lone rider, with shoulders as wide as the street lane and hips as lean as the seat his cheeks rest upon, rolls to a stop beside you. Was that sizzle coming from the pavement, or from him? Biceps the size of tree trunks catch your attention first: hard, taut, straining as though they laugh at the tight black tee sleeves trying to confine them.

The rider unfolds from his bike, pulls off his helmet. You gasp. Midnight black hair cut stylishly long whips around his face, while his piercing, sky blue eyes sparkle with knowing confidence. He takes in your appearance in a single, hot glance, paying particular attention to the one area you know always got you attention no matter what blouse you wore – your smile.

He looks under your hood and knows exactly what to do. He tells you he can take care of it. But suddenly, he flips your car keys to the guy with the Porsche, grabs you around the waist, and tosses you onto the motorcycle seat in front of him. You ride off into the sunset, leaving the Porsche owner and his plaid shorts behind.

Sigh…

Which is the hero to you?

I know what you’re thinking: is she so shallow that she thinks it all about a hero’s looks?

No. Not at all.

I’m not like that.

Really.

But, it is a scientific fact that women subconsciously want to be dominated. They want to be taken care of, whether they admit it – realize it – or not.

So, you’re thinking: the guy in the Porsche was going to take care of you. He called a tow truck, didn’t he?

The difference between him and the loner?

He didn’t take charge.

You could have called the tow truck, if he had just handed you the phone.

The loner, on the other hand, rode onto the scene, assessed the situation, and made a decision. He decided the other guy was an idiot for wasting time calling a tow truck when there was beautiful woman standing in front of him. He realized the car wasn’t worth the time, but you were.

You had only thought you were having a bad day. But, your subconscious dreams had come true. A hero had stepped in and taken care of the situation. You were no longer stranded. He made the decision for you. Just ditch the car. He would handle your ride from now on – if you know what I mean. He thought you beautiful despite your bedraggled appearance. And you realized you didn’t have to look like a cover model to win a hero.

What’s not to love?

Yes, Mr. Polo ad may have had some potential, but with a face that was prettier than yours and a skin care regimen that rivaled Christie Brinkley’s, what would you gain other than some competition for the bathroom mirror?

Sometimes, a woman just doesn’t want to have to think.

And that’s where romance novels come in. They carry you away from reality better than any bubble bath ever could. To a place where you don’t have to make the decisions. Where a hero can actually decide what to do for dinner and how to get the car fixed.

I can assure you, you will never find a hero in any of my books that wears a pink polo and calls tow trucks. Alpha rules in the House of Greyson, and alpha is looking pretty darn fine while he’s in residence, too. So, yes, maybe I am a bit partial to hot heroes. Like that’s a bad thing?

I hope you will pick up a copy of my premier novel, Heaven’s Scent, available now in e-book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords. My hero, Rafe, is smokin’ - the ultimate alpha male. My heroine, Tarin, has her hands full him. As a reader, you may not have to think, but poor Tarin’s brain is on overload.

So, sit back, relax the mind, and enjoy some down time in the 19^th century.

Blurb

On her deathbed, Lady Jane Worthington makes her eight-year-old daughter, Tarin, promise her three things: live life as she pleases, do not allow her father to arrange her marriage and, most of all, marry for love.

After witnessing her mother's suffering and subsequent death, Tarin is determined to save others from the same fate. And nothing, not her noble status, nor society's belief that women cannot be doctors, will keep her from making Gregory's first female medical college a reality.

Rafe Sutherland, long-lost Brahmin rogue turned Texas Ranger, returns home after his father‘s mysterious death, bearing secrets. Rafe’s wildly virile and arrogant persona, as well as his animosity with a college-supporting suitor, threatens Tarin's plans. And her father's continual matchmaking with the national hero makes Rafe completely out of the question.

What Tarin doesn’t realize is that Rafe comes with a little help from above, and what mother wants, mother gets.

Bio: Sophie Greyson lives in Texas with her husband and numerous saltwater fish. The mother of two grown children, Sophie works by day in accounting and human resources management. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, movies, watching The Voice and Once Upon a Time, and driving her Camaro.

Connect with me online: www.sophiegreyson.com , www.twitter.com/sophiegreyson or www.facebook.com/sophiegreysontx

Leave a comment on this blog between now and midnight, August 18th, and you could win a free copy of Heaven Scent!

True Heroes

By Karen Cote (Guest Blogger)

I grew up in a small town in Missouri sharing years of romance novels with my mother. We laughed together, cried together, and thoroughly enjoyed our favorite authors. My mother has since passed but her gift of memories will always remain through the pages of each novel I write.

Now other than my mother, I have always perceived a hero to be one with that inner ability to lay down their life for another. It’s why you will most likely find a law enforcement officer of some type playing a lead role in my novel. They are very special people to me and I enjoy telling stories about them.

Thank you, dear reader, for the precious time you will use in journeying with my heroes and heroines. May the echo of their laughter and tears create special memories within you as I have enjoyed from authors past.

About Erotic Deception - Told she’d never have children…abracadabra, she’s pregnant. Would the man she loved disappear when he found out?

Her brother was dead. The sole person she’d had left in this world. He’d practically raised her and stood by her during a miscarriage that left her barren How had Dr. Lily Delaney, with a PhD in Psychology, missed the psychotic signs in Anthony Capriccio, the Kansas City District Attorney and her ex-fiancé? Now at twenty-nine she was on the run from threats to her own life. But on the road to a safe secluded lake community, Lily crashes into the path of a new dangerous element, literally. One with deep blue eyes who totes a badge and carries a gun.

After his experience as a detective in Kansas City, Missouri, Jet Walker enjoyed his life as sheriff of the quiet lake community, Windom Hills. However, when Lily Delaney literally crashes into his car and life, his world erupts into chaos. Couldn’t the woman do anything normal? Between fighting to protect her and fighting against his growing attraction for her, the previous peace Jet had found was now falling apart. And how could he possibly trust another woman after the trick his ex-wife played in trying to pass off another man’s child as his?

Excerpt

“We’re in trouble, Lily. Damn it,” Jet swore softly and clasped his hand around her neck to draw her toward him.

Lily sighed and her eyes slid closed, this time ready to savor the firmness of his mouth.

At first, it was feather light. Then he began playing first with a modest increase before receding. His tongue darted out to skip along the seam of her mouth and the erotic tease ignited Lily’s desire to taste more. She rose up to press against him, but a hand on her rib cage checked the movement. In confusion, she backed away, but he wouldn’t allow that either. His lips remained poised above hers, a hand stroking at the base of her breast.

“Be sure about this, Lily,” he whispered.

He was delegating this decision to her. What was there to think about? Her attachment to him was overwhelming with strong emotional elements. Love? Rational people didn’t fall this quickly. It had to be that entire hero-worship thing.

Anyway, who knew the next time she’d come this close to a little happiness? Tomorrow they’d say goodbye. No harm. No foul.

Her heart called up a soft cry for protection, but she drowned it out and buried her face against his neck. With his scent assailing her nostrils, she touched her tongue to the smooth skin.

Jet stiffened, but didn’t draw away. Encouraged she pressed her mouth over the wet area and sucked. Jet’s throat contracted in a swallow and the pressure of her mouth intensified.

He groaned and pulled her chin up muttering against her lips. “I think you left a mark.”

“Mmm, sorry.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and opened her mouth to receive the soul-destroying kiss she’d been craving. The swirl of his tongue made her dizzy from the tantalizing dance and she trapped it to gently vacuum the tip.

He broke contact and said in a thick voice, “Baby, that mouth of yours is lethal.”

He grabbed her hips and straddled her over his lap. Oh yeah. She inched up to get closer, but her knee collided with his holstered gun.

“Undo the buckle,” he said huskily, pushing her back to give her space to access it.

Lily clumsily fumbled with the front of the duty belt and heard Jet’s muffled curse and laughter.

“On second thoughts, better let me do it.”

After unfastening the belt, he shifted forward to pull it from behind him and Lily threw her head back at the frontal collision.

“Steady,” Jet soothed before casting the heavy belt aside.

The loud thump on the floor shattered Lily’s concentration and she jumped with an instinctive turn of her head.

“Your gun could’ve gone off,” she protested.

“A man can only hope.”

Not slow to the innuendo, Lily giggled, but it melted when he pulled her toward him again. She sighed and sank into him, her breasts pushing against his chest only to wince at the hard metal of his badge.

“That’s quite a hazardous uniform you’ve got there, Sheriff,” she muttered, her frustration belying the mocking words.

Jet quickly identified the problem and before she knew it, she was on her back with him above her. He unbuttoned his shirt and Lily gave a small pout at the brown t-shirt beneath. He smiled and pulled the outer shirttails out of his pants to shrug it off and toss it aside. He leaned down to her and Lily ran her fingers up his forearms, to rock-hard biceps and then over the thin cotton that covered his chest.

He kissed her long and deep, his hands making their own way over her body. He pulled one of her thighs up to his waist and stroked the silky backside before trailing up past her hips to her rib cage. His thumb caressed the underside of her breast.

His breathing intensified, thrilling Lily at the effect she was having on him. His kisses escalated to white hot. Strong white teeth took little nips at her bottom lip before soothing the sting with his tongue. The mix of pain and erotic pleasure almost shot Lily over the edge.

Jet, apparently losing the last vestige of his control, slipped her robe off. He paused to gaze down at the firm full globes and small golden patch.

“Beautiful and natural,” he breathed and then lowered his head.

His tongue stroked over her hardened nipple before his moist lips covered the dark areole to suck deeply.

Lily moaned, her hands luxuriating in the thick vitality of his hair. The texture of his t-shirt reminded her she was naked while he still had most of his clothes on. She tugged on it and he shifted to accommodate her frantic movements.

Lily’s breath caught at the wide expanse that greeted her. A dark triangle of hair arrowed down to a flat stomach and from her position, the view was fabulous. Not too hairy, but oh my, testosterone flowed beneath her fingers as she tangled them in the dark hair. She found his nipples and Jet shuddered as he moved forward to kiss down her jaw to the side of her neck. Soft chest hairs brushed against her bare breasts, shooting bolts of pleasure through her.

She squeezed her legs together to signal her readiness, but Jet wasn’t finished yet. He stroked and teased until Lily growled and wrapped her legs around his waist to surge up against his groin.

With a guttural sound, he jumped up and removed something from his pocket. A condom. With an urgent hand, he reached for his belt buckle, but Lily stopped it.

“Let me,” and rose to her knees.

His lids were heavy as he watched her work at the fastening of his pants. She slid both his uniform and boxer briefs down simultaneously and the beauty and bounty of him spilled out in front of her.

“Oh my!”

No small size in the pharmacy aisle for him. Apprehension mixed with fascination at the full extent of his thickness and length. In wondrous desire, she reached out to wrap her fingers around the velvet hardness.

Jet made a negative sound and jerked her hand away. “I won’t last,” he muttered.

In one fluid motion, he pushed her back and slid between her legs. He guided the head of his penis to her entry and Lily eagerly wrapped her legs around his waist.

With a muffled oath, Jet thrust his hips and penetrated causing Lily to gasp at the thick pressure. She panted, urging him on and sobbed in distress at the tight barrier resisting complete copulation.

“Shh. Relax, baby,” he coaxed to calm her, but his voice was strained.

Jet closed his eyes and moisture beaded on his forehead. He bent his head to press slow sensuous kisses against her mouth and the tingling transmissions foraged a path to her core.

“That’s it, honey,” he said hoarsely, “now just put your legs a little higher.”

Lily complied to meet Jet’s flexing muscles as he rocked back and forth to ease his way in. Soon, her body began accepting all of him with a mixture of pleasure and pain as he thrust once more to push himself into the hilt. He allowed her to get used to the fullness before carving a rhythm of penetration with withdrawals and gentle thrusts.

The beauty of Jet inside her thrilled Lily beyond any discomfort. To the contrary, the complete oneness brought her to a higher arousal than before. Warning signals beat a path into her brain, but he felt too good, too right, to stop. She closed her mind to the fear and hailed the moment until it was too late and she willingly surrendered to the spiraling abyss, floating along in sensuous pleasure.

Jet drew out every ounce, letting her ride the waves while she instinctively milked him. With her cries reduced to moans, his movements became harder and faster. His breathing escalated to the pumping of his climax and with a final thrust, he came amidst shuddering and jerking.

Lily reveled in the unity and savored the merging of body and soul as his hot semen spurted into her.

Spurted into me? Uh-oh. The validation of her suspicions appeared in the utter stillness of Jet’s body.

With his forehead dripping sweat, he drew back. Seconds later, he broke the connection and Lily winced at the dragging motion. Warm fluid rushed out to pool onto the cushions beneath her.

“Tell me you’re on some type of birth control,” Jet said, grabbing his pants.

Lily struggled between vulnerability and emotional chaos. “I-I’m not, but as long as you’re healthy it’s okay.”

His exclamation cut off anything else she would’ve said and he swung away to disappear into the adjoining bathroom.

* * * *

Jet flushed the shredded condom down the toilet and went to the sink to wash his hands. He stared blindly at his reflection, unable to believe he was here again.

Of course, it was a different woman and the circumstances weren’t quite the same, but it didn’t dilute the result. He’d put himself at risk to another female.

He should’ve known something like this could happen. Hell, she’d been tight enough to suck chrome off a trailer hitch, how could he expect a condom to weather the pressure? The memory caused a twitch of betrayal in his pants and Jet cursed.

The last time he’d let his dick do all the thinking, he’d ended up married with a baby on the way…someone else’s. He hadn’t found out that particular morsel until Celeste miscarried. The deluge of emotions of a miscarriage with a child that wasn’t his had been the lowest point in Jet’s life.

The coincidence of Lily doing the same thing as Celeste all those years ago wasn’t likely. Especially as he’d had control of the condom the entire time.

Still, this letdown to himself was strong and hard to forgive. Could he handle another unplanned pregnancy even if the child was his? Would he marry her? It was too reminiscent of his previous scars and the excruciating decisions forced upon him then. Decisions no man should have to regret. At least not like that.

* * * *

Lily scrubbed at the small stain with the kitchen towel. She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t stand before that perfect specimen of manhood and admit she was only half a woman.

The bathroom door opened and Lily glanced up to the hard implacability of Jet’s face. His distant and alien facade told her she’d made the right decision.

He began pulling on the rest of his clothes and it wasn’t until he was fully dressed that he spoke.

“I’m sorry, Lily. This isn’t your fault. It was a mistake, that’s all.”

He picked up his gun and finally looked at her, his gaze long and steady.

“You were engaged to be married, how is it you’re not on the pill?”

Lily debated on answering and decided to tell the partial truth.

“Anthony had a vasectomy years ago.”

It had been a factor in Lily’s acceptance to Anthony’s proposal, as she wouldn’t be depriving him of a family.

Jet looked away and drew in a deep breath.

“I’d better sleep in the blazer for the rest of the night.” He seemed uncertain, which Lily could swear rarely happened. “I’ll call you later.”

He walked out of the room and this time didn’t bother telling her to lock the doors.

Author Bio: I live in a California Castle with Prince Charming and a Magnificent Black Stallion. Okay, it’s a bungalow, a corporate husband and a small black pug who totes a sense of humor and lotsa attitude. But it is a dream. A real life dream to inspire the romantic suspense novels I write.

Website: www.karencote.tv

Email: karensromance@gmail.com