Afraid to Love Blog Tour by MJ Nightingale (Giveaway Incl.) 04/30/14

Learning to trust again is the hardest thing to do.

Ana Perrot is crazy. Crazy about sex, and pleasing her lovers. She is passionate and as fiery as her red hair. She eats men like air. She is also willing to submit to any man anywhere. But outside of the bedroom, Ana is an independent woman who lives her own life by her own rules. And, her biggest rule . . . she won’t do long term relationships. She refuses to fall in love . . . again.

Teddy O’Rourke is an easy going, laid back Tampa bartender at one of the most popular clubs in town. All about family and enjoying life including all the women that throw themselves at his feet, he has no problems finding willing partners. His football player body, his personality, his warm hazel eyes all ooze sex appeal. He is the perfect package in every way for a woman like Ana, well for any woman really. An ex-cop, his instincts tell him Ana is one hell of a woman, but she is wounded and scarred by the past. What are her secrets? What will make her trust him? Why is she so afraid to love?

A one night stand, that is full of surprises for Teddy, opens his eyes to new possibilities. A single man enjoying his freedom meets his match in the bedroom, and elsewhere. He sees a future with Ana, a counselor for troubled youth. But could she be persuaded to fall . . . and to trust again?

Afraid To Love

MJ Nightingale

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | B&N

Excerpt One

“My name is Ana,” she said coolly as she leaned in and nodded in answer to his question, batting her eyelashes just a tad. He smiled.  Teeth white, and straight.

He knew her sudden bashfulness was a ploy.  He knew the game.  “What will it be, Ana?”  He said her name slowly, drawing out each sound, each letter.

“Let me have Sex on the Beach,” she answered.  Then looking him straight in the eye. “I like sex on the beach,” she added.

He smiled at her again, and without looking at the ingredients began to make her drink. “Too sandy,” he chuckled, and then turned to go get the remaining ingredients to fill her order.

She watched his behind as he worked facing the wall of liquor behind him, and heat pooled in her loins.  This man was truly a fine specimen.  Thirty, she thought. And that was okay with her.  She was thirty-four, so the age difference wasn’t too bad.  She liked them a little younger anyway.  They were easier to control and more readily agreed to her conditions, her rules.

Before she was prepared for it, he turned back towards her, and the sight of him almost took her breath away.  He gave her one of his dazzling smiles, revealing dimples in his cheek, and a slight cleft in his chin.  Bar towel in one hand, he wiped the counter in front of her again.  Next, he placed a napkin down in front of her, and placed her drink on it.  Her mouth had suddenly gone dry. She leaned in to take a sip of the refreshing cocktail, not picking up the glass, but leaning low to give him a better view of her cleavage.  She wanted to turn the tables back to her side again, regain control.  She was glad she had worn this dress; it was red.  The green amulet swinging enticingly between her breasts was small enough to not distract from the view she was offering.  She felt his eyes on her like lasers.

“Delicious,” she purred licking her lips then straightened up suddenly.  She caught him ogling her breasts like a school boy, and he blushed.  Gotcha, she thought as she watched his Adam’s apple bob while he swallowed, hard.

“So the beach is too sandy for you. How about a big bed?” she asked innocently, but then leaned in again to take another sip.  She kept her head tilted to the side not breaking eye contact.  There was definite electricity.

Excerpt 2 – *Warning X-rated. XL-rated*

Ana felt for Teddy’s cock in his boxers and immediately sprung it free of its restraints grasping him in her fist.  Her head thrown back in passion, she couldn’t immediately see what she was fondling, but was shocked that her long fingers could not circle his cock; the man had girth and length!   Looking down, she gasped when she saw his massive penis, and her eyes widened at its length.  Oh my! His cock was a fucking battering ram!  Juices began to leak down her legs. She hoped he had his own condoms to wear because the ones she brought sure as hell wouldn’t fit. 

There was nothing small about this man.  He was a monster.  She had never, ever had a man that large.  Maybe a vibrator and a novelty dildo, but she on no occasion had ever had a real life man with a twelve inch cock.  She couldn’t wait to feel it inside of her, filling her, stretching her.  Her nipples hardened even more at the thrill of this find.  Holy fuck, she was excited beyond measure.  If he didn’t have any condoms she would tell him to break out the saran wrap.

“I want that inside of me now,” she practically commanded. “Do you have a condom that will fit that beast?” Ana gave his cock a squeeze testing out its hardness.  It was hard beyond measure and she couldn’t help herself, but licked her lips in anticipation.

DreamCast

Book Trailer

Ten fun facts about the author

1.)  I am a great cook.

2.)  I have travelled to 18 different countries.

3.)  I enjoy horse back riding.

4.)  I drink coffee all day long.

5.)  I wanted to be a stand up comedian.

6.)  I have twin sons.  My husband and I went through hell and back to have them, both having infertility issues.  (Subplot in one of my books).

7.)  I am Canadian and my husband is a New Yorker.

8.) My grandmother who is 90 teaches me how to use the computer.

9.) I teach high school.

10.)  I wish I didn't have to wear a bra.  I'm stacked. (You don't have to include the last statement, haha.  Nah, go ahead and include it.  I am sure many women can relate.)</ p>

Fire In His Eyes (Book #1)

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | B&N

About the Author

MJ Nightingale has spent over two decades teaching students how to write, and now she is doing it herself.  Originally from Canada, she graduated from University with her Bachelor of Arts and then went on to get her Bachelor of Education Degree in Secondary Education. 

            Reading has been a part of her life since she was a child. She has been an avid lover of classical English and American literature, but romance has always held a special place in her heart.  She devours historical romance novels all summer long, and any type of fiction; thrillers, crime, suspense, and drama.  This is her second published book, and she has one more book, Afraid to Hope, coming out in in the summer of 2014.  All three, Fire In His Eyes, Afraid to Love and Afraid to Hope, are erotic romance standalone novels and are part of her Secrets & Seduction Series.

            She is also working on a new series The Bounty Hunters for 2015.

            She currently lives in Florida, where she continues to teach, with her wonderful husband of nine years, and her sons.  She plans on pursuing her writing career full time very soon. 

Contact the Author

**MJ Nightingale would love to hear from her readers.  She can be reached at authormjnightingale@gmail.com

And you can also visit her author page on Facebook at:   https://www.facebook.com/ pages/MJ-Nightingale/185806224943537?ref=hl  to see what is coming next by MJ Nightingale.

Giveaway

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COVER REVEAL..........Hook Me (Men of Inked, #2) by Chelle Bliss (Giveaway Incl.) 04/30/14

Title: Hook Me (Men of Inked, #2)

Author: Chelle Bliss

Genre: Erotic, Contemporary Romance

Expected Release Date: June 1, 2014

Cover Designed by: Melissa Gill of MG Book Covers & Designs

Synopsis

Michael Gallo found his calling in life – he wants to kick ass. He works at Inked as a piercer, but spends his mornings training and dreaming of winning an UFC championship. Michael is the road to achieving his goal when a chance encounter alters his world forever. The title is no longer enough – he must capture the woman of his dreams.

Dr. Mia Greco is dedicated to saving lives and helping those less fortunate. She doesn’t have time to meet Mr. Right with her busy schedule. She buries herself in her work and helping humanity. Fate steps in and sweeps the carpet out from under her. She tries to deny the pull to him, a man that uses his fists for gain, but the universe won’t let her walk away so easy and Michael isn’t one to take no for an answer.

His past is filled with darkness and a secret that may rip them apart. There are forces bigger than them at work; drawing them in and making their worlds collide – not letting either one of them walk away.

*Purcahse book 1 of the Men of Inked series*

Synopsis

Suzy’s a control freak and has her life mapped out - work hard, find a man with a stable job, and live happily ever after. She’s content with the status quo, but her plan comes to a screeching halt when he enters her life and turns it upside down.</ div>

City gave up on love when his heart was crushed in college, preferring to be the typical bachelor. He spends his nights hopping from one bed to another and his days working at his family tattoo shop, Inked. A chance encounter on a dark road makes him question what he had sworn off forever – a relationship. 

A night of passion and lust causes them to question everything. Is City the knight in shining armor to the damsel in distress? Can their relationship survive when a fantasy falls apart and a secret comes out that changes everything?

PURCHASE LINK:

AMAZON US:  http://www.amazon.com/Throttle-Men-Inked-Chelle-Bliss-ebook/dp/B00JCXG4SS

AMAZON  UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JCXG4SS/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/throttle-me-chelle-bliss/1119045138

ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/throttle-me/id851679923

*About Chelle*

Chelle is an avid reader; consuming contemporary romance, dark reads, young adult, and all things erotica. She wants to create a book filled with characters that readers could relate to with real world problems and matching wallets.

Chelle loves to travel and her favorite cities are New Orleans and Paris. She currently lives in Florida with her amazing boyfriend. He’s showed her the love and passion that she has poured onto the page.

*Connect with Chelle*

Website; Facebook; Twitter ; Pinterest ; Goodreads

*Giveaway*

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Cover Reveal...........SLADE (Walk of Shame, #1) by Victoria Ashley 04/30/14

Slade (Walk Of Shame #1)

by Victoria Ashley

Cover Reveal: April 30th

Release Date: June 3rd

My name is Slade Merrick and I’m a fucking sex addict . . . I’ve been told it’s a problem. But I see it as a passion; something that I’m good at. And who the fuck stops something that they’re good at? They want me to seek help; get my cock in check. Don't judge my lifestyle. You’re no better than me. Just admit it, you like to fuck too. Sex is what I do best; my own personal high, so I embrace it instead of being ashamed. When I'm not fucking, I'm slinging drinks at Walk Of Shame or stripping my way into your bed; another thing I'm good at. Every woman’s darkest fantasy brought to life. So, am I stopping? Fuck no. Sex is beautiful, raw and erotic and I get off knowing I can have it with anyone I want . . . with the exception of her. Aspen. She walks into the club swaying those hips, instantly drawing my cock to attention. She’s pure perfection. That is, until she opens that mouth, drawing me in and for the first time in forever I want something more than sex. I want her and she hates it. Things get dirty. Dirty is what I like; it’s how I live. But . . . she’s playing a game she can never win. It’s dark. I love it with the lights off. She insisted on teasing me this way. My arms are tied behind me; my naked body bound to a chair. Goose bumps prickle my flesh as she softly blows on my hard cock, almost breaking my willpower. Her lips are so close, yet not close enough. I insist on teasing her this way. “Na ah, not yet, baby.” She tilts her head up, her blond hair cascading over her shoulders as her eyes lock with mine. They’re intense; desperate. She’s silently begging me with her eyes; asking me to let her touch me already. I’m used to this. She needs to learn that when you’re in my house we play by my rules. “Slade,” she whimpers. “Come on already.” “Look down, baby.” She tilts her head back down and runs her tongue over her lips as she eagerly looks at my cock; no doubt imagining what it tastes like in her mouth. “That’s it. Don’t move.” I lift my hips, bringing the tip of my head to brush her lips. “You want me in your mouth?” She nods her head and lets out a sound between a moan and a growl. Damn, it’s such a turn on. “How bad do you want it? I want to fucking hear it?” Her nails dig into my thighs as she growls in aggravation, “More than anything. I fucking want it so just give it to me, dammit. You already know how bad I want it.” A deep laugh rumbles in my throat as she scratches her nails down my legs in an attempt to hurt me. What she doesn’t realize is that I welcome the pain. I get off on it. “Is that all you got, pussycat?” I tease. “If you want my cock, you’re going to have to do better than that.” She looks angry now; determined. Standing up, she points a finger in my chest. “You’re the one tied up. This is supposed to be my game. Why do you have to torture me and make me wait?” Biting my bottom lip, I nod for her to move closer to me. When she gets close to my face, I stick my tongue out and run it over her lips, causing her to tremble as I taste her. “Show. Me. How. Much. You. Want. Me.” Straddling me, she screams and slaps me hard across the face before yanking my head back by my hair. If I could get any harder, I would. Fuck me. “Now, that’s what I’m talking about.” I press my stiff cock against her ass, showing her just how turned on I am. Then I look her in the eye. “Show me what you can do with your mouth. First impression is always the most important.” A mischievous smile spreads across her face as she slithers her way off my lap and down between my legs. Gripping my thighs in her hands, she runs her tongue over the tip of my dick before suctioning it into her mouth. It hits the back of her throat, causing her to gag. She doesn’t care; completely uninhibited. She just shoves it deeper. Fuck yeah. I moan as she swirls her tongue around my shaft while sucking at the same time. It feels fucking fantastic. “I told you it’s worth the wait, baby. Just wait until I get inside you. It feels better than it tastes.” She pulls back and licks her lips. “Then why don’t you show me. My pussy has never been so wet.” She stands up and bends over in front of me, exposing her wet lips. I can see the moisture glistening from here; beckoning to suck me inside. She smiles as she runs her fingers over the folds as if she’s teasing me; testing me. “You like that?” She asks seductively, tantalizing me. “You want this tight little pussy all for yourself, you greedy little bastard?” I nod, playing into her little game. She seems to think she’s in charge. “Well, come and get it.” She inserts her fingers into her mouth and sucks them clean, before shoving them into her entrance, fucking me with her eyes. Her ass moves up and down in perfect rhythm as she purrs. “I’m waiting.” She shoves her fingers deeper. “I want to see those muscles flexing as you ram into me. I want you to…” Well you won’t be waiting for long. Breaking free from my restraints, I stand up, grab her hips and flip her around before slamming her back up against the wall. “What were you saying, baby?” I growl into her ear. I grip both of her ass cheeks and lift her as she wraps her legs around my waist, squeezing. “I’m not sure you can handle what I have to offer.” I grip her face in my hand before leaning in and biting her bottom lip, roughly tugging. “You’re finally about to get what you’ve wanted. I just hope you don’t have shit to do for the next few days because this might get a little rough. Last time to make your escape, because once I start there’s no stopping until you’re screaming my name loud; so loud it fucking hurts my ears.” I search her eyes waiting to see if she’s changed her mind; nothing but raw heat and lust. She still wants it. She’s brave. No girl walks into my bed and walks out unscathed. So, she’ll get it. I lift an eyebrow. “Okay, then.” I take wide strides across the room to my king-sized bed and toss her atop the mattress. Before she can blink, I am between her thighs, spreading them wide for me. I run my tongue up her smooth flesh, stopping at intersection of her thighs and clean shaven pussy. “You ready for me to make you cum without even touching you?” I begin blowing my cool breath across her swollen, wet pussy. She thrusts her hips up; no doubt her hungry little pussy wanting more and just as I’m about to show her my skills, there’s a knock at the damn door.

GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21956914-slade

| Walk Of Shame Facebook Page |

Victoria Ashley grew up in Rockford, IL and has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. After finding a reading app where it allowed readers to upload their own stories, she gave it a shot and writing became her passion. She lives for a good romance book with tattooed bad boys that are just highly misunderstood and is not afraid to be caught crying during a good read. When she’s not reading or writing about bad boys, you can find her watching her favorites shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter and True Blood. She is the author of Wake Up Call and This Regret and is currently working on more releases for 2014.

| FACEBOOK | GOODREADS |

Corporate Ties Book Blitz (with Giveaway) 04/30/14

Title: Corporate Ties

Author: E.L. Loraine 

Genre: Mystery, Urban, Contemporary Romance Release Date: January 16^th, 2014

BlitzHost: Lady Amber's Tours

Corporate Ties the latest title by Best Selling Author E. L. Loraine

Synopsis:Olivia Grayson, smart, beautiful and rising star of the corporate world of Dolby, Inc.

Olivia is determined to be successful. She’s smart, beautiful and driven. While working her way up the corporate ranks in her first job out of Grad School at Dolby Incorporated, Olivia finally has a chance to prove just how talented she is. The client she’s been given is Matasuki International, but when she starts reading through the files on the company she finds something disturbing. There are convenient deaths associated with their acquisitions division. The man behind this company is Isamu Matasuki, a powerful and ruthless chairman. Yet there seems to be only generic press release type information on him. When she asks her longtime friend and co-worker in the legal department to get her more information from his former job at the FBI, he disappears and Olivia knows it’s because of Matasuki and his shadowy companion.

Determined to find out what happened to her friend Paul, and keep her boss, Tyson Grant and Dolby protected, she enlists the help of new neighbor and lover, corporate security specialist, and private investigator, Brian. Olivia knows she can use Matasuki’s interest in Dolby and her to get close enough to stop him, but is the risk worth it? Even if she saves Dolby, he’ll just move on to the next, and that company is Dolby’s chief rival, Stein Brothers. Can she just sit back and let that happen or is Olivia willing to lose everyone and everything she loves in order to take Matasuki down?

E.L. Loraine’s Corporate Ties, is a sizzling hot, mystery romance set among the concrete and steel jungle of New York City and the corporate ties that bind it. Another multi-level plot keeps you turning pages as Olivia finds she’s caught right in the very middle of this world of love, lust, and greed as the players fight for power on the corporate battle field.

I grew up in a small northern Minnesotan town married my high school sweetheart, had two beautiful children and as soon as we could we moved to a warmer climate. I have worked with my husband building and

decorating custom homes for years. After loving every kind of vampire book, movie and series I decided that I wanted to know more. I can write a book I thought, how hard can that be? Well.... But I stuck to it and finished my first book Royal Blood Chronicles Book One in August 2009. I now have six books in the series and am about to release book two of my new series Phantom Lives. My parents always told me that I could do anything that I wanted, work hard, study and do it right. I believe that and live that way every day. Links:Web: http:// elizabethloraine.com

Twitter:@bloodchronicles Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ELLorainescomtemporaryside Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/eloraine


Buy Now at Amazon:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Ties-Silken-novel-ebook/dp/

B00HV3ITR0/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=romance=UTF8&qid=1390436859&sr=1-

3&keywords=elizabeth+loraine

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Just Dessert by Kelly Collins Book Blitz (with Giveaway) 04/28/14

Title: Just Dessert

Author: Kelly Collins

Genre: Erotic Romance

Publication Date: April 4, 2014

Tour Host: Dreams Come True Promotions

Pure hearted Katarina Cross has a simple life plan; finish school and find a job. Everything is on track until Damon Noble walks onto the scene. He’s the sweetest confection she has ever laid eyes on.

Standing in for a friend who runs an escort service, Kat agrees to accompany one man for one night. How hard could it be? All I have to do is smile and look pretty.

After his last girlfriend left a bad taste in his mouth for commitment, Damon nixes the idea of a relationship. He simply orders and pays for what he needs. Why ask for the full menu when you can just order dessert?

A chance meeting, a book club and a penchant for dessert will change everything.

"Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first."

-Ernestine Ulmer-

Kelly Collins lives in Colorado with her husband James. She’s the proud mother of three young adults that still manage to keep her on her toes and her head spinning. They are her greatest accomplishment.

As a military wife, Kelly has traveled the world like a rock star on tour. This has given her the amazing ability to unpack an entire household in three days—another crowning achievement!

Over her life, she has been a jack-of-all-trades between Dental assisting, teaching, and running her home staging business until finally, one day, she decided to do something she was meant to do. She wrote. And she hasn’t stopped since.

Armed with a glass of wine and her laptop, Kelly loves nothing more than to create a world that any woman would want to live in.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ authorkelleycollins

Twitter:@kcollinsauthor

Author Website: http:// authorkcollins.wix.com/bestseller

Author GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/ 7488895.Kelley_Collins_Maestas

Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/ kelleymaestas

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1r1FwTY

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1nzOiGX

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/RzUioQ

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In Chains Blog Tour by Michelle Abbott 04/28/14

Their love was forbidden and doomed to failure.

A romance set in a world where slavery is government run and slaves are fitted with microchips.

Savannah, fleeing a turbulent relationship, seeks solace at her brother’s country farmhouse. It’s there that she meets Kayden; her brother’s slave who's considered less than human. These two damaged souls form an unbreakable bond, one that’s about to be tested, because Kayden is her brother’s property and he will stop at nothing to keep them apart.

Please note this book contains some sexual scenes, violence and strong language.

Utube Playlist:

http://youtu.be/Id_UYLPSn6U

http://youtu.be/c_9sKGKkznw

http://youtu.be/wMhL_QIyD1k

http://youtu.be/jJ2TJcHO5QI

http://youtu.be/JQnsN3um-iQ

http://youtu.be/b7wiPwn-Uwg

 

We’re in the corner of a large field. A rusty old caravan rests on bricks, there’s cardboard where a window should be, the glass must have got smashed I guess. In front of the caravan is a large bonfire and from the light of the flames I can make out two men and a woman sitting around it.

The woman stands up and runs towards us. Even dressed in rags she’s beautiful. Curvy, with long legs and a tiny little waist, long ebony curls tumble down her back. She flings her arms around Kayden and he lifts her off her feet and spins her around, then smiles down at her.

Oh I’m so stupid. I thought he liked me but she’s obviously his girlfriend. If she isn’t I can see he wants her to be. Why did I come here? I should have gone to the movies. Turning around I start to walk back the way we came. He’s too busy talking to her; he won’t even notice I’m gone. I don’t know how I’m going to get home in the dark, I’m going to get lost and Simon will have to send out a search party, they probably won’t find me until morning. My eyes fill with tears as I stumble blindly. I hear footsteps behind me and then Kayden is in front of me, his hands on my shoulders. “Where you going Savannah?”

“Home. Enjoy the picnic.”

“What’s wrong? What have I done? I’m sorry.”

Ugh, I don’t want to tell him. I’m too ashamed to admit that I thought he liked me. Maybe I can pretend I’m not feeling well but then he’ll have to walk me back and I’ll know that he’ll wish he could’ve stayed here with her. That’ll make me feel even more stupid. I’ve got no choice, I’m going to have to put a brave face on this. It’ll only be for a couple of hours, then I can go home and cry. I’ll avoid Kayden after tonight. “I’m fine.” I put on my best fake smile. “I thought I’d left something at home but now I remember it’s in the bag.”

He puts his arm around my shoulder and we walk back over to the others. This is the last time I’ll ever feel his hands on me. Maybe I should be making the most of it, but I can’t. We sit down around the fire with them. They’re looking at me but no one is saying a word. Finally Kayden speaks. “This is Savannah. She’s my owner’s sister.”

The beautiful one looks at him, her eyes wide. “You call her by her name Kade?” Oh they are so definitely dating. She’s shortened his name; I can never call him that now. She obviously thinks we’ve got close. So did I. We’re both wrong.

“She told me to call her that.”

I close my eyes. I don’t want to hear anymore. He was obviously happy calling me Miss and keeping his distance. I should have left things as they were. I should never have asked for his help with the eggs. Should’ve, would’ve could’ve. I tune out the rest of their conversation and look around at my companions. The guy sitting opposite looks a couple of years younger than me. He has the same blue and brown eyes and dark hair as Kayden but this guy’s hair is longer, wavy and flopping into his eyes. He notices me looking at him. “The names Trent. Nice to meet you Miss.”

I’m about to tell him to call me Savannah but I made that mistake with Kayden, so I keep my mouth shut. “Nice to meet you too.”

I look to the other guy. He’s about my age. He’s shirtless and lean and toned like Kayden. His hair is shaved close to his scalp but what distinguishes him the most are the scars and bruises all over his face and body and the thick metal collar around his neck. There are scars on his arms that look like someone has carved letters into his skin with a knife. Looking closer I see they are in fact letters. FUK on his bicep and U on his forearm, is it supposed to be ‘fuck you’. I quickly close my mouth, suddenly aware that I’ve been gawping at him. He’s glaring at me. His eyes are hard and glacial. Nervous, I turn towards a friendlier face, Trent’s.

He’s pouring liquid from a plastic bottle into some tin mugs and he hands one to me. Putting it to my lips, my eyes water, it smells like paint stripper. I can’t get past the smell to be able to drink the contents. “What is this?”

Trent sniggers. “It’s home-made potato wine Miss. It’s ninety percent proof, so go easy.”

Everyone else is drinking it, so I hold my nose and take a mouthful of the foul smelling liquid. Oh God, my throat is on fire! Coughing and spluttering I can feel Kayden rubbing my back. “It takes some getting used to Savannah.”

I take another mouthful, not looking at him. I’m in the mood to get drunk. His hand still rests on my back. What’s his game? Is he using me to make his girlfriend jealous? Now I’m being ridiculous, I couldn’t make her jealous if I tried. I guess the alcohol has given me confidence and I tell him to take his hand off my back. He does but now he’s frowning at me.

“I’ve brought some food.” I open the cool bag. “There’s eggs, crisps, peanut butter sandwiches and muffins. Help yourselves.”

Kayden leans towards me. “Thank you,” he says softly.

I just nod. I’m still not looking at him but I can feel his eyes burning into the side of my face. Trent and the beauty queen dive into the food. The guy with the collar just looks at it, he seems pissed off. Kayden isn’t eating anything either. I had no intention of having any, I can get food anytime.

Kayden leans in towards me again. “The girl’s name is Kaci and-”

I don’t let him finish. Standing up I walk away from the fire and light a cigarette. I don’t want to know her damn name. Kaci and Kayden, even their names are perfect for each other. Pinching the bridge of my nose I want to go back home more than ever. I finish smoking, put out my cigarette and walk back over to them.

Kayden is hanging his head, his shoulders are slumped and he’s picking at his fingers. Then I spot the source of his misery. Kaci is sitting on the lap of the guy with the collar, feeding him egg. Unrequited love. I know how that feels. I should be glad that she’s not his girlfriend but watching him mope over her is actually worse. Trent has disappeared.

I turn the radio on, I need a distraction. The DJ announces it’s the love hour. Oh great! Kayden raises his head. “Will you dance with me Savannah?” An hour ago I would have jumped at the chance, but not now. He only wants to dance with me because he can’t have Kaci. I shake my head. His eyes drop to his hands and he resumes picking at his fingers.

Trent returns with another plastic bottle full of hooch. I hold my mug out to him for a top up. Kaci is now snogging her boyfriend, Kayden is still moping over her and I don’t want to watch this anymore. I mouth to Trent, “Do you want to dance?”

He nods his head and grins as he takes my hand. Kayden’s head snaps up and I hear him gasp as Trent and I start moving to the music. I can feel tears pricking at my eyes but I’m not going to make a fool of myself by crying in front of him. I lose myself in the music, the hooch is certainly helping, I’m beginning to feel better and am starting to enjoy myself. The song ends but I don’t want to stop, so I keep swaying with Trent till the next song begins. I’m not in the mood for conversation but he starts talking and I can’t ignore him. “Thanks for the food Miss.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I hope Clay didn’t upset you Miss. It’s not you, he doesn’t like any humans.”

“Is Clay the guy with the collar,” I whisper. He nods and I glance across at Clay. He’s wrapped himself around Kaci and he’s actually smiling.

The song ends and I bend down to pick up my mug of hooch. I’m still holding Trent with my other hand; I’m not ready to stop dancing yet. I take a big gulp of the hooch and put my arms around Trent as the next song begins.

“TRENT!” We both jump and look towards Kayden who is now standing up, his fists clenched and glaring murderously at Trent. He snarls at him, “Trent, sit the fuck down.”

Trent looks at me. “I’d better not dance with you because…,” he nods towards Kayden.

Sitting down I knock back the remainder of my hooch. I should be feeling drunk. I wish I were, but I’m not. Trent throws more logs on the fire. He doesn’t seem bothered by the way Kayden spoke to him. He’s laughing and joking with Clay. Kayden is staring into the fire, his face sullen.

Michelle Abbott lives in the UK and hates describing herself in 3rd person. She's a self-published author of new adult romance, and likes to write about heroes who begin as the underdog and are protective of their girl. She's an avid reader of romance, is addicted to coffee and loves wine and chocolate, so yeah, not the most healthy eating and drinking habits :-) She spends way too much time online when she should be writing. She collects teddy bears and occasionally knits a couple of rows on a sweater she started years ago, which she may eventually finish in time to wear for her funeral :-)