We love Angela Graham and S.E. Hall and these two amazing authors have come together once again to give us the conclusion to the hilarious, laugh out novella Handled and in HANDLED 2 features the loud, sexy as hell Vaughn, trucker with hot abs and a dirty mouth. Read an except from Handled 1 & 2 and be sure to one-click this Erotic Quickie Novella!
To celebrate, the release of Handled 2, Angela and S.E. Hall have graciously offered ONE LUCKY Winner signed paperbacks of Handled, 1& 2 Packaged, and Stirred up! Good Luck & Enjoy! Excerpt Of course this is how it goes!
When I escape outside like an immature brat, everything's fine. When I come to help carry wood, I die. Such is the Book of Paige, an ironic tragedy.
"Listen to me," he says determinedly. "You're out of time. I need you to trust me, Paige. Just this once, baby, please." It's the absolute terror in his voice that wins me over, claiming me fully before I even notice the fear in his watery eyes as well. "Very, very slowly, bend your knees, and get down on your stomach. All your weight, flat and even, gentle, but at once. Got it?"
"Yeah," I croak, trembling uncontrollably as I follow his exact directions. Wow, so this is what it feels like to hand control over to another person, sharing your load, risking disappointment and hurt on the off chance of gaining better, greatness even?
It's new and not completely unbearable.  Nothing makes my cock stand at attention like my lil' Firecracker.
She thinks she can hide behind that sharp tongue and those succulent pink lips, but it only makes her taste all the sweeter.
I can't get enough...if only she could say the same.
|  The exciting and sexy conclusion to Handled. NOW LIVE!
| Excerpt: Meet Vaughn “Shhhh.” He winks then points to the ceiling. My room is dark, but enough morning light’s filtering its way through the window that I distinctly catch the glimmer of amusement in his eyes.
This morning they’re a steely blue, like jeans that started dark and got washed a million times.
I’m forced to break my stare when my ears finally communicate the racket above us to my brain.
“Oh my God!”
I gasp, eyes popped wide and jaw dropped.
“You weren’t kidding.” I lie down on my back, hands folded over my stomach, and stare up.
“It’s like, six in the morning!” I whisper shout.
“They love morning sex,” he explains, then turns his attention to me. “As do I.” He scoots flush against my side, a very large erection gouging into my hip as he buries his face in my hair.
“Yes, yes, yesssss!” my cousin—my book reading, cat loving, always blushes and wears her hair in a bun cousin—wails from above. I cringe in humiliation for her. It’s kickass she’s finally getting some, but I doubt the whole building cares to celebrate with them. “Why aren’t you in her bed? You know, the empty one down the hall?” I shove his head away, but he only grins and rests his forehead back against my cheek.
“I feel like I should warn you, I own a gun. And I’m an excellent shot.”  One lonely woman. One mysterious man. Not all secret admirers write poetry.
As intrigued and aroused as she is frightened and appalled by the continuous stream of profound-yet-perverse letters arriving in her office mailbox, shy wallflower Amelia Hill, thinks she’s going insane. Notes turn to text messages, luring her to meet the elusive stranger in a room as dark and hidden as his intentions. Once there, Amelia realizes gut instincts should be heard louder than the deceptive call of temptation.
Will one night be enough, or too much?
|  Certain men. Certain professions. Some things are just universally sexy.
But maybe not quite this sexy...
"Lay back for me."
| Additional Teasers
(click on picture for full view) Meet the authors  S.E. Hall resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 4 beautiful daughters. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading and writing. She's also being clutch at Baggo, when it's warm outside!
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | TRSoR
|  I am happily married to my husband of five years, have three wonderful children and a beautiful feline companion that keeps me company during late night writing binges.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | TRSoR
| GIVEAWAY
 Erin Noelle & S.E. Hall are two of our favorite authors. When they "conspired" to write a novel together, to say we were excited is an understatement. Conspire was recently released and is a sexy, witty, wonderful portrayal of a man's vengeance, love for his lost brother and finding love in the most unexpected places. Bryce is sex on a stick, smart and determined while Jocelyn is a strong heroine who wants freedom from her life. The two of them together makes for an explosive, entertaining and hot as hell couple. The secondary characters help to make Conspire a fabulous read that will keep you turning the page. We highly recommend you meet Bryce and Jocelyn!
Today we are spotlighting Conspire with a cute and sexy excerpt, dream cast, playlist and Two lucky readers will win a signed paperback and CD Soundtrack of this fabulous read.
Excerpt: Meet Bryce & Jocelyn "Race ya there," I snicker, darting towards the bedroom I moved our clothes into, tossing his bag into the hall.
Let the games begin.
Somehow, he beats me down to the water - imagine that. With steeled armor, I keep my face stoic, my gait and candor unfazed, as I approach, despite the urge to snicker at his bulged-out eyes and jaw dropped into the ocean.
And yeah, I noticed his hand dip below the surface to adjust himself; doesn't always shrink in cold water it would seem.
His head jerks left, right, then back to me as his eyes narrow to accusatory slits. "What're you thinking, Trouble? Public beach," he sputters.
Doe-eyed innocence, my lips twist cleverly. "Not for two miles either direction it isn't. Besides, what's the problem?" Surely it's not my string-thong bikini bottoms and lack of a top?
If you told anyone, even Lys who's known me forever, they'd bet on hell freezing over twice before believing I'm capable of such audacious, brazen antics, but I'm embracing it, rejoicing in the Jocelyn he brings out. Alive; seeing clearly, smelling flowers miles away, hearing the faintest of sounds - like I just started partaking in, and enjoying, the world that's surrounded me my whole life.
His mouth curves upward at the corner, a twinkle in his eyes reflecting off the water as he beckons me to him with the leisurely crook of his finger.
"Moi?" I mouth, pointing to myself. My whole body's buzzing, sexy satisfaction razoring through me as he slowly nods. "Alright," I huff in feigned inconvenience.
I walk into the water as he walks out, hoisting me up as we meet, wrapping my legs around his waist for me.
"You'll be my end, Jocelyn Craig," he says, almost demurely, almost a frown, heading us backward into the deeper water.
"The ending's supposed to be the best part." I smile, leaning in to rest my forehead on his. "Do I win the game?"
He glances down at my breasts - nipples hardened from the cool water, his tongue lazily tracing his bottom lip. "I'm afraid you just might." 
He wants answers.
She wants freedom.
The search is over...when they CONSPIRE.
Additional Teaser
(click on picture for full view) Meet the authors S.E. Hall resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 4 beautiful daughters. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading and writing. She's also being clutch at Baggo, when it's warm outside!
Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Rock Star Page
 Erin Noelle is a Texas native, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. While earning her degree in History, she rediscovered her love for reading that was first instilled by her grandmother when she was a young child. A lover of happily-ever-afters, both historical and current, Erin is an avid reader of all romance novels. She has recently self-published her first novel, Metamorphosis, which hit both USA Today and Amazon best-selling lists, and is currently working on the sequel, Ambrosia, to be released later in 2013. Most nights you can find her cuddled up in bed with her husband, her Kindle in hand and a sporting event of some sorts on television. Stalk Her: Website | Facebook |Goodreads | Rock Star Page
GIVEAWAY
Two winners
Today we are participating in the Pretty Instinct Blog tour. We are huge fans of S.E. Hall and can not recommend her stories enough. Pretty Instinct is her newest stand alone release and is funny, witty and an emotional roller coaster. In typical S.E. Hall fashion, she will have you laughing, crying and fanning yourself with her words. Cannon Blackwell is a hot as hell bassist with a dirty mouth and charming moves. Lizzie falls for his charms and so will you! If you are looking for a stand alone that will rock your world for a few hours, this one is for you! Enjoy an excerpt, beautiful book trailer and enter to WIN your own copy of Pretty Instinct by S.E. Hall. All you have to do is comment on this blog post to participate (One Winner) “I can’t let a stranger on the bus with Bubs. What if he’s a mass murderer?” What if he’s not as pretty on the inside as he is on the outside?
“Ah, Mama Bear, run him through all the tests. You’re careful. And he might say we’re crazy and tell us to fuck off. Let’s ask before we worry about it.”
Biding my time, I chew on the inside of my cheek and look back, confirming Conner’s still tossing the Frisbee happily, Rhett watching him. “You asking or am I?” I sigh, hopefully masking the foreign tingle of anticipation working its way up my battered spine.
“He’s hetero, I can tell from here. I say we send in,” he flicks a finger back and forth between my boobs, “the big guns.”
“Don’t lick your lips!” I shove him, mouth agape. “You’re like my brother. That’s illegal in at least forty states, and gross.”
“You didn’t think it was gross when—”
“Enough.” I slap my hand over his mouth hastily. “I’ll go, but you stay right here and watch, closely. He makes a move for a weapon, dial 911 as you run to rescue me.”
“On it.” He grins at me, full of victory, a hint of his earlier teasing still lingering in his expression.
Girding my loins, I think, do women have loins and can they be girded or is that only a guy thing? Summoning my courage, I move with slow, hesitant steps in the miraculous unknown’s direction, reminding myself with each one that it’s for the boys, the band, the overall goal of staying the hell out of Sutton. And it is, but I’m kidding myself if I don’t admit I wouldn’t be this anxious if I was walking up to an ugly man. Or even a kinda good-looking man. Shallow much, Liz? Nah, I have no control over biological response.
Almost there now, his head lifts and turns at my approach, connecting eyes as sable brown as thick molasses to my own. He was tummy-turning enough far away. Up close, he’s better than photoshopped, a clear-cut case for Guinness Genetics. His lips are full, much plumper than my own, and he has a strong nose and jawline, both very masculine, the latter covered in a dark scruff. His hair is the same rich chestnut as his eyes, not too short, but definitely not too long. “Just fucked” hair (isn’t that what they call it?) be damned. He’s got “just fucked her and she had to hold on” locks, unruly in the most intricate fashion. The black boots at the end of long, thick legs are scuffed, faded jeans worn, well, and the long sleeved black thermal he’s wearing? Oh, he wears it, or rather, every muscle in his torso holds it up flawlessly.
Bottom line—he’s easy to look at.
“Are you a deranged serial killer and/or rapist?”
I like to open subtly.
“No, are you?” His timbre is deep and gravely, sending my vagina subliminal messages. Something along the lines of “yup, you want it.” With a voice like that, I’m praying he isn’t a chain smoker. To fuzz this perfect picture with the stench of an ever-present cloud of smoke would be one helluva slap in the face of the Almighty creator.
“No,” I answer too defensively, this instant, highly unusual attraction frying my staple “too cool to care” attitude that, up until right now, I’d like to think I pull off fabulously. “You any good?” I lean and point to the instrument on his back, brows bowed in questioning antagonism.
“Define good,” he deadpans, head down as he pulls the guitar off his back and puts it back in its case.
“Hendrix.”
“Not left-handed.” He shrugs as he straightens back up and captures my gaze.
“Page.”
He laughs, treating me to one seriously enlightening sound, accompanied by the sexiest blindingly white smile. “Then no, not even close to good.”
Damn, I should’ve gone with a mediocre guitarist! Now I’ve backed myself into a corner, Stranger Danger not giving me anything in the form of segue. Struggling, I shove my hands in my back pockets and rock nervously back and forth on my heels, forced to come up with another revealing yet seemingly aloof question.
“Why do you ask?” he rescues me.
“Our band.” I toss my head back toward the bus. “We need a bassist. And since you’re hitchhiking, I thought maybe—”
He drops down from his perch on the top edge of the bench and stands, well over six feet of sinister sex appeal stretching out before my eager eyes. “Do you know what a hitchhiker is?”
“What?” I shake my head to clear it and take a step back. “Yes, of course.”
“You sure about that?” He eats up the steps I’d retreated, placing his body close enough to mine that I can literally feel the battle of push and pull between us. “‘Cause where I come from, hitchhikers stand at the road, where you can see them. It increases their chances of actually landing a ride.” His left eyebrow curves up at one end and that same eye, I swear it, twinkles at me. “Seeing as how I’m sitting at the back of a desolate rest stop, I’m either the worst hitchhiker in history,” another step closer, “or you’re labeling me with the wrong tag.”
 “If opposites attract, then I am nothing. Because you, you are everything.”
There’s no easy road traveled to such an intense sentiment, one I never dreamt I’d feel….
But I also never planned on Cannon Blackwell climbing aboard my tour bus.
Book Trailer Author Information S.E.Hall resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 4 beautiful daughters. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading and writing. She's also being clutch at Baggo, when it's warm outside!
Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Rock Star Page
All Books by S.E. Hall Comment Below to Enter to Win your own copy of Pretty Instinct. Good Luck!
We absolutely ADORE the EVOLVE SERIES by S.E. Hall!
Be sure to check out Laney, Dane, Evan, Whitley, Sawyer and the rest of the gang in this wonderfully written story. EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT TO EMBRACE
first released September 4th Not sure how I remember, but not surprised that I do, I seek out Laney’s door. Pulling the letter from my back pocket, I bend to slip it under her door, shocked when I hear her sweet laugh from the other side. She’s here? She’s not with him anymore? My heart suddenly lifts, as does my hand, ready to knock, when his voice reaches out and rips my heart out of my chest.
I should walk away. Definitely the right thing to do. Fine, open a spot in hell for me, like it’s so much different than where I’m at right now, cause I’m not moving. It’s muffled, and I’m straining to do so, but I hear it.
“So you forgive me?”
“Yes caveman, I forgive you, but I’m still not ready to forgive myself. I mean it though, don’t ever do anything like that, ever again.” “I promise baby. I love you.”
“Me too.” Ah fuck. Me too? Whatever does or doesn’t happen now, words she ever says; those last ones, to him, will be the ones that ring in my ears. How could she love him? I’d gotten ten years with the little girl, the young lady, and apparently the “I love you as a best friend.” But in the span of only months, he’d taken the woman. This realization sends a wave of nausea and loneliness through me, but I muster the energy to move my feet, not wanting them to open the door and catch me standing here like the loser I’ve become.
I turn to head to Sawyer’s room, and with every step I take, a new fervor takes flame inside me. Yes, my face grazed tits, and she’d gotten a picture of it. Sure, her best friend woke up in my room, her only clothing mine…but I never told anyone I loved them! I never gave my heart! And I transferred schools for her, gave up a scholarship, fought like hell with my parents about it…damn right she shouldn’t forgive herself. I flex my hands in and out of fists, rolling my neck, fighting the urge to punch a hole in the wall. Nostrils flared, chest heaving rapidly, I take a few deep breaths before finally knocking.
When Sawyer opens the door, I have only one thing to say. “Last night was a bust. Think we can do better tonight?”
He smiles and fist bumps me, which I take as a yes. Fuck this. Disney movies suck anyway- bring on a porno!
EVOLVE SERIES BOOK SUMMARIES & PURCHASE LINKS  Laney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect. She also has no idea how others view her, Evan having protected and coveted her since they were children. But college puts a gap between Laney and Evan that neither of them were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same.
Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own.
A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life.
|  Embrace, the second book in the Evolve Series by S.E. Hall, follows the characters from her debut NA romance,Emerge.
Evan Allen is a handsome, athletic, southern gentleman...who now attends GSU, for no good reason.
No friends, a year of ineligibility on the football team and no girl, Evan is starting over alone. But certain members of The Crew refuse to let him face things by himself,taking him under their wing, and it doesn't take the ladies long to notice him either.
Sometimes life doesn't go as you had planned, it goes better.
Embrace it.
| GIVEAWAY
Meet Laney Walker from Emerge!
Learn her thoughts on the men in her life, her best Friend and how college has changed her. And most of all - who Laney would cast in her own Disney movie. This is was fun! We hope you enjoy it!
Today we have Laney Walker from Emerge, by S.E. Hall, one of the most heart wrenching love triangle stories to be released this year. She is visiting The Rock Stars of Romance today to chat about her likes, dislikes and most importantly, the two very sexy men in her life.
I spoke to Laney a few days ago. We made arrangements to meet at the school cafeteria. When I arrive, she is sitting with her friend Sawyer and Bennett, her roommate and best friend.
TRSOR: Hello, how is everyone today!
As I approach, Bennett and Sawyer get up to leave. Bennett looks over at me and smiles a huge genuine smile.
Bennett: We are great! Be good to my girl. She's been through a lot. I got a date!
She bends over to give Laney a hug and whispers something in her ear. Laney smiles and says something back. There exchange was effortless and endearing.
Sawyer gives Laney a squeeze on the shoulder and turns to greet me. He lifts his hand for me to shake.
Sawyer: Hey! Nice to meet you. I got a go meet some twins.
I smile and shake his hand. He and Bennett leave. It is now Laney and myself. I sit down at the table and smile.
TRSOR: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me to chat about all things Laney.
Laney laughs and we begin the interview.
TRSOR: Bennett and Sawyer are really cool! They seem like they really look out for you! Can you tell me your first impression of both of them?
Laney: Bennett is amazing, she makes you feel recognized and appreciated the minute you meet her. She's so bubbly and warm, always happy, you can't help but like her in the first five minutes. And the way she talks, about anything, with such passion and animated hands, she's a hoot.
Sawyer, honestly my very first impression was, this guy is huge. His size is very intimidating, and he's a little rough around the edges, but he's one of the sweetest guys you will ever meet. I adore him.
TRSOR: In high school you considered yourself a tomboy. With everything you have experienced this year; do you feel this is still true? How have your experiences this first year of college changed you?
Laney: I don't think I'll ever be the most feminine girl in a room...if someone throws out an arm wrestling match, fishing, playing ball of any kind, I'm always gonna be down. But there are times now when I feel beautiful, like I'm the thing in the room worth looking at...someone very special makes me feel that way.
TRSOR: College can be a hard transition and life changing experience. Has college been everything you expected? What has been the most surprising?
Laney: College has been scary as hell, but just as exhilarating. My team is great, it just took me a minute to realize it. And my Crew? I couldn't have gotten mixed up with a better group of people. They taught me that there really are groups like "Friends" in real life, guys and girls who genuinely love each other without drunken college clichés. That's why we keep Sawyer around, he's our glimpse into all that we dare not try; just kidding. And the most surprising? That of course was Dane, and discovering a part of myself I never knew existed.
TRSOR: Not to bring up a sore subject, however, I am curious. Kaitlyn was your best friend in high school and Bennett is now your best friend in college? How do the two of them differ? How are they the same?
Laney: I feel like I'm insulting Bennett if I compare them in any way, but they are both good at getting me to try new things, and they both have almost overwhelming zest and energy. They're different, well besides the fact that Bennett only has one face, in that I truly believe Bennett doesn't have a mean or spiteful bone in her body. That girl couldn't pull off cruel or evil if she tried. Kaitlyn always had a sneaky streak, I just never imagined she'd use it on me.
I smile a mischievous smile and look down at my notes. I can tell she knows what's coming.
TRSOR: Now, let us get to the nitty gritty of the interview. Two men: Dane and Evan! The sexy college athlete and the understated, stunningly beautiful rich businessman. Both men want to be your everything. Wow! You are one lucky girl but I don't envy you either! That is one hard decision.
Laney puts her head back and laughs out loud
Laney: It was very difficult and painful and confusing....but sometimes decisions aren't yours to make, you know what I mean? Sometimes things were planned before you ever got involved and you have to be brave enough to recognize that and set yourself free to pursue it. I know that sounds corny, but if you ever experience it, you'll know exactly what I mean.
TRSOR: Dane and Evan: What are their similarities? How do they differ?
Laney: They are both beautiful, inside and out. Both of them are strong, respectful, caring men who know how to treat a woman; Dane is more of a protector where Evan is a nurturer...does that make sense? Evan is pure gentleman, soft, kind, gentle...whereas Dane has a little barbarian to him. *blushes and giggles* I can't believe I just said that.
Evan's more outdoorsy good ole' boy where Dane is candlelight and piano. Grrr...I give up on this question.
They're both amazing, end of story.
TRSOR: If things were different, would Dane & Evan be friends?
Laney: Yes, and I hope that's the case one day, because they are both extremely important to me and I don't want to miss a day with either one. Both are loyal, true friends and I think they'd really like each other.
TRSOR: One of your nicknames is Disney. If you could choose any Disney character to represent you and your cast of friends who would you choose? To name a few:
Laney: I LOVE this question!!!
Myself? Um, Sleeping Beauty? I love to sleep and I kinda kept myself locked in a tower for awhile.
Bennett - easy, Ariel, The Little Mermaid
Evan - Prince Charming (although he thinks he's Robin Hood, but...that's a fox, not a person)
Dane - ahhhh, Prince Phillip, Sleeping Beauty (and Mufasa, regal, wise, king...but again, that's a lion not a guy)
Kaitlyn - Ursula the Sea Witch from Little Mermaid...or Malificent...either one
Sawyer - Tarzan 100%
Zach- I guess I'd say John Smith from Pocahontas...all blonde and peacemaker
Tate- Flynn Rider from Tangled maybe? Or Phoebus
TRSOR: Finally, if you could have your life portrayed as a Disney Movie, what would you call it and what would be the theme song?
Laney: I'd pick Enchanted by Taylor Swift, perfect Disney movie song..and I'd probably title it "Enlighten"
That concludes our time together today! Thank you so much for speaking with The Rock Stars of Romance. It was a pleasure.
Good Luck to you and I hope to speak with you again as your story continues.
Laney: Thank you so much for having me, and for the wonderful questions, especially the Disney ones.
We get up and walk out of the cafeteria. We say our goodbyes and she gets into a black car where her love is waiting for her.
I smile.
That concludes our interview! Thank you all for stopping by!
Have you read Emerge by S.E. Hall yet?
If you haven't - This is a MUST READ!
We loved this book and HIGHLY recommend it!
Below you will find an EXCERPT from Emerge, A Dream Cast, a SIGNED PAPERBACK Giveaway, and an EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT from Embrace, Book Two, in the Series!
We are so excited to share this with all of you! So, Enjoy! Emerge Book Summary - Purchase for ONLY $1.99 HERE  Laney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect. She also has no idea how others view her since Evan, her best friend, has coveted her since they were children. But college puts a gap between Laney and Evan that neither of them were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same.
Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own.
A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life.
DREAM CAST READ AN EXCERPT FOR EMERGE He sighs and cast his eyes down. “Laney, you’re that girl. The one guys make up in their head when they put all the best parts together to make one perfect girl. The man who gets you to actually pay attention, well, he’ll be the luckiest guy on the planet, and he’ll know it. All that, and the fact that you never date, is pretty damn intimidating.”
There’s a flutter in my chest; does he mean I’m the perfect girl made in his head? Is he intimidated by me?
He moves closer now, I can feel the heat coming off his body. Yes, Evan, find the courage. And then his hand is cupping my cheek, and I instinctively lean in to it, a little gasp of air escaping my lips.
I’ve never imagined this with Evan, it’s never occurred to me to even dare hope what he felt for me was more than a protective best friend. Good thing, I would have done the fantasy no justice. His thumb brushes my bottom lip and I realize…I could be swinging a bat, casting a reel, and driving a truck all at the same time, but I’m still 100% woman.
I think I speak out loud. “Are you intimidated, Evan?”
He leans over, touching his forehead to mine as he takes a deep breath. His nose brushes along mine, his whisper on my lips. “Not anymore, I’m done with that, and I’m done not kissing you. All you have to do is say no, precious girl. But please, please….just say yes.”
As I whisper “yes,” his mouth takes mine. His lips are soft and gentle, sending a sizzle throughout me. His hand glides from my cheek to the hair behind my ear, stroking it slowly, over and over again. He breaks contact to lean back slightly, meeting my eyes, and a whiny protest from the loss escapes me. I’m positive he sees a confusing mixture of happiness, shock, and…lust?
“Again?” he asks me in a low grumble.
I leave the question unanswered, putting one hand firmly on the back of his neck, the other over his heart, feeling that hard chest and rapid beat under my palm, and pull him hard against my lips. He groans and steps in so his body is flush against mine as I open to allow him free reign of my mouth. Our tongues tangle together, knowing each other just as Evan and I do.
My mind is racing as quickly as my pulse, but instinct takes over as my hands move all over him. His solid arms, firm shoulders, strong back…tight ass. I can’t feel enough of him in this moment and lose myself to the desire consuming me. His sweet murmurs along my neck, jaw, in my ear spur me on, almost to the point of no return, until loud squeals from the party rip through our haze.
All at once, I remember where we are and that anyone could walk upon us. It also shames me that I was careless enough to leave Kaitlyn alone this whole time while I fondle my best friend in a field, so I regretfully pull back. Evan’s eyes take a while to slowly open and find mine, but in them I see everything I need to, overpowering any inkling I might have had about regret or embarrassment. In those blue pools, there’s no second guessing, these are not the eyes of my “friend.” I know my Evan, and he liked it. I really liked it, beyond my wildest dreams that I never had.
“Come on,” I say almost painfully, “we have to get back and check on Kaitlyn.”
His shoulders slump and he rolls his eyes, but finally grabs my hand and interlaces our fingers. We’ve held hands a million times, but never like this. It feels good, I feel secure, but most of all—I start to believe what people have said here and there in recent years…I feel beautiful.
Evan tugs on my hand slightly, slowing me up some, and turns me to him. “Laney,” he barely whispers, “can you do one thing for me? “
He could say climb Mt. Everest right now and I’d agree. The look on his face is so sexy and now that I know how that mouth feels…wait, what was the question?
“Yessss?” Am I flirting?
“Can we pretend you’re really mine, just mine, Evan Mitchell Allen’s, at least for tonight?”
I think of the gentle hand on my cheek, the soft then rougher kiss, the protection from Matt, the #14 on his back every week, the Disney movie marathons, and I say, without a doubt in my mind, “with pleasure.”
The smile that spreads across his face and the fist pump I doubt he realizes he’s just thrown assure me I should feel as good about my answer as I do. At least for tonight…is that all I want? All he wants? I refuse to overanalyze right now; this is new, overwhelming, and exhilarating…I’m just gonna ride this wave without worrying; there’s a first time for everything.
I’m not sure which of us sets the pace for the walk back, but neither speeds it up. Once back, still hand in hand, I immediately notice that Kaitlyn is slow dancing with Matt, so she’s definitely way past drunk, or maybe he used a better line on her. Whatever. As long as I can see his hands, I’ll let her enjoy herself. Evan nudges me, so I look up.
“Dance with me?” Evan asks with an eyebrow raised and sexy plea in his eyes.
It’s “Big Green Tractor” by Jason Aldean in the background; we both love this song. I nod.
Evan sings the song softly in my ear as we dance. He has no idea what a good singer he is, and apparently my body just received the memo tonight as well. All the times we’ve cruised around together, singing at the top of our lungs, or played iPods while we fished…it did not have this effect on me. Why oh why could this not be the longest song ever written???
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT TO EMBRACE (BOOK TWO) UNEDITED AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LANEY
Lunch is even more fun- oh, not here, but somewhere, I’m sure. I sit down with Zach and Sawyer, my stomach so in knots I’m not sure I can eat, so I peacefully concede my whole plate over to Sawyer when he’s eaten at least half of my fries rather than slap away his hand like I usually do.
Zach’s mesmerized by his phone, shocker, so I kick him under the table. “Ow,” he leans down and rubs his leg. “What the hell was that for?”
“I don’t know,” I shrug, “tell me something interesting.”
“Avery says hey,” he says, staring at his phone again.
“Oh my God, if that’s the best you’ve got, I’m screwed.”
Sawyer stops inhaling his, make that my food, just long enough to interrupt. “Avery huh? Kirby get on your nerves too?”
Okay, this is a conversation that may actually keep me entertained.
“Kirby’s cool, she doesn’t get on my nerves, but I’m definitely more into Avery,” he smiles shyly.
Yes! I lost $20 on Sawyer, but just won the same with Zach’s confirmation, so I break even!
“Well no wonder Kirby’s gone if you’re getting into Avery more.”
“Sawyer!” I smack the back of his head. “Say nothing Zach, I mean it.” This convo is going seriously downhill fast but actually gets worse when Sawyer speaks again.
“Sig party tomorrow night man, you in? We’re heading over when I get off, bout eleven.”
“Who’s we?” Zach asks.
“Me and Evan,” Sawyer darts one eye at me, shifting a bit in his seat.
“Nah man, ya’ll go. I’m gonna hang with Avery. What are you gonna do Laney?”
“Um, not go to a party with Sawyer and Evan,” I laugh, half-heartedly. “I’ll be doing whatever Dane has planned I’m sure. And Sawyer?” I stare at him until he reluctantly meets my eyes. “I appreciate you taking Evan under your wing, honestly. Just make sure you and I stay close too, alright?” I give him a pleading smile. I’d really miss Sawyer if we grew apart.
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