New Cover Coming Soon

I have a cover reveal coming up! It’s the new and improved cover for Silent Screams, Book 1 of the Dragon Queen series. I can’t wait for you guys to see her. She is breathtaking!

I decided a year ago to update the content and the appearance of the DQ series. I’m over the moon and gliding through the stars about this revamp, something that’s long overdue. While writing the 6th book in this series, I realized my writing voice had changed. Or more so, evolved. It’s very different from my voice at the beginning of this series. So different that if you compare book 1 to the latest installment, you’d think 2 different authors had a hand in this series. And you would be right! Because I’m not the same author I was five years ago. I had to step up my game, so I did. It’s the same story, but it has better scenes. I’ll also add some scenes I took out for word count purposes. Screw those word counts! Let’s eat until hearts are content. It’ll have all the meat, potatoes, steam, and spice, with a heavy dose of fiyah. So, buckle up and brace yourselves! I’m not holding back this time. 😉

Update to Website!

Hi there!

Long time no post, right? I’ve been super busy as of late, which is a good thing. It means the words are getting written! I’ve revised my writing schedule to make room for weekly postings. Hopefully, I’ll stick with it. I have my fingers crossed.

The IDP team and I have revamped my website to make the buying experience more enjoyable. There is now an “add to cart” option and a smoother checkout process. If you have any suggestions on making it even better, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

While we were updating the website, something extraordinary happened!

I ordered 20 print books of Raven’s Seduction. 10 glossy covers and 10 matte covers. That’s usually what I sell in a 4-month span.

Well, the day we set up the product page, all 20 of those books got sold out! There are 13 in backorder. Squee! This has never happened to me before. Not sure what’s going on in the universe, but I certainly appreciate the support.

I instantly ordered more. So as soon as Raven Seduction is back in stock, I’ll drop another post. In the meantime, it’s available on Amazon for immediate purchase.

My swaggy goodies are coming in, slowly but surely. I’m packing books and gifts as we speak.

It’s going to be an exciting trip to the post office!

Although many things have changed on my website, some things remain the same. You can still download free sample reads. You can also read excerpts on the product pages. Just select “Read More” under the IDP Bookstore option on the bar menu.

Also, if you’re not signed up to my newsletter, now would be a good time to do that. From here on out, anytime a new release is about to drop, a sample read, or more so a sneak peek, will be offered to my subscribers before the title goes live.

Well, that’s it for now.

Until next time, have a fabulous week, my friends!

Happy Book Anniversary Rock Star Lover

“Come with me. Let me rock your body in ways you’ll never forget.”

~ Ripp Collins

Blues singer, Aubrey Anderson finds herself tangled in the reality of her secret desire. Her head tells her to devote her life to the good, steady man, who intends to marry her. But her heart reaches for her childhood friend—British rocker, Ripp Collins.

For the sake of their friendship, Ripp has always respected the distance Aubrey put between them. But once he learns of her engagement, he is no longer willing to bury his feelings for her.

Can he convince her to give into him, despite his bad boy reputation, or will she keep running from the passion they could share?

Happy Book Anniversary Simone

SIMONE IS CELEBRATING HER 2ND YEAR BOOK ANNIVERSARY! COME CELEBRATE WITH HER!

Dale Brocker moves to the Big Apple for a once in a lifetime job opportunity. Getting acclimated to a new city is never easy, but as he’s waiting on his train in the New York Subway, things take an exciting turn. The sultry voice of a woman catches his attention. The fact that her voice is raised in anger may have been part of the reason why. When he turns his head to see what all the fuss is about, his eyes take in a sight that almost floors him.

The woman’s beauty stuns him, and in that instant, she hijacks his heart, including everything below it.

His thoughts become flooded with images of the two of them together. All he can think about it how to get closer to her. But how does a soft-hearted Florida boy capture the heart of a natural born badass?

He’s about to find out.

Reading Samples, Anyone?

Hello, world!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. I know we all need it, considering the week we’ve just had. I have faith things will get better. Looking past the bad news, let’s look forward to some good news.

I have some samples ready for your reading pleasure on yvonnenicolas.com.

Samples for the full Ice Dragon Press catalog should be available before the end of the day.

If you’re new to my style of writing, I must warn you of the adult content. Some samples offer an erotica rating of inferno. As always, reader discretion is advised!

HAPPY READING!

Message to the Readers Dec ’20

We’re almost over the hump, fam. A new year is just a couple weeks away. I hope and pray 2021 is a lot nicer to us than 2020 was because 2020 was a bully. And no one likes bullies.

If you need a break from this twisted reality we find ourselves living in, make sure to grab yourself a copy of Christmas Delights. It’s a sultry tale, rife with raunchy sex. And the best part, Covid is nowhere to be found. Like many of my other stories, a disclaimer is necessary. Christmas Delights is not suited for the faint of heart. However, if you can take the heat, I believe it will be an enjoyable read for you.

Many of you who follow me know that Christmas Delights is a re-release. When I first wrote this story some years ago, I published it through a Canadian publishing house. Like most manuscripts issued to a traditional pub, it was picked apart. I barely recognized my own story towards the end. I omitted 90% of the really juicy scenes per my editor’s request. I didn’t question it at the time because I was also working on the Dragon Queen series, which had my full attention. When Christmas Delights was published, I wasn’t as happy as I should’ve been because I felt like I had cheated the readers.

I delivered a story with stilted character interaction and, worst of all, tamed love scenes. That wasn’t me. I didn’t care for the cover much either. But there wasn’t much I could do about that since the director had the last say on my projects. Despite that, most readers enjoyed it. I found out later, the good stuff was taken out so the story could appeal to a broader audience, which it did. But still…I felt weird about it. What’s the point of being an erotic romance writer if I can’t let my freak flag fly.

I know not everyone can relate to certain verbiage, and sometimes my style of writing can boggle the mind, but it’s a piece of me. And I enjoy sharing that piece with the world. I told myself, if I ever got my story back, I would restore it to its original smuttiness. And that’s exactly what I did. Everything the editor told me to take out was put back in. I even added more heat. Because, why not?

With all that said, I hope you enjoy the story Christmas Delights. If you do, please take a moment to post a review and even spread the word. I appreciate you reading this, and I most certainly appreciate your support.

Happy Reading!

New Release #FREEREAD #TheCrushFiles #Erotica #ASMSG #YNWrites

NEW RELEASE

The Crush Files ~ Hot Tub Desires

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Courtney has had her eye on the gym’s top fitness instructor for months. He’s popular with the ladies, so she’s only been able to watch him from a distance.

What she doesn’t know is, he’s been watching her too.

Who said going to the gym was a waste of time?

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The gym would close soon.

I wanted to stick around and sneak a peek at Chad, like I did on most nights. But he disappeared after his last session ended.

Damn.

For months I’d been watching him, trying to conjure up the nerves to talk to him. To at least say ‘hi’. I couldn’t even give the man eye contact without tucking my tail between my legs and scurrying off like some scared doe.

God, why did you make him so freakin’ sexy!

His dark, slanted eyes, sun-kissed complexion, and not to mention his heart-stopping smile, were something to behold. He was mixed—Caucasian and Asian, maybe. I wasn’t sure, but his features were a combination of something incredibly beautiful.

As expected, Chad was always surrounded by women. They circled him like vultures, strutting around with their perfect bodies shoved in tiny short-shorts and snug sports bras.

Thirsty bitches.

I stepped off of the Elliptical machine and glanced down at my curvy body. Sure, I had a cute face, but the rest of me needed a lot of work. I didn’t stand a chance in hell of being with him, so why the hell was I pining after him? He probably didn’t even know I existed.

A voice came over the intercom. “The gym will be closing in fifteen minutes.”

Plucking the earbuds from my ears, I rushed back to the locker room. It was Friday night, so the place was basically deserted. Since I had fifteen minutes, might as well enjoy a ten minute sock in the hot tub.

I pulled out the bright pink bikini my best friend got me for my birthday. I hate bikinis! They were unforgiving to my little stomach pudge, but it was the only bathing suit I had, so it would have to do.

I bundled my curly fro to the top of my head and pinned it there with a flower clamp. Afterwards, I changed into the bikini, grabbed my towel then padded back to the pool area. As soon as I rounded the wall, I stumbled to a halt. For a second, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It couldn’t be…

Chad!

He was reclined in the hot tub, his head back and eyes closed. The gurgling water kicked up over his exposed flesh, adding a gloss to his gorgeous body.

“Je-sus,” I whimpered.

His head jerked up and eyes flew open. He stared at me with an unreadable expression on his face.

Panic seized my heart, my breathing escalating.

Suddenly, a smile touched his lips. “It’s okay. Come on in.”

Author Yvonne Nicolas © 2016 |  All Rights Reserved

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Available at your favorite ebook retailer!

Kindle: http://a.co/54FO13V

Nook: https://goo.gl/Jrdcsd

ARE: https://goo.gl/3aoFLA

Apple ibooks: https://goo.gl/fVqLsc

Kobo: https://goo.gl/IM7e8R

Goodreads: https://goo.gl/eeCDoj

COVER REVEAL #TheCrushFiles #FreeRead #Erotica #ASMSG #YNWrites

**COVER REVEAL TIME**

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THE CRUSH FILES are a collection of sultry, sex-filled, standalone short stories that I’ll release every few months.

Now, here’s best part…

THEY WILL BE FREE!!!

Yes, you read that correctly.

They will be absolutely, positively FREE! And NOT just for Kindle Unlimited Members. FOR EVERYONE!

It’s my way of saying THANK YOU to the wonderful readers who have not only stuck with me, but supported me along the way.

I love you all!

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Designing Love “Something Blue”

Hello fellow readers and authors!

I thought I’d start this month out with a free read from my bestselling novel, Designing Love. This is the first chapter, “Something Blue”, where the hero of the story is faced with the chore of being the best man at the wedding of his ex-woman and best friend, two people who betrayed his trust.

Enjoy!

“Something Blue”

from Designing Love

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

The groom lifted the ivory veil and gazed at his new wife with pride. Tears of joy trickled down her face. Smiling, he palmed her flushed cheeks and captured her pink, pouting lips with a kiss.

A roar of applause erupted across the terrace. Butterflies were set free and tears filled the eyes of many envious women. Helicopters hovered overhead, harboring anxious paparazzi, who attempted to snap a money-making shot of the star studded event. Too bad a huge tent blocked their view of the lovely ceremony.

“I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Hanks,” the priest announced proudly.

Maintaining a smile, that fought to leave his face, Devon Sparks patted the back of the groom, his best friend, Roland Hanks; the man who’d just married the woman of his dreams, after only three months of dating.

A beautiful love story, if you believed in that kind of shit.

Stacy Ann Larson, Devon’s former live-in girlfriend, fanned her face, trying desperately to dry the tears that proceeded to wreck her make-up. All twelve of her delighted bridesmaids surrounded her. Squeals and cheers of glee erupted from them.

Devon winced. Damn bridesmaids. He could think of a thousand other places he’d rather be than standing there watching the woman he loved beaming with happiness at being married to another man.

But he had to be there. He was, after all, the best man.

“Aw man. I’m the luckiest son-of-bitch in the world.” Roland yanked him into a back-slapping hug.

Returning the manly embrace, Devon recalled him shouting those same words while cuddled up with three sex-drained strippers last night. It wasn’t a surprise to him at all. Devon knew his friend of eighteen years would’ve taken a taste of the women as soon as they sashayed into the hotel room. Two blondes and one brunette, all prepared to give Roland, the super model, a happy send-off into the bonds of matrimony. Thanks to Kevin, his fraternity brother who set up the whole shindig.

“Dev, I want to thank you for coming out to be my best man. I couldn’t have done it without you,” he praised, honest emotions behind his glazed grey eyes.

Yeah, thank me for pulling your ass out of bed with three strange women and getting you into the shower to wash the scent of pussy off you, so you could make it to your wedding on time. Thank me for mixing up the concoction to sober your ass up, so you wouldn’t pass out at the altar, while marring my ex-girlfriend; whom I happen to still love. Yeah, dude, you owe me a big ass thank you.

He glanced over Roland’s shoulder. Stacy Ann was watching them with anxiety in her deep blue-green eyes and her bottom lip tucked between her teeth. Probably worried he’d make a scene. Hell, he couldn’t even put it past himself. The thought of getting pissy ass drunk and confessing his undying love for her in front of the wedding party had actually crossed his mind, but he wasn’t partial to humiliation, so the thought was quickly dismissed.

“Hey man, the two blondes wanted you bad,” Roland whispered. “They were disappointed you didn’t join in.”

“Next time, buddy…” Devon drew back and gripped his friend’s shoulder to move him in position to take his new wife’s arm. “Next time,” he finished on a mumble beneath his breath.

Sure, he could’ve told her she was making the biggest mistake in history by marrying Roland Hanks, but he knew his words would be ineffectual. She’d either hate him for revealing the truth or accuse him of being jealous and resentful. Either way he’d lose.

Devon held his arm out to Kimberly, the maid of honor, so they could take their positions to follow the groom and bride.

Beaming up at him, she took his arm and whispered, “Devon, you should be the one standing next to her as the groom. Yeah, he may be a big time celebrity and all, but he can’t compare to you. You’re the better man, hands down.”

Smiling warmly, he patted her white gloved hand. “No, sweetheart, I’m just the best man.”

Even Kim knew he still loved Stacy Ann.
Any other man in his position wouldn’t be this calm or willing to act as if he wasn’t torn up inside. But what was he to do? Even though Roland had broken the cardinal rule of friendship and went after his woman when he saw things were going bad, he couldn’t hate him for it. Truth was, he loved the guy like a brother and would always love him as such.

Sure, he had his moment of retribution when he beat Roland to a pulp for fucking his woman, but the satisfaction evaporated when he realized Roland was Stacy Ann’s choice. Roland’s lifestyle as a super model reeled her in like fish on a hook. She wanted the kind of life he could give her, to be talked about, seen in magazines, and envied by woman all over, for marrying the supposedly sexiest male model on this side of the equator. To her, it was better than being with a mere architect who was married to his job.

When they were together, Stacy Ann had demanded his attention twenty-four seven. The time he spent creating his buildings was a major source of dissension between them. The first month with her had been magical. He spent every waking hour doing for her, pleasing her, cherishing her. Then the beautiful minx somehow talked him into taking her in, sharing his home with her.

Like a dummy, he complied.

Two years, they argued over his dedication to his work. Twenty-four months, she demanded time he wasn’t ready to give. And it took him a hundred and four weeks to realize he and this woman were on opposite ends of the spectrum.

Nevertheless, he loved her. He still loved her.

Even after their final fight, which cost him the love of his life, Devon passed out false forgiveness. He forgave Roland, of course after he dropped to his knees and begged for it. He forgave Stacy, even after she came to him, a month ago with news of her engagement to his best friend.

Forgiveness.

That same day, she mounted Devon, and cooed words filled with erotic promises, and loved him hard and long, for closure. But she left him with an open gaping wound in his heart.

As they gradually moved along the terrace, Devon felt the eyes studying him intensely. It was almost as if he was getting more attention than the married couple in front of him. Scanning the area, he saw the eager women ogling him. He almost laughed.

Yes, he was the single friend who every woman with an itch wanted a piece of. Even an elderly woman, who stood aside, batted her eyes at him. He could do nothing but flash a tight-lipped smile at her. Now that’s just wrong. She is someone’s grandmother.

Finally, they made it to the reception hall where they took their assigned seats at the newly married couple’s table. The wedding coordinator rushed up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Please tell me you have a speech ready.”

“Don’t need one,” he murmured, watching the guest file into the sizeable room.

“Yes you do,” she whispered harshly.

Bathed in her spearmint coated breath, he turned and looked at her. “Relax Karen, I have it covered.”

She folded her lips in and patted his shoulder. “You better, mister, or it’s me and you after this reception.”

Grinning, he squeezed her hand. “Threat taken.”

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Everyone’s attention shifted to him when he tapped the champagne glass with his fork. Glancing at Stacy Ann and Roland, he slowly stood.

“For those of you who don’t know…”

He heard Stacy taking in small sips of air. This was the time in the ceremony where he was supposed to screw things up.

“Roland and I have been friends for eighteen years.” But he wouldn’t dare screw up their perfect wedding day, even if he hated himself at the moment.

Devon plastered on a phony smile as he went on to spill out false words about the strength of his everlasting brotherhood with the groom to the crowd of onlookers who probably didn’t give a damn. Lightening the mood of the evening, he told jokes, which were funnier to the women than men. Naturally so, since they were all trying to get his attention. Finally, he ended his Oscar-winning performance by lifting his champagne glass.

“To the coolest guy I know – my brother,” He turned his gaze to Stacy Ann, who looked up at him with tear-filled eyes. “For finally finding the love of his life. May you two cherish one another until the end of time.”

End of performance.

Everyone applauded. Roland shot to his feet and pulled him into a bear hug. Over Roland’s shoulder, he stared at the woman who still owned his heart.

“Thank you,” she mouthed giving him a smile which nearly sent him over the edge.

Kim stood to give her I think Stacy Ann is so awesome speech, but Devon was too flustered to stay and listen. Retaining his happy façade, he moved from the table, navigated the outskirts of the hall, to make his way to the back of the building, then slipped into the bathroom.

Kim’s cheerful voice followed him into the handicap stall. His heart raced and stomach hurled. Sickened, he leaned over the commode and brought up the food he’d eaten earlier.

At that moment, he was utterly disgusted with himself. How could he have let this happen? How could he have let Roland talk him into coming to the wedding, and being the best man at that? What the fuck!

He should’ve cast them both out of his life the moment he found out about their love affair. He should’ve burned everything Stacy Ann had left in his house instead of pretending she’d never left. What the fuck was his problem? He’d never let anyone run circles around him. So why was he doing it now?

He pushed out a hard breath and shook his head.

Idiot!

Spitting out the last bit of his pride, he moved over to the sink. He triggered the sensor beneath the faucet, filled his cupped hands with water,
tossed it in his mouth, gargled then spat it out. Sighing, he filled his hands again and doused his face. Reluctantly, he stared at his reflection in the mirror, wishing for the power to transport elsewhere.

Another round of applause blared through the ceiling speakers as Kim concluded her speech. With sadness clouding his blue eyes, he watched the droplets of water drip from his face. He dreaded having to go back out into the pit of shame. If only he could just linger indefinitely in the bathroom.

“Yeah, I get like that too.”

Slowly, he turned his head to see a sexy redhead propped against the open stall with a seductive intention gleaming in her piercing green eyes. A silky burgundy gown clung delicately to her lean curves. Tan freckles dotted her milky white cleavage. She had the type of beauty that belonged in front of a camera. Definitely a model, most likely Roland’s guest.
“When I have to get up in front of a crowd of people…” She smoothed her hands down her gown, displaying more of her slender frame. “My nerves get the better of me and I end up running to the bathroom too.”

Casually, he eyed her up and down before turning back to the sink. He snatched a paper towel from the dispenser and dried his face.

“Have I wondered into the ladies room?” he asked, balling up the paper to toss it into the trash.

“No, you’re in the right place.” Her eyes roamed desirably over him.

Something so recklessly dangerous and erotic sparked within her gaze. He nearly snatched her from where she stood to pin her to the wall. That would be rich; fucking some random chick in the bathroom during his friend’s wedding celebration.

But it wouldn’t happen. Not today. He was too damn distraught to act on such an exotic fantasy.

Offering her a sheepish grin, he moved past her to exit the stall, grazing his fingertips across her belly in the process. She quivered against his soft touch.

He leaned in until his lips were almost touching her ear. “For the record, I usually like to pursue my lovers, not the other way around.”

The air from her shaky sigh tickled the side of his face. He inhaled the scent of her sweet perfume, and stepped away, leaving her speechless. Suddenly eager to get out of restroom with the promiscuous nymph, he headed toward the exit.

He’d seen women do some pretty interesting things to get his attention, but following him into the rest room was a little extreme.

Holding the door open for her, he watched her saunter across the tile like she was on a cat walk. “You act like you haven’t already pictured yourself between my thighs.”

Touché.

At her bold words his cock stirred to life as she brushed past him. He smiled, raked his hands through his hair and watched her behind sway provocatively. Although her approach was a bit off putting, her raw sensuality gradually drew him out of his doleful mood.

He looked out onto the dance floor to see the celebration was well on its way. Baby got back from Sir Mix A Lot blared from the speakers while several people, without back, gyrated and jerked on the platform in the center of the room. Chuckling beneath his breath, he shifted his eyes back to the redhead to catch her watching him.

Amused, he moved to her side. “I can’t figure out for the life of me why people with no ass feel the need to dance to this song.”

With laughter dancing in her eyes, she snickered. “My sentiments exactly, that’s why I’m not out on the dance floor.” She looked out to the crowd and sidled closer to him. “So what’s it going to be, handsome? Are you going to take me back to your place, or are you going to continue to act like you don’t want a piece of me?”

A half smile curved his lips. Should I?

Devon looked across the packed hall at the head table. Stacy Ann watched him intently. To her right, Roland slapped high fives and joked with his groomsmen. The champagne was already taking affect on his wild friend. After a swift perusal of the scene, he locked eyes with Stacy Ann.

“Don’t let the looks fool you darling,” he said to the redhead without wavering from Stacy Ann’s gaze. “I’m damaged goods.”

“Aren’t we all? Just in case you haven’t figured it out yet, I want your body, not your heart.”

Smiling more to himself than at the gorgeous bride staring at him from across the room, he slid his gaze to the eager beauty to his side. Why shouldn’t he have a piece of her? Hell, it was a lot better than sitting around lapping at his wounded heart. From his peripheral, he saw Stacy Ann stand and leave the table.

“What’s your name?” He gently cupped her elbow.

“Carmen,” she breathed out as if his touch had her at a loss for breath.

He ushered her toward the exit. “Nice to meet you, Carmen.”

“Devon!”
He turned his head toward the strident call of his name. There stood Stacy in her lovely wedding gown, her hands planted on her hips. “Are you trying to sneak out, Devon?” she asked, darting her eyes at Carmen.

“No, I wasn’t sneaking anywhere. I was simply leaving.”

“You can’t leave.”

“Watch me.”

“Wait, Devon. That’s not right. You’re the best man. Roland would be upset if you just left.”

“Really? Well let’s put it to the test, shall we?” He looked toward the head table, got Roland’s attention, nodded to him then nodded toward Carmen. With a dumb ass grin crossing his face, Roland nodded back, signaling his approval with two thumbs up. “See, no problem there.”

“But – but Devon, you owe me a dance.”

And there it was. The sweet tone she used to get whatever she wanted from him; the soft needy appeal that always turned him to putty.

“It’s my wedding day. Can’t you spare one little dance for me?” she coaxed, pouting her mouth.

Wiping his hand down his face, he reluctantly shook his head. “Stacy Ann, I really don’t want—.”

“I have a business proposition for you, one which requires your expertise in architecture.”

He perked up. Now she was talking his language. “One dance,” he grumbled sternly, taking her arm to lead her to the dance area.

He glanced back at Carmen and she mouthed, “I’ll be right here.”

Twirling Stacy Ann out on the floor, he swayed her to the song, Quando Quando Quando.

Guests moved about on the dance floor, too focused on their own steps to pay them any attention, which suited him because he wasn’t in the mood to be in the spot light. He glanced to his left to see Roland clumsily twirling Kim about while she tittered like a school girl. The sight briefly brought a smile to his face.

Giggling, Stacy Ann beamed up at him. “You were always a fabulous dancer.”

“Cut the shit, Stacy Ann. What’s the proposition?”

She narrowed her eyes and pushed air swiftly through her teeth. “You were really going to leave with her, weren’t you?”

“I am going to leave with her. And what does it matter to you anyway?”

“She’s my cousin, Devon.”

Glancing at the patiently waiting redhead, who kept her eyes glued on him, he smiled. He’d only met Stacy Ann’s mother and father, no uncles, aunts, and definitely no cousins, but the fact Carmen was family to her didn’t shake his resolve in the least.

“And this means what to me, exactly?”

He almost chuckled when she huffed in irritation. “She’s only trying to get with you, because she knows you and I used to be an item. She’s always been jealous of me and always wanted everything I had. She’s just using you to get under my skin.”

“Again, I should care about this because?” Smoothly, he dipped her for the cameras.

“You don’t have to be so bitter, Devon. You and I are still friends and I still love you,” she disclosed softly, so only his ears caught her words. “I know this is a lot to ask of you, but it’s a matter of respect. Please don’t sleep with my cousin.”

“Respect!” he shot back a lot louder than he intended. He stepped away from her. A few heads spun in their direction, but he was too damn appalled to keep up the façade of civility.

Hesitantly, she reached out, pulled him close and smiled for the onlookers. “Don’t make a scene,” she hissed through clenched teeth. “I’m not trying to rile you up. I’m just asking for a favor.”

Grounding his teeth in frustration, he took her hand and gracefully spun her out then back into his arms again. “Alright, I won’t sleep with her, but I will sleep with the devilishly sexy brunette staring at me from across the room. Oh, and look at that, she winked.”

“No, don’t.” Stacy Ann whined, without turning to see who he was referring to.

“Why, is she your cousin too?”

“Look, this is a terrible position for me and it’s just going to take me a while to get used to the idea of you being with someone else. Like I said, I still love you, but at the same time, I love Roland too.”

Devon turned to pull away from her, but she held on tight to his jacket.

“Part of me still belongs to you, Devon. You know that. So, please, just give me time.”

He briefly closed his eyes, placed a hand on the center of her back and grazed his fingers across the pearl buttons which held the lovely gown together. As not to give away his desire for her, he moved her around the dance floor, fighting to keep a respectful distance between them.

“Okay. Tell me about this proposition.”

Smiling wider, she petted his chest. “Thank you, Devon. I want you to design a house, two levels. There are no budget constraints, really. I want this house to be suitable for Roland and me to start a family. Our dream house.”

The record scratched in his mind, ceasing the crooning voice of Micheal Buble.

Did she just ask him to design a house for her and Roland? One of which they’d build a family in?

Unpleasantly surprised, he stared at her not moving, not even breathing for a moment. This was coming from the same woman who confessed she never wanted to have children. Now all of a sudden she wanted to create a family, with another man?

Of all the things she could’ve done to rip his heart out, this was at the top of the list, but believe it or not, he couldn’t turn her down. He’d never turn down an offer to do what he loved, even if it was offered by two people, who seemed like they wanted to destroy him.

“Excuse me,” he choked out, backing away from her.

After bowing politely, he turned and moved swiftly off the dance floor. He darted to the back of the hall, grabbed Carmen’s hand and pushed through the double doors without looking back.

Fuck the promise! He needed someone to distract him from fucking hanging himself.

His inner voice told him not to do it, but he’d already set in his mind that he would. He would design their dream house. He’d design one so spectacular they’d never want to leave it, once built. But to do so, he’d need several bottles of scotch and many nights of mind numbing sex with a beautiful stranger.

Copyright © Yvonne Nicolas 2010 

Wanna know what happens next? 😀