After a long, boring meeting Cherie just wants to let her hair down  and have a little Friday Night fun. A strip tease for the hunky, sweet- talking carpenter next door might be just what the doctor ordered.  But will she go too far? And exactly how much teasing can one man stand before he has to do something about it?

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When a restless ghost licks at your blood, it’s a whole new kind of burn.

Iron Maiden can fly through the air and bend steel in her bare hands. But finding a man to satisfy her may be the one feat she cannot manage. Not only does life as a super heroine keep her too busy to date much, but mere mortals find such strength intimidating and none of her fellow crime fighters is up to the challenge.

She’s beginning to think she’s doomed to a life of celibacy–until she meets the enigmatic Black Knight and discovers that the sky’s the limit!

To read an excerpt, see the lovely cover art, and purchase this story, go to www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/flyinghigh.htm

Skylar wasn’t star struck which made her perfect for interviewing celebrities from an abstract perspective. She would be a thorn in his side for weeks. So why was his cock always hard at the image of her? Blaze had a plan, Quid Pro Quo. For every deep tantalizing detail of information she wanted from him, he wanted a personal detail of her life from her. Neither was prepared for the sexual hunger and deep emotions they’d trigger beyond lust.

To read an excerpt, see the amazing cover art and purchase this novel,                                                     go to www.cobblestone-press.com.

For more information on this novel go to www.lillithpayne714.com.

Please remember my site is for adults l8 and over only please.

Here’s a blurb:

Rachael Thomas’ career is jeopardized when a bachelor drops out of the professional bachelors’ spread. Frantic to find a replacement, she turns to neighbor, James Carrington.

James wants more than just being Rachael’s ‘good friend’ and seizes the opportunity…with one condition–she must spend the night with him!

Excerpt:

Could the afternoon get any more frustrating?

James Carrington threw back the last of his beer in one quick swallow, grateful the work day had ended. One of his top clients had threatened to take her business elsewhere because he had advised her against changing her stock options yet again. Never mind it was the third time she had changed them this month. And if that didn’t beat all, he’d had a flat tire and had to catch a cab.

“Ready for another?”

James looked up from his empty beer and nodded at the bartender. She handed him another brew and smiled, but with his mind preoccupied he didn’t return the friendly gesture. Despite her beauty, his thoughts stayed on Rachael.

“You waiting on someone?” she asked.

“Yeah.” Waiting on Charles’ late ass. Again. Would that brother ever show up on time? “Thanks.”

James sucked down a third of the new draft, wishing it was Rachael’s pussy he sucked on instead.

He checked his watch and sighed. Charles was a half-hour late, probably knee-deep in pussy.

Charles was a ladies’ man and would know what he should do about Rachael. His advice would probably be to hit it and keep on moving, but it wasn’t that easy for James.

Rachael had tapped into the innermost part of his soul, and he was sure that if she let down her guard, he could tap into hers. But he knew this wasn’t going to be an easy task.

“Hey, pick your lip off the floor before I step on it.”

James smiled. “Hey, thanks for showing up.” He stood and pounded his fist to Charles’.

“No problem. You sounded like you’re in a real funk. So, what’s up?” he asked claiming the stool next to his.

Charles turned to the bartender. “I’ll take a beer and another for my buddy here.”

He looked at James. “I want you to know I gave up a date with Lisa. Wait, maybe it was Linda, Louise—something like that.” Charles smiled at a woman across the bar.

“You’re a player, and one day, if you aren’t careful, you’re going to meet your match.”

“Maybe so, but until then there’s thirty-one flavors, and I intend to try all of them. Besides, I’m just having a little fun, that’s all. Now, what’s wrong?” Charles gave the woman a wink before turning back to James.

“Man, this thing with Rachael is driving me insane. I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. Every time I try to tell her my feelings, I choke. I just…”

“Hey, slow down, man.” Charles laughed and shook his head. “See, that’s what I’m talking about. Man, baby girl got you twisted. And you ain’t even sniffed the pussy. And you mean you never said anything to her?”

“Well, not exactly. I never really tried. I don’t want things to be strained between us if it doesn’t work out. Besides, you’ve seen the men she dates. Model types, you know.” He took a long swig of beer.

“Hey, J, you know what you need?” By the wicked gleam in Charles’ eyes, James knew it was another one of his lunatic schemes.

“Oh, no. Last time you gave me that look, we ended up on a road trip to Vegas. And I lost twelve hundred dollars. Remember?” Despite the less than perfect memory of the trip, James allowed a half smile. “You almost got us tossed in jail because you were drunk and started kicking the slot machine.” He shook his head. “No, thanks.”

“Man, that machine took my money. And I wasn’t drunk, I was buzzed.”

“Buzzed, drunk, whatever you wanna call it. You threw up in my car.” James shook his head, chuckling at his friend’s irritation. He took another sip of his beer. “But go ahead, even though I know I’m not going to like it. Right now, I’m desperate. What’s your brilliant idea?”

“When you going to let that shit die, man? That was a few years ago.” Charles took a drink of his beer. “Now about your Rachael problem. First off, she isn’t a mind reader. You got to step to her if you want her. Y‘all from two totally different worlds.”

Turning in his seat, he looked James in his eyes. “She’s ‘hood; you’re suburbs. That’s not the only difference. You come from money; she’s had to struggle to get where she is. You have to let her know even though you come from two totally different backgrounds that on some level you get her.” He paused. “Your problem is you’re trying to get at her without really knowing where she’s comin’ from. How much do you really know about her? And I’m not just talkin’ the basics. That’s the easy stuff. Number one rule, man, especially with a woman like Rachael—you gotta make love to her mind first before she’ll give up the panties. Turn her on mentally, and the panties will come off.”

James rolled his eyes. “I don’t think where we’re from has anything to do with this.”

“Whateva, man. I’m just telling you from experience. The last thing an around-the-way girl way wants is a suit. She wants a dude who’ll be down for whatever and got his shit together.” Charles downed the last of his beer. “My advice—lose the suit after business hours, just chill the hell out. Let her know James the man, not James the suit.”

“I refuse to go around with my pants hanging halfway down my ass. And I’m sure Rachael can appreciate a businessman as well as a thug.” He looked into his drink as if it would magically give him the answer to his problem.

“All I’m saying is relax. She needs to see you can have a good time and can lay it down on her. All it takes is one time to show her what’s up.” Charles finished then turned his attention back to his beer.

One time. One night. Maybe.

“Just out of curiosity, why haven’t you ever hooked up with her? I mean, you hang out all the time. Surely the subject has come up.” Charles gave James a sideways glance.

“We’re friends, so no, the topic never came up. She made it very clear she cares about getting ahead not settling down. She’s very driven. Her focus was and is on her career.”

“Friends. Say no more. You are in the dreaded friends’ zone.”

Charles broke into an off-pitch version of the Twilight Zone theme song and everyone in the joint turned toward them. James groaned and put his head on the bar.

“Cheer up, man.” Charles slapped James’ back so hard, his head shot up. “We’ll think of something. So no worries.” His buddy nodded to the bartender for another round.

James wondered if Rachael would treat him differently if she knew he had romantic feelings for her. He was determined to make her see him as more than a friend. He just didn’t know how. “No worries. Yeah, right,” he mumbled. “I’m going home.” Without another word, he dropped money on the bar and walked out.

* * * * *

James rode in the back of the cab in a daze. His thoughts remained on Rachael and how to get her to notice him as more than just the good guy next door. In the back of the cab, James was dazed, his thoughts on Rachael and how to get her to notice him for more than just the guy next door.

The cab pulled in front of his building. His eyes followed the row of apartments upward, seeking out Rachael’s apartment. A silhouette captured his attention. The fine lines of every peak and valley called to him. His hands itched to grip the hourglass shape of her waist as he entered her. His cock strained against his zipper. Releasing an expletive, he let his head fall back on the headrest.

Rachael seemed like an unobtainable goal. But, never one to give up on what he wanted, James racked his brain to formulate a plan.

He needed to show her the type of man he was, that he could be more than a friend and would treat her the way she wanted—no, needed—to be treated.

“Are you getting out or what, pal?” The cab driver shot him a dirty look.

“Sorry, man.” He tossed him a tip before climbing out.

Rachael had left her scarf in his truck the other night. That was as good excuse as any to stop by to see her. He ducked into his condo to get it before heading for Rachael’s. James paused in front of her door, shoulders squared and knocked.

 
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Cobblestone Press
Cover by Croco Designs

Today is the release date for Jude Liebermann’s first erotic romance with Cobblestone Press, Painful Reflections. It is a suspense novella.

Meg Garrett loses her husband, Kyle, on their honeymoon but returns every year to the place she last saw him. There she meets Todd, a man who sets her blood on fire, but how can she move on when she can still feel her husband? She then finds out Kyle is alive, and that Todd isn’t who she thought he was. Where has her husband been for the past four years, and why doesn’t he remember her? Meg must trust a man who has betrayed her to find out the truth behind the deception.

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EXCERPT

Meg had gone into the water on her own while her husband, Kyle, napped on the shore. They had been on the first day of their honeymoon and found the isolated section of the Mexican beach to make love on the sand. She wanted to rinse off and marveled at the coolness of the water. Being too courageous and a bit stupid, she swam out too far and got caught in a riptide.

As it pulled her further out, she’d yelled to Kyle for help. Of course, he awoke and came to her aid, but she couldn’t see where he swam due to the harsh waves. They never ceased slapping against her, and she swallowed a lot of water. Finally, Meg remembered being told to swim parallel to the shore if ever caught in a riptide, so she did that. She didn’t know how long it took to get back to shore, but when she ran back to their towels, she couldn’t see Kyle anywhere. She screamed his name until she was hoarse before running back toward their bungalow.

The search party looked for hours, but they never found her husband. Kyle’s family and closest friends wanted closure, so they held a private memorial. A funeral couldn’t be performed until he had been missing for seven years, so she came back to their spot every year to be closer to him. Meg knew she needed to accept her husband was dead, but she didn’t know how to move forward. There had been no closure for her…no resolution. She had lost not only her husband but her best friend, and felt adrift in her life.

Three years later she met a charming stranger on a beach who told her that she was being morbid. He had been a huge flirt and made her smile. They had a lot of fun and discussed many things about her life and love.

A year had passed since they met, and he was still as charming as that first day, though she had forgotten how gorgeous. Meg gave Todd a weak smile, remembering how he made her feel then, even though she fought feeling anything at all. “One day,” she replied wistfully. “We were married for one day.”

He choked on his own beer and sputtered. She stared at him with concern, half tempted to pound him on the back.

“You lost him on your honeymoon?” he finally asked.

She frowned and then realized she must have left that part out as she told him what had happened. She could have left a number of things out…like they had been making love just before. Meg smiled at the last pleasant memory she had of Kyle and nodded. “Yes.”

“How long had you dated?” he pressed.

“Just over a year. We clicked, you know? He was my soul mate.”

Todd’s eyebrows rose at that statement, and Meg could read his doubtful expression. “Don’t you believe there’s the perfect woman out there for you?”

He shrugged as he looked into her eyes. “She doesn’t have to be perfect.”

Her eyes misted as she saw the raw emotion in his gaze. “Well, Kyle was.”

“Are you sure?” Todd asked softly. “Or can it be just the memory of him that was perfect?”

Shocked speechless at first, Meg could only stare at him. Who was he to talk of Kyle? She glared at him and sputtered. “You didn’t know him, Todd. You would have liked him though. Everyone liked Kyle.” If his charm didn’t do it, the money always did. Friends were never in short supply, especially since Kyle’s generosity extended to everyone. He had been rich his entire life, but it hadn’t spoiled him. Meg truly felt he was the best person she would ever know.

At her silence Todd continued, “He’s been gone longer than you were with him, Meg. Isn’t it time you said your final goodbye and moved on?”

Tears trickled down her cheeks, and remorse crossed his tanned features. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…” His voice trailed off as she continued to shake her head.

“You have no right. You didn’t know what a wonderful person he was. The world is a sadder place without him. Everyone is sadder without him…so am I.” She wiped a hand below her eyes and pushed away from the bar. “I wish you hadn’t come back here.” Meg blurted the lie as she ran down the path toward her bungalow.

Todd caught up with her just before she reached the door. He grasped her arm just above the elbow and turned her toward him. She lost her footing and landed against his chest. The next thing she knew, his hot mouth pressed down against hers. Meg sucked in her breath and knew she should immediately push him away, but the shock mixed with the unexpected pleasure stilled her hands. Todd took advantage of her surprise and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss, moving his tongue to caress the insides of her mouth. She had never been kissed in such a way before, had never actually liked the way Kyle kissed and was totally blown away by the unexpected sensations erupting throughout her body.

As Kyle’s loving face surfaced in her mind, she choked back a sob and broke free of Todd’s inviting mouth. She pushed her hands between them and scowled. “No, don’t.”

He frowned but pulled back. “Don’t tell me that you didn’t feel anything, ‘cause I know you did.”
Not able to meet his gaze, she stared at his bronze chest, trying to regain her breath. “Maybe that’s why I stopped you. I can’t help but feel Kyle watches everything I do, and this feels like a betrayal.”

“He’s dead, Meg. I can’t believe that he would want you to be alone. You shouldn’t be alone.” His breathing was a bit unsteady.

She finally met his passion-filled gaze and could so easily have taken that step forward to be back in his arms. Her entire body quivered at the thought of what his mouth could do to the rest of her, but she held back. “Kyle was the only man I’ve ever loved…the only one I’ve been with. I just can’t do this!” She turned to grasp the doorknob, but Todd’s voice made her pause.

“I won’t give up on you, Meg…especially now that I’ve tasted you.”

Her eyes closed with a moan at his last words. She licked her lips and almost nodded. Instead she straightened her spine and spoke to him without looking at him. “It might be best to just stay away, Todd.”

“Kyle never kissed you like that, did he?”

She gasped but didn’t turn around, instead pushing open the door and stepping through it. Todd didn’t stop her as she closed it without a backward glance. Meg leaned her back against the door, tempted to bang her head against it as well. Her heart raced as she wondered what she should do. No other man had ever kissed her the way Todd had. She felt warm all over, especially between her legs. She’d never in her life been tempted by a one-night stand, but she could see herself f*cking Todd…and enjoying it. Admitting that made her wonder if she should avoid him the rest of the week in Mexico. But did she truly want to?

The Duke of Trahorn consented to marrying the widowed Lady Elgar as a last resort. Because of his physical limitations, he now prefers companionship to sexual need. Meeting Serena stirs emotions and tangible reactions long dead. Can he trust her realization of a plot to see their demise?

My thanks to everyone who helped with the publication of this novel. The cover is amazing.

To view the cover, read and excerpt and order this novel go to www.cobblestone-press.com.

For more information about this novel and other Lillith Payne Cobblestone releases go to www.lillithpayne714.com. Please remember my site is for those l8 and over only.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Lillith

I am currently working on another book that I will be submitting to Cobblestone Press once it’s finished. It has the working title of Drew’s Return. It’s a continuing story from my self published trilogy, A Modern Myth. I just completed the first draft and am working on edits.  Here is a sample (please ignore any typos in this first draft — has also been edited to remove the explicit sexual content for all readers).

EXCERPT

“I need to get cleaned up. Didn’t expect you to take me to my own party.” A nervous giggle slipped out, and she cringed.

“No problem,” he said with a grin, his expression unreadable.

Sara nodded, sidestepping the kitchen and then backing out of the living room. “Make yourself comfortable,” she suggested, pointing at the couch. Closing the door to her bedroom but leaving it unlocked, she placed her forehead to the cool wood and took a deep breath. She had been stalked in the other room and wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Something told Sara that she wouldn’t mind being that man’s prey. Smiling at such a thought, she pushed away from the door and began to strip off her clothes.

Sara felt a bit wicked getting naked with a man in the other room, especially a man like Leo, a man she barely knew. She caught her reflection in the closet mirror and smiled at the flush in her cheeks. Her gazed traveled down her nakedness, wondering if Leo would appreciate her flawless dark skin. She shook her head at her own foolishness, heading for the bathroom. Turning on the shower and testing the water, she stepped under the hot spray.

Sara enjoyed the water coursing through her hair and down her body. After washing her hair and soaping up her body, she fantasized that her hands were Leo’s. His hands followed hers from her breasts, down her stomach and between her legs. Throwing her head back with a sigh, she held her breath as the shower door slid open.

Sara did not turn around, merely held her breath and waited for him to touch her. Was this still her fantasy? Leo’s hands slid over her shoulders and then the sides of her neck. She closed her eyes with a soft moan, dropping her head forward.

“You shouldn’t be in here,” she whispered.

“You want me to leave?” He moved her hair aside and kissed the nape of her neck, letting his tongue linger. She quivered unable to speak. Leo’s fingers slid around her to gently grasp her breasts. “Is this OK?”

Sara clenched her eyes shut, curious how far he would go if she didn’t move. She knew it was wrong to let him continue, but she couldn’t stop him. She felt his touch all through her body to the tips of her toes. Leo’s hands stopped moving, and she held her breath. “Sara?”

She stepped closer to him, feeling him hardening against her lower back. Sara couldn’t believe she had let it progress this far and moaned. “I don’t do stuff like this.”

He gently turned her toward him and lifted her chin, cupping her face in the palms of his large hands. “I know you don’t.” Leo kissed each of her closed eyes, before gently kissing her mouth, first her upper lip and then lower. “Look at me.”

Her eyes fluttered open to see his naked bronze chest. She again marveled over his skin tone, which was only a shade lighter than her own. She absently wondered if he spent that much time sunbathing in the nude or if it was genetic. Sara didn’t have to spend any time in the sun to achieve her dark skin. She had her parents to thank for that. A touch of sadness washed through her, but she forced it back. “You don’t know anything about me.”

Leo chuckled softly, kissing her forehead. “I know everything about you.”

Her gaze flew up to meet his, a frown deepening the creases in her forehead. “What do you think you know?”

She felt his hands move down her arms, hands and then fingers.  “I know that no other man has touched you like this.” He pulled her against him. The intimate contact made her shudder, her desire for him growing violently stronger. Her hands gripped his arms, her fingernails digging into his muscles. Leo flinched but didn’t release his firm hold, instead grinding against her.

Available June 5, 2009

Stormy Weather Book 4

Cobblestone Press

Torn apart…

The Deverauxs and Vassars have been fighting for hundreds of years, but somehow Andre and Juliette fell in love. More than that, they’re mates. Destined to be together for eternity until betrayal tore them apart.

Together again…

When business sends Andre Deveraux to Savannah he comes face to face with Juliette for the first time in sixty five years. Their crash course renews old memories and desires. With Juliette stranded and the hurricane of the century roaring to shore, Andre has no choice by to offer her a lift.

He’s in for the ride of his life.

BUY IT!

EXCERPT

Chapter One

“It looks like this is going to be a doozy of a storm, folks. Hurricane Love is skirting Florida’s east coast right now, roaring north at fifteen miles per hour. The storm will likely make landfall between Jacksonville, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina. Cities along the coast are now under a full voluntary evacuation. Paul, how are things looking in the Weather Center?”

André Deveraux glanced up from the book in his lap and studied the gray haired man on the television screen. Behind him a large map of the Southeast showed the first of bands of rain moving across Savannah. The wide mass of swirling clouds looked imposing, even to André.

He’d gotten to the airport hours in advance of his flight with hopes of catching an earlier one, but the airport was clogged with travelers and the plane/passenger ratio was not good. The Bobs, Deveraux Shipping’s lawyers, had been smart to catch a flight late last night. André had wanted another night to himself, to think over his future. Not that the extra time had helped.

“Hurricane Love is picking up speed, Don. And the barometer continues to drop. South Florida is already experiencing heavy rain from this storm. Fort Lauderdale has picked up two and a half inches in the last six hours. If you’re in the path of this storm, I strongly urge you to get out of the way.” The man made a sweeping motion with his hand, away from the coast.

Easier said than done, buddy.

A sharp ring and the accompanying vibration alerted him to a call. He dug his cell phone out of his pants pocket and glanced at the number. Angelica. A sharp ache squeezed his heart and headed south.

He pressed the answer button and held it to his ear. “Hi, Angel.”

“Hiya, handsome. We were wondering if you were able to catch an earlier flight.”

He glanced at his luggage, still sitting in the same spot at his feet where he’d dropped it three hours ago.

“No. There weren’t any earlier flights.”

A long pause clued him in to Angelica’s worry. Ever since that week in the cabin when he and Jules had brought her in out of the storm he’d had a connection with her. Past what was normal for a brother and sister-in-law. But she’d made her choice. It was Jules who’d stolen her heart. And André had stepped out of the picture.

“I’ll be fine, Angel. Don’t worry about me.”

“I can’t help but worry about you. You won’t let anyone take care of you.”

“That’s because I don’t need taking care of,” he clipped. That wasn’t entirely true, and he knew it. He saw what Angelica had with Jules and Sebastian with Amanda and it made him crave that closeness for himself. He was no longer used to the yearning that plagued him. He didn’t like it. Didn’t like wanting anything as much as he wanted a woman of his own. Someone to hold close, someone who would dote on him, be excited to see him, someone to share his life, his wealth with. But that woman was not Angel. “I didn’t mean to be short with you.”

“I know,” she said quietly. She probably did. Angelica Humphrey was an amazing woman, easy-going, expressive, giving. Perfect in so many ways. And she fit seamlessly into Pack life.

“Any progress on the house?” he asked, hoping that questions about something other than him would ease some of the growing tension. When their home had burnt to the ground last month, Sebastian, his older brother and the Alpha of their pack, had declared that they would rebuild. Construction had already begun.

“Sebastian’s looking for a supplier of old flooring. There was a reporter snooping around the other day but Gin and Burke ran him off. They’ve almost got the roof on.”

She continued talking, telling him about the plans that Amanda and Sebastian, the pack’s Alphas, were making. Only half listening, he heard something about overstuffed furniture, rocking chairs and a nursery.

He watched the TV screen and the storm that was heading to shore. Just then a voice came over the loudspeaker announcing that all flights had been canceled due to weather.

“Angel…” he interrupted. She fell silent. “They just canceled my flight. I have to go. Talk to you soon.”

“Okay. Love ya. Be careful.”

“You too.”

He ended the call and stared at the phone for several seconds. That ache was still there nestled in his heart. He’d dwelled on their relationship far longer than he should have. The pact with Jules didn’t extend to mates. And even if it did, he just didn’t love Angel with an all-consuming passion. He’d only felt that with one woman. The one woman he could never have.

Gathering his luggage, he headed back to the rental car counter where he’d dropped off the keys to the SUV a few hours ago. Somehow, he had to get out of here. His business was rapped up. The sale was going to go through. Sebastian would be pleased. Negotiating the throng of people, he wondered what they would do once they were no longer the owners of Deveraux Shipping.

For the last decade they’d thrown themselves into their business and for a time it had made their bachelorhood tolerable. But lately there had been a gnawing at André’s gut reminding him that there was more to life than making money.

Maybe he’d travel. He’d never been to Canada or Antarctica. Maybe a world cruise was in order. He’d definitely have to consider that once he got back to Louisiana.

As he stepped up to the car rental counter, he caught a whiff of perfume mixed with warm, alluring woman. But it was distinctively werewolf too. The delicious scent teased his memory, tormenting him.

Man, he had it worse than he thought. White hot lust coursed through his veins and his cock twitched to life. Just being in the same part of the country and he was thinking he could smell her—

“What do you mean you have no other cars? As in none?” A feminine voice floated down the expanse to him. There was a trace of accent, French, and a barely controlled panic.

His head swiveled left toward the sound, and he caught sight of the woman in all her furious glory. A mane of long mahogany waves cascaded over her shoulders. The silky strands made his fingers itch to sweep them from her face. His gaze swooped lower, taking in the sophisticated charcoal gray dress that hugged her tall curvy frame like denim fresh from the dryer. Her legs, pale and bare of pantyhose, went on for miles. She wore ultra-sexy, black leather heels. And her toes, dear God, the perfectly painted red polish did crazy things to his mind.

At the same moment, his body tensed and his heart dropped. He knew the woman without having to look at her face. She’d have wide blue eyes, a perfect nose—minus the old break—and ruby red lips. She was pretty without being overly beautiful. Her special blend of quiet assurance and subtle seduction could have a man eating out of the palm of her hand with a single lick of her lips.

André knew that, knew her, all too well. Juliette Vassar was the one woman in all of Savannah, non…the world, that he’d hoped to avoid on this trip. He’d sworn to himself that he would not search her out and yet here she was. Were the stars in alignment? Were the Fates playing tricks on him?

She flicked her hair over her shoulder, showing off the creamy column of her neck. He swallowed a groan and slowly traced the profile he knew so well.

“Fuck me,” he muttered.

“Was that an invitation?” André jerked his gaze to the short blonde behind the counter. She gave him a willing smile.

He raised an eyebrow and then sat his briefcase at his feet. “I’m going to need the SUV again.” He tried not to notice the disappointment in her eyes.

How the hell was he going to get out of here without Juliette seeing him? Like him, she had a killer sense of smell, and he was willing to bet his life that she still felt the bond between them just like he did.

It would pull them together like magnets if he let it. All those years ago, they hadn’t just been in love. He hadn’t just worshiped the ground she walked on, adored and desired her. Non. He’d mated with her. For life.

Overhead a voice blared through a speaker. “The weather service has issued a voluntary hurricane evacuation—”

“Great,” André muttered as the crowd around him surged into chaos.

“If you’ll sign here, Mr. Deveraux.” He took the pen she offered and scrawled his signature on the line.

“What about you? Do you have any cars left?” Juliette’s voice was closer this time. André grabbed the keys to his rental and turned to gather his things. His gut tightened into little knots. Just turn around and walk away.

But he couldn’t. Sighing, he turned back to see her blue eyes glimmering with hope and a hint of desperation.

“No, ma’am. I’m afraid not,” the attendant said in a thick southern accent. André didn’t like the way the man behind the counter ogled Juliette. Didn’t like it one little bit. But he pushed the feeling aside and picked up his briefcase.

One by one the counters closed.

“I can take you wherever you need to go, cheri.” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. Inwardly, he grimaced.

Juliette turned toward the dreamy masculine voice. Deep, gravelly, she’d know it anywhere. That same voice had starred in all of her fantasies from the time she’d understood the attraction between men and women. Seductive words whispered in her ears as a young woman had caused her to lose her heart to its owner centuries before.

But that was a long time ago. She pulled her shoulders back and sucked in her stomach. Then she turned slowly, telling herself she would not cave in to him again. She would not forget what he’d done to her brother. She would not forgive him.

So she said the only thing guaranteed to put emotional space between them. “Aren’t you on the wrong side of the river, swamp rat?”

He didn’t so much as flinch at her words. What the hell was he doing here? And why did she feel the overwhelming urge to step into his arms and hug him?

Ah hell. This wasn’t what she’d expected when she came back from France. For starters, she’d expected to be able to rent a car. She shot the dweeb behind the counter a barely contained look of disdain. Not that it was his fault but she needed to get out of here, get to her family’s estate, and it seemed like all the cars in the city had been rented.

Taking a deep steadying breath, she stepped toward the last rental counter. The one André Deveraux stood in front of…looking hotter than holy sin. The expensive looking suit hugged his body to perfection, showed off those broad shoulders and trim waist. The crisp black fabric only added appeal to his tanned skin and silky black hair. Heaven help her, he looked good enough to eat. The epitome of tall, dark, and dangerously handsome. He made her tail twitch. Always had. She was terrified he always would.

“And you, mademoiselle,” she said to the blonde clerk who eyed André like a piece of chocolate. “Do you have any cars available?” Juliette cocked her head and prayed that the other woman’s answer would be yes.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. Mr. Deveraux reserved our last one.” Juliette didn’t miss the way the little southern tramp’s blue eyes lit up when she said Mr. Deveraux. Not that Juliette could blame her really. She’d fallen into the trap of his dynamite sensuality. That knowledge just pissed her off more.

Her temperature rose another degree and she resisted the urge to fan herself. Had she only been away a year? Surely it hadn’t long enough for her body to lose all acclimation to the climate. How did this place stay so hot and humid without melting right off the face of the planet?

She cut a glance at the big man a few short feet away. So close she’d be able to touch him if she stretched her arm out. The corner of that handsome mouth pulled up a quarter of a centimeter. Her breathing grew shallow. Dieu, he was handsome. Male perfection.

Chill, Julie. Just chill. Don’t let him know how much he affects you.

She adjusted the strap of her purse over her shoulder. “So, why are you here?” Truth be told, he was the last person she’d expected to come face to face with. This was only meant to be a short trip. Just long enough to sell the estate, tie up loose ends, and say goodbye to her past.

Which sounded like she had a plan for the future. If only that were true.

“Business meeting,” those kiss-me lips said.

“Ah.” He was taller than she remembered. She was tall for a woman and her heels gave her another three inches. But he…he towered over her. Broad, hard, muscular in all the right places. The top button of his crisp white shirt hung open revealing a sexy V of tanned skin. She’d kissed that very spot dozens of times.

“About dat ride—” he began but she cut him off with a shake of her head. She couldn’t accept a ride from him, no matter how much her heart begged her to do exactly that. André Deveraux was and would always be off limits. Her family may no longer be alive to keep up the feud, but they’d roll in their graves if they knew she’d gotten back together with the man who’d murdered her brother.

And getting into a car with him would surely be the first step to getting back together because where André was concerned, she had less than zero willpower.

No. Better to not even tempt herself.

Who was she kidding? She was already tempted.

“No thanks. I wouldn’t want to keep you from your meeting.” And she couldn’t take the chance that she’d either coldcock him or kiss him. The best thing to do was walk away.

So she did. Turned on her sexy little Donna Karan stilettos and started down the concourse.

“Uh, the exit is the other way,” André said, his voice lifting over the flurry of passengers.

Juliette stopped. Of all the times to look like a complete imbecile. She bit back a choice word and turned toward him again. But he was already striding down the corridor. She didn’t miss how all the women turned to watch him go by.

Damn the man. And what he did to her insides.

* * * * *

André put the key in the ignition and turned it to the right. The big SUV revved to life. He sat there for a moment looking out at the gray sky and drizzle of rain. Why was she here? Of all the times to run into her, why now? He smacked the steering wheel and closed his eyes.

The image of her long smooth legs filled his mind. He didn’t have to reach far into his memory to remember all the times those gorgeous lean limbs had wrapped around his hips, locked behind his back as they’d thrust together, driving against each other toward the ultimate bliss, a completion he’d never found with anyone else.

“Fuck!”

He jerked the stick into reverse, checked the mirrors and backed out of the space. If he knew what was good for him, he’d leave her and her fine ass on the side of the road and head home.

Where is home exactly? that niggling little voice in the back of his mind asked. He ignored it and shifted to drive.

“Swamp rat,” he snarled and headed for the parking lot exit. If he was a swamp rat, so was she.

André nodded to the gatekeeper and stopped again before pulling onto the road. He turned the radio on and gazed out at the street. Packed with cars, the scene reminded him of Noah and the flood and all the animals lining up to get on the arc. As far as the eye could see, harried looking passengers, eager cab drivers, and anxious rental car drivers were heading for the hills. How long would it take to get home?

Or get a cab, that voice whispered, obviously on Juliette’s side. Right toward safety or left toward her.

Right. Left. Right. Left. Thunder shook the windows and the sky opened up. He took a deep breath.

“Into da frying pan.”

Chapter Two

Still calling himself an idiot, André pulled up to the curb and put the SUV in park. Rain pounded the windshield. The wipers, going full blast, barely shed enough water to make the single line of taxis lined up in front of him visible. Passengers scurried to stow their luggage and duck inside. One by one the cars pulled away.

“Hurricane Love has really picked up speed and strength in the last twelve hours.” The pleasant voice came through the vehicle’s speakers. There was an underlying tension in the announcer’s tone, one that André himself felt. “She’s strengthened from a category two storm to a category four. Much of the east coast is under a hurricane watch and areas from the Florida-Georgia line are currently under full voluntary evacuation. Low-lying areas are already experiencing high water and we’ve recorded almost an inch of rain here in Savannah. We expect officials to call for a mandatory evacuation within the hour if the storm doesn’t change course.”

Yep. It was time to get outta Dodge.

Under a thin overhang stood the woman who’d captured his heart so long ago. Several dark brown bags sat at her feet and she glanced at the sleek watch on her wrist.

He lowered the window and called to her. “Get in.”

She focused on him immediately and shook her head just as quickly. “No, thank you.” Her voice carried over the steady rhythm of rain drops on the roof.

Stubborn woman.

“Come on, Juliette. You’re gonna get soaked.”

Her eyes widened slightly. Most people wouldn’t have even noticed, but the wolf in him picked up the slightest details. Details that often meant dinner or going hungry. Too late he realized his words had a double meaning. A phrase and a meaning he’d used with her in the past. She stayed frozen to the spot.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, he pressed the button to open the cargo door and another to lower the back seats. Then he hopped out and strode over to her, ignoring the water pelting his dress shirt.

“Let’s go.”

“Don’t order me around, wolf,” she said quietly, her words laced with steely determination. That was new. Not that she’d ever cowered before, but in the past she had been softer, more agreeable. Stubborn yes, but she’d also deferred to him as any good bitch would do.

The problem was she’d deferred to her family’s wishes more. That particular memory brought much pain and anger to the surface but he pushed the emotions away and focused on her.

“Just get in the damn car.” He picked up the nearest bag and reached for another. A small fist came out of nowhere and slammed against his jaw. His head cracked back at the impact.

André grabbed her wrist before she could pull it back. In a stealthy move, he dropped the bag and wrapped his other hand around her throat. She was so small, almost frail in his grasp. Her creamy skin stood out in stark contrast to his darker tan. For the first time, he noticed the dark circles under her eyes, eyes wide with shock.

“Bad move, shewolf,” he murmured the instant before he pulled her flush against him. Her soft womanly curves gave against his harder frame, and her delicate floral scent swirled around him. A startled gasp left her lips. He saw the shock warring with longing in her eyes as he dipped his head and claimed the ruby lips that still haunted his dreams.

The passion that had always flared white hot between them raged anew. He’d never met anyone who made him lose his cool like Juliette did. No one had ever ignited his desire, threatened every last thread of control the way she did.

He loved and hated the way she pushed his resolve to the breaking point. When he’d been young and foolish he’d tried to believe that he could hold back. God knew he’d tried. But it was impossible to stay away from Juliette. And once she was this close, when the hot, powerful attraction settled around him like a heavy fog…he was a goner.

She leaned against him now, that same hand that had struck him moments ago steadied her against his chest. Her lips were soft and yielding beneath his; he teased them with his tongue. She tasted of chocolate and wine. Rich, warm, tempting. Oh yes, he could drown in her and die a happy werewolf.

She’d always been like this. Fiery hot one second and sweet and supple the next. She did crazy things to his mind…and his cock.

André loosened his hold on her throat and let his hand slide into the silky strands of her hair to cup the back of her head. She moaned against his lips, and he swallowed the sound. In the back of his mind warning bells were sounding the alarm. Sex had never been the problem for them. Chemistry they had by the bucket.

It was loyalty. Her loyalty had never been to him.

And loyalty was more important than anything to him.

Before he completely lost his mind, he pulled back slowly. Where he found the strength he didn’t know, but somewhere over the years he’d learned to control his baser urges. He was pleased that his cock was no longer the boss. Neither was the beast he kept leashed just beneath the surface. The werewolf and his human side were constantly at war. And though he leaned back just enough to put an inch between them, just enough to remind his were who was in charge, he couldn’t stop himself from staring at her mouth. Nor could he stop his smile when he saw how swollen those satiny smooth lips were.

Who would have thought it? A boring business meeting on the east coast was suddenly looking up. His cock jerked against the thin material of his boxers. Things were definitely looking up.

“Let me go.” But just as quickly as he’d gotten his hopes up, he was reminded of why they weren’t together, why he’d spent years trying to forget this woman, to stop wanting her.

She pushed against his chest and he did as she asked, though he suddenly felt empty. She wasn’t here because of him. It was all a coincidence, bad timing. When would he figure out that he could never have her all to himself? When would he remember that her loyalty was to her family? When would he get it through his thick skull that she was a Vassar and Vassars were not to be trusted?

He stepped back and gave her a long sweeping look. Trust or not, he couldn’t leave her here. Who knew how long it would take her to get a taxi? Quickly, he gathered her bags and shoved them into the cargo area of the SUV.

“Give those back,” Juliette ordered, her fiery side roaring back to life. He heard her foot stomp against the pavement. “André!”

“So you do remember my name. What was it you called me before? Swamp rat, cheri?” He gave her a dark look.

She stepped out from under the cover and the rain made quick work drenching her hair and clothes. She’d never looked more beautiful. Young. Fresh. Her lips were full from his kiss, and her blue eyes flashed with fire. Sexy as pure sin.

Unable to help himself, he mentally removed her clothes, turned the frown that marred her pretty face into an alluring smile meant just for him. Damn. He was up shit creek without a paddle. He had to snap out of it and fast.

He’d drop her off wherever she needed to go and then he’d resume his to-do list. Drive home. No. Drive to Louisiana. Finish the buy-out. Collect his money and get on with his life. Traveling. Maybe Antarctica would be cold enough to cool his libido.

“Give me my bags, André,” she said in a superior tone of voice that grated on his nerves. A long slender hand with perfectly polished nails clasped over her hip and she leaned into it. “I’ll get a taxi.”

“You’ll do nothing of the sort.” Though that would be so much easier, so much safer for his sanity and the beast that snarled, demanding release.

“You can’t make me—”

Such childish quibbles. When would she learn? He was bigger, stronger, and far more determined.

When he made no move to follow her orders, she stepped toward the pile of luggage, reaching for one of the leather handles.

“You should have just gotten into the damn car,” he growled as he wrapped an arm around her waist, the other under her knees and lifted her.

Moonlight and Shadows by Cora Zane

What do you do when your greatest enemy is your one true mate?

Two Werekind packs teeter on the edge of war. Someone has killed the Istvaan pack alpha, and Sylvie won’t rest until justice is served.

As the new Grand Dame of the Istvaan pack, Sylvie is forced into a dangerous meeting with her greatest rival, and soon discovers her mate is none other than the Dartega alpha’s right hand man - his assassin, Erik.

Seeing Erik face to face, Sylvie realizes pack politics will never allow her to claim him. But there are other more important things to do than mourn what can never be. There’s a killer on the loose, someone she fears might be looking to take her out next.

There’s just one problem. Erik Dartega has no intention of walking away. He’s waited a long time to find his true mate, and Sylvie needs him. Pack affiliation means nothing to a man protecting the woman he loves.

Erik will stop at nothing to track down the killer. And when he finds him, there will be no mercy.

♥ ♥ ♥

Moonlight and Shadows is available now at http://cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/moonlight.htm  .

This ebook contains graphic sex, language, and violence. You must be 18+ to download.

I’m the newest Chica on the Cobblestone-Press block and I’m thrilled to announce that my book, TAKE ME I’M YOURS, released today!

You’ll note the very super-sexy cover.

Here’s the official blurb:

Marion is mending a broken heart. When her fiancé leaves her at the altar, she picks up the pieces and tries to get on with her life. She finds solace in her work at the gym and art lessons.

Can Graeme’s love mend her shattered heart?

I thoroughly enjoyed writing this book and it’s the third in what I like to call the Coffee House Chronicles. You can get more information on the other two books by visiting my website. Graeme and Marion were fun characters and I hope you’ll see more of the in the future. Even though their story is told, Marion’s BFF isn’t. And trust me, you’ll love Delilah.

Want to read an excerpt? Buy it? Check it out here!

Lovely Deception, England, l860

     They never should have met; circumstances brought them together over a tumultuous situation. His intervention will change their futures.

     Her naivete was an unexpected draw for him, but his attentions came with a warning, he’d never marry her. Educating her in the ways of the sensual world was supposed to enlighten her and give him pleasure.

     Sharing her with another man was supposed to break their bond, not release his jealous streak. Accepting he’s in love with her will change them forever. 

This is a love story involving M/F/M interactions with fully developed love scenes and vivid language.

More information at www.lillithpayne714.com.  l8 and over only at my site please.

Enigma, the mysterious Dom, is a true “master” in the art of seduction and dominant sensuality, and Tara is as intrigued as all of the other strays, but can he make her forget the Marine plaguing her dreams or will a new “secret admirer” be the one to finally tame her heart?

Taming Tara continues the story begun in Stroke of Midnight.

For more on the latest installments in the Best Selling series: INCOGNITO, including excerpts, visit:

• http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/tamingtara.htm
• http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/strokeofmidnight.htm

In honor of this latest release, Anna and I will be giving away a free copy of the book, Taming Tara to one lucky member of our Yahoo Group, Desires Unleashed. Membership is free. For your chance to be in the drawing, join before midnight March 15th. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/desires_unleashed

~*~ Madi

www.madisonlayle.com | www.incognitoseries.com | www.annaleighkeaton.com  

I, along with my writing partner, Anna Leigh Keaton, are so excited to annouce that the 2009 EPPIES are in and the WINNER of the Erotic Contemporary category is, yep! Our touching and erotic triad love story called…

‘Til Death Do We Part !

He must walk the fine line between the two people he loves most…
the two people meant to be together. His wife and his best friend.

Read more about this award-winning story of love…HERE.

~*~ Madi

PS. Thanks to CP for loving our story enough to publish. (Sorry, Deanna, for making you cry.) And hugs & kisses to Dan Skinner for his amazing cover, which inspired us to write the story in the first place.

www.madisonlayle.com | www.annaleighkeaton.com | www.incognitoseries.com

“What if there was a group of thieves?”

“And they each think they’re the best thief ever.”

“So they make a bet to see who’s the best of the best.”

“And they had to steal really rare, hard to come by items?”

“And they didn’t have much time to prepare much less pull off the heist?”

“And they meet while playing poker online. There’s a gaming website the looks totally legit from the front, but it’s also a place where the world’s top thieves meet, have anonymity, and blow off steam.”

“And they have to do something nice with the item they steal, they can’t just keep it.”

“And along the way they’ll meet someone who rocks their world. Leaves them breathless and spent.”

“Right…super hot, melt in your seat, call the fireman next door seduction. This is the Wicked line, after all.”

“What will be call it?”

“Stolen.”

“And the website?”

“Well, since they make the bet without knowing what they’re going to steal…”

“TheBlindBet.com. It’s available.”

“Grab it.”

and the Stolen series was born.

Then we pitched it to Cobblestone Press and they were really excited. We are too.

You’ll find the Stolen series is similar to great movies like The Thomas Crown Affair, The Italian Job, and The Saint. So if you like any of those, you’ll love these books.

Enjoy your visit at theblindbet.com and be sure to get a copy of my Stolen release: The Wine Tasting.