Excerpt
I have never seen anything as beautiful as this beach. It’s secluded, the sand is almost white and so soft, and the ocean is a glittering turquoise. I breathe a sigh of relief at the calm just standing here gives me.
Although the fancy lunch was probably something women fall over all the time, I was a ball of anxiety. I wasn’t dressed right; I couldn’t figure out the place settings and there was no menu. I’m not a big fan of eating the unknown. I like to know what’s in it before I commit to eating it. I must have broadcasted my feelings because Pierce didn’t bat an eye before dragging me out of there, and now, I’m standing on possibly the best place on earth with a man who makes me want to be someone new. No, not someone new, just a better version of me.
When Pierce came back to get me after he changed, I had half a mind to say screw it and jump him right there. But I was entirely too curious about where he was going to take me dressed like he was. I get the feeling he is rarely in anything other than a suit. The thought sparked the idea I’m somehow special enough to see him dressed down.
You aren’t special. You’re a boring, slightly overweight middle school teacher. Well thank goodness my self-doubt kicked in. God forbid a little positivity sneaks its way in. I feel Pierce step behind me, the warmth of his body inches away from my back makes me shiver.
“Don’t thank me for bringing you here, love,” he whispers next to my ear. “A woman such as you deserves to be confident in her surroundings. I apologize for lunch.” Gosh, his voice is commanding yet sweet at the same time, and I swear my swimsuit bottoms melt. And his words are inching their way into my heart. It’s weird for me to have such a visceral reaction to a man. Usually, I’m looking for companionship, someone I can grow old with, and sex doesn’t necessarily become a huge factor. It’s not like I don’t want good sex, I just haven’t ever … gotten it. And I sure as heck haven’t prioritized it.
Well, that changes today.
I slowly turn around to face Pierce, scared to break whatever tension is running through us. But when I look up into his eyes, I see nothing but heat, no want, and I’m shocked it’s directed at me.
“Tell me to stop and I will,” he says, his voice almost haunting.
“I don’t want to stop, but…”
“But what?”
“But I don’t think I’m very good at any of this, and I don’t want to disappoint you.” My eyes shift to down the white sand at my feet.
The only way I change and become more secure in myself, and in the bedroom, is to put it all out there. It’s just scary as all get out to do it with a man like Pierce.
“First”—his hand moves to grip my hip—“there is no way in hell you are bad at anything. What you’ve been with in the past are boys. It’s on them for not showing you what you’re capable of.” My breath catches in my throat. “And second?”
“Second, this is all on your terms. We move at your pace, and if any time you decide you don’t want this, want me, then we move on. No hurt feelings, no harm done.” He says it so simply. But I guess with his status he’s probably used to short hook ups with no commitment.
He puts his finger under my chin and lifts it up so I’m looking in his eyes. I see only truth in them.
This is what I want. This is my chance to figure out what gets me going and explore new things. Explore myself.
I stop thinking and take the step into uncertainty.
About the Author. . .
Samantha is a stay-at-home mom, a hockey lover, and an avid reader. She writes stories and characters that focus on mental health and real-life conflict with all the spice.
Book Tour Schedule
September 4th
https://www.instagram.com/anta_syllaaa/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D - Review
https://www.tiktok.com/@anta_sylla?_t=8dAZGkrPLxV&_r=1
https://www.instagram.com/katshomeig/ - Review
https://www.instagram.com/anotherdamnbook - Review
https://breakevenbooks.com – Feature
https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com – Feature
September 5th
https://www.instagram.com/over.on.my.bookshelf/?hl=en – Review
https://www.instagram.com/booknerd_jen22/ -- Review
https://www.instagram.com/katslovesbooks/ - Review
https://instagram.com/nvl_reads?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== - Review
https://www.instagram.com/literaryinspired/ - Feature
September 6th
https://www.instagram.com/littlemiss_booklover/ - Review
https://www.instagram.com/jgonyer09/?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw%3D%3D – Review
https://www.instagram.com/squeakeysundergroundlibrary/ - Review
https://starsbooksandtea.com/ - Review
https://www.instagram.com/ninas_booknook/ - Review
September 7th
http://www.OneMoreExclamation.com - Review
http://www.instagram.com/onemoreexclamation/
https://www.instagram.com/rantingbooklover/ - Review
https://www.instagram.com/Thatsmutbookbabe - Review
https://www.instagram.com/booked_by_megs/ - Review
https://www.instagram.com/paperbacksandsketchbooks/ - Review
September 8th
https://www.instagram.com/calhoun.crew/ - Review
https://www.instagram.com/ashley.reads.and.bowls/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D – Review
https://www.instagram.com/hooksbooksncoffee/ - Review
https://www.instagram.com/_kellymariewrites/ - Review
https://www.instagram.com/niks.bookshelf/ - Review
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