Tag: travel

Weekend Excerpt–LUKE & BELLA

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

It was the job of a lifetime.

Strong-willed ginger Bella Grant is a take-charge television journalist with an appetite for adventure. Handsome and sexy Luke McGillicutty is a world-weary photographer coaxed out of premature retirement with the promise of traveling the world with a smart, spunky redhead. They’ve been paired up to create a new brand of television travel program.

Traveling to romantic destinations, staying in first-class hotels, finding adventure at every turn, it’s not surprising that the two fall in love. Luke is stunned to realize that Bella is the woman he’s looked for his whole life. She’s beautiful, smart, funny, and courageous.

The only thing is, Luke hasn’t been completely up front with her. He hasn’t told her that he’s into BDSM. He could play it safe, keep the relationship going exactly the way it is. But Luke wants more. As a Dominant, he craves the intimacy that a Dom/sub relationship provides. And he knows without a doubt that Bella is the perfect submissive. How will she react if he approaches her about submitting to him as a Dominant? Maybe she’d be intrigued by the idea. On the other hand, he could lose her forever.

Life on the road working with Bella is great. Nights spent in Bella’s arms are amazing. Should Luke just be satisfied with the way things are?

Or should he risk everything on the chance that they could have it all?

Read Chapter 1 of LUKE & BELLA.

Bella Grant checked her trunk again.  Three months was a long time. 

What have I forgotten?  She frowned. Don’t be stupid.  You can get anything you need.  You aren’t going to the Amazon rainforest.

After calling down to the front desk for bell service, she made one last tour of the suite to make sure she wasn’t forgetting anything.  Hearing the knock, she opened the door to find the bellman waiting in the hallway.  She stepped back and admitted him to the suite.  “It’s just these,” waving her hand to indicate her trunk, cosmetic case, and camera bag.

The bellman hesitated when he saw the trunk.  Inwardly, Bella smiled.  It was huge, a vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunk that had once belonged to her grandfather.  She jokingly referred to it as her ‘big-ass Louis.’  Fortunately, the bellman was too well-trained to complain, and he managed to get her things on the cart.

Bella didn’t wait but went ahead and took the elevator to the lobby.  Stopping at the desk, she returned her key and checked out.  The bill was covered, of course, by the network.  Her new employer.

She’d been in television for the last fifteen years, always in local news as a reporter in several places, but most recently as a morning show anchor in Akron.  She’d hated Ohio but had taken the job in order to add ‘Anchor’ to her resume.  But this was different.

When she’d seen the posting in the trade magazine, she knew this was the opportunity she’d been waiting for.  She’d be hosting a new travel show for TLC.  According to the executive producer, Charlie, who’d hired her, she would have carte blanche to do what she wanted.  He’d tell her where to go, and the rest would be up to her.  Fill the time.  Make it interesting.  Make it unique.  Which was just what she intended to do.

The bellman loaded her things into the cab.  She thanked him and gave him a generous tip before stepping into the back of the taxi.  Her thoughts raced as they made their way through thick Manhattan traffic toward the airport.  She didn’t even know where her first assignment would take her.  They would find out at the ticket counter.

They.  She’d meet her photog at the airport.  Her mind wandered there.  She didn’t even know his name.  What would he be like?  Young?  Old?  Experienced?  She was sure Charlie wouldn’t hire someone with no experience.

A small smile played across her face.  It wouldn’t suck too badly if he were attractive.  Her social life was virtually nonexistent.  Who had the time?  Still…

Her thoughts came back to the present as the taxi pulled into the Departures lane of the airport. 

“Which airline, miss?” the driver asked. 

“Virgin Atlantic,” she replied. 

He stopped at the appropriate curb.  Skycaps jumped into motion unloading her bags.  “I’d like them stored, please.  I need to go to the ticket counter,” she told them.  One man handed Bella the luggage receipts, and she walked into the terminal.

LUKE & BELLA by Pandora Spocks

LUKE & BELLA is available
at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/LukeAndBella1

Weekend Excerpt–JUST ONE NIGHT

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

Hot Caribbean days.
Even hotter nights.

Katie Parker is a woman on a mission. On a Caribbean cruise for her annual girlfriends’ getaway, she’s determined to forget about the man who betrayed her. All she wants is to find a man for just one night of anonymous, no-strings-attached passion.

Mac Coleman needs to get away. For now, that means accompanying his brothers on a cruise to Mexico for his younger brother’s wedding. After that, he’ll be changing jobs and cities, all to get away from his stalker ex-girlfriend.

When the pair meet on board the ship, the chemistry is instant.

Can Mac convince Katie that what they have deserves more than just one night?

In this teaser from JUST ONE NIGHT, Katie lets Mac know exactly what she’s looking for.

The pair parked themselves at a tiny table at the edge of the piano bar, the first place they’d come to in their search for a cocktail. Katie watched him as he approached the bar and ordered for them. She couldn’t get over how handsome he was, how he’d come outside looking for her. This was exactly what she needed to take her mind off of her man problems back home.

She smiled up at him as he returned to their table, carrying a margarita for her and a Scotch for himself. “Cheers,” he said, raising his glass to hers.

“Cheers,” she murmured in return, and she sipped gratefully, counting on the liquid courage her glass offered.

“You know, we’ve gone about this all backward.” He rested his drink on the table and offered his right hand. “My name is–“

“No! No names,” Katie quickly interrupted.

Mac blinked in surprise. “No names. Why no names?”

“Just…because,” she stammered. “No names, no personal information, we’ll just…keep it casual.”

“Keep it casual.” Mac frowned. “Okay.” He gave her a curious look. “Do you want me to leave?”

She shook her head, red curls swinging. “No, I’d like you to stay.”

He gave a relieved smile. “Good, because I’d like to stay. So…no personal information. Do you want to talk about work?”

“Oh, hell no!”

“Um, how about that weather? That’s some pretty great weather out there tonight.”

Katie laughed lightly. “I don’t mean to be a pain.”

Mac smiled back. “You’re not a pain, exactly. I just have to figure out the rules. And you’re here with three other women?”

“You could see that in the dining room. Where you were staring,” Katie observed.

“You know that because you were staring back,” he countered.

“And you’re here with two other men.”

Mac nodded. “My brothers. Oops! Was that personal?”

“Now you’re making fun.”

He smiled ruefully. “Maybe just a little bit. This is kind of a bachelor party. My kid brother is getting married.”

“A bachelor party?” Katie laughed lightly. “Shouldn’t you be getting back to the debauchery?”

Mac laughed. “Not much debauchery with those two. My older brother’s been married for years, and Tommy’s head over heels for his fiancée.” He glanced up at Katie. “Oops! More personal information.”

Katie sighed and sipped her drink. “My friends and I get together for a week every summer. We’ve known each other since high school.”

“There now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”

Katie nodded firmly. “We’re even, that’s all.” She rested her forearm on the table and toyed with her glass. Mac did the same, and his arm brushed against hers as he did. She made no effort to move away from him. He intentionally rested his arm against hers, noting the electric charge he felt, wondering if she felt it, too.

Glancing up, he saw that she was watching him intently. “So…you don’t want any personal information. You don’t want to talk about work. You don’t want me to leave.”

Katie shook her head.

“Okay, well, we’ve got that settled. What do you want?” He watched her expectantly.

She stared at her glass as she swirled the remainder of her margarita. Her buzz from the dinner wine combined with the icy cocktail made her feel bold. She looked back up at Mac.

“Do you really want to know what I want? I want just one night. Just one night of anonymous, no-holds-barred, red-hot, no-strings-attached sex. That’s what I want.” She fixed him with a challenging stare.

“Whoa,” he breathed, eyes wide.

Katie looked down at her glass again. “Too blunt?”

Mac leaned back in his chair, lips forming an O. “That was blunt, all right, but I can respect that. I’ve gotta ask, though.” He sought out her eyes. “Is there some guy at home waiting for you to come back?”

Katie shook her head. “I’m not cheating on anybody. You?”

He shook his head, too, and laughed humorlessly. “What was it you said earlier? Oh, hell no.”

She lightly stroked his arm as it rested on the table, delighting in the goose bumps that appeared there. Her gaze traveled from there to his lap, which seemed to be taking an interest in the proceedings if the growing mound there was any indication. She shifted her focus, sliding her gaze up his torso to those lips she’d noticed earlier. God, I just want to suck on that lower lip.

She met his eyes again, saw the fire there, and knew it matched her own. “So, what do you say?”

“I say, have another margarita. I just need to run to the little shop and pick up some… Well, I didn’t actually expect that I’d need…” He smiled apologetically.

Her voice was soft. “I’ll wait right here.”

He took her hand, gently brushed his lips across her knuckles, gave her a wink, and left the bar.

JUST ONE NIGHT by Pandora Spocks

JUST ONE NIGHT is just 99¢ every day
at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/JustOneNight

Weekend Excerpt–LUKE & BELLA

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

They traveled the world searching for excitement.
But LOVE is the ultimate adventure.

Strong-willed ginger Bella Grant is a take-charge television journalist with an appetite for adventure. Handsome and sexy Luke McGillicutty is a world-weary photographer coaxed out of premature retirement with the promise of traveling the world with a smart, spunky redhead. They’ve been paired up to create a new brand of television travel program.

Traveling to romantic destinations, staying in first-class hotels, and finding adventure at every turn, it’s not surprising that the two fall in love. Luke is stunned to realize that Bella is the woman he’s looked for his whole life. She’s beautiful, smart, funny, and courageous.

The only thing is, Luke hasn’t been completely upfront with her. He hasn’t told her that he’s into BDSM. He could play it safe, keep the relationship going exactly the way it is. But Luke wants more. As a Dominant, he craves the intimacy that a Dom/sub relationship provides. And he knows without a doubt that Bella is the perfect submissive. How will she react if he approaches her about submitting to him as a Dominant? Maybe she’d be intrigued by the idea. On the other hand, he could lose her forever.

Life on the road working with Bella is great. Nights spent in Bella’s arms are amazing. Should Luke just be satisfied with the way things are?

Or should he risk everything on the chance that they could have it all?

In this spicey snippet, someone may or may not join the ‘Mile-High Club.’

In her dream, her father was standing over her mother’s casket, pointing at Bella. “You did this!” he screamed. “She died because you broke her heart!”

She woke with a start, Luke dozing beside her. “I need more alcohol,” she muttered to herself, and she motioned to the flight attendant.

They landed in Philly, the second layover before the last leg in the eternity that was their journey to Alabama. Waiting at the gate, Bella was restless. “Do you want anything? I can’t tell if I’m hungry or thirsty…maybe I need a magazine…I’ll be right back.”

Luke watched as she walked toward a shop down the concourse. She returned with two Diet Pepsis, a bag of Jelly Bellys, and the latest issue of Vanity Fair.

“I got you a drink,” she said, handing it to him. She sat and thumbed through the magazine without reading. “How long to boarding?” she asked.

“Not long now,” he answered. He regarded her carefully, noticing that the closer they got to Birmingham, the more agitated she became.

Bella shook her head. This is such a mistake, she thought. Nothing good can come of this. Realizing that he was watching her, she smiled at him unconvincingly. Just then, they heard their boarding call. “Rock & roll!” she said flippantly.

They boarded the plane and took their first-class seats for their final flight. Bella ordered wine before she even sat down, ignoring Luke’s concerned look, shrugging, “A little liquid fortitude.” Laughing humorlessly, she drained the cup and called for another. Luke reached out his hand, and she took it gratefully, without looking at him. He was glad when the flight was finally underway.

Finished with her third glass of wine, she gave Luke a mischievous look. Reaching under her skirt, she shimmied out of her panties. “Follow me, Cowboy.” She got up and headed toward the restroom.

Luke shook his head, unbelieving. Bella and too much alcohol. It’s an unpredictable mix, he thought as he followed her up the aisle.

She let him in first, followed him, then closed the door. She pushed him down onto the toilet, straddled him, and undid his zipper, releasing his hard cock. She slid herself onto him and began to move briskly up and down. “Do me, Cowboy!” she whispered.

This was a first for Luke. He’d traveled more than most people, but he was usually alone. “Here’s the thing, baby girl. You’re topping from the bottom. I’m not sure I like that,” he said, a glint of humor in his intense gaze, aware that no matter how he might protest, his body betrayed his arousal.

“You can beat my ass red tomorrow, but right now, for God’s sake, Cowboy, I need you to fuck my brains out!” she hissed. She unbuttoned her blouse and pulled her bra down, revealing her full round breasts with hard pink nipples begging to be ravaged.

“I love your wild heart,” he managed before he buried his face into Bella’s cleavage. She laughed quietly, then moved with renewed urgency, sensing climax was near. He stopped her, growling, “Oh, hell no, baby girl, not that fast!”

In a flash, he whirled her around and bent her over the small sink in front of the tiny mirror. “You watch me fuck your brains out,” he whispered as he entered her from behind. “And never forget who’s in charge here.” He grasped her nipples and used his thumbs to roughly stroke them, pinching hard at the tips.

“Oh, God…” she breathed. They finished together, breathlessly, trying to remain quiet. Turning her head, she kissed him deeply. “I love you, Cowboy.” She gently separated from him and straightened up her clothes. “Meet you back at our seats.” She unlocked the door and nonchalantly returned to her seat.

LUKE & BELLA by Pandora Spocks

LUKE & BELLA is available
at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/LukeAndBella1

Weekend Excerpt–LUKE & BELLA

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

They traveled the world searching for excitement.
But love is the ultimate adventure.

Strong-willed ginger Bella Grant is a take-charge television journalist with an appetite for adventure. Handsome and sexy Luke McGillicutty is a world-weary photographer coaxed out of premature retirement with the promise of traveling the world with a smart, spunky redhead. They’ve been paired up to create a new brand of television travel program.

Traveling to romantic destinations, staying in first-class hotels, finding adventure at every turn, it’s not surprising that the two fall in love. Luke is stunned to realize that Bella is the woman he’s looked for his whole life. She’s beautiful, smart, funny, and courageous.

The only thing is, Luke hasn’t been completely up front with her. He hasn’t told her that he’s into BDSM. He could play it safe, keep the relationship going exactly the way it is. But Luke wants more. As a Dominant, he craves the intimacy that a Dom/sub relationship provides. And he knows without a doubt that Bella is the perfect submissive. How will she react if he approaches her about submitting to him as a Dominant? Maybe she’d be intrigued by the idea. On the other hand, he could lose her forever.

Life on the road working with Bella is great. Nights spent in Bella’s arms are amazing. Should Luke just be satisfied with the way things are?

Or should he risk everything on the chance that they could have it all?

In this scene from LUKE & BELLA, Bella introduces Luke to a little Southern hospitality, Grant family style.

Pulling into the drive, they could see the house situated at the end of a long, straight lane shaded by centuries-old oak trees that were draped with Spanish moss. The white antebellum home was two stories tall and fronted by six white columns. There was a broad front porch running the width of the house with a matching veranda on the second floor.

Bella felt a perverse sense of pride. Bad memories and associations aside, the plantation house was undeniably beautiful. Still, she was glad that Tre and his family lived there. She was perfectly content in the townhouse.

Tre stopped, parking the SUV out front and they crossed the porch to the front door, entering a grand foyer. Tre called, “Cornelia, we’re home.” The smell of something good for dinner filled the house.

Cornelia came out to greet them, wiping her hands on her vintage apron, all Southern grace and gentle manners. She was petite and blonde with helmet hair that undoubtedly required a weekly salon appointment. Her delicate stature had always been a compliment to Tre’s tall lanky frame. Bella dutifully hugged her and introduced Luke.

Cornelia grasped his hand in that Southern lady not-quite-a-handshake way and drawled, “So nice to meet you, y’all come on in.” As she turned away, Bella caught Luke’s eyes and made a face.

“So how was Daddy?” Cornelia asked.

“Nasty as ever,” Tre answered.

“Oh dear, he’s been difficult since he got sick,” Cornelia began.

Bella interrupted, “Longer than that. You and I both know it.”

Cornelia cooed, “Still, we can’t speak badly about the ill.”

“Just telling the truth,” Bella countered. “Do you have any wine around? I’ve waited about as long as I can.”

Cornelia gave her a pinched look, then smiled, all charm. “Why, of course. Y’all make yourselves comfortable in the living room. Tre, get your sister some wine.”

They heard a shout from the direction of the kitchen. “Hey, is that Aunt Sissy?” A tall lanky boy of about twenty came bounding into the room. He looked like Tre had time-traveled backwards, the resemblance was so strong.

“‘Hey’ is for horses, son,” Cornelia corrected quietly.

Bella squealed with delight. “T-Nathan! How are you?” She gave him a huge hug. “And ‘hey’ is just fine with me,” she grinned, smirking at Cornelia. “So your dad says you’re home from school?”

T-Nathan grinned. “Yep, I took my exams early so I could come home.”

Bella smiled up at him. “It’s so great to see you! I can’t believe you’re a college man now! Holy sh…cow!” she said, glancing at Cornelia, who was making her way back to the kitchen.

T-Nathan laughed. “Nice save.”

Tre handed Bella a glass of white wine and then poured bourbon for Luke and himself.

“Well, my boy, the night is young, and I am way sober. Just wait!” Bella laughed. “Luke, this is my favorite nephew, T-Nathan.”

T-Nathan smiled. “Ha! I’m your only nephew! Nice to meet you, sir.” Luke gave Bella a startled look as he shook hands with the young man.

Bella laughed and said, “It’s a Southern thing,” winking at Luke.

Tre took them on a brief tour of the downstairs, showing them the kitchen, family room, and his office. Bella was surprised to see some of the updates they’d made.

“Y’all have done some nice things with the house, Bubba,” she commented.

“It’s pretty much all Cornelia’s doing,” he said. “She decided when we moved in that the place was too dark and sad.”

“There’s been plenty of sad,” Bella mused quietly, sipping her wine. She looked out the window into the backyard. “Hey, what’s going on out back?” she asked, referring to the large white tents set up on the lawn.

“Oh! The annual picnic is tomorrow. I hope y’all are coming,” Tre said.

Bella looked at him in surprise. “Really. I thought they stopped having that when Grandaddy died,” she said.

“Well, Daddy stopped it,” he admitted. “I started it again when he retired and I took over five years ago. He was pissed as hell, but it seems to mean so much to everybody.” Tre grinned at them.

“You did a really good thing, Bubba,” she said quietly.

They made their way back to the family room and sat chatting about previous picnics and the plans for tomorrow’s event. Cornelia appeared in the doorway and announced, “Dinner, everyone.”

They all took their places at the table in the formal dining room. After Tre led the grace, Bella chugged the remainder of her wine and poured a second. They passed around platters of chicken cordon bleu and scalloped potatoes, fresh vegetables, and homemade rolls.

Dinner was delicious and everyone made polite small talk. Tre encouraged Luke to talk about his time in the Navy and as a news photographer.

After a brief lull in the conversation, Tre said, “By the way, we watched your show last night. I thought it was interesting.”

T-Nathan said, “Hey Aunt Sissy, did you really smoke weed in Amsterdam?”

Cornelia glared at him. “T-Nathan, I don’t think that’s appropriate dinner conversation.”

Bella, ignoring Cornelia, smiled ruefully. “Yes. Yes, I did.” She drained her third glass of wine. “It wasn’t all that. I can’t see doing it again.”

“And that’s your job?” T-Nathan marveled. “That is so cool! And you sat in that prostitute’s window?”

Bella nodded. “I did, for a little while.”

“Unbelievable,” Cornelia muttered under her breath.

Bella, pouring her fourth glass of wine, drawled, “Reckon I’m gonna get my ass kicked clean out of the Junior League.”

“And here we go,” Tre said quietly.

“Here, Cornelia. Have some fucking wine,” Bella said, all exaggerated Southern accent, and getting louder with every word. “You know, a drink. Might loosen up that cooter of yours and give my brother a break.”

T-Nathan did a spit-take. Cornelia quietly cleared her throat, neatly placed her napkin beside her plate, and left the table. “If y’all will please excuse me for a moment,” she murmured quietly.

Luke watched the whole scene, unsure whether to be embarrassed or amused.

“Sissy, why do you do that?” Tre sighed, shaking his head.

“Because it’s easy,” she replied, draining her glass.

LUKE & BELLA by Pandora Spocks

LUKE & BELLA is available
at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/LukeAndBella1

Weekend Excerpt–LUKE & BELLA

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

They traveled the world searching for excitement.
But LOVE is the ultimate adventure.

LUKE & BELLA is the first book in the Dream Dominant Collection, a series of contemporary erotic romance novels featuring light BDSM themes. Each book is self-contained and can be read in any order.

But here are some fun facts you might not know.
1. It’s the first book I ever wrote and published. Now when I look it over, I see so many mistakes and things I wish I had done differently.
2. The story began as an online role-play.
3. It was originally published one chapter at a time on Tumblr, then later here on my website.
4. For about the first third of the book, I had a top-secret collaborator.
5. The places Luke and Bella visit and the hotels where they stay are real, actual places. I did a lot of research as I tried to make the story as authentic as possible.

Here’s the official book description:

Strong-willed ginger Bella Grant is a take-charge television journalist with an appetite for adventure. Handsome and sexy Luke McGillicutty is a world-weary photographer coaxed out of premature retirement with the promise of traveling the world with a smart, spunky redhead. They’ve been paired up to create a new brand of television travel program.

Traveling to romantic destinations, staying in first-class hotels, finding adventure at every turn, it’s not surprising that the two fall in love. Luke is stunned to realize that Bella is the woman he’s looked for his whole life. She’s beautiful, smart, funny, and courageous.

The only thing is, Luke hasn’t been completely upfront with her. He hasn’t told her that he’s into BDSM. He could play it safe, keep the relationship going exactly the way it is. But Luke wants more. As a Dominant, he craves the intimacy that a Dom/sub relationship provides. And he knows without a doubt that Bella is the perfect submissive. How will she react if he approaches her about submitting to him as a Dominant? Maybe she’d be intrigued by the idea. On the other hand, he could lose her forever.

Life on the road working with Bella is great. Nights spent in Bella’s arms are amazing. Should Luke just be satisfied with the way things are? Or should he risk everything on the chance that they could have it all?

Here’s a little teaser from LUKE & BELLA.

As the cab drove from the airport and through town, Bella felt giddy, not at all like the sleek sophisticate she hoped to show to the world. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t traveled before. God knew, Nathan Epperson Grant, II, made sure he took his family to all the prestigious vacation spots—skiing at St. Moritz, Christmas in Paris, summers in the Caribbean… Couldn’t let the guys at the club outshine him. Her father had always had something of an inferiority complex. It only served to make her respect him less.

But this was different. She’d never been to Scotland before. More than that, though, was the idea that this was her job. She was about to create something new. Well, she and Luke. She glanced over at him.

He was looking out the window on his side of the car. A tuft of salt and pepper chest hair peeked out of his shirt where it was unbuttoned at the top. Bella felt a hitch in her chest, thinking to herself, Those twenty-something girls who want their guys all hairless are crazy. A woman wants a man, not a boy. Chest hair is sexy as hell.

As she shook her head slightly at the thought, she felt her nipples stiffen of their own volition. She tried to casually put her jacket back on before he noticed. Luke looked at her and she smiled. He winked, and her breath caught again.

The car stopped in front of the Balmoral Hotel, a large gray stone Victorian building resembling a castle, with a perfect view of Edinburgh Castle which was visible just beyond the hotel. They entered the hotel lobby, leaving the driver and doorman to arrange for their bags. Bella approached the front desk confidently.

“Reservations for Grant and McGillicutty,” she said to the clerk.

“Yes, Ms Grant, we have you in the Royal Suite,” he replied.

“Perfect. And how about Mr. McGillicutty?” she inquired.

“Yes, ma’am, you’re in the Royal Suite,” came the reply.

Bella frowned slightly. “Which of us is in the suite?” she asked.

The clerk pointed to his computer screen. “Ms Grant, Mr. McGillicutty, Royal Suite for the next four nights.”

“I’m sorry, maybe I’m jetlagged, but are you saying that we are sharing the suite?” Bella asked, her voice rising a notch. Luke watched with interest.

“Of course, Ms Grant. It’s a lovely suite, our very best,” the clerk assured her.

“I’m sure it is, thank you. I’m assuming the suite has two bedrooms?” she asked, regaining reasonability.

“One large bedroom, one bath. Of course there are the sitting area with a fireplace and a terrace with a view of the castle,” the man continued.

“Only one bedroom? That’s completely unacceptable. I’ll take a different room.” Looking to Luke, “You can have the suite, I don’t care, but obviously we need two rooms.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but the hotel is completely booked. The Royal Suite is the only available room.”

Bella blinked, shaking her head. “Completely unacceptable,” she repeated. To Luke, “I’m calling Charlie,” and she moved away from the desk.

“Sir, the suite comes with a complimentary couple’s massage,” the clerk informed Luke, helpfully.

Luke grinned and chuckled to himself. “Hey Bella, good news, the room comes with a complimentary couple’s massage!” From across the lobby, she covered the phone with her hand and shot him a death glare. He laughed again, enjoying the show.

A groggy voice answered the phone. “Um…hello?”

“Charlie, it’s Bella. We just got to Edinburgh and we have an issue,” she rapid-fired into the phone.

She had his attention. “What’s the problem?” he asked, concerned.

“Well, we’re ready to check in to the hotel and there’s a snag. Your office only reserved one room. Which wouldn’t be a problem, we could just get a second room, but they’re apparently booked solid and they don’t have any other rooms,” she finished breathlessly.

Silence. “Hello? Are you there?”

“Are you telling me that you woke me up for this?!” Charlie asked. “Seriously Bella?”

“I’m sorry to wake you, I forgot about the time,” she apologized, “but Charlie, really, this is unacceptable.”

“Knock it off and grow the fuck up, Bella. This is traveling for a living. Deal with it. Things happen,” he responded.

“But, Charlie,” she began, but he cut her off.

“Is this a deal-breaker, Bella? Are you saying you want out?” Charlie demanded grumpily.

Caught off guard, her eyes widened. “No, of course not, it’s just…Ok, Charlie, I’m sorry, I’ll deal with it,” she answered. “But next time, I’m making the reservations myself.”

“Fine, whatever,” he said before hanging up on her.

Bella sheepishly approached the front desk again. “Ok, well, I guess we’re in the Royal Suite, then. Thank you.”

Luke grinned and said nothing.

LUKE & BELLA by Pandora Spocks

LUKE & BELLA is available

at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/LukeAndBella1

Weekend Excerpt–Had Enough Winter?

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

You need a sexy Caribbean holiday.

Katie Parker is a woman on a mission. On a Caribbean cruise for her annual girlfriends’ getaway, she’s determined to forget about the man who betrayed her. All she wants is to find a man for just one night of anonymous, no-strings-attached passion.

Mac Coleman needs to get away. For now, that means accompanying his brothers on a cruise to Mexico for his younger brother’s wedding. After that, he’ll be changing jobs and cities, all to get away from his stalker ex-girlfriend.

When the pair meet onboard the ship, the chemistry is instant. Can Mac convince Katie that what they have deserves more than just one night?

JUST ONE NIGHT is just 99¢ every day.

When Jayma’s alarm went off, Katie had been in bed for an hour and a half. After returning to her stateroom, she’d gone straight to the shower. Standing under the hot stream, she released the emotions she’d been working hard to suppress. As she cried, she told herself she was being stupid. Her own rules had been no strings, no expectations. She couldn’t bear to admit even to herself that she’d fallen for the handsome man she knew only as ‘you’.

What if? What if I agreed to keep in touch? What if… She couldn’t follow that line of thought. It was too painful. Better to end it as they had. With great memories of amazing sex.

It was later that morning, when, dressed in khaki shorts, a purple tank top, and her hair in a ponytail, Katie carried a small floral canvas backpack purse as she and Jayma hurried to meet Michelle and Chelsea at the gangplank. Once they were off the ship, the four made their way to the waiting area for the excursion to Tulum. A rickety-looking, well-used charter bus stood ready and a small group of passengers had already gathered, all wearing tiny round red stickers marked with T, indicating their destination for the day.

“Do you suppose they’ll stop for coffee or something?” Michelle wondered. “This is very early for a vacation day.”

“I think they said they’re stopping in a little town on the way,” Jayma answered. She looked to Katie, who was quiet and thoughtful. She knew her friend had had little sleep. She’d been awake when Katie had returned to their room.

“Hey, Katie, isn’t that your friend?” Chelsea commented.

Katie looked in the direction Chelsea nodded. There he was across the plaza, and even from her distance, she could see his grin. How could you know someone for mere hours, really, and he gives you such a sense of comfort?

“I’ll be back in a sec. Don’t let them leave without me.” She didn’t wait for a reply.

She crossed the plaza confidently and he met her halfway. “Hey, you,” he smiled.

“Hey, you. I didn’t expect to see you today. Don’t you have a wedding to get to?”

“I do. My brothers are waiting over there.” Katie looked in the direction he indicated to see the two men standing beside a taxi, both watching the proceedings with interest. A glance in the opposite direction showed her friends watching them as well. “I just thought I’d try to catch you before your group left.” His brow furrowed with concern. “How are you this morning?”

Katie pasted on a cheerful smile. “I’m good. How about you?”

“Yeah, I’m good.” He sighed deeply. “Listen, I wanted to say that I meant what I said last night.” He fixed her with an earnest gaze. “I think there’s something here. Maybe we shouldn’t be so quick to walk away.”

She patted his arm reassuringly. “No strings, no expectations. It’s really better this way.”

Mac blew out a frustrated breath, nodding reluctantly. “I understand. But before you go, I wanted to give you something.” He reached into the pocked of his tan cargo shorts. “I found this yesterday near the reef. Not surprisingly, I thought of you.”

He held up a flat pale pink heart-shaped stone about the size of a half-dollar. “It already had the hole in it,” he indicated a small hole near the top of the heart. “Before dinner last night I took it to the jeweler on the ship, had him put it on this chain.” He looked back to her. “I’d really like you to have it.”

Katie’s resolve nearly melted as she looked at the heart. “It’s lovely.”

“I would have given it to you last night, but it wasn’t ready until this morning. I had to find you before we parted ways. Will you accept it?”

She smiled up at him. “I’d be honored.”

Mac beamed as he fastened the fine silver chain around her neck. The heart hung down to her cleavage. “Just when I thought your breasts couldn’t be prettier…”

Katie grinned ruefully. “It’s beautiful, thank you.”

“Are you sure I can’t call you later?”

She shook her head. “It’s best this way.” She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. He held her waist and deepened the kiss. When they parted, she chewed her lower lip. “Well, you, goodbye. Good luck with your move and your new job.”

She turned to walk away and had only taken a few steps when he called after her. “Mac.” She stopped dead in her tracks. “My name. It’s Mac.”

A scowl marred her face as she whirled around. “Why? Why did you do that?” She stalked back to him.

“Because. When you think about our time together, when you touch yourself…” His voice was dangerously low and he arched his dark eyebrow knowingly. “It’s my name I want you calling out. Mac.” His expression was earnest.

Katie looked down at her shoes. Finally she looked up. “Katie. I’m Katie.”

He grinned and nodded. “Katie. I like that. Katie.”

With one last look, she turned and crossed back to her friends who were in line with the other passengers now boarding the excursion bus. She didn’t look his way again until she was seated. He was rooted where he’d been. As the bus passed, he raised a hand to wave. She pressed her palm to the window until he was out of sight.

“Oh, my God, are you crying?” Michelle asked from the seat behind Katie and Jayma. “If that guy was ugly to you, I’ll…”

Katie swiped at her cheek with the heel of her right hand and cleared her throat, stone heart clasped in her other hand. “I’m fine. Just give me a minute.”

Jayma turned around and glared at Michelle. “Will you please…” she hissed.

***

“Well, well, well, bro, that was quite the PDA.” Danny grinned at him like the Cheshire cat.

Mac stood watching the bus drive out of sight. “I just made a huge mistake. I never should have let her leave like that.”

Tommy gripped him by the shoulder. “There’s nothing else you could do, man. She was determined to go. On the bright side, you were able to give her your heart.” Mac looked up to see his little brother suppressing a grin.

He gave Tommy a playful shove. “It’s not over ’til it’s over. Come on, we’re getting you married off tonight.”

JUST ONE NIGHT by Pandora Spocks

JUST ONE NIGHT is just 99¢ every day
at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/JustOneNight

Weekend Excerpt–LUKE & BELLA

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

They traveled the world looking for excitement.
But love is the ultimate adventure.

Strong-willed ginger Bella Grant is a take-charge television journalist with an appetite for adventure. Handsome and sexy Luke McGillicutty is a world-weary photographer coaxed out of premature retirement with the promise of traveling the world with a smart, spunky redhead. They’ve been paired up to create a new brand of television travel program.

Traveling to romantic destinations, staying in first-class hotels, finding adventure at every turn, it’s not surprising that the two fall in love. Luke is stunned to realize that Bella is the woman he’s looked for his whole life. She’s beautiful, smart, funny, and courageous.

The only thing is, Luke hasn’t been completely up front with her. He hasn’t told her that he’s into BDSM. He could play it safe, keep the relationship going exactly the way it is. But Luke wants more. As a Dominant, he craves the intimacy that a Dom/sub relationship provides. And he knows without a doubt that Bella is the perfect submissive. How will she react if he approaches her about submitting to him as a Dominant? Maybe she’d be intrigued by the idea. On the other hand, he could lose her forever.

Life on the road working with Bella is great. Nights spent in Bella’s arms are amazing. Should Luke just be satisfied with the way things are? Or should he risk everything on the chance that they could have it all?

The Dream Dominant Collection is a series of stand-alone contemporary erotic romance novels featuring sexy, Dominant men and the strong, red-haired submissives they find irresistible. Each story centers around a light BDSM theme. Here’s a teaser from LUKE & BELLA, Dream Dominant Book 1. But beware…Spoilers abound!

The bedside clock blinked 5:12 am. Bella couldn’t wait any longer. What little sleep she’d gotten had been fitful, troubled.

She looked over at Luke who was snoring softly and her heart skipped a beat. She loved him so much. He’d been kind the night before, not mentioning her breach of protocol, recognizing her need to be at his feet. After her knee time, he’d taken her to bed, holding her tenderly to his chest, allowing her to let go of her concerns for a short while. She knew he assumed she was having her period and she hadn’t bothered to correct him. Plenty of time for that, she thought.

Quietly, she got out of bed and went into the bathroom, carefully closing the door behind her. She switched on the light and located the brown paper bag she’d gotten from the pharmacy the day before. Opening the box, she removed the flat plastic stick from its wrapper. She reread the instructions, then followed them meticulously, knowing she couldn’t bear to get this wrong. She placed the stick carefully on the counter of the vanity and set the timer on her phone.

Don’t look until the time is up, she instructed herself. Thirty seconds in she broke her own rule and glanced at the test. A blue plus sign in the circular window near the end of the stick appeared to her like a neon sign.

Her pulse pounded in her ears. It does that at first, she thought desperately. Then the plus disappears when it’s negative.

You know better than that. She hadn’t heard her father’s condemning voice since she’d left his grave weeks before. Now he was back, Nathan Epperson Grant, II, as the voice of Reason.

The timer chimed and with a shaky hand she picked up the stick. The plus sign was still there, only now it was a darker blue. That’s it, she thought. I’m…Shit! She stuffed the test back into the box, the box back into the paper bag, and shoved the whole thing into the drawer of the vanity.

She met her own terror-stricken gaze in the mirror. I need air, she thought. I can’t breathe. Panicked, she hurriedly threw on black yoga pants, a white t-shirt, and a jacket. Luke didn’t stir as she quietly opened the door and left the room, heading for the hotel lobby. In the elevator, she realized she hadn’t left him a note. I’ll be back before he even wakes up, she decided. Then, we’ll have to talk. She felt nauseated and her eyes filled with tears.

The elevator doors opened to the lobby and she strode purposefully toward the revolving door to outside.

“Good morning! You’re up early,” she heard a familiar voice say. It was Ann, one of their dining companions from the previous night. She and the other women were dressed for the gym.

Bella tried to pull herself together. “Um, yeah, I was in the mood for a walk,” she replied, smiling brightly.

“Are you alright?” Tanya asked.

“Oh, yes, needed a little air is all,” Bella said. “I’m just heading out…” she indicated the door.

Tanya spoke quietly to the others, “You go ahead. I’m going to see what the matter is.” She followed Bella out into the early morning.

“What’s wrong, Bella?” she asked sympathetically. “Did you and Luke have a row?”

Bella turned and looked at her in surprise. “God, no!” Bella answered quickly. “He’s not even up yet. It’s nothing, really, just…”

Tanya gave her a quizzical look.

“I’m pregnant,” Bella said quietly, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I just did the test.”

“Congratulations! That’s brilliant,” said Tanya. She hesitated for a moment. “Isn’t it?”

Bella sighed. “It’s just so…unplanned.” She wiped away a tear. “Luke doesn’t know yet. I don’t know…”

Tanya put her arm through Bella’s. “Come. Let’s go find some tea and have a chat.”

They ended up across the street from the Hotel Miramare, in a tiny cafe, one of the few open so early in the morning. The historic district was stunning in the light of the sun rising over the water. Bella sat at a heavy antique wooden table near the front window while Tanya ordered for them at the counter.

She returned to the table shortly with a pot of tea and two cups. They sipped in silence for a few minutes.

“So you’re having a baby?” Tanya said, breaking into the silence.

Bella breathed deeply. “Yeah. I guess so.”

“Or not,” Tanya probed.

Bella looked at her. “Unplanned as it is, I’m having this baby. Definitely!” she said determinedly. “As to whether or not Luke will be involved…” she trailed off. “He made it pretty clear that he wasn’t interested in marriage. I can’t think he’d be interested in a baby. I owe it to him to tell him, I suppose. But I’m afraid he’ll think I did this on purpose, to trap him or something.” The tears were back again.

Tanya reached for her hand. “That man loves you. He may surprise you, you know.”

Bella was about to reply when her phone rang. “Speak of the devil,” she said nervously.

LUKE & BELLA by Pandora Spocks

LUKE & BELLA is available
at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/LukeAndBella1

Weekend Excerpt–Hello, Summer!

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

All she wanted was just one night of anonymous passion.
He thinks that what they’ve found together is worth more.

It’s finally the time of year we’ve all been waiting for–summer! The weather is warm, we’re free to move about the country, and it’s time to head to the beach.

Or maybe just find your favorite new beach read. May I recommend JUST ONE NIGHT, the best 99¢ vacation you ever loved?

Katie Parker is a woman on a mission. On a Caribbean cruise for her annual girlfriends’ getaway, she’s determined to forget about the man who betrayed her. All she wants is to find a man for just one night of anonymous, no-strings-attached passion.

Mac Coleman needs to get away. For now, that means accompanying his brothers on a cruise to Mexico for his younger brother’s wedding. After that, he’ll be changing jobs and cities, all to get away from his stalker ex-girlfriend.

When the pair meet on board the ship, the chemistry is instant. Can Mac convince Katie that what they have deserves more than just one night?

Here’s a little teaser from JUST ONE NIGHT.

“So where is your redhead going?” Tommy wondered as he and his brother watched the women leave the dining room.

Mac shrugged lightly. “She said something about karaoke tonight.”

Danny watched him for a moment. “Aren’t you going after her?”

“Nah, she wasn’t really up for getting together.”

“Dude, that dress is killer. She’s all dressed up for somebody,” Tommy observed.

“Yeah, well…” Mac sipped his water for an excuse to stop talking. “Hey, aren’t we hitting the casino tonight?”

Seated between his brothers at the roulette wheel, Mac watched the tiny white ball skitter around and come to rest on the thirteen. Of course, he’d bet on the twelve. After three rounds, he’d lost forty dollars. Tommy had the best luck, winning with every spin.

“Gents, I’m going to have to stop while I’m behind,” Mac said, pushing back from the table.

Tommy gathered his chips and Danny joined them. “What do you want to do now on your last night as a free man?”

Tommy grinned impishly at Mac. “I’m kind of in the mood for karaoke.”

Mac’s expression was dubious. “Karaoke? Since when are you into karaoke?”

“Since my older brother started mooning over some sexy redhead whose name he doesn’t even know.”

The brothers pushed their way through the crowded lounge searching for an empty table. Not finding one, they lucked out with three stools at the bar. Settled on his stool, Mac scanned the room and found her nearly immediately at a table fronting the stage. Her red hair stood out in the crowded room.

She looked up and her eyes widened in surprise before her lips curled in a suppressed smile. He raised his beer that had just been served and she smiled wider, lifting her shot glass and overturning it dramatically.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the emcee announced, “up next, we have the Heartbreakers!”

A squeal rose from their table and the four women made their way onto the stage. Mac watched in fascination as they took their cordless mics and stood with their backs to the audience. Wondering what they might sing, he heard the opening disco beat and bass of Hot Stuff and laughed out loud as the women began a slinky choreographed dance routine. He watched as the four took turns singing lines. When it was her turn, she locked eyes with him.

“Dude, your girl is hot!” Tommy commented.

“Yes, she is,” Mac agreed.

“I’m guessing they’ve done this before,” Danny opined. “God bless’em!” He raised his beer in salute.

***

Much like that first time back in high school, the end of the song was met with thunderous applause and the four friends returned to their table flushed with the exertion. “That never gets old,” Michelle laughed. “Do you remember the look on old man Adams’ face? He couldn’t decide whether to kick us out of the talent show or give us first prize.” The women laughed at the memory.

“It took forever for our turn,” Chelsea commented. “I want to go blow some money in the casino. Are you in?” She looked around the table.

“You guys go on. I’m enjoying the music,” Katie hedged. “Maybe I’ll just stay here a little longer.”

“Yeah, her mystery man and his brothers are here,” Michelle laughed. “She wants to blow something, just not money.”

“Oh, for Pete’s sake!” Katie blushed furiously.

“Come on girls,” Jayma said, “let’s give Katie a little space.” She kissed Katie’s cheek gently. “Good luck, hon. Have fun!”

Katie waved goodbye to her friends as they left. Another group was on stage, working their way through Paradise by the Dashboard Light. She saw his brothers stand and leave the bar. He sat smiling at her and she smiled back.

Taking a cocktail napkin, she wiped the water rings from the table in preparation for his joining her. Except that he didn’t join her.

When Katie looked again, he was watching the singers with rapt attention, even swaying a bit on his stool.

She frowned a bit. His brothers left. He saw the girls leave. What gives? She crossed her right leg over her left and jiggled her foot restlessly. No way am I going over there. If he thinks I’m going over there, he’s got another think coming.

She glanced his way again. He was watching her with that same amused expression. The one that made the butterflies in her stomach go bungee jumping. Oh, fine!

As the group onstage finished and another singer was announced, Katie left her table and made her way to the bar, relieved to see an empty stool beside him. As she approached him, the corner of his mouth curled slightly and his eyes sparkled with the smile he suppressed.

“Hey, you. Would you mind if I joined you?” Katie asked.

“Hey, you. I’d mind if you didn’t.”

She accepted his hand and he helped her onto the stool next to his. “Thanks!”

“My pleasure.” He surveyed her appreciatively. “That’s a really nice dress.”

She flushed with pleasure. “Thanks. I wanted to be dressy for Formal Night. You look very handsome yourself.” She reached to touch the cuff of his shirt sleeve, pushing back his jacket. “Cuff links?” She fingered the textured silver squares.

He watched her with curiosity and nodded. “Is that okay?”

She looked back to his face. “I love cuff links. They’re so…civilized.”

Mac laughed out loud. “Something I’ve never been called: civilized.”

Katie’s brow furrowed. “So why? Why didn’t you come to my table?”

His eyes smiled. “Because you said ‘one night only’. I respect your boundaries.”

“Yeah.” She idly fidgeted with a cardboard coaster. “About that…” She looked up at him through her long lashes and began to lightly caress the inside of his wrist as it rested on the bar.

He watched her another moment, a knowing gleam in his eyes. “You can’t resist me.”

She looked back down to his hand. “You’re pretty cocky.”

He gave an exaggerated snicker. “You said ‘cock’.”

Katie giggled and rolled her eyes.

The next singer came on and began a spot-on version of Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On. They both laughed. Mac grinned and joined in, his cheek brushing hers as he sang along softly. Katie felt goosebumps as he crooned into her ear. “Let’s get it on…” Lightly, he nibbled her earlobe. He planted a gentle kiss on her bare shoulder.

Katie took his hand and he looked back up. “Come on, let’s go,” she said softly.

JUST ONE NIGHT
is just 99¢ every day.
books2read.com/JustOneNight

Weekend Excerpt–LUKE & BELLA

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

It was the job of a lifetime…

Strong-willed ginger Bella Grant is a take-charge television journalist with an appetite for adventure. Handsome and sexy Luke McGillicutty is a world-weary photographer coaxed out of premature retirement with the promise of traveling the world with a smart, spunky redhead. They’ve been paired up to create a new brand of television travel program.

Traveling to romantic destinations, staying in first-class hotels, finding adventure at every turn, it’s not surprising that the two fall in love. Luke is stunned to realize that Bella is the woman he’s looked for his whole life. She’s beautiful, smart, funny, and courageous.

The only thing is, Luke hasn’t been completely up front with her. He hasn’t told her that he’s into BDSM. He could play it safe, keep the relationship going exactly the way it is. But Luke wants more. As a Dominant, he craves the intimacy that a Dom/sub relationship provides. And he knows without a doubt that Bella is the perfect submissive. How will she react if he approaches her about submitting to him as a Dominant? Maybe she’d be intrigued by the idea. On the other hand, he could lose her forever.

Life on the road working with Bella is great. Nights spent in Bella’s arms are amazing. Should Luke just be satisfied with the way things are? Or should he risk everything on the chance that they could have it all?

In this scene, Bella has had it with her snooty sister-in-law. Warning! Family drama ahead…

Pulling into the drive, they could see the house situated at the end of a long straight lane shaded by centuries-old oak trees that were draped with Spanish moss. The white antebellum home was two stories tall and fronted by six white columns. There was a broad front porch running the width of house with a matching veranda on the second floor. Bella felt a perverse sense of pride. Bad memories and associations aside, the plantation house was undeniably beautiful. Still, she was glad that Tre and his family lived there. She was perfectly content in the townhouse.

Tre stopped, parking the SUV out front and they crossed the porch to the front door, entering a grand foyer. Tre called, “Cornelia, we’re home.” The smell of something good for dinner filled the house.

Cornelia came out to greet them, wiping her hands on her vintage apron, all Southern grace and gentle manners. She was petite and blonde with helmet hair that undoubtedly required a weekly salon appointment. Her delicate stature had always been a compliment to Tre’s tall lanky frame. Bella dutifully hugged her and introduced Luke.

Cornelia grasped his hand in that Southern lady not-quite-a-handshake way and drawled, “So nice to meet you, y’all come on in.” As she turned away Bella caught Luke’s eyes and made a face.

“So how was Daddy?” Cornelia asked.

“Nasty as ever,” Tre answered.

“Oh dear, he’s been difficult since he got sick,” Cornelia began.

Bella interrupted, “Longer than that. You and I both know it.”

Cornelia cooed, “Still, we can’t speak badly about the ill.”

“Just telling the truth,” Bella countered. “Do you have any wine around? I’ve waited about as long as I can.”

Cornelia gave her a pinched look, then smiled, all charm. “Why, of course. Y’all make yourselves comfortable in the living room. Tre, get your sister some wine.”

They heard a shout from the direction of the kitchen. “Hey, is that Aunt Sissy?” A tall lanky boy of about twenty came bounding into the room. He looked like Tre had time-traveled backwards, the resemblance was so strong.

“‘Hey’ is for horses, son,” Cornelia corrected quietly.

Bella squealed with delight. “T-Nathan! How are you?” She gave him a huge hug. “And ‘hey’ is just fine with me,” she grinned, smirking at Cornelia. “So your dad says you’re home from school?”

T-Nathan grinned. “Yep, I took my exams early so I could come home.”

Bella smiled up at him. “It’s so great to see you! I can’t believe you’re a college man now! Holy sh…cow!” she said, glancing at Cornelia, who was making her way back to the kitchen.

T-Nathan laughed. “Nice save.”

Tre handed Bella a glass of white wine then poured bourbon for Luke and himself.

“Well, my boy, the night is young, and I am way sober. Just wait!” Bella laughed. “Luke, this is my favorite nephew, T-Nathan.”

T-Nathan smiled. “Ha! I’m your only nephew! Nice to meet you, sir.” Luke gave Bella a startled look as he shook hands with the young man.

Bella laughed and said, “It’s a Southern thing,” winking at Luke.

Tre took them on a brief tour of the downstairs showing them the kitchen, family room, and his office. Bella was surprised to see some of the updates they’d made.

“Y’all have done some nice things with the house, Bubba,” she commented.

“It’s pretty much all Cornelia’s doing,” he said. “She decided when we moved in that the place was too dark and sad.”

“There’s been plenty of sad,” Bella mused quietly, sipping her wine. She looked out the window into the backyard. “Hey, what’s going on out back?” she asked, referring to the large white tents set up on the lawn.

“Oh! The annual picnic is tomorrow. I hope y’all are coming,” Tre said.

Bella looked at him in surprise. “Really. I thought they stopped having that when Grandaddy died,” she said.

“Well, Daddy stopped it,” he admitted. “I started it again when he retired and I took over five years ago. He was pissed as hell, but it seems to mean so much to everybody.” Tre grinned at them.

“You did a really good thing, Bubba,” she said quietly.

They made their way back to the family room and sat chatting about previous picnics and the plans for tomorrow’s event. Cornelia appeared in the doorway and announced, “Dinner, everyone.”

They all took their places at the table in the formal dining room. After Tre led the grace, Bella chugged the remainder of her wine and poured a second. They passed around platters of chicken cordon bleu and scalloped potatoes, fresh vegetables and homemade rolls.

Dinner was delicious and everyone made polite small talk. Tre encouraged Luke to talk about his time in the Navy and as a news photographer.

After a brief lull in conversation, Tre said, “By the way, we watched your show last night. I thought it was interesting.”

T-Nathan said, “Hey Aunt Sissy, did you really smoke weed in Amsterdam?”

Cornelia glared at him. “T-Nathan, I don’t think that’s appropriate dinner conversation.”

Bella, ignoring Cornelia, smiled ruefully. “Yes. Yes I did.” She drained her third glass of wine. “It wasn’t all that. I can’t see doing it again.”

“And that’s your job?” T-Nathan marveled. “That is so cool! And you sat in that prostitute’s window?”

Bella nodded. “I did, for a little while.”

“Unbelievable,” Cornelia muttered under her breath.

Bella, pouring her fourth glass, drawled, “Reckon I’m gonna get my ass kicked clean out of the Junior League.”

“And here we go,” Tre said quietly.

“Here, Cornelia. Have some fucking wine,” Bella said, all exaggerated Southern accent, and getting louder with every word. “You know, a drink. Might loosen up that cooter of yours and give my brother a break.”

T-Nathan did a spit-take. Cornelia quietly cleared her throat, neatly placed her napkin beside her plate and left the table. “If y’all will please excuse me for a moment,” she murmured quietly.

Luke watched the whole scene, unsure whether to be embarrassed or amused.

“Sissy, why do you do that?” Tre sighed, shaking his head.

“Because it’s easy,” she replied, draining her glass.

LUKE & BELLA by Pandora Spocks

LUKE & BELLA is available
at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/LukeAndBella1

Weekend Excerpt–LUKE & BELLA

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

They traveled the world looking for excitement.
But love is the ultimate adventure.

Strong-willed ginger Bella Grant is a take-charge television journalist with an appetite for adventure. Handsome and sexy Luke McGillicutty is a world-weary photographer coaxed out of premature retirement with the promise of traveling the world with a smart, spunky redhead. They’ve been paired up to create a new brand of television travel program.

Traveling to romantic destinations, staying in first-class hotels, finding adventure at every turn, it’s not surprising that the two fall in love. Luke is stunned to realize that Bella is the woman he’s looked for his whole life. She’s beautiful, smart, funny, and courageous.

The only thing is, Luke hasn’t been completely up front with her. He hasn’t told her that he’s into BDSM. He could play it safe, keep the relationship going exactly the way it is. But Luke wants more. As a Dominant, he craves the intimacy that a Dom/sub relationship provides. And he knows without a doubt that Bella is the perfect submissive. How will she react if he approaches her about submitting to him as a Dominant? Maybe she’d be intrigued by the idea. On the other hand, he could lose her forever.

Life on the road working with Bella is great. Nights spent in Bella’s arms are amazing. Should Luke just be satisfied with the way things are? Or should he risk everything on the chance that they could have it all?

LUKE & BELLA is the first book in the Dream Dominant Collection. It’s part travelogue and part erotic romance. Here’s a steamy little teaser.

They explored their way through the Amsterdam evening, shooting video here and there, stopping now and then to check footage or to look into a shop window. As Bella stood peering at the display in the window of an antique shop, Luke watched her, amazed once again at her simple beauty. He slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her to him. She looked up at him, smiling and stood on her tiptoes to plant a light kiss on his lips.

“Amsterdam is lovely, m’lady,” he said. “But I’m looking at you and thinking about being back at the hotel.”

She blushed slightly. “What are you thinking about the hotel, Cowboy?” she asked.

“I’m not sure whether or not you noticed,” he said kissing the corner of her mouth, “but there’s a big old tub in the bathroom.”

“Is there?” she asked innocently. “Are you feeling dirty?”

He grinned wickedly. “I’m feeling all kinds of dirty, m’lady.” She giggled softly. “God, I love that!” he growled.

“What?” she asked, genuinely confused.

“I love when you laugh,” he replied.

Bella rolled her eyes, laughing self-consciously.

They made their way back to The Toren, holding hands and talking quietly about nothing in particular. Once back in the suite, Luke smiled and said, “Someone thoughtfully sent a bottle of Scotch.”

Bella bowed theatrically. “That was thoughtful, wasn’t it?” she laughed.

“Would m’lady care for some wine?” he asked, grinning.

“I’d love some wine,” she answered. “How about you call for some and I’ll get the bath started?”

“I knew we made a great team,” he laughed. “Division of labor.”

Bella retreated to the bedroom as he picked up the phone. She started the bathwater, tossing in some of the lavender bath beads, then returned to the bedroom to retrieve candles from her trunk and she placed them around the bathroom, lighting them. Finally, she stripped down and donned her pink satin robe.

When she returned to the sitting room, the steward who brought the wine was just leaving. Luke turned and saw her, letting out a long low breath. “Wow,” he said. He poured a glass of wine for her and one of Scotch for himself. “To a beautiful lady,” he toasted.

She crossed the room and put her arms around his neck. He put down the glasses and pulled her to him, kissing her lips, cupping her breast through the silky fabric.

“Hey, Cowboy,” she breathed into his kiss.

He reached down and untied the sash of her robe, allowing it to hang open, just revealing the inside curve of her breasts, her smooth belly, the V shape of her sex with its light swath of red hair. “Damn, girl, you take my breath away,” he whispered.

She shrugged her shoulders and the robe fell to the floor. “Come on, Cowboy,” she whispered back, turning to walk back to the bedroom.

He carried their drinks as he followed her into the bedroom, appreciating the view of her from behind. She turned and, pulling him to her by the front of his shirt, and kissed him deeply. Then she unbuttoned his shirt and helped him off with it. She stepped back to watch him undo his pants and step out of them. Taking his hand again she led him into the bathroom.

He held on to her as she stepped into the bath and then followed, sitting behind her, leaning against the back of the tub. She sat between his legs and eased back against him, sipping her wine, letting out a long sigh. This was exactly where she wanted to be. She rested her head back on his shoulder.

Luke drank in the feeling of her wrapped in himself, the sensuality of the moment; the warm water, the candlelight, the scent of the bath blending with her fading perfume, her soft skin, the contented smile on her face, the glow of her hair, her breasts, her nipples begging to be kissed.

He kissed her neck, just below the ear and slowly moved his hands down her body, stopping to fondle her breasts, to tug gently on her nipples causing them to harden and stretch. He gently parted her legs, finding her soft sex and softly he caressed her there.

She responded with a low, deep moan, pressing herself against his hand, begging for more pressure. He continued stroking her before sliding in first one finger then two, beginning a slow deliberate circle inside her. Feeling her release building, Bella gasped and moaned again. “Let go, babe. Lose yourself,” he hissed. “Come in my hand.” Orgasm thundered through her body starting in that small secret place and radiating from there as she cried out in release.

She took a moment to catch her breath, and then turned in the tub to face him. She moved onto his lap facing him, wrapping her legs around his waist, and reached down to stroke his erection, kissing him roughly as she did. She felt his gasp in her kiss and she moved closer, raising herself higher before sliding down to sheath him.

He began to move his hips and she matched the rhythm of his movements, clenching him with herself as she moved up and down. A low growl escaped from deep in his chest and he gripped her, holding her firmly in place, burying himself deep inside her. She began to moan as once again she neared climax, crying out as her body shattered with pleasure. He finished with a loud cry, “Unh, God, baby…” Afterward, he held her tightly, gently stroking her back, kissing her forehead.

Later, after they’d toweled off and slipped into bed, Luke watched as she fell asleep in his arms. He thought about the first time he saw her, red curls all sunlit, and he smiled as he remembered her nervous introduction. “I’m Bella. Isabella. Just Bella,” she’d stammered.

“I love you, Bella, Isabella,” he whispered. In her sleep, Bella smiled. He watched her until dreams overtook him.

LUKE & BELLA by Pandora Spocks

LUKE & BELLA is available at your favorite online bookseller.
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