Copyright 2013 Camille Leone This story is a work of fiction.

All names, characters, places and incidents are invented by the author or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author.

Chapter One

The art studio was downtown, stuck between darkened buildings being renovated and floodlights bouncing off glass doors. Laylas skinny heels made it difficult to exit the taxi, and her dress didnt allow enough room to bend down for the loose quarters and dimes spilling from her change purse. So whatever landed on the ground would have to stay there. This was a new experience for her. Whenever she said Excuse me she was greeted with a smile. It was almost as if people didnt mind her brushing against them, and she was actually able to maneuver through the packed crowd without the glares she used to receive. Layla! Turning in the direction of the male calling her name, Layla was mindful not to reply with something wickedly dirty in front of all these people. It wouldnt do to have someone muttering

that she was a skank for acting so familiar with the star of the night. This was Akeels art show and she was just another guest. But dayyummm his voice was Barry White deep. He gave her a warm hug, the springy afro he now wore swaying like palm leaves over them both. She broke contact first, nervously fingering her jacket buttons. You look different, he said, and she could swear there was a teeny bit of annoyance in his voice. But you look good. I mean, I almost didnt recognize you with straight hair. And- Before he could continue some guy slapped his back, congratulating him for such a successful showing. Akeel cut him off, reminding the man that he already had his card. Layla fought to contain her excitement as Akeel babbled on while leading the way, never letting go of her hand. Promise you wont peek. I want this to be a surprise. His voice had returned to the soft tenor she recalled from high school. Layla was just about ready to break her promise, needing to see his face at the big reveal, slipping off her coat to let him view how much shed changed. Instead she was staring face to face with her former self, sixty pounds heavier, head thrown back in throaty laughter, her bare apple bottom seated in a canvas of white pearl and cream. It was amazing how a pallet of colors could form a spot on likeness of a person. Brush strokes swirled upwards or zigzagged into squares, hundreds of them that had somehow meshed into her twin. She was nude, with a bent knee strategically placed in front of one breast, while the other, pear shaped and hanging full and ripe, looked ready to be harvested. Each block of brown sparkled, from her shoulders to her thighs, to the curve of her satiny calves. Her hair sprouted like an inky shadow from her scalp, dissolving into a thorny crown of dreads that popped with nuggets of copper and bronze. It wasnt just a portrait, but a statement. The woman staring back at her was downright haughty even with no clothes on, not self-conscious in a tiny dress and sky high heels. The woman in the painting wouldve walked in knowing she could leave with someone elses man this night. And heaven help the female who made a crack about her size, because not only was the old Layla ready with a curse filled comeback, but her fists were hair trigger, lethal weapons. God, how she wanted to be that woman again. Just to have her confidence one more time before he saw the new and improved Layla, and to relive the night that portrait was conceived. Shot glasses, body paint and mind blowing sex . . . Y-you dont like it? His stutter tugged at her heart. No, its not that I dont like it Akeel. I love it.

His smile was part relief and part Thank you Lord. Ive got some people here who want to meet you. Theyre from a modeling agency. Let me take your coat. Oh right. Her coat. She handed it to him and he waved over a girl with a doughnut sized bun atop her head and cheekbones sharp enough to cut someone. Ooh, I love your dress, the girl said. Layla thanked her, eager to gauge Akeels reaction. Hed taken a step back, his eyes going wide. Youve lost weight. Yep. She grinned up at him, ready with a crack about how theyd no longer be confused with the number ten when standing side by side. Have you been sick or something? Is that why you look so thin? No he didnt just go there. Not after what his clique put her through in high school. Even though hed never said an unkind word to her, she had no problem going after him for the hurt theyd caused, cornering his nerdy looking ass and threatening to strangle him by the balls. It got to be a running gag with them, and once they graduated hed hit her up on Facebook, wondering when shed make good on her promise. Now he was standing there minus the coke bottle glasses and sweater vest, rocking a Hugo Boss suit like hed never made any changes. So why was he acting like he had a bag of rocks for brains? His eyes were wistful, as if he were remembering their night together. When his tongue flicked out to lick his lips, she had her own blast from the past, like the way hed dipped his finger into a jar of honey, letting it slowly drip onto his tongue while proceeding to use her body as his canvas. Oh the places hed gone with his tongue . . . Layla answered in a voice filled with building anger. Youll always have that painting to remember her by. A pained expression came over his face, as if hed given the wrong answer on a quiz and just realized the right one much too late. The nearest person to Layla got hooked by the elbow. Tell me something. Would you turn all this away?- she did a show model hand wave starting at her breasts and ending at her hips for that? The man looked from the painting to her, his voice full of awe. Youre the model. I was just telling my friend it had to be you. She gave him a sultry grin, making sure Akeel saw her press in closer. So wheres your friend? Here she comes now. Too bad. She was so hoping it was another guy. Layla threw her head back dramatically, telling herself to forget the look in Akeels eyes and the words hed said to hurt her.

Oh youre giving me that fabulous smile. I love it! The woman stuck out her hand. Mia Wang. Im an agent with Big Beautiful Babes modeling agency. Laylas voice almost caught in her throat. Big and what? Mia kept talking, but all Layla heard was Charlie Browns teacher going Wah wah wah wah wah . . .

End of Excerpt

Book blurb:
A secret tryst results in an acclaimed portrait that ties a model forever with the artist. Akeels a gifted artist who gets raves for his web site designs and graphic comics, only he cant seem to win over Layla. Hes drawn to her in more ways than one, especially after Layla disrobed on a dare and let him paint her, and now its his best known work. But Laylas no longer the girl in that painting, the one where her voluptuous curves were proudly on display. After dropping over sixty pounds, guys who used to taunt her in high school now want to date her, and so-called friends are only too quick to remind her of how heavy she used to be. Trapped between the snarky girl she once was and the femme fatale many assume shes become, Laylas not sure shes ready to risk her heart again, even though Akeels more certain than ever that they belong together.

UNBROKEN

He hadnt touched the lemonade, though it probably would have been a good move if hed taken a sip just to show Coach Ahmed that his hands were steady. Alex Campos had on a pair of his best khakis and a dark blazer that was part of the school uniform he used to wear. Hed cut the emblem off the breastbone pocket to make it look as if he owned the jacket. Since Coach had excused himself to talk to the police officer at his door, all Alex could do was focus on a living room three times the size of the trailer he now called home, and a glass full of lemonade beading up with moisture, reminding him of falling sweat. The stench of alcohol invaded his nostrils even before he saw the girl, the screen door blasting open with such force it almost swung back and clipped her. He was out of his chair with a bobble head nod in greeting, the glass still in his hand. G-good afternoon Maam. Oh just shut the fuck up.

He went into quarterback mode, trying to assess which play to make. Outside the coach was huddled with the police officer whod brought his daughter home, so with no protection he was vulnerable. The girl had broken through the line of scrimmage, making him anticipate a direct hit. So what are you, bi-racial? Native American, Middle Eastern? She came in closer, and he could feel the heat of her breath. You cant be Mexican cause weve already got enough on team. Her eyes narrowed. Wait, Ive got it. Duh-duh-duh-duh- G-Guess Im a-all of em. Somehow he managed to say it with a grin. Damn, it sucks to be you. The laughter outside cut their conversation short. Her head whipped around and he noticed how all that smart-assness deflated as they watched her dad talk about everything except her. Coach answered the cops questions on the upcoming football season and who was a standout among his crop of new players. And he chuckled at the officers hoorahing fist pumps predicting the team making the state finals this year. When the girl faced Alex again, the fire had left her eyes. Instead they were shiny. Way too shiny. He was torn between wanting to comfort her, and just ordering her to a time out corner. Heads up asshole. With that she launched into his chest, catching him off guard so that they both tumbled over. The lemonade geysered upwards as if he were taking a whiz. Flat on his butt while she pressed a knee to his groin, her hair smothered his face. She gave him a triumphant smile as she slid down his body, leaning back on her heels to gloat. Her shirt was soaked, molding to her just like the smell of lemons and alcohol that were now stuck to him. And she wasnt wearing a bra. You hit like a girl, He grunted, anger stripping the stutter from his words. Yeah? Well this girl just laid your ass out. Her sneer was one of pure satisfaction. You might be good, but Im better. You know why? Its cause Im Cra -zzzzzy. Danni! Coach jerked her off him so hard she went airborne. Danielle Ahmed landed on the floor in a heavy thud, only to spring up like the whistle hadnt blown the play dead and she still needed to cover her man. Alex cupped his junk in his hands as Coach Ahmed stood over him. Shake it off son. If you ever want to lead my team, you better learn how to take the pain.

*****

Newcastle was a dust bowl of a town with one of everything. Only one theater, one high school, one college, a single police station. But what it did better than any other small town was graduate athletes that went on to play in the NFL. And thats what Alex Campos wanted more than anything. His mother had shipped him off to live with his dad since private school was a bust. When he got here his reunion with his dad was short-lived, with his father deciding the trailer wasnt big enough for the both of them, so he gladly took a job down in San Antoine, working on an oil rig. Problem was, there hadnt been an oil job down there in years. Ill send for you once I get settled, Jose Campos told his son. But his red rimmed eyes and weather beaten face told a different story. Hed introduced Alex to everyone in the trailer park, and Alex tried to put names to the faces of people whod come up and say hi, days after his father left. Everyone said his dad was an expert handyman, a nice, quiet neighbor, and so proud that his boy would be living with him. But Jose had expected to see the shy seven year old in a photo, and when Alex arrived, he was already taller than his dad. Jose felt old, and he felt restless. All Alex brought with him from New England were his memories and a beat up Chevy, but at least the car got him there on a prayer and a rebuilt transmission. Now he had a tryout with the offensive coordinator and the coach at Newcastle, where he had a shot at second string, or basically the right to become a bench warmer for their quarterback. This was a courtesy try out, from one coach to another. His old private school coach had made a call, spoke with Coach Ahmed, and it was done. If he performed well hed join the team in time for the school year. If not, hed be just another invisible student at Newcastle. Because here, football ruled everything and everyone. When hed driven from his home to Newcastle high, billboards with Newcastle Universitys star QB Webb Chenoweth, either smiling or falling back with his arm cocked in a pass greeted him. Webb had ice water in his veins, the ability to scramble even when the pocket collapsed or to move the team down field and throw a Hail Mary touchdown in the final seconds of a game. Coach Ahmed was the kingmaker. Before Webb, hed discovered Austin Reynolds, now a Pro receiver and former Heisman Trophy finalist. The list of his successful athletes was long, but probably no more satisfying than his own son Dante being named to USA Todays Top 100 High School Football Players three years in a row, and he was number one on the list for two of

those years. Dante Ahmed made their All USA Football Team those years also. At 65 and one hundred ninety pounds, Dante stood head and shoulders over his defenders, and he smoked them once he got the ball. But he still hadnt committed to any of the Big Ten colleges yet, and the talk was he wouldnt unless his dad was offered a coaching job. In other words, Dante Ahmed and his dad were a team, take it or leave it. As Alex pulled into the parking lot of the high school and made his way to the football field, he realized he wasnt the only one up so early. Danni Ahmed was clothed in morning shadow, just sitting in the bleachers against a sky streaked with blue and pink. The sun took its time rising, as if knew better than to disturb her. Alex came closer and she raised a bottle of liquor. He stopped, giving her a scowl. Kinda early for getting drunk. Its not for me. I thought you could use something for your nerves. Even in the faded light he could sense she was smirking. Im the coachs daughter and my brothers the star player. So you better rec-neck-a-nize. V-very bad imitation of Honey-Doo-Doo. But you did recognize it, so my work here is done. Dannis toes were curled over the back of the bleacher in front, her nails sparkling like tiny shells on a beach. Since he didnt take up her offer, the bottle went back into its hiding place under her legs. With a loud yawn, she used her knees to rest the side of her head. Somehow silence felt worse than when she was ragging on him. So Alex said the first thing that popped into his mind. Wheres Dante? She lifted her head, responding in a voice thick with drowsiness. His highness is never on time. Better get used to CPT she gave him the same look of confusion he was giving her, so some explaining was in order CPT means colored people time. And if you didnt look at the tapes, you need to know Dantes strength isnt in his take off. Hes like Usain Bolt, he makes up for his start with lightning speed down field. You just better hope your arm can throw that far. Anybody ever tell you that you talk too much? All the time. Anybody ever called you a whiner, Alejandro Campos? Hey, I ve been meaning to ask, how come you arent calling yourself Alex Camp anymore? It was uh . . . just easier that way, he mumbled. Not that it was any of her business. His stuttering and his Hispanic name didnt sit well with his mothers parents. The name change was easy enough, but he couldnt control his stuttering. He waited for her to blast him, to tell him what hed been saying to himself all the while hed lived in New England. Sell out. Instead she just went back to propping her head on her knees,

jerking upright every so often to give him a lazy smile. He figured she was probably drunk or simply dreaming. Realizing he was staring, Alex decided to look somewhere else, pointing to a steepled tower that seemed to rise out of the mountains. So thats Newcastle University, huh? Big Nu. If youre gonna play here you need to learn the terms. Only nerds or preppies from out of state say it like you just did. The high school is Little Nu. But I guess thats another way youre different than the jocks down here, since youve got a GPA of 3.8. Y-youve been s-studying me huh? OMG. So does this stuttering thing only happen when you talk to girls? Or is it just me getting you all horny? Fuck you. That should have shut her up, because his voice had some serious edge to it. Only it didnt. She just turned her head, giggling into her shoulder. When she faced him again, he got some advice. Youll never survive down here being so thin skinned. Everybody insults everybody at Newcastle. You better move back up north if youre looking for some PC Nirvana, cause quarterbacks get it a zillion, billion times worse. With that she got up, stepping sideways off the bleachers. Danni began stretching as soon as her feet were on the turf. He ignored her, trying to picture himself falling back in the pocket and rocketing a ball into the center of his receivers chest. Youre gonna throw to Dante cold? Didnt they do drills at that school you got kicked out of? she asked. Alex grimaced at that, since he liked to think hed left on his own. Ill start warming up when Dante gets here. She stopped in mid-stretch, just as she was bending to the side with her arms above her head, like she was about to sing Im a little teapot. But her hands were delicately posed, sort of how a ballet dancer would do. Thats a really bad move. Youll have to impress Dante as well as my dad. Because they compare notes. What she said didnt sound right. Hed been told upfront that hed be nothing but a benchwarmer. Why would they compare notes? Because the current backup, Neil Careys been chowing down all summer. He wont make weight and youll probably get put in. And because I think Dantes gonna like you, so you need to be ready. Cause whatever Dante says is what my dad will go with. Wait, isnt there another backup quarterback?

She grunted, attempting to lower herself into a split. Hes Just a freshman. Somebody to groom for the future. We need a star right here and now, thats why my dad picked you. He was doing it again, staring at her while he tried to come up with something that didnt make him sound like a dick. T-thanks for the tip. But why are you telling me all this? I mean, youve made it pretty clear that you wish I wasnt breathing. I dunno. Maybe I feel sorry for you. W-whats that supposed to mean? It means youre only here because my dad needs someone as desperate as he is. And from what Ive read, you da man.

End of Excerpt

Book Blurb:

Shes the girl they warned him about. And hes the boy they expect to take their school to the state championship.

For Alex Campos, becoming the starting quarterback of the Newcastle Coyotes means a second chance. So hes not about to blow it by falling for the coachs daughter. But Danni Ahmeds not a girl who takes no for an answer, especially when their connection is so strong. And not after witnessing how one towns obsession with football almost destroyed her. And shes determined not to let that happen to the boy she loves.

Inseparable

CHAPTER ONE
Club Luna, on a Saturday night

I dont remember where Jason came from. At first I thought he was just some guy standing in the back of the line, fed up with listening to me complain about having to stand there and show several forms of ID that nobody else seemed to need. Now that I think back on it, I could swear he was closer to the front when the doorman let two bottle blondes go in. But when me, my cousin Yomi and her friend Emma were supposed to be the next ones to enter, he told us to wait. The steady thump of techno music, heavy on the bass blasted our ears as people came and went. More girls stepped out but the bouncer said only a few more could get in, because the club was full. Since my cousin and Emma already had their IDs checked, I joked about them

going ahead to order my drink. Ten minutes later I was still waiting, as five more people were cleared to go through. I stood there freezing under a tacked on, cold as hell shed posing as an entrance cause I was dumb enough to wear a fitted, soft leather jacket in late January. And a mini skirt, and stretch boots with three inch heels instead of my Uggs because I wanted to look cute. There was a hole in the wood above us. Snowflakes landed on the doormans parka like dandruff. For the umpteenth time I had to endure this guy making me recite personal info from my license while Yomi and Emma were giving me concerned looks through the smoky, beveled glass. Yomis shoulders went up like she felt the need to apologize. Hell yeah, because shes the one who suggested we come to this damn place. I gave her a smile so she wouldnt get worried. Then I mouthed, Wheres my drink? Nadia Shakur- That was about the sixth time the doorman had said my name - Any relation to the rapper? I kept my tone light and a smile plastered on my face. Nope. Can I go in now? He sucked on his toothpick before answering. You got anything else? Like what? He shrugged, pulling out the toothpick and using it to point at a faded yellow sign behind me, just over my head. College ID might work. Something besides a license. Sure, Ive got that. I was busy digging in my purse when he made another request. Do you drive? Have you got your car registration on you? At first I thought he was kidding, but he stuck his hand out like he wasnt. Oh come on! I dont understand what the problem is! Exasperated, I rolled my eyes upwards and looked back at the line that snaked around the building. Wed parked the car blocks from here, but I was pissed enough to just give up and go home. Screw it, thats just what I almost did. Can I at least tell my friends Im leaving? He shook his head and dashed my hopes of pulling the old get in and hide among the crowd trick. I decided to text Yomi to let her know we had to leave. Only she never responded, and it looked like I was on my own. There were a few comments directed my way by some girls standing in line, so I turned around to curse them out. Thats when I saw him, a tall guy walking right up, breathing heavy enough to form white smoke stacks in the chilly air. We bumped shoulders as I tried to get out of his way, figuring hed already gotten his hand stamped and needed to get back in. The smell of marijuana filled the shed when he stopped by my side, staring down my evil tormentor. Then

he said the three words that my cold hands, stinging ears and runny nose were overjoyed to hear. Let her in. The doorman practically jumped off his stool. And he wouldnt meet the guys eyes. Guess he finally realized what an asshole hed been. Ay Jason, Im just doing my job. So am I. If he has any problems with it then tell him to come see me. Neither man said the name of the guy they were talking about, but it was clear it had to be the owner of the club. Jason took my frozen as a popsicle hand, leading the way through the door. When we stepped inside the bouncer gave us a questioning look. Shes with me, Jason told him. I was expecting an argument but the bouncer just kept nodding, the lights reflecting off his smooth, nearly bald head. B-but the doormans still got my ID- By the time the words were out of my mouth Jason told me to wait while he walked back out. The doorman looked startled when Jason got in his face, snatching my license and college photo after the guy took them out of his pocket. When Jason came back in his cheeks were really red. He reminded me of that actor from Thor, only his eyes were darker. And his hair was longer, but not by much. He exchanged a funny look with the bouncer. That prick was planning on keeping em. The bouncer laughed. Daves just adding to his collection. Thank you. I mean really. That whole thing- I was talking way too fast and breathing hard. Maybe it was the relief of finally getting out of the cold. Or maybe the realization that Id been profiled hit me. I think I was having a panic attack, cause I never realized not being allowed entry somewhere could make me feel so angry. Or so helpless. With the crush of bodies and memories of my interrogation playing over and over in my mind, I kinda lost it when I spotted Yomi and Emma on the dance floor, alternating between dancing with each other and some frat boys who were giggling more than they were partying. I squeezed through the crowd, trying to get close enough to be seen. I didnt realize Jason was nearby until a couple of girls tried to get him on the dance floor. One of them crooked her finger, motioning to him while she did some weird, worm like shimmy down to the floor and tossed her hair. I couldnt stop looking and he couldnt stop grinning and urging her on. This guy had to know how attractive he was. Not too many men could wear their hair long and look as good as Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall, one of my moms favorite movies.

Thats- just so wrong, I mumbled. What? Did he need me to draw a diagram? I was already pissed, so I started imitating the girl. Only I think I must have been overdoing it, because Jasons eyes widened and his smile disappeared. Okay. Maybe I had taken the joke too far. Funny thing though, he actually sounded sorry to see me quit. Whyd you stop? he asked. I was surrounded by Yomi and Emma before I could answer. OMG, Nadia what you took so long? That doormans a perverted pig. Yeah I said it, and I didnt care who heard me. There wasnt anything special about this place. It was just four walls with a kick ass sound system and the place to be, just because. I almost didnt get in. We were talking to some girls in here who said he does that all the time. Really? Then why didnt you come out so we could leave? I wanted to scream. Yeah, he tries to get as much info on them so that he can harass them later. But he only does it to the really cute ones, like you, Emma added, as if that was supposed to make me feel better. Thats not what he was doing. He stopped me cause Im black. Look around, do you see anyone else in here of color? Yomi looked hurt. Nadia, Im black. You know what I mean. And you dont count cause you dont look it. But Im still black, she pouted. I wasnt gonna have this conversation with her here. She knew exactly what I meant, and tonight was a perfect example. This place is racist! I yelled over the way too loud music. A bunch of heads turned my way. And I dont want to be anywhere Im not wanted. Jason had been standing there listening the whole time. Pushing his shoulder length hair back he tried sweet talking us into staying. Youre the hottest girls in here. Dont do that. Dont any of you dare try to . . . to minimize this shit - Id been on the verge of angry tears before. Now they were stinging my eyes. Damn non-waterproof mascara! Stupid ass cheap fake eyelashes!! Somebody handed me a napkin. By the way the fingernails almost sliced me, it had to be Yomi. I think you need a hug, she said. None of us expected Jason to step up and actually do it. I think Yomi was about to, only he beat her to it. Its gonna be okay, he kept murmuring with an arm over my shoulders. He

used a napkin that I could swear had a phone number on it to wipe off the smeared liner and shadow Id missed. Yomi finally said what we were all thinking. Im not trying to be funny, but who are you? Oh . . . um. I pulled away from him, cringing at how I must have looked, but hell, I was too upset to really care. This is Jason. He peeled the fake eyelash strip that should have been on my left eye off my cheek, handing it to me. Jason Pappas. Nadia. I didnt bother giving him my last name, because I just didnt think Id see him again. This is my cousin Yomi and our friend Emma, but we call her Em for short. After all the introductions, I mentioned how I finally ended up getting into the club. Jason got me in after you two left me. Yomi gave an eye roll that had to be a record breaker. Oh come on, didnt you say Yall go on ahead and order me a drink? You saw me out there freezing and begging to get in- Ems excuse only made it worse. But you were smiling! We thought you two were flirting. You thought what? Oh this was seriously messed up. I know Emmas Yomis good friend, but I never liked the girl because shes an idiot. And I had to direct my anger somewhere. If I was feeling him do you think Id be crying? You guys should have come out to see what was wrong. I even tried texting you- Em, shes upset. Maybe we should just go, Yomi said, as if it all came down to me getting loud and spoiling our night out. Jason tried to break up our fight with a peace offering. What if I buy you ladies a drink? All your drinks will be on me. No, I snapped, so ready to bring the drama to this place now that I was finally thawing out. I gave Yomi a stare that could kill, especially when she sweetly suggested we head for the ladies room so that I could fix my makeup. What for? Aint no brothas up in here. Yomi and Em said Ooh at the same time. Then they said it louder when Jason squeezed my shoulders and leaned in close. That means theres less competition for me. I want you to stay, so meet me at the bar if you still want those free drinks. I turned just as he gave me a wink before walking away, my mouth wide open in shock. Yomi was smirking. Still feel like leaving? Yes I do. Now I was the one pouting. Oh come on! Girl, hes fine!

That was Yomis answer for everything. Dont leave your boyfriend just cause he hit you, hes so fine! So what if hes cheating on you? Hes so fine! Do you understand what happened to me tonight? Some douche bag stopped you from coming in. Finally. Yomi finally admitted it. Then she went and spoiled it. But I also know a fine hunk of man is trying to hit on you, even though youre acting like sister-gal aint got the time. He probably works here, I muttered. So? All the more reason to get some free drinks. After Yomis words, Emma just had to nod in agreement. It was two against one. Only I wasnt ready to let it go. They cant get away with doing this. That kind of stuff is against the law. But if we leave now they can say they didnt put us out, we left on our own, Em said. Theyll claim that anyway, I countered. If we stay theyll say it wasnt that bad. One drink. They at least owe us a drink. Yomi might as well have added, Cause Im not leaving without getting my free drink. And if you dont want yours, then thats one more for me. I didnt want to be a party-pooper. I really wanted to have a good time, especially after the stress of finals. I couldnt see myself going back to school after Christmas break and all I had to show for it was some doormans attitude haunting me. So we made our way to the ladies room, all while some guy was checking out Yomis butt. He asked her to dance and she gave me a look that clearly said Mommy, is it okay if I dance with the nice man? I had to laugh at her expression since it was a relief to feel something besides anger. Go on. I dont need you to babysit me. Besides, I was more interested in tweeting about the hell Id been put through than fixing my face. Theres an open stall, Em said, then she gave me the ugh look, as if using the bathroom and my phone simultaneously meant I was a nasty heffa. I didnt bother telling her I wasnt going in there to do the number one or two, but to get to my Twitter and Facebook account. Em, you dont have to stay. Im gonna be in here a while. I figured she wanted to be out there with Yomi, dancing and flirting. I love my cousin, but thats just how she is. If theres a booty shaking song on, shes the girl on the dance floor screaming Heyyy! and getting low with some guy she just met. When I was sure Em was gone I came out of the stall and took some photos of the place. Plus I snapped pictures of my puffy face and eyes. It was a nice rest room with marble on the floors and the walls. It was also kinda crowded. A few girls asked me what was wrong and why I

was taking pictures. I told them about the doorman, and they just nodded. After I wiped away most of my clumpy mascara and reapplied eyeliner, I headed out. Yomi was still dancing. But Em was at the bar, laughing and trying way too hard to pull Jason. Of course there were no seats, but when he saw me he lifted a stool over the bar and told a guy sitting there to move over so Em and I could share the seat. You never said you were the bartender. I didnt want to sound accusing, so I gave him a smile. You never asked. He smiled back at me, and I noticed how golden brown his eyes were when he pushed an Amarreto Sour my way. Im just covering while the regular bartender takes a break. Em didnt want to be left out of the conversation. I told him how much you love this drink. Howd you know which one? Maybe I wanted an Amarreto Stone Sour, I teased. I took a guess. But if I made a mistake- He started to grab the glass but I blocked his hand. Well, you were right. Hed even added a maraschino cherry, just the garnish I liked. I bit into the cherry first, and he watched me chew it slowly. Im not one to avoid direct eye contact, so I took his stare as a challenge. The slower I chewed the harder he stared. By the time I got to the stem I was sucking on it and I dont know what I was doing with my tongue. I just wanted to act sexy. And goofy. Jason put his elbows on the bar top, moving forward until we were almost nose to nose. His hair was pulled back in a ponytail so his features were on full display. His nose wasnt too long and it wasnt short. It fit his face, just like his wide lips. Yes! He actually had meat on his lips. When he smiled one deep dimple appeared in his lower right cheek. There was another dimple smack in the middle of his chin, but it wasnt prominent. Apparently Jason liked what he saw on me too, because he dipped his head, nibbling on the other end of the stem as we played tug of war. By this time Em wasnt saying a word. Neither were the guys whod been hollering their drink orders. Id been freezing cold before, but now I was burning up. The more I chewed the closer he got, until I burst out laughing. It was hard not to ignore everyones face at the bar and the collective groan they gave when we separated. Jason threw up his hands in mock indignation. You chickened out and threw the game.

Im sorry. Its just . . . all these people were staring- But thats such a turn on, Em blurted. I had to groan at that. Maybe for you, but I like privacy. Jason switched places with the regular bartender, whod just returned from his break. Then lets go. What? Where are we going? Em said, inviting herself along. To the kitchen. Nadia, youve never had rice pudding until you taste Greek Rizogalo. The other bartender came through again and Jason slapped his back, asking him to give Emma any drink she wanted. You got it. No, you do, the guy told him, looking directly at me. Shes beautiful.

End of Excerpt

Book Blurb:

It was supposed to be a fun night out, but when Nadias initially refused entry to the hottest club in the city, it becomes her worst nightmare. When her handsome rescuer is none other than the club owners kid brother, little does she know that her ranting tweets detailing how she was unfairly treated will divide a city, and also help her find out if love really does conquer all.

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