Getting to know YA Author Jessie Coulter

The Demon's Princess

By Jessie Coulter

Available at The Wild Horse Press

Young Adult Paranormal

Check out Jessie's website for more information on her Otherworld series, news and more HERE

Trapped in what she at first deems a nightmare, Lucinda Hayworth finds herself living day to day life in Atlanta, in a distant cousin's body – in 1896.  Deciding to blend in while she tries to find a way back to her time, she goes through life as Lucinda Caden… a wealthy debutante.  At a ball, she meets Alexander, a prince visiting from a small unknown kingdom in the Atlantic.  While Lucinda Caden may be from an influential family, she doesn’t feel worthy of Alex’s attention – especially knowing that she’s really just a modern girl of middle class status trapped in another time. 

Alexander Astarot is precisely what his name implies --- the son of a demon.  Not just any demon, but the Prince of Demons.  While he may be known as Prince Alexander Asterot, no one knows where his home truly lies.  His father rules part of the underworld, but Alex rules the small island of Carpus, a gateway between earth and hell.  His dark looks appeal to most young women, but there is only one who draws his attention -- Lucinda. Or so she thinks...

 

When Lucinda discovers Alex is more than what he says, she still wants to be with him.  Her parents, however, have other ideas.  Shoving her in the direction of a long-term family friend, Jonathan, they forbid her from seeing the prince.  In an attempt to escape the unwanted attentions of Jonathan Statton, she meets the Earl of Leamont, Benton Richards.  While she will always love Alex, Lucinda must decide if she will wait for him forever, or if she will give herself a chance at happiness with someone else.

Circumstances will force Lucinda to choose - the demon prince who holds her heart, or the man who treats her like a princess.

 

The Demon’s Princess

an Otherworldly novel

As I watched my prince dancing with another, I felt eyes boring into me.  I pulled my gaze away long enough to seek out the source.  I was surprised to discover a man admiring me in open fascination.  Tall and broad shouldered, with inky black hair combed back, and striking blue eyes in his pale face.  He wasn’t as handsome as Alexander and didn’t leave me feeling breathless with just one look, but there was something about him.  Something captivating.

I nodded in acknowledgment and he smiled.  With panther like grace, he prowled the edge of the dance floor, stopping to make polite conversation here and there.  His destination was obvious, at least to me.  A few minutes passed, but he finally stopped in front of me.

“Miss Caden, I’m afraid we haven’t been properly introduced, but I was hoping you might take a turn with me,” he nodded toward the dance floor.

“Oh, but the song…”

“Has already started, yes, but I find that I’m intrigued to see how well you dance.”

His soft, clipped tones sounded faintly English and I found I couldn’t tell him no. Perhaps dancing would take my mind off Alexander, distracting me from my morose thoughts for at least a little while. If nothing else, it would save me from being a wallflower and feeling sorry for myself.

Slipping my gloved hand into his, I allowed him to escort me out onto the floor.  As his hand settled at my waist and his other gently gripped my fingers, he twirled me in time with the music.

“I’m afraid I’m not a good dancer,” I admitted.

He smiled again, his eyes dancing with blue fire. “I beg to disagree.  You’re light on your feet and easy to lead.”

I smiled my thanks.  I was feeling a little better already.

“You mentioned we hadn’t been introduced and yet you know who I am.”

“I made it my business to know.  Anyone who has the attention of Alexander Asterot has my full attention as well.”

His words puzzled me.  Was that his only reason for dancing with me?  And how did he know Alexander?

“I’m afraid I don’t understand. Do you know the prince?”

“You could say that.  We met once long ago.”

I smiled up at him. “It couldn’t have been that long ago.  You may be older than I am, but I’d wager not by much.”

“In human years, I am twenty-three.”

I lifted a brow. “And in non-human years?”

He chuckled. “I’m much, much older.”

I sighed and gave myself up to the dance, not speaking again until it ended. It seemed I’d attracted yet another otherworldly male. When the music ended, he bowed over my hand and I curtsied.

“Thank you for the dance, Mr…”

“Benton.  Lord Benton Richards, the Earl of Leamont.”

“First a prince and now an earl,” I muttered, knowing I was being rude, yet unable to stop myself. My mouth was running away from me, a sure sign I was comfortable with him.  That probably should have worried me.

He laughed and escorted me off the dance floor. “You are certainly refreshing.  And if you know anything about Alexander, then you do well with the unusual.”

“Yes, I know who and what he is.”

Benton nodded. “I figured as much.  It’s obvious to see he cares about you, which means you’ve met his father.”

I stared at him in open-mouthed shock.  How did he know I’d met Alexander’s father? I hadn’t told a soul about my trip to hell, for fear they would think I was crazy and would haul me off to an asylum.

His lips quirked. “I’ve known Alexander for about fifty years.  Anytime he becomes interested in a potential bride, his father interferes.”

“Fifty years? Are you…”

He shook his head. “No, I’m something different.  Unlike Alexander I won’t live forever, just longer than most.”

“In your position, isn’t that difficult to hide?”

“Thankfully my father lived to the ripe old age of one hundred and fifty.  I didn’t become the earl until recently.”

I looked at my surroundings in surprise.  Somehow, he had managed to whisk me out of the ballroom, onto the balcony, and down into the garden. It was disconcerting to say the least.

“Why did you ask me to dance?” I asked bravely.

He boldly caressed my cheek. “Because you fascinate me, and not just because of Alexander, although that does add to the intrigue.  You’re beautiful, graceful, and refreshingly honest.”

I blushed. “I’m not beautiful,” I muttered. What was it with these men?  It’s not like the other debutantes were ugly.  In fact, several were far more beautiful than I was.

“Yes, you are.”

Firmly, he gripped the back of my head and lowered his lips to mine.  I stifled a gasp as his tongue swept into my mouth.  The audacity of him irked me, but he tasted spicy and sweet at the same time, and it would be dishonest to say his kisses did not move me.  I knew I shouldn’t be, and I knew that kissing three men in such a short time made me the worst sort of young lady.  Then again, Benton hadn’t exactly asked permission or given me any warning.  He was simply taking what he wanted.

Getting to know BethAnn Buehler

 Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why?

I'm proud to say that I'm a former teacher turned stay-at-home mom to a terrific little boy with Asperger's Syndrome, which is a very mild form of Autism.  My hubby works very hard so that I can be here raising our son.  It's the hardest job I've ever had but it's my favorite.  I started writing to carve out personal time for myself as a way to escape some of the stress in my daily life.  Without really knowing where I was headed at the time, I created a contemporary romance with strong fetish/erotic elements.  I know it sounds corny but I love "love".  I love the underdog, the person who deals with their own brokenness and finds the courage to make their life happen against the odds, whatever those might be.  That's why I write romance.  I really want the happily-ever-after.

 Tell us about your current published work

I'm excited to say that Broken Together was just released by Wild Horse Press on September 14th.  Broken Together is the first in a three part series of novels featuring a small town called Rebel Canyon where readers invest in the lives of three close friends.  Bryn Baxter is hugely successful professionally but when it comes to relationships, let me just be candid--she's a mess.  When her otherwise orderly life falls apart, Bryn gets help from a hired gun, Beck Reynolds.  Bryn wants the fairy tale but she doesn't want to have to think about how to make it all work.  So Beck takes control...   

Do you have any upcoming releases?

Broken Destiny, the second novel in the Rebel Canyon Series, is slated for release in February of 2011 (Wild Horse Press) and Broken Identity, the third novel, is slated for the winter of 2011.  I'm also proud to be included in a paranormal romance anthology that will be released in time for this Christmas (Wild Horse Press).  And, not to spoil anything but my anthology partners have pulled me to the dark side so my next series might indeed be something paranormal.  Imagine that!  Thanks for the milk and cookies, guys!

What inspires you to write?  Where do you get your ideas? Broken Together was born on a mountain in Utah.  I was hanging out and reading in the lodge at Deer Valley (Utah) while my husband and son were out skiing.  I took several books to read for the week since I don't ski and honestly, each one I finished left me flat.  By the end of the third day (and the fourth dissatisfying book), I ran to the gift shop, bought a notebook, refilled my hot chocolate and decided I could do better.  Hence the Utah setting for the series.

What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?

Well, I read and reread the email about fifteen times because I couldn't believe it.  Then I made my husband double check it just to make sure.  Then I cried and called my best friend, Sheri, who also serves as my first line editor.  She hates my spelling and my sense of timing but thank goodness she loves me!

If one of your books became a movie, which one would you like to see up on screen and who do you see playing your characters?  I see my books as movies in my brain so this one's tough.  While Broken Together is my first child so to speak and I can easily see Max Martini as the hard-edged Beck Reynolds, I think Broken Destiny is much more suited to the big screen.  The man who played Jamie Wallace in my mind when I was writing Broken Destiny was Scott Foley.  While there's no question that he could go deep enough into a hard-edged alpha male persona to pull off tough Jamie, I'd love to see if Scott could perfect the day to day softer, less confident Jamie (Rebel's favorite son), especially when my hero has those moments of self doubt.  Hey Scott--wanna give it a try?   

If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be?  I'd own a little German sports car meant for two (the one that's made in Stuttgart) and I'd speed everywhere I went, running the occasional stop sign along the way when no-one else was around (that way no-one would get hurt).  You know those stupid stop signs that pop up in places that you can never seem to figure out why?  I hate those.   And while I'm usually never late anywhere I go, I speed because I'm always worried about being late.  I have a nice vehicle now that suits my lifestyle.  Given that it's a V6, I certainly don't putter.  Let's just say that when I bought it, I purposely didn't go for the German two seater.  They'd throw me under the jail...

What is the funniest/most embarrassing/scariest story from one of your books signings or events?  So far, using my real name has been the most frightening.  Since I'm active within our church and I'm on the PTO board at my son's school, maybe I should have considered a pen name.  I guess I was just too proud.  You know what they say about pride...

If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?  I'd take any of the founding fathers--Adams, Jefferson, Washington.  I love this country and I'm grateful that so many men leveraged everything they had when it mattered most.  They lost their lives, their families, their reputations--all for the bet of something better for everyone.  Today it seems self-interest and personal gain is king among those who "serve".  I miss the real patriots.  It would have been fun to help John Adams create the fourth of July holiday. 

What so you see for the future of publishing and ebooks?

I love the touch and feel of books and honestly, I never want to live in a world without books in print--banish the thought!  In saying that, however, I understand the popularity of ebooks.  I just hope that epublishing stays pure.  By that, I mean, I hope that authors continue to put their faith and their work in the hands of publishers who have trained proofreaders and editors dedicated to assisting authors in polishing our works of art.  This next comment might upset a few folks but spell check and book layout software don't make a novel. 

What is the strangest source of writing inspiration you’ve ever had?

It's probably more common than you'd think but it's all the negative stuff in my life that fuels my best writing.  My fears, dashed dreams, insecurities, screw-ups, that one failed relationship that you think back on and wonder.  Lucky for me I've got years of material to work with!

   

You come back from the dead as a spirit, what message are you trying to get across?

There's more than this.  More than right now.  What you do matters.  Who are you when no-one's looking matters.  What you believe in and fight for and care about on earth stays with you--it all matters.  

 

 If you were a world ruler and you were given a choice of 3 laws to enact, what would they be?

I would do away with legal red tape, especially as it pertains to lengthy, drawn out court battles and sentencing for crimes.  There'd be no fifteen year continuances if I had my way about it...  I'd make adoption a readily accessible and affordable option for all people (more legal red tape here I'm afraid) that wanted to love a child.  It saddens me that people have to fly around the world and play political games in foreign countries and spend ungodly sums of money to share love.  And, I'd revamp public education so that our teachers were back in a position of authority and our children started to hear the word "no" again in their daily lives.  A world without boundaries is a dangerous place to live.  I think for a child the word "no" is one of the best, most useful words they can hear, learn and accept.

What are your top 3 favorite paranormal books and movies?

Don't faint but I'm new to the paranormal scene.  Right now I'm happy to say that I'm reading the work of my talented colleagues--Jessica Coulter Smith, Linda Palmer, Bonnie Elliott, Tracey Mitchell, Jeanne Oiler, Ashlynn Monroe, and Lila Munro to name a few but honestly, I've just started to explore this genre so I'm playing catch-up.  And, since I'm scared of my shadow (and the dark) I'm too chicken to watch any paranormal movies!

What character (s) in any of your books is most like you?

The million dollar question--everyone wants to know if my books are about me.  I have Bryn's standoffish quality and loyalty to the people I love, and I share her hair color.  I have Casey's longing to be accepted and her heart for wanting the fairy tale.  But honestly, Rachel is the one that's starting to get to me.  When I first created her, she was someone all together different and to say she's changed as the series has grown would be a huge understatement.  Wait until you meet her in book three, then we'll have to talk.  Sadly, I don't share the "lifestyle" any of my heroines have!

What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?

In Broken Together, I almost maimed my heroine in a bad self-waxing accident but in the end, I decided she'd been through enough.  In Broken Destiny, there's a scene where a car wreck would be fitting but I just couldn't bring myself to crash such a cool truck.  Again in Broken Destiny there's a scene with a gun that's outrageous--oh wait--I left that one in!  Maybe in Broken Identity Rachel can revisit that waxing thing...

Where can readers find you on the web?

readers can visit my website--www.bethannbuehler.com

I also blog with my sister writers at WickedMuses@webs.com

my publisher also has a great website--www.the-wild-horse-press.com

Broken Together Back Cover:

It's not about surviving...

When renowned photojournalist Bryn Baxter’s world is nearly destroyed by a mortar attack as she films a documentary in the middle of the Afghan war, her father brings his only child home and smothers her with around the clock protection in the form of a handsome private security escort.

But Beck Reynolds would rather eat dirt than protect another “lost soul”, especially the daughter of his former Commander.  Not only does the assignment put a kink in his evening playtime, but despite his every effort, the woman he’s charged to protect hasn’t said a word to him for nearly a month. 

It's about how you rebuild...

As Bryn tries to reclaim her life, she throws herself into the dark world of  Dominance and submission.  A world where, unbeknownst to Bryn, Beck is already an accomplished Master.  While Bryn attempts to explore her own sexuality, Beck is forced to save her from one dreadful situation after another, his desire to own Bryn, body, mind and soul growing stronger each day.  Little does he know, however, that he’s stirring a hunger in Bryn that she’s denied herself for far too long. 

With a soft touch and a wicked approach, Beck is determined to teach Bryn the pleasures of  his secret world.  But can he save her from herself?

Broken Destiny Back Cover:

It's not about living...

When Casey Owens runs away from Nevada bad boy Mark Whitlow, she's fleeing not only one of the most powerful families in the south, but the man who just happens to be the father of her newborn son.  Tossing caution to the wind, Casey refuses to let her past get in the way of her future.  Her only focus now is Tyler, the precious little boy her ex future in-laws consider "the bastard child."  While the last thing Casey wants to do is start over, it's not about her anymore.

Jamie Wallace, Rebel Canyon's favorite cowboy, is sick of the bar scene.  Who would imagine such a successful, good-natured hunk would have so much trouble getting a date?  But when Jamie wanders off his ranch and takes one look at the helpless waif of a woman he nearly killed with his truck, he wonders if the man upstairs has finally answered his prayers.

It's about love...

Jamie can't wait to explore every inch of Casey's body and he's just as intent on winning her heart as he is on undoing her zipper.  There's just one catch.  Jamie has no idea about Casey's past.  And when he sees the scars that mark her body, he loses more than just his nerve in the bedroom.  With unseen forces working against them, Casey's resolve will be tested by a man whose kind of love leaves bruises while Jamie's heart will be torn between bending Casey over the tailgate of his truck and changing dirty diapers.

Offering Casey nothing more than himself, Jamie can only hope that one day Casey will grow to love him in return.  But will he ever be able to love another man's son?

Publishers Website:  http://www.the-wild-horse-press.com/

Broken Together will be released on September 14th and will be available through amazon.com and Coffee Time Romance ebook store.

Meet Julie Kimble

Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why? I typically write Adult Romance, but have written YA Romance as well. Adult seems to be my favorite. I like the fact in an adult romance, the characters are grown. They're out of school and don't live at home anymore (in most cases). Adult romances are sensual and more intimate than YA, in my opinion. What comes first for you when you sit down to write a book? Plot or Characters? My characters come first. When I develop the perfect characters, they create the story for me. Their personalities do funny things and that is what makes a good story. Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story. My latest novel is called Reese's Peace. It came out July 6th from Wild Horse Press. It's about a woman named Reese Lindsey, who has strong family values but no time for love. She's preoccupied with her business and remodel of her home. When she meets the hero, Chase Boyd, things get complicated. They have several really funny accidents together. Chase always comes to her rescue. My inspiration for this story wasn't anything in particular. I just had an idea one day, the opening scene actually, and went with it. How would you describe your creative process while writing this book? Was it stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline? Very seldom do I make an outline. I have used them before, but not often. Sometimes I brainstorm by jotting down ideas, but I don't usually outline the story. Did your book require a lot of research? No. I like to keep it simple. If it's fiction, I like to create the rules. Does that make sense? I like to keep it fiction, but believable. Making up the details is part of the fun. Now, if I need to research something I will. I sure don't want to come across as ignorant on a subject. If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be? I love to gamble so I'd say play bingo or slot machines on someone elses dime. What are your top 3 favorite paranormal books and movies? That's hard. I have so many. How about my top 3 paranormal book series? Definitely Meg Cabot, hands down, for top two. The Mediator Series (YA) and The 1-800-Where are-you Series (YA) then definitley Stephenie Meyer's Twiligh Saga and coming in by the skin of her teeth for fourth place, Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Series. All of them are GENIUS! Movies:  Twilight Series, HBO's True Blood series It's funny because I love to read and watch paranormal but when I try to write it, it's really really hard. What character (s) in any of your books is most like you? All of them have a part of me. I like spunky, feisty and out spoken heroines. I have a hard time reading about weak women. I take up for my family and friends and so do my characters. What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did? Another tough one. Usually, I don't hold back on my characters. They will do ridiculous, outrageous, and asenine things. I can't recall not using something that intrigued me because I thought it was ridiculous. Which authors works do you enjoy reading and do you have any other authors that you bounce ideas of? I love Rachel Gibson for adult romances and Janet Evanovich for all her ealry romance novels and of course Stephanie Plum Series. They are hysterical and if I can incorporate any of their ideas into mine without stealing them, I will. Where do you see the paranormal/urban fantasy genre headed? Can you see it slowing down in the near future, or do you think that the immediate future is pretty bright for it? The immediate future is bright, no doubt about that. Twilight Series will boost it since the movies are still being produced. As far as the future goes, I think it will die down some. There are so many more ways to do paranormal that aren't being used yet. Time Travel, Aliens etc. There are still ideas to be discovered. What is the strangest source of writing inspiration you’ve ever had? Walmart. LOL While checking out one day, I heard someone get paged and thought how funny that would be for an opening scene. I did it. In Mr. Irresistible. It's out now in e-book and paperback from Wild Horse Press and Amazon.com Do you have another book in the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects? I just finished a YA Paranormal Romance. It's different than the other YA's. It doesn't deal with werewolves or vampires or shapeshifters of any kind. Unfortunately, I can't tell you any more because I am actively seeking an agent for this novel. I am also working on an Adult Paranormal Romance that gives a new twist to the paranormal romance genre. It's funny and not quite so serious. The main focus is the romance and not the paranormal aspect. Where can readers find out what's new and how can they contact you? I have a website: www.juliekimbrell.com My email address juliekimbrellbooks@yahoo.com Reeses's Peace Excerpt:  Available at The Wild Horse Press “Are you okay?” Reese yelled through the window screen. Suddenly the wooden door flew back and a very tall, muscular, shirtless man stood there. He definitely wasn’t old, probably in his early thirties. His wavy black hair looked a little out of place like he’d slept on it. Reese noticed immediately he held one of his feet off the ground. Blood slowly dripped on the cream colored carpet underneath him. Reese gulped as he pushed the glass door open with his forearm. “Do you need something?” Anger flashed in his eyes. After studying him, she saw wrinkle marks across his cheeks from where he’d laid on a pillow. “I’m sorry. Did I wake you up from your nap?” She mentally kicked herself for talking to him like he was a child. He definitely wasn’t a child. “What do you need? I really don’t have time to chit-chat.” How rude! “Well excuse me.” Reese put her hands on her hips. “I just came to apologize for breaking your window.” He stared at her. “Okay, you said you’re sorry, now I need to get this cut cleaned.” She glared at him. He started to shut the door. Enough was enough. “Do you have to be so rude?” Reese asked. “I mean, I understand you’re mad at me. I probably deserve it. But, I didn’t do it on purpose. It was an accident.”

Introducing Jessica Coulter Smith and her Vampire's Redemption

The Vampire's Redemption 
Written by Jessica Coulter Smith
Available for Pre-Order at All Romance Ebooks HERE
Publisher: The Wild Horse Press

Check out Jessica's website for more information on her books, news and more HERE

Taken outside of a park in New Orleans, Cadence now finds herself in the land of Shar, a parallel universe that is home to the demons even hell doesn’t want.  The slave trader who kidnapped her starves her and beats her into submission, until the ruler of Shar steps in. 

Lars, a vampire known for his cruelty, is drawn to the young captive.  For reasons he can’t explain, he wants to protect her and keep her safe.  Buying her from the merciless slave trader, he heals her wounds.  While he may have her in his bed, he wants much more from her.  The vampire has decided he wants her love.

Can Cadence forget she’s nothing more than a slave, forget the rumors of her vampire lover, and give Lars a chance?  By opening her heart, can she become the vampire’s redemption?

 Sneak peek into The Vampire's Redemption

Buy HERE

Lars looked across the crowded hall, examining the latest acquisitions his lesser demons and slave traders had found.  He might have lost Alyson to the angel, but he hadn’t given up hope.  A commotion in the far corner drew his eye. Standing, he went to investigate.

As he drew closer, he saw a slave trader had stripped one of his slaves and was whipping her repeatedly.  Blood dripped from the lacerations on her back and pooled on the cold stone floor.

“You stupid whore! You’ll do as I say!” the man yelled, bringing the whip down again and again.

The woman cowered on the floor, her long hair covering her face. 

“What’s going on?” Lars asked standing with his massive arms crossed over his chest.

“This stupid bitch insulted one of my best customers.”

Lars raised a brow. “And you think beating her will change her value?”

The slave trader stopped mid swing.  He knew it wouldn’t be a good idea to anger the head vampire and ruler of the area.  His business depended on Lars.  “Do you want to buy her?”

Lars gazed at the woman on the floor.  Her chin lifted and large green eyes stared up at him with tears shimmering in their depths. He felt as if someone had reached into his chest and squeezed his heart.  In that moment, he knew he wanted her.

“Yes, I do.”

The slave trader looked surprised, but didn’t argue.  He quoted a rather large sum and watched as the vampire pulled out the money.  Accepting the marks from Lars, he turned back to his other slaves, the young woman already forgotten.

Lars knelt by her side. “What’s your name?”

“Cadence.”

“This might hurt, but I’m going to pick you up, Cadence.  We’ll go upstairs and get you cleaned up.”

She nodded, sensing the power that radiated from her savior.  She’d seen him sitting on the dais and knew he was Lars, the leader of the area, a vampire feared throughout the area.  She’d heard of his wicked temper and was even more terrified than she had been of the slave trader. She’d heard the horror stories of what happened to his slaves when they disobeyed him, and knew that he liked taking multiple women to his bed.

When he lifted her into his arms, she winced in pain and bit her lip to keep from crying out.  A tear escaped and slipped silently down her cheek. When the droplet hit Lars’s arm, he looked down at her, compassion and worry etched on his face.

“I know it hurts, but I promise it will be better soon.”

Cadence stared up at him in amazement.  Is this the same man everyone has spoken of?  They made him out to be a monster.

Trying to consolidate the conflicting information she had on the man who now owned her, she rested her head against his chest.  Whether she liked it or not, she was now his property to do with as he pleased.  She only hoped she survived it.

Sneak Peek into The Executive Officer's Wife by Lila Munro

From The Executive Officer’s Wife

By

Lila Munro

Copyright 2010

Why Rosa hadn’t answered the door yet was beyond Libby’s comprehension.  She was trying to come out of what seemed like a comatose state of sleep in which she felt she had been lost for days.  She stretched, moved, and was grateful that the incessant pounding had quit.  Hoping Rosa could contend with whoever it was, she rolled over wanting to savor this peaceful rest.  The sight of the cowboy from Texas, leaning on one elbow, staring at her quietly with a grin on his face jolted her to reality.

                 “I take it you slept well, Libby?” It was more a statement than question. “I wondered if you ever would hear that knocking on the door. I didn’t think me answering it was a good idea or I would have and let you sleep longer.”

                 “I’m sorry.” She cleared her throat. “In fact, I’d completely forgotten where I was.”  She pushed herself up and rubbed her eyes.

                 Chase thought she looked radiant.  The morning sun streamed in on her and her dark hair a crumpled mess.

    Bang, bang, bang.  This time a voice accompanied the frantic thumping.  “Miss Calhoun, please wake up and come to the door.”

                 “Shit!”  She leaped from the bed and hysterically searched the floor for her clothes, and then stopped midstream, placing a thumb on her temple and forefinger between her eyes.  She took a few deliberate breaths.  “Calm down, Elizabeth.”

                 “Who the hell is it that has you this upset?  Not another ex-husband or boyfriend I hope.” Chase left the bed and pulled on his jeans, contemplating if his boots would be necessary.

                 “No, worse.  It’s my driver.  What time is it anyway?  Good God, Rosa is probably having a conniption…have you seen my shirt?”  She talked a mile a minute, the pitch of her voice getting higher all the while, and still searched the floor as if she’d lost something of great value.

                 “Easy.  It’s not quite noon and…Wait…did you say your driver?  Who the hell is Rosa?  Your mother?”

                 She looked at him as though he had cursed her to damnation.  Curtly she told him, “No, she is not my mother.” Then added, with more panic than bite, “Yes, my driver. I told you last night you had no idea who you were dealing with, and I had hoped you wouldn’t find out.”  She was struggling with her shorts.

                 “Miss Calhoun, please answer the door.” Bevins pounded again. “I swear it’s important…”

                 Calhoun, why should that ring a bell?  Chase began an internal inventory of his still foggy mind.

     Another string of expletives flew from her mouth, none of which really shocked, but only served to amuse him.  He thought she was kind of cute in a tizzy.  She raced down the hall and flung the door wide open. Bevins’ raised his fist, ready to resume the assault on the flimsy wood.  The sudden motion caught him off guard and he had to take a couple of steps forward to keep from falling.

                 “What the devil is wrong Bevins?”  she whispered discreetly. “I am sorry, I forgot about you last night.”

                 “Don’t worry about me Miss Calhoun. I slept on Murray’s couch.  Pretty comfortable actually.” 

                 She then noticed her purse dangling from Bevins’ other hand. 

                 “I was going to leave you alone as long as you needed.” His cheeks mottled pink. “But, I thought you would want to know, the Colonel is on his way here.  I thought you might need some time to, well, collect yourself.”  He cleared his throat and glanced down.  “Your phone has been ringing all morning and I finally answered it.  Something happened overnight.  Anyway, he’s on his way here, sounded pretty furious, and he’s calling your new bodyguard, said it couldn’t wait until….”

                 The unmistakable ringing of a cell phone interrupted him.  She turned, wide-eyed, back into the small living room and watched her stranger from Texas reach in his pocket and retrieve the ringing blackberry.   Holy Mother of God, what have I done?

Where to find Lila on the web:

http://www.lilamunro.weebly.com

http://www.wickedmuses.webs.com

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Where you can find Lila's book to be purchased:

www.amazon.com

www.allromanceebooks.com

www.wildhorsepress.com