Sexy Without the Sex - Conduct Unbecoming by Dellani Oakes

If you've read The Ninja Tattoo, you know who Teague and Vivica are. If you haven't, you really should. It's a great book and I'm not just saying that because I wrote it. One of Teague's former girlfriends calls him unexpectedly, asking him to check up on a mutual friend who has disappeared. Aileen is afraid Nadeya may be in danger. Teague, reluctantly, agrees. He enlists the help of his good friend, Jasper Waters, and his cousin Joel. Aileen also joins them to help find Nadeya and identify the person who framed her for murder.

Unfortunately, Jasper has known both Teague and Joel forever. He can't stop teasing the other man, especially about Joel's car. His constant digging finally pushes Joel over the edge. He knows he'll end up shooting Jasper, so he leaves the house.

Aileen went outside. She found Joel sitting on the neighborhood dock, gazing at the moon. He looked up when she sat down on another deck chair.

"He really gets under my skin," he explained. "And I let him. I want to kick myself in the ass."

"What's with you two. You seem to hate each other."

"No. Jasper's a good guy, he's just so competitive. I've been on the receiving end more times than I'd like. He's a sore loser, but he's a worse winner. Problem is, I am too." He chuckled, shaking his head. "We're too damn much alike to be friends. The only reason we tolerate each other is because of Teague."

"He's always had that effect, hasn't he? I've never seen someone who can bring people together and get the best out of them like he can. God, he had me charmed and in his bed faster than any man I've ever met."

Joel held up his hand, halting her monologue. "I can handle many things. But hearing how good my cousin is at seducing a beautiful woman is not one of them."

"Jealous?"

"As all hell," Joel admitted. He stared across the water.

"I can't imagine you've had much trouble along that line," Aileen said quietly. She scooted closer, shivering.

Joel flung an arm around her, pulling her closer. "I'd loan you my jacket if I had one."

"This is good. So, you don't want to know how he seduced me?"

"Nope. Why would I?"

"Because it might work for you too."

Joel chuckled, rubbing her arm. "There is that. Maybe I'll find my own way."

Aileen gazed into his eyes. They looked silver in the moonlight. "How would you go about it?"

"First, I'd take you for a ride in my sexy car." He ticked the steps off on his fingers.

She giggled. "And then?"

"Then I'd buy you a cup of coffee and a slice of the best pie in town."

"Jasper actually did that." She pressed the second finger down.

"Yeah, but I drove you there in my sexy car." He raised his index finger again.

"True."

"Then I'd have me a temper tantrum and storm outside like a three year old." He held up a third finger.

Aileen grabbed his hand, holding it close to her chest. "Oooh, be still my fluttering heart."

Joel turned his face to hers, pulling her close. "Then, I reckon I'd get you by the river in the moonlight and hope you let me kiss you." He wound his fingers in her hair.

Aileen leaned closer. Joel brushed her cheek, touching her lips with his thumb. His lips met hers—warm and soft and full. She shivered against him, but not because she was cold. Joel's tongue flickered between her lips and she opened them more. He took full advantage, deepening the kiss.

The screen door of Vivica's house screeched, sounding loud in the still night. Joel's head snapped around.

"You two okay?" Vivica called.

"Yeah. Be right in, Viv. Sorry," Joel replied. He stood, giving Aileen a hand up.

Her arm slipped around his waist. "That was a nice kiss. I'd like to continue that sometime."

Joel sighed. "But I'm guessing not tonight."

"Not tonight. But soon." She started away from him.

Joel caught her hand, pulling her back. The kiss was even more powerful when they were standing. His firm body pressed against hers. It felt good to have a man show his interest so definitively. There were no games with Joel. He liked her, he was attracted. She had no intention of bedding a man she'd known less than 12 hours—though it was damned tempting.

"How long did it take my cousin," he whispered huskily. His breath tickled her neck.

"A week."

He nodded, smirking. Arm slung around her shoulders, he planted a kiss on her cheek as they walked to the house.

© Dellani Oakes

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Sexy Without the Sex - Ring Up the Curtain part 2 by Dellani Oakes

I couldn't leave Colt hanging. He's such a great guy. My intention was that Colt would end up with Shaine, but Brent won her over. That meant Colt was still lonely. I couldn't think of a better woman to match him up with than Suzie Graph, who appears in Undercover Lover and A Bride for Brodie. Suzie's parents own a bar and grill where she works as a waitress and assistant manager. Suzie's a handful, but just the right woman for Colt -- probably better for him than Shaine.

Colt and Suzie walked onto the deck behind the bar. At this time of night, it was fairly empty. They found a dark corner to the right of the doors, and moved into it, their arms around one another. Colt had to control himself so he wasn't all over her. Suzie wasn't a slut and would take him down if he got too friendly too fast. She was a black belt in karate. He let her set the pace and wasn't disappointed. She grabbed him by the belt loops, pulling him to her. Her lips were hot, full, sultry and her breath came in little, sharp gasps.

"I hope to hell you know what you're doing," she muttered, her lips brushing his.

"Ain't had no complaints—well, 'cept for Helen."

"And she's an idiot whose opinion. . . ." She nibbled his lower lip. "Doesn't count."

"Do you have to close?" He groaned as she pressed her chest against his.

"Lanie's sick. Mom and Dad are out of town. I'm boss lady tonight."

"Damn. . . . I'm off by five, but I have to go to the store. No food in the place."

"I'll bring dinner. I'll be there by five thirty, maybe before."

"Sweet. . . ."

"Shut up, Colt. Kiss me, dammit. I've only got fifteen more minutes."

He barely waited for her to finish talking before he captured her mouth with his. She tasted like strawberries and smelled like fresh summer rain. Her hair tangled in his watch, and he worked it free as he kissed her. Half distracted, he didn't feel where her hands were going until they were on his chest, rubbing his nipples and tickling his navel. He flinched away, laughing.

"Oh, you got a good spot." He chuckled, his belly moving away instinctively from her fingers.

"You're ticklish?"

"Only under the right circumstances."

"And what are those?" she asked, her fingers continuing their exploration.

"I think you've got that figured out, baby," he commented, nibbling her lip.

"My break's almost over," she whispered as she fixed her hair and straightened her clothing.

"Stay another minute. It's not that busy," he begged.

Suzie's back was against the wall of the building. Colt put his arms beside her head, leaning forward like he was doing a pushup. His lips teased hers, his body tantalizingly close, but not touching. Suzie grabbed him by the shirt, flipping him around so he was the one against the wall. Her leg went between his, lifting slightly. Her knee rubbed his thigh agonizingly close to his testicles. With deliberate slowness, she raised her leg so she brushed against him. Colt was afraid he was going to cum in his pants if she didn't stop. Suzie seemed to consider that and eased up, kissing him instead.

"You are going to be great to play with." She giggled, biting his lip. "We're gonna have so much fun!"

"You make me crazy, Suzie. Completely insane. This is all I'm gonna think about until tomorrow evening."

"Excellent. You have a good night's sleep, Colt, honey. Cause tomorrow night, you're gonna be busy." She patted his cheek, then let her fingers blaze a trail from his cheek to his belt buckle. She tugged a moment on his zipper, grinning when she got the response she was looking for.

"Holy God," Colt wheezed. "Oh, my God!"

"Go home, Colt. Get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow." She led him back into the bar by the hand.

No way I'm gonna get any sleep tonight, he thought as he followed her.

© Dellani Oakes

ToPurchase Dellani's Books

What's Write for Me July 23, 2014 Lindsay Downs, Ken Farmer & Dwight Zimmerman!

I've got 3 great guests on Wednesday, July 23 at 4:00 PM EDT on Red River Radio Network What's Write for Me. Join Dellani and Christina when we chat with Lindsay Downs, Ken Farmer and Dwight Zimmerman.

Lindsay Downs:

What does it take to be a bestselling author? Determination, skill, talent, luck or taking a risk with a venture into a totally new genre. For me it was a little of some and a lot of the others.

In 2008 when I got two books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.

More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rules, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.

Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.

After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other died unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.

For me, as a multipublished author, it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.

I’m also a member of the Published Authors Network (PAN) by the Romance Writers of America (RWA).

Where to find me:

Lindsay Downs - Author

Regency by Lindsay Downs

Good Reads Page

Lindsay Downs Romance Author

Ken Farmer

After proudly serving his country as a US Marine, Ken attended Stephen F. Austin State University on a full football scholarship, receiving his Bachelors Degree in Business and Speech & Drama. Ken quickly discovered his love for acting when he starred as a cowboy in a Dairy Queen commercial when he was raising registered Beefmaster cattle and Quarter Horses at his ranch in East Texas. 

Ken has over 41 years as a professional actor, with memorable roles Silverado, Friday Night Lights, The Newton Boys and Uncommon Valor. He was the spokesman for Wolf Brand Chili for eight years. Ken was a professional and celebrity Team Penner for over twenty years—twice penning at the National Finals—and participated in the Ben Johnson Pro-Celebrity Rodeos until Ben’s death in ‘96. Ken now lives near Gainesville, TX, where he continues to write novels.

Ken wrote a screenplay back in the '80s, The Tumbleweed Wagon. He and his writing partner, Buck Stienke adapted it to a historical fiction western, THE NATIONS—a Finalist for the Elmer Kelton Award. They released the sequel, HAUNTED FALLS—winner of the Laramie Award for Best Action Western, 2013—in June of 2013. HELL HOLE was the third in the Bass Reeves saga written by Ken alone and released April 2, 2014.

Buck and Ken have completed ten novels to date together including the westerns. Their first series, Military/Action/Techno started with BLACK EAGLE FORCE: Eye of the Storm, BLACK EAGLE FORCE: Sacred Mountain, Return of the Starfighter, BLACK EAGLE FORCE: Blood Ivory, BLOOD BROTHERS with Doran Ingrham and lastly, BLACK EAGLE FORCE: Fourth Reich. They released a foray into a new genre...SciFy, on May 30, 2014, LEGEND of AURORA and are moving toward an early September release of the sequel, AURORA: INVASION.

Https://www.facebook.com/KenFarmerAuthor

DWIGHT JON ZIMMERMAN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, radio host, editor, and president of the Military Writers Society of America. He has written more than twelve books, including Uncommon Valor: The Medal of Honor and the Warriors Who Earned It in Afghanistan and Iraq which won the 2010 Military Writers Society of America Founder’s Award, the organization’s highest honor. 

He is the co-author of Lincoln’s Last Days the #1 New York Times bestselling adaptation of Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly. He has written twelve books that have won numerous awards, more than 300 articles on military history, and comic book stories for Marvel Comics and other comic book publishers. His latest book Area 51: The Graphic History of America’s Most Secret Military Installation is scheduled for a November 2014 release. He is presently writing the script for Steve McQueen: Full Throttle Cool, the graphic biography of actor Steve McQueen.

Sexy Without the Sex - Ring Up the Curtain part 1 by Dellani Oakes

Shaine Gregory and Brent Heintz have been together for six years. They've maintained an open relationship, though it wasn't something that Shaine particularly wanted. All that seems to be working fine until Colt Remington breezes in to audition for their newest play. The kiss Colt and Shaine shares is electrifying. Even so, Brent hires him on the spot. He's perfect for the part, even having just the right Texas drawl. None of that is a particular problem until the leading lady quits, leaving Shaine to play opposite Colt.

Shaine stole glances at Colt as he read over the contract and she interpreted it for him. He asked a lot of questions which she answered thoroughly. They were finally nearing the end, when his eyes met hers, holding them for a long moment before he exhaled slowly.

"So, you live with Brent."

She started to reply, but he stopped her with a flick of his fingers.

"Do you love him?" He gazed deeply into her eyes, shaking his head. A little smile twitched the sides of his perfect, bow shaped lips. "No. . . . Maybe. . .?"

"I don't see how it's any of your business, Mr. Remington."

"Because that kiss meant something to you too," he replied with conviction.

Shaine couldn't deny it was a hell of a kiss. Much as she didn't want to admit it, she was hooked on Colt Remington. Shaine didn't know what to make of him. He was a walking, talking dichotomy. He was confident and lost, calm and excitable all at the same time. In only one area had she not found contradiction, in his obvious interest in her. She saw it in his eyes, the set of his shoulders, the quirk of his smile.

"You will be at the pub, won't you?" He asked as they walked down the hall.

"Yes, I promised Brent."

"Brent is a lucky man to have you."

Shaine wasn't sure how to take that statement. It was full of longing and, dare she hope, lust? Tinged with a smattering of jealousy perhaps? Whatever the emotions, she found she rather liked the implication. Colt was complimenting her.

"Thank you."

He smiled, taking her hand. He pulled her to him, and she went without resistance. This time, his kiss was light, fluttering, soft. His right hand snaked around her waist, his left brushed her cheek, winding in her hair. He stopped abruptly, releasing her suddenly. Without a word, he rushed from the building, walking almost blindly into the street.

"Actors!" Shaine whispered after him.

© Dellani Oakes

ToPurchase Dellani's Books

Dellani's Tea Time Presents! Mark David Gerson and Bennet Pomerantz!

I'm delighted to have two wonderful gentlemen on my show Monday, July 14 at 4:00 PM Eastern time on Dellani's Tea Time. Mark David Gerson and Bennet Pomerantz are two of my favorite authors to chat with. Expect a lot of laughs and a whole lot of chatter!






Listen to Us Live (Or Podcast Later)

BIO
Mark David Gerson is the award-winning author of the popular Q'ntana Trilogy of fantasy novels (The MoonQuest, The StarQuest, The SunQuest), of four critically books on writing and of a memoir. His screenplay adaptations of his Q'ntana novels are on their way to theaters as a trio of epic feature films. Mark David is also a writing coach and creativity catalyst, guiding writers and non-writers alike to connect with their innate wisdom, open to their creative power and express themselves with ease. As well, he is an editor, script analyst, artist, photographer and in-demand speaker on topics related to creativity and spirituality.

Website - www.markdavidgerson.com Amazon Author Page - www.amazon.com/author/markdavidgerson

Username on most social networks, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube - markdavidgerson

Bibliography - • Organic Screenwriting: Writing for Film, Naturally (newest) (see screenshot a few messages up) • Writer’s Block Unblocked: Seven Surefire Ways to Free Up Your Writing and Creative Flow • From Memory to Memoir: Writing the Stories of Your Life • The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write -- NEW, EXPANDED EDITION just released • The Voice of the Muse Companion: Guided Meditations for Writers (recording) • Acts of Surrender: A Writer’s Memoir • The Book of Messages: Writings Inspired by Melchizedek • The Q’ntana Trilogy: The MoonQuest, The StarQuest, The SunQuest

Coming Soon (I hope) - a new novel and (tentatively titled) "Dialogues with the Divine: Walking with My Wisest Self on the Road to Enlightenment," a sort of companion to my memoir.

Bio--Bennet Pomerantz is a host of three Blog Talk radio shows (The Legal Show, Lets Talk and the Betty Award winning ANYTHING GOES. He also hosts ANOTHER ANYTHING GOES on the World of Ink Network. He is known for his syndicated Newspaper columns ( AUDIOWORLD, A Piece of The Page, and To Be or What) as well as his amazon reviews, Nightowl Magazine A Piece of My Mind, and Affaire De Couer column Movies of Your Mind. In his off time, he write book forwards from Rachel Thompson, Kathleen Ball and Lindsay Downs

audioworld.wix.com

author, journalist, media critic, radio host

my web site is http://audioworld.wix.com/bennet-pomerantz

Sexy Without the Sex - Undercover Lover by Dellani Oakes

Saige Ingalls has just ended a bad three year relationship. Her boyfriend, Ben, threw her things out of their second story apartment window, bringing it to a rather definitive end. Unwilling to let her languish alone, her boss, Malcolm Brodie (Bride for Brodie), takes her out for drinks with friends. Both Brodie and his best friend, Stan, have a bit of a crush on Saige, though neither acted on it because she was with Ben. Now, she's fair game and both men intend to show their interest.

Stan wasn't leaving with one of the girls. He looked somewhat forlorn. Saige plopped down on a stool next to him while Brodie talked to Stan's sister Suzie.

"Not got a rendezvous, Stan?"

He shrugged, shaking his head. "Nope. Keeping my options open in case you change your mind."

Saige gave him a gentle, platonic kiss on the lips. "You are an amazing guy, Stan. You're the kind of man I could fall in love with."

"But?"

"I'm not going to use you like that. It wouldn't be right."

"Well, if you ever need a dance partner or a fuck buddy, you call me."

"I'll do that," she smiled, giving him another kiss.

This time, he didn't allow it to be casual and friendly. He drew her to him, holding her close to a firm, well delineated body that felt very good next to hers. His kiss was magnetic, electrifying, incredible. Never in her life had she been kissed like that, even by Ben. He lingered over the embrace for a good minute before letting her go. Without a word, he left.

Saige's breath caught in her chest, making her lightheaded. That was the best kiss she'd ever gotten in her life. If he had more to offer than a good set of lips, the casual sex sounded better than ever.

"No," she told herself, shaking her head. "Not for the rebound guy. No, no, no!"

"You all right, sugar?" Suzie stood next to her, eyes wide, tray perched on her hip.

"I'm okay. Wow!"

"Are you completely out of your mind then?" she whispered. "Kissing Stan in front of Brodie. Are you insane?"

"Just drunk."

Suzie laughed. "Oh, okay. Yeah, that excuse will hold up in court. Cause if you do that again, Brodie's gonna kill him."

"Don't worry, I'll explain it to him."

"Explain what to whom?" Brodie stood at her elbow.

"I'll tell you in a minute," Saige said with a smile. "Bye, Suzie. Thanks."

"What was that all about?" Brodie looked worried.

"She's concerned you want to break Stan into itsy bitsy pieces."

Brodie laughed suddenly, sounding loud on the empty street. Putting a friendly arm round her shoulders, he led her to the car.

"Not tonight. Maybe, if he ever kisses you like that again."

"Jealous?"

His blue eyes were soft and dreamy in the subdued streetlights. "A little. I'd love to have a woman like you to come home to. I've grown very fond of you, Saige."

"But we're not doing the sex with a co-worker thing."

"No...."

"I hear a condition in that pause."

"Unless I knew for sure you loved me and not him. Then I'd never let you go."

Brodie stood next to her, his body vibrating as he fought himself for control. He wanted to kiss her badly. If he thought for a moment she wanted him, loved him more than Ben, he'd have jumped on the chance to be with her. But he wasn't going to make love to another man's woman just because she was beautiful, sexy, lonely and looking at him with eyes as green as the lake and fathomless. With a mental shake, he took a shuddering breath, purging the feelings he felt building inside him.

"I don't love Stan."

"Not talking about Stan." His lips drifted down to hers. It seemed so perfect, so natural.

Stan's kiss was amazing, full of excitement, anticipation. Brodie's was unbridled passion, powerful, heart stopping, breathtaking liquid sex on her mouth. She melted against him, wanting Brodie to hold her and kiss her like that forever. All thought of Ben left her. Stan's face faded away. All she heard was the pounding of her heart next to Brodie's. His strong arms held her in an unyielding embrace that she was loathe to break.

She wanted him to make love to her, but somehow she knew he wouldn't. If she wanted Malcolm Brodie, she was going to have to earn him. He wouldn't take her unless he was sure she came free of encumbrance.

Saige knew deep in her heart she couldn't set Ben's love aside easily. They had meant too much to one another. Could it really be over? Was she an idiot?

Undercover Lover was shared on my other blog www.dellanioakes.wordpress.com

© Dellani Oakes 
To Purchase Dellani's Books

Sexy Without the Sex - The Experiment by Dellani Oakes

From The Experiment (Not yet published) Maggie Simmons is failing her freshman level psychology class (she put it off until her senior year). If she fails, she'll have to be in school and extra semester. So when her professor tells her she can earn a perfect score simply for participating in an experiment, she jumps at the chance. Little does she know that for this experiment, she'll be married for six weeks to a total stranger. When she meets Jaeger Jeffreys, the idea of being his wife isn't so bad. However, there are bound to be misunderstandings that arise from not knowing one another very well before having to share an apartment.

"Maggie, if I want sex, there are much easier ways to get it. I can call up an ex-girlfriend for a late night bootie call."

"And they'll come running, just like that?" She couldn't keep the incredulity from her tone.

"Yeah. Some women think I'm pretty hot. And, not to brag—no, exactly to brag. I'm pretty damn good in bed and those women got their multiple orgasms. You may not think I'm desirable. . . ."

"I didn't say that!" She shoved him away. "I don't know what I want—what to think. I should never have signed on for this, but I needed the points so I don't flunk some pissant freshman psych class! But I never expected anyone like you."

"What's wrong with me?"

Maggie burst into tears. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing. You're sweet and considerate and smart and funny and—god, you're gorgeous and sexy and I'm just plain old me. You could have any woman you want and I've got no one else. Except Conalingus Guy—and we both know how successful that was."

Angry and miserable, Maggie ran from him. She shouldn't blame him for things beyond his control. He couldn't help it if she was already half in love with him. He was handsome and intelligent, easy going and fun to talk to. In short, he was everything she'd ever wanted in a man. It wasn't his fault that she was a 21 year old virgin with a history of failed relationships. None of the blame could be laid at Jaeger's feet, it was all hers.

Jaeger ran up next to her. He took her arm, but she shook it off. He tried again. Maggie stopped running, turning on him, furious.

"Come on, Maggie. Wait. Would you listen for a second instead of taking everything I say totally wrong?"

She stood with her arms crossed, glaring at him. Jaeger unfolded her arms and pulled her to him, putting her arms around his waist as he held her tight.

Maggie pressed her cheek against his chest. She could hear his heart hammering, his lungs expanding rapidly after their run.

"You want to know what I saw the moment I looked at you? Pearl pointed you out and I saw this gorgeous, voluptuous woman with spun gold for hair and the most incredible blue eyes I'd ever seen. You hooked me and reeled me in by looks alone. But I've been burned by beauty before, so I started asking myself what could possibly be wrong with you. Maybe you were a selfish bitch, or stupid or inconsiderate. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. But there was nothing wrong with you."

He held her by the elbows, staring into her eyes. "Maggie, you're beautiful and smart and funny, caring and talented. Somewhere along the line, you got this idea that you're worthless. I don't know when or how it happened, but if I do nothing else in my life, I'll show you just how amazing you are!"

Not believing what he said, Maggie pulled away, ready to lash out. Jaeger took her face in his hands. Before she could protest, he captured her mouth with his. She gasped and he took advantage of her open mouth to deepen his kiss. Jaeger caressed her lips with his. His tongue dove into her mouth as his fingers smoothed her cheeks. His lean, muscular body pressed against hers and she could feel his desire. His hands moved over her body, pulling her even closer, as he devoured her mouth. Stopping himself suddenly, he sighed contentedly.

"I've wanted to do that since the minute I saw you. I almost got to after dinner."

"Except for Willow Mae." She snickered.

"And after I proposed."

"Except for Willow Mae." She kissed his chin.

He chuckled. "Yeah. If I ever need an effective cock block, I'll be sure to let her know."

© Dellani Oakes

To Purchase Dellani's Books:

http://tinyurl.com/mcsmntg

Meet Vella Day!

One of my guests on What's Write for Me on June 25, is Vella Day. I had the great good fortune to meet Vella at DitterCon in Orlando in January. She's a fun lady to know. Here's a little about Vella!

Not only do I love to read, write, and dream, I'm an extrovert. I enjoy being 

around people and am always trying to understand what makes them tick. Not 

only must my books have a happily ever after, I need characters I can relate to. 

My men are wonderful, dynamic, smart, strong, and the best lovers in the world 

(of course).

You'll find me most days on my chaise lounge with my laptop and my iced 

tea(unsweetened!) on the side table. I love to sleep in late and write into the wee 

hours. I also love FB, so you'll find me on there, too!

I believe I am the luckiest woman. I do what I love and I have a wonderful, 

supportive husband, who happens to be hot!

Fun facts about me

(1) I'm a math nerd who loves spreadsheets. Give me numbers and I'll find a 

pattern.

(2) I'm addicted to taking pictures (I taught high school photo for 30 years). I plan 

to periodically post some of my favorites on my newsletter [so sign up!].

(3) I also like to exercise. Yes, I know I'm odd. Not only do I walk with different 

women each week, I teach Pilates twice a week at a local rec center, and lift 

weights the other days.

I love hearing from readers either on FB or via email (hint, hint).

What's Write for Me

Wednesday, June 25 @ 4:00 PM Eastern time

Show Link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2014/06/25/red-river-radio-whats-write-for-me

Sexy Without the Sex - Call Me by Dellani Oakes

This excerpt is from a story called Call Me (not yet published). Moira Crane teaches high school English. She has a strict no phone policy in her classroom and even makes the students put their phones in a special bin at the beginning of class. One day, her phone rings during class, so she adds her phone to the bin. When the students leave, she finds her phone is missing. Upset and frustrated, she goes to the police to report the theft. While she's there, she meets Detective Rhys Fletcher.

Rhys and Moira hit it off and he asks her to dinner, which goes remarkably well. The next night, he invites her to a special Christmas event on beachside. After the Light Up Flagler event ends, they walk back to his car, which is parked a few blocks from the beach.

Police officers on bikes road up and down the street making sure that no one was too drunk to drive home. They all knew Rhys and everyone stopped to say hello. They were obviously curious to meet Moira. He proudly introduced her to them as his girlfriend. Once they were gone, he pulled her close.

"I hope you don't mind me being presumptuous by introducing you like that."

"Not at all, if I can introduce you as my Meat Popsicle."

Rhys hugged her tightly, kissing her loudly on the mouth. "I will be whatever you want, Miss Crane. Meat Popsicle, willing servant, boyfriend or love slave. Your pick—or all of the above."

"I guess we'll stick with boyfriend for now, with an option on love slave. I think you'd make a good one."

"Oh, really."

"Yup! You're all kinda hot and sexy, you dance divinely and you drive a cool car."

"Ahh, see, I believed you until you mentioned the car. Now, I know it's just because my car is sexy. Not because I'm sexy."

Moira snuggled close, her arms around his waist. "You could drive a Yugo and you'd still be the sexiest thing on two legs."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." She nipped his lower lip.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered. "How did I get so lucky?"

"I've been asking myself that since you asked me out yesterday."

"I've been thinking it since you dropped your keys in the parking lot."

Rhys' kiss electrified her, making her spine tingle. His powerful body pinned her to the car as his mouth ravaged hers. His hands were everywhere, first grabbing her ass, next sliding under her top. He couldn't seem to get enough of touching her, kissing her. Moira felt a gush of moisture. She was so hot inside, she couldn't stand it. Nestor had never made her feel like this. She'd had sex with him, not because she desired it, but because he demanded it. She'd never wanted a man as much as she wanted Rhys.

Did she dare make a leap of faith? Could she let him into her heart, into her body? Would he disappoint her like Nestor had? Would he try to control her and manipulate her?

Rhys' hand stroked her breast and she stiffened. Shoving his hands aside, Moira pushed his chest. Puzzled and sex befuddled, he stepped back.

"I'm sorry," he muttered. "God, what's wrong with me? I'm being a beast." He reached to touch her cheek, but she flinched away.

Silence vibrated between them. Rhys took another step back, rubbing the back of his head with his left hand.

"I'm not him, Moira. I'm not going to hurt you like he did. I won't tear your heart into little pieces."

She took an angry step toward him. "How do you know that's what I was thinking?"

His step was measured, casual, non-threatening. "You read people, so do I. He hurt you horribly, I get that. But I'm not him and I won't hurt you like that. Do you believe me?" He wound his fingers in her hair, tilting her head back so she'd look at him.

"I don't know what to believe, Rhys."

"Touch me," he whispered.

"I can't read things about myself, I told you that."

"You're not reading yourself, you're reading me. What am I thinking?" He gazed into her eyes.

Moira touched his face, her eyes meeting his, staring at him. With a slow breath, she trembled, her fingers caressing his strong jaw and full lips. A shuddering sob forced its way up, but she gulped it back down.

"Why couldn't I have met you five years ago?"

Rhys smiled. "You wouldn't have liked me much back then. I was a real prick."

"I can't imagine you ever being anything but what you are now."

"What am I?" He kissed one hand, then the other.

"Wonderful." She brought his mouth to hers, searching and finding her answers.

© Dellani Oakes

To Purchase Dellani's Books:

http://tinyurl.com/mcsmntg

Monday Blog - Dellani Oakes

I was asked by the amazing and talented Marta Moran Bishop to participate in the My Writing Process Blog Tour. I have also shared this opportunity with a few friends. Their answers will appear on their blogs Monday, June 30th.

What are you working on?

Right now, I am concentrating on finishing up some older novels before moving on to something new. I have so many unfinished works that hover on the edge of being finished, I'd like to complete a few. So far, I've finished two and I feel pretty good about that.

How does your work differ from those in your genre?

I write predominantly romance. I have historical romance - Indian Summer, as well as futuristic (sci-fi) romance Lone Wolf and Shakazhan. I also write romantic suspense and have one contemporary - The Ninja Tattoo and one retro - Under the Western Sky.

That being said, how am I different? I don't write to a formula. You won't see my characters fight throughout the book, only to make up and declare their love moments before the story ends. I like my characters to work together against a common, outside foe, and not have the major conflict be between them.

Why do you write what you do?

I like having people fall in love. I like happy endings. I enjoy bringing couples together and watching them grow closer as they battle the enemy.

How does your writing process work?

I'm not sure I could really call what I do a process, though it does yield results. I have described my process as well oiled chaos. I think I could I think I could also describe it as loosely tamed insanity, though I'm not sure that full describes my process.

I don't have a set schedule. Depending upon my other commitments for the day, I try to work from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM before breaking for lunch. During that time, I try to catch up with blogging commitments, do some marketing, and a variety of other chores that I'll put off unless I do them right away.

After an hour break for lunch, I go back to my current work in progress and read through the prior writing session. If it's been a day or more since I worked on it, I'll read through more so I am up to speed.

If it's been months since I read through something, I re-read it all, making corrections and notes as I go. I never leave editing until later, unless it's a major renovation. I correct things as I find them or leave notes to draw my attention to it the next time I read the story.

Sexy Without the Sex - A Bride for Brodie (part 2) by Dellani Oakes

A Bride for Brodie has a lot of really fun, sexy scenes between Brodie and Cassandra, because they don't immediately hop into bed. She has a lot of issues, not the least of which is her ex-fiance was a total jerk. The first part took place the night they met. This scene takes place the following day.

Brodie made kind of an ass of himself the night before. He didn't mean to, but Cassandra sent very mixed messages and he couldn't really be responsible for picking up on the more obvious, I want you ones, because that's what he wants too.

The next morning I was a little disappointed to find that the elevator not only arrived on time, but it didn't have Cassandra Tillerman in it. As angry as she'd made me the day before, she'd more than made up for it last night. I couldn't help wondering how I was going to look her in the eye the next time I saw her, because I was going to be really distracted by the warm, sensual memories of our encounter in my living room.

My curiosity was satisfied about five minutes later when she walked into my office. Dressed in a pink designer suit that reminded me of Jackie Kennedy, she strutted through the door looking soft, cuddly and desirable with another pair of those sexy pumps on her feet. These were black and matched her purse and the trim on her suit.

Saige, my assistant, called me from my office, exchanging a long look with me behind Cassandra's back. She and I are good friends and up until about a week ago, I had more than a little crush on her before she hooked up with a good friend of mine. Cassandra looked uncomfortable, nervous and slightly flushed. Saige sat at her desk trying to pretend she wasn't listening to us. I led Cassandra into my office.

"My mother sent me over with the pictures and blueprints," she showed me a portfolio case and a long, cardboard tube.

"Oh, yes, she told me she was going to do that. I assumed she'd send a courier."

I gestured for her to sit down, but she stood just inside the doorway, wielding the photos and blueprints like a weapon or charms to ward off evil.

"She was going to, but I walked in at just the right time to be given the job instead. She thinks we need to chat." She half smiled, not moving.

"Do we?"

I chuckled, glancing around the offices nervously. Everyone looked extraordinarily busy, but I knew they were all trying to eavesdrop. I led Cassandra into my office, offering her a seat. This time she sat, crossing her legs as I shut the door.

I couldn't do anything about the front window that overlooks Ches' office, because it has no blind, but the other walls I could cover. I closed the blinds on the sides so we had the illusion of privacy. I had never felt so on display in all my life. Part of me wanted to go primal and make love to her on my desk for all to see. But I held that part in check and sat behind my desk with as much aplomb as I could muster. My brain was battling itself, but my face, I hope, showed none of this.

"This is going to be awkward, isn't it?" She blushed prettily, igniting yet another fire inside me.

Making the pretense of taking out the pictures to show me, she handed them across the desk. Every movement belied what she was saying. The girl could go on Broadway. Nothing she said matched her actions.

"I hope not."

I looked over the pictures calmly while the inside of my head exploded. Oh, please don't say you want this to be a professional relationship or I'll run into traffic and pray for a bus with bad brakes to cream me.

"I've never been so attracted to any man in all my life as I am you." She pointed to two of the pictures, smiling as if telling me something witty.

I grinned, nodding and feeling like a fool. I was doing the same damn thing she was, and was nearly as good at it. She handed me the blueprints and I laid the tube on the drafting table next to my desk. She stood beside me, our arms not quite touching.

"Then what's the problem?"

"I'm scared out of my mind." Her smile seemed rather strained, her lips twitching spasmodically.

"Of me?" I couldn't help glancing up at her, wide eyed.

Giggling happily, she took the blueprints out of the tube, spreading them on my drafting table. "No. Of myself. Of what I might do given half a chance."

I leaned over her shoulder, examining the blueprints with a practiced skill. Even if I was only pretending to look, I was appraising the plans, making mental notes of what to examine more closely later. I automatically noted the interior weight bearing walls, coming up one short. Another glance found it.

"What might you do?"

My hand brushed her waist, a simple, meaningless gesture to anyone watching. My touch made her jump toward me, setting me on fire. She shivered, shifting away from me slightly.

"Lose all self-control," the blush softened, working its way down to the bodice of her suit.

"Why's that a bad thing? Sometimes giving in to our baser instincts has its advantages."

I spoke with studied calm even though I wanted to lick her neck from base to earlobe. My breath was hot on her skin. I could feel her body's heat burning me.

"Don't, please, Brodie."

Clearing my throat, I frowned, bending over the plans, closely examining them pretending to locate that other wall I'd already spotted. Jotting down a note or two, I kept looking, smoothing the paper out flat.

"Don't what? What am I doing but being honest? I'm hot for you, you seem hot for me, but you won't let your barriers down enough to let me in. I'm talking emotionally, not physically. You've got a handle on the physical barriers." I spoke more sharply than I'd intended to. Her eyes started to tear up and I knew I'd put my foot in it.

"I'm sorry," I said softly, trying to touch her hand.

Cassandra jerked her fingers away from mine, suddenly chilly. "You can see that the dimensions are different on the east side from what they are on the west. Dad and I wondered if that caused a problem."

"How much difference in square footage?" I turned on the professionalism. About time, huh?

"Overall, about ten square feet per proposed unit."

"Charge more for the bigger side. There's really no need to compensate," I meant the apartments, but left the statement open to interpretation.

"I'm not compensating," she picked up the double meaning.

"Then what are you doing? Because I'd really like to know, Cassandra. Is it wrong for me to want to know where this relationship is going? Is it wrong for me to ask you what you want from me?"

I leaned closer to the paper, right over her shoulder. I whispered, my lips brushing her ear. "Is it wrong for me to want to feel your body wrapped around mine in passion? Don't you want to know what it's like to have me inside you? I'll set you on fire and then put out the flames. If that's wrong, I want to be wrong with you every moment for the rest of my life."

Cassandra stiffened, jerking away from me abruptly, nearly knocking me in the teeth with her shoulder. "I think I'd better be going, Mr. Brodie. Mother said she'd meet you at the restaurant at one. Don't be late, she doesn't like to be kept waiting."

"Nor do I. I'm a fairly patient man, Cassandra, but I only wait so long before I'm gone."

"I see," she said without much conviction. "I'll leave you to the plans then." She scuttled out sideways like a crab.

© Dellani Oakes

To Purchase Dellani's Books:

http://tinyurl.com/mcsmntg