Riverside: Kitchen Promises Part 31

To the fans and readers"thank you so much for being here! I cant express how much your messages and comments mean to me. I NEVER imagined loyal and sweet fans. h.e.l.l, I feel weird saying fans. But I want you to know, I appreciate you for reading my stories, asking about them, interacting with me online, and begging for more! It makes me love my job even more!

To the authors, bloggers, and readers Ive met along the way"I love our little community! I love getting to know everyone, helping each other out, asking for advice, asking for book recommendations, and helping out complete strangers. Im a firm believer in karma and paying it forward. This community is just so welcoming and warm. Were all here for one purpose and that purpose is for the love of reading and fictional characters. I cant wait to meet you all at signings next year! Please come say hi to me! Ill be the awkwardly shy one behind her table!

Thank you for reading!

All my love, Brooke xoxo -----<>-----.

Continue reading for a sneak peek at ALWAYS YOU By Missy Johnson Synopsis: I was thrilled when I was offered a graduate teaching position at the prestigious Tennerson Girls Academy. At twenty-three, this would be my first real teaching a.s.signment. Working at the elite boarding school, home to the daughters of some of the wealthiest people in the world, was a great opportunity that I wouldve been stupid to pa.s.s up.

One week into my new job, and I suddenly had no idea why I chose high schoolI was a seventeen year old boy once, I knew how teenage girls behaved.

You cant even imagine the h.e.l.l of trying to teach thirty, hormonal driven seventeen year olds who have been cooped up, away from any male contact.

I could handle the whispers every time I entered the room. I could even handle the obvious attempts at gaining my attention. What I couldnt handle was her Rich b.i.t.c.hes and way too many rules. Was it any wonder that I hated school?

Add to that the lack of male contact, and I was going insane. Like literally. I wasnt used to this. A year ago I was normal. I had a boyfriend, friends and a loving family. There is nothing normal about me anymore, and n.o.body here lets me forget that.

My name is Wrenn, and Im only here because my aunt took me in after what happened, but my aunt also happens to be the headmistress of this academyCan you see my problem?

Im hated for my lack of money, and Im hated for who my Aunt is.

Then he arrived. Dalton Reed. My new history teacher.

Slowly, he helped me see that even in the worst situations, there is always hope Excerpt He dropped me back at my car just before half ten. I was shocked at how late it was. We had been talking for hours. I felt so relaxed around him, yet at the same time, n.o.body had ever had me feeling so d.a.m.n wound up.

So, you still want to see this movie tomorrow? he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Are you asking me out? I asked, my tone sweet.

No. Im merely trying to broaden the cinematic knowledge of one of my students. His expression became serious. Asking out one of my students would be incredibly unprofessional on my part, and unethical. I wouldnt take advantage of you like that.

What if I wanted to be taken advantage of? I moved toward him"very slowly, gauging his reaction. He held his breath as I edged closer, until our lips were almost touching. I paused, looking into his eyes, so desperately wanting to feel his lips against mine, but not wanting to step over that boundary without him wanting it equally.

He tilted his head so his lips brushed over mine, the sensation making me dizzy. His hand wandered up to my face, his fingers gently running along my hairline. Then suddenly my lips were crushed up against his with a pa.s.sion even I wasnt expecting.

As quickly as it began, he was away from me, his eyes a mixture of l.u.s.t, regret and confusion. I was a hot mess. My heart was beating out of control, I felt hot and cold and lightheaded. Thank G.o.d I was sitting down, or I was sure Id have ended up fainting.

Im sorry, Wrenn. I shouldnt have done that, he said quietly.

You didnt do anything I didnt want, I replied. He sat, his hands clenched tightly on the steering wheel, not speaking. Will I see you tomorrow? I asked.

He glanced at me, confused. The movie, I reminded him.

He exhaled loudly. Do you think thats a good idea? he asked, raising his eyebrows.

Maybe not, but I think we need to talk about this . . . He nodded as my voice trailed off.

Ill call you. His voice had softened, as had his expression. His eyes were no longer hard. I nodded, and got out of the car, closing the door. He drove off, and I stood there on the curb, staring until I could no longer see his taillights. Once he was gone, I stepped into my car.

I sat there, trying to digest what had just happened. Kissing him had evoked everything in me. I felt like a hurricane of feelings and emotions had ripped through my body, leaving me a muddled mess inside.

Find Missy Johnson Facebook Twitter @missycjohnson -----<>-----.

Continue reading for a sneak peek at BEHIND HIS LENS By R.S. Grey

CHAPTER ONE.

Jude Bulliet neat, please.

I offer a half smile to the young bartender glancing up at me. A rosy tinge dots her cheeks as her eyes scour down my body like Im a brand new Maserati with a cherry-red bow. The girl looks like shes been on her feet for the past ten hours; shes probably nearing the end of her s.h.i.+ft. I notice this, not out empathy, but for a more self-serving purpose. After all, Ive never been with a bartender who wasnt more than willing to display her keen talents for me in the bedroom.

Anything else, sir? she drawls seductively, looking back over her shoulder as she reaches up on her toes to grab the bottle of bourbon. Her brown eyes linger on me a beat too long, as if shes hoping Ill ask for her number instead of another drink. I let my dimpled smile spread an inch wider, and just like that, I know I could take her home if I wanted. Girls are easy and thats the way I like it.

Thatll be it. I toss down a hefty tip as waves of laughter overtake the guy next to me at the bar. Bennett, my best friend and lifelong wingman, is taking a swig of his IPA, apparently entertained by the spectacle.

Pulling my gla.s.s of bourbon toward my mouth, I lean back against the bar, waiting for the bartender to walk out of earshot.

Sorry, man, I guess some guys just have all the luck, I mock before tipping back a sip of the dry, smoky liquor. It warms my stomach like suns.h.i.+ne.

Yeah right, a.s.shole. Sh.e.l.l come back around and I bet sh.e.l.l only have eyes for me, he goads.

This is exactly how our friends.h.i.+p works. Bennett and I each have our own style. Hes uptown; Im downtown. Hes a fancy accounting exec and always wears a suit to the bars right after work. His dark blond hair is always slicked back with pretentious hair gel, but women eat it up. I, on the other hand, prefer brown leather boots to loafers, and I always have an afternoons worth of stubble to run my hand across. Nevertheless, women usually go for one or the other, which is why our setup is flawless. We never leave a bar alone.

Is that girl you met the other night meeting you here? Bennett asks, scanning the dark club for any prospects.

Natasha. I should be excited to see her again, but it is what it is. Shes hot and wanted to meet up; I didnt feel like saying no. Itll make tonight a lot easier, and after a long day, thats exactly what I need. Dont get me wrong, she knows exactly what the score is. My M.O. has been the same for four years. I meet women that want exactly what I can offer: s.e.x with no strings attached and no hope of any kind of relations.h.i.+p"

Ever. Seeing Natasha for a second time is pus.h.i.+ng it, but she made it clear that she knew what the arrangement is.

As if my thoughts have conjured her on the spot, I peer over just in time to see Natasha saunter through the clubs front door. In the smoky room, it takes her a second to find me by the bar, but once she does, her seductive smile amplifies tenfold. I ignore the emptiness in my stomach. I dont feel a thing for her, but shes hot and one part of my body doesnt seem to mind watching her head over. Shes wearing a skintight, red dress and heels. Her brown hair falls straight to the top of her shoulders and her dark brown eyes gleam with excitement as she steps closer.

Hey, s.e.xy, she coos once shes standing in front of me. Her gaze drifts down my body and I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes. Any concern I had about meeting up with her again is completely vaporized. We both only care about one thing.

I arrogantly drag my gaze down her body, not bothering with any pleasantries as I rub a finger across my jaw.

This is my friend, Bennett, I finally offer, trying to feign politeness as I gesture toward him.

She flits her eyes in his direction for the briefest moment. Nice to meet you.

Bennett lifts his beer in greeting, but by then, Natasha is already turned away, locked onto her prey: me. She looks like shes about to straddle me on the bar, and I cant help but let those images take root.

Are you ready? she asks, leaning forward to whisper in my ear. I bristle as her cheap perfume overwhelms my senses, but I ignore the sensation.

My d.i.c.k doesnt care how she smells. With a st.u.r.dy hand I brush her curvy figure aside.

Let me finish my drink first. Do you want something?

This is as close as I get to dating. Ill buy her one drink and then well leave so we can finish the night off. I have to get up early for a shoot and I dont want her thinking she can sleep over.

She pushes her arms under her p.r.o.nounced cleavage, making sure its visible to everyone at the bar, and leans closer.

A beer would be great, she sighs, running her fingers down the b.u.t.tons of my s.h.i.+rt. The act feels much too intimate and I instinctively pull her hand away with a laugh. Easy tiger.

As the bartender approaches I order Natasha an import and watch as she brings the bottle slowly to her lips. She really is hot. She has exotic features and dark, sultry eyes. Too bad Im not interested in getting to know the person behind them.

As the clubs music grows louder, her free hand s.h.i.+fts to my thigh and Bennett clears his throat as she runs her hands up and down suggestively. I have to fight back a laugh. We could probably just head to the restroom here and make it a lot quicker. I brush the hair away from her shoulder and lean in to whisper those exact words. I know shes game, and honestly, its easier. I dont even have to worry about getting her to leave my apartment afterward.

G.o.d, Im an a.s.shole. I chug the rest of my bourbon in a silent toast to that thought and slam it on the bar, making eye contact with the cute bartender and flas.h.i.+ng her one more languid grin. Natasha giggles like a s.l.u.tty school girl behind me, drawing my attention away. I nod a goodbye to Bennett. He knows exactly what Im planning, but hes not one to judge.

Putting my hand on the small of Natashas back, I lead her through the crowd, trying to decide if I want to take her in a dark corner or in one of the bathrooms. I pat the back of my jeans to confirm that my wallet and condoms are still tucked away safely. Check" Id never f.u.c.k around without one.

Ive been thinking about this all day, Natasha oozes sensually as we wind through the club with my hand gripping her a.s.s.

I bite my tongue instead of commenting because to be honest, I hadnt thought of her until Bennett brought her up. Shes a means to an end, and I thought we were clear about that fact.

I brush her words aside and am about to lean in to whisper some bulls.h.i.+t about f.u.c.king her against the wall, but the sentiment stalls on the tip of my tongue when I see her.

Shes across the dim room on the dance floor. The crowd has parted so that shes barely visible between a thin gap of dancing bodies. A few seconds later, the dancers move and shes hidden away again like a distant mirage. When the thump of the dubstep song fades into a pop remix, the crowd dwindles and Im left with a perfect vantage. My jaw hits the floor as I watch her persuade the world around her to bend toward her presence. My eyes scan up and down her body, caught in her allure. Shes wearing a white, flowy dress, and I cant tell if its that or her long, light blonde hair spilling down her back that makes me think shes a f.u.c.king angel.

There are bodies all around her, shuffling and dancing. Every guy that spies her tries to get closer, but her friend doesnt seem to allow it. Shes like a queen among peasants.

Would her friend let me get close?

I doubt it.

The two girls dance together, smiling and getting lost in the moment, oblivious to the club goers around them. Her friend is pretty too, exactly the type of girl Bennett would lose it over, with dark hair and a dark complexion. Has he seen her yet? This could work out perfectly.

No, it wouldnt.

Ive already found a girl for the night. Im not in the habit of exerting unnecessary effort, especially when girls are just so compliant.

I become vaguely aware of Natasha rubbing my thigh and whispering in my ear, but its nothing more than a faint buzzing. I would rather watch the Angel move on the dance floor. Shes completely unaware that she has the attention of every single person around her. She lifts her arms in the air, as if reaching for the wild hues strobing above her head. Then she runs the fingers of her right arm down to her left elbow, swaying to the beat of the song. Ive never seen someone move so erotically, and I can feel my d.i.c.k stir in my pants just from watching the innocent act. What the f.u.c.k? What the f.u.c.k am I doing?

I shake the thoughts from my head, but I cant tear my concentration away from her. I dont want this hazy dream to end.

Baby, kiss me. Natasha shoves her pink, glossy lips directly in front of me, forcing the rest of the club into hazy submission behind her. With a gruff sigh, I reluctantly oblige. This is who I am.

Wrapping my hands around her neck, I lean back against the wall and drag her in front of me. She sidles between my legs, skimming the top of my jeans with her fingers and pus.h.i.+ng her greedy tongue into my mouth. I kiss her hard, willing every other thought out of my mind, but it doesnt help. Her mouth feels wrong.

I pull away harshly, breaking our kiss, but Natasha takes it as an invitation to string kisses down my neck. Good. It means I can gaze over her head toward the dance floor. The Angel is still there, laughing with her friend and drawing me in further. Somehow the clubs spotlights only seem to cast their gentle glow around her, and I cant help but want to bust the bulbs out so that no one else can see her.

The thought makes me clench my eyes closed as I remind myself of what reality is. I dont want a girl like that. She doesnt look like the fast and easy type, and I have no business thinking about her. Get it together.

Natashas prying finger dips between the b.u.t.tons of my s.h.i.+rt and it hits me like a semi truck" I have a gorgeous girl ready to let me f.u.c.k her in the back of a club and I couldnt care less. Since when?

Ive got to leave. I dont want Natasha anymore and I dont trust myself to move closer to the blonde angel. She doesnt belong to me and its better if I leave now.

Ive leaving, I bark, grabbing my wallet and pulling out a fifty for Natashas cab fare. Its the least I can do considering Im leaving her hanging.

Jude! What the h.e.l.l? I shove the bill into her hand, ignoring her confused expression. Not my problem.

Ill see you around, I mutter flatly over my shoulder as I push through the crowd toward the front door, never once looking back.

Jude! Natasha calls behind me, but I keep walking.

Ill text Bennett later. Hes probably already found a girl anyway. He doesnt need to know about the blonde. I plan on forgetting her myself just as soon as I get home. I usually run in the mornings, but tonight Ill take on the citys abandoned asphalt until I cant f.u.c.king move if it means Ill go back to the way I felt thirty minutes ago" before I saw her.

As I stumble out onto the curb, I inhale a mouthful of crisp night air, trying to cleanse my senses. After a few more clarifying breaths, I realize that seeing that girl, that Angel, was probably the closest Ill ever come to finding love at first sight. A twisting sensation pierces my gut at the thought.

Good thing I lost my heart four years ago or Id be a fool for leaving without getting her name and number.

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