“Stop acting like babies.” Summer picked up a bag of duty-free purchases. “There will be no physical stuff. Nelson and Gerry won’t allow it.”
“We’ll only intervene if Ashley is in danger.” Nelson’s mouth twitched with suppressed humor.
Josh snorted. “Let’s do this, Ashley. Together.”
“Matt won’t punch you,” Ashley said.
“You didn’t hear his succinct threats.”
“Baby,” Summer taunted. “Maybe I’ll take photos of this too.”
“Summer.” Nikolai urged her toward the vehicle they’d left parked at Ashley’s place.
“I haven’t received enough payback yet,” Summer protested. “Josh owes me.”
“Matt!” Ashley ran at her brother.
He wrapped his beefy arms around her, as always making her feel safe. She pulled back and patted his stubbled cheek. “How long are you back in New Zealand?”
“Two weeks,” Matt said, his gaze hard as he glowered at Josh. “You were in bed with my sister. I meant this to be a pretend engagement to help keep Ashley safe. I told you she was off-bounds, but did you listen? No.”
Ashley narrowed her eyes at her big brother. She’d seen him angry, and this wasn’t it. A thought popped into her mind. She tested it, and enlightenment poured through her. The dirty rat. “You might have warned Josh not to step over the line with me, but have you considered that none of this was his fault? I seduced him.”
Someone standing behind her and Josh made a scoffing sound. Ashley ignored the interruption from their audience.
“It’s true. I jumped him and seduced him before he had a chance.”
“You’re wearing rings. Both of you.” Matt cocked his head, his eyes narrowing. “You’re married?”
“We are,” Josh confirmed. “I love your sister.”
Matt let out a loud cheer and pumped his fist in the air. “Yes! Yes! My plan worked.”
Ashley clicked her fingers and leaned into Josh. “Huh! I knew something was suspicious as soon as I saw you. You set us up.”
Matt’s grin was broad and toothy. “I’ve always thought you and Josh would work together, but I knew if I suggested it you’d both turn your backs. When I heard you were having trouble, I decided this was the perfect way to get you together. I figured if I warned you away from each other, it’d raise your curiosity and allow nature to take its course.” Matt held out his hand. “Welcome to the family, Josh.”
Slightly bemused, Josh accepted Matt’s handshake.
“Well-played,” Summer said as Ashley did the introductions.
“Nikolai, great to see you again.” Matt clapped him over the back. “I’m heading to the parents’ place. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow. Congratulations to both of you.” He grinned. “I’m an excellent matchmaker if I say so myself. You’ll have a party. I’ll sing.”
Ashley booed and waved him away.
Josh narrowed his eyes at his departing mate. “We’ll have to burst his bubble.”
“Yes,” Ashley said. “Matt might’ve been right, but I hate being manipulated.”
“You want me to post a few pictures on your official social media page? Make it an announcement?” Summer asked.
“Yes, please,” Ashley said. “I trust you not to embarrass me. I’ll contact Geoffrey and the senior members myself, so they’re not blindsided.”
Nikolai and Summer left not long after Matt.
Josh hugged her. “I can’t believe Frog—Matt—was setting us up.”
“I’m glad he did,” Ashley said. “Although I’ll never admit it to him.”
Josh unlocked the front door. “Wait there.” He darted inside to turn off the alarm.
On his return, he lifted her and carried her over the threshold. Ashley laughed but appreciated their adhering to the old ritual. Their relationship had held little in the way of tradition, and she welcomed the return of normalcy.
Nelson and Gerry applauded them and like the discreet men they were, neither commented on Matt’s revelations of a fake engagement.
“I can’t wait to share this adventure with you,” Josh whispered as he set her on her feet.
Ashley gave her new husband a swift kiss. “Me too,” she said, her happiness almost too big for her body to contain. “Let the adventure begin.”
Thank you for reading Josh’s Fake Fiancée. How did you enjoy Ashley’s and Josh’s romance and the taste of New Zealand politics? I’d love to learn what you thought so please consider leaving a review at your favorite online bookstore, Goodreads, or Bookbub. A review would make my day!
I write several contemporary romance series. Please turn the page for an excerpt from Protection, the first book in the Fancy Free series plus an excerpt from Enemy Lovers, part of my Friendship Chronicles series. Both series are set in my home country of New Zealand.
If you’d like to keep up with my releases, check out my newsletter or follow me on Bookbub.
Shelley
Excerpt – Protection
A small country town.
An out-of-the-box condom company.
Fun, laughter and suspense.
Let the romance begin!
Book #1 in the Fancy Free series.
Warning: Condoms were tested and a few harmed during the writing of this story.
James froze, the rub of her luscious breasts against his chest felt like a kind of torture. For the second time she’d implied he had way too much experience. He studied her innocent expression and let his indignation go. For the moment. He traced his fingers around the base of one breast before following the feathering of veins beneath the surface. No freckles, but instead, skin the color of rich cream with not a blemish. Her breast quivered at his touch, her pretty pink nipple pulling tight. The soft sound of pleasure that whispered from her lips made his cock twitch.
Hell, she was beautiful, from her full, creamy breasts to her slim waist and flaring hips. Not exactly fashionable, but her body would make any red-blooded man howl with joy. His affronted feelings subsided even more when he concentrated on her. He trailed his hand across her collarbone, savoring the petal-soft skin. Touching her. Desire filled him plus the need to give her pleasure and make her first time with him one she would always remember. Selfishly, he didn’t intend to give her another opportunity to say no. He’d tried his best to do the right thing, to warn her. His conscience remained clear.
She was willing.
She wanted him, and knowing that was a powerful aphrodisiac.
“If there’s anything you don’t enjoy or if something I do hurts, let me know.” His voice sounded gritty while his cock tightened with pure need. Fighting the urgency thrumming through his body, he splayed his fingers across her breasts, lightly kneaded and plucked at her nipples.
Alice jerked before stilling, her eyes wide and full of anxiety. The reaction told him she didn’t believe she was a treasure worthy of exploration. James bit back a groan. God. He could explore sexuality with this woman for months, for years, and never get tired. A frown surfaced at the oddball notion. He wasn’t settling down with anyone. Damned if he’d stay in Sloan so his mother could sneer at him whenever they met. Fuck, he had no idea why he’d returned to Sloan anyway—some misbegotten idea that he’d be welcomed back into the family fold.
“Is something wrong?” Her voice held anxiety, the emotion underlined in her golden-brown eyes.
James summoned a reassuring grin—hell, it must have been a smirk if her reaction was anything to go by—he leaned over and blew on her nipple. Large, to match her breasts, they puckered even more and colored to a deep pink on contact with the warmth of his breath. James licked around the circumference of her nipple, carefully watching Alice’s reaction. She took a hasty breath and held it for long seconds, her golden eyes wide and still unsure.
“You’re beautiful,” James murmured, the reassurance she needed to gain confidence easy for him to give. “So responsive.” He blew on her other nipple and watched her reaction. “See?” U
nable to deny himself the treat any longer he leaned closer and drew her nipple into his mouth. Alice jerked and let out a soft moan. James used one hand to tease and tug at a nipple while his tongue swirled over the other one. Another low moan sounded, her hands clamped on his shoulders and fingernails dug into his skin. His mouth quirked into a grin and he let go with an audible pop. “Did you like that?”
Alice seemed to consider her answer before she replied. “Yes.”
“What did you feel? And where did you feel it?” A test. James waited to see what she’d say. A test of his willpower too. He kissed and nibbled at her breast while maintaining eye contact, enjoying the shimmer of expression across her face and the way she clamped her bottom lip between her teeth. Suddenly he couldn’t wait to see how she’d react when he kissed her intimately. “Alice?” he prompted.
Alice let go of her lip and moistened the curves of her mouth with her tongue. James watched the innocent gesture avidly, his gut jumped with awareness. Innocent but oh-so sexy.
His.
Awe filled him. Possessiveness. Reality followed swiftly.
Ugh, had he just thought that? This—whatever what might be between them—must remain a temporary thing.
Yeah, temporary.
He shook himself to emphasize the fact. “Alice?”
“When you,” she paused, her cheeks going pink, “sucked, I felt it all the way down there.” She gestured with her hand.
“Show me,” he whispered, intent on pushing her out of her comfort zone.
Alice hesitated then seemed to gather her courage. Her pale hand crept from his shoulder and skimmed down her body, across her quivering belly and halted half an inch away from the short curls that guarded her femininity.
“Go on.”
Her fingers moved stealthily downward. Her legs parted.
James smiled. Innocent and sexy. That was test enough for her now. He’d take it from here. He slid his hand down her body, following the same path her fingers had taken. But he didn’t stop. Instead, he parted her legs, his fingers skimmed across her swollen folds, lightly in an exploration of her moist flesh. Her scent rose, teasing him. James breathed deep and couldn’t resist a pass over her clit. The tiny bud peeked from its hood and pulsed beneath his touch. Soon he would thrust into her sweet flesh. His cock jolted at the thought and he thrust lightly against her upper thigh, teasing himself and pushing his need higher.
Alice’s hand slid across his shoulders, hesitant and a little shy. Her hand slipped downward and she seemed to gain confidence when he didn’t protest. Alice squeezed one buttock and earned a quick kiss. “Please,” she whispered, wanting him to hurry before he changed his mind. “Please, I need you.”
“Where? Tell me. Describe what you want,” he ordered, forgetting for an instant that he’d decided to take control.
She worried her bottom lip between white teeth, her eyes wide and uncertain.
“If you don’t tell me, I might do something you hate,” he drawled.
Alice hesitated for so long he thought he might have frightened her or pushed her too hard and fast. Finally, she released her bottom lip and the pale column of her throat moved when she swallowed. “I want to explore your body,” she whispered. “I want to know what you like.” Her warm hand squeezed his ass again, the innocent touch a heated reverberation throughout his entire body.
Giving. So bloody giving. Her first lover must have had rocks in his head. His heart thumped when he rolled off her, an offer of free access to his body and silent permission to explore as she wanted.
Trembling fingers skimmed across his stubble-covered jaw, dipped into his dimple and traced his mouth. James parted his lips a fraction and sucked her forefinger inside. Her gasp was loud. Startled. And it made him want to laugh. Instead, he sucked lightly on her finger and cupped her head. The silky strands of hair tickled his palm, bringing a desire to touch and stroke and soothe her jumpy virginal nerves aside, raising tenderness in him. His tongue smoothed across her fingernail and ran across the delicate skin between fingertip and nail. Alice gasped again, golden glints shining in her eyes. He captured her gaze with his and released her finger. James nipped her earlobe and surprised a yelp out of her.
“Ouch.” She pulled away to finger her ear. “I thought I was meant to be the one in charge.”
“That can be arranged.” After brushing another kiss across her lips, he kissed the tip of one breast and skimmed his hands across her rib cage. James smiled when she finally plucked up the courage to curl her hand around his cock. Her fingers traced the flared head, her curiosity endearing and arousing. She explored his tender balls and wrapped her fingers around his shaft. She pumped, focused so hard her tongue poked between her lips. The innocent exploration dragged a soft curse from him. “Enough,” he growled. “This is torture,” he added quickly before she put a different interpretation on his words. Discouragement was the last thing he intended.
He took a moment to kiss her again. Good girl. She learned quickly, opening her mouth to him in full participation rather than her previous passive behavior. A quick study. Their tongues tangled lazily. James felt the rapid beat of her heart, saw the flush of rosy arousal on her face and chest. He wanted to go slowly, to arouse her fully, teasing until she throbbed in need, until they both ached for the conclusion.
But it wasn’t going down that way. Not today. At least they agreed and wanted the same thing. James thrust one leg between her thighs, silently indicating she should part her legs. So beautiful. So sexy. He dipped his head to nuzzle at her breasts, moving over Alice and guiding his cock to her pussy. Moist warmth met him when he pushed just the tip of his cock into her sexy body.
“Fuck.” James froze, a heavy jolt of disbelief coloring his voice. He jerked away from her, horror in his stare.
Through his dismay, James saw her flinch as if he’d struck her. Another abrupt move on his part and she’d run for the hills that surrounded Sloan.
He cleared his throat. “I don’t suppose you have a condom?”
A surprised burst of laughter bubbled from her, diluting the alarm he’d seen seconds earlier. “A condom?”
“It’s not funny,” he said stiffly. His body ached for release. Without a condom, he’d have to take care of the matter himself when he wanted the satisfaction that only the snug feel of a woman’s pussy would give. He’d end up with blue balls for hours if he couldn’t have her now. His hand just wouldn’t be the same.
“You do work for a condom company, right?” She chuckled, her breasts jiggling in a distracting manner. “Manager, isn’t it?” She giggled and her brows rose to punctuate the question.
“Give it a rest,” he muttered, a tinge of heat at the tips of his ears. A thought occurred. His gaze speared toward her. “If you’re offering sex, shouldn’t you have condoms?” More than a trace of accusation shaded his words.
“Oh sure. Do you know I’ve inherited a share in a condom company, and I don’t even know what one looks like in the flesh so to speak? All I’ve seen is the X-100 in all its inflated glory.” She giggled, her cute button nose twitching at the same time. “I guess we’ll have to do this another time.”
Will James finally get his hands on some condoms? Learn more!
Excerpt – Enemy Lovers
Friendship Chronicles, #5
Love lurks in enemy territory…
Note: this book can be read without reading the prior romances in the series.
Whoa. Dallas O’Grady caught a glimpse of blonde hair seconds before the woman kicked her flat tire. She owned the sexiest arse he’d seen in months. Without another thought, he pulled his truck onto the shoulder and climbed out to offer assistance.
“Problem?”
“My brother is an idiot.” Her lyrical voice held the same crisp chill of the wind whistling across the Napier road. She turned, and he caught a friendly smile belying her words. “Thanks for stop— You!”
The smile skidded away.
Hard drops of rain fell on D
allas’s face, the sleeves of his brown leather jacket, as he eyeballed a very sexy, very grown-up Laura Drummond. His gaze shifted to the gray, washed out clouds, the sky building to dense black on the horizon, then to the rear tire on her late model sedan. “Fine, if you don’t want my help, I’ll be leaving.”
“No, please.” Her hand shot out to halt his retreat. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry you’re hobnobbing with the enemy?” He spelled out what they were both thinking. Their parents would issue horrendous battle cries if they witnessed this scene, saw the pair inhaling the same air, let alone engaging in something civil like a conversation.
She swept a strand of blonde hair away from her pink lips. “You’re not my enemy. I don’t know you.” She stuffed her hands in her jacket pockets, hunched her shoulders against the rain and stamped her feet. “Look, I’m grouchy. I have a flat. My brother borrowed my spare last week and told me he put it back. My phone is dead, and I’m not going to make Clare in time for my cousin’s hen party. My mother will make dolls in my image and stick pins in them.”
“My brother said there’s a slip partially blocking the road leading into the town, near the Shannon Pass. If it keeps raining, they might close the roads, if they haven’t already. You wouldn’t make it even if your car was drivable.”
“Yep, I’m screwed,” she said.
No, she wasn’t—not yet, but he’d love to take that thought to its logical conclusion. While their families might harbor long-standing grudges, his dick wasn’t sticking with the program. The skinny Laura Drummond from his vague school-day memories had grown into a classy woman. Her brown eyes glinted with intelligence while her mouth…
Dallas tore his gaze off her because his inappropriate thoughts bore repercussions. For one—a painful hard-on. And two, no way could he cozy up with the enemy.
He cleared his throat. “What do you want to do? I can give you a lift to Clare and hope we’ll make it past the slip, or I can ring for a breakdown truck.”
The rain was coming down harder now, icy crystal pellets pummeling his cheeks. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth, worried it then nodded a decisive agreement.
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