I finally make it to work at 9 o’clock on the dot. I rush into the meeting, plop down in my seat, and slowly I begin to breathe again. My co-worker and second hand girl is eyeing me from across the table. I give her a small kick under the table and mouth, “Later.” She giggles to herself and shakes her head. Tessa would have to wait.
The meeting ends about an hour later and I make my way back to my desk, but not before Tessa is grabbing my arm. “So my darling, what were you up to last night?” She winks at me.
“I went out with Ginny and we had a bit too much to drink. I had a great time and I got in late, hence how I then overslept this morning and had to book it to work. Plus having a bit of a hangover really sucks.” I sit down at my desk and she sits down at hers, which is right across from mine.
Tessa looks gorgeous today, tan and thin, her outfit slimming and flattering. She is also enjoying the single life. She can get whoever she wants when she wants. I, while trying to enjoy the single life, end up playing in a different ball field than her. I don’t want to do the quick hookup thing, been there done that. Every once and a while, I sometimes still give in, usually due to being horny as hell. Now I am getting to the point where I want to settle and find a man to share my life with.
“No steamy hookup to report? I was hoping for some juicy deets this morning.” Tessa grins at me, anxiously waiting for an answer.
“No, no hookups last night. I was just loving my single girl attitude last night. Plus you know I am trying to slow down on that scene.” I give her a genuine smile but inside I do slightly wish I had found someone last night. And not someone to just sleep with. I have trouble finding a decent man these days. Most are just looking for a quick release. I also am on the thicker side, with luscious curves and voluptuous breasts. Sometimes I wonder if maybe I am too thick and that’s why I don’t get as much attention from the men.
I have tried to lose weight in every way imaginable. I have done every diet known to man, taken every diet pill out there, and tried every exercise regime. I have lost some weight; I just never make it to being thin. Now I am trying to embrace and accept who I am. I probably won’t ever be a stick thin person and I need to accept myself. I threw myself into a clothing line I am working on for big, beautiful women such as myself. I put all of the passion I have into my clothing line, letting it build my self-confidence in the process.
Tessa loves my designs. Sometimes she even helps me with them. Even though she may be thin and can wear whatever the hell she wants, she loves my passion for it. I want women to love themselves, no matter what size clothes they may wear. Why shouldn’t all women be allowed to be sexy?
I went out to a bar one night and I was wearing one of my designs. Sure enough, men flocked to me like I had set a spell. I felt like a million bucks. I want others to feel that same way. I know what it is like to grow up and not like yourself and I want to save others from feeling that way.
I shake my head to clear my thoughts. Tessa asks a few more questions about last night and then we both settle into work.
Tessa and I are designers for a fashion magazine. I love setting up the issues and designing the layouts. She is a great companion as we both have a lot of the same ideas.
I began sketching my clothing designs on the side. I just sketched for fun, doing a few designs here and there. I had a lot of fun with it so I kept on designing. I didn’t think it was going to take off into anything but it has. I hired a professional seamstress to make a few of the designs and I began to advertise and market myself like crazy. The internet is a powerful tool, especially when used correctly. I started having people wanting to buy and now I have orders rolling in. I feel that it’s time to get a buyer and start a line inside a store. I am ready to expand and see what this business has to offer me.
I stayed late at work that night, designing as many new clothes as I can and touching up on some other ones. I love that the magazine lets me use my desk to work on my fashion line, as long as it is after work hours. I need to drop my designs off to the seamstress by Thursday and she will have everything ready for me for the show next week. The buyer is Jason Davis and he is known for buying clothing lines that then turn into major successes. He doesn't make you change anything; he just strictly buys into your line, and then does all of your advertising for you. You still have complete control over the designs and your look.
Fierce women’s designer clothing is my baby and I want everything to go perfect. I have worked so hard to get to this point and I am so excited for the buyer to check out my line. I call it a night and quickly pack up my things and rush out the door.
Chapter 2
NOAH
Another day in the office and I am exhausted. I just want to leave, have a drink, and find a beautiful woman I can love on all night. I haven’t had a hookup in a few days and it’s about time for one. I need the release of me inside a gorgeous woman, her head thrown back in pleasure. It’s just sex, no ties, no hearts and flowers. Hot, lustful sex. I am not the tied down type of guy.
My secretary, Marissa, beeps in that my last client of the day has arrived. I try to ignore the desire coursing through my veins as I think of my night ahead and see to Richard and Joan. They are long time clients here at Landerville & Bollenger. My partner, Finn Bollenger, and I run this law firm together. We mainly do family law - divorces, parental rights, annulments, etc. Finn and I have been partners for about 5 years now and our business runs seamlessly. Of course, there are bumps in the road but who doesn’t have issues at some point? The business is successful and it makes great money and I mean fucking fantastic money.
Once I finish up with my clients, I nod goodbye to Finn and head out the door to my bike. It’s a gorgeous day today and I couldn't resist taking it for a spin. Riding my Harley always helps me to clear my head.
I take the long way home so I can enjoy the bike ride, trying to decide which bar to go to. I pass my favorite bar, Rick's, and I decide to go in. Some alcohol and a hot woman are what I could definitely use right now. I go inside and sit down to have a few drinks. The scene here is slim pickings tonight, probably because it is a weeknight.
I have a few more drinks and decide to call it a night. There were a couple of cute ladies but none that I felt like working for. Some women play hard to get and I am over those games. I don’t like drama or playing fucking games. I just want straightforward, no strings attached, hot sex.
As I get home, feeling pretty buzzed, my phone rings in my pocket.
“Hey bro, what’s going on?” My brother, Sam, speaks into the phone.
“Not much, man, just seeing how my baby brother is doing.” I can just see him grinning into the phone.
“I am doing well. The law firm is running well and I am pretty buzzed off my ass right now.” I hear him laugh.
“What else would I expect from you, Noah? Alcohol and girls, girls and alcohol. That's what you love. Alcohol and sex should be your middle names.”
I chuckle to myself. “Yeah, yeah. I am just having some fun. What's wrong with that?”
“Oh nothing, nothing. Any plans for maybe a girlfriend in the future?”
“No bro, you know I don't do that bullshit. It only leads to pain.”
Sam sighs into the phone. “Just because Lisa fucked with your head doesn't mean all women will. She was a greedy bitch, you were blinded by love, and shit happened. It happens to all of us. Live and learn. I want to see you happy.”
“I am happy, don't worry. Now did you call just to lecture me or what?” I roll my eyes because I know Sam is nosy. He found his love, which is great for him, but it is just not for me.
“No, no lectures. I have some news. You know the clothing line I have been designing, Bronze SL?” I respond yes and Sam continues. “Well I have had some success recently with a lot of interest in the line. All of the pieces I have had produced have done well, as you know. So I am attending a show next week for the buyer, Jason Davis. Would you be able to come by and just show some support? Maybe
wear a few of the pieces of clothing since you love my line so much?”
I laugh. I do love his line. It appeals to my style of sexy men’s clothing. Sam basically took what he loved to dress in and created a complete line of clothing with it. I enjoy dressing very similar so I have no problem helping him out.
“Sure bro, of course I can. Text me the date, time, and place and I will make sure my secretary puts it into my calendar. You know I love your style, because you know you totally copied it from me.” I grin to myself.
Sam laughs. “Yeah sure, whatever helps you sleep at night. Seriously though, thanks. Have a good night.”
“Later Sam.” I end the call and decide to call it a night. Women love fashion, maybe I can grab a few gorgeous ones that day and have a little fun.
Chapter 3
EMMA
It's the day of the show and I am freaking out. Tessa and I just finished setting up the whole booth along with the help of my best friend, Ginny. I am so nervous about talking to Jason Davis; I can feel my palms sweating and my hands shaking. I take deep, calming breaths. I can't lose out on this and ruin it just because of my nerves. Ginny and Tessa rub my back, whispering comfort words to me. Thank God they are here being such great friends.
Across the way, I see a sexy delicious man setting up his own booth. It's Bronze SL clothing line. I have heard of him. I didn't realize the designer, Sam Landerville, is so gorgeous. I am sure the woman helping him is his girlfriend. I can see the affection they have for each other. His clothing line oozes manly sex appeal. Now it makes sense since he looks to be the epitome of sex appeal.
I tear my eyes away. It's distracting me. I can't focus on the rival, especially since he is my biggest contender right now. Jason Davis is here mainly to decide between Sam's line and mine. There are some other small lines showing off their work to other potential buyers but not for Jason.
“Wow, that Sam Landerville is one fine piece of ass,” Tessa says. Leave it to her to point it out first.
Ginny giggles. “Hell yeah he is. Looks like he is taken though. I guess the stereotype that all men clothing designers are gay is not always true.” Ginny laughs even harder.
Tessa and I grin at each other. “Nope he certainly is not. He's dripping with sex as are his clothes and his girlfriend can't keep her hands off him,” I say.
“I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off that hot man either. Just look at him. He is some gorgeous eye candy.” Tessa replies as she is practically wiping the drool from her face.
“I heard he has a hot younger brother too. A recent article I read was talking about them. Supposedly the brother is Noah and he is a hotshot billionaire lawyer. Maybe we will get to feast our eyes on him too.” Ginny smiles and her whole face lights up.
“Okay ladies, enough googling over the competition. It's time to get fierce!”
A few hours pass and I am having a really good time. I met with Jason Davis already and it went very well. He seemed to really like my designs and let me know he would be in touch either way. I have been mingling with other designers and buyers, immersing myself in the culture of fashion design. It is enriching and I love it.
I head back to my booth with drinks for Tessa and I. Ginny had to take off but she wants to celebrate later. I told her there really wasn't anything to celebrate but she insists, saying we can toast to having gotten through my first show and for being considered for such a huge buyer.
As I make my way back I see Tessa talking to man. A fucking hot man to be exact. I can only see his side profile but just that glimpse has got me rooted to the spot. I stand there and drink him in, desire coursing through me. Who the hell is this guy? I never have felt such a strong connection just by looking at someone before.
I can't stand here all day looking like a fool so I slide up to my booth and hand Tessa her drink. “Thanks love!” She takes a generous sip and the handsome fella turns towards me and our eyes meet. Holy shit I am going to melt right here, right now. I feel my legs go wobbly and I grip the table for support. I take a long drink as his eyes scour my entire body. I am wearing one of my gorgeous midnight blue dresses, hugging all of my thick curves in all of the right places. I know how to show off my extra lusciousness and this man seems to be enjoying every inch.
I clear my throat, hinting at Tessa to introduce me.
“Oh yes, sorry. I was into my drink a bit too much there. Emma, this here is Noah Landerville. Noah, this is Emma Martins, the designer of Fierce. Noah and I were just discussing your gorgeous designs.” Tessa winks at me and mouths, “HOT!”
I put my hand out and Noah takes it, but instead of shaking it, he brings it to his lips and kisses the back of it. A jolt of electricity passes right through me. I am swooning right there on the spot. My breath catches and I choke out, “Nice to meet you, Noah. What a gentleman you are.”
He gives me a slow, sexy smile. “My pleasure, Emma. It is more than nice to meet you.” He winks at me.
Wow this man is good at wooing the ladies. Even Tessa looks smitten. She keeps starting at him, her mouth barely closed. I then ask him, “So are you a designer also?”
He chuckles deep in his throat. “No no, I am a lawyer. My brother over there, Sam, is the designer. He designs his own line called Bronze SL. I am here as a model and for moral support.”
I look down at his clothing and sure enough, he looks amazing. He is in a pair of dark wash jeans that are hugging every part of his muscular, sexy frame perfectly. He has on a tight polo shirt that does not look preppy at all. In fact, he looks dark, stormy, and unbelievably hot. The shirt is very flattering, showing off the lines of his six-pack. I bring my eyes back up to him and he grins at me, knowing I was just checking him out.
“So you are the competition huh?” he asks.
I nod at him. “Well it looks like my brother may have some trouble on his hands. Your clothing designs are gorgeous just like you.”
I feel myself flush and I look towards Tessa. She has disappeared. Damn her. I don't feel in control of myself around this man. “Thank you. Your brother does great work too. So I may be in trouble myself.”
“I believe this may be true.” He winks at me again, making my heart flutter. What is wrong with me? “What are you doing later?” he says.
Wow right in for the kill he went. He is so sure of himself.
“I am having drinks with my ladies.” His eyes grow dark as he listens to me. Passionately dark. “Why do you ask?”
He shrugs casually. “I was just seeing if maybe a gorgeous woman such as yourself would do me the honor of having a drink with me.”
“Umm...I...I...” Damn it Emma, you sound like a stumbling idiot. Must be this champagne going right to my head, all of the little bubbles working their way in.
He watches me as I try to answer, which makes it even harder. I am all hot and bothered and he is calm and collected. “Maybe another night? I think my ladies just want it to be a ladies night.”
I catch his face fall a bit but it quickly changes, as if he is trying to hide his emotions. “Okay, here is my card if you change your mind about tonight.” He licks his lips, hands me the card, and brings his face close to mine. I feel shivers run down my spine with him being this close to me. He smells divine, like rugged cologne and a sweet vanilla scent. I imagine him kissing me, our lips melding together. I want to taste him and explore what he has to offer. He whispers in my ear, “I could show you a mind blowing time, so if you're up to it, don't hesitate to call.” He kisses my cheek and with that he is gone.
I stand there feeling like a tidal wave just hit me. I sit behind my booth and try to steady my breaths. No man has ever made me feel that way before. It was like I could actually feel the electricity coursing back and forth between us. It was so thick I wanted to jump on him. No no, I can't be thinking this way about the brother of my rival designer. I shake my head to clear my thoughts, down my champagne, and decide to start packing up. The show ends in 30 minutes and I can't wait to start downing margari
tas.
Chapter 4
NOAH
Holy fuck, who is that woman? Emma Martins. I let her name roll around my head as I think about her alluring body. Damn, she is sexy as hell. I like my women having a bit of meat to them and she has a little bit more than I usually go for but her face is stunning, drawing me right in. Her curves are gorgeous with just enough thickness in all of the right spots. She looks soft and sweet and I want to taste what she has to offer. There is something about her, I can't put my finger on it, but I felt this connection like no other. It's killing me not knowing what it is. I don't want the bullshit, I just want the sex. So this is bothering me. Really bothering me. I haven't felt like this since my heart was broken by Lisa. No, no. I simply want some delicious sex from Emma and then that's it.
I wish she didn't turn me down tonight. I wanted to ravish her. I head over to my brother's booth to help him finish up.
“Yo bro, talking up the competition over there? What the hell is that all about?”
“Calm down, Sam. It's not like I am supporting her in any way. I was just having some friendly conversation,” I reply. So much for getting some ladies for tonight.
“You were hitting on her weren't you?” Sam shakes his head. “You sly dog, you.”
“What makes you think that? I was just talking to her, introducing myself.”
Sam rolls his eyes. “I know your looks and right now you look smitten. In fact, you haven’t looked this way in a long time.”
I shrug him off and help him clean up as fast as I can. I want to get the hell out of there.
When I make it outside, I see there is a bar right next door. Time to get into some trouble; there must be a woman in here looking for fun. I am tired of striking out.
I walk in and take a look around. The place is dark in the lightening but the atmosphere is exciting, happy. People are dancing, sitting and drinking or eating, some sitting at the bar. I head up to the bar to get a beer and I freeze. There she is. Emma. She is with two other women, one I recognize from earlier. Well well what are the odds? She didn’t want to meet me for drinks but it’s going to happen anyway.
ROMANCE: Paranormal Romance: The Valley (Book One) (Fun, Sexy, Mature Young Adult Vampire Shape Shifter Romance) Page 73