Hudson: The world is smaller than you think, Riya. Smaller than we wish it to be sometimes.
Riya: That has to do with the second thing you mentioned?
Hudson: Yes.
Riya: Alright.
Hudson: Be safe and contact me immediately should you require assistance. It doesn’t matter what the circumstances.
Riya: That’s kind of you.
Hudson: Say you’ll contact me if you need help.
Riya: I will. Thank you, Hudson.
Hudson: Until we meet one day. Goodbye, Riya.
Stunned, she stared at the computer screen. Losing Hudson Winters literally days before she was due to leave was devastating. She glanced up at the board.
“I could work with seven.”
She’d already submitted the number of study participants to her advisor. If she changed it now, it would look unprofessional.
“You’ll look like a flake and you know it.” Standing, Riya paced. “The department already has misgivings about your research. You can’t add fuel to the fire.”
Suddenly she stopped and went to the box that held the last few men she’d removed from the list.
Lance was definitely out. Grady still wasn’t a good gamble. Even she occasionally saw news about him on social media. She talked to Noah every couple of weeks and it looked like he might be zoning in on a hesitant ladylove.
She’d never heard back from Bobby. She decided to reach out once more and see if she could get him.
Riya: Bobby, are you around? I know it’s been quite a while since we talked.
Bobby: Who is this?
Riya: It’s Riya…with The Barter System project?
Bobby: Oh yeah. Okay. What can I do for you?
Riya: I wanted to know if you’d still like to be involved in phase three of my research?
Bobby: What does that mean?
Riya: Being involved in the real world aspect? Remember?
Bobby: Oh, of course. Yes. When will that happen?
Riya: I estimate end-October but I’ll have to make some small adjustments. If that’s good for you, I’ll send you the details. I’m going to need your background information, financials, and blood work.
Bobby: Sounds awesome. Talk to you soon.
Disconnecting, she quickly printed the exchange and switched all of Bobby’s information with Hudson’s.
Not ideal at the last minute but she would make it work. Hopefully, there’d be no more withdrawals.
Riya was wracked with nerves, filled with anticipation, and ready to get started.
© Shayne McClendon
The Barter System
You need these people in your life. Grab a cold drink and chill with Riya and her Subjects. See where phase three takes her and all the deliciously dirty “data” she gathers.
You won’t regret it. There are six books in the completed series…start from the beginning.
Research might be work…but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it.
Riya O’Connell goes straight to the source for her dissertation on male sexuality. She sets out on a journey that will take her all over the country…and deep into her own desires.
*Thirteen thousand applications.
*Eight chosen men.
*One woman’s heart.
They provide information and ensure she reaches her next destination safely. In return, Riya gives them what they want – and helps them discover what they didn’t realize they need.
*Meet the subjects.
*Push your inhibitions.
*Experience the passion.
Sean (37) Internet Entrepreneur – Florida
Victor (31) Fisherman – Georgia
Joshua (22) College Student – Texas
Lucas (42) Rancher – Montana
Ricardo (32) Police Officer – California
Bobby (27) Musician – Massachusetts
Micah & Max (34) Financiers – New York
Step inside Riya’s world right now.
An erotic novel with a unique storyline that you have to read to believe by Always the Good Girl, Shayne McClendon.
NOTE: This story contains explicit sexual scenes and language (including domination/submission, multiple partners, ménage, and same-sex) and is intended for mature 18+ readers only. Do not read this novel if explicit sexual content offends you. This is a full-length novel of more than 175,000 words and does not end in a cliffhanger.
About Shayne McClendon
Shayne McClendon is an indie author most recognized for her premiere novel “The Barter System.”
Also set in “The Barter System” world (and absolute must reads) are “Hudson” (book two), “Pushing the Envelope” (book three), “Backstage” (book four), “Liberation” (book five), and “Radiance” (book six).
Other releases include “Yes to Everything,” “Completely Wrecked,” “Love of the Game,” and “The Hermit.”
Shayne listens to the voices in her head because their ideas are (almost) always awesome. Those around her don’t question the crazy. Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.
Stop by her Always the Good Girl website for free stories!
Choice of Subjects: The Barter System Series Page 6