Two Books by Jess Dee I read

They both are F/M. F/M/M. I liked Risking It All more then Three of a Kind.

Playing House by Jodi Olson--Chapter One

Mark Mitchell yawned and shifted in the truck seat.

It’d been a long day. He’d been on the road for sixteen hours,

making a few stops along the way to stretch his legs, fill up

with gas and get a bite to eat. Other than that he hadn’t

stopped.

As the day turned to evening he pulled in to the nearest

motel getting the last available room. The desk clerk said there

was a rush on rooms an hour ago due to a convention. Mark

noticed the bar across the street and thought about knocking

back a couple of cold ones. Then he’d take a shower and hit

the sheets.

Even at this time of night, the heat and humidity was

oppressive, rivulets of sweat running down his back. Oklahoma

City seemed so crowded to him, too big and busy for his taste;

he couldn’t wait to leave. After a good night’s sleep he only had

tomorrow’s drive and he’d be home.

Mark took off his hat, wiping the sweat from his forehead

as he entered the bar. He ran his fingers through his dark brown

hair, a useless attempt to put some order to hours of hat hair. He

pulled his t-shirt away from his sweaty torso wondering if he

should have taken a shower before coming over for his beer.

The bar was crowded; full of men in suits and ties and

women in dresses and power suits. He felt out of place, the only

one in jeans and a t-shirt. He saw three women sitting alone give

him the once over when he walked in the door. One of them

gestured for him to turn around so she could see him from the

back. Embarrassed, Mark smiled, but did as she asked. The

woman winked at him, mouthing, “Great ass!” Mark nodded,

smiled, and went to the end of the bar to order that much needed

drink.

An overworked bartender approached, “What will it be?”

“A beer and a steak sandwich if you have one.”

The bartender brought his order and Mark relaxed, eating

his sandwich and drinking his beer. He tried to ignore the noisy 

conventioneers and thought about leaving, but ordered another

beer.

He watched the woman three stools away nursing a fancy,

fruity drink. Mark couldn’t handle those fruity drinks; a beer

was his beverage of choice. He looked at her drink again but

couldn’t imagine what it might be.

From where he sat, he could see that she was beautiful Her

long dark blonde hair fell down onto her back , her green eyes

sparkled with rims of gold capturing the faint light of the bar.

Her breasts, high and firm, strained against the green silk dress

that showed off her beautiful curves.

Mark was a breast man. Hell, who was kidding, he liked

everything on a women. The only thing he didn’t like was if

they were too skinny and this woman definitely was not skinny.

She had curves in all the right places and he preferred a woman

of substance, not just skin and bones.

His timing was perfect as he finished his beer and the

bartender set the next beer down in front of him. Mark couldn’t

take his eyes off the woman. Unfortunately, his jeans were

growing tight as his thoughts envisioned her in a much different surrounding. He needed to get back to his room, take a much

needed shower, preferably cold if his thoughts didn’t change

soon, and get some rest.

Kathryn absently stirred her drink and mulled over her

dilemma. She was due to inherit a large sum of money from

her father but there were problems, some of her own making,

but problems nonetheless. Her father left her a substantial

inheritance in his will, but only if she was married by the age

of thirty. Her thirtieth birthday was the day after tomorrow, and

she was still single. That complicated things because six months

earlier Kathryn told her mother she was married, happily married

to a hot cowboy. She’d lied to her mother, telling her she

hadn’t told her about the marriage before now because she and

her new husband had been so busy since the wedding they just

hadn’t had time…too much work.

Now her mother was expecting them, Kathryn and her

non-existent husband, for a short visit. Kathryn had felt the lie

was worth the reward. Once her mother saw how happily

married she was there would be no problem in getting her

inheritance. The problem was Kathryn was due at her mom’s

tomorrow…and she had no ‘hot cowboy husband’.

The bartender stopped to see if Kathryn wanted another

drink. He flirted with her but she wasn’t paying any attention.

She wanted a cowboy, not a bartender. 

Kathryn smiled as she looked at Mark. “I think I’ll

change my drink to Get Laid. That sounds like a good one to

try, don’t you think?”

Mark had a mouthful of beer and spit it all over the bar.

They were both laughing.

“Hey, you OK over there, mister?” she asked him.

“Yea, I’m fine, just never heard of that drink. Guess

cowboys only drink whiskey or beer. I’m curious what’s in a

Get Laid, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Well, 1 oz of vodka, ¾ oz of raspberry schnapps, fill the

glass to about an inch from the top with pineapple juice, add

a splash of cranberry juice and you have a Get Laid. They’re

really good. You get used to them after you’ve had a couple.”

Mark grimaced, the drink didn’t sound good to him, too

sweet, too fruity. He nodded to Kathryn. “Think I’ll stay with

beer Ma’am. Get Laid doesn’t sound like a drink for a cowboy.”

“So you’re a cowboy? I love cowboys! In fact I’m supposed

to be married to one right now.” Kathryn took another

sip of her drink. She needed to stop drinking or she would say

more than she intended to this stranger.

“What do you mean by you’re supposed to be married?

Where’s your husband?” Several thoughts ran through Mark’s

head as he waited for her answer. She didn’t look married, hell

she wasn’t even wearing a ring.

“Well cowboy it’s a long story,” she said. She took her

drink, stood up from the stool, and walked over to Mark.

Kathryn got close to him and crinkled up her nose. ”Did

anyone ever tell you that you smell like cow shit? You make

my eyes water.”

“Believe me lady, I know what I smell like; unfortunately;

it goes with the job. It’s money and it pays my bills so I

can’t complain.”

“How much money can there be in cleaning up cow shit?

I can’t believe there would be much money in that. Would you

like to do a job for me instead? It would keep you from

stinking that’s for sure, and you’d make a lot of money in a

short period of time, cowboy!”

Mark silently wondered what her “job” might be. He

didn’t need her money, he had enough money, so why was he

even considering her offer? With another look at her he knew

why, and it had nothing to do with money.

“Doing what? Hell, I don’t even know your name. Mind

sharing that with me?” Mark yawned, the long day was catching

up, he was getting sleepy but he didn’t want to leave just

yet. He bet her story was a good one and he wanted to hear it.

“I will pay you to be my husband for a few days while I

go see my mother and get my inheritance money.”

Laughing, Mark pushed his hat back on his head and

placed his beer on the bar. “You have to be kidding, right?”

“No, I’m not kidding. My father died leaving me some

money, actually a lot of money, but he had in his Will that by

the time I was thirty and I had to be married to get that money.

Well I’m nearly thirty and single. I told my mother I was

married to a cowboy and we were very happy. My name is

Kathryn Moore, my father was Kelvin Moore. Have you ever

heard of him?”

“Well Kathryn, no I haven’t heard of him, but then I don’t

get a chance to read the local papers and I don’t live around

here either. I’m just passing through on my way home. I’ve

been driving all day and now that I’ve had some food and a

few beers all I want to do is get in a hot shower and crawl into

bed. I still have a long drive in the morning so I’ll call it a

night. It was nice chatting with you and good luck on finding

that cowboy.”

Mark rose and walked past her, tipping his hat as he went

out the door.

Kathryn ordered another drink, sipped it and considered

her options. She couldn’t figure out what to do about her life.

She took the unused wedding rings rings out of her purse and

stared hopelessly at them. Shaking her head she got up and

resignedly walked out the door, defeat evident on her face.

Kathryn decided she needed a room for the night and went to

the motel. Finding no vacancies pushed her mood to a new

low. Dejectedly she left the lobby only to meet Mark again at

the ice machine. She looked up at him and smiled.

“Hello lady, I see you’re staying here too. Find your

cowboy yet?”

“No! I didn’t find my cowboy, or any cowboy. And I

don’t have a room here since they are all filled up. Just isn’t

my day I guess,” she snarled at him.

“Well I have a room with two beds and you’re welcome

to sleep in the extra one if you want. I still won’t be that

cowboy you want though.” He extended a hand, “My name is

Mark Mitchell.”

“Thanks for the use of the extra bed Mark.” Kathryn

smiled seductively, “Maybe by morning I can convince you to

change your mind on the other.”

“I doubt it.” Mark turned and walked toward his room

with Kathryn happily in tow.

I've been absent for the last 6 months because

In June of 2013 my soon to be ex husband told me he was divorcing me. His reasons were he wanted a change. So I up and moved out of a house I lived in for over 18 yrs. Left my two cats too. Moved in with my sister for 2 months until Sept of 2013 when finally was able to get an apartment.

This has been really hard on me. I had stopped writing, reading and have been absent from many things on the net I used to do. I am now just starting to get back to doing things I love and trying to adjust to this major life change. I was married 28 yrs this past Nov. It's not final yet but I think it will be this month some time.

I only had three books out in 2013. I hope to get double that amount this year.

Starting today I will be showing 1st chapters of my books as promo's.

I hope everyone has a great 2014.
Jodi Olson

Lace and Lassos by Cheyenne McCray

Wayne hit rock bottom when Kait walked out of his life after doing everything she could for him. Eight years later, she comes back to Southern AZ, running from her own demons. Now former Special Forces, he returned to his ranch after an injury under fire. He wants to prove to her he’s a changed man. He helps her face her own demons as they work to save her ranch and a love meant for eternity

Roses and Rodeo by Cheyenne McCray

Danica isn’t about to get involved with a bull rider. Men who put themselves in that kind of danger aren’t for her. Creed wants Danica from the moment he spots her after a bull riding event. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and sexy, and her attempts to put him off only make him want her more. That is until an emotionally devastating event happens and she knows she can never trust him again.

Lipstick & Leather by Cheyenne McCray

Three short sexy stories of mouth-watering cowboys and the women who lasso their hearts. Cowboy Up Anna Landon doesn’t do long distance relationships and she doesn’t do cowboys. But when Mike McDaniel comes to her rescue again and again and again, she finds herself attracted to the tall, sexy cowboy more than she ever imagined. Mike finds Anna intriguing. She’s nothing like the buckle bunnies who want nothing more than to snag a world champion bull rider. He doesn’t get into groupies and Anna is anything but. She’s a whole lot of woman rolled up into one sexy package. Anna learns that Mike competes on the rodeo circuit and she knows that’s not for her. She doesn’t want a man who will be traveling so much, much less a bull rider who competes in one of the world’s most dangerous sports. Her heart couldn’t take it. Mike knows he has some convincing to do but he’s determined to make Anna his own. Rough Rider Brianna Wilson knows a thing or two about business after running a successful Boston boutique. When she inherits her estranged father’s ranch she has some ideas of her own to get the failing ranch back in the black, and dives in with plan in hand. Joe Carter never believed he could fall for a woman so fast until he finds Brianna sprawled out in a mud puddle. Problem is she comes charging into her role as boss, making decisions that could end up with every ranch hand quitting. Brianna and Joe butt heads but she soon comes to realize there’s no controlling an Alpha male cowboy like Joe. She might be the boss, but in the bedroom he’s the one with the control. Brianna has a lot to learn and Joe makes one great teacher. Back in the Saddle Susan Fairfield’s return from Dallas to the family ranch in Arizona is bittersweet. It’s been nine years since she’d fallen in love with Gray Reardon, when her dreams of happily ever afters had been crushed to dust. Seeing Susan again stuns Gray. He’d fallen for her hard but she’d left without one word that would explain why she wouldn’t see him anymore. She’d broken his heart and he’s not about to go through that hell again. But when Gray learns the truth, he’s determined that nothing come hell or high water will keep them part. Even when Susan insists that she has to go back to Dallas to run her family business, this time he’s not about to let her out of his life.

One Night Heir by Lucy Monroe

Only a royal wedding… Bitter life lessons have taught Crown Prince Maksim Yurkovich that duty must come before desire. His country needs an heir, so when he discovers his lover can't have children, he must sever their ties. Only Maks can't resist spending one last night in her bed. …can avert this royal scandal! Now he faces the biggest diplomatic crisis of his life. Against all odds, Gillian Harris has become pregnant. Maks's royal reserve masks the heart of a fierce Cossack warrior—one who is not above using their mutual passion to convince a hurt, wary Gillian that she must be his queen!

Forged in Steele (A KGI Novel) by Maya Banks

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

Steele, a KGI team leader, is an enigma not even his teammates understand. His emotions are tightly locked down and nothing can break that icy exterior. Nothing except Maren Scofield, a doctor on a mission, a woman who has gotten under Steele’s skin and threatens to crack that unflappable cool he’s legendary for.

Steele is determined not to allow Maren past his carefully guarded defenses. But when she’s in danger, there’s no way he’ll allow anyone else to protect her.

Maren’s hiding something. He’s sure of it. But he isn’t prepared for the shocking discovery her secrets reveal. Or how they will forever alter the course of his destiny. He has a decision to make. Hold tight and shut her out. Or take a chance on something more powerful than he’s ever faced: Love.

Highlander Most Wanted: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs by Maya Banks

Genevieve McInnis is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

Never Seduce a Scot: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs by Maya Banks

Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but outsiders consider her “touched.” Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Content with her life of seclusion, Eveline has taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft. But when an arranged marriage into a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, Eveline accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful that his new bride can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled that he stirs her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by the mysterious Eveline, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation and whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.

Cowboy Casanova by Lorelei James

His rough touch makes her lose control...

Rough Riders, Book 12


In Sundance, Wyoming, you can’t throw a boot without hitting a McKay cowboy, so Ben McKay is used to fading into the background. Except on weekends, when he’s Bennett, imposing Dom at The Rawhide Club, surrounded by a bevy of female subs eager for the attention of his long…whip.


As for the curvy brunette eying him from across the room? He’ll eat his Stetson if she's the experienced Domme she claims to be. Bennett offers her a deal—he’ll let her call the shots for one night. But the next night he gets to prove to her how freeing it'll be when he takes the reins.


Ainsley Hamilton is amazed by how well Bennett read her every secret yearning during that one explosive weekend—and she's stunned when they come face to face in their everyday lives as rancher and new bank president. Now Ben’s urging her to explore her submissive side outside the club, and there’s something in his commanding gaze that makes it too easy to let him take control—of her desires and her pleasure.


Can Ben help Ainsley overcome her fear that a relationship built on dark sexual appetites won’t survive the light of day?

Warning: Strap in, another hot McKay is about to bust out of the gate and this bull rider knows a thing or two about riding hard...

Fever by Maya Banks

Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it’s a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise...

Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.

When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.

Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend.

Rush by Maya Banks

Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

Captian's Call of Duty by Cindy Dees (The Kelley Legacy)

From tomboy to bombshell? Captain Jim Kelley is thunderstruck. Suddenly Alexandra Mendez has gone from one of the guys, kid sister and tomboy to all woman. Alex is under his command on a dangerous undercover mission, but Jim has to keep reminding himself they're only pretending to be lovers. Alex has loved Jim all her life, but they'd always been just friends. Now working together to thwart an assassination plot, their cover requires her to unearth her femininity. Jim's sudden attention is unexpected...and thrilling. But is Jim just infatuated by her looks, or is it her he wants?

Missing Mother-to Be by Elle Kennedy (The Kelley Legacy)

Lana Kelley never imagined the magical night she shared with a stranger would result in pregnancy. But when she's kidnapped, Lana is shocked to discover one of her captors is none other than the father of her unborn child.

Mercenary Deacon Holt can't understand Lana. She should hate him. Instead, she refuses to believe he's coldhearted. Though Deacon tries to remain detached, he can't deny he still wants Lana.

And when Lana's life is threatened, Deacon will risk all to help her escape….

Rancher Under Cover by Carla Cassidy (The Kelley Legacy)

Alone with a sexy stranger and no place to hide After American surgeon Caitlin O'Donahue nearly lost her life during volunteer work in the jungles of El Salvador, she returned to her family's ranch to discover her father in hiding. Now the place that was once so safe seems dangerous. The only man she can trust is a stranger - a gorgeous rancher with an agenda and deep-set secrets. Undercover agent Rhett Kane is hell-bent on busting Caitlin's father. His assignment doesn't include protecting Caitlin...or taking her under cover in the most sensual way. When his dual lives collide he's left with the ultimate choice. Will he choose love over duty - and will it cost him his life's mission?

Cowboy Under Siege by Gail Barrett(The Kelley Legacy)

Sabotage at the Bar Lazy K Ranch An unknown enemy of the Kelley family is seeking vengeance on Cole Kelley—and the Montana ranch he'll fight tooth and nail to protect. His land is the only thing Cole can depend on. Not his powerful, scandal-ridden father. And especially not Bethany Moore—the beautiful Native American nurse who left him years ago…and is now back with secrets. Bethany will go up against her own family to help the Bar Lazy K. And the proud cowboy whose guarded heart is as under siege as his land. Their flame burned brightly once before, but will they have a chance to rekindle it before all is lost?

Special Ops Bodyguard by Beth Cornelison (The Kelley Legecy)

"I have a mission—and you're not it." Is it the honey–blond hair? The blue eyes? Gage Prescott can't put his finger on it, but something about the Maple Cove waitress is both sexy and innocent. Not that it matters. The battle–scarred ex–Army Ranger has come to this Montana town as bodyguard to Senator Kelley, not to let a pretty face distract him. Kate Rogers has her own mission. If, while on assignment, the handsome Gage can assist with her sister's abusive husband, she'll accept that gratefully. But will their growing passion interfere when their duties involve life and death?

Private Justice by Marie Ferrarella (The Kelley Legacy Series)

A family rocked by secrets...When a senator is disgraced by scandal, his hotshot lawyer son, Dylan, rushes to pick up the pieces. Dylan's only ally is the feisty Cindy, whose loyalty to her boss is as compelling as her drop-dead gorgeous looks. The senator's not the only one whose world is in disarray: Cindy's grappling with an unexpected pregnancy and bears scars from the past. The last thing she's looking for is romance, even with a man who's as sweet as he is steely. But little do she and Dylan know that Senator Kelley has even more secrets...secrets that might cost the newfound lovers their lives.

Blurb and Excerpt for From A Distance

Title: From A Distance

Publication Date: June 2013

ISBN: 978-1-939010-19-3

Author: Jodi Olson

Format: E-Book

Length: 11,125 words PDF = 66 pp

Genre: Romance

Category: Contemporary

Price: $4.99

Bad boy Grayson Jameson was coming home after eighteen years, to a town that still hadn’t forgiven him. It was his brother’s funeral, but Grayson had other motives. The woman, the town librarian he couldn’t get out of his mind. How would Gillian Masterson react to his return? Could star-crossed lovers finally come together? Or would they be consigned to love only…From A Distance?

Excerpt 1:

“Honey, you know what will happen if I stay, and it sure in hell doesn’t involve either one of us sleeping.”

“I know, just… Let me have this one night with you. I know you’re leaving the day after tomorrow, but I need this.”

Clothes littered the floor on the way to the bedroom. Grayson leisurely made love to Gillian’s mouth at first. Her mouth was warm and sweet, she tasted good. She moaned against his lips when Grayson’s hands dropped to her bare shoulders.

Grayson took one of her hands in his, wrapped her small fingers around his hard cock, holding her hand there with light pressure. “Honey, I’m not going to last much longer if you keep doing that.”

Gillian’s fingertips stroked up, down and around his cock and he shuddered, feeling pleasure all along his spine.

With one hand on her waist, he gathered her close with his other arm and pressed against her soft hip. He kissed her gently while running his hands from her waist to her breasts and down again.

She whimpered as his kiss deepened.

His hand slid across her belly, stroking her velvety soft skin. With each movement, he trailed lower until his fingers were stroking the soft curls between her legs.

“I need you, Grayson,” she whispered.

He eased one finger into her moist folds. “Open your legs, honey.”

She did as he asked, and he slipped his hand further between her thighs, finding her slick and responsive to his touch. It was as if they’d been together for months. Deeper he probed, inserting one finger into her pussy, then withdrawing and returning with two fingers.

Gillian’s breathing grew heavy as her hips moved against his hand. Grayson smiled as he bent his head and took her breast in his mouth. As he did, he stroked her clit with his thumb. Her hips lifted off the bed. “Grayson!”

“You’re so responsive and wet for me, honey.” Grayson whispered against her breast.

He didn’t know how much longer he could keep control, her hip touching his was potent, and he found himself moving against her in response. He shifted his weight until he was lying between her spread legs, the head of his shaft poised at her entrance. Grayson entered her slowly, retreating and advancing a little at a time. Over and over again, he repeated the motion. Suddenly, she arched her back, gripping the sheets with her fingers, her legs wrapping around his waist. They moved in unison; their moans filling the air.

Gillian’s body began to convulse around him, her tight sheath gripping him, milking him again and again as she shook and shuddered. Waves of passion rolled down his spine when he released his seed inside her quivering pussy.

Grayson slowly moved off of her and collapsed onto the pillow next to Gillian. Pulling her close to his side, his thoughts drifted to why he was still in town…and it was all because of her. Now he wished they had more time together because she was making it harder for him to leave.

Excerpt 2:

Gillian was in the kitchen making sandwiches for Grayson, when the doorbell rang. She hadn’t bothered getting dressed because she knew they would be spending most of his last day in town in her bed. She saw his shirt still hung on one of the kitchen table chairs so she quickly slipped into it and padded to the front door.

She opened up the door only to see no one standing there. Then her eyes went to the ground. A large, flat box was sitting by the front door. She wondered what it could be because she didn’t remember ordering anything through the mail. Gillian bent down to pick it up to bring it inside. There was no mistake. The label had her name on it. No return label. That’s odd. Maybe it’s a gift from Grayson? Why would he be sending me something now?

She wished Grayson would hurry up and get out of the shower so she could open it up in front of him. Not able to stand it much longer she began ripping the tape off. Inside there was white tissue paper covering whatever was inside. Just when she started to place her hand inside, she heard Grayson.

“Thought I heard the doorbell. What’s in the package?”

“You didn’t have to buy me a gift, Grayson.” Gillian started to remove the tissue paper.

“I didn’t.”

Gillian pulled out a black boxer brief with a gray waistband. “Oh, I guess this package was meant for you. Wonder why my name’s on it?” she held out the underwear and dangled it in front of his face.

“Those aren’t mine, Gillian.”

She noticed his set face; his clamped mouth and fixed eyes. Her eyes traveled down his body, “You have the same pair on right now.”

“Yes, but those aren’t mine,” he pointed to the underwear she held, “Someone is messing with you. I haven’t seen anyone except my mother and, of course you. Is there more in the box?”

“Only a big envelope addressed to me.” She was suddenly anxious to escape from his disturbing presence.

“Want me to open it for you? You’re shaking.”

As casually as Gillian could manage, she asked. “Why? Do you already know what’s in here?”

“No, I see you’re upset and I’m trying to help is all.”

“I was doing just fine before you came back here, then you show up and I’m hearing all these rumors about you and now this.”

Gillian unsealed the flap of the envelope and looked inside. There must’ve been at least five photos, the top one showing Grayson naked and handcuffed to a bed. The blonde on top of him had her head slightly turned looking over her shoulder.

She pulled the photos out of the envelope. In every one of them Grayson was with the same blonde. The last one showed her riding him hard, her long blonde hair flowing down her back, his hands on her hips like he was guiding her on his hard shaft. Sudden anger raced through her body. She was furious at her vulnerability when he was around. “I think you need to leave. I’ve seen enough. Don’t wait another ten years before you see your mother again.”

“Gillian, let me have a look.” He stammered in bewilderment as he glanced at each one. “The guy in the photo isn’t me. I swear!”

He had a fiery, angry look which was unfamiliar to her. “You must have a twin then, because it sure as hell looks like you!” Gillian shoved the photos into his face.

Gillian started to walk past him and in one forward motion she was in his arms, twisting to get free. She was breathless with rage, her nostrils flared with fury.

“Baby, listen to me,” he whispered into her hair. “Those photos could’ve been fixed. Someone is trying to hurt you for some reason and I’m going to find out why.”

She only half-listened as she struggled harder to get free.

“Gillian I’m not going tomorrow. I’ll stay until we find this person, I swear.”

“I don’t need you to help me. I wish to hell you’d never come back. My life was almost near perfect…and now you’ve messed it up.” She felt his shocked movement and was able to break free from his arms. Gillian glanced at his face before leaving the room and saw an inexplicable look of withdrawal come across his face.