tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12140469967935079242024-03-19T00:56:24.571-04:00A.L. Zaun A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-72086141868007030012014-09-04T09:30:00.000-04:002014-09-04T09:30:00.664-04:00**Cover Reveal** Presently Perfect by Alison G. Bailey<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>We are excited to bring you the cover reveal for the third and final book in the Perfect series, PRESENTLY PERFECT.</em></div>
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<a href="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/PresentlyPerfect_Amazon-e1409231625963.jpg"><img alt="PresentlyPerfect_Amazon" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15306" src="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/PresentlyPerfect_Amazon-e1409231625963.jpg" height="605" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Synopsis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Synopsis" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10840" src="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Synopsis.jpg" height="66" width="200" /></a></div>
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<em>Perfection is an illusion fueled by the perception of others.</em></div>
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***</div>
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Tweet was my heart, my soul, and my purpose. She was my everything.</div>
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Neither of us were perfect. We both made mistakes. Looking back, that was okay, because every choice
brought us to where we needed to be at the time we needed to be there. The one constant, our love
and friendship.</div>
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There are two sides to every story, and I wouldn't trade our sides for anything in the world.</div>
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<b>Scheduled Release Date:</b> November 6, 2014</div>
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<b>Cover Designer: </b>Robin Harper, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.wickedbydesigncovers.com" target="_blank">Wicked By Design </a></div>
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<b>Photographer: </b>Lorie Rebecca, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.lorierebecca.com" target="_blank">Lorie Rebecca Photography</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.lorierebecca.com" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/presently-perfect-giveaway-e1409231768363.jpg">
</a> <a href="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/presently-perfect-teaser.jpg"><img alt="presently perfect teaser" class="aligncenter wp-image-15309" src="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/presently-perfect-teaser.jpg" height="400" width="291" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/AboutTheAuthor.jpg"><img alt="AboutTheAuthor" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10832" src="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/AboutTheAuthor.jpg" height="50" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Alison-Bailey.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Alison Bailey" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-14820" src="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Alison-Bailey.jpg" height="134" width="200" /></a></div>
Alison was born, raised, and currently lives in Charleston, SC. She attended Winthrop University and graduated with a major in Theater. While at school she began writing one-act plays, which she later
produced. Her debut novel, Present Perfect, landed on Amazon's Best Seller List and appeared on many "Best Reads of 2013" Book Blogs. The novel is a current nominee for the 2014 Indie Romance Convention Awards. The second book from The Perfect series, <i>Past Imperfect</i>, was published in February of 2014.
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlisonGBaileyAuthor%20" target="_blank">Facebook </a>† <a href="https://twitter.com/AlisonGBailey1%20" target="_blank">Twitter </a>† <a href="http://alisongbailey.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21588076-presently-perfect?from_search=true" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="add-to-goodreads-button" class="size-full wp-image-15190 aligncenter" src="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/add-to-goodreads-button.png" height="45" width="134" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Giveaway.jpg"><img alt="Giveaway" class="size-full wp-image-10836 aligncenter" src="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Giveaway.jpg" height="66" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/20f584eb14/" id="rc-20f584eb14" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script></div>
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♥<em><strong>READ THE SERIES</strong></em>♥</div>
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Book 1 - PRESENT PERFECT</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Present-Perfect-Alison-Bailey-ebook/dp/B00EABIHGE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409232587&sr=8-1&keywords=present+perfect" target="_blank">Amazon </a>| <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/present-perfect-alison-g-bailey/1116294610?ean=2940148407591&itm=1&usri=present+perfect" target="_blank">B&N</a> | <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/345001" target="_blank">Smashwords </a>| <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Present-Perfect-Audiobook/B00LFRZR9Q/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srImg?qid=1408318818&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Audible</a></div>
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Book 2 - PAST IMPERFECT</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Past-Imperfect-Alison-G-Bailey-ebook/dp/B00IH8IDVA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1409232587&sr=8-3&keywords=present+perfect" target="_blank">Amazon </a>| <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/past-imperfect-alison-g-bailey/1118632341?ean=2940148306399&itm=1&usri=past+imperfect" target="_blank">B&N</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/409128" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></div>
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<a href="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/PresentlyPerfect_jacket_Reveal3-e1409232481963.jpg"><img alt="PresentlyPerfect_jacket_Reveal3" class="size-full wp-image-15307" src="http://shhmomsreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/PresentlyPerfect_jacket_Reveal3-e1409232481963.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-88364299866270142492014-07-28T19:17:00.001-04:002014-07-28T19:17:08.287-04:00Highly Anticipated Release Date: Let It Go, Book 3 of The Do Over Series<div>
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I get asked a lot when Let It Go, book 3 will be released.... Here's the answer:</div>
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When I made the decision to break Rick and Madison's story up into 2 parts, I had every intention of releasing the second half in a matter of months. </div>
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I was confident that since I knew exactly where the story was going and how it would end, that it was just a matter of blocking out the distractions and pumping out the words. </div>
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But then somethings happened. Life got complicated and so did writing their story (my OCD and perfectionism got way out of control). </div>
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I know exactly where their story is going. Today, I outlined the next 4 chapters, but I have to write those words. So tonight, my son is going to bed early. Alison Bailey and I will be sprinting... and I'm going to beat her ass and get more done. </div>
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Rest assured that my beta team, the 305 Girls (more like Bitches) are also on my ass as is Morgan Parker. They want me to get my shit together and just finish this freaking story. (I don't want to say good-bye to Rick and Madison)</div>
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I MAY consider releasing the first chapter of Let It Go to my newsletter subscribers. If you think that's a cool idea, let me know. If there are other things that I could do in the meantime while I am putting Rick through the wringer (sigh...that's where he's going)...but Madison is too... let me know. </div>
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If you haven't read The Do Over and It's Not Over and have no idea what I'm talking about...both are available on Kindle Unlimited for free. </div>
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Happy reading! <3</div>
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~Ana</div>
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A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-74293205167192406532014-06-12T11:31:00.003-04:002014-06-12T11:31:33.491-04:00Throw Back Thursday with a Teaser TwistHey! **Waves hands frantically**<br />
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Remember me? Yes, I know it's been a while. Yes, I know I had many promises, but something got in the way. Life. </div>
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But I'm back and with a vengeance. Maybe that's a little dramatic. =)</div>
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Here's a little oldie but goody. Gotta love Rick (and Marco Dapper -- fanning myself). If you haven't met him, you should. You're going to love to hate him and maybe hate to love him. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meet Rick Marin and all his shenanigans in <span style="color: red;"><i>The Do Over</i>.</span></span></div>
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Happy Reading,</div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">~Ana</span></i></div>
A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-8234768629200279582014-04-12T19:45:00.004-04:002014-04-12T21:18:50.049-04:00Review: Unveiled Innocence by Ella Frank<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 15.455999374389648px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've recently finished reading, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Unveiled Innocence</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> by Ella Frank. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm sure you're waiting with bated breath, dying to know what I thought. Since I'm in a good mood, I won't torture you. I really<i> really</i> liked it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For me to say that is huge. I tend not to like most things lately, but I was sucked into this story and couldn't put it down last night until I finished.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was one part where I cried -- not black shit tears, but still nonetheless, I was touched. From the prologue to the very end, I was trying to figure it out and see where the story was going, find out what happened. We know from the beginning that s<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">omething has taken place, but the story is told in such a cryptic manner that there are almost no clues. And if you try to put the clues together, you only find out that you were probably wrong or maybe not.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Addison Lancaster is an 18 year old, sexually charged, student who has a seemingly perfect life. At least on the outside, Addison puts on the front of having it together. But as the story unfolds, you learn the truth behind the facade.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When she's late to her history class, time stands still, meeting her new teacher, Mr. McKendrick. She wants him, and Addison gets what Addison wants. At least that's what it seems like at first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grayson McKendrick came back to Colorado to be close to his sick father. Taking a job at a local high school, Mr. McKendrick had no idea how his life would be turned upside down when a flirty, Addison Lancaster strolled in late to his class, making an impression that he wouldn't soon forget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What happens when lines are blurred? When they're crossed?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Super HAWT sex scenes. I was on the edge, worried, wondering what on earth happened. I imagined the worst -- was I right? Was I wrong?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My only complaint with this book is that I didn't connect with Addison. I was, however, rooting for Grayson the entire time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you love a sexy book with a taboo subject....one-click <i>Unveiled Innocence</i> and let me know what you think.</span></div>
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</iframe>A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-1007419201765305622014-03-30T11:07:00.002-04:002014-03-30T16:29:13.657-04:00The Do Over: Prologue and Chapter 1<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44Z1OQGpChTRaKvXSyBl5n-tskA23NWTzPqZuvBl74vP_EoOw2AXpZEnGOG8Cba93FbiQ6LElJRF_eyGMQPmsujhHR2kNponuhkiaGlOEYbQx0jmYHFq-gkpnvliBNgx_eHc6Ki56J1gI/s1600/3DTheDoOver.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44Z1OQGpChTRaKvXSyBl5n-tskA23NWTzPqZuvBl74vP_EoOw2AXpZEnGOG8Cba93FbiQ6LElJRF_eyGMQPmsujhHR2kNponuhkiaGlOEYbQx0jmYHFq-gkpnvliBNgx_eHc6Ki56J1gI/s1600/3DTheDoOver.png" height="320" width="285" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Life doesn't look like it's supposed to for </span><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dani Ruiz</span></i><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, a hopeless romantic. After a painful and sudden break-up with</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <i>Rick Marin</i></span><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, Dani hides away from reality, retreating to a world of fiction where she prefers book boyfriends over the hassles of a relationship.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Almost two years later, Dani's friends are tired of watching her in a holding pattern, so they stage an intervention, forcing her back into the real world of dating.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Unexpectedly, Dani meets</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i> <b>Liam Lucas</b></i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, a down-to-earth firefighter. He might be the person to show her she's still worth something. Dani's hesitant to trust her heart with another man, but their instant and electric chemistry is something she can't deny.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As Dani starts to believe that she's found her real-life book boyfriend, Rick decides that he'll go to any lengths to get her back. Seeing Rick as a changed man makes Dani question everything. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Can Dani trust her patched-up heart with Liam? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Or has Rick transformed into the man she's always wanted? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Written from various points of views, <i>The Do Over</i> is a story of second chances and new beginnings.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Read the Prologue and Chapter 1</span>
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</iframe>A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-18254735733596395462014-03-21T10:31:00.001-04:002014-03-21T10:34:33.057-04:00Simple Act of Kindness: One Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This morning as I was walking into the building at work, there was a lady a few steps behind me just make her ascent up the steps to the landing. I slid my badge and opened the door, holding it for her. </div>
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She looked up but told me to go ahead. Something in her eyes told me she didn't want me to be bothered. Who knows what burdens she was carrying inside? But on the outside, she was slow and had a mild limp. </div>
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<i>But I waited. </i></div>
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I'm not a super hero or this selfless person who's always aware of those around me. In fact, I'll bump into people in the hallways because I'm off in my little bubble. </div>
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But this morning, I was aware. And in that awareness, I offered kindness to someone else. </div>
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Sometimes, they're called random acts of kindness. Other times, people refer to them as manners and polite decorum. Some will even call it being human.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When we're in touch with those around us, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">a simple act can make a huge impact. </span></i></div>
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Have you ever done something that was "nothing" for you but seemed like the world for someone else?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>~Ana</i></span><br />
<br />A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-41112570908496039312014-03-19T13:03:00.001-04:002014-03-19T14:27:59.825-04:00Madison Stuart School of Kicking Ana's Ass Into Shape: The Decision to StartAfter a long sip of my green smoothie, I let out a deep sigh and traced the logo on the Jamba Juice paper cup. My eyes fluttered up, hoping she'd notice, but Madison sat uninterested, flipping through her phone. I sighed a little louder and took another sip.<br />
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"You're pathetic," she accused, keeping her eyes on the screen. "If you want my attention, speak. I've never understood women's subtle hints." Her steely eyes met my troubled ones as she reached for her cup containing some putrid combination of juices that I had yet to muster the courage to taste. "It wreaks of insecurity." With her straw at her lips, she ordered, "speak, already."</div>
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I hated her bluntness. "You're not a very nice person," I countered. I didn't like her condescending tone. Just because she was in shape, healthy, and whatnot, didn't give her the right to talk down to me. Excuse me! I was a lot older than her, and well as we age our metabolism, hormones, and everything goes to hell in a hand basket. I'd like to see her body when she's pushing her early forties. A little smirk spread on my face, imagining her fat and frustrated. </div>
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Reaching for the napkin on the table, she dabbed the corner of her mouth. I hated, yet another thing about her, her manners. She always used them except when she spoke to me. That's when she was rude, callous, and insensitive. At that moment, I was fragile, and what I needed was compassion.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sympathy often leads to apathy.</span></i></div>
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She propped her elbows on the table and laced her fingers together, creating the perfect cradle for her face. "If you wanted nice, you'd be sitting across from Dani." Her lips spread in a devious grin. "You want the hard truth, not a wound licking partner."<br />
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I suspected a little bitterness there. Madison's eyes were a dark sapphire blue and a little arch to her eyebrow told me that she meant to stick it to sweet and lovable Dani.<br />
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"Ah, I see you're bitter." I smiled, touche, bitch. </div>
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Unimpressed with me, she sat back and pulled out her phone again. "I'm not the one wallowing in self-pity." She snickered. "Or the one that's in denial. Call it what you want. You're here with me because you need the hard honest truth. If you wanted the sisterhood bullshit Daniela preaches, you would've called her." Her eyes shifted above her phone and pierced mine. "I can't do it for you. You need to do it for yourself."<br />
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She was right on all counts. I'd wanted to follow her rules to getting my ass back in shape, but...<br />
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1. I'm a single mom of a six year old who needs me to be present to parent.<br />
2. I have a full-time job with a lot of responsibilities.<br />
3. I'm a writer, my agent is waiting for three (3) synopsis, I have a third novel to write.<br />
4. My kitchen sink backed up and well, that was a nightmare (more on that one on another post)<br />
5. The time change has really messed with my sleep cycle--I'm so tired in the morning.<br />
6. I'm not twenty five, anymore.<br />
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I had an excuse for everything.<br />
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She leaned in. "Are you ready to stop making excuses? Between your self-pity and excuses, I'm exhausted. You know what you have to do. When you're ready, I'll help you. Until then, you're just occupying a seat across from me and breathing heavy like a chronic smoker." She shrugged. "I have better things to do, but since I like you, I'll help." She then rolled her eyes. "The last time I agreed to help a pathetic soul..." she trailed off smiling.<br />
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"It worked out perfectly for you," I added with my own sheepish smile. I glanced away and let the truths settle as the tears pooled in my eyes. I had a hard time explaining how I felt. My life in many ways was chaos. I need to pull things together, but I was overwhelmed. I didn't have 10 lbs to lose. I had a lot more than that... a way lot more than that. I was tired of feeling bad about myself and for myself. I was tired of laughing it off. I was tired of pretending it didn't bother me. I hated that I avoided mirrors and walked with my head down.<br />
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I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I need to do this."<br />
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"We'll start light. After all, this is a marathon, not a sprint. I want 20 minutes on the treadmill every day. I don't care when but you move on that damn dust collector every day. You can't go to bed without getting on it."<br />
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"Okay, fine," I agreed. That was doable. She didn't specify that I had to reach a target heart rate, break a sweat or anything. I just needed to move.<br />
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"Oh, and no more Diet Pepsi." She raised that perfectly groomed eyebrow. She went for the jugular and we hadn't even started. "Water. It's good for you."<br />
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"I hated her, but loved me." I took a moment of silence and said farewell. "Good bye my most beloved Diet Pepsi." <br />
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She pushed back from the table, placed her phone in her bag and flung it over her shoulder as she stood up. "My job for today is done." She winked, a bad habit she had picked up from Rick. "Same time tomorrow."<br />
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Today I purpose not to make any more excuses. Today, I claim my life back, one step at a time. How about you?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>~Ana</i></span><br />
One woman's journey to weight loss and reclaiming her health<br />
All Rights Reserved<br />
Post is Unedited<br />
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A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-79958595682741942982014-03-14T13:14:00.000-04:002014-03-15T12:25:18.778-04:00Funny Friday: A man breast pump<div style="text-align: center;">
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After a long week, everyone, including me, can use a good laugh. Enjoy.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWV-z1GALDY/UyR-1FHRc_I/AAAAAAAAD74/6cRjHCU9p6s/s1600/breast+pump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWV-z1GALDY/UyR-1FHRc_I/AAAAAAAAD74/6cRjHCU9p6s/s1600/breast+pump.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/33bf30723c/pump-a-tron-breast-pump-for-men" style="font-size: xx-large;">Breast Pump for Men</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>~Ana</i></span></div>
A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-14968066124931897762014-03-12T13:09:00.003-04:002014-03-12T13:09:57.101-04:00Unrequited: Chapter 1 Catch a glimpse of Alex Santana from <i>It's Not Over</i> as he casts his sights on Madison Stuart. If you didn't like him before, you might hate him now.
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>~Ana</i></span>A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-10040893313962277072014-03-12T09:00:00.000-04:002014-03-12T09:00:04.533-04:00Handsome, Hotties, and Hunks: Pedro Soltz<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love this video. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> I've recently thought that he might be the perfect muse for Rick? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>~Ana</i></span></div>
A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-58397712954873535962014-03-11T09:00:00.000-04:002014-03-11T14:19:10.653-04:00From my bed to the treadmill: One woman's journey to weight loss and fitnessMy alarm blared, and I cursed the day I agreed to follow the Madison Stuart School of Kicking Ana's Ass in shape. <i>Ugh, I hate her guts</i>.<br />
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"Five more minutes," I mumbled, hoping somehow or other that would be enough to snap me out of my state of complete and utter exhaustion. I pulled the covers up and snuggled with my pillow, sighing in comfort as I dozed off into peaceful slumber.<br />
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Suddenly, the comforter flew off my body and the cold air from the vent and ceiling fan caused a terrible shiver to course through my body. "What the hell?" I cursed in a raspy voice barely able to open my eyes sealed with sleep. <br />
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The bed dipped. "Get your lazy ass out of bed," Madison ordered in a menacing voice.<br />
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How could I argue with that? Easily! I was tired.<br />
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<i>I'm a single mom who works a full time job, takes care of a my son--by myself, takes care of my dog, my house, and oh yeah, I'm also a writer who has to finish a third book. Excuse me if I'm tired. Sorry to inform you Madison, I am not lazy. I'm tired. I went to bed at 2 am last night because that was when my creative juices were flowing.</i><br />
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As if she could read my mind, she leaned in and in a steady voice said, "I'm giving you thirty seconds before I leave." She pulled back and tucked her hair behind her ears. "I have things to do and places to be."<br />
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"More like someone to do," I said, the smart ass in me waking up. "And for the record, I hate you."<br />
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"Yes I do." She smiled as her eyes brightened. <i>Lucky bitch</i>. "And yes, you do. For the record, I don't care. Is this the best you can do? Manipulate me with your approval?" She stepped toward the door. "Won't work. I really don't care if you like me, hate me, or even love me," she stated in an unaffected tone.<br />
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A slight chill radiated off of her. I wondered if she was related to Elsa from <i>Frozen</i>. Then again, maybe she was Elsa. That would make a lot of sense. <i> Let It Go</i>. <br />
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As much as I wanted her to slither back under the rock she came out of, I needed her. This was me the other day. Well, not literally me but pretty close if someone would've been video taping me. <br />
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Since I refuse to buy the next size up, I have to do this. Madison is going to whip my ass in shape. Follow my journey as I go from fat to fit.... That is if Madison doesn't kill me first.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>~Ana</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=576096029132101">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marina.boshoff">Marina Boshoff</a>.</div>
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A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-23129306159880702362014-03-09T12:31:00.000-04:002014-03-09T16:35:48.255-04:00Dreamer, writer and hopeless romantic: One PictureMy book signing cherry was popped yesterday. It was a sweet and gentle lovemaking. I met some fantastic readers, bloggers, and other authors. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2p1Oz79bzAkLBjYpgsnoJwXN9bY_Icz6yjZh7QgigUe0s8VCt5R1U8P5EkyXRcSXatXhTtJG40uarcslY2vLxIjhgjH1L5cwV9-OGNcxREGhixrDmve9LJORELzeysmsdtEr2Wy2Z80E/s1600/wicked+weekend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2p1Oz79bzAkLBjYpgsnoJwXN9bY_Icz6yjZh7QgigUe0s8VCt5R1U8P5EkyXRcSXatXhTtJG40uarcslY2vLxIjhgjH1L5cwV9-OGNcxREGhixrDmve9LJORELzeysmsdtEr2Wy2Z80E/s1600/wicked+weekend.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was supposed to take a lot of pictures. But I didn't. </div>
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I mean, I was in a lot of pictures. That was both overwhelming and humbling. </div>
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I met local readers, and I was able to talk to them about the Miami flavor in The Do Over Series. We laughed at some things that might get lost on others like freezing when it's 68 degrees or Rick setting the heater to 85 degrees to defrost. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCJ6lTIrLESIYUAzyj256FHhfKSPaBc8aWixDFu8mHukB9asYfaft50Qj6bg1kIUERGuojbuJr_sTuMPrkW-7KbMGujanLii8ylDuzPD4TvhjDW5r9vCEIEcbgpXmCAqkwRIdPuDdQE9I/s1600/ana+f.+and+ana+z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCJ6lTIrLESIYUAzyj256FHhfKSPaBc8aWixDFu8mHukB9asYfaft50Qj6bg1kIUERGuojbuJr_sTuMPrkW-7KbMGujanLii8ylDuzPD4TvhjDW5r9vCEIEcbgpXmCAqkwRIdPuDdQE9I/s1600/ana+f.+and+ana+z.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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On a side note, when I arrived at the Bahia Mar, I froze my butt off. In fact, as I was waiting for the bell hop, I was shivering. I think it might have been 70 degrees but it felt like -10. (Just go with me on that one)</div>
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But alas, I did take one picture. And yes, there's a little story behind this one. </div>
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The sky was a beautiful crisp blue and the palms swayed with the wind, dancing a sensual Rumba. But my heart was doing more of a<i> Merengue</i> or <i>Salsa</i> with it's fast beat. This was it. My first signing as an author. </div>
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Before I could make it into the building, E.K. Blair pulled up in her SUV. Relief.<i> I know her</i>. Never discount the power of the pack. There's an inherent feeling of safety in numbers. And when I saw Daisy and Ciara, the adrenalin surging through my body at rocket speed slowed down, and I was able to function and not make a total fool of myself in an awkward, geeky, nerdy kind of way. At least I hope I didn't. The jury is still out on that.</div>
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Ah, then Sandi showed up with my badge. I felt like a superhero. No, I didn't have any magical powers that allowed shape shifting--as in making me a size 4 and making my muffin top vanish. No it was a badge of courage and accomplishment. </div>
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DeNiro said it best. Yeah, he gets me.</div>
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Fast forward to the story behind the ONE PICTURE I did take.<br />
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So, after lunch, I stretched and felt like a cow for eating too much. My only consolation was that I didn't have any cheesecake. That alone should have erased the calories I did consume. </div>
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Pulling out my phone, I saw that Alison Bailey posted on Facebook that there was this hottie here at the signing and that I HAD to go find him. </div>
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Huh? What was she talking about? There was no hot guy here. That little bit of information would have spread like a wild fire through the Everglades during the dry season.<br />
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<i>Alison, if you don't know already, is a little pushy and demanding. When did she think she became the boss of me? </i> I rolled my eyes. </div>
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I spotted Daisy, making her way back to SL Jenning's table with Ciara along her side. Sidling up to them, I said, "Alison is smoking crack. She told me there was some hottie here." </div>
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Daisy giggled and had the look of someone getting her hand caught in the cookie jar. "Yes, there is." She pulled out her phone and showed me his picture. </div>
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Ciara added something about his tattoos. While I'm not an ink girl, I don't know, I was intrigued. </div>
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"What is wrong with you?" I asked shocked. "I thought we were friends." Shaking my head, I concluded, "You're both officially fired." </div>
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To make matters worse, they pointed him out, getting into the elevator. My chance went poof, up in elevator fumes. Oh well. I let Alison and the girls know that I missed my opportunity to see the hottie up close and personal. </div>
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The signing continued. I met some more readers and chatted with some bloggers. But there was a nagging feeling in the back of my mind. I'm not a quitter. This guy couldn't be gone, gone. He had to be here. So, I snuck to the other room and saw him with a crowd of people around him.<i> Were they all for him?</i></div>
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I turned around and walked out, feeling like a silly school girl who was checking out the hot guy. As I planned my cool exit, I ran into an author friend, who will remain nameless. "Did you see, all those crazy women hanging on that guy? Ugh, he's okay, I guess but not my type." I thought..."Yeah, what she said. Whatever. I'm so over the hottie, with the abs and great body." (Did I convince you? Nah. I don't even believe that)<br />
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I went back to my table but the wheels in my head kept spinning. I couldn't give up. Since I'm a woman of do-overs and believe in redemption, I gave Daisy a second chance to make it up to me. She'd break the ice. And that she did. We walked through the crowd and right up to Assad.<br />
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He was charming and offered light banter...just the right amount to make me feel like not so much like a silly school girl but like a woman. Of course, the smooth lines I could have exchanged came after when I was sitting at my table, in the other room, feeling like a little girl with a crush.</div>
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The thoughts going through my head at that moment: "Can I touch him?"</div>
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He mentioned being on the cover of my next book. I looked at him and then at Daisy. "I think he might make a good Rick." </div>
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Without skipping a beat, he added, "Oh Enrique."</div>
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Hmm, this might work. "Yes, his name actually is Enrique."</div>
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I am a dreamer, writer and hopeless romantic. AND a firm believer in happily ever afters.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>~Ana</i></span><br />
<br />A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-86687775099918598732014-02-28T20:39:00.003-05:002014-02-28T22:41:43.095-05:00Moments when you fall in love even more...with fictional charactersMy friends and family joke about, what they call, my obsession with fictional characters. I simply roll my eyes at their lack of appreciation for my admiration of these idealized personas. <br />
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The one highest on my radar is Christian Grey in the upcoming film, <i>Fifty Shades of Grey</i>. I read the books almost two years ago and was immediately sucked into the story as were millions, maybe billions at this point. Now with the movie less than a year away, I've turned my appreciative eye on Jamie Dornan who will be bringing Christian to life on the silver screen.<br />
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This YouTube of Jamie just has me falling in love just a little bit more. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>~Ana</i></span></div>
A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-73411116750321806512014-02-27T21:03:00.001-05:002014-02-27T21:11:28.188-05:00Dreamer, Writer, and Hopeless Romantic: I'm my own version of Carrie Bradshaw or notEvery night before I go to bed, the theme of <i>Sex in the City</i> plays in my head--for real.<br />
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My life doesn't resemble Carrie Bradshaw’s at all. Okay so I'm single, and Carrie was single. </div>
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But we look nothing alike. </div>
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Well, maybe a teeny, tiny, bit, if I was maybe fifty pounds lighter and had blue eyes. </div>
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But...I don’t live in New
York City in an awesome apartment. I live in Miami in a house. It's a nice house, so I'm not complaining. Just stating the obvious.</div>
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I also don’t have her killer shoes, although I do have a nice collection of shoes in my closet.</div>
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I don’t have three awesome friends who offer me advice, support, and encouragement when I need it, ask for it, or when they just want to dish it out. </div>
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No, I’m not the uni bomber or antisocial. I just don’t have <i>THOSE</i> friends. </div>
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Nor do I have Carrie’s men. </div>
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Nope, no Mr. Big with me. (They make such a cute couple, don't they?)</div>
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Nor have I had an Aiden.
And boy was Aiden just amazing, perfect, and so swoony. </div>
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I loved Aiden. He might not have been perfect for Carrie, but he certainly was perfect for me.</div>
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I think it's time Ana got her groove back.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Wait!</span></div>
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And then there was Berger… </span></div>
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Maybe I bonded with Carrie over horrible ways of getting “dumped”. </div>
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Berger used a post-it note. A post-it.
Me…I had a text message. Text Message. At least have the decency... </div>
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Well, that’s a post for another time. </div>
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Now that we've established that I’m nothing like Carrie Bradshaw. Well maybe just maybe in a very skinny future or past, I might have possibly looked a teeny tiny bit like her from a very far distance...or not.</div>
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No one can argue that we both share crappy break up stories. Other than that, we’re nothing alike. </div>
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So back to what I was saying. I can get so easily distracted. Darn these tangents.<br />
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Every night before I go to bed, I hear the theme of<i> Sex in The City</i> play in my head (Doesn't everyone?)<br />
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The images of the day run through my mind, and I check-off all the major events. </div>
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<li>Got Alberto to school late...check</li>
<li>Forgot to brush my hair...check</li>
<li>Plot chapter while driving...check</li>
<li>Went to the office...check</li>
<li>Caught up with all my friends on FaceBook...check</li>
<li>Vowed to jump on the treadmill...check</li>
<li>Actually exercised...work in progress</li>
<li>Made sure to feed Samson and let him out...check</li>
<li>Spend some time writing and reading....check</li>
<li>Blessed to be a mom...check</li>
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Then, I vow to make tomorrow better, and swear to myself that we won't be late again.</div>
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I may not be Carrie Bradshaw, but I'm me. </div>
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I’m a dreamer, a writer, and a hopeless romantic that believes in her happily ever after.
Hmm, maybe Carrie and I have more in common than I thought.
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Ana</span></i></div>
A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-58042234973669739932014-02-14T11:22:00.001-05:002014-02-14T14:30:25.572-05:00Valentine's Day: Rick and Madison Style<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">An Glimpse of Valentine's Day</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">: Rick and Madison Style</span></i></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I scanned Martini Bar once more. We were at capacity with reservations throughout the night. Bruce ha</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">d</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> been right. I’d been selling my kitchen staff short. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Meanwhile, he was leaning against the counter with what appeared to be his own conquest for the evening.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The sounds of the patrons laughing and enjoying their meals caused a swell of emotions to overtake me. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I’d never been one to gush at the idea of Valentine’s Day, but I had to admit watching couples in love, lust, or temporarily insane warmed my heart. I stood in the midst of a perfect balance of love, commercialism, and success. A smile spread across my face, and I nodded in complete satisfaction.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I pulled out my phone as I walked back toward my office. Pushing open the door with my hip, I began scanning through my messages. My stomach dropped and a hallow feeling replaced the elation I’d felt just moments ago. I hadn’t received a text from Rick in hours—very un-Rick-like. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Sitting down at my desk, I shook off the disappointment. I refused to allow myself to buy into the idea of this god-forsaken day. I’d never cared about it before. I wasn’t about to allow a number on a calendar to dictate my mood. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Anyhow, I was reading too much into his perceived absence. I’d</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> been with him this morning</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. I’d see him tonight. We’d been sleeping together every night for the past several weeks. We’d both been very busy lately. I had to work tonight. I </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">continued to check</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> off the mental list of reasons why it made perfect sense</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I sighed. I was becoming one of those insecure wo</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">men who measured</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> her relationship based on every si</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ngle solitary move the man made</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Stop being ridiculous. We’re both in love. We don’t need a day on the calendar to remind us of that</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Shaking my head, I reached into my drawer and </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">pulled out a box from my desk</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. Just as quickly as my sour mood came, it went away as I</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> ran my fingers</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> along the edges of the frame—o</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX36654607" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ur first official </span><span class="SpellingError SCX36654607" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">selfie</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX36654607" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> as a couple. I chuckled softly reminiscing</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> about </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">New York with Rick. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Still, </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I couldn’</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">t explain the </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">dull feeling </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">in my gut</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. I wasn’t a hearts and flowers kind of girl, but he knew</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> better</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. I’d told him I wanted to be wooed. I wanted him to go the extra mile. I was worth it. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Well, Mr. Marin, I think you’re getting a little too complacent if you think blowing me off on Valentine’s Day is going to fly!</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> It’s our goddamn first Valentines. What an asshole.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">A light tap at the door startled me out of my estrogen-laced coma. A surge of anticipation filled me, and I bit down on my lip to hold back the excitement. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Rick.</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> “Come in,” I called out, quickly putting the box away. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span><br />
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Hey,” Bruce said, popping his head in the door. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I batted my eyes quickly to hold back the rush of tears that were forming. I had to stop this pathetic behavior</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> immediately</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. I wasn’t like this, and I certainly didn’t want t</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">o become one of</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> those </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">women</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“You have out done yourself.” He stepped inside</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX36654607" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">and shut the door behind him. “The place is buzzing, the customers are happy, and the chi-</span><span class="SpellingError SCX36654607" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ching</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX36654607" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> of the register is music to our ears.” He sat down</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">—without an invitation, I might add</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">—proud of our accomplishment. Once again, I was reminded </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">of </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">exactly who I was—Madison Stuart, and I was a badass, proving to the industry that I was a force to be reckoned with.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I sat back in my chair</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. “Put on your seatbelt.” I raised an eyebrow</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and smiled</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. “You haven’t seen anything yet.” </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">He placed his hands on his legs and leaned forward. Glancing around the room, he asked, “So where’s your worse-half? I was sure he’d be annoying the ever living shit out of me tonight.”</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">At that very moment, I wasn’t sure who I hated more, Rick or Bruce. But I wasn’t about to let either one of them see me affected by their insensitivity. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Tucking my hair behind my ear, I smiled curtly and began shuffling papers on my desk. “Tonight’s very busy. I need to focus on work.” I looked up at him. “We’re going to Naples tomorrow for the day.” That was the truth. I didn’t add, though, that Rick had wanted it to be for the weekend, but I had too much going on with Donovan’s to be that disconnected. I suddenly felt a pang of regret. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Why did I have to be so damn difficult?</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Bruce cleared his throat. I wondered if I gave something away with my expression. “Don’t get me wrong. I think the guy’s an asshole. I don’</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">t have a problem with him </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">missing in action.” </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I tilted my head and gave him one of my looks</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, letting him know </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">he was off base. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">A fierce sense of protectiveness came over me. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“The two of you need to put your differences aside.” I re</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ached for the box in my drawer and placed it on my desk. “What do you think?” I showed him the picture as I admired it. “I love him.” I looked up at Bruce, whose eyes had softened. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“I’m not used to seeing you act like a girl.” He smirked. “Nice picture. I’m sure Douchebag will love it.”</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Thanks,” I said sarcastically. I placed the framed picture back in the box. “This is the ruse.” Excitedly, I pulled out his real gift and held it out to Bruce. “</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Here’</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">s his real present.” </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Bruce’s eyes widened as he took the World War II Purple Heart in his hand. He appraised it and smiled. “He’s been injured in battle?”</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Being with me isn’t easy.” I winked and took it back. “He loves this stuff. I bought it at auction last week.” I tucked it </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">a</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">way in its case. I’d taken so much care to get him something absolutely perfect. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">After all, i</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">t was our first Valentine’s Day. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I couldn’t help feeling a bit let down that he hadn’t done anything special</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> for me</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. Sure we were going away tomorrow, but what about today? He could’ve sent me flowers. He always did that. He could’ve at least </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">obsessively </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">called me during the day. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">No,</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> on the one day he was expected to be over the top, he wasn’t. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“He’s a lucky guy, </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">but if anything changes, I can break his legs for you. And</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I’ll do it with a smile on my face.” Bruce stood up and tilted his head</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> to the door</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. “You coming back out on the floor?”</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I pushed back from my desk. “Of course. We have a restaurant to run.” </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Bruce held the door for me as I stepped into the narrow corridor leading to the main area. The sounds and aroma coming from the kitchen refocused me and gave me the jolt I needed. With my head held high, I stepped in</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">to my element. I was, in fact, the queen</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. My shoulders slumped slightly</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, though</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. I dearly missed my</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> king.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And then</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> as if in a movie</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, I saw him, standing by the door. He held a single red rose. I weaved through the patrons, n</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ot taking my eyes off of him.</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> T</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">he noise died down, and we were the only two people in the world. I’d graduated to heights of the overly romantic woman who long</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ed</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> for the fantasy of her knight in shining armor. And reluctantly, I admitted to myself, I liked it.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“What are you doing here?” I greeted him as he wrapped one arm around me and pulled me into him.</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Normally, I would keep the public displays of affection at a minimum at work, but today was the exception.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{16}" paraid="1682053975" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">He handed me the rose. “I’m an asshole who was working </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">too hard today when I should’ve been spoiling you instead.” He lowered his mouth to mine</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and softly kissed me</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. The gentle feel of his lips over mine sent a tingle down my spine. I closed my eyes and relished his warm embrace. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Let me make it up to you tomorrow.” He pulled back and tucked my hair behind my ears. Leaning in, he placed a kiss on my forehead. “I love you, babe. I’m such a f</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">u</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ck-up. This week flew by. Before I knew it, here we are on Valentine’s Day, and well…”</span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{16}" paraid="1682053975" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">This wasn’t the time or place to be having this discussion. “Hey,” I said coyly. “How about, I leave early tonight and let you start making it up to me tonight?”</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{22}" paraid="2032029127" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“You can’t get enough of me.” His lips curled into a dimpled smile. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I smacked his chest and held back my own smile. “You’re an idiot.”</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{32}" paraid="1032605525" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“In other words, I’m right.” He placed </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">another</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> kiss on my lips. “Listen.” He </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">laid </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">his hands on my shoulders. </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{32}" paraid="1032605525" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“You should leave early. That way, you’ll be rested for tomorrow.” </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">My body went rigid. “I’ll see you later, then?” I asked, trying not to jump to conclusions. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I want to ram this rose up his ass right now.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">He kissed my cheek. “Babe, I’m beat. I’ll pick you up early.” He stepped back. “</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I promise</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, I</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">’ll </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">make this up to you.” He smiled and blew me a kiss as he walked out the door.</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I wanted to kill him.</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> No, death would be too kind. He needed to suffer.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{47}" paraid="1138466803" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{50}" paraid="1536431488" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I stood paralyzed, staring at the door. Bruce placed his arm around my shoulder. “The offer to break his legs still stands.”</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{53}" paraid="1527366333" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I buried my emotions deep </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">inside </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">and gave him an icy glare. “That’s too merciful.” </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Bruce laughed. “</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Sign off on </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">these invoices and then head </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">home. I’m sure loveless boy will turn that frown upside down tomorrow.” </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{64}" paraid="77002271" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I grabbed the papers and headed to my office to collect my things. I plopped down at my desk and pulled out my pen. Everything was standard and in order, so I signed off on the bills. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">My </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Pandora bracelet slid down my wrist, and I sighed. I loved him, and I knew that aside from him being the world’s greatest asshole, he loved me too. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{72}" paraid="778876682" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I grabbed Rick’s gifts and placed them in my tote, wishing I’d gotten him something </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I could return. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I stared at my rose. One? Seriously? One? </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">God, I hated that I was acting like a silly woman. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Valentine’s Day sucks!</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{80}" paraid="464962001" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I wasn’t a victim, and I refused</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> to feel sorry for myself.</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I’m</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Madison Stuart</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. I wanted to spend this evening with R</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ick, and nothing was going to stop me. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{80}" paraid="464962001" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{83}" paraid="1295398869" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I waved to Bruce as I walked out the door. I glanced back once more to see my well-oiled machine. I smiled, feeling empowered. If I’d lived my life waiting for permission, I wouldn’t have accomplished half of what I’d done.</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Rick Marin needed to be schooled in the art of treating a woman.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{83}" paraid="1295398869" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{87}" paraid="872986139" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Once I reached my car, I pulled out my phone and called </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">him</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">It didn’t ring more than twice before he picked up</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. “I want to see you tonight</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">”</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I said, without waiting for an introduction.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{87}" paraid="872986139" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36654607" paraeid="{7ab5dde0-696b-4ebe-a479-ba09b15d009a}{90}" paraid="1295968121" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">"Manner, </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX36654607" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">mi </span><span class="SpellingError SCX36654607" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">amor</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. Hello. How are you?" </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">He chuckled. “</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">But f</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ar be it for me to deny you my presence.” He paused for a moment. I was expecting another cheesy line from him. “You can’t stay away from me, can you?” And without fail, he delivered it. “Just get your stuff for tomorrow and come over.”</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I stared at my phone. Was he distracted? </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Marin,” I said as a wave of emotion washed over me. “It shouldn’t bother me, but it does. I…” The words were difficult to form. Relationship, stupid days on calendars, and expectations were new to me. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I didn’t want them and craved them all the same.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">He didn’t let me finish. “I love you, Madison. You have no fucking idea how much.” </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">His words were filled with emotion and sincer</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ity</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. I felt it in the marrow of my bones. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">That was all that should matter, and in a lot of way, in the ones that counted, it did. How could </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I allow </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">a day on a calendar </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">to </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">render me a wallowing</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, brainless</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> sap? </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I fought back the impending tears as I drove home, realizing that the man on the phone truly did love me. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was real</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and it was ours</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. He showed me every single day.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“I love you, Marin.” I blew out a deep breath</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, letting go of</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> some</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> bitterness</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, no thanks to</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> this botched up commercialized day</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. “I’ll see you in a bit.”</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I pressed the red END button</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> as I pulled into my building. After I parked in my space, I grabbed my purse and tote and entered through the side door. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Ms. Stuart,” Walter greeted me. “How are you this evening?” He got up and came over to me, taking the tote from my hand. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“I’m fine, thank you.” I was suddenly exhausted. With the insanity of the evening, I had forgotten to have dinner. “How are you?”</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“I can’t complain.” He pressed the call button for the elevator and handed me my</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> bag</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> when the door opened. “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Walter smiled. “Mr. Marin is a very lucky man.” </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Yes, he is,” I responded as the elevator closed. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I stretched my neck from side to side before fumbling for the key to my apartment</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> when I reached my floor</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. It really had been a long week.</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> If I didn’t want to be with Rick so badly, I’d crawl into bed </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">and</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">most likely fall asleep immediately. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I jiggled the lock and opened the door. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The sound of soft music welcomed me, and my breath caught in my throat. A warm flush touch my cheeks and a smile spread on my face when my eyes landed on the bouquet of red roses on my side table in the foyer. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I pulled out the card</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> that was written in his chicken scratch</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Never underestimate my love for you. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Be my Valentine. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Forever yours, R</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I laid down my purse and tote</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">A tremor of excitement hit me. My heart raced. Everything started to make sense. I felt like a world class bitch.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Marin?” I called out softly as I entered into my apartment, still holding the card, and trying to remember to breathe.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">When I turned the corner, the room opened up. Lit candles adorned the tables and </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">pink and red </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">rose petals were sprinkled throughout. I set my hands on the back of the dining chair</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, taking it all in</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. The table was set for two. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">A bottle of chilled champagne. A bowl of chocolate covered strawberries. A wrapped box. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Someone has a lot of explaining to do.” I said. “Breaking and entering?” I couldn’t contain the smile. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">God, I hate</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> his guts.</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">"A crime of passion." </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">He walked out of the bedroom, impeccably dressed, wearing a devious smile. “Happy Valentine’s Day.” He wrapped his arms around me and dragged me into his body. He ran his lips over mine. “</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Are you surprised?</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">” </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I smiled against his mouth.</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> "I wanted you to die a slow death for blowing me off today." I tightened my hold on him and swayed in his arms. "</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">But this is a start in the right direction."</span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">"A slow death, huh?" </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">His tongue caressed my lower lip, and my mouth </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">opened </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">in response. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">"I think you're getting soft. I would have expected something more epic."</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The kiss was soft, intimat</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">e, and soul touching. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">His hands cradled my head as his fingers twined around my hair. Our tongues danced urgently, changing the intensity of our connection. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">"I couldn't stop thinking about you all day," I confessed breathlessly. </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">He pulled back and held my face in his hands. He gazed at me with the intensity of a man determined. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I was taken aback by it. My heart drummed rapidly.</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">"You're all I ever think about." </span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">He sucked in his lower lip while his eyes searched my face. "Be my Valentine.</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">" He leaned his forehead against mine. "</span><span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Everyday." </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36654607" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">~A.L. Zaun</span></div>
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A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-10636996874863820402014-01-28T15:48:00.002-05:002014-01-28T15:48:26.536-05:00Writer's Corner: Self Publishing Is Not The Minor LeaguesI've recently published my second novel, <i>It's Not Over</i>. Self-publishing made that possible for me. If I'm honest, I didn't start writing <i>The Do Over</i> with the intention of publishing it. I'd been part of a writing contest in a reading group. The participants formed a small group where we encouraged one another to complete the project we had begun. Along the way, the dream was born. The fact that so many have read it and loved it, humbles me. <br />
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Having published has opened up a new world for me. I've had the wonderful opportunity to interact with authors, bloggers, and readers. And within this world, I get asked questions all the time about publishing.<br />
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I have another brilliant idea. I'm going to share in the "Writer's Corner" information, insights, wisdom, mistakes, smart choices, and the truth about self-publishing, marketing, and more. <br />
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I've attached an awesome article. Read it and let me know what you think. <br />
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<a href="http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2014/01/27/self-publishing-is-not-the-minor-leagues/" target="_blank">Self Publishing Isn't The Minor League</a></div>
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~Ana</div>
A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-6603350820433031102014-01-24T14:46:00.002-05:002014-02-01T09:58:19.539-05:00I have an idea...<br />
I've been thinking. That's not accurate. While I was walking down the hallway to pick something up from my dad, I had a brilliant idea. I love it when I have those Einstein moments. <br />
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Less than two (2) weeks ago, I pressed publish on my second novel,<i> It's Not Over.</i> I'm pretty confident that you've already read it (and <i>The Do Over)</i> and are beside yourself with anticipation for the third installment, <i>Let It Go</i>. <br />
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The next step for you is to write a review on Amazon and then on Goodreads -- you can even copy and paste the same one, I won't mind. After you do that, because you're brimming with OMGness, you must go and tell your friends. Right? Yes! I completely understand. I get that way about awesome books, too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mpSwGNkbIfgFjjYp6TRjPZNgNiJODmMyUMWtIr_7YmcRn8ELtSJwIV_gRn9R7fghxpjpyw71I-mDaAVjjqtvaonhIcq_ArWfMaYWqXtnsOiR_umy7I08Iwx9gU3wp8ywCN7eOya3drAD/s1600/TheDoOver_Amazon+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mpSwGNkbIfgFjjYp6TRjPZNgNiJODmMyUMWtIr_7YmcRn8ELtSJwIV_gRn9R7fghxpjpyw71I-mDaAVjjqtvaonhIcq_ArWfMaYWqXtnsOiR_umy7I08Iwx9gU3wp8ywCN7eOya3drAD/s1600/TheDoOver_Amazon+(1).jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJvuAFaqjcKCwVQgqU6a1ockXYC-aK-l8uSHXsnk7E5clpD3LnaGLq6GkP4cWDbnyguUaonLYuh81SN_VWCIramPZB2fLPSOKMZrEJN40MyTSM_KZuhWONjjSGTwZPxbFsIqNtTUtOj_w/s1600/ItsNotOver_Amazon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJvuAFaqjcKCwVQgqU6a1ockXYC-aK-l8uSHXsnk7E5clpD3LnaGLq6GkP4cWDbnyguUaonLYuh81SN_VWCIramPZB2fLPSOKMZrEJN40MyTSM_KZuhWONjjSGTwZPxbFsIqNtTUtOj_w/s1600/ItsNotOver_Amazon.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/1fguNhP" target="_blank">Buy Me The Do Over</a> <a href="http://amzn.to/1gxuO6k" target="_blank">Buy Me It's Not Over</a></div>
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So what was that brilliant idea that I had? One thing that I've been hearing is that readers would like more Dani and Liam and what about Chris and Macy. And the truth is...at this moment, I'm not really sure. But, I did think of something. And I'd like to write some deleted scenes. Give you glimpses as to what's going on in their lives. My goal is to write a post once a week giving you a little bit of your beloved characters. I hope you'll enjoy it. </div>
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Keep in mind, that unless I specifically post a teaser from <i>Let It Go</i>, the stories I share will not impact or influence <i>Let It Go.</i> </div>
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What do you think?</div>
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~Ana</div>
A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-25282821709671378772014-01-15T12:53:00.006-05:002014-01-30T10:42:43.400-05:00It's Not Over...Is LIVE<br />
<i>It's Not Over</i> is finally here. You met Rick Marin and Madison Stuart in <i>The Do Over</i>. If you're like most people, you didn't like Rick very much. In fact, maybe you even hated him. But, you can't deny that as the story progressed, there was something about him that made you hate the fact that your resolve was waning and you might actually not despise him so much.<br />
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So what happened after he found out she was gone? Read <i>It's Not Over</i> and find out.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Available </span></div>
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<a href="http://mybook.to/itnotover" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/its-not-over-al-zaun/1118043630?ean=2940148240563" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Barnes and Noble</span></a></div>
A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-90061968118805957052014-01-11T09:35:00.001-05:002014-01-30T10:43:33.196-05:002 More Days -- Unlikely couple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In less than 2 Days, It's Not Over will be live. I'm excited and nervous (just keeping it real). The journey through Rick and Madison's story wasn't an easy one, even though you'd think it would be. These two characters are complicated. They're stubborn, opinionated, and come with their set of baggage. </div>
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One thing you'll learn early on is that no one thinks that these two can make it as a couple. Maybe their best bet is to remain friends or better yet, go their separate ways.</div>
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Read It's Not Over and draw your own conclusion. Are they a train wreck or will you root for them?</div>
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Make sure to add it to your TBR at Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17937669-it-s-not-over" target="_blank">It's Not Over</a></div>
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A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-11588206752749676192014-01-10T10:15:00.001-05:002014-01-30T10:43:56.737-05:003 More Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjWUzYOD82g_nPcnA6nM2kMkF2hv0fUjVT7mSnS8rUIb_51bWwGo3FRXhoI1OlxbD5OIScg-xmhEvFRhh0Glqc8z-cMuXPkieZ2jcaSqS3NoCUrz8WqMFCnWQjtR7rVqE5Z2E2QPW82It/s1600/3+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjWUzYOD82g_nPcnA6nM2kMkF2hv0fUjVT7mSnS8rUIb_51bWwGo3FRXhoI1OlxbD5OIScg-xmhEvFRhh0Glqc8z-cMuXPkieZ2jcaSqS3NoCUrz8WqMFCnWQjtR7rVqE5Z2E2QPW82It/s1600/3+days.jpg" height="276" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm getting excited.....A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-28312133523461813162014-01-09T11:13:00.002-05:002014-01-30T10:44:23.001-05:00The Countdown 4 Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrnYz4l_zot62IzkxTkdEu4YLkV29-gSaIp1ZvQYAJN5oMGQ7bp8zo6y9yTBEzYNgGUoepOuyQCitvn4qBi3WXwThDmIW-tQJz8D5MrPse8Jzxbvz769THyUWtsABBAOUyk9e3MZSP1LV/s1600/4+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrnYz4l_zot62IzkxTkdEu4YLkV29-gSaIp1ZvQYAJN5oMGQ7bp8zo6y9yTBEzYNgGUoepOuyQCitvn4qBi3WXwThDmIW-tQJz8D5MrPse8Jzxbvz769THyUWtsABBAOUyk9e3MZSP1LV/s1600/4+days.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-54709248557930536432013-12-26T14:05:00.001-05:002014-01-30T10:44:52.718-05:00It's Not Over Teaser: Madison's Favorite DessertMadison Stuart may live life by her own rules and intimidate most men. But she has a weakness and it's called chocolate cake. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out an excerpt from Chapter 2 of <i>It's Not Over.</i></div>
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The crowd at the bar was thinning out, and dickface made the last call. I walked behind the bar and grabbed a couple of forks and napkins.<br />
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Bruce turned and glared at me. “This area is off-limits to you.”<br />
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He could go fuck off with the redhead he had been talking to—or with himself for all I cared.<i> Asshole</i>. I ignored him, considering my lack of response progress, and made my way down the corridor to Madison’s office. I pushed through the door that was cracked open, and her eyes shifted up from her computer monitor.<br />
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“What are you doing here?” she asked, sitting back in her chair.<br />
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“I come bearing a gift,” I said, lifting the bag and setting it on her desk.<br />
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Madison was all about clean eating and exercise. The woman ate the most disgusting shit known to man, but she loved fine cuisine and chocolate. She would take one bite, and it would look like she was about to come. It was the fucking sexiest thing I’d ever seen. She would open her mouth in an O-shape, close her eyes, tilt her head back, and smile. I could feel my dick hardening just by thinking about it.<br />
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Her lips curved to one side, and her eyes sparkled. “A gift? That might make up for the fact that you barged into my office without knocking or a greeting. Once again, I must remind you that manners go a very long way.”<br />
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I walked behind her desk, placed my hands on her shoulders, and rubbed them. Her head tilted to the side, elongating her neck.<br />
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I leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Hello. How are you? Forgive me for my rudeness. I was so excited to see you and share my wonderful news that I behaved in an uncivilized manner. Will you please grace me with the honor of your company and let me spoil you with my little surprise?”<br />
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She sighed and laughed softly. “You’re so full of shit. Does this crap work on Daniela?”<br />
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“Aren’t you even slightly curious to know what’s in the bag?”<br />
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I ran my hands up her neck, kneading her tension away, as she rolled her head into my touch. I knew the answer to that question. She was like a little girl when it came to my surprises.<br />
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“You did apologize,” she said.<br />
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She sighed as I worked my hands back down her neck and along her shoulders.<br />
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“So, what did you bring me?”<br />
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“Come on, let’s get out of here, and I’ll show you.” I ran my hands down her arms and pulled out her chair.<br />
She opened her bottom drawer and pulled out her purse, and we made our way out of her office. We walked out of the bar and down the stairs to the courtyard leading to the parking lot.<br />
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“Here—sit down,” I said, motioning to the bench.<br />
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I sat down next to her. Her eyes darted to the bag, and I debated on whether or not I should torture her by withholding her moment of pleasure, drawing it out, and building the anticipation.<br />
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“So, how was your meeting?” she asked, turning toward me.<br />
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I slowly opened up the bag and handed her a napkin and a fork. “My meeting? Well, you’re looking at the master of sales. I sold it. I closed the biggest fucking deal of my life. No one at my level has ever done anything this huge. I did it. I fucking kicked ass.”<br />
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I looked over at her. Fuck, I saw it. There it was. Her eyes lit up, and her mouth spread wide into a huge smile.<br />
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She reached over and hugged me. With her head buried in my neck, she said, “I’m proud of you. I knew you could do it.”<br />
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I wrapped my arms around her and closed my eyes, breathing in her scent. “I had to tell you first.” I held on to her, not wanting to let go, but I pulled back and smiled, looking in her eyes. I lowered my gaze to her mouth. I wanted to kiss her, to feel her lips against mine with my tongue in her mouth. <i>Soon enough—not until I make things right.</i><br />
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I looked away and over at the bag. I opened it, changing up the mood between us. I couldn’t go there with her, especially not after what had happened on New Year’s. As I pulled out the container from the bag, her eyes widened, and she bit her lower lip.<br />
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“Well, well, well, Mr. Marin. I think you’ve done really well tonight. You’ve even made up for behaving like a savage when you first arrived.”<br />
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“I knew you’d approve.”<br />
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I handed the dessert to her, and I went to reach for my fork. She greedily tucked the box toward her chest.<br />
“You’re not going to share with me?” I teased.<br />
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“Rick, this is chocolate pudding cake from Prime One Twelve. It’s my weakness.”<br />
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“I see that I’ve found your kryptonite, but since I don’t want you to have any regrets in the morning, I’ll help you eat it.”<br />
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I reached over and sliced a corner with my fork before lifting it to her mouth. I watched as her eyes followed the fork. She opened her mouth for me and slowly closed her eyes.<br />
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<i>Fuck, my dick’s getting hard.</i><br />
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She wrapped her lips around the fork and slowly slid the morsel off, moaning softly. She opened her eyes after she swallowed that first piece of decadence and said, “Oh. My. God. That’s divine. Thank you.”<br />
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“Anything for you,” I said.<br />
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We began slowly eating the cake on the bench. When only one bite was left, I looked over at her, watching her savor that last piece.<br />
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“You were wrong about me,” I said.<br />
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“I highly doubt that,” she responded, using her finger to wipe a smudge of chocolate from the corner of her mouth.<br />
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I reached my hand over and took hold of her tantalizing chocolate-covered finger. I brought it to my lips as I glanced up and caught her storming eyes. My lip curled before I opened my mouth and licked the chocolate clean. I didn’t want to stop with just her finger, but I had to keep my focus, so I laid her hand back down onto her lap.<br />
<br />
“You were. I’m not the same man who you first met. I’ve made some really shitty choices, but my intentions were in the right place. I’m going to prove to you and Daniela that I’m that man, the better one. You’ll see. Tomorrow, everything will be right—the way it’s supposed to be.”<br />
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Release date: January 13th, 2014</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Add to your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17937669-it-s-not-over" target="_blank">Goodreads TBR </a></span></div>
A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-70065915830234442982013-12-24T10:25:00.001-05:002014-01-30T10:45:40.474-05:00Merry Christmas!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas.</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's an Excerpt from <i>The Do Over...</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dani and Liam's first Christmas. Well, it was Noche Buena, Christmas Eve.</span></i></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I opened the front door and flipped the switch</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> to turn</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX239744735" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> on the </span><span class="FindHit SCX239744735" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Christmas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX239744735" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>tree lights. I was momentarily blinded</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. It was </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">something like Chevy Chase’s </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="FindHit SCX239744735" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Christmas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX239744735" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Va</span>cation.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Okay, </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I exaggerated. The tree was beautiful</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX239744735" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> and </span><span class="SpellingError SCX239744735" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dani</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX239744735" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">had done </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">an amazing job </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">with </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">decorating it and making it perfect. </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I breathed in deeply, taking in the refreshing scent. </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Our</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">living room smelled like pine. </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Yes, t</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">his was </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">our</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> home, and I loved thinking of it like that. When the time was right, we’d make it official. </span><span class="EOP SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> For now, I was letting her take the lead. I knew where we were headed</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. I’d </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">always </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">known</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, b</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX239744735" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ut </span><span class="SpellingError SCX239744735" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dani</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX239744735" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> needed to do things in her own timing. When she was ready, </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I knew </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">she </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">would </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">d</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">i</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ve right in</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> with </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">no regrets</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">no looking back. Until </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">then</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, she would just dip her toes in the </span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">water, contemplating every single obstacle</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">—which was usually her fears and insecurities—</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">standing between her and what she wanted</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">.</span><span class="TextRun SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I tossed the keys on the counter. Laying my phone down, I saw the time. When I turned around, </span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCX130688703" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dani</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX130688703" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">wrapped her arms around my waist and </span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">put </span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">her head on my chest. </span><span class="EOP SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Pulling</span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> her in tighter, </span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I whispered </span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX130688703" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">in her ear, “Merry<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span class="FindHit SCX130688703" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Christmas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX130688703" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;">, ba</span>by.” </span></span><span class="EOP SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX239744735" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She looked up at me</span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> with h</span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">er eyes sparkl</span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ing</span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, and </span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I </span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">could feel </span><span class="TextRun SCX130688703" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">her heart racing. Her face</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">brightened. </span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">T</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">here it was, the smile that </span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">had stolen </span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">my heart and kept it captive. </span><span class="EOP SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX233654657" paraeid="{3197cfa6-266b-4f02-9917-9b7ab9f2a578}{239}" paraid="437099792" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX233654657" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Merry </span><span class="FindHit SCX233654657" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Christmas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX233654657" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;">,</span>” she </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">said softly</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. “This is my favorite place in the world.”</span><span class="EOP SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“The living room is your favorite place? And here I thought we could travel to exotic places,” I teased, stroking her hair.</span><span class="EOP SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> “Well, actually</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX233654657" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> I do love this room with all its dude decor. Give me another month, and I’ll have it </span><span class="SpellingError SCX233654657" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">chick</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCX233654657" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ified</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX233654657" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">.” She squeezed me. “Seriously, being with you is my favorite place. Anywhere. It doesn’t matter. Nothing else matters. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">D</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">on’t take that as a discouragement to travel to exotic places. I’m up for that also</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> a</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">s long as I’m with you.” </span><span class="EOP SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She had me wrapped around her little finger. I looked at her with adoration. “That’s because this right here, wherever we</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> are</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> is </span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">home</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">.” I swayed with her in my arms, rocking to the melody in my heart. “I think you need to look up.” I pointed. “It seems </span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">a little bah</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">-</span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">humbug elf </span><span class="TextRun SCX233654657" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">strategically placed </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">mistletoe right above your head.” </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She looked up</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, crinkling </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">the cutest bunny nose. </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“The nerve of that little elf. I think you paid her off. </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">This m</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ust be the only way you </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">can </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">get a kiss.” </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I could tell m</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">y playful girl felt safe. She ran her hands up my chest, wrapping them around my neck</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">as she pulled</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> my mouth down over hers. Her tongue toyed with my lower lip</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I brought my hands to her face, gently stroking her cheeks with my thumbs. Her lips parted</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, and</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I slipped my tongue in her mouth and kissed her with everything I had in me to give. She met me stroke for stroke. The heat between us was combustible</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">and t</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">he passion was intense.</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I needed to start shedding some of my clothes</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> fast. </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">A</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">s sappy as it sounded, the love between us was powerful.</span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">When </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I pulled back from her,</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">my lips missed her. My dick was aching for her, and I wanted to make love to her. I was out of breath</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> as </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">my heart </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">pounded</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> in my chest. She owned me. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Be<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">st </span></span><span class="FindHit SCX261755335" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Christmas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> present</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> ever,” I panted. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX261755335" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{55}" paraid="451973492" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Wow, you’re cheap,” she said, trying to catch her breath. “I should return the gifts I bought you.” She giggled as she weaved her fingers inside my shirt. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{60}" paraid="338280948" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">At this rate, we would never exchange our gifts. I was about twenty seconds</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> away</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> from throwing her on the couch and having my way with her.</span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{67}" paraid="1382678893" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Cheap? Not even close. That kiss was priceless. The passion, the heart, the woman. I’d give my life for you.” </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Now, </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I was about fifteen seconds </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">away </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">from putting her up on the counter. It was the closest surface. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{80}" paraid="1751360468" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I was waiting for the moment when </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">she </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">would look </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">at me with those eyes that said, “Fuck me</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">” </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">or </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“I love you, </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">so </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">make mad passionate love to me.” </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">All I knew was that my dick was on high alert. The alarms were sounding, and I needed her. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{85}" paraid="594682384" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I kissed her like a man starved for his next meal. My hands were in her hair</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> while h</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ers were in my shirt. All my blood went south.</span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{88}" paraid="1813680177" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">She pulled back and led m<span style="background-color: white;">e to the </span></span><span class="FindHit SCX261755335" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Christmas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"> tree. “This </span>way, Romeo.” </span></span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{95}" paraid="841475253" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I had no problem making love to her on the floor in front of the tree. I </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">pictured </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">her naked with the tiny lights reflecting off </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">of </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">her body. I’d lick every spot that flickered. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{107}" paraid="239935389" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She grabbed the remote</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">quickly <span style="background-color: white;">turn</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ed</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> on </span><span class="FindHit SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Christmas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">mood</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="background-color: white;"> music. </span>It was nice</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> but unnecessary. I was already in the mood. I wrapped my arm around her waist and dragged her back into me. She fell into my chest, giggling, </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">as she tossed </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">her head to the side. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{114}" paraid="1230144469" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I was </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">like </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">one of those vampires, zeroing in on my source of life. I licked, sucked</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and nipped her neck. She whimpered, and her body trembled. My pants were about to tear apart like the Incredible Hulk. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX261755335" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{117}" paraid="722707056" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She turned around, hooking her hand on my neck. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{120}" paraid="1408942995" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I cradled her in my arms. “I love you, baby.” I leaned my forehead against hers. “We’re going to open gifts later, right?” </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{153}" paraid="1747925064" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She drove me insane. It wasn’t the way Mr. Hurst </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">had </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">explained it in sixth</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">-</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">grade health class. Well, it was, but it was more than that. My dick and heart </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">would collide</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, and my desire for her </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">would become more</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> than just a physical ache and throb. When I </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">would look into</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> her eyes, she</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">’d</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> reach</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> in and grab</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> hold of me. </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I would crave h</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">er lips </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">like </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">someone would need </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">a tall glass of water in the desert. But</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">the most</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> out-of-this-world amazing </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">moment would be when I </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">was </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">inside of her</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. We </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">literally </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">would </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">become </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">one. I didn’t know that I wasn’t a whole person until I was with her. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She placed a feather</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">-</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">light kiss on my lips. “Nope. Opening gifts now.” </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">My brain failed to compute. My hands reached down and played with the hem of her dress</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> as I caressed</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> her thigh. My lips grazed her jaw</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> while h</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">er trembling hands held my face. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{168}" paraid="1171212028" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Breathing heavily, she said, “Liam, look at me.” Her eyes were wild. “Presents now.” </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{184}" paraid="720118501" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Holding</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> her in a tight embrace</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, I</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> kissed the top of her head. I wanted to kiss other parts of her body, mainly between her legs</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, b</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ut I loved my girl more than I loved my dick. My dick was taking one for the team. I closed my eyes and slowed my own breathing. I willed myself to think of other things. </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ESPN. Her eyes </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">on fire. NFL playoffs. </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Her panting</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCX261755335" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sports</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCX261755335" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Center</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I love</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> her more than my dick. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{194}" paraid="578731069" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Okay, we’ll do gifts now</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, b</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ut </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I don’t guarantee your safety</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">after </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">gifts</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">.” </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX261755335" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{199}" paraid="916542149" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Who said I wanted to be safe?” Her eyes danced playfully. “Danger’s my middle name,” she sassed. “But first, I do want to give you my gifts</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, s</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">o sit down.” </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX261755335" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{210}" paraid="611161499" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">As the music played</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> softly in the background</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, t</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">he glimmer from<span style="background-color: white;"> the </span></span><span class="FindHit SCX261755335" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Christmas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"> lights a</span>lmost made her look angelic. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Pulling her hair to one side, </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCX261755335" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dani</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> kneeled by the tree</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and picked up </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">a large box</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{213}" paraid="2140861679" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look so beautiful before.” </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX261755335" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{216}" paraid="1592540704" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“More beautiful than I was in CPR class?” she asked, coyly. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX261755335" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{219}" paraid="563935595" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I smiled, nodding. She was breathtaking. Her eyes caught my gaze. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX261755335" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{226}" paraid="1190689347" style="font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Love </span><span class="SpellingError SCX261755335" style="background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ya</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">” </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">she said as </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">a sweet smile touched her eyes. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX261755335" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX261755335" paraeid="{22de983d-4db4-45d0-b858-1257e5fec90f}{231}" paraid="1535878119" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">In that instant, I fell in love with her </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">all over </span><span class="TextRun SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">again. </span><span class="EOP SCX261755335" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 40px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Read The Do Over: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Do-Over-L-Zaun-ebook/dp/B00CVSCNE0/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1387898574&sr=1-1&keywords=the+do+over" target="_blank">One-Click here</a></span></div>
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A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-39937968968105550232013-12-22T21:51:00.002-05:002014-01-30T10:46:35.568-05:00Teaser Time:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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His eyes widened, and he slowly shook his head. With his
brow furrowed, he said, “Thirty seconds ago, your body was screaming ‘fuck me,
Rick,’ with your category-five hurricane storming eyes. You had enough heat
coming off you to melt the polar ice caps. Now, you’re in the
get-the-fuck-away-from-me deep freeze from the Ice Age. You redefine mood
swings.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“And you define asshole. The way I see it, all is right with
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<i>It's Not Over</i></div>
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Add to your Goodreads TBR: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17937669-it-s-not-over">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17937669-it-s-not-over</a></div>
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Release Date: January 13th, 2014</div>
A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214046996793507924.post-36470778704828622452013-12-21T00:15:00.003-05:002013-12-21T14:19:28.478-05:00Only Three More Weeks...I bet you didn't know that I have another blog. Yes, I originally started blogging back in 2010. It was a mommy blog. I wanted to chronicle a day in the life of a boy and his mom. My goal was to make fun, quirky posts on a daily basis that were though provoking and insightful. So that lasted about a month. My daily posts became weekly posts, monthly posts, quarterly and then...oh that's right I forgot I even had a blog. <br />
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It was easy to forget with the ease of FaceBook. I could post something every day. It didn't require me to proofread and question whether anyone actually wanted to read what I had to say. And it certainly didn't require me to go through my pictures to try to make my post look cool and appealing. </div>
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So what's the point? Ah yes, blogging requires there to be a point. Otherwise, it's really a run-on, Twitter rant that I can't do on Twitter because I'm limited to a certain number of characters. And let's face it, I don't know how to use Twitter. I'm there. I try. Clueless. </div>
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Oh yes, I need to focus. The point. The point is that in a little over three weeks, I'm going to be publishing my second book,<i> It's Not Over. </i></div>
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I'm really excited about this book. The story and characters are complex. I love it. I really do. However, writing this story presented this little problem....Rick and Maddy had so much story to tell. I finally made the decision in October to break their story up into 2 books. I knew exactly how each book would end. </div>
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So how do I let you know when <i>It's Not Over</i> goes live? FaceBook now has a new algorithm --whatever that means -- and wants to make sure that your time on their site is meaningful. Translation: They want me to pay for you to see my posts. </div>
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In a rebellious response to Facebook's new action, I decided to look into Google+. It's actually pretty cool. The only problem...well, you're not there. You're probably not even here. You're probably on Facebook. </div>
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This reminds me of the time that I got really pissed off at Target. I vowed NEVER to shop there again. In fact, I was convinced that my act of protest was going to somehow cause the collapse of the Target empire because I wouldn't grace their aisles ever again. Instead, I'd shop at Wal-mart. Take that Target. </div>
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My resolve lasted a week. </div>
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Back to what I was saying. I'm all over the place and probably driving you insane. That's pretty much how I feel -- I'm totally crazy. I've spent so much time editing that my brain is mush. I'm exhausted and let's not even talk about how fat I've gotten while writing. </div>
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<i>It's Not Over</i> is an awesome novel and I'm so proud of it. You met Rick Marin and Madison Stuart in <i>The Do Over</i>. A friend of mine, Morgan Parker, argued with me one day telling me that I was so wrong thinking that <i>The Do Over</i> was Dani's story. In his opinion, it was Rick's story. I won't argue with him. It's like trying to get my son to do anything without a power struggle. But because I'm mature and open minded, I revamped my thinking.</div>
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Rick and Madison's story began in <i>The Do Over</i>. It continues in<i> It's Not Over</i> and will conclude in<i> Let It go</i>. Morgan forbids me to title it <i>Get Over It</i>. </div>
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This is how I see Rick and Madison. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrne5TeIdIcBK6jvhjGfJ6McTaVoZcnioZseGyTC1NR7ZHL-Pb7pKM6OV09ckVOSQnb9r2cCwvtWuGPpq3kox5BHhFIiuLvgDUaMP29Y-eKC2MVXj4uXJH561gkdWziuRDusOLaGvrnP1/s1600/Madison+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrne5TeIdIcBK6jvhjGfJ6McTaVoZcnioZseGyTC1NR7ZHL-Pb7pKM6OV09ckVOSQnb9r2cCwvtWuGPpq3kox5BHhFIiuLvgDUaMP29Y-eKC2MVXj4uXJH561gkdWziuRDusOLaGvrnP1/s320/Madison+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All of that ranting and rambling to say....I am rebelling against FaceBook and will use other sources of social media to proclaim from the internet super highway the latest updates and news about the books that I'm writing, share teasers, run contests, and hope that you hear me. </div>
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Maybe, it will last longer than my Target Strike. =) Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go troll FaceBook. But just to make it clear, I'm not selling out that quickly. I'm just cross marketing. This is the first public display of my character muses for It's Not over. =) You saw it first. </div>
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~Happy Reading!</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ana</span></i></div>
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A.L. Zaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139207479358586128noreply@blogger.com0