Don't Let Goby Nona Raines
Publication Date: November 5, 2014Genres: Contemporary, Novella, Romance
Synopsis
Annalee wants a no-strings fling. Eric's all about the strings. Twelve years ago, when Eric Sorenson's date dumped him right before the Senior Prom, his older sister’s best friend stepped in to save him from total humiliation. He never forgot Annalee or what she did for him that night…or the kiss they shared. He wants Annalee, and if he has his way, they'll take up where they left off. And this time, he won't let go.
After a messy divorce, Annalee's not looking forward to her high school reunion. She's shocked when Eric appears at her door ready to return the favor and play escort. Gone is the inexperienced boy with a severe stutter—he's a striking, confident man. The memory of the kiss they shared rekindles an attraction that never died, and she's been on her own for a year. Isn't she entitled to kick loose and have a let's-go-crazy night?
Excerpt 1:
Eric’s voice pulled her from thoughts of her past. Of her failed marriage. “Dee says you don’t go by Donovan anymore.”
She gave him a tight little smile. “That’s right .I’m Annalee Mondello again. Right back where I started.”
“No, you’re not. You’re light years away from the girl I took to my senior prom.”
“Oh.” She could hardly recall the girl who’d been so sure her life would unfold perfectly, complete with a romance novel ending. She’d have the right job, the right man, the ideal life. How silly and naïve she’d been.
“She was a pretty young girl,” he said. “Who’s become a beautiful woman.” His words were simple, matter of fact. He wasn’t trying to shine her on or butter her up. She turned her head to hide her trembling lips. Of course he didn’t mean the compliment literally. But too few men understood what those words meant to a woman. What a balm they were to a bruised soul.
They’d reached the park’s playground area, which was deserted this morning. Seizing the chance to change the topic, she gestured to the swing set. “I used to love the swings.”
“When was the last time you were on one?”
She laughed. “Not since I was a kid.”
“Sit down,” he urged. “I’ll push you.”
It was ridiculous. “I’m too big.”
“No, you’re not. Those seats look plenty strong enough to hold an adult.”
Rolling her eyes, she plunked down on an empty swing. Eric tied Bobo’s leash to the slat of a nearby bench.
Eric stood behind her. “Ready?”
She stifled a giggle and gripped the chains. Was she really doing this? “Ready.”
He started out slow, with a solid push, but quickly built up steam. Soon, Annalee was flying, her toes pointed toward the clouds. Eric knew what he was doing, pushing the seat.
Together they achieved a perfect rhythm that was almost hypnotizing. No matter how high she sailed, he was at her back. He’d never let her go too far.
But they fumbled when a child’s voice piped up. “Hey, mister, can you push me, too?”
Gently, he released her and lifted the lid of the box in his hand to reveal a perfect white rose.Excerpt 2:
“Do you remember this?” His voice was low and intimate.
The hairs on her neck prickled. “Of course.” She looked at him. “Your senior prom. I was wearing a white rose.”
“That’s right. And you brought me a matching boutonniere.” He nodded at the rosebud in his buttonhole. “You had on a blue dress.”
Her breath caught. “Yes,” she said, suddenly recalling. “The gown was blue.” He remembered that? After all these years?
“Hell, I’ll never forget it,” he growled. “You were hot. But not as hot as you are tonight.” His gaze licked over her as it traveled up and down her body. “You look incredible.” The appreciation in his face and voice sent a warm glow through her. When was the last time anyone thought her hot?
He set the box on the hall table and removed the corsage. “Will you wear this and allow me the honor of being your date tonight?”
“Oh, Eric.” A weight lifted from her spirit. With him beside her, she wouldn’t have to face everyone alone. Dee and Thom were great friends with good hearts, but with them, she was always the third wheel.
Of course, there would still be gossip tonight. Only now, the gossips would be envious, wondering what Annalee Mondello, formerly Donovan, was doing with such a sexy man. Speculating what the two of them might be doing after the party. An image flashed. She and Eric together. Naked, in bed. Her bed.
Her breath caught. Could she do that, let herself go there? Why not? He was free, and so was she. Dee had all but given the go-ahead. She’d been alone for so long. Lonely, even in her marriage. Wasn’t it time to grab a little happiness, a bit of fun?
Excerpt 3 (Spicy):
He slid closer until their bodies touched. Heat suffused her, and she grew lightheaded under the intensity of his stare. Her heart beat frantically with fear and excitement. What’s wrong with me? I want him, but it’s been so long.
“I, uh…” Her glance skittered toward the ballroom. “Do you think Dee and Thom are wondering where we’ve gone off to?” Damn it, Annalee. Stop being such a chicken.
“Don’t worry about them.” He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. Flames raced through Annalee. Her nipples bunched. Dizzy now, she gripped his arm to steady herself. Eric held her close. He wouldn’t let her fall.
“Don’t run away from me, Annalee. This is the first time we’ve both been free, and we have too much unfinished business. We stopped at a kiss twelve years ago. Now’s our chance to make up for lost time.”
Her thoughts whirled while her body hummed with arousal. Her breath stopped as Eric lowered his face to hers. Their lips brushed, then clung.
She’d felt the breadth of his shoulders, the broadness of his chest while they were dancing. How large his hands were when they held her. Now, Eric’s masculine presence completely enveloped her. The boy she knew no longer existed. A grown man stood in his place. Instantly, her hesitation fled and desire roared to life.
She threw her arms around him and crushed herself to him. Lightning crackled down her spine and flared out to her breasts, her lips, the crux of her thighs. Even her fingers and toes. A whiff of lime from his aftershave tickled her nostrils. She opened her mouth to his insistent tongue, as hungry for him as he was for her. As their tongues caressed silkily, she tasted the smoky flavor of scotch.
When they broke the kiss, her softer parts ached, wanting him. She licked her lips, tender from his kiss. “Come home with me tonight. Will you? After the party?”
He laughed softly and lowered his head to kiss the side of her neck. “You mean I need to wait that long?”
Excitement zipped through her. “Anticipation will make it that much sweeter.”
He nodded thoughtfully. “All right.” The low timbre of his voice sent goose bumps prickling her skin. “If I can have a little something to tide me over.”
“All right.” She kissed him again, the aggressor this time, searching for his tongue and inviting it to duel with hers. Annalee was breathless when she pulled away. “Better?”
“Very nice,” he answered. “But I had something else in mind.” Shifting a bit, Eric kept his right arm around her while his left hand settled on her knee. “Something a little more daring.”
About the Author
Nona Raines is a former librarian who lives in upstate New York with her many pets. She’s currently working on her next novel between walking the dog and shooing the cats off the laptop. Her erotic romances are published with The Wild Rose Press and Loose Id. Her transgender romance His Kind of Woman was nominated for the 2014 DABWAHA sponsored by the Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books review blogs. Her most recent work is the erotic romance novella Read to Me.
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