EXCERPTS: UNLIKELY VENTURE by: Kristen Luciani
Excerpt 1:
JESSICA’S IPHONE CHIRPED with the dreaded fifteen-minute warning. She groaned, berating herself for stopping at Starbucks with so little time to spare. But a double shot of something caffeinated was an absolute must for this meeting.
The all-too-perky barista called her name and she grabbed the cup, hoping to find a taxi outside the café. It was an optimistic yet unrealistic expectation since she was in Palo Alto, not Manhattan.
Cars raced up and down El Camino Real and Jessica released an impatient sigh. Not one taxi in sight. Seriously? She headed toward the intersection, just in case one magically materialized out of thin air.
Her heart pounded as she concocted potential excuses for her jackass boss Charlie. If she missed the meeting—No, it just wasn’t an option. This client was too important to their consulting practice and she was a key presenter. This is my big chance. If I land the client, he’ll have to put me up for that promotion. I need to get there in time. Dammit, are there any taxis in this town?
Jessica sprinted to the corner in five-inch Louboutins, wincing at the uncomfortable tingling sensation in her toes. Just ignore the pain, Jess. It became her mantra over the past several months but she was only resisting the inevitable. Sure, they’re manageable now but who knows how much worse these symptoms will get? It was a question that plagued her every day since she received the diagnosis. My career is all I have left and this promotion represents everything I’ve been working toward. I refuse to let this disease derail me.
Walking across town to the client site was out of the question. In fact, surviving another few blocks would be nothing short of a miracle. A taxi rolled up to the red traffic light and she waved her arms to get the cabbie’s attention. The timing was perfect; it would only take about ten minutes to get down to—
“Aahhhh!” Jessica lurched forward as the unexpected impact sent her phone flying into the air. Searing coffee splashed over the side of the cup, soaking her blouse and pants. She recoiled, her hand bright red and throbbing. “What the fu—?”
A strong hand gripped her shoulder and she snapped her head around to get a good look at her assailant.
“Are you okay?”
Excerpt 2:
The enormous skybox spilled over with A-listers, and it was decorated with a glitzy Vegas lounge motif. Lisa was in her element, pointing out celebrity after celebrity, drooling over each and every one.
“Holy cow! Jessie, look at Ashley Marshall! Those boobs are totally fake—I don’t care what she said in that interview! Do you see Jordan Priestly over there? He is so much hotter in person, don’t you think? Should I go and talk to him? He just broke up with Melissa Travers, I read about it in US Weekly on the flight out here!”
Laughing, Jessica’s eyes traveled around the crowded skybox, marveling at how many stars showed up to Oak- land that night. I guess Dezzie is one hot ticket after all.
Her smile faded when her eyes locked on Paul Emerson. Oh please, not again ...
“Lisa!” She nudged her friend.
“What?” Lisa snapped to attention. “Do you see someone else? Is Dezzie in here?”
“No, not Dezzie. Paul Emerson.” Jessica nodded to where he stood.
“Whoa,” Lisa breathed. “He’s gorgeous, Jessie, you crazy ass fool. Remind me again why you’re not interested in bedding that perfect specimen of a man over and over and over?”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “That’s just the wrapping, Li. I'm much more into what’s inside the box, you know?”
“Look, sweetie, you’ve already unwrapped the pack- age and acknowledged how unbelievable it was. How much better do you think it’s going to get?”
“That’s not what I meant,” Jessica groaned. She was fighting a losing battle. Lisa didn’t care about substance.
“Uh, don’t look now, but I guess Emerson spotted you too, Jessie.” Lisa poked her with a long red fingernail.
“Whaa?” Jessica turned to see Paul walking towards them. Oh crap. “Don’t leave, okay, Li? I’m telling you, something makes me really uncom—”
Lisa snorted. “Spare me, Jess. If some rich foxy guy had me in his sights, uncomfortable is the last thing I’d feel. Loosen up a little and have some fun with it. You’re young, hot and based on that smoldering look he’s giving you, I’d say you’re pretty damn good in the sack.”
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