This is the first chapter of my new book, An Imperfect Life. This book I'm bringing out in three separate ways. It will be available at Amazon in chapters. And no, it one be one chapter at a time that would take much too long. It will be about 4 chapters, at least 50 pages. The first segment is 4 chapters and will be available at Amazon in a couple of days. Until then, I've decided to give you the first chapter to whet your appetite.
An Imperfect Life
The smell of lemon
oil brought a grin to Dominic’s face.
Glancing around the courtroom he took pride in the tidiness of the
place, including the gleaming, fresh polished desk he was sitting behind. All
of it was part of his dream come true. He gave a light pat to the shoulder of
the man sitting next to him. His client Antonio Remeris glanced at him, his
gaze showing the fear of possibly not winning the lawsuit. Dominic gave the man
another pat and a nod of confidence. When he saw his client was catching the
win fever Dominic shifted his attention to his woman and co-counsel on this
case. Sadie Hawkins
Desire instantly
curled through him and he swallowed in an attempt to tamp it down. It was damn
near impossible. From the moment he’d met Sadie she’d set his libido on
overdrive and it had never changed. She had legs that stretched to heaven and
back, long, silky, soft hair that he loved running his fingers threw. He
especially loved when she’d used the curling iron to curl it and he’d coax her
into a hot shower to make love, turning her massive ringlets straight once
again. She’d fuss and complain about him making her have to get a perm twice as
often as she should. But she’d yet to refuse to make love to him. Her skin was
the exact color of warm honey and tasted even sweeter. And her big brown eyes
sparkled with little flecks of gold when she was horny, and red flecks when she
was angry. And the way she curled just right into his arms was nothing short of
magical. She’d been put on this earth with the specific purpose to love him. He
was eternally grateful to the creator. Glancing in her direction he moaned and
the arousal came.
Catching Sadie’s
eye as she sat on the other side of their client, Dominic’s grin widened. Sadie was impatiently tapping a pencil on the
polished desk, her trait when she was edgy. He knew it couldn’t possibly be worry
over losing the case. Mr. Remeris had a strong discrimination case. So did the
ten others they represented in this one lawsuit. The payoff would be a big haul
for each of the clients and an even greater haul for the law firm. Both he and
Sadie would be assured of bonuses. For Dominic it would put him one step closer
to landing the junior partnership that would be handed out in a few months.
While
Sadie’s pencil tapping became more pronounced his grin grew wider. The side
door opened and the jury filed in. He didn’t have to read their faces to know
they’d won, but Sadie sure enough turned toward the jury. A deep but soft chuckle was his way of
letting her know he was aware of her actions. He knew she was scanning their
faces. That was his woman, she liked to be sure of the outcome. Though
confident, still Dominic listened as the jury Forman read the verdicts,
each in their client’s favor, each a
multimillion dollar win against Novellan for blatant discrimination.
“Yes.” He heard
the strong but softly spoken word from Sadie. That was her trademark each and
every time they won. He wondered what she’d say if they ever lost. Why worry
about that now, they’d never lost, not once since they’d been paired together,
and he had all intentions of making sure they remained paired.
It was all planned
out, every second of their lives. He’d make partner in December and on
Christmas Day he would give Sadie the ring he’d bought for her months before
and miracles of miracles he’d managed to keep hidden from her. He’d ask her to
marry him. They’d marry in June and by the following Christmas they’d be
working on their first baby. After the third baby He’d persuade Sadie to quit
working. Then they’d buy a house in the suburbs and live happily ever
after. Their lives were perfect now and
their future would follow suit.
Snapping
her fingers in his face Sadie pulled on Dominic’s arm to get his attention.
“Why do you have that silly grin on your face? You didn’t hear a word I said.”
He gave her a full grin feeling
confident and a bit cocky. They were winners and this win was but another
diamond in the collection. “I was thinking of our future.”
“If
you want that future you’d better take care of our present. We won.”
“Of
course we won. You talk as though you had doubt.” Grinning broadly Dominic
translated the verdict for his client then turned to the gallery where the
remainder of the clients were seated and gave them two thumbs up and laughed.
There
was justice in the world after all and he was proud to be on the winning team
that had secured it for so many of the firm’s clients. Shaking hands with his
clients, accepting the hugs and thanks he tried unsuccessfully to keep his eyes
from wandering over Sadie’s behind or glancing at her beautiful silk encased
long legs. Her whispered 'stop it'
had the opposite effect she wished on his libido. Yep, a hard on, right there
in the courtroom. Sadie had that effect on him, add the huge win and there was
no way that wasn’t going to happen. A raised brow from Sadie and he slid his
briefcase into position
“Is
that better?” he asked her as they began walking out of the courtroom
surrounded by their clients. “You know you’re feeling the same way. You’re just
lucky enough that you don’t have outside proof. Why don’t we make a quick run
to our apartment and have a special celebration before we head back to the
office?”
At
that moment Sadie pulled a little away from him and took out her cell. She
liked to play it professionally. But even she wasn’t immune to what this win
meant for them. She wasn’t fooling him in the least, a stickler for details she
was calling the boss to let him know of the win and that they were going to
celebrate before returning to the office. He snickered wondering if she’d said
they were going out for drinks or taking the clients to lunch. When she came
back and faced the clients instead of him he knew the answer. Not only had Sadie told the boss they were
celebrating by taking the clients out for lunch, she was actually following
through with it. With a growl and a smile he moved closer to Sadie in order to
translate. Turning toward her he asked, “Do we get to celebrate privately?”
“Of
course. I explained to the boss that the two of us would be celebrating the
rest of the day.” She smiled. “This was a big win for all concerned. No one
cares that we’re not coming back to the office. We got the job done. Besides,
Dom, you gave me what I’ve never been able to resist. An offer to ah …” Sadie raised a brow and
laughed teasing Dom, giving him the quick look that always turned him and her
own. Why not give in and go home and make love?
Keeping
his hands to himself was a challenge but one he was sure he could handle. Considering that Sadie had positioned herself
between two of the clients he was left with little choice. Every few second he’d catch her gaze, teasing
and sensual and he fought his erection. A couple of hours celebrating with the
clients would be worth it if it meant Dominic got to celebrate with Sadie alone
for the rest of the day. Grinning he glanced at her and found her brown gaze
set firmly on him. Everything he needed was in that look. The world was theirs
and would only get better.
***
Sudsy water
sluiced over them carrying the vanilla spice scent to the shower drain. What an
absolutely perfect beginning to what would be a picture-perfect weekend. If
their lovemaking last night was anything to go by they would be using the
fragrant body wash several more times.
Lips, demanding,
rough and soft all at the same time claimed her own. Dom pulled her even closer
while using his free arm to provide a cushion for her back to lean into. His
erection strummed with life making her stop at the wonder of it all, of them.
They had always been good together a big win somehow always gave them an
invisible extra boost. Accepting the knowledge without question Sadie smiled as
her body was lifted and she was filled with Dom.
“Um,” she breathed
drowning in his kisses and his flesh. This man was her life, only one thing was
missing, a wedding band that she’d have soon enough. Just a few short months
and Dom would propose. He would be her biggest Christmas gift. No matter how
perfect a relationship was, legalizing it for the world to see their commitment
was always uppermost in a woman’s mind. In their case it had been Dom who’d
first uttered the ‘M’ word.
Rational thought
left her as magic invaded her body. God had created love and making love just
so it would be perfected by them. With a guttural groan from Dominic, her cue
to hold on tight Sadie allowed herself to let go. It felt as though she was
flying without a net beneath her to catch her in case she fell. But that didn’t
worry her. Dom was her safety net and would never allow pain to come to her.
That was the last thought she had before bliss wiped out everything else.
Pressed against his body they both trembled with the force of their release
deciding to remain locked together.
Ever so slowly she
uncurled her legs from around his back and smiled as Dom held her around the
waist sliding her slowly down his torso creating delicious after waves of
pleasure.
“Sadie, my love,
you’re my oxygen.”
With a smile she
glanced at him struck as always by the love in his gaze. “And you’re mine,” she
finally answered. “Dom, sometimes I feel as though I should pinch myself. I’m
so happy. I hope it’s always like this
for us.”
“Considering that
I would not be able to stop loving you even under threat of execution, I don’t
see things changing.” He laughed. “Sadie, I can hardly wait until December. I
have never been more excited about Christmas in my life.”
“Why?”
“You think you
know me so well, and maybe you do. But you’re not going to spoil Christmas for
me no matter what you might think I’m getting you.”
“Would you like to
know what I’m getting you?”
Curiosity pulled
at him but he wouldn’t give in. Sadie only wanted him to admit to the fact that
he was using the holiday to finally make things official. As much as he knew it
wasn’t a surprise to anyone that he was asking Sadie to marry him, he still
wanted to hold it to himself a little longer. After all he’d shopped for her
engagement ring with her father. The man hadn’t told Sadie in actual words but
the beaming smile on his face every time they were in his presence was a dead
giveaway. Dom had threatened him that if he didn’t stop hugging him when they
went over they would cease coming to visit until after he’d asked Sadie. He
laughed softly to himself remembering Sadie’s looks after his father’s
continued display of affection. She’d joked that her father was in love with
him. True to his word her father had not told Sadie no matter how much she’d
prodded him for the information. But being a woman, his woman, he already knew
she knew. And unless he’d missed his guess she’d found the box. But the wrapping was undisturbed and even if
it wasn’t Sadie loved when he surprised her and would wait for him to present
the ring at his own good time.
Sadie was holding
out the bath gel. I don't intend to spend the entire day in the shower. At least
let's have breakfast."
"And
then?"
"And then we
can continue the celebration."
Showering
hurriedly Dominic turned Sadie so he could wash her back and other places,
laughing when she swatted his hands away.
***
If the smile
adorning Dom’s face had been any brighter Sadie would have needed shades to
cover her eyes. She smiled standing a little to the side as her man took his
victory stroll through the office. She
glanced at Paul noting that his head was tilted a tiny bit in her direction and
he was observing her. When their gazes met they both smiled and he moved closer
to her.
“Sadie, Santiago
didn’t win those cases alone. Why aren’t you strutting?”
“That’s not my
style.”
“You’re giving him
the spotlight.”
“He looks good in
it.”
“You’d look
better.”
“Paul, you are
definitely good for my ego and one day Dom is going to beat you to a bloody
pulp because of that.” Paul’s easy smile turned into a laugh and Sadie found
herself laughing right along with him. Naturally it had to be in that moment
that Dominic turned toward her. He blinked as though he couldn’t believe what
he was looking at and it only made the two of them laugh harder. Bad move. “What did I tell you?” she grinned up at
Paul. “If I were you I’d run for cover,” she whispered behind her hand as
Dominic strolled up to the two of them.
“Okay what’s so
funny that has the two of you laughing so hard?” Dom inquired irritably.
“We’re laughing at
you,” Paul said without hesitation.
“That’s a lie,”
Sadie objected. “I told Paul that one day you’re going to beat the crap out of
him.” Dom stared at her for a moment longer than necessary she thought then he
glared at Paul.
“Dom, we’re
kidding around.”
“Santiago,
I was asking Sadie why you get to do all of the boasting. There were two
lawyers on the cases. You always strut and she always move to the side.”
Embarrassment
colored Dominic’s cheeks surprising Sadie. Her man was cocky and he had reason
to be. He was as he’d put it— a winner. It was time to put an end to the
teasing. “Baby, don’t listen to Paul. I
love to see you do your victory stroll.” When he didn’t answer but gave her a
questioning look instead, she could have kicked Paul and herself.
“Seriously, Dom.
Paul just likes to annoy you. He’s teasing and wishing he was in your shoes
right now.”
“Now that
statement is true, Sadie. I do wish I were in Dom’s shoes, perhaps in his…”
Paul drawled leaving the rest to the imagination. Though his playful leer at her
gave no such out. Sadie took Dominic’s arms and turned from Paul before she
laughed again.
“Dom, you have got
to stop taking the bait every time Paul needles you. He does it just because
you can’t take it.”
“I hate him
flirting with you.”
“It’s harmless.”
“You like it.”
“Of course I like
it. I’m a woman. But for God sake, Dom, when you get angry that’s another win
for Paul. He loves it. I’ll bet he
spends hours thinking of new ways to make you explode.”
Dominic turned
back to glare at Paul. “So, what’s your excuse for laughing with him?”
“He’s funny. I like him and he’s my friend. He’s also your
friend and even if he wasn’t you can’t tell me who to have as my friend. And
you can’t tell me when to laugh. So stop trying.” Sadie stopped walking to look
at Dominic. The hint of sadness she saw in the depths of his eyes prompted her
to soothe his ruffled feathers.
“But you’re my
man, Dom. Listen, if you want that partnership you’re going to have to put a
lid on that temper of yours. You have to stop biting Paul’s head off every
chance you get.”
“He makes me
crazy.”
“Don’t let him.”
“Maybe I wouldn’t
if I didn’t know how much you like him.”
Sadie smiled.
“You like making
me crazy too don’t you?”
“There is no way
I’m going to win this. Telling you, showing you how much I love you seems to
have no effect on you. You’re more concerned with this pissing contest you have
between you.”
Walking into the
conference room Sadie thought for a moment not to sit in her usual spot next to
Dominic. Paul was baiting her, laughing still. He was forever teasing that her
man had her on a short lease. Sometimes it did look like it. But that wasn’t it
at all. There was something about her and Dom being in close proximity to each
other that gave each of them more power and confidence. She felt as invincible
as her man when they were seated alongside each other, as if nothing and no one
could ever come between them. With a smile and a slight negative shake of her
head toward Paul Sadie slid into the seat next to Dominic. She held her breath
on noticing Dominic had been watching her.
"You could at
least stop encouraging him." Dominic growled then sighed and pulled out
the chair next to his for Sadie
Turning on every
ounce of charm she possessed Sadie smiled at Dominic. "When we get home I
have something very special for you." She saw the flare of interest as he
leaned toward her to whisper into her ear.
"The same
special thing you did before we left home?"
"With a bit
of extra." Running her tongue over her lips in a suggestive manner she touched
his leg lightly making it appear to any observer that it was strictly an
accident. Only she and Dom were aware of what she was doing. "There are
conditions though. You have to behave for the rest of the day, like an adult,
like a successful lawyer who’s about to become the next junior partner. Like
the man I’m in love with, who is cocky and confident and knows he’s the only
man I want in my bed."
"And
Paul?"
"A friend
baby, just a friend."
All eyes turned
toward Mr. Secret and the folders in his hands. He was forever trying to keep
the lawyers off balance. Some days he’d have folders and hand out random
assignments, other times he’d put the cases in a basket tell them was what they
were and allow them the opportunity to choose whatever interested them. Today
was not going to go that way. He would be passing them out. Sucking up her
feelings on all of the discrimination cases being given without questions to
her and Dominic, Sadie waited. Her parents and Dom had said she shouldn’t
complain. After all they always received hefty bonuses with their wins.
Still something
niggled at Sadie. Dom wanted that damn partnership probably as much as he
wanted her. She wished she could think he wanted her a bit more but that would
be naive. Sure he loved her, but he was trying constantly to impress her father
and in some ways her. The only impressing she needed from him was knowing how
much he loved her.
The thought that
they were practically excluded from most other cases didn’t bode well for Dom
to make partner. She’d tried to tell him that over and over. She’d even brought
it up several times to Mr. Secret, both in private and in meetings. All the
lawyers at the firm were crossed trained in all manner of law. No one really
specialized in any one type though they might do certain cases more than
others. It was beginning to appear more and more that while the other lawyers
at the firm were encouraged to take on cases outside their comfort zone,
even expected to do so, discrimination
cases had been relegated to them. Sure they were good at winning them, but they
could and should do more. That was all she was asking for her and Dom.
So now she sat
with her fingers crossed beneath the table praying there were no new
discrimination cases. When Mr. Secret turned in her and Dominic's direction and
smiled Sadie's abdomen tightened.
"It looks
like the two of you are in luck. You don’t have any cases."
"Excuse
me," Sadie said, "we need billable hours. Pair us with another
lawyer."
"There’s only
one case that could possibly use a second lawyer." The boss turned
slightly. "Paul might be able to use some assistant but you know the
rules, the lawyer with the case choose who he wants to work with. The case
definitely isn’t big enough to justify three lawyers. So you and Dom wouldn’t be
working together."
"We’ve worked
separately before."
With a determined
look she glanced at Paul. He was
watching her curiously. Dom touched her leg under the table pressing his
fingers against her leg followed by a quick caress, a signal she'd said enough,
and she had. Her face was burning making her feel embarrassed as though she’d
done something wrong, cried foul when there was no problem.
For a long moment
Sadie stared at her boss. She was making him and everyone else in the room
uncomfortable and she should stop. But she didn’t. Then Paul gave her the
tiniest of smiles and she knew with his next words he’d make things better and
worse for her.
"Sadie, I’d
love to have you help me with the case. We work so well together."
Paul glanced
briefly at Dominic and Sadie swallowed. "Thanks, Paul." Defiantly
Sadie turned her attention to her boss. "Problem solved?"
"Well,
everything’s settled. Dominic, enjoy your free time. Believe me, you’ve earned
it."
The meeting
continued but the tension that she’d invoked was still felt. Sadie kept her
eyes on her legal pad not looking across the table at Paul and definitely not
looking at Dominic. He was no longer touching her, instead he was writing on
his legal pad as well. Only he was writing in Spanish. She glanced over
briefly, yep he was writing curse words.
I
know it's been a 'VERY' long time since I featured an author but you
know how it is. Life happens and things fall by the wayside. Needless
to say I'm back with a bang and a fantastic author. This isn't bull I'm
giving you. I've read her work and I do believe you're going to love
her. Now without further ado I would love to introduce you to Wendy
Byrne. Wendy had her first two books, Fractured (published Dec.
2011) and Mama Said (published April 2012) from Genesis Press. This
past Christmas Wendy self published her first novella, The Christmas
Curse.
Fractured, Genesis Press, December, 2011
Mama Said . . . Genesis Press, April, 2012
The Christmas Curse, November, 2012 