Excerpt: 'Sex, Secrets, & Happily Ever Afters' by Deb Julienne

Deb Julienne joins us to share a favorite scene from her new Sex, Secrets, & Happily Ever Afters, book two in her Twisted Sisters Club series.

About the book (Lyrical Shine):

Angel Talbot is anything but pure—in fact some might even consider her a bit wicked. How else would you describe the manager of an 'adults only' store that specializes in helping ladies find that special O. But Angel could use a hand herself. Or two. That is until she stumbles into sexy businessman Travis Wellington.

When the Wellington Family had a problem, they sent Travis to fix it. Being the CEO of his family's multi-million dollar enterprise means Travis is used to getting his hands dirty. But the pressure of looking out for the company, along with his family's well-being was beginning to take its toll ... until he found his Angel…

Deb sets the scene for us …

Deb: Angel and Travis met at his twin brother's wedding. After the reception, they headed to a casino to talk and get to know each other. This excerpt is from their game of 20 questions. Angel has a sordid past, Travis has his own issues, and both are slightly damaged goods. Travis sees something in Angel that makes him want to believe again.

EXCERPT

The waitress came by and refilled their mugs.

"Can we get a slice of chocolate cake and two forks?" Travis asked.

"Sure, back in a jiffy."

He gulped a large mouthful of coffee, which burnt his tongue then he cursed himself six ways. "It wasn't my intention to upset you. I'm sorry." He waited for a response.

None came.

"I, um—I'm not good at this either. Well, obviously. I seem to have found a perfect fit for my size elevens in my mouth." So much for fun. He'd pushed her too hard, too soon.

She stared silently at a painting on the wall.

"Angel, listen. I'm not perfect. I'm working hard to change and be a better me." He clasped his hands on the table. "I'm attracted to you. I want to get to know you better, much better. Can you understand that? I'd like the chance to be that better man with you." He stroked her hand with his thumb. "Besides, you're fun to tease."

She looked down at his hand on hers then up into his eyes before she squeezed his hand. "Damn, you sure know how to knock the bluster out of a perfectly good mad. We all make mistakes." Her shoulders slumped, but she kept squeezing his hand.

"So, can you forgive me for saying stupid stuff?" This was the second time he'd said the wrong thing and then backpedaled to explain. She seemed to soften when his human side came out, and he assumed she'd been there herself. He was starting to get a glimmer of how the woman ticked.

She blew a gust of air out then gave him a simpering grin. "Yes. There was a time I felt the same way, when no one was willing to fight for me or with me. But you're forgetting something else—you live on the East Coast and I'm here. It bears repeating—I'm not looking for a relationship."

"Maybe instead of running from the altar we could just start with friendship? In spite of my many shortcomings, I can be a loyal and dependable friend, even on the East Coast. Besides, you never know when you might need an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on."

She looked at their clasped hands and jerked hers away.

He couldn't help chuckling.

"Fine. I'll do the listening and you do the crying. Deal?" Her eyes crinkled and there was no denying the smugness in her tone.

"Somehow that didn't work out the way I meant it to." He ducked his head.

"It's the best I can do for now." Her face reddened.

"Fine. Back to our game. Top or bottom?"

She let out a bubbly laugh. "After everything I just said you're going there?"

"A guy's got to try." Travis clasped his hands around his coffee mug and shrugged.

"Fine." She leaned back and crossed her arms. "But I thought everyone knew food cooks best on the middle rack."

"Touché. I deserve that." He tipped his head to her in defeat.

"Yes you do." She added cream and sugar, held her mug in one hand, and stirred with the other.

The waitress delivered the cake.

Travis placed his hand over his cup. He didn't need any more caffeine, but Angel nodded to the waitress for refill.

"Oh shoot, I forgot the forks." The waitress headed back for the kitchen.

"You didn't ask me my preference." He leaned forward, keeping his hands on his cup to resist touching her.

"I don't plan to either." She smirked and put down her spoon.

The waitress came back and set a fork in front of each of them. "Anything else?"

"Well, I like the bottom, totally submissive." He tried to keep a straight face.

"Oh-kay, I guess not." Shaking her head, the waitress walked away.

Travis couldn't hold it in, and he burst out laughing.

"That's not funny. You said that on purpose. Somehow I don't imagine you submissive about anything." Her eyes twinkled and her face was radiant. It was the first time she'd smiled showing her beautiful white teeth. He liked the way her eyes wrinkled at the corners when she was amused.

Looking thoughtful, she chewed her bottom lip then shot him a mischievous smile. "How many women have you slept with?"

"Four. You?" He picked up his fork to take a bite. The cake was almost as enticing as Angel. He scooped up a bite and put it in his mouth. The chocolate melted in his mouth. Delicious.

"None. I prefer men."

Travis choked on the bite then took a sip of coffee to wash it down. "Good one." Her quick wit impressed him. "Breakfast, lunch, or dinner?"

"Dessert." She picked up her fork and stabbed the cake then slowly put it in her mouth. When she finished chewing, she licked the fork.

Find out more about Deb and her books at www.debjulienne.com.