Published: June 2014
Description:
Penny moves back to Miami to start her a job with a list of things to accomplish.
1. Find a place to live.
2. Avoid her gold-digging mother.
3. Reconnect with old high school friends: her best friend Sandra, the dramatic Eva, the dark Michael, her half-brother Wyatt, and her former crush Jay.
Jay may have kept her firmly in the “friend zone”, but that didn’t stop her from wanting more. Her five friends have stood by her through some difficult times and she’ll need their help now to accomplish her first two goals.
As soon as Jay sees Penny, he puts his plan into motion. His investors need to see him with a stable woman, one who isn’t all flash and no brains; Penny fits the bill perfectly. There’s just one hitch—he wants more.
Their pretend date sets off a whirlwind of plots. From mothers who want to control their children’s lives to the loss of her exciting new job, Penny’s world turns upside down. She knows she can overcome all obstacles except one—she’s falling for Jay all over again.
EXCERPT
Chapter One
Jay Marshall pressed his lips together as he held the phone. His hands curled into a ball then straightened. He stared out his bay windows overlooking the ocean. Another beautiful day on the beaches of South Florida, not that he cared. Sunshine never filled him with joy. The humidity outside suffocated the spirit, but somehow, with this deal, he'd break free.
"Yes, you'll see I mean business, Mr. Danvers. My business plans are long term."
Danvers sucked in his breath, as if he were doubting the sincerity of Jay's words, then told Jay. "And I'll meet your girlfriend. It's always telling with people from Miami. Flashy women and cars do not make good investments on my end."
Jay gritted his teeth and tugged at his free ear, but kept the phone on the other. Miami advertised plastic women on the highway as a special brand. Flashy came with the area code. Instead he nodded his head and told the potential investor, "I understand. See you next week."
He hung up the phone and stared out the window. The brightness showed his reflection and his grim frown. Jay needed to win. His eyes squished together. He¹d pay the price for success. He had no other choice.
Jay's mind raced to his technical girlfriend. Eva was the epitome of flashy, beautiful, and fake. She'd been a friend since high school, and two months ago, they¹d ended up dating. On paper the award winning dramatic actress, his money, and their history should be a match. Yet he couldn't imagine his entire life videotaped.
If he walked away from her, there would be no regrets. His investors hoped he had a nice, sweet woman on the side. His cousin and her friend, Penelope, flashed in his head before he dropped the thought.
He pushed his hand on the glass window before he stepped back into the shadows of his office.
Darkness didn¹t suit him either. Nothing stirred inside him anymore, though he craved something. Anything other than boredom from the sticky heat of his life.
He shook his head and poked his head out of his office. His secretary sat there typing. "Call Eva. Set up an appointment for us to talk today."
With the click of the door knob he rolled up his sleeves. He needed the deal to put his goals in line with his investment portfolio.
His eyes narrowed in on the first words, long term growth.
Long term read to his eyes like a rescue rope. He blinked. Life should be lived with long term goals to reach. Freedom meant change.
Today, he'd break up with Eva. In his heart, he'd always hoped for a woman that tugged at his heart strings. But hopes didn't earn freedom. He'd prove to himself, and the others, John Jay Marshall came out of the game of life on top.
About the author:
Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.
She always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious.
The Zoastra Affair, Chaperoning Paris, Borrowing the Doctor, and Electing Love will be published from Soul mate Publishing. Mything the Throne will be published with Double Dragon Ebooks. Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush will be published with Jupiter Press.
Now she is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency.
Also she’s the Vice President of Programs for the Florida Romance Writers. She’s gone to multiple conferences and intends to continue. Her website is www.victoriapinder.com.
Member of Florida Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA, Celtic Hearts and Savvy Authors.
9 comments:
If you can, I suppose it would be wonderful to travel to New York during that time.
New Years Eve is for every person different ! Some like to travel, some like to be with the family at home and some o to the church ! I personally would go because of this special occsion at first to the church and after that I would go with my beloved ones aka my family and friends at some restaurant enjoying some food! After that I would go to a beautiful place with a wonderful view to end the day with a gorgeous view ! When I arrive at home I would take a shower and read a book to relax ! That´s my new Years Eve. It is pretty boring I know but I enjoy every minuite of it because I was with my family and friends ! :))
Msybe hire a DD and go bar hopping on New Years? Sounds like a plan to me!
My idea for what to do for New Years Eve is having family and friends over for an appetizer party, singing karaoke then watching the ball drop.
Spend the day with family and friends. Have fun and enjoy the day :)
i will gather with my book's club friends...eating together, talking about books and buy some books ...it's always about book for me :)
thx u for the chance...
Travel somewhere exotic with family or friends and enjoy a different New Year's Eve :)
Rent a limo and go into the city!
Champagne is my favorite drink and I would love to hire the promotion room of one of those really cool champagne houses in France to throw a party. Drinking it in house will be even better.
Of course that's the option that's expensive. The other option is to find a secluded part on the beach and celebrate a romantic evening there around a bonfire with a few loved ones. Which is free, but probably equally fun :).
Post a Comment