Page 119 of Beyond the Temptation: Vol 2

LOVE AND AUDIOBOOKS

BY JENN D. YOUNG & LOLA DAWSON

CHAPTER ONE

JESSIKA

I entered the room with a smile on my face that didn't quite reach my eyes. This was my first signing of the year, and only my second as an author. Sometimes it was strange to believe that I finally made my dreams come true.

It was the best kind of life. After years of working for the man, I was finally my own boss and got to write all day about sexy vampires and shifters.

I waved at a few online friends as I made my way toward the line to check in. I think I was most excited about this signing because I would get to see my friends Hope and Tessa, who were audiobook narrators. The new thing with signings was the addition of narrators to the event, and I couldn't be happier about it.

After all, narrators were my rockstars.

Or that was what one of my favorite shirts said.

"Oh my God, it's Jess Wright!"

The high-pitched squeal of my name had me cringing and looking around the room.

My expression softened as Hope and Tessa came running toward me.

I always joked with both of them that they should be audiobook narrators until they surprised the shit out of me one day and told me they already were.

How’s that for a small world?

Her confession led to my confession that I was an erotic romance writer who kept my pen name hidden from all my friends and family.

Well, until that day.

I was engulfed in a tight hug and Hope continued to make excited noises in my ear.

"Tone it down, my eardrums are fragile." I winced, but Hope continued to laugh.

Tessa pushed her out of the way. "Stop hogging her. I want a hug too." She embraced me, squeezing me so tightly I had to pound on her back.

"Can't. Breathe," I gasped out, maybe a touch on the dramatic side. But that was Tessa and Hope in a nutshell. Dramatic.

"I'm so glad you're both here." I tucked my hands back in my pockets and shifted from foot to foot. "I've been all anxious about this."

Hope wrapped an arm around my shoulders and I savored her warmth. She was one of the most genuine and caring people I'd ever met. I was so thankful we became friends. "I got you, love. Tessa and I are here for you."

She released me as the crowd in front of the check in table cleared out. I grabbed my packet, tucking it under my arm and scanning the lobby of the hotel. It was peaceful here with a fountain and swirls of color from Chihuly glass. It reminded me a lot of my childhood.

As I waited for Hope and Tessa to get their things, I strode into the main lobby area, my head tilted up and admiring the way the sunlight reflected off the bright red, yellow, green, and blue of the glass. It was a rare sunny day in Portland, and my heart soared being able to see all the majestic colors.

"It's striking isn't it?"

The deep, masculine voice had me snapping to attention and I caught myself before I stumbled and fell. The man was a few inches taller than me, with obsidian eyes and wavy, dark hair. It was the type of hair you wanted to tunnel your fingers through and hold on for dear life as he kissed the daylights out of you.

Oh boy. Where did that thought come from?

A hand reached out to grasp my arm, steadying me before falling away. "Are you okay?"

There was something so familiar about that voice. Like it had haunted my dreams.

I internally shook myself and forced my gaze to meet his. "Yeah, sorry." I chuckled dryly. "Was a little spacy there, admiring the art."

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