Page 41 of Purely Novel Intent (Mile High Romance)

“Don’t forget to post this to our online critique group as well. There are other authors and even agents that might offer more feedback,” the published author notes.

I take furious notes, not wanting to forget any suggestion because they’re all valid and potentially the key to moving forward. Of course, it’s tough to hear that I’m not quite on the right track, but that’s part of writing. Nothing is going to be perfect the first or second or maybe even tenth time around. At least now I have some idea of why my stories haven’t been picked up before and what I can do to increase my chances. Of course, that thought brings with it a flutter of disappointment, because for all my knowledge of publishing, I realize when it comes to children’s books, I still don’t have a clue.

I’d gotten lucky with the romances, pure and simple. It’s the largest market of readers, they’re relatively inexpensive to produce, and I didn’t need the advice of fellow writers to identify my audience. I know the children’s market operates differently, of course, but I didn’t quite realize the extent of that. Now I understand why I haven’t been successful before, and I can't help but wonder, if I’d done the proper homework, would I have gone down the romance path as a means to get published ? Would I be harboring this pen name secret right now?

No, I can’t go there. Even though the romances could interfere with my current endeavors, I don’t regret them. They’ve given me stability, security, and a creative outlet that proves I do have talent. Without the romances, I may have given up the idea of publishing something long ago, and for that reason I can’t doubt my decision to pursue them in the first place. I just have to be more disciplined when it comes to my fables.

The meeting breaks up after an a few hours, and I race home, eager to put my new knowledge to use. After making edits I’m just about to start on a proposal letter explaining the story and the audience when my phone beeps. I look at the screen and smile.

Chapter 13

Chris

I sit at the Engage office, waiting for Simon. His call had come as surprise this morning, but my phone rang just as I was getting dressed, and since Lisa had plans of her own, that left me free to meet with him today. Even better, it’s Sunday, so the office will be empty, and since I’m leaving from Lisa’s house, I’m able to make it to the office in no time.

Just the thought of Lisa brings a smile to my lips and a hint of pressure between my legs. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said each time was better than the last, and I’m already anticipating our next encounter. For someone so sweet and innocent in public, she’s downright devilish in the bedroom, and I find that incredibly hot. She isn’t shy about touching me, touching herself, or saying what she wants. I expected our lovemaking to be soft and slow and intense. And it was…the first time. But after that, it had been urgent and hard, and after that, we’d tried out several positions and speeds that left me breathless and spent yet somehow primed for more. And if her meeting hadn’t got in the way, I know I’d still be there, filling her.

I’m not used to the sexual marathon we had last night, which leaves me wondering how I could still want more. In the past when I slept with a woman, we had enjoyable sex, and that was the end of it. No second rounds, no sleepovers, just the one encounter and it was over. That makes it sound like sex with Lisa wasn't satisfying, but I think it's more accurate to say it's so satisfying I want to experience it over and over. My creative, funny, sweet little writer has a naughty side, and I’m fairly certain I’m becoming addicted to it.

Mine. Are we really at the point where I can call her mine? Do I want to be there? My relationship experience may be lacking, but one thing is certain: I want her, and I don’t want to share her with anyone else. So, yeah, mine has a nice ring to it.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when I hear the front door open, and I collect myself just in time to meet Simon at the door.

“Thanks for coming.” We shake hands. “I appreciate you taking time out of your weekend.”

“No bother. Can’t imagine what the handyman could use my help with, though. The only thing my hands are good for is typing.”

I laugh, glad Charlie isn’t around to hear that, or I’d never hear the end of it.

“I’m in need of typing skills, and Charlie seems pretty confident that there’s nothing you can’t do on a computer. After that technical lesson you gave me a few weeks back, I think he’s right. In fact, I’m guessing you’re substantially more capable with computers than even Charlie is aware.”

Simon arches an eyebrow but otherwise ignores the comment. “I know I said your brother was the brains, but you’re no tosser. You sorted your way around just fine. What could you need help with that you can’t do yourself?”

“It’s not me, not directly, anyway. My friend has a company that stores data on secure servers. Really sensitive data. In theory, it should be impossible to have a breach, but he can’t be sure something didn’t go missing. He needs someone totally unassociated with him or his company to check it out, see if everything is legit. I wondered if you might be up for a side project? A confidential side project.”

“Let me get this straight. Your best mate wants some stranger poking around his system to make sure nothing’s been nicked?”

I chuckle. “Yes.”

“Sounds dodgy. Why doesn’t he just do it himself?”

“He doesn’t want to raise suspicion.”

“Who would be suspicious? And why would anything the boss does… Oh, I get it. You think it’s an inside job?” Simon appraises me.

“It’s a possibility, so my friend doesn’t want to do something that might scare the guy off. Plus, he doesn’t want to have anyone suspect there’s concern about a breach.”

“Still sounds dodgy.” Simon shakes his head.

“Look,” I sigh. “You’re right. I can be technical when I want to be, but this is above my head, and while my friend could do it, it would put him in an awkward situation if his employees found out. I don’t want to put you in an awkward situation, either. You’re key to my brother’s success, and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize that for him or for you. But I don’t want to see my friend get hurt by having his company sabotaged. I think you could do this, and I trust you to do it, but if it makes you uncomfortable, I understand if you say no.”

“What does Charlie know about this?”

“Bits and pieces. He knows my friend, we all grew up together, but he doesn’t know I suspect an inside job. He’s got enough on his plate without worrying about this.”

Simon purses his lips. “So, when you say confidential, you mean keep it a secret from Charlie?”

“It’s not a secret. But it’s not something I want to broadcast, either. Engage stores information on these servers. We think that information is safe, but we want to be certain. And if I can avoid giving Charlie one more thing to worry about on top of product releases and fundraising and everything else he has going on, I’d like to do that. But I’m not deliberately keeping secrets from my brother, and I’m not suggesting you do, either. If you have time and think you can help, I’d love your help. But I understand if you can’t.”

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