Title: Striving for Perfection
Series: Striving #2
Author: BL Mooney
Cover Design: Kari Ayasha at Cover to Cover Designs
Synopsis
Perfection is a gimmick.
It’s something they use to sell you shit you don’t need. The perfect home. The perfect family. The perfect marriage. Photos of that perfect life are all around us, but none of it exists.
I know better because I take those photos. It’s all a ruse to make us think that's what we want. Behind closed doors, the house is a mess, the family is fighting, and that loving couple hates each other. I prefer a different city every week, laughing friends, and a variety of lovers.
Until Carl. I’m not sure what I want when he’s around.
Perfection is an illusion.
It’s something used to make you forget all the bad shit that happens in this world. It’s an unattainable dream not worth the effort.
I had the perfect home. The perfect family. The perfect marriage. Or so I thought. That illusion died with my wife and slammed me into reality. Aside from my daughter, business deals and making money is where my heart is now.
Until Rachael. I’m not sure what I feel when she’s around.
Available Now
Excerpt
I put my body into as tight of a ball as possible when Carl
got behind me. Every time he tried to get into my shirt, I jabbed his ribs with
my elbow. Every once in a while he would get his hands in between my arms and
squeeze my breasts. It was when his hand roamed lower between my legs that I’d
had enough. I stomped on his foot and elbowed his gut.
“For crying out loud, Rachael! Give it to me!”
“No!” I fought him even harder until he backed away.
We both stood catching our breaths. “You are impossible.” He
had his hands on his hips as he walked to the door.
“Me? You’re the one trying to cop a feel during our
scuffle.”
“I was trying to see if I could feel it in your bra.”
I tilted my head and scowled at him. “My bra is up here.” I
pointed to the girls.
The smirk that started to spread across his face told me he
knew exactly what he had done. “Hey, you can’t expect a man to wrap himself
around you and not try to take advantage.”
I sat at my desk and wiped away dust that wasn’t there. “No
one takes advantage of me.”
He looked thoughtful for a moment as his eyes squinted a
little. “You win this round, Rach.” He reached for the door. “Watch out for
round two.”
I stopped him before he touched the door. “Carl.” He turned
as I reached into my desk drawer and pulled out the right flash drive. I tossed
it to him.
He was stunned and fumbled, but caught it. “What’s in your
bra?”
I shook my head. “My copy of the photos. It’s just a small
lesson, Carl. You won’t get anything from me until I’m ready to give it.”
He stood there longer than I wanted him to, but I refused to
look up at him to see what he was doing. I wanted to act as if his presence
hadn’t bothered me. I wasn’t going to keep that hidden for long. He started to
walk toward me.
“Let’s start over. There shouldn’t be hostility. We’re
adults and things didn’t work out for us personally, but I really believe we
could work well together.”
I stopped moving the mouse, but I didn’t look up at him.
“Just forget everything?” I shook my head. “I don’t think I can do that.” I
went back to work.
Carl reached down and covered my hand with his. “Then how
about a truce?”
I looked at his hand covering mine until he removed it.
“Fine.” I looked up to him. “But keep your hands to yourself.”
He held his hands up in mock surrender and smiled. “You make
that kind of difficult, but I’ll try.”
“You’ll do more than try if you want to keep all of your
appendages.” I looked him right in the eyes. “And don’t underestimate me.” I
went back to work. “Follow those two rules and we’ll be fine.”
He looked at the flash drive still in his other hand and
nodded. “No touching and don’t underestimate you. Anything else?”
“That’s all for now.”
“Hey, are you looking at the photos now?” He started to come
around the desk.
“No, Carl. Those are in my bra.” I swiveled in the chair to
face him.
“Here, use mine. I really want to look at these, and I have
a ton of meetings when I go back.” He held out his flash drive as I reached up
to take it. He grabbed my hand, yanking me out of my chair. Before I could stop
him, both of my hands were behind my back with one of his hands holding them together.
“Carl! Let me go.”
He tossed his flash drive on the desk and ran his hand
through his hair. He smiled. “That was easier than I thought.”
I tried to break free, but his hand only got tighter. “You
will regret this.”
“Maybe, but it will be worth it.” He moved his hand up to
the top button on my blouse. I closed my eyes as he started to unfasten them.
He stopped on the third one and I looked at him again. “Keep your eyes open or
it’s going to take even longer.”
I whispered, “What are you doing, Carl?”
“Helping you out.”
He continued to the last button above my slacks. He spread
my shirt open, grazing my belly with his fingers. I hated how much I still
wanted him. I hated that I was thankful for him holding my hands or I would’ve
attacked him on my desk. He started at my belly button and slid his fingers up
toward my breasts. If he reached them, it would be over and I would beg him to
fuck me. I started fighting harder this time, breaking one hand free.
“Whoa!” He grabbed my hand and placed it behind my back. It
caused him to get closer to my face, but at least he wasn’t touching more than
my hands. “I’m just trying to help you.” He looked at my bra and smiled. “Red
is my favorite color. Thank you for wearing it today.”
My eyes went wide as I watched him lower his head to my
breasts. I swore I would never allow myself to get mixed up with this man again
and yet, that was exactly what was going to happen. I felt his tongue against
my skin and tried not to react. I closed my eyes when I felt his teeth graze me.
I opened my eyes when I felt him stand. Between his teeth,
he had the flash drive I’d hidden in my bra. He bent over and let it drop to
the desk. He turned back to me with a devilish look and smiled. He looked back
down to my breasts and licked his lips.
“Don’t you dare.”
He looked in my eyes and smiled. “You enjoyed that.”
“I’m going to enjoy killing you much, much more.”
He looked at my breasts again. “Well, your nipples don’t
lie.”
“I need to button up. Please let me go.”
“See, asking nicely will get you—” He let go, and I slapped
him across the face.
I walked around the other side of the desk, buttoning my
shirt as quickly as possible on my way to unlock and open the office door. I
couldn’t be in a secluded setting with him anymore. I turned around and ran
into his chest. He slammed the door shut behind me.
“Don’t you ever do
that again.” His voice was quiet and firm as he spoke through gritted teeth.
“And don’t you ever do that again.” I matched his tone as I pointed back to the desk. “You
will respect me or I’ll aim a little lower next time.” I opened the door again.
“Out!"
Author Bio
B.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do—she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she’s made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up in her head just fine.
B.L. lives in the Midwest, and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.
She loves to hear from her readers and you can contact her via email at AuthorBLMooney@gmail.com
Author Links
COVER REVEAL
Title: Striving for Perfection
Series: Striving #2
Author: BL Mooney
Cover Design: Kari Ayasha at Cover to Cover
Designs
Release Date: September 18, 2014
SYNOPSIS
Perfection is a
gimmick.
It’s something they use
to sell you shit you don’t need. The perfect home. The perfect family. The
perfect marriage. Photos of that perfect life are all around us, but none of it
exists.
I know better because I
take those photos. It’s all a ruse to make us think that's what we want. Behind
closed doors, the house is a mess, the family is fighting, and that loving
couple hates each other. I prefer a different city every week, laughing
friends, and a variety of lovers.
Until Carl. I’m not sure
what I want when he’s around.
Perfection is an
illusion.
It’s something used to
make you forget all the bad shit that happens in this world. It’s an
unattainable dream not worth the effort.
I had the perfect home.
The perfect family. The perfect marriage. Or so I thought. That illusion died
with my wife and slammed me into reality. Aside from my daughter, business
deals and making money is where my heart is now.
Until Rachael. I’m not sure what I feel
when she’s around.
AVAILABLE
NOW
#1
Striving for Normal
AMAZON US:
http://amzn.to/1obVY0c
AMAZON UK:
http://amzn.to/1yYb8fq
EXCERPTS
Excerpt
1
Cagney buzzed that the VIP had arrived. I
stood up and smoothed out my jacket and slacks. I also took a moment to make
sure the girls were still at optimum cleavage. Jimmy scoffed. “He’s married.”
I raised my eyebrows and looked at him. “So
are you, but you still look.”
He shrugged, not denying the truth, and
walked to the door. I was smoothing down the last of the wrinkles in my jacket
when I heard his deep voice. I froze.
“Jim, thank you for meeting with me again.”
I heard the door shut and heard him approach. I closed my eyes.
Carl Williamson was a man known to my
family. He and my brother had fought for the same woman. Carl lost. He never
stood a chance with his intimidating and aggressive tactics. He even used his
daughter as a pawn to get Drew to go out with him.
I didn’t know who he was when I first met
him. The only thing I needed to know was he was hot and I was in need of a hot
man. At that time, being hot and single were my only dating requirements and I
wanted to date Carl. It didn’t stop me from seeing him when I found out. A
choice I later regretted.
Jimmy kept bringing him closer. “No
problem. We’re just as excited to get started. This is the photographer you
requested.”
“No. Fucking. Way.” I spun around and met
Carl’s black eyes. It only took him a second to register what was happening and
his eyes widened in surprise. “I’m not working with this asshole.” I started
for the door.
“Rachael!” Jimmy grabbed my arm. He was
surprisingly stronger than I had anticipated. “What’s wrong with you?” He tried
to speak softly, but Carl heard him.
“I can’t do this.”
I couldn’t look at Carl. I already knew
what he looked like. I didn’t need to see the man standing off to the side to
know his shoulders were broad. I didn’t need to see the jet-black hair to
remind me I wanted to run my fingers through it. I already knew he was the
perfect height to offset my heels.
I could’ve bet money his designer suit fit
his body perfectly, and was pressed as though he had just stepped off the pages
of a magazine. And I didn’t need to see the look on his face to know his
strong, squared jaw was set—hard. No, I didn’t need to see him again to remind
me of all of that.
“You have to do this.” Jimmy started to
drag me away from the door.
I wrenched my arm free of his grasp and
from the corner of my eye, saw Carl take a step forward when Jimmy tried to
grab me again. I placed my hand up to stop him. “Don’t.”
Jimmy held his hands up and backed away.
“Just give us five minutes. I’m not sure what exactly went on between the two
of you, but I’m only asking for five minutes.” I hesitated and Jimmy whispered,
“Just think of the camera.”
I glanced at Carl and looked back to Jimmy.
“Do I have to work with him?”
Carl answered. “Yes, you do.”
I could tell by the look on Jimmy’s face it
was true. “Then forget it.” I turned and walked away. “I’m not working with an
asshole.”
“Rachael,” Carl said my name as a command.
It stopped me, but I didn’t turn around. “We can communicate through email.
I’ll send you the list of prospects and you send me the photos, but you will
answer directly to me.”
I turned at the sound of Jimmy whispering
to see Carl silence him with the wave of his hand. “What aren’t you telling
me?”
“Nothing that’s required for this job.”
Jimmy’s brows furrowed for a brief moment
before he walked to his desk, shaking his head. “I don’t know what’s going on
between you two, and I don’t want to know.”
“Nothing is going on.” I walked past Carl
to Jimmy’s desk. “What were you whispering?”
“I had set up a test.” I still wouldn’t
turn to look at Carl as he spoke. I watched Jimmy to see if Carl was being
honest. “I didn’t know you were their best photographer. The test is no longer
needed.”
“Of course it’s needed.” I finally turned
to address him. “You don’t trust anyone, so I’ll take your lousy test. What is
it? Stand on my head and get an impossible shot?”
It hit me then that both Cagney and Jimmy
had said he was married. His wife had died over a year ago. I looked at the
wedding ring on his finger. Carl noticed and put his hand in his pocket as I
lifted my eyes to his. I stood there silent, just staring. I didn’t deserve an
explanation, but one would’ve been nice.
Jimmy was either unaware of the tension or
chose to ignore it. “He wanted family photos taken.”
“Jim.” He finally stopped staring at me and
tried to stop Jimmy, but it was too late. He didn’t want me to take his family
photos.
I couldn’t believe it. He was still hiding
me as some mistress. I’m no one’s whore. I didn’t say a word. I just walked
out. Jimmy was calling after me, but I ignored him and kept walking. I wasn’t
going to stick around where I wasn’t wanted. Problem was I didn’t know where I
was wanted.
Excerpt
2
I put my body into as tight of a ball as
possible when Carl got behind me. Every time he tried to get into my shirt, I
jabbed his ribs with my elbow. Every once in a while he would get his hands in
between my arms and squeeze my breasts. It was when his hand roamed lower
between my legs that I’d had enough. I stomped on his foot and elbowed his gut.
“For crying out loud, Rachael! Give it to
me!”
“No!” I fought him even harder until he
backed away.
We both stood catching our breaths. “You
are impossible.” He had his hands on his hips as he walked to the door.
“Me? You’re the one trying to cop a feel
during our scuffle.”
“I was trying to see if I could feel it in
your bra.”
I tilted my head and scowled at him. “My
bra is up here.” I pointed to the girls.
The smirk that started to spread across his
face told me he knew exactly what he had done. “Hey, you can’t expect a man to
wrap himself around you and not try to take advantage.”
I sat at my desk and wiped away dust that
wasn’t there. “No one takes advantage of me.”
He looked thoughtful for a moment as his
eyes squinted a little. “You win this round, Rach.” He reached for the door.
“Watch out for round two.”
I stopped him before he touched the door.
“Carl.” He turned as I reached into my desk drawer and pulled out the right
flash drive. I tossed it to him.
He was stunned and fumbled, but caught it.
“What’s in your bra?”
I shook my head. “My copy of the photos.
It’s just a small lesson, Carl. You won’t get anything from me until I’m ready
to give it.”
He stood there longer than I wanted him to,
but I refused to look up at him to see what he was doing. I wanted to act as if
his presence hadn’t bothered me. I wasn’t going to keep that hidden for long.
He started to walk toward me.
“Let’s start over. There shouldn’t be
hostility. We’re adults and things didn’t work out for us personally, but I
really believe we could work well together.”
I stopped moving the mouse, but I didn’t
look up at him. “Just forget everything?” I shook my head. “I don’t think I can
do that.” I went back to work.
Carl reached down and covered my hand with
his. “Then how about a truce?”
I looked at his hand covering mine until he
removed it. “Fine.” I looked up to him. “But keep your hands to yourself.”
He held his hands up in mock surrender and
smiled. “You make that kind of difficult, but I’ll try.”
“You’ll do more than try if you want to
keep all of your appendages.” I looked him right in the eyes. “And don’t
underestimate me.” I went back to work. “Follow those two rules and we’ll be
fine.”
He looked at the flash drive still in his
other hand and nodded. “No touching and don’t underestimate you. Anything
else?”
“That’s all for now.”
“Hey, are you looking at the photos now?”
He started to come around the desk.
“No, Carl. Those are in my bra.” I swiveled
in the chair to face him.
“Here, use mine. I really want to look at
these, and I have a ton of meetings when I go back.” He held out his flash
drive as I reached up to take it. He grabbed my hand, yanking me out of my
chair. Before I could stop him, both of my hands were behind my back with one
of his hands holding them together.
“Carl! Let me go.”
He tossed his flash drive on the desk and
ran his hand through his hair. He smiled. “That was easier than I thought.”
I tried to break free, but his hand only
got tighter. “You will regret this.”
“Maybe, but it will be worth it.” He moved
his hand up to the top button on my blouse. I closed my eyes as he started to
unfasten them. He stopped on the third one and I looked at him again. “Keep
your eyes open or it’s going to take even longer.”
I whispered, “What are you doing, Carl?”
“Helping you out.”
He continued to the last button above my
slacks. He spread my shirt open, grazing my belly with his fingers. I hated how
much I still wanted him. I hated that I was thankful for him holding my hands
or I would’ve attacked him on my desk. He started at my belly button and slid
his fingers up toward my breasts. If he reached them, it would be over and I
would beg him to fuck me. I started fighting harder this time, breaking one
hand free.
“Whoa!” He grabbed my hand and placed it
behind my back. It caused him to get closer to my face, but at least he wasn’t
touching more than my hands. “I’m just trying to help you.” He looked at my bra
and smiled. “Red is my favorite color. Thank you for wearing it today.”
My eyes went wide as I watched him lower
his head to my breasts. I swore I would never allow myself to get mixed up with
this man again and yet, that was exactly what was going to happen. I felt his
tongue against my skin and tried not to react. I closed my eyes when I felt his
teeth graze me.
I opened my eyes when I felt him stand.
Between his teeth, he had the flash drive I’d hidden in my bra. He bent over
and let it drop to the desk. He turned back to me with a devilish look and
smiled. He looked back down to my breasts and licked his lips.
“Don’t you dare.”
He looked in my eyes and smiled. “You
enjoyed that.”
“I’m going to enjoy killing you much, much
more.”
He looked at my breasts again. “Well, your
nipples don’t lie.”
“I need to button up. Please let me go.”
“See, asking nicely will get you—” He let
go, and I slapped him across the face.
I walked around the other side of the desk,
buttoning my shirt as quickly as possible on my way to unlock and open the
office door. I couldn’t be in a secluded setting with him anymore. I turned
around and ran into his chest. He slammed the door shut behind me.
“Don’t you ever do that again.” His voice was quiet and firm as he spoke
through gritted teeth.
“And don’t you ever do that again.” I matched his tone as I pointed back to the desk. “You
will respect me or I’ll aim a little lower next time.” I opened the door again.
“Out!"
AUTHOR
BIO
B.L. Mooney
started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room.
They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it
anymore, so she did the only thing she could do—she made room. She always knew
she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she’s made
time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit
the characters that keep popping up in her head just fine.
B.L. lives
in the Midwest, and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry
sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or
twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So
speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it
may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.
AUTHOR
LINKS
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1pcqtYX
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