Jennifer N. Welsh
About the Book
What is wrong with being single by choice? This is what teacher Gwenevere Wallace has chosen for herself. Intelligent, talented and well versed in gruff, yet witty sarcasm, Gwen is a contemporary woman on the go. She surrounds herself with friends and the dramas of her family keep her on her toes. Against her family’s consistent hounding and the matchmaking techniques of friends, Gwen strongly stands by the philosophy that the last thing she needs is a man in her life.
However, it is not until handsome and persistent Aimen Pierce is literally forced into her life that Gwen begins to re-evaluate her single disposition. Gwen’s encounters with Aimen lead her to revisit a painful past so that she can cope with an increasingly chaotic present, but will she be able to allow her newfound feelings to squeeze in and lead her to a future with Aimen? Or will that decision be made for her.
Jennifer N. Welsh is a native New Yorker who comes from a writing and education background. She is the founder and CEO of Poetic Fondue Inc., a company that grew from Jennifer’s erotic poetry collection entitled, Love’s Rhythm in Fantasy Personified. Jennifer has taught the Deaf, lived in places like England, France and Hawaii, speaks French and American Sign Language and is currently learning Spanish. “Joie de vivre” and “carpe diem” are her way of life! Jennifer uses her life experiences to enhance her characters and though this is her first novel, Jennifer’s unique style is poetic, erotic, refreshing and real. A member of Romance Writers of America, Jennifer is an innovative writer who is making an impression on the romance writing industry. To learn more about Jennifer, visit her website at www.poeticfondue.com
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He closed the space between us and held my face in his hands, before I knew what was happening. He searched my eyes with his, looking for some sign of vulnerability, but as much as I wanted to show it to him I held tight to my feelings. My heartbeat shook my body and I was speechless.
“I know you’re feeling so many things right now. I know it. I just don’t understand why you won’t share it with me,” he said. His words made my eyes water. I could not afford to be stupid. I swallowed hard and lowered my eyes.
“Look at me,” he demanded. I jerked my head up only to be met again by those searching eyes. “Why won’t you accept what I want to give to you, Gwen?” He asked.
“Aimen, stop. This is silly. You’re just not thinking clearly right now, that’s all,” I said trying to steady my voice.
“I am clear, Gwen. I felt it from the first night I was with you that there was something more than a potential friendship between us. You’re the one who’s unclear about this,” he said.
“No, I’m not. I know that we’re friends and that’s it,” I said, my breathing coming in short breaths from our closeness.
His stare penetrated me and his head was bending towards mine.
“Aimen, please. No...” I started.
“Yes,” he said, nodding just before his lips touched mine. The kiss was feather light, but hit every sensual nerve in my body. Involuntarily, I leaned into him. “Yes,” he breathed against my lips and kissed me again, this time with more pressure. His lips opened mine and his tongue entered my mouth. His caress was assaulting me from every possible angle and I was defenseless. I couldn’t control what I was feeling, what I was doing. His hand moved from my face to the back of my neck where his thumb caressed the nape and his palm brought me closer. His kiss deepened. I moaned and so did he in acknowledgment of what we were feeling. His other hand went down to caress my arm and he gently took my hand and put it around his waist. My other hand followed the others lead. His hand then made its way to my breast where his hand caressed and squeezed. I pressed him closer to me, then brought my hand to his, urging him to continue caressing, to continue squeezing me. Our kissing became more aggressive, more demanding as our arousal increased.
He kissed ravenously on my neck and my hand went to his head caressingly and playing in his hair. I inhaled his scent and became very aware of the reactions of my body. It was so long since I’d been touched. My goodness, it had been so long. My breathing came and went with difficulty.
“Gwen,” Aimen called to me. “You’re shaking, baby. Are you okay?”
I touched my fingers to my lips, my hands visibly shaking. I tried to speak, but I stuttered and wasn’t sure what I was saying.
“What’s wrong, Gwen?” His face showed concern and he continued to caress me.
“I...I’m fine. I just, I mean, this shouldn’t have happened,” I finally managed and moved away from him.
“Why?” He asked, shifting his weight with obvious aggravation.
“What are we doing Aimen? We’re friends. Look at how complicated this has already gotten and only after one kiss,” I said with a quickly drying mouth.
“We did a little more than just kiss, Gwen. We started making love,” he said.
Making love? We were starting to make love? The last time I truly made love was...so long ago. How could I have let this happen? Why were my body, my mind, and my emotions reacting to Aimen like this? I paced and rubbed my forehead. Why did Aimen not only always have to be right, but voice it as well? I felt a strong headache coming on.
“You felt it, baby. Come on, we don’t have to go through a whole song and dance. If you want me, and I know you do, then tell me because god knows I want you,” he pleaded.
I looked at him, wanting to tell him what I was feeling and why I was so scared, but I lied instead.
“You’re wrong Aimen. It’s been a while since I’ve been with someone intimately. That’s what you felt,” I said and hated the cruelty of the words. He stared at me hard, knowing that he would not hear what he wanted.
“Fine. I guess I’ll give Kyra a call after all,” he said.
My head shot up. “Is that meant upset me? She’s my friend Aimen and I love her. So, don’t even think of using her to get back at me because you’ll be making a sorry mistake,” I said, my voice rising.
“We’re friends, Gwen. Right? You shouldn’t be jealous or angry. Just think of it as two of your good friends hooking up,” he said walking to my front door. He opened the door. “Thanks again for the party invitation. I had a good time. I’ll see you soon,” he added, his politeness hurting me.
“You’re welcome,” I said to the door, after he was gone.
