Deacon: An excerpt + #giveaway from Cheryl Douglas
When Deacon Starkis sets his sights on the gorgeous young model gracing the pages of his glossy catalogue, he knows he has to have her. One problem. She’s not available. But that won’t stop Deacon. He’s a man used to getting what he wants and he wants Mia.
Mia is stunned when she receives an email from the elusive billionaire who owns the lingerie company she models for. He tells her he’s intrigued. He’s not the only one. But she knows she’d be a fool to throw away an eight year relationship for a brief affair with the head honcho. He doesn’t do relationships and she doesn’t do casual sex. It seems they’re at an impasse.
Who will come out on top in this battle of wills? The dominant one or the woman intent on teaching him the meaning of submission?
An excerpt from Deacon
With the launch party at the forefront of my mind, I made my way downstairs to wardrobe. Half a dozen women turned, gaping at me. I rarely made personal selections for my models, but I didn’t think my presence warranted such stunned silence.
“Good afternoon, ladies,” I said, trying to hide my amusement.
“Hello, Mr. Starkis,” one of the women stammered. “How can we help you?”
“I’m here about the fashion show this weekend.”
She gestured toward several hanging racks. “Everything’s taken care of, sir. You’re welcome to have a look at the samples. They’re right over there.”
“I’d like to see what Mia Barnes will be wearing.”
Two women exchanged curious glances before one said, “Of course, Mr. Starkis. I’ll get those selections right away.”
I barely noticed the gorgeous models milling about half-naked, being fitted for the upcoming show. Many were trying to get my attention, smiling or giving me sultry looks as they met my eyes in the full-length mirror. They had been hand-selected for their talent and beauty, but none were Mia, therefore none held my attention for long.
“Here they are,” the harried, middle-aged woman with the blond bob and pixie skirt said. “I think these will look fabulous on Mia.” She laughed. “I’ve worked in this business a long time, and I can tell you it’s rare to find a model who looks amazing in everything she tries on. Most have some flaw they wish to hide, but not our Mia.”
I smiled tightly. Our Mia? Wrong. She was my Mia. “I’m sure you’re right, but that one won’t work,” I said, pointing at the lavender silk bra and matching panties on the white satin hanger. “Next.”
Looking stricken, the woman said, “But—”
“It’s lovely…?”
“Barbara.”
“It’s lovely, Barbara. Just not what I have in mind for Mia. May I see the next one?”
She held up a black lace bustier with a matching thong, looking apprehensive. She had every reason to be nervous. The only time I expected to see Mia parading around wearing that was
when she was modeling it for me.
“I want her to model the bridal collection.” I knew that was sexy yet demure.
“The bridal collection?” Barbara seemed stunned by my request.
“Is there a problem?”
“Um, no, but with Eleni’s darker coloring, I thought she would be perfect for the bridal collection.”
“You thought wrong,” I said, pinning her with a stare that brooked no argument. “Switch them. Eleni can wear these.” I gestured toward the pieces Mia had been slotted to wear. “Mia will model the bridal collection.”
“Of course, Mr. Starkis. Anything you say, sir.”
Buy Links
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About the Author
When one door closes, another one opens. Cheryl Douglas closed the door to her business for the last time in 2011, which left her with a decision: What now? Find another location and move her nutrition business, go to work for someone else, or take a chance on her dream? She chose the latter and she’s never looked back!
Cheryl has always loved reading and writing, but it wasn’t until she jumped in with both feet and decided writing would be her career, instead of just a hobby, that her muse woke up from her deep slumber. It was like someone flipped a switch inside her head and stories just came pouring out. At the end of the day, she would often look at the keyboard and wonder, “Who the heck wrote that? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure it wasn’t me!”
Cheryl doesn’t write books. She tells stories, or rather, she allows her characters to tell their stories through her. She’s not a plotter, never has been, never will be. Why? Because she has no idea how the story will evolve and it’s not her place to manipulate it. Her job is to get to know these characters, figure out what makes them tick, then follow their journey wherever it takes her. When she’s not writing, she’s daydreaming. Thankfully, she has an understanding husband and son who know she’ll re-join the land of the living just as soon as her muse decides it’s quitting time. Cheryl doesn’t work for herself. She works for her muse. She’s the boss. And Cheryl’s okay with that.
Connect with Cheryl on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and her website, CherylDouglasBooks.com.
Giveaway
Cheryl Douglas will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B&N gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. To enter, use the widget below – and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour stops can be found here.
7 Comments
Goddess Fish Promotions
Thanks for hosting!
Eva Millien
I enjoyed the excerpt, sounds like a great book, thanks for sharing!
Victoria
Great excerpt! I can’t wait to read this book..thanks for sharing!
Betty W
Your book sounds terrific! Thank you for sharing!
Mai T.
What are you working on now? What is your next project?
thais pampado
Loved the excerpt! Sounds like a great book.
Ree Dee
I enjoyed learning about Deacon. Thank you for the post and the giveaway!