All Smoke No Fire Page 8

  “Yummy...cola. It’s wonderfully refreshing, too.” She focused on handing out the cans and when she looked again, he was gone from sight.

  ####

  If you’d like to read Pete and CJ’s story, they have their own book, the second book of the All Cowboy Series, All Flash No Cash. Read the book blurb and find out where you can order it by clicking HERE. Here's a sneak peek:

  Pete and CJ’s story:

  All Flash No Cash

  Chapter One

  Pete Gonally wandered past the row of motorcycles parked along the curb, each one leaning like a domino ready to fall. The mid-September sun glinted off the shiny chrome and polished tanks and fenders. Dirty Harry’s Saloon, was a favorite watering hole in Deadwood, South Dakota, even on a Sunday. Pete looked down at his bib overalls, mud-crusted steel-toed boots, and oversized T-shirt. He’d stick out like a pansy in there, but he had to do this. Today.

  He turned back to look at the semi he’d parked a block away, loaded with round hay bales that he’d picked up at his uncle’s farm in Wyoming. He could make the trek back to his family’s ranch in Lemmon, but it’d take three hours to get there, a while to shower and change, then three more hours to get back to Deadwood. And he still had to drive up to North Dakota tonight so he could be at work by six the next morning.

  “Suck it up.” It was just his nerves making an appearance. He had to ace this interview. This could be the start of his career as a graphic artist. He stepped into the dark bar, letting his eyes adjust for a few seconds. As he’d predicted, nearly every head in the place swiveled to look at him. The scent of leather and spilled beer rolled up his nostrils. Everywhere he looked, black T-shirts with orange graphics, bandanas, and tattoos covered patrons’ bodies. ‘80s rock played from a jukebox in the corner. He pulled off his seed cap and walked to an empty spot at the bar. He ran his hand through his curly blond hair, hoping to look halfway presentable for this meeting.

  A man sitting a ways down the bar laughed. “Best card this one. He looks like he just fell off the turnip truck.”

  Pete forced his mouth into an amiable smile. No sense in riling anyone up.

  The bartender turned and looked at Pete. A shock of short, curly, platinum blonde hair surrounded her tanned face. Serious sea-green eyes met his brown ones. Wow, she was spectacular. Walking toward him in her no-nonsense red tank top, her eyes drifted to his work clothes. She had to be almost six feet tall, just five inches shorter than him. And thin, like a runner.

  Stopping in front of him, she tipped her chin up, a quick motion.

  He swallowed, wanting to see if those tight lips of hers would loosen up when he kissed them, if that slightly-fuller bottom lip would be bitable, if—

  “You drinking, hayseed?”

  The woman was all business, and a good portion rude. She crossed her long, thin arms over her small chest.

  “No, ma’am.” He tried to form a sentence, tried to remember who his placement counselor at the graphic arts school had told him to ask for. But his body just hummed in acknowledgement of the Amazon in front of him.

  “Hun, I got work to do. Did you just come in to stare?” Her eyes widened a bit, and her cheeks pinked up a little under her tan.

  The bikers on either side of him snickered, keeping a close watch over the two of them.

  “Ma’am, I’m looking to talk to the owner, CJ Overton. Is he here today?”

  One of her light-brown eyebrows rose. “Yeah. He’s here. What’s your business with him?”

  “If you don’t mind, I’ll take that up with Mr. Overton.” He hadn’t meant to be impolite, but it’d sure come out that way.

  “Ooooooh,” a few of the bikers piped up.

  Those tight lips of hers went even stiffer. She looked toward the other end of the bar. “Take over, Tony.” Her gaze barely brushed over Pete’s face. “C’mon, hayseed. I’ll bring you back to the office.” She strode out from behind the bar, her short denim skirt reaching only mid-thigh, her long, slender legs ending in ankle-high, lace-up red tennis shoes.

  Along the hallway leading to the back exit, she stopped and punched in a code beside a black door marked “Keep Out” and led the way into a room with two desks that were loaded with papers and files. Beyond these, in a glassed-in office, an immaculately clean scarred wood desk sat with an office chair behind it, and two guest chairs in front.

  She walked into the office. “Have a seat.” She gestured to the guest chairs.

  “Thank you, ma’am.” He stayed on his feet, waiting for her to leave.

  She didn’t. She walked behind the desk, sat in the office chair, and laid her palm on the desk. “I’m CJ Overton. What ‘cha need?”

  ####

  Ready for the fourth book in the All Cowboy Series? Huck’s book, All Work No Play will be released in December, 2015 just in time for New Years’ Eve. You’ll learn Huck’s secret, the one that takes him away weekends, and you’ll meet Shiloh, a woman who’ll keep Huck wishing he had less work to do, and a lot more time to play.

  Connect With Me

  Thanks for picking up Dax and Marilou’s story. I hope you enjoyed their unique love story, and the glimpses of New Orleans, one of my favorite cities. Be sure to read Shaw and Harper’s story in All Hat No Cattle, and Pete and CJ’s book, All Flash No Cash.

  Coming for New Year’s 2016, Huck’s story. Where is he disappearing to every weekend? And why does he come back bruised and aching? Find out in All Work No Play coming December, 2015.

  I'd love to hear from you. I've listed all the places I hang out, and I hope you'll connect with me at one or more of them.

  All my best,

  Randi

  "Rode Hard and Put Up Satisfied"

  RandiAlexander.com

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  About the Author

  New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Randi Alexander knows a modern woman dreams of an alpha cowboy who takes the reins, and guarantees they’re rode hard and put up satisfied.

  Published with Cleis Press, Wild Rose Press, and self-published, Randi writes smokin' hot romance with heroes who'll have you begging to ride off into the sunset with them. When she's not dreaming of, or writing about, rugged cowboys, Randi is biking trails along remote rivers, snorkeling the Gulf of Mexico, or practicing her drumming in hopes of someday forming a tropical rock-band.

  Forever an adventurous spirit with a naughty imagination, Randi is also family oriented and married to the best guy in the world, her own cowboy, Kick. Give in to the allure of erotic passion, strong but vulnerable heroines, and irresistibly seductive cowboys, as Randi's emotional love stories sweep you off your feet and leave you breathless with passion.

  Saddle up! And prepare yourself for the sexier side of happily ever after.

  Other Red Hot Cajun Nights Books

  PRETTY FACE by SABLE HUNTER

  Cody’s life is defined by two great truths. She is in love…and she has committed a great sin. Cody has been playing with fire and she’s about to get burned. Hungry for attention, she allowed a wonderful man to fall in love with her. Their only contact has been on the internet and telephone conversations. Cody put a good spin on her life by telling half-truths and sending photos of a woman with a beautiful body and a pretty face, only the woman wasn’t Cody. Scarred by abuse, she hides from prying eyes.

  Cody loves Hunter enough to let him go. Full of guilt, she is prepared to disappear from his life. Hunter begs to meet her but she refuses. But if Cody won’t come to him, Hunter will come to Cody.

  Louisiana is in the midst of Mardi Gras, a time of love, laughter and letting the good times roll. Masks are worn at Mardi Gras and the mask Cody wears will hide more than a pretty face.

  http://sablehunter.com/

  ****

&nbs
p; CAJUN SPICE by DESIREE HOLT

  Daisy Kerr’s life has reached the edge of the cliff and fallen off. Her so-called fiancé Craig Myers has embezzled millions from the investment firm where they both work and left her holding the bag. The FBI thinks she’s somehow involved, she’s been fired from her job and the condo she lives in belongs to Craig. Heartsick and depressed, she decides to use the tickets Craig had bought for their trip to Mardi Gras and see if she can “Let eh good times roll” in New Orleans. For a few days she can party and forget about her troubles. Maybe even meet a sexy Cajun man to take her mind of her troubles. A fling sounds really good to her right about now.

  Leaving the airport she meets Marc Doucet, a Louisiana native now living in New York. He tells her he’s in town on business but he’d love to show her the ropes of Mardi Gras. And a whole lot more. It’s not long before he’s really putting some Cajun spice in her life and then some. Sex had never been so good or made her feel so special. Maybe they might even see each other back in New York if she can straighten out the mess her life is.

  But what Daisy doesn’t know is Marc is an FBI agent sent to ferret out any knowledge she might have of Craig’s scheme. His plan was to romance her, until romance landed in their laps for real. When Daisy overhears him in a phone conversation with his boss she feels betrayed once again and can’t get out of town fast enough. It will take a grand gesture on Marc’s part to get past the new walls around her heart and convince her what they have is real.

  www.desireeholt.com

  ****

  HURRICANES & HANDCUFFS by JODI REDFORD

  Gabrielle Scott is fed up with helping her playboy boss seduce and woo his countless bimbettes courtesy of her culinary masterpieces. Yeah, the pay is good, and you can’t beat the luxurious digs she’s treated to as his resident personal chef. But she can’t afford the frustration of living under the same roof with the one man who drives her crazy in every possible way. The damnable truth? She’s in love with the irredeemable bastard, and the only way she’ll get over him is to get naked under him. The plan? Attend Jax’s annual Mardi Gras ball incognito and entice him into a hot night of sin—right before handing in her resignation.

  Jaxon Noble always gets what he wants. Especially when it comes to the opposite sex. So when Gabbi shows up at his party in an eye-popping costume and outrageously flirts with him it’s a foregone conclusion that she’ll finally be his. He’s more than happy to go along with her game, and the combustible heat they generate together proves it was well worth the wait to have her. But when morning comes and Gabrielle calmly announces she’s quitting, Jax is faced with the sobering fact that perhaps money can’t buy everything. Or more to the point—the only person who’s ever meant anything to him.

  For someone who’s used to winning at all costs, losing Gabbi isn’t an option. And Jax will pull out every sweet and sexy trick to convince her to take a chance on a forever with him. Even if it means handcuffing her to his bed.

  http://www.jodiredford.com/More_Books.html

  ****

  WICKED PERFECTION by MAGEN MCMINIMY

  When Malea’s best friend, roommate, and infatuation is arrested, tried, and convicted, she’s left alone. What she once loved about their cozy little apartment in chilly, fog-ridden, Northern California turns out to be too much for her still-aching heart. With her budding career as an author, Malea can go anywhere, and no place sounds better than the warmth and spice of The Big Easy.

  They say time heals, but it’s been over three years of Malea spending her time working, and searching for a connection to help her forget the only man she ever loved—unrequited as it may have been—the pain still stings as loneliness settles against her heart.

  When the Quarter fills with laughter and music in celebration of Mardi Gras, will Malea find what she needs in the crowded streets of the French Quarter? Or will an unexpected encounter change the game completely? As they say, Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler…

  This Mardi Gras Season, let the sinful good times roll with Wicked Perfection, A Night Sinners Novella and part of the Red Hot Cajun Nights multi-author series (stands alone for reading enjoyment).

  *Wicked Perfection is a M/M/F story intended for readers of 18 and older.

  Find out more at: http://www.magenmcminimy.com/wicked-perfection-red-hot-cajun-nights

  ****

  TRAPT: A TWISTED WOLF TALE by RENE FOLSOM

  Mardi Gras is coming, and no one is more excited than Jolie—The Big Easy’s resident good witch. Amidst the festivities, darkness creeps under the blissful veil of love she is entangled with. Her twin sister, the evil witch Melanie, is out to destroy Jolie before her powers can usurp her own, willing to stop at nothing to do so. Jolie, aided by Asher and his seven-man wolf pack, are set to keep New Orleans safe from Melanie’s sorcery, or die trying.

  Enjoy the story of Jolie and Asher, a modern-day retelling of the classic tale Snow White.

  This Mardi Gras season, let the sinful good times roll with Trapt, a Twisted Wolf Tale and part of the Red Hot Cajun Nights multi-author series (stands alone for reading enjoyment).

  Warning: This supernatural urban fantasy romance novella contains adult situations and is meant for ages 18+.

  Find out more on Rene’s website at http://renefolsom.com/trapt

  ****

  BEHIND THE VEIL by SHYLA COLT

  The world as we knew it didn't end in fire or nuclear radiation. It ended the same way it began, with magic. Once the creatures that lived in the darkness stepped into the light, the world changed forever.

  As the people of New Orleans crawl their way from the ruins of an old life, new alliances must be made. Delta always knew she’d take her place as Queen of the Bayou witches, but she never imagined marriage to shape shifter King, Ridge Tassin would be part of the deal.

  The fire burns bright between them, and what seemed like a curse may be the best thing that’s ever happened. Under the glitz and glamor of the first Madi Gras since the world burned, they will say their vows and assume power, or perish trying.

  www.shylacolt.com

  ****

  ONE CAJUN NIGHT by CHRISTIN LOVELL

  One extra curvy woman. One extra sexy Navy SEAL Officer. One night of fun, on the best night to be in New Orleans: Fat Tuesday.

  At forty, plus size Samantha Baker was still trying to figure her life out, and then, along came Hardy Johnson - Navy SEAL, big flirt, and the best kisser she’d had the pleasure of kissing. He broke her out of her corporate shell and rocked her world.

  The problem? His ship is only docked for thirty-six hours, which isn’t long enough to fall in love...or is it?

  This Mardi Gras, there’s more than parades, music and beads; there’s magic, love and possibility…and those are the things that turn strangers into friends, friends into lovers, and lovers into so much more.

  http://www.christinlovell.com

  Other Books by Randi Alexander

  Redneck Romeo: Red Hot Valentine - When Genevieve Riley sneaks onto the O’Bannon Ranch to return a stolen heirloom, the boy she’d fallen in love with as a teenager, Nick O’Bannon, catches her before she can slip away. The problem is, he’s now a big, rugged cowboy, and those feelings from a decade ago resurface. She can’t concentrate on anything but picking up where they left off.

  Nick can’t believe what his dogs cornered. Beautiful ‘Jellybean’ Riley, all grown up and sexier than sin. He never knew what tore her from his life when they were teens, just as their relationship was starting. With the heat radiating between them, he knows he can seduce her, but can he make her stay this time?

  All Hat No Cattle Book 1 of the All Cowboy Series - It’s Independence Day, and Harper Johansen is at the rodeo in South Dakota on business. While she’s deep in cowboy territory, she’s hoping to meet a real cowboy—one who shares her dreams for the future. Shaw Donahue, tall and sexy in his cowboy hat, jeans, and boots, could be that man, and Harper quickly falls for his seductive charm. Until he tells her he’s a roughnec
k.

  Shaw can’t believe his luck. Harper is an accomplished, intelligent businesswoman, and she’s beautiful, sexy, and willing. Until she learns he’s working in the local oil field. Before he can explain the reason he’s roughnecking, she pushes him away, telling him they can only be friends. He doesn’t fit into her plans. With four days of rodeo ahead of them, can Shaw convince Harper to value a man for more than his cattle?

  All Flash No Cash Book 2 of the All Cowboy Series - When bar owner CJ Overton hires Pete Gonally to paint a motorcycle for a charity giveaway, she expects him to do it her way. After all, he’s a small-time rancher, and graphic arts is just his hobby. But Pete comes back with his own ideas, and sparks fly as tension builds between them. The only way to relieve the pressure is one hot night in her bed. Just one. But Pete wants more.

  Pete lets CJ think he’s just a farm boy, but working on the oil field for years, he’s accumulated a small fortune. CJ’s dream future includes selling the bar, leaving Deadwood, and traveling the world. Attaching herself to a hayseed like Pete would only ruin her chances. How can Pete convince CJ that falling for a “dirt-poor farmer” will make her happier than anything she’d ever find outside of her small town of Deadwood, South Dakota?