Today's featured author, Melissa Sampson is tapping into tthe heart of our pain. She's helping us to learn how to get to the heart of the matter and peel back the emotional layers that hide the scars of our hurt, with her inspirational book, Unraveling the Layers.

Please welcome Melissa to The Beautifully Inspired Blog!

About The Author:
Melissa Sampson is the founder and CEO of Imagine Me Cancer Foundation. She is passionate about helping people in all areas of their lives. Melissa is a wife, mother and is a new author of her debut memoir Unraveling the Layers: Life Doesn’t Define You, You Define Life. 
 
To connect with Melissa visit:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormelissasampson
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authormsampson 
Instagram: Www.instagram.com/authormsampson 
Website: www.unravelingthelayers.com
Contact Me: info@unravelingthelayers.com or unravelingthelayers@gmail.com

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It's the end of an era. I've had much pleasure writing and releasing The House of BeJeweled series over the last four years. The final book of the series will be released in January. 

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of working on the book trailer for book 4, as well as finishing final edits. I've formatted it for Kindle and CreateSpace and it's ready to go. Each leg of the book tour is falling into place as I secure hosts and dates. Those dates and links will be posted here at a later time, and you can follow along for your chance to win prizes in the giveaways.

Today I would like to share with you the book trailer for BeJeweled: Standing Strong!

I hope you enjoy, and please leave your comments below.

Isabella sat staring out the window at the freshly fallen snow. The big flurries had turned into small flakes over the last hour. She released a sigh, remembering that this was supposed to be her Christmas present to her boyfriend Troy. Heartbroken over the fact that he had cheated on her with his ex-girlfriend, she had broken up with him and refused to take his phone calls. Unfortunately, she could not get a refund on the trip. So now she sat all alone in the room of her resort in the beautiful town of Taos, New Mexico.

She wiped away a stray tear, as she watched couples coming and going as they prepared to take the lift up the mountain.

“I’m supposed to be on one of those lifts, skiing with my boo,” she cried alone in the room.

Making up her mind that she would at least enjoy a little skiing while she was here, she went into the bathroom to wash her face and reapply her makeup.

Isabella grabbed her cell phone and placed it in the back pocket of her jeans. Throwing on her parka, gloves, scarf and hat she headed for the door.

Her only regret was that she had not purchased the insurance for this vacation. It would not have allowed her to get a full refund, but she could have swapped dates. She wanted her sister Natalie to come on the trip with her, but she was unable to take time from work until a few weeks later. Isabella had no choice but to come alone.

****
The cold stung her cheeks, but the fresh air was good for her lungs and heart. Traversing down those hills had allowed her to feel free and lightweight, as if all her burdens had been lifted. She checked her skis back in and prepared to head back to the lodge.

“Excuse me, miss?” called a smooth, rich voice.

She stopped in her tracks and turned towards the voice. “Yes?” she asked, removing her goggles.

“You dropped your glove back there,” he said, extending a silver glove towards her.

“Oh, thanks.” Isabella took the glove, turned her back on him and continued her trek to the lodge.

“Excuse me, I didn’t catch your name.”

“I didn’t throw it,” she replied dryly.

“Wow! So, what’s his name?” he asked, jogging to catch up to her.

“Who?”

“The guy who broke your heart.”

Isabella stopped in her tracks, looked at the stranger, and picked her stride up once more.

“I’m sorry. I was out of line, I had no right. It’s just that, a beautiful lady, such as yourself with so much sadness in your eyes and ice in your words…nothing can take away your sunshine except heartbreak.”

“Look, I don’t know you, and you don’t know me. I’m not into fortune-telling, because I just don’t believe in it. What is that I can do for you, Mr…?”

“Kyle. Kyle Shaw. Now can I have yours?”

“Mr. Shaw, I’m here on a vacation to get some relaxation and peace. I want nothing more. Thank you for giving me my glove, but if there’s nothing else, I will let you be on your way.”

“Actually, there’s one more thing.”

“What’s that?” she asked, as they stepped up to the front of the lodge.

“I’d love it if you would have a cup of hot chocolate with me, before we part ways,” he said, causing a dimple to wink at her when he smiled.

Prepared to make another snappy comment, Isabella froze as her breath caught in her throat. Just over Mr. Shaw’s shoulder, she saw her ex, Troy, stepping out of his SUV. He rounded the vehicle and opened the door to Kayla, his “ex-girlfriend.”

Isabella felt her heart shatter to the ground and could actually hear it tinkling, as it splintered into several glass shards. Just as the two turned to where she stood facing, Mr. Shaw, Isabella grabbed him by the coat and pulled him to her.

Pushing her mouth against his, she kissed him with an urgency that she had not known existed. She was amazed when his soft, pliant lips opened up to her and began curiously searching her mouth. What began as a whim turned into something more. Isabella enjoyed the spicy, cinnamon taste on his tongue.

“Bella?” Troy called out in amazement as he and Kayla came up beside her.

Breathless from the kiss, she pulled back and stared into Mr. Shaw’s questioning gaze. She implored him silently with her eyes not to say a word.

Not turning to look at Troy, she replied, “Yes?” still weakened by the intensity of the kiss.

“Uh, whaddya doin’?”  Troy questioned.

She turned a wicked gaze his way. “Troy, I don’t think you have any right to be questioning what I do and whom I do it with anymore.”

Smiling pleasantly at Mr. Shaw she took her game a step further. “Kyle, this is Troy, my ex. And Troy this is—”

“Kyle Shaw. Her man, pleased to meet you,” Kyle replied, extending his hand towards Troy with a smirk dancing around his lips.

Isabella had no plans to kiss Kyle. Yet, she had been so shocked by Troy’s presence, she felt she had no alternative. What had been even more shocking was the reaction she had to the kiss. The heat that consumed her body, was enough to ward off the frigid December temps. Moments after the kiss, her heartbeat had still not slowed down.

The look on Troy’s face after Kyle introduced himself as her man was priceless.

“So, you’ve moved on? Got over me quickly I see,” Troy replied.

Isabella laughed. “You know…you have some nerve. You were obviously long over me before the relationship ended. And you had the audacity to bring her here, where I was bringing you for a Christmas gift.”

Kyle looked nervously back and forth between Isabella and Kayla.

“Kyle, you told me you brought this trip as a surprise Christmas gift for me two months ago.”

“See, baby, I uh…well, things didn’t work out between me and Bella, so I figured we could use the trip.”

“Well, you’re obviously very special. He’s going to have to pay an arm and a leg for the lodge, if they have rooms available. Surely, you didn’t think you were going to use the plane tickets and reservations that I purchased.”

“Well, actually, I did. I came by your place to get the itinerary and information for the reservations, but you weren’t there. I already had to pay for our airfare, so I wasn’t prepared to pay for the lodge, too. I didn’t think you’d come here on your own, and I didn’t want them to go to waste.”

She was hurt by his audacity, but refused to allow the pain to show.

“You’re right, I didn’t come here on my own.” Isabella smirked. She grabbed Kyle’s hand, waved goodbye and walked away.

Kyle and Isabella made their way to the back deck of the lodge. He ordered both of them hot chocolates, while she found a secluded table for the two of them.

“So, that’s the man that broke your heart,” he stated, setting a cup in front of her that had two large marshmallows floating on top.

Isabella blew the top of the mug, before taking a sip. Stalling for time, she closed her eyes and softly moaned. “This is heavenly.”

When she opened her eyes, she found Kyle staring at her with a look of pleasure and something else in his eyes.

“What?”

“I’m still waiting for an explanation about our ‘encounter’ back there.”

“Mr. Shaw—”

“Mr. Shaw? After sharing a kiss that intimate, I’d hope we were on a first name basis by now. And just in case you forgot, it’s Kyle…Bella.”

The way that he said her name sounded so sensual. His lips caressed the word and made it feel intimate. It had never sounded quite as beautiful when Troy said it. The more she thought about it, the more she was convinced if she ever spoke to Troy again, she would insist he call her Isabella, not Bella.

“Kyle, I’m sorry for dragging you into the middle of that fiasco back there. My reaction was inappropriate at best, and I owe you an apology. You didn’t deserve that.”

He pushed his cocoa mug to the side and clasped his hands on the table. Looking into her eyes, he said, “There are a lot of things I could call that ‘encounter,’ but inappropriate would not be one of them. There’s no need to apologize. I enjoyed every moment, just like you did.”

“Wait a minute now, who said I enjoyed it?” Isabella protested, frowning at her companion.

He smiled a cocky smile that showcased a dimple she had just spotted for the first time.

“Oh, you enjoyed it. I’m quite familiar with a lady’s reactions to my kiss. I would be remiss if I didn’t confess that I enjoyed your reaction to it, as well.”

Isabella thought back on the kiss. She had felt his manhood harden against her, when her tongue caressed his. She quickly took another sip of her hot chocolate in an effort to fight off the blush that was stealing over her face.

“Kyle, thank you for coming to my rescue. But I assure you there was nothing in that kiss. It was simply my way of delaying the unavoidable, which was facing my ex. I won’t bother you anymore, and you won’t have to worry about my presence on this trip. I don’t think I’ll be needing your services, anymore. I sincerely doubt they will be able to get a room, as crowded as this place is.”

Kyle reached out and softly caressed her hand. “And I assure you I would be much obliged to share my services with you. After all, you just might be needing them a while longer,” he smiled, nodding his head towards the glass double doors.
 Isabella turned in her seat, to look into the lodge’s lobby in time to see Troy receive a set of keys from the desk clerk.

She groaned out loud and pressed her forehead into her hands. Standing up, she grabbed her cup to throw away.

Kyle stood and touched her shoulder lightly.

“The way I see it is, you have one of two options. You can hold your head up and tell him the truth, that you’re here alone trying to escape the misery he left you in. Or you can go with the initial game plan, and let me be your man for the holidays. It will be my pleasure getting to know you a little better over this time.”

“How about I just hide out in my room for the remainder of the time I’m here,” she said, walking towards the garbage and tossing her cup inside.

“I wouldn’t recommend that. You’ve spent a pretty penny coming to this lodge. Although you’re a bit tasty, I promise I won’t bite. If you’d just relax, I’m sure you and I can have great fun over this holiday.”

“To what end?” she asked, climbing the stairwell to her room. “After this is over we both go back to our lives and it’ll be like we never knew each other.”

“I promise you, I’m that guy you’ll never forget. Here let me get that for you,” he said, as she fumbled with her key card.

Swiping it in the door, he pushed it open just as a door across the hall from hers opened. Troy and Kayla stepped out, and neither one looked too happy.

Kayla crossed her arms and sucked her teeth before looking up at Troy.

“Really, Troy? You had to get a room across from them, too?”

“Baby, I’m sure that’s not her room. Tell her Bella—”

“First, it’s not Bella to you, but Isabella,” Isabella corrected. “Second, what makes you think this isn’t my room?”

“It’s the honeymoon suite. I’m sure you would’ve changed that right?”

“No. In fact, it’s the perfect room for Kyle and I. Isn’t it, baby?” she remarked.

Kyle shook his head with pity towards Troy, and placing his hand on her waist, he pushed Isabella inside and kicked the door closed.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, leaning over her with one arm pressed against the wall above her head.

“I can’t believe I didn’t think of this.”

“What?”

“I can’t stay in this room without you, if we’re a couple!”

The next morning Isabella was awakened by a knock on her door.

Groaning, she removed the pillow that covered her face, and looked at the clock. Who would be here at 9:37 in the morning? After all, this was supposed to be a holiday, wasn’t it?

Dragging out of bed, she threw on her white ruffled robe, slid her feet into a matching pair of slippers, and shuffled to the door.

Peering out the peephole she panicked when she saw Kyle’s confident smirk, smiling back at her.

“Hey, open up…I know you’re there, and I’m not going anywhere,” he remarked through the door.

Worried that Troy and Kayla would see him standing in the hallway, she hurriedly opened the door and hustled him inside.

“What are you doing here so early?” she grumbled.

“It’s good to see you, too, beautiful lady. You know you’re quite lovely without all the makeup,” he smiled kindly at her.

Scared of what her reflection would look like, she risked a peek into the mirror on the wall.

Not too bad, she thought, catching a glimpse of her tangled curls. She was thankful she had no telltale
sleep signs on her face.

“Why are you here so early?” she repeated, shuffling back towards the living area.

“Well, I was down in the lobby heading to get some breakfast when I saw your ex and his girl. They’re about to hit the slopes, and he kinda asked about you. I told him I’d left you up here to get your beauty rest.”

“Mm, about that. I’m sorry about yesterday. I was kind of panicky and wasn’t thinking too clearly, when I suggested you stay the night.”

“I must admit it was an offer I didn’t want to refuse, but I won’t take advantage of your situation like that. I knew you would probably regret it in the morning, and the one thing I’ve never done is leave a lady with regrets,” he said, sitting down on the couch.

Isabella barely knew this man, but he sure seemed to be comfortable with her. He took the reins with no hesitation whatsoever and appeared to have much confidence in himself, almost to the point of arrogance.

Usually she wouldn’t find a man like him attractive, not because of his looks, but just his attitude. He assumed too much. Maybe, it was because of his looks that she could overlook his insolence.

At six feet, five inches, he was the perfect height for a woman of her stature at five feet, ten inches. Troy had only been taller than her by two inches, making it difficult for her to wear heels with him. Whereas, Troy had been slim with a slight muscular build, Kyle’s broad shoulders and chest, looked like it could protect a girl from all kinds of dangers. The wide upper body tapered into long runner’s legs; ones that she wanted to catch a glimpse of uncovered. Kyle’s cocoa complexion had the appearance of freshly poured chocolate on a warm summer’s day, and the dimple winking in his cheek was endearing.

Despite all of that, it was the glow in his dark eyes when he teased her that initiated sultry thoughts in her mind. The beguiling look he cast upon her when speaking to her, made her feel as if there was no one else in the room.

“You assume too much,” she muttered, heading back to her room to get ready for the day ahead.

"So, what’s our plans for the day?” he asked, stopping her in her tracks.

Turning to look over her shoulder, she noticed his arm was extended over the back of the couch, and he appeared completely comfortable. Funny thing was, he looked as if he belonged right there.

“Like I said, you assume too much. What do you mean by ‘our’?”

“You need me to keep your ex away with his nagging questions, and to tamper down his woman’s jealousy. And I want you around to keep my days interesting.”

Isabella crossed her arms and leaned against the archway dividing the living quarters from the bedroom.

“We talked about a lot of things yesterday evening before you left, but you never told me why you’re here alone during the holiday season.”

“Business.”

“What type?”

“I’m a real estate market analyst, and I was sent here to research investment strategies for my client.”

“And that would be?”

“Carraway Resorts. They’re looking to acquire this property and incorporate it into their portfolio.”

“That would be a shame. It’s such a beautiful, small, and quiet little town. I can only imagine the attention they would attract by taking it over.”

“Yes and no. They will definitely bring the attention to the town, but it’s a win-win situation. This resort is struggling and the owner is looking to close the doors this time next year anyway if he isn’t bailed out. My client can sustain this property and grow it to the level it needs to be successful. Transforming this little lodge into a resort, will bring the tax dollars and jobs the town needs.”

“I still don’t understand why you’re here during the holidays, though. Don’t you have family…back home, wherever home is?”

“No, I don’t. My parents are traveling this year, and my brother and his wife and kids, are spending the holiday with her family this year. Besides, my business does not conclude until the 28th of this month. Now, I know your story, but what I don’t know is why you are here for the holidays. Don’t you have family to spend it with?”

“My parents are deceased and my sister has to work this holiday season,” she explained.

“I’m sorry to hear about your parents. But, I’m glad you’re all alone. Since we’re stuck here together, we might as well make this season merry and bright,” he said, standing and walking towards her.

Isabella uncrossed her arms and stood up straight.

“What are you talking about, Kyle?”

“If we’re going to pretend to be lovers for the season, there’s nothing like a little role play to perfect our lines,” he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling something out.

Isabella looked up to see the mistletoe he held over her head. Looking back at Kyle once more, she felt the excitement build in her, as he stared at her with that mesmerizing look in his eyes.

Before she knew it, their lips had blended in the sweetest of kisses. It was nothing like their first kiss, but definitely more intimate somehow, and this time it wasn’t for show. His hand held lightly onto her waist. She was thankful for that small token of affection, because without it she didn’t think she could stand on her own. He was literally making her weak in the knees.

Isabella was the first to break the kiss, as she felt things starting to spin out of control.“What’s wrong, my love?” he asked, releasing her.

“You. This…it’s all wrong. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m so sorry, I’m not usually this forward, or anything. But trying to compete with Troy has me stepping out of character, of who I am,” she said, swiftly shaking her head back and forth.

“Is that what you believe?”

“It’s what I know, Kyle. I barely even know you and once this holiday is over, we’ll both go back to our own lives. It will be one more disappointment that I have to add to my list lately. I can’t do this. I don’t play these type of games normally, because I’m a passionate woman who feels things deeply. I apologize for leading you on, but it’s time for me to stand up and be honest about my situation. I don’t give a damn what Troy thinks. I cannot behave the way that I have been for his sake. I won’t give him that much power over me!”

Kyle reached out a hand and lightly grazed her arm.

“You don’t have to give it to him, but you can give it to me. I promise I won’t disappoint you.”She inhaled deeply and chose her next words carefully.

“I’d like to believe that, but I have a heart to protect. I don’t take affairs of the heart lightly, Kyle.”

He smiled at her, with a hesitation in his eyes. She knew he wanted to say something but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to hear it.

Kyle kissed her on the forehead sweetly.

“Go get ready, my love, we’ve got a busy day ahead of us. I’ll be waiting here,” he said, waving his hand towards the couch.

Hanging out on the slopes and hiking through the mountains all day had tired Isabella out.
She tossed her head back, laughing as Kyle whispered something in her ear.

His attentive manner and teasing ways had caused her to throw caution to the wind, and simply enjoy herself for the day. She would not allow her mind to get caught up in worries about the future. She wanted this holiday to be the most beautiful one ever, and the only way to do that was to open up and live.

Kyle’s left hand rested on her lower back, as he opened the door to the lodge.

Isabella stepped inside, stomping snow from her boots, as she removed her gloves and waited on Kyle, who held the door open for another couple.

“They’re having a movie night down here in the lobby tonight at midnight. You care to join me?” he asked, watching her carefully.

“I don’t know. I’ll probably be deep asleep by then. It’s been a long day and you have really tired me out,” she laughed, pressing a hand on his arm.

“Girl, you haven’t even began to know what tired is, until I—”

“Excuse me, Bella, can I speak with you for a moment?” Troy asked, interrupting their conversation.

Isabella saw Kyle clenching his jaw, and decided to speak up before the situation became hostile. She could tell that Kyle had little patience for Troy.

“I’ve told you, it’s Isabella. You lost the right to call me, Bella,” she hissed.

“Look, I’m sorry about all that. Matter-of-fact, that’s what I want to speak with you about. Can I have just a moment of your time?” he pressed.

“Don’t you think that might upset, Miss Kayla?” Isabella asked, crossing her arms and tilting her head to the side. She had no idea what was so urgent he needed to speak with her in private, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know.

“She’s upstairs asleep. I swear I won’t hold you up for long, just a few minutes in private. Please,” he pleaded.

Without thinking Isabella looked to Kyle.

“Do you mind?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Handle your business. I’ll be close by if you need me,” he said, nodding his head towards the reservations desk.

Isabella walked towards the seating area, and sat in a salmon-colored armchair facing the reservations desk.

“Speak.”

Troy held his head down, as he perched on the edge of the couch across from her.

“So, is it like that?”

“I don’t have time for this,” she said, preparing to get up.

“Look, I’m sorry. Would you just hear me out?” Troy reached out to touch her arm and prevent her from leaving.

Snatching her arm back she murmured, “You lost the right to touch me, as well. Get your hands off me.”

“Bel—I mean, Isabella, I know what I did was wrong. I’m not even sure how I got caught up with Kayla again. She happened to come by my mom’s house with my cousin one weekend when we were all hanging out there, and we connected again somehow, you know?”

“No! I don’t know, so please tell me about it,” she remarked sarcastically.

“I realize now I made a mistake, baby. I threw away what we had for a moment of pleasure. What we had was good, and I regret that.”

“When, Troy? When did you regret it? While you were screwing her? While you were boarding the plane to take her on a trip that I planned for you? Or when you saw me with someone else?” she spat nastily.

Nodding his head, Troy conceded that she had a point. “I won’t lie. I’ve been regretting what I did, but you wouldn’t return my calls. I wanna be with you, Bel—Isabella. Seeing you with dude over there, hurts me to the core,” Troy stated, patting his chest. “It’s Christmas. You know the old saying, ‘If you can’t be with the one you love, then love the one you’re with?’ That’s what this thing with Kayla is.”

“Alright then, let me know how that works out for you,” Isabella replied, standing up and turning her back on Troy.

Seeing that Kyle had finished at the reservations desk, she walked back towards him, leaving Troy calling after her.

“Everything okay?” Kyle asked, grasping her hands in his.

“Some men have all the nerve!” she choked out. Isabella was seething mad, in disbelief of Troy’s statement. But she had not given him the satisfaction of seeing that.

“That’s because you’re playing with boys. See a man, a real man, would do whatever it takes to replace that look of rage, with the beautiful sunshine that radiates from your smile.”

Troy reached up and rubbed his thumb across her cheek in a simple caress.

“Really?”

“Yes, really. You see all that tension radiating from you?” he asked, rubbing her temples with his fingers.

Isabella nodded her head slightly.

“I took the liberty of reserving an aromatherapy massage for us in a couple of hours. But first, we’re going to have an early dinner in Buena Cocina 21, because we’ve both worked up an appetite. And after all of the adventures we’ve had today, I want to just sit down and kick it with you for a while. Give you a chance to get to know me better, and me a chance to get to know you better.”

Isabella’s face lit up at Kyle’s thoughtfulness. Buena Cocina 21 was one of the restaurants at the resort. However, it booked up quickly and she had not had a chance to experience its eclectic atmosphere, or enjoy its fine cuisine.

“That sounds like a perfect afternoon. Give me about fifteen minutes to freshen up and I’ll meet you here in the lobby. Will that work for you?”

“I won’t disappoint you.” He winked at her, before she turned away to head up the stairs.
 
****

Thirty minutes later, Isabella and Kyle were seated at a booth near the fireplace.

She took a sip of her white wine and smiled at him over the glass. He was delighting her with stories of his childhood, and his brother’s torture of him.

“I’ll bet you were a cute little kid. Where’d you say you grew up?”

“I didn’t. But we’re originally from Cleveland. A few years after college, I moved out West to California.”

“Oh really?” Isabella asked mildly curious.

“Yeah, I needed to trade in the snow and ice for a little California sunshine and some beach time to relax.”

“I love to visit the beach to unwind. Take a good book, or hang out with my sister and get some girl-time in. I live in California, too,” Isabella said, smiling at the waiter who served their dishes of Jamon, tortilla de patata, and croquetas.

Kyle nodded his appreciation to the waiter for serving their tapas and refilling his wine glass before turning his attention back to Isabella.

“So, what beach do you and your sister hang out at?” He held his glass to his lips prepared to take a sip of wine.

“Santa Monica.”

A look of pleasure took over Kyle’s face, as his eyes narrowed, and he smiled intriguingly at Isabella.

“What?” she asked, as she bit into one of the croquetas. She closed her eyes, and moaned softly at the heavenly taste of the blue cheese and cured ham mixture.

“Oh nothing. Just that I might get to see that look of pleasure on your face more often, after this trip is over.”

She licked her lips, and smiled curiously at him. “What are you talking about?”

“You live in Santa Monica?”

She nodded her head. “Yes.”

“I live in Pacific Palisades. No more than fifteen minutes from your area, tops.”

Isabella’s heart banged with a loud thud in her chest. This Christmas was growing more interesting by the day.

Isabella and Kyle spent the night before talking in his room until four in the morning. He had allowed her to fall asleep in his lap on the couch. When she awoke the next morning it was Christmas Eve, and he escorted her back to her room.

Most of her day had been spent relaxing and reading, although she had gotten a little skiing in. Kyle had meetings throughout the day and was unable to entertain her until late that evening.
They had met in the lobby for a late dinner and then prepared to retire to her room for the evening. She found it interesting that she had known him such a short while, but she seldom wanted to be away from him.

As they made their way back to the lobby after their dinner was over, Kyle halted them in their steps.

“Hey, look, it seems like your people are leaving,” he said, pointing to Troy and Kayla.

Isabella smirked. “I’m glad to see the lady has some class after all. I guess she realizes she deserves better, and Troy wasn't giving her his best, by bringing her here with me.”

“I hear ya. I believe any woman worth having is worth spending the extra time, attention, and money on to keep her by your side.”

“Oh do you now?”

“Yes, I do,” he replied, kissing her softly on the lips.

She smiled shyly at him. “You know you seem to be finding a lot of reasons to kiss me lately. What’s the excuse this time?”

He pointed above their heads in the archway. “A little mistletoe.”

Smiling back up at him, Isabella couldn’t resist kissing him of her own accord.

As they made their way towards the stairwell, Kayla and Troy stopped them in their paths.

“Look, I wanted to apologize if I’ve done anything on this trip to make it uncomfortable for the two of you,” Troy said, extending his hand to Kyle, who willing accepted it.

“I also want to apologize to my lady here for subjecting her to a trip paid for on someone else’s expense,” he said, pointing to Kayla who appeared agitated as usual.

Kyle looked at Isabella with a knowing smile.

“And Isabella, I want to—”

“Troy, don’t apologize to me. I’m not saying that to be nasty. What I’ve come to realize is that sometimes when one door closes, it’s because there's another better open door somewhere along the journey.”

She looked to Kyle who smiled at her and took her hand into his own. He pressed a soft kiss to her fingertips, and winked at her.

“What I’m saying Troy is that you were good for the time that what we had was good…but thank you for moving on and making room in my life for something greater. I wish you and Kayla much happiness.”

“Hmphh,” Troy muttered, rolling his eyes and smirking. “Ya’ll have a Merry Christmas. Me and Kayla are out.”

Kayla flipped her hair and made her way to the front door, with Troy sulking behind.

Kyle and Isabella continued their interrupted trip up the stairwell.

He stood outside of her door as she entered the room.

“Come in, Kyle,” she invited in a sultry voice.

“Are you sure you want me to come in? We don’t have to play the game anymore now that they’re gone.”

“I want you to come in because I would like to spend some personal time alone with you.”

Kyle entered her hotel room and watched as she strutted to the bathroom.

When Isabella returned she wore a long, red satin robe. Hidden underneath was a red satin nightie, trimmed in black lace.

Kyle poured both of them a drink and handed a glass to Isabella. She sat beside him and took a sip.

“Do you believe everything that you said downstairs, Bella?”

“Of course I do, otherwise I would not have said it. I don’t usually speak so freely about things I don’t feel.”

“Good. Because I really want to be that better door that’s open in your life.” 

He took her glass from her hand and placed it on the low glass table in front of them. Threading his fingers through her long hair, he pulled her towards him and kissed her.

Isabella sat up on her knees and scooted closer, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

The sweet cherry taste mixed with Vodka on his lips, made her want to explore his mouth more. When he opened it, Isabella moaned at the coolness of his tongue against her own.

Kyle slipped his fingers inside of her robe and tugged it down her shoulders. Pulling away from the kiss briefly, he perused body and slowly nodded his head.

“Like what you see?” she asked, feeling a bit bolder than she had in a long time.

“Yeah, I’m appreciating the view.”

Kyle kissed the expanse of her neck that was exposed. Isabella tossed her head back allowing him to have free reign. She had no idea of how much more teasing she could endure.

Her hands pulled at his white collared shirt, glad he had gotten rid of the tie earlier. He quickly began to unbutton each of his buttons, allowing her to tug his shirt free from his pants.

He stood up to remove his shirt and Isabella sat back on the couch to watch. She unintentionally flinched at the rippling, dark muscles exposed once his shirt was lying on the floor.

She stood up and grabbed his tank top and pulled it free from his pants, as well. Her long, gold fingernails raked themselves down his back. Kyle’s eyes darkened as he towered over her with a glowering look in his eyes.

Biting his bottom lip, he pulled Isabella close to him with one hand. Lowering his head he kissed her lips with a sense of urgency. Needing to taste him again, she opened her mouth, moaning into his, as she arched her body in a need to express the desire consuming her.

With one finger, Kyle removed the strap on her left shoulder, before moving to the right to do the same.

He stepped away from her and crossing his arm over his mid-section, and one arm over that, he rested his chin on his fist.

Chills ran up Isabella’s body as she waited for him to make his move. Suddenly becoming self-conscious, she placed her hands against her exposed breasts.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just figured out what you’re missing.”

“What’s that?”

“My lips on your body.” He grabbed her breasts with both hands and lightly teased her left nipple with his tongue. When he removed his lips to take in the right breast, the cool air in the room tickled her nipple, leaving it puckered.

Isabella dug her nails into his back and hissed at the intensity roaring throughout her body.

“Ohh, Kyle!” she moaned.

He picked her up and carried her into the room, and tossed her onto the bed.

Isabella’s chest heaved up and down, as she leaned up on her elbows and watched him remove the gold, foil wrapper from his trousers. He kicked his loafers off of his feet, before unbuckling his pants and letting them fall to his ankles.

It seemed as if it took forever for his state of undress to become complete. Isabella’s body was hot, and she needed him to douse out the flames.

With those lazy bedroom eyes, and the dark skin, Kyle looked like a panther stalking its prey as he made his way up the bed towards her.

He ran long, tapered fingers up the sides of her legs before reaching her thighs. Gently he tugged at them, and she willingly opened up the gates to her castle. Kyle’s fingers searched, explored, and pleasured before leaving her quivering on the bed, begging for his touch.

Reaching to the side of him, he picked up the wrapper he had discarded on his prowl towards her. Ripping it open, he sheathed himself, and began a leisurely excursion of giving her body the loving it had been deprived.

When her ecstasy was complete on a chorus of whimpers, he kissed the length of her body from the crown of her head, to the tips of her toes. He came back and sweetly kissed her mouth and eyelids.

“What was that kiss for? Did you find another little mistletoe,” she teased in a voice made hoarse by a repetition of shrieks and moans.

Looking at the clock on the nightstand, he looked back at her.

“No. I found a beautiful gift, baby. Merry Christmas, Bella.”

“Merry Christmas, Kyle.”

Merry Christmas to each of you. I pray that your day is filled with much joy, love, and peace. Here's a little Christmas romance to brighten your day. It's the final day of Isabella and Kyle's story. Enjoy...

If you haven't read any of the story, you can find the entire read here:

A LITTLE MISTLETOE, A CHRISTMAS ROMANCE...

Isabella and Kyle spent the night before talking in his room until four in the morning. He had allowed her to fall asleep in his lap on the couch. When she awoke the next morning it was Christmas Eve, and he escorted her back to her room.

Most of her day had been spent relaxing and reading, although she had gotten a little skiing in. Kyle had meetings throughout the day and was unable to entertain her until late that evening.
They had met in the lobby for a late dinner and then prepared to retire to her room for the evening. She found it interesting that she had known him such a short while, but she seldom wanted to be away from him.

As they made their way back to the lobby after their dinner was over, Kyle halted them in their steps.

“Hey, look, it seems like your people are leaving,” he said, pointing to Troy and Kayla.

Isabella smirked. “I’m glad to see the lady has some class after all. I guess she realizes she deserves better, and Troy wasn't giving her his best, by bringing her here with me.”

“I hear ya. I believe any woman worth having is worth spending the extra time, attention, and money on to keep her by your side.”

“Oh do you now?”

“Yes, I do,” he replied, kissing her softly on the lips.

She smiled shyly at him. “You know you seem to be finding a lot of reasons to kiss me lately. What’s the excuse this time?”

He pointed above their heads in the archway. “A little mistletoe.”

Smiling back up at him, Isabella couldn’t resist kissing him of her own accord.

As they made their way towards the stairwell, Kayla and Troy stopped them in their paths.

“Look, I wanted to apologize if I’ve done anything on this trip to make it uncomfortable for the two of you,” Troy said, extending his hand to Kyle, who willing accepted it.

“I also want to apologize to my lady here for subjecting her to a trip paid for on someone else’s expense,” he said, pointing to Kayla who appeared agitated as usual.

Kyle looked at Isabella with a knowing smile.

“And Isabella, I want to—”

“Troy, don’t apologize to me. I’m not saying that to be nasty. What I’ve come to realize is that sometimes when one door closes, it’s because there's another better open door somewhere along the journey.”

She looked to Kyle who smiled at her and took her hand into his own. He pressed a soft kiss to her fingertips, and winked at her.

“What I’m saying Troy is that you were good for the time that what we had was good…but thank you for moving on and making room in my life for something greater. I wish you and Kayla much happiness.”

“Hmphh,” Troy muttered, rolling his eyes and smirking. “Ya’ll have a Merry Christmas. Me and Kayla are out.”

Kayla flipped her hair and made her way to the front door, with Troy sulking behind.

Kyle and Isabella continued their interrupted trip up the stairwell.

He stood outside of her door as she entered the room.

“Come in, Kyle,” she invited in a sultry voice.

“Are you sure you want me to come in? We don’t have to play the game anymore now that they’re gone.”

“I want you to come in because I would like to spend some personal time alone with you.”

Kyle entered her hotel room and watched as she strutted to the bathroom.

When Isabella returned she wore a long, red satin robe. Hidden underneath was a red satin nightie, trimmed in black lace.

Kyle poured both of them a drink and handed a glass to Isabella. She sat beside him and took a sip.

“Do you believe everything that you said downstairs, Bella?”

“Of course I do, otherwise I would not have said it. I don’t usually speak so freely about things I don’t feel.”

“Good. Because I really want to be that better door that’s open in your life.” 

He took her glass from her hand and placed it on the low glass table in front of them. Threading his fingers through her long hair, he pulled her towards him and kissed her.

Isabella sat up on her knees and scooted closer, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

The sweet cherry taste mixed with Vodka on his lips, made her want to explore his mouth more. When he opened it, Isabella moaned at the coolness of his tongue against her own.

Kyle slipped his fingers inside of her robe and tugged it down her shoulders. Pulling away from the kiss briefly, he perused body and slowly nodded his head.

“Like what you see?” she asked, feeling a bit bolder than she had in a long time.

“Yeah, I’m appreciating the view.”

Kyle kissed the expanse of her neck that was exposed. Isabella tossed her head back allowing him to have free reign. She had no idea of how much more teasing she could endure.

Her hands pulled at his white collared shirt, glad he had gotten rid of the tie earlier. He quickly began to unbutton each of his buttons, allowing her to tug his shirt free from his pants.

He stood up to remove his shirt and Isabella sat back on the couch to watch. She unintentionally flinched at the rippling, dark muscles exposed once his shirt was lying on the floor.

She stood up and grabbed his tank top and pulled it free from his pants, as well. Her long, gold fingernails raked themselves down his back. Kyle’s eyes darkened as he towered over her with a glowering look in his eyes.

Biting his bottom lip, he pulled Isabella close to him with one hand. Lowering his head he kissed her lips with a sense of urgency. Needing to taste him again, she opened her mouth, moaning into his, as she arched her body in a need to express the desire consuming her.

With one finger, Kyle removed the strap on her left shoulder, before moving to the right to do the same.

He stepped away from her and crossing his arm over his mid-section, and one arm over that, he rested his chin on his fist.

Chills ran up Isabella’s body as she waited for him to make his move. Suddenly becoming self-conscious, she placed her hands against her exposed breasts.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just figured out what you’re missing.”

“What’s that?”

“My lips on your body.” He grabbed her breasts with both hands and lightly teased her left nipple with his tongue. When he removed his lips to take in the right breast, the cool air in the room tickled her nipple, leaving it puckered.

Isabella dug her nails into his back and hissed at the intensity roaring throughout her body.

“Ohh, Kyle!” she moaned.

He picked her up and carried her into the room, and tossed her onto the bed.

Isabella’s chest heaved up and down, as she leaned up on her elbows and watched him remove the gold, foil wrapper from his trousers. He kicked his loafers off of his feet, before unbuckling his pants and letting them fall to his ankles.

It seemed as if it took forever for his state of undress to become complete. Isabella’s body was hot, and she needed him to douse out the flames.

With those lazy bedroom eyes, and the dark skin, Kyle looked like a panther stalking its prey as he made his way up the bed towards her.

He ran long, tapered fingers up the sides of her legs before reaching her thighs. Gently he tugged at them, and she willingly opened up the gates to her castle. Kyle’s fingers searched, explored, and pleasured before leaving her quivering on the bed, begging for his touch.

Reaching to the side of him, he picked up the wrapper he had discarded on his prowl towards her. Ripping it open, he sheathed himself, and began a leisurely excursion of giving her body the loving it had been deprived.

When her ecstasy was complete on a chorus of whimpers, he kissed the length of her body from the crown of her head, to the tips of her toes. He came back and sweetly kissed her mouth and eyelids.

“What was that kiss for? Did you find another little mistletoe,” she teased in a voice made hoarse by a repetition of shrieks and moans.

Looking at the clock on the nightstand, he looked back at her.

“No. I found a beautiful gift, baby. Merry Christmas, Bella.”

“Merry Christmas, Kyle.”

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It's another Fab Friday here on the Beautifully Inspired Blog! There's no greater inspiration than pursuing the journey to be stress free. Today's featured author, Tee Renee, is prepared to show you how to do just that, and there's no more perfect place than right here. Join us for the journey... 

Tanisha Renee Gladney, aka Tee Renee, a native of Oakland, CA, mother of three handsome boys, and self-proclaimed "Jill of All Trades", fell in love with writing and telling stories as a little girl. Her mother says that ever since she could talk, Tee Renee would give you every detail of the story instead of just giving you the highlights like most people do.

Her first try at public writing was a poem she wrote for a Black History program in high school and she has been hooked ever since. Through the years Tee Renee has been involved in writing by helping people with various writing projects, lending her literary skills to Swag Magazine CA, FORMation Magazine and literaryjewelsonline.com, as a contributing writer, interviewer and editor, and blogging on a variety of subjects. After years of keeping ideas, story lines and characters in her head and heart, Tee Renee has finally decided to share this gift with the world.

As an avid reader herself, she thrives for the kind of story that makes you feel like you are right there with the characters and that is exactly the kind of feeling she intends to give to her readers through her projects. A brand new author to the literary world, she is extremely excited about sharing her imagination with the world. Her first series, Neighborhood Kandii, gives you a glimpse of what’s to come. In her spare time Tee Renee enjoys cuddling up with a good book, watching movies, and spending time with her loved ones. Her life’s mantra is ‘To love hard, live everyday as if it was your last, and laugh until you can no longer breathe’!

THE SOCIAL CONNECT:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthoressTeeRenee
https://twitter.com/authoresstrenee
https://www.instagram.com/authoressteerenee

BOOKS:

~~Neighborhood Kandii http://tinyurl.com/hofl85b ~~

~~Neighborhood Kandii 2 http://tinyurl.com/kandii2 ~~

~~I'm Free: 30 Days to a Stress Free Life http://tinyurl.com/hzx37r3

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Here's another day of Christmas romance with A Little Mistletoe. Kyle and Isabella discover they have something very special in common...

If you missed the other days in the story, catch up here: A Little Mistletoe

Hanging out on the slopes and hiking through the mountains all day had tired Isabella out.
She tossed her head back, laughing as Kyle whispered something in her ear.

His attentive manner and teasing ways had caused her to throw caution to the wind, and simply enjoy herself for the day. She would not allow her mind to get caught up in worries about the future. She wanted this holiday to be the most beautiful one ever, and the only way to do that was to open up and live.

Kyle’s left hand rested on her lower back, as he opened the door to the lodge.

Isabella stepped inside, stomping snow from her boots, as she removed her gloves and waited on Kyle, who held the door open for another couple.

“They’re having a movie night down here in the lobby tonight at midnight. You care to join me?” he asked, watching her carefully.

“I don’t know. I’ll probably be deep asleep by then. It’s been a long day and you have really tired me out,” she laughed, pressing a hand on his arm.

“Girl, you haven’t even began to know what tired is, until I—”

“Excuse me, Bella, can I speak with you for a moment?” Troy asked, interrupting their conversation.

Isabella saw Kyle clenching his jaw, and decided to speak up before the situation became hostile. She could tell that Kyle had little patience for Troy.

“I’ve told you, it’s Isabella. You lost the right to call me, Bella,” she hissed.

“Look, I’m sorry about all that. Matter-of-fact, that’s what I want to speak with you about. Can I have just a moment of your time?” he pressed.

“Don’t you think that might upset, Miss Kayla?” Isabella asked, crossing her arms and tilting her head to the side. She had no idea what was so urgent he needed to speak with her in private, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know.

“She’s upstairs asleep. I swear I won’t hold you up for long, just a few minutes in private. Please,” he pleaded.

Without thinking Isabella looked to Kyle.

“Do you mind?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Handle your business. I’ll be close by if you need me,” he said, nodding his head towards the reservations desk.

Isabella walked towards the seating area, and sat in a salmon-colored armchair facing the reservations desk.

“Speak.”

Troy held his head down, as he perched on the edge of the couch across from her.

“So, is it like that?”

“I don’t have time for this,” she said, preparing to get up.

“Look, I’m sorry. Would you just hear me out?” Troy reached out to touch her arm and prevent her from leaving.

Snatching her arm back she murmured, “You lost the right to touch me, as well. Get your hands off me.”

“Bel—I mean, Isabella, I know what I did was wrong. I’m not even sure how I got caught up with Kayla again. She happened to come by my mom’s house with my cousin one weekend when we were all hanging out there, and we connected again somehow, you know?”

“No! I don’t know, so please tell me about it,” she remarked sarcastically.

“I realize now I made a mistake, baby. I threw away what we had for a moment of pleasure. What we had was good, and I regret that.”

“When, Troy? When did you regret it? While you were screwing her? While you were boarding the plane to take her on a trip that I planned for you? Or when you saw me with someone else?” she spat nastily.

Nodding his head, Troy conceded that she had a point. “I won’t lie. I’ve been regretting what I did, but you wouldn’t return my calls. I wanna be with you, Bel—Isabella. Seeing you with dude over there, hurts me to the core,” Troy stated, patting his chest. “It’s Christmas. You know the old saying, ‘If you can’t be with the one you love, then love the one you’re with?’ That’s what this thing with Kayla is.”

“Alright then, let me know how that works out for you,” Isabella replied, standing up and turning her back on Troy.

Seeing that Kyle had finished at the reservations desk, she walked back towards him, leaving Troy calling after her.

“Everything okay?” Kyle asked, grasping her hands in his.

“Some men have all the nerve!” she choked out. Isabella was seething mad, in disbelief of Troy’s statement. But she had not given him the satisfaction of seeing that.

“That’s because you’re playing with boys. See a man, a real man, would do whatever it takes to replace that look of rage, with the beautiful sunshine that radiates from your smile.”

Troy reached up and rubbed his thumb across her cheek in a simple caress.

“Really?”

“Yes, really. You see all that tension radiating from you?” he asked, rubbing her temples with his fingers.

Isabella nodded her head slightly.

“I took the liberty of reserving an aromatherapy massage for us in a couple of hours. But first, we’re going to have an early dinner in Buena Cocina 21, because we’ve both worked up an appetite. And after all of the adventures we’ve had today, I want to just sit down and kick it with you for a while. Give you a chance to get to know me better, and me a chance to get to know you better.”

Isabella’s face lit up at Kyle’s thoughtfulness. Buena Cocina 21 was one of the restaurants at the resort. However, it booked up quickly and she had not had a chance to experience its eclectic atmosphere, or enjoy its fine cuisine.

“That sounds like a perfect afternoon. Give me about fifteen minutes to freshen up and I’ll meet you here in the lobby. Will that work for you?”

“I won’t disappoint you.” He winked at her, before she turned away to head up the stairs.
 
****

Thirty minutes later, Isabella and Kyle were seated at a booth near the fireplace.

She took a sip of her white wine and smiled at him over the glass. He was delighting her with stories of his childhood, and his brother’s torture of him.

“I’ll bet you were a cute little kid. Where’d you say you grew up?”

“I didn’t. But we’re originally from Cleveland. A few years after college, I moved out West to California.”

“Oh really?” Isabella asked mildly curious.

“Yeah, I needed to trade in the snow and ice for a little California sunshine and some beach time to relax.”

“I love to visit the beach to unwind. Take a good book, or hang out with my sister and get some girl-time in. I live in California, too,” Isabella said, smiling at the waiter who served their dishes of Jamon, tortilla de patata, and croquetas.

Kyle nodded his appreciation to the waiter for serving their tapas and refilling his wine glass before turning his attention back to Isabella.

“So, what beach do you and your sister hang out at?” He held his glass to his lips prepared to take a sip of wine.

“Santa Monica.”

A look of pleasure took over Kyle’s face, as his eyes narrowed, and he smiled intriguingly at Isabella.

“What?” she asked, as she bit into one of the croquetas. She closed her eyes, and moaned softly at the heavenly taste of the blue cheese and cured ham mixture.

“Oh nothing. Just that I might get to see that look of pleasure on your face more often, after this trip is over.”

She licked her lips, and smiled curiously at him. “What are you talking about?”

“You live in Santa Monica?”

She nodded her head. “Yes.”

“I live in Pacific Palisades. No more than fifteen minutes from your area, tops.”

Isabella’s heart banged with a loud thud in her chest. This Christmas was growing more interesting by the day.

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“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”  – Roy L. Smith

Let's open our heart this Christmas, not consumed with the worldly, marketing ways. Rather, let's focus on the love, peace, and joy this season brings. Let us conspire to carry it in our hearts all year long. Yes, I said conspire...as we're conspiring against the enemy. Love each other, love yourselves, and love the Savior.

“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.”  – Janice Maeditere

“Love the giver more than the gift.”  – Brigham Young

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more.”  – Dr. Seuss

Thank you for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment.

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It's another Fabulous Friday, and today's featured author is new to The Beautifully Inspired Blog. Her scenes are guaranteed to heat up your cold, wintry nights, and bring a little passion into your bedroom. Please welcome, Y. M. Sheree.

Y. M. Sheree is an Army veteran who currently resides in Portsmouth, Virginia. She is a proud mother of two daughters, one a CNA and currently in College and the other is serving in the U.S. Army. A graduate of Colorado Technical University she has received two MBAs, one in Business Administration and the other in Project Management. While in High School a short story written about, King Author gained attention of the librarians. She switched her knight to a female and the damsel had been a male. Her best friend co-authored a book when they attended High School together.

While stationed in Germany, she tried her hand at poetry that she sent to a publishing company that turned her down stating her writing was journal entries and not poetry in 2009.  Her spirit crushed she put her pen down and stopped writing until 2015. Mary B. Morrison challenged aspiring writers to write a book in ninety days on Facebook. Y.M. Sheree took the challenge as a hobby to pass her time not knowing that later on that year her first published work Purple Haze would release in October 2015. She now has three published books on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com, Purple Haze, Purple Haze 2, The Switch Up, and her new release Fantasy Island will be released September 2016.

In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, playing video games on her Xbox one, and she is a diehard fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Golden State Warriors. Known for writing Erotica she plans on being versatile and write in different genres.

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It's another day of a little Christmas romance, as I share with you Isabella and Kyle's story. If you haven't read the previous portions, click here...

Read on...

The next morning Isabella was awakened by a knock on her door.

Groaning, she removed the pillow that covered her face, and looked at the clock. Who would be here at 9:37 in the morning? After all, this was supposed to be a holiday, wasn’t it?

Dragging out of bed, she threw on her white ruffled robe, slid her feet into a matching pair of slippers, and shuffled to the door.

Peering out the peephole she panicked when she saw Kyle’s confident smirk, smiling back at her.

“Hey, open up…I know you’re there, and I’m not going anywhere,” he remarked through the door.

Worried that Troy and Kayla would see him standing in the hallway, she hurriedly opened the door and hustled him inside.

“What are you doing here so early?” she grumbled.

“It’s good to see you, too, beautiful lady. You know you’re quite lovely without all the makeup,” he smiled kindly at her.

Scared of what her reflection would look like, she risked a peek into the mirror on the wall.

Not too bad, she thought, catching a glimpse of her tangled curls. She was thankful she had no telltale
sleep signs on her face.

“Why are you here so early?” she repeated, shuffling back towards the living area.

“Well, I was down in the lobby heading to get some breakfast when I saw your ex and his girl. They’re about to hit the slopes, and he kinda asked about you. I told him I’d left you up here to get your beauty rest.”

“Mm, about that. I’m sorry about yesterday. I was kind of panicky and wasn’t thinking too clearly, when I suggested you stay the night.”

“I must admit it was an offer I didn’t want to refuse, but I won’t take advantage of your situation like that. I knew you would probably regret it in the morning, and the one thing I’ve never done is leave a lady with regrets,” he said, sitting down on the couch.

Isabella barely knew this man, but he sure seemed to be comfortable with her. He took the reins with no hesitation whatsoever and appeared to have much confidence in himself, almost to the point of arrogance.

Usually she wouldn’t find a man like him attractive, not because of his looks, but just his attitude. He assumed too much. Maybe, it was because of his looks that she could overlook his insolence.

At six feet, five inches, he was the perfect height for a woman of her stature at five feet, ten inches. Troy had only been taller than her by two inches, making it difficult for her to wear heels with him. Whereas, Troy had been slim with a slight muscular build, Kyle’s broad shoulders and chest, looked like it could protect a girl from all kinds of dangers. The wide upper body tapered into long runner’s legs; ones that she wanted to catch a glimpse of uncovered. Kyle’s cocoa complexion had the appearance of freshly poured chocolate on a warm summer’s day, and the dimple winking in his cheek was endearing.

Despite all of that, it was the glow in his dark eyes when he teased her that initiated sultry thoughts in her mind. The beguiling look he cast upon her when speaking to her, made her feel as if there was no one else in the room.

“You assume too much,” she muttered, heading back to her room to get ready for the day ahead.

"So, what’s our plans for the day?” he asked, stopping her in her tracks.

Turning to look over her shoulder, she noticed his arm was extended over the back of the couch, and he appeared completely comfortable. Funny thing was, he looked as if he belonged right there.

“Like I said, you assume too much. What do you mean by ‘our’?”

“You need me to keep your ex away with his nagging questions, and to tamper down his woman’s jealousy. And I want you around to keep my days interesting.”

Isabella crossed her arms and leaned against the archway dividing the living quarters from the bedroom.

“We talked about a lot of things yesterday evening before you left, but you never told me why you’re here alone during the holiday season.”

“Business.”

“What type?”

“I’m a real estate market analyst, and I was sent here to research investment strategies for my client.”

“And that would be?”

“Carraway Resorts. They’re looking to acquire this property and incorporate it into their portfolio.”

“That would be a shame. It’s such a beautiful, small, and quiet little town. I can only imagine the attention they would attract by taking it over.”

“Yes and no. They will definitely bring the attention to the town, but it’s a win-win situation. This resort is struggling and the owner is looking to close the doors this time next year anyway if he isn’t bailed out. My client can sustain this property and grow it to the level it needs to be successful. Transforming this little lodge into a resort, will bring the tax dollars and jobs the town needs.”

“I still don’t understand why you’re here during the holidays, though. Don’t you have family…back home, wherever home is?”

“No, I don’t. My parents are traveling this year, and my brother and his wife and kids, are spending the holiday with her family this year. Besides, my business does not conclude until the 28th of this month. Now, I know your story, but what I don’t know is why you are here for the holidays. Don’t you have family to spend it with?”

“My parents are deceased and my sister has to work this holiday season,” she explained.

“I’m sorry to hear about your parents. But, I’m glad you’re all alone. Since we’re stuck here together, we might as well make this season merry and bright,” he said, standing and walking towards her.
Isabella uncrossed her arms and stood up straight.

“What are you talking about, Kyle?”

“If we’re going to pretend to be lovers for the season, there’s nothing like a little role play to perfect our lines,” he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling something out.

Isabella looked up to see the mistletoe he held over her head. Looking back at Kyle once more, she felt the excitement build in her, as he stared at her with that mesmerizing look in his eyes.

Before she knew it, their lips had blended in the sweetest of kisses. It was nothing like their first kiss, but definitely more intimate somehow, and this time it wasn’t for show. His hand held lightly onto her waist. She was thankful for that small token of affection, because without it she didn’t think she could stand on her own. He was literally making her weak in the knees.

Isabella was the first to break the kiss, as she felt things starting to spin out of control.

“What’s wrong, my love?” he asked, releasing her.

“You. This…it’s all wrong. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m so sorry, I’m not usually this forward, or anything. But trying to compete with Troy has me stepping out of character, of who I am,” she said, swiftly shaking her head back and forth.

“Is that what you believe?”

“It’s what I know, Kyle. I barely even know you and once this holiday is over, we’ll both go back to our own lives. It will be one more disappointment that I have to add to my list lately. I can’t do this. I don’t play these type of games normally, because I’m a passionate woman who feels things deeply. I apologize for leading you on, but it’s time for me to stand up and be honest about my situation. I don’t give a damn what Troy thinks. I cannot behave the way that I have been for his sake. I won’t give him that much power over me!”

Kyle reached out a hand and lightly grazed her arm.

“You don’t have to give it to him, but you can give it to me. I promise I won’t disappoint you.”

She inhaled deeply and chose her next words carefully. “I’d like to believe that, but I have a heart to protect. I don’t take affairs of the heart lightly, Kyle.”

He smiled at her, with a hesitation in his eyes. She knew he wanted to say something but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to hear it.

Kyle kissed her on the forehead sweetly. “Go get ready, my love, we’ve got a busy day ahead of us. I’ll be waiting here,” he said, waving his hand towards the couch.

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This weekend inspirational and fictional author, Reginia Cordell will be with us. We're taking a peek into her life and inspiration. Don't miss out on this talented author. Only here on The Beautifully Inspired Blog!

Read on for her interview:

CHELLE: Plotter or Pantser?
 
REGINIA: A bit of both, but mostly a panter.
 
CHELLE: Tell us a little about yourself? Who is Reginia, the woman?
 
REGINIA: I’m a former teacher and school administrator. I currently live abroad in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates as a government contractor. Outside of my formal position, I am a fiction author, informative writer, and content creator on social media.
 
CHELLE: How do you create work/life balance being an author?

REGINIA: I create first and work second.

CHELLE: Describe a day around your house and in your ordinary life where writing is not key.

REGINIA: I’m an avid travel and leisure consumer. I love all things leisure, dining out, and activities requiring a passport.

CHELLE: Most authors have a routine they settle into when they prepare to write. Yet, others toss routine out the window and go with the flow. Tell us about your writing routine.

REGINIA: I pretty much start with a title and setting then go with the flow. I have several books going at once just in case the energy stops on one, I can flow to the other. The only tasks I manage are the ones that I do for other people.

CHELLE: Pandora or iHeart? What would we find on your playlist?

REGINIA: I think Pandora because I’ve never heard of iHeart. I’m a Neosoul and Class R & B kind of girl. I will delve into a bit of Jay-Z every now and then.

CHELLE: Did you keep a journal or diary as a child growing up? If so, what secret did you not want your parents to read?
 
REGINIA: I wrote a lot of stories as a child but I didn’t keep a personal journal. I fancied a diary a bit but didn’t use one. Hmm, secrets, what are those?
 
CHELLE: LOL!! I hear you. What genre do you write and why? What authors have influenced your writings?

REGINIA: I prefer non-fiction text over fiction. I’d like to hone my fiction voice though. I’d enjoy contemporary fiction because creating characters and their interactions with the setting allows greater depth than non-fiction writing.

I enjoy reading James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, Terry McMillian, Nikki Giovanni, Toni Morrison, J.L. King, Omar Tyree, Alice Walker, Les Brown, and Judy Blume.

CHELLE: If you could pair up with another author to write, who would you choose and why?

REGINIA: Living – Nikki Giovanni; transitioned – James Baldwin

CHELLE: If your latest release were turned into a movie, what actors would you select to play the starring roles, and what music would comprise the soundtrack?

REGINIA: You know, I’ve thought about this a lot. I’d definitely want new actors because they deserve a break. The only classic name(s) I’d want are Larenz Tate as co-director, Nia Long because she’s gorgeous, and Monique because she’s funny; everyone else would have to be new.

CHELLE: I love the idea of giving new artists a chance to showcase their talent. How do you handle writer’s block?

REGINIA: Start a new project. Many are not in support of starting a new project before the old one is completed, however, if I waited on the energy to renew on a specific project, I’d never finish. I simply sit that one aside and let the words flow onto other projects.

CHELLE: Mountains or the beach?

REGINIA: Mountains in the spring and beach in the fall

CHELLE: Provide one marketing tip for upcoming authors that has worked for you.

REGINIA: Create an audience before selling. In this day, people do not want to be “sold” to. I talk about this weekly on my blog and share tips to maximize your reach as an independent author.

CHELLE: If there was one thing you would want your readers to know after reading your works, what would it be?

REGINIA: My non-fiction titles are meant to inform and inspire, while my fiction titles will do the same, once you cut through the drama.
 
CHELLE: Writers often have to forsake time with friends and family when deadlines are looming, or the creative muse is flowing. What one person has been your greatest supporter on your publishing journey?
 
REGINIA: Because I create before all other things, which means, early mornings, I haven’t had to give up much time with family or friends. My greater support group is my family, each one of them.
 
CHELLE: Describe your idea of the perfect “me-time.”

REGINIA: Silence

CHELLE: Kobe or LeBron?

REGINIA: Neither. I’m a Jordan and Pippin type of girl.

CHELLE: I love it! Old school. They were my favorites back in the day, too. Now that Kobe has retired, I guess I'll have to find some new greats. We live life beautifully inspired here, at The Beautifully Inspired Blog. Leave us with an inspirational post, comprised of three words.

REGINIA: “Live well and with kind intentions”      

CHELLE: Thanks for stopping by to allow us a peek into your world today. Please leave us a few links to connect with you.

Reginia Cordell
Blog: CORDE + Co. www.cordeandco.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cordeandco
Instagram: Instagram.com/cordethewriter & Instagram.com/cordeandco
Twitter: Twitter.com/cordeandco

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Isabella had no plans to kiss Kyle. Yet, she had been so shocked by Troy’s presence, she felt she had no alternative. What had been even more shocking was the reaction she had to the kiss. The heat that consumed her body, was enough to ward off the frigid December temps. Moments after the kiss, her heartbeat had still not slowed down.

The look on Troy’s face after Kyle introduced himself as her man was priceless.

“So, you’ve moved on? Got over me quickly I see,” Troy replied.

Isabella laughed. “You know…you have some nerve. You were obviously long over me before the relationship ended. And you had the audacity to bring her here, where I was bringing you for a Christmas gift.”

Kyle looked nervously back and forth between Isabella and Kayla.

“Kyle, you told me you brought this trip as a surprise Christmas gift for me two months ago.”

“See, baby, I uh…well, things didn’t work out between me and Bella, so I figured we could use the trip.”

“Well, you’re obviously very special. He’s going to have to pay an arm and a leg for the lodge, if they have rooms available. Surely, you didn’t think you were going to use the plane tickets and reservations that I purchased.”

“Well, actually, I did. I came by your place to get the itinerary and information for the reservations, but you weren’t there. I already had to pay for our airfare, so I wasn’t prepared to pay for the lodge, too. I didn’t think you’d come here on your own, and I didn’t want them to go to waste.”

She was hurt by his audacity, but refused to allow the pain to show.

“You’re right, I didn’t come here on my own.” Isabella smirked. She grabbed Kyle’s hand, waved goodbye and walked away.

Kyle and Isabella made their way to the back deck of the lodge. He ordered both of them hot chocolates, while she found a secluded table for the two of them.

“So, that’s the man that broke your heart,” he stated, setting a cup in front of her that had two large marshmallows floating on top.

Isabella blew the top of the mug, before taking a sip. Stalling for time, she closed her eyes and softly moaned. “This is heavenly.”

When she opened her eyes, she found Kyle staring at her with a look of pleasure and something else in his eyes.

“What?”

“I’m still waiting for an explanation about our ‘encounter’ back there.”

“Mr. Shaw—”

“Mr. Shaw? After sharing a kiss that intimate, I’d hope we were on a first name basis by now. And just in case you forgot, it’s Kyle…Bella.”

The way that he said her name sounded so sensual. His lips caressed the word and made it feel intimate. It had never sounded quite as beautiful when Troy said it. The more she thought about it, the more she was convinced if she ever spoke to Troy again, she would insist he call her Isabella, not Bella.

“Kyle, I’m sorry for dragging you into the middle of that fiasco back there. My reaction was inappropriate at best, and I owe you an apology. You didn’t deserve that.”

He pushed his cocoa mug to the side and clasped his hands on the table. Looking into her eyes, he said, “There are a lot of things I could call that ‘encounter,’ but inappropriate would not be one of them. There’s no need to apologize. I enjoyed every moment, just like you did.”

“Wait a minute now, who said I enjoyed it?” Isabella protested, frowning at her companion.

He smiled a cocky smile that showcased a dimple she had just spotted for the first time.

“Oh, you enjoyed it. I’m quite familiar with a lady’s reactions to my kiss. I would be remiss if I didn’t confess that I enjoyed your reaction to it, as well.”

Isabella thought back on the kiss. She had felt his manhood harden against her, when her tongue caressed his. She quickly took another sip of her hot chocolate in an effort to fight off the blush that was stealing over her face.

“Kyle, thank you for coming to my rescue. But I assure you there was nothing in that kiss. It was simply my way of delaying the unavoidable, which was facing my ex. I won’t bother you anymore, and you won’t have to worry about my presence on this trip. I don’t think I’ll be needing your services, anymore. I sincerely doubt they will be able to get a room, as crowded as this place is.”

Kyle reached out and softly caressed her hand. “And I assure you I would be much obliged to share my services with you. After all, you just might be needing them a while longer,” he smiled, nodding his head towards the glass double doors.
 Isabella turned in her seat, to look into the lodge’s lobby in time to see Troy receive a set of keys from the desk clerk.

She groaned out loud and pressed her forehead into her hands. Standing up, she grabbed her cup to throw away.

Kyle stood and touched her shoulder lightly.

“The way I see it is, you have one of two options. You can hold your head up and tell him the truth, that you’re here alone trying to escape the misery he left you in. Or you can go with the initial game plan, and let me be your man for the holidays. It will be my pleasure getting to know you a little better over this time.”

TO READ THE FIRST PART OF THIS STORY CLICK THE LINK:

BELLA MEETS KYLE

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It's been another Motivational Monday Moment, and I pray that your week is blessed. In the hustle and bustle of living, take moments out to express respect, compassion, and gratitude. You'll lose nothing, but gain the world.

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 Single Mama Dating Drama
 
Blurb:
 
Single Mama dating! It doesn't get any more complicated than that. How can you find love when you have a career and kids? Where can you find that love connection? Is he on-line, in church, standing in front of the grapefruit in the grocery store? In these hilarious and heart-warming stories, you'll find single moms finding love in the most interesting of places, all while steering clear of the crazies, the lazies and definitely, the shadies.
 
In Single Mama Dating Drama, seventeen talented writers share fictional stories about the woes, pitfalls, and joys of dating while raising kids. It includes Michelle Lynn Stephens’ tale, Born Again Virgin, where some unholy choices lead to holy drama on a divorcee's journey back to church in search of the peace of mind she can't seem to find. These captivating stories are sure to make you laugh, shake your head, clutch your pearls, and cheer for these mamas and all their dating drama!
 
 
  
Excerpt:
 
Born Again Virgin
by Michelle Lynn Stephens
 
“I AM SO OUTTA HERE!”
I shoved the last of my things into the backseat of my Honda. I had left a workaholic for an alcoholic who thought he could control my every move. It was time for me to find what I was really looking for. The little apartment that I was moving into wasn’t so bad. It was small, but it would be ours. All to ourselves with me in charge. This would be a first. The girls and I had to learn to share a bathroom, but hey, nobody would be leaving the toilet seat up. No dictating. No dominating. Nobody stomping around complaining about how I overcooked dinner. Knowing I am the Crockpot Queen and had me trying to fix some steaks. I like to dump some beef stew in a pot, turn the dial and let it do its thing. Good to go for a whole week. My girls missed that freezer full of choices, but that was the price of freedom.

Jimmy pulled up in his Mercedes and stumbled out the door in his Sunday best. It was his praying
Grandmother that kept him and that car in one piece after his weekly drinking binges. Lord knows he never listened to nothing I had to say about it.

“Hey! Hey, what you doing? You tryin’ to leave me again?  You ain’t got nowhere to go. You won’t have nothin’. No house, no big-screen, no fancy car and no good eatin’. I take good care of you. Who you think gonna take you on them trips now? Ain’t nobody gone do you like I do.”

The brand new Brooks Brother suit he left home wearing yesterday morning was now unkempt and stained with evidence of appetizers from his favorite nightspot. I stared at him in disgust as the late afternoon sun reflected in his glassy, bloodshot eyes. I stretched out my hand to keep him at arm’s length to avoid the smell of alcohol escaping from his pores.

 “Jimmy, please. You’re drunk! I can’t do this anymore. All those things are great, but guess what, they are not enough for me to stick around with all your fussing, cussing and wandering ways. My girls are about to be teenagers and they need to see how a man is supposed to treat a lady. Being around you won’t cut it.”

“Hey, I ain’t perfect, but I love them girls like they my own. I wouldn’t do nothing to hurt them. You got that, mama? Nothing.”

“Oh, so coming in here all hours of the night busting up walls, furniture and blasting Rick James is nothing?”

“I ain’t did no stuff like that in a while. I’m working on my drinking. I promise. Don’t go, Baby Girl.”

“You’re working on it, huh?” I sniffed, just for effect. “You reek of straight vodka, but you working on it? You know what? Never mind. I thought I would be out before you came back home, so you are definitely in early, but it’s not enough. It’s over.”

My 6’ 5” nephew cranked up the moving truck I had rented and made his presence known. The two military vets had an instant understanding. Jimmy immediately stopped his begging, stepped backwards and surrendered with his hands in the air.

“Alright, Layla. If you say so. But, I got a feeling you’ll be back. Just like last time.”

I shook my head. “Not this time, Jimmy. This is goodbye.”
 
 
Sales Links:
 
Kindle Version: http://goo.gl/zWf8qu           
Autographed Paperback: https://divasheart.selz.com
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Lynn Stephens hails from Durham, North Carolina and is an inspirational writer who encourages others to make comebacks out of setbacks while they overcome life’s obstacles through faith and perseverance. She is the author of The Divorcée Chronicles: Diary of a Divorcée Diva and co-author of the Brown Girls Books anthology, Single Mama Dating Drama. In addition to writing, she enjoys singing, acting and performing spoken word poetry. She is a member of World Overcomers Christian Church.
 
 
 
Website: https://www.michellelynnstephens.com
 
Blog: https://www.adivasheart.blogspot.com
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adivasheart
 
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/adivasheart
 
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/michellelynnstephens
 

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