Secret Relations: Women in Hollywood, Book 1 (21 page)

About the Author

Shelia M. Goss is a screenwriter and the
Essence
magazine and
Dallas Morning News
bestselling author of over eighteen novels, including
The Bad Twin
,
Star Struck
,
V.I.P.
,
Her Invisible Husband
,
The Commitment Plan
,
The Joneses, etc
. Shelia has received many accolades for her books over the years, including being a 2012 and 2014 Emma Awards Finalist for two of her romance novels. The
Library Journal
named
The Joneses
as one of the best books of 2014. A speaker at literary conferences across the country, Shelia also works closely with librarians supporting literacy and increasing awareness via workshops for adults and teens.

You can learn more about Shelia at:
www.sheliagoss.com

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/shelia.goss

Twitter:
www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss

Look for these titles by Shelia M. Goss

Coming Soon:

Secret Liaisons

He thought he would teach her a lesson but he’s about to get schooled.

How to Avoid a Billionaire

© 2015 Tressie Lockwood

Ryder Neyland grew up immersed in the cutthroat world of million-dollar deals. From his father’s CEO friends, he learned how to handle people and money, and quickly learned rule number one: never allow anyone to cross him without retribution.

When he learns the identity of a small-time ad exec who masterminded the advertisement that not only cost him millions of dollars, but made him look like a corporate bully, he sets out to put the woman in her place.

Melanie Cai is ecstatic when, for once, her boss gives her full credit for the campaign she hopes will launch her career. Which makes it all the more intriguing when Ryder begins seducing her in a decidedly non-gourmet diner, apparently thinking she doesn’t recognize him. He’s sexy. She’s tempted. Why not play along?

It isn’t long before Ryder’s plan for revenge starts running off the rails. Melanie may have killer curves, but she doesn’t easily bend to his manipulations. And soon she has him not only rethinking his world view, but also his future.

Warning: Contains a high-powered executive who isn’t used to hearing “no”, and a half African-American, half Chinese ad exec who knows her place—and it ain’t under his thumb. Unless that thumb is right where she wants it…

Enjoy the following excerpt for
How to Avoid a Billionaire:

Melanie stood in the restaurant’s bathroom trying to do something about her makeup and freshen up at the same time. What had she been thinking saying yes to Ryder? She looked a hot mess, and it was only by the miracle of her favorite deodorant she didn’t smell like one too.
Well he asked, so he better enjoy it or move on.
She chuckled. This face was as good as it would get.

She started out of the bathroom to return to their table and spotted him lounging comfortably waiting. He had removed his suit jacket and laid it across the chair. His shirtsleeves rolled up revealed muscular arms with a sprinkling of dark hair on them. He looked vaguely familiar.

Steps away from the table, the name Ryder struck a chord, and she faltered. Ryder sprang from his seat in a flash and caught her just as she tumbled forward. If she’d planned it, her clumsiness couldn’t have come off better, because she landed in his arms.

“Are you okay, Melanie?” The rumble of his voice rolled over her, producing a thrill, but she suppressed it and pulled away.

“I’m fine, Ryder
Neyland
.”

He winced and released her. “You know who I am?”

“You were declared the eleventh most eligible bachelor in the United States, a billionaire. Who doesn’t know you?”

He propelled her to their table with a gentle hand at her lower back and waited for her to take a seat before he did as well. “I could have been in the top ten.”

She rolled her eyes and laughed. “Seriously, what are you doing talking to me?” Her insides had turned to mush at the realization of who he was. If she could get one forkful of food down her throat, it would be a miracle. Of all the people to run into, it had to be him. Then again, she was nobody. He wouldn’t know who she was.

He reached across the table and took her hand. “Am I not allowed to enjoy a beautiful woman?”

“Well there is that.” She tried to play it off, but her voice came out sounding breathless. She expected to see triumph in his gaze but found instead attraction and attentiveness. Was this how he conquered women? “I shouldn’t get involved with someone like you.”

“Someone like me? What do you mean?” Confusion colored the eyes she now saw were a brilliant blue.

“We’re in different leagues. You’re a playboy.” She slipped her hand from his grasp.

“So in other words, you’re afraid I’ll make you fall for me?” he teased.

She chuckled but didn’t acknowledge his words.

“Would that be so bad?”

She swallowed and looked at him. “Yes. Who wants to fall for a lady-killer?”

“It would be fun while it lasted.”

“I bet.”

They ordered dinner from the menu, and Melanie scanned the restaurant, noting the booths and workers calling out orders. Customers at the other tables were dressed in shorts and flip-flops. The casual atmosphere made her feel like she and Ryder were way overdressed.

When her food arrived, Melanie took small bites, the appetite from earlier gone. Ryder had no such qualms as he took a huge bite of his sandwich and ate several chips. She doubted he’d ever been to a place this casual, or not for a very long time. Despite that he appeared relaxed, as if he could blend well in any environment. What was he doing here now?

He looked up and found her watching him, and she blushed. He stilled then placed his sandwich on the paper it had come wrapped in. “You mesmerize me with those eyes. So unusual.”

She wanted to say something sassy, but nothing came to mind. “I got them from my dad. He’s Chinese.”

“Intriguing. And your mother?”

“My mother is black, so I got her skin tone and this ridiculous hair.” The one part of her that she lamented over was her hair. Even as she mentioned it, she raised a hand to try to smooth the flyaway locks. Growing up, she’d always wished she had inherited the straight black hair from her father’s side. The color came from him, but her mane would not be tamed no matter what products she dumped in it.

Ryder grasped a few strands between his fingers. “I like it.” He captured her with his teasing gaze. “Tell you what. We’ll both resolve not to fall in love.”

Melanie burst out laughing. “I don’t think you’re in any danger.”

He leaned forward, his attention never faltering from her. The humor disappeared so she didn’t know how to read him. “I don’t know about that.”

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This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

11821 Mason Montgomery Road Suite 4B

Cincinnati OH 45249

Secret Relations

Copyright © 2015 by Shelia M. Goss

ISBN: 978-1-61922-737-8

Edited by Latoya Smith

Cover by Angela Waters

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

First
Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
electronic publication: January 2015

www.samhainpublishing.com