Shades of Shame

By Laura B. Cooper

2013 Indie Romance Writers Reader's Choice Award Nominees Laura and Chris Cooper continue the Semper Fi series with the prequel Shades of Shame.
Leila Johnson isn’t your typical intern. She knows what she wants, and knows how to get it. A summer internship in her mother’s office is perfect for a young woman with aspirations of climbing the political ladder. With the Senator squarely in her sights, Leila is positioned to add another notch on her bedpost as she pads her resume.
Her sexual desires rival any man’s, and the fact that she doesn’t mind using people makes it all the easier. She likes her sex raw, carnal, and full of lust and passion, and if it helps her advance, all the better. Senator David McNarry is nothing more than a strategic item in her checklist.
The last time she saw Logan McNarry he was a skinny, silver spooned brat. However, dinner at the Senator’s house was a bigger surprise than she ever imagined. Logan was all grown up now, and definitely not how she remembered him. He was nice, gentle, and a hopeless romantic. None of the things that would further her career. His father, on the other hand, represented all she hoped to achieve: money, power, and status. And the fact that the Senator had no problem using his interns, fit absolutely perfectly into her plans. Add in the handsome, rugged exterior that simply smoldered, it was a sexual play she was sure she could take advantage of.
And all would have gone as planned if she hadn’t reconnected with Logan. As she spent more time with him, her plan took an unexpected turn which had her dazed and confused. A new emotion, one she was not familiar with, began to grow within her. The more she saw him, the less she wanted the Senator. Faced with a decision, her attempts to reconcile the emotion thrust her into unfamiliar territory. Will she follow this new path, or continue to pursue the Senator?

Excerpt -

“Right. My type. You really want to know my type?” Leila settled back into her chair and sipped her drink.
“Yes Leila I think I’d be very interested in that information,” David smiled conspiratorially.
“I like a mature man, a little gray around the temples, and one that views his experience as an asset. Someone who knows what they want, and isn’t afraid to do anything to get it.” She watched him carefully to see his reaction. Most people would have thought her words were too forward but David smiled slightly. It was as if he expected those very words to flow from her shiny pink lips.
“Anything?”
“Anything. But most of all, someone who could take me as their own, not afraid to objectify me, and use me as they wished.”
“Sounds pretty daring. Not much of a romantic, are we?”
This was clearly a test, she thought. This was his way of seeing if I’m serious.
“Not at all. For one to be romantic, you must put more into lovemaking than I have the time or inclination for. No, just give me the raw, carnal sex, and don’t hold back. I like it...” she said with a whisper as she stood and approached him, “rough.”
The Senator cleared his throat, making a loud, obvious sound in order to convey not only his surprise, but his approval. “I see where my son could fall short, now. He’s just like his mother: a hopeless romantic.”
Leila stood and walked around the back of his chair, trailing her hand across his chest and around his throat. “I hadn’t seen Logan in years, Senator, but I understand he’s a good boy. Good boys are nice, but they bore me. If he knew what I was thinking right now, he’d be ashamed of both of us.”
“There are many shades of shame, my dear. You just have to find the one you’re most comfortable with,” his breath became heavier with her closeness.
“Exactly. And you, sir?” Leila ran her fingers through his thick hair, pulling his head back and forcing his gaze to the ceiling. Leaning into him and placing her lips next to his ear. “What shade are you comfortable with?”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sea Island Press
• Release date: May 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301730124

Laura B. Cooper

Born in Savannah but raised on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, Laura Cooper is a true southern woman. She believes that iced tea should always be sweet and has an entire Pinterest Board with over a hundred different ways to cook shrimp.Via an AOL chat room she met her husband of sixteen years, Chris Cooper. Together they have two children, (both in college at the same time) and fifteen, yes count ‘em, fifteen dogs.Prior to writing novels, Laura ran a large pure breed rescue organization for homeless animals. She, Chris and the kids found homes for over six thousand homeless dogs until they retired three years ago.Between calls begging for money (from her children) and squeaky toys, she somehow manages to embolden other southern women to explore their sexuality through reading. Claiming that fifty is the new thirty, Laura encourages her readers to examine themselves, crawl out from beneath the soccer mom status and live a little.Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lbcooper123Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-Cooper/279254182092261Follow us on my blog: [e-mail]

Book preview

Without Shame

David marveled at all she had gotten done in just two short weeks. He realized now she had been much busier than he had originally thought, and her efforts were magnificent. The sixty two foot Hatteras gleamed as though it had come from the factory yesterday. Soft country music filled the salon, and when he opened the door he allowed the setting sun to pour in. He squinted slightly, absorbing the unusual amber glow that cast down upon the aft deck. There she was, leaning against the stern railing, staring off into the sunset. The sunlight shone through her light blue sundress, revealing the most incredible body he’d ever laid eyes on. Her silken blonde hair blew strongly in the breeze, and her perfume complimented the incredible gourmet aroma rising from the perfectly set teak table. This was one of those picture moments; something that ought to be captured forever.

Elise turned only slightly, as if she already knew he was there. The large black sunglasses shielded her eyes, but that smile was unmistakable. Fortunately she didn’t move from that spot, instead opting to turn her attention back towards the water. This gave him an opportunity to open the bottle of wine and pour two glasses. Slipping behind her he wrapped his right arm around her shoulder, dangling the glass of wine in front of her chest. He pressed his body against her softly, just enough to let her know he was there and extremely interested. She leaned her head back into David’s shoulder, allowing him to steal his first kiss of the evening. And he took full advantage of it; gently kissing the side of her neck, trailing his tongue and lips up just behind her ear. He whispered, I love you, before gently taking her tiny ear lobe between his lips, sucking it slowly, deliberately.

She pushed back against the railing, her free hand now reached back to touch her husband’s thigh, the same thigh that had introduced them so many years ago. Had he not been injured, had she not accepted the nursing internship at the Veteran’s Hospital, they wouldn’t even be there that evening, together. David smiled at the same memory as she touched the scar on his thigh. A warm approving moan was confirmation that she was still the love of his life.

I’ve missed you so much these last two weeks, David said. Not sure if I’ll make it through dinner. The fact of the matter was that he did indeed miss her. Everything about her turned him on: the smell of her soap, her bathrobe, her makeup, and all the little things that make women so damn wonderful. And the last two weeks had been miserable for him away from her. Still, travel was one of the drawbacks of being a United States Senator. Elise had used the past two weeks to refit the boat he’d bought her. Above diamonds, houses and expensive clothes, Elise McNarry loved her boats. In fact, sometimes David wondered if she didn’t love them more than she loved him.

I’ve missed you too, she said as she took the glass of wine he held for her. And I think you will find it was worth your while.

As much as he hated to, he backed away and pulled her chair out. She took her seat on cue, and made herself comfortable. David surveyed the dinner table as he took his seat just opposite of her. The stainless steel plate covers keeping their dinner warm were like everything else, brand new. He could see she spared no expense; he fought the urge to ask the cost of such accoutrements. Before he could speak she raised her glass, I’m so glad you’re finally home, David. I’ve missed you.

Dinner was quiet and beautiful; they barely noticed that the sun had passed completely over the horizon. The harbor lights danced across the waves as the gentle lapping sounds of the sea against the side of her boat, mixed with the salt air, produced the perfect aphrodisiac. Elise was so excited about everything: the boat, the harbor, the music, and the smells. It was all perfect. And if all that wasn’t enough, the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen was enjoying it all with him. At that precise moment, he felt like he’d conquered the world. He had the urge to climb to the top of her boat and scream his love into the night air. I’m David McNarry the world’s luckiest man!

After dinner he helped her up, pulling her body next to his for their first real kiss of the evening. Her sunglasses fell from the top of her head as he pressed his lips against hers, his tongue traced the outline of her lips. She leaned her head back as he kissed his way down her neck to the inviting cleavage that had tempted him all through dinner. At first she fell limp in his arms, but when he reached the tops of her breasts she pushed him back. Not out here, David!

He ignored her plea and wrapped his arms around her thin waist pulling her deeper into his chest. Her plea became much more insistent, Stop, David. Not yet. I still have so much more to show you.

He reluctantly stopped. His body, feeling complete betrayal, was now definitely angry with the decision, and his excitement clearly visible. Elise… he began to rationalize, he’d missed her too much to delay.

No, David. Trust me. Just help me clear the table.

He followed her every movement as if he were in a trance. He couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms, to feel her body next to his. It was all he could think about. Nevertheless, he quickly gathered the dishes and took them to the galley. There she stood in the door way to the wheel house, her hands on her hips, her face beaming with anticipation like a child on Christmas morning. Come with me, she said as she held her hand out. I have to show you our new stateroom!

He grabbed her hand as she literally pulled him down the ladderwell. She had every light on, showing off every new piece of furniture and accessory she had purchased. They padded down the hall into the master stateroom and there it was: a four poster Charleston Rice Bed. David had no idea how anyone could even get a bed like that onto a boat, much less down below. But there it was all of it, its massive cherry posts that ran from floor to ceiling, ornately carved with pineapples and roses.

He grabbed her hips, and once again she complained, C’mon, David. Let me show you! She opened the closet, the drawers, and even the hatch to the head. She was so proud of all her work, and it showed. It looked fabulous. Now, she said turning to him, you take a shower and I’ll lay out something for you to wear. She could see his disappointment, but pushed his chest away insistently. C’mon, it’ll be worth your while. After you’re done, meet me on the flybridge.

He took his shower, quickly. All he could think about was her beautiful body, and the thoughts of taking her right on that bed nearly overcame him. His need to be inside her was more than apparent, and while he soaped himself, he found it hard not to just finish it off right there. But he wanted her to have her special evening. She certainly had put a lot of thought into it.

He stepped out of the shower, toweled off, and entered their stateroom only to find a new silk bathrobe. David smiled at the silliness of such delicate apparel. But he complied, slipping it over his shoulders and heading out the door and up to the flybridge.

As he climbed up the wooden ladderwell he once again heard the sound of soft music, and the heavy smoke of a fine cigar. Elise was sitting on the back bench, sipping a brandy and slowly smoking a cigar. She was in her own little world as she sat casually across the bench. David knew he should comment on the newly reupholstered seating but with her sitting there the thought was whisked from his mind. Her legs crossed, her bare feet dangled off the end of the bench, her robe opened slightly to show her wonderful breasts. She had her eyes closed, and she was humming to herself along with the music.

May I? David asked, tapping her shoulder and bringing her back to reality.

She repositioned herself, sliding her feet onto the ottoman in front of the bench. Of course! she said as she tapped the cushion next to her, indicating exactly where she wanted him. She already had his cigar and drink laid out on the teak courtesy table. I thought you might want a little night cap, she said.

He pulled her to her feet, forcing her body against his. With David’s left hand behind her neck and his right hand on her hip, he pulled her even tighter against himself. He grabbed the back of her hair and pulled her face upwards gently as he kissed her wonderful neck. She tried to push him away, but not this time. David McNarry would not be denied. He laid her down on the ottoman and climbed beside her, his mouth quickly seized the skin above her breasts as he pulled her robe completely open. She moaned slightly as he continued his tender assault, slowly kissing and sucking her wonderful flesh, tasting her skin and reveling in the smell of her perfume. Her breasts were now fully exposed to the moonlight as he traced his fingertips around her nipples. With one fail swoop he grabbed her breast and brought it to his mouth. His tongue reached out and made contact with her hard, firm nipple. She responded with confirmation as her they hardened even further. She ran her fingers through the back of his graying hair. He trailed his fingertips down, snaking his way across her stomach, coming to rest between her legs. His spread her wide, his middle finger firmly planted between her thighs. He squeezed the thick flesh there between his index and middle finger, and pressed the heel of his palm into her mound. The pad of his middle finger felt the sweetness of her opening, dipping ever so slightly in and out. At the same time, he forced his face fully into the meaty flesh of her breast, pushing his five o’clock shadow into her until he felt the heat from the friction on his cheek. He knew Elise liked the roughness against her skin; his groin ached to dominate her. But that would never be appropriate treatment for such a creature as his wife. Those urges could be satisfied with office interns. With Elise his heart melded with his needs, she was the only woman he’d met in his life who demanded all of him. His goal was to give her everything she desired.

David had her exactly where he wanted her now. Her legs instinctively spread even further open, and he felt the familiar puddle of her excitement dripping down. He slipped his middle finger in a little deeper as she lifted her left breast to his face, almost smothering him in the process. He didn’t care. He couldn’t get enough of her. He could feel her need harden under his palm as he slid his middle finger deep inside and across her special spot. The spongy spot inside her hardened, and he gently applied more pressure as he continued to slide his thick finger in and out.

His ring finger now pressed against the opening to her ass as her hips rolled up and down with passion. He slid his face over to her other breast, repeating the process of gently sucking and pressing his face into her. David knew she was biting her lip and clenching her teeth as she released the familiar moan of ecstasy. Yessss, she said slowly. Yes!

David picked up the pace to match her moans. He increased the pressure of his palm as his fingers sank deeper inside, and matched his enthusiasm as her hips reached out to meet his fingers with every stroke. Her orgasm was building stronger and stronger as he released her nipple and pulled back his face to watch her. He relished in her beauty as the moonlight highlighted her fantastic body. Her head was now firmly planted in the cushion of the ottoman as her orgasm took over.

David moved in for the kill, placing his mouth directly above hers. Their lips met; tongues intertwined as her orgasm rocked her back and forth against his touch. Her thighs slammed shut, her moans only muffled by his mouth as she screamed her orgasm into the moonlit night.

Feeling her orgasm shake through her entire body did more than just swell David’s infatuation for his wife. He tried to take his usual position above her, but as he maneuvered around she said, Wait. Please. She scrambled to her feet, closing her robe tightly around her waist. She tried desperately to sound serious as she stood next to the captain’s chair. I have another surprise for you, ‘Captain.’ Take the helm, she said with a slight giggle, "and I’ll be right back.

Elise was so happy; she seemed to almost glide across the flybridge, she was finally in her element. She opened the bar and fixed him a brandy, then pulled out a small box that had been meticulously gift wrapped. He took the brandy and sipped as she untied the simple gold ribbon from around the black box. He opened it and found a silver cigar case, loaded with his favorite cigars. He knew he must have done something right. Either that or the boat refit had cost a great deal, he thought with a smirk.

Elise carefully placed a pillow on the deck and dropped to her knees in front of him with a wicked smile. Her beautiful form still wrapped in fine silk, seemed to glow as she maneuvered between his thighs. She pulled at the silk tie wrapped around David’s waist, opening his robe to admire his manhood. She had spent the last two weeks creating an incredible environment for them, and now she was ready to complete her dream evening.

Her tiny little hands were cold at first as she lifted him with both hands. She grabbed him firmly, just below the head, holding it straight up as she nuzzled her nose into his crotch. Her warm breath washed over him as she slowly kissed the underside of the shaft, working slowly but deliberately towards the head. With her other hand she gently cupped his balls, squeezing them just tight enough to feel a reaction. She teased him to the point she thought he would burst. Each kiss left just enough saliva to cause him a momentary chill before her next hot breath resumed; David was in ecstasy.

His erection was taking a life of its own as it began to pulsate almost in unison with her kisses and licks. Once she had covered every inch of exposed flesh, she turned her attention to his balls, bathing them with her tongue; slowly sucking each one into her incredible mouth tenderly. The moonlight cast a shadow across her face while the increasingly chatty seagulls seemed to drown out his moans of pleasure. He tried to be quiet, but the sensations racing through him made it impossible. It was almost an all out assault on his senses, and the combination of sounds, sights, and her steady erotic touch pushed him over the edge. His moans of pleasure were guttural and animalistic against the gentle loll of the tides.

Finally released, he drew in a gasp of air, Oh Elise! You have so many talents, my dear!

The New Shame

Leila settled into her new desk just opposite a dark haired girl who did not look happy to share the office air with her. Sharing it with the other eight interns was an added insult it seemed. The fuel to the girl’s current fire was that Leila was ‘special.’ Everyone knew her mother was Patricia Johnson, Chief of Staff for the Senator. Still, the dark haired girl gritted her teeth and issued the obligatory smile of acknowledgement that would meet the bare minimum of office manners. Nevertheless, it was effective. Leila got the message she was trying to send. If they were felines it would have come out as a warning hiss, although it meant little to Leila. From the moment she decided to take this internship she began to plot and plan her advancement. And Leila Johnson left no stone unturned, and nothing to chance… ever. She smiled back at Lindsay almost pitifully; the poor girl had no idea that she was already as good as road kill.

Leila pulled a small, leather bound book from her bag. The well worn exterior always felt so sensual beneath her fingers. And between its well worn pages were plenty of sensual secrets. So far, the details, written in