Designing Love

By Yvonne Nicolas

(Designing Love has been "redesigned" with a new look, re-edited and re-released with sultry, eye-popping love scenes.)

World renowned architect, Devon Sparks reluctantly accepts the job of designing a house for his former lover, who'd betrayed him with his best friend. Still a little emotionally battered, Devon is content to never love again, until Josephine shows up on his doorstep.

Josephine Burnett, a brilliant interior designer, is thrilled to be working on such a big project with Devon. She relishes the opportunity to showcase her talents, but wonders if accepting the job was a mistake in the face of Devon’s rude behavior. Soon she discovers the man behind the cold, hard exterior is capable of smoldering passion...

A passion she finds hard to deny.

Can they break free from their emotional restraints to experience the sultry heat of their love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yvonne Nicolas
• Release date: May 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781480108196

Yvonne Nicolas

One thing I can tell you about me is that I LOVE TO WRITE! I love to bring the readers into my dark, twisted world, and convince them that it's paradise. ;) I hope you like being here as much as I do. I was born in Orlando, Florida and I have been an avid reader since fourteen years old. As a kid, I would sneak into my mother's room to read her secret stash of erotic novels, and fell in love with the genre. Some years later, I got into paranormal romance and horror, and became a fan of Anne Rice, Mary Ann Mitchell and Hideyuki Kikuchi. Afterwards, I decided to try my hand at the craft, and was delightfully surprised that I was blessed with the gift of writing. I now reside in beautiful Atlanta, Georgia (still a southern gal ^_^) and I'm excited to share my gift with readers like myself. If you love steamy erotic romance and dark urban fantasy, check out my tales. Be dazzled by my characters and become lost in my tantalizing world.

Book preview

Designing Love

By

Yvonne Nicolas

Copyright © 2012 Yvonne Nicolas

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, scanned or distributed in any printed or digital form, (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission from Yvonne Nicolas.

Designing Love

By Yvonne Nicolas

Copyright © 2012 Yvonne Nicolas

Smashwords Edition

Editor: Carrie RO

Cover Artist: Fiona Jayde

Printed in the United States of America

Published by: Yvonne Nicolas

This book is a work of fiction. Any reference made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidently.

http://yvonnenicolas.com/

Thank you for purchasing Designing Love by Yvonne Nicolas!

**Warning**

This book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Dedication

To my mother, for the gift of writing. To my husband and kids for their ever-lasting love.

And to my fans for their ongoing support! You guys rock!

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my partner in crime, Renee Michaels, for encouraging me to keep writing and busting my chops when my writing hand got lazy.

I’d also like to thank the very talented author, Nichelle Gregory for her friendship and helping hand.

Special Thank You

While writing, I often listen to music. So, I’d like to take this time to thank the musicians and recording artists who inspired and serenaded me during the creation of this novel. Aaliyah, Nina Simone, Chris Botti, Mary J Blige, Sade, Amerie, Alicia Keys, Bach and Beethoven.

Thank you!

Chapter One

Something Blue

I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.

The groom lifted the ivory veil and gazed at his new wife with pride. Tears of joy trickled down her beautiful face. Smiling, he palmed her flushed cheeks and captured her lips in a tender kiss.

A roar of applause erupted across the terrace. Butterflies were set free and tears filled the eyes of many envious women. Helicopters hovered, harboring anxious paparazzi, whose only agenda was to snap a money-making shot of the star-studded event. The huge tent obstructing their overhead view crushed any changes of that.

I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Hanks, the priest announced proudly.

Maintaining the smile that fought to leave his face, Devon Sparks patted the back of the groom, who happened to be his best friend, Roland Hanks. The man who’d just married the woman of his dreams, after only three months of dating.

A beautiful love story, if you believed in that kind of shit.

StacyAnn Larson, Devon’s former live-in girlfriend, fanned her face, trying desperately to dry the tears that proceeded to wreak havoc on her perfect make-up job.

All twelve of her delighted bridesmaids surrounded her. Squeals and cheers of glee erupted from them.

Devon winced. Damn bridesmaids. He could think of a thousand other places he’d rather be than standing here watching the woman he loved beam with joy at being married to another man.

But he had to be there. He was, after all, the best man.

Aw man. I’m the luckiest sonovabitch in the world. Roland yanked him into a back-slapping hug.

Ha! He’d shouted those same words while cuddled up with three sex-drained strippers last night.

As soon as the trio sashayed into the hotel room, Devon knew his friend of eighteen years would have his way them. Two blondes and one brunette, all prepared to give Roland the super model a happy send-off into the bonds of matrimony.

Dev, I wanna thank you for coming out to be my best man. I couldn’t have done it without you, he praised, honest emotions behind his glazed grey eyes.

Yeah, thank ME for pulling your drunk ass out of bed and getting you into the shower to wash the scent of pussy off you so you could make it to your wedding on time. Thank ME for mixing up the concoction to sober you up so you wouldn’t pass out at the altar, while marrying my ex-girlfriend, whom I happen to still love.

Yeah dude, you owe me a big ass thank you.

He looked over Roland’s shoulder.

StacyAnn watched them with anxiety in her deep blue-green eyes and her bottom lip tucked between her teeth.

Probably worried he’d make a scene.

To be honest, the thought of getting liquored up and confessing his undying love for her in front of the wedding party did crossed his mind. However, he wasn’t partial to humiliation, so the thought was quickly dismissed.

"Hey man, the two blondes wanted you bad, Roland whispered. They were disappointed you didn’t join in."

Next time, buddy… Devon pulled back and gripped his friend’s shoulder to move him into position to take his new wife’s arm. Next time, he finished on a mumble.

Sure, he could’ve told her she was making the biggest mistake of her life by marrying Roland Hanks, but he knew his words would be ineffectual. She’d either hate him for revealing the truth or accuse him of being jealous and resentful.

Either way he’d lose. So why say anything?

Devon held his arm out to Kimberly, the maid of honor, so they could take their positions to follow the groom and bride.

Grinning up at him, she slipped her arm beneath his and whispered, You should be the one standing next to her as the groom. Yeah, he may be a big time celebrity and all, but he can’t compare to you. You’re the better man, hands down.

He patted her white gloved hand and smiled warmly. No, sweetheart, I’m just the best man.

Hell, he was transparent. Even Kim knew he still loved StacyAnn.

Any other man in his position wouldn’t be this calm or willing to act as if he wasn’t torn up inside. But what was he to do? Even though Roland had broken the cardinal rule of friendship and went after his woman when he saw things were going bad, he couldn’t hate him for it. Truth was, he loved the guy like a brother and would always love him as such.

Sure, he had his moment of retribution when he pummeled Roland to a pulp. It was a short lived satisfaction once he realized Roland was StacyAnn’s choice.

Roland’s lifestyle as a super model reeled her in like fish on a hook. She wanted the kind of life he could give her. To be talked about, seen in magazines, and envied by women all over world for slapping a ball and chain on the supposedly sexiest male model on this side of the equator. To her it was better than being with a mere architect who was married to his job.

When they were together, StacyAnn had demanded his attention twenty-four seven. The time he spent designing buildings was a major source of dissension between them. The first month with her had been magical. He spent every waking hour doing for her, pleasing her, cherishing her. Then somehow the beautiful minx talked him into taking her in, sharing his home with her.

Like a dummy, he complied.

Two years, they argued over his dedication to his work. Twenty-four months, she demanded time he wasn’t ready to give. And it took him a hundred and four weeks to realize he and this woman were on opposite ends of the spectrum.

Nevertheless, he loved her. Still.

Even after their final fight, which cost him the love of his life, Devon passed out false forgiveness. He forgave Roland, of course after he dropped to his knees and begged for it. He forgave StacyAnn, even after she came to him a month ago with news of her engagement to his best friend.

Forgiveness.

That same day, she pressed her body into his, cooed words filled with erotic promises, and loved him hard and long, for closure. As a result, she left him with a gaping wound in his heart.

As the wedding party gradually moved along the terrace, Devon felt the female eyes studying him with intensely. He probably got more attention than the married couple in front of him.

He almost laughed.

Yes, he was the single friend who every woman with an itch wanted a piece of. Even an elderly woman batted her eyes at him. He could do nothing but flash a tight-lipped smile at her.

Now that was just wrong. She’s someone’s grandmother.

Finally, they made it to the reception hall where they took their assigned seats at the newly married couple’s table. The wedding coordinator rushed up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder.

Please tell me you have a speech ready.

Don’t need one, he muttered, watching the guest file into the sizeable room.

Yes you do, she whispered harshly.

Bathed in her spearmint coated breath, he turned and looked at her. Relax Karen, I’ve got it covered.

She folded her lips in and patted his shoulder. You better, mister. Or it’s me and you after this reception.

Grinning, he squeezed her hand. Threat taken.

~~~~§~~~~

Everyone’s attention shifted to Devon as he gently tapped the champagne glass with the fork.

Glancing at StacyAnn and Roland, he slowly stood. For those of you who don’t know…

He heard Stacy taking in small sips of air. This was it. This was the time in the ceremony where he was supposed to fuck things up.

Roland and I have been friends for eighteen years… But he wouldn’t dare tarnish their perfect wedding day, even if he hated himself at the moment.

Devon plastered on a phony smile as he went on to spill out false words about the strength of his everlasting brotherhood with the groom to the crowd of onlookers who probably didn’t give a shit. Lightening the mood of the evening, he told jokes, which were funnier to the women than men. Naturally so, since they were all trying to garner his attention. Finally, he ended his Oscar-winning performance by lifting his champagne glass.

To the coolest guy I know, my brother… Just briefly, he shifted his attention to StacyAnn, who gazed up at him with tear-filled eyes. For finally finding the love of his life. May you two cherish one another until the end of time.

End of performance.

Everyone applauded. Roland shot to his feet and yanked him into a bear hug. Over Roland’s shoulder, he stared at the woman who still owned his heart.

Thank you, she mouthed, giving him a smile that nearly sent him over the edge of madness.

Kim stood to give her I think StacyAnn is so awesome speech, but Devon was too flustered to stay and listen. Retaining his happy façade, he moved from the table and navigated the outskirts of the hall to make his way to the back of the building where he slipped into the bathroom.

Kim’s cheerful voice followed him into the handicap stall. His heart raced and stomach hurled. Sickened, he leaned over the commode and brought up the food he’d eaten earlier.

At that moment, he was utterly disgusted with himself.

How could he have let this happen? How could he have let Roland talk him into coming to the wedding, and being the best man at that?

What the fuck!

He should’ve cast them both out of his life the moment he found out about their love affair. He should’ve burned everything StacyAnn had left in his house instead of pretending she’d never left. What the fuck was his problem?

He pushed out a hard breath and shook his head.

Idiot!

After spitting out the last bit of his pride, he moved over to the sink. Triggering the sensor beneath the faucet, he filled his cupped hands with water, tossed it in his mouth, gargled then spat it out. He filled his hands again and doused his face.

Reluctantly, he stared at the pitiful man in the mirror, wishing for the power to transport elsewhere.

Another round of applause blared through the ceiling speakers when Kim concluded her speech. With sadness clouding his blue eyes, he watched the droplets of water trickle down his face and drip from his chin. He dreaded having to go back out into the pit of shame. If only he could just linger indefinitely in the bathroom.

Yeah, I get like that too.

He jerked his head to the left.

A sexy redhead was leaned against the open stall, seductive intent gleaming from her piercing green eyes. A silky burgundy gown clung delicately to her lean curves. Tan freckles dotted her milky white cleavage.

She had the type of beauty that belonged in front of a camera. Definitely a model. Most likely Roland’s guest.

When I have to stand out and speak in front of a crowd of people… She smoothed her hands down her gown, displaying more of her slender frame. My nerves get the better of me and I end up running to the bathroom too.

He allowed his eyes to roam over her body before turning back to the sink. He snatched a paper towel from the dispenser and dried his face.

Have I wondered into the ladies room? he asked, balling up the paper to toss it into the trash.

No, you’re in the right place. The men’s room.

Something so reckless and erotic sparked within her gaze. Yeah, this woman was wild. That fact alone brought his penis out of its unconscious state. He nearly snatched her from where she stood and pinned her to the wall.

That would be rich; fucking some random chick in the bathroom stall during his friend’s wedding celebration.

Offering her a slanted smile, he approached her to exit the stall then paused and grazed his fingertips across her taut belly. She shuddered.

He leaned in until his lips were almost touching her ear. For the record, I usually like to pursue my lovers. Not the other way around.

The breath from her shaky sigh tickled the side of his face. Tilting his head, he ran his nose across her neck. The sweet scent lacing her skin danced along his senses. He took in a deep whiff then stepped away and headed for the exit, leaving her speechless.

In the past, he’d seen women do some pretty interesting things to get his attention, but following him into the men’s restroom was a new stunt. Not only was she clearly promiscuous, but she was bold as well.

Holding the door open for her, he watched her strut across the tile floor like she was on a cat walk. You act like you haven’t already pictured yourself between my thighs, she cooed as she brushed past him.

Touché.

He smiled, raked his hands through his hair and watched her tight behind sway. Although her approach was a bit off-putting, her raw sensuality gradually drew him out of his doleful mood.

Maybe she was what he needed.

He looked out onto the dance floor to see the celebration was well on its way. Baby got back from Sir Mix A Lot blared from the speakers while several people, without back, gyrated and jerked on the platform in the center of the room.

Chuckling beneath his breath, he shifted his eyes back to the redhead to catch her watching him.

Amused, he moved to her side. I can’t figure out for the life of me why people with no ass feel the need to dance to this song.

Laughter dancing in her eyes, she snickered. My sentiments exactly. That’s why I’m not out on the dance floor. She looked out to the crowd and sidled closer to him. So what’s it gonna be, handsome? Are we going back to your place, or are you gonna keep pretending you don’t want a piece of me?

A half smile curved his lips. Should I?

Devon looked out across the packed hall at the head table. StacyAnn watched him intently. To her right, Roland slapped high fives and joked with his groomsmen.

After a swift perusal of the scene, he locked eyes with StacyAnn. Don’t let the looks fool you, darling, he said to the redhead without tearing his gaze from StacyAnn. I’m damaged goods.

Aren’t we all? Just in case you haven’t figured it out yet, I want your body, not your heart.

Alright then. Smiling more to himself than at the gorgeous bride staring at him from across the room, he slid his gaze to the eager beauty to his side.

Why shouldn’t he have a piece of her? Hell, it’s a lot better than sitting around lapping at his wounded heart.

What’s your name, beautiful? He gently cupped her elbow.

Carmen, she breathed out as if his touch had her at a loss for breath.

He ushered her toward the exit. Nice to meet you, Carmen. I’m―

Devon!

He turned toward the strident call of his name.

And there stood StacyAnn in her lovely wedding gown with her hands planted on her hips. Are you trying to sneak out? she asked, darting a menacing glare at Carmen.

I wasn’t sneaking anywhere. I was simply leaving.

You can’t leave.

Watch me.

Wait, Devon. That’s not right. You’re the best man. Roland would be upset if you just left.

Really? Let’s put that to the test, shall we?

Devon looked toward the head table and threw his hand in the air to get Roland’s attention. He nodded to him then nodded toward Carmen.

With a dumb ass grin crossing his face, Roland nodded back and signaled his approval with two thumbs up.

See, no problem there.

But―but Devon, you owe me a dance.

And there it was. The sweet tone she used to get whatever she wanted from him. Accompanied with her soft needy appeal, it always turned him into putty.

It’s my wedding day. Can’t you spare one little dance for me? she coaxed, pouting her lips.

Shit! Dragging his hand down his face, he reluctantly shook his head. StacyAnn, I really don’t want—

I have a business proposition for you, one which requires your expertise in architecture.

He perked up. Now she was talking my language.

One dance, he grumbled sternly, taking her arm to lead her to the dance area.

He glanced back over his shoulder at Carmen and she mouthed, I’ll be right here.

Good. He’d make damn sure to get to know her much better before the day ends.

Twirling StacyAnn out on the floor, he swayed her to the song, Quando Quando Quando.

Guests moved about on the dance floor, too focused on their own steps to pay them any attention, which suited him just fine. His eyes were pulled to his left. An unwanted chuckle rose up in his chest.

Clumsily, Roland spun Kim about as she tittered like a school girl.

You were always a fabulous dancer, a lot better than Roland, StacyAnn said, smiling up at him.

Cut the shit, StacyAnn. What’s the proposition?

She narrowed her eyes and pushed air swiftly through her teeth. You were really going to leave with her, weren’t you?

"I am gonna leave with her. What does it matter to you anyway?"

She’s my cousin, Devon.

Leering at the patiently waiting redhead, who kept her eyes glued on him, he smiled. He’d only met StacyAnn’s mother and father. No uncles, aunts, and definitely no cousins. Nevertheless, the fact Carmen was family to her didn’t shake his resolve in the least.

And this means what to me, exactly?

She huffed in irritation. She’s only trying to get with you because she knows you and I used to be an item. She’s always been jealous of me and always wanted everything I had. She’s just using you to get under my skin.

Again, I should care about this bee-cause? Smoothly, he dipped her for the wedding photographers snapping pictures from the side.

You don’t have to be so bitter. You and I are still friends and I still love you, she disclosed softly. I know this is a lot to ask of you, but it’s a matter of respect. Please don’t sleep with my cousin.

Respect! He stepped back away from her. A few heads spun in their direction, but he was too damn appalled to maintain the façade of civility.

She reached out, pulled him in close and planted a smile on her face for the onlookers. Don’t make a scene. I’m not trying to rile you up. I’m just asking for a favor.

Grounding his teeth, he took her hand and gracefully spun her out then back into his arms again. Alright, I won’t sleep with her, but I will sleep with the devilishly sexy brunette staring at me from across the room. Oh, and look at that, she winked.

No, please don’t. StacyAnn whined, without turning to see who he was referring to.

Why, is she your cousin too?

Look, this is a terrible position for me and it’s just going to take me a while to get used to the idea of you being with someone else. Like I said, I still love you, but at the same time, I love Roland too.

Devon turned to pull away from her, but she held on tight to the lapels of his jacket.

Part of me still belongs to you, Devon. You know that. So, please just give me time.

He briefly closed his eyes, placed a hand on the center of her back and grazed his fingers across the pearl buttons that held the lovely gown together. As not to give away his desire for her, he moved her around the dance floor, fighting to keep a respectful distance between them.

Fine. Tell me about this proposition.

Grinning wider, she petted his chest. Thank you, Devon. Alright, here it is. I want you to design a two level house. Pool, backyard… The whole nine yards. There are no budget constraints so you can go all out with this. Actually, I’d prefer you go all out. I want this house to be suitable for me and Roland to start a family. Our dream house.

The record scratched in his mind, ceasing the crooning voice of Michael Buble. Her lips continued to open and close, speaking words he suddenly couldn’t hear.

Motionless, he stared at her. For a moment, he couldn’t breathe.

Did she just ask him to design a house for her and Roland? One of which they would build a family in?

Are you fucking kidding me?

This was coming from the same woman who confessed she never wanted to have children. Now all of a sudden she wanted to build a family, with another man?

Of all the things she could’ve done to rip his heart out, this was at the top of the list, but believe it or not, he couldn’t turn her down. He’d never turn down an offer to do what he loved, even if it was offered by the two people who seemed determined to destroy him.

Excuse me, he choked out, backing away from her.

He bowed politely then hurried off the dance floor. Damn near sprinting, he darted to the back of the hall, grabbed Carmen’s hand and pushed through the double doors without looking back.

Fuck a promise! He needed someone to distract him from hanging himself.

Build their dream house… Ha!

An inner voice begged him not to do it, but he’d already made up his mind. He would design their dream house. He’d design one so spectacular they’d never want to leave it, once it’s built.

However, to do so he’d need several bottles of scotch and many nights of dirty sex with a beautiful stranger.

Chapter Two

From Love to War

Hey babe, you up?

Drifting in and out of sleep, she moaned as the blanket was drawn from over her body. Cool air wafted over her bare behind and legs like a breezy caress by loving fingers. The weight of her dreads were brushed from her back and replaced with wet kisses.

Josephine dragged her eyes open. Morning, she breathed out on a yawn.

Morning, babe. He moved over her, warming her body with his. I’m horny.

No, really? I couldn’t tell.

She wet her lips and wiggled her butt against his groin. He slid his knees between her legs to spread her thighs. The length of his shaft rested along the cleft of her behind, rousing her need for sensual release. She reached back and grazed her fingertips from the crown to the base of his throbbing member; her seductive manner to make sure the required latex sheath was in place.

Satisfied with what ran beneath the pads of her fingers, she widened her thighs and hiked her backside up. He drew up on his knees, grabbed her butt cheeks and spread them. The breeze circulating the room lapped at her dampened flesh.

He slid down her body, stamping kisses down the center of her back and over her behind as he went. He teased the sensitive valley between her cheeks until, his tongue found her tight passage. She arched her back as far it would curve to receive more of the enticing sensation of his hardened tongue rolling around her hole.

Moaning softly, she slipped her hand between her thighs and caressed her moist clit, adding to the sweet sensation sailing along her midsection.

Oh yes.

His tongue pushed into the opening of her rear. Her next breath hitched and was followed by a sultry moan.

Josephine rolled her hips back and forth. Billows of pleasure drew her closer to climax. But, she needed to feel him inside of her. Come on, let’s do this, boo.

Terry moved over her and slipped his thumb into her tight anus.

She gasped and bristled. Terry…

Relax, baby. I’m not gonna hurt you. I know you ain’t ready yet.

She took a deep breath, squeezed her eyes shut and willed her rigid body to go lax. Lately, he’d been spending a lot of time hovering over her booty, probing her, and dining on her. She wasn’t complaining, although a little curious to where this sudden urge came from.

Mm yeah, this ass is gonna be ready for me real soon. Oh baby, I’m gonna tear it up.

She pushed out a long relieved sigh and tried not tense up when he delved in a little deeper. He slipped his forearm beneath her waist, lifted her hips, and propped her up on her knees. A plush pillow slid beneath her belly.

Gradually, he moved his pulsating shaft between her folds and pushed his thumb deeper into her anal tunnel. Her insides fluttered, and her head swam.

He retracted his thumb, stuck two fingers in his mouth to glaze them with his oral lube and then thrust them inside of her puckered rosette. Soft panting moans seeped from her lips as she arched her body further. He slowly stroked her slippery

Reviews for Designing Love

[Jasmine Turner · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

AWESOME LOVE SCENES I loved the characters !

[arecafe · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Designing Love is an interracial romance with hilarious moments, touching moments, but overall, teeming with sex, sex and more sex. Did I say it’s teeming with sex? The plot is funny and outrageous and readers are in for quite a ride — a read — with this novel. Devon’s character is gorgeous and I liked his flash of bad boy moments. One in particular is when he gets ready to rumble with Josephine’s jerk of a boyfriend. Josephine reminds me of so many women who stay in relationships when it’s not working. It takes an usual set of circumstances for Josephine’s eyes to open to the possibilities of something new and even better. Devon to his credit may have never dated a full-figure woman but he assures Josephine she is so much more than her curves. How can you not love a man like that? The supporting characters are just as irreverent as the main characters and help in making this a memorable story. Adding to the shock effect is a multiple partner scene and some same sex action. On a red hot meter of five, I give Designing Love a six!

Renowned Architect, Devon Sparks is reeling from his ex-girlfriend’s betrayal when she dumps him to marry his best friend. Against his better judgment, Devon agrees to build their dream house. Devon’s lingering feelings for his ex are instantly dispelled by Josephine Burnett, the gorgeous, full-figured interior designer hired to assist him with the project. Josephine is unlike any woman Devon has ever dated with her cinnamon hued skin and tiny dreadlocks, but that combined with her luscious curves, he’s ready to go where he’s never gone before. The sexual awareness Josephine feels with Devon is a precursor for something much more fundamental and despite a million and one reasons, including already having a boyfriend, Josephine is irresistibly drawn to Devon. They are powerless to deny their feelings and like an inhaled breath that must be eventually released; Devon and Josephine give into their passion and are forever changed. Josephine and Devon have found something worth exploring but there is the matter of Josephine’s boyfriend and Devon’s ex, who still has designs on him.

~ Susan for AReCafe