Sweetcorn In My Bouquet, Please

By Darrel Day

She needed an out; a way to escape the memories of one night that stole her safe place away. The beauty and peace she found in the cornfields of Iowa had been turned to horror and ugliness. Chelsea Olsen thought she had found her freedom from Jesse and the heinous act that had changed her life forever. Writing her romance novel seemed to be her savior.
An unexpected win from a contest takes Chelsea and her BFF from small town Ackley, Iowa to New York City. Skyscrapers reaching to the sky remind her of the cornfields seemingly touching the stars. All is good and right in Chelsea's world; all except she doesn't know Jesse is free again.
Chelsea dream come true is slashed when her nightmare returns. Her life and anyone it touches is now in danger. Disappearances, murder and the relentless Jesse are all now part of her life. Chelsea struggles to hold onto what little freedom she still has.
Falling in love, a Limo driver, an Ackley K-9 officer, killing and returning home make up what Chelsea calls life. Can she win against someone as evil as Jesse? Will she ever find the peace she once knew inside her cornfields? Is it possible for the cornfields of Ackley, Iowa to feel safe to her once more? Not as long as Jesse lives and wants her.
All Chelsea Olsen ever truly asked for was "Sweetcorn In Her Bouquet, Please."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Darrel Day
• Release date: Nov 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370887149

Darrel Day

Darrel Day is a 12 time published author of suspense thrillers, short story collections and biographies. His books are available in both print and on all e-readers.  Residing in a smalltown in Iowa, Darrel enjoys the outdoors where he gathers inspiration for his writing.

Book preview

Prologue

She had never seen buildings reach up so high they touched the clouds. She had not ever looked out of the window of a jet and looked down at the clouds below. Like giant cotton balls, they looked as if the plane could land right on top of them. Chelsea Olsen was a country girl through and through. New York looked big enough to swallow Iowa whole. She was certain all of the people in her home state would fit inside of New York City. It was fascinating and scary; all in the same breath.

Winning first place in the Ackley, Iowa Life in Iowa writing contest was a dream she never believed would come true for her. She toyed with her writing and tossed out submissions because that is what a writer does. The contest promised a five day shopping spree in New York City. It came with one thousand dollars and the motel paid for. Had she imagined she would win this contest; Chelsea was uncertain if she would have entered at all.

She walked through the airport, pulling behind her a suitcase on wheels. Her mother and father had given it to her as a gift for winning first place. The furthest from home she had ever been was Des Moines and even its tallest buildings were tiny compared to New York skyscrapers. She stopped at a window near the gates and stared out at the city. It stretched out as far as her eyes could see. It reminded her of the cornfields in Iowa; replacing cornstalks for buildings.

She searched for the person who was to meet her upon her arrival. They would be holding up a sign saying Chelsea Olsen. She doubted if there were too many Chelsea Olsen’s in New York City. She walked quickly, hoping she didn’t have to go too far before seeing her name. She was relieved to see the sign held high before she rounded the first corner.

Chelsea stopped abruptly when she saw the arm holding the sign. She could not see the face through the crowd. Maybe girls in New York just have hairy arms, she thought to herself. She laughed a little at her thought before stepping forward. The voice calling out to her definitely did not belong to a hairy armed lady. The base in his voice made her shiver inside. If the face even closely matched the voice, she was in for a wonderful meeting. Pushing her way through the sea of bodies, Chelsea finally saw the face and body that was attached to the arm.

Oh boy, this is going to be interesting. She said it to no one but herself though several of the people near her looked at her. She blushed, smiled and then shrugged her shoulders. Standing in front of the man carrying the sign; Chelsea sighed and smiled again.

Ah, you must be Chelsea Olsen from Iowa, the man said to her.

I must be.

The man lowered the sign and smiled. Chelsea looked at his face, feeling her heart jump and her pulse speed up a little. He stood at least five or six inches taller than her. His eyes were a baby blue she had never looked into before. She felt as if he could see right into her very soul. His hair was what they called in Iowa, dirty blonde. It was full and she felt a want to run her fingers through it. She decided not to follow her desire.

Welcome to New York City, Miss Chelsea. It is Miss, correct?

Yes, it is Miss, sir.

I am Jason; Jason Connor. I am very pleased to meet you, Chelsea.

His smile was infectious and she found herself returning the smile. A light shadow covered his chin and cheeks; a very Don Johnson look she thought. He reached out and took her hand causing her to pull her hand away.

I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. You seem a bit nervous. Is this your first time in our beautiful city?

She reached out and shook his hand. Her face was warm and she knew without the aid of a mirror she was blushing. His shake was gentle as he held her hand in his. She wanted to let go but she couldn’t seem to do so. Jason seemed in no hurry to release her hand either.

I have never been further than good ole Des Moines, Iowa. I am from a very small town in the midwest. That’s where Iowa is located, she forced out.

Jason smiled at her and nodded.

Yes, so I have been told. I have never seen Iowa but if you are what corn-fed produces, I may have to put it on my to do list."

She smiled again as she slipped her hand from his. She wanted nothing more than to get out of the airport and find her hotel room. She needed a minute or two to relax.

As if he had read her thoughts, Jason took her arm in his and began to walk towards the baggage department.

You do have baggage to claim, correct?

Yes, I have two suitcases somewhere.

We will find them and then I will take you to your motel. The contest committee will call you when they are ready to pick you up.

Chelsea watched Jason walk only a few steps in front of her. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to pull her arm away or hold on tighter to him.

You ain’t in Kansas or Iowa anymore, Dorothy.

She thought she had said it low enough for only herself to hear. Jason smiled as he glanced at her; his blue eyes dancing as he winked. She knew without a doubt he heard her.

Chapter 1

The drive to her motel was quiet as Jason navigated his way through the bumper to bumper traffic of New York City. She looked over at him as he concentrated. He was for certain one of the most attractive men she had encounter in her lifetime. She sat back, staring out the window; reflecting on her life. Her life had taken a huge turn from the country girl living she had just left behind.

At twenty-four years old, she was still living with her parents on their farm. Ackley was the only home she had ever known. She was born and raised just outside city limits. Her friends had been the same all through school. Her best friend forever was Bethany Campbell. They had shared secrets only best friends told one another. She knew when Bethany kissed her first boy. When Bethany; fifteen years young, decided to give away her virginity, the only three that knew were Bethany, the boy and Chelsea.

Oh my God, girl, did he use protection? Please tell me he did.

"We were going to but everything happened so fast. We were kissing and petting and suddenly my jeans were unbuttoned and his hand was inside them. I kind of wanted him to stop but then he found that spot. I went wild and lifted up my ass so he could pull them off of me."

She remembered Bethany shrugging and beginning to walk off. Chelsea grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back to her side.

You are not going to stop there, are you? I want details girl; deep, hot details. I haven’t been there yet, remember?

Damn lady, you are crazy; you know that?

Yep, I do know so spill it all.

"He got my jeans off and we climbed into the backseat. By the time we both got into the backseat his jeans were already gone. He moved his hand down there and had his fingers inside of me. I just laid back and let him go. I am pretty sure I was not his first. He knew way too much for that."

Maybe he reads, Chelsea said while laughing.

What the hell kind of books do you read, sister?

Just go on with the story.

Chelsea moved a bit in her seat. She hoped that Jason wouldn’t notice her squirming.

He slid down my body and put his face where his hands had been. You cannot even imagine the feelings that shot through my body. Holy shit, Chelsea; his tongue was like a freaking magic wand. I was lifting off the seat and shoving his head down hard with my hands. It didn’t take long for me to experience my first orgasm. I thought I was going to pass out. He moved up when I calmed a little and before I knew it; he was shoving himself inside of me. By that time I didn’t care whether he was wearing a condom or not.

You should have stopped and made him put one on, Bethany. You could get a disease or pregnant.

Well it is a little late for those worries. He definitely left a deposit in the bank.

Bethany had been so nonchalant about it all. Chelsea remembered every word Bethany had told her. She felt her body warming up as she fell deep in thought. She found herself thinking about her first time. She had waited until she was seventeen, although she wondered how she had managed to do that. Bethany told her every time she had sex. The girl seemed to have men inside her more than she had them outside.

Girl, once you feel what I have felt, you are going to be just like me. What the hell; I have what they want and they have what I want. I don’t see why I shouldn’t enjoy it while I’m young. I want to experience life to its fullest before I settle down. You really don’t want to be a virgin when you get married, do you, Chels?

I don’t know if that’s a bad thing, Bethany.

What will be a bad thing is if you marry some guy and he turns out to suck at sex. You are going to spend the rest of your life sneaking off to use a sex toy.

I think I can figure out if he’s going to be good or not.

Bullshit girlfriend. The best looking guy in the world could still be an idiot in bed.

It was in the middle of winter when Chelsea gave her precious gift away. Winter in Ackley, Iowa meant thirty below zero and three layers of clothing. She was dating a guy from high school. He was a grade ahead of her and would be going off to college when school ended in May. They were driving home from his tour of the college he would be attending. Mark had turned up the heat in the pickup so she would not be cold.

Mark was on the basketball team and kept himself in good shape. She had seen him without his T-shirt when he shot baskets at home. His muscular body glistened when he sweated. Six foot, three inches; he was a full half foot taller than Chelsea. His cold black hair and green eyes only added to the already sexy display he gave to her. She laughed inside as she thought about what Bethany had said about good looks and bad sex. She figured it was time she proved her wrong.

Are you warm enough, Chelsea? I can turn it up if you like.

Actually I was thinking of taking a layer or two off if you didn’t mind.

His smile was her answer. She pulled her coat off and tossed it behind the seat of the crew cab. She removed the sweater she wore underneath her coat. She was wearing a white turtle-neck that clung nicely to her full figure. She had matured early in her teens. By the time she entered high school Chelsea had blossomed to an impressive 34DD breast size. Her breasts pressed tightly against the turtleneck causing her nipples to be very visible. Her curves all seemed to be in the right places to accent her body. She thought for a minute about what Jason said about corn-fed girls from Iowa. She pulled back her long auburn hair so it was not lying on her breasts. She smiled and then returned to thinking about the truck ride.

Wow, you look like; well, just wow, Chelsea. Everything about you is put together beautifully. You have no idea what you do to me when I see you like this.

Chelsea smiled at Mark and winked.

What exactly do I do to you, Mark?

She remembered him taking her hand in his. She didn’t resist him in any way. She was ready to make the journey from virgin teen to whatever it was when you gave it away.

I will let you feel what you do to me. It won’t take you long to find out.

Mark placed Chelsea’s hand in his lap. He moved it slowly until her hand rested on a bulge in his jeans. Chelsea could feel how hard it was. She moved her hand along the length of him; amazed at how far it traveled up his zipper. Her hand stopped when she reached the tip of his zipper. She could feel her hand trembling slightly as she began to pull down on the zipper. The truck lunged to the left and a car honked as Mark pulled hard on the steering wheel to right the truck. Her emerald eyes sparkled at Mark.

Honey, we are going to need to pull off somewhere if you are going to continue.

She stopped pulling on the zipper and looked up at Mark.

Well then, I guess we better find a place to stop. I don’t want some dirty motel, Mark. Find something decent if you want to keep going.

Mark smiled at Chelsea and took the first exit he saw. He drove through the town until he saw the motel sign. He parked the truck and quickly exited.

I will be right back as soon as I get a room, Chelsea. It should only take me a minute or two.

Before she had a chance to respond, the truck door slammed shut and Mark was gone. She sat and wondered if this was what she really wanted. There would be no turning back once they went inside the room. She was not going to be one of those girls that got a boy all worked up and then changed her mind. The truck door opening startled her.

Baby, do you have an extra twenty on you? I used most of my money on gas.

Chelsea shook her head and opened her wallet. She handed Mark a twenty dollar bill and he was gone. She felt a little like some hooker who had just paid a man for sex. Chelsea laughed a little to herself and shrugged her shoulders.

I sure hope you are worth a lot more than twenty dollars, mister, she mumbled out loud.

The door opened once more and Mark climbed inside. Our room is around the backside of the building. It looks like they have fairly nice rooms. All we need is a bed so as long as the room is clean we should be good to go, right?

Chelsea was processing every word Mark said. With every word, what they were getting ready to do felt cheaper. She sat quietly while Mark parked the truck. He was out and at the door of the room before she even had her door open. She watched as he pushed the door open and walked inside.

If you are undressed and on the bed before I get inside, you will be using your own hand to find heaven.

She laughed at her own words and got out of the truck. The cold air hit her and felt as if it would freeze her skin if she took too long getting to the room. Maybe that was why Mark was moving so quickly. That little lie she told herself helped her feel a little better.

The room was clean and she was glad to find Mark standing inside, fully clothed. The bed was only five steps inside the room. There was little doubt they would not venture far from where Mark was standing. She excused herself to go into the bathroom.

I just want to freshen up and then I’ll be out. You can get settled if you want to.

Chelsea slipped her jeans off. She thought about taking off her panties. She slid them down and admired her special place, as she liked to refer to it as. She kept herself nicely trimmed and clean. She lifted her top and admired her breasts. Even through her bra she could see the rosy red outline of her areolas as her nipples pressed hard against her bra.

I might as well make him work for it a little, she said softly. These babies are worth the time for sure.

She squeezed her breasts together and smiled. Sliding her panties back up, she left her jeans and top lying on the floor. Holding her hand up to her mouth, Chelsea breathed into her palm. Satisfied her breath smelled fine, she opened the door and walked out into the room.

Mark was lying under the blanket, looking through a magazine when she came out. Glancing over the magazine, Mark smiled. Lowering the magazine, he whistled.

Wow baby, you look fantastic. Slide in with me so I can get a better look at you.

He pulled the blanket back and patted the mattress. Chelsea couldn’t tell if he was totally nude under the blanket. His shirt and jeans were tossed in a heap beside the bed. As she slipped under the blanket she saw his boxers lying on the floor. Now she knew exactly what he was wearing and that was nothing.

Come here and let me feel you, Chelsea.

She felt his strong arms pull her over to him. He smiled and then leaned in to kiss her. His tongue pushed against her teeth in an effort to open her mouth. She felt his hand go to the back of her head as Mark slid his fingers into her long hair. He pressed his tongue harder as Chelsea’s mouth gave into his assault. Chelsea felt her body tense as he kissed her deep. She was struggling for a breath as Mark forced more of his tongue into her mouth. Placing her hands on his chest, Chelsea managed to push him away from her. She took a long deep breath as Mark tried to kiss her again. He seemed to be trying to rush things; something Chelsea did not want to do.

Mark, you can slow down a little, baby. We don’t have to hurry this. You do know you are my first, right?

Mark looked at her and for a moment he was silent. He moved away from her and shook his head.

I didn’t know, Chelsea. I just figured all girls your age had been with someone.

We are not all that way, Mark. I have never done this before and want it to be right. I hope that doesn’t make you uninterested.

No, no… not at all; I mean, I want you to be sure you want to give up your virginity for me. I can respect you if you decide you don’t want this. I don’t want to get so far into it and then have you change your mind.

If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t be here, Mark. I just want you to slow down a little.

Mark smiled at her as he moved over to touch her. Leaning forward, he kissed her gently. He waited until she opened her mouth before slipping his tongue into her mouth. The kiss was tender as their tongues wrapped around each other. Chelsea felt a wave of electricity flow from her tongue to her special place. She curled her toes as their kiss became bolder. She felt Mark’s palm rest on her breasts.

"Do you want to take my bra off, Mark?’

You can do that for me. I might have trouble unfastening the back.

Chelsea felt some of the electricity fade with his words. She reached back and undid the clasp. Her breasts busted out of her bra, the nipples hard and perky. Mark’s eyes followed them as they lay on her chest. Chelsea placed one in her palm and offered it to Mark. He leaned forward and opened his mouth. Taking the entire breast in his mouth, Mark sucked on it like a child trying to get an entire donut in their mouth at once. Chelsea was certain that his tongue never touch her nipple.

You can suck on the nipple if you like. I think it might feel really good, Mark.

Mark pulled his mouth from her breast and stared at her. He looked as if her suggestion insulted him in some way.

I think I know how to suck a breast, Chelsea. Just relax and enjoy this.

Chelsea looked at him and then frowned. She had so many thoughts of how this should be. She could hear Bethany’s description of what her men did to her. It was always slow and gentle to start with. She wondered if she might be over thinking what Mark was or wasn’t doing to her. Her thoughts were broken when she felt Mark touch her thigh. When had his hand moved down to touch her, she wondered. She could feel him trying to push her legs open. She pulled her legs up so that her knees were pointing towards the ceiling. Slowly she let her legs fall open.

That’s so much better, baby. I am going to make you scream.

Mark shoved his finger inside of Chelsea. She gasped at the intrusion, waiting for that wow orgasm Bethany talked about to happen. She could feel him moving his fingers in and out of her. Her heart began to race a little as she felt little shocks as Marked moved his fingers just right. She raised her ass off the bed trying to match his movements as his fingers slid in and out of her.

Does that feel good, baby? I can tell by the way you are moving it does.

Chelsea merely shook her head without answering him. The truth was that she wasn’t really feeling much at all. Mark reached out and took her hand in his. He guided it down to his hard cock. Chelsea felt the wetness of his excitement on her fingertips. She wrapped her hand around him, amazed how tiny her hand suddenly seemed. She was glad to find Mark was long and hard. She figured she must be doing something right. She moved her hand up and down his cock, rubbing her thumb over the tip to wet her fingers. She did it just the way Bethany had told her to during one of their many talks about sex.

Mark pushed his fingers inside her again and then tickled her clit with his thumb. Chelsea felt her whole body become tight when she felt the touch to her clit. He moved his thumb up and down, rubbing a little harder each time. She could not only feel herself getting wet; she could hear the sounds of Mark’s fingers moving over her. She could feel her body now trembling as the sweet feeling of an approaching orgasm began to fill her senses. She was ready to feel the sensation of her first orgasm.

Suddenly, Mark stopped moving his fingers. She felt his fingers leave her wetness. She reached down and tried to push them back inside of her. Mark pushed her hand away and then; he was on top of her. She was looking into his eyes as he spoke to her.

I hope you are ready, baby. I am going to put my cock inside you.

Chelsea pressed her palms to his chest again.

Please remember this will be the first time anyone has been inside of me. I heard it hurts the first time so you need to take it slow.

Mark nodded and then without hesitation, he pushed the head of his cock inside of her lips. Chelsea could feel him stretching her as he pushed in deeper. Waiting for only a moment for her to adjust, Mark rose up and shoved himself inside of her hard. Chelsea started to protest as the pain shot through her. She cried out as Mark began to pound his cock inside of her.

Holy shit, Mark, I told you to go gentle and that is not gentle!

Without slowing down, Mark looked down at her.

Baby, you knew it would hurt a little. Just relax and it won’t hurt as much. I am almost there.

Shit, you aren’t wearing a condom, Mark. You need to stop and put one on.

I thought you had protection, Chelsea.

I do but I don’t want to take any chances. Stop and put one on before you cum!

Before he could pull out of her; though she doubted he had any intentions of ever doing so, Chelsea felt warmth fill her inside. She could hear Mark grunting as he stopped pumping inside of her and pushed up with his arms. He filled her again and again with his cum. Chelsea knew it was too late to do anything but let him finish. As he leaned forward to kiss her, she turned her face away from him.

Damn baby, I just want a kiss from you.

Mark could see the seriousness in her eyes. He lowered himself on top of her body.

Get the hell off of me now! Get off, Mark, right freaking now!

Chelsea pushed up with her hands and body. She rose up enough to shove him to the side. Mark laid next to her, his cock still stiff and dripping.

What the hell is wrong with you?! I thought this is what you wanted. Now you decide it isn’t?

Chelsea rolled away from Mark; taking the blanket to wrap around herself. She felt the tears run down her face as she looked at the bathroom door. She wanted nothing more than to get dressed and leave the motel. Standing up, she walked into the bathroom, dropping the blanket outside the bathroom. She closed the door without saying a word. Staring at her naked body in the mirror, Chelsea let the tears flow. She stifled her cry so Mark didn’t hear her.

I am going to smack Bethany when I see her again.

She wondered where the Oh My God was and the feeling of her first orgasm. The only thing Chelsea had felt was the very beginning of what could have been an awesome orgasm. The pain from Mark shoving his cock into her like she was nothing more than a hole to shoot into would stay with her for a very long time. She didn’t know for sure if she were angry because she gave her virginity away or at the fact that she gave it to someone that had no idea how to please a woman. Surely there was more to sex than what she had just experienced.

I am getting dressed and warming up the truck, Chelsea. Just come out when you are ready to go.

She heard the door slam shut. She laughed as a thought crossed her mind. The thought suddenly found its way to her mouth.

Shit, it won’t take long to warm that truck up. We weren’t in here long enough for it to get to cold.

She laughed again, sniffling as she wiped the tears from her face. She dressed and left the bathroom. She stared down at the bed and shook her head.

Hell, they can probably just make the bed and be done with it. We weren’t in it enough to even mess up the sheet. What a freaking waste of virginity that was. If I get pregnant, I am going to make him remember this day forever!

Chelsea put on her coat and went to the truck. Mark sat inside staring out the window. He didn’t even offer to open the door for her.

I am going to call him the wham, bam, thank you ma’am king. Maybe I should ask for my twenty back too.

She was still laughing when she climbed into the truck.

What the hell is so funny, Chelsea?

Chelsea remembered looking at Mark and laughing again. She wanted so badly to tell him exactly what she was laughing at. Her mama taught her to not say anything if you couldn’t say something nice. Chelsea turned and stared out the window.

Just take me home, Mark. I just want to go home.

Her tears began to come again but she made certain Mark would never see her cry again.

Do you think you will need help with anything before the committee comes to get you, Chelsea?

Chelsea turned to face Jason. She had nearly forgotten where she was. She smiled at him and nodded.

I think I will just relax a little until they arrive. The first time on a jet has worn me out. Will I see you again, Mark?

She felt her face warm up and realized she had said the wrong name. She saw Jason raise an eyebrow and smile.

I am so sorry, Jason. I was thinking of someone back home and blurted out his name.

Ah, a boyfriend you left in Iowa to come here?

A very old boyfriend, Jason; and not much of one either. I really am sorry for calling you Mark. You and he are nothing alike, I am sure.

You don’t need to be sorry, Chelsea; I have been called worse. As for seeing me again, I am your chauffer so I am sure we will be seeing a lot of each other.

Chelsea looked up at the hotel as Jason was taking her baggage from the trunk. She had never needed to lean her head back so far to see anything in Iowa. She rubbed the back of her neck as she stood in awe of the skyscrapers surrounding her. She felt a sadness fill her inside as the memory of another experience entered her mind. She shuddered and shook her head as if trying to dislodge a bug in her hair. She thought she had won the battle over this memory. She was thankful to hear Jason’s voice push back the thought.

Never looked straight up to see the top of a building, Chelsea?

She turned and smiled at Jason.

When we want to see something that tall in Ackley, we lie on a blanket outside and look at the stars. They are the only things that are as high as these buildings.

Actually, that sounds like it might be enjoyable at the end of a long day.

Don’t tell me that you have never walked outside to look at the stars, Jason? I thought everyone did that.

You will find here in New York City, the bright lights of the city drown out the stars. You might see a few but nothing I am sure compared to what your Iowa sky looks like.

Well then, sir… you might just have to come see me in Iowa. We can lie out under the stars together.

Is that a date you just asked me out on, Chelsea? How very forward you Iowa girls must be.

Chelsea blushed again and rolled her eyes. She didn’t know quite how to answer Jason’s question. She knew she would like to say yes, it is but she decided to simply smile.

The lobby of the motel was nearly as big as her parents’ farm house. The floors looked as if they were wet. They shined from the wax used to make them look so good. The walls seemed to go on forever both long and high. Beautiful paintings hung on the walls; paintings she had only seen in the art museum in Des Moines. There was a counter that had several flavors of coffee in carafes, creamers and a Keurig for tea of any flavor you could imagine with cinnamon rolls waiting to be devoured.

We also have bottled water, Perrier or mineral water if you prefer ma’am.

The attendant scared the hell out of Chelsea. She had not seen him walk up beside her.

Oh, thank you. I was just admiring your motel. It is just beautiful.

Are you from out of town?

I am from out of state actually. I came here from Iowa.

The attendant looked at her and then to Jason. He gave a wink that Chelsea did not notice.

Is that within the territory of the United States, miss?

Jason turned away so Chelsea didn’t see him smile. Chelsea stared at the man for a moment trying to read if he was serious. The man never changed his serious expression. She assumed he was truly asking the question. She looked at him as if he might be an idiot. Was it even possible that Iowa was so removed from the states so far away?

Sir; Iowa is in the middle of the United States. We probably supply most of the corn on the cob that you eat here in New York. I am more than certain you have heard of Iowa.

The man smiled at her as Jason turned to face Chelsea. She could see the smile on his face. She shook her head at both of them.

That was very funny of both of you. Tease the little girl from Iowa. Well now that you have had your fun, I am ready to go relax. What is your name, sir?

I am Johnathon Britton, Chelsea. I will be your attendant until eleven tonight. If there is anything you need, just buzz me from your room. Thank you for being such a forgiving brunt of my kidding.

Chelsea smiled at him and shook his hand.

Well Johnathon, I haven’t said whether I forgave you or not, yet. I will hang onto that one as an I O U and turn it in when I most need it. See, we Iowa girls aren’t as primitive as you might think.

This time Chelsea was the one that winked. She bid her farewell to Jason and followed Johnathon to the elevator. She took one more glance back at Jason. One more time, her face turned red as she saw Jason doing the same to her.

I am afraid you were caught peeking, young lady. Perhaps the gentleman is attracted to you.

Chelsea laughed and smiled at Johnathon.

You might be right about that, sir. I think you and I are going to get along just fine.

She tucked her arm inside of his arm and walked with him to her room. Johnathon handed her the key at her door. He smiled at Chelsea as he turned to walk away.

I do hope the room is good for you. Have a great day, young lady. If you need anything; do not hesitate to call the desk.

Chapter 2

Chelsea stood near the window looking out at the city. The room was perfect and allowed her space to relax or walk around if she wanted to. Johnathon had sent up a welcome basket for her. She wondered if they did that for all of their guests. If they did or didn’t, it was still sweet. She had unpacked and was sipping on a drink that she was unsure of its contents. It was fruity and had a little kick to it. She saw the name and had to order it. Sex on the Beach had to be something delicious. The name itself told her that. Though she had not ever had sex on any beach, she was sure this drink was what it would taste like. She smiled and continued to look out the window.

Her thoughts drifted back to a day she wished she could forget. It haunted her dreams and came flooding back at the most inopportune times. In less than a flicker of time, one man had nearly destroyed for her all of the beauty she found in a cornfield. The softness of a breeze blowing over her skin as the corn stalks sang to her always made her feel good. She knew she needed to find a way to bring back to the life that once was. Her writing had given some of the serenity back to her. The assault pushed its way forward; etching itself into her mind again. Chelsea shook her head as if she could somehow dislodge it from her memories. Only a knock at her door caused her to come back to present time. She wiped away the tears that were wetting her cheeks. Stopping to look in the bathroom mirror, she made sure she was presentable before she opened the door.

Hello Chelsea Olsen. Welcome to New York City.

The woman that greeted her was a very smartly dressed lady. Chelsea guessed her to be in her mid-sixties. Her smile seemed genuine as she handed a beautiful bouquet of roses to her. Chelsea took the bouquet and breathed in the fragrance of the roses.

Thank you so very much; they are beautiful. Won’t you please come inside?

As the woman entered her room, Chelsea saw three other women follow her inside.

Chelsea, I am Deanna Crosser but you may call me Dee. I am the committee Chairperson for the New Writers Magazine here in New York. I brought along our Chief Editor, Gabrielle Thiesen, our coordinator, Linda Dalton and our projects manager, LeAnn Cooper. We just call her Coop.

The women all stepped into the room and closed the door. They were all very nicely dressed and very much had their own look and attitude. Coop as she was referred to had the look and aura of a librarian. She looked Chelsea over as if she were at Wal-Mart looking for new clothes. Chelsea doubted this woman had been inside of a Wal-Mart in a very long time. She gave Chelsea a weak smile and shook her hand.

Gabrielle was a gorgeous brunette who seemed more laid back than the other ladies. Her smile seemed real and her handshake was warm. She walked to the window and looked outside.

You have a great view of our city from here, Chelsea. I hope you enjoy your stay.

I am in love with your city already, ma’am. I can’t wait to see more of it.

Gabrielle turned to face Chelsea. She had a more serious look on her face this time.

Please refrain from calling me ma’am, Chelsea. I would think you and I are about the same age and maam always sounds like someone… older.

Now Gabby, I am sure it is the way this nice young lady was raised. I am sure she meant nothing by her reference of ma’am. Hi, I am Linda Dalton and I put these meetings together. I am glad you are pleased with the room. I do hope the staff has been good to you so far.

Linda appeared to be in her late thirties. She had long blonde hair and the brightest white teeth Chelsea had ever seen. She had a wonderfully kicked back air about her and Chelsea thought she would make a great friend. Linda leaned forward and hugged Chelsea rather than shake her hand. Chelsea liked that.

I have asked the front desk to send up some refreshments for us. We need to sit down and go over a few things before you go out and enjoy our city. Jason will be by later this evening to show you some of the sites New York has to offer. I am sure you will enjoy your stay.

Chelsea liked Linda’s smile and the way she made her feel somewhat at ease. After drinks and a snack tray were delivered to the room, the women sat at the large conference table positioned in front of the large window. Chelsea had still not finished taking in all New York seemed to offer. City blocks were lined with one store after another. She could not think of a single thing she might want that she didn’t see a store for. She thought about Ackley and the cities nearby. She would drive to Waterloo or Des Moines if she wanted something unusual. Ackley provided anything basic she might have a need for.

Are you still taking in the sites of our beautiful city, Chelsea?

I was thinking about home and how we could set our town down in the middle of what I see here and never fill out even a portion of what I am looking at.

Well, perhaps one day you will call this home. I came from a place exactly like what you are describing. Tiny town Michigan I called it. One day I rolled out of bed, heard the rooster crow and decided it was time to get my butt somewhere else. I caught a flight to New York and never looked back.

Do you ever miss the town you came from?

Oh, I go back home now and then but I love the city and would not ever move back home.

Deanna seemed to be bored with their conversation. Chelsea decided to leave the conversation for another time.

Ladies, there will be plenty of time to talk about your days of tiny town, U.S.A. later. Right now we need to talk about what we want to do with Chelsea’s book.

Deanna was focused on exactly what they had come here for today. She didn’t appear to be as loose as the other ladies. Chelsea suspected it came with the job.

I think we need to focus on the theme of your book, Chelsea. It was a well written story with a great backbone. Editing was minimal and the story held our attention. We were looking for something exactly as you wrote. We wanted a bird’s-eye view of how a farm girl from Iowa sees love.

I agree with you, Gabby; focus on the small town girl trying to make her way in a big city is where we need to be. Most people out here think of Iowa as this little place filled with pigs and corn and not much else. The truth is, most of them don’t give a shit one way or another. How do we take this young lady and make her more appealing to the reader?

Before I answer that, Deanna, I want to ask Chelsea a question. I have to ask you this, Chelsea. Did you write this based on your own experiences or is it more than that? What I mean is there are some very revealing details in your book. You write of a love affair between a businessman that passed through your town and in a matter of a single night of torrid love; whisked you away from it all. The rest of the book is focused on the character trying to find where she really belongs and how this man fits into the equation. Did this happen to you?

I assure you that this was not written about me. I have never had an affair like that in my life. It came from what I imagined great, um, sex would be like.

The ladies all laughed at her answer except for Deanna.

We all imagine sex the way you wrote it, Chelsea. Sadly, it is only in books that it happens that way.

Chelsea looked at Gabby and smiled. She had the idea this conversation was going to take her way out of her comfort zone.

I don’t know, Gabby; I think that kind of sex does exist. I am just not sure where to find it yet.

When you do, girl, be sure and let us all in on the secret.

Chelsea smiled at Linda’s comment. She wanted to know more about Linda but this was not the time for that.

I took some of what my mother and I talked about now and then and expanded on it. She and I would sit for hours and talk about what to expect from sex. We have a very open relationship and she is never too shy to answer anything I ask.

We need to get very personal here, Chelsea. It is the best way for us to get to know you and to find that special something that is going to grab our audience. They want to feel as if your story could be their own life one day. The vast majority of our readers use the stories they read as an escape from the life they truly live. The idea of a knight in shining armor is still very much in demand today.

"I understand that, Deanna. I will answer your questions as well as I can.’

Be very careful when you say that, Chels; you don’t mind if I call you that do you?

No, of course I don’t, Linda. Most of my friends back home call me Chels. Why do I need to be careful?

We may get very personal here so I just thought I would warn you.

Ladies, we have a lot to do today. Let’s try and stay on track here. I am sure I am coming off as a bitch here and that is not totally wrong, young lady. I have a job to do and about a thousand more books just like yours to look through. We need to move forward here.

Chelsea agreed with the bitch part for Deanna but she was sure it was just her way of keeping things moving.

Okay then, ladies, ask away… I am an open book.

"Do you have any sexual experience or is it all stolen from your mom talks?"

I am not a virgin, if that is what you are asking me, Linda. I have been sexually active since I was seventeen years old. My first experience was a fu…, sorry.

Chelsea blushed a bit at her near slip of the tongue. She was fairly certain these women had heard the word before. Whether or not they approved was another thing. She sat silent for a moment, waiting for some reaction.

Chelsea, we are all big girls here and have probably heard words you have not even imagined. You need to speak freely as if you were home with your besty. No one in this room is going to be offended by your choice of words.

Thank you for that, Linda. As I was saying, my first time was a fucking disaster. He was one grade ahead of me and God’s gift to women as long as it wasn’t good sex you wanted. I paid for the motel room and when we were finished; I really wanted to ask him for a refund.

This time everyone, including Deanna laughed. She had broken the ice and it had only cost her the memory of a really bad first.

Did you find anyone that was worth the money you lost? Somehow, though I agree with most that little town Iowa might not have a lot to interest me; I do wonder if those corn-fed boys in their overalls come well equipped.

I won’t ever say Mark didn’t have the piping to do the plumbing work, Gabby, but…

Gabby began laughing harder than she had before. She stood up and wrapped her arms around Chelsea’s neck.

Oh my goodness, girl; I want to use that somewhere in a book one day. That was a classic for certain. I am sorry for interrupting you… go ahead with your story.

He was certainly enough and could have been great. He simply forgot I was there too. He sure thought he was turning my world upside down. The truth is, he was making me rethink my virginity loss. But, to answer your question, yes I did find some good stuff in those corn-fed gentlemen.

"Well it is good you had something to base your writing on. That is an important part of a writer’s story. It is a needed element to make a connection with the reader. You talk about