Arousing Past

By Francesca St. Claire

Joe Bradley was the love—and heartbreak—of her life. But that was all in the past. Now he's back claiming a place in her heart that he no longer deserves.

Eight years later, Melissa has moved on and made a life for herself. Then Joe re-enters her life, claiming a place in her heart that he has no right to expect. But how is she going to cope with the constant reminder of the past when he's now her new boss?

From the moment they meet again Melissa realises the old attraction is still there, but she's determined not to give in, even if it means quitting her job. Her will power is put to the test when she's forced to stay at the hotel over the weekend and Joe promptly lures her into joining him for dinner. When the conversation turns intimate, Melissa leaves the table and runs back to her room in tears. Joe follows her and Melissa reveals a secret from the past.

Joe does not take the news well. But after eight years, is there enough left between them for a second chance?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Dec 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781781841549

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A Total-E-Bound Publication

www.total-e-bound.com

Arousing Past

ISBN # 978-1-78184-154-9

©Copyright Francesca St. Claire 2012

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright November 2012

Edited by Rebecca Douglas

Total-E-Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2012 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-burning and a sexometer of 2.

This story contains 41 pages, additionally there is also a free excerpt at the end of the book containing 5 pages.

AROUSING PAST

Francesca St. Claire

Joe Bradley was the love—and heartbreak—of her life. But that was all in the past. Now he’s back claiming a place in her heart that he no longer deserves.

Eight years later, Melissa has moved on and made a life for herself. Then Joe re-enters her life, claiming a place in her heart that he has no right to expect. But how is she going to cope with the constant reminder of the past when he’s now her new boss?

From the moment they meet again Melissa realises the old attraction is still there, but she’s determined not to give in, even if it means quitting her job. Her will power is put to the test when she’s forced to stay at the hotel over the weekend and Joe promptly lures her into joining him for dinner. When the conversation turns intimate and personal, Melissa leaves the table and runs back to her room in tears. Joe follows her there, and while consoling her they end up making love, and Melissa revealing a secret from the past.

Joe does not take the news well.

The following week while decorating her new home, Melissa realises she is in love with Joe, and always has been, but wonders if she’ll ever be more than an old fling to him. Just then Joe arrives, exuding charm, declaring his love, and asking for a second chance.

Will she still deny what her heart wants so badly?

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Pictionary: Hasbro, Inc.

Budweiser: Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company

Chapter One

Today she would see him again…the first time in eight years.

Eight years. And yet she remembered the last time they were together as vividly as if it were yesterday.

The new boss is here… Nicole announced as she rushed into Melissa’s office, interrupting her thoughts. Are you going to the welcome party? Nicole asked, taking a chair across from Melissa’s desk.

What choice did she have? As department head she had an obligation towards her future boss. Besides, her absence would be noticed and excuses would have to be thought up. Such behaviour would be too unprofessional, and all for nothing. In the end, she’d still have to meet him.

After the initial shock that followed the announcement of Joe Bradley as the new CEO of her hotel, she’d considered quitting her job. Reason, pride and curiosity had stopped her from acting cowardly. She’d tackle this new challenge with the same professional finesse she’d used through every hurdle of her life.

Not every hurdle. Well, no, but she would overcome this new challenge just fine. Besides, Joe Bradley meant nothing to her anymore.

Melissa?

Huh?

I asked if you’re going to the welcome party.

Sorry… I’ve got too much on my mind. Yes, of course I’m going. Why do you ask?

I thought you had a date.

Not until later. After I’ve met Joe Bradley.

"Good. We’ll go together. Two hot babes in