Type Dirty to Me

By Roxanne D. Howard

FROM EXCITING ROMANCE AUTHOR ROXANNE D. HOWARD

When hot actor Brem Lockwood enters her life, Madelyn has a choice—stay safe with an online fling or risk her heart for a chance at real love.

Divorcee Madelyn Stacilli has baggage deeper than the Grand Canyon, and her move to New Haven to start a new life is the perfect change she needs. When vicious gossip stunts her plans to open her own business, she can't confide in anyone around her. But online, beneath the blanket of anonymity, she can let loose and find comfort with the mysterious Easton216. Their natural, open relationship is a breath of fresh air.

When British A-list actor Bremond Lockwood rents the house beside her to escape an intense media spotlight and malicious past, he charges headlong into her life. Madelyn grows torn between her steady, emotional online connection and a fiery affair with a Hollywood star. Brem's intense passion ignites the embers of her sexuality from a long slumber, making her burn hotter than the sun.

Should she stay safe with her online love or risk her heart with the man in front of her? The road to recovery just got a whole lot more complicated.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Oct 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781839434365

Roxanne D. Howard

Roxanne D. Howard is a U.S. Army veteran, and a Columbia College alumni. She loves to read books in every genre, and she is an avid Star Wars fan, musical theater nut, and marine biology geek. Roxanne resides in the western U.S., and when she's not writing, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, children, and furry companions. Roxanne loves to hear from her readers, and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.

Book preview

Author

TYPE DIRTY TO ME

ROXANNE D. HOWARD

Type Dirty to Me

ISBN # 978-1-83943-436-5

©Copyright Roxanne D. Howard 2020

Cover Art by Louisa Maggio ©Copyright October 2020

Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Totally 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, Totally Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally 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 2020 by Totally Bound Publishing, United Kingdom.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised copies.

Totally Bound Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this stripped book.

When hot actor Brem Lockwood enters her life, Madelyn has a choice—stay safe with an online fling or risk her heart for a chance at real love.

Divorcee Madelyn Stacilli has baggage deeper than the Grand Canyon, and her move to New Haven to start a new life is the perfect change she needs. When vicious gossip stunts her plans to open her own business, she can't confide in anyone around her. But online, beneath the blanket of anonymity, she can let loose and find comfort with the mysterious Easton216. Their natural, open relationship is a breath of fresh air.

When British A-list actor Bremond Lockwood rents the house beside her to escape an intense media spotlight and malicious past, he charges headlong into her life. Madelyn grows torn between her steady, emotional online connection and a fiery affair with a Hollywood star. Brem’s intense passion ignites the embers of her sexuality from a long slumber, making her burn hotter than the sun.

Should she stay safe with her online love or risk her heart with the man in front of her? The road to recovery just got a whole lot more complicated.

Dedication

For Amanda

Acknowledgements

I have to start by thanking my awesome husband of seventeen years, our beautiful girls and our furry companions. Squeezing in time to write and edit during the COVID-19 quarantine seemed nigh on impossible with homeschooling and endless amounts of things to get done, but you helped make it possible, carved out time and space for me, and I love you all so much.

To Ember Leigh, Susanna Eastman, and Ann M. Curtis, for beta reading and editing the book prior to my submitting it. I’m very grateful for your attention to detail, expertise and feedback.

A special thanks to the outstanding team at Totally Bound Publishing. I’m honored to be a part of the Totally Entwined Group. Thank you for giving my novel a home, and for helping authors turn their ideas into stories. Heartfelt praise to my editor, Jamie D. Rose, for her diligent work and skillful editing. I admittedly stink when it comes to math and timelines, and Jamie saved the day.

Lastly, I would like to thank those in my life, both past and present, who ever took a moment to be positive, uplifting or utter a kind word. Kind words are powerful conduits, and I remember each and every one of them. Keep spreading the kindness. Thank you!

Trademark Acknowledgements

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

FedEx: FedEx Corporation

Easton: Easton Diamond Sports

Jell-O: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC

NYU: New York University Corporation

Montana Grizzlies: University of Montana Athletics

The Joker: DC COMICS E.C. Publications, Inc.

Jeremiah Johnson: Warner Bros.

Walmart: Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Thomas Kinkade: Nanette Kinkade and Kenneth Raasch, Trustees of the Kinkade Family Trust

Dumpster: Topcoat Metal Technologies Inc.

Dartmouth: Trustees of Dartmouth College dba Dartmouth College Non-Profit Corporation New Hampshire

Rosie the Riveter: Westinghouse Electric Corporation

IMDb: IMDb.com Inc.

The Olive Garden: Darden Concepts Inc.

FaceTime: Apple Inc.

Keurig: Keurig Green Mountain Inc.

White Christmas: Irving Berlin

Don Quixote: Miguel de Cervantes

University of Southern California:

Photoshop: Adobe Systems Incorporated

M16: Eugene Stoner, L James Sullivan, ArmaLite Inc.

Little Shop of Horrors: Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Miles Goodman

Skype: Skype Inc.

The Exorcist: Warner Bros. Pictures

Peep Show: All3Media

Freddy Kreuger, A Nightmare on Elm Street: New Line Cinema

Stomp: Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell

Lady and the Tramp: Disney Enterprises Inc.

Netflix: Netflix Inc.

Starbucks: Starbucks Coffee Company Corporation

Facebook: Facebook Inc.

Lincoln: Ford Motor Company Corporation Delaware

Bear Grylls: Bear Grylls Ventures LLP

Wrong Turn: 20th Century Fox

Cinderella: Disney Enterprises Inc.

Sprite: Coca-Cola Corporation

Grammys: National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences

Oscars: Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Corporation

Hot Pocket: Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Corporation

New York Knicks: New York Knicks LLC

Wendy’s: Oldemark LLC

Jimmy Choo: J. Choo Limited Company

Bob Ross: Bob Ross Inc. dba Bob Ross Publications Corporation

The Lord of the Rings: J.R.R. Tolkien

iPad: AVC Group LLC

Elmo: Sesame Workshop Corporation

Batman: DC COMICS E.C. Publications, Inc.

Jem and the Holograms: Claster Television, Sunbow Productions International

NASCAR: National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing LLC

Estée Lauder: Estée Lader Inc.

Star Trek: CBS Studios Inc.

Olympics: United States Olympic Committee

Botox: Allergan Inc.

Ansel Adams: The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust

Glock: Glock Gesellschaft MBH Limited Liability Joint Stock Company

Jessica Rabbit: Disney Enterprises Inc.

Minnie Mouse: Disney Enterprises Inc.

Scrooge McDuck: Disney Enterprises Inc.

Chapter One

Madelyn leaned against the car headrest and eyed the FedEx envelope on the dash. Her new bookshop, Book Nook, was due to open in three weeks. Her hands were full, but the worry paled compared to the stress of the last few months. She wrapped her fingers around the steering wheel and thumbed the soft padding. She knew what the envelope held. She had expected its arrival and the potent cocktail of change and loss it represented. She sighed, reached for the packet, ripped open the tab and slid out the divorce papers.

Technically, they’d been divorced for over two months, but her ex had played hardball over assets, so they’d engaged in a game of paperwork tug-of-war back and forth through their attorneys. What a timely relief this envelope was. The cream-colored stationery stapled to the front read—All set, done, filed and dusted. Here is your copy. The paperwork from her attorney was addressed to Madelyn Saunders, but she’d recently changed her surname back to her maiden name, Stacilli. She rifled through the sheets to check her ex’s signature on the last page. Sure enough, he’d signed below her signature.

Thank God. She exhaled with relief, returned the papers and stored the envelope in the glove compartment. Bye, Chris.

A calmness washed over her. She leaned her head back again, savoring the sensation. Some people sported angry visible scars, jagged surgery marks or gunshot exit wounds in plain sight from their marriage and divorce wars. Her scars ran deep inside, where they’d festered until the day she’d chosen to walk away.

Her cell vibrated. She lifted the phone from its dock attached to the car’s air vent and looked at the notification. A familiar wave of excitement surged through her. Another private message from Easton216. She brought the phone in closer and opened it.

Easton216: Hey. I got a weird feeling and thought I should contact you. How are you?

Madelyn shook her head, amused. Trust him to get vibes about her. She typed into her phone, smirking.

BookCat: Funny you should ask. I got the papers less than half an hour ago. He signed.

Easton216: Good. And strange, how I felt like I should contact you at the same time. You okay?

Madelyn touched her hair and raised her eyebrows. What a loaded question. In the past, she would have pacified any concerns with a sunny I’m fine.

But since her divorce, she’d sworn to be honest with herself, including any future relationships. She and Easton216 were open and candid with each other. Their unfiltered connection took some getting used to, though she found it clear and refreshing. He’d revealed that he’d chosen the moniker Easton216 because of his apparent obsession with baseball, telling her there were two hundred and sixteen stitches wrapped around each single baseball, and that the Easton was his favorite type of bat. She keyed in her response.

BookCat: I’m getting there. It was weird at first, but TBH, I’m better than okay. I’m liberated, and while it’s going to take some getting used to, it feels amazing.

Easton216: Fantastic, Cat! I know he gave you a fight, from what you mentioned before. I’m glad you’re free. Listen… I have to hop on a flight in a sec, but would you like to talk later tonight, after I land?

BookCat: Yes, I’d like to, and I’m glad you messaged me. Same time?

Easton216: You know it.

BookCat: Talk to you then. Have a good day. Be safe.

Easton216: You too. This is excellent news. See you tonight.

She closed the message and redocked the phone, pleased. She’d battled like hell after life had sucked her dry with a supersized straw and threatened to drag her into a bottomless tailspin, but her fate and self-respect were back. The clouds were clearing.

She killed the engine, shouldered her purse strap and got out of the car.

* * * *

"Oh, yes. Never stop touching me. Oh God, more. More."

Madelyn turned her head on the massage table, amused. A few feet away, her friend Viv lay face down, moaning, as the young male masseur kneaded her upper back like a baker working a lump of dough. Oh yeah, this guy is into it.

Would you like some lavender oil with your shell treatment, Miss Fields?

"Affirmative. Hook. Me. Up."

Yes, ma’am. I’ll be back.

Viv popped her head out of the headrest. Her smooth red-brown skin emitted a healthy glow beneath the soft, natural lighting, and her long dark braids hung over the sides of the massage table. "He’d better. How you doing over there, girl?"

Heavenly. Madelyn relaxed her shoulders against the massage table, the back of her neck supported by a soft, heated towel. I know I had reservations about coming here when you called, but I’m so glad you made me. I needed this.

"When I split with Anton, I spent an entire week at a spa in Toronto. It changed my life. You’ve got to take care of you. And twisting your arm is what I live for, as you well know."

Oh, I do, but it’s good to be reminded now and again.

Have you talked to your mom since you left Chris?

No. Madelyn sighed. Not for many years… You know how she is.

Mmm-hmm. Wish I didn’t, girl. She still in prison?

I don’t know. She focused on a low, ambient light in the corner. She rarely spoke about her mother with anyone, but Viv wasn’t a random person. The last time I checked, she was. But I haven’t spoken with her for at least three years. She may have made parole. I made the decision to walk away a while ago. I’ve learned to set better boundaries for me and Josh, and stepping away from her has helped.

"It’s better for you both, Mads. She’s toxic with a capital T."

You’re right, as usual. I wish I’d heeded your advice when you warned me that getting together with Chris was like stepping out of a frying pan and into the oven.

It’s not your fault, girl. He can charm the rattle clean off a snake. I know what I said hurt, but back then, I had this feeling, you know? He seemed off, and way too polished. And after what you’d gone through with your mom…

If only I’d listened. She looked at Viv. Heeding her friend’s advice might have spared her years of pain. But it’s not too late to turn things around, right?

Damn right.

Thank you for bringing me here, Viv.

Her friend assessed her with warm, dark eyes. Anytime, babe. I missed your face and curly red hair.

Madelyn laughed and brushed a wayward strand out of her eye. Still red, though more from a box these days to hide the gray.

"Pshaw, you and me both. What would we do without hair coloring?"

Languish in despair and age thirty years?

You ain’t lyin’. So, how’s life treating you outside of Chris’s clutches?

Better. Madelyn loosened her shoulders. She hadn’t relaxed this much in years. Much better.

"Good, hon. Real good. So, the divorce is finalized?"

Yep. It’s official. I’m a free woman.

"That’s what I’m talking about. Freedom at last."

Amen. How’s life in New York? I haven’t gotten to travel there as much as I’ve wanted. Are you seeing anyone?

Okay…no. Viv reached out her palm. Madelyn held out her hand across the aisle, and her friend clutched it tight. I see what you did there, scratching the record and trying to turn the convo back to me, but this is a significant historical moment and your newfound independence deserves to be recognized.

Madelyn smirked and gave Viv’s hand a gentle squeeze. Viv prosecuted scumbags for a living, balls-out. All right. You want to do the honors, prosecutor?

You bet your ass. Hear this, world. Here’s to Miss Madelyn effing Stacilli and to never being treated like second class again. To unconditional self-love from here on out and treating yourself like the royal Queen you are, so long as we both shall live.

Hear, hear.

Whoa, ladies, I’m not interrupting anything, am I? Madelyn glanced at Viv’s masseur, who reentered the room, rubbing lavender oil on his massive palms. She grinned. She’d had her massage already, and he seemed keen to get to work on Viv.

No, she’s all yours, Ryder.

Viv nestled her face back into the headrest as Ryder applied the oil to her back. Madelyn exhaled, at peace. Girl talk and face time with her former roommate and sorority partner in crime was hard to come by these days, and she sorely needed this.

I’m glad Chris signed the papers, Viv muttered. Men are like a full-time job, powdering bums. Some of ’em can act like assholes when push comes to shove, and they have to look deep into the marriage mirror. But at least he signed and did the decent thing. Hey, lighten up on the massage, could you, sweetie? You’re kneading too hard.

Ryder slowed his movements. Sure thing. Let me know if this is too much.

Yeah, thank God. Madelyn gazed out the small skylight in the center of the ceiling. The sky was so clear and blue that it bordered on purple.

How’s Josh taking it?

Good. Madelyn lifted her hands and rubbed her palms, which were soft and smooth from the wax bath she’d put them in before her massage. Her son had flown out to college a few months before, sobered by the news of the divorce. I think he’s taking it better than me, to be honest. He was sweet, as usual. Said he wants us both to be happy.

Viv hummed. He’s such a great kid.

He is.

You know that’s down to what a kick-ass mom you are, right?

Madelyn touched her heart and beamed at her friend. Thank you.

I’m serious, Mads. You were there for every birthday, every milestone and you paved the way for him to believe in himself. No matter what happens from here, you can rest confident, knowing you set your kid up for life.

Thanks, hon. Josh knows we both love him. He did say he was surprised we hadn’t divorced earlier.

Mmm-hmm. The kids know.

I tried to be tactful. I didn’t tell anyone about the divorce until after Josh had left for college. Then we sold the house and I moved out here.

"Good."

It took me long enough. A bamboo shelf caught her eye, where folded towel swans lay lined up in neat, tidy rows for guests. The guilt she’d bottled in the aftermath bubbled inside her, and she struggled not to cry, though the roughness in her throat gave her away. The shame of being weak for so long hadn’t hit her quite as hard until she’d left.

Ryder, can you give us a second? Viv plucked her head out of the hole.

Ryder nodded. "Take as much time as you need. This is your day. I’ll get a warm blanket for Miss Stacilli."

Thank you. Mads, look at me.

She met Viv’s eyes.

You’re not weak. Viv shook her head, adamant. "You were never weak. It takes courage to stay with someone when love fizzles out, to try to make it work when there are easier roads. You’re a fighter, Mads."

Madelyn extended her hand across the space between their tables and locked palms with Viv again. Her eyes stung. I needed to hear that. Thank you.

You know I’m speakin’ the truth. Good news is that you’re still sexy as hell, have an awesome kid with a good head on his shoulders and you’re rocking your own bookstore.

There’s…something else I haven’t told you. Madelyn withdrew her hand. You know how I used to write?

Yeah? Viv’s eyebrows lowered.

Well, I’ve written a lot behind the scenes. The last few years I put together a book, and two months ago I submitted it to a publisher in New York.

Oh my God. Viv raised her head higher. Mads, that’s incredible. Have you heard back?

Not yet. But should be soon.

Viv grinned. I’m so freaking proud of you.

Thank you.

Keep me up-to-date on what’s going on. I want to know when you hear back.

I will.

How’s it going with the store?

"Good. I’m crunching on a deadline to get the store ready. It feels good to be working again and in