The Way He Works It

By Carmella -

Zara Foster knows the honeymoon phase doesn’t last forever. Especially when Valentine’s Day comes and her boyfriend of two years forgets to celebrate it with her. After a long, exhausting fight she thinks she’s finally gotten through to him. However,she suffers another heartbreak in realizing he’s been cheating on her and making fun of her appearance with the woman.

Hurt and alone she makes it her mission to start anew. When a friend recommends Jasper Hayes - an accredited fitness trainer with an reputation for crafting traffic stopping female bodies, Zara is a bit of a skeptic. That's before she experience Jasper's unconventional methods first hands.

“There’s no better motivation than my tongue on your cunt.” Jasper states matter-of-factly. “And if you impress me, maybe I’ll fill you with my cock.”

Things are going to get sticky and hot as Jasper works Zara past her limits to achieve the Glow Up of a lifetime.

• Language: English
• Publisher: After Hours Publications
• Release date: Feb 14, 2019
• ISBN: 9781637182338

Carmella -

Painfully sexy men and tough women are the stables of romances by Carmella. Billionaires, mafia heads, or powerful Vampires, she weaves tales that make readers fall instantly in love with what it means to be an Alpha Male.  

Book preview

THE WAY HE WORKS IT

A Novel By,

CARMELLA

©2019 After Hours Publications

www.afterhourspublications.com

All rights reserved.

Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage without express permission by the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Contains explicit language & adult themes suitable for ages 17+

Chapter One

What the hell?

The clock on the wall ticks mockingly as it strikes four o’clock. I check my phone once again, hoping for more than the ‘Happy V-day’ from Charles, my boyfriend of two years, but my phone is dry. Having to sit here and watch my coworkers boast about all the things they woke up to from their partners is mind-numbing.

That’s why when I glance back up, and it’s four-thirty, I don’t know whether I’m relieved or weary. Maybe Charles is waiting until I get home to give me something. I know I’ve dropped more hints about wanting chocolate-covered strawberries than I can count. Just the thought makes my mouth water.

I throw on my jacket, slip my arm through the strap on my purse, and turn off my office light. Jan waves to me from behind the receptionist desk.

You done for the day?

I groan, rolling my eyes and smile.

Thankfully. I don’t think I can take one more minute of listening to people drone on about their lives, I reply. Being a counselor has its advantages. The hours are perfect, it’s not too physically demanding, and I get most major holidays off.

She giggles and glances down at her computer screen before shutting it off and slipping her arms into her jacket.

Does Charles have anything planned?

I shrug, trying to hide my look of disappointment. We’ve been together for two years, so I understand things aren’t as steamy as they once were, but I still expect him to make an effort on Valentine’s day. It took me an entire day to find a set of lingerie I’m comfortable in. I’m not the thinnest girl, my thick thighs and hips and slightly plump stomach lined with angry, pink stretch marks proves that fact.

Jan grabs her purse, and we begin our usual walk out to the parking lot. Our office is in the same building as the HR of a medical supply company that operates twenty-four hours a day, so the building is always open.

Did Camille do anything for you?

At the mention of Jan’s girlfriend, she firms her lips and smiles.

Well, let’s just say I woke up to a nice little surprise this morning. We have dinner plans at the Ramone, and I can only imagine what the end of the night entails.

You’re so lucky, I say. If only men were as considerate as women. I attempt to hide my jealousy, but it doesn’t seem like that’s going to happen. I’m fucking pissed about my day already.

Jan chuckles and shakes her head, causing dark tendrils of hair to fly around.

Not all are. I’ve dated some real losers too. She states, and pushes the front door open, holding it for me to follow.

Thanks, I mumble, spotting my little, red Ford Fusion. Well, there’s still time. I bet Charles is just waiting and has something amazing planned, I boast, attempting to convince myself. He’s been distant lately. Aggravated easily. We’ve been fighting a lot, but there’s no relationship that doesn’t have disagreements.

I’ll see you tomorrow, alright? Then, you can tell me how Charles redeemed himself, Jan says and waves as she walks to the other end of the parking lot. I wave back and make my way to my car.

Jan and I have worked together for a year now, and she’s become one of my closest friends. She doesn’t bullshit around, and that’s what I love about her.

Once in my car, I dial Charles, listening intently for his familiar gruff tone, and I frown when his phone goes to voicemail.

Hey, just calling to let you know I’m on my way home. Not sure if you’re out of work yet but give me a call. Love ya, bye.

I press end and toss my phone into the passenger seat, turning the key in the ignition and watching my car roar to life. It’s brisk outside, and tiny snowflakes span my windshield. I should’ve heated up the car before coming out, but I’m so occupied on Charles that I can’t think straight.

As a tiny piece of the windshield thaws enough for me to see, I don’t waste time driving home.

***

Besides the kiss on the cheek when Charles gets home, nothing happens by dinner. I stare longingly at him, taking in his black hair and dark complexion, and how they once made my insides clench. He’s Indian, tall, and suave. Charming, but this man staring blankly back at me as he shovels a spoon full of corn into his mouth, isn’t who he used to be.

He’s colder. Distant.

He no longer makes an effort or seems to care if I do. After a while of trying, I’ve started to feel like it doesn’t matter. I was hoping tonight would be different.

I grab the glass of wine next to my plate and swish it around before taking a sip. The golden liquid slides deliciously down my throat, quenching the dry burn of my throat before I confront him. Charles glances up from his apple watch and raises his brow, curious as to why I’ve fixed my gaze on him.

I set the glass back on the table and clear my throat.

So, what do you have planned after dinner? I question, hopefully. He shrugs and chomps down on another bite of steak.

Honestly, nothing much. Marvin invited me out for a few beers at his place, so I was gonna head there in a little bit.

Marvin. Are you fucking kidding? He’s ditching me for Marvin. The guy has the IQ of five-year-old. He also is a perverted skeeve who made it a game to sleep with as many girls within a month as he can. I thought shit like that was for high school. I guess not.

I clasp my hands together, after resting my elbows on the table in front of me, and frown, my brows knitting together.

You’re joking… right?

What? He questions, his fork halting halfway to his mouth with his next bite.

You’re fucking hilarious. You must be joking. On Valentine's day, you not only forget to get me anything, but you’ve decided to ditch me to hang out with your friends. I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s been a common theme with him lately. I thought this day would be different. Shame on me.

Zara -

Charles, seriously? I interrupt. The hurt in my voice is too thick to shield.

I got you a card. He snaps and rises from his seat to grab the card from his back pocket and slap it onto the table. The red envelope glares back at me. Bare of any lettering. Guilt washes over me as I reach for it, and I soften my expression. I turn it over and begin to peel it open, casting Charles an apologetic smile.

His dour expression doesn’t budge. He watches me, scrutinizing my reaction now that I’ve whined.

As I rip open the envelope, I slide the card out and flip to the front of it. ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ is printed on the front. Inside the card is a small generic message. ‘Glad to be spending it with you.’ Charles’ name is scribbled on the bottom, and a gift card visa for online shopping is inside the card.

Thanks, I croak. I’m disappointed. I know it seems ungrateful, but I don’t fucking care. I’ve explained to him over and over that I wanted the chocolate-covered strawberries. Something small, not a hundred dollars on a visa. He’s being impersonal again, and he’s refusing to spend time with me. He’d rather be with Marvin.

Do you like it?

Yes, I lie. Thanks. I guess I’ll buy myself the chocolate-covered strawberries.

He pulls his lips into a thin smile and begins eating again.

Good.

I sigh and press my palms against the table, lowering my head, and closing my eyes. Tears sting my eyes, but I blink them away rapidly.

What’s wrong now?

When I glance