That Damn Kiss

By Rain Danvers

New Adult Romance – A Short Novella

Graham Bennett is an international photographer, comfortable in his celebrity, and the bounty of models ready to slide into his bed.That all changes when Chelsea Colston, one of his models, runs into him at a local restaurant to the stars and turns his hello kiss into the shock of his life.

 

Chelsea Colston grew up with the rich and famous with parents living in an open marriage. She hops from one man to the next, living the life of lusty indulgence.

 

Luke Sandoval acquires businesses for the syndicate and they desperately need the international photographer for a new product launch that promises to change the skincare industry.

 

One person is drawn towards love, one is running from it, and another crushes it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rain Danvers
• Release date: Oct 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201078799

Book preview

ONE

Chelsea’s black 2-door coupe swung low around the last bend in the road as she sped east on Sunset Boulevard from Mandeville Canyon, away from the bed of her latest conquest. Thrilled with the import’s hug of the road, a satisfied smile spread across her face. She couldn’t help herself from screaming, Yes! with a defiant high five to the universe. As her parents often told her, life is to be lived with an abundance of pleasures and that’s exactly why Chelsea lived her life with the zeal of an ardent lover.

Late for her lunch reservation with her best friend at a popular sidewalk restaurant in Brentwood, Chelsea was impervious to the slower cars as she passed them with the finesse of a cat traversing atop a fence. Turning south, she pulled behind a waiting car in the valet lane in front of her favorite sidewalk café. English tea roses covered the white picket fence and the overhead trellis shading patrons from the noontime sun.  Gliding out of the car, she grabbed the ticket from the valet and ran into the restaurant as carefully as she could in her five-inch heels. It was just lunch, but you could never be overdressed in Chelsea’s world. She discreetly adjusted her short white skirt, ruffles swaying around her thighs attracting the attention of men and women already seated. As a regular in the cozy, bustling establishment, she was waved forward in the direction of her favorite table where she observed Alyssa Traywick intently engaged with her tablet.

Chelsea Colston grew up with Alyssa in the same neighborhood in Pacific Palisades near the Pacific Ocean. Although polar opposites, they were best friends and closer than most sisters. Unlike her friend who was always on time no matter what they had planned, Chelsea found it difficult to be on time for anything in her life, the exception being her occasional modeling jobs. Teetering purposefully in the direction of Alyssa’s table, a large figure suddenly dominated her path, forcing her to an abrupt halt.

Chelsea, it’s so good to run into you. It’s been forever since you were in my studio, the stylish male with the familiar bowtie blustered as he bent down to buss her on her cheek.

Stunned by his sudden appearance and the tingle left by his soft lips she pulled back and looked up into his eyes. Dark liquid pools of emerald glittered behind his glasses as he stood there, staring intently at her face.

Graham, what’s the matter? Are you OK? Sit down – it’s very warm today – are you sure you’re not having a heart attack?

Heart attack? Removing his glasses he continued, I don’t have a heart problem, why would you say that?

Graham – I thought we were losing you after you kissed me and then seemed to go into shock. Are you sure we shouldn’t call 911?

Don’t you dare, Graham exploded, looking around. I’m fine, but didn’t you feel that shock?

What shock? She asked, leaning close to look at his face. Maybe we should call 911, just as a precaution. She chuckled, tilting her head, mocking him.

Not necessary, Chelsea, he sneered between clenched teeth. 

He slid his glasses back into place and towed her through the restaurant, his grip on her upper arm unbreakable. You can’t occupy my time, Graham – I’m late for my lunch appointment and we’re passing her now, she grumbled, giving Alyssa a nod of acknowledgement to reassure her that she would be returning shortly.

Stumbling through the rear exit door, she had no option but to follow him onto the uneven bricks on the outdoor patio and down a short cement walkway.  Pulling her into the shade of a pepper tree, he placed his large hands on her shoulders and gently shook.

Don’t play games with me and don’t tell me you didn’t feel that shock, Chelsea. I’m not making this up – it felt like an electrical current hit my body and it literally dazed me for a few seconds; you remember, the part where you thought I was having a heart attack?

Chelsea laughed at his dramatics, thinking this was just one of his ploys to snare her for his bed, just as he did with all his models. Although he had never shown any intimate intentions for her in the past, she assumed he must be bored and looking for a seductive toy to replace one he had grown tired of. She could play along – for now – and leave him wondering, she decided.

Reaching up, she placed her hands on both sides of his face, moved in close and breathed into his ear, It never happened, Graham. Quickly she stepped around him and skipped on the balls of her shoes back into the restaurant for her lunch with Alyssa.

Laughing at the absurdity of the situation, Chelsea slipped into the chair across from her friend, making her apologies. I am so sorry about that, Alyssa. Graham is an old acquaintance; in fact I do some modeling for him on occasion. I’ve been so busy these last few months; I can’t remember when that last session was, but clearly – something has changed in his life. I can’t imagine what caused him to have that reaction to me, she laughed as she changed the subject, eager to enjoy the lunch with her best friend.

Well, you seem to be monopolizing his attention today. He continues to stare at you from his table by the window. Do you know any of the people with him?

Grateful she was facing his table and could surreptitiously glance in his direction to peek at his lunching mates, Chelsea quietly responded, Don’t recognize any of them. I’m thinking a mother and daughter lunch at this restaurant could only indicate a modeling contract, she flippantly informed her friend. Notice how the older woman is ogling him from across the table, she ended with a huff. Besides, I’m here for you today, not Graham Bennett – photographer to the rich and nasty. She giggled with a wink to her newly engaged best friend.

Alyssa’s recent engagement to Derek Bellinger, was to be