The Love Campaign: Romantic Revelations, #1

By Laura Marquez Diamond

NOTHING WRONG WITH A FEW FAKE DATES. IT'S REAL FEELINGS THAT RUIN EVERYTHING.

Talent? Undeniable.
Charm? In spades.
Looks? Deceptively angelic.

But Jaya Patel is too involved as an at-risk youth counselor to notice Sebastian Beaumont's talent, charm, or looks.

Until one fated night when he sweeps her off her feet—because she's clumsy. Tripping over herself is like a second job.

Passion? Undeniable.
Smarts? In spades.
Looks? Absolute kryptonite.

But Sebastian Beaumont is too busy as a rising hockey star to notice Jaya Patel's passion, intelligence, or beauty.

Until compromising pictures force them to concoct a romantic ruse—because an important fundraising campaign depends on it.

Will they overcome the stark differences in their lives? Can they be together when forces conspire to rip them apart?

This love campaign needs donations in the form of a miracle.

Find out what why reviewers are giving Jaya and Sebastian 5 stars!

Mind-blowing feel-good romance! There are SO many things I loved about this love story! Sebastian and Jaya are so good together, so charismatic, so UPLIFTING.
-Savannah, Goodreads

I loved Sebastian and Jaya and devoured the book fast.
-Katie, Goodreads

Jaya and Sebastian were such a great pair! Their chemistry and spice were hot. It was also sweet! The way Diamond went about mental health issues was great to read about. It gave the book even more substance. Jaya and Seb put in the effort to make their relationship work long-term and I'm so happy for them.
-Jenna, Goodreads

This author put a lot of love and dedication into her story. The Love Campaign is a spicy story about Jaya Patel (not for profit youth program counselor) and Sebastian Beaumont (professional hockey player ). Jaya and Sebastian's fake relationship to raise money for charity, evolves into an erotic romantic relationship.
-Mona, Goodreads

I finished reading The Love Campaign book in two days! I loved reading about Jaya and Sebastian's relationship and the way they solved their problems and decided to get back together. Their relationship was so good!! I loved the many topics that were brought up and discussed on mental health. I especially loved that this book was Happily Ever After. It was a great sports romance with plenty of steam.
-Elizabeth, Goodreads

Fans of Tessa Bailey, Talia Hibbert, Lucy Score, and Meghan Quinn will love these funny, steamy, heartwarming romcoms. Each standalone book offers all the feels, along with a satisfying happily-ever-after. Contains mature themes, adult situations, and spicy scenes that are not appropriate for readers under the age of 18.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Marquez Diamond
• Release date: Sep 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223989462

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

One Year Later...

Sebastian Beaumont strolled into the Freedom Community Center lobby, generously bestowing handshakes and smiles and hellos, his guy-next-door charm gushing like a fountain of benevolence.

What an unbelievable jerk, Jaya Patel thought to herself.

Eighteen minutes late. Sebastian Beaumont was eighteen minutes late, yet he arrived casually without a care in the world. And all these teenagers who, a minute ago were at the edge of their seats hoping the hockey player would show up eventually, were now aglow in the light of his goodwill.

If she was eighteen minutes late, Jaya would be scrambling, not stalling. Apologizing, not grinning.

Must be nice for the world to be happy that you finally showed up. Not everyone had that kind of reception. Granted, his second year at the Cincinnati Thrashers Hockey team increased his popularity in the community and status with the team. Still, a local celebrity should be able to make a simple appointment on time, right?

Jaya scowled, crossed her arms, and raised her brow. It was a pose she knew how to deploy the way an Olympic archer would know how to unleash an arrow. Without hesitation and with deadly accuracy.

As if he felt the prick of her gaze, Sebastian’s gray-blue eyes landed on her face. A smirk that tilted one side of his mischievous lips soon followed. Then, he winked. Winked! What an appalling, insolent, conceited...

Wow, he’s dreamy, Shirley droned beside her, interrupting the torrent of adjectives at the tip of Jaya’s tongue.

Who? Jaya retorted, just to be aggravating even if it was perfectly obvious Shirley was talking about Sebastian signing autographs.

Jaya was wearing a pale green blouse and dark dress pants, making an effort to look professional for this gathering. Her outfit was more formal than her usual long-sleeved shirt, utilitarian jacket, and stretchy black leggings. It must be why she felt hot and restless. She tugged at her neckline before stuffing her hands into pockets.

Shirley leaned closer to Jaya. Oh c’mon. You love that hockey team. How are you not swooning over Sebastian Beaumont? Shirley whispered to keep the preteens and high school kids around them from hearing this very unprofessional conversation.

Unfortunately, Shirley wasn’t done touting the man’s virtues. "And he is so nice! I couldn’t believe we snagged him as the spokesperson for the campaign. I mean, how nice is that?!"

I’m sure he’s getting something out of it. Great publicity for one thing, Jaya mumbled and rolled her eyes, then felt a little bad. Just a little. Sure. I guess, yeah, she admitted, reluctantly.

An older man, distinguished in his expensive suit, cleared his throat and worked his way to the middle of the crowd. He was of ordinary height and frame, though standing beside Sebastian’s freakishly long and muscular body, everyone looked a little pudgy.

Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention, Harvey Watson, chairperson for the Kids Outreach Campaign, addressed the crowd of about twenty youths and a handful of counselors and staff. Everyone hushed and kept their attention on Sebastian while the chairperson talked.

We are so fortunate to welcome this generous, wonderful man who has volunteered to take our fundraising campaign to the next level. We all know him as the gritty centerman for the Thrashers hockey team—league champions a few years back, let’s not forget. Today, he is more than a hockey player. He is a champion for our cause.

Laying it real thick there Mr. Watson, Jaya thought to herself. It’s an outreach campaign to fund a community center, not world peace, for goodness’ sake.

Despite her internal cynicism, Jaya looked around and recognized the effect this ceremony had on the kids she worked with. They were leaning forward, eyes wide, and faces grinning. Being part of this event made them feel special. For so many of these teenagers, that feeling was rare.

"Today, we’ve arranged for Sebastian to meet some of the kids who will benefit from the improvements to the Freedom Community Center of downtown Cincinnati. This private meeting with the kids was, by the way, his idea!" Harvey Watson smiled at Sebastian with such veneration, it was almost embarrassing.

Sebastian nodded and gave a timid wave at the crowd before he put his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels. He was wearing a simple Henley shirt and jeans, though the casual outfit belied the stark angles and shapely muscles of an athlete’s body. The combination of his powerful frame with his boyish good looks was striking.

In Jaya’s assessment, if there was a caption under his pose, it would read something like: Although I’m aware that everyone is looking at me in adoration, I’m going to stand here like this old man’s announcement is the most interesting thing I’ve heard all day because, despite my total hotness, I am a patient, humble, and accommodating young man.

Oh, please.

Without further ado, let’s welcome Sebastian Beaumont, everybody!

The welcoming noise was about as loud as cheering in an arena. The acoustics were very flattering in community centers, it turned out.

Thank you so much, Mr. Watson. And thank you all for being here to welcome me, Sebastian began cheerfully. When I heard that the community center needed to make improvements, I knew I had to do something. This is a great place for kids and I, um, I spent a lot of time in places like this where I grew up.

Sebastian’s voice dipped lower. My mom was a single parent and so, after school, community centers were part of my everyday life. I know that’s the case for many of you.

His eyes grazed over the crowd of kids sitting on the floor or sharing seats everywhere in the lobby, many in middle school or early high school years and from minority populations. Young, vulnerable, and impressionable kids who had few choices for after-school activities. Or rather, few choices that didn’t involve loitering or getting into trouble.

Jaya knew how important this facility was to their everyday lives. It kept them off the streets and provided access to counselors and tutors. It wasn’t merely a few basketball courts they were sprucing up; the campaign was meant to revive a safe space for kids to thrive.

Jaya was shaken out of her reverie by Shirley’s drooling. Or was it the collective drooling that came with gushing sighs? Sebastian’s smile, soft words, and warm demeanor enthralled everyone. She couldn’t blame them. The crowd didn’t know what she knew about Sebastian’s extracurricular activities.

He projected friendliness and empathy. I know there are a few fundraising events scheduled in the future, but I asked for this tour with you guys because I wanted to introduce myself. More importantly, I want to get to know you and understand what this place means to you. I never want to forget who this is for so yeah, well, I guess that’s it. Thanks, he concluded and pressed his lips together. Sounds of aww emanated from all corners of the lobby.

Jaya went to work, flitting around and coordinating the kids to take their places. They were assigned different areas in the community center. She organized to have three to four kids in different sections: the athletic gym, the general playroom, the two different locker rooms, and the game tables that converted to tutoring spaces in the basement.

The tour involved the campaign chairman, Mr. Watson, taking Sebastian to each section while the kids explained how the incoming resources were going to improve that part of the community center. A couple of adult staff members or counselors would be with each group, although the point of the mini-presentation was for the kids to deliver the message. Jaya was proud of their willingness to engage in the process. They were nervous, as kids can be, yet they were ready. Besides, what truly mattered was that they spoke from the heart.

When she completed her instructions, Jaya sat at the front desk. She meant to stay in the lobby in case she was needed by any of the presenters. Mr. Watson walked up to her with his hand out and with Sebastian in tow.

"Jaya, hello! Thank you, thank you for getting the kids ready. Have you met Sebastian? Sebastian, Jaya Patel is our fantastic coordinator for youth services at the Freedom Community Center. She’s a big reason for the positive strides we’re making here. The kids absolutely adore her." He shook her hand vigorously while singing those praises.

Jaya didn’t care for this sort of attention, and she certainly didn’t like Sebastian’s all-knowing, smug gaze when he said, "In fact, we have met. Through the Hockey-For-All program. How’s it going Jaya?" the esteemed guest asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Jaya managed a curt smile. I’m doing well. Nice to see you again, Mr. Beaumont.

Please, you’ve always called me Sebastian, he teased conspiratorially.

To your face maybe, Jaya said to herself then shook off the snarkiness. Even she couldn’t understand why his mere presence made her so grumpy. Right. Well, good to see you, Sebastian. Have fun meeting the kids. They’re excited to give you the tour.

Pleased with the exchange, Mr. Watson said, Jaya, would you mind joining us for the tour? You planned everything so carefully, I want to make sure I show Sebastian all the ins and outs of the center.

She was already shaking her head. Oh, it’s easy to get around. You don’t need me.

Now, don’t be so humble, Sebastian said smoothly. "I’m sure you’ll have something to add." His tone was friendly yet the way he cocked his head was so affected, he was undoubtedly thinking of the last time they saw each other.

She prickled. The last time she had to put up with this man, she definitely had something to add. Choice words and snide derision to add to the tirade unleashed by her friend, Molly Eastwood, when they saw Sebastian at The Union dance club a few weekends ago. According to Molly, Sebastian was one of those guys who made you feel special and beautiful and wonderful. Before they ghosted you. A real catch.

Jaya had a couple of run-ins with Sebastian through the Hockey-For-All program as well, where she was a volunteer and he had made donations of Thrashers hockey equipment. But that wasn’t where she got to know Sebastian. No. She learned about his misogynistic fuckboy ways through her friend.

Sebastian might fool the hockey folks and community at large with his façade of goodwill. Unfortunately, sleeping with all the single women in the city and then treating them like shit was bound to chip away at that reputation.

Both men were intently staring at Jaya, waiting for her to process her unsavory thoughts. She gave a curt nod and shook off her discomfort. For the kids, she said to herself. You can do this for the kids.

Let’s head this way, please. She brought them to the decrepit gym first. Jaydon, his little sister Aleena, as well as Gus and Azeem were playing basketball as they approached. Well, at least the three teenage boys were, while little Aleena was left out of the scrimmage, idly kicking up her heels and pouting from the sidelines.

Sebastian ran up and picked up a pass. He dribbled a few times and gave a gentle bounce pass to the sixth-grade girl who was left out. She glowed at the attention. Aleena made a few of her own bounces and gave a solid pass back to Sebastian. The hockey player caught the ball and attempted a shot. Or more like an airball. Azeem jumped for the rebound, displayed some impressive footwork, then sank a jump shot.

Sebastian clapped as he walked to Aleena whom he high-fived. Great pass, he said. Sorry I didn’t sink it.

The kid smiled and blushed, answering with her timid voice, It’s OK.

Jaya introduced the kids who did their little spiel about the benefits of after-school sports for youth health and self-esteem. The space needed to be converted to a high school regulation gymnasium to house different activities including volleyball, badminton, and basketball. Funds would update equipment as well.

They moved on to the locker rooms that needed extended storage spaces and bathrooms that needed updates from the twenty-first century. The girls had an especially compelling presentation on what they summarized as potty parity.

Jaya picked the sassiest girls of the cohort and felt a sense of pride when they outlined why women’s bathrooms needed more stalls than men’s bathrooms. Words like menstruation and diaper changing and breastfeeding and complicated clothing might have made Jaya blush when she was their age. Not these girls. They were great. She loved this generation of fiery young women. Reena and Cathy ended the presentation by splitting the punchlines.

Equality in physical space is not equity in access, Reena declared.

We need to stop favoring men’s bodies and men’s needs when we build facilities, Cathy followed up.

Jaya sensed Mr. Watson’s discomfort with the strong delivery and progressive message. Sebastian, on the other hand, looked thoroughly engaged. His glance landed on her and she made sure to look away from his chronic smirk. She didn’t want to detract from the girls’ presentation. She also didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that she noticed him at all. His ego didn’t need more encouragement.

Reena’s young eyes flicked towards Jaya. You got this, girl! Jaya sent the good vibes through her attentive and encouraging smile. These kids deserved so much. Teaching them how to ask for what they deserved was one of the best parts of her job.

They finally meandered to the basement, where Jaya had spent much of the last few months trying to convert ugly storage rooms into something useful. Donated tables turned to board game spaces. Desks functioned as tutoring areas. Although the rooms needed cosmetic upgrades, the campaign’s funds were for something more important.

Most of the money for youth programs would be diverted towards hiring and training human resources: counselors, tutors, coaches, and support staff. Jaya had a degree in social work. She transitioned into the Freedom Community Center youth coordinator position this past year. In her role, she didn’t only run the programming for kids, she was a grant writer, administrator, occasional receptionist, and reluctant social media facilitator. She was also the coordinator for volunteer tutors and coaches. Even running the background checks was a side job. Most paramount responsibility, though, was finding crucial support counselors. Hiring the wrong people had real, enduring consequences for the kids’ safety and growth.

This is going so well, Shirley said, her giddy voice beside Jaya’s ear.

Jaya took a deep breath and allowed herself a half-smile as Oliver did his part of the presentation. Yeah, they’re defi...

Shut the fuck up, Chloe whisper-hissed at Sonia, though it was loud enough for everyone to hear. You don’t know what you’re talking about.

Sonia flicked her hair back and crossed her arms. Whatever, bitch.

Oh, ahem, well now girls, Mr. Watson attempted to intervene. His panicked eyes sought Jaya.

The argument escalated pretty quickly from there, ninth graders being as fluent in name calling as they are. The men’s shocked silence was fodder for the girls’ anger. They were normally friends and had more in common than they would admit—both brilliant and frustrated and stubborn. Something must have triggered this exchange, Jaya realized.

As she moved forward, Shirley placed herself between the girls.

Jaya addressed them. Hey, hey, Chloe. C’mon Sonia. It’s OK to disagree but we don’t talk to each other like that, she spoke calmly. She looked at each girl individually. You know that right, Chloe? And calling another woman that word, I mean, c’mon Sonia. We talked about this. Swearing at your friend isn’t going to get you the response you need.

"I don’t need anything from her!" Sonia huffed.

You need a damn pu... Chloe started.

OK! That’s enough, Jaya interrupted with more authority, knowing the next word would make it hard to pull back from the debacle. Once a physical threat was launched, reports had to be written. She meant to scale this back before things got worse.

I want to hear both your sides, and it will take time, alright? How about we thank our guests now and find a quiet place to talk, Jaya stated gently. Both girls still looked at each other hotly. Jaya had spent enough time with them this past year, together and separately, to know that these outbursts were probably from the stresses of the day rather than from any deep-seated hostilities. At least she hoped that was the case.

The kids mumbled some version of concluding statements for Sebastian and Mr. Watson. Afterward, Shirley led the guests upstairs to the lobby, along with the other kids.

Once the room cleared out, Jaya pulled three chairs into an intimate circle and invited the girls to sit down.

Who wants to start? Jaya asked. Silence except for some general grumbling. The stale air of the basement was oppressive. She made another note at the back of her mind. Ventilation.

Since I heard you first, Chloe, when you told Sonia to, well, be quiet, she paused and saw the eye rolls, what did you mean?

She was spreading a rumor about me, Chloe growled.

No, I wasn’t! Sonia squealed and then unleashed a torrent of words. I asked if it was true because I didn’t think it was true. Rachel was going on and on about you and Darnell at the bleachers and it’s not like you’re saying anything about the rumor or stopping it or anything. And you told me you didn’t like him, so what are you doing under the bleachers with him then? By the time she got to the last word, Sonia was out of breath and red as a beet.

"I don’t like him! Chloe exclaimed, her caramel skin heated. I..." She stalled and seemed at a loss for words. Something was brewing in her mind, buried under a furrowed brow.

It’s OK, Chloe. Take your time, Jaya said before Sonia tried to fill the silence with another outburst of information.

He asked me to the dance and then when I said no, he surprised me after gym class. On the way to the locker room.

The back of Jaya’s neck prickled and she leaned over, hoping to project the sympathy and support the child needed. Because that’s what Chloe was. The fifteen-year-old girl had troubles that no child should bear.

He tried to pull me into the bottom of the bleachers. He said he wanted to talk. I pushed him away and he...he called me a slut, she blurted out and then shrugged her shoulders. I mean, whatever.

The three of them were quiet for a while. Jaya could feel the tightness in her chest and saw tension reflected in the girls’ anxious faces.

Sonia, Jaya ventured slowly. I think this answers your question about what was true and what was false. And you can probably see why Chloe didn’t want to talk about it, right?

Sonia nodded and pursed her lips.

Jaya continued. Even if I don’t like how this came about, especially since it involved very disrespectful language between two good friends, I think, after all, it was important to air this out. So for that, I can see why you brought it up, Jaya offered to Sonia who seemed vindicated. Jaya turned to Chloe. The young woman raised one shoulder, ever so slightly. A tiny gesture of agreement.

Now I need to be alone with Chloe, Jaya announced and both girls looked at her with wide eyes.

It was nothing! Chloe said. I trusted you! I don’t want to report anything, Jaya! It was nothing!

OK, though we still need to talk, Chloe. Sonia, can you give us a minute? Please stay by the hallway if you want. I promise this won’t take long.

Sonia did as she was asked but gave a hefty dose of pouting and stomping to lodge her discontent at being excluded from the conversation. Once alone, Jaya looked at Chloe intently.

Chloe, you know my first, my absolute number one concern, is for your safety. So I need to ask you if you feared injury, or harm, or anything. Because it sounds like he touched you when you didn’t want him to, Jaya ventured carefully. Pushing too hard or misrepresenting the situation wouldn’t be helpful. This was an important moment for Chloe to take the time and consider how she felt. She also had to realize, with absolute certainty, that Jaya was on her side. Ready to validate her feelings and fears.

She sighed as if she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. Honestly, Jaya, guys call girls slu...I mean bad names like that, all the time.

Bile rose to Jaya’s throat. She wasn’t naïve. She knew that hyper-sexualized and misogynistic language directed at young women often went unchecked. It had to be dealt with, but the problem shouldn’t be hefted on this girl’s slim shoulders.

As long as you know it’s wrong. He has no right to call you that. And if you don’t want him to touch you, he shouldn’t. Remember, you can talk to me, or to an adult you trust, any time. I will intervene if you feel unsafe. I want to help. Jaya comforted the girl while trying to make eye contact.

Can I go now? Chloe whined. And then, as if to lessen the edge of her teenage insolence, mumbled, Please?

Will you talk to me if something changes or if anything, anything at all, gets worse? Jaya pushed a little more. And then she copied Chloe’s tone and said, Please?

This earned her a snort and a nod. They stood and walked out to find Sonia on her phone. Chloe’s composure relaxed when she saw her friend waited to walk out together.

Take care, ladies, Jaya said. Watch out for each other, alright?

They nodded and were already orchestrating the rest of the afternoon via their phones. See you, Jaya, they called on their way upstairs.

Jaya walked the hallway towards an office that was her headquarters as counselor, coordinator, and volunteer. It was after five in the afternoon and she would have to be back by eight tomorrow morning for her first meeting.

She was tired as well as excited. The tour went well, all things considered. The 1.2-million-dollar campaign could change lives for the better.

If only there was a campaign to ease her worry.

CHAPTER 2

What the hell was her problem, Sebastian thought when he caught her scowling at him. Jaya Patel was such a snarky grump and for no good reason he could fathom.

He tried to be friendly when they crossed paths for the Hockey-For-All program. She coordinated the donation of old equipment and organized the free skating lessons offered to underserved communities in Cincinnati. You’d think she would appreciate Sebastian’s efforts at getting the Cincinnati Thrashers, a local farm team for the NHL, to donate equipment. But no. Still a snarky grump.

She was popular with the kids. It was also fairly obvious that some of those kids were half in love with her. Everyone else found her to be pleasant. Him, not so much.

Granted, when Sebastian and Jaya first met, she caught him checking out her shapely ass while she was bent over. It hadn’t been on purpose. He simply happened to walk into her office when she was grabbing something from under her desk. He momentarily lost the ability to announce his arrival. It was two seconds, at most. Well, maybe more like seven seconds. That wasn’t the point!

Maybe she was pissed about something Molly Eastwood said about their one-night stand. Well, it was more like two- or three-night stands. He never lied to Molly, though. Never promised anything exclusive or long-term. Again, that wasn’t the point.

Jaya had a problem with him, no doubt about it. And though she was cute as could be, that snarky grumpiness was getting old.

She was walking in front of him, down the basement hallways of the Freedom Community Center, when he allowed himself a glance at the long, wavy hair that grazed the curve of her lower back.

Jaya was talking about counselors, and youth opportunities, and something, something, whatever. He cared about the fundraising campaign, but he didn’t lose sleep over how they would spend the money. He thought it would be fun to meet some kids while doing the community PR thing his agent told him to work on.

He was following along and smiling back at the eager face of Mr. Watson when Jaya lost her balance. Instinctively, Sebastian reached over and grabbed her before she toppled.

Now, as a professional hockey player with a reputation for being physically aggressive, Sebastian was used to getting hit. Having his breath knocked out and his eyes water by the sheer force of contact. Nothing new there.

Getting hit by softness, that was new. There was no other way to put it. The force of her softness knocked his breath out and made his eyes water. The soft texture of a sleek blouse. Soft, fragrant hair that swished by his face when he leaned forward. And the heavy, promising softness of a breast right at the edge of his fingers when his hand landed on Jaya’s upper ribcage.

She straightened up immediately and wiggled out of his reach. Her eyes, which were easily the largest, most expressive dark brown eyes he had ever seen, got bigger. He didn’t know what she was thinking when the smooth planes of her face flashed bright pink. It was impossible for him to look away.

You OK? he asked huskily, surprised by the dryness in his throat.

She nodded, lifted her chin, and pushed her shoulders back. He was sure she did it to compose herself, shore up even more of that badass energy she had going. The effect on him was a little more complicated.

In an age when supermodels were rail-thin and celebrities starved of carbs, Jaya Patel had the body of a fifties Hollywood starlet. Full breasts, a cinched waist, and curvaceous hips. So when she pushed that rack out like it was armor, he felt his fingers tingle at the substantial roundness he imagined. And he thought about her ass again, and how it would fill his large hands.

He put the brakes on his train of dirty thoughts because he obviously couldn’t act on them. Being on the receiving end of her snarky grumpiness and all.

Jaya said something about being clumsy and deflected any attention directed towards her. Their small group continued the tour.

The scuffle between two teenage girls was unexpected. Mr. Watson looked more embarrassed than unnerved. Sebastian, however, was equal parts unnerved and impressed.

Jaya stepped in and calmed the girls down with a tone as smooth as velvet and as effective as a tranquilizer. Instead of remaining stiff with hostility, they took deeper breaths and visibly leaned into Jaya’s body language. Her words were carefully chosen, respectful, and most of all, invested. Like she could hang around all day and listen to their troubles. Like nothing in the world could