Climax Creek:: The Complete Collection

By Kianna Alexander

Climax Creek is a small, quaint town situated between Greensboro and Sanford in North Carolina. Bordered by I-85 and three North Carolina state highways, it's occupied by less than sixteen hundred people. Climax Creek is the kind of town where you won't find a Starbucks, but you can get a great cup of coffee from Paulina down at Cool Beans. Watch out for Paulina- she'll talk your ear off if you let her. Down at Phipps Pharmacy, Quinn Phipps has got a cure for whatever might be ailing you. Say the wrong thing to your significant other? Minnie Hughes has got an "apology special" running down at her flower shop- she'll fix you up. Feel the need for some spiritual guidance? Climax Creek has four churches- take you pick. If you're looking for something fancy and pretentious, this isn't the place. But if you're looking for a little Southern comfort, the kind that you can't get out of a bottle, then stop on by.

Seducing Sheri: Book 1

The heat between Sheridan "Sheri" Cole and Nicholas "Nick" Dunn is palpable, undeniable, and inescapable. Before Sheri can even get a sip of her coffee, she's on her way home with Nick. But is this just a sexy holiday fling? Or is Nick using his sexual prowess to convince Sheri to enter a business deal with him?

Or could he be after her most guarded possession of all...her heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Publishing
• Release date: Dec 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094468341

Kianna Alexander

Kianna Alexander wears many hats: doting mother, advice dispensing sister, and voracious reader. The author of more than twenty novels, she currently lives in her home state of North Carolina.

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Climax Creek

CLIMAX CREEK

FOUR STEAMY CONTEMPORARY ROMANCES

KIANNA ALEXANDER

BRYANT STREET PUBLISHING

CONTENTS

Seducing Sheri

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

10. *A Few Weeks into the New Year*

Vying For Vivian

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Adoring Ava

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Persuading Patrice

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

About the Author

©2023 Kianna Alexander.

Published by Scribd, Inc.

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

SEDUCING SHERI

Welcome to Climax Creek, North Carolina

Established 1858

Built on Tradition, Moving Toward the Future

1

AS HER LATE MODEL SEDAN breezed down NC 421, Sheridan Cole let her eyes scan the horizon ahead. She could feel the exhaustion setting in, so she blinked her eyes several times to push away the bleariness, then turned the dial on the console to turn the heat down. The digital thermometer in the dash displayed a chilly 38 degrees, typical for December in North Carolina. She knew if she kept the heat blasting, she'd fall asleep for sure.

It was Saturday evening, and outside the warm cocoon of her car, only a few other vehicles occupied the road. She'd chosen to leave her place just outside of Philly on Friday, planning her trip so she could spend the last leg in a traffic lull. She'd traveled I-95 south, then caught I-85 going west to get her to this point. After what she'd dealt with while driving in the city, and on the interstate highways today, she needed this break from bumper to bumper gridlock.

On the right side of the road, she glanced at the green and white road signs directing her journey. She didn't make this trip very often, and she didn't want to miss her exit. She'd only come home one previous Christmas, and that had been just after college, three years ago.

Her mother, Clara, was constantly asking her why she didn't come home more often. She'd been honest with her mother- Evelyn Yancey, her boss at the CPA firm, worked them extra hard around Christmas to prepare for the coming tax season. Most years, she was simply too exhausted to make the trip. Her mother hadn't seemed satisfied with the answer, but it was the truth. Mercifully, this year, her boss had taken a rare vacation, freeing everyone in the office to actually celebrate the holidays instead of slaving away at their desks.

This was one hell of a long drive. She ran a hand over her eyes and reached for her now tepid coffee. Taking a sip, she continued to look for the sign that would direct her back to her tiny hometown.

Finally, the sign she was looking for came into view. NC 62- Climax Creek. Pressing down on the turn signal lever, she moved into the right lane, and took the appropriate exit.

The setting sun dipped low behind the clouds in the overcast sky as she drove through the town center. Through her tired, droopy eyes, she could see that not much had changed since she'd last visited. Most of the businesses were closed, but all of them were decked out in holiday finery. Fresh spruce wreaths, finished with red velvet ribbons, hung on the doors of every shop and store. The town's lit wreaths hung from every light post.

Climax Creek had two gas stations, a BP and a Kangaroo. There was a small Guilford County library branch, along with a couple of fast food places and a Walgreens. The town hall occupied a small sloping piece of land inside a traffic circle, and off the main road, there were at least four churches of different denominations. As she drove around the traffic circle, she groaned. They'd put the infernal thing in when she was in high school, and she'd always hated it. Aside from that, there wasn't enough traffic in Climax Creek to warrant a circle- the whole town had less than 1600 people. At least the trip around the circle let her get a good look at the town's Christmas tree. It was beautiful this year, with all white lights and ornaments of silver and gold.

She spotted Cool Beans, the local coffee shop that had been on Climax Road since she was knee high to a piano bench. Across the street she could see the florist shop, owned by Minnie Hughes, mother of her best friend and high school classmate, Carlotta.

When she passed Dunn's Grocery, she cringed. She knew the Dunn family well, especially the oldest son, Nick. Every time she passed the place, she thought about the same two things: the rivalry between the Coles and the Dunns, and how drop-dead sexy Nick was. She pushed the thoughts away. Right now, all she wanted was to get home to a warm bed.

Her eyelids dipped again, this time coming dangerously close to shutting completely. Shaking her head vigorously to fend off the sleepiness, she made a quick maneuver, turning left off the main road and into the parking lot of Cool Beans. If she was going to make it home safely, she had to stop in for a pick-me-up. The cold coffee in her travel mug just wasn't going to do.

Slipping the car into an empty spot, she cut the engine and got out. There were only four other cars in the lot, so she knew it would be pretty easy to get in, grab herself a dark roast, and get back on the road before her mom started calling her cell phone. Clara hadn't been crazy about her taking the long drive alone, but it was two days before Christmas. She didn't want to be anywhere near Philadelphia International Airport in the middle of the holiday travel madness.

The air held a biting chill, but the aroma of the coffee wafting from the shop brought a smile to her lips. Nothing could warm the bones like a good strong brew, and Paulina Gray, owner of Cool Beans, could brew with the best of them.

With her purse in hand, and her cell phone tucked into the hip pocket of her jeans, she pushed through the door into the warmth of the coffee shop.

Inhaling the heady aroma of the freshly ground beans and brewing coffee, she stepped forward toward the counter.

A man stood there, his back to her, fiddling with his cell phone. She assumed he was waiting on his drink, so she hung back a bit to let him have his personal space.

Paulina flitted over with a steaming cup in her hand, the ever-present smile lighting her face. Here you go, Nick. Have a good evening, darlin'.

Hearing that name, her heart stopped. Surely, she didn't mean that Nick. Over her now racing heartbeat, she sent up a silent prayer that another Nick, any Nick, had moved to town since she'd been away, and had endeared himself to Paulina enough for her to call him by a pet name.

The man took the offered cup. Thanks, Lina.

Her heart dropped straight to the soles of her leather boots. She knew that voice.

He turned around fully, his cup in hand. As soon as he saw her, that sexy smile broke out over his full lips. Sheri? When did you get back in town? As he spoke, she watched the way his eyes moved over her body like a caress.

And just like that, her plans for a quick trip home for the holiday flew out the window like a bird escaping a cage.

2

EYING SHERIDAN COLE , Nick was suddenly very glad he'd stayed later than he intended to grab a hot chocolate. He'd spent the last hour or two sitting in the shop with his younger brother, Dalton. They'd been discussing possible courses of action to take now that Purcell Foods, Incorporated, was chomping at the bit to buy out his family's grocery store. He and his brother acted as manager and assistant manager, respectively, and the surprise offer on the store had put quite a damper on their holiday. No one in the entire Dunn family seemed to agree on what to do about the offer. As the eldest child, and designated voice of reason, his stress levels had been high for the last two weeks trying to get everyone to a consensus.

But now, looking at this tasty morsel of femininity that fate had seen fit to drop in front of him, he thought his Christmas spirit might be returning in full force. Wearing a pair of skin tight, dark denim jeans and an emerald green sweater beneath a black leather jacket, she looked like the best gift he could ever hope to unwrap. The clothes clung to her in every place they should, showing off the womanly curves she'd acquired. They'd known each other since childhood, but now, she was all woman and looked every bit the part.

She'd come a long way from the math genius in glasses he'd known in high school, and even from the recent college graduate he'd seen on her last visit. He watched her stand there, trembling like a chihuahua in a freezer, and waited for her to answer his question.

I... uh.... just got in. Decided to stop off for something warm on the way home. Her hand went to the straight, dark locks of her hair, hanging over her shoulders, and she twirled a few strands around her fingertips. Watching her do that just made him want to run his hand through the silken tresses.

He smiled, reaching out for her hand with his free one. Welcome home. It's so good to see you. How long has it been...three, four years? Her hand was shaky as he captured it in his larger one.

She nodded. About that long, yeah. As if she realized she was playing in her hair, she stuffed the offending hand into her jacket pocket. Still gazing at him, those chocolate eyes wide, she asked, How have you been?

Good, good. He took a sip from the cup of cocoa, through the tiny hole in the plastic lid. It was scorching hot, but somehow not as hot as Sheri. Still managing the store. How about you?

Her gaze flickered, dropped for a moment. Still working at the firm.

Well, you look fantastic. Whatever you're doing up in Pennsylvania is obviously working for you. He lifted her hand up to his lips and kissed it.

Ah.

The sound that slipped from her mouth may not have been intentional, but it was audible. He heard her sigh, loud and clear. Hearing her utter that throaty, pleasure filled sound made his pants feel about two sizes too small in the crotch. At this point, he had two options. He could either go stand in the corner, cross his legs, and think about last year's ski trip to Aspen, or he could invite her home with him. Right away, he knew which one he preferred, although it would be quite a feat to drive in his current condition.

Paulina cleared her throat, and they both turned in her direction. Don't hog Sheridan, Nick. Come on over here and tell me how you've been doing, girl!

Releasing a long breath, Sheri excused herself and went to the counter to converse with Paulina. He watched her round hips swaying from side to side, then moved to a nearby table and sat down, covering his lap with his trench coat before he embarrassed himself.

He sat there and waited for the two women to finish their conversation, all the while wondering what Sheri would say when he asked her to come home with him. They were well acquainted, so she probably wouldn't slap him in the face, but he knew what he was about to do was still more than a little forward. Back in high school, she completely ignored him, preferring to spend time with her math books over dating. He hoped to God she'd changed her mind, because what was throbbing between his legs told him that if he didn't have her, he'd never get to sleep.

He waited what seemed like hours for her to finish chatting with Paulina and order her drink, while he shifted back and forth on the stiff wooden seat. There just wasn't any comfortable way to sit in a chair like that when he was so damn hard. Finally, mercifully, she got her drink and turned back in his direction. I was on my way home, so I guess I'd better get back on the road.

He stood, careful to close his coat as he did. Rather than announce his intentions now, and risk getting shot down in front of the gossiping Paulina, he offered his arm. Let me walk you to your car.

She gave him a small smile, linked arms with him, and he pressed the door open with his elbow, so they could step out into the cold night air.

Outside, they walked toward her dark blue sedan. He watched her face, and the way she seemed to be avoiding making eye contact. When she made a move to slip her arm out of his, he stayed her.

She looked up at him with those doe eyes. What is it, Nick?

He sat his cup on the roof of her car, then took hers and did the same. With both hands free, he cupped her face in his hands. Sheri, why don't you come to my place?

The long lashes fluttered. I... didn’t I just say I was on the way home?

You did. He dipped his head low and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

The same sound she'd made earlier, when he'd touched her hand, slipped out again.

She stepped back, pressed a hand over her mouth. Oh, God. You heard that, didn't you.

He nodded. Yeah. Both times. He kissed her lips again, loving how soft and yielding they felt beneath his. Unable to stop himself, he kissed her again, and again, giving her little pecks until his mouth, craving more of her, opened to slide his tongue between her lips.

Her arms wrapped around his neck, and that was his cue to pull her flush against his body, his hands resting on her hips. She relaxed into his embrace, and let the kiss deepen.

The chill of the night faded away, until all he could feel was the heat the two of them were generating. His hands moved around to cup her the full cheeks of her ass, and he gave them a firm squeeze. For the third time, she moaned; this time, the sound was muffled by his mouth covering hers.

He released her lips, pulled back for a moment. Looking down, he could see the desire shimmering in her eyes. Do you want to stand out here in the cold making out, or do you want to continue this at my house? It's warmer, and much more private.

She nodded, her expression changing. It looked as though whatever resistance she'd planned to put up was gone. Yes. Paulina's probably watching us right now.

Not wanting to look back to verify that, he grabbed their cups off the roof of her car and gestured toward his silver extended cab pickup. My truck's over here. I'll bring you back to get your car whenever you're ready.

He started across the small lot, and she followed him.

Inside the cabin of the truck, he settled the cups into the cup holder and waited for her to get buckled up. After she strapped in, he turned the key and fired up the engine. Once he'd maneuvered the vehicle onto the road, he took care not to speed. He was so on fire for her, it was difficult, but the last thing he needed was a speeding ticket to throw a wrench in his evening.

He had some very dirty plans for Miss Sheridan Cole, but he would make sure she loved every minute of it.

3

D ON'T BE SHY. COME on in.

Sheri took her first step inside Nick Dunn's home, as he held the door open for her. The light he'd flipped on allowed her to see the lower level of his townhouse. She sat her cell phone down on the marble topped side table next to the door and took in the sight of the room. He had a brown leather sofa and chair, as well as a few lamps and small tables. Other than the family pictures and abstract art on the walls, the decor was simple. The walls were still painted base white, but this was a new development. She didn't know if he hadn't had time to change anything, or just didn't want to.

She felt his presence behind her, as he removed her leather jacket. Turning around to face him, she could see that he'd already gotten out of his trench coat. He stepped away long enough to hang both coats on the rack of hooks by his stairs, then eased his way back to her. He stripped off his blue and gold NC A&T Aggies long sleeved tee, revealing the white tank beneath. She got a good look at the rippling muscles of his upper body before he pulled her into his arms again.

His dark eyes bore into hers with an intensity that threatened to short circuit her brain. I don't want to rush you, Sheri. But I don't think I can wait much longer, baby.

The more he pressed his body against hers, the more she could feel every hard inch of him- especially the part of him that gave away how much he wanted her. It had been so long since she'd been with a man- months, in fact. And that experience couldn't even be classified as satisfying. But somehow, she knew, as she coiled her arms around his neck and leaned up for his kiss, that she wouldn't walk away from this encounter unfulfilled- if she could walk at all.

His kiss was just as intense as his gaze. His lips were soft, but the way he reached around to squeeze her ass added a rough edge to his seduction. When his tongue slipped between her lips, she didn't fight him. Her own tongue danced around his, and she could feel her nipples harden like pebbles against his chest. Her panties were so wet, they were clinging to her.

He pulled away, stripping out of the tank. He was out of his pants and boxers in seconds, and he kicked the heap of clothing away with his foot.

She managed to get out of her sweater and was working on the button of her jeans when his hard dick sprang up before her eyes. Her hands went still on the button as she took in the sight of all she was about to receive. Nick Dunn was truly blessed, both in length and girth. Merry Christmas to me...

He smiled. So, you like what you see. He ran his open palms over her shoulder, moving them around to her back to unclasp her bra. It fell away, her breasts and pert nipples bared to his eyes. So, do I, baby. So do I.

She stood there, trembling, as he kissed the tops of her breasts, then left a damp trail over them before sucking one of her nipples into his mouth. Her hands fell away from her zipper, but he stepped in to undo her jeans, without taking his wicked mouth from her. With the jeans open, he pushed them down her hips just enough to allow him access to her.

A soft cry escaped her as his fingertips slipped into her panties and parted her slick folds. He moved them up, down, and all around, circling her swollen clit while his mouth continued to suck her nipple. When one long finger began to slip inside her, her knees began to buckle.

The velvet timbre of his voice whispered into her ear. Mmmm. You're ready for me, aren't you baby. I can feel it. I can smell it.

His words, combined with the skillful movements of his hand in her panties, pushed her over the edge, and she came with a scream. As she flew apart, he caught her, which was the only thing that kept her from crashing to the floor. In the cradle of his strong arms, she rode out the glory of it.

He lay her down gently on the soft carpet and yanked her jeans