Snippet Saturday…

I’ve been working on a new story featuring Jason, a Dom (of course!)  and Abby (his potential sub) but as I’ve been writing it, I ran into a scene with Master Silas. He’s a character who, much like Master Gabriel, will run through this series of books. I thought I’d share with you a snippet of the kind of man, and Dom, he is.

***

Sharada’s voice was low.  “Trevor was being a real bastard that night. He knows verbal humiliation is a hard limit for me, but he … he called me names anyway. I used my safe word, but he just laughed. I didn’t want to cause a scene since it was only words, so I let it go.”

“Fuck.” Master Silas came over from the door, stopped in front of Sharada and pulled her to her feet. He cupped her chin, forcing him to look at her. Her eyes darted away, and Abby knew how she felt. It was incredibly hard to look a strong Dom in the eye, especially one in protective mode. “You will never let someone step over your hard limits again, is that understood, pet? You have limits and a safe word for a reason. If he does not listen, you call for a dungeon monitor or one of us. I can tell you for certain if I’d heard him, I’d have banned him from the club for consent violations. I may still do that. And, pet? There is no such thing as ‘only words.’ For some subs, words cause more damage than cane strikes.”

Her eyes filled with tears, and he swore again, holding her close as she worked to pull herself together.  “Consent is something we’ll be addressing again at the next all-member meeting.”

***

I hope you enjoyed this little sneak peek into my writing project….

 

 

My Writing Process

Today I’m taking the baton for this fun blog hop from the lovely Seleste deLaney (also known as Julie Particka for her YA!)  You should stop by and read about her writing process!

1)  What am I working on?

Right now, I’m working on a novella that I’m hoping will be a three book series. It already includes two characters you’ve met, Jeremy Kohler (from Matzoh and Mistletoe) and Delia Butler (from Forbidden Fires).  This story features Jason Locke (yep, another Dom – what can I say?) and Abby Barnes who meet unexpectedly and then discover they may be suited for each other.  I’ve also got an entire of file of ideas screaming “me next!” but I want to get this one done.

 

2)   How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I tend to write sweet Doms. Oh, they’re alphas, but they’re not alphaholes. They want control, but they’re not jerks about it. Gabe from Forbidden Obsessions is case in point.

 

3)  Why do I write what I do?

A few reasons. I’ve found I really like that wide open door found in erotic romance, and it’s what I enjoy reading, as well.  And sex is such an integral, complex part of a relationship, so I like showing how a character learning more about his and/or her sexual self creates obstacles and opportunities.

 

4) How does my writing process work?

There’s a process? How come no one told me? *pauses* All kidding aside, every author’s process is different.

notebooksI get an idea, and I jot a few sentences about it in a file I call “next projects.”  I’ve always got a notebook with me just in case.  If I’m working on something else, that may be as far as I go with it for now, but I never want to lose those ideas. (All bets are off when I’m sleeping, though. Those? They usually get lost. *le sigh*)

When I’m actively working on something, I rarely read anything new, or I’ll read in a completely different genre, like mystery. I’m wary of what I call “cross-contamination” and I don’t want someone else’s words to influence my own.

I tend to write one day, and review what I’ve written the next. I make any changes (usually less than half an hour) and then I move on. I *must* write in a linear fashion – I can’t skip around — and I don’t generally plot. Which means if I’m stuck on direction, I’m STUCK. Sort of a pain, but it’s a process that’s worked five times so far!

And I write fairly complete drafts. I’m not one of those people who do three and four rewrites before they submit.  I also write full chapters — I know a lot of people don’t put chapter breaks in until the end, but honestly, that would make me crazy! *shudders*

 

So, that’s it for me! Next up to talk about their writing processes are lovely authors Vivian Arend , Cathy Pegau, and Regina West.  Their posts will be up next week, May 19th!

 

Flash Fiction: Game for You

 

CJ Lemire posted a writing prompt at his website after a twitter conversation that went, as things often do, to the durty.  The challenge, to write a 500 word erotic flash fiction piece based on the game Clue.  Here’s my semi-NSFW take on it:

 

Game for You

“I cannot believe I let you rope me into this.”

I grinned at Janelle’s serendipitous choice of words, enjoying the tiny furrow between her delicately shaped brows. When she’s riled, I like soothing away her frustrations by creating tension of another kind. Good thing I’d already planned for this. “What? It’s good publicity for the library and the toy shop. And you volunteered.”

“An afternoon of board games with kids? What was I thinking? I don’t have that kind of patience.”

I laughed, running my nails down her neck, playing with the small charm in the hollow of her throat. “No patience? Guess we’ll have to work on that.”

She gave me side-eye as goose bumps rose on her skin, then her gaze flicked to the slightly-open door of the library’s community activity room. “What are you doing? Someone will see.”

I scraped my nails across the tops of her lush breasts, which were covered by a loose, flowing peasant top with an elastic neckline. With my back to the door, shielding her body, she was protected. No one could see me drag the neckline down to reach the pretty lace of her bra, which I rubbed back and forth against her nipple, making her squirm. “I’m playing with what’s mine, my lovely pet.”

She froze.

Our power-exchange dynamic had always been confined to home, never in public. But last week we’d come across a couple in a darkened doorway. He’d had his hand around the back of the girl’s neck, his thumb against her throat, his other hand under her skirt.  Janelle’s light brown skin had flushed a darker color, her nipples had gone rigid and I’d seen the desire in her dark eyes.

Today, the not-in-public thing was about to change.  I planned to push her edges but, as always, she had the final say in how far things went. “You have a safe word, love. Use it if you need to.”

She swallowed then nodded once, that sweet hint of red darkening her cheeks again.

Oh, yeah. “You know what made me think of this today?”

“No, Mistress.”

I reached into the bag I had slung across my body, pulled my hand out, then turned my palm face up and grinned. On it was a length of twisted turquoise.

Janelle blinked. “Rope?”

I led my lover to the small bathroom in the corner of the room, then took her inside, stripping her of her shirt and her skirt in under twenty seconds.

I wrapped the rope around her, tying her into a waist corset with a crotch rope. One that had a knot right at her ultra-sensitive clit.  I put my lips against hers, swallowing the moan she made as I tugged first the rope and then her nipples.

With much regret, I helped her dress.  “Not just rope, pet. Clue.  Mistress Scarlet, with the rope, in the Library.”

An unrestrained laugh burst from her.  “You win, Mistress.”

I nipped her neck. “And so do you. Later.”

 

Game for You, © Jodie Griffin, 2014

Let’s Talk Holiday Pervertables with Jeremy Kohler

This blog post was originally published on 12/13/13 at The Book Nympho:

Jodie:  “I’d like you to meet OFC Jeremy Kohler. He’s cop and a Dom and he has a fondness for using everyday objects to torture a submissive.”

Jeremy: “You say torture. I say….well, you’re right. Torture’s the right word.”   He grins, looking unrepentant.

Jodie:  “So how about you give us a list of your favorites?”

Jeremy: “Not sure I want to give away all my secrets, but sure. Here’s a few.  I like to start out with a kiss under the mistletoe.  Nothing sets a scene like deep, hot, wet kiss.  I know mistletoe in this sense isn’t a real pervertable, but…”

Jodie: “Can you tell us what you mean by pervertable?”

HolidayPervertables

Jeremy: “Yeah, taking something normal and using it for kinky play. White votive candles or white Hanukkah candles for wax play.  And clothespins. I love those and sometimes use them instead of regular nipple clamps. Plus, you can put them all over your sub’s body.”

Jodie:   “Good to know. What other holiday-themed items can you use as a pervertable?”

 snowman spatulaJeremy:  “Lots of things can be used for impact play, especially around the holidays.  Does your sub like to bake?  There are spatulas with Christmas tree cutouts in them. They leave a really nice mark on a sub’s bottom.  Wooden spoons are good too, with or without cutouts.”    A devilish grin crosses his face. “Do you have one of those long wooden cheese boards with a handle? Then you’ve got a paddle.  That would be especially fun if you’re throwing a holiday party at your house.  Before the guests arrive, give your sub a few well-placed swats.  Then, during the party, every time someone takes a piece of cheese from the board — washed after use, please! —   you can whisper in her ear, give her a wink, or even better, a squeeze of her tender ass.”

Gingerbread scrraperJodie:  “Sounds like you’ve done this before.”

Jeremy: *grins*  “A few times. “

Jodie: “What else do you have for us?”

Jeremy: “It’s winter, so scarves are great for blindfolds or bondage.  Wrapping presents? Tie your sub up with Christmas ribbon — but be sure to have safety scissors to get her free immediately if there are any circulation issues.  You want to have fun with this, not hurt anyone. Well, not in a bad way, anyway.”  He pauses, and his eyes light up.  “You can even drape garland around your sub and decorate her like a tree, or hang jingle bells from nipple clamps.”

Jodie:  *laughs*

Jeremy: *winks* “Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.”

Jodie: “What about for people who aren’t into pain at all?”

Jeremy: “The holidays are good for sensation play, too.  Evergreen boughs are prickly. Pastry brushes are soft.  Gloves can be soft or scratchy.  And if you’re into role playing, there’s always the fur on Santa’s—”

Jodie: *cuts Jeremy off*  “No! Don’t go there! Not listening!”

Jeremy: *grins evilly*  “Ho ho ho.”

© Jodie Griffin, 2013

Becca’s Christmas Fantasy

This writing was originally published as part of the Scorching Book Reviews Christmas Fantasy Event in December 2013. Rebeccah and Jeremy are characters from Matzoh and Mistletoe.

***

Hi! I’m Rebeccah Rickman.  This is the first year I allowed myself to have a fantasy Christmas since I met Officer Jeremy Kohler five years ago.  You see, I’ve always been married when I’ve done my ride-along with him on Christmas Day. But this year?

This year, I’m single.

And this year, I found myself imagining what it would be like spending Christmas night with him. I don’t celebrate Christmas since I’m Jewish, but I’ve always loved bright, cheerful Christmas decorations and music and lights and food and… I could go on and on.  I love my own traditions, don’t get me wrong, but I can still appreciate other people’s celebrations, right?

Of course, that’s not the only reason I imagined spending Christmas with Jeremy. I mean, sexy guy, cop, black hair, hazel eyes, nice butt.  What’s not to like?

Where was I? Oh, right. Fantasies.   Heh.

This was the last one I had, on Christmas morning. Right before I went to meet him at the police station for our ride-along:

We’re in Jeremy’s house. I’ve been incredibly curious about where he lives, but I’m more focused on him than his house.  He’s smiling at me, that sexy smile that has always haunted my dreams.  He slides his big hand around the back of my neck and pulls me close.  “Wait here,” he murmurs in my ear, his voice brushing against my skin. “I have plans for you.”

I get goose bumps from his words or his touch or even just…him. He steps away from me to turn on the Christmas tree lights, and I suck in a deep breath. Oy, he’s potent.  He moves around the room with deadly grace, turning on the Christmas tree lights, starting a fire in the fireplace, putting soft music on. The room smells good, like evergreen and a little bit of cinnamon and apples. He steps away and comes back a minute later carrying a platter of food. He sets it beside a bottle of wine on a low table near the fire. 

At the sofa, he lifts a thick, fluffy blanket from the back and lays it out on the floor, folded several times.   With that devilish smile of his, he crooks his finger at me.

My heart races.  I follow his unspoken order, walking to him as though a string connects us. I stop in front of him, my back to the fire. It’s warm, welcome after a cold day. I open my mouth to speak, but he stops me with his finger against my lips.  I nod my understanding, and he smiles again.  His eyes are locked with mine as he unbuttons my sweater, his fingers slow but nimble. Soon, he’s got them all undone, and he nudges the sweater off my shoulders.  I’m wearing nothing but a cami underneath it, and as he pushes the sweater down my arms, he’s following with his lips.

Oh, God.  I had no idea I could be so turned on by something as simple as this. His tongue. Dear God, his tongue. I shiver.

He tosses my sweater to the sofa and pulls me forward, his finger hooked into the top of my cami. I catch him looking down at my cleavage, and to my surprise, his cheeks flush. But he takes my hands and puts them on the hem of his sweater, then raises his arms. 

I get to undress him? Yay!

I tug his sweater up and he bends slightly so I can pull it over his head.  Now he’s wearing nothing but a tight black tee-shirt, stretched across his wide chest.  I toss his sweater on top of mine on the sofa, but then I flounder. I’m a little nervous. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do next. I don’t know what he likes, or what he—

He drops onto the sofa and pulls me between his spread knees.  I look down, and his black dress trousers are tented.  It’s easy enough to see he’s aroused, and I feel a tiny thrill at knowing I did that to him.

He puts both hands on my hips and presses down. My eyes fly to his, and he looks at the floor. My heart stutters, but I drop to my knees, steadying myself with my hands on his thighs. I knew he had to be in good shape for his job, but holy cow, they’re rock hard under my palms. My knees are cushioned by the blanket Jeremy laid out, and I’m touched by his care.

Jeremy moves his hands to my shoulders, and then up to my face, cupping it with gentle fingers. He leans closer, and I know this is it. We’ve never kissed before, and somehow it seems right this way. In the space of a heartbeat, his mouth is on mine, his lips warm, his tongue wet and stroking my mouth until I open for him. The touch of his tongue against mine is ignites my need like a match to a pile of kindling.  I can’t hold back the small sound I make.

I feel Jeremy smile against my mouth.

He takes his time kissing me, not just my mouth but the sensitive skin behind my ear, the curve of my neck, the hollow of my throat.  He takes a tiny nip of my chin before returning to my mouth.  This time, his kiss is stronger, and I’m glad I’m on my knees, because this? This is what they mean by knee-weakening. When he lifts his lips from mine, he kisses the tip of my nose, then reaches behind him to pull out a…

My breath catches. It’s a handful of ties. And a blindfold.  I’ve never told him the secret desire I’ve had to be tied up and blindfolded, but somehow he knows.

“Trust me,” he says.  I do trust him, with all my heart, so I nod.  With a satisfied smile, he stands, leaning over me to reach my arms.  His erection bumps against my cheek and I turn my head, rubbing up against him.

He lets out a laugh that’s half groan and steps back, but I lean forward, trying to follow him. “Not yet, sweetness.  Soon.”  He finishes tying my arms behind me, wrists crossed one over the top of the other.  And then he wraps a tie around my ankles and another around my knees, too. I’m trapped now, on my knees, unable to move. My heart speeds up. I’ve wanted to try this for so, so long.

And then he holds out the blindfold, running his fingers over it, making me wish it was me he was touching. A rush of longing floods me, heating my cheeks and dampening my panties. To cover my embarrassment, I drop my head and close my eyes. If I can’t see him, he won’t know how much he affects me. His low laugh tells me he already knows—and he’s pleased by it.

His hands push my hair back behind my ears, and then he pulls the blindfold snug against my eyes.  He runs a finger under it, and his finger tickles my eyelashes. I blink my eyes open, but now it’s dark, and my other senses flare.  I can hear his slow, steady breathing and my own pulse in my ears, and I can smell the scent I’ve always associated with Jeremy, probably his soap or his aftershave.

Jeremy lightly pushes on my shoulders, and I realize he wants me to sit on my heels.  I do, and then I feel him slide to the floor.  I’m tucked into that space in the vee of his legs, I think, because I can feel his body heat warming my front. 

“Your skin is soft,” he says, his voice a whisper against my cheek. A heartbeat later, his tongue touches my shoulder, and a finger pulls the strap of my cami down my arm, as far as it can go. “Like silk.”

My head falls back as he licks a path across the tops of my breasts to the other shoulder, where he gives it the same treatment, licking it and then pulling my cami strap down. Like his tie, it’s another thing binding my arms behind me. 

His big hand slides inside the cami, pulling it down so my breast is free. He cups it, his palm rough and hot, and as his finger rubs across my nipple, I strangle on a moan. And when his tongue brushes it and he sucks, pulling against my tender, swollen flesh, I feel that spark again, the one that runs in a direct line to my core, and I want.

His laugh is low and wicked, and I can no longer hold back the words. “Please, Jeremy, I need….”

And then my damn alarm went off.  I woke up, wet and wanting and anxious to see Jeremy for the first time since Easter.  I couldn’t wait to get there, and let me tell you something.

Reality? Way better than the fantasy.

 

Becca’s Christmas Fantasy, © Jodie Griffin, 2013

Matzoh and Mistletoe

MatzohMistletoeEvery December twenty-fifth, Rebeccah Rickman volunteers through her synagogue so that others can celebrate Christmas. Her usual mitzvah, or good deed, is assisting police officer Jeremy Kohler. But this year is different: this year, Becca is free to act on the attraction that has long simmered between her and the sexy cop.

Jeremy couldn’t have asked for a better gift than discovering the woman he’s fantasized about for five long years is single. But when he learns about the violence that broke up Becca’s marriage, he’s hesitant to pursue her. He fears his desires will scare her away—but can’t deny his own need for control in the bedroom. Or his longing to instruct her in the fine art of submission…

Becca is shocked to learn that Jeremy is a sexual dominant. And despite her past, she’s also aroused. But before she can explore what that means, she’s going to have to put her trust in Jeremy—and her own fledgling desires.

(38,000 words)

 Read an Excerpt (18 and older only!)

Matzoh and Mistletoe is also available as part of the Carina Press Erotic Romance Holiday Novella Anthology called Season of Seduction.

Purchase Matzoh and Mistletoe

Amazon (Kindle Format)
Barnes & Noble (Nook Format)
Harlequin Books (ePub Format)
Kobo Books (ePub Format)

Purchase Season of Seduction

Amazon (Kindle Format)
Barnes & Noble (Nook Format)
Harlequin Books (ePub Format)
Kobo Books (ePub Format)

Season of Seduction Release Party!

Season of SeductionIt’s time for a  party! On Thursday, November 21st, Season of Seduction releases. This anthology includes stories from Jeffe Kennedy, Christine d’Abo, Elise Logan and Emily Ryan-Davis, and me!

What’s on your wish list?

After indulging in twelve naughty nights in Mexico, a woman experiences an erotic epiphany. An adventurous elf has her eye on one very sexy Santa. A married couple hopes to find a very special marine under the mistletoe. And a holiday mitzvah leads a woman to submit to a man in uniform on Christmas Day. No matter your fantasies, this collection of four shorts will add spice and sizzle to cold winter nights.

Edited by Angela James, this anthology includes:

Five Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy
Naughty Nicks by Christine d’Abo
Ménage on 34th Street by Elise Logan and Emily Ryan-Davis
Matzoh and Mistletoe by Jodie Griffin

 

And to celebrate this release, the authors of this anthology are sponsoring a giveaway! Enter below, and stop by the chat to say hello.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did You Know…?

 

Did you know you can find the full first chapters of all of my books on the BOOKS or UPCOMING pages on my website? You can! Please note, these excerpts are intended for adults 18 and older only. Material is not suitable for children.

 

 

Matzoh and Mistletoe Excerpt (Chapter One)

NOTE:  Content is intended for adults 18 and older only.

Carina_1113_9781426897450_MatzohMistletoe

Chapter One

 Another Christmas mitzvah, another day at the police station.

Rebeccah Rickman stood at the entrance to the squad room, her pulse pounding as she surreptitiously watched sexy-as-sin Officer First Class Jeremy Kohler. It’d been nine months since she’d volunteered here last, on Easter Sunday. Nine months since she’d seen Jeremy, and the first time in the five years she’d known him that she was a single woman.

So what are you waiting for, an engraved invitation? She shushed her inner devil and started forward.

He looked up, a wide grin crossing his square-jawed face. He shot out of the chair like he’d been spring-loaded and came around his desk. “Becca. I was hoping you’d be here today.”

He was? Swallowing her surprise, she held out her hand. “Where else would I go on Christmas Day?”

He ignored it and pulled her in for a quick hug, then let her go and studied her face. “The movies? Out for Chinese?”

She laughed at his not-far-off-the-mark assumption, but it sounded rusty in her ears. When was the last time she’d really laughed at anything? “Maybe later. Right now, though, I’m here to help out however they need me.”

He frowned and went dead still. “You’re not going to ride along with me today?”

“I wasn’t sure if you’d be working. And I didn’t know if —”

He cut her off with a shake of his head. “I work every Christmas, you know that by now. And why wouldn’t I want you to ride with me?”

She felt heat creep into her cheeks, but she didn’t answer, except in her head. Because the last time we rode together, you seemed uncomfortable with me? She lifted a shoulder but otherwise didn’t respond.

He shook his head. “C’mon. It’s just about time for shift change and I already told Lieutenant Mallory if you were volunteering today, I was claiming you.”

His words made her flash hot all over. She knew he couldn’t have meant them the way she thought them, but every single one of those five years she’d ridden along with him? She’d been attracted to him in a way she’d never been attracted to her ex-husband, though she’d made sure Jeremy had never known it.

They walked together to the large meeting room where all the volunteers met. Every Christmas Day and Easter Sunday her synagogue and others in the local Jewish community asked for volunteers to help out at the police station and the hospital, so non-essential personnel could spend the day with their families. It was a mitzvah, a good deed, and her family volunteered every year on those two holidays. When she’d moved to Maryland with Sam after their wedding, she’d signed up here. He hadn’t been interested, but she’d refused to give up the tradition she’d followed since she’d been old enough to participate.

The room was full. She assumed Jeremy would sit with the other officers up front and started toward her friend Hannah, but she was jolted when Jeremy hooked a finger in her belt loop and drew her backward. “Stay here,” he murmured in her ear. “By me.”

Oy. Shivers ran down her spine and she licked her lips. “Uh, okay.”

To her utter shock, he didn’t move his hand and his knuckles pressed against the small of her back, hot even through the thick material of her blue jeans. She stood there, rigid, while Jeremy’s lieutenant handed out assignments. Some volunteers would make copies, keep the coffee pots going, fill out forms and be all-around gofers. Others would ride along with an officer, keeping them company on what was usually a very long day.

“C’mon, c’mon,” Jeremy muttered under his breath.

She turned her head and looked up at him. He was taller than her by at least eight inches, about six-two to her five-six. He made a goofy ah, hell, did I say that out loud face and she had to hold back a snort of laughter, but it died in her throat when his knuckles brushed against her skin in the small gap between where her sweater ended and her jeans began.

Heat flared in his eyes and she couldn’t have broken her gaze from his if her life depended on it. Even so, the touch had to have been an accident. Had to. He’d never touched her before, aside from shaking her hand and that innocent hug in the squad room. He’d always been one-hundred-percent professional around her.

She shoved it out of her mind and focused on Lieutenant Mallory’s words. “…Mr. Silverberg, you’ll be with me, and Ms. Rickman, you’ll be riding with OFC Kohler. And once again, we really appreciate the help from your community.”

“About damn time.”

The words were again muttered under his breath, but she heard them and they set her heart thumping. Be real, Bec. He’s just anxious to get out and start his shift so he can get it over and done with. It’s Christmas, for heaven’s sake. He probably has plans.

Her musings were interrupted by Jeremy’s hand landing on her back. “C’mon, Becca. Time to roll.”

God help her, she didn’t want to move away from his warm touch but she forced herself to walk. “I’m ready.”

As he slid past her to open the door, she could’ve sworn she felt his fingers brush her waist and hip. She shivered and looked up at him, faltering. Tight jaw, one hand scrubbing the back of his neck, no sign of his usual light-hearted smile.

They headed out to his squad car in tense silence, her stomach a giant knot. The front desk area was quiet and so were the hallways leading to the garage. Most Christmases were like this, but one year had been bad. She tried not to think about it much.

At the car, she watched as he did a quick check of his gear. Her fingers itched to touch the glossy black hair that was cropped close to his head in the style she noticed most cops wore. His eyes were a deep hazel and throughout the day, she knew they’d change from blue to green depending on his mood. She’d seen that on her previous rides with him and, unable to stop herself, had wondered more than once what color they’d turn when he was aroused. The small dimple in his cheek helped soften his square jaw. One usually said the uniform made the man, but she had no doubt he’d look just as good in jeans.

Or naked.

Your mind isn’t pure, Rebeccah. Nice Jewish girls don’t think that way or ask for such things. The hated words echoing in her mind made her flinch, or maybe it was the memory of Sam’s hands clenching and unclenching right before he… She shuddered but forced herself to focus on the here and now. She never had to see him again. They were divorced. Over and done.

Jeremy went around to the back of the cruiser and opened the trunk. She’d seen him do this same thing every time they did their ride-along and it reminded her she’d brought something for him. She reached into her big purse and pulled out two small stuffed toys. One was a bear wearing a fancy dress. The other one wore a pair of blue jean overalls. “Hey, I brought these for you.”

He grinned, though it didn’t quite make it to his eyes. “Santa told you I was a good boy, huh?”

She laughed for the second time in twenty minutes. That was a record, at least recently. She looked up at him. “You know why.”

He reached out and squeezed her hand. “Yeah. And thank you. They’ll help.”

He carried stuffed toys in his car, as did most of the other officers, for the youngest victims they encountered. She’d seen first-hand how they’d helped calm the toddler who’d been the only survivor in the car crash that one terrible Christmas she still had trouble putting out of her head. She brought him two new ones every time she rode with him.

He leaned to place them in the trunk and her eyes landed on his rear end. She bit back a moan at the way his uniform pants hugged his incredibly fit body, then jolted when the lid closed with a sharp thunk. She lifted her gaze and flinched at his raised eyebrow. Great. Caught ogling his ass. She tried a smile but it felt forced.

He narrowed his eyes. “Are you okay, Bec? You seem not quite yourself today.”

Not going there, no way. Not. Going. There. “I’m fine. Ready to roll, partner?”

He gave her another measured look but nodded. “Ready, partner.”

 ***

Christ. He hadn’t been lying when he said she looked off. She was a beautiful woman, with long brown curls and brown eyes, both the color of milk chocolate. For years, he’d wondered if the tiny freckles that dusted the bridge of her nose were anywhere else on her body. He imagined so, and the thought tormented him, as did her incredible body. She was average height but built like a pin-up girl, or she had been when he’d last seen her nine months ago at Easter.

Today, however, she looked as though she’d dropped twenty pounds and, while she was still gorgeous, she also looked exhausted. And, to him, far too thin.

He held her door for her and closed it behind her, then got into the driver’s seat. “Buckle up,” he ordered, starting the car.

As they pulled out onto the street, his radio was silent. Christmas Day was either a fucking zoo or a ghost town. He was selfishly hoping for the latter so he could spend more time talking with Becca. He only got to see her a few hours twice a year.

The minute the thought crossed his mind, he swore silently. Shit, after the torture he went through the last time, sitting in his car, surrounded by the scent that was uniquely Becca, he should never have told Mallory he wanted her as his ride-along tonight. He wasn’t stupid. He knew there was some serious, heavy-duty attraction between them, but she’d tried to hide it and so had he. If she’d been single, he’d have made his move. But she was married and though he’d hated the prick on sight, he didn’t poach. And that shift on Easter had nearly killed him just with the nearness of her. Every time they did this, it cost him. Big.

He spent an inordinate amount of time imagining Becca Rickman naked, bound and on her knees. And he measured every other woman he met up to her. He wanted her, but he couldn’t ever have her. Fuck him, he couldn’t even keep from touching her today, and his lack of self-control was appalling. Why the hell had he set himself up for this again? He wasn’t a masochist.

No, you’re a Dom in cop’s clothing, and she trips every goddamn one of your triggers. Now shut up and focus.

He reached out to wake his computer screen, then frowned and slid a glance her way. Was it his imagination, or did she just flinch?

She shifted in her seat and turned to him, derailing his thought. “So what’s going on in Jeremy’s world? Did you take that vacation you were talking about? You were going to the Outer Banks this past summer, right?”

Good memory. “Yeah. It was great. I didn’t want to come back to work. I mean, I love my job, you know that. But a week fishing, sitting on the beach, hiking? Can’t beat it. Did you go anywhere for vacation?”

He watched her square her shoulders. “No, not this year,” she said, and then she fell silent.

Jesus, she’d never had trouble talking with him before. His dominant personality reared its safe, sane and consensual-minded head, telling him to give her a chance to safe word out of this assignment. Something was up, or else his people-reading skills needed some serious fucking help. “Bec, did I steamroll you into riding with me today? Because I can take you back to the station if this isn’t what you want to do.”

To his wholly inappropriate satisfaction her face turned pink—the same heated shade it turned when he’d caught her staring at his ass—and she dropped her gaze. “No. I want to be here.”

“Okay,” he said quietly, fighting back the surge of pleasure that reaction roused. He could be patient, mostly. They had eight hours to share. He’d pry whatever was on her mind out of her, even if it took his entire shift.

“Really, I’m—”

His radio crackled to life and Becca snapped her mouth shut. With a sidelong glance at her, he answered the call for a 911 disconnect and turned on lights and sirens. She stayed silent on the ride over, and he was grateful. It gave him the chance to get his head in the game.

When they reached the address, he stepped out of the car, ducking his head back in. “Wait here. You remember how to use the radio if I need help?”

She looked worried but nodded. “Press the red button and say, Alpha 269 needs immediate assistance, then give them our location.”

“Good girl,” he murmured. “Be right back.”

He straightened and stepped away from the car. Good girl? Had he really said that out loud? Jesus, he needed to watch what came out of his mouth around Bec, or he’d give himself away. And he needed to focus. He took a moment to suck in a breath and push everything but his training out of his brain. An inattentive cop could be a dead cop, and yeah, that wasn’t in his plans for today. It didn’t take long, though, to figure out that the call was a mistake. He wished the family a merry Christmas, accepted a plate of cookies from the embarrassed woman who’d answered the door, and headed back to his cruiser.

“Everything okay in there?”

He nodded, then keyed his radio. “Alpha 269 clear.”

“What happened?”

“Big family gathering and one of the kids picked up his grandma’s phone and pushed the red 911 button. Happens a lot.”

“Ah. That’s better than the alternative.” She relaxed against the seat with a sigh. “Much better.”

“Yeah.” He took a minute to log the call into his mobile laptop and then he pulled back out onto the road. “Coffee?”

She jumped. “Excuse me?”

He stifled a sigh. In all the ways he’d hoped today would go, expected today to go, Becca being distant and distracted wasn’t it. “I’m going to stop for coffee. Do you want any?”

“Oh. No thank you. We had a big breakfast.”

Jealousy poked him hard in the gut. He didn’t want to think about Becca with her husband, still fresh from sleep…or whatever. Married, he reminded himself. Off limits. “No problem. Maybe I’ll wait too. I need to do a patrol check, anyway.”

They drove through town in relative silence. It was only when they got to the airport that Becca spoke up, her voice wistful, her eyes dreamy. “I always wonder where the people who own these planes go.”

“Me too,” he admitted, and it wasn’t a lie. Theirs was a small regional airport with a lot of corporate jets, small private craft, and the occasional landing of a blimp. Even presidential helicopters, due to the proximity of Camp David. “Wherever it is, it’s nowhere I can afford to go. Not on a cop’s salary.”

She snorted. “Not on a teacher’s salary, either.”

He raised his brow, his curiosity getting the better of him. “Isn’t your husband a hotshot lawyer? I figured you took all kinds of vacations.”

She flinched at the words, then turned to stare out the window.

“Bec?” When she didn’t answer, he pulled the cruiser to a stop near one of the hangars and turned to her, putting his hand on her shoulder. Shit, he hadn’t liked the guy and was jealous as hell of him, but he hoped something bad hadn’t happened. It would explain the weight loss and the exhaustion, though. “Rebeccah? Talk to me.”

 ***

Becca heard Jeremy’s honest concern and made herself meet his gaze. She’d figured this conversation would happen sooner or later, but she hadn’t really planned for how she’d answer it. She stared down at her hand, at the naked ring finger that still felt empty, even though she’d been relieved to be free of Sam. “I’m not with him anymore. We’re divorced.”

“How long?” Jeremy growled.

She jerked her head back up, startled by the vehemence in his tone, his choice of words, and the clench of his fingers against her skin. His eyes were narrowed, his jaw tight, like it had been earlier at the station. “Nine months since we separated. Four months since the divorce was final.”

“Fucking waste,” he muttered under his breath.

She didn’t understand what he meant, but the look in his eyes was disconcerting, to say the least. “I…what?”

He dropped his hand and fell silent, just watching her. Her stomach churned. For months, she’d imagined telling him she was single. This wasn’t the reaction she’d expected, though. Interest, maybe. Sympathy, even. But anger? It was reminiscent of their last ride-along, and this was why she’d considered doing her mitzvah in the station rather than with him. When she’d first met him, he was easygoing and fun to talk with. But over the years, he’d changed. And this Jeremy—this intense, brooding guy—made her itchy and nervous. Not necessarily in a bad way, but totally aware of him on every level. “Jeremy?”

Her cell vibrated. She ignored it, focusing instead on the man she couldn’t get out of her thoughts, the one who still had his eyes locked on her face as though he were searching for something there.

“You should answer that.”

With a sigh, she dropped her eyes and looked at the screen. Her best friend, Hannah, who was riding with another officer. The texts came one after the other in quick bursts, kind of the way she spoke. Fun stuff. Glad u talked me into this. Hot cop. Single. Not Jewish, which may kill my parents, but oh well. One long pause, then another text. Going for it. Not getting any younger.

In spite of the tension in the car, Becca laughed.

“Something funny?”

She looked up at the question on his face and giggle-snorted. “My friend Hannah. She’s riding with Officer…” she paused, looked at her phone, “…Christianson. She said he’s hot and she’s not getting younger. She’s only twenty-three. She’s got plenty of time.”

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, Matt’s okay. Good guy, great cop. Single, as a far as I know.”

She nodded and dropped her phone back into her lap. That did make her feel better, but you never really knew, did you? She stared at her naked ring finger again. The silence between them stretched on for what felt like forever.

“Why didn’t you tell me you got divorced, Bec?”

Right for the hard questions. “I was going to, but… Does it matter?”

He grunted. “Fuck, yeah, it matters.” The minute the words came out, he flushed. “Sorry.”

Though she was still trying to process what he was getting at, she answered his apology. “What, for the F bomb? I teach middle school, remember? They love that word. And I have three big brothers, so I’m more than familiar with it.” She rolled her eyes at his raised brow. “I’m not some recluse who’s never heard anyone swear before. And I’ve been known to drop my own F bombs a time or two.”

With that, Jeremy’s lips quirked into a tight smile, though again, it didn’t quite meet his eyes. “Really, a nice Jewish girl like you, swearing? I’m appalled.”

She felt the blood drain from her face. In the last few years of their marriage, whenever Sam had gotten mad at her for something, that’s what he’d thrown at her. She swore? She wasn’t behaving like a nice Jewish girl. She wanted more than the missionary position in bed? She wasn’t behaving like a proper Jewish woman. She knew Jeremy was teasing, but damn, she wished he’d chosen other words. Any other words. She bit the inside of her cheek and forced her insecurities back into the farthest reaches of her mind. They didn’t belong here and, dammit, she wouldn’t let Sam ruin things for her now that she’d gotten back on her feet.

She forced herself to look at Jeremy and was bowled over by his tight jaw and narrowed eyes. She froze, locked in his intense gaze.

 

 

Text Copyright © 2013 by Jodie Griffin
Cover Art Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Question: What do you write?

Carina_1113_9781426897450_MatzohMistletoeI’ve been asked a lot recently to describe what it is that I write, and I thought I’d share some of my thoughts with you on how I see it.

I write BDSM erotic romance.  This means that my stories revolve around the sexual journey of my characters, in most cases learning about themselves as Doms and submissives (and in one book, as switches).  If you remove the sex from my stories, the books wouldn’t exist.  It’s essential to the plot.

About the BDSM. BDSM stands for Bondage & Discipline, Domination & Submission, Sadism & Masochism.  The idea of BDSM squicks some people out. I know that. I get it, and if your first reaction is “Ewwwwwwww,” then these stories probably aren’t for you. That’s okay. I know not everyone likes the same things.

If you’re still reading along, BDSM is a regular part of many, many people’s lives.  Kinky people are everywhere – they could easily be your next door neighbor, your child’s school teacher, the quiet librarian, the paramedic who took such good care of your grandmother when she fell, and you’d never know it.   These are the people I’ve been writing about. Not kings, not multi-millionaires with more money than God, just your average people.

Also, in my stories, what you get is what most people consider light BDSM.  And, to be totally honest, I know some people don’t think it’s BDSM at all, because the play is fairly easy play. Y’know what? I don’t care if they think that, or not — it is.  Just because my characters don’t get whipped to the point they bleed doesn’t mean it’s not kinky.  There’s a saying out there, YKINMK. It means “Your Kink Is Not My Kink” and it’s often followed by “but your kink is okay, too.”  Mostly, I tell stories of domination and submission, with a teaspoon of the rest of the BDSM acronym soup mixed in to add a little extra spice.   In my books, there’s nothing too heavy— some spanking, some flogging, some rope, some restraints, a few other kinky things.

Forbidden Obsessions

Still reading along?  Okay.  Here is THE most important thing…EVERY SINGLE THING is consensual. Hard limits (a do-not-pass-go line in the sand, if you’re not familiar with the term) do not get ignored.  Doms and submissives both have safe words (Red = “stop RIGHT NOW”). Even Gabe, the most domly of my Doms, uses his safe word in Forbidden Obsessions when he realizes he’s not enough in control of his own behavior to protect his sub, Olivia.  And in my holiday novella Matzoh and Mistletoe (out in November), Jeremy gives Becca his own hard limit list, and says “if these are things you want to do, I’m not your guy.”  Consensual isn’t just the woman — or, rather, the sub, who could be male— giving in. It’s an agreement between both people.

So, yes, there is a lot of sex in my stories.  A whole lot. But I hope that along with hot sex scenes, my readers see the growth of love between the characters.  Everything that happens in these books happens within that loving relationship, and is fully consensual. I write romances, stories with a happily ever after — you know at the end, they’ll be together forever.

I hope that answers the question of “what do you write?” and maybe addresses some questions you have about BDSM.  Now it’s my turn to ask questions. If you read BDSM erotic romance, what draws you to it? If you don’t, what keeps you from reading it? 

Leave a response and I’ll enter you for a chance to win any one of my Bondage & Breakfast books (ePub or PDF) – your choice of which book.  I’ll draw one name from all the entries. Contest is open until Wednesday, September 25th, at 8pm ET.