Two Guys from Starting Over by Starla Kate

Character Interview: Corbin and Matt from Starting Over

Today we’re interviewing a couple of guys who don’t know each other, not yet anyway.

Madame Evangeline has given us special permission to chat with the guys who are being matched up, but they don’t know about each other yet so sshhh! They think it’s an interview for a business eZine. Don’t tell!

Hi Corbin, grab a seat and make yourself comfortable. Coffee, tea or scotch neat?

Scotch neat. Maybe a double.

Well, I know you’re busy so let’s get started. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Just stating facts here…I’m a self-made multi-millionaire. Bradley Financial Advisors being the heart of my dozen varied businesses.

I understand you own a large building downtown. To what do you attribute your success?

Yes, I own a prime piece of property here in downtown Oklahoma City and every business in it is one of mine. Again, not bragging just stating a fact…I worked hard for my success. 24/7 plus for a lot of years. I’m the kind of man who sets a goal and reaches it.

Okay, now I’ve got you all comfy—you married?

No. I was, for quite a few years. But…well, it ended.

A handsome, successful guy like you all alone? C’mon you must want to meet someone, what’s your dream date like?

(He blushes) Successful, yes. As to the other…well, that’s a matter of opinion. And, yes, I’d like to meet someone. I don’t like living alone. I miss going home and sharing my day with someone. Although my ex calls regularly and we still share a lot of our lives. She’s an amazing woman.

(He sighs heavily and has trouble meeting the reporter’s eyes.) That was part of the problem. Pamela being a woman, I mean. I’ve…we’ve finally come to terms with my being more drawn to men. But I don’t really know what a “dream date” would be like. I’m really new at all of this. Not that I haven’t fantasized…a lot…over the years.

(Another sigh and he meets her eye) Okay, I’ll take a stab at the “dream date” thing. I want to spend time with a man who is very comfortable in his skin, in his being a gay man. I want a man who makes me burn inside from the second I see him. That doesn’t mean he has to be drop-dead gorgeous, but that wouldn’t hurt. It means more that he needs to pull all of my strings just by being sexy, hot, and somehow showing me that he desires me in return. Asking much…yes. Expecting to find that…no. At least not anytime soon.

Whew! Sounds pretty sexy! If you meet him find out if he has a brother for me. Thanks for joining us today, I’ll let you know when your article will appear in Successful Business eZine.

You didn’t really dig much into my business reputation. But I know you received my PR kit. I suppose you’ll get the rest of what you need from that.

Now it’s time to interview the other fella, successful Landscape Designer, Matt. Welcome, Matt, to Successful Business eZine.

I’m pleased to be here.

Can you tell our readers about yourself.

I’m not sure what you want to know. I’m just an average guy who happened to finally find something to do as a career that really fit me. I dream about creating masterpiece gardens. I salivate over plant catalogues with unique flowers and bushes. Pretty dull stuff, actually.

Landscape design sounds very interesting, how long have you been in that line of work?

I started mowing lawns for a lawn service when I was 19, then helped with some garden clean ups. That’s where I got my first taste of working with plants. Over the years I moved from job to job…worked in greenhouses, worked in nurseries, took horticulture classes. Finally I started this business and it really started blossoming about five years ago…when I took on a very special partner.

Does your business involve much travel?

It didn’t in the beginning. But as my clientele got more elite, they spread the word of what I could do. I started designing for bigger businesses, for big money individuals. Finally I started getting clients all over Europe.

Your significant other must hate you being gone all the time.

He didn’t. We were business partners as well as life partners. (He looks away, swallows hard) We’re not together anymore. He died.

Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Have you begun dating again, it must be difficult to start over after such a long term relationship, being so close to someone and losing them.

I’ve only been “single” about six months and I’m having a hard time getting beyond the grief. But I think I’m finally to the point where I’ll start taking a stab at dating again. I hate being alone.

(He flashes a smile, eyes still wary, expression determined) Eager readers, huh? What would it take to win me over? Hmmm…a spectacular body, sock-me-in-the-gut handsomeness, an 8-inch, thick dick. (He grins mischievously) Sorry. Shouldn’t have said that. (He laughs) That wouldn’t be bad, though.

(He turns serious) In truth, looks don’t matter as much to me as what is inside the man. Decency, loyalty, pride, concern for others. Still, a good ass wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Really? Sounds like a special kind of guy. Well, hope you can find him, you seem like a great guy yourself and we wish you all the best.

Thanks. I am a great guy…a super catch. (He flashes another sexy smile)

So…this is Misty Meadows, for Successful Business eZine. Be sure to catch our next interview,

Blurb for Starting Over

Corbin was finally trying to ease into his new lifestyle. He was scared shitless, wondered what had possessed him to agree to this 1 NightStand arrangement. He’d spent years fantasizing about this. As he neared the long, lean man with graying hair a bit shaggy, a hard on pushing at the front of his swim trunks, and a sexy-as-hell grin, the dreams paled in comparison.

Excerpt

Matt had considered changing his mind about this one-night arrangement. But as the tall, well-built man walked across the pool area toward him, all thoughts of that fled. Those broad shoulders, the amazing pecs, the spattering of dark hair on his chest…all of it called to him. He wanted to touch it, play with it. He forced himself to calm down. This was a virgin gay man. He would be his first male lover and he would have to find the inner strength to take his time. Could he?

Matt sat on a chaise lounge near the poolside bar, sipping on some fruity island drink the bartender had insisted he try. Not bad really, but he preferred beer. He’d been out here almost an hour and already had two women and a young stud make advances. He’d politely turned them all down, saying he was here with someone. Now he wished that someone would join him before he had to make excuses again to the Barbie-doll shaped woman heading in his direction.

She had no sooner wobbled up on her ridiculously high-heeled sandals than he spotted Corbin Bradley walking into the pool area. Well, well, well. Prime male and mine for the night. The thought surprised him, but he couldn’t deny the way his pulse raced and his body went on high alert. He grinned, glanced past the twenty-something blonde, and waved at his roomie. “Over here.”

Frowning her disappointment, the blonde walked off, muttering, “What a waste.”

He’d heard that kind of comment many times over the years and didn’t care a bit. He was comfortable with his homosexuality, even if others couldn’t easily see it until he revealed it. Unconcerned with her reaction, he studied the tall, well-built man making his way across the pool area. The photo he’d seen of Bradley didn’t do him justice. It seemed so wrong to ever hide those broad shoulders, the amazing pecs, and incredible six-pack beneath a suit, even an obviously expensive, tailored one. He longed to smooth his hands over what he saw, feel the muscles beneath his palms, play with the nipples and the spattering of dark hair on his chest. He wanted to…. God! Get it together. Stop salivating and be cool.

His cock had hardened and pressed the front of his trunks, so he lowered the hardback book he’d been reading and tented it over his erection. “Any trouble getting here?” A lame question, he knew.

“No.” He looked down at him and Matt saw uneasiness in his eyes. Yet he’d come all this way in spite of his rigid posture, the tightness in his jaw. He stretched out a hand. “Corbin, but I guess you know that already.”

Matt gave him a reassuring smile and shook it. Their hands, like their overall size, appeared similar, except his was callused from work. “Matt.”

With a slight nod of acknowledgment, Corbin eased onto the chaise lounge next to him, turning his head to take in the scene, the dozen sunbathers, the few people enjoying the pool. “I guess you can tell how nervous I am. I hope I don’t disappoint you.”

Matt relaxed. “I didn’t come here with a lot of expectations other than getting away, seeing someplace new, sharing the experience with someone.” He held Corbin’s gaze and said, “I’m a little nervous myself, but I think we’ll be fine together.”

His dark brown eyes looked hopeful. “As long as you understand….”

“Don’t worry about it.”

As if he needed to make sure Matt knew what he’d meant, Corbin leaned closer and said so only he would hear, “I’ve never…well, never been with a man.”

The admission took guts. Until that moment, Matt hadn’t really intended to actually have sex with the date he’d been matched with, although he’d toyed with the idea. Now he intended to be Corbin’s first male lover. He would guide him into what could happen between them.

Find out more about Starla at her BLOG

Allison from Carrie Pulkinen's To Catch a Spirit

Hi Allison and welcome to Got Romance Reviews.


1. We hear you have a special talent? A healing method?
Yes. I have many psychic gifts, but I earn my living practicing Reiki, a form of healing through the manipulation of energy.

2. Can you tell us how you learned to use Reiki?
I know it sounds ordinary, but I took classes. There are three levels of Reiki classes, and I went through the entire course. That makes me a "Reiki Master"--meaning I can teach others the process.

3. I understand that form of healing can be used even long distance…has that been your experience as well?
It can, though it's much harder. Healing over a long distance requires incredible concentration and focus. The closer the subject, the easier it is to transfer the healing energy.

4. Do you have any an anecdote you can tell the readers to show how you use your gift to clear bad energy from furniture?
I wandered into Lucia’s Antique Furniture Store two years ago and was struck by a beautiful cherry-wood vanity in the back of the showroom. The moment I touched it, tendrils of sadness crept up my arm like ivy climbing a lattice. I saw a woman, who’d lost a child, sobbing at the vanity. She’d cried there every night. The furniture had trapped her energy.

“How long have you had this piece?” I asked Lucia.
“Too long,” the woman replied. “It’s so beautiful, but I can’t sell it. It’s 18th century, you know.”
“I know. It’s got a lot of negative energy stored in it. I can clear it for you. See if that helps it sell.”
“You can do that?” Lucia’s eyes widened. “Yes! Please, I’ll do anything to sell that piece.”
I closed my eyes and took a few deep, cleansing breaths. Then I put my hands on the vanity and focused my energy toward it. I opened myself up like a conduit, allowing the negative energy to pass through and out of me, releasing it back into the universe. When I was done, I pulled a crystal out of my pocket and placed it on top of the vanity.
“There. That should do it. Keep this crystal on it overnight, and I bet it’ll sell pretty quickly now.” I smiled at Lucia and turned to go.
“Wait. What about your crystal?”
“I’ll come back for it in a few days.”
When I returned three days later, the vanity was gone.
Lucia pulled me into a tight embrace and kissed me on both cheeks. “I sold that piece the next day. I can’t thank you enough.”
Heat flushed my cheeks, and I shrugged. “It’s what I do.”
“How much would you charge to work on all my furniture?”
“Umm, I don’t know. I’ve never worked on such a large scale before.”
“Is your office somewhere close by?” Lucia asked.
“I don’t actually have an office. I see what few clients I have in the park. I’ve been taking care of my mom. She was sick with cancer, but she passed away a few months ago. I’m still trying to get back on my feet.” I had to blink back the tears. I missed my mother terribly, and it still hurt to talk about her passing.
Lucia put her arm around me. “I’m sorry about your loss, dear. But meeting clients in the park is no way to start a business. You need an office.” She led me to the back of the showroom where a small door opened into an empty room. “It’s yours if you want it. We could work out a way for you to pay rent. Maybe you could work on my pieces in return for the space?”
The size of my bedroom, the office held a small counter and sink on one side. The soft jade walls produced a calming effect, and thick, camel-beige carpet covered the floor.
“It’s perfect.”
Lucia took me in, gave me a place to build a business when my hope was about to run out. I'll be forever thankful for the kind, motherly figure that came into my life at just the right time.

5. Why does furniture need clearing up?
Like the anecdote above states, it can hold on to negative energy. You might be in a bad mood whenever you sit in a certain chair, but you won't know why. If the energy is cleared from the object, it can't have negative effects on people.

6. What’s the scariest haunted location you ever visited?
Oh, definitely the old mental hospital on Halloween. It nearly killed me! But you'll have to read the book for all the details. Just thinking about it makes me queasy.

7. Can you tell us anything interesting about your author?
Well, she grew up next door to a cemetery, so she's been around death and spirits all her life. She's an empath, kind of like me, but on a smaller scale. Oh! She's also a ghost hunter. We have a lot in common!


8. Where can our readers find your book?
They can go to her blog: http://carrie-pulkinen.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html. There are links to the different places they can purchase it. They can also get it directly from Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.org/Book/241.

9. If a reader should have a haunted house, would you be able to help them?
Hmm...I'm not sure. After the Halloween incident, I'm still a bit hesitant to take on any new spirits. Helping Logan with his ghost was difficult enough.

10. How can the readers find your author?
At her blog: http://www.carrie-pulkinen.blogspot.com
Or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Carrie.Pulkinen
They can also email her at carrie.pulkinen[at]hotmail[dot]com
And follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CarriePulkinen


Thank you so much for talking with me. It was fun!




BLURB:
Psychic Allison Dupuis has a soft spot for Logan Mitchell, even though she’s never met him. All it takes is one encounter for the millionaire’s true emotions to slip through Allison’s shields, and she is intrigued. He needs her help, but Allison soon discovers that the kind of help Logan needs is the kind she isn’t willing to give. Logan has a ghost, and Allison doesn’t work with spirits anymore.


But the ghost is the least of Logan’s problems. Born an empath, Logan is constantly barraged with human emotions. And while his talent has come in handy in the business world, it’s about to drive him insane. Literally. Logan has OCD, and his ability triggers unbearable attacks that have him counting and cleaning until he collapses from exhaustion.


Sex and money. That’s all anyone wants from him. Even worse, he’s plagued with recurring visions of his future wife’s death, so Logan has spent his entire life avoiding love. He’s given up hope of ever having a normal life, until he meets Allison. She’s everything he’s ever dreamed of, and now he has to decide if loving her is worth risking her life.


If she’ll even have him. Allison’s lost too much already – her mother to cancer, her father to suicide. But, Logan is so charming and so real, she can’t help but fall for him. Now she has to overcome her fear of commitment…and ghosts…or face spending the rest of her life alone.


EXCERPT:
She sensed them as they drew closer to her - many different spirits, their energy buzzing on varying frequencies.


"One at a time, guys. Please." she said. But they didn’t listen. These were the spirits of the mentally ill, after all. Taking turns wasn’t their concern, and they all rushed her. She felt their presence closing in on her like an avalanche, and she was consumed. Every mental illness imaginable was thrown into her psyche as she tightened her grip on Gage’s hand and slumped down in her chair.


"Allison! Allison, are you okay?" Gage’s voice was a distant echo as she fought to hold on to herself. She was slipping. Sliding into the depths of despair and the spirits were pulling her down.


"It’s . . .No . . .There’s a light . . .You need to . . .You need to go to it." She tried to help the spirits cross over, but they wouldn’t listen. There were too many. Twenty at least, and they were so consumed by their own illnesses they thought of nothing else. Paranoia, depression, anxiety. Allison felt it all, and it was going to kill her. The pressure. So hard to breath. Her hands cradled her head as the migraine overtook her. Sharp, pounding pain had her crumpled on the floor as she drew her knees into her chest and rocked back and forth.


"Make it stop. Please, just make it stop." She was paralyzed. Frozen by the anguish of the tortured souls that forced themselves upon her. Hot tears streamed down her face and blood trickled from her nose. She gasped for air as she heard a faint voice call, "Get her out of here!"

Freak Week Opening by Sarah Angel

Hello kids! Sarah Angel, the original earth angel here.

Once again Freak Week is upon us, a glorious excuse to spend too much time on the computer, dish on paranormal happenings and give away the goodies in Stephanie Beck’s coiffures of fantasticness.

For schedules, scavenger hunt details, rules and all things relating to Freak Week, check out www.stephaniebeck.net and click on the Freak Sorority Tab—trust me, you’ll like it.

Anywhosers. What’s been happening with everyone since the last Freak Week? James, Ivy and I have been on a world adventure, checking out possible locations for a new Freak Sorority Headquarter. I’m leaning toward somewhere sunny, my vampire love has other thoughts. I’ll be on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StephanieBeckAuthor today for chit chat, so be sure to stop over there as well.

Now, for the real fun of Freak Week.

CONTEST:

*All correct answers will be ‘hatted’ and then chosen blindly. Duplicate answers by different commenters are okay, but try to be original when possible. (Answers will be accepted until 10:00 PM Central Standard on Monday Aug 1, 2011). Winners will be announced here and posted on www.stephaniebeck.net at the end of the contest day.

1. Name the first sorority recognized in the United States.

2. What women’s group was the first to be known as a ‘sorority’?

3. Name 3 movies with sorority themes.

***Three winners will be chosen from Monday’s answers, so get your answers in and tell your friends to stop by!*** (if you have troubles commenting, please email answers to stephaniebeckauthor@gmail.com )

Big hugs my Freak Week Friends!!