​Welcome to the last #WednesdayWritingPrompt! Sit back, relax, read, comment, and share! Then, head on over to check out the other blogs. If you haven't read the other Wednesday prompts, feel free to go back and check them out. Thank you for reading, enjoy!

What did you think? Why do you think Jade jilted Doug? Do you want more? Which was your favorite #WednesdayWritingProompt? Drop down in the comments and let me know.

Don't forget to head over to the other GAP authors' blogs to check out their take on this week's #WednesdayWritingPrompt.

www.delaneydiamond.com
www.tiyelovebooks.com
www.staylorromance.com 
www.joylcampbell.com

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​Writing prompt: The hero and heroine work late and end up locked in the building alone.

“Yvette, how much more do you have to do on that finance report?” Ray Maxwell asked, glancing up briefly from his computer.

Yvette was busy clicking away on the laptop as she sat on the couch in his office. It was yet another late night for her and her partner and secret crush.

“I just sent them,” she said, standing and stretching her arms high above her head, back arching, causing the hem of her dress to rise and give a tantalizing glimpse of her toned, caramel thighs.

Ray’s grunt snapped her attention to him, flushing and hastily tugging the hem of her dress down when she noticed the direction of his stare.

“Everything ok?” she asked, walking over to his desk to perch on the corner.

He rubbed his hand down his face and nodded. His pecan brown skin looked dull and redness surrounded his haze eyes. The clock at the bottom corner of his computer read eleven thirty.

She’d met Ray when they were both at Cornell University. She was pursuing her Master’s degree in finance and he was getting his Master’s in business. They’d become friends and after graduation had moved to opposite sides of the country, she in Washington and him in New York, yet their friendship remained intact. Now, they were business partners in an investment firm.

They’d been in business for five years, and during that time her eyes had finally been opened. Ray was beyond fine. He was Idris, Boris, LL, and Michael B Jordan all rolled into one, fine. He had smooth brown skin that flowed over his muscular frame, hazel eyes that changed from brown to a deep green depending on his mood, and a deep Barry White voice that she heard in her dreams at night.

She remembered the first time they’d seen each other when she moved to the East Coast. Her flight had arrived at seven in the evening, and he hadn’t been able to pick her up because he was meeting with a potential client. She was staying with him until she could find her own apartment, so she’d caught a cab to his condo, where he’d left her name with the concierge.

After unpacking her bags in the spare bedroom, she’d taken a shower to relax. When she walked out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel, she’d bumped into him, causing her towel to fall to the ground. Ray had quickly wrapped his arms around her to keep her from falling, but due to their height, his hands had landed on her bottom. That quick touch had spread fire through her veins, surprising and arousing her. Ever since, she’d worked hard to keep her attraction to him at bay. He’d apologized, but for the next few weeks their friendship had been strained.

“Earth to ‘Vette. You ok?” Ray asked, standing and putting his hands on her shoulders.

She shook her head. “Yeah, I’m good, just tired. It’s been a long day.”

He peered at her some more, then nodded. “Yeah, we’ve been here too long. Let’s call it a night.”

They both moved, he to shut down his computer, and her to shut down the laptop and return it to her desk in her office across from his. Once they were done, he met her in the hallway, and they headed to the elevator. Their business was on the twentieth floor of the building.

“This is the latest I’ve ever stayed at work,” she said idly as the numbers from the elevator lit with each floor they descended.

“Yeah, and hopefully this is the last time we have to stay this late. I don’t like the idea of you traveling in a cab this late at night by yourself.”

She shrugged off his worry. “I’ll be fine, I’m a big girl,” she said.

“Nah, why don’t you come stay at my condo?” he asked, looking into her eyes.

Butterflies erupted in her stomach as he stared at her. Thoughts of the last time she stayed with him uppermost in her mind, specifically her first night in his home.

“I’m fine, Ray,” she said huskily.

He reached out a hand and ran it down her cheek. “That you are ‘Vette, that you are,” he murmured, stepping closer.

Yvette’s eyes widened slightly. “Ray?”

“Yvette,” he replied.

She cleared her throat as his hand cupped her jaw. “What are you doing?”

“If you have to ask, then I must be doing it wrong,” he said, bending down until his lips were an inch from hers.

“Umm..yeah..uh…” she said incoherently.

Ding!

The elevator doors slid open, yet neither of them moved. Ray’s eyes had darkened to a deep mossy green and his thumb caressing her cheek was driving her crazy.

Was Ray interested in her? Sure, she’d caught him looking at her over the years, and there was that night last year when they’d gotten drunk from celebrating landing a huge client. They’d cuddled and made out at his home, only stopping when his phone rang. They’d both blamed the alcohol for their actions and had never spoken of it again.

When the elevator doors started to close, the spell was broken. They walked off and towards the glass doors of the building. Before they reached the door, he stopped them, and turned her to face him.

“Come home with me,” he said, pulling her into his embrace.

She searched his eyes, seeing her own desire reflected back at her. How in the hell had she missed his attraction to her?

She gave him the only answer she wanted to give, “Yes, I’ll come home with you.”

A sinfully wicked smile covered his handsome face. “I’ve been waiting for what seems like forever for this moment.”

“Why didn’t you say something before?” she asked, moving closer to him.

“You were always skittish whenever I got too close. Remember the night you moved into my place? I wanted to devour you right there on the spot, but you snatched up your towel and ran as if the devil himself were on your heels. Then that night last year when we made out. I was in Heaven, but again when reality came knocking, you left. I figured you weren’t interested…but tonight. Tonight, you looked at me, and I finally saw what I’d hoped to see years ago, desire,” he said, walking to the door and pushing.

Nothing happened.

“The hell?” he murmured, pushing against the door, but it didn’t budge.

“What’s going on?” she asked him.

“The door is locked,” he said, looking around. The security station was empty, in fact now that she was looking, it was eerily quiet in the entrance with only a few lights on.

“Oh no,” she said, whirling around to look at the big clock on the back wall. It was a quarter past twelve. Their building locked down at midnight and wouldn’t open again until five in the morning.

“Shit, I’m sorry,” Ray said, running a hand over his face.

She sighed. “Maybe this is fate’s way of saying we shouldn’t take our relationship further,” she said.

Ray’s head snapped up. “Nah, I haven’t waited this long to finally have you, only to be blocked by a locked door.”

He grabbed her hand and tugged her back towards the elevator.

“What are you doing?” she asked as the boarded the car.

“Going back to the office. Have you forgotten that you converted the room that connected to my office into a bedroom for those nights that I stayed at the office over night?” he asked, wrapping her in his embrace.

Yvette smiled; she had forgotten. “Best decision I ever made,” she purred, sliding her hands up his chest to wrap around his neck.

“Yes indeed,” he said, lowering his mouth to kiss her.


What are your thoughts about Ray and Yvette? Have you ever acted on a crush that you had on someone or is it unrequited love? Could you work for someone or be business partners with someone you had feelings for? Drop down in the comments and let me know.

Go visit the other GAP Authors' blogs to see their take on this writing prompt!
Delaney Diamond www.delaneydiamond.com
S. Taylor www.staylorromance.com
Tiye Love www.tiyelovebooks.com
JL Campbell www.joylcampbell.com

Prompt: ​The heroine is at a bar playing a drinking game with her friends and loses, and as a result is told that she has to ask the next man who comes through the door out on a date.

“Nooo, no. Come on guys this was just a joke. You know, haha,” Rachelle McCrae said looking frantically at her friends seated at the table. It was their weekly girls’ night out and they were all at a hole in the wall bar in lower Manhattan.
“Bish please! You lost fair and square, now take that shot like a G and be ready to ask the next guy who walks through the door out,” Kellie said.
Kellie was supposed to be her best friend, but would a best friend really set her up like this? Sure, it had been a long ass year since swearing off dating, but you’d think her best friend would understand why she didn’t want to go on dates.
“Well dayum! Look at the fine ass man that just walked in the door. Shit, let’s change the rules, and you take the next guy that walks in, and I’ll get this one,” Kierah, Kellie’s twin, said, eyes wide and unmoving as she stared towards the front of the bar.
Rachelle turned to see what had captured Kierah’s attention, and lost her breath when she spotted the tall, sinfully dark chocolate man that entered the building. The man was panty dropping fine with a smooth bald head, full beard and mustache, and a pair of thick lips that made you want to feast on his mouth, or sit on it.
Well, well, well.
Rachelle stood and smoothed her hand down her ample hips, encased in black leather skinny pants. “Nah, I lost the bet, I may as well take my umm…medicine,” she said. Quickly downing the tequila shot, she grimaced at the burn, then turned to her friends.
“Hair?”
“Laid…since I did it,” Kellie snarked.
She rolled her eyes. “Boobs?”
“Sitting high, cleavage on deck,” Kierah chimed in.
She turned her back to her friends, and strutted over to the bar, winding in between bodies to get to where tall, dark, and sexy had nabbed a coveted bar stool at the overcrowded counter.
Squeezing in between him and some guy with bad body odor, she leaned over the bar, going up on her tip toes, poking her ass out as she discreetly checking herself out in the mirror on the wall, and then raised her hand to get one of the bartenders attention.
Predictably, she was ignored, just as she thought she would be. Turning to the handsome stranger, she lightly placed her hand on his shoulder, and leaned over.
“Hey handsome, can you do me a favor?” she whispered.
When he turned his head in her direction, she was pierced by his dark, midnight stare. Instantly, she imagined looking into his eyes as she came from the best orgasm of her life.
Mentally shaking her head, she smiled and glanced at him with lowered eyes. “You think you can get the bartender’s attention for me, handsome? I need something to…wet my throat.”
The stranger’s eyes turned even darker, if that was possible, as his eyes left hers and traversed down her body. She held her pose, knowing she looked damn good in the skintight leather pants. When his eyes returned to hers and he licked those full lips, her nipples pebbled, imagining what he could do to them with his tongue.
“I’ve got something that could wet your throat,” he said huskily.
She leaned closer to him, her breasts brushing up against his forearm. “Is it good?”
“I’ve heard it is. Goes down hard, but smooth,” he said, lips curving up in a smile showing a flash of teeth.
She moaned, her mind instantly thinking of his dick. She glanced down at his crotch, eyes widening at the print against his leg.
Damn! Zaddy looks like he’s packing!
“I’m no lightweight, so I need something that’s strong and will put me to sleep…later,” she purred.
“Oh, I’ve got just the thing. It’ll have you flat on your ass, slurring words, still hungover the next morning, and walking funny when you wake up,” he said, not missing a beat.
Shit, I bet it would!
“That good huh?”
He leaned closer until his breath teased her lips. “Even better, you game?”
She licked her lips, her tongue teasingly touching his bottom lip he was so close. “You a connoisseur or something?”
He shifted until his lips touched the shell of her ear. His hand came up to lightly rest on her hip. He shifted until his hand touched the skin of her waist, sending tingles down her spine. “Not a connoisseur, but I just know what will make a woman delirious after tasting it, and what will make her beg for more of her new favorite….drink.”
Rachelle closed her eyes as a full body shiver coursed through her. If this man’s dick and bed game was as good as his talk, she was in for a wild ride.
“Will it have me speaking in tongues?”
He pulled back and brought her body flush against him. “Oh your tongue will definitely be involved, how else will you taste it?”
Her lashed fluttered before her eyes closed. Her hands clutched a fistful of his black tee. “I just have to know the name of the guy with the big, wide, head…for drinks,” she said, opening her eyes.
He winked at her. “Lamont. Lamont Adams. And what’s the name of the pretty lady who’s getting a new favorite drink?”
She laughed. “Rachelle. Rachelle McCrae. You are cocky. You really think this is going to be my new favorite drink, huh?”


“Not cocky, confident. After tasting this, you won’t want any other,” he said, caressing her waist and then moving around to her back.
Suddenly, she was pushed from behind by another woman trying to get a drink. This action caused her to be plastered from chest to knee against Lamont, with his dick rubbing up against her clit. She couldn’t help the moan that escaped her lips. She should be pissed at the broad who pushed her, but she couldn’t find fault with the result of that shove.
“So, are you going to tell me the name of this drink?”
“It’s not on this bar’s menu,” he said, hands slipping to her bottom.
“Well, Lamont, how about you take me to go get this…drink with no name,” she purred, sliding her hands up so that she could wrap her arms around his neck.
“Oh baby girl, you know the name already. It’s called Lamont. You sure you ready to handle that monster?”
“Oh I can handle anything you dish out sir.”
“You sure about that?” he asked.
“Positive. You have your license?” she asked, head tilted to the side.
“I can assure you, I’m legal,” he said brows furrowed.
She chuckled. “I’m sure you are, but are you sane? I need to give my girls your info before I leave with you.”
“Scared?”
“Nah, I’m just not dumb. License?” she asked, pushing away from him.
He nodded, eyes surveying her face. “Front left pocket, think you can handle retrieving it?”
Her eyes dipped down to where his monster erection lay. If she got his wallet, she’d definitely get a feel. Feeling naughty, she outlined his dick print, then reached in his pocket, and pulled out his wallet. Without waiting for his permission, she opened it, took out his license, and slipped it into her back pocket.
Grabbing his hand, she led him over to where her friends sat, slack jawed and gaping at them. After introductions were made, she had them take a picture of his license before she returned it to him.
With his arm slung low around her waist, he navigated them to the front door.

#WednesdayWritingPrompt  #GAPauthors  #LamontAndRachelle  #ReadyForLove  #AllOrNothing

What did you think? Did this qualify as Rachelle asking for a date? Do you think Lamont can back up his talking?  Do you want more of their story?  Would you ever be so bold as to leave with a stranger you just met? 

Drop down in the comments and let me know what you thought...and then head over to the other Garden Avenue Press authors' blogs to check out their take on this writing prompt.

www.delaneydiamond.com    Delaney Diamond
www.staylorromance.com      S. Taylor
www.joylcampbell.com           J.L. Campbell
www.tiyelovebooks.com         Tiye Love

Hello everyone! The Romance Studio will be hosting a Thanksgiving Party (online) in which authors will share with fans their books, videos, and maybe even excerpts from upcoming works! Did I forget to mention that there will be prizes given out by  multiple authors? It's a great chance to learn about new books, chat with authors, and maybe even win a prize. 

Check out The Romance Studio for more information. Here's the link: https://www.theromancestudio.com/thanksgiving-party-2018/

Hello everyone! I have some exciting news to share. I have been invited to be a featured author at Building Relationships Around Books A Reading Warriors Retreat! It will be from October 4th - 6th at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Antonio, TX. If you are interested in going, go to www.brabonline.net to register. The cost is $300 (not including hotel). 

There will be a lot of great authors in attendance (check the flyer above) so you don't want to miss out on the opportunity to hang out with them and pick their brains about your favorite books and characters. 

Also, we will be collecting school supplies to donate to an elementary school in Houston. 

Come on out and get your books autographed. I hope to see you there! 

Love Rekindled was my debut novel and I thoroughly enjoyed making Malcolm and Charmaine's love story come to life. I currently have plans to re-release Love Rekindled later this year, as well as Drew and Denise's story and Jacob and Lena's. I've been busy writing and I can't wait for you to read about them!

I enjoy hearing from and interacting with you so be sure to hit me up! Also make sure to subscribe to my emailing list and follow me on social media so that you'll know when the pre-orders are dropped. 

In the meantime, while I'm writing, I hope that you're enjoying and embracing life, positivty, and continuing to pursue your dreams. 

Thanks again to all of you for making Love Rekindled an Amazon top 20 bestseller and for your continued support. 

Until the next time...
Nyora René

I've been thinking about writing a blog post for a while now; one centered around women and taking care of ourselves. What immediately came to mind was: black women are S.U.P.E.R.W.O.M.E.N; yes, it's a long acronym, but bear with me.
Black women are Saving, Uniting, Preparing, Encouraging and Raising Warriors whose Origins come from a Melanated, Educated Nation....and that's a vital part of our continued survival.

Think about that for a moment. We are superheroes. That's something that can oftentimes get lost in the day to day hustle and bustle of life. It can sometimes feel as though we carry so much, that we have a great responsibility towards the next generation...and the truth is: we do. We do all of this and sometimes without a single thank you or a gesture of appreciation. We march, campaign, and fight for our boys, significant others, fathers and brothers. We raise our children the best we can. We go to work and oftentimes make less than our counterparts. We cook, clean; we hold it down. 

In the midst of saving lives, adverting disasters, and just being awesome we tend to forget about ourselves. We neglect ourselves in favor of taking care of others. Those last couple of dollars we had tucked to the side for a pedicure go toward our child's school supplies. That book that's been on our to be read list, has been there for months, maybe even longer; because we can't seem to find the time to get around to reading it. That gym membership we got with the intention of losing those last fifteen pounds, hasn't been used because whose going to watch the kids, do the cooking and do the cleaning? By the time we're done taking care of others, we're too tired to take care of ourselves. 

It's important to note that while our duties as mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and all around superwoman are extremely vital to helping the next generation become successful and self-sufficient; our most important duty is to ourselves. It may sound selfish, but if we don't take care of us who will do all of the important work that we're currently doing? Who will raise our daughters to be strong women? Who will build up our sons? March and fight for our babies? Now, this in no way bashes men or diminishes their contributions to the family unit; however, with everything that our men are currently facing; they need us too. 

We can't operate at maximum efficiency if we don't take the time to take care of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. If we neglect us, we can turn into the very thing we despise: someone who is full of negativity and pessimism. This type of person is not a productive one. If we want to make a difference and be leaders and agents of effective change, we have to make sure we are straight. 

Sometimes this may mean unplugging from social media. It may mean distancing yourself from people who are negative. You may have to take time for yourself, even if it means that something on your never ending to do list doesn't get done. It's aslo important to remember that when you do these things, others may not agree with the way you do things. They may complain about not hearing from you or criticize you because you decided to rest instead of do yet another batch of laundry. But remember this: people will always have something to say about how you choose to do something.  You can't please them all and truthfully, you shouldn't really try. When we fall into the trap of people pleasing, we also fall into the wasteland of unhappiness. We lose ourselves trying to please others. This is why it is so important to take time for yourself. Take the time to recharge, it's vital to your stability and to those who depend on you. Another side note: there's a difference between those depending on you and those who expect you to please them. My child depends on me to take care of her, to provide love, shelter, clothing, food, and guidance...now whether or not she's happy with the clothes I bought her is another thing. It doesn't matter if she's upset because she got a purple unicorn shirt instead of the pink one, the most important things are: Does it fit? Will it keep you warm or cool?  You see, I provided a need without getting caught up in the pleasing. 

Another thing that is important to do is to surround yourself with women who are positive, who are go getters. It's important to form a close inner circle that can serve as your support group. A group of friends who are your confidants, your support, your conscious and your compass. These are people who you trust. They are like minded people. This is crucial to your sanity because they will hold you down. Why? Because they too understand the struggle. 

Take a mental health break daily. Close your eyes, get in your comfort zone and free your mind. Empty it of all the negativity and toxicity. You may have to sit in your car in the garage to find that quiet time. You may have to take that time while in the shower. No matter how you have to do it, make sure you do it. 

Get enough rest. Notice I didn't say get some rest, but enough rest. As women, we'll get four or five hours of sleep and think that we're golden. No, we're functioning...but it's not at peak capacity. In other words, we're doing just enough; but not enough to be effective. 

Take care of your health...this is directed towards myself too! That saying our health is our wealth is very true. We can't help others, if we're not well. You don't have to be thin to be healthy; but regular exercise (even if it's just parking farther in the parking lot or walking in place during commercial breaks) is important. Eating healthier is a must as well. Incorporate more fruits, veggies, and water and less junk food and soda is important and can improve our overall quality of life. 

If you're able to, try to plan a sista girl getaway with your inner circle. Yes, I know money may be scarce; but the getaway doesn't have to be somewhere expensive or even far. A major city near you or a beach near you may be something within reason. For example if you live in Houston, then a trip to San Antonio or to Galveston may be affordable. It's a few hours drive and you can go half on a hotel room with your girls. It's nice to stay in fancy hotels, but let's be real...if you're going on a trip, you're only in your hotel to sleep; so don't break the bank on the hotel. I'm not saying get a crappy one; but a hotel that's clean and has the amenities you're looking for is most definitely an option to consider as opposed to a high dollar hotel. 

If that's not within your budget...then do a staycation. Take one day in your city. get a hotel room, massage, manicure and pedicure...and then close yourself off in your room to read, sleep, or just think. No kids, no significant other; just you and your thoughts. You'll be amazed how recharged you feel after your staycation. 

And above all remind yourself just how awesome you are. In a society that oftentimes diminishes just how fabulous we are; it's important to look yourself in the mirror and say, "damn girl, you're awesome!" Put notes of affirmation on your mirror to look at first thing in the morning while you're brushing your teeth. Put a note on your dashboard in your car, in your lunch bag, and on your desk at work or home. As women, we need these little reminders to keep us encouraged. 

Our duty is to build a nation and in order to do that we must take care of ourselves.

In essence, we are our most vital resource and our well being should be a priority.  So the next time you see fellow S.U.P.E.R.W.O.M.E.N. give them a compliment, a smile, and a "You rock!" because we do!