Embrace My Heart (Kimani Hotties)
by AlTonya Washington
All of the delights and none of the drama—that's what heiress and gallery owner Vectra Bauer wants from her fling with Qasim Wilder. The gorgeous financial adviser has been Vectra's platonic friend, but now, after the end of her last painful relationship, she's ready to take a small risk and open her heart.
Settling for a little of anything isn't Sim's ideal. Possessive by nature, he makes no secret of how much he wants Vectra. And he can't understand why she's hiding from their intense connection that's way more than just physical. The man who always gets what he wants is embracing his biggest challenge yet: to make the woman he adores believe in love once more…
Embrace My Heart (Kimani Hotties) by AlTonya Washington
Link: http://amzn.com/B00OY9ZAC6
Excerpt: Embrace My Heart
They had been friends long enough for her to know that he hated ties. He usually discarded whichever one he wore either just before or right after lunch. The guy loved his comfort and the fact didn't diminish the stunning craftsmanship of his body or face.
Bottomless dark eyes competed with the ebony richness of heavy brows and the sleep cap of hair he wore close cut. His facial hair was tamed into an intentional five o'clock shadow that partly hid a cleft chin and the faint lines that proved he was easy with his smiles.
Vectra blinked suddenly, at once regretting and realizing how much time she'd taken to admire the man's face and form. The fact made her wonder whether she'd subjected any of her other male friends to such scrutiny. Doubtful. Her male friends were just that—just friends. Or, rather, they had been…until she met Qasim; he was a male friend she would have preferred become much more.
He opened one of the towering maple doors leading to his office. Vectra quickened her pace when she realized he was going to hold it for her as though she were an actual welcomed visitor. In spite of his polite manners, however, she could've sworn she picked up on a low yet distinctive sound of agitation. That sound rumbled through his chest when she passed him on her way into the room.
If ever there was an office that personified its owner, it's Qasim's, she thought.
The place was a testament to pretty much everything he held dear. One far, expansive corner was a hive of activity with wide-screen monitors broadcasting both financial and sports news from their perches atop a pair of pristine maple desks. Towering bookcases lined the room and were filled with pictures, plaques, awards and books spanning a range of genres. Above the cases nearest the desks was a stock ticker.
Vectra set her tote on one of the square black leather chairs that surrounded an impressive gaming area. She wondered if nice or nasty was the way to begin their conversation. She didn't have long to debate.
"Coming to invite me to another party, Vec?"
The words carried over Qasim's broad shoulder as he headed into his work area. He removed his suit coat, slung it over the back of the sofa he passed and smiled in her direction when he turned.
Okay, then… she decided, accepting that the conversation would be a tad strained. "Actually, I came to ask why I've been selected as the lucky one to get the brunt of the petty side of your personality?"
He smiled. While the gesture held a great deal of humor, the air of agitation remained.
"Qasim?" Vectra's attempt to remain steely gave way, and her curiosity got the better of her. "Why are you angry with me?" She didn't care for the pleading tone that clung to her words, but she wanted answers.
Qasim appeared taken aback, but recovered soon enough. "I'm not angry with you." He made a pretense of reviewing the folders lying open on his desk.
"Well, you're something. What'd I do?" Curiosity had given way to a smidge of self-consciousness while she stood before him. Something changed. His smile was gone, and the look that replaced it was observant in a way that made Vectra flush with heat.
Another of the agitated rumbles surged in Qasim's chest, and he pushed back the wide black leather chair behind his desk.
Vectra could hear nothing over her heart beating wildly as anticipation had its way with her.
Qasim didn't take a seat in the chair; instead, he headed in Vectra's direction and then shifted toward the maple wet bar, which displayed a wide array of liquor bottles in various shapes and sizes.
Quietly, Qasim went about preparing Vectra's vodka tonic, which he set firmly upon the bar top. From the full-size black fridge behind him, he retrieved his beer of choice and popped the top.
He tipped the bottle to his mouth. "I'm not angry with you."
Vectra stood in place, nervously rubbing her fingers together while she observed Qasim with a wary gaze. He motioned with his bottle for her to take the vodka. Vectra didn't care how eagerly she accepted. The drink went a long way in calming her ridiculously frazzled nerves.
The lush line of Qasim's mouth grew even lusher as a smile emerged. She rolled her eyes. "You said that already, so excuse me for not believing you." She gave him her back, keeping the drink clutched securely between her hands.
Qasim allowed his emotions greater purchase while Vectra's back faced him. He didn't realize the blackness of his stare softened as it always did when just the mere thought of her stirred.
He watched her sip from the glass but noticed that she didn't empty it. She put more distance between them, which gave him time to absorb the missed sight of her.
The more time they spent together, the more she stunted his ability to properly think or even speak. He'd masked it for as long as he could. When he could no longer do that, he latched on to his only option.
Because he didn't want to be her friend. He wanted much more.
( Continued... )
© 2015 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, AlTonya Washington. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.
Intimate Conversation with AlTonya Washington
AlTonya Washington has been a published romance novelist for 10 years and is a two time winner of The Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer's Choice Award. In addition to being an author, AlTonya also works as a college Reference Librarian. Writing as T. Onyx, AlTonya has also crafted a string of very popular erotica titles. Her long-running and popular Ramsey/Tesano romantic suspense series will soon conclude. "Lover's Origin: Black Island", "A Lover's Return" and "Book of Scandal: The Tesano Elders" will mark the last three titles in the saga.
BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
Hard work and persistence. I recall the early submission letters sent to BET Arabesque. Being consistent in my follow-up correspondence with editors is what I believe got me noticed. From there it was the hard work put into forming my titles that completed the task of getting their interest. Diligence and discipline were the other pieces that proved instrumental in getting my writing contract as well as a degree in library science which is my other passion. I suppose the sense of accomplishment is what truly motivates me.
BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My body of work speaks to adult readers who enjoy a good, dramatic story with a dynamic mix of multi-dimensional characters. I suppose authors are the best role models for other authors.
BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work, Embrace My Heart?
All of the delights and none of the drama—that's what heiress and gallery owner Vectra Bauer wants from her fling with Qasim Wilder. The gorgeous financial adviser has been Vectra's platonic friend, but now, after the end of her last painful relationship, she's ready to take a small risk and open her heart.
Settling for a little of anything isn't Sim's ideal. Possessive by nature, he makes no secret of how much he wants Vectra. And he can't understand why she's hiding from their intense connection that's way more than just physical. The man who always gets what he wants is embracing his biggest challenge yet: to make the woman he adores believe in love once more…
BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Qasim’s rough upbringing and the success he’s gained in spite of it, are especially endearing, but it’s his compassion that really reaches out to grip the reader. Vectra’s free spirit and determined fire; despite her insecurities, are very triumphant to watch as it unfolds during the story.
BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
I was eager to create a story about two people who felt they were unfit for commitment because of the ghosts in their pasts. I suppose I felt moved to craft this story because of how much the characters appealed to me as I created my visions of their looks and personalities.
BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing Embrace My Heart?
It was very exciting to create a story in California Wine Country, San Francisco and surrounding areas.
BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?
The ideas can come from ANYWHERE!! I’m as avid an observer as I am a reader. I enjoy observing others and wondering what their stories could be. Even a phrase or the look one character might share with another in a movie can motivate me to want to delve in and explore the meaning behind such actions.
BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book?
I don’t spend a tremendous amount of time focused on the overwhelming issues and the groups they represent in this book, but there are quite a few. As it relates to Qasim- we could say that he represents so many heartbreaking stories of children who grow up never knowing love or security. Vectra represents those who suffer through and survive abuse and while Vectra’s abuse is not as physically severe she does wear the emotional scars buries deep. Additionally, we have a character in the story who spent time in the military and bears some scars of his own.
BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation or journey?
I’m blessed to say that while I don’t share the personal experiences of my characters, I do empathize with what my characters have suffered and survived. I also believe there are many times that we’ve all been in situations or points in our lives when we’ve felt less than worthy.
BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
I presented this story without the usual suspense element that I enjoy adding to my other titles. Aside from researching the setting for the story, I didn’t spend quite as much time with the all-around heavy research that I usually put in. I found that focusing primarily on the motivations of the main characters was a new way of forming the tale. It was an enjoyable process that gave me a more personal connection to the story.
BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I wanted to present two people with equal issues regarding self-worth. It’s not a male or female only issue but one that doesn’t discriminate. I think I accomplished that.
BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
“Lover’s Origin: Black Island” which is a novella/prequel for the upcoming “A Lover’s Return” will be releasing in March. “A Lover’s Return” will release fall of this year. I am currently celebrating the release of my latest Kimani title “Embrace My Heart”.
BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Visit with me at: www.lovealtonya.com or www.alsreaders.com
Books by AlTonya Washington
http://www.amazon.com/AlTonya-Washington/e/B001JS2S7U
Connect Online with AlTonya Washington
www.lovealtonya.com
www.alsreaders.com
www.twitter.com/Ramseysgirl
www.altonyasblog.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/altonyaw
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