The Author's Friends by Shelly Douglas Read Free Book Online Page B

everyone else’s fiction, and God knows there is an abundance of other kinks out there.”
    “I don’t want him to think that the intimacy we experience isn’t enough.”
    Carla nodded.  “Do you have a plan in mind?”
    “Well, not exactly.  But I’ve already started writing a novella with two new characters – Brad and Kristin.  They’re fashion models living in New York and he’s interested in having a relationship with her.”
    “Ooh … they work together?  That would make life interesting.”
    “They just went away for the weekend together.  Sneaking around their place of work has been fun, but he thinks they should get to know each other better.”
    “Let me guess.  He’s a Dominant man looking for a submissive woman.”
    Dana laughed and shrugged.  “Don’t blame me.  It is popular reading right now.  Plus, since I’m involved in that way of life, it’s easier to write about it.  Truthfully, he isn’t sure if his girlfriend has even heard of the D/s lifestyle.  Remember, up to now  they’ve just been co-workers that are casually dating.”
    “He’s taking her away for the weekend already?  Don’t you think things are happening too soon?  I can just hear the reviews now.”  Carla laughed and elbowed Dana.
    “Jesus, Carla.  This book is fiction. Lighten up.”
    “Okay, so how does this story tie into your real life?”
    “Well, I thought that this couple could explore some BDSM themes along the way.  Richard loves to look over my shoulder while I write, and I’m usually not too happy about it.  But letting him be nosy might open up some new ideas for us.  Especially since he knows I have a history of writing about my fantasies.”
    “Will there be a real plot to this novella, or are you thinking about a series of vignettes?”
    “I would rather have a plot, if possible.  Brad’s looking for a relationship with a submissive and the scenes would show him if his current love interest was a good match for him.  Of course there will have to eventually be a twist, but I haven’t figured that out yet.”
    “And you actually think that Richard will catch on?  You do realize how men are usually slow in this department, don’t you?”
    “I don’t know if he’ll connect the dots and see that I’m talking about us right away, but the scenes will certainly stir up his interest.  His testosterone levels are quite healthy.”  Dana laughed and stood to make herself another cup of coffee.
    “Please keep me posted, but don’t share too many of the details.  You know how I like to be surprised when I read your books,” Carla said.
    “You crack me up!  Let’s just hope Richard is in a mood to snoop.”
    “From his track record, I don’t think you’ll have much to worry about.” She smiled and reached for her handbag.
     

IT’S GOING TO BE A LONG WINTER
     
    It was a cold, snowy night in January.  Richard had started a fire in the stone fireplace, and it was the perfect environment for Dana to continue writing her novella.
    Their suitcases were unpacked, and Kristin declared that she needed to freshen up with a shower.  In the meantime, Brad went back downstairs and asked the proprietors about good places to have dinner.
    When he returned to the room, he fully expected that Kristin would be dressed and ready to go out for the evening.  He lightly knocked on the door before opening, so he wouldn’t catch her by surprise.  As he stepped through the door, he caught a glimpse of her naked silhouette opposite the dark picture window. 
    “Dana, how’s the writing going?”  Richard came back into the room to stoke the fire for her. 
    “I’m on a roll,” she mumbled without looking up from her keyboard. 
    “I brought you some juice to keep your energy up.”  Richard sat the glass down next to her, placed more wood on the fire and quietly shut the door behind him as he left.
    Kristin motioned for Brad to come closer.  As he neared, she reached out and