EXCERPT

This book is for ADULTS ONLY!

‘I smell coffee and breakfast. Let’s see what Rachel’s making in the kitchen.’ Tia hooked Jane’s arm and dragged her to the bar. Rachel was in the kitchen wearing pink cheetah pyjama pants and a white t-shirt. She looked completely rested.

‘What’s wrong?’ Rachel asked, seeing Jane’s face. She automatically reached for two white ceramic coffee cups and filled them with french vanilla creamer and coffee.

‘Code yellow,’ Tia said.

‘Did Dean do something?’ Rachel asked.

‘I’m leaving!’ Mike called passing by the living room. ‘Are you going to see me off proper, baby doll?’

‘No.’ Tia’s voice was full of annoyance but she was smiling at her girlfriends. ‘Shut the door behind you.’

They could hear Mike grumbling as the door opened but didn’t close. Tia paused for a minute before getting up to go shut it herself. When she came back, she looked at Rachel and asked, ‘We alone? Is Fletcher still here?’

Rachel nearly blushed. ‘He left last night.’

‘Nothing happened?’ Jane asked, forgetting her own troubles for awhile.

‘Nope, nothing.’ Rachel looked embarrassed and went back to making crepes.

‘He didn’t try anything?’ Tia insisted, sharing a look with Jane.

‘Ah, nope, not really.’ Rachel’s hand shook and she quickly grabbed a cutting board and began chopping fresh strawberries. “What’s going on with Dean and Mike?’

‘Mike’s a good *******Explicit*******and I think we’re engaged to be married,’ Tia said nonchalantly. Jane and Rachel’s mouths fell open and they turned to stare at her. ‘What?’

‘He proposed…’ Jane began.

‘…to you?’ Rachel finished.

‘No, I asked him. It doesn’t matter. I might break if off.’ Tia smiled. She slid off her barstool and moved to steal a couple strawberries from the cutting board. Rachel elbowed her back out of the small kitchen. ‘I might keep him long enough for you guys to hire me a male stripper for a bachelorette party, then dump him.’

‘Tia!’ Rachel shook her head.

‘What?’ Tia grinned, making a great show of popping strawberry halves into her mouth. ‘I only said I think I was engaged. I don’t know for sure. Besides, I think it might fall under the “I love you” sex rule.’

‘What “I love you” sex rule?’ Rachel asked. Jane cringed, already knowing the answer.

Tia ate the last strawberry piece, before saying, ‘That if you say something, like “I love you, baby” during sex it doesn’t count.*******Explicit*******.’

‘Oh, Tia, too much information,’ Rachel said.

‘Now, Jane’s turn,’ Tia said, obviously unconcerned with Rachel’s look. ‘I want to know what’s going on. Did Dean say something to you this morning to make you all…weepy?’

‘Last night was great. I mean, I have never, ever felt anything so…’ Jane blushed and placed her hand on her flaming cheeks. Her look said it all.

‘*******Explicit*******

‘You really should have been the one proposing last night, not me,’ Tia said. ‘Heck, didn’t you say that man had a couple of brothers? Where are they? I want to marry into that family.’

‘Wow,’ Rachel said.

‘Uh-huh,’ Jane said.

‘So, then what’s wrong?’ Tia slipped off her stool and tried to casually make her way into the kitchen for more strawberries. Rachel cut her off and shook her head, blocking her path. Tia sighed, sitting back down.

Jane took a sip of coffee. ‘We fell asleep in each other’s arms. I was so sure he was happy with me.’

‘Eight times,’ Tia said under her breath, still amazed. ‘He damned well better be happy with you. I wasn’t even there and I’m happy with you.’

Jane ignored her. ‘I really thought that whatever Vanessa had told him didn’t matter. It was like…like we connected. I’ve never felt so complete in all my life. And I’ve never *******Explicit******* like that either. I mean, he was going to leave last night and I did invite him back in and take him to my bedroom. I really think he was trying to break it off with me. But later, when he looked at me, I felt beautiful, cherished. He couldn’t look at me like that and feel nothing, could he?’

Rachel and Tia bit their lips, keeping quiet.

‘Then, when I woke up this morning he was gone,’ Jane finished.

© copyright 2007, Michelle M. Pillow 

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

 REVIEWS

"4 STARS! Pillow's delightful story presents three romances in one. Jane's relationship is nearly sabotaged by her well-meaning friends, whose own love lives are also featured."  Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine, Oct 2007

"5 STARS! With Michelle Pillow’s special trademark of shrewd wit, intense passion and deep thoughts expressed by the characters on every page, her first chick lit story is irresistible...With dynamic characters and a wickedly enchanting storyline, FIERCE COMPETITION will keep readers emotionally involved until the book’s last word is read." Amelia Richard, CataRomance Reviews, August 2005

"5 HEARTS! What a great read!  This reviewer loved it!  Michelle M. Pillow masterfully writes complex characters that leap from the pages.  She manages to add a dash of humor, lots of sexual tension... all woven together within a great plot that takes the reader on a thrilling ride of a read.  The sex scenes sizzle and spark.  This reviewer was completely thrilled about Rachel and Dean not having sex for there first three months of dating, so that when they finally got around to it….boom!  Ms. Pillow adds lots of misunderstandings, but not frustratingly so and they are all ironed out in the end to bring the story to a very satisfying and happy end.  This is for sure a must read!" ~ Valerie, LoveRomancesandMore.com, Dec 2007

Concerning Fierce Competition, October 7, 2005
"Interestingly, I read this book to my orchids while nursing them through a severe case of African Choke Moss - a deadly sentient disease that never fails to send them into a grim state of anxiety. By the hundredth page, the flowers seemed to perk up again, reviving their unique trait of dripping chlorobenzene. This was a first in Eastern Iowa. Moreover, Michelle Pillow's narrative seemed to revive my love of shopping, designer labels, and PG-13 sex (Manhattan-style). In a since, Fierce Competition helped me find me again, although without the drainage." Brent Johnson 2005

"Fierce Competition is an erotic version of Sex and the City...If you enjoy erotic chick-lit, I highly recommend." Lee, Joyfully Reviewed, December 2005

 AWARDS AND RANKINGS

2005 Preditors and Editors Poll #21 Novel - Mainstream

WINNER ~ SingleTitle REVIEWER CHOICE AWARDS 2005 ~ Contemporary