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LENGTH: Short Story
SENSUALITY: Carnal

Cover art (c) Amber Moon 2004
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Rating: Contains explicit sex and graphic language.

"Four ½ Stars! I found When Lightning Strikes to be a very good story and immensely entertaining. Ms. Somers’ characters were human and three dimensional. I could understand and identify with Emma and her feelings of hurt and resentment after Seth's dalliance. I also admired Seth for his bravery and because he was willing to deal with the consequences of his actions, although at first I wanted to throttle him. The best thing about this story is its main character's chemistry together. Their passion nearly set the pages ablaze with their heat. I found myself needing to experience firsthand some of the steamier scenes as you may want to with your own hero. With realistic, human characters, a fully immersive plot and some of the most passionate sex I have ever read, When Lightning Strikes is a winner. Sydney Somers is an author to watch for and I certainly look forward to more of her work in the future." Miaka Chase, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

"Four Stars! Sydney Somers has penned a steamy short story which will arouse your senses and leave you breathless. Debut writer Sydney Somers is destined to be a star of the genre having managed to write a fabulous story featuring richly drawn characters, scorchingly hot sex scenes and a page-turning premise. When Lightning Strikes is a gripping tale about passion, second chances and true love which you cannot afford to miss!" Julie Bonello, eCataRomance Reviews

"Four Hearts! This book is short and reads really fast. Emma is the kind of heroine you can identify with, she is smart and talented and her one weakness is her love for Seth. Seth is a very likable guy from the start, there are moments you think he's a jerk but he comes back and surprises you every time. The sex between Emma and Seth is explosive and will definitely hold the interest of the erotic reader. The plot will reel you in and hold you until the end of the book and secondary characters give the story an interesting twist. I highly recommend this book if you want a quick and exciting read." Angel Brewer, The Romance Studio

WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES

By

Sydney Somers

© copyright October 2004, Sydney Somers
Cover Art by Amber Moon, © copyright October 2004
New Concepts Publishing
Lake Park, GA 31636
www.newconceptspublishing.com

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.

Chapter One

Emma knew she was dreaming.

She knew that when she awoke she might very well feel the heartbreak all over, but she couldn’t stop the images from replaying in her mind. Even in her dreams the sights were real--the bright flashing lights of the carnival rides, teenagers crowded in lines, some groping each other earning them critical glances from parents holding tight to their excited children, and the smells of buttered popcorn, greasy fries, hotdogs and cotton candy.

Emma’s stomach rumbled as she contemplated a candy apple from the closest vendor. Maybe she’d even take one home to her aunt. She hadn’t planned on stopping by the fair at all, but the loud music, shrill screams and laughter had her pausing long enough at the gate to buy a ticket. She’d even splurged on a few games she hadn’t stood a chance of winning, just because they looked like fun.

She only wished she wasn’t here by herself. A coworker had asked her to go with him tonight, but she’d declined. Jason was polite, attractive enough, and about as exciting as an ant farm. He stopped by her desk at exactly the same time every morning, took breaks and lunches at predictable intervals, even going with a standard menu depending on the day of the week. Although he was endlessly considerate and thoughtful, he did absolutely nothing for her increasingly sensitive libido.

If nothing else Emma had promised herself no more safe predictable men until she had at least one hot, downright wicked tryst. Not that there were many men around to indulge that particular fantasy. The odds were greater she’d be struck by lightning before she’d find a man sexy, capable and interested enough to give her exactly what she wanted: sex so incredibly hot, so mind-blowing just looking at her fantasy man would bring her to orgasm--and then some.

The sound of a little girl’s tears had Emma turning around. Partially hidden by the vibrant red and white stripes of a gaming tent, a blond-haired angel sniffled and wiped her nose with the back of her hand.

Careful not to scare the child Emma ventured closer. "Are you okay?"

The little girl shook her head. "My uncle lost me," she whispered brokenly, another fat tear rolling down her cheek.

Emma’s heart squeezed. "My name is Emma, what’s yours?"

"Alicia."

"That’s a very pretty name. Would you like me to help you find your uncle?"

Alicia glanced around uncertain. "I’m not supposed to go anywhere with strangers."

Emma crouched down to Alicia’s level. "Oh. Then how about...."

"Alicia." A dark-haired man stepped between them and scooped up the little girl. "I’ve been looking everywhere for you."

Emma stood up, waited for Alicia’s uncle to notice her standing there. When he didn’t turn around right away, Emma silently waved good-bye to Alicia, who had her arms wrapped tightly around her uncle’s neck, and headed back to the vendor’s cart.

"Excuse me."

Emma stopped at the familiar voice, trying to place it. She turned around, nearly colliding with the broad chest mere inches from hers. Emma staggered back, kept upright only by the solid grip at her elbow.

"Sorry," the man apologized. "Wait, you’re Emma right?"

Nodding, Emma glanced from the warm, firm hand on her arm and into the dark green eyes of Seth Fraser. All the air left her lungs in one traitorous exhale.

Her boss. Well not her direct supervisor, but Seth owned the company she worked for, making him her boss in an indirect way.

And he knew her name.

Both Seth and Alicia stared at her expectantly. She really should say something. Like what? ‘I have seriously sinful fantasies about you,’ somehow didn’t seem appropriate.

"I work for you," she blurted out.

Seth grinned, a lazy smile more friendly than one shared between employer and employee. "I know."

Her blood thickened in her veins. Lord, the man was hot. Just over six feet, Seth was built for physical endurance and was reputed to have moves smoother than a brain surgeon. Dark brown hair, short and perfectly mussed, and that lethal curving of his lips only added to his charm. Seth was the ideal candidate to deliver the naughty images from her dreams to reality. Only he didn’t know she existed. Or did he?

A surge of lust shimmered through her at his lingering stare. God help her, he was standing in the middle of a carnival, innocently holding on to his niece and her mind had him naked, sweaty and poised right between her legs. It wasn’t the first time she’d had such thoughts about the playboy CEO, and she doubted it would be the last. But something about indulging in those fantasies when Seth was standing so close and still holding her arm....

He was still holding her arm. Her heart thumped in her chest, but she made no move to pull away. His intense gaze had an ache building between her legs, legs that itched to be locked around Seth’s waist. Heat rushed to her cheeks and she glanced away. She was going to need a very cold shower when she got home.

"Uncle Seth, I see mommy. She’s over by the carousel."

"I should be going," Emma said, before I make a complete fool of myself and start drooling, or worse. The unexpected, but thrilling heated glances from Seth had her on the verge of orgasm.

Seth’s grip slid from her elbow to her wrist, sending currents racing across her skin. "I could take you home after I pass off my niece, unless you’re here with someone."

"I ... uh ... no. I’m alone." And how much of a loser did that make her?

Seth flashed a devilish smile. "Good." He grabbed Emma’s hand and dragged her along to where his sister stood with a squirming toddler tucked close to her side. Emma recognized her from work as well. Seth’s sister was the head of public relations.

"I think this belongs to you," Seth joked, setting Alicia at her mother’s feet. "Did you have a good time, squirt?"

Alicia bobbed her head, then yanked on her mother’s hand, tugging her toward the line for the carousel. Seth’s sister shot them both a curious glance, her eyes fixing on their joined hands before she allowed herself to be led away. Uncertain, Emma tried to casually remove her hand from Seth’s, but his grip only tightened.

"I’ll call you tomorrow," Seth said before dragging Emma into the crowd. He grinned at her over his shoulder but didn’t slow down. Emma tried not to read too much into the interested glances he kept sending her. From the women Seth was known for dating, Emma knew she wasn’t anywhere near as striking. Although content with her shoulder length blond hair and blue-gray eyes, Emma wouldn’t have considered them special enough to catch Seth Fraser’s eye.

When they reached the parking lot, she stopped. "There’s no need to drive me. I’m only a short walk from here." Emma told herself she would not be disappointed if he changed his mind.

Seth nodded thoughtfully. "I’m up for a walk."

She couldn’t contain her smile. This was crazy. This was Seth Fraser, her boss, and he was looking at her like she was his next course. And she loved it. A flock of butterflies clipped to life in her stomach. Suddenly self-conscious, Emma glanced down at her black tank top with plunging neckline and faded hip-hugger jeans, which she knew clung to her behind in way that was barely decent. Thankfully she’d had the foresight to wear her new pushup bra. Her breasts weren’t small, but the extra cleavage the bra provided made her feel sexy, desirable.

Emma glanced up, caught Seth’s eyes appreciating the raised swell between her breasts. Under the heated scrutiny her nipples puckered against the silky material.

"Let’s go through the park," Emma suggested. With the sun setting she’d planned to walk around to avoid any obnoxious teens partying near the lake, but the idea of walking the narrow, private trails with Seth changed her mind.

"I didn’t realize you knew my name," Emma said, then winced at how stupid it sounded.

Piercing green eyes caught hers. "I make it a point to learn as much as possible about people that interest me."

Pleasure ricocheted through her. She pushed aside the knowledge that Seth was never seen with the same woman twice. If he was being truthful and he was interested in her, however temporary, it would have to be enough.

Emma sneaked a sideways glance at Seth, letting her gaze scroll from head to toe, pausing however inappropriately just below his hips. Good Lord, was he as big as water cooler gossip suggested? Emma shook her head. This had to stop. He was walking her home, not inviting her into his bed. But a girl could dream.

"Over here." Seth tugged her toward a set of swings tucked under the trees. His hand slid up her arm, to her side, resting just under her breast. Fiery threads from his touch seared her skin, made her nipples tighten until they ached to be touched. What would his mouth, no, his tongue, feel like stroking the taut peaks?

He patted the seat, dragging her from another fantasy. "Hop on."

"I’m not sure--"

Seth lifted and whirled her around, setting her on the swing, then moved to get behind her. Emma felt the unmistakable pressure of his erection at her back. The area between her legs started to throb, and then she was airborne as he pushed her away from him. She laughed and pumped her legs, wondering if sex with Seth could possibly be as delicious as she imagined.

Above them the sky opened up and rain poured down from the heavens. Seth caught her and wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her against his chest. His breath was warm against her ear.

"I have a bit of a confession. I’ve wanted to get you alone for some time."

Emma had been positive Seth didn’t have a clue who she was and here he was subtly nudging his rock hard shaft against her. Warm lips nipped the sensitive flesh at her neck. Emma leaned into him, a moan slipping from her parted lips. Was this really happening? God, she hoped this wasn’t another fantasy.

His hands skimmed down her chest, just grazing her nipples before continuing down her belly to the insides of her thighs. "Do you have any idea how badly I want to touch you Emma?"

The ragged admission had moisture gathering between her legs. She closed her eyes, wanting this moment like nothing she’d craved before. Just one wild, uninhibited night, and then she could get on with her life.

She dragged in a breath. "So touch me. I want to feel your hands on me Seth."

He cupped her breasts, his hands expertly kneading them through the damp fabric. The moan trapped in the back of her throat broke free when he closed his fingers around her nipples.

"I haven’t been able to stop myself from thinking about you. Your breasts, your mouth, your...." He cupped her wet sex through her jeans. Emma’s core pulsated, pleading for release.

"Come here," he ordered, pulling her off the swing and into his arms. His mouth was hot, his tongue boldly stroking hers as he rubbed his arousal against her cleft.

This was really, really crazy, but she couldn’t make herself stop. This wasn’t at all like her, to let any man touch her so intimately when she hardly knew him. Dreams were one thing ... but there was something about Seth, something--