Model Behavior Read online

  Fashion photographer Ronnie Mannis loves women. She loves to photograph them, and she especially loves to sleep with them. But when she meets model Lana Ferguson, she knows she’s found the one for her. Lana has never been happier, and this time it could even be love.

  Ronnie is finally ready to settle down, but her ex, Whitney LaRoche, isn’t going to accept that she’s moved on. When Whitney’s jealousy ends in an attack that leaves Lana disfigured, Lana's world comes crashing down. Her career is over, and life as she knows it changes forever. Certain that Ronnie, surrounded by the world’s most desirable women, couldn't possibly want her now, Lana pushes her away.

  Despite her guilt over the price Lana has paid for her past mistakes, Ronnie vows to convince Lana she’s just as beautiful as ever in all the ways that matter most.

  What Reviewers Say About MJ Williamz’s Work

  Shots Fired

  “MJ Williamz, in her first romantic thriller, has done an impressive job of building the tension and suspense. Williamz has a firm grasp of keeping the reader guessing and quickly turning the pages to get to the bottom of the mystery. Shots Fired clearly shows the author’s ability to spin an engaging tale and is sure to be just the beginning of great things to follow as the author matures.”—Lambda Literary Review

  “Williamz tells her story in the voices of Kyla, Echo, and Detective Pat Silverton. She does a great job with the twists and turns of the story, along with the secondary plot. The police procedure is first rate, as are the scenes between Kyla and Echo, as they try to keep their relationship alive through the stress and mistrust.”—Just About Write

  Forbidden Passions

  “Forbidden Passions is 192 pages of bodice ripping antebellum erotica not so gently wrapped in the moistest, muskiest pantalets of lesbian horn dog high jinks ever written. While the book is joyfully and unabashedly smut, the love story is well written and the characters are multi-dimensional. …Forbidden Passions is the very model of modern major erotica, but hidden within the sweet swells and trembling clefts of that erotica is a beautiful May-September romance between two wonderful and memorable characters.”—The Rainbow Reader

  Sheltered Love

  “The main pair in this story is astoundingly special, amazingly in sync nearly all the time, and perhaps the hottest twosome on a sexual front I have read to date. …This book has an intensity plus an atypical yet delightful original set of characters that drew me in and made me care for most of them. Tantalizingly tempting!”—Rainbow Book Reviews

  Speakeasy

  “Speakeasy is a bit of a blast from the past. It takes place in Chicago when Prohibition was in full flower and Al Capone was a name to be feared. The really fascinating twist is a small speakeasy operation run by a woman. She was more than incredible. This was such great fun and I most assuredly recommend it. Even the bloody battling that went on fit with the times and certainly spiced things up!”—Rainbow Book Reviews

  Heartscapes

  “The development of the relationship was well told and believable. Now the sex actually means something and MJ Williamz certainly knows how to write a good sex scene. Just when you think life has finally become great again for Jesse, Odette has a stroke and can’t remember her at all. It is heartbreaking. Odette was a lovely character and I thought she was well developed. She was just the right person at the right time for Jesse. It was an engaging book, a beautiful love story.”—Inked Rainbow Reads

  Model Behavior

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Model Behavior

  © 2019 By MJ Williamz. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-380-2

  This Electronic Book is published by

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, New York 12185

  First Edition: April 2019

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design By Jeanine Henning

  By the Author

  Shots Fired

  Forbidden Passions

  Initiation by Desire

  Speakeasy

  Escapades

  Sheltered Love

  Summer Passion

  Heartscapes

  Love on Liberty

  Love Down Under

  Complications

  Lessons In Desire

  Hookin’ Up

  Score

  Exposed

  Broken Vows

  Model Behavior

  Acknowledgments

  First and foremost, I need to thank my wife, Laydin Michaels, without whose love and inspiration I wouldn’t be able to write a single word.

  I’d also be remiss if I didn’t thank Sarah and Karen for their help in keeping me focused and getting Model Behavior ready to submit.

  A huge thanks to the team at Bold Strokes Books—Rad, Sandy, Cindy, Ruth, Stacia, and everyone else for their never ending support and belief in me and my work.

  And finally, a heartfelt thank you to you, the readers, who make all of this worthwhile.

  Dedication

  As always and in everything, I dedicate this book to Laydin

  Chapter One

  The dinner party was not going as planned. There was little to no conversation. The only sound in the room was the clinking of silverware against dinnerware. Shit! How could this have gone so awry so fast?

  Ronnie Mannis usually had no trouble seducing women. But Lana seemed different, like a class act. So Ronnie invited her friends and Lana over for an actual dinner party rather than just invite Lana to the bar with them. Her friends knew she was trying to impress Lana, but they sure weren’t helping her.

  She excused herself from the table and called for her best friend, Susan, to join her.

  “Why aren’t you talking?” Ronnie said in a loud whisper.

  “I don’t know. What do you want me to talk about?”

  “I don’t care. Your day in the office. The softball team. Anything. Just help me keep the conversation going. I’m afraid Lana’s gonna fall asleep and not with me.”

  “I don’t get it. What’s so special about Lana?”

  “I don’t know. She’s just different. Like the kind of woman I could settle down with. She has all the traits I value in a woman.”

  “Okay. I’ll try to think of something to say.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Say, is it just me or does Lana remind you of someone?”

  Ronnie thought about denying it, but decided against it.

  “Yes. She reminds me of Constance. But I have high hopes that Lana won’t destroy my heart like Constance did.”

  “She really did a number on you, didn’t she?”

  “Yep. And I’ve protected my heart long enough. I’m ready to give love another try. With Lana. But you’re not helping the cause.”

  “Sorry.”

  Ronnie looked around the room at all the takeout containers.

  “Now let’s get back out there before she comes in here and realizes I cheated at making dinner.”

  They went back to the dining room and Ronnie took her seat at t
he head of the table. Lana was on her left and Susan was on her right. Susan’s wife, Katie, sat next to Susan and Ronnie’s other bachelor friend, Nancy, sat across from her.

  “So, Susan,” Ronnie said. “How’s your team doing in softball this year?”

  “We’re killin’. Too bad you couldn’t play this year.”

  “Yeah. I can’t believe I sprained my ankle just before the season started.”

  “How did you work with a sprained ankle?” Lana said.

  “I had to take some days off, obviously, but then I just grinned and bore it, you know?”

  “That must have been so painful.”

  “Ibuprofen really helped. And I took lots of breaks to rest. But I got through it. I still get a little sore, but that’s to be expected I think.”

  “I really don’t know how you’d do it,” Lana said. “I mean, you stand the whole time you’re photographing any of us models. I can’t imagine doing that with a sprained ankle.”

  Ronnie wondered if she should work the pity card to try to get Lana to stay the night. But no. She would let Lana take her time. She knew she’d come around. They usually did.

  “Shall we move this into the living room?” Ronnie stood and started to walk that direction. Lana stood as well.

  “I hate to eat and run,” she said.

  Ronnie groaned.

  “Oh, please. Say you’ll stay for a little while.”

  “I’m sorry. I really can’t. We have an early shoot tomorrow, remember?”

  “I’ll be there,” Ronnie said.

  She walked Lana to the front door.

  “Thank you for coming tonight,” Ronnie said.

  “Thanks for having me. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Ronnie closed the door and sank back against it. Damn. She’d blown that chance. She shook it off. Lana was just one woman. A woman she was clearly drawn to, but one woman nonetheless. There were many other fish in the sea. And she could bait her hook with the best of them.

  “You guys want to go to the bar?” she said when she walked back into the living room.

  “Dressed like this?” Susan motioned to her slacks and nice shirt.

  “I know we’re a little overdressed, but what’s the harm?”

  “Sure,” Katie said. “Why not?”

  “I’m up for it,” Nancy said.

  They all looked expectantly at Susan, who finally relented.

  “Fine. I’ll just feel like an idiot.”

  “You’ll be among friends,” Ronnie said.

  “Great. So who’s driving?” Susan said.

  “I’ll drive, honey,” Katie said.

  “And I’ll drive,” Ronnie said.

  “I’ll take my own car, too. I’d hate to get stranded there if loverboi here gets lucky.”

  “Okay, then that settles that,” Ronnie said. “Let’s get going.”

  They drove to the women’s club closest to Ronnie’s house. It was located smack in the middle of downtown, and was the one they frequented most often. They parked, paid their covers, then walked in to the feel of music vibrating through the floor.

  “Get us a table,” Ronnie called to Susan. “I’ll get the first round.”

  She fought through the crowds and finally got to the bar. She ordered the drinks and turned to take them to the table, but Nancy was there offering to help.

  “Thanks, man. I was wondering how I was gonna carry them to the table.”

  “No sweat.”

  They got back to the table and Ronnie surveyed the women dancing, wondering if any of them would be willing bedmates. She left her group and followed one woman off the floor. The woman was tall and willowy with long blond hair that fell past her shoulders. She looked like an angel.

  “Excuse me,” Ronnie said when she caught up with the woman. “Would you like to dance?”

  “I just finished dancing and I’m parched.”

  “Can I buy you a drink?”

  The woman looked Ronnie up and down before she smiled.

  “Sure. That would be great.”

  “What are you drinking?”

  “Gin and tonic.”

  “Coming right up.”

  Ronnie got to the bar and ordered herself another beer and a gin and tonic for her angel. She took them back to the table.

  “Won’t you sit down?” the angel said.

  “Thanks. I’m Ronnie, by the way.”

  “Angelica.”

  Perfect.

  “The name suits you.”

  Angelica laughed. It was a sweet tinkling sound that made Ronnie quiver.

  “Thank you,” she said. “So, what are you doing here? Watching women and waiting to swoop in on them?”

  “Something like that.”

  “I see. Well, you’re very easy on the eyes, Ronnie, so I don’t mind one bit.”

  “Thank you. We have that in common then.”

  “Oh. Aren’t you a sweetheart? And a smooth talker.”

  “I only speak the truth.”

  Angelica laughed again. This was going very well. If only Ronnie could get her on the floor for a few dances, she was certain she could take Angelica home with her.

  “I’m tired,” Angelica said.

  Ronnie felt her heart sink.

  “You are? But the night is still young.”

  “Why don’t we get out of here? We could go back to my place for an after party.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Well…if you’re not interested…”

  “Oh no. I’m interested. Lead the way.”

  Ronnie followed Angelica out into the warm night air.

  “This is my car,” Angelica said.

  “Mine’s parked over there.” Ronnie pointed to her truck. “I’ll go get it and follow you.”

  Ronnie followed Angelica to her house in the suburbs. Angelica pulled up in front of a modern ranch-style house and Ronnie parked in the driveway next to her. She got out and followed Angelica to the front door.

  “Nice neighborhood,” Ronnie said.

  “Thanks. I like it. I’ve only lived here for a few years, but it works for me.”

  Inside, Ronnie took a moment to look around. Angelica’s house was filled with antiques. Ronnie didn’t know much about antiques but knew Angelica had to have some money to have that many.

  Angelica moved close to Ronnie. So close she could smell her heady perfume. It certainly wasn’t the dime-store variety.

  “So.” Angelica’s voice was low and seductive. “Did you want another drink?”

  Ronnie swallowed hard. She could feel moisture pooling in her boxers.

  “No, thanks. I think I’m okay.”

  “Good.”

  Angelica rested her palm on Ronnie’s chest. Ronnie felt it burn through her shirt. She took Angelica’s hand and kissed her palm.

  “Hm. That’s nice,” Angelica said. She slid her arms around Ronnie’s neck and pulled her close.

  Ronnie kissed Angelica’s neck, her cheek, and finally allowed her lips to hover over hers.

  “Kiss me, Ronnie.”

  Ronnie closed the distance between them and claimed Angelica in a soul searing kiss. Her head spun, and she lost herself in the feelings of it. Angelica was a wonderful kisser. Her lips were soft and pliable, and when she ran her tongue along Ronnie’s lips, Ronnie’s knees buckled.

  “Is there somewhere we can sit?” Ronnie said.

  “I have a better idea.”

  Angelica took Ronnie’s hand and led her to a large bedroom. Ronnie took in the antiques and the furniture but mostly focused on the king-size bed in the center of the room. That’s where she needed to be with Angelica. And soon.

  Angelica released Ronnie’s hand and slowly began to undress. Ronnie stood in awe as she watched each item of clothing hit the ground. When Angelica was finally naked, she lay on the bed and spread her legs. She absently stroked herself, and it took Ronnie a moment to shake herself out of her trance and strip.

  She joined Angelica on the bed
and gently grabbed hold of her wrist, pulling her hand away from her pleasure zone. She brought her hand to her mouth and sucked each finger, reveling in the flavor of Angelica. She was delicious and Ronnie needed more.

  Ronnie kissed Angelica again hard on the mouth while she dragged her hand the length of her. She brought her hand up to cup and tease one of Angelica’s nipples. She pinched it between her fingers and smiled as it hardened into a pebble. She slid her hand lower and found her curls wet. She knew what was waiting for her just a little lower. She dragged her hand back up and cupped Angelica’s jaw as they kissed.

  Angelica broke the kiss and looked up at Ronnie with heavy lidded eyes.

  “Please, Ronnie. Please touch me.”

  Ronnie didn’t have to be asked twice. She skimmed her hand down Angelica’s body again, and this time slipped past her wet curls and into the slick heat that awaited her. She buried her fingers inside, and Angelica moaned in pleasure. Ronnie moved them in and out, deeper and deeper while Angelica arched into her and met each thrust.

  Ronnie took one of Angelica’s nipples in her mouth and sucked playfully on it while she played her tongue over it. She heard Angelica’s breathing become rapid and could feel her twitching inside. She knew she was close. She swiped over her clit with her thumb, and that was all it took for Angelica to clamp down hard on her as she came.

  Ronnie waited until Angelica’s spasms stopped, then slowly withdrew. She released her hold on her nipple and kissed her way back up to her mouth. She slid her tongue into Angelica’s mouth and relished the moist warmth she found there. Each stroke of tongue against tongue fanned the fire burning inside her.

  “My turn now.” Angelica broke the kiss. She kissed down Ronnie’s body, stopping to suckle first one and then the other nipple.