title: Laid Bear
author: Maddix, Marina
description: Curvy girl Bethany Mills can't believe her good fortune when her new neighbor turns out to be devastatingly hot. But someone that gorgeous could never fall for someone like her…could he? A charming personality and appreciation for sappy music aren't the only things Maximilian Pearce is hiding, and just when Bethany thinks she might get her very own happily ever after, a shocking revelation forces her to make a heartbreaking choice. EXCERPT: Max set his beer on the counter and moved into her personal space. She backed up until she was pressed against the wall, the hideous African mask next to her head laughing at her. He planted his hands on either side of her and leaned in as close as he could without touching her. His breath was a whisper in her ear, shivers of delight and desire standing the hairs on the nape of her neck on end. The tips of her breasts could almost feel the warmth of his chest — longed to feel it — and his musk confused her senses. “Don’t you know?” he breathed into her ear. His cheek brushed her hair, and a lump rose in her throat. This can’t be happening, she thought. Why the hell not? screamed Paul’s voice in her head. He was right. Why the hell not? Her breath coming in shallow bursts and her heart thumping against her ribcage, Bethany lifted her face to his, meeting his hypnotic gaze. “Tell me,” she whispered. His luscious full lips curved upward. “Because from the moment I saw you, I knew it was you I wanted.” Bethany groaned at his words and pressed her body into his, drawing a matching groan from him. All thought left her brain as their lips touched. Max pushed her back against the wall, as his fingers buried themselves in her hair. His mouth consumed hers, leaving her breathless and quivering with lust. A well of emotion bubbled inside of her, making her head spin and her heart pound uncontrollably. Never before had she felt this way about someone, especially someone she barely knew. She clutched at his shoulders and biceps, reveling in their bulk and reassuring herself that she wasn’t dreaming. She was having a hard time believing those arms were wrapped around her. And then they weren’t. Bethany was left swaying against the wall when Max pulled himself away from her. It was clearly by sheer force of will because his desire for her was quite evident at the front of his jeans. She blinked in confusion. She parted her lips to ask what had happened when he leaned in, gave her a peck and smiled. “Ready to eat?”