Bellamy Buckley has dedicated her life to one thing: dance. When the twenty-five-year-old learned that there was coming back from her latest injury, she was left broken, confused, and without a path in life. Looking to clear her mind, she decided to spend some time with her father, taking the break to reimagine her way and figure out what she was going to do with her life. Little did she know that a suicidal coyote and a busted-up car would lead her into the life of the man that would show her the way. Maverick Wilkins wasn't just built like a stone wall, he had the personality of one too. The only exception was his mama, who always had a place in his heart. There wasn't much else that meant anything to the man. He was on a self-destructive path of quick highs, cheap thrills, and even cheaper women until she danced into his life. Now he has a choice to make, break down those walls and be the man that she needs or let her go and lose her forever.

Idris has a terrible morning - a morning so terrible, he'd love to just disappear into thin air. But the world forces his hand, and so he finds himself in a coffee shop, needing to get his caffeine boost to survive the day. He couldn't expect to stumble into June, a woman so unlike and yet so very like him, that he doesn't know what to make of her. A story about the strange way of life, and how special we actually are. This short story was written for the #CoffeeShopsBrewStories contest. (C) Copyright reserved - Jana Malek (Jane C. Rain) 2020. The author expressly asserts all intellectual property and moral rights over this work. Any attempt to recreate it in any way will be reported and pursued accordingly.

Mari Hansen ran away from home at 15 not being able to stand her radically religious family anymore and was desperate to be nothing like them which lead her to living on the streets subjecting herself to drugs, alcohol and prostitution going down a road straight to an early death when her pregnancy saved her life. Clean and sober since then, she would do anything to provide for her even if it's selling her body to do that. She went from the bad streets where she was beat up to an agency for high priority clients. Now 24 with a 7 year old daughter she wants out of the life she's known nearly 10 years so she can do anything else, already knowing that one day her daughter would have to know the truth. So she studies while Lalexia is at school when she gets a new client that her boss thought only she could handle. Shawn Sorci left home as soon as he could and never went back. He was off to basic right after graduation. He dedicated his life to the Army and in 9 years he had served a good portion of that overseas. He volunteered for deployments and his leadership qualities shone through as he was promoted to Sergeant First Class shortly before his latest deployment, which he didn't know could possibly be his last. Part way in they were ambushed and he was lucky to make it out with a couple gunshot wounds while some of his men never made it out. Now on medical leave while he recovers he's irritable, frustrated, angry and not wanting to admit he was suffering from PTSD. He needed to let off some steam and that's where Mari come in. He didn't want some fake experience because he really didn't care so when he tells her to speak her mind she becomes the most infuriating and sarcastic woman he's ever met, putting him in his place on many occasions much to his amusement. For once in his life he feels a fierce protectiveness for someone other than for the men he served with but she wants nothing to do with that, to her he's a client and nothing else.

When Alisha Bradley starts a new job, the last person she expects to run into, is her former college flame, Dean Hudson. Although Dean seems to be even more handsome than he was before, he gives her the cold shoulder, and soon sparks fly. Is there still unfinished business from their past, between them? Short story entry for the Five Years Since Collaboration Contest. Prompt: Exes Past (Romance) - It's been five years since your break up. You're finally meeting your nicest ex again as office partner and he's being such a jerk. How do you manage to cope?

Accidentally swapping phones with L.A.'s star quarterback upends reclusive author Mila's quiet life when they start to fall for each other. ***** Mila Lyne, published author and introvert by heart, tries her best to stay out of the spotlight. Then fate strikes, and she literally stumbles into Hayden's arms. Hayden Cross lives an extraordinary lifestyle that is the complete opposite of Mila's, but Hayden wouldn't be Hayden if he didn't chase what he wants. And right now, it's the mysterious brunette who accidentally fell into him and grabbed his phone. With only the power of words on display, the unlikely pair develop a connection that is stronger than it should be, one that has an unforeseeable impact on both Hayden and Mila's life. The question is: Will life and secrets get in the way, or are they strong enough to withstand the obstacles they're about to face?

Troy Casanova was the heartthrob player in college, everyone wanted him but all he wanted was a good time, nothing gets in his way and he always gets what he wants. Not until he meets Espian Copeland, a nerdy freshman that came from a past full of heartache and pain. His simple smile and his innocent face grabs the attention of Troy Casanova. They will face obstacles and an unforgiving event. Will they be able to save themselves from heartache and pain? Or will their love wither into the unknown. It will have trigger moments of suicide, anxiety and depression. Read at your own risk. #3-hearttouching August 27, 2020

Giovanni Vitale is a mafia boss known as Ghost, he's leaving from a business trip in France when he decides to stop at a brothel to get laid for the night before going home. Instead of a lady of the night, he found interest in the fiery bartender who has no interest in whatsoever he has to offer. Angelina Ricci has been running her whole life trying to escape her mother and father who is one of Ghost's biggest enemies. What will happen when Ghost takes her as his own, bringing her back to her past and also in his enemy's hands before knowing who she is?

Skye Coulson is a singer/actress who's in love with her bodyguard but he keeps her at arm's length. Can events bring her and her one true love together or drive them even farther apart.

Kitana is a power-hungry attorney whose aim is to strive to the top to make partner at her firm. She'll stop at nothing to make it there. Reese is a never loosing attorney who never loses a case, he stops at nothing to make sure he wins his cases. What will happen when the two attorneys collide? Can a bet change they way they plea

Blake is hired to plan a party for her boyfriend's best friend. She has to work alongside him to make sure the details are perfect for his parents' wedding anniversary. And Blake wants it to be perfect, but perfection is just an illusion...