Don’t Tell Me What to Do
(Otherwise Known as the Inspiration for INSTRUCTION)
A little over a year ago, I attended a convention geared toward both readers and writers. There were fun, light-hearted panels and more serious workshops on craft. It was in one of those workshops where I first had the inspiration for my newest book, INSTRUCTION.
Even though I’ve been writing, to quote a friend, “seriously wow” sex scenes for a while, I sat in on a workshop about sexual tension and sex scenes—hey, I’m all about continuing to grow as a writer and you never know when you’ll learn something new. The individual leading the workshop is highly respected in the romance community and has a multitude of bestselling books, so I figure they definitely knew what they were talking about. While I won’t say I was wrong, I won’t say I was right, either.
The first faux pas—at least the way I saw it—was the subtle slut-shaming and shade throwing at women who engage in one-night stands. I frowned a little and thought unhappy thoughts but bit my tongue. The second was the belief that you couldn’t rush to a sex scene—which again, to me, seemed to throw shade at, in this case, an entire genre. The third and final straw was the statement that while your heroine could be a virgin, your hero could not.
Yeah—I kinda stopped listening after that.
And I resolved then and there to write a book where the hero was woefully inexperienced and the heroine was the one calling the sexual shots.
It took some serious thinking, especially since I wanted to keep events in the here and now. Why was he a virgin? How experienced was she? What sort of situation would throw these two unlikely people together? Even more important, what would tear them apart? Even more important, what would bring them back together?
By the time I had all the answers, a single book had grown in to a trilogy.
It’s always said you can find inspiration in the strangest places. Apparently for me, it’s being told what I can’t do.
*****
Excerpt:
“I’m sure it’s not the first time you’ve had to dissuade a woman in a bar.”
He barked out a laugh. “Ms. Allerton, I’ve spent more time in libraries and schoolrooms than in drinking establishments. I’ll confess, if you hadn’t intervened, I’m not sure how I would have handled your friend.”
“Look, I’ve already decided to hire you, so you really don’t need to continue plugging your education.”
“I assure you, that’s not my intention at all.” He coughed and scratched the side of his nose again. “I’m simply trying to inform you, as delicately as possible, that I am not used to this sort of… open culture.”
I stared at him, working to process his words. “I’m sorry, I’m not really following what you’re saying.”
“When I say I lack experience in certain areas, I mean I… lack experience.” He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “You do not achieve the success I have at my age without making some sacrifices along the way.”
“Oh.” As the full impact of his words sank in, my eyes widened involuntarily. “Oh. Oh, God. Now I’m even more sorry about Kennedy and how she acted and what she said and–.”
“You don’t need to apologize, Ms. Allerton. You have been beyond professional in every way.” He opened his eyes, tilting his chin down and studying me with a slight smile. “At least you have while in my presence.”
“Well, thank God we can’t get in trouble simply for having dirty thoughts.” I crossed my legs and laughed. “Although it’s probably only me having those thoughts.”
He sat silent for long minutes before clearing his throat. “You would be wrong, Ms. Allerton.”
I lifted my brows, tilting my head to the side. “Oh?”
“I hope this won’t impact our professional relationship but since you are being honest, so must I.” His gaze shifted to mine and I sucked in a breath. “I find you very attractive, Ms. Allerton.”
“In the spirit of continued honesty… my friend was right.” I picked up my glass, taking along sip of watered down tea. “I want to fuck you.”
“As flattering as I find your statement, I doubt it would be very good for you, all things considered.”
“Do you want me to teach you?” I hadn’t even known the thought was in my head until the words were echoing in the room but it was instantly an obsession. Slowly, I began sliding around the booth toward him. “I will—as much as you’re willing to learn.”
He dropped his gaze to the table, shifting restlessly. “You should check on your friend.”
“You didn’t answer the question.”
“It was a highly inappropriate question, Ms. Allerton.”
“Still not an answer.” I leaned closer, my mouth a half inch from his. “Do you want me to educate you or not?”
His lips parted on a sigh. “Yes. I do.”
“Wonderful.” I leaned back, pretending not to see the disappointment flash across his face. “We’ll start tomorrow.”
*****
Blurb:
Taylor Allerton’s speakeasy is one of the hottest nightclubs in Manhattan. Young, rich, and beautiful, she can have any man she wants–and usually does.
Namir Adeem just became the youngest partner at one of the most prestigious accounting firms in Manhattan. His determination to bring honor to his family leaves no time for any relationship.
When Taylor discovers just how sheltered Namir is, she takes it upon herself to give him the education he deserves.
Some things can’t be taught in school….
*****
About the Author:
L.M. Pruitt has been reading and writing for as long as she can remember. A native of Florida with a love of New Orleans, she has the uncanny ability to find humor in most things and would probably kill a plastic plant. She knows this because she’s killed bamboo. Twice. She is the author of the Winged series, the Plaisir Coupable series, Jude Magdalyn series, the Moon Rising series, and Taken: A Frankie Post Novel.
http://www.lmpruitt.org
https://www.facebook.com/pages/LM-Pruitt/364776895104
https://twitter.com/lmpruitt
http://www.amazon.com/L.M.-Pruitt/e/B00427WOW4/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4320796.L_M_Pruitt