Maggie Blackbird

Today, I have USA Today bestselling author Celeste Granger in the interview chair.  She’s here to talk about her latest series release All That & Moore, an African American contemporary romance.  Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.

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1. Can you share something about yourself and how you became an author?

Celeste: I am an avid reader, from high fantasy to mystery to romance. My love of reading is what led me to writing. Someone once said to me that I had a story to tell and I was the only one who could tell it. I believed them and have been writing ever since.

2. Who is your hero and why?

Celeste: That’s an easy one. My father is my hero. He is not a conventional patriarch in the sense that when I was little, he combed and braided my hair, ironed my clothes, and taught me how to change the oil in my car. He didn’t hold to gender roles which I learned to appreciate. He loves my mother fiercely. That was my first display of what real love looks like.

3. Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

Celeste: I Am Moore would make an incredible legal drama with a magnificent love story.

4. Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in your books?

Celeste: In I Am Moore, Emery Moore is the heroine. She has a juris doctorate, is an attorney and the oldest of eight daughters and takes her role as the eldest very seriously. She is protective of her sisters and understands that after her parents, she is a role model to them. Evan Stanton, Esq. is also an attorney. He and Emery have battled across the legal aisle many times. Evan is attracted to Emery. She’s independent, gorgeous, and sophisticated. She’s a challenge and he is up to the task.

5. How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?

Celeste: Family was the general concept. I had an idea for a story about an alabaster box – a precious container holding contents that were even more precious. Those two ideas melded together to form the concept of the story. The alabaster box is a recurring theme in all the Moore sisters’ stories.

6. Where did you come up with the names in the story?

Celeste: I love strong names with meaning. I also like unisex names. Once I determined the first heroine’s name, I wanted the rest to have the same kind of syllabic formation. The hero’s names needed to sound good with the heroine’s names.

7. What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

Celeste: It was scary and exhilarating and nerve wracking because it was my first contemporary romance I intended to publish.

8. How did you come up with the name of this book?

Celeste: This book, like all of the books in the series are a play on words, a double entendre – phrases that are familiar with the word more, substituted with Moore.

9. Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

Celeste: They totally hijack the story! I just try to keep up.

10. Convince us why you feel your book is a must-read.

Celeste: I Am Moore isn’t just a contemporary romance with good tension and a great romance. There’s also family drama and traditions that keep the story interesting. My heroines are strong but they have flaws. My heroes are strong, but they have flaws. You want the hero and heroine to get together. As a reader, you will root for their love.

11. Have you written any other books that are not published?

Celeste: I am currently working on a new series, a spin-off of the All That & Moore series called the Brothers Ali. Two of the five books in the series are published and I am diligently working to finish the rest.

12. How long have you been writing?

Celeste: I have been writing a long time. I understood the power of words at a young age so I wrote became it was a way I could express my thoughts and feelings. I’ve been writing with the intent to publish for the past three years.

13. Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?

Celeste: No, my characters do not come to me at the same time. Sometimes I don’t know their names in the beginning. They reveal themselves to me as I write.

14. What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

Celeste: I like my stories to be authentic, from the food my characters eat to the places they travel. I research real locations, real recipes, real situations that may have occurred if its going to play a part in the store. I research the occupations my characters have as well as negative traits, flaws, coping skills. I do a lot of research.

15. Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Celeste: If there is a happy medium between originality and giving the readers what they want, that’s where I try and reside. I listen to my readers though while still maintaining my authentic voice.

16. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Celeste: Don’t give up. Trust your gift. Keep pushing. Those are the things I would tell my younger self.

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Title: I Am Moore
Series: All That & Moore Book 1
Author: Celeste Granger
Genre: African American Contemporary Romance

Blurb:  Emery Moore moved away from home after finishing her juris doctorate. She was a successful corporate attorney and had been living in Washington D. C. for the past five years. It wasn’t often that she returned home to Atlanta, but the love of her family drew her back. Emery had success in so many facets of her life, but she hadn’t been as lucky in love. The word love was unsettling for Emery; it was loaded with notions of submissiveness and sacrifice, the loss of self and being dependent on another person. Notions Emery wasn’t sure she wanted. Yet, there was someone Emery couldn’t shake her soul loose of and she tussled with her heart and the sensible tug in her mind daily.

Evan Stanton Esq. had been an integral part of Emery Moore’s life for the past six months. He like she, was an attorney. During the day, the attorneys at law litigated from different sides of the aisle; fighting with everything they had for their clients. But for the past few months, business was left at the door, and the fighting ended as Evan and Emery delved into uncharted territory. Evan loved how Emery felt in his arms. The curve of her hips, the arch in her back made it difficult to keep his hands off her. It wasn’t always like this. Emery had to be pursued, and although Evan was attracted to her unapologetic disposition in the courtroom, along with her sophisticated air, Emery was a challenge; one that Evan planned to take on full steam ahead.

Note:  This book can be read as a standalone. It is interconnected to the All That & Moore series.

Goodreads | Amazon

“I object, your honor,” Attorney Emery Moore demanded; standing to her feet and shooting a harsh look towards her opponent’s table. “His objection is baseless, factless and immaterial to this case.” Emery stood firm in her conviction, showing no sign of weakness.

Damn she fine, was Attorney Evan Stanton’s only thought as he watched Emery Moore work. The navy pinstripe pantsuit she wore, graced Emery’s curves in all the right places. The satin steel-gray blouse with the high collar, accentuated Emery’s elegant neck. She was a commanding, sexy presence and Evan couldn’t keep his eyes off her no matter how hard he tried. And he did try. This wasn’t the first time the legal-duo sat at opposing tables fighting for different causes they both wholeheartedly believed in. That first time, he was victorious. Emery was gracious in defeat. That was the first time he touched her, when they shook hands. There was a moment, neither of them could deny; an electric magnetism that piqued his masculinity and made Emery quickly draw her hand back. She smiled to cover her movement, but Evan knew she felt it, too. Yet even through her smoldering smile, Evan could see she detested losing. She’d been gunning for him ever since. He liked it, a lot.

“Sustained,” Judge Marlon Beckham replied. A smile eased across Emery’s lips as even a small victory against Attorney Stanton was worth celebrating. His reputation as a skilled and stealthy attorney preceded him. Emery returned to her seat, but this time when she glanced over at the prosecutor’s table, she still wore a slight smile. When Evan turned in response to her gaze, their eyes connected for the briefest moment before Emery felt heat rising in her cheeks and turned away. Attorney Moore’s second chair assistant Deneen Simmons saw the exchange between the two but didn’t comment as Judge Beckham addressed the court.

“I have heard arguments from counsel and the jury has been instructed. The jury will now be excused for deliberation. Court is adjourned.”

Both attorneys stood as the jury members filed out. Deneen gathered Emery’s notes from the table and prepared their team to leave. Emery watched the jurors, attempting to make eye contact with as many of them as she could. Emery hoped that her closing argument had been powerful enough to sway those who might be on the fence. This was a precedent-setting case for her clients, worth millions of dollars in civil and punitive damages. She did not want to lose this one. Emery felt a rushing in her cheeks again, stemming from the fluttering in her heart. She felt his eyes on her and tried not to respond overtly. But the quiver that trailed up her spine was undeniable. No sooner than the door to the judge’s chamber closed, Emery turned sharply, moving into the center aisle and headed toward the exit.

He’s watching my ass. She dared not turn around to catch Evan in the act. That would give him too much credit. Emery wasn’t willing to do that. Deneen fell in line behind her boss and momentarily interrupted Evan’s penetrating stare. Just as Emery approached the exit door, she turned her cell phone on. This judge was notorious for making an example out of anyone who didn’t honor the silence your phone rule in his courtroom. Immediately a text message came through.

Don’t forget about dinner this evening and don’t be late. Love ya.

Simultaneously, Emery smiled and rolled her eyes. She hadn’t forgotten. Their family dinners were legendary, and she didn’t need her mom to remind her like she was still a school girl. Maybe she did because Emery had been gone so long. Or at least that’s the way her mother, Felicia described Emery’s five-year stint in Washington D. C.

“Let me get that for you.”

Emery didn’t have to look up to recognize the timbre of his baritone voice. She’d been so focused on her phone and mom’s text, she hadn’t noticed Evan gliding up beside her. If nothing more, Emery should have recognized the quickening of her heartbeat and the sensation of heat she felt around her. Deneen smiled and made no bones about looking up into the handsome face of Attorney Stanton. He was six feet of chocolate deliciousness that no woman willingly resisted. Well, with the exception of her boss apparently.

Evan opened the door and stepped slightly aside to allow the women to pass in front of him. Instantly, there was an onslaught of flashing lights and high-beam lights from the media who lurked outside the courtroom door. The assaulting lights were matched by a barrage of questions hurled at the lawyers.

“Attorney Moore!”

Attorney Stanton!”

The questions were coming so fast, there was no way a single question could be deciphered. Emery fully expected Evan to stand there, in his glory, and field whatever questions were pointed in his direction. Some called him a media whore because he loved the spotlight, or the spotlight loved him. The crowd started to close in on those trying to leave the courtroom. Attorney Moore, which her much slighter frame, was getting boxed in and tussled. Then, Emery felt a firm hand to the middle of her back that damn-near buckled her knees. Again, it wasn’t necessary to turn around to identify that touch. It was Evan. Emery flushed internally and heard her heart pounding in her ears. She shook her head slightly and hopefully undetectably, trying to stave off the sensation. One touch Emery, really? Her inner chastisement rang out. She would like to deny how a touch from Evan made her body feel; rule it out as the crowd pressing in on her or anything other than what it was, but Emery couldn’t. She couldn’t deny it no matter how hard she tried.

Even with the pushing and shoving of the people around them, Evan looked down to the small of Emery’s back. His hand fit perfectly there. It felt familiar and right. With his other arm, Evan put up a muscular block to keep the crowd from impeding Emery’s space even more. His natural instinct was to protect her, even though she was the opposition. Evan took charge, ushering Emery and her assistant to the back of the courthouse where the press was prohibited.

Once they were safely inside, Evan’s touch remained. When Emery turned to face him, they were but a lean in away.

“Thank you,” she uttered; her eyes pulled upwards into his dark-brown eyes set against even darker, smooth chocolate skin.

The two lingered there; entrapped in a gaze that set their souls on fire. It was only when Deneen loudly cleared her throat did the entrancement end.”

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Title: Teach Me Moore
Series: All That & Moore Book 2
Author: Celeste Granger
Genre: African American Contemporary Romance

One family. Eight sisters, tangled in romance.

Blurb:  Kennedy Moore, the second Moore sister, is the glue that holds the sisterhood together. While Emery, the oldest sister, was away in Washington DC, it was Kennedy that her younger sisters leaned on. A master chef in her own right, Kennedy spends most of her time in the background, pouring her passion into the culinary delicacies she creates for her clientele. Being in the kitchen has left little time for Kennedy to find love, outside of the love she has for culinary arts.

Bryce Monroe is the owner and head chef of Taste, a world-renowned, four-star restaurant in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Much like Kennedy, Bryce spends his days and nights in the kitchen, masterfully creating delectable dishes that keep his clientele coming back for more. Bryce is a multimillionaire who has everything he’s always wanted except someone special to share it with.

An unintentional brush with Bryce Monroe reminds Kennedy that there is more to life than cooking and taking care of her sisters. The two have so much in common, and the chemistry they mutually felt shakes both their foundations. Bryce is captivated by Kennedy and realizes she is what he’s been missing. Yet, Kennedy shies away, unsure whether there’s room for something more in the world she’s created for herself. Will Kennedy let down her guard and allow love in? Will Bryce push past her resistance and pursue the love of his life? Find out in Teach Me Moore: Book 2 in the All That & Moore Series.

Note:  Each book in the series is a full novel and can be read as a standalone.

Goodreads | Amazon

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Title: Expect Moore
Series: All That & Moore Book 3
Author: Celeste Granger
Genre: African American Contemporary Romance

One family. Eight sisters, tangled in romance.

Blurb:  Daphne Moore, third eldest sister of the Moore girls has had tremendous success in her professional life. As the Founder and Head Mistress of Moore Academy for Girls, Daphne taught her girls to be smart, self-reliant and confident. Yet, with all the success in her career, Daphne struggled when it came to matters of the heart. Daphne spent three years of her life loving a man who didn’t show the same kind of faithful, unwavering love. The wounds Stephen left were deep, and Daphne wasn’t sure she’d ever recover. Nicholas St. John, preeminent real estate developer and multimillionaire, was much like Daphne, successful professionally. However, unlike Daphne, there wasn’t an unfaithful lover to taint Nicholas’ view on love, Nicholas simply never made time for it. But an accidental encounter between the two would change the trajectory of both their lives.

Goodreads | Amazon

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Title: So Much Moore
Series: All That & Moore Book 4
Author: Celeste Granger
Genre: African American Contemporary Romance

One family. Eight sisters, tangled in romance.

Blurb:  Felicity Moore, an actuary and entrepreneur, deals with facts and numbers as the foundation of her business. Her hard work and nurturing dedication is what makes her a leader in the industry. It’s the one thing that her world revolves around on a daily basis, and because of it, there had been no time for love or no place for a relationship in Felicity’s life.

It is the sole reason why when Garrett Thompson enters her life, Felicity doesn’t take him seriously. Especially with him being a trust fund baby. He’s never had to work to earn a living. Although Garrett does dabble in philanthropic endeavors, he spends much of his time living in the lap of luxury; doing the things he wants to and nothing that he doesn’t have to. Garrett lives by choice, and any relationship he’s had in the past has been an accessory to his lifestyle not a primary focus. With Garrett living life on his own terms, what if anything do they have in common?

Despite Felicity being dismissive of him, Garrett intends to prove just how serious he can be.

Goodreads | Amazon

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Title: Never Moore
Series: All That & Moore Book 5
Author: Celeste Granger
Genre: African American Contemporary Romance

He was her best friend. She was the girl of his dreams.

Blurb:  Charity Moore is on the cusp of becoming the neurosurgeon she has always dreamed of becoming. As a student physician for world renowned Emory University Hospital, Charity demonstrates her intellectual prowess in the classroom and in the operating room. Charity has been plotting her course of becoming a surgeon for as long as she can remember. She plays by the rules, colors within the lines and does what is necessary to make her dreams come true.

O’Shea Ali, is also a student physician at Emory Hospital. As the son of international industry giants, financial security has never been an issue. For O’Shea, becoming a neurosurgeon isn’t about prestige or financial gain. His desire stems from O’Shea’s passion to charter new medical territory and save lives. O’Shea lives his life passionately without restriction. He fights for what he believes in and is a fierce protector of the one’s he loves. That includes Charity.

But emerging desire crosses the friendship line, catapulting Charity and O’Shea out of the friendship zone and into dangerous territory. Charity fears their new entanglement is risky and may cost her the very relationship she treasures most. While O’Shea’s unbridled yearnings for Charity become harder to contain, he doesn’t want to lose what they have in pursuit of what he craves.

Note:  The All That and Moore series follows each sister in the Moore family as they navigate through the entanglements romance brings. Each book can be enjoyed if read as a standalone or if it’s read in the order of the series.

Goodreads | Amazon

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Title: Promise Me Moore
Series: All That & Moore Book 6
Author: Celeste Granger
Genre: African American Contemporary Romance

Physical therapist, Aubrey Moore, is growing her private practice, heavily courted by coaches from every major sport as she continues to become a household name. Focusing exclusively on her business, Aubrey has made little time for matters of the heart until retail store mogul and multimillionaire, Brett Quinn catches her eye during a charity basketball game. No one woman has captivated Brett’s heart but that fleeting encounter ignited a spark, and when they meet again, the seed of attraction that captivated them before blooms, leaving them both to wonder if their reunion could be their second chance.

Note:  The All That and Moore series follows each sister in the Moore family as they navigate through the entanglements romance brings. Each book can be enjoyed if read as a standalone or if it’s read in the order of the series.

Goodreads | Amazon

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Title: Moore Than Enough
Series: All That & Moore Book 7
Author: Celeste Granger
Genre: African American Contemporary Romance

Blurb:  As an international attaché to a Sudanese Diplomat, Ivory Moore is constantly surrounded by very important people, making international exchange seem easy with her mastery of multiple languages and business accouterment. Between her job and her loving family, Ivory’s life is full. VIP’S don’t impress her. It takes more than that to gain Ivory’s attention. Or so she thought until a chance encounter with a blast from the past shakes her foundation at the very core.

Roman West was that disruption, rocking Ivory on her heels. A visit to the Sudanese Embassy brought Ivory Moore back into his life. Seeing her again reawakened feelings he thought were lost for good. Although their encounter seemed to have been by happenstance, Roman believed in destiny, and he refused to lose Ivory again. But Roman was a man with secrets; secrets that could ruin what he hoped would be their future and certainly devastate their past.

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“Make it last forever,” Roman sang leaning in against Ivory’s ear.

The baritone of his voice strummed through her, striking her feminine chords and settling in the pit of her stomach.

Apprehension…

The way he held her, the way Roman made her feel, the apprehension that Ivory held on to slowly widdled away. She worked to silence the voice in her head; that cautionary voice that made Ivory question what she felt; what her head and heart couldn’t seem to come to agreement on. The always practical Ivory didn’t feel like being practical in the moment. Roman made her feel beautiful, and sexy, and desirable and for the first time, Ivory gave in to how he made her feel. Slowly, she lifted her arm and reached up, cradling Roman’s head, pulling him even closer to her. He breathed against her ear again and then lightly kissed her lobe. Roman’s sweet touch sent a wave of warm chills straight to Ivory’s soul. She could barely contain the electrifying sensations that pulsed through her and Roman felt her quiver under his hold. But he wanted to see her face, to engage her totally. With one smooth move, Roman spun Ivory in his hands, turning her to face him as they still glided across the rink floor.

As she spun around, Ivory inhaled as she felt the strength of Roman’s arms holding her close. She exhaled against his chest and slowly, her arms traced upwards to find him gazing down at her. Ivory felt completely enraptured in the depths of the way Roman looked at her. He didn’t need words to convey what he was feeling. Everything about the way he took her in with his dark, brooding eyes was enough. When Roman leaned in, eradicating the space between them, Ivory laced her arms around Roman’s neck; not shrinking from his intensity. Their lips connected, softly, sweetly; yet, a firestorm of salacious pulsations inhabited both and the sweetness of the kiss quickly faded. There was a mutual hunger; a desire that couldn’t be quenched. He thirsted for her and devoured her mouth as though she offered sweet succulence.  Roman’s tongue explored the softness of Ivory’s mouth and she responded in kind, causing a catechism of hot passionate entanglement.

Ivory hummed against Roman’s lips, and the vibrations that poured through him were more than he could handle. He couldn’t get enough of her and lifted her from the floor, pulling Ivory as close as possible. She couldn’t be too close. There was no such thing. Roman craved that connection and his lips told her so. Ivory’s jewel thumped hard as she felt the press of his manhood against her. Their entanglement reached a fevered pitch. It was getting harder and harder for either of them to contain themselves. Roman didn’t want to pressure Ivory; there was too much at risk. However, his manly inclinations were difficult to suppress.

But he had to control himself. Ivory meant too much to Roman for him to bend to his flesh. As their lips parted, his eyes engaged her once again. Slowly, Roman lowered Ivory so her skates touched the rink floor, but he felt her knees give way and he held onto to her tightly. Ivory held on tight to him as well.

“You okay?” Roman asked.

A slight smile parted Ivory’s full lips.

“You’ve got my knees weak,” she hummed. Ivory’s confession made her blush and she buried her face against Roman’s chest. He liked the way that sounded. He was weak for her, too. Without hesitation, Roman remedied the situation, once again lifting Ivory off her feet and cradling her in his arms.

“I wouldn’t want you to fall,” Roman crooned; his eyes narrow and hooded.

“Ah,” she exclaimed as she felt herself being lifted. This is so embarrassing, Ivory thought to herself; yet, the smile on her face couldn’t be denied. Roman was careful with her as they made their way back to the sitting area. He stepped smoothly from the slick of the rink floor to the carpet and didn’t stop until he had placed Ivory comfortably on the bench. Roman sat down next to her, and the two fell quiet. The whirl of the spinning lights continued to light up their surroundings and the sounds of rhythmic rhythm and blues filled the space.

“So many memories here, you know,” Ivory used.

“Good memories,” Roman added.

“Thanks for this,” Ivory said, turning slightly to bring Roman’s face into her purview. “It was a surprise,” Ivory playfully fussed, “but a good one.”

“So, you’ll forgive me for the surprise part?” Roman teased.

“This time,” Ivory quipped.

There was an easy smile shared between them.

“Are you ready,” Roman asked. Ivory nodded her head. It had been a good evening, but being back on skates after so many years had her legs feeling like spaghetti. Admittedly, Roman played a part in that. He eased from the bench and positioned himself in front of her to take her skates off. He didn’t give Ivory a chance to do it herself, and she learned to be okay with his chivalry.

Although Roman had large hands, he was incredibly gentle with her. The rise of her skirt caught Roman’s attention, exposing the deliciousness of her mocha thighs. Their previous kiss still tingled on his lips and although he tried desperately to keep his primal nature under control, Ivory made it difficult, without effort. As Roman eased the thick socks from her legs, his hands caressed her flesh, and he placed her bare feet on his thighs so they wouldn’t touch the carpeted floor. Ivory noticed just how much care he took with her; thinking about things other men wouldn’t even consider. Roman was a perfect gentleman, and his hands on her naked flesh sent sensations surging up to her center. Resistance was futile and Ivory knew that to be true. Reaching out, she wrapped her arms around Roman’s neck and pulled him in close. She couldn’t deny the way he made her feel and for the first time since their chance encounter, Ivory stopped thinking. Roman melded into her pull and knelt between her legs, lifting his frame to meet her lips.

Roman stopped just short of kissing her. His eyes fell to the shape of her full lips and he felt her exhale against his face. The magnetism and intensity in that moment was palatable. The energy surge was high, and their auras danced and intertwined creating a cocoon of scintillating pressure destined to explode. But Roman didn’t kiss her. And for a split second, Ivory thought she made have made a mistake. Her mouth paused on a gasp as Roman eased away from her. She felt his warm hands move up her legs, from her calves to her thighs. And when he lowered his head and kissed where his hands had been, abandonment was no longer an issue for Ivory. Her hands had fallen casually to the bench. But as Romans tender lips moved from her knees to the inside of one thigh and then the other, Ivory’s fingers gripped the bench as shots of heated energy scorched through her.

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Title: My Cherie a’Moore
Series: All That & Moore Book 8
Author: Celeste Granger
Genre: African American Contemporary Romance

She was somewhat of a free spirit, yet, she felt rightly guided to his.

Blurb:  Trinity Moore, burgeoning entrepreneur and youngest of the Moore sisters, does what she will. Whether business or pleasure, Trinity does it on her own terms, unapologetically.

But he touched her in a way Trinity couldn’t deny; assuaging unknown pains and awakening a transcendental energy that spoke to her soul. She realized she wanted more of that touch. Esau Knight was right there to fulfill her every desire.

Note:  All books in the All That & Moore series are standalone connected in a series with HEA’s.

Goodreads | Amazon

“She remembered how he made her feel, how his hands eased her tensions, and soothed her aches; pains she didn’t even know she had. His hands were powerful and magical and tranquilizing putting her in a transcendental mental space of pure peace and bliss. He knew how to apply just enough pressure to assuage her ills, making any discomfort comfortable and unburden her in a way she didn’t know she needed. He dulcified any hurt, manipulating her flesh in such a way that she welcomed the manipulation. He made it easier for her to move and breathe, relaxing her mind, body and soul. He was a balm in her present-day Gilead.

He was sweet relief.

And every time Trinity looked at the phone number he gave her, she thought about calling him, Mr. Esau Amir Knight, masseuse extraordinaire. She laughed at the moniker she gave him, extraordinaire. But he was extraordinary with his hands. Yet, when Trinity entertained calling Esau, she hesitated. First, she wasn’t the kind of girl to make the first move. Second, just because he knew what to do with his hands wasn’t enough.

Enough for what, was the question that immediately followed. Calling Esau didn’t mean marrying him. It was just a phone call. But the reason Trinity automatically jumped to matrimony was because all her sisters, all eight of them were either planning a wedding or already married. She was the lone single sister, the only one left without a man. And she wasn’t getting any younger! Her family never said that or put any kind of pressure on Trinity to settle down, but that didn’t stop other people from doing it, reminding her that she was getting older, that she was the only one unbetrothed. Sure, it was 2020, but there were plenty of people still professing the notion of a woman being a spinster if she were not affianced by a certain age.

Most times, without a second thought, Trinity could blow the person off or, if necessary, put them in their place. Other times, though, not having that special someone and being reminded of it, hurt a little. Everyone wants to be loved the right way, despite what they say. Trinity was no different. Sitting in her car, Trinity turned Esau’s business card over and over in her hand. Should she call?

“Whew, chile,” Trinity sighed as she picked up her cell phone. Slowly, she punched in the numbers, nervously looking back and forth between the card and her cell. When she pressed the last number, Trinity hesitated again before hitting send. “Lord, what if he answers? What am I gonna say?” Was this technically making the first move? Was it a move at all? Trinity’s perfectly manicured finger stood poised over the send button.

“Yikes!”

Trinity pressed the button, and the phone started to ring. She contemplated hanging up. Why was she so nervous?

Then, the like cracked.

“Hello?”

Trinity felt like her heart leapt into her throat, blocking her ability to speak. She remembered that voice and how it reverberated through her core the first time he whispered in her ear.

“Hello?” He repeated.

“Uhm, hi,” she was finally able to say. “May I speak with Esau?”

Trinity knew that, but it was still polite to ask. She didn’t want to give Esau the impression that she thought about him past that initial massage.

“This is him.” She could easily get lost in the mellow croon of his voice, but Trinity needed to remain focused. She still wasn’t sure what the hell she was going to say.

“I’m sure you probably don’t remember me. I mean, I’m sure you give hundreds of massages a week,” Trinity rambled. “But this is Trinity.”

“I do remember,” Esau chortled. “Trinity Moore, you were with your sisters if I’m not mistaken. I’m glad you called.”

She could feel his smile through the phone. His voice was just about as enticing as his hands. Trinity was speechless. He remembered her! Oh, my God!! Seriously??  She was shocked.

Before she could figure out what to say, Esau spoke.

“So, Trinity, are you ready for another massage?”

She was nodding even before she could speak.

“When are you available?” That’s all she could think to say.

“Whenever you need me,” Esau crooned.

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USA Today Bestselling Author and lover of Love. It is a many splendid thing, isn’t it? Yet, it’s not a straight path from one heart to another. Most often, love is a tangled mess that challenges our thoughts, beliefs, and challenges us to prove over and over that we are more than enamored with an individual. Love is a tangled conglomeration of what the mind thinks, what the soul feels, and what the heart knows. And I write about it…

 Find Celeste:  Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bookbub | Amazon | Goodreads | ProlificWorks | Linktr.ee

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