Rk Lilley has released the final book in the Up In The Air Trilogy, Grounded. I reviewed it yesterday and it was a 5+ star review. Check out my review here. All in all, now that it is finally finished, I have to give this series a 5 star rating. One of my favorites. I freakin’ LOVED the end! My favorite part of the last book was the peek inside Mr. Beautiful’s head, as well as a look inside Stephan’s.
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To celebrate the release of Grounded, R.K. has graciously given me my favorite scene from In Flight (Up In The Air 1) from James’s point of view.
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The Sleepover
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“I’m ready to go,” Bianca said.
About fucking time, I thought. “Good. Let’s go tell Stephan.”
We approached the slumped form of Stephan. Whatever Bianca had said to him had him in a state. “Bianca is calling it a night,” I told him. “I’ll see her to her room. What time should I set the alarm for?”
“Five,” Bianca and Stephan said.
I nodded goodnight to Stephan, and he nodded back.
Bianca moved to Stephan, kissing him on the forehead. They had another quiet but intense exchange before we took our leave.
I gripped her arm as we left. “Stephan and I spoke at length. He knows I would never take advantage of you when you’re impaired. If I didn’t know otherwise, I would think he was your older brother. How long have you two been close?”
She gave me a sideways glance, her expression unreadable. “A long time,” she said.
I changed the subject, since it was obvious she wasn’t in a sharing mood. “You need to get on the pill,” I told her. It was a polite order.
She sent me a cute little glare. “My body, my business,” she said stiffly.
I felt a little thrill move through me when she said that, because I was going to show her beyond a shadow of a doubt that her body was mine. I would own every inch of it.
“When we’re having sex, it will be my business, as well,” I told her, trying to sound reasonable. “And you need to get started. It can take weeks to months before it becomes effective.”
She glared. “For your information, I’m already on the pill. I have bad periods, and it helps make them milder. I’ve actually been on them since I was a teenager…for personal reasons. But you are outrageous, you know that? I’ve never agreed to have sex with you.”
“What personal reasons?” I asked.
“I prefer to keep those reasons personal.” She had the nerve to stick her tongue out at me.
I squeezed her arm, some very vivid images of what I wanted her to do with that tongue flashing through my mind. “You are exasperating.”
“Let me bombard you with a bunch of personal questions and see how you like it.”
The idea of that strangely wasn’t troubling to me. “Give it a try. I think the tradeoff might just be worthwhile for me.”
She got very quiet for the rest of the walk. She greeted the girl at the front desk as we walked by. That was it. No doorman. No security to speak of. We just walked right onto the elevator.
“The security here is deplorable,” I told her. I shook my head, appalled.
She giggled. “What did you expect? It’s a crew hotel in downtown Manhattan. The security isn’t deplorable. It’s non-existant.”
I stared at her. “It’s terrifying. Anyone could come in here.”
She just kept giggling. “That’s what locks and police are for. If you think this is bad, you should see some of the places Stephan and I have stayed.”
I searched her face, a strange feeling of alarm gripping my chest. “Where? What do you mean? Do you still stay in those places?”
She shrugged. “Um, not really. I guess this is our least secure crew hotel at the moment.” She burst into another giggling fit. I held out my hand for her key, and she handed it to me.
“I would prefer if you stay at a more secure place when you visit the city. I’ll arrange it,” I told her.
She shook her head, her smile fading. “No. No. No. I don’t know what you think is going on here, but you are not going to take control of my life. You can just rule out that scenario right now.”
“We’ll talk about it when you’re sober.”
“You can talk all you want. That is not happening.” She sounded so sure of that. I could admit to myself that she scared me. She was about to make my life very difficult.
We stepped into the room, and I couldn’t help but notice the open door of an adjoining room. I strode inside. A men’s flight attendant uniform hung in the visible closet.
“Stephan’s room?” I asked loudly.
“Yes.”
I went back into her room, shutting and locking the door behind me.
I watched her flop onto her bed, still fully clothed. “I need to set my alarm,” she said.
“I’ve got it,” I told her, moving to her purse.
I plugged her phone in to charge, and set her alarm.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “You can go now. I’ll wake up on time. I’ve never been late to work. I’m not gonna start the habit tomorrow. As soon as my head stops this spinning, I’ll be falling asleep.”
I moved to her suitcase, checking for something for her to sleep in. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to curse or cheer when I found a tiny, sheer slip of a nightgown. A fucking virgin that looked like a playboy model, and wore sexy lingerie to bed. Fuck.
I set it on top of her bag, going into the bathroom. I saw the package marked ‘makeup remover wipes’, and grabbed one.
I moved back to the bed, perching beside her. I gently wiped her face. Her skin was perfect, and as I wiped it clean I realized that she barely wore any makeup. She was so lovely. I wanted so badly to kiss her that my hand shook with a fine tremor as I cleaned her eyelashes carefully.
“You hardly wear any makeup. You have a lovely complexion.” It was an understatement. She was perfection.
She snorted. “Look who’s talking, Mr. Beautiful.”
I smiled. “Perhaps I’ll just call you Mrs. Beautiful.” I kissed just the tip of her nose.
I got up and turned out the lights, then moved to undress her. That was for my benefit as much as her’s. I didn’t completely trust myself. My reaction to this woman had become too volatile.
She moved her hands to block me as I began to unbutton her shorts. “What are you doing?” she asked. She didn’t sound alarmed, which did nothing good for my self-control.
How wrong would be if I just used my mouth on her? I had become obsessed with making her come.
Not tonight, I told myself firmly. She was beyond my reach tonight.
I brushed her hands away, removing her shorts quickly. “Taking care of you,” I told her, trying to shake off the images flashing through my mind of me really taking care of her. “I told you and Stephan that I would. I’m getting you ready for bed right now. And if you start throwing up all of that poison you drank tonight, I’ll take you to the bathroom and hold your hair out of your face for you. Hold still. I’ll have you changed faster if you don’t fidget so much.”
She submitted, which made my hands shake a little as I quickly stripped her and slipped her into that obscene slip that no virgin should have been wearing to bed.
I put her clothes away carefully, fighting hard for control. I tucked her in carefully.
I looked down at her when I’d finished, at a loss. I couldn’t leave her, but I also didn’t see how I could stay.
“You can sleep here,” she told me in a drowsy voice. “If you can handle the lack of security.”
I sucked in a breath. Fuck. I was lost. There was no way I could say no to that.
“Do you mind if I just sleep in my boxers? It’s much more comfortable, and I swear I won’t try a thing. Tonight.”
“Okay,” she said softly.
I stripped down to my boxers, wondering if she could see my obvious erection in the shadows. I got on the bed, staying as far from her as I could get. I stared at the ceiling, knowing that I wasn’t going to get any rest that night, but I still didn’t even consider leaving. She’d told me I could stay, and I couldn’t resist, even if it was pure torment.
I could feel her watching me. “Go to sleep,” I ordered.
“Are you tan like that everywhere?” she asked sleepily.
I smiled. Her breathing changed almost instantly, becoming deep and even with sleep.
I gave some serious thought to going into the bathroom and jacking myself off. There was no way I was going to rest with my cock so hard that it had taken on a life of its own.
I was a second away from doing just that when she rolled into me. I stiffened, but I could tell from her breathing that she was still sound asleep. I mentally cursed as she nuzzled her face into the side of my chest, her hand moving to rest on my sternum. Fucking hell. She cuddled in her sleep. I didn’t know how I was going to manage, but I didn’t think I could bear to leave her touch.
“Stephan,” she murmured contentedly.
I processed that. Stephan was gay. He had told me as much. And she had told me that they were purely platonic. I believed them both. Why does she seek him out in her sleep? Were they really so close? A part of me was insanely jealous at the thought that he was that important to her, but I knew instinctively that I couldn’t indulge that jealousy. The two of them were too close to tolerate anyone coming between them, and I wouldn’t be making that mistake.
She nuzzled against me, throwing a leg over mine. I could feel her sex moving flush with my thigh. I couldn’t quite stifle a moan.
“James,” she said softly in her sleep. That’s more like it, I thought. That one little telling admission made the entire night worth it. I was getting under her skin, as well. It was only fair.
“Mine,” I whispered back, closing my eyes. Her hand was on my stomach, and I wondered if I’d be breaking all of my own rules if she just happened to give me a hand-job in her sleep. In my current condition, a few strokes would do it.
I mentally berated myself for even having the thought.
I moved my thigh against her sex, telling myself that I was just getting comfortable.
She gasped softly and pressed harder against me. In my mind I was burying my face between her legs and lapping at her core like my life depended on it, but I only allowed myself the fantasy. This was a test of my self-control that I was determined to pass.
She stiffened suddenly rolling away to huddle in on herself. Her breathing became ragged, and not with passion.
She’s having a nightmare, I thought.
I wrapped myself around her back as she began to shudder. “Shh, Love,” I told her soothingly.
What I’d called her shocked me enough that I lay thinking about it for a long time. I’d named her Love. I’d never said anything like that to a woman before, but I couldn’t make myself regret it. It just felt right to call her that.
She relaxed eventually, her breathing evening out into a more peaceful sleep.
“Yes, Love,” I told her softly. “Rest.”
She’ll be the only one resting tonight, I thought wryly.
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This series is currently only available on Amazon. But if you are a nook reader, you don’t want to miss it! Download your free kindle reader here.
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In Flight (Up In The Air Book 1).
See My Review Here
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Purchase at Amazon
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Mile High (Up In The Air Book 2).
See My Review Here
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Purchase at Amazon
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Grounded (Up In The Air Book 3).
See My Review Here
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Purchase at Amazon
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R.K. Lilley has graciously offered to give away an e-book of Grounded to one lucky winner. Since she is going to be with me at Wicked Girls Book Weekend this weekend (and I’ll be getting a Mr. Beautiful tattoo), I am going to give a week for this giveaway.
(Please excuse all the dots. WordPress was not my friend here)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Holley says
Hmm, my husbands not good with romance or emotions so my standards are not real high. I would say the most romantic thing is the rare time he actually says a term of endearment, gets me every time because I know he really means it if he’s actually saying it. I get my romance in books! 🙂
Ana's Attic says
That way when he says it it’s extra romantic.
Donna M says
My hubby isn’t all that romantic, but he does treat me to bubble baths quite often.
Ana's Attic says
That’s pretty freakin romantic!
Jules says
Thank you for sharing! Mr. Beautiful … whose Christian Grey and Gideon Cross?
Ashley says
Christian Grey is from 50 Shades of Grey and Gideon Cross is from the Crossfire Series (Bared To You, Reflected In You, & Entwined In You (Coming out in June)).
I highly recommend both of them. 50 Shades of Grey is a trilogy and the Crossfire Series may be a trilogy but there is talk of a 4th book coming out so we will see!!
kp says
I find the everyday little things my husband does for me so romantic….he leaves for work at 6am and I always wake up to my tea ready to go! Just one of the thoughtful, sweet things he does daily!
Ana's Attic says
aawwww, what a sweety.
Stephanie Phillips says
looking forward to reading this trilogy
Maria Malaveci says
In my early 20s I had someone write me a poem……
Erin Hill says
Can’t wait to read this, I really liked the first 2!
stephanie vincent says
Most romantic. My boyfriend at the time bought me a large bouquet of flowers and cooked me a seafood dinner with wine. Loved it!
Michelina says
The most romantic thing that’s been done to me is my mariage proposal.
My husband proposed in my room that he filled with ballons and roses on the day of his birthday. Of course I said YES !!! He’s my rock !
Thank you for this awesome giveaway! 🙂
Ana's Attic says
Damn, I’m jealous. I never got a real proposal. We just bought a ring together. 🙁
Karen says
I didn’t date much before I met my husband. I was a sophmore in college when we met and one night after we first started dating he invited me to his apartment and he had made stuffed green peppers and had set the table with flowers and candles.I was so surprised because noone had ever done that for me before and it was the most romantic night ever to me. He still does all the cooking but I will never forget that first time. Thank you for the chance to win!
Ana's Attic says
Aaaw, I love a man who cooks!
Mickala Murphy says
Probably when I moved in with my husband (then boyfriend) and he cleared out room for me in the closet and bought shelves to put in for only me.
Ana's Attic says
It obviously worked!
Christina says
When I first started dating my husband, on our first Valentines Day, he picked me up at my house with a dozen long stem roses. Then suprised me with a room at a waterfront hotel and dinner at an upscale steakhouse. Then when we got back to the room we have a bottle of Dom Pergion waiting for us. He also bought me a diamond tennis bracelet. I don’t know if I find this the most romantice because it was the first romantic thing he had done but it def sticks out in my mind as one of the best nights 😉
Ana's Attic says
Sounds pretty great to me too!
Abbie D. says
Making me all of my meals…sounds mundane but it’s really NOT!
Ana's Attic says
Are you kidding? That’s awesome!
Lisa M says
When my hubs lets me read….in peace 🙂
Ana's Attic says
Ha!
Kelly Tannacore says
Wow, My husband isn’t one for all these romantic gestures, but when I gave birth to our son and I got home from the hospital, there was a card on the dining room table and it simple stated the word love on front. When I opend it, my husband wrote, thnak you for loving me, and for showing me what love actually is….Now I know what true love is when I look at our son, Thank you. That made me cry. The card is still displayed in my china cabnet! <3 him!
Ana's Attic says
I just got choked up.
Lisa w says
Romantic? Honestly, I love it when I don’t have to cook or clean for the day!
modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net
Ana's Attic says
Can’t blame you there.
terra says
It’s the random things he does….flowers on a random Tuesday, surprise date nights, my favourite artists new cd the day it comes out. It’s the random acts that i find the most romantic
Ana's Attic says
I agree. I love that stuff.
Zita R says
I would love to see a book, collection of all of the James POV’s to go with the trilogy. I just love them!
Ana's Attic says
me too!
Zita R says
The most romantic thing ever been done for me? Sad to say I can’t answer that, nothing of note comes to mind. Am single.
Ana's Attic says
It’ll happen.
Claudia t says
Love it!!!
Sara Long Butler says
When my husband proposed to me, he took me on a hike to the top of this very high ridge overlooking a lake. It was muddy, and we were slipping and sliding the whole way up. When we got to the top he got down on one knee and said “Our love is a lot like this hike, it’s not always easy, but it will always be worth it. Will you marry me?” I thought that was terribly romantic.
Ana's Attic says
OMG, I love him!
melanie cleek says
Great series!!!
Sandy Borrero says
Would love to read it! The jest two were great.
Sandy Borrero says
Picnic in my living room. Complete with checkerboard cloth in the winter. 🙂
Joy says
Thanks RK Lilley for this wonderful story.. A girl could only dream to find a man like James. Thanks for
making him so real. <3
Sabrina D says
The most romantic thing would have to be my husband proposing to me which was not expected at all.
Love the blog!
shannon says
When I got home one night he had made dinner and candles every where with soft music going and we had danced all night..he does alot of great things!
Karen says
Can’t wait to read this series! Looks good!
Sara says
My husband surprised me with a puppy one year 🙂
Spunky Nancy says
I bought In Flight because it just looked too good not to! I’m going to miss you all this weekend… WAH!! Hubby works and don’t have anyone to keep an eye on the kids. Be sure I’ll be reading, though!
Can we do it next year????
I’m not sure what hubby will do for Valentine’s Day, but I hope it involves a bottle of wine, some sushi, and something behind a closed door. LOL!
Autumn says
A picnic in Regent’s Park in London. It was fabulous!
Heather says
Would SERIOUSLY love to read all 3 books from his POV!! I think especially the one where he is listening to Bianca and Stephen’s sob fest through the door.
Heather says
One of the most romantic things my husband has done for me was similar to James and Bianca’s mountain hike in Tokyo, only we were in the Ozarks in Arkansas! The view and the words he spoke made my heart melt!
Meghan Stith says
I had a guy sing to me from the ground while I was standing on a balcony. Pretty sure it was Backstreet Boys!!
mestith at gmail dot com
Jessica says
I guess you could say the most romantic thing my husband has done is when he proposed in the Bahamas at Sunset 🙂
Dawn says
My husband proposed to me while we were on a bike ride on the beach in Huntington Beach, CA. We were flying kites and he had the ring hidden in a pouch on his bike!!
Sara says
My husband proposed to me with a kitten… He wrote “will you marry me” on her collar with the ring. Awww 🙂
Dione Sage says
I think the most romantic thing is when I am sick. My husband takes care of me, the kids, the house (laundry, cooking…etc). It’s those moments where I know he would completely do anything for me. He constantly checks on me too which is adorable.
Eva (@booksconsidered) says
Moving across the country and uprooting his life to be with me
RomanceChica says
In High School my then boyfriend wrote a poem about me for a class assignment. It also got him an A.
Lea says
The most romantic thing was, when he proposed me on Valentines day three years ago 🙂
Simone says
Hm… nothing really romantic has been done for me yet. But i’m young, so it will happen someday 🙂
Stephanie Brown says
One of my boyfriends planned a trip for us, and he scheduled “me” days that included taking me to beautiful outdoor locations so that I could read under trees and surrounded by nature. 🙂
saralynn says
my hubbie refused to eat or leave my side wile i was in labor for our daughter