Unbalanced, a romantic Suspense from Laura T. Johnson

Please help us welcome Laura T. Johnson to the blog this week. Laura is here to share her romantic suspense, Unbalanced with us. Welcome, Laura! We are all excited to hear about Unbalanced.

Guest Post from Laura T. Johnson:

Hello Fellow Readers,

I’m Laura T. Johnson and I write suspense romance. I’m the author of Where Would I Be and Unbalanced (Series). I began writing about ten years ago. I’ve always had a love for the written word, but only as a reader. That is until I had my own story to tell. Back in 2006 I was in an abusive relationship that lasted for two and half years. While I was in this relationship, I kept journals. During that relationship, I contemplated suicide on a regular basis. But what kept me from going through with it were my mother and younger brother. I couldn’t put them through that kind of pain, no matter what I was going through.

By 2009, I was out of the relationship, but I was going through depression. I would read through my journals as a sort of therapy for myself. While reading them I heard my mother’s words, “You are not the only woman that has gone through this. Unfortunately, you won’t be the last.” She was right. That was the day my life changed. I picked up a pen and began to write my story. A year later, I’d written my first novel, Where Would I Be. I knew my story would help more than just me. It would help others who were going through the same thing.

This is what inspires me to write. I write stories that show a side of relationships that most people won’t talk about. There is still a stigma about talking about domestic violence. Some people still think that a victim should keep their mouths close. Nothing can be furthest from the truth. Share your story, even if your voice shakes. You never know who it may help.

As I said before, I write suspense romance. I love to write characters that fall in love. Whether it’s with the right person or not. But you won’t find that out until the end.

My upcoming books are moving away from the topic of domestic violence. I don’t want my readers to think that is the only thing I write about. So, I have a few books that will focus mainly on romance. But in the immediate time, I’m working on the fourth installment to my Unbalanced Series. I’m hoping to release it by Christmas.

If you would like to follow me on social media, just click the following links:

• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraTJohnson
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_t_johnson/
• Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/AuthorLauraJ

About Unbalanced:

Catherine “Cat” Palmer is a journalism major at Howard University, and works full-time as a receptionist in an emergency room. Juggling work and studies has left her no time for a social life. When her friends drag her to a frat party one night, she doesn’t expect to be introduced to the campus heartthrob, Dorian Wallace. Dorian is a business major at the university, known for his wealth and prowess with women. When he lays eyes on Catherine, it is love at first sight. It doesn’t take long before the two become inseparable.

Excerpt from Unbalanced:

Two

“Nice place,” Dorian said, standing in Cat’s living room.
“Thanks. Have a seat.”
“This place must have set your folks back a nice penny.”
“No, I work at the hospital as a receptionist in the emergency room.”
“Tell me more about Catherine.”
“There isn’t much to tell. I was raised by my grandmother after my parents died. She died last year.”
“I’m sorry. Do you have any sisters or brothers?”
“Nope. Only me.”
“No other family?”
“No. What about you?”
“Me? That’s easy, there’s nothing great about me.”
“I doubt that. Let’s start with something easy. Why did you choose business as your major?”
“Because my brothers followed our dad into law, and I decided to be odd man out and work for my grandfather.”
“The business world is more fascinating to you?”
“Something like that. My grandfather’s been grooming me to take over the company since birth. At least that’s the way it feels.”
“What kind of company does your grandfather own?”
“Everything from real estate to telecommunications.”
“Which one will you be working for?”
“I’ll be running them all.”
“Oh. Can I get you something to drink?”
Cat needed a moment to digest what he’d said.
“Anything you are willing to give me, I’ll take.”
“All I have is water and juice,” she said, walking into the kitchen.
“You don’t drink?”
“Nope.”
“Why?” he asked, following her.
“You are nosy.” Cat laughed.
“Is that your way of telling me it’s none of my business?”
“Exactly.”
“All right, then. What are you doing tomorrow night?”
“Working.”
“What time do you have to be there?”
“Ten.”
“How about I take you out to an early dinner?”
“I don’t…”
“You can’t use the same excuse anymore. Say yes.”
“Yes.”
“Great. Now, tell me why you don’t have a man.”
“None have approached me.”
“One is approaching you now,” Dorian said, leaning across the mini island in her kitchen.
Cat backed away and walked around the island and back into the living room.
“I admit I’ve seen you around with a couple of guys, but none on a regular basis.”
“Are you stalking me?” Cat laughed.
“No. I’m good at my research.”
For the rest of the night, they got to know each other better. Cat thought Dorian was a genuinely nice guy. They eventually fell asleep on the couch. The next morning Dorian and Cat were awakened by his cell phone playing Drake’s “Dreams Money Can Buy”.
“Hello. Yeah, man, I’m still here…All right, meet you downstairs.” He ended the call and looked over at Cat. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
“Sleep okay?”
“Somewhat.”
“You know, I’ve never spent the night with a woman without…”
“Sleeping with her?”
“Yeah. I don’t know why I told you that.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Can I kiss you?”
“Dorian, no. I haven’t brushed yet,” Cat said, getting up off the couch.
He caught her by the hand before she could walk away. Dorian stood up and pulled Cat against him.
“Neither have I.”
Cat thought he was the best kisser she’d ever had. He had the softest lips.
“Now I can leave with a smile on my face,” he said.
He kissed her again.
“I enjoyed your company last night,” she said, walking him to the door.
When Cat opened the door, Elise was standing there with her hand up about to knock.
“Good morning,” she said, smiling broadly.
“What are you doing here?” Cat asked.
“For breakfast. Morning, Dorian.”
“Good morning, Elise.”
“Get in the kitchen. I’ll be there in a sec,” Cat said, pushing her toward the kitchen.
“I truly enjoyed you last night,” Dorian said loud enough for Elise to hear.
They both knew she was listening.
“Cute,” Cat said.
“Pick you up at five?”
“I’ll be ready.”
Cat closed the door behind him and turned to go into the kitchen and almost ran over Elise.
“Did I hear him say…”
“He was kidding. We knew you were eavesdropping.”
“What happened? Is he good in bed? Please tell me he’s good in bed.”
“We did not sleep together.”
“As fine as he is, you cannot tell me you two talked all night.”
“That is exactly what we did.”
“What about all the stories we heard about him? He’s Mr. Hit and Quit It.”
“I know; however, nothing happened.”
“I guess there’s a first time for everything.”
“I wonder how Brooke’s night went.”
“I bet better than yours.” Elise laughed.
A minute later Brooke and Simone walked in.
“Who wants waffles?” Cat asked.
Everyone raised their hands. Cat went to freshen up and came back to the kitchen to start breakfast. As she moved around the kitchen, Cat overheard Simone asking Brooke about her night with Terrence.
“That boy is bad! I damn near cooked his ass breakfast.”
“Say what?” they all said in unison.
Brooke did many things. Cooking was not one of them.
“I said almost. Unfortunately, now I think I might have a pest,” she said.
“Why do you say that?” Cat asked.
“I put it on his ass last night. He was out like a light afterwards.”
“What if it was basic to him?” Simone said.
“Uh, there is nothing basic about me, wanch. So, what about Dorian? Was he doing the walk of shame this morning?”
“All they did was talk,” Elise said.
Brooke and Simone’s heads snapped in Cat’s direction.
“What?”
“Hmmph, you will never see that boy again,” Brooke said.
“Whatever, heifer. Besides, we have a date today,” she said, as she flipped the bacon.
“You do?” Simone asked.
“Look at you…a date with a rich man.” Elise laughed.
“Stop it. He can’t possibly be that rich. He was telling me about his family, and he didn’t mention immense wealth.”
“Why would he? FYI, he’s from a family of billionaires. His father is Walter Wallace, and his grandfather is Grant Collier.”
They all stopped and stared at Elise.
“What?” Brooke stood. “He’s rich, rich!”
“As rich as they come.” Elise snickered.
“I passed on a billionaire’s son?”
“Girl let it go. He wasn’t even interested in your ass,” Simone said.
Brooke gave her the evil eye. “If I had stayed on him, he would’ve spent the night with me.”
“And forgot your ass in the morning.”
Elise and Cat burst out laughing. Simone didn’t hold her tongue for anyone.
“What are you going to wear?” Elise asked.
“Something sexy, but classy. I’m sure I’ll find something by the time he gets here.”
After breakfast, the ladies left so Cat could get some rest before her date. She finally dozed off when the initial shock of having a date with Dorian Wallace wore off.

“Mane, Brooke is a straight freak!” Terrence said, the minute Dorian walked off the elevator.
“You a fool.” Dorian laughed.
“I’m serious. That girl did shit to me I’m ashamed to tell you about. You missed out, D! Shit, she probably would’ve taken us both on.”
Dorian continued to laugh at his friend.
“I don’t think I missed out,” he said.
“Damn, the friend a freak, too?”
“No. Nothing happened.”
“Say what? You lying.”
“I never lie on my dick. All we did was talk, and I still enjoyed myself. The thing is I don’t think she knows about me.”
“Everybody knows about you. She might be acting like she doesn’t know. You know, trying to play ‘I’m different from the others’ role.”
“Thing is, I do think she’s different.”
“You taking her out?”
“Yeah, tonight. Before she has to go to work.”
“Where does she work?”
“The hospital right off campus.”
“Are you sure? I mean, it could be a front. As fine as she is, she could work at the nearest strip club.”
“Nah, she’s not the type.”
“How would you know?” Terrence asked.
“She’s a good girl…something special. So, tell the bruhs hands off.”
“Hands off,” Terrence said, holding his hands up.
Terrence knew how Dorian could get. You did not want to be on his bad side. If you were bold enough to cross Dorian, you were dealt with expediently and mercilessly. To be honest, he feared Dorian a little. Terrence had been a witness to some of those merciless acts. They were ruthless. Terrence shook his head to clear those thoughts from his mind.
“Where are you taking her?” he asked.
“I’m taking her to Plume.”
“You sure know how to get’em wet. These hoes throw the pussy at you for free, and you still want to feed’em.”
“First off, she’s not a hoe. Second, my woman deserves the best.”
“Your woman? Man, you’ve only spent one night with her. And you didn’t even hit. All I’m asking is what’s so different about this one? Shit, the others you happily passed around.”
“Because Catherine Antoinette Palmer is the one, I chose her…whether she likes it or not.”
Terrence watched Dorian go into the house without another word. He’d never heard Dorian talk about any of the women he dated like that. Dorian was practically a legend at the house. No matter how much he ignored the women on campus, they still threw themselves at him. And there were a lot of them. At any given time, he was surrounded by women. Whether it was his looks or money, the women flocked to him in droves.
As Dorian walked upstairs, he saw the walk of shame had begun. Women looking haggard, hungover, or confused staggered out of different rooms. When he walked into his room, he noticed he had company.
“Shit, I forgot,” he said to himself. “Cheryl. Cheryl, wake up.”
Cheryl yawned and stretched. “Hey, baby. What time is it?”
“Seven. What are you doing here?”
“You told me to wait up here for you.”
“That was last night.”
“I know. What happened to you? Where did you go?”
“I got caught up with something.”
“You mean someone, don’t you?” she asked, harshly.
“Yeah, I meant someone. Look, I need to get some sleep.”
“What about me? I’ve been up here all night.”
“Did you sleep?”
“That’s all I did.”
“Then you’re welcome.”
“What the…are you serious? You leave me here all night, so you can end up in some other bitch’s bed! You must have lost your damn mind! I…”
“Cheryl, I understand you’re angry, but I don’t give two fucks about that or you. Get out,” Dorian said calmly.
“Oh, you don’t care? I bet yo’ ass will when I…”
“When you what?” Dorian snatched her off his bed. “When…you…what?”
Cheryl could feel his hot breath on her face.
“Nothing,” she whispered.
“Now, let’s try this again. I’m tired, and I want to go to sleep. What do you say?”
“Yes, Dorian.”
“Good.”
He let her arm go and stepped aside. She quickly grabbed her shoes and purse and left the room. Dorian closed the door behind her, took off his clothes, and lay down. He had already forgotten about Cheryl and was planning his evening with Catherine—his future—whether she liked it or not.