Excerpt from DRY RAIN - unpublished. By M. Gardner

Thanks!

McKenna Gardner

Here is the excerpt from DRY RAIN:

Mr. Morgan said nothing as he held the majority of Annabelle's thick long hair in his left hand and pulled the little branches out with his right.

Finally, he was done. “That should do it,” he whispered softly as he slowly released her hair, gently brushing his fingers against the back of her neck as he let go. “You’re free.”

Annabelle's heart pounded powerfully in her chest as she slowly turned around to face him. She was overwhelmed with their closeness and felt drained of all focus. He was motionless, expressionless, as he watched every little movement she made. His arms were spread out, his white-knuckled hands clutching the branches on either side of them.

Annabelle stared at him. Those unforgettable piercing blue-gray eyes had held such sorrow once upon a time. Now they seemed to appear crystal-like with their brilliance. The way they captured her attention made her welcome the imprisonment. Regardless of his unreadable countenance, Annabelle felt she could detect a hungry anticipation in those scorching eyes.

She knew she would regret her actions as soon as they entered her mind, but it was no use resisting them. Any attempt was futile.

She stepped forward onto her tip-toes, grabbed either side of his lapels, and pulled him roughly down to her, kissing him hard on the mouth. Without enough time to close her eyes, she saw his burst wide with surprise. His reaction frightened her, causing her to instinctively release him. She knew she could have just made the biggest mistake of her life.

She moved to back away, but before her heels could even touch the ground, his arms held her fast. For a fraction of a second, his eyes searched hers intently. Then, with one swift movement, he grasped a handful of material at her back and pulled her against him. His mouth greeted hers with urgency.

His lips may have been smooth as silk, but they pressed demandingly on her own, filling her body with an awakening heat. He moved one hand to her hair where he entangled his fingers and deepened the kiss. An involuntary noise squeaked out of Annabelle’s throat. Her legs gradually failed to support her weight and she weakened pleasantly in his arms.

He held her firmly. Kissed her perfectly.

After a moment, he softened his kiss. The first time his lips left hers, she experienced a sense of loss. He kissed her gently on the forehead and brought his hands to her arms in an effort to steady her. They trembled against her skin.