Could working with the Dead be Dangerous?

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-301/Keller-County-Cops-Book/Detail.bok
Suspense excerpt from Deliverance from Evil:

"Are you enjoying school, dear?" Dr. Madeline's seemingly innocuous question rattled Tessa. The therapist smiled. "I assume you must like it, since you went back voluntarily."

"Yes," Tessa finally croaked. "I'm looking forward to graduating next year."

"So you can work with the dead."

"Yes." She fixed her gaze on the gun in the doctor's hand and gulped back the urge to flee. Trying something while Dr. Madeline stared at her would be suicide.

The therapist cocked her head. "Why'd you choose mortuary science, Tessa? Why do you want to work with dead people?"

"Because the dead can't hurt me," she answered, unable to stop the flow of words. And live people, especially gun toting nuts like you and perverts like Dempsey and Stuart, have the ability to mortally wound me. She fisted her hands and glared at her captor. "It's safer that way."

"Oh, I see." The therapist made a note on her pad. "Well... I suspect that must be a residual affect from your stepfather's abuse."

"Probably so," Tessa answered, her mind whirring. This session was far from normal, but for some reason she couldn't stop answering the woman's questions. Was she that starved for attention? That desperate to be heard?

Dr. Madeline sent her a sideways glance. "Are you seeing anyone?"

"Yes. No." She shook her head. I can't say anything about Cash, especially since he's a detective. That might send the doctor into a tailspin.

The therapist lifted her brows. "Yes and no? Please... go on."

"Well..." Tessa swallowed and eyed the umbrella she'd pegged as a weapon, then jerked her gaze off it. She didn't want to give her plan away. "I-I almost went out with someone not long ago, but decided against it. I'm... I'm just too busy with school and work."

"You need to marry and settle down. Start a family."

"I'll do that later." She squirmed in her seat "Once I've finished school."

"We often think we have all the time in the world, when we really don't," Dr. Madeline said, pinning Tessa to the chaise with a bitter gaze. She lifted the gun. "Isn't that right, dear?"

"I-I guess so." Tessa went rigid. The therapist's persona had changed yet again, switching from curious doctor to angry villain in the blink of an eye. Who would she be next?

The doctor got up and paced back and forth, the pistol glinting each time she passed the window. "I've done my best to help you, Tessa."

"I-I know you have." Afraid not to give the woman affirmation, Tessa slid forward on the chaise, inch by inch, and prepared to drop her feet to the floor. "You've helped me be happy."

"Not lately." Dr. Madeline spun. "You've ignored me."

"That's not true." Tessa halted, afraid to move, not wanting to draw any more attention to herself. She had to get to that umbrella, and keeping the doctor pacing and calm was the only way. The more agitated the woman became, the more likely she'd shoot. "I readily took your call last week, when you told me you'd moved your practice here."

"You were just being nice." The therapist wagged the gun, then marched back across the room.

Tessa signed in relief and slid a little farther toward the edge of the chaise. "Wasn't your goal to rescue me from a terrible situation and help me grow up healthy and strong?"

"Of course it was," Dr. Madeline snapped, her eyes riveted to the plush carpet.

Tessa took advantage of the woman's temporary lapse to put her feet on the floor and transfer her weight to her heels. The desk was only a few feet away. If she could make a big enough leap...

The doctor whirled and shouted, "You work with dead people! How is that normal?"

"It's a job. Someone's got to do it."

"Not my Tessa." Dr. Madeline stalked toward her. "What are you doing?"

"I-I have a cramp." Tessa clutched at the back of her thigh, took a step to her right, and pushed herself to her full height. So much for subterfuge. "I need to stand up."

"Get back on the chaise," the woman cried. She raised the pistol and aimed it at Tessa. "Right now! Move."

"No!" Tessa shouted, diving for the umbrella. Her fingers hit it and sent it tumbling to the floor. She went after it.

A shot rang out...
--
Melanie Atkins
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EMILY'S NIGHTMARE--Coming August 1--Desert Breeze Publishing
DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL--Available now!--Desert Breeze Publishing
BLOOD RITE--Available now!--Whiskey Creek Press

Sizzling Kiss Contest Entry

Emma walks toward the front door, her feet brushing along the dusty concrete walkway. She focuses on staying just a step or two behind Jace. As they near the front door, he turns and looks her right in the eyes. Her abs tighten, though her stomach feels like vanilla pudding—goopy and dropping off in globs. Is he gonna to try to kiss her? She can’t let him kiss her, but why? She can’t remember.


His eyes. So blue. Blue like a perfectly calm lake at five in the morning. No. No kissing. Boys hurt girls, they always do. Avoid him just like every other guy who has tried. The scene runs through Emma’s mind, step by step, boy by boy.

• Step one: He gives that look.

• Step two: She smiles. She can’t help it.

• Step three. She stops flattering herself. He’s just playing some dumb game.

• Step four: He leans in.

• Step five: She pulls back and makes a random comment, pretending she didn’t notice the lean-in.

• Step six: Repeat as necessary.

It works every time. This time will be no different. “I had a really good time tonight,” Jace says, stepping closer to her.

“That’s just because my grandma didn’t try to figure out how we’re related. That scared the last boy off.”

He laughs and runs his fingers through his golden brown hair. Then he looks down at Emma—eyebrows raised, lips parted. Her red-stained lips pull up at the corners. And then…no lean in.

“Can I kiss you?”

Silence. This has never happened before. She thinks of what to say, how to get out of this one. Then, before she can speak, she feels his lips upon hers, soft at first then firmer. For one short second, she freezes. She tastes the subtle hint of powdered sugar from the donuts they ate on the way to her house. And then she relaxes, her lips moving against his. His arms slide across her back, pulling her closer until she can feel his chest moving in and out with each breath. Her fingers curl around bunches of his soft hair. She opens her lips, just slightly, and he nibbles on her lower lip just enough to wake her up.

Emma pushes back away from him. His eyes droop, hurt. “I…I’m sorry. I can’t…” She looks away.

He moves toward the bench by her front door and sits down. “You know, I don’t really want to go home yet. How about you tell more about your grandma?”

Her heart beats faster than normal, but she isn’t scared. She’s excited. “In a minute.” She sits down next to him, hearing nothing but the crickets and her own breathing.“How about one more kiss?”

The Sixth Key

will be released by Desert Breeze Publishing. "The Sixth Key" is a fantasy romance set in an alternate world.

Knocked down by a truck Riley wakes on another world. Her ex boyfriend Jothur has transported her there to help his people learn to shield their telepathic minds, although he doesn't tell Riley this. She dreams of two Jothurs, the blond boyfriend and a dark mysterious man. Danger threatens Riley and she flees to the Mutes. The non-psychic Mutes, led by Tynan, will be destroyed if Jothur's people learn to mind shield. Riley must use the Riddle of the Keys to learn the truth of Sacral's past and decide who to support in the battle for the future.

Publisher's Link for further information: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-324/The-Sixth-Key-Sue/Detail.bok

(Repost) Complete Sizzling Kiss Entry

“How’s the water?”I asked as he approached.


“Warm,” he said, smoothing the hair away from his face with both hands and positioning himself gracefully onto his stomach beside me on the blanket.“You should go for a swim.It feels great.”

I said nothing.He was facing the water, his chin propped on his crossed wrists.His body, glistening in the moonlight, was beautiful and distracting.He seemed to sense I was watching him and rolled to his side to face me.A shock of dark hair had fallen into his eyes.

“You seem anxious about something.”

“I know.”We sat looking at each other.I hadn’t taken my eyes off of his body since he came out of the water, and I suddenly remembered this and looked down at my hands, clasped around my legs.“Why did you agree to come?”I ventured.

“I don’t know.I guess I just felt like it tonight.”

“Felt like what?” I asked, unable to keep from watching him again.

“Swimming, being around people… being with you.”

“With me?” I chuckled.“Since when?”

He didn’t smile, and I couldn’t read his expression.

“Since tonight,” he said, more softly.“Why not?”

He sat up, leaning back on one arm.I felt foolish for laughing.I knew he was sincere, but that didn’t make it any easier to believe.

“Do you want anything more to eat?” I asked, very quietly, reaching into the basket that separated us.He stopped my hand, moving the basket away.I knew this look, and I had wanted it from him, but now that I had it I didn’t know what to do.I felt his other hand cup the side of my face, and I sensed him moving closer to me.I closed my eyes, stiffening slightly.

“Christine,” he said.I opened my eyes again.He was much nearer, his breath warm and sweet against my face.“Do you want this?” he asked.

I remember nodding involuntarily, the muscles of my neck jerking.

“Then relax.”

Then his lips were soft against my cheek, my forehead, my eyelids, and finally my mouth.It seemed to last forever. I felt the muscles in my body begin to melt, and become limp and watery, and my free hand reached for his chest, finding the wet skin and sliding slowly around his waist.He continued to kiss me, his fingers lost in the mass of hair at the back of my neck, and as his body began to fall away I followed it without realizing.When I opened my eyes again he was lying on his back, looking up at me, grinning. I found myself hovering over him, our faces close, one hand sliding over the chest I had only been looking at moments before.I smiled back after a moment, leaning to let our mouths meet once more.

“Christine,” he said softly.“Why didn’t I do that a long time ago?”

“I forgot to tell you how good a kisser I was.”

Sizzling Kiss Entry

He must have painted like crazy while she was at work. She ran her gaze over it. A tall painting, it was as though she stood in front of a mirror.


"What do you think?"

She nearly started at his voice so low and close to her side. She folded her arms and moved inches away. "I don't look that good."

"Yes, Ava, you do look that good. Better in fact."

She took a breath. "Well, that's very nice of you to say."

"I'm not being nice."

She looked up and he took her chin in his fingers.

"I'd like to paint you again, right now."

His gaze dropping to her lips made her tremble. She pulled her chin free. "In this?" She brushed the pink uniform she'd been wearing since dawn.

"In anything. I see beautiful all the time."

Her heart hammered. What was he doing? Her hands fluttered at her side. "So, about the girls..."

He stepped closer. "What about them?"

"Did you hear? They know who I am. I don't know how long they've known. I think Jody figured it out right away."

"She probably did." He stood so close their bodies nearly touched. She moved to push her hair over her shoulder and he caught her hand, running his fingers over hers to clasp them in his gentle grip. With his other hand he pushed the wayward strands behind her shoulder.

"Ethan..."

"Do you want to stay, Ava?"

Her heart pounded. "I--" Her voice caught.

"You could quit your job at the café, stay here with me and the girls, and paint."

"Paint?" What was he talking about?

He nodded. "You can sell your art. You don't need the café."

"Ethan, I told you I'd give you a divorce."

"You offered one. I didn't give you my answer."

She scoffed. "Your answer?"

A surge roared through her senses as his hand moved up her arm to her shoulder and his other arm touched her waist. Then both his hands moved down around her sides drawing her to him.

"Here's what I think about that. Ava, will you remarry me?"

She opened her mouth to speak, but the sheen in his eyes hushed her.

"I love you. I always will."

Her hands trembled at her sides. She tried to still them by resting them on his arms, and the action tightened his hold. She felt his heart banging against hers. Her whisper barely breathed. "Are you sure?"

And then his mouth pressed hers, bringing her to a place where her heart, her soul, her mind soared. Melding her to him, drawing her home, she hesitated only slightly before letting her own love pour into him.

It was like the man had never had a drink of water. His passion both filled and demanded. She felt his thirst.

"I love you, Ava." His words tumbled through her hair with his hands, on her, over her, around her. "I love you so. Don't leave."

Sizzling Kiss Entry

I shrieked at the cool water, trying to struggle free of his vice like grip, to no avail. Soon we were both laughing; I couldn’t remember the last time I had such abandoned silly fun. With all my training and fearing for my life there hadn’t been much time for that. After a minute I stopped laughing to find him staring at me with intense eyes. I could feel, and see—when I was able to take my eyes away from his—the energy all around us, tingling an electric heat where our skin touched. My arm was around his neck, and his around my back and under my legs as he held me in a cradled position. I could feel and hear his fast heartbeat in rhythm with my own.


“Keira, you have no idea what you do to me,” he said, shaking his head slightly.

“No I don’t. All I know is you’ve been treating me like a sister for the past couple months,” I said, breathing heavily.

He let my legs go and brought his free hand up to softly caress my cheek. I sighed. His tender touch ignited a thousand pangs of want in my stomach. Want that had been building layer upon layer over the time I’d known him. He kept the other arm securely around my lower back, holding me there.

“I thought if I did, things would be easier—We’re not supposed to be like this, you know,” he said quietly. I saw in his eyes that he was battling with himself. I didn’t know if he would kiss me or walk away. I held my breath, wishing with all my heart for him to stay.

He slid his hand from my cheek to tangle his fingers through my hair and I saw the moment he gave up the battle.

“Maybe just a taste,” he whispered as he slowly dropped his head and lightly brushed his lips across mine. The tingling radiated throughout my whole body, making my legs feel like jello. His lips pressed against mine, parting, taking the kiss a little deeper, but still soft and slow. My head spun with pleasure, the waves gently swayed us as we stood, wrapped up in each other and in the moment. I intertwined my fingers into his thick wavy hair, taking the kiss deeper. He pressed my body to his and I noticed how perfectly we seemed to fit, as if he were made for me and I for him. We eventually ended the kiss, opening our eyes to gaze at each other with labored breathing. He spoke first, breaking the silence.

“I should have kept treating you like a sister,” he said.

His words shocked me even more, “What, why?”

“Because after that, I won’t be able to give you up.”

I smiled, and felt weightless by the feeling his words put in my heart.

“Good, because I don’t want you to.”

Sizzling Kiss Entry

After lunch, we paid our bill and stopped in the ladies' room on the way out. While I waited I took a good look in the mirror and decided it was a fine day to be me. Then I had a seat on the countertop and thought about all of the perfumed women in their evening dresses and heels who would be reapplying their lipstick in that mirror tonight. Jill came out and took her time washing her hands and studying her teeth, telling me all of the activities she had planned for the afternoon. I was amazed by her energy.


"And so I probably won't get to see Billy tonight," she pouted. She stood in front of me and laid a hand on my right knee.

"This was fun," I said. "Let's do it again soon."

That glimmer was in her eye again. I almost knew what was going to happen. The room was deadly still, though I could hear movement out in the restaurant.

"What are you thinking?" I said quietly.

"How it would feel to be 18 again."

My stomach fluttered at the pressure of her other hand on my left knee. She moved closer, smiling, and I thought briefly of Jack. What would he think of this? Just the other day we had talked about getting married.

"What if someone comes in here?" I muttered.

"They won't," she said.

I closed my eyes and I could still see her smile, then her mouth was very delicately touching mine. It was warm and soft. The lips parted and I joined her. It was like a whole new roller coaster. I raised my fingers to her face and felt the warm skin, felt her jaw moving with mine, felt the pressure of her body against me. The intensity of my reactions surprised me. She moved in between my knees and slid her hands along the outside of my thighs. She felt so close I was suffocating, but I held her face and I continued to kiss her.

A noise outside the door finally startled me enough to pull away, and I opened my eyes. She was laughing at me again.

"Gosh, Layne, you’ve improved since college. Do you kiss Jack like that?"

My face felt hot and I pushed her away, chuckling at myself. She giggled and I slid off the counter.

"Why did you do that?" I said.

"Why not?"

Those words echoed her philosophy about life.

"Well, we'll keep this between ourselves, won't we?" I said.

"Whatever you say," she said. "But you know my number anytime you want to get together again." Then she winked and pulled out her lipstick.

Sizzling Kiss Entry

“How’s the water?” I asked as he approached.


“Warm,” he said, smoothing the hair away from his face with both hands and positioning himself gracefully onto his stomach beside me on the blanket. “You should go for a swim. It feels great.”

I said nothing. He was facing the water, his chin propped on his crossed wrists. His body, glistening in the moonlight, was beautiful and distracting. He seemed to sense I was watching him and rolled to his side to face me. A shock of dark hair had fallen into his eyes.

“You seem anxious about something.”

“I know.” We sat looking at each other. I hadn’t taken my eyes off of his body since he came out of the water, and I suddenly remembered this and looked down at my hands, clasped around my legs. “Why did you agree to come?” I ventured.

“I don’t know. I guess I just felt like it tonight.”

“Felt like what?” I asked, unable to keep from watching him again.

“Swimming, being around people… being with you.”

“With me?” I chuckled. “Since when?”

He didn’t smile, and I couldn’t read his expression.

“Since tonight,” he said, more softly. “Why not?”

He sat up, leaning back on one arm. I felt foolish for laughing. I knew he was sincere, but that didn’t make it any easier to believe.

“Do you want anything more to eat?” I asked, very quietly, reaching into the basket that separated us. He stopped my hand, moving the basket away. I knew this look, and I had wanted it from him, but now that I had it I didn’t know what to do. I felt his other hand cup the side of my face, and I sensed him moving closer to me. I closed my eyes, stiffening slightly.

“Christine,” he said. I opened my eyes again. He was much nearer, his breath warm and sweet against my face. “Do you want this?” he asked.

I remember nodding involuntarily, the muscles of my neck jerking.

“Then relax.”

Sizzling Kiss Entry

I saw him walk into the room and my heart burst, thumping a little more loudly in my chest. What was he doing here? I could hardly contain my surprise. The small cafe was my lunch hour sanctuary. I pried my eyes away from him trying to gain back my emotional composure. Although I had not moved, my hands were shaking, my heart was racing and my head was swimming. How could the appearance of a single person cause so much emotional upheaval? Why did I always get this strong yearning to run into his arms, to be as close to him as physically possible? I hardly knew him. The brief conversations we'd shared had been awkward at best.


I started as I realized my mind was unraveling. I exhaled, releasing the tightness I was holding in. My eyes were still transfixed on his strong, quiet physique as he walked across the restaurant.

I quickly left some money on the table and gathered my book and bag. I stood, a little light headed, and gave an assessing last glance at the table.

A shadow moved over the edge of the table, reflexively I looked up, stunned momentarily by the bluest eyes. They were a reflection of the sky with luminescent flecks of crystals looking down at me. He held my gaze for a moment. There was a tension in his eyes that I couldn't place. I hadn't seen him coming. I didn't know what to say, not that I could have said anything if I'd wanted to. My mouth was frozen with the rest of me. My body felt like ice with a fire burning deep within unable to melt the frozen burg holding me captive.

With confident intent he took hold of my arms and pulled me to him pressing his warm, soft lips to mine. I was dizzy with confusion. Overwhelmed. Blackness closed in around me and I realized I had closed my eyes. My arms moved as if controlled merely by my own desire. They slid under his arms and around the toned firm muscles of his back and grasped on tightly to his shirt. The fire that was entrapped a moment before exploded from within shattering the ice.

He wrapped his arms around me, holding me tighter. Sliding one arm up my back he cradled my head with his hand as he softly, but firmly kissed me. I could taste his warm breath and feel the hint of his tongue. I was almost wild with a need for more.

He stopped abruptly. As he pulled away I felt my head follow drawn like a gravitational pull. He inhaled deeply and looked into my eyes for a brief moment. There was something of a solace about the satisfied smile on his face as he walked away. I stood breathless on the verge of falling over in his wake.

And then he was gone.

Sizzling Kiss Entry

My first kiss with Jamie Spindrift was about on par with the Hindenburg disaster. We were standing in the hall and he looked deeply into my eyes. We both went in for the kill, and then I sneezed. My head flung back, my eyes shut, and then I head-butted his nose so hard that blood came gushing out like Old Faithful geyser. I found out later I had broken his nose. I was certain it was curtains for my kissing career. After all, who wants to kiss a girl who maims you for life and sneezes in your face? I might as well join a convent.


My second kiss with Jamie was little better. I had to applaud his guts for being willing to take a second chance. I was so petrified that I'd do some kind of hideous reprise that my kiss ranked next to chicken noodle soup and before gym socks. I might as well buy stock in Ben and Jerry's and a box-full of cats.

Number three kiss shot me into orbit. I had just seen Jamie go down the hall with Mitzi Banner. I went to the bathroom to have a short meltdown, when Mitzi came in telling everybody Jamie was a putz for turning her down for Winter Formal. When I came out of the bathroom, there he was, ambushing me.

Jamie said, “Hey, Chesin, did you finish your Geometry homework?”

But I heard, “Will you go with me to the Winter Formal?”

“YES! I'd love to!” I said, because I was temporarily an idiot and in need of duct tape.

The look on his face was more than a little confused, but overjoyed.

And then I was in his arms and he was saying he'd loved me since seventh grade when he saw me trying desperately to climb the stupid rope in gym class. Funny how I only remember falling on my butt over and over and how much it hurt. He remembered me getting up until I finally made it. I told him how ridiculous that was until he stopped my words with his lips.

There were parades with marching bands. Lions roared in the zoo. Flowers bloomed and meteors fell out of the sky. My head blossomed into heart-shaped confetti and rainbows flickered behind my eyes. And then I was drowning in his mint-flavored toothpaste with a touch of Proactive.

I could feel him smile as we rose to the surface for air. “You were worth the wait, Beckah,” he whispered. He kissed my cheeks and my knees stopped holding my body up. I nearly hit the floor but Jamie made a lucky save. He kissed me again, effectively ruining my prospects for walking to class, let alone home from school.

“I hate to think how much practice it took you to get this good at kissing.”

“No practice. I'm just gifted. Now make me glad I'm going to be late for English.”

And that's how I flunked my Geometry test.

Sizzling Kiss Entry

All her life she was teased about being spoiled but today, her wedding day, she would finally be spoiled. She would make sure she had something to remember Grier by before she married the Duke and all her fantasies were out of reach.


Elaira stretched up on her toes and clutched Grier’s Granite arms. She leaned in and pressed her lips against his. Her heart ricocheted inside her ribs. She’d dreamt about Grier taking her into his arms for so long…

Elaira stiffened. Grier’s arms weren’t touching her. He wasn’t kissing her. His lips pulled tight, not allowing her in. Elaira pushed her body against his, urging him to respond to her kiss. Nothing. Elaira gripped his thick arms tighter until her fingers ached as much as her heart ached from his rejection. Still he stood tall and stiff in his knight stance.

Her heart shattered falling to the hem of her obese gown. Maybe she’d misunderstood him all this time. Maybe she was just a job to him. Mortified, Elaira let her hands slid down Grier’s arms. She pulled her trembling lips off his and shrank back. She turned away, too embarrassed to look him in the eyes. “I’m sorry.” The words caught in her throat and she pushed back the need to run away crying.

“To hell with the rules,” Grier snarled.

His hands shot out and took hold of her waist. He pulled her back, crushing her body close to his, as close as her bloated wedding dress would allow. Elaira gasped, surprised by his sudden mood change. Her feet left the ground as he lifted her closer to his face. One hand glided up her back and took hold of the nape of her neck in a possessive grip. Her skin warmed under his rough callused hand. Elaira held her breath not sure if she could control the electricity pulsing beneath her skin. An azure light flared in his blue eyes. Her heart pounded

Grier dipped his head. He didn’t waste time claiming her lips. His mouth devoured hers. Every nerve inside of her burst to life. He pinched her lower lip between his teeth for a moment. Elaira moaned softly. Grier growled in response and deepened the kiss with his tongue. Her toes curled and she threw her arms around his neck, balling his shirt up in her fists. Grier’s fingers tangled in her hair; butterflies waltzed in her stomach as Grier consumed her. The room drifted away from them and all she could feel was his desire for her. She never wanted to let go of him. Her marriage could never compare to the bliss of having Grier.

Grier released her lips as swiftly as he took them. He set her on her feet and peeled himself away from her. Elaira didn’t let go of him for fear she would melt through the stone floor.

His cool, uneven breath brushed against her flushed cheek. “Don’t be sorry.”

Sizzling Kiss Entry

They stopped and even Rofes seemed to hold its breath. For the first time, Ishikarr allowed himself to freely gaze into Ryedor’s liquid blue eyes. The starlight lay in their abyss, shivering, glittering in their newfound home. The silver of the moon highlighted her fuchsia hair, casting a celestial halo. Ishikarr swallowed.


Neither spoke, not wishing to ruin the sacredness of the moment. Ishikarr brushed Ryedor’s hair back behind her ear, letting his fingers trail the full length before letting it float back to her chest. She was so soft, so warm. He stepped closer, watching her lips, leaning closer.

Before he expected to reach her, he felt her lips against his, soft, gentle, tentative. He waited, hoping against hope that she would return the kiss. It was as if she was testing him… but for what? The reality of his love? Patience? There was no problem with the first, but the second…

Oh, nar’Reos, how long would it take? Ishikarr was about to break away and back off when, at last, Ryedor threw her arms around his neck, pressing against Ishikarr as if he were her final lifeline. Her scent of lavender and clove washed over him like a drugging perfume. Rofes resumed its chorus, magnifying into a glorious crescendo that encircled them both in their first taste of what it meant to become a single entity. Ishikarr pressed further against Ryedor’s mouth, enjoying every detail of the moment as he simply lost himself in her embrace.

At last, far from satisfied, but at least a little appeased, they broke away and Ishikarr simply held her in his arms, laying his cheek on her forehead, unable to let the moment go just yet.

Sizzling Kiss Entry

He watched from the bar as she twirled on the dance floor. That sparkling red dress of hers had the most daring slits he had ever seen. Mark had told him that the girls in New York wouldn't be like the ones back home, but never in his wildest dreams had he expected to find one like her.

She strode straight over to him like a fish on his line. Her hips swayed with each step, her forward leg exposing itself as the shimmering fabric parted with her stride, her walk hypnotizing him until at last she was a breath away.

"This man wants to buy my next drink," she said to the bartender.

"What makes you so sure of that?" he asked her as his fingertips grazed over the ends of her volcanic red hair.

She leaned closer to him. His view of her cleavage had him half way to a coronary. "Tell me I'm wrong and I'll walk away. You aren't the only one here staring, you know."

"I've never known a lady brazen enough to presume that I'd buy her a drink."

"And I've never known a cowboy so bent on questioning my motives. Maybe you need to be branded." Her fingertips stroked the back of his neck. He gasped as a surge of heat rippled down his spine. He was about to flee, but then her lips were on his.

There was a sweetness that he had never tasted before. It put honey, sugar, and maple all to shame. Then there was the warmth. He could taste the memories of hot summer days riding across the back forty on Maggie, his first horse. Damn he had loved that mare!

His thoughts were decimated by yet another level of her kiss. Her body was pressed against his. He could feel her fingers on his bare chest as she forced his shirt open. The eyes of the crowd locked on them. She was like no woman he had ever known before.

Suddenly every last strand of hair on his body was rigid and upright. Little bolts of static shocks from her fingertips which circled his nipples appeared to be the cause. He wanted to pull away and make the pain stop. He wanted to button up his shirt and not be turned into a peep show for the oversexed city folk.

At least, that's what he kept trying to tell himself that he wanted. His body seemed to have abandoned the sense and reason of his mind. His hands had landed firmly on her rear and were prepared to defend this claimed territory for all it was worth, which was surely a lot because it was the most amazing set of cheeks.

His groping fueled her enthusiasm. Her kiss heated up even more. There was passion, energy, and power. This was not at all what it was like to kiss a mere woman. No, this was what it must be like to kiss a bolt of lightning.

Sizzling Kiss Entry

Struggling to keep a stern face, Sharon poked his chest, “Watch your mouth, mister.”

Jimmy placed his hands on her hips and tugged her closer, staring into her eyes. "What are you gonna do about it?"

She wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. "I don't know. Some form of punishment where you can't use your mouth for profanity."

He brushed his lips over her cheek. "Maybe put it here?"

Her skin tingled where he touched it. "Maybe..."

"Or here?"

His lips barely touched hers, and she wanted more. "That's a good spot."

The teasing was over. He tasted like beer and cigarettes and everything forbidden. His arms around her were strong, and the body she pressed herself against muscular and hard. If an asteroid hit Earth and eradicated all life, she'd die pretty happy.

Thoughtful Thursday

I'm thinking that I wish I knew then what I know now and thankful that I know more today than I did yesterday.

What am I wishing I'd known? Visit my favorite male cover model, who just happens to be more than eye candy. (If you aren't a subscriber to InD'Tale EMagazine, you might want to be.) Anyway, Jimmy does a lot of book cover art --- from planning the photo shoots, to being the male model in the shoot, to choosing the shots and building the cover art. Quite a talented guy! And you thought he wasn't any more than a pretty face -- well, let me rephrase that -- more than a hunk. Jimmy is a businessman in his own right. http://www.romancenovelcovers.com/
http://www.modelmayhem.com/12159/
http://www.jimmythomas.com/

Anyhow, his article in InD'Tales this month is on using the right color on your book cover. Of course, his examples are all his work in at least one of the ways mentioned above, but his knowledge extends to covers like the one that will grace my book this fall. (No, he is not doing my cover...)

Here's hoping that the cover artist agrees...

Now on to what I know now that I didn't that I'm thankful for...
Those who have labored for many hours answering grammatical questions for my writing will be happy to learn that some of it is finally sinking in. When an author friend of mine, that I totally respect, asked a question as to --- is the right word "who's company" or "whose company", unlike days of old, I didn't sit here scratching my head. Instead I found myself explaining that depending on the meaning-- if the noun belongs to someone it is "who's" and if you are talking about 'spending time with' it is "whose."

Woo-who for learning something everyday! What have you learned today?

Wishing Wednesday

I wish, I wish...what do you wish?
If you had a genie in a lamp, what would you wish for?

I wish I could afford this guy (Jimmy Thomas)...his photos anyway. He has been on over 3,000 Romance Novel bookcovers...for the cover art on my soon to be released book.
I wish... how do you beat that one? That I could say I have met him...Jimmy, we have more than one mutual acquaintance.
I wish... I don't dare keep this one a secret 'cause  a few of you would get the wrong idea... I wish that my book, Dark Days of Promise would have mega sales.

If I give the genie and his lamp to you. What will you wish for?

Top 5 things I can't leave home without.

Maybe that should read: 5 Things I Shouldn't leave home without.

Okay, so I've been ignoring things in the house in favor of soaking up the sun. (Including this blog) Who hasn't? But if you like following blog trails, this is one you may enjoy. http://pattyfroese.com/?p=2787

Patty makes me laugh so be sure to check her blog for her list. Here's mine...
1 - Keys. don't want to count how many times I've locked mysself out ---of the house, the car, the shed, the mailbox. (No, I don't spend a lot of time in the last two, but dang I hate going back for the keys...)_
2 - My Kindle. Books don't fly --- especially over water!!!! (See a previous post for proof!)
3 - Water bottle --- Learned this one the dry way while living in the desert near Las Vegas -- oh, and it helps to have water in the bottle!
4 - My list. There is nothing worst (except for the above mentioned) than forgetting that most important errand, item or neccesary at the store.
and
5 - Morning scripture reading and prayers. ---don't smirk --- I find that my day goes much better, and I remember the first five things...

Mysterious Monday

Today's mystery is where have the entrys for the Sizzling Kisses run to? as of July 9th, I have only recieved one entry. Space reserved for entrys will now be used for other posts but the contest will remain open just in case the winner is waiting until the last moment. In the mean time, enjoy your summer vacation as I am. I will try to get back more often for interesting posts for you.

Sizzling Kiss Contest Entry

He pulled her in close and she banged into his hard chest. Not sure what possessed her she rose on her tip toes and kissed him hard on the lips. Although cold they sent a heat wave surging down to her toes. His tongue snacked out licking her eager lips turning her insides to hot lava. Opening her mouth she let him explore inside dueling with his brazen tongue. He pulled her closer deepening the kiss more causing a moan to escape from deep in her throat. With an abrupt push he stepped away. She gazed into wide teal eyes. Man she knew he had to be a good kisser but she never expected to be carried into a different orbit.

"What did we just do?" He stepped away from her but his eyes studied her lips as she licked them.

"We kissed, dummy."

"I know but why did you do that?"

"Why did you let me and more importantly why did you kiss me back?" Victoria wanted to do it again and never stop.

"You took me off guard. We were sharing our grief and we got carried away."

Happy 4th!

I honestly can't say why I remember those who have given so much so I and mine can live free more today than on Veterans Day or Memorial Day. Maybe it is more of a celebration of life and living, more noise and more memories for me. Whatever the reason, I must send a major thanks to the men and women I know, and those I remember, "Thank you, thank you."


It is for you that I write and for you that I built my first published story of fiction. The book, Dark Days of Promise will be released later this year (2012) in September. For you that are here, I am aware that I will never know or even begin to understand the part of you that you left behind or the pain that fills that void.

None of us that have never slept in the jungles or on the hot sand or worn a buddy's blood for days wanting a shower will understand. The noise of the big city will never compare with the screaming bombs, ear shattering grenades or pounding roar of enemy fire. Nor will the quiet of a friendly desert be the same as the hot sands bordering enemy territory. But I will try to remember and tell others that life does go on for the brave that come home carrying the traumatic stress of battle.

The Sizzling Summer Contest

"The Sizzling Summer Contest" starts today!

The contest runs July 1st through July 31st.
Voting (by readers) will open July 29th and run through August 4th.

Have you got a kiss you'd like to share? Have you got what it takes to write a Sizzling Kiss?
You are invited to participate in sharing your best Sizzling Kiss.

1) Submit your "Sizzling Kiss" as an attachment to shassidy@comcast.net between July 1 and July 31. (Yes, polish that kiss.)
2) Include "Sizzling Kiss" in the subject line of your email.
3) Entrys are to be between 100 and 500 words.
4) Sign your kiss with your first name and blog link.
    Limit: one entry per blog addy.

I am looking for at least ten (10) submissions/entries. If I get at least that many, there will be a prize awarded in addition to having your "Sizzling Kiss" posted here (with your name). The winner will receive a romantic suspense E-book, Dark Days of Promise by yours truly, due to be released in September.

Don't be shy. Now remember, this is just a kiss, not a bedroom scene. No erotica, I'm not allowed to post such so keep it sweetly warm and borderline sensual. Erotica will be disqualified. Published work cannot be submitted for contest.Now remember, we have several examples of kisses already posted here. You are welcome to go back and read them.




Remember, the dead line is July 31st. Send your submission, limited to a single scene to mailto:shassidy@comcast.net  as an attachment. I must have at least 10 entries. All entries (except those that are erotic) will be posted here for voting the end of July and first of August. You must be a follower of this blog to vote and your vote/comment must be signed to match your follower tag.

Saturday Simmers with May Williams' Cape May Serenade

Blurb:

Brad Stevens thinks he has life just where he wants it. He's back living in his hometown, restoring a house he loves, and building his carpentry business. When Carolyn Kent, a former USO singer, comes to Cape May one summer to perform, Brad's simple life gets complicated. He finds it easy to love Carolyn, but keeping her may be a difficult job. She has ambitions as a singer that could take her far from him. Will Brad's love and life in a beautiful seaside resort be enough to tempt Carolyn to stay or will she follow her dreams back to the big city?
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-314/Cape-May-Serenade-May/Detail.bok


Excerpt:

Carolyn nearly burst with excitement when Brad finally pulled into his driveway and parked his truck next to the workshop. Not seeing her, he swung over the wooden side of the truck's bed and grabbed a large box of tools. She rushed to him, waving a letter in her hand when he dropped back to the ground.

"Brad, you're finally home." She launched herself into his arms. The box of tools clattered onto the ground, but they barely heard it during the kiss that followed.

"A man could get used to this kind of welcome home."

She slid down the front of his body. "I thought you'd be home earlier. I've missed you so much."

After a drink with Brad the other night, she left him and returned to the Grand Cape May to reason with her parents. They rebuffed her attempts to explain her relationship with Brad, and the next morning they were simply gone when she went to find them after breakfast. A job took Brad up the coast for a few days and left her too much time to think about him and the problem with her parents.

"I missed you and this." He swooped in for another kiss and ran his fingers through her hair.

"Ummm, you smell of wood and apple pie." Carolyn nuzzled his neck.

"Pie's in the cab. I don't always get paid in cash." He ran his hand down her back and over her bottom, tugging one of her legs up to wrap around his waist. "Why don't you come inside and have some pie with me?"

"Tempting." For a moment she was caught in a wave of heat and desire, then she remembered her reason for coming and pushed him back. "I want to show you my letter, and I don't have much time before tonight's show." He took the letter from her hand and scanned the contents. "I'm being offered a chance to record a demo in New York. Don't you see? This is what I've been hoping for."

"I'm happy for you." With his usual smile and a congratulatory kiss, he handed her the letter. "When do you go?"

"Early tomorrow. Eddie was able to call in a favor with another singer to cover for me."

"Will you be gone long?" He bent over to pick up the scattered tools.

"Through the weekend. I'll be back on Monday in time for my show." She squatted next to him to see his face, but she couldn't read his expression. "Brad, you are happy for me, right?"

"Yeah, of course," he reassured her. "It's what you want. I'm just imagining how you're going to knock'em dead."

"I hope so."

"I know you will." He hoisted the toolbox to his shoulder and walked to the workshop. "You'll be signing a recording deal before the weekend's over."

"Wouldn't that be wonderful? I've spent so much time wishing for this. I can't believe I finally get the chance."

"Will you stay with your parents in Manhattan?"

"I think it's best. Maybe I can talk to them, and they live close to the studio where I'll be recording." Carolyn leaned in the open door of the workshop while Brad returned tools to their places. "Why don't you come up over the weekend? How long's it been since you were in New York?"

"I have a few army buddies in the boroughs. We get together every few months."

"Then you're no stranger to the city. Please come."

"I don't know. I have a lot of work to do here." He gestured to the house with the hammer he held.

"Promise me you'll think about it at least. I'll leave their address with you." She glanced at the clock over his workbench. "I better get back for my evening performance, then I have to pack and be at the train station early."

"How long will it take you to pack tonight?"

"Not long. Why?"

"I'll pick you up at eleven."

She cocked her head to one side. "I have to catch the train at seven in the morning."

"Then we'll have eight hours before you go to be together." He came to her and rested his hands on her hips. "I want you to spend the night with me here."

"I can't look tired." She gazed into the depths of his gray eyes. Passion was there along with something she couldn't quite identify. Was it sadness or worry?

"I'll let you sleep -- some. And if I do my job right, you'll glow from head to toe." He put a soft kiss on her forehead.

http://www.amazon.com/May-Williams/e/B005KVEZNC/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Sizzle from "Decision to Love"

By: Michelle Sutton      
We ran out of Sundays for Michelle to Sizzle. This one is available on Amazon kindle and Nook It will be in paperback in July.

She gazed at him. Her attention slid to his lips. The signal sent a rush of warmth through him. She was giving him a signal he hadn't seen in a very long time. She wanted him to kiss her.

The parking lot was virtually empty, and except for a few cars scattered about, they were alone. He inched closer and rested his hands on her shoulders. She tilted her chin up and held his gaze.

For the first time in his life he was almost afraid to kiss her. He didn't want to lose her, but he didn't want to revert to the lover boy persona that charmed women in the past. He wanted to be real with her, and not worry about impressing her with his skills. He wanted to express his feelings of love for her. He just wanted her.

She didn't inch forward, but simply waited for him to make the next move. His throat suddenly parched, he forced himself to move past the fear and kiss her, hoping it would relax his nerves.

Lowering his head, he brushed his lips against hers. She had the softest, most pliable lips he'd ever made contact with, and he didn't want to stop. But after several long moments, he leaned back and gazed into her eyes. He had never kissed a woman so gently and yet with such passion before.

Charla smiled at him and said, "That was nice."

It was beyond nice, but he didn't want to say that. Who knew that a closed-mouth kiss would stir him so deeply? He wanted to kiss her again, but didn't want to rush things if it would upset her.

They needed to go slow if their relationship was going to last. Yet, he'd never wanted anything more in his life, and his voice sounded breathless as he said, "I would like to do that again."

She said in a tender voice, "I would like that, too."

Cupping her face, he lowered his mouth to hers again, and this time he moved his lips over hers. His heart pounded like never before and he knew for certain that he loved this woman. He loved her in a deeper way than he'd ever loved before.

His kiss had been motivated by love, and not just passion. Though his blood stirred and his body responded to her touch, this time it wasn't about lust.

Charla sighed against his lips and ran her fingers through his hair. He nearly wept from the pleasure her gentle touch brought. He never thought he'd fall in love again.

When he broke the kiss, he peered into her eyes and said, "I love the way I feel when I'm with you, Charla. I believe God gave you to me as a gift, and I will treasure you always."

Her eyes welled with tears and she smiled. He pulled her into his arms and rested his chin on the top of her head. Yes, his love for her ran deep, and yet they had only been dating two months. Granted, they'd spent nearly every day together over the past few weeks, and they enjoyed each other's company, but what he felt as he held her in his arms made him think about forever.

Michelle Sutton - Healing Hearts - fiction making an impact on real lives...

new titles releasing in 2012... Decision to Love, It's Not About Her, Somebody Love Me,

Out of Time, and Surprise Love    You can find me here...

Thoughtful Thursday

One of the regular readers here made an interesting observation recently. We all know we are gearing up for a month of Sizzling Kisses, but this viewer asked (indirectly) if there was such a thing as a bad kiss. That depends on ones point of view. A couple of weeks ago, a kiss was shared on Simmering Saturday, (you can click on it on the Menu to the left.) From the character's POV that instigated the kiss, "hey, it was a kiss -- a means to an end," while from the receiving characters POV it most likely bordered on the prelude to rape. A bad kiss? Out of context, yes probably. But if you know the background of these characters, not so bad and yes maybe even a little siz...
Just a thought as you prepare your kisses for July.
Good luck and I/we are looking forward to reading them all!
(Watch for Kiss Contest on the Menu to scroll through them when you visit.)

On your laptop, Get writing, Enter!

The Sizzling Summer Contest is days away-- Sunday, July 1st starts the month of Sizzle!
Okay, so you want to know what's in it for you...how about an Amozon Gift card? The winning entry will recieve a $10.00 gift card.
Now remember, I don't get to vote---you do (the voting will open the end of the month.) But you must be a follower to vote but anyone can enter! Contest rules will be posted Sunday, July 1st and occasionally throughout the month.
Published kisses, even self-published kisses CANNOT be entered, so if you happen to read a kiss that you know is published elsewhere, be sure to let me know. (That means none of mine are allowed 'cause I've shared them here on my blog.) Authors are allowed to enter as well as those sharing that first romantic kiss of their lives. Some authors can't write a sizzling kiss to save their books so don't be intimidated! I'm still learning how to use this tool!
I even have a "booby" prize for worst kiss, so don't dispair. Instead-- write, polish, edit, research the "how tos" and Sizzling Kisses already posted here and give it your best shot. Who knows, maybe you will be the next incredibly awesome author on the New York Best Seller list!

Mysterious Monday Suspense with Deliverance from Evil

Excerpt by permission of Melanie Atkins:

Dempsey Spencer. Just as ugly dead as alive.

Tessa Doucet reeled back a step and stared at the flabby, tattooed body stretched out on Maurice's embalming table. One minute she'd been talking to Maurice about avoiding covering up the snake tattoo on the man's neck when she applied makeup to his set features, and the next she had glimpsed his face.

Her stepfather. The vile scum who'd taken away her innocence and gone to prison because of it. He'd been out of Angola for only a month and had already knocked on her door claiming he wanted to apologize, but she'd turned him away. That sick son of a bitch.

And now he's dead.

Relief splashed over Tessa in an icy wave. She drew in a steadying breath and glanced up at Maurice, a tall, angular, mahogany-skinned man with dexterous hands and a gentle manner.

He cocked a brow. "Is something wrong, Tessa?"

"Um... I-I don't think I can help you with this one."

"Unfortunately, you do not have a choice," he said in his musical Jamaican lilt, his dark eyes gleaming.

"His funeral is tomorrow, and I must leave in a few minutes to meet Ella at the airport. So I will need your help to complete the embalming process."

"Maurice--"

"What is the problem, child?"

"He's... he's..." She let the word trail away. If she refused to help him with Dempsey, she'd have to say why, and she wasn't sure she could reveal what her stepfather had done all those years ago. Besides, she didn't want Maurice to be late picking up Ella.

The mortician wiped his hands on a cotton cloth and tossed it beside the sink. "Go on."

"No. N-never mind." She lifted her chin. "I'll deal with it."

"Thank you, dear one." He winked at her and undid Dempsey's belt. "Ella will much appreciate my presence at baggage claim. She will have plenty of luggage to drag home."

"You should definitely be there to help her," Tessa said, her stomach roiling as Maurice adjusted the sheet covering her stepfather. "Is her mother feeling better?"

"Apparently, considering the amount of shopping they managed to do. Hopefully this will be Ella's last venture to Atlanta for a while."

"I hope so, for your sake."

"You do not think I make a good bachelor?" He laughed, his dulcet tones warming her blood. He retrieved the instrument tray from the counter by the sink and rolled it over to the embalming table. "Time to get started."

"All right." Nausea swirled in her stomach as she sidled closer. Maurice would first suture her stepfather's mouth closed, and then insert a mouth former to make him look natural. Dempsey's mottled face mocked her. She waved her hand in his direction and fixed her eyes on Maurice. "Wh-what happened to him? Why is his face so red?"

"I do not know. The coroner said he suffered a heart attack."

She nodded. Somehow, Dempsey dying of something as simple as a heart attack seemed wrong. He had lived a violent life... so didn't he deserve a violent death?

The warmth in her body disappeared the second Maurice turned away to wash his hands and don a pair of non-latex gloves. "I will embalm him and leave you to wash the body and do his hair and makeup. Can you handle that?"

"Yes." She glanced back at her stepfather, the man who had caused her so much pain. She didn't want to touch him, but she had no choice if she were going to help Maurice. Once she had finished embalming Dempsey, she would roll him to get him back into his shirt, coat, and pants, and then slather makeup on his ugly face and comb his scruffy halo of gray hair.

A river of disgust cascaded down her spine. The embalming room had always been a welcoming workspace, but today it seemed incredibly cold and sterile. Frightening, even. And all because of the monster on the table.

Melanie Atkins

Blog Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest
DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL--Coming in June--Desert Breeze Publishing
QUEST FOR JUSTICE--Available now!--Desert Breeze Publishing
BLOOD RITE--Available now!--Whiskey Creek Press

Blurb:


Tessa Doucet chose to go into mortuary science because the dead can't hurt her. Then a monster from her past turns up on her embalming table, and she's forced to confront the demon she thought she'd put to rest. Flummoxed by the case Tessa stirs up, Detective Cash Starkey finds himself falling for her, even though he swore to keep his distance. He doesn't want a relationship, especially not with a woman running from her past. Yet when Tessa's life is threatened, he runs into the fray, and together they defeat her demons and put the past behind them.

Buy link: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-301/Keller-County-Cops-Book/Detail.bok

http://melanieatkins.wordpress.com/

Sunday Sizzle

This is from Out of Time (releasing in mid June 2012 -- this inspirational has a sensual rating)
Excerpt used by permission of author, Michelle Sutton.

Tears filled her eyes and she covered her mouth. "It's so beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you are," he whispered. "Can I help you put it on?"

She nodded and lifted her hair so he could clip the chain without it getting caught in back.

He leaned close as he put the necklace on her. She could smell his minty breath and felt its warmth on her cheek. Now would be a good time to give him a real kiss, right? Her heart pounded as she slowly turned her head.

Donny lowered his arms once the necklace had been secured. She dropped her hair and studied him, noting how he hadn't moved away from her like he often did.

Maybe it was the fact they were dressed up and ready to go out that had her nervous.

She'd been this close to Donny a number of times, but had never felt scared before. Not like she did right now.

His gaze dropped to her lips, but he made no attempt to close the space between them.

When he did kiss her, it was often a brief peck when he picked her up or brought her home. He'd kept his hands to himself and treated her with complete respect.

She admired his restraint, but for once she wished he couldn't control himself. It would make things so much easier for her right now. What would he think if she kissed him first?

Rather than waiting until she lost her nerve, she plunged ahead and said, "Merry Christmas."

He smiled, until she inched closer.

Her lips captured his with as much emotion as she could offer. Her fingers tangled in the hair at the nape of his neck and she pulled him closer. The scent of his aftershave made her dizzy with desire. Whatever scent he wore on his skin made him even more irresistible.

With a soft moan in his throat, Donny tugged her closer. He parted his lips like he wanted to taste her and ran his tongue over her lips. She relaxed in his arms while his tongue slipped inside and explored. What a heady, sensual feeling they made as their mouths moved over each other in a way that made her pulse pound. She could get lost in the sensation of their lips caressing and his tongue gliding over hers in an intimate dance.

To get even closer, she scooted until she sat on his lap. She couldn't miss his arousal, which made her passion spark to life until she groaned.

Parts of her body heated that she never knew kissing could ignite. She felt herself contemplating things they could do right now. Things she'd told herself they would not do. So why had she changed her mind? His kisses were like a drug, and she was hooked.

The way he kissed her made her rules seem silly. Kissing shouldn't feel this good, but it did. In fact, kissing Donny was sinfully delicious. Their contact was so sensual and alluring; she couldn't help but want to experience more. This was the reason she needed to stay away from him. She never should have opened the door through sensual kissing. Now it was too late.

He shifted on the couch as she eased away from him. He captured her gaze and said, "Wow. Was that my Christmas gift?"

She licked her lips and moved so she sat up straight and in the process she'd inched a bit further from him. She knew if she didn't create some space between them soon they would get into serious trouble.

"Yeah, it was."

Donny ruffled his bangs and blew out a tense breath. "What took you so long?"

She blinked. "What do you mean?"

He shrugged. "I've been waiting for months for you to feel comfortable enough to kiss me, and wow, when you finally did, it was enough to set me on fire."

A shy grin tugged at her lips. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to tease you."

"Don't be sorry. It was amazing. Maybe because I wasn't expecting it."

"Maybe." She grinned. "Or maybe our chemistry is just right."

His eyes grew serious as he studied her a moment. "I'm not sure what to do about my feelings for you. They keep growing. You said you didn't want to be more than friends. Have you changed your mind? 'Cause I am so ready for more if you are."



You can buy Out of Time (in June) HERE