tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66619054082134393202024-03-05T19:09:50.617-07:00Whitley GrayAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04256076956809024508noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-17765732170805013752016-12-21T20:33:00.001-07:002016-12-21T20:33:17.448-07:00Left Behind and Douglas Black
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVktigAFxo3HST6XQwdxl0QArjJbrt_QOv4gObsgZ5cuBPpxOU5zvUaOGBV8aN1wyC1oEexGf9xSCc4G2t1urRB2l2vYAo6uhzsS8ihDFDUb9pHNzx2A9TtU4ZM9wbjQxqQf93hlOOHkw/s1600/LeftBehindFinal.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVktigAFxo3HST6XQwdxl0QArjJbrt_QOv4gObsgZ5cuBPpxOU5zvUaOGBV8aN1wyC1oEexGf9xSCc4G2t1urRB2l2vYAo6uhzsS8ihDFDUb9pHNzx2A9TtU4ZM9wbjQxqQf93hlOOHkw/s1600/LeftBehindFinal.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Left Behind </span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">is
an MM erotic romance set in the Scottish Highlands. It is the first book in my
new <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Abducted Hearts </i>series that is
being released as part of Loose Id Publishing’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Three for the Holidays </i>range. Book Two, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Highland Gathering</i>, is coming soon and the final installment, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Haunted Heart</i> will release in February!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blurb<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stewart is instantly attracted to Gary, but he isn’t sure
he’s ready to date again. Gary wants Stewart, but he doesn’t think Stewart will
stick around when he finds out the secret Gary is hiding.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Faced with the prospect of spending
Christmas alone with his daughter, Havana, in the house he used to share with
his husband, widower Stewart Robertson heads north to a campsite in Glen Coe in
the Scottish Highlands. There, he meets Gary James, an American
parapsychologist with beliefs very different to Stewart’s own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The sexual attraction is instantaneous,
and overwhelming, and when Gary asks Stewart to spend Christmas with him and
his friends in Fort William, Stewart agrees. Knowing next to nothing about each
other, the two quickly start a physical relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stewart, emotional, angry and still
reeling from the recent death of his husband, doesn’t know if he’s ready to
start dating again, but he can’t deny that he wants Gary, a man who is keeping
a secret that threatens to derail any chance of a happy ending before they even
get started.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Excerpt</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With nothing left to distract his
attention, Stewart was out of reasons not to investigate. He went back to the
door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He slid the dead bolt back silently,
then, barely breathing with the effort of willing the hinges not to creak, he
swung the door open just enough to squeeze through. It closed silently behind
him, and he took a moment to enjoy the view that had greeted him every morning
for the last three days. Trees towered above, maintaining the illusion of
nighttime darkness a little longer. Beyond, those dark gray mountains were
cloaked in heavy fog. The air felt damp. It had rained overnight and more was
forecast, but not until evening. Everything was peaceful, still, and calm.
Everything, that was, apart from whatever that was Stewart could see moving out
of the corner of his eye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He turned, taking another silent step
closer to the fire pit and the edge of his little corner of wilderness. From
his new position, he could see the kata closest to his. Number four. Through
the trees, he found the source of the disturbance. A man was standing on the small
area of decking outside kata number four, completely naked and apparently
engaging in an attempt to contort his body into a position Stewart was pretty
certain the human body wasn’t supposed to be able to assume. Anyone would stare
at such a display of madness, but there was another reason Stewart couldn’t
tear his eyes away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The man was stunning. Long dark hair,
tanned skin, dark eyes. And built like a brick shithouse. Six feet something
and easily two hundred and forty pounds of what appeared to be solid, if very
flexible, muscle. Broad shoulders, strong arms, solid abs and bulky thighs,
and, although Stewart shouldn’t have been looking, a healthy-sized cock despite
the ice-cold morning air. Stewart was knocked off-kilter by a sudden punch of
attraction that thwacked him hard in his chest and stomach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stewart knew he should start moving,
head back to the sanctuary of the kata, where the windowless structure would
save him from temptation, but he couldn’t convince his feet that walking away
would be a good idea. He continued to stare as the man moved out of a position
Stewart had no means of naming, and began to stretch his arms slowly skyward.
Stewart took in the dark hair covering the man’s chest, his forearms, and legs.
And then his attention was drawn back to the man’s crotch, and the thump of
attraction came again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It had been so long since he’d looked
at a naked man in any other circumstance than via his laptop screen late at
night. The last man he slept with was Archie, and it had taken him the better
part of a year to be able to masturbate without thinking he was behaving
inappropriately. As though pleasuring himself with Archie gone was as low as it
was possible to stoop, like he was cheating.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That guilt was there now, accompanied
by the guilt of blatantly checking out a man who surely thought he was alone.
Stewart forced his gaze briefly to the ground. He was just so fucking lonely.
So lonely it hurt. He focused on the man again. Still stretching, holding the
position, eyes closed, and shoulders reflecting his deep breathing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stewart wanted to know how it would
feel to be held in those strong arms, what it would feel like to move
underneath and with that heavy bulk. He wanted the man to—The thought jolted
Stewart back to reality. He wasn’t going there. He couldn’t. That would
definitely be cheating, and even if that situation were to present itself,
Stewart knew he would have to bail. He wouldn’t be able to take another man to
bed. And yet, in the back of his mind and in the pit of his stomach, that
craving held strong, that old hunger. He shook his head as if that would clear
the thoughts. It didn’t, but it did remind him that he was potentially seconds
away from getting caught. He stole one last glance before bolting for the door
of the kata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He let himself inside, not bothering to
take the time or sense to close the door quietly. It slammed shut, waking
Havana and no doubt alerting the man outside to the fact he had briefly had an
audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Author Bio<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Born
and raised in bonnie Scotland, Douglas Black writes contemporary MM erotic
romance. Welcome to your fantasy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><strong>Author Contact Links</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="https://douglasblackerotica.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> ~*~ <a href="https://twitter.com/DBlackErotica" target="_blank">Twitter</a> ~*~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Douglas-Black-1632968396841732/timeline/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><strong>Buy Link</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7HX9PU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481905355&sr=8-1&keywords=douglas+black+left+behind" target="_blank">Amazon</a> ~*~ <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-leftbehind-2190891-149.html" target="_blank">ARE</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9o5PWxZTfKuiXX52tFE0I5jNMlmM36Wvq4z7SduEsxcDmIr_nEl94tJACvuofcMsKogzfoT47-5EY8sAXxHmMgOxYu_EomtiI_spvHFOc_5yQrnxDy516mFWJhOBTchhIYEHtB1BRjo/s1600/LeftBehindBanner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9o5PWxZTfKuiXX52tFE0I5jNMlmM36Wvq4z7SduEsxcDmIr_nEl94tJACvuofcMsKogzfoT47-5EY8sAXxHmMgOxYu_EomtiI_spvHFOc_5yQrnxDy516mFWJhOBTchhIYEHtB1BRjo/s400/LeftBehindBanner.jpeg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span><br />
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Coming soon from <a href="http://www.loose-id.com/abducted-hearts-1-left-behind.html" target="_blank">Loose Id</a>: Abducted Hearts</h3>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04256076956809024508noreply@blogger.com1United States37.241526647712988 -104.2277669906616211.719492147712987 -145.53636099066162 62.763561147712991 -62.919172990661622tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-35768966342454367052016-02-06T16:20:00.001-07:002016-02-06T16:20:08.536-07:00Crashing Blue: Francisco Cabot gives a glimpse into what makes him tick<br />
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Today Della Boynton is here with her new release, Crashing Blue. A great character interview, blurb, and excerpt!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMINjVp1Fp-vIoYzLEMZBwM0e7Mgwcu2UnZ2g9OzTYC5oyxoavC_ibo7rKwbeTERRM5ejDjDQVdquMwZ4D7E4-uRhaeO_pJXWDdLr8RXglfompTf3NePcOaNPgnVS5MacNrA8BvqnznX8/s1600/DB_CrashingBlue_coverin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMINjVp1Fp-vIoYzLEMZBwM0e7Mgwcu2UnZ2g9OzTYC5oyxoavC_ibo7rKwbeTERRM5ejDjDQVdquMwZ4D7E4-uRhaeO_pJXWDdLr8RXglfompTf3NePcOaNPgnVS5MacNrA8BvqnznX8/s400/DB_CrashingBlue_coverin.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">What’s
your name and your job? </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">My name’s Francisco Cabot, but I don’t get to use
it much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an undercover narc for the
police, it wouldn’t be smart for anyone to know who I really am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Is
work everything you’d hoped it would be? Why or why not?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Of course I feel deep satisfaction helping put
scum in jail, but I’m always aware that there are more out there. I could spend
my life going after drug lords and murdering bastards. I have job security. It
can depress the hell out of me if I think about it too much.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">What
is your biggest strength? Your biggest weakness?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">My biggest strength is my ability to be a hard
core bastard myself. I can slip that personality on like a coat. I can’t
infiltrate the worst of the worst if I can’t pretend to be like them myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have any weaknesses. Well, okay, I
guess I do have one. I need to keep firmly in mind who I’m trying to save.
Living in filth, you can forget what clean is like. Sometimes I look at a
little kid playing, some lady walking her dog, or a guy going to work and I
think, ‘I kept them safe by taking a drug dealing bastard off the street.’
Makes me feel like Superman, sometimes; a really dark, bad-ass Superman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">If
you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">You probably mean my hair or my sparkling
personality, right? Well, I like myself just fine. If I could change something
it would be the way my life went to shit all at once. I was a happy kid up
until that time. I might have kept going to school. Maybe I would have gone to
college-I sound delusional, don’t I? Actually, I probably would have joined the
family trade and sold drugs. You could say I was changed by what happened to
them for the better, but I won’t legitimize murder for any reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Do
you prefer dogs or cats?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I always thought I would get a dog when I finally
retired and found a nice hole in the wall apartment all my own, but cats are
more practical pets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">What
do you look for in a love interest?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Blonde… blue eyes… nice body…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Is
there anyone special in your life?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Yeah. He’s blonde, has blue eyes, and a damned
nice body. *chuckle* His name’s Christopher Caldwell. He’s more than a great
lay, though. He’s a bit naïve and a good guy despite his father being a drug
lord. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">If
you could live anywhere, what location would you choose?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I never really thought about it. I like cities,
but I also like a villa with an ocean view. The company I keep is more
important to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">What’s
your favorite meal, and do you fix it yourself or have someone fix it for you?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I remember my mom making baked ziti and fresh
bread. Whenever I smell those two things cooking I think of her. Unfortunately
I can’t cook and neither can Chris. If I want it I have to order it at a
restaurant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Favorite
color?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">That color the sun makes in Chris’s hair when he’s
on his boat. It’s like hot gold mixed with white.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Coffee
or tea? </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Coffee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
~*~<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Crashing
Blue</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">
Blurb:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Francisco Cabot is an undercover narc for the
police. Having lived his entire life on the underbelly of society, he's the
perfect man to infiltrate hardcore gangs, gather bulletproof evidence against
them, and make certain their bosses spend a lifetime behind bars. He hides a
dark secret, though, that causes him to harbor a ravening hunger for revenge
that not even his long list of successes can quench. But a man can only live
with revenge and the refuse of humanity for so long, before not even his
fantasies of innocents and his ideals are enough to light the growing darkness
in his soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">The last man Cabot expects to save him from that
darkness is Christopher Caldwell, the son of the biggest drug king in the city
and the man Cabot has been sent to destroy. Falling in love with the enemy was
never the plan, but when Christopher begs Cabot to leave everything behind to be
with him, Cabot finds himself longing to do just that. His life of violence,
gangs, and slums can’t be left behind so easily, though; they'll be lucky to
make it out alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Excerpt:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Life in the slums was like living in a constant
war zone. A person never relaxed completely, never walked the streets without
looking around for danger, and never trusted that the person walking toward him
wasn’t prepared to kill him to take whatever he had. When you leave and go
where that kind of life is as foreign as the surface of the moon, you gain a
perspective you never had before. You understand that things could be so much
better for you. It makes living in the shithole of society unbearable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“You look a bit rough around the edges this
morning,” Chris said as he checked over his boat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Calling it a simple boat was inadequate, I thought
as I looked over the sleek wooden finish, the white sails, and the stainless
tack shining in the sun. It was too big for a boat and too small against the
other million-dollar craft around it for the title of yacht. Though it looked
like a well-maintained antique, I could see the vast amount of money spent on
every detail. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“Late night,” I replied as I tried to decide how I
was supposed to join him on the swaying deck from the relative safety of the
dock. He didn’t seem ready to enlighten me. I felt that was for amusement,
though, rather than a desire to keep me at a distance. He had a small smile on
his lips. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">In the sun, Chris’s blond hair had highlights that
looked like hot gold. He wore a thin white tank top despite the morning chill
in the air. His tan shorts looked molded onto his athletic build. This was his
element. I was very sure at that moment that it wasn’t mine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I finally decided to gather my courage and get on
board. Like a nervous alley cat, I eyed the tossing water between me and the
railing with trepidation. I stepped across and immediately lost my balance when
the deck heaved, Chris’s hand was there to steady me. He laughed, but it was
good-natured and I didn’t take offense. I was too busy noticing that he had a
wonderful laugh and a strong arm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">He helped me sit on a cushioned seat toward the
bow and then stood over me, swaying expertly with the toss of the deck. “How
did you find me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“Asked around,” I replied, though using my cell
phone to troll through police files was more accurate. As a narc for the police
I had minimal clearance, but it had been enough. My guess that Christopher
Caldwell enjoyed the water had been correct. His expensive craft, the <i>Wastrel</i>,
had been listed under his name. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Chris was studying me. I looked completely out of
place in my gang clothes. My bruised face and slightly swollen bottom lip
attested to my late-night battle with a rival gang. Some of them had gone to
the emergency room. One of them had gone to the morgue. My gang had emerged
relatively unscathed and high on success, especially after I had handed out the
cheaper drugs to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“I suppose the next question is, why did you look
for me?” Chris said. “I think I made it clear that I wasn’t interested as long
as you were employed by my father. Turning a new leaf?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">When he looked at me with his blue eyes and I saw
a bit of wistful hope there, I hated replying, “’Fraid not. Your father made it
clear that I wasn’t welcome at his home. Since he didn’t give me contact
details, I thought asking you to be my go-between this one time would be all
right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“It’s not,” Chris retorted and then worried a
bottom lip between white teeth as he reconsidered his reaction. He said at
last, “I suppose I send mixed signals when I benefit from my father’s wealth,
but I like to think that not being in the actual business is an acceptable
standard.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">How many late nights had I wasted by drawing fine
distinctions between what I did and the criminal element I helped the police
arrest? “I’m not judging.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“I’m afraid I can’t be as generous as you are in
return.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I nodded, understanding. “You don’t have to
explain. I’m trash. I’ll scrape myself off your boat as soon as you agree to
take the money to your father and tell him to contact me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“I can’t do that,” Chris replied, “and I don’t
really need to. My father will want his money. He’ll contact you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Chris cocked his head to one side. The sunlight
made his eyes look as clear as glass for a moment before he frowned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I stood up, thinking it was my signal to get the
hell off his boat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“You must have known that. Why did you really come
here?” Chris asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I smiled and motioned around us at the tossing
waves, the sunlight, and the seagulls drifting by on a breeze. “The scenery is
a hell of a lot better than in the slum.” I was staring at Chris as I said
that, though, and not at the scenery. His handsome face took on a worried
expression. I scrambled to clarify, even though a part of my brain was telling
me I had meant exactly what I had implied—I had wanted to see Chris again. “I
was used to a life like this before my gang was busted. I want that back.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“No offense,” Chris replied, “but you don’t look
like the kind of man to sip champagne on the deck of a yacht.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“Ah, insults.” I pretended to be hurt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“No, just the truth,” Chris replied. “You’re a
lone wolf, albeit a handsome one. If I put a tuxedo on you, you will still look
like a wolf. It’s your nature.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I growled and showed him my teeth as I moved to
the railing and tried to decide how best to get back onto the dock. “Your
father won’t see me directly,” I told him truthfully. “I’m hoping you would
mention me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“Talk you up to him?” Chris had chuckled at my
mock growl, but now he was frowning again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yeah,” I replied. I scrambled awkwardly and
managed not to fall face-first as I made it to the dock. “Tell him I’m not a
stupid thug and I look like the kind of guy who might do well in his
organization.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“We don’t have actual conversations,” Chris
admitted as he came to the railing and leaned on it. “We especially don’t have
conversations about his business.” He studied me as if memorizing every line of
my face. The part of me used to going undercover was getting nervous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“What?” I finally asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">He seemed a little embarrassed as he replied,
“It’s nice that you didn’t come here to try and get family secrets out of me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“Has that happened?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Chris shrugged as if it didn’t matter, but I could
see it did. He replied, “It’s happened a few times. They think a son who isn’t
committed to either the business or his father might be willing to give them
damaging information.” I had a feeling that people had used him badly in that
respect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“Are we talking about the police?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yes, for the most part.” Chris straightened and
reached for some ropes. “I know exactly how long I would live if dear ole dad
ever caught me giving information to anyone about his business.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">“This was a wasted trip, then?” I asked. He was
startled at my honesty. He had handed me the perfect opportunity to lie. I hadn’t
taken it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Chris gave me a very long appraising look. “You’re
different,” he said finally. “I’m not sure who you really are or what you
really want, but everything you’ve said about yourself has been a lie.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I felt a chill of dread at his obvious confidence.
I’d never worn my disguise so thinly before. It was as if the man I had created
was losing to the real me, to a dual attraction to an ideal—Snow—and this
man—Chris—who, by his clearly stated standards, wasn’t interested in me as long
as I remained a drug-dealing gang leader. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Chris was suddenly very intense as he leaned over
the rail and held out a hand. “Come with me,” he begged. “Leave it all behind.
I don’t know what there is about you, but I find I can’t stay uninvolved. I
need you to be a different man, though. I need you to get out of my father’s
business.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">His hand was tanned and strong. I could see his
tension and his need for me to say yes. How could he decide to want me so
quickly? I didn’t know, but I wanted to reach out to him. I wanted desperately
to take his hand. It was insane, wasn’t it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">It was hard to step back and put my hands in my
jacket pockets. Alley cats didn’t belong on mini yachts and certainly didn’t
get to develop relationships with someone like Chris. “I can’t. I’m sorry. I
can’t explain, but…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">He frowned. I thought he was either going to show
disgust for me or at least anger. Instead, I saw frustration and then
resignation. His hand lowered. “If you want to meet with my father where he
won’t shoot you on sight, be at 122 Martin Street, Tuesday at nine p.m. That’s
when he’ll show his appreciation to some of his contacts where the public eye
won’t see.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">That information might cost him dearly. I didn’t
know why he was taking such a risk for me when I had just admitted that I had
intended to use him. My “Thank you” seemed inadequate. <br />
<br />
“Don’t thank me,” he said as he turned his back on me and began casting off
from the dock. “You have your information, and you’ve made your decision. Now
that you don’t need me, I doubt you’ll want to see me again. I find that
preferable.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">That unexpectedly stung. As the boat slipped away
from the dock and Chris started the engine, I realized why. I didn’t want it to
be over between us. I wanted to see Chris again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Copyright © <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">BUY:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.loose-id.com/crashing-blue.html?___SID=U.">Loose Id</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://amzn.com/B01B3H01OS">Amazon</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04256076956809024508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-73428964784578030752016-02-03T02:00:00.000-07:002016-02-04T20:13:57.384-07:00Thomas Grant Bruso and Winter's Light<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Today
I have a special guest Thomas Grant Bruso. He’s given a peek into his life and
brought along a blurb and excerpt from his new release Winter’s Light.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNUSfERJzPx0zJjj6ZCb6GYpd9nSHiCpz-dYnB6DhvU5NF8LNqImkcp-aqKPEGDZHXeWXetQ4RzvDtp0-M1d9JzlnL4asRwgtZd3uft1a9xkTX5w4RllRiPwOGOXkJlVXGS2dCntiE3A/s1600/Winters_Light_400x600+for+2-3-16+blog+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNUSfERJzPx0zJjj6ZCb6GYpd9nSHiCpz-dYnB6DhvU5NF8LNqImkcp-aqKPEGDZHXeWXetQ4RzvDtp0-M1d9JzlnL4asRwgtZd3uft1a9xkTX5w4RllRiPwOGOXkJlVXGS2dCntiE3A/s320/Winters_Light_400x600+for+2-3-16+blog+post.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Hello, my
name is</span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">
Thomas Grant Bruso. I write fiction and M/M romance. I also review books for my
local newspaper, The Press Republican. Being a writer is everything I hoped it
would be. It is challenging, rewarding, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
I take pride in my disciplined work ethic. I’ve always wanted to write genre
fiction. I love reading and writing mystery and crime stories. At the moment I
am writing M/M romance for publication. My latest work of fiction, a novella
titled “Winter’s Light,” is the sequel to my 2014 short story, “A Light in the
Dark.” Both stories are published by JMS Books, LLC. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">My
biggest strength is my loyalty and love toward people and animals. My biggest
weakness: I am a workaholic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I am luckily married to a wonderful man named Paul.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I
am all-around animal lover. If I had more free time, I’d enjoy volunteering my
services to animal causes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">If
I could live anywhere, I’d live somewhere in Maine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">My
favorite meal is anything with tofu. I enjoy cooking. It is relaxing,
especially after a long day at work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">My
favorite color is any shade of blue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I
prefer coffee to tea. Strong coffee, black, unless it is a hot cup of
loose-leaf jasmine green tea. Then all bets are off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">~*~
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Thomas
has brought along the blurb and excerpt from his new release, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Winter’s Light</b>.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Blurb: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">(Sequel to A Light in the Dark) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">During the past year, author
Christian Rivers has sold his house and moved in with the love of his life,
Milestone County’s chief of police, Sheriff Philip Erickson. Things couldn't be
better for them and their dog, Darth Vader. </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">The week before Christmas is a busy
one for Christian, who is on the road for a book tour to promote his newest
novel. Also, both of their families are arriving soon to visit for the holiday.
This will be the first time since Philip and Christian announced their
relationship that the two sets of parents will meet each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Whatever Christian expects Christmas
to be like, he doesn’t anticipate running into his ex-boyfriend Russ. He also
doesn’t expect his sister Paula to arrive with his parents. And he most
certainly doesn’t expect to hear that his beloved father is very ill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">With so many curve balls thrown at
them all at once, can Christian and Philip manage to have a joyful Christmas after
all? Will they start the New Year with an even deeper commitment to one
another, or end up on the rocks after the holidays? Where so much love abounds,
anything is possible.</span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Excerpt: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“I’m getting too old for sex,” Philip says to me
ten minutes later when we are propped up in bed, listening to the wind
thrashing the holly bushes outside the bedside window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">He sips his whiskey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I turn to him, grinning. “Too old?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“As old as time,” he whispers, leaning into my
mouth with his boozy breath and kissing me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I place my hands on his cheek. “Age is just a
number. You’ll always be my silver fox.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">He slides a hand over mine, grinning. “I’m the
luckiest fellow in the world to have someone as special as you.” He takes the
last gulp of booze, swallows back noisily, and sets the glass down on the
bedside coaster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I curl up next to him. “I think you have that
backwards.” I stare over at my handsome man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“I just never thought --” The words trail off and
then he says, “So, how was your day?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I turn to him. “What were you going to say?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">He closes his eyes and his head falls in front of
him, as if the alcohol has already taken effect. A few minutes later, he looks
up at me and manages a weak smile. “I just don’t know what I would do without
you. You make me happy to come home every night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I slip my fingers through his thick mane of greying
hair. “I am the lucky one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">His head falls across my shoulder, and his warm
body curled up against mine is comforting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“Life is good,” he says, pulling the comforter
around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">The buttery glow of the lamplight spills across the
room and envelops us in its homey warmth. The rich cherry wood walls enclose
us. I hear the wind pick up and rattle chimes on the back porch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“Thanks again for lunch today,” Philip says. “It
hit the spot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“Anytime.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">After a long pause, Philip says, “I apologize for
what happened this afternoon with Deputy Samson. It won’t happen again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“I’ve known Mark for years. Growing up in a narrow-minded
family is never easy. I think we can both relate to some degree.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“It doesn’t excuse his behavior on the job. He was
out of control. He stepped over a line he should not have crossed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I cannot help but smile at Philip’s compassion.
“Mark had a rough childhood.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“It’s inexcusable in the workplace. We all need to
take responsibility for our own actions. Deputy Samson chose not to exercise
those rights today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“You’re sexy when you get riled.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">He gazes at me. “Does it really turn you on?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I nod. “Very much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Our lively laughter jolts Darth awake at the foot
of the bed. Sleepy-eyed, he pops his head up at us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">In the next ten minutes, we settle down. We listen
to each other’s deep breathing. I think Philip is asleep when he doesn’t answer
me. “Philip, hon, is something the matter?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">He shifts under the comforter. “Huh? I’m sorry. I’m
just tired. Long day.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“What’s wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Sucking in a breath, he groans, pulling me under
his arm. “I don’t know what’s happening to our nice little town.”</span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Tucking my face in the crook of his arm, I rake my
fingers through his chest hair. “What happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“In the last few days I can’t tell you how many
traffic stops have netted a handful of heroin and cocaine arrests. These are
twenty-something year old kids, mostly boys, who are dealing drugs. Really
potent stuff.” He pauses. “The drugs are being smuggled in through the Canadian
border.” He shakes his head. “It’s a shame that these young people will be
spending their lives behind bars.”</span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“I didn’t realize things were so dismal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“There’s no silver lining. I don’t see it getting
better.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Pause.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I say, “Not to change the subject, but --”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“Please do. I don’t want to talk about work
anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“I’m afraid my news is just as grim.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">There is a hint of amusement in his voice. “Just
when I thought it couldn’t get any worse.”</span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">~*~
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sp2ls4EvT_HurM7RgPaqrcf463Kqzl4hiTilC4AUCtkprAZ_R3tfJebqVrgYDLMGiabNH907IXUKw3e8dSGJmcjPj9VVqZrVkGjSLzxIi-CLjj03Lx-uMBKXoqtJLX3CGwtHYgq71mw/s1600/Bruso+author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sp2ls4EvT_HurM7RgPaqrcf463Kqzl4hiTilC4AUCtkprAZ_R3tfJebqVrgYDLMGiabNH907IXUKw3e8dSGJmcjPj9VVqZrVkGjSLzxIi-CLjj03Lx-uMBKXoqtJLX3CGwtHYgq71mw/s320/Bruso+author.jpg" width="258" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Contact:</span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thomasgrantbruso">Facebook</a> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Buy:</span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> <a href="http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_105&products_id=1600">JMS Books</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winters-Light-Thomas-Grant-Bruso-ebook/dp/B019Y5M428/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454199648&sr=8-2&keywords=winter%27s+light">Amazon</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-winter039slight-1958992-149.html">All Romance ebooks<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04256076956809024508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-66814297300157406772016-01-30T13:04:00.001-07:002016-01-30T13:09:21.492-07:00Rainbow Snippet for January 30-31, 2016<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Greetings, Snippeteers. A tasty treat for your snippet-reading pleasure from the WIP:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0hvfhJzVBzb7CUkQfeG0xbRFAtsqCs2wD9t-lHz4BlHBn9n3KE2mItiikBGwevage3kq3SwO9JeLyivqNXkP2a9fF-y3oUHi-iafVTKSwUPkjPKIpSoMQtAS5G3DyPavWTJ86rWE9Ks/s1600/DIA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0hvfhJzVBzb7CUkQfeG0xbRFAtsqCs2wD9t-lHz4BlHBn9n3KE2mItiikBGwevage3kq3SwO9JeLyivqNXkP2a9fF-y3oUHi-iafVTKSwUPkjPKIpSoMQtAS5G3DyPavWTJ86rWE9Ks/s200/DIA.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Bryan adjusted the
rabbit ears for the tenth time, and the old TV generated a vague picture that
had more resemblance to ants swarming a piece of bread than the folks on a talk
show. The clarity of the sound matched the picture, and he shut it off. No wonder
the previous tenant had left it behind.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The elderly man in apartment three had offered his day-old
newspaper. Bryan had read what he could around the areas where Mr. Biondi had
cut out articles, cartoons, and recipes. He’d left the crossword half-done,
filling in the easy words. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Another fifteen minutes, and he’d make another attempt at checking out what lawn and garden supplies Mrs. C. had in the garage. Should be long enough for Jace to clear out of the back entryway.</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Link to more snippets: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/?fref=nf">https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/?fref=nf</a> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-4138859847285571382016-01-29T13:14:00.000-07:002016-01-29T13:14:09.418-07:00Truth or Dare: Featruring Remy and Jamie from Crash Pad and Beck and Zach from the Concepts Series<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Truth? </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Or Dare? </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Risk or reward?</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A morsel for your Friday reading pleasure, over at the Loose Id Blog. <strong>TRUTH OR DARE</strong> featuring Remy
and Jamie from Crash Pad and Beck and Zach from the Concepts series. Secrets
will be revealed... </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://loosenyourid.com/whitley-gray-coldhearted-crash/">http://loosenyourid.com/whitley-gray-coldhearted-crash/</a> </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-42186125477598294012016-01-17T02:00:00.000-07:002016-01-17T02:00:18.538-07:00What I'm Working On--Six lines for Rainbow Snippets
<br />
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">This is from the WIP, currently known as GT.</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: black;">God, what he wouldn’t give to run like that again. When he’d
been whole, he’d taken it for granted: running, sports, mobility in general. As
a paramedic, he’d witnessed all manner of deformity and considered himself
sympathetic, able to relate. Being on this side of it had slammed home how
little he’d known about life with pain and disability. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: black;">He hadn't had a clue.</span></span></div>
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Check out more here:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-81850215893062215942016-01-16T02:00:00.000-07:002016-01-16T02:00:05.628-07:00My Sexy Saturday #124: Two Sexy Guys: Meet Beck and Zach from Coldhearted Concept
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Welcome to the blog of Whitley Gray—cops and
doctors in hot water. And </span><a href="http://mysexysaturday.blogspot.com/2016/01/one-sexy-girl-mysexysaturday.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Sexy Saturday</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">!
Here are seven paragraphs from my new romantic suspense Coldhearted Concept. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anticipating
a much-needed weekend together, Beck gets a call from Zach.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUqBACHHNfbD6Q17wN4dq_opoSEf7xO9KqY_IyY86Wvs1nvyZMyPX2__ORk9rjMYW8Ht-Qy_f8JNr5PWyKbNDCOTU4ymHOLEplRc2HXAKFfWUewYiq6RUF5-wcV4hbbDHcfN4H799MXk/s1600/Coldhearted+Concept+1650+x+2400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUqBACHHNfbD6Q17wN4dq_opoSEf7xO9KqY_IyY86Wvs1nvyZMyPX2__ORk9rjMYW8Ht-Qy_f8JNr5PWyKbNDCOTU4ymHOLEplRc2HXAKFfWUewYiq6RUF5-wcV4hbbDHcfN4H799MXk/s320/Coldhearted+Concept+1650+x+2400.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m not
going to make it this weekend,” Zach said. <br />
<br />
The pleasant expectation Beck had built all week collapsed into a black hole of
disappointment. </span><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Not
again, damn it.</span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> A month of relative solitary confinement—thirty
days without a visit. Beck stalked through the warren of packed boxes
cluttering the house. </span><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Damn it to hell.</span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> He struggled to keep the accusatory tone
out of his voice. “This is the fourth weekend in a row you’ve canceled.” <br />
<br />
“I know.” Instead of an explanation, there was silence. <br />
<br />
</span><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This could only
be… Aw, fuck.</span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> “Don’t tell me it’s a callout case.” <br />
<br />
“ViCAP got a hit matching one of my assignments.” The words were filled with
apology. <br />
<br />
Beck felt the need to punch something. He tried to avoid sounding pissed off.
“Christ, they’ve got other profilers. Can’t Ruskin handle it?” <br />
<br />
Zach heaved a sigh. “Look, I’m sorry. I did the original profile, and Sands is
insisting. It’s just one more case.” <br />
<br />
</span><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One more case.</span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
The same refrain, fracturing their time together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">~*~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coldhearted Concept is available at </span><a href="http://www.loose-id.com/coldhearted-concept.html?___SID=U" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Loose Id</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-coldheartedconcept-1957151-149.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All Romance Ebooks</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,
and </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Hearted-Concept-Concepts-Book-2-ebook/dp/B019YI0Z44/ref=zg_mw_8373232011_92" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amazon</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More about Coldhearted Concept: <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Detective Beck Stryker has a
lot to juggle: his long-distance relationship with FBI profiler Zach Littman,
the family issues of cop widow Marybeth Halliday and her two boys, and the ups
and downs of being out and proud. To top it off, Beck must work with his
closeted ex-lover Van on the case of a skeleton discovered in the woods. <br />
FBI profiler Dr. Zach Littman has been working on an exit strategy for months.
Every time he’s on the brink of resigning, Minneapolis Unit Director Sands
comes up with “one more case,” one that only Zach can manage. It’s a situation
that frustrates Beck. Zach has promised he’ll leave the FBI and profiling
behind—as soon as his Colorado medical license comes through. It may be easier
said than done. Zach has reservations about uprooting his life and moving to
Denver.<br />
A killer leaves a grisly invitation insisting Zach participate in a deadly
game, the rules of which are known only to the psychopath. It’s clear he won’t
stop until he’s taken out Zach. It’s a race against time for Beck and Zach to capture
the killer before the psychopath finds Zach and declares <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Game Over</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">~*~ </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.whitleygray.com/">www.whitleygray.com</a></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">LINK BACK to </span><a href="http://mysexysaturday.blogspot.com/2016/01/one-sexy-girl-mysexysaturday.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Sexy Saturday</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> for
more great snippets!</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOQnWcA9LfMXEUq2epUChbnKtLpUb-5JRxueggOu5HWiaYBRsM7R-qiE7eNcbPsC8Y42f78dHfnnuIPH98FhaRNzhK7p2Ww7F87fN1va-KQePlobCnThCHh8ms7moGU5SQHOyVdkNL3g/s1600/MSS_button+250x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOQnWcA9LfMXEUq2epUChbnKtLpUb-5JRxueggOu5HWiaYBRsM7R-qiE7eNcbPsC8Y42f78dHfnnuIPH98FhaRNzhK7p2Ww7F87fN1va-KQePlobCnThCHh8ms7moGU5SQHOyVdkNL3g/s1600/MSS_button+250x250.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-30907552389377081142016-01-09T02:00:00.000-07:002016-01-09T02:00:05.251-07:00Painful Lessons and S.C. Wynne<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Today</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">S.C.
Wynne stops by and gives us the skinny on her terrific new release, Painful
Lessons.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz371zpda1cYvTQaG-l9cvMZ0-43PlKKMPkxyL9lWsIpPqUDhaHCAHa1HOVLu723z0FYBQQdBQGZk5bejOVXVrVmLAKVKeYxLtIwPqQBTltUNRf6gAD2N14ycXTrhPjFWHV7dYeZlw58/s1600/Painful_Lessons+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz371zpda1cYvTQaG-l9cvMZ0-43PlKKMPkxyL9lWsIpPqUDhaHCAHa1HOVLu723z0FYBQQdBQGZk5bejOVXVrVmLAKVKeYxLtIwPqQBTltUNRf6gAD2N14ycXTrhPjFWHV7dYeZlw58/s400/Painful_Lessons+cover.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What’s
your name and your major? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Brett Bridgeworth. I’m majoring
in business because that’s what my dad wants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Is
college everything you’d hoped it would be? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have to say
it’s more than I hoped and scarier than I imagined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What
is your biggest problem? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jeremy. No question it’s Jeremy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’d
be more confident. Like Sam. I never would have gotten involved with Jeremy if
I wasn’t such a needy mess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Do
you prefer playing sports or video games? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Video games.
Duh. I’m not the most athletic guy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Who
is the person you dislike the most? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jeremy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Is
there anyone special in your life? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam. I’ve never had
anyone care about me like Sam seems to. It’s almost too good to be true. But
I’m trying not to think like that. I’m trying to be more open to good things
these days. Sam is a good thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What’s
your favorite meal, and do you fix it yourself or have someone fix it for you? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Every
meal is my favorite meal. I like everything. I eat anything. Just ask Sam. He
can’t keep up so he picks on me instead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">~*~*~ </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">BLURB:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">As a freshman both in love and in college,
sometimes there are painful lessons to be learned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Excited to begin his first year of college, Brett
Bridgeworth has just one problem: he sucks at math. Luckily there’s the sensual
and mysterious math tutor, Jeremy Price, to help him out. It isn't long before
Jeremy is tutoring Brett in more than just pie charts, but it isn’t until they
split up that Brett discovers Jeremy’s twisted, obsessive side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Sam Hawthorne is two years ahead of Brett, and
they share a strong mutual attraction. When Brett breaks it off with Jeremy and
gets involved with Sam, disturbing things start happening. It soon becomes
obvious Jeremy isn't willing to let Brett go without a fight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
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</div>
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EXCERPT:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That was the night I met Jeremy. He
was barely visible in the dark, leaning against a birch to the side of the
path.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Don’t look so sad, pretty boy.
There are plenty of other fish in the sea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His voice was sultry, deep, and it
startled the hell out of me because I had no idea anyone was there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I pretended I hadn’t almost peed
myself and started to walk away without answering, but his voice stopped me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Wait up. Are you Brett?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He approached now, and I was
surprised he knew my name. In the dingy yellow light of the streetlamp, I could
see he was slender, with wide shoulders and black hair that brushed his
collarbone. He had a sexy, dangerous vibe about him, and I took a step back as
he reached me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Let me guess. Ted didn’t mention I
was coming?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I squinted at him, mystified by why
this beautiful vision thought I should know him. “Ted?” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yeah, remember your roommate, dummy?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He smiled and flashed perfect white
teeth. “I’m Jeremy,” he said confidently. “You look exactly how Ted described
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I put a hand to my blond hair,
wondering what Ted had said about me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ted said you’re looking for a math
tutor.” He didn’t seem to mind at all that I was tongue-tied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think I’d mentioned once to Ted
that I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i> get a tutor, but I’d
never really pursued it. And yet here before me was the most delicious tutor
anyone could ask for. My pulse sped up as I took his smooth hand in mine and something
came alive inside of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Oh, yeah. I do need help. I’m
horrible at math.” He still held my hand, and I had the sensation of energy
passing between us. I remember being hugely relieved I didn’t gasp like a
little girl at the electric shock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But I needed to meet you first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jeremy pulled me closer, and his
gaze never left my mouth. I should have known then that he was acting odd for a
math tutor, but hindsight is twenty-twenty, and I was blinded by a cloud of
youthful lust.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I don’t take on just anybody. I
want you to know that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I remember I instantly felt special
and impressed he was even considering me. I look back on it now, and it
immediately strikes me that most math tutors weren’t in such high demand that
they would pick and choose their tutees so stringently. But for whatever
reason, I didn’t think twice about how strange he was. I was simply flattered I
had been deemed worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Later I was able to see I’d been
chosen for reasons that had nothing to do with my being valuable. No, no. Far
more attractive to Jeremy was that I reeked of need and a desire to matter to
someone. I’m sure that’s why he wanted to meet me first before he agreed to
help me. His type can smell self-doubt a mile away. My palpable insecurities
were like blood in the water to a great white. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">~*~*~ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BUY: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Painful-Lessons-S-C-Wynne-ebook/dp/B019BQXKLO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1452186059&sr=1-1&keywords=sc+wynne" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-painfullessons-1942080-145.html" target="_blank">ARE</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7273" target="_blank">Dreamspinner<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
<br />
CONTACT: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005217189290&fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-77733212142239472682016-01-01T10:57:00.006-07:002016-01-20T17:35:35.372-07:00Building a Better Villain <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">One aspect of writing crime is coming up with the
bad guy. The badder, the better. But he can’t be pure evil—he has to have…heart.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPygMmXRgwiAGeFTThdAeE2wQUL5PWtDi5qi5P_RDEgueZOANyEzMveRvbit6-xTyWRDeINHY7HGrJxC8Pg4wQQNKgt32U0hKbOVelQtqqvSFcypwojV5fkIeFkUOmUB07CSZZfEcn58k/s1600/Coldhearted+Concept_cover+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPygMmXRgwiAGeFTThdAeE2wQUL5PWtDi5qi5P_RDEgueZOANyEzMveRvbit6-xTyWRDeINHY7HGrJxC8Pg4wQQNKgt32U0hKbOVelQtqqvSFcypwojV5fkIeFkUOmUB07CSZZfEcn58k/s1600/Coldhearted+Concept_cover+large.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I love writing villains. They’re wicked, they’re
motivated by selfish ideals, and they’re unapologetic. Nothing sweet about
them. A villain is vinegar. Pure puckered-up wickedness, right? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Um, not quite. Under that dastardly exterior beats a
very human heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“No,” you say. “How can a bad guy even have a heart?”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Well, before he was a villain, he was just a guy. A
man with a past, which shaped him and made him who he is today. Some of those
experiences were positive, and the antagonist needs to have some of those
positive traits. Some were negative, and resulted in psychopathology—adverse outcomes
and negative traits. Add in a little predisposition to be unbalanced, and
voila! Evil incarnate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I started with a few positives—artistic ability, intelligence,
good with kids—added a past involving parental criticism and unhealthy obsession,
and topped it off with an inciting event, to get the antag started down his
road to ruin. He’s sympathetic but still not a very nice guy; he knows what he’s
doing isn’t socially acceptable, but his own goals take precedence. A villain
you love to hate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">There were times he seemed too plausible, like
someone who could really be out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the
right moment to execute his plan. Sometimes I had to take a break and get a
little perspective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Here’s a little snippet from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Coldhearted Concept: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">The knife he could relate to. There was something
arousing about the way it slid into the skin, about the way the blood welled in
the cut. The past October, Beetle had completed his trials and reached the
point in his metamorphosis where he’d been ready to advance his education.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">The first one had been a novelty, back before he’d
known what he was doing. It took time to adjust to the feel of the knife going
into a sentient being—so different from carving cold, dead skin. The utter
control and domination he’d exerted over the live girl had generated a much
more gratifying response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">The female’s crescendoing screams of pain and terror
had aroused him unbearably, as had the naked fear in her eyes. Especially the
eyes. The Technicolor contrast of pale skin, silver blade, and crimson blood…
Addictive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
~*~*~ <br />
<h3>
BUY: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Hearted-Concept-Concepts-Book-2-ebook/dp/B019YI0Z44/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1451667732&sr=1-1&keywords=whitley+gray" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <a href="http://www.loose-id.com/coldhearted-concept.html" target="_blank">Loose Id</a> <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-coldheartedconcept-1957151-149.html" target="_blank">ARE</a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cold-hearted-concept-whitley-gray/1123181509?ean=9781682520475" target="_blank">B&N</a></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p>Contact: <a href="http://www.whitleygray.com/">www.whitleygray.com</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/whitley.gray" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p>~*~ </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p>Check out Book Reviews and Promotion on Facebook: <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a aria-describedby="js_n1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_n0" class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/group.php?id=730654600343587&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A148313988694907%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/730654600343587/" id="js_n2"><span style="font-size: small;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/730654600343587/</span></a> </o:p></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-59578718301847780982015-12-29T10:00:00.000-07:002015-12-29T10:00:03.581-07:00<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Today</span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Douglas Black</span> joins me and brings a taste of his new re-release, <u><strong><em>Who He Used to
Be</em></strong></u>.</span><br />
<span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XKGoOU016GK7AoEvfM7VuaTVH21WGr3F0r8RvcmsdcjgoqDIoC4TP-2WoM1SAu1nXH8NVs7wB4c6Vv-U3r727K-SotfjKYOHSCAoe28eXZITX35sOcLhasqW68XKoNaBjnH9g2APA6M/s1600/Black%252C+D--WhoHeUsedToBe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XKGoOU016GK7AoEvfM7VuaTVH21WGr3F0r8RvcmsdcjgoqDIoC4TP-2WoM1SAu1nXH8NVs7wB4c6Vv-U3r727K-SotfjKYOHSCAoe28eXZITX35sOcLhasqW68XKoNaBjnH9g2APA6M/s1600/Black%252C+D--WhoHeUsedToBe.jpeg" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Blurb<o:p></o:p></u></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Jeff, the man Connor moved across
an ocean to spend the rest of his life with, announces their relationship is no
longer working, Connor is caught unawares. Without Jeff, Connor has no reason
to stay in Florida, but he doesn’t want to return to Scotland.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An impromptu visit to a nightclub leads
to Connor meeting Parker, a man nothing like clean-cut Jeff and a lot more like
the bad-boys Connor used to go for back in Glasgow’s biker bars. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A one-night-stand becomes something
more, but the two barely have any time together before Connor is hit by another
bolt from the blue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jeff decides he wants Connor back, and
his offer to start over means Connor has to make a decision. Return to the
security of his relationship with Jeff, or jump in at the deep end with Parker
and find out if he still remembers how to swim. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Excerpt<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hey,” Connor said.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You don’t look like you belong here.”
The man’s voice was deep, and he spoke slowly, almost lazily. Connor liked
that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I just got out of work.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The man nodded and gestured to the
bartender. A few moments later, another bottle of beer was placed in front of
Connor along with a glass of coke. Judging by the easy smile on the man’s lips
and his complete disregard for personal space, Connor was willing to bet the
coke wasn’t virgin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And you thought instead of going home,
you’d come here. Somewhere that’s not your usual hangout. Somewhere you’re
unlikely to be caught…by your boyfriend?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connor laughed and picked up his drink.
“Partly,” he said, holding the bottle close to his lips. “Except for the
boyfriend part.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The man nodded and let go of Connor’s
shoulder. He took a long swig of his drink. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Is that why you’re here? This doesn’t
exactly look like your scene either.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The man smirked. He bit his bottom lip.
“I’m babysitting,” he said, nodding at the bottle-blond guy Connor had been
staring at before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connor knew dreadlocks weren’t
hereditary, but, “Your brother?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Cousin. He’s just moved here. I
thought he might need a little supervision.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Looks like he’s got things covered.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The man shrugged. “I’m Parker, by the
way. I caught you checking him out. You didn’t look very impressed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connor took another swig from his
bottle of beer before moving a step closer to Parker. In those baggy jeans it
was hard to tell, and Connor wanted to know if Parker was really interested.
Connor made a move he hadn’t used in years and rubbed up against Parker’s
groin, concealing his real intentions by whispering in Parker’s ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He’s not my type. I prefer my men a
little rough around the edges.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connor felt a rush of heat on his neck
as Parker let out a breath that was too heavy to signify anything other than
arousal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parker drained the contents of his
glass before looking at Connor again stepped to the side, moving away from
Connor, teasing as he pulled his lip between white teeth. Connor waited and
Parker reached for him. He locked his fingers in the long hair tied in a
ponytail at the nape of Connor’s neck. He pulled Connor towards him, making
Connor close the distance between them again. Connor didn’t resist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first press of Parker’s lips
against his own seemed to amplify the alcohol in Connor’s system. The banging
base of the music melted to a thudding beat that dictated how Connor’s hips
thrust against Parker’s, how their hands wound and pulled in each other’s hair.
When Parker’s lips parted, Connor dived inside, wanting to lick away the taste
of cheap bourbon to get right down to the taste of the man himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parker’s hands left Connor’s hair and
landed back on Connor’s hips. He moved Connor, rubbing their erections together
until kissing was becoming damn near impossible. Connor kept pulling away to
suck breath down into his lungs and Parker stole it from him every time he
brought their lips back together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Jesus,” Parker said, breaking the
kiss. He rested his forehead against Connor’s. Connor couldn’t take his eyes
off the smile playing on Parker’s lips. “Where’d you learn to kiss like that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connor laughed, still rocking his hips
against Parker’s. “Glasgow. Heard of it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parker nodded. “I’m going to have to
add it to my list of places to visit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Do that… but, not tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No. I have other plans for tonight.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">~*~*~ </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Bio<o:p></o:p></u></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Born and raised in bonnie Scotland, Douglas
Black writes contemporary MM erotic romance. Welcome to your fantasy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">~*~*~ </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><strong>BUY:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Who-He-Used-Douglas-Black-ebook/dp/B0197GSCTS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450094192&sr=8-1&keywords=who+he+used+to+be+douglas+black" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-whoheusedtobe-1949444-149.html" target="_blank">ARE</a> <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/599489" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><strong>Contact:</strong> <a href="https://douglasblackerotica.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Douglas-Black-1632968396841732/timeline/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DBlackErotica" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-40387008579940514852015-12-22T02:00:00.000-07:002015-12-22T02:00:04.971-07:00The Boys of Summer--Just in Time For Christmas!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Today
the lovely and talented Sarah Madison is here to answer questions and talk
about her rerelease, The Boys of Summer.<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfnWiA1u_QRDUFaftm_M_bvCW1i9jMKFAQ-v9Hladj0tHifknSST8VQ2-AhBQ7s3kH7T1z6sqdLPVwkhAtzlp5NOtswlT5tXNkoZUu99yPTFEcY1IxqxnkCDfp9Ko3KFuQWVigVD25K8/s1600/Boys+of+Summer200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfnWiA1u_QRDUFaftm_M_bvCW1i9jMKFAQ-v9Hladj0tHifknSST8VQ2-AhBQ7s3kH7T1z6sqdLPVwkhAtzlp5NOtswlT5tXNkoZUu99yPTFEcY1IxqxnkCDfp9Ko3KFuQWVigVD25K8/s400/Boys+of+Summer200x300.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Why write M/M romance? </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I’ve thought about this question a lot, and have
written extensively about it in the past. I think it has a lot to do with the
fact that when I was growing up, men had all the best roles. They got the best
lines, the best parts, and they got to have the most fun! I never wanted to be
Jane during role play—I wanted to be Tarzan!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As I got older, despite secretly pining for
romances, I could never identify with the heroines I was offered. I liked
pretty things but I didn’t like waiting around to be rescued by the hero. I
wasn’t afraid to get dirty. I liked sex and didn’t think I should have to wait
for a declaration of marriage or true love. I hated seeing the typical heroine become
Too Stupid To Live as soon as she met the hero. I disliked the frank inequality
I saw between the heroes and heroines in their interactions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When I discovered M/M romance, for the first time I
felt as though I’d discovered <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">adult</i>
romance written just for me. I can’t tell you how huge that was. The main
characters met on equal terms—and took turns rescuing each other. They both got
to have the best lines and the fun parts. And best of all, the sex was
unapologetic and hot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The longer I do this, the more I realize I owe it to
my childhood self to take a crack at creating a heroine I can admire. One that
won’t make me roll my eyes three pages into the story. I recognize however,
that because she will break the rules, she’ll likely be unpopular. That’s okay.
I have to try. In the meantime, I enjoy M/M romance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">What subgenre is your favorite? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I’m a real sucker for mysteries, with sci-fi/fantasy coming in a close
second.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">What
Star Wars character would your lead character choose to be? </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Han Solo, of course! Wouldn’t they all? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">What
is the hardest part of writing your books?</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Finding the
energy to write after a long day at work. My job is extremely rewarding, but it
can be emotionally and physically challenging too. Many days I plan in my head
what I’m going to write when I get home, only to be too tired to do so when I
finally walk in the door. I get frustrated sometimes because if I don’t write
every day, it takes me a long time to get my head back into a story when I do
pick it up again. As it is, I tend not to be as fast a writer as some—and I
hate the idea I might be disappointing readers because I’m so slow at times. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">What three essentials must you have
in your writing room? </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">A cup of tea, warm hands, and some
uninterrupted time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><u><strong>Blurb for The Boys of Summer: </strong></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">David
McIntyre has been enjoying the heck out of his current assignment: touring the
Hawaiian Islands in search of the ideal shooting locations for a series of film
company projects. What’s not to like? Stunning scenery, great food, sunny
beaches… and a secret crush on Rick Sutton, the hot, ex-Air Force pilot who is
flying him around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Everything changes when a
tropical storm and engine failure force a crash landing on a deserted atoll
with a WWII listening post. Rick’s injuries, and a lack of food and water, mean
David has to step up to the plate and play hero. While his days are spent fighting
for survival, and his nights are filled with worrying about Rick, the two men
grow closer. David’s research for his next movie becomes intertwined with his
worst fears, and events on the island result in a vivid dream about the Battle
of Britain. On waking, David realizes Rick is more than just a pilot to him.
The obstacles that prevented a happy ending in 1940 aren’t present today, and
David vows that if they survive this stranding, he will tell Rick how he feels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><u><strong>Excerpt:</strong></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">“I don’t think we’ve got much
choice.” Sutton’s voice was grim. “We’re lucky to have that much. Hold on,
these trees are coming up faster than I’d like.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Still fighting to keep the
nose of the plane up, Sutton guided the recalcitrant aircraft toward the
so-called clearing, the ground rising up to meet them far faster than was
comfortable. David found himself leaning back in his seat, bracing his hands on
the console as the tops of trees scraped the underside of the plane. Branches
swiped at the windshield, and David had the sudden impression of being in a car
wash scene as written by Stephen King.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Duck your head!” Sutton
barked. “Wrap your arms around your legs!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“And kiss my ass goodbye?”
David shouted, raising his voice over the increasing noise as he obeyed
Sutton’s orders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Incredibly, Sutton laughed.
It was an oddly comforting sound. Like everything was somehow going to be all
right because Sutton was at the controls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The moment of humor was gone
in a flash. The plane screamed with the sound of tearing metal and the sharp,
explosive crack of tree limbs and breaking glass. David kept his head down and
his eyes closed, praying to a God he was pretty sure had more important things
to do than to keep up with the well-being of one David McIntyre. There was a
moment of eerie, blessed silence, and for an instant, the assault on the plane
seemed as though it had lifted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Someone had left the window
open and it was raining on him. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How incredibly
annoying</i>. He shifted, intent on reaching for the offending window, when a
jolt of pain ran through his shoulder, and he gasped. When he opened his eyes,
nothing made any sense at first. Then he remembered the crash, and realized
that his side of the plane was pointing up at the sky. The rain was coming down
in a steady stream through the broken windshield. The sound of the rain on the
metal hull of the plane was nearly deafening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">He winced at the pain in his
neck when he turned to look over at the pilot’s seat. Sutton was slumped to one
side in his chair, unmoving. His sunglasses were hanging off one ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Oh God, oh God, oh God,”
David murmured, hastily undoing his seatbelt so he could reach across to
Sutton. His skin was cold and damp where David touched it, and adrenaline
pounded through David’s veins as though he could jumpstart Sutton’s heart by
sending his own pulse beating through his fingertips. “Sutton! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rick</i>!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">David fought to free himself
of his seat, twisting for greater access to the other side of the cockpit. When
the seatbelt came open, he fell half across Sutton. Sprawled practically in his
lap, David could now see the nasty cut on the left side of Sutton’s temple. The
pilot’s side of the plane had taken a lot of damage, and David yelped as he
encountered a sliver of glass. Bits of the windshield and console were
scattered like confetti over Sutton’s jacket. “Sutton!” The lack of response
was unnerving. He tossed aside the sunglasses and worked a hand down into
Sutton’s collar, feeling frantically for a pulse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">He could have kissed the man
when Sutton suddenly groaned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
~*~*~ </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>BUY: </strong><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7221" target="_blank">Dreamspinner</a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B019BGI8M0" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-boys-of-summer-sarah-madison/1115194648?ean=2940157848750" target="_blank">B&N</a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theboysofsummer-1937710-149.html" target="_blank">All Romance E-books</a> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong>BIO:</strong></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Sarah Madison is a writer with a big dog, an even
bigger horse, too many cats, and a very patient boyfriend. She is a terrible
cook, and concedes that her life would be easier if Purina made People Chow.
She writes because it is cheaper than therapy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Sarah was a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Awards and is the winner of Best M/M Romance
in the 2013 PRG Reviewer’s Choice Awards for The Boys of Summer. The Sixth
Sense series was awarded 2nd place for Best M/M Mystery Series in the 2014
PRG’s Reviewer’s Choice Awards. Walk a Mile (Sixth Sense series Book 2) was a
finalist in the 2015 Rainbow Awards.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong>CONTACT: </strong><a href="http://www.sarahmadisonfiction.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahMadisonFic" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sarah-Madison-Author/106445646104338" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-3869263414903627052015-01-10T02:00:00.000-07:002015-01-10T02:00:02.166-07:00My Sexy Saturday #74: New Year's With Cobey and Michael from Artistic Endeavor
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Welcome to the blog of Whitley Gray—cops and
doctors in hot water. And <a href="http://www.mysexysaturday.blogspot.com/2015/01/our-sexy-new-year-mysexysaturday.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">My Sexy Saturday</span></a>! Here are
seven paragraphs from the book Artistic Endeavor—the new bonus scenes that take
place on New Year’s Eve.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Artistic Endeavor—previously
available as part of the Campus Cravings anthology—is now available now as a
standalone. The book has added bonus scenes. Here’s Michael and Cobey after the
strike of midnight… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdQxvn_QwCSrwecQS4jgwkDWvcXYXweGnGY5lUnC-aJFs_mjU3FAOcL1AyaCTBPN_BSRomL49p_1AtNl-DFYc7qj3inu0WgCN6oPzv9ywFgqb_mGcSoHaF_FHl_7YcTBeolvQIrI3lRs/s1600/ArtisticEndeavor_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdQxvn_QwCSrwecQS4jgwkDWvcXYXweGnGY5lUnC-aJFs_mjU3FAOcL1AyaCTBPN_BSRomL49p_1AtNl-DFYc7qj3inu0WgCN6oPzv9ywFgqb_mGcSoHaF_FHl_7YcTBeolvQIrI3lRs/s1600/ArtisticEndeavor_300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Oh my God, Michael.”
Cobey turned in a circle, taking in the room. Rich carpet in warm colors, a
sitting area with a couch and chairs covered in indigo velvet, and a picture
window with a view of the river, sparkling with lights in a spectrum from white
to gold to blue. Taking center stage in the room was a king-sized bed. The
creamy sheets were turned down, and a foil-covered chocolate sat on each
pillow. The whole place smelled of cinnamon and pine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Like it?” Michael
hugged him from behind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cobey turned to face him
and wound his arms around Michael’s neck. “I love it. But you shouldn’t have.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Anything for you.”
Michael’s smile gleamed in the low light. “Champagne?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There had been champagne
downstairs, too. “Maybe just one glass.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Michael kissed him on
the neck and pulled Cobey toward the sofa. The bubbly sat in an ice bucket,
uncorked and ready to go—just like in the movies. Michael poured half a flute
for each of them and handed one glass to Cobey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“To us.” Michael’s voice
had gotten a bit rough. “May this New Year’s Eve be the first of many.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“To us.” What else could
he say? “You are the best thing to ever happen to me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Michael’s blue eyes
crinkled. “Ditto.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cobey clinked his glass
against Michael’s with a musical <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ching</i>.
They locked gazes and each took a sip. The bubbles tickled Cobey’s tongue, but
Michael’s frank gaze had tickled lower parts. Sensitive parts. Cobey set his
champagne on the table. “I…I’d like to try out the bed now.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
~*~<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Endeavor-Whitley-Gray-ebook/dp/B00RNE48XQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420841165&sr=8-1&keywords=whitley+gray" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-artisticendeavor-1718070-149.html" target="_blank">ARE<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whitley
Gray<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.whitleygray.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.whitleygray.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LINK
BACK to <a href="http://www.mysexysaturday.blogspot.com/2015/01/our-sexy-new-year-mysexysaturday.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;">My Sexy Saturday</span></a> for
more great snippets!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-65323892897070723432015-01-09T02:00:00.000-07:002015-01-09T02:00:03.330-07:00Switching Leads and Mia Downing
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I
was a little nervous to write for the Campus Cravings: Higher Learning series
when invited. Though I love writing male/male romance, my characters are
usually older than college age, and I had no clue what college aspect to add to
make my story unique. I had considered writing about since my son plays. Then I
realized I could write about horses and a college riding team, both aspects I
know a lot about!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKcE2gNmThhsNJdpn3efY9F11amdanQSPvEf9icGxvBIRzUFAq7IIJsh5OeTCpkkdXhqd_rKJ7vaikMKSx_K5ETh1nfnV-upu6dks6PniHt_kOWQnlrihykgS5AePlsHhCezCK4zEPtM/s1600/switching+leads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKcE2gNmThhsNJdpn3efY9F11amdanQSPvEf9icGxvBIRzUFAq7IIJsh5OeTCpkkdXhqd_rKJ7vaikMKSx_K5ETh1nfnV-upu6dks6PniHt_kOWQnlrihykgS5AePlsHhCezCK4zEPtM/s1600/switching+leads.jpg" height="320" width="199" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I
used to be a riding instructor, and I’ve actually taught for a few colleges. I
called a friend who is now an assistant coach for a college in Virginia, and we
hashed out scenarios, conflicts. She gave me the inside scoop on the inner
workings and drama of a riding team. I remember being so excited when I got off
the phone with her, knowing I had the makings for a really special novella. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">The
last portions of conflict for my heroes were personal and didn’t need much
research. Finn is a former alcoholic, and I have a lot of those in my family.
John’s mother’s Alzheimer’s was painfully easy to include since I have
experience with that disease as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I
hope blending aspects I know from life and work experience help to make
Switching Leads a realistic and satisfying read you’ll enjoy. Thanks for
stopping by. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Coach John Graham needs a new assistant coach for Cathia U's
equestrian team. The last person he expects to get the job walks into the barn
and stops his heart. How is he supposed to focus on the team when his
ex-lover—sexy horse trainer Finn Parker—wants back into his life? <br />
<br />
Finn has had a hell of a bad year, ending with a horrible riding accident.
Instead of looking forward to winter in sunny Florida training horses for the
show circuit, he ends up going home to snowy Cathia, NY to heal, physically and
emotionally. He'll endure John's frosty reception if it means he'll get what he
wants most. He’s used to taking the reins…for love will he switch leads?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><u><strong>Buy: </strong></u> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Switching-Leads-Campus-Cravings-Learning-ebook/dp/B00RC7QL7U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1420775956&sr=1-1&keywords=switching+leads" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><strong><u>Bio:</u></strong> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Mia Downing started creating heroes at age four, but her heroes
back then rode ponies to rescue those in need and only kissed her on the cheek.
Today, Mia's heroes still rescue those in need, but the price of their toys and
the expertise of their seduction leads to a whole lot more. When Mia isn't busy
creating new stories for her readers she fills in as an underwear model for a
prestigious lingerie company. She also lives in New England with her family,
and enjoys horses and knitting.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-8407857078391432862015-01-07T02:00:00.000-07:002015-01-07T02:00:04.984-07:00Release Day!<span style="font-size: large;">Artistic Endeavor comes out today as a stand alone--with bonus material!</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today I'll be at </span><a href="http://www.jpbarnaby.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">J.P. Barnaby's blog</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. Drop by and register for the Rafflecopter giveaway.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Check out Artistic Endeavor on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Endeavor-Whitley-Gray-ebook/dp/B00RNE48XQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1420606568&sr=1-6&keywords=whitley+gray" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VQFnJkj37TNxmwncFG4kzLk9XLHrk-6_2YNFwLqVlOL0lyZNVhyphenhyphenwkZHq9n9GNwuwP64i4OTkUtGna6OaJp9hKenETFWyeLNdoRtiLMAQs0AlsENUBuT9B4ubuvKiwpzg829lYE0T3K8/s1600/Artistic+Endeavor+BT+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VQFnJkj37TNxmwncFG4kzLk9XLHrk-6_2YNFwLqVlOL0lyZNVhyphenhyphenwkZHq9n9GNwuwP64i4OTkUtGna6OaJp9hKenETFWyeLNdoRtiLMAQs0AlsENUBuT9B4ubuvKiwpzg829lYE0T3K8/s1600/Artistic+Endeavor+BT+Banner.jpg" height="122" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-35284586087538508232015-01-06T11:04:00.001-07:002015-01-06T11:04:48.613-07:00The Artistic Endeavor Blog Tour Continues...
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Artistic Endeavor blog tour is at </span><a href="http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=31295" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Hearts on Fire Reviews</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> today. Check out the
excerpt and the Rafflecopter giveaway!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt70waUKU0hCtzPMiN3Yex6X35eB_7xX6G8SXdxTZRrZ9RS6pfh7RtnNzjKQh2W2XM71vG_08WtGI4k995JTSaL2ytGGvwA6Ss4RNCV7oDH6ySlnyJLU2U58vHecZM2zzb9CN4loCQ-I/s1600/HOF+reviews.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=31295" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt70waUKU0hCtzPMiN3Yex6X35eB_7xX6G8SXdxTZRrZ9RS6pfh7RtnNzjKQh2W2XM71vG_08WtGI4k995JTSaL2ytGGvwA6Ss4RNCV7oDH6ySlnyJLU2U58vHecZM2zzb9CN4loCQ-I/s1600/HOF+reviews.png" height="320" title="Hearyts On Fire Reviews" width="256" /></a><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow's stop: <a href="http://www.jpbarnaby.com/" target="_blank">JP Barnaby</a>!</span></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-58860911545174992522015-01-05T22:17:00.001-07:002015-01-05T22:17:25.644-07:00Here's What's on the Blog Tour Schedule<span style="font-size: large;">The blog tour for Artistic Endeavor kicks off today. Here's what's going on this week:</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <u><span style="color: blue;">Week 1:</span></u> Jan 5th – Joyfully Jay<br /> Jan 6th – Hearts on Fire<br /> Jan 7th – J. P. Barnaby<br /> Jan 8th – MM Good Book Reviews<br /> Andrew Q. Gordon<br /> Jan 9th – The Novel Approach</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There will be more stops over the next month! Prizes galore.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHKYY9xoemNXJCCkpF077vyTdGqtoHKmfSICe1_RWGy5wuRXiYajIZAfbDPLwPn9GUZoVG-7LonAHALLwLf1_h4WXjaFlBwI2YCVJrcWaawUe3pJaEJDcixqkl3LF0WPFxtZwaQSxaCE/s1600/Artistic+Endeavor+BT+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHKYY9xoemNXJCCkpF077vyTdGqtoHKmfSICe1_RWGy5wuRXiYajIZAfbDPLwPn9GUZoVG-7LonAHALLwLf1_h4WXjaFlBwI2YCVJrcWaawUe3pJaEJDcixqkl3LF0WPFxtZwaQSxaCE/s1600/Artistic+Endeavor+BT+Banner.jpg" height="152" width="400" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-27427213384944420092015-01-04T01:00:00.000-07:002015-01-04T01:00:00.528-07:00Sneak Peek--the Brand New Bonus Material in Artistic Endeavor<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On Wednesday, Artistic Endeavor will release as a standalone. There's a bonus of 3600 words. You may have seen the first part of Cobey and Michael's New Year's Eve, but no one has seen what happens on the other side of Midnight. Here's a taste of Happy New Year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CZ4PV28zDBEX3B7r7QswABRLm0MUDKkF2H6YebnFL9Vi6WTLZrVlWr6yTvHlSKFqwMQlYPQPuob-Ow3PiWOQ-PeLeueetefkF8i8ZTeI2bqFdCJpB87luXBi-GbL1uqSmmFwAR7F0vg/s1600/pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CZ4PV28zDBEX3B7r7QswABRLm0MUDKkF2H6YebnFL9Vi6WTLZrVlWr6yTvHlSKFqwMQlYPQPuob-Ow3PiWOQ-PeLeueetefkF8i8ZTeI2bqFdCJpB87luXBi-GbL1uqSmmFwAR7F0vg/s1600/pillows.jpg" height="134" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Oh my God, Michael.” Cobey turned in a circle, taking in
the room. Rich carpet in warm colors, a sitting area with a couch and chairs
covered in indigo velvet, and a picture window with a view of the river,
sparkling with lights in a spectrum from white to gold to blue. Taking center
stage in the room was a king-sized bed. The creamy sheets were turned down, and
a foil-covered chocolate sat on each pillow. The whole place smelled of
cinnamon and pine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Like it?” Michael hugged him from behind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cobey turned to face him and wound his arms around Michael’s
neck. “I love it. But you shouldn’t have.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Anything for you.” Michael’s smile gleamed in the low
light. “Champagne?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI5oa658eHMeuoZk2LtAtbzXa6Ru6UxOidqsRLWTupiI5_GXGENcnDEUDalWGYJVUP9vKInVP8BHlDVjc_2FSdwlHndSy2XQziq1zPQS3ZCelUvMB6wbOapr3nvRRoKvtDlM3aFIwuZ8/s1600/champagne+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI5oa658eHMeuoZk2LtAtbzXa6Ru6UxOidqsRLWTupiI5_GXGENcnDEUDalWGYJVUP9vKInVP8BHlDVjc_2FSdwlHndSy2XQziq1zPQS3ZCelUvMB6wbOapr3nvRRoKvtDlM3aFIwuZ8/s1600/champagne+glasses.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There had been champagne downstairs, too. “Maybe just one
glass.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael kissed him on the neck and pulled Cobey toward the sofa.
The bubbly sat in an ice bucket, uncorked and ready to go—just like in the
movies. Michael poured half a flute for each of them and handed one glass to
Cobey. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“To us.” Michael’s voice had gotten a bit rough. “May this
New Year’s Eve be the first of many.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“To us.” What else could he say? “You are the best thing to
ever happen to me.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael’s blue eyes crinkled. “Ditto.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cobey clinked his glass against Michael’s with a musical <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ching</i>. They locked gazes and each took a
sip. The bubbles tickled Cobey’s tongue, but Michael’s frank gaze had tickled
lower parts. Sensitive parts. Cobey set his champagne on the table. “I…I’d like
to try out the bed now.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~*~</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Want to see what happens next? Check out Artistic Endeavor on January 7th. It's available for preorder at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Endeavor-Campus-Cravings-Learning-ebook/dp/B00RNE48XQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1420252538&sr=1-6&keywords=whitley+gray" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-artisticendeavor-1718070-149.html" target="_blank">ARE</a> . </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-86117124063405768792014-12-31T20:58:00.003-07:002014-12-31T20:58:53.260-07:00New Year's Eve Morsel--Cobey and Michael from Artistic Endeavor
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">New Year’s Eve Morsel—Cobey
and Michael from Artistic Endeavor<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You’re not dressed.” Michael put his hands on his hips. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VAtAIiDejJIPS8nB4brJb-UwVAF8bT00lyPpHVyZUZ0PMfqSxqaFmnsOrV4zg5JsGnCYs_2mwjFPv9X32GGqMqwG7AdEmA_e04FoQTPO9EDNhAgkXnxxLrfqjAKHkzhyphenhyphenBo8xliXjR-g/s1600/2015--2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VAtAIiDejJIPS8nB4brJb-UwVAF8bT00lyPpHVyZUZ0PMfqSxqaFmnsOrV4zg5JsGnCYs_2mwjFPv9X32GGqMqwG7AdEmA_e04FoQTPO9EDNhAgkXnxxLrfqjAKHkzhyphenhyphenBo8xliXjR-g/s1600/2015--2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cobey scrunched lower in the couch and stared at his book.
“I don’t want to go.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Crap.</i> Michael’s
better half was wearing jeans—not the party kind—and a Christmas green sweater.
A cup of cocoa sat on the table next to him. The scent of chocolate and peppermint
Schnapps wafted over.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VAtAIiDejJIPS8nB4brJb-UwVAF8bT00lyPpHVyZUZ0PMfqSxqaFmnsOrV4zg5JsGnCYs_2mwjFPv9X32GGqMqwG7AdEmA_e04FoQTPO9EDNhAgkXnxxLrfqjAKHkzhyphenhyphenBo8xliXjR-g/s1600/2015--2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I thought we agreed: you would choose the Christmas Eve
activity, and I would choose the New Year’s Eve plans.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cobey flipped the book face down on the arm of the sofa and
met Michael’s gaze. “Yeah. But I didn’t think you’d choose a sushi bar followed
by Stork’s party and then Turbulence.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oookay.</i> “Something
going on here I don’t know about?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“That place is a meat market. Turbulence, I mean. It smells
of alcohol and sex and man sweat. That’s not the kind of atmosphere I want for
a special time.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Oh.” It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> kind
of smelly. Before Cobey, Michael had considered those aromas to be an
appetizer. Admittedly, he hadn’t been there in months, but Turbulence really
knew how to throw a party. Michael sank onto the couch. “I wanted to go
dancing. And live it up a little while you’re on break from the university.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cobey sighed. “I know. I just…it should be memorable. In a
good way.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Memorable equaled romantic. Like in front of the fountain at
the university a couple of weeks ago. Like going caroling on Christmas Eve and
then coming home to spend time with friends and feast on homemade Christmas
cookies. Like a late night present exchange followed by making love in the glow
of the Christmas tree lights. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ah, yes, romance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There had been a time when Michael would have laughed off
all of that and opted for a holly-jolly one-night stand. But that was before
Cobey. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael scooted closer. “What would you like to do?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You make the plan. Just something that we’ll always
remember.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Any ideas?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cobey leaned in and pressed their mouths together. It made
Michael warm inside, the taste of hot chocolate and peppermint and Cobey. “You
know what I like.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Great.</i> Obviously
Michael was on his own. “I’ll be back.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’ll be waiting.” Cobey grinned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~*~ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cobey couldn’t see a thing. “Is the blindfold really
necessary? I feel weird.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You look great.” A grin tinted Michael’s words. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After Michael had disappeared, Cobey had wondered if he’d
return wearing jeans and announce they were staying in. Cobey wasn’t the best
at speaking up about what he wanted. Probably ridiculous not to offer an
alternative when he’d shot down Michael’s plans. But Turbulence—yeesh. The
place would be packed; the crowd would be drunk. The groping would be rampant. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe Michael was taking him to the movies. There were a few
Cobey wanted to see, and that’d be cozy. Afterward they could have a drink at
that new English pub downtown. Or the Museum of Natural History had a sort of
highbrow champagne dinosaur tour. Or…the college had a “Winter Wonderland”
sculpture garden walk, complete with bubbly or hot buttered rum. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The car slowed, turned. “Almost there. Keep the blindfold
on.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">“Are we someplace people are going to see me like this?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ryLwaFvm77ooVqDBR5CUlf8lz4wf6fdDrZhZwAZAkbPRojfhLzuBBQHheU7RPAEGZAJ-TMA1ZIQqPvo9f_qkSWgWbwsHKEHPuE6yoNXxwAaT8zUcSj2K_4Eoa59plCENGdYb_wDvZKo/s1600/2015-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ryLwaFvm77ooVqDBR5CUlf8lz4wf6fdDrZhZwAZAkbPRojfhLzuBBQHheU7RPAEGZAJ-TMA1ZIQqPvo9f_qkSWgWbwsHKEHPuE6yoNXxwAaT8zUcSj2K_4Eoa59plCENGdYb_wDvZKo/s1600/2015-3.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael laughed. “Nope. Hang tight while I park.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The window hummed as it lowered. Cold air poured into the
car, carrying the smell of exhaust. A ka-ching, a snap, and they moved forward.
Cobey shivered. Probably headed for a movie at that vintage theater downtown.
What had been playing there? A romantic comedy, maybe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The car turned, stopped. Cobey reached for the blindfold and
Michael grabbed his wrist. “Not yet, not yet, not yet, my son.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cobey smirked. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“ I’ll come around and get you.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was unique; Cobey had to give Michael props for that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The door opened. Michael gripped his forearm. “Pivot and
step out. Watch your head.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A leather-covered palm curled around Cobey’s neck and then
into his hair. Gingerly Cobey stood, clutching Michael’s elbow. “Can I take it
off now?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’ll let you know when.” Michael’s arm wrapped around
Cobey’s waist and pulled him forward. The car door slammed. “Let me guide you,
okay?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t want to run into anyone I know like this.” Cobey
ducked his head. This was getting a little extreme, now that they’d arrived. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I won’t let that happen.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cobey snorted. “No way to avoid it, I’d say.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Do you trust me?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">During the summer, trust had been their watchword. Cobey had
trusted Michael to teach him the ropes of intimacy, and Michael had never
pushed, never broken his word. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Yeah, I trust you.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Then c’mon.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">They strolled–at Cobey’s speed—across the space. Their
footsteps echoed, and there was the idle of an engine in the distance. The smell
of concrete and mud and melting snow got stronger as they made their way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Must be a movie.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then why dress up? At home, following a mysterious thirty
minute interval, Michael had waltzed into the living room. He cut a dashing
figure wearing a black long-sleeved T-shirt, black pants, and a charcoal
jacket. Cobey had whistled, and Michael had sent him upstairs with the caveat
to wear what Michael had laid out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Black pants, black long-sleeved Tee, dark pin-striped
jacket. White silk briefs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He could feel the slide right now if he concentrated on it.
So soft. And Michael hadn’t gotten to enjoy them— <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Stop.” Michael’s arm tightened. “We’re at an elevator.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Ah. Can I take it off?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“So impatient. Soon, I promise.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t want a bunch of people on the street to see this.”
Cobey waved a hand in front of his face. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Mmm.” Michael nuzzled Cobey’s ear. “No worries.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The air pressure changed and Michael tugged him forward.
“Straight ahead three steps.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cobey hesitated. The game was getting old. This was too much
cloak and dagger to attend a movie. Or…was there some solve-the-mystery thing
downtown? That might be fun. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“There’s no one in the elevator, Cobe. C’mon. Almost there.”
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Okay.” He shuffled his way forward. The doors closed them
in. There was a hint of floral perfume in the space. Lips nibbled along his
jaw, and then Michael kissed him on the lips. And again. Cobey smiled and
reached for him, teasing with a bit of tongue. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael pulled away. “We better stop.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Are we almost there?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Yep.” The car slowed, stopped. “Now.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cobey slid off the blindfold, tucked it in his jacket, and squinted
at the lights. Now what? The doors slid open. Cobey’s jaw dropped. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh my God, Michael. What did you do? </i>He
turned to Michael.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael had a huge grin. “Yeah?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 137.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I…you…wow.” Cobey exited the
elevator, Michael at his side.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was bright, but a different kind of bright; an elegant
bright, the kind borne of dozens of tiny lights. Cobey directed his attention
upward. And no wonder. There was a giant chandelier illuminating the area. And
what an area. The space rose high above, a giant atrium. Richly patterned
carpet in shades of navy, purple, and cream stretched ahead, punctuated by a
round table bearing a vase of white roses which scented the air. Marble
pillars, a mezzanine with arched openings, and wrought iron railings. And
everywhere gold and silver: balloons, streamers, confetti, all gilded. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A band played somewhere. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was amazing and daunting and delicious all at once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Michael…you brought me to the Palace?” Guilt poked at
Cobey. This place cost a fortune, and they were on a budget. Assistant art
professors didn’t make much, and neither did self-employed graphic artists. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You like it?” Michael ran a hand up and down Cobey’s back. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I love it. But it’s so pricey.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Ah. But look what I have.” Michael reached inside his
jacket, pulled out two tickets, and handed them to Cobey. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The heavy card featured a drawing of a man in a gold mask,
wearing a wicked smile while another masked man shown in profile kissed him on
the cheek. The sketch was rendered in gold on a black background. Below the
figures it said: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Admit One<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Figlio New Year’s Gala 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~at~<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Palace<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who was Figlio, and why did Michael have tickets to Figlio’s
Gala? “Where did you get these?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael’s eyebrows rose. “Do you not recognize the drawing?
I’m no art professor, but it turned out well, I think.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh. Yeah.</i> The
original drawing had been graphite on white. “You designed this.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Guilty as charged.” Michael put one hand on his chest and
took a slight bow. “Mr. Figlio was so happy he invited me to his party.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You never mentioned it.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Michael’s smile faded and he pulled Cobey into an alcove
occupied by a confetti-strewn white </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Mmox5kRz5pFTlFNGSwVjQTBRA2vJAhPQBCqJwWhr5n63o0nJ9xdeNJXG5iigJTa6QoJ7To6diD85tkBy4g1xQpTXz5qE3VyeZwoSy5xuZ2cxkBjJpUztr8Dp3rcVZX57ila78H5KpGE/s1600/2015-new-year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Mmox5kRz5pFTlFNGSwVjQTBRA2vJAhPQBCqJwWhr5n63o0nJ9xdeNJXG5iigJTa6QoJ7To6diD85tkBy4g1xQpTXz5qE3VyeZwoSy5xuZ2cxkBjJpUztr8Dp3rcVZX57ila78H5KpGE/s1600/2015-new-year.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">buffalo sculpture. “I…didn’t think you’d
want to go.” <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Why?” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No way. No.
Way.</i> “This is a work event?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael shook his head and leaned in. Against Cobey’s ear he
said, “It’s a private party. Mr. Figlio owns Escalade Underwear.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“That expensive brand that caters to…” Cobey swallowed. “To
gay men?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“The very same. In fact you’re wearing a pair from the new
line.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The briefs seemed to caress him and he shivered. “Thank
you.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There was a sharp nip on his ear. Cobey sucked in a breath.
“Mr. Figlio is gay, Cobe. We can dance and drink champagne and kiss at
midnight.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That did sound good. Cobey pulled back and gazed into
Michael’s eyes. “Lead on, Captain my Captain.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~*~ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The dancing was the best part. Michael snuggled Cobey
against his chest for a slow dance. It felt so good to be in an atmosphere
where no one batted an eye about men with men. The big band music was more fun
than the teeth-rattling boom-boom-boom of club music. No one had shed their
clothes. The restroom had an attendant and was nicer than most living rooms. No
screwing in the bathroom. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not a problem. Cobey seemed in heaven. He hadn’t been the
typical shy professor tonight. Maybe it was the comfort of the circumstance, or
maybe Cobey had sneaked a second flute of champagne. Whatever it was, he’d been
animated and charming with Mr. Figlio and guests. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Michael…” Cobey spoke low, against Michael’s shoulder. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He spun them and began moving them toward the tables.
“What?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You are amazing.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael laughed. Must be the champagne talking. “Mmm.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“No really. I’m serious.” Cobey pulled back and gripped
Michael’s shoulders. “This is the best New Year’s I’ve ever had. The first
celebration I’ve ever had.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael stopped dancing. “Seriously?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Yep. There was never a suitable party for me to attend.” He
gave a shy smile. “And who wants to kiss a girl at midnight?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Gentlemen, and gentlemen.” The voice came from in front of
the band. Mr. Figlio stood there with a glass. “It’s nearly time. Grab your
drink and your man.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael grabbed Cobey’s hand and they hustled to retrieve
champagne from one of the waiters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Ten, nine…” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Thank you,” Cobey whispered, eyes wide. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Eight, seven…” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You’re welcome.” Michael pulled Cobey in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Six, five…” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“This is romantic,” Cobey breathed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bingo. </i>Michael
grinned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“And you are so getting laid.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Four, three…” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Good thing I have a room upstairs,” Michael murmured in
Cobey’s ear. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Two, one…Happy New Year!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Noisemakers rattled and horns blared around them. Michael
pressed their mouths together. “Happy New Year,” he said, voice sultry and low.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“It is,” Cobey said with a grin. “The best.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~*~<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> Happy New Year, everyone. Thanks for a great 2014, and here's to a fabulous 2015. </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">~Whitley Gray</span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QebmIEeG7WA%2FVKTEYnDszwI%2FAAAAAAAAAo0%2FdMtGpwYWSME%2Fs1600%2F2015--2.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VAtAIiDejJIPS8nB4brJb-UwVAF8bT00lyPpHVyZUZ0PMfqSxqaFmnsOrV4zg5JsGnCYs_2mwjFPv9X32GGqMqwG7AdEmA_e04FoQTPO9EDNhAgkXnxxLrfqjAKHkzhyphenhyphenBo8xliXjR-g/s1600/2015--2.jpg" -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-59589112697582336532014-12-29T07:00:00.000-07:002014-12-29T07:00:06.737-07:00Cover Reveal for Artistic Endeavor<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Some of you may have read the anthology/bundle Campus Cravings. Nine authors, each with a novella set on the fictional Cathia University campus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">As of midnight on December 31st, Campus Cravings will cease to exist. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">But, not to fear...</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWy6QgBdFHOB4fRiJBJFaxhT66qQnvXf0WwtRXqDCRVxXcA5weioU4q0pHckrfffYs6Bb_HK_55wgSjabFj3zyRf0BdPBB1-jRWjtR4ciKlOH-599lrxD3Vo2m9Cp5GY2lsvFDCKfdpo/s1600/ArtisticEndeavor_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWy6QgBdFHOB4fRiJBJFaxhT66qQnvXf0WwtRXqDCRVxXcA5weioU4q0pHckrfffYs6Bb_HK_55wgSjabFj3zyRf0BdPBB1-jRWjtR4ciKlOH-599lrxD3Vo2m9Cp5GY2lsvFDCKfdpo/s1600/ArtisticEndeavor_300.jpg" height="400" width="248" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My story in that anthology--Artistic Endeavor--will become available as a standalone in January. It has a lovely new cover by the talented Diana Carlile, and I wanted to share that here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Several other stories will also become available as standalones--each with its own unique cover. Check them out at your favorite ebook seller. </span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-74727383946966369282014-12-20T14:47:00.000-07:002014-12-20T14:58:01.139-07:00Christmas Morsel #3: Jeff and Ash from Rabbit Wars<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
month I'm posting a series of holiday vignettes, featuring characters from
my books. Christmas morsels--bite-size scenes of the season. This is Jeff and
Ash from Rabbit Wars...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christmas Morsel #3</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJy0DXjLgnwoMwpUshg0cxMITTPgNhR1UEzd7H_M0NZjns0pTic-mWfvZboQRdjFENGLMb21YRUHe-_ml9OAtZABxjvfbe5Z3i5uFAQpn6OzoZcLUUU4yhDECB75Lvfh5lcD6VEvCV0TQ/s1600/Red_Christmas_present_on_white_background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJy0DXjLgnwoMwpUshg0cxMITTPgNhR1UEzd7H_M0NZjns0pTic-mWfvZboQRdjFENGLMb21YRUHe-_ml9OAtZABxjvfbe5Z3i5uFAQpn6OzoZcLUUU4yhDECB75Lvfh5lcD6VEvCV0TQ/s1600/Red_Christmas_present_on_white_background.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“A little more to the left.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Jeff eyed Ash. They’d been at this for over thirty
minutes. The tang of evergreen filled his nose. “You just said a little more to
the right.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“You overcorrected.” Ash grinned. “Now it needs a
bit to the left.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I’m sure there’s a carpenter’s level in the
construction zone.” Which was pretty much the entire second floor of the house.
The formal sitting room was one of the few places in the Rabbit mansion that
had undergone restoration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“You want me to hold the tree?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I don’t think I can let go.” Pine sap had glued
Jeff’s fingers to the trunk. Spruce needles poked through his sweater,
generating a tickle and itch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“A little more to the left, then.” Ash motioned with
one hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Jeff tilted the tree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Stop. Right there.” Ash strode over and ducked down
to tighten the tree stand. He straightened, a few stray needles in his hair.
“Let go.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Jeff let go as Ash crossed the room. Golden sap and
bits of bark stuck to Jeff’s fingers. “Is it straight?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“It’s perfect,” Ash said. He had that beatific smile
on his face—the one that made Jeff feel like the king of the world. “Just like in
a magazine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Giving an answering grin, Jeff joined Ash on the
other side of the room. It was pretty cozy. Two of the walls were papered in
gold- and wine-striped silk, and the other two were bare plaster. Ash had
insisted on halting the work for the holiday. Ash had lovingly restored the oak
fireplace mantel and hung wine-colored velvet stockings, one for each of them.
A fire crackled in the hearth, giving warmth to the high-ceilinged space. Above
the mantel a beveled mirror reflected the room. The hardwood floor gleamed
around the edges of the Persian rug. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“It does look good.” Jeff wrapped an arm around
Ash’s waist and pulled him in for a kiss. “You have a good eye.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I have a good memory for what it looked like when
we were kids.” Ash put his arms around Jeff. He smelled good, like citrus and
fresh-cut grass. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think Dalton would
approve.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I think he would.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Dalton Rabbit had left the Rabbit estate jointly to
Jeff and Ash, with the caveat they had to work together to restore the house.
Between Jeff’s architecture background and Ash’s intuitive knack for
decorating, they were making slow progress. Years of neglect had left the house
in need of a generous dose of TLC. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Ash raised an eyebrow. “Ready for a treat before we
decorate the tree?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“And what would that be?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“A dessert wine and dark chocolate truffles with
raspberry and quince.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Jeff’s mouth watered. Ash created the best
chocolates on the face of the earth. “Sounds like Santa Claus made an early
delivery.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Ash led the way to the sofa. “Santa has nothing on
me when it comes to chocolate.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Jeff dropped onto the couch and pulled Ash down
beside him. The firelight danced over Ash’s pale hair, highlighting his
Scandinavian good looks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I’m glad we’re home,” Ash said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“If it weren’t for this house, would we have ever
gotten back together?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Yes,” Ash answered promptly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Jeff chuckled. “How can you be so sure?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I moved back here.” Ash moved closer, ice-blue eyes
intense. That frenetic energy radiated off him, like waves of heat. “I knew it
was just a matter of time before you came back too.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“If it weren’t for the will—” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“The will has nothing to do with it.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Really.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“It was Fate. The cosmos wanted us together.” Ash
spoke with certainty. “It was set in motion when we first met.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">That had been a lot of years ago. Nearly sixteen, in
fact. A year ago Jeff never could have imagined himself sitting in the front
parlor of the Rabbit Mansion with Ash. “It’s too bad the upstairs rooms aren’t
finished. We could stay here.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“We are staying here.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“With the mice and the bats?” The upstairs
was…rustic. To put it mildly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“No, down here.” Ash’s smile glinted in the
firelight. “I brought the air mattress and blankets. It’ll be just like camping
out.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“C’mere.” Jeff pulled him in for a kiss. And
another. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“What about the wine and chocolate?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Later.” Jeff kissed him again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-87512288549952458572014-12-09T01:30:00.000-07:002014-12-09T01:30:02.922-07:00Christmas Morsel #2: Beck and Zach from High Concept
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">This month
I'm posting a series of holiday vignettes, featuring characters from my
books. Christmas morsels--bite-size scenes of the season. This is Beck and Zach from High Concept…<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Christmas
Morsel #2</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOvREvYvFsVG3zYstfGDsOVkTs3ZhWnF-l-Xg0iVs1uMFAoZTcx55dmaZNhez81EzzCwm892WibgJDKdeO1tWIrwk-2qr3ytQDsrk08w_L4ILnoXezDG9-LccjjJ0bXVBsa7RFLsjHcE/s1600/A+christmas_tree_snow_flakes-1280x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOvREvYvFsVG3zYstfGDsOVkTs3ZhWnF-l-Xg0iVs1uMFAoZTcx55dmaZNhez81EzzCwm892WibgJDKdeO1tWIrwk-2qr3ytQDsrk08w_L4ILnoXezDG9-LccjjJ0bXVBsa7RFLsjHcE/s1600/A+christmas_tree_snow_flakes-1280x800.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Beck slouched on the
sofa, watching <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It’s a Wonderful Life</i>.
Two days before Christmas, and Denver had unseasonably warm temperatures and
not a hint of snow. Didn’t feel very Christmassy, especially with only two
fingers of bourbon for company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Zach was late. Any
minute he might call to say he couldn’t get away, that some case had heated up
and kept him out in the field. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">A key rattled in the
lock. Beck jumped up and opened the door to a surprised Zach, who grinned and
said, “Hey! You’re home!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“I am.” Beck’s heart
gave a little skip at that gorgeous smile. Beautiful and happy and all his. He
tugged Zach inside, dragging in cold air and closed the door. “You made it.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">In answer Zach dropped
his duffel bag and pulled him in, hot mouth covering Beck’s and tasting of mint.
After not seeing each other for three weeks, it was easy to enter into the
spirit of things. Dueling tongues and bodies pressed together. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">They broke for air,
and Zach said, “Merry Christmas.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“It will be, now that
you’re here.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Zach chuckled, pulled
off his coat, and draped it over the back of an overstuffed chair. “Want to get
me a drink?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Coming right up.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Where’s the tree?”
Zach looked around Beck’s apartment as if Beck had hidden a decorated spruce
somewhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">It hadn’t crossed his
mind that Zach might want—expect—a tree. Of course Zach had grown up with a
more normal childhood, where a Christmas tree would be commonplace. “I…there is
no tree.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean, no Christmas tree?” Zach
looked like the Grinch had just stolen his Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Beck winced. As a
kid, there hadn’t been money for frivolities like Christmas trees. After he was
on his own, Beck had never bothered with a tree. Christmas was just another
day. Hence, no tree. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Sometimes it was hard to predict what Zach expected. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New relationship learning curve at work, Stryker.</i>
“I’m never sure if you’ll make it when we plan to be together, and I didn’t
need a tree…just for me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Zach opened his
mouth, closed it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Was Zach mad? Frustrated?
Had Beck blown it utterly and completely by forgoing a tree? He'd wanted this to be perfect, and now...no tree. No decorations of any kind. No manifestation of holiday spirit. His gut clenched. Beck looked away from that intense blue gaze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">In a blink Zach was
across the room and Beck found himself taken in strong arms. He responded in
kind, drawing Zach to him. The now-familiar smell of Zach’s lemongrass
aftershave soothed Beck's nerves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“I’m sorry I haven’t
been more reliable,” Zach whispered. “The job tends to be unpredictable.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Understatement of the
decade. In two months, Zach had had to cancel more rendezvouses than he‘d
attended. Thanksgiving had ended up a solo holiday. So Beck had looked forward
to Christmas, hoping against hope that Zach could break away. A tree would have
been a glaring reminder if Zach had cancelled yet again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Beck buried
his face in the crook of Zach’s neck. “I know. But it’s what you do. You’re
good at it.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Zach pulled back and
gestured between them. “I want this. You know that, right?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yeah.” Beck
understood wanting to be together and having it happen weren’t the same. They’d
known going in, the long-distance thing wouldn’t be easy. Knowing it was a
finite period of time had made it tolerable when Zach left Denver in October
and returned to Minneapolis. Beck hadn’t counted on just how tough Zach’s job
might make things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Beck rubbed his palms
on Zach’s shoulders. “Let’s go get a tree.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“I don’t need a tree,
as long as I have you.” Zach’s eyes were full of humor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Oh, you have me all
right.” That had been true practically from the time they’d gotten reacquainted
in October. After some initial antagonism over the case, fireworks had flown
and ignited a spine-melting heat between them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“In that case, want
to open presents?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“But it’s not Christmas for another two days.”
And he hadn’t wrapped Zach’s gift yet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">With a slow smile
Zach said, “Tonight, you’re my present.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Now that was a
Christmas sentiment Beck could get on board with. He grinned. "Then by all means, let the unwrapping begin."</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-65359457948757038912014-12-08T11:46:00.000-07:002014-12-08T11:46:01.856-07:00Magic doesn't solve everything by Blaine D. Arden
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 4pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">In the world of the Fifth
Son, every person--not counting Llyskel--possesses magic to some degree. From
boiling water for tea to turning on the lights at night, spells are used for
every day chores. On top of that, every person performs magic while they work
as well, whether it's curing leather or fighting the enemy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvfLewaVimWFuaVriAZ1MB7Gv4PGWct22XlFbOfXEESLZmWc2sNuENEgXmJZ9tdSE_BbHSV5JhToJmMdQq_33OCE2mKFSsMOvSMqJCa5vlzeJa1pZ-TwBVFyTTfDFXV9zfhZkxOW1B-c/s1600/5thsonfront_600.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvfLewaVimWFuaVriAZ1MB7Gv4PGWct22XlFbOfXEESLZmWc2sNuENEgXmJZ9tdSE_BbHSV5JhToJmMdQq_33OCE2mKFSsMOvSMqJCa5vlzeJa1pZ-TwBVFyTTfDFXV9zfhZkxOW1B-c/s1600/5thsonfront_600.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">But energy isn't limitless.
Small spells--like the abovementioned boiling water--barely don't cost much at
all, but the specialised spells need more. The harder the spells, the longer
they are maintained, the more energy they cost.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">While this applies to
every profession, the consequences of energy drain are more severe for the
soldiers of the King's Guards. As wonderful as it would be to slay the enemy
with magic alone, it's just not possible. The risk of running out of energy
during a battle is too big, and would only lead to disaster, to defeat.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">That is why soldiers
aren't merely trained in magical combat, they are trained in physical combat as
well. They start out learning to hold their own in old-fashioned hand-to-hand
combat, and work their way up to using ordinary non-magical weapons like short
blades, sticks, and swords. Of course, physical training serves a dual purpose;
it's a good way to stay fit and work on one's endurance.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">As for their battle
magic... To help channel their magic for aim and precision, all soldiers have a
gun-like, copper weapon called a shooter. That isn't to say soldiers can't
perform these spells without the aim of a shooter, but a shooter helps them be
more accurate at a distance. And while shooters can be used at any distance,
battle field spells are mostly used for ranged attacks.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"></span></u></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">The Giveaway:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">One lucky commenter will
receive a copy of The Fifth Son in format of choice (epub/mobi/pdf)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"><u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Fifth Son</span></strong></u> by Blaine D. Arden<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">cover by Simoné -
www.dreamarian.com<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">illustrations by Yana Goya<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"></span></u></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">Blurb: <o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">A prince without power<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">In a land where magic is
commonplace, Prince Llyskel has none. He can’t command spells, he has never
been taught to fight, and as the fifth son of the King, he will never rule.
Everyone believes he’s a weakling, most of all himself.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">Powerlessness is Llyskel’s
problem-and his pleasure. In his secret fantasies, the prince dreams of nothing
more than finding himself helpless at another man’s hands… particularly the
hands of Captain Ariv of the Guards.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">Then Ariv makes Llyskel’s
dream a reality, and as the powerless prince surrenders to the soldier’s
desire, he finds his own true strength at last. But a web of royal politics is
closing around Llyskel, threatening to tear him from his lover, and it will
take all his newfound courage to escape…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"></span></u></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> The field was doused in sunlight, drifting dry sand, and sweaty
soldiers practising their swordplay and stick fighting. I managed to find a
spot in the shade, away from the blowing sand. I started with a bit of
sketching first. The soldiers closest to me fought with sticks-long ones, short
ones, single and double. I sketched their poses, their hits, their misses,
feeling the ground tremble beneath me as the practising became more aggressive.
By the time I finished the last of my sketches, my throat was dry, despite
sitting away from the sand-blowing wind, and my voice was scratchy as I asked
Neia for some water. The soldiers, while sweaty, hardly seemed tired. Training
was far from over.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> I put a canvas on my easel and looked around the field, sipping my
water, searching for an appealing object to paint. Captain Ariv wasn't
training, himself; he was supervising a group on the other side of the field in
hand-to-hand combat. Still, I could not help staring at him and the way his
skin glistened in the sunshine.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "Ogling the men, Llyskel? Seems like you found the perfect
spot for it."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> Kalnor stood behind me, long blond hair falling in his eyes as he
looked down at me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "Kalnor. Good to see you." I smiled at him and patted
the ground. "Sit. You can join me for a moment, can't you? I'm sure your
siblings won't mind."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "If it means ogling my beloved Endyrr a little longer, I'm
game." Kalnor sat down beside me. "My siblings be damned."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> We both gazed across the field, to where Endyrr swung his long
stick about with ease, holding off his attacker, while explaining his moves to
his group.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> Kalnor sighed. "I could watch him at this all day."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> I looked from Endyrr to Kalnor and knew I had my model. It had
been a while since I had painted any of my brothers. I was about to tell him
when a high-pitched screaming interrupted our conversation. We both turned our
heads to the row of orrin bushes across from the entrance in the garden wall. I
didn't see Sirr or Inau, but Neia had already raised a shield to block any
stray magic coming from my frustrated little niece, who must have escaped her
mother. I smiled at Neia, mouthing my thanks, and hoped Sirr was still within
the inner walls and nowhere near the training fields.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "How long has Sirr been volatile?" Kalnor asked.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "About a week, I think." A long week in which I hadn't
even caught a glimpse of her. She usually enticed me to play marbles with her
at least once a day, or joined me as I painted, creating her own art with her
colouring sticks or old brushes I saved for her. "She already hurt two of
the kitchen staff because they weren't shielding themselves properly."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "So, you're allowed nowhere near her, I take it?"<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "I'm not allowed anywhere near the annex at the west wall,
which is where Danen and Inau have moved for the time being. And Sirr is not
allowed in the castle or past that row of orin bushes. I guess it's a fair
trade-off."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "Nothing as dangerous as a child coming into their powers.
Mother said I nearly burnt the house down."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> I still remembered the look on my parents' faces when they
realised I would never come into my powers. I envied Sirr, tantrums and all.
And I missed playing with her.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> As I turned back to the training field. Endyrr's group had moved
closer and switched to swords. Perfect. No doubt Kalnor would very much like to
have a painting of Endyrr with his sword in his workshop.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> Kalnor got up and dusted off his leather work tunic and trousers.
"If I want to meet Endyrr for dinner tonight, I'd best get back to
work."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> I nodded and wished him well, never taking my eyes off Endyrr. I
grabbed my brush and my palette and studied the way he moved, the way he raised
his brow when his opponent made a mistake, the way he held his shield. I barely
noticed I had started the first lines even before I decided on the pose. Endyrr
moving around made it difficult to choose, but when I found a pose I liked, it
didn't matter that he wouldn't stand still. Once I had that image in my head,
the painting would almost paint itself. I copied the pose of Endyrr with his
sword slightly raised, shield hip high, and his face in full sunlight. Maybe I
could surprise Kalnor by delivering the painting to his workshop later this
week. I enjoyed walking into town, even with Neia trailing after me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> Sirr's screaming stopped at last. I turned my head to check on
Neia, who slumped as she released her shield. She immediately started a
relaxation exercise, because holding up a shield for that long took its toll. I
sighed. Neia was just doing her job, and I often treated her as if she was
unwanted. Maybe she would like a painting of her own.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> The ground shook as something hit it with a loud thump, and I
turned back to watch the soldiers. The soldier training with Endyrr had gone
down. I would paint Neia another day. Today was Endyrr's turn. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> Endyrr leaned on his sword, panting, but only until the next
soldier took his place before him. This one attacked at once, and then ducked
behind Endyrr. How he could even sense where his opponent was, I had no idea,
but Endyrr did not have any trouble fighting him off and forcing him back.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> By the time I moved on to sketching the background, Endyrr had
long stopped fighting and was now merely instructing his soldiers as they
practised their moves. I put my tools down for a moment and gratefully took the
water Neia handed me, gulping it down as I searched the field for a moment, but
Captain Ariv was nowhere to be found. Perhaps he had taken his soldiers on a
run.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "Kalnor will no doubt love the pose."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> Captain Ariv's voice washed over me, and I was glad to have
drained my cup already, I would have ruined the painting otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> He looked down into my face with that wide grin plastered on.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness. I didn't mean to startle you."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> I narrowed my eyes. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was
doing it on purpose, but I refused to show he got to me. "Kalnor will see
it every day, once I hang it in his workshop."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "He'll never get any work done."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> I couldn't help but smile. "Or it might make him work faster,
knowing the original is waiting to dine with him."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "True, Your Highness, very true."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> No matter how gorgeous Ariv looked in my paintings, it didn't
compare to seeing him standing in the shade, glistening with sweat and
sand-dust after a hard day's work. I would never leave my gallery if I had him
in there with me, looking as he did now.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> Ariv leaned over my shoulder, and I caught his scent of sweat,
sand, and clove oil. I sat on my hands. It was all I could do not to pull him
into my lap.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> "I can't wait to see what it looks like with a proper
background." And with that, Ariv turned and walked away. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
~*~<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 4pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">Some questions for the readers.</span></u></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"> The only battle spells I mention in the Fifth
Son are the stunning spell and shielding. What sort of spells do you think
would be useful in battle? Also, Ariv's favourite weapons are the short blades
or sticks, depending on his mood. What would your favourite weapons be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"><strong><u>Buy Links:</u></strong> <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefifthson-1674274-143.html%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://blainedarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/waxcreative-allromance.png" target="_blank">ARE</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fifth-Son-Blaine-D-Arden-ebook/dp/B00PHQRH58/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1418063611&sr=1-1&keywords=the+fifth+son" target="_blank">Amazon USA</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00PHQRH58%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://blainedarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/waxcreative-amazon-de-kindle.png" target="_blank">Amazon DE</a> <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-fifth-son-3%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://blainedarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Kobo.png" target="_blank">KOBO</a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-fifth-son-blaine-d-arden/1108356253" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a></span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">BIO:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">Blaine D. Arden is a
purple-haired, forty-something author of gay & trans* romance mixed with
fantasy, mystery, and magic who sings her way through life in platform boots.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">Blaine can be found these places: <a href="http://blainedarden.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/BlaineDArden" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BlaineDArden" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5043444.Blaine_D_Arden" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "AvantGarde Bk BT";">Contact Blaine: <a href="mailto:blaine@blainedarden.com" target="_blank">Email</a></span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-83990253785640868052014-12-05T16:50:00.001-07:002014-12-05T16:50:22.492-07:00Holiday Flash Fiction: Midnight Clear
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<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Welcome to the Flash Fiction Holiday Blog Hop! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All stories must include in the text: a</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> winter holiday theme, a</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> "bad boy" character, and a</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> gift of some kind. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">For inspiration, we were given this photo:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkjOnlrncnYN_TZQ09iZWzSNcDi3fNA8TXfNe346Suk6u-Ax45Al6KFAr6qdWwvtmJBZeuP1wDCuOC-hKxCuoNQlW3SzqYA2KbzPsQ_DBWIaqH-u0atqHYoahEL7n7iXJaclMoZvqsFQ/s1600/FF+bloghop+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkjOnlrncnYN_TZQ09iZWzSNcDi3fNA8TXfNe346Suk6u-Ax45Al6KFAr6qdWwvtmJBZeuP1wDCuOC-hKxCuoNQlW3SzqYA2KbzPsQ_DBWIaqH-u0atqHYoahEL7n7iXJaclMoZvqsFQ/s1600/FF+bloghop+pic.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Enjoy my interpretation of the theme, Midnight Clear. Thanks for reading!</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></u></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></u></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Midnight Clear<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By
Whitley Gray<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Snow really did squeak
when it got cold enough. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The night air had gone
from brisk to subzero and smelled like a deep freeze. It was a true midnight
clear. The stars glittered like Christmas lights in the black velvet sky. If it
weren’t for the moonlight reflecting off the snow, it would be blacker than an
undertaker’s suit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There wasn’t a single
light to suggest civilization. And the silence, as if the temperature had
frozen any sound. Unnerving. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This wasn’t the North
Pole. This was…Nebraska. Hazard County, unincorporated. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eric shivered, hiked
his duffel higher on his shoulder, and walked faster along the side of the
road. Somewhere out there was Graeme’s house. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What if Graeme wasn’t
home? What if Graeme’s parents had a problem with an unexpected guest on
Christmas Eve? What if he couldn’t find Graeme’s house in the dark? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eric’s phone had died a
while ago, and the charger was back home in Lincoln. Er, former home, most
likely, judging by what had happened. How could this have happened? How had
everything gone so spectacularly wrong from one minute to the next?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In retrospect, it had
been a bad idea—a horrible idea—to come out to his folks during Christmas
break. But he’d turned twenty-one the day before, and everyone had been in such
a great mood, all holiday cheer and good will toward men. Then Eric had made
his announcement and brought the festivities to a screeching halt, eliciting
bad will all around. A crowd of angry faces and angrier words had driven him
out into the cold. He’d barely had time to grab his coat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last week, Graeme had
said, “Stay at my house over break. My parents would love to meet you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And Eric had turned him
down, thinking about how much Mom wanted him home for his birthday and
Christmas. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“If you change your
mind, give me a call.” Graeme had waved on his way out the door.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What he’d had in his
wallet had gotten him as far as North Platte by bus. And now it was up to his
feet to get him where he was going, step by step, mile by mile, over the squeaking
snow. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Far off in the
distance, a pair of headlights wandered over the rolling Nebraska plains. It
was probably warm in that car. Maybe those people were headed home from a
party, and would stop and give him a ride to Graeme’s. At the very least, they’d
offer to call Graeme and tell him where Eric was. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cold and homeless in
the middle of nowhere. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eric paused and stamped
his feet. He’d lost the feeling in them. The chill dove down into his lungs in
an arctic rush, making him cough; his breath froze in white plumes. As long as
he kept moving, he couldn’t freeze to death, right? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just
keep walking, Hopkins.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The headlights veered
away and then disappeared. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;">Aw,
man.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;">
What if he walked right by the entrance to Graeme’s place? A shudder went
through him. Teeth chattering, he pulled the collar of his coat up around his
face. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A chime broke the
silence. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Not exactly a chime.
More like a jingle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It sounded like…well,
it sounded like bells. Sleigh bells, to be exact. And why the hell would he
hear something like that out in the middle of nowhere?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He turned in a circle,
straining to see in the gloom. Something crested the hill ahead. Something
jingling. Eric stared as the creature got closer. Something on four legs,
trotting down the hill, picking up speed. Something with— <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Antlers?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;">No.
</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;">The
cold apparently had brought on hallucinations. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jingle-jingle-jingle.
It’d be on him in seconds. He should run. But he stayed rooted to the spot. Or
perhaps frozen to the ground. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It slowed on the final
approach. It wasn’t big, but it did have antlers. The dog came to a stop, sat
in front of him, and gave a canine grin. He wore a collar decorated with bells,
and a pair of fake felt antlers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;">Whoo
boy. What a relief. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;">Eric blew out a breath. “What are you
doing out here, buddy?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The dog raised a paw
and reached for him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Shake? You want me to
shake?” Eric laughed and shook. “I don’t suppose you know where Graeme lives,
do you?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With a whine, the dog
shook its head, sending the bells pealing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Of course not.” Eric
squatted and peered at the dog’s tags. One was thick and dark. The other was
thin and glowed in the dark: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My
name is Hercules<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I
belong to Graeme Monroe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">RR
360 Hazard, NE<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The phone number was
the same one Eric had for Graeme. Somehow he’d found Graeme’s dog, but not Graeme.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Great. </i>Eric stood. Maybe the canine
could find him…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Where’s Graeme,
Hercules? Huh? Where is he?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hercules danced around
Eric’s legs and barked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Find Graeme, boy.” What
were the chances it would work? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hercules stopped and
cocked his head, then turned and headed up the hill. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;">What
have I got to lose? Graeme might live right over that rise. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;">Eric
strode after the dog, snow creaking beneath his boots. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At the crest, more
rural nothingness. Hercules looked up at him and whined. This was pointless.
The dog was as lost as he was. Maybe Eric should look for a haystack to hunker
down for the night. In the morning he could try something else. He skidded down
into the ditch by the side of the road and up the other side. A barbwire fence.
Hercules bounded past him and crawled under the fence. When in Hazard, do as
the dog does… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He slid under and came
up inside a pasture. Bales of hay were stacked several feet high. With numb
fingers, he pulled them off one by one until he’d managed a cave within. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>It
was like building a snow fort. Eric crawled inside. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“C’mon, boy! Here!”
Eric whistled. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hercules crawled in and
lay down. Eric snuggled up next to him. The dog was so warm… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Warmth on his face.
Fingers in his hair. A familiar scent of Old Spice. He was alive. Eric opened
his eyes to the soft glow of a flashlight. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Graeme shook him. “Hey
there.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“I…I can’t believe
you’re here.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chuckling, Graeme
pulled him closer. Into the warmth of his body. “I’m here.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Where’s Hercules?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Right outside. He’s
such a wily boy, taking off like that. Good thing we got him a Find Me tag.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“What is that?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“It’s a dog tag with a
GPS. I have the app on my phone, and it tells me where to find him. He has a
bad habit of running off.” Graeme raised an eyebrow. “So what are you doing out
here in the middle of the night?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eric looked away. “I
got kicked out. It happened so fast I didn’t have time to think. And then my
phone died before I could call you. I got to North Platte and was going to walk
the rest of the way, but I got lost in the dark.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A tear burned down his
cheek and he ducked his head into the crook of his arm. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Don’t act like a wuss, Hopkins.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“You’re found now,”
Graeme whispered. “Let’s go home.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They wriggled backward
out of the straw cave, into the startlingly cold air. It was still full dark.
Hercules grinned and stuck out a paw. Eric shivered. “What time is it?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Midnight. I didn’t
notice Hercules was gone until the Christmas party wrapped up.” Graeme waved
him forward. “Your sleigh awaits.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They trudged across the
pasture, slid under the fence, and then they were in the blessed warmth of
Graeme’s vintage pickup with Hercules in the backseat. Eric sighed and
stretched his legs out. The heat pouring out of the vents felt like heaven.
“God, that’s good.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“You’re half frozen.
Get over here.” Graeme tugged on Eric’s jacket until he slid over. Graeme
wrapped an arm around Eric’s shoulders. “Better.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> better. Eric didn’t mean to, but it had been an emotional
night, and he’d lost his family, and then the dog… Eric reached for him, tilted
his head, and brought their mouths together. He could feel Graeme’s surprise. Then
Graeme kissed back, lips meltingly warm and sweet. God, it had been a while
since Eric had had this. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Graeme’s arms twined
around Eric and pulled them together. The almost shy kiss deepened. Graeme’s tongue
teased its way inside, and his hunger caught Eric off guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bells jingled, followed
by a sharp bark. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With a shaky laugh,
Graeme pulled away. He ran his thumb over Eric’s bottom lip. “Been wanting that
since September, ever since you moved into the house.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;">Holy
shit.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"> “Why didn’t you say anything?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“The place is like
Grand Central Station. No privacy. I was going to tell you over break, but when
you said you were going home, I didn’t think I’d see you until January.” He ran
a hand along Eric’s jaw. “What a terrific surprise.” <span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Speaking of surprise…
Will your folks mind? Me staying with you, I mean.” Eric didn’t think he could
take another angry mob. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Of course not.” Graeme
sounded a touch indignant. “They know about me.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Sorry about dragging
you out on Christmas Eve.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Nah.” Graeme brushed a
kiss across Eric’s mouth. “Santa came early. You’re my Christmas gift.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eric’s heart swelled,
filling his chest with warmth. “And you’re mine.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hercules barked and put
his paw on the seatback between Graeme and Eric. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eric laughed and gave
the dog a pat between his fake antlers. “Who dressed the dog up?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“My little sister. For
the party.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Thanks goodness for
party animals.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“No doubt. Let’s go
home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~*~</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Follow the link back to discover more free holiday fiction!</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=454589"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=454589</span></a></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=454589" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3ydpytETEATWRLsFEPJC_3BVJbTVPtUZA_tSZ972uJ53f9J-tX-_Kb_zdd-ovk4519W5sh3TapX64TAewTCGBsprAey5xpcPKPWYQ-8d4xhZKx3hhwmvLRMPnKGXSNKJtmYG5HCccR4/s1600/flashfictionholidaybloghop_badge4-200.jpg" title="Blog hop" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-52265568178629823512014-12-01T14:20:00.001-07:002014-12-08T17:27:21.092-07:00Christmas Morsel #1<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">This
month I'm posting a series of holiday vignettes, featuring characters from
my books. Christmas morsels--bite-size scenes of the season. First up are Joe and Errol from Midwinter Night's Dream...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Christmas Morsel #1<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: black;">Joe and Errol from Midwinter Night’s Dream</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“What are you doing?” Errol’s voice came from the
kitchen doorway, breaking into the<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>instrumental
version of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh Christmas Tree </i>drifting
from the speakers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">What
does a guy usually do in the kitchen? Er, conventionally, that is.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">
Joe grinned and ran the rolling pin over the dough. The kitchen was full of the
fragrance of flour and sugar and butter, and the warm metal scent of cooling
baking sheets. “I’m cooking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Mmm.” Errol sauntered up to him. “It doesn’t smell
like five-alarm chili in here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwj35DuT8cMmOcQmFtbMyZC3xXn4w_QAxmQLZk-R6F78DMXgFn9qFs3epSnHlz9V1GjnqvO2gxJ2FL8hk2Ppi7HcSzsEWq32NohhiYPmv30YZrUCEd9_Sm-bomN-LQ3ZPFMOVi_AvV-k/s1600/1+christmas-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwj35DuT8cMmOcQmFtbMyZC3xXn4w_QAxmQLZk-R6F78DMXgFn9qFs3epSnHlz9V1GjnqvO2gxJ2FL8hk2Ppi7HcSzsEWq32NohhiYPmv30YZrUCEd9_Sm-bomN-LQ3ZPFMOVi_AvV-k/s1600/1+christmas-tree.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Joe huffed a laugh. That was one of his signature
meals at the firehouse: hot, hearty, and filling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a bigger repertoire than chili and sub
sandwiches. I’m making Christmas cookies.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I didn’t know you could bake.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I haven’t for a while” Joe rolled the pin over the
creamy sheet of dough. “My mom used to make these for the holidays when I was a
kid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Aw…” Errol wrapped his arms around him from behind,
a warm solid weight against Joe’s back. “Are they for Santa?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“They’re for us.” Joe paused. “Have you been a good
boy this year?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Errol laughed. “I’ve been very, very good. Or very,
very bad, depending on how you look at it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">True. Keeping his floury hands to himself, Joe turned
and kissed him on the nose. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I </i>believe
you’re worthy of these extraordinary cookies. You want to help?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Sure.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Errol moved to the sink and washed his hands while
Joe set aside the rolling pin and shuffled through the cutters. Growing up as Errol
had, he might not have had a chance to do something like make traditional
cookies. And it would be Joe’s pleasure to change that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Okay. What do I do?” Errol surveyed the counter and
the assorted tin shapes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Choose whatever you like, and then we’ll cut the
dough.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Errol selected a tin star and pressed it into the
dough. Joe jiggled the star onto a spatula and eased it onto the baking sheet.
“Keep going.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">After cutting a couple more stars, Errol picked out
a Christmas tree and cut the rest of the sheet. Joe transferred the cookies
onto the baking sheet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">While Errol watched, he broke off a piece of the
leftover dough and popped it into his mouth. “Hey, that’s good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“It has raw eggs. Not good to eat uncooked dough.”
That was what being a paramedic did to you—instilled worries about things like raw
eggs. Which was kind of ridiculous considering Errol had survived hypothermia
and frostbite last year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Raw eggs, huh?” Errol’s blue eyes were full of
humor as he bit into another piece of dough. “But it’s delicious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I’m serious.” Joe wiped his hands on a towel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Me too. It’s really good.” Errol grabbed Joe by the
front of his apron and kissed him full on the mouth. Errol tasted of sugar
cookies and coffee and himself. In other words, addictive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Joe gave in to the kiss and the risk of the raw egg.
The cookies could wait.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> ~*~</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Read how Joe and Errol met. Get Midwinter Night's Dream at </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Midwinter-Nights-Dream-Whitley-Gray-ebook/dp/B00H89ANJO/ref=asap_B008W0W3SM_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417468254&sr=1-3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> and </span><a href="http://www.loose-id.com/midwinter-night-s-dream.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Loose Id</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> (all formats available)</span></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661905408213439320.post-24317365919764733062014-11-14T15:44:00.001-07:002014-11-14T15:44:25.601-07:00Happy Friday!
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Friday, all! I'm over at <a href="http://www.guyslikeromancetoo.blogspot.com/2014/11/romance-101.html" target="_blank">Guys Like Romance Too</a> talking about writing and romance. Drop by. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Short and sweet today. List of things to be thankful for:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNj0a90IIkQT60hCNY2k1op0CHQISzGDhBzJIppj5LdqUohqiUXr1nw7ZMTWTzZmjVjrTnPVwrZa78Y7lvlIvfvnlgxBF_mGpRf9P6HpdU3f5xMBNv3n8T72iwrgCZGiSDXY209zyAd0/s1600/BOOKs+10451117_1530473503856944_6579378329604656408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNj0a90IIkQT60hCNY2k1op0CHQISzGDhBzJIppj5LdqUohqiUXr1nw7ZMTWTzZmjVjrTnPVwrZa78Y7lvlIvfvnlgxBF_mGpRf9P6HpdU3f5xMBNv3n8T72iwrgCZGiSDXY209zyAd0/s1600/BOOKs+10451117_1530473503856944_6579378329604656408_n.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The ability and means to read. How fabulous is
that? And we here all have that in common. A love of books.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The day job. Much as I dread it sometimes, it is
gratifying to make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->New recipes. I made “Wedding Chicken” via a
posted recipe. Now it’s in the keeper file.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Daylight. A precious commodity this time of
year. I treasure every lumen I can get.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Friends, both in person and virtual, who accept
you no matter what. Truly priceless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Got a list? Post it here!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0