Happy Halloween 2010

Happy Halloween! Have a great time eating candy and fun with your family and friends.

Come by the Blog A Thon

Blog with Taige during the blog a thon on Oct 30 -31.

There are lots of author blogging and prizes. Including a chance to enter to win the grand prize - A Nook.

Snippet Saturday – Spooky

Today’s snippet theme is Spooky. Below is one of my favorite scenes from a book that I wrote with authors Aliyah Burke and McKenna Jeffries for our free read site called Satin Notes. It is long so placed it behind a link. Enjoy.

An snippet from Break Every Rule…

In a glance, she took in a gagged Taggart, tied to the chair in the center of the room. He was looking at her. The dogs were all laying on the floor, spread throughout the room. Instinctively, she turned and raised her hand.

“I’ll give you some love,” a voice hissed.

Dominique looked into crazed eyes. She pulled her hand back and punched out with her fist. Her assailant took the blow and hit her arm. The sharp sting of a needle registered a second after it plunged in and the depressor pushed.

Dominique’s surprised look was met with a chilling smile. “Welcome to my party.”

A woozy feeling filled Dominique. She shook it off and jumped at her attacker, but her aim was off. The target moved, then lashed out with a fist, catching Dominique on the side of the head. She fell back, then rushed the individual again, sustaining another hit for her trouble. Dominique lashed out, grunting as her fist hit flesh. She gripped a hand, twisted, and felt the arm break. A voice shrieked, and then another blow hit her in the chest. She stumbled back, but righted herself. Her head swam. Dominique refused to give into it. She swung and hit flesh again. A kick in her leg made it buckle, and she fell onto her back. The enraged face filled her vision.

“You broke my fucking arm! You cunt!” her attacker screamed.

Dominique smiled, a nasty grin. “I’m going to break more than that, Kelin.” She laughed.

Kelin roared, then punched out. Dominique caught her fist, then decked her. Blood spurted out of her nose. Dominique laughed again. Kelin growled and lashed out with her broken hand. Dominique grabbed it and twisted. Kelin howled, then kicked her. Pain blasted through Dominique, and blackness filled her vision. Gasping, she released Kelin, struggling for consciousness and breath.

“I’m going to kill you. Kill you,” Kelin sang in a broken voice.

Dominique fought to stay awake, but it was useless. Oh God, not again. I have to protect him. The darkness claimed her.

Dominique bit back a groan as she woke. Cautiously, she kept still and tried to figure out where she was. From the feel of it, she knew she was lying on the carpeted floor. She shifted slowly and felt the bite of ropes on her wrists, tied behind her back. A hysterical voice broke the silence.

“This would never have happened, Taggart, if only you’d have noticed me. We were so good together. All those late hours working as a team. A couple. Then you had to get all wrapped up in that bitch. You didn’t pay attention to the warnings I gave you. You should have left her!” Kelin raged.

She paused, then paced. Dominique heard the drag of her shoes on the carpet.

Kelin’s tone softened and went sickly sweet. “But I know you didn’t mean it. She had you in her trap. Once she’s gone, we can be together. You, me, and the dogs. They’ll learn to like me. We’ll have to put hers to sleep, of course.”

Kelin made a humming noise. Dominique opened her eyes to slits. Kelin’s back was to her as she straddled Taggart on the chair. Kelin made the sound again.

“I want a real kiss. I’m going to take off your gag.” Kelin laughed, attempting to sound sultry.

Dominique realized Kelin was kissing Taggart. She tamped down her rage. Kelin reached up, then swore as her left hand hung uselessly at her side.

“That bitch broke my arm.” Kelin looked over her shoulder.

Dominique closed her eyes and regulated her breathing. She heard the drag of Kelin’s footsteps on the carpet. Holding still, Dominique poised herself to spring.

“He’s mine, and he’ll forget you,” Kelin spat.

Her voice sounded too far away for Dominique to take her out.

A brief pause, and then her footsteps hurried back to Taggart. “Now for that kiss.”

Dominique silted her eyes again to see her. Kelin stood to the side of Taggart as she used her right hand to take off the tape from his mouth. Blood ran down the side of Taggart’s face. He looked at Dominique, his face calm, then turned to look at Kelin.

Movie Night - Gimmie some music/dance

Ahh... Friday night. I'm having a muscial/dancing movie night. Last weekend I watched Step Up, Rent, Save the Last Dance 1 and 2. Tonight I am going old school to Breakin 1 and 2. Then also plan to watch Take the Lead and Stomp the Yard. Yep having a singing and dancing night.

Visual Words

In any story the author wants to get the reader invested in what they are reading. When words are complied together they should resonate. What is used is in my opinion visual words.

I have and have heard many readers mention how they got into such and such book. They could see the characters or feel they were in their shoes. This is all invoked by the visual words used by the author. When written well a story will bring to life what you are reading. You can picture it like a movie in your mind. The scenes roll out to you. You are living it and wondering what is happening next.

From each variety of emotion – the pulse pounding excitement of meeting someone to when you think all is lost. Then to getting back together and all in between. It is all driven by the visual words created by the tale you are reading.

If you think about it even before we put started to put pen to paper or type on a computer there were storytellers. And just as author now who use the tools to write pen/paper or type on a computer those storytellers used their words to create visuals. To create epic tales that drew the hearer in. Their words made the listener live, feel and be a part of it. Story telling is all about all the visual. Making the words come to life. They become - Visual Words.

Blogging at SEX

Blogging at SEX- Liquid Silver Books Blog for my blog day . Check me out here.

Finalizing some plan

I’m finalizing some plans for a project I’m working on. It’s been a long time coming. Not something I told anyone about just something I had planned. I had to put it on hold for a long while as I dealt with some other things. I’m glad to say that now things are back on track. I’m excited to finally… well almost finally able to revel what I have planned. Still want to do a few things first before I say anything.

Also finishing up some books in my various series to get ready to submit. I already know what is next once I am done and hope to have the book completed by end of year.

Blogging at Cynthia Eden’s

I’m blogging at Cynthia Eden’s. Check me out here.

On the DVR - So much to see

Ahh... Glee how do I love the show. I'm rewatching the episodes that I taped. I had me a Glee marathon and it was good. Now I am looking for more. Also have Hawaii Five-O and Criminal Minds to watch. My DVR is so filled with TV goodness. Back to watching my shows.

Snippet Saturday – Secondary Characters

Today’s snippet theme is Secondary Characters. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Carnal Awakening…

Raising her voice so it could be heard, Shay said. “I’d like to apo—”

“Now chérie, I know you’re not going to apologize and ruin the afterglow. Hell it was almost as good as a rip-roaring bout of sweaty sex.” A languid voice interrupted her.

Knowing who it was Shay smiled.

“Hunter,” another voice hissed.

With a glance to her left, Shay took in the twinkling eyes along with the wicked grin on Hunter Brooks’ face. From Flame Brooks’, Hunter’s sister, embarrassed expression Shay could tell Flame wished she were somewhere else. Flame hated being the center of attention while Hunter thrived on it. They were family to Mia and good friends.

“What? I said almost. It’s not like we’re not all adults here.” Hunter stated.

There was a mummer of agreements.

“And I’m sure we…“ Hunter paused, her eyes alight with mischief. She looked at her sister Flame then amended. “Well at least some of us know what I’m talking about.” She purred as if savoring each word.

There was more agreement tinged with laughter.

“Shay it’s always a pleasure coming here,” Hunter winked. “And the entertainment is always a side benefit. Don’t take away from—“

Flame interjected, “Do you always have to be the center of attention?”

Hunter glanced at her. “Of course. You should try it sometime. You might like it.”

Flame glanced at Hunter, up and down, then turned to Tevin who had returned and was standing next to her. Flame reached up pulled him down and kissed him. Hunter’s mouth dropped open. Everyone hooted. Shay who knew how straight-laced Flame was, enjoyed the show especially Hunter’s reaction. Flame released Tevin slowly. He looked stunned. Shay stifled a smile at the look on his face.

Flame sauntered away then looked back at Hunter. “For once you’re right it does feel wonderful.”

Hunter laughed then smacked Tevin on the arm. “Hah. Now that’s what I call entertainment.”

Glancing at Hunter, Shay mouthed her thanks. Hunter nodded, winked again, and then said. “Come on handsome, I have my eye on that Sigal vase in the back.”

Holding Tevin’s arm she led him toward the exclusive merchandise in the large room to the left. The regular noise level of the shop started to pick up as people dispersed. Observing the shop for a few minutes to make sure everything was okay, Shay turned to Mia.

Before she could say anything Mia turned walked away pushing the doors into the back room. Following her, Shay glanced back at Mikhail still standing silently across the room. Going through the doors she lost sight of him. Turning she noticed that Mia hadn’t gone far. She was standing in the doorway leading to the small flower nursery attached to shop.

Walking over Shay said, “Stay here a little bit while I take over for you.” Shay squeezed her hand gently turned and went back to the doors leading to the shop.

She glanced back and saw Mia walk down the aisle of the nursery. Seeing the slump in her shoulders as she disappeared behind some of the foliage Shay’s fist clenched. The callous words spoken by Ms. Cramigla had shaken the usually unshakable Mia. She imagined her fist connecting with Ms. Cramigla’s perfect face and breaking her nose, maybe a couple of teeth. She hoped Ms. Cramigla tried to see through on her threat of trying to ruin her. She would be in for a big surprise. The reputation she had built at Exotic would hold. She wasn’t anyone’s pushover. Making a mental note to place a few phone calls Shay went out the door into the store.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
Lauren Dane
Lissa Matthews
Shelley Munro
Shelli Stevens
Jody Wallace
TJ Michaels
Ashley Ladd

New Contract - Power of Attraction

My news I’ve been teasing about. I have a new book coming soon. Power of Attraction has been contracted by Total-E-Bound and will be released sometime in January/February 2011. Power of Attraction is part of my new series called Blackstone Haven. The series is about legacies, destiny and prophecy. The series will follow the Blackstone clan and other residents of the town Blackstone Haven. The town of Blackstone is made up of various beings – human, supernatural races and others.

A quick short blurb. Will post the longer blurb at another time.

In Power of Attraction, a woman whose destiny has been ordained from birth meets the man who has been prophesied for her--but there is more to him than meets the eye. With prophecies and legacies to fulfill, which way will she go: to a man who may be possibly her mate, or to a dark legacy that could take her life.

No cover art yet but I will let you know when I have it. Be sure and add my upcoming book to your e-book shopping list. Be sure and spread the word about my new upcoming book with Total-E-Bound.

Memorable Line

Have you had a moment when a line in a book just grabs you. Makes you laugh, cry or just go hmmmm. That right there is the gist of a wonderful memorable line.

A line that stays with you long after you have read it and still makes you feel the emotion it invoked. I love books that give me that feeling. Give me that line that I have to share. Not every book has it but those that do are reader gold. (For more on what in my opinion is Reader Gold go here). Those books are keepers.

In the book I was reading the other day I came across a line that was reader gold. In that one line the author portrayed what their whole book was about. Gave me what the character was all about. It was so awesome that it made me get that tingle I usually get when I find a reader gold. The book went on my keeper shelf.

To be able to portray all that in just a line is so great. It is something I strive for as an author. Writing a book that leaves a lasting impression. Make the reader remember long after they close that book. Making a story memorable… one line at a time.

Missed it and Novel Notebooks

This weekend while going through my files I realized something that with all that has been going on for the last little while I didn’t even think of. Heck I missed something for years that I should have noticed. I’ve been so busy with life, health, and writing that I didn’t even realize I had missed it. Once I knew that I had I went and did what I needed to do to get my info in. Today I got all the documents I needed so I did something I should have done for a while now. Finally sent in the paperwork and now have to wait to see what happens. (Yep being vague want to make sure it is all done before I say.)

As mentioned above I’ve been going through my files. Well actually my whole office. Been checking though my file cabinets, bookcases and all that. My pile of notebooks I mentioned a few days ago got me in the mind frame to go through my files. With all the organization I’ve found a bunch of what I like to call “novel notebooks” for various books I’ve written. Also found the novel notebooks for ideas still to be written. My “novel notebooks” are actually a binder that includes all my notes, outlines, character info, notebooks (which fit in binder) and all the other info on my books. This is something I’ve been doing for years actually since I was a child and made up my own fairytales. Of course as I have gotten older and more into writing it has evolved. It helps me get ideas down. As previously mentioned I walk with a notebook so if I get ideas I can write it down. Anyway finding my novel notebooks is like a treasure throve. It was fun revisiting stories and seeing ideas for those unwritten.

I’m going through the unwritten stories for my various novel notebooks and organizing them for future use. Will also be taking a look at my computer files. Have to work out my writing calendar for next year and beyond. Let the organization commence.

I also have some news that I haven’t announced yet but will shortly. (wink)

A good day

A nice day. Not to cold but just right. Took a walk at lunch today and made a stop in bookstore. Had some books I needed to get. Still have more on my list. After my walk had lunch outside and people watched. Love days like this

Blogging at Hitting the Hot Spot

Blogging for my monthly blog day at Hitting the Hot Spot – Total E Bound. Check me out here.

October 2010 – Newsletter sent out

Sent out my October 2010 newsletter yesterday. If you’re not a subscriber of my newsletter go sign up here. I have some things planned that the subscribers of my newsletter will get the first peek at before it is posted to the website.

Sign up for Newsletter

Snippet Saturday - In Betweens

Today’s snippet theme is In Betweens. First a slight set up. Nigel Ha’gan my hero is having a hard time moving on with his life after his wife passed. Well until an intervention via a dream shakes him up.

An snippet from God Style Temptation….

“Nigel, you have to let me go,” Zarlu said in that soft voice of hers, then she smacked him on the head.

“Ow, what did you do that for?” Nigel looked at Zarlu’s twinkling blue eyes.

She smiled, a sweet twist of her lips and put her hands on her hips. He knew from her stance he was in trouble.

“Why are you holding me as a shield so no one can get close to you? Geesh. You’re a man for god’s sake. You have needs.” She paced back and forth in front of him. She stopped and gave him a sexy look. “I know you’re not a saint.” She chuckled sensuously. “So stop being an ass and start to live.”

Watching her Nigel ached to touch her one last time. She smiled as if she understood. Coming to him, she slid her arms around him. Sinking into her embrace Nigel felt her love and care for him.

Zarlu pulled back with her arms still around him and sighed. “Nigel, it’s time to get back to living. Stop holding onto the past.” She looked at him. “When you’re ready you’ll know it’s time.” She glanced over his shoulder. Following her gaze Nigel looked at himself and the woman on the bed.

“Her name is Aurora and she needs you as much as you need her, Nigel.” Zarlu touched his cheek gently, pulled his face close and kissed him softly and tenderly. “I love you, my warlious.” She started to fade.

Reaching for her he whispered. “I love you, my sesuioul.” She smiled and disappeared. Watching her leave Nigel knew it was the last time. Tears rained down his face as he returned to his body.

Gasping he came awake, careful not to jerk the sleeping woman. He felt the tears on his face. Taking them off his cheek he held them and watched as they turned into a handful of diamonds.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
Lauren Dane
Lissa Matthews
Shelley Munro
Ashley Ladd

Don't End

The other day I was reading a book that was really good. I mean really good. The characters were captivating, plot very interesting and the whole concept was so engaging. As I continued to read I didn’t want the story to end. Each page closer to the end I wanted to know what happened next but didn’t want it to stop. The ending was perfect to story. A book like that is so satisfying to read.

It made me think about what happened after the end. I wanted to know more about the characters, their friends and the world they love in. They made me care to know what comes after the end. What happened to them as a couple? What about their friends, what is their story? Will their friends have a story to? Will their neighbor get their own happily ever after? So on and so on. The story did end satisfyingly with all the loose ends rapped up however I was so engaged with the book I wanted it to continue. This is why I love series that continue in the same world and/or with the same characters. Series where you get a chance to see characters from previous books and how they evolve.

Even now a week later I think about the book and wonder what happens next. I love books that create this feeling. Make me long to read more. It is a gift when you are so capture by a story. This is the feeling writers strive for. The feeling I strive for in my own books. From some of the emails I receive/d on my books I have achieved it. This book got it and I was glad I had a chance to read it. Even though it did end. (grin) I’m on the lookout for my next book I don’t want to end. So share some of the books you’ve read that you didn’t want to end. Give me details.

Blogging at Romance Studio

I’m blogging at Romance Studio. Check me out here.

Blogging at Delilah Devlin’s

I’m blogging at Delilah Devlin’s. Check me out here.

Blogging at Romance Junkies

Blogging for my monthly blog day at Romance Junkies. Check me out here.

Blogging at Denise A. Agnew's

I’m blogging at Denise A. Agnew’s. Check me out here.

Blogging at Raven

I’m blogging at The Raven Happy Hour. Check me out here.

October Places

This month will be a busy one for me. Besides my regular places I guest at I will be guest blogging at a few other places. There will also be interviews, a scavenger hunt and a few other things.

In the first post here on the blog I have as a sticky. There are details on the scavenger hunt, a page and an upcoming blog thon I am part of.
Whenever I am somewhere I’ll post here to let you know. Also you can check my appearances on my home page of my site here. I keep that area updated so you can check there to see where I am.

Snippet Saturday - Last Loves

Today’s snippet theme is Last Loves. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Lay me Down…



Rotating her hips, Syn let the music sweep her away. Raising her hands over her head, she grooved by herself, people a little distance away. When she had arrived at the club, she had been taken aback by some of the people in costume. Until Jian had reminded her it was Halloween, she’d forgotten what day it was. Some of the costumes were elaborate. Syn was in awe at the detailing of some of the costumes. She watched as the Boogie Man twirled the Faery he was holding.

Across the room, Jian danced against some guy dressed as a Weretiger. The man was breathing hard and having a difficult time keeping up. Other men elbowed each other, trying to get close to her. Jian ignored them and continued to dance with the partner she’d chosen. Shaking her head, Syn reinforced her stay-away spell. Suddenly, she stopped arrested by the man across the room.

From where Syn stood she scanned his long locks. He’d pulled them into a ponytail that fell down his back. His sun-kissed features were chiselled masculine perfection. He wasn’t in costume. His slim muscular frame was covered in a dark purple almost black shirt and tight slacks made her mouth water for a bite. It wasn’t his face or body that caught her. It was his eyes.

With her keen sight she saw they were rich lavender offset by curling lashes. They should have made him seem feminine but they only enhanced his maleness as he leaned against the wall. He continued to stare, his intense gaze never wavering.

Intrigued, Syn started to dance again. Rolling her hips gently, she watched his eyes. They remained locked to hers. He smiled, a seductive twist of his luscious lips. Syn felt a delicious tightening of her body she hadn’t felt in a long time. Continuing to watch him she moved seductively waiting to see what he would do.

 

I knew she’d come.

Micah had been restless earlier and come to the main floor of the club. After checking with the managers, he had circulated among the diners, making sure they were having a good time. Everything was going well. Normally, he would have returned to his office. Instead, he’d continued to the dancing area in the back.

When he’d opened the door he’d been blasted by the music blaring through the open doors leading into the soundproofed area. He’d stopped, pleased at the turn out to Club Immortality’s annual Halloween Party, then gone inside to check around. He’d spoken with Zayne, the club’s manager, who’d assured Micah everything was under control. Micah had a lot of work to do, but still he lingered, helping out behind the bar.

He’d sensed her as soon as she came in, although he hadn’t seen her. She’d swept over his consciousness with a heated touch of fire. Leaving the bar, he’d gone to the far side of the room and waited for her to appear. Bodies swayed on the floor in time with the throbbing music provided by the live band. It had taken a while before she was revealed. Thankfully, he was a patient man. When he finally saw her, she’d taken his breath away.

Now, he looked across the room at woman dancing so enticingly. She was a tall sensual goddess.

Her honey-toned skin glistened with a light sheen of sweat while her high sculptured cheeks beckoned him to cross the room and take a nibble. Her luscious lips tantalised him to get a taste. His mouth watered as he took in the way her bountiful breasts rose in her snug, black T-shirt. Her lush, jean-clad hips hypnotized him. Micah wet his suddenly dry lips and looked at her long legs, imagining how they’d feel wrapped around him as he drove deep within her hot, wet canal.

He’d enjoyed watching her dance. With his connection to the club it gave him a better ability to view all she or any of his patrons did. When she’d turned and looked at him he had been captured by her amber gaze. She’d stilled when she saw him before dancing in a way that enticed him.

Her confidence intoxicated him.

Her sensuality was an aphrodisiac.

Though she didn’t know it yet, she belonged to him. Their meeting had been preordained yet he hadn’t known when she would come. Moving from the wall, he walked purposefully across the floor. He ignored everything around him. He had one goal—her. Her chest rose and fell as he drew closer. Finally standing before her, he raised his hands and met hers with his, twining their fingers together.

He undulated his hips in time with hers and let her feel his hardened shaft. They hissed simultaneously at the first touch. Bringing up her arms and placing them around his neck, he put his face close to her neck and inhaled her scent. She smelled like sin and sex. The scent of her arousal gripped him. His cock hardened and lengthened even more. Running his hands along her forearms, then down her sides, he felt her quiver. He continued the path to her waist and cupped her lush hips.

She sighed and moved her body closer. Squeezing her firm butt, he dragged her against his raging erection. A growl echoed from her making her breasts rub against his chest. Her nipples beaded against his chest, feeling wonderful. In her low heeled boots she perfectly matched his height of six-four. Taking another deep breath, he drew back his head and looked into her compelling amber gaze.

She smiled.

The heat in her gaze made his cock pulse. He wanted to bury it deep inside of her. Keeping his gaze locked with hers, he leaned in and kissed her.

Soft and slow.

Once.

Twice.

Then a third time.

She blinked then her arms tightened around his neck and she dragged him to her. She suckled his lips and their tongues clashed. Micah murmured and drew her closer, letting her hunger sweep him away.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Total-e-bound.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
Lauren Dane
Shelley Munro
TJ Michaels
Ashley Ladd

Notebooks galore

As I mentioned yesterday I have many notebooks filled with stories. I usually use them to jot notes, scenes and sometimes write whole books in them. Earlier this year when I was offline I used notebooks to get stories written down. Lots and lots of stories. Now I have to put the stories into the computer. Oy. Lots and lots to type. Of course after mentioning them yesterday I had to start reading them. You know what as I read what I wrote I was drawn into the stories and can’t wait to get them in computer then edit through them to get them ready.

Tomorrow is another day

Been working on a story and I’m done with it for the night. Feels good to be back into it again. (grin) Have a few books that I need to get done before the end of the year. Some are already written and in my pile of notebooks that I need to get in computer. (eyeing the notebooks) Will have to put head down and get it done.

Also have some news I will be sharing as soon as I get everything finalized. (wink)

Stranger to my routine

Trying to get back into my routine has been hard. Earlier this year before dealing with some personal things I had it down and it was like taking my next breath. After it has been a struggle but I see the routine laid out before me again. Now I am getting back into it and it feels great to not be such a stranger to my routine.

The Emotions of Rain

Last month and these last few day of rainy days it got me thinking. There is just something about the sound, scent and overall feeling that rain brings out so many various emotions. When I look out my window at the rain coming down I think of some of the different rains that and what emotions they invoke.

All New

The misty rain brings to mind the softness of a kiss or the blush of first love.

Lost and Adrift

The soaking rain with the wind blowing you to and forth batters at you like that moment when all seems lost in a relationship you put your all into. Everything you are yet it seems as if all is lost and there is no middle ground.

Resonate in the Soul

The deluge of rain with thunder and lightning resonates in the soul just like that moment when you know that person is forever yours. They are the one for you. The tumultuous emotions makes your soul sing.

Aftermath

As the rain slows and the rainbow comes out reminds you that you know all will be right. No matter what happen you will be stronger than yesterday.

There are so many more variations of rains I could explore. So much that the sounds of rain bring out in me. No matter what I experience I can compare it to the variety of rain. The next time wherever you are take a moment to appreciate the sound, scent and overall feel of rain. Let it wash over you with the many emotions of rain.

Snippet Saturday – First Loves

Today’s snippet theme is First Loves. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Body Cravings…

Glancing at her desk, her gaze landed on the calendar. Gasping, Amara noted the date. She hadn’t realized today was the day.

A shaft of sorrow filled her. Absently, she rubbed her hand over her heart as she wondered when the pain would fade. It had been over three years since those last hurtful words justifying his actions had been aimed at her by her fiancé Kevin.

“You’re lousy in bed and that’s why I had to get my needs filled elsewhere.” She had thrown him out as his last insult was hurled. “No man wants to get frostbite in bed. Call me when you melt.”

At that moment, with all her contempt, she had wished him dead. She had hated him with every fiber of her being.

“Amara, are you okay?” Jacques asked with concern in his voice.

Pushing back the memories, she nodded and glanced up at him, smiling. She didn’t think it was very convincing but he watched her a moment before returning his attention back to the sheaf of papers.

Holding herself very still she tried to stop the memories, but they overwhelmed her. Hours after their last words, when the police came to tell her of his death, she hadn’t wanted to believe. They said the crash had happened less than two miles from her house. Since he had no family and she was listed as his next of kin, she had gone to the morgue to identify him. The sight of his lifeless body made all the pain and self-doubt rush to consume her. She had pushed it aside to plan his burial.

At his funeral, which she paid for, she learned the truth of his duplicity. A woman approached her, spraying venomously that Amara had killed him with her selfishness. Amara had no idea what she meant. She had thought Kevin was happy, that they were in love. The woman pulled a little boy forward who was the exact image of Kevin, and proceeded to tell the child to study the woman who’d killed his and his unborn sister’s daddy. A glance at the little boy, who appeared to be no more than three years old, and the sight of the woman’s enlarged belly made Amara realized that Kevin had been cheating a long time. Maybe Kevin had been right, she had driven him to cheat. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t known.

The whispers and titters around the room had increased as the woman’s ranting escalated. Amara had been too numb to even think or move. Dominique Rule, her friend, led her away to a private room. Imani, her sister, joined them and tried to help console her. The room quickly filled with friends, old family friends and various Trescott Cove residents that she knew, who wanted to know if she was okay. Her other friends Sienna Zain and Hunter Willis quickly came and cleared the room of all the people who cared but at that point were too much to take. She didn’t need their concern or pitying glances. The incident had killed whatever love she’d had for Kevin and the guilt she felt.

Coming back to the present, Amara watched Jacques engrossed in the contracts he was reading. Something had always held her back from real fulfillment or entanglements and she never realized what it was, at least until now. Silently she admitted she still hadn’t fully gotten over what Kevin had said about her. She had tried one-night stands and they had only left her empty. It had been over a year since she had been with a man and hadn’t had any serious connections since Kevin.

You should leave well enough alone. You’re successful, have a great home and are happy with your life as it is, Amara thought.

Happy? Are you really happy? her inner voice asked.

Amara jumped when Jacques spoke.

“Thanks for all your work on this.” Jacques signed the papers and stood.

Pushing aside the thoughts, she focused on business. Standing quickly, she put out her hand. Jacques accepted it in a firm grip. Goosebumps raised along her skin. Biting her lip, she cursed her attraction to him.

Jacques spoke again. “Sampson was correct about your discretion ... and tenacity.”

Pleased with his compliment, Amara came around her desk to escort him out. “Thank you. Congratulations on acquiring Tevron Corp. I’ll forward the copies to you at Falcone International in Milan and give Sampson the original when he returns.” At the door, she waited for him to step through and leave.

Jacques stopped and studied her, an unfathomable expression on his face. “Amara, I want to give you a gift for all of your hard work. What do you want?”

The words tumbled out before she could even think about them. “I want you naked on a chair and ready to do whatever I want.”

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
Lauren Dane
Lissa Matthews
Shelley Munro
Shelli Stevens
Ashley Ladd

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