Update: Yolaine Clark is the winner!

* * * * *

Thanks for having me on your blog today, Delilah. It’s a pleasure to be here! 🙂

Hello, me hearties! My name is Katherine Bone and I write Regency Pirate Action/Adventure Romance. Huzzah and Hoorah!!!

One of the great things about writing Historicals, as I’m sure Delilah and many other brilliant writers like her have told you, is getting to do research. I absolutely love digging into research and then using what I’ve learned to write swashbuckling romance. It’s a win, win. Besides, pirates are boat loads of fun, pardon the pun. And with a name like Bone, what couldn’t be more appropriate, right? <g>

Today, I’d like to share a bit of what I’ve learned and used to flesh out my Nelson’s Tea female characters over the years.

Pirates. Deadly. Vicious. Determined. These roving souls took to the seas hell bent on filling their coffers with other men’s treasure. Eager to escape society, boredom, the law, these fearless men and women forged a brethren code and hoisted a flag meant to stir fright in the most stalwart of men.

Admiral Nelson was assigned to protect England’s shores. In my Nelson’s Tea Series, Nelson enlists the aid of a well-connected lord, a former naval associate, and a pirate family to get the job done. I adore the swashbuckle and mayhem my characters create throughout the series. But in reality, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, especially a woman who turned to piracy in order to protect those she loved.

~ Pirate Queen Roll Call ~

Alfild ~ The beautiful daughter of a 9^th Century Scandinavian king balked at marriage to the only man who made it past serpents her father kept at her door. (Good old-fashioned fatherly love in action, eh?) Hesitant to marry her champion — zounds! his name was Alf too — Alfild donned men’s clothes and took to the seas. His pride beyond wounded, Alf had no other recourse but to give chase and attack Alfild’s ship. Legend has it a fierce battle took place. Alfild fought beside her crew and, upon seeing her face for the very first time when her helmet was knocked off, Alf took the fair pirate queen for his wife, putting an end to her shenanigans.

Lady Mary Killigrew — In the late 1500s, Mary’s father was known as the “Gentleman Pirate of Suffolk”. In keeping with family tradition, she married Sir John Killigrew, a pirate who bought her a fancy house in Arwennack, near Pendeniss Castle along the Cornish coast. It was here she staged her enterprise, boarding and looting damaged ships in Falmouth Harbor. Aided by her son John, president of the corrupt Cornwall Commission for Piracy, Mary operated a lucrative business until she was tried and set free, a rescue that was both politically motivated and expensive for her son.

Grania ny Maille — “Terra marique potens” (powerful by land and sea) was Grace O’Malley’s powerful family motto.  The short-haired daughter of a Gaelic chieftain married Dónal O’Flaherty whose motto “fortune favors the bold” encouraged her to raid the Thames. Together, they specialized in ambush tactics and created an impenetrable fortress, Cock’s Castle, on Clare Island in Clew Bay. Grace’s strained relationship with Queen Elizabeth is legendary but, oddly enough, culminated in friendship by the time of their deaths in 1603.

Anne Fulford, aka Anne Bonny, and Mary Read — After falling for James Bonny and then being seduced by Captain Jack Rackham — Calico Jack — Anne, not-yet 20 years old, put on trousers and joined her lover at sea. Later, they met and teamed up with Sailor Read (Mary in disguise) who pledged death by hanging was “no great hardship”. After Anne, Jack, and Mary pilfered the William in 1720 and roved around Jamaica, they were hunted down, captured, and taken to trial. Anne and Mary claimed they were with child and, instead of dancing “the hempen jig” like Jack, they were sent to prison. Mary became feverish and died before her pregnancy could be authenticated, while Anne gave birth and was never heard from again.

Fanny Campbell ~ After her beloved fiancée, merchant sailor William Lovell, was captured by pirates and then charged with piracy, Fanny knew just what to do. She changed her name to Channing, dressed as a boy, joined a ship’s crew, and staged a mutiny aboard the Constance, where she posed as second officer. Taking over as captain, to William’s surprise, she orchestrated his rescue. Soon afterward, Fanny and William married and became privateers in the American Revolution.

Rachel Wall ~ Daughter of Presbyterians, Rachel eloped with fisherman and privateer George Wall. Together their biggest ploy was to rob and kill would-be rescuers after they moored their sloop, waited out a storm, set their vessel adrift, and then raised distress flags to lure passing ships. Her greatest claim to fame? She was the last woman hung in Massachusetts in 1779.

Cheng I Sao — A Cantonese prostitute — Cheng I Sao married Cheng I and sailed with him until his death in 1807. Their confederation of 400 junks and 70,000 men was tightly bound by a constitution signed in 1805. “Wasps of the ocean” Madame Cheng’s pirates created an unbeatable naval force until Cheng I Sao went into retirement in 1810, ending her charismatic reign over the South China Sea. Twice widowed, the lovely pirate queen died peacefully at 69.

Throughout my series, similarities exist between these pirate queens and my characters. For instance, Fanny’s ship is named Constance and Constance Danbury is the heroine of my book Duke by Day, Rogue by Night. Adele Seaton, the heroine of book two, The Rogue’s Prize, channels Grace O’Malley’s, Lady Killigrew’s, and Rachel Wall’s swashbuckle. Mercedes Vasquez de la Claremont, the heroine in book three, The Rogue’s Surrender, has similarities to Anne Bonny and Alfild. And lastly, Baroness Chauncey in My Lord Rogue, the prequel novella, taps into Mary Read and Cheng I Sao’s bravado.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this overview of pirate queens. 2014 is a new year with endless possibilities and I’m excited to announce that the first book in my Nelson’s Tea Series, Duke by Day, Rogue by Night, is relaunching with EsKape Press < https://eskapepress.com/> on March 4, 2014.

Duke by Day, Rogue by Night

CONSTANCE DANBURY is desperate to escape an arranged marriage to a man nearly twice her age. Her only hope is to board a merchantman bound for Spain to enlist her aunt’s help. Her plans go awry when she’s captured by pirates. Even more alarming, her traitorous body longs for the man who’s returning her to England! Pushed into a marriage of convenience, she’s caught between two men—one owns her heart, the other is bent on stealing it.

PERCIVAL AVERY is a member of Nelson’s Tea, an elite group assigned to protect England’s shores at any cost. On a mission to avenge his sister’s death, Percy infiltrates the gang of cutthroats responsible. When his vessel attacks a merchantman, Percy must choose between vengeance and saving the life of his commander’s niece. His only choice is to mutiny, but mutiny obliterates his well-laid plans. Forced on a new course that leads straight back to Constance Danbury, Percy has to make a decision—chase revenge or allow himself to love again.

Readers, does anything about these pirate queens surprise you? Would you be able to leave your land-loving life behind and take to the seas? One lucky commenter will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Woot!

Katherine has been passionate about all things historical since she was an Army brat traveling all over the world. Initially, she dreamed of becoming an artist, but when she met and fell in love with Prince Charming, her own dashing Lieutenant, vowing duty, honor and country, and found herself quickly saying “I do.” Life as an Army wife took her abroad to castles, battlegrounds and cathedrals, where tales of romance, swashbuckling characters, and unforgettable adventure filled the lonely nights Uncle Sam called Charming away.  Now, after raising four children, Katherine lives in the south with her rogue and fluffy Maine Coon, where she writes about alpha males and the happily ever afters they deserve.

I’m very excited about my new book release, Mystic’s Touch.

The world they live in is fantasy – a kingdom and a culture based on ancient Egypt. It was great being able to live in that place, in my head, for a while. And the characters were fun. I was surprised when two more of the hero’s friends showed up half way through the book!

And it all started with a dream.

Yup! I dreamed about my characters before they ever landed on the page. It just took a couple of years to figure who they were and what they were trying to tell me.

I don’t always remember my dreams, but some have been doozies! I try to record the really interesting ones so I can figure out what was on my mind or what the universe was trying to tell me. More than one of those may end up in a story someday.

Once I dreamed about getting a new job before being called for an interview. Then there was the time I dreamed that the place I used at was falling down – as in, the building was being evacuated in my dream because it was crumbling. A short while later a buy-out was announced. I’ve been told by friends that still work there that the company is no longer the same place.

A couple of years ago I had a dream about my son being kidnapped that freaked me out so bad I disabled his online gaming account for weeks. I hope that one NEVER comes true. *shudders*

And, naturally, there have been a few dreams that could only be recorded with adult-content labels. *blushes*

Dreams are important to Danet and Ceros, the main characters in Mystic’s Touch. They see each other in dreams for years before ever meeting. Their soul-deep bond strengthens their relationship and makes it hard to resist. No matter the odds.

Have you ever had a significant dream? One that came true or one that was so vivid it stuck with you for days after waking?

Leave a comment and let me know. And link over to my Rafflecopter to be entered in the drawings for goodies. I’m giving away books, jewelry, and lots of other fun stuff! Follow this link:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

When Prince Ceros returns home to take his place on the throne, he falls prey to a mysterious malady that leaves him unable to speak or move, though his thoughts and awareness remain intact. Danet, a talented healer, realizes the prince is alert inside his body. The two are able to share thoughts telepathically. Unfortunately her connection with Ceros may bring unwanted attention to her abilities and result in her banishment from the city.

Their unique bond grows as Danet races to find a remedy for the prince’s condition. Desire turns to love, which makes Danet fear for their future when he awakens. They seek out the villain attempting to take the throne and endeavor to find a way to stay together.

Inside Scoop: Ceros’ secret shifter status adds complication and intrigue to their budding romance.

Buy Links:
Ellora’s Cave  /  Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble
Book Trailer Video:  https://youtu.be/4rcPumYSe5w

Dena Garson loves to read romance—the hotter the better. When one of her BFFs said “one of us should be writing this stuff”, she took up the challenge. If she isn’t writing, she’s designing jewelry but somehow she still manages to make it into the office on a regular basis.

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog | Ellora’s Cave | Amazon Author Page

Thanks for having me today Delilah.

We do crazy things as authors, and we get our inspiration for our stories from just about anywhere. I am working on my 5^th book in the SEAL Brotherhood series, called Cruisin’ For A SEAL. It’s the first time I’ve taken a long, extended vacation to write a book, and wrote nearly 1/3 of it onboard a cruise ship traveling from Italy to Brazil. This is where my story takes place.

First, I had never been to any of the ports we stopped at: Marakesh, Casablanca, Tenerife, Cape Verde, Sao Paolo, Rio, Santos. The crossing took us over the Equator, taking us from Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, to Summer in the Southern Hemisphere. There was a ritual in crossing this line we fully participated in. Salsa and flour and egg in the hair, jump into the salt water pool. A memorable experience.

My story follows the same itinerary: several members of SEAL Team 3 are on a vacation together with their wives and girlfriends, when terrorists take over the ship. Of course they save the day, and nearly everyone on board. Being the only Americans on this particular cruise, I met people from all over the world, and got a good cross-section of peoples and cultures to use in the story. I wrote late at night, early in the AM. Anywhere and everywhere. I wrote when I couldn’t sleep.

My hero and heroine meet before the cruise sets sail, in Savona, Italy. They spend a night together and expect they will never see each other again, which of course doesn’t happen.

Here’s the excerpt from Cruisin’ For A SEAL:

She was a pretty brunette with skinny legs, wearing high heeled camo boots, which is what got his attention originally. Waiting on a street corner, he thought perhaps she was a working girl. Marc decided to sit, have a cappuccino and watch the passers by.

She was joined by an older woman who could have been her mother. The two took a table next to him and the Italian flowed all over his body like a gentle rain.

The coffee was delivered to him and he nodded without speaking, not wanting the ladies to identify him as American. Not that it would make any difference, of course, because he had no intention of talking to them.

The heart-shaped design in the foam floating on the top of his cappuccino put a fishhook to his heart. He stared down at it with a wince, but welcomed the creamy taste. The shot of caffeine gave him the jolt he was seeking.

His eyes drifted from the cluster of pigeons trying to dodge scooters and pedestrians to the table next door. The younger woman was slipping off her
black raincoat, revealing an ample chest delicately restrained in a stretchy black dress that came down low in a dangerous V. She held her water glass with long delicate fingers and short red nails. A colorful charm bracelet encircled her small wrist.

He followed the glass she was holding until it mated with her full red lips. Her large brown eyes darted in his direction, then she repositioned them on the face of her companion across the table. But then she smiled. He knew that smile was intended for him as such as he understood his dick was interested for the first time in three months.

The Italian was luxurious. No other way to describe it. An Italian love ballad was playing somewhere down the arched tunnel between the piazza and the homes of the locals above.  He didn’t know the words, but loved the feeling it imparted to him. He understood some of the words, like Amore. He’d not have tolerated this sappy show or sensual drifting until tonight, but he was fantasizing the lady was rubbing the glass against her bottom lip for him, sucking the ice cube she held in her left hand as she flipped it inside and out of her lips, wrapping it in her pink tongue.

She smiled at her companion, and he wanted to lick the dimple that dared to show itself on the left of her cheek. He knew she’d taste good. He knew just a drop of her juices on his tongue would send him places he’d missed. His little brain had the pompoms and the little cheering section. Was already nekked with the young lady with the big tits and the beautiful full red lips. His fingers had found how her silky inner thighs quivered under his touch.

What are you doing?

She was a pleasant fantasy, and if he was completely honest and felt she would understand him, he’d thank her. But he was a dog. He was a dog about ready to embark on a cruise out of port with some of his best buds. He’d never come back here to Savona, and would never see her again.

I will reward a free audio book to one person who leaves a comment, chosen at random. Here’s your question: If you were going to go on a cruise with your favorite author, where would you go, and what story would you want to read/write?

Enjoy the sample audio clip from this book, which is on Preorder until March 1st.

https://youtu.be/TVeT8IbV6ZU

Sharon Hamilton
Life is one fool thing after another.
Love is two fool things after each other.
Author Page ** Sharon’s Blog ** Sharon’s Website ** Facebook**Twitter

Writing more than one book at the same time?

So, call me a glutton for punishment, but I often write more than one project at a time. Sometimes they are the same genre, sometimes they’re different. I just can’t help it. Sometimes a character will stand up and wave at me. They don’t like it when I say “Sit down and shut up.”

Sometimes I just dabble in one while concentrating mostly on another, or sometimes I work on both (or more) consistently.

And any writer knows that characters can be obnoxious. That’s how I got myself in my current predicament—but my 2^nd predicament in a row like this.

I finished the third book in my romantic suspense series, Calculated Collision (Crossing Forces Book Three) and jumped right into book four. I was so proud of myself because I tend to procrastinate.

The hero of this book, Jared, had interrupted my writing flow when I was working on book three, so perhaps what happened next was Karma? (For him, or me?)

I had started book three (Nate and Lee’s story) and everything was going well. I had a plan of attack, so to speak, and hit the words hard. But then, out of the blue…I had a dream. Now that might sound cheesy, but it’s true. The dream was of the opening scene of book four of this series—Jared’s book.

The hero stood up and hollered, “Hey, what about me?” He didn’t appreciate or heed my answer, which went something like, “Wait for your turn.” Jared is stubborn like his partner, Cole (hero of Collision Force—book one), so I actually wrote great chunks of book 3 and 4 together, but ended up breaking off and finishing book three like a good little author.

So then of course, Jared gained all of my attention. Things were going well, and I got to 40k quite easily.

Then what happened? BAM! I had one of those sit-up-in-bed-gasping and scramble for the notebook moment to jot down this idea for this time travel story.

That little idea was supposed to be a 15k short for an anthology and turned into a trilogy. The Tartan MP3 Player ended up being about 33,000 words and the first of the Highland Secrets series. It will be out in March, 2014. I also did something I NEVER do: plotted the next two books. I am excited, and they should follow book one and two rather quickly in release.

So Jared pouted as I worked on Claire and Duncan’s story, but then I got back to him. My best-laid plans don’t always work out, but I really hope it doesn’t happen again. (Note to my characters: this is not a challenge for you.)

The writing process is different for every writer. The more I write, the more I realize there is no right or wrong ways to write. As long as we do just that: WRITE.

It also seems the further I go, the more stories swirl around in my head. I guess that’s great, I won’t run out of stories to tell. It’s just about having the time to write them all down. Writing a book is hard work. But it’s something enjoyable, and something that’s so much a part of me I couldn’t imagine not writing.

There’s nothing better than writing a good book…or two.

Vowing to protect her had nothing to do with feelings.

Detective Pete Crane catches a new shooting case and considers it business-as-usual. But when the lead witness is the Chief of Police’s fiery assistant, he never anticipated she’d challenge him—personally and professionally. Especially while under his protection.

Little do they know, the shooting she and her grandmother witnessed was anything but random.

Thrown together, their attraction sizzles, even though she’s squarely in the no-fly zone. She makes him break every rule in his little black book.

Nikki Harper has been attracted to Pete since they met two years ago. Witnessing a brutal shooting throws her into a stigma that’s always been her greatest fear: a victim. She has no choice but to accept his protective custody and let him help save her and her beloved grandmother.

Can Pete protect his witness and solve the case, while fighting the intense heat with Nikki?

Buylinks for Chance Collision:
ARe | Totally Bound  | Amazon UK  | Amazon CA
Amazon | Sony | KOBO | Barnes & Noble 

C.A. Szarek Bio:

Sword’s Call is C.A.’s first book, and is the first in the King’s Riders Series, published by Paper Dragon Publishing. Love’s Call (King’s Riders Book Two) recently released. Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book 1), and Chance Collision (Crossing Forces Book Two) are part of a steamy romantic suspense series published by Totally Bound Publishing. ALL FOUR BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!

C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She is married and has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

She works with kids when she’s not writing.

She’s always wanted to be a writer and is overjoyed to share her stories with the world.

Find C.A. Szarek:
Website: www.caszarek.com
Blog: www.caszarekwriter.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/caszarek
Twitter: https://twitter.com/caszarek
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5815085.C_A_Szarek

Music and Coffee: Fuel for an Author

Hi there! Thank you to Delilah for allowing a newbie like me to make an appearance on her blog!

My name is Morgan, and I’m an addict.  Phew, I feel better.

I admit to being addicted to music and coffee.  One started at a much younger age than the other, I’ll let you guess which, but both are now so deeply ingrained that I need a fix.  Often.  I am one of those people who if I am not watching a movie or one of my shows, I’ve got the music going.  Sometimes I’ll even toss in my ear buds and boogie along to my jams while doing the dishes.  Much to my kids chagrined and my husbands delight.  He thinks I’m ridiculous, but I know I’m made of awesomesauce.

My debut novella and subsequent series, Moonlight Nights, was spawn by a late night fueled by Starbucks coffee and a long drive under the stars.  I’m a big huge fan of windows down, radio up and singing like a rock star in my car.  On this night I was listening to a new to me artist, Bruno Mars.  By now most people knew him but I had just recently came across of a few of his songs.  I immediately downloaded his EP that was available and was jamming out, as I always do, and this song came on and I swear my everything just stopped.

“Talking to the Moon” was a song about staring at the moon every night and hoped that his former lover was too.  It speaks of when the stars come up and light up his room, he just sits there talking to the moon.  Right?  It tugged at my heart and in an instant a story was born.  If you aren’t familiar with this song, head over to my website and I’ve got it posted.

I know a lot of authors are inspired by random things, which I always found fascinating.  When I first started writing I was able to use prompts to help me create a story, whether it be for submission calls or fan fiction. I know, I know. I didn’t stay there for long.  But now with the birth of this one. story inspired by something so random as one song, I felt that I was part of the cool kids.  I’m not, but one can hope.

Since then my inspiration has grown and has spun into a five book series, all surrounding one young couple and their connection to the full moon.  The first book, a prequel of sorts, features the father of the young man.  Sunrise is about a mature couple who meet by chance month after a steamy, anonymous weekend in Mexico.

After I wrote the first book, titled Talk to the Moon, I was further inspired by music and Sunrise is heavily influenced by the sexiness of Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles.  And of course, coffee. There is something incredibly enchanting about the lyrics from Fleetwood Mac but the song Tequila Sunrise was the official inspiration for Sunrise. Not so much lyrically but more so the theme of a woman who is a bit lost and just numb from life.

So that’s a brief look into my crazy mind, what inspires you?

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter or my blog for the upcoming New Adult release, Talk to the Moon on February 22nd! Be sure to pick up Sunrise for free in the meantime.

Talk to the Moon 

When Kyle Chase was eighteen, he had his life all mapped out: a business degree and a long, happy life with his childhood sweetheart.Seven years later, Kyle is still haunted by the girl who declared her undying love to him before disappearing without a word as soon as he left for college. With the realization that the memories are stopping him from living his life, Kyle posts an ad in hopes of making contact with the woman who broke his heart. Read the rest of this entry »

Writing a Little Bit of Everything

Thanks so much, Delilah, for having me today. I was tickled you had space for me. As usual when thinking about what my topic for today would be I became distracted by Facebook and Twitter. Pictures of cute little baby animals (baby giraffes get me every single time), hot smexxy men (David Gandy wants ME, people, his eyes don’t lie), and of course, snarky e-cards and gratuitous wine shots are a serious distraction. Then I remembered I had a blog post to do and I was all discombobulated.

Finally, I hit on my topic. That a reader hit me up to ask me the question first was a godsend. The question was: “I see you write a little bit of everything. Why?” Now at first I wondered, is this reader pissed I write a little of everything? Or, are they happy about the fact that I’ve written romance across a wide spectrum of sub-genres to include contemporary, science fiction, paranormal, suspense and erotic? Maybe the question isn’t WHY, maybe it’s just why. Maybe there’s nothing hidden in the question—maybe they like that I do this. Then I shut my writer mind off and tackled the problem with my reader mind.

I write but I read, too. A LOT. My interests vary from outer space to shape-shifters to billionaires to military heroes to assassins. I like whips and chains, but I like the sweetness as well. And if I read all that doesn’t it just make sense that I would enjoy writing all of it? Of course it makes sense. My reading interests are a direct reflection of my personality—I love it all. No limits and no restraints. The written word makes me happy. What makes me even happier is to find an author I love to read and then I’ll devour everything they’ve written no matter the sub-genre.

So back to my reader’s question: Why? Why do I write a little bit of everything? Moving back into my writer brain the answer is simple: Because I can. Because I love it. Because I have stories that must get out of my brain or it will explode. That’s how I answered their question. I write scifi, paranormal, contemporary, erotic, and suspense because that’s where my characters live and breathe and fight and love. I might do one better than the other but you can bet your sweet butt I’m going to give everyone of them the best story possible.

My reader responded with this: “ 😀 I’m going to read them all I just wanted to know.” And in that statement is the very best unsaid/unwritten compliment I’ve ever received. That reader likes my writing. She likes the words I string together to form sentences then paragraphs then chapters and you get the idea. Because she likes my style, my voice, my words, she’ll read just about anything I write. And that is the best damn feeling in the world.

To any writer who wonders whether they should write that scifi romance they’ve been contemplating—to any writer who thinks maybe they should hold off of that M/M/f they’ve been wanting to pen—here’s my suggestion: WRITE IT. Don’t question your muse. Go with what you feel, do whatever research you need to do on galaxies and light-years and what goes where/when/how in a M/M/f, but DON’T NOT WRITE IT! Read the rest of this entry »

UPDATE: Rachelle Lerner is the winner!

* * * * *

Hi All! Cynthia D’Alba here. Whenever gal pal, Delilah, offers up her blog for guest, I usually slug all the other authors to get in line first! I’m pretty sure that’s how I got this cherry spot on the day before my book release.

Tomorrow (Feb. 4, 2014) book 3 (a novella) in the Texas Montgomery Mavericks series hits the online bookshelves. TEXAS FANDANGO is the story of KC Montgomery, a strong-willed, independent Texas cowgirl-attorney and Drake Gentry, drop-dead sexy professor from Texas Southern Methodist University.

The couple flies from Texas for a vacation full of sun, sand, surf and sex at The Sand Castle Resort on private SugarIsland in the Caribbean. It’s a two-week fling that will be over when the vacation is over. Sometimes, however, two weeks on a beach can deepen more than just tans.

Here’s a quick excerpt:

Drake leaned back on the sofa and crossed an ankle over a knee. “Okay, as I was saying, do you want to go with me on vacation? You sort of caught me off-guard this afternoon, and I’m sorry for being so slow on the uptake. I’d love for you to come with me.” He drained the remaining water and set the empty bottle on the side table. “But you need to know that I reserved a one-bedroom suite. I’ll sleep on the couch, you don’t have to worry. You can have the bed.”

KC set the puppy down and leaned forward. “You’re asking me to go with you on vacation?”

“Yep. My treat.”

“And you’re not going to make me sleep with you?”

He shrugged and made himself maintain eye contact when what he wanted to do was look anywhere but at her. Damn. Her voice was a little tight and high with that last question. Now what had he done wrong? He didn’t think he’d ever understand women.

“Right.” He dragged the word out. “No obligation.”

She drained her beer. The empty bottle dangled from the tips of her fingers. The side of her cheek sucked as she rolled it between her teeth.

“So no sex. That’s what you’re saying? I just want to make sure there are no misunderstandings this time.”

He nodded. “Sure.”

She echoed his nod and then set her bottle on the floor. “Well then, in that case, no.”

His head popped back. “What?”

Leaning toward him, she said, “No sex, no trip.”

This time, he swallowed hard. Crossed and uncrossed his legs. Adjusted his position on the sofa. “Explain exactly what you’re saying. Use small words and short sentences. I don’t think my mind is hearing correctly this afternoon.”

“Here’s the deal, Doc. I want a vacation with the five S’s. Sand. Surf. Sun. Spa. And sex.” She leaned back in her chair. “And not necessarily in that order.”

“So you want to sleep with me?”

“I want a two-week torrid, scorching-hot affair. No holds barred. Then, we walk away. No harm. No foul. Those are my terms.” She stared into his eyes. “Take it or leave it.”  Read the rest of this entry »