( Photo credit: Claudio Gennari …”Cogli l’attimo ferma il tempo” via Foter.com / CC BY )
So, I finished working out my writing goals last week for the new year, and a big chunk of the year is going to be spent on writing/rewriting/revising tiger shifter manuscripts, hence the big, annoyed cat above. First up will be finishing one last rewrite of the first shifter story. And I have a fresh copy right now, waiting for my red pen starting on New Year’s Day. One of my other goals for the year is to write every single day, even if it is only a paragraph or two. And while I finish my New Year’s Eve champagne, I have a little snippet to share below to share with you.
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He didn’t even protest when she remained mostly quiet for the drive back to the house in the dusky summer evening. They walked into the house in silence. She shot him a curious glance when he continued at her side up the stairs. “Thank you for feeding me, Harley,” she said when they reached the first landing. “No problem.” He touched her elbow, and she resumed walking along the hallway to the guest room she always used.
She swallowed as she turned to face him. He gave in to the urge to brush a strand of hair away from her temple, and watched her eyes widen, surprise darkening them. Harley bent nearer. Her hand shot up, so his mouth ran into it. He lifted one eyebrow. “What are you doing?” Her voice quavered just a little. He smiled against her palm, enjoying the warmth of her skin. “Kissing you good-night. It’s customary at the end of a date.” Her eyes widened still more. “We’re not dating.” He kissed her palm. “I believe we just returned from a dinner date. Dancing and drinks.” He inhaled her scent, and his desire kicked up a few more notches. Her throat worked as she swallowed, color tinting her cheeks. “I think this is a bad idea.” He stifled another smile at the way her voice shook and instead flicked his tongue out to taste her skin. Her breath caught.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea.” He nibbled his way across her palm to her thumb. “You taste good. I can’t wait to taste your mouth.” Her breathing resumed, much faster now. “Harley.” He caught her hand and eased it to the wall beside her head as he closed the distance between them so only an inch separated their lips. “Yes, Tessa?”
Emotion swirled in her wide green eyes. He scented her burgeoning arousal in the air, and his body tightened in response. He waited several heartbeats, watching her gaze slide to his mouth, and noted the way her tongue slid out just a little at the corner of her lips. Then he ducked in to kiss her. She tasted better than he’d imagined. Warm and sweet. Her lips parted easily under his, but he deliberately kept the kiss light. She was already spooked, wary. If he dove in head-first, she’d run faster. Not that he doubted he could catch her. Easily. When he finally lifted his head, her eyes were shut, and her lips parted and wet. Tempting him to bend back and take them again. Just briefly. Then he released her. It took a few seconds before her lashes fluttered up, and her hand slowly dropped to her side.
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So how are you starting the new year?