Sarah Curtis's Blog, page 4
August 5, 2015
A little bit of Mase
Snippet : noun
1. a small piece snipped off; a small bit, scrap, or fragment:
Mase and Jo / Pursuing by Sarah Curtis
Unedited (so that means it's full of typos :))
Jo successfully pulled her hands from Mase's grasp and placed them in her lap, sitting straighter in her seat. Surely she hadn't heard him correctly. "You want me to stay with you in your home for five days?"
He tilted his head in acknowledgment and gave her a grin. "Yeah."
Jo opened and closed her mouth a few times, looking like a fish, she was sure, trying to get some words out. "But... but..." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, centering herself. She placed her palms flat on the table, leaned forward, then whisper-hissed, "Are you insane? We barely know each other. I can't stay with you."
"Why not?"
His question threw her for a moment. There were so many reasons why not it was almost hard to pull a specific one out and state it. "Well, for starters, like I said, we're practically strangers."
"I know you're a well educated, caring human being dedicated to her job of helping children. That doesn't sound like serial killer qualities. You're not a serial killer are you?"
"Of course not," Jo said with a huff.
"Well that's a relief. What else?"
"Just because I'm not a serial killer, doesn't mean I'm a nice person. And I know nothing about you."
Mase threw his arms wide. "I'm an open book. Anything you want to know. All my sins have been documented in all the tabloid magazines." He gave her an amused smile. "And I'll take my chances with you."
"Yeah, well, you haven't seen me in the morning," she mumbled, but Mase must have heard her if his chuckle was any indication.
"Do you got anything else? Because so far your objections aren't very sound."
"What if I have bad habits you can't stand." She gave him a horrified look. "Or what if you do. Oh my God, you don't drink straight from the milk carton, do you? I put milk in my coffee."
"It's only five days, babe, not a lifetime commitment. I'm sure we can handle each other's bad habits for that long, but if it makes you feel better, I'll buy a new container of milk."
"So you do drink from the carton."
"It's my fucking milk, and I live alone," he said, sounding exasperated.
Jo pointed a finger at him. "See, I'm already annoying you and it's only been," Jo looked at an imaginary watch on her wrist to sarcastically make her point, "about five minutes since we started this conversation."
Mase grabbed the pointer she still aimed at him and kissed the tip. "I'm only annoyed because you're beating around the bush with this nonsense instead of telling me the real reason why you don't want to stay with me."
That shut her up, but she wasn't sure if it was the finger kiss or his words. She stared at him while she quickly contemplated her next move. She couldn't tell him that staying with him would surely test the resolve of her "stay away from hottie jocks" plan, and he was right, the excuses she had come up with had been feeble at best. Welp, in order to avoid showing her hand, she only had one option. "Okay, you win. Where do I sign up?" She deflated back in her seat and gave him a smile that she hoped didn't look as forced as it felt.
He gave her his award winning smile and a wink in return. She felt her stomach drop and wondered if this was what it felt like to make a deal with the devil.
1. a small piece snipped off; a small bit, scrap, or fragment:
Mase and Jo / Pursuing by Sarah Curtis
Unedited (so that means it's full of typos :))
Jo successfully pulled her hands from Mase's grasp and placed them in her lap, sitting straighter in her seat. Surely she hadn't heard him correctly. "You want me to stay with you in your home for five days?"
He tilted his head in acknowledgment and gave her a grin. "Yeah."
Jo opened and closed her mouth a few times, looking like a fish, she was sure, trying to get some words out. "But... but..." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, centering herself. She placed her palms flat on the table, leaned forward, then whisper-hissed, "Are you insane? We barely know each other. I can't stay with you."
"Why not?"
His question threw her for a moment. There were so many reasons why not it was almost hard to pull a specific one out and state it. "Well, for starters, like I said, we're practically strangers."
"I know you're a well educated, caring human being dedicated to her job of helping children. That doesn't sound like serial killer qualities. You're not a serial killer are you?"
"Of course not," Jo said with a huff.
"Well that's a relief. What else?"
"Just because I'm not a serial killer, doesn't mean I'm a nice person. And I know nothing about you."
Mase threw his arms wide. "I'm an open book. Anything you want to know. All my sins have been documented in all the tabloid magazines." He gave her an amused smile. "And I'll take my chances with you."
"Yeah, well, you haven't seen me in the morning," she mumbled, but Mase must have heard her if his chuckle was any indication.
"Do you got anything else? Because so far your objections aren't very sound."
"What if I have bad habits you can't stand." She gave him a horrified look. "Or what if you do. Oh my God, you don't drink straight from the milk carton, do you? I put milk in my coffee."
"It's only five days, babe, not a lifetime commitment. I'm sure we can handle each other's bad habits for that long, but if it makes you feel better, I'll buy a new container of milk."
"So you do drink from the carton."
"It's my fucking milk, and I live alone," he said, sounding exasperated.
Jo pointed a finger at him. "See, I'm already annoying you and it's only been," Jo looked at an imaginary watch on her wrist to sarcastically make her point, "about five minutes since we started this conversation."
Mase grabbed the pointer she still aimed at him and kissed the tip. "I'm only annoyed because you're beating around the bush with this nonsense instead of telling me the real reason why you don't want to stay with me."
That shut her up, but she wasn't sure if it was the finger kiss or his words. She stared at him while she quickly contemplated her next move. She couldn't tell him that staying with him would surely test the resolve of her "stay away from hottie jocks" plan, and he was right, the excuses she had come up with had been feeble at best. Welp, in order to avoid showing her hand, she only had one option. "Okay, you win. Where do I sign up?" She deflated back in her seat and gave him a smile that she hoped didn't look as forced as it felt.
He gave her his award winning smile and a wink in return. She felt her stomach drop and wondered if this was what it felt like to make a deal with the devil.
July 22, 2015
My first blog interview!
The awesome author Nikki Belaire interviewed me on her blog. "Beware" Read at your own risk. My dorkiness may rub off on you.
http://www.nikkibelaire.com/#!Welcome...
http://www.nikkibelaire.com/#!Welcome...
July 9, 2015
Engaging on Sale
Hey everyone- Engaging is on Sale for .99 cents for the next 7 days. If you've been thinking of buying a copy, now's your chance :)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y...
June 8, 2015
Back to work!
Well the vacation is over and I'm back to work. Got my fingers flexed and my nails filed down ready to tackle, rope, and hogtie Mase into submission. Wonder how that's going to work out for me? I'm thinking not so good. I'm thinking I'll need the help of a sassy and sweet h to knock Mase on his ass. What do you think?
May 28, 2015
Alluring on Sale
So in celebration of Engaging's release Alluring will be on sale for 1.99 for 7 days starting Friday May 29th. Now is your chance to grab a copy if you don't have it yet :)
May 8, 2015
Engaging Cover Reveal
I just wanted to share that I posted the cover for Engaging on my FB page for any that are interested in checking it out.
https://www.facebook.com/sarahcurtisa...
https://www.facebook.com/sarahcurtisa...
March 23, 2015
Another little taste of Gage
This is a snippet from Engaging my current WIP please be aware this is unedited.
About halfway down route 160, she smelled something funny, then smoke started pouring from her hood. She pulled over to the side of the road just in time for her car to die. She pounded the steering wheel, saying a few choice words she would never say in front of Logan, then pulled out her phone.
Gage answered after two rings. "Everything okay, Sunshine?"
"Why do you always answer the phone like that?"
"Because you never call me just for the hell of it, so I'm assuming something's wrong."
Cassie thought back. He was right, she never called him just for the hell of it. She'd have to give that some thought later, but for now... "My car broke down. The hood started smoking then the engine cut off."
"Where are you?"
"On route 160, about half way to town."
"I'll be there in ten."
"Wait! You don't have to come. I'll call a tow. I just wanted to know if you could pick up Logan."
"I'll be there in ten, Sunshine." The line went silent. He'd hung up.
Cassie felt a drip of sweat tickle down her temple and realized it was hot in the car. She couldn't roll down the windows because they were electric and she couldn't start her car. She opened the door and got out.
A soft breeze blew and it felt good against her damp skin. She reached across the drivers seat to the passenger side to grab her purse, intent on getting her wallet and her AAA card. She heard the sound of a car and turned her head to see a white pick-up truck pulling in behind her.
A very tall, very good looking man stepped out. He had thick, dark-brown, slightly wavy hair, lots of muscles encased in a tight, black T-shirt, faded jeans that fit just right and wore brown cowboy boots. Wow.
Cassie turned her head back to her purse, scrounging for and finding her wallet. She pulled it out and proceeded to look for her AAA card.
"Car troubles?"
Cassie looked up from her wallet and gave the man a slight smile. "Yeah."
"Pop the hood. Let's take a look." He had a deep, smooth voice.
"Oh no, that's okay. I'm going to call a tow." She turned back to her wallet. Where was that damn card?
"Might be an easy fix. Then it would be a waste of time and money calling a tow."
He had a point. Unfortunately Cassie knew absolutely nothing about cars other than how to fill up her gas tank. "Okay. Sure that would be great. Thank you."
He held out his hand. "Name's Brett." He gave her a sexy smile.
Uh oh. She hesitantly took his hand, mumbled her name, then quickly pulled her hand away. She turned her back to him and leaned her body into the car. "Let me see if I can find the hood release."
She felt him move in close to her back and his arm reached over her shoulder. "It's usually over here."
And it was unfortunately at this point the Cassie heard, "What the fuck," yelled from somewhere behind her. This caused her to jump, making her feel like she had done something wrong (which she hadn't) and she hated the way her stomach knotted at the sound of his anger.
"Hey asshole, step the fuck back." Gage sounded closer and not at all happy. She watched as Brett's arm disappeared and felt him move away from her. Cassie straightened up out of the cab of her SUV and turned around. Gage didn't look pissed, he looked PISSED.
Brett held his hands in the air in a peaceful gesture. "Just trying to help the lady out."
Gage held his body loose and relaxed, but his clenched jaw and tick at his temple told a different story. "The lady already has help."
Cassie took a step back, finding herself wedged into the vee of the open door.
"Didn't know I was stepping on any toes. I'll be on my way." Brett turned and walked back to his truck.
Cassie, not wanting to be rude, yelled, "Thanks for stopping."
Brett held up his hand in a wave, didn't turn around, but still yelled back, "Any time, honey."
"Pop the hood." Gage said, angrily after silently watching Brett get in his truck and drive away.
Cassie jumped at his sudden barked order. Shit, she was going to have to stop doing that. Cassie leaned back in the cab and under the dash to look for the hood release.
She felt Gage hit her back, his arm coming over her shoulder, his head at the side of hers as he found the hood release and pulled it. "I like me being in this position a lot better than someone else, Sunshine."
His breath tickled her ear as he spoke, sending goose bumps down her arms. She cleared her throat to speak. "Yeah well, I like it better, too."
"Good to know." He backed away, rounded the door and lifted the hood.
About halfway down route 160, she smelled something funny, then smoke started pouring from her hood. She pulled over to the side of the road just in time for her car to die. She pounded the steering wheel, saying a few choice words she would never say in front of Logan, then pulled out her phone.
Gage answered after two rings. "Everything okay, Sunshine?"
"Why do you always answer the phone like that?"
"Because you never call me just for the hell of it, so I'm assuming something's wrong."
Cassie thought back. He was right, she never called him just for the hell of it. She'd have to give that some thought later, but for now... "My car broke down. The hood started smoking then the engine cut off."
"Where are you?"
"On route 160, about half way to town."
"I'll be there in ten."
"Wait! You don't have to come. I'll call a tow. I just wanted to know if you could pick up Logan."
"I'll be there in ten, Sunshine." The line went silent. He'd hung up.
Cassie felt a drip of sweat tickle down her temple and realized it was hot in the car. She couldn't roll down the windows because they were electric and she couldn't start her car. She opened the door and got out.
A soft breeze blew and it felt good against her damp skin. She reached across the drivers seat to the passenger side to grab her purse, intent on getting her wallet and her AAA card. She heard the sound of a car and turned her head to see a white pick-up truck pulling in behind her.
A very tall, very good looking man stepped out. He had thick, dark-brown, slightly wavy hair, lots of muscles encased in a tight, black T-shirt, faded jeans that fit just right and wore brown cowboy boots. Wow.
Cassie turned her head back to her purse, scrounging for and finding her wallet. She pulled it out and proceeded to look for her AAA card.
"Car troubles?"
Cassie looked up from her wallet and gave the man a slight smile. "Yeah."
"Pop the hood. Let's take a look." He had a deep, smooth voice.
"Oh no, that's okay. I'm going to call a tow." She turned back to her wallet. Where was that damn card?
"Might be an easy fix. Then it would be a waste of time and money calling a tow."
He had a point. Unfortunately Cassie knew absolutely nothing about cars other than how to fill up her gas tank. "Okay. Sure that would be great. Thank you."
He held out his hand. "Name's Brett." He gave her a sexy smile.
Uh oh. She hesitantly took his hand, mumbled her name, then quickly pulled her hand away. She turned her back to him and leaned her body into the car. "Let me see if I can find the hood release."
She felt him move in close to her back and his arm reached over her shoulder. "It's usually over here."
And it was unfortunately at this point the Cassie heard, "What the fuck," yelled from somewhere behind her. This caused her to jump, making her feel like she had done something wrong (which she hadn't) and she hated the way her stomach knotted at the sound of his anger.
"Hey asshole, step the fuck back." Gage sounded closer and not at all happy. She watched as Brett's arm disappeared and felt him move away from her. Cassie straightened up out of the cab of her SUV and turned around. Gage didn't look pissed, he looked PISSED.
Brett held his hands in the air in a peaceful gesture. "Just trying to help the lady out."
Gage held his body loose and relaxed, but his clenched jaw and tick at his temple told a different story. "The lady already has help."
Cassie took a step back, finding herself wedged into the vee of the open door.
"Didn't know I was stepping on any toes. I'll be on my way." Brett turned and walked back to his truck.
Cassie, not wanting to be rude, yelled, "Thanks for stopping."
Brett held up his hand in a wave, didn't turn around, but still yelled back, "Any time, honey."
"Pop the hood." Gage said, angrily after silently watching Brett get in his truck and drive away.
Cassie jumped at his sudden barked order. Shit, she was going to have to stop doing that. Cassie leaned back in the cab and under the dash to look for the hood release.
She felt Gage hit her back, his arm coming over her shoulder, his head at the side of hers as he found the hood release and pulled it. "I like me being in this position a lot better than someone else, Sunshine."
His breath tickled her ear as he spoke, sending goose bumps down her arms. She cleared her throat to speak. "Yeah well, I like it better, too."
"Good to know." He backed away, rounded the door and lifted the hood.
March 14, 2015
Engaging News
Hi everyone-
People have been asking me when Engaging (Cassie and Gage's story) will be coming out.
I'm hoping for an end of May release date, but as of now that is very tentative.
I post frequent updates of my progress on my FB page for those of you that are interested and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
https://www.facebook.com/sarahcurtisa...
Have a great weekend
Sarah
People have been asking me when Engaging (Cassie and Gage's story) will be coming out.
I'm hoping for an end of May release date, but as of now that is very tentative.
I post frequent updates of my progress on my FB page for those of you that are interested and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
https://www.facebook.com/sarahcurtisa...
Have a great weekend
Sarah
February 14, 2015
meet Cassie and Gage
So for V-day I thought I'd give you a taste of Cassie and Gage, The H and h in Engaging the book I'm currently working on. This is unedited!
Prologue
Cassie looked around at the crowd filling the quad of the Las Vegas University campus. Her best friend, Monica had dragged her here at six o'clock this morning so they would have a good spot to watch Engage perform a free concert for their school. The fliers for the event had gone up about a month ago and since then that was all Monica could talk about. She was in love with Gage Hunter and the rock group Engage and according to her, she was their number one fan.
Personally, she like country music. Not that she didn't enjoy Engage's music, they just weren't one of her favorites, and she didn't love them like Monica did.
"Only one more hour. I'm so excited," Monica said, looking around at the rapidly filling quad. "It's a good thing we got here so early to get our spot. This place is packed."
Cassie nodded her head, but internally she didn't agree. She had worked the late shift last night at Sam's Pizzeria and didn't get home until one this morning, then she was up at five to come here. Monica owed her big time for this.
Monica and her lived off-campus in an apartment with two other girls. She had met her last year at freshman orientation and the two of them had been practically glued at the hip ever since.
"What time does this thing start again?" Cassie asked.
Monica rolled her eyes at Cassie's lack of enthusiasm. "Noon. Why?"
"I have to be at work by five."
"Oh I'm sure the concert will be over by then."
Cassie laughed. "Well, I would hope so or else that would be a five hour concert. I'm hoping it's done in about an hour so I have time to take a nap before I start my shift."
"There's gonna be an autograph session after the concert. You have to stay with me, so I can get a signed copy of their new CD."
Cassie sighed. All hopes of a nap flying out the window. The crowd started cheering, and Cassie looked around. Engage was taking the stage.
Monica grabbed hold of her arm, pulling her to her feet. "There they are."
Cassie had to admit they had a good spot. They were front row center, only a few feet away from the raised platform the school had erected for use as a stage.
"Oh my God, Cassie, there he is." Monica was holing on to her arm so tight she was sure to leave a bruise. "Gage! I love you Gage!" She screamed while jumping up and down.
Cassie tried to extract Monica's hand. She was being jostled all over the place. She looked at the ground, trying to keep her footing and desperately trying to keep her toes from being stepped on by Monica's pounding feet.
"Oh my God, Cassie, look. He's staring right at me and smiling."
Cassie wasn't paying any attention to what Monica was blabbing on about. She was too busy trying to pry Monica's fingers off her arm and trying to avoid getting whiplash.
"Now he's smiling and laughing. Oh my God! Oh my God!"
With a forceful yank, she was able to free her arm but ended up on her butt, in the dirt. She glared up at her friend but she wasn't paying her any attention. Her eyes were riveted to something and her mouth was hanging open. Soon a hand entered her field of vision. Cassie looked up. Before her were a pair of the bluest eyes she had ever seen, surrounded by thick, black lashes. She was staring into the eyes of Gage Hunter. His raven-black hair shined in the sunlight and fell past his shoulders, thick and straight with no bangs. He had a long straight nose, defined cheekbones and a strong jaw with a hint of dark scruff. He was tall and thin, but well muscled. She could see his muscles flex as she took his hand and he helped her to her feet.
"Are you okay?"
He had a deep, rich voice. Cassie hated to admit it, but she was a little star struck and couldn't find her voice. She just stared at him as if hypnotized.
Monica didn't have that same problem. She grabbed a hold of Cassie's arm again (the arm with the hand that was still clutched in Gage's) and practically shouted in her ear. "It's an honor to meet you, Gage. I'm your biggest fan. I have all your CD's and your posters line my bedroom walls."
Her friend had gone off the deep end. She had to reel her in. "Monica, would you calm down, and let go of my arm, you're hurting me."
Monica slowly came back to her senses and let go of Cassie's arm muttering, "Sorry."
Gage seemed to take pity on her. "It's nice to meet you Monica. Thank you for being a fan." He turned his eyes back to Cassie. "And are you a fan too?"
Before she could answer, Monica butted back in again. "She likes country music. If I have your music playing too loud, she's constantly telling me to turn it down."
Gage's eyes were still on hers and she felt her cheeks redden at Monica's declaration.
Gage just laughed. "Is that so? What can I do to make you a fan?"
Cassie gave him a big smile. "Sing country?"
Gage tipped his head back and laughed.
After the concert, Monica dragged her to where the band was signing autographs. Cassie hated to admit it, but she thoroughly enjoyed the concert and she thought that was mostly due to Gage. He put off pure, raw masculine power and she couldn't keep her eyes off him. And several times during the concert, she found his eyes on her.
The line was long and slow moving. Cassie looked at her phone to check the time. She turned to Monica. "I've got to head out. I need to be at work in an hour."
"Okay. This line shouldn't take too much longer. I'll see you when you get home."
Cassie turned and started making her way across the quad. After several steps, she felt a hand on her shoulder, halting her.
"You never told me your name."
Cassie turned. Standing before her, breathing a little heavy like he'd ran to catch up with her, was Gage.
"What are you doing? Aren't you supposed to be signing autographs?"
He gave her a little shrug and a sheepish smile. "You were leaving."
"I have to get to work."
He seemed to think a second then gave a slight nod.
Cassie turned to walk away.
"Hey, you never told me your name," Gage shouted out.
Cassie turned and spoke while walking backwards. "Cassandra Wagner." She turned back around to make the trek to her car.
"I need a large pepperoni with extra cheese," Cassie said, while hanging up her ticket on the metal turning spindle. Cassie looked up at the clock hanging above the cash register. Nine o'clock, only one more hour to go. She was exhausted. Getting up at five in the morning sucked.
She picked up the pizza that was ready for table six and made her way over to deliver it. Four college guys sat in the booth. One she knew from her History class. Stan was a little nerdy, but cute and very nice.
"Thanks, Cassie." He said, reaching for a slice after she set the pizza on the table.
"No problem. Let me know if you need anything else."
"Your number would be nice." The guy sitting next to Stan said.
Cassie gave him a polite smile. "Sorry, I don't give that out."
"That's a shame. I was really hoping to acquire it."
Cassie recognized the voice. Gage was standing behind her and from the looks on the face's of the guys sitting at the table, they recognized him too.
"Holy shit, that's Gage Hunter from Engage." A blond, beefy guy in an university team jersey said.
Cassie slowly turned around. "What are you doing here? How did you know were I worked?"
"Monica." Was all he said.
Cassie repeated her question. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see you. Can you take a break, so we can talk?"
Cassie shook her head. "I get off in an hour. I don't have any more breaks tonight."
Gage looked around the crowded restaurant. "Where's your section? I'll sit and wait."
Cassie looked around, but couldn't spot a free table in her section. "I'm all full."
Gage gave her a devastating smile that made butterflies take flight in her stomach. "I'm not surprised."
"You can sit over here. We've got room."
Gage looked over the top of her head at the table of guys and answered the one who spoke. "Appreciate it, man." He gave her one last smile before walking over to the table, shaking hands with everyone and sitting down.
Cassie stood there, immobile, watching, until she shook herself out of her funk and got back to work.
A light warm June breeze blew against Cassie face as her and Gage walked into the parking lot of the pizzeria.
"Where are you parked?." Gage steered her to the right with a light hand at the small of her back when she pointed a finger at her black Honda Civic.
"You still haven't told me why you're here," Cassie said, as she stopped at the side her car.
"You're not impressed by me at all, are you?" Gage asked, taking her keys from her hand and opening the driver's side door.
"You've yet to do something impressive."
"Ouch. I guess I deserved that. It's been a long time since I've had to work this hard for a date."
"Is that what you're trying to do, ask me out? Cause let me tell you right now, your technique sucks."
Gage ran his fingers threw his hair, looked down to the ground and sighed. He looked back up and locked his eyes on hers. "You're right. I'm screwing this all up. Listen, when I saw you today, I thought you were the prettiest thing I had ever seen."
Cassie straightened her spine and looked at Gage closely, sure he was pulling her leg. She knew she was pretty, many people had told her so, but for a famous rock star to think she was the prettiest thing he had ever seen? Someone surrounded by beautiful people everyday. No she didn't by it.
He brought his hand up to her face and lightly caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Your long, golden hair that my fingers are begging to find out if it's as soft as it looks. Your exotic, green eyes that held me captive the first time I looked into them. And your red, full lips that I can't wait to taste with my own." He was whispering now as he said, "You're absolutely perfect."
Cassie was at a loss for words, so she just stared into his beautiful blue eyes. Her heart pounded rapidly in her chest and her stomach clenched with the knowledge that she could fall hard for Gage Hunter.
Prologue
Cassie looked around at the crowd filling the quad of the Las Vegas University campus. Her best friend, Monica had dragged her here at six o'clock this morning so they would have a good spot to watch Engage perform a free concert for their school. The fliers for the event had gone up about a month ago and since then that was all Monica could talk about. She was in love with Gage Hunter and the rock group Engage and according to her, she was their number one fan.
Personally, she like country music. Not that she didn't enjoy Engage's music, they just weren't one of her favorites, and she didn't love them like Monica did.
"Only one more hour. I'm so excited," Monica said, looking around at the rapidly filling quad. "It's a good thing we got here so early to get our spot. This place is packed."
Cassie nodded her head, but internally she didn't agree. She had worked the late shift last night at Sam's Pizzeria and didn't get home until one this morning, then she was up at five to come here. Monica owed her big time for this.
Monica and her lived off-campus in an apartment with two other girls. She had met her last year at freshman orientation and the two of them had been practically glued at the hip ever since.
"What time does this thing start again?" Cassie asked.
Monica rolled her eyes at Cassie's lack of enthusiasm. "Noon. Why?"
"I have to be at work by five."
"Oh I'm sure the concert will be over by then."
Cassie laughed. "Well, I would hope so or else that would be a five hour concert. I'm hoping it's done in about an hour so I have time to take a nap before I start my shift."
"There's gonna be an autograph session after the concert. You have to stay with me, so I can get a signed copy of their new CD."
Cassie sighed. All hopes of a nap flying out the window. The crowd started cheering, and Cassie looked around. Engage was taking the stage.
Monica grabbed hold of her arm, pulling her to her feet. "There they are."
Cassie had to admit they had a good spot. They were front row center, only a few feet away from the raised platform the school had erected for use as a stage.
"Oh my God, Cassie, there he is." Monica was holing on to her arm so tight she was sure to leave a bruise. "Gage! I love you Gage!" She screamed while jumping up and down.
Cassie tried to extract Monica's hand. She was being jostled all over the place. She looked at the ground, trying to keep her footing and desperately trying to keep her toes from being stepped on by Monica's pounding feet.
"Oh my God, Cassie, look. He's staring right at me and smiling."
Cassie wasn't paying any attention to what Monica was blabbing on about. She was too busy trying to pry Monica's fingers off her arm and trying to avoid getting whiplash.
"Now he's smiling and laughing. Oh my God! Oh my God!"
With a forceful yank, she was able to free her arm but ended up on her butt, in the dirt. She glared up at her friend but she wasn't paying her any attention. Her eyes were riveted to something and her mouth was hanging open. Soon a hand entered her field of vision. Cassie looked up. Before her were a pair of the bluest eyes she had ever seen, surrounded by thick, black lashes. She was staring into the eyes of Gage Hunter. His raven-black hair shined in the sunlight and fell past his shoulders, thick and straight with no bangs. He had a long straight nose, defined cheekbones and a strong jaw with a hint of dark scruff. He was tall and thin, but well muscled. She could see his muscles flex as she took his hand and he helped her to her feet.
"Are you okay?"
He had a deep, rich voice. Cassie hated to admit it, but she was a little star struck and couldn't find her voice. She just stared at him as if hypnotized.
Monica didn't have that same problem. She grabbed a hold of Cassie's arm again (the arm with the hand that was still clutched in Gage's) and practically shouted in her ear. "It's an honor to meet you, Gage. I'm your biggest fan. I have all your CD's and your posters line my bedroom walls."
Her friend had gone off the deep end. She had to reel her in. "Monica, would you calm down, and let go of my arm, you're hurting me."
Monica slowly came back to her senses and let go of Cassie's arm muttering, "Sorry."
Gage seemed to take pity on her. "It's nice to meet you Monica. Thank you for being a fan." He turned his eyes back to Cassie. "And are you a fan too?"
Before she could answer, Monica butted back in again. "She likes country music. If I have your music playing too loud, she's constantly telling me to turn it down."
Gage's eyes were still on hers and she felt her cheeks redden at Monica's declaration.
Gage just laughed. "Is that so? What can I do to make you a fan?"
Cassie gave him a big smile. "Sing country?"
Gage tipped his head back and laughed.
After the concert, Monica dragged her to where the band was signing autographs. Cassie hated to admit it, but she thoroughly enjoyed the concert and she thought that was mostly due to Gage. He put off pure, raw masculine power and she couldn't keep her eyes off him. And several times during the concert, she found his eyes on her.
The line was long and slow moving. Cassie looked at her phone to check the time. She turned to Monica. "I've got to head out. I need to be at work in an hour."
"Okay. This line shouldn't take too much longer. I'll see you when you get home."
Cassie turned and started making her way across the quad. After several steps, she felt a hand on her shoulder, halting her.
"You never told me your name."
Cassie turned. Standing before her, breathing a little heavy like he'd ran to catch up with her, was Gage.
"What are you doing? Aren't you supposed to be signing autographs?"
He gave her a little shrug and a sheepish smile. "You were leaving."
"I have to get to work."
He seemed to think a second then gave a slight nod.
Cassie turned to walk away.
"Hey, you never told me your name," Gage shouted out.
Cassie turned and spoke while walking backwards. "Cassandra Wagner." She turned back around to make the trek to her car.
"I need a large pepperoni with extra cheese," Cassie said, while hanging up her ticket on the metal turning spindle. Cassie looked up at the clock hanging above the cash register. Nine o'clock, only one more hour to go. She was exhausted. Getting up at five in the morning sucked.
She picked up the pizza that was ready for table six and made her way over to deliver it. Four college guys sat in the booth. One she knew from her History class. Stan was a little nerdy, but cute and very nice.
"Thanks, Cassie." He said, reaching for a slice after she set the pizza on the table.
"No problem. Let me know if you need anything else."
"Your number would be nice." The guy sitting next to Stan said.
Cassie gave him a polite smile. "Sorry, I don't give that out."
"That's a shame. I was really hoping to acquire it."
Cassie recognized the voice. Gage was standing behind her and from the looks on the face's of the guys sitting at the table, they recognized him too.
"Holy shit, that's Gage Hunter from Engage." A blond, beefy guy in an university team jersey said.
Cassie slowly turned around. "What are you doing here? How did you know were I worked?"
"Monica." Was all he said.
Cassie repeated her question. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see you. Can you take a break, so we can talk?"
Cassie shook her head. "I get off in an hour. I don't have any more breaks tonight."
Gage looked around the crowded restaurant. "Where's your section? I'll sit and wait."
Cassie looked around, but couldn't spot a free table in her section. "I'm all full."
Gage gave her a devastating smile that made butterflies take flight in her stomach. "I'm not surprised."
"You can sit over here. We've got room."
Gage looked over the top of her head at the table of guys and answered the one who spoke. "Appreciate it, man." He gave her one last smile before walking over to the table, shaking hands with everyone and sitting down.
Cassie stood there, immobile, watching, until she shook herself out of her funk and got back to work.
A light warm June breeze blew against Cassie face as her and Gage walked into the parking lot of the pizzeria.
"Where are you parked?." Gage steered her to the right with a light hand at the small of her back when she pointed a finger at her black Honda Civic.
"You still haven't told me why you're here," Cassie said, as she stopped at the side her car.
"You're not impressed by me at all, are you?" Gage asked, taking her keys from her hand and opening the driver's side door.
"You've yet to do something impressive."
"Ouch. I guess I deserved that. It's been a long time since I've had to work this hard for a date."
"Is that what you're trying to do, ask me out? Cause let me tell you right now, your technique sucks."
Gage ran his fingers threw his hair, looked down to the ground and sighed. He looked back up and locked his eyes on hers. "You're right. I'm screwing this all up. Listen, when I saw you today, I thought you were the prettiest thing I had ever seen."
Cassie straightened her spine and looked at Gage closely, sure he was pulling her leg. She knew she was pretty, many people had told her so, but for a famous rock star to think she was the prettiest thing he had ever seen? Someone surrounded by beautiful people everyday. No she didn't by it.
He brought his hand up to her face and lightly caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Your long, golden hair that my fingers are begging to find out if it's as soft as it looks. Your exotic, green eyes that held me captive the first time I looked into them. And your red, full lips that I can't wait to taste with my own." He was whispering now as he said, "You're absolutely perfect."
Cassie was at a loss for words, so she just stared into his beautiful blue eyes. Her heart pounded rapidly in her chest and her stomach clenched with the knowledge that she could fall hard for Gage Hunter.
February 12, 2015
Last day of sale
This the last day my book will be on sale. If you've been thinking about getting it do it now, goes back up to 2.99 at midnight!
