Chicki Brown's Blog, page 22

Writer Wednesday - New Release from Lyssa Layne

Today's Writer Wednesday spotlight is on author Lyssa Lane's new release. If you love hot romance and even hotter firefighters, read on...  

Burst Into Flame by Lyssa Layne
Book Description“In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”-Albert Schweitzer
For Dr. Katy Garrity, life is a whirlwind, and the New York Fire Department is the heart of the storm. After claiming so many people she loved, including her own husband, Katy is left adrift, trying to keep up with a busy career, a baby son, and her loving extended family.
Her only anchor is Jesse O'Neil, her late husband's best friend. The charming former playboy has put his entire life on hold to care for Katy and her son. It's inevitable that sparks will flare between them, but all of life seems to be conspiring to keep them apart. Especially Katy's own heart, which shies away from trusting another firefighter.
Will the flames of passion burst into a lifetime of love? Or will secrets burn away their connection, causing Dr. Garrity to be burned again?
                           
Buy Links Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Burst-Into-Flame-Burning-Lovesick-ebook/dp/B00N6XEMHK/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=12KF3MKRF2ENZ4C8M9NDBarnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burst-into-flame-lyssa-layne/1120330025?ean=2940150313514Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/burst-into-flameDon’t forget to add Love is a Fire to your bookshelf on Goodreads!https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22365326-love-is-a-fire?from_search=true

About the Author
Lyssa Layne is first, and foremost, the proud momma to her precious daughter, AR. In addition to working full-time and being a mommy to AR, she is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a runner, blogger, and an infertility survivor.
Having watched one too many medical dramas and being inspired by author Rachelle Ayala, who introduced her to the world of indie writing, Lyssa decided to try her hand at writing a romance story. Her attempt turned into the Burning Lovesick series. You can find Lyssa’s own interests throughout her stories although all stories are fictional.
Social Links
Blog:          http://lyssalayne.wordpress.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lyssalayneTwitter:       https://twitter.com/layne_lyssaPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorlyssalayn/Amazon:     http://www.amazon.com/Lyssa-Layne/e/B00KP1Y5BYGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8280977.Lyssa_LayneBarnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lyssa-layne
Rafflecopter code for the giveaway. I will announce winners once the blog tour is complete.
Prizes include:
1 e-book of Love is a Fireby Lyssa Layne1 e-book of Burst Into Flame by Lyssa Layne1 e-book of Unhurt by K.S. Thomas1 e-book of Love & Deception by Chantel Rhondeau1 e-book of Art of Love by Michele Shriver1 e-book of A Masterpiece of Our Loveby Nikki Barrett2 pieces of jewelry from Rosey Johnny
AND the coolest prize of all, naming rights of one of the characters in the third book of the Burning Lovesick series
Rafflecopter Giveaway codea Rafflecopter giveaway
                                
Burst Into Flame is book #2 in the Burning Lovesick series. The first book is Love is a Fire. This is the info on that book if you want to include it as well.
Book Description
“Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or burn your house down, you can never tell.” -Joan Crawford 

Dr. Katy Malone has sworn off love after losing those she loves most in her life including her father, a member of the FDNY. She has decided to spend her time focusing on her medical research. Her ex-fiancée, and fellow doctor, isn't ready to give up on loving her though. 

Firefighter Nick Garrity is on a search for the future Mrs. Garrity. As he pushes thirty, with no prospects in sight, he's afraid he'll never find her. A devoted member of FDNY, he loves the thrill of his job and the satisfaction it brings him. He strives to teach the proby firefighter, Patrick Doyle, the ropes and pass on his passion to him. 

When Doyle tries to impress the guys on the crew, he ends up in the care of Dr. Katy Malone. One look at Dr. Malone and Nick knows he's found his future wife but can he convince her to love again?
Buy Links
Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLSLF8WBarnes & Noblehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-is-a-fire-lyssa-layne/1119627466?ean=2940149385003Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/love-is-a-fire-1

Cover reveal!

I'm helping out my friend, Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku today. She has a brand new release, and if the cover is any indication, it's HOT!


Title: Kiss My Lips (Holiday Series #2) Will one kiss seal their love?Author: Stella Eromonsere-AjanakuSeries: Holiday SeriesGenre: Romance/Contemporary/Multicultural/InterracialISBN: 978-1502776549Release Date: Wednesday 29th October 2014No of Pages: 245Cover Artist: Love Bites And SilkAdd to Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4538936.Stella_Eromonsere_Ajanaku BlurbAccepting Logan’s marriage proposal was the most exciting event of Lorna’s life. But deciding in what country to marry her fiancé proved to be more than a tearful ordeal. When Lorna’s dad announced unexpected news, the wedding wheels spun in a different direction.With other family members stirring conflict, would there be a wedding? Or would their shared kiss deepen their desire?TeaserLogan half-glared and half-grinned at Lorna. "Do you want to get us knocked out?" He railed, suppressing a smile as he returned his face to the road ahead. "Don't turn me on while I’m driving, Lorna. Else, I might find a cozy place to take you up on your offer."Grinning from ear-to-ear, she ran her fingers up and down her thighs. Threading them through her ribbed jeans, she threw him a subtle stare and formed her round lips into a kiss. Logan did a double take. "Have you been taking classes on how to ensnare me with your feminine wiles, Lorna? Are you promising me a randy sex session?"Instead of answering, Lorna ran her forefinger across her lips and slid it down her narrow chin and long neck. She blew him a kiss and dipped the same finger into her cleavage. Her gaze remained on the street ahead. "Lorna, you're heating me up," Logan groaned, his large hands gripping the wheel as he exhaled sharply.When she didn't stop, Logan swung the wheel, turned right and drove into a quiet neighbourhood. In a flash, he reached for her seat, reclined it to sleeping position and leaned across her body. Blood coursed through her veins and pounded in her ears and her breath came out in short spurts. Every pore in her body lit up as his chest pushed against her breasts. Logan's fingers held her neck as he ground his lips over hers, possessing every inch of her mouth with hot kisses. Her nipples budded and strained against his muscled chest, sending scorching fire ripping through the spot between her thighs.Connect with StellaWebsitehttp://www.flirtyandfeistyromancenovel.co.uk/
Blog http://flirtyandfeistyromance.blogspot.co.uk
Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Stella-Eromonsere-Ajanaku/e/B004LXE09E

Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/interview/StellaE1
Follow on Twitterhttp://twitter.com/#!/StellaEA
Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/flirtyandfeistyromancenovels?v=wall&ref=pdem Be My Friend on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4538936.Stella_Eromonsere_Ajanaku
My Pins on Pinteresthttp://www.pinterest.com/eromonsereaj...
Follow on Google+ https://plus.google.com/app/basic/106790524289597144280/posts?cbp=1shtyzvl296s3&sview=27&cid=5&soc-app=115&soc-platform=1
Giveaway – How to enterLeave a comment.Every reader who leaves a comment on the blog gets one free eBook of Stolen Valentine Kiss (Holiday Series # 1).
OR
You get any other eBook from Flirty & FeistyRomance Novels.
Our promise...is to deliver an intensely emotional experience you'll never forget.
About the AuthorStella’s a fun loving mother of two, married to her very own gorgeous alpha male who satisfies her romantic appetite.
Writing romance novels is now her full time passion. In 2010, Stella created Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels laced with the right cocktail of blazing passion, intrigue & toe-curling romance set in fascinating Africa, enticing Europe and America. There are seven contemporary romance novels in the basket; Loitering Shadows, Stormy Defense, Beyond the Lady, The Gardener’s Ice Maiden, Sparkling Dawn, Husband to Rent, Stolen Valentine Kiss (Holiday Series #1).
My first historical romance is on my writing desk at the moment. In my leisure, I go swimming, reads romance novels, go to the Cinema and watch TV.
Flirty & Feisty  Romance Our promise...is to deliver an intensely emotional experience you'll never forget.

Great news!

I am so honored to have been nominated for Best Women's Literature of the Year and also best Christian fiction by B.R.A.B. (Building Relationships Around Books) during their annual conference! I am in some great company. Thank you, ladies!




Rochelle Alers
Chicki Brown
Bettye Griffin...
Adrienne Thompson
Altonya Washington
Deatri Bey King


Chicki Brown
Rhonda Mcknight
Michelle Lindo Rice...
Adrienne Thompson
Barbara Joe
Michelle Stimpson
For those who don't know, BRAB is a group of online book clubs that have come together for the love of reading romance and sharing books. With the evolution from hard covers to paper backs and now E-books:

BRAB's mission is to connect with both long time and newly devoted fans of the genre of romance written mostly by African American authors, but not limited to this category of authors. (taken from https://www.facebook.com/groups/11645...

Celebration!

I want to thank everyone who heeded my last entry and retweeted for me while I was doing the wedding thing.

We had the most fabulous time, and as a romance author, I get a special excitement over weddings. Just wanted to share some of the pictures from my only niece's wedding weekend...
Rehearsal Dinner at Two Urban Licks restaurant, Atlanta
Wedding rehearsal at The Peachtree Club
View from the wedding venue's 28th floor Skyline Terrace
Another view from the terrace
The beautiful bridal party
My sister and I were honored to walk in the ceremony in the stead of the bride's late mother

The gorgeous bride
The ceremony
The new couple!
Dinner was held inside the club then the terrace was taken over by the DJ and the dancers! Most of my pictures from the reception didn't come out, because by then it was dark, and my flash wasn't enough. I'll just say that I danced until my feet hurt!
It was the best wedding in history...

Please RT for me!

I have a family wedding this weekend, and I'll be super busy, so if you could retweet ANY of the tweets below between today and Sunday night, I'd really appreciate it!


Amazon UK - A Humbled Man, A Sassy Therapist, A Great Contemporary Romance! - http://amzn.to/Z9Yah0; #Free 2 borrow on #KindleUnlimited



#KindleUnlimited UK - 2 broken legs, a shattered cheekbone, & he’s still flirting? AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG - http://amzn.to/Z9Yah0; #Free 2 borrow


A Humbled Man, A Sassy Therapist, A Gr8 #Romance - AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG #free 2 borrow on #KINDLEUNLIMITED - http://amzn.to/TNCAuW

PLS RT - Start reading a great #romance#series! THE STAFFORD BROTHERS Bk 1 - amzn.to/12PktK4 Book 2 - amzn.to/Snj9wb #Nook 

PLS RT - Start reading a great #romance series on #NOOK. THE STAFFORD BROTHERS - http://bit.ly/1nHovQv & http://bit.ly/1uolYhZ 

Start a new series on #Kobo this weekend! TILL YOU COME BACK TO ME, Bk 2 http://bit.ly/1oeEO6Q. Bk 1 - http://bit.ly/1sbvIKz #romance

Writer Wednesday - New Release!

My special guest today is Brynette Briskey Turner. She has an upcoming romantic suspense novel with a very strong psychic theme that is available now for pre-order! 
Brynette currently resides in Columbus, Ohio. A couple of years ago, with both of her daughters in college, she decided it was time to refocus on her first love and finally become a published author.
Premonitions is her fourth book. The premise interested her because she believes soul-ties are real, has known people who have dreams that seem to come true, and has experienced those “haven’t I done this already” moments that are déjà vu. Brynette recently decided to make the book into a series and hopes to release book two of the Dream Catcher Series in June 2015.
And, while life isn’t always easy, she is a hopeless romantic who will always believe in happy endings.
The title is Premonitions , and here's the book description:


Stephanie is drawn to Chaz in a way that she has never experienced—by a connection through dreams that tell her things she isn’t supposed to know. While those dreams expose Chaz’s secrets and pull Stephanie into his dangerous world, she’s willing to follow the attraction to see where it might lead.
Chaz knows better than to get emotionally attached, but he can’t resist seeing her again. He can’t fight the spiritual force that binds them, and he doesn’t want to. When his life is threatened, he must make difficult choices and find a way to protect both of them as he handles his mysterious life.
Excerpt:
Stephanie wanted to scream but the sound wouldn’t push through her shock.In her mind’s eye, she could see Chaz’s body pitch sideways as the bullet struck his chest, high but near his heart. Pain exploded in her own. She was having trouble breathing. Where was he? An alley? No, a parking lot. The person who shot him was running away: blue jeans and brown jacket getting into a dark green Ford. Light colored eyes flashed at her, illuminated by the single security light that was perched at the corner of the building. What building?
Chaz was moving. He was alive.
That was when she woke up from the dream.
She took several deep breaths to calm her racing heart. This wasn’t the first time she’d had that dream; it had come to her three nights ago. And while it had scared her then, she’d actually convinced herself that it hadn’t meant anything. The details had been fuzzier and the shock had subsided almost immediately. That wasn’t the case tonight—everything had been frighteningly clear and she had somehow been physically linked. Her chest still hurt as if she were the one who’d gotten shot.
Near-panic crept over her. A couple of weeks had passed since the wedding and he hadn’t contacted her. She chastised herself for not getting his phone number; at least she would be able to call and make sure he was all right.
Another thought hit her and made her shiver. The dream had happened at night. Was it occurring as she was dreaming it? Or, was there still time to warn him?Stephanie extricated herself from the sheet that had gotten tangled around her legs, climbed out of bed, and went to the kitchen. Lots of ice and a little water. She leaned against the counter while slurping down the liquid before popping a miniature cube into her mouth and chomping down on it. What should she do?
She’d find the pool hall, tell him to be careful, explain about her gift—and hope he wouldn’t laugh in her face. If he did, it wouldn’t be the first time she’d been doubted.
Her most recent ex-boyfriend, Justin, had scoffed when she’d told him that his sixteen-year-old sister was pregnant and planning to run away with the baby’s twenty-year-old father. But he wasn’t laughing after he’d gotten off the phone with the teenager; he’d spent nearly an hour convincing her that he would help tell their parents and bring her to stay with him until she could sort everything out. When he’d ended the call he’d been upset about his sister, but confused and afraid about Stephanie’s unusual ability.
“Only con artists claim to see the future,” he’d accused.
“And prophets,” she’d corrected. “I’m neither, but I do have the same gift.”


Currently, the book is available for pre-orders at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NQ5NZ2Q. The official release date is October 28, 2014.  

New Release Spotlight!

Today my special guest is Love Belvin who has a brand new release. She has a contest going on in conjunction with the release! Check out the details below.


What happens when Zoey Barrett, an ingenuous Princeton scholar, meets NBA All-star rocker-boy, Stenton Rogers? Zoey has her life all planned out. She’s working hard at her degree and to help her family stay afloat financially.
Stenton’s at the top of his game on the court, but off, his life is out of bounds. That is until he happens upon Zoey, who represents something that he’s never had—family. Her world is spun completely out of control when they intersect. Could the lengths he decides to go destroy the future Stenton desperately desires to have with Zoey?Find out in Love Delayed .
Giveaway Details:
Enter Love Belvin’s giveaway! Participants will enter for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card from #TeamLove! Winners will be selected on October 2nd.
Link to the Giveaway: http://bit.ly/1D8dpK0  

Word of mouth

Recently I've read online posts by traditional authors which are critical of authors like myself who have chosen to forego doing signings and other personal appearances in lieu of online events. They say, "How can an author meet readers if they refuse to leave the house?" 

Well, I think that question is an exaggeration, since most of us "cyberauthors" do leave the house and interact with people on a regular basis, but we just don't do many organized events. Personally, I have done several library events, and although I did enjoy them, they proved to be very limiting. Unless you are a big name author, a book signing is likely to bring in twenty people, if you're lucky. Talking to a group of twenty (or less) people in a room just doesn't appeal to me the way doing a real-time Facebook party or other online event does. 

In the next month, I am scheduled to participate in three events. The first is a meeting with the United Sister's Bookclub which has 2,395 members. Granted, I understand that all of these "members" won't be present at my all-day Author Takeover tomorrow, but our interaction will be open to way more than 20 or even 200 people in a physical room.

These events usually involve lively discussions, and I do mean lively. In the past, I've often had trouble trying to type fast enough to answer all of the participant's comments and questions! It's a dialogue in which everyone gets to have their say, which is contrary to your typical signing where people raise their hands and ask questions.  

Many traditional authors really don't understand, or they refuse to acknowledge that there are different ways of doing things now. Although there is nothing wrong with book signings, authors no longer need to rely on the old methods as the only ones that work for marketing and promotion.

I love interacting with readers, and I've found online events one of the best ways to do it. Looking forward to meeting with the United Sisters Bookclub tomorrow, Shades of Rose Media Summer Book Event on Saturday, and participating in the Killer Romances launch party on the 16th!

Back to reality

Hubby and I spent a few days in Panama City Beach, Florida. We got back on Thursday evening, and ever since I've been trying to get my mind back in gear. It's hard when I've been listening to this...


The beach is just beautiful - white sand and Gulf ocean that's two gorgeous shades of aqua and blue. As soon as we walked into our condo, I opened the blinds, and fell in love!




My whole purpose in going was to get some writing done on my work-in-progress. All hubby wanted to do was get some rest. I parked myself at the table in front of the patio doors and worked on getting Greg Stafford out of the mess he's gotten himself into. 



I got a great deal from Groupon for the Long Beach Resort, and it was lovely! I highly recommend it.





All I can say is next time we have to take a full week.Three days just wasn't enough. 

New Release Thursday - Deatri King-Bey!

I am posting this today with a big apology to my author friend, Deatri King-Bey. It was supposed to go up yesterday, but since I am on vacation, my mind lost track of the normal things I needed to do...
Deatri has a new release, and it sounds fabulous! I'm going to let her tell you about it:

For Keeps 
In my new romantic suspense, For Keeps, Gina Guy’s daughter has witnessed a murder and the murderer is after the little girl. Child Protective Services is manipulated into the picture, and Jarvis Martin, a manager within the agency, steps in to protect the Guys’ rights. From the moment Gina meets Jarvis, she feels she can depend on him, but life has proven to her that the only person she can count on is Gina. Will they be able to stop the murderer? Can Jarvis earn her trust and love?
Heavy topic for a romance, huh? I’m known for taking nonconventional characters and topics and spinning them into a romance. I like to create dialogue. The moment I released the For Keeps blurb, people started asking me where the idea came from. I’ve often said that I have voices in my head that tell me their stories, then I relay those stories to you though my books. Basically, I put my psychosis to work.
Events usually wake those voices in my head and cause them to start speaking to me. The voices from For Keeps came about as the result of two incidents. A few years back, I noticed more reports of children being murdered down here (Arizona) by abusive parents on the news. This was a very noticeable increase. There was actually an event that correlated to the increase in deaths and abuse. I can’t remember the number, but there were like 2,500 reported cases of abuse that were never investigated during that time period. Big time scandal. Lots of people fired over that.
In incident two, I know someone who was reported to CPS by the hospital she delivered her baby in because there were narcotics in the baby’s system. Actually, hospitals must report when babies are born with drugs in their system. That sounds like a good thing, right?
Well, the hospital neglected to inform CPS that the mother had been a patient in the hospital and administered the narcotic by the nurses. The mother didn’t even realize what they were giving her was a narcotic until after CPS contacted her and told them they’d be taking her child from her for him testing positive for narcotics.  This mother went into a panic. She did everything her CPS case manager asked for, but CPS didn’t do their part. Then the case manager’s boss came into the picture and took steps to take this child away from the mother. It got really ugly.
To make a long story short, the original case manager came back into the picture and stopped the insanity. Had it not been for that case manager, this woman’s child would have been taken from her even though the hospital had supplied the paper work requested by CPS. Sounds crazy, huh? Yeah, I couldn’t believe what was happening as it unfolded.
These incidents breathed life into Gina and Jarvis. There are good parents caught up in the system every day. There are bad parents that children need to be protected from. There are bad case managers and there are good case managers.
I don’t know, this seemed like the perfect backdrop for a romantic suspense. Next thing you know, Gina and Jarvis telling me their story. I hope you enjoy For Keeps.
Here’s a little sample:He squinted at the seven-story condominium complex. She thinks by moving into a secured building she can protect you from me. His gaze traveled along the building and settled on the third floor, second unit from the right. Humph, there’s more than one way to skin a cat.
Brenda ran out of the building.
Quickly, he ducked behind a tree. Reveling in a surge of satisfaction, he returned his focus to the third story window. Soon all of my worries will be over. Whistling a happy tune, he walked away.* * *The superintendent flipped through his keys, unwilling to select the correct one. “I assure you, she didn’t leave her child. I would know. There must be a mistake. Miss Guy is one of my best tenants. Someone made a prank call.”
Arms folded over her ample chest, Mrs. Clark tapped her foot and waited beside the police officer. “I hope you’re correct, but someone reported a baby being left alone for hours, so we must investigate.”
“Benda!” he heard the voice of a little girl on the opposite side of the door cry. It sounded like Tiara, Miss Guy’s daughter. “Where you at? I ascared.”
“Hurry.” Mrs. Clark pressed herself against the door. “Don’t worry, honey. Someone's here.” 
The superintendent’s fat, fumbly fingers worked the keys double-time to unlock the door. Something wasn’t right. Miss Guy wouldn’t leave Tiara alone. Maybe Miss Guy had fainted or was injured. He opened the door.
Mrs. Clark rushed into the apartment toward the screaming toddler and tumbled over the edge of the coffee table. Tiara stopped screaming, spun around and ran into a bedroom.
The officer helped the social worker stand. “Are you hurt?”
Mrs. Clark rubbed her shin. “It smarts, but I’ll be fine. Thank you.” She limped into the bedroom with the others following close behind.
Tiara was nowhere in sight.
“Come out, honey,” said the social worker. 
Silence.
She pointed at the twin-sized princess canopy bed. The officer knelt and lifted the comforter to check under the bed. No little girls.
The small bedroom only contained one other potential hiding place. The case manager searched through the closet, but still no child.
Confused, the superintendent sat on the dresser. It creaked under his weight. “Well, she couldn’t have disappeared.” A faint groan caught his ear. He nodded toward the space between the dresser and the wall. “I think we have mice.”
* * *
Fear raced through Gina’s veins as she dragged Brenda into the back office for privacy. “What do you mean they took her? Who took her? Calm down and tell me where my baby is.”
Shaking her head, Brenda rocked back and forth. “I… I saw the police and panicked. I’m so sorry. Please don’t be mad at me. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
She grabbed Brenda by the shoulders and shook. “If you do not tell me where my baby is this instant, I swear I’ll kill you.”
* * *
Hollering, Tiara darted for the pile of blocks that sat on the middle of the toddler table in Observation Room three.
Helen Clark shook her head as she lowered herself to the couch. “Play with the blocks like a good girl.”
Jarvis watched the little hellion through the double mirror. Knowing she hadn’t finished yet, he grinned. Her screams when they’d entered the office were what had drawn his attention. This child had a serious set of lungs on her.
Now quiet and calm, Tiara carefully sorted through the blocks. Jarvis was rarely wrong where children were concerned, but it looked as if he’d been wrong this time. Tiara had found something more interesting than screaming her head off. Meticulously, she measured the blocks, then selected the largest one and threw it at the case manager.
Shocked, he rushed for the door as the block soared through the air and slammed square into Helen’s nose.
“Leave me ‘lone you mean o’ crow.”
Holding her nose, Helen cursed the child and stormed out as he entered.
“I hate you, you mean o’ meanie!”
Standing in the doorway, Jarvis remained silent. He’d deal with Helen for cursing in the presence of a child later. Tiara stopped yelling. Her eyes traveled from his shoes, along his legs, torso, then she craned her neck way back to see his face. Over six feet, he knew he was huge to the little girl. Hands shaking, she held up a block.
Arms folded over his chest, he raised a brow. “If you throw that at me, I’ll throw it back.”She swallowed hard, then dropped the block, crossed her arms over her chest and raised her brow, impersonating his stance. “My mommy gonna get that mean o’ crow.”“I’m sure she will.” He stifled a grin. “Let’s clean this mess.”
She stood still, blinking away the tears, fighting the oncoming cry. “You find my mommy? She doesn’t know where I’m at. She’ll be ascared.”
“She’ll be afraid.” He lowered himself to her level and held his hand out. “I’ll find your mommy.”
She ran to him, jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly. “I like you.”
“I like you, too.” Tired of the neglect, he shook his head. He became a social worker to protect children. To give them the childhood he had in a loving family. All children deserved to be loved. “What’s your name?” He released her. Though he already knew her name, he wanted to continue breaking the ice with her.
She stepped away and curtsied. “Tiawa Wose Guy.”
“Jarvis Neal Martin at your service.” Heart smiling, he placed his hand on his chest and bowed his head slightly. “You may call me Jarvis.” He settled on the floor beside her and helped pile the blocks on the Big Bird toddler table. “Do you know where I can find your mommy?”
Tugging on his arm, she tried to pull him toward the door. “You go get her? She’s at work. With the pancakes.”
Lifting Tiara, he stood and placed her on his hip. “How old are you?”
“Twee. Go get Mommy. She’s at the pancake place.” She pointed at the door. “She doesn’t know I’m here with you. You go get her. I’ll show you. That mean o’ crow took me. My mommy’s gonna get her.”
He walked to the front desk. “Where’s Helen? I need the file on Tiara.”
Mary, the office assistant, smiled at Tiara. “This can’t possibly be the little terror who came in kicking and screaming earlier. Oh no. This young lady is much too beautiful.” Tiara hid her face in the crook of Jarvis’s neck and giggled. “She’s in the process of being told off by,” she nodded toward Tiara, “a certain young lady’s mother. Helen may need to be saved. Room six.” Mary took Tiara from Jarvis.
Just what he needed, another substandard parent who didn’t give a darn about her child until the authorities were brought in. He stopped his train of thought. Just because the overwhelming majority of cases he’d seen of late had been proven cases of neglect and abuse, didn’t mean this one was also.
Get Your Copy Today: Kindle ($3.99), Nook/ePub ($3.99), Print $5.99
Thank you, for giving me a chance to introduce For Keeps. I appreciate it and you.
Deatri King-Bey