Abbi Glines's Blog, page 46

YA Indie Carnival

Today's topic is "Back to School Special" and we are all posting classroom scenes from our books or real life experiences. I chose my upcoming YA paranormal romance Existence to pull a classroom scene from. 
BUT FIRST the winner of last weeks YA Indie Carnival giveaway for my blog is:  Jess midnightbookworm@live.com


For those of you who haven't heard about Existence here is the blurb: 
               

 What happens when you're stalked by Death? You fall in 
love with him, of course. Pagan Moore doesn't cheat Death, but instead, falls in love with him.   Seventeen year old, Pagan Moore, has seen souls her entire life. Once she realized  the strangers, she often saw walking through walls, were not visible to anyone else, she started ignoring them. If she didn't let them know she could see them, then they left her alone. Until she steps out of her car, the first day of school and sees an incredibly sexy guy lounging on a picnic table, watching her with an amused smirk on his face. Problem is she knows he's dead.  Not only does he not go away, when she ignores him, but he does something none of the others have ever done, he speaks.   Pagan is fascinated by the soul. What Pagan doesn't realize is that her appointed time to die is drawing near and the wickedly beautiful soul, she's falling in love with, is not a soul. He is Death and he's about to break all the rules.  
NOW for the Existence classroom scene: 

      Movement, out of the corner of my eye, caused the hair on my arms to prickle. I knew better than to stay in this room, but running would only make it worse. I turned to face the soul who followed me inside. He sat in the back of the classroom, feet propped up on a desk, arms crossed over his chest. How did he know I could see him? I gave no indication outside. Normally ghosts needed a little clue from me to realize I wasn't as blind as the rest of the world. Something was different with this one.
I dropped my gaze. Maybe I should join Miranda and the jock squad in the hall. If I acted like I didn't see him and returned to the hallway, he might think he made a mistake and go away."You don't really want to subject yourself to such pointless company, do you?"A cold smooth voice broke the silence. I gripped the hard plastic chair beside me so hard that my knuckles turned white. I fought down a startled little cry—almost a scream—in the back of my throat. Should I ignore him? Should I respond? Alerting him that his hunch was right might not end well.But ignoring this was going to be impossible. He could speak. Souls never talked to me. From the time I realized the strangers who frequently watched me or wandered around aimlessly were only visible to me, I started ignoring them. This was something new, something I couldn't ignore."I pegged you with more guts. Are going to let me down, too?"His tone softened. There was a familiar drawl in his voice now."You can speak," I replied looking directly at him, letting him know I wasn't afraid. I'd dealt with wandering souls, which is how I liked to think of them, all my life. If I ignored them, they would go away. Otherwise, they followed me.This one continued to watch me, an amused smile on his face. His crooked grin produced a single dimple. The dimple didn't seem to fit his cold, arrogant demeanor. As much as his presence annoyed me, I couldn't help but admit this soul could only be labeled as ridiculously gorgeous. It was the first time I'd ever noticed the physical beauty of a soul."Yes, I speak. Were you expecting me to be mute?"I leaned my hip against the desk. "Well, you're the first one who's ever spoken to me."
Check out the new  www.theplumessociety.com website if you dare... (insert evil laugh here)
You can read more Back to School excerpts at these YA Carnival stops ---->

The Fuji Mermaid Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews
Leopard Girl Patti Larsen Author of The Ghost Boy of MacKenzie House, The Hunted Series and the Hayle Coven Novels
Fire Breather Courtney Cole Author of Every Last Kiss, Fated, Princess, and Guardian. Also a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Strong Woman Nicole Williams Author of Eternal Eden, and Fallen Eden. She is also a contributing author in the Glassheart Chronicles
Champion Sword Swallower Fisher Amelie Author of The Understorey, as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Siren Laura A. H. Elliott Author of Winnemucca and soon to be released 13 on Halloween
Snake Charmer Amy Maurer Jones Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Pretzel Woman Rachel Coles. Geek Mom. Book Reviewer Author of Diary of a Duct Tape Zombie, Whistles, Beergarden, Plagues, Bees of St. John, and Mushrooms
The Giant T. R. Graves T.R. Graves: Author of Warriors of the Cross
Jungle Woman P.J. Hoover Author of Solstice, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, The Necropolis
Shape Shifter Alicia McCalla Author of the upcoming science-fiction novel Breaking Free
Tarot Card Reader Heather Cashman Author of Perception
Fortune Teller Abbi Glines Author of Breathe, and the upcoming Existence and Vincent Boys
Knife Thrower Cheri Schmidt Author of Fateful, Fractured, and Fair Maiden
Fire Dancer Lexus Luke Author of Manitou, The Sky People Saga
Fire Breather Suzy Turner Author of December Moon and Raven
Dragonslayer K. C. Blake Author of Vampire Rules
Elephant Trainer Gwenn Wright Author of Filter
Ring-Leader Kimberly Kinrade Author of Bits of You, Pieces of Me and Forbidden Mind
Prestidigitator J.L. Bryan Author of Paranormals series- Jenny Pox. Tommy Nightmare & Alexander Death

My Mail Box is full of questions, so here are the answers :)

This fall is going to be a busy time for my book releases. Readers are finding out about one or more of my books and sending me emails, Goodreads messages, Twitter direct messages, and Facebook inbox questions about many of the same things. I've answered everyone but I thought I'd address all those questions on a blog post in case anyone else is wondering the same thing.  If not, well then I'm telling you stuff you could care less about ;)

October 13: Breathe will come to paperback. It will be available on BN.com and Amazon. The stores it will be available at are limited and as right now I don't have a list. I will be doing a few signings around the south this fall. Starting off in Savannah, GA.

October 21: The Vincent Boys will be released in ebook format on BN.com and Amazon. This is a story I wrote early this summer and decided that although it was a racy YA book I was going to release it anyway. I hired an editor suggested to me by an author who I trust and I am in edits right now. There is not a cleaned up finished copy available yet for me to give to reviewers. I have had several reviewers request it and I'm making a list. I will cap it off at fifteen. Oct 21 is the date I hope it will be ready but it may be a few days later. If this happens I will make sure to announce it on my site, Twitter, and Goodreads.

December: Existence will be released "hopefully before Christmas" that is the answer my publisher gave me. It all depends on the editor on how soon this happens. When I get a specific date I'll let you know.  Existence is my first paranormal YA. YES the guy in the book is Death. I thought it would be a fun twist to write about a girl's time being up and Death stalking her until he falls in love with her. It doesn't hurt that Death is insanely hot. I also do not know the exact day I will have a cleaned up ready to go copy to give to reviewers. I have had several ask and there is a list for reviewers waiting on a copy of Existence. If you are interested in reviewing it on your blog contact me and I can add you to the list. Again it caps off at fifteen. The Teen Book Scene is hosting an  Existence book tour so most of the review copies will be going to the blogs involved in the tour. Also, I've had countless readers wondering if Existence will be available in print. Yes, eventually. Breathe was released as an ebook on May 17 and it has taken until Oct 13 for a print release.

Author M.Leighton

Today I have the honor of interviewing M. Leighton, author of the Blood Like Poison series. 
I've read the series and I personally love it. I've lost many hours of sleep staying up all night unable to put these books down. 
Now for a little Q & A with this Amazon Bestselling author.... 

1. What was your favorite book as a child?

Cinderella and Thumbelina.  Even then, I had a proclivity for romance and happy endings.  I think it's inherent:)

2. Who is your favorite author and why?

I have two.  Edgar Allan Poe is one.  He had the most amazing ability to create suspense and he often did it in far fewer words than what we use nowadays.  My other favorite is Johanna Lindsey.  There are so many wonderful romance writers out there, but I have a special place in my heart for her work.  She consistently creates characters and lives that I fall in love with.  They are as different as the colors of the rainbow, but I love them all.  Her ability is amazing to me.

3. What is your series Blood Like Poison about?

It is the story of a girl (Ridley) who unwittingly falls in love with a vampire (Bo).  As if that's not problematic enough, Bo is not your run-of-the-mill vampire.  Therein lies the meat of the story.  His life story is far more than what either of them are aware of or prepared for.  His history continually causes them strife and threatens their love, their existence and is something they must ultimately make great sacrifices to overcome.

4. What book would you love to see go to the big screen?

I would be thrilled if any of mine graced the big screen!  I think The Reaping contains many elements that would translate well to the theater, so does Madly.  But then again, Blood Like Poison does, too, especially as the story progresses.  All my books have lots of scenes that would be very visually stimulating, so I think a good screenwriter and director could do wonders with them.

5. If you could create a dream cast for the character in your book who would play them?

To me, this is the single hardest question I ever have to answer.  I can't think of anyone that would adequately embody all that my characters have come to be in my head.  I would have to yield to the discerning eye and vast experience of a casting director, I think.  Is that totally wussing out of an answer or what?  Note from Abbi: Why yes, I do believe it is ;)

6. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

In late June of 2009, AFTER I'd written a 105,000 word novel:)  It took the lightbulb a little while to click on, but when it did, I couldn't get rid of the desire.  Now it feels like a writer is what I AM, not just what I DO.

7.  Can you tell us a little about your favorite scene in the the newest release to your series?

Without doing any spoiling and (hopefully) without being cliche, it would probably be a "steamy" scene between Bo and Ridley.  Their love is deep and true and wonderful and all that lovely stuff, but it's also more passionate than they really know what to do with.  They spend a long time struggling with their desire and I think it's incredible to see where their love takes them physically.

8. Besides writing, what other interests do you have?

I am a movie buff and a television junkie:)  To me, writing is like transcribing a movie / show that's playing in my head.  I think the written word and theater are simply extensions of one another.  They are the height of escapism and I think everyone needs a little of that. I also love to eat.  Of course!  What else goes as well with hobbies like those?  hehehe  I don't know if my love of coffee and chocolate count as interests, but they sure feel like it!  I'm very interested in consuming mass quantities of both:D

9. Where can readers find you on the web? All over the place!  But they can start with my blog http://mleightonbooks.blogspot.com.  I am also on Twitter as mleightonbooks, on Facebook as M. Leighton Author and Michelle Leighton, on Goodreads as M. Leighton Author and I have an author page on Amazon.  And, last but not least, I can be reached via e-mail at m.leighton.books@gmail.com.  I love mail BTW, so anyone who has a question, comment or just wants to chat, you can find me pretty much anywhere;)

The Vincent Boys Cover reveal and excerpt

Being the good girl isn't all it's cracked up to be. Ashton Gray has grown weary of playing the part to please her parents, and to be worthy of the town's prince charming, Sawyer Vincent. Maybe That's why she's found herself spending time with Sawyer's cousin, Beau, while he's away for the summer camping with his family. Beau is nothing like her perfect boyfriend. He's the sexiest guy she's ever seen, dangerous in ways she's only day dreamed about, and the one guy she should stay away from.      Beau never envied Sawyer his loving parents, his big nice home, or his position as quarterback. He loves him like a brother. Which is why he's tried everything in his power to keep his distance from Sawyer's girlfriend. Even if he has loved her since the age of five, Ashton is Sawyer's girl, so therefore she's off limits. But when Sawyer leaves for the summer, Ashton, the one girl Beau would move Heaven and Earth for, decides she wants to get into trouble. Stabbing the one person who's always accepted him and stood by him in the back, is the cost of finally holding Ashton Gray in his arms. Is she worth losing his cousin over?.... Hell Yeah.
Coming to Amazon and Barnes & Noble October 21, 2011
Read an excerpt from Beau's POV:
I reached for my phone for at least the tenth time to call and cancel when Ashton's Jetta spun into the gravel drive outside. Great.I'd successfully fought off my good intentions just long enough for her to get here. This was bad. Hurting people isn't something I have issues with, but hurting Sawyer? That's out of the question. Ashton stepped out of her car wearing another short dress and carrying a plate of food. Watching the sway of her hips under the wispy fabric, as she made her way toward me, the corners of her mouth turned up in a shy little smile, I decided I didn't care if I was being a dirtbag. Sawyer wasn't here and I couldn't seem to help myself. My cousin should have stayed his ass home. 

Q & A and Giveaways!

Today's YA Indie Carnival is Q & A and TONS of giveaways!  I had the honor of asking Cheri Schmidt, author of The Fateful Series and Fair Maiden, five questions about her writing.

1. What was your favorite scene to write in Fractured and why?
I think that would be the scene when Ethan used the fairies to give Danielle flowers. This is because my husband did something similar, but he used children because I guess fairies weren't available. ;) I thought it was sort of sweet and charming.


2. Do you have any interesting writing quirks you could share with us?
My characters talk to each other in my head. Should I admit that out loud? Hmm...


3. Who was your favorite character in The Fateful Series to write about?
Ethan has to be my favorite character. It was fun for me to imagine what sort of vampire a Victorian guy would be like. I figured he'd maintain a few personality quirks you see in old romantic men that many of the young guys today have lost, the gentlemanly type of stuff.


4. What was the first book you read over and over?
I'm not sure I recall the answer to that one. I think it was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, or one of the Nancy Drew books by Carolyn Keene.


5.  What are you working on now and can you tell us anything about it... a blurb maybe?
I'm working on Forever, book 3 in the Fateful series right now. I hope to have it out this month. How about a short excerpt:


A pleased smile captured his lips as he braced his hands on the trees at either side of her and leaned toward her for a kiss. She could see her reflection in his glasses as well as the flirtatious twinkle in his eyes. But instead of matching his mouth with hers, he shoved her backward into the leaves and bluebells and landed on top of her. "What—?" was all she managed as the air whooshed out of her lungs before one of the guards shouted, "Pixies!"
That's when she realized Ethan hadn't intentionally knocked her down; he'd fallen into her when Merrick shoved him down. Looking just as surprised as she was, Ethan shifted so he wasn't squashing her with his weight but maintained a protective position above her. He also looked for his glasses which had slid off as they fell and then bounced off her cheek before tumbling into the thick undergrowth. Thanks Cheri for letting us in your head and giving us a peek at what to expect next! I can't wait to get my hands on Fateful! I happen to have a thing for those sexy creatures of the fanged variety ;)


GIVEAWAY TIME:  [for people over 13, internationally]: Winners announced Sept. 16 at the next YA Indie Carnival. Just comment [incl. your email address] on any Q & A post ALL DAY TODAY and tweet the carnival [#yaindiecarnival] to win ebooks from the carnival authors: 
Kindle copy of The Understorey by Fisher Amelie 

Kindle digitally-signed edition of Winnemucca by Laura A. H. Elliott and a Winnemucca signed Coffee Mug. 

Kindle copy of Breathe by Abbi Glines along with an autographed canvas Breathe tote. 

Kindle copy of Solstice by PJ Hoover 

Kindle copy of Between by Cyndi Tefft 

Kindle copy of PineLight by Jillian Peery 

Kindle copy of Filter by Gwenn Wright. 

Kindle copy of Eternal Eden by Nicole Williams 

Kindle copy of Fallen Eden by Nicole Williams 

Kindle copy of Soul Quest by Amy Maurer Jones 

Kindle copy of Run and Hide by Patti Larsen (YA thrillers, 1 and 2 in a series of 4) 

Kindle copy of Fractured by Cheri Schmidt 

Kindle copy of Warriors of the Cross by T.R. Graves 

Kindle copy of Diary of a Duct Tape Zombie, Bees of St. John, Mushrooms, Whistles, and Beergarden by Rachel Coles 


Be sure to check out the other YA Indie Carnival posts today for more chances to win! 
Dani Snell's Refracted Light ReviewsPatti Larsen Author of The Ghost Boy of MacKenzie House, The Hunted Series and the Hayle Coven Novels.
Courtney Cole Author of Every Last Kiss, Fated, Princess, and Guardian. Also a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles.
Wren Emerson  Author of I Wish and a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles.
Nicole A. Williams  Author of Eternal Eden, and Fallen Eden. She is also participating in the Glassheart Chronicles.
Fisher Amelie  Author of The Understorey, as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles.
Laura Elliott  Author of Winnemucca and the upcoming 13 on Halloween
Amy Maurer Jones  Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles.
Rachel Coles. Geek Mom. Book Reviewer  Author of Diary of a Duct Tape Zombie, Whistles, Beergarden, Plagues, Bees of St. John, and Mushrooms.
T. R. Graves  T.R. Graves: Author of Warriors of the Cross.
Cyndi Tefft  Author of Between
P.J. Hoover  Author of Solstice, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, The Necropolis.
Alicia McCalla  Author of the upcoming science-fiction novel Breaking Free
Heather Cashman  Author of Perception
Cheri Schmidt  Author of Fateful and Fractured

Win a signed copy of Breathe on it's release day.

Breathe is coming to print on October 13! Sorry, saying that still hasn't gotten old. Anyway, to celebrate the event I'm giving away a signed copy of Breathe on the day it's released. All you have to do to enter is comment on this post to let me know you want to put your name in the hat. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. 
Here is a tiny little Sadie/Marcus excerpt from the book...


 Marcus leaned back against the wall and frowned. "You know when he leaves this summer, it's over. I mean, he's told you that. Hasn't he?"
I thought about how to answer. It was between Jax and me, but Marcus was my friend and he needed some answers. He deserved some answers. "We both know trying to have a relationship, while he rocks the world and I finish highschool, is impossible. We knew this going into the relationship, and we both agreed being together now was what we wanted."Marcus stared at the large bucket of potatoes. "And you're okay with this? I mean, you're fine with dating him now? Then he just walks away when the summer ends and you won't be heartbroken?"I let out a short laugh. "I didn't say my heart wouldn't be broken. I'm afraid it's inevitable." 

Tuesday Teaser

To participate you:
~ Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere in the book you're currently reading~
- Don't share too much
- Make sure you let everyone know the title and author so they can add it to their TBR list =)


I picked up Addison Moore's Celestra series a week ago. It intrigued me and then of course Addison is one fly chic so I figured her books would be awesome. I was right. I zoomed through the first two then edits assailed me and I've had to put my reading on the back burner. I intend to finish up Burn tonight. This is a small excerpt from Burn the third book in the Celestra series. You must read Ethereal and Tremble first. I love this series! Seriously you must read it. 


"He cages me in with those blue flames staring back at me. My stomach bottoms out as he pulls me in, places his warm arm low across my back."

Three Tips for YA Indie Authors#1 Hire a maid if yo...

Three Tips for YA Indie Authors #1  Hire a maid if you ever want to have clean clothes and dishes again.  #2  Don't run out of red wine #3 Keep a large back of M&M'S handy while waiting on critiques  Hmmm... that's probably not the kind of tips Laura meant when she sent out the topic for this week. Guess I should try again.... Tip #1: Let Mama read it if she wants to but don't let that count as one of your beta readers or editors. Put your manuscript in front of professionals and others in the business. The cleaner it reads the better it sells.  Tip #2: I don't care what your teacher or librarian told you, PEOPLE JUDGE BOOKS BY THEIR COVERS. If the cover sucks it won't sell.  Tip #3: Write daily. Even if it's just for an hour and even if it belongs in the trash when you're done. Write it anyway. Don't use "writer's block" as an excuse not to write. If you sit down and all you can think of is "Jack should have watched where he was going when he went to get that stupid pail of water. What idiot falls down and cracks his skull? I mean really! And Jill grow a back bone girl. Stop following around some guy." 



BE sure and enter to win a paperback or ebook copy of   PERCEPTION (The Tigers' Eye Trilogy, Book 1) by Heather Cashman at Aimee Brown's blog, Getting Your Read On


**Check out all the other YA Indie Author's tips! I'm sure they're more helpful than mine. (But I doubt they encourage you to eat chocolate ;)**
Dani Snell's Refracted Light ReviewsPatti Larsen Author of The Ghost Boy of MacKenzie House, The Hunted Series and the Hayle Coven Novels.
Courtney Cole Author of Every Last Kiss, Fated, Princess, and Guardian. Also a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles.
Wren Emerson Author of I Wish and a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles.
Nicole A. Williams Author of Eternal Eden, and Fallen Eden. She is also participating in the Glassheart Chronicles.
Fisher Amelie Author of The Understorey, as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles.
Laura Elliott Author of Winnemucca and the upcoming 13 on Halloween
Amy Maurer Jones Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles.
Rachel Coles. Geek Mom. Book Reviewer Author of Diary of a Duct Tape Zombie, Whistles, Beergarden, Plagues, Bees of St. John, and Mushrooms.
T. R. Graves T.R. Graves: Author of Warriors of the Cross.
Cyndi Tefft Author of Between
P.J. Hoover Author of Solstice, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, The Necropolis.
Alicia McCalla Author of the upcoming science-fiction novel Breaking Free
Heather Cashman Author of Perception
Cheri Schmidt Author of Fateful and Fractured

The Vincent Boys... coming this fall

You all know Existence is coming in December. However, I've got a little surprise. This October I will be releasing The Vincent Boys on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It's an older YA contemporary romance. It's racy, edgy and Beau Vincent is down right hot. The cover is coming soon but for now here is a little bit about it....
   Being the good girl isn't all it's cracked up to be. Ashton Gray has grown weary of playing the part to please her parents, and to be worthy of the town's prince charming, Sawyer Vincent. Maybe That's why she's found herself spending time with Sawyer's cousin, Beau, while he's away for the summer. Beau is nothing like her perfect boyfriend. He's the sexiest guy she's ever seen--, dangerous in ways she's only day dreamed about--, and the one guy she should stay away from.      Beau never envied Sawyer his loving parents, his big nice home, or his position as quarterback. He was happy for him. He loved him like a brother. Which was why he tried everything in his power to keep his distance from Sawyer's girlfriend. Even if he has loved her since the age of five, Ashton is Sawyer's girl, so therefore she's off limits. But when Sawyer leaves for the summer, Ashton, the one girl Beau wants more than his next breath, decides she wants to get into trouble. Stabbing the one person who's always accepted him and stood by him in the back, is the cost of finally holding Ashton Gray in his arms. Is she worth losing his cousin over?.... Hell Yeah.

Excerpt from Breathe retold in Jax POV

The New EmployeeCopyright © 2011 Abbi Glines
         The door closed quietly behind the gorgeous blond, who apparently worked in my kitchen. How in the world she'd managed to get Ms. Mary to hire her and flaunt her in front of my mother was beyond me."Attractive isn't she. I need to speak with Mary about her hiring such a young girl. Did she make any advances during the meal?" My mother often forgot I no longer needed her to make decisions about my summer home. The girl wasn't going anywhere. Getting rid of her would probably be a wise idea but I couldn't bring myself to do it.  It was obvious she wasn't here to get my attention. I'd spent most of the past hour trying to get her attention not the other way around."Leave her alone. She hasn't acknowledged me except to serve my food. If I feel she is becoming a problem then I'll handle it."         Mother flinched at my subtle reminder that the house belonged to me alone. I'd taken over full control of my assets when I turned eighteen. I continued to supply my family with a home and a very generous monthly income even though I no longer resided with them.Mother snapped her linen napkin from her lap and placed it on the table. I could tell by her stiff posture, I'd pissed her off. It wasn't the first time and wouldn't be the last."Very well. I'll leave you to your dessert."          I listened to the sharp click of her heels against the marble floor as she exited the room. My attention, however, was focused on the door leading into the kitchen. From the way the other server had been hovering over the girl all evening, I didn't really expect her to be the one who returned with my dessert.         The door slowly opened and the girl cautiously stepped into the dinning room. Vivid blue eyes surrounded by thick curly lashes held me entranced as she made her way toward me. Why was she working in my kitchen?"Ah, so he did let you come alone. I wondered if I'd be seeing him instead."         Her incredible eye lashes fluttered nervously causing the goofy grin, I couldn't keep off my face now that I had her all alone, to grow. I could tell she was fighting back a smile. Those full pink lips were almost puckered in an attempt to keep her expression serious.  As she bent down to set the chocolate dessert I'd requested in front of me, the scent of honeysuckles met my nose.  Mmmm she smelled sweet."Do you speak?" I asked."Yes."  Her voice sounded as soft and sweet as the addictive perfume she was wearing."We don't normally have young female employees. How did you get through Mary?" Immediately the amused expression on her face vanished. Panic settle over her perfect features."I'm mature for my age."         So prim and proper. I wanted to laugh but I was afraid I'd upset her further with my amusement. Needing to do something to keep the grin from breaking out on my face,  I shoved a bite of the chocolate cake into my mouth. I couldn't even enjoy my favorite dessert. The girl had my complete attention.  I watched her staring out the window as if the waves were the most interesting thing she'd ever seen. Even though it was obvious her mind was somewhere else. I made most girls nervous. Those I didn't make nervous made me nervous. This one I made nervous but for different reasons. She wasn't acting giggly and star struck. Instead, she appeared ready to bolt if I made one wrong move. This was definitely a new experience for me."How old are you?" I asked wanting her to look at me."Seventeen." she replied without even a backward glance. The beach could not be that fascinating. I'd never had to work this hard to get a female to pay attention to me in my life.  I was use to hiding from girls her age not practically begging them to talk to me."How did you know I lived here?"Her head snapped around until those gorgeous eyes were directing their attention my way. Blond curls that had worked their way out of the bun on her head brushed her cheeks momentarily fascinating me. "It's hard to miss the photos of you as I dust and mop."What?  My fascination with her curls was forgotten as I studied her face to see if she was telling the truth.  Girls who looked liked this one could pull off a lie so very easily. "You applied for this job not knowing I lived here?" It didn't even sound believable when I said it out loud. This gorgeous creature didn't clean houses for fun. Did she take me for an idiot?"My mother has been cleaning here for two months. However, her pregnancy has progressed and she sent me in her place. I proved my worth, and Ms. Mary kept me. My being here has nothing to do with you, sir, but has everything to do with the fact I want to eat and pay the rent."This time I couldn't control the grin that broke out on my face. She'd just basically told me off and looked adorable doing it. Had a female ever been annoyed with me before? Except for my mom of course. It was an odd yet liberating feeling. The frown on her pretty mouth had deepened and if I didn't say something quick she was going to throw her apron at me and walk out the door. Pushing my chair back I stood up so I could apologize properly. "I'm sorry. When I saw you, and you were young and well…attractive, I thought the only reason someone like you would be working here would be to get close to me. I deal with females quite a bit, and my assuming you were working here to get near me wasn't fair. Please forgive me." Were those tears in her eyes? I'd just apologized! Why did she look like she was about to cry? I mentally went over what I'd just said trying to figure out what upset her to the point of tears. "I understand," she replied in almost a whisper.I needed to make her smile. Anything to get those pretty blue eyes twinkling with amusement again. I glanced back at the door wondering if the other server was listening to our conversation. The idea that he would be the one to comfort her tasted bitter in my mouth."I guess I should've figured you were taken by the possessiveness of the other server tonight. I stared at you more than I should have, but I kept waiting for you to ask for my autograph or slip your number to me on a napkin." Her eyes widened in surprise so I continued on hoping to distract her some more. I didn't want her to cry and I didn't want that guy holding her if she did. "Those things are a way of life for me. I just expect it."A small amused smile returned to her lips and relief washed over me. "I'm here to do my job, sir, and nothing more."Sir? What the hell!"Do me a favor and don't call me 'sir.' I'm just two years older than you."I replied not liking the fact she saw me as her boss instead of a guy. "Okay," she replied."So, is he your boyfriend?"She frowned for a moment as if trying to figure out what I'd just asked."Who? Marcus?"That answered my question. The stunned expression in her eyes was enough to make me grin like a love sick idiot."If Marcus is the guy who seemed quite determined to make sure you made no mistakes tonight, then yes.""No, he is…he's a friend."A friend. I could live with her having him as a friend. The idea of him being something else bothered me more than I wanted to admit.  I leaned down until my mouth was inches from her ear and whispered,  "I hope someday soon you'll consider me a friend as well. I don't have very many of those."Pink spots stained her cheeks making my heart beat a little faster. This girl was dangerous. "I only have one," she replied.Doubtful. "I find that hard to believe"She shrugged. "I don't have time for friends."         I reached over and opened the door for her hoping to catch the other guy listening in on us and giving me a reason to fire him. I didn't like his being so protective of her.   "Well, I hope we can find some time in your busy schedule because I happen to be in need of a friend myself…. Someone who doesn't care who I am…. Someone who doesn't laugh at my jokes when they're not funny. If I'm not mistaken, you could care less about the fact I'm on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine this month, and on the bedroom walls of every teenage girl in America."An amused smile touched her lips and she chuckled. "Not every teenage girl in America. You've never been on my walls. So, I guess you're right, I don't care." She turned and left me standing there watching after her with another goofy grin on my face.