Té Russ's Blog, page 7

Live at Five: Part 1

*Unedited*
"Livvie...please don't cry."David wrapped his arms tightly around Olivia as she sobbed in his arms. He didn't want to let her go. But he had no choice, her parents were moving across the country. "We're never going to see each other again," Olivia wailed."Don't say that," David said, feeling like his heart was being ripped out.They'd met a year ago over the summer when David moved to town with his family. They lived three houses away from Olivia's family.David had been riding past her house and noticed her chain broken on her bicycle. He went into her yard, helped her and they'd been inseparable since. They're young friendship quickly blossomed into young romance. They spent every moment they could with each other. They managed to rearrange their class schedules so they could be in the same classes, and they got together on the weekends down at the local ice cream shop.When David got an after school job to save money to buy a car, Olivia hung around doing her homework while he worked. And when he finally got the car, with the help of his dad, they'd drive two towns over and hang out at the lake.Their parents thought they spent too much time together, but they ignored them. They were in love and no one or nothing could tear them apart.At least that's what they thought, until Olivia came home one day and her parents told them they were moving.Olivia had lost it. She didn't want to move. She'd lived in that town all of her life. She was in the middle of her high school career. She didn't want to have to start at a new school, with new people.And she didn't want to leave David."They're doing this because of us," Olivia said, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. "It was the only way they could break us up.""Livvie...your dad hadn't worked in over six months," David reminded him. "As much as I don't like to say this, it's a great thing that he found work.""So you're glad I'm moving?" Olivia gasped, and stepped out of his arms."Of course not, Liv–""Then why would you think it's a good thing that we're moving.""I don't–""Oh, I get it," Oliva spat out. "I guess this meant more to me than it did to you."She was lashing out at him now. He knew it, but it was still difficult not to respond in kind."Olivia," David said, as calmly as he could. "You know that's not true. You know I love you.""But you don't care that I'm moving."She turned and began to storm off."Livvie, where are you going?""Home. To pack. May as well get it over with."She broke off in a run and left David standing in the middle of the street with his heart shattering even more.

Sample Sunday: More Than Just a Computer Genius

Hey loves!

Today I'm sharing the first excerpt (unless you're in Té's Place on Facebook, then it's like your third *wink wink*) from my current work in progress, Is This Love?

This isn't the cover...though it looks good, huh?

As you can see from the teaser above, this is a crossover novel. It will be book seven in the McAllister Family series and technically book one in a new series, McAllister Security. It will have a host of characters you've met before (and maybe more in the future, who knows?) and we are kicking it off with the highly anticipated Vicki Grey.

If you've read the McAllister Family Series, you met her in Love After War. She also made a very brief appearance in the In the Line of Series book, Love's Taken Over.

Now she's getting her chance at love with Dexter McAllister, whom we met in the last McAllister Family book, Just One Touch.

When we met him, he was always carrying his laptop around. We learn very quickly in Is This Love? that there is much more to Dex than meets the eye.

So have a look see:


(*unedited*)


"Dex...""I need another minute," he whispered into the com in his ear, as his fingers flew across the keys."I held him off as long as I could. He's headed your way."Dex hit enter on the keyboard and all of the info he'd been searching for popped up."Gotcha," he said. He pulled the jump drive out of the computer, clicked off of the screen he was on and put it back in sleep mode.He'd just slipped out of the room, when a security guard rounded the corner."Hey!" he shouted at Dex and began running toward him."Dex?""Meet me at the extraction point," he said, before taking off into a sprint in the opposite direction of the guard."Dex!""Just do it, dammit!" he said, reaching into his pocket as he reached the stairwell. He hurried up the steps, but the fit guard wasn't far behind him. His phone began to ring and he looked down at the smart watch that was synced to his phone. "Shit..." He pushed the answer button on his watch. "Vicki, hey.""Dex?" she said, a curious tone in your voice. "Are you okay?"He reached the top and discovered the door to the roof was jammed. He took a step back and ran towards the door, leading with his shoulder. The door popped open and he ran for the edge of the building."Of course," he said. "I'm just working out. What's up?""I was wondering...how should I dress for our date?"The sound of a bullet whizzing by his ear had him ducking and running faster. "Semi-formal works.""Great. Well I guess I'll let you get back to your workout. Sorry for interrupting you."He hooked the carabiner he'd been holding to a metal railing stepped on to the ledge of the building."Don't be sorry. It was nice to hear your voice. See you soon," he said and hung up the phone."Freeze!" the guard shouted.Right before Dex jumped off the building and rappelled down the side at a rapid speed.After about half a minute, his feet hit the ground and he unhooked the other end of the kevlar rope that helped with his escape."Laila?" he said, as he began walking down the street as if he hadn't just jumped off of a building."Where are you?" his partner snapped in his ear."I'm on my way to the extraction point. Are you there?""Of course I'm here. I swear Dexter McAllister. Sometimes I think you have a death wish.""Nothing like that," he said, grinning about his successful mission. "Just like taking down the bad guys. And the info we snatched up is going to help us do that significantly. And the virus I put in there system should have them scrambling for months.""Good job," Laila said. "Even though I think you're out of your mind.""I've been called worse."He found the dark, inconspicuous van that was waiting for him. The door flew open and he hopped in.As the car sped off, he pulled the jump drive out of his pocket and handed it to Laila."I'll start combing through these. See what this pharmaceutical company is really up to.""Let me know what you find," Dex said."Now that that's done, what are you plans this weekend?"Dex looked out the window as he said, "I've got a date."He winced when he felt Laila's fist hit his bicep. Though she was little, she was extremely fierce. Much like Vicki.Vicki...He couldn't wait to take her out."Way to go. It's about time. We thought you'd never date again after–""Can we please not go there tonight?""All I'm saying is that I'm glad you're finally moving on from Stephanie.""She betrayed me...us...our whole country. It wasn't hard to move on."The van was filled with a heavy silence as it sped through the city."Anyway, just make sure you have a good time."
Dex had a feeling that with Vicki, he was going to have a great time.

Lifestyle of a Domestic Diva: I've Got My Home Office Back

Lifestyle of a Domestic Diva: I've Got My Home Office Back: Hello. Of course I only blog sporadically these days, but I had to drop a quick line to say I've got a home office again! It's...

Noble Surrender is Live!

Hey folks!
Ian is here!
Noble Surrender is live!

Here is the trailer.



Get Your Copy Now!

Book Blast: Another Man’s Treasure by Joy Avery

[image error] Book Title: Another Man's Treasure
Publication Date: June 18, 2016
ASIN: B01HAKBZ0Q
Genre: Contemporary Romance






  [image error][image error] 

 By day, Joy Avery works as a customer service assistant. By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds—creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after. Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen. Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance. Joy is married with one child. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cake decorating, pretending to expertly play the piano, driving her husband insane, and playing with her two dogs. Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.



  [image error][image error] 
 Graphic artist Trinity Hargrove never knew real passion until she sleeps with her boss’s son. Mistake number one. Mistake number two…liking it too much. But they agreed to only one night. Simple enough, right? Wrong. He may be out of her bed, but their intense night together still burns in her memories. As long as she keeps her distance from the oh-so-desirable Xander Duval, everything will be okay. Unfortunately, fate won’t go along with her plan. Restaurateur Xander Duval agrees to Trinity’s “one night” stipulation, but only in theory. He has no intentions of not being with her again. Especially when his mind—nor body—will allow him to forget the fire that blazed between them until the wee hours of the morning. When Trinity is injured in an automobile accident, he jumps at the opportunity to be her arms and legs. He plans to show her just how determined he is to make her his…for far longer than just one night.
 Read A Preview: http://a.co/14ZfHvW


[image error]  Amazon: http://bit.ly/anothermanstreasure


[image error]  Website: http://www.joyavery.com  Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjoyavery  Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorjoyavery 



 Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours www.wnlbooktours.com

From Noble Surrender: “I have no idea..."

*Unedited*

Ian stirred the beurre blanc sauce he'd just finished one last time."Giselle," he said. "Come here."He heard the stool scrape against the floor as she pushed it back and then walked over to him. He picked up a clean spoon, dipped it into the sauce and held it up. He blew it slightly then pushed the spoon toward her lips."Taste."Giselle smiled as she opened her mouth and wrapped her lips around the spoon."Mmm," she moaned. "That is...decadent."Ian leaned forward and kissed her lips. "First course will be ready soon.""This is just the first course?" Giselle asked as she went back to her seat and picked up the wine he'd poured for her before he started cooking."Of course it is."He seasoned the scallops he'd pulled out of the industrial fridge and dredged them in a bit of flour before putting them it the hot skillet. He seared them on each side for a couple of minutes and then he placed them on their plates. He went back and got the sauce he'd made and drizzled it around and on top of the scallops. He added some chopped chives for the final touch and then carried the plates over to the island."Are you ready for a seafood extravaganza that will have you melting in your seat?" he asked, sitting her plate down in front of her with a flourish."This looks amazing."He'd never cared about impressing a woman with his cooking before. But tonight, Ian sat on the edge of his seat, waiting as Giselle cut into the scallop covered in beurre blanc sauce. She bit into the food and her body sank further into the seat, as a look of rapture covered her face."Good?" he asked, with a satisfied smile, before he began eating off of his own plate."'Good'?" Giselle shook her head. "Ian this is amazing. I can't wait to see what the next course is."They quickly finished and Ian took their plates and put them in the sink."So what's next?" Giselle asked."Brown butter risotto with lobster," Ian said."Sounds heavenly."He'd put the lobster tails in a pot to boil before he sat down to eat with Giselle, and now they were ready. He drained the water out and set the lobster off to the side to cool. After he put a pot of chicken stock on to boil, he turned back to the island and began quickly chopping an onion."It always amazes me how cooks can chop so fast like that," Giselle said."It's actually not that hard.""Yeah, right," she scoffed."I'm serious," Ian said. "Come here, I'll show you."Giselle went to the sink, washed her hand and after she dried them on a clean towel, went and stood next to Ian. He pulled her in front him and wrapped his arms around her body."First of all, a good quality knife is key.""Of course a chef would say that," Giselle teased.Ian playfully swatted her on her backside. "Pay attention. The date will be ruined if you chop off of a finger.""Yes, chef," Giselle crooned. The sexy way she'd just said that had his dick stirring to life. This woman was something else."Pick up the knife," he ordered.When she had it in her hand, he moved her fingers around. "Hold it like this...that's right."He wrapped his hand around her wrist. "This is the motion in which you chop." He guided her wrist a few times and when he felt her doing it well on her own he let go.He then took her other hand. "You'll keep your fingers curved...like this. So they stay out of the way of the knife. Your knuckles will rest against the flat part the knife. Make sure they stay parallel."He guided her again, this time his hands on both wrists. When she seemed to have the hang of it, he placed the onion in front of her."Give it a shot," he said.He watched over her shoulder as she quickly chopped the onions."Perfect," he said.She sat the knife down and turned around in his arm. He was startled for a moment when he saw tears in her eyes."Now what is the trick to keep from crying while chopping and onion?"He pulled the small handkerchief out of his vest pocket and dabbed the moisture from her cheek."Breath through your mouth, not your nose.""I'll keep that in mind."She went back to her seat and he started working on the risotto. "I have to redeem myself with since you caused me to screw this dish up the last time I made it.""Me?" Giselle asked, confused. "How did I cause you to screw it up when this is the first time you've cooked for me.""I was cooking it for myself one night at home and was distracted.""I see," she said, quietly. He didn't know why he'd admitted that to her. But he felt like he could be completely open and honest around her. "Since we're being honest," Giselle said, in a tone that made him look over his shoulder at her as he stirred the rice. "You were a distraction to me even before we met.""I was?"Giselle nodded. "I saw the video of your fight in Vegas."Ian rolled his eyes and turned back to face the stove."Of course you did.""Thomas showed it to me at lunch one day.""Of course he did," Ian scoffed."Okay," Giselle said. "What is the deal between you two? Obviously you have some kind of history."Ian turned away from the stove and sat the wooden spoon down before looking up at her."When we were teenagers, there was this girl–""Of course, it was over a girl," Giselle teased."Anyway," Ian continued. "She liked me, but apparently Walsh had it in his mind that she was his already. Sound familiar?"Giselle ignored his smart remark and asked, "So what happened?""He called himself trying to confront me on it. Tried to get physical.""What did you do?" Giselle asked, slightly shocked. Walsh probably never seemed like the confrontational type to her, until Ian had shown up."I broke the bastard's nose.""I see.""Look now that that's out in the open, can we not discuss Walsh anymore? I really can't stand that guy.""Of course."He turned to check on the risotto. "So what did you think about the video?" he asked, curiously. He wondered if her opinion of him was any different now."I was strangely...turned on by it."He looked over his shoulder again. He hadn't expected that for an answer."You were?""It was obvious you were defending yourself. That guy hauled off and hit you first.""Yeah," Ian sighed. "But with good cause, I suppose.""What's the story behind that?"He paused from stirring the risotto and hesitated."No judgement here," she said, in a tone that had him wanting to tell her his entire life's story."It seems that I, unknowingly..." He made sure to put emphasis on that. "Slept with his wife.""Whoa," she said.He shook his head. "Yeah.""Still not judging, but...how?""A lot of women come to Vegas looking for a spontaneous hook up.""And you were willing to oblige.""I was before...""Before what?"He turned when he realized she was standing directly behind him. He studied her. What was different about her? He'd been with more women than he could count. Lots of them were beautiful, or smart, or funny or great in bed.But Giselle was all of that and more."Before you," he finally said, quietly."Before me?" she asked. "Why me?""That's just it!" he said, animatedly. "I have no idea. I don't understand what the fuck is going on between us. I've never experienced anything like this before."Giselle looked down, but Ian grabbed her chin and lifted it so her eyes would meet his."But I do know one thing. I'm willing to explore it, see where it goes, if you are."Giselle nodded and smiled. "I'm definitely willing." He pulled her closer to him before wrapping his arms around her waist and lowering his mouth to hers.Her arms slid around his neck as his tongue tangled with hers. Her own sweet flavor mixed with the savoriness of the meal."Ian," she moaned against his lips."Hmm?" he said, still kissing her."You're going to burn your risotto again."He chuckled and pressed his forehead to hers for a minute and then turned back to the stove.
He wasn't about to ruin his best dish again.

The Party

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"Cameron!"Cameron looked up from her book she was reading and a small sigh fell from her lips as her coworker, Tammy, stalked toward her."What are you doing?" she asked Cameron, through clenched teeth. She was obiously faking a smile."What does it look like I'm doing?" Cameron replied, from her spot on the love seat. She held up her book so that Tammy could get a better look at it.Tammy snatched the book from Cameron's hands."Hey–""You promised you would mingle," Tammy whined."And you promised this was going to be a 'small get-together'." Cameron looked around the house that had to have at least a hundred people in attendance. "This is, by no means, a small get-together.""I knew you wouldn't come otherwise," Tammy admitted."And you're lucky I'm still here," Cameron said, standing. She reached for her book and Tammy jumped back on her stiletto heels that showed off her long legs under the sparkly minidress she was wearing. Cameron hated big parties. She'd much rather be at home, in bed reading her book peacefully. She always had a book with her and as soon as she walked into Tammy's house; actually her uncle's mansion, who was letting her stay there, rent free,Cameron ducked off to the quietest corner she could find."I got a text from Carl," Tammy said, a goofy smile spreading across her face. "He should be here any minute."Carl worked in the same department as Cameron and Tammy, and Tammy had a serious crush on Carl, which was why she was throwing this elaborate ‘Lock and Key’ party. Another strike on Cameron's list. She wasn't trying to make some kind of love connection. All she wanted to do was have a drink or two and hang out with Tammy.But Tammy had been too busy being the perfect hostess that Cameron hadn't seen her all night, until now.Tammy sighed and shook her head. "If you needed a dress, you could have come by before the party and I would have lent you one."Cameron looked down at her black distressed jeans, white tank top and jean jacket she was wearing."I have dresses," Cameron said. "I just didn't feel like wearing one.""At least you wore some heels," Tammy said, looking down at Cameron's red heels. "Your shoe game is always on point."That was Cameron's one fashion vice. She may not have liked wearing dresses on a regular basis, but she was known to pair heels with her jeans or slacks any day."Here, let's just do this–" This time, Cameron stepped back when Tammy reached for her glasses with one hand and her hair with the other."What are you doing?" she asked Tammy."At least take those glasses off and let your hair down," Tammy insisted."Tammy," Cameron huffed. "I can't see without my glasses, and my hair is fine the way it is."It was piled on her head in a messy bun that she'd thrown it in before heading to the party.Tammy lifted her hands in defeat. "Fine. Do you, honey, but could you at least smile every once in a while? You're terrifying the men who want to approach you to try their key in your lock."Cameron had been told on more than one occasion that she suffered from 'resting bitch face' to which she usually responded, "My face is my face." She smiled when she had a reason to smile. And some guy strutting up to her saying, "Smile girl!" leering at her, was not enough. Cameron opened her mouth to give a snarky remark when she looked across the room and noticed Carl. Tammy turned and let out a girly squeal."I think I'm gonna just head home."Tammy whirled back around and glared at Cameron."Don't go, Cam!" she begged. "Just stay one more hour."Her friend looked so damn pitiful, Cameron ended up rolling her eyes and saying, "Fine. But I'm leaving at midnight.""Great!" Tammy said, pulling Cameron into a hug. "I'm gonna go and speak to Carl and let him try his key in my lock."Cameron watched as Tammy sashayed away with Cameron's book in her hand. Tammy hugged Carl and Cameron watched as his hands dipped low to the top of her ass. When Tammy stepped back, she placed a lanyard around his neck that held a key on the end and she lifted her lock.Carl gave Tammy a sexy grin as he put the key in and turned. Tammy's excited shout could be heard through the entire house.Cameron shook her head. She had a feeling that it wasn't much of a coincidence that Carl's key fit into Tammy's lock.She turned and headed for the bar. It was the only way she was going to make it through the next hour.Cameron looked around at the array of drinks, trying to decide what she wanted."Rum and coke?"Her head shot up to see who'd seemingly read her mind and her eyes locked with a pair of dark and mischievous eyes."You the bartender tonight?" she asked.He chuckled and it was deep and sexy. Shaking his head, he said, "Hardly. Just a good guesser, I suppose."He didn't seem intimidated by her 'scary face' as Tammy called it, like most men. Instead, he smiled at her and offered his hand. "Damien," he said.She stared at his hand for a moment, and heard him say, "This is usually where you offer your hand and your name."Instead of his smart remark annoying her, it actually amused her.She reached out and placed her hand in his."Cameron," she said. "But you can call me Cam."

*****
Damien got a small thrill at the minuscule upward tilt of Cameron's mouth. He'd noticed her the moment he walked into the party. It was hard not to when, even though she was sitting, she stood out among all of the other party goers, sitting in a corner with her nose pressed between the pages of a book. She'd had such an intimidating look on her face, that only a few of the men had been brave enough to approach her. And each time, Damien could tell it had taken a lot of strength for Cameron not to look completely annoyed that they were interrupting her reading. He'd even overhead a few men talking about how scary she seemed with what appeared to be a permanent scowl on her face.But to Damien, Cameron was quite the opposite. Everything about her vibe was appealing to him. To some, she looked casual in her simple jeans and top. But those jeans hugged her hips, that top accentuated her breasts and those heels...Goddammit, he could just imagine her in nothing else but those heels, as her legs dangled over his shoulder as he drove into her, over and over.Even the oversized cat-eye glasses she was wearing were sexy on her heart-shaped chocolate face.Cameron was a different kind of sexy. The kind of sexy that Damien couldn't get enough of."Rum and coke is fine," Cameron said as she pulled her hand away from Damien's. "Thank you."He nodded, and proceeded to make her drink. "This your first time at one of Tammy's parties, huh?""What makes you think that?"He filled a glass with ice, and then as he poured the rum, said, "Most people don't spend their time reading."Cameron shrugged. "Tammy said it was going to be a small get-together."Damien threw his head back and laughed. "For Tammy, this is a small get-together."Cameron shook her head. "Why does that not surprise me?""So, how do you know the hostess?" he asked, topping the drink off with cola."We work together. I started a couple of months ago. What about you?"He watched her for a moment as she tasted the drink."Good?" he asked."Yes. Thanks."Damien nodded. "Tammy's my roommate...and sister."He watched as her eyes grew wide. "I didn't know Tammy had a brother."He smiled at the shocked look on her face. "Damien! You're not harassing Cam, are you?"Damien turned to find his sister staring at the two of them. She was trying to appear annoyed, but he could tell she was excited."We just met, Tammy," he said. "I was simply making the lady a drink.""Good, because she's supposed to be mingling," Tammy said, glaring at Cameron. "Hey! Try your key.""Tamara," he groaned. He wasn't even really attending the party. He'd come downstairs to make himself a drink, but then Cameron had caught his eye. Tammy spotted him and threw one of the stupid lanyards around his neck."If you're going to be down here, you're going to play by the rules," she insisted."I told you earlier, I was just passing through.""Humor me," Tammy said, then turned and disappeared with Carl, who'd been standing beside her, with his hand linked with hers.Damien turned back to Cameron. "Sorry about that.""No worries," Cameron said. "Since you're 'passing through' the party, I'll get out of your way and try this 'mingling' thing.""Before you do," Damien said, holding up his key. "Mind giving this a try. It'll get Tammy off of both our backs for a while."Cameron hesitated for a moment. Then she took another sip of her drink and moved closer to him."Why not."He didn't even want to be at this stupid party his sister was throwing. So why, all of a sudden, was he eager about what was happening? Cameron held up her lanyard with a lock on it and Damien took it in his hands. Their fingers brushed in the exchange and he heard the slight hitch in her breath.He took his key, and slid it into the lock. Her eyes met his as he said, "Here we go."He never took his eyes off of hers as he turned the key. When he felt the lock disengage, they both looked down. He noticed the way her breathing increased, her cleavage moved up and down at a faster pace."Huh," he murmured. "What are the odds?""So...what happens now?""I think we're supposed to get to know a little bit more about each other. Would you like a refill?"Her drink was getting low. Cameron looked down at her glass and nodded.As he filled her glass with more rum and coke, he asked, "This isn't your type of scene, is it?""No, not really. I'd much rather be at home with my book.""Yeah, I saw Tammy jack you."Cameron rolled her eyes. "I have a feeling I won't be getting it back any time soon.""Probably not." He handed her the glass. "But would you be interested in seeing something just as...stimulating.""What could be more stimulating than a book?" she asked."Oh I can think of a few things," he teased, and if he didn't know any better, he'd swear he saw her blush a little. But she hid it well."I doubt that."He leaned closer to her and her scent assaulted his scenes. His dick sprang to life instantly. Oh, the things he could go do to not only this woman's body, but her mind as well."How about...hundreds of books?""What?" she asked.Got her, he thought to himself."You obviously haven't gone on a self-guided tour of this place, like most attendants tend to do."When she responded no, he took a chance and reached down to take her hand in his. When she didn't yank it away, he gave it a little squeeze."Then allow me to show you the best place in the house."

*****
So...Many...Books!Cameron stood in the middle of the library and looked around in awe. The excitement that ran through her was partly from the sight before her, and partly from the buzz of the drinks she'd had. The room was probably bigger than her apartment and there were so many books!"Why didn't Tammy tell me about this room?" she whispered."Probably because she knew you would hide in here until the party was over," Damien said over her shoulder.Damien...There was something that drew her to him.Cameron closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of old books that she loved so much. It was an arousing smell. What was even more arousing was the added scent of sandalwood and leather that had to be Damien.It threw her mind and body in to a tailspin.When she opened her eyes again, she started toward the shelves. She lifted her hand and lightly ran across the books. A book of poetry caught her eye and she pulled it out. She opened and began to read to the first few lines of a poem by Lord Byron.Cameron looked up when Damien finished the section of poetry, by heart. Her lips tilted up in to a smile and she closed the book and put it back on the shelf."It's even more beautiful than I imagined," she heard him say."What?" she asked, turning back to him."Your smile."Shaking her head, Cameron asked, "How many times have you used that line?""I've never had to work to make a woman smile before, so this is the first time," he admitted. "But it was definitely worth the effort."Cameron continued walking around the library."So what's the deal with this uncle of yours?" she asked."He's out of town a lot," Damien said. "So he offered the place to me and Tammy. Said he trusted us to take care of the place a lot better than some strangers. The place is so huge that Tammy stays on the east wing and I'm over here, on the west wing.""So you picked the side with the library.""I take advantage of it more than she does. And it was always my favorite spot whenever we came to visit my uncle."She watched as he sat down in a chair in front of the desk. She could feel his eyes watching her as she continued perusing book after book."Cam?"The way he said her name.It sent a shiver of awareness down her spine."What?" she asked."If you're not in to partying like my sister," Damien said, "Then why are you here?"Cameron turned around and found him staring at her. She walked over to him, and sat on the edge of the desk, directly in front of him."Your sister has been bugging me about coming to one of her parties since I first started working with her. I figured, if I came to at least one, it would get her off my back for the next month or two." She looked down at her watch. "My time is almost up. I promised I'd stay until midnight."Damien reached out and snaked his hand around her wrist and pulled her toward him. He looked at her watch and said, "Looks like we don't have much time.""For what?" she breathed.She was standing in between his legs, looking down at him. He stood and she didn't back away, so his body ended up pressed against hers.She tried to tell herself that this was ridiculous. She hadn't come to this party to hook up with anyone, especially her friend's brother. But the chemistry between the two of them was palpable; there was no denying it. Especially when she could feel Damien's erection pressed against her belly."For whatever you'd like to do," he said.Her eyes met his and her lips fell open. His gaze was intense and heated. She broke contact and looked down.She wanted him. In a way that she'd never wanted anyone so desperately and so suddenly. And from the look in his eyes, he wanted her too.She lifted her face and pressed her lips to his. She felt his body tense and she moved to break the kiss but then Damien's hands wrapped around her waist, keeping her body against his. He quickly took the lead on the kiss, walking them backward until her legs hit the edge of the desk again.His hand moved down to cup her beneath her ass, and then he lifted her up and sat her on top of the desk. She spread her legs instantly. His hands slid underneath her top and caressed her skin and ground his pelvis against hers. The move caused a soft moan to float from her lips.The sound startled her and her eyes snapped open.She tore her mouth from his and she pushed him back.They stared at each other for a moment; the room was quiet except for the music of the party in the distance.She lifted her fingers to her lips and felt how swollen they were from the kiss."Cameron–""Please don't tell me you're sorry for what just happened," she said, closing her eyes.He took her chin between his fingers and lifted her face so he could see her expression. He studied her face for a moment before he leaned down and kissed her again, this time softly.When he pulled away, his lip tilted up as he said, "It would be a lie if I said I was sorry." He took a step back and she tried not to stare at the bulge in his pants.She nodded and looked around the library again."What I was going to say..."Cameron's eyes found Damien's when he spoke again."Is that I'm ridiculously attracted to you.""You are?" she asked. Her heart actually skipped a beat."Ever since I came downstairs and saw you hiding in the corner reading."There was no sense in beating around the bush, so Cameron replied with, "The feeling is mutual.""So," Damien said, stepping toward her. "What happens now?""How about you continue giving me a tour of this place?""What would you like to see next?""Your room."
*****
Damien stared at Cameron for a second before he took her hand in his and silently led her out of the library. He hadn't expected that response from her; but one look in her eyes confirmed that she wanted this just as badly as he did. So he wasn't going to waste any time.After a short trek, they arrived to his bedroom. Damien pushed the door open and moved out of the way, to allow Cameron to enter first. He watched her body as she sauntered into the room, taking in everything. She turned to face him as he closed the door.He engaged the lock as she pulled her jacket off and tossed it across a chair. He closed the distance between them and grasped the back of her neck before lowering his mouth to hers again. He pressed his tongue to the seam of her mouth and she opened for him. Her tongue tangled with his and he felt her soft hands slide beneath his shirt. His stomach trembled as her finger danced across the ridged muscles.He grabbed her tank top and snatched it over her head, revealing a red lacy bra. He looked down at her nipples that had been hard ever since their first kiss in the library. He leaned down, kissed her again and she pushed his t-shirt over his head. The next few moments seemed a blur as they continued undressing each other in between heated kisses.They fell onto the bed and Damien hissed when Cameron climbed on top of him, the silky heat between her thighs pressing against his dick.She gave him another one of those sexy smiles before she leaned down and pressed her lips to his chest. He sat up slightly, watching as she kissed her way down his body. He fell back against the pillows when her hand wrapped around and began to stroke him.He looked down just as his dick disappeared into her mouth, and he swore. He felt her tongue swirl around the tip before her head bobbed up and down. He reached down, pulled the band holding her hair up out, and dug his fingers into the silky strands.She felt so good around him and he had to focus to keep from losing it. She pulled away and looked up him, wiping her mouth."Do you have protection?"He nodded, barely able to speak. He pointed to the nightstand drawer next to the bed. Cameron sat up, opened the drawer and pulled out a condom. She tore it open and took her time covering him with it. When she reached the base, a growl rose up in his chest and yanked her against him before rolling their bodies to switch their positions. Unfortunately, he miscalculated how close to the edge of the bed they were. He watched as her eyes grew wide and her hands clutched his shoulders."Shit," he whispered when they landed on the floor on their side and Cameron's glasses flew off of her face. He ran his hand down her body. "Cam! Are you okay?"Cameron's chest vibrated hard, causing her entire body to tremble and Damien panicked. Until the laugh broke from her mouth. "That was smooth," she said, still laughing.His head fell forward, landing in between her breasts."Sorry about that.""It's okay. We just got a little out of control for a minute there," she said, finally catching her breath."Are you sure you're all right?" he asked, looking up at her again."Yes."He pushed her hair out of her face and gazed down at her."Did I ruin the mood?" he asked, as his lip tilted up sheepishly.Her hands came up to his face and she pulled him toward her. Their lips connected, and his arm wrapped around her waist as he rolled her onto her back. He buried his face in her neck and planted kisses there, before working his way down, exploring her body the way she'd done to him. He planned on driving her as crazy as she'd just done.He palmed one breast in his hand and pulled the other into his mouth, running his tongue across her nipple. She arched her body beneath him, pushing her breast farther into his mouth. After taking the other breast into his mouth, he continued his way down her body. When he reached the apex of her thighs, he pushed her legs open, inserted a finger inside of her and sucked her clit between his lips.The sexy moan that floated through the air made his dick harden even more. He added another finger and began to pump harder as he feasted on her. Her breathing sped up and he knew she was on the verge of coming.He wanted to be inside of her when she did for the first time, so he worked his way back up her body."Damien," she whimpered, squirming beneath him. He pushed his way inside of her, moving in and out slowly. When he reached the hilt, he dug his fingers into her thighs and began long, languid sensual strokes, appreciating the way her walls gripped him.Damien continued the unhurried movements until Cameron began to moan again and her she wrapped her quaking legs around his waist.He sat up to watch her face as she became unglued. Besides that rare smile of hers, watching her as she climaxed beneath him had to be the second most beautiful sight from this woman.He quickened his pace, his thrusts now urgent.As Cameron threw her head back and released a scream of pleasure, Damien followed her over the edge as he came with an incredible force. He collapsed on top of her and after catching his breath, he rolled off of her. He laid there on the floor next to Cameron for several minutes with his eyes closed. When he finally opened them, he turned his head to find Cameron's eyes closed, her chest evenly rising and falling.Smiling, he stood up, picked her up off of the floor and placed her in the bed. He quietly went to the bathroom, threw away the condom and cleaned himself off before heading back to the room. He slid in bed behind her and wrapped an arm around her stomach. He heard a sleepy sigh float out of her mouth and he kissed her shoulder before finally falling asleep himself.

*****
Cameron's eyes slid open and as her vision cleared, her gaze landed on the clock on the nightstand.Almost Midnight.She sat up and realized she was back in the bed. Damien must have put her there. She turned and looked down at a sleeping Damien and smiled. Though there had been a slight mishap in the middle, sex with Damien had still been mind-blowing. But it was time to go home."Don't tell me you're sorry about what happened earlier," Damien's groggy, yet still incredibly sexy voice said."No," she admitted. "But I have to go."Damien finally opened his eyes and looked over at the clock on the nightstand."You know..." he said, sitting up in the bed, "You’re not gonna turn in to a pumpkin if you don't leave before midnight."Cameron smiled at his words."I know, but...I still should go home."Damien nodded and Cameron stood and began gathering her clothes off of the floor, as well as her glasses.Damien stood as well and Cameron was tempted to drop everything back on the ground and push him back into the bed again.Once they were both dressed, Damien walked her downstairs."Is there another way out?" she asked, turning to face him. "I'd rather your sister think I just left early, than have to explain where I've been.""This way," Damien said, taking her hand.He led her to a side exit and walked with her around the house until they reached her car."Thanks for walking me out here," she said."It was no trouble," Damien said. "Thanks for the evening."Cameron hit the unlock button on her key fob and Damien opened her door. She turned to get into her car, but he pulled her against him and dropped his mouth down on hers. She joined in on the kiss and soon lost her breath. He stepped back, fixed her glasses that had gone crooked as they kissed and smiled at her."I hope to see you again, Pumpkin."Cameron grinned as she slid into her car.He closed the door, and stepped back as she started her car and put it in drive. She looked up in the rearview mirror and noticed him standing in the street watching her drive away.She didn't tell him, but she hoped to see him again too. 
*****

"It was the perfect night..."It was Monday morning, Cameron tried her best to focus on whatever it was Tammy was going on and on about, but she was lost in thoughts of her own 'perfect night'.With Damien..."So did anything happen between you and Damien?"Cameron blinked at the sound of his name and looked up. "What?""You and Damien?" Tammy asked, with a smile on her face. "Did guys talk or anything?"We did more than talk..."Oh well...I mean..."Cameron didn't know what to say. The smile dropped from Tammy's face and she stood up from the corner of Cameron's work desk where she'd been sitting.Exasperated, Tammy sighed. "You left early didn't you? And I went through all of this to get you two together–""Wait," Cameron said, looking up at Tammy. "You did all of what?"Tammy looked around and lowered her voice. "Okay, so I may have made sure a few locks and keys were made to match for a few couples.""Like you and Carl’s?" Cameron guessed.Tammy blushed a little and nodded, looking around again. "And you and Damien.""What?" Cameron said, shocked.Tammy squeezed her eyes shut. "I just knew you and Damien would be perfect for each other. The two of you always have your noses stuck in some book. But I knew if I suggested it outright, you'd say no. And I also knew that a blind date was out of the question for you. That's why I invited you to the ‘Lock and Key’ party.""Under the pretense that it was a small party.""For me..." Tammy said, "That was a small party."Cameron hid the smile that wanted to form when she remembered Damien saying basically the exact same thing about his sister. Then she remembered something else."When you came over to talk to me and Damien when he was making me a drink, he said he was just passing through. How'd you know he would even come down to the party?""That was easy," Tammy said with a wave. "He can't resist my taco dip. I knew if I made it, he wouldn't be able to resist coming down to get some. So when I saw him, I threw the key around his neck.""We did try the lock and key," Cameron said."You did?" Tammy asked, her face lighting up again. Cameron turned back to her computer screen and began working again, nodding her head."And?"Cameron stopped typing and looked up at Tammy again. "And what?""Did you guys...talk any more or anything?""Yeah.""He showed you the library, didn't he?"Cameron couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face this time."Yes! It was amazing.""See! I knew the two of you were perfect for each other.""Hey ladies."Carl came walking over to Cameron's desk, his eyes glued to Tammy. He stopped beside her and said, "It's almost lunch, do you have plans?"Tammy shook her head no and Carl invited her to join him."Let me swing by my desk and grab my purse."Carl nodded and said he'd meet her downstairs."Have a good lunch," Cameron teased.Tammy pointed at Cameron. "We're not done discussing you and my brother. I want all of the details when I get back."Cameron was sure Tammy would want all of the details.After Tammy left, Cameron pulled out her lunch she'd brought from home and her tablet to finish reading her eBook. It wasn't until after she'd gotten home from the party, that she realized that she'd left her book at Tammy's place.She'd have to ask her to bring the book...Cameron lost her train of thought, when a familiar scent filled her nostrils. Slowly, her head rose up and she blinked."Hey there, Pumpkin."

*****"Damien?"Damn, this woman is sexy, he thought as he watched the shocked expression on her face. She adjusted her glasses on her nose as if she couldn't believe he was standing in front of her."How are you, Cameron?" Damien asked."I...I'm good," she said. "How are you?""I'm great now.""How did you find me?"He gave her a sexy smile as he said, "Well, when you said you worked with my sister–""Oh...right.""I hope it's all right, me stopping by," he said. "I wanted to bring you something.""You did?""Yeah, it's not a glass slipper," he joked. "But I think you'd appreciate it just as much.""My book!" she exclaimed, hopping up with a smile on her face.He'd found it after Cameron left his place. He was walking through the kitchen and found it sitting on the island."Figured you'd want this back," he said, handing the book over to her. Their fingers touched and it confirmed one of the reasons he'd decided to come and see her at her job. He wanted to make sure what had happened at the party was more than just some one night thing. The attraction was still there and probably even stronger than when they'd first met."Thank you," she said, as that smile he liked to think was only for him showed up on her face. "It's so crazy. I was literally just thinking about it and how I was going to ask Tammy to bring it back to me.""Well now you don't have to. Where is my sister, anyway?" he asked looking around."Lunch with Carl.""I see. I guess things are going well between those two.""Seems like it.""Have you had lunch yet?" Damien asked."I brought my lunch to work. But I hadn't started yet.""Could I convince you to join me instead?" he asked. She'd been on his mind all weekend. He even considered asking Tammy for Cameron's number but decided he wanted to see her face again instead. Bringing the book to her was the perfect excuse. "We could discuss this book of yours," he added.Cameron's eyebrows shot up. "You read it?"Damien shrugged. "Yes, over the weekend. But I suppose you haven't finished it yet.""Actually," she said. "I downloaded the eBook version and finished it last night."She closed her laptop, and stood."There's this little bistro a few blocks over."Damien held his hand out to her and she smiled before placing it in his.They spent the next hour in the little bistro, discussing books, life and anything else that came to mind and Damien knew...
Like their lock and key, he and Cameron were the perfect fit.

Random Ramblings: The Nobles, Traveling, etc.

I just wrote the end on Noble Surrender.

There's always a time write after I finish writing when my head comes out of the sand, and it's like seeing bright light for the first time in weeks.

I don't know what to do with myself. I've just spent...however many weeks or months with these characters and now I have to say goodbye to them. It puts me in a weird place. I feel happy and excited and accomplished; and yet I feel sad, and empty.

Once again I've bared my soul, emptied it out in hopes that all of you will enjoy it.

I've seriously done that with the Nobles in a way that I haven't really done with any of my other books.

It's funny because I know every single book where there was an 'evolution' in my writing. A point where piece by piece I kind of let a bit more of myself go to be free to write how I truly wanted to write.

After the Storm/Just One Kiss...Love's Taken Over...Destined/Irresistible...

With the Noble series I kind of just went, "Fuck it." Excuse the language, but it is what it is. And if y'all really know me, you know I could probably make a pirate blush with my colorful language. I just make sure Té Té stays calm most days.

But yeah, I said, "Fuck it. I'm gonna write exactly the way I want and it will be funny, and crazy sexy and amazing."

And Noble Love happened. I've been getting such amazing feedback. One of the most common things I've heard was "Your writing seems comfortable now." I heard that from one of my sister writers, and one of my betas.

"Your writing seems comfortable."

And it was, and I was.

I didn't worry about whether there was "too much" or "too little" of this or that. I just wrote. And it was damn freeing.

I presented the world with Noble Love first at the Indie Love in the A Soiree a couple of weeks ago. Let me tell you, every time I think of that event, it fills me with a high like no other.

To all the readers who attended: meeting you all was one of the highlights of my writing career to date. I was almost unable to attend, but God made a way. And I'm so glad He did. I'll never forget that experience and I'm already excited for next year. It was a dream I didn't even realize I had until it came to be.

You've met Isaiah and you've loved him (at least I think so...I hope so...). He's smart, talented and sexy. You got a taste of Ian in Noble Love, but I hope you're prepared for his story.

I wasn't prepared and I wrote the damn thing. But I hope you enjoy his story as well. According to the betas, this is my best story yet.

I try not to dwell on such things, because I don't want to think of the pressure of "How will I top that?"

Vicki's story is next. She will be a part of the McAllister Family series. The Nobles will back later this year. I hope to get both Izzy and Ivy's stories out before the end of 2016.

We shall see. Vicki is going to be a lot of work and I've made no secret about the fact that her story gives me anxiety. It will be highly suspenseful and I've only moderately dabbled in that genre.

I've got my work cut out for me. But...fuck it...let's do this...

I've rambled on enough. My neglected, atrocious house needs to be cleaned. And I will be getting some reading done over the next few weeks as we edit Noble Surrender to get it ready for releae.

I can't say when it will be ready. But it should be out some time this month.

So keep an eye out for Ian and Giselle. They're gonna take you on one hell of a ride.

Love always,

Té

Book Blitz: Catching Rebecca by Siera London

Catching Rebecca




by Siera London The Bachelor’s of Shell Cove #3Publication Date:


May 19, 2016 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Createspace | iBooks | Goodreads

Trapped by family obligations, Rebecca Lynn Holbrook, the heir to Holbrook Industries, is not the spoiled rich girl everyone thinks she is. She’s a company asset to be sold and traded. In exchange for the cash infusion the company needs, Rebecca Lynn has seven days to complete a negotiated marriage contract. There’s just one hitch in the plan—-her lover—-sexy ex-Navy officer Darwin Masters. Darwin Masters is not the man he used to be. He has no use for the constraints of society nor family expectations. When a tragic accident leads him back to Shell Cove, he finds healing and comfort in Rebecca Lynn’s arms. Focused on starting his security firm and building a new life with the woman he loves, Darwin is blindsided by news of Rebecca Lynn’s impending nuptials. But nothing is as it appears. When an impulsive decision lands Rebecca Lynn in Darwin’s arms once again, it sets off a chain reaction of dangerous consequences neither of them anticipated. With Rebecca Lynn in danger, and Darwin’s fledgling company in jeopardy, how will they protect their love and outwit the powerful enemy fast approaching?
THE BACHELORS OF SHELL COVE SERIESBook 1-Chasing Ava (Logan & Ava’s s story)Book 2-Convincing Lina (Gideon & Lina’s story)Book 2.5-A Doctor for Christmas, A Novella (Aron & Zari’s story)Book 3-Catching Rebecca (Darwin & Rebecca’s story)Book 4-Claiming Janna (Dawson & Janna’s story)–coming soonAbout Siera London Siera London is the Bestselling Author of drama-filled, action-packed, and sexy, contemporary romance and romantic suspense. A native Floridian, Siera lives on the Gulf of Mexico with her active duty husband, seven backyard iguanas, and a color patch tabby with a proclivity for jamming the printer.
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Freaky Friday: From Noble Surrender

*Unedited, subject to change*

As usual, Ian's food was spectacular.Giselle made them a few more drinks and showed off a few more of her old bartender tricks, claiming she was rusty, but Ian shut those comments down quickly."I couldn't do anything like that.""Sure you could," she said. "They're actually easier than you'd think once you learn the basics.""I'll take your word for it," Ian said. They were relaxing on the couch in front of fire Ian had lit. His house was on a higher elevation, so it got much cooler at night, even in the warmer seasons. Giselle had gotten rid of her shoes a long time ago and her feet were tucked underneath her body."How was the brunch with your mother?" she asked."It was good, better than I expected," Ian said."How so?" she asked before she took a sip of the latest drink she'd mixed up for them. She was beginning to feel a slight buzz."My manager called while I was there.""What did...he?""She," Ian corrected."What did she say?""She said that I should be able to go back to the restaurant after my suspension is over with no problem. In fact, they can't wait.""That's great," Giselle said, smiling at him. She studied his face. "It's great right? You don't seem like you're excited about it?"Ian sighed and turned to stare at the fire."Can I tell you something, Gi?""Of course, you know you can tell me anything with no judgement, Ian.""I'm tired of the restaurant.""You're tired of cooking?" Giselle asked surprised."No...I'm not tired of cooking. I'm just tired of the hustle and bustle of working at a restaurant.""So what was so good about the phone call if you're not looking forward to going back to work?"His eyes sparkled a bit when he turned back to her. "I've been talking to some producers at CookNetwork about getting my own TV show. I thought after...the incident...I blew my chances out of the water. But it turns out they're still interested.""So that's what you want to do? Host your own cooking show?""Yeah," Ian said. "I had a great time on the competition show. And I've got so many things I'd like to be sharing with the people.""I think you'd be great with your own show.""Yeah?" he asked."Yeah."There was something about the boyish grin he gave her. It should a small bit of vulnerability in him and she felt special that only she got to see it. "Where would you do your show?" she asked.The smile slipped from his face slightly."I don't really know. It could be Vegas, or maybe L.A.""Either way, you'll be leaving.""Most likely."Giselle nodded, annoyed by the ache in her chest at the thought of him leaving."You okay, Gi?""I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile.She finished off her drink, sat the glass down on the coffee table and stood. "Show me the rest of the house?""Okay," he said, standing as well. They went upstairs and down the long hallway. He opened several doors, showing her each room. When they reached the end of the hallway, Ian opened the door and let Giselle walk in first.Like every other room in the house, there were more windows that walls. The focal point of the room, of course, was the California king bed in the center of the room against the grey tufted upholstered headboard.Giselle walked over to the bed and brushed her fingers against the soft down comforter. "I'll bet this..." she said, pointing to the bed. "Has been a huge selling point for the ladies."Ian rocked back on his heels. "No other woman's seen my house here in Sweet Rapids."Giselle turned and looked at him in disbelief. "Get out of town.""I'm almost there," he joked."How is it that no other woman has seen 'The Great Ian Noble's bedroom'?" Giselle teased.She watched as his lip tilted up slightly."This place is something I consider a sanctuary. I don't let just anyone into my inner sanctum. It's too private."Giselle walked over to the window and looked out. It was pitch black outside and she couldn't see a think."I've asked you this before, but I have to ask again," Giselle said. "Why me?"She saw his reflection in the window moving toward her. He wrapped one of his strong arms around her waist and pulled her against him. She felt his hard length against her lower back and she was tempted to roll her body against it."I feel a connection with you that I've never felt with any other woman. I can't explain it, but I know I can't deny it."Her head fell back against his shoulder and he lowered his head to kiss her lips. Her eyes drifted closed and she felt his fingers going to work on unbuttoning her blouse. She let the shirt fall off of her shoulders to the ground and she turned to face him. Giselle's hands went to Ian's pants as he pulled his shirt over his head. In no time, he stood in front of her completely naked. She licked her lips in anticipation of what was about to happen. He spun her around again, and undid the hooks of her bra.Her hands flew to the window when she felt his lips on her spine. She watched him through the window as he dropped to his knees behind her and undid the slacks. He slid them down slowly, kissing and gently biting her hips, her ass and her legs all the way down to her calves. She stepped out of the pants and Ian tossed them out of the way. He stood again, and she heard the rustling of a wrapper. A moment later his body engulfed hers again as he pulled her away from the window. One hand went to her breasts, teasing and tantalizing her nipples; while the other hand spread the lips between her legs."Look at yourself," Ian whispered into her ear.Giselle opened her eyes and notice Ian watching them as well. Her breasts heaved in his one of his hands and while her pussy vibrated with need against the other."You are so fucking beautiful, Giselle," he said, before his teeth gently sank into her shoulder.She moaned loudly, enjoying the slight pain of his teeth, followed by the pleasure of the soothing kisses he planted there.Giselle continued watching Ian through the mirror. He couldn't keep his hands or mouth off of her body, and she wanted to touch him as well. She reached behind her and wrapped one of her hands around his dick. His arm tightened around her body, when she began to stroke him."Shit," he breathed through clenched teeth.Giselle slid her other hand between her own legs and joined in with Ian's ministrations and he swore again.They kept at it for several minutes until Ian grabbed her arms and splayed them out wide against the window. She braced herself, as much as she could, as he bent her over slightly, lifted her up from behind and slid inside of her. Her feet nearly dangled off the floor, but his grip on her thighs were like a vice as he stroked her long and strong.She was on the brink of coming when he pulled out. She glared at him over her shoulder and was about to ask him what he was doing, when he tossed her into his arms and carried her to the bed.He place her in the center, climbed on top of her and entered her again.Her nails dug into his shoulders and he pounded in and out of her over and over, causing her to scream his name.As Giselle came undone, Ian continued, his own climax on it's way."Giselle," he growled, before slamming into her one last time.She kept her eyes closed for several minutes as she tried to catch her breath. She could feel the rise and fall of Ian's chest against hers and he did the same. She opened them when she felt him push her curls out of her face."You're doing something to me, Gi," he whispered. His eyes were filled with both confusion and wonder.She reached up and caressed his cheek, and he kissed her palm."You're doing something to me too, Ian."