Heather M. Miles's Blog, page 4
June 18, 2015
Rogue a new release by Steve Soderquist and Laura Ranger
Today I'm celebrating the release of ROGUE, by Steve Soderquist and Laura Ranger. I had the pleasure of meeting Laura at Banner Hall in Jackson, Mississippi to support one another during National Novel Writing Month last November. We have kept in touch since and support one another in this crazy life of book writing. This, like all of Steve and Laura's work is a labor or love and I want to support their achievement. ROGUE By Steve Soderquist and Laura Ranger Chris and Lexi Denton led what
June 16, 2015
Release of Merger Complete
It's been a sweet ride for K.K. and Josh...and Jake...and Jeremy. But only one man will stand in the end. MERGER COMPLETE (Merger, Book #3) is out and available on all sites. There may be a delay in iBooks because I listed the other sites for each of my books. Apple doesn't like their competitors, so I had to upload again. At any rate, you can get it on every other platform and paperback. It was a true labor of love. It's odd to think that I will no longer be concentrating on K.K. and Joshua,
June 7, 2015
It's only the beginning...
The journey is the best part. It started with a man who wanted someone so badly that he hid his identity just to get a shot at love. She fought the idea of making her business partner her lover, but in the end love and passion won out over sensibility. When everything crumbled, there was only one man left standing. Will he get his happily ever after?
Here's a teaser: MERGER COMPLETE
I walked out of attorney’s office with K.K. by my side. I couldn’t help but stare at her as we walked back to the office. Her emotions were all over the place and so were mine. We were like two fault lines below the surface, serene at one moment and the next threatening complete destruction. I wanted to hug her and hit her at the same time. Kiss her and slap her senseless for being so careless with my heart. I wanted to slip the enormous diamond enclosed in the black velvet box, under my arm, onto her finger and drag her to the altar. But, everything was so fucked up. How could I love her so much and hold her in such contempt? It was tormenting to even be near her, but I was so scared to let her go. Was her love for me so fleeting and insignificant that she’d pick right up with someone else? Jake? Dr. Nichols?
“I’m sorry about what I said at the office,” I said, looking at the sidewalk in front of me. I couldn’t stomach seeing to see the hurt in her eyes, raw and unrelenting. “The sight of you doesn’t make me physically ill. And, while I may not respect some of your recent choices, I do respect you as a person.”
“If it helps, Josh. The sight of me make me physically ill and my choices have been flagrant and deplorable. You don’t have to apologize. I’ve earned your hatred.”
I stopped dead in my tracks and after realizing I’d stopped, she did as well. She turned and looked at me, her lip tucked in between her teeth. She looked almost childlike in her stance, all confidence gone. I wanted to shake the shit out of her. One minute she hears everything, the next its dead space. “I don’t hate you.” She didn’t reply. She just turned and kept walking. I ran up behind her and twisted her around by her arm. “I don’t hate you!”
“It’s fine!” she said, her voice cracking from the emotional strain of my words. She was trying to pull away but I wouldn’t let her go. I didn’t want to let her go…ever.
“No! It’s not fine! It’s far from fucking fine.”
“Joshua, stop. I’m begging you,” she pleaded for me to stop, but I didn’t want her to think that I’d gone from love to hate. I knew the things I’d said had cut her harshly. I was drunk and hurt last night. I couldn’t use that excuse today. But for me to tell her she was just like her mother was a low blow. She needed to know that I still loved her. That I always would. I still wanted her to be mine. I didn’t know how to win her back, but I wasn’t done fighting for her…for us. “You said you weren’t asking for a lifetime from me anymore. I get it. I can’t take anymore. Can’t you see how much I’m hurting? I just need to try to maintain some semblance of myself. My sanity is in question. My heart is sitting at the bottom of my feet in a million pieces and I need to get back a five million dollar car and the same amount in shares that rightfully belong to both of us. I don’t have it in me to fix you too right now.”
I didn’t have words to express how sad I was. For me. For her. For everything that had been done or said. I had a fiancée yesterday morning and today I had nothing. I tugged her frail body into my chest and locked my arms around her. “I’m so in love with you. I’d do anything to fix this. I never meant to hurt you.”
She didn’t say anything she just wept and so did I. Our scheduled conversation was probably pointless. We’d just said it all. We were both broken beyond repair. Love just wasn’t enough to right the wrongs. I pulled her back to look at her damp face and bloodshot eyes. She smoothed away the tears from my cheeks and I did the same for her. “I love you, K.K.”
“I love you too,” she finally conceded.
It wasn’t everything, but for right now, her words were enough to stop the bleeding.
MERGER COMPLETE
June 15, 2015
It's hard to believe the MERGER Series has come to and end. But it's onward and upward. I will release the boxed set in July. You'll be able to get all three books as one bundle. Next up it's PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE. I've posted an excerpt in a previous blog (check it out). I started writing it for NANO and it already has about 35K in words, so it's already got a good start. I haven't looked at it in awhile, but know you'll be happy with the end results. It's the book I will be pitching to agents and editors at this years Romance Writers Conference which is in mid-July in New York City. I am looking forward to catching up with my author friends from all over the country and Canada too. It's an amazing conference and I always come back with a wealth of knowledge.
Please review my books on Goodreads and Amazon. Your opinion matters. Happy reading my friends. Stay tuned in and turned on!
Heather M. Miles
Here's a teaser: MERGER COMPLETE
I walked out of attorney’s office with K.K. by my side. I couldn’t help but stare at her as we walked back to the office. Her emotions were all over the place and so were mine. We were like two fault lines below the surface, serene at one moment and the next threatening complete destruction. I wanted to hug her and hit her at the same time. Kiss her and slap her senseless for being so careless with my heart. I wanted to slip the enormous diamond enclosed in the black velvet box, under my arm, onto her finger and drag her to the altar. But, everything was so fucked up. How could I love her so much and hold her in such contempt? It was tormenting to even be near her, but I was so scared to let her go. Was her love for me so fleeting and insignificant that she’d pick right up with someone else? Jake? Dr. Nichols?
“I’m sorry about what I said at the office,” I said, looking at the sidewalk in front of me. I couldn’t stomach seeing to see the hurt in her eyes, raw and unrelenting. “The sight of you doesn’t make me physically ill. And, while I may not respect some of your recent choices, I do respect you as a person.”
“If it helps, Josh. The sight of me make me physically ill and my choices have been flagrant and deplorable. You don’t have to apologize. I’ve earned your hatred.”
I stopped dead in my tracks and after realizing I’d stopped, she did as well. She turned and looked at me, her lip tucked in between her teeth. She looked almost childlike in her stance, all confidence gone. I wanted to shake the shit out of her. One minute she hears everything, the next its dead space. “I don’t hate you.” She didn’t reply. She just turned and kept walking. I ran up behind her and twisted her around by her arm. “I don’t hate you!”
“It’s fine!” she said, her voice cracking from the emotional strain of my words. She was trying to pull away but I wouldn’t let her go. I didn’t want to let her go…ever.
“No! It’s not fine! It’s far from fucking fine.”
“Joshua, stop. I’m begging you,” she pleaded for me to stop, but I didn’t want her to think that I’d gone from love to hate. I knew the things I’d said had cut her harshly. I was drunk and hurt last night. I couldn’t use that excuse today. But for me to tell her she was just like her mother was a low blow. She needed to know that I still loved her. That I always would. I still wanted her to be mine. I didn’t know how to win her back, but I wasn’t done fighting for her…for us. “You said you weren’t asking for a lifetime from me anymore. I get it. I can’t take anymore. Can’t you see how much I’m hurting? I just need to try to maintain some semblance of myself. My sanity is in question. My heart is sitting at the bottom of my feet in a million pieces and I need to get back a five million dollar car and the same amount in shares that rightfully belong to both of us. I don’t have it in me to fix you too right now.”
I didn’t have words to express how sad I was. For me. For her. For everything that had been done or said. I had a fiancée yesterday morning and today I had nothing. I tugged her frail body into my chest and locked my arms around her. “I’m so in love with you. I’d do anything to fix this. I never meant to hurt you.”
She didn’t say anything she just wept and so did I. Our scheduled conversation was probably pointless. We’d just said it all. We were both broken beyond repair. Love just wasn’t enough to right the wrongs. I pulled her back to look at her damp face and bloodshot eyes. She smoothed away the tears from my cheeks and I did the same for her. “I love you, K.K.”
“I love you too,” she finally conceded.
It wasn’t everything, but for right now, her words were enough to stop the bleeding.
MERGER COMPLETE
June 15, 2015
It's hard to believe the MERGER Series has come to and end. But it's onward and upward. I will release the boxed set in July. You'll be able to get all three books as one bundle. Next up it's PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE. I've posted an excerpt in a previous blog (check it out). I started writing it for NANO and it already has about 35K in words, so it's already got a good start. I haven't looked at it in awhile, but know you'll be happy with the end results. It's the book I will be pitching to agents and editors at this years Romance Writers Conference which is in mid-July in New York City. I am looking forward to catching up with my author friends from all over the country and Canada too. It's an amazing conference and I always come back with a wealth of knowledge.
Please review my books on Goodreads and Amazon. Your opinion matters. Happy reading my friends. Stay tuned in and turned on!
Heather M. Miles
June 2, 2015
It's only the beginning...
The journey is the best part. It started with a man who wanted someone so badly that he hid his identity just to get a shot at love. She fought the idea of making her business partner her lover, but in the end love and passion won out over sensibility. When everything crumbled, there was only one man left standing. Will he get his happily ever after? Here's a Tuesday teaser MERGER COMPLETE I walked out of attorney’s office with K.K. by my side. I couldn’t help but stare at her as we
May 4, 2015
Open your mind to anything. Be limitless!
I'm writing, as always, but reading voraciously. The books I'm reading are exotic, erotic, scary, shocking and downright lustful. The more I read, the more I want to delve further into the deep end. There are no boundaries. I'm finding out there's a whole other world of writers that are producing some tantalizing works that I might have never considered reading. Sometimes you have to cross a line and find one book that pushes you into something new. I can't count the number of times I have talked about the book Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas, on my blog, or live, for anyone that would listen. It changed my world forever. I used to read thrillers and mysteries and rarely dabbled in the genre I write - erotic and contemporary romance. But, when I opened that dark erotic book, I thought: "Holy Shit...what did I just read." I couldn't put the damn thing down. It was unlike anything I'd ever read. Once I accepted the fact that I loved the darkness, the hardcore sex and sadomasochism, I was off and running. Since then I've been open to anything.
On Goodreads, I am part of a few author groups, but as a reader, the group I participate in most is EROTICA. I think it's one of the largest on Goodreads. If not, it's close. They are relentless and avid readers of the genre and the reason I am privy to so many books I wouldn't normally be able to find on my own. If you don't know an fervent reader that can turn you on to new books, it would be beneficial to find a group that caters to your likes. Or, maybe, jump into a group that caters to something you might not have considered.
At any rate, I accepted the Erotica Goodreads challenge for the month of May. The moderator is creative with her challenges. Let's just say it was no small feat to put my three books together.
It was a three-tiered challenge, called "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon." Funny, but true. You could do Level 1 (3 books), Level 2 (6 books), or Level 3 (6 books + 4 challenge books). Yeah right 10 books - eeekkkkk! Maybe if I didn't write all day. Anyway, I can handle three books and picked Level 1.
The matrix was exacting and hard to put together. Book one had to be a book from the bookshelves of one of the other challengers and they had to rate the book five stars. Not an easy thing to find because we all know five-star reviews can be hard to obtain. I appreciate every single one I've ever gotten. Thank you to my devoted fans! Book two had to have the same first initial of the author's last name from the first book. Again, jeez! And the last book had to tie back to book one by two degrees. So, after a day of combing the shelves of others, here's what I came up with.
Task #1: Book one - Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark) by Pepper Winters (5 Stars)
Task #3: Book two - Dark Lover by J. R. Ward (Same Initial)
Task #6: Book three - Quintessentially Q (Monsters in the Dark, book 2) by Pepper Winters. (5 stars and related to book one as the sequel)
I have been reading mainstream erotica, but the Life of Anna series was so twisted and gut-wrenching that I thought - if I can read that book (there's actually five in all) I can read anything. I'm not new to reading hardcore novels and novella's, but my fascination with the more off-color or taboo topics have taken a spike. I use the word taboo loosely because what is taboo to most people isn't all that taboo to me. I will read almost anything. If it's well written, I'll probably love it. It it's well written, the plot and storyline compel me and the hero's melt-in-your-mouth hot, you'll hear about it.
So, those are the three books that I'm diving into for the challenge. Maybe you guys can step off the proverbial cliff, live on the edge, and read them as well. Either way it's nice to break out of the reading shell every now and then. Had I not read one book - just one little book that changed everything - I'd be writing mysteries and thrillers (there's actually one put away that I need to dust off at some point), not mouthwatering romance novels that leave you breathless and panting.
MERGER COMPLETE is in full swing and 60K in words. It's shaping up nicely. Some will be happy and some will be sad, but in the end one man will make a stand and claim his forever.
There is a line that I wrote in MERGER COMPLETE that made me want to melt! It was so incredible I added it to a special file I keep for sentences that are prolific and pop like stars on the page. (highlighted below)
The setup: Dr. Jeremy Nichols is finally able to steal a moment with K.K. She's reluctant in his arms, but as always, she's captivated by his words.
Excerpt from MERGER UNDONE:
The song turned into a whisper and his feet stilled on the marble floor, but the sway of his hips continued against mine. The seduction of his closeness sent goosebumps trailing over my skin. When the soft swell of tender words finally settled over the shell of my ear, I was left in awe. “I’m going to love you back to life, back to happiness.”
“Jeremy…” I whispered softly. It was just his name, but I didn’t need to say more.
“I can try to be your friend, but I want more. I know my timing isn’t perfect, but if you open yourself up to the idea of something better, something authentic and real, you’ll find everything you need and desire is right in front of you. I want you to take the gift of a love that’s kind and compassionate, caring and giving, passionate and true. Love isn’t supposed to be demanding and hard. It’s not pushing and pulling till you get what you want from it. It’s a friendship that blossoms into a lifetime of wonder and joy, experiences and the fulfillment of dreams. It’s being cherished for who you are. I can give you everything if you let me. It’s my offer. You just need to decide if you’re willing to accept it.”
I was afraid to move my head from his chest. I was petrified to look into his eyes. What would I find when I met the gaze of emeralds waiting to search my soul? Everything that fell from his mouth was deep and profound. Who wouldn’t want a love like that? Who wouldn’t fight tooth and nail to be loved so thoroughly?
“I don’t know what to say.” My words were barely a whisper, but the only ones I could push forward.
“I don’t expect you to say anything. I won’t push you, K.K. I need you to want me. I’m more than a kiss on your worst day, I’m a kiss on your best day.” He was a masterful poet of meaningful words and I was in a trance of desire, absorbing him like the heat of the sun. Not only physically, but my mind and heart yearned for all he was offering. Hope was a powerful aphrodisiac. Each well played word made me want to claim his mouth and seek the magic I knew I’d find behind his tender lips.
Ahhhhh! Just a little tease...
Have a wonderful week. Stay tuned in and ready for whatever comes your way. Take a leap into a new book!
Your wordsmith and friend,
Heather M. Miles
On Goodreads, I am part of a few author groups, but as a reader, the group I participate in most is EROTICA. I think it's one of the largest on Goodreads. If not, it's close. They are relentless and avid readers of the genre and the reason I am privy to so many books I wouldn't normally be able to find on my own. If you don't know an fervent reader that can turn you on to new books, it would be beneficial to find a group that caters to your likes. Or, maybe, jump into a group that caters to something you might not have considered.
At any rate, I accepted the Erotica Goodreads challenge for the month of May. The moderator is creative with her challenges. Let's just say it was no small feat to put my three books together.
It was a three-tiered challenge, called "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon." Funny, but true. You could do Level 1 (3 books), Level 2 (6 books), or Level 3 (6 books + 4 challenge books). Yeah right 10 books - eeekkkkk! Maybe if I didn't write all day. Anyway, I can handle three books and picked Level 1.
The matrix was exacting and hard to put together. Book one had to be a book from the bookshelves of one of the other challengers and they had to rate the book five stars. Not an easy thing to find because we all know five-star reviews can be hard to obtain. I appreciate every single one I've ever gotten. Thank you to my devoted fans! Book two had to have the same first initial of the author's last name from the first book. Again, jeez! And the last book had to tie back to book one by two degrees. So, after a day of combing the shelves of others, here's what I came up with.
Task #1: Book one - Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark) by Pepper Winters (5 Stars)
Task #3: Book two - Dark Lover by J. R. Ward (Same Initial)
Task #6: Book three - Quintessentially Q (Monsters in the Dark, book 2) by Pepper Winters. (5 stars and related to book one as the sequel)
I have been reading mainstream erotica, but the Life of Anna series was so twisted and gut-wrenching that I thought - if I can read that book (there's actually five in all) I can read anything. I'm not new to reading hardcore novels and novella's, but my fascination with the more off-color or taboo topics have taken a spike. I use the word taboo loosely because what is taboo to most people isn't all that taboo to me. I will read almost anything. If it's well written, I'll probably love it. It it's well written, the plot and storyline compel me and the hero's melt-in-your-mouth hot, you'll hear about it.
So, those are the three books that I'm diving into for the challenge. Maybe you guys can step off the proverbial cliff, live on the edge, and read them as well. Either way it's nice to break out of the reading shell every now and then. Had I not read one book - just one little book that changed everything - I'd be writing mysteries and thrillers (there's actually one put away that I need to dust off at some point), not mouthwatering romance novels that leave you breathless and panting.
MERGER COMPLETE is in full swing and 60K in words. It's shaping up nicely. Some will be happy and some will be sad, but in the end one man will make a stand and claim his forever.
There is a line that I wrote in MERGER COMPLETE that made me want to melt! It was so incredible I added it to a special file I keep for sentences that are prolific and pop like stars on the page. (highlighted below)
The setup: Dr. Jeremy Nichols is finally able to steal a moment with K.K. She's reluctant in his arms, but as always, she's captivated by his words.
Excerpt from MERGER UNDONE:
The song turned into a whisper and his feet stilled on the marble floor, but the sway of his hips continued against mine. The seduction of his closeness sent goosebumps trailing over my skin. When the soft swell of tender words finally settled over the shell of my ear, I was left in awe. “I’m going to love you back to life, back to happiness.”
“Jeremy…” I whispered softly. It was just his name, but I didn’t need to say more.
“I can try to be your friend, but I want more. I know my timing isn’t perfect, but if you open yourself up to the idea of something better, something authentic and real, you’ll find everything you need and desire is right in front of you. I want you to take the gift of a love that’s kind and compassionate, caring and giving, passionate and true. Love isn’t supposed to be demanding and hard. It’s not pushing and pulling till you get what you want from it. It’s a friendship that blossoms into a lifetime of wonder and joy, experiences and the fulfillment of dreams. It’s being cherished for who you are. I can give you everything if you let me. It’s my offer. You just need to decide if you’re willing to accept it.”
I was afraid to move my head from his chest. I was petrified to look into his eyes. What would I find when I met the gaze of emeralds waiting to search my soul? Everything that fell from his mouth was deep and profound. Who wouldn’t want a love like that? Who wouldn’t fight tooth and nail to be loved so thoroughly?
“I don’t know what to say.” My words were barely a whisper, but the only ones I could push forward.
“I don’t expect you to say anything. I won’t push you, K.K. I need you to want me. I’m more than a kiss on your worst day, I’m a kiss on your best day.” He was a masterful poet of meaningful words and I was in a trance of desire, absorbing him like the heat of the sun. Not only physically, but my mind and heart yearned for all he was offering. Hope was a powerful aphrodisiac. Each well played word made me want to claim his mouth and seek the magic I knew I’d find behind his tender lips.
Ahhhhh! Just a little tease...
Have a wonderful week. Stay tuned in and ready for whatever comes your way. Take a leap into a new book!
Your wordsmith and friend,
Heather M. Miles
Open your mind to anything. Be limitless!
I'm writing, as always, but reading voraciously. The books I'm reading are exotic, erotic, scary, shocking and downright lustful. The more I read, the more I want to delve further into the deep end. There are no boundaries. I'm finding out there's a whole other world of writers that are producing some tantalizing works that I might have never considered reading. Sometimes you have to cross a line and find one book that pushes you into something new. I can't count the number of times I have
April 22, 2015
Excerpt from DESIRED
So, I’ve put out two novels Merger and Merger Undone, Saying Yes is on the chopping block with some agents and publishers, I’m writing Merger Complete as we speak, Prescription for Love (my NaNoWriMo book) is at 50% and wouldn’t you know…I woke up two days ago and had the beginning of an entire story in my head. I sat down and wrote a whopping 7000 words (part of it’s below). Some days I’m more inspired than others, but I work at this authoring business as hard as I have any job. Some days I think I work it harder because I can feel the success of holding the book in my hand or having someone tell me how much they enjoyed the story and can’t wait for the sequel.
I have to admit, that there are times when things flow so well I don’t want to stop. Then there are days when it seems like the words are a struggle to get out. Or, I think…well crap…that’s not working. And when that happens it feels like an “ouch” moment because more times than less it’s a re-write or god forbid, trashing whole paragraphs and chapters. I will tell you this. I have file for every book I’ve written that’s strictly for edits. I have found places were old material will work. I never just merely trash anything that I’ve written unless it’s just a few sentences. The words are too hard to create to just hit “delete” and move forward.
Today, I’m inspired that I have people that like my books, have positive things to say about my work and stay in touch with what I’m doing through all of my social media sites. What good is all this for if no one wants to read the work. Thanks for coming along on this journey.
For an Inspired Thursday treat. I’m going to give you an excerpt from the manuscript that flew out of me two days ago. I don’t really have a title, but saved it in my files as “Desired.” It probably won’t stick, but it’s all I had at the time. Enjoy!
DESIRED
By Heather M. Miles
It was the stupidest move yet, but I’d said no so many times before that I was growing tired of hearing myself utter the word. Over the course of months he’d worn me down. Now that I was in his arms I knew finally saying “yes” was going to be my greatest downfall. Just the way his warm hand skimmed my waist and settled on the small of my back. How instead of just holding my hand he wove his fingers through mine with the familiarity that was known to lovers, not acquaintances. The air, what little that hadn’t been siphoned from between us, was thick and heavy with unspoken words. Making me feel caged and wanted under the gaze of his auburn eyes. On further inspection, when I had the guts to look directly at him, they were laced with faint specks of gold and a hint of green. I’d heard that his eyes alone would have me melting like smooth, rich chocolate. And while I wasn’t pooling at his feet yet, my flesh was hot and my stomach was knotted so tight I was sure I wasn’t breathing.
He pulled me closer and I purposely pulled back. Not breaking the stride of our dance but reassuring myself that if I could just fight the closeness that this song would come to an end and I’d find the much needed distance between Stannis and myself. The broad, toothy smile that beamed over perfect white teeth almost caused me to shut my eyes. He was too pretty for a man. The thick waves of brown hair that sat just a little too long, made him look like the rebel I believed he was. His prominent cheek bones sat behind flawless skin and the dimples that dotted his cheeks when he smiled made you want to drive your tongue in them. He was a hot as they came and he knew it. He managed it skillfully to entice and mesmerize you like a snake charmer to a venomous cobra. The fact that he was rich and a well-known purebred in his business life, social life, and sex life, made it that much worse.
He giggled at me like my efforts to deny him the intimacy of being pressed against him were pointless. I’d finally been caught and now I’d submit to his will, even if it were only for the span of a five minute Sinatra song. He spun me effortlessly on the meticulously polished parquet floor. I was suddenly grateful that my mother had invested so much in dancing lessons. Even if I didn’t want Stannis, impressing him was a whole other matter.
“Oh, Hazy. I do adore your tenacity to deny me even the slightest inkling of attention,” he said leaning into my face. His breath smelled of mint and expensive, sweet bourbon. But, it was his cologne that wafted over me like a threatening tidal wave that would take me under. It was woody and masculine, but clean and all Stannis. I could feel the heat of his mouth graze my cheek as he made his way to my ear. “But your body is giving you away, gorgeous. The more you push away, the more I want to pull you in. It’s only a matter of time.”
The flood of his words matched the pool of wetness that seeped over the seam of my thong and goosebumps threaded every inch of exposed skin.
“You’re so cocky, Stannis. You can pull all you want. I’m sure it hurts your ego to know not every woman wants to be bedded by you.” I chided.
“Bedded?” he chuckled and playfully nipped my ear with his teeth, sending a shock of heat straight to my core. I felt the tingling nervousness of my lie grow in my belly. Why was this song not ending? Any longer and it would be more than my body that would give me away.
Sadly, the bridesmaid dress that was selected for me by my best friend left little to the imagination. Chiffon, in a beautiful wisteria lavender, cut into a high and low sweeping halter that caressed my lean neck but left my arms and back exposed. It was full-length and draped to the floor. Every one of Candice’s, bridesmaids wore the same color, but each of us in different styles. Theirs were a bit more conservative. Excluding one, Abby, whose dress was no more than a halter and cut up both sides revealing her tennis toned legs. But, she loved the attention of having men look at her and her fashion sense spoke volumes in her endeavors. High cut, low cut, sheer or barely there - modesty wasn’t her strong suit.
When I slipped on the Maid-of-Honor dress, my eyes were as wide as saucers for two reasons. One, there was no way in the world I could wear a bra without looking like a complete dipshit and two, I looked like an ethereal Roman goddess. The dress, not of my choosing, couldn’t have fit any better over my lean, toned frame and set my olive, sun-kissed skin aglow. It was stunning to say the very least, but revealing was an understatement. Just the brush of cold air was enough to highlight my modest breast and protruding nipples. My effort to cover them with some ridiculous pasties was less than effective when they fell off an hour into the reception. I didn’t know which would be worse, the full-beam of my budding breasts or having a less than adhesive nipple petal fall out on the floor. Or, worse yet, attach itself to some foreign body part like a decorative nicotine patch. Since I had never smoked, my best friend ripped the last of the adhesive from my areolas and set me free. She was all giggles when she reached into both sides of my arm slits and pulled them off with the enthusiasm of a persnickety mother who was always prodding and poking her child into meticulousness. I knew it well.
His fingers moved up the exposed stretch of my knotted spine and threaded around the nape of my neck. He fondled the three pearl buttons that held up the top of my dress. “You wouldn’t dare,” I said brushing my cheek against his just to screw with his head like he was screwing with mine.
“Wouldn’t I.” The first button was popped easily beneath his skilled fingers. I looked into his seductive eyes. “I don’t buy the lie Hazel. So, take it back.”
It was a dangerous game, but I wouldn’t be the first to fold. “Which lie was that?” I played dumb. Then to further toy with his ego, I drug my hand from his waist up to the hard plane of his rippling abdomen and settled my palm under his black silk and satin, Armani tuxedo coat. It hugged him with precision and was no doubt, expensive and custom tailored. The move up his body garnered me the slip of a moan. “That you’re cocky?” I said.
The second button was unclasped and he twisted his fingers around the fishtail braid of my blonde hair. Using it as leverage to tilt my head back and demand the truth my eyes couldn’t hide. I was done for but wouldn’t look away. “No, beautiful. The one about not wanting to be bedded by me.”
As if on cue, the song slowly faded out. But, as I tried to free myself from the blanket of lust that had seeped between us like thick honey, Stannis feathered his lips over mine. It was instinct to shut my eyes, but the gentle purr that filtered out of my mouth came from left field. Shit! Fuck! Damn!
“There’s my beautiful liar.” I could feel the curve of his smile as he called me out. “Make no mistake bedding you will be my greatest achievement.”
“It will be a cold day in hell,” I whispered as my eyes fluttered open and I pushed back from his chest. My words and refusal only fueled him further. He pulled me back into his sturdy arms, pressing his chest to mine and looked down into my fertile eyes.
“I’ve never been to hell, Hazel, but if it’s as hot as you are I’ll take my chances.” His lips crashed down over mine with fervor and unbridled desire. He was a virile man who’d been made to wait desperately for a woman who was out of reach but was now close at hand. I struggled to maintain the last of my fleeting resolve, but the “melting” I’d been warned about had already begun. His slick, warm tongue found mine and the smooth, passionate dance that ensued was powerful and claiming. His kiss was like making love, fucking and a triple orgasm all rolled into one. I was powerless not to be consumed by the one man I’d warned off at all cost. I knew given an inch, he’d take a mile and here I was giving him the whole stretch of road that led to my heart. Or, at the very least the throbbing apex between my thighs.
I eased my mouth from the rapture of his soft, luscious lips and with his hand still around my neck, his forehead met mine. His soulful eyes bathed me with yearning. “You’re mine. Fight all you want.”
I have to admit, that there are times when things flow so well I don’t want to stop. Then there are days when it seems like the words are a struggle to get out. Or, I think…well crap…that’s not working. And when that happens it feels like an “ouch” moment because more times than less it’s a re-write or god forbid, trashing whole paragraphs and chapters. I will tell you this. I have file for every book I’ve written that’s strictly for edits. I have found places were old material will work. I never just merely trash anything that I’ve written unless it’s just a few sentences. The words are too hard to create to just hit “delete” and move forward.
Today, I’m inspired that I have people that like my books, have positive things to say about my work and stay in touch with what I’m doing through all of my social media sites. What good is all this for if no one wants to read the work. Thanks for coming along on this journey.
For an Inspired Thursday treat. I’m going to give you an excerpt from the manuscript that flew out of me two days ago. I don’t really have a title, but saved it in my files as “Desired.” It probably won’t stick, but it’s all I had at the time. Enjoy!
DESIRED
By Heather M. Miles
It was the stupidest move yet, but I’d said no so many times before that I was growing tired of hearing myself utter the word. Over the course of months he’d worn me down. Now that I was in his arms I knew finally saying “yes” was going to be my greatest downfall. Just the way his warm hand skimmed my waist and settled on the small of my back. How instead of just holding my hand he wove his fingers through mine with the familiarity that was known to lovers, not acquaintances. The air, what little that hadn’t been siphoned from between us, was thick and heavy with unspoken words. Making me feel caged and wanted under the gaze of his auburn eyes. On further inspection, when I had the guts to look directly at him, they were laced with faint specks of gold and a hint of green. I’d heard that his eyes alone would have me melting like smooth, rich chocolate. And while I wasn’t pooling at his feet yet, my flesh was hot and my stomach was knotted so tight I was sure I wasn’t breathing.
He pulled me closer and I purposely pulled back. Not breaking the stride of our dance but reassuring myself that if I could just fight the closeness that this song would come to an end and I’d find the much needed distance between Stannis and myself. The broad, toothy smile that beamed over perfect white teeth almost caused me to shut my eyes. He was too pretty for a man. The thick waves of brown hair that sat just a little too long, made him look like the rebel I believed he was. His prominent cheek bones sat behind flawless skin and the dimples that dotted his cheeks when he smiled made you want to drive your tongue in them. He was a hot as they came and he knew it. He managed it skillfully to entice and mesmerize you like a snake charmer to a venomous cobra. The fact that he was rich and a well-known purebred in his business life, social life, and sex life, made it that much worse.
He giggled at me like my efforts to deny him the intimacy of being pressed against him were pointless. I’d finally been caught and now I’d submit to his will, even if it were only for the span of a five minute Sinatra song. He spun me effortlessly on the meticulously polished parquet floor. I was suddenly grateful that my mother had invested so much in dancing lessons. Even if I didn’t want Stannis, impressing him was a whole other matter.
“Oh, Hazy. I do adore your tenacity to deny me even the slightest inkling of attention,” he said leaning into my face. His breath smelled of mint and expensive, sweet bourbon. But, it was his cologne that wafted over me like a threatening tidal wave that would take me under. It was woody and masculine, but clean and all Stannis. I could feel the heat of his mouth graze my cheek as he made his way to my ear. “But your body is giving you away, gorgeous. The more you push away, the more I want to pull you in. It’s only a matter of time.”
The flood of his words matched the pool of wetness that seeped over the seam of my thong and goosebumps threaded every inch of exposed skin.
“You’re so cocky, Stannis. You can pull all you want. I’m sure it hurts your ego to know not every woman wants to be bedded by you.” I chided.
“Bedded?” he chuckled and playfully nipped my ear with his teeth, sending a shock of heat straight to my core. I felt the tingling nervousness of my lie grow in my belly. Why was this song not ending? Any longer and it would be more than my body that would give me away.
Sadly, the bridesmaid dress that was selected for me by my best friend left little to the imagination. Chiffon, in a beautiful wisteria lavender, cut into a high and low sweeping halter that caressed my lean neck but left my arms and back exposed. It was full-length and draped to the floor. Every one of Candice’s, bridesmaids wore the same color, but each of us in different styles. Theirs were a bit more conservative. Excluding one, Abby, whose dress was no more than a halter and cut up both sides revealing her tennis toned legs. But, she loved the attention of having men look at her and her fashion sense spoke volumes in her endeavors. High cut, low cut, sheer or barely there - modesty wasn’t her strong suit.
When I slipped on the Maid-of-Honor dress, my eyes were as wide as saucers for two reasons. One, there was no way in the world I could wear a bra without looking like a complete dipshit and two, I looked like an ethereal Roman goddess. The dress, not of my choosing, couldn’t have fit any better over my lean, toned frame and set my olive, sun-kissed skin aglow. It was stunning to say the very least, but revealing was an understatement. Just the brush of cold air was enough to highlight my modest breast and protruding nipples. My effort to cover them with some ridiculous pasties was less than effective when they fell off an hour into the reception. I didn’t know which would be worse, the full-beam of my budding breasts or having a less than adhesive nipple petal fall out on the floor. Or, worse yet, attach itself to some foreign body part like a decorative nicotine patch. Since I had never smoked, my best friend ripped the last of the adhesive from my areolas and set me free. She was all giggles when she reached into both sides of my arm slits and pulled them off with the enthusiasm of a persnickety mother who was always prodding and poking her child into meticulousness. I knew it well.
His fingers moved up the exposed stretch of my knotted spine and threaded around the nape of my neck. He fondled the three pearl buttons that held up the top of my dress. “You wouldn’t dare,” I said brushing my cheek against his just to screw with his head like he was screwing with mine.
“Wouldn’t I.” The first button was popped easily beneath his skilled fingers. I looked into his seductive eyes. “I don’t buy the lie Hazel. So, take it back.”
It was a dangerous game, but I wouldn’t be the first to fold. “Which lie was that?” I played dumb. Then to further toy with his ego, I drug my hand from his waist up to the hard plane of his rippling abdomen and settled my palm under his black silk and satin, Armani tuxedo coat. It hugged him with precision and was no doubt, expensive and custom tailored. The move up his body garnered me the slip of a moan. “That you’re cocky?” I said.
The second button was unclasped and he twisted his fingers around the fishtail braid of my blonde hair. Using it as leverage to tilt my head back and demand the truth my eyes couldn’t hide. I was done for but wouldn’t look away. “No, beautiful. The one about not wanting to be bedded by me.”
As if on cue, the song slowly faded out. But, as I tried to free myself from the blanket of lust that had seeped between us like thick honey, Stannis feathered his lips over mine. It was instinct to shut my eyes, but the gentle purr that filtered out of my mouth came from left field. Shit! Fuck! Damn!
“There’s my beautiful liar.” I could feel the curve of his smile as he called me out. “Make no mistake bedding you will be my greatest achievement.”
“It will be a cold day in hell,” I whispered as my eyes fluttered open and I pushed back from his chest. My words and refusal only fueled him further. He pulled me back into his sturdy arms, pressing his chest to mine and looked down into my fertile eyes.
“I’ve never been to hell, Hazel, but if it’s as hot as you are I’ll take my chances.” His lips crashed down over mine with fervor and unbridled desire. He was a virile man who’d been made to wait desperately for a woman who was out of reach but was now close at hand. I struggled to maintain the last of my fleeting resolve, but the “melting” I’d been warned about had already begun. His slick, warm tongue found mine and the smooth, passionate dance that ensued was powerful and claiming. His kiss was like making love, fucking and a triple orgasm all rolled into one. I was powerless not to be consumed by the one man I’d warned off at all cost. I knew given an inch, he’d take a mile and here I was giving him the whole stretch of road that led to my heart. Or, at the very least the throbbing apex between my thighs.
I eased my mouth from the rapture of his soft, luscious lips and with his hand still around my neck, his forehead met mine. His soulful eyes bathed me with yearning. “You’re mine. Fight all you want.”
April 16, 2015
Living Inspired!
So, I’ve put out two novels Merger and Merger Undone, Saying Yes is on the chopping block with some agents and publishers, I’m writing Merger Complete as we speak, Prescription for Love (my NaNoWriMo book) is at 50% and wouldn’t you know…I woke up two days ago and had the beginning of an entire story in my head. I sat down and wrote a whopping 7000 words (part of it’s below). Some days I’m more inspired than others, but I work at this authoring business as hard as I have any job. Some days I
April 3, 2015
Frisky Friday Treat: Prescription for Love
Heather MilesThe Premise of the Novel: Katie (Bug) Simon, watched her brother's best friend, Archer Thomas, walk out the door of her childhood home to go to college. Her heart crumbled into a million pieces. She'd been in love with him since he first rode his bike over to her house at the age of five to play with her brother, Michael. She'd spent years pining away over a boy who thought of her as a little sister...or did he. Archer, has come home, and he has his sights set on one thing, obtaining the girl who always held a special place in his heart.
PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE
Archer, was astounding in every way, and now that he sat across from me in the most casual manner, outside the glaring eyes of my family members, I was truly able to take him in. His sun-kissed brown hair laid messily across his forehead. It was expertly styled but lacked conventional grooming. I imagined he fingered it into place and the effects were not lost on me.
He was casually put together, but impeccably thought out. His dark denim jeans hugged the tight curve of his ass and clung smoothly over his muscular thighs. His shirt skimmed his lean torso, leaving little to the imagination. He had a strong jawline, prominent cheekbones, and drinkable bourbon colored eyes. He was pretty, but rugged and had grown comfortably into manhood. Masculine, but boyish. Sexy as hell and absolutely fuckable!
I pulled my eyes away after assessing him thoroughly and wondered how I was going to pull off a lack of interest? What the hell was the point when I’d loved him since…forever!
“Listen Archer, I’ve known you almost my whole life, but…” I started but was quickly cut off.
“Do find me attractive?”
“Of course.” Hell, I had to be honest at this point. I’d ogled him, smelled him and had my tongue down his throat. There was no point in acting like he was an ogre!
“So then, don’t finish whatever little speech you were about to make and listen to what I have to say.”
I tilted my head and let out a throaty sigh in mock exhaustion. This very aggressive, beautiful man had come here with a plan and was about to lay it out. “Okay. Lay it on me,” I said with false confidence.
I watched as he inched closer to me, closing the gap between us. I could feel the heat of his body next to mine. Now, fully aware of his nearness. Every hair on my overwrought body was standing at attention and my breasts were peaking under my flimsy tank top. Wrong wardrobe choice was all I could think. I needed to refocus on the conversation and watched his mouth intently.
“You’re the hottest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Honestly Katie, I couldn’t imagine that you had improved in any way, but what sits before me is more than I could have hoped or planned for. I wasn’t kidding you when I told you that I’ve been enamored with you since I was a kid. Now, those feelings are fully heightened. I want you to give me this week.”
“To do what?”
“One week. I guarantee you won’t regret it. Maybe, it will be the most romantic and fulfilling week of both our lives. I’m no pussy, and I have everything to lose here. Especially since you’re the sister of my best friend. But, honestly, I’m no slouch either. I’m a successful surgeon, just like you. I’m driven and passionate about the things I hold dear in my life. I never back down from something I want. Your dad taught me that.”
My heart felt like it was flushing blood at record speed with each meaningful word. I was feeling lost in him again and knew this was either going to be the greatest thing that had ever happened to me or it would take the last sliver of what was left of my damaged heart.
“Bug, I wouldn’t be here begging for your attention if I didn’t think I could make you happy. You’re important to me. Your family is important to me. Seeing you tonight instilled feelings in me that I haven’t felt in a long time, if ever. I want you to give me this week.”
“One week. And then what?”
“Then maybe I’ll win your heart. You’ve always had a piece of mine.”
I swallowed hard. I’d given up on the idea of Archer when he didn’t come home after college. Only hearing about his life casually from my brother and seeing him briefly over the holidays. Now, he was offering me the olive branch of romance and potential love and I wanted to throw up. I was scared to tell him the truth and more afraid not to. I could easily be broken by this man.
“Why me?”
“You’re kidding, right? You’re successful, desirable, beautiful and sexy as hell.”
“My self-confidence doesn’t extend that far outside the operating room these days. But, I appreciate the compliments.” I took the last sip of my beer. I needed a distraction. “Want another beer?”
“No, Bug, I want you!”
“So you say, but all I have to offer is the beer.” I grabbed his bottle and started the climb over his long legs when pulled me back down to the couch. He grabbed both empty bottles from my hands and set them down on the coffee table. Then swiftly pulled me into arms.
“Quit evading me and look me in the eyes. I have never wanted anything more than I want you. You think I go around making offers of possible love and a future? I’m not the kid you knew fifteen years ago. Give me one week to prove I’m the perfect gentleman. The perfect lover. The perfect man. You’ve got nothing to lose.”
I stared at him and wondered if he’d completely lost his mind or if I’d lost mine. Was I actually considering this stupidity? He said I had nothing to lose, but he was wrong. I had everything to lose. Namely, my heart. I was scared shitless and didn’t know if I could give him what he wanted.
He wanted an answer - a firm “yes.” His eyes were pleading, optimistic. I smiled awkwardly because I didn’t know what else to do. It was the glimmer of hope he wanted. His face came to mine and his whispered hotly over my mouth. “I have to kiss you.”
I sat unmoving and unprepared. Not ready to accept or deny the prospect of him or the kiss that threatened to consume me. “Archer…”
“Too late.” He leaned down over me, his chest against mine, pressured and warm. He didn’t immediately kiss me but remained within inches of my face, staring into my eyes. The answers were there and he knew it. I was his a long time ago. I just needed to find my way back.
“Kiss me already!” I begged.
His lips were soft and tender when they finally reached mine. I was powerless not to let whatever was about to happen take its natural course. I didn’t know how the week would turn out, but I was so hungry for his kiss, I’d take my chances.
Our tongues glided against one another in a slow dance of passion, tangled and wet. I couldn’t stop my hands from reaching for his neck and head. Burying my fingers into the tousled locks I’d admired all evening. He moaned into my mouth and the gesture of want wasn’t missed. I could feel his kiss cover me like rich, warm honey.
Every inch of my body became hyperaware. The swell of my breasts heavy between us. My panties were seeping with a flush of pent-up desire and the deep throb between the apex of my thighs growing more desperate with his advance on my mouth. My body was selling me out. I was a wanton ball of lust. My heart was pounding heavily against my sternum, threatening to burst free from my chest. My breathing was growing more labored as he devoured me with the abandon of a starving man who'd finally found salvation in the taste of me.
My grip on Archer tightened. I absolutely wanted whatever it was he was offering. Even if it meant the destruction of my heart.
He pulled his lips from mine, the subtle curl of his smile rose to his eyes and spoke volumes. He’d won.
I was so taken with him. I’d concede for now and let the pieces fall where they may later. For the first time in a long time, I felt a glimmer of genuine happiness.
“One week. No holding back, no holding out,” he demanded.
“You crazy. I’d say ‘no’, but you’re so damn cocky. I’ll take the challenge. Oh, and all that bragging about your dick on the porch earlier. It better live up the hype.”
“Christ, Katie. I think my shit just shrunk.”
“You were bragging and high fiving my brother when I threatened castration.” I gleamed beneath him. My words were playful, but the hint of expectations lingered between us like a heavy rope. My body was fully aware of the blanket of masculine flesh above me. “Bob might have a run for his money.”
“Bob. Who the hell is Bob? Michael said you weren’t dating anyone. Please don’t tell me I’m going to have to kick someone’s ass already?”
“No, Silly!” My body shuddered beneath him with uncontrolled giggling. Did I really have to tell him who Bob was? “B.O.B. – battery operated boyfriend.”
He jumped up like I’d electrocuted him. “No, way!”
“Listen, I’m a talented surgeon whose put her career ahead of love, marriage, and SEX! Right or wrong, it is, what it is. B.O.B. has stood by me the whole way.”
His eyes searched mine questioningly. “Are you serious?”
“Dead,” I replied with an easy grin, willing him to challenge me.
With the same quickness he’d used to jump from the couch, he was back on me. This time with his hands buried in my sides tickling me. I flew back onto the couch, my legs wiggling wildly as he continued the onslaught of playful punishment for the indiscretion of using a vibrator. I’d evidently touched a soft spot with my aggressive suitor.
I could hardly contain myself and begged for him to stop. He was relentless…and continued like it was a ruthless game. One he had to win.
“Arch, stop!” I screamed. “I swear I’m going to piss myself.”
“Never again!” His breath was hot on my lips. “Say it!”
“Say what?” I grabbed his flailing, octopus arms and held them tight against my waist. I could barely comprehend what he wanted me to say. Every word from his lips felt lustful. I was in a daze of physical angst from the torture to my flanks, but when he spoke all I could think about was kissing him…and more.
“Never again,” he said. “No vibrators, or B.O.B., or whatever you call it…NEVER, EVER, EVER!”
I finally found my labored voice and managed to slip out the one hot word that would finish him off. “Jealous!”
The relentless teasing came to an abrupt halt with my mocking word. “I will not share you with anyone. That includes anything rubber, plastic, still or vibrating.”
He rolled off of my body and I missed the weight of him immediately. I reached out to touch his thigh, but he leaned back towards me and my hand grazed the tight bulge that had settled beneath his zipper. I pulled my hand away quickly like I’d mistakenly touched the red ember of hot coal. But, it was too late. The silly knowing smirk was already curling the sides his lips.
He reached for my burning hand and pulled me to my feet. My legs were like jelly beneath me and I clutched his hand tighter to steady myself. “Where are they?”
He pulled me tight to his chest and kissed the tip of my nose. Then with the quickness of a gazelle, bolted for my bedroom.
“Archer Thomas, you better get out of my bedroom.” I ran quickly behind him and he stood in the middle of my bedroom with a shit-eating grin from ear to ear. “You’re crazy.”
“If I find them, Bug, they’re gone.”
“How juvenile!” I walked up to him and put my finger in the middle of his chest. “Quit acting like a baby. Maybe you’re nervous about the competition.”
“Don’t challenge me, Bug,” he growled under sexual duress. “The start of this romance will be me fucking you silly right here and now.”
“You wouldn’t?”
“Don’t challenge me because I absolutely would. My dick is so hard I’m about to cum in my jeans.”
“Arch!”
“I’m serious. If I don’t get out of here, I’m going to make good on that offer. So, as a gentleman and your future husband, I’m going to kiss you and leave.”
“Future husband?” I couldn’t contain my amusement and laughed freely at the audacity of his comment. “You’re nuts!”
“Yes, I am…about you.” He kissed me chastely on the lips and maneuvered around me to exit my bedroom. “I’ll pick you tomorrow at 5:30. Snappy casual attire and open for anything.”
“Should I be nervous?”
“Very.”
He opened the front door but stood there staring at me. The way his eyes fall over me had heat scorching my insides. “Come here.”
With the excitement of a child and a skip to my step, I walked up to the man who’d jumpstarted my heart. I was no longer interested in denying him my affection.
He put his warm hands on both my cheeks. Holding my face in the most magical way and glided his luscious wet tongue across my willing mouth. I parted my lips to allow him entry. His kisses were magic - soft, hungry and passionate. They were needy, yet giving. He was making love to my mouth and stealing my resolve. I loved it.
I took the depth of his passion and gave him mine in return. I could feel the desire between us ignite like a welcome flame, burning deep in my chest and settling between my legs. A hungry moan escaped my throat and my fingers nestled into the belt loops of his jeans, pulling him closer until his body was flush with mine. The hard length of his erection was caressing my pelvis like an iron fist. I was losing every ounce of self-control. His lips slowly pulled away from mine, but his captivating brown eyes never wavered.
“I should have come back for you sooner.” He released my face and I unlaced my fingers from his waist reluctantly. He turned, gave me a quick peck on the lips and reminded me of our date tomorrow, then walked out the door.
“Holy shit.” I heard his words from behind the door as he walked away. I concurred.
What happened to ‘no?’ I was in deep, deep shit with Archer. I’d been challenged to one week of romance with my childhood crush. I wasn’t sure about the next seven days, but I was sure about one thing - I had a date with B.O.B. tonight!
Keep checking back often. Merger Complete is the next book to be released. I'm shooting for May 2015. Saying Yes is still in the hands of Harlequin. Happy reading my friends!
Heather M. Miles
PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE
Archer, was astounding in every way, and now that he sat across from me in the most casual manner, outside the glaring eyes of my family members, I was truly able to take him in. His sun-kissed brown hair laid messily across his forehead. It was expertly styled but lacked conventional grooming. I imagined he fingered it into place and the effects were not lost on me.
He was casually put together, but impeccably thought out. His dark denim jeans hugged the tight curve of his ass and clung smoothly over his muscular thighs. His shirt skimmed his lean torso, leaving little to the imagination. He had a strong jawline, prominent cheekbones, and drinkable bourbon colored eyes. He was pretty, but rugged and had grown comfortably into manhood. Masculine, but boyish. Sexy as hell and absolutely fuckable!
I pulled my eyes away after assessing him thoroughly and wondered how I was going to pull off a lack of interest? What the hell was the point when I’d loved him since…forever!
“Listen Archer, I’ve known you almost my whole life, but…” I started but was quickly cut off.
“Do find me attractive?”
“Of course.” Hell, I had to be honest at this point. I’d ogled him, smelled him and had my tongue down his throat. There was no point in acting like he was an ogre!
“So then, don’t finish whatever little speech you were about to make and listen to what I have to say.”
I tilted my head and let out a throaty sigh in mock exhaustion. This very aggressive, beautiful man had come here with a plan and was about to lay it out. “Okay. Lay it on me,” I said with false confidence.
I watched as he inched closer to me, closing the gap between us. I could feel the heat of his body next to mine. Now, fully aware of his nearness. Every hair on my overwrought body was standing at attention and my breasts were peaking under my flimsy tank top. Wrong wardrobe choice was all I could think. I needed to refocus on the conversation and watched his mouth intently.
“You’re the hottest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Honestly Katie, I couldn’t imagine that you had improved in any way, but what sits before me is more than I could have hoped or planned for. I wasn’t kidding you when I told you that I’ve been enamored with you since I was a kid. Now, those feelings are fully heightened. I want you to give me this week.”
“To do what?”
“One week. I guarantee you won’t regret it. Maybe, it will be the most romantic and fulfilling week of both our lives. I’m no pussy, and I have everything to lose here. Especially since you’re the sister of my best friend. But, honestly, I’m no slouch either. I’m a successful surgeon, just like you. I’m driven and passionate about the things I hold dear in my life. I never back down from something I want. Your dad taught me that.”
My heart felt like it was flushing blood at record speed with each meaningful word. I was feeling lost in him again and knew this was either going to be the greatest thing that had ever happened to me or it would take the last sliver of what was left of my damaged heart.
“Bug, I wouldn’t be here begging for your attention if I didn’t think I could make you happy. You’re important to me. Your family is important to me. Seeing you tonight instilled feelings in me that I haven’t felt in a long time, if ever. I want you to give me this week.”
“One week. And then what?”
“Then maybe I’ll win your heart. You’ve always had a piece of mine.”
I swallowed hard. I’d given up on the idea of Archer when he didn’t come home after college. Only hearing about his life casually from my brother and seeing him briefly over the holidays. Now, he was offering me the olive branch of romance and potential love and I wanted to throw up. I was scared to tell him the truth and more afraid not to. I could easily be broken by this man.
“Why me?”
“You’re kidding, right? You’re successful, desirable, beautiful and sexy as hell.”
“My self-confidence doesn’t extend that far outside the operating room these days. But, I appreciate the compliments.” I took the last sip of my beer. I needed a distraction. “Want another beer?”
“No, Bug, I want you!”
“So you say, but all I have to offer is the beer.” I grabbed his bottle and started the climb over his long legs when pulled me back down to the couch. He grabbed both empty bottles from my hands and set them down on the coffee table. Then swiftly pulled me into arms.
“Quit evading me and look me in the eyes. I have never wanted anything more than I want you. You think I go around making offers of possible love and a future? I’m not the kid you knew fifteen years ago. Give me one week to prove I’m the perfect gentleman. The perfect lover. The perfect man. You’ve got nothing to lose.”
I stared at him and wondered if he’d completely lost his mind or if I’d lost mine. Was I actually considering this stupidity? He said I had nothing to lose, but he was wrong. I had everything to lose. Namely, my heart. I was scared shitless and didn’t know if I could give him what he wanted.
He wanted an answer - a firm “yes.” His eyes were pleading, optimistic. I smiled awkwardly because I didn’t know what else to do. It was the glimmer of hope he wanted. His face came to mine and his whispered hotly over my mouth. “I have to kiss you.”
I sat unmoving and unprepared. Not ready to accept or deny the prospect of him or the kiss that threatened to consume me. “Archer…”
“Too late.” He leaned down over me, his chest against mine, pressured and warm. He didn’t immediately kiss me but remained within inches of my face, staring into my eyes. The answers were there and he knew it. I was his a long time ago. I just needed to find my way back.
“Kiss me already!” I begged.
His lips were soft and tender when they finally reached mine. I was powerless not to let whatever was about to happen take its natural course. I didn’t know how the week would turn out, but I was so hungry for his kiss, I’d take my chances.
Our tongues glided against one another in a slow dance of passion, tangled and wet. I couldn’t stop my hands from reaching for his neck and head. Burying my fingers into the tousled locks I’d admired all evening. He moaned into my mouth and the gesture of want wasn’t missed. I could feel his kiss cover me like rich, warm honey.
Every inch of my body became hyperaware. The swell of my breasts heavy between us. My panties were seeping with a flush of pent-up desire and the deep throb between the apex of my thighs growing more desperate with his advance on my mouth. My body was selling me out. I was a wanton ball of lust. My heart was pounding heavily against my sternum, threatening to burst free from my chest. My breathing was growing more labored as he devoured me with the abandon of a starving man who'd finally found salvation in the taste of me.
My grip on Archer tightened. I absolutely wanted whatever it was he was offering. Even if it meant the destruction of my heart.
He pulled his lips from mine, the subtle curl of his smile rose to his eyes and spoke volumes. He’d won.
I was so taken with him. I’d concede for now and let the pieces fall where they may later. For the first time in a long time, I felt a glimmer of genuine happiness.
“One week. No holding back, no holding out,” he demanded.
“You crazy. I’d say ‘no’, but you’re so damn cocky. I’ll take the challenge. Oh, and all that bragging about your dick on the porch earlier. It better live up the hype.”
“Christ, Katie. I think my shit just shrunk.”
“You were bragging and high fiving my brother when I threatened castration.” I gleamed beneath him. My words were playful, but the hint of expectations lingered between us like a heavy rope. My body was fully aware of the blanket of masculine flesh above me. “Bob might have a run for his money.”
“Bob. Who the hell is Bob? Michael said you weren’t dating anyone. Please don’t tell me I’m going to have to kick someone’s ass already?”
“No, Silly!” My body shuddered beneath him with uncontrolled giggling. Did I really have to tell him who Bob was? “B.O.B. – battery operated boyfriend.”
He jumped up like I’d electrocuted him. “No, way!”
“Listen, I’m a talented surgeon whose put her career ahead of love, marriage, and SEX! Right or wrong, it is, what it is. B.O.B. has stood by me the whole way.”
His eyes searched mine questioningly. “Are you serious?”
“Dead,” I replied with an easy grin, willing him to challenge me.
With the same quickness he’d used to jump from the couch, he was back on me. This time with his hands buried in my sides tickling me. I flew back onto the couch, my legs wiggling wildly as he continued the onslaught of playful punishment for the indiscretion of using a vibrator. I’d evidently touched a soft spot with my aggressive suitor.
I could hardly contain myself and begged for him to stop. He was relentless…and continued like it was a ruthless game. One he had to win.
“Arch, stop!” I screamed. “I swear I’m going to piss myself.”
“Never again!” His breath was hot on my lips. “Say it!”
“Say what?” I grabbed his flailing, octopus arms and held them tight against my waist. I could barely comprehend what he wanted me to say. Every word from his lips felt lustful. I was in a daze of physical angst from the torture to my flanks, but when he spoke all I could think about was kissing him…and more.
“Never again,” he said. “No vibrators, or B.O.B., or whatever you call it…NEVER, EVER, EVER!”
I finally found my labored voice and managed to slip out the one hot word that would finish him off. “Jealous!”
The relentless teasing came to an abrupt halt with my mocking word. “I will not share you with anyone. That includes anything rubber, plastic, still or vibrating.”
He rolled off of my body and I missed the weight of him immediately. I reached out to touch his thigh, but he leaned back towards me and my hand grazed the tight bulge that had settled beneath his zipper. I pulled my hand away quickly like I’d mistakenly touched the red ember of hot coal. But, it was too late. The silly knowing smirk was already curling the sides his lips.
He reached for my burning hand and pulled me to my feet. My legs were like jelly beneath me and I clutched his hand tighter to steady myself. “Where are they?”
He pulled me tight to his chest and kissed the tip of my nose. Then with the quickness of a gazelle, bolted for my bedroom.
“Archer Thomas, you better get out of my bedroom.” I ran quickly behind him and he stood in the middle of my bedroom with a shit-eating grin from ear to ear. “You’re crazy.”
“If I find them, Bug, they’re gone.”
“How juvenile!” I walked up to him and put my finger in the middle of his chest. “Quit acting like a baby. Maybe you’re nervous about the competition.”
“Don’t challenge me, Bug,” he growled under sexual duress. “The start of this romance will be me fucking you silly right here and now.”
“You wouldn’t?”
“Don’t challenge me because I absolutely would. My dick is so hard I’m about to cum in my jeans.”
“Arch!”
“I’m serious. If I don’t get out of here, I’m going to make good on that offer. So, as a gentleman and your future husband, I’m going to kiss you and leave.”
“Future husband?” I couldn’t contain my amusement and laughed freely at the audacity of his comment. “You’re nuts!”
“Yes, I am…about you.” He kissed me chastely on the lips and maneuvered around me to exit my bedroom. “I’ll pick you tomorrow at 5:30. Snappy casual attire and open for anything.”
“Should I be nervous?”
“Very.”
He opened the front door but stood there staring at me. The way his eyes fall over me had heat scorching my insides. “Come here.”
With the excitement of a child and a skip to my step, I walked up to the man who’d jumpstarted my heart. I was no longer interested in denying him my affection.
He put his warm hands on both my cheeks. Holding my face in the most magical way and glided his luscious wet tongue across my willing mouth. I parted my lips to allow him entry. His kisses were magic - soft, hungry and passionate. They were needy, yet giving. He was making love to my mouth and stealing my resolve. I loved it.
I took the depth of his passion and gave him mine in return. I could feel the desire between us ignite like a welcome flame, burning deep in my chest and settling between my legs. A hungry moan escaped my throat and my fingers nestled into the belt loops of his jeans, pulling him closer until his body was flush with mine. The hard length of his erection was caressing my pelvis like an iron fist. I was losing every ounce of self-control. His lips slowly pulled away from mine, but his captivating brown eyes never wavered.
“I should have come back for you sooner.” He released my face and I unlaced my fingers from his waist reluctantly. He turned, gave me a quick peck on the lips and reminded me of our date tomorrow, then walked out the door.
“Holy shit.” I heard his words from behind the door as he walked away. I concurred.
What happened to ‘no?’ I was in deep, deep shit with Archer. I’d been challenged to one week of romance with my childhood crush. I wasn’t sure about the next seven days, but I was sure about one thing - I had a date with B.O.B. tonight!
Keep checking back often. Merger Complete is the next book to be released. I'm shooting for May 2015. Saying Yes is still in the hands of Harlequin. Happy reading my friends!
Heather M. Miles
February 24, 2015
Excerpt of MERGER UNDONE
Let me explain why this book is critical and taking more time than anticipated. As a matter of fact, I reached out to a reader and asked her opinion about the way she wanted to see the story go. She was as torn as me. These characters have become a part of my life and I have a vested interest in telling their story and telling it right. It's not just me pushing an agenda. I may want to write this book one way, but when it falls flat and I struggle with the scene, I know I've pushed my way onto them instead of letting them tell their story. With all that said, the reason for the delay is because I have literally written this book 3/4 of the way TWICE. I was so hell bent on writing it one way and then an epiphany hit me. It's crippled me, plagued me and changes my story completely.
If you saw a girl, one you suspected had an interest in your boyfriend, walk out of the men’s restroom with your boyfriend hot on her heels. Would you allow him to get on a flight with you to New York? Even if you loved him and were hurting? Even if your father had a stroke and you needed his love more than ever? What would you do?
And that's what I pose to my readers. It could go either way and I've written it both ways. The story unfolds differently both ways. He's either stunted and left cold or he forces his way onto the plane and takes his chances at repairing the wrongs. What happens if she rejects him either way? As we all know...K.K.'s a runner.
I am working so hard to make this book all you expect it to be. Patience is a virtue I don’t have and I know you are all on the edge of sanity waiting to find out what happens with K.K. and Josh. I don't know if I'll be able to finish it by week's end, but my critique partner is reading it as I write it so that when I am finished it's just a matter of formatting and uploading it to Amazon and the other platforms.
Here's a little teaser to ease help you over the hump: MERGER UNDONE
My eyes were still closed, but I was jostled into awareness by the open and closing of the door and the weight of someone on my bed. There was a glimmer of sunlight peeking through the heavy lined drapes of my bedroom. I knew morning had come and I didn’t feel any better than when I’d slipped under the covers hours earlier. I felt the comforter lift and then the warmth of someone molding their body to mine. The smell of him and the way he fit around me made me shudder and my stomach
tighten. I felt my small lungs give way to a dramatic rush of air and then tears started falling quickly with the realization that Joshua was finally here. He folded me into the cocoon of his love and stroked my hair as I fell to pieces against him.
“Shhhh,” he whispered in my ear. “I’m so sorry baby.”
I pulled his hand to my face and kissed his palm before slipping it under my cheek and cradling my head in its warmth. I missed his touch and his unwavering love for me. The passion in his eyes when he looked at me like I was the only woman on earth. The way he knew every contour of my body and just how to touch me. He knew what I needed before I did and I was ready to let him take a bit of that control. I didn’t know how we were going to manage our future, but I was going to make sure he never left again. The next time he left it was going to be to collect his California life and bring it back to New York or he and I were going to be partners and nothing more. I couldn’t keep riding the rollercoaster of our love. I was more fragile than I’d ever been and I knew I was going to bounce back stronger or be left a ghost of the woman I was before. It was all or nothing.
I was still crying but turned my body to see his beautiful face. His eyes were deep blue like the Aegean Sea. It felt like they were looking through me, to my soul. I wondered if he knew my thoughts, my dreams, my desperation and how lost I was. How I needed the world to just bend with me for once and help me find some peace. My life suddenly felt like a minefield and I was moving through it with trepidation instead of confidence.
“Josh…” I said it like I was unsure of my reality. And maybe I was.
“I’m here. I’m never leaving you again. I promise.”
My face was messy and wet with tears and a runny nose, but he looked past my grief and smoothed his soft lips against mine. I whimpered at the remembrance of all we’d shared, as the memories of how we came to be, flooded my brain and took over my senses. I loved this man. He was mine. Time nor distance had mattered. My heart started swelling in my chest. His long fingers dove into my messy brown hair and our kiss proceeded as it always did, with unbridled love, passion, and complete understanding. Sad or not I missed him and wanted to crawl beneath the shelter of his skin. I needed every inch of him in me, on me and over me. I needed to drown out everything but us, till I could see my life clearly again.
Stay tuned to see how it all unfolds!
Heather M. Miles
If you saw a girl, one you suspected had an interest in your boyfriend, walk out of the men’s restroom with your boyfriend hot on her heels. Would you allow him to get on a flight with you to New York? Even if you loved him and were hurting? Even if your father had a stroke and you needed his love more than ever? What would you do?
And that's what I pose to my readers. It could go either way and I've written it both ways. The story unfolds differently both ways. He's either stunted and left cold or he forces his way onto the plane and takes his chances at repairing the wrongs. What happens if she rejects him either way? As we all know...K.K.'s a runner.
I am working so hard to make this book all you expect it to be. Patience is a virtue I don’t have and I know you are all on the edge of sanity waiting to find out what happens with K.K. and Josh. I don't know if I'll be able to finish it by week's end, but my critique partner is reading it as I write it so that when I am finished it's just a matter of formatting and uploading it to Amazon and the other platforms.
Here's a little teaser to ease help you over the hump: MERGER UNDONE
My eyes were still closed, but I was jostled into awareness by the open and closing of the door and the weight of someone on my bed. There was a glimmer of sunlight peeking through the heavy lined drapes of my bedroom. I knew morning had come and I didn’t feel any better than when I’d slipped under the covers hours earlier. I felt the comforter lift and then the warmth of someone molding their body to mine. The smell of him and the way he fit around me made me shudder and my stomach
tighten. I felt my small lungs give way to a dramatic rush of air and then tears started falling quickly with the realization that Joshua was finally here. He folded me into the cocoon of his love and stroked my hair as I fell to pieces against him.
“Shhhh,” he whispered in my ear. “I’m so sorry baby.”
I pulled his hand to my face and kissed his palm before slipping it under my cheek and cradling my head in its warmth. I missed his touch and his unwavering love for me. The passion in his eyes when he looked at me like I was the only woman on earth. The way he knew every contour of my body and just how to touch me. He knew what I needed before I did and I was ready to let him take a bit of that control. I didn’t know how we were going to manage our future, but I was going to make sure he never left again. The next time he left it was going to be to collect his California life and bring it back to New York or he and I were going to be partners and nothing more. I couldn’t keep riding the rollercoaster of our love. I was more fragile than I’d ever been and I knew I was going to bounce back stronger or be left a ghost of the woman I was before. It was all or nothing.
I was still crying but turned my body to see his beautiful face. His eyes were deep blue like the Aegean Sea. It felt like they were looking through me, to my soul. I wondered if he knew my thoughts, my dreams, my desperation and how lost I was. How I needed the world to just bend with me for once and help me find some peace. My life suddenly felt like a minefield and I was moving through it with trepidation instead of confidence.
“Josh…” I said it like I was unsure of my reality. And maybe I was.
“I’m here. I’m never leaving you again. I promise.”
My face was messy and wet with tears and a runny nose, but he looked past my grief and smoothed his soft lips against mine. I whimpered at the remembrance of all we’d shared, as the memories of how we came to be, flooded my brain and took over my senses. I loved this man. He was mine. Time nor distance had mattered. My heart started swelling in my chest. His long fingers dove into my messy brown hair and our kiss proceeded as it always did, with unbridled love, passion, and complete understanding. Sad or not I missed him and wanted to crawl beneath the shelter of his skin. I needed every inch of him in me, on me and over me. I needed to drown out everything but us, till I could see my life clearly again.
Stay tuned to see how it all unfolds!
Heather M. Miles
