Lesson Learned

Recently I started writing what I thought would be a flash fic fun sort of exercise--a historical Regency-set secret lovers sort of story--using the new no-outline approach that I took with my werewolf story. Little did I know that my tiny flash fic would turn into a 6000+ word short story. O__O Like the werewolf story (tentatively titled "He's Just Knot That Into You" *grins*), this shortie just kept going and going...and going. Who am I to argue with what the guys have to say? :)

While my werewolf goes through various beta stages, I thought I'd share a small piece of Christopher and Jack's story. Here's a glimpse (very rough and unedited!), and keep an eye out for more news on this one as I figure out what the heck to do with it. ^__^

From A Time for Loving

When Christopher returned to the bedchamber at the time the clock ticked its way past midnight, Jack was waiting for him. As was their routine, they locked the doors to bar any unwanted nightly visitors, such a practice explained to the household as a way to deter Christopher's childhood habit of sleepwalking.

Little did they know he'd outgrown such an inclination years ago.

"A pleasant evening," Christopher said mildly over his shoulder as Jack assisted him out of his well-fitted navy coat.

"Was it?" Jack murmured in response. Setting aside the garment onto the clothes valet, he turned to face Christopher's back and skimmed his hands over his shoulders. His palms, forever callused from years of campaigning, nevertheless picked up the texture of the silver-embroidered brocade waistcoat. Those shoulders were broad, carrying with them the weight of responsibility—for their regiment, for their secret, for their future—well beyond Christopher's twenty-three years.

Lost in his thoughts, Jack startled when Christopher turned around to grasp his wrist gently. He looked up into Christopher's familiar gaze and sighed, his heart settling into place even as his pulse began to race at the sight of the heat in those blue depths.

"It would have been much more pleasant with your company, Jack," Christopher said, his voice warm and low.

Swallowing thickly, Jack smiled up into that precious face. Tilting his head, he listened and heard the sounds of the house going to sleep around them.

This was their time—the time between days when they could be lost in their world.

"You know 'tis impossible, Christopher," Jack whispered regretfully, searching
his gaze. He moved to clasp his hand, drawing Christopher's palm to his neck
and curling it against the skin there. "But our time is now, and my company is yours. Yours always."

Hope you liked the little peek into Christopher and Jack's lives!

In the meanwhile, I have to ask: are you a member of the M/M Romance Group?? You can read more about the MMRG here at http://www.mmromancegroup.com and join the group on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/.... I only ask because there's a fabulous writing event that kicked off last week.

Love's Landscapes is a very cool writing event featuring free stories every day throughout the summer. My upcoming freebie, Punch-Drunk Love, will be coming out soon, and the MMRG is the only place you can read it first! Otherwise, you'll have to wait for the downloads to be available on their website. :) If you're not a member, then think about it! Highly recommended if you're an m/m romance fan.

Hope you're all doing well, and happy reading!

♥,
NJ