Christmas Blog Story Part 7

Part 7 in my Christmas blog story set on Christmas Eve night, around one building, twelve characters, and six relationships - some lovers, some friends, and some family.

Thank you to everyone who read the first six parts Santa Baby, Red, Time, I'd Say Yes, Big Brother, and Little Brother.

Christmas Blog Story Part 6

Part 6 in my Christmas blog story set on Christmas Eve night, around one building, twelve characters, and six relationships - some lovers, some friends, and some family.

Thank you to everyone who read the first five parts Santa Baby, Red, Time, I'd Say Yes, and Big Brother.

Read the second part of Mark and Evan's story.

Chrostmas Blog Story Part 5

Part 5 in my Christmas blog story set on Christmas Eve night, around one building, twelve characters, and six relationships - some lovers, some friends, and some family.

Thank you to everyone who read the first four parts Santa Baby, Red, Time and I'd Say Yes.

 

 

 

The Party - Chapter 3

The Party - a six part Blog Story from the combination that brought you the Hearts of England anthology!

Blurb:

Henry and Jack had thought nothing could ever drive them apart. They were wrong. Three months have passed since Jack walked out of the home they shared, and Henry had been too stupid to take back the hurtful things he'd said.

Both assured by their respective parents the other would not be present at Henry's mother's annual Christmas gathering, they attend. Finding they have been duped into seeing each other, Henry realizes that this may be his only chance to try and make things right. But will he be able to convince Jack to come home?


[Chapter One by RJ Scott is HERE, Chapter Two by Chris Quinton is HERE]

Chapter 3

Henry had no right. No right at all.

Jack stood breathlessly before Henry. Anger heated his face as he looked at the man he had once called ‘love’. What the hell did Henry think he was doing? There was no reason for Henry to invade his space. No reason for his warm, soft lips to lock with Jack's in a passionate kiss. No reason. Not anymore.

"What the hell, Hen?" Distance seemed like the best idea right now. Turning on his heel, he then made for the door.

"Jack, wait," Henry called after him.

Curiosity got the better of him, and with a frustrated sigh, he turned around and met brilliant blue eyes he hadn't looked into for three months. Though Jack hated to admit it, Tim had been right. There was something different about Henry. Months of working under Parry had brought about an air of importance. The way he held himself, straight and tall, and the slight tilt back of his head echoed his grand position on the surgical team. He folded his arms and made sure to keep his distance. One kiss was quite enough for their first encounter since September.

Henry cleared his throat as he rubbed at the spot where Jack had pushed him away. "I didn't think you'd be here," he said.

"I didn't plan on being, but you know how my mother can be." Jack looked Henry up and down. Why did he have to look so damn good? "If she'd told me before we'd made it to the front door, I wouldn't have come." He unfolded his arms and curled his hand against the pocket of his suit trousers. His fingers circled around the memory of the ring box, and he tightened his fist against the burn of hurt and disappointment. This really wasn't the evening he'd hoped for. In fact, he'd pretty much played the night out in his head before they had even left the house—drunken middle-aged women, a collection of terrible Christmas jumpers, and eating enough posh nibbles to sink the Parrys' luxury sail boat.

"How have you been?" Henry asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had settled between them.

Jack pressed his mouth in a line and shrugged. "Busy. I have a year six class this year so lots to prep." Not that Henry cared. Too much work for too little money had always been Henry's opinion. "How's Birmingham?" He wasn't sure why he asked when he was already sure he knew the answer.

"Good. Actually, great," Henry said far too enthusiastically for Jack's liking. Of course he was doing great, probably off saving lives with one hand tied behind his back whilst hopping on the spot.

Jack shook his head. He didn't want to feel like this again—the mix of envy and inadequacy swirled around his head. "Look, I'm going to go," he decided. "I have stuff to do."

"Jack," Henry said, but Jack raised his hand, shutting him up.

"Merry Christmas," he said and made his escape.


***


When Henry emerged from his hiding place, the last thing he needed was to be confronted by his self-appointed stalker.

"Everything okay?" Georgina asked and narrowed her eyes as she settled her sight on Jack on the other side of the room.

"Everything's fine," he said through a tightened jaw, trying to suppress the urge to snap at her and tell her to fuck off.

Georgina leaned in close as she held her wine glass against her chest, sticking out her breasts to exaggerate what little cleavage she had. "You were right to dump him, you know. You could do so much better."

Henry tapped his fingers in an angry rhythm against his leg. His mum's Christmas party was not the place to kick off at his boss's daughter. For one, he liked his job, and two, his mum would never forgive him.

"Yeah. I just need to do something." He caught sight of his mother neatly rearranging the plate of mini quiches. "Over there." The brush off sucked and he groaned inwardly as he made his way toward his mother.

"Oh, Henry, I wondered where you got to. Would you be a darling and get some more bottles of fizz from the wine cellar?"

"Can Dad go?" Henry asked, looking along the long buffet table to where Jack seemed to be making excuses to his parents. He was going to leave.

"Your father's stolen away to his shed with Father Clarkson. I need you to do it." She had the look. The Emily Lewis look, and that wasn't something someone ignored. But right now, Henry did his best to do so. He wanted out of there. Emotions reared inside him and his pathetically patched up heart started to break again. He had often wondered how he would feel if he saw Jack again and now he knew. He hurt like hell.

"Mum." He rested his hand on her shoulder and gently curled his fingers over the shoulder pad in her bolero jacket. "I'm going to head off." He was prepared to play the 'I've surgery in the morning' card if he needed to. Even if this time it was a lie.

"It's still early." His mum looked incredibly disappointed and his resolve of just a moment ago started to fail. "We haven't had the toast or served dessert. You can't leave yet."

He cast his gaze towards Jack. Angela Hughes also had the look as she did her best to stop her son from leaving the party early. He and Jack had often laughed about how similar the two women were. Both were strong-willed, sure-headed, equally competitive, and both very proud of their sons. He smiled as Jack looked wearily in his direction and for a moment he felt the old, familiar connection between them.

"Henry?" His mum looked firmly up at him and he knew he wasn't going to win.

"Fine," he said. There was no point in arguing. "How many bottles do you want?"

 

 

To Be Continued... December 21st on Lisa Worrall's Blog



Christmas Blog Story Part 4

Part 4 in my Christmas blog story set on Christmas Eve night, around one building, twelve characters, and six relationships - some lovers, some friends, and some family.

Thank you to everyone who read the first three parts Santa Baby, Red, and Time.  The competition to win a toasty treat on part 1 is now closed and the winner was Loveless3173 and there will be another chance to win one of my stories later in the month :)

Christmas Blog Story #3

The third part in my Christmas blog story set on Christmas Eve night, around one building, twelve characters, and six relationships - some lovers, some friends, and some family.

Thank you to everyone who read the first two parts making up Jamie and Sophie's story in Santa Baby and Red. The competition to win a toasty treat is still open on part 1 until the weekend. Now read the third part and the start of Lionel and Dana's story.

"That's the third time you've checked your phone. Are you waiting on someone special?" Lionel Burgess coughed into his handkerchief and rubbed soothingly at his chest. The cold December air had done his seventy-two year old bones no favors. He ached and he swore the annoying cough had come from nowhere.

Dana rested her cell phone in her lap and folded her hands over the top of it. "No one," she said. Her voice was all silk and syrup and warmed Lionel's heart. "So, you were telling me about the photo." She pointed to the old, tattered Polaroid tucked in the edge of a frame.

Lionel looked at the faded sepia image and then at the photograph in the frame. He'd received them both in the mail two days before and with them old memories and regrets had surfaced. "His name is Jorge. I haven't spoken to him in almost fifty years." But he had often dreamed about the young men they'd once been. 

"That's a long time," Dana said as she rested her head in her hand and gave him a comforting smile. She wouldn't understand just how sad it really was. "Why now?"

"He was clearing out some old things and thought I might like it." He stared at the image. "I was surprised he even remembered me. It was such a long time ago." He smiled to himself. Maybe he shouldn't be so surprised. He certainly remembered the two young boys in the old photograph—himself and Jorge at thirteen years old.

"Did you have an argument? Is there a reason you haven't spoken in so long?"

Not an argument. "The world was a different place back then and I wasn't brave enough."

Dana narrowed her dark eyes. "Brave?" She looked at the image. "The two of you were friends?"

Lionel nodded. "Yes. But for me it was more than that." He looked at Dana and admired her dark Latin American features. Maybe it was why he asked for her over and over. In some ways, her accent, her looks, she reminded him of Jorge. "I loved him." The declaration was like a weight being lifted from his chest. "We were children and innocent and it didn't feel wrong or bad. That was something we were taught as we grew up."

"Did he know how you felt?" Dana asked and something sparked behind her deep brown eyes.

If only. "Like I said. I wasn't brave enough."

"But he reached out to you. Maybe it's not too late."

Looking down at his hands, Lionel shook his head. No one wanted a weathered old man. "It's too late. I know that." He looked at the second photograph. There Jorge was, all grown up with a family. His wasn't a life Lionel dreamed of shattering with foolish confessions. "He invited me to visit."

"Then why don't you?"

He couldn't do that. Jorge had lost his wife and become a grandfather in the last year. It was too confusing. "You make it sound easy."

"Maybe it is." Dana slightly raised her hands as she tried to subtly check her cell. Whose name was she hoping to see on the screen?

"Maybe you should take your own advice?" he suggested and smiled as she blushed. "Who is he?"

Dana shook her head. "I'm here to talk about you, not me. It's your time."

Time. Too much of it and yet, somehow, never enough. For fifty years, he had been alone. No wife, no family, just memories and regrets. Hung up on a boy who grew up and moved on without him. With a sigh, he checked the time on his watch. Two full minutes into Christmas Day. It felt good not to see the holiday in alone this year. "Merry Christmas," he said and picked up an envelope and held it out to her. "For your time."

Dana took the envelope and looked inside. "You don't have to," she said of the four hundred dollars inside. "You already paid." Sure, he'd paid the agency, but this was just for her.

"It's a gift. Please. I want you to have it. Treat your boy to something nice."

Smiling, Dana folded the envelope in half and leaned forward, pushing it into her handbag. "Thank you," she said and stood up, collecting her coat from the back of the chair. Smoothing out the creases of her black cocktail dress, she then headed for the door. "Merry Christmas," she added with a smile, before leaving the apartment.

With a sigh, Lionel gazed at the photograph of the elderly Jorge. Taking a deep breath, he decided after tomorrow he would put the photographs away. He had his memories, and though he was curious about the man Jorge had become, all he wanted was to remember them as the boys they had been.

"Merry Christmas, Jorge," he said to the photograph and looked up at the ceiling as the light flickered overhead. Laughing, he got to his feet. He was too old to think it anything but a coincidence.

Part 4

Christmas Blog Story

The second part in my Christmas blog story set on Christmas Eve night, around one building, twelve characters, and six relationships - some lovers, some friends, and some family.

Thank you to everyone who read the first half of Jamie and Sophie's story in Santa Baby. The competition to win a toasty treat is still open until the weekend. Now read the second part, Red.

Parts 1 and 2 - Jamie and Sophie
 

"Good evening, Mr Swanson, Miss Parker."

Sophie Malloy chewed on the edge of her fingernail and watched Jamie greet the two residents. The man looked in his sixties, wrapped in a warm winter coat, and had a small dog tucked under his arm. The poor animal shivered as it nuzzled its head under Mr Swanson's chin. The woman with him, Sophie guessed she was under thirty, exotic and her perfect dark skin held a beautiful glow as she tucked her black curls behind her ears.

Sighing, Sophie leaned back in the leather swivel chair and gently tugged her coat down to cover her thighs as best she could. When she'd left the house, she had felt sexy, excited, and definitely a little naughty. But now, all she felt was embarrassed. She joined Jamie in politely acknowledging the two people, watching as they headed toward the elevators.

"Sorry," Jamie said as he looked down at her.

Sophie shrugged. This whole fantasy had seemed a good idea at the time. "It's fine," she said and pushed at the polished floor with her feet, spinning the chair around as she closed her eyes.

"Hey," Jamie said as he caught the arms of the chair and stopped it.

Opening her eyes, Sophie looked up and pressed her mouth into a pout as she met his hazel eyes. She loved his eyes. She loved him. If only her friends could come to accept it too. They were together and in love. Trying to shake away the rearing doubt, she reached out and wrapped her hand around his tie. "I just wanted…" What the hell had she wanted? A little fun? Some company? To prove something? 

Jamie leaned forward and kissed her. "What?" he asked.

To convince myself the eleven years don't matter. She was thirty-six and he was twenty-five and sometimes she felt it. She felt old. "I don't know," she said as she lifted her leg. Pulling him close, she pressed her lips to his and gently teased his mouth open with her tongue. This was what she had wanted. To be close to Jamie. Slowly, she raised her foot between his legs, stopping as she reached his thigh. Carefully, she edged higher and applied pressure in the space. As she arched up her knee, she felt the hard evidence of attraction in the front of his pants. Her lips curled into a playful smile as her doubts were chased away. He wanted her just as badly as she wanted him.

Raised voices and the yap of Mr Swanson's dog were heard from by the elevators and surprised, Jamie pulled back.

"What's going on?" Sophie asked and leaned forward in her seat. Two men had stepped out of the elevator. Both looked flustered, but one more so as he stopped the elevator door from closing. Mr Swanson's dog barked at the held elevator as the man frantically patted at his pockets.

Jamie straightened up and stepped out from behind the desk. Walking toward the group, he asked, "Is everything okay?"
An exciting spark passed through Sophie's body. Jamie sounded so authoritative and official, and all she could think was, wow. Patiently, she waited until Jamie returned with a smile on his face. "What was all that about?"

"Nothing. Just a fuss over nothing," Jamie said.

"I see." Sophie grinned as she got to her feet and unfastened the buttons of her coat. She teased the heavy material from her shoulder, revealing the red strap of her bra. "So, now you have me all to yourself again, what will you do with me?" She stepped forward and delicately ran her fingers up and down the zipper of Jamie's pants. The lights flickered overhead and they both looked upward. "What was that?"

Jamie wrapped his hands around Sophie's waist and pulled her close. "Nothing," he said and kissed her.

Sophie smiled into the kiss and threaded her fingers through the back of his hair, pulling him close. "You due a break?" she whispered in his ear, catching her bottom lip in between her teeth as he nipped and kissed a line down her neck and across her shoulder.

"God yes," he muttered against her heated skin and slowly edged her back across the lobby.

She glanced over her shoulder to the door clearly marked staff and then returned her attention to Jamie's kisses and touches. Among the exhilarating sensations, her gaze fell briefly on the front desk and the small, flashing, red light beside the telephone. Her curiosity didn't get the chance to develop beyond the fleeting look as Jamie's hand slid inside her coat and cupped her breast. She groaned as he moved his hand beneath the fur edge and teased the hard edge of her nipple. The lights flickered again as did the spark of desire within her as they moved into the staff restroom.

Red light? What red light?

Part 3

Christmas Songs

There is nothing as awesome as hearing Christmas songs on the radio or TV to get you in the mood for the holidays. We all have our favourites whether it's the meaningful lyrics, the catchy tune, or great memories.

These are 5 of my favourites:

1. Stop The Cavalry - Jona Lewie
More for the tune than the meaning, I just love the brass band sound to it.

2. Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses
TUNE. I love this song so much. It's just so easy to bop along to.

3. Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby and David Bowie
Something to chill out to after a day of eating way too much. The two men just sing this beautifully.

4. A Winter's Tale - David Essex
Already a poignant song, this one reminds me of my nan. Along with Cliff Richard's Mistletoe and Wine, it was one always playing in her house. I think I still have the cassette!! :-)

5. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard
And this one makes me smile. Especially, the video as I can imagine my dad dressing like this back in the 70s *chuckles*

So, is there a Christmas song that's special to you? Do you have a soundtrack for the holidays?

Christmas Blog Story Plus Competition

December is here and though I can hardly believe another year has gone, I have to say this is one of my favourite times of year. I love the smell and the lighting, the freshness, and of course the excitement of the holiday, of food and gifts and most importantly family.

Join me throughout the month for a series of holiday related posts, including a new twelve part blog story set on Christmas Eve night, around one building, twelve characters, and six relationships - some lovers, some friends, and some family.

Parts 1 and 2 - Jamie and Sophie

"I miss you."

Me too. Jamie Edison looked longingly at his cell phone as he watched the video clip of his girlfriend for the third time that evening. It was a couple of minutes before midnight and all he wanted was to be home with her. 

"Shall I unwrap your present?" Sophie said in a low sensual voice as she swayed her hips across his screen.

Yes please.

Her blonde hair was swept back from her perfectly made up face—bright red lipstick and dusky gray eyes. As the camera panned, he could make out the dark pencil skirt he loved her to wear. The cut of her clothes accentuated her slim figure and pert ass, and it was more than just a fantasy of banging the sexy office secretary. Sophie Malloy would be waiting in their bed for him when he got home. She was his, all his, and he felt like the luckiest man in the whole fucking world. A few more hours and he could slip into bed beside her and it would be Christmas morning—their first of many.

The video blurred as she turned her cell around and pointed it toward the long mirrors in their bedroom. Sure he'd watched the clip twice already, but just knowing she was thinking of him made the sad reality of six more hours manning the front desk on a cold Christmas Eve halfway to bearable. In the last four hours, several residents of the fifteen story high-rise had come and gone, probably off visiting family or had a fancy party to go to. Not him. He had a ten hour shift sitting behind the oversized desk with an of course I want to be here smile stretched across his face.

"Santa Baby…"

Checking the lobby and the doors, Jamie slid a little lower in his seat and watched Sophie slowly unbutton her silver silk blouse as she sang. God love her, she couldn't sing for shit, but he didn't care, she looked beyond sexy. He rested his hand over the front of his pants and felt the growing bulge beneath the material. Raising his eyes, he looked between the two cameras covering the entrance of the building and then down at his security screens. He eyed the feed from the front desk and watched himself scratch the back of his neck. There was a clear view of his head and shoulders.

Maybe… 

Jamie slowly moved his hand to the waistband of his pants. Keeping his focus straight ahead, he did his best to look normal, or at the very least, not look like he was playing with his dick. He glanced down as he heard another line of the sexy Christmas song and watched as Sophie discarded her blouse to reveal a fur-edged red bra. He admired her rounded cleavage as she stepped back and sat on the end of the bed.

Christ. He closed his hand around his erection, sweeping his thumb over the head of his dick and smearing the bead of pre-cum.

Oh, Sophie. He gave a gentle tug of his dick as she spread her legs, panty-less as she slid her hand up her thigh and—

Jamie snatched back his hand faster than he thought possible as the glass doors slid open. His heart pounded in his ears, tension spread through his chest, and he guessed his face was now a few shades paler. Fumbling with his phone, he got to his feet and stared at the woman standing in the door. She was a vision of red—heels, coat, and lipstick.

Breathlessly, he watched as she walked forward. Her hips swayed seductively as she approached his desk and with a smile on her lips, she stopped in front of him. Leaning forward, she caught him by his tie and pulled him into a long, heated kiss, before releasing him and licking her lips.

Playing with the top button of her coat, Sophie said, "Merry Christmas."

Part 2 - Red 


Competition - CLOSED

Looking for something warm to snuggle up with on your ebook reader this Winter? Now's your chance to win a copy of a toasty treat.

For a chance to win a copy of either Follow The Sun (with RJ Scott) or my summer short Sex and Cocktails, leave a comment to this post with your email address. A winner will be picked at the end of the week.

Sex and Cocktails

Daniel Rawlings is happy with his nine-to-five life in Chicago. He has an office job, a mortgage, and he's about to turn thirty. He's happy, or so he thought. During the last night of a sun-filled vacation in Miami, he meets wild-haired, free-spirited Ty. With the help of some summery cocktails, Daniel and Ty embark on a passionate one night stand, though neither man really wants it to be just one night.

With a thousand miles between cities, it may be harder than either man could have imagined. In the end, Daniel and Ty have a decision to make: Is what they have when they're together worth the heartache of saying goodbye over and over again?

 

OR

 

Follow The Sun

 

Lucas Madison is in the Bahamas for his sister's wedding on the beautiful and idyllic island of Sapphire Cay.

He has the weight of the world on his shoulders. With the stress of his job, the loss of his friend, and faced with his own medical crisis, Lucas arrives on the white sands of Sapphire Cay gray and exhausted. His only thought is to see his sister married and happy.

Dylan Gray is a free-spirited traveler who literally follows the sun. Never settling in one place for long, he earns his way from state to state and continent to continent. But there's something about Sapphire Cay that draws him back over and over. A feeling of home.

When these two men meet, both have decisions to make and directions to choose. And maybe together, they can make the right ones and follow not only the sun, but also their hearts.

Book Cover Designs

Christmas covers for Lisa Worrall's upcoming releases.

Left At The Crossroads - Promo Art Work

Promo art for Sue Brown and Lisa Worrall's new series, Left At The Crossroads - coming 2013.

 

 

See my art page for resource credits.

Just Five Minutes (#2 in the 100 Challenge)

100 words for the 100 Challenge.

 

Hold your breath. Count to ten. 

Would that work? Quell the anger rearing in his gut? Stop the sting behind his red-ringed eyes? 

He hadn't meant to cry. He was a grown man. He didn't do shit like that. But his emotions had betrayed him and now he needed a damn tissue. Actually, no. He didn't need a tissue, he needed a baseball bat and five minutes with Chase Winters and his adulterous dick.

A smile crept across his lips as he bent down and reached beneath his bed, circling his hand around the solid wooden bat.

Just five minutes.

Wandmaker #7

As part of Amber Kells' Birthday bash, here is part 7 of her blog story, Wandmaker.
For previous parts of the story check out her blog here

Also I'm over on her blog talking about my favourite birthday (so far hee) here


Wandmaker #7

Silvan looked down at the gorgeous wand maker and resisted the urge to pin the man to the wall until he changed his mind about ever going away. He might be the crown prince but he didn’t have the right to tell Cebrus what to do even if the man’s quest sounded incredibly dangerous.

It was one of those rare quests where achieving the quest would cause more issues than failing. If the pretty wand maker succeeded in finding wood everyone else thought long gone and could indeed form wands for wand makers he might be considered a danger to the kingdom. 

A group of people who could not only form their own wands but use them could be formidable if they took the opposite side in a battle. Most people didn’t understand much about magic. Wandmakers not only understood magic but they could transfer it from wand to wand. Visions of someone transferring everyone’s magic to their own wand sent chills down Silvan’s spine.

There could only be one way to make sure this event didn’t occur.

“I’d love to accompany you on your quest,” Silvan said. He stroked a hand down Cebrus’s arm. He could feel the electrical attraction between them.

Cebrus stepped away from Silvan’s touch.

“I don’t need anyone accompanying me. Don’t you have important princey business to conduct?”

Silvan couldn’t stop the smile spreading cross he face. The wandmaker was too damn adorable. He wanted to take Cebrus and tuck him in his pocket so he could have the sweet thing around all the time.

Too bad Cebrus was going to damage the proper way of magic as they knew it.

“My father is always saying I need to go around the kingdom and get to know the people.”

Cebrus laughed. “I’m not from your kingdom.”

“Then you can add to my knowledge of other parts of the world.” Silvan couldn’t let this man out of his reach. Even if it weren’t for the fact that Cebrus appealed to Silvan far more than anyone he’d ever met before. His father would kill Silvan if he let Cebrus wander off without making an effort. If Cebrus continued on his quest without Silvan he would follow. He had to. Cebrus’s quest could ruin them all if he were successful.

Anyone else he’d imprison for such ideas but Cebrus was right about one thing. To jail a wand maker would bring down a lot more trouble than one kingdom could handle.

Stories from Sapphire Cay

Work is continuing on the series. Chapter 1 of the second book, Under The Sun has just been completed. RJ and I are really looking forward to expanding on the world of Sapphire Cay and sharing our new characters with you while also revisiting our original men, Lucas and Dylan.

Keep up to date by visiting the website for the series... http://sapphirecay.weebly.com/

Stories From Sapphire Cay

Sapphire Cay is a fictional island in the Bahamas.

The series charts the loves and lives of the men of Sapphire Cay - the workaholic, the wedding planner, the soldier, the physicist, the model, and more. Their stories are ones of romance and drama.

Follow The Sun, the first book in the series, was released this weekend and is available now from: 
Amazon :: AllRomance :: Smashwords :: Publisher

Blurb

Lucas Madison is in the Bahamas for his sister's wedding on the beautiful and idyllic island of Sapphire Cay.

He has the weight of the world on his shoulders. With the stress of his job, the loss of his friend, and faced with his own medical crisis, Lucas arrives on the white sands of Sapphire Cay gray and exhausted. His only thought is to see his sister married and happy.

Dylan Gray is a free-spirited traveler who literally follows the sun. Never settling in one place for long, he earns his way from state to state and continent to continent. But there's something about Sapphire Cay that draws him back over and over. A feeling of home.

When these two men meet, both have decisions to make and directions to choose. And maybe together, they can make the right ones and follow not only the sun, but also their hearts.

****

My Perfect Place

Sapphire Cay was the perfect place of calm and beauty for Dylan and then for Lucas - a place to relax and think. As much as we'd all love to run away to an island in the Bahamas for some R & R, we often find our own places or ways to relax.

For me, there are a couple of places I love. I love the sea, and though I don't live on a tropical island, I enjoy any and every opportunity to get to the coast. Living in the middle of the country it doesn't happen as much as I'd like, but there is something exquisite about sitting on the promenade or on the sand and looking out across the big, beautiful space. The air is fresh and the breeze and spray calming. It's perfect.

Now, I can't go running to the seaside on a whim so my other perfect place is actually my bed. Not quite as exotic, I know, but you can't beat snuggling up in a cool, squishy duvet and t's even better with the early morning light shining through an open blind. It's nice to just lie there and collect my thoughts. I love my bed.

Do you have a perfect place? Or somewhere you go to think?

William's Heart in Hearts of England

Out today is the Hearts of England Anthology, featuring six stories set in England and written by British authors. The anthology includes stories from Chris Quinton, Lisa Worrall, RJ Scott, Sue Brown, SA Meade and Meredith Russell.

William's Heart is set in Stratford upon Avon, and follows Jude, a British photography student, and Brody, an American writer. From their awkward first meeting to the start of a relationship, this is a story about two men searching for inspiration, and finding each other.

Excerpt from William's Heart

 Chapter 1

 "Nana, come and see!" The young child tugged at the sleeve of her grandmother's coat and shifted impatiently from one foot to the other. She waved toward the river, excited to see two large swans standing at the water's edge. One of the swans stood to its full height and spread its wings out wide. The elegant bird let out a throaty noise as it flapped its wings, causing a plume of soft, white feathers to fall away and float to the ground.

Hearts Of England Anthology

Available today from Silver Publishing

William's Heart in Hearts of England
 

From the wilds of the Brontes' bleak moors and soft summer nights in Stratford upon Avon, to a chance meeting in a cosy tea shop: six stories showing an England full of passion and love.

The Cameraman's Tale - Chris Quinton
By Design - Lisa Worrall
Child of storm - RJ Scott
A Good Feeling - S.A. Meade
This Morning - Sue Brown
William's Heart - Meredith Russell


* * * * *

The Cameraman's Tale - Chris Quinton
Mark is a researcher for a paranormal reality TV show. A cameraman on the show encountered a ghost and needs his help. Mark must break the cycle of injury and death before filming begins, or others will be at risk.

By Design - Lisa Worrall
Robbie Cooper gets more than he bargains for when Shane Donald walks into his shop, photograph in hand, asking Robbie to tattoo the likeness on his skin. There’s something about the photograph and the way Shane talks about the man in the picture that ignites a spark deep inside Robbie, and he longs to know more. But will he like what he hears, and will he be able to control his instant attraction to his client?

Child of storm - RJ Scott
Ben Hyland is excited to be showing Cory Vasilyev Yorkshire. Cory scouts locations for film studios and needs the right inspiration for a new film version of Wuthering Heights. Problem is Ben wants to share his passion for the story and for the wild moors but Cory just wants to go home. Until he doesn't.

A Good Feeling - S.A. Meade
Jamie never expected to meet the love of his life in a tea shop. He never expected his lover, Connor, to be an Army Officer about to return to Afghanistan for one last deployment. After twelve short weeks together, Jamie has to face uncertainty and worry. Worry that Connor may not make it back alive, uncertainty that Connor will want him to be at the base, waiting, when he returns. Will the good feelings he always had about their future together survive their separation?

This Morning - Sue Brown
When Neil takes his son to school he doesn't expect Alex to tell him that he doesn't want to go to South Africa on a year-long trip with him and his husband. Neil has to make a choice between his son and his husband. He only hopes that Baz understands his son must come first, otherwise he faces the prospect of his love walking out of his life forever.

William's Heart - Meredith Russell
Jude is confident, happy, and views his world through the lens of a camera. Brody is a writer, haunted, and searching for inspiration in Stratford-upon-Avon. In Jude, Brody finds something his heart has longed for—acceptance for who he is.

Available from Silver Publishing here

Add to Goodreads here

I'm A Work In Progress

This post is part of RJ Scott's anniversary blog hop. Congrats on 2 years and counting!!

As a new author, it has already been quite a learning process - from planning to writing and from submission to release day.

So, where do I start? For quite some time, I had been encouraged by others to try writing professionally and submit something for publishing. In the first instance, I thought sure I can do this, but there was always that lingering doubt. What if they reject my story? A story I worked really hard on. It'd be like they were rejecting me. But I'd never know if I didn't try, and that's half the battle - having the courage to try. And if things don't work out, take any advice or figure out where you went wrong and try again.

While I worked on my first story, I was fortunate enough to have a friend who had already made that transition to published author, RJ Scott. Through her I was able to get a taste of how the process worked by co-authoring a novel, The Art Of Words. It wasn't as scary as I thought and it was incredibly rewarding to see our hard work lead to something. Okay, an ebook isn't something you can hold as such, but the publisher she worked with, Silver Publishing have fantastic artists. I had a beautiful book cover with my name on it - that was something to be incredibly proud of.

The editing process was pretty straightforward. I know it will depend on the state of your story in the first place. Plot holes, grammatical errors, awkward sentences, repetition of phrases and words, redundant words like 'that', and for me, those nasty Britishisms as I write in American English. I have been through the editing process a total of four times now and each time I learnt something new that I never thought about before. It's been great that the three times for my solo stories I've worked with the same editor, I don't know if that's a common thing elsewhere, but it's helped and I like consistancy. I do find the more people who look at a piece of writing, they have slightly different views on structure, grammar, and word use - nothing major, just those little things that seem right either way.

Something else from editing... I am of the opinion that the publishing staff are there to help me and to shape my story into something that is saleable. Obviously, this is to both our benefits :D So any suggestions and comments I have fully embraced, and tried my best to make the changes. I remember putting in a joke in a story and the person who read it didn't get what I meant, and after looking at it, I could see why maybe they didn't. Just because I know what I mean when I write something, doesn't mean anyone else does :)

Release day - today is actually the release day of my first full novel, Dead Things, which follows The Art Of Words with RJ Scott and then a short story for a summer submission at Silver, Sex and Cocktails. As a new author, I get really excited and also nervous on release day. It's exciting because it seems such a long time since submission and editing, and then there it is, live on Silver and Amazon for the world to see. Maybe one day the novelty will wear off, but certainly at the moment I really look forward to it. The nervous part also kicks in here as, as much as you want to hear what people think, you really don't want to hear what people think. What you have to remember is that reviews are subjective - they may like a certain type, style, be in a certain mood when they happen to read. One thing to always remember, never get defensive and reply to these reviews. It could quickly spiral out of control and there are plenty of examples of this on various books on Goodreads and Amazon. Behave like a professional, take anything constructive from them, and move on to your next story.

This is my experience so far in publishing. Other things I've had to consider are the writing itself. Things like: having a plan (even of it's just key points), making notes about your characters to help continuity, if you get stuck try 'sprinting' (set yourself a short time limit and off you go - you can write several hundred words maybe more when focused for a simple 30 minutes), POV and tenses - make sure you stick to them (you can only be in one characters head at a time thinking and feeling stuff!) and US vs UK English. Another thing I was gently prompted to do is promotion. Get on facebook, get a blog, do your best to post stuff and be active and get involved (or bullied *sticks tongue out at RJ*). And most of all have fun.



As it is release day, I'd like to offer readers a chance to win a copy of Dead Things. All you need to do to enter is leave a comment with your email addy and a winner will be selected tomorrow at midnight (GMT). Competition closed. Congratulations, Terri!

Also RJ Scott is having a competition, along with links to the other posts in this blog hop here... http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/competition-writer-is-nothing-without.html
And find the resource facebook page for new and existing authors inspiring the blog hop here... https://www.facebook.com/GlbtqAuthorResource

Dead Things

Blurb:

A deadly virus rages indiscriminately across the United States and then beyond. The survivors face a new terror—the undead creatures created in the wake of the infection.

Devin Reid is part of a group surviving out of a high-security penitentiary near Kansas City. Resources are limited and it's down to a handful of people like Devin to meet the demands on food and supplies. The newly-made monsters are hungry, and the survivors risk their lives scavenging the cities and highways.

On one fateful venture, Devin finds something, someone, with the potential to change a dark future, destined for blood and heartbreak, into one of hope and second chances. He finds Noah Weber.


Available from Silver Publishing: Here
Add to Goodreads: Here

Zombies #10

The tenth and final zombie post in the countdown to the release of Dead Things, available from N/A.

Thanks if you stuck with me for this long and if I ever think of trying to post 10 days in a row again, remind me how hard it actually is to keep it up :)
So, to start off, one more excerpt from the book and this time there be zombies :)

Dead Things
Excerpt from Chapter 3

Zombies #9

My second place favourite zombie movie is...

9. Planet Terror

Dr. Felix: Viral infections. They came pouring in. Some are rapidly developing coliform lesions... highly contagious. What do you think?
Dr. William Block: Self preservation comes to mind.

Ever watch a film and just thought...wow, that is so cool? I love Rodriguez's Planet Terror. Paired with Tarantino's Death Proof under the title Grindhouse (which also featured a then mock-trailer of Machete), Planet Terror oozes a certain style that people either love or hate. Personally, I love anything like this, a movie that is visually just awesome. I love the flickery effect of an old picture house and the movie reel jumping or even burning out. The mood of the movie is dark but a fun romp very much like some of Rodriguez's other films, From Dusk Til Dawn, Sin City and The Faculty. I just love the dialogue and action and overall B-movie feel to it.

Abby: I also want your balls for my collection! It would be easier if you do it yourself. Just drop your pants, chop them off, and give them to me. Then... I might consider letting you live.
Romy: Uh... Abby... I'm really attached to them.
Abby: Oh, sweetheart I was really attached to my specimens. And now, thanks to you and your incompetence, they're out there in the night doing God knows what.

A virus is released and some infected specimens escape, which both head for town. And then the bites, the lesions and the dead bodies start rolling into the hospital. The mixed group of survivors battling it out include Cherry, a go-go dancer, her ex, Wray who has history with the sheriff and guns (and it seems knives - handy though), the sheriff's cook brother, a pair of twin babysitters, and a bisexual doctor that is nifty with syringes :). Throw in some slightly unstable military guys and then it really gets fun. The female characters are sexy and capable. The zombies are pretty gross and some actual brain eating happens \o/ It's a great cast including Josh Brolin, Michael Biehn, Rose McGowan, Bruce Willis and Fergie. There are a few shocking moments in there along with the gore, as well as the dark humour and even a little romance :)


Sheriff Hague: Don't shoot yourself. Don't shoot each other. And especially... don't shoot me.

I just find the movie really cool and I'm a Tarantino and Rodriguez fan, so mixed with zombies, I was having a happy watching this ;D

Zombies #8

8. Doghouse

Neil: When we get to the country, we are gonna piss up all the trees to mark our teritory, then we are gonna find a pub and get so drunk we can't remember how to speak, and we'll communicate in grunts like neanderthals, before passing out in the woods!

This is one of my favourite films (don't judge me). A group of blokes leave their wives, girlfriends, boyfriends or casual hookups behind for a weekend and head to a small village to help their mate Vince get over his recent divorce only for them to run into a small snag. With a population where women outnumber men 4:1, a virus has turned the females into a bunch of man-hunting cannibals, or zombirds as they're affectionately known :)


Graham: What kind of virus only attacks women?
Neil: Bird flu.

Okay, so not everyone is going to like this British horror/comedy - it is very laddish, rude and plenty of bad behaviour. There's just something about geezer blokes that I find funny. They don't offend me, certainly not in the movies anyway, and unlike a friend of mine, I actually really like Danny Dyer as an actor. I enjoyed him in Severence, another British horror/comedy and also in Straightheads with Gillian Anderson. The movie also stars Noel Clarke and Stephen Graham who also play the role of typical blokey-blokes really well.

Graham: In case you've forgotten, the reason we brought him out here was to try and convince him not all women were out to get him.
Vince: Thanks for that lads. It's all going really fucking well innit.

It just makes me laugh this movie. I love the zombirds. Each one is made up as a different character and therefore has a particular 'weapon' that they had with them - there's the hairdresser and her scissors, the foxhunter and her riding crop, the lollypop lady and her sign. And though they start off lumbering around, they are soon subjected to 'Phase 2' and then they get really nasty :)

Mikey: Now you decide to shoot something, you fucking monkey's arse ring!
Sergeant Gavin Wright: I had one bullet left. I was saving it for when I really needed it.
Mikey: You're still a twat!

Overall, it's funny, rude, gory and my kind of movie.

Zombies! #7

Post 7 in my countdown to my release Dead Things, due out this Saturday. I'm going to start of with a further excerpt from the story.

Zombies! #6

6. Doom

Again, not technically zombies, but certain people die, come back, turn into violent, munching monsters so I'm taking it. Plus it is an awesome excuse to appreciate the awesomeness of one Mr Karl Urban.


The things I like about Doom:

1. Karl Urban. You never saw that one coming did ya?  I love the character in this, John 'Reaper' Grimm. Yes he's a soldier that shoots stuff, but he has history and background stuff that creates angst and misery and conflict, which is all very yummy.

John Grimm: If I turn into one of those demons, shoot me. One in the heart and one in the head, and don't you hesitate.





2. The Rock or Dwayne Johnson because he's a proper actor now, you know. I really, really like his movies. I'm not sure if I should, but I do. And oh lordy that body. Ahem. Anyway, I think he's great in this as Sarge, the guy in charge and I love the slightly psycho edge to his personality :) All very cool.

Sarge: Eliminate the threat.
The Kid: What threat?
Duke: It goes like this see, if it's trying kill ya. It's a threat










3. The brother and sister relationship. Much like I have in Dead Things, there is a great brother and sister relationship in this movie. Strained at times (particularly in the beginning as they reunite after some time apart) but also incredibly supportive and protective, and even though Reaper is the big bad bro soldier, Sam looks out for him just as much as he looks out for her.

Samantha Grimm: So, "Reaper"? As in "Grim"?
John Grimm: They're Marines, Sam, not poets.



4. Those action one liners. You know the ones. Those awesome lines that make you chuckle as the big tough action hero puts down the bad guys.


5. The fact even soldiers stuck on a scary planet with creepy-ass monsters still have needs.

Corporal Dean Portman: I gotta take a dump.
Destroyer: What? Now?
Corporal Dean Portman: Unless you want me shitting my pants right here.








6. It is the ultimate guilty pleasure. I particularly enjoyed the scene that was a shout out to the original game and the feel of that. Sure the plot is flimsy, but who cares. We have monsters, soldiers, action, humour, good and evil, and human emotions and mistakes. I really love this film and have watched it so many times I have lost count. Not quite zombies, but the feel of it, the tension, the scares, people dying and coming back as messed up monsters, it has a lot in common in that sense - plus after a google, it seems it has made it onto a couple of zombie movie lists *nods* And if nothing else...it has Karl Urban, The Rock and, for any British kids of the 80s/early 90s out there, Dexter Fletcher - Press Gang anyone? Or for zombie buffs, he stared in the not-so-great zombie movie, Autumn.

Zombies! #5

4 and 5. 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later

Okay, so there's the whole they aren't really zombies argument. I know they're not in the strictest sense, although I swear the amount of blood some characters lost in attacks, they shouldn't be up and that lively *ponders*. But zombiesque in style, they are super cool movies.

Jim: And then I wake up today in hospital. I wake up, and I'm... I'm hallucinating or I'm...
Mark: What's your name?
Jim: Jim.
Mark: I'm Mark. This is Selena. OK, Jim. I've got some bad news.

The first movie tells the story of Jim and other survivors he comes across, looking for some kind of hope of a cure or somewhere safe. A 'rage' virus has swept through the population of Britain and well, obliterated it. I love the opening scenes of an abandonned London, and Jim all alone as he wanders around the city, completely unaware of what has happened. Of course, it doesn't take long for Jim to come across the infected, rage-filled monsters created from the virus, and so begins a desperate battle of survival. There are some great action sequences and the music in this and the sequel are just superb. In the House/In a Heartbeat, has to be my favourite piece of music ever - to be fair John Murphy does some epic soundtracks.


Jim: No, no. No, see, this is a really shit idea. You know why? Because it's really obviously a shit idea.

Brendan Gleeson pops up in a role of a survivor, playing a father who has his daughter with him. Together with Jim and the main female character, the ass-kicking Selena, they head off in search of other survivors. Christopher Eccleston also stars as a soldier in charge of a group of surviving very laddish soldiers that our main group comes across, and you just know things aren't going to be as easy as these guys banding together and waiting it out.

Private Jones: Mitch, I fucking got one!
Corporal Mitchell: What you want a fucking sweetie? Keep shooting, you c**t!

I really enjoyed this movie. It kind of reignited my lust of horror movies and in particular zombies. There had been nothing significant in quite a while before this movie that dealt with populations becoming infected and turned into wild, crazed monsters (there probably was something that I've forgotten *thinks*). It was a really cool movie that was followed up with an equally cool sequel.

28 Weeks Later is as it says set months after the intitial breakout of the virus. It opens showing us what happened with the character played by Robert Carlyle (I love this guy so much) set to a slightly altered version of In a Heartbeat (Oh yeah!!) It then cuts to 6 months later, the virus has pretty much died out and there's an awesome plan to start repopulating a section of London with the help of the US army. A good plan...you'd think. But alas things go tits up and off we go again.

I do just want to say... hello, Jeremy Renner. He caught my eye in an episode of Angel and then he just kept popping up in all sorts. Anyway, he plays one of the army guys and looks very good doing it. He has a big gun *nods*. I'm getting distracted. This movie is every bit as good as the first, but the tone is a lot different. The first was more creepy, fewer people with surprise bursts of violence. This is just a whole bigger thing, a lot more action once it gets going and more people around to get caught up in the ensuing chaos. Zombies or not, these are bloody great films :)

Zombies! #4

Todays blog is over at RJ Scott's blog where I talk about three of my favourite things: Romance, Zombies, and Strong Female Characters.

Find the post here

Zombies! #3

Post 3 in my countdown to the release of Dead Things on 11th August.
So, I'm going to start by posting an excerpt from the start of the book. Meet Devin Reid...

Zombies! #2

2. Night of the Living Dead.

Ah, a classic.

Johnny: They're coming to get you, Barbara, there's one of them now!

This must be the oldest zombie movie I've ever seen (or that I at least remember seeing), but it definately wasn't the first. Even today, forty odd years on, it's still a decent movie. Okay, for the Hostel generation it might not be quite enough gore and guts, but there are still some pretty decent scares/tension and death/being eaten scenes.

Field Reporter: Chief, if I were surrounded by eight or ten of these things, would I stand a chance with them?
Sheriff McClelland: Well, there's no problem. If you have a gun, shoot 'em in the head. That's a sure way to kill 'em. If you don't, get yourself a club or a torch. Beat 'em or burn 'em. They go up pretty easy

The zombies are slow - but strong and gradually more and more of them. They are menacing just because they won't go away and linger around looking hungry, and as is the unfortunate case with human beings, the people trying to survive make mistakes. Just happens that make a mistake in this movie and you turn yourself into a snack before you can say 'zombie apoalypse'! I really like how 'real' it's made to feel with the documentary style addition of reports from newscasters and interviews with scientists and the groups going out to try and kill the zombies as our survivors watch the TV and listen on the radio. The group themselves is a crazy mix of men and women, each is a little sterotypical, the hero, the coward, the sick one, the hysterical one, the silly bloody woman that should have stayed inside *shakes fist* but I suppose being stuck in a farmhouse with a bunch of people you don't know and surrounded by a zombie horde might make you a little gaga.

Ben: They know we're in here now.

Ben, the hero, is certainly the standout character for me - he is the one most in control of himself and obviously back in the day, having a black guy playing the lead was an exceptional thing indeed. 
Anyone who cals themselves a zombie or horror fan will have seen or needs to see this movie. It's great stroy telling and first in a fantastic series by Romero. A must for all fans. It's harrowing and has an ending that seriously, in it's own messed up way, is bloody brilliant.

Zombies! #1

My first full length novel is out on the 11th August. Dead Things is a contemporary romance story set in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. I am a fan of the horror genre and I hope to write in either the universe of Dead Things again, or delve into other strands of horror - werewolves and vampires (of the NOT sparkly kind) are two of my faves, along with monster movies like Lake Placid, Piranha, Crocodile etc. And you have to love mutant mountain men. Two of my watch over and over movies are Wrong Turn and The Hills Have Eyes (remake). Coming back to zombies, in the lead up to Dead Things release I wanted to share with you some of my particular favourites from the world of movies. Some are classic zombie flicks, some modern takes on the genre, and some that aren't zombies in the strictest sense, but are certainly stylized on them. So, ten days and ten favourites:-


1. Resident Evil.

Red Queen: You're all going to die down here.

The Resident Evil movies are a mixed bag for me. As a fan of the games, especially the second one, I was really excited about the release of the first movie. And though I know not everyone will think the same, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've loved Milla Jovovich ever since seeing her in The Fifth Element (multipass!) and Alice has been a great character for her. I love a lady that can kick ass and look good doing it. Michelle Rodriguez has also become a favourite of mine, and Rain was also a kick ass character. James Purefoy (be still my heart) and Eric Mabius (not bad) added a little eye candy for me, the soundtrack was heavy and rocking and yet damn creepy at times, and get the zombies up and roaming and moaning and I was squeeing like a little girl with the latest Barbie :P

Rain: All the people that were working here are dead.
Spence: Well, that isn't stopping them from walking around.

There's just something about reanimated corpses that is nicely creepy. Okay so one zombie grunting his way toward you might not be all that scary (depending on the zombie universe he's from - some amble, some are pretty spry for dead guys), but the damn things lurk in dark corners, and get them in a pack and you're kinda screwed. I love gore - intestines being pulled from stomachs. I love jumps and scares and atmospheric scenes. Resident Evil was a nice update on the genre and something a bit different to the many B-movies that continue to come out. It was a great start to the series of movies - action, a zombie virus and an explanation of its origin, strong and capable lead characters, zombie dogs, mutated zombie beasties, and the movie pulled in some of the elements of the games that made them so awesome.

J.D.: I shot her five times. How was she still standing?
Rain: Bitch isn't standing now.

I really love this film. The character of Alice in her original form was perhaps my favourite version of her throughout the movies. I have enjoyed the sequels to the film, mostly - 2 fell a little short, 3 got better, and 4 built on that (maybe it was Wentworth Miller that helped, oh and the 3D lol, or more likely the return of Alice as I wished she'd been all the way through *whispers* normal) I think in the end, when it comes down to it, I just bloody love zombies. I think they are perhaps a guilty pleasure as I have seen some downright terrible movies over the years (I have the Horror Channel on Sky lol) but I just can't help but watch LOL.

New Release: Sex and Cocktails

So it's finally here. My first solo release, Sex and Cocktails.
I'm incredibly excited to share my story with you all.

Blurb:

Daniel Rawlings is happy with his nine-to-five life in Chicago. He has an office job, a mortgage, and he's about to turn thirty. He's happy, or so he thought. During the last night of a sun-filled vacation in Miami, he meets wild-haired, free-spirited Ty. With the help of some summery cocktails, Daniel and Ty embark on a passionate one night stand, though neither man really wants it to be just one night.

With a thousand miles between cities, it may be harder than either man could have imagined. In the end, Daniel and Ty have a decision to make: Is what they have when they're together worth the heartache of saying goodbye over and over again?

Excerpt:

Kermit juice, Daniel Rawlings mused as he stirred his drink with a fluorescent pink drinking straw. He stared at the huge cocktail and admired its color. It was green, and he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. What made a drink green? He must be insane. It was the sun. That was it. He was suffering from one too many days of lying on the beach and the sun had finally fried his brain. He was sitting in some club with a cocktail mostly made up of straws, umbrellas, and crushed ice, and talking to some guy he didn't even know.

Shit. Said guy was looking at him again.

Ty, Daniel told himself, his name's Ty. Maybe. Definitely Ty or something close. Trey? Troy?

He'd possibly had one too many green drinks, a couple of purple ones too, and should probably have stopped drinking two cocktails ago. Daniel narrowed his eyes as he sucked the ice-cold drink through the straw, and stared over the shoulder of the guy sitting in front of him and out toward the exit. It was definitely Ty, he decided. The guy was okay, but Daniel was supposed to be out with friends. He wasn't entirely sure how he lost the three of them, but somehow he'd ended up alone with this guy. This all seemed incredibly irresponsible of him and them. He glanced at Ty. Okay, so the guy was better than okay, all sun-kissed skin and tangled hair. Daniel smirked. He was totally having naughty thoughts about the guy. Focusing on his drink, he considered why he was in Miami. In a month he would turn thirty, and his friends somehow came to the conclusion the best way to see out his twenties was in a glorious blaze of sex and alcohol. Their one mission seemed to be to hook him up with some hot guy. Sure he hadn't been laid in nearly a year, but it seemed a greater concern to them than it did to him. As the alcohol in his glass slowly disappeared, Daniel began to think that this might just be the worst idea in the history of ideas.

Subtly, or as subtly as he could after drinking several cocktails, Daniel looked around the room. The club was one of the nicer places they'd been in. The music was mostly recent, with the occasional crowd pleaser thrown in for its more stereotypical gay patrons. The interior was painted in bright colors and yet still retained the Art Deco feel of the South Beach area. He followed the painted line running around the bar--the sun and beach theme had a refreshingly modern and quirky feel about it.

Taking another drink, he tried to spot his friends. He was slightly annoyed they had abandoned him so easily. Rick and Steve had vanished first. He should have known better than to head out with those two. They were as a good as married, and somehow they'd managed to make the so-called honeymoon period last into a seventh year. He rolled his eyes fondly. They were probably fucking in the bathroom as he sat here being eyed up by good old Ty. He wondered about Neil. His friend had quickly disappeared in search of some female attention. The lucky bastard had found a bachelorette party. The girls were probably trying to turn him straight. If only they knew.

"Pterodactyl," Ty interrupted.

Did he just say...? Daniel narrowed his eyes suspiciously. Either the guy just called out the name of a flying dinosaur, or it was definitely time to stop drinking.

"What?" Daniel slurred and released the straw as he sat back in his seat.

Ty grinned as he seemed to realize just how confused Daniel was. "Thought that would get your attention." He looked out from beneath his sweeping, dark bangs, and Daniel just wanted to reach out and brush them to one side. "Did I get it?"

Daniel rolled his eyes and leaned forward, catching the straw between his lips. Sucking hard, he filled his mouth with more of the sugary liquid. He savored the taste before swallowing and looked across the table. Ty had gotten his attention, Daniel admitted to himself. The way the guy just kept staring back at him was kind of weird. Did he have something on his face? Instinctively, Daniel raised his hand and wiped at his mouth and cheeks. He met Ty's lustful eyes, admiring their beautiful shade of brown with golden flecks.

Amber, Daniel guessed at the color.

"It was always my favorite dinosaur," he continued, "with its big wings and a beak that could peck your eyes out."

Now there's a pickup line, Daniel thought, and quirked an eyebrow. This guy was nuts.....

 

Magic Mike - Review

Oh, Magic Mike, I love you this much *wafts arms around really, really far apart*



Okay, I admit it, the only reason I was interested in this film was for the stripping. There, I feel so much better making that confession. But then I saw it...