Let'sTry This Again...Pt 1

A few weeks back, I posted an excerpt of Forbidden Love, the 3rd book in my series, and asked for feedback. Didn't get any, so maybe nobody liked that particular scene? Let's try this one. And instead of posting the scenes in the same entry, I'll post the other one tomorrow. So please let me know which version you like better, or if it really doesn't matter. And I'm concerned about the part where you catch a glimpse into Kyle's viewpoint. Do I need to expand on his world more?

Blurb: Keri Patterson meets an older man, and is instantly transported into her first adult relationship. But is Kyle Sampson really telling her the truth about his ex-wife? Is Keri's ambition to someday be a part of an Indianapolis 500 racing crew interfering with her love life?

In this scene, Kyle and Keri are meeting face to face for the 3rd time. It's late at night; she's studying; he offers to distract her for a little while.



Kyle and I talked for several hours during the next week. I told him about my classes and about fixing Gretchen's car, which had needed the steering column tightened.
He laughed. "Just out of curiosity, what's your fee?"
"Dinner," I replied. "Neither of us liked what the cafeteria offered, so she bought me a Big Mac."
"Can't beat that," he said. "Hey, I've got good news. The beach party's on for Saturday."
"That is good news!" I exclaimed. "My roommates Gretchen and Stephanie are looking forward to it, also."
"The more the merrier. Rusty's pretty excited about it, too. He loves the water."
"So I finally get to meet him." I was both nervous and excited.
"Yes. Hang on a minute." I heard Kyle speaking to someone in the room. "Keri, Kurt wants to know if any of your friends are single."
"Well," I said slowly. "Gretchen is, but I don't think she'd be interested in him."
"Okay, I'll tell him to find his own date," Kyle chuckled. "Are you still in the bathroom, or are you sitting in the hallway again?"
"No, actually, I'm on my bed," I smiled and stretched out. "I'm the only one here. Stephanie and Gretchen went for walks, and Elicia's with the Sig Epps."
"All alone, eh?" His voice became low and husky. "It's only nine-thirty. Are you studying, or would you like to have me come get you?"
"What would you do with me?" I teased him.
"I'd rather show you," was the reply.
I was tempted. "I'm done with my studying," I told him. "But I do need someone to quiz me in electronics. Could you have me back by midnight or so?"
"I think I could. I'll be there in about fifteen minutes." Kyle hung up.
I started to change, then stopped. Sooner or later he'd have to see me in sweats. I did put on a touch of make-up and sprayed myself with cologne. I checked myself in the mirror and didn't think I looked too awful in my pink and gray sweatsuit. Leaving a message on our markerboard, I gathered up my notes, locked the door behind me, and went to the lobby to watch for Kyle. I could hardly wait to see him again, and felt tingles up and down my spine when I remembered the feel of his arms around me.

Meanwhile...
Kyle took his jacket from beside the door. "I'm going out for a few hours, so if Lisa calls..."
"Man, you're asking for trouble," warned Sid, shaking his head. "You're not even divorced yet!"
"Well, what am I supposed to do? Ask Keri to put her social life on hold until I'm free?"
"Just be careful."
"I will. I'm taking her back to my apartment. Lisa knows I've been staying here." He grabbed his keys and left.
Driving to campus, he thought about the situation. Lisa was a good woman, a good mother, and a damned fine nurse, but she was boring to live with. They had met at work and just drifted into dating, then marriage, and after Rusty was born, everything just seemed to spiral out of control. The air had gotten so tense between them that he had switched shifts at the hospital, which had ultimatly made things worse. Finally, he and Lisa had agreed to separate, so she and Rusty had moved to her mother's house. But paying rent on the apartment, and giving money to Lisa for Rusty ate up his paycheck, so he had approached Sid about the problem.
"Move in with me, man," Sid had urged. "We can fix up the basement and split the cost five ways. And get you back into the dating scene."
Meeting Keri that first night had been a fluke. He had had no intention of getting involved; a little harmless flirting, maybe even getting her to go to bed with him had crossed his mind...But the more time he spent with her the more he wanted to get to know her. She had a rare innocence about her, totally guileless, very open and friendly. And could the girl kiss! His body still responded whenever he thought about her small, compact body in his arms. She was intelligent, and he admired her ambition to succeed in what was usually known as "the good ol' boy's" club. His heart quickened as he entered the Arbor University campus.

When I saw the familiar red car, I ran down the steps and jumped in beside him.
"Hi," I said eagerly.
"Hello..." He looked approvingly at me. Instead of driving directly to the house, as I'd expected, Kyle drove to "our" spot in Arbor Park. There, he gathered me in his strong arms and thoroughly kissed me. "I've missed that," he smiled when we drew apart. "And you smell so wonderful! What is that?"
"It's called 'Soft Musk'," I answered. "I've missed you too."
"Then come here." He claimed my lips with his own, and his tongue sought mine possessively. His lips traveled all over my face and ended up at one of my ears. I shivered as his teeth teased my earlobe, and felt his warm breath in my ear.
"Cold?" He whispered, running his hands over my shoulders and down my back.
"No," I sighed. "Oh, I like that. Scratch my back."
Kyle laughed and obeyed. Then he drew back and gazed down at me. "You look great. I wonder what you'll look like on Saturday?" he smiled and backed the car out of the parking spot.
"You'll just have to wait and find out."
"Oh, a woman of mystery!"
We drove to his tiny apartment. "I'm in the middle of moving my things to Sid's," he explained. "So excuse the mess."
I was puzzled. "So the phone number you gave me is Sid's?"
"Yes. I spend most of my time there."
We went inside, and Kyle was right. It was a mess. Boxes stood against the bare walls, and clothes, toys, books, and various knickknacks were strewn everywhere. Kyle cleared off the couch and asked me if I wanted anything to drink. I declined, so in between kisses, he quizzed me about my electrical knowlege.
"I'm impressed," he said. "Most girls wouldn't know an amp from a volt."
"I have to know my stuff," I said. "If I don't know it, or constantly have to check my book, the guys make fun of me, or say, 'a girl's brain can't handle the hard stuff.' I have to be one of the best in my classes!"

What did you think? If you don't have a blogger account, or want to leave a comment, email me at storimom2@aol.com and tell me where I need improvement. And if I should post the same scene in 3rd person, or if you want another one.

Back to Reality...

Tomorrow my kids return to school. Usually I'm doing the happy dance, but for whatever reason, the past two weeks have thrown me completely off my schedule!

I sleep until 8 or 9. Okay while on vacation, but I've set my alarm three times in the past five and slept through it every time except once. And that was at 8:30 on Saturday, and only because it's my weekly 90210 dose of teen angst. I have to be up by no later than 7:15 tomorrow in order to get dressed, drink one or two cups of coffee, and take my toddler to school. Thank God hubby is going to take the teens! And my oldest doesn't have that 7 am class anymore.

I've been staying up later, at least 12 or 1 am. I need a lot of sleep. I'm not a morning person, and need at least 8 or 9 hours!

Before vacation, I would take the kids to school, then come home, blog, shower, and write until time to pick up the toddler. The past week, it's been hit-and-miss; I'm well into chapter 2 of the wip, but haven't touched it at all today. So who knows what will happen tomorrow, when it's just hubby and I? Yeah, yeah, yeah...get your mind out of the gutter...that will probably happen also, but I'm talking about my writing here...

And what happens if you're a trend-setter, but don't like the trend you've set? I saw a commercial the other day for tri-color highlights. I already have tri-color hair, and don't like it! (In all fairness, I acknowledge I probably did NOT set this trend:) I've said this before...my hair is a lovely shade of blonde from the back of my head to the shoulders; a darker blonde starting at the crown; and silver strands are starting to take over my roots and streak toward my ears. When I get in public lighting, such as a public bathroom, I cringe when I see myself. The lighting in my own home is so bad I can be easily deluded into thinking it looks fine...one of the first things I'm doing for myself (see goals, Jan 1st entry) is getting my hair cut and re-highlighted!

Update on my aunt: She's hanging in there. She's been moved out of Critical Care and into Intermediate, but the family is on Stand-by. Haven't been in to see her yet...maybe tomorrow.

Sandra's got a contest on her blog www.sandracox.blogspot.com tomorrow, but you have to read the info today to know you're entering it! Anny's got an a-peel-ing story on www.annycook.blogspot.com and AJ...well, you just have to stop by and see her comments on the storybook lives of Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head! Vist www.amarindajones.blogspot.com and see for yourself! Who knew potatoes could be so sexy? And Kelly's doing something potato-ey on Monday. Called my sis to ask her if she'd heard anything about the 'Year of the Potato' and she hadn't a clue! And yes, congratulated her on her anniversary and told her about my party. While we were eating Red Velvet Cake and ice cream, she was consuming seafood and Creme Brulee...Anybody ever been to The Cannery in Vancouver? That's where my brother-in-law took her!

Family Stuff

Eleven years ago today, my baby sister was married. Since I chose to nap this afternoon instead of calling her, I decided to have a party even though she's three time zones away and in a completely different country! It's the thought that counts, right? So Wendy, if you're reading this, I know you and Chris went out to dinner, or are about to, anyway...it's almost 6 where you are...I fixed Chicken with Rosemary sauce, rice with mushrooms, mixed veggies, and made a Red Velvet cake with cream cheese icing. We'll be eating it later with ice cream:) Happy Anniversary!

On a down note, received word that my honorary aunt was taken to the hospital the other day with congestive heart failure. My daughter called a few minutes ago; she took a turn for the worse and though she's now no longer in critical care, the family has been called in. As soon as my daughter comes home, D and I will be going to the hospital to offer our support to our friends and possibly saying goodbye to a dear lady who enjoyed herself thoroughly at our house New Year's Day.

In other family news, my mom called. Today is the first day she's not sore from coughing and is finally feeling like her old self again! Maybe this round of illness is finally over? And just in time for back to school on Monday:)

Good news on Kelly's Place http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/ ! She finally has release dates on her books! And Anny's launching a new feature on hers, the Best Of. Go to http://www.annycook.blogspot.com/ and check it out!

It's Quiet Around Here

Currently Reading: The Other Boleyn Girl, by Phillippa Gregory. Baby Catherine is about a year, and Mary's pregnant again. So far, it's entertaining. And makes me glad I wasn't born back then!

Who knew getting rid of one teenager temporarily would cause a peaceful, serene atmosphere in the house?

Well, okay. Partial serenity. The toddler is still around.

My daughter is in another town, helping some friends of ours paint their kitchen, clean carpets, and just in general getting away from her brothers. She's only called home once, and that was a text message saying 'Happy New Year'. She's expected back on Sunday. And it has been peaceful, not hearing any arguing over the PS2, the television, or even the computer. Wait, scrap that last one. I'm still being told to minimize my own usage.

But I did get the book I have been reading, the View from the Fortieth Floor, finished:) Made me realize how lonely it is at the top of the corporate ladder, and how thankful I am to not have to climb it? But then again, I am second-in-command around here for the next couple of months, so I guess in a way everyone has their own version.

I love being my own boss. I set my own hours; I work in my jammies if I want to. I can check my royalty statement while wearing a robe and slippers and drinking my morning coffee. Or, I can write with my hair in a bun and wearing my good jeans, a shirt that I know looks fantastic on me, and good shoes.

As I said a few months back, the definition of 'Work' in this household is somewhat puzzling to the other members of my family. Dad 'works'...he disappears during the week, collects a paycheck, and comes home with dirty, oily clothes and I'm cautioned if diesel fuel, concrete chunks, or asphault stains need special treatment. My kids 'work'...they have chores around the house, and their homework from school. But when Mom 'works', is it really work? Sure, she cleans the house, does Laundry Goddess duties, and cooks meals. And when she's doing a book signing, everyone is thrilled by the sales. But checking e-mail, blogging, participating in chats...is that really 'work'?

You bet it is! I'm promoting myself and keeping my name out there. I'm networking with other authors, getting advice and ideas on how to be a better author. And it really makes me see red when a family member puts me down for spending more than a few minutes online, or threatens to pull the plug or even cancel the internet altogether.

But don't worry; I've been married to him for nearly 17 years. I know how far I can push, and when I've pushed too far. So for the past couple of days, I've stayed off, and calmly let him know how many emails have piled up by me not dropping by more often. Sometimes I feel as if I need to rent office space somewhere, just so I could work uninterrupted. But then he'd find something else to complain about. So I grit my teeth and remind myself, it's only three months...it's only three months...

And he's witnessed, first-hand, what happens when I get 'in the zone' and have to write. And surprisingly enough, he's understanding when this happens. So I guess as long as my writing stints involve having a notebook and pen, he's cool with my 'work'? I know...makes no sense. But he's old-school; the man's in his fifties.

One of these days, he'll look up and say, "Good job, Moll. I can retire and your books can pay the bills."

I can only hope!

Finally!

Currently Reading: Still on the same book...chapter 14 now! When hubby's home, my reading really takes a hit sometimes...
E-book: This is D's 'waiting week' so no payday this week. No payday=No books bought.


We finally dedecorated! Took down our defective tree and boxed it up; will donate it tomorrow. Lights are all down, the inside decorations are boxed up for another year. All that remains is the table I used to wrap gifts; hold the baked goods and candy; the food on Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Tomorrow, it will be collapsed and taken to the basement.

Someone asked me yesterday what I meant when I said my characters didn't know they had met. Wasn't there an initial spark or mutual attraction? On her part, yes. His looks made her weak in the knees, and not just from fright. While he's merely complimenting her on the meal she prepared, he has no idea their paths will soon cross again.

Sometimes I sketch out a rough idea of how I want the events to unfold, and sometimes I simply sit down and let it flow. This current wip is a mixture of both. I don't have anything written down in the form of Events ABCD...but it's in my head and continuing to flow. Although, if I get more days like today, where I simply don't have the time to write (due to other people needing me or the computer), I may have to make that outline. But that doesn't always mean I'll follow it!

And I know...what happened to my goal of working on #8? It's only January 3... plenty of time for Lynne, Nick, Kevin, and whoever else to get through the winter of 1989...when I get blocked on this wip, I'll return to Arbordale and write some more!

And on the publishing goal? I'm one step closer...I found several e-pubbs I want to submit #3 to and took a look at the guidelines. But got sidetracked before I could pull up the query letter. I'll do that either later tonight or tomorrow.

I set my alarm this morning, to take the toddler to school, but managed to sleep through it.

Tonight on the TV? Celebrity Apprentice! Gene Simmons, Steven Baldwin, and (gag!) Omarosa's back. Trump calls her 'intelligent.' Did he not watch Season #1's finale? She flat-out lied! But it's his show and not mine...I skipped Season #4. Couldn't bring myself to watch it.

Also, Gloria Reuben's back on ER tonight. Can't wait to see that!

For two more intriguing books, visit www.amarindajones.blogspot.com and www.kkirch.blogspot.com. Anny's broken through her writer's block and redesigned her website. Looks great! And Dakota posted a treat...Peyton Manning and Troy Aikman on her blog! I've been drooling all day:)

Imagination's Back!

Currently Reading: VFTFF...am on chapter 10:)
Word count: 2545

I'm writing again. And it has felt wonderful.

Although...to quote myself from a few months back, how to tell when one has watched too much Food Network? When the next plotline centers around the kitchen!

Oh well...we all know the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right? Well, my characters have just met, and now it's only a matter of time...

The boys are off to the hardware store, to finish up a house project; my daughter's been loaned to a friend to help do some painting and carpet cleaning, and I've had two glorious hours to myself. And I just finished the first chapter of my new wip, untitled. When everyone gets home, I'll fix dinner and then it's time to dedecorate the house. We're having a huge motivation problem around here. The baby was supposed to return to school, but I didn't get up until 8:30 and remembered about his back to school schedule about two hours later. Oh well...he can stay home until his siblings return next week!

I need prayers...I've lost my temper with hubby twice now. Barb may be right; it may take me longer to retrain him into the household routine! Not a good way to begin the new year, but they were only little blowups. And since the temp only reached 20 today, and I didn't have to go outside, I've done better.

AOL is throwing a fit and won't let me into the email section. I hope this problem corrects itself soon...I wanted to email a friend and can't recall her email addy! And since I've never emailed her with the Yahoo account, it will have to wait!

So in the meantime, I'm basking in the glow of a new romance brewing in my creative brain, and hope the rest of it flows as easily as the first chapter did!

Forgot to mention: New Year's Eve, we let the little one stay up until midnight, and told him the ball was going to drop in one minute. He looks up at the ceiling and asks, "Where is the ball? Where is it going to drop?" We stopped laughing long enough to show him the crystal one on the television and he enjoyed all the kissing!

Hop over to http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/ and check out Kelly's new 'baby'! And then go over to Brynn's site and send her healing thoughts on her winter cold. Bronwyn's back on the blog with an amusing little ditty, and if you want to see some great holiday leftover recipes, check out Carol's Food Bites to the right:) Anny's dealing with a little bit of writer's block, and AJ interviewed a cover artist. See? Creativity abounds on the blog!

A, B, C, D...

Saw on the news that the bra turned 100 last year...

I'm about to become a bra-burner.

Seriously. After spending literally 30 minutes in the department store, going through the racks, boxes, and searching endlessly for the size I was measured for, I gave up.

And found one I could live with...at least until spring.

Why is it, when you've reached a certain size, the manufactures all assume the cup size has changed? I used to be a perfect 34A. And could even convince myself I was a B or a C. But after having kids, I grew to a size 36. And could still fit into a B cup. And was perfectly happy for the next ten years.

But in 2004, my little blessing arrived, and nursed him longer than my other two ever did (K found out it came out faster through the rubber nipples and nursed only for 6 days. S caught on faster, esp when we outlawed the bottles from the get-go, but I caught the flu and weaned her after 6 weeks. W nursed for a solid 3 months!) and when I decided to stop wearing the nursing bras, I discovered I was now a 38...A or B.

And guess what? It's hard to find a 38A!

I'm too big for the 36B and too small for the 38B. So I found a brand with the size 38A/B and it fits perfectly...except it's on the thin side, and come warmer weather, I'd better be wearing a loose shirt if I'm the slightest bit chilled.

It used to be so easy; I'd go in, find my size and style, try it on, pay, and walk out. Now, I spend several minutes hoping I'll find one that fits!

And since I've occassionally gone braless in the morning and no one even guesses, I suppose that's my green-light to give it up altogether.

Or, suffer in my WonderBra everyday...nah. I like to be comfortable!

I'll just check Victoria's Secret the next time I'm at the mall...maybe I'll get lucky!