Wow!

So it's been four years since I was on here. Sad but true. I have another job now, so don't write anywhere near as much as I'd like to or should, though that has little to do with my job and a lot to do with my laziness. I'm currently on lockdown with my family, due to my kids being a bit poorly at the beginning of the week. They are now fine! Yet we have made the commitment to follow the NHS guidelines and self-isolate wish us luck! (I know no one reads this but every now and then you just need to write stuff down!) Stay safe stay healthy X

Did I mention...

I have a new (old) book out! Say hello to Travis! It's my Kiwi veterinarian hero in Cat's Eyes. Well, it was time our heroine Sarah found herself a nice bloke. The question is will she keep him?

Sarah Cole is one shapeshifter who is always in control that is until she meets sexy Kiwi and zoo vet, Travis Hunter.

He has a way of rattling her cool exterior and making her feel like no man ever has. The problem is in Sarah's experience when shapeshifters and humans get together someone always gets hurt.

If that weren't enough, Sarah's zoo outing brings her to a cursed Amur leopard who needs her help to become human again.

Can Sarah save the shifter and her heart, or will her cat's eyes only see the damage that magic wreaks on the unsuspecting. 

Cat's Eyes is available as an ebook at Smashwords, Amazon (UK and US), itunes and  many more. All you need to do is pick your favourite retailer. X

Not a natural!

You may have noticed but blogging doesn't come naturally to me... writing a diary never did either. You'd think these things would for someone who pretends to be a writer, but my real life never really interested me that much unless it was something very special, such as the previous post. What I did find came naturally was plucking stories out of thin air. I remember doing my 5th Form Certificate English exam and we had to write a short story (nowadays it would probably be called flash fiction) about a picture. It was a person standing in front of a door with their umbrella up in the pouring rain. I just looked at it and thought, she's hesitating, it's something she's not sure she wants to do but is HAS to. Then I realised she was meeting her birth mother for the first time. That's all I remember of the exam and the story, but I knew that was the story I had to tell. So though I'll try and stop by and say hello to anyone who may be passing I won't make any promises ;) X

My 40th, Phantom & JK Rowling!

On Tuesday (19th January) I turned 40. My husband, nay my incredible husband, decided to treat me by taking me to an extremely famous hotel in London the following weekend, and he threw in tickets to Phantom of the Opera for good measure.

The staff were exquisite. We'd barely walked in the door, one of the receptionists heard our surname and immediately said "Happy Birthday", this was reiterated throughout our stay by many more lovely staff members. On arrival in our room we were greeted by this divine piece of deliciousness too...

This was a completely different world for me. I've stayed in nice hotels, but this was luxury par excellence. After a gorgeous dinner that bought me and my husband both many memories of our homeland (wiener schnitzel and shellfish being staples of our New Zealand diet), I was given another surprise...

None of this had been arranged by my husband, he'd mentioned it was my birthday and this is obviously what they do for those who choose to celebrate their special occasions with them. Every staff member we encountered was professional, courteous, gracious and kind. What I expected to be a once in a lifetime experience already has us thinking about our next stay. These touches that cost a company so little, but mean so much really do make all the difference. (We had similar at a local 4* hotel I took my husband to for his 40th).

On top of all this, my beloved then took me to see Phantom of the Opera. He'd wanted to take me there the night he'd proposed but couldn't get decent seats so we went to We Will Rock You instead, a fantastic substitute. 

Although we saw Phantom a couple of years ago on tour, nothing can compare to the atmosphere and magic of seeing it at Her Majesty's Theatre, and John Owen-Jones was heartbreaking as the Phantom.

Unfortunately, my DH awoke feeling very unwell, and while I dug into a hearty breakfast he had to return to the room leaving his salmon bagel and scrambled eggs untouched. After an emergency dash to Tescos for painkillers I let him sleep a while longer, making us leave the room later than intended. Once downstairs we chatted happily to the hostess that had shown us to our breakfast table. It is because of these delays I ended up seeing my literary hero, JK Rowling. The woman that inspired me to actually put my fingers on a keyboard and begin to write. As I almost hyperventilated my other half wondered what was going on. When I told him, he smiled and sent me off to get the kids a gift (we'd intended on that already), whilst he settled the bill. As she was with children I didn't want to be rude or indiscreet, but I had to say something. I'm not even sure what I said, it's a blur, but it was along the lines of "Thank you, for writing your books." She was gracious and lovely, and as I was leaving the shop, I also told her I was loving the new Robert Galbraith. To which she again thanked me. 

What I really wanted to tell her was "You're amazing, you inspired me to write, I have "I solemnly swear I am up to no good" as a decal on my car, I already have tickets to The Cursed Child, I admire your charity work and your courageous efforts to make this world a better place. And why can't Robin see that Strike thinks she's brilliant but wants her to be safe and that Matthew is a pillock? Plus can I have a picture with you and an autograph, please? 

But none of this would have been okay. People don't want to be harassed when they're out with their kids, and kids don't want to hear crazed fans rant at their adults. This is also why I haven't named my wonderful hotel, though I'm sure it would be easy enough to figure out for anyone who cares. 

It's not often you get to speak to someone you admire so deeply. It's mind-bending that one weekend could be so filled with dreams made into reality, yet that is exactly what happened. So to conclude my long-winded post I just want to say thank you to all the people that made my birthday exceedingly special, whether you knew it or not, and most especially my husband for choosing me. I may not always act like it, but I know everyday how lucky I am to have you. XXX

Her Merry Mix-Up

It’s not so much that Amber Curtis gave up on Christmas, but that Christmas gave up on Amber.

After a string of chaotic Christmases, and one awkward break-up Amber is looking for some alone time. Unfortunately, the silly season seems out to get her, and instead of the haven of tranquillity she is hoping for she gets Will Stone.

Her unexpected roommate makes it his mission to prove she’s not the jinx she’s decided she is, and with the help of his family, she just might realise that a merry mix-up can be a good thing after all.

Excerpt:

Will had stomped ahead a few paces, as they came to the top of a rather hefty hill. Amber turned to take in the view and catch her breath, only for it to be taken away again by the landscape. It was beautiful, covered in pristine white, a true winter wonderland. The cottage topped the scene off by looking like a Christmas card painting. She scooped up a handful of snow and began shaping it into a decent replica of a softball.

"Hey, slowcoach, are you coming?" She turned to see Will about twenty feet away his hands tucked deeply into his pockets.

By using his footprints, she eased her progress towards him. He was looking over her head at the scenery seemingly unaware of the projectile in her hand. Just as he turned and began walking up the slope again, she sent the snowball on a collision course with the back of his head.

"What the hell?" was all she heard as she quickly rearmed herself.

"You didn't really just hit a six foot three full back in the back of the head with a snowball did you, because that would be very silly." There was a sexy menace to his words and a shiver ran through the length of her body that had nothing to do with the cold.

His slow turn gave her a moment to aim before landing another hit, right in the centre of his face.

The fight was on as he shovelled up snow with his gloved hands and continually missed her, either due to her blinding him with her very accurate throws or just his atrocious snowball making ability. She now had the higher ground having snuck past him whilst he was wiping his face.

"You might be a big mighty rugby player, but I played rounders!" she laughed loudly and turned her back to carry on towards the now visible farmhouse, she just had time to register some people walking towards them, before realising her mistake.

There was a shuffling sound behind her and she turned just in time to glimpse the vast chest—she’d first noticed less than 48 hours ago—far closer than she’d ever expected to see it. He lifted her off the ground and placed her on her back on the freezing snow, in one fluid movement. It showed great strength and speed, unsurprisingly, but also incredible control, she hadn’t felt any impact whatsoever. His legs lay next to hers, but his arms still encircled her, holding his body mere inches away. A triumphant gleam lit his eyes before he began shaking his head vigorously letting the water and snow, she’d pummelled him with, shower down on her.

"Get off." She gasped laughing.

The head shaking stopped, but he didn't move.

"You might have a good aim, but I know how to tackle." His voice held a heat which made her stomach knot and breathing deepen.

Despite knowing she was currently on a bed of snow, Amber would have sworn she was lying on hot coals—fire was surely the only explanation for her temperature spike.

Wolf's Heart - Feral Book One Available NOW!

Larissa Lovell is standing in the middle of her own personal idea of hell: A Sci-Fi and Fantasy convention.

When Larissa's best friend sends her on a mission, to get the autograph of Zane Adamson: the sexy star of the paranormal television hit 'Feral', she is far from thrilled. Larissa is a realist, and silly fantasy worlds are not her idea of fun. When she meets Zane however, she decides her fortunes are looking up.  Unfortunately, for Larissa, Zane is harboring secrets that affect both of their lives, past, present and future.

As reality and fantasy collide, will Zane be able to convince Larissa that she has the strength to ensure her own survival as well as protect the existence of the world she turned her back on long ago?

Returning to the muggle world soon...

You might not believe it, but I have been busy. After some extensive time with a proof-reader the rewrites for Wolf's Heart are complete and Zane and Larissa will be returning to the published world soon. So looking forward to sharing them and the rest of the Feral world with all the muggles again. Also I'm near completion of my Christmas novella and I can't wait to bring Amber and Will to you all. X

Love on a train

So I hopped on the train last night a couple minutes to spare, it's packed. There's a middle aged couple stood in the doorway the woman is crying the man trying to sooth her, then she hops off and sits on the bench the man stands in the doorway. He rings her, asks her what she's doing. The train door closes and I can hear her sobs on the phone, I swear he starts crying as well telling her he'll see her tomorrow. As the train pulls out he returns to his seat. Their anguish is real, touching and heartbreaking. My thoughts... They're so having an affair!

I could be wrong, but the emotional intensity of their parting was very Romeo and Juliet and when you're in your late 50s/early 60s I doubt many couples are able to keep that kind of intensity up... it would be bloody exhausting for a start!

So while we are discussing love on a train... feel free to check out my free read A Casual Acquaintance X

Thank You Breathless Press

It is with sadness I said goodbye to Breathless Press this week. They took a chance on my first story and I'll forever be grateful to the team there.

I hadn't written for a while, life got in the way,and my focus became centred on my young family. I was beginning to find my way back to writing when Breathless announced their decision. The rights to my work with them have now been returned to me, and I'm looking forward to making some changes (adding some writing and new covers) and getting them back out in the world soon.

I'd like to wish everyone at Breathless Press all the best, in whatever adventures await them next. X M

A change is a coming...

Things are changing in these here parts. I'll keep you posted as to what's going on, when I know. x

Oh Mr Gandy & What's a Tom bank?!

We just had Comic Relief here in the UK, a sort of telethon that raises money for charities in the UK and abroad. One of the celebrities involved in one of the many comedy sketches was David Gandy. Now I'd heard of David Gandy and had even seen pictures of him, and though I would never have denied that he was very attractive, well he just didn't do it for me.
That is until I saw him on Comic Relief!
Oh My Gandy!
That's for sure. There is a manliness that so many male models seem to lack. I don't do pretty boys, but give me a man with stubble and creases and a set of blue eyes that could drag your soul back from the pits of hell with one wink, and I'm yours for life!

(http://www.terrimanduca.co.uk/artists#/make-up_hair/neusa_neves/personalities/21)

So the reason I bring all this up is, well, guess who my next hero looks like. ;)
His name is Tom Cassidy (well for now, these things sometimes change in the early stages.) and he was originally conceived from a couple of other Toms'.
Tom Ellis from among other things Miranda, and the internet's boyfriend Tom Hiddleston.
(I've also decided that since Marvel has a Chris vault, Britain has a Tom bank, because apart from the previously mentioned there is also Hardy, Mison & Felton, oh my!)

Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts on David Gandy and the Tom bank with you. To finish here is a moment from Red Nose Day 2013. Enjoy. X

A little word on reading reviews

I DON'T! I learnt very early on, it's not a great idea. As Benny (Minnie Driver) said in Circle of Friends (which I just saw is 20 years old this year... which it can't be because me, Minnie and Chris O'Donnell aren't that old!) "...I may look like a rhinoceros, but I've got quite a thin skin really."

It's true, reading reviews is not conducive to writing. Writers constantly struggle with this idea -

When I start a new story I'm a genius, when the first embers of creativity start dying I'm a fraud, and as much as reading the "nice" reviews may be lovely and helpful, reading the "other" reviews can be devastating. I'm only telling you all this because I just googled my little self-pub, and saw some star ratings. I was quite happy with the results I saw, but it was an itch that was scratched in those fleeting glances, because I know if I look harder I might not like what I see and then I'd never write again. So a word to the wise. Leave well enough alone and just get on with being a genius, because we could use a few more of those in the world right now. X

PS I'm six years younger than both Minnie and Chris, so I'm not that old ;)

back to school...

So the kids went back to school today. We had a lovely Christmas hols, and they've been somewhat difficult to get over, but it's back to normal now. Well as normal as this household gets anyway. We have three birthdays and a trip to Disneyland Paris to contend with over the next two months, so as always busy, busy. Wish me luck. x

Life and motivation

Well life got in the way, once again. As it does with young children. On the build up to Christmas doing stuff for them became my priority and finding the motivation to finish my novella did not. ARGHHHH! New year, new motivation... I hope. So today on the first day of this bright and beautiful new year, I won't make a resolution, but I will make a promise to myself to try harder in all areas of my life! I wish you luck in the promises you make to yourself on this New Year's day. X M

Blogging

For someone who has done a little bit of writing, blogging does not come naturally to me, neither did keeping a diary. Honestly I just don't find my life interesting enough to write down which is rubbish considering I have such a shocking memory.
My other issue (amongst many) is I spend half my time, whilst writing, fact checking. So I don't look stupid. It's very time consuming. (Imagine how bad it would be if I grammar checked too!) However I am here once again making an effort. Now however I must return to my Christmas novella "Her Merry Mix Up", which I hope to actually finish before this Christmas. Wish me luck. X M

Is it September yet?

As much as I'm looking forward to summer (and spring too, if it ever gets here!) I'm REALLY looking forward to September. "Why?" I hear you ask, because my four year old will be starting school. Which means other than making sure the house is generally tidy, and getting them to and from school--I can write! Unfortunately writing has taken a back seat to guilt, whether it's spending time with the kids and hubby, or friends and housekeeping on the two child-free days I do have.
I've also had a mental block with the short story I have been writing. I could have written a novel in the time it has taken, I have friends who could have written three of four novels--and probably have--in the time I've taken, although at least I managed to write and release Her Mr Perfect Christmas in this time.
It is sad to say goodbye to my little darlings babyhoods, but it also marks a new chapter in my writing (pardon the pun) . The time has come to knuckle down, find my muse, and become the writer I want to be. X

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

SO WHAT IS THE 'NEXT BIG THING' BLOG HOP?

The idea is for me to answer ten questions about my latest book, and then tag three more authors in order to continue the 'hop'. But I think most of the authors I know have done this recently. So I'm opening this up. If you want to add your own hop, copy and paste the questions and answer for your own work then attack your friends ;).

TEN QUESTIONS ABOUT... ‘When Angels Fall’

1: Was ‘When Angels Fall’ always the title of this book, even when it was a work in progress?

Actually no, it started out as The Fallen but there were so many bloody books with that title already that I decided to rename!

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?

Two things, Scotland more specifically Edinburgh and Kevin McKidd *fans self*. Any red blooded woman who has seen him singing on Grey's Anatomy will know what I'm talking about (and I don't even watch the show!) I had an image come to me of a man lurking in shadows watching a woman, whether he was a stalker or protector I wasn't sure but I liked the image and it wouldn't go away so I had to write the story.

3: What genre does your book fall under?

Paranormal romance, there is a fare amount of sex so we might have to add erotic to that too.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Well obviously Kevin McKidd for Alec. Hmm Melody is a bit harder, I haven't seen a Kiwi actress that fits her who would be right age, but a young Lucy Lawless or Simone Kessell. Actually yeah, Simone Kessell would be good.

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

When Melody meets Alec, sparks fly—literally. Now he must protect her, but can he protect his heart in process?

6: Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Neither. It's out now with Breathless Press!

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

It was so long ago I couldn't tell you, a couple of months maybe?

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I have no idea?!

9: Who/what inspired you to write this book?

As above, Kevin and Edinburgh.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

It's got a super hot Scotsman, shower sex, angels and demons, kitchen table sex, a fearless heroine, and fire and ice after workout sex! What more could you want ;)

When Angels Fall is out now with Breathless Press, Amazon UK, Amazon US, All Romance

What day is it?! Ooh the day before RELEASE DAY!

Where did the time go? The past month and a half have flown by for me, what with snow, my birthday, illness ending in a hospital stay, my anniversary, my little man's birthday and finally my hubby's birthday next week. So with so many other reasons to celebrate in our house Valentines Day just doesn't exist for us. Though I wish all the lovers out there who do celebrate a wonderful day.
So now things are settling down I can finally start to enjoy the fact that I have a new book coming out tomorrow. WOOHOO! When Angels Fall is my longest story to date with a Kiwi heroine and hot Scottish hero. So here's a bit about it, but if you want a chance to win a copy of Her Mr Perfect Christmas as well, head over to Allie A Burrows blog and read my interview, who knows you might learn something new about me. I hope you enjoy. X

When Melody meets Alec, sparks fly—literally. Now he must protect her, but can he protect his heart in process?

Alec Connolly has led a mostly peaceful life since he fell from heaven a century ago. That is, until Melody Fremont pops up on his radar.

Melody has twice as much life force as a normal human, which is like catnip for demons. Now Alec must find a way to protect the spirited bartender, while keeping the vows he made to a woman long dead.

As Alec and Melody draw closer together, will Alec be able to protect her from his past, and himself from falling further than he ever thought he could?

Raven McAllan is Teaching Teacher & Me too!

I'd like to welcome the most excellent and versatile, Raven McAllan to my blog today, here to talk about her latest release Teaching Teacher, and teaching me a thing or two in the process.

So Raven, pleasure to have you here, how are the wilds of Scotland at this festive time of year? Any plans for Hogmanay?

Ah it's great to be here. Here you are, a slice of gluten free Christmas Cake and a dram…Yum I love Scotland, thanks Raven.

Now re Hogmanay…We do have a few plans. Though we tend to be very low key, and enjoy the company of a few friends, with a dram and a tall dark handsome first-footer…Okay, he's not got a lot of hair left and it is going grey, but…Hehe, I'm sure it still counts. (If you don't know what a first footer is GOOGLE is your friend ;))

Sounds good. So, we're here to discuss your latest release "Teaching Teacher". I'm a complete noob to the world of M/M erotic fiction, how does it differ to M/F (apart from the obvious, of course *snigger*)

Well I don't think it does. Okay it's about two people of the same sex, but to me, a love story is just that. A story about love, romance and all the trials and tribulations that goes with it. Does my bum look big in this applies to anyone! Hehe, so true.

What led you to start writing M/M? I think originally I wrote a couple of short stories, and realized that as I said above it’s a love story first and foremost, and the sex of my characters are secondary. Up to a point anyway! Then My first full length M/M Riding Ryder began to bombard me. I'm a pantster, I know I need to get (hopefully) from A to B, but how I get there is anybody's—well except the characters—guess.

Teaching Teacher started from a germ of am idea when I visited a certain seaside town in Scotland. Coincidentally the one I used for my two shorts, and partly for 'Ryder'. Which is strange because it's just a town! A very nice town, but nothing about it make me think ah ha, I need to write a book about here. Especially a M/M erotic romance, there's not a lot of eroticism on a wet Saturday in Scotland. Don't I know it ;)

What can you tell us about the heroes, Seb and Ruari?

They're normal guys. Work hard and wonder if they'll ever fall in love and then they meet each other. Seb's a head maser of a school and Ruari owns a pub. Ruari had a dark past and they both have to overcome obstacles to see if they can be together.

I read somewhere a while back that it's mostly heterosexual women who read M/M erotic fiction, any ideas as to why you think that is?

 I've no idea, I know men and women who read M/F M/M F/F etc etc, and all variations of the above lol. If you find out why, let me know! I will do ;)

Okay I know you have to head off to the theatre to see Dirty Dancing, so for my last question I must know. If you were Baby, who would be your Johnny? (Hubby is not an option!)

Well Richard Gere in his American Gigolo days was a big hit for me…(we were both younger and more supple then lol) And Johnny Depp any time…please??? I'm totally with you on JD

Thank you so much for coming to play Raven. I look forward to trying out my first M/M, and if you're curious there is no better time to start than now! Check out Teaching Teacher, out today with Breathless Press, Amazon, Amazon UK, All Romance, BookStrand.

Your welcome Mel, and as a treat, I'll give one lucky commenter a gift of either Riding Ryder or Addicktion vol 2 ebook…

Ooh what a pleasant surprise! Sounds great, so guys and gals get commenting and you could win with Raven! Now for the good stuff, keep reading!

Finding love in a new town had not been in Seb's plans. But life has a tendency to throw you curveballs – like Ruari.

When the new head teacher walks into his bar, Ruari knows he has to have him, and damn the consequences. When lust turns to love, nothing else matters. Together they will overcome, no matter what. Or will circumstances drive them apart?

Excerpt

Coffee or merlot?”

“Er, is either of them a euphemism?” Seb raised an eyebrow. Ruari choked as Seb went on. “Because I’d like a glass of merlot, and I’m fucking sure I’d love the euphemism.”

“I’m fucking sure we both would,” Ruari said frankly. “Not yet, though. First we’ll have the merlot. I’ll tell you a little bit more about my weird and, er, some would say wonderful family. Then you can decide if you still want to have the euphemism. If you do, great. If you don’t, no hard feelings. Well, maybe.”

Seb took the glass of wine Ruari handed over and then pulled him down so they could sit close together. “Surely, it can’t be that bad?” Seb asked.

“I’ll let you make your own mind up.” Ruari fortified his courage with a healthy swallow of the smooth liquid. It tasted of walnuts and spices. He relished the warmth that spread as it slid down his throat. As the last flavor left his taste buds, he took a deep breath.

Seb put a finger over his mouth. “Nope, enough already. Let’s just see where these tingles and hard cocks are taking us. Hopefully not to anymore cold showers. Hell, it’s a wonder I’m not shriveled to the size of a chipolata instead of hot, hard, and throbbing.”

Ruari burst out laughing. “You too? Thank God. I thought I was the only sappy one. I wasn’t going to jerk off until...well...”

“You decided I was a jerk or not? Yeah, me too, so are we jerks, jerking, or joining?”

Ruari shook his head, amused at the pair of them, and had another sip of wine. He could see Seb watching the play of his throat as he swallowed. He imagined it was Seb’s cum he was swallowing; he could almost taste and smell its salty flavor and scent. He cleared his throat rapidly. “So in the interest of not causing any droughts, human or otherwise?”

Her Mr Perfect Christmas

So I did it. I bit the bullet and self-pubbed. Firstly with Kindle which was a absolute doddle :), and then with Smashwords, which was a lot less of a doddle :(. (And still isn't quite right :\). I have to admit, it's the most scared I've been when a book has come out, because this one is all on me! I know it's far from perfect, but apart from my hero (obviously), nothing is perfect. So here's a snippit, and the cover (which I am immensely proud of, and grateful to Faye for her PP hint.)

Amy Martin and Dominic Shaw have never been friends. However, when Dom arrives on Marty's doorstep, after she leaves a drunken message meant for his sister; things begin to change between them. Can Miss Responsible and the boy who never grew up, really be a recipe for perfection? 

WARNING: This book contains alcohol consumption that will make your liver cringe, swearing that a sailor would be proud of , and scenes of a sexual and sensual nature--So an average Saturday night down the pub then.

"I'm not twelve anymore Dom, you can't frighten me like you used to."

"Are you sure?" He raised a questioning eyebrow, and she could see he'd taken her words as a challenge.

Oh, shit. She scrambled back to the opposite end of the sofa, as he advanced on her. Never taking his eyes off hers, he inched closer. He placed one hand on the back of the sofa and one on the base near her shoulders, and then heaved himself up quickly, angling directly above her.

Marty's breathing had become ragged and incredibly loud in her own ears.

As he leaned closer his t-shirt dropped to touch her camisole at the base of her stomach, the outside of his thighs, pushed against the inside of hers forcing her legs to widen. With amazing control he lowered himself until their lips almost touched, his head tilted to the side so they didn't bump noses.

My God, is he actually going to do it? Two worlds collided in her brain, the one that kept having the increasingly erotic thoughts and right now was making her extremely hot, and the one that said, "What are you thinking. This is Dom?!"

"Are you sure I can't still scare you?" He whispered. His breath was warm and smelled of beer and popcorn. Their only point of contact was mid-thigh, but despite this she felt the electricity between them at every point of her body he shadowed; their lips, their torsos, and most noticeably their hips.

Marty closed her eyes, took a deep controlling breath, and then licked her lips, before finding Dominic's gaze again. Reaching up she placed a hand either side of his body, feeling the taut muscles under the t-shirt, she couldn't resist running her fingertips, inwards to his abs, just a little. He closed his eyes and a very visible shiver rolled over his body.

She'd never been more turned on in her life. But it had to stop. Now!

Dominic opened his eyes, narrowing them. She knew he was calling her a number of unflattering names in his head right now.

Slowly she pushed up, and he yielded to her pressure, returning to a seated position on the far end of the sofa.

"To answer your question, Dom: No you don't scare me anymore."

What was scaring her was how much she'd wanted his lips on hers.