Another double feature for you! First from TIE ME UP, my upcoming antho pubbed by Riverdale Avenue Books, “Bed Knobs & Belt Buckles” by Monica Corwin. And since today is Monica’s release day for her hot-off-the-press ON A RED HORSE, there is a snippet of that as well! Red hot indeed!
For the next few days, I am going to post a few things of my own. Tuesday, there will be more TIE ME UP excerpts. The book will be out April 6. Follow everything TIE ME UP on Twitter and the TIE ME UP BOOK page on Facebook, where there will soon be a cover reveal!!!
And now for our scheduled program! From TIE ME UP:
I checked my face in the mirror every time I passed it, since it was opposite the door in the living room. My hair was still braided neatly, but my eyes looked darker than their usual gray-blue with the sparse eyeliner I applied. My lips were a healthy shade of pink, flushed from biting them because of my nerves.
A soft knock interrupted my pacing across the carpet, and I froze. It took a few seconds to mentally push myself to the door. I opened it, and peeked outside. He gave me a small smile and I pulled it open, the hinges squeaked for the effort.
He looked the same as ever: the same sandy blond hair and boyish grin. His blue eyes always seemed too big for his face, but made him look gentler, more open.
“Am I allowed to come in?” John asked.
“Of course,” I chuckled, shaking myself from staring at him too hard.
I moved out of the way, ushering him inside. My heart climbed up my throat, making speaking and breathing both things of the past.
His scent caught up to me after he moved past me, he smelled exactly as he had years before. Instantly, I was transported to a time when we flirted often and touched “accidentally” as much as possible. Why hadn’t I been brave enough to make a move then? It wouldn’t happen again, I resolved, as I closed the door softly and twisted the lock.
and from ON A RED HORSE:
“Why? Why after all this time do you still love me? After everything, your search, your sacrifices…how can you still love me? I don’t think I can forgive myself. How can you?”
Tyr spun her around so he could look into her eyes as he spoke. He needed to be absolutely clear and ensure she heard him as he spoke the words. “I love you. I have loved you since you first challenged me. You’re my wife and my life. There is not a single thing I would not do for you. Except leave. That is something I’ll never do.”
Scarlet held his gaze for a few nerve wracking heartbeats. “Please,” she whimpered before stretching so he could meet her lips with his own. He didn’t hesitate for a second but pulled her into his arms, completely enfolding her into his embrace.
She tasted like Asgard, like home, and when she parted her lips to allow him access, he felt the towers of the palace and the walls encircling his favorite garden. He didn’t need Asgard when he held her. She whimpered into his mouth, and he broke away, his breathing heavy, and attempted to regain his composure. “My love, did I hurt you?”
Scarlet looked down at the floor and shook her head. When she raised her eyes to meet his gaze again, a fine sheen of tears coated them. Not a single drop fell, but it was enough for him to know that he affected her as well.
“I love you, Scarlet. I will always love you.”
There was nothing else to say. She kissed him again, and he lost himself to those plush lips and her roaming hands.
Don’t miss Monica’s release day event on Facebook starting at noon EST. Tonight at 8, I will be talking books and whatever you like. Come visit us!!!
