What? That’s not how the song goes? Well that’s how it goes in my house. You see, after a lifetime of having white Christmases in Illinois, my family packed up and moved to central Texas a year ago. And so green is the color of Christmas here. Okay, maybe sometimes it’s brown. But it most definitely won’t be white.
The move presented a bit of a culture shock at first. And I did miss being close to my mom and sister (not to mention the nieces). But one thing I’ve found I don’t miss is the snow. Yep, didn’t even miss it on Christmas day. I’ve discovered I can live without it. Truth be told, not having snow actually makes the season easier.
Yep, I’m dreaming of a green Christmas. And, since my newest book—Bond Betrayed—features a rather unconventional hero and heroine, I’m betting Nikki and Isaac are looking forward to a green Christmas as well.
Just how nontraditional are they? Well, Nikki is a seductress—able to bend any male’s will with a mere touch. And Isaac is an enforcer who’s willing to break the rules he’s paid to enforce to accomplish his goals. Not enough? Okay. Here’s a look at their meeting. You can decide from there.
“Why don’t I know you?” The deep timbre of his voice made heat pool at her core.
Studying his face, she thought there was something vaguely familiar about him, but she let it go. She’d been forced out of the Community too long ago for her to remember him even if she had known him back then. And if he knew who she was, he’d be running in the other direction. Her last name had a tendency to evoke that response.
Arching an eyebrow inquisitively, she gave him her most seductive smile. “My best guess? It’s because we’ve never met.”
“That’s unfortunate. I would’ve enjoyed meeting you.”
Her breath caught at the raw sensuality surrounding the man. She shouldn’t be standing so close to him—not if she wanted to keep the tenuous grasp of control she still had. But she couldn’t bear the idea of moving away. “I’m sure you would’ve.”
“Maybe we should meet.”
She wasn’t ignorant to their ways—this wasn’t an invitation to tea. This was exactly what she’d been hoping for as she’d made her way over to him. But, no matter how strongly he affected her, she couldn’t afford to be reckless.
“Maybe, but...”
“But what?”
But she wasn’t suicidal. Not exactly something one could articulate without raising suspicion, though. She took a small step toward him and immediately regretted it. Standing so close, the pull was stronger, so intense she found it was a struggle to remember why she’d taken the step in the first place. “I’d need to know who owns you first.”
He stared at her as if confused for a moment.
“Your family and alliances,” she clarified. “Will you let me see them?” It was a daringly bold question but, if she was going to do this—and she really wanted to do this—she needed to make sure it wasn’t some sort of trick.
“Are there any you’re looking for—specifically that is?” As he slowly unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, she saw the beginning of the elaborate series of tattoos and mentally kicked herself. Only she would stumble upon someone so well-connected his entire torso would be inked. “Or should I strip down for you right here in the parking lot?”
Want more? I’m giving away a download of Bond Betrayed to one commenter. All you have to do is tell me if you’d rather have a white or a green Christmas. Make sure to leave your e-mail address in the comment so I can get ahold of you if you win. The winner will be announced in the comments on Dec. 23rd.
Thanks for stopping by and thank you Long and Short Reviews for having me on today.
You can find the blurb to the book on Ellora’s Cave, on my website, or on Amazon.