McKenna Jeffries

Snippet Saturday – Warm Place

McKenna Jeffries — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:56:20 +0000

Today’s snippet theme is Warm Place. Enjoy.

Distantly, he heard her say, “Your afternoon appointments have been cancelled.”

Jasmine looked up at him lazily. Her smile beckoned him. She pulled his head to her, and as she started to kiss him, she whispered, “Come with me.”

He sank into the sweet taste of her mouth. He would follow her anywhere.

****

Reese pulled the car into the driveway and turned it off, looking at the beautiful, large stone house. It had the look of a quaint cottage. The sign as they drove in had read “Ellis Hideaway,” but it should have been called Paradise. The place had a charming feeling about it. The unique stones on the house were complimented by wide bay windows, an oak door, and a wraparound porch. Counting the terraces, Reese realized there seemed to be a separate one for each room in the structure’s six floors.

Jasmine asked, “What do you think?”

Turning, he saw she had a smiling, smug look on her face. Usually, he had been the one to initiate them going on a weekend getaway. He leaned in and kissed her, softly and thoroughly, before pulling away.

He saw pleasure fill her eyes when he replied, “You’re beautiful.” Her melodious laughter made his body clench in reaction.

“Come on,” Jasmine said, opening the door and getting out.

Chuckling, Reese got out of the car on his side while she walked around to join him. She hooked her arm with his, gazing at the house. Reese studied the cobblestone walkway, surrounded by lush vegetation on both sides. Manicured gardens of roses and many different flowers were as far as the eye could see. Huge weeping willow trees surrounded the property, making a gate made from nature. Cocking his head, Reese could swear he heard water running. But glancing around, he couldn’t find the source.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

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Snippet Saturday – Something Odd

McKenna Jeffries — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:35:04 +0000

Today’s snippet theme is Something Odd – A quirky Character or scene. This is one of my fav scences. It is with my heroine, her brothers and friend. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

Opening the door of Visions, Jasmine remembered how Reese had looked when she left for work–sexy and tousled. It was hard for her to get out of bed with him looking so delicious, but she had work to make up for after leaving early on Friday. Going inside the lobby, she locked the door behind her, then noticed that there was no sound in the office.

Listening carefully, she confirmed it. She started to sing I Had a Hot Night Last Night, a song she and her brothers had made up to tease each other with when they were caught out late, or came to any function late. Singing at the top of her lungs, she knew she was off-key and didn’t care. She knew her Aunt Ainsley, who was singer before she got married, would be horrified to hear her. Walking further into the room, she dropped her briefcase on the ground and kicked off her shoes, then climbed up on the burgundy couch.

Facing the wall, she kept singing and started to dance. Jasmine felt exhilarated as she moved along the couch, bumping and grinding her hips from one end to the other, kicking the cream and hunter green cushions onto the floor. Coming back, she stopped in the middle of the couch and spread her arms wide, shimmying and moving.

A pair of hands grabbed her off the couch, startling her. Hearing his husky laugh, she knew it was Jamison. He turned her and she glanced up into his twinkling hazel gaze. Then he twirled her, and all she could do was hang on. He stopped, then started to dance himself. From the moves, Jasmine knew it was the Samba.

Picking up his rhythm, she joined him. She saw a flash of red, then glanced over to see Wolfe and Mia dancing the Salsa. They moved perfectly together. A whistle from Jamison caught her attention. Wolfe looked up, nodded and then she was twirling. Everything was a blur, and the wind blew across her face.

Jasmine felt Jamison’s arm ripple as he twirled her. Then he let go and she was sent into Wolfe’s arms. He caught her and, without breaking a step, changed to the Tango. All Jasmine could do was hold on and go with him.

Wolfe still dances beautifully. I wonder if Reese still knows how to do this, Jasmine thought as they started across the floor.

Jasmine knew they all could dance beautifully. After all, their mother, Raina Hamlin, had been a professional dancer at one time. She had taught all the Hamlin kids, Mia included, to dance. Jasmine couldn’t believe she still remembered the steps to the dance number her mother had created for the family, which she dubbed the “Hamlin Special”.

Hearing Mia shriek, she glanced at her in time to see Jamison swing Mia behind his back, and then pull her between his legs. Jasmine laughed in delight, then felt Wolfe shift his hold. He did the same thing as Jamison, but brought her up in the air, over his head, and held her there.

Looking up at the ceiling, Jasmine balanced as she had been taught all those years ago. She knew from experience that Wolfe wouldn’t drop her. He was one of the few people she trusted to try this move and never break his hold. He brought her back down smoothly, and into a deep dip, then went back into the Tango. Glancing over, she saw Mia and Jamison were doing the same thing. Wolfe spun her into his body, then out, letting her go. The turn lifted her dress. Then she stopped, and saw that she and Mia had ended up next to each other, as they always had.

Glancing down, she quickly put on her shoes. She needed them for the next part. Looking back at her brothers, she laughed as they did the Tango around the room, waiting for her to finish. They couldn’t decide who would lead. Nodding at Mia, Jasmine started the finale for the dance. Her brothers stopped and waited for them.

Jasmine started toward them in sexy strut, leg over leg. Then she stopped, halfway turning to face Mia. Bending from the waist, Jasmine put her hands to the floor before straightening slowly. Mia kicked one leg into the air and balanced on one shoe. Shaking her head, Jasmine didn’t try the move. She had never gotten it perfected, as Mia had. Mia slowly lowered her leg to the floor. Picking up the next step, Jasmine, along with Mia, continued to the men.

Reaching them, they walked around them once, then stopped to face them. Wolfe’s hand gripped her waist, and Jasmine dropped backward, curling her back. He held her as he swept her body across the floor, then took her into his arms and started the dance.

The steps were intricate and choreographed by their mother, a mixture of Modern, Italian, and Jazz. Jasmine enjoyed the exhilaration of letting loose. She hadn’t realized before how much she missed doing this with her brothers.

I’ll ask Reese if he wants to go dancing, or maybe we’ll have a private dance, she mused.

Laughing, she kicked her leg up around Wolfe’s waist and he held her, lowering her leg to the floor, then pulling her straight up before spinning her and going into a deep dip. Breathing harshly, Jasmine gasped for air. Looking at Wolfe, she saw he wasn’t even out of breath. He was laughing down at her.

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Snippet Saturday – Friends

McKenna Jeffries — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:55:48 +0000

Today’s snippet theme is Friends. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

Laughing, Mia replied, “You know I’m a wicked woman with any type of food. But chocolate syrup is more my thing. Give me a bottle and I’m wild.”

“So, that’s why you pawned my account off on one of your employees?” demanded a deep baritone voice from the door behind Mia.

“Uh-oh. She’s going to blow,” Jasmine whispered.

Ignoring her, Mia replied in a scratchy, tight voice, without turning around. “Yes. So I can have time for my legion of men, who know what they want and can make up their damned minds.”

From the corner of her eye, Mia saw Jermaine’s muscular thighs come into view. Distracted by his nearness, she was caught unaware as he hauled her up out of the chair to face him.

“Well, your legion will have to wait. You aren’t going to leave my party in the hands of some incompetent idiot.”

Jasmine looked on in disbelief as they circled each other like boxers.

Jerking her arm from his hand, Mia replied through clenched teeth. “We don’t have incompetent people working here. But we do have difficult clients.” Mia looked pointedly at him. “We are more than happy to serve you the best we can by pairing you with a more compatible individual.”

Crossing his arms over his muscular chest, Jermaine scoffed. “I want you to plan the party, or I will take my business elsewhere. Unless you’re afraid you can’t handle a party like this.”

Sputtering, Mia answered, “I can handle any party, even your rinky-dink one, with my eyes closed.”

“Good, then it’s settled. When can we meet to talk over the changes we discussed last time?”

Mia’s gaze glittered dangerously. “We will not discuss anything. If you don’t want Vivian, you can…” Jasmine put her hand over Mia’s mouth from behind, muffling her as she kept talking.

Laughing, Jermaine reclined on Jasmine’s desk. “Hi Sis. Sorry for the interruption. My planner and I had a slight miscommunication. We’re working it out.” He gestured toward Mia, as she continued to rave behind Jasmine’s hand.

Jasmine watched uneasily as Jermaine’s expression turned speculative. “I haven’t seen much of you lately. Where have you been? Every time I call, you brush me off, or you’re not at home. So what have you been up to?”

Damn! He suspects something, Jasmine thought.

Clearing her throat, Jasmine replied, “Oh, I’ve just been busy, that’s all. Sorry I haven’t come by. I meant to get together with you, J. So how is everything going?”

“Everything is fine, but you’re not going to get off that easy. Where have you been? None of us has heard anything from you in weeks. So what’s going on? If I didn’t know better, I would swear you have a new boyfriend. But you always let us check him out, so, nah, that can’t be it.”

Guiltily, Jasmine laughed. “You’re so full of crap. I don’t let you check anyone out. You all get crazy and try to scare them away.” She wasn’t fooled by the innocent look on Jermaine face.

“Who, us? We’re harmless,” he said. “We just want what’s best for our little sis. And I want to make sure nobody takes advantage of my second half.”

“‘Best’ my foot. Buy a clue, J. We’re twins, so we’re the same age, bro. I’m not your little sis. You and the rest of our brothers just like to interfere and get revenge.”

Jermaine’s brown eyes twinkled as he grinned mischievously. “That too. But who can blame us, after all the pranks you’ve pulled.”

They laughed. Jasmine glanced at Mia, whose eyes still glittered as she stood silently. She glanced back at Jermaine as he spoke.

“I think she’s run out of energy now. You can let her go.”

Gingerly, Jasmine withdrew her hand. Mia slapped her on the arm, saying, “Don’t do that again. I know he’s your brother. I wasn’t going to hurt him–too much.”

Chuckling, Jasmine whispered, “I know, but I wanted to make sure you didn’t say something you would regret–although he is a pain in the ass sometimes.” They ignored him as he made a rude noise. “Jermaine is a client.”

The glare Mia gave Jermaine could have melted steel as she said loudly, “Yes, he’s more than a pain in the ass. He is a …Ouch! Stop that.” She rubbed her arm where Jasmine had pinched her. She continued to glare at Jermaine.

He returned her glare with a smirk. The tension in the room thickened.

“If you think I’ll work with you on anything, you are sadly mistaken,” Mia said.

“Oh no, I’m not. You are, if you think I’ll let you pawn me off like some chump to someone else. If you can’t be mature, that’s your problem.” He straightened his six-foot-four frame from his lounging position on Jasmine’s desk.

The verbal slings continued and escalated as Jasmine watched, trying not to laugh. Jermaine stalked across the carpet until he stood in Mia’s face. Mia was only slightly shorter than him, and in her heels, she almost met him eye to eye. They seemed like two cats, bristling at each other.

Then Jasmine’s eyes widened. There was more than animosity in their body language as they argued with each other. Mia stepped back as Jermaine advanced on her. Catching herself, Mia stood her ground. Jermaine reached her, and Jasmine watched in fascination as her normally cold brother proceeded to try and haul Mia up off her feet.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Snippet Saturday – Settings as a Character

McKenna Jeffries — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:22:35 +0000

Today’s snippet theme is Settings as a Character. Here is a look at the romantic getaway my characters went on in the story. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

Jasmine asked, “What do you think?”

He saw pleasure fill her eyes when he replied, “You’re beautiful.” Her melodious laughter made his body clench in reaction.

“Come on,” Jasmine said, opening the door and getting out.

Reese turned at the sound of the door opening. He was unable to see the person clearly in the shadows of the porch, but assumed it was a woman by the shape. She came forward and waved at them, and Jasmine waved back.

Curious, he asked, “You know someone here?”

Jasmine glanced at him. “Don’t you recognize her?”

Reese observed the lovely woman coming toward them. She looked familiar. Then realization dawned, and he chuckled. “I thought Chantal was in Italy.”

“She came back a couple of months ago, after this place was ready.”

“She’s the owner?”

“Yes, and Karim is ecstatic that he was able to convince her to buy this place and open the bed and breakfast she always wanted. He’s very pleased to have his sister living nearby.”

Chantal arrived in front of them, embracing Reese before turning to Jasmine and doing the same. She stepped back and studied Jasmine from head to foot, then glanced at him, giving him a wink.

In a lightly accented voice, Chantal said, “Reese Bryant, it’s been a long time, il miele. Still sexy as ever. Why don’t you dump this la vecchia mucca and run away with me?”

Laughing, he took her hand, kissing it as he said, “Chantal, I can’t even dream of having someone of your beauty. Ouch.” He rubbed his stomach where Jasmine had hit him.

“Don’t call me an “old cow,” Chantal,” Jasmine said. Noting her friend’s surprised look, she continued, laughing. “Hah! Didn’t think I knew what you said, did you? I’ve been learning so I can know when you’re insulting me. You better behave, before I forget that you’re family.”

Chantal pouted playfully. “Come on, Jazz, you know I’m kidding with my favorite cousin.”

“Batting those eyes at me won’t work. You only say that to get out of trouble. Try it on your brother, and mine.”

“Pash, my brother is too smart to fall for it, but your brothers are another story. Would it work on you, Reese?”

Chantal started to touch him, but Jasmine stopped her. “Don’t you dare!” Chantal laughed, Jasmine joined her, and they hugged again.

Looking at them, Reese joined in their laughter. Chantal Ellis, Jasmine’s cousin, had lived in Italy for a number of years. She was a lovely woman, trim with light toffee-colored skin, sculpted features, and short, curly hair. Her eyes were the most startling shade of lavender. He knew they were inherited from her father. She gave him a warning glare over Jasmine’s shoulder.

He smiled, trying not to laugh. Chantal was very protective of Jasmine, even though Chantal was younger. Frowning, Reese remembered the last time she had come for a visit. It was right after the Derek fiasco, and it had taken all of them to stop her from going after him. She had a nasty temper.

Chantal had whisked Jasmine away to Italy. After she returned, Jasmine had refused to talk about Derek, and acted as if he never existed. With this trip out of town, Jasmine had ruined his plan to go see Derek. But he was still going, as soon as they got back to New York.

Reese ignored Chantal’s questioning look and shook his head. He sighed as her expression changed to curiosity. A curious Chantal was a bad thing. Unless he could distract her, she would torture him until she found out what was going on.

She stepped back from Jasmine, saying, “I missed you, Jazz. It’s been so long since you came to see me. I thought since I lived closer now, you would come and see me, but you haven’t. Been too busy, I see.” Chantal pointedly looked in Reese’s direction.

Grinning, Reese winked.

Shaking a finger at him, Chantal continued talking to Jasmine. “I was going to drop in on you when I came to New York in a couple of weeks to see Auntie Raina. I’ve been trying to reach her to set it up, but I can’t get her. Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine. Mom is in Paris on a buying trip for the boutique. She’ll be gone for a few months, but you can still come for a visit. You can stay with me.”

“I might. Tell her hi for me when you speak with her,” Chantal said. Then she gestured to the magnificent structure behind her. “So, what do you think?”

“The last time I was here, I knew it was going to be nice, but this is fabulous!” Jasmine replied enthusiastically.

“Thanks. It took me a lot of hard work and time to get it just right, but at last, it’s almost the way I want it. Come on in. You must be tired from the trip. I’ll send the bell hop for your bags.”

“No, that’s okay. I’ll get them,” Reese replied.

Chantal nodded her agreement. She hooked arms with Jasmine and started toward the house. Reese watched them stroll up the walkway, and their laughter followed in their wake. Jasmine glanced back over her shoulder, giving him a sizzling look and winking at him before turning around.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
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Snippet Saturday – Endings

McKenna Jeffries — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:41:46 +0000

Today’s snippet theme is Endings. Below is a scene from a book I co-authored Aliyah Burke. Enjoy.

An snippet from Wicked Burn…

“Why are you telling me this now?” Yasmine swung her head toward him and stood, her chair crashing behind her.

“No matter what happens, I wanted you to know.” Sedeo smiled regretfully.

“Thanks so much, Mister Parker, for sharing with me. It makes me feel so much better.” She didn’t even try to keep the sarcasm from her voice.

She crossed her arms across her breasts, holding herself. The sadness on his face made her throat ache.

“I never meant to hurt you, Yasmine,” he stated quietly.

“I know, Sedeo. I know,” she replied, now suddenly fatigued beyond reason.

She knew he hadn’t meant to rip her apart one word at a time. She wanted to rail at him and destroy him in return, but she couldn’t. Despite it all, she knew he was a fair and good man. The look of uncertainty and sorrow on his face hit her like a punch to the gut.

How is it possible he is the one hurting me, and I want to comfort him? She quashed the feeling and smiled gently.

“It’s all right, Sedeo. Take She–” She cleared her throat, then continued. “Take Shelby and go home.”

He studied her. Yasmine kept her face blank and steady.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to deal with your job, Yasmine. I can’t promise I’ll come back, but I do love you.” Sedeo smiled softly.

A shaft of pain cut off her breath. She nodded abruptly. Sedeo sighed and started to reach for her. He stopped before he touched her, then turned and left the room. Yasmine stumbled back against the table. She heard his murmur to Shelby, but wasn’t sure what he said. The sound of running feet made her straighten and put on a smile. Shelby ran into the room and straight for her. She bent and caught her, lifting her up.

“Yas, we’re going home. But I’ll see ya soon, okay?” Shelby said.

Yasmine swallowed the lump in her throat, then spoke. “Bye, Miss Shelby.”

She hugged the little girl she wasn’t sure she would ever see again tight. A sensation of being watched filled her. She glanced beyond Shelby’s shoulder at Sedeo. He was solemn.

“Come on, sweetie. I’ll walk you to the door.” She walked across the room with her.

Sedeo stepped back out of the way. She continued down the hall and to the front door. Silently, Sedeo opened the door and took Shelby from her. Yasmine fought with herself not to hold onto her. She let her go. Sedeo’s hand brushed hers, and she stiffened, jerking away. Sedeo caught her hand with his. Yasmine looked up at him. His whiskey gaze glittered with tears. He opened his mouth to speak.

“Don’t,” she said.

He squeezed her hand and let her go. He raised Shelby higher, turned, and left. Yasmine closed the door behind him. Gripping the knob, she rested her forehead against the door.

“I love you, too,” she whispered to the empty room.

She raised her head, then pounded her fist against the door. A harsh sound came from her. She dropped to her knees, and tears burned her eyes. Turning, she slid down the door, then pulled her legs up and curled her arms around them, resting her cheek against her upraised knees. The wetness of her tears drenched her skin. A brush of fur startled her. She looked up. Rufus whined and licked her. Yasmine let out a ragged sound. Pulling him close, she lay down and curled around him as the tears flowed. Rufus nuzzled her and kept guard as she mourned.

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Satin Notes – New Chapter Posted

McKenna Jeffries — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:09:12 +0000

A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.

Satin Notes – New Chapter Posted

McKenna Jeffries — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:08:28 +0000

A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.

Satin Notes – New Chapter Posted

McKenna Jeffries — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:07:42 +0000

A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.

Snippet Saturday – Family

McKenna Jeffries — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:20:28 +0000

Today’s snippet theme is Family. This is a scene of Jazz’s girlfriends. Family is those you love in your life and they are there for all the moments. Good and Bad. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

Jasmine came out of her reverie and moved away from Mia. She walked back toward the living room, Mia following. She retrieved her purse and keys, then kissed Mia on the cheek.

“I’ll see you later girl.”

“Jazz, you need to deal with this.”

“I’ve dealt with it. It’s a dead issue.”

“No, Jazz, it isn’t. You need to cry, or scream, Jazz. You’ve kept it bottled up for over four years. Let it out.”

“You’re a fine one to talk. When did you cry over…?” She stopped as pain flashed across Mia’s face. “I’m sorry, girl. Let it go. I’ll see you later.”

“No. Please don’t leave like this. Let me call Reese for you,” Mia pleaded.

“I’m fine,” Jasmine said. “I just realized that I had started to delude myself into believing that any man would love me, that any man could want to be with me.” She pounded her clenched fist on her chest. “I’ve been a fucking fool, Mia, living in a fantasy. I could never be happy with Reese. It’s time I woke up.” She started for the door, but Mia grabbed her and sat her down firmly.

“Jasmine, stop. Please let me call Reese. You need him.”

Standing swiftly, Jasmine flung her keys and her purse across the room in rage. Mia jumped back.

“I don’t need him, Mia! Leave it alone! Leave me alone. Please.” Jasmine felt her eyes burn as the flood of tears she’d wanted to control ripped through her, leaving her weak. She fought to contain them, but couldn’t. She collapsed on the floor, crying uncontrollably.

Mia looked at her and didn’t know what to do. The doorbell rang while she watched, helpless, as Jasmine sat on the floor, crying as if her heart was broken. It rang again, and Mia rushed to answer it. Opening it, she was glad to see it was their girlfriends at the door. She dragged them into the house. They looked at her as the sound of Jasmine’s ragged sobs reached them.

Mia quickly explained what had happened. They went into the living room and found Jasmine, curled into a ball, still crying. They knelt around her, pulling her up and into their circle.

Looking at the others, Mia said, “She needs to do this. She’s been holding it together for too long.”

They all held Jasmine as she cried out the pain. When she calmed, they gently took her into one of Mia’s guestrooms and helped her into a borrowed gown to sleep. Mia looked down at Jasmine’s puffy face. Glancing up, she motioned the rest of them to the door.

Once out of the room, she said, “I’m going to call Reese. Are you all going to stay?”

They all agreed, and went to the guestrooms to get changed. Mia walked down the stairs to the kitchen to place the call.

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Satin Notes – New Chapter Posted

McKenna Jeffries — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:06:10 +0000

A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.