Today’s snippet theme is Worldbuilding.To get you into the world I created I’m letting one of my character’s do the talking. Below is part of an exclusive feature I posted to my chat group last year. It is called Between the Pages a sort of inside look into what the characters are thinking and feeling. There were various part for the characters, excerpts and so on. Giving you the heroine’s perspective of her hero. It is long so placed it behind a link. Enjoy.

Between the Pages
Conquering Jazz
Heroine Perspective
By: McKenna Jeffries
Copyright © 2008 by McKenna Jeffries
All rights reserved.

Below is the Heroine Perspective, a conversation with Jasmine Hamlin from Conquering Jazz. This is not an excerpt from the novel but a look at what Jasmine is thinking.

*****

A conversation with about JASMINE. “JAZZ” HAMLIN, about REESE BRYANT

Sitting on her sofa in her living room Jasmine Hamlin leans forward sinking her fingers into her hair as she speaks about Reese.

“How can I resist a man who knows me so well that I can’t make a choice to either run for my life or rip his clothes off and just take him? Oh god why is he such a delectable temptation. Damn it Reese Bryant should wear a label that says in big neon red letter. “Beware to sexy to be handled without combat gear.”

Raising her head and dropping her hands, her chocolate brown eyes furious Jasmine crosses her arms across her chest as her bare foot starts to tap against the lush carpet.

“Reese thinks he is slick trying to romance me like were going to be a couple. All I wanted was S-E-X. SEX . Hot mind-blowing sex. And that’s what I got but now with these little romantic gestures of his. He thinks I don’t know what he is doing.”

In agitation, she rises and starts to pace back and forth before the couch.

“He thinks that with time he can show me what we can have. It won’t work. ”

In a voice soft with despair, Jasmine leans against the couch her hands gripping the arm tightly.

“I can’t let him in. It costs too much to care. He knows why but does he accept it. NO. ”

Anger leaks onto her face as she strides around the room.

“What more must I do to let him know that I can’t… won’t let myself open for that type of pain? He can never be mine.”

In a voice soft with longing.

“No matter how much I long for it to be that way.”

Stopping abruptly Jasmine shakes her head furiously and yells.

“NO. I can’t even think like that. Stick with the plan Jazz. Sex and that’s it no strings attached. No matter how hot, delicious and …”

A grin of satisfaction curves her full lips as she tugs on the collar of her shirt.

“Whew… Umm… where was I?”

Leaning against the wall next to a bookcase Jasmine has a thoughtful look on her face.

“Ahh… yes. Reese and I can only have one think and that is a purely physical relationship. Although he won’t admit it he know that is for the best. I’ll just have to get him to my way of thinking.”

With a walk of pure confidence Jasmine come back and sits on the couch. Shaking her head, she laughs.

“I’m even ashamed to think I had any doubts of what we have. Let me just tell you I’m not usually like this. Not to brag but I’m confident in what I want and know how to get it. Hamlin women all are. I had to be growing up with my brothers and not to mention so many male Hamlin’s running around. In my family females are out numbered and unless you want to be railroaded and coddled until you go insane you learn to stand up for yourself. Hamlin men are notorious for being over protective and over bearing. Only if you let them which of course I don’t.”

A smile of pure wickedness curves her lips as she leans forward.

“I know the Hamlin men especially my brothers are afraid of what type of revenge I will take when they interfere in my life. I do enjoy torturing them with it. Can you imagine what they would do if they found out about Reese and me. I shudder to even think of it. They think they know what is best for me and go to any length to get it. My brothers have no idea about Reese and I and that’s the way I plan to keep it. If only Reese would give up on this idea of us being more…”

Leaning back on the couch Jasmine stares up at the ceiling then back down as she said in a decisive tone.

“There will be no more. I want Reese but I can’t afford to need him anymore than I do already.”

She slaps her hands over her mouth and her eyes widened as she realizes what she said. Shaking her head Jasmine lowers her hands.

“I need to get my mind clear of all of this. I can’t think like this. I won’t think like this.”

Standing she grabs, her keys off the table and jingles them in her hand before heading across the room towards the door. Looking down she groans as she sees her bare red polished toes. Returning to the sofa, she looks behind it and spots her shoes. Slipping in her feet, she turns and goes back towards the door. Suddenly she stops turns around and flings the keys across the room. With firm steps, she advances back towards the couch.

“Hamlin’s do not run away from any problem. We face it and do what needs to be done.”

Jasmine walks across the room to the windows and looks out. Her breath catches at the sight of Reese in a charcoal gray suit coming out of his front door across the street. He looks up and waves, she waves in return as he gets into his car and drives away. Staring after him a few moments Jazz turns from the window pain on her face and fear in her eyes.

“No matter if we like it or not.”

Now for go and check out an excerpt of Conquering Jazz.

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

TJ Michaels
Shelli Stevens
Lissa Matthews
Lauren Dane
Ashley Ladd
Vivian Arend
Taige Crenshaw
Shelley Munro
McKenna Jeffries
Mandy M Roth
Jody Wallace

Today’s snippet theme is Holiday. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

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.

Copyright © McKenna Jeffries, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

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

Lauren Dane
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
TJ Michaels
Jody Wallace
Lacey Savage

Today’s snippet theme is Foodies. Below is a sexy explicit food scene from my book. It is long so placed it behind a link. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz….

Turning, she walked away to the refrigerator in the corner. Reese watched as she opened it, taking out a bottle of honey.

Eyeing the honey, Reese asked huskily, “What’s that for?”

Looking at him from under her lashes, Jasmine questioned. “What?” Reese gestured to the honey in her hand.

In a mischievous tone, Jasmine said, “I use this for my tea in the morning. Don’t you remember?”

Confused, Reese looked from her to the honey. “I do. But you plan to make tea now?”

“No, I plan for you to make it for me—after.” She moved over to the couch, putting the honey on the table beside Reese.

Smiling at her, Reese said, “You won’t have enough energy for tea.”

Jasmine laughed softly. “We’ll see. Take off your shoes.”

Reese toed off his shoes. Jasmine spread his legs wider, stepping between them, then knelt on the floor.

Oh, yeah, he thought, looking down at her. She was like a pagan goddess, coming to devour him. He felt as if he would burst out of his pants. Looking into his eyes, Jasmine slowly unbuttoned his shirt. She pulled it back across his shoulder and removed it. Her hot hands burned his skin as she trailed them across his chest.

Oh God. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back on the couch. She tugged on his pants, moving them down his hips and off. Clenching his teeth, Reese tried to stifle a groan.

Distracted, he barely heard what Jasmine said. “Tea is such a nice way to unwind after a long day.”

Reese hummed as she stroked his chest. It felt incredible. Then his body jerked as she licked across his pecs with a long wet stroke. His eyes snapped open as she bit him lightly on his nipple. She repeated it with the other one, then sucked lightly. Reese groaned.

His testicles tightened, while blood rushed painfully into his erection, threatening to rip his underwear. Jasmine continued kissing, licking, and suckling her way across and down his chest. The heat of her mouth was burning him alive.

“Please,” he begged.

“Hmm…I love the way tea warms me inside. But first, I pick the tea I want and open it slowly, anticipating the taste of it.” Her hot hand scorched him as she pulled his underwear down, then off his body. Her hand rubbed lightly against his straining erection. His body bowed from the seat. With a firm hand, Jasmine pushed him deeper into the couch, and he heard her breathe deeply, inhaling his scent.

“I inhale deeply, to just smell the fragrance, before I put the tea bag in the cup. The tea has to be steeped just right to get the flavor. I don’t want to burn my tongue, so I have to make sure it’s not too hot. So I blow across the cup a little.” Her breath across the head of his penis sent ripples of pleasure up his spine. He couldn’t control the involuntary bucking of his body. Her hand pressed against his stomach, stilling him. His penis twitched as he gasped deep in his throat.

“I have to be careful. I don’t want to burn my mouth. I don’t think the tea is cool enough.” He geared up for another sensual assault, but nothing happened. He relaxed. Then hot gusts of air came at him as if from all sides. On his testicles, on the head of his erection, up and down both sides.

He burned.

He was on fire.

It was too much.

He had to have her now.

Shuddering, Reese reached for her. She captured his hands, lightly rising to kiss him—deep, hard, and wet. The delicious taste of her filled his mouth, sinking deep into his very pores. He reached for her again, gripping her close. The sensation of her fullyclothed body against his ripped a moan from him. He needed to be inside her—now. Jasmine pulled away from him, but didn’t get far; he tightened his grip.

The rapid sound of her breath resonated in him as she whispered, “My turn.”

Reese’s smoldering gaze met hers. A silent battle of wills was fought, and it was won by her. Finally, Reese released her and sat back with a smug look, watching her. Jasmine smiled at him, knowing she looked like a lioness about to devour him. His answering shudder only made her smile widen.

Lowering her gaze, she observed his smooth chest, wanting to rake her nails across it. Instead, she touched lightly, then stroked slowly. Leaning forward, rubbing her body against his, she tugged lightly on his ear with her teeth.

So sweet.

He tasted delicious.

She couldn’t get enough.

She trailed soft kisses across his face, kissed his eyes closed, then continued down his chest, stomach, and lower until her chin rubbed against the tip of his bobbing erection.

“Hmm. Where was I? Ah, yes. I was just about to have some tea.” His penis stroked under her chin. Briefly, she closed her eyes, fighting for control. Taking a deep breath, the scent of his arousal swept her away. She opened her eyes, taking in the bounty laid before her.

Licking her lips, she lightly rubbed her chin across the head of his penis. It bobbed. She couldn’t stop herself from lowering her head and sucking him into her mouth. He was like steel, but coated in honeyed heat. Jasmine lapped him up like the finest chocolate. Tighter and tighter, she worked her mouth on him as her vagina wept for relief. She could feel her panties sticking to her wetness. She squeezed her legs together.

It didn’t help.

She craved him, wanted him deep inside her, filling her up.

No. I have to see this though. Think tea.

Drawing on her control, she slowed down the pace and then withdrew, continuing to stroke him with her hand, up and down. He was so soft, like velvet burning against her hand. Without losing contact with his hard member, Jasmine reached for the bottle beside her.

“Tea isn’t any good without a little bit of honey,” she said. His body jerked, and Jasmine waited for him to relax before tipping her head back and pouring some honey into her mouth. It was sticky and sweet. Rubbing the plump head of his erection, she drew him into her honey-filled mouth. They both groaned. Jasmine let the honey trail from her mouth, down Reese’s cock, making it sticky, sweet, slick, and smooth. She withdrew her mouth slowly.

“Yeah, honey is the only good way to enjoy the full flavor.” She pulled him deeply back into her mouth. His phallic muscles pulsated. He filled her mouth to overflowing. She was drenched. The scent of her own arousal overwhelmed her. His hands clenched into her hair, moving her head.

Jasmine alternated between licking and suckling him. Each time she felt his body tighten for release, she slowed down, bringing him back from the edge. He was hard to control as he twisted on the couch, growling in frustration.

“Jasmine…Please…Witch…I need to …Help me…Jasmine.”

Listening to the sweet sounds of his pleasure, she pushed him away when he tried to hold her to him.

“My turn,” she whispered, with her lips touching his erect shaft, blowing out a hot breath along the tip.

Reese bucked in delirium, growling when she stopped completely. She waited patiently, until his eyes opened and focused blearily on her, before saying, “I just can’t seem to get the warm feeling in this tea quite right. Hmm, I know what I need to do.” Eyes locked on his, she stood.

She saw him track her movements. She felt sensuous and powerful. His gaze flamed, his desire etched on his face, burning her with its intensity. Oh, yeah. He wanted her now, but she wasn’t done yet.

Reese’s gaze followed her fingers as they glided up her slacks to rest between her widespread thighs. She skimmed her fingers over her mound and pressed firmly. A gasp spilled from her lips. Rotating her hand, she could feel her own wetness soaking through her slacks and dampening her palm. A ragged moan fell from her lips, tasting like the sweetest nectar. He watched every move, licking his lips as if he tasted her.

Yes. Come on a little more, she thought, as his heated gaze blazed higher. He reached for her, but she shook her head.

He sat back, growling. “When it’s my turn, you better have had some vitamins,” he murmured.

Laughing softly, she stoked her hand higher along her breasts, tweaking her nipples until they pearled under her shirt. Jasmine brought her finger into her wet, hot mouth, suckling until it was damp. She placed her hand over her nipple and flicked it. Watching as Reese’s penis quivered, she opened the buttons on her blouse slowly, showing him her lilac-covered breasts. Reaching behind her back, she unhooked her bra, tossing it to Reese.

Looking at her, he took it in his clenched fist and brought it to his mouth, licking it slowly. Reese chuckled as Jasmine shuddered lightly. Uncurling her fist, Jasmine unbuttoned her slacks and teasingly lowered one side, showing her bare skin. Turning her back to him, she bent over low, shimmying out of them. Glancing over her shoulder, she smiled at the glazed look on his face as he watched her firm globes. Slowly, he reached out and stroked a finger down one firm cheek.

He lightly snapped at the top of the thong. Groaning, he wrapped his arms around her tightly. Bringing her close, he kissed along each cheek. Jasmine whimpered. She jumped as his teeth nipped her; then he licked up each heated butt cheek.

She felt breathless and achy. Collecting herself, she turned to face him. Reese started to rise, but she pushed him firmly back down, silently shaking her head. Reese’s gaze was impatient, scorching across her face, down her breasts, and to the small lilac triangle covering her from him. His gaze traveled back to her face.

“Do you want me to finish telling you how I drink my tea, Reese?”

His silence was answer enough.

“I like it hot, so that it first burns the inside of my mouth, and then soothes the nerves with pleasure.”

The tendons in Reese’s neck stood out as Jasmine straddled him, impaling herself on his erection.

“Yes,” he hissed between clenched teeth.

Her harsh breath rasped out of her throat as Jasmine started to move slowly, up and down, then swirl. She changed tempo, moving faster, taking him into her wetness deeper and deeper.

The friction of his long member sliding in and out of her took her breath away. His groan reverberated against her throbbing, sensitized skin. Her cervix clenched tighter around him, straining to bring him in deeper.

Breathlessly, Jasmine moaned, “Reese.” Lowering her head, she kissed him with voracious hunger, mimicking the movements of their bodies, sucking his tongue deeply into her mouth as she sucked his cock in elsewhere.

This was seduction in the purest form. She was devouring him, torturing him, but he was a willing captive.

Breathing harshly, Jasmine withdrew from Reese’s mouth, looking down at their joined bodies as she took him in deeper and deeper. The sound of their bodies meeting was beautiful music to her ears. The feel of his hardness sliding into her, combined with the sight, drove her into a frenzy. She moved harder, faster. Reese shifted, changing the angle of his penetration. She was going over.

“Reeesssse!” Her sprit was ripped from her body as pleasure overcame her. Her orgasm swept him away with her, both of them awash in a tide of sensation. Jasmine collapsed onto Reese’s chest, exhausted. The sound of their harsh breathing echoed in the room.

Jasmine stroked softly at Reese’s jaw as she broke the silence.

“You were right. I’m feeling too weak for tea.”

Reese raised her chin so their eyes could meet. As he bent to kiss her, he said huskily, “I’ll make you tea anytime you want.”

They chuckled while their kiss deepened.

Copyright © McKenna Jeffries, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

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

Lauren Dane
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
TJ Michaels
Jody Wallace

Okay, everyone. Contest time. As a Christmas gift and thank you to all you wonderful readers who have enjoyed the stories on Satin Notes as much as we have enjoyed creating them. This is a very simple contest with prizes we hope you will enjoy. The 2010 Satin Notes Contest will run from 15 August 2010 until 15 November 2010. Two winners will be chosen out of all the properly entered contestants.

The prize is as follows:

One print copy of each (4 books in total for each winner):

Brawich’s Way
Osborne’s Shelter
Kismet
A surprise story from Satin Notes

Each of these books will be signed by each of the Satin Notes author.

Now for the rules:

All you have to do is enter here http://www.satinnotes.com/contest.shtml and put all your information in the form. You must enter your first and last name, email address, and snail mail address. That’s it. No questions to answer, nothing. Just enter your first and last name, email address, and snail mail address. Please note all the information we requested is needed in order for your contest entry to be considered a valid entry. Incomplete entries will be disregarded. Your address will be kept private and not shared with anyone. After midnight EST on 15 November 2010 no more entries will be accepted. The winners will be chosen and their names, only their names will be posted.

One final stipulation, if this contest is posted on any of the sweepstakes sites the Satin Notes authors reserve the right to terminate the contest at our discretion with no warning and none of the stated prizes will be given.

Enter the Contest here: http://www.satinnotes.com/contest.shtml

We would love to thank all of our readers for such wonderful support over the years. Y’all truly have no idea just how much we appreciate it. Thank you!

Aliyah, McKenna, & Taige

Today’s snippet theme is Humor. Here is a look at a fun interaction between Reese, my hero and Jermaine, his best friend. It is long so placed it behind a link. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

Looking up, he saw Jermaine framed in the doorway. He came forward to sit on the side of Reese’s desk. His grin tipped Reese off that Jermaine was going to ask him to do something he wouldn’t like.

“Whatever it is, the answer is no.”

Jermaine chuckled. “How can you say no, and you don’t even know the question yet?”

“Like this. No. See how easy that was?”

Jermaine gave him a pleading look. Reese laughed, shaking his head. Jermaine put his palm to his head and slid off the desk to the floor. Reese stood, walked around the desk, and saw him lying on the floor on his back. When Jermaine saw Reese, he started laughing. Shaking his head, Reese watched him. The man was crazy.

From his prone position, Jermaine said, “You wound me, buddy. Haven’t I, without question, supported you in anything you needed…?”

Reese leaned back on his desk, getting comfortable as Jermaine tried to guilt him into doing whatever it was that he wanted done. Knowing Jermaine’s usual mode of operation, it could take a while for him to get to the point. Reese listened as his friend expounded on the virtue of his struggle to be a nice, forgiving man, sensitive to others and their needs. He continued on with how no one asked about his needs and wants. If he didn’t know Jermaine so well, Reese would have thought he was serious. Each time Jermaine really wanted something, he would deliver a flowery speech to lull you into submission, or a coma. Jermaine was slick, and if you weren’t careful, you would agree, just out of self defense, before you even heard what he wanted.

Chuckling, Reese thought of the last time Jermaine had talked him into doing him a favor that he lived to regret. He had come into the room and slid across the floor, belting out his own version of what friendship meant, to the beat of Proud Mary.

Reese remembered he had laughed so hard, he had agreed to finish up the negotiations for the Simpson account without knowing it. He would have normally had no problem with it, but he had to go to the Simpson’s chateau to finish it up. Still no problem, except Jermaine had forgotten to mention one tiny detail about Mr. Simpson’s wife, who was prone to show up naked in unsuspecting men’s rooms.

Jermaine hadn’t warned him to be careful, and he’d had a hell of a time running around the room trying to duck her, and then convincing her to leave. He did convince her, eventually, and when he had asked Jermaine about the lack of warning upon his return, Jermaine had laughed his head off, like he was doing now. Reese’s gaze narrowed. Jermaine really was up to something.

Wondering if Jermaine had found out him and Jasmine, Reese watched him closely. He didn’t seem upset as he lay on the ground. Jermaine seemed to be in one of his more playful moods.

He finally wrapped up by saying, “Isn’t it moi who came up with the idea to start this firm, and the one who is the senior partner?”

Reese made a rude snort at that. Jermaine looked at him, trying to act offended, but failing as he laughed. Standing, he leaned next to Reese, throwing his arm around his shoulder.

“My buddy and old friend, I need you to do something for me.”

Watching him, Reese thought, here it comes. He braced to say no.

Jermaine caught him off guard by saying, “Actually, I need two things from you. The first is easy for you to do, but the second is a little more complicated. First, I want you to find out who Jazz’s new man is.”

Jermaine watched Reese intently as he continued speaking. “Uh-uh. Don’t try to act like you don’t know. I tried to reach her over the weekend and she wasn’t home.” He paused, as if waiting for something, before continuing.

“Vincent tried on Sunday to get her to take the girls for him, and she picked up, but cut him off quickly. Jasmine never turns down spending time with her nieces. Then, this week, she cancelled dinner with Jamison. Something is going on and I…we need to know about it. So be a bud and find out for us.”

Reese breathed a sigh of relief that Jermaine didn’t suspect him. Then he frowned. For Jermaine to ask him about this new man, he and his brothers must really be worried. He grinned. He didn’t remember Vincent calling Jasmine while he was there. He wondered what she had said to cause them to come to him.

He shook his head, and from Jermaine’s expression, he knew he was expecting his answer to be no. So why even ask him? Quickly, Reese realized Jermaine had used the first favor as a way to make him feel more inclined to help him out with his second request. Reese got more comfortable, answering while he waited to see what Jermaine would do next.

“You know I can’t do that.” Especially since I’m the new man, he added silently.

“Damn it. I told them you wouldn’t help a brother out.” Jermaine snorted indignantly. “What kind of friend are you, anyway?

“One who doesn’t spy on other friends.”

He laughed. “Fine, but you have to do my second request.”

Reese sat back and stared at him. He was surprised to see Jermaine shift nervously. Jermaine never got nervous.

He finally blurted out what he wanted. “I need you to go to Milan to help Wolfe with the contract negotiations.”

Shocked, Reese watched him closely. “Why? Isn’t Simone with him?”

“She blew up at the meeting.”

Reese couldn’t believe it. Simone Van Court rarely lost her temper. Suddenly remembering another time she did, Reese groaned.

“Damn. How bad is it?”

In disbelief, Reese listened as Jermaine filled him in, “Well, the man didn’t understand what she was saying until she switched to Italian. Then, she…uh… insulted his mother and whole family heritage. It might have gone better if he hadn’t tried to touch her. She put him in the hospital. It’s okay. Wolfe talked them out of pressing charges. The fool was laughing so hard about the whole thing. He wanted Simone to continue negotiations, saying they would agree to whatever he said or he’d tell them she’d put them in the hospital. I need a calmer head there with them before they both end up in jail.”

Reese started to laugh and couldn’t stop. Although the situation was dire, it was funny. He couldn’t believe one woman, who looked so delicate, could cause so much damage. He guessed it came from her having so much family in the military. When he’d first met them, Reese didn’t know, and didn’t want to know, what half of them did. Reese sobered, realizing he’d have to go. Jermaine couldn’t; he was handling a deal for another client.

The timing was lousy. Reese stifled a curse. He didn’t want to leave Jasmine, but he had to, and he hated it.

“When do I leave?”

He ignored Jermaine’s triumphant grin. “Wolfe’s jet has been scheduled for a twelve-thirty take off.” He turned and headed for the door.

Glaring after him, Reese asked, “How did you know I’d go?”

Without stopping, he said, “Because I’m charming.”

Snorting, Reese went to gather his briefcase. He had a lot to do if he was going to make his flight. Most important was to call Jasmine. Swearing at the lousy timing, he headed for the door.

Copyright © McKenna Jeffries, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

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

Lauren Dane
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
Jody Wallace
Shelli Stevens

My way of thinking of it is that things happen and plan changes. We don’t always have control so we need to just accept that it happened and move on. As I drank my tea and watched the rain my thoughts turned to how years ago I would have let things like the weather change upset me. Especially when I had plans to do something. With time I changed and realized that changes in plan or what happens around you can be a good thing. We might not always see it at the present time but eventually it will be revealed. Being upset or letting such things mess with you is not worth it. Now I do still get upset but I’ve learned not to sweat the small things. Like rain that I can’t control.

So as the rain continued to fall I sat, had a cup of tea and enjoyed my unexpected break in my busy day. It was fun to relax and watch people. Got my ideas flowing about what could happen during an unexpected rainstorm. Ah a kernel of a new idea. I wrote down some ideas as I watched the rain. When the rain stopped I went on my way and got what I needed to do done then headed home. With a new idea that happened due to something different than I had planned. A little change can be good.

Today’s snippet theme is Black Moment. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

Bracing for him to leave her, she turned to look at him. Seeing the sorrow and pity in his eyes was an even worse blow. She knew Reese would feel obligated to stay with her now, but she couldn’t let him. Turning away, she got up and walked to the other side of the room, away from him.

“I can’t give you what you want, Reese, so leave. I know you feel sorry for me now that you know, but I don’t want that. And I don’t want you to miss out on having children. I was selfish, just wanting you for me, but…”

Jasmine jumped as he roared, “Who the hell do you think you are?”

Turning to face him, she instinctively backed up at the rage she saw on his face. Catching herself, she stopped and stood her ground. In awe, she watched him battle to control his anger. His eyes snapped with not only anger, but also hurt.

His voice was hoarse as he spoke. “How could you think I wouldn’t want you, or still love you, because you can’t have kids? My love isn’t that shallow. This is real, Jasmine. It’s not about what you can give or not give me. I love you, Jasmine.” He stopped, waiting expectantly.

Hope blossomed in her as she looked into his angry face. Thinking of how happy she could be with him, Jasmine started toward him. But she stopped as she remembered what happened the last time she let herself love. Putting her arms around her stomach, she knew she couldn’t allow it. Emptiness filled her, making her heart ache. Battling tears, she looked at him. He deserved a whole woman, not someone as broken as she was.

Forcing herself, she said the words she knew would drive him away. “Ha! I thought what I had with Derek was real. Look what it got me. Nothing but pain and anguish. I can’t love you, Reese. I never can.”

Her breath caught at the devastation on his face. She waited for him to storm out. He looked at her through wounded eyes, and silently took a small jewelry box out of his pocket. His movements stiff, he walked over to the center table and flung the box down. It bounced from the table onto the floor as he turned, walking out the door and slamming it behind him.

The silence echoed after he left. Shaken, Jasmine stood frozen in place. Her body ached. Finally, she moved forward, and taking the box off the floor, opened it. Seeing his mother’s engagement ring, she collapsed onto the floor. Silent tears rolled down her face. Rocking back and forth, she wrapped her arms around her body, trying to ward off the pain.

After a while, she drew a shaky breath, wiped her eyes, and stood slowly, each movement agony. Closing the box, she placed it slowly onto the table. Listlessly, she gathered her bag and went out the door. She hurried to her car and got behind the wheel. She started the car and pulled out of the drive. Briefly, she glanced at Reese’s house and saw he wasn’t there. Turning, she drove down the street as tears flowed, blurring her vision.

Copyright © McKenna Jeffries, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

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