Showing posts with label cats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cats. Show all posts
Monday, April 6, 2020
Dealing with the stress of being stuck at home - by Vijaya Schartz
Stuck at home? Listening to the news with growing anxiety? Dealing with confinement and social distancing, while worrying about your income or losing your 401K, can push our stress to intolerable levels. Here are a few of my stress relieving secrets to do at home. If it helps me keep my sanity, it might work for you as well.
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| It's me, front right, with the white shirt. You can do this at home. |
Tai-Chi – an exercise you can do alone, at home. It doesn’t require any space and it doesn’t matter if you do it well or not, as long as you keep moving in a slow and constant flow. There are a number of free videos on U-tube. Just follow along as best you can. Apply yourself and you’ll get better as you go. It’s a practice that can help you deal with stress all year long and has a side effect of improving your general health. I practice Tai-Chi Essentials, which is derived from the 37 form, and developed exclusively for health purposes. (Harvard Medical school guide to Tai-Chi)
Cat videos – When stressed, I find myself watching more and more cute cat videos on Facebook. Join a group like “I love cats” or a group with puppies if you are a dog person, and indulge in soft furry cuteness to free your mind of stressful thoughts and concerns. A good laugh, a chuckle, a few awwwws and your spirit can soar again.
On TV – Last weekend, Animal Planet held a “Too Cute” marathon, featuring kittens and puppies and ducklings, and other furbabies. It was a big success, and they will probably do it again soon. Another advantage, it will also keep the kids, or grandkids also stuck at home, occupied and happy.
Watching romantic movies and Christmas movies – Just like romance novels, romantic movies and Christmas movies are the perfect escape. You know in advance all will be okay at the end, so you feel safe sharing the obstacles the characters have to surmount to find their happily ever after. From your DVR, or Netflix or your favorite movie source. Some channels, like Hallmark and Hallmark Mysteries have also started to replay Christmas movies. I love them.
Sit coms – my favorites are The Big Bang, Two and a half men, The Golden Girls. I always watch an episode or two late at night, before going to bed. It clears my mind for a good night sleep.
I also like to cuddle with my cat, solve Crossword puzzles, and cook special meals for myself. I live alone, so I cook a batch then freeze individual portions to eat later.
But the best relaxation device is a good novel or a favorite series. I prefer popular fiction, action, adventure, romance, mystery, fantasy, science fiction. Any story that can get you out of your worries and into a new, exciting world will buy you many hours of pure escape.
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| The Curse of the Lost Isle - Celtic Legends series, is available in ebook and paperback HERE |
I hope this helps you cope with these stressing times. If you want to check out my other books, visit my website or my page on amazon, B&N or your favorite online bookstore. Here are my latest releases (all are standalone stories with different sets of characters. The series indicates that they are set in the same universe).
Happy Reading.
Vijaya Schartz, author
Strong Heroines, Brave Heroes
Something’s rotten on the angel planet. When Avenging Angels turn up dead, Urielle, their Legion Commander, suspects the handsome intruder brought unspeakable evil to Azura.
Maksou never met a woman he couldn’t seduce. He came to the forbidden planet to rescue his friends and get rich in the process, but the jungle crawls with lethal life forms… including a gorgeous warrior angel, who saves his life but keeps him prisoner and challenges his irresistible charm.
Urielle, sworn to protect Azura at all costs, has no use for a maverick who ignores the rules and endangers the planet… no matter how attractive. Especially when the Galactic Trade Alliance (GTA) wages a secret war to get their greedy hands on the priceless crystal at Azura’s core.
"This is a TERRIFIC story with angels, people doing questionable things for the right or good reasons and women who are more than strong. They are leaders and can kick butt as well as the men. It even brings in AI's and gives them (at least one) a chance to redeem their programming. Action packed from start to finish, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. What's next for the people of this planet?LOVED IT!" 5 stars on amazon
Monday, July 29, 2019
The cats are back in space - Chronicles of Kassouk by Vijaya Schartz
I have been accused of having a wild imagination, and I plead guilty. I’m a writer. It comes with the territory. I write strong heroines, brave heroes, and cats.
You may not know it, but in my world, real and imagined, most cats are telepathic and exhibit all kinds of special powers. Some are very judgmental, others just loving, and others yet very food motivated. They can read people’s thoughts and intentions and sense whether a person is good or evil. They can disappear from a room and reappear through closed doors, or vanish entirely… until they decide to re-materialize… usually around meal time.
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| Jasmine never misses a meal, no matter how invisible she has become. |
As I revisit the Chronicles of Kassouk for their second edition through BWL Publishing, I am thrown again into the sci-fi fantasy world I created for the series, Humans and their cats, fighting for their freedom against technologically advanced aliens with their own agenda.
In the world of Kassouk, as you can tell by the book covers, cats are an important part of the culture. In Noah’s Ark, the hero’s companion is a fierce domestic cat named Viking. But all the following books eminently feature large felines, kept as pets and trained for battle. These cats are usually loyal companions, often heroic to a fault.
Noah’s Ark is set against the dramatic background of Human scientists, runaways, fugitives, and settlers crashing on a wintry planet. The title of each following novel is the warrior name of its hero or heroine. White Tiger is the heroine of her book and all the stories after that have a corresponding big cat as a secondary character. In this series, each novel is a complete standalone with its own set of characters, its own romantic story and satisfying ending, and can be read independently from the others.
As the population of Kassouk evolves, however, a few long-lived characters and continuing story threads develop through several novels, and have repercussions in more than one story. So, it helps to know what happened before. And if you are like me, you’ll want to read the Chronicles of Kassouk in the right order.
I am thrilled with the republication of this series. NOAH’S ARK was just released in July 2019. WHITE TIGER is on pre-order, to be released August 1, 2019. And the following titles will come out back to back over the summer – RED LEOPARD – BLACK JAGUAR – BLUE LIONESS – SNOW CHEETAH.
Here are the specifics of the first two novels currently available. Enjoy the read.
NOAH'S ARK
Chronicles of Kassouk - Prequel
Chronicles of Kassouk - Prequel
Exclusive on amazon for a short time HERE
When Trixie's starfreighter, Noah's Ark, drops out of jump space in an uncharted part of the universe, she believes the Earth-like planet on her viewer represents hope and salvation for her motley crew and the ragtag settlers aboard her ship.
Kostas, ex Space Marine, the expert survivalist recruited for this expedition, doesn't believe in coincidences, and knows that when something looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Everyone on this voyage to seed a new planet with life, is running from something, and harbors dangerous secrets... including Trixie, who vowed to never let a man control her life again. As for Kostas, he would get lynched on the spot if anyone suspected who he really is.
But on this seemingly abandoned planet, others are watching, herding them for evil purposes... And when the truth emerges and secrets unravel, Trixie and Kostas will have to fight for survival, for freedom, and for the right to love...
"Filled with action, adventure, greed, betrayal, and love..." 5-stars on amazon.
WHITE TIGER
Chronicles of Kassouk Book One
Exclusive on amazon for a short time HERE
On the frozen plains of Kassouk, where a few aliens rule a medieval Human world, Tora, Human warrior trained by tigers, seeks her father’s murderer. But what she finds at the point of her sword confuses her. How dare Dragomir, the handsome Mutant, question her bloodline and her loyalties? And could a new enemy control the savage hordes of the fringe?
Dragomir offers to help, but Humans and Mutants are forbidden to fraternize under penalty of death... Should Tora trust her mind, her instincts, or her heart?
In the vortex of war, treason and intrigue, among blizzards, avalanches and ambushes, Tora sets out to solve the mystery of her father’s death. When she unveils the secret of her birth, she realizes Dragomir is the key, and together, they must save their planet from the invaders and fulfill their destiny... if they can survive dire persecutions from those they mean to protect.
"...an exceptional tale that belongs in a place of honor on keeper shelves everywhere." Coffee Time Romance - 5-cups
"...this is one futuristic that you do not want to miss!" Fallen Angels Reviews - 5 angels - Recommended Read
HAPPY READING!
Vijaya Schartz, author
Strong heroines, brave heroes, romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo - FB
Strong heroines, brave heroes, romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo - FB
Monday, June 3, 2019
What's this cute kitty doing on my new sci-fi cover? by Vijaya Schartz
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| Find the links to purchase this book and my other titles from BWL here |
What is such a cutie doing on a spaceship? On the cover of a book titled BLACK DRAGON? He is neither black, nor a dragon.
Well, there is an explanation. You see, this kitty's name is Marshmallow, and he is the prized pet of the fierce Black Dragon, code name of an infamous Resistance fighter, escaped from prison, and wanted by the authoritarian regime on several star systems.
Unlike his heroic guardian, Marshmallow is quite spoiled. He loves tuna, loves the ladies, loves angels, loves blue crystal, and no one can resist petting him when he rolls on his back and rounds his blue eyes into pools of cuteness. He also has a special telepathic connection with the hero, and serves as his side-kick in undercover operations. This kitty is the best at distracting the enemy.
But although everyone loves Marshmallow, BLACK DRAGON isn't a story about a cat. It's a sweet sci-fi action romance, set on the Byzantium Space station. Book Two, AKIRA'S CHOICE, is scheduled for release in October 2019.
This space station was previously featured in the Azura Chronicles series, in ANGEL MINE, and ANGEL FIERCE. It will also figure in book 3, ANGEL BRAVE, scheduled for 2020.
About Byzantium:
Hovering at the edge of conquered space, in orbit around a dying star, sits an aging space station under the control of the Galactic Trade Alliance. Byzantium, once a thriving commercial hub, is turning into a den of crime, drugs, and debauchery, where anything or anyone can be bought or sold. The maximum-security penitentiary at its core, the Fortress, is a pit of despair and holds the most dangerous felons in the galaxy. For over a hundred cycles, the GTA has annexed worlds and plundered their resources. It now controls most of the galaxy, except for a few useless rocks and a small number of rebellious planets, who still manage to challenge their military might. But something is coming to upset the balance of power... something the GTA did not foresee.
Byzantium Book 1
June 7 release, in preorder now
amazon - Smashwords - B&N - Kobo
A gambler is cheating in a den of the Byzantium space station, and Lieutenant Zara Frankel intends to catch him in the act. She always gets her man, but this one could prove more than she can handle.
Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, has come under cover to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, the Fortress, on the Byzantium space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of the lovely straight arrow GTA enforcer.
When Zara realizes that she’s been duped by a shrewd but seductive Resistance fighter, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself.
Early reviews:
"I love this one by Vijaya Schartz. As always, her action-packed, well-plotted out prose kept me glued to the pages of Black Dragon from start to finish." TwoLips Reviews 5-kisses a RECOMMENDED READ
"I like the balance of humor and danger in this story, and the action kept me glued to the pages... I enjoyed watching as suspicion turned to admiration, and admiration became the first flickers of love between Czerno and Zara... Pick up a copy of Black Dragon, by Vijaya Schartz, and enter a world of adventure, romance, and a spoiled cat named Marshmallow." 4½ stars Sensual Long And Short Reviews
"Vijaya Schartz is known for her strong female characters and Zara is no exception... gives the reader lots of action and a sweet love story." Single Titles Review 4½ stars
HAPPY READING!
Vijaya Schartz, author
Strong heroines, brave heroes, cats, romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo - FB
Strong heroines, brave heroes, cats, romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo - FB
Monday, April 8, 2019
Adding the final touches to my next sci-fi romance novel - by Vijaya Schartz
I just finished the sixth or seventh rewrite of Black Dragon, to be released in June, the first book of a new series. It is set on a space station named Byzantium, featured in the Azura Chronicles series, and set in the same universe. Like all my novels, it has a lot of action, adventure, and romance… a courageous heroine, and a brave hero… as well as a spoiled telepathic cat, a white Angora named Marshmallow.
When I went searching for illustrations of my setting, here is what I found:
Polishing is my favorite part of writing a book. It has been read by my critique partners and beta readers, and now that I have the finished product, comes the task of making it shine.
Polishing is the most important part of a writer’s job. It’s an art. It can turn a mediocre first draft into a decent read, and a great story into a fantastic book. But the lack of polish can also destroy a potentially great novel by washing it out, diluting it in too many words, and leaving it vague, ordinary, or forgettable.
This is the time to deepen the characters, make sure their motivations are on the page, find the secret links and motivations you may have overlooked or understated, show, rather than tell, and deepen the point of view. Ramp up the emotion, or was poetic on some descriptions or feelings, make the setting part of the story, etc.
The process will take me a month, then the book will go to the editor. If you want a taste, here is what it’s all about:
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| Czerno Drake, AKA Black Dragon |
A gambler is cheating in a den of the Byzantium space station, and Lieutenant Zara Frankel intends to catch him in the act. She always gets her man, but this one could prove more than she can handle.
Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, has come under cover to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, the Fortress, on the Byzantium space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of the lovely straight arrow GTA enforcer. When Zara realizes that she’s been duped by a shrewd but seductive Resistance fighter, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself.
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| Zara Frankel, undercover security forces |
A previous and much shorter edition several years ago, received this review:
"I love this one by Vijaya Schartz. As always, her action-packed, well-plotted out prose kept me glued to the pages of Black Dragon from start to finish." TwoLips Reviews 5-kisses review and a RECOMMENDED READ
Vijaya Schartz, author
High Octane Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo - FB -
High Octane Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo - FB -
Monday, February 11, 2019
ANGEL FIERCE, New Release February 2019 from BWL, by Vijaya Schartz
ANGEL FIERCE
Azura Chronicles Book 2
The story of Urielle the Avenging Angel, and Maksou, Fianna's young brother, both introduced in Book 1, Angel Mine.
All Maksou wanted was to rescue his trapped friends and get rich in the process. But this forbidden blue planet crawls with lethal life forms… including Urielle, a gorgeous angel of frightening power, who saves his life but shuns his irresistible charm.
Urielle, Legion Commander of the Avenging Angels, is sworn to protect Azura at all costs. She has no use for a maverick intruder who ignores the rules and endangers the planet by his very presence… no matter how handsome and charming. Especially when the Galactic Trade Alliance (GTA) wages a secret war to get their greedy hands on the priceless crystal at Azura’s core.
When immortal angels turn up dead, Urielle springs into action… and Maksou is in her line of sight.
Vijaya Schartz, author
Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo - FB
Monday, October 22, 2018
Writers and cats - by Vijaya Schartz
As far as I can remember, I loved cats… and writing. I wrote poetry in first grade, around the same time I brought my first stray home. At the time my father didn’t allow us to have pets, but since then I adopted many cats… and I kept writing. I still write, and I still have a cat.
Some say writers like cats because they are non-intrusive. I beg to differ. Even right now, my cat is begging for me to stop this computer nonsense and pay attention to her.
Others say cats are the perfect writer’s pet because they sleep a lot and they like daily routines. That part is true. There is a time for me to write. That’s when my cat sleeps. Right now, it’s TV time and I’m still writing, that’s why my cat is so upset.
Cats are independent, and the epitome of indifference. That part is usually true, unless it’s tuna time, or close to tuna time, or two hours before tuna time, or three in the morning and she decides it’s tuna time.
My cat's favorite camouflage blanket
So, if cats are just as demanding as other pets, why is it so many famous writers had cats and adored them? My rational opinion could be that cats are quieter than dogs and don’t need to be walked, but I believe it goes much deeper than that. Cats are intriguing, challenging, smart, and obstinate. They tickle our muse. And if I have a question, I can always ask my cat. She will give me the right answer.
Here are some other reasons why great writers loved their cats:
"A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not." Ernest Hemmingway
"I write so much because my cat sits on my lap. She purrs so I don't want to get up. She's so much more calming than my husband." Joyce Carol Oates
"That's the great secret of creativity. You treat ideas like cats: you make them follow you." Ray Bradbury, Zen in the Art of Writing
"I simply can't resist a cat, particularly a purring one. They are the cleanest, cunningest, and most intelligent things I know, outside of the girl you love, of course." Mark Twain
"I wish I could write as mysterious as a cat." Edgar Alan Poe
"When a Cat adopts you there is nothing to be done about it except to put up with it and wait until the wind changes." T.S. Elliot
There is a cat in my latest novel, a telepathic cougar, the companion of my kick-butt bounty hunter heroine. If you haven’t read it yet, pick it up and enjoy.
What in the frozen hells of Laxxar prompted Fianna to pursue her quarry to this forbidden blue planet? Well, she needs the credits... badly. But as if crashing in the jungle wasn't bad enough, none of her high-tech weapons work. She'll have to go native, after the most wanted felon in five galaxies. It's not just her job. It's personal.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement...
Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
"I don’t know how Vijaya continues to write books that both aggravate you to no end and keep you on the edge of your seat. You can’t put it down until you know what happens next. Before you know what happened, you are at the end of the book and wondering how you got there so fast. It is hard not to get caught up in and lost in the imagery created on the pages of the locations. You can even smell what is in the air. Yet another page turner I couldn’t put down! Thank you Vijaya for keeping me entertained." 5-stars - Beverley J. Malloy on amazon
HAPPY READING!
Vijaya Schartz, author
Romance with a Kick
amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo - FB
Monday, July 31, 2017
Moving is such a hassle... by Vijaya Schartz
My
cat Jasmine was very upset when she saw all the books disappearing from
the shelves, and many of the small furniture, wall pictures and mirrors
vanish from what had been her home for the past three years. And what
was that strange contraption on the patio? It looked like a cage!
I
only moved a mile and a half away, and I had a month to make the move,
so I took my time carrying out the small stuff myself. Never would I
have guessed I had accumulated so many things in the short three years I
lived there.
So upset was Jasmine by the time the movers came, she hid in the cupboard under the bathroom sink for the entire duration.
Finally,
at the end of the major moving day, I went to pick up Jasmine. The poor
thing didn't want to come out from under the sink. After much coaxing,
she finally stepped out, only to bolt back to her hiding place when she
realized the entire apartment was now empty.
After
much effort, that included crawling under the bathroom sink, I
retrieved my reluctant little kitty (not so little, as she is a well fed
cat) and managed to get her into the carrier under violent protests.
The
short drive to the new place was punctuated by much complaining from
Jasmine, in the carrier belted onto the passenger seat. She never liked
riding in a car and let me know it loud and clear.
Finally,
I took her out of the car and carried her upstairs. When I opened the
carrier, she immediately stepped out then looked around. Realizing all
her favorite things were here, she started purring and exploring, with
her tail up, like a happy cat. My new residence, another small
apartment, was now packed with boxes and piles of books.
The
furniture, bought to fit the previous place, did not fit as well in the
new rooms. Although of similar size, the different dimensions and
proportions of the rooms did not allow for the same setup. I had to try
several configurations, as the one I had originally intended did not
look good once in place. But Jasmine had already found her favorite
spots. She loves windows and here there are tall trees, and birds in
them. Free TV for cats!
The
worst part for me was to live without internet service or TV for over a
week. But after all these details were resolved, Jasmine and I are
ready to enjoy our new place. Here she is, at home at last, enjoying the
recliner, like any spoiled cat must.
As
for me, I'll soon be back to writing, once I catch up with all my
emails and social media obligations... and up to date with all my
changes of address. Moving is definitely a major event, no matter that
it was only a mile and a half away.
Keep up with my books on my website:
Vijaya Schartz
Action, Romance, Mayhem
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords - Facebook -
Action, Romance, Mayhem
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords - Facebook -
Monday, January 16, 2017
Back to Science Fiction... sort of... by Vijaya Schartz
Although I'm itching to write science fiction again, after a long series of medieval fantasy romance, I find it difficult to leave the wonderful world of immortals with strange powers. So, I decided to write a science fiction romance series involving a planet where the inhabitants have angelic abilities.
I call the series: AZURA-5 ANGEL PLANET. Book One will be ANGEL MINE, and it involves a kick-butt female bounty hunter and an angelic alien. I only wrote the first chapter, and I love them already and can't wait to develop their story. I even have these characters in mind. Yes, the big cat is also a character. What do you think? I hope the cover designer for my publisher chooses to use the pictures I selected, or something similar.
Here is the blurb (so far).
What in the frozen hells of Laxxar prompted Fianna to pursue her quarry to this forbidden blue planet? Well, she needs the credits... badly. But as if crashing in the jungle wasn't bad enough, none of her high-tech weapons work. She'll have to go native, after the most wanted felon in five galaxies. It's not just her job. It's personal.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement...
Fianna's hunter instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement...
Fianna's hunter instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
The book will probably come out in the summer of 2017. In the meantime, you can read my other science fiction romances in ebook or print from these distributors.
HAPPY READING!
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Facebook -
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
DO YOU LOVE CATS?
Do you love cats? If so, what is it about the furry critters that attracts you?
If not, why not?
The Nine Lives of Thomas Cash Riley
Book I
On Sale at Amazon for 99 Cents through 9-30-15!
On Sale at Amazon for 99 Cents through 9-30-15!
Thomas Cash (TC) Riley never thought about cats much when he was alive. But now he's mad, bad and –dead. Killed in a one car wreck the twenty-nine-year old playboy is given one last chance to redeem himself for living a selfish, unfulfilled life and to determine his soul’s final destination.
To help his young daughter recover from the loss of her mother, Daniel Bishop, a widower who dislikes the country and is allergic to anything with fur, has moved back to his wife’s rural hometown to be close to her large family.
Katherine Sinclair, the local veterinarian and the single mother of an adventurous ten-year old son, is wary of the handsome newcomer. Once before she’d given her heart to a wealthy, charming man and she’d ended up pregnant and alone.
With the help of a lonely little girl and a brash young boy, can TC find a way to bring these two damaged people together? Can he remember his past and save his soul in the allotted time?
And can he do it all as a cat?
Excerpt:
Daniel crept down the stairs,
wincing as the ancient wood creaked under his weight. He paused at the front
door and peered outside. A dog barked. Something thumped on the porch. Kat
cried out in pain.
Concerned, Daniel flipped on the
exterior porch light.
*** *** ***
Kat blinked at the sudden light and
tried to untangle her legs from Dobbie's leash. Tongue lolling from his mouth,
the dog flopped down and regarded her with obvious canine amusement. Biting
back the groan of pain the movement caused her twisted ankle, she gave up.
"Go ahead and laugh, you silly
mutt," Kat grumbled and looked helplessly at the man standing silhouetted
in the doorway.
"Dr. Clark? Are you
hurt?" Concern colored his tone as he hurried down the wide porch steps
and kneeled next to her. With sure, gentle hands he ran his hands over her bare
legs.
Like heat lightning his touch sent
a shiver of feminine awareness flashing through her. She flinched in pain as
his fingers probed her tender ankle.
Ducking her head to avoid his
questioning gaze and the sight of his broad, naked chest, she jerked her legs
away from the warmth of his fingers against her chilled flesh. "I'm
fine," she lied. "Just my pride is bruised."
She scrambled to her feet and tried
to back away. Instead her weakened ankle buckled and she stumbled over
something furry. The animal - TC - yowled and jumped aside. Arms pin-wheeling,
Kat fought to regain her balance before she landed on her already sore backside
yet again.
Daniel's strong hands latched on to
her upper arms, and pulled her forward. Her chest collided with his. Because of
the mild summer night air and her haste to find his cat she hadn't bothered to
change out of the knee-length t-shirt she normally wore to bed. She'd slipped
into a pair of sneakers and pulled on Pop's bathrobe. Wearing the ratty old
flannel he'd loved made her feel closer to him.
In her tumble the knot in the
robe's sash had come loose and fallen away. Now, the robe gaped open, leaving
nothing between her and Daniel's bare chest but the paper-thin material of her
worn t-shirt.
She gasped and heat flooded through
her, both from embarrassment over her ragged attire and the feel of him pressed
against her from breast to knee. Her nose was buried in the hollow of his
throat. Unable to prevent herself from doing so, she inhaled. His scent of pine
soap and sleep-warmed male filled her lungs.
Against her will the tenseness
inside her relaxed. As wrong as she knew it was - she couldn't risk her heart
again - being in his arms felt right. She sagged against him. His hands slid
off her arms and closed around her back to pull her closer. She titled her head
back and started to apologize. Her eyes met his bemused gaze and the words died
on her parted lips.
The light from the porch cast his
face in stark shadows, but didn't hide the question in his eyes. Her heart
thundered in anticipation. Her lips tingled. Her nipples grew hard. Her legs
went weak. In the ten years since JT's birth she'd dated a few times, even
kissed a couple of her dates, but none of them had affected her this way. None
had made her forget she was an unwed mother. None tempted her to repeat the
mistake she'd made with JT's father. None enticed her to lose control.
Something in her return gaze must
have answered Daniel's unspoken question because his head dipped to hers. In a
rush of long denied need she pushed aside caution, restraint and common sense.
Her eyelids drooped and she met his mouth with her own.
Like a heady wine heat flowed from
his mouth to hers. His hands flattened against the base of her spine to press
her close. Her thin t-shirt was little barrier to the feel of his chest muscles
against her sensitized breasts or the bulge beneath his jeans probing her
belly.
Unexpected and unwanted passion
flared between them. Self-restraint melted as she gave herself over to
long-suppressed desires.
"Daddy, why are you hugging
TC's doctor?"
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