My goodness; it’s hard to believe a month just flew by since I last posted. Never fear, I’ve been writing away on “Scorpio Begins,” and I’m well into the first draft. Here’s a snippet of what I’ve been working on:
Disclaimer: May be edited or deleted prior to publication.
By the time they reached the outskirts of Kincardine, Connor was in his element and drove with confidence. Meredith pressed a button on the cassette player, and the sounds of the Eagles blended with the early summer sounds of the small town. Connor’s fingers tapped the wheel, and he hummed along as Don Henley belted out “Hotel California.” A ray of the setting sun lit the fine brown hairs on Connor’s forearm. Meredith felt as if the muscles cried out for her to stroke them. As if reading her mind, Connor reached over and ran his fingers along the side of her face before letting his hand come to rest on her thigh. Warmth radiated through his hand spreading through her like the burn of a fine brandy.
Connor pulled into a parking spot in front of the restaurant. He pocketed the keys as he waited for her to get out of the car. His hand slid around the back of her neck as they climbed the stairs to the entrance. Meredith tried to make it look like she needed something in her purse as she rolled out of his grasp. She felt Connor stiffen beside her; she chose to ignore it as they went through the ornate wood and brass door of the steakhouse.
“Good evening, madam.” The maître d’ glanced at Connor.
“Good evening, Charles.”
“Your table is ready. Will anyone else be joining you this evening?”
“No, there’s just the two of us as I mentioned when I called.” Meredith’s voice dripped with disapproval.
“Right this way.” The maître d’ led the way through the busy dining room to a private alcove in a back corner of the restaurant. He pulled the inside chair out for Meredith while Connor took the other. He shook the napkin and placed it on Meredith’s lap before doing the same for Connor.
“Your server will be right with you. Is there anything else I can do for you this evening?”
“No thank you; that will be all, Charles.”
Meredith opened her menu before glancing up to see Connor staring at her.
“What’s the matter?”
“Who else did he think would be joining us?”
“I’m sure it’s what he’s supposed to say. Why do you ask?”
“Well, let’s see. You moved away from me, presumably so no one could see me touch you. You’re obviously well known in this restaurant. He asked if anyone else would be joining you as if he expected someone; and unless I’m missing something, I doubt very much whether you have enough clout to have your own table in a restaurant like this. So what am I missing, Meredith?” Connor’s tone was even and measured, his eyes sliced through her like cold steel.
May romance be with you!
