Waiting on the Color
This my first winter in 22 years that I am not in northern Maine. And let me tell you, I don’t miss 10 feet of snow and wind chills that can drop to -50F with an ambient temperature of -30. Yep, I’ve seen my fair share of those winters. And they’re very long. Up in that part of Maine there our four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and preparing for winter. The cold and snow comes around Halloween most years and lately has been staying through most of April. Yeah, winter just goes on and on and on and … you get the idea.
When the first flakes of snow fall in late October, they float gently to the ground coating the green grass in a lacey layer of white. It’s beautiful. But after shoveling, snowblowing and clearing cars for 4 months, that *&^%*# white stuff isn’t even sort of pretty. It’s a real pain in the … oh, sorry. I lost myself for a minute in those memories. Anyway, suffice it to say snow and white gets tiresome.
When the first soft winds of spring warm the gray branches of the trees and the gentle rains wash the dirty, muddy remains of snowbanks down the culvert, the ground begins to warm. Tiny sprigs of green shoot out of the damp earth and blossoms of crocuses, tulips and daffodils bloom. Oh, the color! After months of monochromatic white, the flowers are welcome. As trees fill out in the green shades of spring, window boxes and hanging baskets of flowers adorn homes. And my heart smiles with the return of all the hues of the rainbow.
There is something about flowers that lift spirits and gladden hearts. Flowers help us celebrate the important moments of our lives; births, deaths, marriages, and graduations. They show up on every holiday sent by people we love. Florists in a small town, like where I lived, had their finger on the pulse of the townspeople. All the big news sorted right through their workbench as they created bouquets for the residents of the community.
So it was an easy choice for me when I set my sexy romantic suspense series in Maine, to have the Tilling sisters own a floral shop and landscaping business. What better way to get a feeling for the small town of Delmont where they live? The first book, Blind Her With Bliss is still on sale for $.99 at Amazon. It introduces the Tilling family and finds oldest sister Julie investigating her best friend’s death.
BLURB:
She's trying to find herself. He's attempting to hide. Together they'll discover a truth that threatens them both…
Investigating the death of her best friend, uptight accountant, JULIE TILLING, discovers an erotic world of adult nightclubs and Internet intrigue. When shock jock DAMON COREY rocks her world in a wild night of lust, she wonders if she's found love…or the key to solving a murder.
EXCERPT:
“You ever ride a motorcycle, Julie?”
She pulled off the helmet and fluffed her hair. The corkscrew curls of copper fit her cute features much better than the black wig that had overpowered them.
“Not one this fast,”
He bit back a smile. “No, I meant any motorcycle.”
“Was it that obvious?” Color rose from her chest and deepened her already flushed cheeks.
“I like to be a woman’s first.” Shit. Even clean shaven and wearing his glasses, Demon’s persona had a bad habit of popping up at inopportune moments.
Julie stopped contemplating her toes and stared straight at him. Emotions moved over her face and clouded her eyes, but he didn’t know her well enough to read between the lines. He’d just met this wonderful woman. He hadn’t intended to scare her off.
“Julie, I—”
“No, Damon. It’s fine. I understood the score last night. I knew what this would be when I seduced you.”
He hadn’t thought her cheeks could become redder, but he was wrong.
“You have a lot of women available to you,” she said, quietly. “I’m sure they’re much more experienced than me.” She shrugged and nervously fiddled with the strap of the helmet. “I’m sure you weren’t really expecting the person you found at the family homestead?” She emphasized the last two words as if they were obscenities. “The Jewel of last night was more your speed. I get that.”
Oh, hell no. “No, Julie, I—”
She lifted her hand between them. “No, Damon. Seriously, you don’t owe me anything. Obviously my father dragged you into an uncomfortable situation. Well, you’ve done your social obligation. You politely got through a Tilling family dinner and now I’m home safe and sound. I didn’t mean to disappoint by being the girl next door and not the wild party bimbo you expected.” The helmet landed in his lap. “It seems I have a hard time living up to even a virtual stranger’s expectations of who I should be.” She turned on her heel. “So, thanks. I get it. Good night.”
“No, Julie, really, you don’t understand.” He yelled at her retreating back. “Julie, wait.” Damon attempted to jump from the bike, but the stand wasn’t down, and he had to juggle the extra helmet. “Damn it all to hell. Julie…” He finally managed to extricate himself from the bike and the helmets and caught her just as she pushed open the front door. “Please. I think you’ve misunderstood. Just give me a minute to explain. Then I’ll leave.”
Her arms knotted across her chest for protection. A wounded heart? He’d have to tread carefully. The emerald eyes shimmering in the waning light telegraphed her pain and embarrassment, but her lips were pursed thin with determination. The woman was a walking enigma. Damon suspected she had no idea how damn sexy she looked standing there, inviting him to explain himself—daring him to breach her defenses.
BUY on Amazon
And so I'm curious … what's your favorite season?
Sounds good!
Glad you enjoyed it Amy!
Your novel sounds compelling. I know exactly what you mean about winter. Growing up and living North of Maine was an unforgettable experience each and every winter until we moved. I don't miss it a bit.
Hi Nina, Spring definitely my favorite season. I like that it's the best of both worlds – not too hot and not to cold. To be fair the winters around here are very mild anyways. I've never been to Maine but it seems like a nice place to visit.
Anne – LOL! This year in southern New England has been wonderful. (And yes, it's been a mild winter everywhere.) I haven't missed the snow and cold one iota!
Na – Maine is beatuful … especially in the summer. I know a lot of people in warmer climates love the fall because they can enjoy the out-of-doors without sweltering!