How often have we wished to recapture that first glow of love that the passing of time seems to tarnish? When I brought back my "By Moonlight" fan favorite couple, Max and Cee Cee, who anchored the series with the initial four books, after teasing readers with peek-a-boo appearances in the four book "Shadows" spin off books, I realized a lot of time had passed (almost 7 years!) since they steamed up the pages to reviewer raves, and new readers hardly knew them at all. So, in keeping with where the plotline was taking the series, I brought my fav couple back . . . to fall in love all over again when she rescues him from the hands of their enemies only to find out they'd stolen his memories . . . in REMEMBERED BY MOONLIGHT, my first self-pubbed book. I loved everything about it - control over story, cover, promotions, blurb - everything (an OCD dream come true!) and especially returning this magical pair, my shapeshifter bad boy and his take no prisoners NOPD detective mate. Here's a tease . . . (and for how this scene begins, skip over to my MAIN BLOG for today's post.)
Excerpt
“I’m sorry.”
In lieu of explanation, Cee Cee simply leaned into him,
resting her cheek upon his broad back, slipping her other arm about his waist
in a loose circle. Her palm rode his slow, even breaths. For a long moment, he
didn’t move, then his voice rumbled like distant thunder.
“Whatchu sorry about, cher?”
“For taking things for granted.” She sighed then just let go of all the
confusion. “I’m so used to you getting me.
You’re the only one who does. You
know me better than I know myself. You’ve always been one step ahead, knowing
what I want, what I need, just the right
things to do or say. I never had a connection like that to anyone else. Not to
my father who I thought walked on water, not to Babineau who’s had my back on
the street for years, not even Mary Kate who shared all my secrets. None of
them understood the things I kept in my closet.”
Silence, then a husky, “What do you have in your closet that
you only shared with me?”
She chuckled and gave him a swat. “Not a literal closet,
Savoie.”
“Oh. Forgive me for thinking naughty thoughts. You tend to
inspire them, sha.”
Her arm tightened about him as he lifted her other hand to
his lips for a light stroke.
“It’s where we locked away our fears, our darkness, our
pain. We’d just started to do some serious housecleaning together when—I lost
you.”
“You haven’t lost me, Charlotte. I’m right here.”
“I know you are.” Her voice hitched slightly. “It’s just so
hard, Max. So hard to be with you and still feel so far apart. To expect things
that aren’t returned. Silly things like a joke that only we understand. Signals
that aren’t received. I feel like I’m standing on the outside again, and I know
it has to be the same for you. I tend to
forget that I’m not the only one frustrated here. I’ve been too focused on my
own situation to consider yours. That’s why I’m sorry. I want us to be in this
together, not standing apart and alone.
I don’t want to lose you, Max. I can’t go through the pain of that
again.”
He turned, releasing her hand so his could cup her cheek in
his palm. His thumb brushed away the
tears that threaded through rain drops. His features were drawn in dramatic
plays of light and shadow, his eyes bright, the only splash of vivid color upon
that stark palette. He was breathtaking, and hers was gone. She held herself
still and left herself open, something she’d never been able to do with anyone
but him. She
didn’t try to hide to her vulnerability. Or her longing.
“I’m not going anywhere, Charlotte.”
Two series to sink your teeth into - Vampires AND Shapeshifters all at a low, low price.
If you need more convincing, here's a visual behind the scenes look at REMEMBERED BY MOONLIGHT . . .
Happy Summer and Happy Reading!!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Nancy Gideon on the Web
2 comments:
Wow, Nancy. That scene is so powerful. It hit me hard, just like the first time I read it.
Thanks, Di!!
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