As I begin a glorious new year, I do as I always do. I stare out the window and reflect back on the past. Where was I before? How far have I traveled? What mistakes have I made? Am I where I want to be? 2013 was a rollercoaster ride! My focus was my dive into Indie publishing--Carefully revealing my finished work. Oh sure, I lovingly crafted three gorgeous books and fell in love with Killian along the way. And yes, Mica’s extraordinary journey came from my heart and I hoped others would see the deeper meaning within her story. I devoted endless hours to tweaking dialogue, crafting the perfect transitions, and searching for the exact turn of phrase. Just like I assume every author does. I’m not unique in my passion--everyone writes to tell a tale that lingers. It’s my dream that I follow each and every time I park my butt in front of the keyboard.

Now that I’ve finished my annual reflection, I realize a few things. One, I’m still passionate about writing and giving up my day job to write full time is the best decision for me. It’ll be challenging, sure. I’ll have to cut back on lunches out and my addiction to fine chocolate. Sigh. Such is the nature of sacrifice!

Two, I need to clone myself. Promoting and marketing take up as much time as writing.  Assuming I want to sell books (necessary evil to support chocolate addiction), I need to work on getting my babies in front of people who want to read them! Promotion is a whole new world that I’m attempting to navigate. It’s my hope that some of the new people I meet might share their wisdom with me. Hey, I don’t know everything and I could use your help!

Three, every day is a new day. We’re given a clean slate every time we crawl out of bed. Some days are
productive; some days are not. But the potential is there every time we open our eyes. It’s up to me to make my days count. 

That’s it for 2013 reflection. It was a good year! Primani and Call the Lightning are doing well. Stone Angels is ready to be released on 7 Feb 14. Just in time for Valentine’s Day!  Soooo, what will you do with your clean slate?

After a little while, I noticed the boat turn towards a secluded cove. I perked up then. I pretended to wake up and yawned. I did my best to look sexy. I made sure he was looking and dragged my long hair across my shoulders. Our eyes met. His were bleak as he looked at me. I didn’t understand the expression.  I smiled a wicked smile though. I could smell victory.

He anchored the boat and walked towards me. He hesitated for a minute, seemingly torn, and looked skyward. I held out my hands to him and he took the first steps that would change my life forever.

Resigned, he reached out to me and I tugged him to the deck. He didn’t resist me this time. Oddly hesitant, he hovered above me.  His eyes never left mine. They were that stormy shade of ocean that I wanted to drown in. He was trying to tell me something, but all I could see was infinity in those eyes. I wanted to follow him anywhere. He held my gaze,
challenging me to look away. I couldn’t drop my eyes. I was suddenly very aware of a power in him I only vaguely sensed before. I was startled and a little afraid then. But it was far too late for second thoughts. 
 
Sean was resting on his elbows above me, just barely touching me. I could feel the muscles in his chest brushing against my breasts. His thighs were pressing against my legs. He was very warm. I shivered against him. Every muscle in his body tensed. I was dissolving underneath him yet he still didn’t kiss me.  I wanted to touch him but I couldn’t move a muscle. He still searched my eyes as if he was trying to read my soul. My thoughts exploded like
fireworks.  Every memory, every thought I’d had about him raced through my head until I made a startling
discovery. Somewhere along the way, I’ve fallen in love with him. 

His mouth came down on mine in a kiss that stopped my heart. A current passed through my lips to my toes. I vibrated with it and tried to arch against him, but I was paralyzed. He relaxed against me and I melted into the deck. Every inch of me pulsed against him. My skin felt too tight and too hot,
raw and exposed.