Retreat, Sunsets and Ducks

Good morning, Muse Friends!

So. A couple of months ago, I planned to run away from home for a week and do nothing but write. Sometimes that's the only way to get anything done.

As of this writing, I'm finally on the retreat to finish my next book, Perfect Match. But, the week almost didn't happen. The past week everything cropped up taking time from organizing home and packing, etc., but by Thursday everything fell into place. I was ready to roll. Happy, happy. Friday at noon, I'd be on my way to a gorgeous place by the lake in the country. Yes!

I thought.

Around 1am Friday morning, I shut down the computer and went to bed. Later that morning, I started to pack the computer, but thought I'd check email first. Thank goodness I did. Surprise! Computer wouldn’t power on. Nothing. I panicked. I had a few hours left to make it to the condo for check-in.

I rushed to drop off the (less than a year old) computer for repair The mother-board had gone bye-bye. Most likely happened when I spilled coke on the keyboard at the end of 2011. The keyboard was replaced, but nothing else. No idea why the mother-board took so long to croak. I had no choice but to pull out the plastic for another computer. Okay, wouldn't this be fun? I did get a great deal though. One blessing.

Okay. I've shopped, settled in by the lake and ready to write. After waiting for tons of update downloads, installations and computer restarts, around 2 in the morning, I was beat. I pulled up the manuscript anyway and made some progress.

Internet connection was sporadic, and by late Saturday afternoon, I'd managed to send a couple of emails. Connection dropped again. Finally after 5pm on Monday the net seemed to hold. Crossing fingers here.

My withdrawals from the net reminded me of how we're so tied to technology, functioning without it presents a wide range of issues. I had enough ups and downs in a week to fill a chapter. Yes, I'm serious. But who would care? No one except me. I took it it all in stride…what else could I do?

Country sunsets over the water are amazing. I'm having morning coffee on the deck, watching the ducks fly in, listening to the water lap the shore and waiting on the muse. Taking lots of photos and hope to share when I get back.

Wish you were here!

If you get a chance, please click on the title to check out A SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS and a Short Story, A MATTER OF TASTE. Thanks so much.

Now, I hope you enjoy the short excerpt of PERFECT MATCH, due out the end of February or the first week in March.

PERFECT MATCH Excerpt

Cali moved to the saddle and ran a finger over her initials carved into the supple leather.

"He kept it," she whispered. "Through all the years. My father kept the saddle."

Cali swallowed back the tears and refused to cry for things that might have been, but when Trace reached for her, her reserve failed.

In an instant Trace closed the gap between them. For a moment he said nothing, and when she didn't resist he draped an arm around her shoulder and drew her close.

Tears she'd bottled inside, slid down her cheeks at his display of gentleness.

"It's all right. I'm here," he murmured. "You've had a lot to deal with. Coming home brings it all back. And the interesting last couple of days doesn't help."

She hesitated and wanted to pull away, but it felt so good to be held. To have someone care. In the warmth of his embrace she found encouragement and hope. Hope, that men weren't all bad or deceitful.

Gentle fingertips lifted her chin.

I'm not ready for this. "Trace, don't." She voiced one thing, but, never wanted him to let go.

Warm breath wafted like a caress across her eyelids, the tip of her nose, then brushed across her damp cheeks.

Their eyes held until his trailed slow and deliberate across her face. His grip was strong as he slipped a hand at the nape of her neck and pulled her to him.

No longer in control of a rational thought, waves of heat curled in the pit of her stomach as their lips met. The kiss was painfully tender. Cali wrapped her arms around his waist and allowed him to draw her closer.

When the kiss deepened, he crushed her to him so tightly she felt her bones ache. Heated breath came in ragged bursts as he nuzzled her neck, filled with hunger.

She knew she should stop him, but nothing mattered except the moment. Finally, with difficulty she withdrew and wrapped her arms tight about her waist.

"Why did you do that? Why did I let you do that? I have no idea what I was thinking."

Trace's hand rested on the small of her back. "I've wanted to kiss you since we met," his voice calm, his gaze teasing. "You're an irresistible woman, Cali Weston."

Unable to deny she'd wanted him to kiss her as much as he professed, she stood firm but stepped out of arms reach.

"That was much more than a friendly kiss, Trace."

He lifted a brow and moved closer, his blue eyes bold with desire. "It wasn't meant to be friendly."

"God, but you're arrogant."

"You needed kissing."

She lifted her shoulders, frowned and found her feet wouldn't move. "And you decided you were the man to do it? Don't be so egotistical."

Trace reached out and undid the ribbon in her hair, let it flutter to the floor, then gathered her hair around her face. He pulled her to him with a fierceness matched by her own.

His breath came hot and quick on her cheek, her ears, and her throat. Hesitant to give in, she fought against the mounting desire Trace kindled.

"Trace, please. Don't do this. You caught me in a weakened moment. And...and you have no idea of my needs."

With his fingers tangled in her hair's silky mass, Trace leaned forward, his face a whisper away, to kiss her once more. "Then it's time I found out."

Carol