Welcome
to this week’s MFRW Book Hooks blog hop!
Today
I’m featuring an excerpt from my polyamorous romance Sharing
Leah. It’s not a Thanksgiving story, but it does channel my
memories of New England in Autumn.
Enjoy!
Blurb
How
can she choose between her husband and her master?
Some
women might think Leah's existence heavenly – shared by two sexy
men who both adore her. Ten years married to lusty, artistic Daniel,
she still finds ecstatic release in surrendering to her master Greg.
But
Daniel’s and Greg’s jealousy and possessiveness have made Leah's
life a hell. They bring out the worst in each other. And in some
sense, it’s all her fault. If she loved only one of them, if she
made a choice, that would be that. In theory, at least.
Unable
to bear the continuous conflict, she escapes to the beautiful Maine
coast to ponder her future. Gradually she realizes that she cannot
live without either of her lovers. But if the two men can't settle
their differences, how can she bear to live with them?
The
Hook
The
Captain’s Table opened onto to First Street, but the dining room
and cocktail lounge were cantilevered out over the water on pilings.
Wonderful smells welcomed her as she stepped through the door into
the low-ceilinged room. The uneven planks under her feet and the huge
beams above her head made it feel as though she were on a ship.
Starched white cloths, crystal goblets and candles on each table
provided an elegance to offset the rough nautical ambience.
She
decided that she didn’t want to sit at a table alone, so she
settled herself on a stool at the brass-trimmed bar, ordering baked
haddock and a glass of Pinot Grigio.
What
would Greg and Daniel do for dinner? It was her night to cook. She
ordered a second drink when her meal arrived. Well, too bad. Let them
eat take out.
The
fish was delicious, moist and flavorful. She savored every bite.
Finally, she pushed her plate away with a satisfied sigh. She was
considering whether she should request yet another wine, when a new
glass appeared magically before her. “From the gentleman at the end
of the bar,” the barman told her. “With his compliments.”
Leah
peered in the direction indicated. There were several groups of
customers in the way. Business had picked up since she had arrived.
Noticing
her gaze, her benefactor picked up his own drink and strode to her
end of the bar.
“May
I join you?” he asked. He towered over her, looking down at her
breasts with an expression of frank appreciation. Leah found that she
was blushing. His nostrils flared. She wondered whether he could
smell the musk, leftover from her dream.
“Ah—of
course. Thank you for the wine.”
“You’re
very welcome.” The stranger seated himself on the stool beside her.
He had dark, thick hair and a mustache that reminded her of Daniel’s,
but he was more solidly built—actually, rather like Greg. His
clothes were casual, the Maine uniform of plaid flannel and denim.
Still, she heard culture and education in his voice, none of the
twang of a Down Easter. “I couldn’t help wondering what a
beautiful woman like you was doing eating all alone.”
“Oh—um—I’m
up here working. I just decided to come out and take a break.” She
couldn’t figure out why she felt so flustered. She sipped her wine,
trying to calm her racing heart. “I’m married.” She held up her
left hand as if to prove her statement.
“So
I see. If I were your husband, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight.”
Cheeky
bastard, Leah thought. Still, she felt herself getting wet.
“Well,
he trusts me. To be faithful.” She sat up straight on her stool and
held the man’s eyes, trying to get control of the situation. “And
I am.”
“I
don’t doubt it. More’s the pity.” He took a mouthful of his
drink, which smelled like whisky, and patted her knee in a
proprietary manner that once again reminded her of Greg. “Don’t
worry, I won’t try to tempt you.”
Like
hell you won’t, she thought. But she felt her nipples tighten
anyway.
His
hand moved casually up her thigh. “I’m Roger.”
“Leah.”
He held her hand a few seconds longer than was customary. She fought
down her arousal.
“So,
what kind of work do you do, Leah?”
“I’m
an editor for a major magazine.” She couldn’t pretend, with this
man, that she was a novelist. He seemed to see right through her.
“And
your husband?”
“A
musician. A composer.” Why should this guy care about Daniel
anyway?
“An
intellectual, artistic family. I imagine that you’re very
compatible. How long have you been married?”
“Ten
years. I’m very happy with him.” Leah heard insincerity in her
voice. But she truly was happy. She loved Daniel dearly. It was only
the constant conflict between Daniel and Greg that wore away at her
contentment.
“I
congratulate you.” There was a challenge in Roger’s eyes. What
did he want from her?
Leah
drained the rest of her wine. She suddenly felt a bit tipsy. “Thank
you.” She wanted to stand up, to bring this embarrassing
conversation to an end, but discovered that her legs were wobbly.
“It’s
so important to have someone. Someone who can fulfill all your
needs.”
She
tried to rise again, succeeding this time. She signaled for her
check. “Yes, well, you know—I actually have another lover as
well.” Roger’s look of surprise emboldened her. She grinned
mischievously. “He lives with us. With my husband and me.”
“Really?
How fascinating!” He arched one dark eyebrow. Clearly he wasn’t
expecting this from her.
“It
is, actually. They share me.”
“In
the same bed?” She couldn’t believe how rude he was. She put on a
demure expression.
“No—not
usually. Greg likes to have me to himself. So he can tie me up and
beat me.”
“Leah,
I am truly impressed.” Now that she had taken the offensive, Roger
looked distinctly uncomfortable.
“And
Daniel would be happy to spend all day licking my pussy.”
“But
of course…” Her would-be seducer obviously realized that he was
out of his depth.
Leah
signed the credit card receipt with a flourish. She held out her
hand. “Thanks again for the wine, Roger. It’s been a pleasure
talking to you.”
She
flounced out of the restaurant without waiting for his reply, shaking
with silent laughter.
I’m
too drunk to drive, she realized once she was out on the
sidewalk. Damn. She wanted to get back to her cabin, to shower and
bury her worries in sleep, but she’d have to wait. She headed back
to the wharf, taking deep breaths of salty night air to clear her
head.
It
was cold down by the water. Leah zipped up her jacket and hugged her
arms to her chest. A mist hung over the water, swaddling the boats
tied up at the dock, though the sky was clear overhead. The waning
moon glittered against the star-studded velvet backdrop, sharp as a
scythe.
What
exactly had happened back there, at the restaurant? Desire,
certainly—the man had been attractive, all the more so because of
his resemblance to both her lovers. But also defiance. Rebellion.
Leah was so tired of trying to please self-centered, egotistical
males. Perhaps the real solution was for her to strike out on her
own.
Be sure to visit the other authors participating in today's Book Hooks!
