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!
