June Reread Challenge - The Invisible Ring by Anne Bishop

Anne Bishop
The Invisible Ring
ROC October 2000
Rea Excerpt Here

After reading The Shadow Queen last month and doing a discussion/review with Renee, I felt the urge to reread The Invisible Ring, since two of the main characters are related to those from this one, however generations do separate them. They were frequently mentioned and even played a role in the events that took place in The Shadow Queen. The Shadow Queen whetted my appetite to finally revisit Lia and Jared and Dena Nehele.

I think I loved it more the second time around than I did the first. Made me weepy at the end. I don't remember getting weepy the first time. The romance between Lia and Jared was so good.

So for the past nine years Jared has been a pleasure slave. Tricked by a bitch-Queen, she slipped a ring of obedience on him when he was only 18. In a fit of rage, Jared kills the Queen who owns him and is put on the auction block in Raej. Expecting to go to the salt mines in Pruul, Jared is shocked when the Gray Lady of Dena Nehele buys him.

The Gray Lady is the last of the strong Queens of the Realm who opposes Dorothea SaDiablo, the Queen Bitch who rules the territory of Terrielle. Her evil, vile ways have so corrupted the land and its people. But the Gray Lady stands against her. However, last spring, after an attack the Gray Lady has been weakened. But they must not let Dorothea know, so a plan is formed for the Gray Lady to make her yearly trip to Raej to buy slaves, showing all that she is hearty and well.

The journey back to Dene Nehele with her twelve slaves is fraught with peril. Dorothea is determined to finish the Gray Lady once and for all.

A journey. Slaves. Secrets. Illusions. Evil, vile wickedness. Nobody appears who they truly are. Unlikely bonds form and before you know it, you are submerged into the world of the Blood. A world where Queens rule and males serve. The need to serve is part of who Blood males are. Their mental well-being needs the grounding of a good Queen to keep them healthy and whole. But over the centuries, under the rule of the Bitch Dorothea, there are no longer good Queens to serve, and Blood males are either broken, or slaves, very few are free, and the ones that are are corrupt bastards, but really, in the end, they are all still slaves too.

Anne Bishop's books are always so full of imagination and detail. I love what she does. I had forgotten how dark and delicious The Invisible Ring was. It left an impression on me when I first read it, but over the few years, most all the significant events slipped my mind, but the impression remained.

This book released after the trilogy but takes place several hundred years earlier. I think Anne Bishop did an outstanding job showing how fucked up the world is due to the corrupt ways of Dorothea. Even read after the trilogy, the stage was set perfectly to make you hungry for the events you know are to come with the coming of Witch. I had forgotten that one of the appearances Daemon has he mentions to Jared that there is one Queen he would serve, would honor without hesitation.

"I was a pleasure slave for nine years."

"Nine years," Deamon snarled impatiently. "What's nine years compared to centuries?"

"Would you ask a Queen to accept you as her husband?"

"In a heartbeat."

Jared sat back, awed and a little frightened by the terrible yearning that filled Daemon's eyes.

"You have some one you love," he whispered. "Who?"

Daemon's smile was gentle and a little self-mocking. "I don't know. She hasn't been born yet. But I've loved and served her all my life. I'll love no other. And I'll serve no other willingly."

And so sets the stage for the trilogy with Daemon, Jaenelle, Lucivar, Saetan and all the other amazing characters, where events unfold to purge the Realms of the Blood of the corruption that taints the land and the people.

There is one other passage I'd like to quote. People often say "May the darkness be merciful" or "Thank the Darkness", and other such sayings. The darkness is revered. It is honored and respected.

The Blood honored the Darkness because it meant endings and beginnings; it was the fertile dark of land and womb that nurtured the seeds of life; it was the psychic river of the Blood came from and returned to; it was the abyss the self descended into to reach its own strenght; it was the vastness that contained the spiderweb-shaped psychic roadways called the Winds. It was all those things, and more.

Her writing resonates in me like no other. It just wraps around me and swallows me up. I am able to immerse myself into her worlds. No other author or books have had that impact. Do you have an author or series that affect you on a deeper level than any other? I would love to know who moves you in profound ways.

Hell's Fire, Mother Night, and May the Darkness be Merciful!

Daughter of the Blood Review

Re-Read Challenge
hosted by
Nath @ Books, Books, and more Books

Mailbox Monday

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a nice weekend. I mentioned the other day that me and Devin were going to have a yard sale. We did for a while on Friday, even made a few bucks. Saturday we were away most of the day and Sunday we were going to pull the stuff back out to try and get rid of some more, but it rained! All day!

Thank you all so much for commenting on my post the other day. Hearing that a lot of you have been where I am now regarding going back to work, makes it a little easier. If you can do it, well, so can I! I'll keep y'all posted. I'm really glad that I have a place to come where people understand, not jsut about that but books also. You see, Saturday we went to a picnic at Fort Niagara State Park. A friend of my husband's, his son graduated high school. I know two of the ladies there, but I always feel out of place because they are always talking about the night before, how they drank and ate and all that. There is never any mention of a book! Not one book! So I sat there quietly acting like I was interested in what they had to say, but inside I'm thinking is that all you guys do is get together and drink? I don't know, me and my husband are so different from that. I don't drink. Well, maybe once in a blue moon. I like to be out and about but by myself or with my family. When I'm around them, I feel like I'm weird or something because they are so outgoing! But it's all good, we are who we are! And I'm happy with that :).

Anyway, on to my mailbox. I didn't get much this past week, but I did get three books that I've wanted for a few years now, two of them anyway. One I already read when it released back in 2005, The Compass Rose, by Gail Dayton. I really really enjoyed that book. I have no idea why I never kept it or never followed up with the next two books. I have always thought about the world and the characters and wondered how they all made out. It was a very interesting set up, and the dynamics of the group of people, very interesting. So I ordered all three books. I did get them used. I already bought the first one new once! :P.

The Compass Rose - Book One
The legends of the Godstruck were just that -- legends.

Until, in an attempt to defend her people, Captain Kallista Varyl called on the One for aid and was granted abilities such as no one had seen in centuries.

Now Kallista has been charged with a new destiny as one of the most powerful women in the land -- but her power is useless if it cannot be controlled.

Mastering her "Godstruck" abilities is the first step. The next, learning that she cannot unlock the secrets of the Compass Rose and defeat her nation's enemy alone. And finally she must stop a demon-possessed king . . .

The Barbed Rose - Book Two

Demons are coming.

One woman has been chosen to face them . . .

Demon hordes still threaten the Kingdom while open rebellion has broken out within its cities, separating Kallista from her new family.

Assassination attempts, magical attacks -- she's surrounded by devastation unlike anything she's ever known, and her unique magic power no longer works as it should. Yet her own pain must yield to the needs of her country, for this military mage is charged with searching the four directions of the world for the other "Godmarked" -- the only ones who can help her keep demon invaders from shattering her world.

But can she find them in time?

The Eternal Rose - Book Three

Kallista, now Reinine of all Adara, still has demons to seek out. She and her family journey south to her mate Obed's homeland in pursuit of the demon who absconded six years previously with Kallista's temple-bound ilian, Merinda, and her child. But when one of the godmarked dies, Kallista is devastated and her mates must cope without her. A trial by combat is needed to regain custody of a child and a new ninth godmarked must be located in order to make the magic whole again and powerful enough to defeat a truly formidable demon. But Kallista needs more than magic to heal her.

What about you, did you get any new books lately?

Weekly meme hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page

Oh the Stress...Will it ever end?

That's my new mantra...Don't worry...be happy!

Most of you know that my husband lost his job back in September due to the shitty economy and all that happy horse shit. He had already started school, as we knew this would likely be the outcome when his contract was renegotiated and sure enough, the Bastards shut down his plant, but I'm not bitter...really I'm not! Fourteen years? It was time for him to move on and do something else.

These last several months have been pretty stressful. Not just his job but there was another incident that only added to that a few months ago. And it totally had me turned around. I've acted in foolish ways a time or two, stress is funny like that. What can I say. I can only apologize and hope it's enough. It's easy to over-react to something when you have a shitload of stress riding on your back. But it's hard for other's to understand that unless they are feeling your stress too. Oh well, you move on I suppose.

So now my husband is done with school. YAY!! Congratulations To Him! He's graduated from the program and has his resume. Now he needs to find a job! He has his dad and brother down in Tennessee constantly giving us guilt trips about moving down there and why we haven't. His dad said for months that we could have his house. Made it sound like the damn thing was ours. That's another can of worms that pisses me off. Because all the talk, he was only going to sell it to us! Whatever! I don't even want to talk about that. If you could have only heard the way my husband's brother would tallk to him about how ridiculous it was for us not to take the house! Yeah, even he was under the impression my father in law was 'giving' us the house. So it was nice to know he was shocked to learn that wasn't the case. Mabye he even feels bad for talking to Shawn the way he did! I sure hope so. It's not necessary to talk to other's like that! Especially knowing Shawn is already stressed, you know?

Anyway, the reality of this whole situation is the fact that I have to get a job. Do you know how unbelievably terrifying that thought is? I haven't worked in 12 years, and when I did it was part time and infrequent from the time I was 17 until about 22. So not very long. My job has always been in the home and I love it. But then I think, Devin is getting older. He just turned 10 and it would be nice to do something. I had looked into cosmetology school several months ago, but that flopped. I'm not cut out to be THAT social! But I am going to school. I was looking into the programs at the community college in my county, and there is a certificate program for office assistant. It's only one year, two semesters. I thought why the heck not! I'm on the damn computer all the time during the day anyway! Learn a few programs and I can get paid to type and do shit, right?

I really should have done this last year. But I figure if I got a part time job, it wouldn't be enough to really do any good anyway. We have a plan! That's always a good thing to have. And so far our plans have always worked. My mom is part of the plan. Thankgoodness for her! :)

I really haven't cut back on buying books, but now I need to. But that's okay! We all joke about the need to buy books, but truly there are more improtant things! And I need to stay focused, and not lose sight of what I need to do for my family. I'm not losing what I have. So come this fall, I am going to school. I am going to do this. Most of you probably work and always have and probably have no idea how scary this all is! My husband says I'm going to love it, getting out of the house, going to school and then working. I'm sure once I get in a routine, I will, but until then, I get very nervous.

I just felt the need to vent :). I hope you all have a wonderful day. Me and my son are having a yard sale! Our first one EVER! Maybe I'll post about it later...if it's successful or a flop! :P It's supposed to be a nice day, so it'll be great to spend it outdoors.

The Guernsey Traveling Society Update!

I am so pleased to post this update as to the whereabouts of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society book. As you all know, I read it and felt this need to share it. I first passed it to my mom, then it made its way to Finland! It visited Linda and Eva. From there Eva sent it on its journey back across the ocean to Julie in New Jersey where she has informed me that it's on its way to Cecile in Louisiana!

If anyone is interested in participating in joining in on this fantastic journey, please, feel free to let me know and I will add you to the list!

Thank you all so much. This book is going to be a treasure in my library, and I owe it all to you for helping me pass it around!

Here are what two of the Traveling Society Members had to say...

Blodeuedd at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castel's thought's
Julie at Outlandish Dreaming's thoughts.

Fantasy/SciFi Writer's Day!

Did you know that today is Fantasy/Science Fiction Writers day? I learned this over at Linda Ellen's blog.

Sci-fi/fantasy author Sharon Lee has declared June 23rd Fantasy and Science Fiction Writers Day. As she puts it:

"So! In my Official Capacity as a writer of science fiction and fantasy, I hereby proclaim June 23 Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Day! A day of celebration and wonder! A day for all of us readers of science fiction and fantasy to reach out and say thank you to our favorite writers. A day, perhaps, to blog about our favorite sf/f writers. A day to reflect upon how written science fiction and fantasy has changed your life."

I think this is a wonderful idea, since it was discovering this genre that opened my eyes to the wonderful world of books!

Let me start from the beginning. I was raised thinking the kind of books you should read are authors like Stephen King and Dean Koontz, horror, suspense thriller. And I did. I tried a few different books. One I remember was Dew Claws...yeah, that sounds real nice for a young one to read! NOT! The Rocking Horse was another. Creepy, creepy cover on that one. I read a few Stephen King's and Dean Koontz, but I just hated them, so I hated reading!!

But then, my wonderful, lovely neighbor, Barb, at the apartment we lived in for five years, introduced me to Anne Rice! I read her Mayfair Witches in record time! I attempted to read the Vampire Chronicles, but wasn't feeling them. So for awhile I didn't read much. But then I discovered the fantabulous world of Harry Potter! Thank goodness I bought the wrong book for my step-son one year for Christmas! I bought the first instead of the third. I decided to keep it rather than take it back. It looked fun. One day I decided to read it, because Barb kept talking about how great it was! So I did and the rest is history! Imma Harry Potter junkie!! :P

A few years later, when my son started Kindergarten, I was browsing the books at the grocery store and happened across the last book in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, Blood Canticle. I picked it up and was just ecstatic that she meshed the Vampire world with her witch world!! I read that one and immediately went to the bookstore to start the Vampire Chronicles from the beginning. Once I finished those I didn't know where to turn next for books. So I asked the sales lady and she steered me in the direction of the Fantasy/Sci.Fi. section and holy shit!! I was in Heaven, Baby!! I discovered some amazing and brilliant writers. Some of them I'm not sure I could read and enjoy today, but at the time, I thought they were just out of this world amazing!!

One of them of course is the ubber talented, Anne Bishop! Most of you know, I have alot of love for that woman's books!! For me, it doesn't get much better than her :D. She is just amazing. A few other's that will remain on my keeper shelf is Elizabeth Haydon, Carol Berg, James Clemens, Lynn Flewelling, and Storm Constantine.

After reading Elizabeth Haydon's symphony trilogy, and experiencing the romance that was in it, I wondered what a true romance would be like! And that is where Fantasy and Science Fiction changed my life!! Who knows, without it, I may never have attempted a romance. And if I never attempted a romance, I would never have started blogging. And if I never started blogging I never would have met any of you awesome people!! Oh what a boring life I would have lived for the past 4 years!!

So the Fantasy genre really did change my life! And I love it!

I'm always on the look-out for fantasy romance. It calls to me! Since I started reading romance, I find it difficult to stay with a fantasy that doens't have any romantic elements in it. It seems lately, I've had some really great luck! A few that I have read recently that I thought were simply outstanding were Dru Pagliassotti (Clockwork Heart), Elizabeth Vaughan (The Warlands Trilogy), Pati Nagle (The Betrayal).

I have bought some fantasies that I doubt they have the romance in it, but they might. Like Naomi Novik and Mercedes Lackey. I think they do. It would be nice if they did! I have others, like Anne Maccaffrey and Juliet Marillier. I would have read them already had I not discovered romance.

My thanks to ALL the fabulous Fantasy and SciFi Writers out there!! You have brought many exciting-filled days of reading into my life and I am extremely grateful.

Thank You!

And the Winner is...

Pam P!!
Congratulations, Pam! You won a signed copy of A Mermaid's Kiss, by Joey W. Hill!

Thank you all so much for stopping by and entering! Until next time, have a great and beautiful day!

There were 34 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Pam P
2. Cecile
3. Heather D
4. Balinda M
5. Renee G
6. W.Robinson Mason III
7. Estella
8. I Heart Book Gossip
9. pubd2b
10. Mari
11. Kytaira
12. elaing8
13. tetewa
14. Jen
15. Linda Ellen
16. Wendy
17. Cindy
18. Kimberly B.
19. silverhartgirl
20. housemouse88
21. moonduster
22. Randi
23. LadyVampire2u
24. Caffey
25. Mariee
26. Crystal GB
27. gaby317
28. bridget3420
29. Mandi
30. Alexa
31. The Book Queen
32. ParkerMama
33. Amy S.
34. Michelle G

Timestamp: 2009-06-23 10:43:17 UTC

Mailbox Monday

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a nice weekend. It was rainy and dreary here, and I did a whole lot of nothing :).

My child is going on his 'Big' fourth grade field trip today. They are going to Niagara Falls to ride on the Maid of the Mist! I'm not going. Not that I couldn't go, but because I DO NOT want to go. I could have chaperoned, but I've seen those boats every time we go to the Falls and I think "No f-in way am I ever getting on one of those boats!" All those people piled in. Nope, I'm not a boat person. I know Devin is going to have a fabulous time. I'm not really nervous something bad might happen, I am a little sad that I won't be there, watching him experience something I know he thinks is so cool! And, I got a secret letter in the mail the other day. Yeah, the school likes to keep things secret, it's fun! Last year Devin received the President's award for Achievement and this year he is getting the President's award for Excellence! It's fun that the school keeps it from the kids and makes it a surprise. I'm glad they notify the parents, it gives us the opportunity to make plans to be at the assembly!

Anyway, I did have a fabulous mail week! Sue-Ellen Welfonder sent me a stone that she brought back from one of her travels to Scotland. She says it came from the Isle of Skye. Dude, that is such an awesome gift, and it's such a beautiful stone. It sits on my table beside my chair in the living room. I have wanted to go to Scotland for so long now. I don't know if I will ever get there, but I sure hope that someday I will. Maybe when the kid's all grown, I don't know, but someday! It was just such a special gesture for Sue-Ellen to send me my own little piece of Scotland! Thank you so very much!


I did get some new books at the books store. They're all fantasy too!

Mercedes Lackey - Arrows of the Queen
(first book in the Heralds of Valdemar Trilogy)
Livia Dare - In the Flesh
Naomi Novak - His Majesty's Dragon
(First book in the Temeraire Series)



What about you, did you get any new books this week?

Weekly meme hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page

Second Chances - Part Six

Second Chances
Part Six

Amanda Cummings

One week later…

Over the next week, Leslie withdrew from the world again, similar to the time following Charlie’s death. She ignored her phone calls. She went to work and home, nothing more. She cried at night, lying in her darkened bedroom, wishing for the warmth of Jake. She missed hearing his laugh, his deep masculine voice. The way his hands caressed her, yet never forced more than she was willing to give.

In the months she spent with Jake, she distanced herself from the loss and pain of Charlie. She realized that, with Jake, she could live in the now and not feel disassociated from herself. She missed him and decided today would be the day to fight for him. He was hers and she would not let him go. Pride and fear kept her away this long. Her heart finally stepped in, refusing to go another day suffering.

She parked her car on the curb across from Jake’s house, and, to her utter disbelief, a woman walked out the front door and strode to Jake’s car. Leslie’s breath caught in her lungs. Her stomach twisted into a tight knot. She almost laughed at the thought of the anger boiling inside her rather than hurt. Her hands fisted in her lap. This woman had no business at Jake’s, and damned if she was going to sit in her car and do nothing.

Leslie did laugh then. God, what was she thinking? Seeing a woman at Jake’s had her whipping out the boxing gloves before she even gained an ounce of knowledge about who this lady was. There could very well be a good explanation for her presence. She only hoped it wasn’t that this lady was a rebound fling. That would destroy her.

A movement at the door caught her attention and she darted her eyes back to it. Jake stood there, hands at his sides, unmoving, staring at her.

She lost her breath. The sight of him sent her heart palpitating. Oh, yes, she missed him. They passed hesitant smiles to one another, until the woman walked to Jake’s side and glanced in the direction his gaze. She cocked her head to the side then turned to Jake. She said something to him, he nodded, and she stepped back in the house. Jake did not follow, for which Leslie was grateful.

He took a hesitant step toward her.

Pulling the keys from the ignition, Leslie slid from her car. Her feet remained planted to the ground, her fear creeping back inside. Her fingers fidgeted with her keys, waiting for any sign that he welcomed her. He smiled, and a stray tear trickled down her cheek.

Leslie crossed the distance until a few feet separated them.

“Hey,” she said.

“Hey, to you.”

“I, umm, didn’t know you had company,” she waved her hand holding her keys toward the house, “or I wouldn’t have stopped by.”

“Of course you wouldn’t know.”

She flinched at the hint of derision in his words.

“I’m sorry.” He scrubbed his hand down his face.

“It’s okay, I deserve it anyway,” she said with indifference.

“What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to…I…” Her eyes kept straying to the house, unable to say what she wanted. The fear of learning who that lady was constricted her throat.

“Leslie?”

“Yeah,” she replied, entranced by the look of longing in his brown eyes.

“It’s still just you.”

“Oh,” she managed to muster past the trembling of her chin.

He smiled and brought his hand up to her cheek. She hadn’t realized he moved closer to her. “Remember I told you about Shawn and Amy?” She nodded. “That was Amy.”

Relief cascaded through her and she laughed. “That’s good to know.”

“Leslie, why are you here?”

She looked down at her feet. “After you left that day, I knew you were right. I was afraid.” She brought her eyes to his and rested her hand on his stomach. “I do see you, Jake. And I need you, too. I went outside to stop you, but I was too late. You’d already driven away. God, Jake, these past days I thought I died inside all over again, but then I realized you didn’t die like Charlie did. I still had you. And I’m sorry I let you walk out. I want you, Jake.”

“Why?” The simple word rasped passed his lips.

“Because,” she paused and cleared her throat, “because I love you.” She looked deep into his warm brown eyes. Her hands tingled to touch more of him, but she refrained.

Jake cupped her cheeks and she sighed at the contact. “Marry me, Leslie.” He lowered his head and kissed her. The soft, warm press of his lips sent electrical sparks through her. His tongue coaxed her to open her mouth to him.

Leslie pulled back at the salty taste of tears filling her mouth. She let loose a laugh, one filled with all the happiness she could ever hope to have.

“Yes, Jake, yes, I will marry you. I love you.”

Jake swept her up, and she wrapped her arms and legs around his strong body. “I love you, Leslie,” he said near her ear.

Placing her back on her feet, he grabbed her hand. “Come on, I want you to meet my friends. They have been dying to meet the woman I can’t stop talking about.”

Later that night, after she’d spent the evening with Jake and his two friends and their new baby, Leslie found herself lying naked and face to face with him in his bed. Jake’s fingers smoothed down her cheek. She shivered and her belly did that funny little dip when he touched her. Her body grew hungry for him as it had in the past, but this time she refused to tamp it down.

“Don’t be afraid, Leslie.”

She smiled, covering his hand with her own. “No, Jake, I’m not afraid, just nervous. It’s been awhile.”

He leaned toward her and whispered, “I love you,” against her lips and proceeded to show her with his hands, his mouth, his body, just how much he loved her.

With slow, unhurried movements, Jake trailed his fingertips down her side, lightly resting his hand on her heated flesh, her belly quivered at the intimate contact.

“This is really happening, isn’t it?”

“You’re damn right, and don’t think you’re talking us out of it this time, either.” Jake teased, but Leslie knew he was far from joking. No longer could she deny herself, let alone him, the pleasures her body craved.

“No, Jake, no more hiding. No more fears. I want you.”

Jake moved then and settled his body over hers. Leslie spread her legs to accommodate his size. His thick erection rested on her belly. In unison they undulated, moaning at the pleasure of their bodies pressed so intimately together.

Jake kissed her with so much passion. She felt tears gather in her eyes. The storm of desire that formed between them would not pass until satisfaction was had by both.

Resting on his forearms, hovering above her, the head of his cock found her opening without any aid. It was just there, right where it should be, further proof that they fit together perfectly. She knew she was wet and ready for him, knew that all she had to do was lift her hips and he would fill her.

They gazed into each others eyes for a brief moment before Jake eased into her, simultaneously claiming her mouth, swallowing her whimpers of ecstasy. Oh god, he felt divine.

Together they moved, not just their bodies, but the earth. Everything shattered around Leslie as her climax rushed through her. Her cries of joy erupted past her parted lips. Jake stopped moving. He simply stared into her eyes.

“Jake?” Leslie’s hand cupped his cheek. “Jake, are you okay?”

“If I were standing, you would have brought me to my knees. To be apart of your pleasure, to experience that with you, that was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”

“Oh, Jake.”

Leslie’s chin quivered as pure happiness overwhelmed her. Jake gently kissed her trembling chin and as he did, so too did he begin to move inside her. With a slow and steady rhythm, he thrust his hips, her body growing once more primed for completion. Yet this time when she tumbled, Jake was right there tumbling with her; her climax the key to unlocking his own.

“I’m right here with you, baby,” he murmured in her ear. “Always.”

“Always,” Leslie repeated breathlessly. A tear slid down her cheek and she couldn’t help but send out a prayer of gratitude for being given this second chance.

The End

Second Chances © 2008 Amanda Cummings
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission.

If you missed any of the previous parts, here are the handy dandy links! Or you can access them from the right hand side of my blog!

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five

Thank you!

Second Chances - Part Five

Second Chances
Part Five
Amanda Cummings

Four months later…

Leslie stood in her kitchen chopping vegetables for a salad, moving her feet and hips to the beat of the music that drummed through the radio. Jake leaned against the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest, watching her. They’d been nearly inseparable since their first meeting at the coffee shop. It had been months since that day, and he hadn’t tired of watching her. She stirred his body like no one else.

On silent feet, he closed the distance and slipped his arms around her waist.

Leslie gasped. “Jake, geeze, you scared me. How long have you been here? I didn’t here you come in.”

He leaned down and inhaled her citrus scented hair. “Not long,” he said, and kissed the side of her neck, once, twice, until Leslie relaxed into him. “I was just watching you. You were dancing and it was very enticing.” He ground his erection lightly into her backside; a side effect that always plagued him in her presence. He’d yet to sate this ever growing need for her—all of her.

“I want you, Leslie,” he breathed in her ear.

She tensed and he eased away. He’d given her time and space. They’d spent many days and nights in each other’s arms, doing nothing more than talking and holding. She always pulled away, and he let her without hesitation. Never did he want her to feel pressured, because over the past few months of getting to know one anther, he found he’d fallen in love with her. Now he yearned to have more.

“Leslie, please don’t push me away.” The plea came out quiet and strained.

“I’m trying, Jake, I really am.”

“Are you?” he snapped. It wasn’t only about sex. Granted it did put a strain on him wanting her so badly, yet holding back. But Leslie held herself at a distance, both emotionally and sexually. He wanted more from her. Hell, he wanted all of her.

The hurt in Leslie’s eyes all but undid him. He didn’t want to hurt her, but damn it, she was hurting him in the process.

Leslie turned on her heel and walked into the living room.

“Don’t ignore this. Talk to me,” Jake said from behind her.

“Maybe I’m not ready for this, Jake.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but-”

“Damn it, Leslie!” He cut her off and violently speared his fingers through his hair. “Turn around and look at me.” His words released sharper than he meant and she flinched.

She turned and yelled, “What do you want from me?” Her hands and teeth clenched, waiting for his reply.

He stared at her, his own rising temper evident in the ticking of his jaw. “What do I want?” His voice calmed. “I want you to open your eyes. Leslie, quit being afraid.”

“What do you mean? Just say whatever it is you mean!”

“Damn it! Look at me. See me. That’s what I want. I want you to see me. I want you to want me.” Sadness stole over his features. His shoulders slumped. He walked to the front door and rested his hand on the knob. His eyes welled with tears, but he forced them away. Quietly, he added, “Me, Leslie. Charlie is gone. He isn’t coming back. But I’m here.”

Leslie’s knees nearly gave out. Inside she wailed not to let him go but could not bring voice to the plea. She knew the rightness of his words.

With his head down, Jake added, “And I love you.”

Stunned to the deepest reaches of herself, she stood motionless as if time stopped. However, Jake was not affected. He turned the knob, opened the door and left. Just like that, he was gone. Just like Charlie—gone.

Her knees did give out then. She sank to the floor. Her chest quivered. She tried desperately to control the turbulence of emotions. The truth of his words hurt her more than anything. She was afraid and a coward.

Sensing a weight upon her chest, she brought her hand up and gripped the pendant in her fist. Her head snapped up. He wasn’t gone like Charlie. He was alive and well, and he loved her, and, oh, God, she loved him, too. What a fool she was. She realized that the numbness she’d walked around with since Charlie died no longer resided within her, and hadn’t since their first encounter at the coffee shop. Jake brought her back to life, fed her soul, strengthening it with his friendship, his kindness. And his love.

Darting to her feet, she raced to the door. She hoped she wasn’t too late. Leslie flung the door open with such force it ricocheted off the closet that protruded beside it.

She was too late. Jake had already pulled out of the driveway. She watched him disappear in the distance, growing smaller and smaller on the long straight road before her.

“Please, don’t leave,” she said in the empty silence around her. Unable to hold back her tears, they spilled down her cheeks, a tidal wave of emotions. Her chest quaked with her indrawn breath. A sob escaped her parted lips.

“I love you, too,” she whispered in the air.

Second Chances © 2008 Amanda Cummings
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission.

If you missed any of the previous parts, here are the handy dandy links! Or you can access them from the right hand side of my blog!

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four

Thank you!

A Mermaid's Kiss Giveaway

*CONTEST CLOSED*

I'm thinking it's time for another giveaway! I have a signed copy of A Mermaid's Kiss by Joey W. Hill to giveaway to one of you.

Check out Joey Hill's website here.

It's super easy to enter...just leave a comment! And a way for me to get in touch with you if you should be the lucky winner.

Winner announced on
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What's your Wallpaper?

Kristie J. started a fun post...What's your wallpaper? And now that I know how to take a snapshot of my desktop, (Thanks to Cindy W!) I'm playing :D.

It's a fantasy castle I found. I haven't had it for very long, so it'll likely be there awhile! I think it's pretty darn neat.

Second Chances - Part Four

Second Chances
Part Four
Amanada Cummings

Later that day…

Leslie paced the floor, wondering what the heck possessed her to agree to this dinner date with Jake. She unfolded the piece of paper and looked at the scrawled numbers again then folded it back up. She could call that number and cancel this ridiculous date. It was ridiculous, wasn’t it? How many women accepted a date from a man in a coffee shop parking lot? But no matter how many times she passed the phone or looked at the number, she didn’t call. Couldn’t bring herself to cancel, because she knew deep down that she needed this.

A firm knock on the door drew Leslie from the kitchen table where she finally managed to sit and wait for this moment. She had cleared her mind with one of the techniques she’d learned from a CD that John Brown had given her. It worked. She definitely felt calmer than she’d been.

Leslie opened the door and smiled up at Jake. “Hi.” Her stomach did a flutter as her eyes took in the sight of how well he filled out his tan shorts and dark blue t-shirt. She couldn’t help but notice that his white jogging shoes didn’t have a lick of dirt on them.

“Hey,” he returned. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah. Let me grab my purse.” She did and slipped her sandals on.

Together they walked to his car, each of them taking their seats. “I had to do some quick research of places to eat around here. I’ve been here less than a month, so I’m not too familiar with where things are.”

Leslie smiled nervously at him. “I’m sure I’ll like where we go.”

The restaurant turned out to be a small, cozy place settled near Lake Ontario. She’d never been there before, which meant it was a place she and Charlie had never been to.

After they ate, Jake asked, “Would you like to go for a walk? The lake, the moonlight, it’s a beautiful night.” He looked at her hopefully.

“You’re a romantic,” she said over her glass.

“Guilty.”

They both laughed then Leslie added, “I’d love to go for a walk.”

Jake held her hand in his as they strolled through the grassy park that overlooked the lake. “You know, I never did ask if you were married before I asked you to have dinner with me. You agreed so I assume you aren’t.”

“No, I’m not married. I was, but…” Not married? That was a first for her. Usually, her explanation regarding her marital status always remained as married but that her husband died. In her mind she still thought of herself as married. But now, with Jake… “My husband died two and a half years ago.”

Jake walked in silence for a moment. He squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry for your loss. The parting wasn’t your choice. I was married but we divorced. It wasn’t pleasant.” He cleared his throat. “I haven’t been on many dates in the year we’ve been divorced.”

“You are the first man for me,” she said softly.

He looked at her with incredulity.

“I know.” She chuckled. “It’s been a while. My sister has been hounding me since last summer. She thought my mourning should have ended then. But I wasn’t ready.”

He stopped them and brought his hand to her cheek. With gentle fingers, he traced down her temple, her cheek. “Are you ready now?” Jake asked.

Leslie stared, mesmerized by the desire darkening his eyes. “Yes,” she finally whispered.

“I’m going to kiss you, Leslie. Is that okay?” Jake’s husky voice caressed over her.

“Yes.”

Her throat tightened. She yearned to feel the heat of his lips. She placed her hands on his waist and her heart pounded erratically. Her blood heated in her veins, waiting for him to lower his head and meld their lips together. He cupped both her cheeks, angled his head, and touched his mouth to hers. She whimpered at his gentleness. He deepened the kiss. Their tongues danced with such intimacy.

Her body sizzled hotter and hotter with each dip and swirl of his tongue. He tasted of wine and spices from his meal. She wanted to wrap herself around him, get as close as she could and the thought frightened her. She hadn’t been touched by a man in almost three years. And she realized with shocking clarity that she liked it, wanted it. With Jake.

He pulled away and wrapped his arms around her, their breathing rough as they held each other close.

They lingered like that for long moments. Leslie rested her cheek against his chest. The pounding of his heart eased her fears of letting him touch and hold her.

“I would very much like to see you again,” Jake said, nuzzling her hair.

“So would I.”

Second Chances © 2008 Amanda Cummings
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission.

If you missed any of the previous parts, here are the handy dandy links! Or you can access them from the right hand side of my blog!

Part One
Part Two
Part Three

Thanks so much for stopping by!