Archive for Eye Candy
Poetry Train…
Today’s Poetry Train is another excerpt from The Gypsy Devil. (The regency I posted the first scene from last Monday.) 🙂 I had a migraine yesterday, so I didn’t get a chance to write something new for everyone. I hope you enjoy this one.The Gypsy Devil (c) 2007 TA Chase
Excerpt:
The fire crackled. Flames danced in an orange and red swirl. Beng sprawled in the chair in front of the fireplace. A glass dangled from his fingers. Whiskey lurked around the edge, threatening to spill.
Without taking his gaze from the flames, he held out his drink. “You might as well drink it. No need to waste good whiskey. I’m not sure why Marsden insists on pouring me a glass when he knows I won’t drink it.”
A hand emerged from the shadows, taking it. “Maybe he hopes to have it after you go to bed. How did you know I’d come in?” Shade sat down in the chair next to him.
Beng laughed. “Marsden can have some whenever he wants. He doesn’t need to sneak them. When you opened the door, the fire leaned your way for a second.”
Shade nodded. “Most people wouldn’t have noticed.”
“True, but we both know I’m not like most people.” Beng looked at his friend.
Shade’s dark hair was cut short. His olive skin glowed gold in the fire light. Except for eye color, they could pass for brothers. Shade’s eyes were a jade green, shining with all the mysteries of that same stone. Beng’s own eyes were such a light blue, he’d been told they looked white at times.
Dark circles graced Shade’s thin face. He was skinnier than the last time Beng had seen him.
“You work too hard, my friend,” he muttered.
Exhaustion blurred the spy’s green eyes. “Working until my body collapses is the only way to find peace sometimes.”
Understanding what Shade meant kept him quiet. Some ghost was riding the man hard. Beng could feel the weight of those memories in the room.
“I heard
“Yes. He left to escape rumors.” Shade drank the liquor in one quick swallow.
“And to spy on Napoleon, no doubt.”
Shade’s head shot up and Beng met the cold stare with one of his own.
“Why would you think that?”
“Most of the Ton are idiots, my friend, but don’t make the mistake of thinking I am as well.” Beng shifted, turning his gaze back to the fire. “I know there’s more to the duke than being a simple widower. Who is the young man traveling with him?”
“A young man he has befriended and is escorting to
He didn’t heed it. “You’re doing it again. The duke has the same tendencies I do. Only he has less control over them.” He frowned. “Or maybe it is simply the duke has more courage to face the truth than I.”
Shade sighed. “You’re right. The young man is
“It’s been known to happen.” Beng’s gaze made its way to the portrait above the mantle. A stern older man glared from the painting like he was challenging the world. “I’ve seen love in the strangest places.”
They were silent for a few minutes, remembering. Shade grunted.
“What do you want?”
Beng shut his eyes. “I need you to keep an ear open for me. It won’t interfere in your other business. Just while you travel about, listen for any gossip concerning a young lord who has gone missing.”
“Missing?” A glance was shot his way. “We know what that usually means.”
“Yes, we do, but I’d like to try and find him or at least find out what happened to him.” He pointed to his desk behind him. “His brother had some other men searching for David. No luck, but maybe a clue or two.”
“I’m willing to help you out.” Shade stood, dropped a hand on Beng’s shoulder before moving to gather the reports. “I’ll send you news if I find any information.”
“Thanks, my friend.” He didn’t stand or turn when the door opened and Shade left.
Making his way up to his bedroom, Beng thought about his friend. There was a man haunted by experiences in the past. He said a silent pray and hoped Shade found peace.
__________________________________________________________________So I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse of Shade-if you’ve read Angel’s Evolution, you’ll know who he is. He does play a bigger role in this story, but he still hasn’t found the man to make him forget Jonathan.
Have a great Monday.
Men, Movies and Memes
Second, the movies. I watched The Astronaut Farmer and Peaceful Warrior last night. I really enjoyed TAF. It was a story about never giving up your dreams. Also, that if you dream hard enough and believe hard enough, you can make others believe in it as well. It’s a story about a father bringing his family along for the ride and making them a part of his dream. PW is sort of the same story about not giving up dreams, but also about being happy with the journey, even if you don’t achieve the goal. It was a okay movie. Not terrible and not great. But I didn’t resent spending my time watching it.
Lastly, the meme. I totally forgot that Lila tagged me a week or so ago. Filed it away as something I’d do over the weekend and then ended up busy with other things. But I’ll do it today. I have to tell you 8 things/facts about myself. I’d post the rules but since I’m not going to tag 8 other people, the rules don’t matter…lol.
As you can tell, I love movies…pretty much any kind (except romantic comedies. I’m not big on those) So I thought I’d give you a list of my 8 favorite movies of all time. 🙂 In no particular order.
1. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: I love Jimmy Stewart as this naive senator. Stewart played the role of innocence so well. But he was so good, he could play any role and I’d believe him.
2. The 13th Warrior : The dialogue was great. Action scenes good. The movie worked to show us that sometimes what we need is a fresh prespective on a problem.
3. Gladiator : Russell Crowe, what more do I have to say? Joaquin Phoenix does a man having a nervous breakdown better than anyone I’ve seen. Djimon Hounson has quickly become one of my favorite actors as well. A story about a man seeking revenge and to turn the course of the world back to the way it should have been.
4. The Chronicles of Riddick : The story of an outlaw who saves the universe without meaning to. In trying to save the one person who has always believed in his goodness, he ends up saving people he doesn’t even like. Vin Diesel..yummy.
5. Unleashed (or Danny the Dog) : Jet Li is another actor that I’ll go see in the movies, no matter what he’s in. His physical ability is awe-inspiring. This movie tells the story that even what seems as the most lost soul can be found and given a new life. Plus it has Morgan Freeman in it and to me, Freeman is a god. (no pun intended)
6. Last Holiday : Queen Latifah is beautiful and so confident. The story is entertaining and tells us not to let life pass us by. Go out and live it. Don’t be afraid of it. Plus, LL Cool J… ’nuff said.
7. The Sum of Us : Another Russell Crowe movie. He plays a gay man who lives with his father. It’s more about the relationship Crowe has with his father than anything else. A beautiful story about acceptance and taking care of each other no matter what.
8. 300 : This is one of the more recent movies I’ve seen and one that I’ll watch several times. Not just for the marvelous eye candy it presents us with, but because of the story as well. Three hundred men marching off to what they know is certain death. Sacrifice of self for the state and for an idea. Men believing in their king and a queen knowing her king has to do it.
There you have it. A list of 8 favorite movies of mine. 🙂
Hope you have a great Wednesday.
Poetry Train….
Another Monday and another ride on the Poetry Train. Make sure to stop by Rhian’s blog to see who else is participating today. Here’s an excerpt from a new Regency I’ve started. It’s not about Shade, but the man does make an appearance in it. 🙂
One of our heroes’ name is Lord Bertram Beng Wilkins (Beng is Gypsy for Devil). He goes by Beng.
Excerpt:
“I’ve sold my soul to the devil, Marsden.”
Lord Bertram Beng Wilkins rested his chin on the palm of his hand and stared out the window. His eyes traced the muscled line of a gardener’s back. A gardener his sister-in-law had been gracious enough to loan him.
“I’m going to hell,” he murmured, his groin stirring as the gardener bent over to pull something out of the dirt.
“I’m sure you are, sir, but not at the moment.”
Something in the tone of Beng’s majordomo’s voice roused him. He turned to face his oldest and only servant.
“Do I have something better or more important to do than wallow in self-pity right now?” He winked at Marsden.
“Yes, my lord.” Marsden looked uncomfortable which was odd for the man.
“Are you going to tell me what it is? Or do I have to guess?” Bertram grimaced. He hated having to guess.
“The Duke of Wiltshire is waiting in the Red Parlor, my lord.”
“Will? Here?” Beng understood why Marsden looked like he’d swallowed a fish. “Bloody hell, the Devil is playing with his wayward disciple. I thought I’d have a few days to settle before I ran into Will.”
“I won’t lie for you while you sneak out the back like you did the last time, my lord.”
Marsden referred to the last time William had stopped by Beng’s
“How am I supposed to face him?” Beng closed his eyes and sighed.
Beng’s family seat shared property lines with William’s ancestral home. They had run wild together as children along with William’s younger brother, David. Will had been Beng’s best friend until they turned sixteen and Beng realized that his childhood love for his friend had turned into something more.
__________________________________________________________________I hope you enjoyed it. I’ve been working on it in bits and pieces as I get tired of working on Tony’s story. 🙂
Have a great Monday.
Tennis..anyone?
I’m watching Wimbledon at the moment. I like both Federer and Nadal, but I have to admit my heart is hoping Federer will win. It’ll be his fifth Wimbledon in a row. I want history to be made.
Oh and stop by SEx today. It’s Flash Fiction Sunday and people will be posting their very short scenes. (100 words total). Shayla is hosting today, but I’ve posted something already.
hope you all have a great Sunday.
Happy July 4th
Picture done by Steve Walker. Click here to check out Steve’s website and beautiful art work.I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday and a great holiday.
Poetry Train….
Here’s an excerpt from a WIP that I actually just finished and sent to my cps to check out for me. It’s called Out of Bounds and is about a basketball player and a nightclub owner. Enjoy.
He shook his head. “I’ll just have some of your water, if that’s all right. I don’t drink during the season.”
The bottle was handed over and Kasey took a sip. He rested his head on the cushion again, watching the crowd dancing in front of him. His thumb continued to stroke over Gram’s knuckles. His eyelids drifted closed.
“Come here.”
His body was rearranged so he leaned against a warm body. His arms encircled Gram’s waist and he sighed. The nightclub’s owner smelled of smoke, whiskey and man. Kasey buried his nose in the crook of Gram’s neck and sniffed.
“This might not be smart,” Gram said. “But I have to kiss you.”
Kasey felt Gram’s hands tangle in his hair and his head tipped back slightly. He stared in surprise as Gram’s face moved closer to his and their mouths met in a soft kiss. Gasping, he shivered with pleasure while Gram nibbled on his bottom lip. He kept his arms around Gram’s waist, clasping them together at the man’s lower back. Lust swamped him, causing his eyes to close and his mouth to open, allowing Gram’s tongue to sweep inside.
Gram tasted of whiskey and smoke. A taste Kasey never thought he’d find intoxicating, but maybe it was more the man than the taste turning him on. Gram tugged on his hair, encouraging him to lean back without breaking their connection. Soon his back made contact with the leather couch and Gram was lying on top of him.
It had been so long since he’d felt the warmth and solidness of a male body pressed to his. He arched his hips, pushing their groins together. His tongue dueled with Gram’s, stroking and thrusting, learning the man’s mouth. Kasey became lost in the sensations of pleasure and passion.
Gram moved an inch away, tilted Kasey’s head in a different direction and dove back into the kiss, taking it deeper than before. Kasey’s groan rumbled in the back of his throat. His hands cupped Gram’s firm ass and squeezed in rhythm with the thrust of their tongues and hips.
Tingling in his spine and the ache in his cock told him his climax was close. It had been over a year since he’d come with another man that he wouldn’t last much longer.
Applause broke through the haze and he stiffened. Gram backed off the instant Kasey tensed. Shock iced through Kasey’s body when he remembered where they were. Shit. He was making out and dry humping the male owner of a nightclub in said nightclub. Fuck. So much for keeping his love life private. He was screwed if any reporters or enterprising would-be paparazzi caught sight of them. Gram sat up and helped him regain his former sitting position.
Kasey glanced around, trying to see if anyone watched them. The back section of the V.I.P. lounge being bathed in shadows was why he’d fallen asleep back there in the first place. So he hoped no one peered too close at the couple on the couch. Also, most of his friends at the club were lined up to form a wall of bodies in front of them. Garrett and the others weren’t allowing anyone to look or step behind them.
Gram cradled his cheek in his hand, brushing a shaky thumb over Kasey’s swollen bottom lip. “I’m sorry, baby. I know I shouldn’t have kissed you here, but you’re so fucking beautiful. I never could resist temptation.”
hope you enjoy and have a great Monday.
Pimping Friday….
okay…I’m not really pimping any particular book. Though I did read two good ones this week. Haunted by Mike Shade and Living In Fast Forward by BA Tortuga.
But since Yvonne asked so nicely, I thought I’d give you a sneak peek at Tony’s story. This will be sort of a double sneak peek because in this scene, you also get to meet Derek St. Martin, one of the heroes from His Heart’s Home. The man who has been writing all those songs you read on Mondays. 😉
To set the scene up, Tony is flying back to Wyoming from Hawaii where he’d been for two weeks, competing in a bull riding event. He’s enjoyed a great night of hot sex with a luscious big blond. (Very important to remember the blond) Tony’s just received a phone call from Randy, letting him know that his brother-in-law is at the ranch, waiting for him. (for those of you who’ve read No Going Home…remember Tony doesn’t have anything to do with his family.) So he’s not a happy camper. He’s getting ready to board the plane.
Excerpt:
Tony heard his flight number called and grabbed his stuff. He boarded, put his bag away and sat. Shutting his eyes, he sighed. Maybe he and Mac should have done a little more sleeping and a little less fucking last night. He was glad he upgraded to first class. More room and drinks.
A nap would help settle his nerves. The memories only served to remind him anyone could hurt him, even those who should have loved him. Someone bumped his arm. Opening his eyes, he saw a tall lean man sitting next to him.
“Sorry about that. Jackass was in a hurry to get to his coach seat, I guess.”
The smooth southern drawl stirred something in Tony’s mind. He studied the man. A blue baseball cap and sunglasses hid the man’s eyes. His instinct told him he knew the man.
“Honey, when you get a chance, can you bring me a whiskey on the rocks and a beer for my friend here?” The man flagged down a flight attendant.
“Shit. You’re…”
“Yeah. Don’t say anything. I just want to survive this flight without someone asking for my autograph or a picture.” That famous smile flashed at him. “Though I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to take one. It’s not often such a handsome man recognizes me.”
Tony’s mouth dropped open. There was no way Derek St. Martin, country music superstar, was flirting with him.
“If I ask for a picture, wouldn’t it blow your cover?” He managed to say.
Derek thought for a moment, his thin lips pursed and then he nodded. “Fuck. Should have known something would spoil it.”
“Here you are, sir.” The flight attendant handed Derek two glasses. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
“No, sugar. This is just fine.” Derek waved her away with a casual gesture.
“Don’t you have your own jet?” Tony kept his voice low. He could respect the man’s wish for privacy.
“Sure I do, but sometimes I just want to get away from all that bull shit. The entourage. My agent. It all gives me a headache. On good days, I pop a couple of pills and let them take me away. Yet there are times when it all builds up and there’s nothing I can do, but run.” Derek leaned in close to Tony, so close he could see the man’s electric blue eyes peering over the top of the sunglasses. “What do you do for a living? You look like a cowboy.”
“I ride bulls.”
“Mmm…if only that were true, it’d prove there is a benevolent God and he loves country singers.”
Tony looked around him. None of the passengers seemed to be paying attention to them. He moved closer to Derek. “I like bulls better than cows, but since I’ve never heard even a whisper about you, you might want to be careful what you say in public.”
A look passed over Derek’s face and Tony wondered if the singer hated hiding who he was because of his fans. “I know. I’ve been yelled at by everyone around me. If I promise not to out myself to anyone else, will you talk to me about what you do? Treat me like a real person. Not the stud you see dancing on stage in tight jeans and a t-shirt.”
Tony touched Derek’s hand holding on to the armrest between them. “I’d talk to you all day.” He pressed his lips to the man’s ear. “I’ve had a hard-on since I first heard you talk.”
Derek’s eyes widened and he shot a look at Tony’s crotch. “Man, what I wouldn’t do to have a private plane right about now.”
Tony winked, settling back in his seat. “I do ride bulls. I was in Honolulu for the special all-star event.”
“Wow. A gay cowboy? So those stereotypes really do exist.” Derek laughed. “Are you any good?”
“I finished fifth at the Finals this year.” Tony sipped his beer. “Where are you headed?”
“Got a fucking concert in Dallas.” Derek drained his drink and waved for the attendant to get him another one. “I got a two week vacation and then it’s back to work. Not even time off for Thanksgiving. It sucks. I planned on going to Edmund’s house for the holiday, but nope. Have to go entertain the masses.”
“Man, if you don’t like what you’re doing, why are you doing this?” Tony loved riding bulls. He’d already made up his mind that the day he didn’t enjoy it, he’d retire.
“I love to sing. Performing is an unhappy side effect of singing. To be honest, I wouldn’t be so tired of performing if I didn’t have to deal with all the other bullshit.” Derek shrugged. The singer shifted and faced him. “So where are you from? It sounds like Texas to me.”
“I’m originally from Texas. I live in Wyoming now.” He realized they had talked through take-off and the plane had reached cruising altitude.
Their flight attendant brought them another drink and they kept talking.
***
Stepping off the plane, Tony noticed a group of people with disapproving frowns on their faces. Derek squeezed his shoulder.
“Where the hell have you been?” An older man walked up to them, glaring at Tony while gripping Derek’s arm.
“I took a different flight.” Derek shook off the man’s hand and turned to face Tony. “Thanks for making it an interesting ride. I’ll be watching for you when your circuit starts up again.”
Tony ignored the man who must have been Derek’s manager and hugged the singer. “I hope you find some happiness somewhere,” he whispered in the man’s ear.
Derek pulled his sunglasses down so his blue eyes met Tony’s. “Someday I will. It just depends on how much more shit I can take. Thanks.”
Tony didn’t say anything as Derek kissed his cheek.
Have a great Friday.
Poetry Train…
This is part of a poem. I was interrupted before I could finish it, so I only got the first two stanzas written. When I finish the whole thing, I’ll make sure to post it (someday) for everyone. 🙂
Words have been lost
Sweet songs you sang are silent
With my eyes shut,
I’ve lost the memory of your face.
My arms are empty.
My soul is lonely.
I wish for night to fall
Hiding my missing heart.
Gone today…
I’m going to be gone all day today. 🙂
Have a great Saturday and enjoy the little list of what we should all ask for in a man.
Hop on to the Wednesday Poetry Train
Since I missed Monday’s Poetry Train, I thought I’d make up for it by posting something today.
I’ve been posting songs/poems that I’ll be using in one of my Home books…His Heart’s Home which features Derek, a country music star, and Max, the foreman at Tony’s ranch. What I’m going to post for you today is actually a scene from my WIP. Yes, I realize I haven’t gotten Tony’s story done yet, but this scene called to me and I had to write it down right when it popped into my head or I’d have forgotten it.
So tell me what you think of it. I will tell you it takes place closer to the end of the story. 😉
Their love making was slow and gentle. Hands roamed over chests and backs. Lips tasted soft skin at the small of the back and the crease of the knee. Fingers caressed cocks and asses.
No words were spoken. Each ‘I love you’ and every ‘good-bye’ was spoken with sighs and kisses. Their climax didn’t explode from them. It flowed like all the tears they would never cry.
Afterwards, they held each other tight, savoring the strength in their arms and the warmth of their bodies. They fell asleep, at ease with their parting.
So I’ve done some work on HHH and also Tony’s story. I promise. I’m really pushing to get it finished by the end of this month. I’m working on Out of Bounds to re-submit to Samhain as well. Who knows? I might have two books done by the end of the month and possibly both contracted by the end of July. Woo-hoo!
Oh Gina, if you stop by, Lisa posted a comment for you in my Three post. check out the comments. 🙂
Have a great Wednesday.
