THE FINE ART OF KISSING

2009-01-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

Check out these fun kissing facts:

In the year 1763, Kissing gets X-d. Kissing is first symbolized by the letter x, as in xoxoxoxo.

In 1896, the first on-screen kiss happened betwen actor John Rice and actreess May Irwin in the movie aptly named, THE KISS. The less-than-a-minute film was showng during the final scene of the Broadway play called THE WIDOW JONES and that on-screen kissed caused outrage at the time.

In 1990 - the most kisses per minute! A man by the name of Alfred Wolfram kissed 8,001 people in eight hours (hmmm...let's see: that's more than 16 people a minute). This all happened at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. I think Alfred was a very popular man that day! LOL.

Check out a great kissing excerpt from DIARY OF A MAD ESCORT at http://totalebound.blogspot.com/

And don't forget to kiss your significant other right now. Make a little kissing history of your own.

Enjoy!

Catherine Chernow

www.CatherineChernow.com

2008-05-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

Time to say goodbye but don't go away! I'll be checking tomorrow morning for all the comments, and giving away a deck of Ellora's Cave playing cards and a set of Judith/Desiree magnets. So keep those comments coming.

Thanks to Catherine for giving me the chance to post today and share my favorite kisses with you.

Be sure to visit us at www.judithrochelle.com and www.desireeholt.com

2008-05-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

Wjhat a scorching kiss Ethan and Lisas exchange in Judith's REDEMPTION, available online at Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Alibris, Borders, Target.

His mouth moved over hers softly, gently. His teeth took tiny nibbles at her bottom lip then soothed it, the tip of his tongue tracing over the bite marks. He licked the inside of her bottom lip then turned his attention to the upper one.
Lisa felt as if she’d fallen down a well and was floating in the water. Ethan’s tongue was like a feather drifting across the surface of her mouth, bringing each and every nerve to jolting life. She felt sensations where she didn’t even know she had them. When she opened her mouth on a soft moan his tongue slipped inside as if it belonged there.
He tasted of fruit and power bars and the jungle and it was the most exhilarating taste she’d ever experienced. She wanted to roll it around in her mouth, swallow it, absorb it into her system. It was headier than the finest wine or the most expensive brandy.
She danced her tongue with his, a slow waltz to imagined music. Together. Retreat. Together. Retreat. His tongue slid across the surface of hers, teasing at it. Tantalizing. She couldn’t imagine ever kissing anyone else after this.
She tried to press her mouth harder against his but he held her head captive, keeping the pressure of his mouth and tongue as light at the touch of a butterfly’s wings. The sense of him permeated her body.
She had no idea how long he played with her mouth. When he lifted his head she felt a tremendous sense of loss. Opening her eyes she saw his black bottomless ones burning into hers.

2008-05-14T12:51:00.001-07:00

From Desiree's NIGHT RIDE. Get it at The Wild Rose Press.

When his mouth touched hers, the kiss was beyond her expectations, heady like fine, aged cognac that reeled the senses. He sipped from her as if he were drinking a rare nectar. His lips were warm and firm, his tongue a live wire probing the seam of her mouth and pressing its way inside.
One hand captured her head, slanting it to accommodate him as he nipped her lips, tasted her, drew out her tongue to duel with his. They were both breathless when at last he lifted his head. He held her tight against him, his arms hard and strong.
“I have to see you,” he whispered as he bunched the soft material of her dress and pulled it upwards. “All of you.”

2008-05-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

This one's from Desiree's DIAMOND LADY, Available at Ellora's Cave. Hint" Dominic is really a man from desiree's past.

Dominic leaned over and kissed her, his tongue sweeping through every part of the dark cavern of her mouth, demanding that hers do the same to him. When he broke the kiss his eyes were smoldering. “Well, my little jewel, your wish is my command. Whatever you would like, I have it here for your pleasure.”
He pulled her close to him and kissed her again with ferocious intensity. Even now his hunger was not completely sated.

2008-05-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

From Desiree's DOUBLE ENTRY, Available at Ellora's Cave

Curt leaned forward and placed a warm kiss on her lips. “Darlin’, I know so.” His tongue tasted the surface of her lips, then darted swiftly inside. He tasted every inch of her mouth inside and out as it swept from roof to inner cheek to lips and back into the innermost recesses.
Lauren melted into the kiss and every part of her body responded to its sensuality. She managed to set her champagne glass down on the nightstand without spilling it and slid her fingers into the black silk of Scott’s hair. In a moment she felt Curt nibble at her shoulder, his hand at one of her breasts as he teased and stimulated the already tender nipple.
Scott cupped her face in his hands and moved his mouth first one way then another to give him a better angle, never breaking contact with her. At last he drew back, her mouth swollen and her senses drugged.
“Let’s see how those other lips are doing, sweet thing, shall we?” His voice was husky and warm.

2008-05-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

From Judith's CUTTER'S LAW
Get it online at:Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Alibris, Booksamillion, Borders, Target

Her heart beat sped up and a corner of her mouth turned up. “Are we going to neck?”
“Sounds like a good idea to me.” His deep voice was slightly shaky. “How about you?”
Her own voice none too steady, she said, “Oh, I’m definitely up for a little necking.”
If the kiss the previous night had scorched them despite its brevity, this one consumed them like a raging inferno engulfing them both.
Morgan’s mouth pressed down on hers, his tongue licking at the seam, his teeth nibbling her lower lip, the soft skin of her lips seared by his touch. Fire began to race through her veins and all she could think of was this man and his touch.
“Open for me.” His voice was husky.
When she opened her mouth his tongue swept in like a wild marauder, invading the inner softness. Her own tongue dueled with it, tasting him, his mouth heavy with the flavors of coffee and good Kentucky bourbon. He shifted his head to give him greater access as he continued to devour her mouth, swallowing the tiny moan that bubbled up from her throat.
Desperate to feel his skin under her fingers, she pulled at his shirt, grateful it had snaps rather than buttons, vaguely hearing the popping sounds as she yanked it open. Then her hands were skimming over the smooth skin of his chest, her fingers curling in the crisp mat of hair, his flesh burning under her touch. When her fingertips found his nipples, she raked her nails over them lightly. His body jerked and his mouth bit down harder on hers, making her gasp.
“God, Allie.” His voice was almost unrecognizable, his breath like a hot wind against her face. “Sweet Jesus.”

2008-05-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

This one's from Judith's One Hot Texas Night, available at The Wild Rose Press, Fictionwise and All romance eBooks. Tate Donovan is every woman's dream of a cowboy - sexy, rugged, pure testosterone. He can make love to you with his eyes. Abby Culhane, back home after years away, rememebrs the crush she had on him and how he blew her off. But now they're both older....and hotter.

Back away, you idiot. Don’t fall for this again.
But she couldn’t make herself move.
His lips were just as warm as they’d been last night. He brushed them over hers before running the tip of his tongue over the seam of her mouth, forcing it open. His tongue inside sent the same electric shocks through her and nothing could have stopped her from returning the kiss.
She wound her arms around his neck, pulling his head closer, tasting the flavor of him that was pure Tate. His hands caressed her arms, her back, then moved up to cup her face.
I’m crazy, she thought. Just plain nuts.

2008-05-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

This one's from Desiree's CRUDE OIL, a Lust Bite from Total-e-bound. It's between Dana, who's sexuality is unfolding, and Max, who loves her to distraction.

Max cupped her chin and lifted her face so she had to look at him. “Embarrassed by what we did, Princess? Right out there in the open? Don’t be. First of all, no one was paying attention to us. They were all too busy doing their own thing. Secondly, I could tell you enjoyed it. And that’s nothing to feel bad about. I hope you’ll enjoy a lot more than that before the weekend’s over.”
He kissed her, a gentle pressure on the lips. But in seconds it turned into a scorcher, his tongue probing her mouth, his hands wrapped in her hair, pulling her head tight against him. He licked the insides of her cheeks, rasped against the roof of her mouth, pulled her own tongue into his waiting cavern. He was like a man who’d been starved for far too long.

2008-05-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

From Judith's psychic romantic intrigue, Always On My Mind, available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, The Lotus Circle:

God. What’s happening here? This is Mark. My best friend Mark.
This was far from a friendship kiss. He held her head firmly in his palms, plundering her mouth, the kiss one long, sensuous mating. She felt his tongue everywhere, tasting the roof of her mouth, the inside of her cheeks and her lips. Tentatively she pressed her own tongue against his and the jolt of electricity that shot through her ignited every inch of her body.
At last he lifted his head and looked at her with heavy-lidded eyes. She saw desire there, heat and…something more. Then it was gone.
“Mark…”
He silenced her with another kiss. This time his fingers slid down the bare skin of her arms, touched her waist, then moved up to cup her breasts through the silky material of her dress. His hands, large and warm, held the weight of her flesh in his palms and his thumbs brushed across the tingling nipples.
“You are exquisite,” he breathed when he broke the kiss. “So beautiful. Jesus, Faith, when did you grow up like this? I’d love to strip you naked right here and feast on your body. You have no idea how many nights I’ve dreamt of just that. Of the things I’d love to do to you.”

2008-05-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone, from Judith Rochelle and Desiree Holt. We're going to be blogging today about kissing and we're going to share some kisses with you from our heroes and heroines. But first, a little background-about us and kissing. We're alter egos. Judith write contemporaries, romantic suspense and romantic intrigue, usually with a high level of sensuality. Desiree write erotic romances, both short and long, and they often cross into the suspense genre. We hope you enjoy our tidbits today. Please be sure to leave comments, because at the end of the day we will pick one person to receive a set of Ellora's Cave playing cards and another person to receive a set of Judith/Desiree magnets.

Okay, here we go. The kiss.

Kissing. Just the word alone can be exciting, anxiety-producing, and even amazing. On one hand, it's so simple. On the other, it's so complex. It can be a prelude to romance, the first taste of sexual foreplay or an expression of deep emotion. Kissing should be fun and feel good; otherwise, what's the point of doing it? And it is certainly one way to show someone how much you care for them.For some people kissing is the best way to express closeness. To show someone the intimacy of your feelings for them. Feel the romance blossoming between two people. The touch of lips, the tease of tongue, all are expressions of the sensations and emotions rushing through your body. Other qualities of a great kiss included eye contact beforehand, holding hands, and tenderness.
First kisses seem to be awkward for just about everybody. Being nervous and concerned about whether or not you're "doing it right" can certainly lead to awkwardness. Some people worry that they might not be good at kissing, and of course there is such a thing as a bad kiss. But we’re not going to talk about them today. We’re only going to talk about the kisses that send the temperature zooming, the body quaking, the blood heating….Oh, wait. I think that’s a line from one of my books!

2008-05-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

THE INCOMPARABLE JUDITH ROCHELLE (aka DESIREE HOLT), ROMANCE AUTHOR, WILL BE BLOGGING WITH ME ON MAY 14, 2008!

Judith Rochelle (a.k.a. Desiree Holt) will be my guest blogger here at The Fine Art of Kissing Blog Spot where she'll be posting about one of my favorite topics in the whole world...

Kissing.

Join Judith for some terrific excerpts and her take on relationships and...the fine art of kissing.

See you then!

: )

Catherine Chernow

2008-03-27T18:29:00.001-07:00

Night Kissing...

Did you know that our brains have special neurons that help us find each other's lips in the dark?

Kissing in the dark is mysterious and sensual. It's you and your special someone and...the kiss. That's it. Kissing in the dark allows you to get lost in the kiss.

When the lights dim, it doesn't matter what you look like, all that matters is the kiss. Your lips searching for your honey's lips. It starts out slow and tentative, a searching little peck. But once discovered, your lips fuse and the magic begins.

So next time you plan on kissing your special someone, do it in the dark.

Let your neurons do your thinking and may your lips find a sensual home.

Catherine Chernow

http://www.catherinechernow.com/

2008-03-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

THE FINE ART OF KISSING is back!

Coming this July from www.ResplendencePublishing.com

Here's a sneak peek...

America's favorite relationship guru & kissing expert, Julie Wilson, has written a runaway bestseller, The Fine Art of Kissing. The book has created a sensation, and Brad O’Malley, host of “O’Malley’s Corner,” a popular talk show on cable television, wants to interview Julie for a ratings boost. Julie refuses. Brad O’Malley is legendary for badgering his guests, so in retaliation, he pulls a publicity stunt during one of her book signings…

****

Chapter One

“Please make it out to Sarah – with an ‘h’ on the end, okay?”
Julie Wilson grabbed her run-away bestseller, The Fine Art of Kissing, from the young woman’s outstretched hands. Julie never expected her book to take off the way it did. Now a “relationship guru,” people asked her advice on love constantly.
“Your book’s wonderful, Ms. Wilson.”
“Thank you,” she replied warmly and smiled as she scribbled her name on the inside of the book.
A large group of people gathered where Julie sat in the crowded bookstore that Saturday, all of them eager for an autographed copy of Julie’s book and a chance to meet her.
Another young woman leaned over Julie’s table, blushing. “Your book has changed our lives--our love lives, if you know what I mean,” she said conspiratorially.
“I’ll just bet it did.” The sound of a deep, male voice came from behind the two young women.
Julie’s head snapped up. She’d know that voice anywhere! It belonged to Brad O’Malley, the host of America’s leading primetime cable talk show. She received countless calls from his producers ever since her book hit the NY Times bestseller list. Julie knew why they wanted her on the show. Brad O’Malley’s ratings had slipped. She knew if she went on his show he’d subject her to the badgering that his viewing audience loved. Julie thought if Brad O’Malley could make ‘the relationship guru’ squirm, his ratings would skyrocket. Her manager said appearing on ‘O’Malley’s Corner’ would be great publicity for the book, that she could handle Brad. She just didn’t want that kind of publicity. Julie took The Fine Art of Kissing seriously.
“Now, what is it you say in your book, Ms. Wilson? ‘A kiss should be blissfully unhurried. You don’t want to squander a single moment thinking of anything but the kiss.’” He quoted verbatim from her book. Brad leaned against the table, one muscled thigh propped lazily against the edge, arms folded casually across his chest but his lips thinned and his face grew taut. When she refused to go on his show for the third time in a row, he had called her himself. She gave him the same answer she gave his producers, a flat out ‘no.’
Brad slipped the Ray Bans from his eyes and glanced over at the young women. Their eyes nearly bugged out when they recognized him. Another look at his stormy face made Julie’s pulse skitter.
“So Julie…”
“That’s ‘Ms. Wilson’ to you,” she snapped.
He grinned at her; a sexy, lopsided smile that made her heart flutter. Brad O’Malley was talented, arrogant, demanding…and exceedingly handsome, much to her chagrin. She didn’t like the way her heart skipped when she gazed at his chiseled, golden face and cursed her traitorous hormones.
“Do you practice what you preach?” he asked.
Julie’s chin jutted out defiantly. “Of course.”
“Then let’s see if you’re up to snuff.”
Quick as lightning, Brad pulled her to her feet and began kissing her in the middle of the bookstore.
“This is what a kiss should be. You’re not an Olympic starter, it’s not a rush to the finish line,” he quoted as he placed small, butterfly kisses on the corner of her mouth. “Sensual tulips,” he continued, “they comfort your soul through kissing.” He placed feathery-light kisses along her jaw, ending by her ear then his lips trailed down her chin. He made a small “O” with his mouth and sucked softly against the underside of her jaw. Julie grabbed his shirtfront to keep from collapsing as he retraced his fiery path along her chin, causing ripples of pleasure to cascade across her back every time his lips touched her skin.
“No one is a good kisser by themselves,” Brad whispered, “it requires cooperation and teamwork from both people.” He moved slowly, tracing the fullness of her lips with the tip of his index finger, then treated them like priceless treasures as he explored her upper lip first, then the bottom, with gentle pressure from his own lips, teasing and licking slowly until her mouth opened like a blossoming flower. Heat seared every inch of her body as Brad’s lips worked their magic on hers.
Julie’s hands crept up Brad’s neck to pull his golden head down further. She longed to deepen the kiss, to fuse her lips with his until her bones melted. Liquid fire coursed through her veins, it rose to the surface of her skin, making entire body blush. Brad’s hands skimmed across her shoulders, her heated skin becoming super-sensitive to his slightest touch.
“If the eyes are the portals of the soul, then the lips are the portals to the mind,” Julie quoted as she began her own exploration of Brad’s magic mouth. Her tongue slid over the soft, inside part of his lower lip then she slowly nibbled on it until she felt his body stiffen with desire. He tightened his hold and pulled her closer, as though yearning for more. Julie felt the hard, hot length of him slide across her thigh and seriously wondered if she had lost her mind when she shifted closer, pressing against him.
She didn’t know in that minute who had outsmarted whom when she finally felt his mouth close over hers. Julie gave herself up to the sweetest, softest kiss she had ever experienced. Its very gentleness stole the breath from her body and made her quiver. The sound of clapping and cheering finally brought her around.
“That’s absolutely, positively, the most romantic kiss I’ve ever seen!”
Julie turned to see one of the young women smiling at her. She quickly broke away from Brad.
“It’s very obvious, Ms. Wilson,” he drawled, “that you know you’re stuff.” Brad leaned down and whispered in her ear, “We start taping at two p.m. tomorrow. Be at the studio by noon, so we can go over the notes for your segment.”
Julie could only nod as she watched him turn and exit the bookstore.
******
“This has got to be the best damn publicity stunt ever!” Russ Harlan, Julie’s manager, boomed over the phone. “First, you gave O’Malley the brush off and then you zinged him. You kissed him right in the middle of that bookstore for the entire world to see.”
“Listen, Russ,” Julie spoke into her cell phone, “that’s not--”
“I’m just sorry I didn’t think of it myself.”
“I’m not doing this, Russ. I’m calling O’Malley and--”
“What do you mean, ‘not doing it?’?” You’ve got to do it. Julie, honey, listen to me, they’re flocking to the bookstores to buy your book. That kiss you shared with O’Malley is all over the six o’clock news.”
She groaned. This went from bad to worse! And the worst of it was yet to come. She couldn’t deny the feelings Brad O’Malley churned up inside her. Julie had been kissed before, but never like that.
“He set me up, Russ. He planned that little stunt.”
“So?”
“What do you mean, ‘so’? I’m not going to let him get away with that.”
“Then that’s all the more reason to go on his show. Turn the tables on him.”
She blinked once as she registered Russ’ words. Why not, she thought? Why not give Brad O’Malley a taste of his own medicine?
“All right, I’m going to do it.”
“Great!” Russ crowed. “I’ll meet you at the studio tomorrow.”
Julie prayed her knees would stop knocking by then.
******
copyright 2008 by Catherine Chernow

http://www.catherinechernow.com/

Note that this excerpt is subject to final edit and may differ from the final version

2008-02-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

I've got a kool kissing fact for you, but you have to sing along. I think you'll remember this ol' tune from childhood:

James and Sophia sittin' in a tree - k-i-s-s-i-n-g. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes James and Sophia and a baby carriage!

Now, here's the fact that inspired me to sing that little ditty -
British couple James Belshaw and Sophia Severin achieved a record for k-i-s-s-i-n-g back in 2005. They smooched for 31 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds! LOL - no word yet on whether it led to love, marriage or a baby in a carriage.

The truth is, if James and Sophia did get married, their successful union would require lots of work. Sometimes, you have to fall in love all over again - many times.

Maybe they'll discover one of the secrets to a good marriage - kissing every day, even if you don't feel like it.

Hmmm, I guess the more you kiss, the more you'll like it, right? And the happier you'll both be.

May all of your kisses be...blissfully unhurried.

Catherine Chernow
www.CatherineChernow.com

2008-01-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

Join http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/ authors Aleka Nakis, Tia Fanning, Catherine Chernow and Maddie James for a 'Romantic Dialogue' live chat at www.NowLive.com/alekanakis. Hosted by Aleka Nakis and co-hosted by Tia Fanning, each broadcast sizzles with exciting live interviews with the hottest authors around and enticing topics to interest all readers of romance. Whether you like your romance books sweet or spicy, our http://www.nowlive.com/ chats are just the ticket to heat up your Monday night. It's easy to join the live broadcast, simply log on to www.NowLive.com/alekanakis then click on the 'Romantic Dialogue' button, followed by the 'call the show' button. You'll receive instructions on how to call in or...join us via email! While we chat, you can email your comments and questions. All live broadcasts air every Monday evening, beginning at 9 p.m. EST. Check out past shows at:
www.NowLive.com/alekanakis and visit all of our http://www.nowlive.com/ pages at -

www.NowLive.com/catherinechernow
www.NowLive.com/tiafanning
www.NowLive.com/maddiej

See you Monday night everyone!

Catherine Chernow
http://www.catherinechernow.com/

2008-01-21T04:43:00.000-08:00

BE MY LIA SOPHIA VALENTINE FROM NOW THROUGH THE END OF FEBRUARY! Purchase any two (2) of my books from www.ResplendencePublishing.com, and you'll automatically be entered into a drawing to win fabulous Lia Sophia Jewelry of your choice (a $50 value). Email me at booknook56@aol.com with your www.ResplendencePublishing.com order number for two (2) of my books (make sure you place the words 'Jewelry' in the subject line). Check out the beautiful Lia Sophia jewelry the movie stars are going head-over-heels for at http://www.liasophia.com/lisagoodenough I'll pick the lucky winner at the end of February and announce it on my Yahoo! group, Catherine Chernow's Heart of Romance - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catherinechernowsheartofromance/

Enjoy!

: )

Catherine Chernow
www.CatherineChernow.com

2008-01-20T13:53:00.000-08:00

Kissing 101...

Ah, the kiss! For me, the first kiss between the hero and heroine is the sensual springboard for their relationship in a romance novel. But how did kissing start? When did the first kiss in a movie take place? Why not wrap your orbicularis oris mucles (lol...your lips) around these kissing facts:

Some anthropologists believe that kissing originated with early Homo sapiens (that's us) passing food to their babies, using their mouths. As we developed, the mouth-to-mouth feeding stopped, but the learned behavior of lips meeting lips continued (we call it...kissing).

The first on-screen movie kiss took place in an 1896 movie entitled...THE KISS (very apropos!). The actors who performed that kiss were John C. Rice and May Irwin.

So, pucker up, and kiss your favorite honey and think about our early ancestors passing food to their babies and John and May locking lips back in the early days of the movies.

Catherine Chernow

http://www.catherinechernow.com/

2008-01-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

Join me, and my fellow www.ResplendencePublishing.com authors, Aleka Nakis, Tia Fanning and Maddie James tonight, Monday, January 14, 2008, beginning at 9 p.m. EST at www.NowLive.com/alekanakis for an hour-long live broadcast chat about one of my favorite subjects...

THE KISS - and how it propels the story in a romance novel.

It is easy to join our live broadcast - simply log on to www.NowLive.com/alekanakis, then click on the 'Romantic Dialogue' button. Then choose the 'Call the Show' option and you'll receive simple, step-by-step instructions on how to dial into the show via telephone and chat with the four of us. Every Monday, beginning at 9 p.m. EST, we discuss a different subject concerning romance novels - we've talked about heroes (sigh...we just love those alpha males!), heroines (from historical to contemporary - we love heroines who rock - those 'kickass' females who can give the hero a run for his money), erotic romance vs. erotica, heat levels in romance novels and recently, during our December live broadcast chat, we even plotted a romantic short story. RED RIBBONS IN THE SNOW, our free romantic read is featured here at THE FINE ART OF KISSING blog spot (read the December 24, 2007 post). You can hear our past live broadcasts at www.NowLive.com/alekanakis.

So join us tonight for a lively chat as we discuss THE KISS. If you don't want to participate via telephone, log on to www.NowLive.com/alekanakis, click on 'Romantic Dialogue' and you'll see a window where you can email your comments and questions as I chat with Aleka Nakis, Tia Fanning and Maddie James.

See you at 9 p.m. EST! Oh and...pucker up!

Catherine Chernow
www.CatherineChernow.com

2007-12-29T09:11:00.001-08:00

MAGIC MAN...available January 24, 2008 from http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/

To my fellow writers and my readers -
I'm wishing all of you a wonderful New Year, filled with lots of good things.
Stay safe this New Year's Eve and...
May all your kisses be blissfully unhurried.

From -
Catherine Chernow
http://www.catherinechernow.com/

2007-12-24T11:35:00.000-08:00

RED RIBBONS IN THE SNOW...a special, sensual, romantic holiday read just for you. Go grab a cup of steaming hot chocolate, curl up in your favorite chair, and warm up your holiday with this story of love and romance written by me, Romance Author, Catherine Chernow, and my fellow www.ResplendencePublishing authors, Aleka Nakis, Tia Fanning and Maddie James. Sit back, relax, and enjoy...

Red Ribbons in the Snow

By
Catherine Chernow
Tia Fanning
Maddie James
& Aleka Nakis

Chapter One

The following segment is written by Catherine Chernow:
Lori McAllister shifted her car into drive, then pressed her foot down on the gas pedal. The vehicle slid forward, the tires spinning on the ice. She bit down on her lower lip, wincing from the sting of chapped skin. White, puffs of mist lined her windows as the temperature plummeted, her body shaking in response to the frigid air. She placed the car in reverse and tapped the gas pedal, causing her small Toyota to careen backwards, the bumper hitting against something hard. Lori glanced in the rearview mirror, her eyes opening wide when she saw that the back of her car was now wedged into a pile of drifted snow.
Stuck.
Tears filled her eyes.
"Damn!" She smacked the steering wheel with the side of her hand. "Ow!" she cried, as pain shot up her arm.
Stuck.
Around her, the snow fell harder and faster, the large flakes swirling and dancing as they landed on the ground. Lori shifted the car into drive once more. Placing her foot on the gas pedal, she gunned the engine, hoping against hope to drive her small car out of the ditch. The wheels spun, and this time, the engine died.
Silence.
No sound broke the devastating stillness. Her breath left her lungs, filling the inside of her car with more white misty puffs of air. Lori dug into her bag for her cell phone. Flipping it open, she started to dial the emergency number when she saw the blank screen.
Her cell phone was dead!
Hot tears poured down her face, their warmth the only heat she now felt. Panic filled Lori, her heart pounding as she watched the snow fall harder and faster. A gust of wind rocked the car. She gripped the steering wheel as the car shifted from side to side. A tiny bit of hope bloomed inside her as she turned the key in the ignition—if she could start the motor and gun the engine, perhaps the wind would help dislodge the back of the car from the snow drift.
There was some whining and squeaking, but the darn thing refused to start. She slumped back in her seat, her hands sliding from the steering wheel when. The wind howled, sending shivers down her spine. She drew her white fox coat around her body—it had kept her warm in the past, but not this time. Nothing would warm her now as the freezing cold permeated her body.
She swiped the tears from her cheeks, determined to think warm thoughts. Hot chocolate with marshmallows melting on top. A crackling fire in the hearth. The smell of pumpkin pie and a turkey roasting in an oven. All the good things that her parents' home provided—Holiday House. That's what everyone called Lori's parents' home. A warm, welcoming house...
Lori jumped when she heard pounding on the side of her car. Fear lodged in her throat. Swallowing hard, bile rose in her mouth as she dared to glance out her side window. A tall figure—a man perhaps, stood outside, gesturing wildly. Then he leaned down and placed his hand on the driver's side door. In one swift movement, he yanked it open.
Lori screamed and reared back as the man reached inside.
"You okay?" he shouted over the wind.
Lori shrank back against the seat, reaching for something, anything she could hurl at the huge, hulking figure in the parka.
"Come on!" he yelled. "My truck's over there."
She glanced in the direction he pointed, but all she saw was swirling snow.
"Listen," he leaned in, his crystal blue eyes intense, water dripping from the small ice crystals melting in his dark, jet-black hair. "You can't just sit here," he told her, his face a mask of hard angles and planes. "You'll freeze to death."
She swallowed. Hard. Oh, his big body radiated warmth and... and...
Could she trust him? How could she go with a perfect stranger a—
"If you don't come with me now, you'll die out here." Again he reached in, this time, grabbing her arm. His fingers held her upper arm in a firm, yet gentle grip. "Come on," he cajoled, his voice soft. "It's okay." He gave her a small smile, his mouth softening as his lips curved upwards. Something familiar about him slammed into her chest. "I won't hurt you." He cocked his head. "What's your name?"
"L-Lori," she replied, her teeth chattering.
"Matt Somers," he nodded, his eyes never leaving her face.
That name rang a bell, a familiar peal of angst. Matt Somers? Her eyes widened and her mouth hung open.
Matt Somers. The hermit. The recluse! He lived not too far from Holiday House, in a cabin he supposedly built himself. He never, ever ventured out...
Except for now.
Lori held her breath as he grabbed her hand. "Come on Lori, before we're both stuck out here in this white out."
She placed her hand in his as the snow fell around them, and allowed Matt to help her from the car.
Then a gust of wind knocked the breath and balance from Lori—making her fall straight into his arms.

The following segment is written by Aleka Nakis:
His fingers closed beneath her breast as his hands slipped inside her coat and he gathered her against him in an intimate hold. He was a mass of strong, warm muscle, and even in the whirling wind, his clean masculine scent tickled her nose and sparked a flame deep in her center.
“What were you thinking going out on a night like this—in that tiny car and that outfit?”
Suddenly her knight in shining armor turned into a frog. She squinted against the snow and fixed a don’t screw with me gaze on those dark blue eyes. “The same thing you were thinking going out on a night like this.”
Matt grinned and glanced at her feet buried in the soft snow. No boots, no pants, just shiny red strappy things against the pure white blanket. He doubted the fashion diva and he had gone out for the same reason. It was hard to picture the fragile robin staring him down clearing snow drifts to keep cables and wires from snapping. Now, he wouldn’t get the chance to finish and he highly doubted his efforts would have been enough, anyway. This blizzard was forecast to be the worst of the decade.
“Let’s get to the truck and out of this wind.” He pulled off his glove and held it between his teeth as he unsnapped his pocket to stick it in. Then he bent and reaching for an ankle, he added, “It is getting worse by the minute.”
She swatted his shoulder and almost fell back. “What are you doing?”
“Hold still.” The curve of her bottom settled snug against his arm as he released his hold around her thighs, which he’d grabbed at to prevent her snow angel performance. “I need to give you a flat surface to walk with so you won’t sink knee deep into the snow.”
“Flat surface?” She whacked his back again. “No way. You’re not ruining these babies. They cost eight hundred dollars pre-tax. I can walk in them.”
He straightened. “Fine. Have it your way.” Placing a hand under her elbow, he guided her toward the car. “Maybe next time you should use some of that money to put tire chains on that ice cube of yours.”
“It’s a rental, thank you very much, Mr. Know It All. Besides, chains wouldn’t do me much good in Miami.” She took two steps and sank into the snow, veering to the right like a falling log.
He tightened his hold, pulled her upright, and then decided she wasn’t going to make it another twenty feet. In a quick move, sure to disallow her objection, he lifted her and stomped toward the cloud of exhaust fumes coming from his truck. “I’m surprised you’re not arguing.”
“I told you: the shoes are too expensive to ruin.”
Matt laughed, and for the first time weeks, he felt warmth spread in his chest. This feisty red-head was just what the doctor ordered for a perfect white-out. She was light as a bird, but he could imagine the curves hidden by the bulky coat and couldn’t wait to see her decked out in his flannels sleep pants. Or maybe not. Were the clothes necessary in the comfort of his bed if he found a way to keep her warm?
He looked down at her head resting comfortably against his chest, and wondered how much ‘good’ that cream colored cashmere cap was for her in Miami. Strands of red hair spread over her fur collar and her black, hose-clad Victoria Secret model calves bobbed from beneath the full length fur that was so necessary for Miami. But it was those ruby-red eight hundred dollar shoes that attracted his attention. If she clicked those four inch heels together three times, she might vanish and he’d never even know what she looked like without her coat.
He held her closer and brought his lips to the top of her cap before he balanced her on his knee and opened the truck door to place her in the passenger seat. “Okay, sweetheart. You’ll be warm soon enough,” he said, leaning across her to adjust the heat controls.
“Thank you” she whispered, raising her bare hands to her mouth and blowing on them.
Damn, those big eyes, pools of melted milk chocolate, looked familiar. Maybe she was a model or a television personality. But, no. Why would she be driving that little city car in the Adirondacks all alone if that was the case. She’d be sipping mojitos on a sandy beach somewhere with her publicist arranging snap shots of her tropical holiday.
“You comfortable?” he asked.
“Getting there. Come on and hop in while we can still find the road.”
He chuckled and closed her door. She sounded like a lady who knew a thing or two about blizzards. Soon there’d be no road, and they’d be grateful to be inside the cabin.
Walking around the back of the truck, he unzipped his parka and placed his other glove in the pocket. He needed both hands on the steering wheel to drive in this mess. And they needed to get to a permanent shelter- fast. Seated in the warm vehicle, he released the brake, shifted into gear, and slowly pulled out to where the road should be.
“I’m about two miles down,” Lori said.
“Sweetheart, that’s a few miles too many.” He glanced over at her and smiled at the view of her rosy cheeks and red nose. “It’s going to be impossible to find any turn off.”
“No, I’d know it in my sleep. Unless you’re worried that this high-tech jet-on-wheels can’t handle the elements- we can be there in less than ten minutes.”
“Jet-on-wheels, eh? Well, we won’t be doing much flying in this weather.” He could barely see ten feet ahead of him, let alone drive ten minutes south and then back again. “You have until the River Gap to find your way, then you’re coming home with me for the night.”
She stretched and pushed back against her seat. “I’m way before that.” Running a polished nail tip over the radio controls, she added, “When you said truck, I expected an old beat up pickup that would have snow drifting up through the floor boards; not a luxury, fully loaded Hummer. Not bad for backwoods transportation.”
“Yeah, well, we save all that money at the supermarket by utilizing the backwoods road kill. Possum, coon, an occasional thumper or two. Something you city folks have no clue about.” He pushed his tongue against the inside of his cheek and waited for a shocked response.
She laughed. “They’d be frozen solid and all skin and bones in weather like this. Not much of a nutritious meal.”
“Good come back. I thought you’d squirm at the mere thought. You’re full of surprises. Aren’t you?” What really surprised him was how much he didn’t want her to go. He enjoyed her company- city ways and heels. “So where do I turn?”
“We haven’t come to it yet,” she replied, leaning closer to the window. “Everything is hidden behind the snow. Can you stop for a moment so that I can orient myself?”
“Not on this road.” He tapped the brakes and slowed down. “I don’t want anyone to run into us.”
“There is nobody out here.” She pasted her nose to the side window and looked out. “But this will do. I should find it any second.”
“Any second we’ll be at the turnoff. Then we’ll be lucky to find the clearing my cabin is in.”
She slumped back in her seat and sighed. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to be a nuisance, but I can’t find it. Everything looks the same. Guess you’re stuck with me at least until it stops snowing.”
Excitement rippled from his chest to his groin. “Guess I am.” He made a right and shifted down into first gear. “Hold on. It’s steep and a little bumpy here.”

Chapter Two

The following segment is written by Maddie James:
What the hell am I doing? Lori turned to look out her window, a mite panic-stricken. A blanket of white met her gaze. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Bumpy was right. She clung to the door handle on the right and gripped her seatbelt with her left hand. They rocked one way, then another, and her body went the opposite each time. The monstrous truck lurched forward, slowed slightly while moving over a drift, pulled away, and then slid sideways a little.
Shit!
Of course, it was not like she had a choice in all this. He did save her ass. She was stuck. Stuck! In more ways than one. But up until this very scary moment as they were slip-sliding their four-wheel-drive-merry way down to some gawd-awful cabin in the woods, she’d been cheerfully bantering with him like she’d just met him in a bar and had accidentally (okay, purposely) sloshed a martini onto his suit.
This was not some casual banter-flirt. This was a situation she didn’t want to be in.
Not in the least.
No matter how good, she imagined, that flannel shirt looked on him, or would feel under her hands if she smoothed her palm over his muscled chest.
Muscles. He had those. She could feel every inch of them as he’d hoisted her up in his arms and carried her toward the truck. Who would have thought? Matt Somers, with muscles.
Great! Of all the people in the world to be stranded with, he was the last possible choice on her list. And she’d been flirting no less. Why? Cripes, Lori, are you that hard up that a flannel shirt, dark-dyed and starched Levis, and oversized Timberland boots are a turn-on? Even if it is Matt Somers wearing them?
Well, you know what they say about the size of a man’s boots…
No. She would not be attracted to Matt. No matter what. For God’s sake, he was the hermit! The man known to rarely come out of his cabin.
No one even knew what he did for a living.
In high school, he’d been voted most likely to succeed. He was a nerd, of course, a high-tech nerd who knew his way around a computer like nobody’s business. He’d single-handedly installed the high school’s new computer lab when the business teacher was having fits with it. Of course, this was back in the late 90s and a lot had changed since then.
What the heck had Matt Somers been doing since high school?
No one really knew. After…well, after the prom…and after the…incident, he just sort of disappeared. And Lori was happy to let it go. Oh, she’d wondered about Matt for a few years after that, but hadn’t really considered what had become of him until her parents mentioned a couple of years ago that he now lived in the cabin down the road.
As a hermit.
It didn’t fit, but who was she to question?
Thank God he’d not recognized her. At least she didn’t think he had.
Movement caught her eye, and she turned and watched Matt’s long fingers reach toward dash and fiddle with several knobs and levers. Soon, a life-giving blast of warmth shot at her feet.
“Thank, God,” she moaned.
“Put your hands near the vents. Those gloves you’re wearing aren’t worth crap. I can’t believe you weren’t better prepared to be out tonight.”
He was right, of course. The paper-thin leather driving gloves were great for, well, driving, but for keeping her fingers warm in a blizzard, they might was well be dainty white dinner gloves fit for an afternoon tea on the veranda.
Okay, so she didn’t have the right shoes, coat, or gloves, and she had placed herself in the middle of a blizzard. So what? The local mall in Miami wasn’t very equipped for this environment. And she lived in Miami. Thing was, she knew better growing up around here. Suddenly, she felt like such an idiot.
“You don’t have to be so rude. It’s not like I planned this blizzard thing, you know.” Then another thought struck her. “But you were out too, so looks like you weren’t so smart either.” She resisted sticking out her tongue and ending her dig with a na-nah-na-nah-nah.
“I have a truck, good boots, a warm coat, and insulated gloves. I’m prepared.”
“Of course you are.”
The Hummer tilted to the left and her body went with it. Her head cracked against Matt’s shoulder.
“Ow! Sorry.” She reached up and rubbed her temple.
“You okay?”
“Sure.” Lori frowned. “I think.”
She looked at him. A grimace on Matt’s face echoed hers. And, she noticed, he was awfully quiet now. Had been the past few minutes. Of course she’d been lost in her own brief introspection. “You okay?”
He gripped the steering wheel. “Peachy, sweetheart.” His gaze remained steady in front of them.
A paused filled the front seat of the Hummer.
“You sure?” She looked at him again.
He bit his lip. “Not a picnic here, you know, trying to save your ass and get you to warmth. I’m trying to concentrate on what I’m doing. Not exactly a Sunday drive.”
They lurched to the right again and slid a little.
”Oh.”
Cranky man.
Damn sexy cranky man. His demeanor had definitely changed in the past few minutes, too. She stole another glance. Strong profile. High cheekbones. A nice nose—not too big but sturdy. Manly. He’d filled out some since high school. He was…quite a nice looking man. And given a different set of circumstances, she might even be attracted.
Okay, maybe she was already attracted.
Lips. A scruffy beard covered his lower face and a thick mustache arched over his upper lip. The lips were full, and right now, moist. Chapstick, maybe? No, he’d just licked them. And as her thoughts lingered on his mouth, her brain swirled with a bit of headiness of what it might be like to kiss the most-likely-to-succeed-nerd from high school.
The one who had saved her ass all those years ago and she’d not once looked back to thank him? A hint of embarrassment struck her.
He swiped the back of his hand against his brow, then reached to turn down the blower on the heater.
“Hot?” she asked.
“A bit.”
“Um.” She was feeling a little hot, too. Particularly in the area of her panties.
“I’m sure you’re a little damp by now.”
“Excuse me?”
“Wet. Are you wet yet?”
Lori stared at him and when she didn’t immediately answer, he sidled a glance her way. She replied, “I’m…well…”
“With the heater going full blast, I figured the snow had melted in your shoes, on those slinky black hose…and that you’d be wet by now. I’m sure you’ll be ready to get out of those clothes once we get to the cabin.”
Sucking in a deep breath, Lori nodded. “Wet. Yes. I am that.”

The following segment is written by Tia Fanning:
It seemed like an eternity passed before they made up to the cabin. Silently, Matt placed the Hummer in park, turned off the ignition, and got out, fighting the swirling snow to close his door. Moments later, he was opening her side.
“Ready?” he hollered.
She nodded. Was it her imagination, or had the blizzard actually gotten worse?
As she stepped out, he scooped her up and flung her over his shoulder, slamming the passenger door as he did so. His hand rested on her rear and held her in place as he began trudging up the slope to the cabin’s entrance.
“Is it necessary to carry me like this?” she yelled over the wind, holding onto his parka for dear life.
He didn’t respond. After climbing the porch steps, he fished out his keys and dealt with the lock. Carrying her inside, he stomped the snow off his feet and abruptly spun around to close the door. It was then that she spied yet another door, this one complete with a keypad.
He swung her back around, and she listened to him punch in numbers.
What the hell? What did he have inside that needed to be locked up so tight? Treasure? Wait! Maybe, something more sinister? Perhaps he picked up stranded women all the time and brought them here to his inescapable fortress so he could have his wicked way with them.
There was a soft click.
Did Matt want to have his wicked way with her? For some reason, that didn’t sound so bad.
“Yes,” he stated.
Her breath caught in her throat. “Yes, what?”
He opened the second door and stepped over the threshold. “I’m answering your question. Yes, it was necessary to carry you the way I did. It was easier for me to keep my footing with you on my shoulder than holding you in front of me,” he said, placing her back on her feet. “Anyway, we wouldn’t want to ruin those $800.00 shoes anymore than we already have.”
The world tipped cock-eyed as all the blood rushed to her head. She stumbled on her heels and started to fall, but Matt’s strong arms were there catching her before she it the floor.
“Easy now,” he said, drawing her up against him.
She lifted her head and stared into the endless depths of his beautiful blue eyes. She could drown in them. Are you going to have your wicked way with me?
He chuckled. “Do you want me to have my wicked way with you?”
Oh, God! Had she said that out loud?
“Um… um… yeah. I mean, no, um… crap.”
“Lori, it’s okay. I’m just playing. No, I did not bring you here to take advantage of you.”
His response, though reassuring, equally let her down. Why didn’t he want to take advantage of her? Did he not find her attractive?
Mentally, she slapped her self, wondering just what the hell was wrong with her. Why did she care what he thought? And why was she so hard up on him? Maybe she was feeling this way because he’d saved her—again. Wasn’t there a name for that condition?
“Hey, you. Are still with me?” he whispered.
Shaking her head, she looked away. “Yeah, sorry. I guess I’m just… with all that’s happened, I’m just a little out of it.”
Matt smiled and released his hold on her. “Come with me. A hot bath will make you feel better.”
Nodding, she numbly followed, keeping her gaze on the wood floor and his booted steps. Maplewood gave way to plush cream-colored carpeting, which soon gave way to granite tile. Suddenly, she collided into a firm body. Matt twisted around, wrapping his hands around her waist to keep her from stumbling back.
“Sorry,” she mumbled, meeting his concerned gaze.
“Are you going to be okay?”
“Yeah. I’ll be fine. A hot shower sounds wonderful.”
As he went to the linen closet and pulled out towels, she surveyed the bathroom. It was gorgeous. Not only did it have a glass shower stall and a double vanity, but a Jacuzzi tub big enough for two people.
“I’ll be right back. I’m going to get you some dry clothes.”
Matt walked into the next room. She peeked out, watching as he approached a chest of drawers and pulled out flannel pajamas. She glanced at him, then to the bureau where a small wooden box and his colognes sat, to the high-tech entertainment center, to his bed. Holy crap! This was his bedroom. That meant that she was in his master bath. This was his bathroom—his private domain. Surely he had a guest bath in this large-ass cabin. So why did he bring her here?
He returned with flannel pajamas in hand. “Why don’t you take that off?” Matt asked, his eyes dropping to her chest.
Did he want her to take her shirt off? To undress in front of him?
“I’ll hang it in the foyer.”
Oh, her fur. She fumbled to remove the soggy thing, but couldn’t seem to accomplish the task. She needed to get a grip. Matt placed his hand over hers and stilled her fidgeting fingers. He unfastened her coat, then nudged her around, slowly pulling the heavy garment off her arms.
“Thanks,” she whispered.
“There is extra toiletries in the vanity drawers and in the cabinet. Toothbrush, comb, what not. Use what you want. There is also deodorant and lotions—the manly kind,” he said with a wink.
On that note, with her coat in hand, he left the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
After turning on the shower, Lori sat on the toilet, removing her favorite shoes. She inspected them, and finding them water logged, threw them across the bathroom. Next, she peeled off her wet clothing. The heated tile felt good on her frozen toes, but she was sure the shower would feel better.
Opening the glass door, she climbed in, relishing the steaming spray. She washed her hair and lathered her body, enveloping herself in Matt’s scent. As her fingers roamed across her slick skin, she closed her eyes and imagined it was Matt’s hands caressing her body.
There was a knock at the door.
She opened her eyes, and noticed the lights were flickering. Suddenly, the room went totally dark.
No. No. No.
She was petrified of the dark.
Panicking, she tried to get the glass door open, but it wouldn’t give. Matt calling out her name echoed in her ears, but she couldn’t answer him. Her throat constricted with fear, stealing her voice as well as her breath. Her head swam, and she felt the walls close in on her as she plummeted into black nothingness.

Chapter Three

The following segment is written by Tia Fanning:
Damn, her temple throbbed. She couldn’t see, couldn’t talk, couldn’t move. She tried to open her mouth, but the tape across her lips held firm. When she tried to breathe through her nose, the dark fabric clung to her face, cutting off her air. She struggled against the bonds holding her wrists and ankles.
Last she remembered, she’d been arguing with her boyfriend, Jim Somers, in the school parking lot. It was prom night, and he was drunk. He didn’t want to go into the dance. No, he’d wanted to go straight to the hotel room. He’d expected her to give it up to him. After all, it was ‘tradition’ and he had waited long enough for her to ‘come around’.
When she’d refused to go, and broke up with him on the spot, he had hit her with all the strength his football player muscles could yield.
That was the last thing she recalled.
She jerked at the ropes until they bit into her skin.
“Hey, look. The princess has awoken from her slumber,” she heard Jim slur.
Suddenly, the black bag was snatched off her head, taking with it locks of her hair. Her eyes watered and her scalp burned. Jim loomed over her, smiling. She glanced down at her tied feet. At the end of the bed, three of his football cronies stood.
“Are you sure about this, Jimbo?” Brandon asked, crushing a beer can in his hands.
“Oh yeah,” Jim replied. “She begged me to set up this fantasy for her. She said she always wanted to be fucked by four guys at once.”
Lori shook her head violently back and forth, letting out a stifled scream.
Jackson came up beside Jim and looked down at her. “She don’t look excited. And damn, you jacked up her eye. Man, I ain’t looking for trouble. You know how my uncle is, being a judge and all.”
Laughing, Jim slapped his friend’s back. “She is excited. She’s just playing the part. Trust me, she loves this freaky shit. She told me she wanted to be kidnapped and tied up. All rough and tumbled. She said she wanted it to be as real as possible.”
Jim tenderly stroked Lori’s hair. “Are you excited, baby?” He slid his hand down the front of her dress, cupping her breast roughly.
Lori squealed in protest, bucking against the mattress.
Brandon’s eyes glazed over and a smile formed on his face. After fishing out a new can from the cooler, he stumbled over next to Jim and Jackson. “Shit, Lori. I never took you for the type. Had I known, I would’ve asked you out long before this asshole did.” He gave Jim’s shoulder a playful punch.
They all laughed.
Lori struggled harder against the ropes.
Chase, the sheriff’s son, stumbled over and sat on the edge of the bed. “And you don’t mind sharing her, Jimbo? I mean, dude, this is your girlfriend.”
“Naw, I’m an open-minded guy. Want to please my woman and all that. I love her to pieces. This is her prom night gift.”
“So let’s get this party started. Who goes first?” Brandon asked, opening his beer.
“Hell, if we remove the tape, and turn her on her side, that’ll give us three nice, warm, tight possibilities. I know I’m going this round, and dibs on the main entry point.” Jim started undoing his pants. “You three figure out who’s going where, and which one of you unlucky bastards will have to sit back and whack it until one of us is through.”
Brandon, Chase and Jackson erupted into playful argument.
Lori couldn’t believe this was happening. It had to be a dream. A very bad nightmare. Her muffled screams filled the room as she desperately fought to free herself.
The door burst open. There stood Matt, a shotgun in his hand. “Untie her,” he ordered.

Coming in from turning on the generator, his house lit again, Matt shrugged out of his jacket and ran into the bedroom to check on Lori. She was lying in his bed, just as he left her.
Shit.
He checked her pulse again. It was steady, her breathing normal. He relaxed some. She was still in a faint, and nothing more. Though he was sure her muscles would be achy tomorrow. The loud thud he heard when she had collapsed in the shower told him she’d had a hard landing.
Retrieving a comforter from his closet, he removed the damp towel he had wrapped around her when he’d pulled her limp body from the shower, and laid the warm cover over her.
“No,” she murmured, shaking her head. Suddenly she shot up. “No!”
He caught her before she tumbled out of the bed. “Lori, you’re okay. You’re safe.”
Her frantic gaze sought his. Tense moments passed as they stared at each other. She inhaled deeply, looked around, then pulled the blanket over her exposed breasts.
“Thank you for saving me,” she whispered.
He shook his head. “Well, I couldn’t just leave you in the shower.”
“No, I’m mean the other time.”
“What? You mean thanks for not leaving your stranded ass on the side of the road?”
Tears welled in her eyes. “No, for saving me on prom night.”
She might as well have hit him with a ton of bricks. His stomach dropped and his blood raged, his heart threatened to beat out of his chest. He recognized her now.
You’ve got to be fucking kidding...
How could he not have connected the dots before? Lori… red hair… Lori McAllister. He thought she was some stranded city tourist heading up to the bed and breakfast down the road, not a hometown girl heading to her parents house for the holidays.
Lori. His Lori.
He rose from the bed and stormed out of the room. He couldn’t be around her, not now. He couldn’t guarantee that he wouldn’t tear into her right then and there.
Stomping into the kitchen, he opened the cupboard and pulled out two mugs for the coffee he had prepared while she was in the shower. He was sure his guest would appreciate it, just like she’d appreciated all the other things he had done for her in the past. He slammed the cabinet door closed, gaining little satisfaction from the cracking thump it made.
Soft footsteps padded into the kitchen.
“You’re mad at me,” Lori said quietly.
“No, not at all,” he snapped.
He heard her take another step toward him, and the scent of his shampoo and soap, made sweet by her own essence, mingled in the air and surrounded him. His body responded, but his mind could not get past the drifting memories of their shared past.
“Talk to me, Matt. Let’s not act like we’re still kids in school. We’re grown-ups now.”
He brought the cups down hard upon his granite counter. “Okay. Let’s do that.” He swung around to face her. “There’s a question I’ve been wanting to ask you for many years now.”
Sitting her pajama-clad ass down at his kitchenette table, apprehension crossed her features. Refusing to hold his gaze, she stared off, her fidgeting fingers betraying her discomfort. Good. He hoped she was uncomfortable. It meant she had a good idea about what he was going to ask.
“Tell me, Lori. Prom night. Once you were untied and bolted from the bed, where did you go?”
“Home.”
“And when the cops came to your door to ask you questions, what did you say?”
She took a deep breath. “I told them I didn’t know what they were talking about.”
“Right. And did they see your black eye?”
“Yes.”
“And how did you explain that?”
“I said it was an accident. That Jim accidentally elbowed me when he was helping me out of the car at school,” she whispered.
“And?” Matt pressed.
“And that was why I didn’t make it to prom.”
“And your parents?”
“Believed my story.”
“Do you know what happened to me?”
She shook her head.
“I became more of an outcast than I already was. I was a troublemaker, jealous of my brother and his popularity—a school football star. And I was making up lies because I had a crush on his girlfriend. And how do you think the sheriff felt about me calling the cops on his son? And did you think Jackson’s uncle, the judge, was going to let me off when Chase’s dad hauled my ass off to jail for threatening your attackers with my father’s shot gun? I lost my scholarship, the whole town turned against me, and my father practically disowned me.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“What? I didn’t hear you?” he spat. “Sorry for lying? Sorry that I was forced to leave town and stay with an aunt? Sorry that I had to work two jobs to get myself through college?”
Lori rose up, knocking the chair back. “Stop it! Just stop it! What was I supposed to do?” Tears rapidly streamed down her face. “I was just a kid. I was so embarrassed, so ashamed,” she sobbed. “I just wanted to forget it ever happened.”
Her knees buckled and she collapsed on the floor in grief.
Hearing her choking on her tears made his heart hurt. Damn. He was being an asshole. She was right. She had been only a kid when it had happened, and he could understand, at least now, how scared and embarrassed she must have felt. He had read that many victims of sexual assault felt that way, and that those feelings sometimes prevented the victims from reporting the incident.
The past was the past, and he needed to let it go. He’d already proven to himself that he wasn’t the fuck-up everyone thought him to be. He owned a successful company, one he started from scratch himself, and was raking in more money than he could count. And his dickwad bully brother, the loser that he was, did nothing with his life. One injury, and his football days were done—no career to fall back on.
Matt moved over to Lori and joined her on the ground. She didn’t protest when he gathered her in his arms and rocked her back and forth. “I’m sorry, Lori. I shouldn’t have blown up at you like that.”
“No, no, you’re right.” She hiccupped between sniffles. “I should have been brave enough to do the right thing and should’ve told everyone the truth. My bad decisions ruined your life.”
“Things turned out fine for me. I know it must be hard for you to overcome something like that. And I probably didn’t help matters by throwing it in your face the way I did.”
“I’m okay, really. The only thing I still carry from that night is my fear of pitch black darkness. Fucking black bag.” Pulling away, she wiped at her tears and let out a strangled giggle. “Do you know, I still have to sleep with a night light on? At my age? Can you believe it?”
“Well, I’ll make sure to leave the hallway light on when we go to sleep, and I’ll dispose of any black bags in the house.”
She smiled. “I don’t mind being around black bags as long as they don’t make their way over my head.”
He stood and offered her a hand. “Coffee?”
“I have a question,” she said as she rose to her feet. “That night, how did you know where to find me?”
He picked up the fallen chair and gestured for her to take a seat. “Believe it or not, my drunk-ass brother had invited me to come. His first act of kindness in years. I thought he was bullshitting me, setting me up for some prank—not that I would have said yes, even if I thought he was telling the truth. But after he left, I started to wonder. What if he was telling the truth? I knew that we moved in different circles, but I also knew you were not the kind of girl was into that sort of thing. Worried that my brother’s nasty sadistic side was rearing its ugly head, I got a hold of my dad’s gun and went to checked it out. When I got to the door, I heard your subdued screams and the guys arguing about who would…” he trailed off.
Staring out the window at the swirling snow, Matt couldn’t say another damn thing. His throat constricted in anger and his gut filled with anxiety, just like it did the night he found her tied up. His memories wrecked havoc on his emotions, and he began playing the ‘what if’ game. What if he hadn’t checked up on his brother? What if he had been too late to save her?
He turned to Lori, and met her probing gaze. He knew… he couldn’t then, and he couldn’t now, bear to see pain in those beautiful chocolate eyes.
She gave a small smile, as if she understood. “Coffee would be great.”
Matt went to the counter to get their cups.
“What are all the security cameras for?”
He looked over his shoulder and followed her gaze to the five monitors, the screens currently blanked out with snow. “I have some restricted equipment that I keep at the house.”
“What do you do?” she asked.
He brought over the steaming coffee, then gathered the sugar and milk. “I own a technology company that specializes in retrieving sensitive information from the internet.”
“Are you a hacker?”
He laughed as he took a seat across from her. “No, what I do is legal. My clients tend to be government agencies that need the information for various purposes.”
“What kind of government agencies?”
“Hmmm… I probably shouldn’t be telling you this. I might have to kill you if I do.”
Lori’s eyes went wide.
He winked. “I’m kidding. My three biggest contracts are with Homeland Security, the CIA, and the IRS.”

Chapter Four

The following segment is written by Aleka Nakis:
“Cool, Matt. You’re some kind of government spy or something?” Lori raised her hand to her forehead and squinted as if on surveillance and looking for a clue in the modern kitchen that would save the world.
He chuckled and answered, “That’s a fancy way of putting it. But if it makes me look good in your eyes, I’ll take it.”
“It does,” she added, dropping her gaze to the mug clasped in her fingers. “You’ve really done great for yourself. I’m sorry I played a part in making your road to success a difficult one. If I could, I’d go back in time and change that.”
Matt leaned across the table and cupped her cheek. His hand was large and warm, but despite its absolute masculine appearance, his touch was so very gentle.
“Hindsight is very misleading, sweetheart. Let us put the past aside and start from this moment on. You’ve blown into my life in a form of a winter storm, and you’ve managed in a few short hours to run me through a gamut of emotions I haven’t felt in years. I think, you’ve done really great for yourself. And I want to know more about the beautiful woman you’ve become.” His hand slipped down the curve of her neck and his fingers caressed her nape. “That is—if you have no objections and want the same.”
“I’d like that very much,” she replied, lifting her face to his and breathing a soft sigh of relief. “I really would.”
Grinning, he eliminated the distance between them and brushed his lips over hers. “You taste sweeter than I’ve imagined.”
“You’ve imagined?”
“Yeah.” He dropped his arms and stood, walking toward the sink. Gazing out the window, he ran his hand over his hair. “The reason it hurt so bad to be outcast from my life back then was that part of what they said was true. I did want my little brother’s girlfriend. I’d wanted you for a long time. For the life of me, I couldn’t see what you were doing with him. Other than game days when he played and you performed in that cute short skirt and danced with those huge pompoms, the two of you had nothing in common. He was ugly, rude, and dark. You were beautiful, sweet, and full of light.”
Did he just say she was beautiful? Did he say he had wanted her? Why the hell hadn’t he done anything about it years ago?
“Um… I... I don’t get it. Why—”
He turned, crossed his arms over his broad chest, and leaned against the sink’s edge. “Since we’re coming clean, I think it is only fair to tell you the whole truth.”
“But you risked everything for me, and I let you go down alone. You should turn me out into the snow and then I’ll have to fend for myself.”
“I may have been angry, and I may have been shocked by your insistence to protect the assholes that planned to do those horrific things to you,” he said, returning to the table and taking her hand into his. “But I’m not stupid to let you walk out of my life a second time.”
Her mouth dropped. He wanted her in his life. If only he knew how many times she’d dreamt of being with him? Of how many times she’d googled his name to find absolutely nothing on what had become to her childhood hero? Of how she’d fantasized over bumping into him on a snowy night on a trip back home?
Stroking the inside of her palm with his thumb, he added, “I believe in kismet, sweetheart. Despite my scientific reasoning, I believe things happen for a specific purpose, and that our pasts were necessary to shape the people we are today. Even the simple fact that I didn’t recognize the Miami diva stranded in the blizzard as the girl from my past was for a reason. If I’d known you to be my Lori, I would have taken you directly to Holiday House and we’d never of had this conversation.”
“You’re right,” she said, allowing their hands to fall into his lap. “I don’t think I would have been strong enough to apologize for what I did to you.”
“Please. We discussed it, addressed it, so put the apology behind us now. Are you happy in Miami?”
“Yes.”
“Do you enjoy your marketing career?”
“Very much,” she replied, then realized what he’d asked her. She pulled her hands out of his. “How do you know about my career?”
He grinned and glanced from the computers in the living area to the screens she’d pointed out earlier. “I never would’ve intruded on your life, but I wanted to know you were okay. Then you show up in my town—Kismet—the perfect Christmas present wrapped in your designer fur with pretty red bows on your feet. Like I said, I’m not stupid, and I’m no fool. I want the opportunity to get to know you again. The chance I passed up with you in a different time.”
She stood and looked into those beautiful eyes she’d dreamt about for years. “You’ve known me all my life. How much more do you want to know me?” She tangled her fingers into his hair and fitted her knees between his.
Kissing the valley between her breasts, he whispered, “I want to try to have the relationship we couldn’t when we were younger.”
She moved her right leg around his left one and sat on his lap. Tracing her lips over his, then his jaw, she added, “When we were younger, I was so in love with my hero.” She kissed his neck. “You have a knack for saving me. Like that time you’d pulled me out of the pond when the ice had cracked. I thought it was a childish crush, hero worship of someone who was always there, and I convinced myself that you had just been in the right place at the right time. So to keep from making a bigger fool of myself—”
“You were never a fool.”
“Then why did you refuse to kiss me back that day at the pond?”
“I was a geek, you were a cheerleader. I thought you felt obligated to kiss me—”
“Obligated?”
“Yeah, you know: the way a woman says thanks but never would have considered it if it weren’t for that recent rush of adrenaline. Besides, Jim had told me he was going to ask you out that night at the movies. How would that have looked?”
“A very attractive geek to me. I thought I was too dumb for you. That you found me boring and dull.”
“Dull? Nah, that was never how I’d describe you.” His hand cupped her bottom as his positioned her closer. “Funny how the inexperience of youth tainted our views of each other.” His fingers unbuttoned her flannel top and he exposed her aching breasts to the chill in the cabin. “But today, you’re a woman in full control, and you can ask me to stop at any point. And I will—if that is what you want.”
He stopped his talk and closed his lips over a taught nipple. Swirling his tongue in a sensuous pattern as his hand closed over her other breast, he became the center of her world.
“I want to give us a try,” he said.
“I want more,” Lori responded, arching her back. “I’ve dreamt of being with you for more than half of my life. No man has ever been able to live up to you, and nobody has ever made me forget the taste of your lips on that cold winter afternoon at the pond. I don’t want to try.”
He released her breast and looked up at her.
“I want to do it. To live my dreams.” She guided him to her other breast. “I want to make love to you, Matt. Right now. Right here.”
He groaned and suckled hard, sending new shivers down her spine. He cupped her bottom and lifted her as he stood. “By the hearth. That is how I’ve always wanted to take you. On that soft cream colored rug, with your fire red hair spread out around you and you moaning my name.”
She smiled and nuzzled against his neck as her hands travelled over his shoulders and down his back. “I can deal with that.”
Placed her feet gently on the floor, he threw some pillows on the rug, and gave her a wicked grin. “You look darling in my flannels, but—“
She shrugged out of the top, and he fell to his knees outlining the curves of her body with his hands. Laying a trail of kisses from her neck, between her breasts, and down to her belly button, he pulled on the drawstring of the bottoms and let them pool at her feet.
“Oh my God. You are so beautiful.”
She knelt beside him and undressed him. Slowly, savoring each new exposed inch of his skin her eyes and mouth were treated to. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
Lori undid his belt buckle and made a grand show of removing the wide leather strap. Running her hands over his sculpted abdomen, she reached and unbuttoned his jeans, then spread her fingers over his perfectly proportioned hips and guided the denim down his legs.
Matt erupted in laughter, and she jerked her head up to see what was so funny.
“My boots, babe. I’m still wearing them. And with the pants around my ankles, it makes it hard to move.” He grinned and chuckled as he tried to maintain his balance. “Give me a sec.”
Emulating a professional male stripper, he tossed his boots across the room and kicked the pants over his head. Standing before her with his arms showcasing his naked body, he added, “I’m ready.”
“I can see that,” she said, guiding him down toward the rug. “Then make love to me.”
His mouth crushed her lips and in minutes she was on her back, her hair sprawled over the cream colored surface, and his lips cherishing every part of her body.
“This is what I wanted,” Matt breathed against her lips. “But so much better, so much more.”
Making love with Matt was everything she’d dreamed of. On the edge of losing her mind from his sensual attention, she moaned out his name, and they found that special place in the universe reserved for only the two of them and their passion.
***
His fingers splayed on her stomach and he bent to kiss her. “Finally, Santa brought me the present highest on my list.”
“Me, too,” she added. “And I guess we passed the first requirement.”
He gave her a quizzical look.
“We have chemistry,” she said, shrugging and standing to retrieve a throw from the couch. “It’s good that it wasn’t just in my mind.” She wrapped the cashmere over her shoulders and snuggled into it.
“Sweetheart, it wasn’t your mind I was connecting with this past hour.” He added a log to the fire, then joined her. “Let’s get to bed and I promise I’ll attempt to connect with your mind this time. The generator only takes care of this part of the house, but we should be able to find a way to stay warm under the covers.”
She laughed and placed her head on his shoulder as they walked down the hallway. She hadn’t even noticed there was a chill in the air.

Epilogue

The following segment is written by Aleka Nakis:
Lori awoke to a strange clatter outside the cabin. It was daytime, and she tried to look past the window into the swirling snow, but could not distinguish any features out there.
At one point in the night, the storm had settled, and despite the silent darkness, she’d had the best sleep she had in years in the hands of the man who claimed her heart. She loved Matt Somers and nothing else mattered. Let it storm all it wanted out there. She had everything she needed inside the cabin.
Turning over, she realized he wasn’t in bed. She was alone, but she could hear his voice outside the window. Warmth filled her and she snuggled deeper under the covers. He’d return soon enough and maybe he’d even have a cup of coffee for her.
Scanning the room, she noticed the lights on the stereo system were lit and the digital alarm clock blinked twelve o’clock. The power must have been restored while they’d slept.
A burst of cold air was followed by a snow covered Matt as he entered the room. “Good morning, sleeping beauty.”
“Good morning,” she said. “What time is it?”
“A little before noon.” He removed his parka and hung it over the bathroom door. “Want to get up and see if Santa found his way in the storm?”
“Did he bring fresh brewed coffee by any chance?”
“Think so.” He grinned and tossed her the flannels she’d worn after the shower. Then he produced a big red box and pulled out a pair of fuzzy slippers. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”
“Where’d you get those?”
“I have my ways.” He shrugged and reached under the covers to tickle her toes. “Now come on; time is ticking and we have many things to do before dinner tonight.”
“What are you talking about? The wind has picked up again and I don’t see us going anywhere soon.”
“Nope, it’s a gorgeous Christmas day.” He shook his head and strolled toward the door. Glancing back at her, he added, “Don’t take too long getting up. I think there is something special for you under the tree.”
She laughed and kicked at the covers. The man was crazy! There was no tree in the cabin to put presents under. And furthermore, how did he get her slippers?
Tucking her arms into the pajama sleeves, she quickly dressed and slipped her feet into the heavenly slippers. Then she peaked out the window and saw a helicopter in the clearing.
What the heck is that?
“Matt, Matt?”
The door flew open and he rushed to where she stood. ‘What is it?”
“There’s a helicopter outside.”
He nodded and licked his lips. “I know. Now come into the living room. My patience is rather small today.”
She let him take her hand and lead her down the hall and into the living area. He covered her eyes and turned her towards the corner next to the fireplace. Removing his hand, he brought his chest against her back and wrapped his arms across her chest.
“Merry Christmas,” he whispered against her ear.
“Where did the tree come from?” She gawked at the site. The spruce was at least ten feet tall and four foot wide. “It’s beautiful.”
A fresh-cut scent filled the air and the leaves glistened with the melting snow. There were three boxes arranged under the tree—all with red ribbons and bows.
“Don’t know. Maybe Santa brought them.”
“Maybe he did.” She pulled out of his embrace and dropped to her knees, picking up a green package and shaking it.
“No.” Matt took it from her and replaced it with a different one. “Start with the white one.”
She smiled and tugged at the ribbons. Tearing into the wrapping, she revealed a gold box and lifted the lid. “Oh my God. This is gorgeous,” she exclaimed, lifting a black silk dress with red metallic threads running through it. “I don’t understand how you got all this stuff.”
His blue eyes twinkled and he shook his head. “Part of the benefits of owning your own firm and being an expert on communications. Now go on. Open the green one next.”
She needed no further urging. She ripped off the wrapping and was rewarded with an identical pair of red shoes to the ones she’d ruined last night.
“My red ribbons,” she said, clutching them to her chest.
Matt shrugged. “I guessed you liked them.”
She stood and walked back to him. “I don’t care how you did all this. I’m just glad you did it for me. Thank you, Matt. You’re wonderful.” Rising on her toes, she met his lips. “I love you,” she whispered before she kissed him.
Ending the kiss, he motioned toward the tree. ‘There is one more gift. The smallest of the three, but the most important one.”
Lori picked up the tiny box and held it in her palm. “Everything you’ve given me is lovely. Even the fuzzy slippers.”
“Especially the fuzzy slippers,” he said taking the box from her hand. “You’ll need them when we come up here on winter nights.”
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. They’d come back here—together. Now that was definitely something to look forward to.
She gazed up at him and smiled. God he was gorgeous. He’d shaven the beard and the angles of his jaw and the plains of his cheeks were so handsome. Time had been good to him, even better to her. In time, she’d come back to him.
“Lori, I want you to accept this gift and everything that comes with it.”
She was slow to unwrap the tiny present. It was a jewelry box.
Matt closed his fingers over hers. “I love you, Lori.” He removed the lid and a big diamond solitaire sparkled in the light. “Please do me the honor of being my wife.”
Her legs went weak and stars danced in front of her eyes.
“Oh, no,” he said, teasing her. “You’re not going to faint before you answer me.”
“Yes!” She threw her arms around his neck and repeated her answer. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He lifted her off the ground and twirled her in a circle. “Good. I don’t think I could have handled a rejection well. I mean with the chopper waiting to fly us to Holiday House, I would feel foolish having Christmas dinner with the woman who had just dumped me.”
“It ain’t gonna happen. You’re stuck with me forever, Matt. Stuck.”
“I like the sound of that,” he answered, carrying her back into the bedroom and under the covers. “You’re stuck with me too, sweetheart. Stuck for good.”

The End

We hope you enjoyed RED RIBBONS IN THE SNOW. The idea for this story grew from our live plotting and characterization broadcast on December 17th at www.NowLive.com/alekanakis. Join us at www.NowLive.com/alekanakis on January 14th, beginning at 9 p.m. EST. Aleka Nakis, fellow www.ResplendencePublishing.com author is our host for our live broadcast where we discuss the art of romance writing. Come at join us and check out...

www.NowLive.com/alekanakis (click on the 'Romantic Dialogue' link to hear past broadcasts and to participate on January 14, 2008, beginning at 9 p.m. EST)

www.NowLive.com/catherinechernow

www.NowLive.com/tiafanning

www.NowLive.com/maddiej

2007-11-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

Kissing - legends and myths. Check these out!

"You may conquer with the sword, but you are conquered by a kiss."— Daniel Heinsius (1580-1655)

The legends and myths surrounding the kiss are many. Those most familiar may well be the ones in which an explanation has remained the most elusive. But no more!
Below you will find a few of the more common legends and myths; tales that have been spun and re-spun for centuries. Read on and enjoy!

Kissing the Blarney Stone
The Blarney Stone is a stone set in the wall of the Blarney Castle tower in the Irish Village of Blarney. The castle was built in 1446 by Cormac Laidhiv McCarthy (Lord of Muskerry) — its walls are 18 feet thick (necessary to thwart attacks by Cromwellians and William III's troops).
Kissing the stone is supposed to bring the kisser the "gift of gab." But it's hard to reach — it's between the main castle wall & the parapet and kissers have to lie on their backs, then bend over backward, holding iron bars for support. It looks dangerous and can be, if you fall. We suggest you stretch by touching your toes for at least 30 seconds before you make the attempt. That way your back muscles are prepared for the shock of the backward pull.
The origins of the Blarney Stone's magical properties aren't clear. One legend says that an old woman cast a spell on the stone to reward a king who had saved her from drowning. Kissing the stone while under the spell gave the king the ability to speak sweetly and convincingly.
Another legend tells that the stone was given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce in 1314 thanking him for his support in the Battle of Bannockburn. In an argument over the general rule of Queen Elizabeth I, the queen told McCarthy that he was giving her "a lot of blarney". Thus the legend was born.
Kissing Under the Mistletoe
There are many beliefs surrounding this plant, which makes it one of the most intriguing of the kissing legends. In 18th century England it was believed the mistletoe could make or break a woman's marital prospects.
A mistletoe in England would be hanging in a doorway in the shape of a ball. It would be brightly decorated and otherwise enticing. A woman standing under such an irresistable ornament would just have to be kissed!
But this kiss would be unlike no other, because as legend has it, it could lead to a deep romance (or at least a long-term relationship). However, if for some reason no one kisses the woman under the mistletoe, she would not be free to marry for at least a year!
The origin of the belief that the mistletoe had magical powers, began in pre-Christian Europe. It was said to have the power to ward off theft from fairies, unlock the secrets of dreams and to promote fertility.
In one particular legend, the mistletoe was the sacred plant of Frigga, the goddess of love and the god Balder's mother. Balder had a dream that he died, which disturbed Frigga since all life on Earth would cease if this dream were to come true. She begged all things on Earth to bring no harm to her son, but she forgot the mistletoe. Her enemy Hoder devised a scheme to use the plant to kill Balder.
The son did come back to life however, through his mother's efforts, and her tears were said to have transformed into the white berries of the mistletoe. She later proclaimed that all who pass under the plant would have no harm come to them, only a kiss, a token of love.

2007-11-11T06:13:00.000-08:00

So here are a few things I didn't know about kissing. Just thought I'd share them with you.

A KISS A DAY KEEPS THE PLAQUE AWAY!
Kissing is good for you because...
....it helps prevent tooth decay. Dr Peter Gorden, Dental Advisor at the British Dental Association, explains. "After eating, your mouth is full of sugar solution and acidic saliva, which cause plaque build up. Kissing is nature's own cleaning process,'' he adds. "It stimulates saliva flow and brings plaque levels down to normal."
....it relieves tension. A passionate kiss is a great relaxation technique, says stress consultant, Michelle Kay Mcnabb. " When your mouth is in a kissing position, you're almost smiling and, as our emotions and body language are so closely linked, it's almost impossible to smile and feel tense at the same time, " she explains. "Also, your breathing becomes deeper and your eyes close when u kiss - that's what u do when u relax. It's a perfect way to shut out the world."
...it helps you lose weight. "A long kiss makes the metabolism burn up sugar faster than usual," says Claire Potter. "The calories burned depend on the intensity, but u can rely on 10 calories for every 10 minutes."
...it slows the ageing process. "Kissing helps to tone your cheek and jaw muscles, so they're less likely to sag," says Cosmo's Fitness Consultant, Claire Potter.
...it increases fitness levels. Your heart is pumping, your pulse is racing..."If kissing is exciting, you release adrenaline into the bloodstream and your heart pumps more blood around your body," says Dr Susan Hotchkies. "It's a great cardiovascular workout."
...it is a good indication of what's to come. Kissing a new man gives you the perfect opportunity to check out his pheromones - the chemical messengers that signal sexual attraction. " The first kiss is always a good way to work out if there's any chemistry between you, "says Paul Brown, a sexual and marital therapist. " In humans, it's thought that smells plays a vital part in subconscious attraction, and if your pheromones aren't 'in tune', you're unlikely to hit off in other areas."
And finally, ...it boosts self - esteem. There's nothing better than a passionate kiss for a major dose of feel - good factor. "In theory, when u're kissing, you're happy. And when you're happy, you feel good about yourself," says psychotherapist Paul Zeal. (doesn't it make you feel like kissing someone now?
There u have it... Why Kissing Is Good for YOU!!!

2007-11-10T05:47:00.000-08:00

Check out my previous post for the kissing quote of the day. It rings true in this excerpt from TIGER'S EYE, book two of my haunting 'Bride's Inn' series. What is it about the hero kissing the heroine that rocks my soul? Is it because that shared kiss seals their fate, binds them together, sets them up for more?

In TIGER'S EYE, Jake Roper has come to Bride's Inn with an agenda of his own, but when he meets Miranda Hollander, he realizes he's met his match - and discovers that through the fine art of kissing...

***********

When he walked into the kitchen, Miranda was there. She stood near the stove, stirring a tall pot. She had changed into a pair of sleek, black pants and a white blouse, which nipped in at the waist. The stark contrast of black and white highlighted her dark head full of silky hair and her big, purple eyes.
He leaned against the doorjamb, watching as she tossed some hair over her shoulder. Lifting the cover off the pot, she dipped a spoon into something that smelled absolutely wonderful. He watched the steam rise from the pot, her nose wrinkling. Oh, how he loved looking at that little nose…
She pursed her lips to blow on the liquid in the well of the spoon. His member sprang to life at the sight of those pursed lips. How he wished she’d wrap them around his cock…she’d bend her head to suckle him, her long dark hair swirling around her shoulders…the silky strands would spill over his thighs and…
Miranda gazed at him, her eyes large and round.
“Hello nymph,” he smiled.
She dropped the spoon in the pot, letting go of a startled squeak.
Jake approached, watching as she stuck her index finger into her mouth.
Shit. This wasn’t good. He imagined it was his cock. His jeans felt uncomfortably tight as they pulled around his stiff, swollen member.
He heard her whimper then she pulled her index finger from her mouth, glancing at the reddened tip.
“Miranda,” he reached for her finger, placing the tip in his mouth, his tongue sliding across it. Slowly, he pulled her finger from between his lips and blew on the reddened skin. She didn’t say a word as he turned on the coldwater, placing her finger under the faucet. “You should be more careful,” he told her.
Miranda pulled her hand from under the running water and reached for a towel. “And you shouldn’t sneak up on people,” she retorted, drawing her silky black brows together.

He longed to run his fingers over the crease between her eyes. He wanted to kiss away everything that bothered her. Jake took hold of her hand once more, leaning down to trail his lips over her index finger. Then they traveled up the back of her hand where he stopped just long enough to lift her palm and place a gentle kiss there.
Miranda’s breath left her body in a whoosh. The sound made him hard as stone.
He drew her into the circle of his arms, where his mouth fused with hers. Her lips tasted sweet, yet salty, like the broth she sipped. His body leapt into flames when he got a taste of her, his blood simmering like the pot of liquid bubbling on the stove. Jake expected her to push him away, but she didn’t, her arms twining around his neck, rising up on her toes to meld her mouth with his. When the tip of her tongue slid across his lower lip, Jake pulled her tight against him, his swollen shaft brushing across her mound. Her breath hitched, her breasts pushing against his chest, the feel of her nipples against his t-shirt acting like the sweetest aphrodisiac.
“Miranda, are you…oh!”
He turned, sheltering Miranda from Serena’s prying eyes. Placing a kiss atop her head full of shiny dark hair, he whispered. “We’ll finish this later. Unless you want to stay and help me fix a leaky uh,” he grinned, ‘…pipe?’
“You ass,” she hissed, but then her face softened, a tiny grin lighting her face. “Fix it yourself,” she finished on a huff.
She turned but not before he reached out to pat her bottom.
Life couldn’t possibly get any better.

*************

copyright 2007 by Catherine Chernow. This excerpt is subject to edit & may differ from the final version.

TIGER'S EYE...available for preorder now from www.ResplendencePublishing.com

2007-11-10T05:40:00.000-08:00

A kiss seals two souls for a moment in time. ~Levende Waters

2007-11-03T09:08:00.001-07:00

Beware where you kiss!

In some places kissing is a crime - it's illegal in Indiana for a mustached man to "habitually kiss human beings", in Hartford, Connecticut it's illegal for a husband to kiss his wife on Sunday, and in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, it's a crime to kiss a stranger.

And now that you're sufficiently warned, check out my previous post for a kiss between Seth and Serena from LADY IN WHITE...it will take your breath away!

Brought to you by www.CatherineChernow.com

2007-11-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

We turned on one another deep, drowned gazes, and exchanged a kiss that reduced my bones to rubber and my brain to gruel.~ Peter De Vries

Kisses...sweet, deep, or the kind that make you weak in the knees - that's what I love to celebrate here at THE FINE ART OF KISSING BLOG SPOT. The first book of my 'Bride's Inn' series takes place in an old inn nestled on the rocky northern coast of Long Island. Serena Reilly has come to 'Bride's Inn' to care for it's owner, elderly Clarise Masters. One dark and stormy night, a darkly handsome, mysterious visitor arrives at the old inn, scaring....and kissing Serena senseless. But the handsome rogue, a man who Serena comes to know as her dark prince, a man who stirs Serena's deepest, most erotic desires, isn't all that he seems...and neither is she...

So without further ado, here's a kissing scene from my latest release - LADY IN WHITE, from www.ResplendencePublishing.com

*****

Serena wished the prowler outside would disappear like that strange woman, but more pounding and door rattling soon followed.
She hurried back to the kitchen. Thinking quickly, she grabbed the first thing she laid eyes on--the skillet from the stove. She held her breath as she heard the front door fly open, banging against the doorjamb, wind and rain following in its wake. Heavy footfalls echoed as the door closed against another gust of wind.

Armed with the heavy pan, she flew out of the kitchen and swung it with all her might at the intruder, but he turned, lifting his arm to ward off her attack, ducking his head as the skillet came flying towards him. She lifted the pan again, but he dodged the blow once more, snaking an arm around her waist, lifting her clear off the floor, her arms and legs flailing as Serena sailed through the air. The skillet slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor, sliding across the puddles of milk.

She landed on her back on the couch in Clarice’s parlor, the breath whooshing from her lungs as a heavy weight descended on her, pinning her to the cushions.
The intruder locker Serena’s hands in one swift movement, forcing them above her head. She squirmed under his weight but realized her mistake when she felt the hard length of him against her thigh. A handsome, chiseled face and dark eyes met her green ones.

“This is a hell of a way to get acquainted,” he said lightly.
He had the sexiest smile; it seemed…familiar.
“Seth Masters,” he continued to grin. “I’m Clarice’s nephew.”

She groaned. How could she not have recognized him? Clarice had scores of photos of him scattered around the house and always referred to him as 'that darling boy.'
But this was no boy. He was all man…and becoming more so with every move Serena made.

“Let me up,” she demanded.

“Uh-uh.” He shook his head, keeping a tight hold on her hands. Droplets of water that clung to his shiny dark locks dripped onto the couch…and her.

She squirmed again, her pelvis colliding with his groin. His grin widened when Serena brushed against him. The water from his hair continued to drip onto her face, one droplet landing on her heated cheek. She swore she could hear her skin sizzle as the moisture slid down the side of her face.

“This isn’t a joke,” she felt the start of tears. Her legs trembled, followed by the rest of her body. Her pulse raced, she could feel it beating at the base of her neck. She shoved against him, but he didn’t move, he simply held her captive, both of her hands swallowed up in one of his. Panic tore through her in that instant. It clawed at her insides, causing her to squirm and push harder. “Get off me!”

Thunder boomed in the distance, followed by a crack of thunder. Serena couldn’t be sure in that moment if the vibrations she felt came from that or her trembling body. When she gazed into his face, he still wore that same, sexy grin.

“I’ll release you if you stop your squirming.” His self-satisfied grin remained in place as he spoke. “I think I’ll be safe enough, now that I’ve taken your weapon.”

Serena blinked once, knitting her brows into a frown.
He laughed, running the pad of his thumb gently across her furrowed brow. “Your frying pan. You scared the shit out of me.”

“I scared you! Why you—” Serena reached out to smack him, fear making her lash out. Her heart and pulse still raced like a runaway train and he had the nerve to say she scared him!
Another crack of thunder shook the house. She cried out, but stopped when she felt his arms slide under her shoulders, pulling her against his chest.

“Hey, it’s okay,” he crooned in her ear, his warm breath tickling her lobe. “I’m sorry I scared you.” He continued to hold her as thunder boomed in the distance. “Don’t be frightened of the thunder,” he whispered. “Just listen. The storm’s moving away. There’s more time between each crack of thunder, and soon it will drift into the distance.”

His deep, soothing voice washed over, easing the tension from her body. Her speeding pulse and heartbeat slowed to a normal, steady rhythm as she listened. His hands worked magic on her stiff shoulders, kneading the tense, tight muscles. Thunder boomed once more, but it sounded far away, just like he’d said.

“See?” he murmured in her ear, seeming to read her thoughts. “The storm’s almost over.”

That one might be, but the one raging inside her grew as his hands moved to the base of her neck, his fingers skimming across her skin. A shudder of pure pleasure snaked down her spine as he settled his big body between her legs, but this time, she didn’t struggle. Shocked by her reaction to the feel of his muscled thighs, her pulse resumed its frantic beat. Serena knew she should push him away but when Seth shifted and pulled her close, cuddling her against his chest, she felt safe, protected, and for one crazy minute, cherished. He smelled of wind, rain, and a scent that she could only describe as him—a combination of citrus and musk. Serena inhaled deeply causing her breasts to rise up against his chest. Her nipples peaked when she slid them across the rough material of his shirt.

“I wouldn’t do that,” he said pulling back slightly to look at her. His motion only made things worse as the tiny buds at the end of her breasts hardened in response.
Her face heated when she caught him staring at her breasts, the dark-brown crests of her nipples lay outlined against the thin silk of her pajama top.

“I didn’t know women still blushed.” He perused her face lazily. “You have a beautiful mouth,” he said softly, just before his lips claimed hers, her combined sound of pleasure and protest muffled as his mouth teased hers into oblivion.

Seth nibbled her lower lip then he kissed the corner of her mouth, right where her little beauty mark lay. Her arms curled around his neck, pulling him closer. Oh, his mouth was pure heaven! Each time he sipped at her lips, her breasts tingled and a delicious, throbbing ache built between her legs. She surrendered, giving in to the sublime feel of his mouth as she slid her lips across his. She parted her lips just a little, allowing Seth’s tongue to slip inside. He ran the tip gently across her teeth, enticing her to engage in a bold game of hide and seek as his tongue battled playfully with hers. When he eased his tongue from the inner recesses of her mouth, she felt strangely bereft, but Seth filled the void quickly, fusing his mouth with hers, his lips a moist, fiery brand. She felt his chest move, heard his ragged intake of breath. Her own breathing grew frantic as he angled his head and kissed her first one way…then another…and another…as though he couldn’t get enough of her. Her toes tingled and curved upwards when he deepened the kiss, his mouth consuming hers. She let go of a deep sigh, a moan filled with every ounce of pleasure his magic mouth wrought on hers. As the delicious, pounding ache intensified between her legs, her breasts grew heavy. Serena shifted beneath him, her legs filled with restless urgency. She lifted one foot and ran the tip of her big toe against his muscled calf, her instep skimming the rough material of his jeans.

Seth shifted his body. In a bold move, he reached out to capture one of her breasts in his hands, running his thumb against the swollen crest. He lowered his head again, his mouth covering hers as he slid the hard length of his erect member against her thigh, the tip nudging the folds of flesh covering the little bud that lay hidden there. Serena loved the feel of the rough denim of his jeans as he slid his groin against the thin, silky material of her pajamas.
Seth shifted his body, the tip of his rock-hard cock stroking her clit as the delicious, throbbing ache grew into a crescendo of exquisite pleasure. Serena dug her nails into the cushions beneath her, reveling in the sweet torture. Each time he nudged the little cleft between her thighs, the silky material of her pajamas rubbed against her clit.

“Serena! Serena where are you?”

The sound of Clarice’s voice sent them both tumbling off the couch into an inglorious heap of entwined body parts. Seth scrambled to his feet, extending his hand. Serena grabbed for it like a lifeline as he pulled her upright. Dizziness made her head swim.

“Easy,” Seth crooned in her ear, his warm breath caressing the sensitive skin of her lobe. “I’ve got you,” he murmured as he steadied her trembling body, his hands spanning her waist.
When the room stopped spinning, Serena gazed at him. His jet-black hair was swept back from his forehead, the strands glistening as the few remaining beads of water clung to the ends. Dark, penetrating eyes bored into hers, making her feel like he could read her every thought. She noticed a little cleft in the center of his beard-shadowed chin. As if on reflex, she lifted her hand, the tip of her finger resting inside the small indentation.

“Seth, you darling boy, you’re a day early.” Clarice stood in the doorway, smiling.

Serena dropped her hand. Her body trembled, but it had nothing to do with the chill in the air. He was a dark prince, a rogue…

A man who would shatter her heart without a moment’s thought.

********
copyright 2007 by Catherine Chernow

Now that you're all hot and bothered - why not visit your favorite 'kissing spot?' Here's a few that I know of near me...

Best Spots to Kiss in New York

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Columbus Ave, New York, NY Stage your own theatrical moment by the dramatically lit fountains in the courtyard.
Art Bar
52 8th Ave, New York, NY It's so dark inside this West Village hangout that no one will know what you're up to.
Empire State Building
350 5th Ave, New York, NY Though many have gone before, go ahead and steal a kiss as the city twinkles beneath your feet.
Daniel
60 E 65th St, New York, NY Few people know that amorous couples can make reservations for dessert in the lounge at the sumptuous French classic.

More Romantic Ideasback to top
Bubble Lounge
Website
228 W Broadway, New York, NY A sparkly standby that makes any occasion special.
La Lanterna Caffe
Website
129 MacDougal St, New York, NY Coffee is just the beginning at this quaint, romantic cafe.

2007-06-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

Monday's Man is full of face....

...and what a face it is!

Enjoy this Monday treat, brought to you by:

and...

LADY IN WHITE...a haunting new look...for my scarefest of erotic romance! Meet the LADY IN WHITE on my blog at www.myspace.com/catherinechernow

You'll get a sneak peek excerpt treat of Chapter One of LADY IN WHITE...

Preorders are being taken right now at www.ResplendencePublishing.com !

...AND A HAUNTING WE WILL GO!

2007-05-27T08:15:00.001-07:00

I stripped the clothes from my body, letting the cool breeze skim over my bare, sizzling skin. Summer's heat arrived early yesterday, bringing a lazy sultry feel, and torrid temperatures. My hubby had left to run some errands, leaving me with time to cool off...with lots of time on my hands.

As I stepped into the shower, I let the stream of chilly water sluice down my body, enjoying the cooling sensation and respite from the unexpected scorching summer onslaught this Memorial Day weekend wrought. I stood under the shower, tilting my head back so the water would trickle down my breasts, teasing their tender tips...
The water continued down, meandering in a slow stream, caressing the skin on my belly. I braced my hands on the shower wall and spread my legs, allowing the water access to my most secret place. The cooling stream detoured through the nest of curls between my legs, then it slid between the tiny button hidden in those dense curls of hair. It taunted...it teased...it made my little bud pulse with energy. Heat returned with full force as my body leapt into flames. I moaned and tilted my head back, my hands cupping my breasts as a delicious, decadent ache built inside me. I needed relief, and sought the remedy... Squeezing a tiny drop of shower gel on my fingers, I reached down and rubbed my swollen, heated nub. The decadent, delicious ache built between my legs, making my tiny button of love pulse. It matched the beat of my heart and the racing pulse that thrummed in my neck. I panted, the breath leaving my body in short, shallow bursts...

The shower door slid open. I lifted my head and gazed at my husband, his handsome face lit with that sexy, cocky grin I love.

"What are you doing home?" I asked in a shaky voice. "I thought you wouldn't be home for hours." My heart skipped several beats as his gaze traveled down to my hand - it still lay nestled between my legs.

He crossed his arms over his broad chest and leaned against the frame of the shower door. Raising one dark brow, he replied, "I changed my mind." His gaze slid to my breasts, where the water trailed down in a slow, steady stream. My nipples responded to his hot searing look, the tips pebbling into hard, little buds. My legs trembled, my heart skipped several beats as he continued to take my measure.

"I-I was...hot." The words no sooner left my mouth, when I realized how stupid I sounded.

He threw back his dark head and laughed then his gaze settled on the hand between my legs. "So, I see," his grin widened. He tilted his head to one side. "Have you uh...cooled off?"

My shoulders slumped. I shook my head, "No."

He dropped his hands to his sides. "Poor baby." His voice was soft, soothing, yet it held a note of...mischief. "Would you like some help?"

I nodded, stepping out of the stream of water, my back braced against the shower wall. My eyes riveted to the bulge between his legs, outlined by the rough denim of his jeans.
He stripped the clothes from his body, baring his magnificent form, the male animal in all his glory. I couldn't take my eyes from his member, swollen and erect, allowing me just a glimpse of the sac that hung down down between his legs. My eyes traveled upwards, to his nice, flat abdomen and broad chest. A sheen of moisture lined his bronzed skin, tiny beads of water clung to the hairs as the steam from the shower trailed moist fingers across his tall frame. He stepped into the shower, his long, narrow feet inches from mine as he slid the door closed behind him. Reaching out, he pulled me into his arms and kissed the breath from my body, his mouth a fiery brand on my lips. He didn't stop, gave me no quarter, as he plundered my mouth with his.

"You naughty girl," he whispered, trailing his lips down my neck. He reached down and ran his fingers through the curls of hair between my legs. "You shouldn't play alone in the shower." His voice was deep...wicked...arousing. My clit began to pulse, my breasts felt heavy. He touched my little bud with the tip of one finger, rubbing it in a slow, steady rhythm.

My breath hitched. "Please," I begged. "More..."

He chuckled. "Only if you play with me, sweetheart." He grasped my hand and placed it on his erect shaft.

I slid my hand across his member, first up...then down...caressing the tip. He moaned, his breath coming in short, shallow pants. It was my turn to grin. "You're playing with fire."

He responded by reaching around to swat my bottom. He put just enough force in it to bring a delicious, stinging little heat to my backside. I let go of him and snuggled against his rock-hard body, rising up on my toes to slide my clit against his penis.

He gasped, then reached around, cupping my bottom in his palms, raising me off the shower floor. He braced my back against the wall and slid his pulsing shaft into my heated entrance. As he pumped into me, the vein that stood out on the top of his penis slid across my clit. Each pass wrought a burgeoning tidal wave of desire in me. The water poured over our heads as he leaned down to kiss me again, his tongue battling with mine. As he plundered my channel, he slid out, then in , touching my swollen bud with the tip of his shaft. Ashudder ran through me...a delicious thrill...

When he slid into me again, a tidal wave of sensual pleasure crashed over my head. My legs gave out. My husband held me tight, keeping me upright as he pounded into me one last time, pressing his shaft inside me as though he never wanted to let go...

He tilted his head back and cried out, just as he came inside me. He didn't say a word for quite some time, then he tilted his head forward to rest his forehead against mine.

"We should play more often," he whispered as he trailed his lips across my cheek. Placing a tender kiss on my temple, he wrapped his arms around me, easing my legs down, holding me close.

"I don't know if this old shower can take it," I grinned against his chest, my lips sliding across the soft skin beneath the damp, springing hair lining his pecs. "I think the walls shook."
I could feel the vibration in his chest as he laughed. "I'll make sure to fix that," he replied, leaning down to kiss the top of my head. Reaching down, he placed his index finger on my chin, raising it upwards. My eyes met his. "Happy Memorial Day," he grinned.

THIS EROTIC MEMORIAL DAY TREAT BROUGHT TO YOU BY... KISS and
THE FINE ART OF KISSING both available from http://www.triskelionpublishing.net/
AND... LADY IN WHITE...a scarefest of erotic romance...preorder your copy today from http://www.resplendencepublishing.net/

2007-05-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

LADY IN WHITE...Book One of the 'Bride's Inn Series'

A scarefest of erotic romance!

Pre-orders have started! Go to www.resplendencepublishing.com

LADY IN WHITE is a sizzling, sensual paranormal romance guaranteed to leave you tingling.

Serena Reilly has come to 'Bride's Inn' to care for it's owner, elderly Clarise Masters. One dark and stormy night, a mysterious visitor arrives at the old inn, scaring....and kissing Serena senseless. But the handsome rogue, a man who Serena comes to know as her dark prince, a man who stirs Serena's deepest, most erotic desires, isn't all that he seems...and neither is she.

Seth Masters has come to Bride's Inn to find respite from the mess his life has become. What he finds instead, is a fiery, tempting goddess, a woman who sets his very soul...and his loins...ablaze. But Seth has nothing to offer a beautiful woman like Serena, for his life is a maize of harsh reality and uncertainty...a life filled with danger.

As Seth and Serena's mutual attraction grows, so does the mystery surrounding Bride's Inn, and the strange apparition that haunts its legendary halls. Serena and Seth stand to lose far more than their hearts when the 'Lady in White' shows up. When Serena's life is threatened, it's up to Seth to save his fiery-haired goddess.

Want to read a sizzling, erotic excerpt from LADY IN WHITE? Join Catherine Chernow's Heart of Romance today (read message post #1994).http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catherinechernowsheartofromance/join

2007-05-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

KISS...and...

Vu Azul (the hottest name in sexy, exquisite lingerie) present... www.vuazul.com

...A sinfully seductive contest this Memorial Day Weekend!

Here's what you do: Purchase from http://www.triskelionpublishing.net/...
Catherine Chernow's sensual, fast-paced, contemporary romances...

and...

...then send an email to booknook56@aol.com with your Triskelion order number for KISS and THE FINE ART OF KISSING (put the words 'VuAzul KISS' in the subject line). You'll be entered into the VuAzul KISS contest, where you could win a $50 gift certificate to VuAzul (I'll pick the winner on May 31st).

GOOD LUCK...and have a sinfully seductive Memorial Day Weekend!

2007-05-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

KISS...sinfully seductive...#2 on the Triskelion Publishing Contemporary Best Seller List!

Buy yours today from www.triskelionpublishing.net ...

...and have a sinfully seductive evening!

2007-05-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

May all your kisses be blissfully unhurried this Mother's Day...brought to you by KISS (a sinfully seductive read, available from http://www.triskelionpublishing.net/)

2007-05-07T03:31:00.000-07:00

A reminder from www.CatherineChernow.com to keep romance in your life this week!

...and stay tuned for a hot hunk contest right here at thefineartofkissingblogspot.

Details to follow soon!

Have a great Monday.

2007-05-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

Okay...here's a little Thursday hottie for you...

Hi everyone! Sigh...this guy looks like the handsome, hunky hero from Catherine Chernow's sensually erotic romance KISS (available from www.TriskelionPublishing.net)

Thursday means one more day to TGIF...and what a weekend it's going to be! If you don't know me, my name is Julie Wilson, the heroine from Catherine Chernow's sensual, fast-paced contemporary romance...THE FINE ART OF KISSING. Now, if I can just stop drooling over the hot hunk Catherine just posted, I'll be able to tell you about what's coming up this weekend!

It's a dynamite weekend because Catherine's got a whirlwind writers workshop planned at

Catherine Chernow's Heart of Romance http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catherinechernowsheartofromance/

The workshop is 'How to Write the Perfect Love Scene,' and it's guaranteed to be sizzling - with lots of hot excerpts and help on creating the perfect, sensual, romantic love scene. It starts Friday, May 4, 2007 at 5 p.m. EST. It's open to everyone - all authors - published or unpublished and it's open to everyone who just loves to write. Catherine will even pick one lucky winner from all those who participate in the workshop and that person will receive $20 worth of free Avon products of their choosing.

Sigh...my eyes just keep straying to the hot hunk Catherine posted. But don't tell Brad...he'll be so jealous.....................................

By for now!

Oh! Almost forgot...Catherine Chernow's got lots of hot excerpts from her sensual romance novels posted at www.CatherineChernow.com

2007-04-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone...it's Brad O'Malley, the hero from THE FINE ART OF KISSING...

I'm shivering in my shoes! Coming this October 2007 from www.resplendencepublishing.com ...

LADY IN WHITE

It's the first in Catherine Chernow's 'Bride's Inn' series of spooky, erotic romance.

Check out www.CatherineChernow.com and join Catherine's Paranormal Party - where you'll get a sneak-peek of...
LADY IN WHITE...coming October 2007 from www.resplendencepublishing.com

2007-04-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone...it's Julie Wilson from
THE FINE ART OF KISSING.

I just want to tell everyone that KISS, Catherine Chernow's sensually erotic, fast-paced contemporary romance is going to debut April 15, 2007 at www.TriskelionPublishing.net

Sigh...I can't wait to read KISS and find out what happens when the charismatic MegaMart mogul, the king of the discount store chains, meets a small town girl who designs sexy lingerie.

Jared Martin hasn't seen a small town like Summerville since he was a little boy. He'll do anything to stay in Summerville in order to build his MegaMart store in the heart of its retail district. Kat Sullivan, owner Summerville's exclusive lingerie shop, KISS, has other plans. She won't allow the handsome, money-hungry, discount-store giant to get his hands on her store, so she hatches a plan that's sure to send Mr. Moneybags running from Summerville.
Being in a small town like Summerville stirs up feelings Jared thought were long gone, feelings he thought he could control until he meets the beautiful, feisty owner of KISS, but Kat Sullivan has a few secrets. KISS provides Summerville with more than exquisite lingerie; it provides hope to many of the town’s ladies. When Jared threatens to expose what he thinks is really going on behind closed doors at KISS, its up to Kat to protect KISS’s reputation and the ladies of Summerville...and seduction may be her only weapon!

Want to read an excerpt from KISS? Check out www.CatherineChernow.com for sizzling excerpts that are guaranteed to make your pulse race...and your heart soar.

KISS...Available April 15, 2007 from www.TriskelionPublishing.net

2006-07-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to KISS!

Hi everyone. It's Julie Wilson, the heroine from THE FINE ART OF KISSING. I'm everyone's favorite relationship guru and kissing expert. I took some time out from THE FINE ART OF KISSING the other day to go shopping and guess what? I met the heroine from Catherine Chernow's soon-to-be-released sizzling, fast-paced, contemporary romance - KISS!

Kat Sullivan is the owner and proprietor of this fantastic store called KISS. I stopped by KISS on my way out to Long Island's East End. KISS is right on Main Street in this adorable little town called Summerville. Now, don't tell Brad, my handsome hunk of a hero from THE FINE ART OF KISSING, because, well...what I bought at KISS is really a surprise present for him...

Oh heck, when you get right down to it, it's really a present for the two of us. I say this because Kat's store, KISS, has got all this gorgeous, classy, sexy lingerie - that Kat's designed herself. LOL...I'm sure Brad's going to love seeing me in what I bought at KISS - it's a beautiful, sheer-thong style teddi. I know, I know...a teddi? On me? I have to tell you, I wouldn't have dared to even handle it, let alone try it on, but Kat convinced me. See, Kat's really special - she makes you feel special, too, when you walk into KISS. Her lingerie brings out, well, our secret selves. You're drawn to her and KISS. Her sensual designs make you want to parade before your man and show off all your best assets. Yes, I know what you're saying - I'm the woman who hates my legs, particularly my thighs and you know something? That's just what Brad loves about me!

So...what better way to treat him to me than in the privacy of our own bedroom in that wonderful 'kissing bed' we share. Okay, I've got to hurry now and get home so I can get ready. I want to take a long, relaxing bubble bath, do my hair, spritz on my favorite perfume and slip into that sexy teddi. Oh! I think I'll dim the lights and place a few scented candles around our bedroom. Maybe what I'll do is wait for him in our 'kissing bed.' I'll be wearing that teddi, stretched out on the bed...

My body will beckon him, my arms will welcome him into the sheltering haven of our bed...and our love for each other.

I have Kat and KISS to thank for this night of sensual pleasures with Brad. I'm sure I'll be back at KISS real soon to buy more of Kat Sullivan's wonderful designs. I have to find out what happens when Jared Martin, the King of the Discount Stores, the MegaMart Mogul, meets Kat Sullivan, a small-town girl who designs sexy lingerie. You can read an excerpt from KISS! on www.CatherineChernow.com . It's a hot excerpt...sizzle!

Enjoy.

Love,

Julie Wilson

2006-05-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

THE FINE ART OF KISSING GETS 4 1/2 RIBBONS AT ROMANCE JUNKIES...

Hi everyone! It's Julie from THE FINE ART OF KISSING. I'm so excited! We just found out today that THE FINE ART OF KISSING got reviewed at Romance Junkies and guess what we got...

FOUR AND A HALF RIBBONS! WOO HOO! WAY TO GO!
The review will be posted soon on www.romancejunkies.com

2006-05-14T02:42:00.000-07:00

We're going to Romantic Times! Hi everyone, it's Julie Wilson, the 'Love Doctor.' I'm the heroine from Catherine Chernow's latest book, THE FINE ART OF KISSING (available from www.triskelionpublishing.net). I'm so excited...Catherine has decided to take us to the Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention in Daytona, Florida. Oh, I have so much to pack - my sunscreen, bathing suits, sunglasses, flip flops. We're going to have so much fun. We'll be away May 16th through May 22nd. There's going to be parties and mixers and workshops and lots of good things so check out this link for more information www.rtconvention.com. If you're going to be in Daytona, Florida, please come and visit Catherine at Club RT. In the meantime, please check out our latest posts and excerpts. Don't forget to leave a comment or two, 'cause Brad and I love to hear from all of our readers. Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there and we'll see you all when we get back. Love, Julie

2006-05-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

Brad O'Malley Revealed! Check it out, ladies...Hi it's Julie Wilson from THE FINE ART OF KISSING. LOL...I'm sure by now you've all read Brad's kissing tips. Don't believe a word he says, because I can certainly tell you that he knows how to kiss. All that nonsense about using your tongue, well, you'll all just have to read THE FINE ART OF KISSING (available from www.triskelionpublishing.net) and take my kissing advice, not Brad's. In the meantime, I've got a real treat for all of you...it's time to reveal what Brad looks like and I guarantee you'll all be panting, drooling and on fire when you see him. Ready? Click on www.CatherineChernow.com and check out the 'Handsome Hunks' section on the right side of my home page. My heart's pounding just thinking about it! Happy reading everyone...and may all your kisses be blissfully unhurried.

2006-05-08T18:02:00.000-07:00

You know, Julie Wilson, 'the Love Doctor,' thinks she knows everything about kissing. She writes an entire book about it, THE FINE ART OF KISSING, and just like that...she becomes America's darling. A self-made relationship guru. A relationship expert. She's even got her own blog going at http://blog.myspace.com/catherinechernow. Julie's loaded with advice. And everyone's raving about it. They claim her book, THE FINE ART OF KISSING, has turned their lives around.

That's such bull. You know why? I'll tell you why: She says she's kissed a hundred men as research for her book, yet she won't admit to ME that my kiss is the one that set her on fire. Made her crave more. Oh, I know it affected her, even if she won't admit it. I could feel the way her body molded to mine, I felt her tremble.

So, I've got some kissing tips. Yeah, me, Brad O'Malley. The 'King of Truth,' America's most popular talk-show host. Here's the real skinny on kissing, just seven simple rules to follow...

Rule 1 - No Sloppies. Don't lick her. Yeah, that's right. Keep that tongue under control!
Rule 2 - Kiss her in between tonguing her. It's not just about your tongue, it's about your lips, too! You have to let her experience the entire package.
Rule 3 - Don't shove your tongue down her throat. That's a sure-fire way to turn her right off.
Rule 4 - Don't keep your tongue too far back in your mouth. Too little tongue is just as bad as not enough.
Rule 5 - Don't incorporate your teeth. No biting!
Rule 6 - Eyes closed. There's nothing worse than kissing your partner while your partner is staring you down.
Rule 7 - No funky orgy sounds. Just keep it down to low moans, okay?

So there you have it. Seven simple kissing rules, guaranteed to set her aflame in an instant.

Let me know how they work for you.

Sincerely,
Brad O'Malley
THE FINE ART OF KISSING
Available now from www.triskelionpublishing.net

2006-05-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Julie's not the only one who's all mixed up inside! I am, too. Kissing her sets me on fire, but I'm not going to let her take my show away from me and I'm not going to go along with her latest crazy scheme. Do you know what she plans on doing now? Thanks to my producer, Sam, I've got to participate in this idiotic 'Kissing Challenge' segment the network is so hot to trot for. And Julie thinks that she's going to compare MY kiss to that idiot celebrity, Roberto Conciador. You can find out more about that by getting your copy of THE FINE ART OF KISSING from www.triskelionpublishing.net. In the meantime, my creator, Catherine Chernow, has something to share with you. Did you know she's also a columnist for SUITE MAGAZINE www.suitemag.com? SUITE MAGAZINE www.suitemag.com is an e-zine (on-line magazine). Suite is 'the provacative alternative for the intelligent woman,' and you can read Catherine Chernow's article, 'Speaking of...Seduction,' in the SENSATIONS column. There's a lot to be said for the art of seduction. Of course, I don't need much help in that department, after all, Julie's really not going to kiss that idiot Roberto Conciador, not after the way I've kissed her. I've got this 'seduction' thing all wrapped up. Wait a minute...I see Julie now! She's going into that meeting we're supposed to have with all the network people, and if I know her, she's going to try and push this ridiculous idea she has to kiss that moron Roberto Conciador and compare his kiss to mine. I've got to run, but you check out SUITE MAGAZINE www.suitemag.com and read Catherine Chernow article 'Speaking of...Seduction,' in the Sensations column.

2006-05-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Brad's driving me crazy! Oh, everyone, including my good friend, Paz Edwards www.PazEdwardsBooks.com, wants to know if I enjoy his kisses. And then my other friend, Doreen Orsini www.DoreenOrsini.com says if I don't want Brad's kiss, she'll take it. But it's not just about his kiss, Paz & Doreen. It's what his kisses are doing to me inside. I'm all mixed up. My heart tells me one thing and my head tells me another. I just can't figure Brad out. One minute, he's kissing me until I feel it to the tips of my toes and in the next instant, he's tearing my book apart. And he's tearing me apart, too. He must be the most cynical man on the face of the planet. Sigh...but then he has this uncanny ability to catch me off guard. Read this and tell me what you think... ************************************************************************************* Julie removed a steaming mug full of water from the microwave and placed the cup on the counter. She reached up into a cabinet and grabbed a tea bag from a box, then dunked it into the cup, watching the water bubble around it. Maybe the peppermint tea would calm her queasy stomach. She rubbed her forehead to relieve the dull ache building inside her head then spooned some sugar into the mug.
“I didn’t mean to upset you.”
She looked up to see Brad standing at the entrance of the small kitchen off the set. He leaned against the door jam.
“You didn’t,” she sniffed. His face had a tender look, his eyes warm. Julie’s heart tumbled at the sight. Just another one of his tricks, she thought. She had to stay on her guard. “It’s–it’s the air conditioning in the studio, it stings my eyes.” Was he truly capable of compassion or was this just another excuse to grandstand?
He walked in and grabbed a napkin from a dispenser on one of the tables. “I recognize pain when “I recognize pain when I see it. Someone hurt you.”
Julie’s heart slammed from one side of her chest to the other.
Brad moved farther into the small room. He stopped in front of her and angled his head, striking a thoughtful pose. “You know it’s the strangest thing.”
“What?” she whispered.
“I’d like to kill him.”
She swallowed, hard. “Who?” A tear trickled down her face. She turned her head, but not before Brad saw the teardrop and brushed it away with the pad of his thumb. She shivered at his touch. At the same time, a coil of heat unfurled deep within her.
“Him.” Brad pressed the napkin into her hand, grasping her shoulders gently with his hands. “That’s who.”
“Well, you know what they say. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me,” Julie’s voice wavered. Her lips trembled.
Brad pulled her forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. His lips lingered there for a few seconds then traveled down to her temple and cheek. She shut her eyes as his mouth worked its magic across her cheeks and nose. His breath smelled of mint; felt warm against her face. When his lips settled on hers, he applied gentle pressure. Her mouth opened, like the bud of a flower stretching its petals wide as the sun’s rays shone down on it. Julie took comfort in the feel of his warm mouth closing over hers. He took her face into his hands as he angled his mouth over hers, first one way then another.
She kept telling herself she sought comfort from him, but soon realized she perpetuated another lie as comfort which turned into something more. Something that broke open every wall she had placed around her heart.
When Brad pulled his mouth away from hers, she had to resist the urge to cling to him.
“He was the fool, honey, not you.” With that said he turned on his heel and walked out.
“Damn you, Brad O’Malley,” she whispered as the tears streamed down her cheeks. “Damn you.”

2006-04-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

“This is what a kiss should be. You’re not an Olympic starter, it’s not a rush to the finish line...”

Hi everyone! It's Julie Wilson. I just read a comment a friend of mine posted the other day. Paz Edwards wanted to know if I enjoyed Brad O'Malley's kiss. If you all don't know Paz Edwards, let me introduce her - she's a terrific writer with a book coming soon from Triskelion Publishing:
Jenna returns home from vacation with an unexpected souvenir.
Vacation Souvenir - A May 2006 release from Triskelion Publishing
Paz Edwards - www.pazedwardsbooks.com

So Paz, you want to know if I enjoyed Brad O'Malley's kiss in that bookstore? As long as you promise not to tell Brad, then I'll tell you...

Chapter One

“Please make it out to Sarah – with an ‘h’ on the end, okay?”

Julie Wilson grabbed her run-away bestseller, The Fine Art of Kissing, from the young woman’s outstretched hands. Julie never expected her book to take off the way it did. Now a “relationship guru,” people asked her advice on love constantly.

“Your book’s wonderful, Ms. Wilson.”

“Thank you,” she replied warmly and smiled as she scribbled her name on the inside. The bookstore was crowded that Saturday afternoon; people gathered where Julie sat, eager for an autographed copy of Julie’s book and a chance to meet her. Another young woman leaned over Julie’s table, blushing.

“Your book has changed our lives--our love lives, if you know what I mean,” she said conspiratorially.

“I’ll just bet it did,” came the sound of a deep, male voice from behind the two young women. Julie’s head snapped up. She’d know that voice anywhere! It belonged to Brad O’Malley, the host of America’s leading cable talk show. She received countless calls from his producers ever since her book hit the NY Times bestseller list. Julie knew why they wanted her on the show. Brad O’Malley’s ratings had slipped. She knew if she went on his show he’d subject her to the badgering that his viewing audience loved. Julie thought if Brad O’Malley could make ‘the relationship guru’ squirm, his ratings would skyrocket. Julie’s manager said appearing on ‘O’Malley’s Corner’ would be great publicity for the book, that she could handle Brad. She just didn't’t want that kind of publicity. Julie took The Fine Art of Kissing seriously.

“Now, what is it you say in your book, Ms. Wilson? ‘A kiss should be blissfully unhurried. You don’t want to squander a single moment thinking of anything but the kiss.’”

He quoted verbatim from her book. Brad leaned against the table, one muscled thigh propped lazily against the edge, arms folded casually across his chest but his lips thinned and his face grew taut. When she refused to go on his show for the third time in a row, he had called her himself. She gave him the same answer she gave his producers, a flat out ‘no.’ Brad slipped the Ray Bans from his eyes and glanced over at the young women. Their eyes nearly bugged out when they recognized him. Another look at his stormy face made Julie’s pulse skitter.

“So Julie…”

“That’s ‘Ms. Wilson’ to you,” she snapped.

He grinned at her; a sexy, lopsided smile that made her heart flutter. Brad O’Malley was talented, arrogant, demanding…and exceedingly handsome, much to her chagrin. She did’t like the way her heart skipped when she gazed at his chiseled, golden face and cursed her traitorous hormones.

“Do you practice what you preach?” he asked.

Julie’s chin jutted out defiantly. “Of course.”

“Then let’s see if you’re up to snuff.”

Quick as lightning, Brad pulled her to her feet and began kissing her in the middle of the bookstore.

“This is what a kiss should be. You’re not an Olympic starter, it’s not a rush to the finish line,” he quoted as he placed small, butterfly kisses on the corner of her mouth. “Sensual tulips,” he continued, “they comfort your soul through kissing.” He placed feathery-light kisses along her jaw, ending by her ear then his lips trailed back down. He made a small “O” with his mouth and sucked softly against the super-sensitive underside of her jaw.

She grabbed his shirtfront to keep from collapsing as he retraced his fiery path along her jaw, causing ripples of pleasure to cascade across her back every time his lips touched her skin. “No one is a good kisser by themselves,” Brad whispered, “it requires cooperation and teamwork from both people.” He moved slowly, tracing the fullness of her lips with the tip of his index finger, then treated them like priceless treasures as he explored her upper lip first, then the bottom with gentle pressure from his own, teasing and licking slowly until her mouth opened.

Julie’s hands crept up to his neck to pull his head down further.

“If the eyes are the portals of the soul, then the lips are the portals to the mind,” Julie quoted as she began her own exploration. Her tongue slid over the soft, inside part of his lower lip then she slowly nibbled on it until she felt his body stiffen with desire. He tightened his hold and pulled her closer, as though yearning for more. She didn't’t know in that minute who had outsmarted whom when she finally felt his mouth close over hers. Julie gave herself up to the sweetest, softest kiss she had ever experienced. Its very gentleness stole the breath from her body and made her quiver. The sound of clapping and cheering finally brought her around.

“That’s absolutely, positively, the most romantic kiss I’ve ever seen!”

Julie turned to see one of the young women smiling at her. She quickly broke away from Brad.

“It’s very obvious, Ms. Wilson,” he drawled, “that you know you’re stuff.” Brad then whispered in her ear, “We start taping at two p.m. tomorrow. Be at the studio by noon, so we can go over the notes for your segment.” Julie could only nod as she watched him turn and exit the bookstore.

Read the rest of Chapter One of THE FINE ART OF KISSINGLog onto:Click to join catherinechernowsheartofromanceto read the rest of chapter one of THE FINE ART OF KISSING and to enter my 'April Showers' contest forTHE FINE ART OF KISSING!Details posted on: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catherinechernowsheartofromance

Buy THE FINE ART OF KISSING now! Log onto www.triskelionpublishing.net, click on the 'New Releases' page, then click on THE FINE ART OF KISSING.

2006-04-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

"You don't want to squander a single second thinking of anything but the kiss..."

Hi...I'm Julie Wilson, America's favorite relationship guru and kissing expert, the 'Love Doctor.' I wrote a book called THE FINE ART OF KISSING. Brad O'Malley is an arrogant, obnoxious, oh....I can't think of enough names to call him! You know what he did? He kissed me...that's right...he walked right up to me during one of my book signings and kissed me. He's angry because I wouldn't appear on his talk show and boost his sagging ratings. See, that's one little fact he probably hasn't told you. He needed ME to give his show, 'O'Malley's Corner,' a ratings boost, but I won't allow him to put me in the 'hot seat.' He's just going to trash my book. So I fixed him! On the very first segment we did together, I told him that I kissed 100 men as research for my book...well, I did...sort of...kind of...oh! Groan! Now what am I going to do? I figured if he could pull that publicity stunt and kiss me at the bookstore in front of the whole world, well, I could say I kissed 100 men, but now, the producers of 'O'Malley's Corner' really want me to do that. Hmmm...if I have to kiss 100 men on Brad's show, I'm going to need to brush up on my kissing. I know! Maybe I'll check out the link to the article on thefineartofkissingblogspot. There's a link there to the top 10 best places to kiss. Wow, do I have a lot of research! So, while I'm pucking up, you check it out, too. 'The Top Ten Spots to Kiss in the United States.' Top 10 Spots to Kiss Let me know which spot YOU think is the best place to be kissed in. Now, back to brushing up on MY kissing skills..................

Meet Brad O'Malley - The Hero from THE FINE ART OF KISSING

2006-04-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

"A kiss should be blissfully unhurried..."
That's what I told Julie Wilson, America's favorite relationship guru and author when I kissed her for the very first time during one of her book signings. You see, Julie Wilson refused to make an appearance on my talk-show, 'O'Malley's Corner.' To tell you the truth, I NEEDED her to come on my show to boost sagging ratings.
Her book, The Fine Art of Kissing, took off like a rocket and people everywhere were clamoring to meet her. But I put my guests in the 'hot seat,' and Julie didn't like that. She claimed I would
trash her book, so she just kept refusing my requests...
Until I kissed her that day in the bookstore. I did it as a publicity stunt, knowing that she couldn't possibly refuse to come on my show after that. Our kiss made the six o'clock news that day. Julie's popularity soared even higher and now, she had to make an appearance. I showed her! I'm the master showman, the best in the business.
There's only one problem: I didn't expect to feel the way I did after I kissed that beautiful, bowshaped mouth of hers. And now I'm hooked...I want more, but I'm not falling for another woman, not after what my ex-wife did to me. And now Julie claims she kissed a hundred men to do research for that book of hers, but I'm not falling for it. In this scene, we're sharing a nice, cozy dinner together, but my mind's definitely NOT on food when Sam, my producer barges in...
************************************************************************************************
"You know, I think I'll join you and order some dinner." Sam slid his chair closer to Julie's chair. "By the way, Brad, I meant to tell you, the network likes that idea we discussed about `the kissing challenge.'" He reached into the breadbasket and popped a piece of bread into his mouth. Then he ordered a beer from a passing waiter.
"Get lost, Sam."
"Is that how you treat your friend…and your producer…your hungry
friend and producer?"
"Did you just say the network likes the idea?
"Yup," Sam answered. "They sure did."
"Which means you went right over my head. After I specifically told you last week that my absolute, final answer on it was an unequivocal no?" Brad's lips thinned. He'd let Sam order dinner all right, then gladly help him choke on it.
Sam took a pull of his beer. "Yup."
"Don't you know any other three-letter answers?"
"Nope," Sam smiled.
Julie looked at Brad. "Would you mind telling me what you're talking about?"
"Nothing," Brad grumbled. "Just a stupid, silly idea."
Sam turned to face her. "A great idea, actually. All based on what you said during that very first interview you had with Brad."
"Something I said? What?"
"When Brad asked you about your research for the book. What you
said about kissing those hundred men."
"Oh, that statement." She bit down on her lower lip. "I forgot about that."
"Well, your viewing audience didn't, that's for sure. I told Brad we're still receiving hundreds of calls and emails about that segment. The network wants us to go ahead and have this `Kissing Challenge' thing."
Her eyes shot to Brad's eyes. "You never told me about this `Kissing Challenge.'"
"I didn't tell you because I don't like the idea-it's stupid."
"Here we go again." She threw both hands up in the air. "You don't like something, so it's stupid."
He aimed his thumb at his chest. "It's my show, honey. I'm in charge."
"Don't call me `honey,'" she huffed. "I told you I don't like it."
What he didn't like was Sam's presence…and his big mouth. Brad was enjoying his delicious dinner, some good jazz and a bonus. He was having a delightfully erotic fantasy about Julie Wilson. If she ever got an inkling of how many times he had played back that mind-
blowing kiss they shared in the bookstore, and the fantasy he was having about her right now, she'd probably walk off the show and sue the pants off him. Tonight he had come close to hauling her out of her chair and right into his lap. Brad wanted to run his hands over those pointy little knees of hers and work his way up her slender thighs. He wanted to kiss her nose and all those freckles sprinkled across it. If he had his way, he'd kiss a hell of a lot more than
that, too.
Now Sam had to bring up that stupid Kissing Challenge thing.
Brad shook his finger at him. "To go over my head the way you did was dirty and underhanded."
"Yup…it was." Sam winked at Julie.
"I swear, if you say `yup' one more time, I'll…"
"How's that gumbo, Julie?" Sam asked her, ignoring Brad.
"Fine," she murmured. "Spicy."
"Waiter!" Sam called over to a young man standing a few feet away from them. "I'll have what she's having." He pointed to Julie's half-filled dish.
Brad looked at it, too, but all he saw were the five giant shrimp and thick, brown gumbo sauce congealing in her plate. His stomach flipped at the sight of it, and at the thought of Julie Wilson kissing five different men each week during one of their segments, an idea he had turned down flat when Sam brought it up every day during the last three weeks. No way was he going to share Julie Wilson's delectable little mouth with his viewing audience. He wanted it all to himself and intended to keep it that way. Although why he wanted her so badly totally baffled him. She was attractive, but she wasn't drop-dead gorgeous like his ex-wife – the kind of woman he usually went for. He glanced at her face. He liked seeing that pretty face sitting across from him twice a week with that small, upturned nose that she stuck straight up in the air when she wanted to make a point… Like she did now. Oh hell, this was getting crazy.
"Don't get too comfortable," he growled at Sam. "You're not staying."
Sam grinned and looked at Julie. "You don't mind if I stay, do you?"
"No," she glanced at Brad. "Of course not."
"See?" Sam looked over at him. "She's nice."
Julie tugged on Sam's sleeve. "He hates that word, you know."
She propped her chin in her palm and nodded towards Brad. Her face bore a triumphant look. Brad felt like kissing her each time she got him back. Why did Julie Wilson continue to fascinate him? She didn't even travel in his professional circles like his latest on- again, off-again love interest, journalist Kristin Daley. Lately, all Kristin seemed to need was an "in" with someone so she could secure an interview. Now every time he looked at her, Brad saw a mirror image of himself in his early years-ambitious and selfish. He recalled that old saying about not liking someone because you saw something in that person that you didn't like in yourself.
"I hope you're enjoying yourself," Brad scowled at her.
"Immensely."
"I can make life very difficult for you on our next segment."
"Oh," she waggled her fingers at him. "Like you don't already
do that," she huffed.
He liked those little hand gestures she always used, particularly when she was making a point…and that little huff she always made. Julie didn't seem to need or want a darn thing from him. Brad thought of all those times she had refused to come on his show. Most people wanted to appear on his show because of the publicity, no matter how much he badgered them. But not Julie Wilson. She didn't seem to care. And what baffled him even more was the fact that he truly liked her. It was a first for him…to actually like a woman. He could certainly claim to have loved a few in his lifetime but he could never say that he actually liked them…until Julie.
It scared him. He didn't need to add her to his pile of relationships-gone-sour. She was bright, witty and not afraid of him, a fact that served him, and "O'Malley's Corner," well. That's what this was all about, anyway. His show, and keeping it on the air – his way – not Sam's, and certainly not the network's.
"But everyone loved what she said, Brad. It also lends credibility to your segments, knowing that she researched her book so thoroughly," Sam cut into his thoughts.
Brad didn't want to know how thorough Julie's hot little mouth had been. She had buttoned up tighter than a clam about her own relationships when they were chatting during dinner. Maybe she had done far more than kiss those hundred men. Maybe they sampled her delightful little body. Felt those beautiful, pointy knees; let their hands ride up her thighs. Maybe they even felt those pert breasts of hers, too. This was ridiculous. She couldn't possibly have kissed a
hundred men. It was absurd.

"It's a terrible idea and I'm not going for it," Brad snapped.
"The network is. They love it," Sam said.
Julie tapped Sam on the shoulder. "Would you mind telling me exactly what this idea involves?"
"Of course," Sam smiled at her. "Then maybe you can convince this blockhead here," he aimed his thumb over his shoulder at Brad, "that it's a good one." He cleared his throat. "Your comment about kissing those hundred men sparked a lot of interest with our viewing audience. They'd like to see a sort of, well, demonstration, if you get what I'm saying."
She paled. "Do you mean to tell me, I'm supposed to kiss a hundred men on TV?"
A waiter came by and placed a dish full of steaming gumbo in front of Sam. "Not all at once," Sam answered. "Just a few of them each week."
"What's a few?"
Sam dug into his gumbo. "Four or five. Just enough to demonstrate technique."
Brad threw down his napkin. "This is not the damn Jerry Springer show. We're not making a spectacle out of anyone."
"No spectacle. Just good old-fashioned…kissing." Sam grinned at
Julie. "Think those guys you kissed would be willing to come on the show?"
Seconds went by until Julie answered. "Uh, maybe. I-I don't know."
Sam's face fell. "I just thought…"
She shifted in her chair and sipped some water. "It's just that it was a private, controlled study." Brad leaned back in his chair, balancing it on its two back legs. "What?" He came crashing forward. "What kind of crap is that? Private, controlled, study, my butt."
She sat up straighter. "Just what are you saying?"
"That there were no hundred men. You made it up."
"I did not."
"Did, too."
"I DID NOT!"
"Did…"
Sam held up a hand. "Okay now kids, no fighting." He looked at Julie. "Can you get hold of some of those, uh, test subjects?"
"Here's the thing about that." She smoothed her napkin over her lap, fingering the edge. She looked up at Sam and pushed her plate aside then leaned her arms on the table. "It was an anonymous study. I-I can't tell you who those men were that I kissed, because, well, I promised I wouldn't."
"Oh, this is such nonsense." Brad folded his arms across his chest.
She turned towards him. "Why is it so hard for you to believe that I kissed a hundred men?"
"It's impossible." He had a vision of one hundred hunky, half- naked men, like the ones he accused her of having on her book covers, lined up, waiting their turns to plant a kiss on those sweet, bow- shaped lips of hers. Brad broke out into a sweat. He felt it trickle down the back of his shirt.
"Did I say I did it all at once? This study was done over a period of years."
"Yeah? How long?" Brad leaned in, bending his arm over his
right thigh.
She backed up an inch. "Uh…th-three years." Her eyes darted towards the stage where Ravi's sax wailed on a high note.
"See?" He turned to face Sam. "She can't even look me in the face. She's lying. "
Sam frowned at Julie. "Looks mighty honest to me."
She poked Brad in the chest. "You know what your problem is? You think you're the only one who knows how to kiss."
Brad leaned a forearm on the table, his look smug. "Why thank you, Ms. Wilson, care to endorse that publicly?" Julie turned beet red.
Brad grabbed her wrist, tugging her forward. He made his face level with hers, his voice husky. "As I recall, you almost fainted the day I kissed you in the book store."
She stuck her nose in the air. This time, it bumped his. "It was hot in there, that's why."
"Right," he leaned back, releasing his grip on her and crossed his hands over his stomach."Sure." "Are you afraid someone might outdo you? Is that fragile ego of yours really that shaky?"
"That's it! You want kissing? You've got kissing, lady. Bring in a hundred guys…two hundred…I don't care, I'll outshine them all, you'll see." He aimed his index finger at his chest. "I'm the
world's greatest kisser."
It got very, very quiet in Birdland as the other people enjoying Ravi Coltrane's set and Ravi glanced in Brad's direction when he made his big announcement.
"That's the spirit, Brad." Sam clapped him on the back. "I knew you'd go along with this."
Brad knew he had lost his mind. What in hell had he just done?