Welcome to another LoveCats DownUnder Sunday Smooch!
Today we have a smooch from Katrina Cudmore but first
... the winner of last week's Sunday Smooch Giveaway is Sue Gerhardt Griffiths
Congratulations, Sue! Can you please contact Michelle -- michelle (at) michelle-douglas (dot) com -- to receive your copy of An Unlikely Bride for the Billionaire.
And now for today's Sunday Smooch from The Best Man's Guarded Heart
The bridesmaid who can heal his heart.
Greek tycoon Andreas Petrakis is hosting his brother’s wedding on his private island. Ever since his marriage ended in heart-breaking disaster his own emotions have been on ice, but he’s determined to be the Best Man his brother deserves.
Only he hasn’t bargained on the early arrival of bridesmaid Grace Chapman. Bubbly, idealistic and feisty, she’s no time for his frosty cynicism and despite all his best intentions, he’s soon actually enjoying the wedding! Andreas finds himself tempted by the unthinkable – letting Grace into his guarded heart…
Scene set-up: This kiss comes the ‘morning after’, when Grace is fleeing the bedroom, worried, as the wedding florist, about the flowers for the wedding later in the day, but in truth subconsciously terrified by how much sleeping with Andreas has affected her. Andreas wakes to find her creeping out of the bedroom and he pulls her back into his bed.
‘Grace Chapman, were you just about to leave without even saying goodbye?’
‘No!’
‘You’re not a very convincing liar.’
‘I told you—I have to get to the flowers.’
‘And I say that you need some sleep. So, whether you want to or not, you’re staying here with me.’
She pushed hard against him.
He shook his head. ‘You’ll have to try harder than that.’
For a moment she considered him. But then she nodded her acceptance and he felt her body relax into him. He gave a low groan when her hand reached round and stroked along his spine. Her mouth, hot and warm, trailed kisses on his chest. Every cell in his body stirred.
His eyes closed of their own volition and he murmured into her hair, ‘You’re not playing fair. We’re supposed to sleep.’
Her hand moved to his belly. His eyes popped open. He inhaled deeply when she gave him a dark, sultry look. He untangled himself from her and flipped onto his back, already lost to her touch. But while he was turning Grace flipped around too—and hopped out of the bed.
He caught her just as she was about to make for the door. He pulled her back into the bed beside him and wrapped his arms around her. ‘That was a dirty trick if ever I saw one.’
At first she smiled, with a look of guilty conscience, but then the smile faded, to be replaced by a troubled expression. ‘Andreas, please.’
His gut tightened. He ran his fingers lightly against her cheek. ‘What’s the matter?’
‘I’m worried the flowers aren’t right. That I’ve forgotten something.’
‘The flowers are perfect. And with your military-style planning you can’t possibly have forgotten anything. The most important thing now is that you get some sleep.’
Her breath floated against his skin in broken anxious waves. ‘When I woke earlier it suddenly hit me that the wedding is today. I don’t feel ready.’
He held her tighter to him. A hand gently stroking her hair, he whispered, ‘Everything’s going to be okay. Sleep until seven. Then I’ll come and help you with the prep work.’
She arched back and her violet eyes searched his. ‘Are you sure?’
‘That I want to be a florist’s assistant? No. But I’ll do it for you.’
To that she gave a small smile. ‘Really?’
‘Yes, really.’
They stayed locked together in that position for the longest while, staring into each other’s eyes. Her lips lifted into a breathtaking grin and she whispered, ‘Thank you.’
A surge of protective desire tore through him, so strong he was momentarily stunned. He kissed her, deeply and intensely, and she responded in turn. They kissed as though their lives depended on it. He ripped her clothes from her. His head spun at the feel of her soft round curves again and he inhaled her scent.
He went to flip her onto her back, but she fought against him. She pushed him back onto the bed instead, and when they joined together he stared up into those violet eyes and his heart cracked open at the sight of the honest passion and warmth in her endless gaze.
My story is based in the Greek Islands. Have you visited them? If not, have you any plans to do so some day? Leave a comment to go into the draw to win a copy of The Best Man's Guarded Heart.
Smooch Graphic by WebWeaver
Today we have a smooch from Katrina Cudmore but first
... the winner of last week's Sunday Smooch Giveaway is Sue Gerhardt Griffiths
Congratulations, Sue! Can you please contact Michelle -- michelle (at) michelle-douglas (dot) com -- to receive your copy of An Unlikely Bride for the Billionaire.
And now for today's Sunday Smooch from The Best Man's Guarded Heart
The bridesmaid who can heal his heart.Greek tycoon Andreas Petrakis is hosting his brother’s wedding on his private island. Ever since his marriage ended in heart-breaking disaster his own emotions have been on ice, but he’s determined to be the Best Man his brother deserves.
Only he hasn’t bargained on the early arrival of bridesmaid Grace Chapman. Bubbly, idealistic and feisty, she’s no time for his frosty cynicism and despite all his best intentions, he’s soon actually enjoying the wedding! Andreas finds himself tempted by the unthinkable – letting Grace into his guarded heart…
Scene set-up: This kiss comes the ‘morning after’, when Grace is fleeing the bedroom, worried, as the wedding florist, about the flowers for the wedding later in the day, but in truth subconsciously terrified by how much sleeping with Andreas has affected her. Andreas wakes to find her creeping out of the bedroom and he pulls her back into his bed.
‘Grace Chapman, were you just about to leave without even saying goodbye?’
‘No!’
‘You’re not a very convincing liar.’
‘I told you—I have to get to the flowers.’
‘And I say that you need some sleep. So, whether you want to or not, you’re staying here with me.’
She pushed hard against him.
He shook his head. ‘You’ll have to try harder than that.’
For a moment she considered him. But then she nodded her acceptance and he felt her body relax into him. He gave a low groan when her hand reached round and stroked along his spine. Her mouth, hot and warm, trailed kisses on his chest. Every cell in his body stirred.
His eyes closed of their own volition and he murmured into her hair, ‘You’re not playing fair. We’re supposed to sleep.’
Her hand moved to his belly. His eyes popped open. He inhaled deeply when she gave him a dark, sultry look. He untangled himself from her and flipped onto his back, already lost to her touch. But while he was turning Grace flipped around too—and hopped out of the bed.
He caught her just as she was about to make for the door. He pulled her back into the bed beside him and wrapped his arms around her. ‘That was a dirty trick if ever I saw one.’
At first she smiled, with a look of guilty conscience, but then the smile faded, to be replaced by a troubled expression. ‘Andreas, please.’
His gut tightened. He ran his fingers lightly against her cheek. ‘What’s the matter?’
‘I’m worried the flowers aren’t right. That I’ve forgotten something.’
‘The flowers are perfect. And with your military-style planning you can’t possibly have forgotten anything. The most important thing now is that you get some sleep.’
Her breath floated against his skin in broken anxious waves. ‘When I woke earlier it suddenly hit me that the wedding is today. I don’t feel ready.’
He held her tighter to him. A hand gently stroking her hair, he whispered, ‘Everything’s going to be okay. Sleep until seven. Then I’ll come and help you with the prep work.’
She arched back and her violet eyes searched his. ‘Are you sure?’
‘That I want to be a florist’s assistant? No. But I’ll do it for you.’
To that she gave a small smile. ‘Really?’
‘Yes, really.’
They stayed locked together in that position for the longest while, staring into each other’s eyes. Her lips lifted into a breathtaking grin and she whispered, ‘Thank you.’
A surge of protective desire tore through him, so strong he was momentarily stunned. He kissed her, deeply and intensely, and she responded in turn. They kissed as though their lives depended on it. He ripped her clothes from her. His head spun at the feel of her soft round curves again and he inhaled her scent.
He went to flip her onto her back, but she fought against him. She pushed him back onto the bed instead, and when they joined together he stared up into those violet eyes and his heart cracked open at the sight of the honest passion and warmth in her endless gaze.
www.katrinacudmore.com
Come back next Sunday, when the winner of today's giveaway will be announced and a smooch from Stefanie London will be posted!
Come back next Sunday, when the winner of today's giveaway will be announced and a smooch from Stefanie London will be posted!
Smooch Graphic by WebWeaver
Hi Katrina
ReplyDeleteWOW I loved that smooch I need to read this one and I do love Greek Heroes and The Greek Isles is on my wish list of places to visit I grew up next door to a wonderful Greek family and have so many fond memories and yes every since I watched Shirley Valentine I have needed to visit :)
Congrats on your release
Have Fun
Helen
Hi all, greetings from beautiful La Charente in France where I'm currently holidaying. Apologies in advance for any typos, my phone loves predictive texting!
DeleteI'm thrilled to be on LoveCats today, many thanks to Michelle and all of the rest of the team.
Helen, many thanks for your congrats and I'm delighted you enjoyed the smooch!
The Greek Isles are as spectacular as I dreamt they are,(i'm often fearful when traveling that the reality is very different!) And for me it was the Greek people who made it, they were incredibly warm and hospitable.
I hope you get to visit one day.
Kind regards
Katrina
Hi Katrina - Welcome to LoveCats! Love this scene and really looking forward to reading the book. Sadly I've never been to Greece, but it is certainly on my bucket list. Congratulations on the release :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen!
DeleteMy own bucket list is growing by the month, there are so many places I want to visit, including Australia. With 4 kids though I think I'll have to wait a few years for them to leave home as I'll never afford the airfare for 6 people!
Thanks for your congrats
Katrina
we were going to the Islands years ago but due to Family illnesses we never got there----love the smooch----LynW
ReplyDeleteHi Lyn, that's a shame you didn't get to go.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the smooch!
Katrina
Welcome to the LoveCats, Katrina! It's lovely to have you here...especially when you've given us such a gorgeous smooch. :-)
ReplyDeleteOoh, the Greek Islands...I've never been but I would definitely love to. One day, fingers crossed. :-)
Thanks Michelle, it's great to be here!
DeleteOur house rental in La Charente is just beautiful ... it is situated on a riverbank with a giant weeping willow, dragonflies dancing on Lily pads ... it feels like we were dropped into the middle of a Monet picture! The reason I'm telling you all of this is because the owner Dianne is Australian ...she lives in Queensland and the guest book for the house is full of Australian visitors.
I'd recommend here too for your bucket list!
Katrina
no but my 24 year old wants to go there
ReplyDeleteHi Diana, Irish teenagers/young adults often go to the Islands for a month in their first year of university holidays, I wish I had that freedom again!
DeleteKatrina
Very nice. My daughter has just spent 11 days on the Greek Islands she is doing 4 month holiday around Europe and seeing 18 countries. She just been chilling there. It does look so beautiful with the bluest seas and all those white houses. I have never been there but would love to visit like so many other places like Dubai.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, what a busy but fantastic schedule! I hope she's having a wonderful time.
DeleteKatrina
The Greek islands sound awesome! Donamaekutska7@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi Donamae, yes they are! Blue skies, turquoise seas, fantastic food, warm vibrant people ... the perfect getaway!
DeleteKatrina
For now I will have to be content with my armchair travel; including the Greek Islands. Whenever you see pictures the scenery is just stunning.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, I'm the same as you during the long Irish winters. I get addicted to holiday programmes on TV, anything just to see a clear blue sky and sunshine!
DeleteKatrina
Hmm mm. ...what a great smooch. Love the scene - really hard for those two to leave each other's arms. I suppose if Grace has to leave then stepping out into the Greek sunshine has to be a consolation prize even if it is to work. Congrats on your release.
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie, thanks for the congrats! Yes the Greek sunshine had a lovely sharp intensity...I always inhale a deep relaxed sigh when I step into it!
DeleteKatrina
Hi Carrie, thanks for the congrats! Yes the Greek sunshine had a lovely sharp intensity...I always inhale a deep relaxed sigh when I step into it!
DeleteKatrina
Hello Katrina,
ReplyDeleteVery nice this extract.
I unfortunately have not yet been in Greece, but I hope to go there soon, also because I live in Italy and are therefore very close to Greece
Hi Franca, I envy you so much living in beautiful Italy, I have wonderful holiday memories of visiting there.
DeleteI'm sure you will love Greece when you visit, I'm hoping to visit the mainland soon, the scenery in the mountains looks spectacular.
Katrina
Hi Katrina, how lovely to see you here at the LoveCats. Welcome! I love your smooch, goes to show that the Romance/Cherish/Forever line might be sweet but it's also sensual!
ReplyDeleteI went to Greece for the first time last year and loved it. Athens was amazing. Then I did a group swim in the north where the islands were gorgeous and the water the most beautiful I've ever swum in. Can't wait to go again!
Thanks for the welcome Kandy! I remember you talking about the sea swim last year and it's definitely on my list of things to do. And yes, Romance/Cherish/Forever is sweet but with a zing!
DeleteI loved your smooch, can't wait to read the book actually. I've never been to Greece and I don't have plans to go there either, but I can dream about it. I love to read about places I probably will never go to and I love to fantasize about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Riet. One of the reasons I love writing for Harlequin and the Romance/Cherish/Forever line in particular is because the editors want glamourous locations. It's heavenly escapism especially when I'm writing in the depths of an Irish winter!
DeleteHi Katrina and welcome to the Love Cats! It's terrific to have you here. Thanks for sharing that excerpt from your book. Such a lovely, warm scene. I'd take him up on his offer of helping out after a nice rest!
ReplyDeleteI've been to some Greek islands but not nearly enough. :) I've got plans to visit some of those I haven't got to but it may take a little while. Something to look forward to for sure.
Annie, thanks for the lovely welcome. My apologies I didn't respond earlier - I decided to down all computer tools for the last week of my holiday in France, but I'm back working now! I'm the same as you, there are so many Islands I have yet to explore. Hopefully one of these days I'll win the lottery and will be able to move there!
DeleteKatrina,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your release! Greece & the Greek islands are on my list. In the meantime, I make do with Greek heroes. Lovely smooch.
Thank you so much Laura and my apologies for not replying sooner!
DeleteWelcome to LoveCats, Katrina! I love coming here and I'm sure you will too.
ReplyDeleteAfter 35 years of marriage, I have found my own paradise - in our own bedroom. I realize it can be elsewhere too - perhaps with beautiful surroundings - but I'm okay with this. We don't have the money for travel, but we have each other, our family and friends, so we are already blessed. Besides, I can read your book and those of others to feel like I'm already in Greece instead! Romance books are wonderful!
Oh Laney, what a wonderful outlook on life. And yes, books (and Romance books in particular!) allow us to travel whilst in our own homes. My apologies to you also for not responding earlier.
DeleteCicadas drum through pine scented air. Cyclamen dance in the breeze and olive trees, their branches like gnarled fingers, point the way to a secret bay we'd been directed to by locals. We edge towards steps carved into the rock face and stand mesmorised by the view. Azure seas lap against the shore, white washed buildings on the neighbouring island stand out like jewels against a sky painted in crisp blue. And then, our jaws really do drop - we spy Jackie Onassis, trade mark sunglasses propped on her head. Not far behind, Onassis himself. My first Greek holiday - and an affair to remember.
ReplyDeleteOh wow Pam. What a wonderful description and how amazing to spot Jackie Onassis. She was so beautiful and elegant. What incredible memories of your first Greek holiday. Also to you my apologies for not replying earlier.
Delete