Sunday Sample ... A Taste of Phantasm

This Tuesday, I had the privilege of releasing Phantasm and made it free for one day. For the rest of the week, I've kept it at $0.99. The price goes up next week. Here's a snippet from that story.

She hugged herself and fixed her attention on the neglected television. A moment went by before she shifted, scratching her ear and then her neck. After staring at her knees and jiggling her feet to calm her nerves, Josette sighed.

"You're a lot more cantankerous than you look." She sank against the back of the sofa and cut her eyes at him.

He turned his head, giving her a lopsided smile. "Let's be clear, I am not cantankerous. What I am is fed up and determined to take some decisive action."

"You agreed not to push me."

"Your memory is faulty. You asked me to go away and I cussed you out. Then I told you I'd be around if you needed me."

"And I appreciate that."

"Jo-Jo, I don't want your appreciation. I want you to … " He got up and paced behind the sofa, while she massaged the tension from the back of her neck.

This time, when he sat, Mario pulled his knee up on the seat and faced her. "What I'm trying to say is that it's been a while since I've found anyone who interests me the way you do."

"I'll admit it's the same with me, Mario. Since Dwayne, I haven't thought about being with anyone else."

"Is there a reason you keep looking over your shoulder?"

With her heart beating as if it wanted to exit her chest, Josette shook her head.

But Mario wasn't finished. "It's as if you expect to see Dwayne at any minute."

"You're kidding, right?" She laughed, but it sounded forced to her ears.

"I've never been more serious in my life."

"I have to wonder if you're losing your marbles since you're asking me about seeing someone who's dead."

"You and I know I'm perfectly sane." He stared deep into her eyes as if challenging her. She wanted to look away, but couldn't summon the willpower she needed to focus her gaze elsewhere.

Mario leaned closer and when he was close enough for her to see the tiny freckles on his skin, she closed her eyes. His lips touched hers, a fleeting caress that made her wish for more.

As if he sensed her need, his mouth opened over hers and he pulled her closer with one hand to the back of her neck. His tongue swirled against hers, the pressure gentle, yet sweet. Eyes closed, she gripped a handful of his shirt, savoring the pleasure of being held close to his chest.

She'd be lying to herself if she didn't admit she missed this closeness to another human

being, which made her feel desired.

Mario trailed his lips to the corner of her mouth and across her cheek to her ear. He pressed a kiss to her earlobe and traced the edge of her ear with the tip of his tongue.

She moaned his name and opened her eyes. When the haze cleared from her vision, nausea clogged her throat.

Dwayne stood in the doorway watching them.

Click though this link to download your copy of Phantasm.