Five long years…
One determined writer…
Lotsa works-in-progress…
Several new releases under a pen name…
All leading up to…ta-da!!…my first new book as Cindy Procter-King since June 2007!!
I am totally and completely thrilled that WHERE SHE BELONGS releases from Five Star/Cengage today. WHERE SHE BELONGS is a departure from my usual romantic comedy fare and also a departure from Penny’s books, which are erotic romances. WHERE SHE BELONGS still has humorous moments, and the love scenes are “tasteful” (according to my mother), but it’s also a deeply emotional story about belonging and forgiveness.
I’ve put the book cover up on this blog so many times, it’s not funny. But what’s book release day without the book cover?
You can find an excerpt for the book here. Already read that excerpt? Okay, here’s another one. First, buy links!
Information for your librarian to order from Five Star
Excerpt!
The following excerpt leads up to Jess and Adam’s first kiss. They are in Jess’s mother’s detached garage. Adam has been helping Jess with her recently deceased stepfather’s classic old car, which has mechanical issues. Jess and her mother have reunited after a long estrangement, and Jess doesn’t want to do anything (like have to convince her mother to sell the car) that could hamper the positive steps they are just learning to make in their relationship.
Adam strode toward her. “A friend of mine’s a good mechanic. He’ll look at it for you.”
“I’ll talk to Mom about it in a couple of days.”
“Don’t put it off. You don’t want her having transmission trouble after you leave.”
“Yes, but there’s no point rushing her into something she isn’t up to handling yet. Isn’t that what you said to me about the grocery shopping this morning?”
“I’m sure you’ll know best when to discuss it with your mom.” His hand settled on the hood a scant inch from hers. Her fingers twitched. She would not move them and risk making him feel like he carried a contagious disease. “I’d hate to see her stuck without reliable transportation, especially come winter.”
The hot car hood cooked her hand. Specific lower regions of her body warmed up, too—for reasons that had zippy to do with engine heat.
God, what a time to redevelop a teenage crush.
“I will talk to her, Adam.”
“I know. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.” He brushed grime off her sweater sleeve. His gaze lifted to meet hers. “You’re all dirty.” His thumb grazed her cheek, and her skin tingled. This was crazy!
“How did things go with the lawyer?” he asked. “Nora was quiet after the meeting.”
Don’t step back, she ordered herself. Don’t relay how much his touch affects you. “She needed time alone, um, to pull herself together. She’s doing better now, though. A friend dropped by to see her this afternoon. That helped.”
Adam’s faded-denim gaze pinned her in place. “The meeting went well?”
She shrugged. “Pete left her in a good position financially. The house and land were paid off before she married him, and he had life insurance. If she wanted to buy a new car, she could. I’d be willing to help her out, too, of course.”
“Of course.” He seemed to lean toward her slightly. Or she toward him? Awareness of him licked at her nerve-endings like a constant, low-burning flame.
“Would you like to stay for dinner? Mom wanted me to ask.” A lie. The question had popped out. “Molly brought over a casserole while you were gone. It’s heating in the oven. She and Mom are showing the horses to the kids,” she stupidly tacked on. Her rambling betrayed her nerves, which was silly. She’d had relationships with other men since Danny. She could deal with this unwelcome attraction to Adam.
“Do you want me to stay?” he asked softly.
“Um . . . ”
“I’m trying to be honest here, Jess. You’re in town for six weeks—that’s a fair while. I could keep my distance. However, the more I think about it, the more I realize I don’t want to. I’d like to see you while you’re here.”
“You mean as in dating?”
“If that’s what you want to call it. Although there aren’t many places in Destiny Falls I could take you on a formal date.”
Then what did he have in mind? A hook-up? “Well, I don’t sleep around.”
He laughed. “That’s gratifying to hear, because I wouldn’t dream of sharing you.” The scent of his aftershave floated to her, a heady mixture of moss and musk. “I was thinking more along the lines of getting to know each other better, one on one. However, if you’d like, we could always discuss our sleeping habits later.”
Her face burned. Now he knew the thought of having sex with him had crossed her mind. She wanted to crawl beneath the car and hide.
“Is there someone in Toronto?” he asked.
Say yes. “No, but—”
“Think about it for a few days. I’ll catch you on the weekend.”
“You’re not staying for dinner?” Her mother would be crushed.
“Can’t. Remember that big contract I mentioned Friday? I’m initiating some silviculture surveys up past Valemount tomorrow. They’re of the same nature, though smaller and less intensive. It’s another opportunity to show what MountainTop can do, so I’m leaving tonight.”
“Silviculture?”
“Textbook definition—the growing and tending of trees. We’re doing mainly survival assessments of blocks planted three years ago.”
“How long does starting the contract take?”
“Two or three days. Why, miss me already?”
***
Return Monday for another excerpt! Or visit my book page to find out how to buy.
Thank you for following along in my publishing journey!
