Release Day for Winter's Thaw

My third story in the Seasoned Women series, Winter's Thaw, is out today at Total-E-Bound. Here's the blurb and an excerpt:

BLURB:


Book three in the Seasoned Women Series

Sometimes in the depths of winter, warmth can force a unexpected bloom.

In shock after the death of her ex-husband, Maggie Winter gave in to her need for comfort with Nick, but immediately regretted her impulsive act.

With her young daughter to raise alone, it was time to start acting her age. But Nick isn't put off by her cool act and has no problem turning up the heat.

EXCERPT:

Now on rotation for her viewing pleasure were Blue-Eyes’ long legs, stretched out under the seat in front of him and crossed at the ankles. His large, strong hand rested on the armrest between them, long fingers drumming occasionally. It was tanned and for some reason, sent a spike of feeling shooting through her gut as she watched it tap.

“Would you like something to drink?” This question was from the flight attendant, as she set a napkin on the area between the armrests, her manicured hand lingering close to Blue-Eyes’ forearm. Irritation made Maggie’s mouth tighten as she looked up and found the flight attendant practically in Blue-Eyes’ lap as she bent over him. It had to be against airline regulations to have her shirt unbuttoned that far down.

To Maggie’s shock, Blue-Eyes picked up her own hand, his fingers toying with her wedding band. He leaned closer to her, “Sweetheart, do you want something?”

Her gaze snapped to his, uncomprehending, as her jaw dropped in shock. What is he doing? The strokes of his fingers on hers was doing something wicked to her insides.

“Let’s start with some water. She has a bad headache.” This was directed to the flight attendant. “Do you have anything she can take for the pain?”

Maggie watched as the attendant withdrew to the galley, then turned back to Blue-Eyes. “She’s gone now. You can let go,” she whispered hoarsely, trying in vain to reclaim her hand.

“But she’ll be back,” he murmured just as quietly. He bent his head towards hers again. His dark hair looked like it had been recently cut in a short, businesslike style with a slight wave, and his chiselled jaw line sported a hint of shadow. His fingers stopped moving, but continued to hold her hand. Maggie could feel the warmth spreading upwards from her chest to her face as the blush consumed her. How long had it been since she’d sat holding hands like a kid on a date? Wade wasn’t much for PDA. That thought did the sudden smack of reality thing again, which only added to her anxiety.

She turned away to try to get herself under control and could hear Blue-Eyes thanking the flight attendant. She gave a surreptitious tug to her left hand, practically a yank. He refused to relinquish it immediately but gently turned her hand over and placed two pills in her palm.

“Are these okay?” he asked, indicating the medicine in her hand. She glanced down and nodded. He held a glass of water, which he gestured with. “Go ahead.”

She tipped the pills onto her tongue and reached for the glass. Her fingers brushed his as she took it, and she mentally castigated herself as she swallowed the water. C’mon, Mags. Hardly a good time to get caught up flirting with some aeroplane Romeo.

This sobered her again, and she knew she had to nip this in the bud as she finished the glass of water and set it down. “Thanks,” she offered blandly, without looking at him. She pointedly closed her eyes and leant back.
She could feel his regard, but stubbornly refused to acknowledge him and tried to relax. It felt so good to close her eyes. This was her fourth flight in two days.

Her eyes flew open in shock as she felt a glancing touch across her breasts. Her nipples instantly hardened to taut peaks, and she saw Blue-Eyes’ arm leaning across her chest.

“Seatbelt,” he explained as he buckled her in. “You forgot to fasten it. I thought you were almost asleep.” His eyelashes swept downwards and she could feel the tension between them ratchet up about ten notches as she sensed him noticing her reaction to his touch.

She squirmed a little under his gaze. Had she ever been on the receiving end of a look like that from a guy like him? Never in her very ordinary life. Maggie closed her eyes again, a little desperately, resisting the almost overwhelming urge to cross her arms across her chest. Apparently, Blue-Eyes finally got the message, since he also settled back into his seat.

Gradually, she relaxed, and the plane taxied towards takeoff. She was hyperaware of her body and could feel her breasts jouncing slightly as the plane moved over the runway. Was he watching? Just the thought made her peak again. A slight intake of breath next to her made her wish for a blanket. She hardly ever wore a bra, since she barely fit into an A cup, and never when she travelled. Now she wished she had some armour to reign in her wayward breasts, even if it would have been uncomfortable. Her nipples seemed to be eagerly awaiting the next touch. Party’s over, ladies.

Check it out at TEB.