Friday, July 28, 2017

Friday Preview: Loving Edits



Basque Trilogy: Book One

When bestselling novelist Mick Henley contacts his editor and former lover, Paul Alcott, after a seven-year absence, hearing Mick’s voice reinforces what Paul has known all along―he still loves Mick. The possible reunion entices Paul into considering a dinner invitation, but his hopes are dashed when he learns Mick is in a loving relationship with Spanish Jai alai player Tono Garat.

Paul still accepts the invitation, and Mick asks Paul to help Tono through the final revision of a love story he’s written, inspired by his affair with Mick. When Paul refuses, Mick reveals he’s been diagnosed with a fatal disease, and the novel is Tono’s only means of coping with the eventual outcome.

Paul and Tono resent each other, but they can't deny the strong sexual attraction between them. Can the past blend with the present to ease the way for Mick’s inevitable future? Will they overcome their differences to provide the loving support necessary to sustain the man they love or will their collision destroy Mick's final days?

Today's preview is from Loving Edits, the first book in the Basque Trilogy.

Excerpt:

PAUL stood outside the door, debating his decision to show up. He had
a bottle of red wine in one hand and a bunch of colorful wildflowers in
the other. He’d given in to a moment of sentimental weakness, and now
he wondered what the hell he was doing. He turned to leave when the
door was yanked open by a fractious brunet with a scowl on his face.
“¿Sí?”
“Um, I’m Paul Alcott.”
Tono glared and scrutinized him from the top of his shinning head
down his designer-clad body.
Paul was unfazed. He was just as curious about the man who’d
replaced him in Mick’s life. He inspected him like he would any rival,
noting the chestnut colored hair that curled around his neckline. His
upper body was hidden behind a loose T-shirt, but the finely formed
muscles of his arms were a clear indication of what was underneath.
Paul sized up the man who had stolen Mick’s heart. He was striking, no
doubt about it. The fiery eyes were bad enough, but it was the mouth
made for sucking that sent Paul’s mind straight to the gutter. He was
shocked by his body’s quick response to this stranger, despite the
obvious antagonism. He brought his hand down, casually covering the
evidence of his growing interest with the flowers.
Finally, the Spaniard blinked and rewarded Paul with a tentative
smile. “I’m Tono Garat,” he announced in a heavily accented voice.
“Nice to meet you.” Paul nodded. “Is Mick around?”
“Yes, of course. Come in, please.”
Tono turned, and Paul zeroed in on the rounded ass covered in
tight white shorts. The lack of any telltale garter lines was a clear
indication that Tono was naked under those shorts, and Paul couldn’t
help but notice.
“Paul!” Mick called out, moving forward swiftly and hugging
Paul to his chest. “God, it’s been too long.”
“I know,” Paul smiled, falling under Mick’s spell easily. It had
always been so good between them, and despite the years and the
distance, the sentiment remained the same. “You’re still as gorgeous as
ever,” he teased.
“Oh, stop. You always were good for my ego.”
“The years have been good to you, my friend,” Paul continued,
taking in every part of Mick. He did look great, trim and fit, cleanshaven.
His hair was a little longer than Paul remembered, but the dark
curls framed Mick’s tanned face, making the unforgettable eyes
practically leap out at him.
“You don’t look half-bad either.” Mick’s voice shifted, and the
words came out like a soft caress. He toyed with a lock of Paul’s silky
hair, curling it around his finger. “When did you let your hair grow?”
“After my father died; no more memos about looking
professional.” Paul grinned as he recalled Paul Senior’s edicts.
“Shall I take the wine?” Tono interrupted, clearly uncomfortable.
He knew all about Paul and Mick’s history, but seeing the chemistry
was a different matter entirely. He felt the first twinge of jealousy but
pushed it down quickly.
“Sure,” Paul replied, handing Tono the bottle.
“Would you like a glass of sangria? I made a pitcher,” Tono
asked, never taking his eyes off Paul’s face.
“That sounds good. I’m assuming it’s authentic.”
“I made it from scratch,” Tono said indignantly.
“Come,” Mick stepped in, diffusing the situation. He took Paul by
the arm and led him out to the tiny patio that had a wrought iron table
for four and several wooden planters filled with assorted vegetables
growing abundantly. The tomatoes were ripe and hanging from
branches held up with green sticks. The Weber grill was off to one
side a tribute to summer and warm evenings.
“This is really nice, Mick. I had no idea this was out here.”
“Not too many people do. I guess the owners built this area to try
and simulate a garden, so I benefit. It’s what attracted me to this unit in
the first place.”
Paul sat down and stretched out, loving the sight of Mick after so
long. “So what have you been up to?”
“Living La Vida Loca,” Mick smiled. “Doing some writing, Paul,
but mostly enjoying my life.”
“Sounds great. Are you still working on your sequel?”
“That, as well as something new.”
“Oh?”
“I’m helping Tono with his book.”
“You’re a writer?” Paul was surprised for some reason.
“I’m not,” Tono replied, placing a large wine glass with bits of
floating fruit and ice in front of Paul. “I’m a professional Jai alai player,
but I’ve written a romance, loosely based on my relationship with
Mick.”
“A romance?” Paul scoffed. His look was a combination of
surprise and ridicule. “Why?” He turned to Mick for the answer.
“Because I’m dying.”

The Basque Trilogy is now available as a bundle for $9.99 at Dreamspinner Press.
https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/basque-trilogy-by-mickie-b-ashling-8638-b

No comments:

Post a Comment