Sunday Snippet

 

My Sunday Snippet is from my f/m romance, Finding Our Morning. It opens in 1977, a few years prior to the Iranian revolution and the overthrow of the Shah. 

Blurb

She’s a down-to-earth Texan. He has royal blood in his veins. They were never meant to fall in love.

Ginny Tate knows everything about horses but nothing about love until she meets Dariush—David—Akbari at a polo tournament. His impeccable manners and exceptional horsemanship set him apart from the locals, and she’s fascinated.

Sponsored by his uncle, the Shah of Iran, David has spent the last decade in America. With a new degree in International Law and an altered view of his culture, David resists the idea of returning home to a prearranged marriage.

Torn between obligation and desire, David challenges his uncle and pursues Ginny. The relationship is forbidden on multiple levels, but they can’t deny the mutual attraction. When they give in, the couple is consumed by a passion that defies reason.

But David’s country is in turmoil, as are his feelings. He’s indebted to the Shah and must return home to Iran. Will he find a way back to the woman who stole his heart or will they both have to settle for memories?

Snippet

David groaned. “You’re killing me.”

“I know the reasons why we can’t do this,” Ginny said. “You’re leaving in a week and we have no future—”

“And that’s only a small part of it,” David said bitterly, abruptly releasing her.

Ginny wanted to kick herself for reminding him why they were a poor match. His enthusiasm deflated like a flat tire. She tried to rekindle the sputtering flame, cradling his face and demanding another kiss, but he’d completely shut down.

After a pregnant pause, David explained in a stilted voice, “You deserve more than a quick tumble in a car. I’d give a year of my life to be your first, but this is wrong on so many levels. I can’t do it.”

Ginny glared at him while she commenced dressing. “There’s a word for you in English, but it’s usually associated with a woman.”

“There are several good reasons I’m putting the brakes on this, Ginny, and it has nothing to do with being a tease.”

“Are you going to tell me the truth, or will you keep me guessing?”

“I’m protecting you, moosh-am.”

“What did you call me?”

David made a sound that was equal parts amused and embarrassed. “It’s a Persian term of endearment, which means little mouse.”

“Not very flattering,” Ginny blurted. “Am I like that annoying pest who is constantly underfoot?”

“No,” David said gently. “If circumstances were different, I’d prove how special you are, but I—”

“Stop making excuses, David. Any other guy would have me on my back right now. I’m obviously not your type.”

“That’s not true,” David maintained. “You’re very special. I know it sounds trite, but you’ll thank me when you meet the right guy. I’m not taking your virginity unless I can offer you something in return.”

“Isn’t a fantastic memory more than enough?”

“Maybe for you, but I know I’d want more once I’ve had a taste.”

Ginny eased back into the driver’s seat and removed the speaker hanging from the window. She turned the car key and gunned the engine. Insulted by the brush-off, she ignored his protests to stay and finish the movie, weaving the car in and out of the cramped space until they passed through the gates. She picked up speed the minute they hit the paved highway and drove like the devil was on her tail. Tears threatened to fall, but she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of seeing her break down. Screw him and his high principles.

She slammed on the brakes in front of the guest cottage and didn’t say a word when David made an attempt to break the awkward silence.

“Get out of the car, David.”

“I hate to end this day on such a sour note.”

“Yeah, well, you should have thought of that before you made me feel like a two-dollar whore.”

David scrubbed his face in frustration. “Please, try to understand my motives. I’m only thinking of your future.”

“See you in the morning,” Ginny said, choking back tears. “If you’re still interested in watching a live cover.”

“Isn’t mating season over?”

She whirled on him angrily. “Our stallions can be coaxed at any time. They’re not as scrupulous as you.”

“That’s not fair,” David replied.

“I’m not feeling particularly kind at the moment.”

“Won’t you come in for a second so we can try to straighten out this misunderstanding?”

“I got the message loud and clear,” Ginny said. “There’s no need to elaborate.”

“Moosh, please.”

“Don’t call me that,” Ginny snapped.

“I’m sorry.”

“You’re always fucking sorry.”

You can purchase the novel at AMAZON or read it for free with your Kindle Unlimited subscription.