Tasty Tuesday Dec 4, 2012

SOURCE:

ACH Foods Company, Inc.

 

 

Now for a tasty excerpt:

This is a foody excerpt from my debut novel, Eternity. I hope this leaves you hungry for more

 

The bright neon lights of Joe’s Diner sliced into the gloomy late evening night. “We don’t have to enter.” Roman said, his fingers gently brushing her arm. Standing outside the restaurant, his words sounded reasonable, logical even, but that didn’t stop the pounding of her heart. Still, she moved forward.“Are you sure?”

The warmth of his palm seeped into her and calmed the growing dread. His hand stroked slowly down her arm to cup her elbow. Stella looked into his handsome face. Worry creased his forehead and pleasure bloomed in her chest. She couldn’t remember the last time anyone worried about her or even cared.

“You’ve had a long day.”

True, but she had more energy than ever before, almost as if nothing happened to her. Though only a few days out of the hospital, she healed incredibly fast. Still, she hoped she didn’t pay for it later, but if she did, oh well. She’d survived worse. The thought of being cooped up in her apartment, guarded like she was the crown jewels, held no appeal. Though there were worse things than being trapped with Roman. Every night they shared the futon. Wrapped in his arms, she’d never felt safer or more confused. “I’m fine and we won’t be here long. I just need to get my last paycheck.”She smiled. He studied her face a moment longer before opening the door.

She paused in the doorway and breathed in the comforting scent of French fries, bacon grease and coffee. For three years, she earned a paycheck here and hated every minute. Hated the cheap linoleum, the checkered Formica tables and faded pinstriped wallpaper. The bad retro her boss’ subconscious spewed forth after a late night toe-to-toe with a bottle of Jack and Elvis Presley, had wormed its way into her heart. Familiarity bred comfort and the hideous place became home.

“Stella? Oh my god, it’s you.” Cathy rushed over and pulled her into a smothering embrace. In his customary grease stained apron, Joe lumbered from behind the counter and joined the crush. Stella breathed deeply and Cathy’s botanical shampoo mixed with Joe’s smoky sweat. Home, the word circulated sweetly in her brain.

“It’s so good to see you. We both came by the hospital a few times, but they didn’t know when you’d wake up. Then you did and before I could get there, you were gone. What are you doing out of bed?” Cathy asked.

“I came to get my paycheck.” She suffered their attention until Cathy noticed Roman still standing in the doorway.

“Hello.” Cathy dragged out the word until it was a full sentence. She eyed him from the crown of his jet-black hair head to the toe of his jet-black boots. “And who are you?” She broke free from the hug and sauntered over to him.

“He’s with me, Cathy.” Stella surprised herself by rushing to Roman’s side. “He’s my bodyguard.”

“Bodyguard? Are you serious?” Cathy half laughed.

“Why do you need a bodyguard?” Joe chimed in.

“As long as The Strangler is free, she’s in danger.” Roman’s deep voice rumbled through her.

Cathy cupped Stella’s face in her hands. “I told you to take a cab. Finally, I’m right about something and it has to be this. Go figure. Shit, girl, you coulda died. How are you?” Cathy brushed Stella’s hair out of her face and gasped. Stella jerked away.

Roman’s arm circled her waist and pulled her close to him.

“Stella, your face—”

“I’m better.” Stella shrugged and glanced at Roman. Those blue eyes caressed her, missing nothing.

“You’re more than better.” Joe’s meaty hand patted her shoulder awkwardly. “Are you hungry? Grab a seat. I’ll fix you both Stella’s favorite.” He returned to the kitchen.

They sat in a booth near the back of the diner. Cathy quickly brought water and two Cokes. She tried to linger, but more customers entered. Facing the exit, Roman’s gaze shifted from hers to the door. Stella turned and together they studied a group of college students entering. When she turned back, Roman was staring at her.

“Care to tell me what your favorite meal is?” He pulled the menu from the holder at the other end of the table.

“I wouldn’t necessarily call anything in here my favorite, though a few things are more edible than others,” she whispered.

He grimaced and she took the menu from him.

“The chicken strips and fries are safe if he doesn’t overcook them. The hamburgers are more than good. Don’t eat the seafood.”She lowered her voice. “It’ll kill you.”

Roman leaned forward and crooked a finger for her to do the same. “Nothing can kill me. I’m indestructible.”

Looking at his muscular body and staring at his rugged face, she believed him. Hell, hovering inches from his smiling lips, breathing in the woodsy, masculine scent of him, she’d believe anything he wanted to tell her. She sat back on her side of the booth.

Two chicken strip baskets slid in front of them. “I swiped their order for you,” Cathy said conspiratorially, pointing a finger at the couple playing tongue hockey at the table closest to the front door. “They’re in love.” She rolled her eyes. “They won’t mind waiting ten more minutes.”

“So,” Cathy turned her attention to Roman. “Can you guard me when you’re done with Stella ‘cause my body definitely needs protecting.” Blonde from a bottle, tanned from a salon, her million-watt smile worked on many men and she didn’t spare him any of the wattage.

“He’s unavailable, Cathy.” Stella warned.

Roman’s gaze slid to hers.

“Oh, okay.” Cathy’s smile wavered, but rebounded quickly. “Anymore like you back at the agency?”

“There are a few more. You can choose from the bunch.” Stella’s mouth and libido were in cahoots. She stuffed a French fry between her lips.

 

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