Romantic couples of film: Part 1 by Grace Augustine #OurAuthorGang

photo courtesy of 8Tracks

Romance has been around since the Garden of Eden...well, maybe that wasn't romance, but you get the idea. 

When our minds wander to the big screen, who do you think of as the most romantic couples of film and television? In part one of my blog series, I will share with you three of the most iconic couples in history.

photo courtesy of Biography.com

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were the hot item in the early 1950's.  With movies like "TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT",  "THE BIG SLEEP", "DARK PASSAGE", and "KEY LARGO"...this couple set the screen on fire. The chemistry between these two was real. They were husband and wife. Bacall was only 19 when she met Bogart, 45, on the set of To Have and Have Not in 1944. Bogey was already married to his 3rd wife when he met Lauren, but that didn't stop the scandalous affair. In May of 1945, shortly after Bogart divorced, he married Bacall at a farm owned by Pulitzer Prize winner, Louis Bromfield, in Lucas, Ohio. They had two children and stayed married until Bogart's death in 1957. For more on this romantic couple, please check out their story by clicking this link:
https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a44357/humphrey-bogart-lauren-bacall-marriage/

photo courtesy of Pinterest

One of my all time favorite couples was Rock Hudson and Doris Day. He was so handsome and she so adorable. Their acting wasn't really acting. They adored one another. My favorite Hudson/Day film has to be the 1959 hit "PILLOW TALK." I still watch their movies every chance I get. In 1961 they starred in "LOVER COME BACK" and in 1964 "SEND ME NO FLOWERS." They were incredibly sweet, silly romances that made you laugh. Movies like this are hard to come by today, in my opinion. Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 and died 1985. Doris Day is still going strong and looks marvelous for being 96 years old.

photo courtesy of American Daily Patriot

They were not a couple of film, but the most iconic romantic couple of that era had to be President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy. Although their relationship was tumultuous at times, they stood by each other until the end. Kennedy married Jackie Bouvier on September 12, 1953 at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island. The Kennedys had 3 children: John, Jr., Caroline, and Patrick. Jackie's sense of fashion turned the world upside down and had women everywhere wanting to look "just like Jackie." Their fairy tale marriage ended in November of 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated. Jackie and Ari Onassis were married from 1968 to 1975.

Join me next time for Part 2 as we continue exploring famous romantic couples.

http://www.graceaugustine.weebly.com

http://www.twitter.com/mallidalli

http://www.facebook.com/grace.au.372

So, This is April by Grace Augustine #OurAuthorGang

April is the fourth month of the year on the Gregorian Calendar. It's name is derived from the Latin word "aperit" which means to open...so named because of the time of year when trees bud and flower "open."  April is also considered to be linked to Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty,pleasure, and procreation.

I love this month, not only because my 2nd son was born on April 1st, but particularly because my favorite flowers usually bloom--iris and tulips. In the Skagit Valley of Washington state, there are tulip farms...fields and fields of color this time of year. It's always been my passion to see those fields.

For thirty years I was a floral designer and shop manager. I loved anything floral, working with the customers to create one of a kind arrangements that would suit their needs--whether it be for a birthday or in memory of a deceased loved one.

The final book of my Acorn Hills Series, Special Occasions, is about Jillian, a floral designer who embarks on a new path at the age of 60 something.

http://a.co/80yPzv0

In a memoir to her children, Jillian recounts her life....here is an excerpt.

"As I sit here glancing out the window, the world thirty-eight thousand feet below me, I marvel at all of the firsts I’ve experienced.

        The summer of 1963 we got our first black and white television. I was seven years old. Our world was shattered in November of that year with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. School was dismissed and it was eerily quiet everywhere as everybody was glued to their televisions with the hopes the news wasn't true. I was too young then to understand its impact.

       In February of 1964 the Beatles made their first American television appearance. Yeah, I know…who are the Beatles? I chuckle as I write that, because I remember both of you asking me who they were when I sang along to their music. What was more  heartwarming...the fact you love them, too.

        The Vietnam war was already in high gear in 1964, and we’d lost close to 300 soldiers. I cringe when I remember seeing the events in Times Square and the marches protesting the war. It was an ugly time, a senseless time.

        I entered junior high school in 1967. The world was still a mess. The Vietnam war waged on…thirteen of our military helicopters were shot down. While all of this was going on thousands of miles away, here in the states, Timothy Leary, the father of LSD, told people all they needed to do was turn on, tune in, and drop out. I did none of those. I’m sure your Grandpa and Grandma Stevens experimented with the little pill, though.

In the late 60’s and early 70’s, music festivals were popping up everywhere. Probably the most memorable one was in 1969…Woodstock, when over forty thousand people descended on White Lake, New York for a three-day music/love/drug fest.

I wasn’t interested in that one. It was too far away. I wanted to go to the Monterey Folk Festival in Monterey, California. I remember pleading with your grandparents to let me go. I wanted to meet Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, Gracie Slick and Jefferson Airplane. They said no, of course. I never got to do anything fun. Sound familiar, boys?

        Gas prices were fifty-five cents per gallon in 1974, and the SLA had kidnapped Patty Hearst. I was a senior and your grandparents were planning my graduation party. Your dad and I had been dating for a while at this point and we decided we’d apply to colleges in Montana. We were accepted and for the next 5 years we spent our time traveling from Bozeman to Acorn Hills.

        In the midst of the global, ecological awareness in 1978, Sweden became the first country to ban aerosol sprays. A brutal serial killer, by the name of Ted Bundy, was captured in Florida. Pope John Paul II, the only Polish Pope, became the Holy Father of the Catholic church. Probably one of the most senseless things to happen this year was the loss of nine hundred and eighteen lives because of Jim Jones and his poisoned kool-aid promise of a better life."

http://www.graceaugustine.weebly.com
http://www.facebook.com/grace.au.372
http://twitter.com/mallidalli

Biological, Chosen, or Fantasy #OurAuthorGang

by Grace Augustine

I dare to wager a bet...at some point in your life you have longed for a family other than your own.  I think we all do that. My parents, in the above photo, were older parents. I was their only child. My father, a Filipino, died when I was 9 years old. My Mother died when I was 30. Tomorrow would have been her 100th birthday. 

I didn't know either set of grandparents. I think that was due to age and location more than anything.  My maternal grandparents lived in Missouri and paternal grandparents, from the Philippines, died long before I was born.

There was no one to grow up with. Don't get me wrong, I had neighborhood kids I ran around with, but there was no one to grow up with in my home. Today, my biological family is comprised of my two sons and beautiful feline, Bou. Since I have no cousins, no aunts, uncles...no one...I've chosen my family. I have chosen sisters and brothers all over the world that are either real, in person friends chosen as family, or online internet never-met family.

photo created by photofunia

When I penned The Acorn Hills Series, I based it on a close-knit group of friends who experienced life together. They grew up going to sporting events, catching each other's tears, and laughing and rejoicing at each other's accomplishments--much the same as a real family would.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7QFRUK/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

Whether you have a fabulous biological family, a family you've chosen through friendship, or a fantasy family that you'd like to someday have, I hope you make memories together that all will remember and maybe one day write stories about.

Book Spotlight #OurAuthorGang

Author Grace Augustine

Things are buzzing in Acorn Hills as the community prepares for the annual holiday celebration. A huge parade in the New District, the ceremonial tree lighting in the park, the caroling along the river walk, and a feast for friends and family that you won't want to miss.  Join your favorite characters as they play a game of hide and seek and find what was in front of them all along.

https://www.books2read.com/u/brJlAb

An excerpt from Holiday Hide & Seek, Book 4 of The Acorn Hills Series (this series is for mature readers 18 years of age and older)

"AND SO, IT BEGINS

     “That should just about do it, unless there are any questions.”

      Jordan looked around the room at The Art Galleria Administrative Board. No one said a thing.

      “Good. You know if you have problems, need anything, or have questions, I’m always available. Thank you for giving up your Saturday afternoon to get the ball rolling. This holiday season will be upon us sooner than we think. I want to make sure it’ll be unlike any other in the New District of Acorn Hills.”

       The meeting disbursed into the reception room of the Galleria. Jack Everling, pushed his walker, ambled slowly toward his son, and extended his hand, which Jordan grasped firmly.

       “Son, you’ve done a great job with this place.  I’m glad it all worked out. I’m proud of you,” Jack smiled and looked around the grand room.

       “Well, Dad, all thanks to you and Louis. I’d almost given up finding a job.”

    “Sounds like you have a lot of great plans for the holidays, a lot of great things happening here,” Jack smiled.

     “Yes, I want this to be the best, most different, most elegant, most holiday season Acorn Hills has ever seen.”         

       Jordan’s excitement extended through his arms as he kept opening them up each time the word most came from his mouth. He sported a huge grin which made his eyes twinkle.

        “Is Ginger on board with your plans?”

        Jordan chuckled. Knowing his lovely wife, she would have things well in hand long before the nights they were needed.

        “Dad, Ginger’s a micro-manager when it comes to events.  She’s been doing this for years. What I’m worried about is not having enough jobs for everyone to do. The interest in this by the businesses, owners and employees has been phenomenal.”

          Jack reached for his coat and Jordan held it as his father put his arms in the sleeves.

         “You know your mom and I will do whatever we can to help. All you have to do is ask.”

  Jack gave a brief hug to his son as he headed for the door.

      “I’m counting on you to be Mr. and Mrs. Santa.  That’s your official duty, Dad. Always has been!”

          Jordan looked at the lines around the eyes of his aging father made more prominent by the delightful smile from his son’s words. Realizing there weren’t going to be too many more holidays together saddened Jordan." 

Thanksgiving Remembrances #OurAuthorGang

by Grace Augustine, Author

(photo courtesy of freecreatives.com)

Today, preparations begin for the feast of all feasts in America on Thursday... Thanksgiving. I'm sure you have your turkey thawing, your cranberry sauce made, as well as several other delectable desserts. The foods that have become tradition in your households will grace your tables as you gather with family and friends. Or, maybe you go out to eat at one of many Thanksgiving buffets in your community. Or, maybe your place of worship hosts community meals.

In years past, my table has held as many as 20 and as few as 1. It was laden with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, fresh cranberry relish, and of course fresh coffee and pumpkin pie with a spritz of whipped cream. In more recent years, I've gone the non-traditional route and served ham balls and scalloped potatoes with a tossed salad.

(photo courtesy of Pinterest)

Whatever you choose to eat or do on this day, please remember to give thanks for the incredible gifts you are given...that can be a loving family, a warm house, food to eat, the chance to rest alone, visit with others, or volunteer at a shelter serving a meal. We often forget to take a moment and be thankful. It is with a heart of gratitude that our attitudes change.  From my little family to yours, may your turkey be juicy, may you toast to many new blessings, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with much love.

http://a.co/4AtamqC

Acorn Hills is getting ready for the annual holiday parade and the group of friends you've come to know and love is preparing a holiday get together at The Art Galleria. Join your favorites...Richard, Jillian, Denise, David, Jordan, and Ginger as they enjoy the festivities of the season. New characters, Brad Davidson and Eve Braden, have some surprises of their own, including a community hide and seek for shopper dollars. (The Acorn Hills series is for mature readers 18 yrs and older)

Here's an excerpt from Holiday Hide & Seek:

  "Brad Davidson held the door open with his foot as he maneuvered the dolly with the boxes on it inside The Acorn Hills Chronicle. Two women, at different desks, were typing furiously and the almost too loud Christmas music hit his ears immediately.

   "Where do you want these?" Brad asked loudly, directing his words to the woman at the first desk.

   "Let me ask Eve."

   The woman picked up the phone and pushed a couple buttons. Soon she was asking the editor of the newspaper about the delivery and where it was to go. Before the woman placed the receiver back on its cradle, Eve appeared, confidently walking toward the front counter where Brad stood.

  "Hiya, Handsome," Eve teased, flashing a flirty smile.

   "Miss Braden," Brad nodded. "I have seven boxes today. Where would you like them stacked?"

   "Do you mind taking them directly to the print room?" Eve asked.

   Brad made his way to the back room with the dolly stacked with boxes. His heart was beating a bit faster than he liked, but it seemed to do that whenever he spoke to this woman.

   Eve was beautiful. Her blonde hair was cut in a cute, sassy style that suited her. Her clothing accentuated her petite figure. Today she wore a forest green sweater dress that was belted at the waist. Her earrings and bangle bracelets matched the large link gold choker that encircled her neck. The stacked-heel black suede boots hit her mid-calf and completed her professional look.

   Brad hadn't seen anyone in his travels that compared to her. She was always smiling, always had a smart-ass comment, and always seemed to flirt with him. Brad smiled.

   Maybe I'll just have to start flirting back."

Familiarity, Warm Fuzzies, and Pilling slippers #OurAuthorGang

                                               by Grace Augustine, Author

 I write romance...

(photo courtesy of freephotos.com)

Like most red-blooded females, I love romance, but with romance comes a host of other feelings you don't bank on.

The excitement of a new relationship engages our adrenaline, our endorphins. We are happy, gleeful, walk around in a daze, and smile for no reason. It's fun and playful and everything we ever dreamed. It's the warm fuzzies of life...and it's good...really good.

Once the newness wears off, the relationship moves into the familiarity stage. You know...that stage where you are comfortable with each other, you don't have to share each moment of every day, you're happy sitting across the room from one another--each doing your own thing.

This is where we need to be careful in our relationships. The fine line between a familiarity and what I call pilling slippers. There comes a time in each relationship, if it isn't nurtured properly, where one or the other or both partners become nothing more than the pilling on slippers or an old sweater. What do I mean? We become so lax in keeping our relationship fresh and alive, that it dies a bit each day...it becomes routine, boring...the fuzz balls on your sweater.

(photo courtesy of freephotos.com)

Enter our Super Hero...Romance...dun dun dun dun! An unexpected note in a lunch sack, tickets to the theatre on the passenger seat of the vehicle, texting I love you on your cell phones...dropping by places of work, just because.

In the 3rd book of my Acorn Hills Series, you meet Denise. Denise is a troubled teen who gets into a bit of trouble, turns her life around, becomes a successful business woman, and is blessed beyond measure with people who love her. From high school to present time, Denise is plagued with many obstacles...obstacles that would break the normal woman. She persists, moves forward, and captures the heart of her true love, David Turner. Their relationship endures the newness of love, the familiarity of togetherness, and the everlasting, unconditional love we all long for. I hope you enjoy her story in Sultry Sensations. (The books in the Acorn Hills series are for mature readers 18 yrs of age and older)

http://a.co/hOu1hXi

Here's an excerpt:

"Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of they womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

     The words were such a vital part of who Denise was and they shaped her very foundation at this stage of her young life. She was only sixteen, but she had a deep faith. It seemed to be the only thing that was static, steady, a sure thing. God knows, there was nothing else stable about her life.

     Denise Berrie barely remembered her father. He walked out on her and her mother thirteen years ago.She hadn't seen him since, hadn't heard a single word from him. In fact, no one had. It was the ultimate disappearing act. Now that she was a teenager, she began piecing things together: trying to figure out what happened, where she came from, what it meant for her now.

    The only conclusion that came to her was that her dad couldn't take the constant drinking and yelling from her mom, nor could he take the fact there were other men...several men. It didn't matter who...the landlord, the mailman, hell at one point she remembered being told to go outside to play when the social security guy was there for a welfare visit. Denise remembered him as a very nice man, a very handsome man, and he was always tucking in his shirt when he left the house.

     Denise clutched her book of prayers and rosary. This is what gave her comfort. It certainly wasn't her mother. She couldn't remember when the last time was she had a hug or a kind word from her only parent."

Recipies change as the seasons change #OurAuthorGang

Food for Autumn and beyond

by Grace Augustine

Don't you just love the cooler temperatures? Looking outside your window at the beautiful reds and yellows and oranges that dress the maples? The smell of hot spiced cider?

Hot spiced cider

1 gallon apple juice

1 C granulated sugar

1Tbsp cloves (whole)

1 Tsp. allspice

7 cinnamon sticks broken into chunks

6-8 thin slices of oranges

In a heavy pan, pour apple juice and add spices. Bring to a boil. Cover pan and turn temperature to low and simmer at least one hour.  Uncover and add orange slices. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

One of my most favorite breakfasts on a cold morning is a warm pecan roll. I found this recipe in a magazine collection and over the years have added my own spin on it. It is the easiest and most delicious recipe I've found.

2pkg dry active yeast

2-1/2C lukewarm water

1 tsp sugar

1 pkg white cake mix

6 C all-purpose flour

1 egg

1/3 C canola oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 C melted butter (no substitutes)

2/3 C sugar

4 tsp cinnamon

4 C powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla

3-4 Tbsp milk

1. In large mixing bowl, stir yeast into 1/2 C warm water and 1 tsp sugar. Let stand 5 minutes or until foamy.

2. Stir in cake mix, 1C flour, egg, oil, salt, and remaining water to the yeast mixture. Beat with electric mixer on high for 3 min, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Using wooden spoon, stir in remaining flour to form a moderately soft dough (dough will be sticky).

3. Cover and let rise in refrigerator over night or until double in size.

4. Lightly grease two 9 x 13 pans and set aside.

5. Remove dough from refrigerator and stir. Divide dough in half and turn one portion of dough onto well-floured surface. Turn to coat lightly with flour. Roll into 12 x 8 rectangle and brush with 1/2 of the melted butter.

6. In separate bowl, mix together 2/3 C sugar and 4 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this mixture on dough and roll jelly roll style, beginning at one of the long sides. pinch edges to seal. Repeat with remaining dough, butter, and sugar mixture.

7. Cut each roll crosswise into 12 pieces (usually makes more) and arrange cut side down in prepared pans. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm place til nearly doubled...will take close to 60 minutes.

8. Uncover pans and place baking sheets under each. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned and rolls sound hollow when lightly tapped. Invert on serving plates and drizzle with icing.

POWDERED SUGAR ICING

Mix 4 C powdered sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, and 3-4 Tbsp of milk to drizzling consistency.

VARIATION...GERMAN CHOCOLATE PECAN ROLLS (MY VERY FAVORITE)

1. Prepare dough as for traditional, only use 1 pkg German Chocolate Cake mix instead of white cake mix.

2. Filling will be 2/3C sugar, 1-1/4C mini chocolate chips and 1C shredded coconut.

3. In saucepan melt 2/3 C butter (no substitutes) 1-1/3C packed brown sugar, 1/3C light corn syrup. Cook until sugar melts. Remove from heat and stir in 2C coarsely chopped pecans.

4. Divide sugar/pecan mixture between the two pans. Slice dough and place on top of mixture and bake as directed.

5. Cool 3-5 minutes before inverting onto serving plates.

Now it's time to sit back with a cup of mocha (freshly brewed coffee, a scoop of hot chocolate mix and topped with whipped cream) and enjoy a good book.

http://a.co/i1RBT5t

Ginger Farnsworth grew up in the 70's, a very interesting, unique time in history. She was the captain of the cheer squad, led the dance and flag teams, and aspired to be the best chef in the world. We journey with Ginger through the next forty years as she lives life on the edge. Her penchant for cooking takes her to France and turns her into an award-winning pastry chef. We travel through the adversities and joys of her life from beginning a successful business to finally finding Mr. Right.  Mystic Capers, Book 2 of The Acorn Hills Series, will tug at your heart strings as you remember the milestone events of your life. It's funny, romantic, and brutally realistic. Look carefully, you may just see a wee bit 'o ye between the lines.

http://www.facebook.com/grace.au.372

http://www.twitter.com/mallidalli

http://www.graceaugustine.weebly.com

Bittersweet beginnings #OurAuthorGang

How do I get through the tough stuff?  I write.

by Grace Augustine

As I reflect on the loves of my life, (there have only been 4--2 husbands, a fiance and a very special man) I find I've been "in" love two times. Once was in the 1980's with a redheaded Scottish chiropractor. We'd seen each other for months and talked of marriage. He attended an out of town conference and said when he got home we'd discuss it more. He didn't get home. I received a phone call from his office manager telling me that he had committed suicide. The family was making arrangements and I'd be notified when services were.  Oh, the pain! The anger! The loss! I was friends with a radio station disc jockey and we were to have had dinner that night.  I phoned and told him what had happened. He of course was working and couldn't leave the station,but he encouraged me to write. I wrote what I titled "A Eulogy for Philip" and put down my pen for good...or so I thought.

https://www.amazon.com/Fragments-Reflection-Grace-Augustine/dp/1511831480

An Eulogy for Philip

I love you with a love so deep

My days are filled with pain

The nights do not hold sleep.

My head only beats in anger

My heart is an empty shell

I’m numb, void of feeling

For today from life you fell.

I remember many dinners

Late night moonlight walks

Singing and playing music

And quiet heartfelt talks

I remember Halloween

The masked bandit and the clown

Laughing and dancing ‘til 3 am

And all the love we found

I remember the day we met

I thought you old and gray

Then deja vous got in our way

You loved wispy pastels and long flowing hair

We made quite a pair, you and I

You came to Sunday dinner in a three piece suit

Portraying some big winner

You saw me during good times

Counselled me in bad

Held me during rough times

Loved me when I was sad

Animals seemed to love you

Children did, too.

You played the piano and we sang ‘til dawn

I still can’t believe you’re really gone

Gone from my life

And all that is real

We sat on your roof

Counting the stars

Dreaming our dreams

I never thought you’d leave

Be gone forever

And I’d never get the chance to say good-bye

I wonder where you are

Are you sitting on a star?

Sailing a ship?

Singing love songs in my ear?

Have you passed through the Gate?

Are you clothed in sparkling white?

God, I feel you so close

My heart beats in tune with yours

As it always did

I loved the curls of your soft auburn hair

The twinkle in your beautiful eyes

Every time you smiled.

Your closeness warms my heart

My dear, dear, Philip

We will never live our dreams

We will never be together

We will never be each other’s soulmate

I’ll never hold you again

Feel the warmth of your touch

The passion filled kisses

The plans for marriage

For a lifetime together

All gone in the blink of an eye.

I love you, darling

Someday, someday

We will have our second chance

We will have a brand new start

Until then

Fly with the angels

Brighten the night sky

I’ll forever hold you in my heart

I’ll see you soon

I’ll never say goodbye

--5/21/81

It seems my batting record with romance is a big fat zero! Don't get me wrong, when I love, I love with every ounce of me. That may be my biggest downfall. After an unfortunate set of circumstances I could no longer overlook, or be part of, six years ago I ended a relationship with the man I felt was my soulmate. This person taught me what I wanted from love, taught me how to love completely with no reservation, and taught me how to grow. To say I was devastated was an understatement! I was angry...seeing red, snorting bull angry... that he didn't seem to understand why my decision had to stand.

So, as I had in the past when adversity struck, I pulled out paper and pen and wrote down my thoughts and feelings. Tears poured down my cheeks and onto the paper. My head soon was on that wet surface as I grieved for what I'd lost. Soon, I'd written 30 pages...front and back...and a story was forming. Little did I know at that time, it would be the first book of my Acorn Hills Series... Bittersweet.

It's amazing the stories we can weave when we are uspet, betrayed, unloved, or so elated we want to shout to the masses from the rooftops.

I hope you enjoy reading Bittersweet. It is book 1 of The Acorn Hills Series and is free on all platforms.

http://a.co/aZ2CsId

Excerpt from Bittersweet:

     "One of Jake’s major problems was that he loved women. Not just some women, but ALL women.  Sure he knew that he brought it all on himself, but damn it, he just couldn’t help how he felt.  He loved how they looked, how they smelled.  Hell, he could even tell which ones were ripe and in “heat” when walking by them! He loved the curves of full breasts, whether they were a B cup or a double D! He loved the sight of a tight ass as it walked away in front of him; the perfect sway of those hips with each step.  Ah, yes, women!  His pet word for them was “PITA” which stood for Pains in the Ass.

        No two ways about it, Jake WAS charming.  He knew how to get what he wanted from just about anyone.  He was a master at putting his spin on the truth.  People seemed drawn to him like the Pied Piper. Maybe the spin came in a look or in his dazzling smile or in his deep commanding voice. It was different for each situation.

         Little did people know that once in his lair, it was hard to get away and more difficult to escape the charming smoke screen that enshrouded the situation.  That didn’t mean he got off scot free, though. Women loved him, men hated him, business associates tolerated him, and family, for the most part, was very disappointed in his choices. He let out a breath of exasperation.  Life as he knew it. 

        Jake reflected on the conversation from earlier that afternoon. Jillian had told him to come get his things. Well, it certainly wasn’t going to happen right now. He had to think about this, had to plan what was going to be the best for him with this whole thing. 

       His condo wasn't ready to move into and he really didn’t want to spend the money to stay at a hotel. His only choice was to stay at his office. After all, he had spent millions on renovations and it would accommodate his needs for the present time. He would go home and pick up his things in a couple days. He just couldn’t do it right now. The reality of those words pierced his heart…Jillian’s was no longer his home. It was HER house, her home.  He didn’t have a “home”.

        A vision of Jillian plagued his mind. Jillian Halloran wasn’t “just another woman.” She had been THE woman in his life for the past three years.  Jake remembered thinking how “wholesome” she appeared when they met at that Chamber of Commerce luncheon. She wasn’t a striking beauty, and in fact Jake would categorize her as “nothing special,” but Jillian was definitely bright and funny and caring and compassionate and loving and just simply beautiful from the inside out. 

      She had extremely expressive eyes, those big, lash-fringed, doe-like eyes that you just couldn’t resist. Yet when she was angry her eyes turned to these pools of liquid amber that threw daggers at the opposition.  God, he just simply got lost in them every time their eyes met. And, her nose. How he loved her nose…it was just the right size to kiss and suckle.  Her breasts fit so well in the palms of his hands. Her fragrance, sometimes fruity, sometimes spicy, but always fresh.  He fell hard for her the day they met.  It was like fireworks and a tilt-a-whirl mixed into one daring ride.  Yet, now she was saying it was over?  Who was she to call the shots?  Who was she to say when it was over?  And why couldn’t she just deal with the fact that his passion was women?"

http://www.facebook.com/grace.au.372

http://www.graceaugustine.weebly.com

http://www.twitter.com/mallidalli