

I’ve been watching my favorite distraction ever since I first discovered him working with the kids in the ring—teaching them how to box and better their mixed martial arts abilities—shortly after I started working at The Core. He’s here with them three days a week like clockwork. I’ve also seen him sparring with some of the other guys who seem to be regulars here too. You can tell they’re all friends by the way they hang out, laugh and mess with each other. They’re all gorgeous, but I’m drawn to my mystery… errr… distraction.His body is cut and sculpted with lean long muscles, while every inch of his exposed skin is etched with ink that ripples and moves with him like he’s an exotic tiger. His movements make the tattoo artist’s canvas come alive. The tats adorn every line and ridge, precisely cut against the muscle.
I want to get closer! I want to touch them! I want to touch him.My favorite tattoo is the black scrawling letters over his left ribcage that read, “I AM MY BROTHERS’ KEEPER.” What a beautiful mantra to live by.
I wonder if it’s his religion.Good God, he’s the definition of sex appeal. Any kind of day I’m having, everything starts looking up when I get a chance to watch him move.I’ve actually never seen his face. His nose and cheekbones are always hidden behind a padded, grilled face guard. So I’ve just had to imagine the face that goes with that amazing body.
He looks like an experienced fighter. His skin is stretched drum tight over taut muscles. Every inch of him is iron.
Christ, he’s hard all over.I shake my head to dissipate the musing of how hard that body could get under his shorts.
Back to G-rated fantasies! There are kids around, I scold myself. At least… PG-13.He shows the kid how to move, what muscles to put behind the punch. His side ripples in waves as he arches and stretches his ribs and shoulders, twisting to the side.
My eyes trail his movements, mesmerized.
It’s been so long since I’ve felt desire.
I’ve wanted to get close enough to see into his eyes, but I haven’t had the guts. He’d totally know I was checking him out if I did. So, I keep my distance.The thin boy sends a right hook against the man’s face—the puffy glove connecting to his equally padded face mask. I can’t help but laugh when he pretends the hit is hard enough to knock him off balance, as he stumbles over his feet dramatically, then acts as if he’s shaking it off.
The young boy jumps up and down and raises his arms in triumph.
This guy could be the man of my dreams.
“Thank you for having us,” Donovan answered. He smiled softly and asked, “Are you ready for your present, Peace?”
A small thrill ran through Lynn followed by guilt.
“You’ve given me so much, Donovan! Fancy clothes, jewelry, a chair …”
“But today is Christmas!”
Donovan stood up, found new music on his playlist. He motioned for Lynn to join him in another dance. Ben Harper’s Forever played as they swayed gently in place. Lynn’s body grew warm, her heartbeat increased at an idea of what Donovan’s present might be.
“Donovan,” she whispered as his lips grazed her cheek, their feet barely moving as he swayed her back and forth. His dark eyes sparkled, but he looked intense, needy.
“Just let me talk, please,” he pleaded.
He quit dancing. Taking a deep breath, Donovan took both of Lynn’s hands into his own.
“Lynn, you totally captivate me.”
His hand swiped through that raven hair again.
“I can’t imagine being without you. I love you so much.”
Donovan looked upward, closing his eyes tightly for a minute.
“Shit! I can’t even put this into coherent words.”
Lynn’s eyes widened in amazement. She was tongue-tied, too. Before she could find words to encourage or comfort him, Donovan was on one knee, still holding her hands. Lynn gasped, breaking her right hand loose from his hold, covering her mouth in surprise.
“Lynn, would you marry me?”
Now Lynn took back her left hand, bringing it up to join the other on her face. Tears sprung into her bright blue eyes; she still could not communicate.
Donovan wasn’t sure what to make of a subdued Lynn.
“I know we haven’t known each other long, but I know what I want when I see it.”
Again, he ran his hand through his hair.
“You see me for who I am, not the celebrity that the media makes up. You bring peace, happiness … shit, Lynn! I don’t care if I get sixty years with you or six minutes. I can’t live without you! I don’t know how to …”
“Yes.”
Lynn sucked in a breath after she said the one word. Looking down at the man she loved, she saw a mixture of surprise, then relief, then complete love.
“Yes?” he whispered.
“Yes!” Lynn repeated, then grabbed his hands, intending to help him off the floor. Instead, Donovan pulled her down, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her as if he was afraid the answer would change.
“I was afraid you would say no, say it’s still too soon,” he said when he broke the kiss.
“What’s too soon?” Lynn asked. “I’ve been thinking a lot about this since your first proposal. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that time does go quickly, and you’d better grab what you want when the opportunity presents itself. And enjoy every second you have.”
Donovan pulled Lynn to him, surrounding her with strong arms.
“Absolutely!” he agreed, then continued. “I mean it when I said the time thing. I need to enjoy every minute with you, whether it’s ten minutes or one hundred years.”
Lynn leaned over to give Donovan another big kiss.
Please welcome Shilah Ferr to The Clog Blog. Shilah, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I grew up in northern New Jersey with my brother and sister. We share treasured memories of high school, the Jersey shore, and skiing with cousins, all of which became a part of April’s Heart! I went to college in Washington, DC, and became a teacher. I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia with my husband of thirty years. Our two boys are in their twenties making their own way in the world.
How do you make time to write?
Well, before the pandemic, my husband often worked nights, so I would write at night. Now I find time between working at home, and on the weekends.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Not really. My second book is not coming as easily as the first, but I believe in writing about things that really happened, and I have a ton of memories that eventually will make another epic story.
Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.
I love the feeling Romance novels can give you. I love feeling the character’s angst, hurt, and joy. I love erotic romance too. It gets your blood flowing!
How are you publishing your recent book and why? (*e.g. Indie, traditional or both)
I am a first-time author, so definitely publishing independently!
Are you an Introvert or Extrovert? How does this affect your work?
I am more of an extrovert because I cannot say I am introverted. Yet, some of the content I write is controversial (underage drinking, mild drug use, sex) and I sometimes feel self-conscious about it. Afraid of what people might think. I’ve learned to deal with that.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
Whether you say you can or you can’t, you are right.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
My advice is the advice that was given to me, and I keep it in mind always. And that is that not every book is everyone’s cup of tea. So understanding that not everyone is going to like your book, and that’s ok. If I become afraid of content because of what somewhat might think, I tell myself to be brave, and just put it in there!
Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Pi1L9k2v7dGlCGm2PWF0e3KpcswUnvExKnDXTeZWyoo/e
Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?
Mitch and April made plans to meet at the pool.
He waited for her just inside the entrance structure, in the shade.
She walked up in her string bikini top and cut off jean shorts. The fly was splayed open, a sexy little look that exposed a little more of her tight belly. Holy crap!
God love her, thought Mitch to himself, feeling his erection beginning already.
She saw him leaning against the wall on his hands. April walked up to Mitch, and seeing his hair in his face, pushed her hand through his hair for him. It was such an intimate gesture. No words were spoken. Her hands in his hair was her way of saying hello.
Quick as a wink he had switched places with her and had her up against the wall.
They looked into each other’s eyes. They were desirous for each other in the worst way.
April’s heart was pounding in her chest. She was nervous. It had been such a long time.
He put his hand over her heart to feel it, thus confirming for April that if your heart beats loud enough, another person CAN hear it.
She filled her lungs with air taking a deep breath.
He moved his hands behind her neck and kissed her, passionately, for a small moment breathing her in.
They were standing in a public place.
“We gotta get out of here,” Mitchell said.
“No swimming?” April teased.
#TeaserTuesday #PreOrder
Torn (Cherry Grove Series) by ➜ Cole Lepley is #ComingSoon releasing 6.30
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0897L6S3H
✯Blurb✯
Judah
Coach said no distractions this season
No drinking
No Girls
I’ve already broken one rule– and I’m working on the second
Mackenzie
My therapist said no dating this year
No relationships
No sex
I’m getting better at following the rules– but the new quarterback is making it so hard to be good.
#AlsoAvailable #KindleUnlimited
Tragic ➜ https://amzn.to/39QSssf
Tamed ➜ https://amzn.to/2whCXet
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Hosted by Enticing Journey Book Promotions
“The book is extremely well written, descriptive, and the romantic parts were tasteful and beautiful. A quick and easy read, this sweet, romantic story made me smile the whole way through. A well-deserved five stars!”–Krisy Vee for Readers’ Favorite
“I enjoyed finding out Darlene’s story in Tangles of the Heart. She grows a lot in the book and makes hard choices. I loved finding out who she finally ends up with. Who does she choose? You’ll have to read to find out!”–Catia Shattuck, Avid Bookworm
Please welcome Autumn Stone to The Clog Blog. Autumn, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I am a personal finance influencer who was fell into writing romances. It was an experiment that has become one of my favorite ways to make passive income. I run two very different projects: a website and podcast about personal finance and a website and podcast about Colorado (I’m from Colorado). I also speak at different conferences such as Podcast Movement, FinCon, and others. I’m also a mentor for a podcasting program that is being held here in Denver for the second time this summer.
How do you make time to write?
I try to write when I’m feeling relaxed. Typically, I will write from a coffee shop patio or carry a journal with me so that I can capture inspiration whenever it hits me. I don’t have a daily writing goal.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Absolutely, sometimes the muse slips from you.
Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.
I write both fiction and non-fiction books. For my romance books I write in the BWWM genre and I love sharing endless love stories that show women like me in different situations ranging from the fantastical to realistic situations depending on the story. I’m a romantic and love writing about love!
How are you publishing your recent book and why? (*e.g. Indie, traditional or both)
Self-publish! I love it so much because there are no limits placed on me and I can publish as many books as I would like. I don’t have to wait for someone else (other than my fans) to validate my stories.
Are you an Introvert or Extrovert? How does this affect your work?
Extrovert. I’m very comfortable with marketing my work.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” –Anonymous
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Keep trying, keep learning, it’s never a mistake it’s a learning opportunity. Most content creators (authors/bloggers/podcasters/vloggers/etc) Don’t spend enough time marketing their work. It’s a daily process.
Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07FCT2BNF
If you are looking for ways to get unblocked Writer Zen Garden is hosting Julia Cameron’s “Finding Water”. You can find more information here:
I hope to see you there!