Poppy's Place

Avalon Books
June 2005

ISBN # 0-8034-9714-8

Available on-line at
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"Poppy." Josh said.

"Yes?" She turned from natures wonder to regard her companion. He'd rolled her name over his tongue like an unfamiliar but tasty dessert.

"I was just wondering how you got your name. I've never heard it before."

"Actually, it's Penelope," Poppy screwed up her face as she pronounced the word. "When I first met Uncle Mike and Aunt El, I was skinny little thing. All eyes and hair, Uncle Mike said. Anyway, he said Penelope was too long a handle for such a little girl. He named me for the wild desert poppies that bloom in the spring. When Uncle Mike and Aunt El brought me to Providence, the first thing I saw was a big banner across the front of the store. It said 'Poppy's Place.' And it's been home ever since."

Josh smiled. "That's a nice story. Like the poppies, you blossomed in the desert."

"Funny, that's just what Uncle Mike said. I blossomed here. Although, if Aunt El had her way I'd have blossomed a whole lot more. She's been trying to 'put some meat on my bones' since I was in pigtails and hula hoops. I'm afraid I've been a big disappointment."

Josh laughed. "Well, if it helps any, I think your bones are perfect just the way they are."

Poppy's eyes shone with pleasure. Her hat tilted back, framing her lovely, open face. Josh touched her cheek and saw her eyes widen slightly, but she didn't pull away. He couldn't help himself. He leaned forward and claimed her lips with his own.

"Poppy," he murmured, pulling the hat from her head. She shivered despite the warmth of the day and leaned into him. Stroking her face, he kissed her gently, two, three times. Her eyes were closed, her mouth warm and yielding. He took her in his arms and pressed her body to his. She was sweet, so sweet. Just as he had imagined that first night in the desert.

Poppy's arms came around his neck and she whimpered softly as their kiss deepened. Her mouth, at first compliant, became bolder and more inquisitive.

Josh knew he couldn't stand much more.

"Hold on, Sunshine," he said. "We're going for a ride."

Poppy barely heard him. She was lost in the feel, the smell, the taste of Josh. Suddenly she felt her weight shift. Josh had rolled on top of her. Then she was on top of him. They were rolling down the dune!

Poppy let out a small squeal and lifted her gaze from the curve of Josh's neck. First she saw the flash of the sun, then the gleam in his eyes. His mouth was curled in a devilish grin. Over and over they rolled. His arms held her so tightly that their bodies seemed as one. She had never experienced such a dizzying sensation.

Beneath them, Poppy felt and heard the vibration of the sand. It wasn't a hum exactly. More like the sound of bumblebees. Or kettle drums. On this day, it provided the crescendo to a symphony of sensation. The motion of their bodies gradually slowed as the dune leveled. Finally they stopped, but neither moved. They looked at each other wide-eyed, then burst into laughter.

Josh's shirt twisted to one side and his eyes sparkled. After their descent down the dune he managed to look rakishly charming. She could only imagine how she looked.

He stood and offered his hand. "Sweetheart, that was one heck of a ride."

Tortillas and Second Chances

Avalon Books
June 2007

ISBN#0803498330

Available on-line at
Avalon Books
Amazon
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The hallway, so ordinary in the daylight, became an intimate enclave. She took a step backward, then another. Ray matched her step for step. The predator stalking his prey.

She'd backed herself into a corner now. The back of her legs touched a narrow bookcase and she felt the picture of Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandmother Johansen press against her rear. Ray stood directly in front of her, cutting off any escape.

“I can help you, Celeste, if you'll let me. I've always been good with my hands.” As if to prove his statement, he raised one hand and let the fingers trail down her cheek.

She watched him, transfixed. She felt paralyzed, whether by fear or fascination, she wasn't sure. She only knew she was powerless to stop him. His fingertips awakened every nerve ending in her body. She ached and trembled for his touch. As his hand slid behind her neck, she closed her eyes and awaited the pressure of his lips.

His mouth found hers. The kiss was warm and seductive. She tilted her head to give him better access and a small moan escaped her lips. She twined the fingers of her left hand through his thick hair and hung on for dear life.

There it was again. The smell of pine smoke with a hint of earthy musk. She hadn't imagined it. Ray placed his hand in the small of her back, pulling her against his hard chest as he deepened the kiss.

A tantalizing warmth spread throughout her body. It reminded her of Rosa 's mole sauce, made of rich dark chocolate and chile. Sweet and yet deliciously spicy. She reached back with her right hand, groping for support.

A loud crash awoke her from the trance. Her eyes flew open and fixed in terror on Ray. Santos ! What was she thinking? What was she doing?

Panicked, she backed away from him and straight into the bookcase. The picture of Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandmother Johansen teetered precariously. Celeste reached down to steady it. When she looked up, Ray was watching her. She saw passion in his eyes but also a disconcerting sureness. She'd responded to him like a beggar at a banquet. And he knew it.