Each week I welcome a guest author to share an excerpt of a first meeting between two characters. This week, Neil Plakcy, has brought his M/M romance, Mi Amor, to First Sight Saturday. Neil’s fun fact is that he was a second place finisher on Jeopardy! This excerpt is the very beginning of the story. Enjoy!
EXCERPT
I already had six bouquets of stargazer lilies in my shopping cart and was examining the seventh when I realized that this sexy Latin guy was cruising me. Though I am undeniably cute — my friends kid me that I look like I just stepped out of an Abercrombie and Fitch ad — it’s not me; it’s the Publix. When they built this new grocery in a funny corner of South Beach, it became cruise central. And no, I don’t mean those big ocean liners — though you can see them a few blocks away.
I looked up, and he was standing right by my wagon, sniffing. When he saw me looking at him, he got all embarrassed and said, “Sorry, they just smell so great.” He had the slightest Spanish accent and a baritone voice that made me go all mushy inside.
He wore a dark green Ralph Lauren polo shirt that showed off his deep tan, faded, butt-molded jeans, and scuffed cowboy boots. Even though I was in the middle of a crisis — finding bunches of lilies for a party my client was holding in less than two hours — I had to stop and flirt. A boy’s got to do what a boy’s got to do. “And they’re gorgeous,” I said. We made direct eye contact, and I smiled.
I have a killer smile. I suffered through two years of orthodontia for it, and since I kissed my first boy at fourteen, I’ve been unleashing it on sexy guys.
From smiling, these guys and I proceed to flirting. And then to bed. That’s the way I liked my relationships: quick, dirty, and fun. I was twenty-six years old, and I lived in the biggest gay candy store in the world. Why tie myself down with jelly beans when there were licorice, gumballs, and chocolate drops out there?
END OF EXCERPT
Neil and I welcome any questions or comments, and hope you will visit every Saturday for a first meeting excerpt from a new guest.
Thanks for having me, Jill!
You are very welcome, Neil!
You are very welcome, Neil!
Wonderful excerpt! Love the cover too!