Today’s First Sight Saturday features a scene from Crash and Burn by Melissa Keir. Melissa Keir is a lovely person, very supportive of other authors, and it is a special pleasure to welcome her here today. She writes small town romances with sizzle and all her stories feature a little piece of true story.
Normally this blog post features first meeting scenes, but this book is about a couple trying to save their marriage of seven years, so the thrill of their first meeting is far behind them, though maybe the flight attendant will become important? Crash and Burn is part of the Crashing Into Love book bundle now available on Amazon.
In the following scene, Keira Matthews is on a plane heading to Australia with her husband for a second honeymoon at the order of their counselor.
EXCERPT
“I’m leaving you.” His harsh words echoed in her head. Her stomach clenched. Did the gasp come from her lips?
Anger boiled in her gut. Strike back. It’s not my fault. She balled her hands into fists, her nails biting into her palms. “You never have time for me. You’re always working. How can we even think about a family with you being gone all the time?” Her words spilled from her mouth like acid. She hoped they burned him.
“Look, I want a family, but someone’s got to provide for them.” His hand reached toward hers. His eyes pleading. “I’ll give it one more try. Let’s see a counselor. I still love you, have for seven years….”
Keira’s gaze slid to the wedding photo on the wall. Seeing the younger image of the man she married, vowed to love forever, she took a deep breath and released the anger. She wiped a tear from her cheek. “Okay.” Her voice weak and soft. “I don’t want to lose you either.”
Slowly waking, she glanced around the dark, unfamiliar interior. Confusion warred in her mind until she put the pieces together. I’m on a plane somewhere over the Pacific. She looked over at the sleeping man on her left—her husband. How did we get to this point? A romantic second honeymoon never starts with orders to fix your marriage, heal your relationship. I pray it works.
She stretched up and pushed the signal to get an attendant. The soft light and beep echoed in the silent cabin. Why can’t I sleep? Time change or bad dream? She observed the crisp black uniform of the put-together woman approaching her.
“Yes, ma’am. What can I get for you?” Her soft voice with a melodious Australian accent soothed Keira.
“Can I please have a cup of ice and bottle of water?”
The attendant nodded and headed toward the front of the plane.
Keira reached over to the carrier in the seat next to her. Shoving her hand inside, she felt the soft coat of her fur-baby. The gentle lick of a warm, wet tongue on her fingers tickled. “Shh. Don’t make noise, Gris. Everyone’s sleeping. Go back to napping. We’ll be there soon, and you can have a treat.” Another doggie kiss made her smile. My mind won’t turn off. I’m too nervous about flying and how important this trip is to my marriage. Appears as if slumber isn’t going to return. I can’t read without waking my husband. Maybe if I get my drink and let my mind wander, I’ll finally get tired enough to doze off.
“Here’s your ice and water, ma’am.” The attendant handed the items over. “Is there anything else?”
Keira noted her name tag. “Thank you, Julie. How much longer until we land?”
She looked at her watch. “About two hours.”
“I think I’m stuck in Midwest time. Still daylight back home.” She smiled at Julie and set the glass and bottle down on her seat-tray.
“Where are you traveling from?” Julie squatted down to whisper.
“We’re from Ohio. Our first trip overseas. A second honeymoon.”
“I’m sure you’ll love Australia. It’s a beautiful country. Let me know if you need anything else. Hopefully, you can rest again.” Julie touched her shoulder then stood and walked away. The tender contact of another person soothed her. It’s been a long time since anyone’s stroked me, hugged me, loved me.
Once again alone with her thoughts, she turned toward her husband. They’d been married for seven years, and his looks still caused her stomach to flutter. I love running my fingers over his buzz cut. And his rough beard left sexy marks on my neck when we made love…not that it’s happened in a while. A part of the reason we’re on this trip is because of our lack of sex, tenderness. Of course, he’d have to be home in order to touch me.
END OF EXCERPT
You can find Crash and Burn within the Crashing Into Love book bundle at Amazon.
If you’d like to stalk Melissa (her word, not mine) you can find her here:
http://www.facebook.com/melissakeir
Thank you, readers, for visiting, and thank you to Melissa Keir for joining me today on First Sight Saturday!
