Another Week Gone

It amazes me how fast the time goes! Here it is Friday again.

Last night was all about the paperwork. I had to get some stuff done and since Man wasn’t here, I sat at the computer after I got the kiddo in bed and got caught up. I still have paperwork to do but at least there’s not as much of it now. I also worked on my Pop Culture Diva blog entry for next week so that’s all done. Or almost. I had a weird thing happen with a website when I was hunting for pictures. The same window kept popping up over and over and over again. I couldn’t get it to stop, so I had to shut down. Of course, then I was afraid I’d gotten a virus and then it was off to scan the entire computer. What a pain. I try to be careful, but sometimes I caught unaware.

We had soccer practice last night. Another windy evening. Afterward, we went to McDonald’s as per the kiddo’s request. Blech. It was like a hard rock in my stomach. There was not a darn thing on the TV last night, so as I was flipping channels, I came across Turner Classic Movies and they were showing Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. I hadn’t seen that in a really long time, so I watched that.

Earlier this week, I had to get to the doctor because I was having some really bad hand pain. I couldn’t close my left hand into a fist, it was so painful. Turns out I have a bruised tendon, so the doctor prescribed me an anti-inflammatory and told me to rest it. Rest, eh? Like that’s gonna happen. I spend 90 percent of my life at a computer. I don’t have time to rest. 😉 At least the hand is feeling better now. It’s still a little sore, but it’s not nearly as swollen as it was the other day which is good. He told me if it didn’t get better in a few days, I’d have to see a specialist. Well, so far so good.

I have been working on Phoenix. I made it past a major hump in the story this week, so it’s all downhill from now. I’m so looking forward to seeing this turns out with the deeper POVs. I’m up to nearly 75,000 words.

I’m also working on a cross-promotional idea with a friend. So far, we’ve hatched some really cool ideas. I’m excited about the collaborative effort!

We have soccer Saturday and Sunday, so I guess I know what I’m doing this weekend. I’m also getting my hair cut tomorrow. YAY! The ends are looking scraggly and it needs it.

Thought I’d live you this week with a little snippet from Phoenix Rising. Just click on the more link below and enjoy!

She leaned against the wall, keeping a watchful eye on the other gladiators and the guard. “We must speak,” she said. “I have a proposition for you.”

Cassius inclined his head, curiosity crossing his handsome face. “I’m listening.”

“Fight with me instead of against me today.” Unable to meet his intense gaze, she kept her eyes locked on the others. Yet out of the corner of her eye, she could still see his facial expressions. “If we live, then I will agree to an alliance with you.”

One dark brow rose in question. “What sort of alliance?” He sounded wary and perhaps he had a right to be.

Her palms broke into a hot sweat. Glancing at him, their gazes locked as she challenged him, tilting her head up ever so slightly. “I think you know.”

His rapier green eyes were cool and calm and he dropped his voice. “About the Emperor.”

It wasn’t a question and she knew it. She nodded. “I will help you…remove him from power but you must promise me one thing.”

“Elena, I would give you the world if you asked for it.”

She trembled, the fear knotting with pleasure inside her. She didn’t allow herself the time to enjoy it. Instead, she forged on. “I go free.”

Cassius leaned toward her, his musky scent wafting over her as he braced one arm over her head on the wall. His face was inches from hers, making her breath catch in her throat. “What makes you think I can make that happen?”

“What makes you think I can’t kill the Emperor?” she fired back.

A long slow smile turned up the corners of his mouth and the gold flecks in his green eyes turned to fire. She clenched her fists to keep her fingers from plunging through his thick black hair.

“I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.”

“And I go free?” Elena was acutely aware of his clever avoidance of her stipulation.

He dragged one finger down her cheekbone then across her jaw and finally over her lips. The touch sent her heart into a flutter.

“You have my word,” he said.

“Then you have my sword.”

“And more than that, I hope.” He raked his gaze over her in approval and the message was plain. He would have her and she would let him.

(c) Michelle Miles, 2009