Monday, April 11, 2011

I Wish I Were You...

Ever wish you could be in a heroine's shoes as you read some of your favorite romances? Well, I certainly do - all the time. And when I first wrote my opening scene of my new release, SILENT PARTNER, this moment in my lucky heroine's life was no exception.

For anyone who doesn't know me, I love to dance. My father taught me at a very early age and you can always find the two of us dancing together at weddings, parties, or benefits. But I've never had the occasion of sitting alone in a dance club and a perfect stranger - a drop-dead gorgeous stranger who could "trip the light fantastic" (showing my age, I know) - pull me out on the dance floor. So, of course, I had to write a scene where I could vividly imagine being in my heroine's shoes. And even as I read it now, I still can't help but immerse myself in my hero's arms, wishing like the dickens it was me.

Hope you enjoy it as much as do...

*And remember to leave me a comment on this post with your email address so you can be entered in my Blog Tour Giveaway! The prize includes an autographed print book from my backlist (winner's choice), assorted bookmarks, and a $15 gift certificate to Amazon! See HERE for contest details.

Silent Partner

Available Now At:

There he was.

Shaking his cute little ass on the dance floor of Gyrations, the hippest night club in downtown Boston, amid a flock of beautiful women.

Chloe had first noticed him, chatting with the bartender, when she entered the strobe-lit room and wandered up to the bar. Their discussion looked important since they were both hovered over a business calendar. But, once a change of song had happened, he skirted away from the conversation with a look of intent on his face—probably to score one of the many loose women who had caught his eye earlier in the night.

She couldn’t tell which one he was looking to get lucky with as there were so many dancing around him, their barely-there clothes shimmering underneath the illuminating black light, each one competing for his attention. She didn’t blame them. He was quite possibly the sexiest man she’d ever seen.

He wore sleek, black, painted-on leather pants, a tight white tank, and a have-your-fill-of-me grin on his handsome face. He was enjoying himself—that was for certain—as he moved his body to the beat of the booming bass, his hips looking as if they were dislocated from the rest of him.

Oh, he knew how to dance—quite well—and he was not afraid to show it among the many who crammed into the joint. In fact, he held many people’s attention—not just hers—as if he had a reputation to live up to. As if the status of ‘the best male dancer’ was up for grabs.

She didn’t think there was such an event going on at the crowded nightspot, but she would definitely cast her vote in his favor if there was. No one in the place could even come close to matching his abilities. His steps were graceful, his rhythm was spot on, and his lithe muscular body moved in ways she didn’t think possible. His hips entranced every female in the club, and probably infuriated every male who was left holding up the bar.

Chloe gazed around the trendy, atmospheric room and took in the many grievous faces of the men standing in random corners, drinks in hand, their attention focused. She assumed they were all either watching Casanova in hopes of learning something, or, more likely, waiting for him to make a move on their girlfriends just so they could have a reason to open a can of whup-ass and vent their jealousies.

As she glanced back at Mr. Gyration, he was now grinding against some blonde’s tight-jeaned derriere, his hands on her hips as though he was having sex with her. She noticed the bimbo’s expressive face, her lips parted and her eyes half-closed from the pleasures he was dishing out, and it was obvious the girl wished he’d get into her pants before the night was over.

Chloe sighed and looked away, tossing back a shot of Tequila, knowing the only way she was going to get ‘lucky’ tonight was if she awoke tomorrow morning without a horrendous hangover. At this point in the game, she didn’t look beyond her next shot, and let the burn of the alcohol soothe her troubled mind.

She was two drinks in and raised her hand for another.

The bartender, cool and confident, opened the broad-bottomed bottle of Patrón and leaned toward her, his weight casually resting on one elbow. “You sure ‘bout this, honey?”

Of course she was sure. She wouldn’t have ordered it to begin with had she been apprehensive about the drink’s potential. She knew well what the hard liquor could do, and since she was there for one thing and one thing only, she had high hopes it would soon help her to forget her worries and drown her stress.

She was an artist—a starving artist. If she didn’t find a way to sell more of her paintings, she was going to lose everything. Her shop. Her home. Her life.

Every little bit of her savings had gone toward the funding of her big dream. And for a while, things looked promising. Her paintings were moving out the door on a relatively regular basis. Her biggest clients had been young, wealthy doctors and lawyers who aimed to spruce up their bachelor penthouse pads with risqué nudity in an artistic form. On occasion, she had even locked in a few hairdressers who wanted the more tasteful pieces for their salons.

But those avenues had soon run dry.

Word of mouth had only gone so far, and with the changing economy, no one was willing to spend their hard-earned money on needless fine art. If she didn’t figure out a way to stimulate the public’s senses enough to open their wallets, she would have to give up her small independent business and kiss her entrepreneur life goodbye.

With a flip of her hand, she gestured for the concerned bartender to pour another shot, fixed on the goal of drinking away her problems.

“This may look like water, darlin’, and go down just as smooth, but it ain’t so easy on the body once it hits your head.” He looked her over, as if measuring her determination, and after a few seconds, he popped the cork-lined glass top. “What do I care, huh? As long as you’re paying…”

“You shouldn’t care at all, Jack, especially if I’m footing the bill. And make that two.”

Chloe looked to her left upon feeling something brush against her arm. To her surprise, it was Mr. Gyration, flipping a twenty on the bar.

Her stomach fluttered and she lost all sense of herself. Being on the receiving end of that cocky smile really did a number on her heart. As her breath staggered out of her, all she could do was smile in return.

She glanced at the crisp Jackson resting next to her shot glass, appreciative of his generosity. At least he was trying to be a gentleman, which was completely opposite of the impression he had made on her from the dance floor. She could only hope he’d continue to be that way, for she had no intention of tolerating anything less.

“You’re a pretty little thing,” he said, leaning against the bar. “A girl like you shouldn’t be anywhere alone. Especially here.”

“Easy, Don Juan,” Jack interrupted as he slammed another shot of Tequila on the slick lacquered wood of the bar. “She’s new.”

“I can see that.”

Chloe had to look away. His devilish smile was too much to handle. And even though a warning had slipped from the bartender’s lips, Mr. Gyration didn’t seem to care. He was staring at her with such hunger, she half expected him to growl like an animal if some other man-whore got too close.

In trying to rid the weight of his close presence, she reached for the alcohol, dying to douse the flaming heat of his dark, amber eyes from her memory. But his hand stopped her.

The abruptness of his actions caused the drink to slosh and splash her fingers. She barely noticed. All she could feel were his masculine fingers, curling gently around her tiny wrist and the warmth of his palm, flattened across her forearm, spreading like wildfire throughout her body. The shock of his touch nearly stopped her heart. What stunned her more, was watching him lift her hand and taking her wet finger into his mouth, sucking the small droplets of Tequila from it.

Her stomach dropped to her pelvis and a sweltering inferno raged from within her core. The only thing that kept her from incinerating right there on that barstool was the tingling sensation dispersing between her thighs. Though his tongue only swirled around her one knuckle, she could feel its torment on her whole body, a warmth spreading like fire between her legs.

She crossed them tightly, trying to get a grip on her emotions, trying to keep him from weaseling into her good sense. But the manner in which he withdrew her finger ever so slowly from his soft, full lips clouded her brain, his inviting brown eyes blurring everything around her.

No one existed, save him.

“Let’s dance first,” he suggested coolly. “Then we can shoot the good stuff together.”

Chloe didn’t have the opportunity to refuse. He had already pulled her from her seat and was leading her into the thick of the crowded dance floor.

Her feet faltered and her legs felt weak, almost as if they had lost all circulation. The grip he had on her hand was strong, domineering. She knew there was no pulling free. He was a very determined man and if she happened to slip from his grasp, he’d only pursue her.

She looked around, taking in all the eyes that were checking her out as she passed by. Most were jealous looks from women, whom she assumed were regular club-hoppers, disappointed that Mr. Gyration had not chosen them as his partner.

Chosen.

It seemed like a stupid concept, given the countless options he had in this meat-market. She could only wonder why he had opted for her.

She was not a loose woman. Anyone could see that simply by her choice of attire. She was dressed in a modest denim skirt—no where near as short as the other girls in the place—and her blouse was silky, buttoned up to the top. Not a hint of cleavage to be seen.

Yet, as he found an open spot on the floor and turned, his eyes drenched over her as if her clothes were not even there.

He jerked her into his arms, her body slamming into the solid wall of his chest, his smile consuming his chiseled face. “Hold on tight, sweet thing,” he said with a wink as he snatched her hand, establishing a strong frame between them. “I’m about to sweep you right off your feet.”


44 comments:

Michelle Bledsoe said...

Wow this book sounds hot and fantastic.I will have fun reading it. Thanks Renee.

koonie2888(at)yahoo(dot)com

Renee Vincent said...

Michelle: Thank you for stopping by and reading my excerpt. I do hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think when you're finished. Good luck to you in the contest!

Eliza Knight said...

Awesome excerpt Renee! I love to dance too :) And there are many times I wish I was my heroine, lol.

I wish you many sales :)

susan said...

What a great book this sounds like. You will have to set out some dances and be a there just waiting for MR Right when you go dancing again. He can not find you because you are already on the dance floor. ha ha I hope to be entered in your contest and thanks for doing such a good contest. susan Leech garysue@dejazzd.com

Unknown said...

Renee,

Thank you so much for being my guest today. The excerpt for Silent Partner is wonderful and I’ve said numerous times how much I love the cover. Again, thank you for being here and sharing a bit of yourself along with your new release.

Renee Vincent said...

Eliza: Thank you so much! That means a bunch coming from you. Thanks again for stopping by lending your support.

Susan: That is a fabulous idea, but I don't think my darling husband would care for that too much. haha Maybe I can get him to role play and act like he's my drop dead gorgeous stranger pulling me on the dance floor. He'd have no problem pulling that off as I think he is stunningly handsome man, but he'd have to brush up on his dance moves. He's a little rusty in that respect.

Thanks for coming by and good luck in the contest, my dear!

Christina: It is my pleasure to be here! And you know when Two Brothers comes out I will look so forward to featuring you on my blog. Thanks for being such a great host!

Sarah Hoss said...

OMG, I love this and I can't wait to read it. I love to dance anywhere, having taken dance classes for 16 yrs. and there is nothing better than a man who knows how.

Awesome book.

sarah-hoss@hotmail.com

Renee Vincent said...

Thanks Sarah! I do hope you enjoy it. And I know what you mean...if a man can dance, it's so sexy! I am a people watcher by nature anyway, so if a man can dance, I notice right away and can't help but fixate on him.
Good luck in the contest!

A.W. McQueen said...

OMG Renee...I am reading this at work and I can't believe it, but you transformed me from this stressful environment right into Mr. Gyration's arms.

I was so captured by your scene that when a co-worker interrupted me from reading, I think I snapped at her. LOL

Woman, I told you that your stuff was really good, I think I need a better adjective! I love it.

jeff7salter said...

Renee,
I'm about to begin a week-long trip so I won't likely be able to follow you blog tour very well. But at least I'll get one entry in the pot.
[BTW, I'm not a good dancer, but I can 'shuffle and clutch' during a slow dance. In its own way, than can be kinda sensuous.]

Taryn Raye said...

Shew wee, Renee! That is one steamy scene and I know there have been many times I have wished to have something like that play out in reality and some of my own scenes, too. Sounds awesome. Can't wait to read it!

(Christina- I'm following you!)

K. M. Springsteen said...

Sounds like kind of moment you never want to end even when your feet are screaming! Loved the excerpt.

Unknown said...

Hi Renee! This book sounds right up my alley! Having been in the same committed relationship since I was 16, I never had the opportunity to go out to any club and dance with a Hot Stranger. I loved the excerpt! I'm so excited to hear more about Mr. Gyration! I too love to put myself in the heroines shoes. :)

Thanks for the Giveaway too!!

chirth7 at Yahoo dot com

Sarah J. McNeal said...

I think that it's such a wonderful memory to have of your dad teaching you how to dance, Renee. I loved this excerpt from Silent Partner. I think it's going to be a fantastic book to read.
All the best.

Pommawolf Emeraldwolfeyes said...

Love the excerpt. Not a dancer, but love the music that moves not only body but the heart, mind and soul...*S*
You are so good with your imagery that you feel yourself in that place and time. Thank you!

Darcy

pommawolf @ hotmail dot com

Clancy said...

Renee, If I didn't already have this on my wish list, I'd add it. He sounds really yummy.

clancym13@gmail.com

Calisa Rhose said...

More?

Ok, so you didn't ask for the first word to pop into my dazed mind- but there it is! lol Wowzers Renee! I just kept picturing Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing...HOT!

Thanks Tina. Nice way to begin my day of more revisions!

Michael said...

Book sounds awesome Renee!

Wishing you all the best!

:)

S.L aka Michael M/Rawiya

Renee Vincent said...

Lizzie: Oh you are a hoot! I can just picture you getting snippy with someone interrupting your time with Mr. Gyration!
Good luck to you!

jeff7salter: That is fine. I'll be updating the direct links on my blog so you can find them when you return. Happy traveling! And good luck to you!

Taryn: I hear ye, darlin! So glad you liked that excerpt. And thanks for stopping by! Good luck to you!

K. M. Springsteen: Thank you for your kind praise and good luck to you as well!

Christine: I was wondering if I was going to see your smiling face...so glad you made it! Thanks for the praise and good luck to you!

Sarah: Yes, I am a daddy's girl all the way and love to brag upon him when I get the chance. Thanks for dropping by!

Pommawolf: As an author, that is music to my ears to say you can feel yourself in that very place and time. I am grateful for the compliment! Good luck to you!

Clancy: I fell in love with this guy from the start! He is so hard to resist...I can so feel my heroine's pain (if you could actually call it that)
Good luck to you!

Calisa: Oh, wow! So happy to hear you wanted more! thanks for coming by and I hope you'll follow me all the way through the tour!
Good luck to you, dear!

Michael: Thanks so much! I am so happy you dropped by! (((hugs)))

Joelene Coleman said...

Awesome glimpse into a delicious sexy story.His character is inviting and hers vulnerable. What a lovely mix. Thank you so much for sharing, Renee. I used to dance on my dad's feet.

JeanMP said...

What a sexy excerpt, gorgeous cover. Could really picture the whole scene as it unfolded, great excerpt.

skpetal at hotmail dot com

Christina Wolfer said...

What a great day. Thank you to everyone who stopped by. I don’t know about you, but SILENT PARTNER is definitely on the top of the TBR pile.

A special shout out to the writing Diva’s who stopped by and to those who now follow my blog. Appreciate the support.

And while the day isn’t over and people can continue to leave comments, I want to thank Renee again for sharing her story and her day at Romance by Chance.

Chicks of Characterization said...

Oooooooh, I loved that excerpt!!!! I can just see him shaking his tight little booty on the dance floor! I also love to dance! Nothing like shaking your groove thing to some geat music!!

Sounds lik a great read Renee!!! Can't wait to spotlight this, and to read it!!

Congratulations on its release!!

:O) Andrea

Di said...

Catchy excerpt - really makes one want to read more! Your descriptions really paint a picture.

sallans d at yahoo dot com

Renee Vincent said...

J. Coleman: Ah, yes...dancing on our father's feet...what a great memory we share. Thanks for the kind compliments on the excerpt!

Jean: So glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for entering in my contest! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Great excerpt. Please enter me to win. Thanks for the contest.
lisa gk at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Wonderful excerpt, Renee! This sounds like a great read.

Congrats on your latest release. :)

jenalang(at)live(dot)com

Renee Vincent said...

Chicks of Characterization: Andrea, it is always so nice to see you and hear your thoughts about my writing. I do hope you enjoy this book even though it's a contemporary.
Good luck in the contest!

Di: Why thank you! So glad you liked it and it's so nice to see new faces. I do hope you'll follow me through this blog tour so you can read more about Silent Partner.
Good luck!

lisagk: You are entered. Thanks for visiting with me!

Jena Lang: Thank so much! I'm so glad to hear all this positive feedback from some readers. Good luck in the contest!

Pommawolf Emeraldwolfeyes said...

Renee,

Oh I love the music. My daughter bless her was a music magnet since she was baby, She's now in 30's and the music is her passion. All throughout the years she has kept me supplied in all music imaginable, and I love artist that I probably would have never listened if not for her.
Thank you for your feedback...*S*

Darcy

pommawolf @ hotmail dot com

Renee Vincent said...

Darcy: I can't imagine my life without music. Everything I do, I have a song in my head. Thanks for sharing about your daughter. She is lucky to have you as her mother.
Good luck in the contest!

Carol L. said...

Renee, I loved reading about you and your Dad dancing. And I really enjoyed your excerpt. I'm definitely going to enjoy reading this. I love music and dancing.Thanks for sharing.
Carol L
Lucky4750@aol.com

Renee Vincent said...

Thank you Carol for sliding by and reading my kick-off blog spot. I love dancing and music too...don't know what I'd do without it.

Good luck in the contest!

Ciara said...

I can't wait to read this, Renee. Sounds fantastic. :)

Renee Vincent said...

Thank you Ciara! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it when you are through. Thanks for visiting and good luck in the contest!

Teresa K. said...

Renee,

OMG, I was reading this excerpt here at work. I had to stop and fan myself. See what happens when I have my 48th birthday yesterday. The littlest things now excite me. The was a hot and sexy excerpt.
I have to buy the book for my ereader.

Teresa K.
tcwgrlup41@yahoo.com

Renee Vincent said...

Teresa, you crack me up! And oh my goodness, happy birthday! I'm so glad I could give you a hot excerpt for your birthday. Hope you enjoy the rest of it! You'll have to let me know your thoughts when you are through!

Mary Preston said...

This was such a great excerpt. A teaser leaving me wanting more.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Suzanne Barrett said...

Great opening, Renee. I'm also not a dancer (except for folk dancing), but I "feel" the heat between your protagonists and look forward to more. Love the story of you dancing with your father.

Renee Vincent said...

Great to see your name again, Mary! Thanks for entering the contest and just so you know, all this week, I'll be teasing you with more excerpts from the story.

Hope to see you there!

Angela Drake said...

Oh my! I read your 3rd stop first, so this lead in was an extra treat. Yum!

AngelaDrake(AT)webname(DOT)com

Jen B. said...

I just popped over from Coffee and Romance. The book sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway.
jepebATverizonDOTnet

Renee Vincent said...

Thanks ladies for stopping over on this blog spot. It is such a joy to see familiar faces from each of the blogs. Glad you are taking the time to enter at each!
Cheers!

Unknown said...

That was a hot excerpt. thanks
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

Renee Vincent said...

Thank you Marlene for entering my contest and for reading my excerpt! Good luck!