This week’s excerpt continues the swimming scene from my science fiction romance Warrior Priest. Selena and Jade are still getting to know each other and flirting along the way, even if he doesn’t want to admit it. 🙂
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“See. I knew I could make you smile again. Even when I was a kid, I was the class clown. I haven’t lost my touch.”
“No, you obviously haven’t.” He couldn’t ignore the leaf in her hair any longer and impulsively tugged it out, allowing his fingertips to briefly touch her ear.
This time her brow furrowed and she turned to glance at his hand. His gut tightened and he felt stupid.
That’s 8 sentences, but here’s a bit more, if you’d like to read it.
“This was stuck in your hair. That’s all.” He held out the leaf.
Apparently she could touch him, but she didn’t care for him to touch her. Why should she? It wasn’t like he was handsome—not like Ari Tobias with his perfect face. Jade had big features—wide cheekbones, a giant nose that had been made worse since it had been broken twice. The first time he had been stationed in the wilderness with limited medical care. It hadn’t healed straight. He was built well enough, but it wasn’t like he could show off his body, and that would most certainly be vanity. Still, he couldn’t help the twinge of satisfaction when he’d seen how she’d looked at him in his undershirt and also at the Ceremony of Honor.
She smiled. “Oh.”
He dropped the leaf in the water and strode toward shore. “It’s getting late and I have to be up early for the prayer ceremony tomorrow.”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.” Selena followed him out of the water. He tossed her the towel and turned his back to her. While she dried off, he pulled his tunic over his wet clothes.
After a moment, she said, “You can turn around now.”
He did, and she held the towel out to him. Careful not to touch her, he accepted the towel and scrubbed it over his wet hair.
Studying him with an amused smile, she folded her arms across her chest. “That didn’t help much. You don’t have hair. You have a mane.”
He wasn’t sure if that was a compliment.
Warrior Priest
(Science Fiction Romance)
What happens when a warrior priest from a strict religion meets a free-spirited priestess from a new age commune?
Jade and Selena are as different as two people can be, but to facilitate an alliance between their worlds, they engage in a cultural exchange. With their galaxy in danger from a planet that wants to conquer or destroy all others, they realize the importance of their assignment, but it is difficult for a warrior priest and a nonviolent priestess to understand each other.
Selena is both attracted and appalled by his old school masculinity, and Jade is tempted to break his vow of celibacy until marriage due to his powerful desire for her. Will this unlikely pair not only find common ground, but unconditional love?
Warrior Priest is available for pre-order at Amazon / Apple Books / Barnes & Noble / kobo / Smashwords
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Oh, I think it was a compliment. Jade’s modesty is wonderfully honest. She’d be a fool not to notice!
They are both being careful with each other. What will it take to push them together?
Oh it’s a compliment – who has a mane – a male lion – king of the tribe. 🙂
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Fun scene! I like the comment about his hair!
Oh, he is reading her all wrong! But then, he’s trying to deal with his own unwanted feelings for her at the same time. Great snippet!
She has her work cut out for her. He is really insecure. 🙂
I’m really enjoying these snippets. Both of the characters appeal to me. i forgot to sign up, but I have a post up at http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com.
I enjoyed how very different they are and his general befuddlement. Looking forward to reading more.