Meet the Exquisite Quill Authors


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

First Kiss Wednesday


Kisses are the mainstay of romance writing.  No matter how sweet or spicy our stories are, they usually involve at least a kiss or two.  And the first kiss is especially lovely - that first, soft touch of lips - or perhaps the kiss is fierce and hungry.  Maybe the characters murmur words of love or words of teasing while discovering the texture and taste of each other.  Maybe the only sounds they can emit are gentle, timorous moans or deep, throaty groans.
 
Okay, now that we've set the premise, here's what you can do for First Kiss Wednesdays.  In the comment box, give us a maximum of 300 words of the first kiss of a published work or a work-in-progress and one link to your website or blog or Amazon Author Page. 
 
Read and luxuriate in the glories of the first kiss...

Oh, and lips only...  ;-)

12 comments:

J.D. Faver said...

This is from BAD VIBES, my sexy romantic suspense. Darla and Mike have just returned from a failed mission.

Mike removed his shirt and stripped down to his boxers before stretching out on his bunk.
Darla returned from the head. She glanced at Mike and then turned out the light.
He heard her remove her outer clothing, a zipper opening and the sound of cloth sliding over her smooth skin. Mike could envision it all.
She turned over several times, trying to get comfortable in the bunk.
Mike closed his eyes, acutely aware of the woman on the other side of the boat.
Darla called his name in the dark.
He sat up in the bunk. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing. I can’t sleep, you know, thinking about those women.”
He took a breath. “Me neither.” He heard her heave a long sigh. “Are you crying?”
“I don’t ever cry.”
Mike lay back in the bunk. “That’s good because I was feeling pretty sad and it wouldn't do for both of us to be crying.”
She giggled.
He heard her get out of bed and creep across the cluttered floor.
“Mike?” she said close to him. “Will you...?”
“Yeah!” He reached for her and drew her into his arms, pulling her down on top of him. He figured she needed to be held, that it wasn't personal, that anyone would do. But, when her body made contact with his, it was a whole different matter. Mike felt as if a fragmentation grenade had gone off inside his chest.
Enflamed, He rolled her underneath him, cradling her head with his hands as he sought her mouth. His kiss was that of a starving man at a feast, hot, desperate and thorough. Her arms circled his torso, opening an aching chasm, considering that he couldn't recall the last time he’d been held.
She arched toward him. Her breasts, warm and taut, grazed his ribs through her thin knit undershirt.
Mike reached under the camisole. He let out an unexpected groan when his fingers made contact with her skin, her nipple tightening at his touch. The shirt has to go. He released her long enough to strip it off over her head, then caressed her breasts with his fingers and his mouth.
She made a little whimpering sound as he removed her panties. She was wet and ready.
Mike had never made love while on assignment. Never made love to a fellow operative. He swallowed hard. “Darla, I...”
“Don’t stop,” she whispered.
With no further hesitation, he was inside her, stroking her, moving with her as though they’d been doing it for years. She reached a climax quickly, screaming out one sustained note.
Mike was glad Freddy was ashore. He’d probably think she was being killed.
Damp and breathless she relaxed back against the bunk.
“Noooo,” he crooned. “I’m not through with you yet.” He kissed her, this time slow and tender. He slowed his rhythm, grinding against her with each stroke. Her little cries of pleasure urged him on. Her legs wrapped tight around his hips.
This time, her climax was long and drawn out. His felt like a volcano erupting. He held himself off of her, yet didn’t want to let her go.
He realized that she was crying. “Aw, honey, did I hurt you?”
She giggled and then sobbed. “N-no. You’ll think this is stupid, but I've only been with one other man.”
Mike digested this, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. “I’m honored.”
Damn! What a stupid thing to say. She’s fragile.
The irony of this thought hit him, since earlier in the evening he’d seen her shoot two men dead without flinching.
He cleared his throat. “I mean, it was real special to me.”
She expelled a long breath. “You don’t have to say that. I know that you’ll be leaving and you won’t even remember my name...and that’s fine with me, but I needed you tonight. Is that okay?”
Mike swallowed hard. “Yeah, I guess that’s okay, but Darla honey, I promise I’ll never forget your name.”

BAD VIBES is a FREE download on Amazon Wednesday only.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009LYM3ZQ

Jina Bacarr said...

A Soldier's Italian Christmas is a sweet romance holiday novella--the story of a forbidden love between a soldier and a nun in war torn Italy in 1943. Or is she a nun? Captain Mack O'Casey is determined to find out...

========

“You can fool the Nazis, but not me.” He took her in his arms. “Don’t throw your life away, Angelina. That is your name?”
“Yes, but—”
“You know what we both want.”
She managed to take a breath, her hand going to her heart. She couldn’t speak, but the shining glow in her eyes told him he was right. His whole life depended on that look.
“I want to kiss you, Angelina,” he said in a whisper.
She nodded. A very slow nod, but it was the sign he needed.
Mack bent down and kissed her lips, softly at first. She trembled, but she didn’t pull away. He dared to fasten his mouth on hers, holding her captive. His beautiful angel was in his arms, but he wanted more. He reached under her veil and undid the ties of her wimple and found the pins holding up her hair. She let out a deep sigh that tugged at his heart when he pulled the pins loose and ran his fingers through the silky strands.
God, her hair reached down to her waist.
He deepened his kiss and she leaned into him, kissing him back with an intensity he never expected. Her whole body came alive in his arms. He’d never seen such fire in a woman. Every thought he ever had about her since the first time he saw her came together in that kiss. Warm, passionate. He tugged on her curly hair, wanting to lose himself in its glory. He didn’t want to let her go. He couldn’t believe how her kiss affected him. His pulse raced and rivulets of sweat dribbled down his face, his neck. He never wanted another woman except her.
A burst of cold wind hit his back. Someone had opened the chapel door.

A Soldier’s Italian Christmas on Amazon

Afton Locke said...

This is from Under Holly's Stockings, which releases from Ellora's Cave on the 11th. When a woman wearing sexy, red stockings propositions a “bah-humbug” guy to spend Christmas in bed, he decides to get into the holiday spirit.

--

He took a step closer to her. The magnetism between them she’d sensed on the train grew with new force inside the confines of her small apartment. The air left her lungs.
Kiss me.
“You look beautiful, Holly.” Was his voice unusually husky or was it her imagination?
“Thank you, Michael.”
She tasted the unfamiliar name as it flowed across her tongue. Had she really just let a complete stranger into her home? What if he was a criminal? In a strange way, though, she felt as if she already knew him. For instance, she knew he’d show up promptly at ten.
He tapped the side of his head. “Damn.”
“What is it?” she asked quickly. Please don’t leave! I don’t want to be alone. Not today.
“I should have brought you a gift. It was such short notice…”
Relief settled her hunched shoulders. “Your being here is the only gift I need. Would you like some spiced wine?”
“Sure. It sounds better than eggnog.”
She pointed to the two glasses on the coffee table she’d poured just before his arrival. Thank goodness because her hands trembled too hard now to pour anything without spilling it. Taking one of the glasses, she sipped the red, cinnamon-spiced drink and watched him do the same. A path of warmth trailed down her throat, giving her a trace of the courage she needed.
“I wish it would snow today,” she said, glancing toward the window where she’d taped paper snowflakes. A major blizzard would be nice, forcing her Christmas companion to stay all day and night with her.
He took a quick sip of wine. “Not likely with all that sun out there.”
This was so awkward! She took a big swallow this time, hoping the wine would make her tipsy enough to put them more at ease. Both of them set their glasses back on the table at the same time. Her fingers tingled so hard she would’ve dropped the glass soon anyway.
The magnetic force between them intensified. Before she could blink, Michael stepped closer. His mouth, inches from hers, closed the rest of the distance. His lips were so soft and tender they almost brought tears to her eyes. Even the skin of his cheek and chin was soft. He must have shaved carefully before coming over.
She swallowed a gasp of pleasure as he explored the outline of her mouth with his tongue. Her nipples tingled inside her bra, begging for the same treatment. She gripped his shoulders for support while his arms cradled her back. His fresh piney scent and the green sweater reminded her of a tree. Something she could cling to.
Her entire body melted against his while his gentle tongue forayed into her mouth and fluttered softer than a butterfly’s wings. Needing more of him, her pelvis pressed against his. A rigid knot of flesh told her he wanted her just as much. When he made love to her, would it be as slow and tender as his kiss? She knew it would.

Buy eBook Link: http://www.ellorascave.com/under-holly-s-stockings.html
Blog Tour: http://www.aftonlocke.com/HollyTour.html

janeleopoldquinn.blogspot.com said...

From "The Keeper" an erotic M/F romance...

"Sharon, look at me," he commanded in a husky, none too steady whisper, pulling gently on her hair to tip up her chin. "Share?" He tugged again. Crap. She's shivering. Is she crying?

She finally lifted her eyes to his. "No, no, I'm all right."

He could barely hear her over the jukebox.

"You don't have to do this."

"I don't have to do anything, Share, but I want to kiss you." Hank was an asshole for dumping her publicly like this. For so many reasons, some he didn't quite understand, he wanted to make it better for her. They swayed to the beat of a Joe Nichols ballad. His chest expanded against her breasts.

"Pete, it's…"

He lowered his head and murmured into her ear. "But, if you want, I'll wait."

"Wait?" She tensed, pulled her arms from around his neck, and grasped his forearms.

Her small hands on his arms made him feel strong and protective. "Until tomorrow night. How about we go to a movie tomorrow night?" He held back from taking advantage of how close his lips were to her ear. He really wanted to kiss the pretty little shell, and, oh fuck, he wanted to suck her earlobe between his teeth and bite.

She clung to him. The noise and smoke of the bar disappeared, and it was as if they were alone. Some singer a long time ago said dancing was like making love standing up. Man, was he right. Maybe she'd like to dance naked. He groaned, the sound reverberating in his chest.

When the song ended, and he reluctantly came to his senses, he steered her to the door and out into the steamy night. He was all heat, hot from the night and hot from Sharon. Extremely aroused, he stood very close to her at her car door, balancing one hand on the roof of the car, resting the other on her waist. She toyed with the buttons on his shirt. He held his breath when she pressed her palms against his chest, then lost it when she brushed her knuckles on his belly, just above his belt buckle.

Her expression was surprisingly shy, which seemed odd for the experienced woman he thought she was. Is she playing me?

Her fingers resting on his belt, she whispered, "Do we have to wait for tomorrow night for the kiss?"

Her lips parted and pursed, her gaze focused on his mouth, and that was all she wrote. Instantly, his mouth connected full on with hers. Lightly—intense but delicate—he brushed his lips back and forth, learning her, tasting her. He fought his desire for more. He wanted to plunder, but the softness of her response kept him in check. He let her lead the way and narrowed his eyes to watch her expression.

Hers popped open. With a shivering sigh, her breasts rose against his chest. The kiss ended. They separated, both gasping raggedly.

http://amzn.to/1882YIk

Martha O’Sullivan said...

Last Chance (Chances trilogy #3) by Martha O'Sullivan

Her emerald saucers were filling behind their licorice lashes and she was biting her bottom lip, trying to hold back the tears. Paul couldn’t have stopped himself from going to her if he’d wanted to.
“Moira, what are we doing?” he entreated, gripping her forearms. “What have I done? Have I lost you?”
She shook her head from side to side and her eyes began to empty, leaving sooty tire-like tracks on her china doll face. Tipping his head back in silent thanks, Paul took her in his arms. She moved into his body, sobbing through sawed-off breaths.
“Tell me nothing happened. Tell me there’s nothing between you and him,” he prayed out loud after an affecting moment.
She answered by burrowing her head deeper into his shoulder and wreathing his middle. He felt her breathing level off and he kissed the top of her coal-black mane. She smelled like a subtle version of earlier, infused with wine and garlic. Hope replaced the uneasiness in his stomach and he heard himself say, “I had to force myself not to go back there. I’ve been driving around for hours, going crazy.”
She angled out of his grasp just enough to make eye contact. Suddenly she was the girl he used to know again, not the woman tying his insides into knots. Or maybe the perfect combination of both. Her eyes began to shine and a satisfied smile curved her lips. “You have?”
“Yeah. Like outside my mind crazy.” He laid his lips on hers and tasted the salt from her tears. She melted into the kiss, then the next. He wondered if she could sense him growing behind the zipper. Or the spool of want unwinding into a thousand frazzled threads in his gut. Gasping for air, he released her mouth and cupped her face. “You make me crazy, Moira Brody. Absolutely crazy.”

marthaosullivan26.wix.com/marthaosullivan

Rose Anderson said...

A kiss from Enchanted Skye. In this scene, Jenna realizes Alex can read her thoughts. She still doesn't know he's a Selkie caught in a charm by her tears. I can't use italics here in comments to show their thoughts so I've used * as quotes.

.........
She shook her head. *This doesn’t make sense. It’s not possible.*

He smiled encouragingly. “No it doesn’t. But it is.”

Her eyes flashed her surprise. “Have you been reading my thoughts all along?”

The accusatory edge in her words made him uneasy. Confusion lit her eyes as his glamor came on. Squashing it down, he told her the truth. “Only the thoughts you’ve sent to me.”

She looked at him incredulously. “I didn’t send any to you.”

He nodded. “Aye, ye did. Ye had to, love. I’m only able to read thoughts directed at me.”

The blush was back. She quickly turned to leave. Thinking she might shun him again, an uncharacteristic wave of panic seized him and he caught her by the arm. His scots came out thick, “I’m tellin’ ye the truth. I know ye care fer me as I care fer you. Your mind told me so.”

She spun back around. Her eyes went from his, to his hand, and then back. Pursed lips declared Jenna ready to deny, but before she could voice it, he pulled her close and kissed her. For a surprised instant she went rigid. His mind poured his thoughts into hers. *Don’t ye see I’m in love with ye? It’s crazy, I know, because it’s so soon. But I do Jenna. I love ye like my soul will never be complete without ye in my life.*
Glamor tingled over his body like charged ions in the air before a storm, but a sudden shift in the emotions of the moment stopped it dead. The wild creature he was could feel the change coming as sure as he’d felt the sea shift with the weight of the storm outside.

.................
Get your free sampling of chapters of Enchanted Skye and my other scorching romances https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333971 and, find this story and the rest in ebook and paperback wherever books are sold. http://www.amazon.com/Enchanted-Skye-ebook/dp/B00F0XLF5Q/

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, all! I have a kiss from my romantic comedy, "The Great Fruitcake Bake-off," to share:

I offered him my hand. “Thanks for all your help, partner. Valentine's is around the corner, and I have a killer sugar cookie recipe made with cream cheese. We might want to team up for that.”

“I might have other plans for Valentine's Day.”

Guess this means he isn't interested in me after all. “Oh?”

With a step forward, he shifted into my personal space. He was so close, I could sense his body move into mine, enveloping all sensibility and sanity my brain possessed. His lemon soapy scent teased my nose. God save me. I swayed.

“I haven't properly congratulated you.”

Kiss me-kiss me-kiss me. I looked up into his grass-green depths. “Uh, yeah, you did.”

“Not how I really wanted to.” He dropped his head closer. His kiss moved and tugged, sending funny, incomprehensible swirls from my tummy. I looped my arms around his neck and pulled him tighter. My hand shifted to his hairline where my fingers teased there. His chest tightened and pressed against mine. The heat from his body warmed my blood. No one else mattered. Nothing else mattered. Just Dixon. Just me.

The residents around us broke into loud applause. Dixon broke a liplock away and murmured, “I know who is my first prize.”

“Really?” I said against his jaw. I angled my head so his cheek grazed mine, and I took in his clean close shave. What a man.

“Really.”

I smiled and stepped between his legs. “I'm all ears.”

“You, partner.”

Whee!

Find "The Great Fruitcake Bake-off" at: http://bit.ly/HXeo7h

Happy Holidays!

Mardi Maxwell said...

A kiss from "Three to Tango" book three in The Doms of Club Mystique series. It's a work in progress. In this scene Logan Ramsey is trying to get his twin Luc to begin a relationship with Cassie Edwards.

“Better, sugar,” Logan told her as he rose pulling her up with him.
Before Cassie could free herself and step away, he pulled her in toward him, tightened his arm around her waist and swayed her back and forth. Grasping her hand he twirled her in Luc’s direction releasing her at the last moment. She landed against Luc and he used the momentum to lift her then slowly lower her. She automatically moved into the correct dance position, curling her leg around his waist, her bare toes pointed, as her belly rubbed over his hard abs. The skirt of her dress bunched up on his belt buckle and she felt his erection press between her legs. He held her there, his eyes staring into hers as he lowered his mouth to her mouth. His lips brushed over her lips, his tongue flicking out and pressing between her lips until she opened for him. His tongue swept in, tasting her and tangling with her tongue, then luring her tongue into his mouth. He held her captive for a moment as she wrapped herself around him and the kiss turned from sweet and soft to devouring and carnal. Luc's hand cupped the back of her head, holding her in place as he nibbled on her lips then ended the kiss by brushing her lips softly. Jenna was breathless, her lips wet and swollen, her eyes out of focus when she realized the kisses in her past had not prepared her for Luc's kiss.
“I expect you in the playroom at nine,” Luc said his voice raspy and demanding. He gently unwrapped her arms and legs from his body then set her on her feet. He looked at Logan and a silent message flew between them before he left the room.

Find book one "To Love and Obey (The Doms of Club Mystique) on December 12, 2013 at www.boodstrand.com/mardi-maxwell


Andrea Cooper said...

Thank you. Such great excerpts.

Here's mine from Viking Fire - historical romance:

“The bedchambers are upstairs.”
“Lead the way, then, my lady.” He grinned. His smile did not falter her resolve to be rid of him; instead, she stomped each foot on the stone steps.
“Our room.” She waved her hand as she stood at the threshold.
He moved passed her and into the room. “Tis the first you admit we marry.”
“No. I said no such—”
He pulled her in his embrace and she went rigid. She opened her mouth to scream, but as she drew a breath, his lips crushed hers. Tingles of warmth crept from inside her to the tips of her toes. Her mind raced, demanding she be free, while her traitorous body melted in his arms. His kiss became gentle and sparked a craving inside her for more. His mouth opened, offering her to taste secrets. She slackened against him as his tongue played across her lips, stroking, and numbing her thoughts. He did not force his way further, but ended the kiss with her lips yearning for his. Then he stepped back.
“Your lips and eyes speak of your love.” He beamed at her frown. “Now I am sure of your passion for me.”
“No.” That was enough! He had overstepped his bounds with his prideful arrogant assumptions. “You are mistaken; I wish to never marry you.” She would not fall in love with him. No matter his handsome face. She must not allow herself to acknowledge that she liked it when he kissed her. She would never be free if he became the laird over her.
“Aye, your kiss spoke more than you know.” He chuckled and held her hand kissing her palm. “In time the rest of you will agree as well.”

www.andreaRcooper.com

Rachell Nichole said...

Hey there! I love this meme. :-) Nice excerpts everyone.

This is the first kiss from my BDSM work in progress, currently titled DOMESTIC DISCIPLINE NEEDED.


Chase nodded and the bouncers returned to their spots beside the doors.
He looked down at Liz just in time for her to grab a handful of his hair with her free hand and yank his head down to hers. She fused her lips against his and he practically growled at the sweet taste of her. She swiped her tongue along his lips and he opened to her. She kissed him senseless, and then pulled her head back.
“What the hell woman?”
Chase had barely enough sense to yank Liz into the alley and slam her against the wall, shoving his knee between her legs and lifting her up to his height. His blood had gone from ice to lava in the span of thirty seconds.
Liz panted, licking her moist lips. She easily broke the hold he had on her wrist and wrapped her other arm around his neck. “They wouldn’t let me in,” she said, breathlessly.
He hiked up the edges of her too-long dress, until he reached the scorching flesh of her thighs. God, was she wearing an actual garter belt? He could feel the silk of the straps on the outer edge of her legs. “And you want in?” he demanded.
“Yes,” she moaned.


www.RachellNichole.com

B.J. McCall said...

Merry Mate by B.J. McCall

A red velvet Santa's hat that only fits one's true love? Sierra doesn't believe in magic, but she's willing to give it a try.
Humans are off limits, but what's a wolf to do when the hat is a perfect fit?


Sierra placed the hat on his head and adjusted the fur trim. The material was soft and fit well. It felt good on his head. “It’s warm. A perfect fit.”
He looked at Sierra, then did something he’d dreamed about. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.
Heat flashed through him, spreading, tingling and igniting a fierce fire. He didn’t think. He reacted. Banning pulled her into his arms and deepened the kiss.
She slid her tongue over his and the fire spread from his chest to parts lower.
Wanting her closer, he tightened his hold.
Sierra softened against him, the curves and hollows of her body molding to his chest, belly and thighs.
Her mouth was hot and her lips yielding.
Then she pushed at his chest.
Banning raised his head.
Her eyes were wide and her face pale.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what possessed me to do that. I know I broke the rules, but I couldn’t resist you.”

Available at Amazon
http://www.amzn.com/B00H2ARAJ0

Savanna Kougar said...

Finally made it over here... enjoyed everyone's kiss snippet!

Here's mine from RED LIONESS TAMED, a previously published sci fi erotic romance novella. I have extensively revised Sun Rocket and Draxen's love story, which is now available as an Indie release.

Draxen... touched his mouth to hers. He nibbled her lush warm lips.
Wild as a stud beast for her, even so, he lightly nipped until she moaned for him. Carefully, he captured her mouth with his, pressing until she surrendered to his tender kiss.
"Your name," he compelled. Unable to deny himself, Draxen continued softly tasting her mouth.
Instead of answering, she hungrily sought his lips – her nips sensual at first, then primal. As her mouth heated, her lips danced like persuasive flame against his own.
"Your name." He teased her upper lip between his teeth.
She rocked her hips to him, a sultry beckoning.

~http://kougarkisses.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_4.html~