Here’s a never before seen romantic excerpt from White Pearls. Comment on any post dated July 11 – 15 for a chance to win a copy. Deadline: July 16th 11:59 am central time:
A tap sounded on Shell’s door. “Hey, need some help?”
Her chest tightened. Her home. A boundary Ryler had never crossed, even during their relationship. “Um, sure. Come on in.” She stacked paper plates, napkins, and plastic forks on the table.
His huge frame made her living room seem small. Masculinity overtook everything despite the feminine, flowery decor.
“If you can take these, I’m in the process of making sweet tea real quick.”
“Now you’re talking.” He grabbed the stack of paper products but paused in the doorway to her bedroom.
Crossing another boundary. “Excuse me?”
“Sorry. Couldn’t help but notice what a neat freak you are. I never even make my bed and you’ve got everything just so. How long does it take to arrange all those frilly little pillows?”
“I like my surroundings neat.” The only thing she could control. She had to get used to seeing him daily, without her heart threatening to flutter out of her chest. Become immune to him. If that were possible. “After work, would you like to come by and have coffee with me?”
“Having coffee was how it all started with us.” Knifelike words delivered in a stone-cold tone. “This time around, let’s keep it business only. Just business.”
Even though he’d misunderstood, his rejection stung. “Exactly what I had in mind. Listen, I don’t like being uncomfortable around someone I work with. So, I thought maybe we could become friends.”
“Friends?” He frowned. “I guess we could give it a try.”
“Good. I’m tired of the tension.” Sucking in a relieved breath, she removed the cold brew bag from the pitcher. She dissolved the sugar in hot water and dumped ice in. Grabbing Styrofoam cups, she carried the pitcher out, only to have Ryler take it from her.
The men stood in a pack around the lasagna, ready to pounce.
Ryler stuck two fingers in his mouth and delivered an earsplitting whistle. “Hey, ladies first. She made us sweet tea.”
No one had ever called Shell Evans a lady. It sounded kind of nice. Except that Ryler knew she wasn’t a lady. And he wanted nothing to do with her.
About Shannon: Central Arkansas author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife. Her three-book debut series of contemporary inspirational romances with Heartsong Presents are set in Romance and Rose Bud, Arkansas.
Heartsong titles ship to a 11,000 member book club before releasing in stores. Vannatter’s titles: White Roses, White Doves, and White Pearls are available at www.heartsongpresents.com.
White Roses won the 2011 Inspirational Readers Choice Award in the short contemporary category. The 18th Annual Heartsong Awards named Vannatter #3 Favorite New Author, White Roses #1 Favorite Contemporary Novel, and White Doves #8 Favorite Contemporary Novel. The Democrat-Gazette Three Rivers Edition named Vannatter one of 20 to Watch in 2011.
Her next series is set around Texas rodeos. The first book will release to the Heartsong book club in October.
Come back July 18th for Cozy Mystery author, Elizabeth Ludwig.
This book sounds awesome! I will definitely have to check it out. Can’t wait for the Texas rodeos to come out.
My friend Brenda Parker told me about your wonderful books… I went to barnes and noble and I am going to have to order them … I am late in my chance to winning a copy.. but goodluck all