How's it going, Hoppers?

Let me start by saying:

   

 Now--how's it going? Oh, right, I asked that already, didn't I?
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 Well, it's been a busy kind of day over here. I've been writing a bit, talking to friends, and visiting with my family.  Earlier, I asked you guys what you were doing for Easter, and it sounds like some of you have some lovely plans. Just about everyone who's commented has said that they plan to spend the day with family. 
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That sounds excellent to me : -) It also seemed like you all were going to be pretty busy cooking and doing things around the house. Don't forget to take time out for yourselves. But just in case you don't, I've got you covered for downtime.
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I hinted at a surprise chocolate gift and I won't let you down. Aside from choosing a winner for a free download, another winner will choose a lovely pair of handmade earrings from this online shop (more added this evening), and a THIRD winner will win some yummy, yummy chocolate goodies from Gertrude Hawk 

But if that's not enough, here's an excerpt from the first book I ever had published--Weakspot

The Legacy Renaud and Lorelei had inherited from their father was a death sentence if the men who’d captured and imprisoned their father ever caught up with them, but there was little they could do beyond depend on one another.

Excerpt:

Sheriff Dekon Warrick Martine had every intention that the damn fool who was making his bad day worse share in his misery.
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 His mood was so foul that the werewolf in him was taking over and he could barely speak in complete sentences. He knew his blue-black hair had become shaggy and his teeth were growing slightly elongated. He’d damaged the door to his SUV getting in and the steering wheel would have to be replaced again.
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He’d gone inside the Burger Bin to speak with the manager of the town’s most popular fast-food place. It seemed that a group of rowdy teens had been loitering there and causing trouble.
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Lawrence Brunet, his nephew Renaud’s human uncle, had been inside. That was what had caused his mood to spiral downward. The man had stopped the Sheriff to complain about their nephew’s childhood friend moving into town. According to Lawrence, she was influencing the boy in all kinds of deviant ways.
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He was leaving the parking lot and heading for the main thoroughfare when a car from the drive-thru plowed into his front fender. He hit the lights and signaled to the He hit the lights and signaled to the idiot to follow him around back.
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He didn’t like to do his business in public if quiet places were available. Besides, this imbecile would feel the brunt of his bad mood today and he wanted room and privacy for that.

Lorelei saw the Sheriff place his hat on his head and remove his sunglasses. He got out of the SUV and sauntered to her car’s window.

He wore the standard issue khaki uniform with stripes down the legs. The cotton/polyester fabric blend was stretched tight in the early heat. His thighs were as well muscled as his torso and the uniform clung to him like a second skin.

“Aft’noon, ma’am,” the officer said casually. His midnight blue eyes were anything but causal.

“Sir,” she squeaked. Under other circumstances, Lorelei would have enjoyed looking at this sexy policeman. Right now, she wished she could stare at him from afar.

The Sheriff adjusted his body to block the afternoon sun and turned his head away from her. For just a moment, Lorelei admired his trim hips, flat stomach, and broad muscular chest taking up the space in her car's window.

When he looked down at her again, she could see anger flickering in his dark blue eyes. His wrath was almost palpable. She held herself rigid to keep from flinching.

“Seems you were a mite distracted back there, little lady. Wanna tell me about it?” he challenged in a hard voice.

 No, not really.

“Umm. I’m sorry, sir. I just – I’m sorry, it’s ....” She took a deep breath. "This is my fault entirely," she told him resolutely.

No doubt her insurance agent back in Connecticut had felt a ripple in the force when she said that. Now if she could just keep her chin from wobbling.

Lorelei ran a finger over the delicate chain around her neck and pulled out her amber medallion. It began to glow softly. She was incredibly nervous, not quite afraid, but definitely apprehensive. Any strong emotion caused her charm to glow.

“Ma’am, you're awful agitated for a little fender bender. Now why that is?” he asked in his deep, molasses and gravel voice. “Perchance you have been enjoying a libation down the road, no?”

“No! No, sir, I promise. I only got a milk shake! See? You can taste it!” she tried to be as up-front as she could.

They always told you to cooperate with the police, right?

“Sir,” she tried again, “you—I mean this—just makes me nervous.” Her voice was high. She was on the verge. She squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath.

Opening them again, she looked up at him, trying to appear as guiltless as possible. He turned his face into the bright sunlight again. She was sure he was trying to control his ire.

“Little lady, I need your license and registration and you're gonna have to get down,” he ordered in a growl.

She handed him the documents he’d asked for but gave him a quizzical frown.

“Get down, sir?” she croaked. She’d bet he didn’t mean break-dance.

“Get down, petit. Step out of the car,” he explained sternly.

That’s what she was afraid he’d meant.

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And that's it for tonight, folks! Enjoy the hop and don't forget to comment on what you read. Tell me what you're doing this weekend. Let me know what's up. Every comment you leave will enter you in the contest(s).  The more you have to say, the better your chances are to win!

J.J. Massa

www.jjmassa.com

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