Okay, okay. I know it’s not Christmas. You probably know that, too.
The thing is, I was thinking about romance topics to blog about, and I settled on first kisses. Since I’m writing a series, I decided that it made the most sense to share the first kiss from the first book in the series.
And I should warn you – I’m not actually sharing the kiss here. Just the scene leading up to the kiss…
Here’s a little background: Rylie and Zach are dancing at a sort-of Christmas formal for the kids in the pediatric oncology unit. Zach’s niece is attending the dance via the internet. As this scene starts, she’s on a portable tablet being held by one of the nearby nurses.
***
Zach continued to hold her close, his voice low enough that it wouldn’t carry beyond the circle of his arms. “I wasn’t entirely on speaking terms with God there for a little while, but as soon as I started talking to Him again, He reminded me that guilt isn’t mine to give. Making myself feel badly over good things happening in my life doesn’t do my niece any good.” He gave his trademark shrug then, and Rylie couldn’t help but revel in the sensation of his muscles flexing under her left hand.
They were still on the dance floor, but their movements had slowed to more of a sway than anything else. They could have been the only ones out there for all the notice Rylie gave the other dancers.
“And I’m one of those good things?”
A mischievous grin shaped Zach’s mouth. “Sweetheart, you are a master of understatement.”
Rylie bit her bottom lip, fighting the urge to smile back at him.
“You either have to tell me you feel the same way or tell me to get lost, but you can’t leave me hanging. It’s dance protocol.”
“Dance protocol, huh?”
He nodded sagely.
Rylie leaned up on her toes as she tugged his head closer to her own. Whispering against his ear, she told him, “I happen to think you’re a good thing, too. In fact…”
The song came to an end. Into the silence, a voice yelled out from the other side of the world, “Kiss her, Uncle Zach!”
***
If you want to see what happens next – or how they got this far – you can get An Informal Christmas here – or you can enter the giveaway below.
To enter the giveaway, comment below with your most memorable first kiss – either in real life, a book, or a movie. One winner will receive a complimentary e-book copy of An Informal Christmas. Comments are welcome anytime, but the giveaway will close at midnight on Friday night, June 3rd. The winner will be announced in the Sunday Edition right here on the blog on June 5th.
Heather Gray loves coffee, God, her family, and laughter – not necessarily in that order! She writes approachable characters who, through the highs and lows of life, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her. And, yeah, her books almost always have someone who's a coffee addict. Some things just can't be helped. Despite their different lives and situations, Heather’s characters have something in common. They're all flawed...but loved anyway.
I’m reading a Christmas novella now…they’re great anytime of the year. :) I enjoyed your excerpt, Heather…thanks for sharing. Love the meme!
Thank you Jill! I hope you’re enjoying your Christmas story! I’m with you – Christmas stories are great any time of the year! :)
That’s one (of many) of my favorite scenes from that book. Zach is such a dreamboat. :)
Right!? What’s not to love? Everything from the denim jacket to his willingness to dance with his niece via the internet… He’s dreamy inside and out. :)
Your story sounds like so much fun….and the anticipation for that kiss, wow!! My first kiss with my boyfriend (now husband) was nothing short of magical. We went on a date and then sat in his car and talked and flirted then he leaned in for the kill! It was sooo amazing….I practically melted! I thought my heart was going to beat right out of my chest! He totally rocked my world!
Ha! I love that you have that memory! And I’m sure he’s still rocking your world! My husband-of-almost-twenty-years and I were friends for a long time (years) before we dated, and the transition from friends to more-than-friends wasn’t always a smooth one. Some parts were awkward. The memory of our first kiss makes me laugh more than anything else…but that’s kind of on par with our marriage. We do tend to laugh about things quite a bit. ^_^
I loved how Zach hanged mistletoe everywhere in case there was any chance their kiss might get Rylie in trouble and the whole party started kissing.
I don’t recall any memorable kiss and since my husband was my first kiss, I only had one first and it wasn’t our best (just don’t tell him). Kissing did get better with time and I still melt in his arms…
Reality rocks! I love that you’re honest about the first kiss. As I mentioned in a comment above, the first kiss my husband and I shared was a bit…awkward. We’ve both gotten better at it in the years since. ^_^
And I’m glad you enjoyed the mistletoe! I thought that was a nice touch. Zach is a great guy. I’m working on books 4 and 5 in the series right now, but looking at this scene again has made me miss Zach and Rylie. I think I’m going to have to find a way to give them a scene in the stories I’m working on right now…
Loved that novella, Heather!
Thank you Valerie!!
First kiss can either be magical or a blah. Mine was magical because I can still feel it as if it was yesterday ( it happened 23 yrs ago).
First kisses can be magical, blah, or…comical. (I’m working on a scene that includes the latter, so I have to throw that one in there!) ^_^
I’m glad the memory of your first kiss is magical. Magical kisses are the ones that make movies sell and books fly off the shelves. It’s the perfect combination of attraction and romance. Let’s face it. A kiss without romance is just a kiss. A kiss with romance, though…that’s magic. ^_^ (At least, that’s my two cents. What do you think?)
Loved that book! :) Sweet story!
Thank you for stopping by today Julie!! (And I’m glad you enjoyed the story!) :)
As I remember, my first kiss was from my college roommate’s husband at their wedding! It was not romantic at all. I was startled! He was, however, being thoughtful and kind, as he didn’t want me to be unkissed :-)
Haha! That story could have gone so many different ways! I’m glad it was a thoughtful and kind kiss and not a “now what do I tell my roommate about her new husband” kind of kiss! ^_^
Story sounds sweet. My first kiss was from my now husband…we were both a bit shy, but after that..wow! He still makes me melt. I am blessed to be married to my best friend.
I’m so glad you could stop by today! And you’re right – what a blessing to be married to your best friend! (And I love the “wow”!) :)
One of my favorite first kisses isn’t my own, but the one at the end of You’ve Got Mail. I love how sweet it was and how the dog reaches up to be petted during it.
Thank you for stopping by today Melynda! That sounds like a fantastic first kiss! I mean, seriously, who can resist a furry little friend getting into the middle of it, right? ^_^
I enjoyed this novella Heather and look forward to reading more!
Thank you Julianne! I’m glad you enjoyed Rylie and Zach’s story. I have to admit, I’m partial to them, too. ^_^
I have yet to read this one, Heather, so would love to win it. :-) One of my favourite first kisses comes from the film Six Days and Seven Nights, starring Harrison Ford and Ann Heche.
I vaguely remember the movie, but I don’t remember the first kiss. I’ll have to check that one out! (I’m a sucker for any Harrison Ford movie!) ;)
My first kiss with my hubby, I saw fireworks!
It was the 4th of July. ;)
Awesome!! That’s the sort of thing you’ll get to tell your kids, your grandkids, and anyone else who will listen for years to come!!
I love Christmas stories year round.
I’m guessing he kisses her right there in the middle of the dance floor, with no music and everyone watching.
Oh, my first kiss was decidedly unmemorable. My favorite kids is the final kids in the movie Princess Bride.
So glad you could stop by Kelly! I love Princess Bride! I used to have most of the lines memorized. My husband even bought me the book. :)