Peter loved Kate with all his being, but that didn't mean he'd tolerate an ultimatum from her.
For Sneak Peek Sunday we share six paragraphs from a published work or a WIP (work in progress).My submission for this week is from my 5th book, and newest release, Acting Lessons.
He was a strict and demanding college professor turned professional director who excelled at giving acting lessons. She was his shy and uncertain former student who became a professional actress under his tutelage. They fell in love, married, and won two Tony Awards before tragedy struck and a simple kiss ripped them apart.
After a six month separation, Peter Thorton decides to take matters into his own hands by making his famous wife, Kate, an offer she wouldn't refuse. Plainly put, he wants her back and he intends to do whatever is necessary to achieve his goal, even if it means giving his stubborn, willful leading lady a daily reminder over his knee that she promised to obey him.
In this scene, which occurs early in the first chapter, Peter Thorton, seated comfortably in an agent's office, is attempting to convince his wife, Kate, to give their marriage a second chance by signing her to appear with him in a College Summer Stock production of "Kiss Me Kate." Kate isn't sure she can trust Peter with her heart again, since she believes he's been unfaithful to her, but she's never stopped loving him. And though Domestic Discipline originally played a part in their marriage, their last two years together had them living like polite strangers sharing the same house. Peter realizes he made a mistake in letting Kate do as she pleased, so he's determined to rectify matters immediately, however, Kate is suspicious.
Narrowing her eyes, Kate crossed her
arms and sat back. Peter grinned at her
like the cat that had devoured the canary and lapped up a saucer of cream as a
chaser. She didn't trust that look. More to the point, though, she didn't trust
herself--not when she was with him.
She'd never forgiven him for cheating on her, but she'd never stopped
loving him, either. However, he loved another woman, so why was he coming to
her with an offer?
He wanted something. Something he wasn't ready to reveal,
yet. And, he'd changed. He seemed more commanding and insistent, like
he'd been in the early days of their relationship.
Back then, he hadn't let her get
away with much. He insisted she do
things the way he wanted. If she dared
argue the point, she'd find herself panties down, draped over his knees,
regretting her obstinacy.
She hadn't forgotten the burn of his
iron palm when it descended with displeasure.
But what she remembered most about those days was the way he'd kissed
and hugged her once she'd promised to do what he wanted.
And, more often than not, what he
wanted would only help her become a better person or actress.
During those moments when she curled
up on his lap seeking the reassurance he all too willingly gave, he surrounded
her with security, love and protection.
She missed those days, but they bore little similarity to his attitude
toward the end of their marriage.
Hmm. Kate's not quite ready to trust her former husband again, but he can be very convincing when he chooses to be.
If you're 18 or older, you can read the first three chapters at Acting Lessons
Buy the book directly from Blushing Books
Thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoyed this brief excerpt and want more. Please click the link below to continue your hop Sneak Peek Sunday Wishing you a wonderful journey.
The set up here is wonderful.Her suspicion is delightful and a fun beginning for this book. Loved every page!
ReplyDeleteI agree, I love the set up of this book. I'm interested to see where this production is going to take them and their reconciliation. :-)
ReplyDelete