There was something different about Colin Terriot, but Mia couldn’t pinpoint it as she leaned back against the door while he refused to acknowledge her, too busy adjusting the bass on the classic car’s tape deck and the volume to near concert level so he wouldn’t have to talk to her. Silence was fine, because it left the pleasure of looking at him, and looking at him was pure pleasure.
He mouthed the words to the bouncy rock song, eyes on the road as if she wasn’t there. For the moment, she let him pretend, watching his hands stroke the steering wheel, wishing they were traveling over her with such tender attention.
He started moving to the music, a subtle bob of his head at first, then the pulse of his knee, a rock to his shoulders that finally put his whole body in motion as he started singing loudly to “Jet Airliner,” its lyrics filled with leaving friends and all the people he trusted at home to move on. When he reached the line “with tears in my eyes,” did his glisten suspiciously?
As if he’d left Tahoe for good.
Was that what he was doing, what this strange mix of melancholy and anticipation was all about? Was he moving on to New Orleans? A whisper of temptation made her look away because it scared the crap out of her.
Blasts from the past combine with the hits that keep on coming in the soundtrack to Colin and Mia’s romance. Take a listen.
Thank goodness for them that the song never remains the same. How about your characters? Do they dance to their own music?
Obsessed with an enemy - the only female to ever walk away from him . . .
Colin . . . Prince in the House of Terriot
Brawny, cynical negotiator for his clan, Colin Terriot sees a move to New Orleans as an escape from a painful past and his reputation as a legendary lover. What he didn't expect was to fall hard for a rival spy, the female who tricked and betrayed him by leaving his bed for his brother's. Now, he now must work with her, up close and personal, as the envoy for her clan. Things are about to heat up.
Determined to have him - even if having him means losing all . . .
Mia . . . Strong-willed Guedry heir
Denied her rightful legacy, Mia Guedry plans to stake her claim over the bodies of those who killed her family. But best laid plans fall before her desire for the one male she can't resist, the one who will never trust her once burned by her necessary deceptions. Saving her Terriot prince from plans already in motion may cost more than her inheritance . . . the price could be her life.
“Hold onto your heart (& your panties, ladies!) . . . the Terriot princes are back! Things are heating up in New Orleans in this powerful story of obsession, betrayal and revenge. Intricately woven plot lines and complex characters carry PRINCE OF POWER to a block buster revelation in another Page Burning Must Read! Five Hearts!” – Cross My Heart Reviews
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The way Mia is aware of Colin is very intimate. Fascinating dynamics, Nancy
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. It's the up close and personal that matters.
DeleteThis snippet certainly raises intriguing questions. Amazing how lyrics influence characters! Good snippet!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Frank!
DeleteFascinating, the way she observe's his antics ignoring her. Beautiful snippet.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charmaine. Yeah, like he doesn't know she's there. Snort!
DeleteI was bouncing along with him. Something I think we can all relate to, getting into the groove of a song.
ReplyDeleteTweeted.
Glad you enjoyed the ride!
DeleteI wonder how long this "deafening" silence will last between them? Is he going to cave or will she turn off the music and confront him? I suspect fireworks either way!
ReplyDeleteIt's a long drive . . .
DeleteI love how you used the song to illustrate the changes she saw in him, and how she's feeling. Well done! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessica!
DeleteLove the addition of the musical subtheme and of course the song you picked was perfect for the scene. Excellent excerpt!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Veronica! I knew I kept those CD for some reason!!
DeleteInteresting how the song says quite a bit about what he might be thinking. I create playlists for my characters too!
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorite parts of the creative process.
DeleteCharming snippet.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeleteYour question at the end reminded me anew how infrequently I mention music in my writing, despite having been an active musician for far longer than I've been a writer. But then, my kind of music merely emphasizes that I'm a square peg in a round hole; I've played oboe in one orchestra or another for nearly 40 years. And this from the son of a janitor. Yeah, I've had trouble fitting in.
ReplyDeleteI adore music but can't carry a tune with a front end loader. The definition of making a joyful noise!
DeleteInteresting that she is so in tune with him and I'm intrigued to know more.
ReplyDeletePlaylists are wonderful tools in conjuring up a character. Songs are a part of the recipe.
Thanks, Karen! Music is a look into the soul.
DeleteI really enjoyed your description of him slowly getting absorbed into the music and her reaction to watching him. Intimate and fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alexis!
DeleteSuch great writing in that snippet. I could hear the music and see all his movements and feel what Mia was feeling. Nice line to end it on, too.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!!
DeleteHaha! I just had a sweet flashback, first warm spring days when everyone pulled out their muscle cars and drove around, late 70s rock blasting from their speakers... Good snippet, Nancy--to transport me away like that!
ReplyDeleteI love the ability of music to capture a moment in time!
DeleteHmm. What's next between them?
ReplyDeleteLet's see . . . we're only on the third song of the playlist . . .
DeleteI love how she's seeing him without "seeing" him. Very clever and insightful! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you, Amy!!
DeleteJust watch him? I take it conversation would not be good.
ReplyDeleteI love singing aloud to music in the car - when I'm alone. He's clearly using the music as a reason not to have a conversation. However, I do like a man who moves rhythmically to music. It usually means he's a good mover in other ways too! ;)
ReplyDeleteSo adorable the way she's noticing all the little details.
ReplyDeleteI thought I left a comment. Sorry. Love a guy who gets into music. He's doing a great job pretending she isn't there. From her thoughts, it's a wonder she doesn't self-combust. LOL
ReplyDeleteIf he wants her to think he's indifferent, he's doing it all wrong. lol. His reaction to her is palpable.
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this snippet. I love how you've described his feelings toward the music seen from her pov. <3
ReplyDelete