A writer pal of mine has a new release today. Check it out. Trust me... this is hawt!

‘Cheyenne’ is every man’s fantasy—over the phone. Playing the popular fantasy mate, Cynthia Stewart seduces callers nightly, despite swearing off men in real life. Cynthia’s heart and libido are simply on the shelf. Separated and struggling to reclaim her career, all this talk about fantasies has little effect on her.
Until Cynthia meets a man who wants to know hers. All of them. Opening up her private thoughts is a big step for Cynthia. Yet she can’t resist the man who describes himself like the perfect tall, dark, handsome stranger. And his calls slowly push her personal and sexual boundaries open. But Cynthia starts to wonders if this is someone she can truly trust. Because she has been giving him the blue print to seduce her for real...

EXCERPT

Getting into character Cynthia answered breathily, “Hello, this is Cheyenne.”

“Cheyenne,” the voice drew out the word as though savoring the sound. “That is such a pretty name.” The deep masculine tones were authoritative. “But, I would rather know your real name. I am sure it’s even better.”

This man wasn’t a fool. Unlike most men, he knew she gave him a stage name. Rather than denying the truth, she said smoothly, “How about you call me Cheyenne?”

“My name is Mark, Cheyenne. I am six-foot-two, well-built. Dark eyes and dark hair. Living and working in the downtown core.”

This call was really shaping up to be different. Usually they only wanted to hear about her looks. He actually wanted to participate, to be let in on the fun.

“Sounds yummy. I am a strawberry blonde with very long hair. Blue eyes, five-foot-five, curvy and tanned.” And I wear a bunny tail, too. She smirked to herself.

He chuckled. “That sounds like a playboy spread. I have a little more sophisticated taste. What would I have to do to get a real description?”

Her heart started to race. She got a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Yup, there wasn’t much of a bounce to this plain bunny.

“Okay, maybe you’ll give me a different description when you get to know me better. I would like us to know each other very well.”

In spite of herself Cynthia felt intrigued. She purred, “I would like to learn all about you Mark, like what turns you on.”

“Cheyenne, I would really love you to tell me what turns you on. I don’t want to hear just what you think I want to hear from you. This isn’t about what I want.”

Knocked out of her canned responses, Cynthia was speechless. Maybe someone should pay this guy to talk on the phone.

“Do you like to be made love to slowly, or fast, and urgent? Do you dream of someone who knows your desires? The true ones. Tell me.” She heard the soft seductive command in his voice. “Cheyenne, have you ever had a man that knew your wants intimately? That knew your true fantasies?”

Cynthia couldn’t block out the flood of erotic images that went through her head.

“No.”

The acknowledgement came out almost as a whisper before she could stop herself.

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Excerpt Monday - Lonely Soul

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don't have to be published to participate–just an writer with an excerpt you'd like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.


EXCERPT FROM LONELY SOUL


Blues played on as they danced. The sky was clear and full of stars that one could only see from the rooftops and mingled with the blinking lights of the skyline. The sounds from the city streets below seemed far away. A gentle breeze coaxed the candle flames to dance along. The dogs rested next to the door, oblivious to the rising temperature on the patio.

Mike took Lauren’s hand and led her through a French door that opened to his bedroom. The neutral shades of his room were set aglow by more lit candles. Rose petals were delicately spread on the bed. Several large pillows lay against the headboard. Smiling with the knowledge his carefully planned night was only half over, he watched Lauren.

“Oh, Mike!” Her reaction was breathless. “This is beautiful. You, you are so romantic.”

“I will always be,” he said as he took off his shirt, “for you.”

The music changed to more mysterious instrumental tunes with haunting voices but still slow and soft. Mike held Lauren and proceeded to dance with her. Some of the words he felt were applicable and he sang them in her ear.

“Is the world slowing down or are we just speeding up?” His hands held her tight as the lyrics rolled off his tongue. “Maybe we’re just spinning around but oh, don’t let it change.”

She exposed her neck to his breath. Kissing her as he slowly undressed her was exhilarating. Lauren’s hands brushed his skin as she released him from the rest of his clothing and clung to him with desire.

Careful meditation was spent on every body part exposed. Lauren became liquid in his hands. He wanted to share his soul with her but his confidence wavered. Considering his years spent learning the spiritual side of love from Sybil combined with his sexual exploits, he had yet to reach the ultimate plane. With Lauren he hoped that for the first time he could give something from himself, and together create a dedicated relationship to bind her to him forever.

Sybil had warned him that to make love in such a spiritual fashion would take practice for both lovers; this was only their third night together. But Mike was hopeful. He had spent the afternoon preparing his home, especially his bedroom, into a sanctuary. The music, food, candles, flower petals, even the placement of the pillows on the bed were done to stimulate their senses and ignite sexual
energy.

If the night failed, he planned to try again at his cabin. Sybil once said to make love under the sky; nature would reveal its secrets. He wanted to know Lauren’s body as his own and she his. If he created a central force between them, nothing could separate them. Yet time was running out for him to tell her the truth about his
name.

Instead of falling onto the bed in a passionate embrace once they were both naked, Mike stepped away from Lauren and looked at her as if he were looking in a mirror. His eyes started at her feet, her pink toenails; traveling up the calf and thigh on one leg; his hands ached to touch her. Closing his eyes for a moment, he could feel her skin under his fingers. Opening his eyes he continued the scan along her hip to a patch of neatly trimmed blond fur; up her to belly when he felt a sharp pain in his chest.

It was the call of fatherhood that he had ignored for so long. With difficulty, he pushed the sentiment aside again. He licked his lips when he saw hardened nipples upon her supple breasts. His breathing became labored with raw hunger for her.
Frantically he fought for self-control. His eyes traveled up her neck to pause at her lips; then he looked deep into her blue orbs. She was stealing his heart.

“Look at me,” his voice was nothing but a hoarse growl. “Feel me with your eyes. Memorize me as I just did you.”

Lauren had been watching him look at her and found it arousing. Now it was her turn in this sensual game. Like him, she started at his feet and could picture giving him a body massage starting with sucking on his cute toes. Soft golden hair covered his strong calves and thighs. She wanted to caress the dimples in his hips and drag her tongue across the muscle that draped his lower abdomen. Dark golden curls encircled the tool that took her to paradise; she felt wetness between her legs. The line of soft hair continued over his washboard belly to his sculpted chest where the crystal rested. She found herself curious about the crystal and Mike’s interest in the
sensual and spiritual arts.

As she drew her gaze to his mouth and his eyes, he approached her. Without a word he picked her up and tenderly laid her on the bed; the fragrance of roses surrounded her. He began a gentle massage and exploration from her feet, up her legs, across her belly to her breasts as if he were worshiping her body. When he drew a finger along her lips, Lauren caught his hand and began kissing his fingers one by one. She
watched his eyes roll back with pleasure.

Quietly, they reversed their positions, Mike relaxed on the soft pillows and Lauren began her study of him. She became totally absorbed in the sensations of his skin, hair, contours of his body and his rising temperature. This innocent touching of each other was very arousing.

Lauren continued her adventure but with her tongue. An animalistic growl came from the masculine body as Mike slipped into abandonment and gave her complete control over him. He knew that by letting her have equal participation they were creating a strong foundation for a loving and enduring relationship. She watched his face as she stroked him with her hands and mouth, heightening his desire. When he watched her take his hardness into her mouth, fuel was added to the fire of eroticism, especially at the moment she glanced up at him.

All of his controlled breathing and thinking of nonsexual things didn’t help him once his body took over and flowed with pleasure. He fought against the explosions but lost. He threw his head back; eyes wide open and arched his torso as he cried out loudly as if in pain. Never experiencing such a forceful response, he couldn’t move. His brain screamed, his chest heaved.

Lauren’s soft hands brought him back to earth but also kept him hard. Slowly without releasing her hold on him, she rolled to her side. She kissed his neck and cheek before placing feather kisses on his mouth.

Feeling disappointed with himself, Mike wanted to prolong their lovemaking but was having a difficult time.

“Aw, man.” He rolled his head. “Aw, geeze. Shit.”

Lauren sensed that he wasn’t happy that he had lost control. She smiled at him hoping to comfort his wounded masculine pride and continued to touch him in ways to maintain his excitement.

“Let me make love to you, Mike,” she whispered. “Just lay there and relax. I’ll make you feel good again. Let me have the freedom to give you the gift of my feminine power.”

“Oh, Lauren,” he moaned at her sexual teasing. “I accept your sweet offering.”

With a daring grin she looked into his dark eyes as she swung her leg over him to impale herself on his rod. Her knees bent, calves pressed tightly against his hips, she gently rode him. She rubbed her hands over his body.

Slightly sitting up, he suckled her nipples and caressed her breasts. The sensation activated the emotional center in her brain. She wanted to offer herself completely to Mike.

After a while, Lauren changed the position by sliding her legs along his for deeper penetration. She controlled the pace, rhythm and varied the depth of penetration as she stayed in tune to Mike’s response. However, the sensitivity became too much for both. When she felt his hardness grow, she thrust down on him as he jutted his hips
upward. When she felt the wetness inside, she cried out his name and experienced the beauty of surrender.

With the realization that she was in love with him, she was also afraid of being hurt again. To guard her heart she kissed him instead of tell him the words. She would keep them to herself a little longer.

In the wake of the orgasm, Mike sighed as Lauren laid her head on his chest. He placed one hand on her back; the other toyed with her hair. Feeling vulnerable with the intimate moment, he didn’t speak but simply caressed her. Even though he hadn’t felt the ultimate sharing of souls that would bind them together, he knew a strong
connection was definitely forming between them.

The night he had planned at the cabin would certainly be the night they would become one. Until then, he would calm down a bit, refrain from scheming and allow nature to take her course with their loving. A little time would give them a chance to have some fun and grow closer mentally.

They lay in a quiet embrace on top of the bed, surrounded by the wilted petals. The music had stopped but a gentle breeze came through an open window. The night sounds of the city echoed between the buildings. Mike closed his eyes and imagined listening to lapping waves and songs of crickets.

Instead, he heard deep breathing and knew sleep had found the woman in his arms. He kissed Lauren’s forehead and cuddled her close with contentment for a few moments before he would let the dogs back in and blow out the candles. He certainly didn’t want to burn the building down or worse, have two pissed off dogs in the morning.


Purchase Lonely Soul now.

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers

Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and
be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

Thursday Thirteen - Possible Romance Titles for the 12 disciples and Mary Magdalene

I was having spiritual issues this week and my writer Diva friend, Inez Kelley suggested this TT for me. Thank you soooo much Inez, you are awesome! BIG HUGS!

Peter – Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Matthew/Levi – Taxing Love
Philip – Follow your Heart
Andrew – Fishing for Love in all the Wrong Places
Thomas – The Doubter and The Debutant
Judas Iscariot – Betrayed by Love
James – Son of Thunder
Simon – Zealous Lover
Jude/Thaddues – Brother Mine
James the Less – Less is More
John – Revelations of the Heart
Bartholomew/ Nathanael – Forget Me Not
Mary Magdalene - The Millionaire Sheik’s Not So Virgin Bride

Friends really know how to make you smile. Girlfriends are a gift from God, and the beauty within them is His reflection.

Who are these men?

More importantly... who is the photographer of each of these photos?

Tempting Tuesday - Chocolate

Chocolate Chips and Raspberry Bars

Ingredients:

* 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3/4 cup raspberry preserves
* 1 cup HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips or HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips



Directions:
1. Heat oven to 400°F. Grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

2. Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer until well blended.

3. Reserve 1/2 cup mixture for topping. Spread remaining mixture onto bottom of prepared pan (this will be a very thin layer). Spread preserves evenly over dough; sprinkle chocolate chips over top. Drop reserved dough by 1/2 teaspoons over chips.

4. Bake 25 minutes or until golden. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. 32 bars.


Melt a bag of chocolate chips and dip fresh fruit. Yummy for breakfast or anytime!

Eye Candy

Due to life getting in the way of writing, I have been a bit tied up
and unable to post lately. To make it up to you,
have some eye candy...


go for a swim...

go for a ride...

have a drink... or two




or simply meditate...

Tempting Tuesday - Lonely Soul excerpt 2

TEMPTING TUESDAY


Michael and his two closest friends went to lunch together
every Tuesday and Wednesday when they worked together in the
Graphic Arts building. The three had met during the internship
phase of their careers. At the time, Tommy and Matt had been
surprised to discover their new friend was the future owner of
McAlister Enterprises. The young men spent a lot of time together
womanizing when they weren’t biking, bungee jumping, skydiving,
and any extreme sport they could find or just relaxing at his cabin.
Michael valued his friends because they saw him for who he really
was, just a simple guy who liked to have fun, then hang out in a log
cabin on a lake.

“I’m so hungry my stomach is going to start digesting itself,”
Tommy complained as he opened the menu.

Tommy Harris was the shortest of the three in stature, but
he had the personality to match his reddish-blonde curls. His wild
hair, tattooed leg and style of dress he chose when he wasn’t
working, gave him the look of a professional skateboarder instead of
a graphic artist.

“I think I’m going to get the brontosaurus burger,” Matt
joked as he tossed the menu aside without looking at it. “With lots
of grease.”

Matt Keller was from northern Minnesota and fell victim to
Michael’s teasing because of his slight accent. He was a tall man
with dark brown hair and always looked as if he just climbed out of
bed, which many times was just the case. Being somewhat vain, he
only wore his glasses for reading and not many even knew he had
them. His way with the ladies was sometimes ruthless because he
could drop the clothes off any woman with his obnoxious charm.

“If you get a burger, you might have to warsh your face,”
Michael imitated one of the many words his friend pronounced
differently.

Matt flipped him the finger.

After they placed their orders they chatted quietly about a
project at work until Michael heard a familiar laugh coming from
behind the curtain that separated the booths. His friends obviously
recognized it also and looked at him in silence.

It was his girlfriend, Colleen Chandler and a friend. With a
wicked grin, he held up a finger to his lips and they listened to the
conversation.

“How can you be so sure he’s going to ask you to marry
him?” The friend asked.

“I found a ring box in his coat pocket last night,” Colleen’s
voice carried.

“I can’t believe it. You went through his coat?”

“Well, yeah.”

“What about John Lawrence?”

Michael listened intensely as their food was delivered.
Tommy and Matt sat mute, eavesdropping as well. He knew there
was something wrong with his relationship with Colleen and now he
was getting an earful. This was going to be better than dinner
theater, he thought.

“I’ve been playing with both of them long enough to see
which has more to offer. Oh, he’ll cry in his brandy for a bit, then
move on.”

“So you’d choose Michael over John. Doesn’t the Lawrence
family have more money?”

“They have old money. I’m not sure how much control John
actually has.” Colleen paused. “Besides, Michael has the better
package.”

Tommy spit his drink out; Matt stuffed his napkin in his
mouth to suffocate his laugh. Michael tried to hold back a smile as
he playfully smacked them.

“He’s that good?”

“The best,” Colleen purred. “Any time, anywhere, any way.
Hmm. He knows exactly how I like it.”

Matt and Tommy rolled their eyes, pretended to fan
themselves and slid in their chairs almost going under the table.
Michael covered his face with his hands, embarrassed at both his
friends’ behavior and the subject matter.

“I have a lot to change in that man; he’s a gem but a bit
rough around the edges.” Colleen spoke matter of factly.

“Oh, kind of like the pool boy with a big bank account.”

“Exactly. I think with a little persuasion, I could make a
social star of him. The newspapers already love him with his model
looks and large bank account.” Colleen paused. “Oh, look at the
time, we better get going.”

The three men immersed themselves into their meals and
acted oblivious to the women who stepped near the table. Tommy
stuffed a large piece of food into his mouth. Matt lifted his drink to
his lips. Mike simply hoped the ladies wouldn’t notice the three of
them at all, but they did.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the three musketeers out on a lunch
date.” Colleen stood with one hand on her hip and flipped her hair
with her other. “Do you want me to have the waitress bring extra
napkins over for your pets, Michael?”

“Hello, Colleen. Aren’t you lovely today?” Matt said in a
sultry voice. “Did you have a make over or did you just wake up
ugly?”

Colleen gave him a sneer before turning her attention to
Michael.

“How long have you been here?” She asked.

“Long enough.”

“Are we still on for tonight?”

“How about lobster?” He looked up at her with a smile.

“Sure. I’ll see you later.”

She bent and kissed him on the cheek. As she walked away,
Matt and Tommy pretended to be gagging. Michael waited
patiently until their theatrics were done. He tried to hold back a grin.

“You’re still going out with her right after you heard her
admit she’s sleeping with another guy?” Tommy didn’t hide his
surprise.

“Wait a minute, he’s up to something,” Matt hit him with his
elbow. “Lobster, eh?”

“Yep,” Michael grinned, “at Ralph’s Lobster Shack.”

“Great! The best dumpy lobster kitchen in town.” Tommy
wiped his hands with a napkin, “What time do you want us there?”

His friends erupted into laughter. Within moments he had
formulated a plan to break up with Colleen. It was going to be too
easy.

“So Matt,” Michael decided to change the subject. “I tried
calling you last night and got your answering service. What were
you up to?”

“Nothing much.” He munched on his burger. “Just grudge
fucked my ex-girlfriend’s best friend.”

“What?” Tommy yelled. “I thought you were mad at both of
them.”

“Yeah, I was.”

“Are you going to see her again?” Michael tried not to laugh.

“No, are you kidding? But I feel much better,” he spoke
calmly. “I suggest you try it sometime, Mikey. Hey, are you going to eat that pickle?”


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Thursday's Thirteen - 13 Stripping Tips

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner get creative and give your honey something other than a box of candy, a stuffed animal, or a sweater. Give an extra special treat that will be unforgettable. Don’t worry… any woman can do a little strip tease. When you do it, you’ll find it makes you feel feminine and sensual.

1. Choose the right kind of clothing. Something that accentuates your most beautiful body parts. This can be a lovely gown or sexy lingerie; just make sure it can be easily removed… avoid too many buttons, or hard to reach zippers that you might have to fidget with.

2. Pick the right panties. The top of the back of your panties should reach no more than two inches above your cheeks. Any higher than that and they give the illusion that your caboose is a lot longer than it is. Try on booty shorts, full bottomed panties, thongs, and g-strings to see which you feel best in. Also, if they leave lines on your body after you take them off, they are too tight.

3. The choice to wear shoes or not is a personal preference, as both looks are sexy. If you do choose to wear shoes, choose them wisely. Stilettos are the perfect choice if you can handle them, as the high heel makes your legs look much longer. If moving gracefully in stilettos is too daunting, dancing with bare feet can also be very seductive. You should stay away from short, one-inch heels. They look great with pants and skirts, but give the illusion of shortening naked legs. Shoes that are too high will also inhibit your movement and may make you fall, so choose shoes that you feel confident wearing. Strapless shoes can be removed gracefully, but if yours need to be buckled, you'll probably want to remove your clothing without taking off your shoes. Almost anything stretchy can be taken off over your shoes, but it would be a good idea to practice first.

4. Add a prop. During your dance, take a large feather and gently tickle him from his cheek and neck down his shoulder to his fingertips without letting him touch you back. Use a nice shawl, wrap, or piece of sheer fabric, to tease him. Wrap it around yourself while giving him peeks. Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or any other "dessert on you" accessories are great if you want to let him be more than a spectator. If you want to try using a retractable pole, you can also purchase a how-to video for tricks.

5. Set the stage. After you choose the songs you want, make a mix CD or playlist and pay attention to the order of the songs so that you can choreograph your routine and not have to change songs in the middle. Use low, indirect lighting because it is both flattering (making you more comfortable) and more intimate. Achieve the perfect lighting by mixing candles with lamps and colored bulbs. If your room is lacking intimacy, dress it up by draping deep colored valances or adding velvet or satin throws and pillows to your furniture.

6. Get ready. Practice in the mirror, or better yet, videotape yourself dancing so that you can look at yourself and see which moves you like.

7. Dance on your feet and on the floor. On the floor, try opening and closing your legs or leaning your knees from one side to the other. Experiment with different angles.

8. Try caressing yourself when you don't know what else to do. Skim your fingertips over any part of you and he'll be begging for more. Try caressing your breasts the way you like him to do. It will blow his mind.

9. Move in time to the music. Turn around and walk seductively. Give yourself a little spank and wink at your guy. It's naughty, but cute.

10. Use your hair. Men love women's hair. While standing up, kneeling, or sitting, stretch your torso while you pull your hair up and let it fall again. If you have really long hair, arch your back while standing and tilt your head back letting your hair swish your backside.

11. Removing your clothes gracefully can be a challenge. Avoid taking your top off like a man takes off his t-shirt. While it may be sexy to watch them do it, it is quite the opposite for a woman. If you chose something that needs to be removed by slipping it over your head, seductively slip it off by pulling it from the bottom on the sides while standing up tall; don't hunch over.

12. When taking your bottoms off, try slipping them off over your shoes or bare feet while standing straight-legged. Do this by bending over from the waist and guiding them off all the way to the floor and then stepping out of them. If this isn't easy for you, try bending your knees or taking your bottoms off while lying on your back. t is not imperative to remove all of your clothing. Stripping down to a little something sexy is equally as alluring. Remember to do as much as you are comfortable with.

13. Do a lap dance. You can sit next to him and then lean over him with your chest touching his, turn toward the ceiling and caress yourself a little, or turn face down with your shoulder and side rubbing across his tummy and chest. Position yourself on top of him, sitting on your knees on his thighs. This allows you to rise up and down. When rising up, let his nose graze your chest and tummy. You can give him a little squeeze with your breasts as well. When you come down, bring your legs together and slide down to the floor. "Dancing" close to him like this is great fully clothed, partially clothes, in the nude, or partially covered with a wrap. Move your body in time to the music. Simulate what you might do in the bedroom once in a while to really heat things up. Turn around and sit in his lap. Pull up your hair and let yourself lean back to where your shoulders and neck are close to his face. Stroke his hair, the back of his neck, and his chest. Kiss him and let him kiss you.

The most important thing to remember is to be yourself. Having fun being sexy for him is more arousing than any of the particular moves or tricks. Pick and choose the tips from this guide that help you to feel confident and go for it!

Lonely Soul

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don't have to be published to participate–just an writer with an excerpt you'd like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.


Synopsis:
The eldest of the McAlister siblings is responsible and always putting his brother and sister before himself. Now that Erick and Elizabeth were enjoying their married lives, the time had come for Michael Casey McAlister to find his soulmate. A man with a deep sense of family and honor, yet at times could be manipulative and very controlling, always doing what he thought was best for others.

Featured on The Most Dangerous Bachelors list with his brother, but for his love for daring outdoor activities; he searched for a woman who wasn’t a high society princess. With his good looks, wealth and sexual prowess, he has attracted many ladies but when the one he thinks is Miss Right doesn’t like his dog he shows her the door. Lonely and discouraged, he dedicates himself into a New York City community garden project with his friends and busies himself with his comic strip he has created under the name of Mike Casey.

Mike meets Lauren “Wren” Avery with the help of their dogs in the park while he’s working on a cartoon. He sees her as a chance to improve himself and not follow his father’s path of unhappiness. He certainly didn’t expect to fall in love with the graphic artist. Wren falls in love with him as the cartoonist not knowing he is the co-owner of McAlister Enterprises, the same company she works for. He knows he’s being wrong in not telling her the truth but his world falls apart when his love is transferred to the London base and she finds out who he really is. He realizes that in while building the company and interfering in other people’s lives he may have lost control of his own life and what truly matters.




The package arrived that morning before he left for work.

He didn’t bother opening it because he knew it was the portrait Andrew Somerby began painting of him a couple of months ago. Michael had spent the holidays with his family at Hampton House in Sussex, England and stayed while his brother was gone on his honeymoon. During his sojourn he visited the London base of McAlister Enterprises and spent some time with Andrew in his studio. Andrew was in charge of the two Somerby banks in England but was also the famous underground artist known as Puzzola.

Michael was hesitant to open the package. He had seen the portrait before he left London but Andrew would sometimes work on a piece after the model was gone. The fact that artist Puzzola was known for capturing the essence of a person on canvas was what scared him. Andrew had done a self-portrait titled Painted Soul that was sexually charged with emotional frustration. He then did a portrait of Erick titled Tormented Soul which captured the emotional torment Erick held inside as he searched for a normal life.

Michael was afraid to face his soul.

When he got home that night, he changed his clothes and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator. Michael stared at the box for a few moments before he opened it. Carefully he unwrapped the canvas from its protective plastic and placed it on the couch so he could step back to look at it. He picked up a small note card that had fallen out.

“Lonely Soul,” he read out loud. “Oh, boy.”

Raising his eyes to the painting Michael took in the image. He was seated on the floor sketching in a book with his dog Ariel cuddled along his leg; his hand lay on her back, with her head resting on his thigh. His affection for his pet was strong and it showed in the picture.

When he looked into his own eyes he recognized the emotion. Andrew definitely titled it appropriately. He was drawn into his own soul and it was empty, except for a sense of isolation, and loneliness.

He tilted his head as he viewed the piece more intensely. His elbow balanced on his bent knee, his hand held a pencil close to his mouth. While he was in London, Michael decided to quit shaving his face and was pleased with the appearance; Andrew
used soft brush strokes to suggest the facial hair. In the portrait, his head dipped, navy blue eyes looked at him under dark brows, looking as if he were in contemplation.

Knowing Andrew like he did, Michael was sure there was a deeper meaning in the details of the painting so he began to look for clues. Noticing the jeans and cotton shirt, was definitely him. He wore fine suits but preferred to be in jeans and sweatshirts. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, a symbol that he wasn’t afraid of work.

The sketchbook and pencil represented his artistic self, something his father discouraged but Mike pursued anyway. Eventually, his father accepted the artistic sides of both his sons and actually began to encourage it. Michael felt the time spent at his drawing table kept him grounded as he built the company. His sister, Elizabeth, had a successful career being a professional painter and owned galleries in Chicago, New York, and London.

Erick painted portraits for relaxation. His style was similar to Andrew’s, probably because they were as close as brothers.
Michael, on the other hand, had a more sketch-like style. He preferred to draw than paint.

Michael continued to scrutinize the picture for symbolism. White shirt, truthfulness and honesty, worn open in a relaxed state; tanned skin, good health and outdoorsman. No jewelry, not even a watch meant that he wasn’t materialistic but the pillow behind him carried the McAlister plaid to show his family honor.

Focusing on his hand holding the pencil, Michael noticed that a finger was resting on his lips. Many times when he’s deep in thought, he has the tendency to touch his lips with a finger. Because of the way his head was slightly tipped, he suspected that was the moment Andrew had captured. He must have been deep in thought, perhaps thinking of the sketch, and just looked up for an instant.

When he looked into his own eyes he recognized the emotion. Andrew definitely titled it appropriately. He was drawn into his own soul and it was empty, except for a sense of isolation, and loneliness.

Michael shook his head in attempt to view the painting differently. In the portraits Andrew had done of himself and Erick, there were ghost-like suggestions of a woman surrounding the subjects. Michael found no suggestions in his portrait. He was
alone, like he was in real life. Then he noticed a simple sketch made on the book in the painting.

Leaning toward the canvas, he tilted his head for a better view. It was a drawing of him and a woman in a lovers embrace. The woman had hair just past her shoulders and an athletic build. He smiled and wondered how Andrew came up with such an image. Perhaps he would find his soulmate through his own art. Michael continued to smile at the thought and picked up his gift.

A wall had been prepared for the special piece for months. He took a moment to pound a nail into the wall and then tenderly hung Lonely Soul. The painted eyes still made him feel uncomfortable because what the portrait told him was true. He was
lonely.

Ariel pawed at his leg impatiently. It was past the time for her daily walk in the park. Michael grabbed his backpack, tossed in a Frisbee and water bottle. As an afterthought, he added a couple of pencils and a sketchbook.


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