Jeri Smith-Ready

Impromptu SHINE teaser

OK, folks, as promised if Zachary hit 2500 votes by 1:17, the rest of the Aura/Zachary video chat!

Backing up a bit first. Aura's in her room in Baltimore, Zachary's in his room in Glasgow. They're just a few weeks away from their rendezvous in Ireland, where they'll...solve some mysteries. And other stuff.

Forgive how raw and basic this is. This scene hasn't gone through editorial enhancements yet.

>>

"Look," he said. "Don't think I expect us to--just because we'll have a room together doesn't mean we need to--"

"Yes, we do." I reached out to the screen to touch his lips. "I need to. With you."

"Oh." His eyelids went heavy. "Me, too.

My pulse pounded with a sudden craving for him. "I wish you were here right now."

Zachary's dark eyelashes flashed as he leaned in. "I am there right now." He lifted his hand to a spot below the camera. "Guess where I'm touching you?"

I held back a moan of frustration and gave him a wicked smile. "Here?" I fingered the top button of my pajama shirt.

He clicked his tongue. "What d'ye take me for, lass? I'll no' be groping you long-distance. Guess again."

I swept my hand over my neck. "Here?"

"You're getting warmer."

It was true--literally. I hoped he couldn't see me sweat at the thought of his hands on me.

I touched my cheek. "Here?"

"A bit warmer."

I smooshed the tip of my nose. "Here."

"Boiling hot."

I let my fingers drift down an inch, brushing my parted lips. "Here?" I whispered, though it came out "Heah?" because my tongue was frozen with tension, so I couldn't make the "r."

"Aye." He touched his fingers to his own lips, then reached for the camera. I did the same on my end, and for a moment, our virtual touch-kiss blotted out our views of each other.

Then he whispered, "We'd best get to sleep now. Not that I'll be able to."

For once I thought he meant for a good reason.

"I'll see you soon."

He nodded once. "And then 'Goodnight' won't be just another word for 'Goodbye.'"

Labels: SHADE series, SHINE teasers, teasers, YA Crush Tourney

• posted by Jeri @ 1:17 PM
• 18 comments