September Canvas (32 page)

“Wow. You’re the latest thing, then. Who would’ve guessed that a career change could generate such interest?”

“It might be that I’m together with the main character in the story that’s doing the generating. Seriously, Deanna, as far as interest goes, as long as you are interested in me, I don’t care much about the rest. I do like the idea of writing for a living, though.”

“I understand.” Deanna pondered being the source of Faythe’s big break in the writing industry.“And I’m thinking, if you don’t write our story, it may be passed down to somebody else, someone who wasn’t there and who doesn’t care about the people involved. If Mom and Savannah say it’s okay, it’s fine by me.”

“Thank you. I’ll ask Savannah and Mom ASAP.” Faythe lowered herself farther into the hot water. It was endearing to hear her refer to Angela as “Mom.” “Ready to brave the elements, as in the November wind fifteen floors up on Manhattan?” Faythe asked, wrinkling her nose.“Ugh. Guess I don’t have much of a choice unless I want to turn into a very cold prune. Here goes.” Deanna slipped out of the tub and wrapped her robe around her naked body faster than she’d thought was humanly possible. “Here. I’ll hold this up, just in case.”

“Yeah, can’t be too careful. Some sicko with binoculars could be across the street. That’s the downside of all these tall buildings.” Faythe stood and Deanna flung the robe around her.

“And I’m not about to share your naked body with anyone. Not even seagulls.”

Faythe laughed, and her fit of giggles made Deanna burst out laughing too. “You’re just such a goofball, baby. And that’s actually a flattering assumption.”

“Goofball. Now that’s a compliment a girl can only dream of, usually.” Deanna padded over to the door and held it open for Faythe, only too happy to get inside. They went through the now-so-familiar ritual in the bathroom, then went to bed, Faythe reading for half an hour while Deanna drew yet another picture of her.

“How many drawings of me do you have by now?” Faythe asked.“Um, I’m not sure. I’ve lost count. Maybe a hundred or so.” Deanna felt her cheeks warm a little. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“Not one bit.” Faythe wiggled her eyebrows. “Let’s just be glad the roles aren’t reversed.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I do a mean stick figure, but that’s it.” Deanna listened to Faythe’s laughter and knew she would never grow tired of hearing it.

Faythe in turn had commented several times how much she enjoyed seeing Deanna smile so often these days.

“I’m so glad you’ll be in the audience with your family Saturday. I’ve never spoken to such a large crowd before, and I want to do a good job of raising money for kids like Miranda.” Faythe put her book down, and Deanna did the same with her sketchbook. “I just couldn’t bring myself to ask my parents. There might come a day when I can, but right now, they’d both be there for all the wrong reasons.”

“I’m sorry, darling.” Deanna knew Ben and Cornelia wouldn’t mind basking in their daughter’s fame, when it was so obvious that all Faythe needed from them was their approval and love.

“Don’t feel sorry for me. You’ll be there, that’s all that matters.”

“And Pammie and Savannah.”

“Oh, God, yes. I thought they were going to choke me with their hugs when I handed over their tickets.”

“And Miranda will watch it on TV.” Deanna thought of how she had surprised them all by settling in at her school much quicker than anyone would’ve thought. “She’ll have her nose pressed against the screen. I know her.”

Faythe’s eyes glittered. “She’s such a wonderful girl. I love her to bits.”

“Seeing you interact with her makes me love you even more.”

“You’re wonderful too,” Faythe said huskily.

Deanna reached for Faythe, humming against her neck. To hug Faythe and feel her hands all over her was as natural as breathing, but infinitely more exciting. Allowing Faythe to take charge, Deanna just lay back and enjoyed how her lover’s caresses and appreciative murmurs mixed with her own moans and whimpers. Her body was ready to accept Faythe’s most intimate touch, and when it came, Deanna knew this was all about love.

Visit us at www.boldstrokesbooks.com
 

About the Author

Gun Brooke, a Lambda Literary Award finalist, Alice B. Medalist, and three-time Golden Crown Literary Award–winning author, lives with her family on the west coast of Sweden. Writing her books in a small cottage in her Viking-era village, she makes good use of all the characters she collects on her bianuual travels to the U.S. Gun loves creating 3D art, especially portraits, as well as Web site graphics.

She also enjoys spending time with her little grandson, her dogs, and watching science fiction TV shows and movies. Gun is currently working on yet another romance and also another science fiction novel in the Supreme Constellations series.

Books Available From Bold Strokes Books
 

Late in the Season
by Felice Picano. Set on Fire Island, this is the story of an unlikely pair of friends—a gay composer in his late thirties and an eighteen-year-old schoolgirl. (978-1-60282-082-1) 

Punishment with Kisses
by Diane Anderson-Minshall. Will Megan find the answers she seeks about her sister Ashley’s murder or will her growing relationship with one of Ash’s exes blind her to the real truth? (978-1-60282-081-4)

September canvas
by Gun Brooke. When Deanna Moore meets TV personality Faythe she is reluctantly attracted to her, but will Faythe side with the people spreading rumors about Deanna? (978-1-60282-080-7)

No Leavin’ Love
by Larkin Rose. Beautiful, successful Mercedes Miller thinks she can resume her affair with ranch foreman Sydney Campbell, but the rules have changed. (978-1-60282-079-1) 

Between the Lines
by Bobbi Marolt. When romance writer Gail Prescott meets actress Tannen Albright, she develops feelings that she usually only experiences through her characters. (978-1-60282-078-4) 

Blue Skies
by Ali Vali. Commander Berkley Levine leads an elite group of pilots on missions ordered by her ex-lover Captain Aidan Sullivan and everything is on the line—including love. (978-1-60282-077-7) 

The Lure
by Felice Picano. When Noel Cummings is recruited by the police to go undercover to find a killer, his life will never be the same. (978-1-60282-076-0)

Death of a Dying man
by J.M. Redmann. Mickey Knight, Private Eye and partner of Dr. Cordelia James, doesn’t need a drop-dead gorgeous assistant—not until nature steps in. (978-1-60282-075-3) 

Justice for All
by Radclyffe. Dell Mitchell goes undercover to expose a human traffic ring and ends up in the middle of an even deadlier conspiracy. (978-1-60282-074-6)

What Reviewers Say About Gun Brooke’s Books
 
Sheridan’s Fate

“Sheridan’s fire and Lark’s warm embers are enough to make this book sizzle. Brooke, however, has gone beyond the wonderful emotional explorations of these characters to tell the story of those who, for various reasons, become differently-abled. Whether it is a bullet, an illness, or a problem at birth, many women and men find themselves in Sheridan’s situation. Her courage and Lark’s gentleness and determination send this romance into a ‘must read.’”— 
Just About Write
 
Coffee Sonata

“In 
Coffee Sonata
, the lives of these four women become intertwined.

In forming friendships and love, closets and disabilities are discussed, along with differences in age and backgrounds. Love and friendship are areas filled with complexity and nuances. Brooke takes her time to savor the complexities while her main characters savor their excellent cups of coffee. If you enjoy a good love story, a great setting, and wonderful characters, look for 
Coffee Sonata
 at your favorite gay and lesbian bookstore.”— 
Family & Friends
 magazine 
Protector of the Realm

“Brooke is an amazing author, and has written in other genres. Never have I read a book where I started at the top of the page and don’t know what will happen two paragraphs later…She keeps the excitement going, and the pages turning. In a century when marriage Is recognized between two adults and gender is not an issue, Brooke shows that love and romance and passion can grow. Likewise, she reveals to us the soft vulnerable side of these two strong, battle-hearty women. Let’s just say, I can’t wait for the second in the trilogy to see what happens next.”—
MegaScene

Course of Action

“Brooke’s words capture the intensity of their growing relationship 
.
 Her prose throughout the book is breathtaking and heart-stopping. Where have you been hiding, Gun Brooke? I, for one, would like to see more romances from this author.” 
—Independent Gay Writer
 

By the Author

• Romance
  
• Course of Action
  
• Coffee Sonata
  
• Sheridan’s Fate
  
• Science Fiction
  

Supreme Constellations Series:

•     Book One—Protector of the Realm
  
•     Book Two—Rebel’s Quest
  
•     Book Three—Warrior’s Valor