Is Their Love Strong Enough? Indian Summer ~ Historic Romantic Suspense by Dellani Oakes

 

In the spring of 1739, Gabriella Deza stands poised on the verge of womanhood. A product of her guarded upbringing, she is naive in the ways of love until dashing Manuel Enriques declares his love for her. Quite by accident, Gabriella uncovers a plot hatched by British spy whose job is to capture the town and fort, Castillo de San Marcos. Armed with her information, Manuel embarks on a dangerous mission to entrap the spy and save the town from being overthrown by the British. Unfortunately, Gabriella herself is caught in the trap and kidnapped. Can Manuel find and save her before it is too late? 

To Buy Indian Summer

I Love Dialogue from Savage Heart by Dellani

In order to spy on the British, Manuel and Sailfish intend to present themselves as a renegade Indian and a Portuguese sailor. A Spaniard would be captured and tortured for information. They are able to take a canoe up the coast, but must make the rest of the way on foot. Against Sailfish's advice and protests, Manuel has insisted that they take the coastal route. Now, he's regretting it.

The sun was high in the sky as Sailfish and Manuel trudged through the tall river grass along the shore. This part of the country was much less traveled than some others. Mosquitoes rose from the brush and rushes, feasting on them. Stinging black flies swarmed around them, landing on the exposed skin that wasn't covered by mosquitoes. Midges clouded their eyes and flew up their noses, making them sneeze.

Swatting uselessly, Manuel led the way. "I'll be covered in welts and drained of blood before we arrive!"

"I did say not to come this way," Sailfish replied tersely.

"I had hoped to cut a little time off our walk."

"I recall that argument being put forth at the time of our discussion. And what did I say in response?"

"The other way was better. You failed to elucidate how," Manuel snapped.

"I thought my assessment was enough for you, Brother."

"Yes, yes...." Manuel waved his words away impatiently.

"You usually take my advice without second guessing me."

"You're certainly a nag today. Perhaps it's lack of sleep?"

"Perhaps it's blood loss! Bear more to the right." Sailfish's tone turned peevish.

"I thought you weren't familiar with this path."

"I didn't say that. I said the other way is better. How would I know unless I'd also come this way? Take to the water. If we swim part of the way, the insects will be less troublesome."

"Are we going to argue all the way?"

"It's a distinct possibility unless you let me lead."

"Fine! If that will make you happy and less of an old woman, by all means!" Manuel bowed, urging his brother forward.

"Shh!" Sailfish held up his hand.

Although Manuel was mid-cry, he halted, biting back his words. Listening carefully, he heard sounds that could only be made by men. The creak of leather, clank of metal and gruff commentary filled the air.

"At least we've found them," Manuel whispered.

They eased to a crouch. Not even swatting the insects now, they listened. A flash of red no more than a score of yards ahead reminded them that the British knew how to secure an area. Backing slowly, they made their way toward the river. Slipping silently into the water, they swam a half mile or so away before hauling themselves onto the bank.

"Now what?" Manuel asked as he squeezed the water out of his hair.

"This was your brilliant plan, Brother."

"I hate when you're a smug Indian."

"And I hate when you're an arrogant Spaniard, so we're even."

Sailfish dug around in his waterproof pack for something to eat. He pulled out a packet of dried meat, sharing some with his brother. Manuel took the food automatically, with a nod of thanks.

"We can still approach them," Manuel sounded dubious.

"Oh, aye. We'll not draw any attention marching toward a landing force. We'll be shot before we go a bow's length."

"How's your Creek?"

"Terrible. You knew that already," Sailfish replied.

Manuel nodded, gazing over the water. Chewing and swallowing, he continued to think. "If we had a good story, a strong opening—"

"We would still get shot before—"

"Pessimist!"

"Pest!"

"Shh!"

© 2018 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books

For More About Dellani

Manuel Enriques, Confidential Aid to Governor Ferdinand Deza of St. Augustine

What is your story?

My story is still being written, but a portion of it is chronicled in Indian Summer by Dellani Oakes.

Who are you? Where do you live?

My name is Manuel Enriques and I am confidential aid to Governor Ferdinand Deza. I live in the beautiful town of St. Augustine in the Florida territory.

Are you the hero of your own story?

What is a hero? A man who does what he must to protect that which he holds dear. I am such a man. If that makes me a hero, then I accept this role gladly.

What is your problem in the story?

The problem is that there is a pesky British spy wandering around causing trouble. The beast is wily and sly, but I'll catch him, have no doubt.

Do you embrace conflict?

Conflict is in many forms. If it is in the form of a beautiful woman, I embrace and make love to it. If it is in the form of this annoying little fly speck of a spy, then I spit on it and grind it to dust beneath my heel.

Do you run from conflict?

Never! Face conflict proudly and fight it to the death.

How do you see yourself?

In my life, I have done many bad things. However, I am trying to change to be worthy of my darling Gabriella.

How do your friends see you?

I haven't many friends, but those are very close. They see me as strong, intelligent, passionate with women, stubborn and capable. How do you see me, cariña?

How do your enemies see you?

My enemies never see me. They are dead long before that. If by chance they do catch a glimpse, it is as of the face of death.

How does the author see you?

Ah, my beautiful Dellani. If it were not for Gabriella, such stories we would write together! She sees me as romantic, passionate, handsome, slightly dangerous, and very well appointed.

Well appointed?

You will have to read my tale to find out what I mean by that.

What do you think of yourself?

I am not a modest man, but even I do not like to brag. I am all that is said of me and more.

Do you have a hero?

Yes, my blood brother, Sailfish of the River People. He is the greatest warrior I know and even more brave than I.

What are your achievements? Do you talk about them?

That is perhaps not a question I should answer here, eh, cariña? As I said, I am not one to brag. What I have achieved is a matter of history. There are things I have done that I would rather forget.

But why? Surely your accomplishments are wide ranging and very nearly stuff of legend.

Not all legends have a happy ending. Some things are better left unsaid.

Do you have any special strengths?

I am swift, strong, I speak many languages fluently. I can track prey like an Indian and shoot a bow as well as a gun.

What do you want?

I want to marry Gabriella more than anything in the world. Well, there is perhaps one thing I want more than that, but it's not polite to discuss.

What do you want to be?

I am what I want to be. An honorable man who loves a beautiful woman. One day I shall also be a father, that is my greatest ambition.

What do you believe?

I believe in God and my strength and abilities.

What makes you happy?

Would you like to me say something poetic like a beautiful sunset or the seagulls above the water? I am not poetic man. What makes me happy is very simple, my love for Gabriella. It drives me, moves me to be the best I may be.

What, if anything, haunts you?

In a soldiers life, are there not many things to haunt him? What haunts me, cariña, is better left forgotten.

Do you keep your promises?

Always. It is a point of honor.

Are you honorable?

As much as I am able to be given circumstances.

That sounds like a very cagey answer.

And it is the only one you shall get.

Do you have any distinguishing marks?

Oh, yes. I am very well appointed.

You would love for me to ask what that means, wouldn't you?

No, I would like you to read the book and find out.

Have you ever killed anyone?

I was a soldier, of course I have killed. And nearly been killed more than once.

Was there a major turning point in your life?

The day I realized how much I love Gabriella. She was a mere child and came to the fort to ask her father to help her find a stray cat she had been feeding. I thought if she could have such love for a scrawny stray, perhaps she could have love in her heart for me. I found the cat and returned it to her the same day.

If you were stranded on a desert island, would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?

Can you really see me happily stranded with a man? I'll only go if Gabriella does.

How do you envision your future?

Happily married to my beloved.

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books

For More About Dellani

Gabriella Deza from Indian Summer

Who are you and where and when do you live?

I am Gabriella Deza, youngest daughter of Florida Territorial Governor Ferdinand Deza. I live in the village of St. Augustine, Florida Territory. The year is 1739.

What is your story?

I haven't much of one yet, I'm only just 15, but what there is of it, is told in Indian Summer.

Are you the hero of your own story?

Me a hero? Heavens, no. That would be Manuel Enriques, my father's aid du camp and the love of my life.

What is your problem in the story?

Quite by chance, I found out a terrible secret. A British spy is trying to overthrow my father, capture the fort and take over the town.

Do you embrace conflict or do you run from it?

I've never wanted to embrace conflict, but one must face it bravely. Troubles are sent by God to test us. Am I going to argue with Him? I never run when I can fight.

How does the author see you? Do you think she portrayed you accurately?

Headstrong, demure, capable, passionate, honest, loving. I am these things and ever so much more. Dellani Oakes portrayed me very well. She seems to have seen into my heart with great alacrity.

Do you have any special strengths?

My faith in God is my greatest strength. My faith has seen me through very trying times. I would not be the woman I am without it.

Do you have any special weaknesses?

My passion for Manuel is nearly my undoing. All he need do is look at me and I go weak in the knees.

What do you need most in life?

I need the wretched spy disposed of so that our town will be saved and I may marry the man I love.

What do you want to be?

I want to be a wife and mother, what greater purpose is there for a woman save to go into holy orders?

What do you believe?

I believe in God and I believe in the love of Manuel and my family. I also believe in my own abilities to cope with any situation life presents.

What do you regret?

That I with all my education, I never learned how to shoot a pistol. I'll see to that soon, provided I live through this mess.

Has anyone ever betrayed you?

Yes, the man who spies on us, using our friendship against us. He betrays me, my family and my home. I hope I have a hand in bringing him to justice.

Have you ever failed anyone?

I hope not. I will only have failed them if I do not find the spy and send him to God early for judgment.

What was your childhood like?

Delightful in so many ways, but also sad because we lost Mama when I was five and Grandmama not long after. However, Papa and his new wife, Clara, have provided a loving home for the four of us. My older sisters, little brother and I have lived in relative comfort our entire lives.

Do you like remembering your childhood?

Oh, yes, very much. I have wonderful memories of my childhood.

Who was your first love?

My first and only love is Manuel. I never realized how much he loves me nor I him, until he declared his love for me on my birthday. He is the most magnificent man alive and I love him more than my own life.

What is your most prized possession? Why?

My peso necklace, because Manuel gave it to me. Though my parents gave me pearls for my birthday, the peso shows Manuel's love for me. He can't ask me to marry him yet, it wouldn't be proper, but that shows each of us our promise to wed.

What is your favorite scent? Why?

Sandalwood., because that is the scent of Manuel's soap.

What is your favorite color? Why?

Apple green, because it was Mama's favorite as well, and I am most like her of all three of us girls.

What is your favorite music?

The flamenco I danced with Manuel.

What is your favorite item of clothing? Why?

The apple green dress I wore to my party. It is the first dress I wore that showed everyone I am now a woman. And because Manuel and I danced the entire night together when I wore it.

If you were stranded on a desert island, would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?

Do not think badly of me of saying this, but I would want to be stranded only with Manuel. I can think of no one else with whom I have enough in common to spend any period of time. Only if we were married, of course. Anything else would be scandalous.

How do you envision your future?

I see my future happily married to Manuel, having his children and loving him for the rest of my life.

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books

For More About Dellani

I Love Dialogue from Savage Heart - Historical Romance by Dellani

Savage Heart is the sequel to Indian Summer that several people have been anticipating for way too long. I keep telling myself I'll finish it, but I haven't yet. My friend, Gwen, has been patient with me, but she's anxious for the book to be finished so that she can read it. “I wanna know what happened to that Indian man!” Here's a taste, Gwen (and others)

Sailfish stirred up the fire and started water boiling and Meli still hadn't called him. Concerned about her, he left the fire, walking to her position. She squatted by the tree, pants at her ankles, strangely unmoving.

"Help," she said in a small, tight voice.

In front of her and slightly to her left, a snake reared its head, hissing at her. Its tail rattled, showing its displeasure.

With a swift movement, Sailfish grabbed it behind the head, breaking its neck. Dead snake dangling from his right hand, he held out the left to help her up. Embarrassed to be caught without her pants, she tried every way she could think of to stand up without him seeing her nudity.

Smirking, Sailfish kindly averted his eyes, still holding out his hand. "You should have checked the brush before squatting," he told her as he lifted her to her feet.

"Sorry. We had dogs at home. Snakes weren't often a problem, and certainly not by the latrine."

"Next time, check."

"Next time I'll know to." She smiled her thanks, blushing.

The blood tinging her cheeks made a dusky pink when it mixed with her cafe au lait complexion. It was a pretty shade, he noted in passing. Much the same, rich color as the petals of the roses outside the Governor's home.

"I have seen naked women before, little one," he remarked casually, trying to put her at ease.

"But no man has seen me naked," she countered, lifting her chin defiantly.

Smiling, Sailfish nodded acceptance of that remark.

"What are you cooking?" Meli's eyes sparkled happily at the prospect of food.

"Rattlesnake," he held up his victim. It was nearly as long as he was tall.

Shuddering, Meli squatted on the ground by the fire, warming her hands. "It is any good?"

"It is the way I fix it."

Taking it aside, he cleaned his kill with his knife. He cooked the snake over the coals, splitting equally with her. She ate hungrily, eyes glittering with appreciation. Smacking her lips, she looked around for more. Finding none, she contented herself with a blade of grass to chew on. Placing it between her teeth, she grinned at him.

"It was tasty. You're a good cook. I'm a good cook too. One day I'll fix a meal for you."

"A man on his own learns to feed himself." He shrugged as he rose to wash the dishes.

"I'll do that," she got to her feet, hardly seeming to mind the cuts and scratches.

Limping only slightly, she washed everything, drying them with tufts of grass. Presenting him the clean dishes, Meli smiled, her green eyes catching the morning light off the water.

"Thank you again. You saved my life. Twice."

"You're welcome. We need to get moving if we're to reach St. Augustine."

"St. Augustine? I've never been there, but I hear it's a wonderful place. Is it amazing?"

Meli walked backwards, facing him as he moved slowly along. Her short legs took two paces to his one. Shortening his stride, he tossed his long hair over his shoulder. Meli's eyes traveled the length and breadth of his body, taking in details from the decorative long hair, to his tattooed torso and long, moccasin covered feet.

"It is a town. Exciting if you've never seen one."

"Only a town or two in the Carolinas, but from a distance."

"You're English?" It was hard to keep the displeasure from his voice. His run ins with Englishmen of late had left a bad taste in his mouth.

Meli looked as revolted as he at the aspersion. "Mon Dieu, non! Papa was a slave from Jamaica. Mama was French and Indian. My brothers, sisters and I were all born free," she stated proudly.

Sailfish had to admit that given her lineage, claiming her freedom was very important. Having never been enslaved, he could only imagine how much more she treasured her freedom than he did. Although her father was a slave, her mother was free, making them free at birth.

"You're very fortunate. Many can't say the same."

"You're a slave yourself," she said in that oddly perceptive way she had.

"I am a free man of the River People," he countered angrily.

"Slave isn't the right word." Meli thought a moment, considering carefully. "You're trapped. Your heart is captive even if your body is free."

He glared at her, his dark eyes full of hurt and anger. Saying nothing, he lengthened his stride, pulling ahead of her so she had to trot to catch up. Gasping for breath after only a few yards, she doubled over.

"Wait. Wait!" Hands on knees, head drooping, she gasped hoarsely.

Sailfish stopped, waiting impatiently for Meli to catch her breath and join him. He slowed down again, knowing that if he pushed her, she'd never make it and they would camp another night or he'd be carrying her. Neither prospect made him very happy, nor did her penetrating manner.

They walked a long time in silence. Finally, Meli broke it by speaking as if there hadn't been an hour long gap.

"I upset you. I'm sorry."

Her fingers, strangely cool, brushed his bare arm sending a shiver up his spine. He shrugged again, unwilling to trust his voice.

"She's in town?"

Glaling over his shoulder at her, Sailfish walked on without answering. Meli stopped, hands on hips, yelling at him.

"Where I come from, when someone asks you a question, you answer them."

"Where I come from," he tossed over his shoulder. "People don't ask such rude and impertinent questions."

A stick hit him squarely in the back of the head. Turning, to meet the attack, he crouched, his hand going to his knife. Meli stood behind him, hands on her hips in the same pose. Except to throw the stick, she hadn't moved.

"My legs hurt. I need to rest."

Sailfish strode over to her, standing with his toes touching hers, leaning over menacingly. He was nearly two feet taller than she. Meli looked up at him, her glare meeting his.

"Don't ever do that again." His tone was menacing, his voice deep.

"How else do I get your attention? You ignore me when I speak!"

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books

To Find Out More About Dellani

I Love Dialogue - Indian Summer Revisited

I shared an earlier part of this scene here, but I like how it continues. It simply was far too long to use the entire scene. Milan Dimas is a fantastic musician and has recently been offered a record contract by a man who's seen him play at a small restaurant in St. Augustine, Florida. He and his father don't get along, so he took great pleasure in leaving a message for him about his new career. Unfortunately, he forgot to tell his sister, Tess. She just called to give him a hard time and (just to eat at him) told him that she'd made love to his best friend, Clay.

"Who was that?" Clay asked him in passing.

"That was Tess."

"Oh, yeah? How's she doing?"

"She misses you and your tongue."

Clay wiggled his tongue around looking confused. "Me? What for? I thought she hated me."

"Hell if I know. She's in one of her moods."

"Ooh, Evil Tess has come out to play. Must be a full moon." He looked up at the sky.

"Clay, did you ever do my sister?"

"Do what? Oh, Do your sister. No. Not that I wouldn't want to, she's smoking hot."

Malin gave him a black look, saying nothing.

"But in a purely virginal and totally untouchable way. I'm going over there now where no one wants to murder me."

He scrambled over by Dana and started making a mess while he tried to help her clean up. She lunged angrily at him with a fork, so he left her alone too and shuffled over by Carina where he hoped he was safe.

"Damn, he's in a bad mood. I think Mal needs to get laid."

He glanced at Carina and blanched. Her expression was very nearly as deadly as Malin's.

"Sorry. Big mouth, small brain." He wandered off, picked up some of Malin's equipment and followed him to his van. "Now what was all that about? Is Tess mad at you?"

"She was. I told Dad about the recording contract."

"Before you told her? Are you insane?"

Malin gave him another black look.

"Forget I asked. You didn't say anything ugly about Nora again did you?"

"No."

"Okay, that's progress."

"You seriously didn't ever—you know—with Tess?"

"Malin, we've been friends a lot of years. I've seen your sister damn near naked on any number of occasions. And, though I was very, very tempted—even when she threw herself at me one night at a party, I said no."

"Threw herself?"

"I swear! Would I lie about that?"

Malin didn't say anything. It was a tough call. Clay would lie if he thought it was what Malin wanted to hear. On the other hand, he would tell the truth if it kept him from getting a beating.

"You might." He loaded his amplifiers into the van.

"True, there are times I might. This isn't one of them. I swear!"

"What party?"

"Um, my twenty-first birthday. I did kiss her. That I did do. It was mildly fantastic," he mumbled quickly. "More than mildly. The other thing—no way."

Malin grabbed his friend and rabbit punched him in the gut. "Good. I'd hate to have to kill you."

"What if I married her and made her blissfully happy by giving her multiple orgasms every night for the rest of her life?"

Malin glared at him over his shoulder as he walked back to the restaurant.

"Okay, that wasn't helping either. I think we've made great progress here tonight. Really!" He trailed behind his friend as he helped load the equipment.

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

ToBuy Dellani's Books

For another fun excerpt from this book, click here.

Notable Narrative - Indian Summer Shark Attack!

Sometimes, it isn't just dialogue or a steamy love scene that captures the interest. This particular scene is one I wrote when I first started Indian Summer nearly 20 years ago. I began the novel, but couldn't capture Gabriella's voice. Discouraged, I put the notebook in a drawer and left it. One day, I was cleaning the drawer and found the notebook once more. I read through it, discarding most of it as crap, but this scene, I kept. I found Gabriella's voice in this scene and was able to begin again. This scene is almost word for word what I originally wrote.

The ocean felt blood warm and comforting. I hadn't realized how much my body ached from my new activities. The tension of the last few weeks washed from my body as the water closed over me. It buoyed me up, letting me float gently on the waves. I closed my eyes to the bright morning sun and rested. I didn't realize how far I drifted, for the tide was going out. I heard a noise, a shout from the beach and looked up. I was much further out than I intended and began to swim slowly back in.

Before I saw what was happening, a man dove into the water and swam rapidly past me. It was not until then I saw the fin on the water. Shark! I could formulate no other thoughts but the horror of that image, that word. I had seen people attacked by sharks, their bodies torn and bloody, bloated from the water they died in. I swam for my life as quickly as I could. The man met the shark not far from the shore. I scrambled out, running to my clothing. I had the ridiculous notion that it would somehow protect me. There was a battle going on in the waves, but I couldn't see it clearly. The man raised his knife, the sun glittering off the blade. He brought it down on the shark again and again with a dull, liquid thunk. Blood was everywhere, but whether it was his or the shark's I didn't know.

Forgetting my clothing for the moment, I grabbed my knife. Foolishly, I dashed back into the water as man and shark dove under! I couldn't see either of them, just blood on the waves. A small ripple where they went down was the only other thing visible. Suddenly, the water beside me erupted as a huge shark leapt out of the water not five feet from me! I screamed, frozen to the spot. I saw the knife in its ugly, brutish head, between its eyes. It was fighting fiercely, despite numerous stab wounds.

Clinging to it stubbornly was a man. Sailfish! He was covered in blood, slipping from the shark's hide. The vicious beast gave a last squirm as the life left it. It shivered once more and died. Sailfish drew his blade from it, racing toward me.

"Run!" He yelled.

I was stupefied, I couldn't make my legs work. I stood there naked and dripping, too terrified to move.

"Run!" He yelled again. "Gabriella, get out of the water!"

Before he finished speaking, I saw the fins racing toward all the blood, toward us! I turned and ran, splashing and flailing to get to shore. He caught up with me, righting me as I fell. Impatient at my lack of speed, he lifted me out of the water, carrying me to the sand. His long legs covered the distance in less time than it takes to tell of it. I stared in shock and horror as the dead shark danced crazily in the water, the others tearing its carcass to pieces in a horrific frenzy! A scream threatened to erupt from my throat. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. Gradually, the furor died down and the sharks swam away. Nothing was left of the dead one. I sank to my knees, retching. I had not eaten yet that morning, so it was dry heaves. Sometimes that's worse than actually vomiting. I became aware of strong hands helping me sit up, of the same hands dressing me like a baby and the muscular arms around me, holding me while I cried.

All the sorrow, anger, and fear that had built in me since the night of my capture, came pouring out in a flood of tears. I felt so safe in his arms. I clung to him, weeping as if my heart were broken. He held me, rocked me, and stroked my hair, all the while speaking in low monotones. None of it made sense to me for he spoke in his own tongue, but the flow of the words and the tone were comforting. I cried a long time, finally coming to a stop. He continued to hold me, giving me his comfort.

Soon, however, the touch changed, I felt the comforting become a caress as a lover would touch his beloved. I don't know why, but I felt a tingling sensation for the first time since we met. He was so strong, virile, warm and so alive. He stopped rocking me, but continued to hold me, turning my tear-streaked face gently to his. I gazed into his jet black eyes, lost in their depths. His strong jaw was working, trying to hold the emotions in. I felt his manhood pressing against me and faltered in my resolve.

God help me, I loved Manuel! How could I dishonor him by kissing another man? Even as I thought this, Sailfish lowered his lips to mine and kissed me with a passion not even Manuel had equaled. I melted into his embrace, his lips locked with mine, his tongue probing my mouth. I burned inside, my heart fluttering like a trapped bird. I felt swept away as if the ocean waves had carried me off into the water once more. Wave after hot wave coursed through my body. He touched me all the places I knew he shouldn't, but somehow I couldn't bring myself to stop him. I was so tired of fighting desire, sick of saying no, weary of being proper.

I believe I would have allowed him to continue had we not heard shouts coming from on the mound. There was a ruckus on the river side of the island. Reluctantly, he let go of me, turning to the lookout. Sailfish called out to him, demanding to know what was wrong. I couldn't understand his answer, for they spoke in their native tongue. Sailfish all but dumped me on the sand as he rose and ran toward the camp, shouting as he went. I gathered myself up running after him, curious and afraid all at once.

© 2015 Dellani Oakes

ToBuy Indian Summer

Indian Summer Revisited

The following is from my, as yet unpublished, novel - Indian Summer Revisited. I wrote this as a contemporary companion to my historical novel Indian Summer. The main characters, Malin and Carina, plan to spend the weekend with Carina's parents. Their friends Dana and Clay are with them. Though Dana knows the family well, the men have found Rosie something of a surprise.

There was a light tapping on the door. Dana peeked in.

"Hi, sorry. Look, Carina, your mom is trying to get Clay to do naked yoga for his back. I swear, he just pulled a muscle last night. We got a little crazy. She wants him to work out the kinks and offered to give him a massage."

"Oh, God. I knew I shouldn't have left you two alone. Keep that thought," she told Malin.

"Keeping the thought, ma'am." He reclined on the bed watching her rush out.

He couldn't help laughing. This house was by far the most bizarre and chaotic he had ever been in and he felt right at home. Her mother didn't even bother him that much. Sure, she was full of some surprises, but he didn't mind her asking his sexual preferences. He had nothing to be ashamed of.

"Aren't you going to help?" Dana asked him with a frown.

"Should I?"

"Wait til you see and ask me that." She nodded toward the door and walked quickly down the hall.

Rosie had Clay in a full Nelson, trying to straighten his back, but since she was a lot shorter, she was pulling him at an odd angle. He was trying to talk calmly to her telling her that he didn't need to be naked to do yoga, but she wasn't easily convinced. Carina was trying to pry her hands loose while her father sat at the table and sipped Korean beer.

Malin walked up beside Rosie, looked at what she was doing and offered to help. She handed Clay to him, he straightened his friend and set him to one side.

"Now, Rosie, show me that move you were doing. Was it like this?" He demonstrated briefly on her.

"No, it was more of a lift. There, that's it. Oh, my back feels great. I had no idea I'd kinked it."

"I told you that was too advanced a position for us, Mama," her husband replied from his stool.

"But with your foot in that brace, we had to try something, sweetheart. I guess it was a little bit too much at my age. I'm not nearly as flexible as I used to be."

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books