In celebration of On Top Down Under Book Reviews’s 5th blog-versary, I’m a guest author on the blog where I’m sharing about my playlist for HOW TO HEAL A LIFE. I hope you can stop by and check it out. Leave a comment on the post to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a $25 e-gift card to Amazon and an ebook copy of How to Save a Life (The Haven Book 1). The winner will be drawn after midnight, Oct 22nd US EST.
Good luck!
A private moment between Vargas and Seth…
Another minute of silence, and Seth sighed. “I don’t feel as bad as she makes it seem. I mean, I feel stronger, more in charge of my life than I did six months ago. I’m working full time again. I’m living. I’m happy to be alive.”
“That’s all great, yeah?”
“She just makes it sound like there’s so much more I have to do. Just because I can’t leave my apartment without—” He cut off. He clenched his right hand into a fist and slammed it down on the arm of his chair. “Goddammit. She’s right. I’m still royally screwed up.”
“You are not.”
“What kind of grown man can’t even walk outside alone?”
“You’re doing great. And if Dr. Arteaga isn’t getting that, then maybe it’s time to see someone else.”
“No. She said the same thing today. She’s done a lot to help me, and I like talking to her most of the time.”
“Okay. But I don’t like hearing you doubt yourself.”
“I want to get past this.” He pounded both fists on the arms of the wheelchair. “I want to get out of this fucking chair for good.”
Vargas shot to his feet and crouched down before him. “You will. You’re going to be okay, Seth. I’ve seen how strong you are. Every step of the way. You can handle anything.”
“I want to believe that.”
Reaching for Seth’s clasped fists, Vargas tenderly wrapped his hands around them. “Believe it.”
Seth lowered his eyes. He unclenched his hands, turned them over, and gripped Vargas’s in return. The same way he remembered doing two years earlier in the hospital. Only this time, there was a current of excitement zipping through his body with the touch. He swept his fingertips over Vargas’s wrists, then farther up his forearms, running the pads of his fingers over the warm flesh.
In the next lock of their eyes, he saw far more than friendship and support directed back at him.
The air in the meditation room grew hot and heavy. Seth’s breathing picked up speed. He became very aware of their proximity, of the way Vargas’s inhales also grew more rapid. Then Vargas’s lips parted, and his tongue swept out to moisten them. Seth wanted to feel those lips against his own, that tongue on his. God, he wanted to know what kissing him would be like, how it would feel being touched by him in far more intimate ways, and how it’d feel touching him in return.
The enormous room seemed to shrink in size around them, creating a private haven as they held the stare between them.
Seth dropped his gaze to those lips he wanted to kiss so badly. And just like that, Vargas leaned forward. Seth did the same. Easy. Right. Like breathing.
Their lips only inches apart, Vargas jerked back. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
“It’s okay. We don’t have to—” Seth shrugged. “I mean, I get it.”
Vargas studied him. “Do you?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“I meant what I said earlier.” He gripped Seth’s hands again and caressed the backs of them with his thumbs. “I will never hurt you.” He reached up and cupped his cheek. “Never.”
HOW TO HEAL A LIFE (The Haven Book 2) Coming October 24th!
HOW TO HEAL A LIFE
Seth Fisher has been to hell and back, but he has no intention of letting the torment of his past destroy his future. He thinks he’s doing good. He’s working again, talking, laughing, living. But everyone else still sees him as broken.
Except for one man. Raymond Vargas.
If only Seth could leave his apartment alone without a panic attack, then he could prove to everyone he’s going to be okay. And he could tell the one man who has never let him down that he wants him.
Raymond Vargas has spent the past two years trying to make up for what happened to six young men who were tortured at the hands of a member of his club. He’d do anything to keep them safe, to help them heal and move on, to help them forget they ever set foot inside the Haven.
If only he hadn’t fallen in love with one of them.
If only Seth wasn’t still in danger.
Coming October 24th!
Do you like to write reviews? If you’re interested in a review copy of HOW TO HEAL A LIFE, use this form to request an e-book.
Want to catch up on the series? Read The Haven Book 1 now or check out the related MORE series.
Sending love and support to you all, especially those affected by the recent heartbreaking tragedies in the US and elsewhere.
Much love to you and yours. -Sloan ❤
The Haven 2 Scene Board: HOW TO HEAL A LIFE
I’m doing a final post-edits review and then it’s off to formatting. Once the cover and a few other things are finalized, it’ll be up for pre-order. Have I mentioned I can’t wait?!