The Only Question That Matters — out now

(permalink) Book cover: Silhouette of a couple kissing under a crescent moon. The Only Question That Matters by JL Peridot

My latest novella, The Only Question That Matters, is available now.

Here’s a little teaser…

When we are naked, I stop to take him in. His shoulders, his chest, the contours of his stomach—they are sinewy and strong, sculpted, perfect. His arms and legs look forged by a life of adventure, not writing alone in his room. I wonder if he lives the stories he writes. I wonder, will he write about us one day?

Then I realise he is watching me too. I blush, I think. I’m not sure. The room is not yet warm, but I am hot all over from his touch, his gaze. My posture closes. I don’t want to be modest now, but I can’t help myself. He rolls us over.

“Don’t be shy,” he teases, looking down at me. “I like what I see as well.”

How arrogant! I laugh out loud. It’s a burst of ungraceful noise, but the music continues and I don’t feel shy anymore. The bedspread is cool under my back; he burns above me. His hubris gives me confidence—this is a game, the good kind, just for fun. I won’t be trapped between the bed and his body. Not yet.

I push him upward. He falls back to his knees. I rise to meet him and kiss his lips, his soft and bristly chin, his neck. When I reach his collarbone, he shudders. He is ticklish. Ah, to manipulate his body with just a touch. His hands are at my shoulders, but he barely touches me.

Thank you so much to Chase Horan for his unending patience with this cover. We went through two or three revisions until we landed on a style that would capture the mood of this book ☺️

Thank you also to Sandra Damien, Pia Manning, Sarah Smith and One Love Editing for their unparalleled support and invaluable writing advice.

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