At the #CMCon18 Beach: Popovers by Piper J. Drake

As one of the #CMCon18 featured bloggers, I get to have a little fun with a few of the fabulous authors who will be hitting the beach for Coastal Magic 2018 by showcasing their many stories. We had so much fun with last year’s At the Beach feature, that we’re doing it again.

Today Piper J. Drake is taking us to the beach with Sophie and Brandon from her True Heroes series. The fourth book, Total Bravery, comes out April 24, 2018; so if Popovers gets your interest, make sure you check out the first book, Extreme Honor.
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Popovers

“Oh yes!” Sophie whispered and let out the rest of her breath on a blissful sigh.

“I don’t know if it’s a good sign that I got to hear that same exclamation earlier this morning or if I need to try harder.” Brandon walked into the kitchen, already dressed in a T-shirt and swim trunks. Haydn was at his side, as always. The black German Shepherd Dog was almost a shadow in the still faint early morning light.

Sophie straightened from where she crouched in front of the oven and placed her index finger over her lips.

Brandon raised his eyebrows and closed the gap between them, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. She laughed softly, spreading her hands over the broad planes of his chest. She never got tired of touching him this way, with or without clothes between them. “Sudden, loud noises could make them fall. This is the best rise I’ve managed yet.”

“We’re talking about food, right?” He nibbled at her ear lobe, then trailed his lips down the side of her neck.

Her heart rate quickened. Okay, so maybe her voice was a little huskier when she answered him, “Popovers. I’m experimenting with my own recipe for sourdough popovers. We’re having them with my homemade peach and ginger preserves and scrambled eggs for breakfast.”

“I figured. You’re irresistible when you’re excited about your cooking.” He brushed a few loose strands of hairs from her forehead and leaned in for a kiss.

She tilted her head to meet him, savoring the solid warmth of him and the passion smoldering in his touch. He always made her feel delectable, desired, and very much loved.

When their kiss ended, he rested his forehead against hers. “This rule you have about no sex in the kitchen needs revisiting.”

“You’re incorrigible!” She leaned back and gave him a playful swat across the shoulder.

He chuckled, placing his own index finger over his lips and tipping his head in the direction of the oven. “Shh.”

She cursed and pivoted out of his loose hold, crouching down in front of the oven again to see how her popovers were doing. Opening the oven door to look would be the doom of her light, baked treats. They’d definitely fall as cool air entered the oven. No, she had to wait until they developed a wonderful, delicate golden crust to hold their shape.

There they were, safe in their pans and rising even higher. Well, it was a good thing that popovers weren’t as finicky as soufflés. But this wasn’t about soufflés, it was about a new recipe. She was entitled to hover.

“Safe.” She rose and faced Brandon again. “Kitchen rules are important. I might just be testing my recipes now, but when I do open my bed and breakfast, there are health regulations to observe. No hanky panky in the kitchen. Besides, Haydn’s waiting for his walk on the beach with you.”

The big dog sat and gave her a big doggie grin, his tongue lolling out. She smiled and bent to give him skritches around the ears. Haydn leaned into her ministrations and heaved a happy sigh of his own.

“We’re at this beach house for a vacation.” Brandon captured her attention again, moving in close until a deep breath would close the space between them. “Maybe I could tempt you to step out of the kitchen for a while before you start making lunch.”

“Well, I have meal prep—”

He kissed her again and this time, the heat of it scattered her thoughts completely.

When he paused, she had to blink a few times to clear her vision. “Okay.”

He grinned as he stepped back, way too pleased with himself. “I’ll take that as a promise.”

She didn’t respond, only smiled and nodded, too happy for words. He and Haydn headed out for their morning walk on the beach. She watched from the back door for a minute, then she turned to stare at her planner where it lay open on the counter, pondering how to adjust her schedule to make bibimbap for lunch to account for…Brandon and Sophie personal time.

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Meet Piper J. Drake!

Piper J. Drake is a bestselling author of romantic suspense and edgy contemporary romance, a frequent flyer, and day job road warrior. She is often distracted by dogs, cupcakes, and random shenanigans. Play Find the Piper around the Internet for insight into her frequent travels and inspiration for her stories.

Contact Info: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | GoodReads | Amazon | Pinterest | YouTube

If you haven’t read Piper Drake before, here’s what you’ve been missing:
True Heroes

  1. Extreme Honor
  2. Ultimate Courage
  3. Absolute Trust
  4. Total Bravery (April 28, 2018)

Safeguard

  1. Hidden Impact
  2. Deadly Testimony
  3. Contracted Defense

Don’t miss your chance to meet over 50 fabulous urban fantasy, paranormal, and romance authors at Coastal Magic next February! This super casual book-lover weekend happens on Daytona Beach, and gives everyone the chance to hang out with fellow readers and amazing storytellers.

REGISTRATION is now open! If you haven’t been to Coastal Magic yet, you’re missing out on a lot of fun. Be sure to keep up with all things Coastal Magic, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.