It’s Teaser Tuesday again, the tantalising series where I share snippets from my novels, old, new and in progress, and occasionally let author buddies take over.

This week a look back at my debut rural romance Promises. Oh, how I adore this book and its tortured hero Aaron and feisty young Sophie. With its feuding families, dark secrets, vivid landscape, and thoroughbred racing action, it was exciting, romantic and fun to write. I especially loved creating the horse characters. Nothing new there though!

If you haven’t tried Promises I have a super special deal going. You can purchase signed print copies direct from me for only $18, including postage (Australian postal addresses only). These are the large format, trade paperback-sized books, rather than the smaller ones, and very nice! Simply email me using the Contact form on this website and I’ll shoot you the details.

Now please enjoy this taste of Promises.

With trackwork over and breakfast eaten in Hakea Lodge’s warm kitchen, Aaron sent Sophie outside to play with Rowdy while he made a few phone calls. Though still cold, a breeze had risen, driving the worst of the early morning drizzle eastward. Between the racing clouds, scraps of sun appeared, helping to dry the yard. It wouldn’t have mattered if it was still freezing. Sophie took any chance available to spend time with Rowdy and Costa Motza.

Ten minutes later, he found her leaning against the half-door chattering to the horse, arm stretched as she caressed Rowdy’s neck. The flickering sunshine shot Sophie’s mousy hair with pretty, pale-gold highlights. Her shirt had come loose, and he caught a glimpse of white as each reach of her arm caused her snug-fitting fleecy jumper to pull up, dragging the shirt with it. Aaron crossed the yard, unable to take his eyes off that tiny patch of skin.

As he approached, Sophie didn’t move, her attention focused on Rowdy. Aaron halted, his throat feeling rough as he sucked in cool air. He closed his eyes but the image of her skin stayed, like his mind had taken a photograph. He opened them again, staring at her as if he’d never seen female flesh before. Oblivious to his scrutiny and still happily chattering, Sophie reached up higher to fondle Rowdy’s ears, rucking her jumper up even further.

If he waited long enough, she’d turn around, break the enchantment, but Aaron didn’t want her to. Holding his breath, he took another step forward and slowly reached out, his fingers hovering over that small exposed area on her side.

Very gently, he brushed his fingertips against her skin.

©Cathryn Hein

For instant gratification, buy your ebook copy of Promises right now from Amazon, iBooks, Kobo or Google Play. For print copies, visit Booktopia or, if you’d like to take advantage of the special offer mentioned above, contact me direct.

Hankering for more about Promises? Find the story behind the book, reviews, and more excerpts on its book page on this website.