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.

We’re going with a blast from the past this week, with a teaser from my debut rural romance Promises. Aaron and Sophie will always have a special place in my heart. These two were a joy to write, especially Aaron who is so wonderfully tortured. He just needs to realise that Sophie is strong enough for both of them.

Did you know you can purchase signed print copies of Promises direct from me for only $18 delivered? (Australian postal addresses only) These are the large sized books with the original (and very romantic!) cover design. Simply email me via the contact form on this website and I’ll shoot you the details.

Now please enjoy this taste of Promises.

Sophie nodded, told Aaron she’d see him tomorrow and headed for her car.

On impulse, as she reached for the door, he called to her. She waited until he walked over, eyeing him with curiosity.

He swallowed, suddenly feeling stupid, like a bumbling teenager trying to ask a girl out for the first time. He shoved his hands in his pockets to stop them fidgeting, and kicked at the ground, dirtying his clean boots.

She waited, her frown deepening as he struggled to get the words out.

‘You do have friends, Sophie. You have me.’

‘Do I?’

He nodded.

She stared at him for a second and then with a smile, she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face into his chest. At first he stood stiff and unsure, but as her soft body pressed against him, the awkwardness passed. He relaxed enough to pull his hands from his pockets and carefully fold his arms around her, surprised at how good it felt, like he was giving her the comfort he’d always wanted to. A tiny touch of humanity and kindness as reparation for his sins.

Friendship was good. He could cope with that.

©Cathryn Hein

Promises is available right now from Booktopia, Bookdepository, Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play or your favourite retailer. If you’d like to take advantage of the signed copy offer, please email me direct via the contact page.

Want to know more about Promises? Find the story behind the book, reviews, and more excerpts on its book page on this website.