#WIPpet Wednesday - The WAG and The Scoundrel #amwriting

WIPpet Wednesday is a blog hop where authors share from their current works in progress - expertly organised/hosted by Emily Witt - and the excerpt has to relate to the date in some way. For links to other fabulous authors' WIPpets, visit: http://www.inlinkz.com/wpview.php?id=355404

So, it's the 20th July, 2016; here's 20 sentences from chapter 7 of my work in progress, The WAG and The Scoundrel, which is a white-collar crime mystery / romance (LGBTQ). It's the first book in the Gray Fisher Series, which is a spinoff of Hiding Behind The Couch. It's scheduled for an October release. Eek!

The characters in the excerpt below are Gray Fisher and Will Richards. Through a bit of sneaky match-making (in a previous story), they've reached the level of...friendship. It could go anywhere, depending on how much Will and I can get Gray to loosen up.

Here's the WIPpet:
If Gray had not been so at peace, he might have worried about the fact he was, in that moment, feeling more content than he had in years. It helped that Will was so calm and 'real'. He strode with confidence, his boots marking a firm, steady rhythm. It was too dark to make out detail or colour, but he was wearing loose-fitting cargo pants and a baggy pullover with a shirt underneath, one collar visible. His hair hung in a ponytail at the nape of his neck, and the long stubble on his chin, turned orange by streetlight, indicated he hadn't shaved in a few days.

This was Will 'at home', and he put Gray completely at ease. He'd accompanied George and his dog on a couple of walks, which he'd enjoyed. But this? This was something else. He could see Will's dogs waiting at the start of a footpath up ahead of them, beyond that, woodland, and felt his stomach fluttering with the effect of the feel-good chemicals.

They reached the dogs, and Will must have given them some kind of unspoken signal, as they all move on again, dashing into the woods. Will and Gray followed at a leisurely pace.

"You're very quiet," Will said. He sounded concerned, but before Gray could reassure him that he was absolutely fine, if not a little wowed, Will looked his way, and that sassy grin blossomed again. "I don't think I've seen you look so chilled."

"I'm really enjoying this walk," Gray admitted. Will gave a deep, gentle laugh, completely unmocking, and Gray joined in. "I should go for walks more often."

"Yeah, well, it helps having these guys." Will nodded towards his dogs in the distance. "They're a reason to get up in the morning, put on my wellies and get out in the fresh air."

Thanks for reading!
Deb x

Comments

  1. Anonymous12:34 am

    I love the casualness of this moment. It's definitely something I'd probably experience with my spouse. =D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie McGowan12:43 am

      Thanks, Adrian. :) It's lovely to know someone else gets that feeling from it, although the character (Will) is definitely in charge of my pen here. He's so chilled out!

      Delete
  2. AM Leibowitz3:00 am

    I love the serenity of this moment. I had to smile at the last line; I can relate. :) This is quite visually sensory.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie McGowan9:34 am

      Thanks, Amy. :) One of the wonders of sharing life with dogs. I should probably take mine out soon. No wellies needed today, though. It's a gorgeous warm, sunny morning here.

      Delete
    2. Debbie McGowan11:36 am

      Also (me and my delayed processing - sorry), I was saying to Jor the other day, it seems that if I hand the narrative over to a police officer instead of a psychologist, it becomes observational rather than psychoanalytical. I think. It'll be interesting to see if other people get that from it, too.

      Delete
    3. AM Leibowitz5:07 pm

      Oh, that's an interesting insight. And motivation to read it for comparison, LOL. Outside of contemporary relationship stories, mystery is my second favorite precisely because it's so sensory when it's done well.

      Delete
  3. Fallon12:29 pm

    Lovely snippet. Can't wait to read more about these two.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Eden "Kymele" Mabee8:26 pm

    It's interesting to see how a character that clearly is fighting himself in his need to "stop being so aware" begins to relax and "feel human" again. It'll be interesting to watch their dynamic

    ReplyDelete
  5. Debbie McGowan12:32 am

    Thanks, Eden. That bodes well. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Pat Garcia10:05 pm

    Hi Debbie,
    Your snippet drew my interest. Will and Gray, and what happens next?
    I especially like the line, I don't think I've seen you look so chilled.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Patricia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie McGowan10:24 pm

      Thanks, Patricia (wasn't sure which to use). Will is such a cool guy. Gray...well, he's not chill yet, but he's trying. ;)

      Delete
  7. Anonymous2:08 am

    Aw, what a sweet scene! I really like the calmness between the two of them.

    ReplyDelete

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