Snippet Saturday – Belong To the City
Jul
13
2013

Last week we did small towns, today we’re doing big cities so I thought it would be fun to do a sneak peek at DRAWN TOGETHER, set in my favorite US city, Seattle! A part of the book where Jonah takes Raven to a society benefit and they double date with Levi and Daisy!

 

Drawn Together

Brown Family: DRAWN TOGETHER by LAUREN DANE
Copyright 2013, Lauren Dane
All Rights Reserved, The Berkley Publishing Group

 

She gave herself one last look in the mirror on her way to the door. The dress he’d sent, she had to admit, was perfection. Black. Simple but elegant.

She’d worried her ink would show too much, but the sleeves, though sheer, gave her enough cover to feel comfortable and yet, not that he’d wanted her to hide.

The bodice had pretty beading to add some shimmer, but not so much it looked tacky or shouted hey look at my boobs. Though the cut was generous, she also wasn’t concerned she’d be having a wardrobe malfunction.  It was figure hugging without being tight.

The material was gorgeous. The dress really well made. It was clear he’d paid a pretty penny for it. But at the same time, also clear he’d really given thought to what her personal style was.

In short, instead of feeling bought and paid for, she felt treasured. Spoiled even.

She’d done her hair in a chignon at the base of her skull. One of the first hairstyles she’d learned when she came out to Los Angeles and one she had used time and again.

He’d also sent along shoes. Shoes she’d actually drooled over a few months before so she knew how much they’d cost because she’d said to Erin that she couldn’t, in good conscience pay that kind of money for a pair of shoes.

She smiled, looking at herself one last time. She was still Raven. Only fancified, as he’d said. And the shoes were a dream and made her legs look a million miles long.

Partial payment for the hell she was sure to endure at this thing.

He knocked again. Impatient.

She opened and he sucked in a breath. “You look magnificent.”

She blushed, but got a load of him while she did.  “Says the gorgeous man in the tux standing in my doorway.”

He handed her roses. “Just because. I saw them and knew you needed them.”

She took them, burying her face, inhaling.  “Thank you. Come in while I get them in water.”

She grabbed a vase and got the roses settled, taking one, trimming it and adding it to her hair.

“Oh I like that.” He took her hand, kissing it. “Do you have a wrap?”

“Yes. Thank you for the dress and shoes, by the way.”

He looked her up and down. “I really have to take credit here because you look so good. I had to guess on the sizes.”

“You know women’s bodies well. Though that’s not really a surprise.”

He took the wrap she’d picked up after she’d unwrapped the dress and put it on her shoulders.

Outside, at the curb, a sleek black car waited with Daisy and Levi already inside.

“Hey Raven. Wow, you look fabulous.”  Daisy smiled and Raven couldn’t help but smile back.

“Thanks. You too.”

“I think it’s necessary to say just what good taste the Warner men have.” Levi tipped his chin at his brother.  “Evening, Raven.”

They drove to a hotel where the benefit was being held. “We can get a drink here. The bar at the top is quite lovely.” Jonah helped her out and then kept his hand at the small of her back as they went up.

“I’m really glad you’re here tonight.” Daisy sipped her martini. “These things were fun before I got together with Levi. But usually I was working at them.” She laughed and Raven relaxed a little. “Being here as Levi’s fiancée is different. It makes me nervous because they’re always sizing me up.”

Jonah and Levi had excused themselves to hit the men’s room so it was just the two of them at the table.

“Who sizes you up?”

“All the women who figured they’d be making a play for Levi.”

“So there you are all vibrant and young and really hot. My god, they must flip out.”

“You’re really good for my ego.” Daisy grinned. “The artist thing helps. I know many of these people in my own right. But the whole society thing? That’s Levi’s neck of the woods.”

 

Be sure to visit today’s other snippeters!

Lauren Dane
Shelli Stevens
Leah Braemel
Jody Wallace
Caris Roane
Eliza Gayle
Lissa Matthews
Mandy M. Roth
McKenna Jeffries
Shiloh Walker
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
TJ Michaels
Myla Jackson

5 comments to “Snippet Saturday – Belong To the City”

  1. monica t.
    July 13th, 2013 at 10:26 am · Link

    So Good. Cannot wait for the rest. Raven is an interesting mystery that is about to be solved. Yeah!!! 😉 😉 😉 😉



  2. Sarah M.
    July 13th, 2013 at 10:42 am · Link

    I am anxiously awaiting this book! Raven is great and I can’t wait to see what happens with her and Jonah! :0)



  3. Stephanie F.
    July 13th, 2013 at 10:45 am · Link

    I have loved of the Brown Family series…I cannot wait to read this one. The characters are rich and have so much depth so quickly …I am immediately drawn into the stories. 😉



  4. Christine B
    July 13th, 2013 at 12:21 pm · Link

    So can’t wait for this book.



  5. Aurore
    July 14th, 2013 at 7:59 am · Link

    Love the snippet. I can’t wait for this book!



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