Rhymes With Foreplay: We're Going to Make It by PJ Fiala

Today I'd like to welcome author PJ Fiala to my blog. My character, Liz, from Going Back to Find You, appears in PJ's book We're Going to Make It. PJ's characters Viv and Sage were some of Liz’s first customers, and she remains very grateful for their patronage. Thanks again, PJ and welcome!

A special thank you to Pg for allowing me to hop on her blog today and a warm welcome and thank you to all of her readers for stopping by.

Working on this story was a journey for me. First of all I am excited to be included with all of these wonderful ladies. Secondly, I love Sapphire Falls. But, I had the added stressor of creating new characters to me, who will also spin off on their own journey in a new series for me titled the Bluegrass Security Series. So, there were many elements to work around and with. I found myself stressed out at times and then so excited at others that I couldn't type fast enough. I hope you all enjoy my story of Sage and Levi and their escapades. Oh, and how about a little excerpt?

Blurb:

In the security business things can happen fast – the same is true in the business of love.

Levi Jacobson spent 25 years serving his country in the Army. After his fiancée and the love of his life sent him a Dear John letter telling him she was marrying his best friend, he dug into his career with a vengeance, marching up the ranks to Major, right after vowing to stay away from women. Now retired from the military, and managing his security firm in Sapphire Falls, he can finally spend his days as he wants, earn a bit of money and enjoy small town life.

Sage Reynolds joined the Army at 18 to escape her small hometown and finally live her life as the woman she was – a tomboy. She excelled in everything Army; shooting, interrogation and surveillance. When her father became sick, she found herself back home in the small town she’d left as a teenager. A year later, her father gone, she needs a job and preferably in the big city. Overdue bills and no prospects force her to accept a job in Sapphire Falls for a man who is sexist, obnoxious and terribly attractive.

Levi and Sage need each other, at least as far as business is concerned. But, what about personally?

Excerpt:

Standing in front of the door to LJS, Sage took a deep breath. She needed this job; she had to keep reminding herself of this fact. Once it was over, she could head south and open her own security firm and walk her own path. Opening and closing her fists she dipped her head and continued.

She opened the door and stepped into the office. The atmosphere was…non-existent. Pale green walls, two metal desks from the fifties strewn with papers and empty coffee cups sat to the left of the front door. To the right was a little rolling cart with a coffee maker, sugar and creamer, both of which had been spilled and not wiped up, and a stack of Styrofoam cups. The wooden coat rack screwed to the wall next to the door was graced with one coat and three empty brass hooks. Her stomach dropped. Living in Army barracks over the years, the one thing drilled into her head was neat and tidy. Orderly. Unplanned inspections kept her on her toes.

A creak sounded, and she turned to see the man from the diner sitting behind one of the desks, his soft brown eyes sizing her up. She watched as his eyes traveled the length of her body, not in an overtly sexual way, just an assessment. Probably trying to determine if she was armed. She smirked when she saw the recognition register on his face. She stepped forward and held out her hand.

“Sage Reynolds reporting for duty. I assume you’re Levi Jacobson.”

His brows raised into his hairline, his jaw tensed, and his back turned rigid. “Is this some sort of joke?” His voice was deep, edgy, and tinged with unhappy.

“Excuse me? Joke?” She tried keeping the edge from her voice but wasn’t all that successful by the look on his face.

He stood, and instead of taking her hand, placed his on his hips. “I hired a man named Sage Reynolds to work security here with me.”

The snark tinted her voice. “You hired me—Sage Reynolds. We never discussed my gender. Quite frankly, it shouldn’t matter. I’m trained, dependable, reliable, and ready to work with you. For two weeks, that is.”

He took a deep breath, seemingly to keep his irritation in check. “I don’t think this is a job for a woman. I hired a security specialist. A black belt in Jujitsu. An expert in surveillance.”

She placed her hands on her hips and dug her fingers in to keep herself in check. She needed a job and a paycheck. “Maybe not any woman. But then again, I’m not like most women. I’m your security, Jujitsu black belt, and surveillance specialist.” Her heart hammered. Sexist. Figured.

The door opened, and a cool blast of air circled the room and turned up the corners of the papers sitting on Levi’s desk. A large man breezed into the room. That is, he breezed as much as a man his size could breeze. He was six-foot-four, broad as a refrigerator, and weighed about 320 pounds. He had sparkling blue eyes and blond hair in need of a trim, but he had a face that looked…happy.

He skirted around Sage and stopped at the coffee maker. Pouring a cup, he laced it with sugar and turned toward her. He glanced down to her Army boots and then back up to her eyes. A big smile creased his face as he held out his hand. “Chuck.”

She turned to face him head on, glanced at his offered hand and placed hers in it. She squeezed as she shook his hand. A firm handshake is the best introduction you can give someone, her father would say. “Sage.”

Chuck’s eyes grew big and round. With disbelief in his voice, he said, “You’re the new guy?” He turned his gaze to the man behind the desk.

“She’s not working here,” he clipped.

“You hired me to do a job, yet you’re firing me because I’m a woman? I’d say you’re a sexist and about ready to be served with a lawsuit.”

Thanks again and welcome to Sapphire Falls!

About the Author

I am a wife of thirty years, a mother of four grown children and the grandmother of four lovely grandchildren. When not writing a new story, I can be found riding my motorcycle and exploring this fabulous country of ours. My writing revolves around people anyone would love to spend time with. No self-absorbed billionaires for me.

Earning my Bachelor's Degree later in life fulfilled a dream for me. Then, I found the courage to write and I haven't looked back. I have several published books and continue to write daily. I have served as the VP of Communications for WisRWA and devote a large amount of my time helping other authors slog their way through this thing called publishing.

I come from a family of veterans. My grandfather, father, brother, two of my sons, and one daughter-in-law are all veterans. Needless to say, I am proud to be an American and proud of the service my amazing family has given.

I love to hear from fans, so look me up and touch base.

PJ Fiala

We live in the land of the free, because of the brave.