Rambling with RaeBeth: Likes and Dislikes

This episode is more on a personal level so readers can learn more about me as a person and what makes my world go around. Take a look.

What are some of your likes and dislikes?

Sneak Peek Friday: #loveyoumore

Welcome to the last Friday in February.

That means the last preview for #loveyoumore.

 (for now)

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If you're interested in more about what inspired me to write Tyler and Colonia's story, be sure to check out Wednesday's Vlog on my Youtube Channel or Facebook Page. 

****

He looked into my eyes for a moment, studying my face. I couldn't help to notice how mysterious his eyes were up close. They looked as if they held secrets only he knew and only those who were privileged enough would know. He gently took my chin, guiding me to look up at him with his expression serious, "in answer to your question...yes, you do have something on your face." he finished.

I quickly swiped my hands over my face to try and rid whatever it was he was talking about. "I don't feel anything. Where is it?" I asked, unsure.

To my surprise, he leaned down and kissed the beads of water from my cheeks, left by the mist of the waterfall, and smiled. Pushing my frizzy hair aside, he gently kissed me. The water sprayed down on us as our lips danced, each of us tasting the cold drops. Instead of retracting from the force of the moment, it brought us to new heights. Tyler pushed his lips in more firmly and the waves of passion that ran through me were invigorating, making my head swim as I pulled back to take in his handsome face. He leaned in closer, our foreheads connecting. Dear God, I couldn't defend against him. He brushed his lips against mine, teasingly. I want to pull away before I lose control of the emotional wall I built over the past year.

My sanity has evaded and turned against me; opening up to his touch, kiss, and closeness. "Colonia," he whispers, prolonging each syllable as if to savor them. My heart flutters as I find myself smiling. I never thought it'd feel this wonderful to have someone say my name. As if I had no control, I leaned in for another kiss. As we kissed, the world around us fell away, making me forget where we were. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that I never imagined. He had rested below my ear, his thumb caressing my cheek as our breaths mingled.

I ran my fingers down his muscular, wet back, pulling him closer until there was absolutely no space left between us. I could feel his heart beating against my chest.

He pulled away, "wow, that was something. I think we should...umm..look around some more."

"Of course! The sun will set in a little while. Don't wanna be lost in the woods then." I said, pulling myself back together.

****

If you enjoyed this month's preview into Tyler and Colonia's world, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you. 

Rambling with RaeBeth: Inspiration behind #loveyoumore

Find out what brought #loveyoumore to life and 

my goals for the book below.

Let me know you were here by leaving any comments below...

Sneak Peek Friday: #loveyoumore

Can you believe we are already in week three of the month? It's going by so fast. But let's not let that bum us out because I have another preview for you today from #loveyoumore.

What are your thoughts on this book? Intrigued? Excited? Tell me more...

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I jerked awake in a panic to see what time it was. I didn't want to sleep in too much since Tyler was here. We only had the day left with each other before he had to pack up and head back to base. I wanted to spend as much time as possible with him, especially since I didn't know if he'd come back. That was what worried me. This man was perfect, but was I enough to keep him coming back?

I stepped out of the shower to the aroma of coffee wading through the air; followed by the smell of something delicious. My stomach gurgled in response. Once I was completely ready for the day, I joined Tyler downstairs. He was dressed in only his pajama pants and no shirt; which brought my attention to his muscular back.

"Good morning," I said, taking a deep breath. "Something smells good," I finished as I sat at the table.

"Good morning and I'm making you breakfast. I hope you like omelets." he turned to face me, "Oh, that cup is for you." he said, bringing my attention to the cup of coffee on the counter.

"You didn't have to do all of this," I said, my heart filled with appreciation.

"No biggie. Just thought you'd enjoy some of my grandmother's special omelets. Let me know what you think." he said, putting a plate in front of me.

It was huge and stuffed with onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and cheese. It smelled just as it tasted; delicious. "Hmmm," I said, showing him my liking to his breakfast.

"What's so special about them? Not to be mean, but you've made them exactly how I like them. The cheese isn't overbearing and I love the perfect taste of onions and peppers."

"See... if I told ya... I'd have to kill ya." he joked and then winked.

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever!" I said, popping a huge bite of food into my mouth.

"That's real ladylike... must make the guys come running."

I unsuccessfully tried to stick my tongue out at him. He burst out in laughter and sat down next to me to eat his breakfast. The laughing came out of nowhere and I could see by the look in Tyler's russet brown eyes. I folded my arms, eyebrows arched, waiting. Within moments, Tyler's laugh exploded like an opening of a water valve. I tried to keep a straight face, pushed my loose bangs behind my ear, and stood up to get more coffee.

"Where ya going?"

"What...I'm not allowed to have more coffee?" I sarcastically asked, pouring myself another cup.

"Nope." He laughed, getting up and coming over to me.

Suddenly, I found myself laughing with him as he tickled my sides. I waved my hands in the air as in a surrender. I tried to catch my breath and snorted in the process. Staring at him wide-eyed, shocked that I actually snorted, he started laughing. I tickled him back when I had a clear shot. With each surge of laughter, it released some of the tension I had hanging over me. It felt good to be filled with pure joy as we laughed. As soon as I was able to, I broke free and ran to the other room with him following close behind.

I tried to run from him by going around the coffee table, but I stubbed my toe instead and fell down on the couch. Rubbing my foot, I said, "Truce!"

"I'll give it to you this time. Next won't be so easy."

It's my favorite day of the year!!!

happy

valentine's

day!

What gift have you received in the past that you'll always remember?

I wouldn't say it's a gift I got but it's a gift I put a lot of thought and love in to. Several years ago, 

I got in touch with my crafty side and created a gift for my husband. It's by far my favorite. I used the lyrics of our wedding song and printed a few of them out. I cut small pieces of the lyrics out. I used one sheet of the lyrics and cut them into the shape of a tree with branches. Using yarn, I tied two 3-D hearts to one of the branches where the hearts looked as if they are swinging from the branch. Below you'll find the picture of this precious gift that I love so much. 

Tell me about your most memorable valentines day. 

Sneak Peek Friday: #loveyoumore

Love...

It's something most little girls dream of as they get older. We strive to find

the one for us to share life with as we get older. Once we find that one, it's pure bliss being with that person who understands us more than anyone and would go to whatever lengths for us. 

But what happens when that love was temporary? That's what Colonia asks herself in #loveyoumore. 

But before I get into that, why not enjoy a piece of her happiness?

****

"I wanted to talk to you about something," his tone was completely serious.

I took a deep breath, "Okay. What's goin' on?"

"I'm a few week away from my four-year enlistment date in the Marines. I'm not reenlisting."

I was caught off guard. From all the conversations we've had over the past several months, I knew that being a Marine was more than just a way of life for him. It's who he was. It meant so much to him to be serving his country and the pride that generated from him when he talked about it, was impossible to miss. "Why? I thought you loved what you do?" I asked, confused.

"Well, I do but I love you more. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you. How does that sound?"

I widened my eyes while he stared at me; as if I'd just produced a snake out of my pocket, waiting for me to respond. I could imagine the thoughts going through his mind, desperately trying to make sense of my facial expressions as I processed what he just said. His smile slowly faded while his mouth remained as an aberrant bleak line along with the stubbles of hair starting to appear along his jawline.

When I spoke, my voice was shaky, "I'm not sure what to say." My voice trailed slowly like my words were unwilling to take flight.

"Well, letting me know if you wanna be with me would be a great place to start."

Instantly, I felt bad for allowing him to hang in limbo, but this wasn't something I had expected, nor thought about. He was an amazing guy; too perfect. However, I didn't expect those daydreams I've had to become reality so soon. Without any more delay, "Yes, I think I would be able to handle that," I blurted out.

"Good," he said, fidgeting with his cell phone. As my phone dinged, he added, "listen to that song I forwarded to you. It says it all."

"Now?" I asked confused. Never had someone ever expressed their feelings to me through music, something else added to the list of awesome when it came to this man.

"Yeah. Now."

I pulled my cell up in front of me and tapped the notification that showed Tyler's message. My phone opened my music app. It didn't take me long to recognize the song. It had been the same one that Tyler had playing in the car the last time he was here. "This song." I smiled, taking in the lyrics.

"I want you to be with me, Colonia. Life without you doesn't make sense. Now, I'm not sure if you heard me or what..." he moved closer, taking my hand, "but I'm madly in love with you. I've never been very good at expressing my feelings so bare with me." He ran his hands over his pant legs as he took another deep breath. "It's crazy. Whenever I try to tell you how I feel, my throat tightens, blocking me from saying anything. I always know what to say and it takes a lot to get me stopped up on what I want to say."

"I think you're doing a great job at it," I said, trying to boost his confidence.

He glanced up at me and smiled, "It doesn't take much for me to be able to read people like they're an open book. You are the only one that I have a hard time understanding. I love that and it's one of the qualities you have that drew me to you. I love how you play with your hair and bite your lip when you're nervous."

My heart felt as if it were going to leap out of my chest, as tears threatened to escape from my eyes. I intertwined my hands and played with the back of a ring my mother had given me when I turned sixteen to help with the overflow of feelings that were coursing throughout my body.

"...you're like a breath of fresh air, constantly refreshing and invigorating. Every moment with you is a surprise to me and that's intriguing because I don't like stories where I can guess what's going to happen next. I love your clumsy, anxious self and I find it sexy..."

At that moment he had me by the reference to a book. I leaned in closer as my heart melted with his touching words.

"...I love how you have chosen your own path in life and you know exactly what you want outta the life you've been given. You're strong, full of positive energy that pulls others to you, yet you're exceptionally perceptive and compassionate to all you encounter. You are the most overwhelmingly spirited person I have ever met in my life. Laughter is something I can always find when I'm around you and I'd be crazy not to as you to take a chance on me."

Sneak Peek Friday: #loveyoumore

Woohoo, it's my favorite month of the year...

.... February!!!

I love this month because it has my favorite holiday...

VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Since I call this the month of love, I'll be sharing a lot more about #loveyoumore to celebrate. 

Welcome to the first Sneak Peek Friday of the month. 

Enjoy!!

****

The rest of the day went by well. Tyler and I hung out, talking and catching up on the past few weeks. While we were in the middle of watching a movie, the doorbell sounded throughout the house.

"Expecting someone?" Tyler asked.

"No, no idea who it is. I'll be back." I said as I headed for the door.

"Hi," I said as I opened the door without realizing who was there.

My mother and two sisters stood in front of me. I felt a bit of panic due to the fact that I told them in the past about Tyler but they hadn't actually met him yet. Growing up, my sister's were loud, energetic, and extremely honest. There wasn't a filter on their mouths, which worried me. I had no idea if Tyler would be ready for this bunch, yet.

"Coffee on?" my mom asked.

"No, but I can fix that," I answered. "Come in. I was just watching a movie with Tyler." I said, giving them the hint that I wasn't alone and praying that they wouldn't do anything to embarrass me.

"Oh.. he's here?" Audra asked surprised. "Well... perfect timing. Where's he at?"

"Yeah, he's in the living room. Be nice and don't scare him off." I warned.

Disregarding my warning, my sister's headed off to the living room. Taking a deep breath, I followed. "Tyler, I'd like you to meet my sisters, Jen and Audra," I said, pointing to each as I said their names.

I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to these two. Jen was a bit of a workaholic. She always had her strawberry blonde hair in a low ponytail to keep it out of her face. She was short with a thicker build. Her hazel eyes scanned the room as she took a seat in a chair adjacent to the couch. Audra always had anger issues and tend to fly off at the mouth. The smallest thing could rub her the wrong way, sending her into a fury of irritation. Most of the time, she would complain of those who mistreated her and would party herself into a stupor. Once she pulled herself together, she would do it again. With her strong spirit and personality, she'd date guys who were just like her; control freaks and be surprised when things went wrong. After several weeks of dating, the two would break it off, leaving her bewildered; wondering what exactly it was that caused another relationship to abruptly end.

She followed closely behind Jen and took the seat at the other end of the couch. Her light brown hair falling toward her face as she got comfortable; sitting with one leg down on the floor and the other tucked snugly underneath her.

"I'm Audra," she said, her green eyes staring at him. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Tyler replied with a nod and repositioned himself on the couch.

"I'm Jen." she said, waving a bit before continuing, "I'm the sucky older sister who works too much to come visit."

With a laugh, Tyler replied, "It's nice to meet you too."

"Okay...now that we got the introduction out of the way. I have a question for you." Audra started and I rolled my eyes. I knew they wouldn't be able to resist giving him the third degree and battering him with questions.

"I'm an open book. Ask me anything."

"Colonia says you're a Marine who was in Iraq. Do you have any foreign diseases?"

With a chuckle, "No, I'm completely healthy." Tyler replied.

"Good, because I don't want you passing off any diseases to my sister that will kill her. Because then...you'd have to deal with me," she warned.

"Audra, really?" I asked, giving her a look to tell her to knock it off.

I loved the fact that my sisters loved me enough to protect me, but at times, they could be a bit overprotective. I knew I would always be able to count on them. If my world was falling apart, they would be the ones I'd want by my side. They take control and are quick on their feet. They tend to cover every angle, helping to fix whatever was amiss, and stay right there by my side until everything was back in order. They always offered a shoulder to cry on and wouldn't leave me standing alone until I was good. They never rode on any mistakes I had made in the past. Once I was back on track, the crisis was over, never to be mentioned again. Once the storm had passed, their tolerance would go back to the way it was and I'd be the middle child once again. Jen would go back to being the woman who worked too hard, bringing in the money, while Audra went back to her impulsive ways.

"Sorry, I have to ask," she said with a shrug of her shoulders.
My mom chose the right moment to walk back into the room, "Coffee ready?" she asked as she looked at the side stand.

"Ohhhh, shoot!!" I said as I jumped up from my seat beside Tyler. "I'm sorry. I forgot. I'll get it now." I said, thankful for a moment to regroup myself and breathe.

My anxiety was getting to me as I waited for the coffee to finish brewing. I had been a ball of nerves, afraid my sisters were going to be a bit rough on Tyler. I took my time adding the crème and sugar while stirring it. I took a deep breath and headed back into the room with everyone else.

"Where did you go for that coffee?" Mom joked as I handed her the cup.

"Be careful. It's hot." I warned.

Tyler had been in mid-conversation and I quietly listened to him finish. It seemed as if he was telling them how life was for him when it came to visiting other countries. All seemed well and it looked as if Jen and Audra had relaxed a bit.
When Audra settled back into her chair, she smiled. "Sounds like it'd be exciting to travel the world and see different things." She peered my way, face reassuring me that she was going to behave.

"Oh, Japan! Really?" Jen asked surprised.

"Yes, really!" Tyler answered. "It was an amazing experience. Visiting Japan was, by far, my favorite place. I found it pretty cool that they include English on their signs and whatnot, in addition to Kanji.

"Bet it made things a bit easier for you?" My mom questioned.

"It did, but I had a few friends that spoke both languages and interpreted what I couldn't read. I was stationed in Okinawa, which was quite a peaceful place. It was an amazing opportunity to gain life experience while learning about another culture. I missed being home but it was well worth it.

"What was it like living half a world away from where you grew up?" Jen asked.

"Well, it was fun watching the higher ranked guys drive in a right-hand drive car on the opposite side of the road." Tyler smiled at the memory.

"Right-hand drive?" Audra asked confused.

"Basically the steering wheel is on the right side of the car instead of on the left like we have here."

"Ohhhh!! I bet that was weird at first to see." Jen chimed in.
"Absolutely. I thought it was pretty cool."

"Was the food gross?" Audra asked, shifting the direction of our the conversation.

"It's really not much different than the food we have here. Just the texture of some of it is different. The best part was the warm weather all year around. Who could complain about that?"

"I'd spend all my time on the beach. I'm a beach girl." Jen said. "How different are the stores and stuff there?"

"I had access to most everything you can find here in stores. There was some stuff that wasn't available but I didn't go without. Especially, when my grandmother constantly sent me packages."

"Sounds like it was a nice experience." My mom said. "My coffee's gone. You guys about ready?" she asked my sisters.

Jen jumped up, "Yep," she said, while Audra followed suit.

After we said our goodbye's, Tyler and I finished our movie while cuddling on the couch. The visit with my family wasn't as bad as I thought. However, the anticipation of hearing their opinion on Tyler had me apprehensive.

****

I hope you enjoyed this week's preview. I'd love to hear your thoughts, feel free to post them below and leave me a comment!!!