WATTY'S 2013-My Forever

Check it out--I entered My Forever into the Watty Awards 2013 for original romance. VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

It's Teaser Tuesday!

Since I work 24/7 I haven't had time to sit down and write a proper blog! But soon, I promise. Here's a teaser from my newest WIP (currently untitled):

            Lee

            I never intended to fall. In fact, when I boarded that plane back home, it was the furthest thing from my mind. It hit me like a ton of bricks the other night. We were just hanging out at our usual beach spot when she looked up at me and the moon glistened off her face just so, illuminating her undeniable beauty. I knew quickly on I would never meet anyone like Madalynne Johnson. Beauty, brains, and genuine? Yes, please. I could tell she was into me; it wasn’t rocket science. But I knew what I wanted out of life; adventure and excitement. Without much effort I found that Maddy encompassed all of that and more.

            I remember the first night I woke up in a cold sweat. I glanced over at Maddy, peacefully asleep beside me and it slowed my heart race; calmed me down. The effect she had on me was unlike any I had ever felt before. It was a feeling of comfort and safety; it felt right.

            Deep down I know she has a guy back home…but I try to avoid these thoughts. Eventually, a decision will be forced upon her, stay in Hawaii with me—or leave for him…I’ve been making the most of our time together for this exact reason.

            I glance down at her, making a mental note that she is still fast asleep. I gently sweep her long brown hair out of her face and kiss her on the forehead. She stirs a little from this before rolling over and dominating my side of the bed. I can’t help but smile. Normally I would be in bed with her, snuggling, but I want to surprise her. I want to show her how much of an impact she has made on my life. I have never dated anyone I’ve felt this strongly about. Meaning I never bothered to go the extra mile. Sleeping beauty over there is beyond worth it to me.

            Earlier, I woke up at dusk and raced out to the closest pharmacy where I picked up a small box of chocolates and a card. I was painfully aware of the holiday—Valentine’s Day. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t have even bothered—but Maddy only deserves the best.

            Little encouraging affectionate notes are scattered all over the ground; so unlike me. I never have to worry about the chase—girls fall all over me every day. Maddy fell as easily if not as quickly. But it wasn’t the same on my end. I fought the attraction, the chemistry, and the passion. But knowing what I know—the other guy in her life was going to be getting out of Basic soon; it lit a fire up under my ass.

            I grab the breakfast tray which is loaded with toast, bacon, eggs, and orange juice and make my way back to my bedroom.

            I sit down on the edge of the bed. I’m just about to wake her when I see her begin to stir. “What smells so good?” She asks through closed eyes.

            “Open your eyes,” I whisper, awaiting her response.

            She rubs her eyes a few times before switching them to me. “Breakfast? You made me breakfast in bed?” She sits up excitedly, a surprised reaction taking over her face.

            I nod without replying.

            “What’s the occasion?” She asks. It appears Valentine’s Day was the last thing on her mind; and probably for good reason.

            “Just ‘cause,” I lie. She’ll eventually realize, but it’s kind of nice messing with her.

            She smiles a big grin before hastily grabbing the breakfast tray and immediately pigging out.

            “I take it you were hungry?” I laugh, stretching. “Now I need a nap! I’ve been slaving away on your breakfast all morning and I didn’t even get a thank you…”

            She rolls her eyes at me. “Shut up and kiss me.”

            I obey; closing the distance between us, I lower my lips to hers.

            This is the woman I love. The first woman I’ve ever loved. I am determined to make her mine, only mine.

More POM teasers!

Check it out--I'm really stoked about all the hype surrounding POM. I am starting to believe it could be something BIG. :) The first three chapters are posted on Wattpadd.com. Here is the link to my profile where you can find both My Forever & POM: http://www.wattpad.com/user/KristaPakseresht

But for your viewing pleasure here is an unreleased snippet from POM:

                “Hello Cincinnati!” I began, waiting for the cheers to halt before continuing on. We had sold out a show at the prestigious Blacklight Theatre; we would be playing on the same stage a handful of our favorite bands had played on; something that was nearly impossible to achieve being so new to the entire scene. “Welcome to our first headlining show! It sold out—and that’s all thanks to you guys.” I pointed out across the crowd, “so thank you for everything you have done. We have some amazing bands on the roster tonight. Please do yourself a favor and take a moment to check out their merch! They have some amazing deals and most are struggling musicians on tour, so let’s help them earn a paycheck!”

                We began the set with the new tune, hoping to feel out the crowd. “Alright guys, we’re going to start this show off a little differently,” Noah spoke into the microphone. “We have a new one for you guys tonight.” He shifted his attention to me, “Peyton?”

                “This is called ‘Things I’ll Never Say’.” So maybe it wasn’t the smartest thing to incorporate my feelings for both guys into one song…but to be fair, I hadn’t anticipated them both showing up to my bands first headlining show; Colton and Jace, in one room, with me. Seeing the two guys I had been obsessing over for months nearly side by side had been quite a shocker. This could get ugly. But I wasn’t going to let it ruin my moment. I was going to perform to the best of my abilities, just like every other time I took the stage. Distractions, be gone!

                I began the first verse on the heels of Madison’s violin shredding; both guys eyes burned into me as I sang the words they probably assumed were written solely for each of them alone.

                I’ve thought of you non-stop, every day since the first encounter

                Your face could haunt me anywhere

                I’ve been in denial and played it cool

                But I’m not a fool

                I’m falling hard, I can’t lie

                All this time keeps passing by

                Tell me you feel the same

                And that I’m factored into your end game

                I glanced over at Colton; he was clearly hanging on my every word; nodding along slowly in deep thought. I switched my attention to Jace; his expression more difficult to read. He wasn’t even looking at me while I sang. He had a somewhat uncomfortable expression etched across his face, and he was staring off in the distance. I wish I knew what you were thinking.

                The night had been a complete success and because of all the support I was shown, I made it a point to stick around and chat with everyone who had made the long drive out from my hometown, Day Heights. It took longer than I would have liked, but I felt like it was the least I could do.

                “What did I tell you?” Kayleigh gushed when she came up to hug me after the show; my parents and her boyfriend Bentley in tow.

                “Honey, that was something to see,” my mother agreed, throwing her arm around me at the same time my father had.

                “Way to go pumpkin,” My father added, kissing me on the top of my head.

                “Need a ride home?” Kayleigh asked.

                “No, I’m fine. I’ll get one from Brooklyn,” I replied. It was my go to answer. I had no idea if Brooklyn was even still around, I hadn’t seen her since the show had ended. But the two handsome, completely opposite guys that were painstakingly still in the vicinity were hard to ignore. I could tell the entire time I was mingling they wanted to be polite and let me do my thing; yet also wanting to make their presence known.

                Unfortunately I was not going to be able to address them separately as they were both waiting at the bar, side by side. I wondered if they had caught on yet that they were waiting for the same girl…I walked up to them, not sure who I should make eye contact with first. So I looked down…

                “Hey,” I heard them greet me simultaneously, before realizing they had been waiting on the same person this entire time. I saw Colton eye Jace down protectively, thoughts probably running wild in his head; Jace giving Colton the once over as well.

                “Hey…” I trailed off, not sure how this was going to play out. I looked up at Jace, his blue eyes nothing compared to his twins. “Jace, this is Colton,” I pointed. “Colton, this is Jace.”

                “Nice to meet you,” I heard Jace say, awkwardly as they shook hands, before he turned his attention back to me. “Well, I just wanted to stick around to say good job. I should get going though; I have work in the morning.” Jace had picked up a part time job for the summer of light construction work with his uncle.

                My face fell before I could stop it; Colton obviously caught the disappointment in my eyes. “Okay,” I replied flatly.

                “Later,” Jace gave a short wave as he walked off; the drama I had anticipated all but vanished.

                I turned to Colton, unsure of what his reaction to Jace was going to be. “Who was that?” He asked, simply.

                “A friend from school.” At least it wasn’t a lie…

                “You wanna get out of here?” He changed the subject.

                “Yeah, actually, I do.” I responded, finally feeling well enough to be physically close with anyone.

Teaser Monday-Pieces of Me

                I was nervous about seeing Colton for the first time in weeks. He had no idea what had transpired between Jax and I…and I wasn’t sure I was ready to tell him. It was difficult to ignore his ear to ear grin as I greeted him at the door.

                “This is some place!” He exclaimed, his green eyes dancing with excitement.

                I giggled lightly; “yeah, Harper’s parents are loaded. Her mother is a therapist and her step-father is a neurosurgeon.”

                “Damn,” was all he could muster up in response; still taken aback.

                “Well, do you want to come in?” I asked; shifting slightly so he could enter the massive foyer.

                “You haven’t seen me for a month and I don’t even get a hug?” He asked, perplexed.

                “Oh…um, yeah, sure,” I replied, awkwardly before giving him the most embarrassing side hug in the universe.

                “Whoa, what the hell happened to your hand?” A concerned look spread over Colton’s face as he gently touched my arm where the cast was.  

                “I broke my hand,” I answered simply.

                “Yeah, I kind of gathered that…” He trailed off, obviously awaiting a better explanation.

                “It’s a long story,” I replied, opening the door even further to allow him entrance. “You want a drink?” I asked as I led him to the back terrace where the gang was barbecuing and swimming.

                “Yeah,” he responded, following me to one of the many kegs scattered around the enormous backyard. I was hoping he would forget about my broken hand so I wouldn’t have to tell him what had really happened.

                I filled him up a plastic cup with the amber colored liquid. He downed it within seconds and then glanced back at me. “Okay, your turn.” He began filling up a second plastic cup before handing it to me.

                “Thanks,” I replied flatly; no intention of drinking anytime soon; my trust issues sky high.

                “Peyton, we need to talk,” He began softly, taking a step towards me.

                “What do you want to talk about?” I asked, taking a small step away; hoping he wouldn’t notice.

                “I meant what I said,” he replied, gently.

                “And that was…?” I played dumb.

                “You’re my future,” he repeated the same statement from the other night. He took my hand that wasn’t injured in his and my heart rate spiked; anxiety at an all time high. “I broke up with Tara.” He tucked my brown hair behind my ear.

                Breathe, I had to keep reminding myself. Just breathe.

                He reached for me with his arm and I dodged it, shaking violently. “Is everything okay?” I heard him ask from behind my back.

                I was still shaking something fierce, but I knew it was unfair to Colton. He had never harmed me in the physical sense. Uncontrollably shaking as a result of him getting close was incredibly unfair. I finally turned back to him, captivating his attention, “I need to tell you something.”

                I came clean about all the reasons I had been avoiding him. The look I had seen spread across his face when I told him I had never been kissed instantly taking over his face again, only to the highest degree this time. I hated people feeling sorry for me. That’s the same look I had come to recognize over the years due to my weight struggles.

                I just wanted everything to go back to normal; whatever that even was.

                “I’m sorry—“ he began before I rudely cut him off.

                “Don’t,” I stated, simply.

                “What?”

                “I’m just tired of everyone looking at me with that same look in their eyes,” I shot back.

                “And what look would that be?” Colton tested me.

                “Sympathy,” I spat, unable to contain myself. “Like I’m some kind of broken toy that needs fixing.”

                “You’re different,” he stated the obvious.

                “What did you expect?” I asked, incredulously.

                His phone began ringing, the Script playing over the small speakers, filling up the silence. He pulled it out from his back pocket, glancing at the screen quickly.

                The look on his face made it all too obvious who had been on the other side; all the color slowly draining from his face. “I thought you broke up with her?” I asked, not being able to hide my disappointment.

                “I did,” he replied simply. “She’s having a hard time letting go.” He sat his plastic cup down. “I should actually be going.”

                “But you just barely got here.” I looked up at him, his green eyes piercing through me.

                “I know,” he began, running his fingers through his shaggy brown hair. “You know we played that gig at the Pixie last night and I haven’t really gotten that much sleep. And plus, I have to be up early tomorrow…our west coast tour begins on Tuesday. We have a lot of last minute details to tie up.”

                “I know,” I pouted.

                “We’ll hang out when I get back in town, promise.” He stepped towards me, hesitantly. “Am I clear to enter the premises?” He joked, lightly.

                I nodded, mentally preparing myself for the closeness. My heart was still racing beyond control, but my body was not shaking anymore; progress had been made.