WIP Wednesday: Nia, Be Mine #VistaSecurityPrequel #TheGoodDaughter
Dropping in to quickly post today’s WIP Wednesday. I think I missed last Wednesday, I did warn you when I’m writing, I’m not good with the whole blogging thing. Right now, I’m busy editing and juggling way too many balls! I’ve had some great ideas, and while I never participate in NaNo (I get rebellious for some reason and totally stop writing), I do have a book idea I want to flesh out next month. I’ll tell you more about it as I know more about it.
The set up for today’s WIP Wednesday excerpt is that Nia has just met her soccer hero, Italian superstar Sandro. (And remember, Nia and Sandro’s story continue in The Good Daughter as well as a cameo in Edge of Trust . . . and this writing backwards ain’t so easy! Note to self: plot the danged prequel first!) This is after a friendly game between the US men’s soccer team and the Italian national soccer team in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. While this is a bit more romantic and light-hearted than I tend to write; later, there will still be a touch of suspense in the story. Just this time around, there’s more romance than suspense. Keep in mind, as well, that Nia and Sandro are much younger. Nia is 21 here and a hard-working athlete devoted to soccer.
“Hey, Nia, you traitor. You’re with the wrong team!” The voice was in jest, and from someone she’d known a long time.
Reluctantly, she released Sandro and turned toward the speaker. “Brad,” she said, a welcoming smile forming on her lips for the American team goalkeeper.
He pulled her into an exuberant, sweaty hug. “Heard your brother will be back soon.”
“That’s right. The doctor plans to release him in a few days.” Her brother, who was recovering from knee surgery, normally had a starting position with the US team. The media dubbed them the soccer twins, even though they weren’t twins, and she played on the women’s team and he was on the men’s team.
“We could’ve used him today.”
“Yeah, tough luck. You played a great game, though.”
“Except for those goals your friend scored. Never saw that last one coming.” He released his bear hug and turned her around, easily tucking her against his side, his arm draped across her shoulder. He towered a foot over her five-foot-four-inch frame.
“Great goals, man.” He stuck out a huge, beefy paw, minus the goalie gloves now.
Sandro took his hand. “Grazie.” He studied Brad, then angled his gaze to her trapped beneath the goalkeeper’s arm.
An unspoken challenge flared between the two men. Having grown up with five brothers, Nia sensed the undercurrents and puzzled over the cause. She broke the growing silence and made quick introductions between the two, and told Brad, “He scored the last goal for me.”
“Betrayed by my own countrywoman.” Brad shook his head. “Say, I didn’t know you knew Sandro.”
“I just met him. He’s Giuseppe’s friend.”
“Giuseppe? Your coach?” He frowned. “Oh, Sandro! I remember. He’s that Italian player your brother told me you have posters of–”
Nia stomped Brad’s foot.
“Ouch.” He held up the injured foot and hopped on the other to balance.
She threw him an “if-you-say-one-more-word-I-will-kill-you” smile. “It’s certainly been nice seeing you, Brad. I’ll tell my brother you said hello.” She stepped away but allowed him to brush a kiss on her cheek.
“I can tell when I’m not wanted,” he muttered against her ear.
“And they told me you didn’t have brains.” She grinned and gave his cheek a sisterly peck, before scooting out of the way as he tried to swat her bottom.
Hope you enjoyed the excerpt! Check back next Wednesday, or sign up for my blog so you won’t miss a post!
