I thought you might like to meet the real Jacques, Chantal’s cat in Ruinous Designs. He’s first introduced in this suspenseful romance book when Chantal warns Alex about stroking him…
“Attention!” She raised her voice over the sound of the coffee percolating. “He bites and asks questions later.”
Alex cocked an eyebrow. Like someone else he knew. He didn’t need to say the words. The expression on his face made it perfectly clear.
“I only bite when provoked.” Her tone was sharp, but she couldn’t help herself. She turned around to pour the coffee so he couldn’t see how much he annoyed her.
***
In our house Jacques also know as Jacques the Ripper, The Dark Destroyer and Jacques Black. You may have guessed by these names, he’s not always the friendliest of cats in real life too!
Here’s a short excerpt from later on in the same scene:
“Okay, truce. It’s late and I haven’t got the energy.”
She lifted her head and met Alex’s cool regard. The pause in their conversation extended just a bit too long as they studied each other. Her heart beat heavily against her ribcage, and her mouth went dry.
The clatter of the cat flap broke the spell. She turned her head to the balcony window. Two round, saucer-like orange eyes stared back. They blinked slowly and then disappeared into the night.
“I guess that’s my cue that I should be leaving, too.” Grabbing his jacket off the stool, Alex followed Chantal to the front door.
He stepped over the threshold and turned as if he wanted to say more, but fell silent as his gaze met hers.
“Bon nuit.” She offered her cheek, and Alex leaned in. An aroma of spices on a hot summer’s day tickled her nose and delighted her senses. He changed direction at the last minute and kissed her full on the lips. Firmly, sensually, lingering for just a moment. Her breath caught in her throat.
“Thanks for the coffee and the ideas.” His voice was husky, seductive.
Then he was gone.
Ruinous Designs is book 4 in the Tangled Hearts series and can be read as a standalone. It’s a light, spicy, workplace, romantic suspense that takes place in a magnificent Parisian chateau. Click here 👉Ruinous Designs to find out more.