The Set Up

This is a passage from the first chapter of one of Fio's unpublished books that she's currently reworking. The first chapter is very important in romances because that's when the hero and heroine are introduced--often, like Neil and Ann, at odds with each other.


       Neil Graham left the room quickly, as if he were afraid she might change her mind about boarding his son for the weekend if he stayed around any longer.
       And she might have, Ann thought, pressing her cold hands against her hot cheeks.
       She stumbled over to the security of her classroom desk, then looked around the room at her students' creations--cardboard castles, tissue paper pinatas, origami birds, drawings of horses and flowers, of night monsters and superheroes, and, of course, always a favorite with the boys, bloody battle scenes. This room was her her kingdom, her refuge, and it had been invaded by a tall man wita mahogany hair and an easy smile.
       Oh god, What had she gotten herself into?
       She straightened her shoulders and thinned her lips. Come on, now Ann. You've ignored other handsome, charming men, and you can  do the same with Neil Graham. 
        She'd take care of his son this weekend, but that would be the end of it.


(But, as every romance reader knows, it's not the end. It's the beginning. 💗💗