"The Morning After"

Dorie Graham

So...this one is quite something. Because I scavenge these books from thrifts and used stores, I sometimes can't find the series I like and this one is from my second favorite collection "Blaze". They are "sexier"...less euphemisitc, not completely frank, but...more realistic. Theoretically. And then I read this...
Our couple is Dylan Cain and Nikki McClellan; Dylan is troubled and Nikki is magical. Magical is perhaps a little harsh. She is "gifted", as are her sister and mother and aunt, with the ability to heal men. Sexually. Yes, she has sexual healing. I will give you a few minutes to get that song deep in your head. But this gift has a downside. Once her men are healed, they leave her. Usually, they are gone by morning. That is one powerful pussy.
And then she meets Dylan. Whose house she is buying. And who has troubles. His fiancee died in a horrible car crash one dark and stormy night. Sounds like he is a good patient for sexual healin to me!
Obviously, a plot this serious is going to have some deliciousness in it...and boy does Dorie deliver. This first passage I am quoting directly. You aren't missing anything. Nikki is visiting his house, which she is buying.

" 'But I'd love to the see the gardens again.'
He nodded and took her hand 'This way then.'
His grip was firm and strong. Walking hand in hand with him (ed. Like one does when one is buying a house from someone) as they strolled the stone path circumventing the far flower garden felt oddly right. He pointed out various flowers, but her pulse throbbed in her ears, making it difficult to hear him. His mouth was beautiful to watch as he formed each sensuous syllable.
What would it be like to kiss him?
'Don't you think?' He looked at her expectantly.
She bobbed her head in a half nod.
'I had a friend who didn't think so, but I know it'll hold two comfortably.'" p.50

What the hell? It turns out, in like 5 lines, it was a hammock. That's good writing...make people wonder and keep on readin'. And about 3 pages later, they are going at it. Because of the healing though, not because she is a slut or he is a jerk.

"She suckled him (ed. His "man nipples") while he fisted her hair and tried to breathe, the pleasure almost too intense to bear." p. 55

Now, I ain't no Dan Savage, but that isn't what fisting is as far as I was aware.

This next one is a longish one. She has decided to reveal herself to him after some argument broke them up. And ohhh the hilarity.

"`I'll tell you something that might be hard to believe. It was my gift-to bring you healing through my touch.'
He cocked his head. Curiosity mixed with his surprise. 'Seriously?'
'I wish it weren't so.' (ed. Me too)
'Why?'
'I was born into it. It wasn't my choice. (ed. Like being gay or a vampire)'
'Okay...' He leaned toward her. His acceptance was almost as ready as Tess' had been. It flowed out to her in a comfort wave. 'So you are some kind of...enchantress. That's why I always feel at peace when I'm with you but the torment is tenfold when you're away. You have bewitched me.'
'I'm not an enchantress (ed. Noo, that would be silly). But I am a healer, and your resistance is what brings your torment.'
'A healer? You heal with your touch?'
"Specifically through my lovemaking. Go ahead and laugh. It does sound ridiculous. I found it hard to believe myself. I still have my own issues with it.'
'You mean sexual healing? I don't find it laughable at all. In fact, I'm not at all surprised. You do have a healing touch. I felt it when we first shook hands. I could feel your magic even then. I've felt it when I've been with you ever since.' He blew out a breath. 'Is that why I can't stay away from you?'
'As I understand it, when you resist the healing, it makes the parting harder.'" p.215-6

Well, he sure took that well. Talk about a non-event. Sorry, but if someone tells me they have a magical hootchie...I am going to react!
I didn't quote anything from the part in the middle when Nikki and her sisters "learn" about their craft from their mom, because, frankly, I would have need to out in entire chapters...but if you are curious, this book can still be yours.
Anyway, they end up together. Of course they do, they all do. But imagine having to decide to give up such a wonderful gift for one man? Talk about Sophie's choice.
Say it with me...Mmmmm that's good crack!