Stefan: “Come closer. Yes, over here. I have a story to tell you. It’s hot and fascinating.”

Shelley: “Well, I really shouldn’t. I’m working on another hot, fascinating story at the moment.” Big sigh. “Okay, maybe just a minute.”

Stefan: “You won’t be sorry. You see, it all started when I met this woman four years ago. Then her husband was murdered and I–”

Jack and Morgan: “Um, hello? We were busy over here. I mean REALLY busy. We were just about to get to the main event, if you catch my drift. Who is this guy and why are you listening?”

Shelley: “Oh, yeah. Sorry. He just sounded so insistent. I wanted to hear the story, just in case he doesn’t come back later.”

Jack and Morgan: “We’re you’re focus right now. We’re dying here. You left us hanging, remember? Even your critique partner called you mean for leaving her hanging here, too. We’re going to call you a lot more than mean if you don’t get on with it.”

Shelley: “You’re right. So sorry. Tonight, I’ll be sure to focus on you two. I KNOW your first time is going to be wild and amazing.”

Jack and Morgan: “Exactly.”

Stefan: “But wait, there’s more. This woman I met, Sasha, she shows up four years later needing protection. And there’s only one thing I want from her in return…”

Shelley: “Tell me–quick!”

Stefan: “Here, start typing. I’ll give you a few juicy details now. We can fill in the rest at a more convenient time–”

Jack and Morgan: “Wait a damn minute! Didn’t we just settle this?”

Shelley: Remembering exactly what Jack and Morgan are supposed to be doing… “We did, but isn’t there a way I can hear what Stefan has to say then settle in with you two in a minute? This is sounding like really good stuff.”

Jack: “I’ve been watching her self-pleasure in the bathtub for a week. I’m kind of on edge here…”

Morgan: “I can’t stop thinking about Jack and wanting him. Please, help.”

Stefan: “They’ve had their moment in the spotlight. You know their story, even if it isn’t written. I am totally new. Sasha needs me. I need her.”

Shelley: “I’m going insane!!!”

Welcome to my life. I’ve often said that writing is the only profession where a person can admit to hearing voices in their head and not be carted away by people in white coats with heavy sedatives.

I really have been torn between Jack and Morgan (from my January 2007 trade paperback, currently titled GOOD TO BE BAD), and Stefan, the brother of a character from STRIP SEARCH (8/06). Why, WHY is it the first rule of romance fiction that all interesting men must have equally interesting brothers? Grrr!

Excuse me, I need to referee a fight in my head…and figure out what to do.