Planes, Boats, and Nausea Relief Bracelets—Guest Blogger Naomi Bellina

Everyone, please welcome my guest Naomi Bellina, one of the authors in the Harlequin E urban fantasy launch anthology!

Every year, traveling sucks a little bit more. I take a plane trip in October to visit family and I don't know, maybe it's just me, but the whole adventure seems to be weirder each time. This last trip through the airport I had to stand in this strange machine I can only assume was scanning my body looking for contraband. The position I assumed was feet slightly apart, arms over my head with my hands almost touching. I swear, I almost rose up on my toes in a “pointe” ballet move, which would more than likely have resulted in a not-so-graceful teetering fall not to mention an increased interest in searching me more thoroughly. But it was tempting.

Riding in the airplane is actually big fun to me. I love being in the air and looking down at the landscape and the clouds. The take-off is awesome and the landing is even better! I've never been in a small plane, but that's what was required for my heroine in Her Wild Protector. Not only does she have to board a Cessna, she also has to ride in a small boat. Tara doesn't do so well with either of these and is given some relief by using bracelets designed to combat nausea. After doing the research on these, I'm thinking about getting a pair. I'm trying to work up the courage to take a cruise soon and the bracelets might be just the thing to fight off a case of the pukes. After spending one stormy night on a smaller-size gambling boat with my head in the toilet, I don't want a repeat of that.

All the research for this story was fun. I now know a lot about the Bahamas and how to get there. Only certain ones have airports large enough to land a big plane, so if you decided to go to one of the smaller islands, you'll be traveling by small plane or boat , just like Tara. Check out this great website if you want to know where you can and can't land, then enjoy this excerpt from Her Wild Protector. http://www.pilotpub.com/bahamas-airport-map.php

It's out now as part of the Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Box Set from HarlequinE, at a great price!

Buy links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | Kobo

Excerpt: 

Tara jogged inside and found the small bathroom. Obviously a male hangout. The bar of soap was dirty with grease and the seat on the toilet was up. She squatted, thankful for strong leg muscles. She washed her hands, put on lotion and ran a finger under her eyes to fix her makeup. Back at her apartment she’d taken just a minute to apply a bit of eyeliner and mascara, and the hurried application wasn’t quite a success. Under the dim lighting in this room, she looked like death warmed over. Of course, considering what she’d just seen, her pallor was understandable.

She pulled out her phone and turned it over in her hands. It wasn’t too late. She could call the cops, run out the back door, find a place to hide…

A light tapping on the door interrupted her thoughts.

“Tara, come on out of there. We need to get moving.” Marshall spoke in a low tone. She opened the door and stuck her head around.

“I don’t want to go.”

“Come here,” he beckoned, crooking his finger, still using the gentle tone one uses with a frightened animal. She emerged halfway from the bathroom. He took one hand and squeezed it, then gently pulled her all the way out. “I know you’re scared and this is all pretty strange to you. I’m going to do my best to make sure you’re safe. I promise.”

“Take off your glasses—look me in the eye and tell me that.”

He removed his shades and stared at her intently. Those gorgeous eyes! She forced herself not to focus on Marshall’s good looks but instead to study him to see if he was telling the truth. Tara liked to think she was good at reading people, but she knew she was far too trusting. Saying “I do” to Karl proved that.

In Marshall’s eyes she saw sincerity. He truly believed he could protect her and her gut feeling told her to trust him.

“I will keep you safe,” he said, still holding her hand, and this time the low timbre of his voice stirred feelings deep inside. Her knees wobbled and her heart sped up. A familiar tingle that she hadn’t felt for a long time ran between her legs and heat rose to her cheeks. She ducked her head. She would not let him see the effect he had on her. He would use that to manipulate her, she was certain. Already he’d convinced her to climb into a small tin can and fly to who knows where.

“This is the best option, believe me. If you stay here you’re in danger,” Marshall said, and still holding her hand, they walked to the airplane. The warmth and pressure of his grip gave her comfort but she pulled away, not wanting to get so drawn into his masculine presence that she couldn’t think clearly. She had a feeling that was easily possible.

“It’s got blade thingies,” she said when they reached the plane. It seemed even smaller close up.

“Propellers, we like to call them,”

“What kind of plane is this?” Still stalling, Tara walked around and kicked one of the tires. It felt solid.

“It’s a Cessna Conquest. I ride in them all the time—it’s perfectly safe. Hop in.”

She climbed the steps and looked inside.

“It’s kind of small.”

“There’s plenty of room. Grab a seat and buckle up.”

Tara did so, wiggling around. The chair was roomier and more comfortable than she remembered from her other flights, and there was enough room to stretch her legs. The interior was actually fairly spacious, she noted, now that she was seated. She let out a breath. Claustrophobia wouldn’t be a problem.

Marshall joined her a few moments later, sitting in the seat across from her.

“Hang tight, we’ll be in the air shortly. Use this if you feel nauseous.” He handed her a bag.

Tara gripped her purse as they taxied down the runway. The scenery flew past and suddenly they were in the air. Her stomach lurched and she grabbed the airsick bag Marshall had given her. The droning sound of the engine pulsed and she could feel the plane vibrate.

She turned to find Marshall watching her, his brow furrowed and a look of concern in his eyes. Damn it, she did not want to get sick. She hated to throw up, despised that burning feeling in her throat. She also found, to her annoyance, she wanted to make a good impression on Marshall. Taking a deep breath, she stole a glance out the window and was instantly distracted. The view was breathtaking! Sunlight sparkled off the water where shades of blue and green blended together to form a colorful mosaic.

“Wow, the world looks different from up here,” she said.

***************** 

About Naomi:

Naomi lives in beautiful sunny Florida with the love of her life and a magical calico cat. She writes for various fiction and non-fiction markets, but finds she is drawn to romance because her characters insist on canoodling and falling madly in love. So she lets them. Occasionally, however, they go to dark and strange places. She lets them do this also. Most of her stories will surprise readers with unexpected twists and turns, because isn't that what makes life exciting?

Her interests include dancing, hula-hooping, drumming, and creating healthy meals. She takes the opportunity to play, have fun, and indulge in the pursuit of passion whenever possible. She hopes you enjoy her stories and would love to hear from you at naomibellina(at)live(dot)com. Visit her website at http://www.naomibellina.com/ and chat on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NaomiBellinaAuthor

Her motto:  Never pass up the opportunity to have an adventure!