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Chasing Lightning
Excerpt 3: Chasing Lightning by Rachel York y Rachel York

The taste of Gina's lipstick was still on Scarlett's mouth as they walked into the Katmandu in Paris. A few women stared at them, smiled and then went back to their drinks as a new Tom Jones song blared out of the speakers. It was an exciting, sexy place to be. It was the first time Scarlett had ever been to a lesbian bar.

The club's high-charged atmosphere was heightened even more by its flashing strobe lights, the cigarette smoke hazing the air, the scent of commingled perfumes, the edgy sensuality and, on the dance floor, the syncopated rhythm of the hunt, uninhibited, playful, intense—the collective erotic rush. Not just French women came to the Katmandu, there were women from everywhere. The club was world famous. Being named after the capital of Nepal, however, might seem a bit odd since the spiritual side of a woman was of no apparent interest here.

A large number of single women stood at the bar cruising the others and keeping an eye on the door, just in case someone new walked in. One woman caught Scarlett's eye. She looked familiar but Scarlett could not place her. The woman saw Scarlett looking at her and smiled. Scarlett turned away. She did not want to give the stranger the wrong idea. She was with someone.

"Want to dance?" asked Gina.

"Yes," answered Scarlett. "I haven't heard this song in a while."

"Me either." Gina took her by the hand and guided her out on to the floor. A revolving kaleidoscope on the ceiling bounced prisms of colored light around the club in time to the music. Gina pulled Scarlett to her.

Dancing next to them were two tall, extremely attractive women, one dark, one blond, oblivious to everyone else. They glided effortlessly across the floor. A lover's tango. Sensuous and lyrical. Rhythmic and effortless. Quicksilver.

Gina watched them for a moment and then turned her attention back to Scarlett. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes," answered Scarlett. "This club is something else. I've never seen so many beautiful and exciting women in one place. Is it always like this?"

"Always," The music ended and Gina brushed her lips up against Scarlett's. "I love you."

"Me too," said Scarlett. "Too much I think sometimes." She pulled back from Gina and dabbed at the perspiration on her neck.

"Do I already hear regrets?"

Scarlett laughed. "None, dear lady. My heart's on fire."

"Good. Because we're for life, you know."

For an instant all else disappeared as their eyes met, the Katmandu, Paris, the earth itself, swept away by a love so passionate that neither Gina nor Scarlett could imagine a time when it had not existed or a time when it might not exist. Overwhelmed by the sudden intimacy, Scarlett broke their gaze and looked away.

"Where does a girl freshen up around here?"

Gina smiled and nodded toward a darkened hallway on the other side of the club. "Over there."

"I'll be right back."

"Don't flirt with anyone," kidded Gina.

"Moi? Never."

As Scarlett made her way to the bathroom, a lot of ladies looked in her direction. Scarlett smiled at them and wondered where that face was she had seen earlier, the one that was so familiar. When Scarlett opened the bathroom door, she quickly found out. It was Delores Sheridan, the actress whose face had adorned more movie magazines than Scarlett could count.

"Hello," said the sultry voice.

"Hi," answered Scarlett.

"I'm Delores. Delores Sheridan," she announced, giving Scarlett her hand.

"Scarlett Turner. Nice to meet you."

"First time at the Katmandu?"

"Yes," said Scarlett. "First time in Paris."

"Ever been to Greece?"

"No," said Scarlett.

"Would you like to?" asked Delores.

"Sure. Someday. Who wouldn't?"

"I'm going tomorrow," said Delores and she pushed a piece of paper into Scarlett's pocket. "Here's my telephone number. You can make that someday any day you want."

"I'm with someone," objected Scarlett, but nonetheless flattered.

"My number is for when you're not. Nothing is forever." With that Delores smiled and walked out of the bathroom.

Excerpts courtesy of Rachel York

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Chasing Lightning

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rachel York was born in a small town in Texas and educated in the United States and Europe. While at the University of Madrid studying languages and anthropology, she supported herself doing commercials for Spanish television. She currently resides in Los Angeles where she ghostwrites for others. This is her first novel and she is working on a sequel. For media inquiries contact Sherry Stinson at (918) 336-7927 or via email. You may also visit Rachel's Web site, where she has a blog that she occasionally updates.

Chasing Lightning Author: Rachel York Category: Romance, coming-of-age Paperback: 384 pages Published: March 2003 ISBN: 0758203683 Retail: $10.50 Publisher: Kensington Click here to buy CHASING LIGHTNING

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