Pets in Space 6 released yesterday! I can’t wait for you to read my story! Here’s a snippet from Trade Secrets (it’s below the bump) 💖
Trade Secrets by Cassandra Chandler
Excerpt:
Gwen’s eyes were wide, fixed on the viewport. As they rose through the atmosphere, her gaze never left the stars.
He had felt that kind of wonder before. He still felt it every time he launched out into the dazzling star fields before them.
As the stars became brighter and more distinct, she let out a little “Oh…” that was more breath than sound. Her grip on his hand tightened.
Xan tore his own gaze from her for long enough to make sure the course he’d entered was being followed within acceptable parameters. He couldn’t wait to get her in a skimmer and show her the rest of her solar system. The shuttle was a good enough vessel for transports, but was a bit clunky for anything more than ship to planet transfer.
With everything going as it should, he let himself enjoy the view—and Gwen’s reaction to it.
She was leaning forward in her seat. Her eyes kept getting wider as the ship neared the moon. She bit her lip, and a tear spilled down her cheek.
Xan understood that, too. At least, he thought he did.
The freedom of being out in space. The limitless potential of what they could do and where they could go…
She wiped away the tear and sniffed, then glanced over at him briefly.
“Sorry,” she said.
“Don’t be.”
She smiled, but looked down instead of back to the viewport, pulling her hand away. Was she feeling self-conscious? He wanted her to be at ease with him.
“Gwen,” he said, unsure what he wanted to say, but knowing he wanted to offer comfort. He shook his head and opened his arms. “Come here.”
She only hesitated for a moment, then unstrapped herself and rose. He grasped her waist and urged her to sit on his lap. His heart sped as she leaned into his chest and he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her.
“It’s just so… So much,” she said. “So beautiful.”
He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “It’s only going to get better.”
I always tear up when I read that scene. There’s a subtle beauty to it that I find very moving. I hope you found it so as well and I hope you love Trade Secrets when you read it in Pets in Space 6!
Pets in Space® is back for a new year of adventures!
Join the incredible authors in this year’s Pets in Space 6 for another out-of-this-world adventure. This award-winning, USA TODAY Bestselling anthology is packed full of your favorite Pets in Space®. Featuring 11 original, never-before-released stories from some of today’s bestselling science fiction romance and fantasy authors, Pets in Space 6 continues their vital support of Hero-Dogs.org, the non-profit charity that improves quality of life for veterans of the U.S. military and first-responders with disabilities. Don’t miss out on this limited-edition anthology before it’s too late!
Pets in Space 6 is edited by Carol Van Natta. Contributing authors: S.E. Smith (NY Times and USA TODAY bestselling author), Veronica Scott (USA TODAY bestselling author), Honey Phillips, Carol Van Natta (USA TODAY bestselling author), Cassandra Chandler (USA TODAY bestselling author), J.C. Hay (USA TODAY bestselling author), S.J. Pajonas (USA TODAY bestselling author), Greta van der Rol, Deborah A. Bailey, Melisse Aires, and Kyndra Hatch.
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