Sample Sunday | The Shadows Between Us

Hey, lovers!

In case you missed the memo, The Shadows Between Us is set to release on January 15th, 2025. ♡

Check out the excerpt below—a bit of calm before the storm ;)

Cover reveal & deets: —> https://www.shaniceswint.com/blog/theshadowsbetweenuscoverreveal ♡

(Please note: This sample is lightly edited and may be subject to change before publishing.)

Tamara Grant

Three hours and seventeen minutes into my shift, David walked in. I wasn’t surprised to see him—it was becoming routine. What did surprise me was that he was alone and sitting in my section. Most people waited to be seated, but he walked right in and chose his spot. I guessed when your dad owned the place, you didn’t need permission.

It was storming outside, the kind of pouring rain that kept most people indoors. The diner, usually busy, was quiet tonight, giving us a rare moment of stillness.

“Hello, David, is it your usual tonight? Steak and eggs with cheese?” I asked as I approached him. “And was it white or wheat bread?”

He glanced up, his eyes locking onto mine. He was dressed casually in a fitted hoodie and sweats, but even in something so simple, he looked too good. His solid frame filled out the fabric effortlessly. The dark tones of his outfit highlighted his sleek brown skin, and despite his laid-back appearance, his energy drew me closer, making it hard to look away from him and his enticing full beard.

Oh no, I couldn’t let this man hook me. Something told me he wasn’t safe.

“White.” He smirked. “Not only does she remember my name, she remembers my order.” He was too handsome and charming for his own good; I could already tell.

“You know, every time you come in here, you look through the menu like it’s your first time. You part own this place, right? I would assume you know what’s on there.”

He raised an eyebrow, that tempting smirk still on his lips. “You doing research on me now, beautiful?”

I giggled beyond my control, feeling the warmth in my cheeks. “Well, I had to know a little bit more about the David who left his number on a one-hundred-dollar tip. There has to be more to you than that. Arrogant move, by the way.”

“Forgive me. Maybe I was trying to see what kind of woman you are.”

“Hm. Try again,” I mused, tapping my chin.

“Maybe I was trying to buy your love,” he said, his deep brown eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Well, maybe I spent it. Maybe several people out there have held that bill and already know your name and number by now.”

“As long as you know it, we’re good. You deserve more than that, though,” he countered, his eyes never leaving mine.

I tried to figure him out as our staring contest persisted. The promise I made to myself about staying focused felt distant when he looked at me like that. I looked down, breaking our connection. “I’ll put your order in,” I said, trying to walk away. But David reached out, grabbing my hand gently and pulling me back. His touch was warm and firm, and it sent a shiver down my spine. I looked up, meeting his gaze again, feeling the intensity in his eyes.

“Are we done with the maybes?” he asked, his deep voice low and smooth. “Maybe I don’t have to eat now, and I’ll wait for you to get off work so we can have dinner together.”

I hesitated, my heart beating fast. “I don’t get off until ten, and I think it’s a standard not to eat meals with strangers.”

“There’s something I need to handle anyway, so I’ll come back,” he responded, completely ignoring my attempt to keep it casual. “Let’s not be strangers anymore.”

“Maybe.” I shrugged, feeling a smile creeping onto my face despite my best efforts.

“Maybe yes or maybe no?” he pressed, leaning in closer.

“Yes,” I blurted out, my heart betraying my cautious mind. In my head, I screamed no, reminding myself of the promises I’d made, but I really couldn’t help it. His persistence and how he looked at me like I was the only person in the room… it was all hard to resist.

“I’ll be back around 9:45. Cool?”

He seemed to be a man who required consent, and not only did I prefer it, I appreciated it.

“Yes. You can let my hand go now,” I whispered, feeling the heat of his touch linger.

He stood up, towering over my five-five frame, and stared down at me. For a moment, he didn’t move, like he was savoring the moment. Then he grabbed his phone from the booth and released my hand, letting his fingers slide away slowly. As he walked out the door, I couldn’t help but watch until he disappeared into the dark, stormy night.

My heart raced, the thrill of it all coursing through me. I knew I was playing with fire, letting myself get caught up like this. I had told myself I wouldn’t give anyone the time of day until I was truly over the emptiness I felt after my ex. I also promised I wouldn’t get involved with someone who seemed to live a lifestyle I couldn’t align with—one that screamed street hustle and flashy cars. But there I was, accepting a dinner date with David.

I leaned against the counter, trying to calm my nerves. I had gone back on my word, all because he had some indescribable impact on me. It was dangerous, and I knew it. But maybe that’s what made it so damn tempting.

#end of sample#

Keep in mind: The Shadows Between Us releases 1|15|25

That’s it for now, lovers. ♡

As always, thank you so much for your continued support.

With love, ShanicexLola