A Pocket of Pebbles

This is a collection of 8 romantic short stories, all mentioning gemstones. They were written for the Romance Writers of Australia's annual short story contest between 2008 and 2014. Each story is a tiny pebble-less than 3000 words. There are no connections between the stories, except for a touch of romance. You may find birds and vampires, cops and crashes, married couples and young love. Some are serious, some amusing, some crazy madness. I hope you may find a story that suits you. Watery Liaisons: Life-long friends, Eloise and Daniel, have recently become lovers with accidental consequences. Will this ruin their connection? An Old-Fashioned Courtship: A colourful love story with a difference. From Disaster Comes Love: Samantha sits on the train next to the man who's held her attention for weeks. When the train crashes, will they lose each other? 'Twas the Night before Conference: Unpublished paranormal romance writer, Juliette, sees a gorgeous man when others see thin air. Eris is an emotional vampire. Is she his human mate, or victim? Last Hope Safari: Married couple, Matilda and Jake, want a child but years of failing has fractured them. Jake hopes for natural healing, but is it too late? Diamond Shield: Policewoman, Kendra, goes undercover at a speed dating night. After the operation is successful, she meets Mitch; not the gorgeous, witty date but part of the job. Will they mix business and pleasure? Farewell Sapphire: Two years ago, Darren promised to come back for Sapphire. Today's her eighteenth birthday, dare she hope he keeps the promise? Moonstone Madness: Kat wins a race horse at the picnic races, but she'd prefer to win the heart of the horse trainer, Josh. Can she be that lucky?