PW-43 (NA): FIELD RULES

MENTOR: Karma Brown

MENTEE: Carla Luna Cullen

TITLE: FIELD RULES

CATEGORY/GENRE: NA / Contemporary Romance

WORD COUNT: 75,000

PITCH:

When 21-year-old student Kelsey Barrett travels to Cyprus for her first archaeological dig, she never expects to fall for her sexy instructor, or that doing so could risk her career . . . and leave her heartbroken.

EXCERPT:

It’s not like having a comfort zone is a bad thing.

There’s something to be said for knowing exactly where you’re going. Passing familiar landmarks. Having a barista who remembers your coffee order.

My comfort zone is on the third floor of the University of Washington Research Library, in my study carrel, surrounded by stacks of history books.

Not here, at the Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus, carrying a backpack so cumbersome that staying upright is a challenge. I’d love to set it down, but the thought of someone stealing it twists my stomach in knots.

I scan Arrivals a final time, but no one holds up a sign reading “Kelsey Barrett.” Damn. I was afraid this might happen. Hoisting my pack higher on my shoulders, I take a deep breath. Looks like I have to reach the archaeological field school on my own.

Just as the panic sets in, a lanky guy with glasses and shaggy brown hair catches my eye. Like me, he looks college-aged. He walks over, offering a wide smile. “You here for the Carlson dig?”

“Yes.” Relief floods through me. I wipe my sweaty hand on my shorts, then hold it out. “I’m Kelsey, University of Washington. How’d you know I’m with the dig?”

“I guessed it from your pack and hiking boots. Most tourists wear flip-flops.” He shakes my hand. “I’m T.J., Willamette University.”

“Are you my ride?”

“Nope. Just landed myself. And I don’t see anyone waiting for us, so we’d better grab a taxi.” He grins. “Should be a piece of cake.”

For you, maybe.