TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "BARE"

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is "bare". Hmm, lends itself more to a spicy story, doesn' it? But it also fits into my sweet historical, "Sarah's Dilemma". So here's the excerpt. Don't forget to read the other stories by talented authors. Find them HERE.  

Comments are always welcome. Thank you for stopping by. 

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Sarah nodded. She rose from the bed and snatched her shawl off the chair. After wrapping it tightly around her, she took her brother’s arm. Quietly they tiptoed out the backdoor and toward the home of their half dozen chickens. The moon hid behind a cloud, making their path uncertain. They slowed down to keep their footing.  

“Sam? That you? Sam Chesney?”

Sarah and her brother stopped suddenly.

“Who’s there?” The darn moon refused to budge.

“It’s me, Josiah Quint.”

“Josiah! Well, well.” The moon finally popped out, shining on Josiah’s hair, turning it to black silk and shadowing his handsome face. Sarah’s heartbeat quickened.

“And Miss Chesney, too? I’m a lucky man.” He shot her a dazzling grin.

She did a little curtsy, then grimaced in pain.

“You were in the schoolhouse fire, weren’t you? Let me help you.” Josiah took her arm. She leaned into him, relaxing against his strength. Sam yanked her away. She stumbled along a few yards, then stopped.

“Watch it!” Sam growled.

“Ow! Sam!” Pain seared through her.

Josiah pushed his buddy away. “Leave her be.” He picked her up and hustled over to the garden bench. He laid her down gently.

Swept away by his gallantry, she clung to him, her mind confused her body awash in feelings so strong she barely had the strength to murmur, “Thank you.”

“She needs rest. What are y’all doing out here, anyway?”  Josiah took her hand in both of his. She met his gaze and raised her palm to cup his cheek.

“Lay off my sister, Quint!”

“Oh, shut up, Sam. Ain’t doin’ her no harm. She’s been hurt.”

Sam quieted, easing down on the bench next to Sarah. He slid his arm around her shoulders.

“Sorry, Sarah. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Josiah rested back on his heels. "Do I have to ask you again? What are you doing here?”

Sam picked up one of the goatskin pouches hanging from his belt. “Got us some grape wine. Enough to share. Want some?” He pulled out the stopper and handed it to Josiah.

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That's it for now.