Tuesday Tales - Smug

 

    Welcome! This week the Tuesday Tales writers are writing to the word prompt "smug."  

I have another snippet from "Someone Like You." When you finished reading my post, please click on the link to go to the other posts. Find the link HERE. 

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Mark stopped by a tree in Charlotte’s front yard. He leaned one hand against it, bent over and breathed in the night air. He needed to recover from their makeout session. His body fairly quivered with the need to make love to that beautiful woman. 

A bit confused at the overwhelming surge of desire he hadn’t felt in years, he questioned his own intentions for a moment. It quickly became clear that he needed to make love to her. Tomorrow night after dinner at her place would be the perfect opportunity. He could hardly wait to give in to his growing passion that refused to be denied.

She gave all the signs of wanting more from their make-out session. He sensed her body molding to his. Heat emanated from her and her kissing matched his in intensity. Still, the time, the place – tonight didn’t seem right.

Not to be smug about it, but tomorrow would be different. Because then he’d be prepared. He’d have the confidence that comes with knowing your partner wants the same thing. He shivered for a second at the sheer delight that awaited him. When his breathing returned to normal, he hurried to his car and drove home. 

That's all this week. Thanks for stopping by.

TUESDAY TALES - RAINY

 

Welcome! This week we're writing to the word prompt "rainy" or any derivation of that word. After you finish reading my story, visit the other authors and read their great works. You'll find them HERE. 

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As things with Charlotte returned to normal, Mark breathed a sigh of relief. Although he hadn’t dated much, especially in the last year, he’d never been taken for Jack the Ripper before. Worry creased his brow. How could he handle that? Charlotte had such quiet confidence, he’d never suspected her of being afraid of him. These days with so many stories in the news of men raping and killing young women, a woman couldn’t be too careful. After all, what did she really know about him?

Her fear had set him back. He’d figured they were a lot farther along in their relationship than she did. He’d have to scrap plans to make any kind of a pass or move to more intimacy for now. The last thing he needed to do was make an inappropriate move and scare her off.

Instead of being angry, he wanted to surround her with security, and make her feel safe. He’d do anything to make that happen.  

He pulled into the park’s entrance and turned left for the parking lot, avoiding the secluded spot he'd scoped out before. He picked a spot and pulled in. After shutting off the car, he retrieved the basket and bags from the trunk.  

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“This way,” he said, pointing toward a small lake. “There are picnic tables just beyond those bushes.”

“I hope I didn’t offend you,” she said, her voice hesitant.

“You mean about that other spot? No, oh no. Hell no. Women need to protect themselves. Regardless of our chemistry, we don’t really know that much about each other, do we?” he said, tramping over weeds to get to the mowed lawn.

“No, no, we don’t.” She followed along.

As he pushed through the bushes, a scattering of picnic tables came into view.

“Which one?” he asked.

“That one,” she said, pointing “It’s close to the lake.” 

With his long stride, he reached the table first and plunked the bag and basket down. He scanned the area. There was a small family at a table quite a distance from them, and two couples at another table. But none of them were close. He breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps if she had picked a table near other people it would have been a sign of her being uncomfortable being alone with him. That truly would have rained on his parade. 

That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. 

Tuesday Tales - Word Prompt - Victor

 Welcome! We are continuing from last week with more of "Someone Like You." Last week, Mark had stopped the car and confronted Charlotte about being alone with him in the woods. Their conversation continues... when you're finished reading this, hop on over and read the other wonderful stories. Find them HERE. 

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“Well, it’s just that we’ve never been alone together before…” 

He laughed one short laugh. “Oh, I see. Would you rather we go down to the pond on campus? There’s a picnic table there we could use,” he said.

Relief flooded her. If that man had evil intentions would he offer to move the picnic to campus where the whole world could see them? She guessed not.

“No, that’s okay.”

“Really, Charlotte. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable or afraid to be alone with me. I’d never in a million years hurt you. But those are just words to you. The campus is a little too public for my taste, but there are picnic tables in the Park, too. How about that? A compromise? A little more public than I had planned.”

“Okay.”

Suddenly embarrassed to have doubted this man she was half in love with already, she fiddled with her purse and stared at her hands.

“Are you sure? We can stay on campus, too?”

“No, no. That would never work,” she said, gripping his forearm.

“I want you to be comfortable. With me.”

“I know. And I have been. It’s just something my mother once said to me.”

“Oh?” he raised an eyebrow.

“It’s nothing. I was a little kid back then. Things are different now.”

“It never hurts to be cautious,” he said, reaching over and tipping her chin up to make eye contact.

One look in his eyes and she felt ridiculous. She pushed up and brushed her lips against his.

“Oh, okay!” he said with a laugh.

She laughed, too, relieved she’d broken the tension. As usual, her mother had been the victor.  

He turned the car back on. When they hit the country lane that lead to the highway, he closed his fingers over her hand. She turned and watched his profile as he drove. He kept the car at an even pace, not too fast and not too slow. Yes, she said to herself. That was Mark. Steady. Dependable. Two qualities she treasured. 

That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday Tales -Spring

 

Welcome to my Tuesday Tales excerpt this week. We're writing to the word prompt "spring". How appropriate, eh? I have published another excerpt from "Someone Like You." When you've finished reading, check out the stories by the great Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE. 

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Saturday morning, Charlotte donned her prettiest sundress, all spring green and pink with ruffles at the hem and sandals. She applied light makeup, then headed for the kitchen. She checked the cookie tin. His favorite molasses cookies filled it to the brim. She then dropped slices of sourdough bread into the toaster. She pulled out a cream cheese and olive mixture she had blended the night before. When the bread was just right, she popped it out and covered it with generous amounts of the mixture. After cutting each one into quarters, she slid them carefully into s plastic bag.

These were to be her contributions to their picnic.

After checking her watch, she quickly placed each item in a sturdy bag, touched up her lipstick, grabbed a white shawl, and hurried to the door. When she got outside, there he stood, leaning lazily against his car, his feet crossed at the ankles. She stopped for a minute to take in the sight of this tall, handsome man. He was lean with long legs. He wore dark blue jeans that fit snugly, a white short-sleeve polo shirt that stretched over his wide shoulders and was open at the neck. He turned his head, waved, and headed over.

“Let me take that,” he said, reaching for the bag. Mark always behaved in a chivalrous manner, held chairs for her, opened doors, carried heavy things. All his little gestures simply cemented his place in her heart.

He smiled his approval

“You look beautiful,”  he said as opened the car door. She slid in gracefully. He stowed her things in the back and got behind the wheel.

“Where are we going?”

He sported a foxy grin. “I found the perfect place. Totally secluded on the banks of a stream in the Willow Falls National Park.

She raised her eyebrows. A quick, sudden fear gripped her. As if her mother had reached out from the grave. Should she be going to a secluded place like that with a man she didn’t know well? Was it safe? What if he wanted more than she wanted to give?

Her heart rate jumped. She gripped the arm rest and crossed her legs. She’d been counting the hours until she could be alone with him again, where did this fear come from?

Words from her mother echoed in her head. “Never go into the woods with a man, a guy, even a boy, without your father, your brother, or me. It’s not safe.”

But those were words spoken to a little girl. She was a grown woman now. Things were different. Of course, she had never been alone with him in such a private place.

As if by osmosis, Mark frowned. He pulled the car off into an empty campus parking lot and shut off the motor.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, turning to face her.

“Nothing,” she lied.

“Don’t lie to me. One look at your face and I could tell.”

That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. Make my day, leave a comment. 

Tuesday Tales - Word Prompt "Silly"

Welcome! We're back on the campus of Kensington State again and watching Professor Mark Garrette handle an impudent teacher's aide in my story, "Someone Like You." Today's prompt I'm wiritng to is "silly". When you're finished reading my excerpt, click here to read the stories by the other writers: HERE. 

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“Mary? What are you doing?” Mark drew his brows together.

“Oh, I thought you were planning a picnic,” she said, flashing a false smile at the professor.

“What business is that of yours what I’m planning? My actions outside the classroom are none of your concern. Please be on your way. I’m having a private conversation with to Miss Anderson.”

Charlotte could almost feel the dagger Mary Rhodes’ eyes shot at her.

“Sorry, sorry,” Mary mumbled as she hurried down the path to the left.

Charlotte’s nerves kicked up. “That girl has a thing for you,” she said.

“Me? What? No. No, you’re kidding. I’m old enough to be her father.” Mark made a dismissive gesture.

Charlotte stopped walking and placed her hand on his forearm. She looked up into his eyes.

“I’m not kidding. I’m completely serious. She has a crush on you. And she sees me as competition. She’s jealous.”

Mark stopped and placed his hand over hers. “Has she said anything to you?”

“Yes. No. Sort of. Not in so many words. But she’s been nasty. Called me a name. And I see her staring when you call on me in class.”

“This is too silly for words. Please ignore her. She’s less than nothing to me. I had planned to have her replaced next semester.”

“It’s not silly. It’s real. What if she goes to the administration?”

Mark shrugged. “We’ve done nothing wrong. Mac Caldwell knows we’re dating. I told him I wouldn’t favor you in class. And, although it’s been hard because you’re smarter than everyone else, I really haven’t. So I’ve nothing to worry about.”

“But if she lies…” Charlotte continued.

“Let her. We’ve done nothing wrong. We have nothing to fear. If we’re dating and it’s all outside the classroom, then it’s nobody’s business.”   

She removed her hand and they continued walking. Charlotte tried to smile, but didn’t feel as confident as Mark.

“So you never told me. Do you like egg salad?” he asked, sporting a half-smile.

“I love egg salad,” she said, stepping closer. He took her hand.

That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by. 

Tuesday Tales - Confident

 

Welcome! It's timem for Tuesday Tales again. This week, we're writing to the word prompt "confident." We have another episode of "Someone Like You." Yes, Mary has raised her jealous little head. See how Charlotte deals with it. Then hop on over and read the other stories by our great writers. Find them HERE. 

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Charlotte had a busy time. Three days a week, she painted every morning then rushed home to change and go to class in the afternoon. On days with no class, she knocked off painting early so she could keep up on her reading for the literature class.

She took copious notes but made sure not to raise her hand to answer questions, allowing the paying students to shine. Mark called on her anyway from time-to-time. She could always tell because he gave her a look, raised one eyebrow. If she had the answer, she’d either nod or smile. She appreciated his waiting for her go-ahead. She guessed he didn’t want to embarrass her.

Every time he called on her, Charlotte noticed a nasty expression on Mary Rhodes face. The gleam of jealousy darkened her eyes.

Charlotte wondered if Mary had picked up on Charlotte’s relationship with the professor. That wouldn’t be good. Mary had a nasty streak. Charlotte bet she wouldn’t be quiet about it and might even complain to the administration! That would mean trouble for Mark.

Of course, the president of the university knew about her auditing Mark’s class and probably even knew they were dating. If he didn’t mind, why should anyone else? Charlotte straightened up in her seat and forced herself to forget about Mary and concentrate on the class discussion.  She remembered her mother's words..."look  confident, even if you don't feel confident. No one will know."

When the class was over, Charlotte took her time packing up to leave. She felt Mary’s eyes on her, but decided she didn’t care. As she strolled outside to the quad, she heard footsteps. Out of breath, Mark had caught up with her.

“In a hurry?” he asked.

Charlotte smiled. “No.”

“Good. I wanted to ask you if you like egg salad,” he said.

“I do, why?”

“Trying to work out the food for our picnic on Saturday.”

“I love egg salad,” put in a strange voice.

Both Charlotte and Mark turned. There was Mary Rhodes, eavesdropping. 

That's all for today. Please leave a comment! Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "GREEN"

 

 Howdy! Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week we have another excerpt from "Someone Like You." This week there seems to be an unexpected wrinkle to our blooming love affair. When you're done, please read the other stories. You'll find them HERE. 

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With her mind elsewhere, Charlotte approached the administration building, she pulled out her huge key ring. The building would be locked, but she needed to get in and check her supply of green paint for the bio lab. She'd outfitted a spacious closet, given her by the administration, adding a small bar and hangers for her painting uniforms and shelves for her tools and supplies.

“Oh, am I glad to see you,” broke through Charlotte’s dreamy haze. It was Mary Rhodes, teaching assistant. She scrambled up the steps to the front door and turned to face Charlotte.

“Hurry up.”

“Who are you and why are you here?” Charlotte asked. “I’m not supposed to let anyone else in on weekends.”

“I’m Mary Rhodes, teaching assistant to Professor Garrett. I have to drop something off at President Caldwell’s office.”

“He’s not here.”

“I’ll slip it under his door. It was supposed to be delivered on Friday.”

“What is it?” Charlotte turned a skeptical eye on the tall young woman.

Mary narrowed her eyes. “If it’s any of your business, Janitor Girl, it’s a proposal for a trip. It’s for Professor Garrett,” Mary said, frowning. “It’s important.”

“I’m not a janitor,” Charlotte said. She wanted to say if it was so important why wasn’t it done on Friday, but she kept her mouth shut.

“Whatever,” Mary said.

The keys jingled as Charlotte searched the ring for the right one. Once she opened the door, Mary scooted to the president’s office. She shoved a manila envelope under the door.

“Thank God!” She smiled.

“Don’t want to face the professor if you didn’t get it delivered?” Charlotte couldn’t resist.

“No. And don’t you go telling him it was late, either.” Mary glowered.

“I’m no snitch,” Charlotte said, chuckling. “You work with Professor Garrett?”

“Yes. I’m his teaching assistant. And if I play my cards right, I might become much more than that,” Mary said, tossing her long hair over one shoulder.

“What do you mean?” Charlotte asked.

“Well, he’s single. Widowed. Or didn’t you know?” Mary said. “He just might be looking for a bright young thing like me.” 

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-three, if it’s any of your business,” she snapped.

Mary rushed out the front door, slamming it behind her. Charlotte wrinkled her brow. She unlocked the door and went inside. The room was immaculate with everything clean and organized. But it wasn’t her supplies that worried her. Mary Rhodes. Charlotte wondered if Mark knew that Mary had plans beyond being his teaching assistant. 

That's it for this week. Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - HEART

 

  

   

Welcome! This week we're writing to the word prompt "heart." We have another excerpt from "Someone Like You." We're eavesdropping on Mark's phone conversation with is sister. Come, listen in... and when you're done, stop over and read the stories by the other Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE.          

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“Hi, Beth. I need advice. How do you keep an old man who’s suffering from puppy love from making a complete fool of himself?”

He held the phone away from his ear while his sister laughed.

“So you got it that bad, big brother?”

“Yeah.” Mark pushed to his feet and went to the window.

“Must have been an incredible first date. Did you sleep with her?” Beth asked.

“Hey, you’re not supposed to be asking me questions like that.” His brow furrowed.

“You want my help? I need the facts. Answer the question.”

“Okay, okay. No I didn’t sleep with her.”

“Wanted to?”

“What red-blooded male wouldn’t?”

Again, the phone rang with her laughter.

“Control yourself, Beth. It’s not that funny.”

“Yes, it is. Looks like you've lost your heart, big brother.”

“That’s what I was afraid of,” he said, pacing.

She quieted down. “I’m happy for you. Do you think she feels the same?”

“Not sure. I think so.”

“That’s great! You deserve it. You’ve been miserable enough since Nancy passed away. Time for your next chapter appears to have arrived.”

“You think so?” The hope in his voice embarrassed even him.

“Calm down. We have to think this through.”

“Exactly. That’s why I’m calling. I don’t know how to do the dating thing anymore. I’m sure stuff has changed. I’m ignorant. I don’t want to mess this up.”

“I’ll help you. Just remember, you’re not the stock boy at the grocery store. You’re a handsome guy with a successful career as a college professor. You’ve been around the block. You know your way around the bedroom. I assume you do?”

“Not answering that. Next…” 

“Okay, okay. The point is you’re a catch. She’s as lucky to have you as you are to have her. Don’t forget that. Now give me the date conversation – word-for-word,” she said. 

That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - KISS

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! Today we have more of "Someone Like You." Today's piece is from Professor Mark Garrett's pov. After you've read my snippet, go on over and read the great stories by the other Tuesday Tales writers. You'll find them HERE.

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Mark drove home slowly. No reason to rush. No way could he get to sleep anyway. Not with Charlotte filling his every sense. He doubted he could even concentrate enough to get any work done, and he’d have to relieve himself or be awake all night with the memory of her in his arms.  

Remembering her line after he let her go made him laugh. Self-control? He’d never been one for much self-control when it came to sex. But with Charlotte, he would tread carefully, not wishing to scare her, rush her, or do anything to break their fragile relationship.  

She was the sunshine in his day.  Every morning, she was the first thought on his mind. She’d given him hope that he could have another solid, loving relationship, a reason to get out of bed.   

After their make-out session, he knew their chemistry was real. She melted in his arms and in that instant he knew he could take her, if he wanted. He’d decided to wait, wait until the green light was so green it shone like an emerald in the night. She had to be the one to give the go-ahead. And after this date, he guessed she would, when the time would be right for her. He looked forward to that day.

He arrived home and went inside. Reliving the wonderful evening, he acknowledged that he had so much to learn about her. What was that she dropped so casually about woodworking? He needed to know more. With two dates lined up, he’d have the chance he needed to find the real Charlotte Anderson. Intuition told him what she’d reveal would be unlike any other woman he ever dated, even Nancy. He relished the thought of a relationship with her taking him places he’d never been. And, of course, that next kiss. 

That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. A comment always makes my day!

TUESDAY TALES - BLEAK

 

    Welcome!! This week our word prompt is dreary. We have another short snippet from "Someone Like You."  When you're finished reading, bop on over to the other authors and read their excellent pieces. Find them HERE. 

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When he let go, she sighed. Leaning against the door, she watched him head for the stairs. After one flight he stopped, turned and faced her. Shooting her a warm smile, he raised his hand briefly before continuing down the stairs.

Charlotte unlocked her door and ran to the big window in the living room. She perched on the window seat there. She pushed the window open. Breathing in the warm, moist summertime air, and hearing the crickets sing their mating song, she sat in the dark and watched him walk down the path to his car. He didn’t rush, but rather strolled leisurely, as if in no hurry. Her gaze lingered on the long, lean outline of his frame. Soon she would be much more familiar with him. A tiny thrill shot up her spine at the thought of being naked and in his arms.

Before long, he disappeared in the shadow of a tree. Charlotte pushed to her feet and wandered toward her bedroom. She removed her shoes and dress and slipped on a robe. Professor Mark Garrett had turned her bleak life into one full of the most brilliant hues of the rainbow! Totally wired, she stretched out on the sofa. Heck, there would be no sleep coming real soon, so she picked up a book.

Unable to concentrate on the tome, she put the open book on her chest and closed her eyes, replaying their date in her mind and conjuring up a vision of their next encounter. Lost in his arms in her dreams, she fell asleep. 

That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment. 

Tuesday Tales - Dry

 

Howdy do! It's time for another Tuesday Tales excerpt of "Someone Like You." This one is a bit steamy. Hope you're not offended. Don't forget to visit all the Tuesday Tales writers. Find them HERE. 

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He walked her all the way to her door. Fortunately, there were only two apartments on her floor. She knew her neighbor had gone away for the weekend, so they had the hall all to themselves.

She turned her back to the door to face him. He stepped closer. With his hand on her waist, he pulled her to him, her chest flush up against his. He lowered his mouth to hers. She slid her hands up his chest, and linked them behind his neck. As his mouth made contact, she softened against him. Closing her eyes, she floated in the rising tide of desire as she opened her lips. 

Oh, how easy it would be to lose herself in the moment and surrender to their mutual desire. Obviously, Mark Garrett was a knowledgeable man. She could look forward to a wonderful experience when she decided to let him into her bedroom. Make no mistake, she knew he wanted her – badly. His hand crept up from her waist and stopped just below her breast. She ached to feel his fingers capture it, to have her softness rest in the palm of his hand.

Drunk with passion and power over Mark, she struggled to yank herself back to reality and her previous decision. Fortunately, the struggle between her wishes and her logic didn’t need to progress because Mark raised his head and eased her back against the door and away from him.

“If we don’t stop now, in a moment, it will be too late,” he said, his voice husky.

Charlotte opened her eyes. His face flushed, his eyes hot with need, he certainly appeared ready. Was she? Yes and no. Nope. Not yet.

“Good to know someone has some self-control,” she muttered, embarrassed he had been able to read her so easily.

He tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear and ran his thumb down her cheek.

After taking a few breaths, he said, “Good to know you’re a passionate woman.” 

Sensing heat rising to her cheeks once dry but now damp, Charlotte lowered her gaze. He tipped her chin up.

“Nothing to be embarrassed about, honey,” he said, his voice soft and low.

She looked into his eyes and could swear she saw love. How could that be? They barely knew each other, right? Her heartbeat quickened. Why fight it? Wasn’t this exactly what she’d been looking for all her life?

She reached up and pulled his face to hers to plant a sweet kiss. Mark drew her into a hug. Charlotte buried her face in his shoulder and gripped him around the middle. Damn, it felt good to be in his embrace. Feeling small and protected against his tall and solidly built body, she smiled. Happiness bubbled up inside her. Could it be that she was no longer alone? Time would tell. 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment. 

Tuesday Tales - Sunny

 

Brrrrr, come in out of the cold and read some sizzling stories today on Tuesday Tales. We have another episode of "Someone Like You", and a whole bunch of terrific tales unfolding here. Find them all HERE. 

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"No, I’m not looking for one-night stands. I had a good marriage. Nancy and I got along great. She was my best friend. While I’m not looking to replace her, because one can never replace a spouse, I am looking for another close, serious relationship.”

Egads, he hoped she didn’t think he was proposing! No, Charlotte was too down-to-Earth to think that.  

“Good. Sounds like we’re both on the same page, then,” Charlotte said, rising.

He glanced at the horizon. Though it was still sunny, the sun had begun to set.

“Time to get you home,” he said, taking her hand.

“My thoughts exactly.”

They strolled back to the house where she had an apartment, taking their time.

 

**** 

 

Stunned by Mark’s candor, Charlotte prayed she had given the right answer. She searched his face and body movements, looking for signs of disapproval. Damn, she didn’t want to mess this up. A guy like Professor Mark Garrett didn’t come along everyday…especially not to women like her.

Uncertainty plagued  her until he reached for her hand. If he had been turned off, he wouldn’t do that. She often watched the body language of couples in stores, at restaurants, and walking in town. She had learned so much about life by being a quiet observer. And a couple gave away so much about their relationships by the way they interacted physically.

Yes, having a man take the woman’s hand meant a great deal. She’d see it many times. And not just a weak kind of hand-holding, but definite. Curious, she rested her hand in his. His grip strong, though not crushing, allayed her fears. Peace flowed through her. She returned his grip and smiled. 

As they neared her apartment house, he pulled her closer and draped his arm around her shoulders. She eased her arm around his waist. Flutters started in her belly and below. Curiosity to see and touch him naked aroused her. No, no, it was too early to sleep with him. Afterall it was, strictly speaking, their first date. 

That's it for this week. Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment. 

Tuesday Tales - Cold

 It's time for Tuesday Tales again. We have another excerpt from "Someone Like You." When you're done reading my story, hop on over to read the stories from the other Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE. 

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They stopped to sit on a bench by the river. Mark toyed with the idea of getting more intimate with Charlotte. He had to admit to himself he didn’t know the rules of dating anymore. But he knew he wanted her, wanted to make love to her.

Still, this was, technically, their first official date. No way could he make that kind of pass at this stage. Frustrated at not knowing what to do, he opted for honesty. So far, it had worked with her. He draped his arm across her shoulders.

“I haven’t dated much. I don’t know how the rules have changed since I was last single. I know what I want, but I need to know what you want. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable or rush you into something you’re not ready for….so will you please tell me how you feel?”

He noticed the color rise to her cheeks.

“We don’t have to have this discussion now, if you don’t want to,” he said.

“No, no. I get what you’re saying and I appreciate your honesty.”

“Good. All I want is for you to tell me the truth. I know this is only our first date, but if this is just a flirtation that you don’t see going anywhere, then I need to know.”

“Oh no, no. Not at all,” she said quickly. “I hope I haven’t given you that impression.”

“You haven’t.”

“Good.” She inched closer. “I’ve never been really serious about anyone before. There’s one guy I see on and off – mostly off. But that’s it.” She folded her hands in her lap and stared at them. “I’m not the typical girlfriend kind of girl.”

“Oh?” he raised his eyebrows.

“Yeah. I’m different. I do woodworking, not baking. I don’t crochet, follow movie stars, or run out and buy the latest makeup.”

“That’s fine…”

“But that’s not what most guys are looking for.”

He laughed. “I guess I’m not most guys.”

“No, you’re not. Thankfully.” She smiled.

“I’d like to know more about your woodworking,” he said. “I’m not at all handy with a hammer and a drill.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I am.”

“So…are you still seeing that on-again-off-again guy?”

“No.”

“Glad to hear it,” he replied, barely able to cover his relief.

“How about you? Are you just looking for a couple of one-night stands?”

Mark sensed color entering his cheeks. Well, no, not one-night stands, but definitely a sexual relationship. How could he get that across without sounding crass and cold?

That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment if y ou have a moment. Thanks.