TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT - SCREEN

 

        

      Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week, we're writing to the word prompt "screen". I have one last episode of "Someone Like You." Next week, we'll be traveling back to 1792 and catching up with Josiah Quint. 

       When you've finished reading my story, check out the others HERE.

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Mark Garrett closed the screen on his IPAD. “Here is the written assignment for next week,” he said as Mary handed out papers. “Today we’re going to have a discussion. Which American novelist had the greatest impact on American literature during their lifetime? I want your opinions. And back them up with examples of the writer’s work and your analysis, please. Who wants to start?”

After his announcement, he selected a student, sat back with arms crossed, and listened, congratulating himself on finding a way out of being totally unprepared for class because he couldn't think of anything except Charlotte. 

The discussion was lively. When the minute hand reached twelve, the students stood up and filed slowly out of the classroom.

Mary Rhodes appeared in the doorway.

“Great class today,” she said, smiling too broadly.

“Thanks,” Mark said, paying her no mind as he gathered his books and notes together. He had a light day and couldn’t wait to get back to Charlotte.

Mary didn’t budge.

“Something you want, Mary?” Mark asked, impatient to get going.

“No, no. Nothing.” Again she smiled the smile he found so irritating. He figured she thought she was flirting, but all it did was make her unattractive and obvious as hell.

 “Okay, then. I’ve got to be going,” he tucked his books under his arm and stopped at the doorway. “Please move back and let me by,” he said.

“Oh, sure,” she said, moving a tiny bit.

As he went out, she accidentally on purpose brushed against him. Damn, she gave him the creeps. Was she up to something? While he hated to be suspicious of people, after all his years as a professor he’d learned to expect anything from female students. By the way, that included teaching assistants, too.

He swallowed and strode quickly to the parking lot. The sooner he got home and contacted Charlotte the better he'd feel. When he walked into his house, his feeling of unease didn’t evaporate. It continued to beat slowly but steadily in his brain. He looked out the front window. Nope. No one there. Had he dissolved into paranoia? He picked up his phone.

“Charlotte? Good to hear your voice. Yes, tonight. Let’s go to Pine Grove for dinner.”

He paused.

“Why? Because I simply feel the need to leave town for a few hours. New scenery. And to be with you. Can you do it?”

That's all, folks. I'll let you know when the whole story is written and published. Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "SUNSHINE"

 

Welcome! It's time for Tuesday Tales again. Today we have the "morning after" scene from "Someone Like You."  After you read my snippet, stop by and read the stories by the great Tuesday Tales authors. You'll find them HERE.  

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The first rays of sunshine poked through the curtains and warmed Charlotte’s face. She awoke first. After stretching her arms above her head and yawning, she became aware of a man’s arm slung across her waist. She smiled.

She pulled the covers up, closed her eyes, and remembered. What a night! Mark Garrett certainly knew his way around a woman’s body. She had felt things she’d never felt before. Derek could use a whole lot of lessons from Mark!

He stirred. She stilled not to wake him. It was only six and neither one had to be up yet. He rolled onto his side and slid her across the bed, then tucked her up against his naked body. His breath warmed her ear.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” whispered a slightly raspy male voice.

“Morning,” she replied, melting into his embrace.

He closed one arm around her and rested his chin lightly on the top of her head.

“Best dessert ever,” he mumbled with a chuckle.

“Yes, but how can I put the recipe online to share?” she replied.

He laughed, deep and hardy. She felt it in her back, and it resonated through her bones. He kissed her bare shoulder.

“What time is it?”

“Six fifteen. We don’t have to get up yet.”

“No, but soon. I have an eight o’clock seminar.”

“Really? Damn.” She couldn’t bring herself to say she’d like to stay just the way they were for the next two or three years.

“Let’s get dressed. I’d like to take  you to Doc’s for breakfast.”

“Works for me,” she said, slowly untangling her body from his.

“No showering together. If we do, I’ll never get to class,” he said, ripping the covers down.

He bounded out of bed and turned on the hot water. Charlotte only had some painting and woodworking to do so she didn’t need to shower. Instead she dressed in leggings, a tank top, and one of her favorite shirts of her dad’s. Since he moved to Florida, he didn’t need any long-sleeved flannel shirts. Sure, it was summer, but the mornings were cool.

They fairly skipped down the stairs, Mark  put his arm around her shoulders and drew her to him as they walked to Doc’s. She snaked hers around his waist. Wasn’t it remarkable how well they fit together, she mused to herself. Then she blushed. Yes, a good fit in every way possible.

 

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