Tuesday Tales - Word Prompt " Butter"/

 

         Welcome to a new installment of Tuesday Tales. This week we're writing tot he word prompt "butter". I have started a new story. It's the 4th book in my Catskill Saga series and the title is "Josiah's Destiny." It's a sweet historical romance. I hope you enjoy it.

          When you finish this excerpt, jump over to read the other Tuesday Tales stories. Find them HERE. 

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May, 1791

The sun shone unusually hot for a day in the mountains in early May. Josiah loosened the bandanna around his neck.

As he passed a stream, he succumbed to the lure of the water. Slipping off his shoes, he rolled up his pants and sat very still on a flat rock, dipping his feet in the coolness. Movement caught his eye. He looked up to the right and there she was, that new girl, Caroline Edwards. His gaze swept over her as she bent to pick wildflowers.

She walked with a purposeful stride, stopping to pick daisies, poppies, and butterflyweed. Although she didn’t see him, he sat close enough to see the sun make auburn locks among the dark brown gleam like strands of reddish gold.

His fingers itched to run through them and feel their soft silkiness. He shifted his weight and adjusted the bandanna. The movement caught her eye. She jumped back, her eyes wide with fear, her free hand covering her silent mouth. She froze.

 “Hey, don’t be scared. It’s only me. Josiah,” he said, standing then approaching her. He reached his hand out.

The young woman shrank back, clutching the flowers to her chest.

“I won’t hurt you. Promise,” he said. “You’re Caroline Edwards, aren’t you?”

She nodded, but her dark eyes were still large with fear. Josiah’s gaze met hers. He’d never seen prettier eyes. She immediately averted her gaze.

“Honest. Don’t be afraid.”

She took a deep breath, but still stood rooted to her spot.

“Whatcha got there?”

She stiffened like a statue. Josiah felt like a fool. He’d expected an answer even though he knew she was a mute.

“Daisies and butterflyweed?” he supplied the plant names.

She nodded.

“It’s okay for you to pick ‘em. But you shouldn’t be alone here. Sometimes coyotes come through here looking for rabbits. And there are snakes…” he said.

She jumped back, losing her grip on the flowers which fell to the ground. Her hand shook as she bent to pick them up one-by-one.

“Wait. Let me help you,” he said, bending down.

He joined her, retrieving a handful. “Why don’t I hold them, while you pick ‘em?”

She drew her eyebrows down and shot him an uncertain stare.

“I run the sawmill. I’ll be workin’ with your father. No need to be afraid of me.” I could go with you. I can keep you safe and hold the flowers. There are all kinds in this field,” he said.

She gave a nod.

“I come through here all the time on my way home from the Inn. I know a shortcut back to town. Come on,” he said, once again, offering his hand.

She stared at his long, calloused fingers, chewed her lip for a moment while she considered her position.

“You can either take your chances with me or with the snakes,” he said.

At the mention of snakes, her brows shot up and her hand flew out and gripped his hard.

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

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.