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.

 

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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.