TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "CREAM"

 

Welcome! 

Caution! Steamy excerpt ahead! This week we have an "R" rated episode of "Two of Hearts." It's Terry and Clare and skype sex. If this makes you uncomfortable, just hop on over to the other authors' posts. You'll find them HERE. 

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At eleven, Terry harnessed the dog and headed for the elevator. There was a light on in the townhouse where Jen lived, but he didn’t stop. With his mind totally focused on his wife, it was not the time to be talking to another attractive woman. Queenie did all her business in one trip around the block.

“Good girl,” he said. “Extra treats for you.”

When they returned home, Terry made good, offering the pug three treats. She gobbled them up. He checked the time –eleven forty. Time to get ready. He undressed down to his boxers and set the laptop on the coffee table. Next, he uncorked a bottle of wine and poured a glass. After taking a sip, he turned on the computer and clicked on Skype. 

His pulse raced, almost like the first time he’d gone out with her. Clare had been way out of his league. When it became clear she wanted to sleep with him on the third date, he’d been monumentally surprised. He chuckled at his behavior. Then the screen burst into life and there she was.

God, she was gorgeous. She wore an off-the-shoulder dress, exposing some serious cleavage.  Her dark auburn hair fell to her shoulders in a soft curl. Her peaches and cream complexion had more freckles than usual. He chalked that up to the California sunshine. Her eyes wide, she grinned.

“Hi,” she said, raising her hand.

“Hey, baby. You look great.”

“So do you.”

He placed his palm on the screen, then she did the same. Her skin, always flawless, was burned in a few places. The outline of a bathing suit showed.

“You okay?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Sunburn.”

She laughed. “Yeah. The sun here takes some getting used to.”

“You’re all right, though?”

“I am.”

He wasn’t going to say it first, but it simply flew out of his mouth. “Man, I miss you, honey.”

“Me, too. I’m trying to stay busy so I don’t think about how long it might be before I see you again.”

“Do you want me to come for a weekend?”

“I do.”

“When?”                                     

“Let me check my calendar tomorrow. I’ll text you.”

“Okay.”

“This is supposed to be about sex, isn’t it?” She got that flirty little look he loved. He snickered.

“Yeah.”

“Here we go.” She touched her phone and the song “The Stripper” came on. This was going to be much better than he had expected.

She stood up and began a striptease. This was the hottest thing he’d ever seen, he could barely believe she was his wife. With his eyes were glued to the screen, his dick popped out of his boxers. Clare’s gaze went right to his lap and she laughed.

“Good to know you still love me.” 

“You’ll never know how much.” 

Clare removed her clothing, piece by piece. She approached the screen and kissed it. Terry could barely breathe. Love and passion poured through his veins.

“Take it off, baby,” Clare cooed, removing the last item, her panties.

He jumped up, shed his boxers, and approached the screen.

“You are so hot,” he said, licking his lips.

“Only for you, baby.” She lowered her lids and stared at the screen.

Terry fell back in the chair, as his body took over.

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

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "MEET"

 

Welcome! It's time for Tuesday Tales and our word prompt, which is "meet" this week. I've used "met", a form of the word. And it applies to the pugs. Yes, we have another episode of "Two of Hearts." I couldn't leave you hanging any longer about whether Clare called or not. Don't forget to hop on over and read the wonderful stories by the other Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE. 

                   *******************************************************

“Did you hear from Clare?”

“I did. You were right. Some of her classmates decided to watch the sunrise on the beach. They got blasted and fell asleep.”

“Oh, good. Innocent. Do you feel better?”

“I do. Now it’s your turn,” he said, stepping up to the arriving train. When the doors opened, he took her hand and guided her into the car. After they parted, she smiled and raised her hand in farewell. As the doors closed, she realized she still had his hanky. He raised his hand back and made a gesture as if it wasn’t important. She’d wash, iron, and return it next time Willie and Queenie met. She couldn’t return it to him directly because she didn’t even know his last name, let alone where he lived.

**** 

Terry had stopped reacting to any stares when he came in late. He had a good excuse this morning. His mood had lifted. He whistled as he got coffee and headed to his office. As his computer booted up, he texted Clare.

 

                 Date tonight? Skype sex?

 

Even allowing for the time difference, he’d be on edge, awaiting her reply. He’d never had Skype sex, but he figured it had to be better than doing it himself to porn. Of course, there was a similarity, but he dismissed that. She was his wife, and that made it okay.

Terry and Paul made plans to work out at six. Then he’d pick up some food, and be ready for his woman. He focused on his work and the day flew by. At five thirty, Paul knocked on the door.

“Ready?”

“Just gotta finish this one email,” Terry said, typing. Paul sat in the chair facing Terry’s desk.

“Okay. Let’s go,” Terry said.

The two men made their way through the thickening rush hour crowd to the gym, two blocks away. After changing into workout clothes, they hit the treadmill. He vowed to keep in shape, improve even, while she was gone. He’d checked out the other people in her group. There were some guys there, younger than Clare, too. They were probably pretty buff. He’d have to keep up if he wanted Clare to come home.

Was he afraid she’d find someone better there? Damn right. He’d heard her talk about writer events in the City. She’d go on and on about how they understood her. That remark hit home. Did he have any inkling what it felt like to be a writer? Nope, Terry was a numbers man. He’d tried. He’d listened, but never measured up to the like-mindedness of Clare’s writer crowd. Now she was with only writers, and some younger guys, too. Would they take her away?

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

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "STRONG"

 

Howdy do! Welcome! Today we have another episode of "Two of Hearts" with the word prompt "strong" hidden inside. When you've finished reading my excerpt, hop on over to the other authors and read their outstanding stories. You'll find them HERE. 

                     ************************************************************  

The dog obliged her by doing all his business before she directed him back into the townhouse.

Jen opened a can of his food and filled his dish and gave him fresh water. Keeping her daily ritual calmed her. She went through the motions, being responsible, getting things done. Something about the routine--so ordinary –promised her that life would continue to be ordinary. Stan will come home, get better and they will resume their life together. She believed. She had to –the alternative was unacceptable, on any level.

She showered quickly and dressed in a black silk pants and tunic outfit. Stan loved that on her. Jen took a deep breath, downed the rest of her coffee, petted Willie goodbye, and left.

Chewing a nail, she kept checking her watch. Even though it was only eight thirty, she hurried down the sidewalk. What if there was a problem with the subway? What if it stopped? It was rush hour, she’d never get a taxi, besides the traffic would be like a jar of molasses, slowing everything to a crawl. What if she didn’t make it before Stan woke up? Her breathing became shallow as she quickened her pace, practically tripping over her own feet. With eyes on her watch, she stepped into the street.

A strong hand yanked her back on the sidewalk while a loud horn blared in her face.

“Whoa! Jen!”

She turned to see Terry, holding her firmly by the arm.

“What?”

“That taxi almost mowed you down.”

“A taxi?” Confused, her eyes filled with tears.

He eased her back against the big apartment building on the corner. “Maybe you should catch your breath. Where’re you going?”

“To the hospital.”

“Subway?”

She nodded, swiping at the tears on her cheeks. “What if he doesn’t wake up? What if? What if?” she whispered.

“Aw. No. Don’t go there.” Terry pulled her into his embrace and she broke down, sobbing into his shoulder. He patted her back. “It’s gonna be okay. He’s gonna be okay. Come on. I’ll take you to the subway.”

“Thank you,” she said, taking a shuddering breath. He fished a handkerchief out of his back pocket and handed it to her. She mopped at her face. Embarrassed, she hid behind the white cloth. He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and escorted her down the street. His presence calmed her. The strength of his biceps transferred to her, right through the fabric of his suit.

He slowed his gait to accommodate her high heels.

“Dressed up for Stan?” he asked.

She nodded.

“You look great. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”

“Thank you.”

He took her down the steps and waited until her train came in. She was headed uptown and he downtown.

“Did you hear from Clare?”

Thanks for stopping by. 

P.S. Yeah, I can write a cliffhanger, too!!

Tuesday Tales - Word Prompt "Foolish"

 

Howdy doodles! This week our word prompt is "foolish". We have another episode of "Two of Hearts." 

Don't forget to stop by and read the excellent stories by the Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE.

                                 **************************************************

Terry tossed most of the night. He’d tried Clare three more times. Where the hell was she? At five he gave up trying to sleep, eased out of bed, took a shower, and called Clare once more. Voicemail. Was she away overnight? Fuck. Damn! She sure didn’t wait long before she started fucking around, did she?

Anger steamed through his veins. The more he obsessed, the madder he got. He dressed and fed Queenie. While the coffee brewed, he seethed inside. This trip west was just an excuse to sleep around. Seven-year itch? He’d always thought that was a joke, something invented by men to excuse infidelity.  

Terry and Clare were just shy of seven years. In fact, she’d be in L. A. for their anniversary. If she was fucking around, there would be no anniversary celebration –maybe a court date instead.

After a cup of coffee and eggs he’d scrambled himself, he harnessed Queenie. As they headed for the street, Terry’s thoughts turned to Jen. He wondered if her husband had woken up yet. He headed for her block. Directing his gaze down the street, he spied her in the distance, with Willie at her side. He smiled. Her story gave him hope that love was alive and well somewhere.

Willie barked. Queenie answered. Jen turned to face him. Terry let go of the leash, allowing his pug to race down the block to her friend. The two dogs sniffed, wagged and wiggled together. Terry sauntered up to the little group. 

“How are things?”

“Looking up,” she answered.

“Really?”

“They’re taking him off the coma drugs. They expect he’ll wake up today.”

“Hey, that’s great news.”

“It is,” she said, shooting him a wide smile. “At least I hope it is.”

“What did they say?”

She related some of what the doctor had told her. Although he shared her relief that Stan would be back among the living soon, the contrast with his own situation made him frown.

“What’s the matter?” she asked.

“Nothing.”

“Is it Clare?”

He shifted his weight. Terry never opened up about personal business to anyone except Clare.

“She’s all right, isn’t she?” she asked.

“I wouldn’t know,” he said, immediately regretting his honesty.

“What do you mean?”

“She didn’t answer last night. I left a voicemail and she hasn’t called back.”

Jen made a gesture with her hand. “Oh, really? I’m sure it’s nothing. I mean, if she was dead, you’d have heard.”

Terry paled. “Dead?” 

Suddenly, his fears about infidelity seemed foolish. 

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

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "MEET"

 Welcome! This week our word prompt is "meet." We have another episode in "Two of Hearts." It's Jen's turn. Don't forget to visit the excellent Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE. Have a very happy Thanksgiving and thanks for stopping by. 

            *****************************************************************

After the doctor left, Jen strolled over to the window. What did it all mean? The doctor was saying he’s getting better, then he said that Stan’s drinking might make things worse. But he’d been on the wagon. Didn’t that help? Was too late?

“What did the doctor say,” snapped a female voice from the doorway. Jen turned. It was Marcy, with Lillian standing behind her.

“They’re bringing him off the induced coma this afternoon.” Jen raised her gaze to meet her stepdaughter's. 

“It’s about time! These people have done nothing. Waiting, waiting. This damn waiting.”

“They are doing what they can,” Jen said. One look at the hostile expression on Marcy’s face and Jen decided to leave. “I’m going home to take a nap and walk Willie. I’ll be back right after lunch.”

“Leave the dirty work to me and mom. Typical.”

“What dirty work?”

“Dealing with the staff.”

Jen’s blood boiled. “Don’t you dare get huffy with the staff! Stan deserves the best care possible and he’s not going to get it if you’re bossy and nasty with the doctors and nurses. So just zip it, okay?”

“Are you telling me how to handle the people who are in charge of my father’s life?”

Jen shook. She pushed her index finger in Marcy’s face. “Damn right I am. You shut the hell up and leave these people alone. They’re doing everything they can to save Stan. And your bad attitude is not helping. Go home! Leave him to the professionals.” With hands on hips, Jen stared at Marcy.

“I’m only trying to help.”

“You really want to help? Go home. Come back at five.”

“You want him to yourself!”

“He’s my husband. Just go home. Okay?”

Marcy huffed out of the room. Jen blew out a breath. “Thank God,” she muttered to herself.

Afraid to be too hopeful, Jen couldn’t help but think that things were going to get better. She talked to Stan, like nothing ever happened.

“Sweetheart, I’m not sleeping well. So, I’m going to go home and take a nap. Then I’ll walk Willie and come right back. I want to be here when you wake up. Love you.” She bent to kiss him, then made her way to the elevator.    

That's all. Thanks for stopping by. I wish you and your loved ones a happy Thanksgiving. 

 

TUESDAY TALES - "NARROW" - "TWO OF HEARTS"

 

Howdy! Welcome! This week our word prompt is "narrow". We have another episode of "Two of Hearts". Don't forget to hop on over to read the excellent stories by the other Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE. 

             *****************************************************************

The next morning.

He greeted everyone in the office, opened his phone, and started on his to do list for the day. At lunchtime, Paul stopped by, carrying his sandwich. The two men shut the door and chowed down.

“So, how’s this bachelor thing going?” Paul asked, popping the top on a can of ginger ale.

“What bachelor thing? I’m still a married man.”

“Yeah. Right,” Paul snickered.

“I’m not tomcatting around town. I love my wife. Clare is way above most women. Why would I got out for beer when I have champagne at home?” Terry took a bite of the ham and cheese he’d ordered from the deli.

“Because the champagne flew the coop.”

“She’s not gone that way. She hasn’t left me.”

“Must be hard?”

“You don’t realize how close you become, how dependent on her being around. Before I got married, I lived alone and loved it. Now I hate it.”

“I know. Sandy is the best.”

“Don’t go telling me you’d be tomcatting around if she was away for six months.”

Paul hesitated. “Well. I mean if she’d never find out. Sandy and I hooked up in college. I haven’t had much of the buffet, if you get my meaning.”

“You saying you’d cheat on Sandy?”

“No, no. But if I was in your situation, I might be tempted.”

“There isn’t a woman in the City who would tempt me,” Terry said.

“Really? That's kind of a narrow point of view. Have you seen some of the chicks on the subway in the morning? There’s more that’s hot there than coffee.”

Terry laughed. “You’re the last person I’d think of as straying.”

“You’re right. But it’s a fantasy. Sure, I think about screwing some of the women I didn’t screw in college.”

“That’s too bad. Not me. Clare’s the best I’ve ever had.”

“You’re lucky. At least you have the experience to know.”

“Just keep it in your pants. You’ve got everything to lose for a quickie with a stranger. That kind of sex isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not stupid. I’m staying right where I am.”

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

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "RUN" , MORE OF "TWO OF HEARTS"

 

Welcome! Our word prompt this week is "run". We have an episode in Jen's point-of-view of "Two of Hearts." Don't forget to hop on over and read the great stories by our Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE. 

        ***************************************************************

Holding her mug of morning coffee, Jen stopped in front of her credenza littered with pictures of her, Stan, and Willie. Her eyes lit on her graduation picture. Clad in cap and gown, she stood next to Stan. He had convinced her to switch to creative writing from journalism. As he had predicted, she’d excelled. 

She adored Stan. As she sipped, Jen recalled their first meeting. She’d been overwhelmed by his assignment, write a nightmare. Jen had come up empty and panicked. She’d gone to see him, hoping to convince him to let her do a brief story about something else, anything else, instead.

He’d been the stern, aloof professor, totally unbending. She’d begged to no avail. 

“If you expect to get excused from every challenging assignment, Miss Carter, perhaps you’d better transfer to journalism,” he’d said.

Wide-eyed, and out of hope, her self-control gave way. Tears broke through. She had tried to leave before he saw but failed. He’d taken her by the elbow and drawn her back into his office and shut the door. She recalled their conversation.

“Okay, young lady. You’re going to sit here until you finish.”

“But professor,”

“Shh. Don’t talk. Listen.”

She’d taken a deep breath to calm herself.

“What’s your biggest fear?” he asked. .

“Flunking this course,” she replied.

Stan laughed. “Besides that. Spiders? Heights? Getting mugged?”

She’d shifted in her seat. “Getting raped, I guess.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Really? Here at school? I thought the campus was safe.”

“It is. You asked for my biggest fear. That’s always been it.”

He’d taken her hand between both of his. “I don’t think you have to worry about that here.”

“You never know. The paper?”

“Oh, yes,” he said, dropping her hand and moving to the window. “Okay. So how about your next biggest fear?”

“Snakes.”

“Aha! Snakes? Good one.”

He’d drawn out a scenario with snakes that would make her blood run cold. A knock on the door interrupted their session. She’d checked her watch. They’d been at it for an hour.

“My next appointment is here, Miss Carter.”

“Oh. Of course. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to take up so much of your time.”

“Do you think you can handle it from here?” he asked.

“I do. Thank you, professor. This was great.” She closed her laptop and rose from the chair.

“I hope you will abandon any misgivings about creative writing. You have a gift. You’re a natural storyteller. I hope you’ll stick with this class.”

“I will. Thanks.”

She’d taken his hand in an awkward shake, feeling a zing she hadn’t experienced the first time. He opened the door and a harried looking young man entered. Jen returned to her room and crafted her first A+ paper. Professor Hogan had read it out loud, in front of the class. Jen had floated on air for days.

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

TUESDAY TALES -- WORD PROMPT "SCARY"

 

Howdy doodles and Happy Halloween. I wish I'd had time to write a Halloween story. I promise to try to do something more holiday-ish for the next holiday. In the meantime, we have another episode of "Two of Hearts." Terry runs into Jen on his morning walk with Queenie. We pick the scene up from there. 

When you're done, hop on over and read the stories from the fabulous Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE 

                                 ************************************************

Terry bent down to pet Queenie and Willie.

“Wife still away?” Jen asked.

“Yeah.”

“When is she coming back?”

“A couple of months,” he mumbled, hoping she’d drop the subject.

“Oh. That must be tough.”

“It’s her ‘chance of a lifetime’. A foot in the door to scriptwriting.”

“Wow, that’s exciting.”

Studying her face, he saw the first glimmer of anything other than sadness or nervousness since he’d met her. “You a writer?”

“Not really,” she said, glancing down at the dogs and blushing. “I mean not yet. But once Stan gets better. Well, he’s going to help me. I’ve outlined a book. Fiction. Stan’s going to help me write it.”

“He is?”

“He’s a famous writer. Maybe you’ve heard of him? Stan Hogan? His book, Destiny Becomes Her won the Pulitzer ten years ago. He’s published mostly thrillers since then.”

“I don’t read literary fiction. But thrillers. Any made into movies?”

She nodded, her face softening, her voice filled with pride. “He’s done the Miller Shade series.”

“Miller Shade? Like in Unmasked?”

She nodded, sporting a wide grin. “That’s him.”

“Oh, wow! I loved that movie. Clare will be impressed that I met you.”

“He’s a great writer. And he said he’d help me.”

“There you go. Gives him a reason to get it together and get better.”

“Sure does.”

He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to go. Nice talking to you. Come on Queenie.”

Her face clouded. She grabbed his arm.

“He is, you know. He is going to get better. He is going to wake up. He is. He has to. He promised me. He is.” Her voice rose with every sentence and her eyes filled. He gripped her arms.

“Of course, he is.” He made eye contact anyway. 

She brushed at a tear, nodded, and backed out of his grasp. Tugging on the leash, she steered Willie in the opposite direction.

Terry returned home and fed Queenie then headed for the subway. As he rode to work, he thought about Jen Hogan. Her pride in her husband touched him. Does Clare feel that way about me? He hadn’t won a big prize or anything, but he pulled down a damn nice living. The blonde’s tears seemed genuine, like hope fighting with logic. Powerless to help, he wished he’d said something comforting. What could you say to a woman whose beloved husband might die? Nothing good –or meaningful, either. It was damn scary. 

That's all. Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT - "CLEAN"

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week the word prompt is "clean." We have another episode of "Two of Hearts." It's still Terry's tale this week. Don't forget to visit the other authors and read their wonderful stories. Find them HERE. 

                    *************************************************************

After a stroll around the block, Terry opened a pint of ice cream, got a spoon, and watched baseball—anything to keep from thinking about his conversation with Clare. He’d expected her to coo words of love and go on and on about how much she missed him. He’d expected her to launch into a detailed description of a movie set, including her take on the people. He’d loved that about Clare. She could describe colleagues, acquaintances, and friends as if they were characters in her story. She’d have him riveted, enjoying the drama she spun.

But this time, the conversation was dry. Hell, sure he was jealous. He’d seen too many complacent guys taken by surprise when their women dumped them for another man. He’d vowed never to be that kind of stupid. Men undervalued their women, assumed they’d stick forever, no matter what. But divorce stats blew that notion away.

Maybe he’d become extra vigilant, maybe even over the line. No one could say he took his wife for granted. His wife wasn’t just some women, she was smart, sexy, beautiful –and his, if he didn’t act like a dumbass.

His brows knit, forming the beginnings of worry lines between his eyes. While she hadn’t said anything to alarm him or even indicate she found the men out there sexy, he couldn’t put the idea out of his mind. Even with no reason for concern, a chill settled in Terry’s spine. If anything did come up, or even threaten, what could he do about it three thousand miles away?

He stripped down, cleaned up, and climbed into bed. Queenie jumped up to join him. He switched out the light and lay awake, stroking Queenie's soft fur. 

"That's it, Queenie. The problem. She's too far away," he said. The pug snored her agreement. 

"It's bullshit." 

In the morning, he’d make a reservation and fly out to L.A. Would he tell Clare he planned to visit? Deciding to surprise her instead, he fell into a restless sleep beside his pug.  

That's it, gang. Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "CURLY"

Welcome! This week our word prompt is "curly". We have another short episode of "Two of Hearts." When you're done, hop on over to the other stories by our talented authors. Find them HERE. Thanks for stopping by. 

                     *************************************************

 Friday night, Terry got Chinese food and settled down to watch the news. When he finished, he dialed Clare. This time, she answered.

“Hey, baby. How are you?”

“Terry?”

“Yeah. Your husband. Remember me?”

She laughed. “I’m good. What’s up?”

“Needed to hear your voice. That’s all.”

“Okay. I miss you, too.”

“Do you?”

“I have to turn the phone off during class. And field trips. We’re touring studios, actually going on location. They have an amazing director. He’s taking us everywhere.”

“As long as he doesn’t take you to his bedroom,” Terry said.

“Don’t be stupid, Terry.”

“Is it stupid to worry about your beautiful wife? It’s not like men don’t want to sleep with you, right?”

“I’m married.”

“So? That doesn’t stop some horny dicks.”

“I’ve always been faithful.”

“And that continues, right?” he asked, pushing to his feet.

 “You shouldn’t even have to ask.”

“But I do, Clare. You’re far away. It’s a couple of weeks. I don’t hear from you often. What can I think?”

“You can think I’m busy, learning a ton of stuff and maybe having some fun with the other writers in the class.”

“Other writers? Men?”

“Mostly women.”

“That’s a relief.”

“I swear, you see infidelity in every man who walks into my life.”

“Yeah, well, I’m a guy. A husband. With a sexy wife.”

“This conversation is going nowhere.”

“I’m sorry, Clare. I love you, baby. I’m worried. I don’t want to lose what we had.”

“Jealousy is no way to hold on to me.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I can’t help it. I know guys.”

“Not all guys want to sleep with me,” she said.

“No, only the straight ones.”

Silence.

“That was a joke,” he said.

“A bad one.”

“I miss you.”

“I love you, Terry. You’re one in a million. Look, the writers are going out to eat. I’ve gotta run. Don’t worry. I’m still your wife.”

“Love you.”

“Back at ya,” Clare said before signing off.

Terry paced, making the curly-tailed dog bark. “I don’t know, Queenie. That didn’t go great.” 

That's all. Thanks for coming. 

TUESDAY TALES - ICY

 

Howdy do! Welcome. This week we're writing to the word promp "icy".  We have another episode of "Two of Hearts".  When you're done, hop on over to read the other stories by our talented authors. You'll find them HERE.

            ************************************************************

Terry stood in the shadows and watched Jen walk away. She looked a helluva lot better than she had that morning. She cleaned up real nice. Wildly in love with his wife, Terry had never considered infidelity. But that didn’t rule out looking. Jen had potential. Maybe when her husband got better, she’d spruce herself up a bit.

Her story had improved his mood. Sure, he’d be going to bed without Clare again, but at least she wasn’t in the hospital in a coma. He could fly to L.A. and see her whenever he wanted. Not that he’d booked a flight yet. Geez, she hadn’t been gone a week, even, and already he was complaining.

Queenie begged for a bedtime treat before cuddling up with him on the sofa. Terry switched on the news, then searched for a porn channel. Might as well do some of the forbidden things while Clare was out of the house. He found a movie instead and settled in.

Afterward, he showered and headed for bed. Queenie was already there. She’d usurped his spot, so he eased her over. One protesting yawn and she was back to sleep.

His cell rang. It was his business partner, Paul.

“Sandy said we should invite you over to dinner. Wanna come on Friday?”

“Sure.”

“I mean, it’s not like you’re doing anything, right?”

“Go ahead. Rub it in.”

Paul laughed. “You’re making us all look bad.”

“How so?”

Paul's tone turned icy. “You’re fucking husband of the year. Let’s his wife go to L. A., the city with more horny men than any other city on the planet. And you don’t even complain. I’m not the only guy hearing about how you’re central casting’s perfect husband.”

Now it was Terry’s turn to laugh.

“How about a work out tomorrow? Lunch or six?”

“Let’s do six. Gives me something to do,” Terry replied.

“Rolling around like a lone marble in a shoe box?”

“How’d you guess?”

“Don’t quote me, but I think it’s damn, uh, well, maybe noble, you doing this. Not that I don’t want to strangle you for the shit storm you’ve created in my house. Still. Kudos, buddy.”

“Thanks. It’s not like I had a choice. I think it was L.A. or divorce court.”

“Really?”

“Clare never said that, but I saw the handwriting on the wall if I said ‘no.’ Besides, she was grateful. Very grateful. Every night for weeks,” Terry snickered.

“Bastard! You lucky son-of-a-bitch. Go ahead, rub it in.”

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