Tuesday Tales - Picture Prompt Week

 

  Welcome! It's picture prompt day. We're back with Robbie and Dale at her parent's house for Thanksgiving. This week we write to a picture prompt and only post 300 words. When you've finished reading my excerpt, hop over to the other authors work. You'll find it HERE. Thanks for stopping by. 

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He dressed in a flash and was out the door. Dale closed her eyes, attempting to sleep, but couldn’t get the image of Robbie out of her head. His near nakedness, the feel of his skin, his chest hair, his scent, and the warmth he generated made her squirm. Oh no, this platonic sharing a bed was not going to work not at all. Maybe for one night, but night number two might be a totally different story. She grinned. And maybe it was about time.

Unable to sleep, she shoved the covers off, slung her legs over the side of the bed and pushed to her feet. Yawning, she made her way to the bathroom and took a shower. Energy flowed through her veins. She popped on jeans and a sweatshirt and padded to the kitchen.

She heard her mother’s voice. “There. Now, open the oven.”

Peeking in, she saw Robbie with a pair of mitts, opening the oven door and pulling out the shelf. Slowly, Barbara placed the pie on the shelf and Robbie gently eased the shelf back in taking care not to spill the contents, and then closed the door.

“Excellent! Done!”

“Morning,” Dale said.

“Did you see that? My first pumpkin pie!” In two strides, Robbie was at her side. He bent down to brush his lips against hers. She closed her eyes and repeated the kiss.

“He’s a natural baker. Was real careful with his measurements,” Barbara said.

He stepped back, his eye glowed. Dale reached up to palm his cheek for a second. Who would have thought that making a pumpkin pie could mean anything to a man who had saved countless football games with one kick?

“Wood chopping is next. Dale, take him out back and show him where the axe and the logs are.”

 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "POT"

 

Howdy! Welcome to Tuesday Tales. This week's word prompt is "pot." We have an excerpt from "The Kicker, Part One". And it's not about the kind of pot you smoke, but the one you cook a turkey in! Don't forget to read the other Tuesday Tales stories. You'll find them HERE  Thanks for stopping by. 

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A tap, tap, tap on the door woke Dale.

“Robbie, are you up?” came the hoarse whisper of her mother.

Tangled up arms and legs moved. Dale breathed in Robbie’s fresh masculine scent. With her cheek pressed against his chest she listened to the strong, steady beat of his heart. She brushed her fingers through her messy locks.

“It’s time to get up for the pumpkin pie.” The voice came through the door again.

“I’ll be out in ten,” Robbie called.

His words rumbled through his chest. The sound reverberated through her fingers resting against him. With the quilt pulled all the way over her shoulders, only her nose grew cold. Wrapped in his warmth, Dale closed her eyes and smiled.

“I hate to break this up,” Robbie said, slowly untangling his legs from hers.

“Do you have to?”

“Your mother’s waiting. And I promised.”

She made a face but gave a nod. “Pumpkin pie rules.”

"After I have to put the turkey in the pot, too." 

As he moved, she slid her hand down his abs. Damn, the man had muscle.

“If you’re going to do that, it’s going to take me a lot longer to leave.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. And you can explain why to your mother.”

She laughed and withdrew her hand.

“Hold that thought.” Robbie threw off the covers and bounced out of bed. Forgetting her state of undress, Dale slumped back against the pillows and kicked the covers down. When he returned, Robbie stopped short at the end of the bed. He stared, his eyes like hot coals burning a scorched trail down her body.

“If you’re gonna look like that, I’m not gonna be able to leave.”

“What?”

He gestured, his hand moving up and down. “Please cover up. I’m only human.”

“Oh!” Quickly she pulled the covers back up again. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. Love the view.”

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "PILLOW"

 

Welcome! This week our word prompt is "pillow" and we're at Dale's house with Robbie for Thanksgiving. Her mother has put them in the same room, so what are they going to do about it? Read on and find out. When you finish, hop on over to the other stories by our talented authors. Find their stories HERE. 

A sigh escaped her mouth as she laid back against the pillow.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah. Fine. You’re right. It was a great day.”

Confused by the warm welcome Robbie received, she wondered if they expected her to announce their engagement. This had never happened before. Usually, the guys she brought home for the holidays were put under a microscope and found wanting. Her father surprised her the most. He spent time drying dishes as Robbie washed and they talked about football -thick as thieves. Her father who suspected every male who came within ten feet of his daughter as being up to no good, did an about face regarding Robbie. He didn’t even make a face that they were sharing a room. She raised her eyebrows.

Heat radiating off his body warmed even her side of the bed. Sleeping with him was like having your own personal electric blanket. She turned her back to him and drew her knees up a bit. But when her bottom bumped his, her eyes flew open.

A laugh from him set her off. She started giggling and couldn’t stop. Her infectious laugh ignited Robbie and before long the two were laughing so hard, tears ran down cheeks. Dale rolled over to face him.

“I guess there’s no way to share the bed without touching,” she said, wiping her face.

“Nope. I guess not. So if we’re going to touch anyway, let’s do it on purpose.”

“What do you mean?”

Robbie laid back and spread his arms out. “Come here. Right here.”

She snuggled up in his embrace, resting her head on the pillow just above his shoulder. He closed his arms around her and pulled her up against him.

“There. That’s much better.”

She snaked her arm around his waist.

“You good?” he asked.

Good? Damn, she was better than good. “Yeah. I’m good.”

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Dale closed her eyes and fell into a deep, restful sleep.

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "STORM"

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! Our word prompt this week is "storm." We have more of Robbie and Dale's story. They arrive at the Sawyer's house in Las Vegas, but find a surprise there to greet them. 

When you finish, don't forget to skip over to the other fabulous stories. Find them HERE. 

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Scott and Dale chatted on the ride to the Sawyer family home. Robbie looked out the window as the glitz and glitter of the City disappeared and private homes came into view. He pulled up in front of a large two-story house.

“This is it,” Scott said, turning off the car.

Robbie swallowed. The imposing structure stopped him. His legs attempted to turn and run, but he clamped down on his impulses and pushed forward slowly.

Dale took his hand. “Don’t be scared. It’ll be okay.”

“I’m not scared,” he lied.

“Sure. Right.” She smiled. “You have that deer-in-the-headlights look.”

“Do I?”

She nodded. As soon as they approached the front step, the door flew open.

“Welcome!” shouted a slim, salt-and-pepper haired woman.  She threw her arms open. Behind her, only partially visible, Robbie spotted a young woman with arms crossed over her chest, scowling.

“Mom’s in a good mood,” Dale said to her brother as she approached the door.

“Don’t be fooled. The storm’s brewing,” Scott said.

Dale raised her eyebrows. “Angela’s here?”

Scott nodded. “Angela’s here.”

Robbie pointed to the young woman behind Dale’s mom. “Angela?”

Dale nodded.

Her mother stepped out of the house and into a big hug with her daughter. Mrs. Sawyer let her go and grabbed Robbie’s hand. “You must be Robbie. I’m Barbara Sawyer. My, you’re handsome.”

Schlepping the luggage, Scott followed Robbie inside.

“Put their bags in Dale’s room,” Mrs. Sawyer said.

“But Mom we’re not…” Dale started.

Barbara patted her daughter’s hand. “I’m not old fashioned, dear. I understand these things.”

Robbie covered his snicker with his hand. Color rushed into Dale’s face.

A pretty blonde stepped out of the shadows. When she uncrossed her arms, she revealed an impressive rack. Robbie couldn’t believe it—a woman who was his “type” right there in the Sawyer household. She sashayed toward him, offering a slim hand with red lacquered nails.

“I’m Angela Sawyer, Dale’s cousin.”

“Robbie Anthony. Nice to meet you.”

She shot him a seductive smile as her hooded eyes roamed over his body. “There’s plenty of room in the guest room with me,” she said, her red lips parted slightly.

Robbie spotted Dale’s frown and sidled up to her. He slid his arm around her shoulders, drawing her up against him. “No, thanks. I’m sure I’ll be very comfortable with Dale.”

When he spotted Scott’s smirk, relief flooded Robbie. He didn’t want to insult anyone, but he’d be damned if Angela was going to put down Dale. Mrs. Sawyer smiled and took his hand.

“Perfect. Come, let me introduce you to the family.” As she passed Dale, she gave her shoulder a little squeeze. “This one’s a winner!”

Watching Dale cringe, Robbie laughed. He snagged her hand and pulled her along beside him. This was going to be a Thanksgiving like no other.

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "STAR"

        

Welcome! This week the word prompt is "star". We're with Robbie and Dale as they wing their way to 

Las Vegas for Thanksgiving. Things are starting to heat up. Take a gander, then hop over to the other 

stories by our talented authors.  Find them HERE . Thanks for stopping by. 

P.S., Don't forget to leave a comment.

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      “Should I call for a limo?”

      “Nope. Scott is picking us up.”

Oh, yeah. He forgot. That’s what family does. They pick you up from the airport. He had a lot to learn.

She patted his hand, then combed her fingers through her hair. “Don’t worry. He’s gonna love you.”

“Really? He doesn’t even know me.”

“You’re a normal guy with a good job. No, wait. Make that a great job. Nothing like guys I’ve brought home in the past.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Kinda charity cases. You know, guys out of work. Guys detoxing from drugs. Stuff like that.”

“You went out with guys like that?”

“No. They weren’t boyfriends, just kinda friends. Guys I knew who needed help.”

“What about me?”

“You’re a star, they’ll be thrilled.” She frowned. “But they may think there’s more between us than there is. Just sayin’. Expect anything.”

“So instead of pumpkin pie for dessert, there’s gonna be a shotgun wedding?” His voice squeaked a bit, so he cleared his throat.

She patted his hand again. “Not that bad.”

“But close?”

She shrugged. “Just people making assumptions.”

“That’s nothing new. People have been making wrong assumptions about me all my life.”

Her gaze met his. “I get it.”

“Oh no, you don’t. The guys on the team are only the half of it.”

“Really? Do you want to tell me about it?”

“Don’t want to bring the mood down. Let’s just say that in high school, the sheriff kept an eye on me, so did the principal. Everyone expected me to break the law.”

“And did you?”

He laughed. “No, Ma’am. I put my nose to the grindstone. Days were spent playing football. Kicking mostly. And nights were spent with homework and reading. I didn’t even have a girlfriend. Didn’t go to my proms, either."

“Aw come on. I find that hard to believe.”

Emotion closed his throat for a second. “With everyone expecting me to fuck up because my homelife was a disaster, I did everything I could to prove them wrong. I got a full scholarship to Duke. Brushed the dust of that sleepy, nasty little town off my shoulders and never looked back.” His voice had a hard edge. His gaze went to the window -nighttime-- the sky was black. 

A squeeze from Dale’s hand on his drew his attention. He took a deep breath and attempted a smile.

“It must have been hard.”

He nodded.

“I’m proud of you. You took the high road, the harder path.”

“To me going to jail for stealing was a much harder path than studying. So tell me about Scott again.”

Dale filled him in on her favorite brother as the plane landed in Las Vegas. His nerves kicked up and his stomach twisted as they left the plane and hurried toward the exit. 

A young man in a pilot uniform greeted them. After hugging Dale, he approached Robbie. He drew his eyebrows together as his gaze did a quick tour of the kicker. 

TUESDAY TALES - PICTURE PROMPT

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales, picture prompt week. This is the picture I choose. We have more from "The Kicker, Pt. 1" It's the limo driving Dale and Robbie to the airport. This week we creep into Robbie's mind as he's on his way to spend Thanksgiving with her family. 

Don't forget to read all the stories and see which pictures each author selected. You'll find them HERE. 

Thanks for stopping by. 

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Robbie’s nerves kicked up at each warning from Dale about a member of her family. Convinced he’d say the wrong thing, he wondered if he could simply nod and smile. Her family would hate him. They’d get it he was a player and circle the wagons around their wonderful daughter, sister, niece. He sighed. They’d be right, of course. But if her family was as wonderful as she said and they accepted him, he’d be ready to make the leap of his life.

The thought of making a permanent commitment made him sweat. As the plane taxied down the runway, Robbie mentally reminded himself Dale was la crème de la crème. He’d been looking for a girl exactly like her for years. He frowned, staring out the window. The guys didn’t get it. His search for the perfect woman had led to serial dating. He’d finally found her. Her big, close family could be his surrogate family. Terrified to hope, he tamped down his expectations.

“Breathe,” he whispered to himself.

“What?” Dale cracked open a drowsy eye.

Nothing. Talking to myself.”

She slipped her arm through his. She rested her head on his shoulder and went back to sleep. Faint whisps of her perfume floated to his nose. He could hardly wait to make love to her. It would be explosive and the anticipation drew blood to his groin. He picked up a magazine. No way could he get hard on the plane.

Once Dale’s shyness fell away, he’d show her exactly how much a man can love a woman. He licked his lips and cleared his throat. She stirred.  He needed to have her by his side forever. He patted her hand, then closed his fingers over it and shut his eyes. Maybe his dreams would finally come true?

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT - SPIDER

 

Howdy! This week "spider" is our word prompt. Dale is not quite the innocent bystander she looks like. She has a secret. Let's find out what it is. Thanks for stopping by. Check out the other stories, which you can find HERE.

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As she approached the buffet, Robbie entered the room. They locked gazes. He gave her a polite nod.

Dale made a quick salad at the salad bar, then took a seat in a corner, praying he wouldn’t join her. As if reading her mind, he joined his fellow Kings, Trunk Mahoney, and Bullhorn Brodsky. She was close enough to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“So, Robbie, which hot chick is cooking turkey for you this year? Or are you eating a tv dinner?” Bull asked.

“I’ve been invited,” Robbie said, then took a bite of his sandwich.

“Yeah? Who’d invite you? Not one of your one-night stands?” Trunk asked.

“They are not one-night stands,” Robbie said.

“Yeah?” Bull said before picking up a French fry.

Trunk shot a look at Dale. “So. Who invited you?”

“Never mind.”

“I don’t believe you. Tell us.” Trunk pressed.

Dale’s appetite went South.

“If you must know, Dale.”

Trunk widened his eyes and stared directly at her. Damn, Robbie. Why couldn’t he shut up?

“I guess you got lucky, again!” Bull said, shaking his head.

“Shut the fuck up! She’s right over there, she’ll hear you. And, if it’s any of your business, no, I didn’t. We’re just friends.”

“Not for long,” snickered Bull.

“Fuck you, Brodsky.”

Dale shoveled her salad in her mouth and then downed her coffee. As she cleaned off her tray, a deep voice behind her and a hand on her arm stopped her.

“I’m sorry about that asshole Brodsky.”

She faced Robbie. His aftershave teased her nose. She didn’t realize how tall he was. He lowered his gaze to hers and her pulse jumped. For a second, she thought he was going to kiss her.

When he leaned in, his breath was warm on her ear, and his shoulder rubbed up against hers. “You haven’t given me your address.”

She rattled it off in a wobbly voice.

“Great. Pick you up at seven?”

She nodded. He shot her a warm smile that sent a zing all the way to her core. He turned and strode out of the room, leaving a void. She let out a breath. The man was sex on legs.

Another masculine voice snapped her out of her reverie.

“Dale, you’re not falling for the guy, are you?”

It was Trunk Mahoney.

“No, no.”  

“That wasn’t part of our bet. You were just supposed to make him think you were falling for him.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. Right, right.”

“Then drop him. Stomp on his worthless heart.”

She’d pushed the stupid bet out of her mind, sort of, and let her guard down. Robbie’d sneaked into her affections.

“Don’t you need a hundred bucks?” Trunk laughed. “At the first sign of tears, his, I’ll pay up.”

Dale bit her lip, thinking,  What have I done? I’m just like a spider who eats her mate.