Allie Bock's Blog, page 12

IWSG Wednesday

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

August 5 question - Quote: "Although I have written a short story collection, the form found me and not the other way around. Don't write short stories, novels or poems. Just write your truth and your stories will mold into the shapes they need to be."
Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn't planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?
The awesome co-hosts for the August 5 posting of the IWSG are Susan Baury Rouchard, Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jennifer Hawes, Chemist Ken, and Chrys Fey!

Hey Guys, 
I hope you are doing great! I've had an interesting month as I lost the notebook where I wrote down my plots, character sketches, and world building. Lost it and I can't find it. Have you ever done that?
So I got to try several different writing programs with the goal to keep all my stuff in one spot. I tried the new Papyrus Author. It was a beautiful program but to get the most out of it you have to pay for the pro version. But at $14.99/month is too much for this bootstrapping writer to swing, especially when my budget is a big Zero. I also tried Wavemaker Novel Writing Software. That was really cool and if I had access to consistent internet it would have been perfect. As it's a progressive web app, it didn't run well on my computer after a week off the internet. I tried Scrivener which is really cool but too complicated for this person. 
So right now, I am splitting my time between two systems. I am using yWriter for my current novel, and I found a really cool OneNote template on CC Hogan's website that I am using to plan my next novel. It's been fun. What do you use for writing software?
For the Question of the Day: I usually start out with a word goal and genre that I stick to, but I am a plotter and planner. What do you do?

Giveaway for all readers!

Hey guys,
I have a special treat for you today. This is a group of authors that got together to giveaway one of their books (and I'm in it too ;)) Anyway, there are tons of books in a wide variety of genres. Feel free to check them out and let me know which ones you like!!!
Follow this LINK!

Book Review: Mean Streak by Sandra Brown

Book Blurb:

 From #1 New York Times best-selling author Sandra Brown comes a heart-pounding story of survival, that takes the age-old question, "Does the end justify the means?" and turns it on its head.

Dr. Emory Charbonneau, a pediatrician and marathon runner, disappears on a mountain road in North Carolina. By the time her husband Jeff, miffed over a recent argument, reports her missing, the trail has grown cold. Literally. Fog and ice encapsulate the mountainous wilderness and paralyze the search for her.

While police suspect Jeff of "instant divorce," Emory, suffering from an unexplained head injury, regains consciousness and finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won't even tell her his name. She's determined to escape him, and willing to take any risks necessary to survive.

Unexpectedly, however, the two have a dangerous encounter with people who adhere to a code of justice all their own. At the center of the dispute is a desperate young woman whom Emory can't turn her back on, even if it means breaking the law. Wrong becomes right at the hands of the man who strikes fear, but also sparks passion.

As her husband's deception is revealed, and the FBI closes in on her captor, Emory begins to wonder if the man with no name is, in fact, her rescuer from those who wish her dead - and from heartbreak.

Combining the nail-biting suspense and potent storytelling that has made Sandra Brown one of the world's best loved authors, MEAN STREAK is a wildly compelling novel about love, deceit, and the choices we must make in order to survive.

Sandra Brown

 

Goodreads

 

Book Review:

 

Have you read a Sandra Brown book? She is one of my favorite suspense/romantic suspense authors. This book was just as great as all of her others. Amery is a pediatrician that is in love with running marathons, which is a point of contention with her husband. She goes on a conditioning run, but then she wakes up in a stranger's cabin up in the mountain. Did she dare trust this man, the one who wouldn't tell her his name? How did she end up here? She decides that she must go home which opens her up to even more danger.

 

This was a great story. It is full of suspense and mystery and it kept glued me to my phone.

The Billionaire's Dog Walker Scene

Hey Guys,
I apologize that I missed last week. I usually write my blog posts on Sunday, and last week Sunday kind of got away from me. 
You can read previous scenes here: Scene 1-4Scene 5Scene 6Scene 7

 

The children stared at the sky just as low flying plane zipped overhead. They exclaimed and pointed to one another as the plane swooped and dove, lettering the sky with words. The crowd cheered and clapped when the words "Janie will you marry me?" formed above them. I was busy looking up and walked right into a hard chest of a man. His large hands grasped my upper arms as I stumbled backwards. I looked into his eyes as I froze and my heart raced, filling my ears with blood.

 

My mouth opened and closed like a fish as the man and I stared at each other. Thoughts swirled around my head as I tried to organize them into sentences to speak.

 

"Hey there you are," Trevor Donne's low voice said right over my shoulder.

 

I turned my head towards him. His eyes hardened as he took in the man holding my arms. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me towards him. "I missed you, honey," he said loud enough for the stranger to hear. My eyes were locked on the strangers as confusion crossed his face and he stepped back. Trevor angled his mouth over mine. His eyes caught mine and pulled me back to his. His breath coasted over my cheeks as his lips continued down to cover mine. Fireworks erupted from my belly and spread a delicious warm down my legs, up through my chest, and down my arms. I sighed and leaned into him. In my periphery, the stranger cleared his throat before disappearing into the crowd.

 

Trevor broke the kiss by setting my back on my feet as the crowd around us cheered and yelled. I blushed to the roots of my hair as he grasped my elbow and pulled me into the coffee shop.

 

The door swung closed behind us when he turned to me.

 

"What was that about?" He demanded.

 

I shrugged. "They must have thought that I was Janie? And that I said yes?"

 

He looked at me for a moment. "No, who was the man holding your arms."

 

I cast my eyes about for a moment, landing on the deputy in the corner watching us before dragging them back to him. I thought for a moment to brush it off, but I found my hands were shaking and nausea was beginning to roll through my stomach.

 

"He works for the person I'm hiding from," I whispered.

What do you think Vivian should do next? What do you want to happen?

Sunnydale Saturday: My Cowboy Crush Chapter 5

Hey Guys
Here's Chapter 5 for My Cowboy Crush! It is on sale for this month only for $0.99 at all retailers and free on Smashwords, see the side bar!

Chapter 5 Katie

“Hey, honey, what are you doing?” Mama braced her hand on the doorway. “Are you ready for the big day?”

I nodded. And double-checked my list. “Can you help me go over this?”

“Sure,” she said, “Camera.”

“Check.” I packed the large professional camera in my bag.

“Memory card.”

“Check.”

“Extra memory card.”

“Check.”

“Notebook.”

“Check.”

“Laptop, extra batteries, extra lenses.”

“Got it.”

“Well, honey, I think you’ve got everything.”

I packed it all into my backpack and slung it over my shoulder. Nervous butterflies danced in my stomach. I pushed a stray curl behind my ear and looked around my pink room.

“Well Mama, this room has not changed in the five years I’ve been gone.”

She chuckled. “No, I couldn’t bear to make it into a room of my own. I left all of your stuff here in case you ever decided to come back and stay at the ranch.”

I glanced over at her as she choked up on the last words of the sentence. Tears ran down the edge of her cheek.

“Oh Mama, don’t cry.” I stepped across the pink plush rug and wrapped her into a hug.

I never realized how much Mama and Daddy missed me. And at that moment, I missed them too. I missed Texas and I missed being on the ranch. I loved Colorado, my friends out there, my job, and my apartment. The mountains were beautiful; they took my breath away every time I saw them. It hit me that I missed my family. My eyes filled up with tears. Mama held me out at arm’s length and wiped the tear that escaped from my eye.

“Now, don’t you be crying on me? You’re going to ruin your mascara.” She dabbed at it and fixed my makeup. “Well, you better be going, girl. You’re going to be late for the wedding.”

I chuckled as I glanced at my watch. The wedding didn’t start until two o’clock, and it was only nine in the morning.

“Well, I probably should get going so I can catch all the preparations.” I held up my notebook. “She wants a lot of pictures.”

Mama laughed with me, “that Annie sure knows how to put on a party.”

#####

The park pavilion parking lot was full of cars and trucks by the time I arrived. Annie stuck her head out through the door when she heard my truck pull up.

“Katie, you’re finally here! Hurry up, we’ve got a lot going on.”

Anxiety grew in my stomach. It rolled around causing the butterflies to twist and turn. Nausea rose in my throat. I gave a small wave to Annie. She waved back before heading back inside. The door clicked shut behind her. Breathe in, Katie, breathe out. My head rested on the steering wheel, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach.

A knock sounded at my window. Levi grinned down at me through the window.

“Are you ok?” He opened my door and gently set his hand on my back, sending tingles down my spine.

“Just having a panic attack.” My voice wheezed.

“Breathe in and out. You’ll do great.” He rubbed my back in slow circles. His voice calming my frayed nerves. I smiled weakly at him.

“Thank you.”  I reached for my bag and my hand shook when I clutched my backpack and camera.

“You’ve got this, Katie,” his voice washed over me, “breathe in, breathe out.”

I breathed in through my mouth and out through my nose, holding for 3 seconds, trying to reach that elusive calm. I repeated the cycle five times until the butterflies in my stomach calmed to a gentle fluttering instead of a crazy rock and roll party. I exited my truck and he grabbed the rest of my equipment before heading towards the park pavilion. Loud voices, exuberant cries, and laughter burst through the door as we reached it. He stepped in front of me and opened the door. He smiled down at me as he placed his hand on my lower back. His grey eyes widened and glinted silver. The butterflies swooned. Get yourself together, Katie. I could get lost in those eyes.

Tables and chairs were set up for dinner after the wedding. A banquet table was set up along the outside wall and the head table was up on risers in front of the gathering of other tables. One of the bridesmaids stuck her head out of a side room and waved at me.

“We’re in here!”

I strolled across the concrete floor. Breathing in, breathing out, my hands shaking, palms sweating. I was pretty sure my perfume was wearing off. My eye makeup felt like it was sliding down my face. I grasped Levi’s hand. A nervous sweat broke out when I walked into the room. The fumes of hairspray, makeup, and other beauty products assaulted my nose. A sneeze erupted and I blushed as all of their gazes fell on me.

“Bless you,” Levi whispered in my ear. A shiver passed through me.

Someone pushed a mimosa into my hand. Annie and her bridesmaids were in various stages of getting ready. At that moment, one was having her hair primped and curled to be done up into a fancy up-do. Annie’s mom sat on a couch on the side, getting her make-up done. Granny squealed with delight as the manicurist painted her nails a brilliant red.

 “Katie,” Annie startled me. My mimosa splashed over the size of the champagne flute. “I want you to take pictures of everyone. I want to be able to see the whole day when I page through the photo album.”

“Hold still,” the stylist scolded. Annie flashed me a smile and made the motion of taking pictures with her fingers.

The butterflies quieted. I guess candid shots it was. I glanced around, but Levi disappeared. I shrugged, time to get to work. I went around the room, taking pictures of the girls getting ready, trying to keep it modest and appropriate to be seen by Granny. Eventually, the time came for Annie to slip into her dress. I took pictures of her mother helping her button the tiny white buttons that ran up the back. Silhouette shots of her standing in the window looking out across the park and the girls helping her put on her garter. As they were helping her slip on her shoes, a knock sounded on the door frame.

“Levi,” Annie’s mom called, “you brought the flowers. That’s wonderful.” She rushed forward, hustling Levi into the room, and distributed the flowers to the girls.

“Here, honey, take some pictures of the flowers.” She pushed me to the front of the room.

Levi smiled at me from underneath his hat. A flush spread through me as I lined the girls up to take pictures of the bouquets with the dresses.

“All right, ladies,” I said, “let’s go outside and take some pictures in the garden. We have about an hour before I have to spend time with the groom and the groomsmen.”

We all trooped out to the garden where I took pictures of the bride’s wedding party underneath the trees, around by the flowers, in the tall grass by the cacti. They held funny poses and serious poses all the while Levi stood behind me holding the light shade. My body tingled with awareness when his eyes fell on me. I shivered as if I was showered in ice. He tried to catch my eye, but I ignored him. Once in a while, my eyes slipped to the side and found him staring at me with a small grin creasing his face or he’d wink back. It was hard to focus on the bride and bridesmaids. The handsome cowboy was affecting my concentration.

“Alright, ladies. Let’s take some photos by the rose arch. Annie, I want you to be seated on the bench. And, girls, I want you to be standing behind her.” I directed everyone where to stand.

The arch of red roses looked lovely with Annie’s white wedding dress and her girls’ pale pink bridesmaids’ dresses. At the angle, it was just not right.

“Levi, can you stand over there to left?”

He stepped away from behind me and took three strides over to the left. He raised the light over his head.  My nose wrinkled and I shook my head. It still was not the right angle. I looked over at the fountain behind me. The rock wall sat up about a foot from the ground. It was rough on the surface, but I think if I stood upon it, I would get a better angle. I swept the camera strap around my neck and set the camera against my chest. I climbed up onto the rock wall. I focused on the screen as I took a step to the right. My foot slipped on the rock; my arms flailed as I fell backward into the fountain.

Levi

I watched Katie all morning. She sure was cute with her Gypsy skirt and white blouse. She wore these ridiculous flats with little bows on the toes. The minute she stepped onto the rock; my heart dropped in my chest. My feet stepped toward her as she took a step to her right. Her foot hit the rock, and she fell backward with a large splash into the water. I raced towards her.

“Katie, are you okay?” I peered into the water.

Her blonde hair hung limp around her face. Her mascara smeared on her eyelids and ran down her cheeks. Her white blouse became see-through. I drug my eyes up from the blouse to stare at her eyes. Her skin turned a gray pale color, and she was opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water.

“Here, let me help you up?” I grasped her hand to pulled her out of the water. Her long skirt clung to her body and she stepped up over the edge of the rock wall.

“Oh no,” she cried, “my camera it’s ruined!”

Tears slid down her face as she looked at her camera dangling by its neck cord. It broke my heart to see her crying. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her to me, rubbing circles on her back.

 “Everything will be alright,” I soothed.

“What am I going to do? I won’t be able to take pictures for Annie!” She sobbed into my shoulder.

Annie approached. “Well, the first thing you need to do is go get changed. I’ll have my girls fix your hair and makeup in no time. We’ll postpone the wedding for about half an hour, so you’ll have time to go home shower and come back.”

“Really? You would do that all for me?” She hiccupped and wiped at the mascara.

Annie chuckled. “Of course, you’re the little sister I never wanted.” She patted Katie’s arms and went back to her girls. Someone poured another round of mimosas.

I turned to Katie. “Let me take you home.”

Her teeth clacked together even though it was July in Texas. I took my suit jacket off and wrapped it around her shoulders. I ushered her to my truck. Part of me felt bad for what happened to Katie; the other part was grateful for some time alone with her. I opened the door and helped her in. She seemed to zone out, so I buckled her seat belt for her and closed the door. I climbed in and started the truck. The engine rumbled to life.

“It’ll be all right,” I assured her, “you’ll see.” Silence filled the cab of the truck as we drove a while. A lightbulb went off in my head.

“Why don’t you use the camera you had this morning?”

She turned her eyes to me. They were red-rimmed and black mascara streaked down her cheeks.

“But that’s a film camera. I won’t have enough film to take all the pictures Annie wants.”

I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel as we pulled into the Kisment Ranch. “What if we stopped at the store and bought a bunch of disposable cameras? That way the people at the wedding reception can take pictures of their tables for Annie. You can focus on just the ceremony and the before and after shots.”

She turned her tear-soaked face to me and smiled. “I guess, we can do that.”

She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear as she reached for the door handle. “Give me a few seconds to shower and change. I’ll be right back.”

She jumped up out of the truck and ran to the house, dripping water all the way there. The screen door slammed behind her. I smiled to myself as I reached in the backseat and grabbed the towel. I wiped up the seat where she was sitting. I gave Katie my suit jacket. My white shirt and tie looked silly with my black pants. I sighed. I guess I’ll have to go change.I got out of the truck and walked down to the bunkhouse. I pulled on a pair of black Wrangler jeans and a button-up western shirt, tied a bolo around my neck, and set my new black hat on my head. It was after Memorial Day so I should’ve worn a white hat. Mom taught me better, but I hated my white straw hat. Annie would just have to get over it. I headed back out to the truck.

Katie leaned against the railing of the porch, ringing out her wet hair. She changed into skinny jeans that hugged all of her curves and a bright blue top that made her blue eyes pop. When she glanced at me, her mouth opened and closed a couple of times.

“Wow, that’s different.” A rosy tint colored her cheeks.

“Like different how?” I leaned up against the porch railing on the other side of her and a slow smile twitched at my lips.

“Like you look really good.” Even her ears turned pink.

“I know I looked good in my suit,” I tipped my hat back and rubbed at my forehead.

“Well, you did look good in your suit but you look really good right now.” She stared down at her boots. She twisted her hair up into some sort of a knot on the top of her head and held it in place with a large metal hairpin. She had a camera bag slung over her shoulder and her hand gripped her purse.

“I’m ready if you are? Everybody seems to already be at the park.” She made her way down the steps and I grasped her hand to help her. My skin tingled the minute her fingers touched mine and my heart raced. She looked beautiful.

“Katie.”

“Yeah?” She turned her eyes to me. The blue in her eyes was just as blue as a cloudless sky.

“You look very pretty.”

She snorted and looked the other way. “Yeah, like pretty as a drowned rat.” She hurried over to the truck. I shook my head. What I wouldn’t give for her to realize that I meant that she looks beautiful to me.

We stopped at the pharmacy and the Dollar Store just outside of town. I found a couple of disposable cameras but no extra film.

“How much do you have?” I glanced over to her.

She went through her camera bag. “I have about 20 rolls.”

“That’s a lot.” This was me trying to make conversation.

She shrugged. Her horrible anxiety must be back, and that must be what she’s dealing with right now. Her knees shook, her hand tapped on the edge of the window, and she was barely breathing. The pink drained from her cheeks, and she kept twirling her hair with her other hand.

“It will be fine, I promise you. Annie will be more than happy for everything that you’ve done.” I laid my hand on her bouncing knee.

“What if the pictures are no good? What if I don’t get the exposure right? What if their eyes are closed? What if no one’s smiling or what if someone is in the wrong spot? I can’t just hit delete and do it over again!”

I parked my truck before I took her hands in mine and rubbed my thumb over her knuckles. “It’ll be alright. Photographers have been taking pictures of weddings for a lot longer than digital cameras have been around. You can do this and Annie thinks you can do this. Plus, you got the memory card from the digital camera. That should still work.”

She nodded, “I’ve got to run and take the groomsmen pictures.”

“I’ll see you at the beginning of the wedding.”

She leaned toward me as I leaned into her. Her pink lips pressed a light kiss on my cheek before she jumped out of the truck and ran to where Bobby and his men were hanging out underneath an oak tree.

The wedding was supposed to go off at two o’clock. Annie had pushed it back a little bit so that Katie could get some more pictures. People arrived to be seated and Annie made me an usher. I seated Mom and Granny at the front of the church. Bobby’s parents sat on the other side. Bobby appeared in his tuxedo, walking among the guests, shaking hands, and talking to them. My body focused on Katie in the corner, taking pictures of the altar, her dad reading the Bible. Our eyes met across the room. I tipped my hat to her. She smiled and dropped her eyes back down to her camera.

A hand slid into the crook of my elbow, drawing my attention away from Katie as she concentrated into her camera.

“Would you like to find me a seat, cowboy?” Lindsay purred into my ear. I stifled a cringe and closed my eyes for a moment.

“Sure, Lindsay, why don't you come this way?”

I led her down the aisle to the fifth row from the front where one of my cousins sat. She wouldn't let go of my arm; instead, she ran her fingers from the tip of my elbow down into my hand and intertwined them with my fingers. My anger rose in my chest as I tried to keep it in check. I swallowed and let go of her fingers, but not before she pressed a kiss to the corner of my mouth.

“I can't wait for the dance later tonight,” she whispered.

I just looked at her. My words were not forthcoming on what to respond. I turned to walk away. Her hand reached out to my bottom, giving it a firm squeeze. I narrowed my eyes at her, and my mouth opened, about to say something until Katie caught the corner of my eye. Her mouth fell open, and she was pale as a sheet. She finished snapping a couple of pictures before quickly hurrying away. When I made to go after her, I was interrupted by Kaleb. I groaned inwardly as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Good to see you, Levi. I missed you at breakfast.” His dark blue eyes were unreadable.

I met his gaze and nodded. “Missed me at breakfast? I never went.”

“Remember what I said.” He strode away and found a seat next to his mom.

Crossing his arms, he stared ahead, his back straight as a ramrod. I ran my fingers through my hair and jammed my hat back on my head before heading to the back of the church.

The bells tolled, signaling the start of the wedding. The bridesmaids and Annie gathered behind the closed doors. Katie ran around them, snapping pictures. The world seemed to stop when I looked at Annie and her wedding dress. She was beautiful. Her black hair was swept up into ringlets to the white wedding dress showing off her tan. The veil laid over her eyes, but couldn’t hide a little tear running down the side of her face. I caught it with my thumb and wiped it off.

“No crying today,” I softly said to her, “it's supposed to be a happy day. You look amazing. Bobby's not going to know what hit him.”

Annie beamed at me and threw her arms around me. At that moment it was just me and my sister. A sort of peace transcended us.

“Are you ready?”

Annie nodded. With that, I cued the pianist to play the processional. Her bridesmaids walked down the aisle, slowly smiling and nodding to friends and family that they knew. Katie was at the front. Her camera catching it all for Annie's memories. I offered Annie my elbow. She slipped her hand around my elbow. I wish our dad was here to see her. But he wasn't and I was proud to walk my sister down the aisle on the happiest day of her life to her new husband. The chapel doors swung open and everyone turned to look at us. We slowly stepped down the aisle together. My gaze swung to Katie and I gave her a small smile. She looked at me for a hard moment and went back to her camera. Her face was a blank mask like Kaleb's had been earlier.

Book Review: A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux

Book Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux will capture your heart with signature classic novel, a time-travel romance featuring a present-day heroine and a dashing hero from the sixteenth century!

Abandoned by a cruel fate, lovely Dougless Montgomery lies weeping upon a cold tombstone in an English church. Suddenly, the most extraordinary man appears. It is Nicholas Stafford, Earl of Thornwyck…and according to his tombstone he died in 1564.

Drawn to his side by a bond so sudden and compelling it overshadows reason, Dougless knows that Nicholas is nothing less than a miracle: a man who does not seek to change her, who finds her perfect, fascinating, just as she is. What Dougless never imagined was how strong the chains are that tie them to the past…or the grand adventure that lay before them.

Hailed worldwide as one of the most romantic novels of all time, A Knight in Shining Armor is “a glorious love story that spans centuries, worlds, and souls. It is the epitome of every woman’s fantasy” (Chicago Daily Herald).

 

Jude Deveraux

 

Goodreads

 

Book Review:

 

This was my first Jude Deveraux story, and I know, I've been living under rock. She was an absolutely wonderful word smith, and I wish I had discovered her earlier.

 

The story was a masterfully crafted time travel romance. Dougless spent hours agonizingly planning a romantic trip to England, but only to be surprised when her boyfriend brought his spoiled, nasty daughter along for the ride. She had expected an engagement when instead all she got was heartache and indigestion. It all came to head when they left her at a church without money, passport, or a ride. She cried and wished for a knight in shining armor when Nicholas appeared in front of her from the sixteenth century.

 

They spend some time trying to change history and ended up falling in love. But can one person really change history? Dougless hopes so.

 

I didn't care for Dougless at the beginning. She was the epitome of a weak, waffling woman. She lived with the boyfriend who didn't appreciate her or even treat her better than a live-in nanny. It took her most of the book to transform into a strong, independent woman that she yearned to be. The transformation was satisfying. Nicholas was abrasive, overbearing man but he changed too. He was definitely swoon worthy when he was done being an ogre.

 

I absolutely loved the story, the characters, and the narrator was fabulous. The 17 hours of listening to this audiobook was definitely worth it.

Sunnydale Saturday: My Cowboy Crush Chapter 4

Hey Guys
Here's Chapter 4 for My Cowboy Crush! It is on sale for this month only for $0.99 at all retailers and free on Smashwords, see the side bar!


Chapter 4 Katie

By the time I’d changed into a pair of slacks and an unwrinkled blouse, I was running late. My car swung into the parking lot of the chapel. Several other cars were already there. Silhouettes of people flitted by the windows as I made my way inside. I slowly opened the door, silently praying not to be noticed.

                “Finally, Katie is here.” Annie marched toward me and dragged me into the room.

All the eyes turned on me as heat flushed my face. I gave a small wave to the crowd. Luckily, everyone was busy getting ready for the ceremony run through.

                “We are going to do a brief run-through. I want you to take some candid shots, but nothing too overboard and then we are going to Cowboy’s for dinner. You don’t have to come to that.” She said without taking a breath.

                “Cowboy’s, the bar?” Really, a rehearsal dinner at the only bar in town? My eyebrow raised at her.

                “It’s the only place in Sunnydale that serves food and my mom didn’t want to host people at our house.”

                I nodded in understanding. “They do have some good food.”

                “Alright, folks.” My daddy called from the front of the chapel, clapping his hands together. “Let’s get this show on the road. I’m sure you’re all hungry.”

                Everyone cheered. Annie herded and directed people where she wanted them to go. Someone hit play on a stereo and an organ chord floated on the air. Annie stood in front like an orchestra director, waving at people. She cupped her hands over her mouth and shouted.

                “Levi, bring Mom and Granny down the aisle."

                All eyes turned to the back of the church where he stood with a woman on each arm. My throat tightened when his eyes searched for mine. He looked dashing in dark washed Wranglers, polished cowboy boots, and his hair was combed down. He led them down the aisle in a slow march. Granny was pushing ninety and shuffled very slowly. Her thick gray hair was tied into a bun at the base of her head and an ivory shawl covered her shoulders. Their mother was on his other arm. She stood a head shorter than Levi. She was wearing a silver dress that highlighted the silver highlights in her black waist-length hair she was beaming at Annie and Levi in turn. Annie and Levi had been raised by a single mom. Even though things were hard at times, they loved each other and it showed. My heart filled with love watching the exchange of the small family.

Once everyone was seated, the bridal party marched to the front of the chapel. After that, the rehearsal of the service went by quickly with Daddy saying a few words and Annie and Bobby responding in turn. Everyone clapped at the end just like at the real wedding. Bobby and Annie stared into each other’s eyes for a long moment but did not kiss. I snapped a few photos here and there but overall, I lost myself in the enjoyment of the occasion.

“Thank you so much.” Annie wrapped me into a hug. “It means so much to me to have everything documented. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you.” She stepped back from me and gave me a once over. “You look beat. Why don’t you go home and spend some time with your family?”

I caught Levi watching me from over in the corner. His eyes burned with an intensity I hadn’t seen before. Suddenly, I was tired and needed some space.

“You’re right. I’m exhausted.” I faked a yawn and slipped out of the room before he made his way over to me.

Levi

I helped Mom and Granny into my truck to go to Cowboy's Bar. The cab was cozy with three people in the front seat, but it was nice. The women chatted about everything that still needed to be done and all of the plans for tomorrow. I was able to zone out and think about the woman with curly blond hair and curves in all the right places. The one that didn’t realize how special and talented she was.

“What are you smiling at?” Mom broke into my thoughts.

Granny tisked. “He’s daydreaming of the little Kisment girl. Any fool can see that.”

I rubbed my hand up the back of my neck as my ears burned. Leave it to Granny to see things as they were.

“She’s a cutie. And Annie is always raving about how good her photography is.” Mom checked her make-up in the mirror.

“We’re here.” I turned my truck into the gravel lot and pulled up to the door of the bar. A sigh left me as Mom and Granny climbed out.

“She’s a special one. Don’t break her heart.” Granny whispered before being led inside the bar.

Man, I couldn’t catch a break. I swung my truck around and found an empty spot in the back.

The bar was expecting us. Lindsay, the waitress, ushered us to a large room at the back of the bar away from the patron. We sat down at a long table and water glasses were placed in front of us. Lindsay came back a few minutes later to take our orders. She started at the head of the table where Annie and Bobby sat and went around. Mom, Granny, and I were last to place our orders. Today, she wore a black leather mini skirt, red tank top, and high-heeled boots that went up to her knees. Her blond hair twisted into a French braid that went down her back.

“Hi handsome, what would you like to eat today?” She placed her hand onto my shoulder and gently rubbed circles on my back.

I knew Lindsay for a long time. She just wasn't my type. She liked to flirt and wanted attention from any man. Every time I frequented at Cowboy's Bar, she tried and tried and tried to get me to interact with her. But the only blonde girl that I was interested in, was the one that was off-limits. The one that starred in my dreams at night and during the day. It didn’t matter what I was doing, I could be checking fence at the ranch and my thoughts would stray to Katie. I shrugged off her hand nonchalantly.

“A bacon burger and fries would be just fine, thank you.”

“Will do.” she winked at me before heading to the kitchen with her orders. I groaned inwardly, I wish she would take a hint.

#####

Dinner went by fast with lots of laughing, lots of talking, and excitement about the wedding coming up. I hadn't spent a lot of time with Bobby's family. We both worked at the ranch together but his family flew in from California. They told stories about Bobby riding his horse in the mountains, crashing his first car, and skinny dipping at the school’s pool. They were great people and would be a welcome addition to our little family. It was just Annie, Mom, and me. Our dad disappeared several years ago when we were both little, leaving Mom to raise twins by herself. So little that we don't remember him, and Mom never mentioned why he left. She spent all of her time being a single mom working full-time and trying to make us happy. She sat with a big smile plastered on her face as she listened to Bobby's parents joke and laugh. But I knew, she was hurting inside that she didn’t have that. My heart broke for her.

As dinner came to a close, the sound of a steel guitar and drums floated through the open door. Annie and Bobby moved around the table thanking people and saying their goodnights. My boots tapped along with the tune the band played.

“Granny and I are heading out. Why don't you stay and have some fun with your sister and your new brother-in-law to be? Bobby’s parents are going to take us home.” Mom patted my hand and then got up to help Granny out of her chair. I placed a kiss on both of their cheeks.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you.”

Mom squeezed my hand, a small smile spread across her lips. “I love you too.”

The band played country songs with a couple of guitars, a drum, and a fiddle. The crowd was on their feet stomping, swaying, and turning to the old country tunes. A line dance formed with hoots and hollers on the small sawdust-covered floor. I slid onto an empty barstool at the bar. Lindsay came up and set a full glass of beer in front of me.

“I get off in five. Will you still be here?” She batted her eyelashes at me.

“Planning on it.” I took a swig from my beer. The coldness shocked my mouth but felt good sliding down my throat, taking the distaste out of my mouth.

Lindsay moved on to the next customer to take their order. On the dance floor, Annie and Bobby were two-stepping around. He held her close and she beamed as they made their way around the line dance. They looked good together. Will I ever find someone that I’d feel that way about? Could Katie be the one for me? I took another pull of my beer. Bar stools on either side of me screeched as they were pulled out. My friends, Pete and Damien, sat on each side of me. Pete was an engineer at the factory in town. He’d just moved back to work his grandfather's ranch. Damien worked security for a big firm in San Antonio. He’d spent years in the military and he looked like it.

“Are you tired of working for the Kisments, yet?” Pete nodded to the bartender for a beer.

A laugh started deep in my belly and spilled out of my mouth. It was an ongoing joke between us.

“I could offer you a real good deal.” Pete sipped his beer.

“Really? What kind of deal can you offer me today?”

Pete scratched his head, looking like he was thinking hard. “I could pay you about a penny an hour. That's probably twice what you're making over at the ranch.”

A snort erupted from my throat. “Oh yeah, that's like three times what I'm making at the ranch.”

We both laughed. Every time I met Pete, he offered me a job but he had no money to pay me. It would still be several years before he got his ranch off of the ground. And, maybe just maybe, then he could afford to pay me to be his ranch manager. Damien shook his head at our exchange before drinking his beer.

A few minutes later, Lindsay approached. She nodded to Pete and Damien before turning to me. Pete and Lindsay have an on-again/off-again relationship. Obviously, they must be on the off tonight. She leaned in toward me.

“Cowboy, I'm done with my shift. About time you swung me around on that dance floor.”

I didn't feel like dancing, but when a pretty girl asks you to dance my mama taught me to tell them yes. I nodded to Damien and Pete before leading Lindsay out into the boot stopping crowd. The band switched to a fast country song. I swung her around and grasped her waist with one hand and led her into a quick two-step as we circled the dance floor. Lindsay was a pretty girl with her long hair and tight clothes but I found my mind wandering. What it would feel like to have Katie in my arms instead of her? We spun around and around for a couple more songs. As the crowd clapped when the band finished for their break, I stepped back from Lindsay's embrace.

“I’d better be going.” I faked a yawn and looked at my watch. “The sun comes up early on the ranch.” I tipped my hat to her. “Thank you for the dance.” I turned on my heel and headed toward the door. She grabbed my hand as I reached for the doorknob.

“I'll be more than happy to go with you,” she purred, “to keep your bed warm for you tonight.” She fluttered her big green eyes at me. “Come on, cowboy. I want to know if the rumors are true.”

“What rumors?” I narrowed my gaze at her.

“Oh, you know,” she winked.

Bile rose in my throat as my stomach clenched. A coldness crept into my voice as I flung her hand off of mine. “Those aren't true.”

I stalked to my truck, leaving her in the doorway of the bar. The cool night air slapped my cheeks and drove all thought of tonight from my mind. I climbed into my truck, heading back to the ranch, all the while thinking about the one blond girl that I didn't dance with tonight.

 

Katie

A rooster crowing woke me from my sleep. For a moment, I was confused as to where I was. I haven't heard roosters in the five years since I've left home. There weren't too many in Denver. I rolled over in my twin size bed and shoved the pink comforter to the floor. Stretching my arms above my head, I rolled my head from side to side. It was going to be a beautiful day for Annie’s wedding.

The noise of banging pots and pans came from the kitchen as the scent of coffee permeated the air. Sudden inspiration struck. I grabbed an old pair of boots and jeans and threw on a cotton t-shirt. With my old camera, that was a gift from my grandparents, slung over my neck and a cowboy hat pulled down to my eyes, I made my way to the front door.

“Morning, sunshine.” Mama’s happy voice halted my escape from the house.

“Hi, Mama.”

“Where you out to?”

“Just taking Buttercup for a ride. The sunrise should be beautiful this morning.”

“Breakfast is in an hour.” She turned back to whatever was in the pot on the stove.

“I'll be back I promise.”

I ran down the creaky steps, across the dew-covered grass, and into the barn. The horses slept quietly in their stalls as I swung Buttercup’s stall door open. I brushed and saddled her quickly, anxious to be on my way. I was about to throw a leg over her back when a voice clearing stopped me in my tracks.

“You going out without me?” Levi's deep voice sent shivers down my spine.

I turned slowly to him. Looking at him made my mouth water. His black shaggy hair stood up in all directions and his gray eyes looked deep into mine. He slapped a dusty hat against his faded blue jeans before shoving it on his head. The butterflies in my stomach rolled over at the sight of his T-shirt stretching across his chest muscles. They flexed as he crossed his arms. Yummy. I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

“I was going out without anyone.”

“Then, you won't mind if I join you.”

He quickly saddled a black horse on the end of the barn and swung into the saddle with the ease of a gymnast. I clambered onto Buttercup’s back, feeling self-conscious of my awkwardness. A small smile played upon his lips as I struggled into the saddle.

“I could’ve given you a boost.”

“Nah, I'm good.” I straightened my spine and pulled my hat down even closer to my ears.

“Lead the way,” he said.

I clucked to Buttercup and squeezed her with my legs. She started at a swinging walk. The air was brisk before the sun began its rise. The chill caused goosebumps to run up and down my arms, and I shivered involuntarily against the cold. I caught him looking at me with concern in his eyes.

“I'm fine,” I muttered and turned Buttercup on the trail that led out to the range.

“Still, I might be cold. Let's stop at the bunkhouse.” He rubbed his arms and shook, slightly.

He turned off onto a beaten trail that led to the bunkhouse. It was a small brown building that held eight apartments. He dashed inside and he banged around for a while. He came out with a beat-up leather jacket slung over his shoulder.

“Put this on. I'm not watching you shiver.” He handed me the jacket.

I slid my arms into the worn-out sleeves. It smelled like him, horse sweat, leather, and something spicy that can only be man. I snuggled into it, pulling the collar up. He was right it was warmer than my t-shirt. He mounted his horse and motioned for me to lead the way.

We rode for a while in silence, enjoying that part of the day that wasn't quite morning and wasn't quite night, when everything was still quiet and gray. Owls hooting in the distance. Jackrabbits scurried through the underbrush. A hawk took off from a mesquite tree and flew overhead. The sun started to peek over the horizon. The sky streaked with reds, purples, and blues. It was a beauty I hadn't seen in a while. We stopped at the top of a hill. I dismounted and handed my reins to Levi.

“If you needed to come along. Make yourself useful.”

I set up my camera to capture the sunrise. Levi stood behind me, keeping quiet as I worked. His gaze felt heavy on my back and wondered what he was thinking. After twenty minutes of laying on the sandy ground, I tried to stand up. Levi’s boots crunched over small stones as he moved to help me up. His fingers threaded with mine as he jerked me to my feet. I ended up nose to nose with him. My breath caught in my throat as his grey eyes captured mine. His eyes grew darker the longer I stared into his. His warm spicy breath came in short puffs across my face. His arms slid around my shoulders and back, bringing me closer to him. My pulse hammered in my ears. It was hard to breathe, think, and even stand. I leaned into him. His head tilted toward mine. His lips came within a hair’s breadth from mine. I closed my eyes and leaned forward. At that moment, Buttercup walked up behind me and nudged me in the back with her nose. I jerked forward, hitting Levi in the chin. My lip caught between my teeth as a little blood trickled down from the split in my lip. Levi’s strong hands set me back onto my feet.

“Buttercup’s right.” He dabbed at my lip with the edge of his T-shirt. My skin tingled where he touched it. “I’m sure breakfast is almost ready.”

A moment passed between us. I wanted to kiss him, but he turned to get the horses ready to ride back home. He led Buttercup over to me and offered his hands down by the stirrup. I placed my worn-out cowboy boot in his hand and he lifted me into the saddle. I settled into my seat as he mounted his horse. We turned to make the trek back to the house. The silence stretched between us as nature awoke. Birds sang in the bushes, crickets chirped, and armadillos waddled back to their homes. My camera clicked away at the wildlife.

"What’s with the camera?” Levi broke the silence as he watched me try to focus in on a roadrunner.

“Whatcha mean?” I mumbled as I leaned more out of the saddle for a different angle.

“That camera is older and smaller than the one you had yesterday. In fact, it doesn’t look digital at all.”

I straightened in the saddle and held the camera out from my body. “It is different. This was my first camera, ever. My grandparents gave it to me.” I choked up at the thought of both of them. They’ve been gone for several years and I missed them a bunch. I wiped the single tear from my eye and straightened my spine in the saddle. I steered Buttercup down the trail to the house.

“So, why do you use it?” Levi rode his horse up next to me.

“Well, because I like it.” I snapped a few more pictures. “I think the film takes better pictures than digital. There’s just something about being in a dark room, developing the film, watching the picture come to life.” I shrugged before continuing down the trail.

“You have your own darkroom?” Levi trotted his horse next to me.

“Yep. Sure do.”

“Really?”

I nodded my head. “I set one up in the closet at my apartment. That way I can develop my film whenever I want and I don’t have to send it out. It really isn’t a big deal.”

Silence fell between us as we traveled the rest of the way to the ranch house. When we pulled up into the yard, the rest of my family and all the ranch hands were gathered.

“Breakfast time, y’all,” Mama called from the porch. Everyone cheered.

Levi grabbed the reins of Buttercup’s bridle as I dismounted. “You might as well go in and get some breakfast. I’ll take care of the horses for you. I’d better get going to town anyway, as I’m sure Annie’s got a bunch of stuff for me to do.”

I couldn’t help but watch him walk away. His jeans hugged his hips and butt. I closed my mouth with a snap. His boots clicked on the gravel as he made his way into the barn. I turned around to see the glare coming off of Kaleb’s eyes. He shook his head at me before heading into the house. The next few hours might be interesting.

Levi

The horses plodded after me as I headed to the barn. The barn door groaned as I slid it open and let the morning light fall across the dirt-covered floor. Horses’ heads popped over their stall doors and nickered as I led Buttercup and my black horse to their stalls.

                “Give me a second, everyone. I’ve gotta untack these two, and then it’s breakfast.” I said out loud to the barn.

                The horses answered with neighs, banging on stall doors, and general restlessness. I tied the two horses up and took off their saddles. They weren’t sweaty from our morning ride, so a nice brushing would be sufficient. I hummed a tune under my breath as I ran the brush over Buttercup’s copper coat. This morning was perfect. The sunset was gorgeous, and the girl with me was just as beautiful. The kiss would’ve been perfect if we hadn’t been interrupted. Her soft lips gently touching mine, maybe she would cling to my body as I wrapped her even closer to me. The scent of her perfume lingered over the smell of horses. The brush flicked dust off of Buttercup’s rump when a throat clearing brought me back to the present. I knew that sound, my hand stilled, and my body slowly turned to the man standing behind me.

                Kaleb’s arms crossed over his chest and his feet braced shoulder-width apart. His cowboy hat was squashed tight over his ears and the blond curls stuck out underneath of it. His eyes turned an angry midnight blue and a muscle ticked in his jaw.

                “Morning, didn’t see you there.” I tried to seem nonchalant, but my heart was racing. I had just broken rule number three at the Kisment Ranch, but nothing happened…unfortunately.

                “What do you think you’re doing?” The anger in his tone didn’t surprise me. Kaleb had always been protective of his baby sister.

                “Brushing down the horses before feeding the barn.” I waved the brush around and grinned at him.

                His eyes got darker as he swore under his breath. “No,” he ground his teeth together, “what were you doing with Katie?”

His hands dropped to his sides and balled into fists. I stepped a small step back and leaned against the wall. What had I been doing with Katie? Definitely not what I wanted to do with Katie.I picked up a piece of straw and twirled it between my fingers.

“Katie was going for a morning ride, and I joined her.” He growled the moment the words left my mouth. I held up my hands. “Honestly, man, it was just a ride to get some sunrise photos and nothing else.”

He relaxed a little and leaned toward me. “Stay away from her. She doesn’t need a broken heart.”

It was my turn to cross my arms and study him. “What makes you think I am going to break her heart?"

He threw his head back and laughed but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re my best friend.”

“Aw, how sweet.”

“But the ladies call you ‘Love ’em n’ Leave ’em Levi’. Just don’t hurt my sister.” He turned and stomped out of the barn, just as the words died on my tongue.

But that’s not the real me.

 

The Billionaire's Dog Walker Scene 6

Hi Guys! Hope you are doing great! To read the previous scene's check below!Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3Scene 4Scene 5
Scene 6

 

I shoved the phone into my pocket after leaving Trevor a voice mail. The bulldog followed me across the wet grass as my tennis shoes squished with each step. The bottom of my pant leg quickly became soaked with moisture from the recent rainfall, and the wind pushed against me, bringing in the scent of Lake Michigan. I huddled into my sweatshirt and shivered slightly. The sidewalk was several paces away, and once we were there, it would be a short walk to the bulldog's home. I tugged on his leash, encouraging him to step a little faster. Maybe I'd get him home sooner and have time to run home to change before my next appointment. I hated walking dogs in wet clothes. Yuck! A shiver ran through me. Brrr…the wind cut right through me when I was wet.

 

I rounded the corner to reach the sidewalk when, I heard a soft clicking coming from the bushes. I stopped in my tracks as the bulldog bumped into the back of my calves. He pricked his ears up toward the bushes and let out a low growl.

 

"What's in there boy?" I asked.

 

I took a step closer, and a man jumped out of the bushes with a large camera slung around his neck. The shutter clicked a few more times before he sprinted down the sidewalk ahead of me and dodge around the corner.

 

"Oh no," I muttered, "this is not good." We continued to the bulldog's home as I tried to control the shaking again. Only this time it was not from the cold. I knew I should've not gone to that gala, but his blue eyes convinced me and now it was going to blow everything up.

 

I dropped off the bulldog and walked the couple blocks to my apartment building. I glanced around but couldn't find anyone loitering or looking suspicious. I didn't live in a neighborhood that people liked to hang around in. I closed the door firmly behind me before pulling out my phone. Taking a deep breath, I punched in the numbers for the only person I had memorized but didn't want to call.

 

He answered on the first ring.

 

"Have you been found already?" His low voice growled instead of a greeting. "Didn't we go over the rules well enough."

 

"Yes, but…" Panic wound it's way through me as he interrupted me.

 

"Doc, you are a very bright woman, but these men that want you dead aren't going to stop until they are behind bars. And even then it may not stop." He sighed on the line. "What did you do?"

 

"I went to a gala last night." I hiccupped a sob. "I didn't think there would be reporters there, and I made the entertainment section this morning."

 

"Doc." He sounded exasperated.

 

"I know but the ones back home were never covered by reporters, especially no name guests."

 

I could hear him tapping the end of his pencil on his desk as he thought, a nervous habit he'd developed as he tried to think.

 

"Who were you with?" The tapping stopped and his chair squeaked.

 

"Um, Trevor Donne."

 

An expletive came through the line before he started to laugh. "You always seem to find the most interesting people." He laughed some more, but I wasn't sure it was in a good or bad sort of way. "Let's meet in an hour with Mr. Donne at that little coffee shop on your block."

 

"Okay," I said hesitantly. The Latte Service wasn't the type of place I'd picture Trevor in, and I wasn't sure how the deputy knew him.

 

"And, Doc, stay low until then." The phone went quiet in my ear.

Sunnydale Saturday: My Cowboy Crush Chapter 3

Hey guys,
Welcome back for Chapter 3 of My Cowboy Crush. If you missed Chapter 1 and 2, follow this link. Chapter 4 will be posted next week Saturday. If you enjoy it, it is on sale right now where you buy your ebooks (Buy Me). It is also free on Smashwords for the month of July. Follow the link on the side bar!

Chapter 3 Levi

“Well, I think that's it for the park shots.” She consulted the binder and the notebook that she was carrying. “Onto the wedding chapel, do you know where that is?”

“Yep, I sure do.”

I made my way to Katie. I grasped her small hand in mine and led her across the green grass of the meadow to the little white chapel hidden behind some evergreen trees. Her hand was warm and soft in mine. They were stained a little bit at the tips of the fingers. I was about to rub my thumb over hers when a gasp escaped her lips.

“Oh, it's so romantic.” Her eyes lit up and she dropped my hand like a hot potato.

Her jean-clad legs carried her through the front door. They hugged her perfect curves as if they were painted on. My hand ran through my hair before I followed her. The little chapel had large stained-glass windows with designs of flowers and animals that let the light streak across the floor. White folding chairs had been placed in rows leading up to the archway filled with balloons. I leaned against the wall as she took the area in.

“I don't get it. Where is Annie going to get ready before the wedding?”

“At the pavilion. She and her girls are going to get dressed, and, I guess, take pre-wedding photos. Then, a carriage will take them up to the chapel.”

“How romantic.” She pulled up her very large camera from around her and took some pictures. “Lightning in here is odd.” She scrunched up her nose. “I’m not exactly sure, but I think I'll have to get you to set up some lights in the corners for the shots of the ceremony.”

I grunted in response. I was mesmerized by the concentration on her face.

“I want you to go to the front and stand there like you are getting married yourself.”

She was looking through the viewfinder in her camera and didn't see me smirk at her. My boot heels clicked along the wooden floor as I made my way up to the archway of ivory and white balloons. I thought about if I’d ever had the desire to get married. I closed my eyes for a moment. There stood Katie in my dreams with a white dress. Her long curly hair pulled up into some sort of fancy updo. She walked down the aisle on the arm of her daddy, carrying a large bouquet of whitish flowers. Wow, where did that come from? I hadn’t seen her in several years, and only spent the last couple of hours with her. I mentally shook myself and opened my eyes. Katie was busy snapping shots of the room from the middle of the aisle, over in the corner, and another where the couple would be standing. She was so engrossed with her photography that she seemed not even to know that I exist. It allowed me to check her out freely. Her golden hair was pulled back into a bouncy ponytail. A white blouse with blue flowers gapped when she crouched down. She grew into a beautiful woman. When did that happen? 

Katie glanced around the inside of the building until her gaze settled on a platform raised in the air. There was a rickety old ladder that led up to the platform.

“I need to get up there. I think I can get some absolutely fabulous pictures from there.” She waved her hand at it before settling her camera against her chest.

“I'm not sure that is a safe idea.” I scratched my head.

I studied the platform. It probably hadn’t been used in years. Sunlight showed through the gaps in the boards where they had rotted away. Katie was already on her way up the ladder. She climbed up hand over hand, grasping each wooden rung of the ladder. I rushed to her side from across the room just as she put her foot on the next stop. A loud crack sounded throughout the room. She let out a cry as she fell back toward the floor. My arms reached out and caught her. She felt warm and soft in my arms as I held her close to my body. My heart thundered in my chest. Her yellow locks fell across my shoulder. Her big blue eyes widened as she searched my face. My heart pounded as my chest constricted. My mind blanked. Her lips parted with a little gasp. I leaned in close. My lips closed the distance to her lips, as the door swung open.

“What are two doing?” Annie stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips.

Annie’s skirt swung against her legs. She lifted an eyebrow as a smile fought for purchase on her face. She broke the spell over Katie and me. I froze for a minute before I set her feet back on the floor.  

“We’re going over the chapel, just like you wanted.” My voice sounded odd to my ears as my throat was thick.

“Sure, you were,” Annie smirked. “Looked like more than that.”

Katie backed into the shadows where she straightened her blouse. She continued to stare at her feet as a bright flush colored her cheeks. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before pulling her shoulders back. Boy, did she look beautiful. Annie threw looks between the two of us. 

“So, nothing at all is going on.”

“That's right,” Katie said. “I was just taking pictures to get ready for your wedding.” She fiddled with the strap of her camera. She seemed to shrink into herself.

“Well, it's almost time for the rehearsal dinner. I need to get ready.” Annie spun on her heel and strode out the door.

“I didn’t...” I ran my fingers through my hair. 

Katie interrupted me. “Never mind, it's all right.” She hurried out the door after Annie.

Katie

That was a close one. My lips were inches away from his. The high schooler inside of me was about to scream with joy; while, the grown woman part of me was shaking in her shoes. Breath, Katie. Just like your counselor said. I murmured to myself as I made my way to my truck. My anxiety was skyrocketing. It felt like a basketball was thumping around in my chest. What was I thinking? Almost kissing Levi. He was known to be a ladies’ man. My brother, Kaleb, told me he had a new girl every weekend. That would be the last thing I needed would be to fall for him. I had to protect my heart better.

#####

I reached my truck and looked at the itinerary for the wedding as I sat in the front seat. The wedding walk through and rehearsal dinner didn't start for another two hours. That's just enough time to drive home to see my mom.

It had been a long five years since I drove up the long winding driveway to my family's ranch. The ranch horses were in the field to my left; they frolicked around after a long day of work. A white Appaloosa with large black spots led the herd around the field before rearing. I stopped my car to take a few shots of him. He was magnificent.  As I continued up the drive, my car bumped through the last pothole before pulling up to the wraparound porch at our family's home. I grabbed my cameras, laptop, and duffle bag and climbed up the steps.

Mama was in the kitchen. Pots and pans clanked together in the sink. A pot of chili bubbled on the stove.

“That smells delicious.” I grabbed a spoon from the dish rack by the sink and swiped some chili. The spicy chili and garlic flavor burst over my tongue. I groaned. I missed Texas chili.

“Katie!” Mama set down her knife and turned it to me. “I didn't even hear you pull in.” She crossed the kitchen to wrap me in a large hug. “It’s been too long since you've been home.”

“I know, Mama.” The guilt inside my chest bubbled just like the chili in the pot on the stove.

She held me back at arm's length inspected me from head to toe. “You've changed a lot since from that Gothic teenager I sent to college.” She smiled and her eyes were shining with unshed tears. She pulled me back into her embrace. “Oh how, I’ve missed you.”

We stayed like that for a few minutes. Tears prickled in the corners of my eyes. I missed my Mama, too. Being home was comfortable. The smell of chili and cornbread filled the kitchen and my heart. I loved my parents and I could never tell them that I needed to go away for myself. I needed to prove to myself I could be successful on my own. I had to free myself from the anxiety that crippled me most of my life. The only way to do that was to throw myself into a life that was different from the ranch and Sunnydale.

Mama went back to cutting up cornbread. “Tell me, how is Denver treating you?”

“It's good." I shrugged. "I’ve several pieces in galleries around Colorado, but you know that. Did you get the email with the pictures I sent you?”

“I did. Your daddy and I are very proud of you.” She beamed at me from the counter. “And that is why I’m not surprised that Annie asked you to take pictures of her wedding.”

The smile on my face drooped at the mention of what I had to do this evening. She noticed and patted my hand.

“You'll do well. I'm sure of it. We've been bragging to all of our friends about our famous daughter, the photographer.”

A blush crept up my neck. Unshed tears escaped my eyes and rolled down my cheeks.

“Thank you, Mama,” I hugged her again.

“You should probably go see your daddy before you go back to town. He's in the barn with Kaleb feeding the horses.”

I set my things down in my room, kissed her on the cheek as I went back through the kitchen, and snagged a hunk of cornbread on my way to the barn.

The barn door swung open with a creak. Some things never changed. Daddy was sitting at his desk in the office, pounding away on his keyboard. I made my way down the barn aisle. A soft white nose nudged me as I walked past her stall.

“Buttercup!”

Her whiskers tickled the palm of my hand as I fed her the rest of the piece of cornbread. She lipped my hand looking for more and nickered a throaty sound. Her big brown eyes pierced my soul.

“Don’t be greedy. I’ll bring you some carrots tomorrow morning.” I whispered into her ear.

I proceeded down to his office and knocked on the door frame. Daddy was a big man with a full head of grey hair that was bleached white by the sun. His skin showed the evidence that he’d worked outside every day of his life. Seeing my family for the first time in years, drug up emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time. Again, tears swam in my eyes when he looked up. A giant smile broke across his face and he hurried around his desk.

“Baby! My world traveler is home.” He wrapped me into a bear hug that lifted my feet off the hard-packed clay.

“Daddy, I’ve missed you so much.” I buried my face in his red flannel shirt. He smelled of fresh-cut hay and horses. After a minute, he set me down.

“Let me see you.” He stepped back and looked me up and down. “My little girl has all grown up.” His voice got rougher as he patted the top of my head. His eyes were bright with tears.

“Daddy, don’t do that I am going to cry.” I wiped at a lone tear rolling down my cheek.

"What’s with all the crying?” A deep male voice sounded behind me.

“Kaleb!” I launched myself at my oldest brother. He was as tall and broad as my daddy but his hair was blonde and curly like mine. It stuck out at odd angles underneath his cowboy hat. His dark blue eyes twinkled as he swung me around.

“The little brat has finally decided to come home.” He set me down and ruffled the top of my head.

“I’m not a brat.” I playfully punched him on the arm.

“Ouch.” He rubbed the bicep I hit with a fake frown on his face. “I’m telling Mom.” I rolled my eyes at him and he winked back at me.

“Your momma said that Annie talked you into being the wedding photographer.” Daddy said.

“Yah,” I looked at the toe of my sandal and scuffed it in the dirt. When I looked up, both men were looking at me. They had their arms crossed and were leaning against the wall, exact mirror images of each other. My cheeks flushed and my heart raced. “I don’t do people.” I threw my hands up in the air. “My photography is all landscapes and nature. What if I blow it?”

“Baby, you’re going to do great. You plan everything out. It’s just your anxiety kicking in.” Daddy smiled at me softly.

“Levi said something like that earlier today.” I pushed my hair out of my face.

“He’s right.” Daddy said. “I’d better go get ready for this shindig as I’m the one marrying those two love birds.” He squeezed my shoulder as he walked past. “I’m happy you’re home, Baby.”

An awkward silence filled the barn until the door swung shut, leaving me and Kaleb sharing the same space. He regarded me with a weird expression on his face. I glanced around the small office and turned to leave

“Wait a minute.” Kaleb broke in. “When did you see Levi?”

“Annie assigned him as my assistant.”

Kaleb leveled a glare that caused me to blush under his scrutiny. He leaned toward me. “Stay away from him, Katie.” He whispered in my ear.

“Why? He’s your best friend.” I whispered back. How dare he tell me who I am going to hang out with! Heat rose up my neck and ears. What was he talking about?

“And I know him better than most. He’s not the type to have a steady girlfriend. I don’t want to kill my best friend when he breaks your heart.” He growled before storming away.

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The Billionaire's Dog Walker Scene 5

Hi Everyone,

This prompt was done for Grammy's Grid. She has a prompt posted each month where you can write whatever micro, flash, or short fiction. It's a lot of fun! Check it out!

 

You can read Scenes 1-4 HERE
The Billionaire's Dog Walker Scene 5

The children stared as the sky just as a crack of lightening jumped from cloud to cloud. They screamed and shouted before running for cover. I gently tugged on the leash of the elderly bull dog who was busy sniffing a fire hydrant.

"Come on boy," I urged, "we are about to get dumped on."

In the corner of the park was a shelter, I trained my eyes on it and whispered encouraging words to the old dog. We jogged slowly across the grass as another loud crash and flash of light pierced the air. The dog picked up his  pace to a lumbering lope as the sky opened up and drenched us.

By the time we made it to the shelter, my teeth were chattering and my socks squishing in my shoes with every step. A bunch of people were already gathered underneath the overhang as the rain continued to pour. A couple with two small children were talking softly in the corner. The tennis players were bouncing a ball back and forth between them, and a man leaned against the wall reading the morning paper. I threw my soggy coffee cup in the trash can and fluffed out my hair. The bull dog leaned against my legs, quivering with each rumble of thunder. The man with the newspaper set the entertainment section down on the ledge he leaned against. A large artic gust blew into the shelter, sweeping the paper off the edge until it fluttered to the ground.

A loud boom covered my gasp as I saw the entertainment front page. It was a picture of me and Mr. Donne at the gala last night. The wind blew the sheet of newspaper over and it stopped against my leg. I picked it up. There was a picture of Mr. Donne and I walking into the gala from the back. The headline read: Chicago's Most Eligible Bachelor Brings Mystery Date to Historical Society Gala. I quickly folded it back up to hand it back to the man to find him staring at me awkwardly.

"I'm done reading that section if you want it," he said with a frown.

"Thanks," I turned away from him to scan the rest of the article. Luckily there were no frontal or side profile pictures of me and, really, I only had a couple of paragraphs dedicated to finding out who I was. Evidently, it wasn't uncommon for him to hire a date. I blew out a sigh of relief as I folded the paper. My skin got that crawling feeling that I turned around to find the man staring at me. I handed back the paper, hoping the blush wasn't obvious on my cheeks.

"No problem," he frowned again before folding his paper neatly and placing it into his suitcase. He then walked out into the rain.

A sinking feeling settled in my stomach as I tried to dial Trevor's number with my shaking hands.