Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion, page 25

TUESDAY TALES - WRITING TO THE PROMPT "STUFFED"

Welcome! Thanks for stopping by. This is a scene from my new series, First & Ten. This is wide receiver, Buddy Carruther's, story. You'll be seeing Buddy and his mom here. Hope you like it. Feel free to lave a comment. Back to Tuesday Tales HERE  
“Twenty grand?”“It’s your money, Buddy. You’ve earned it.”
He rolled the card over and over, staring at it.
“Just don’t lose it.”
“I won’t, Ma,” he replied, reaching into his back pocket for his wallet.
 “You’re not just skirt chasing, are you?” She glanced up from her task.“This is serious.”
“Good. ‘Cause you’ve done enough of that. Time to settle down. You’re almost twenty-eight.”
“I know. She’s the one I’ve been waiting for.”
“I always liked Emmy. A shy one, but smart.”
“Yeah. She’s still great. This time I’m not going to be a jerk.”
“Well for Christ’s sake, I hope not!” Verna gave her head a brief shake. “Dinner’s ready. Wash up.”
Buddy washed his hands in the kitchen, then returned. He sat down and bowed his head while his mother said grace. One slice into the meat told him it was done just the way he liked it.
“Ma, you’re incredible, you know that?” He stuffed a piece of steak into his mouth.
Verna blushed and sliced hers into smaller pieces. “Aw, Buddy.”
“No. Really. You are.” He squeezed her hand.
“I only want you to be happy.”
“I am, Ma. I am. And when Emmy and I get together, life will be complete.”
“Wish your dad could have been here to see your success.”
“Me, too.”  
Verna teared up for a moment. She fanned the air in front of her face for a second, then smiled. “You’re the best son in the world.”
Buddy grinned. They don’t make them like her anymore.
Verna dug into her salad. “So tell me. What’s the strategy for getting around the Nevada Gamblers?”

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TUESDAY TALES - STARK

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is "stark". We return to the story of Buddy Carruthers, Wide Receiver for the Connecticut Kings and Emmy Meacham, known today as "Emerald" They meet for the first time in college. Be sure to return to read the awesome works by the other Tuesday Tales writers, HERE .
********* 
Buddy liked to take an early morning swim before football practice.In college, he’d sneak out to a local pond at six, shed his clothes and quietly lower himself, stark naked, into the cool water. 
While his buddies were sleeping off the alcohol from the night before, Buddy was doing his “fish exercises” as he called the Australian Crawl.  The campus was sleeping when Buddy cut through the water with a smooth, expert stroke. A few strains from a guitar stopped him short. He glanced at the small dock and spotted a young woman sitting against a tree, strumming. 
She played the folk song, “500 Miles” and sang softly, keeping her gaze on the strings. When she was done, his voice broke the quiet.
“Nice. Where’d you learn to play?”
His gaze swept over her T-shirt, skirt and bare leg. Nice body.
She looked up. “Lessons. I’m a music major.”
“I’m an education major.”
Her soft brown eyes drew his attention.
She made a derisive snort. “Figures.
You’re a jock, right?”
“Football.”
She put the instrument aside and stood up.
“Don’t leave. Play some more.”
“Why?”
“I like it.” He started to climb the ladder, but stopped when he remembered he was naked. “Can you throw me my clothes?”
She did and turned around. Buddy scrambled up the ladder and dressed in a flash.
“I’m Buddy Carruthers.” He put out his hand.
“Emmy Meacham.” But she didn’t offer hers.
“One of those snobs? Too good for an athlete?” His eyes narrowed and his jaw stiffened.
Her gaze dropped. “I didn’t mean that. It’s just that athletes are out for one thing.”
“Oh?” He cocked an eyebrow. “You don’t even know me and you think I only want to sleep with you?”
“Don’t you?” She stare back at him.
“What man wouldn’t?”
“I thought so.” She turned, but Buddy grabbed her by the elbow.
“Hey. Wait a minute. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to get to know you.”
“I’m working to pay for school. I don’t have time for heartbreaking romeos.”
“I’d never break your heart.”
“Yeah? Wanna bet?” She placed her hands on her hips.
“Give me a chance.”
“Why should I?” Her lips puckered up into a pout that he found irresistible.
Buddy kissed her quickly, then would her arm through his.
“Tell me your life story over breakfast.” He steered them toward the student union.


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A WALK THROUGH CENTRAL PARK WITH ME

Welcome, thanks for coming. Here are some of my latest photos of Central Park. It's stunning this time of year and I'm so happy to share it with you. Let me leash up Homer to walk with us and enjoy the colorful scenery.
Another turret of The Museum of Natural History

















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PICTURE PROMPT WEEK! Welcome! It's picture pr...

 PICTURE PROMPT WEEK!  Welcome! It's picture prompt week this week. That means only 300 words, too. Don't forget to visit the rest of the talented Tuesday Tales authors, scroll down for the link.  Giselle wrapped her fingers around the large mug of hot chocolate and stared into the fire. The Will Benson she had loved didn't exist anymore. Mesmerized by the dancing flames, her mind drifted back to five years ago, and lazy summer Saturdays spent with him.    The old house they believed was haunted when they were kids had become a place to hang out, to hide from prying, adult eyes. Giselle and Will would slip on bathing suits, go for a swim, then dry off in the house. Sometimes they made love there. She smiled as she remembered losing her virginity to Will in the old house when she was seventeen.      He had been so sweet, careful and sensitive to her feelings. He never pushed her. But her natural desire for him urged her along, trusting her most precious possession to him.     She tried not to be shy, but didn't quite succeed. He turned his back as she got undressed, then tossed her his shirt.     "Are you sure you want to do this? You don't have to. You'll still be my girl."    "Will."    "I don't want you to have regrets."    She had shut him up with a kiss and rest was history.      What had happened to destroy that wonderful young man and put this angry soul in his place? Giselle wanted to be the key that unlocked the door to the Will Benson she loved.    The creak of the rusty hinges alerted her. She shifted under the blanket. Will crouched down. He combed her hair back from her face with his fingers. She palmed his cheek.TU    "Are you real?"    His smile was dazzling. "I will be if you convince me you're not leaving."    When a log let out a loud crack, she awoke with a start. She was alone. MORE TUESDAY TALES
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TUESDAY TALES - FLOWER

Welcome! Thanks for stopping by. This week the word prompt is "flower". We return to the First & Ten series and Buddy Carruthers story. We meet up with Emmy, his old college girlfriend again.

********
“Time to get up.”
She rolled over, waving Shady away. “Not yet.”“Now. We’ve got to get to Houston today.”
“No.”He pulled the covers off her and threw them on the floor. “Dammit, I said now!”

She frowned and forced herself to sit up. “I was having the best dream.”“Yeah? Dreamin’ about fuckin’ the next Grammy winner?”
“My dreams aren’t raunchy like yours.” She slid her legs over the side and pushed to her feet.“Get dressed. Pack. We’ve gotta leave.”
“Good thing you’re not a doctor. Your bedside manner stinks,” she said.“I’m better in bed than next to it.”
That’s what you think. In an hour, Emmy was sitting by the window of her comfortable tour bus as it rolled out of New Orleans and headed west. She had a concert in Houston, the next day, then two more in Texas as she sang her way to California.
She leaned back in a plush chair by the window and daydreamed. Wish I could get that dream back. Damn Shady. She’d been dreaming about a house. Funny, but she couldn’t wait to get away from her father and step-mother and their little house in Oak Bend. 
This was a recurring dream about her own farmhouse, with a big garden. There were lots of flowers: orange, bright pink, and white, in her dream. She’d be sitting on the front porch. The curious part was that when the door opened, it wasn’t Shady who joined her. It was Buddy Carruthers, the love of her life who she’d left behind five years ago. She shifted in her seat. I wonder how
Buddy’s doing. Is he still playing football? 
 Shady interrupted her thoughts. “The Connecticut Kings want you to sing the national anthem. Should I toss this?”
“Tell them I will. And set a date.”
Emmy, known as Emerald, smiled. Time to put this dream to rest.

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TUESDAY TALES - PICTURE PROMPT WEEK

 Jo Parker smoothed the silk of her deep purple dress with dry palms. It was one week before training camp. She’d dated sexy Coach Bass a couple of times, but it never went farther than a goodnight kiss. Tonight would be different.
The bodice of her dress was tight. It dipped low and was held up precariously by spaghetti straps. Of course, she wore no bra. She patted her hair, making sure the soft, touchable tendrils of her honey- blonde hair hung down. Her heels were spiked slides, shoes she and her college roommate used to call “fuck me shoes”.
Oh, yes. Coach Bass didn’t stand a chance tonight. Jo Parker was on the prowl and what she wanted, she got.
She pushed open the door of The Savage Beast, and smiled when a blast of cold air hit her. With her nerves on edge, the air conditioning would keep her from sweating.
She sauntered up to the bar, where the Coach was waiting for her. His eyes almost popped out of his head when he saw her. She threw him a saucy smile and slipped onto a stool next to him. His gaze roamed slowly over her curves.
“What would you like?” His voice squeaked.
“Cosmo?”
He ordered, then cleared his throat. She stifled a chuckle. Seemed like her form fitting dress was making the Coach nervous and she enjoyed every minute. When her drink arrived, he toasted her.
“To a beautiful woman. You look amazing. Casey’s for dinner, okay?”
Jo nodded, then leaned over, resting her hand on his thigh, giving him a tantalizing view of her cleavage. He stared at her breasts, while gulping his beer. 
“My place for dessert?” She whispered.  
Coach Bass almost choked on his drink. 
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TUESDAY TALES - FINDING LOVE IN SANTA'S THRIFT SHOP

Welcome. The word prompt this week is "letter". I'm back to posting a favorite story from the past that I am making into a book now. Thank you for stopping by. Please return to the great TT writers via the link below.
At nine o’clock, Santa’s Thrift Shop was empty, except for Giselle and her pug, Charlie. She put down her coffee and opened the envelope. In addition to her five thousand dollar bonus check, there was a letter. She read it carefully.
We’re offering to renew your five year contract, or since you want to
‘put down roots’, as you told me on
our last, meeting, we have another
option. We are expanding our design
business to offer online services.
We want you to head that up. You
could work at home and be
around the ‘special someone’ you alluded to.
Employees like you are rare, Giselle.
We’re hoping you’ll pick one of the two options outlined in this letter.
Have a very merry Christmas and a

happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Bill Stevens
President
Office OriginalsShe didn’t hear the bells over the door tinkle as Will Benson entered.
“You’re here early.” His voice startled her. She jumped in her seat and the letter fell to the floor. He stooped to pick it up. She grabbed for it, but he held it out of her reach, reading it as he raised it above her head.
“Give me my letter, Will.”
“Not until I’ve finished.”
“It’s a federal offense to steal someone’s mail.” Her mouth formed a thin line.
He offered the paper to her.
“You’re some hotshot, eh?”
“I never said that.”
“Your boss thinks so.”
“Maybe.” She turned her back to him.
“Are you going to do it?”
“What?”
He pulled her around to face him.
“Go back to Europe.”
“What do you think I should do?” She cocked an eyebrow at him.
“Why should I care?” He shrugged.
She lost her breath as if he’d punched her in the belly. “You shouldn’t.” She squeaked out,
“That means you’re going to Europe?”
“I’m thinking of taking the online job.”
Silence filled the empty store. Will rested his hand on her cheek for a moment. Her gaze rose to his.
His gray eyes lost their cold, stormy look. His brows rose in a questioning stare. “Am I the special someone?”
“What do you think?” She crossed her arms and shot him a hostile look.
“Don’t play with me,” he said. 
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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "SHORT"

Welcome! Thank you for coming.  The word prompt is "short". This week is a continuation of Buddy Carruther's story. He's a wide receiver who just saw his old, college flame again. This will be Buddy's last week as I get into writing his story in book form. Thank you for coming.
After the Kings’ victory, Buddy, their wide receiver, ran to the stands. He led Emmie to a quiet corner. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” she said, stepping closer to Buddy.
He grinned. Kiss me, baby. 
The sound and the sting of a sharp slap on his cheek stunned him. He fell back a step or two, grabbed his face and stared at her.
“What the fuck was that for?”
Her eyes became sharp, emerald points. “For leaving me. Dumping me. The little nobody, wannabe singer wasn’t good enough for the pro football star, eh? Well who’s not good enough now?”
“What the hell are you talking about? You left me.” His eyes were wide.
“Stash told me you’d say that. And the way you’re whoring around.
I see the gossip columns. You’re sleeping with anything in a “D” cup that breathes. You did me a favor.”She turned to walk away. Buddy grabbed her arm.
“It’s not like that. I’d leave ‘em all behind in a second for another chance with you.”
“Right. Sure. Like I believe that.” But a flush stole into her cheeks.
“Typical Buddy, long on bullshit, short on truth.”
Stash appeared and took her arm. “Come on, Emerald. You don’t have to take his shit.” 
“Oh, I get it. I get it now,” Buddy said, nodding as he rubbed his cheek. “You played us both, Stash, didn’t you?”
“Fuck off, Buddy. You’re history.” 
Buddy grabbed Stash’s collar, and drew back his fist, but Griff called out from the shadows, “Don’t, Buddy. It’s not worth it.”
Buddy spat on the ground. “You’re right, Griff. Drop dead, Stash.” 
The teammates turned and headed for the locker room. One backward glance showed Buddy that Emmie’s brows were knit, her lips compressed in a tight frown.

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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "PRETTY"

Welcome! The prompt is "pretty". We're continuing with Buddy's Carruthers' story in First & Ten, football romance series. Caution: locker room language.

*******

Buddy stood on the field with his hand over his heart, like his mother taught him, waiting for the national anthem. A female trotted out on the field and the crowd went wild. Buddy rubbed his eyes. His brow creased. He stared in disbelief.  “It can’t be.”
Tony Harrison, back-up quarterback stood next to him. “It’s Emerald. Shit, she’s hot.”
Buddy glared at him.
“Fuck it, man, she is. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t bang her.”

Buddy growled, “Shut the fuck up, asshole.”“Okay, like you saw her first?” Tony raised his palms.
“You don’t know how close to the truth you are.”
Emerald began to sing. Both men quieted down. Buddy’s mind raced. A thousand thoughts flew by, like cuts in a music video. He had to see her, talk to her, kiss her pretty mouth. She took her bow, and raised her arms to the crowd. He saw her head for the stands. The Kings won the toss and elected to kick-off. Buddy ran over to the celebrity’s box seats.
“Emmie!” He called. No answer. Asshole. Her name is Emerald now.
“Emerald!” She turned her gaze on him. He lifted off his helmet and took a knee. She gasped, then mouthed his name as their gazes locked.
Buddy’s chest tightened. He could hardly breathe, his heart pumped so fast he could hear it. His palms sweated, like a twelve year old at his first dance. He rose and walked to the railing. She reached out and he clasped her hand in both of his.
“Wait. After the game. Please. I need to see you. Talk to you.”She nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. He lifted her hand to his lips, before returning to the bench. 
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SWEET/HISTORICAL BLOG HOP & GIVEAWAY! GRAND PRIZE, $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

Welcome to the world of sweet romance. All intimacy is behind closed doors for sweet books. I have several. Here are some excerpts from my sweet book with Secret Cravings Publishing, UNDER THE MIDNIGHT MOON. Leave a comment with your email address and be entered to win a copy of the book.

Can a "sweet" book without sex still be hot? Judge for yourself. Here are a couple of  steamy snippets from UNDER THE MIDNIGHT MOON:
He cupped her head with his hand and pulled her lips to his. Her softness melting against him started a fire inside. He wanted more. He wanted it all. With his chest heaving, he eased away from her. Too fast. Too fast. Slow it down. “It’s late. I’ve gotta work tomorrow,” he said, pushing to his feet.
She lowered her lashes and nodded. With his hand under her chin, he tilted her head back so he could see her eyes. “Truth? I’m getting…uh…carried away. I should go.”
“Nice to know chivalry isn’t dead.” She took his hand and pulled herself up to standing.********   “I want you, Mindy. Have from the first time I saw you,” he whispered, his breathing erratic.
“I want you, too,” she said.
“Let’s make love,” he said, burying his face in her neck. Her hands slid over his shoulders and down his back, pulling him down on her. She brought her leg up, her mouth to his ear.
“Yes,” she whispered, closing her eyes.
He ran his hand up from her ankle to her knee to her thigh. Again she gasped. Drew pushed up on his arms away from her. He kissed the tip of her nose then sat up. After pushing to his feet, he extended his hand. She took it, allowing him to pull her upright. He led her upstairs to his bedroom. She closed the door softly behind her.  
 ********    ONE MORE SNIPPET... Scampering up the steps at a good clip, she collided with Drew, who was exiting the bathroom, wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist. Mindy found herself with her hands on his damp, bare chest and embarrassment creeping up her neck. She stared at the firm muscles and the light covering of blond hair between her fingers. Glancing up, she noticed his smooth face. “You shaved.” LEAVE YOUR NAME AND EMAIL IN A COMMENT AND BE ENTERED TO WIN!  
Thank you for coming. Hop to wonderful blogs HERE  and enter to win the Grand Prize - a $25 Amazon gift card!
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