Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion, page 26

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. 
BACK TO TUESDAY TALES MY WEBSITE

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.

 Return to TUESDAY TALES HERE My website Thanks for stopping by!

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. 
BACK TO TUESDAY TALES
MY WEBSITE

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!
My website

TUESDAY TALES - PICTURE PROMPT

Welcome to Tuesday Tales. This week we have a picture prompt. Here's the photo and the continuation of Buddy's story in First & Ten. Today we see things from Emmie's perspective.

“Pull over,” Emmie said, rising from her comfy seat on the tour bus.
“It’s bad enough you had us take this stupid road. Now you wanna stop?” Her manager, Stash, blocked her way. The bus slowed.“Yeah. In front of that barn.” Emmie grinned.
“You call that a barn? It looks more like a group outhouse.”
“Be quiet, Stash.”
The bus pulled into a nearby driveway. The driver opened the door
“Here you go, Miss Emerald.”
“Five minutes! You’ve got five minutes!” Emmie was on the ground heading for the building before Stash could utter another word. She tramped through the tall weeds, running her hand along the rough side where paint peeled.
It hasn’t changed. Her mind drifted back to college days at Kensington State. In those days she was just “Emmie, Buddy’s girl.” She and Buddy would steal away sometimes when he didn’t have football practice. His wheezy, old car took them here. Emmie packed a picnic. They’d eat and share their dreams by the banks of the river.
The first time it rained, they took shelter in the old barn. Buddy made love to her there. She sighed at the memory of his tender touch. 
“No one makes love like Buddy,” she mumbled to no one. One peek inside and she spied their initials, where Buddy had scratched them into the wood. The barn became their secret place to be alone. 
The crunching of someone pushing through dried brush took her attention.
“What’s so great about this dump, anyway?” Stash asked, a freshly lit cigarette dangling from his mouth.
“You wouldn’t understand.”
"It’s Buddy, isn’t it?”
"You don't get it."
"Puppy love," he snorted.
She raised her hand to slap him, but Stash was too quick. He clutched her wrist and squeezed. 
"You're hurting me."
"Tough."
BACK TO TUESDAY TALES HERE
MY WEBSITE

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "CURLY"

 Welcome! This week's prompt "curly" fits into Buddy Carruthers story in the First & Ten series. Take a look. Don't forget to return to Tuesday Tales and read the wonderful other stories there. ****** The cheerleaders, referred to as The Connecticut Queens, were practicing on the field while the team was warming up. Buddy was dating Christy Mather, a cheerleader for the past three years. Blonde, with long, curly hair, she was gorgeous.
They had been going out for three months. But it was a “no strings” relationship. Buddy insisted on that. He’d never gotten his heart back from Emmie. How could he give what he no longer owned? Christy had seemed content in the beginning, but he noticed her shift, trying to get closer to him.
The two teams broke for lunch. Christy found Buddy before he hit the locker room.“My folks are coming for the weekend. Dad’s gonna take us out to Manny’s Steakhouse. Wanna come?” She batted her eyes at him and wagged her adorable rear end, like a puppy, anxious to be petted. Hey, Buddy’d pet her, but not in public.
“Can’t this weekend.”
“Oh? We don’t go on the road until next weekend.”
“Yeah. But I’ve got plans. Tell ‘em thanks, and I’m sorry.” Buddy headed for the safety of the locker room.
“You said the same thing last time.” Christy tugged on his arm.
Buddy pulled her aside, walking out of earshot of the others.
“I told you, this isn’t serious. I don’t meet family unless I’m serious.”
“It’s been three months, Buddy.”
“I guess you didn’t believe me.”
“I thought you just needed time.”
“Space. I need space. I like you a lot, Christy. We have fun together. But I’m not looking to settle down.”
She made a face. “When will you be?”

When Emerald becomes Emmie again. “I don’t know. Maybe never.
Don’t wait for me. You’re a beautiful girl. Find someone who wants what you want. It isn’t me.” He cupped her cheek, staring into her eyes. “Buddy…you’ve been...”
“Don’t go there.”
“But I thought…”
“I told you. Flat out. No commitment.”
She frowned at him. “I can’t help it, Buddy. I’m in love with you.”
“Gotta go.” Buddy brushed her cheek with his lips. Are you in love with me or the millions I’m making? One knee blow-out and it could all be over. Would you still be in love with me?
Buddy trotted to the locker room and stripped off his uniform.

RETURN TO TUESDAY TALES HERE MY WEBSITE

TUESDAY TALES - FOOTBALL ROMANCE

 Welcome! Tuesday Tales are back! Here's a snippet from my new football romance series, coming in 2015, called First & Ten. This is the story of Aloyisius "Buddy" Carruthers.*****    Buddy turned to his favorite page in the scrapbook. The one with the picture of Emmie and him at the junior prom. She wore a green ribbon in her long dark hair. He rubbed his fingers together, remembering the feel of the ribbon. The color matched her eyes. “Emerald” was his nickname for her because her eyes were the color of the fine gem. She was the funniest, sweetest, most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. And she could sing like an angel. 

   Now she was the famous rock star called “Emerald”. He hadn’t seen her since college graduation, five years ago. She’d shot to the top like a rocket. With her talent and looks, he wasn’t surprised. He glanced at his cell and closed the book. It was almost time for training camp. He placed it on a shelf and sat down at the computer.
   One look at Fb first. He went to the Buddy Carruthers page. Sure enough there were at least four more posts with sexy pictures of women he didn’t know attached. The ones that were too revealing, he deleted quickly, if reluctantly.      A star running back for the Connecticut Kings, he was in demand with the ladies.
And Buddy didn’t disappoint. He had a girlfriend in every town. But not the  one he wanted, Emmie. They spent every moment together in college. But it ended badly. She went her way and he went his. Now he lived with regret, he let her get away.
   He closed his computer, grabbed his car keys, fed his fish and his cat, Scruffy, before heading for his car. He put the Miata in gear and roared down the winding road to the stadium. Football was his first love. But it didn’t fill the space in his heart he had given to Emmie Baxter so long ago.
   “Carruthers, get your ass out here,” Coach Bass called.
   “Coming, Coach.” Buddy slammed his locker shut, hiding the picture of Emmie he’d taped to the back. With a sigh and a smile, he joined his teammates on the field. Back to Tuesday Tales                                      My website

FAMOUS LEFTIES - QUIZ!

                                 LEFTIES  -- GOOD OR EVIL? WEIRD OR CREATIVE?
 Yes, I admit it, I'm left-handed. When I was a kid, I looked up the word sinister, which comes from the French "sinistre" or LEFT-HANDED! That's right, the definition of sinister in French isn't evil, it's left-handed! In school, left-handers dealt with modern desks created for right-handed students. We were taught to bat rightie, golf rightie and play tennis rightie. Wasn't being leftie ever going to be good? Not according to myth. Did you know?
1. In India and Indonesia, eating with the left hand is considered impolite.
 2. Chinese characters prove extremely difficult to write with the left hand. 
3.Getting out of bed with the left foot first means that you will have a bad day and be bad tempered . i.e. getting out of bed on the wrong side. 4. An itchy right palm means that you will receive money. An itchy left palm means you will have to give money. Getting out of bed with the left foot first means that you will have a bad day and be bad tempered . i.e. getting out of bed the wrong side. - See more at: http://www.anythinglefthanded.co.uk/l... out of bed with the left foot first means that you will have a bad day and be bad tempered . i.e. getting out of bed the wrong side. - See more at: http://www.anythinglefthanded.co.uk/l... out of bed with the left foot first means that you will have a bad day and be bad tempered . i.e. getting out of bed the wrong side. - See more at: http://www.anythinglefthanded.co.uk/l... out of bed with the left foot first means that you will have a bad day and be bad tempered . i.e. getting out of bed the wrong side. - See more at: http://www.anythinglefthanded.co.uk/l... QUIZ! Lots of famous people are left-handed. Which one  in each of these trios is left-handed?1)  Presidents: Herbert Hoover, John Adams or Millard Fillmore?2) Novelists: W.H. Auden, Lewis Carroll or Mary Shelley?    3) Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Dan Ackroyd or Paul Rudd?4) Actresses: Bette Midler, Kate Blanchett or Goldie Hawn?5) Comedians: Howie Mandel, Jay Leno or Jerry Seinfeld? Leave one "guess" + your email in a comment and I'll pick two people at random on Sunday to choose from any of my ebooks. Here are a couple of covers.

 

   A few morefamous, left-handed folks: Harry Truman, Bill Clinton, Diane Keaton, Matthew Broderick, Greta Garbo, H.G. Wells, Betty Grable, Cary Grant, Peter Graves, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert DeNiro, Peter Fonda, to name a few.

MEET MIRANDA!

Meet Miranda Bradford, heroine of TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE.  
    She works two jobs: walking dogs to put food on the table and writing plays, her first love. Miranda is the daughter of Shaw Bradford, the late, famous Shakespearean actor, and his wife, Susan, a nurse. 
   Miranda, or Mira, to her friends and family, is a strong woman. Life has not been easy for them, since her father died. She was seventeen at the time. He had been her idol and she had been devastated. When her mother went back to work, Miranda had to turn down a scholarship and go to college in NYC, so she could look out for her little sister, who was twelve.
   Miranda is a beautiful woman, with raven hair and bright blue/green eyes. Her mother suffers from emphysema. Since her sister is in design school, Mira takes care of her mother after the dog walking duties are over. They are close, but also drive each other a little crazy at times. 
   Miranda can't stay overnight at a guy's house as she's afraid to leave her mom alone, so men frequently wander away when they see her family "baggage." Then Miranda meets Penn. 
He's handsome, wealthy and attentive. She finds him sweet. He appears taken with her, and understands about her life. In fact he comments on how much he admires her devotion to her family and that she's such a giving person. 
All goes well until a secret is revealed, blowing the couple apart. What happens next? You'll have to read the book to find out. Here's a snippet to whet your appetite.


“You’ve shaved and even used aftershave. Running into me was no accident.” He blushed bright red. “Caught.” “I think it’s cute.” “Cute? Ouch. You really know how to hurt a guy.” “Sorry.” “See if you think this is cute,” he said, engulfing her in a strong embrace while he kissed her silly, his tongue demanding entrance, his arms holding her tight. When he broke, she gasped for air. A slow, sensuous grin crossed his lips. “Cute?” “Earth shattering.” “You might say,” he said, chuckling. Miranda licked her lips. “Remind me to call you cute again real soon.” Find all buy link for To Love or Not to Love HERE . Thank you for stopping by!    My website

MEET MIRANDA, PENN AND ROMEO AND JULIET! TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE -- NEW RELEASE

I'd like to share my new release with you. If you like love, romance and pugs, this series is for you.
TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE

A varied and rich story about a young, hard-working woman and the wealthy, lonely, young man she meets. 
Drawn together by dogs and laughter, Miranda and Penn fall in love. Until they each discover the true identity of the other. Then love sours. Or does it? 

Here are a few excerpts.


She held the dogs while he knelt down and cleaned her wound. His long fingers gently washed off the lather with a wet towel and then dried the gash. Bruising and swelling had already begun. He tried to keep his attention focused on her knee, but managed to steal a peek at her chest when she leaned forward.  ****
Maggie, John’s wife and Penn’s cook and housekeeper, came in to clear out the dishes.
“Looks like Penn has a new girlfriend,” John said, training the binoculars on the park.
“And you’re spying on him?” Maggie asked him, reaching for them.
“Just to get a glimpse of her.” John moved out of her range.
“Now, now, give me those. The poor lad is entitled to privacy.”
“Hope he doesn’t muck it up this time.”
“You have no faith in our boy.” Maggie put Penn’s empty mug inside the small bowl.
“Wish I did,” John said, still searching. Maggie pulled on his arm. “Come in now. You’ll meet her soon enough if he takes her out.”“I suppose,” John said, putting down the glasses and helping his wife remove the dishes.“I’m praying Uncle Alfred doesn’t stick his nose in.” Maggie turned on the water in the kitchen sink.“Everyone’s a fortune hunter in his eyes, unless she’s got millions of her own.” Maggie chuckled. “And if she does, she’s boring as dirt.”
 **** She took a sip and looked up as Penn brought his mouth to hers. His hand on her waist pulled her closer to him. She put the glass down on a table, almost upsetting it to put her arms around his neck. His fingers stroked the soft silk of the back of her camisole as his tongue invaded her mouth, exploring, coaxing, seducing, creating heat. Then, she took a deep breath and stepped away.
“Do you always start with dessert?” she teased, moving back to the railing, running her tongue over her bottom lip, watching him.
He laughed. “Is that a promise?”
“No promises,” she shot back, turning her eyes to the view again.
He walked over to stand behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. His touch on her cool flesh warmed more than her skin. He gently slid the delicate camisole strap down and bent, kissing her where it had lain. His cupped her shoulder while he inched his fingers down her chest until they rested on the exposed top of her breast. Desire raced through her veins, pooling between her legs. Want to read more? You can find the ebook here:
AMAZON BARNES & NOBLE ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS SMASHWORDS   SECRET CRAVINGS PUBLISHING
THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY.  MY WEBSITE MY FREE BOOKS