Last week, we left off with Tonya anxious about losing her job due to her ex-boyfriend's harassment. Her friend, Lynne, just invited her to dinner to be the extra woman. She has some reservations about attending, but has agreed to go. Find out how the picture prompt works its way into the story.

EXCERPT

“Can I count on you arriving around seven? Act surprised. Marc doesn’t want him to suspect a fix-up.” She picked up her coffee cup, ready to leave.

“Okay, I can do surprised, especially since this was sprung on me. Why did his fiancée leave him?” If the reason was horrendous, she reserved the right to bail.

Lynne stood in the doorway. “Oh that, decided she wanted to be a man. In fact, she’s already started the process. Instead of being Erika, she’s now a short, slight man going by Eric.”

Tonya watched her friend leave wondering if a natural disaster might get her out of the date. Michelle’s voice cut into her reverie. “Woo wee, sounds like a real winner. A man that causes a woman to rethink her options enough to become a man is no prize.”

Even though Michelle’s words mirrored her own thoughts, she felt the need to defend the unknown man. “Oh it could be she always felt that way. It wasn’t until it came down to getting married that she actually evaluated her feelings about wanting to be a man.” Her explanation sounded feeble to her own ears.

Her co-worker snorted, looked up, waggled her eyebrows, and then, added, “I’m sure you’ll find him fascinating.”

Yeah right, and you weren’t eavesdropping either. “Who knows, he might be a charmer.” She doubted it. “Besides, Marc is a chef.”

Lynne’s husband was an executive chef at one of the trendier restaurants in town. In the end, she’d be more like a bee landing on a delicious flower for a free meal as opposed to meeting another bee.

Today's word is curly. We left Tonya contemplating losing her job.  We start with Lynne entering the office while Tonya is still standing by the file cabinet.

EXCERPT

Lynne, her best friend, wandered into the room. Cradling a large coffee mug, she walked over to Tonya’s desk, resting one hip on the clean surface.  “Hey Chickee, got some news you might like.”

It couldn't be anything worse. Her heels tapped out a rapid tattoo as she crossed to her chair and slid into it. Maybe Lynne had the lowdown on whose jobs stayed. If Michelle’s didn't make the cut, no reason for her to hear via office gossip.

“Alright, Lynne, spill it.” She kept her voice low hoping Lynne would do the same.

Her friend looked thoughtful and placed her cup down. Leaning forward, she softened her voice, but not much. “You still dating that lame-o boyfriend?”

“Which one?” The words popped out of her mouth before she could reconsider them. It earned her a laugh from Michelle, who immediately looked down at her phone.

Lynne raised her arm to make a bicep and patted it. “You know old Hercules, all muscle, but not much brains.”

Oh Brian, she’d almost forgotten the man. Not a bad guy, but not great either. She’d hoped he’d develop this great passion for her. Instead, he’d become more of a growth on her couch rather like an extra-large throw pillow making use of her cable package.

“Oh him, I quit dating him months ago.” Her lips pulled down in a grimace remembering the breakup scene. Awkward, she couldn’t quite make him understand that she didn’t want him coming by to watch her television while she prepared food, more like he didn’t want to understand.

Lynne clapped her hands together. “Glad to hear it.”

Her gaze snapped back to her friend. “You didn’t even know Brian. What do you have against him?” As a happily married woman, her friend showed at best, a cursory interest in her dating life. Not like some of her unhappily married co-workers who imagined  a more exciting love life than she actually had. 

“Well,” Lynne hesitated,  and became preoccupied with grooming her cuticles.

Nervous antics in her collected friend seldom happened. “What’s up? You’re acting peculiar.”

“Um yeah,” Lynne agreed shaking back her curly hair. “Marc, my husband.”

Nodding her head, she interrupted. “I know who Marc is.” Circling her hand, she gestured for her friend to continue.

Lynne responded by sticking out her tongue, before speaking. “Marc invited his friend Will over for dinner.”

This conversation wasn’t making a whole lot of sense, but that could be because Clint's threats preoccupied her. “This concerns me how.”

“Um yeah, that part.” Lynne slipped off the desk and came around to grab Tonya’s hands. “I’m begging you to help me out. I will owe you forever, and then some.”

Her earnest tone worried her. Inhaling deeply, she wondered if she needed one more complication. Still, Lynne was her only real friend at the company. “What’s the favor?”  She crossed her ankles hoping that counted the same as crossing her fingers.

Lynne leaned forward to hug her. She allowed the hug, but asked with her face smashed against her friend’s hair. “I haven’t agreed and you haven’t explained.”

Dropping her arms, her friend managed a strained expression. Holding out both hands, she explained, “It’s like this. I knew Will was coming for dinner tonight. Marc’s worried about him because he’s been down ever since his fiancée dumped him.”

“He should be rejoicing. It’s cheaper than a divorce.” She’d bet good money Will wasn’t threatening the woman who dumped him, then, again, she didn’t know.

Lynne nodded.  “Yes, that’s what Marc told him. Anyhow, he’s sure he's dating poison.  Dinner is supposed to cheer him up. I’m in charge of providing the single woman who will find him fascinating.” She brought both palms together in a prayer-like pose.

Using three fingers, Tonya tapped her own chest. “I’m supposed to find Will fascinating?” She definitely didn’t need this in an already crazy day. The man was probably a power freak or just plain boring.

“Not you, really. I had Lila lined up.”

Lynne’s words conjured up the image of her friend’s little sister, Lila, who currently sported lavender hair and insisted on everyone calling her Lilac. “No offense, Lynne, but your sister is crazy.”

 “True. Same thing Marc said. She’d have loved Will.”

There wasn’t a man Lila didn’t like. Only ones she didn’t know. “What’s the deal with Lila? Is she a no-show?”

“An old boyfriend offered to fly her to Vegas.” Lynne reached for her cup, frowned after tasting it. “Cold.”

“Vegas does sound like a better deal.”  Not exactly, what she wanted to do, but on the bright side, she’d score a free meal.

Set up:
Back in July, we met Tonya who is being harassed by an ex-boyfriend over some sexy photos she made. Her company is already in the lay-off mode and those pictures might be the final straw for her super conservative boss. Her best friend, Lynne, is unaware of her dilemma and tries her hand at matchmaking Tonya with Will, a divorce lawyer.

Today's prompt is ribbon. See if you can find it.


Excerpt

She studied the photo while listening to her co-worker’s grating laughter. Technically, everything was covered, but she looked nude. This wasn’t good. Her boss would fire her for sure. One of the accountant’s calendar with an attractive model in a mini skirt hit the circular file because Phyllis in HR claimed it was sexual harassment.

The lack of laughter had her deleting the photo. A creeping sense of horror had her erasing her history. Richard, the IT manager, informed her he could recover anything up to forty-eight hours if she deleted it. Forty-eight hours. She gulped. Here's hoping Richard's children have full calendars that required both parents driving them to various practices.

Tonya twisted in her chair, crossing and uncrossing her legs. Be rational, think logically, she lectured herself as her rapid breathing slowed. Pushing up out of her chair, she walked to the file cabinet and ruffled the files as if she were looking for something. Action often calmed her, more the thinking ever did.

Michelle breezed into the room. The co-worker’s purse landed on her crowded desk. Michelle searched for an empty place to sit her oversized soda. Shrugging off her coat, it fell onto a brightly colored plastic chair. Michelle pivoted on her stiletto boot heels to greet Tonya.

“Hey girl. Sorry I’m late, but my youngest had…” Her voice drifted off.

Her co-worker’s excuses were endless regarding her lack of punctuality. Her children figured prominently in them. It was odd to stop in the middle of a sentence.            

 “Hello, trouble with the kids, “she pushed out the words hoping her voice sounded ordinary.

“Yeah, something like that.” Michelle responded, not elaborating like she normally would.  “Tonya, you’re as a white as a sheet. I mean I know you’re white and all, but…”

Normally, she might find Michelle’s discomfort amusing, but not today. Especially, since she wasn’t hiding her stress as well as she thought. Oh, she knew Clint’s plan. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t explained it in those first letters. It was a long ribbon of circumstances he’d put into play that would result in tying her to him, a non-consensual bondage scenario. Ironic considering he left her.

The shock of his sudden departure wore off after a couple of months. Lynne’s tired advice about the best way to get over an old man was to get under a new one, worked until Clint decided he wanted her back. Her lips twisted to one side as she considered their conversation. At the time, she might have even been a little happy to hear from him since she’d recently gave Brian his walking papers. but then he started all that demanding stuff. He had rules about how things were going to be, as if he owned her or something. Her mistake was laughing at him. Oh hell, her real blunder was not killing him when she met him. Sure, other problems would have resulted. The thought flitted through her mind as light and small as an early spring butterfly leaving behind a fleeting instance of euphoria.

Hello Everyone,
New story. It's a cougar tale. Tonya is being stalked by a vindictive ex-boyfriend who is determined to ruin her life. Then there's Will, a sexy young attorney, who as a divorce lawyer is as tantalizing to women as garlic is to vampires because of his profession. A match-making friend is anxious to play cupid. Things  don't go well. Discover why.

Today's prompt is right. Tuesday Tales will be going on vacation for the month of August.


EXCERPT

The bold font stood out catching her eye as she scrolled down her work email. SURPRISE it announced stopping her in the action of deleting it. It wasn’t the subject heading, but more the sender name, Clint Fairweather, her ex. At one time, she thought his name signaled she finally stumbled across a good man. That was before she knew him and some of his bizarre tendencies.

The blinking cursor hovered over the delete button. Most of the time, she trashed his messages, never reading them. Technically, the message shouldn’t have even made it to her mailbox due to being blocked. Then again, her misfortune lied in having a mean spirited ex-boyfriend who also was a computer genius. The right term was private investigator. Yay me, I sure know how to pick them.

Her shoulders hunched forward. God, she didn’t need this now. Her company was looking at personnel to cut since they failed to make projected goals this year. It didn’t matter she worked harder than almost anyone in the department, no company wanted an employee with a stalker ex. News stories illustrated that they tended to come in guns blazing taking out not only the object of their obsession, but a half dozen people in the process.

Her first instinct was to send the email to the cyber dumpsite with the many dozens he sent the past year. Something stopped her. This one was different. Couldn’t explain why she knew, but it felt different. It felt like ice water poured down her back on an already frigid winter afternoon.

Wincing, she decided to open the document that was tying her insides into knots. An impressively long list of things to do, left her with no time to dither about a whiny letter from her ex.  Besides, she knew what it would say. Wrinkling her nose, she glanced around the empty room noting  absence of her co-worker.

Michelle’s starting time had to be in a different time zone, a much later one. Oh well, she rolled her eyes. This one time she didn’t mind her tardiness. The woman moved in her own fruity fragrance atmosphere. A quick glance at the open door assured her that she’d either  smell or hear Michelle before she’d hit the door. Tonya opened a work  file ready to switch the screen when Michelle finally arrived. With jobs on the line, there was no one she could really trust.

Clint's document mocked her with one sentence. I bet your boss would enjoy seeing this, as would everyone else in your company. That was it? Where was the platitudes about her letting go of the best thing she ever had. How she’d never find a man as wonderful as him. Wait. See what?

Michelle’s voice floated down the hallway as she stopped to talk to the custodian. Tonya’s eyes flicked down to email. It had an attachment. Damn. Her heart jumped up into her throat. She’d have to know what bomb Clint was going to drop on her.  Her co-worker’s cheerful chatter continued showing no sign of winding down. Click.

An image of her looking beautiful and festive wrapped in holiday greenery and Christmas lights filled the screen.  It was from more than two Christmases ago, back when she wanted to do something special to celebrate the holidays. An ad for boudoir photography sounded like a perfect gift. Who knew it would come back to haunt her?

The Inheritance is waiting to be read, so I thought I'd give you one more peek at their romantic evening. The full moon picture prompt is so appropriate.

A twist of the key shut off the engine, although the radio played a few bars before going silent. Home, should she get out of the car on her own? It was hard to know if Levi was staring at her in the dark. Without the glow of the dashboard lights, it was impossible to distinguish his expression.  His stillness unnerved her. It was similar to hearing what sounded like a footstep in the dark. She’d strain her ears waiting to hear the next ominous footfall. Usually, she fell asleep listening for a step that never came. “Why are you staring at me?”

Levi managed a husky chuckle that would rate an eight on the seductive scale. “That would require me having better eyesight than I do. No, I was more in shock wondering why none of your dates took you out to a fancy restaurant.”

“Trust me, there weren’t that many. Going to a mid-chain restaurant was as elaborate as it got. Considered myself lucky if I got a meal before the man vanished.” Unfortunately, her dating history undermined her shaky confidence.

His shadowy form moved closer, reaching across the console and cupping her face. “Their loss.  You looked so elegant and beautiful sitting across from me. Made me the envy of every man there tonight.”

His words melted her like soft butter left out on the counter. Her eyelids fluttered shut as she leaned into his caress. His scent surrounded her with notes of crisp starch, citrusy cologne, and underlying muskiness that reminded her of a walk through the forest after the rain.

His lips landed on hers, not surprising her, but fulfilling her wish. Her hand rose to cradle his head urging on the kiss and taking no chances that he might pull away. His tongue traced her lips, almost reverentially. The longing between the two of them grew in the dark car, filling it, heating it up, and creating a world of sensation. A place Melody could live forever until a long, clear baying pierced the night.

Charmer. Who knew a dog could seriously complicate a love life.

Today's prompt is summer. Since I've wound up the story and sent it off.  I'm going to give ya'all a little taste of their romantic evening out. Levi has asked Melody out to the area's swankiest restaurant. He's in full uniform ( Class A's) and she's wearing a fancy dress a client gave her. They are exiting the elevator to the restaurant when the scene opens.

EXCERPT

The elevator doors opened. Levi dropped a brief kiss on the top of her head before cupping her elbow to propel her forward. “Thank you. I know what you did back there and I appreciate it.”

Stepping out with him, she placed a hand on her chest right above her low cut neckline drawing his eyes. “Me, do something?”

“Give it up. You’re as subtle as a sledgehammer.” He winked at her, which caused her heart to stumble.

An alert host swung the door open at their approach. “Good Evening. Are we celebrating anything special?”

A denial formulated in her mind, but Levi answered before she could reply.

“Of course we are. We’re alive. It’s a gorgeous Indian Summer evening and I have most beautiful girl in town on my arm. Sounds like worthy of a celebration to me. “

The most beautiful girl in town, she’d never heard those words connected in relationship to her. A huge silly smile bloomed on her face. The man had charm, who knew? Manners and charm, she wondered what else the night would bring.

The host led them to window table with a remarkable view. Wilsonville might be small potatoes, but Lauren across the river wasn’t. The skyline glittered like a handful of stars thrown out on the dark backdrop of the approaching evening. The small votive lamp cast flickering shadows onto Levi. Normally, shadows made people look threatening, but on Levi they only made him more mysterious. What would it take to peel back those layers similar to the skin of onion?

A waiter showed, flourished menus, and preceded to relay the special of the day. She only half listened to caught up in the experiences of the day to consider the food. The waiter suggested the crab bisque to start, and Mahi Mahi with roasted vegetables, which sounded good. Levi went with the salmon New Orleans and a salad.

A dark suited man appeared with a towel draped over one arm and a bottle of champagne. “A patron has gifted you with this champagne in honor of your service. Will you accept?”

Levi’s eyebrows shot up as an elderly man stood and saluted him. He stood up, faced the man, and snapped out a crisp salute back. “We’ll accept.”

The wine steward opened the bottle and poured two flutes provided by an alert waiter. The same waiter returned with a wine cooler for the bottle. The wine steward and waiter left without a word hurrying off to serve the other patrons.

Levi lifted his glass. “To appreciating what we have, to life.”

The crystal tinkling of the glasses as they gently tapped together made something well up inside. She took a sip in an effort to quell the need to burst into tears. Today had been an emotional roller coaster, but she certainly didn’t expect it to end like this. If she were someone else watching, she’d probably see a romantic love story unfolding. Hero boyfriend returns from war to devoted girlfriend.

Her eyes met his over the rim of the glass. What was not to like about the man? Besides his tendency to jump to conclusions and assume the wrong thing. Not like she hadn’t done the same. What was he thinking? Did he feel the magic of the evening?

He put down his glass and glanced back in the direction of his beneficiary. “Never had anyone give me anything.”

“What?” That made no sense. “What about your parents, Uncle Roy?” Sure, her life had been rough as a foster kid but, she really didn’t expect anything else. Occasionally she got a gift on her birthday or Christmas. It was never anything big, flashy or something she wanted. Usually, it was practical cotton underwear and socks. One family gave her on manual how to be a good foster child. The awkward phrasing and photos that didn’t go along with the text made her think it was self pubbed even before she found the box full of copies hidden in the garage.

“Oh, yeah, of course my parents and Uncle Roy got me stuff. I’m talking about people not related to me.” He picked up the champagne bottle and refilled their flutes. “How about you?”

Details:  We left off with Levi angry when he spots Melody on a date. Living in the same house, they're bound to meet up. Let's find out how they both feel about the date.  Today's prompt is sea.
( Levi has an issue that has been mentioned three times in the story. Some of you may have missed it, but it is the reason behind his mind-boggling behavior. Today's snippet is a little longer because it might be the last.)

Still, she waited in the kitchen, not sure what to do. Maybe she could pretend she hadn’t seen Levi at the diner. She might not have noticed him if her date hadn’t mentioned some unknown man was staring daggers at him. When they turned to leave, she saw Levi. Part of her wanted to hide, but another part wanted him to see she could enjoy the attentions of another man. Someone not as mercurial as Levi was. Her exaggerated laughter declared Shaun was the most entertaining man alive. It must have been believable because Shaun accepted it as real.

His footsteps came neared, but stopped, not coming into the kitchen. Where was he? Melody waited. She’d spent all this time readying herself for his reaction and now nothing. The television wasn’t on. What happened? She crept forward intent on looking into the living room to see exactly what the aggravating man was up to now.

She made it to the doorway only to discover both Levi and Charmer waiting. “Ahh!” She jumped back in surprise. “I didn’t expect you to be there.”

“I know.” Levi had the temerity to grin. “I could tell by your shadow that you were lurking over by the cabinets."

The sink light behind her did cast her long shadow on the floor. “I wasn’t cowering.” She hurried to defend herself while realizing that cowering did sound like an accurate description.

“Yeah. How would you describe it, then?” He hoisted an eyebrow as he casually leaned against the doorway frame.

Her mind flipped through various excuses and rejecting them just as rapidly. Most sounded silly and contrived, which was what they were. “I was getting a drink of water when you came in.”

“Sounds plausible.” He nodded as if accepting her reason.

His attitude irritated her. Sure, he didn’t question her excuse, but she felt like he didn’t believe her. Her back rigid, she stomped the two steps needed to reach the sink and grabbed the empty glass. Flourishing it, she announced, “Here’s the glass. Whadya say now?”

Levi pushed away from the wall and took three long legged strides that put him right at the edge of her personal bubble. The smell of onions and country fried steak hung in the air.  They had the same entrée. It was odd how similar the two of them were. Her pulse kicked up, but that was probably just anger.

Putting the glass back in the sink, she whipped back to stare him down. No way, she’d let Levi intimidate her.  Nope, no good would come of that. “Are you satisfied now?”

Levi blinked twice before he took a step closer less than a foot separated them. She’d read somewhere that Middle Eastern people often stood very close when talking.  Could be he hadn’t adapted to American ways being gone so long.

His eyes held her. “No, I’m far from satisfied. How about you, Mel? Did glasses boy ring your bell?”

The unexpected response shook her. Using both hands, she shoved at his chest. “Jerk, that’s what you are.” Just when her image of him had softened a little, he spoilt it again. Her shove didn’t budge him.

Her eyes drifted down to his wide stance wondering if she should kick his shin to get him to move. It might work. Of course, if he fell she’d feel horrible. Part of her was curious to see what he’d do next. His large hands clamped on her shoulders.

“Did you have fun with your date?” He pushed the words out through clenched teeth.

The idea of her date bothered him, which made no sense since he all but encouraged her. Told her there were plenty of men who’d appreciate her. “Yes, I had fun. It is quite a change to go out with a man who isn’t always playing mind games with me.”

“Mind games is it?” Levi used his grip on her shoulders to pull her closer.

His pupils darkened and widened almost eliminating the irises. “Mind games, you know you do it, first you’re like all prickly, then you’re—“

His lips landed on hers stopping her words. Heat rushed through her body flushing her skin. Her hands reached for his shoulders. Her fingers worked their way up his neck,   to anchor his head to hers. Her knees weakened causing her to droop a little. Levi slid his hands down to her waist embracing her and moving her back to the counter.   

Her lips parted. Something she needed to tell him. Although it was hard to remember. “Levi.” His name came out more as a whisper. Was it an entreaty to stop, or a plea to continue?  He took it as the latter slipping his tongue into her mouth to trace the roof of her mouth, tickling her and exciting her with the same motion.

Oh yeah, the man could kiss, but she knew that. It made her wonder how well he did other things.  Melody rocked her hips against his feeling his readiness, letting him know she was ready too. Levi’s hands stopped their downward progression toward her hips. His lips stilled on hers. His embrace loosen, and then dropped as he stepped away. His face was hard to read as he backed away. He acted like a character from a horror novel that suddenly found his arms full of a decaying corpse.

“Does your boyfriend make you feel like that?” He stood and stared at her, before swinging away to grab Charmer’s leash.

Melody’s hand came up to touch her lips. How did he do that? Why did he do it would be a better question.  She was all but melting in his arms and he managed to turn off the attraction between them and turn away. God, she wished she could do the same. The jingle of Charmer’s tags indicated Levi was fastening the leash.

“Shaun isn’t my boyfriend.” She shouted the words making sure he heard, but he didn’t answer. No need to add she had a follow up date with the man. It really seemed like he’d like to be her boyfriend. The screen door slammed.

Cradling her head in her hands, she finally answered Levi’s impertinent question when he was too far away to hear.

“No Shaun never makes me feel the way you do. I doubt any man would. You’re too much like a Viking ship with sea goddess figurehead with all the high swings and stomach turning fast falls. Shaun is a carousel compared to you. Sometimes, though,” she paused to wipe an eye, “a girl might want a Viking ship, but needs to settle for a carousel.

Scene setup: I jumped a few pages. Melody is meeting Shaun for the first time, after her disastrous run-in with her roommate. Levi arrives with Calvin, one of Uncle Roy’s poker buddies, who has offered him a job. It’s hard for Levi to keep up his side of the conversation when he only has eyes for Melody. The word prompt is ride.

The prospect of good food and a job had Levi’s lips tilting up. His mood lightened as he entered the brightly lit diner. Waitresses bustled between the filled tables attesting to the popularity of the diner. A large chalkboard announced that tonight’s specials were stuffed peppers and chicken fried steak.

“They both sound good, “Levi remarked to Calvin when he heard Melody’s familiar laugh. His eyes traveled over numerous couples until stopping at a corner table. The woman’s back was to him. Hadn’t he seen that same top draped across her arm as she left this morning?

A thirty something guy sat across from her sporting hair too strategically highlighted to be natural and wire rimmed glasses. No doubt, he thought he looked both artistic and intellectual.  Levi’s brows lowered on their own. The important thing was what Melody thought.

A waitress waved them to an empty booth cutting short his scrutiny of the couple. He followed Calvin who was on the heels of the server who led them to a booth.  Realizing her direction, Levi asked, “Isn’t there a table empty?” He gestured in the direction they came.

Her eyes slipped to Calvin who answered while the woman stared at Levi. “Loretta was taking me to my usual booth, but a table would be a nice change.”

The waitress gave Calvin a smile while Levi only received an annoyed look as she turned and led the way to a free table closer to the two.

Calvin headed for the chair facing Melody and the unknown man, which would leave Levi with his choice of the other three chairs. He’d be constantly turning his head to stare. It wasn’t something he wanted to do. He made a lunge for the chair Calvin was heading for, placing his hand on it.  He dropped into the chair thinking possession denoted ownership, before he remembered Calvin was his only lead on a job.  He forced himself to stand. “Did you want to sit here?”

Calvin took the seat to his right and picked up a laminated menu. “Apparently not as much as you do.”

Was he that obvious? Did he offend Roy’s old friend? Not knowing what to do he played the card, he’d swore he’d never play the veteran one. “Oh, sorry, battle reflexes, I guess.”

His companion’s face grew interested as he placed his menu on the table. “No reason for me to look since I’ve eaten everything that’s served here. I was in Vietnam. What battle reflex forces you to take a certain chair?”

That’s what he got for playing the card. Harry at rehab mentioned most folks never served in combat. Any mention of it usually dumbfounded the general populace. It usually gave the person who played it a free ride for a while. His volunteer tutor did caution him about talking to war veterans because they could usually see through excuses or at best would want to trade war stories. Lucky him.

Melody laughed again distracting him from his current dilemma. Was that a real laugh or a forced laugh? It was hard to tell when he couldn’t see her face. The man leaned closer demonstrating he was clearly a date as opposed to a friend. Levi’s back stiffened. He knew the behavior well enough to realize the man was working hard to impress her. If her laughter was any indication, he was succeeding.

Calvin half turned in his seat to see who grabbed Levi’s attention. “Know them?”

“One of them.” He forced the words out between clenched teeth.

Calvin whistled as he turned back to face Levi. “I’m betting it’s the woman and probably the reason behind your battle reflexes too.”

Summary: Levi stomped off to his room claiming that Melody was treating him like a sick old man by trying to fix him another sandwich. She's stunned because she'd been fighting an inappropriate attraction to the wounded warrior. His latest antic of stomping off like a five-year-old only confuses her even more.

Today's word is father. See if you can find it.




Today's Excerpt

Her eyes followed him until his bedroom door closed softly. Damn, girl, see what happens when you go thinking some man is attracted to you. Grabbing a damp dishcloth, she savagely wiped the table flinging the crumbs to the floor. Stupid, yeah, that what she was.

She washed the two plates, two glasses and a knife and continued her mental dressing down. Sure, he might not be attracted to her, but why did he kiss her and touch her any time he had a chance too. Why did he flirt with her?  Linda, her old roomie, liked to joke that she was, as close to being nun as possible without being Catholic. Even so, she knew flirting. Levi McDaniel had definitely flirted with her. Placing the dried plates in the cabinet, she decided it was probably a natural response. What guys did when they were around women. Maybe they weren’t even aware they were doing it.

Her nose crinkled at the thought. It sounded like something her last foster mother might say.  The woman lectured her numerous times to stay away from boys.  Her standard rant was boys only wanted sex and would promise you anything to get it.  Apparently, her foster father had a bit of the wandering eye that fueled the woman's embittered attitude.

Her foster mother's lurid imagery conjured up wild-eyed males roaming the streets capturing any lone female with promises of moonlight walks and flowers.  Melody never bothered to mention the boys stayed away from her. Instead, she nodded her head at the right time, which was whenever the woman paused for a breath.

If that scenario didn’t scare her enough, the thought of becoming a teenage mother did. Her mother was one and she saw how well that worked out.  Giving the counter a final wipe down, she turned out the kitchen light. Tomorrow was a workday with clients to visit. There was a new client too, some man in his thirties.  For a moment, she forgot about the brooding man behind the door.

Picture Prompt today is a river scene. Melody and Levi were  at a table eating sandwiches. Melody jumps up to make another sandwich. Levi slips up behind her after telling her he doesn't need another sandwich. This is where today's excerpt starts.









EXCERPT
“You startled me. It’s amazing how quiet you can move.”

Levi's lips tilted up, but not quite a smile, but as if he was considering it, but hadn’t quite made up his mind. “Amazed me too. Didn’t think I’d be able to move as quiet with the fake leg, but I’m learning to, I’m just not as fast.”

His proximity left her nerves a little jangled, not to mention that his nearness made other parts of her kick into automatic overdrive. Not a viable candidate might as well calm down.  Too bad, her body wasn’t listening to her brain. She inhaled deeply wondering how she was going to get by the sizable man in her way. She stepped to her right intending to go around him, but his hand landed on her shoulder stopping her.

Children’s voices drifted through the screen door as she found herself caught in Levi’s intense gaze. His sharp, alert eyes missed very little. His continued existence bore witness to the fact. Part of her heard a child shout Ready or Not.   A bead of sweat rolled down her neck and slipped under her shirt.

Melody found herself drowning in his gaze. It reminded her of the time she almost fell into the river. A stranger grabbed her arm before she hit water.  

Her heart pounded hard making its presence known. Would he kiss her again? Her tongue slipped out licking her lips in anticipation. It would be a bad thing and would make things more complicated. Instead, her mind spun a fantasy affair where the two engaged in a torrid romance all in the span it took for his words to coalesce in the air.  

“I’m not Roy. Not some sick, old man on the edge of kicking off. Don’t let the lack of a leg fool you. I don’t need you taking care of me or feeling sorry for me.” His hand dropped as he pivoted and headed for his room.