A Good Book

Today's muse: First 50 Words

The prompt: A good book

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A Good Book

She reached for the notebook she kept on her night stand. More than forty years and she still had nightmares.

She relived her childhood horrors in the words she scribbled down, then flipped back several pages. She smiled when she realized that she had the makings of a good book.

Secret

Today's muse: First 50 Words

The prompt: "Secret"

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Secret

He has been dead more than twenty years, but some things are best left unsaid. I am not protecting him, you see; I am sheltering those I love. It would destroy them if they knew.

So I lie awake each night, ride the panic attack. And keep his dirty secret.

Apartment 204

Today's muse: First 50 Words

Today's prompt: "Apartment 204".

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Apartment 204

Amber lights ricochet off the darkened windows of the gated complex. Neighbors gather to speculate in excited whispers. Most wear pajamas, though a few are caught wearing less.

Where is the super? What is taking the police so long? And is that blood smeared on the door of Apartment 204?

Good Morning

Today's muse: First 50 Words

The prompt: "Good morning"

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Good Morning

“Good morning.”

A muscled arm wrapped around her, dragged her across the mattress to be pressed against a hard body and a hard cock.

She liked his voice, the gravelly sound of it, the way it skimmed across her skin and made her wet.

She just couldn’t remember his name

Next Time

Today's muse: First 50 Words

The prompt: "Next Time"

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Next Time

“Can you pick up some milk on the way home?”

“I’m busy.”

She hated when he did that, just flipped her off. “Fine.” And she’d hung up.

She should have said thank you. Drive safely. I love you.

Not just fine.

She smoothed her hand over the casket. “Next time.”

Once in love with Amy

Today's muse: First 50 Words

The prompt: Once in love with Amy

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Once in love with Amy

He fantasized about it a lot; his calloused hands wrapped around her sensuous neck, squeezing until she was limp.

There would be nothing but silence after that. Oh, to be free of her incessant bickering, the fucking nagging.

She wasn’t always a bitch. He was once in love with Amy.

Always Watching

Today's muse: First 50 Words

The prompt: The Sky

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Always Watching

She glanced up at the sky, at the dark clouds heavy with storm.

Was he watching? she wondered.

Yes, she thought, he watched. He’d always watched her—touched her—no matter how small she’d tried to make herself.

He’d been dead twenty-five years and she still tried to be small.

Hungry?

Today's muse: First 50 Words

Today's prompt: Hungry?

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Hungry?

She wore an oversized tee that hung just below her hips. The thin fabric did nothing to hide dark circles that teased him. Beckoned.

She held a mug of coffee, traced her finger around the rim, ran her tongue across her upper lip. “Hungry?”

His cock twitched in response. “Starved.”

Late Arrival

Today's muse: First 50 Words

Today's prompt: Late Arrival.

This prompt was suggested by me. I'm so thrilled that Virginia DeBolt chose to use my prompt!

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Late Arrival

Neck-deep in lavender bubbles, Janice dropped her head against the cool bathroom tile. Just a few more minutes, then she’d know.

Would Frank be happy or sad? Would she?

She started when the timer rang; sloshed water over the tub. Janice reached for the stick. Stared at the results.

“Shit.”

Dirty Words

Today's muse: First 50 Words

Today's prompt: Dirty Words (well, to be honest, it was the December 20 prompt)

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Dirty Words

I often hesitate when asked what I write. The standard response is ‘I write Romance’. But the truth is, I write Erotic Romance.

It’s not much different from your run-of-the-mill romance. Girl still meets boy. They fall in love. Live happily-ever-after.

But there is one difference: I use dirty words.

The Curtain

Today's muse: First 50 Words

Today's prompt: The Curtain

I didn't treat this prompt as the beginning of a piece but, rather, a stand alone fifty-word prose.

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The Curtain

Stress has only brought stabbing pain to mine, Tin Man should wish for something else. My spinning brain gives me sleepless nights. You’re better off without one, Scarecrow. And trust me, Lion, being brave is overrated.

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. Dorothy was right. Go home.

My Bedroom

Today's muse: First 50 Words.

Write the first 50 words of your story, using the words my bedroom.

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My Bedroom

I chose everything in my bedroom: paint, bedspread, bureau, carpet. I could escape and be alone in my bedroom. I listened to music, did homework, dreamed. It was a haven. It was safe.

Until a man I trusted—a family member—came in one night and stole it from me.

Maybe Yellow

Today's muse: First 50 Words

Write the first 50 words of your story, using the words maybe yellow.

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Maybe Yellow

“What was she wearing?”

I frown, as though I’m trying to remember. “Jeans and a shirt.”

The cop’s pen hovers over his notepad. “What color was her shirt?”

It doesn’t matter what I tell him now—she’s long gone—but I just can’t turn her in.

I shrug. “Maybe yellow.”

Salt

Today's muse: 50 First Words

Write the first 50 words of your story, using the word salt.

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Salt

The bullet had only grazed his shoulder, but it hurt like a son-of-a-bitch.

Jake hissed when Emma poured vodka on the gaping wound. “Jesus, woman! Why don’t you just pour iodine on it?”

Emma dabbed at the raw flesh with a towel. “Sorry,” she snapped. “I couldn’t find the salt.”

Warning: Low Battery

Today's muse: First 50 Words

Write the first 50 words of your story, using the word Warning: Low Battery.

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Warning: Low Battery

Everyone watched in mute terror as the hooded figure paced the front row of the movie theatre, an AK47 dangling over his right shoulder.

In the back row, Jeremy Ackerton punched nine one one into his cell phone.

“Fuck me,” he muttered, when the screen flashed its warning: Low Battery.

Homework

Today's muse: First 50 Words

Write the first 50 words of your story, using the word homework.

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Homework

He hadn't seen Emily Fischer since high school. Back then, she was too thin, too tall and too...well, just too. Today, she was full breasts, slim hips and long, toned legs. If she had looked this good when they did homework together, Jake Everett would have passed algebra with honors.