Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Jordan's Second Chance 2.2

Hey everyone and welcome back. For those new to the group, each Wednesday, author's post a flash of 500-1000 words using a prompt. This week, I've chosen a verbal prompt, 'Is there anything else I need to know?'

This week we continue with 'Jordan's Second Chance'. Wynter finally has some of his questions answered, however, the answers shock him to his core. How will Jordan handle the unexpected news and will he ever be able to recover from the shocking truth? I hope you enjoy this latest installment.

Happy reading,

TC

****



Jordan’s Second Chance 2.2

“I’ve put Lucas in the spare bedroom upstairs. He’s already asleep,” Nana said as she walked into the kitchen. She went to the cabinets and pulled out items to fix coffee.
“Colombian Roast, please, Nana,” Wynter said when she reached into the cabinet designated specifically for coffee.
            Nana nodded. “Jordan would you like a cup?”
            “Yes, black,” Jordan replied, rising from the bar stool behind the island.
Nana waved him back to his seat. “Sit down. You’re a guest.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jordan grinned at the tiny woman bustling around the kitchen.
Nana brought over a tray filled with coffee and sat. The room was silent as everyone sipped on their hot beverage. Anxiety infused Wynter as he waited. When no one said anything, Wynter frowned.
“Nana, is it really so hard to talk about? Do you think I’m a disgrace?” Wynter asked, his voice low.
Wynter’s fists clenched. He remembered the first time he’d shifted. He’d been five. He’d been outside playing in the backyard when he’d seen two squirrels chasing each other. Some instinct Wynter didn’t understand had forced him to his knees. He’d heard his bones pop as they stretched. His mom had come out of the house looking for him and then screamed. Scared, Wynter had tried to run to his mom when he’d stumbled. He remembered looking down, his heart thundering at the furry paws in place of his hands.
His mom had rushed over to him and carried him into the house. She’d paced the living room floor for what felt like hours before she said anything. When she’d finally turned to him, the sadness in her eyes had pierced him. Dark, rolling waves of shame had swept over him, making him want to run away. The feeling had intensified as Wynter listened to his mother tell him, he could never shift again and he was never to tell anyone. His mom had told him to never bring it up again and he would understand when he was older. But Wynter didn’t understand. Even now . . .
“Wynter!”
Wynter blinked, Nana’s voice bringing him back to the present. Wynter shook his head, trying to dislodge the unpleasant memories lingering in his mind. “I’m sorry, Nana, what were you saying?”
Nana huffed and folded her arms across her chest. “You nag us for answers and then tune us out?”
“I’m sorry, Nana. I . . . I was just . . . remembering the first time I shifted.” Wynter sighed, trying to dispel the dark emotions riding him. He’d wanted answers for so long, but now that the time had come, he was no longer sure.
Nana reached across the island and grabbed his fists. Her thumbs rubbed across his knuckles, calming him. “You listen to me and you listen well.” Nana paused.
Wynter’s gaze met hers and Nana gave a satisfied nod. “You have never been a disgrace to this family! You’ve brought nothing but love and joy to us. I love you more than anything and I am so proud of the man you’ve become. So don’t ever let me hear you say you’re a disgrace again!”
Wynter swallowed past the lump in his throat. “I’m sorry, Nana,” he whispered.
“Wynter, you don’t need to apologize. I just want you to understand that no matter what, I will never be ashamed of you. Don’t you know that?”
Wynter sniffled and glanced at their joined hands. “It’s hard to change the way I’ve been feeling all these years, but I’ll try.”
“That’s all I ask.”
Wynter gazed at his grandmother. “I know you said you’re not ashamed of me, but if you weren’t, why was I forbidden from talking about it?”
“Humans do not know of our existence,” Jordan said, chiming in for the first time.
“That’s right. Your parents were afraid that if knowledge of your abilities were to get in the wrong hands, you would be in danger,” Nana added.
Wynter frowned, confused. “It wasn’t like I wanted to announce it to the world. I just wanted to talk to my family about it. I wanted to know what I am and why I’m the only one who can shift!”
  “But you weren’t the only one. Your father was a clouded leopard as well.”
Wynter gasped, stunned. He leaned back into his chair and stared. “What do you mean, father could shift? Why was I never told this? Why did everyone make it seem like I was the only one?”
“That wasn’t our intention. Your parents made the decision not to tell you. They believed it would be easier for you to hide your leopard if you didn’t know others existed. There was a man who knew of your father’s existence and hunted him. We just wanted to keep you safe.”
Jordan hissed. Wynter held up a hand. “Wait. What man and why haven’t I heard of this until now?”
“You were too young back then,” Nana said.
“And now?” Wynter asked.
“Now, it doesn’t matter. That man died the same night as your parents.” Nana inhaled before continuing. “You see, Wynter, your parents didn’t die in an accident.”
“What do you mean?”
“The man—Jason Fox—had a picture of your first shift. He threatened to kidnap you and send your picture to the media if your parents didn’t agree to meet with him. They agreed and set up a meeting time. Your father must have known something was off, because he sent us to your aunt Linda’s. ”
Wynter nodded. He remembered that day. “Go on, please.” It was getting hard to breath.
“The meeting with your parents was a set up. Jason never had any intention of giving your photo back to your parents. His real goal was you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Jason wanted to get his hands on you so that he could raise the perfect killing machine. A predatory shifter raised to kill? You would have made him millions. But he knew your parents would never agree, so he had to get rid of them.”
Wynter’s mind screamed with denial, his emotions going numb. “Is there anything else I need to know?” His parents had died because of him. How was he supposed to deal with this? Wynter couldn’t process the devastating news. Standing, Wynter headed out of the kitchen.
“Wynter!” Nana and Jordan called.
Wynter shook his head, still facing the door. “I need to be alone right now. Just . . .” Unable to finish, Wynter ran from the room. What was he supposed to do now?

To be continued . . . 

If you enjoyed this latest installment, check out the other flashers!

 
  

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Jordan's Second Chance 2.1

Hello everyone and welcome back to Wednesday's Briefs. For those new to the group, each Wednesday authors will post flash fiction of 500-1000 words using a prompt. This week, I've chosen to use two prompts: "have a character burn food," and "I am not eating that".

This week, we continue with 'Jordan's Second Chance'. Wynter's Nana has decided to finally reveal the truth of his past to him. I hope you enjoy this latest installment.

Happy reading,

TC

****




 
Jordan’s Second Chance 2.1


            Wynter pressed his lips together as he glanced between Jordan and Nana. “I know the both of you are keeping something from me and I’m tired of trying to figure it out. It makes me feel stupid.” Wynter hated exposing his emotions like that, but he was tired of the guessing game. He wanted the truth.

            Nana looked at Jordan who gave a slight nod. “Very well. You may not like the answers, but I’ll tell you all that I know. I only ask that you wait until later, after the little one has been put to bed.”

Wynter nodded. “Fair enough.”

“Good. Watch the food, it’s almost done. I’ll be back in a little while.” Nana clapped her hands and walked out of the kitchen, calling for Lucas to follow her.

Wynter watched the pair leave and shook his head. He’d gone to Jordan’s place to get answers, but somehow his Nana knew because she’d called Jordan and asked him not to say anything without her present. Jordan had persuaded Wynter to return home and give Nana a chance to explain by reminding him how much his Nana loved him and was only trying to protect him. Wynter wondered when the two had had time to become close enough to exchange phone numbers. He shook his head. Now was not the time. He’d figure that puzzle out later.

“Wynter! Wynter! It’s burning!” Jordan yelled, running toward the wall oven and opening it.

Wynter gasped, rushing forward. He began fanning the smoke that billowed out. Wynter grabbed the pan mitts, pulling the darkened glass casserole dish out. The blackened meat sizzled with angry accusation. Wynter groaned and waved a hovering Jordan away, turning the overhead fan on. Nana was going to kill him! She’d asked him to watch the food because it was almost ready, but he’d been too lost in thought. “Open the window,” Wynter yelled over the loud blaring sound.

Jordan moved over to the window next to the stove and opened it. “What’s going on in here?” Nana cried out when she reached the kitchen doorway. She leaned against the archway as she held her chest and panted.

“Nothing!” Wynter yelled as he grabbed his cellphone. He input his code and breathed a sigh of relief as the blaring stopped.

Nana seemed about to say something but the home telephone interrupted her. She grabbed the phone and answered it. She assured the person on the other end that everything was fine and hung up. Expression stern, she gazed at Wynter. Embarrassed, Wynter dropped his head.

“Eww, gross! I’m not eating that! I don’t have to, right, Dad?” Lucas asked.

Jordan’s face was red as he bent over and howled with laughter. He held his side as he gasped for breath. Wynter glared at him. He didn’t think it was that funny. He wasn’t the first person to burn food. Wynter stuck his tongue out at Jordan, who laughed harder.

Wynter rolled his eyes and squatted in front of Lucas. “No, sweetie, you don’t have to eat this. How would you like to eat pizza?”

“Yay! With pepperoni?” Lucas asked, eager.

“Of course, anything else?”  

“No, thank you. I want it! I want it, please!” Lucas bounced in place, his cherub cheeks rosy with excitement.

“I’ll order from your favorite place,” Jordan said, his laughter now under control. Lucas leapt toward his dad, his young predatory gaze intent as Jordan placed the order.

Wynter leaned against the island and enjoyed the cozy atmosphere. Lucas and Jordan were beginning to feel like home. Although his mind rebelled and said it was too soon to feel this way, his leopard mewed its contentment. Wynter sighed and decided to enjoy the moment, because he knew by the end of the night, his world would change forever.


To be continued. . .  
****
If you enjoyed this tidbit, check out the other flashers!

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Welcome Carlene Flores!

Hey everyone, let's welcome Carlene Flores and her new release "Touch of Sin"! Available now so check it out!


TC

****

It is my pleasure to be here today at Sensual Pleasures with you all and TC! Thank you for having me! My newest release that just came out on Monday is the fourth installment and the first official Free Read from my Sin Pointe Novel series. The day Luke and Sarrie popped into my head, I set my other projects aside and let this one flow. I’ve truly loved my time spent with them and I hope you do too. It’s such an honor and humbling experience to get to share Touch of Sin with the world for FREE! Happy reading everyone. Love stories rock! Xoxoxo Carlene

 

Touch of Sin (A Sin Pointe Novel Free Read) Blurb:

Lonerby guitarist Luke Willoughby and his band are under tight scrutiny since a press conference was ruined by a band member’s sudden vomiting attack. They’ve been suspended from the Sin Pointe tour and Luke fears they’ve blown it for good. The last thing he expects is the cute management spy sent to observe him.

No-nonsense Sarrie Walker knows exactly what she’s there to do, and makes no secret of it. Luke is impressed—and powerfully attracted to Sarrie’s strong and sexy innocence. When they end up stuck together in close quarters, Sarrie becomes dangerously irresistible—and very much off-limits. Does she hold Luke’s second chance? And if he gives in to her powerful allure, what happens to his heart?

 

 

Excerpt:

Sarrie stepped carefully and mostly on tip toes out of the tiny, grime grouted shower. She’d had to waste one of their two usable towels for a floor mat and made sure to land on it.

The good news was that she no longer teetered on what she’d tell Mr. Keller when they made it to D.C.

Noah was sick and while he’d managed himself at these smaller gigs, he didn’t belong on a massive, nationwide Sin Pointe tour. She tried to picture him night after night and the binge drinking sessions. It hurt her heart to think of it but worse than that was picturing the landslide of sleepless nights Luke would have to suffer through caring for him. Sure, they might all hate her as a consequence, but that’s why it was called tough love. The truth hurt at first. And sometimes for a very long time after. But at least the person would be alive.

            She grabbed for the towel she’d left on the toilet seat and found a loosely folded bunch of clothes. Not hers because they were too big and, she pulled the shirt to her nose, they smelled like Luke. “Mmmm.”

            Her eyes popped open so wide she felt her lashes touch her brow bone. Yes, she’d just sighed at a man’s smell. It was a first. Maybe it was because her decision no longer hung over her head, but she could get lost in the fact she held the shirt he’d played in. She inhaled and the smell brought back visions of him serving as master of his guitar and the beads of sweat that had dotted his forehead, the one that hung from his nose, and the slick mass that had wet his chest hairs showing through the top of his V neck shirt. He’d been so lost in the music that he hadn’t seen her staring or cared about the sweat. She’d noticed more than she realized and had to stop and breathe through what that meant.

            “So that’s it, Sarrie? You’re going there now?” she whispered to herself. “Unbelievable.”

            Why shouldn’t she?

            Because she’d never had these feelings for a man before? Because the two days she’d known Luke were clearly not long enough and she was here to study him, not fall into a foolish one-sided infatuation? Or was it that his life situation was too close a reminder of the one she’d finally saved herself and her father from? The heaviness of all those truths bowed her shoulders inward and down.

            He’s gonna be dealing with Noah’s addiction for a long time to come, especially if he can’t stand to see his baby brother suffer. That’s what enablers did. She knew because she’d watched her mom tiptoe around her dad until the day Mom just didn’t come home.

            Plopping down on the toilet seat, she bundled Luke’s jeans together with his shirt and hugged them. A sock fell from the pile. She found its match and could have cried at his selflessness. He was a good guy and he had a ton of hurt coming his way. For a second, she forgot where she was and nearly let her head fall back against the dingy bathroom wall.

            Cold air leaking through the thin motel walls made her shiver. So did the thought of wearing Luke’s clothes. But after she made sure to dry off with the one towel, she pulled on her old panties and bra and then his jeans, which nearly fell right back down, and then slipped his V neck shirt over her head. The baggy look reminded her of the girls from TLC, but not one single day in her life had she ever felt crazy, sexy or cool. Well, maybe she could identify with the crazy part. Completely foreign to her was the thought of what Luke would think. And then she had an altogether more shocking thought. If his clothes were in here, what was he wearing?

            Hot gusts of air puffed out from her lungs until she managed to calm them down. But all she could really think about were bare, strong shoulders and more than just the tiny glimpses she’d gotten of his chest in the V cut shirt she currently wore. She needed a drink of water. Badly. She wiggled her toes in his giant socks.
 
A Bit About Carlene:

Carlene Love Flores is a big fan of the stars (especially Orion), honest music (especially Depeche Mode), and her traveling family (no favorites there-she loves them all). These things inspire her intimate style of romance writing. She feels honored to be a member of Washington DC Romance Writers (WRWDC). Carlene currently lives in the D.C. area where she can often be found listening to live music and looking up at the sky on clear nights.  If she could touch someone’s heart with her writing the way others have done for her, she’d say truly there never lived a luckier girl.  

 

Find Carlene Here:







 

Find Touch of Sin (A Sin Pointe Free Read) Here:




 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Jordan's Second Chance 2.0



Hey everyone! Welcome to Wednesday's Briefs! This is where authors post free flash fiction of 1,000 words or less. This week, I decided to go with the visual prompt, "ice cream."

This week we continue with Jordan's Second Chance. Wynter visits Jordan's home in search for answers, but is distracted by the sexy man's seductive ways . . .

Happy reading,

TC


****





Jordan’s Second Chance 2.0


Wynter wandered through the house, straightening up their newly decorated home. He glanced toward the kitchen, debating going in there and demanding an explanation from his nana. A week ago, Wynter had once again run into Jordan—the man of his dreams. He’d learned, Jordan had a small son named Lucas and that he was a leopard shifter.

Wynter had also learned something else. He and Jordan were somehow tied together. Wynter could feel it, like an invisible tether that bound the two men together. His leopard urged him to hunt the man down and rub his scent over his body.

Wynter had never felt anything like this and he fought his leopard’s need to track Jordan. Wynter bit his thumb nail, glancing between the kitchen and front door. Would he learn anything if he confronted his nana or should he try to get the information he needed from Jordan? Wynter glanced toward the kitchen once more and sighed. His nana had never talked about his ability to shift. His family had always urged Wynter to keep his leopard a secret, so he’d always suppressed his animalistic instincts and denied that side of him. It had hurt, but his family knew best. Right?

Wynter walked into the foyer and grabbed his jacket and car keys. He was going to speak with Jordan and hopefully the man would give him the answers he was seeking. Wynter knew his nana was a lost cause. She was a stubborn woman and wouldn’t tell him anything until she was good and ready. Jogging to his car, Wynter drove the few blocks to Jordan’s place.

****

After parking his car, Wynter made his way to Jordan’s home. He closed the gate behind him and followed the winding path to the brick duplex. He enjoyed the profusion of colorful flowers planted throughout the large yard. There was an enormous oak tree off to the side of the building that would be perfect for taking an afternoon nap under.

Wynter heard a childish shriek of laughter and followed the happy sound to the backyard, smiling. Wynter quickened his steps, he’d quickly grown attached to Lucas and couldn’t wait to see what the impish little boy had gotten into.

Wynter chuckled when he got to the backyard. Lucas was running around, chocolate smeared all over his face and Jordan chased him, his expression harried. Lucas must have spotted him, because he changed course and barreled toward him. “Wynter!” he screamed. Lucas launched himself at Wynter, wrapping his arms and legs around him. “Save me,” he whimpered, trying to climb higher.

Wynter grunted and grabbed Lucas. The little runt’s elbow knocked him on the side of his head. Wynter grabbed the squirming bundle and positioned him behind his back, piggyback. “I hear you’re looking for something?” he asked Jordan, suddenly feeling mischievous.

Jade eyes gleamed with merriment. “As a matter of fact I am. I was thinking of having baby-back ribs tonight. Would you care to join me?”

“No, run!” Lucas screamed, pulling fistfuls of Wynter’s hair.

Wynter’s eyes widened in shock, before a laugh escaped. He took off running, Lucas wrapped securely around him. Jordan chased them, the yard filled with the sound of their laughter. They continued for a few more moments, before Lucas begged to get down.

 “I have to go to the bathroom,” he announced, running toward the house.

“Wash that ice cream off of your face while you’re in there,” Jordan yelled to the fleeing child.

Wynter chuckled, turning toward Jordan. “Chocolate, huh?”

Jordan nodded, stepping closer. “My favorite. I bet it would taste even better if I licked it off of your skin.”

Wynter’s breathing deepened. He moved toward Jordan, meeting him halfway. “Would you like to find out?”

“Hell yeah,” Jordan groaned. He lowered his head, his lips a breath away . . .  

“Who wants ice cream?” Lucas yelled, running out the backdoor, chocolate ice cream container in hand.
 

To be continued. . .  
 

 Want more sexy free flash fiction? Check out these amazing authors!

Jon Keys

MA Church

Chris T. Kat

Sarah Hayes

Rob Colton

Larry Benjamin

Jim Dunaway

Nephlyim

Cia Nordwell

Elyzabeth VaLey

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Andrew Q. Gordon

Julie Lynn Hayes







Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Jordan's Second Chance 1.3



****

Hey everyone and welcome back to another addition of Wednesday's Briefs. A place where authors post free flash fiction of 1,000 words or less. This week, I decided to use the written prompt; "I think I understand now why . . ."

This week, we continue from where we left off last time. Wynter has finally found the sexy man from the park and sparks fly! But Rayne discovers a secret that sends his emotions reeling. I hope you enjoy this latest installment.

Happy reading,

TC

****


Jordan’s Second Chance 1.3

Wynter jumped backward, face flaming with embarrassment. He looked toward his grandmother, too mortified to look Jordan in the eye. He couldn’t believe he’d acted like a slut and practically committed himself to a stranger.

What was going on? And why was his cat going crazy inside of him, trying to rush back to Jordan? Wynter didn’t know a lot about his cat. He’d shifted once when he was fifteen, his mom had seen the shift and been terrified. She’d made him promise to keep his cat a secret and to never talk about it.

She had murmured that he made a beautiful clouded leopard and taught him how to shift back to his human form. After that, Wynter had never spoken of it or shifted again. It had physically and mentally hurt not shifting. He’d felt alone and like a freak. Were there others like him? Did their skin itch and feel as if something were trying to get out? How did they get along with the other personality living inside of them? Wynter had so many questions, but no one to turn to. Maybe now he did. Wynter looked at Jordan out of the corner of his eye.  Could this man be what he’d been waiting for?

“Y'all come in the house and I’ll make some snacks,” Wynter’s grandmother yelled, pulling the little boy into the house.

Wynter smiled at Jordan. Jordan placed his hand on the small of Wynter’s back and escorted him in. Wynter shook his head, perplexed on why he wasn’t angry that Jordan was treating him like the ‘little lady’.

“Excuse the mess,” Kailyn said.

“Nana, we just moved in today. They understand.”

“No apologies needed,” Jordan said as they walked into the kitchen.

Nana reached over into a ‘Winnie the Pooh’ jar and pulled out a homemade chocolate chip cookie and handed it to the little boy, who quickly snatched, mumbled his thanks and scared it down like it was his last meal.

Wynter smiled, feeling a contentment he hadn’t felt since his parents’ deaths. He walked over and knelt before the little boy, introducing himself. “Hi, I’m Wynter.”

Wynter held his hand out. The little boy lifted his nose and subtly sniffed the air. “I’m Lucas, and that’s my dad, Jordan. We just moved here so I don’t know anybody. I don’t have any friends yet. Will you be my friend? I mean if it’s all right with my dad,” Lucas added quickly, glancing at his father.

Wynter smiled, fighting the tears gathering in his eyes. Lucas was adorable. “I’d love to be your friend. And your dad’s too, if that’s all right?” Wynter asked, remembering the little boy’s violent reaction a little while ago when he and Jordan had almost kissed.

Lucas shrugged. “I don’t mind. My dad doesn’t have any friends either and I think sometimes he gets lonely. I thought you were trying to hurt him and that’s why I got mad. But Nana said you were really nice and wouldn’t do that to my dad.”

Wynter nodded, dazed. Did all little boys talk a mile a minute? Wynter was afraid Lucas would pass out from lack of oxygen. Jordan laughed, startling Wynter. He hadn’t said a word since entering the kitchen.

“I’ve learned to let Lucas say what he needs to. Otherwise, he’ll bug you until you agree.”

Wynter laughed. “He seems like a great kid.”

“He is. He’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” Jordan said.

Wynter cocked his head at the strange note he heard in Jordan’s voice. Before he could ask about it, he heard a shocked squeak. He glanced down and gasped. It was a small leopard cub. The same cub he’d seen that day at the park when he’d met Jordan.

“Lucas, is that you?” he asked, dazed.

Lucas purred, rubbing against his legs. Wynter reached down and grabbed him, cuddling him against his chest. He was filled with awe. Was this how his mom felt when she’d seen him shift for the first time? This overwhelming protectiveness?

Wynter turned to Jordan, stunned to see approval in his ice-blue eyes. “I think I understand now why my mother told me never to shift in front of anyone,” he murmured. He wasn’t Lucas’s parent, but he felt strangely protective of the little boy and he knew he’d do anything to keep Lucas safe.

Jordan nodded in satisfaction. “It is your right.”

Wynter’s brows rose surprise. What did he mean by that and why was nana wearing an ‘oh no’ expression?

To be continued . . .
****
For more flash fiction, check out the list below. Enjoy!