Jenn Baker Week 72: The First Day of School

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice: 2

Title: The First Day of School

Walker parked his truck in front of the elementary school. Looking over at his nephew he smiled. “You nervous, Trevor?”

“No.” Trevor hugged his backpack closer to his chest.

“It’s okay if you are.” Walker reached over and squeezed his shoulder. “I was scared my first day of Kindergarten.”

Trevor looked at him with surprise. “Really?”

“Yeah, it was the first time I rode the bus and was away from the farm all day.” Walker watched his nephew for a moment. “You’ll be fine. By lunch you’ll have a bunch of friends and you won’t want the day to end.”

“Promise?”

“Yes, I promise. Now, let’s go find your teacher.” At the moment, Walker realized he forgot to ask his sister the name of Trevor’s teacher. “Um, do you know what your teacher’s name is, Squirt?”

“Miz Thompson.” Trevor reached in to his backpack and pulled out a piece of paper. He handed it to Walker. The paper had the teacher’s name and classroom on it.

“Time to get this show on the road. I promised Tori and Quinn I’d be over to help them set up their new roping equipment.” Walker slid out of the truck and grabbed his hat. He looked around as he put the hat on. He turned back to watch Trevor get out of his booster seat and out of the truck. After closing his door, he met Trevor at the front of the truck. Trevor quickly grabbed Walker’s hand before they started toward the playground.

“Welcome to the first day of school. I’m Mrs. Wilkins. I’m one of the teacher assistants. Which teacher do you have this year?” A grandmotherly looking woman asked when they arrived at the playground gate. Walker looked down at Trevor.

“Miz Thompson,” Trevor said shyly.

Walker smiled. It was the first time he had ever seen his nephew shy. Usually, Trevor was outgoing to a fault. Walker and his sister usually had to remind him not to talk to strangers.

“Aren’t you lucky? She is really nice and you are going to like her.” Mrs. Wilkins looked around quickly. “Miss Thompson is over by the swing set. She is the one in the denim dress.”

Walker smiled at Mrs. Wilkins. “Thank you, ma’am.” He led Trevor through the gate and walked toward the swing set. As they drew close, Miss Thompson turned toward them. Walker felt like he had been sucker punched.

Miss Thompson had brunette wavy hair that reached just past her shoulders. Walker’s eyes roamed over her curves following the length of the dress to her shapely calves. He realized he quickly would be indulging in a little apodyopsis if he didn’t look away. He looked down at his nephew and noticed that Trevor was also staring at her.

“Hi, I’m Miss Thompson,” she said with a smile, as she walked over to them.

Walker quickly cleared his throat. “I’m Walker and this is my nephew Trevor Jordan.”

“Hi, Trevor.” She crouched down to his height. “I’m going to be your teacher.”

While Walker watched, Trevor looked at him for reassurance. Walker nodded his head.

“Hi, Miz Thompson.” Trevor’s grip on Walker’s hand tightened.

“Miz Thompson? Is he in our class?” A little boy asked from behind her. Walker never saw the child join them.

“Yes, Mark. This is Trevor.” She stood slowly and looked at the other boy.

Mark moved around the teacher and walked up to Trevor. “Do you wanna play on the swings?”

Trevor looked at Walker again.

Walker crouched down. “Go ahead Squirt. You’re going to have a great day and this afternoon the bus will bring you to my place. I promise not to feed Paddy until you get there.”

Trevor looked at Mark and then back at Walker. He wrapped his arms around Walker’s neck. “I love you, Uncle Walker.”

“I love you too, Trevor.” Walker said with a smile. “Now go play with Mark and I’ll see you this afternoon.”

Trevor pulled away and smiled at Walker before he followed Mark to the playground.

Walker stood up and noticed that the teacher was watching him. Walker smiled at her. “How long have you been teaching?”

“About five years. By the way, my name is Margaret Thompson. You can call me Maggi.” She held out her hand.

“Nice to meet you, Maggi.” Walker took her small hand in his. Her slender fingers were smooth and slight cool against his palm. He had to force himself to release her. Clearing his throat again, he took a small step back.

“I hate to run, but I have an appointment this morning.” Walker smiled at her before he turned and walked away. He knew it was rude to leave without waiting for her response, but he was on the verge on embarrassing himself.

Walker hadn’t reacted to a woman like that in long time. He hardly paid attention anymore. His ranch, rodeo career, and his sister and nephew took his time. He didn’t want it any more complicated by adding a demanding woman to it.

He climbed in to his truck and headed to Tori and Quinn’s place. During the drive to Cottonwood Ranch, he imagined Miss Maggi Thompson naked laying on a pile of hay waiting for him. He reached down and adjusted himself. This was going to be the longest school year in history if he didn’t get himself under control. He shook his head and turned on the radio in an attempt to drown his thoughts.

He pulled in to the drive for Cottonwood with a grateful sigh. He needed some heavy work to clear his head before he did something stupid like ask his nephew’s teacher to dinner.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Baker Week 70: Time To Refocus

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice: 2

Title: Time To Refocus

She spent her time taking care of everyone else. Making sure her husband was happy, and not stressed when he was home. Trying to make her parents were proud of her. She worked hard at her job every day. She wanted to make everything perfect for everyone. But she never took care of herself. It took her getting sick, very sick, to realize that she worked too hard to make everyone else happy or proud. It took that one illness for her to refocus on what is important.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Baker Week 62: The Big Day

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice: 2

Title: The Big Day

She stood in the middle of the room, waiting. Her hair and makeup were done; it was time to put on her gown.

"Melissa, I'm ready for my gown." Liz heard her best friend move to where the gown was hanging.

"Liz, do you want to redo your hair? It's not perfect."

"No mom, I want it like it is." Liz heard her mother let out a sigh. Her mom was always perfect from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. But she wasn't her mom.

"Time to put on your chemise, Liz." Monica stood in front of her holding the off white fabric in front of her.

Liz started unbuttoning her sleeveless shirt. Her gown was multiple layers, styled after a renaissance gown. The first layer was the chemise, then the under skirt, and finally the over dress with the built in corset. Liz pulled the chemise over her head with help from Monica, to keep it from catching on the flower head band. Once the chemise was settled around her thighs, Monica grabbed the off white under skirt.

Placing her hands on Monica's shoulders, Liz stepped in the skirt. Once the waist band was tightened and the chemise was back in place, Melissa walked over with the red over dress. The over dress went on like a coat, with the corset lacing in the front. Melissa laced the corset with gold lacing, pulling it tight.

"Okay, you are ready." Melissa said as she stepped back. "Don't let anyone near you with any food other than water. I'm going to go put on my dress, and I'll be back."

Liz walked over to the mirror. The red over dress had gold Celtic knot work along the edge of the split front of the skirt and around the bottom of the skirt. The bottom of the off white under skirt had red knot work around the bottom. There was also knot work around the collar of the chemise.

"You look beautiful." Liz's mom whispered as she stood next to her. "Your dad is going to cry when he sees you." Liz smiled. She didn't think he would actually cry, but knew that he would get misty eyed.

"Liz, it's time." Melissa said from the door.

"Are you ready for this?" Liz's mom asked. Liz looked at her mom and smiled.

"I'm more than ready for this." Liz looked at her friends. "Let's go get married."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Baker Week 56: The Reading Tree

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice: 2

Title: The Reading Tree

Author’s Note: This is the continuation of a story that was started in 2011 for the Photo Prompt Writing Challenge. You can read the other installments here:
New Beginnings Part 2
Breakfast At Main Street Café

After helping Adam finish the morning chores, Aimee decided that she was going to visit her mother’s reading tree. It was a tree in the forest that had a perfect branch to cradle the reader, and at the base of the tree there was hallow created by the roots. The hollow was perfect for reclining and reading. Her mother discovered it as a child and used to take Aimee to regularly.

With a small back containing her book and a few snacks, Aimee rushed out of the house pass the arena were Adam was working. She gave him a quick wave as she continued on. She had left him a note on the table telling him where she went.

As she walked in to the forest, she realized that the land marks to the reading tree might be over grown or gone. But as she continued down the path, she saw the first one. It was short post with her mother’s initials carved on it and an arrow pointing to the left. With a smile she turned left and continued following the trail. Soon the trail disappeared under years of over growth and water erosion. Determined to go to the tree, Aimee continued on without the trail, hoping that her mother’s second marker hadn’t been washed away. A few minutes later, Aimee saw another post similar to the first but the engraving was the image of a horse with an arrow pointing to the right. She walked through the bushes and tree leaves, knowing she wasn’t far from the tree.

Pushing through a tall bush, Aimee looked ahead and saw the tree. Her heart stopped as she looked at the large oak tree that pushed toward the sky. At the bottom of the tree, near the hollow, her mother had engraved a picture of a book so everyone would know that it was the reading tree. The tree seemed larger than Aimee remembered but it had been years since she had visited.

Her eyes looked over the tree, looking for signs of changes. The branch that rested just below the reading branch was no longer on the tree, but sat on the forest floor next to the hollow creating a side table of sorts. The branch and the tree were all covered in lush green moss on their south facing sides. She walked over the hollow and rested her hand over the engraving.

“I’m back, momma.” She whispered quietly. After her mother’s death, Aimee always felt her presence at the reading tree more than at the grave site. Taking a deep breath, she turned around and sat in the hollow. As she scooted back against the tree, she pulled out her book.

*****

Hours later, Adam went in to the house for a glass of tea when he saw her note. He smiled. He knew of that tree. Her grandfather used to talk about it and how Aimee’s mother would disappear for hours in to the forest with a book or two. He ran a finger down the edge of the note. Deciding to blow off the rest of the day, Adam went to his room and grabbed his book. He locked up the house and headed toward the reading tree to sit with Aimee.

When he arrived, she was leaning against the fallen branch holding up her small hardback book. She was so engrossed with the book, she never looked up as he approached.

“Getting so caught up in a book, and loosing track of your surroundings, isn’t very safe out here in bear country.” He said quietly trying not to startle her.

“I heard you tromping through the forest.” Aimee said as she turned a page. “I knew it couldn’t be a bear or a deer because of the racket you were making.” She looked up at him and smiled.

Adam walked over to where she sat and looked down at her. “Mind if I join you.” He showed her his book.

“Sure. That would be nice.” She grabbed her bag and scooted over to give him room to sit next to her in the hollow. When he didn’t sit down right away, she looked up at him again. “What’s wrong? Did I not give you enough room?”

“You did but I don’t want to sit next to you. I want to sit behind you with you leaning back against my chest as we read.” He gave her a big innocent smile, even though his brain was running through all the fantasies of what he wanted to do with this woman, and books weren’t involved.

“Oh.” Aimee bit her lip. Adam bit back a groan as he watched her run her tongue over the spot. She gave a slight nod of her head. Adam figured she came to a decision. “We can try that.” She scooted forward so he could sit behind her.

Adam moved over to the tree, and slowly sat down behind Aimee. Once he was settled, he placed his book on the downed branch. He reached forward and grabbed Aimee by the waist and puller her back against him. With a sigh, she laid her head back against his chest as the rest of her body melted in to his. With a silent prayer, he hoped that Aimee couldn’t tell how aroused he was just by holding her. He laid his cheek against the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her apple shampoo. He smiled and just held her, letting his mind wander.

“I thought you were going to read.” Aimee asked quietly. While he held her, she had lifted her book again. To his surprise, he was content to just hold her. Adam had never felt that way about any of the women he previously dated.

“I’m happy just holding you while you read. I’ll read tonight before bed.” He closed his eyes and rubbed his cheek against her silky hair.

Aimee hadn’t been in town long, but just the few short days she had been with him, he had feelings developing he hadn’t ever felt in his life. He knew she needed to return to Los Angles, but he didn’t want her to go. With a jolt of surprise he realized he wanted her to stay with him. He just needed to figure out how to convince her that she belonged here with him and not in Los Angles with Travis. It was going to be a big task to convince her, but he was more than willing to put in the effort.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Baker Week 54: A Tiger’s Love

Interested in joining the #DailyPicspiration blog? We have an opening! Email Miranda at burntcore@gmail.com for details.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice: 2

Title: A Tiger’s Love

Nicholas watched Mindy closely. His red, rough tongue lazily brushed over his paw. When he shifted, Nicholas wasn’t sure how she would react. She crouched in the corner of the room looking ready to bolt.

What do you think?

“Holy shit! You can talk.” She sat up and flattened herself against the wall.

Technically, I’m not talking. He slowly laid his head on top of his paw.

“I don’t care. You are communicating with me!” She ran her hands through her shoulder length hair. “You are a tiger! How does that even happen?”

I was born able to turn in to a tiger.

“So your parents can become tigers?” She wrapped her arms around her chest.

Yes, they can shift in to tigers as well. My sister’s mate is actually a leopard. Nicholas lifted his head. At the movement, Mindy stood up and pressed her body even closer to the wall, fear etched on her face. Letting out a sigh, he lowered his head back down.

Mindy, I’m not going to hurt you. I just wanted you to know who and what I am. He watched her relax. She slid down the wall until her ass hit the floor. He watched as she took a couple of deep breaths.

“Have you always been able to change?”

No. Shifters can’t change until puberty. But I knew it would happen. I saw my parents do it plenty of times. They sat quietly for so long, Nicholas closed his eyes.

“Can I touch you?” He opened one eye slowly and reclosed it.

Of course you can. You know I love having your hands on me. He heard her move. The shift of cotton on cotton as she came closer. Her vanilla scent was stronger as she leaned close. He felt the soft touch of her finger run from his nose to between his eyes. He let out a low purr.

“You even purr.” Mindy let out a quiet, nervous laugh.

I’ll purr louder for you if you really pet me. He heard her laugh quietly again.

“I prefer it when you growl.” With that, she buried her hand in the fur at the nap of his neck. Opening an eye, he watched as she moved around his massive head to his side. He closed his eye again when she started massaging his neck and slowly down his spine. As she moved down his spine, his purrs changed to low growls. Taking a deep breathe, he willed his body to change shape. At her gasp, he opened his eyes and looked at her. He reached up a hand and pulled Mindy’s face to his.

“I told you that I liked your hands on me.” He whispered before taking her lips with his.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Baker Week 52: Darkness

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice: 1

Title: Darkness

Slowly I pull the silver tab up, using the hoodie as a shield to hide behind. To hide the darkness within me. A darkness that I'm usually able to keep under control, but some days there is no controlling it.

The darkness builds and over follows making daily life hard to live. It binds me to my home, sometimes even to my bed, like invisible bands preventing me from living.

The hoodie allows me to harness the darkness and live my life. The hoodie is my shield to keep the darkness hidden from others.

Hopefully, in the future, I won't need the hoodie. Hopefully the darkness will loosen its hold and allow me to live again.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Baker Week 46: Changed Realities

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice:

Title: Changed Realities

Clara stood in front of the head stones, unsure what they meant. They had her parent’s names but with dates from the eighteen hundreds. She looked at Jack. He had been trying to help her find them and he brought here, to a cemetery in the middle of northern Scotland, about sixty miles from where they disappeared.

“Are you saying that my parents somehow ended up in the past?” She crossed her arms tight around her chest.

“It is a possibility. You know the history of this area.” Jack said quietly. He wanted to pull her in to his embrace, but he knew she would resist.

“Those are folk tales, Jack.” Clara turned to look at him. “I can’t believe that you would raise my hopes saying you found them and then lead me to this.”

“The names are exactly the same, including the middle names, and minus the year, the dates of birth are theirs.” Jack reached in to his back pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “And there is this.” He held it out for her.

Her trembling fingers reached over and grasped the paper. She looked at Jack. He nodded toward the paper. She slowly opened it, unsure if she wanted to see what was on the document. After she had it open, she took a deep breath before she looked at it.

It was a copy of a photo dated eighteen-sixty. It was an image of her parents dressed in fashionable garb for the time. Her father wore a kilt and her mother wore a dress with a huge crinoline. Shaking her head, she handed the paper back to Jack.

“How can that be them, Jack?” Clara wrapped her arms around her middle. “I was fifteen when they disappeared while we were here on vacation. How did they end up in the past?”

“I don’t know, Clara, but there is something back at the house you need to see.” He folded the paper and put it back in to his pocket. He held a hand out to her and waited for her take it. She took his hand and allowed him to slowly lead them out of the cemetery. They walked hand in hand down the hill along the dirt lane back to his uncle’s estate. As they started up the entrance path, the massive front door opened.

“Did you have a nice outing, sir?” Fergus, the household butler, was tall broad shouldered man in his sixties. He was well dressed and took his position very seriously.

“It was good, Fergus.” Jack placed his hand on Clara’s lower back to encourage her to enter the house first. “We will be in the study. Please do not disturb us.”

“As you wish, sir.” Fergus closed the front door and went about his duties, leaving the two of them in the foyer.

Clara looked around. Every time she walked in to the house, she was always struck with amazement at foyer and the grand stair case leading to the second floor. When Jack told her his uncle had an estate, she never pictured this place. The beauty of it took her breath away.

“Clara, are you coming?”

She jumped a little at Jack’s voice, having been lost in her admiration of the house. She gave him a small smile and walked toward the open door on the left of the entry hall. She quickly took her normal spot on the overstuffed couch. It faced Jack’s desk. She would come to the study at night and read while he worked.

After closing the door to the study, he walked over to the desk and opened a drawer. His actions reminded her that he had something else to show her. Closing her eyes, she rested her head against the back of the couch. She didn’t know what else he could show her. It was shock enough to discover her parents had been sucked in to the past and lived a life there. She opened her eyes when she felt the cushions on the couch move with Jack’s weight. In his hand he held a leather bound book. It was a beautiful mahogany color with a black leather lacing wrapped around it. Held against the cover by the lacing was an envelope. The envelope was addressed to her, with a do not open until 2013 under her name. The handwriting was her mother’s. Tears sprang to her eyes, as she reached for the book.

“Where did you get this?” Clara whispered, swallowing hard to keep the tears at bay.

“I found it in my uncle’s safe.”

“How long have you known of this?” She shook the book at him.

“I found it two nights ago. I knew my uncle had a safe, but I didn’t find the codes to it until then.” Jack ran a hand through his short hair. “I didn’t tell you right away because I didn’t want it to be cruel hoax. So I opened the book and read the first page. After that, I did research to verify the information. Hence the trip to the cemetery and the photograph.”

She ran her fingers over the leather lacing as the book sat on her lap. Could this tell her what happened to her parents? For a long time she believed they just abandoned her, it wasn’t until she was in college that she began to think they were taken. Taking a deep breathe, she slipped the envelope from the lacing and slowly opened it to see her mother’s handwriting. The tears she had been fighting stung her eyes and slowly ran down her cheeks as she read the short letter.

Dearest Clara,

I hope this book finds you. It will explain everything that happened to your father and I. We tried everything to get back to you, but couldn’t figure out how we even arrived in this time. Your father thinks it has something to do with the stone circle we were visiting. But we don’t know.

Please do not try to rescue us. Live your life and be happy.

Know that we love you dearly,

Mom

Clara laid the letter on the book, running her fingers over the lettering. She didn’t know how long she sat there. She lifted her head and look at Jack.

“You were right.” She slowly shook her head in disbelief as the tears continued to flow. “They did end up in the past.”

“I’m so sorry, Clara.” Jack reached over and cupped her cheek in his large hand. His thumb wiped away tears as he watched her. He dropped his hand as she pulled away. After placing the book and the letter on the coffee table she turned to him. He opened his arms and pulled her in to his lap.

With a deep sigh, Clara wrapped her arms around Jack and buried her face in his chest. She would look at the book later, but right now she just needed to be held. She needed time to absorb the new information about her parent’s disappearance.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Baker Week 44: The Hidden Me

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice: 1

Title: The Hidden Me

I have an invisible side, one that is hidden from everyone. Raven is the dark side to my normal light hearted, carefree side. She has been around for as long as I can remember. She is lurking in the background, waiting for me to be distracted, so she can come out to play. She isn’t evil, just dark.

Raven has to be controlled. She is capable of causing chaos and destruction. When she is in control, all I can do is watch. We both have unique abilities and they seem to be opposite of each other, just like we are opposites. I am able to communicate with most mammals, while Raven can only communicate with snakes, bats, and some birds. I am able to cross the barrier to the realm of the fey and learn the healing arts from them. She crosses over to Tartarus and watches the tortures the evil endure for eternity.

I’ve been fighting for so long to keep her from escaping, but it will inevitably happen. When it does, I don’t know what chaos and destruction she will cause. Last time, she blew up an abandoned warehouse. She danced near the flames enjoying the destruction. I’m afraid of what she will do. I keep hoping that my goodness will keep her from ever venturing in to the realm of evil but I don’t know if I’m strong enough to prevent it.

I must stay on my guard. I can’t let my control slip. The second it does, Raven will pounce.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Baker Week 40: Destined for the Dark

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: Destined for the Dark

The old asylum stood silent and watching in the moonlight. The bright full moon was occasionally hidden by the thick dark clouds, adding foreboding shadows to the grounds. Shadows big enough to hide the creatures that was said to live in the asylum. Melanie had heard the stories and finally gotten permission from the land owner to visit the asylum. Stepping from her car, she stood staring up at the dark stone building.

As the clouds passed, the courtyard became visible. Out of the darkness, an old water fountain covered in gnarled white roots made its presence known. Melanie’s eyes followed the roots and discovered the entire courtyard was covered in them. They spread across the ground toward the building, but never climbing. They claimed everything but the asylum. As if it they knew the dangers of touching the something so dark and evil.

The massive structure had originally been the home of a wealthy inventor. The stories told that he had built it for his new bride. She had wanted a home that looked like the estate homes in her native England. It took almost ten years to build, but she only lived in it for two short years. His precious wife died during childbirth, and the child passed a few days later. Grief stricken, the inventor never left his home again. Eventually his staff moved on to other employment, telling tales of his insanity and of his Frankenstein style experiments. Many people ignored the stories of his experiments, until a villager mutated and killed his family after being bit by a wild dog while hunting. Soon after, more stories of shape shifting and murder came out of the small village.

Tired of the violence, the village attacked the inventor’s home with the intention of bringing him to justice. They never found him. The entire property was empty. Not one living soul was found, not even a bird in the trees. After being abandoned for over fifty years, the new local government decided they needed an asylum. Choosing to ignore the stories of the old manor, they modified it in to the needed institution. The asylum ran normally for the first few years, and then suddenly it changed. Residents started attacking each other and the staff. People would be found dead with no explanation as to why. Eventually the asylum was closed. Almost fifty years later, the building still sat empty. No one was brave enough to ignore its past and attempt to make it in to something.

Melanie didn’t ignore the building’s past history. She wanted to discover how true the old stories were and if there was any information as to what happened to the original owner. She reached back into her car to grab her bag and flashlight. As she walked away from the car, the clouds danced in front of the moon plunging the area in to shadow. She turned on her flashlight and looked back toward the building. To her surprise, she noticed that there were lights on in a few of the windows. They looked like candles in the window, as if people watched from inside of the house. The largest concentration was in the window near the front door. The lights disappeared when the clouds moved again. Convinced she imagined the lights; Melanie shook her head and started toward the building.

As she passed the fountain, she saw a shadow lying on the ground near some benches. She quickened to her pace toward the shadow. As she drew near, she realized it was a person. Melanie kneeled next to the body and as she reached to check for a pulse, the person rolled over. Melanie was staring at herself. But she knew it couldn’t be. The woman grabbed Melanie’s hand hard.

“You must save him.” The doppelganger whispered. “You are the only one who can.”

“Who must I save?” Melanie whispered back.

“You know who. It is your destiny, Melanie.” As the moonlight disappeared behind the clouds, the doppelganger faded from view and existence. “Do not be afraid, Melanie. He won’t hurt you.”

Shaken to her core, Melanie sat back on her ankles and started at the spot where the woman had been. Melanie quickly pulled out her notebook and wrote down everything the woman said and what she had looked like. After putting away the notebook, Melanie looked around the courtyard again. Convinced she was alone, she stood and walked to the front door. She was there for answers and she wasn’t going to leave until she had them.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Baker Week 38: Note from the Heart

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice: 1

Title: Note from the Heart

The heart is a complicated and fragile organ. How can it continue beating when completely shattered? But most amazingly, the heart is capable of healing and loving again.

When we met, my heart was shattered. The person I had entrusted it to did not cherish it like I thought he would. I was afraid to open up to someone knew. I didn’t think my heart would ever heal. But you proved me wrong. Your generous heart and love provided a safe shelter for my heart to heal and love again.

You are my best friend and the love of my life. I am very lucky.

Becky laid her pen aside and looked at the page in front of her. The two hearts with you and me labels under them, along with her note, made her smile. The Fates had an interesting way of showing people who they are destined to be with. After re-reading the note, Becky slowly folded the page and slipped it into an envelope. Getting up, Becky took the note to the kitchen and slipped it into Ben’s lunch box. She knew that he will call her when he finds the note. He always did when she gave him a note. With a small smile, she went back to the bedroom to wake him up for work.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Baker Week 34: Lover Wanted

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice: 1

Title: Lover Wanted

Cecelia sat at her desk looking at her jar of colored pencils. The flat ends with their spots of color called to her. But she didn’t know where to start. She pushed away from the desk and walked over to the window. Did she really want to do this? What would Marcus think when he read it? Taking a deep breath she went back to her desk and grabbed a regular number two pencil and a ruler.

She carefully drew lines across the page, spacing them apart just enough for the calligraphy she was planning on writing. The act of moving the pencil on the paper helped her relax. Cecelia needed to do this. But she was unsure of how to write a sexy secret admirer letter. Her inspiration came from a favorite Harlequin book she read in high school. But she didn’t know if she had the imagination or the guts to write anything nearly as erotic as the woman in the book. She pushed aside her doubts and grabbed her calligraphy pen.

Dear Marcus,

We have worked together for two years and you are one of my best friends. But in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share with you my true feelings about you. When you smile at me, my heart skips a beat and I find it hard to breath. When you touch me, even if it was on accident, my nerves start dancing and I want you to touch me again. Sometimes it takes my complete control not to reach out and touch you. But this time, I will touch you back.

When you place your large warm hand on my lower back as you move behind me, I turn around and face you. I reach my hand up to touch your face, my fingertips lightly caressing your cheek. I continue to move my fingers over your face until I’m touching your lips. I can feel your hands tighten their grip where they rest on my waist. I can see the passion in your eyes. I move my hand down to rest on your chest. You lower your head towards mine and take my lips in a heated devouring kiss. You slide your hands up my body, barely brushing my breasts, to cup my face as you rub your tongue against mine. You break the kiss and move your hands down the sides of my neck to rest on my shoulders.

My hands are in fists, grasping your shirt. I watch your face as I release your shirt and start to slowly undo the buttons. Your eyes are burning with lust. After a few are open, I slide my hands over your chest, feeling the hair that lightly covers you. My eyes follow my fingers as they lightly roam over your nipples causing them to harden. I move my hands back to your shirt. I want to see and feel your whole chest. I look up and our eyes meet. You grasp my hands to stop their motion. Keeping on hand captive, you turn away and lead me toward the barn office….

Marcus, I want to know what happens in that office. If you want to know as well, I will be waiting for you in the barn office on Valentine ’s Day after the barn hands leave for the day. If you don’t come, I will know you don’t have the same feelings as I do. But I’m hoping you do come.

Taking a deep breath, Cecelia put down the pen and stared at the letter. Before she could lose her courage, she quickly folded the letter and put in an envelope. She pushed away from her desk, walked to the back door of her house and grabbed her boots and coat. Bundled up against the cold, she walked quickly across the yard to the barn. She could hear the barn hands yelling at each other as they cleaned stalls. Smiling, she went in to the barn office. Marcus was sitting behind the desk working on the computer.

“Hey, Marcus.” She said as she sat on the couch across from the desk. He jerked his head toward her. She realized he didn’t hear her come in.

“Is something up?” He pushed the keyboard away and turned toward her. “It’s your day off.”

“Can’t I come to my barn on my day off?”

“Yes, but if I catch you working, I’ll cart you back to house like a sack of potatoes.” He smiled at her. She felt her stomach flip at the smile.

“I just wanted to come down and give you this.” She leaned forward and placed the envelope on the desk.

“Did I do something wrong?” He eyed the envelope suspiciously. “Are you firing me?”

“No, nothing like that. But you will want to read that when you are alone.” She watched him slowly pick up the envelope. He handled it as if it was poisonous snake that would bite him at any moment. He slid it in to the top drawer of the desk. “How did the appointment with the farrier go?”

“I’m not going to talk shop with you on your day off.” He leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms across his chest. “You haven’t taken a day off in months. You work too hard. We can discuss operational stuff when you are back on the clock.”

Cecelia stuck her tongue out at him. “Fine be that way. I’m going back to the house and I’m going to make cookies. But I don’t think I’ll share them with you.” She tried to be grumpy with him, but she ended up smiling at him. She stood and went to the door. She turned and looked back at Marcus. She had butterflies in her stomach about how he would react to her letter.

“Go back to the house. I’ll come by after everyone leaves to make sure you don’t need anything.”

“Thanks Marcus.” Cecelia smiled at him and left the barn. She really hoped she did the right thing.

*****

Marcus watched as Cecelia left. Running a hand through his short hair, he thought about her visit. She seemed nervous and worried about something. But he couldn’t think of anything that would cause her worry. He slowly opened the drawer and pulled out the envelope. Maybe it had something do with the letter she brought him. He opened the envelope and pulled out the letter. The calligraphy took him by surprise. He knew that Cecelia was a crafty person but he never would have guessed she could write like that. Leaning back in the chair, he read her note.

By the time he finished the letter, he was so aroused that his pants were uncomfortably tight. He reached down and tried to relieve the pressure on his erection. He had to re-read the note to make sure he wasn’t mistaking what Cecelia was telling him. He refolded the letter and slipped it back in to the envelope. After turning off the computer, Marcus pushed away from the desk and left the office. His path lead him straight to Cecelia’s house.

He didn’t want to wait twenty-four hours to find out what she tasted like or to feel her small hands running over his chest. Smiling he walked to the back door and walked in to the house.

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Baker Week 30: A Night at the Cactus Canyon

Welcome our newest author to the Daily Picspiration blog, Jenn Baker. She is taking over the biweekly Thursday slot that Sydney Logan vacated to concentrate on her recently released novel and other projects. We wish her the best. Enjoy Jenn's first entry on the blog and leave a comment with what you thought!

Picture 1


Picture 2


Jenn Baker’s Picture Choice: 2

Title: A Night at the Cactus Canyon

Pepper walked around the end of the pool table studying the balls. He took a long pull on his beer, set it aside, and grabbed his cue stick. He leaned over the table focusing on the series of events he needed to happen on the table. Pepper needed the cue ball to hit the orange 5 ball just right so when it hit the blue and white 10 ball, the blue 2 ball landed in the corner pocket. He leaned over to line up the shot when Tyler walked over with new beers.

“Hey, did you see that Chelsea is here?” Tyler asked as he placed a beer on the high top table. Pepper straightened, scowling at his best friend and roping partner.

“You know that is a dirty trick. Bringing up my ex-girlfriend just as I’m about to take the lead in our game.” Pepper reached over to the high top and grabbed his beer.

“I’m not trying to distract you. I just thought you should know that she was here.” Tyler took a drink of his beer and pointed at the pool table. “Are you taking that shot or not?” Shaking his head, Pepper put down his beer, leaned back over the table, and took the shot.

“Well, shit.” Tyler said when the blue ball landed in the corner pocket. “I don’t know why I ever play with you.”

“Because you like getting your ass kicked at pool.” Pepper lined up his next shot. The orange ball bounced off the side rail.

“While I was at the bar getting us refills, I found us the perfect pair for fun tonight." It was not uncommon for the roping partners to share female partners for a night of fun. But since Chelsea, Pepper wasn't interested. He was tired of the games. He was ready to settle down. The only reason he continued on the circuit was to make a little more money toward purchasing his own place.

"Have fun, Tyler. I'm just going to finish this game, have a couple of beers, and head back to the motel."

"Pepper, you need to snap out of this funk you are in." Tyler sulked, taking the cue stick from Pepper.

"I'm not in a funk. I'm just not interested in one night stands anymore."

"You are such a bore since Chelsea entered and exited our lives."

“Look Tyler, I’m not in the mood to go over all of this again. I’m going to take my beer and find a table. Once I finish it, I’m heading back to the motel.” Pepper grabbed his new beer and headed off into the crowd of the Cactus Canyon.

Unlike most honky tonks, the Cactus Canyon was a flashy bar. With a large bar that had seating on three sides at one end of the building, a dance floor that was edged with bar high tables, pool tables in a corner, and a mechanical bull in the other. Pepper moved through the crowd in search of a table. He found one near the dance floor entrance. While sipping his beer, Pepper watched couples move on and off the dance floor as the live band played.

"Hey, Pepper."

Pepper looked up to the voice to see a rodeo buddy, Cody, sit across from him. "Hey, Cody."

“Are you ready for this week?” The guys were in Greeley, Colorado for the week long Greeley Stampede Rodeo. It was one of the big money and point rodeos on the circuit. Pepper needed the points and money to extend his and Tyler’s lead in the world standings.

“I am, but you know Tyler, he is busy with the girls.” Pepper took a drink of his beer.

“Isn’t that the best part of being a rodeo cowboy? Having your pick of girls at every show?” Cody smiled as he looked around the bar.

“It used to be, but I’m ready to settle down.”

“Does Tyler know?” Cody asked startled.

“Yeah, but he isn’t happy about it.” Pepper looked over to the dance floor and watched the dancers. They sat in silence for few moments before Cody cleared his throat a couple of times.

"Out with it Cody. I know you want to ask me something."

"Well, um. Did you know that Chelsea is here in Greeley?"

"Yeah. I saw her at check in. I don't know if she saw me, but I saw her."

"Are you okay that she is here?"

"I'm fine. With every rodeo I enter, I know there's the possibility of running in to her. This just happens to be one of the biggest rodeos I've entered this year."

"If she’s here tonight, would it be okay if I, um..." Cody's voice trailed off.

"Are you asking my permission to dance with my ex-fiance?"

"Well, yeah." Cody hunched his shoulders and leaned back in to his chair, as if he was afraid Pepper might hit him.

"If she's willing, go for it.” Pepper took another drink of his beer. “Tyler said that she was here somewhere.”

“Hey cowboy, you want to have some fun?” Pepper looked up to see a buckle bunny standing next to Cody. She was dressed in tight jeans that were tucked in to her bright pink boots. Her shirt was so low cut that he was surprised she didn't fall out of it.

“No thank you.” Pepper looked at Cody.

“I would love too.” Cody said as he stood. “I’ll catch you later, Pepper.” Shaking his head, Pepper turned back to the dancers as he finished off his beer.

Pepper frowned at his empty beer bottle and placed it on the table. Leaning forward on his elbows, he rolled the bottle back and forth between his hands watching the dancers. His attention quickly turned to a brunette swinging her hips during the line dance. Her legs were encased in tight jeans, accenting her tight ass. His eyes gradually traveled up her toned body. She faced away from him. He watched as she moved to the music, willing her to turn toward him. She lifted her arms over head, causing the edge of her shirt to ride up, exposing the smooth skin of her lower back. Pepper bit back a groan. He loved the feel of the warm skin of a woman's lower back beneath his lips.

She continued to dance, laughing when she missed a step. There was something familiar about her, but Pepper figured it was because she was like most buckle bunnies, tight jeans and little inhibitions. As the song ended, she twirled around and stopped facing him. Their eyes met. The brunette who shook her tight ass and made him hard was none other than Chelsea. His beer bottle crashed the floor, his focus completely on her. She bit her lower lip before turning to talk to the woman next to her. Pepper pushed back from the table and stalked back to the bar. He needed something stronger than a beer tonight.

--------------------------------------------------

Jenn lives in central Florida with her best friend and husband, Andy. When not reviewing books on her book blog, PonyTails Book Reviews, she writes her own Contemporary Western Romance and Scottish Historicals. Jenn is hoping to have her first novel, The Prodigal Cowboy, published in the fall of 2013.

#DailyPicspiration