Recently, I mentioned that I’m not a fan of coincidence. But
every once in a while, something pops up that’s just too good to ignore. If it happens in real life, there’s no reason
to think that it can’t happen in one of my novels. After all, many of the ideas that come
together for a story have their basis in reality.
Here’s a perfect example.
Yesterday, I was at the local grocery store, picking up a few things.
Waiting in the checkout line, I glanced down at the impulse racks, where all
the decadent chocolate and treats were lined up. What caught my eye was the wrapper for
Snickers bar. Somewhere along the line,
they came up with the idea of putting different words on the distinctive
wrapper, with the tag line ‘Who Are You When You’re Hungry?” So here's what I saw.
There was only one, so of course I had to buy it. I’ll be on the lookout
for others as they will make great swag items for the various author events I’m
booked for this summer.
Writers understand that inspiration can come anytime,
anywhere. We’re always watching for it,
no matter the form.
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Here’s an excerpt from “Devious”. In this scene, Jamie has been out of town and
returns in time to meet Malone for dinner in the middle of his shift with the
State Police. But first, she decides to
change clothes.
I kicked off the heels and squirmed out of the stockings. I opted for a
pair of very lacy panties with a matching black bra, and rummaged in the closet
for a corduroy skirt and a cotton blouse. I called this my flirt skirt. It was
knee length but had functional snaps that ran down the front of it. Depending
on how flirtatious I was feeling determined how many snaps were left undone. I
grabbed my bag and hurried off to meet him.
O'Leary's wasn't crowded when I arrived. Malone was in uniform, sitting
at a booth near the back of the restaurant. Malone greeted me with a tender hug
and a chaste kiss on the lips then pulled me in beside him on the bench.
"Saving it up for later?" I asked.
"Bank on it.
Malone opened his menu and scanned the page quickly. A waitress
approached, wearing a green leotard and skirt with a black apron. He glanced at
me and raised his eyebrows. "Want me to order for you?"
"Sure, I'm starving."
Malone turned to the girl. "We’ll have the roast lamb stew, tossed
salads with raspberry vinaigrette, and coffee." He looked at me and I
nodded.
"You eat here often?" I asked as she wiggled away. I'd swear
she put a little extra swing in her hips for Malone's benefit. I didn't know
whether to be angry or jealous. Idly, I undid a couple more snaps on the skirt.
It fell open to mid-thigh.
"Couple times a week. The food's good and the prices are
reasonable. A lot of the guys stop in. The service is pretty good too.” He
winked at me. It was obvious he’d noticed the extra wiggle.
"You're a good guy, Malone."
He leaned over to kiss me. His left hand landed softly on my knee. I
watched the expression hit his eyes as he realized this was a smooth bare leg
he was feeling. Malone gently slid his hand a little higher. A shiver of
excitement ran through me. It took several moments for me to withdraw from that
kiss.
“Want to skip dinner?” I asked. I was glad this part of the restaurant
was dark, since I was blushing beet red.
“I think we’re going to need that nourishment for later.” Malone
reluctantly removed his hand from my leg.
After dinner he walked me out to the parking lot. He stopped beside my
car and leaned against the door.
"Did I tell you how much I missed you, Malone?" I put my arms
around his neck. His hands went to my waist.
"Nope."
"Would it be improper for a girl to kiss a cop while he's on
duty?"
Malone's eyes went to his left wrist. "I've got two minutes before
I check in."
He tipped his head down to meet my lips and kissed me warmly. If anyone
was watching, I didn't see them. I didn't care. His left hand remained on my
hip. The right had somehow drifted between my legs and undid two more snaps.
The skirt was only fastened to the top of my hips now. A shudder ran through my
whole body as his fingertips stroked me through the lace panties.
“Welcome home, Jamie.” Gently he pulled away and straightened up.
“Thanks for the flowers.”
“My pleasure. Glad to have you back.”
"How glad are you, Malone?”
"See you later?" he asked.
"Oh yeah. It may take me a while to be able to drive. And I seem
to be having this problem with my door. It just won't stay locked at
night." I pushed his hands away and stepped back before I attacked him in
the parking lot.
"I'll have to see what I can do to remedy that. And Jamie…don’t
change your clothes.”
Music this week comes with a little change of pace from guitarist Jesse Cook.
