Today is my birthday and this is the second installment of a Christmas short I’m writing for Weekend Writing Warriors.  For last week’s beginning excerpt.

Jake turned onto the beach road passing the Black Pelican Restaurant. He’d broke things off with his high school sweetheart, Sammy, there before he left for boot camp. What had made him think long, painted nails and high heels meant a better woman?

Arriving at the Comfort Inn for the Ducks Unlimited Christmas auction, he was glad for a decent excuse to avoid staying with his brother Dean and his wife, Katie, who seemed determined to match make.

The last woman had sufficiently drained his bank account, like it was his fault the military had extended his deployment. A dog was the only companionship he wanted right now. If he hadn’t already had a specialty in aviation repair, he’d have become a K9 officer.

The cold, salty breeze revived him as his eyes watered. Home in one piece. After checking in, he made his way into a darkened bar that only hosted a couple of patrons.

Check back next week as this Christmas short continues. FYI my current release, Hot as Blazes is on sale at All Romance, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo for $.99.  Feel the heat ;)

Edits have been keeping me busy for my sports romance that will publish next June. However, I’d had this idea of doing a Christmas short just for Weekend Writing Warriors. Here goes.

The living room echoed as Jake trekked along the hardwood, empty except for his recliner and the TV. Her chocolate lab, Hersey, had always been more excited to see him home from deployment anyway. He’d miss her most.

He placed the fifth of Jack Daniels and his gear bag on the floor next to the recliner. Tomorrow, he’d grab his few belongings and head for OBX to help his brothers as a guide on winter duck hunting trips.

Jake unlaced his boots and dropped onto the recliner. With remote in hand he pressed the button and the flat screen lit up to a scene of Ralphie from The Christmas Story. He grabbed the bottle on the floor beside him. Perfect.

Check back next week as this Christmas short continues. I want to thank all those who stopped to chat with me yesterday at The Ultimate Show for Woman at Virginia Beach. It was great to meet readers and I really appreciate those who bought one of my books.  And for everyone, my most current release, Hot as Blazes is on sale at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo for $.99.