Tuesday Tales: From the Word QUICK

Welcome to April and this week’s Tuesday Tales. Our word prompt this week is QUICK. I’m continuing with Listen to the Stones, my Contemporary Paranormal Romance Suspense.

“Excuse me for showing up unannounced like this. My condolences on the death of your great-uncle. I’ve been out of the country and just recently heard of Angus’s death.”

The professor’s warm, friendly voice filled with admiration and surprise caressed her, raising goosebumps that had nothing to do with cold or fear.

She swallowed the conflicting emotions.. “Thank you. Did you know my great-uncle well?”

“Not as well as I would’ve liked. I’ve stayed here a few times, which brings me to why I’m here. I have a slight problem that I hope you can solve.”

“Of course. If I can help, I’d be happy to. Any friend of my great-uncle’s is a friend of mine.”

Her cheeks heated once more. What was wrong with her? It was one thing to find the man attractive, but quite another to spout outrageous lies to keep him here. How could a friend of Angus’s be a friend of hers? She hadn’t even known the man existed. Besides, minutes ago, she’d fancied herself attracted to James. How fickle could she be?

He smiled, his teeth minus the pointy canines flashing white through full lips similar to James’s. He even had a dimple but on his right cheek rather than his left.

“That’s a great relief. I have a room reserved here until early January. I’ve retired from the university, but archeology is an addiction that’s hard to kick. I’m hoping you’ll let me study the stones on your property. A friend made the reservation for me and … well, it doesn’t take effect until October 21—two days from now. My ferry across the Minch was booked for today, and I couldn’t change that. I’d planned to stay in town, but there are no rooms available. I was hoping to throw myself on your mercy and see if you could put me up early.”

Marina sensed he wasn’t being honest with her, but whatever his reasons were, she would gladly give him his room early. Like James, the man intrigued her. Perhaps he’d broken up with his girlfriend and found himself quite literally stranded on the island. A gorgeous man like that, especially one with such a colorful background, essentially Indiana Jones in person, would have the ladies crawling all over him. She suppressed the quick twinge of jealousy at the idea and nodded.

That’s it. Come back next week for more. Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.