Thursday, January 21, 2010

BANDIT INVASION - Day 4

And the Bandit Invasion continues with authors Christie Kelley, Susan Sey, Caren Crane, and Kirsten Scott! I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for a man in a shirt and tie. I wonder what this cutie sees out the window? Christie, Susan, Caren, and Kirsten have each written a vignette concerning that very question, but they need YOU to help them finish it! Write a line or two to finish their vignettes. And remember -- be creative! Today's prize package includes a $10 B&N gift card from Susan, a $10 Amazon gift card from Caren and a signed copy of Every Night I'm Yours from Christie. Good luck!



Vignette #1 by Christie Kelley

Kevin couldn’t help but laugh when he saw Stacy struggle to get the oversize bouquet of flowers into her Smart car. Whoever had sent those flowers certainly didn’t know his “green” assistant. She would hate the idea that those flowers had been cut only for her to admire for a few days.
After looking back at his caller ID and ignoring the call from his brother, he glanced back to see Stacy’s car still in the lot, but no sign of Stacy. His smile turned to a scowl. Where had she gone? The parking lot was almost empty.

“Kevin?”

He turned and steeled his mouth from gaping at the sight of Stacy O’Hara with her chestnut hair out if its usual tight bun, her white silk blouse with at least one more button undone and her glasses off. Had he known what she’d been hiding for the past year, maybe he would have sent her a large bouquet, too.






Christie Kelley was born and raised in upstate New York. As a child, she always had a vivid imagination and the bad dreams that go along with it, or perhaps the dreams were caused by the five brothers and three sisters she lived with. After seventeen years working for financial institutions in software development, she took a leap of faith and started her first book. Seven years later, EVERY NIGHT I’M YOURS was bought by Zebra books. The third book in Christie's historical Spinster Club series, SOMETHING SCANDALOUS, will be released in April 2010.





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Vignette #2 by Susan Sey

When it came to straddling the line, Sean McLatcher was an old pro. A cement pourer’s son with an Ivy League degree, Sean didn’t mind the fact that big callused hands poked out of his custom-tailored sleeves. Any general contractor worth his license was a jack of all trades, anyway, and Sean practically defined the term. He could crack a Pabst with the guys or order wine with the venture capitalists without missing a beat.

But romancing Janey Johnson? Damn. Sean was on boggy ground there.

He peered through the blinds for the sixth time in as many minutes and--finally, thank god--there she was. He grinned. He’d know that walk anywhere. The girl didn’t have any gear lower than march, and she took the parking lot like Sherman advancing on Savannah.

Question was, how was she going to take to the little token of his affection he’d strapped to the driver’s seat of her car?




Some years back, Golden Heart ® Award Winner Susan Sey gave up the glamorous world of software training to pursue a high powered career in diaper changing. Two children and millions of diapers later, she decided to branch out and started writing novels during nap time. The kids eventually gave up their naps, so now she writes when she’s supposed to be doing the laundry. She currently resides in St. Paul, MN, with her wonderful husband, their charming children and a very tall pile of dirty clothes.

Her first book, Money Honey, will be released on July 6, 2010. You can visit her on the web at http://www.susansey.com/.


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Vignette #3 by Caren Crane

"If anyone finds out we repainted the sign on Palmer's parking space, we're gonna be fired. But did you see her face? You can't fake rage like that, " Derek said, grinning down at the parking lot.

"What do mean we? It was all you, Jenkins," Michael said. "She'll know it, too."

"She can't prove it. If she makes a stink, she'll look like the humorless ladder-climber she is. It's a shame all that hotness is wasted."

"You're the one that turned her off dating...and Jell-o shots." Michael headed out the door, peered down the hall, then turned back. "Watch out, she's headed this way!"

"Run away, coward," Derek muttered, regretting giving in to his wild side. The one that had kept him in detention at school. That had once attracted Lindsay.

"Ms. Palmer, always a pleasure."

"Cut the crap," Lindsay said. "So much for discretion. Did you have to put that on my parking space?"













Caren Crane became a writer to escape the mind-numbing dullness of life in a cubicle when working as an engineer. Her forays into humorous, emotional women's fiction and romance allow her to spend time with the most entertaining people she knows - the ones in her head. Caren has finaled in contests such as the Golden Heart, Golden Pen, Maggie, Golden Opportunity, Molly, Sheila, Marlene and Heart Of the Rockies. She is an unapologetic conference junkie and a self-proclaimed promo ho. You can keep up with Caren at the Romance Bandits blog and at her website.


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Vignette #4 by Kirsten Scott

Griffin Delcorte laughed out loud as he gazed through the blinds. On the street below a troupe of dancing gorillas -- complete with pink tutus and glittering crowns -- spun and lept across the sidewalk. At the end of the routine, the lead gorilla held up a sign urging the quickly gathering crowds to attend the Beringer Ballet's premier of Swan Lake.

It was a cheap stunt. Griffin knew that. He also knew the Beringer was just a few audience members shy of bankruptcy. If he didn't turn the company around, and quick, they were doomed.

"Is this your idea of a joke?"

Griffin winced at the sound of the icy voice. He could picture her before he turned around. Long, graceful neck. Golden hair neatly captured in a bun. Her body a series of achingly beautiful lines. Beringer’s prima ballerina.

The crowds loved her.

That was because they didn’t know she was a complete bitch.


Kirsten Scott writes anything and everything -- from early reader chapter books to steamy adult romance. Kirsten was a 2006 Golden Heart finalist for her Regency romance, More Than a Lady. Since 2006, Kirsten has also tried her hand at contemporary romance and paranormal romance. Her first young adult novel, Delcroix Academy: The Candidates, will be available in August 2010 from Disney-Hyperion Books for Children. If she can ever quit the dreaded day job, Kirsten plans to take over the bookstore, one genre at a time.

157 comments:

  1. hey, one Golden Waiter for me! With ice!

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  2. Wow, girls, these are great. I want to read the whole books for every single one of them!

    Christie, I'm currently doing a plain Jane heroine so we have the obligatory taking the glasses off scene. Those always work for me and they work for me here. What a lovely vignette.

    Susan, I'm madly in love with your hero. The rough edged bits with the smooth ones. Ooh, tssssss!

    Caren, the sparks are really flying high in your vignette. Don't you just know these two are made for each other? Can't wait to see what happens next!

    Kirsten, I love the ballet story. Don't you just know these two are both in for a fall! How delicious! And that last line has such a punch! Bravo, you!

    OK, let's see what the punters come up with!

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  3. OK here goes for today

    #1
    I saw you watching me from the window i wanted to thank you for the flowers Kevin they are beautiful but if you wanted to get to know me better all you had to do was ask me out. Stacy stared at the blank look on Kevin's face and blushed oh my God you didn't send them did you then who did? Kevin walked towards Stacy and said sorry I didn't send them but I wished I had but seeing as how you are here would you like to go and have a drink?

    #2
    Sean kept watching as Janey got closer to the car his heart skipping a beat here and there and when she finally got there the look on her face was priceless full of shock and awe. The big pink teddy bear with the jewellery box attached to the neck was lifted out of the car by Janey she had a smile from ear to ear as she turned in circles looking straight up towards the window Sean was looking out of.

    #3
    What sign and what makes you think it was me? It could have been anyone he walked closer to her as she backed up. There were sparks flying between them the temperature seemed to be hotting up what was this pull between them?

    #4
    A complete beautiful bitch but surely there was a heart in there somewhere. Yes I have to get the audience in somehow to watch you dance isn't that what you want to be a top ballerina and be noticed by the best in the business. I have sone this for you, her face softened she really did care for him but did he care for her?

    I tried they are such good vignettes Ladies I don't do them justice.
    Thanks for the fun though

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  4. Good Morning ladies!! Mmm, that man looks might fine to me :)

    Another wonderful job by Christie, Susan, Caren, and Kristen!!

    Helen, I have to tell you that you are doing fabulous with these!! I love reading what you come up with every day.

    Well, once again I'm off to the office, only this time in the pouring rain - Yuck!

    See y'all later!

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  5. Anna, thanks so much for the lovely compliments. You'll turn our heads! *g*

    Yes, my poor couple have sparks flying. Unfortunately, I think they are in Deep Denial when tequila shots are not involved. Maybe someone can get them liquored up! I still want to know what he painted on her parking space sign...

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  6. Helen, I love the total denial! Not that she'll buy his innocent act, of course. *g* I think he may have put their chemistry down to Jell-o shots alone, so this will be interesting...

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  7. Buffie, I hope you keep that rain down your way. It's very cloudy here and it's gotten cold again. I could do without another week of rain!

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  8. Anna, dear, I'll send the Golden Waiter over as soon as I'm finished with him. *VBG*

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  9. Another superb round of vignettes! Ladies, I can't wait to see where these stories go. Inquiring minds want to know....

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  10. Nicely done, Helen! I particularly like #2. Who wouldn't be happy about a pink teddy bear complete with jewelry box?!

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  11. Thanks Anna, plain Jane heroines are always fun to write.

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  12. Helen, great next sections for all the vignettes. I think you did all of them justice!

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  13. Buffie, have a good day at work. You really don't have to send that weather up here for us tomorrow.

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  14. Hey, back at you, Anna. You're an early bird again!

    As an old-fashioned, glasses-wearing female, I also like this angle in a story.

    Once again, four different but fun and intriguing vignettes. I'll be curious as to how people finish them.

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  15. Good Morning! Love, love love today's vignettes! What better way to start the day than with laughter and y'all have gotten my day off to a *great* start!

    I can't wait to see how our posters finish these vignettes! :)

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  16. Helen, great twists on the vignettes! I especially like your #1 and #3, turning assumptions on end.

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  17. Anna, congrats on nabbing the Golden Waiter this morning. Don't work him *too* hard! *VBG*

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  18. Hey, Buffie--It's not raining here, but it's supposed to. We'll see. And after yesterday's unexpected warm weather, we're back to cold.

    I hate see-saw weather. *sigh*

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  19. Great job, Helen! I really like #2 with the big pink teddy and Janey knowing exactly where to look.

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  20. It's headed your way, Nancy. The rain started at my house during the night. It's a not-so-lovely dark, gray and wet day. 51° now and we're supposed to have a high of 52°. Yippy Skippy! (she said sarcastically);-)

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  21. Yippy Skippy! (she said sarcastically);-)

    LOL! My sentiments exactly, PJ, as our weather is pretty much the same.

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  22. Good morning, Anna! You get, what, a fabulous plate of French toast? A gorgeous muffin? Some kind of sweetly decadent food stuff, surely, as this is the Romance Dish. We aim to satisfy a girl's sweet tooth. :-)

    Good morning to everybody else, too! Just up & getting ready to see what's been offered up to continue our little vignettes!

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  23. Helen, those are wonderful! So romantic! After all that tension we set up, I was sure we'd see fisticuffs, but you found the romance. That's a real gift!

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  24. Have fun at the day job, Buffie, and come on back when it's over. I bet there'll be plenty to catch up on!

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  25. Caren wrote: Unfortunately, I think they are in Deep Denial when tequila shots are not involved. Maybe someone can get them liquored up!

    Ooooh. I'll look forward to that one. Nothing like a total uptight ladder climber letting her hair down. :-)

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  26. Gannon wrote: I particularly like #2. Who wouldn't be happy about a pink teddy bear complete with jewelry box?!

    Yeah, baby! Who know my Sean was so romantic?

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  27. PJ wrote: It's headed your way, Nancy. The rain started at my house during the night. It's a not-so-lovely dark, gray and wet day. 51° now and we're supposed to have a high of 52°. Yippy Skippy! (she said sarcastically);-)

    If it makes you all feel any better it's currently sprinkling ice outside (something strange between snow & rain) and we're looking at a whopping 31 degrees for the high. Plus the sun appears to have forgotten to rise this morning.

    *sigh*

    I know it's January, but still. Would a little sunshine & some pretty fresh snow be too much to ask?

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  28. PJ, I'd better put the lining in my raincoat. *sigh*

    Susan, I sympathize, but I don't feel any better. Thanks for trying, though.

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  29. Morning everyone! I'll have to get in a few comments before I'm off to work (DDJ you know). They block every website worth surfing, so I won't be able to chat during the day. But I'll come back when I'm home, I promise!

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  30. Anna, I love that Golden Waiter! Looks I'm going to have to get up earlier than 5AM to bring him home, though.

    And thanks for the nice note. I adore starched up heroines who have to learn to let loose with their bad boy. And what could be starchier than a ballerina? LOL.

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  31. Okay, so these vingettes clearly show the way we authors work.

    Smiling guy -- looks nice -- need conflict with heroine -- she must be pissed about something -- poor gal ends up repressed, tight-laced, marching on Atlanta, and climbing her way up the corporate ladder!

    At least Christie's gal is beginning the unbuttoning process early. The rest of our gals have some work to do... VBG

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  32. Helen, I can tell you are a die-hard romantic. We authors create all this messy conflict and tension, and within a couple of words you've got them to happily ever after! I love it!!

    thanks for playing!

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  33. Hey Buffie, I'm with you on the run to the office. In the rain.

    You know, even when it's raining, I still make my kids walk to school. Aren't I mean? They BEG to drive, but no way. Unless it's pouring I don't feel like walking. LOL. Then we drive.

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  34. Another fabulous round of vignettes, ladies! I just love how your different voices bring these scenarios to life.

    And Helen has set the standard very high with her fab continuations!

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  35. Hi PJ! You do know you've just described our weather for, like, the last month?

    The next two weeks have the same forecast everyday. High of 47 (sometimes it cracks 49!) and rain.

    Gah. This is why people in Oregon grow webbed feet.

    Or mold.

    I'm really hoping for the former.

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  36. Kirsten said...

    At least Christie's gal is beginning the unbuttoning process early. The rest of our gals have some work to do... VBG


    I never said she was unbuttoning for him...

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  37. Hey, Susan -- a little bird told me that you got a cover for your July debut.

    And that it's on the Susan Sey Facebook page.

    I guess a person could just go over to Facebook, become a fan, and get to see it, right?

    I mean, I'm just guessing...

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  38. HA! Christie -- that's funny.

    Doesn't really matter who she's unbuttoning for, though, does it?

    Hubba hubba.

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  39. Hi Nancy!

    I also appreciate Susan's attempt to make us feel better with her freezing rain/snow, but really. She's the one who chose to live in the frozen north. Should we all suffer because she doesn't get above freezing for four months at a time?

    ;-)

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  40. Kirsten wrote: I also appreciate Susan's attempt to make us feel better with her freezing rain/snow, but really. She's the one who chose to live in the frozen north. Should we all suffer because she doesn't get above freezing for four months at a time?

    Believe me, I've attempted the "let's relocate!" talk but it doesn't get far. The DH likes it here, & (in July) I do too. :-)

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  41. Kirsten wrote: Hey, Susan -- a little bird told me that you got a cover for your July debut.

    And that it's on the Susan Sey Facebook page.

    I guess a person could just go over to Facebook, become a fan, and get to see it, right?

    I mean, I'm just guessing...


    Why, Kirsten, you are absolutely right! And it is an adorable cover if I do say so myself. Liz is cute, as always, but Patrick?

    Oh, my. Patrick is his usual smokin' self. I do encourage everybody to check him out. :)

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  42. Kirsten wrote: Hey, Susan -- a little bird told me that you got a cover for your July debut.

    ...and now it's not only on Susan's facebook page but here at The Romance Dish too! Great cover for your debut book, Susan!

    Thanks for the heads-up, Kirsten!

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  43. Money Honey is definitely a Patrick vehicle. :-)

    Which I am totally okay with.

    (BTW, you say you like the tundra in July? In July you get those mosquitos the size of Texas, right?)

    (Okay, I know, I shouldn't make fun...not when I'm growing mold on my walls and other unspeakable places thanks for the perpetual cold/humidity)

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  44. And that it's on the Susan Sey Facebook page.

    I guess a person could just go over to Facebook, become a fan, and get to see it, right?


    All they have to do is click here:

    http://tinyurl.com/yet4mrt

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  45. Hey yall, I would love to hang out and make witty comments all day (they are witty, right? I mean, here and there?) but I've got to throw down a couple of sun salutations and then get up the monsters for another day in paradise.

    Have fun while I'm gone! I'll check in after dinner!

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  46. PJ, you are much better at this promo-thing than I am. Thanks for all the linkage! :-)

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  47. Drat! Okay, so that link didn't work like it was supposed to. But if you copy and paste the link to your browser it will take you to Susan's facebook fan page...I hope. :)

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  48. Hope it's an easy day at work, Kirsten. See you later!

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  49. PJ wrote: and now it's not only on Susan's facebook page but here at The Romance Dish too! Great cover for your debut book, Susan!


    Oh, thanks, PJ! I'm in total love with it, but I'm hardly impartial. I mean there's my name! Right on the front! Yowza! I'm desperately hoping the inside measures up to the outside but only time will tell on that one. At this point I'm just trying not to make myself insane worrying about it.

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  50. Kirsten wrote: (BTW, you say you like the tundra in July? In July you get those mosquitos the size of Texas, right?)

    Weeeeeelll, yes. There's that. Maybe I should speak to my husband again. He's a reasonable man. You're thinking we should move...where? Portland-ish? :-)

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  51. Christie wrote: Great cover, Susan!

    Thanks, Christie!

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  52. Kirsten wrote: Hey yall, I would love to hang out and make witty comments all day (they are witty, right? I mean, here and there?) but I've got to throw down a couple of sun salutations and then get up the monsters for another day in paradise.

    Have a wonderful day! We'll miss your wit (yes, you are witty, very) but look forward to after dinner. :-)

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  53. Okay, I'm off to the gym and the bank and few other errands! Have fun while I'm away, & I'll look forward to the creative chaos when I get back!

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  54. Susan, in July you definitely would not like it here. Hot and muggy, muggy, muggy. With mosquitoes. I grew up here, and I don't like it in July!

    The dh grew up in Colorado's Front Range. He loves spring and fall here, on grounds they barely appear in the Front Range, but he hates summer.

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  55. Drew, today's prize is a copy of Every Night I'm Yours and a $10 B&N gift card. Thanks for asking because I'd forgotten to add it to the blog. You're not the only one who's fuzzy!

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  56. Drew, I love #2! Okay, I'm a sucker for puppies, I admit. But hunks who do jobs around the house wearing only a tool belt? Be still my heart! Oh, and be very careful with those power tools, Sean. (wink)

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  57. Thanks PJ! Sean can drill me anytime...

    OMG, did I just say that??


    ROFL! Yes Ma'am, you most certainly did!

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  58. Hello everyone. I'm late as usual. But WOW, what amazing stories to start us out! Ladies, you did fantastic today.

    Okay, off to read everyone's finishes.

    I can't wait!

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  59. Whoa! Another crop of fabulous vignettes! This is such a great reminder of how great you ladies are. I'd pick these off a book shelf any day. I like how Christie has a hottie under a plain jane cover, and Inara has a cold b-otch under a hottie exterior. Love the dancing gorillas! Susan - I'm already intrigued with your hero after such a brief description, and Caren - can't wait to see what he did to her parking space. What fun!

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  60. Helen, romance 'blossoms' in your first vignette, I see!

    And in number two! Am I picking up a theme here?

    Yep, I am! Some very nice sexual tension in number three!

    Ooh, and nice conflict in number four. Yay you!!!!

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  61. Buffie, don't work too hard! Sorry about the weather. Wish you could send some down to us - it's really dry again here.

    Gannon, I tried to keep GW down with me but he slipped out of my clutches and flew back to you!

    Hmm, Susan, like your idea for breakfast!

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  62. Susan, I know I've said it before but I'll say it again - gorgeous cover! Seriously, everybody, check it out!

    Drew, just read your vignette 2 - how cool is that? I'd LOVE a retriever puppy. Actually, not really - it's not practical. But I LOVE the idea of a retriever puppy. How romantic was that?

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  63. Drew, I think you're getting a bit frisky! Fun on the desk? Whoo-hooo!

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  64. These rock!!! What clever and fun voices you all have. I'm so impressed with how clear and strong they stand out in such a short word count :-)

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  65. Drew, these are fabulous. I think we're all going to need a cold shower!

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  66. Karyn wrote: Sean started to giggle, not really appropriate for a suspender clad business hunk who secretly likes to wear a tool belt and nothing else when doing small jobs around the house...or bigger jobs with the ladies.

    Oooooh, Karyn, me likey! Very nice work, indeed! A puppy? Who pees on the desk? Priceless!

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  67. I'm late, I'm late! I'm so excited to get started -- I was thrilled to win yesterday, but really I'm here because it's so much fun.

    Every day the vignettes are so different and so well-written, this is a real challenge!

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  68. Karyn/Drew wrote: "Who else would put 'Lindsay Palmer is a screamer' on my parking place??"


    OMGOMGOMG! I love that! I never NOT see it coming! Though, jello shots *were* part of the back story so it totally fits. :-)

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  69. Drew, you're going to make me need a cold shower! LOL! Great job, again!

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  70. Vignette #1:

    "Kevin?" Her voice shook as she repeated his name.

    He wasn't conscious of crossing the room, but suddenly she was in his arms, right where he'd always wanted her.

    But not like this.

    She had the bouquet in a death grip, the flowers crushed against his chest. The scent of the deep red roses was overpowering.

    He looked into her frightened eyes, pulling back sharply when he noticed her pupils had shrunk to pin points. Her lashes fluttered as her lids closed.

    He clamped his hands on her arms when she started to sway. "Stacy, what's wrong?"

    She lifted her trembling arm and turned it toward him. He sucked in his breath at the sight of blood dripping from a number of tiny punctures.

    "What the hell?" Kevin grabbed the bouquet, taking care not to touch the stems. Who would send a bouquet filled with thorn-covered roses?

    He pulled out one of the roses, holding on to the blossom, and lifted the stem to his nose. An acrid, chemical smell reached his nostils.

    The same thought struck them both at once.

    Stacy clutched at his sleeve. "Kevin . . . I think I've been poisoned."

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  71. ..a suspender clad business hunk who secretly likes to wear a tool belt and nothing else when doing small jobs around the house...or bigger jobs with the ladies.

    Now that's my kind of handy man, Drew! ;)

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  72. Wow, Becke, didn't see that coming! You really are moving to the dark side! What a fantastic twist. And huge congrats on winning yesterday's great prize! I wonder who will carry away the goodies today!

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  73. Gannon, I had to giggle. The first time I read 'suspender', I didn't think of something to hold your pants up. Snort! Gave me a completely different view of the hunk at the window!

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  74. "Then come over here, and make me scream..."

    Drew, one cold shower coming right up! LOL

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  75. Stacy clutched at his sleeve. "Kevin . . . I think I've been poisoned."

    Oooh, very cool twist, Becke!

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  76. Becke, that's an excellent twist. Wish I had thought of it!

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  77. WTG Thursdays crew! Four more GREAT vignettes!

    And already some wonderful continuations. LOVE Helen's teddy bear with the jewelry box and Drew's puppy peeing of the quarterly report1 ROFLOL! Can't wait to see what else happens in these great scenarios.

    AC

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  78. Anna said; The first time I read 'suspender', I didn't think of something to hold your pants up. Snort! Gave me a completely different view of the hunk at the window!

    LMAO!!!!!

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  79. Vignette #2:

    It had started out as a joke when one of her friends gave her a Pocket Rocket lip gloss on her birthday -- the damn thing featured the image of a guy in a suit, and when the lip gloss was shaken his close disappeared.

    One of the girls cracked that the model looked like him. Sean had been a little flattered until Janey had burst out laughing. She said he was too uptight to pose for a picture like that -- blowing him off as if he was some sexless mannequin instead of a real person.

    Then and there he decided to teach her a lesson. If anyone was uptight, it was Janey. As far as he could tell she lived for work. Despite her amazing looks and quirky sense of humor, Sean was pretty sure the closest she came to sex was those books she tucked into her bag whenever he caught her reading one.

    His first move was to pick up a book of female erotica and leave it on her desk. (He may have skimmed a few chapters, but he wasn't about to admit it.)

    She retaliated by tucking a book on male impotency in his desk drawer.

    He tucked a bottle of flavored lubrication in the outer pocket of her purse.

    She stuck a pair of licorice bikinis in his briefcase.

    He bought a skimpy pair of Speedos and autographed them with an indelible marker. He sent her those in an inter-office memo envelope, wondering if he was courting a sexual harassment suit.

    She sent the memo envelope back with a glittery thong inside it.

    Jesus H. Christ!

    He broke into a sweat just thinking about it.

    Thinking he'd totally lost his mind, he'd returned the envelope with two tickets to a concert he'd heard her mention with longing.

    Last night, he'd arrived home to find a bottle of wine and two goblets in a gift bag on his porch.

    He knew he'd either win the game or label himself a loser forever with his next move. The problem was, it wasn't a game any more.

    But she was the one who'd accused him of being uptight, damn it. So he hoped she liked the surprise waiting in her car: a beautiful but completely sheer nightie from Victoria's Secret.

    And a multi-pack of condoms, ribbed to enhance the woman's pleasure. Extra large.

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  80. Gannon, I had to giggle. The first time I read 'suspender', I didn't think of something to hold your pants up. Snort! Gave me a completely different view of the hunk at the window!

    Anna, snort!

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  81. "his close disappeared"

    AAAKKK! Tell me I did NOT do that!!

    It's CLOTHES, damn it. Geesh, kill me now.

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  82. Becke wrote: The same thought struck them both at once.

    Stacy clutched at his sleeve. "Kevin . . . I think I've been poisoned."


    Oooooh, very nice! And we take a turn into suspense! Well done!

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  83. Becke, that was awesome! Love the "gifts" flying back and forth between Sean and Janey. LOL!

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  84. PJ, my daughter got me one of those Pocket Rocket lip glosses for Christmas, and the guy on mine DOES kind of look like the guy in the picture here.

    Sorry my "endings" always seem to turn into short stories!

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  85. Becke wrote: So he hoped she liked the surprise waiting in her car: a beautiful but completely sheer nightie from Victoria's Secret.

    And a multi-pack of condoms, ribbed to enhance the woman's pleasure. Extra large.


    I love it. Ribbed. XL. Hee hee.

    This Sean of mine, apparently he was hidden, um, talents. Thanks for bringing them out, Becke!

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  86. Sorry my "endings" always seem to turn into short stories!

    Don't apologize, Becke! I'm loving them!

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  87. Becke wrote: Sorry my "endings" always seem to turn into short stories!

    Sorry? Don't be sorry! And don't you dare deprive us of a single word! I for one am quite enjoying your take on things. :-)

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  88. And a multi-pack of condoms, ribbed to enhance the woman's pleasure. Extra large.

    Becke, that's priceless! ROFLMAO!

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  89. Drew, I'm certain your creativity will return, "alive and kickin'" LOL

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  90. Karyn, for me it's not a case of the creativity drying up, it's worrying about doing justice to the fabulous vignettes! I love how all of us read something different into the vignettes and come up with such completely different endings!

    I hope you'll come back and post more later.

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  91. Karyn - sorry, should have said "Drew."

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  92. Wow, wow, wow! Fabulous vignettes, ladies! Isn't it fun how everyone's voices shine in these? Wonderful :-)

    Now I'm off to read all the great endings everyone has come up with *g*

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  93. Becke, I think all of you have done justice to the vignettes! It's been such a treat reading everyone's contributions. Y'all rock!!

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  94. Drew - that sounded like a Freudian slip to me!

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  95. Karyn/Drew wrote: Whatever you wish to call me...just don't call me late for sinner...

    Freudian, indeed. :-) I'll chuckle over that one for a while, you naughty thing.

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  96. just don't call me late for sinner...

    Guess you'll be back after that shower, Drew! :-D

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  97. Vignette #4 -

    "Seriously -- dancing gorillas? That's what comes to mind when you think of ballet?"

    Not when he looked at her, that's for damn sure. But when he thought of ballet in general? Well, yeah. Pretty much.

    And wasn't that the reason Beringer Ballet hadn't been able to pay their dancers for the last three performances? Because people thought ballet was booooring. And besides, the tickets were bloody expensive.

    If his firm was going to change their red ink to black, he was going to have to make the ballet seem fun. Hence, dancing gorillas.

    Why couldn't the ice princess see that?

    "You've got a better idea, Cindy Lou? I'm open to suggestions." He tried not to smirk. He loved how Miss Cynthia Louise Goddard's creamy cheeks reddened when he called her that.

    He liked to ruffle her feathers. He'd like to ruffle her a lot more.

    "I'd like to see you in one of those tutus, dancing with the gorillas. I'd pay good money to see that."

    He looked down at his trim waist. He could wear a tutu. It wouldn't kill him.

    "Only if you join me for dinner tonight."

    She stared at his face as if his dimple was some kind of nasty rash. He could practically see the steam coming from her ears. "I'll do it on one condition. You donate your firm's services."

    "You're on." He reached out a hand, his grin widening as she reluctantly shook it.

    Oh yeah, it would be worth a little humiliation to see her face when, instead of the fancy restaurant she probably assumed he'd take her to, they turned up at Smokin' Joe's Restaurant and Rodeo Bar.

    It would be worth the profit he'd lose on this deal to see her tippy-toeing through the layers of peanut shells and popcorn that covered the floor of his favorite hang-out.

    He wondered if he could convince the pretty ballerina to join him in a line dance? Her hair would be out of that bun in no time.

    He went back to the window after she left the room in a huff. She was right, the gorillas were bloody awful. What had he been thinking of?

    Gee, it was almost as if he'd wanted to provoke her.

    He smiled to himself. All in a day's work.

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  98. Extra large? Oh, Becke, you crack me up! I love the office romance of your vignette!

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  99. Oh yeah, it would be worth a little humiliation to see her face when, instead of the fancy restaurant she probably assumed he'd take her to, they turned up at Smokin' Joe's Restaurant and Rodeo Bar.

    Becke, you crack me up! I've been to several of those "peanut shells, popcorn on the floor" joints. :)

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  100. And now I'm hungry for peanuts and popcorn.

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  101. It's always a good time for popcorn and peanuts, Becke! With chocolate included, of course. ;)

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  102. just don't call me late for sinner...

    Truly an awesome slip!

    Becke, you are cracking me up with your additions.

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  103. Vignette #3:

    "Parking space?" Derek raised his eyebrows, all innocence. His boyish expression hadn't fooled his principal and it wasn't fooling Lindsay, but he played it for all it was worth. "Did someone take your space? It wasn't me -- I'm in my usual spot. You know, where the lower orders park."

    Okay, that was mean. But it grated on his ego when she constantly got the coveted Employee of the Month spot while he was bringing in bigger numbers than she was. Sure, she'd snared a high profile client, but that was just luck.

    And, all right, maybe he was still steamed at the way she was pretending she'd never spent the night with him. He'd thought they'd been freaking fantastic together, but the way she'd been avoiding him, she must not agree.

    He cursed quietly. When was he going to grow up? Yeah, painting cutesy comments in her parking space was really going to impress her with his level of maturity. What was he, twelve?

    Crap.

    He tilted his head at the sound of hushed giggles coming from the other room. He crept over to the door and was surprised to see half the office crowded around Michael's desk.

    His friend looked up in embarrassment when Derek approached. "What did I miss? Is it Jon Stewart again?"

    Two of his co-workers collapsed into hysterical laughter and several of the clerical staff snuck away, still giggling.

    A premonition made his smile fade. "What's so funny?"

    Michael tried to put on a serious expression but a guffaw burst from him. "Uh, Derek, those Jell-o shots? I'm guessing you matched Lindsay shot for shot. Two words, my man: Cell phone."

    Cell phone? What was he getting at?

    Michael snorted. "Still no lightbulb over the head? Okay, two more words -- or is it one? Youtube, baby. Youtube." And he burst out laughing again.

    Derek leaned in to get a closer look at the video clip Michael was playing on his computer.

    Holy Mother of God.

    Derek closed his eyes, hoping if he couldn't see it, it would just go away. But he knew it would still be there, for the whole world to see.

    Never underestimate a pissed off woman -- why couldn't he have remembered that before he'd gotten out the paint can?

    His memory of the vodka Jell-o shot date was foggy, but he did vaguely remember Lindsay playing with her cell phone while they cavorted.

    Apparently he'd done a strip tease. He opened his eyes and winced at the monitor. There was no apparently about it. And he'd danced -- what was that, the Makarena? And Lindsay had caught it all in a series of 15 second video clips on her phone.

    He'd survive the embarrassment -- eventually. But it looked as if he had some work to do to convince Lindsay he wasn't a lost cause.

    Hot temper, hot blood. A little groveling -- or a lot -- would be a small price to pay if she'd give him another chance.

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  104. Becke, another lovely office romance! Oh, that poor guy caught dancing the macarena, clothed or un! And what a lovely heart-wrenching bit at the end. Sigh!

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  105. Anna, I guess my theme for the day was "guys behaving badly!"

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  106. Becke said:

    Sorry my "endings" always seem to turn into short stories!

    I'm not sorry! Becke these are great!

    Everyone's are great.

    I am so glad we did this again. I love seeing how everyone twists these. Y'all are so creative!

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  107. I'm off to my local RWA chapter meeting. Have fun while I'm gone!

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  108. Hello all! I usually pop in around midnight when everyone is all done with their posts! What a great treat this has been. No body parties like the Bandits!

    I only have time for one. I hope to post the other three later - way before midnight.

    So, here it goes!

    #1

    "Kevin!"

    Stacy bit back a smile as she watched Kevin try to gather his wits about him. He blinked his coffee colored eyes at her and licked those firm, tempting lips and, suddenly, it was her turn to stare.

    "Um, Stacy." Kevin managed to get out as he straightened up in the seat, tugging at the front of his trousers at what Stacey thought promised to be a rather promising package.

    "Fancy meeting you here, he continued.

    "Yes. Funny. Listen, Kevin. You didn't happen to see who left these flowers in the seat of my car, did you?"

    "No. No, I didn't. That's quite a large bouquet. Kind of a waste..."

    Stacy's eyes narrowed as she fisted her hands on her generous hips, "Waste! What do you mean 'waste'? Are you saying? That I'm not worth a nice bouquet of flowers!"

    Rolling his eyes, Kevin let out a growl and pulling her close ground out, "Babe, you're worth so much more."

    She let out a squeak as his lips ravished hers.

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  109. Wow, see what a girl misses when she arrives late to the party? Fantastic vingettes and really great continuations! Y'all have been busy!!

    Helen, I like how added to the #1...and of course my mind is asking..."If Kevin didn't send them, who did? And is he just a shy coworker who'll go his own way, or perhaps one who will turn into a stalker...(Too much Criminal Minds lately!)

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  110. Hey, Santa, fabulous to see you! And thanks for entering the fray. Haven't the entries over the last few days been amazing? I'm in awe!

    Ooh, that Kevin! Package and all! Great stuff! Definitely a worthy entry into the pantheon of brave and talented vignette finishers!

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  111. Drew wrote "Who else would put 'Lindsay Palmer is a screamer' on my parking place??"...

    Drew! That would definitely get Lindsay's attention! And is she going to get her way with him? OR Just get him naked on his desk and walk out leaving him looking like a fool in front of his coworkers?

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  112. Becke wrote: Gee, it was almost as if he'd wanted to provoke her.

    He smiled to himself. All in a day's work.


    Ooooh, Beck, I *like* it! Line dancing? For the prima ballerina? Wonderful! No wonder you took top honors yesterday!

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  113. Becke wrote: Apparently he'd done a strip tease.

    Now why did *I* never work with anybody who did a strip tease for me?? I like this guy more & more with each vignette!

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  114. Santa wrote: Rolling his eyes, Kevin let out a growl and pulling her close ground out, "Babe, you're worth so much more."


    Mmmmm, I love it when they go all alpha! Thanks for stopping by, Santa. I definitely appreciate your contribution. :-)

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  115. I know, Susan, I know. I think a lot of wishful thinking goes into these endings!

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  116. Suz

    I say the person who did send the flowers is a stalker and of course Kevin is going to become the knight in shining armour and save Stacy

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  117. Well done, Sister Banditas, these are great vignettes, clever and hilarious!

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  118. Hey! I've still got the image of the dude in the tiny swim trunks from Day One floating through my mind! Congrats, Becke on your win!

    My feeble attempt...

    Vignette #1...maybe he should have sent her a large bouquet too...

    She closed the door behind her. The lock clicked. Why was she locking the door?

    "Your brother in Vegas sent me the flowers." Her eyes trailed over him and stopped south of his belt buckle. "But I prefer my men..." Her hand slid down the front of his pants. "Locally grown. Sustainability is very important to me."
    Holy hell. Sweat broke out on his forehead. She might be green but she was a maneater. "Wh--why me? I--I don't even eat organic."

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  119. Hey, Pink Peony -- great to see you here!

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  120. And he'd danced -- what was that, the Makarena?

    I love the YouTube twist, Becke! Tee hee!

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  121. Kevin managed to get out as he straightened up in the seat, tugging at the front of his trousers at what Stacey thought promised to be a rather promising package.

    Mmmm, methinks it sounds very promising, Santa! *g*

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  122. I AM NOT WORTHY!

    These vignettes were so fantastic. Now I want a book for each one!

    Great going banditas!

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  123. Office romances...where were they when I was working??

    Nothing like that happened in our office when I was working either. LOL

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  124. Hi Becke! How ya been? I went back and read all of the entries! Fantastic!

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  125. Susan--I was so spaced earlier, I didn't see you MARVELOUS cover! That's going to have people picking up the book to check it out!

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  126. PinkPeony--sustainability? LOL!

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  127. Drew, I love the puppy! And I can SO see it piddling on the desk, alas.

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  128. Ooo, Becke--poisoned roses! Very neat.

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  129. Kirsten wrote of Susan: Should we all suffer because she doesn't get above freezing for four months at a time?

    No. Emphatically no. If it's this cold, I should have snow. *g*

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  130. Helen, just realized I missed your vignettes this morning. I love your roads to HEA!

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  131. PinkPeony wrote: "But I prefer my men..." Her hand slid down the front of his pants. "Locally grown. Sustainability is very important to me."

    hee hee. Sustainability. Heh.

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  132. Karyn/Drew wrote: His phone went off again, he glanced at the Blackberry, it was a text message from his brother.
    "Say the flowers are from you."


    Oh wow. Now I want a vignette about the brother, because I might be in love.

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  133. Nancy wrote: Susan--I was so spaced earlier, I didn't see you MARVELOUS cover! That's going to have people picking up the book to check it out!

    Hey, thanks, Nancy! I hope you're right! I've been admiring it shamelessly since I got it, and wondering which cover god I should make my burnt offering to. :-)

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  134. Santa, glad you made it before midnight! I love happy endings. :)

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  135. Oops, wrong hat! Sorry, those romance dish comments were from me.

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  136. Buffie, you sent all that rain RIGHT TO ME! I had to go to CPR recertification tonight and it was monsooning by the time I left. Lots of dark streets full of standing water. And it's 35 degrees to boot! Glad I have some vignettes to read to keep me warm! *g*

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  137. Karyn, you took Lindsay to places I didn't think she would go without Jello shots! Then again, she may be leading poor Derek on...or trying to get him fired. Love it!

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  138. Susan, I forgot to comment on your cover, too -- I love it!

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  139. Becke, you have made Derek's humiliation complete. The drunk, naked Macarena on YouTube will do that to a guy. Snort! I love it!! Yes, there is some groveling in Derek's future, for sure.

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  140. Believe me, I've worked in plenty of offices and any romance going on did NOT involve me. *sigh* I'm sure it happens though, like on "The Office". Jim and Pam. *sigh*

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  141. Becke wrote: Susan, I forgot to comment on your cover, too -- I love it!

    Oh, Becke, thanks!

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  142. Caren wrote: I had to go to CPR recertification tonight and it was monsooning by the time I left. Lots of dark streets full of standing water. And it's 35 degrees to boot! Glad I have some vignettes to read to keep me warm! *g*

    Ooooh, that doesn't sound like a fun night to be out & about! Be safe, Caren. Be warm, too.

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  143. Drew, great job on #1. I love the text from his brother.

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  144. Hello Ladies!!
    Great topics today, I so enjoyed them all. I want every book each one of you wrote. There goes my budget!! LOL!

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  145. Sweat broke out on his forehead. She might be green but she was a maneater. "Wh--why me? I--I don't even eat organic."

    OMG, pinkpeony, that is hysterical! I love it!

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  146. Santa, I love what you did with #1. Great job!

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  147. Hi Lady Graeye! Thanks for stopping by. Hope you'll be back for the grand finale tomorrow!

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  148. Thanks for the compliments, ladies. I am having so much fun reading such marvelous happy endings!

    I'll post one more before calling it a night here at Starbucks.

    #3

    "Come on, everyone knows that about you. You're all about pandas and polar bears."

    "Yes, you idiot, but they don't have to know that I have them tattooed, you know," she hesitated and clearing her throat whispered, "there."

    "Hey, it's not like I drew flags to guide them." Derek countered as his face split into that wolfish grin that brought out the dimples on either side of his mouth.

    Lindsay knew that mouth and barely hid a shiver as she remembered it marking its own torturous journey to Sing-Sing and Monty.

    Derek's relaxed posture as he leaned against the desk only served to fuel her ire. He saw that barely concealed shiver. She raised her eyes to his and, dammit, the rat winked at her.

    Derek let out a low sigh of relief that Lindsay bought into his supposed indifference. He was anything but indifferent. Lindsay barely controlling herself was a sight to see. The flush that anger brought to her face only served to highlight the soft, translucence of her skin and darkened her eyes to a smoldering gray.

    He was such an ass! How could he have thought a simple prank like this could simply be laughed off? How could he have forgotten that his Lindsay was anything less than magnificent.

    HIS Lindsay! Wait a minute. There was no 'his' Lindsay. He blew that chance a long time ago. It was then that he remembered that closing off his heart meant closing off Lindsay.

    His introspection was interrupted by his name stamped out from Lindsay.

    "Derek, why do we have to torture one another so?"

    It must have been a retorical question because she stepped between his legs, the wool of her skirt against his pants sending a charge through his body. She shook out her ebony curls and grabbing the collar of his shirt brought him within inches of her own red berry lips.

    The kiss she pressed to his lips signed the armistice she'd declared.

    "Pax," he breathed when they finally came up for air.

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  149. Eat organic? Jen, you crack me up too! Brilliant! Thanks for swinging by. I still remember your brilliant entries from last year when we were at RNTV.

    Hey, Drew, really liked how you ended the flower one! Lovely.

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  150. Santa, Sing-Sing and Monty? Oh, man, you are hilarious! Love it! Thanks for swinging by to play. Glad you made it today!

    Oh, so glad I don't have to pick today's winner. Oh, no, I have to help pick tomorrow's!!!!

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  151. Oh Becke fantastic!!

    ...Gee, it was almost as if he'd wanted to provoke her....

    I absolutely love it! You knew my characters way better than I did! I hadn't even thought about that being his primary motivation. Way to go, clever girl!

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  152. Man, these are brilliant! I am just snorking away. Course, that's also because I'm finally off duty and still have another half-hour or so before I fall dead asleep! Ah, the sweet taste of freedom!

    Thanks for playing, everyone!

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  153. Santa wrote: The kiss she pressed to his lips signed the armistice she'd declared.

    Oooh, Santa, that's a great line!

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