Wednesday Writing Prompt - May 13

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

I’m participating in Wednesday Writing Prompt with some author friends. What is Wednesday Writing Prompt? On Wednesdays in May, we’ll write a short story from a writing prompt, and you can hop from blog to blog to read each one and see the different ideas that come from each prompt. Follow my blog to make sure you don’t miss any of the prompts!


Writing prompt: Hero and heroine work late and end up getting locked in the building alone.  

Chad’s smile would have weakened Venetia’s knees if she’d been standing. Through the plate-glass window of her office, he flashed a grin at the new woman in Accounting. 

He’d been with her family’s marketing company for a year now and while he did good work—according to her brother, James—she couldn’t think of another positive thing about Chad. Except for his charm, his super-fit body, and his smile, of course. Her lips curled into a grimace. She wouldn’t even admit to herself that he had it going on.

She shifted her gaze in case he happened to look in her direction. Then she tapped the spacebar on the laptop. The document was taking shape, but she needed to finish it for Monday’s meeting. She’d catch up on the weekend. 

Her door swung open and Yaneke, her close friend, walked inside. “I’m about ready to leave. What about you?”

“I have something to finish up, so I was going to stay for a while.”

Yaneke dropped into a chair in front of her desk. “We need to find you a hobby or something because you’ve forgotten how to live.”

“Just so you know, I’ve taken up paper crilling—”

“It sounds like something little old ladies do. I came to invite you out with us for drinks.”

“Who is us?”

Yaneke’s dimples showed up as she secured her braids on top of her head and reeled off a list of names.

“Sorry, I think I’ll pass.”

“I didn’t say Chad was going.”

Venetia tipped one brow. “So? I didn’t plan on going whether he was there or not.”

“You know he’s not into Happy Hour fun.” Yaneke stood and smoothed her pants over her
hips. “One day I’ll find out why you hate him so much.”

Venetia didn’t take the bait. Instead, she wriggled her fingers at Yaneke as she went through the door. Minutes later, she decided to go downstairs to the retrieval room for a presentation they did several years ago since they had only just started the process of converting their files to digital versions.

She debated turning on the light as she left the office but didn’t. Everybody knew she was usually last to leave the office. Still, she pulled the door shut behind her. Downstairs, she pressed her back to the heavy door of their records department, surprised to find a light on inside.

Frowning, she walked past each aisle. When she got to the last row, Chad was sitting on a step ladder. The muscles in his broad back rippled as he shifted position. The earplugs in his ears explained why he didn’t hear her. 

She was about to go back the way she’d come when he faced her, frowning. His tone was wary when he spoke. “Hey, can I help you with something?”

Venetia shook her head while trying to unstick her tongue from the roof of her mouth.  One year since they’d been introduced and he still had this effect on her. 

“Are you sure?” He got to his feet with several files in his hands. “You must have needed something.”

Yeah, well, it’s nothing you can supply. 

“No, it’s fine.” Her terse tone was embarrassing. This was why she stayed away from him. 
Chad Greaves brought out the worst in her. At least, since their one date.

She took another step back, but he advanced on her, his lips twisted in a smirk. “I think you’re refusing simply because I offered.

“You’re free to think whatever you want.”

It took all of Venetia’s willpower not to move as Chad entered the narrow passage and stood inches away. His royal blue tie was slightly askew and he’d rolled back his sleeves and stood with both arms folded across his chest. 

She avoided his eyes by studying the hairs on his dark-honey skin. Then her gaze moved upward to stop at his well-defined lips. When their eyes met, his was filled with amusement. 

“See something you like?”

Venetia snorted and stepped around him. “I know where to find the file I wanted.”

She could have sworn he scoffed under his breath.

“I’ll wait for you.” He propped himself against a shelf and watched her. 

Flustered, she grabbed the first file that came to hand and walked past him. She didn’t check if he was behind her when she climbed the steps and marched to her office. 

“See you later.” Chad’s tone was cheerful as he disappeared down the corridor. 

Venetia packed up her laptop and the file. With her keys in hand, she made her way to the front office. 

Chad stood at the entrance, talking on his phone. 

The man was suddenly everywhere.

He turned at the tap of her footsteps across the tiles. 

“We’re locked in,” Chad said, sliding the phone in his pocket. 

“How come?”

“New security guard. I guess he thought the building was empty.”

“Oh, crap.” Venetia’s shoulders drooped and she turned back toward her office.

“What does that mean?” Chad gripped her arm and fell in step with her. His touch sent tingles radiating up to her shoulder and into her chest. Her gaze jumped to his and she tried to ease away but his fingers didn’t budge. 

“The guard armed the building and left,” she choked out.

“So this means … ”

“The security company has to disarm the system before we can get out.”

“How long will that take?” Chad asked.

He stood in the doorway as she slumped in her seat and picked up the phone.

“How should I know?” She dialed the security company and when she looked up, Chad was staring at her across the desk. Smiling, she used his earlier words. “See something you like?”

His chuckle was low and throaty. “Is there a doubt?”

That killed her amusement. She was not doing this with him. Chad was vain and shallow. 
Definitely not worth her time or attention. 

After a quick conversation, she rose and paced the office. “We’ll be here until the guards do their rounds and return. That could be another two hours.”

On her way past him, Chad gripped her wrist. “No sense in wearing yourself out. There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

She tugged her hand away. “What?”

“We had that one date last year—”

“Let’s not go there.”

“Why?”

She sounded stupid repeating his question but did it anyway.

He frowned. “You went dead cold with no explanation, plus your bro—”

“Weren’t you seeing Nordia Grant at the same time you were trying to date me?”

 His frown deepened. “Who told you that?”

“She said you—”

“So she told you a story and you didn’t check if she was lying? I never looked in her direction, other than to say hello.” 

He leaned against the door jamb. “Your brother made it plain you wanted nothing to do with me.”

“Wait. Which brother?” Venetia suspected she knew. “Richard.”

Chad nodded. “Matter of fact, he said if I didn’t leave you alone, he’d fire me. Then when you started treating me like I was invisible, I figured it wasn’t worth pursuing you because I actually like working for the company.”

Venetia’s breath streamed out in a long hiss and she muttered, “Seriously, Richard?”

Her gaze shot to Chad. She owed him an apology. “Look, I’m—”

“Hold the apology.” His eyes darkened. “I have a better plan.”

Pulling her head back, she whispered. “What?”

“Let’s have a do-over.” He stepped in close. “Have drinks with me this evening.”

“Now or later?”

“There’s no time like the present.” His breath caressed her lips. “I have this bottle of Appleton Estate Signature Blend that I celebrate with when I snag major accounts.”

Their lips touched as she said, “What are we waiting for?” 



Would you have given Chad the time of evening after getting that explanation? Have you ever come close to being locked up in an office building? Would you enjoy seeing more of Chad and Venetia?

Don’t forget to visit the blogs of my writing friends below to see their stories:

Delaney Diamond delaneydiamond.com
Tiye Love tiyelovebooks.com
Nyora René nyorarene.com

S.Taylor staylorromance.com

11 comments:

  1. Yep...I would've forgiven him and enjoyed that drink and kiss. LOL...Definitely should be more of this couple! This was good...

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  2. I most definitely would have had a drink and more. I want to know what happens next.

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    1. I would've had that drink with him. I'm curious to see why her brother blocked and if he was in kahoots with that Nordia chick....

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    2. Yeah, Chad seems like good people to me, too. 🙂

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  3. I would definitely give him more of my time. Heck, I was ready to give him more of my time when he said, “You must have needed something.” LOL! I'm intrigued by this couple.

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    1. Too funny, Delaney. Chad is ready to step in and serve.

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  4. Chad gets all my time and I’ll enjoy every minute. And I’d have a heart to heart with my brother about staying out of my business.

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    1. Yeah, her brother needs to stop c**k-blocking.

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    2. Yep, Venetia needs to have that conversation.

      He should get a life, Delaney. 🤣

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Don't be shy, I'd love to hear what you think.