Something I’ve learned as a writer is to keep EVERYTHING you write. Even if you think it’s crap, it might be of some use or provide inspiration in the future.

I find myself scribbling down lines of dialogue, ideas for storylines, and traits for my characters. I’ve written in notebooks, on ripped-out pages and once, I scribbled something on a napkin when I was eating lunch. I think the guy at the next table thought I was going to leave him my number… Hmm, that gives me an idea…

Anyway, when I was hunting through my notes, I came across a sweet short story I wrote for a competition run by Harlequin back in 2007. The theme was Valentine’s Day. In those days, I was a subscriber to their newsletter, and I’d look forward to reading all about the new releases and picking out which ones I’d buy. I was more of a reader and less of a writer in those days so of course I was chuffed when I received a letter informing me that I was one of two winners. And I was so excited when a box of books turned up on my doorstep as my prize.

I thought I’d share this five-minute fiction with you as part of your Sunday morning reading.

Kate’s special day

Today had been an important day in Kate’s working career and thankfully it had been successful. Her presentation had impressed her boss and Kate arrived home feeling on top of the world. Even the thought of cooking dinner, washing dishes and sweeping floors couldn’t dent her happiness.

Kate was surprised to see her husband, Brett standing in the hallway waiting for her. She grinned at him, a little confused. “Why are you looking so handsome?”

Dressed in a pale blue shirt and black trousers; Brett’s dark hair was slicked back and still damp. In his hands was a small bouquet of red roses.

“You know why,” he replied, with the smile that Kate had fallen in love with the moment they met five years earlier. He handed her the bouquet as their lips joined in a passionate kiss.

“Thank you.”

Before she could question the situation, Brett spoke. “You had better move. We have reservations for dinner in one hour.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Now go!” he commanded, patting her bottom playfully.

Kate did as she was told and in record time of forty minutes she’d showered, applied fresh make-up, styled her hair and put on a rose print dress.

After checking her appearance in the mirror one last time, she went into the kitchen where Brett was waiting for her.

“Wow! You look totally gorgeous.”

“Thank you, honey.”

“Would you mind finding the cooler bag? There’s a bottle of champagne in the fridge for the restaurant.”

“Sure,” replied Kate.

All this and champagne! She really was being spoilt. Kate wondered what had sparked Brett’s sudden burst of romance and then she spied the note on the fridge. REMEMBER FEBRUARY 13^TH

She had put this note up two weeks earlier to remind herself about the presentation and Brett must’ve remembered how important this was for her. With champagne in hand and a smile on her face, Kate joined her husband in the car.

At the quiet restaurant they were seated at a nice table, each holding a champagne filled glass.

“To my beautiful wife…” Brett raised his glass in a toast.

“Thank you,” replied Kate.

“And to us!”

They clinked glasses and Kate waited for the rest of his speech as Brett sipped his champagne.

“Thanks for the note. We deserve this treat and you know how forgetful I am about these things…anyway, Happy Valentine’s Day!”

Kate’s hand flew to her mouth to hide her amusement but seconds later the laughter spilled from her.

“Hey, what’s so funny?” asked Brett, a curious expression on his face.

“Oh nothing…” Kate stammered between bursts of laughter. “Just something at work.” Kate didn’t have the heart to tell Brett the real reason for the note on the fridge. She was certain he’d discover the truth tomorrow.

Right now, she’d enjoy her own private Valentine’s Day.

Now for a hit of spice… And it’s FREE…

Mister Tradie

Mister Tradie, an Instalove vs. slow burn, steamy novella is available for FREE on Amazon and KU for the next three days

Hollie Leigh has declared she’s off men. Every last one.
She has other plans for her future. Plans that don’t include a brazen, flirtatious tradie with a BIG mouth, no matter how good looking he is.

Self-proclaimed floor specialist, Scott Morgan, is hit by the smokin’ hot babe effect, the instant he lays eyes on Hollie.
But her death stare and acerbic wit, tell him he’s got his work cut out for him.
On a whim, he offers her an arrangement. Three weeks. With him.

As a PA for a law firm, Hollie knows to check the fine print and this deal will allow her to walk away once the three-weeks are over.

Fun. Flirty. Sexy. Dirty. Mister Tradie has all that and more in his toolbox. But will it be enough to show Hollie their connection is deeper than just flirty banter and hot sex?

Want more spice?

The first three novels in my 5 Shades of Brothers Browne series are available for $1.49 each on Amazon or Free with KU.

Happy reading!

About Deb Robinson

Deb’s just a humble little writer who loves what she does. She lives with her lovely husband in their little haven in Melbourne, Australia. She loves all things romance and believes it takes many forms. Her current catalogue consists of hot, contemporary romance under two series: 5 Shades of Brothers Browne and A Sexy Tradie Novella.

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