Superstitions, Snippets and Sass

Friday the 13th. Wow, are any of you superstitious? Not me so much.  I've had a black cat, walked under ladders, purposely stepped on the cracks of sidewalks and nothing horrible has happened as a result of those things.  I used to know why this date was considered unlucky, you know one of those little bits of trivia.  Unfortunately, it's rattling around in my brain somewhere but not coming forth.  Can anybody refresh my memory?

I planned on doing this before the book was published but the date was moved up and then life got hectic and I haven't had a chance until now. So here is an excerpt from my latest book release, Love is Where You Find It  It is the story of a retiring rodeo cowboy who has loved and lost and the girl he befriends who has lost and loves.  

When Randy finds a young woman sitting on a bench crying, he does the decent thing by giving her a ride. This scene takes place as the miles away from Cheyenne increase and she begins to open up a little and share some of her background.  The men in her life have always disappointed her and she is a little reticent to accept that not all men are alike.  



"Well, Mr. Randy Colburne, this must be my lucky day.  I found the one cowboy who goes against the grain.  And yes, I could use a hand up and no, I am not looking for a handout."

"After you meet some of the good folks in my neck of the woods you may change your tune about cowboys.  Most of my friends would be more than willing to help out anybody down on their luck and I can't think of anyone I know who would treat a lady the way you've been treated.  I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I'm saying it is not anyone I know."

"Are you telling me you've never raised a hand to a woman before?"

"That's what I'm saying and I'll tell you why.  When I was about ten years old there was a girl in my class that teased me something awful.  One day I couldn't take it anymore and I turned around and punched her in the arm.  When my daddy found out he took me out to the woodshed ad wore out my backside with his best.  Momma told me she was glad he got there first or I would have two whippings that day because she would have cut several switches and worn me out before he got home.  I learned my lesson.  So to answer your question, no, I've never raised a hand to a woman.  Now spanking, that's another matter.  I have no compunction about taking a naughty woman over my knee for a little fanny warming when needed."

She laughed softly and it sounded like bells tinkling.  He loved the sound of it and hoped it was only the start of the ice beginning to thaw.  He liked her but knew there wasn't any way she was ready for anything more than friendship right now.  With any luck and over time he wondered if he would be able to wear down that protective armor she carried around with her.

Have a great weekend everyone and I'll see you later for more Aimless Ramblings.