TUESDAY TALES - STARK

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is "stark". We return to the story of Buddy Carruthers, Wide Receiver for the Connecticut Kings and Emmy Meacham, known today as "Emerald" They meet for the first time in college. Be sure to return to read the awesome works by the other Tuesday Tales writers, HERE.

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Buddy liked to take an early morning swim before football practice.In college, he’d sneak out to a local pond at six, shed his clothes and quietly lower himself, stark naked, into the cool water. 

While his buddies were sleeping off the alcohol from the night before, Buddy was doing his “fish exercises” as he called the Australian Crawl. 

The campus was sleeping when Buddy cut through the water with a smooth, expert stroke. A few strains from a guitar stopped him short. He glanced at the small dock and spotted a young woman sitting against a tree, strumming. 

She played the folk song, “500 Miles” and sang softly, keeping her gaze on the strings. When she was done, his voice broke the quiet.
“Nice. Where’d you learn to play?”
His gaze swept over her T-shirt, skirt and bare leg. Nice body.
She looked up. “Lessons. I’m a music major.”
“I’m an education major.”
Her soft brown eyes drew his attention.
She made a derisive snort. “Figures.
You’re a jock, right?”
“Football.”
She put the instrument aside and stood up.
“Don’t leave. Play some more.”
“Why?”
“I like it.” He started to climb the ladder, but stopped when he remembered he was naked. “Can you throw me my clothes?”
She did and turned around. Buddy scrambled up the ladder and dressed in a flash.
“I’m Buddy Carruthers.” He put out his hand.
“Emmy Meacham.” But she didn’t offer hers.
“One of those snobs? Too good for an athlete?” His eyes narrowed and his jaw stiffened.
Her gaze dropped. “I didn’t mean that. It’s just that athletes are out for one thing.”
“Oh?” He cocked an eyebrow. “You don’t even know me and you think I only want to sleep with you?”
“Don’t you?” She stare back at him.
“What man wouldn’t?”
“I thought so.” She turned, but Buddy grabbed her by the elbow.
“Hey. Wait a minute. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to get to know you.”
“I’m working to pay for school. I don’t have time for heartbreaking romeos.”
“I’d never break your heart.”
“Yeah? Wanna bet?” She placed her hands on her hips.
“Give me a chance.”

“Why should I?” Her lips puckered up into a pout that he found irresistible.
Buddy kissed her quickly, then would her arm through his.
“Tell me your life story over breakfast.” He steered them toward the student union.

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