Sunday Snippet: Sparkle and Boom (Organic Nature short)

Can't believe we're almost through April. And yet … it's been a really long month. May has some great things happening, namely my youngest graduating from college. She starts grad school in the fall, and I'm amazed by her. I can't wait to see what she does with her future.

Had an okay week of viewing. I'm behind on my work projects so I didn't push hard to get stuff watched, but I did make a full rotation of my shows.

I finished the regular series of My Life Is Murder. I have the bonus content left to watch. I actually loved this show. And, to my astonishment, it looks like there will be a fourth season! And it premieres tonight if I can trust the interwebs.

Caught an episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. A little disappointed with the friction and push back from Caron about interference with the case, but it's probably a little more true to life than not.

Finished up Silent Witness and loved how it ended. Things didn't go quite the way I expected. I love it when that happens.

Watched the first episode of Jack's tenure of Death in Paradise. I liked the transition from Humphrey to Jack. We're also getting into episodes I've not seen anything of yet and I'm excited to watch new stuff.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. This one didn't have the police coming to Sherlock for consultation. He brought a case to them, and I'd like to see more of that. Almost through the first season so maybe I'll get what I want here.

Caught another episode of The Batman and it's one I remembered watching before. I love it when Alfred's past comes calling. He's got some interesting friends.

Watched an episode of Classic Rugrats and, again, this is a new to me one. I don't remember either of the vignettes and that's always fun for me.

Finished out the week with some more Peak Practice. I'm trying to get through the episode I started a few weeks ago. I might get it finished this week.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Sparkle and Boom, an Organic Nature short set in July.

Here's the miniblurb:

Eppie Collins and Vin Derbish head back to the city for another fireworks extravaganza. Maj comes through with comping the VIP suite again, but right before the thrilling show, the couple is interrupted by the last-minute arrival of the registered occupant, much to Maj's dismay.

And a snippety peek…

While Wilkes might not be Eppie's type, she completely got why Maj found him attractive. In the tailored suit, the man defined cultured and refined … with just a bit of roughness under the starched collar. Vin gave a low mmm-hmm under his breath and Eppie turned toward him with an arched brow.

He shrugged, which could mean anything from agreeing Wilkes made a nice fit for Maj to excitement for being able to stay in the lovely suite again.

The elevator slid to a smooth stop and the doors whooshed open. Wilkes led the way to the suite with Maj falling into step beside him. He keyed in the code and gained entry to the charming, old-world penthouse.

 After setting his case inside the foyer area, he turned to face Eppie and Vin. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. I'd like to keep Maj for a few moments." His arms went around Maj's waist.

Vin's lips quirked upward. "Is the second bedroom all right? We'll put our cases in there if it is." He followed Eppie into the plush interior.

Wilkes flashed a smile. "Perfect. We won't be more than a few moments." He didn't take his gaze from Maj during the brief conversation.

Eppie's spine tingled in the best way. Then guilt set in. She grasped Vin's hand and hurried through the suite.

Vin did question why she'd become a speed demon all of a sudden … not until they were in the bedroom with the door closed. "What's up, Ep? You've gone mercurial on me." He stashed the bags on the chair perpendicular to the bed. "Is your matchmaking radar coming online?"

Eppie snorted. "No. Because my instinct says no matchmaking is necessary. I think Wilkes is either proposing to Maj or will before the holiday is over." She'd bet the next quarter's profit on it.

Vin's head jerked back. "For real? Geez, Ep, maybe we should try to find somewhere else to stay? I don't want to intrude if this is supposed to be a special weekend for them." His brows drew together.

Eppie shook her head. "Let's hold off for a few. I could be wrong." Be she doubted it.

Vin reached out and grabbed her hips. "You could be. But it's not likely." He dropped a kiss on her nose. "You've got a habit for calling things straight."

She lifted a shoulder. "That didn't really start until I met you." And finally figured out what being happy should look like.

Vin smiled. "Glad I could help with that." He hugged her close. "Should be head back out or…" His gaze shifted to the bed. "Find something to occupy our time for a while."

Eppie laughed. "I'd like nothing more than a hot and sexy romp with you, but…" She paused when voices carried through from the living area. "I think we should head back out." Lacing her fingers with his, she leaned in. "We can save that thought for later, right?"

Vin gave her a wide grin. "Absolutely."

I love writing Eppie and Vin and their adventures. This series is so much fun!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Severing Ties

Another crazy week. This time on more of a personal front, which isn't all that unusual. I don't normally get slowed down though and I did this week. We got to see almost totality for the eclipse and that was actually a lot of fun. Our streetlights came on at three in the afternoon on an otherwise sunny day. Seriously. Lots of fun.

Had a fairly decent week of viewing and caught up on most of my regular schedule. I've pared it down a little and kind of hope to get back into a full rotation sometime soon. If I'm paying for streaming services, I should be using them, right?

Ended up catching two episodes of The Batman. I'd completely forgotten the original sidekick storyline with Prank for the Joker. Ended up enjoying that one. Also kind of loved the "Thunder" episode. That one I did remember.

Watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I must have missed a big portion of the seventh season because I don't remember any of the vignettes. Kind of nice to have new-to-me material to watch.

Enjoyed an episode of My Life Is Murder. I think I have one more left before bonus material. Going to miss this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the series.

Caught the holiday episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Enjoyed it. Looking forward to diving into the new season.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. Loved seeing Jack's niece again. Looking forward to finishing this episode.

Said good-bye to Humphrey on Death in Paradise. Really liked the way his run ended. I'm excited to start Beyond Paradise in the near future.

Watched another episode of Elementary. I'm almost through the first season and I'm very much enjoying this show.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Severing Ties, a novella where the characters discover cutting ties isn't as easy as they want it to be.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lucky Block and Booker Severn provide all the crazy antics their small town can take. But when they finally sever ties, the community pulls out all the stops to show the couple they belong together.

And a snippety peek…

"Well, hello, Booker. Fancy meeting you here."

Booker paused by the frozen food and rolled his eyes. Tansy Blaylock never did her grocery shopping in store. He'd seen her in the pickup slots more than once.

And she happened to the third female who accidently on purpose bumped into him this afternoon.

Booker lifted his chin. "Tansy. What brings you inside the store today?" As if he couldn't guess.

The breakup with Lucky a week ago.

Tansy blinked and stumbled over her response. "Oh, well, I … uh, thought I'd pick out some steaks." She shrugged. "You know you can't leave choosing a great cut of meat to the employees. That's something you kind of have to do for yourself." A sidestep hid her cart from his view, which, no doubt, held exactly zero steaks.

In fact, he didn't see anything inside.

Booker arched his brows. "You're aware this is the frozen food aisle, right?" He sounded testy, but he'd planned to make this a quick trip.

Tansy's gaze darted back and forth before landing on one of the freezer doors. "Er, right. Thought I'd grab some of these first." She yanked on the handle and snagged a bag of garlic knots. "They're terrific with steak." Her head tilted to one side. "I could show you. Maybe you could swing by tonight and we can grill the steaks and catch up." Tossing the bag into the otherwise empty cart, she gave him a hopeful look.

Booker shook his head. "I'm not interested, Tansy. But thanks for the offer." He held his basket up. "I'm headed for the checkout now then settling in to watch some Twitch streams." He retrieved a box of lasagna and lifted his hand.

Tansy frowned. "You know you're better off without her, right? Lucky can't make up her mind, which she proved by walking away from you." Grabbing the item she just put in the cart, Tansy threw it back inside the freezer. "Enjoy your night, Booker." She turned and walked away, leaving the cart behind.

Booker sighed and made his way to the self-checkout. He could've been less blunt. Tansy didn't know he'd been asked out by two other women. But her rude remark about Lucky—completely uncalled for—got Booker thinking a little.

Maybe he'd been too rough on Lucky. After all, he had the hometown advantage. She'd come for college, earning a full-ride scholarship to the local university. And she'd stayed after falling in love with the area. In the ten years since, she'd had exactly two visits from her parents on separate occasions, and they only sporadically reached out when the mood struck. Or they needed something. He understood her feeling of abandonment. But, dammit, she could trust him a little, couldn't she. Hadn't he proven he'd stick around?

But did you actually? He might be tied to this town in a physical sense and would never leave. But that's not the problem, dumbass. Lucky knows all that. You showed zero support for her concerns. Like wanting to make a place for herself and stand on her own. She needed to prove her worth, even if only to herself.

He could've given her the time and space she asked for.

Instead, he'd thrown down a gauntlet and demanded she make a choice.

In public.

With a slew of witnesses.

Tansy Blaylock couldn't be more wrong. "I'm not better off without Lucky. She's better off without me…"

I'm so happy with how this scene came together. Booker needed a wake-up call and Tansy did a nice job of delivering one.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Seize the Day

April is starting off with a bang. We've had seven days of volatile weather. Thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and another big drop in temperature with snow flurries. I thought for a while we might end up with a blizzardnado—complete with sharks. If you know you know. It's that time of year where keeping warm-weather clothes beside arctic gear isn't a bad idea.

 

Due to the crazy weather, I didn't get a lot of viewing in this week. I also had a full plate plus dessert of work projects. I'm very happy to have multiple things to occupy my time!

 

I did get another episode of My Life Is Murder in and loved getting to see Madison strut her stuff undercover. I'm going to miss this show when I'm finished watching.

 

Caught Midsomer Murder's final episode for this season. Enjoyed the mystery. I'm a little disappointed that it feels like the characters don't know much about each other. Winter has been with Barnaby for quite some time now and it seems like the interactions they've had in the past are quickly forgotten. Really the only thing that kind of irritates me about British mystery shows.

 

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness. I think I'm going to like the new guys. I really enjoy Jack and Nikki together. The case was very confusing, but I ended up liking how things turned out.

 

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. It's almost the end of Humphrey's run and I'm kind of excited to finish up and start Jack's journey. And also pick up with Humphrey and Martha back in England.

 

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. Kind of fun to see some of Joan's old life collide with her new one. Not super thrilled that her friends thought she needed an intervention, but at least they came around by the end.

 

That's it for the life update this week. I'm hoping to get back on track this week, barring any weird and wild weather.

 

Tonight's post is from Seize the Day, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

 

Here's the miniblurb:

 

When Pixie Ross almost dies after a hit-and-run accident, she wakes up with two prevailing thoughts. Life is short and she's done playing the field. The man of her dreams has been standing at her side for ages—her best friend Kemp MacGuiness. Now she has to convince him she's serious after years of keeping him at arm's length.

 

And a snippety peek…

 

Pixie Ross ran out of the library and trip-walked down the steps. "I gotta stop losing track of time." She wouldn't have a moment to spare to get to her shift at the tearoom unless she cut across campus.

She stepped off the curb and started to cross the road, juggling her backpack and tote bag. The squeal of tires didn't register. Neither did the impact. Not until she landed several feet away on the street. Her head hit the rough surface with significant force.

She blinked and tried to get up. "Damn. I've been hit." Her vision swam, going gray about the edges.

Slumping to her side, she fought to stay conscious. "Gonna be late for work." The roar in her ears drowned everything else out.

She didn't hear a car screech to a halt. Or the running footsteps. Couldn't make out the words when someone grasped her shoulder and stopped her from trying to sit up. Garbled sounds accompanied concerned looks from the person in front of her. She blinked again, which actually hurt. Closing her eyes shouldn't be painful. The person holding her arm had their phone to their ear. Were they calling CampPo—the campus police? The gray got fuzzier and darker and the people surrounding her started swirling in a circle. Pixie tried to focus, to assess where she hurt the most.

But everything ached and burned and stung and throbbed. With a whoosh, pain hit hard, and the underwater echoing sounds suddenly took on a clearness that made her head pound from the commotion going on around her.

"Yes, we need an ambulance. No, she's not unconscious, but she's not responding to the questions you said to ask her."

Pixie wondered who wouldn't respond. Wait. Did they mean she didn't respond. What questions? No one asked her any questions.

Her head tilted to one side and a sharp stabbing zing shot through her. Her vision blurred to black, and everything went blessedly quiet for a moment.

Until the wail of sirens cut through the silence. After that, Pixie couldn't stay alert long enough to understand anything going on around her. She sank deep into the inky darkness of unconsciousness.

 

This one is barely started but I'm excited to see where the story goes. I love writing friends to lovers.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Rustic Affair

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. For everyone else, I hope your weekend is rocking with good vibes!

We got some terrific news this week. My youngest, who will graduate from university in May, got accepted into grad school! She's so excited and will have a Master of Arts Administration when she finishes.

Had a fairly busy week with work projects. Discovered one ended up with a corrupted file and had to fix some weird, random code that inserted itself into the file. What a pain!

Decent week of viewing television. I'll admit some was mainly background noise while I worked on editing. But not bad overall.

Ended up getting two episodes of The Batman in this week. Enjoyed both and should be on track to catch another one this week.

Also caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Weirdly, I remember two but from different episodes. They always did two per show and I distinctly remember one from each of the episodes I watched. Weird.

Watched another episode of My Life Is Murder and, once again, enjoyed it. Dueling bakers isn't something I would normally think of as a premise for murder.

Enjoyed another episode of Midsomer Murders. I have one left for this season and then it's time to wait for more again. Good thing there are plenty of other mysteries to keep me occupied.

Started the new season of Silent Witness. Another new face or two for this season and I'm okay with that. I have a feeling things are going to get very interesting this season.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. We're getting closer to Humphrey's exit and Jack's entrance. I'll be able to start Beyond Paradise in the near future.

Watched another episode of Elementary. The new vibe between Holmes and Watson is fun. I'm enjoying a slightly softer version of Sherlock.

Started an episode of Peak Practice. I skipped one because I really didn't care one bit about the whole saga of Andrew and Kate. But it's interesting that Will is back. Should be a wild ride.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Rustic Affair, a novella that explores what happens after a couple retires from their dangerous life.

Here's the miniblurb:

Necia Sands and Falcon Seaver, two mercenaries for hire who finally retire from the life, try to settle down. Being opposites draws them together, but it also makes them clash over simple things—like finding the right place to live.

And a snippety peek…

Falcon wouldn't believe it, but Necia loved the bones of the house. Yeah, a full reno would be needed to get it where she wanted it to be. But working with Falcon—especially for their future—made her giddy.

She gazed out the window of a second-floor bedroom. "What about security?" They might be retired but no one ever completely left the job behind.

Not in their line of work.

Falcon lifted his shoulder. "We can take some precautions—if you really feel they're necessary." His lips curved in a half smile.

Necia frowned. "You don't?" They'd be stupid to not consider some type of system.

He sighed. "Maybe, but we're done, Necia. I'm using an alias for the deed transfer. If someone wants to find us, they'll have to look hard." He rocked back on his heels a little.

She didn't want to argue but they had a long list of potential enemies. And some of them might actually go out of their way to track them down. Then again, she and Falcon had a habit of being lucky.

Glancing up at him, she gave a shrug. "We're pretty good at hiding when we need to." She grinned. "We probably don't have to worry … much. We won't have to run down bad guys out here, right?"

Falcon chuckled and grabbed her hand. "Doubtful. Besides, look what we'd probably end up chasing…"

She followed the direction of his gaze. A family of furry critters paraded along the edge of the cliff. Her mouth curved in a smile. An image of her and Falcon spilling out the house, guns drawn filled her mind.

She barked out a laugh. "Yeah, okay. We can revisit the security idea later." She'd chill on the idea for now.

Falcon stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Works for me." His chin rested on her shoulder.

Necia turned to face him. "Getting used to normal might take a while." But the concept gave her several ideas and she tilted her head to one side. "Is it bad luck to christen a house before we own it?" Her hands smoothed down his chest.

Heat flared in his eyes. "Don't know, but I'm willing to tempt fate."

She popped the button on his cargo pants. "Downstairs, looking out at the ocean?" Her fingers worked his zipper down.

Falcon grabbed her hands. "Absolutely." He stepped away. "Race you there." Taking off, he made a beeline for the steps.

Necia huffed out a harsh breath and stripped her shirt off. "To the victor go the spoils."

And she would be victorious.

This is such a fun story! Necia and Falcon won't be quite finished with their dangerous affairs, and I can't wait to dive into that!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Rise and Shine

Ohio weather is tripping on some kind of psychedelic drug right now. We're in our third winter at the moment, so hopefully actual spring will happen in about two weeks. Of course, we'll have to give or take a month because who knows how long the state will be under the influence.

Had a crazy week of work, a mom crisis mode occurrence, and of course the weird weather, which wreaks havoc on my sinuses.

I didn't get much television watched this week. Too many things going on to really pay attention to my shows.

I did get an episode of Death in Paradise watched and enjoyed it. I hadn't seen any of this one and ended up really liking the mystery.

I also started an episode of Elementary and should finish it up today. I love the fun dynamic of Holmes and Watson after last week's near miss with Watson's life.

Other than that, I might be back on track this week, but I won't hold my breath. My brain is doing weird things and having a very hard time staying focused on more than one thing at a time. It's driving me batshit.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rise and Shine, a novella that brings a couple together when both are making big changes in their careers.

Here's the miniblurb:

Abram Purdy sees the same barista, Whitney Boone, every day of the week. She always knows exactly what he needs to get his day started. He runs into her on a Saturday jog and discovers she's accepting a teaching position at the local university and Abram decides to see if she'll still make his morning coffee—at his place.

And a snippety peek…

Whitney finished up another order and bit back a sigh. Almost a full week had gone by and no Abram. She might not have a chance to see him again before her final day.

One of her regulars, Madelyn Gamber, flashed a quick smile. "Busy this morning, aren't you?" She placed her order for a caramel mochaccino.

Whitney put the drink together and nodded. "We were. You picked a good time to come after the main rush." Only three people were left, and the other baristas were serving.

Madelyn took her order and headed for the exit.

Whitney called her back. "Hold on. You forgot your package." She picked the small box up but paused when she noticed the name. Abram Purdy.

Madelyn laughed. "Not mine. But I found it on the stoop next door, and we're supposed to get some rain later, so I grabbed it." She shook her head. "My neighbor has been gone all week and should be back in a day or two. But not before we get the nasty weather." She tucked the box under her arm.

That explained why Whitney hadn't seen Abram all week.

Whitney raised her eyebrows. "Oh, no. Did he get called out by the crazy-uncle client?" She never remembered the guy's name.

Madelyn gave Whitney a considering look. "Yes, that's the one." Understanding dawned. "Abram's one of your regulars, isn't he?"

Whitney laughed and nodded. "Yeah. And he's got some great stories about that guy." Bonkers didn't begin to describe the client.

Madelyn agreed. "Some horror ones, too." She leaned forward and lowered her voice. "Pretty sure this trip is one of the nightmare ones."

Whitney shook her head. "I couldn't do what Abram does. The whole drop everything and jet off to solve problems would stress me out."

Madelyn gave a waggle-fingered wave. "Same. So glad my biggest worries are all local and involve gardening." She pushed the door open and exited the coffee shop.

Whitney wiped down her workstation, hoping she didn't miss her chance to see Abram before her last day. Surprised at the disappointment she'd experienced when she thought she had, she didn't think too hard about the reason. She absolutely had an attraction to Abram. And she'd definitely miss the stories about his impossible client.

Stowing the cleaner under her counter, she untied her apron. "Hopefully, I'll get to hear one more."

I'm happy with how much fun this one is to write. Whitney and Abram are going to be angst free but still have some conflict.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Ring It In

Happy St. Patrick's Day! It's been a chaotic week with work projects and life stuff going on. And my distraction levels are making me frustrated. But … I'm still getting stuff done so I can't really complain.

I definitely didn't make a full round of shows this week. Just didn't have the bandwidth with my focus being all over the place.

I did catch an episode of The Batman and had vague memories of watching this the first time around. Joker episodes are hit and miss in the version of the dark knight.

Watched an episode of My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm almost finished with this show, and I'll miss it when I'm done. Such a fun cast of characters.

Caught another episode of Midsomer Murders and again enjoyed the mystery. I'd seen something of a similar nature of the plot based on a true story, so this episode ended up being a lot of fun.

Finished up the final episode of Silent Witness season twenty-five. I'll be starting season twenty-six this week. Ended up really enjoying the limited episode run.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ring It In, a New Year's Eve sexy short.

Here's the miniblurb:

Recovering from post-holiday family drama, Paris Lightful wants to spend New Year's Eve in her uncle's cabin with nothing but her laptop and a ton of action movies. When near blizzard conditions strand Deputy Kelton Pine at her location, Paris doesn't welcome the intrusion, especially since Kelton has a major chip on his shoulder. But once the ice breaks between the couple, things heat up rather quickly.

And a snippety peek…

December 30, early evening…

 

A knock sounded on Paris's door again.

She grabbed the poker and called out. "Who's there?"

A voice answered. "Deputy Pine."

She huffed out a relieved sigh and opened the door.

Kel stood outside, large, fluffy snowflakes drifting down around him. This time, instead of his cruiser, he had a big SUV. His gaze lingered on the poker and a slight note of respect crossed his features.

Would wonders never cease?

Paris lifted her chin. "Deputy. Lovely weather we're having." Pleasantries would require effort she didn't feel like giving, but she moved aside so he could get out of the cold.

Kelton entered the cabin, but his furrowed brow showed he didn't appreciate her sarcasm. "You're not going anywhere, are you?" His gaze scanned from side to side.

Her brow arched. "Not that it's any of your business, but no. I came up here for solitude and quiet." She gave him a pointed look. "Someone keeps crashing my calm." And living rent free in her mind at the same time.

He shuffled a little and had the grace to flush. "Right, well, I stopped by to let you know I caught our guy … hiding in the Handermans' shed. He's now enjoying a nice warm cell at county lockup." He glanced over his shoulder. "I also wanted to let you know the roads are impassable right now. If you don't need to leave, don't." His gaze met hers again.

She nodded. "No problem. Like I said, no plans to go anywhere." She shrugged and pulled her shirt closer around her.

He focused behind her. "Don't suppose you're set up if the power goes out?"

Pissed off, she wanted to jab him with the poker. "Why would you assume I'm not? You know Uncle Mick has a generator. Do you think I'm too delicate to get it started?" What the hell crawled up his ass?

Kelton held his hands up. "I didn't say that." He wisely took a step backward.

Paris snorted. "You didn't have to. Your snide tone more than implies your meaning." She planted her hands on her hips. "What the hell is your problem with me?" Because he definitely had one.

Kelton stared at her for a moment. "I don't have issue with you directly. But my experience with your type pretty much sucks." He rolled a shoulder.

Paris blinked. "My type?" Her head tilted back. "Ah, now I get it." She met his gaze. "Which of my former high school classmates pissed on your parade?" And why would he lump her into his

Kelton didn't hesitate with his answer. "Bindi Buchman."

Paris stopped short of making a garbled choking sound. "Seriously?" She marched forward and opened the door. "You can leave. Now." She wouldn't be held responsible if he didn't exit quickly.

Kelton smirked. "Touch a nerve, did I?"

Paris rolled her eyes. "By lumping me in with Bindi's bitches?" Did he have any kind of clue? "That's not hitting a nerve. It's an outright insult." One she didn't deserve.

Kelton cocked his head. "Did you have a falling out? You were pretty tight with her in high school. Bffs and all that."

Paris shot back. "Where did you get that idea?"

Kelton's lips curved. "My keen observational skills."

Paris snorted. "They failed you, Kel. If you had bothered to look under the surface, you'd have realized I didn't have Bffs." Much to her mother's dismay.

Kel gave her a confused look. "But you used to—"

Paris cut him off. "I talked to everyone, Kel. The jocks, the nerds, the stoners, the music geeks, the suffering artists, and yeah, Bindi and her bunch. I existed on the fringes, never a full part of any one group." She'd liked nonconforming, because it drove her mother nuts.

Kel tilted his head. "I only remember seeing you with Bindi and her gang of glamor girls."

Paris stared him dead in the face. "Because you were a jock. You didn't look anywhere else." She turned away from him. "And you only had eyes for the HBIC, meaning Bindi Buchman." Much to Paris's tender-hearted dismay.

So excited about this story. Paris and Kelton are fun to write and I love guiding couples back into each other's orbits.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Right Feels Wrong

Man. What a crazy-busy week. Our weather is still being contrary. Warm and spring-like a couple of days followed by another blast of winter. My sinuses are not thrilled.

I didn't get through a full round of television this week. I had way too many irons in the fire and needed to focus. My brain doesn't want to cooperate at all. Thankfully, I have three current projects, which lets me bounce around when I can't concentrate on one specific thing.

I did get a holiday episode of My Life Is Murder watched and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's interesting to see how the southern hemisphere celebrates the holiday in the middle of their summer.

I tried to watch the behind-the-scenes Agatha Raisin, but it wouldn't play. That's two seasons now that I can't access the specials. I'm kind of bummed about that.

I started the new season of Midsomer Murders and loved the episode. I'm excited to dive back into this series. It's fun to see an older Betty.

Silent Witness continues to be very intriguing. I really want to know who's behind the curtain pulling the strings.

Caught another Death in Paradise and remembered some of this one. Mainly the beginning and the end. Not sure what happened to the middle part and why I missed it the first time around but it's nice to finally see the whole episode.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. I like the slow progression of trust being built with Sherlock and Watson. I have a sneaking suspicion that Sherlock now knows Joan isn't being paid by his father anymore. I'll be interested to see how that plays out.

That's as far as I made it for viewing this week and that's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Right Feels Wrong, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

A college RA, Clover Miller, busts an underage drinker who ends up on academic probation and in danger of losing his scholarship. When the student's brother, Lennox Bailey, comes to visit, he's caught between being a loyal sibling and an instant attraction to the RA that reported on his brother.

And a snippety peek…

Clover Miller carried her coffee in one hand and her laptop in the other. "I gotta crash or I'll be shit for my first class." Taking the shortcut through the lobby of Finney Hall, she bit back a yawn.

Halfway through the expansive space, a commotion by the main door drew Clover's attention. Instead of turning toward the elevator to the fourth floor, she weaved around the brick pillar and stopped short. A freshman kicked at the glass doors, cursing at them.

Clover narrowed her gaze, trying to remember his name. Something Bailey. Why the hell would he be rattling the doors? She moved closer and caught the ID badge between his teeth and the way he swayed back and forth on his feet.

Shit. Drunk lower classman. And, as a resident advisor, she couldn't ignore him.

Heaving a sigh, she set her coffee on a table and put the laptop beside it. Goodbye sleep. Hello responsibility.

Clover approached the beefy student with caution. "Hey, uh, what's going on? Pretty sure the doors didn't do anything to warrant the abuse you're dishing out." She did a quick assessment, hoping the Bailey kid—Wyatt, she finally remembered—would be a happy drunk instead of a mean one.

Wyatt angled his head around. "I can't get into the dorm. The stupid scan thing isn't on the wall where it should be." He talked with the card still between his teeth and his words slurred around the plastic.

Clover shook her head. "My dude, you're already in the dorm." She gently pried his hand from the door handle and slowly turned him away from the glass. "What floor are you on?" She didn't have the roster memorized yet.

Wyatt blinked and tugged away from her. "Not your dude and I…" He stopped, turned a little green, and swallowed hard. "I can find my way. Don't need no help." Putting one foot forward, he swayed again.

Clover needed to get him out of the lobby. Technically, she should report any underage drinking, but the unwritten rule of keeping alcohol consumption out of sight and under control usually worked for everyone. At least they had the empty lobby to their advantage. But if she couldn't get him to his room quickly, someone would no doubt see him, and she'd have to turn him in.

She put her hand on his bicep. "Wyatt, we gotta get you to your room. And you need to stop acting like you're drunk."

He gave a rude snort. "Not acting, Miss … whoever you are. Am totally drunk right now." He swayed close to her. "Shhhh. Don't tell the RAs. They're a buncha bitch-ass narcs." Pressing his forefinger to his lips he made an exaggerated shushing sound.

Clover huffed out a breath. "Yeah, bro, I know. I'm one of 'em." She started steering him toward the elevator. "Here's the thing, though. I'm actually trying to keep your ass out of trouble, so maybe less with the broadcasting and more with the shutting the fuck up." She scooped her laptop off the table and kept directing Wyatt toward the elevator.

He blinked and squinted. "You're one of the babysitters?" Jerking hard away from her, he tried to make an about face.

But he'd one or a dozen too many and instead of turning in the opposite direction, he spun a full three-sixty, wobbled back and forth, then went crashing to the ground…

And he took Clover with him, smacking his head into hers on the way down.

Her laptop dug into her ribs and a searing pain jolted from her wrist to her collarbone. "Shit. That hurt." Hoping like hell she could get him semi-upright, she tucked her sore arm against her side and hooked her good arm under his shoulder. She'd almost managed to get him to his feet when the elevator pinged, the doors slipped open, and three people stood gaping at the spectacle.

Clover swallowed a sigh. She'd have to file a report. There would be no keeping Wyatt Bailey's drunkfest quiet now … not with a trio of witnesses.

Well, fuck.

I'm having fun with this one. This scene alone was sheer joy to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin