Sunday Snippet: The Cabin

Even though March is my birth month and the birth month of my mom and one of my best friends, I'm kind of glad to kick it to the curb. It's been a wild ride this month. That said, it's also been intensely productive, so I'm really not complaining.

The weather is still drunk, wildly surging one direction then lurching back only to zing forward again. My sinuses hate me right now. And my throat has that I just swallowed glass with a gravel chaser sound at the moment.

Still buried with work but I'm making great progress on all fronts. I added another new hourly project to the pile and made a big dent in that one yesterday.

Not a bad week for viewing. I got through my usual slate and did a marathon watch to finish out the week.

Ended up watching two episodes of Elementary and both were actually terrific. I'm very interested in seeing how things with Kitty play out in the next few installments.

Caught two episodes of Batman Beyond. Always happy to see the Royal Flush show up and I liked the throwback to Bane.

Also enjoyed two Classic Rugrats episodes. I'm about halfway through the final season and I think I'll pick back up with the new reboot once I'm finished up.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and I'm enjoying having Darlene working with the team. She's a great addition. Also glad to see Neville's sister exit. Maybe she'll grow on me, but I didn't enjoy her at all.

Watched the first official episode of season two Beyond Paradise. Really enjoyed the way the mystery unfolded. Also loved the resolution.

I ended up not quite finishing the episode of London Kills but I should have that one completed this week.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from The Cabin, a novella featuring a breakup before things really get started.

Here's the miniblurb:

Whip meets the woman of his dreams when he tries to convince Kari to give his brother another shot at her art class. But when she can't accommodate the request, Whip still wants to pursue a relationship … until his brother tries to get in the way and Kari decides she won't come between them.

And a snippety peek…

"Here goes nothing." Kari made the trek up the mountain and pulled to a quiet stop in the picturesque driveway.

She slid from the vehicle, drank in the view, and picked her way around to the back of the cabin, following the heavy thudding sound. She found Whip—stripped of his shirt—chopping wood and stopped to admire his raw masculinity. Instead of announcing her presence, she watched the corded muscles of his arms and back work to split log after log.

"Holy hell. He's amazing." Her heart wanted them to work, and she hoped he'd want the same.

When he paused to wipe the sweat from his face, he caught sight of her standing at the edge of the porch. He lifted a brow but said nothing. First move belonged to her. Instead of flushing with guilt, she boldly met his gaze and strode forward, stopping to stand toe-to-toe with Whip.

She reached up, cupping his face, and leaned in to capture his lips with hers. He tasted like hickory and sunshine. The kiss dragged out and Kari didn't care when Whip grabbed her hips, bringing her flush against his chest. She'd missed him, more than she wanted to admit.

Whip eased back and stroked his thumb over her cheek. "Sorry for getting you all sweaty." He reached for his shirt, hanging off a spare axe, and draped it over his shoulder.

Kari's lips curved. "My suggestion would be getting sweaty another way…" She met his gaze and held it. "After we talk."

His mouth twisted in a sexy smirk. "By all means…" He held his arm out with a flourish, indicating she should enter the house.

The back door led to the kitchen area, and Whip paused by the sink to fill a cup with water. While he drained the liquid, she peeked around. The cabin had four rooms and loads of charm. A combination living and dining area butted up to the kitchen. A bathroom sat off to the right side and the last room had a … desk and chairs. Glancing up, she discovered a loft area that no doubt had a bed.

Whip leaned against the fridge. "Warner, right?" His voice lacked heat, but his lips were a slash across his face.

She confirmed with a nod. "Your brother did stop by." Angling her head, she flashed a quick smile. "Kind of glad he did. I missed you like mad."

Whip's eyes went dark and smoky. "Missed you, too." He pushed away from the refrigerator and made his way to her side. "Mind if I grab a shower before we…" His gaze gave her a slow once-over. "Talk?"

Kari sucked in her lower lip. "No." She ran a finger down his chest. "Happy to wait."

Whip's lips kicked up in a smile. "Be right back." He popped the button on his jeans and headed to the bathroom.

Kari wandered into the living area, flushed and hot. She glanced up again and didn't hesitate, scrambling up the steps. Her shirt came off before she cleared the last riser. The loft had a built-in dresser that lined one wall and window seat that stretched along the other. A closet tucked up under the pitch of the roof. Shedding her shorts, she quickly removed her bra and panties then turned down the bed cover.

"Kari?" Whip called for her.

She peeked over the edge of the railing that looked down into the living room. "Up here."

Whip grinned, dropped his towel, and started up the stairs.

This is a lot of fun to write. Exploring the sometimes faltering steps to a happily ever after is such an experience.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Bedroom Chronicles

Geez, I can't believe we're almost through March. This has been such a busy month and it's flying by. A few outside distractions added to the mix this week and were something of a big time suck.

My work projects are still chugging along and I'm making progress on my side gig I hope to launch soon. Technically it's already out in the world but I'm adding a big layer to the whole thing. Of course, I pick a moment in time when I'm crazy busy. But I love a good challenge.

As usual, the weather is all over the map. We've had a lot of wind rolling through, stirring up dust and who knows what else. And the temps are doing the back-and-forth dance. I'm looking forward to having some even, leveled-out days … whenever that might be.

Slow viewing week again. Partly due to work stuff and I'm also in a bit of a slump. I might be edging toward a binge-watching phase, which I haven't really done for a long while.

I got most of the way through the episode of London Kills I started last week. It's the opening ep of the fourth season so I kind of want to pay attention and I keep missing key things, so I'll finish it when I have more brain power.

Watched an episode of Death in Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd seen bits and pieces of this one so kind of knew what to expect. I very much remember absolutely disliking Neville's sister with an intense passion and that didn't change. Maybe she'll grow on me, but I doubt it.

Also caught the holiday episode of Beyond Paradise and totally loved it! Christmas shows make me happy and this episode seemed to pull the periphery cast into each other's orbits and I loved that. Looking forward to diving into the rest of season two. And, oddly, the timing ended up being perfect for the crossover last week when Humph returned to the beach. Not sure how I did that.

I did another binge marathon of Peter Gunn also. I'm loving some of the live channels on Plex.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Bedroom Chronicles, a sexy novella about a couple becoming the throuple.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Birk musters out of the military, he drops in on his best friend, Klint and his wife Elsie. They welcome Birk into their home and eventually their bed because Elsie can't think of anyone better than her husband's oldest friend to fulfill their deepest fantasy. But sometimes the best laid plans go awry and dealing with the fallout is a challenge.

And snippety peek…

Klint paused outside Elsie's office, debating whether to disturb her when she had a deadline. "I at least need to give her a heads-up about Birk." Klint knocked on door and poked his head in. "Else?"

She looked up from her laptop. "Did you get a call out?" Her messy bun tilted precariously, a usual occurrence when she went into full-on work mode.

Man, he loved her.

Klint's lips twitched, and he shook his head. "No, that was Birk. He mustered out two weeks ago and just arrived at the airport. I invited him to dinner tonight." Probably should've thought to clear the invite with Elsie first.

Elsie's eyes widened. "I'm finally going to meet your best bud? That's awesome." She grinned and did a happy chair dance.

One of the many things he loved about Elsie—her capacity to welcome new experiences.

Klint propped a shoulder on the jamb. "I'm glad you feel that way. I'd like to have him stay for a while. Maybe talk to Rand at HRS." Couldn't hurt and Klint would love to have Birk stick around for a while.

Elsie tilted her head to one side. "You think he'll be a good fit at High Risk Security."

Klint nodded. "When he's ready, yeah." Adjusting to civilian life could be challenging and Birk had some stuff to work through.

Elsie gave a wide grin. "Then we'll absolutely have him stay." She glanced at her monitor. "Let me finish this chapter. I'm almost done." She held his gaze. "Why don't you defrost some chicken breasts, and we'll do fajitas."

Klint's lips kicked up in a grin. "You remembered." He and Birk used to live for the Mexican-style dish their moms made.

Elsie pulled a face. "I remember everything you've told me about growing up with Birk." She looked up at Klint through her eyelashes. "The good, the bad, and the ugly."

Klint laughed. "Get ready to hear more. It'll be a long trip down memory lane." Especially since Birk had missed his mom's funeral.

Elsie nodded. "It'll be good for him, right? Reminiscing?" She didn't need to add more because she'd been with Klint and helped him through the loss.

Klint shrugged. "I hope so. Made it easier for me."

Elsie held his gaze. "Then we'll try to do the same for Birk."

Klint lifted his chin. "I'll let you get back to your chapter. I'll be in the kitchen when you're done."

This story is coming together in so many good ways. I'm excited to see where things go.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Auld Lang Syne

The work project abundance continues. I'm plugging along and chiseling away at the four current projects I have on my plate—two copy edits, a proofread, and a developmental edit are the main events. I also have a set of revisions to review and a read through to start. It's chaotic but also … fun? I love that everything I'm working on right now is so different. Not one of the manuscripts is similar to the other ones.

As usual, totally unhinged weather in Ohio. It's cold. It's hot. It's both in one day. Rain, sun, gloomy clouds, and hey, a chance for more snow. I did get lucky and had a mostly clear night for the recent blood moon eclipse, which was amazing to watch. Being a night owl comes in very hand sometimes.

Had a limited viewing schedule this week, mainly because I needed to focus on the words in the manuscripts. I did get a few things watched. I might have to give binge watching something for background noise a go for the next few weeks.

Finished up Beyond Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed the first season finale. They packed so much into this episode. The case, Humph and Archie fight, more shenanigans from the Chief Super, Esther and Hump bonding, Margo being Margo, Kelby being Kelby, and of course, the crew from Death in Paradise at the end. I can't wait to watch the first holiday episode this week!

Caught an episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed it. Interesting interactions between the consulting trio and the police duo and twisty bits thrown in to keep things rolling.

Enjoyed an episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I definitely remembered and liked during my first watch of this series.

Watched an episode of Classic Rugrats and actually remember this one, which is odd because most of the ninth season has been new-to-me stuff.

Started an episode of London Kills, the opener to the fourth season. I had to stop partway through because I need to pay attention and this isn't the week for me to do that.

Also binged a marathon of Peter Gunn on one of the live PlexTV channels. I've been hitting Plex up for a lot of viewing fare lately and I might end up using it over the next several weeks for background noise. Stay tuned.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Auld Lang Syne, a novella featuring the trio from Mistletoe Madness.

Here's the miniblurb:

When a New Year's Eve party turns into a surprise memorial for Delaney Nixon's mom, Scotty London and Westin Ames help Delaney face the auld lang syne with grace and gratitude while it stirs up old memories. The trio then returns home for some much-needed TLC.

And a snippety peek…

Westin glanced up then narrowed his eyes when the bell jangled over the front entrance and Landon walked in. "Things go okay with Laney this morning?" He set the wrench on his workstation and wiped his hands.

Scotty gave a nod. "Yeah, all good." He held up a takeout bag from the Roadside, a diner between his office and Westin's garage. "Thought we could have a conversation about New Year's Eve." Dropping the food on the counter, he unbuttoned his coat and pulled the scarf from around his neck.

Westin cocked his head. "What's going on, Landon?" He pulled a stool out and settled on it.

Scotty grimaced. "A lot. And I might need some backup from you." He got seated and started taking food out of the bag. "Remember the meeting I went to about the ball?"

Westin grunted. "Yeah, what about it?" Landon's previous commitment gave Wes time to be alone with Delaney.

Scotty sighed. "The committee is planning a memorial for Joanie." He unwrapped a smash burger. "And they want it to be a surprise for Del."

Westin nearly choked on the waffle fry he'd stuffed into his mouth. "They what?" He chewed and swallowed then reached for the tea Scotty pushed his way. "You agreed to this?" Why else would Landon be here if he hadn't.

Scotty huffed out a breath. "Not much choice. The women already had the whole thing organized and gave me the task of making sure Del gets there." He took a huge bite of his burger.

Westin mulled the idea over. "Joanie didn't want a big deal. Laney honored her wishes." He picked up his sandwich. "This kinda flies in the face of that, doesn't it?" He met Landon's gaze.

Scotty's head bobbed up and down. "Yeah. But they're convinced making the ball a celebration of Joanie's life is a great idea. Something to bring the whole community together and welcome Del back into the fold so to speak." He shrugged. "I mean, I get where they're coming from, and it is a sweet gesture from Joanie's friends, but…" His voice trailed off.

Wes grunted. "It could be super emotional for Laney." Damn.

Scotty nodded. "Yeah. That's why I'm here. To make sure we're prepared for all possible outcomes." He shoveled some fries into his mouth.

Westin's lips quirked. "All right. Consider this our first strategy session for operation auld lang syne." He sobered. "By the way, the only formal thing I own is my uniform. Where can I get suit on short notice?"

Scotty laughed. "I know just the place. Plan on a long lunch tomorrow."

I love writing this trio. The guys are a lot of fun and exploring their new friendship outside of the relationship they share with Delaney is joyful for me.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Approaching Midnight

What a week! My brain is all spinny at the moment because I have an abundance of work projects in my inbox. I love having a full calendar. That said, I need about five more hours in each day, please and thank you.

Honestly, the overflowing inbox comes at an excellent time for me. I have several things that need attention, one of them being the brakes on my car. Now to buckle under and get the work done.

Weather in Ohio is typical for March. Maybe a little on the extreme side, but March always seems to be whiplashing back and forth between winter and spring. Today is springlike with temps in the fifties. Yesterday we barely broke freezing for our high.

Another very limited week for viewing. I'm not kidding when I say five more hours each day would be helpful. Just saying.

I did finish up the Death in Paradise episode I started last week. So sad to see Florance leave again. But what a way to go out. And pretty sure we'll see her again.

Also started a Beyond Paradise episode, which will finish out the first season. I'm really enjoying this show.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Approaching Midnight, a novella that brings a couple together over the holidays.

Here's the miniblurb:

It's approaching midnight on New Year's Eve and Greta Davis has to decide whether to meet Mick Caplin at the NYE ball or if it's too crazy to even think they have a shot at love. After all, they've only known each other since Halloween.

And a snippety peek…

Greta approached Planks on the Square with a frisson of nervous energy. "I hope he shows." She breathed easier when he stepped out from under the awning-covered patio.

And, damn, the hot factor hadn't lessened at all. In fact, he'd added a zippered fleece jacket in a forest green shade to his T-shirt and jeans. He wore casual really well. And she liked the change of pace from douchebag Justin's penchant for tailored everything in clothes.

Mick gave her a wide smile. "How did the drop-off go?" He pulled the door open, and they ducked inside the pub.

Greta smirked. "My sister realized her mistake less than five seconds after getting Finn and Kenley back." She spied an empty high-top table and nodded toward it.

Mick lifted his chin. "Perfect." He shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over the back of a stool.

The server came over and took their orders. A beer for Mick and a glass of wine for Greta.

She got settled on the stool and rested her forearms on the table. "Was the remote where you thought it would be?"

Mick chuckled. "Yep. Right on the side of the chair. Just not on the side it's normally on." He sobered. "Gramps does pretty well. He's not that old, just pushing seventy, but he's a bit neuro-spicy and struggles when his routine is altered."

Greta grimaced. "I'll bet the trick-or-treating didn't help tonight."

Mick shrugged. "Honestly, he's still trying to adjust to moving in with me. My parents moved to Arizona for their jobs, and they plan to retire there. Gramps is dead set on not moving but needs to have a little support." He pointed to himself with both thumbs. "That would be me."

The server brought their drinks and dashed away to another table.

Mick took a quick sip of his beer. "So, how about you? Do you get to have your party of five very often?"

Greta flashed a smile. "In one bunch? Not that often. Usually, I have Kenley and Finn together or Sasha, Oliver, and Gates. I also have a fur nephew. A highland maltie named Sawyer that I keep on occasion for my brother and his partner." Sven and Mark didn't trust leaving the dog with anyone else.

Mick's eyes widened. "Sounds like your family keeps you busy. That's kind of awesome. How many siblings do you have?"

Greta took a sip of her wine. "Three. Two brothers and a sister. We're basically stairstep kids. Brigit is the oldest at thirty-five and I'm the youngest at thirty-two. The guys, Hans and Sven, are in between." She had no idea how her mom handled having four kids so closely together.

Mick blinked. "Ah. I get your comment about who led who astray now. Being that close in age probably meant you guys were all for one and one for all." He picked at the label on his bottle. "I'm jealous. I spent a lot of time trying to get my friends with large families to adopt me as a kid."

Greta laughed. "Yeah, we never had a dull moment growing up." She sobered a little. "And we're still pretty close now. The other three are waiting on me to get settled, and they're not subtle about dropping hints." The one thing she really disliked about her siblings.

Especially since they still asked about Justin all the time.

Mick tilted his head to one side. "I sense a story there…" He took another long pull from his beer.

Greta appreciated the way his throat worked when he swallowed. How much should she reveal?

She might as well be up front. "Not really much of a story, but I recently ended a relationship after almost ten years together." Taking another sip of wine, she added more. "Everyone thought we'd eventually marry but I kept putting off making any kind of plans. I finally realized I stayed with Justin out of habit more than anything else." She met Mick's gaze. "And that's not a great foundation to build a life on, especially when he didn't always treat me like I mattered."

Mick gave a slow nod. "I'll bet that cost you some peace of mind to admit." His fingers swirled the half empty bottle around in front of him and his gaze drifted far away. "If it helps any, I had the same experience…" His focus shifted back to her. "Twice."

With the wine glass halfway to her lips, she paused. "Twice?" She set the goblet down. "I think it's your turn for story time." His admission did help, and her curiosity kicked into high gear.

I'm excited about this one. I love these two and can't wait to finish telling their story.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Along the Shore (a South of the Border novella)

Wow, March is being its typical mercurial self. Warm up and then plunge back into the teens and single digits. The back-and-forth weather is normal but not fun.

Crazy-busy week with work projects. I'm thrilled to have my calendar filling up and excited to start some new manuscripts. Also getting more details sorted out for Tip Jar Shorts. I need to find a full day I can dedicate to getting everything where it needs to be.

Very limited viewing this week. My brain decided it needed quiet to focus on the reading I needed to finish up for one of my work projects. I probably needed the break.

I did get more of the One Lane Bridge episode watched. I might take a brief vacation from this one. There's a lot going on in this show and focus is going to be important so I don't miss anything.

Finished up season three of London Kills with the behind-the-scenes bonus episode. I always enjoy getting a deeper look at how everything comes together in a series.

Started another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm about halfway through and I like the tension in this one. Also enjoyed Neville and Commissioner Patterson being on the same page for once.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Along the Shore, a South of the Border novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

Vail Ericsson, a freelance security expert and skilled tracker, can find anyone for a price. But when he trails Ellery Quantrell to Mexico, he discovers she's not an escapee but a target, and his role changes from pursuer to protector, whether Ellery wants him as a shield or not.

And a snippety peek…

Ellery could take the heat. She could handle bugs and plants with stinging leaves. But she could not, would not, should not have to deal with the man currently hauling her through the sand with little care to the fact it stuck to her skin, burned the bottoms of her feet, and made her scalp itch. She didn't know which she hated more. The big oaf or the tiny, granulated pebbles that made her almost wish for the frigid tundra she'd finally escaped from two months ago.

I was so damned close to getting out—all the way out—from under Puchenko's thumb. Until big, bad, and bothersome showed up to become a huge pain in my ass. She didn't voice her running commentary because, frankly, Mr. Mercenary wouldn't give a damn how hard she'd worked to flee from her brother's fucked-up bargain that landed her in Ivan's clutches.

She could ask Vail to slow down but decided not to give him the satisfaction of a nice query. Instead, she opted to blast him for making the soles of her feet become a shredded mess. Oh, and a bleeding one, as well.

She planted herself in the sand, flinching against the sharp, stabbing pain. "Hey, call me stupid, but blood leaves a trail, right?" She pulled back hard on the hand trying to drag her forward. "Something traceable your friendly goon squad could use to follow us?" She lifted her leg and turned her ankle to show the oozing, red streaks and broken skin.

Vail dropped his gaze to her feet and winced. "Looks painful." He shrugged. "But too bad, we're not stopping. Maybe you should've kept your shoes on."

She smirked. "If I had, I wouldn't have been able to wing them at your head."

Vail snorted. "Not my fault they got dragged out to sea by a wave." His hand went to his nape. "I am surprised you didn't give me a concussion when you tried to knock me out with that fallen limb."

Ellery flushed hotly but stood her ground. "You have a really hard head." And the driftwood didn't make a good weapon.

Vail sneered. "So I've been told." He grabbed her hand again. "Quit bitching. We're almost there."

He started forward and Ellery followed, each step a burning reminder of why she wouldn't get tangled up with anyone ever again.

Especially if they were hot to look at but had the personality of a big ape.

This couple is so much fun to write. They're very unhappy with their circumstances, which is a joy to explore.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Academic Challenge

Well, had a better week than the last one. Still not completely tip-top but feeling way better with the worst of the cold finally over. We got more snow this week, but warmer temperatures are around the corner. At least for a few days.

I got caught up on my work projects and lined up a potential new one. I'll be starting a new copy edit on one of my favorite mystery series and continuing my read through on the nonfiction project.

I'm setting up a storefront for Tip Jar Shorts. I'm kind of doing things a bit backward, but the more I thought about it, the more I figured a storefront would lend legitimacy to this endeavor. I wanted to keep things super simple and offer various methods of payment and I might still be able to do that, but I also thought it would be best to have immediate access to a downloadable file instead of waiting on a delivery to an inbox. We'll see which version works out the best.

Had an okay week of viewing. I didn't make a full cycle through of my shows, but I did get the back half watched. And I might be adding one additional show to the roster. I'll let everyone know if that happens.

Watched another episode of Elementary and rather enjoyed this one. Sherlock's dynamic with Joan is different and getting more settled. And Kitty is fitting in with both in ways I didn't expect.

Also caught an episode of Batman Beyond. I remembered this one and enjoyed it. I did forget the interaction with Terry and his brother so that was a nice reminder.

Enjoyed another new-to-me episode of Classic Rugrats. I sometimes wish Nickelodeon had continued with the plans for the pre-school show and added more of All Grown Up. The nostalgia is strong with this franchise. Instead, Spongebob and other weird stuff took off.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Academic Challenge, a novella where the characters probably shouldn't try to date but end up doing so.

Here's the miniblurb:

Holly Patz, the newest TA for Professor Sam Ingali, wants to enjoy the experience. But when rumors start swirling about her relationship with the handsome instructor, she has to decide whether to stick around and become his latest conquest or turn the odds in her favor.

And a snippety peek…

Sam spied Holly enter the auditorium toward the end of his lecture.

He didn't break his speech even when his ire sparked. She had his laptop tucked under her arm while she hurried to the front row, taking a seat at the far end. He barely spared her a glance and continued speaking to finish his final point.

He ended with a nod toward the class. "That's it for today. Finish up your assignments and have them uploaded for grading before our next session." He waited until the students started for the exit then pinned Holly with a hard glare. "My office. Now." Not waiting for a response, he left the podium and left through the side door leading to the corridor.

He gave full rein to his anger. And let disappointment crowd in also. He couldn't believe she strolled into class during the last ten minutes.

Unlocking his door, he left it cracked then crossed to his desk.

Holly entered and set his laptop on the desk. "What's your problem?" Her eyes were narrowed and her head tilted to one side.

Sam snarled. "You wander in late—with my notes—and you're asking me what my problem is?" He flung a hand out. "Just because we're having sex and you're not a morning person, you can't just skip the class, especially when you're supposed to have everything ready to go for me."

Holly arched her brows. "Just because we're having sex?" She glanced toward the desk and reached out, snagging his phone from the right side. "If you bothered to check your voice mail and your texts, you'd know why I couldn't be here to have everything ready to go." She unlocked his phone, found the voice mail icon, and played the message she left about the accident she got stuck behind.

Then she showed him the string of texts she'd sent.

Sam closed his eyes. "Damn."

Holly shoved the phone at him. "Why you think I'd pick now to start pulling the sex card, I have no idea. But … if your opinion of me is really that low, last night can be the final time we ever hook up." She shook her head. "I won't put up with that kind of bullshit. I'm a TA, Sam, not a slave." With a last look in his direction, she exited his office, slamming the door behind her.

Sam's shoulders slumped. "Fuck. I'm an asshole." He definitely owed her an apology.

And an explanation. Except … he couldn't say exactly why he'd got so pissed off at her.

Okay, not completely true. He'd come to rely on her, and she fit so well with him, understanding his quirks and idiosyncrasies. Almost too much so and sometimes he wondered if they were too good together to be true.

Snorting, he ran a hand through his hair. "And now I've gotta figure out how to fix this." Starting with not acting like a dickhead anymore.

Pulling his chair out, he settled behind the desk and opened his laptop. She had an art history class for the next two hours. Time enough for him to get his shit together and hope like hell she'd let him apologize and explain his asinine behavior.

Which meant hitting pause for a moment to examine why he jumped to a stupid conclusion. The answer didn't take long to find. His past mistakes mixing professional and personal with colleagues manifested in a big way and he took the easy road and blamed Holly.

He closed his eyes. "Shit. This is a me problem." One he needed to resolve if he wanted a chance with her. "And I do."

He also had the beginnings of an idea how he wanted to make amends…

I like how this story is coming together. Sam is tricky to get a handle on sometimes, but he's fun to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zootropolis

Whew. It's been a week. I'm under the weather and not enjoying that at all. I'm behind on my two work projects and we're getting a buttload of snow at the moment. Also … I'm on cold medication and it's making me loopy. Fun times.

I made a video for Tip Jar and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. I'm excited about this new endeavor and hope it gets some traction.

Really slow week for viewing. Between being under the weather and everything else going on in the world, I didn't have the spoons to really dive into my shows.

I didn't end up finishing the episode of One Lane Bridge. I'm hoping to get to it this week.

I did watch the finale of London Kills and it ended up being pretty thrilling. I have a behind the scenes episode to watch and then I'll be starting the next season.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise and enjoyed it. I'm liking Neville a lot more this season. Very interested in how things play out with Florance's under cover job.

Started an episode of Beyond Paradise and should finish it today. I ended up sleeping a lot over the weekend and just didn't have a chance to get the whole episode in. I did get a chuckle that Humph named his duck Selwyn because that's the commissioner's name from Death in Paradise. Not sure how I missed that before.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zootropolis, an opposites-attrack novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

Mackenna Sycks is looking to raise money for a wildlife refuge. When Walton Conley offers to back her project, she balks, thinking the hot shot playboy has ulterior motives. He does, but he's also a whiz with fundraisers and surprises Mackenna with gala affair dubbed Zootropolis.

And a snippety peek…

Mackenna pulled into the parking lot of Walton's office. "I don't know, Carrie. I still think this is a bad idea. I'm all over the place right now … mentally." Mackenna had emailed Walton yesterday to beg off from the second meeting, suggesting Carrie attend instead.

Carrie snorted. "You think?" She followed with a chuckle. "The email you sent isn't something you would do. So … it begs the question of why." She stopped there.

Mackenna sighed. "I know. And I don't have an answer." Her inner voice made a rude sound. "At least not a good one." Cutting the engine, she leaned her head back on the seat.

Carrie's tone softened. "Kens, this is a big thing. I can't do what you do or explain how you do it. You're the best person to pull this off." She paused for a moment. "And you will get everyone on board. But … apologize to Walton first. You owe him that much."

Mackenna exhaled slowly. "You're right. Thanks, again, for talking me around." She ended the call and did a quick check of her face in the visor mirror.

Exiting her SUV, she pulled a portfolio out of the backseat and tucked it under her arm along with checking to make sure she had the thumb drive with the power point files. "Here goes nothing." She made the short walk to the main door and headed for the reception area.

No one sat behind the desk, which seemed weird. Mackenna took a chance and followed the corridor to Walton's office. She took a deep, calming breath and knocked on the door.

Several long seconds ticked by before the hard wood panel jerked open, and Walton snapped. "I said no interruptions—" He broke off with a frown. "What are you doing here?"

Mackenna noticed the multiple monitors with people in a Zoom call. "Oh, no. I'm sorry." She scrambled to think of something to say. "Um, I'll just go back and wait in reception. I didn't realize you were busy." Backing away from the door, she turned to flee.

Walton grasped her shoulder, his gaze sliding from her head down to her feet, a momentary flash of appreciation sparking in his eyes before irritation settled back in. "Just … give me a few minutes to end this meeting. Stay right there." He shut the door in her face.

Mackenna closed her eyes, her face heating. "Dammit." Of course, she picked the worst time to attempt an apology.

Once again, doubt seeped into her mind. She hated being indecisive, telling him she'd come back and wow his lined-up donors then rethinking the idea and emailing to suggest Carrie take her place, then talking with Carrie and deciding to go ahead and put on a presentation. All of which she'd put at Walton's feet. She'd been off balance since she met him and still couldn't figure out if this would be worth the hassle and headache.

I can't believe I let Carrie talk me into wearing a dress for this.

Mackenna originally planned to go with a pair of pressed cargo pants, button-down shirt, and good boots. A more up-to-snuff version of what she usually wore when she met with anyone about the facility. Carrie nixed the idea and gently suggested Mackenna should up her game and dazzle the donors with a pretty dress and strappy sandals. Put forth the effort to show everyone Mackenna could straddle the line of meeting them at their table and proving their investment of time and money would be valuable.

Mackenna rolled her eyes. "It would be easier if these donors were exotic animals." Animals she could talk to all day.

People … not so much.

The door to Walton's office opened again and he swept an arm out to usher her inside.

Mackenna spoke before he could distract her. "Again, I'm sorry for breaking in on your meeting. I came early to apologize and let you know—"

Walton cut in. "That you changed your mind. Again."

Her face heated, but she gave a nod. "Yeah. I'm just not used to anyone doing anything for me." She met his gaze. "But Carrie talked me off the ledge and made me realize I'm the only one who can do this. I need the down payment, and you're making a huge effort to see that it happens." She made her next words a promise. "I can do no less. No more trying to bail on this project. I'll play nice from now on."

Walton arched his brows. "No offense intended … I'll believe it when I see it." He nodded toward the conference room. "You can get set up. If you can't find something you need, give a shout." He moved around and sat at his desk.

Mackenna started to cross the office for the conference room, but his voice stopped her.

"Nice touch with the dress. You look amazing."

She lifted her chin, acknowledging the compliment. The smile didn't spread across her face until she'd entered the next room. Maybe the third time would be the charm…

I'm excited about this story. I love writing Mackenna in all her awkward glory.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin