Sunday Snippet: Five Minutes

It's very sauna-like outside with muggy weather and lots of humidity. Makes me want a pool in a big way. Went down a big rabbit hole researching what's available that won't break the bank and discovered some genius ideas. It won't happen this summer, but I have a new goal for next summer!

Hit a wall on my great cleanout project. But I'm determined to get back on it this week. Even if I only get a little done each day it's something. I'm thinking I might make a chart and log increments of time spent. If I see the forward progress it helps.

Ended up having a super busy work week. Several projects came back at the same time and a new one started. It's been a plate-spinning couple of months with so many different things stacking up against each other. I love the variety and I think that helps keep me from losing my mind.

I did end up having a great viewing week. I did a full round of shows and got to include the two I tend to keep on the back burner when things are jammed.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm almost through the first season and this is total comfort viewing.

Watched another episode of Art Detectives and I'm really enjoying this show. Shazia is a lot of fun and the mystery with Mick's dad is intriguing. Looking forward to more.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise. Love to see Selwyn with his daughter. The mystery ended up being excellent and the resolution had a nice twist.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I'm kind of fond of the episodes that don't have murders. This one was kind of madcap and that's always fun.

Watched the season four premiere of Elementary. Watson being ready to kick the shit out of the Holmes patriarch is awesome. I loved her interaction with one of the stooges. And the first glimpse of Holmes the Great? So incredible. Excellent choice of actor to play him. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered, and I enjoyed it. Terry and Max are a great team.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks and definitely plan to stick with this one. Even when I'm annoyed by some of the character bits, it's a fun watch.

Got to get the season ten finale of Peak Practice viewed. Interesting to have Kate back, especially since Will is kind of ready to move on. The vehicle accident played out with lots of tension and the two little girls with Tom ended up being better than I thought it would be.

Last but not least, I got to watch another episode of Reacher. This show, man. It's so good. And that ending. Wow. Reacher's big feet keep stepping in steaming piles. Just saying.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Five Minutes, a novella where temptation might be too hard to resist.

Here's the miniblurb:

Remy Deeds never welshes on a bet, until she loses to Eli Rogers, who can't understand why she backs out. But a five-minute kiss, with tongue, isn't something she wants to risk, because giving up her last pack of coffee is so much easier than possibly losing her heart.

And a sneaky peek…

Remy shrugged. "I don't know. Intuition maybe." She put her shirt back on. "If you want total honesty? I'm already halfway gone for you, and I just had a feeling our chemistry would be fiery hot." Aw … why did she say that?

He picked up on her admission, but didn't jump on it.

Instead, he added a question. "So … what now?" His eyebrows arched.

Remy snorted. "I have no idea." How the hell should she answer?

Eli grunted. "Okay then. My truth time." He met her gaze. "I don't react the way I just did with you … ever." He ran a hand through his hair.

Remy had no idea what to say. "Um, sorry?" Lame.

Eli shook his head. "No, don't apologize. It's a great thing. The timing's just weird."

She quirked a brow. "Care to explain?"

He winced and sat down. "No, but I will." He turned toward her. "Remember how I was late for the briefing?"

She nodded.

Eli gave her a sheepish grin. "I overslept and scrambled out of bed, leaving my … well, not exactly girlfriend but a woman behind."

A sharp stab of disappointment hit her. "So, you're with someone." Her shoulders slumped. 

Eli shook his head. "No, that's the thing. She got pissed and we ended it, but I didn't feel regret or remorse. More like relief, because we didn't have—what did you call it? Chemistry?"

Remy rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I guess." Sounded lamer than she imagined.

Eli sighed. "I'm tired of going from one woman to the next and just … disconnecting. There's nothing that makes me want to stay. No … structure." He tsked. "No, that's not the word…"

Remy blurted, "No foundation."

Eli snapped his fingers. "Yeah. That's it. There's no solid ground under the sex. It's just sex." His chin bobbed up and down.

Remy tilted her head. "And you want what? More than a warm body on a cold night?" How surprising.

Eli nodded. "Yeah. But doing what we do makes it damned hard."

Her lips curved. "Too true."

Eli leaned forward. "So … how about we skip the coffee and the five minutes and try something else?"

Remy arched her brows. "Like what?" She almost feared his response.

Eli grasped her hand. "You and me. Someplace private like the caves to explore this chemistry thing." He squeezed her fingers. "Can you get Sheila to cover for you? Say from after lunch tomorrow through breakfast the next day?"

Remy tugged her hand away. "Look, Eli, I don't want to let my team down by setting a crappy example." And ruin her future opportunities.

Eli nodded. "I get that. And I respect it, but if we get the nasty weather we're supposed to, you won't have any projects to direct anyway."

He had a point. When poor conditions made being outside miserable or dangerous, they would usually do equipment repairs and inventory supplies. Not exactly anything the team members couldn't handle on their own.

Remy did a gut check. She wanted to see where things might go. And after talking to Eli about his change in perspective … taking a chance didn't seem as risky as it normally would. She would regret not taking a shot if she refused.

Decision made, she gave a slow nod. "Okay. If we get the rain, I'll ask Sheila to cover." Harry would no doubt take Eli's place.

Eli leaned in again. "Great." He caught her lips with his.

She responded, meeting his tongue. His fingers threaded through her hair, drawing her closer. Remy melted into the kiss, losing all thought except for the way his body fit against hers.

Eli broke the embrace on a groan. "Damn, I gotta get out of here or all bets are off." He pressed his forehead against hers. "I want you, Remy. So much." One more quick, hard kiss and he quickly left the room.

Remy sank down on the couch, her body on fire for Eli. Only one thing for her to do.

Pray for rain.

This scene ended up being fun to write. I love a little bit of tension and yearning.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Fits and Starts

It's the weekend of trying to keep my doggos from losing their minds. I love fireworks, don't get me wrong, but I feel for all the pets out there that freak out over them.

I continued with the great cleanout stuff this week. Honestly, I did more organizing than cleaning but being organized helps make cleaning and clearing a little easier.

I'm finally at a manageable level of projects. I have a few odds and ends to finish on a couple of them but they're with the authors or the designer and I'm waiting in the wings to review revisions.

Had another decent viewing week. Having a lighter workload does help. And I'm not as scattered on the attention span side of things.

Started out with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm finding new things in the episodes, which is one of the reasons I love to rewatch a series I've seen before.

Watched another episode of Art Detectives and I'm enjoying this show. I'm very interested in the backstory of Mack's dad. I'm also hoping for more backstory with his partner.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Good to see the commissioner's daughter again. The mystery also ended up being intriguing.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Very fun to not have a big murder to solve and see how Poirot uses his skill to ferret out what's going on.

Watched another episode of Elementary and, wow, season three ended on a big downer. I'm still trying to decide if Sherlock ended up relapsing or if he's just horribly distraught from Oscar's machinations. Oscar needs to die in a fire. Just saying.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I remembered. Loved the spin on an urban legend that had a grain of truth in it.

Started a new to me series with The Lower Decks. Enjoyed the first episode and ended up being happy I clocked the relationship between the captain and the know-it-all crew member. I'll enjoy watching more of this one.

Ended the week on an episode of Peak Practice. A lot going on in this one. And the tragic leap Will's patient made kind of surprised me. Kerry finding out the truth about her parentage kind of bummed me out, but I'm also seriously irritated by her parents being such ninnies about the whole thing. Definitely feel bad for Sam.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fits and Starts, a novella that brings a couple back together after one has been through the wringer.

Here's the miniblurb:

After escaping from a madman's clutches, Pru Stark can't quite find her footing again. She pushes her man, Dane Callaway, away and refuses to see the little girl she saved. Dane can give her space, but he won't stay on the sidelines, not when Pru needs him the most, even if she can't quite admit it.

And a snippety peek…

Pru woke up in the operation's base hospital with Dane by her side. "How long?" Her fingers twitched on the sheet.

Dane held her gaze. "You've been sedated for forty-eight hours. You had some nasty drugs in your system." His hand covered hers.

Pru shook her head. "No. How long was I gone?" She needed to know.

Dane hesitated but answered. "Six months." He squeezed her palm.

Tears leaked from her eyes and her gut roiled. Son of a bitch. She'd lived a total mind fuck for half a damned year. For half a year she'd believed…

She swallowed against a groan. "Minnie?"

Dane arched a brow. "The little girl you had with you? She's just fine. Back home with her mom and grandma."

Pru nodded, ignoring the sharp twist in her heart. "When can I get out of here?" She had to move, escape, be anywhere else but here.

Dane frowned. "Probably soon. You're through the worst of the withdrawal."

She started on the IV, trying to remove the taped tubing. No more needles. At least not for a long damn time.

Dane snagged her hands. "Hey, wait. Let the staff do that." He hit the call button.

A nurse bustled in. Different scrubs. Nothing remotely similar to her previous caregivers. But bile still rose in her throat.

Pru inhaled deeply, fighting back a wave of panic. "Get this needle out of my arm. I gotta get out of here." And go where … she didn't know.

The nurse took a firm grip of her wrist. "Okay, Agent Stark. Calm down." Efficient movement disconnected the tubing.

Dane grasped her free hand, and Pru settled, impatiently waiting for the nurse to finish. The needle removed, a band-aid on the insertion point, and the medical staff member dubbed Pru good to go.

Once the scrub-clad woman exited, Pru got up. "Clothes?" Her skin itched and her head spun.

Dane nodded toward a rucksack by the door.

"Thanks." She got dressed, her movements clumsy.

When she finished, she glanced in Dane's direction. He offered his arm. She shook her head.

His eyes filled with steely determination. "You got pretty banged up. It's let me help or we get a wheelchair.

She rolled her eyes. "Fine." She took his elbow and followed him out the door.

He guided her to the elevators. "We should debrief you first."

When she stepped inside the elevator, the feeling of being trapped hit hard and became too much to bear.

She turned and fisted her hand in Dane's shirt. "Debrief later." Her mouth sought his, urgent and hungry.

The door pinged and Dane eased back when it slid open. "Okay. Debrief later. Quarters it is." They exited the lift and turned toward the living space.

Pru watched Dane's ass flex under his fatigues. She wanted hot, hard, dirty sex. She needed to feel alive and free. They got inside and she tore at his clothes. Rushed, urgent.

Dane tried to slow down. "Hey. It's not a race here." He grasped her biceps.

She refused to go slow. "Need you. Right now." Her mouth traveled along his throat. "Slow can be later … after … sometime. Just not now."

Dane would give her what she needed. Hot, hungry, awesome sex. She'd figure everything else out later.

Pru's avoidance is going to be harder than she imagines to overcome. And Dane can't make it easier for her.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Feeling Alive

Well, the end of June is going to be a welcome sight for me. It's been a long month and yet somehow flew by in a blink.

Work projects are finally slowing down a little and I feel like I can breathe again. I have to play catch-up on some things that I had to let slide while trying to get through the bulk of my work. Hopefully, I'll get back to some cleaning projects and get more writing done.

Actually made it through all of my shows and finished up two that I had on the back burner. We had a lot of rain and some severe storms, but the power stayed on, so I got a lot watched.

Watched another episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it's one I always look forward to. I love getting into Phyrne's history and her time in France explains so much about her.

Enjoyed another episode of Art Detectives. Nice to have a little backstory for the characters. Also enjoyed the mystery of this one. Messy rock-star drama added a nice twist.

Caught another Death in Paradise episode … possibly the one hundredth ep because Camile made an appearance. Excellent throwback to the very first episode also.

Watched another Poirot episode where he's either still on holiday or taking another one. I had seen most of this episode before and it's nice to have all the pieces fall into place.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. Interesting to see Gregson decide to stay with the eleventh and Iiked him seeking Joan's help with vetting his possible replacement. The overarching mystery also ended up being nice and twisty.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond. I remembered this one and liked the team-up of Terry and Max. Bruce had some good lines in this episode.

I think I finished up the Classic Rugrats rewatch. I might go back and make sure I didn't end up skipping a season or two. I'll probably switch over the new episodes.

Finally finished up the episode of Peak Practice I started a while ago. Did not expect to see Sam propose even though I knew it would happen at some point.

Also finished up the second episode of Reacher. Gotta say, I really love this show. Glad I have several more seasons to view!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Feeling Alive, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Maddox loses her partner in a bomb explosion and shuts down emotionally. Wakefield arrives to interrogate Maddox about his brother's death, but she refuses to discuss the trauma. She ends up in another explosive situation and Wake finally breaks through Maddox's defenses, but he also opens the floodgates, which may get both killed.

And a snippety peek…

Wake stood outside the precinct building. "Damn, bro. How the hell do I do this?" He'd spent the however many days since he'd returned stateside dealing with his brother's estate—Avery left Maddox half his life insurance—and needing answers to the point he didn't know which way to turn.

Heaving a sigh, he started up the steps. "The only two things I know are my brother is dead, and I was in a motherfucking hot zone when it happened." The fucking irony smacked him between the eyes.

Avery getting killed by an IED and Wake being in an area where the entire countryside ended up being littered with them? The odds had to be astronomical of that happening, right? The answer might give Wake nightmares.

Wake headed up to Avery's former CO's office. He wanted answers and might as well start at the top.

Ray Garvey ushered Wake into his office and shut the door. "It's good to meet you. I wish it were under better circumstances. Your brother talked about you a lot."

Wake lifted his chin. "Same. Avery loved this team. Spoke highly of all of you." He should probably get right to the reason he'd stopped by. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around what happened. Can you shed any light on things?"

Garvey's open countenance swiftly changed to cagey. "I'd suggest you talk to his partner, Detective Maddox Reed." He folded his arms over his chest.

Wake raked a hand through his hair. "Yeah. Tried to call her. Several times." He even sent a text. "She's not answering." And he really needed to tell her about the insurance.

He didn't want the lawyers to handle the notification.

The CO sighed. "Look, try the Swirling Swine over on Eighth. She's had a rough time of it lately and goes there to blow off steam."

Wake nodded and turned toward the door.

Garvey stopped him. "Don't tell her I sent you. She's got no idea I know she hangs out there. Maybe tell her Avery mentioned the place to you."

Wake arched his brows. "Is it a problem for her to be there?"

The CO shook his head. "No. But she's been like a ghost since Avery's death. The rest of the squad has started calling her Reed the Robot. I followed her a couple of times to keep an eye on her." He shrugged. "I really don't want to lose another detective."

Wake grunted. "Fair point." He gave Garvey a nod and left.

This story is coming together better than I'd hoped. I think I'm getting a good handle of Wake.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Fair Play

If anyone is headed into a major heat wave this week like I am, stay hydrated! And try to stay cool, especially if your location is as humid as mine is. Humidity is a nightmare.

Had a busy and productive week. Making good progress on two of my projects and sliding in some random finishing bits on a few others.

Started a huge cleanup job in the kitchen. My poor countertops need to be reorganized and cleared of clutter. I got the largest one scrubbed down and mostly organized. Still need to find a new home for a few items.

Also have some mundane tasks to plow through this week. Not sure I'll make it but I can't put it off any longer. My procrastination skills are top notch!

Had a decent viewing week. I ended up making it through my usual slate of shows, which rather makes me happy.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode again. The characters in Phyrne's past are always fun.

Caught another episode of Art Detectives and, I have to say, I thoroughly enjoy this show. Looking forward to the next episode.

Watched the season thirteen holiday special of Death in Paradise and enjoyed meeting Neville's mom. Should be fun to watch the last season of Inspector Parker's tenure.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Kind of fun to see him on holiday and solving a murder. I'll admit the resolution came together a little oddly for me but an interesting episode nonetheless.

Caught another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed Sherlock's revelations about friendship. So fun to watch Marcus chill with Sherlock at the end.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. Having the Royal Flush gang back proved fun. Also like Terry making a solid choice at the end to stick with Dana.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats. The holiday themed episode is one I remember and I really need to add it to my holiday watch list if I do one this year.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fair Play, a follow up to Imagination.

Here's the miniblurb:

Rand Allerdyce takes Holland Dukes by surprise, bringing their sexy games to her office when she's working late one evening. Rand plans to engage Holland's voyeuristic side and give her the thrill of possibly being caught. Holland loves the idea as much as she loves Rand.

And a snippety peek…

Gah, she's incredible.

If Rand didn't need to hurry, and if his dick didn't feel like it might go off at any second, he would pause to savor the view of Holland with her hands planted on the desk, her back arched and her ass sticking out. He grasped her hip with one hand and cupped a breast through the silky fabric of her camisole with the other. Holland threw her head back, giving him access to her throat.

He leaned forward, nipping lightly along her skin while pumping his hips back and forth. "You're hot and wet, Holls. I'm not gonna last long." His cock glided through her silky essence, and the heightened sense of possibly getting caught edged the tension up a notch.

Holland moaned. "I'm almost there, Rand." She lifted a hand and licked her fingers.

His shaft swelled, anticipating her next move. She dropped her arm between her legs and rubbed her clit. Goose bumps sprouted over her back.

Her breathing went shallow. "Get ready, here … I … go …" A shudder rippled through her and her internal walls tightened around his shaft.

Her fingers brushed over his hard flesh, and he toppled over the edge, emptying his seed deep within her. Dropping his head to her shoulder, he blew out a harsh breath. She never failed to blow his mind.

The vacuum sound stopped, and the rustle of trash being dumped into a bin carried through the closed door.

Rand straightened, gently withdrawing from Holland's core. "Cut it close, didn't we." He tucked his softened dick back inside his pants and tucked his shirt in.

Holland straightened her skirt and put her blouse back on, rapidly doing up the buttons. Rand handed over her heels and she slipped them on. They gave each other a quick once-over and Rand reached out to redo her top two buttons because she'd missed one.

She gave him a sexy smirk. "Fair play evened the score. I'll have to up my game next time." Her finger trailed from his shoulder to his sternum.

He caught her face in his hands. "I'll look forward to that." His thumb stroked over her bottom lip.

He couldn't wait to see what her creative mind came up with.

A little steamy goodness from Holland and Rand.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Exit Stage Left

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, mentors, and father figures out there! And if this is a rough day for anyone, please find peace and joy where you can.

Seriously busy week and I didn't feel the greatest. Heading in for an annual physical soon and hope to nail down why I'm kind of down right now. My guess is my sleep schedule is horrible at the moment.

Somewhat good progress on work projects. Friday and Saturday ended up being challenging days because of not feeling well. I'm a little behind on two and hope to make that up in the next couple of days.

Spent a couple of days doing tedious personal life stuff, but I made it through my standard slate of shows this week. I'm considering a new addition to the lineup but haven't made up my mind yet.

Enjoyed an episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. The plot's twisty turns are fun and it's nice to see the tentative partnership with Jack and Phryne taking root.

I totally lied when I said I caught the season twelve finale of Death in Paradise. It had one more episode, which I ended up enjoying a lot. I'll be starting thirteen this week.

Caught another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. This one had some twists but it was fun for Poirot to have a case in his own backyard … or building as the case may be.

Started a new series called the Art Detectives and liked the first episode. The leads have great chemistry and I'm looking forward to the next episode.

Watched an episode of Elementary and enjoyed Sherlock coming to terms with being friends with Alfredo and not just sponsor and sponsee. Joan was really great in this episode also.

Enjoyed another episode of Batman Beyond. It's fun when Terry has to be a big brother and I love how he handles Tim. The big bad was also interesting.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. Both were new-to-me vignettes and I liked them. The one with DeeDee's college class was a lot of fun.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Exit Stage Left, a novella that has a grumpy / sunshine couple come together.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sage Winesboro, the new production director of his local playhouse theater, doesn't always see eye to eye with his current set designer, Georgie Freed. When she proves her worth, but decides to exit stage left, he realizes he's missing out on what could be a great working and personal relationship.

And a snippety peek…

Georgie blinked. The audacity of the man. Coming to her home—uninvited—and getting pissed off because she had a friend over. Geez!

Extremely annoyed, she went after Sage, catching up to him halfway down the hall. "Is there a particular reason you always think the worst of me?" She pitched her voice low to avoid bringing any of her neighbors to their doors. "Josh is a friend. F-R-I-E-N-D." Jabbing a finger in Sage's chest, she grimaced. "Hooking up with Josh would be like hooking up with a sibling." Ew.

Sage had the wherewithal to flush when he realized his mistake. "Sorry … it just looked like … never mind. It doesn't matter what it looked like. I didn't have the right to go off on you."

Josh popped his head outside. "Need help?" He flicked a glance toward Sage. "Or maybe some ass-kicking?"

Georgie waved her hand. "As much as I'd enjoy watching you and Sage throw down, I think he's been beat up enough today." Which he kind of deserved.

Josh strolled out with his jacket over his shoulder. "In that case, I'll take my leave." He paused. "But if he hurts you"­—his gaze shifted to Sage—"in any way"—his focus came back to her—"I will hunt him down." He gave Sage another hard look. "And there won't be a body to find." He headed for the exit.

Sage let out a low whistle. "Where did you find him?"

George grinned and started back toward her apartment. "In a bar on campus during my sophomore year in college. He had a very public breakup, and I dragged him back to the dorm before he got in trouble for running his mouth." She pushed her door open. "We've been friends ever since." She jerked her head to invite him inside.

She might as well hear what he wanted before he stuck his size ten in his mouth.

Sage entered. "Do you always inspire such devotion?"

Georgie rolled a shoulder. "Frankly, yes. You should try it sometime."

This couple is fun to write. Sage will eventually learn to stop jumping to conclusions where Georgie is concerned.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: The Ex Files

It's been a long week with a lot going on. My dad turned eighty last Sunday and my oldest turned thirty-two. Yep. They have the same birthday. My brothers always give me a bunch a grief over getting my dad a grandson for his birthday.

We had a nice reception for my dad, and I got to reconnect with a lot of people I hadn't seen in a long time. So nice to catch up.

Work projects continue to keep me busy. I'm making good progress but often feel like I'm spinning my wheels because they're big projects that take a lot of back and forth. This isn't a complaint; it's more an observation.

Had a slow viewing week but did manage to get through my main group of shows. The backburner ones didn't make the cut this week.

Started out with Batman Beyond and enjoyed it. I have memories of this one where Terry's secret is exposed and he finally has something of an ally.

Watched another Classic Rugrats and both were new-to-me vignettes. Thoroughly enjoyed the shopping one and the one with the snow was fun also.

Enjoyed another episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. As a comfort show, the amazing cast is always ready to help me slide into a happy place. Even if there's a murder to solve.

Caught the season twelve finale of Death in Paradise. Good to see Neville's team work hard to clear him of the professor's death. Nice to see the dangling plot threads tied up also. Looking forward to starting thirteen this week.

Watched another episode of Poirot and rather enjoyed the mystery. A lot gets packed into the hour-long episodes and sometimes feels a little rushed.

Really enjoyed the episode of Elementary with the dual mysteries and some insight into the captain's daughter and how she operates.

Also watched what I think is the first season finale of Return to Paradise. I'm really enjoying this show.

I think I found the new show I'm going to start this week, but I'm not absolutely set. Stay tuned.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Ex Files, a novella that brings a couple together when they help each other out with their exes.

Here's the miniblurb:

Effie Stone helps Reed Rettos avoid an ugly scene with his ex-girlfriend and halfway falls for him over coffee. When an old flame contacts Effie, she asks Reed to return the favor. Reed hesitates, not sure he wants to get tangled up in more drama, but he's very smitten with Effie and agrees to make it clear she's got a new man in her life … even if only for a night.

And a snippety peek…

Effie made it halfway up the block before she groaned. "Way to go, Effie. Put a hot man on the spot, why don't you?" Then again, why stray from her standard modus operandi. "I see something or someone I like and go for it." John entered her life the exact same way.

And she could handle him, but he'd become more persistent and aggressive the last two times he'd dropped by. She didn't think he'd go off the rails, not completely. He had his team to think about, and bad press could end his career.

But … if she convinced John she'd moved on, maybe he'd finally jump back into the dating waters and forget about her.

She glanced upward to the sky. "Is that too much to ask for?" Sending out a query to the universe couldn't hurt either, right?

She didn't plan to look for anyone new after her breakup with John. Her commission work kept her busy and she might end up teaching a second art class next year. John seemed to want her to bend to his schedule and only his schedule.

She snorted. "Which doesn't work when I have projects to grade or murals to paint." Especially when she got in a groove and worked all night.

When John got a little too cranky about her commitments, she'd ended things. They'd kind of run their course anyway. They didn't have a lot in common—even if she did love hockey—and she wanted more than good sex.

She took the turn toward campus. "Would have been nice if he'd shown any kind of interest in what I do." But he hadn't.

And maybe the smokin' firefighter would end up being the same, taking her for granted. But her gut said he wouldn't. He didn't have a self-absorbed vibe.

And he didn't trash his ex-girlfriend when he had the opportunity. 

She could see herself falling for Reed. "It would very easy." Even being exhausted from lack of sleep didn't diminish his handsomeness.

Reaching the art building, she trotted up the steps, feeling a little better about putting her interest out there. And she didn't ignore the kernel of hope that he would call…

I'm having so much fun writing this one. Effie goes after what she wants but she also second-guesses herself a lot.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Enforced Confinement

Had a super busy week between work projects and personal projects and, whew, I'm exhausted. Also, the weather is being contrary with lots of rain and chilly temperatures. I don't think we got above sixty degrees with the exception of Thursday when we topped out at seventy.

I'm still juggling six work projects but two are in a state of simmering on the back burner, which isn't optimal, but it does help manage the load.

Had a slow viewing week and didn't quite make it through my usual round of shows. Too much going on that needed my full attention.

I did end up catching an episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. It's one of my favorites with Phyrne showing off her flying skills.

Also watched an episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. A holiday episode that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm kind of bummed there aren't any new episodes until the next season.

Death in Paradise kind of blew my mind. I knew what would happen and it still caught me a little off guard. I think because Neville acted so out of character. I have a really good idea of who killed the professor, and I hope I prove myself right.

Got another episode of Return to Paradise viewed and I'm really enjoying this show. I'm very on the fence with Glen's engagement to Daisy. I really think things could get very messy.

Finished out the week with another Poirot episode. I kind of pegged who the kidnapper was from the beginning, and I loved the razor-sharp way Poirot called the guy out.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Enforced Confinement, a novella that reunites a couple after a breakup.

Here's the miniblurb:

After a breakup, Baylee and Noah get trapped in a confined space and neither is happy about the situation. But the enforced intimacy gives them a chance to meet their issues head-on in a place they can't take each other for granted.

And a snippety peek…

Baylee closed her eyes, and her head dropped back. I'm so not in the mood for this. She wanted to crawl into a bed and crash … after she grabbed something to eat. Hell, she didn't have the energy to even shove food in her mouth.

Noah wanted to hash shit out at the worst possible times. Right. Is there ever a good time? For her? Nope.

She straightened and opened her eyes.

Noah arched his brows. "Bay? Talk to me." He didn't make it a demand, more a quiet entreaty.

He could've asked for the moon, and she'd have an easier time making that happen than trying to explain something she didn't understand herself. Especially after a long day and knowing she'd messed up on an epic scale.

Frustrated, fed up, and clearly in the wrong, Baylee couldn't deal with anything right now. "You know what? You're right. Clearly, I can't be bothered." Grabbing her keys, bag, and phone, she left before Noah could stop her.

Darting back out into the rain, she stumbled to her car and started the engine. She refused to look anywhere but her rearview mirror. Seeing Noah's disappointment would've done her completely in.

She didn't let the tears fall until she'd backed out of the drive.

By the time she took the exit to her street, she regretted walking away. She loved Noah but why would he want to be with her when she never got things right? He'd be so much better off without her in his life.

And she couldn't see a way to stay true to herself if she caved in and went against one of her core principles. No arguing or answering to anyone or anything. And if she ended up alone for the rest of forever, she'd live with the choice.

Even if the thought hurt her heart.

Writing breakups and the aftermath is a challenge, especially when I want the happily ever after right away.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin