Sunday Snippet: X Out the Date

Ugh, the rain continues and it's making the outdoors feel like a sauna. I'm not against saunas but, ugh, I'd rather not have one 24 / 7. Besides… you can't run around outside with only a towel on. Okay, I guess it's not impossible, but I won't be doing it anytime soon. LOL

I had a friend recommend Will for my viewing pleasure. I haven't started it yet, but I'll give it a go. She's in love with everything about the show.

Have to play catch up again on my Syfy Friday night shows. I hate being behind and it sucks that on Demand and the Syfy app won't show the latest episode immediately. I have a lot of growly, snarly words about that topic.

Great news! Wynonna Earp is renewed for season three. I'm soooo happy we'll have more demon-killing gun action in the town of Purgatory. Woo!

Lots of terrific trailer action coming from SDCC. I'm looking forward to The Defenders if only for the awesome snark potential.

The Last Ship's new trailer is making me very impatient for the season to start already. Less than a month away, but still feels way too long.

Also… the final episodes of Teen Wolf start next week and I'm excited to see how the series ends.

One final note… I'm actually excited for Doctor Who again! Nothing against Moffat, he's written a few of my very favorite episodes but, ugh, he almost ruined the series for me. The entire last season just rubbed me wrong. I wish him nothing but the best with whatever he's involved in from here on out.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from X Out the Date, a novella that got a start with the two-word prompt, "Don't stop".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Preston Ayl and Elliot Newman are on the verge of making a strong commitment. Attending conferences on opposite ends of the country, the week away from each other is proving more difficult than either expects and they're crossing out the date until they're back together.

And a snippety peek…

Elliot took his seat on the plane after stowing his carryon in the overhead bin. He settled in and leaned back, thinking to grab some extra sleep on the somewhat short flight. A smack on his shoulder had his eyes popping open.

Alex Ayl, Preston's cousin, wore a sly smirk. "Dude. Don't tell me you're going to Maine, too." He dropped down next to Elliot. "Man, that's awesome. I'll have someone to hang with."

Elliot grinned. "Are you hawking more sporting goods?" Alex had several endorsement contracts, including clothing and equipment.

Alex shook his head. "Not this time. I'm headed to a small start-up company that wants some input on a new design. If I like what I see, I have a chance to invest, too." He kicked back in his seat. "Sometimes it's good to be me." His head lolled sideways and he shot Elliot a glance. "You leave your better half behind?"

Elliot laughed. "No, actually. She's headed to the west coast for a weeklong conference." He frowned. "I wouldn't have minded going with her. Helluva lot warmer in California than Maine." Plus, they could take advantage of the beaches, which they currently couldn't do in midwinter.

Alex snorted. "Man, I'd be out of a job if we didn't have these glorious cold winters." He rubbed his hands together.

A fine point. Alex lived for any activity done in the cold. Boarding, skiing, sledding, skating. If it could be accomplished in frigid temperatures with powder or ice, Alex showed up.

Elliot's lips twisted in a smile. "I doubt you'd be out of work for long. Something tells me you'd make the transition from Mr. Freeze to Heatmeister in quick order."

Alex quirked a brow. "You mean like surfing and shit? No way, man. That's your gig. The only cold weather thing you do is play hockey." He gave Elliot a pointed look. "And that's only when my cousin lets you come out to play."

Elliot smashed Alex's theory. "Man, it's not like she's got me shackled to the bed." He sat back and waited for the response.

Alex made a gagging sound. "Aw, dude, not a visual I needed right now."

Elliot crossed his arms over his chest and leaned his head back again. "Then shut up and let me get a nap in."

I'm hoping it's going to be fun to write the absence makes the heart grow fonder scenario. So far, it's pretty great.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: X Marks the Spot

Coming off a very rainy week with lots of thunderstorms. That means I need to save after every paragraph I type. LOL

Watched another episode of Killjoys and, yeah, this is a great season! I love the banter and snark and pretty much everything.

Dark Matter is truly messing with everything and I'm quite enjoying it. I wouldn't mind if the pacing moved a little faster and I'm not completely sure I like having Four off on his own. That said, I'm willing to exercise patience and see where everything goes.

Wynonna Earp keeps blowing my mind. I'm excited to see what happens now that the baby news is out. The season feels a little off kilter but I like that because Wynonna is off kilter. My fingers are crossed for a third season because there's no way this story is over at the end of two.

Got another few episodes of Young Justice watched and still very much enjoying the dynamic of the group. I'm hoping the whole mole thing is wrapped up by the end of the season or at least the person is revealed. Should finish up in the next week and move on to the second season.

Can't wait for next month when I can start talking about The Last Ship. I'm so bummed they delayed the start of this season.

That's it for television. Tonight's post is from X Marks the Spot, a novella where the main couple pushes past their boundaries with some sexy fun at an island resort.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nydia Vreeland takes her boyfriend, Declan Morris, on an adult adventure vacation where sexy fun and games ensue. Their final game is a treasure hunt where 'X' marks the spot and the winner gets to choose the evening's pleasure. The way Nydia figures things, there's no way she can lose.

And a snippety peek…

Declan managed to keep his speed under the limit but still made it home in the allotted ten-minute timeframe. He started shedding clothes as soon he entered the loft apartment he shared with Nydia. Naked, he entered the bedroom to find Nydia in a sexy pose on the chaise by the huge windows on the north wall.

He admired the view. "Damn, Nyd. You're so hot." Her curves always got him revved and ready.

Crossing the space separating them, he drank in her sultry grin. She tilted her head to one side and gave him a slow once-over. His dick jumped to attention when her tongue flicked over her lower lip. Nydia did wicked, wonderful things with her tongue.

She sat up and moved to the end of the chaise, spreading her legs wide. "And you're so hard. Can't wait to feel you buried deep." A low hum of desire rumbled in her throat.

Declan placed a knee on the edge of the seat. "As of right now, you'll have me as deep as you want as often as you want for the next month." He braced his hands on the back of the chaise, bracketing her between his arms. "I'm all yours." Swooping forward, he caught her lips in a steamy kiss.

Nydia moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You'll always be mine, Dec." She nipped at his jawline. "And I'll always be yours." Rolling to her side, she made space for him to spoon in behind her.

Declan ran his hand along her thigh, lifting her leg up and over his hip. Nudging in, he positioned his cock at her core. Reaching around, he cupped a breast, tweaking her nipple.

Nydia shuddered. "Don't make me wait." Her hips bucked, seeking his hard shaft. "I've been anticipating this all day and the video chat made my imagination run wild."

Declan grasped her pelvic bone and thrust smoothly, splitting her labia to slide in deep. "Mmmm. You're on fire and so slick." He pumped back and forth and used his palms to stimulate her tits.

Nydia gasped and pushed to meet each stroke. "This is gonna be fast. Think you can keep up and join me?"

Declan huffed out a laugh. "Not gonna be a problem." The way she tightened her inner walls never failed to make him come hard. "Almost… there."

Her body tensed and he followed right behind her.

Spent, he nuzzled her temple. "Now that we've taken the edge off… it's time for you to fill me in on our sexy getaway."

Nydia and Declan have their adventure of a lifetime and discover some secrets about each other along the way.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Winning Hand

Bleh. I'm feeling under the weather today. Allergy season is in full swing and my sinuses hate me right now. LOL

Got caught up on the premiere of Killjoys but haven't been able to watch the other two episodes yet. I hate it when On Demand makes me wait. Might have to see if they're available on SyFy. One of my favorite things about Dark Matter is how trippy they get with episodes sometimes. I love it when I have to keep up or get lost. Wynonna Earp… wow. Seriously, just wow. This show gets better with each passing episode. It's crazy, batshit, and over the top and I love every single moment.

Hoping to get into Orphan Black later this week. With five or so episodes ready, I'll have a good amount to binge watch.

I'm excited to see they've started filming season six of Arrow! Can't wait for the new season to start.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Winning Hand, a sexy short that got a start with the two-word prompt "dream big".

Here's the mini-blurb:

A night of poker takes a sexy turn when Hahn Canedy ups the ante and wagers a night of hot sex as his tithe. Tawni Capps can't resist calling the bet—either way she'll have the winning hand.

And a snippety peek…

Tawni Capps grinned when she turned into the Atwood Lake park entrance. "Finally… can't wait to catch up with everyone." The year had flown by.

She followed the winding road, soaking in the natural habitat of huge, old trees and a gorgeous waterline. July on the lake. Didn't get much better, especially with the group of tightknit friends she'd met in college.

Pulling into the gravel drive of cabin ten, she flashed another smile. "The gang's all here." Ellie, Robin, Davin, Brett, and Hahn—her pulse kicked up a notch when she spotted his truck.

Shutting the engine off, she relaxed, tension from work, the drive, and life draining away.

"Boo!" Davin stuck his head in her window.

She jumped, startled. "Dammit, Dav. Cut it out." The guy never changed, immature but too cute to stay mad at.

He flashed a cheeky grin. "About time you got here." He yanked her door open and reached for the trunk release. "Lemme help you get your gear." Not waiting on a reply, he hustled back and pulled the cooler out.

Tawni slid out and followed him around. "You always start with the food and beverages." She shook her head, her lips twisting in a smile.

He gave her a "duh" look. "Hell, yeah. I'm not taking any chances with your girly stuff." He hefted the cooler onto his hip and started up the path to the cabin. "Never know what weird ass objects might fall out of a suitcase." He shuddered for good measure.

Tawni laughed and grabbed her bag. She didn't blame Davin for getting a little wigged out. The last time he helped Robin take her gear into the cabin a dildo fell out of an outer pocket—in front of everyone. Davin turned twenty shades of red and steadfastly refused to unload any more suitcases to avoid having way more information than he needed about his roommates.

Tawni closed the trunk, started for the cabin and smacked into a wall of solid muscle. Her gaze flew upward to meet the warm hazel one of Hahn Canedy. He reached out to steady her, grasping her elbows, which kept her up close and personal with one of her oldest friends and a secret fantasy.

Her lips curved in a wide smile. "Hahn, how's it going?" She brushed a kiss over his cheek. "How're the 'rents?" His folks ran the best roadside diner in their hometown.

Hahn gave her a slow once-over, a lick of heat entering his eyes. The always there spark zinged between them. Tawni hovered on the fence over whether to do anything about it.

"The parentals are great. They're off on a month-long excursion along the east coast." He took the bag from her and draped an arm over her shoulder. "Unlike Dav, I don't get all twitchy with device envy." He rolled his eyes.

Tawni barked out a strangled laugh. "Geez, Hahn. Did you two start the bro brawl already?" She walked up the landscaped path with him. "Wait. Hold up. Who's in charge of the diner while your mom and dad are gone?" Surely they wouldn't close the place down while they were away?

Hahn slid her a sideways glance. "Would you believe Tyler?" He paused outside the door.

Tawni blinked. "Your brother Tyler?" The younger Canedy had a severe allergy to anything work-related. "No way." She shook her head, not quite believing Hahn.

Hahn chuckled. "Yes way. He finally pulled his head out of his ass and decided to try the whole adulting thing." Pulling the door open, he let Tawni enter first.

Everyone swarmed around them. Robin and Ellie squealing their welcome, Dav and Brett doing air high fives. Tawni shot Hahn a quick look and mouthed the word "later". He gave a nod and started toward the remaining open bedroom with her case.

Tawni hugged the girls, but her mind strayed to later, once the sun went down. She and Hahn had a lot of catching up to do and possibly some unfinished business to sort out. If Tyler Canedy could finally grow a set and take some responsibility, Tawni might have to do the same and find out where she and Hahn really stood.

I love to write friends who become more than friends and Tawni and Hank are fun to work with.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Wind It Up

Welcome to July, meaning half the year is gone and I have no idea where it went. LOL

This has been a crazy week. I'm so far behind on my fave shows. I missed the premiere of Killjoys and I'm carving, carving time out Monday to make sure I don't get too far behind.

I did get to catch most of Dark Matter and Wynonna Earp. I really do like where things are going with both shows.

I've decided I'll probably end up binge watching Orphan Black. I haven't had the time to catch up on my missed episodes. As for Doctor Who… I'm just so disgusted with this season I don't even care how it ended. This makes me sad. Considering some of my very favorite episodes were written by Moffat—oddly, all before he became showrunner—I'm truly discouraged with how much he's destroyed the joy of watching the show for me. Here's looking forward to Chris Chibnall's tenure. May he bring back my love for the show.

Finished up my rewatch of City Homicide and think I'll be moving on to Sense8 for my next binge marathon. Also caught another episode or two of Young Justice. Almost through the first season and I like the setup for what I think is coming.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Wind It Up, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "that's it".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Garner Mason enlists in the military and leaves Rae Manilow behind—breaking her heart. Rae meets Sheriff Felix Reynolds and falls hard, settling down with him in his mountain cabin. When Garner rolls into town intent on making amends with Rae, she's trapped between two men she deeply loves and can't see a way out of her predicament.

And a snippety peek…

Rae stood beside the plot where her dad had been laid to rest. "I'll miss you, old man." She nodded and the caretaker started filling in the grave.

Muffled footsteps sounded. "Can I give you a lift, Rae?" Felix Reynolds stopped beside her, blocking some of the wind gusting through the trees.

Rae's lips curved upward. "Going above and beyond the call of duty, sheriff?" He'd taken over after his dad died in the line of duty—a short six months ago.

Felix wrapped an arm around her. "If you need a shoulder, I'm here. The hard part is coming."

Rae tilted her face to meet his gaze. "I know. And you had more to deal with, leaving the police department, moving here to take over for your dad." She laced her fingers with his. "Thanks for the offer." Different circumstances, her dad lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, but the grief remained the same.

Rae turned to leave but paused. She'd closed her business, Good Stuff, a combination coffee shop, tea room, eat-in and carryout diner, and gift emporium. She had nowhere to go except home.

Alone.

Swinging back, she flashed a tentative smile. "Would you like to have dinner with me?"

His eyes widened and he swallowed, tilting his head to one side. She'd caught him off-guard with the invitation. A welcome swirl of amusement licked through her. They'd hit it off almost immediately—he'd stopped by frequently to get the lay of the land from her dad, a dispatcher with the sheriff's department—but had yet to spend any time alone together.

She wouldn't mind changing the dynamic, but… while he'd settled in and found his footing, he'd kept some distance. Something she understood completely. After Garner left, Rae avoided anything long-term. Felix might be single, but he could have baggage like she did.

Felix nodded. "I'd like that. Should I meet you at Good Stuff?" He fished his keys out of his pocket. "Or can I give you a lift?" His gaze scanned the grounds for her car.

Rae linked her arm around his elbow. "I'd love a ride, but back to the house instead of the shop." She slid her gaze to meet his. "I have so many condolence packages from my dad's harem ladies, and everyone else, I'll never be able to eat everything by myself." Most of the food came from her business, which amused and touched her.

Felix's lips quirked. "He had quite the following, didn't he?" He guided her to his SUV, parked under a huge oak tree.

Rae laughed. "An understatement. His social calendar put mine to shame." Gah! Overshare much, Rae?

Felix opened her door and stood back while she settled into the passenger seat. "There's a lot to be said for keeping things interesting and your dad had it down to a science." He shut the chilly air out and crossed in front of the vehicle, hunching his shoulders against a gust of wind before sliding into the driver's side. "I gotta give your old man credit for keeping, what… a dozen women… happy for over a decade." Starting the SUV, he pulled away from the tree and followed the lane to the exit.

Rae chuckled. "It was ten. Ada, Cora, Ellen, Gretchen, Ivy, Kelly, Mona, Olivia, Quinn, and Susie." She blew out a breath. "I'm pretty sure they're all figuring out who to vie for next." Not that she blamed them. They were all good women and deserved to find someone else to shower attention on.

Felix drove through town, heading toward the house she'd shared with her dad. "Did he have any favorites? We used to talk a lot when he was on duty and he never mentioned one woman's name more than the others." Turning onto her street, he slowed to adjust for the speed limit.

Rae lifted a shoulder. "I don't think he did. He was only intimate with a few, but he didn't spend more time with any one over another." She shook her head. "I think each one had a trait he loved but none had exactly what he wanted." She'd given up trying to figure her dad's dating habits out a long time ago.

Felix pulled into her drive and shut off the engine. "Maybe your mom was a hard act to follow."

Rae blinked, surprised by the astute statement. "True. They had ten years together and losing her hit him hard." She popped the door open and Felix followed suit. "At least I think it did. He didn't talk about Mom much." Rae never pressed him, assuming he found talking about her painful.

Felix followed her to the front porch and laid a hand on hers when she slid the key into the lock. "I'm sorry. Feels like I've kicked up a ghost or two."

She turned after twisting the knob. "Not really. But I'm glad you're here." She nodded toward the interior. "I'm not used to the quiet yet. Keep expecting to hear Dad's booming voice when I get home." She glanced away, blinking tears back.

Felix cupped her cheek, his thumb stroking a stray teardrop. "I'll stay as long as you'd like. The first night, from what I’m told, is the hardest… but it does get better and easier." His hand dropped and he gave her some space.

She backed into the house and stepped to the side, grabbing hold of the heavy oak for support. The gentle touch of Felix's palm lingered on her face and a slow burn started deep in her core. Long dormant synapses fired in her brain and instead of fighting the potential possibilities, Rae welcomed the future of "what if" with Felix Reynolds.

Hopefully, he'd be open to exploring the unknown prospects they might discover together.

Looking forward to really diving into this one. It's all plotted out and brainstormed.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Weathering the Storm

Wow, halfway through 2017. It's crazy how fast time zooms by sometimes. My middle kid made it safely home from Alaska and had an epic adventure with his grandpa. Since it's summer, he had to adjust to it not getting completely dark in Anchorage, which makes for some terrific stories. Getting into San Francisco at around eleven PM, his first words to my dad were, "So, Grandpa, this is what night looks like. I'd forgotten." LOL I love that kid.

My Friday night shows had great episodes. I feel like I need to rewatch the first two seasons of Dark Matter, just for reference points. I love Three, which I honestly didn't think I'd say. There's something very appealing about interactions with the crew and the snark is perfect.

Wynonna Earp is having a great second season. It's not quite as flawless as the first, but I really like the dynamic between the characters. I'm really interested in how they're going to deal with Waverly.

Still need to catch up on Orphan Black. I think because it's the last season and I know it's the final one, I’m reluctant to watch and lose everyone at the end. But I can't not watch. I need to know where everyone ends up.

I'm almost through the first season of Young Justice and I'd forgotten how much I love animated DC shows. Looking forward to seeing how everything ends up playing out.

Next up is trying to find time to read for pleasure instead of work. I miss diving into a good story for the sheer enjoyment of doing so.

And that's it for entertainment this week. Tonight's post is from Weathering the Storm, a novella that originated with a brainstorming session about harsh weather romances.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gabby Carns and Tim Appleby live in a remote, mountainous region. When the weather report warns of massive snowfall, the couple prepares for the coming blizzard. But instead of being fearful, they're looking forward to the alone time—nothing brings out the steamy romance like a plunge in the temperature.

And a snippety peek…

Tim swung the ax, splitting the log on the stump. "Gotta check the generator and fuel supply when I'm done." He stacked the wood by the house and went back to do more.

He loved a good snowstorm. The last time he and Gabby were snowed in for five days. And they enjoyed every one of them. Not much beat finding creative and sexy ways to take advantage of being snowed in.

"Helps that Gabby has an incredibly wicked imagination."

She wrote erotic romance for a living that entertained and spurred many "hands on" sessions for research. He couldn't get any luckier in the significant other department. His chosen profession of handcrafting furniture bored by comparison… except for the fact Gabby used many heroes who worked with their hands as her male lead characters. She writes what she knows.

A grin spread across his face and he took a break from chopping to go ahead and check on the generator. They had three full canisters of gas, which would probably be enough, but he'd have Gabby fill the two empties, just in case. Heading back around to the front of their cabin, he caught sight of Gabby, puttering around in the kitchen, opening cupboard doors and typing items on her phone. She bent over to check their canned goods, giving him a sexy view of her ass.

He huffed out a breath, willing his dick to behave. "Plenty of time for that later, Timothy." Gabby's butt never failed to make him hard as a rock.

Whistling a happy tune, he grabbed the ax and started chopping more wood. If the weather got as bad as predicted, he wanted plenty of fuel for the fireplace and wood-burner stove. They had plenty of blankets and lots of cozy spots to stay warm.

His lips curved. "Man, I love a good snowstorm."

Writing tension with lots of anticipation is so much fun. Can't wait to finish this one up.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Voices Carry

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. My dad is off on a grand adventure with my middle kid. They're in Alaska, which, oddly enough, is where my dad spent last Father's Day. From the pictures I've seen, they're having a great time.

It's been a crazy week. I need to rewatch Dark Matter. I had too many distractions going on and I feel like I missed important stuff. Wynonna Earp delivered another great episode. I like some of the twists and turns. I don't like losing Dawls and I'm a little iffy on the new evil overlord chick but I'll give this series a lot of leeway to provide a terrific viewing experience. I'm going to have a hard time wrapping my brain around Kevin Hanchard playing a possible bad guy when he's one of my favorite good guys on Orphan Black.

Speaking of Orphan Black, I have to catch up. We had busy Saturday and I missed the second episode. Thank whatever rules the universe for On Demand. LOL

I have the new ITV drama Fearless ready to go, but haven't had an opportunity to watch yet. I'm looking forward to seeing Jamie Bamber on television again.

I'm almost finished with my binge watch of City Homicide. I'll be seeking my next Australian drama in the very near future. Possibly a binge watch of Sea Patrol, another of my favorites.

Started a premiere viewing of Young Justice on Netflix. Four episodes in and I'm excited about the possibilities.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Voices Carry, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of "a cop and a waitress". This one screamed for some suspense and mystery.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Summer Blaine is a struggling artist who always listens to Detective Fitch Falconer's tales of triumphs and woes when he drops by the diner she works in to make ends meet. When she gets a chance to display her art, she invites Fitch to the gallery to see her true passion. Unfortunately, a ghost from her past tries to get in the way and it's up to Fitch to find out who wants her dead.

And a snippety peek…

Summer Blain kept one eye on the window when she served an elderly couple their dinner entrées. Spying Detective Falconer heading toward the entrance, she finished up with the Dammers then nodded toward the counter when Fitch walked into the restaurant. He gave her a wide smile—the kind that made her heart flip—then ambled to the empty spot two spaces down from the register.

Summer had quite the thing for the handsome detective and looked forward to seeing him pretty much every day. The closest thing she had to a relationship since, well, since she became very cautious about who she spent time with.

Moving behind the counter, she greeted Fitch. "Hello, Detective." Grabbing a glass and poured him some water and added a slice of lemon. "Which usual will it be today?  Meatloaf or baked ziti?"

Fitch put a hand over his heart. "Better make it meatloaf tonight." He took a long swallow of his beverage.

Summer waved to the short order cook, Stan, and held up two fingers, their version of shorthand for Fitch's preferences. "How was your day? Catch all the bad guys?" She loved hearing his tales of bringing in criminals.

Fitch shook his head. "Not today. But we're close to closing a case." He drained his glass.

Summer refilled and settled a hip on the counter. "The one?" She didn't get into details; he'd been pouring his frustration out for two weeks.

Fitch nodded. "Yeah. That's it." His fingers worked over the glass and his gaze focused on the lemon inside. "Graydon swears we'll catch a break, and he's right; we usually do when he gets that feeling." He lifted his chin, staring straight ahead. "But I fall asleep with the faces of those victims swimming in my brain. And the families they left behind." He lifted the glass and took another long swallow.

Stan dinged the pickup bell. "Order up, Summer." His head bobbed in greeting to Fitch.

Summer eased the plate in front of Fitch and changed the subject. "Speaking of Graydon… I'm very glad you introduced me to Laura. She's been a whirlwind and just the shot I needed to finish up the last piece." She leaned on the bar again, waving to the Dammers when they got up to leave.

Fitch cut into his meatloaf. "How's the latest project coming along?" Scooping up some potatoes, he shoveled the food into his mouth.

Summer smiled. "It's finished and it inspired a name for the whole show... Voices Carry." When the title came to her, she got a burst of creative energy and completed the abstract painting.

Fitch stopped chewing and swallowed. "I love it." He scooped up another forkful of his meal.

Summer grinned. "Good. Because you helped me come up with it."

Confusion marred his handsome features. "Really?"

She chuckled. "Well, yes. Remember telling me about that witness last week?" She waved to a regular customer and grabbed his takeout order from the pass through. "The one who heard the two men talking?" She rang the cabbie up and swiped his card.

Fitch lifted his chin. "Yeah, the Polo-Martin case."

Summer returned the spot in front of Fitch. "I got to thinking… she'd heard that conversation through the ductwork—plain as day—because their voices were amplified. My work is visual but it should speak to the viewer and cause a reaction."

Fitch flashed a smile. "Amplification of emotion."

Summer smiled wide. He got it. He always did when she talked about her work.

She refilled his glass. "That's it. Exactly." Carrying the pitcher out to the eating area, she waited on a young couple talking about the movie they were going to see.

Fitch finished up his dinner and switched to decaf coffee, a sure signal he planned to stay until her shift ended. He almost always did. Summer appreciated having the handsome detective for company—Stan's idea of witty conversation usually started with hello and ended with goodbye, but she dearly loved him.

Three hours later, the replacement cook and waitress arrived and Summer left through the back entrance with Stan. She walked to the sidewalk and stopped beside Fitch. The street light cast his face in shadows and her fingers itched to pick up a paintbrush and capture the visage.

He shoved away from the lamppost. "Walk you home?"

He asked every night and she usually refused because… well, she didn't do the taking men home thing. At least she hadn't for a long time.

But she'd built up a solid thread of trust with Fitch and wanted to explore whether they could find something deeper. A huge risk, considering her previous experience, but Summer needed to let someone into her life… and maybe her heart.

She tilted her head to one side. "Yes."

His widened eyes showed his surprise, but he fell into step beside her.

Summer's thread of trust is going to get a hard yank, but not by Fitch. He's the kind of guy who always has her back… even if she might not need him to.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Violating Space

Had a terrific weekend with great weather for my middle kid's graduation party. My boys were super easy. They're pretty much no muss, no fuss guys. My daughter, on the other hand, will be a sophomore and I think I'm going to start planning her party next week. LOL She's very much a social whirl and gets involved in tons of activities. I might need to rent a venue for hers. LOL

Gotham's finale rocked. I'm so glad the show seemed to find its footing in the third season. I'm pretty much thrilled with all the storylines and where they're leading into for the next season.

Friday brought some much-needed excitement back to my television screen. The double premiere of Dark Matter kept me glued to the screen. Then the follow-up with the Wynonna Earp premiere had me staying put. I'm so happy to have the shows back and can't wait to see where everything goes. Killjoys is up this week and I'm impatiently awaiting its return.

As mentioned last week, I'm just not into this season of Doctor Who. I wish I could sink into the storylines like I've been able to in the past, but I'm struggling. A lot. Very disappointing.

Orphan Black, by comparison, had a kickass return. The clones kicked Saturday night into high gear and I don't anticipate anything less than a wild and reckless ride. My one and only hope is I don't lose any of my favorites. But I'm not holding my breath on that one.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Violating Space, a sexy short that started with the writing comm prompt of "violating personal space". I took the premise and decided to make this a coworkers who become more romance.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reese Claymore has it bad for Eric Matthews but they work in the same department and can't really get together. Doesn't mean Reese can't express her interest—to the point of driving Eric a little insane over it. He decides to prove a point and invades her personal space, but his plan goes awry when he can't resist acting on his crazy impulse.

And a snippety peek…

Eric waited until the door clicked shut, thoroughly enjoying the view while distracted. "I hate that woman sometimes." He shifted sideways, attempting to adjust the hard-on in his pants.

Reese did the sexy siren thing on purpose, especially after the memo went out about fraternization. She understood the company policy as well as he did. And, okay, he often thumbed his nose at stupid rules for the sake of convention but… job security didn't exist anymore.

That said, her suggestive display seemed to only be for his benefit and never failed to inject some much needed diversion into his day, even if he got sidetracked from work. One of these days he'd push back just to see her reaction.

And maybe find out if she had an actual interest in more than light flirting and being a pain in the ass.

He snorted. "I'd bet she's a wildcat in bed." He had no idea why. Not really.

Her laugh had sexy undertones and did incredible things to his blood flow. Her confidence showed in her work, her attire, and her demeanor. Eric loved a woman who had her shit together and didn't make apologies for it. His preference for curves and dark hair only kicked the attraction up to a higher notch. She definitely had a lush body that should fit nicely against his, and her brunette curls fell to her shoulders. Reese tended to wear it in a different style each day. Today's was a sleek twist with face-framing wisps.

Opening the top file on his desk, his lips curved in a smile. "Just wait, Reese. I can give as good as I get. Maybe even throw you off your game." Leaning back, he pulled the folder forward and got down to business.

I'm excited to see how this story unfolds. I like the forbidden aspect of two people coming together when there could be consequences.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin