Sunday Snippet: Voices Carry

I'm still working on getting my side project ready to go. At this point, I have no idea how long it will last, but I'm going to go like gangbusters until I can't anymore.

Had a solid week of work. Finished up a copy edit and started a new one. Also worked on a developmental edit that's been simmering on the back burner. I have three projects lined up and I'm waiting on deposits to get rolling on those. Hopefully, December is going to be a steady month of work.

Had a very good week of viewing. I made it through my usual round of shows and started looking for a former fave to rewatch but it's not readily available. Might have to dig out my ripped DVDs and hunt around for one of my old players.

I caught two episodes of The Batman this week. No Justice League cameos in these two. Strictly Robin and Batgirl, which I enjoyed.

Also watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Both were single episodes instead of the standard two or three vignettes. Preschool and Halloween featured and were a lot of fun to watch.

Enjoyed another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I'd seen most of this one and liked it the first time around. Very fun to get some background on the detective.

Finished out the first season of London Kills with an episode-length behind the scenes look at the series. Lots of fun to see the actors talk about their characters and see how the showrunners also make the city of London a character.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I liked the mystery in this one and enjoyed the crab cooking contest. Not completely sold on Marlon as the new police officer but I'll probably end up enjoying him.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness and, boy, there were a lot of twists in this one. Really loved Jack declaring his love for Nikki at the end. So nice to see them have a happy moment.

Watched an episode of Elementary and rather enjoyed it. Of course, it ended on a cliffhanger, and I have no doubt Mycroft is involved in something nefarious. I truly hope involving Joan blows up in his face.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Voices Carry, a novella that puts a couple on the ropes almost before they even get started.

Here's the miniblurb:

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 held Fitch's gaze. The answer to her question had a lot riding on it. She'd taken a lot of time to get to know him, especially after the instant attraction upon meeting the handsome detective.

She'd been down that road before and didn't like where the destination ended.

Her heartrate kicked up a notch.

Fitch didn't look away. "I'm not exactly sure what you are to me yet, but I'm not using you to change things up." He leaned forward, resting his arms on the counter also. "If anything, you've been a constant in a chaotic life. My life." His forefinger brushed over her hand.

Her heart settled in her chest. "I can pretty much say the same about you." She clasped his hand. "And that's not easy for me. To let someone be a constant in my life." Which he knew.

Fitch squeezed her fingers. "I get that. You're smart to be cautious." His lips curved. "And I'm grateful you've given me your trust." His gaze glanced around her small apartment. "I'm also really glad you invited me in."

Summer shrugged. "I didn't want to presume too much. But you're coming to the opening with me and, well, I hope we'll be able to see more of each other outside of your visits to the diner." She'd be lying if she didn't admit to some nervous tension, but after Barrick, who would blame her?

Definitely not Fitch. The fact he'd given her the space and time to build a connection meant a lot to her. And the introduction he made to Laura Graydon opened doors to a future she once only dreamed of.

Unlike the last time she interacted with her ex, the flutter in her stomach didn't indicate fear … it spoke of anticipation. Of being excited to spend time with someone. She wanted to discover what sharing her world with Fitch might bring.

His eyebrows arched. "I'd love to spend more time with you, and I don't care where or how." His phone pinged and he chuckled. "The timing could get tricky, though." He dug the device out of his pocket and checked his messages. "Whew. Just a reminder about a witness statement scheduled for tomorrow morning." He set his phone on the bar and leaned back down. "Where were we?"

Summer closed the small distance between them. "I think we were right about here…" She lifted her chin and met his mouth.

Fitch responded by cupping her face with both hands and brushing his thumbs along her jawline. His tongue swept past her lips, and she swallowed a moan because, holy hell, the man could kiss. Desire ignited along her nerve endings, and she relished the swift current of lust coursing through her veins.

Dragging him to her bedroom would be so easy right now.

Fitch eased away, resting his forehead against hers. "Whoa. Had a feeling if we ever kissed it would be like throwing a lit match on gasoline."

Summer made a hum of agreement. "Instant explosion. Yeah." She nodded toward the living room space. "Might be more comfortable on the couch." Her gaze met his. "If you can stay for a while." She started for the sofa but glanced back over her shoulder.

Fitch answered with a grin. "I'll stay as long as you let me…"

I'm excited to see how this story all comes together. Fitch and Summer are an interesting couple, but they're in for a bumpy ride.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Violating Space

It's been a wild week of big letdowns in my area of the universe. I'm not sure where things will land but I have decided to launch my side project sooner than expected. More details to follow in a separate blog post.

I started a new work project and picked up with one that's been on the back burner. I also tentatively scheduled three new projects for November. Here's hoping they all pan out.

Had a pretty good week of viewing. I got most of my current slate of shows watched. But … I also got distracted by *waves at everything going on right now*.

I caught an episode of The Batman and rather enjoyed the Green Lantern guest spot. Also enjoyed having one of Batman's rogues nose his way into the storyline.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats and it was the Rugrat's Kwanzaa. I'll have to find the other Rugrats holiday episodes and get ready to rewatch.

Enjoyed another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. It featured a behind-the-scenes look at a theater show, which is fun for me because my daughter majored in theater for undergrad.

Caught the first season finale of London Kills and, wow, some twisty-twists and big turns happened. Looking forward to a behind-the-scenes special this week.

Watched the season ten opener of Death in Paradise. I'm still annoyed by DI Parker and sad to see Ruby no longer with the team. Thrilled to bits to have Florance back. Looking forward to seeing more.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. Terrific guest stars in this episode. I'm very interested in seeing where this case goes.

Enjoyed most of an Elementary episode. I'll get it finished up today and start over with a new run of my current episodes.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Violating Space, a novella that puts romance in the workplace.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

What just happened? Surely not Eric's lips on hers. Or his tongue in her mouth. And a lip-lock so delicious she wanted to put it on a takeout menu and place a standing order.

Until reality set in.

She willed her brain to solidify from the pile of mush it turned into. Scrambling to gather the rest of the papers, she fought to get her breathing under control. Who knew he could kiss like that?

Actually, she'd had a damned good idea. Deep down, her gut said the man would be an amazing kisser.

Eric handed her a stack of pages. "Er, sorry. That got a little out of hand." He rose to his feet and offered a hand to Reese.

She let out a slow breath and clasped his fingers. "I know." Her gaze met his. "But I liked it." She started for the door but turned. "I know it's a bad idea … but meet me after work?" Her skin tingled from the contact with his palm.

He nodded. She grabbed a sticky note and scribbled her address. He took the colorful sheet and tucked it into his shirt pocket.

Reese left and didn't say another word. Didn't specify a time he should arrive or plan what they'd do. But seriously? How could she talk with her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth? She'd bet her next paycheck she wouldn't be able to focus on anything but the way Eric's eyes went dark and smoky when she asked to see him later. She wanted whatever his gaze promised.

She should probably question her sanity. Getting involved might be an emotional minefield. Yet … she savored the thrill and couldn't wait for the end of the workday to roll around.

Dropping the copied files off to a thankfully empty office, she headed for her desk to start counting the minutes until she could call it a day.

Lots of fun writing tension with these two. I can't wait to dive further in to their attraction.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Vin's Valentine (an Organic Nature short)

November is starting off with a wild trajectory. The election in the US is taking up a lot of air and space in my life and I'm okay with that. It does make it harder to focus on anything but the election, which isn't optimal for my work projects.

That said, I'm weirdly calm and very hopeful. Which is not to say I'm complacent because that would be stupid and reckless. There's going to be a lot of work to do regardless of who wins the presidency, senate, and house.

My tricky manuscript turned extremely challenging, but I finally got it finished up late last night. Now I can focus on a couple of projects that were simmering on the back burner and start two new ones that need attention.

Had an okay week of viewing. Trick or treat night took up some time and an unexpected accident involving my oldest and his fiancé needed my attention. Thankfully, both are okay and weren't injured in the crash.

I started the week with an episode of Elementary and I also ended the week with one. Both were enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoy the vibe when Sherlock tries to coordinate outfits for Joan. So far, it looks like she ditches those in favor of choosing her own.

Caught an episode of The Batman and enjoyed it. Nice to see Batgirl back in action. I'll be finished with this show at the end of this season and I'm not sure what I'll be replacing it with.

Also watched an episode of Classic Rugrats. The three vignettes were new to me again. I think I'm going to shift back to the new Rugrats once I'm through this season.

Enjoyed another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I'd seen most of this one before and really enjoyed the snappy and snarky dialog between the characters.

Caught another episode of London Kills and, whew, I got spoiled for what would happen and it still freaked me out. Really like this series.

Finished up season nine of Death in Paradise. Looking forward to season ten even with some of my misgivings with DI Parker. I love this show enough to give him time to grow on me.

Enjoyed the second half of Silent Witness. The show managed to surprise me, and I love it when that happens. One thing to note … I'm always curious about where Jack and Nikki live. Jack had such a cool house during the last season and now he seems to be in a townhouse of some sort. This is after he bought the fixer-upper that his dad and brother (for a while) shared with him. Weird stuff makes me curious.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Vin's Valentine, an Organic Nature short featuring the Valentine's holiday.

Here's the miniblurb:

After Eppie revealed her kinkier side to Vin, their trust and bond is deeper and better than ever. But there's someone else who knows how Eppie likes to play and he's hell-bent on worming his way back into her life.

And a snippety peek…

Vin didn't agree with Eppie's assessment of slinking away, but he totally got why Eppie felt the way she did. Maybe getting to the bottom of Nash's visit would restore her equilibrium. Or, if nothing else, she could get peace of mind.

He offered a tentative suggestion. "Maybe you could look into what your options are for getting your money back."

She shrugged. "Might be something to consider, but it's definitely not the reason he showed up." A small shudder went through her.

Vin wrapped an arm around her. "If you're not comfortable with this idea, say the word. I've got favors I can call in and you wouldn't need to be involved."

Eppie sighed. "No, there's a reason he turned up here. Maybe Miss Suction Lips doesn't do it for him anymore, or maybe she's got nothing else to offer. Whatever the reason, he's being too affable to not be up to something."

Vin cupped her chin and tilted her head back to meet his gaze. "All right, but any time you're not cool with anything, we pull the plug."

Eppie grinned. "Absolutely." She got her phone out and quickly sent off a text to Nash.

Then she leaned up and meshed her lips with Vin's. This time, Vin didn't hold back. He deepened the embrace and slid his tongue past her teeth. He popped her button loose and slid his hands inside her jeans, easing the fabric past her hips. Eppie kicked them off while she unzipped his pants. Stepping back, Vin shucked them along with his boxers. Eppie yanked her shirt over her head and removed her bra. Vin scooped her up and tumbled her onto the bed, easing back to slip her panties off. He shrugged out of his shirt and settled between Eppie's thighs.

She wrapped her fingers around his biceps. "Thank you … for earlier. I needed the wake-up call." Her hips rose and her wet center teased his erection.

Vin leaned down, brushing his lips over hers. "You're welcome. I love you, Eppie." His mouth covered hers, and he thrust forward, going deep.

This series is so much fun. I love writing Eppie and Vin and showing how they work through challenges.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Vicarious Living

The end of October is nigh and, man, it's been a month. Between work projects and personal life stuff, time flew by fast. Helped my oldest kidlet move some things from their old place to their new one and also took him for a job interview. Happy to say he got an offer and should start sometime soon. Also looking forward to trick or treat night and then gearing up for the holidays.

Happy to say the areas where I had my extractions are finally healed up enough that I can eat most types of food. I'm still careful with anything hard and crunchy but otherwise normal intake isn't a challenge anymore.

Stayed busy with work. Have a tricky manuscript that's kind of giving me fits with continuity and consistency concerns, which makes the edit slow way down. Sent off a couple of quotes for upcoming projects and look forward to getting started on those.

Had a decent week of viewing. I made it through a full round of my shows but kind of in backward order. Will probably have the same thing this week.

Started off with an episode of Elementary and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice to see Lastrade get back on track. Interesting twisty case also.

Caught an episode of The Batman and enjoyed it. Always like seeing the Flash in action. I remembered most of this episode also.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats and only remembered one of the vignettes. The other two were either new to me or memory holed.

Watched another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I do remember bits of this one and I’m glad I got to see the whole thing from start to finish.

Caught another episode of London Kills and I like how the new cases play into the overall case of the disappearance of David's wife. Looking forward to seeing how this season ends.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Loved the case because it's fun to see a bit of Ruby's past mixed in with the present. I enjoy her interactions with Commission Patterson. Gotta say, I'm not sure I enjoy Neville Parker. I appreciate the fact he's very different from the previous three DIs but … the constant afflictions are, well, annoying.

On a side note, I discovered there's a second spinoff of this show that's set in Australia. I'm looking forward to seeing it when it's available in the US.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and it's terrific to see Jack's niece take a role in the Lylle. Looking forward to the second half of this episode.

Another side note … most of the cast from Battlestar Galactica is in Chicago for the twentieth anniversary of the show. I've been poking around all weekend to stay up to date on what's happening at the convention. My mind is completely blown that it's been twenty years since the premiere of the series. It's still probably my all-time favorite show.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Vicarious Living, a novella that brings a couple together at a group therapy meeting.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sometimes adversity can be overcome and living vicariously through fantasy proves to be a good thing. Lola Humes and Wright Wesslop discover a mutual way to cope when they meet at their group counseling sessions. They're not supposed to interact outside the anonymous therapy gatherings, but neither is very good at following the rules.

And a snippety peek…

Lola ducked into Danko's and paused a moment when she spotted Wright in a corner booth. "Our spot." Should she think of that space as theirs and should they even have one?

They'd had coffee after the last two AA meetings but arranged to meet today sans group session. She savored the flutter of tension filling her while she observed Wright unnoticed. He scrolled on his phone with his head bent forward.

Tilting her head to one side, she literally couldn't find one thing she didn't like about Wright. "I could totally fall for him." If she hadn't already.

He glanced up and a wry smile twisted his lips. She waved and made her way to the table. Taking a break from editing a tricky manuscript to join Wright might be the best decision she ever made.

Listen to me making excuses. She really just wanted to spend some more time with him.

He nodded toward the already steaming mug at her spot. "Ordered your usual but held off on a danish. Didn't know if you'd want one." Tucking his phone in his pocket, he gave her his full attention.

She slid into the seat. "I might order a full breakfast for dinner." She'd skipped lunch to work ahead on the memoir.

Wright grunted. "That's not a bad idea." He grabbed one of the menus. "Lunch was on the go between ambulance runs today."

She chuckled. "You're one up on me. Lunch didn't happen today." Her stomach growled right on cue.

Wright arched his brows. "Book still giving you trouble?" He set the menu aside and gave her his attention again.

Lola shrugged. "A little. My author shifts back and forth. Sometimes the writing is conversational, like he's telling a story and others where it's like he's recording memories in third person where he refers to himself by name. It's a little strange." She took a sip of the steaming coffee. "I'm sure we'll get it figured out, but we have a deadline to meet and that always stresses me out." Hence her reason for going to meetings again.

Wright cocked his head to one side. "And stress triggers the urge to fall off the wagon. Glad you decided to start coming to meetings. I mean—" He paused when the server came to take their orders.

Lola got the breakfast wrap with a side of fruit. Wright chose a ham, egg, and cheese bagel with toasted hash browns on the side. The server refilled his mug and left to put their orders in.

Wright picked up where he left off. "I was going to say it's probably wrong to be happy your author is stressing you out because I wouldn't have met you otherwise."

Lola laughed. "If anyone had told me I'd someone who sparked my interest at an AA meeting, I wouldn't have believed them." Of course, she hadn't been looking for anyone at the time.

Wright's lips curved. "Same." He leaned in closer. "But I think Belinda pegged you and me becoming friends from the beginning."

Lola smirked. "You're not wrong. Pretty sure she's got the matchmaking gene." And great taste in people.

I like Lola and Wright and helping them discover their way forward. This is a fun story to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Very Awkward Evening

Had a less than productive week after having two teeth extracted. It's strange because they really weren't difficult to remove—well, one of them ended up being a little harder than the other—but it still threw me off. I think because they were on opposite sides with one on top and the other on the bottom, which made eating a tad challenging.

I also took time away on Friday to meet my daughter so we could do early voting. Very happy to have that done! I voted to raise my taxes for the school and emergency services levies.

Work stayed busy with some cleanup on two drafts and two copy edits. I also checked changes on two proofreads. Those were kind of dropped in on the fly.

Didn't quite make a full round of my usual shows this week, but I did get through about half.

Watched another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder and it was one I'd seen at least part of. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Caught another London Kills and I'm liking this show. The overarching mystery of what happened to the DCI's wife folded into the two cases is interesting to me. I'm a little worried about the trainee DC. Things could go really sideways for her if she's not careful.

Enjoyed another Death in Paradise episode. I kind of feel like this is the season where Commissioner Patterson gets a lot more screen time. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. I enjoy him.

Finished the second half of Silent Witness and, whoo boy, what a ride this two-parter was. I'm going to be very interested in seeing if there's any fallout from everything that went down.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Very Awkward Evening, a sexy short about a birthday dinner interrupted by a rock-star mom.

Here's the miniblurb:

Vi Palona's rock star mom wants a sit-down meeting with Garwin Noth's academic parents, which Vi keeps putting off because her mother, Mina, has no edit button. When Mina crashes a birthday dinner, Vi figures her mom can't do much damage … but five minutes into the evening she learns how wrong she is.

And a snippety peek…

Vi took a deep breath and apologized. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have trashed you like that."

Mina shrugged. "You've never been shy about stating an opinion."

Vi shook her head. "That's not the point, Mom." Why could Mina never see sincerity when it more or less bit her on the ass?

Mina snorted. "You're right. The point is you don't need me and never have." She ran a finger along the spotless countertop. "You go to a lot of trouble to keep me from being part of your life." She stopped and faced Vi. "I've only now realized it's because you really don't like me." She turned and leaned against the cabinet.

Vi's eyes went wide. "That's not true. I love you, Mom. But sometimes…" How could she say Mina could be a bit much?

Mina picked up her train of thought. "You wish I wasn't quite so me?" Her lips curved in a sad smile.

Vi rolled a shoulder. "I've never asked you to be anything other than what you are." A rock star of high caliber.

Vi couldn't and wouldn't take anything away from what her mom had accomplished. But Vi also craved stability and touring the world didn't offer her a way to put down roots and create a home she'd always wanted.

Mina rolled her eyes. "No, you wouldn't dream of asking me to change. Instead, you cut me out of your life, never giving me a chance to be your mom."

Surprised by the accusation, Vi blinked. "What are you talking about?" Of course, Vi did want to avoid having Mina over for Gar's birthday, but she met her mom whenever she came to the city and often traveled to see her shows in neighboring states.

Except … not recently.

Mina flung her arm out, her silver bangles clinking together. "I'm talking about why I act the way I do with you sometimes. Loud, proud, and fully wowed." She pushed away from the cupboard and paced toward the sink. "You know, it hurts when your daughter is ashamed of you, especially when I finally figured it out." She paused and faced Vi.

Vi shook her head. "I'm not ashamed of you, Mom." Embarrassed by her, sure, but what kid isn't weirded out by their parents sometimes?

Mina arched her brows. "No? Really? Because you obviously lied about Garwin's folks. Which means you didn't want me to meet them." She looked away. "You didn't even give me a chance. You never do. Not since you were twelve." Her gaze met Vi's again. "You've pretty much been your own woman since then."

Is she right? Do I really not give her a chance? Maybe. The observation certainly gave Vi something to think about.

Mina took Vi's hands. "Vi, my girl, you have the right to ask me to tone down the banshee in me. And I would do that for you." She squeezed Vi's fingers.

Her mom acting normal? Vi seriously couldn't picture it. But she loved that Mina would try.

Vi smiled. "Thanks, Mom. I appreciate the offer."

Mina hugged Vi. "Forgiven?" She leaned back, keeping her arms around her daughter.

Vi nodded. "Of course." She eased away, liking the newfound thread of understanding. "Why did you really come tonight, Mom?" There had to be more than crashing Gar's party.

Mina stepped back and took a deep breath. "I have news and didn't want to wait to share it." She schooled her features.

Vi's heart dropped. Is something wrong with Mom? The thought kicked her heart rate up a notch.

A huge grin spread across Mina's face. "Tomorrow is last call for the Damn Banshees. We're done. Hanging up our axes. Retiring. Whatever you want to call it." She bounced on her toes.

Vi's mouth gaped open. "I'm sorry, what?" Mina leaving the spotlight behind didn't compute.

Mina nodded. "Yeah, and we're not fighting or pulling bitch cards or anything like that. I mean, we're all at good places—for the most part—and we've already talked about doing a reunion tour at some point if there's interest." Her face softened. "The girls and I all want to spend time with our families. I mean, hell, Gwen's got two grandos she never sees."

Vi shook her head. "I'm stunned. And I don't know what to say." She'd never known Mina as anything else but a rock star.

Mina sobered. "Say you'll have me in your life. I really want to spend time with you—as your mom—and try fun stuff like shopping and spa days and, I don't know … brunch. Things like that."

Vi huffed out a breath. "Mina Vesper going normie? I'm not sure that's possible." She laughed, trying to picture her mom doing brunch in a quiet restaurant.

Mina leaned in for another hug. "I promise I'll behave."

Vi choked on more laughter. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Mom." She pulled away with a grin on her face. "I'm going to love spending more time with you no matter what."

I'm in love with this mom and daughter relationship and writing the ins and outs of out that affects Vi's life is a lot of fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Veritas

A weird week of chilly weather and lots of cleaning projects. I'm at that place where the clutter is driving me bonkers, but I don't have enough hours in the day to really focus on a good cleanout. So … I'm tackling small areas to at least make a little progress.

Lots of work projects landing in my inbox. A few have been quick turnarounds, which I enjoy. I love having a project that I can finish up in a few hours. That type of work helps when I also have three difficult manuscripts that challenge my brain and one that requires a lot of focus.

Had a solid week of viewing. I'm still trying to finish up an episode of Peak Practice, but I made it through a full round of shows.

Started with Mr. and Mrs. Murder, an Australian mystery series. I've seen several episodes but not in order and I'm looking forward to watching this one from beginning to end. Thoroughly enjoyed the first episode, which I had not seen.

Also started a new-to-me British crime drama called London Kills. Loved the first episode and look forward to watching this series.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise introducing the new DI. Enjoyed the interaction between the commissioner and his new lead detective. Interesting to have someone Patterson doesn't particularly like as part of the team.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I'm intrigued by the premise of this one. I thought the episode felt a little disjointed and I'm hoping the initial murder somehow ties into the other two. Kind of happy to be guessing on this one.

Watched a fun episode of Elementary with the return of Lestrade. I love the actor, so I love the character. Plus, he's much less annoying than Mycroft.

Enjoyed an episode of The Batman. Finally got a return of Batgirl. I'd forgotten Firefly powered up in a big way and almost blew up Gotham. Great episode.

Caught another new-to-me episode of Classic Rugrats. I'm not a great fan of the three-vignette format but I do have a lot of love for this series.

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

Here's the miniblurb:

Tillie Cruz has a moment of veritas when she shoots Faxon Jarvis in a friendly fire incident. The realization she wants a life with him may be too late because Faxon has a new relationship, and Tillie doesn't want to mess it up. But she may not have to—her bullet may have done the trick.

And a snippety peek…

Maisie pulled into Faxon's drive and shut the engine off. "Stay there. Let me get the door for you." She hopped out and dashed around the front of the car.

Faxon shook his head. "I could've opened it myself." Maisie didn't hear the muttered words, and he mustered a smile when she insisted on getting the small bag the hospital gave him along with his after-discharge instructions.

He had a full week of follow-up appointments with his primary care physician and a physical therapist. Pain meds were being delivered by the pharmacy and a grocery delivery would be on its way as soon as he had five minutes to order from the app on his phone.

Maisie unlocked his door and opened it wide, so he didn't jostle his injured side. She placed his bag on the coffee table and darted from the kitchen to the bathroom then back with some water and over-the-counter tablets, which she placed on the end table beside him.

He settled on the sofa, wincing when he jarred his wound. Agitated, Maisie paced back and forth, a ball of pent-up energy. She'd pause to glance out the window then go back to walking the length of his living room.

Faxon straightened up on the couch. "I'm getting dizzy. Why don't you sit?" He looked for the television remote thinking she might calm down if they watched something.

She settled on the edge of the chair. "I can't do this." Her fingers twisted in her lap. "I know you think it's nothing, but you got shot." She huffed out a breath. "By one of your own, no less." Her knee bounced up and down.

Faxon got completely serious. "I did, yes. But it's rare. Even by someone who's not on the other side." He could give her the statistics, but decided she didn't need or want numbers.

She wanted reassurance, and he really couldn't give her any.

Maisie shrugged. "Maybe it is, but we've only been together for a few months." She met his gaze. "I can't imagine how I'd deal if we stayed together and it happened again."

Faxon lifted his chin. "So that's it? We end it now?" He didn't mince words or make things harder for her.

She nodded. "Before I fall deeper, yes." Her eyes watered a little, but she didn't cry.

Faxon reached out and clasped her hand. "I'm sorry." He really couldn't say anything else.

Maisie squeezed his fingers. "Don't be. There's no fault here." Her lips twisted in a sad smile. "Not like I didn't know you were a cop from the beginning. I just didn't realize how hard it would be."

Faxon's head bobbed up and down. "I understand." He did … especially since he couldn't offer any guarantees.

She leaned in and kissed him. "Goodbye, Faxon." She got to her feet and quietly left.

Faxon took stock. He should probably be more upset. Getting dumped on the heels of getting shot should sting a lot more than it did. Yet he didn't blame Maisie for bailing and he couldn't find the ache of loss he should have.

Because of Tillie. She'd taken up a lot of space in his mind since her impromptu visit at the hospital. He couldn't shake the idea she'd wanted to say more or that she'd chosen her words carefully when he called and asked to see her.

Leaning his head against the cushions, he stared at the ceiling. "We need to talk, Tillie. Soon." He had a lot he wanted to say.

And he'd find a way to make her listen.

I like writing reunions when a conflict has to be resolved. Faxon hopes he'll be back on track with Tillie in the near future … if she doesn't end up running scared.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Using Tongue

October is starting off on something of a down note. But it's spooky season and that makes me very happy.

 

Received some sad news this morning about one of my current authors. He had a rare form of brain cancer and passed peacefully yesterday. I'm so glad I got to know him and his story, which I hope we'll be able to share with others.

 

I ended up having a decent week with work projects and managed to get some other things done along with a good bit of writing. Have one manuscript almost finished up and I'm excited to get it out in the world.

 

Pretty good week of viewing also. I managed to make it all the way through my current roster of shows and got one that simmers on the back burner most of the time mostly watched.

Started the week with the season finale of My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. So great to kind of have some closure for Alexa's cycle of grief. I loved how the two-part episode played out.

Caught DI Jack's last episode of Death in Paradise. Really enjoyed his sendoff and look forward to the new DI's introduction in the next episode. Really have to thank my sister-in-law for recommending this show.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness. The episode took a turn I didn't expect and that always makes me happy. For a show that's been running for twenty-seven seasons being able to surprise the audience—or at least me—is excellent.

Watched an episode of Elementary and quite liked it. It's fun to watch Sherlock and Joan navigate their living together and it's really awesome to see Joan stepping out and solving some of Sherlock's cold cases.

Enjoyed an episode of The Batman with Green Arrow featuring as the Justice League character. This ended up being a pretty decent episode even without an appearance by Batgirl again.

Caught an episode of Classic Rugrats. Some more new-to-me vignettes. Enjoyed all three.

Also got most of the way through a Peak Practice episode, which is the one that simmers on the back burner when I don't have time to do a full cycle of shows. Looking forward to finishing this one up.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Using Tongue, a sexy short with a fun vibe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Joss Hellenburg hates licorice and Lisa Getz aims to show him why he should learn to love it—by using her tongue during a hot and steamy kiss—which sets up a series of sexy embraces while the two try to outdo each other.

And a snippety peek…

Joss finished loading the dishwasher then filled the sink to wash his cookware. Lisa brought the empty wine bottle in and stowed it in the trash bin. She'd been a little quiet during their meal.

What's up with that?

She usually chattered nonstop about new ideas for the donation-only restaurant they ran or new sponsors she'd lined up as giving partners in their venture. She could talk the tightest fist into shaking loose a few dollars or dropping off a pallet or two of goods. Her concept of having a homestyle diner for food-insecure patrons fit right in with his skillset of cooking large quantities using simple recipes but didn't lack nutrition.

They now had a regular crowd and word of mouth kept spreading. "Her plan to kickstart the giving hand paid off in spades." She'd put cutouts of handprints on the bulletin board and diners could pull one down if they didn't have anything to donate.

Lisa had prepaid ten meals and when customers asked about the array of colorful hands on the corkboard, she'd explained about letting those who had more offer a way pay things forward by purchasing a lunch or dinner and posting their own to the board. They had to add a second section to handle the overflow.

Joss snorted. "She's always working an angle."

Which did nothing to explain her obsession with black licorice. No angle to work there. Except the one where he didn't understand the appeal.

Usually, they had a lot of the same taste in culinary fare. But, man, something about the smell of licorice turned him off. The stuff really did remind him of cough syrup, which never tasted good.

Lisa wrapped her arms around him. "The new pasta dish is fab. Light and savory. We should think about adding it to the menu." Her hands drifted up his chest and she started planting nibbling little kisses on his neck.

Which never failed to turn him on. He stopped scrubbing and turned, kissing her on the mouth. She took the opportunity to slide her tongue past his lips, dueling with his for dominance.

Mmm. She tasted smoky and sweet. He didn't break the embrace, but he grabbed the towel and dried his hands, then hauled her closer taking the lip-lock into deeper territory. The spicy tang of her drew a low moan from his throat…

This is such a fun story. I love writing established couples that have an amusing conflict to resolve.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin