Sunday Snippet: Future in Play

Whew. Ended up being a long week between work, home, and other projects. The biggest and best one is helping my daughter edit her final paper for her master's degree. I'm so proud of her!

I made a small dent in the great cleanout project. Didn't get a lot accomplished but made a bit of progress, which I'll take.

Finished up two work projects and continued on with two more. I have another two in flux and two new ones coming sometime this week. Excited to stay busy!

Pretty good week for viewing. I got through my full round of shows and finished up one from last week. I'm still working on one of the others.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it was one of my favorite episodes. I love a good masquerade or costume party.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries and enjoyed Gloria and Nick working together. Hope to see more of that in future episodes.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. The run-up to Neville leaving is turning out to be a lot of fun. And always good to see Dwayne back. Looking forward to the next episode.

Finished up the two-part Poirot and loved how the resolution came together. I like it when the infallible Poirot gets off on the wrong track for a bit.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed the mystery. Also enjoyed Joan handling her detractor and Sherlock acting as the support system afterward.

Enjoyed an episode of Batman Beyond. I remembered this one from my original watch. A lot of fun.

Caught an episode of Lower Decks and, again, ended up being equally charmed and annoyed. I think that's my standard for this show.

Finished up the Reacher episode from last week and wow. Gotta say I didn't see the ending coming, which is always a good thing. Hoping I can get a full episode in this week.

Almost finished an episode of Peak Practice. Things are getting very messy in the relationship departments for everyone, and Sam, whew, what a huge pile he's getting ready to step into.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Future in Play, a novella that got a start with writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Nellie Finch is a little bored with her family's annual fall money-maker, the Apple Butter Festival. But when the village council decides to add a competitor to the yearly event, Nellie faces off against Mace Bigelow to see who makes the best mouth-watering spread and find out which challenger will win bragging rights and maybe the other competitor's heart.

And a snippety peek…

Nellie pulled into the drive at her gram's house and cut her engine. "Mane Bigelow." Wow … he'd filled out since graduation.

Grabbing her keys, she got out of the car and retrieved the leftovers from the backseat. She yawned and headed up the sidewalk to the house. The meeting started early, just after six, to accommodate one of the committee members' night-shift schedule. Nellie foresaw a nap in her future.

Nellie entered the house and found her gram sitting at the table, scrolling on her phone with a cup of coffee in front of her. "Hi, Gram. What's happening on your socials?" Mamie had more media accounts than Nellie did.

Mamie glanced up. "Eh, nothing interesting yet. But I've only checked Facebook and TikTok so far." Her eyebrows rose. "You're later than I expected. Did the meeting run long?" She set her phone aside.

Nellie stowed the takeout in the fridge then joined her gram at the table. "No, we were finished up by a little after eight." She propped her elbows on the table. "Ran into Mace Bigelow at the restaurant and gave him a lift out to Hannah's." She'd enjoyed talking to him … and hoped he did call.

Mamie narrowed her gaze. "Isn't he in the navy? Home on leave?" She got up and refilled her mug.

Nellie nodded. "Yeah. He didn't let Hannah know he was coming so he got to surprise her." Her lips quirked. "She was so happy to see him."

Mamie sat back down. "She loves that boy. And with Linc gone, I'm sure she gets kind of lonely out there in boonies."

Nellie laughed. "Gram, I hate to break it to you, but we're not exactly in the thick of it out here either." But they were just off the highway instead of buried out on a township road.

Mamie shrugged. "Nothing wrong with having your closest neighbor be a quarter of a mile down the road." She flashed a smile. "Besides, it makes skinny dipping easier when there's no one else around."

Nellie rolled her eyes. "You keep forgetting the Wilsons bought a drone. Don't know about you, but that rules out skinny dipping for me." Their neighbors loved to send the device out for aerial photography.

Mamie chuckled. "Fair point. I haven't actually skinny-dipped in the pond since I had your dad anyway." She leaned back in the chair. "But it's nice to sit on the little wharf with our feet in the water in August."

Nellie nodded. "True. Especially after trying out new recipes with apple butter." They almost had a perfect icing for cupcakes.

Mamie's lips curved. "You know, when I first started competing at the festival, I thought Lincoln might be some stiff competition." Her mouth thinned to a straight line. "If he'd been confident enough to enter his butter."

Nellie blinked. "Um, why wasn't he?" And why hadn't she heard anything about this?

Mamie shook her head. "The old biddies that started the festival were so scandalized a man could make better preserves than they could, they did everything in their power to gaslight Linc into believing he couldn't possibly be up to snuff." She snorted. "It worked. He ended up pulling his entry and never tried again." Mamie leaned forward. "And you know what? He'd have won. I haven't figured out what his secret ingredient was, but he made damn good butter."

Nellie settled back against her chair. "Wow. I had no idea. I wonder if Mane knows his grandpa could've been king of the festival." Maybe she'd ask if he called.

Mamie tilted her head. "You finally noticed."

Nellie arched her brows. "Noticed what?"

Her gram huffed out a breath. "Mane. That young man always had potential." She inclined her chin. "And you finally realize it."

Nellie rolled a shoulder. "It's not that I didn't realize … more like I had too many commitments and not enough hours in the day to pay attention." Her high school class schedule, extra curriculars, and part-time jobs kept her busy.

Too busy to really date anyone. Instead, her group of friends intermingled and did things like homecoming and the prom as a unit, pairing off but attending together. She wouldn't change anything … but sometimes wondered if she missed out on something.

Mamie finished her coffee. "I'm heading out to check the trees. Wanna come?" She rinsed her mug and set it in the drainer.

Nellie got up. "Sure. Let me change and I'll head out with you." Then she planned to come back and catch a nap.

Unless Mane called…

I'm in the beginning stages of this one and I'm having a lot of fun writing it.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Fuel for the Fire

Another month end is almost in sight. August is gearing up to be a busy month for me and I'm excited and exhausted at the same time. I love being busy and having projects on my calendar but also have to remember to take time to decompress.

Cleanout project stalled again. I had deadlines to meet and also got a new office chair that needed assembly. Have to admit it's comfy.

Had a solid work week with several projects ongoing and two that needed to be finished. I got those out of the way and started a new one that's a long procedural.

Pretty good week of viewing. Made it through a full round of shows and started both of my back-burner ones.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the backstory of Janie and Phryne. Almost through the first season.

Started the new season of Madame Blanc Mysteries and a holiday episode. Looking forward to more of this show.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Kind of sad to see Marlon go. He ended up growing on me. Thrilled to see JP back for a brief appearance. The mystery also gave Marlon time to shine, which is nice for his final ep.

Watched another episode of Poirot, which is the first of two parts. Looking forward to seeing how this one ends. A super-young Polly Walker is a guest star!

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. I haven't quite decided how I feel about Moreland sticking around for a while, but I did like his interaction with Sherlock. The case also proved to be interesting.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and have vague memories of this one the first time around. Always fun to have Shriek back.

Watched another episode of Lower Decks. This show annoys and charms me in equal measure. I did quite like the interaction between mom and daughter even when I rolled my eyes several times.

Started an episode of Peak Practice. I didn't quite manage to finish it but will get it done this week. I hope!

Also started and got most of the way through another episode of Reacher. I only stopped because I couldn't keep my eyes open. That's what watching a show at four a.m. will do.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fuel for the Fire, a novella that brings an arson victim together with the investigator.

Here's the miniblurb:

A fire bug wants arson investigator Sadie Kyle's attention and burns the home and business Greg DeSoto to get it. When Sadie shows up to investigate, she hits it off with Greg, which only adds fuel to the fire for her pyromaniac. When Greg gets hit a second time, Sadie digs in and calls the burner out.

And a snippety peek…

Greg shook Kyle's hand. "You sure you don't mind giving me a lift?" He'd be able to get his truck up once the fire marshal gave the okay.

Kyle shook his head. "Don't mind at all. I've got a room reserved for you at the Stratford and a townhouse lined up for you to move into in a day or so." He led the way to his roomy sedan.

Greg blinked. "Wow. I'm impressed. You've accomplished a lot in a very short amount of time." Sadie called it. Kyle proved to be the best.

The investigator surprised Greg. Professional but friendly enough to put him at ease during a horrible time. Sliding into the car, he exhaled on a long breath. Maybe he'd been affected more than he thought by the blaze? How weird to be stuck on Sadie Kyle.

Kyle pulled out and carefully navigated around the remaining fire apparatus. "Got any questions?" He started down the block that would take them to the hotel.

Greg asked the first thing that popped into him mind. "What do you know about the fire marshal investigator, Sadie Kyle?" Shit … he should be asking about how to get reimbursed for expenses like clothes and personal items he'd have to replace.

Kyle stopped at a red light and slid his gaze toward Greg. "I think the world of her. A great person with a good head on her shoulders." He focused on the road again and pulled forward. "Her dad and brothers are all firefighters. She left and went to a different city to get established and made her mark there." He kept talking while he pulled into the parking lot of the hotel. "Came back about three years ago to accept a position with fire marshal." Cutting the engine, he angled around to face Greg. "As a matter of fact, you won't be far from her once we get you settled into some temporary digs…" He paused a moment. "At least until the rebuilding can begin on the bar." With a wry grin, he turned forward and popped the door open.

Greg didn't mind one bit if he lived close to Sadie for a while.

Then he blinked. "Wait. So, it's not a total loss then?" Sure looked that way when he stood, watching it burn.

Kyle gave a shrug. "We won't know until the investigation is complete. But if you can't rebuild at the sewing factory, I know several other locations—in the same neighborhood—that could work. People like and care about you, Greg, more than enough to want you to stick around." He reached into the back of the vehicle and withdrew a duffel bag. "They'll all pitch in and help out. You'll see."

Greg huffed out a breath and exited the car. "That's good to know and kind of you to say." He tilted his head when Kyle handed over the bag. "What's this?"

Kyle flashed a quick grin. "Something to sleep in tonight and fresh clothes for later. The hotel has a laundry service, but you'll want to get moving first thing after you get some rest."

Greg didn't know how to respond. "Thanks. That's not really adequate, but I'm kind of numb right now. I appreciate everything. More than I can say." The thoughtful gesture from the insurance agent meant a lot.

Kyle grasped his shoulder. "Let's get you checked in so you can get a little sleep. We're going to be busy this afternoon."

Kyle closed his eyes for a moment. Sleep sounded good if not impossible.

But he'd need a clear head to wrap his brain around everything that had happened in the last three hours.

I'm excited to see where this one goes. I have all the story beats notes and filling in the details is so much fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Follow Intructions

Getting a late start to my day because my sleep schedule is out of whack. This has affected my great cleanout project, and I'm still determined to get back on track and at least do small things each day. Stay tuned!

On a different note, I did get about ten pounds of ground beef cooked and in the freezer. Also got three bags of grapes cleaned and in the fridge. So, the cleanout project took a back burner, but I did get other things done.

Work is still busy with new projects coming in and I'm enjoying the variety of things I have right now. I've also been able to do some catchup on my own stuff. I've been striving for better balance between my editing work and my writing.

Had a solid viewing week and made a full round of my regular shows and my two back burner shows. I'll be starting a new one this week, I think. Looking forward to picking up with a new season of something.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode and getting some Dr. Mac backstory.

Think I finished up the first season of Art Detectives. I really enjoyed this show and hope to see another season. They left enough seeds to pick up if they get one.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and ended up really loving the mystery. Not a standard path and the twists were good.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. It's one I'd seen most of before and I remembered most of the plot. Good episode.

Watched an episode of Elementary. Gotta say I love Joan being totally unafraid of the elder Holmes. Their interactions were very fun. And her getting the goods on him rocked the entire episode.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered but forgot about. Does that make sense. Great episode too.

Enjoyed an episode of Lower Decks. This show is kind of wonky but usually adorable. Just enough tongue in cheek to keep things interesting and fresh.

Watched the opening of Peak Practice season eleven. Sam is on a precarious journey, and I think his exit is set up nicely. Not really sure about Will and Kate. I'm not really interested in them becoming the new Andrew and whatever his partner's name is.

Also caught another episode of Reacher. Man. This show. If I ever find the time, I want to do a deep dive and dig into some of the themes and tropes I love.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Follow Instructions, a novella that brings work partners together as something more.

Here's the miniblurb:

Risa Pym and Ford Thrummond, fellow paramedics, enjoy playing one-upmanship with each other, using sexy banter to bank the fires of their attraction. A slight mishap occurs when Ford exits their squad, and Risa decides it's time he learns the ins and outs of how to use the grips properly … and not so properly.

And a snippety peek…

Risa didn't know if she could answer that question. At least not with the full truth.

She swallowed. "Uh, well … it sucks to be out of commission." She licked the end of her spoon. "And you haven't smiled in days. So, I guess I wanted to make that happen." There … honesty but not oversharing.

Ford might not be ready to hear the real reason she wanted him happy. She missed him being her partner. And the realization made her think about more.

Ford's lips twisted with a grimace. "I'm not used to the inactivity. And I hate the damn crutches." He shoveled more ice cream into his mouth.

She chuckled. "Yeah, it kinda shows. They make you very cranky." She picked around the bowl to find the peanut butter chunks.

Ford sighed. "Yeah, I've been a big grouch." He shrugged. "First week's the hardest, right? It'll get better?" He arched his brows.

Risa shifted in her chair. "Well, yeah?" She didn't sound very convincing, but she didn't want to lie. "Depends on your point of view, I think." The broken elbow situation didn't improve until she no longer had a cast.

Ford's brows furrowed. "You're saying it's gonna suck no matter what." He slurped another spoonful of ice cream.

Risa lifted a shoulder. "No, I'm not. For me, it didn't get better until I had the cast off. But for you? You'll eventually go to a boot then a brace, right? So, how long it sucks is kinda up to you." She sent him a big grin.

Ford grunted. "Yeah, yeah. Positive attitudes are hard to muster when you take five times longer to get anywhere." He grumbled under his breath then met her gaze. "The ice cream helps though."

Risa bit back a laugh. "You said that already." Her heart rate kicked up because she'd succeeded in brightening his day.

Ford finished off the treat. "Hate to ask … but could you rinse the bowl? I'm past due to elevate the foot." He scooted out and grabbed his crutches.

Risa nodded. "Already planned to. I'm a full-service treater." She finished off her helping.

Ford leaned down and brushed his lips over her cheek. "Thank you. Seriously. This kind of made my whole day." Tucking his crutches under his arms, he hobbled out to the rec room.

Risa blinked then shook her head. "How do I get a zing from a sweet kiss on the cheek?" But she definitely got one.

Might be time to see where things could go between them. She had a perfect idea for another note…

I'm having fun with this one. Risa and Ford are great characters and a joy to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

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