Sunday Snippet: Quick on the Draw

Season finale for Defiance… sooooo good. Seriously, I hope it gets renewed. Without giving away too many spoilers, I kind of loved where some of the characters ended up. I'm kind of on the fence about Amanda, but won't say more to avoid spilling anything.

The Walking Dead is almost ready to premiere and Sons of Anarchy rides next week. Makes waiting for Arrow's return in October worth it. Also looking forward to Sleepy Hollow and Gotham. Crossing my fingers FOX won't muck either of those shows up too much.

Enough TV for now. Tonight's post is from Quick on the Draw, a short story about a fun weekend that leads to new insight for my main character.

Here's the tagline:

Willa Hown opens her property to paintball enthusiasts on the weekends and enjoys the antics of grown adults finding their inner child. Kip Jarvison rarely takes time off but his brothers drag him to Willa's place for a weekend of fun and messy sport. Kip's not thrilled—until he meets Willa and she shows him how much fun paintball can really be.

And a snippety peek…

Kip shook his head. "Why did I let you guys drag me here again?" He had a 'to do' list filled with enough tasks to carry him through the next decade.

Kell rolled his eyes. "Because you need to let loose and have some fun, bro. You never do anything with us anymore." He stuck his lower lip out for good measure.

Kip snorted. "Yes, I do. Why just last week—" No, he'd been in Montana the last two weeks.

And before his stint in big sky country, he'd traveled throughout Canada, starting in Peterborough, Ontario and crossing the provinces to end up in Hollywood North, aka Vancouver. Damn. He'd spent two months in what his brothers referred to as the great white north.

Kip snapped his mouth shut.

Kyle slapped him on the back. "Yeah, dumb ass, we haven't done anything together since Christmas and New Year's." He leaned against the cushion of the back seat. "You left on January third and we've seen you maybe three times since." He ticked off Kip's itinerary. "Appalachia, New England, the great white north, and Montana." He folded his arms over his chest. "You bailed on Kell's last spring break. Hell, you almost missed his graduation."

Kip scrunched down in the passenger seat. "I made it."

Kell shot Kip a look. "Right, about five minutes before my name got called." His grip tightened on the steering wheel. "And you had to fly out for Bozeman that night. It's not gonna kill you to spend three days doing something with us."

Kip straightened. "Did I say it would? No, I didn't." But he hadn't been thrilled either and his brothers never missed anything. "But why paintball?"

Kyle snorted. "Because it's challenging and fun. We can relive our childhood and spend quality time together.

Kip settled back again. "Has it really been almost six months since we've spent more than a few hours together?"

Kell slid Kip a sideways glance. "Yep. So suck it up and deal."

Kip frowned. He'd obviously been working too hard if he didn't even notice how fast the time flew.

He nodded. "Yeah, no problem." He angled a little sideways. "You said your roommate's family owns the place?"

Kell answered. "Just Nash and his sister, Willa. They're parents are gone, about five years now."

Kip and his brothers understood losing parents at a young age. Their dad died in a house fire while trying to save a family and their mom checked out of life, leaving her boys with their fraternal grandmother so she could go off and find herself. The way Kip figured things; she'd done them a big favor. Grandma June, better known as Gram, raised them right. Her death the summer following Kell's last year in high school hit hard.

Kip changed the subject. "Will Nash be there?"

Kell chuckled and glanced in the rearview mirror. "Ky, care to answer that one?"

Kyle huffed out a harsh breath. "Hell, no, he won't be there. We met a totally hot girl on spring break—"

Kell broke into the conversation. "One Ky had his eye on—"

Kyle thwapped Kell on the head. "Yeah, yeah." He directed his attention back to Kip. "Anyway, they hooked up and stayed in touch. He's spending the next few weeks trying to 'woo' her." He made air quotes.

Kell translated. "Meaning he's trying to keep getting laid."

Kip laughed. "Apparently I missed a hell of a lot." He needed to stop missing so much. "So the sister runs the paintball business by herself?"

Kell shook his head. "Only on the weekends until June. Nash will be back to help her out with the full summer season."

Kip cocked his head sideways. "Sounds like a cool set-up. I'll bet we have a great time."

Kyle threw up his hands. "Finally! He's on board."

Kip didn't respond. He let his middle finger to the talking.

I love writing sibling conversations and when Willa joins the fun the banter goes up several notches. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Quick Draw

August 24, 2014

So… I found out last week The Last Ship did indeed get renewed! WooHoo!! I'm also almost caught up on Defiance, which continues to keep me interested. The new season of Doctor Who premiered and eh… I'll watch and hope I get more into it. So far, I'm not a huge fan of the new Doctor, but I went into viewing with that thought so it's only fair to hold off making a final decision about watching and give the guy a fair chance.

In something of more fun news, the Bitten and Arrow casts are so much fun to follow on social media. They're always posting fun tidbits and behind the scenes stuff, which just makes me more excited to see the new seasons. Gotta give credit to Kurt Sutter for keeping the Sons of Anarchy stuff rolling out, too.

Tonight's post is from Quick Draw, a short story featuring a big assumption made by a character about another.

Here's the tagline:

Utah Slace has a constant stream of male visitors coming and going from her apartment and Hoyt Lancelot, her neighbor, draws the quick conclusion he's moved in next to a prostitute. Utah decides he needs a lesson in why making snap judgments is not a good idea.

And a snippety peek…

Hoyt couldn't stand it anymore. He had to find out why his new neighbor had men stopping by at all hours during the day and night. He yanked his door open and strode down the hall, stopping in front of her apartment. Lifting a hand to knock, he got a shock when the wood surface opened and a man nearly ran him down.

Hoyt quickly stepped back out of the way. "I'm sorry, didn't realize you'd be there."

The guy shrugged. "No problem, man. You must be Utah's next gig. She's incredible."

The woman in question popped her head out of the entrance. "Morse, don't forget. Next time we'll work those posture positions so you're loose and flexible."

Posture positions? Loose and flexible? Convinced he'd made the correct assumption, Hoyt moved to make sure she saw him.

Her head tilted and she slowly let her gaze wander, starting at his feet and working upwards. When she met his gaze, she lifted a brow. "May I help you?"

Hoyt blinked. "I, uh, live next door." He glanced down the hallway then back to her. "You might want to keep a lower profile or the cops will come knocking on your door."

Utah frowned. "The cops? What on earth for?"

He shot her a knowing glance.

Utah smiled and stepped out of her apartment. "Hi. It's nice to meet you." She stuck out her hand. "I haven't had a chance to get to know anyone yet. Been really slammed with clients."

Hoyt grasped her fingers in a firm grip, but she didn't bat an eye. "It's okay. I just moved in two weeks ago."

She nodded toward the interior of her space. "The place is a mess or I'd invite you in. Utah Slace, by the way."

Stage name? He aimed to find out. "Is that your real name?"

She snorted. "Are you kidding me? Of course it is. Who the hell would change it to something so ridiculous?"

She had him there. And against his better judgment, he quite liked her. "Okay, good point. As you'll soon agree. Hoyt Lancelot." He bowed with a flourish.

She chuckled. "Lancelot? Aren't you supposed to be chivalrous with a name like that?" "I can be chivalrous."

"Really? The only thing I've seen is nosy, obnoxious, and a strong tendency to draw conclusions based on jack all nothing." He flushed. She pretty much had him pegged to date. But he'd change her mind.

One of my favorite tropes is making an incorrect judgment and having to make up ground to win favor.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Photo Ops

I kind of love this time of year. New shows are being buzzed about and my returning favorites are beginning to film their new seasons. My Tumblr dash is full of fun news and tidbits of information about the upcoming storylines. For me, it whets my appetite and makes me hungry for more. J

I'm watching The Last Ship as I type my post for the week and I sincerely hope it gets a second season. Oddly, it's one show I haven't heard anything about. Of course, my schedule blew up and I haven't had time to do my usual search for info. Here's hoping I have a little time this week to do a seek and find mission. J

Tonight's post is from Photo Ops, a novella where a very hot police fundraising calendar gets a couple together.

Here's the tagline:

When Mace McKenna decides not to participate in the annual Officers of the City charity calendar photo shoot, Nina Dean won't let up until he caves. But when Nina loses a bet and has to pose for the women's version, she soon discovers Mace is the orchestrator of the whole thing.

And a snippety peek…

Nina plopped down on the bench in the locker area. "Come on, Mace. It's just a towel. You wouldn't want to disappoint your dedicated fan base, now would you?" She smirked.

Her smug tone had him quickly answering. "Um, yeah. I have no problem with that." He dragged his T-shirt over his head and tucked it into his waistband.

Nina shook her head. "Should've known you'd go all stodgy and stick up your ass." She rolled her eyes. "Guess you don't practice what you preach, huh?"

He narrowed his eyes. She wanted to push his buttons and he shouldn't rise to the bait. He really shouldn't.

But he did anyway. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Nina stood and slowly paced back and forth. "Morale is important. Keeping spirits up can save lives. Everyone has to do their part." She shot him a scathing look. "Does any of that sound familiar?" Her hands went to her hips and she quirked an eyebrow.

Well, shit. She had him. Word for word.

He sighed. "I hate you, Nina. I really do."

She made a triumphant sound. "But you'll be at the shoot tomorrow, bright and early, won't you?" She all but danced her way to the exit. "I'll call the studio and deliver the good news."

Mace called out. "You're enjoying this a little too much."

Her laughter rang out before the door closed behind her.

Mace let the quiet settle around him, the beginnings of a kick ass idea teasing his mind. "Nina… you're about to find out how much of a bitch payback is."

This one is a ton of fun to write. Nina is a hoot and Mace is super sneaky when he wants to be.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Past All Limits

August 10, 2014

EEK! I just realized we've only got around ten days before out school year starts. I'm both thrilled and freaked out. Thrilled because the structure is great for the kids. They know where they have to be and at what time. Freaked out because we still have supplies to buy and I'm booked solid and jammed up until after the first day. Poor planning on my part. LOL

As usual, some great TV this past week. The finale for Dominion left so many new questions and I hope we get a second season. I'd love to see more of this show. Really loving the twists and turns in Defiance, too. And The Last Ship is steadily becoming one of my favorite shows.

Filming has started on Sons of Anarchy, Bitten, Arrow and Flash. Fall can't quite get here soon enough.

Tonight's post is from, Past All Limits, a novella where my main characters have some issues to resolve.

Here's the tagline:

Scarlett Jayne and Dare Humphries have issues. Scarlett can't commit and Dare won't wait around. After a nasty breakup, the former couple is thrown together for a groundbreaking at a new training facility. Six months isn't quite enough time for them to sharing space.

And a snippety peek…

Dare whirled around, facing her. "God, you are such a bitch. Why, Scarlett? Why do you start shit?" He threw a hand up in frustration.

She shrugged. "Because you're there, Dare. You're always there." She snorted. "And you just keep coming back for more. You didn't have to be part of this project."

His eyes narrowed. "I'm backing half this venture. And you know I'm hands on where my finances are concerned."

She rolled her eyes, but didn't comment. He had a point.

Dare continued. "You're the one who didn't have to be involved." He stopped, smacking his forehead with his hand. "Oh, wait. Yes, you did. You can't ride your new hot guy if you're not around all the time, can you?"

Damn him. He would have to bring up Jones. But Lance didn't make her feel the stuff Dare did—like burning hot rage and sexual tension at the same time.

Scarlett snarled. "You don't get to judge me. Not when you're banging the loan officer." She smirked. "I'll bet you got a kick ass interest rate."

Dare took a step forward. "That's not how I work and you know it."

Yeah, she did. "Then what's the appeal? She's starched, pressed, and ramrod straight.

Dare usually went for something a little more wild—why else would he have hooked up with Scarlett?

He lifted a brow. "Exactly. The polar opposite of you."

Ouch. His answer sliced deep. Scarlett sucked in a harsh breath and didn't think. She drew back her arm and landed an uppercut to his jaw. Automatic reflex had Dare retaliating, but he pulled his, landing a glancing blow instead of a wallop.

Still hurt like a bitch.

Scarlett huffed out a grunt. "Shit." She straightened and cocked her to the side. "Well, this seems familiar." Dare's very first words to her.

He rubbed his face. "You pick that to steal?" He turned away, shaking his head.

She shrugged. "Yeah. Steal from the best, right? Moves, words…" She moved forward, running her finger down his chest. "Positions." She hooked a finger in his waistband.

He scoffed. "The best? I don't think you wanna go there, Scarlett, not when you'll have your legs wrapped around Jones later tonight." He brushed her hand away and stepped back.

She frowned. "Why not? Truth is truth." She moved in close again. "It doesn't change the underlying meaning to the words. Or the subtext." She wanted him.

Dare grasped her biceps, an angry edge to his voice. "So, if I'm the best, why settle for less?" His eyes went dark and stormy.

She recalled her conversation with Herm. Fight or flight, Scarlett. You gotta decide which way to move. She'd chosen to run, but not very far.

Scarlett gave it to Dare straight. "Fight or flight, Dare. It came down to survival instinct." Except she didn't feel like she truly lived anymore.

Dare shook his head. "That makes no sense. It's not one or the other."

Her lips twisted. "It is for me." And she should maintain the status quo, right?

Dare's voice went quiet. "Why, Scarlett?"

She glanced away. "Because you're you and I'm me and it's never, ever easy."

He let go of her. "It's not supposed to be. Nothing worth having is." He spun around, pacing back and forth.

Scarlett lifted a shoulder. "Maybe. But getting lost in you doesn't work for me. And I would, Dare." She moved away, heading toward the back wall. "I already did." Feelign safe with some distance between them, she met his gaze again. "And it gives you power over me, whether I want it to or not." She looked away again.

Dare responded. "It's a two way street, Scarlett. You had the same power over me." He pinned her with his gaze. "The difference is… you burned me with it." Pain filled his eyes.

She wanted to shrink into a ball and disappear, because she hadn't just burned him. She'd lit a fuse and blew everything between them sky high. And by showing up at the ribbon cutting ceremony, she basically kicked through the ashes, stirring up the embers instead of letting them settle down.

And she had no idea why.

She tilted her head, studying Dare. "So why do we keep doing it? Hurting each other."

Dare sighed. "I have no idea, but think about it, Scarlett. The damage we do to each other… couldn't it go the other way?" He resumed pacing. "Hell, it does go the other way." He stopped. "You make me stronger and strive to do better. That's positive."

Scarlett pondered but didn't respond. He had another valid point. He pushed her to surpass her limits, challenged her to reach higher goals—and caught her when she stumbled and missed by a mile.

Why did she always forget the good when they went after each other?

Her silence had Dare sighing again. "Fine. We're done. Consider the air cleared." He turned and yanked the door open. "I'm going back up top." He stepped into the corridor.

And got closer to moving out of her life for good.

Scarlett bolted toward the exit. "Dare, wait."

I have no idea if he's going to wait or walk away, but the sages will let me know soon.

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Open Shelter

Another long week, but at least some great TV to ease the stress. Currently watching The Last Ship, which continues to keep me entertained. The new season of Doctor Who starts in a few weeks and my fingers are crossed. Really not sure I'm going to like Twelve.

Getting ready to start season two of La Femme Nikita, probably when I completely fell in love with the show. I'm also still loving Defiance and can't wait to see where the season ends.

New and pics from Comic Con made my week. The casts from Orphan Black, Sons of Anarchy, and Arrow were super awesome and shared tons of stuff. I so enjoy it when the actors love what they do and give lots to their fans.

Tonight's post is from Open Shelter, a novella where my main characters have a long history and finally have a chance to become more… if their past doesn't come back to haunt them.

Here's the tagline:

Jay Hestwick meets Weslee Noss at the open shelter his mom operates and sees through her sarcastic rogue front to the scared kid underneath and decides to be her new best friend. Fifteen years later, Jay runs the program and Weslee comes home, ready to assist, but she doesn't realize she's bringing a dangerous menace out of hiding now that she's back.

And a snippety peek…

Weslee paused inside the doors of the Shoreline Open Shelter, letting memories shuffle through her mind. The place still looked the same, but with numerous improvements—better windows, decent lighting, and light, airy colors on the walls filled with painted murals. No doubt Jay encouraged the artwork and he probably provided the supplies to shelter inhabitants. He put so much of his time and funds into the place.

Her gaze scanned the alterations made over the past fifteen years. He'd put in a full-size kitchen with institutional equipment. Accordion partitions could keep the sleeping area separate from the main hall, something she would have welcomed as a child.  She moved further into the area and caught sight of Jay, deep in discussion with a food supplier.

He managed to make jeans and a T-shirt look great with an athletic jacket that hugged his form but didn't constrict his movement. Five years hadn't altered his appearance much, his short, cropped hair still stuck out in different directions—no product necessary to achieve the look—and her fingers itched to muss the strands further.

Maybe later, after he settled with the vendors and got lunch out of the way.

He glanced up and caught her staring, but a huge smile spread across his face. He held up a hand to interrupt the supplier and made a beeline across the floor to scoop her up in his arms and twirl her around.

She laughed and hugged him. "Put me down, you moron. No one will believe I'm your new head of social programs if you don't."

He settled her on the floor. "Did you catch an earlier flight?" Grasping her hand he turned and headed toward the kitchen area. "Why didn't you call? I'd have met you at the airport."

She shook her head. Same Jay. Always going Mach II with his hair on fire. Some things really never changed.

He nodded in the direction of the vendor. "Ralph, give me five. Be right back."

Weslee bobbed her head, acknowledging the supplier with a quick smile.

Jay dragged her through the café doors and had her backed up against the wall before they even swung closed. His mouth crashed over hers and she melted into the kiss, thrilled with the welcome.

Jay eased away, cupping her face with his hands. "I'm glad you're home, Wes. I've missed you."

This one has some suspense which is very fun to write. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin