Sunday Snippet: Reality Bytes

Hello!

Okay, finally got semi-caught up on Haven. Also still current on Sons of Anarchy. I can only say, wow, it hurts to watch both. LOL

I'm behind on some of my other faves. Agents of SHEILD and Sleepy Hollow being two, and I haven't been able to catch Gotham yet either. Sometimes working seven days a week is a huge pain. J

Tonight's post is from Reality Bytes, a short story that has my main characters playing the role of snarky enemies by day but steamy lovers by night.

Here's the tagline:

Libby Cowl and Bourne Levison, on air hosts for the web series, Reality Bytes, snark and snap at each other on screen. But when the cameras aren't rolling, they're all about the hot and sexy, something their producer is not happy about.

And a snippety peek…

Libby twirled her hair around her finger. "And that's why women should rule the universe."

Bourne snorted. "Yeah, because they're sooooo good at busting down doors to get where they need to be."

Libby let a slow smile spread across her face. "Bourne, honey, a woman wouldn't bust a door down. She'd simply turn the knob and go right on in."

"And cut!"

Libby laughed. "Oh my. That's gonna get the comment section frothing at the mouth."

Bourne smirked. "I hate it when you get the last word." He glanced at Les. "Tell me, I have the final line for tomorrow's program."

Les chuckled. "You'll find out when you show up in the morning."

Bourne groaned. "I'll ad lib if I have to, Les." He got up and shot Libby a sideways glance. "And you will keep your mouth closed." He walked off the small dais and removed his gear after loosening his tie.

Libby snickered, loving his attire. "You know, Bourne, the whole board shorts down below with the shirt and tie on top is a good look for you."

He shrugged out of his jacket and unbuttoned the shirt. "When you shoot less than twenty minutes from the beach, it saves time." He handed the clothing to the PA and walked over to grab his longboard. "And the waves are calling." He gave Libby a mock salute and exited the small soundstage.

Libby tilted her head to the side, watching him leave.

Les snapped his fingers to get her attention. "Stop it, Lib. You know how I feel about you making out with Bourne in your head."

She rolled her eyes. "No one would care if Bourne and I got naked and danced on the roof together, Les. Well, no one except you."

He dropped down into the chair beside her. "Uh uh. You two have a great rivalry, with the bickering bantery back and forth. Hooking up would be disastrous for you two… and the show."

Libby shrugged. "Whatever you say, Les. You're the producer."

Wouldn't he be shocked to find out she and Bourne could prove him so very wrong.

LOL. I love this duo. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Quixotic Cake Capers

September 21, 2014

Hi,

Blargh. I'm still not caught up with Haven. I am, however, and probably as expected, up to date with Sons of Anarchy. Seriously, I have no idea where I want anyone except Gemma to end up. LOL Kudos to Charlie Hunnam for the primo job he's doing portraying Jax.

Sleepy Hollow starts Monday and I can't wait for more batshit insane goodness from that show. I'm so looking forward to November when I'm not working seven days a week and can really sit back and enjoy my shows.

Tonight's post is from Quixotic Cake Capers, a sexy short story where my heroine challenges herself to do something domestic for her man.

Here's the tagline:

Tori Plum decides a making a cheesecake for Gray Calhoun isn't beyond her capabilities even though she's definitely not a domestic goddess. Seventeen tries later, she's ready to call in the troops or throw in the towel.

And a snippety peek…

Tori stood in front of the kitchen sink, her unfocused gaze missing the snowfall accumulating on the ground outside. Gray's parting comment about the burnt toast still stung. Not her fault she didn't make toast on a regular basis. And she'd developed an allergic reaction to turning on a stove.

She glanced toward the gleaming stainless steel appliance and fought an urge to sneeze.

Gray didn't mean anything by his remark. He knew full well Tori and kitchens didn't mix. But he'd overslept and had to catch a flight for an important meeting with a potential new client. Tori figured she could at least make some toast while he showered.

Right. Not so much. More like a burnt offering to the charcoal briquette god.

She lifted her mug of coffee to her lips and grimaced when the cold liquid hit the back of her throat.

Dumping the contents down the drain, she shuddered. "I can't even make decent coffee." She rinsed out her dish and placed it in the drainer before heading into her office to get started on editing a new manuscript.

I love writing odd scenarios. Tori's aversion to the kitchen and cooking is a hoot to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Quit the Music

Hello,

Argh. Super busy week so I missed the premiere of Haven and will hopefully be catching up tonight. But… I did NOT miss the opening episode of Sons of Anarchy. Holy hell. Without giving too much away, I wanted Gemma to die a slow painful death in the final frame of the series, but yeah, that's all changed. If died in the next episode it wouldn't be too soon for me. Take that as a challenge to change my mind, Mr. Sutter. Seriously.

Since I talked DC last week, I'll throw in my excitement for Marvel's Agents of SHEILD and Agent Carter. I think I'll like having Peggy take up the downtime between the two halves of AOS.

Tonight's post is from Quit the Music, a novella where my main characters have someone in common, but the person could break their relationship.

Here's the tagline:

Prosper Bates, bartender and music lover, hears Drew Langerford play and his songs haunt her. Drawn to the gorgeous musician, she falls hard for him, but when his mentor shows up, the new relationship may end before it even gets started.

And a snippety peek…

Prosper stood at the sink behind the bar and washed up the glasses from the night's business. A new musician settled behind the piano and chatted with George. Prosper frowned. Who auditioned after closing? Most of the talent came in around eleven, before the bar got busy with happy hour, to have the owner listen to their spiel. This guy, Drew something, asked to play after last call.

Rinsing the glasses, Prosper let her gaze wander over the potential new Friday night draw. Average height, with a lean build, he had dark and handsome working for him. Their female clientele would stick around for the good looks. But his hands would be the true test. Her dad always believed anyone could play, but true talent had everything to do with the magic in the fingers.

Placing the dishes in the drainer, Prosper grabbed a towel to start drying. Drew ran a few scales, getting a feel for the upright, and then he launched into a quick medley of popular tunes. George bobbed his head to the beat of the music. Prosper's lips quirked. Her boss loved upbeat, happy songs and Drew had a solid repertoire, playing continuously while she finished up and lined the glasses along the back of the bar.

George extended his palm and sealed the deal for a new piano player. After clapping Drew on the back, George made his way toward the back office and Drew began a new song, something Prosper hadn't heard. The melody had a familiar strain, but the haunting notes echoed in her mind. Prosper did some busy work, not quite ready to leave, wanting to listen to the end.

When Drew finished, he rose slowly, and met her gaze.

She nodded in the direction of the piano. "You're very good." She placed the towel over the rack. "Prosper Bates. Nice to meet you."

Drew smiled. "Drew Langerford, and thanks. I had a great mentor."

I'm having fun putting the pieces in place for this story. So far, Prosper is guiding the flow, but I think Drew is about to make his presence known in my head. :D

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Quid Pro Quo

Greetings!

I'm coming off something of a stress and drama filled work week. I have a seasonal job at a local golf course and we're down to two people since we're winding down to our October 31 'official' close. When one of those two people has to take time off… it sucks hairy ones—especially when they wait until the day before to say anything. Just saying.

Moving on to fun stuff. Let's see, Lost Girl will air its final season sometime soon. I'll be sad to see the show end. Haven returns with Evil Audrey. I refuse to call her by whatever name she ended up with when she went inside the barn and returned. I'm also pretty excited for Flash to debut. Anything that has ties to Arrow can't miss in my book.

That's it for TV this week.

Tonight's post is from Quid Pro Quo, a short erotic story where my main female character makes a play for a coworker.

Here's the tagline:

When Abel Reynolds gets injured and laid up for a couple of days, Lark Munroe decides to provide a little quid pro quo check in on him, except she's got way better ideas to pass the time than Abel ever did.

And a snippety peek…

Lark knocked on the door.

Abel called out. "Come on in. Can't get up to answer."

She chuckled and entered his apartment. The living room looked like a bomb went off. His go bag rested in the middle of the floor, partially unpacked. He'd thrown his jacket over the chair and his socks and boots led from the doorway to the couch. Her eyes widened. Super-neat freak Abel had to be hurting if he left a huge mess.

She flicked her tongue over her lower lip. "Wow." She bent down to pick up a boot.

Abel stuck a bookmark inside the book he read. "Leave it. I'll get the mess picked up the day after tomorrow." He tossed the paperback aside. "Why are you here?"

Lark moved some clean laundry to a basket and settled onto the chair perpendicular to the couch. "Just wanted to check in and see if you needed anything." She toward his wrapped ankle. "How's it feeling?"

Abel rolled his eyes. "It feels like a pain in my ass."

Lark snorted. "I know what you mean." She grabbed a pillow from the end of the couch and leaned forward to prop his foot on the cushion. "But suck it up, Abel. It's only two days."

Abel crossed his arms over his chest. "Feels like a lifetime. I hate inactivity."

Lark nodded. "I know you do, hence the reason I dropped by to see if I can get anything for you."

He sighed. "Bring me my paperwork. At least it'll give me something productive to do."

She chuckled. "The book not very interesting?" She reached for it and read the back cover copy.

He shrugged. "It's a little predictable." Straightening, he twisted around and picked up a glass of tea. "Do you want any? You'll have to serve yourself, but there's a fresh pitcher in the fridge." He took several long swallows.

Lark shook her head. "Not right now." She rose and snagged the glass from his hand. "But let me refill this for you then I'll head out and pick up your reports." She glanced at the time. "Should be back within thirty minutes. Can I bring you some dinner?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Why are you being so nice?"

She grinned. "Quid pro quo, Abel. When I busted up my knee, you dropped by every other day to see if I needed anything. Just returning the favor." She made her way to the kitchen and topped off his glass.

Abel frowned. "You don't owe me anything, Lark. I didn't stop by so you'd have to pay me back."

She made a garbled choking sound. "I know, you idiot." She carried his drink back into the living area and put it within his reach. "Now shut up and say thank you."

He shot her a sideways glance. "Thank you."

She headed for the door. "That's better. Be back in flash." She looked back over her shoulder. "With dinner."

I'm looking forward to finishing this one up. It won't take Abel long to get on board with Lark's plans for after dinner.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin