Sunday Snippet: Academic Challenge

May 31, 2015

Wow. School's out for summer where I'm located and I have to say now that my kids are older; we're busier in the summer sometimes than during the school year. LOL

Okay, I've forgiven Orphan Black for killing off one of my favorite characters. But as I figured, the show still blows my mind. Seriously, I'm always amazed by what I see on my screen.

Bitten turned up the crazy with this week's episode. I forgot how truly creepy the show was this past season. Alestair taking over Clay's body was something of a joy to watch though. Kudos to both actors for pulling the swap off.

Really looking forward to Defiance's return in a week or two. Watched a catch up marathon, which got me revved up for the new episodes. I have a character or two I'd be happy to see meet their end the season. LOL

And I'm almost done with mainlining Teen Wolf. I'm slowing down so I don't have long to wait for new episodes. Very excited to see how the rest of season four plays out.

Enough TV… tonight's post is from Academic Challenge, a sexy short where my main characters don't dance around their attraction too long before acting on it.

Here's the tagline:

Holly Patz, the newest TA for Professor Sam Ingali, wants to enjoy the experience. But when rumors start swirling about her relationship with the handsome instructor, she has to decide whether to stick around and become his latest conquest or turn the odds in her favor.

And a snippety peek…

Sam finished up with his list of expectations—what he'd need for lectures, clinics, and her duties on days he wouldn't be at the university due to grant proposal meetings. Holly took notes throughout the session, asking questions only when she needed clarity on a topic, which didn't occur more than twice.

Sam loved the look of Holly Patz. Not too young, she'd taken an extra two years to finish her undergraduate degree. And she appeared very quick to adapt, especially since she didn't pepper him with a ton of questions. They'd get along just fine.

Sam scooted away from the desk. "Do you think you can handle everything? Will it be a problem coming in an hour early?"

Holly gathered up her notepad and tucked it inside her bag. "I don't mind coming in to get things going. No problem." She tilted her head to one side. "Will I be expected to warm you bed, too?"

He blinked, her blunt question catching him off guard. He should have expected the query, coming from an intelligent woman. He hated how his reputation preceded him in her case. But he wouldn't deny he had healthy appetites and occasionally indulged in carnal pleasure with his teaching assistants.

He gave her an honest answer. "I've never pushed any of my assistants to sleep with me." He'd simply let nature take its course.

Holly nodded. "No, you wouldn't have to." Her lips curved in a slight smirk.

He quirked a brow. "I beg your pardon. Would you care to explain?" He folded his arm across his chest, thoroughly enjoying her company.

She shrugged. "Not really, but…" Her gaze swept over him in a slow head to toe perusal. "I wouldn't turn you down." A sensual smile spread across her face.

He shook his head. She'd done the table turning thing again. Holly's innate ability to surprise him both thrilled and kind of terrified.

Relaxing his arms, he lifted a hand and rubbed at the back of his neck. "For the record, out of the half dozen or so TAs I've had, only three became more." The rumor had the count at over ten.

He hadn't been teaching long enough to have that number.

Holly tilted her head to one side, considering his words. "Good to know." She rose up from her seat and hefted her messenger bag over her shoulder. "Guess we'll find out if I make it four." With a sly wink and saucy grin, she crossed the room and opened the door.

Unable to resist having the last word, Sam added his standard stipulation. "I'm not looking for a long-term relationship. I hope I've made that clear."

Angling her head to glance back, Holly met his gaze. "Suits me fine. I'm into anything permanent either." She breezed through the door, leaving the heavy oak ajar.

Several moments later, Sam realized he hadn't moved and class started in less than ten minutes.

He also recognized he didn't get the last word. His new TA took the honors.

I'm having fun with this one. The back and forth banter keeps me motivated.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Zootropolis

For all those in the US, Happy Memorial Day when it gets here tomorrow.

Now for the good stuff. Orphan Black… I'm so very angry with you, right now. *side eyes the show runners* All I have to say is the loss better be worth it, which I figure it will be, but yeah, still sad.

The Bitten on Friday was one of my favorite episodes from season two. I'm thinking they planted some seeds for season three, which we are getting. Yay!!

Finished season three, part two of Teen Wolf and wow… I'm going to miss a few characters. I'd rather have both back and NOT have to insane Kate to deal with, but okay, I'll reserve full judgment. LOL

Looking forward to the new episodes of my previously listed shows. Bring on June!

Tonight's post is from Zootropolis, a novella where my main characters work through some issues while working together. Always fun.

Here's the tagline:

Mackenna Sycks is looking to raise money for a wildlife refuge in Africa. When Walton Conley offers to back her project, she balks, thinking the hot shot playboy has ulterior motives. He does, but he's also a whiz with fundraisers and surprises Mackenna with gala affair dubbed Zootropolis.

And a snippety peek…

Mackenna Sycks finished mucking out a stall and stepped outside to clean the rake. A trail of dust rising on the lane piqued her curiosity. She didn't have appointments set for this morning.

Turning the hose on, she rinsed the dirt and debris from her equipment and her shoes, waterproof clogs she wore when cleaning out the barn and outdoor habitats. She'd just finished when the red truck skidded to a halt on the circular drive.

A wide grin spread across her face when Carrie Headles hopped out of the driver's side, leaving the door hanging open. Her best friend drove like a wild woman on a good day and an insane person on the bad ones.

Carrie ran over and grabbed Mackenna's biceps. "Kens, you'll never guess who's interested in helping you raise money for your rescue program." Her hands practically vibrated with excitement.

Mackenna laughed. "Okay, I won't try then. Who wants to help my cause?"

Carrie's shoulders slumped forward. "You're no fun, Kens. You don't want one little guess?" She stepped back, a huge smile plastered to her face. "Never mind. I can't wait to tell you." After a pause for dramatic effect, she blurted. "Walton Conley."

Mackenna frowned. "The guy who's always in the news and on the social media outlets? With his latest conquest, or hot new car, house, boat, or whatever huge ass thing he can spend his butt loads of money on?" The man wouldn't be her first choice for a backer.

Carrie bounced up and down. "Yes! Isn't it awesome?" She spun around facing the truck. "And he should be getting out any time now."

Mackenna grabbed hold of Carrie's arm. "What do you mean? You invited him out here?" She resisted the urge to slap her friend. "Why would you do that?"

"So I can get a good idea of what I'll be spending my butt loads of money on."

Lost in a haze of anger, Mackenna hadn't heard him get out of the vehicle or the crunch of gravel when he approached. Her gaze snapped to his. Bold eyes, narrowed in cool assessment, slowly took in her appearance from her head all the way down to her toes, still clad in her work clogs. When he finally met her gaze again, a wolfish smile curved his lips.

He glanced toward Carrie. "You didn't tell me your friend is beautiful."

Beautiful? Mackenna snorted. Her hair hung in a loose ponytail and her clothes clung to her sweat-drenched body. Her hands had splinters and sported matching grazes on her knuckles from fixing a fence earlier. She seriously doubted her shorts, which had seen better days, covered everything they should, but for cleaning out stalls and working on the habitats, the cutoff, gray cargos sufficed.

Unless she had company in the form of a wildly attractive man who had money to burn.

Schooling her features, she held out a hand. "Sadly, I'm immune to flattery, but it's nice of you to come out this far, especially since it's a wasted trip." When his palm took hers, he shook firmly, which impressed her more than it should.

He flashed a grin. "Anything that gets me out of the city can't be considered a wasted trip." His head tilted. "But why do you think it is?"

She shot Carrie a nasty look. "Because Carrie means well, but there's no way I have the time to get a novice up to speed before my down payment is due." She let go of his hand and stepped back. "And you'll have to excuse me for being rude, but I don't want to be the next conquest on your list." She turned and strode inside the barn to put the rake away.

Carrie gasped. "She doesn't mean that the way it sounds."

Mackenna popped her head outside the door. "Yes, I do. Even if I don't believe all the gossip flying about Mr. Conley, I need a serious backer, not an oversexed playboy who wants to pretend he's all about rescuing exotic animals when their owners don't want them anymore." On a roll, she continued on. "Especially when his circle of friends is exactly the type of owner I'm referring to."

Carrie grimaced. "I'm so sorry, Walton. I should've called Mackenna before bringing you out here." She directed her attention to Mackenna. "I know you're stressed, but please dial back the bitchiness a couple of clicks."

Walton turned toward Carrie. "Can I have a minute with your friend?"

Carrie hesitated. "I don't think that's a good idea."

His lips twisted upward. "I think I can manage to defend myself if she comes after me with a pitchfork." He nodded toward the truck. "I won't be long."

Dismissed, Carrie darted away and took refuge in her big, red vehicle.

Mackenna sighed. She'd have to apologize in a big way. Carrie had Mackenna's best interests at heart and her friend meant the world to Mackenna.

"Look, I'm very good with fundraising. And as much as I'd love to take you from behind or have your legs wrapped around me, I'm serious about helping with this project." When she opened her mouth to blast him, he held up a hand. "Before you get all prickly on me, I'll apologize. But you're the one making this about sex and not the animals you claim to love so much."

She snapped her teeth together, because she couldn't argue his point.

Trying a different tactic, she asked. "Why are you interested? If not for personal gain, I mean." She seriously doubted he'd have an acceptable reason.

Walton spoke quietly. "My grandparents were killed on safari. They weren't hunting animals, they were trying to help preserve the wildlife. Their work helped but it also made them targets."

Mackenna sucked in a harsh breath. "They were murdered?"

Walton shrugged. "It's what I believe, but no one has been able to prove their deaths were anything but an accident." His voice took on a hard edge. "So regardless of what you think about how I spend my butt loads of money, I do have a reason for wanting to be involved."

She heaved another sigh. "Fine. What do you have in mind?"

Walton gave her a long, considering look. "Give me two days to get a fundraising committee together and come to our first meeting. If you don't like the proposal we put together, you can tell me to piss off and we'll go our separate ways."

She pondered the suggestion. She needed to head back to the city anyway to collect her mail and stop by the zoo to pick up her final paycheck.

Glancing up, she gave him a terse nod. "Okay. Get my information from Carrie or have her text me the time and place. I'll be there."

Walton inclined his chin. "I'll do that. Take care." He turned and exited the barn.

Mackenna watched him cross the drive to Carrie's truck, trying hard to ignore the way his ass moved under his jeans. She had two days to figure out what her best option would be and hopefully find a way to avoid getting tangled up with Walton Conley.

Yeah, Mackenna won't find it so easy to fly under Walton's radar. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zip Line

Whew. How about that Arrow finale? I'm pretty happy with season three overall and look forward to four. Now we'll find out what happens with The Flash and then patiently wait for Legends of Tomorrow. If you haven't seen the trailer, go find it and watch. :D

Orphan Black? So much love for the show. I was actually pretty thrilled to see some Paul and Sarah interaction. My fingers are crossed he stays firmly on her side. And the Helena one-liners were totally golden. On a freakish note, I'm really interested in what's going on with the women the Castor clones have slept with. I kind of want Gracie to be okay.

Bitten and Lost Girl are rolling right along. Looking forward to having Defiance and Dominion back on my television, and I hope Killjoys and Dark Matter prove to be good viewing fare. Nothing beats new episodes of my favorite shows in the summer months.

And last but not least, my mainlining of Teen Wolf continues. I'm up to the second part of season three and quite engrossed. Each season seems to be better than the one before, which always makes me happy.

So… enough TV talk. Tonight's post is from Zip Line, a South of the Border novella where my main characters have to escape with their lives and hopefully their hearts intact.

Here's the tagline:

Vaughn Dyson is a relic hunter who goes out of her way to save old treasures and preserve their place in history. But when Faulkner Roush gets word she's trying to smuggle a priceless artifact out of South America, he has to track her down before a rival, out for profit, group gets to her.

And a snippety peek…

Faulk gave full rein to his pissed off attitude. "You know what? Save it, Vaughn." He stomped over, mainly to keep his voice from echoing through the abandoned building. "Another time, another place, and maybe it would be okay. But right now?" His tone dropped to a snarl. "It's not. It's so not."

Vaughn slumped against the surface of the stucco. "So what? That's it? You don't feel like dealing. End of story?" She straightened. "No way, Faulk. It's not gonna work like that. You don't get to decide this time." Her determined gaze met his. "I didn't ask you to come down here. I don't need you to swoop in and save me." She slapped her palm against the wall. "I'm not leaving without the jaguar. No way am I letting Bishop's goons get their hands on an artifact from a lost tribe." Her gaze hardened. "Either get out of my way or expect to be shoved aside."

Faulk growled. "Is your life worth nothing? They're not just here to take the jaguar, Vaughn. They've got orders to kill you. Bishop's done letting you muck up his plans." He turned, frustrated he couldn't get through to her. "That's the only reason I'm here, because he put out the word to end you."

Vaughn tilted her head to one side. "Then what would you call last night?" A small smirk tilted her lips.

Faulk frowned. "Caving in to my baser instincts, which I always do whenever I get within five feet of you." He met and held her gaze. "I'm over the momentary lapse of my usually good judgment and back on task—getting you the hell out of here while you're still breathing."

Vaughn went very still. "Considering last night was such a huge mistake on your part, I'll say it again. Thanks but no thanks. I'll get back to the states on my own." Her face impassive, she turned and gathered up her gear. "I stupidly thought you wanted more than a quick fuck." She whirled and faced him. "That maybe we had something again, or we could start fresh—"

He jumped in. "When, Vaughn? Exactly when do you see this whole starting over thing happening?" The stupid woman never stayed in one place long enough to put down any roots.

She snapped her mouth shut then shrugged. "When you're done being pissed off at me?"

He snapped. "Our lack of a relationship is never about me being pissed off. It's about distance, Vaughn. You never stick around." On a roll, he continued his tirade. "Good Christ, I'd need a zip line to traverse the chasm you're constantly making wider between us—"

Her head jerked and she cut him off. "Wait. What?" She dropped her bag to the floor and yanked the zipper.

Faulk growled. "A zip line, Vaughn. I said—"

She threw up a hand. "Shut up. I heard you." Rifling around for a moment, she stopped and a wide grin split her face. "Hot damn." Grabbing her bag, she rose. "Let's go. I know exactly how we're going to get back across the border." Not waiting for a response, she dragged the door open and stalked outside.

Faulk blinked, his gut still churned with anger but he'd follow. If for no other reason than to see what totally lame idea she had to get them back into Mexico without getting killed.

I always love it when a lively discussion leads to the solution of a problem.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zanzibar Blues

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. I've been watching a James Bond marathon on Cloo all weekend so yeah, I'm having an excellent Mom's Day. :D

Great week of television. Gotham had a pretty great finale. For a show with something of a wobbly premise, I actually enjoyed most of it. The Flash and Arrow, again, kicked major ass. I don't know, I've really enjoyed how both seasons have played out. Had some reservations about The Flash, but I'm quite pleased with the show.

Orphan Black continues to deliver quality episodes. I kind of love the addition of the Castor collective. Really creeped out by Virginia and Gracie's mom, though. I don't wish either of those ladies a happy day… ever. LOL

Looking forward to whenever Strike Back graces my screen again and patiently waiting for The Last Ship to return. Also about halfway through season three (part one) of Teen Wolf. If I thought the first two seasons were a little crazycakes, I'm totally blown away by the bat shit insanity of three so far. LOL

Tonight's post is from Zanzibar Blues, a novella where my main characters find their passion in the middle of the crazy bar scene.

Here's the tagline:

When Higg Astley is brought in for a clean-up job, maintaining order over a raucous and rowdy crowd, in a roadside tavern, his first goal is to keep the house singer, Liberty Vans, from partaking in the nightly brawl. No easy feat when Liberty is the surrogate daughter of the man who owns the bar.

And a snippety peek…

Liberty grabbed a bottle and drew back to wing it at the big guy lying at her feet.

Higg halted her progress. "Stop. He's down." And from what he could see, probably out for the count, too.

Liberty snorted. "Yeah, for now. I can make sure he stays that way." She smacked the bottle against her hand.

Higg inclined his head. "I have no doubt. But you're the draw that brings people in. If he gets a chance to put his hands around your throat, you'll be out of commission." He met her gaze. "What's the upside to that?"

Liberty immediately shot back. "The satisfaction of taking the asshat out."

Higg barked out a laugh. "Okay, you've got me there." He grabbed hold of her shoulder and steered her away from the fracas. "How about we try this my way and see if we can't keep you on the stage wowing the crowd?" His fingers wrapped around the bottle and he removed it from her grasp.

Liberty narrowed her eyes. "You gonna guarantee I'll get through a whole set?" She made a doubtful sound.

Higg shook his head. "Not tonight. Not yet. But give me another week and you've got my promise." And he'd make sure he followed through.

Liberty tilted her head to the side. "And if you can't make it happen?" She lifted an eyebrow in challenge.

Higg's lips curved upward. "Then I'll get the hell out of the way and you can bash as many bottles over heads as you want." And he'd let her—she fought hard and dirty.

Liberty stuck her hand out. "Deal."

Higg grasped her palm and heat traveled directly up his forearm. Liberty's eyes widened and she pulled away, giving her head a shake. She'd felt the zing, too. He'd bet his entire pay for this job.

This one is a total joy to write. Liberty is feisty and I love her sly sense of humor. Higg has enough smarts to know when to step in and when to get the hell out of her way. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Running Dialog

Happy May! We had terrific weather this weekend and I feel like spring has finally arrived. YAY!!

On the TV front, Arrow and The Flash kind of blew my mind. I'm not sure the final episodes can get any more mind bending. LOL Of course, Orphan Black is always twisty and freaky, but the sibling reveal adds a very cool layer. Won't go into specifics here so I don't spoil anyone, but I'm looking forward to seeing more about the new wrinkle.

Bitten and Lost Girl are such a great pair-up on Syfy. And I'm eagerly awaiting Killjoys and Dark Matter. I'd love Syfy to be my place to be on Fridays again. Been way too many years since that's happened.

Starting on Teen Wolf season three and gotta say, I truly enjoy the show. So far, it's lived up to its hype.

And that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Running Dialog, a sexy short where my characters fight and argue, but usually get great results.

Here's the tagline:

Margo Miln and Del Lamberto, two of the remote outpost's best medics, argue all the time. Sometimes their rapid fire disagreements can be a pain… and occasionally their lively discussions lead to truly awesome things.  

And a snippety peek.

Margo watched from the entrance, listening to Del mutter under his breath. "Somehow, I don't think talking to it is going to fix the problem." She propped her shoulder against the jamb.

Del gave a frustrated snarl. "Oh, that's great, Margo. Thanks for being a big help." He tore the rebuilt section apart.

Margo frowned. "Gee, Del, maybe if you'd take the stick out of your ass, I could use it measure your lack of progress." He'd been working on the unit all day.

He threw the wrench across the table. "Oh, you…" He growled, low in his throat. "Not helping."

She smirked. "If you came with instructions, it might be easier to offer assistance." She loved turning one of his favorite phrases about her around on him.

Del stopped working. "Get out. You need to leave right now." He inhaled a long, slow breath.

She quirked an eyebrow. "I'm sorry? You're throwing me out of my own work station?" Her head jerked back and forth. "I don't think so, Del." She fully entered the alcove and set her duffel on the floor.

He took a menacing step forward. "I'm serious, Margo. Get the hell out of my sight." He jerked his thumb toward the door. "Now."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "Hmph. Or what?" Her lips twitched. "You'll blow a gasket? I think we're past that."

His eyes widened. "Wait. A gasket." He spun back toward the table and dumped out a box of spare parts.

Margo chuckled. "Shit." She strode forward, rifling through the mess of bits and pieces. "It could work. If we—"

Del found the tiny device first. "Yanked the mesh and—" He gave it a quick brush off then smeared lubricant around the outside rim.

She grabbed the flexible metal tube and held it steady. "Set the gasket…" Her fingers compressed the pipe, making it oblong instead of round. "Sideways…" She slid the end over the gasket. "And it—"

Del took over, letting go of the tiny part then testing to see if it held firm. "Would fix the kink and stop impeding—" He reconnected the tubing to the main unit.

"The flow—" Margo flipped the switch to the on position. "Giving us lots of prime drinking alcohol again." She let out a bark of triumph when the fluid moved freely. "Hot damn, Del. It totally—"

"Works." He gave a satisfied nod. "I know. Problem fixed." His lips curved upward.

She smirked. "With a little help."

Del responded with a snort, but didn't deny her comment.

She'd take the unvoiced gratitude. Sometimes their blow-ups created great solutions.

Margo and Del will need to have a super sexy celebration once they're finished with their little project. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin