Sunday Snippet: A Kiss is Just a Kiss

Memorial Day weekend, which doubles as graduation weekend in my little burg, is my signal that summer will be arriving soon. Looking forward to outside activities and longer nights.

Watched some great season finales this week. Gotham pulled out all the stops and I'm really looking forward to seeing what next season has in store for the characters.

The Flash kind of left me reeling. I'm really not sure how I feel about Barry's final move or how it's going to impact the upcoming season. With Supergirl moving to the CW in the fall, it'll be interesting to see what kind of crossover action is in store for the DC shows.

Arrow did not disappoint. This is probably my favorite season finale to date. I'm definitely interested in seeing the next season and hope to touch on Oliver's time in Russia for the flashbacks. Absolutely looking forward to what I hope won't be the final season for Arrow, but who knows.

Orphan Black's episode came across as very chaotic and I kind of loved it. It reminded me of someone shaking a bottle of something fizzy then letting go to watch the contents spill out all over the place. I love how gray and blurry all the lines are and how dark the layers get with this show.

Wynonna Earp continues to make me happy. Need to watch this week's episode but I've been distracted by marathons of NCIS: LA and The X-Files this weekend.

Banshee's series finale actually turned out to be exactly what I hoped for. I mean exactly what I hoped for. I had a gut feeling about who killed Rebecca and the writers did not disappoint me in the least with how that aspect turned out. I'm also completely down with how Proctor's story ended, letting viewers kind of imagine his fate. I loved Kurt's resolution with Calvin and, honestly, for being such a late arrival as a character, I fell in love with his story. Brock's new attitude about being sheriff is awesome and, of course, Sugar's retirement is well-earned and thanks to Job. And speaking of the sassy transvestite, his sunset strut ended up being perfect and spot on. And I'm thrilled with where things are left with Hood and Carrie. Seriously, I loved, loved, loved the ending. A satisfying four seasons of a kick ass show.

And that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from A Kiss is Just a Kiss, a novella based on a prompt where on the Fourth of July weekend, one character teases the other about a spontaneous kiss shared when the other returned home from a stint in the military. The other character goes a little alpha on the first.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A kiss is just a kiss… except when it’s not. Betsy Roarke shares a brief lip-lock with Wash Mulligan and can't stop thinking about it. He's got her all twisted up and turned sideways and she aims to make him feel the same.

And a snippety peek…

Betsy Roarke closed the email and tilted her head to one side. "Wash is coming home." Her heart kicked hard in her chest and she rolled her eyes. "Geez, Bets, get a grip. It's been ten years. Your teenage crush might not be the prime specimen of hotness he was at twenty." Then again, he could be even more lethal in the looks department.

She wondered if she should tell Butch his son's flight would arrive in about three hours. "Yeah, probably not."

Wash's tersely worded message providing the details of his arrival time along with zero expectation of being met at the airport counted as a courtesy and nothing else. Betsy didn't have the heart to slash open a new wound in the relationship between Washburn and Butch Mulligan. The prodigal son coming home after a stint in the navy might just make life interesting if nothing else.

Betsy blew out a nervous breath and made a quick decision. Wash didn't expect his dad to pick him up from the airport, but she could certainly run out to get him. Grabbing her keys and phone case, which had her license and other essentials in it, she dashed to the door before she could change her mind. After ten years, Betsy needed to know why Wash, once the poster boy for following in his dad's footsteps, shocked everyone by running off without so much as a word.

Sliding behind the wheel of her car, she started the engine. Ten years. When Wash left, she'd been an awkward sixteen, stuck with raging hormones and unrequited feelings for Butch's son. Didn't help she'd moved in with them after her dad died and her mom skipped town for bigger and better things. Betsy wanted to hate the woman, but Marlene Roarke sent regular support checks until Betsy turned twenty-one. After that, Marlene asked Betsy to have a great life and forget she had a mom.

Nice one, Marlene.

Of course, Butch stepped up, just like he had when Betsy needed a home. Family didn't always mean blood and Betsy would never be in want for a place to stay or wonder if she had anyone to care about her. And for five years, she hadn't. Her mom might not want her, but Butch treated her like the daughter he never had. And Wash had no idea Betsy filled the void left when he joined the military, acting as Butch's right hand in running the business.

But Wash would find out soon.

Betsy couldn't resist sticking her nose in Mulligan family drama. Only this time, she had a much higher stake than before.

Backing out of the drive, she headed toward the airport. "Be ready, Wash. You're going to get quite the welcome home."

I'm excited about how this one is coming together. Betsy and Wash are so much fun to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Kings of the Con: A Black Unicorn Comics Adventure

Whew. Some great television this past week. Gotham's episode ended up being pretty terrific. Fish Mooney rocks!

I missed The Flash, but plan to catch up before the finale this week. Agents of SHIELD went out with a bang. I'm rather liking how the movie 'verse affects the small screen 'verse.

Arrow's episode ended up being so awesome. Can't wait for the final showdown between Team Arrow and Darhk.

I was thrilled with Legends of Tomorrow. Still hoping to see great things next season. Orphan Black blew my mind as usual. So many things going on! I have a sneaky feeling the creepy engineer chick did something truly terrible to Sarah. Here's hoping she meets an untimely end very soon.

Still have Wynonna Earp and Banshee to watch from the past week. I'm saving Banshee for last since it's the final episode ever. I know how I want things to end, but have a strong doubt I'll get what I want. LOL

Watched the finale for Marcella and, eh, not as good as I hoped. That said, if there's a second series and Jamie Bamber is a cast member, I'll be there. :D

That's it for the television this week. Patiently waiting for The Last Ship to premiere and looking for new stuff to dive into over the summer.

Tonight's post is from Kings of the Con, a sexy short from The Black Unicorn Comic Adventures 'verse.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Brian Wells and Lucy Sanderson are the creative duo behind the rising success of Black Unicorn Comics. Surrounded by a close knit group of coworkers, they have fun and crazy adventures, keeping their relationship burning hot in spite of it.

And a snippety peek…

Lucy manned the booth while Zapf finished up his junk food feast. She laid out new packs of freebies for the next onslaught of visitors. A shadow fell across the table and Lucy glanced up.

Gray swooped in and planted himself in front of her. "Do you know where your lesser half is?" He picked up a Mistress trading card and turned it over in his hand.

Lucy heaved a dramatic sigh. "I don't know… getting up close and personal with Chelle?" She almost laughed when Gray's eyes went wide and his mouth dropped open.

Gray made a choking sound. "And you're not going after them with sharp objects?"

He looked like the world had just tilted sideways and started to spin backwards.

Lucy kicked back in her seat and nodded toward the empty one beside her. "Relax, Gray. I promise no blood will be spilled by my hand."

Gray moved around the table and sank down into the chair. "Well, it might be spilled by mine. Brian had better keep his grubby paws off my dominatrix."

Lucy leaned in close to Gray. "Let's get a couple of things straight." She jabbed a finger at his shoulder. "First, Brian's paws are not grubby. Second." She snagged the card from Gray's hand. "This is the Mistress. Chelle DuPres is a marketing and promo person. You have got to get that straight in your head."

Gray opened his mouth to argue and Lucy held up a hand. "I'm not done yet. Third—and most important—nothing is going on between Brian and Chelle. He's trying to get some information and appealing to her ego is the fastest way." Lucy leaned back. "So don't get all bent and twisted up about it."

Gray's mouth thinned. "You mean he's tricking her into it. That hardly seems fair." He rose from his chair.

Lucy yanked him back down. "Uh uh. You will not ride to her rescue." She lowered her voice. "I never promised I wouldn't do bodily harm to someone. You're the closest person to me right now."

Gray slumped. "You're evil, Lucy. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise."

Lucy grinned. "Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment."

Honestly, I wish I had more time to devote to writing Brian and Lucy's adventures. I have so much fun with this group of characters. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Killing Time

Holy cheez-its! Ohio is back to chilly, where-did-spring-go weather again. We haven't even hit fifty degrees for the day. LOL

But, the brisk temperature makes for great television viewing. This week didn't turn out too badly either.

Gotham's episode moved the story along and I'm excited to see what this week holds.

The Flash had a great showing. I loved all the interactions with the characters. Quite a complicated mix but somehow the relationships all work. Agents of SHIELD ended a character I've grown fond of, but I thoroughly enjoyed the inside movie references and how they tied into the small screen story.

Arrow pulled off a great episode, at least the part I saw. I had an unavoidable meeting on Wednesday and haven't had a moment to really catch up on the beginning yet.

Legends of Tomorrow. Wow. I hope the whole time travel thing lets the sacrificed character return. If not, I'm going to be very disappointed. Truly great stuff, though. And Orphan Black continues to blow my mind each and every week. I LOVE this show.

All caught up on Banshee and Wynonna Earp, with the exception of this week's episodes. That will be rectified later today. Caught the trailer for season three of The Last Ship and I'm now eagerly awaiting June so I can dive back into this one.

And that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Killing Time, a sexy short built on the prompt of one vehicle, two characters on a stakeout or recon mission, and three hours until their shift is over. I've tweaked the timing a little, but otherwise stayed true to the concept. And whoa… so much fun, I have to say.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Landry comes up with a great idea to kill time while on a stakeout with her hot co-worker. Her biggest challenge? Getting Thryn to participate in a lively game of truth or strip.

And a snippety peek…

Thryn didn't doubt Landry had a game plan in motion, but he might end up surprising her. Once he figured out what she specifically wanted from him. If he read the clues she'd dropped correctly, her little truth or strip game might prove incredibly interesting.

He shot her a quick grin. "I've got news, Landry. I don't play to lose either." His brain spun with mix of questions he could ask and images of her peeling off clothes.

Landry met his gaze square on. "Put your money where your mouth is. Ante up." She tapped the workspace between them.

Thryn opened and they went back and forth until he lost the hand.

He leaned back. "Okay, truth. Ask away." Kicking his feet out, he braced for an embarrassing query.

Landry tilted her head to one side. "Married? Single? Seeing anyone?"

Thryn snorted. "That's more than one question, but I'll give you a pass this time." He straightened and started shuffling the cards. "Divorced. Yes. Not at the moment." He dealt the next hand.

Landry gathered her cards. "Conversationally speaking, how long were you married?" She glanced up and arched an eyebrow.

Thryn smirked. "Win the next hand and I'll tell you."

She did, with a little help from him.

A narrowing of her eyes gave the only clue she thought he'd lost on purpose. "Okay… how long?" She shuffled the cards, but held his gaze.

Thryn answered quickly. "Almost two years. Been divorced for almost ten." He'd give her a freebie… because he planned to change the game on the next round.

Landry's eyes widened. "Wow… you got hitched at a very young age, didn't you?" She didn't have to do any math, his vital stats were in his personnel jacket.

Thryn shrugged. "Straight out of high school, right before I enlisted in the military." When she went to deal the next hand, he stopped her. "Look, let's change this up a little. Same rules, but high card wins." He kept his palm over hers on the deck of cards. "Not that I don't enjoy poker, but we've got a limited amount of time here." His thumb brushed the side of her hand.

Landry lifted her chin and gave him a long, considering look. "Okay. Since you're speeding this along, what do you have in mind as the outcome for our short window of opportunity?" Her voice rasped out and she cleared her throat before her lips curved in a flirty smirk.

Thryn nudged her hand aside and tapped the deck. "Guess you'll have to keep playing if you want to find out." He flipped over a card, revealing the king of hearts. "And draw an ace while you're at it."

Landry squared her shoulders. "Game on, then." She slowly drew her card, glanced at it then laid it beside his. "The ace of spades. Looks like I win again."

Thryn laughed. "In that case, I see the outcome being whatever you want." The woman's luck pretty much guaranteed she'd get her way.

Landry gave him another sexy smile. "Good to know."

This may end up turning into a novella, but either way, I love the way it's coming together.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Justice is Served

Happy Mother's Day to all the terrific moms out there! Enjoy the day and may you all be pampered and treated to your fondest wishes.

This week in television had some terrific stuff. Starting on Monday with Gotham, which is supposed to get a third season—yay! Hunters is still kind of dragging for me, but I'll finish out the season just because.

Tuesday's episode of The Flash ended on quite the cliffhanger. Looking forward to this week's follow up to find out what, exactly, happened. Agents of SHIELD kind of disappointed me but I did like the interaction between Daisy and Mac. And Fitz and Simmons are completely adorable.

Wednesday's Arrow proved very interesting. I had a sneaky suspicion Alex would turn out to be kind of cagey. Here's hoping he's not a total asshat… or that Thea makes him hurt a lot if he is. J

Thursday's Legends of Tomorrow made me so happy. I really do love this show. And the team is starting to mesh together in a great way. Orphan Black continues to blow my mind in wonderful ways. I wish I could say the same about After the Black, but maybe they'll find a good footing in the near future.

Wynonna Earp is still one of the best shows on TV right now. I'm very intrigued about Dolls's situation and look forward to more revelations on that end. I'm still a little behind on Banshee, but slowly catching up. Considering it's the last season, I'm not in a huge hurry to say goodbye.

And that's it on the television front this week.

Tonight's post is from Justice is Served, a novella based on the prompt of one character is convicted of a crime they didn't commit, the other character handles their appeal.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Derby Stack is a cold-blooded killer, but not by choice. She's convicted for her crime, but makes a last ditch appeal to Nate Mobius's legal firm. He takes the case and together they uncover a trail leading back to her childhood therapist.

And a snippety peek…

She finally broke the silence. "Why am I here?" She didn't move from her location by the door, but she folded her arms across her chest.

Nate angled his head around. "Would you rather be somewhere else? Back in the interview room, maybe?" He couldn't wait to hear her answer, his curiosity revved to maximum.

Derby lifted a shoulder. "I know what to expect in an interview room." Her gaze zoomed in on him again. "I don't here. What do you want from me?" Her tone had an edge to it.

Nate liked the reaction. Throwing her off balance drew new responses, things she couldn't have prepared for. Headway won, fought for with sheer instinct.

Nodding toward the seating arrangement, Nate indicated she had a choice. "I want you to sit, be comfortable, and know you're safe here." He swept his arm out. "For as long as you're in this room, no harm will come to you."

She reacted immediately. "No place is safe. Not for me." A shudder rippled through her, but she loosened her arms and quietly made her way to the loveseat. "You're an idiot if you think otherwise." Instead of plopping down on the cushions, she ran her fingers over the fabric then turned and gracefully got settled, tucking her legs up under her.

Nate counted the snide comment as another win. She'd said more in those few sentences, with an honesty she probably didn't know she'd provided, than she had in their previous meeting. Getting her out and away from an institutional environment gave him an opportunity to observe her in a new light.

Something he needed to do if he had a hope in hell of winning her appeal.

Nate perched on the edge of the recliner. "As long as you're in here, just you and me, you won't be hurt. You have my word." He waited until she met his gaze. "This room isn't wired or rigged for outside viewing. It's the best I can offer." He watched her closely for her responses.

She frowned. "Lots of ways a person can get hurt, but you couldn't possibly understand." She opened her mouth to say more, but a succession of quick knocks on the door drew her attention.

She sent him an accusatory glance.

Nate held up a hand. "I've been expecting the interruption. Stay put, I'll be right back." He got up and crossed the room, tapping twice on the door.

The deputy opened it and handed Nate the stuff he'd ordered. "You sure this is a good idea?" His skepticism rang through loud and clear even though he kept his voice lowered.

Nate juggled the food and beverages. "I'm sure." He nudged the door closed with his foot, shutting down any additional questions.

Turning toward Derby, he caught the quick flick of her tongue over her lower lip and the twitching of her nose at the aroma of a fresh pizza pie from his favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

Carrying the boxes over, he deposited them on the free end of the loveseat.

Her mouth dropped open. "Is that beer?" She reached out to snag a bottle, her wide-eyed gaze colliding with his. "I'm allowed to have one?" Her tone held a note of disbelief.

Nate flipped the lid up on the pizza box. "Why not? You're over twenty-one and we'll probably be here for a while. And I'll clear it with the jail, so you won't be put on lockdown."

She twisted off the cap and tilted the bottle to her mouth, letting some of the amber liquid slide down her throat, before responding. "Thanks. Appreciate it."

Nate blinked, a little stunned she hadn't put up her defenses. The pizza and beer? Best call ever. He settled into the recliner and snagged a piece of pizza, content to let their session unfold at Derby's pace.

Nate has his work cut out for him. He'll fight hard to earn Derby's trust.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Just One Moment

Welcome to May! I'm excited to have some warmer weather finally… enough to want to be outside and working on my yard. :D

Let's see, television this week ended up being a mixed bag. I want to really love Hunters, but eh, not quite sure I'm feeling the joy with that one. We'll see what ends up happening.

The Flash and Agents of SHIELD put out two good episodes. I'm truly interested in finally discovering who's under the mask in the Zoom's cage. Also hoping whoever it is, they're an ally. My jury is still out on AoS, but we'll see how the next few episodes go.

Arrow is breaking my heart, but wow, what terrific performances by the entire cast. My one small gripe has to do with showing Barry having his speed back when Tuesday's episode ended with Wells saying he'd help Barry get it back. Then again, schedules being what they are, they might not have had a choice. I'm just a little disappointed because they're usually so on top of small details like that.

Legends of Tomorrow remains pretty awesome. I'm so thrilled with the character interactions any disappointment I have over Savage being so smarmy as a villain are miniscule.

Wynonna Earp? Man… I love this show so much. It's acting as something of a replacement for Lost Girl with strong, kick ass females and the plotline is truly interesting. I love the sister dynamic and the fish out of water scenario Wynonna experiences on a regular basis. Looking forward to more revelations about Doc's deal with the devil and seeing how long he rides the fence.

Still behind on Banshee, but hoping to catch up soon. Also backed up on Marcella, but I rather love the twisty turns this series takes on a regular basis. Love not knowing if the heroine of the show is actually a villain, too. J

And that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Just One Moment, a sexy short and free read that will have two similarly named titles by my alter egos, ML Skye and Skye Ritchey. The free read will feature two characters from a previous release. I always love revisiting my characters to see what they've been up to.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A life-threatening situation and a couple in love. Just one moment to say everything that needs to be said for Kiernan and Lars.

And a snippety peek…

Kiernan ducked and took cover. The gunfire echoing in her ears and the rapid thumping of her heart dampened the sound of her short, gasping breaths. She'd lost sight of Lars, but he'd be close. He never let her get too far away.

The man always had her back.

And she loved him for it.

She almost jumped out of her skin when a hand clamped over her shoulder. Smothering a scream with her fist, she relaxed, instinct kicking in. A quick glance behind her and she breathed easier. Lars flashed a warning look and motioned for her to follow him.

Staying low, she crawled along the path Lars made through the overturned crates and shipping pallets. The rest of his team stayed engaged with the targets, also known as Kiernan's worst nightmare. Lars came to a stop inside the small office she kept directly beside the main entrance to her rented space in the commercial section of the marina.

Kiernan eased inside and heaved a sigh of relief when Lars pushed the door shut. The room offered additional cover and provided some soundproofing from the combat going on in the main work area. His hand cupped her face and she leaned into his palm.

He smoothed his thumb over her bottom lip. "You're doing great, Kier. This went to shit, but we have a contingency plan." He nodded toward the space between her filing cabinets. "There's your way out." Crab-walking over, he swung his feet out in front of him and placed his boots on the wall.

One hard kick later, a three foot by three foot square opened into the warehouse next door.

Kiernan's mouth dropped open. "What the hell?" Sure, she'd fit but he didn't expect her to leave him, did he?

Lars scooted out of the way. "I want you to get out and get clear of the building, at least two blocks." He held out a hand. "Now, Kier. I need you to do this for me." His gaze met hers.

A jolt of fear slithered down her spine. "Why, Lars? What's going on?" She moved closer, grabbing his biceps so he couldn't back away.

He flicked a glance toward her work area. "I need you safe and the only way to make that happen is to get you out of the line of fire." He kept his tone even, but frustration crept in.

Kiernan didn't take kindly to his words. "I'm not leaving you. We're in this together." They had been since the moment he'd pulled the rug out from under her, clueing her in to the people she worked for.

Lars grabbed her face between his hands. "You're a distraction right now. My team is putting their asses on the line and I have to be out there with them." His angry gaze zeroed on her.

She blinked, the sting of tears pissing her off. But she'd made a promise to follow his instructions to the letter and she'd do what he asked. Even if she wanted to punch him in the mouth.

Letting go, she eased away. "Fine. I'll take off." She turned, staying low, and started for the opening, but stopped and angled back around. "But first, I want one more moment of your precious time." She growled the words, lifting a brow, daring him to deny her request.

Lars exhaled slowly. "What, Kier? Seriously, you need—"

She cut him off. "I love you, Lars, even though you're being a total jackass right now." She crawled through the opening, not waiting on a response.

I had so much fun going back to reveal this moment between Kier and Lars. I hope everyone enjoys the final product.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin