Sunday Snippet: Tell Me More

February in Ohio can be an angsty monster. Two days ago we hit almost eighty degrees. Yesterday, we had a fifty-degree drop in temperature and snow. Seriously… Mother Nature has a warped sense of humor. Just saying.

I'll be skipping this week's The Walking Dead but thoroughly enjoyed last Sunday's episode. I'm always up for Daryl and Carol being in the same space.

The Flash ended up being pretty good, but I need to rewatch. Too many distractions going on while it aired. I did get to see most of Legends of Tomorrow and I'm torn between really hating Rip as a bad guy and kind of enjoying it. I'm very fickle sometimes.

Arrow ended up being awesome! Thea moving behind the scenes to protect her brother is terrific, even when she goes too far. The Merlyn blood is strong in her. I loved Oliver comparing her to Moira, too. A nice, subtle reminder of her other role model in life.

Riverdale got real with the Blossom family secrets. I loved getting some dark background on them. Also enjoyed some of the other undertones pinging in the background. I'm a little confused about Fred's marital status… didn't he say he and Mary split up but they're civil to each other? Oh well, whatever adds more drama, right?

I'm halfway through season two of Daredevil and still enjoying it. It's not as tightly written as the first season, but I love where things are going.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Tell Me More, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "don't stop".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Shannon Tewes and Webber Dillon work for a premiere event planner and don't always see eye to eye. Shannon has a knack for putting Webber on the hot seat whenever their boss is around and Webber has several ideas of how he'd retaliate if he ever got Shannon in a compromising position.

And a snippety peek…

Shannon Tewes jolted awake and sat up, scrambling for her sketchpad. "Holy crap. This is perfect." Her fingers traced out a design, lightly shading in the gauzy effect that her brain conjured while sleeping.

She wanted to get as much detail on the page as possible before adding the new concept to her presentation.

Five minutes later, she leaned back and held up the pad. "Wow. This will be amazing." She'd drawn a long tunnel draped in a crepe-like fabric. "Add some lights, probably red, and some candelabras to line the path and, viola, a stunning entry for the guests." The Halloween-themed wedding would go down as one of her favorites.

Crawling out of bed, she crossed over to her small workspace and got her laptop going. She opened the project file and scanned the sketch into the computer. She'd flesh out the idea after she made some coffee.

She'd pay for this burst of inspiration when she came down from the creative high. And she didn't need Marjorie to lose faith in Shannon if she nodded off during the meeting later today. She'd already be pushing the limits of Marjorie's patience by adding in a large-scale, last-minute stroke of genius.

Mercurial by nature, Marjorie walked the gamut when they made changes close to a deadline. Which they did all the time. Fantastic Fetes earned its reputation for pulling off the impossible.

Working the mouse to fill in the color, Shannon grinned. "It's a good thing Marjorie could sell snow to Santa Claus." Unlike Shannon.

She preferred to be well behind the scenes. But Marjorie had mad people skills when it came to clients and getting them to part with their money. With her employees, she created friendly—usually—rivalries that garnered terrific ideas from her design teams.

Ugh. "Webber's not gonna be thrilled with me." Her counterpart for the Halloween nuptials had cranky down to an art form.

But, damn, between the smokin' hot body and the way he worked miracles by bringing her ideas to life, she hated working with anyone else. She kept her serious crush buried deep and under wraps. Marjorie liked to taste-test the help, but Shannon tried to maintain the separation of personal and professional.

But if Webber ever eased up on the grouch factor, Shannon might consider crossing the line.

She snorted. "Yeah, right. As if that'll ever happen."

Especially when he got a look at her new presentation.

I think I'll fun finishing this one up. Shannon and Webber have a ton of chemistry.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Surf's Up

February 19, 2017

Okay, I ended up watching The Walking Dead and enjoyed having the group back together. As always, The Talking Dead made me happy, too.

An off week for The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, which meant I got to start a binge watch of Daredevil. So far, so good. I have two more episodes of season one to watch and I'm loving it.

Arrow's episode with the origin of Wild Dog ended up being terrific. I'm so happy they got a season six order. Arrow is consistently one of my favorites.

Riverdale continues to be must see for me. It's not perfect, but I like that. Lots of room to grow the characters and plot threads. I'll be waiting patiently for the next person to slap Alice Cooper… or to bring her down. Either is okay with me.

Caught up on Murdoch Mysteries and happy to see Brackenreid back. I enjoy him a lot. Looking forward to this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Surf's Up, a novella that got a prompt from a writing community. I veered a little off course from the main set-up of having the main characters be secret service agents on vacation in Hawaii with the president. But I'm really thrilled with where this one is going.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Marla Siff and Farley Osbourne protect a wealthy businessman as part of his entourage. People assume tech geek Farley is the muscle, but Marla is the combat trained protective detail. When a threat looms, they retreat to the private shores of their client's own island and Marla and Farley fight their attraction to keep their boss safe.

And a snippety peek…

Marla Siff lounged at the loft railing in the VIP section of Amberlane, owned and operated by her employer Lane Pennyworth.

She gazed down at the dance floor and checked the comms. "Farley, security mark-in. Can you hear me from here?" She didn't turn, waiting on her counterpoint's reply.

Farley cleared his throat and responded. "Coming through, loud and clear." He muffled his voice but the blonde draped on his left side asked who he spoke to.

Marla's lips twitched. Farley Osbourne made computer programs, apps, and anything technological purr under his capable hands. Dancing around explanations should give his skill set a boost.

Marla checked in with suit one and suit two, strategically positioned by the steps leading down to the main bar, one at each stairwell. She never remembered their names and Lane rotated about a dozen different burly guys to act as his front men. They could protect him if necessary, but Lane mainly used the "suits" for show. Marla and Farley always took point on Lane's security detail and traveled with him twenty-four seven.

She angled around, pirouetting on her four-inch heels. Lane insisted she and Farley look like part of his entourage. She'd kill to be in boots and fatigue pants right now.

Lane had a buxom beauty on either arm and both women hung on every word coming out of his mouth. Marla didn't bother checking in with him. He rarely remembered to put his earwig in.

She glanced around the VIP section. Not a big crowed, which surprised her. The lower level looked to be standing room only. Usually the bouncer sent up a steady stream of club dwellers to entertain Lane.

Marla filed away the detail and walked the perimeter, stopping to chat with a super-hot six-footer with wavy, dark hair and an impressive physique. His gaze lingered on her cleavage and his hand wandered to her hip. The short hemline of her sequined dress inched upward when he tugged her closer.

Stepping away, she deflected his interest. "Sorry, hot stuff, maybe another time." Glancing back over her shoulder, she gave him a flirty wink.

Movement at the top of the steps caught her attention and she frowned when a waiter breezed directly past suit one. She edged closer to the lounge area, keeping a close eye on the guy while he served drinks. When he'd emptied the tray, he reached into his vest and a flash of silver kicked Marla into action.

She maneuvered into position. "Gun!" Shouting the word sent the guests into a frenzied escape.

As expected, the fake waiter went for Farley, assuming him to be the biggest threat.

Marla smiled and kicked off her shoes. "Never fails."

Farley's physical attributes fooled the best, but his genius lie with the programs, apps, comms, and equipment. Not that he couldn't handle himself in a brawl, but Marla lived for combat situations. She had the special forces training and loved using those skills to thwart anyone after her employer.

With a quick glance to Lane, she indicated he should duck and roll. He immediately complied. Atta boy! Lifting her hand, she struck a trigger point on the fake waiter. His grip loosened and the gun fell to the floor. Farley swept it aside and moved into action, covering Lane while Marla engaged the would-be assailant.

The suits flanked Lane and Farley, getting them to the private, hidden door. One stayed behind, already in communication with local law enforcement. Marla made short work of the assassin and suit two stepped up to keep him subdued until the officers arrived.

Marla led the way down the elevator and out the rear entrance where a limo awaited them.

Marla shot Farley a sideways glance. "Looks like your remote app saved the day." He'd pinged the driver the moment the altercation started.

Farley shrugged. "It's what I do." He got Lane into the car and climbed in after him.

Marla followed but didn't let Farley hand-wave his action. She sent him a pointed look, silently giving him kudos for thinking ahead. And he'd to a lot lately. The attempts on Lane, whether kidnapping or assassination, continued to get more frequent and bolder. The man needed to scale back on his appearances.

And maybe stop pissing people off. His Midas touch often included playing hardball with hostile corporate types and an occasional third-world kingpin. Not taking no for an answer didn't help.

Lane sprawled on his seat, shaking his head. "I think it's time to go to the island. You two deserve a break." Translated, Lane wanted to chill and hide for a while.

Marla couldn't agree more about taking a break. The thing Lane forgot? She and Farley continued to work whether they were on a private island with Lane or in the field.

But she wouldn't say no to a sunny, tropical reprieve.

Marla and Farley might have just a wee bit of time to smell the lush foliage around them on the island. Stay tuned to find out.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Stone-Cold Sober

The Walking Dead returns tonight and I'm torn between wanting to watch and not. I'm feeling very bleh today and might hold off and watch later.

The Flash is getting good. Not that it wasn't already, but I like how much they've upped the stakes and how the Flashpoint 'verse continues to bleed into the current reality.

Legends of Tomorrow also keeps getting better. And it's renewed for season three, which makes me very happy. I'm gutted over Rip becoming a marginalized version of his former self. Here's hoping that changes soon.

Arrow finally had some payoff for the bitchtastic reporter. Oliver just can't pick 'em. I do love the addition of Dinah and look forward to her interactions with the team. Rene and Quinton made me so happy. I love the dynamic there.

Riverdale again had a terrific show. The Betty and Veronica, B & V, team-up kicked major ass and seeing Alice get punched in the face made me happy. I'm kind of hoping we'll get to see what makes her such a harpified menace. Can't wait for this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Stone-Cold Sober, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Tansy Jons meets West Tamesin, they have an instant connection, but she's dating one of his oldest friends. A drunken evening and almost hook-up with West has Tansy examining what she feels as soon as she's stone-cold sober.

And a snippety peek…

Jeff wished West all the best and headed back into the office. West slid behind the wheel and started the engine. His phone pinged and he switched over to Bluetooth before answering.

"David, how the hell are you?" West backed out of his parking spot and drove toward the street.

David laughed. "Damn, West. It's good to hear from you. I'm great." He paused a moment. "You, on the other hand, sounded like shit on the message."

West snorted. "Still call 'em like you see 'em, eh?" David knew West too well.

David snickered. "With you? Always. Seriously, man. What's going on?"

West filled David in while he drove out of the city and hit the freeway. The whole shitty story came pouring out along with the mention of coming home.

Weight dropped off West's shoulders when he took the exit heading for his condo. "So, I was wondering if you know of any place for rent? Something out and away from people?" He turned into his driveway and stopped outside the garage.

David gave a quick answer. "I don't, but let me ask my new girlfriend. Tansy's got an inside line on all the available properties coming on the market."

New girlfriend? He'd been out of touch with his best friend for too long.

West ribbed David. "New girl? I thought for sure you were gonna marry the last one." He'd actually been waiting on David to pop the question and give West a date to be home for the wedding.

David tsked. "Nah. Thought we were headed that way, too. But Greta took a job in a different state and I'm not at a place where I want to move." A long pause followed. "Long distance relationships don't interest me."

A lick of guilt hit West. "Damn, man. I'm sorry. You should've called me." Maybe he had; West traveled a lot over the last year.

David snorted. "Eh, we made a clean break. Haven't talked to her since she moved." He changed the subject. "Met Tansy John at a networking event and we've been hooked up ever since. Going on about three months now."

West leaned back in his seat and cut the engine, waiting on the Bluetooth to kick off before grabbing his phone. "Is it serious between you two?" Rebound relationships weren't really David's style.

David huffed out a breath. "Maybe? I don't know. She travels the tri-state area going to estate sales for the designer she works for." He waited a beat. "But she always comes home after a day or two on the road." Meaning no long distance relationship stuff.

West popped the door and exited his car. "Well, that's great, David. Think a week will give her enough time to put some feelers out?" He'd take a couple of days to pack up and put his condo on the market.

The furniture and big appliances would stay. West only needed his personal items, clothing, bedding, towels, and his coffeemaker, all of which would fit in his car.

David let out a low whistle. "You're not wasting time, buddy. Yeah, I'll get with her tonight."

West thanked his best friend and ended the call. He entered his home and strolled into the kitchen, grabbing a beer from the fridge. Popping the top, he wandered into the living room and sank down onto a side chair. Maybe he should think about finding a good woman and getting settled. For too long he'd had fast fucks or a relationship that lasted no longer than a one-night stand. Hell, he couldn't remember the last time he'd spent an entire weekend with someone.

Couldn't remember that last time he'd wanted to spend that long with a woman.

Moving home could change his mindset. Used to being alone, he could only hope so.

Because he needed something to hold on to now.

I like where this one is going and hope to have it finished up in the next couple of months.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Steamed Up

Hello February! Where the weather in Ohio is like a frigid tundra one day and a balmy spring on the next. Ha! Sometimes we get both in the same day. Yeesh.

Well… Riverdale kept my attention and fulfilled my wishes in its second episode. I don't have shows reach and grab me like they used to so this is terrific! I'm completely interested in what happens next.

Gotham just keeps getting better and better. I'm dying to find out what happens to Penguin and can't wait to see the Riddler come into emergence. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow had great episodes. Even the Legion of Doom didn't suck. Looking forward to seeing new episodes this week.

Arrow also had a great episode. I like where they're going with the new Black Canary. I'm also kind of holding my breath to see whether the DA is going to end up being a good guy or a bad guy. I'm also waiting for the other shoe to drop with a seed planted quite a while ago with Oliver being in Russia.

Got all caught up on Teen Wolf and enjoyed the midseason finale. Not sure where they can go with the final ten episodes, but I'll be there to see them.

Started the new season of X Company and it's terrific. I really love this show and the cast. I have three more episodes on tap and can't wait to watch.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Steamed Up, a novella that got a start with a prompt of writing a scene with sexy times in the shower with someone else watching.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Raina Forbes and Huck Holloway are forced to work together after a spectacular break-up. Their close-quarters job situation has sparks flying between the former couple, and shaky new relationships are tested with Huck's going down in flames. And contrary to popular opinion, Huck doesn't always play nice when he truly wants something… or someone.

And a snippety peek…

"Merch Madness just sold their shares to me and Huck Holloway starts working out of this location today." Hector Wells pranced behind his desk, his chest puffed out with pride. "I consider this the best news in the history of best news."

Raina Forbes groaned, but refrained from calling her boss an idiot.

Hector stopped his victory walkabout and pinned Raina with his beady gaze. "You got a problem, princess?" He resorted to calling names when he didn't want a confrontation.

Considering she and Huck had a spectacular breakup almost a year ago and hadn't spent more than five minutes in the same room since, why on earth would she have a problem? Not like Huck could ride her ass about Hector anymore; not when the man would be Huck's defacto employer now. She'd laugh out loud if the idea of seeing Huck again didn't throw her into a tailspin of memories better left alone.

Raina shook her head. "No, no problem." She'd be peachy or die trying.

Hector snapped his fingers then pointed in her direction. "Better not be. You and that Holloway guy have to learn to play nice."

Dammit. Of course Hector would remember she and Huck had a thing. And of course, he'd say something about it.

Manny Johnson, one of the trainers, shot her a look.

Raina shrugged. "Nothing to worry about." Except it could be if Huck decided he didn't want to be civil.

Any why would he be? You didn't end on good terms.

Tina Lamb, Hector's latest assistant, finally rolled in—late, as usual—and blew Hector a kiss. Hector gave her an indulgent smile and Raina's fellow announcer, Marissa Cathaway, shook her head in disgust. Hector always hired bubble-headed fluff brains to handle his day-to-day busywork. And he always wondered why he went through at least four a year.

Tina preened in front of Manny, but directed a question to Hector. "Did you deliver the news yet?" Her heels made a clacking noise on the tiled floor while she made her way to the desk and not waiting, for confirmation. "You all are going to love Huck Holloway. The man is a force of nature." She put her dainty purse in the top side drawer then flashed a smile. "If I had my way, he'd be in the brawls." Flicking her gaze to Raina, she all but purred. "He's an animal in bed." Bombshell dropped, Tina pulled the chair out and settled behind the desk.

Tina arrived after the spectacular breakup, but she'd heard rumors. No doubt, she wanted confirmation of Raina's previous status as Huck's bedmate. Raina rolled her eyes but didn't rise to the obvious bait. But… her nails left half-moons when her fingers curled into her palms.

Figured Huck would go for a simpering flower like Tina. Someone men would find malleable and agreeable—in bed and out. Unlike Raina who didn't like to be told when found lacking.

Manny nudged her shoulder. "You gonna let her have the last word?"

Raina shrugged. "Why not? She obviously needs a confidence boost." Marissa burst out laughing and Raina decided to make a dignified exit during the distraction.

Manny fell into step beside her. "There's my girl."

Raina's lips curved but she didn't reply. She'd never be his girl. They hooked up on a casual basis, when either needed to scratch an itch.

Raina intended to stick with the status quo. She didn't want commitment right now, even if Manny tried to push for more, which he did sometimes. Building the brand, making a strong presence on the elite spectacle sports circuit—her work—took up most of her time. Hector wouldn't always be her boss. Getting her name on the map and moving up the influence chain would guarantee a chance for her to call the shots one day. Since the breakup with Huck, her goals had solidified—own her own company and be the boss.

Raina would never admit the actual reason she kept Manny at arm's length and shied away from a real connection—Huck Holloway had ruined her for anyone else.

Gotta say, I'm having fun with this one. Raina and Huck are a joy to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin