Sunday Snippet: Weathering the Storm

Wow, halfway through 2017. It's crazy how fast time zooms by sometimes. My middle kid made it safely home from Alaska and had an epic adventure with his grandpa. Since it's summer, he had to adjust to it not getting completely dark in Anchorage, which makes for some terrific stories. Getting into San Francisco at around eleven PM, his first words to my dad were, "So, Grandpa, this is what night looks like. I'd forgotten." LOL I love that kid.

My Friday night shows had great episodes. I feel like I need to rewatch the first two seasons of Dark Matter, just for reference points. I love Three, which I honestly didn't think I'd say. There's something very appealing about interactions with the crew and the snark is perfect.

Wynonna Earp is having a great second season. It's not quite as flawless as the first, but I really like the dynamic between the characters. I'm really interested in how they're going to deal with Waverly.

Still need to catch up on Orphan Black. I think because it's the last season and I know it's the final one, I’m reluctant to watch and lose everyone at the end. But I can't not watch. I need to know where everyone ends up.

I'm almost through the first season of Young Justice and I'd forgotten how much I love animated DC shows. Looking forward to seeing how everything ends up playing out.

Next up is trying to find time to read for pleasure instead of work. I miss diving into a good story for the sheer enjoyment of doing so.

And that's it for entertainment this week. Tonight's post is from Weathering the Storm, a novella that originated with a brainstorming session about harsh weather romances.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gabby Carns and Tim Appleby live in a remote, mountainous region. When the weather report warns of massive snowfall, the couple prepares for the coming blizzard. But instead of being fearful, they're looking forward to the alone time—nothing brings out the steamy romance like a plunge in the temperature.

And a snippety peek…

Tim swung the ax, splitting the log on the stump. "Gotta check the generator and fuel supply when I'm done." He stacked the wood by the house and went back to do more.

He loved a good snowstorm. The last time he and Gabby were snowed in for five days. And they enjoyed every one of them. Not much beat finding creative and sexy ways to take advantage of being snowed in.

"Helps that Gabby has an incredibly wicked imagination."

She wrote erotic romance for a living that entertained and spurred many "hands on" sessions for research. He couldn't get any luckier in the significant other department. His chosen profession of handcrafting furniture bored by comparison… except for the fact Gabby used many heroes who worked with their hands as her male lead characters. She writes what she knows.

A grin spread across his face and he took a break from chopping to go ahead and check on the generator. They had three full canisters of gas, which would probably be enough, but he'd have Gabby fill the two empties, just in case. Heading back around to the front of their cabin, he caught sight of Gabby, puttering around in the kitchen, opening cupboard doors and typing items on her phone. She bent over to check their canned goods, giving him a sexy view of her ass.

He huffed out a breath, willing his dick to behave. "Plenty of time for that later, Timothy." Gabby's butt never failed to make him hard as a rock.

Whistling a happy tune, he grabbed the ax and started chopping more wood. If the weather got as bad as predicted, he wanted plenty of fuel for the fireplace and wood-burner stove. They had plenty of blankets and lots of cozy spots to stay warm.

His lips curved. "Man, I love a good snowstorm."

Writing tension with lots of anticipation is so much fun. Can't wait to finish this one up.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Voices Carry

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. My dad is off on a grand adventure with my middle kid. They're in Alaska, which, oddly enough, is where my dad spent last Father's Day. From the pictures I've seen, they're having a great time.

It's been a crazy week. I need to rewatch Dark Matter. I had too many distractions going on and I feel like I missed important stuff. Wynonna Earp delivered another great episode. I like some of the twists and turns. I don't like losing Dawls and I'm a little iffy on the new evil overlord chick but I'll give this series a lot of leeway to provide a terrific viewing experience. I'm going to have a hard time wrapping my brain around Kevin Hanchard playing a possible bad guy when he's one of my favorite good guys on Orphan Black.

Speaking of Orphan Black, I have to catch up. We had busy Saturday and I missed the second episode. Thank whatever rules the universe for On Demand. LOL

I have the new ITV drama Fearless ready to go, but haven't had an opportunity to watch yet. I'm looking forward to seeing Jamie Bamber on television again.

I'm almost finished with my binge watch of City Homicide. I'll be seeking my next Australian drama in the very near future. Possibly a binge watch of Sea Patrol, another of my favorites.

Started a premiere viewing of Young Justice on Netflix. Four episodes in and I'm excited about the possibilities.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Voices Carry, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of "a cop and a waitress". This one screamed for some suspense and mystery.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Summer Blaine is a struggling artist who always listens to Detective Fitch Falconer's tales of triumphs and woes when he drops by the diner she works in to make ends meet. When she gets a chance to display her art, she invites Fitch to the gallery to see her true passion. Unfortunately, a ghost from her past tries to get in the way and it's up to Fitch to find out who wants her dead.

And a snippety peek…

Summer Blain kept one eye on the window when she served an elderly couple their dinner entrées. Spying Detective Falconer heading toward the entrance, she finished up with the Dammers then nodded toward the counter when Fitch walked into the restaurant. He gave her a wide smile—the kind that made her heart flip—then ambled to the empty spot two spaces down from the register.

Summer had quite the thing for the handsome detective and looked forward to seeing him pretty much every day. The closest thing she had to a relationship since, well, since she became very cautious about who she spent time with.

Moving behind the counter, she greeted Fitch. "Hello, Detective." Grabbing a glass and poured him some water and added a slice of lemon. "Which usual will it be today?  Meatloaf or baked ziti?"

Fitch put a hand over his heart. "Better make it meatloaf tonight." He took a long swallow of his beverage.

Summer waved to the short order cook, Stan, and held up two fingers, their version of shorthand for Fitch's preferences. "How was your day? Catch all the bad guys?" She loved hearing his tales of bringing in criminals.

Fitch shook his head. "Not today. But we're close to closing a case." He drained his glass.

Summer refilled and settled a hip on the counter. "The one?" She didn't get into details; he'd been pouring his frustration out for two weeks.

Fitch nodded. "Yeah. That's it." His fingers worked over the glass and his gaze focused on the lemon inside. "Graydon swears we'll catch a break, and he's right; we usually do when he gets that feeling." He lifted his chin, staring straight ahead. "But I fall asleep with the faces of those victims swimming in my brain. And the families they left behind." He lifted the glass and took another long swallow.

Stan dinged the pickup bell. "Order up, Summer." His head bobbed in greeting to Fitch.

Summer eased the plate in front of Fitch and changed the subject. "Speaking of Graydon… I'm very glad you introduced me to Laura. She's been a whirlwind and just the shot I needed to finish up the last piece." She leaned on the bar again, waving to the Dammers when they got up to leave.

Fitch cut into his meatloaf. "How's the latest project coming along?" Scooping up some potatoes, he shoveled the food into his mouth.

Summer smiled. "It's finished and it inspired a name for the whole show... Voices Carry." When the title came to her, she got a burst of creative energy and completed the abstract painting.

Fitch stopped chewing and swallowed. "I love it." He scooped up another forkful of his meal.

Summer grinned. "Good. Because you helped me come up with it."

Confusion marred his handsome features. "Really?"

She chuckled. "Well, yes. Remember telling me about that witness last week?" She waved to a regular customer and grabbed his takeout order from the pass through. "The one who heard the two men talking?" She rang the cabbie up and swiped his card.

Fitch lifted his chin. "Yeah, the Polo-Martin case."

Summer returned the spot in front of Fitch. "I got to thinking… she'd heard that conversation through the ductwork—plain as day—because their voices were amplified. My work is visual but it should speak to the viewer and cause a reaction."

Fitch flashed a smile. "Amplification of emotion."

Summer smiled wide. He got it. He always did when she talked about her work.

She refilled his glass. "That's it. Exactly." Carrying the pitcher out to the eating area, she waited on a young couple talking about the movie they were going to see.

Fitch finished up his dinner and switched to decaf coffee, a sure signal he planned to stay until her shift ended. He almost always did. Summer appreciated having the handsome detective for company—Stan's idea of witty conversation usually started with hello and ended with goodbye, but she dearly loved him.

Three hours later, the replacement cook and waitress arrived and Summer left through the back entrance with Stan. She walked to the sidewalk and stopped beside Fitch. The street light cast his face in shadows and her fingers itched to pick up a paintbrush and capture the visage.

He shoved away from the lamppost. "Walk you home?"

He asked every night and she usually refused because… well, she didn't do the taking men home thing. At least she hadn't for a long time.

But she'd built up a solid thread of trust with Fitch and wanted to explore whether they could find something deeper. A huge risk, considering her previous experience, but Summer needed to let someone into her life… and maybe her heart.

She tilted her head to one side. "Yes."

His widened eyes showed his surprise, but he fell into step beside her.

Summer's thread of trust is going to get a hard yank, but not by Fitch. He's the kind of guy who always has her back… even if she might not need him to.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Violating Space

Had a terrific weekend with great weather for my middle kid's graduation party. My boys were super easy. They're pretty much no muss, no fuss guys. My daughter, on the other hand, will be a sophomore and I think I'm going to start planning her party next week. LOL She's very much a social whirl and gets involved in tons of activities. I might need to rent a venue for hers. LOL

Gotham's finale rocked. I'm so glad the show seemed to find its footing in the third season. I'm pretty much thrilled with all the storylines and where they're leading into for the next season.

Friday brought some much-needed excitement back to my television screen. The double premiere of Dark Matter kept me glued to the screen. Then the follow-up with the Wynonna Earp premiere had me staying put. I'm so happy to have the shows back and can't wait to see where everything goes. Killjoys is up this week and I'm impatiently awaiting its return.

As mentioned last week, I'm just not into this season of Doctor Who. I wish I could sink into the storylines like I've been able to in the past, but I'm struggling. A lot. Very disappointing.

Orphan Black, by comparison, had a kickass return. The clones kicked Saturday night into high gear and I don't anticipate anything less than a wild and reckless ride. My one and only hope is I don't lose any of my favorites. But I'm not holding my breath on that one.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Violating Space, a sexy short that started with the writing comm prompt of "violating personal space". I took the premise and decided to make this a coworkers who become more romance.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reese Claymore has it bad for Eric Matthews but they work in the same department and can't really get together. Doesn't mean Reese can't express her interest—to the point of driving Eric a little insane over it. He decides to prove a point and invades her personal space, but his plan goes awry when he can't resist acting on his crazy impulse.

And a snippety peek…

Eric waited until the door clicked shut, thoroughly enjoying the view while distracted. "I hate that woman sometimes." He shifted sideways, attempting to adjust the hard-on in his pants.

Reese did the sexy siren thing on purpose, especially after the memo went out about fraternization. She understood the company policy as well as he did. And, okay, he often thumbed his nose at stupid rules for the sake of convention but… job security didn't exist anymore.

That said, her suggestive display seemed to only be for his benefit and never failed to inject some much needed diversion into his day, even if he got sidetracked from work. One of these days he'd push back just to see her reaction.

And maybe find out if she had an actual interest in more than light flirting and being a pain in the ass.

He snorted. "I'd bet she's a wildcat in bed." He had no idea why. Not really.

Her laugh had sexy undertones and did incredible things to his blood flow. Her confidence showed in her work, her attire, and her demeanor. Eric loved a woman who had her shit together and didn't make apologies for it. His preference for curves and dark hair only kicked the attraction up to a higher notch. She definitely had a lush body that should fit nicely against his, and her brunette curls fell to her shoulders. Reese tended to wear it in a different style each day. Today's was a sleek twist with face-framing wisps.

Opening the top file on his desk, his lips curved in a smile. "Just wait, Reese. I can give as good as I get. Maybe even throw you off your game." Leaning back, he pulled the folder forward and got down to business.

I'm excited to see how this story unfolds. I like the forbidden aspect of two people coming together when there could be consequences.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Vin's Valentine (An Organic Nature Short)

Well, graduation turned out to be an inside affair, with bad weather predicted for the evening. That means a hot, crowded event in the gym. Bleh. But I loved watching my son get his diploma and even got him to stand still long enough to take a couple of pictures. LOL

Gotham is really going for broke. I'm not quite sure how I feel about Lee's walk on the dark side, but I'll hold out and see what happens.

I continue to be saddened by the "meh" of Doctor Who. I miss the days when I couldn't wait for new episodes. Now I'm lucky if I remember to turn it on because there's no anticipation for new stuff. Eh… hopefully that will change soon. I really enjoy the quasi-spinoff, Class. I'd love to see more of that one.

Orphan Black starts the final trip next weekend and I'm excited and sad and impatiently awaiting the premiere. Can't wait to see what Sarah and her sestras bring to the screen.

Watched a Torchwood marathon, well, only the first two seasons because I loved them so much. The third wasn't bad but the fourth… ugh. Ended up pretty much hating that one. If rumors are true and there's going to be a Torchwood revival, I'm hoping like hell it's more like the first two seasons. Fingers crossed.

That's it for television. Tonight's post is from Vin's Valentine, a sexy short and part of the Organic Nature series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After Eppie revealed her kinkier side to Vin, their trust and bond is deeper and better than ever. But there's someone else who knows how Eppie likes to play and he's hell-bent on worming his way back into her life.

And a snippety peek…

Eppie Collins carried a huge tub of fabric upstairs from her basement storage space. "Can't believe I ran out of heart-shaped soaps." Not that she'd complain.

This year's signature scent hit all the right romantic notes. Gardenia, freesia, and peony. A touch of spring in a rich, luxurious blend. The bars flew off her shelves. Having gorgeous, fabric packaging helped. Eppie needed to send her sister Dani on a weekend spa trip for coming up with the idea.

Halfway to the door, the bell chimed and Eppie hoisted the tub to one hip, opened the heavy oak, and pasted on a smile of greeting.

The curve took a quick downward turn when she came face-to-face with her ex, Jordan Nash.

He wore a sly smile and, as usual, made a slow once-over of her appearance. "Eppie, babe, you're looking incredible, as always." His eyes flashed with interest.

Eppie did a slow ten count, taking in the tailored clothes—a crisp, pale blue button-down, dark cuffed pants in sienna brown, and a tweed blend jacket with a navy and tan pocket square—expensive shoes, currently covered in a slushy mix, and a new close-cropped haircut.

He'd obviously put her ten grand to good use over the past few years. But the change in his appearance couldn't wipe away the image she had of coming home and finding Jordan in the shower with a prospective client, a woman they'd had over to dinner the night before. Said female had her lips wrapped around his dick while he had his hands fisted in her wet, stringy hair.

She moved past him and shut the door behind her. Jordan stepped out of her way, not bothering to ask if he could help with her heavy load. Eppie placed the bin on the rustic, mission-style church pew she used for displays in the summer.

Then she placed her hands on her hips. "What do you want, Jordan? How did you find me?" Not that she'd tried to hide, but she moved across the state and she'd never told him where she grew up.

He rolled his shoulder. "A quick name search turned up your website and from there it wasn't hard." He nodded toward the door. "Aren't you going to invite me in?" For effect, he shivered a little.

Eppie snorted. "Unless you're here to make a purchase, no, I'm not welcoming you into my home." She pinned him with her gaze. "Why are you here?" Keeping her voice even proved harder than expected.

She really wanted to punch him in his smarmy face.

He sent her a contrite look. "I'm looking for a second chance, Eppie. I hated the way things ended between us." Wrapping his arms around his waist, he hunched into his jacket.

Eppie quirked a brow. "Really? Looked to me like you were enjoying the hard suction of, what was her name again? Lilly? Lucy?" She waved a hand. "Eh, her name doesn't matter. Your dick in her mouth was all I needed to see." She picked up the crate and started for her studio.

Jordan followed, picking his way carefully through the snowy path. "Eppie, you have to know she meant nothing to me. In fact, she was supposed to be the warm-up to a pleasant new experience for us." He pitched his voice low, probably trying to sound sexy.

He failed on epic levels.

Eppie stopped and faced him. "What gave you the idea I'd welcome another person in our bed?" Sitting in a chair watching, maybe; but actively participating?

Nope. Not her thing. The fact Jordan assumed Eppie would fall in with his plan kind of blew her mind. Consulting her would have been nice.

His eyes went wide. "Are you serious? You forget I participated in many of your kinkier fantasies. Adding another woman to the mix shouldn't have been a problem." His lips curved in a wolfish smile. "And, of course, I've got more than enough to satisfy two."

Eppie shook her head. Could he have missed the point any more than he did?

Jordan unwrapped one of his arms and trailed a finger down her cheek. "I know how much you like a nice, big cock, Eppie. How long has it been since you've had one?"

Had his tone always been so oily? How had she missed the size of his ego? So unlike Vin… right, time to end this conversation.

Eppie made a show of looking at her watch. "Hmm. About six hours ago, Jordan." She started toward her studio again, but glanced back over her shoulder. "In my ass." Why not twist the knife a little?

Jordan provided the expected reaction. His mouth opened then snapped shut and the abject hurt quickly replaced by anger on his face meant she'd scored a direct hit. Good. Served the asshat right.

He schooled his features. "I'm disappointed I missed the opportunity, but no matter."

Ha. Eppie would totally call bullshit if she didn't want to be rid of Jordan as soon as possible. Missed opportunity? Since when did anal sex equate as some big prize? Oh, right. Since Jordan coveted doing the taking.

He didn't need to know her ass had yet to be breached. And he had no reason to stick around any longer.

Eppie paused outside her shed. "If there's nothing else? I have orders to fill. Valentine's Day is a big holiday for me." She'd made sure to inject dismissal into her tone.

Jordan frowned, no doubt still hung up on his lost chance. "Of course. I'm sure it is." He backed away, watching where he put his feet. "I'll be in town for a few days… if you change your mind. Maybe we could have dinner?"

Eppie made a noncommittal sound and shouldered her way into the shed, lifting her fingers in farewell. Shutting the door, she dropped the bin and leaned against the wall. She rubbed at her temples, fighting a headache.

"There has to be a reason Jordan fucking Nash decided to show up."

And a second change had nothing to do with it. She'd bet her ass on that one.

I'm pretty pleased with how this one is coming together. Jordan is a fun antagonist to write and Eppie needs the chance to deal with him once and for all, especially since she has Vin to soothe away the 'ick' of dealing with her ex.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin