Sunday Snippet: Your Move

Yeesh, July has been a rough month. I'm kind of glad to see the tail end of it. Of course, mid-August starts the school year and it's crazypants from then until after the first of the year. LOL

I'm almost caught up on Dark Matter, which remains pretty decent. I do love the character interactions in this show. I'm slightly put off by all the new introductions, but I'll get over it.

Still need to catch up on Killjoys and Wynonna Earp. I really, really hate being made to wait for the episode for a full week. Seriously? The stupidest thing ever to not have the episode available immediately for people who can't watch or have another commitment and are unable to view when it's on. I'll never understand why network executives get paid the salaries they do when they're making decisions that shoot themselves in the foot. <shrugs>

Final episodes of Teen Wolf start tonight and I'm looking forward to seeing how this series ends. Very excited for the returning faces.

Less than a month away from The Last Ship. Again, impatiently waiting for one of my favorite shows to return. Come on August 20!

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Your Move, a novella that started with the two-word prompt 'you win'.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reilly Mounts returns to her hometown after an impulsive marriage and a divorce that's turning ugly. Caden Bromley, her high school flame, wants to pick up where they left off, but Reilly needs some time to figure out where he fits in her life… and she has to deal with her soon-to-be ex.

And a snippety peek…

Reilly Mounts drove into Haven's Mill, hometown USA, and faced down a lot of memories. "Gram, I hope this is what you wanted." Reilly didn't take the time to stop at the cemetery to visit her grandmother's grave… she'd have plenty of time later.

Because she'd come back to Haven's Mill to stay. For better or for worse.

Cruising through the mid-sized town, she relived most of her childhood and teenage years. Some new trendy shops mixed with the old standards on Main Street. The Pike Café got a facelift, something she'd missed on her trip to lay her grandma to rest six months ago.

Her lips curved. "Wonder how Gram felt about the new sign for Toodle-Doo's." The antique store now sported a neon sign, which clashed with the shop's vintage fare. "Maybe they're going more retro instead of pastime." Wanda Mounts would've pitched a fit… change never came easy for her.

Reilly frowned. "God knows I threw a lot at her." College, an impulse wedding, staying away for six years—time she'd never get back with her grandmother.

Reilly made the turn onto Mill Road and headed toward her destination. She didn't know what kind of reception she'd receive but she had to try… to get her life back on track, to make amends, to settle down. She owed nothing less to her gram's memory.

Pulling into the parking lot of Bromley's Lumber and Hardware, she cut the engine. Taking a deep breath, she got out of her vehicle but paused. Nervous tension filled her. Seeing Caden Bromley again shouldn't be such a big deal. But what the hell did she say to the guy she walked away from?

She shook her head and ran through several ways to greet him. Everything from apologies to cheesy pick-up lines tumbled through her brain. Nothing fit or seemed right.

She huffed out a breath. "I wonder how he'd respond if I just said, 'Hi, Caden, it's been a long time." Super easy but… too simple?

"He'd probably say something like, 'Reilly, I'm sorry for your loss. What brings you to Haven's Mill?'"

Reilly gasped and whirled around. The sight of him knocked her back. He'd filled out, no doubt from working full-time at the lumber yard. He'd also added about two more inches to height, putting him right about the six foot mark. Her observations put chinks in her already battered armor. He looked so terrific… but also very guarded. Not that she blamed him.

Caden glanced beyond her shoulder, his gaze scanning the interior of her car.

She caught on quickly. "I'm alone. Actually, that's why I'm here." She hated the way he shuttered his gaze, narrowing his eyes. "Does your brother still practice law? I need an attorney." Step one in taking her life back.

Caden tilted his head to one side. "Considering he handled your grandmother's estate, I'm pretty sure you know he's practicing law." His eyebrow quirked upward.

Reilly flushed, heat filling her face. "Well, yes, that's true. But this isn't about Gram's will. It about my marriage." She quickly clarified. "Specifically about ending it." Gah! Could she sound more like an idiot?

Caden blinked. "You're getting divorced?" He shook his head, clearly unsure what else to say.

She nodded. "I'm filing, yes. I'm back to stay and Doug's not coming." He'd never fit in Haven's Mill anyway. "With what Gram left me, I'm starting over and closing the chapter on my younger days. It's time to be a grown up." God, why did she share that? "Anyway, I can't afford to pay much, but I trust Cameron. The problem is—"

Caden filled in the rest. "He's on vacation. Left yesterday." A lopsided smile snuck across his face.

Reilly gave a little chuckle. "Yeah. I found that out when I called to make an appointment from my hotel last night." She glanced up, then back down. "I was hoping you could contact him—just to see if he can handle the divorce and help me file the paperwork to form a corporation—"

Caden's mouth dropped open. "You're starting a business?" Again, he shook his head, probably trying to sort through her muddled ramblings.

Reilly groaned. "Yes. God, I'm making a mess of this, aren't I?" She pushed onward, hoping he'd be willing to help… for old time's sake. "Look, I know this is stupid and a lot to ask, but I only need to know if he can help me or recommend someone who can." She stopped abruptly before she said anything else that could be considered lame or idiotic.

Caden studied her for several long moments before responding. "I'll give Cameron a call and get back with you about what he says."

Reilly heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank you. Truly." She turned to open her car door. "I'm staying at Gram's… well, I guess it's my new place." She slid behind the wheel and started the engine, eager to leave and not make more of a fool of herself. "I appreciate your help, Caden. Thank you, so much." She shut the door, put the car in gear, and back away, leaving Caden behind.

Again.

But this time she'd only be traveling to the other side of town… not running away to see the big, wide world.

She'd been there… and discovered how much the place sucked. Her heart belonged in Haven's Mill… her home…

And maybe she'd find her way back to her true self.

She hoped.

Reilly has some serious soul searching to do and Caden has to have patience or risk ruining something before it starts.

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: X Out the Date

Ugh, the rain continues and it's making the outdoors feel like a sauna. I'm not against saunas but, ugh, I'd rather not have one 24 / 7. Besides… you can't run around outside with only a towel on. Okay, I guess it's not impossible, but I won't be doing it anytime soon. LOL

I had a friend recommend Will for my viewing pleasure. I haven't started it yet, but I'll give it a go. She's in love with everything about the show.

Have to play catch up again on my Syfy Friday night shows. I hate being behind and it sucks that on Demand and the Syfy app won't show the latest episode immediately. I have a lot of growly, snarly words about that topic.

Great news! Wynonna Earp is renewed for season three. I'm soooo happy we'll have more demon-killing gun action in the town of Purgatory. Woo!

Lots of terrific trailer action coming from SDCC. I'm looking forward to The Defenders if only for the awesome snark potential.

The Last Ship's new trailer is making me very impatient for the season to start already. Less than a month away, but still feels way too long.

Also… the final episodes of Teen Wolf start next week and I'm excited to see how the series ends.

One final note… I'm actually excited for Doctor Who again! Nothing against Moffat, he's written a few of my very favorite episodes but, ugh, he almost ruined the series for me. The entire last season just rubbed me wrong. I wish him nothing but the best with whatever he's involved in from here on out.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from X Out the Date, a novella that got a start with the two-word prompt, "Don't stop".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Preston Ayl and Elliot Newman are on the verge of making a strong commitment. Attending conferences on opposite ends of the country, the week away from each other is proving more difficult than either expects and they're crossing out the date until they're back together.

And a snippety peek…

Elliot took his seat on the plane after stowing his carryon in the overhead bin. He settled in and leaned back, thinking to grab some extra sleep on the somewhat short flight. A smack on his shoulder had his eyes popping open.

Alex Ayl, Preston's cousin, wore a sly smirk. "Dude. Don't tell me you're going to Maine, too." He dropped down next to Elliot. "Man, that's awesome. I'll have someone to hang with."

Elliot grinned. "Are you hawking more sporting goods?" Alex had several endorsement contracts, including clothing and equipment.

Alex shook his head. "Not this time. I'm headed to a small start-up company that wants some input on a new design. If I like what I see, I have a chance to invest, too." He kicked back in his seat. "Sometimes it's good to be me." His head lolled sideways and he shot Elliot a glance. "You leave your better half behind?"

Elliot laughed. "No, actually. She's headed to the west coast for a weeklong conference." He frowned. "I wouldn't have minded going with her. Helluva lot warmer in California than Maine." Plus, they could take advantage of the beaches, which they currently couldn't do in midwinter.

Alex snorted. "Man, I'd be out of a job if we didn't have these glorious cold winters." He rubbed his hands together.

A fine point. Alex lived for any activity done in the cold. Boarding, skiing, sledding, skating. If it could be accomplished in frigid temperatures with powder or ice, Alex showed up.

Elliot's lips twisted in a smile. "I doubt you'd be out of work for long. Something tells me you'd make the transition from Mr. Freeze to Heatmeister in quick order."

Alex quirked a brow. "You mean like surfing and shit? No way, man. That's your gig. The only cold weather thing you do is play hockey." He gave Elliot a pointed look. "And that's only when my cousin lets you come out to play."

Elliot smashed Alex's theory. "Man, it's not like she's got me shackled to the bed." He sat back and waited for the response.

Alex made a gagging sound. "Aw, dude, not a visual I needed right now."

Elliot crossed his arms over his chest and leaned his head back again. "Then shut up and let me get a nap in."

I'm hoping it's going to be fun to write the absence makes the heart grow fonder scenario. So far, it's pretty great.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: X Marks the Spot

Coming off a very rainy week with lots of thunderstorms. That means I need to save after every paragraph I type. LOL

Watched another episode of Killjoys and, yeah, this is a great season! I love the banter and snark and pretty much everything.

Dark Matter is truly messing with everything and I'm quite enjoying it. I wouldn't mind if the pacing moved a little faster and I'm not completely sure I like having Four off on his own. That said, I'm willing to exercise patience and see where everything goes.

Wynonna Earp keeps blowing my mind. I'm excited to see what happens now that the baby news is out. The season feels a little off kilter but I like that because Wynonna is off kilter. My fingers are crossed for a third season because there's no way this story is over at the end of two.

Got another few episodes of Young Justice watched and still very much enjoying the dynamic of the group. I'm hoping the whole mole thing is wrapped up by the end of the season or at least the person is revealed. Should finish up in the next week and move on to the second season.

Can't wait for next month when I can start talking about The Last Ship. I'm so bummed they delayed the start of this season.

That's it for television. Tonight's post is from X Marks the Spot, a novella where the main couple pushes past their boundaries with some sexy fun at an island resort.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nydia Vreeland takes her boyfriend, Declan Morris, on an adult adventure vacation where sexy fun and games ensue. Their final game is a treasure hunt where 'X' marks the spot and the winner gets to choose the evening's pleasure. The way Nydia figures things, there's no way she can lose.

And a snippety peek…

Declan managed to keep his speed under the limit but still made it home in the allotted ten-minute timeframe. He started shedding clothes as soon he entered the loft apartment he shared with Nydia. Naked, he entered the bedroom to find Nydia in a sexy pose on the chaise by the huge windows on the north wall.

He admired the view. "Damn, Nyd. You're so hot." Her curves always got him revved and ready.

Crossing the space separating them, he drank in her sultry grin. She tilted her head to one side and gave him a slow once-over. His dick jumped to attention when her tongue flicked over her lower lip. Nydia did wicked, wonderful things with her tongue.

She sat up and moved to the end of the chaise, spreading her legs wide. "And you're so hard. Can't wait to feel you buried deep." A low hum of desire rumbled in her throat.

Declan placed a knee on the edge of the seat. "As of right now, you'll have me as deep as you want as often as you want for the next month." He braced his hands on the back of the chaise, bracketing her between his arms. "I'm all yours." Swooping forward, he caught her lips in a steamy kiss.

Nydia moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You'll always be mine, Dec." She nipped at his jawline. "And I'll always be yours." Rolling to her side, she made space for him to spoon in behind her.

Declan ran his hand along her thigh, lifting her leg up and over his hip. Nudging in, he positioned his cock at her core. Reaching around, he cupped a breast, tweaking her nipple.

Nydia shuddered. "Don't make me wait." Her hips bucked, seeking his hard shaft. "I've been anticipating this all day and the video chat made my imagination run wild."

Declan grasped her pelvic bone and thrust smoothly, splitting her labia to slide in deep. "Mmmm. You're on fire and so slick." He pumped back and forth and used his palms to stimulate her tits.

Nydia gasped and pushed to meet each stroke. "This is gonna be fast. Think you can keep up and join me?"

Declan huffed out a laugh. "Not gonna be a problem." The way she tightened her inner walls never failed to make him come hard. "Almost… there."

Her body tensed and he followed right behind her.

Spent, he nuzzled her temple. "Now that we've taken the edge off… it's time for you to fill me in on our sexy getaway."

Nydia and Declan have their adventure of a lifetime and discover some secrets about each other along the way.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Winning Hand

Bleh. I'm feeling under the weather today. Allergy season is in full swing and my sinuses hate me right now. LOL

Got caught up on the premiere of Killjoys but haven't been able to watch the other two episodes yet. I hate it when On Demand makes me wait. Might have to see if they're available on SyFy. One of my favorite things about Dark Matter is how trippy they get with episodes sometimes. I love it when I have to keep up or get lost. Wynonna Earp… wow. Seriously, just wow. This show gets better with each passing episode. It's crazy, batshit, and over the top and I love every single moment.

Hoping to get into Orphan Black later this week. With five or so episodes ready, I'll have a good amount to binge watch.

I'm excited to see they've started filming season six of Arrow! Can't wait for the new season to start.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Winning Hand, a sexy short that got a start with the two-word prompt "dream big".

Here's the mini-blurb:

A night of poker takes a sexy turn when Hahn Canedy ups the ante and wagers a night of hot sex as his tithe. Tawni Capps can't resist calling the bet—either way she'll have the winning hand.

And a snippety peek…

Tawni Capps grinned when she turned into the Atwood Lake park entrance. "Finally… can't wait to catch up with everyone." The year had flown by.

She followed the winding road, soaking in the natural habitat of huge, old trees and a gorgeous waterline. July on the lake. Didn't get much better, especially with the group of tightknit friends she'd met in college.

Pulling into the gravel drive of cabin ten, she flashed another smile. "The gang's all here." Ellie, Robin, Davin, Brett, and Hahn—her pulse kicked up a notch when she spotted his truck.

Shutting the engine off, she relaxed, tension from work, the drive, and life draining away.

"Boo!" Davin stuck his head in her window.

She jumped, startled. "Dammit, Dav. Cut it out." The guy never changed, immature but too cute to stay mad at.

He flashed a cheeky grin. "About time you got here." He yanked her door open and reached for the trunk release. "Lemme help you get your gear." Not waiting on a reply, he hustled back and pulled the cooler out.

Tawni slid out and followed him around. "You always start with the food and beverages." She shook her head, her lips twisting in a smile.

He gave her a "duh" look. "Hell, yeah. I'm not taking any chances with your girly stuff." He hefted the cooler onto his hip and started up the path to the cabin. "Never know what weird ass objects might fall out of a suitcase." He shuddered for good measure.

Tawni laughed and grabbed her bag. She didn't blame Davin for getting a little wigged out. The last time he helped Robin take her gear into the cabin a dildo fell out of an outer pocket—in front of everyone. Davin turned twenty shades of red and steadfastly refused to unload any more suitcases to avoid having way more information than he needed about his roommates.

Tawni closed the trunk, started for the cabin and smacked into a wall of solid muscle. Her gaze flew upward to meet the warm hazel one of Hahn Canedy. He reached out to steady her, grasping her elbows, which kept her up close and personal with one of her oldest friends and a secret fantasy.

Her lips curved in a wide smile. "Hahn, how's it going?" She brushed a kiss over his cheek. "How're the 'rents?" His folks ran the best roadside diner in their hometown.

Hahn gave her a slow once-over, a lick of heat entering his eyes. The always there spark zinged between them. Tawni hovered on the fence over whether to do anything about it.

"The parentals are great. They're off on a month-long excursion along the east coast." He took the bag from her and draped an arm over her shoulder. "Unlike Dav, I don't get all twitchy with device envy." He rolled his eyes.

Tawni barked out a strangled laugh. "Geez, Hahn. Did you two start the bro brawl already?" She walked up the landscaped path with him. "Wait. Hold up. Who's in charge of the diner while your mom and dad are gone?" Surely they wouldn't close the place down while they were away?

Hahn slid her a sideways glance. "Would you believe Tyler?" He paused outside the door.

Tawni blinked. "Your brother Tyler?" The younger Canedy had a severe allergy to anything work-related. "No way." She shook her head, not quite believing Hahn.

Hahn chuckled. "Yes way. He finally pulled his head out of his ass and decided to try the whole adulting thing." Pulling the door open, he let Tawni enter first.

Everyone swarmed around them. Robin and Ellie squealing their welcome, Dav and Brett doing air high fives. Tawni shot Hahn a quick look and mouthed the word "later". He gave a nod and started toward the remaining open bedroom with her case.

Tawni hugged the girls, but her mind strayed to later, once the sun went down. She and Hahn had a lot of catching up to do and possibly some unfinished business to sort out. If Tyler Canedy could finally grow a set and take some responsibility, Tawni might have to do the same and find out where she and Hahn really stood.

I love to write friends who become more than friends and Tawni and Hank are fun to work with.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Wind It Up

Welcome to July, meaning half the year is gone and I have no idea where it went. LOL

This has been a crazy week. I'm so far behind on my fave shows. I missed the premiere of Killjoys and I'm carving, carving time out Monday to make sure I don't get too far behind.

I did get to catch most of Dark Matter and Wynonna Earp. I really do like where things are going with both shows.

I've decided I'll probably end up binge watching Orphan Black. I haven't had the time to catch up on my missed episodes. As for Doctor Who… I'm just so disgusted with this season I don't even care how it ended. This makes me sad. Considering some of my very favorite episodes were written by Moffat—oddly, all before he became showrunner—I'm truly discouraged with how much he's destroyed the joy of watching the show for me. Here's looking forward to Chris Chibnall's tenure. May he bring back my love for the show.

Finished up my rewatch of City Homicide and think I'll be moving on to Sense8 for my next binge marathon. Also caught another episode or two of Young Justice. Almost through the first season and I like the setup for what I think is coming.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Wind It Up, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "that's it".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Garner Mason enlists in the military and leaves Rae Manilow behind—breaking her heart. Rae meets Sheriff Felix Reynolds and falls hard, settling down with him in his mountain cabin. When Garner rolls into town intent on making amends with Rae, she's trapped between two men she deeply loves and can't see a way out of her predicament.

And a snippety peek…

Rae stood beside the plot where her dad had been laid to rest. "I'll miss you, old man." She nodded and the caretaker started filling in the grave.

Muffled footsteps sounded. "Can I give you a lift, Rae?" Felix Reynolds stopped beside her, blocking some of the wind gusting through the trees.

Rae's lips curved upward. "Going above and beyond the call of duty, sheriff?" He'd taken over after his dad died in the line of duty—a short six months ago.

Felix wrapped an arm around her. "If you need a shoulder, I'm here. The hard part is coming."

Rae tilted her face to meet his gaze. "I know. And you had more to deal with, leaving the police department, moving here to take over for your dad." She laced her fingers with his. "Thanks for the offer." Different circumstances, her dad lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, but the grief remained the same.

Rae turned to leave but paused. She'd closed her business, Good Stuff, a combination coffee shop, tea room, eat-in and carryout diner, and gift emporium. She had nowhere to go except home.

Alone.

Swinging back, she flashed a tentative smile. "Would you like to have dinner with me?"

His eyes widened and he swallowed, tilting his head to one side. She'd caught him off-guard with the invitation. A welcome swirl of amusement licked through her. They'd hit it off almost immediately—he'd stopped by frequently to get the lay of the land from her dad, a dispatcher with the sheriff's department—but had yet to spend any time alone together.

She wouldn't mind changing the dynamic, but… while he'd settled in and found his footing, he'd kept some distance. Something she understood completely. After Garner left, Rae avoided anything long-term. Felix might be single, but he could have baggage like she did.

Felix nodded. "I'd like that. Should I meet you at Good Stuff?" He fished his keys out of his pocket. "Or can I give you a lift?" His gaze scanned the grounds for her car.

Rae linked her arm around his elbow. "I'd love a ride, but back to the house instead of the shop." She slid her gaze to meet his. "I have so many condolence packages from my dad's harem ladies, and everyone else, I'll never be able to eat everything by myself." Most of the food came from her business, which amused and touched her.

Felix's lips quirked. "He had quite the following, didn't he?" He guided her to his SUV, parked under a huge oak tree.

Rae laughed. "An understatement. His social calendar put mine to shame." Gah! Overshare much, Rae?

Felix opened her door and stood back while she settled into the passenger seat. "There's a lot to be said for keeping things interesting and your dad had it down to a science." He shut the chilly air out and crossed in front of the vehicle, hunching his shoulders against a gust of wind before sliding into the driver's side. "I gotta give your old man credit for keeping, what… a dozen women… happy for over a decade." Starting the SUV, he pulled away from the tree and followed the lane to the exit.

Rae chuckled. "It was ten. Ada, Cora, Ellen, Gretchen, Ivy, Kelly, Mona, Olivia, Quinn, and Susie." She blew out a breath. "I'm pretty sure they're all figuring out who to vie for next." Not that she blamed them. They were all good women and deserved to find someone else to shower attention on.

Felix drove through town, heading toward the house she'd shared with her dad. "Did he have any favorites? We used to talk a lot when he was on duty and he never mentioned one woman's name more than the others." Turning onto her street, he slowed to adjust for the speed limit.

Rae lifted a shoulder. "I don't think he did. He was only intimate with a few, but he didn't spend more time with any one over another." She shook her head. "I think each one had a trait he loved but none had exactly what he wanted." She'd given up trying to figure her dad's dating habits out a long time ago.

Felix pulled into her drive and shut off the engine. "Maybe your mom was a hard act to follow."

Rae blinked, surprised by the astute statement. "True. They had ten years together and losing her hit him hard." She popped the door open and Felix followed suit. "At least I think it did. He didn't talk about Mom much." Rae never pressed him, assuming he found talking about her painful.

Felix followed her to the front porch and laid a hand on hers when she slid the key into the lock. "I'm sorry. Feels like I've kicked up a ghost or two."

She turned after twisting the knob. "Not really. But I'm glad you're here." She nodded toward the interior. "I'm not used to the quiet yet. Keep expecting to hear Dad's booming voice when I get home." She glanced away, blinking tears back.

Felix cupped her cheek, his thumb stroking a stray teardrop. "I'll stay as long as you'd like. The first night, from what I’m told, is the hardest… but it does get better and easier." His hand dropped and he gave her some space.

She backed into the house and stepped to the side, grabbing hold of the heavy oak for support. The gentle touch of Felix's palm lingered on her face and a slow burn started deep in her core. Long dormant synapses fired in her brain and instead of fighting the potential possibilities, Rae welcomed the future of "what if" with Felix Reynolds.

Hopefully, he'd be open to exploring the unknown prospects they might discover together.

Looking forward to really diving into this one. It's all plotted out and brainstormed.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin