Sunday Snippet: Stone-Cold Sober

July kind of flew by in a series of weird weather and crazy work schedules. I'm oddly okay with that. The weather is what it is… and will probably keep acting like an angry toddler. My work calendar is bursting at the seams and I'm excited about my new projects.

But… my television viewing is sporadic, which isn't a bad thing. I'm just so used to doing rundowns each week I feel like my blog is naked if I don't have a full slate. LOL

I did get a few shows watched. I started with Midsomer Murders and got a holiday episode. There's a new detective sergeant or maybe it's detective constable, but either way, I'll miss Jones. I loved that character. Which isn't to say the new guy won't grow on me. He's not bad. Good mystery also.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and it's rather different and I like it. I'm not sure how long the first season is, but the series is something like fourteen seasons and it's nice to have variety in format.

Caught two more episodes of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. I'm kind of excited to watch a live-action episode with Two. So far, it's been six animated episodes.

Finished the final episode of Blade. I have to admit to still being disappointed with the outcome on my rewatch. Sometimes I can have a change of heart when I've got a few years of distance when viewing a show's run.

Frankie Drake Mysteries had a great episode. I'm starting to like Grayson a little more and it'll be fun to see if Frankie's mom sticks around.

Watched the fifth episode of Daredevil and, eh, this is something of a slow-moving season. I do like where things are going and it's great to see Karen kind of have to face what she did in a previous season. That said, I'm enough of a Fisk non-fan to really not want to watch a bunch of scenes with him. And the FBI agent annoys the crap out of me. I actually think he's too smart to be playing things so stupidly. So, yeah, I hope the rest of the season evens out.

Started Riverdale's Bizarrodale episode and hope to finish it later today. This season has been dark and twisty and I like it.

New episodes of Killjoys have started and I'll be hopelessly behind on those, but I can't wait to watch this final season.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Stone-Cold Sober, a novella that started with a scene prompt from my writing community.

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…

Tansy stood at the stove, keeping an eye on the stir-fry sautéing on the burner. Her lips curved in a grin when the key rattled in the door. David never got the quirky lock to open on the first try. A string of muttered curses soon followed.

She laughed and backed away from the stove, crossing the living area to pull open the raised-panel walnut wood slab. "You have to insert the key, jiggle it twice, then turn." Pivoting, she went back to the stovetop and shook the pan to keep the heat distributed.

David chuckled. "Or… I could get you a new lock." He tossed his jacket on the antique coat tree.

Tansy swung her head around. "And ruin the character of my front door? Don't even think about it." Switching the burner off, she divided the food between two plates.

David grabbed a couple of glasses and silverware. "I'm just saying. I'm pretty handy with stuff like that." He filled the cups with water and added some ice.

Tansy carried the entrees to the table and settled in her seat. "No, you're not. But you're handy with everything else." They had a running joke about her DIY skills outpacing his and his laundry and cooking talent topping hers.

Simple stir-fries were her only accomplishment involving a stove.

David sat down and dug into his food. "I got a call from West today and I need a favor." He chewed and swallowed. "Damn, this is terrific." He scooped another forkful into his mouth.

Tansy shook her head. "You need a favor? For West?" David talked about the guy frequently, but Tansy didn't know West at all.

She'd moved to Granite Hills five years ago, well after David's elusive best friend had left town.

David nodded. "Yeah. He's coming back for a while and looking for a place to rent. Something quiet and out of the way, if possible." He stopped eating. "He sounded burned out on the phone, probably because his last operation totally went to shit but only because the head of the company had to stick his nose in where it didn't belong." He rolled his eyes and took a drink of water.

Tansy quirked an eyebrow. "Which means what exactly?" According to David, West did consulting work for civilian contractors in former warzones.

David frowned. "It means even though West isn't the one who screwed up, he's done working for a guy whose pay grade gives him the opportunity to fuck shit up." David's tone went hard and his eyes held a flash of anger.

Tansy always got a little lost when David mixed military lingo in with regular conversation, but she wanted to understand what happened. "The head of the company sounds like a total jackass." She'd had former managers who fit that mold to a T.

David finished his last bite of stir-fry. "More than that. He's an irresponsible dickhead whose actions cost lives not to mention put a lot of people in the hospital. If he'd followed West's advice, which he pays a lot of money for, no one would have died." He pushed his plate away and drummed his fingers on the table. "West is gonna need to decompress and get some distance away from work. He left the company and wants to consider new options."

Tansy nodded. "I might know of at least two places that would suit him. I'll need to check availability and I can put some feelers out for anything else that might be coming up." She slid back and gathered the plates. "How soon will he need something?" One of the two properties she had in mind might not be ready for at least a month.

David got up and helped clear the table and started rinsing their dishes. "Probably within the week." He handed her the cups to put in the dishwasher.

Tansy's eyes widened. "Wow. Okay. I'll make a few calls this evening."

David smiled. "You're awesome. Thought maybe we could plan something next week. You're gone Monday and Tuesday, right? We could do a margarita night with Mexican takeout on Wednesday if that works for you." He finished loading and started the dishwasher.

Tansy gave a nod. "Sure. I'll pick up the fixings for margaritas on my way back." She reached out and grabbed David's hips, tilting her head to one side. "I'm finally going to meet your best friend. I was kind of wondering if he really existed or not." Her lips quirked in a grin.

David laughed. "I think you'll like him even though he's nothing at all like me. We're the definition of polar opposites."

Tansy chuckled, trying to picture the antithesis of David. "Well, I'm looking forward to meeting him." She backed away and grasped David's hand to tug him into the living room. "Let's take a quick walk then I'll start making calls."

This is one of my favorite tropes, meeting the right one at a very wrong time. It's so much fun to write how characters navigate their various minefields to find a happily ever after.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Steamed Up

Man… the heat has been horrible this week. I hope everyone has a cool spot and is dealing with the high temperatures safely. Ugh… it's miserable. Watching the Irish Open, I truly wanted to be there. I mean they were wearing sweaters and jackets. I could go for that right now. And, yeah, everyone needs to remind me when I'm griping about how cold it is in May next year to shut up and deal. LOL

Slow week for television viewing. I had a full slate of work and needed to focus so I didn't get as many shows watched.

I did catch another episode of Daredevil. I missed watching one last week. Not a bad episode but too much Fisk for my liking.

Krypton had a great episode. I'm in deep and want to know what happens next. I'm honestly not sure if I care whether Lyta is redeemed or not but I do want to see her reaction to the reprogramming.

Watched another episode of Painkiller Jane and the pieces started to fall into place. Only about three or four more episodes left of this show.

Last but not least, I caught another episode of Durham County. Man, Michelle Forbes can really play the barely hanging on by a thread character better than a lot of actors. She's scary good at those roles.

That's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Steamed Up, a novella that started with a writing community prompt.

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…

Huck pulled into the parking lot of the nondescript warehouse and cut the engine. "So… this is it." Four stories with plenty of room.

Which he might need working with Raina.

He gave the building a quick once-over. Not much to look at, a gold-plated sign with Underground Entertainment beside the door the only indication the place had occupants. But it had clean lines and plenty of care. No streaking from soot and other pollution down the sides of the brick exterior. The parking lot had a security gate and lots of space, and the roof had satellite feeds for live shows. All in all, a ton of money-making potential.

Pulling the keys from the ignition, he pocketed them. "Why don't I feel great about this?" Right… Raina.

When Maisie and Earl Merchant decided to sell out and retire, they stipulated Hector had to keep Huck on board. After all, he'd grown the company to its current status and if Hector played his cards right, Huck would make him piles of cash on merchandise too.

Huck almost walked anyhow… but Hector dangled a big bump in salary plus creative control on design. Huck's kryptonite. No, Raina used to be your kryptonite… the creative desire kicked in after you split up.

Huck snorted. "Doesn't matter. For creative freedom, I all but gyrated across a stripper stage to accept the offer." Not like he didn't have practice.

Once upon a time, a long while ago—underage and in high school—way back when.

A quick rapping on his window and the door popping open startled Huck. Tina's face peeked inside his car. Her floral scent, while not unpleasant, tickled his nose and almost made him sneeze.

She stepped back and draped her arm over the window in a sex-kitten pose. "Huck, I've been waiting and watching for you." Her tone took on a breathless quality. "I'm so glad you're here."

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He didn't appreciate Tina's welcoming gesture, especially since it reeked of being an ambush. Dammit, he didn't want a scene with her.

He'd defined their hookup in clear and certain terms. He had a need—for one night only—and she happened to be available. Dirty, sweaty sex and nothing more. No strings, no romance, and no repeat performance.

Too bad Tina didn't want to accept the terms. He'd spent the time between then and now dodging her calls and texts. Giving her his number might prove to be his biggest mistake.

He slid out of the vehicle, being careful to avoid brushing against Tina. "I'm sure I can manage to find my way inside. You didn't need to come out to greet me." He'd wanted to have some time to observe the inner workings of the facility before he met with Hector.

Tina preened and moved so he could close the door. "Well, I just wanted a moment to let you know I talked you up in the morning meeting and I also set Raina straight." She tried to hook her arm through his, but her fingers only brushed his sleeve…

Because he stopped short. "What did you set Raina straight about?" Reaction burned through his veins but he kept his tone calm.

Tina blinked in confusion. "Us, of course." Her mouth pouted prettily.

Huck pinned her with his gaze and held it for several long moments. "There is no us. Never was, never will be." He wrapped his fingers around the door handle. "I'm sure I made that clear. If there's going to be a problem, tell me now and I'll talk to Hector about finding someone else to handle the merchandising for Underground." When he pulled the door open, he quirked an eyebrow.

Tina's eyes went wide. "You wouldn't. Hector's been raving about having you on board since the deal went through." She kept her voice low so no one would overhear.

Huck lifted a shoulder. "Then let's make sure we're on the same page. I'm not here for workplace hookups. With you or anyone else." Including Raina.

As if that would happen.

Huck pushed for clarification. "Are you certain you understand now?"

Tina gave a terse nod and entered the building ahead of him. She didn't glance back or speak to anyone on her way to the ladies' room. Huck hated to be the bad guy; loathed playing the role of asshole. But, damn, he didn't need another complication.

Hector bustled out of his office and clapped Huck on the back. "Welcome, welcome. I'm thrilled to have you on my team." He flung an arm in the direction of the room he'd only just vacated. "Take a few moments and look around, then come on in when you're ready."

Huck lifted his chin in acknowledgment. "Sure, I won't take long." He made a cursory stroll around the training room, which Hector situated front and center.

The man certainly had a Midas touch when it came to staging brawls. The spectacle and showmanship never failed to top audience expectations. But the man's misogynistic tendencies often rubbed people wrong—especially Huck.

Why am I working for this dickhead again?

Right. Creative freedom to design and sell merchandise. If all worked out, Huck would go out on his own in five years or less. Then he wouldn't have to work with a guy who thought anything with tits should be used to make money.

A fact Huck got acquainted with during his time with Raina. She'd walked from their relationship, choosing to let herself be used that way by Hector to make big bucks. She had the smarts to do anything she wanted. Why let Hector put her physical assets on display?

Huck stopped outside the locker room. Shit. Raina.

He closed his eyes. "I'm gonna have to work with her." And he would… if only to prove a point.

Huck knew promo. He lived and breathed selling merchandise tie-ins to spectacles created by entertainment kingpins like Hector. And Huck kept everything legal; licensing and appearance contracts, quality control, and number crunching with pristine accounting practices. His background with both sides of the law gave him a unique perspective. Cutting corners and cooking the debit and credit columns never paid off.

He'd know within three months if Hector fudged his receipts in any way—from live pay-per-view to ticket sales to what he paid his fighters and trainers. And his marketing and promo people.

Huck made his way back to the office and entered, taking a quick glance around the space. He found Hector seated behind the desk and Raina pouring some coffee into two mugs.

Hector rose and came around front, accepting a mug from Raina. "I'll keep this brief. I want you two to head up bookings and promo. I don't care how you get the job done as long as you do." He paused, taking a sip of the steaming beverage. "Either of you have a problem with this setup?" His eyebrow quirked.

Huck shot a quick look toward Raina. "No, no problem here." He wouldn't admit it if he had one.

Raina's lips curved in a wry twist. "We'll be fine, Hector." She wrapped her hands around the mug and brought it to her lips.

Huck had a momentary flashback to when she'd drink coffee in bed after a night of steaming up the sheets. Not here. Not now. Focus on the work.

Hector lifted a hand. "Good, good. I'll take my leave. Have a couple of new fighters to get signed in and ready to rumble." He ambled out of the office and snagged Tina on her way back from the ladies' room.

Huck went over to the coffee bar and poured a mug. "Give me a moment to get some caffeine then we can get down to business." He glanced back and Raina gave him a nod.

So far, so good.

He wouldn't have to address the whole Tina situation just yet.

I'm so pleased with how this story is going. I love the trope of being a couple too soon and then making their way back together thing. After jumping a few hurdles, of course.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: St. Patrick's Day Seduction

July 14, 2019

Whew. What a week. The weather has been all over the map with storms moving through my state. In our small town, a tree fell on a house in the back end of town, where I happen to live, and we lost power for a few hours. Honestly, not bad all things considered.

A so-so week in television viewing. I got a few more episodes of Blue Heelers in and still really enjoy this Aussie drama.

Also caught Midsomer Murders and quite enjoyed the episode centered on a school's history.

Watched two episodes each of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. I've started the second doctor's arc with the animated Dalek episodes.

Caught another episode of In the Dark and enjoyed it. I'm actually quite thrilled with where the show is right now.

Watched an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries and liked how the show played out.

Riverdale never fails to go in directions that blow my mind. Watching Archie implode is painful but also riveting. I'm also enjoying Betty's conversations with her dad. I'm still wondering when Alice will get her brain back.

The Lost Canary episode of Arrow proved very entertaining. I'm so, so, so going to miss this show when it's gone.

Caught another episode of Classic Roswell. The introduction of Tess still underwhelms me.

Caught a holiday-themed movie on Pluto TV and enjoyed it. It was hot and sticky outside and viewing a Christmas movie definitely cooled things down a little.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from St. Patrick's Day Seduction, an Organic Nature short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Eppie Collins and Vin Derbish survive a visit from Eppie's nefarious ex and she's ready to try something new with Vin—something she's never done before. Eppie takes some time to prepare then sets the stage for the romantic encounter—where else but in the chic shed Vin made for her.

And a snippety peek…

Eppie Collins finished planting a tray of seedlings and wiped her hands on a damp rag. "Not quite ready for prime time. Weather's still too cold." She put the container under her kitchen window for some indirect sunlight.

A knock at her door followed by the quick open and shut sound had her heading out to meet the UPS driver. "Hey, Sam. How're the roads today?" A late winter storm had everything covered in white again.

Five days before St. Patrick's Day.

Sam's lips quirked. "Main roads are clear. Can't say the same for the county and township roads." He glanced down at his boots, covered with a slushy mix.

Eppie grinned. "Good thing I came out to meet you. How many packages today?" Sometimes he couldn't get all of the boxes in one go.

Sam held up two, one in each hand. "Just these." He handed them over and turned to leave. "I'll see you soon."

Yeah, he probably would. She usually got deliveries several times a week.

She carried the containers into the kitchen and placed them on the counter then checked the shipping labels. A thrill shot through her when she spied the one with Naughty Nellie's Boudoir Boutique. Holy crap. Finally!

Reaching for the handy boxcutter she kept on the counter, Eppie chuckled. "I can't wait to show everything to Vin." Slicing the tape, she lifted the box flaps and pulled the air-filled plastic baggies away from the products inside.

An array of intimate playthings greeted her eyes. An entire box of fun things for Eppie and Vin to incorporate into the bedroom antics. She started to remove the items, then thought better of doing so in the kitchen. She had two more store hours and while business slowed after Valentine's Day, she still had regulars who liked to drop in during the week.

Carrying the box into the laundry room, she took each of her purchases out. A bottle of massage oil, a vibrator, a cock sleeve, and the one she'd been waiting on… a set of anal plugs. She wanted to be prepared if Vin had any interest in going where no man had yet to go. Nellie's had also included several complementary types of lubricant and cleansers.

Eppie laughed. "Dinner should be interesting tonight." If she had her way, it would be a quick meal.

Packing the items back inside the box, she did a little dance out into the kitchen and started a new tray of seedlings.

I love this series of sexy short stories. Eppie and Vin are a fun couple to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Spring Chickens

I'm always blown away when July arrives and I realize half the year is really gone. The whole time speeds up when we get older thing is absolutely a thing.

Fairly busy week but stayed caught up with most of the shows I'm watching. Started out with In the Dark and watched two episodes. My heart kind of breaks for everyone on this show. And, again, I keep going back to how messy everything is. The episode with Murphy and Max on the run truly ended on a cliffhanger. Need to watch another episode soon.

                   

Caught an episode of Blade, the penultimate one. This series was ahead of its time and I wish it had the chance to realize its full potential.

Also caught the season finale of Chicago Fire, which ended on a cliffhanger. I literally had to call my dad—a retired fire chief and still active in our local department—to decompress. He's also a fan.

Watched another Classic Roswell episode. This one started moving the plot forward and tightening the bonds between the group. That means it's almost time for a wedge to show up and pull them all apart.

Frankie Drake Mysteries had a great episode. I loved how the women pulled all the threads to solve their case and it's interesting to see Frankie end up with a new enemy. Lots of fodder for future episodes.

Once again, Riverdale pulled out all the super batshit crazy it could find. I do love, love, love that FP is now the new sheriff. I'm dying to know what Hermoine meant when she said it's finally time. There better be a payoff there. Alice makes my head spin with her insane loyalty to the farm creepies. I truly hope I end up enjoying that storyline because I have a feeling that shit isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Kind of sad Veronica practically ran back into the fold when Hiram got shot but it makes for good conversation. Almost fell out of my seat when Tallboy arrived back on my screen. Can't say I'm upset he didn't stick around.

Watched an episode of Arrow and, wow, quite a few revelations. Having Emiko be the leader of the dark knights is just the kind of twist I like. Kind of sad she's pushing Laurel back toward her dark persona. That'll be interesting to see next week.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers and can't say I liked the creepy dude they had to bring in to nab the home invaders. Kind of glad Doyle sent him packing and didn't fall for his creeptastic come-on lines. Geez. Also started a new episode but only got the first few minutes watched.

Krypton had a great episode. Glad Seg is free of Brainiac, or at least I hope he is. I love how twisty this show is right now. It's very hard to tell who is playing against who and I like that. Never knowing which direction a character will turn is fun.

I'm almost finished with Painkiller Jane. The standard groundhog day episode ended up being better than I remembered. I don't always love those kinds of episodes.

Watched the season two premiere of Durham County and, yeah, this show is still dark and twisted. I love it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Spring Chickens, an Organic Nature short set around the Easter holiday.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A four-day weekend over the Easter holiday puts Vin Derbish in the mood for some alone time with Eppie Collins. A family emergency sees Eppie taking in her niece and nephew, which gives Eppie and Vin some perspective on parenthood.

And a snippety peek…

Eppie Collins loaded the cooler in the back of Hannah Rhodes's SUV. "Thanks for bringing dinner out. Vin should have the kitchen put back together later tonight." She shut the door and walked around to the driver's side window.

Hannah grinned. "Speak of the devil." She nodded toward Vin when he came out on the porch of the small cabin, sitting on the property of the bed and breakfast Hannah and her partner, Emily, ran.

Holly Hollow had a beautiful setting and the cabin on the other side of the land parcel also had a peaceful, gorgeous approach.

Eppie put her forearms on the door. "When is your brother due in?" She and Vin would have the long Easter weekend to get things ready.

Hannah shrugged. "Should be the first week in May, maybe the second. He's not sure when he'll be back from his extended vacation after being released from the service." An army veteran, Greg mustered out just after the first of the year.

Vin strode over and braced an arm on the side of Hannah's vehicle. "I'm pretty much done here, other than getting the stove and fridge moved back in. I might come up again next week to do some touch ups."

Hannah smiled. "I can't thank you enough, Vin. Greg doesn't know what he's going to do yet and this will give him some time to figure it out." She leaned closer. "Personally, I can't wait to have him back. He's eight years younger than me, but we've always been close."

Eppie glanced toward Vin. "Need any help on your crews?" If nothing else, Greg could work over the summer when Vin usually needed some extra hands.

Vin lifted a shoulder. "I've already extended the offer to Hannah. If Greg wants to earn some bank over the summer, I can use him." He shifted his attention to Hannah. "Doesn't have to be full-time. I'm happy to let him work when he wants to." He stepped away and tapped on the roof of the car. "Heading back in. Thanks for letting us use the cabin this weekend."

Hannah laughed. "Are you kidding? It's the least I can do for the paltry amount you're charging me to bring it up to code." She shared a look with Eppie. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Eppie chuckled and eased away from the vehicle. "Good thing that gives me plenty of options." She waved and headed back to the small building Greg would call home soon.

Vin met her on the porch. "Wanna help me get the stove and fridge back in?" He nodded toward the appliances, sitting in the yard.

Eppie waggled her eyebrows. "Absolutely. Nothing makes me hotter than watching your muscles bulge while you work." She bent down and grabbed the straps of the moving gear.

Vin preened and strutted around. "We can cool you down in the shower as soon as we're done."

Eppie gave a happy sigh. More like they'd heat things up in the shower, which suited her just fine.

This series is so much fun and this story is a bit of a turning point for Eppie and Vin when they have to face a few things they haven't considered yet.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin