Sunday Snippet: Winning Hand

Welcome to the last post of 2019. I hope everyone had a terrific holiday or the best they could have given the trash fire that has turned into a raging wildfire of possible corruption and back channel maneuvering in the RWA. I'm not a member of the organization but I stand with marginalized authors. Period. Full stop.

I believe I made it through the mild case of the flu. I'm still a little stuffed up and achy, but otherwise doing well. I caught some decent television time also.

I watched an episode of Riverdale and thoroughly enjoyed it. Once again, the play on theme of the episode title worked so well. I'm sad because it's almost the end of the season and that means no more Luke Perry soon.

I finished Dirty Sexy Saint and ended up really liking it. I also caught the new Quickie, The Naughty List and loved that also.

Caught another episode of Murdoch Mysteries and enjoyed the different approach. The episode played out almost like a dinner theater murder mystery and I'm totally there for that.

Frankie Drake also had a different style of episode and I loved it. The cold opening had me wondering for a few moments if we'd lost a major cast member. Well done.

Watched an episode of Midsomer Murders and, weirdly, it reminded me of Doctor Who if only because two of the actresses in this episode guest-starred on the series. I've been watching some of the marathon leading up to the New Year's premiere of the new season.

I'm finishing out the week with a full arc of Sapphire and Steel. I started season three and since there's only one assignment for this season, I'll have it finished up later today.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Winning Hand, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

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…

Hahn deposited Tawni's luggage on the trunk at the end of the bed. "She packs light." Then again, she had efficiency down to an art form.

Anything extra clothing she needed would be foraged for in town. And promptly donated when they packed up to head to their various homes. Hahn respected Tawni's mindset when it came to not hanging on to things she wouldn't use until the next time they met at the lake.

Then again, she'd always been pragmatic. "Since elementary school."

She'd moved to their hometown in second grade and made his parents' diner her home away from home. Her mom worked at the local hospital—the same place Hahn now worked as a physical therapist—and Tawni stopped in before and after school while her mom worked twelve-hour shifts.

Hahn ran a hand over the battered, oversized bag. "And stupid me fell in love with her on day one." Of course, Tawni had no clue how long he'd carried a torch.

Maybe she never would.

He headed back out to the main room where Dav and Robin were setting up a table for their traditional welcome-back poker night. Ellie had Brett pouring liquids, a mixture of fruit juices, soda, and alcohol, into a huge bowl. And Tawni held court by sitting on the counter in the kitchen observing the antics unfold. She glanced up and met Hahn's gaze, holding it for several long moments.

He'd trade a paycheck to know what wandered through her mind. No doubt something downright dirty if her wicked smile gave any hint. The idea her thoughts might involve him had his dick twitching to life.

Great. She's not here five minutes and I'm already working a set of blue balls.

The sexy grin grew wider and something a little speculative entered her gaze. Hahn swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. But his lips curved in a wide smile before he went to help Dav finish setting up the poker table.

With a little luck, Hahn might turn the speculation into something smoldering and hot.

This is a fun story where the timing finally seems right for friends to cross over the line to lovers. But Hahn's fondest wish is more than just a summer hookup.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin