Sunday Snippet: Breaking Ice

April is almost over and it doesn't feel like we should be moving into the summer months. Seriously, the weather is still chilly, there's a pandemic making everything seem more lopsided and crazy, and it really just feels like we're still stuck in 2019, right?

Anyway, slower than usual week in television, but I did get several things watched. I started out with finishing up the Roswell, New Mexico episode and it ended up being pretty solid. I really want Maria to know what's going on with everyone. Make that happen soon, dammit.

Caught another episode of The Heart Guy and, seriously, this show is growing on me. I'll have to recommend this one to my brother, another fan of Aussie dramas.

The main reason I didn't get a lot of my regular shows watched is because I got completely sucked into the Battlestar Galactica marathon on Syfy. It was so much fun catching up with cast members and seeing them reminisce about the show. The marathon also made me long for the old days when Syfy used to marathon shows on a daily basis. I miss those days so much. I literally loathe the crap they show during the day now. Ugh.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice, the final one for the first season. A familiar face popped up, the man who plays Brackenried on Murdoch Mysteries. That was fun.

Watched two episodes of Danger Man for some background noise. Both were episodes I didn't remember seeing in my initial viewing of the series.

Also caught another arc of Classic Who. I have one more arc left with Three then will be moving on to the fourth doctor.

Watched another series of Cirque de Soleil shows. The talent the performers have amazes me. And the theatrical costumes and plot also blow me away.

Started the second episode of Picard, but the streamer kept crapping out with error messages. Frustrating as that seems to be happening a lot lately with various platforms. With so many people trying to stream shows, I guess that's to be expected.

Same thing keeps happening with Strike Back. I'm almost finished with the fifth episode, but it's taken my three days to get that far. Very annoying. But patience is a good thing.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Breaking Ice, a sexy short that brings a couple back together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bailee and Oakes have a lengthy history of breaking each other's heart and leaving a long trail of personal drama everywhere they go. But they finally have a shot at being on the same page after going one on one in a charity sparring match, if they can trust themselves to get it right this time.

And a sneaky peek…

Bailee stood beside the open grave while the cemetery workers covered her mother's casket with dark, loamy earth. "Bye, Mom." The long battle with cancer finally claimed Bette Young.

Moving back and away from her mom's final resting place, Bailee headed for the waiting car. The driver opened the door and quietly closed it once Bailee slid inside. He'd return her to the funeral home where she'd retrieve her vehicle, go home and change then greet her two p.m. client for their hour-long session. After that, Bailee would hit the training facility to meet Wade Blanchett to get ready for their exhibition match.

Her phone pinged just after the driver dropped her off by her SUV. "Bailee Young."

"Hey, Bay. You sure you want to meet this afternoon? We can reschedule for tomorrow." Wade's voice held sympathy and commiseration.

Bailee entered her car and closed the door. "I'm doing what Mom wanted. She asked me to keep on track and not make sweeping changes. She didn't want anything to possibly disrupt the progress we've made." Not even her death.

Geez, Mom. Ask for the world, why don't you?

Wade sighed. "Your mom was something else." He covered the phone and a muffled conversation took place before Wade came back. "Okay, we'll meet at three thirty, but Frankie insists on having you over for dinner afterward. He won't take no for an answer and you know he'll make my life hell if you don't agree."

Bailee's lips curved in her first smile of the day. "We can't have that, can we?" Frankie Falsone pulled Bailee out of obscurity and became her sponsor the cage fights.

He also happened to be Wade's fiancé.

Wade huffed out a breath. "No way. So, you'll come, right? Frankie's gonna make his grandma's lasagna. Said we needed the carbs for the exhibition this weekend."

Bailee's mouth watered. "Tell him I'll be there. I'd never refuse anything Grandma Falsone created." The woman doted on her grandson and she loved the cage fights.

Wade passed her message along and ended the call. Bailee pulled into her driveway and killed the engine. The hard part came next—going into the house she'd shared with her mom the past two years.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open. "Gonna be weird without you here, Mom." She skirted past the sitting room that still had the hospital bed and various medical equipment that a hospice center would pick up later in the week.

Running upstairs, Bailee shed the wine-colored suit and traded it for her training clothes. She scrubbed off the makeup she'd applied earlier and headed down out back outside to the small studio she'd set up in the garage last year when her mom had taken a turn for the worst. Unlocking the door, she gave the space a quick once-over. Neat and tidy with everything in its place, the sanctuary filled Bailee with pride. No longer under the financial burden of her student loans—thanks to Frankie's sponsorship—Bailee now made a dent in the mortgage after her mom refinanced and added Bailee's name to the deed.

A brief shadow clouded her proud moment. "I'm back on track with fighting. My business is booming. But…" She had no one to share her life with.

The stark future saddened her. While her mom's life insurance would cover the funeral and take care of most of her remaining medical bills—and Bailee appreciated not having to worry about either of those—she almost longed for the days of financial disarray. And she'd miss not having Bette any more.

Sighing, she grabbed a cold water from the fridge. "Because the empty hours will give me too much time to think." About the past and how she'd ruthlessly driven Oakes from her life.

She missed him. More than she liked to admit. She didn't want for male companionship but she didn't get close. A few brief relationships that didn't last longer than a month or so.  Usually, she kept to short-term hookups because Oakes held her heart, whether Bailee liked it or not.

And, geez, did she go back and forth on that one. "Same old, same old." Laughing, she set the water on the shelf and moved to the center of the space to begin stretching.

Wade and Frankie both thought she should find a guy, settle down, and start training up and coming fighters. Frankie kept nudging her to retire from singles bouts and help build the mixed duo matches.

She paused in her warm-up. "I'm not opposed to the idea. Just maybe not with Wade." She loved the guy like a brother, but he had a nasty habit of getting stuck on the injured roster.

Mainly because it gave him more downtime with Frankie.

Bailee snorted. "I'm not stupid." Wade loved a good cage fight but, at thirty-five, he'd earned his stripes and deserved to have some rest and relaxation, especially with the wedding set for next month.

A lavish affair where she got to participate as Wade's best person.

The sound of an engine outside interrupted Bailee's train of thought. Glancing at the clock, she nodded. Right on time. Claire Robbins never failed to be punctual. She always wanted the full hour and Bailee admired the woman's work ethic.

Claire approached the door, a huge bouquet of mixed blossoms in her arms when she entered the studio. "I hope you don't mind. I know your mom didn't want a lot of fuss, but these are for you … to brighten what has to be a downer of a day."

Bailee's heart twisted a little when she accepted the flowers. "Thank you. They do make a statement." She carried the bouquet over to the small counter and placed them in the center of the space. "A very nice one." Touched by the gesture, Bailee turned to face Claire wearing a wide grin.

Claire smiled, clearly relieved. "I didn't want to overstep the whole trainer-client relationship, but I'm glad they're okay." She moved to the center of the floor and started her warm-up stretches.

Bailee's gaze went back to the lovely floral display. Today might not end up being as hard as she'd thought. She still had a hard workout with Wade and a lasagna dinner to look forward to. And preparing for the exhibition match would keep her busy for a while … and, hopefully, keep the loneliness at bay.

This story keeps taking twists I'm not expecting and I love it!

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: The Bedroom Chronicles

Crazy weather in Ohio this week. Warm, then cold and rainy, and then a little slushy snow mix thrown in. I can honestly say I'm kind of ready for spring to get here in full. At least having the option to go outside and enjoy some sun breaks things up a bit.

Not a big week for television but I got a few shows watched. I started with an episode of Arrow and I'll be getting ready to start the Crisis Crossover soon.

Caught the penultimate episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I'm sad about the death of a character I liked. I loved George's side story. I have no earthly clue what Julia is doing but I'm rolling along with the character arc to see where things go. I do like seeing the ups and downs of William and Julia.

Watched an episode of Riverdale and, wow, the batshit ramped up to double digits, which I love. I still hate Hiram with the burning passion of a thousand suns and gotta say the character kind of ruins the show for me. We'll see how this season shakes out but I honestly can't stand it when he's on the screen. I'm not sure how I feel about the Charles / Chick development but we'll see how that one plays out also.

Had a virtual watch party with a good friend and we rolled out The Rise of Skywalker. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie to bits. I'm hoping we'll get more of those in soon.

Started the second episode of Roswell, New Mexico's new season. So far, I'm enjoying but I really want Maria to finally be aware of the aliens. The fact she isn't really bugs me. So far, I'm not a huge fan of having Rosa back either.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from The Bedroom Chronicles, a novella that got a start during a brainstorming session.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Birk musters out of the military, he drops in on his best friend, Klint and his wife Elsie. They welcome Birk into their home and eventually their bed because Elsie can't think of anyone better than her husband's oldest friend to fulfill their deepest fantasy. But sometimes the best laid plans go awry and dealing with the fallout is a challenge.

And a snippety peek…(explicit content ahead)

Klint's eyes rolled back when Birk nodded then swallowed, his muscles closing around the tip of Klint's cock. The sensation drove him wild. He let go of Birk's head and dropped his hand to scrape a nail over Birk's nipple. Birk moaned around Klint's shaft.

Klint smiled. "Like that, do you?" Klint loved the vibrations Birk's limited vocal ability provided.

Birk nodded again and worked his tongue around the rigid flesh in his mouth. Klint's thighs flexed; the anticipation of what he wanted to do next building to a simmering boil. Birk didn't let up or slow down, his lips changed pressure, his tongue swirled then flicked then rubbed against the veiny skin, and his fingers massaged Klint's testes and brushed over his taint at the same time. Easing back, his cock pulled out of Birk's mouth with a loud pop and Birk sent him a questioning glance.

Klint flashed a quick grin and nodded toward the nightstand. "Get your ass ready for a reaming."

Birk leaned back and delved into the drawer for a tube of lubricant. He squirted some out onto his fingers then set the container within easy reach for Klint. Shifting around, he sprawled onto his side and sucked the tip of Klint's dick with his lips.

Klint grunted, enjoying the suction on his cockhead. "You're gonna love getting split wide, aren't you?" If possible, his prick got harder when Birk answered by increasing the pressure of his mouth while working first one, then a second finger into his rectum. When they moved back and forth with ease, Klint nudged Birk's head away from his cock. "Get ready, buddy. I'm gonna plow that ass."

Birk gave Klint a hot-eyed look before getting up on his hands and knees. Klint fished a condom out of his fatigues and rolled it on then lubed up. He moved into position and wedged the tip of his dick between Birk's butt cheeks.

Birk bumped back. "Give that bad boy dick, Klint. Fuck my ass." He wiggled his rear end and Klint's cockhead teased Birk's back hole.

Klint grabbed Birk's hips and he eased forward, working the head past Birk's anal ring. Once he slid through the circle of muscle, he went deep with one smooth thrust. "God, your ass feels incredible." Birk's tight passage milked Klint's dick with exquisite pressure.

Mindful of his size and Birk's limited experience, Klint moved slowly, pulling back then sliding forward again.

Birk groaned. "Fuck. Your cock is amazing. Way better than a butt plug."

Klint cracked a grin then caught their reflection in the mirror beside the bathroom door. Birk's hard-on angled downward, rubbing against the sheets, twitching and jumping in reaction to the ass stimulation. The rigid length would look damn good with Elsie's lips wrapped around it.

Without missing a stride, he called over his shoulder. "Else! Come on in."

She charged into the room and stopped short, her eyes going wide. Her gaze filled with molten lust. "God. Damn. That's hot."

Klint smirked then nodded toward Birk. "Someone needs their big dick sucked. Think you can help out with that?"

So far, these characters are taking me in directions I didn't foresee and I'm loving it. Not sure when this project will be finished but I hope I do the trio justice.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Auld Lang Syne

I think we're starting to get used to our state of affairs. For me, it's not a huge change. The household still has three workers deemed essential and one who can work depending on the weather. Financially, we're feeling a pinch but not a hard bite. We're still trying to show support for the restaurants and local businesses to help ease their concerns.

Kind of a slow week for television, mainly because I've been feeling kind of blah. When the weather goes from warm to cold then back again twice in one week, I react poorly. My sleep schedule is way out of whack right now. Bleh.

I finished up Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears. I loved it!! The conclusion ended up being perfect with a callback to the series and Phryne's biggest fear. And the movie let Phryne stay in character so to speak. I won't spoil anything but the romance ended up being exactly right for Phryne and Jack.

I also got to check out the behind the scenes footage and a Q and A with Essie Davis. Fun stuff. If you get a chance, check this movie out on Acorn.

Watched the penultimate episode of season one Peak Practice. I'll finish up the series this week coming up. I can quite decide if I like Will or if I think he's a complete prat. Or … if I actually like him because he's a prat. LOL

Caught the Death to the Daleks arc of Classic Who. I'm not sure how many episodes are left in season eleven, but I'm looking forward to revisiting the fourth doctor in the next series.

I decided to see if I can catch some musicals and concerts that are streaming right now. I watched an amalgamation of Cirque du Soliel, featuring Amaluna and two other shows. I'll be watching another one later this week and then searching for a musical or orchestra concert to watch.

I'm doing a trial with CBS All Access and watched the first episode of Picard. I'm intrigued. The reviews were mixed but I can safely say I kind of want to know what the hell is going on with the Romulans and the Borg and the federation and AIs. I'll be tuning in for another episode for certain.

Caught episode four of Strike Back. I'm very pleased one of the characters got to live to see another day. I love how much Chetri does on the down low. I also love how Coltrane does what he thinks he should do but changes on the fly when loyalty comes into play. This show … I'm going to miss it so much when it's over.

This week's Strike Back Declassified ended up being really good. Seeing into the thought process is always fun and hearing how they shoot things in long takes amazes me.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. I'd forgotten how much Demona annoyed the crap out of me. I'm getting a crash course during the rewatch. LOL

Caught episode two of The Witcher. Again, this show intrigues me. I'm following along fairly well and I like having the three storylines playing out on the screen. Looking forward to the next episode.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Auld Lang Syne, a novella that got a start from wanting to see how Delaney, Scotty, and Westin fared after Mistletoe Madness.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When a New Year's Eve party turns into a surprise memorial for Delaney Nixon's mom, Scotty London and Westin Ames help Delaney face the auld lang syne with grace and gratitude while it stirs up old memories. The trio then returns home for some much needed TLC.

And a snippety peek…

December 27

Delaney Nixon woke up in her new favorite position, surrounded by Scotty London and Westin Ames.

How did my life get this good?

The how would be the two men from her past who’d put her future back on track.

Scotty’s hand cupped her breast. “Morning, Del.” His lips nuzzled her shoulder.

Westin trailed his fingers along her thigh. “Sleep well?” He caught her mouth in a quick kiss.

Delaney stretched, her body sated from the previous night. “Mmm. Yes. Amazingly well.” She turned over and meshed her lips with Scotty’s.

Westin’s alarm went off and he snagged his phone to silence it. “Well, that’s my cue.” He propped up on one elbow and lowered his head to flick his tongue over her nipple. “I’ll get the coffee started and grab a shower downstairs.” Sliding from the bed, he dug his boxers out from under his jeans and put them on.

Delaney sighed. What a crime to cover such a spectacular ass.

Scotty chuckled. “You love looking at his butt, don’t you?” He shifted onto his back and tucked an arm behind his head.

Delaney laughed. “I do. But I also love perving on yours.” She rolled over and snuggled into his side. “You guys were blessed with fantastic backsides.” Her palm skimmed over his chest. "Hmm. Front's not so bad either." Tilting her chin upward, she met his gaze. "I think I need to pinch myself. This can't be real."

Scotty's lips curved. "Oh, but it is." His arms wrapped around her. "And it's probably time to decide if we're going to the annual New Year's ball or not."

Delaney dropped her gaze. "I'm not sure it's a good idea." Their arrangement wouldn't be considered normal by a long shot.

"What's not a good idea?" Westin strolled into the bedroom with a towel around his hips to retrieve his clothes from last night. "By the way, coffee's ready." His hair stood out in crazy directions from the shower.

Scotty shifted and sat up. "Del's still not sure about going to the ball. Maybe you can talk her into it." He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and grabbed his boxers, pulling them on before heading to the bathroom.

Westin settled on the edge of the mattress. "What's going on? Is this about your mom?" His brow quirked.

Delaney shrugged. "It's part of it. The rest is all about going public. You both have businesses to worry about."

Westin laughed. "Delaney, babe, I know you're not worried about mine. My clientele doesn't get done in over this type of thing." He glanced toward the bathroom. "London, on the other hand, could face some backlash." His hand clasped hers. "That's what this is about, yeah?"

She flushed hotly but nodded. "It's not fair to him. But it's not fair to any of us if we have to act like we're not together." Frankly, she didn't want to pretend otherwise.

Westin tugged her forward. "Talk to him. Tell him you're concerned and let him decide if there's a reason to be." He caught her mouth in a quick kiss then stood up to head for his room.

Delaney shook her head. "Where did all his wisdom come from?" Kind of a stupid question.

He'd always been smart and the time he served in the military honed his intelligence further, giving him the ability to cut through the drama and focus on the important angles.

Slipping out from under the sheet, Delaney pulled on a robe and headed downstairs to get coffee for her, Scotty, and Westin, if he needed a refill.

I hope this turns out the way I want it to. I'm very fond of this trio and want to do them justice.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Approaching Midnight

Gotta say it's so hard to have my youngest's senior year be put on indefinite hold. So far, the musical is canceled, which is to be expected. Prom is postponed for now. Graduation is up in the air as far as walking to get a diploma. She's handling it pretty well all things considered. I'm very proud of the level of maturity she's showing.

Not a bad week for television but slower than usual. I've been taking on as much work as I can in case the well runs dry there. Who knows how long the quarantine will last?

I can safely say I'm disgusted by the fact Hiram is a free man on Riverdale. And I'm beyond "meh" about a long-lost daughter showing up. I am very intrigued by the whole flash-forward cut scenes at the end of each episode. I'm very interested to see where those go.

Caught another episode of Danger Man, which started season two for me. I guess I didn't realize the second season went to hour-long episodes. I'm not sure I've seen any of those.

Watched the season two premiere of Roswell, New Mexico. I'll be brutally honest … I'm really not sure I'm down with the whole "let's kill Max" concept. For now, I'm trusting the creator but if I'm let down with where things go, I'll be done watching. I do love Michael's journey so far. I'm not thrilled Maria is still completely clueless about the alien angle, but I'll see how that plays out also. I love where Alex and Kyle are right now. Here's hoping I'm not completely let down by this show.

On a very happy note, I'm in the middle of watching Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears and it's so, so good. I'd read reviews that implied it didn't measure up to the series, but, in all honesty, I'm actually pretty pleased with I'm seeing so far. Considering this movie happened because fans were more than happy to crowd source the filming, I'd say the general public can zip it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Approaching Midnight, a holiday-themed novella with the characters trying to decide if they really have a chance at romance or not.

Here's the mini-blurb:

It's approaching midnight on New Year's Eve and Greta Davis has to decide whether to meet Mick Caplin at the NYE ball or if it's too crazy to even think they have a shot at love. After all, they've only known each other since Halloween.

And a snippety peek…

“How did I get sucked into this again?” Greta Davis—Auntie Gee to her five nieces and nephews—trudged up the sidewalk with the costumed kids in tow.

Nobody would’ve caught her schlepping through the neighborhood on Halloween night a year ago. Twelve months ago, you were still with the douchebag. You’re better off without him, remember? Yes. She absolutely remembered Justin Hartman and every reason they were no longer together after almost a decade of coupledom, much to her family’s dismay. They loved Justin to pieces. Then again, he never showed his asshat side when they were around.

A tug on her sleeve reminded her she had five kids to keep track of. “Yes, Kenley. Go ahead and knock or ring the doorbell.” Her married siblings decided to take advantage of Greta’s new single status so they could all have date nights.

Kenley shook her head. “Auntie Gee, you need to be the one to do it. Remember the scary guy at the last house?” She shuddered in her fairy costume.

The scary guy had a gorilla mask on, which Greta found amusing. Kenley, on the other hand, freaked out and hadn’t gotten over it yet.

Greta slid a glance toward the other four. They each shook their heads, following Kenley’s lead. Okay, then.

Greta stepped up onto the stoop and knocked on the door. “Trick or treat.” She started to ease back but the occupant of the house greeted her in record time.

The sight before her sent her pulse into overdrive. Hello, handsome. Clad in jeans and a T-shirt, the dark-haired homeowner held a huge bowl of treats in one hand and had a wide grin on his face. Greta resisted the urge to fan her newly heated face.

The man stuck his free hand out. “Greetings, weary traveler. What a fine group you have under your wing tonight. I’m Mick, the chief candy wrangler this evening.”

Greta clasped his palm. “Greta, and this undercover bunch are my siblings’ offspring.” A zing of connection shot straight up Greta’s arm before she let go of his hand.

Oh, my. Very exciting.

Mick set the bowl on the small plant stand. “Have a go, kids. One for each of you.” He moved aside in the direction of Greta. “So … none are yours?” He nodded toward the grabby-handed quintet.

Greta laughed. “Thankfully, no. I don’t think my siblings thought far enough ahead when they concocted their plan to have Auntie Gee take the pack trick or treating so they could have date nights.” She leaned in and lowered her voice. “I get to drop off this crew promptly at nine and let their parents deal with the hopped up bunch.” She grinned.

Mick barked out a laugh. “I like your style. That’s totally something I would do … if I had brothers and sisters.”

Oh, he gets it. I like him.

Kenley’s brother Finn tromped over to Greta’s side. “Aunt Gee, we’re done. We gotta go … the other side of the street is waiting for us.” His military helmet tilted precariously to one side of his head.

Mick reached out and set it straight. “Sounds like you’re the man with the plan.” He tapped the top of the headgear.

Finn preened. “You know it. My mom says someone’s gotta keep Aunt Gee on her toes.”

Greta rolled her eyes. “Go wait by the sidewalk. And remind me to tell you something about your mom and who led who astray.” She turned her attention back to Mick. “There’s something to be said for being an only child.” Two more of her nieces went to wait with Finn.

Mick’s lips twitched. “The grass is always greener, right?”

“Mick? You ‘bout done out there? I can’t find the remote!”

Mick shook his head. “Yeah, Gramps. Be right there.” He chuckled. “I’ll lay odds the remote is right beside him.” He grabbed the bowl and tucked it under his arm. “Enjoy the rest of the trick or treating.” Opening the door, he paused and angled his head around. “This is spur of the moment and all, but have a drink with me.”

Greta’s eye widened. “Uh … tonight?” She actually hoped so … because she’d talk herself out of it if he wanted to meet any other time.

He nodded. “Yeah, if you’re free, that is. I guess I shouldn’t assume you’re not married.”

She shook her head. “No, I’m not. And I’m not dating anyone either.”

He grinned. “So, Planks on the Square? Around nine thirty?”

She nodded and backed away. "Nine thirty works for me. I’ll see you there.” She turned and grasped Kenley’s hand then waved to Mick. “Nice meeting you.”

He lifted a hand in farewell and entered the house.

Hot damn. She had a date.

This one is kind of fun. I love writing holiday-themed books and I get to hit four with this story.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin