Sunday Snippet: We Shouldn't

It's been a wild week. Between work and other commitments, I've been frazzled. My sleep schedule is all over the map and I'm not enjoying the fits and starts of trying to get rest. But … I'll adjust. Hopefully soon.

Our weather has been all over the place. We had a sixty-degree day followed by snow and thirty-four degrees. The day after Thanksgiving is supposed to be in the upper teens for the high. I'm side-eyeing Mother Nature right now.

Work projects are coming in and I think I'm booked through the end of the year. I'm pleased because December can be a sketchy month sometimes. I don't mind downtime, but I'm definitely not prepared to have limited income this year.

Had a terrible week of viewing. Too many distractions and said lack of sleep kept me from getting much watched.

I did catch an episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder and kind of enjoyed it. Some familiar faces as guest stars this week. The mystery was a little lackluster but a good episode nonetheless.

I also caught some marathons of Midsomer Murders. I kind of love the streaming twenty-four hours of one show channels. It's fun to set a favorite and have a go-to comfort watch whenever I want.

I'm also looking at a few new shows but haven't decided which ones I want to pick up. I'm also hoping to get back to my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. My viewing partner will help determine if that's going to happen. So much more fun to watch with someone else who loves the show as much as I do.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from We Shouldn't, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sutton Perry and Lyle McCormack collide during an off-campus party, overindulge with too much partying, and end up back at Sutton's dorm. When they wake up the next day, Sutton swears off alcohol and the weird but promising start with Lyle ends pretty much before it begins … but a series of misadventures keeps them in orbit around each other and Lyle soon pulls out all the stops to win Sutton over.

And a snippety peek…

Sutton Perry let her roommate drag her up the steps to the Library Rave. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this." She didn't really do the rave scene.

But two years of college and zero parties made her feel like she missed out on something important.

Haley Jacobs turned and gave Sutton a smirk. "Trust me, Sutts, you're going to have a good time." She shimmied her hips and pranced into the building.

Sutton rolled her eyes. "You're calling me Sutts again? I'm not down with that nickname." Then again, Haley shortened everyone's name.

Or she came up with something cutesie if the name couldn't be chopped down.

Sutton entered the dark foyer of the old library. Neon-bright lights flickered and flashed, lighting the path to the main room. Thumping bass lines and electronic beats burst out in loud volume when Haley opened the double doors. She put her arms over her head and waved them back and forth, found the beat, and literally danced over to a table surrounded by a bunch of guys.

Sutton followed, her chin bobbing along to the beat of the music. She didn't sashay around the floor, mainly because it took her eyes a few moments to adjust to the strobe effect of the lights. Except they didn't really get used to the rapid pulse…

Evidenced by Sutton falling up against one of the guys at the high-top. Mortified, she opened her mouth to apologize, but the words died in her throat. The guy took her breath away. Dreamy dark eyes, tousled hair that could use a trim, and at least a day of scruff on his face.

He wrapped an arm around her and hauled her closer to the table. "Hey. Here. Hold on to the edge. The strobes are sick on this song." Snagging a shot glass and filling it with flavored vodka, he put the drink in front of her. "Name's Lyle. Nice to meet you." He lifted his chin toward Haley. "You're with Haley?" He poured a shot for himself.

Sutton gave a nod. "I'm Sutton. Yeah, I came with Haley." Did her roommate know everyone on campus?

Lyle clinked his glass to hers. "Not sure if I should congratulate you or offer my condolences. Haley's a force to reckon with." He tilted the glass and downed the alcohol.

Sutton laughed. "She's my roommate. Better go with congratulations." She picked the shot up and quickly drank it down.

Lyle flashed a grin. "Welcome to the Tuesday night shenanigans, Sutton. You're in for a fun time." He topped her glass up again.

Sutton lifted her shot. "Cheers!" She caught Haley's eye, and her roommate gave Sutton a wide smile and a thumbs-up.

Sutton's lips quirked and she chugged the vodka. The smooth burn traveled down her throat and warm heat spread outward, relaxing the tension from her shoulders. Squinting a little, she read the label of the bottle. Whipped cream. No wonder it tasted so good.

She might have found her new favorite drink along with a very hot new friend.

Exactly what she'd been looking for.

I have no idea where this one is going but I do have a rough outline. My main characters are kind of rolling their eyes right now so who knows if they'll stick to the planned itinerary.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Voices Carry

I'm still working on getting my side project ready to go. At this point, I have no idea how long it will last, but I'm going to go like gangbusters until I can't anymore.

Had a solid week of work. Finished up a copy edit and started a new one. Also worked on a developmental edit that's been simmering on the back burner. I have three projects lined up and I'm waiting on deposits to get rolling on those. Hopefully, December is going to be a steady month of work.

Had a very good week of viewing. I made it through my usual round of shows and started looking for a former fave to rewatch but it's not readily available. Might have to dig out my ripped DVDs and hunt around for one of my old players.

I caught two episodes of The Batman this week. No Justice League cameos in these two. Strictly Robin and Batgirl, which I enjoyed.

Also watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Both were single episodes instead of the standard two or three vignettes. Preschool and Halloween featured and were a lot of fun to watch.

Enjoyed another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I'd seen most of this one and liked it the first time around. Very fun to get some background on the detective.

Finished out the first season of London Kills with an episode-length behind the scenes look at the series. Lots of fun to see the actors talk about their characters and see how the showrunners also make the city of London a character.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I liked the mystery in this one and enjoyed the crab cooking contest. Not completely sold on Marlon as the new police officer but I'll probably end up enjoying him.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness and, boy, there were a lot of twists in this one. Really loved Jack declaring his love for Nikki at the end. So nice to see them have a happy moment.

Watched an episode of Elementary and rather enjoyed it. Of course, it ended on a cliffhanger, and I have no doubt Mycroft is involved in something nefarious. I truly hope involving Joan blows up in his face.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Voices Carry, a novella that puts a couple on the ropes almost before they even get started.

Here's the miniblurb:

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 held Fitch's gaze. The answer to her question had a lot riding on it. She'd taken a lot of time to get to know him, especially after the instant attraction upon meeting the handsome detective.

She'd been down that road before and didn't like where the destination ended.

Her heartrate kicked up a notch.

Fitch didn't look away. "I'm not exactly sure what you are to me yet, but I'm not using you to change things up." He leaned forward, resting his arms on the counter also. "If anything, you've been a constant in a chaotic life. My life." His forefinger brushed over her hand.

Her heart settled in her chest. "I can pretty much say the same about you." She clasped his hand. "And that's not easy for me. To let someone be a constant in my life." Which he knew.

Fitch squeezed her fingers. "I get that. You're smart to be cautious." His lips curved. "And I'm grateful you've given me your trust." His gaze glanced around her small apartment. "I'm also really glad you invited me in."

Summer shrugged. "I didn't want to presume too much. But you're coming to the opening with me and, well, I hope we'll be able to see more of each other outside of your visits to the diner." She'd be lying if she didn't admit to some nervous tension, but after Barrick, who would blame her?

Definitely not Fitch. The fact he'd given her the space and time to build a connection meant a lot to her. And the introduction he made to Laura Graydon opened doors to a future she once only dreamed of.

Unlike the last time she interacted with her ex, the flutter in her stomach didn't indicate fear … it spoke of anticipation. Of being excited to spend time with someone. She wanted to discover what sharing her world with Fitch might bring.

His eyebrows arched. "I'd love to spend more time with you, and I don't care where or how." His phone pinged and he chuckled. "The timing could get tricky, though." He dug the device out of his pocket and checked his messages. "Whew. Just a reminder about a witness statement scheduled for tomorrow morning." He set his phone on the bar and leaned back down. "Where were we?"

Summer closed the small distance between them. "I think we were right about here…" She lifted her chin and met his mouth.

Fitch responded by cupping her face with both hands and brushing his thumbs along her jawline. His tongue swept past her lips, and she swallowed a moan because, holy hell, the man could kiss. Desire ignited along her nerve endings, and she relished the swift current of lust coursing through her veins.

Dragging him to her bedroom would be so easy right now.

Fitch eased away, resting his forehead against hers. "Whoa. Had a feeling if we ever kissed it would be like throwing a lit match on gasoline."

Summer made a hum of agreement. "Instant explosion. Yeah." She nodded toward the living room space. "Might be more comfortable on the couch." Her gaze met his. "If you can stay for a while." She started for the sofa but glanced back over her shoulder.

Fitch answered with a grin. "I'll stay as long as you let me…"

I'm excited to see how this story all comes together. Fitch and Summer are an interesting couple, but they're in for a bumpy ride.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Violating Space

It's been a wild week of big letdowns in my area of the universe. I'm not sure where things will land but I have decided to launch my side project sooner than expected. More details to follow in a separate blog post.

I started a new work project and picked up with one that's been on the back burner. I also tentatively scheduled three new projects for November. Here's hoping they all pan out.

Had a pretty good week of viewing. I got most of my current slate of shows watched. But … I also got distracted by *waves at everything going on right now*.

I caught an episode of The Batman and rather enjoyed the Green Lantern guest spot. Also enjoyed having one of Batman's rogues nose his way into the storyline.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats and it was the Rugrat's Kwanzaa. I'll have to find the other Rugrats holiday episodes and get ready to rewatch.

Enjoyed another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. It featured a behind-the-scenes look at a theater show, which is fun for me because my daughter majored in theater for undergrad.

Caught the first season finale of London Kills and, wow, some twisty-twists and big turns happened. Looking forward to a behind-the-scenes special this week.

Watched the season ten opener of Death in Paradise. I'm still annoyed by DI Parker and sad to see Ruby no longer with the team. Thrilled to bits to have Florance back. Looking forward to seeing more.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. Terrific guest stars in this episode. I'm very interested in seeing where this case goes.

Enjoyed most of an Elementary episode. I'll get it finished up today and start over with a new run of my current episodes.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Violating Space, a novella that puts romance in the workplace.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

What just happened? Surely not Eric's lips on hers. Or his tongue in her mouth. And a lip-lock so delicious she wanted to put it on a takeout menu and place a standing order.

Until reality set in.

She willed her brain to solidify from the pile of mush it turned into. Scrambling to gather the rest of the papers, she fought to get her breathing under control. Who knew he could kiss like that?

Actually, she'd had a damned good idea. Deep down, her gut said the man would be an amazing kisser.

Eric handed her a stack of pages. "Er, sorry. That got a little out of hand." He rose to his feet and offered a hand to Reese.

She let out a slow breath and clasped his fingers. "I know." Her gaze met his. "But I liked it." She started for the door but turned. "I know it's a bad idea … but meet me after work?" Her skin tingled from the contact with his palm.

He nodded. She grabbed a sticky note and scribbled her address. He took the colorful sheet and tucked it into his shirt pocket.

Reese left and didn't say another word. Didn't specify a time he should arrive or plan what they'd do. But seriously? How could she talk with her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth? She'd bet her next paycheck she wouldn't be able to focus on anything but the way Eric's eyes went dark and smoky when she asked to see him later. She wanted whatever his gaze promised.

She should probably question her sanity. Getting involved might be an emotional minefield. Yet … she savored the thrill and couldn't wait for the end of the workday to roll around.

Dropping the copied files off to a thankfully empty office, she headed for her desk to start counting the minutes until she could call it a day.

Lots of fun writing tension with these two. I can't wait to dive further in to their attraction.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Vin's Valentine (an Organic Nature short)

November is starting off with a wild trajectory. The election in the US is taking up a lot of air and space in my life and I'm okay with that. It does make it harder to focus on anything but the election, which isn't optimal for my work projects.

That said, I'm weirdly calm and very hopeful. Which is not to say I'm complacent because that would be stupid and reckless. There's going to be a lot of work to do regardless of who wins the presidency, senate, and house.

My tricky manuscript turned extremely challenging, but I finally got it finished up late last night. Now I can focus on a couple of projects that were simmering on the back burner and start two new ones that need attention.

Had an okay week of viewing. Trick or treat night took up some time and an unexpected accident involving my oldest and his fiancé needed my attention. Thankfully, both are okay and weren't injured in the crash.

I started the week with an episode of Elementary and I also ended the week with one. Both were enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoy the vibe when Sherlock tries to coordinate outfits for Joan. So far, it looks like she ditches those in favor of choosing her own.

Caught an episode of The Batman and enjoyed it. Nice to see Batgirl back in action. I'll be finished with this show at the end of this season and I'm not sure what I'll be replacing it with.

Also watched an episode of Classic Rugrats. The three vignettes were new to me again. I think I'm going to shift back to the new Rugrats once I'm through this season.

Enjoyed another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I'd seen most of this one before and really enjoyed the snappy and snarky dialog between the characters.

Caught another episode of London Kills and, whew, I got spoiled for what would happen and it still freaked me out. Really like this series.

Finished up season nine of Death in Paradise. Looking forward to season ten even with some of my misgivings with DI Parker. I love this show enough to give him time to grow on me.

Enjoyed the second half of Silent Witness. The show managed to surprise me, and I love it when that happens. One thing to note … I'm always curious about where Jack and Nikki live. Jack had such a cool house during the last season and now he seems to be in a townhouse of some sort. This is after he bought the fixer-upper that his dad and brother (for a while) shared with him. Weird stuff makes me curious.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Vin's Valentine, an Organic Nature short featuring the Valentine's holiday.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Vin didn't agree with Eppie's assessment of slinking away, but he totally got why Eppie felt the way she did. Maybe getting to the bottom of Nash's visit would restore her equilibrium. Or, if nothing else, she could get peace of mind.

He offered a tentative suggestion. "Maybe you could look into what your options are for getting your money back."

She shrugged. "Might be something to consider, but it's definitely not the reason he showed up." A small shudder went through her.

Vin wrapped an arm around her. "If you're not comfortable with this idea, say the word. I've got favors I can call in and you wouldn't need to be involved."

Eppie sighed. "No, there's a reason he turned up here. Maybe Miss Suction Lips doesn't do it for him anymore, or maybe she's got nothing else to offer. Whatever the reason, he's being too affable to not be up to something."

Vin cupped her chin and tilted her head back to meet his gaze. "All right, but any time you're not cool with anything, we pull the plug."

Eppie grinned. "Absolutely." She got her phone out and quickly sent off a text to Nash.

Then she leaned up and meshed her lips with Vin's. This time, Vin didn't hold back. He deepened the embrace and slid his tongue past her teeth. He popped her button loose and slid his hands inside her jeans, easing the fabric past her hips. Eppie kicked them off while she unzipped his pants. Stepping back, Vin shucked them along with his boxers. Eppie yanked her shirt over her head and removed her bra. Vin scooped her up and tumbled her onto the bed, easing back to slip her panties off. He shrugged out of his shirt and settled between Eppie's thighs.

She wrapped her fingers around his biceps. "Thank you … for earlier. I needed the wake-up call." Her hips rose and her wet center teased his erection.

Vin leaned down, brushing his lips over hers. "You're welcome. I love you, Eppie." His mouth covered hers, and he thrust forward, going deep.

This series is so much fun. I love writing Eppie and Vin and showing how they work through challenges.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin