Sunday Snippet: Winning Hand

Big cold snap with a little bit of snow this week in weather. I'm getting much better about making sure I have layers on even if it's just a quick trip outside with the doggos. I also haven't had a major cold yet this season and I hope I didn't just jinx that fact.

Semibusy work week with finishing a proofread and working on two copy edits. I'm hoping to have some projects to work on over the holiday break. I'm not great at having a week or two off then trying to gear back up into work mode.

Fairly decent week of viewing. I'm trying to decide what new show to add to my usual slate of viewing fare. I'm leaning toward Beyond Paradise, but I'm not completely sure yet.

Caught another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I hadn't seen much if any of this episode and I enjoyed it. I think I have a handful of episodes left before it'll be time to switch to another show.

Watched another episode of London Kills and tensions are running high. The case ended up being very interesting and Viv and Rob are pushing the line by investigating David. Looking forward to more of this one.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Part one of a two-part arc and the lead-in to the show's one hundredth episode. Loved seeing Camille at the end and can't wait to watch the next episode. I've seen almost all of it and loved it.

Finished up season two of Elementary. I still think Mycroft is an ass even if I get why he did things the way he did. I'm a little on the fence about where Sherlock and Joan left things. I'll be interested to see where they pick up with season three.

Started the two-part series finale of The Batman. I don't remember if I actually watched this before or not but it was a good episode. I think I might move on to Batman Beyond after this.

Also watched another episode Classic Rugrats. I hadn't seen either of the vignettes and enjoyed both.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Winning Hand, a sexy short that sees a couple go from friends to lovers.

Here's the miniblurb:

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 tilted her head to one side when Brett and Ellie scooted away from the table. "You're not quitting now, are you?" She'd just lost most of her Skittles to Hahn.

Robin and Dav cut out after about five hands. Both headed to their separate rooms to turn in. Robin had a report to review and Dav … probably had a new love interest. He didn't get into specifics but mentioned talking to someone new.

Ellie yawned. "I'm beat. And I refuse to open another bag of candy so Hahn can win more from me." She stretched and grabbed her cup. "I'm going to refill my water and head to bed." She leaned down and gave Tawni a quick hug.

Brett lifted his chin. "Same. Only not the water part." He slapped Hahn on the back. "Enjoy your bounty, my man." He nodded toward the pile of colorful blobs on the table. "Tawni, I'll wager you won't have any Skittles left by the time you're done." He smirked and blew a kiss in her direction.

Tawni rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I've got a bag stashed if lose it all." She propped her feet up on a newly vacated chair. "'Night, peeps." She shifted her attention to Hahn, a little thrilled to find him studying her with narrowed eyes.

Maybe he'd taken her hint from earlier…

Which she somewhat doubted because they'd kept each other in the friendzone for … well … ever. She had some reservations about crossing the imaginary line separating them, but she also wondered if Hahn might be what she actually wanted but feared getting. She'd never know if she didn't push against their boundaries.

She arched her brows. "Looks like it's you and me. Your deal." Tapping the deck in the middle of the table, she followed by pushing it toward him.

He handily shuffled the cards and dealt two hands.

She picked hers up and quickly discarded a few. "Two, please." When Hahn gave her the requested number, she adjusted the positions and carefully kept her features blank.

Hahn would have a hard time beating this one.

He rearranged his cards then glanced upward. "What's your wager?"

Tawni leaned back in her chair. "I don't know. Depends on if you're taking any cards or not." Maybe she could test the waters with a different kind of wager.

Hahn rolled a shoulder. "I'm good." He set his cards facedown on the table.

Tawni straightened again, swinging her feet off the chair and leaning forward. "You're not taking any cards?" Hmm … he must have a great hand also. "In that case, I guess I'm all-in." She moved the rest of her Skittles to the center of the table.

Hahn's lips kicked up in a smile. "Well, now I'm not sure what to do." His eyes narrowed on her again.

A bolt of something wickedly sexy burst through her. "Need a little help deciding?" She made her tone suggestive and playful.

Hahn blinked and shook his head. "If you're all-in, what do you have left to lose if I raise?"

A great question … one she couldn't wait to solve.

Tawni will definitely get her chance to issue a challenge to Hahn and she'll be very happy with the outcome.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Wind It Up

Ohio is back to being contrary with its weather. Super cold days in the teens followed by a warmup of midfifties. My sinuses hate this kind of back and forth.

Had a fairly busy work week with a new project landing in my inbox. It's one of my favorite authors to edit and proofread for. Also spent a lot of time pulling my tax stuff together. I realized last week I hadn't filed for 2023 yet. Better late than never.

Not a bad week of viewing. I didn't make a full round of my usual slate of shows, but I got most of the way through. Again, my sleep schedule is playing havoc with my brain.

Watched another episode of Mr and Mrs Murder and thoroughly enjoyed it. A lot of familiar faces in this one, which is always fun.

Caught another episode of London Kills and I'm kind of excited about Rob and Vivienne teaming up to investigate David. Of course, there's more to the story and I can't wait to find out what's really going on.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I'd seen most of this one but it's nice to follow the whole story from beginning to end instead of catching bits and pieces all the time.

Finished up season twenty-seven of Silent Witness. Gotta say, I really enjoyed the finale. Jack proposing to Nikki made my heart happy. And I'm interested to see what happens with Jack's place. Maybe Kara and Velvy will stay there.

Watched another episode of Elementary and enjoyed it. Still not a Mycroft fan even if he had extenuating reasons for being an ass. I am kind of glad Sherlock isn't going to throw his brother under the bus. At least I don't think he is. The next episode should reveal what will happen.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wind It Up, a novella that features a past and present dilemma for the main character.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Felix sat at the bar in Maguire's Saloon, nursing a beer.

The door whooshed open and, didn't it figure, Rae's ex strolled in. Garner made a quick scan of the interior—something Felix recognized from his military training—then ambled up to the bar and ordered a draft. The bartender pulled a mug from the shelf, filled it, and set it in front of Garner. Felix observed, trying to decide whether to confront the other man or stay on the sidelines.

Confrontation won.

He swiveled around on the stool and cleared his throat.

Garner glanced toward Felix and recognition flared in Garner's gaze. His fingers tightened on the mug, but otherwise, his face remained neutral. Felix took that as a good sign.

He nodded toward a table in the corner. "Got a minute?" He didn't wait for a response, sliding off the stool and heading for the alcove.

Mason would follow or not. Instinct said the other man would face Felix. Rae's recollections of their time together hinted at a strong streak of honor in Garner. Sure enough, booted footsteps sounded on the polished floor behind Felix.

Felix settled atop one of the chairs. Garner took the opposite one and both set their mugs on the surface at the same time. Garner slouched down, angling his legs to one side and crossed his ankles.

Felix took a moment to assess the other man. Rae loved him. She always would. And Felix loved her. His conversation with Penelope replayed in his mind. Love is what we make of it. It can be narrow and clearly expressed or expansive and hard to define. She'd nailed the issue on the head.

Garner met Felix's gaze. "Your minute is half gone. Say your piece." He took a long swallow of his beer.

Felix didn't mince words. "What are your intentions? You planning to pull Rae back into a relationship?" He arched his brow. "Or just stopping in for a quick screw? If so, think again. A fast pit stop won't work here. She's a hell of a woman and deserves better." And she'd probably be pissed if she could hear him now.

Garner straightened up and crossed his ankle over his knee. "You mean with someone like you?" His lip curled but his tone lacked heat.

Felix grunted. "Like with whoever she wants. If that's you, I can step aside." He wouldn't like it or make it easy, but he'd get out of the way if he had to.

Garner snorted. "As if."

Felix leaned in. "Rae and I have a lot of discussions where your name pops up. I can live with that." He loved her pure heart. "But don't make promises you can't keep. If you're not going to stick around, don't stir shit up." Or leave her in tiny pieces.

Garner clenched his fist. "I can't stick around. But I love her, man. I always have. Coming back here … facing my past … I needed to do that. And I still love her. Always will." His shoulders slumped and he heaved a sigh.

Felix leaned back. "But you won't stay." Would he really wreck Rae again?

Garner gave a swift back and forth of his head. "I can't. I know it's not fair. But I'm special forces and damn good at my job. I made a promise to my CO to stay in. He's the closest thing I've had to an actual dad." He exhaled slowly. "I won't let him down. Not after he pulled me up straight and gave me a purpose."

Felix lifted his chin. "Yeah, I get it." He waited a moment. "So, how do you see this playing out? Because a quick romp for old time's sake will only hurt Rae."

Garner sighed. "Yeah. I know." He took a long sip of his bear. "I don't know, man. This was a terrible idea. Probably be better all around if I get the hell out of town and finish my leave somewhere else."

Felix shook his head. "Don't even think about it unless she asks you to. You don't get to decide what's best for her." Hell, I don't get to make that choice either. Even if that's what I'm doing right now.

Garner arched a brow. "If she decides I'm best for her? You willing to walk away?"

Felix gave a terse nod. "I love her enough to get out of the way." He shot Garner a look. "I also love her enough to stay."

Garner blew out a harsh breath. "Harsh. But point made." He scooted back. "Look, I've been as honest as I can. I've got thirty days leave. I'll be around that long. Rae can contact me if she wants." He got up to leave.

Felix stopped him. "I'm going home to her now and I'll be telling her we talked." Then brace for impact because she'd be unhappy.

Garner shrugged, a smirk playing across his mouth. "Can't stop you, and I've been gone a long time, but not long enough to forget she won't be happy about our discussion."

Felix snorted. "No, she won't be." And damned if he didn't like Garner a hell of a lot—even with that blast of honesty.

I love this story so much. It's so much fun writing a throuple.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Weathering the Storm

Welcome, December! I'm truly not sure what this month will bring. I'm at a weird place where I feel kind of stuck and a little buried under the weight of needing to get things done … but I have no idea where to start.

Work slowed down a little, which isn't a great thing. But it did give me some time to spend with my daughter when she came home for Thanksgiving break. I'm so grateful for that time. And December still looks to be booked with projects for the most part.

The temperature did drop but didn't quite dip into the teens. I'm really not ready for the arctic blast yet. But it does help get me in a mood for the holidays.

Had a semi-decent week of viewing. My sleep schedule is all over the place again and that doesn't always make for a good attention span.

Watched the season two premiere episode of London Kills. Nice to see Billie back in action. I'm interested in the ongoing arc from season one. This cast is stellar, and I love the changing dynamics between them.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm starting to find some redeeming value in Neville. I liked the way he kind of helped Florance. Really not sure about Marlon.

Enjoyed part one of Silent Witness. Loving some inside looks at Jack and Nikki and the mystery is kind of amazing. I have no idea where things are going and that's always fun.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Mycroft is an ass and maybe that's a good thing. He definitely has some explaining to do. I do give him kudos for being able to manipulate Sherlock even if I hate that he could. And I'm going to be really pissed if Sherlock decides Joan is his weakness and starts acting like a bigger ass than Mycroft.

Caught an episode of The Batman and it's one I don't remember watching previously. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Having a team that is completely opposite of Batman and Robin was fun.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I think it's the final one where the whole episode is one story. I kind of wish there were more of those.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Weathering the Storm, a novella where the characters are prepping to be snowed in.

Here's the miniblurb:

Gabby Carns and Tim Appleby live in a remote, mountainous region. When the weather report warns of massive snow fall, the couple prepares for the coming blizzard. But instead of being fearful, they're looking forward to the alone time—nothing brings out the steamy romance like a plunge in the temperature.

And a snippety peek…

Tim stacked the last of the chopped wood. "Better get a fire going." The gray sky looked hazy from the falling white stuff.

He stomped the flakes from his boots and slid them off just inside the door. Hanging his flannel on the hook, he headed over and lit the logs in the fireplace grate then in the woodburning stove. He found the PB and B sandwiches and wolfed them down before making sure the hurricane lanterns were filled and ready.

He puttered in his workspace. "I hope Gabby makes another hearty stew." Not much could beat strip checkers by the fire and Gabby's cooking.

She joked about lacking skill, but he didn't want a gourmet chef. She made simple recipes then elevated them with twists on tradition. Her grilled peanut butter and apple sandwiches had been a first for him. And they were actually pretty tasty.

"Not as good as peanut butter and banana, though."

He checked the clock. "Should have enough time to grab a shower and get the guideline secured for the generator before Gabby gets back." He'd help her unload and get everything put away.

He didn't take long and stood at the window, toweling his hair dry. The clouds were darker, and the snow fell harder. It still scrabbled across the ground, not quite sticking yet. But it would soon. The wind had picked up and the flurries danced in little whirlwinds.

Dragging on a pair of jeans, he threw a waffle-knit shirt over his shoulder and snagged a pair of thick socks from his drawer. He shrugged the shirt over his head and slid his feet into the socks then his boots. After retrieving a length of rope from his workspace, he knotted one end to the railing on the back porch. He'd lowered the tarps to act as a windbreak and to keep most of the snow off the porch. The generator sat close to the AC unit about fifteen feet away from the back door. Never a problem if they lost power when a thunderstorm blew through.

"Definitely not fun when we've got blizzard conditions." He pulled the rope taut and tied it off on the post between the house and the generator.

He huffed out a breath. The last time they'd been snowed in, they struggled to not get turned around in the whiteout conditions. Gabby suggested the guideline and didn't have to work to convince him. "We should think about adding a solar-powered generator next year." No need for gas cans.

While the weather held, he made his way to the shed and loaded up a canvas bag with rolled-up papers. "Love recycling the store ads we get in the mail." The skinny logs made great kindling.

He deposited them beside the stacked wood then went back to putter in his work area until Gabby got home.

Tim and Gabby are fun to write, especially with building anticipation for weathering a huge snowstorm.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin