Sunday Snippet: The Cabin

Even though March is my birth month and the birth month of my mom and one of my best friends, I'm kind of glad to kick it to the curb. It's been a wild ride this month. That said, it's also been intensely productive, so I'm really not complaining.

The weather is still drunk, wildly surging one direction then lurching back only to zing forward again. My sinuses hate me right now. And my throat has that I just swallowed glass with a gravel chaser sound at the moment.

Still buried with work but I'm making great progress on all fronts. I added another new hourly project to the pile and made a big dent in that one yesterday.

Not a bad week for viewing. I got through my usual slate and did a marathon watch to finish out the week.

Ended up watching two episodes of Elementary and both were actually terrific. I'm very interested in seeing how things with Kitty play out in the next few installments.

Caught two episodes of Batman Beyond. Always happy to see the Royal Flush show up and I liked the throwback to Bane.

Also enjoyed two Classic Rugrats episodes. I'm about halfway through the final season and I think I'll pick back up with the new reboot once I'm finished up.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and I'm enjoying having Darlene working with the team. She's a great addition. Also glad to see Neville's sister exit. Maybe she'll grow on me, but I didn't enjoy her at all.

Watched the first official episode of season two Beyond Paradise. Really enjoyed the way the mystery unfolded. Also loved the resolution.

I ended up not quite finishing the episode of London Kills but I should have that one completed this week.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from The Cabin, a novella featuring a breakup before things really get started.

Here's the miniblurb:

Whip meets the woman of his dreams when he tries to convince Kari to give his brother another shot at her art class. But when she can't accommodate the request, Whip still wants to pursue a relationship … until his brother tries to get in the way and Kari decides she won't come between them.

And a snippety peek…

"Here goes nothing." Kari made the trek up the mountain and pulled to a quiet stop in the picturesque driveway.

She slid from the vehicle, drank in the view, and picked her way around to the back of the cabin, following the heavy thudding sound. She found Whip—stripped of his shirt—chopping wood and stopped to admire his raw masculinity. Instead of announcing her presence, she watched the corded muscles of his arms and back work to split log after log.

"Holy hell. He's amazing." Her heart wanted them to work, and she hoped he'd want the same.

When he paused to wipe the sweat from his face, he caught sight of her standing at the edge of the porch. He lifted a brow but said nothing. First move belonged to her. Instead of flushing with guilt, she boldly met his gaze and strode forward, stopping to stand toe-to-toe with Whip.

She reached up, cupping his face, and leaned in to capture his lips with hers. He tasted like hickory and sunshine. The kiss dragged out and Kari didn't care when Whip grabbed her hips, bringing her flush against his chest. She'd missed him, more than she wanted to admit.

Whip eased back and stroked his thumb over her cheek. "Sorry for getting you all sweaty." He reached for his shirt, hanging off a spare axe, and draped it over his shoulder.

Kari's lips curved. "My suggestion would be getting sweaty another way…" She met his gaze and held it. "After we talk."

His mouth twisted in a sexy smirk. "By all means…" He held his arm out with a flourish, indicating she should enter the house.

The back door led to the kitchen area, and Whip paused by the sink to fill a cup with water. While he drained the liquid, she peeked around. The cabin had four rooms and loads of charm. A combination living and dining area butted up to the kitchen. A bathroom sat off to the right side and the last room had a … desk and chairs. Glancing up, she discovered a loft area that no doubt had a bed.

Whip leaned against the fridge. "Warner, right?" His voice lacked heat, but his lips were a slash across his face.

She confirmed with a nod. "Your brother did stop by." Angling her head, she flashed a quick smile. "Kind of glad he did. I missed you like mad."

Whip's eyes went dark and smoky. "Missed you, too." He pushed away from the refrigerator and made his way to her side. "Mind if I grab a shower before we…" His gaze gave her a slow once-over. "Talk?"

Kari sucked in her lower lip. "No." She ran a finger down his chest. "Happy to wait."

Whip's lips kicked up in a smile. "Be right back." He popped the button on his jeans and headed to the bathroom.

Kari wandered into the living area, flushed and hot. She glanced up again and didn't hesitate, scrambling up the steps. Her shirt came off before she cleared the last riser. The loft had a built-in dresser that lined one wall and window seat that stretched along the other. A closet tucked up under the pitch of the roof. Shedding her shorts, she quickly removed her bra and panties then turned down the bed cover.

"Kari?" Whip called for her.

She peeked over the edge of the railing that looked down into the living room. "Up here."

Whip grinned, dropped his towel, and started up the stairs.

This is a lot of fun to write. Exploring the sometimes faltering steps to a happily ever after is such an experience.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin