Sunday Snippet: Harshing the Calm

Welcome, November! Honestly, October had great points and not-so-great points. Having a sick pet is not fun. Trying to figure out exactly what's going on isn't either. But she appears to be doing better so that's a plus.

We had a spectacular trick-or-treat night. The weather ended up being cooperative. Chilly but not cold, slightly windy but not gusty, and no rain. The past few years we've had flurries, frigid temperatures, rain, and the blowy, serious wind that makes everyone miserable. Having almost perfect weather is a nice change.

Had an okay work week. I finished up a copy edit and started a new proofread. Finalized a developmental edit with only formatting left to do before it moves over to a copy editor. I have a bit of research to do for the other developmental edit I'm working on and I should have that at least started today.

Not a bad week of viewing. I made it all the way through my current slate of shows. I didn't hit the backburner ones but, again, sick doggo equals a lot of time.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and I'm almost finished with the second season. I really did enjoy the downfall of Jack's former father-in-law. I also loved how disgusted Rosie ended up being with her dad. Christmas episode is up next and it's one I love to pieces.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War and finished out the second season. I'd forgotten Andrew crashed his plane and he had a bit of a romance with Sam. Looking forward to starting the third season.

Watched an episode of Beyond Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed Humphrey and Martha interacting with their new foster. Also quite enjoyed the Ester and Archie banter. I really hope Kelby ends up getting a girl because he's the sweetest guy ever.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. A lot of twisty-turns in this one and Poirot getting all bent over Hastings using the bathroom as a darkroom was hilarious.

Elementary ended up being very interesting. I'm kind of wary of Joan trying to get a mole inside Moreland's company. I think it's for protection so Moreland's enemies can't hurt Sherlock and, by extension, Joan. I'm very interested in whether Moreland is setting this up on purpose or if he's just underestimating Joan. Should be fun to find out.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and didn't really remember this one. Ended up liking it a lot. Always good to see Bruce out of the manor.

Lower Decks was so much fun. Beckett is growing on me and Boimler isn't annoying me as much either. And the theme song is still stuck in my head. I think it might be my favorite out of all the Trek shows.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Harshing the Calm, a novella about a second-chance romance.

Here's the miniblurb:

Gentry and Rayce have a volatile past, one they walk away from to start over. But old habits are hard to break and when their paths cross again, they discover they can repeat their mistakes or change and grow into something so much better.

And a snippety peek…

On their third shot, Gentry's eyebrows rose upward. "Wait. You're telling me Catie's ex tracked her down after his stint in the army and proposed?" She shook her head. "Just like that? And they had zero contact while he was gone?" Her fingers crumpled the napkin under the tumbler.

Almost pleasantly toasted, Rayce shrugged. "Pretty much." He rolled his square coaster into a long tube. "At least she let me down easy. And Dylan is a pretty great guy." And perfect for Catie.

Gentry blinked. "Um … sounds like you weren't too upset by the breakup. Not if you're hanging out with the guy." She laughed. "That's actually kind of wild … in a good way."

Rayce shrugged. "We belong to the same gym. He makes a good sparring partner in the boxing ring."

Gentry's lips quirked. "Better than me?"

Rayce chuckled. "Honestly? Probably not. I never have to settle wagers with Dylan in the bedroom after a round." Shit … did he just stay that?

Gentry laughed out loud. "Good to know. I'll bet he doesn't cheat to make wagers interesting either." She straightened out the napkin, smoothed it flat again then looked up at him through her eyelashes.

Rayce widened his eyes. "Did you think I didn't know you worked the odds in your favor half the time?" He loved the flirty banter they had going on.

Made him remember how much fun Gentry could be … when they weren't arguing. Usually about work. Or their schedules. Or how to make macaroni and cheese. Stupid stuff.

Gentry tilted her head to one side. "Wasn't sure. Thought I should maybe clear up any doubt though." She smirked. "Kind of like you letting me win if you liked my bet more than yours."

Rayce answered with a grin.

Gentry inclined her chin. "Thought so." She paused and dug her phone out of her pocket, typing out a quick text.

A moment later, her phone pinged with a response. She typed another message and got a speedy reply. She nodded and turned her phone facedown.

One side of her mouth curved. "It's official. Cal and I are through." She set the device aside and poured another shot.

Rayce blinked. "Just like that? And by text?" She moved fast.

Gentry shrugged. "Um, kind of? I texted that we needed to talk, and he replied that we didn't. He already knew moving would be a big ask." She drained her glass.

Rayce grunted. "You're sure?"

Gentry's head bobbed. "Yeah. I know myself. Long distance would never work. I mean, Cal's got a shot at the big leagues, and I don't have an interest in being a baseball significant other." She rolled a shoulder. "Besides, if he makes it big, it would blow my undercover work."

Absolutely true. One random photo on a fan's social media or an industry event could unravel a long-term operation. He didn't blame her for not wanting to be in the spotlight.

Rayce lifted his chin. "So, you're back to being footloose and fancy free?" He held his breath waiting for an answer.

Gentry cocked her head to one side, her eyes changing to a deeper color. "Unless you're into picking up again…" Her voice trailed off on a note of uncertainty.

Rayce threw caution to the wind. "Yeah, I just might be." Possibly a terrible call but he'd missed her more than he'd freely admit.

A charged moment passed between them.

Gentry grabbed her phone and held his gaze. "I'm still just around the corner." She tucked the device into her pocket.

Royce didn't hesitate. "Let's go." He didn't care if leaving with her proved to be a huge mistake.

Gentry tossed some cash on the table, then got up to leave. She gave a two-fingered salute to Bart and snorted when he smirked. Once outside, she grabbed Rayce's hand and made a mad dash to her apartment.

Racing up to the door, Gentry paused. "Are you sure?"

He answered by crushing her mouth with his. They stumbled inside, stripping each other on the way to her bedroom. Rayce felt like he'd come home.

But … how long would it last?

Rayce might be surprised by Gentry and her newfound sense of self. Gentry might be surprised too!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin