Sunday Snippet: Healthy Appetite

Another busy week in the books and I'm gearing up for a chaotic ride for the upcoming one. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for Tuesday and, frankly, I'm not excited. But at least it'll be done and over early in the week.

Ohio is still doing the back and forth weather stuff. At least it's not a wild fluctuation. More like fifties one day, high thirties the next. I'm not complaining because it's time for the cool down and I like chillier weather.

I have a slow start to my work week because of the colonoscopy, but I have a full of projects. A copy edit and a design proofread are underway and I should have another copy edit sliding in by midweek. I also have an author Zoom session either Tuesday or Wednesday. I very much enjoy the variety of projects I'm working on. I'm also looking forward to a possible collaboration on a fun idea with a few colleagues sometime soon.

Had an okay viewing week. I had time to hit the back burner shows but found I needed a break. My focus slipped by the weekend and I ended up keeping them on simmer for now.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Season three is kind of a wild ride and I waffle between enjoying having Phryne's dad causing problems and wishing we had more episodes without him.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's one I remember from my first run through of the series. The acting is top notch throughout from beginning to end.

Enjoyed another episode of Beyond Paradise. I love Martha and Humphrey with their foster daughter. Kind of bummed Esther decided to break things off with Archie. Hopefully, that's a red herring.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. I don't have any memories of watching this one before and I always love how terrible Hastings is at Miss Lemon's filing system.

Elementary ended up being excellent. I like Joan trying to navigate having a half-sister. The case also proved interesting. And definitely a little scary.

Caught the season three opener of Batman Beyond. Always fun to see the Royal Flush gang. I'd forgotten how this one ended and I enjoyed it.

Also watched an episode of Lower Decks. I'm very much enjoying how many easter eggs are in this show. Lots of fun!

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Healthy Appetite, a novella that brings a couple together when each is at a crossroad.

Here's the miniblurb:

Thad Nightingale meets Kailey Dent during a weeklong getaway and finds her approach to life refreshing. Not only does she eat with gusto, she has a thirst for adventure that leaves Thad hungry for more.

And a snippety peek…

While Kailey hiked on the range, Thad tracked Talon down in his room.

Talon's eyes widened then narrowed when he opened the door. "My sister's not here, man."

Thad's lips quirked. "I know. She's trying out a new line of snowshoes." He lifted his chin. "You got a minute?"

Talon opened the space a little wider, letting Thad enter the room. Talon took a seat on the sofa lining the wall. He kicked his feet out and crossed his arms over his chest.

Thad resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He wanted the conversation to go well.

He sat on the side chair. "Has Kailey mentioned the business proposition I talked to her about?" She said she had, but he needed an opener.

Talon jerked his head back. "Yep." One word … nothing else.

Thad bit back a sigh. "Look, I know you don't like me, but I really want this to work out with your sister." He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "You asked me what my intentions were? Well, I wouldn't mind having a future with her." He let the words sit for a moment, studying Talon's nonexpressive face. "I know, right? We've known each other less than a minute, and I'm talking about tomorrow and the day after that and a month after that. You get the picture." He straightened. "That said, I don't blame her for being cautious. Once burned, lesson learned." Which made him want to prove she could rely on him.

Talon snorted. "You know her better than you think. Took you less than a week to figure everything out. That dick, Frank, hasn't got a clue well over two years later. All he does is trash my sister to anyone who'll listen. And his lame-ass cousin is no better." He kicked back. "And I've got no problem with you. I gave you shit because Kailey asked me to not let her do anything stupid. Because of the Riches." He rolled a shoulder. "She succeeds in spite of them. And believe me, it pisses them off to no end that she's built a huge following and pretty much ignores both of them because she doesn't need or want their influence." His mouth twisted in a wry grin. "I actually think you're all right."

Thad huffed out a breath. "Good to know. I seriously didn't want to tangle with you over Kailey." At least one hurdle no longer existed.

Talon smirked. "But you would have, wouldn't you?"

Thad jerked his chin. "Damn straight." Because, for one in his life, he didn't need to know exactly what his next step would be.

Talon folded his arms over his chest again. "Then I think I have an answer to your challenge. Start small. Add layers as needed." He flung an arm out. "Go adventuring, see if the relationship works. Then launch the business."

Thad latched on to the line of thinking and liked the possible solution. "Right. It'll take time for development, market testing, and feedback on the experience. By the time the sites are ready to launch—"

Talon nodded. "You two should know if you'll work or not." He got up and spread his arms. "And the mountain will never be the same."

Thad stood. "For better or worse." He huffed out breath.

Talon flashed a smile. "My guess is better. You've got a solid idea." He thrust his hand forward.

Thad clasped Talon's palm. "Thank. I hope so." He went to pull away.

But Talon grasped Thad's hand tighter. "Keep this in mind. Because of my sister, I know every inch of this mountain. If you hurt her, I'll bury you on the range and they'll never find you. Just saying." His eyebrows arched to take some of the heat out of the warning.

Thad's lips twitched. "Duly noted." But he had zero plans to ever do anything but make Kailey happy.

I have a lot of love for this story. Kailey and Thad are a fun couple to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin