Sunday Snippet: A Kiss Is Just a Kiss

I'm looking forward to seeing the end of May. It hasn't been a bad month or anything. It's nice to feel like I'm starting with a clean slate.

We've had some rainy weather but it's keeping the temperatures mild, which I love. Really hoping the cooler weather sticks around for another week or two. I have some yard and garden work I want to do.

Work ended up being pretty okay. I still have the wordsmithing author making changes, but I think the project manager is putting a stop to that. Hopefully, we'll be able to get the proofread over the finish line. I'll be finishing up the science book proofread this week. And I have a copy edit that should finish sometime tonight or tomorrow. It's the twisty mystery thriller and it's definitely been a wild ride.

Not a bad week for viewing. I got through my usual list of shows but didn't end up adding any of my reserve ones.

Started out by finishing up the episode of Foyle's War. I have one episode left then some bonus material to watch.

Caught another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries and quite enjoyed it. Very interesting to see Mike move house and how the transition worked into the case.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness. Super happy to see Jack accepted as a professor. Also rather liked the resolution of the case.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. Always fun when he's kind of on his own. The case was very interesting also. I like it when he's solving old ones.

Elementary ended on an interesting note. I'm wondering if the mention of Sherlock's dad is going to come into play for the second half. Also fun to see Kitty again.

Watched an episode of Young Justice and I'm intrigued. The addition of Artemis could prove interesting. I'm leaning toward double agent.

Caught another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. Fun to see Boimler handle his first away mission. Also really fun to watch the other three try to outsmart their superior officers.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Kiss Is Just a Kiss, a novella that explores a friends-to-lovers vibe.

Here's the miniblurb:

A kiss is just a kiss … except when it’s not. Betsy Roarke shares a brief lip-lock with Wash Mulligan and can't stop thinking about it. He's got her all twisted up and turned sideways, and she aims to make him feel the same.

And a snippety peek…

Wash smirked. Esme likes to go fast, my ass. Betsy had the need for speed … so unlike the girl he left behind.

Old Betsy did everything with careful deliberation and planning. He had no idea what new Betsy did other than help his dad with the business. He kind of missed the perky ponytail that used to swing back and forth when she walked. The blonde waves tumbling around her shoulders suited the ten-year gap. She'd grown into a beautiful woman.

His physical reaction definitely didn't count as one of the differences between old and new Betsy. Calm down, dickhead. She's still too young for you. A decade passing didn't really make a difference.

Focused on the road, she said nothing while she maneuvered along the interstate. The quiet bothered him. She used to fill silence with nonstop chatter about whatever project she had going.

Then again, what did he want her to say?

That the kiss they shared turned her upside down like it did to him? Nope. He wouldn't go there.

But something didn't mesh between the girl he left and the woman beside him. She'd always been open and honest, displaying her feelings for all to see. This Betsy had shadowed layers.

There's something hidden here.

He wouldn't pry. Not his business unless she made it so. They passed the arena on the riverfront, one of the venues his dad provided security for.

He faced her way a little. "How's the old man?" Might as well test the waters.

Betsy lifted a shoulder. "Good. Busy right now getting ready for the annual picnic on the Fourth." She changed lanes.

Annual picnic? "When did he start that?" He'd missed a lot, apparently.

Betsy sent a quick glance his way. "About five years ago. Started as an anniversary celebration, you know, for twenty years, and everyone had so much fun, we've done it every year since."

Coming from anyone else, the gentle reminder he'd missed the last ten years of their lives would've kicked him between the teeth. But Betsy kept her tone matter-of-fact, more like playing catch-up.

Wash nodded. "So, he's not home?" Maybe a good thing.

Betsy lifted her chin. "Wasn't when I left." She frowned. "And he'll be surprised to see you." She sent a sheepish glance in his direction. "I've been checking his emails the last couple of days. Between getting ready for the various fireworks shows and the picnic, he's spread pretty thin."

Translation—he's been too busy to worry about meeting his son.

Wash shrugged off the instinctive anger. He'd come home to salvage what he could with his dad. Didn't mean he'd have an easy road ahead.

Betsy flashed a smile. "He's going to be glad to see you." She shifted lanes again, getting to close to their exit.

Wash quirked a brow. "You're sure about that?" He'd believe it when he witnessed it.

Betsy lost her smile. "Considering I've spent almost every day of the last decade with him? Yeah, I'm sure." She took the off-ramp for the road home.

And, okay, he deserved that small kick in the ass.

Wash bit back a sigh. "Yeah, well, I hope you're right."

I love this story so much. Wash is going to be turned inside out before he finally understands what he needs.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin