Sunday Snippet: Meet Me by the Mistletoe

Had a fun time at my high school reunion on Saturday … even though it was very hot and super humid. Got to see people I haven't seen in absolute ages. So nice to catch up with everyone.

Weather has been a little wild. Big temperature swings again. We've also had some rumbling thunderstorms with interesting lightning. We're supposed to have a very rainy week with more storms rolling through so that should be fun.

Had a busy work week with a few projects coming in for final touches and should be getting close to the finish line. Made more progress on the developmental edit I've been working on and might be close to finishing that one up also. Finished up a proofread and started a new copy edit. Not a bad week.

Made it through my usual slate of shows so had a good viewing week also. I even got to finish up one of my backburner shows. I'll be starting a new series this week and I'm looking forward to picking one out. I also did another Death in Paradise binge on Sunday.

Caught an episode of Marple and rather enjoyed the twists and turns. It was kind of fun to have the show set during the holiday season but not be overtly holidayish.

Finished up Ireland Coast and Country. Enjoyed the dip into some of the country's locations and remarkable scenery.

Started season four of Beyond Paradise. Fun episode setting up a big quandary for Humphrey. I'm kind of excited to see what hijinks Humph and Martha get into with renovating their new house. Very happy to be revisiting Shipton Abbot.

Caught another episode of Poirot and actually enjoyed seeing him in a very different setting. The mystery had some interesting twists and I liked that.

Elementary ended on a concerning note and I'm glad I can drop right into the next season without a long wait. Happy to have the Shinwell murder resolved, and I'm truly thrilled that Moriarty isn't the mystery woman, even though her identity makes me sad.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and enjoyed watching the team come together even when they were on the outs.

Finished up season four of Star Trek Lower Decks and, seriously, I'm going to miss this show so much. I loved everything about this finale … except one thing. Losing a team member sucked but at least there's a chance she'll return.

Also finished up an episode of Peak Practice. It ended up being a pretty good one but had a lot going on. So happy Tom finally owned his feelings!

That's the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Meet Me by the Mistletoe, a follow up to Merry and Bright.

Here's the miniblurb:

Presley Griffith wants to create one more new holiday tradition with her men, Gunnar Stewart and Frazier Boyle, and celebrate their one-year anniversary with style. With hectic schedules revolving around the hospital, fire station and police department, she's not sure she can pull it off. A cryptic message to meet her by the mistletoe at a secluded bed and breakfast brings both men calling with bells on.

And a snippety peek…

Presley ducked away from the window and moved to the wide, arched doorway separating the foyer from the front parlor. "I'm nervous and excited at the same time." Standing under the mistletoe at the brownstone, she pocketed the key she got to show the guys the property.

A light rapping sounded on the front door.

Presley used a quiet voice. "Come in." Her excitement grew when the oak slab swung open.

Gunnar and Frazier stepped across the threshold, each sending wary gazes in different directions.

Frazier moved further into the house. "What's going on?" He tilted his head to one side.

Gunnar nodded and asked the same with widened eyes.

Presley gave them a sultry smirk. "I'll explain as soon as you do what you're supposed to do under the mistletoe." Her gaze slid upward to the fresh sprig hanging in the arch.

Both men grinned and moved into her personal space; Frazier in front of her and Gunnar behind. Frazier leaned over her and planted a kiss on Gunnar, then dropped his chin and meshed his mouth with hers. Gunnar's lips sought the column of her throat, nuzzling up to her ear. Frazier's tongue slipped against hers, lingering and exploring. His hands gripped her hips, pulling her flush against his. Gunnar's palms skimmed down her arms before moving forward to cup her breasts.

Presley moaned and eased away from Frazier to angle her head back to embrace Gunnar. He hummed against her mouth before taking the kiss deeper. His arms wrapped around her and Frazier, bringing them all closer together.

She could stand here all night, making out with her two favorite people on the planet. But … she promised to let them in on her secret. Reluctantly, she ended the lip-lock.

Fanning her face, she smiled. "Whew. You two give the best holiday greetings." Her lips spread wider.

Fraz narrowed his gaze. "She's grinning like a Cheshire cat." He looked at Gunnar who nodded.

Presley stepped away from their small circle. "I have the biggest surprise for you guys, and this is part of it…" She spun around. "I want to put an offer on this brownstone so we can live together." She couldn't keep the elation out of her voice.

Gunnar eyebrows arched. "Can you afford it?" He scrutinized the room they were in, taking in the fireplace with a crooked hearth and the dusty floors.

Presley shook her head. "Not without help. That's why I want to pool our resources and buy it together." If they didn't have to pay rent anymore, they could swing the mortgage payments.

Gunnar cast a doubtful gaze around again. "Needs a lot of work." He moved further into the parlor and turned the light on in the family room.

Presley nodded. "I know. But it's livable, if unattractive. What do you guys think?" The place had so much potential.

Fraz's head bobbed. "I see the possibilities. But Gunnar's got a point. This is going to take a ton of work." His neck craned, and he looked out to the foyer with a wide staircase going up one wall and a short hallway that led to the kitchen, den, study, and the old servants' quarters with two bathrooms and two bedrooms—none of which he could see yet. "With our schedules we might not get a lot done." He shoved his hands into his pants pockets.

Presley, a little deflated, pressed onward. "But you'll at least think about it?" Hope filled her tone.

Gunnar glanced toward Frazier and they had a silent conversation with looks alone.

She could almost hear them in her head.

Location is convenient.

Need to see the rest of the place, but it's big.

Lots of room to spread out.

Gonna need time to think about it.

Yeah … but worth pondering.

Gunnar turned off the light in the living room and moved to stand beside Frazier.

"We'll consider it." As usual, they spoke in unison.

Presley perked up. "Terrific! We can tour the whole house and grounds later." She paused and sucked in a deep breath. "Now … for the big part of my surprise." She withdrew the brochure for the bed and breakfast. "This is why I can't afford the brownstone on my own." She opened the trifold page. "I bought the Mystic Moon Bed and Breakfast and since they suspended bookings until the final sale and the new year, it's ours for the holidays."

Frazier barked out a laugh. "That's why you said not to make plans for tomorrow!"

Gunnar chuckled. "And why you packed a bag for us." He smirked. "You've been a busy girl."

Presley preened. "I had to do something to top last year." She dangled the keys. "Are you two up for a fully furnished manor house with all the comforts of home?"

Each man crooked an elbow, and Presley looped her hands through them. Frazier turned off the light in the parlor and Gunnar picked up her bag by the steps.

They exited the house, ready to head off for a new adventure.

I love this throuple so much. And I'm having fun writing another merry adventure for them.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin