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

Sunday Snippet: A Kiss Is Just a Kiss

Okay, I've been on a cleaning spree again, which means I had a somewhat slow week with television. I haven't been in the mood and my attention span is limited right now.

I did get a new episode of Blue Heelers started. It's an interesting one and I'm enjoying it.

I also finished up the final chapter of the second episode of Queens of Mystery. I really like this show.

Caught the second part of a Silent Witness episode and quite liked the mystery this time. I also enjoyed getting to see the transition from Sam to Leo as professor. I've never seen how they handled that.

Other than my usual slate of Classic Perry Mason and The Saint along with the Ovation shows, I haven't caught much else. Ovation has a new-to-me show called King and I've seen a few of the episodes. Not bad. I'll see if my opinion holds.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Kiss Is Just a Kiss, a novella that has a bit of a reunion that turns into romance.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

The approach to the airport brought back a lot of memories. Some good. Some bad. But … ten years away from his dad taught Wash a thing or twenty. He didn't have to live up to anyone's expectations or do things the way his dad did. But Sam drilled in the importance of home and Wash needed a healthy dose of belonging somewhere even if he feared shit going sideways.

He exited the plane not really paying attention. He did a cursory scan of people waiting on the other side of the security gates and promptly spied a hot blonde. Surrounded by business types, vacationers, and others waiting on family members, he briefly wondered what brought her to the arrivals location. He entered the queue for security, a little disappointed at not seeing the old man.

Continuing through the line, he set his bag on the conveyor and passed through the metal detector. Grabbing his rucksack, he started to fish his phone out to call a cab. Man, he'd hoped—

"Hey, sailor. Need a ride?" The female voice sounded familiar.

Wash turned to find the hot blonde smiling. Distracted, he assumed she wanted a military man for the weekend. He had no desire at the moment to get tangled up with anyone—gorgeous or not.

He paused and gave her a long look. "Do I know you?" She really did seem familiar.

The smile dimmed, the welcoming light going out of her gaze and uncertainty crossed her features. "Wash?" Again, the voice reminded him of someone.

But the side tilt of her head had memories slamming into him. "Damn. Betsy?" Holy hell. She'd grown up and looked nothing like the sweet sixteen-year-old he'd left behind with his dad.

Her grin returned and she nodded, stepping forward to greet him, her arms open for a hug. A little dazed by the scorchingly beautiful woman in front of him, Wash hauled her in close. Her chin tilted upward. Instinct kicked in and Wash lowered his head, his mouth colliding with hers. Mmm ... she tasted sweet, her soft lips responding to his embrace.

His body reacted—blood heating, heart pumping, and, of course, his dick swelling. Cool it, genius, this is Betsy. Betsy! Reality kicked in and he broke the kiss, thrusting her away from him.

She blinked, her mouth opening then closing when her fingers brushed over her lips. "Wow." Her tongue darted and she let out a little hum.

His face flamed. "Jesus, I'm sorry. That shouldn't have happened." What the hell?

A brief flash of hurt followed by anger lit her gaze before she schooled her features into a mask of calm. "No apology necessary." She gave him a slow once-over—one that almost looked like she found him lacking in some way—before she nodded. "Welcome home. It's good to see you, Wash." She jerked her head toward the exit for arriving flights. "I'm in short-term parking if you'd like a ride?" She made it a question.

The awkward moment averted for now, he hefted his rucksack further up onto his shoulder. "Lead the way." He followed her outside. "I'm glad you came." Oddly ... he found sentiment to be true.

And she'd obviously not landed back with her mom, which didn't really surprise him.

I love writing Wash and Betsy. Wash has a few issues he needs to work out and Betsy is going to help him whether he wants her to or not.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Kiss is Just a Kiss

Greetings, September! I decided to start at least thinking about what to do for holiday shopping this year. I'm fairly certain I've decided the direction I want to go in for the kids and the husband. Possibly even my parental unit. This never happens. I fully expect the world to stop spinning sometime in the near future. Just saying.

Had a super crazy and busy week, but still got some solid viewing in. Granted, I did end up doing the usual marathons of Murder, She Wrote and In the Heat of the Night. I also got a solid block of The Saint in. Also got two episodes of Classic Who watched.

I started Sunday with Midsomer Murders then followed with Babylon 5 and The Sarah Conner Chronicles.

Monday, I caught the Birds of Prey pilot episode. I loved this show so much when it premiered. Tuesday was Pensacola Wings of Gold. Wednesday, I watched another episode of Lexx and on Thursday, I watched Surprised by Love, a Hallmark original. Finally found one I thoroughly enjoyed.

On Friday, I started season five of Strike Back. I got interrupted during the first episode so I'll finish it over the weekend. I did finish Band of Brothers, which is one of my rewatch at any time shows.

Saturday has been a big block of The Saint again. Not sure what else I'll get into but I'm writing the blog post a little early so it's out of the way.

Still behind on Killjoys and Wynonna Earp, but I'll definitely make sure to watch every single episode in the near future.

That's it for this week. Tonight's post is from A Kiss is Just a Kiss, a novella that got a start with a scene prompt of writing one character teases the other with a kiss on Fourth of July weekend. The one being kissed makes an alpha!appearance.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Dear Dad, I've decided to leave the navy.

Washburn Mulligan stared at the blank screen. "Nah. Like he'd care." Not like Butch supported Wash's decision to join in the first place.

Maybe ten years had mellowed the old man out.

Wash snorted. "Right. As if." But he needed to find something to put in the e-mail.

Keep it simple, man.

 Wash typed in a brief message saying he'd be coming home and listing his flight time. Not that he expected his dad to meet him at the airport, but Wash had enough time with his mom before she died to learn manners. He wouldn't be rude and just show up on his dad's doorstep.

It's your doorstep too, dude.

Wash hit send then kicked back to wait for his ride to the airport. He pushed an unsettled feeling aside. Mustering out of the service had been the right call. After losing his best friend on the last deployment, Wash didn't have the drive to stay in anymore. Didn't help he hadn't been there when Sam went down. I should've been able to save him.

But he hadn't been and he couldn't change the outcome.

"Wash. Your ride's here." Norm Chantley stuck his head into the room.

Wash got up and swung his rucksack over his shoulder. "Thanks." He stuck out his hand. "It's been an honor to serve with you."

Norm grasped Wash's palm. "Same, Wash. Won't be the same without you."

Wash's lips kicked up in a grin. "It's gonna be different, going back to civilian life." But hopefully good.

Norm gave Wash a slap on the back when he exited the room. "Keep in touch, man. We'll look forward to hearing about what you get into."

Considering Wash had no idea what his future held, he almost laughed. Instead, he promised to let Norm know when he got settled.

If he got settled. No guarantees there.

Getting into the waiting car, Wash slouched down and fished his phone from his pocket. Maybe he'd call his dad. No… they'd argued the last time they'd talked around the holidays. Wash grieved for Sam and Butch had been cranky about something work-related. But something in his dad's voice gave Wash pause. The old man sounded tired. Except when he talked about Betsy. The girl could do no wrong in his dad's eyes.

Wash delved into memories. She'd been in high school when he left, involved in music, drama, and lots of committees. He'd been doing his own thing working for his dad and tried not to pay much attention to her. So much easier said than done when a cute, outgoing female breezed into their home and put down roots.

And the poor kid tried to play peacemaker when he and Butch got into it. Didn't take more than a couple of major blowout arguments with his dad before Wash enlisted. He needed time to figure out what he wanted from life.

He snorted. "And I needed discipline. Something the old man wanted me to have but never took the time to teach." Getting away had opened Wash's eyes.

He might not know what he wanted to do with the rest of his life, but he had found himself. No longer the boy who lived in his dad's shadow, Wash had become the man he wanted to be. For better or worse.

Now he had to strategize how to fit back into Butch Mulligan's world.

Oddly, he welcomed the challenge.

I enjoy writing Wash. He's a little damaged on the inside but not mean and surly about it. Yet. Being back in his dad's orbit might change Wash's demeanor just a little. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Kiss is Just a Kiss

Memorial Day weekend, which doubles as graduation weekend in my little burg, is my signal that summer will be arriving soon. Looking forward to outside activities and longer nights.

Watched some great season finales this week. Gotham pulled out all the stops and I'm really looking forward to seeing what next season has in store for the characters.

The Flash kind of left me reeling. I'm really not sure how I feel about Barry's final move or how it's going to impact the upcoming season. With Supergirl moving to the CW in the fall, it'll be interesting to see what kind of crossover action is in store for the DC shows.

Arrow did not disappoint. This is probably my favorite season finale to date. I'm definitely interested in seeing the next season and hope to touch on Oliver's time in Russia for the flashbacks. Absolutely looking forward to what I hope won't be the final season for Arrow, but who knows.

Orphan Black's episode came across as very chaotic and I kind of loved it. It reminded me of someone shaking a bottle of something fizzy then letting go to watch the contents spill out all over the place. I love how gray and blurry all the lines are and how dark the layers get with this show.

Wynonna Earp continues to make me happy. Need to watch this week's episode but I've been distracted by marathons of NCIS: LA and The X-Files this weekend.

Banshee's series finale actually turned out to be exactly what I hoped for. I mean exactly what I hoped for. I had a gut feeling about who killed Rebecca and the writers did not disappoint me in the least with how that aspect turned out. I'm also completely down with how Proctor's story ended, letting viewers kind of imagine his fate. I loved Kurt's resolution with Calvin and, honestly, for being such a late arrival as a character, I fell in love with his story. Brock's new attitude about being sheriff is awesome and, of course, Sugar's retirement is well-earned and thanks to Job. And speaking of the sassy transvestite, his sunset strut ended up being perfect and spot on. And I'm thrilled with where things are left with Hood and Carrie. Seriously, I loved, loved, loved the ending. A satisfying four seasons of a kick ass show.

And that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from A Kiss is Just a Kiss, a novella based on a prompt where on the Fourth of July weekend, one character teases the other about a spontaneous kiss shared when the other returned home from a stint in the military. The other character goes a little alpha on the first.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Betsy Roarke closed the email and tilted her head to one side. "Wash is coming home." Her heart kicked hard in her chest and she rolled her eyes. "Geez, Bets, get a grip. It's been ten years. Your teenage crush might not be the prime specimen of hotness he was at twenty." Then again, he could be even more lethal in the looks department.

She wondered if she should tell Butch his son's flight would arrive in about three hours. "Yeah, probably not."

Wash's tersely worded message providing the details of his arrival time along with zero expectation of being met at the airport counted as a courtesy and nothing else. Betsy didn't have the heart to slash open a new wound in the relationship between Washburn and Butch Mulligan. The prodigal son coming home after a stint in the navy might just make life interesting if nothing else.

Betsy blew out a nervous breath and made a quick decision. Wash didn't expect his dad to pick him up from the airport, but she could certainly run out to get him. Grabbing her keys and phone case, which had her license and other essentials in it, she dashed to the door before she could change her mind. After ten years, Betsy needed to know why Wash, once the poster boy for following in his dad's footsteps, shocked everyone by running off without so much as a word.

Sliding behind the wheel of her car, she started the engine. Ten years. When Wash left, she'd been an awkward sixteen, stuck with raging hormones and unrequited feelings for Butch's son. Didn't help she'd moved in with them after her dad died and her mom skipped town for bigger and better things. Betsy wanted to hate the woman, but Marlene Roarke sent regular support checks until Betsy turned twenty-one. After that, Marlene asked Betsy to have a great life and forget she had a mom.

Nice one, Marlene.

Of course, Butch stepped up, just like he had when Betsy needed a home. Family didn't always mean blood and Betsy would never be in want for a place to stay or wonder if she had anyone to care about her. And for five years, she hadn't. Her mom might not want her, but Butch treated her like the daughter he never had. And Wash had no idea Betsy filled the void left when he joined the military, acting as Butch's right hand in running the business.

But Wash would find out soon.

Betsy couldn't resist sticking her nose in Mulligan family drama. Only this time, she had a much higher stake than before.

Backing out of the drive, she headed toward the airport. "Be ready, Wash. You're going to get quite the welcome home."

I'm excited about how this one is coming together. Betsy and Wash are so much fun to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Kiss is Just a Kiss

Okay. The end of a seven year ride with the final episode of Sons of Anarchy left me satisfied and kind of weepy. But honestly? The last shot of the series ended up being pretty much perfect, in my opinion. Still digesting everything, but all in all, things played out exactly how I expected, but in a way that made me wish I had Kurt Sutter's talent. Sons of Anarchy will rank right up there with Battlestar Galactica as one of my favorite shows of all time.

The Flash and Arrow also didn't let me down. On one hand, I wish I didn't have to wait until January for new episodes, but on the other, with the busy holiday season, a nice little rest won't kill me. I hope. LOL

Tonight's post is from A Kiss is Just a Kiss, a sexy short where my main characters' long history come into play.

Here's the tagline:

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…

Betsy crossed her arm over her chest. "You know what? I think you're still a long way from earning poster boy status again." She held up one finger. "You ditch the old man." Lifted a second and a third. "You collude with Rosen. Hook up with Zane." Her hand shot out in a wide swath. "And… you cut out early from the mandatory festivities." She snorted. "If I didn't know better I'd think you were sneaking out for a booty call." She tilted her head sideways. "Maybe I don't know better. You did plant a big one on me." She smirked. "You never explained that one, Wash." Not like he ever would either.

Wash hissed out a breath and lifted a brow. "Do you really wanna go there, Betsy?" He took a step forward, but stopped, planting his feet hip-width apart.

His question sent a chill down Betsy's spine. Then a burst of warmth bloomed at the base and traveled upward to her face. His voice held a warning, but also a bit of a dare. Like he wanted to see if she'd be up for the challenge.

Oh, most definitely. "Oh yeah, I think I absolutely wanna go there." She arched a brow, accepting his challenge.

Wash's eyes widened and he opened his mouth and closed it again. Speechless Wash proved to be so much fun.

Her lips curved in a smile. "What's the matter, Wash? You said I could talk to you about anything. Backing out now?"

Wash narrowed his eyes and his nostrils flared. Oops. Maybe she'd pushed a little too far. Might be a good time to make an exit.

Betsy turned around and headed for the door. "No problem. Good to know what's off limits." A little disappointed, her shoulders slumped forward.

She didn't make it to the door. Wash reached forward and grabbed her hips, yanking her flush against him. His head dipped and the warm breath on her neck raised goose bumps on her skin. She barely held back a delicious shudder.

"You wanna talk about the kiss? Fine. Let's talk." His lips slid along her throat and up to her ear. "What's on your mind, Betsy?"

How fast they could get naked topped the list. Followed by who needed to get nude? Wash's erection pressed against her ass and she considered herself more than wet and ready. Before she could make a move to get them semi-clothed, Wash spun her around and pushed her up against the wall.

He raised a brow. "Where do you want to start?" He inched closer, the hard ridge of his cock outlined under the fatigues he wore.

Betsy couldn't speak, her head filled with naughty thoughts.

Wash leaned back a little. "Betsy?" He started to take a step away from her.

She fisted her hand in his shirt, tugging him close again. "Talking's overrated." She lifted her chin and barely made contact with his mouth before Wash jerked his head back.

He cupped her face. "Maybe, but you said you wanted to talk, so…" His thumb stroked over her cheek.

Betsy growled, frustrated. "I want your lips on mine. Now." She also wanted him naked as soon as possible.

Wash's lips curved. "Doesn't sound like we'll get much talking done." His head dipped lower, almost within reach. "Are you sure, Betsy? My lips on yours?" His mouth hovered over hers.

She let out a raspy sigh. "Hell, yes, I'm sure." She wrapped her hand around the back of his neck, making sure he couldn't pull back this time.

His lips twitched. "Okay, then. I think this turned out to be one of our better talks."

His mouth crushed hers and, oh, sweet merciful Lord, far outdid the short lip-lock when he'd returned home. His tongue swept inside her mouth and slid along hers, tasting, teasing, taunting. Betsy moaned, low in her throat. God, the man could kiss. Why didn't she remember that?

The room spun and Betsy felt drunk. From a kiss. How would she feel if they took it up a notch?

She knew. Deep in her gut, she knew they'd explode.

I love writing unresolved feelings when they finally edge toward action. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin