Sunday Snippet: Curiosity Kills It

The first week of August didn't end up being horrible and hot. We did get some humidity but the temperatures weren't terrible. I didn't have any big work projects and got to focus on a lot of writing. I also had a terrific brainstorm idea that I hope to talk more about in the near future!

Solid week of viewing television in the background while I got to work on writing. I'm a little ahead of my weekly schedule and hope I can work another movie in this week.

I caught two episodes of The Snoopy Show. This is such a great thing to have on in the background when I need some noise and funny stuff.

Watched an episode of the Agatha Christie Hour. The slightly paranormal angle made me happy.

Enjoyed a two-part Silent Witness and ended up liking it a lot. A good twisty plot on this one.

Finished up an arc of Classic Who and started a new one. The cybermen made an appearance in the new arc.

Also got the last episode of Most Terrifying Places in America watched. The final episode focused on the unnatural world and had some good stories.

Caught another episode of Moon Knight. This show is such a nice mix of action and humor with some interesting lore thrown in. I really love it.

Watched the penultimate episode of Harrow. Next should be the big finale and all I have to say is nothing bad better happen to Fern or Cal. At this point, I don't care if James is a good guy or a bad guy, I'm not a fan at all. Fairley makes me so happy and Grace … well, I really hoped they wouldn't do a weird triangle thing, but it looks like that might be in store for next season, if there is one. Bleh.

Enjoyed an episode of Blue Heelers, which kind of picked up where the last one left off. Loved how the characters pieced everything together and got Nick off the hot seat for the most part. We'll see what happens on the next episode.

Caught another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. She talked about consuming and criticizing culture and I took a couple of valuable points away with me. I enjoy listening to her so much.

Watched another episode of the Babysitters Club. I say it often, but I'm so disappointed this show won't have any more episodes. It's fun and witty but always has some great dramatic moments also.

Thoroughly enjoyed two Classic Rugrats episodes. The Passover episode is one of my favorites and I'd forgotten that was in season three.

Caught another episode of Driven from Passionflix. So much happened and cliffhanger end hit hard. Can't wait to watch the next one!

Have to say I'm so disappointed in Natalie's characterization on Chicago Med. I realize we're close to when she'll be leaving but, man, she definitely did Will wrong on this one. I loved Daniel's arc and the understated way he showed his grief over CeeCee's death.

Finished up The Force Awakens and I'm so glad I've watched the movie from beginning to end and not in sporadic pieces. Looking forward to episode VIII.

Watched another Batman: The Animated Series episode. This is probably my all-time favorite animated series and the Dr. Freeze storyline is a particular favorite in the first season.

Caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. This one had a lot of twists and I liked them. Gina continues to crack me up on a regular basis.

Started a new docuseries with Strangest Things. This is another show where I've bits and pieces of episodes and I'm excited to watch them in order and all the way through.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Curiosity Kills It, a novella that puts two coworkers that have personality conflicts on the road to becoming a couple.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Pagan and Chuck push each other's buttons … and not in a good way. But Pagan has a moment of clarity when she spies Chuck in the shower—they argue so much because they fight a powerful attraction. Hooking up may not be the answer, especially since they work together, but Pagan's curiosity gets the better of her and she has to find out.

And a snippety peek…

Chuck had to take a moment. The vivid picture of Pagan writhing underneath, on top, and bent over in front of him took up residence in his brain and sent the blood flow directly to his dick.

Damn the woman. "Now I have vivid images I can't escape." Who the hell knew he had a pornographic imagination?

Apparently Pagan did.

Once he got his hard-on under control, he kept her in his line of sight, thinking he'd confront her about playing games she shouldn't. But she had masterful skill at not being caught without company at her side. Frankly, probably better for both of them.

When she left, he breathed a sigh of relief. Until he got home. He spent all his waking time daydreaming about her. Imagining how incredible the sex would be.

Scraping a hand over his head, he growled. "I can't keep doing this."

He barely managed to get through their next shift. Pretty sure she had that very thing in mind when she made all those suggestions at the picnic. Well, he'd had enough. Time to turn the tables.

He stopped her on the way out. "Okay, you win. You planted the idea in my head and now I can't close my eyes without picturing us hot, sweaty, and naked together." Leaning in, he pitched his voice low. "And this whole thing better not turn out to be a bet." He'd commit violence if anyone had money riding on this.

Pagan held up her hands. "No bets, Chuck. Not even I'm that desperate for cash."

He grunted. "Fine. What's your next move?" He hoisted his go-bag over his shoulder.

Pagan flashed smile. "Not mine, Chuck. Ours." She started for the door. "And I suggest grabbing some breakfast to discuss what happens next."

She didn't name the place, but he had no doubt where to go. Roxanne's Diner … two blocks up from the station.

I'm having a lot of fun writing this one. I love characters that have a flash moment of realization that kind of changes everything.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Curiosity Kills It

I'm a little surprised May is at an end and I shouldn't be. Then again, I spent the entire week getting days mixed up so there's that.

Pretty decent week of television viewing. I started out by finishing the Roswell, New Mexico episode and, frankly, loved it. I like that Maria didn't let Liz off the hook. I'm so glad she knows what's going on now. I also hope she gets over the betrayal and becomes an ally for the alien side. I'm very cautious about Cameron's appearance. Something tells me she's going to be doing a lot of backstabbing but for a good reason. I don't for a moment believe Jesse is as bad off as he makes out to be and we'll be seeing his evil ways rear their ugly heads again. And, finally, Isabel. What a terrific episode for her. I enjoyed the way her connection to Max was explored and explained. I'll look forward to more of this type of storyline for her.

On a fun note, I got to watch my daughter's graduation via YouTube. I can honestly say it was rather nice to sit in a cool house to see her get her diploma rather than sitting in a hot stadium. The circumstances might not have been ideal, but the school put a ton of effort into making the graduation special and I appreciate their work.

I started an episode of The Heart Guy and, well, didn't finish it. The show isn't grabbing me the way I'd hoped. I'll probably come back to it later.

Also caught another episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. For a show that's well over twenty years old, some of the storylines are very relevant to today's circumstances.

Caught the beginning arc of the fourth doctor on Classic Who. Four has a long, long run for the show and I'm excited to get started on his tenure.

Watched one episode of Gargoyles and it's another one I didn't remember from my initial viewing. Pretty decent episode with some cat and mouse maneuvers.

Was able to get in another episode of Strike Back and quite enjoyed it. The team now knows what's going on with the blood vendetta and I'm excited for the final three episodes. Can't wait to see how the series ends. The declassified behind the scenes also ended up being really enjoyable.

Caught another episode of The Witcher and I'm getting sucked deeper into the mythology of the show. I thoroughly enjoyed all three storylines, two of which converged together in this episode. I'm interested to see what happens next.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. I'll be starting a new Passionflix movie sometime later tonight and look forward to seeing the first part of Gabriel's Inferno.

Tonight's post is from Curiosity Kills It, a novella that is coming along nicely now that the characters have figured out what they want.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Pagan and Chuck push each other's buttons … and not in a good way. But Pagan has a moment of clarity when she spies Chuck in the shower—they argue so much because they fight a powerful attraction. Hooking up may not be the answer, especially since they work together, but Pagan's curiosity gets the better of her and she has to find out.

And a snippety peek…

Chuck heaved a sigh of relief when he exited the station after a call-free night. "Could've sworn Pagan would be up my ass about the protocol thing." Yet she'd never mentioned the argument.

She'd steered clear of him, taking her dinner out onto the patio even though the wind gusts had picked up. And she'd gone to the sleeping quarters early instead of watching the latest super hero flick with the rest of the crew. But … she didn't cop an attitude or anything, just quietly went about her business, tucking a book under her arm before calling good night.

After sliding into his vehicle, he paused, watching her stroll to her car. "She seems distracted." Odd, because she usually tried to talk at least one of their coworkers into stopping at the diner around the corner for a huge breakfast.

Shaking his head, he started his truck and headed for home. "Don't beg trouble, dumbass. Who cares why Pagan didn't get in your face?" He definitely counted it as a bonus that she didn't jump his shit.

Cutting through some heavy traffic on the freeway, he focused on driving. Once he cleared the glut of cars, his mind wandered again. Back to Pagan and why she always seemed to give him nothing but headaches.

Not like he didn't get her frustration. She wanted to be able to put the medic back in service if they didn't transport anyone from a scene. Currently, they weren't able to do so, especially if supplies were used on location.

Pulling into his drive, he cut the engine. "Completely get her point of view, but she has to stick to the policy, dammit." At least until the SOP got changed.

Exiting the truck, he waved to his neighbor. Like clockwork, Marcie watered her plants before she left for work in the morning. Chuck went past his house to the storage shed in the backyard. He might as well get the grass mowed; they were due for rain the next day.

Doing the mundane chore should give his mind time to settle and, hopefully, find a new topic to think about.

Pulling the mower out, he yanked on the cord. "I so don't need Pagan taking up space in my head for the next two days."

I'm excited to work on this one again. Pagan and Chuck needed some time to get their heads on straight.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Curiosity Kills It

Season's Greetings!

As usual, I'm running around like a crazy woman finishing up everything at the last moment. I'm only halfway through Operation Wrap Shit Up but I'll get it all done. I always do… even if it's not until four a.m. Christmas morning. LOL

Slow week in television, which isn't a bad thing because I had a few editing projects to finish up and I didn't need the distraction. I did manage to finish the first season of Chicago Fire and I can't wait for the second season to start arriving in my mailbox.

I have the Murdoch Mysteries holiday special ready to watch while we're decorating our tree later tonight. I'm looking forward to the Doctor Who special if only to watch the regeneration into a new doctor. Sadly, I never warmed up to Capaldi as the Doctor and I'm ready for a new face.

I still have the Riverdale winter finale to watch and I'm hoping to finish up my wrapping while viewing that episode. Considering I'll probably be going nonstop until the wee hours, I might even watch it more than once. LOL

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Curiosity Kills It, a novella that started with the idea of battling coworkers who become more.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Pagan and Chuck push each other's buttons… and not in a good way. But Pagan has a moment of clarity when she spies Chuck in the shower—they argue so much because they fight a powerful attraction. Hooking up may not be the answer, especially since they work together, but Pagan's curiosity gets the better of her and she has to find out.

And a snippety peek…

Pagan steamed with anger—for a good ten minutes, waiting on Chuck to return. "Screw it." She marched into the dressing area and… no Chuck. "What the hell?"

He might have been dirty, but not that much.

"Damned man is probably staying under the spray to avoid me."

She paced and fumed. Paced…

And fumed.

She had things to say and he would listen. She'd grown tired of his constant "reminders" of what and how she needed to do things. Maybe if he left her alone, she'd adhere to policy.

"Not like I need a babysitter."

She made another circuit of the dressing room. "How freaking long can he spend under the water?" Probably forever if it meant he didn't have to deal with her. "Dammit." She'd talk to him in the shower.

She entered the steam-filled area and stopped short. Whoa. Holy smokes.

Chuck faced the wall, his head resting on the smooth tiles. With his arms stretched out, the water sluiced down his spine. Good God, the man had an incredible back. Broad shoulders, rippled torso, and a tapered waist. And his ass… sculpted to perfection. Long legs with sinewy muscle completed the package.

A wave of lust hit her so hard she backed out as quickly as she'd stumbled in. She grabbed the side of the lockers and sucked in a harsh breath. No way. She didn't even like Chuck. No freaking way could she be lusting after him.

Her body said otherwise—weak knees, quickened pulse, and pounding heart.

The shower shut off and she dashed from the head, running down the corridor to the workout area. She couldn't face him, not with the heady visuals running through her mind. A quick round of reps should do the trick and drive her libido down.

Grabbing a kettlebell she started doing squats.

No way. No way. No. Way.

Her inner voice had a good laugh at her reaction.

Way.

"Shut up."

Needless to say, Pagan avoided Chuck for the rest of the shift.

I like where this one is going and hope to have more ready in the coming year.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Curiosity Kills It

Happy Mother's Day to all the awesome moms out there!

If I'd been thinking, I would have planned something featuring a mother/child dynamic, but sadly, I didn’t plan ahead. It's been a busy couple of weeks, what can I say? LOL

Tonight's post is from Curiosity Kills It, a novella length manuscript centered on one of my favorite tropes: opposites attract. Pagan and Chuck don't get why they're hot for each other, but they are. LOL And they'll attempt to set some ground rules when they explore their options, which slides right into another one of my favorite tropes…rules are made to be broken. :D

Tagline:

Pagan and Chuck push each other's buttons…and not in a good way. But Pagan has a moment of clarity when she spies Chuck in the shower—they argue so much because they fight a powerful attraction. Getting together may not be the answer, especially since they work for the same company, but Pagan's curiosity gets the better of her and she has to find out.

And the snippety peek…

Pagan moved in close to Chuck. "Kiss me."

He blinked. "What?" His head shook back and forth, wondering if he'd heard correctly.

She would have laughed over catching him so completely off guard if finding out didn't rank so high on her list. She needed to discover whether the insane attraction she'd developed would be a flash and burn thing or possibly a slow simmer waiting to boil over into something kick ass awesome.

She glanced sideways, making sure they still had privacy. "Just go with me here, okay?" Her gaze met his. "Kiss me."

Chuck narrowed his eyes a moment, frowned then shrugged. He leaned in and brushed his lips over hers. The first contact and warm press of skin against skin slid into another embrace and went from zero to hot in a millisecond. Scorching, even. Pagan melted against him, fisting her hands in his T-shirt, glad to have something to hang onto. Her mouth opened and his tongue delved inside, teasing and tempting her to go for more. Good Lord, the man kissed like he did everything else, with a methodical thoroughness that usually drove her mad. Only she liked the quick burst of tingly awareness coursing through her. A little too much. If she didn't stop, she'd have him stripped, naked, and buried inside her, public display be damned.

She eased back slowly, wanting to drag the kiss out as long as possible then gasped for air when Chuck abruptly pulled away.

A myriad of emotions played across his face. Wonder, confusion, wariness, and thank the universe, he couldn't quite hide the spark of arousal in his eyes.

His tongue shot out, swiping over his lips. "Geez, Pagan. What the hell was that all about?" His hands grasped her shoulders, moving her back a little more.

Shit. He would have to ask. And she had no clue how to answer. Laugh it off? Go snarky and flippant? Or…tell the truth?

Still heady from the kiss, she opted for honesty. "Nothing. And everything." She lifted a shoulder. "I had to know, you know?"

His eyes widened. "Uh, no. I really don't, Pagan." His hands slid down her arms then dropped to his sides. "Look, I'm not averse to locking lips, but you hate me. And honestly? You're not my favorite person on the planet, either." He crossed his arms in front of his chest. "So yeah, explain. Now." His stance widened and he set his jaw.

Okay, they weren't best friends. Who cared when the chemistry soared into the stratosphere? And why the hell put a label on it?

She didn't want to delve too deeply. "Would if I could." Her gut tightened and desire coiled again. "We've got our issues, but you can't deny that kiss didn't rock your world." If he tried she'd punch him in the stomach.

He inclined his head slightly. "Didn't plan to. But so what? Soft lips and curves will rock just about any guy's world."

Damned man. "Bullshit. Think about it, Chuck. If a kiss between us is that hot…" Her hand trailed down his chest until her fingers played at the waist band of his jeans. "Imagine how incredible the sex would be." She'd wisely leave it there.

He liked to mull things over. Why not give him time to ponder a steamy romp? Backing up, she tugged the top button of his jeans loose. With a saucy grin, she turned around and headed back to the crowed picnic area.

Poor Chuck. He'll have to take a moment or two to catch up before he can track Pagan down and return the favor. :D

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin