Sunday Snippet: Follow Intructions

Getting a late start to my day because my sleep schedule is out of whack. This has affected my great cleanout project, and I'm still determined to get back on track and at least do small things each day. Stay tuned!

On a different note, I did get about ten pounds of ground beef cooked and in the freezer. Also got three bags of grapes cleaned and in the fridge. So, the cleanout project took a back burner, but I did get other things done.

Work is still busy with new projects coming in and I'm enjoying the variety of things I have right now. I've also been able to do some catchup on my own stuff. I've been striving for better balance between my editing work and my writing.

Had a solid viewing week and made a full round of my regular shows and my two back burner shows. I'll be starting a new one this week, I think. Looking forward to picking up with a new season of something.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode and getting some Dr. Mac backstory.

Think I finished up the first season of Art Detectives. I really enjoyed this show and hope to see another season. They left enough seeds to pick up if they get one.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and ended up really loving the mystery. Not a standard path and the twists were good.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. It's one I'd seen most of before and I remembered most of the plot. Good episode.

Watched an episode of Elementary. Gotta say I love Joan being totally unafraid of the elder Holmes. Their interactions were very fun. And her getting the goods on him rocked the entire episode.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered but forgot about. Does that make sense. Great episode too.

Enjoyed an episode of Lower Decks. This show is kind of wonky but usually adorable. Just enough tongue in cheek to keep things interesting and fresh.

Watched the opening of Peak Practice season eleven. Sam is on a precarious journey, and I think his exit is set up nicely. Not really sure about Will and Kate. I'm not really interested in them becoming the new Andrew and whatever his partner's name is.

Also caught another episode of Reacher. Man. This show. If I ever find the time, I want to do a deep dive and dig into some of the themes and tropes I love.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Follow Instructions, a novella that brings work partners together as something more.

Here's the miniblurb:

Risa Pym and Ford Thrummond, fellow paramedics, enjoy playing one-upmanship with each other, using sexy banter to bank the fires of their attraction. A slight mishap occurs when Ford exits their squad, and Risa decides it's time he learns the ins and outs of how to use the grips properly … and not so properly.

And a snippety peek…

Risa didn't know if she could answer that question. At least not with the full truth.

She swallowed. "Uh, well … it sucks to be out of commission." She licked the end of her spoon. "And you haven't smiled in days. So, I guess I wanted to make that happen." There … honesty but not oversharing.

Ford might not be ready to hear the real reason she wanted him happy. She missed him being her partner. And the realization made her think about more.

Ford's lips twisted with a grimace. "I'm not used to the inactivity. And I hate the damn crutches." He shoveled more ice cream into his mouth.

She chuckled. "Yeah, it kinda shows. They make you very cranky." She picked around the bowl to find the peanut butter chunks.

Ford sighed. "Yeah, I've been a big grouch." He shrugged. "First week's the hardest, right? It'll get better?" He arched his brows.

Risa shifted in her chair. "Well, yeah?" She didn't sound very convincing, but she didn't want to lie. "Depends on your point of view, I think." The broken elbow situation didn't improve until she no longer had a cast.

Ford's brows furrowed. "You're saying it's gonna suck no matter what." He slurped another spoonful of ice cream.

Risa lifted a shoulder. "No, I'm not. For me, it didn't get better until I had the cast off. But for you? You'll eventually go to a boot then a brace, right? So, how long it sucks is kinda up to you." She sent him a big grin.

Ford grunted. "Yeah, yeah. Positive attitudes are hard to muster when you take five times longer to get anywhere." He grumbled under his breath then met her gaze. "The ice cream helps though."

Risa bit back a laugh. "You said that already." Her heart rate kicked up because she'd succeeded in brightening his day.

Ford finished off the treat. "Hate to ask … but could you rinse the bowl? I'm past due to elevate the foot." He scooted out and grabbed his crutches.

Risa nodded. "Already planned to. I'm a full-service treater." She finished off her helping.

Ford leaned down and brushed his lips over her cheek. "Thank you. Seriously. This kind of made my whole day." Tucking his crutches under his arms, he hobbled out to the rec room.

Risa blinked then shook her head. "How do I get a zing from a sweet kiss on the cheek?" But she definitely got one.

Might be time to see where things could go between them. She had a perfect idea for another note…

I'm having fun with this one. Risa and Ford are great characters and a joy to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Follow Instructions

Geez, I'll be really glad when the back and forth weather is over and done. Snow days in March, man, haven't really seen those since the 80s. At least not that I can remember. The year after I graduated, we had a big storm in March and I almost didn't make it back for spring break. Planes weren't flying out of Atlanta to go north. Fun times.

This week, I played catch up with some of my television shows. Got Legends of Tomorrow up to date. Looking forward to Constantine being added as a regular. At least I hope he gets added. He's so much fun. And I really like Wally as a team member.

Gotta say, I'm kind of "meh" with this season of The Flash. I've grown to really like Ralph but I'm rather bored by the uber-smart Devoe and the constant body swaps. Here's hoping next season has better flow.

I'm not sure I'll be able to catch up on Gotham. Gotta find the first episode when it returned at the beginning of March. I hate it when on demand and the station websites remove the episodes before I have time to get caught up. Grrr.

I'm caught one of my missed episodes of Riverdale. I'm still a little on the fence about the whole mafia-style intrigue. Hiram buying the paper? Yeah, seriously, not down with that plot point. I'd rather watch Kevin and Josie deal with their parents and Cheryl deal with hers. Also, Chic. Ugh. I have no clue what to even think about that storyline. I want to love it, but I don't. I did love the Jughead rundown about how tangled their relationships are with their friendships. Too true, my man, too true.

I'm down to one episode left on Murdoch Mysteries. I'm a little heartbroken for William and Julia and I'm almost afraid to watch the next episode.

I took a week off from Jessica Jones. I'll be trying to catch more episodes this week.

Chicago Fire has some great crossover episodes. I'm excited about finishing up season five, but then I'll have to wait for season six—see not being available on demand or website. Bleh.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Follow Instructions, a sexy short with a fun spin on following instructions.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Risa Pym and Ford Thrummond, fellow paramedics, enjoy playing one-upmanship with each other, using sexy banter to bank the fires of their attraction. A slight mishap occurs when Ford exits their squad, and Risa decides it's time he learns the ins and outs of how to use the grips properly… and not so properly.

And a snippety peek…

Ford exited the shower and removed the plastic cover protecting his ankle wrap. "Damn, that's a pain in the ass." He hobbled over to the lockers using the wall as a support.

He should be using his crutches but, geez, he hated the stupid things. At least he could go to a boot next week. And hopefully a brace soon after that. Maybe being mobile would cure him of his shitty mood.

Bracing a hand on the row of lockers, he used his other one to yank open the metal door. Wobbling to one side, he got his clothes out and sat down to dress. When he reached for his t-shirt, a piece of paper fluttered to the floor. After pulling the garment over his head, he snatched the paper up and unfolded it.

Let's see if you can follow simple instructions—you know, unlike not making sure your footing is solid before exiting the medic—and make it to the kitchen in one piece.

Your mission… if you choose to accept it… will garner you a sweet, creamy reward.

No, it's not what just popped into your head. Geez, get your mind out of the gutter, Ford.

~R~

Only Risa would rightfully assume his brain would go to the dirtiest place possible. And totally call him out for it. Considering she planted the idea, he should probably think of a snarky comeback when he managed to crutch his way to the kitchen.

But… for the first time all week, Ford laughed out loud. He'd have to give her bonus points for making that happen. He still had a smile on his face when he finished dressing.

Grabbing his crutches, he headed for the kitchen, the note tucked into his shirt pocket. Once he entered the space, he found Risa huddled over two bowls filled with peanut butter chunk ice cream—his favorite. His mood ticked up another notch.

He reached into his pocket, retrieving the note. "As you can see, mission accomplished. Made it here in one piece." He waved the paper under her nose. "You're something else, Reese."

She cracked a smile. "Good to see simple instructions aren't lost on you." Nodding toward the table, she picked up the bowls and headed over. "Too bad you need help with the common sense stuff." A bubble of laughter escaped when she made it to the table.

He followed, slowly. Stupid crutches. And he kept his mouth shut. He wanted the reward.

Risa settled into a seat and placed the ice cream at an empty chair. "Okay, that was a low blow and I'm sorry." She almost managed to pull off a contrite look.

But not quite.

Ford maneuvered onto the seat and propped his crutches against the table. "Yeah, well, the ice cream helps." He snagged the spoon and dug in, savoring the combo of chocolate, peanut butter, and vanilla.

After a few spoonfuls, Ford tilted his head to one side. "What made you think of doing this? Not that I'm complaining, obviously."

Risa is going to pull Ford out of his funk then take him on a wild ride… once she admits she's got it bad for him.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Follow Instructions

Argh!!! The Flash, Arrow, and Agents of SHIELD left off at cliffhangery moments. But what awesome episodes!!! I have lots and lots of thoughts, but won't share here for the sake of saving some space. LOL

Haven has one more week and will end on a double episode. I truly hope it ends well, mainly because I've been with the show since the very beginning.

The Librarians and Agent X are still entertaining me. I really enjoyed last week's Agent X and can't wait to see what happens this week. Gotta say the actor playing the foil in last week's episode is making the rounds. He's been on a lot of shows I've been watching.

Looking forward to Agent Carter coming soon. I love the format and the entire cast of characters. Can't wait.

That's it for the TV roundup this week.

Tonight's post is from Follow Instructions, a sexy short where my heroine helps my hero through a tough spot.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Risa Pym and Ford Thrummond, fellow paramedics, enjoy playing one-upmanship with each other, using sexy banter to bank the fires of their attraction. A slight mishap occurs when Ford exits their squad, and Risa decides it's time he learns the ins and outs of how to use the grips properly… and not so properly.

And a snippety peek...

The wail of the wind sounded worse than the siren used earlier. And the rain continued almost blowing sideways. A crappy day all around.

"God, this weather sucks." Risa Pym glanced out the back window of the ambulance.

Ford Thrummond snorted. "You always say that unless the sun is shining and it's seventy-five degrees." He couldn't resist a grin when she rolled her eyes.

Risa should move to a moderate climate state instead of living in Ohio where the weather often changed every fifteen minutes. Then again, if she left… well, he wouldn't want her to move far away. The rig pulled into the station house and Risa had the back doors open before the overheads finished closing.

Ford shook his head. "What's your hurry?" He'd worked with her long enough to know why she rushed out of the rig.

She turned, a brow arched. "Are you kidding? With that wind and rain? You know we're gonna get another call." Jumping down, she started toward the cleaning equipment. "Sooner rather than later. And you know I can't deal with a messy medic."

Ford chuckled. Her brain didn't function when the back of the ambulance got chaotic with supplies, equipment, and gear out of place. Worse yet, when rain, snow, mud, or dust littered the floors or any other surface. Currently, there were leaves all over the place from the gusty winds.

He moved forward to exit the back when Risa wheeled a bucket and mop over.

She made a noise. "Be careful—"

His hand grasped the rail and he made a motion to step out but his foot flew out from under him, missing the step and landing hard on the concrete floor. He jarred and rolled his ankle then went down to his knee, pain radiating outward from the twisted limb.

Risa hissed out a breath. "Shit. Are you okay?" She dropped down beside him, already assessing the injury.

Her hands pushed lightly and he winced. Not okay. No doubt, he'd sprained the ankle, possibly even fractured the bone.

He glanced up. "I have no idea what the hell happened." Other than making an idiot out of himself.

Risa grimaced. "A wet railing and your foot on a pile of leaves doesn't make a good combo." She met his gaze. "Looks like we're going out again sooner instead of later." Standing, she went to the second ambulance, popped the back door, and grabbed a gear bag. "Let's get you splinted up and over to the ED for an x-ray." Her lips twitched. "I would ask if you wanted the full treatment, but I'm sure we can take the SUV instead."

He sent her a scathing look. "Damned right we will. I am not going to the emergency department in the back of a medic." He'd walk first.

Risa shook her head and started to get the splint around his ankle. "What is it with the male members of the fire service? We haul patients in the back of the medic all the time."

Ford grunted. "Yeah, well, I'm not a patient and I don't need a full crew for a stupid sprained ankle."

Risa finished with the splint and laughed. "You're right about not being patient. Think you can manage to wait two minutes while I fill in the lieutenant?"

Ford gave her a smirk. "I can try. But you get two minutes before I hot wire the vehicle and drive myself."

She snorted. "Yeah, I'd like to see you make it the SUV in two minutes, but whatever." Bending down, she met his gaze. "Seriously, Ford. Chill until I get back, okay?"

He nodded. The concerned look in her eyes had him wondering if he had more than a sprain.

Her lips curved in a half smile. "Sit tight. Be right back."

Like he had anywhere he could go.

I love writing when a couple discovers and acts on their attraction. So much fun!

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Follow Instructions

February 16, 2014

Hello!

So… The Walking Dead didn't disappoint. And Chris Hardwick's Talking Dead makes me happy. LOL

Arrow is amping up the action, and true to my word, I did recap the pilot episode over on my Universes Altered blog this week. If I'm not overloaded with deadlines this week, I'll hopefully have the second episode recapped by the weekend. Or, I might hit Bitten and catch up with that one so I can do current recappage.

GAH! So many choices. LOL

Tonight's post is from Follow Instructions, a short story with a fun premise—leaving notes to amp up the attraction.

Here's the tagline:

Risa Pym and Ford Thrummond, fellow paramedics, enjoy playing one-upmanship with each other, using sexy banter to bank the fires of their attraction. A slight mishap occurs when Ford exits their squad, and Risa decides it's time he learns the ins and outs of how to use the grips properly… and not so properly.

And a snippety peek…

"Hey, Ford, how's the foot?" Risa Pym propped a shoulder on the jamb of the door leading from the ambulance bay to the common area.

Ford looked up from stack of papers in his lap. "Eh, it's healing." He grunted. "Too damn slowly."

Risa smirked. "Someone needs to show you how to safely get in and out of the rig." She pushed away from the door and entered the room. "Maybe once you're healed up, I can find some time to explain the finer points."

Ford quirked a brow. "This coming from the woman who broke her elbow playing volleyball?"

Risa laughed. "Hey, at least I won the game." She plopped down onto one of the recliners. "That's like going down in combat, right?"

Ford rolled his eyes. "Whatever you need to believe, Risa." He glanced back down at the file and made a few checkmarks.

Risa frowned. They usually had fun bantering back and forth, but since Ford's mishap, not so much. He didn't like being out of commission and she totally got that part. Hell, she almost went insane when she had to be off until her arm healed. At least he could work light duty.

Risa nodded toward the TV. "Mind if I watch? Don't wanna interrupt or distract you."

Ford shrugged. "Won't bother me. I'm used to tuning out the background noise."

Risa used the remote and flipped through the channels until she found a show about alien abductions. She'd seen the episode before and basically wanted a reason to stay and observe Ford. There had to be a way she could pull him out of his funk.

Sinking down into the cushion, she pondered how she might tempt him into being fun again. The beginning of a plan formulated in her mind—notes with funny little directions could put a smile back on his face. She could tuck them into all kinds of places—his duffel bag, under his pillow, his duty locker—where he wouldn't be able to miss her stroke of genius. And he'd know they were from her, she'd make certain.

Why not start now?

Hopping up, she pointed the remote at the TV and turned it off.

Ford glanced up. "Leaving already?"

Risa snorted. "Eh, I've seen this episode already. Guy's been taken from his home for over two decades even though he moves every two or three years."

Ford shook his head. "Maybe the metal chip they put in his head acts like a GPS device so they know where to find him."

Risa laughed. "Maybe you're onto something there, Ford." She crossed the common area and headed for the kitchen. "I'm gonna grab a sandwich. Shout if you need anything."

Ford waved her off and went back to his checklist.

Risa's lips curved. At least he'd be surprised when he found the first note—maybe enough to laugh out loud for once.

Risa will succeed in making Ford laugh… but she'll also make him moan for more. :D

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin