Sunday Snippet: Going All Out

Whew. It's been a week. I won't comment on the political spectrum at the moment but it's mentally draining to say the least. The good news is I got a couple of projects finished up and I'm taking that as a win because of the whole brain drain.

Our weather last week was very fall-like and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We're back to higher temperatures again but that's pretty typical. We definitely need some rain. I'd even take a nasty thunderstorm to get some at this point.

As mentioned, I finished up two projects and have a small break before the next one begins. I'm taking advantage to dive deeper into a couple of my manuscripts. It's fun to revisit what I've already completed.

Had a decent viewing week. Even if a little distracted. I made it through my usual stable of shows for the most part. Did not get to either backburner shows.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. One of my favorite episodes for Jack and Phryne chemistry. I also love how deep of a hole Hugh digs for himself.

Began a rewatch of a favorite comfort show with Foyle's War. It's been years since I've seen any of the episodes and I'm looking forward to diving back into this show.

Caught another Death in Paradise and I have to say I love Darlene so much. Her interactions with Patterson blew me away. The mystery ended up being pretty interesting also. Kind of a heartbreaking moment with Wilson but I think there's more to the story of his mom's death.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Fun to see the FBI show up to work with Japp and very fun to see Hastings think fast on his feet when creating a diversion for Poirot.

Elementary had a very interesting episode. I'm so intrigued by Moreland's journey this season. I haven't quite figured out if he's genuine or not and I kind of feel like he's not completely sure either, which I like. A lot.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I have vague memories of, mainly because it was a fun episode. Nice to see Howard back also.

Finished the first season finale of Lower Decks and after a rough start rather enjoyed the episode. And it left off with enough of a what just happened vibe that I'm interested in season two. My one hope is Mariner won't annoy me so much in season two. We'll see what happens.

Still hoping to get season two of Reacher underway this week. A lot will depend on what the work calendar ends up looking like. I have two client Zoom meetings and have no idea how long either will last.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Going All Out, a novella that explores a couple finally getting together after dancing around their attraction.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lance and Xola work together and have a solid friendship, but there's always a little something more between them. Lance proposes a date, something other than a movie or grabbing a bite to eat at the same time. Xola accepts and the fun—and nervous tension—begins.

And a snippety peek…

Lance knocked on Xola's door and blinked when she opened it. "Wow. You're perfect." He winced, mentally chastising himself for sounding stupid.

Xola raised a brow. "You sure?" She turned and stuck her butt out. "Does my ass look okay in capris?" She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing.

Her ass would look good in anything.

He tilted his head to one side and went for a cheeky response. "Good enough to eat." He loved bantering with her.

Xola grinned. "Tempting, but you promised me dinner." She grabbed her phone and a slim wallet, tucking both into her pocket.

He gave a nod. "So I did. Hope you like Italian." He really didn't have a backup plan.

Her eyes brightened. "I do." She closed the door behind them and slipped her key in another pocket.

They chatted about work on the way to the restaurant. Neutral topic and a safe zone. Especially when both were trying to pick their way around the whole work-life boundaries.

When he pulled into the parking lot, her mouth dropped open and she got excited.

Her head whipped around. "Pangrazios! How did you get a table?"

He shrugged. "My godfather owns the restaurant." He cut the engine and popped his door open. "I worked here growing up. Dominic always has a table for me." He shuffled around the front of the vehicle and crooked his elbow with Xola stepped out of the car.

She flashed a wide smile. "See … that sounds like a lot of fun. And way more dangerous than being a lifeguard, which is what I did as soon as I passed the test." She leaned in closer to him. "And by dangerous I mean having the opportunity to eat my weight in pasta and pie."

Lance laughed. "It was one of the perks. The trick is loading up on the house salad first." He pulled her chair out and got her seated.

Xola gave a slow nod. "Probably wouldn't have had the willpower to do that. Not when the heavenly scent of garlic, oregano, and everything else wafted all around." She rolled a shoulder. "And being a lifeguard is what got me interested in taking the paramedic course."

Lance arched his brows. "I didn't know that's how you decided to become a medic." His head bobbed up and down. "I like this. An opportunity to discover more about you."

They gave their drink orders and decided to split a basic pie with pepperoni and extra parmesan. Not quite ten minutes later, they had their food. And Lance had to confess he'd called ahead to have them start a pizza.

Xola chuckled. "Okay, points for that one." She helped herself to a thick slice. "What else do you have planned for the night?"

Lance blew across the top of his piece of pie. "Well, I picked a few things I thought you'd be interested in." He took a large bite and quickly chewed and swallowed. "There's an art festival on the riverfront, a pops concert with the city orchestra at Menlow Park, and a blues night at Chadwick's bar. Your choice." He really didn't care what she opted for because he'd enjoy himself no matter what she decided.

Xola took her first bite and closed her eyes. "Oh, man, this is so good." She pondered a moment. "All the options sound fun, but let's do the pops concert. It's a gorgeous night for it."

Lance agreed. "Great pick. Should be a lot of fun."

Xola met his gaze. "Yeah. I'm glad we're doing this…" Her lips curved in a tentative smile.

Lance lifted his chin. "Me too." Any leftover nervous tension drained, and he tucked back into his food.

I love diving into a friends-to-lovers story. Xola and Lance are fun to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going All Out

May 13, 2018

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. Whether you have offspring, fur babies, or play a surrogate parent role for someone, you're awesome!

My weekly television roundup is kind of jammed with goodness. I caught two episodes of Krypton and I'm completely sold on this show. I'm hoping it gets another season.

Also caught two episodes of Endeavor. Finished up the first series and started the second. I rather enjoy this show and really like the actor in the lead role of Endeavor Morse.

My DVDs this week were movies. Blackhat and Red Dawn. I didn't finish Red Dawn but I'll catch it at another time. For me, the original Red Dawn is going to be hard to top.

Finished up the first arc of Classic Who with "An Unearthly Child". I also started "The Daleks" and watched about half of the first episode. Over on CW Seed, I started the live action version of Constantine and enjoyed the first episode. I'm hoping to get through the whole season before new episodes of Legends of Tomorrow begin.

I still love Gotham. The totally batshit craziness brings me a ton of joy with each episode. I'm so happy this show truly found its footing and delivers great viewing with each new week.

Also caught some additional season six episodes of Chicago Fire and another from season five of Chicago PD. I'm a little miffed they're making a mole of one of my fave characters but I'll see how it all plays out. I truly hate Woods though. Just saying.

Arrow and The Flash both had great episodes. I like seeing the two couples work through their roadblocks. That said, I honestly can't wait to see both villains go down. I'm pretty much done with being patient.

Riverdale brought more crazy and I'm still an episode behind. I do like how much tension simmers below the surface and how quickly alliances have to be made and discarded. Kudos to Mark Consuelos. He makes me totally hate Hiram. I also have a small suspicion about who fired the shots at the mayoral debate but I'll refrain from saying… in case I'm completely off my guess. LOL

I got another episode of Blindspot in and, well, I'm trying to figure out Roman's goal. I really don't want him to be another Shepherd so here's hoping that's not the direction they're going in.

Quick mention for Ghost Squad. Caught two more episodes and seriously enjoy the hell out of this show. The emotional toll is interesting to watch and the slow erosion of trust in anything also packs a punch. Great stuff.

Brief shout out for The Sarah Conner Chronicles. Rewatched the pilot episode and, damn, I forgot how awesome that was.

Last but not least… some thoughts on Jessica Jones. I finished the second season and honestly hate Trish with the passion of a thousand burning suns. I have no idea where they'll take her if the show has a third season, but off a tall building in Manhattan wouldn't bother me one damn bit. If they can redeem her, I'd be on board, but I'm honestly not all that interested in seeing a redemption arc for her. I hate her that much right now. I do hope Malcolm and Jessica end up back on good terms and I was happy to see Jessica stop by to see Oscar and the kid. I'd welcome a third season if we get one.

And that's it for my jam-packed week in television. Tonight's post is from Going All Out, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of show the first real date of your main couple.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lance and Xola work together and have a solid friendship, but there's always a little something more between them. Lance proposes a date, something other than a movie or grabbing a bite to eat at the same time. Xola accepts and the fun—and nervous tension—begins.

And a snippety peek…

Xola Wayne ducked into the corner coffee shop after putting in a solid workout. Taking her spot in the line to order, she caught sight of a fellow firefighter two spots ahead of her. Lance Silvermane. Yum on a stick… in or out of uniform, which he currently wore. Probably getting off shift and grabbing his morning java before heading to teach a class.

The queue moved forward, putting Lance at the counter.

He smiled at the barista. "Americano."

She gave him a flirty grin, took his cash, and nodded toward the pickup area.

Xola rolled her eyes. He's got 'em falling at his feet. While he waited for his coffee, he glanced around and met Xola's gaze. A small smirk played at his lips.

He got his order and moved off to the side when Xola stepped up to place hers.

The barista gave her a bored stare. "What can I get for you?"

Xola laughed. "Large dark roast with two sweeteners." She paid with exact change and moved on to wait for her jumpstart to the day.

Notice how she didn't give me a flirty grin.

Xola picked her cup up and turned around to bump into Lance.

He chuckled. "We've gotta quit meeting like this." He fell into step beside her. "What is it? Three times this week?"

Xola flashed a smile. "Yep. Sounds about right." A table opened up and she made a beeline for it. "Wanna join me?" She dropped into an empty chair.

Lance checked the time and nodded. "Sure. I've got the late class at the academy this morning." He settled across from her, stretching his legs out.

Xola took a sip of the hot drink and winced when she burned her tongue. "Gah. I gotta stop doing that." She popped the lid off and blew across the top. "You'd think I remember, right?" She shook her head.

Lance lifted a shoulder. "Eh, usually you're dashing back outside and the coffee has time to cool before you take a drink." He waited a beat. "At least I assume so. Today's the first I've seen you take a seat to enjoy your brew."

Xola quirked an eyebrow. "Been keeping tabs, have you?"

He sputtered on the sip he'd taken. "Uh, no. Not really." He wiped the droplets from the table. "Wait, you're messing with me, aren't you." He made it a statement.

Because of course she had been.

Xola laughed. "Pretty much. Nice to see you using your keen observational skills, though." She took a tentative drink and found the coffee cool enough to get a good gulp. "Except maybe when the barista is flirting up a storm." Her lips curved in a smile.

Lance rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I'm trying not to encourage her." He flicked a quick glance toward the woman manning the counter and sank lower in the seat.

Xola smirked. "Good luck with that." She waggled her eyebrows. "I think she's crushing pretty hard on you."

Lance lifted a shoulder. "Eh, maybe. Too bad she's not my type."

Okay, she couldn't let that tidbit slide. "Oh, yeah? Sexy curves and a perky ponytail don't cut it?" She leaned forward a little. "What is your type, Lance?" Bantering with him shouldn't be so much fun.

Lance quirked an eyebrow. "You mean you don't know?" He brought his cup up to his lips and took a long drink. "Come on… not even a guess?"

The wicked little smile playing at mouth should've been a warning.

But, no… instead, she narrowed her gaze and played it safe. "I could hazard a guess, but you'll be late for your class if we play that game."

Lance glanced at the clock and nodded. "Good point." He got up, giving her a long, slow once-over. "I'd say you're pretty damn close to being my type." He flashed a grin and headed for the door with a teasing glint in his eyes.

Xola barked out a laugh. "Touché, my friend." Draining her cup, she stood and hit the trash can on her way out.

Strolling toward her apartment, she didn't fight the smile spreading across her face.

You're pretty damn close to being my type.

Those words made her see him in an entirely new light. The not-off-limits kind. No, she shouldn't go there. They often worked together and had a solid friendship vibe when they did. He'd been messing with her like she did with him earlier.

She skipped up the front steps to her townhouse. "Nice to know he thinks I'm attractive, though."

I'm going to have so much fun filling in the blanks on this story. Writing how the characters end up going on a date and how they approach it is enjoyable.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going All Out

Ugh… we're going to hit the fifties this week, meaning my sinuses are going to go on a full scale revolt. LOL

So, I enjoyed the first two episodes of The X-Files and look forward to the remaining four. :D I could totally get behind short-term revivals of my favorite shows.

My general rundown of my weekly must-sees starts now. Skip ahead if you're not interested. The Flash turned in a great episode. Looking forward to seeing if I'm right on a few things. I do wish Harrison wouldn't turn out to be a bad guy this time around, but I have a feeling I'll be disappointed.

Arrow had a terrific show with Felicity battling her old self. I love the subtle nuances in this show sometimes and having her let go of the angry, young woman she once was and accept her current incarnation juxtaposed so well with the underlying theme of accepting her current circumstances and it did it without getting completely maudlin. I love this show!

Legends of Tomorrow amped up the repercussions of traveling through time, but still delivered on the witty banter between the characters. I do have concerns about the show devolving into gimmicky shtick when they're in a different era, but so far, I'm loving what they do.

Agent Carter… Love this show! I have so many theories and ideas of how things will play out. I really, really want Jack to get his head out of his ass and see how easily he's being manipulated. I think it's going to happen, but who knows. I love how much Peggy doesn't hesitate to call Jack on his shit. Seriously, good stuff there.

Even though Teen Wolf feels so discombobulated, I like where everything seems to be headed. I don't know, the flow is choppy and maybe that's being done on purpose, but I'm a little cranky about it. I do love having some familiar faces popping up again though.

I have a new show I've started to binge watch, X Company, a Canadian offering which I'm thoroughly enjoying. I might not rank it up there with Murdoch Mysteries, but I'm only three episodes in. LOL

And that's it for my viewing pleasure rundown this week. The Walking Dead returns soon and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Tonight's post is from Going All Out, a novella that came apart from a prompt of "Try me", show your characters trying something for the first time. I opted to go with dating!

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lance and Xola work together and have a solid friendship, but there's always a little something more between them. Lance proposes a date, something other than a movie or grabbing a bite to eat at the same time. Xola accepts and the fun—and nervous tension—begins.

And a snippety peek…

Xola slid behind the wheel of her vehicle and rested her head on the sun-warmed surface. A date. Holy crap. With Lance.

A smile flashed but quickly died. Dammit. A date… with Lance.

She started the engine and turned the air on full blast. The hot temperature outside didn't account for the burst of heat hitting her core. Lance Silvermane. Her. Going out together.

Alone.

Her vivid imagination skipped over dinner and whatever—definitely not dancing—and took a beeline directly to what could happen afterward. His place? Or maybe hers…

She blinked and put the car in gear. "Geez, Xol. Slow down. The man didn't say anything about jumping your bones." But he thought her ass looked good in yoga pants.

With a wide smile on her face, she eased out of the parking lot and headed for home. A shower, lots of smell good stuff, and a little something special, which would probably include one of the new bra and panty sets she'd had languishing in her lingerie drawer. A sense of giddy excitement had her zipping through traffic, humming a jaunty tune. Her usual road rage with stupid drivers stayed well below the boiling point.

If nothing else, having a date to look forward to put her in too good of a mood to let a little bumper to bumper travel get her down. Merging over to take her exit, she laughed. Lance would get a kick out of her serene state of mind, especially considering she did anything and everything to get out of driving while on duty. No sense letting her behind the wheel when a patient's life hung in the balance.

Turning her blinker on, she moved over two lanes and eased onto the side street leading to her neighborhood. She drove slowly, taking in the bright array of color from the houses lining the road. The gorgeous weather had gardens and flowerbeds blooming to capacity. Still humming to herself, she reached her block and pulled into her drive, shutting the engine off.

Popping the door open, she dashed inside the house and started stripping off her clothes. Leaving the usual trail behind her, she stopped, turned around, and gathered up her discarded uniform to toss into the laundry bin.

Just in case they ended up back at her place.

I'm excited to see how this turns out. I like the theme of doing something for the first time.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going All Out

Hi!

Last night I watched the best season finale of a show that I've seen in a long, long, time. Orphan Black is a total mind-bending freaky fun fest. And it hit every right note with every episode. Spring of 2014 is sooooo far away. LOL

Tonight's post is from the short story, Going All Out and is centered on Lance and Xola and their first official date. They've been friends for a long time, but have buttloads of sexual tension and finally decide to find out how they'd mesh together.

Here's the tagline:

Lance and Xola work together and have a solid friendship, but there's always a little something more between them. Lance proposes a date, something other than a movie or grabbing a bite to eat at the same time. Xola accepts and the fun—and nervous tension—begins.

And the snippety peek…

Lance propped a shoulder against the jamb. "Why not, Xola? Have a date night. The real deal kind of thing."

Xola tilted her head to the side. "Why?" She straightened and stalked across the room. "I mean, I get it. We always seem to teeter on the edge of something but never quite cross the line."

Lance folded his arms across his chest. "Exactly. We can keep going with the status quo, or…take a shot at that something."

Xola hesitated, but only for a moment. "Okay. But we better not let a date ruin a perfectly good thing."

Lance grinned. "We won't. Tonight at seven. Be ready."

Xola frowned. "Shit. For what? What're we going to do on this date night thing?"

Lance pondered. He hadn't planned anything—mainly because he didn't know if she'd accept.

But he wanted to go all out and have a night they wouldn't forget. "Wear something special. Nothing formal or anything, but think dinner and dancing maybe."

Xola grumbled. "I can't dance for crap, Lance. But okay." She cracked a grin. "It'll be cool to see you in something other than your uniform or workout clothes."

Lance agreed. "Feeling's mutual. Not that your ass doesn’t look great in yoga pants."

Her laughter pealed through the room. "You definitely got bonus points for that. I'll be ready at seven." She gave him quick wave and exited the common area.

Lance didn't have to look in the mirror to see the stupid grin on his face. It slowly faded when he realized she'd agreed to an out and out date. Holy shit. He had no clue where to even begin with the planning.

A quick glance at the clock and his stomach dropped. Three p.m. He'd better head home and get busy.

This one is so much fun to write. Once they agree to a date, Lance and Xola pretty much freak themselves out over it. I can't wait for everyone to see how they end up spending the evening. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin