Sunday Snippet: Lucky Seven

Wow, August kind of flew by. I'm always amazed how fast the week slips away, which probably means I need to go outside and get some grounding time in. I'm going to blink, and it'll be the holiday season. Just saying. Maybe I'll moon watch this week with the blue supermoon happening.

Had a busy work week. I'm finishing up an extended project and working on a new manuscript copy edit. Also gearing up for a new developmental edit and a new manuscript assessment in September. Looking forward to working on new books in these two series.

Had a decent week of viewing television. I still haven't watched the final episode of Peak Practice season nine. I needed good vibes this week and didn't want anything to bum my mojo.

I actually caught two episodes of Suspects. I finished out the first season and started season two. The second season is four episodes but they're both two-parters. Looking forward to seeing what happens. I'm a bit bummed that I can't watch all five seasons of this show … unless they become available on the streamer I'm currently using.

Finished the first season of Cannes Confidential. My choice for the big bad was correct and that makes me happy. I'm so hoping there will be a second season of this show.

Caught the second half of Silent Witness's two-parter. Ended up enjoying the twists this one took. A great cast of guest stars really added to the storyline.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. This show makes me happy, which might seem weird because it's always about a murder. The cast is amazing and that's why I love it.

I'm on the fence with Fantasy Island. I enjoyed the episode but I'm not here for having angst solely for the sake of having angst. No thanks. We'll see how the season ends.

Finally continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. "Sacrifices" ended up being such an interesting episode even if it shortchanged a couple of characters. One of the critiques I have about this show is not digging into the storylines when they should have. The previously on Battlestar Galactica does a lot of heavy lifting in seasons two through four and it's not necessarily a good thing.

Watched another episode of The Batman. This one introduced Penguin and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. Aunt Miriam made another appearance as did the McNulty's.

Restarted the Agatha Christie Hour and enjoyed the episode. I have one episode left in this series and then I'll have to decide if I want to dive into another Christie series or find something new.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Lucky Seven, a novella that brings a couple together after they've overindulged at a work function.

Here's the miniblurb:

Daisy and Shae work for the same company and they end up overindulging at a corporate casino night, waking up next to each other the following morning. What starts as an awkward one-night stand turns into something neither expects, or is really looking for.

And a snippety peek…

Daisy shook Shae's hand with a twitchy nervous feeling fluttering in her stomach. "Glad you agree." She snagged a dumpling from her plate and dipped it in sauce.

Shae went back to his lo mein after a quick nod.

Daisy had some reservations about getting involved with Shae. He'd dated a friend of her dorm roommate their freshman year and pulled a dickhead move, letting the friend catch him in bed with someone else. Daisy didn't want a broken heart, but she did want the incredible sex.

We can keep this casual, right?

Okay, she'd have a harder time than he would, but she would not fall for him. Nope. No way. Shae would scratch a very particular itch for her and eventually go off on his merry way … one floor down and two corridors over at the office.

Shit. Doubt reared its ugly head. There were reasons people who worked together were discouraged from fraternization.

Shae cleared his throat. "If I eat any more, I'll explode." He swept his hand above the food. "Can I help put this away? You'll have plenty of leftovers." His gaze met hers.

Daisy blinked and nodded. "Uh, sure." She got to her feet and started closing the boxes.

Shae helped and gathered the plates and glasses. Daisy carried the containers and stowed them in her refrigerator. Shae followed and set the dishes in the sink. Daisy did a quick rinse and opened the dishwasher, putting the items inside. She closed the door and a ball of nervous tension rolled in her gut, but when Shae grasped her hips from behind and nuzzled her neck the pressure eased and blossomed into hot anticipation.

She turned and faced him, hooking her fingers in the beltloops of his jeans. His hands cupped her face and his mouth slanted over hers. Daisy swallowed a groan, her bones going soft and mushy. The man had kissing down to an art form, and she wanted the only ticket to the gallery.

Shae eased away from her lips, his breath feathering along her jawline and up to her ear. "Can I stay for a while?" His teeth caught her lobe and gently bit down.

A rush of heat swirled through her, and she nodded. "You'd better." Her hand worked between them, and she palmed the hard ridge in his pants. "Or you'll have a very uncomfortable drive home." A bolt of something indefinable went through her when his eyes closed, and he shuddered.

Grasping his palm, she led him through the living room to her bedroom and stopped at the edge of the mattress. Shae waited, his thumb making lazy circles on the top of her hand. Daisy let go of him and inched her fingers up under the hem of his shirt working the fabric up a little at a time. She leaned in and licked a trail from his ribs to his sternum before lifting the garment up and over his head.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she unbuttoned his jeans and slid the zipper down, then pushed the pants and his knit boxers down past his hips. His erection bobbed up and down when he shuffled his feet from the legs. Her mouth watered and she cupped his ass, drawing him toward her then engulfed the tip of his shaft with her lips, sucking hard.

Shae groaned. "Fuuuccckkk." His fingers threaded through her hair and his breath hissed out between his teeth.

Daisy gave a low hum of satisfaction, enjoying his response.

I could get used to this…

This story is so much fun. I love writing a couple that fights an attraction but can't stay away from each other.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Lucky Seven

What a week. I spent a lot of time texting family and friends in Texas to make sure they were making it through their worst deep freeze ever. Even my brother, who lived in Ohio for most of his life, had a tough time. He's in the Dallas area and, so far, has had two pipes burst. Here's hoping that's the worst of the damage.

Television ended up being pretty light this week. I caught another episode of No Offence, which I'm enjoying a lot.

Also finished up the final episode of Silent Witness for season eight. I'll be moving on to season nine this week.

I've heard some good things about Riverdale, so I should probably finish up what I have to watch and get started on the new season.

Weirdly, the sages have been feeding me a ton of new story ideas, which I love, but I also have a massive amount of WIPs that need to be finished. I need to have a sit-down chat with those pesky imps.

Tonight's post is from Lucky Seven, a novella where the characters turn a one-night stand into something more.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Daisy and Shae work for the same company and they end up overindulging at a corporate casino night, waking up next to each other the following morning. What starts as an awkward one-night stand turns into something neither expects or is really looking for.

And a snippety peek…

Shae stood outside Daisy's townhouse questioning his sanity. "What the hell am I doing here?" Aside from holding two bags of Asian cuisine.

A dim memory from their college days planted the idea to stop by his favorite shop and get a variety of dishes. Maybe that small amount of knowledge, the whole sort of knowing her prior to working with her, had him intrigued. He couldn't figure out why else he couldn't seem to stop thinking about her.

He used his elbow to push the doorbell and startled in surprise when she immediately opened the door.

She reached out dragged him inside, casting a quick glance back and forth before shutting the neighborhood out and turning to face him. "Thought you might stand out there all night." She took the bags and motioned for him to follow her.

He trailed behind her, taking in the quirky décor. A mix of modern industrial with a few rustic touches and pops of color—what his mom would dub eclectic style. Comfort came to mind when she led him into her living room and set the takeout on a low-slung table.

She settled onto a large floor pillow and swept her arm over its match, indicating he should take a seat. He did, a little off-kilter but determined to mind his manners.

Which meant keeping his hands to himself.

Once he got situated, she met his gaze. "What did you bring?"

He opened the bags. "The variety sampler from Cheng's." He started taking out the boxes and popping them open.

She sucked in a breath then tilted her head to one side. "Did you know Cheng's is my favorite?" Taking the napkins and chopsticks out, she set them in the middle of the table.

Shae shrugged. "Honestly, no. But I had a vague recollection of being in the dorm common room and you oohing and ahhing over something from that Asian fusion place on campus." His lips twitched because Daisy got super-excited about stuff back then and didn't curb her enthusiasm.

Her eyes went wide. "I can't believe you even noticed." She grinned. "But I'm glad you did." She picked up a box and divided it between two plates.

He got a kick of satisfaction for choosing wisely then wanted to kick himself. There's nothing great or amazing about having a memory. Then again, why did it matter. She asked him to bring dinner so he brought it. His reason for being there had nothing to do with food.

But, he actually enjoyed reminiscing about their alma mater and some of the things they had in common, even if they experienced them at different times. They'd had the same professors for two of their classes and both had been amazing. The one class they had together their junior year had the worst professor on campus.

And … as usual, she didn't waste time diving into the topic at hand once they had their meals more or less finished.

Twirling some lo mein onto the chopsticks, she started the ball rolling. "So … this"—she motioned between them—"whatever it is between us? I'm done fighting it." She slurped the food from the utensils.

His heartbeat kicked up a notch. "As in what? You want a relationship?" He'd considered the idea and found it didn't freak him out as much as he'd thought.

She made a garbled choking sound. "What? No. No, no, no." She shook her head. "That's a horrible idea."

Mildly insulted, he pushed for clarity. "Then what, exactly, do you see happening here?" How did they not fight the attraction without being a couple?

She set the chopsticks down and met his gaze. "Sex, hooking up, whatever you want to call it. But that's it." She ticked off a list. "No dates, no strings, no public displays, and absolutely no discussing this with others or at the office." Her gaze narrowed. "Deal?"

He blinked. "Um, I think I've got it all straight." A perverse need to push at her boundaries hit him. "Do we talk at all when we're not, you know, fucking like rabbits?" His tone sounded pissier than he meant it to, but, geez.

She grinned and gave him a nod. "Sure. Maybe even stream a movie or binge-watch some television while we're recharging so to speak."

Something bitter churned in his gut but the image of her writhing beneath him wouldn't leave his brain. His head wanted to renegotiate but his dick wanted to snap up the offer.

He thrust his palm forward. "Deal."

Looked like his dick decided to do the talking tonight.

I love Shae knowing on an instinctual level that Daisy's deal won't be as easy as she thinks. Daisy's trying hard not to get in too deep, but Shae's already there.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Lucky Seven

Wow, what a difference a week makes. The crisp feeling of fall has definitely arrived and I'm actually a little chilly at the moment. We'll probably have at least one more warm up before we settle into the true briskness of autumn in Ohio. Or… we could have one more nice week and then have a blizzard by Halloween. It's always hard to say. LOL

Got quite a bit of television watched this week. Some shows premiered their new seasons and I'm excited to settle in for the ride.

The Last Ship is crazy good and crazy wild. I'm always stunned when the credits roll because it doesn't seem like an hour should have gone by.

For premieres, I caught the new episodes of The Flash and Riverdale. Gotta say I ended up really enjoying both. Having Nora around could prove pretty interesting. And the whole situation with Archie is way over the top but, honestly, a ton of fun. Can't wait for Arrow this Monday. Also watched Chicago Fire and have mixed feelings on the episode. Maybe more on this next week.

And, of course, the Doctor Who premiere with Thirteen! What a great launch of the new doctor. Can't wait for more. After the disappointment with the last two seasons of Twelve, I'm excited to see where the show goes now.

I continued my rewatch of Babylon 5. The first season is so hit and miss but it also plants a lot of seeds for the following seasons. I'm always finding something new that ties into a future episode.

In other science fiction fare, I watched The Sarah Conner Chronicles, Birds of Prey, Lexx, Wynonna Earp—a Christmas episode, and The Dresden Files. Also caught Luke Cage and Penny Dreadful.

In military fare, I caught another episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold and Strike Back. I'm starting to gel with the new cast of Strike Back and I also need to go back to season two and do some sleuthing. I have a feeling there's a connection that's deeper than I realized. More later on this too.

Caught some mystery shows with The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Murdoch Mysteries, and a couple of episodes of Peter Gunn. I started an episode of Midsomer Murders but didn't get to finish it yet.

I also watched episode five of Driven. I'm actually thrilled with this series and I'm so excited for more from Passionflix.

On a final note, I finished up Canal Road and what a satisfying ending. I'll be starting a new Australian series in the very near future. Looking forward to it!

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Lucky Seven a novella that got a start with a prompt of writing ten lines of dialog between two characters that have drunken sex and aren't talking about it… ever. I loved this idea and the sages took off with the story.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Daisy and Shae work for the same company and they end up overindulging at a corporate casino night, waking up next to each other the following morning. What starts as an awkward one night stand turns into something neither expects, or is really looking for.

And a snippety peek…

Daisy placed her hands on the wall to steady herself. Having the subject of her erotic imaginings so close sent zings of lust through her veins. She had to get a grip.

Wetting her lower lip with her tongue, she took an honest approach. "You have no idea what you do to me. This is dangerous." She inhaled deeply to calm her thumping heart.

Shea leaned forward. "I thought we weren't talking about this… reaction we have to each other." His eyes narrowed, his gaze giving her a slow once-over.

Daisy blinked, trying to breathe, unable to manage more than a whisper of air. "We aren't. Can't. Shouldn't." But, oh god, she wanted to inhale him.

Right here. In the copy room.

No. No, no, no.

She pushed against his chest. "Get back." If she didn't get some space between them, she'd reach for his zipper and show him her weakness.

To his credit, he held up his hands and took two big steps away from her. Not that it helped. The hard ridge of his cock tented his pants. Her mouth watered and her eyes slid shut.

Shea groaned. "You see it too, don't you? In your mind. You. Me. Naked. Together." His voice held barely contained lust.

Her eyes popped open. "Shea, we can't do this here." Career suicide didn't top her list of things to accomplish.

He shoved a hand through his hair. "Then meet me after work. I don't care where. Hell, pick a church. Or a school. Someplace public where I have to keep my hands off you." His fingers curled into his palms.

She rolled her eyes. "Uh, no. No one else needs to hear our conversation. And I seriously doubt a public place is really going to help keep us from tempting fate." The damn copy room barely managed to keep them from acting on their powerful attraction.

Shea's eyes darkened to a deep brown. "Then where?" The low growl burst from him.

Daisy started for the door. "My place. Bring dinner." Did she really just order him to bring food?

Shea stopped her with a light hand on her shoulder. "You're sure? It's gonna be hard to resist—" His gaze dropped to his crotch and the large bulge under his trousers.

Daisy nodded. "I know. Just…" Her voice trailed off.

Don't stomp on my heart. Or be a dick. Or…

Fuck it.

She committed. "Yeah, I'm sure." She left before he could say anything else.

I'm having so much fun with this story! Two people fighting their attraction makes the conflict enjoyable to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Lucky Seven

So… premiere for The Last Ship? Everything I expected and more. I have so much love for this show. I'm also going to have a huge bar tab by the time the season ends if episode one is any indication. I almost sit on the edge of my seat hoping like hell none of my favorite characters will meet their end.

And of course, some of them do. LOL

I've got a bunch of theories about this season, which I won't share to avoid possible spoilage… but I don't trust the president at all. One specific moment in the premiere episodes turned the table with how I feel about that guy. Just saying.

Currently watching the finale of Wynonna Earp and my fingers are crossed for a second season. Have no clue if Syfy will be cooperative and make that happen or not.

Still rewatching Babylon 5 and Strike Back. I'd forgotten how much Strike Back crammed into each episode, especially during the first season. Contrast the breakneck pace with Babylon 5's slower build in its first season. I sometimes miss having a nice, long arc to settle into a show and really get to know the characters.

Killjoys and Dark Matter return soon and I'm patiently waiting to get back into the gritty realm of both. Bring it on.

Tonight's post is from Lucky Seven, a novella that started as a writing exercise. I was challenged to write ten lines of dialog between two characters who had drunken sex the previous night and weren't going to talk about it… ever. Then build the story from there.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Daisy and Shae work for the same company and they end up overindulging at a corporate casino night, waking up next to each other the following morning. What starts as an awkward one night stand turns into something neither expects, or is really looking for.

And a snippety peek…

Shea wandered down the corridor toward the elevators. Daisy Helm. Hot damn.

He paused, his finger hovering over the button. Brief flashes of last night auto-played in his mind. Daisy in her sweet, sexy silver dress. Everyone else has a little black dress, but not me. I need some shimmer and shine when I'm on the town. His lips curved. She had such a sassy mouth on her. An image of said mouth wrapped around his dick popped up onto the big screen in his brain. Blood rushed to his groin and his cock expanded, making an obvious outline under the tuxedo pants. He draped his jacket over his arm and held it at waist level. No need to show anyone his aroused state.

Arousal. Daisy almost glowed when engaged in passionate pursuits. An image of her splayed out under him, a fine sheen of perspiration covering her skin had his eyes sliding shut. Jesus. A painted canvas of her au natural would look incredible, hanging in his bedroom. But only if he could play a recording of the breathy, gasping sound she made during an orgasm.

He punched the button. "Christ, I need to get a grip." Reliving the night with Daisy only served to rev up his libido.

Not good when less than twenty-four hours from now he'd face her in the workplace, fully clothed and all prim and proper. He'd have to forget how they were beautifully naked, rolling on the sheets having smoking hot sex. Or how perfectly Daisy fit against his body and how exquisitely she received his hard thrusts.

Exquisitely? Geez, she'd turned him into a damned poet. And yet he wanted more.

Now.

Turning on his heel, he strode back to the room they'd shared and used his keycard to open the door. The sound of the shower greeted him, along with the tangled sheet Daisy must've tossed haphazardly on the bed. He considered leaving, but his feet walked toward the bathroom.

Propping a shoulder against the jamb, he waited until the water turned off before clearing his throat. Daisy gave a startled yelp and popped her head around the edge of the curtain. Her eyes went wide and she opened her mouth to speak, but then she surprised him by tugging the barrier all the way open, revealing her delectable nude form.

She stepped out of the tub and grabbed a towel. "Why are you here?" She nodded toward the empty enclosure. "Did you want a shower, too?"

He pushed away from the wall. "In a moment. I want—" He didn't know what the hell to say.

More time? To drag her back to bed and keep her there for another few hours? What sounded great in his head sure wouldn't impress her if he spoke the words aloud.

A slow smile curved her lips. "Get a shower, Shea." She dropped the towel. "I'll be waiting in bed." Strolling out of the bathroom, she left the door open.

Shea blinked but stripped off his clothes. No way would he argue.

Gotta say this one is fun to jump into. I love how it's all coming together.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Lucky Seven

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers and father figures out there!

So… Orphan Black is almost over for this season and *eep* I still have way more questions than answers. That said, I don't care. I love everything about this season. Although, I guess I should ask if it's really wrong I pretty much cheered on Helena throughout last night's entire episode? No? Good. And Donnie and Alison. Twisted and creepy, but holy shit, I laughed, even though I shouldn't have. :D

Tonight's post is from Lucky Seven, a short story about what happens when two co-workers overindulge at a corporate retreat's casino night.

Here's the tagline:

Daisy and Shae work for the same company and they end up overindulging at a corporate casino night, waking up next to each other the next morning. What starts as an awkward one night stand turns into something neither expects, or is really looking for.

And a snippety peek…

Daisy blinked. "Yeah, so." She scrambled backwards off the bed, dragging the sheet with her.

Bad idea. The heavy coverlet only covered Shae's feet.

He dragged the bedspread up and over his groin. "Right." He sat up, propping his shoulders against the cushioned headboard.

He glanced toward the empty side of the bed. "You know—"

Daisy wrapped the sheet tighter around her. "Uh, nope. Not gonna happen." Tempted, she backed up several feet.

Shae quirked a brow. "Just did last night." His lips curved in a sly grin.

Daisy's face flamed. "Yeah, I know. But…" Get out, you damned man before I give in to temptation.

Shae nodded. "Gotcha. One time deal." He lingered in the bed, not in a hurry to leave.

Daisy agreed. "Exactly." She waited a beat, then prodded. "Yeah, so…"

Shae sighed. "Right. Getting up now." He threw the coverlet aside, giving her a splendid view of his hard body.

She whirled around, committing the picture he presented to memory.

Shae rustled around behind her, hopefully getting dressed.

He cleared his throat and she risked a backward glance. He stood, dressed in last night's clothes, his jacket flung over his shoulder. She finally relaxed.

He made his way to the door. "So, um, thanks. You know for…" His hand twisted the knob.

Daisy groaned. "Don't mention it. Ever." She softened her tone. "Please."

Shae nodded. "Yeah, okay. See you at work on Monday." He pulled the door open and exited her room.

Daisy crossed the space and sank down onto the side chair. Best sex of her life and she couldn't have a repeat performance.

Life sucked balls sometimes.

Honestly? This one is fun to write. Started with a prompt from one of my writing communities and the story has taken off from there. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin