Sunday Snippet: Monumental Headache

It's so weird to be almost halfway through the month already. Time is weird. Last week felt like it dragged on forever but also had a lot of stuff jammed into it.

Weather ended up being crazy with a tornado warning that thankfully went north and east of us but did touch down in several places in our county. We've got more volatile weather headed our way this week. Maybe. It makes me bonkers how not accurate the weather reports are now.

Work projects ended up being a little exhausting this week. I had a project that should have been simple but spiraled into a bit of a mess. We finally got that one all figured out, I think. I finished up a copy edit and started a new one. And I got to dive into a new nonfiction book project that I'm excited about.

On a small side note, I've been feeling the pull to get my side project launched and ready to go. To that end, I'm working on some Halloween shorts that I hope to have ready to go in October. Fingers crossed!

Had an okay viewing week. I did make it through my regular list of shows and did more binge watching of Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise.

Thoroughly enjoyed an episode of Marple. There were so many twists and turns but I loved the ride.

Caught another episode of Britain's Most Scenic Counties and continued the exploration of Kent, which I'm enjoying a lot.

Watched the finale for Beyond Paradise season four. So happy with everything. My frustration with Anne turned out to be for naught. She really kicked everything on its side. So glad Smith is not going to be around anymore. Truly loathed that guy. Thrilled to bits that Esther and Archie are giving things a go and that Kelby has a sweetheart. I cried when Zoey left on her adventure, but I loved her maps bringing Esther and Archie together.

The Orient Express episode of Poirot hit weird for me. Such a stellar cast but things felt a little off and I'm honestly not sure how I feel about the ending, which is quite probably by design. I think visually filmed plays out differently than the visual that reading creates. I don't know.

Elementary had another interesting episode and I'm wondering how the escalation is going to go with Sherlock's meeting guy. Very glad the captain and Detective Bell are aware of what's going on with Sherlock's concussion situation.

Caught an episode of Young Justice that I vaguely remember watching during the show's run on television. With so much going on with three different story points, I actually enjoyed the action.

Watched another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and, once again, thoroughly enjoyed the antics of the crew. A lot of fun seeing them confront past issues on Starbase 80.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Monumental Headache, a novella that explores what might happen after a one-night stand that turns into something more.

Here's the miniblurb:

Cadee Walsh has a high stress job and needs to blow off steam. She spends the night with Worth Pettigrew, recharging from the incredible sex. Imagine her mortification when she finds out he's her new boss.

And a snippet preview…

Cadee wanted to hunt Matt down and punch him.

She inhaled slowly and met Worth's gaze. "To be clear, I am not prone to workplace romances. In fact, you're the first and only one I've ever had." Her fingers flexed on the table. "And it's not like I knew I'd literally run into you two hours after you left my house." She exhaled on a long breath.

How could she get Matt to understand she had zero interest in him?

Worth broke open one of his rolls. "I don't think anyone had that one on their bingo cards." He spread a little butter on one half.

Cadee huffed out a laugh. "True." She sobered. "I'm really not sure what to do about this whole Matt situation. I've never encouraged him. I'm clear when I say I don't want to go out with him." She sighed. "This sucks. Even if I wanted to see you outside of work, it would only give him ammunition to create drama and make life hell." Grabbing her fork, she stabbed a pile of lettuce onto the prongs, picturing Matt while doing so.

Worth placed a hand on hers. "Hey, the salad didn't do anything to you." His thumb brushed over her skin. "But I get it. Murdering a pile of lettuce is better than committing actual homicide on a coworker." His lips twitched.

Cadee rolled her eyes. "You're awful. But you make a good point." She set the silverware aside. "That said, I can't deal with having a guy act like he's my boyfriend and warning off other men I might like to go out with because he thinks we're in a relationship." She paused. "Which we are not." Her teeth ground together.

Worth cocked his head. "Would you? With me?" He shook his head. "Sorry, what I mean is … you said warning off other men you might like to go out with. Am I one you might consider?" His fingers stilled on her hand.

Cadee pressed her lips together. "Damn. That kind of slipped out unexpectedly." She straightened and squared her shoulders. "I won't deny I've thought of you since our night together, even when you're being a pain in my ass at work. But … don't you think Matt will make anything and everything difficult?" She hated even saying those words out loud because doing so gave more power to the guy trying to make her life hell.

Worth lifted his chin. "It's possible. Mainly wanted to see if there's a chance here." He settled back against the booth cushion, picking up his fork again.

Cadee narrowed her gaze. "Meaning there's a possibility you'll be sticking around?" Did she want him to?

She took a moment and turned the thought over in her brain. Yeah. She wouldn't mind getting to know him. But working together might make things difficult even without Matt's interference.

Worth lifted one shoulder. "I've been thinking about it. I loved the travel when I first started but I'd like to settle and I have connections here." He met her gaze. "I know we'll have to navigate some choppy waters, and I can't promise I won't be a pain sometimes, but I'm interested in seeing where things go with us."

Cadee smiled. "I think I'd like that."

This story took a path I didn't expect but I'm rolling with it because I love it.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Monumental Headache

Whew. Very busy week and we had crazy weather to top it off. I'm not a fan of the back and forth super warm one day then very chilly the next. Wreaks havoc on my sinuses, which is never fun.

Also had a busy work week with multiple projects in various stages of completion. The sages also picked this week to start chattering in my ear, which is excellent because I got a lot of writing done. I'm almost finished with two projects and so excited! Brings me one step closer to getting my new venture launched.

Had a very light week of watching television. With so many irons in the fire, TV took a back seat to everything else. I'm honestly in a bit of a weird place with content I want to watch. I've been in the mood to binge shows, but I hate to do that when I have subscriptions to a number of streaming services. Then again, I haven't watched anything on Netflix in forever and I pay for that monthly. Thankfully, other family members watch a lot of that streamer.

I finished up the VIP episode from last week and kind of enjoyed the Tasha backstory. I love television from the late nineties.

Caught another episode of My Life is Murder. Alexa is growing on me a little. She often grates, which I think is a character trait. Blunt honesty is fine, but there's a cruel edge to hers sometimes and I'm not a fan of that in a main character.

Enjoyed another episode of Agatha Raisin. The cast of characters is so much fun. I love when the sidekicks get in on the action. I kind of pegged the murderer early in this one, but I like being able to pick them out then see how they actually committed the crime.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I'm enjoying the slightly different format in this season, but I miss having the team function as a team together.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. One of my favorites that I got to watch all the way through the first time. I agree with Humph … the genius of the murder kind of blew me away.

Also caught another episode of Battlestar Galactica. The opening eps of season three are so, so good. Actually, the first twelve episodes are pretty terrific. After that, things kind of go slightly sideways, but this show is still one of the best I've ever watched.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Monumental Headache, a novella where two characters hookup then realize they're going to be working together.

Here's the miniblurb:

Cadee Walsh has a high stress job and needs to blow off steam. She spends the night with Worth Pettigrew, recharging from the incredible sex. Imagine her mortification when she finds out he's her new boss.

And a snippety peek…

After placing her order, Cadee propped her elbows on the bar and waited for the tequila shot to arrive. Bart, the bartender, settled the glass in front of her and she lifted it wearing a smile. Toasting her favorite employee, she downed the liquid in a single gulp. "Ah … that hits the spot." Turning the glass upside down, she tapped the counter for another one.

Her food arrived and the aroma made her mouth water.

"That looks pretty damn good. I'll have what she's having."

Cadee slid the speaker a sideways glance and straightened on the stool. Well, hello, handsome. A slow once-over revealed a prime specimen of manhood, wearing well-worn jeans, a tight t-shirt that showed off broad shoulders, a defined chest, and gorgeous biceps. Her night looked infinitely better than it did thirty seconds ago.

She patted the chair beside her. "This seat's definitely not taken, if you're looking for a place to park yourself." Waving a hand over her plate, she flashed a smile. "You won't find a better burger anywhere in the city."

He slid his sculpted ass onto the seat, and he snagged a fry from the basket. "Fries look good, too." Popping it into his mouth, he closed his eyes in bliss.

Cadee grinned. "You and I … are going to get along really well."

And if she had her way, they'd end up back at her place for dessert.

She scooted her basket closer to him. "Have some more." Nodding toward the fries, she introduced herself. "Cadee Walsh. And that's Bart." She jerked her thumb toward the bartender. "He's getting you a shot of tequila, since you're having what I'm having."

Sure enough, Bart placed two glasses in front of them.

Her hot dinner partner raised his glass. "Worth Pettigrew. I'm glad I stopped in here tonight." His lips curved in a wide smile.

Cadee lifted her glass and clinked it against his. "I'm glad you did, too."

This story is a lot of fun, but it also takes a bit of a dark turn. Can't wait to see how everything shakes out.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Monumental Headache

As someone with family and friends who have served or are serving in the military, I'd like to thank all of our service members for their courage, sacrifices, and efforts. Thank you.

It's been a rough week with two difficult manuscripts and the end of daylight savings. Seriously, I've been all out of sorts and my internal clock hasn't caught up yet. LOL

I didn't get a lot of television in this week—see above for why—but I did stay current on usual shows. The Last Ship killed off another of my faves, which means I'm trying to prepare for a high body count in the finale. A box of tissues and alcohol might be involved. Just saying.

Arrow kicked some butt. I'm kind of liking the flash forward stuff, especially because the flashbacks are a thing of the past for the most part. I'll give kudos to Stephen, Emily, and Katie because I think they're doing some stellar work. The rest of the cast is on point also. Riverdale's Midnight Club episode rocked. The more batshit this show gets the more I seem to enjoy it. And it's definitely over the top.

Legends of Tomorrow keeps delivering great episodes. I'm always excited to see who's going to interact with whom. The constantly changing dynamic of the cast is so much fun.

I did catch an episode of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency and, honestly, I love this show. It's going to go down as one of my favorite viewing experiences. I also caught an episode of Classic Who and finished up an episode of Midsomer Murders.

That's it on the television front. Tonight's post is from Monumental Headache, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "screw you".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Cadee Walsh has a high stress job and needs to blow off steam. She spends the night with Worth Pettigrew, recharging from the incredible sex. Imagine her mortification when she finds out he's her new boss.

And a snippety peek…

Cadee Walsh exited the Canal Boulevard Spinal Care Clinic and locked the door behind her. "What a long, effing day." Shouldering her tote bag, she started for the parking lot.

"Cadee, you worked late tonight."

The voice startled her and she fisted her keys, letting the notched ends stick out between her fingers. She relaxed a little when Matt Debrewers emerged from the shadows of the building. The physical therapist had clocked out well over an hour ago. Cadee stayed behind to enter her patient assessments into the system and close out the files for billing. They'd had close to a hundred visits today for new consultations, adjustments, and therapy.

Cadee gave a nod and started for her car. "Yeah, finishing up the day's business. Doing double duty until Wendy's back from vacation." The office manager left over a week ago for a cruise, leaving Cadee to pull up the slack. "What are you doing back? Did you forget something?" Pausing by the vehicle, she glanced over her shoulder.

Matt gave her a lopsided grin. "Thought I'd hit the gym." He jerked his head toward the building next door, a twenty-four facility they recommended to many of their patients. "Unless… do you want to grab a late dinner or something?" He started forward, his feet shuffling on the pavement.

Cadee held up a hand. "No, Matt. I won't be good company. It's been a long day and I'm beat." She'd worked until almost nine pm every night this week.

She actually wanted to hit her favorite pub and drown her fatigue in a huge burger with a side of fries and slaw and about half a dozen shots. And maybe she'd get lucky and find a hot man to unwind with. Anyone but Matt because work romances usually got awkward and Cadee didn't have patience for the gossip in a tight-knit office environment.

After placing her order, she propped her elbows on the bar and waited for the tequila shot to arrive. Bart, the bartender, settled the glass in front of her and she lifted it wearing a smile. Toasting her favorite employee, she downed the liquid in a single gulp. "Ah… that hits the spot." Turning the glass upside down, she tapped the counter for another one.

Her food arrived and the aroma made her mouth water.

"That looks pretty damn good. I'll have what she's having."

Cadee shot the speaker a sideways glance and straightened on the stool. Well, hello, handsome. A slow once-over revealed a prime specimen of manhood, wearing well-worn jeans, a tight t-shirt that showed off broad shoulders, a defined chest, and gorgeous biceps. Her night looked infinitely better than it did thirty seconds ago.

She patted the chair beside her. "This seat's definitely not taken if you're looking for a place to park yourself." Waving a hand over her plate, she flashed a smile. "You won't find a better burger anywhere in the city."

He slid his sculpted ass onto the seat and he snagged a fry from the basket. "Fries look good, too." Popping it into his mouth, he closed his eyes in bliss.

Cadee grinned. "You and I… are going to get along really well."

And if she had her way, they'd end up back at her place for dessert.

Oh, Cadee, beware what you wish for… it might come true but not in the way you're hoping for. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Monumental Headache

Well, The Last Ship didn't kill any of my favorites last week. On one hand, this makes me very happy. On the other, I'm now wondering when, who, and how much it will destroy me when they take out a crewmember. LOL

Killjoys continues to rock my world. I love the show so much. I also love seeing so many familiar faces from other genre shows. Same goes for Dark Matter. After a "meh" opening episode, this week's turned out to be so much better with the possibility of a few cast shake-ups. I'm a little iffy on where things are going but I'm in for the ride.

The rewatch of Babylon 5 is up to the start of season two. I'm also in season two of Strike Back. Summer is great for sinking into and revisiting old favorites.

Tonight's post is from Monumental Headache, a novella that started with the two word prompt of "Screw you."

Here's the mini-blurb:

Cadee Walsh has a high stress job and needs to blow off steam. She spends the night with Worth Pettigrew, recharging from the incredible sex. Imagine her mortification when she finds out he's her new boss.

And a snippety peek…

Worth hated to drop truth bombs, but bad news sucked no matter the delivery. "He saw me coming out of your house the morning after." Of course, Worth had no idea he'd be running into Cadee two hours later.

But Matt didn't care about the actual facts, only what he perceived as encroachment on his territory.

Cadee cocked her head to one side. "What do you mean, he saw you leave my house? Matt doesn't live anywhere near me." Her head straightened and her eyes went wide. "Oh, hell, no." She got up and paced back and forth.

The truth and scope of Matt's obsession settled over her, slowly, one tick of the secondhand at a time. Her face went through a range of emotion, realization, disappointment, fear, disgust, and finally anger. She sank back down onto one of the chairs, her gaze stony and determined when she raised it to meet Worth's.

She nodded toward a vacant seat. "I need to hear the rest." Her tone brooked no argument.

But Worth didn't trust their conversation wouldn't be overheard. He jerked his head toward the door and Cadee frowned but got up and followed him out into the hallway. She didn't pry or prod him for details, but stopped by her office to get her purse and jacket then met him outside in the parking lot.

Worth handed her a card with an address on the back. "Meet me here in ten." He popped the door open and slid behind the wheel of his vehicle.

He waited until Cadee pulled out into traffic before checking to see if they had an observer. Sure enough. Matt stood at the main doors with his arms folded over his chest. Worth backed out of his space, exited the lot, and merged into traffic. Watching his rearview mirror, he made sure no one tailed him.

I'm having some fun with this one. Cadee and Matt's unconventional first meeting adds a layer of conflict and it's interesting to write around.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Monumental Headache

Whoa. Awesome week of television. Defiance is back on Syfy and what a great opening episode for season two. I won't get into spoilers, but I'm excited about where things are going. Dominion also premiered and I enjoyed watching. I'm hoping we get less exposition as the season progresses, but I'm always down for a good set-up in the first episode. J

Orphan Black. Finale didn't disappoint and once again, twists and turns I totally didn't expect. One of the biggest reasons I love this show so much is it never quite goes where I think it will. I was thrilled to have some additional information and background for Paul—even if it makes him even more mysterious. Putting my Cosima hat on for a moment, this show is like a fractal pattern, every layer that's revealed turns around on itself and spawns into something else. I'm sure I butchered the science angle, but… just watch the show to see what I mean. :D

Tonight's post is from Monumental Headache, a contemporary novella with lots of sexy humor.

Here's the tagline:

Cadee Walsh has a high stress job and needs to blow off steam. She spends the night with Worth Pettigrew, recharging from the incredible sex. Imagine her mortification when she finds out he's her new boss.

And a snippety peek…

"Oh, screw you." Cadee tossed her pen across the table. "I'm sick to death of you being in my face and on my ass. If you're not okay with how I'm doing things, fire me. I could use the break from your shit."

The entire conference room went silent. Worth tilted his head to the side and studied her a moment. Then he straightened and lifted a brow. "Are you through?"

Cadee shrugged. "I don't know. I think so." She sank down onto the nearest chair.

Worth nodded, barely keeping his lips from twitching. "Feel better?" He crossed his arms in front of his chest.

Cadee's shoulders slumped. "Not really. Thought it would feel good to vent, but it just gave me a monumental headache." She rubbed her temples, trying to ease the tension.

Worth snorted. "Welcome to my world, Cadee. You'll get used to the constant pain." He jerked his head, dismissing the group for the afternoon.

Cadee laughed. She shouldn't, didn't want to, but God, she'd totally walked into that one. And for once, it felt damned good.

Leaning back in the seat, she glanced up to meet Worth's gaze. "Look, I'm sorry. You pushed every right button today." She shrugged. "Not a great reason to go off on you though."

Worth dropped down onto the chair across from her. "No, it wasn't." He held up a hand when she opened her mouth to argue. "But I get it. It's been a shit week and I have been riding you hard." He picked her discarded pen and tilted it back and forth in his fingers. "Matt knows who I spent my first night in town with and accused me of playing favorites."

Cadee sat up and leaned forward. "Wait, what? How did he find out?" Dammit. She hadn't breathed a word to anyone.

So far, this has been really fun to write. I'm hoping the humor keeps coming. *side eyes the sages*

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin