Sunday Snippet: Ring It In

Happy St. Patrick's Day! It's been a chaotic week with work projects and life stuff going on. And my distraction levels are making me frustrated. But … I'm still getting stuff done so I can't really complain.

I definitely didn't make a full round of shows this week. Just didn't have the bandwidth with my focus being all over the place.

I did catch an episode of The Batman and had vague memories of watching this the first time around. Joker episodes are hit and miss in the version of the dark knight.

Watched an episode of My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm almost finished with this show, and I'll miss it when I'm done. Such a fun cast of characters.

Caught another episode of Midsomer Murders and again enjoyed the mystery. I'd seen something of a similar nature of the plot based on a true story, so this episode ended up being a lot of fun.

Finished up the final episode of Silent Witness season twenty-five. I'll be starting season twenty-six this week. Ended up really enjoying the limited episode run.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ring It In, a New Year's Eve sexy short.

Here's the miniblurb:

Recovering from post-holiday family drama, Paris Lightful wants to spend New Year's Eve in her uncle's cabin with nothing but her laptop and a ton of action movies. When near blizzard conditions strand Deputy Kelton Pine at her location, Paris doesn't welcome the intrusion, especially since Kelton has a major chip on his shoulder. But once the ice breaks between the couple, things heat up rather quickly.

And a snippety peek…

December 30, early evening…

 

A knock sounded on Paris's door again.

She grabbed the poker and called out. "Who's there?"

A voice answered. "Deputy Pine."

She huffed out a relieved sigh and opened the door.

Kel stood outside, large, fluffy snowflakes drifting down around him. This time, instead of his cruiser, he had a big SUV. His gaze lingered on the poker and a slight note of respect crossed his features.

Would wonders never cease?

Paris lifted her chin. "Deputy. Lovely weather we're having." Pleasantries would require effort she didn't feel like giving, but she moved aside so he could get out of the cold.

Kelton entered the cabin, but his furrowed brow showed he didn't appreciate her sarcasm. "You're not going anywhere, are you?" His gaze scanned from side to side.

Her brow arched. "Not that it's any of your business, but no. I came up here for solitude and quiet." She gave him a pointed look. "Someone keeps crashing my calm." And living rent free in her mind at the same time.

He shuffled a little and had the grace to flush. "Right, well, I stopped by to let you know I caught our guy … hiding in the Handermans' shed. He's now enjoying a nice warm cell at county lockup." He glanced over his shoulder. "I also wanted to let you know the roads are impassable right now. If you don't need to leave, don't." His gaze met hers again.

She nodded. "No problem. Like I said, no plans to go anywhere." She shrugged and pulled her shirt closer around her.

He focused behind her. "Don't suppose you're set up if the power goes out?"

Pissed off, she wanted to jab him with the poker. "Why would you assume I'm not? You know Uncle Mick has a generator. Do you think I'm too delicate to get it started?" What the hell crawled up his ass?

Kelton held his hands up. "I didn't say that." He wisely took a step backward.

Paris snorted. "You didn't have to. Your snide tone more than implies your meaning." She planted her hands on her hips. "What the hell is your problem with me?" Because he definitely had one.

Kelton stared at her for a moment. "I don't have issue with you directly. But my experience with your type pretty much sucks." He rolled a shoulder.

Paris blinked. "My type?" Her head tilted back. "Ah, now I get it." She met his gaze. "Which of my former high school classmates pissed on your parade?" And why would he lump her into his

Kelton didn't hesitate with his answer. "Bindi Buchman."

Paris stopped short of making a garbled choking sound. "Seriously?" She marched forward and opened the door. "You can leave. Now." She wouldn't be held responsible if he didn't exit quickly.

Kelton smirked. "Touch a nerve, did I?"

Paris rolled her eyes. "By lumping me in with Bindi's bitches?" Did he have any kind of clue? "That's not hitting a nerve. It's an outright insult." One she didn't deserve.

Kelton cocked his head. "Did you have a falling out? You were pretty tight with her in high school. Bffs and all that."

Paris shot back. "Where did you get that idea?"

Kelton's lips curved. "My keen observational skills."

Paris snorted. "They failed you, Kel. If you had bothered to look under the surface, you'd have realized I didn't have Bffs." Much to her mother's dismay.

Kel gave her a confused look. "But you used to—"

Paris cut him off. "I talked to everyone, Kel. The jocks, the nerds, the stoners, the music geeks, the suffering artists, and yeah, Bindi and her bunch. I existed on the fringes, never a full part of any one group." She'd liked nonconforming, because it drove her mother nuts.

Kel tilted his head. "I only remember seeing you with Bindi and her gang of glamor girls."

Paris stared him dead in the face. "Because you were a jock. You didn't look anywhere else." She turned away from him. "And you only had eyes for the HBIC, meaning Bindi Buchman." Much to Paris's tender-hearted dismay.

So excited about this story. Paris and Kelton are fun to write and I love guiding couples back into each other's orbits.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Ring It In

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. It's rainy and chilly in Ohio and a nice day to stay in and be pampered. A few quiet hours alone is on my agenda today.

Had a solid television watching week. Since I watched so many penultimate episodes last week, this week ended up putting me in the finale zone. I started with the final episode of Underbelly: Razor. I'll admit I ended up being pretty satisfied with how things turned out. Kate and Tillie ended up living to ripe old ages for the times and Nellie, oddly enough, had an ending that rather suited her. Big Jim definitely got his due as did Phil the Jew.

Caught two more episodes of Midsomer Murders and thoroughly enjoyed both. I do like John and his wife along with their dog Sykes. Also watched two more episodes of Peter Gunn.

Started a new show from the CW. In the Dark ended up being more than I expected and, honestly, I enjoyed it. The heroine is messy and prickly and I like her flaws. The supporting cast is excellent. I'll watch more and see how it goes. It's been renewed for another season so I hope I like the rest of this one.

Watched another episode of Blade and remembered most of this one. There were a few bits I missed the first time around so it's nice to have those blanks filled in.

Also caught two more episodes of Classic Who and finished out the time meddler episodes. If memory serves, this is really the first sighting of the Master. Kind of like his origin story.

Watched the finale of Strike Back and I'm happy to say everyone I lived that I wanted to see still standing at the end. With the exception of Wyatt's marriage, which I have a feeling didn't survive. I can't wait for the final season now.

Caught Chicago Fire and enjoyed the episode. I'm not sold on Grissom being an okay guy yet but here's hoping they go in that direction. I really don't want to see Severied used as a pawn on the chessboard so I'll be pissed if that happens.

Iron Fist had a decent episode. Danny and Colleen are walking a very fine line and I'm hopeful their relationship can withstand the coming nightmare of dealing with Davos. Joy and Ward had some personal growth and Mary's storyline meshed well with the others. Davos is Davos and I'm still struggling to find some kind of empathy with him. It's not working.

Caught a great episode of Arrow and thoroughly enjoyed. I'm not a big fan of Diggle and Lyla keeping big secrets but I'll hold back from judging too much. Really loved Oliver and Laurel's reckoning with past sins. I love Oliver the most when he's pushing to be better than his parents.

Watched the finale of Murdoch Mysteries and, whew, I'm so glad things worked out the way they did. Miss Hart should probably watch her step and I'm kind of hoping she ends up becoming a good character. Nice to see where everyone is at the end, mostly in great places with their personal relationships.

Caught another episode of The Murders and I'm really loving this show. I'm excited to find out who is messing with Kate and I liked seeing Nolan not dealing with his personal life. Also loved having Kate back him up.

Watched the finale to Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries and, wow, I truly hoped the stupid superintendent would get what he deserved. Of course, he didn't and Peregrine might have lost her edge with him. We'll see what happens… if there's a second season. The chemistry between Steed and Peregrine is so delicious.

I'm nearing the end of my Painkiller Jane rewatch and I completely missed the episode I caught the first time around. Glad I got it in. I think there are two episodes left in this season, but I can't remember for certain.

Started another new show for me, Durham County. It's dark and twisty and I think I'm going to like it a lot. The first episode had a good mix of creepy happenings along with some good exposition. Looking forward to more.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Ring It In, a sexy short featuring a snowy New Year's Eve and an element of danger for our hero and heroine.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Recovering from post-holiday family drama, Paris Lightful wants to spend New Year's Eve in her uncle's cabin with nothing but her laptop and a ton of action movies. When near blizzard conditions strand Deputy Kelton Pine at her location, Paris doesn't welcome the intrusion, especially since Kelton has a major chip on his shoulder. But once the ice breaks between the couple, things heat up rather quickly.

And a snippety peek…

The end credits rolled on the latest Star Trek movie and Paris shook her bowl of popcorn.

She debated making more. "Nah. It's late." She started scrolling through her list to find another movie to watch.

A knock on the door startled her.

Unwinding her legs, she tossed off the fluffy throw she'd brought. "Maybe it's the Hendersons." A quick glance at the clock showed three a.m. "Okay, doubtful." She grabbed fireplace poker and went to answer.

The door swung open and the barrel of a handgun led the way. Paris bit back a yelp and raised the heavy iron, ready to swing.

"Sheriff's department. Don't move."

Paris checked her upward motion, bringing the poker back down to her side, and met a familiar gaze. "Kelton Pine?" When had he become a deputy?

Kelton lowered his weapon and holstered it. "Paris Lightful." A brief flash of distaste crossed his features.

The sneer in his tone caught her off guard, but she nodded. "Yeah. It's been what? Eight years?" Damn, she hadn't prepared for a blast from the past.

He grunted acknowledgment while his gaze scanned the space. "You here alone?" He finally glanced back in her direction, giving her a quick once-over.

Apparently, pleasantries weren't necessary.

Paris tilted her head to one side. "Yeah, with permission. Uncle Mick owns the cabin." What had his ass in a twist?

Kelton blinked. "Yeah, I know. Is he here?" Again, his gaze swept the immediate area.

She shook her head, growing more curious by the moment. "No, just me." She shivered. "Would you mind coming in and closing the door?" Backing up, she gave him space to enter. "Is there a problem?" His attitude had her hackles rising.

He gave her a long look and she racked her brain trying to figure out what the hell happened to the happy-go-lucky guy she'd had a huge crush on after high school.

Kel stepped further inside and shut the heavy oak. "I've got a guy who put his wife in the hospital on the loose." He folded his arm across his chest, the thick uniform jacket spreading at the bottom to reveal a tight stomach. "He usually heads up this way when we're looking for him."

Paris stifled an uneasy kick of concern. "I've been here since early evening. No one's been around that I know of." Then again, she hadn't been listening for a fugitive that might be traipsing around her uncle's cabin.

Kel dropped his arms and turned toward the door. "Keep this locked and keep the spare key in here with you." He retrieved the container Uncle Mick kept stashed in the mailbox and handed it to her.

His attitude bordered on hostile and Paris wanted to believe it had to do with the man he needed to find.

Something told her it didn't.

Kel nodded toward the porch. "The weather's nasty and looks to get worse. If anyone you don't know knocks on your door, don't let them in." He stepped out and hunched into his jacket.

Paris followed but didn't go outside. "I won't. Could you let me know if you find the guy?" When his shoulders tensed, she added a clarifier. "Or have someone else let me know?"

He didn't speak, only gave her a curt nod before climbing into his SUV and starting the engine.

Paris closed the door and wondered what the hell crawled up his ass. Not like she'd called and invited him over—he barged into the cabin then acted like she'd intruded on his day. Asshat.

Angry and unsettled, mainly because she'd liked him way back when, she went back to the couch and picked up with scrolling through her movie titles. She'd totally cop to being a little stung he didn't acknowledge their history, the little they'd had.

Paris picked a DC superhero movie and clicked on the title. "Forget him, Paris. He's obviously forgotten you." The opening credits started and she settled down with the throw again.

She'd probably be crashed out before the end of the film, but she hoped she'd dream of space ships and superheroes instead of the brooding deputy that stirred up old memories.

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. Paris is beyond tired of drama but she won't mind a little with Kelton.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Ring It In

Only one week until the merriest day! We still have to decorate our tree, but we always wait until about a week before the holiday. Should be done by this evening.

The Great Holiday Show Binge Watch Extravaganza continued this past week. I finished up NCIS, moved on to NCIS: LA and NCIS: New Orleans. Then followed with MASH. Last night I started the X-Files.

Teen Wolf had a great episode. The season feels a little choppy but I'm enjoying. The Librarians and MacGyver had good episodes. Enjoyed the holiday-themed flavor on MacGyver.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Ring It In, a sexy short set on New Year's Eve.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Recovering from post-holiday family drama, Paris Lightful wants to spend New Year's Eve in her uncle's cabin with nothing but her laptop and a ton of action movies. When near blizzard conditions strand Deputy Kelton Pine at her location, Paris doesn't welcome the intrusion, especially since Kelton has a major chip on his shoulder. But once the ice breaks between the couple, things heat up rather quickly.

And a snippety peek…

Kelton Pine entered the sheriff's office via the back door. He waved to the dispatcher, Bette Zinda, and nodded toward the small changing area. He'd finished a five mile run and needed a shower before starting his shift.

Kicking off his slushy shoes, he followed by stripping out of his clothes, three layers of thermal garments, damp from the increasing snowfall outside.

He started the water and stepped into the shower, mindful of the temperature. When the spray warmed up, he ducked under.

"Hey, Kel? You decent?" Bette's voice carried in from the outer hallway.

Kel chuckled. Only Bette would ask him that question. In her sixties, she'd seen everything, knew everyone, and nothing fazed the woman.

Not even a naked, six-foot-one man taking a shower. When Bette had something to say, she didn't wait.

He called out his answer. "Since when does it matter?" He finished lathering up and started rinsing off. "The curtain's closed, so yeah, I'm decent." Steam rose all around him, obscuring him further.

Her voice sounded again, closer this time. "Better finish up. Just got a BOLO on Juss Rampkin." She waited for the water to shut off before continuing. "Seems he knocked Karena around again and put her in the hospital this time."

Kel grimaced then grabbed the towel, hanging over the edge of the shower stall. "How bad?" Dammit, Juss couldn't seem to keep out of trouble.

He dried off quickly and wrapped the towel around him. Stepping out of the stall, he quirked a brow.

Bette lifted a shoulder and wouldn't meet Kel's gaze. "She had some internal bleeding." She held a hand out when he started for the door. "Now, hold on, Kel. Juss is already in the wind. Sheriff Donnelly just got back from the house and Juss isn't there." She handed him his uniform shirt. "You can't go anywhere until you're dressed and the sheriff wants to talk to you before you go off half-cocked." She turned around after handing him his pants.

Kel rolled his eyes. Bette used to change his diapers when his mom worked third shift at the hospital, but he'd much prefer her to at least be in the next room while he got his uniform on.

She filled in more of the blanks. "It'll be a felony charge this time and Juss knows it."

Kel growled. "Only if Karena presses charges. She's let him off too many times." And the department had their hands tied.

Juss had been escalating over the past few months. What started out as verbal tirades directed at his common law wife had now jumped to physical altercations and abuse. Nothing Donnelly or Kel did to curtail the man's wild outbursts worked. And Karena kept taking Juss back.

Kel finished dressing, tucking his shirt into his pants. "How long will she be out of commission?" If long enough, they might be able to talk some sense into her.

Bette shrugged. "At least forty-eight hours." She fell into step beside Kel when he exited into the changing area. "And she won't have a choice this time. The attending physician documented her injuries. The law director can and will file charges without her filling out a complaint." She laid a hand on Kel's arm. "We'll find him and make sure he faces the music."

Kel stopped outside Donnelly's office. "I have a good idea where he took off to." Juss never went far. "I'll check in then head out. Keep me updated on Karena's progress, yeah?"

Bette nodded. "You know I will." She headed for the dispatch room but paused. "A storm's coming in. Be careful out there."

Kel gave her a thumbs-up then entered the sheriff's office. If Kel wanted to beat the weather rolling in, he'd have to leave ASAP.

This may end up being novella length by the time I'm finished. Hopefully, I can ring in 2018 with this release.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Ring It In

October 19, 2014

Greetings!

Whew. Great television this past week. The Walking Dead premiere didn't disappoint. So happy it's back on my TV. And I'm all caught up on everything I normally watch. The Flash and Arrow are still kicking ass. Sons of Anarchy is totally insane and I can't wait to see how everything ends.

On Demand has me up to date on Haven, Sleepy Hollow, Agents of SHIELD, and Gotham. Pretty thrilled with Gotham so far. Some interesting little twists on the lore I'm quite enjoying.

Tonight's post is from Ring It In, a sexy short set around New Year's Eve and my heroine is looking forward to spending some much needed downtime all alone.

Here's the tagline:

Recovering from post-holiday family drama, Paris Lightful wants to spend New Year's Eve in her uncle's cabin with nothing but her laptop and a ton of action movies. When near blizzard conditions strand Deputy Kelton Pine at her location, Paris doesn't welcome the intrusion, especially since Kelton has a major chip on his shoulder. But once the ice breaks between the couple, things heat up rather quickly.

And a snippety peek…

Paris Lightful pulled up to the cabin and shut off the ignition. A light snow drifted down from the grey sky and she took a moment to enjoy watching the flakes dust the windshield. She loved being here in the winter, and especially enjoyed the fact she'd be blessedly alone after the holiday catastrophe her mom called a merry Christmas.

Grabbing her keys, she tossed them inside her bag and exited the vehicle. She popped the trunk and dragged her luggage out, hefting the carry-on over her shoulder and pulling the handle from her roll-on case. She wanted to get inside before the wintry mix got worse.

Stooping down, she lifted the edge of the welcome mat and snagged the key. "Thank you, Uncle Mick, for never changing." She unlocked the door and carried her gear inside the cozy space.

Her phone rang and she juggled her purse and carry-on, dragging the device from the front pocket of her jeans. "Hi, Uncle Mick. I just walked in the front door." Setting her bags down, she flipped on the lights. "The place looks great."

Her uncle chuckled. "Your dear mother would disagree, Parry, my girl."

Paris rolled her eyes at the nickname Uncle Mick had given her. "My lovely mother is the reason I'm here." She waited a beat. "Are you sure you weren't adopted, Uncle Mick?" The man couldn't be more different from his older sister.

His laugh rumbled over the line. "Yep, I'm sure. And your mom is fond of reminding me how much my birth screwed up her kindergarten year."

Paris snorted. "Only Martha has that kind of memory. I swear the woman forgets nothing." And Paris had a laundry list of stuff her mother loved to harp about. "Thanks again, Uncle Mick, for letting me use the cabin."

He tsked. "No problem, Parry. Now you go check and make sure the Hendermans remembered to stock the pantry and fridge, okay?"

Paris walked through the main room and ducked into the kitchen and did as instructed. "Looks like they left enough food to feed an army. I may have to stay an extra week to use it all up."

Mick chuckled. "Jo always goes overboard. Whatever you don't use, take home with you." He paused. "Or, feel free to stay that extra week, Parry. You could use a break and really recover, you know."

Her heart warmed. Uncle Mick understood how draining her mother's Christmas fetes were for Paris, and he actually gave a damn about her health. Martha expected Paris to make the rounds and put on a good show for her mom's friends and neighbors. What did it matter if her daughter's appendix almost burst and had to be removed?

Paris kicked her boots off and settled down on the couch. "I might just do that. I'm off until the fifteenth." She'd taken a leave of absence with the promise to be available via phone and computer, if needed. "The downtime sounds so appealing."

Mick snorted. "And it's not being spent with my sister so there's a bonus."

Paris laughed. "You know you love her, Uncle Mick. She's just easier to handle in small doses."

He agreed. "Too true, my dear. Now don't forget to turn up the thermostat to get the furnace going and if you need extra wood, call Ralph Henderman—the number is on the fridge. He'll bring a load if you need more."

Paris smiled. "I'll manage, Uncle Mick. Take care, okay?"

He responded with his usual reply. "I always do, Parry. I always do."

The line went dead and she set her phone on the coffee table. Getting up, she did as instructed and adjusted the thermostat, then headed to the fireplace to start a fire. The Hendermans had laid everything out and she only needed to light a match to get it going.

She had a list with action movies to watch and decided to pop some corn over the flames before getting started. She pushed thoughts of her mom and family drama out of her mind. With several deep, cleansing breaths, the stressed tension in her shoulders fell away and she finally relaxed.

Glancing at her watch, she exhaled on a sigh. "Blissed out day commencing now."

Yeah, her bliss won't last very long. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin