Sunday Snippet: Steamed Up

It's so weird we're almost to the end of the month. One more October Sunday after this one. Had a decent work week and made a lot of progress on my cleaning project.

Also had a solid viewing week. Started with The Muppet Show and ended up getting four episodes watched. Beverley Sills, Kenny Rogers, Lola Falana, and Dizzy Gillespie were the guest stars.

Watched Prime Suspect and finished up season five and started season six. Six is proving to be very interesting. I can't remember how it ends up playing out but I'll find out this week.

Caught two episodes of Peak Practice and liked both. Sometimes the bickering between the partners gets a little wearing but I do like this mix.

Ended up watching two episodes of MasterClass with Brandon McMillan. I like this guy and I'm getting some good tips on how to work with my doggos.

Finished up Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Man. "Summer" and "Fall" hit me in the feels in a really big way. At some point, I want to rewatch the four episodes and do a recap on my fictional universe blogs. I can honestly say the revival had everything I would've wanted and only a few things I didn't. Which means I'm left with a feeling of completeness. This isn't to say I wouldn't welcome another year in the life that would pick up at the present time. That could be a lot of fun.

I enjoyed two musician spotlights. Dolly Parton: Queen of Country turned out to be an enjoyable look at the amazing woman and her long career. Pop Profiles: Christina Aguilara shed some facts about her career that I didn't know. As a casual fan, I found it interesting.

Watched an episode of Star Trek: Discovery and loved the mirror universe. Those kinds of episodes always make me happy. I'm looking forward to the next installment so I can find out how things play out.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med. The second one ended up blowing me away. Understated but really strong performances all around. I love this show.

Weirdly enough, I watched an episode of Midsomer Murders and it featured scarecrows. I say weirdly because the final episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries had a scarecrow feature also. Anyway, nice to see Winter get some backstory and lovely to see Betty again.

Finished up the second episode of Silent Witness. I vaguely remember this one and enjoyed getting caught up in the cases again. Looking forward to starting the next two-parter.

Caught another four-episode arc of Classic Who. Nice to see the brigadier again. Interesting episode with a potential new companion in the mix.

Finished up UFOs over Earth. This one focused on mass sightings in Mexico. I'll be starting a new series this week and I think it's going to be about Roswell.

Last but not least, I watched two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. The first season had some great standalone episodes and two were in the set I watched. The second season of the new version is streaming now but I'm waiting until all episodes are available before diving in.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Steamed Up, a novella that has the main characters working closely together after a big breakup.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Raina Forbes and Huck Holloway are forced to work together after a spectacular breakup. Their close-quarters job situation has sparks flying between the former couple, and shaky new relationships are tested with Huck's going down in flames. And contrary to popular opinion, Huck doesn't always play nice when he truly wants something … or someone.

And a snippety peek…

Huck did a quick search for Raina. Charter Company, the group that got their clients to and from the arena, scheduled a conference call regarding the upcoming show.

Huck caught sight of his counterpart, standing outside the training area talking to Manny. When the man leaned in and whispered something to Raina then followed up by putting his hand on her ass, Huck finally figured out Raina's second point—the one she ended up not wanting to discuss.

Probably a good thing. A spike of green envy struck him hard and his hands curled into fists. And he needed to get the hell over it. He shouldn't be jealous.

They'd broken up. For a reason. As Raina had reminded him earlier.

"But, geez, Manny?"

The guy acted like a goon—or worse—a mini-Hector. But the trainer didn't have Hector's savvy and would never be able to pull off the fetes Hector put together. No way.

Huck unclenched his fists. "Whatever." He had a job to do and he would work with Raina to accomplish whatever Hector deemed necessary.

Her words echoed through his mind. What are you gonna do if Hector wants you to walk around showing skin to sell merchandise?

Hector would try to push Huck on that topic. His gut all but confirmed the thought. With the show sold out and scheduled for the day after tomorrow, Huck couldn't refuse whatever Hector had planned.

His mouth twisted. "I'll do what I have to." Even if it meant showing skin.

But if things got too tense, Huck would move the fuck on. He loved the work, loved the field, but he could transfer his skill set to something else. He'd built enough contacts. He could find the next niche the wealthy and privileged were ready to sink their teeth and cash into.

And maybe have less of a headache.

He strode toward Raina, ignoring Manny's presence. "We've got a conference call with the Charter Company. You coming?"

She gave him a hard look. "Yeah, I'll be there in five." Her eyebrow arched, daring him to press her buttons.

He smirked and did exactly that. "Call starts in three. I'm not waiting." Giving her and Manny a mock salute, he turned and walked away.

This story pushes the envelope a little more than normal for me but I do like how things are coming together. Raina and Huck have some hurdles to jump and I can't wait to see where they land.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Steamed Up

Man… the heat has been horrible this week. I hope everyone has a cool spot and is dealing with the high temperatures safely. Ugh… it's miserable. Watching the Irish Open, I truly wanted to be there. I mean they were wearing sweaters and jackets. I could go for that right now. And, yeah, everyone needs to remind me when I'm griping about how cold it is in May next year to shut up and deal. LOL

Slow week for television viewing. I had a full slate of work and needed to focus so I didn't get as many shows watched.

I did catch another episode of Daredevil. I missed watching one last week. Not a bad episode but too much Fisk for my liking.

Krypton had a great episode. I'm in deep and want to know what happens next. I'm honestly not sure if I care whether Lyta is redeemed or not but I do want to see her reaction to the reprogramming.

Watched another episode of Painkiller Jane and the pieces started to fall into place. Only about three or four more episodes left of this show.

Last but not least, I caught another episode of Durham County. Man, Michelle Forbes can really play the barely hanging on by a thread character better than a lot of actors. She's scary good at those roles.

That's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Steamed Up, a novella that started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Raina Forbes and Huck Holloway are forced to work together after a spectacular break-up. Their close-quarters job situation has sparks flying between the former couple, and shaky new relationships are tested with Huck's going down in flames. And contrary to popular opinion, Huck doesn't always play nice when he truly wants something… or someone.

And a snippety peek…

Huck pulled into the parking lot of the nondescript warehouse and cut the engine. "So… this is it." Four stories with plenty of room.

Which he might need working with Raina.

He gave the building a quick once-over. Not much to look at, a gold-plated sign with Underground Entertainment beside the door the only indication the place had occupants. But it had clean lines and plenty of care. No streaking from soot and other pollution down the sides of the brick exterior. The parking lot had a security gate and lots of space, and the roof had satellite feeds for live shows. All in all, a ton of money-making potential.

Pulling the keys from the ignition, he pocketed them. "Why don't I feel great about this?" Right… Raina.

When Maisie and Earl Merchant decided to sell out and retire, they stipulated Hector had to keep Huck on board. After all, he'd grown the company to its current status and if Hector played his cards right, Huck would make him piles of cash on merchandise too.

Huck almost walked anyhow… but Hector dangled a big bump in salary plus creative control on design. Huck's kryptonite. No, Raina used to be your kryptonite… the creative desire kicked in after you split up.

Huck snorted. "Doesn't matter. For creative freedom, I all but gyrated across a stripper stage to accept the offer." Not like he didn't have practice.

Once upon a time, a long while ago—underage and in high school—way back when.

A quick rapping on his window and the door popping open startled Huck. Tina's face peeked inside his car. Her floral scent, while not unpleasant, tickled his nose and almost made him sneeze.

She stepped back and draped her arm over the window in a sex-kitten pose. "Huck, I've been waiting and watching for you." Her tone took on a breathless quality. "I'm so glad you're here."

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He didn't appreciate Tina's welcoming gesture, especially since it reeked of being an ambush. Dammit, he didn't want a scene with her.

He'd defined their hookup in clear and certain terms. He had a need—for one night only—and she happened to be available. Dirty, sweaty sex and nothing more. No strings, no romance, and no repeat performance.

Too bad Tina didn't want to accept the terms. He'd spent the time between then and now dodging her calls and texts. Giving her his number might prove to be his biggest mistake.

He slid out of the vehicle, being careful to avoid brushing against Tina. "I'm sure I can manage to find my way inside. You didn't need to come out to greet me." He'd wanted to have some time to observe the inner workings of the facility before he met with Hector.

Tina preened and moved so he could close the door. "Well, I just wanted a moment to let you know I talked you up in the morning meeting and I also set Raina straight." She tried to hook her arm through his, but her fingers only brushed his sleeve…

Because he stopped short. "What did you set Raina straight about?" Reaction burned through his veins but he kept his tone calm.

Tina blinked in confusion. "Us, of course." Her mouth pouted prettily.

Huck pinned her with his gaze and held it for several long moments. "There is no us. Never was, never will be." He wrapped his fingers around the door handle. "I'm sure I made that clear. If there's going to be a problem, tell me now and I'll talk to Hector about finding someone else to handle the merchandising for Underground." When he pulled the door open, he quirked an eyebrow.

Tina's eyes went wide. "You wouldn't. Hector's been raving about having you on board since the deal went through." She kept her voice low so no one would overhear.

Huck lifted a shoulder. "Then let's make sure we're on the same page. I'm not here for workplace hookups. With you or anyone else." Including Raina.

As if that would happen.

Huck pushed for clarification. "Are you certain you understand now?"

Tina gave a terse nod and entered the building ahead of him. She didn't glance back or speak to anyone on her way to the ladies' room. Huck hated to be the bad guy; loathed playing the role of asshole. But, damn, he didn't need another complication.

Hector bustled out of his office and clapped Huck on the back. "Welcome, welcome. I'm thrilled to have you on my team." He flung an arm in the direction of the room he'd only just vacated. "Take a few moments and look around, then come on in when you're ready."

Huck lifted his chin in acknowledgment. "Sure, I won't take long." He made a cursory stroll around the training room, which Hector situated front and center.

The man certainly had a Midas touch when it came to staging brawls. The spectacle and showmanship never failed to top audience expectations. But the man's misogynistic tendencies often rubbed people wrong—especially Huck.

Why am I working for this dickhead again?

Right. Creative freedom to design and sell merchandise. If all worked out, Huck would go out on his own in five years or less. Then he wouldn't have to work with a guy who thought anything with tits should be used to make money.

A fact Huck got acquainted with during his time with Raina. She'd walked from their relationship, choosing to let herself be used that way by Hector to make big bucks. She had the smarts to do anything she wanted. Why let Hector put her physical assets on display?

Huck stopped outside the locker room. Shit. Raina.

He closed his eyes. "I'm gonna have to work with her." And he would… if only to prove a point.

Huck knew promo. He lived and breathed selling merchandise tie-ins to spectacles created by entertainment kingpins like Hector. And Huck kept everything legal; licensing and appearance contracts, quality control, and number crunching with pristine accounting practices. His background with both sides of the law gave him a unique perspective. Cutting corners and cooking the debit and credit columns never paid off.

He'd know within three months if Hector fudged his receipts in any way—from live pay-per-view to ticket sales to what he paid his fighters and trainers. And his marketing and promo people.

Huck made his way back to the office and entered, taking a quick glance around the space. He found Hector seated behind the desk and Raina pouring some coffee into two mugs.

Hector rose and came around front, accepting a mug from Raina. "I'll keep this brief. I want you two to head up bookings and promo. I don't care how you get the job done as long as you do." He paused, taking a sip of the steaming beverage. "Either of you have a problem with this setup?" His eyebrow quirked.

Huck shot a quick look toward Raina. "No, no problem here." He wouldn't admit it if he had one.

Raina's lips curved in a wry twist. "We'll be fine, Hector." She wrapped her hands around the mug and brought it to her lips.

Huck had a momentary flashback to when she'd drink coffee in bed after a night of steaming up the sheets. Not here. Not now. Focus on the work.

Hector lifted a hand. "Good, good. I'll take my leave. Have a couple of new fighters to get signed in and ready to rumble." He ambled out of the office and snagged Tina on her way back from the ladies' room.

Huck went over to the coffee bar and poured a mug. "Give me a moment to get some caffeine then we can get down to business." He glanced back and Raina gave him a nod.

So far, so good.

He wouldn't have to address the whole Tina situation just yet.

I'm so pleased with how this story is going. I love the trope of being a couple too soon and then making their way back together thing. After jumping a few hurdles, of course.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Steamed Up

Hello February! Where the weather in Ohio is like a frigid tundra one day and a balmy spring on the next. Ha! Sometimes we get both in the same day. Yeesh.

Well… Riverdale kept my attention and fulfilled my wishes in its second episode. I don't have shows reach and grab me like they used to so this is terrific! I'm completely interested in what happens next.

Gotham just keeps getting better and better. I'm dying to find out what happens to Penguin and can't wait to see the Riddler come into emergence. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow had great episodes. Even the Legion of Doom didn't suck. Looking forward to seeing new episodes this week.

Arrow also had a great episode. I like where they're going with the new Black Canary. I'm also kind of holding my breath to see whether the DA is going to end up being a good guy or a bad guy. I'm also waiting for the other shoe to drop with a seed planted quite a while ago with Oliver being in Russia.

Got all caught up on Teen Wolf and enjoyed the midseason finale. Not sure where they can go with the final ten episodes, but I'll be there to see them.

Started the new season of X Company and it's terrific. I really love this show and the cast. I have three more episodes on tap and can't wait to watch.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Steamed Up, a novella that got a start with a prompt of writing a scene with sexy times in the shower with someone else watching.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Raina Forbes and Huck Holloway are forced to work together after a spectacular break-up. Their close-quarters job situation has sparks flying between the former couple, and shaky new relationships are tested with Huck's going down in flames. And contrary to popular opinion, Huck doesn't always play nice when he truly wants something… or someone.

And a snippety peek…

"Merch Madness just sold their shares to me and Huck Holloway starts working out of this location today." Hector Wells pranced behind his desk, his chest puffed out with pride. "I consider this the best news in the history of best news."

Raina Forbes groaned, but refrained from calling her boss an idiot.

Hector stopped his victory walkabout and pinned Raina with his beady gaze. "You got a problem, princess?" He resorted to calling names when he didn't want a confrontation.

Considering she and Huck had a spectacular breakup almost a year ago and hadn't spent more than five minutes in the same room since, why on earth would she have a problem? Not like Huck could ride her ass about Hector anymore; not when the man would be Huck's defacto employer now. She'd laugh out loud if the idea of seeing Huck again didn't throw her into a tailspin of memories better left alone.

Raina shook her head. "No, no problem." She'd be peachy or die trying.

Hector snapped his fingers then pointed in her direction. "Better not be. You and that Holloway guy have to learn to play nice."

Dammit. Of course Hector would remember she and Huck had a thing. And of course, he'd say something about it.

Manny Johnson, one of the trainers, shot her a look.

Raina shrugged. "Nothing to worry about." Except it could be if Huck decided he didn't want to be civil.

Any why would he be? You didn't end on good terms.

Tina Lamb, Hector's latest assistant, finally rolled in—late, as usual—and blew Hector a kiss. Hector gave her an indulgent smile and Raina's fellow announcer, Marissa Cathaway, shook her head in disgust. Hector always hired bubble-headed fluff brains to handle his day-to-day busywork. And he always wondered why he went through at least four a year.

Tina preened in front of Manny, but directed a question to Hector. "Did you deliver the news yet?" Her heels made a clacking noise on the tiled floor while she made her way to the desk and not waiting, for confirmation. "You all are going to love Huck Holloway. The man is a force of nature." She put her dainty purse in the top side drawer then flashed a smile. "If I had my way, he'd be in the brawls." Flicking her gaze to Raina, she all but purred. "He's an animal in bed." Bombshell dropped, Tina pulled the chair out and settled behind the desk.

Tina arrived after the spectacular breakup, but she'd heard rumors. No doubt, she wanted confirmation of Raina's previous status as Huck's bedmate. Raina rolled her eyes but didn't rise to the obvious bait. But… her nails left half-moons when her fingers curled into her palms.

Figured Huck would go for a simpering flower like Tina. Someone men would find malleable and agreeable—in bed and out. Unlike Raina who didn't like to be told when found lacking.

Manny nudged her shoulder. "You gonna let her have the last word?"

Raina shrugged. "Why not? She obviously needs a confidence boost." Marissa burst out laughing and Raina decided to make a dignified exit during the distraction.

Manny fell into step beside her. "There's my girl."

Raina's lips curved but she didn't reply. She'd never be his girl. They hooked up on a casual basis, when either needed to scratch an itch.

Raina intended to stick with the status quo. She didn't want commitment right now, even if Manny tried to push for more, which he did sometimes. Building the brand, making a strong presence on the elite spectacle sports circuit—her work—took up most of her time. Hector wouldn't always be her boss. Getting her name on the map and moving up the influence chain would guarantee a chance for her to call the shots one day. Since the breakup with Huck, her goals had solidified—own her own company and be the boss.

Raina would never admit the actual reason she kept Manny at arm's length and shied away from a real connection—Huck Holloway had ruined her for anyone else.

Gotta say, I'm having fun with this one. Raina and Huck are a joy to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Steamed Up

Another great week of TV even if a few of my shows were on break for the election night coverage. Gotta take a moment to mention Arrow. Seriously, this show keeps improving on itself. The pacing is perfect and the interweaving of past with present stays flawless. I love this show!

Finally started seeing previews for the new season of Orphan Black. It's just a small little spot with 'You Don't Own Me' playing in the background. Honestly, though? Perfection. And hopefully a small hint of what we'll be seeing early in 2015.

Last mention of television related stuff… Doctor Who. I'll be completely in the minority, but eh, I'm just not feeling the new doctor at all. I did enjoy the season finale and I always watch the Christmas special, but I can't disconnect from the fact Capaldi has played two other roles in the Whoverse. Don't get me wrong, he's a great actor, but the inability to move past his other roles seriously harshes my enjoyment of the show. This saddens me greatly. L

Anyway, enough TV. Tonight's post is from Steamed Up, a sexy short where my characters can't quite resist finding their way back to each other.

Here's the tagline:

Raina Forbes and Huck Holloway are forced to work together after a spectacular break-up. Their close-quarters job situation has sparks flying between the former couple, and shaky new relationships are tested with Huck's going down in flames. And contrary to popular opinion, Huck doesn't always play nice when he truly wants something… or someone.

And a snippety peek…

Raina plopped down onto the couch in Hector's office. "So… looks like we heading up the promo together." She shot Huck a sideways glance. "What are you gonna do if Hector wants you to walk around showing skin to sell merchandise?"

Huck snorted. "Why does it matter? He wouldn't." He kicked his feet out, settling back in the overstuffed, leather chair.

Raina lifted a brow. "Considering it's one of the main reasons we split, it matters. And you don't know what levels he'll stoop to when it comes to selling more stuff."

Huck sighed. "Look, Raina. Can we not do the whole rehash of our breakup? Our groups merged, we have to work together, but try not to make it more difficult, okay?"

She crossed her arms over her chest. "First, I'm not rehashing anything. You're gonna need to get used to Hector referring to us, namely Marisa and me, as his 'sweet ass moneymakers'." She leveled her gaze on Huck. "He says it frequently, as you already know. Can you keep your mouth shut when he does?"

Huck's mouth thinned to a flat line, but he nodded. "I don't get why you let him get away with treating you like a sexless prostitute, but hey, lesson learned. You don't need my help, right?"

Raina hated the fact he had a point, a valid one, yet Hector could be worse. Yeah, his sexist bullshit irritated Raina, but the man ran the best local venue for their sport. Why else would Huck's former boss sell out to Hector?

Huck nudged her knee with his foot. "What else?"

She blinked, confused.

He quirked a brow. "You said first… that implies something else will follow."

Shit. Yeah, something less than pleasant.

She straightened. "You know what? It's not important. At least nothing that can't wait." She rose and dug her phone out of her pocket. "I need to contact the t-shirt vendor and see if the new designs are ready." She scrolled through her contacts and headed for the door.

Why start a battle when she might not have to?

Raina likes to avoid confrontation when she knows what the outcome will be. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin