Sunday Snippet: Ugly Drunk

August is being very mercurial. Instead of sweltering hot temps, which we did have last week, we've got—I'm not kidding—almost fall-like weather. I had to put a jacket on last night to take the dogs out. Granted, it was still sixty degrees, but we had a strong breeze blowing and it was chilly. Please note, I'm not complaining. But … does this mean Ohio will have blazing hot temperatures in October? Probably.

Super-busy work week again. Finished up the mystery manuscript copy edit. Started a proofread of a memoir on a prominent thoroughbred racing family. I still have two other memoirs in the wings, one of which should start this week. I also have a romance to copy edit. I love being busy!

But … that means I didn't have a lot of time for viewing television. I did, however, find out one of my favorite actors has a new movie coming out in September and might have watched the trailer two or three (okay, more like twelve) times. I'm excited because this movie will totally be my shit and I now have something to look forward to in a month or so.

I finished up the My Life Is Murder episode I started last week. Again, a fun episode where Madison got to shine. I love this cast so much.

I also started the new series of Signora Volpe. This is another series I thoroughly enjoy. Emilia Fox is iconic for her role in Silent Witness and it's so lovely to see her doing something new and fresh and very unlike Nikki.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ugly Drunk, a novella that brings a couple together over a loss.

Here's the miniblurb:

Pippa Rice is a problem solver and when she takes a job at a local watering hole, her natural skill defuses quite a few tricky situations. Too bad she can't quite figure out how to fix her boss, Wood Finnian. The guy has more baggage than an airport, but Pippa isn't one to give up on people, ever.

And a snippety peek…

Holy shit. She could get so lost in his embrace she'd forget her own name. The sweep of powerful want and need almost took her breath away.

When they had their first make-out session, Wood didn't really go deep, even though the kisses were packed with heat. This time he did. Except … his emotions were all open and raw, and they informed everything he did at the moment. How much of Wood's onslaught on her lips tangled up in his grief?

Dammit.

She hated to do this, but … she tore her mouth from his then stepped back. "Wait. Slow down." She dragged air into her lungs. "Slow down." She spoke to her heart as much as she did to him.

He backed away and held up his hands. "Sorry. Got carried away. Seem to do that with you." His mouth curved with a wry twist.

She nodded. "Yeah. Same." She fanned her face. "I'd love to jump right in, but like I said … you have the power to break me. I need to be sure." And she couldn't be … not so close to Ward's death.

Wood reached out for her. "I don't want to break you, Pip. I want to build something." He snorted. "Which probably sounds stupid coming from me, considering my penchant for destruction." His thumb brushed over her kiss-stung lower lip.

She shook her head. "No. It doesn't sound stupid. But … is it the loss that makes you say you want to build something? Are you looking for a replacement?" Because she couldn't be that for him.

Wood opened his mouth then checked himself. "Honestly? I don't think so, but I can't be one hundred percent right now." His brows furrowed.

Pippa smiled. "Good answer. I would've called bullshit if you said anything else." She grasped his hips and tugged him forward.

Wood rested his forehead against hers. "Where does that leave us?" His voice rasped against her ear.

Pippa rolled a shoulder. "Right now? It leaves us with a chance." A solid one, she hoped.

Excited to see where this one goes. So far, it's on track, but the sages often throw me curve balls.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Ugly Drunk

September 15, 2019

This past week I got to experience my daughter's first "senior night", this one for golf. She's my youngest and the last one we need to get through high school. Which is actually funny because she's also the most organized of my three kiddos and we haven't had to do much to get her through anything. Okay, except to maybe open the checkbook or whip out the debit card.

Anyway, the golf team had a scramble with another county team and the girls had a great time. This is a little poignant for three of the four seniors because they're all four-year letterman and they literally launched the girls' golf team for the high school. My daughter and one of her friends were the true masterminds, getting another freshman and two sophomores interested so they could form a team. There had to be at least four girls and they had five so they were good to go. In the four years they've had a team, the roster grew to eight, dropped to seven, then went back up to eight again this year. It's been exciting to watch the group grow and change and support each other.

Next up, is senior night for band and that's next weekend. I'm hoping for a non-rainy football game. This past week, the game got delayed due to lightning. Fun times.

Had a busy week overall with work but did get some television viewing in. I kept up with more episodes of Peter Gunn. I'm almost through the second season.

Also got some Classic Who in with The Mind Robber, The Invasion, and The Kroton multi-part episodes. I think I'm through the mixed episodes that are part animation and part regularly shot scenes.

I also watched three more Midsomer Murders episodes. I'm in series seventeen so I have about three more series to finish up.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Ugly Drunk, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Pippa Rice is a problem solver and when she takes a job at a local watering hole, her natural skill defuses quite a few tricky situations. Too bad she can't quite figure out how to fix her boss, Wood Finnian. The guy has more baggage than an airport, but Pippa isn't one to give up on people, ever.

And a snippety peek…

This is a supremely bad idea.

But Pippa paused. "Why? Why do you want a shot?" If he said she challenged him, she'd punch him. Hard. Especially after his earlier crack down in the bar.

Wood put his arms around her, his lips nuzzling her neck. "I honestly have no idea. You're annoying and a huge pain in my ass." He turned her to face him. "But my brother trusted you and I don't know a better man than him." His forehead rested against hers.

Pippa closed her eyes. Not exactly what she hoped for, but she had no idea how much Wood drank before getting him up here. Even so, she didn't want to be a substitute for Ward. She needed Wood to want her for her.

Wood's mouth dropped a kiss on her nose, then glanced across her cheek to burn a trail along her jawline. Pippa's head fell back and she moaned low in her throat. His hand delved inside her blouse, cupping a breast. The nipple responded, puckering against his palm.

God, the man hit every turn-on she had.

His chuckle rumbled close to her ear. "Your body wants me, Pip." He tilted his head back. "Or does it want any hard cock? How long did you say it's been?"

Dammit. Definitely still in ugly drunk mode. Even after baring his soul.

She shoved him back. "A long time, Wood. And using my admission to be an asshole doesn't suit you." She moved away, circling around him to nudge him toward his room. "But to answer your question, no, I don't want any hard dick." She prodded him, step-by-step until he finally stood by the bed. "I want yours. But not tonight."

He shuffled around, facing her. "Why not?"

She rolled her eyes, his petulant tone grating on her good will. Seriously? If he could hear himself right now, he'd wonder why she even stuck around.

Giving him a harder than necessary shove, she waited until he toppled backward before answering. "Because the dickhead factor outweighs everything at the moment and I'd be sorely tempted to do damage to what I'm sure is an impressive piece of manhood if it got anywhere near me right now." Leaning down, she grabbed his feet and swung them up onto the bed.

He grunted. "I hate that you're right. Are you ever wrong?"

Takes his boots off. "Rarely. It's a gift." She threw a blanket over his prone figure.

Making her way to his living room, she dragged a throw off the back of the sofa and settled in to stay overnight. No way would he get up and try to drink more or possibly take his grief out on the bar.

She also hoped to have an actual conversation after he slept off his drunken fest.

Because her heart wanted a chance with him even if she needed to stay vigilant.

Pippa's got it bad for Wood and I like the way these two interact. I'm excited to see how things play out with them.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Ugly Drunk

Some nice weather, not too hot or cold. No snow, which is always a bonus. Fingers crossed it stays mild. Of course, everyone knows not to hold their breath. It's still March.

Didn't pay much attention to The Walking Dead, but did catch The Talking Dead. Definitely going to have to check out Hardwick's The Talking because it should be loads of fun.

How much longer is the hiatus for Gotham? I'm missing the dark, crazy ride.

The Flash had another crossover with Supergirl and, I have to admit, the mash-up ended up being fun and worth the watch.

Arrow… wow. I guess I'm going to assume Oliver's last buried deep secret is finally out there for, well, the viewers at least. Kudos to that walk down memory lane. That said, I've got a crap-ton of questions and need to watch again with zero, I mean absolutely no interruptions or distractions. I do have a hope some of the bad guys are now going to ripple out from Oliver's past transgressions, especially Talia. I would love to see an Oliver / Nyssa / Talia meet up. That would be worth an entire episode, right?

Looking forward to a new episode of Riverdale. I've missed seeing my new favorite group of actors.

Finally finished Luke Cage and thoroughly enjoyed the first season. I'll admit I'm not thrilled with how it ended but I'm assuming all will be addressed soon. Continued the City Homicide rewatch and have most of season two out of the way.

Still need to catch up on a few other shows and might get to those this week.

That's it for television. Tonight's post is from Ugly Drunk, a novella that got its start with the two-word prompt, "of course".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Pippa Rice is a problem solver and when she takes a job at a local watering hole, her natural skill defuses quite a few tricky situations. Too bad she can't quite figure out how to fix her boss, Wood Finnian. The guy has more baggage than an airport, but Pippa isn't one to give up on people, ever.

And a snippety peek…

Wood sobered up fast, easing away from Pippa. Her lips, lush and swollen, remained open, inviting him back for more. He cupped one side of her face and went back for another kiss.

Home. She tasted like home and great things and a future he wanted so badly he might kill to have it. And marshmallows.

Okay, maybe the alcohol still burned in his brain.

Didn't make their chemistry any less potent.

He pulled away from her, blinking several times. "Whoa."

Her lips twisted in a wry smile. "I know, right?" She moved a few feet away, putting some space between them.

Wood shook his head, still dazed and very hot for her. "I didn't. Not until just now." His tongue flicked over his lower lip and caught a hint of her flavor again. "Whoa."

She grinned, wide and full. "You're repeating yourself." Her husky tone went straight to his dick.

And realization dawned. He affected her the same way.

He met her gaze. "So that's why…" His voice trailed off.

She nodded. "Yes, that's exactly why." Pippa glanced away, wrapping her arms around her waist. "I got the vibe right away. Felt the pull almost immediately." She blew out a breath then raised her gaze to his again. "You have the power to break me, Wood. And I ran scared."

He didn't want to break her. Destroying furniture while he slaked his lust with her body wouldn't be off the list though. Carnal images of her in his bed with her fingers wrapped around the headboard filled his mind. Jesus. Could his cock get any harder? But her admission cut through the fiery haze heating his blood.

He lifted his chin. "Looks like I'm not the only one with issues." Maybe she understood better than he gave her credit for.

Her lips twisted again. "Nope. I'm attracted to danger. It's like catnip for me." She spoke with quiet purpose. "You… are super dangerous." Her eyes flashed with a spark of determination. "And you should be off-limits." A quick dart of her tongue over her top lip showed her indecision.

Wood struck fast. "That's not what you want, is it?" He closed the space between them, reaching out to grasp her hips. "You want me. Dangerous or not." Tugging her close, he met with resistance when she planted her hands on his chest.

Pippa edged away. "Doesn't matter, Wood. We're at cross-purposes." She put some additional distance between them. "You're thinking spectacular sex, which is great and all, but you're not ready for me. Not yet." Darting around him, she made a beeline for the door.

Wood quickly beat her to the exit. "What if I am? We won't know unless you give me a shot."

It's decision time for Pippa. Take a chance on Wood and the possibility of something terrific or stay safe in her comfort zone. She's a brave woman…

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Ugly Drunk

September 15, 2013

Howdy,

Remember when I said I was ready to start marking the death toll on Sons of Anarchy? Totally didn't know it would include so many. Will have to wait until next week's post to note the number, if that's even possible. I admire Kurt Sutter's willingness to make a bold choice and stand by it. He always claims his show doesn't flinch from showing the ugly side of things and honestly, I'm thrilled to see what happens when something the club is involved in bites them on the ass. Hopefully I've made my thoughts clear without giving away too many details. J

Strike Back is almost halfway through its run and my head sorta spins with everything going on. It's one of the things I love about watching. Stonebridge better catch a break soon and he needs to figure out what the hell he got into when he slashed his arm open. Something tells me that seemingly small injury will end up being the key to everything about whatever attack is being planned.

GAH! My shows are eating up too much of my brain. LOL

Moving on…

Tonight's post is from Ugly Drunk, a short story where Pippa and Wood have to figure their roles out and how to mix business with pleasure. :D Another of my favorite tropes.

Here's the tagline:

Pippa Rice is a problem solver and when she takes a job at a local watering hole, her natural skill defuses quite a few tricky situations. Too bad she can't quite figure out how to fix her boss, Wood Finnian. The guy has more baggage than an airport, but Pippa isn't one to give up on people, ever.

And a snippety peek…

Pippa entered the darkened bar after cleaning the kitchen. She grabbed her coat and draped it over her shoulders, ready to exit and head home. The scrape and thud of a chair's legs hitting the floor had her turning towards the sound. Shit. Wood. Alone. Drinking whiskey? Vodka? Didn't matter what he imbibed, the damage would be done. Her shoulders slumped and she shook her jacket off, hanging it back up on the hook by the door then made her way to the lonely table illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the window.

Wood faced away from her and she laid a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. "Wood, it's past closing. Kitchen's scoured and scrubbed. You need anything else?"

He huffed out a harsh breath. "Of course. How could I forget? The great Pippa Rice does it all and does it right." He poured another tumbler of vodka. "The one who makes no mistakes and gets the gold star." He glanced around. "Don't have one ready to give out, so you'll just have to leave empty-handed."

His words slurred a little and Pippa wondered how long he'd been sitting out in the bar while she finished up for the night. Judging by the almost empty bottle, he'd been there since last call.

She sighed. "You're ugly drunk, Wood. We should probably get you upstairs and into your bed." She grasped his arm, hoping to help him up and keep him steady.

Wood snorted. "Now she wants to drag me into the sack." He jerked away. "You know what, Pippa. I don't think so. I'm gonna sit right here and go from ugly to stupid drunk." He picked the tumbler up and drained half the contents. "Go. Away."

She couldn't leave him. The shit day combined with bad news about his brother. Yeah, not a good mix. She walked around the table and plopped down across from him. "I don't think so, Wood. If habit holds true, you'll hit stupid drunk and then trash the place. You can't really afford to replace everything."

He directed a scathing glance her way. "Nah, I'm not gonna trash the place. But after stupid comes mean and not even you can withstand the shit I'll throw your way."

Pippa tilted her head to the side. "Is that a challenge, Wood? Try me."

He laughed—empty and humorless. "Pippa, do not say something like 'try me' to a man who wants you as badly as I do. And never, ever think of me as a challenge. I'm not yours to fix, you made that very clear." He drained his glass. "Do us both a favor and get out. Now. Before I take your presence as an invitation."

Pippa leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm not leaving. Say what you will." She dropped her hands and leaned forward. "Do what you will, but I'm staying."

Wood studied her for a moment then nodded slowly. "You're not a stupid woman, Pip. None of my trouble is gonna disappear because you offer a warm cunt to ease my hurt."

Pippa flinched, the crude reference stinging, but held her ground. "And you're a smart guy, Wood. You should know by now that being an asshat and a ginormous dickhead isn't going to send me running."

Wood moved fast, scooting his chair back and rising. "Fine." He nodded towards the steps. "Let's go." He swayed slightly but remained upright.

Finally. Progress. Pippa got up and eased around the table, wrapping an arm around his waist. She planned to haul his ass upstairs, dump him onto his bed, and head home. She got him up the steps and opened his door, dragging him in behind her. She glanced around, looking for his room and after finding it, started to lead him in the right direction. Wood stopped and kicked the door shut with his booted heel then grasped her hips, hauling her close. His head lowered and his lips meshed with hers, his tongue sliding over her bottom lip, thoroughly exploring her mouth. Her hands skimmed over his arms to wrap around his neck and she lost the ability to think coherent thoughts—after realizing her plan had gone straight to hell.

And she didn't care one damned bit.

Pippa will definitely care later, but even she has to throw caution to the wind sometimes. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin