Sunday Snippet: Unacceptable Behavior

Whew! What a week. It's been something of a wild ride. My daughter starts graduate school in Athens the week of August 25, and we're still trying to figure out her financial aid. She's headed to Ontario Canada this week for a theater festival, which is what she'll be getting her master's degree in. My work inbox is overflowing! I'm so grateful for all the new projects but also a little daunted by how much I have stacked up and waiting for me to get to. My car also has an issue that we're hoping is not the computer. I'll know more on Monday. Ugh!

I didn't get much done on the viewing front. Too many things needed my focus elsewhere. Between the phone calls for school and car problems, my brain turned to mush. Bleh.

I did get an episode of Best in Paradise in. I enjoyed it again. It's fun to have the introductions from the cast members.

I also got to watch the closing episode of Death in Paradise season eight. A very interesting and twisty episode with a really cool gesture at the end from the commissioner.

And I also finished up the main draft of a holiday manuscript I've been working on for, geez, almost a year. The sages finally cooperated and threw a bunch of ideas out. I'm so happy about that.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Unacceptable Behavior, a novella that brings friends from high school together after going in different directions after graduation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Blain Donahue wants to buy into a fight club and decides to invest when he meets the main attraction, Roxane Kewes. He's known her a long time—since high school where she constantly got in trouble—and thinks it's great she's found an outlet for her unacceptable behavior.

And a snippety peek…

Roxane yawned and poured coffee into two mugs. "Hope he likes it black." She carried the cups into the bedroom.

Blain sat on the edge of the mattress, sorting through his clothes. He'd put his boxers on, but the rest of his uncovered body gave her more than enough to ogle … which she did before he glanced up to see her.

He stood and gave her a long look. "Where do you see this going? I mean is this going somewhere or just a nice interlude to eliminate sexual tension." His brows arched.

Roxane handed him a mug. "I'm not averse to going long-term, but twenty-four hours is a little soon to make declarations." She blew across the top of her brew and took a bracing gulp.

More to avoid making a declaration, because she really, really liked him. She kind of got how her mom always leapt before she thought too hard, though. Roxane could easily jump wherever Blain wanted her to go. And … she didn't want to think too hard about what that meant.

Blain took a long sip of coffee. "I don't disagree." He set the mug aside. "From our conversation last night, I assume we will be working together." His hands slid up under the long T-shirt she wore.

Roxane grinned. "I'll let Andy know later this morning." She ran her fingers along the waistband of his boxers. "You'll be a good fit at Fight Night." Tugging him to her bed, she worked his underwear down. "I think we'll do amazing things together." She kissed him before he stripped her shirt off.

Placing a knee between her thighs, Blain hauled her close and toppled them onto the mattress. "Amazing and unacceptable things, right?" His mouth ghosted over her shoulder, sending molten lust through her veins.

Roxane hooked a leg around his hip, drawing him closer. "It's like you live in my head." She lifted her hips, grinding against his hard length.

Blain didn't make her wait. He thrust forward, sliding deep and filling her. His lips met hers and she lost the ability to think … with the exception of finding anything unacceptable with him absolutely perfect.

This story is so much fun. There might be a twist or two but nothing too angsty.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Unacceptable Behavior

Happy Boxing Day. Hope everyone who celebrates had a great holiday and everyone who doesn't had a great week.

It's the last Sunday of 2021 and it's been a doozy of a year. Had a very busy week with my middle kid's health issues again, but we're finally closer to getting an actual answer for what's been going on with him. I'll be thankful if we get confirmation.

Slow week for television. I started with the opening arc of season twenty-two of Classic Who. Ended up being a decent four episodes. Six is growing on me.

Finished up Mysteries of Apollo and ended up enjoying this six episode look at the space program. Not sure what new series I'll start this week.

Caught two episodes of The Muppet Show. Melissa Manchester and Tony Randall were the guest stars. I didn't have a chance to watch the Muppet Christmas Carol but I might get it in this week.

Started Fosse Verdon and liked the first episode. This should be an interesting show to dive into. Looking forward to more.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice. Really not sure about the new guy. I can't quite decide if he's desperate, evil or both. So far, I don't like the guy at all.

Enjoyed another lesson of MasterClass with Bill Nye. He's a lot of fun and tackles the serious topic of climate change without making the concept too over the top.

I started season two of The Witcher and loved, loved, loved the first episode. Can't wait to get into more.

Last but not least, I watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Both were enjoyable and ones I remembered fondly of watching with my oldest.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Unacceptable Behavior, a novella that goes a little over the top with a fight club theme.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Blain Donahue wants to buy into a fight club and decides to invest when he meets the main attraction Roxane Kewes. He's known her a long time—since high school where she constantly got in trouble—and thinks it's great she's found an outlet for her unacceptable behavior.

And a snippety peek…

Blain Donahue. "Damn. Unexpected surprise." And quite welcome.

Excitement over possibly working with Blain lit inside her. He'd done some growing after graduation. Are you kidding? More like filled out in every right place.

She'd liked him, ever since blowing his mind in the school office. They interacted a little their final year, but not much. Different social circles—his one of privilege, hers most definitely not. She left town after graduation, moved in with her dad, and got into the cage matches he attended every weekend.

She got her degree with a combination of online classes and community college while she worked her way up from being a ring attendant to helping promote the weekly bouts. Andy spotted her and recruited her to run the female talent, handle merchandising, and maintain the equipment.

She snorted. "Can't believe that was two years ago." She wouldn't change a thing, except maybe become a partner.

She worked hard and helped Andy build Fight Night into a profitable endeavor. His old-school mentality meant the right moment to push for a piece of the action hadn't presented itself yet. But … Blain buying in might be the catalyst for change she hoped for.

Speaking of Blain, he exited Andy's office and walked across the training area. He cut an impressive figure. He'd taken his extra height and weight and sculpted it into a fit body. And looked damned good.

He stopped by her desk and propped a hip on the edge. "Andy's a go—if you give your seal of approval."

She quirked an eyebrow. "And should I give said approval? It has been five years." Her lips twitched.

He gave her a sly smile. "Would catching up over dinner be unacceptably inappropriate?" His eyebrows rose with a familiarity of a shared long-ago moment.

She barked out a laugh. "As if I'd care. You're only making me more inclined to say yes." Which she really wanted to do.

He straightened. "Good. What time can you break free? Or would you prefer I bring something in?"

She sat back and gave him a long look before grabbing a sticky note and jotting her address down. "Stop by my place around seven." She handed him the note. "I like Thai food."

He tucked the note in his breast pocket. "Thai food it is. Seven o'clock." He lifted two fingers in a wave and strolled away.

Roxane grinned, watching his ass move under the exquisitely tailored pants. "If I'm lucky, I'll have a taste of Blain for dessert."

She planned to be very lucky.

This story is a lot of fun. Roxane can't wait to see if Blain will blow her mind in the present.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Unacceptable Behavior

My second senior night is in the books. We got to participate in pre-game moments for the football game, meet with our daughter on the field, and basically bask in her glory for band. We are so, so lucky with her particular group of friends. They've been together for a long time, most of them since elementary school, and it's terrific to watch how they hold each other up and make themselves accountable.

I also got to finally attend one of her band competitions. She's got a duet with another senior and they sounded terrific. I'm hoping I can make more of her shows this year.

My week was jammed with work and running around but I did get to watch some of my usual standbys, starting with Peter Gunn. I finished up the second season and got a start on the third and final one. I should have that one finished up by the end of the month.

I also caught two more arcs of Classic Who and have started on the third doctor's series. This week's episodes were, Spearhead from Space and Doctor Who and the Silurians. I rather like the third doctor so far.

Watched three more Midsomer Murders episodes. I thoroughly enjoyed each one. I'm into series eighteen, so I only have two more to go.

I finished up another episode of Blue Heelers and started a new one. The new one features an almost washed-up footie player, which is fun for me because the US, at least in my part of it, doesn't really follow soccer, unless it's during the championships. Then everyone and their brother has a team. Seriously, it's bonkers.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Blain Donahue wants to buy into a fight club and decides to invest when he meets the main attraction Roxane Kewes. He's known her a long time—since high school where she constantly got in trouble—and thinks it's great she's found an outlet for her unacceptable behavior.

And a snippety peek…

Blain Donahue glanced up from his homework. The second week of school and his routine already bored him. But… getting out of homeroom and enrichment class to work as the dean's student aide didn't suck and gave him something to do during his free period.

The second bell, signaling the start of the school day hadn't rung yet when the new girl—Roxane Kewes, entered the office flanked by Mrs. Barstow and Wes Brently, holding a wad of tissues to his nose.

Blain bit back a grin at the sight of Brently's bloody face. "Couldn't happen to a more deserving asshole." Brently loved to throw his family connection around to get away with being a complete dick.

The chemistry teacher stopped at Blain's desk. "We need to see Mr. Cline, right now." She huffed out a sigh.

Blain started to get up, but Mr. Cline opened his door, got a look at Wes, and motioned him inside the office. Mrs. Barstow opened her mouth to speak, but Cline waved her off. She made a grumbling sound but turned and left the main office. Roxane's lips curved in a smirk when Wes whined, "Stupid new chick smashed my nose." The closing door stopped any additional complaints from coming through.

Blain wanted to laugh out loud over Brently getting his face bloodied up by the newest addition to the high school roster.

He couldn't help but ask questions.  "You're new, right? Roxane?" He had the joy—not—of entering all the student names into Cline's database.

She nodded, but didn't answer directly.

Blain plowed forward. "I'm Blain Donahue." He leaned back in his chair. "And not that I don't appreciate the poetic justice, but what made you think faceplanting the meanest asshole in school would be a good idea?" He honestly thought she might be a little insane.

Roxane shrugged. "Take out the biggest, baddest kid in school and no one messes with you." She paused a moment. "And I don't like guys who strut around thinking it's okay to stick their crotch in someone's face." Her fingers curled into her palms.

Blain straightened in his seat. "He did that?" Wow, a new low… even for Brently.

Roxane gave a terse nod. "Yeah. And I'm not sure Silvia Glenn knows it's perfectly okay to either dick punch dudes who do that or shove their face in a table then throw a right hook." She lifted a shoulder. "Either way, she won't have to worry about whiny Wes trying to intimidate her anymore."

Blain had a solid appreciation for her reasoning, but Roxane didn't know why Brently got away with the shit he did.

He snorted. "Don't be so sure." He leaned forward a little and pitched his voice low. "You might have bit off more than you expected here. Whiny Wes is Cline's nephew. The dude gets away with anything and everything." And thank fuck no one would have to deal with him after this year.

Roxane gave Blain a level look. "Took me less than a full day to catch on to that fact." Her tone indicated she had no worries about her future.

Which kind of put him in his place.

He settled back again. "Yeah, well, it sucks big hairy balls, but no one can do anything about it." More than a few people had tried, from teachers to bus drivers to students.

Roxan quirked an eyebrow. "Really? Maybe that's about to cha—" She broke off when Cline's door opened.

Wes strolled out a nasty sneer on his now cleaned up face. "Get ready for a year-long detention, bitch." He puffed his chest out, posturing like a rooster.

Roxane stared him down. "We'll see about that." She gave him a sweet smile.

Mr. Cline barked out an order. "Wes, get back to class." He pinned Roxane with his gaze. "Ms. Kewes, if you'll come in, please." He left the door halfway open per school regulations.

Blain strained to hear the conversation, but Mr. Cline and Roxane spoke in hushed tones and whispers. Not fifteen minutes later, Mr. Cline swung the door open again and Roxane exited, a serene expression on her face.

She stopped by Blain's desk and he swallowed his shock when Mr. Cline followed her out of the office, his face drained of color.

Cline motioned to Blain. "Give Ms. Kewes a pass to get back to class." He slid a quick glance toward Roxane. "I trust we won't have any more unacceptable behavior from you?"

Roxane gave him a bland stare. "As long as there isn't more from your nephew." Her lips curved in a confident smile.

Cline made a terse nod then stepped back inside his office and all but slammed the heavy steel slab shut.

Blain blinked and shook his head. "How—"

Roxane held up a hand. "Trade secret. Someday, if you're lucky, I might just tell you." A wide grin split her face.

Blain scribbled his signature on the little piece of paper and sat back. "I'll look forward to that." He handed the pass over. "You're amazing." She'd blown his mind.

Roxane tucked the pass in her pocket and flashed another smile. "Thanks. See ya around." She left the main hub and headed down the hall.

Blain hoped he got the chance to hear how she came out on top with Cline and Brently.

Roxane is a treat to write and Blain is fun because he takes a page from her book.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Unacceptable Behavior

Well, the beginning of April is here and I've been bitten by the spring cleaning bug. This is not a bad thing. House, garage, and computer files are getting spiffed up and decluttered.

The Walking Dead finale is tonight and I'll be there. Not sure I'll pay a lot of attention, but I can't not watch.

The Flash introduced an irritating villain. Can't say I'm sad to see him go. Also really frustrated with the whole Savitar storyline at this point. I'm ready for the final end game and season finale.

Legends of Tomorrow rewrote reality and kept me entertained. Looking forward to the season finale to see how they resolve everything. Mick remains one of my favorite characters and it better stay that way.

Arrow's deft mastery of weaving Oliver's past into his present life will be missed. This isn't to say the writers won't continue churning out excellent fare. In fact, I'm looking forward to seeing how the story continues. Something tells me Oliver's past will still come back to haunt him in many other ways.

Riverdale had a new episode and, wow, I wanted to get a better read on Alice Cooper… I got it. A little sad it's at the expense of Hal, but the interesting wrinkle might be worth it. FP's playing a sly game. He doesn't get near enough credit for being a true mastermind. Come on, people. He's Jughead's dad. The kid had to get his smarts from someone. Just saying.

I'm still binge-watching City Homicide, working my way through season three. The first season is probably my absolute favorite but I do enjoy the later seasons also.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Unacceptable Behavior, a novella that got started with a writing community prompt of making one of the main characters the new kid at school. I always enjoy spinning tales from a great prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Blain Donahue wants to buy into a fight club and decides to invest when he meets the main attraction Roxane Kewes. He's known her a long time—since high school where she constantly got in trouble—and thinks it's great she's found an outlet for her unacceptable behavior.

And a snippety peek…

Roxane Kewes gazed at the monolithic building sprawled in front of her. "Another school, another learning curve." She had starting over down to a science.

Until this year.

When her mom decided to move during the summer instead of the middle of year like they usually did. The woman had managed to land a "whale" that had more money than sense. She dumped Roxane with her grandma and took off to build a nice, fat bank account.

And she didn't want her almost eighteen and legal daughter cramping her style.

Roxane snorted. "No doubt Winona will land on her feet once she's done lying on her back." She'd been calling her mother by her first name since the age of twelve.

Winona liked to pretend they were sisters.

Grandma Char gave up on her youngest daughter on a long time ago, but she didn't hesitate to take Roxane in. She let Roxane use her car and suggested she get on down to the high school first thing and get signed up for classes, which started the following day. First thing turned out to be seven a.m., according to Charlotte Jackman.

And no one argued with Grandma Char… except Winona.

Roxane usually melted into the background for a couple of days, getting a feel for the social structure and staff hierarchy when she arrived at a new school. If she got lucky, she'd get the goods on at least one teacher or other administrator during her two-day window of laying low.

She chuckled. "Moving thirteen times in eleven years taught me more than any of my teachers did." Striding toward the school, she glanced in the windows of the empty classrooms.

The front doors stood propped open and Roxane ducked inside, staying close to the wall. The floors were highly buffed and super shiny. Creeping along the corridor, she found the administrative office and entered. She planned to do some snooping if no one greeted her.

Amazing what digging through files turned up sometimes. Finding a clipboard with registration forms on the counter, Roxane grabbed it and tucked it under her arm. Might come in handy if she got caught poking around. A folder on one of the desks gave Roxane a list of employees and their positions. Each column had pictures beside the staff member's name. A thump and a muffled groan drew her attention and Roxane edged down the hall toward the sound. Straining her ears, she listened, waiting for something to indicate where the noise came from. Maybe she'd find a chatty janitor who liked to gossip.

Another thud and a low groan came from an office to her left. She made a beeline to the door of the dean's office and cracked it open. Got an eyeful of the dean nailing a woman from behind. Roxane scanned the folder in her hand and barely kept her mouth from dropping open. Pay dirt. The dean of students, Mark Cline and the principal, Sandra McMahon—both married—were getting it on.

Roxane dug her phone out of her pocket and snapped a few pictures. Wishing she had some brain bleach, even though the retina-burning sight would provide terrific leverage, she eased the door shut and left the offices. Stashing the device back in her shorts, she sent a silent thank-you to her MIA dad for sending it to her.

The guy at least tried. Not his fault her flake of a mother bailed on their relationship within six months of Roxane's birth. He tried to stay in touch, usually tracking them down through Grandma Char. He even sued for custody once, but the court considered Winona the more stable parent.

Roxane rolled her eyes. "If they only knew." She'd text her dad later and catch up.

Right now, she beat a hasty retreat to Grandma Char's car. She'd get registered during official school hours.

Roxane's unacceptable behavior is revealed, but it's far from the beginning of her learned ways.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Unacceptable Behavior

Whew. It's been a whirlwind week, getting ready for the upcoming holiday. I think I have almost every task completed off my check list. Still doing some baking and I always wait until the last moment to wrap presents. LOL Actually, if all goes well, that will be finished up over the next three days. J

Looking forward to some TV marathons over the next week or two, with a Xmas Eve X-Files event and Five Days of the Doctor, too. I kind of wish more of my favorite shows created specific holiday shows to air on Christmas Day. That's a trend I could definitely get behind.

Just got the word that Bitten returns in February. I cannot wait!! Banshee starts in a few weeks, so that should keep me going during the brief lag time.

Tonight's post is from, Unacceptable Behavior, a novella where my main characters have a reunion of sorts.

Here's the tagline:

Blain Donahue wants to buy into a fight club and decides to invest when he meets the main attraction Roxane Kewes. He's known her a long time—since high school where she constantly got in trouble—and thinks it's great she's found an outlet for her unacceptable behavior.

And a snippety peek…

Blain entered the office and shook Andy's hand. "Andy. Glad you could meet with me."

Andy nodded toward the seat across from the desk. "Happy to do so. We're always looking for new investors."

Blain settled down into the chair and got straight to the point. "Heard you'd decided to move into other venues and I'm looking for a controlling interest." He lifted a shoulder. "Figured I'd see if the rumors are true."

Andy frowned. "It's true I'm branching out, but I'm very emotionally invested in Fight Night. I started it from the ground up and it's given me a base to launch from. I won't just hand over full control to anyone." He started to say more, but a series of three rapid knocks interrupted him.

The door cracked open. "Sorry to barge in, boss, but I need a signature. Now." A pair of female legs appeared, quickly followed by the rest of the woman, carrying a clipboard. "As in this won't wait for your smoozefest if you want me to keep running the arena for you."

Blain's mouth dropped open and he rose from his seat. "Roxane?" He glanced in Andy's direction. "You've got Roxane Kewes culling the talent?" Blain definitely wanted in now and should kick himself for not checking the employee roster before arranging the meeting with Andy.

Roxane angled her head around. "I don't just cull—Blain? Blain Donahue?" She shoved the clipboard in front of Andy and planted her hands on her hips. "Damn, how've you been?" She reached out and grasped Blain's hand, shaking it then tugging him into a firm hug. "Haven't seen you since graduation."

Blain nodded. "Yeah, five years ago. It's good to see you finally found an outlet for your unacceptable behavior." He chuckled and faced Andy. "You have nothing to worry about, Andy. Knowing you've got Roxane on your team only seals the deal for me. I'll take very good care of Fight Night."

Honestly? Had no idea where this one would end up going when I got a prompt from a friend, but I'm very excited with how it's coming together. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin