Sunday Snippet: Weathering the Storm

December 15, 2019

There's nothing quite like hitting the third week of December and realizing less than half my holiday shopping is complete. I need about five more hours each day to get everything finished up. Something tells me I'm not going to see that extra time.

Had a decent week of television viewing. Caught an episode of Riverdale and, wow, I'm seriously impressed with how the relationship with Betty and Alice is being portrayed. I'm on the fence with the Hal stuff. Was completely thrilled I didn't have any Hiram to deal with and loved the father / son stuff between FP and Jughead and Archie and Fred. It's so bittersweet to watch Luke Perry's scenes.

Caught another arc of Sapphire and Steel. I should be getting ready to start the third season next week.

Watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. Really not sure what to make of the neighbor interaction. My gut says the wife is probably some type of murderer. We'll see if I'm proven right. I have a vague idea of who I think she'll end up taking out if she is.

Also watch an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries. Enjoyed seeing a family member added to the fold. Loved Nora's mama bear protection instincts.

Also caught another episode of Midsomer Murders. Very happy this has another season coming up.

That's pretty much it for television this week. I also dived deep into the holiday music on a couple of days. Tonight's post is from Weathering the Storm, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gabby Carns and Tim Appleby live in a remote, mountainous region. When the weather report warns of massive snow fall, the couple prepares for the coming blizzard. But instead of being fearful, they're looking forward to the alone time—nothing brings out the steamy romance like a plunge in the temperature.

And a snippety peek…

Gabby checked her list, adding a few items. "Might as well grab some popcorn while I'm out anyway." Tim had an old-fashioned fireplace popper in his workroom.

She made up a couple of peanut butter and banana sandwiches, wrinkling her nose. Tim loved them, but she'd rather have peanut butter and apple, preferably grilled on the stove.

Grabbing her list, she bundled up and went outside, standing on the porch to watch Tim for a few moments. She loved the controlled strength he used to swing the ax, splitting the wood into manageable logs. The same he used to make her body sing under his fingertips.

She stepped out into the yard. "I'm ready to head out. Need me to get anything?" Tightening her scarf, she shivered when the chilly wind hit her from the side.

Tim glanced up then put the ax into a piece of wood. "Let me grab the empty fuel cans." He ducked around the side of the cabin and returned with two ten-gallon canisters.

Skin brushed against skin when he handed them over, shooting a thrill through Gabby.

Tim dropped a kiss on her nose. "Drive safe." He went back to the woodpile and grabbed the ax again. "I want you home in one piece."

She gave him a waggle-fingered wave and stowed the containers in the back of the truck.

The first small flurries drifted down when she slid behind the wheel of the SUV.

She lifted her gaze to the sky as she drove down the drive to the road. "Something wicked this way comes." Angry gray clouds filled the wintry slate blue sky.

Pulling out onto the gravel-topped road, she tuned to the local weather station and cranked up the volume. The earlier report repeated, warning of heavy snowfall. The temperature outside hadn't dropped much, but the biting gusts of wind preceding the storm rocked the vehicle. She bumped the fan on the heater up a notch.

Gabby shook her head. "Gonna be crazy in town." Thankfully, she didn't need much and had an early start.

I love the idea of spending time during bad weather in a cozy cabin. Gabby and Tim are fun to explore the ideas with.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Underfoot

So far, October is a pretty good month. My daughter is on the homecoming court for the first time and is excited to participate in the annual parade coming up in a week or two. She'll be hosting her annual gathering next weekend and we've got a laundry list of stuff to get finished up before then.

Not a bad week for television. I started out with a Passionflix original, Brother's Honor and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I'm excited to see the other two movie's in this trilogy when they're available.

I also caught up on some Arrow, watching an episode from last season. I'll be a little behind when season eight premieres but I should be caught up soon.

Watched the first episode of Murdoch Mysteries's new season. This show is so much fun. I love the characters more each year.

For some reason, I missed the last two episodes of Frankie Drake Mysteries's second season. I got one episode watched and have the final one and the first three of this season to get caught up on.

I'm also catching up on Riverdale. I finished an episode and watched another full one. I haven't seen the premiere of season four yet, but I plan to have at least a full box of tissues handy when I do watch it.

I still haven't decided what I'll be picking up after Peter Gunn, but I'll be starting that this week.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nona Rack, a footloose artist and Jane of all trades, breaks down beside reclusive author West Wentworth's house at two am during a blinding snowstorm. The cranky writer lets her stay, even though she's underfoot, and before he knows it, he's discovered a new muse.

And a snippety peek…

Nona stripped down to her long thermal leggings and henley-style shirt then made her way to one of the windows on either side of the bed. "Great. The snow's even worse now." Should be interesting trying to see the damage to her car in white-out conditions.

Especially if she couldn't get it running.

Or the weather raged on for more than a day.

Her lips twisted. "Won't that make Mr. Grumpypants less than happy?" Okay, maybe a little harsh. He seemed stressed-out more than cranky.

Pushing away from the window, she turned and let her artist's gaze survey the room. An abundance of leather furniture crowded the large space. Two walls were floor-to-ceiling bookcases, mostly reference and research tomes. She moved closer, running her fingers over the smooth wood of the shelves.

The tip of her index finger traced the carved design on the vertical dividers. "Nice work." Probably art deco and original to the house.

She turned on a lamp then flipped the overhead light off. A warm glow filled a corner of the room, giving a cozy vibe.

Making her way to the bed, she settled on the mattress. "Wonder what West does for a living?" Right. None of her business.

But he seemed familiar somehow. Eh… probably her imagination. Her curiosity always got her creative juices flowing.

Reaching for the blanket, she chuckled. "It figures. Meet a hot guy at two AM but end up in bed alone." Her eyes drifted shut but her mind whirled, focusing on the man somewhere down the hall. Tall but not towering, he had a long stride that made his ass flex under the jeans he wore. His T-shirt hugged his torso and stretched over broad shoulders. Whatever he did, he stayed fit. And, man, his face… Square jawline and high cheekbones her fingers itched to trace over—even with the day or two's worth of stubble.

She'd love to paint West. Preferably nude. After some really hot sex.

She growled. "Gah! Go to sleep, Nona."

There's something about inclement weather that makes a fun scenario for a setting. I love the little jolts Nona and West are feeling in this story.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Weathering the Storm

Wow, halfway through 2017. It's crazy how fast time zooms by sometimes. My middle kid made it safely home from Alaska and had an epic adventure with his grandpa. Since it's summer, he had to adjust to it not getting completely dark in Anchorage, which makes for some terrific stories. Getting into San Francisco at around eleven PM, his first words to my dad were, "So, Grandpa, this is what night looks like. I'd forgotten." LOL I love that kid.

My Friday night shows had great episodes. I feel like I need to rewatch the first two seasons of Dark Matter, just for reference points. I love Three, which I honestly didn't think I'd say. There's something very appealing about interactions with the crew and the snark is perfect.

Wynonna Earp is having a great second season. It's not quite as flawless as the first, but I really like the dynamic between the characters. I'm really interested in how they're going to deal with Waverly.

Still need to catch up on Orphan Black. I think because it's the last season and I know it's the final one, I’m reluctant to watch and lose everyone at the end. But I can't not watch. I need to know where everyone ends up.

I'm almost through the first season of Young Justice and I'd forgotten how much I love animated DC shows. Looking forward to seeing how everything ends up playing out.

Next up is trying to find time to read for pleasure instead of work. I miss diving into a good story for the sheer enjoyment of doing so.

And that's it for entertainment this week. Tonight's post is from Weathering the Storm, a novella that originated with a brainstorming session about harsh weather romances.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gabby Carns and Tim Appleby live in a remote, mountainous region. When the weather report warns of massive snowfall, the couple prepares for the coming blizzard. But instead of being fearful, they're looking forward to the alone time—nothing brings out the steamy romance like a plunge in the temperature.

And a snippety peek…

Tim swung the ax, splitting the log on the stump. "Gotta check the generator and fuel supply when I'm done." He stacked the wood by the house and went back to do more.

He loved a good snowstorm. The last time he and Gabby were snowed in for five days. And they enjoyed every one of them. Not much beat finding creative and sexy ways to take advantage of being snowed in.

"Helps that Gabby has an incredibly wicked imagination."

She wrote erotic romance for a living that entertained and spurred many "hands on" sessions for research. He couldn't get any luckier in the significant other department. His chosen profession of handcrafting furniture bored by comparison… except for the fact Gabby used many heroes who worked with their hands as her male lead characters. She writes what she knows.

A grin spread across his face and he took a break from chopping to go ahead and check on the generator. They had three full canisters of gas, which would probably be enough, but he'd have Gabby fill the two empties, just in case. Heading back around to the front of their cabin, he caught sight of Gabby, puttering around in the kitchen, opening cupboard doors and typing items on her phone. She bent over to check their canned goods, giving him a sexy view of her ass.

He huffed out a breath, willing his dick to behave. "Plenty of time for that later, Timothy." Gabby's butt never failed to make him hard as a rock.

Whistling a happy tune, he grabbed the ax and started chopping more wood. If the weather got as bad as predicted, he wanted plenty of fuel for the fireplace and wood-burner stove. They had plenty of blankets and lots of cozy spots to stay warm.

His lips curved. "Man, I love a good snowstorm."

Writing tension with lots of anticipation is so much fun. Can't wait to finish this one up.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Underfoot

Well, my youngest attended our local prom last night and she looked so beautiful. I'm always amazed I had a hand in creating my kids. They're good people. J

Gotham returns Monday! I'm pretty excited for the final half of this season. Also looking forward to having my CW shows back with new episodes. And the summer TV fare isn't looking too bad either.

My work schedule is jammed and I love it! I like to stay busy, even when it cuts into my writing time. I could live with about four more hours each day, but I'm getting a lot better at managing personal with professional.

Tonight's post is from Underfoot, a novella that got a writing community prompt beginning. One character is a reclusive writer struggling with their latest novel; the other is a beautiful / handsome stranger that shows up when their car breaks down. What a kick-ass scenario!

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nona Rack, a footloose artist and Jane of all trades, breaks down beside reclusive author West Wentworth's house at two am during a blinding snowstorm. The cranky writer lets her stay, even though she's underfoot, and before he knows it, he's discovered a new muse.

And a snippety peek…

West Wentworth snarled at the interruption. A quick glance at his watch showed the time to be two a.m. Who the hell would disturb him at such a late hour? Didn't matter. The last chapter sucked balls. He couldn't get a handle on his newest heroine and his frustration showed in the prose.

Another series of knocks sounded and he got up, stalking through the house to answer the door. Whoever waited outside, better have a damn good reason for being there.

Throwing the deadbolt, he yanked the heavy oak slab inward. Icy air swirled around him and he blinked. Jesus, when did the weather turn so crappy?

A huge coat stood in front of him. A parka with faux fur trim, hiding a face with an upturned nose. The nose caught his attention followed by the cupid-bow lips. Words swirled in his head and he committed them to memory.

Slender fingers pushed the hood back, revealing a little more of his visitor. Dark hair, clear green eyes. He blinked again, hoping like hell the vision in front of him didn't turn out to be a hallucination.

She launched into an explanation. "Sorry to bother you, especially at an ungodly hour, but I slid off the road and my car is stuck." She tilted her head up a little to meet his gaze. "I'm pretty sure I won't get anyone to come out until this blizzard lets up." The wind picked that moment to bluster, spraying both with icy pellets.

West quirked an eyebrow. "What do you want me to do?" No way would he be pushing a car anywhere in this weather.

She studied him a moment. "Allow me to impose and let me stay until morning?" She rushed on. "At least until I can get a look at the damage." Her lips twitched. "I swear I'm not hiding an ax under this huge coat." She patted the front down then wiggled back and forth.

She shoved her hood all the off. He resisted the urge to picture what she looked like without the hulking jacket.

And, hell, she looked harmless enough. He stepped back, inviting her in with a sweep of his arm and a frown. The timing couldn't be worse with his deadline looming and no finished manuscript.

He waited until she brushed past him before speaking. "Fine, you can stay. But don't expect me to entertain you." He closed the door and turned to find her removing her coat and toeing off her boots.

She flashed a grateful smile. "No problem. A place to plant my ass is all I need." Moving by him, she placed her footwear by the door and swung her parka on the coatrack. "Nona Rack, by the way. Thanks again." Her hand shot out in front of him.

West took her palm in his. "West Wentworth." He definitely noticed her ass when she nodded and turned to move further into his home.

He shook his head. Too long without a woman, buddy. He stepped up, grasping her elbow and directed her into the den—a leather-infused nightmare left over from his dad, but it had a murphy bed she could sleep on. He tugged the latch to lower the frame to the floor.

She took everything in without comment, helping to fluff up the pillows.

He grabbed an extra blanket from the back of the sofa. "Bathroom is down the hall to the left, third door on the right." Soaking up the pleasing picture she made, sitting on the edge of the mattress, he reined in his imagination. "There should be linens in the closet if you want a shower in the morning." He started toward the door.

She rose, following him. "Thank you. Seriously. I won't get in the way and I'll try to be out of here as soon as possible." She paused at the threshold. "Um… good night."

His lips curved upward. "'Night." He stared at the door longer than necessary after she closed it.

Oddly rejuvenated, he strolled to his office and sat down, his fingers hovering over the keyboard only a moment before words starting pouring out.

Maybe a late night visitor wouldn't prove to be a bad thing.

Honestly? I'm having a load of fun writing this. There's a chance it's not going to go in exactly the direction I originally planned and I love it when that happens.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Weathering the Storm

Whew. Can I say transferring data from old computers to new computers is a pain in the waz? It seriously is. Gah.

Anyway, moving files didn't stop me from watching my appointment television. Gotham is keeping me interested. Banshee, with only one episode left, has me hanging on the edge of my seat. Bitten keeps improving on the books. And I don't mean it's better or anything, but I like the changes so I don't always know what's coming next. And finally, The Walking Dead is actually kind of riveting lately. I absolutely love the almost scaled back tension and how it's building to hopefully something big.

Patiently waiting for Strike Back to return and Orphan Black very soon now. Need to watch the first two seasons again just to ramp up.

Tonight's post is from Weathering the Storm, a sexy short where my couple gets to spend some quality time snowed in by the weather.

Here's the tagline:

Gabby Carns and Tim Appleby live in a remote, mountainous region. When the weather report warns of massive snow fall, the couple prepares for the coming blizzard. But instead of being fearful, they're looking forward to the alone time—nothing brings out the steamy romance like a plunge in the temperature.

And a snippety peek…

Gabby Carns stood elbow deep in dishwater, scrubbing a roasting pan. The dishwasher ran quietly beside her, but she preferred hand washing the big items.

"A huge storm is moving in, folks. Predictions of anywhere from thirty-six to sixty inches of the white stuff. Better hunker down and brace for the worst."

Gabby smiled. The news report didn't fill her with concern. Instead, she shook the suds off her hands and ducked her head out of the kitchen.

Tim Appleby glanced up from poring over his new furniture design. "Sounds like a bad one." He rolled up the drafts and tucked them away.

Gabby grinned. "I know. Can't wait." Tim gave her a sexy wink and she turned back to the roaster, rinsing it off, and placing it in the drainer.

Tim switched off the news. "Think I'll go get started chopping some extra wood." He shrugged into a quilted flannel and sat down to put his boots on.

Gabby pulled the stopper and let the water out of the sink. "I'll check our supplies and make a trip down to town." She dried her hands and opened the notepad app on her phone.

She paused and met Tim's gaze. The tension stretched between them and a delicious shiver slid down Gabby's spine.

She loved a good snowstorm.

This one has the potential to slide into novella length if Tim and Gabby decide they're really enjoying the blizzard. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin