Sunday Snippet: Winning Hand

Big cold snap with a little bit of snow this week in weather. I'm getting much better about making sure I have layers on even if it's just a quick trip outside with the doggos. I also haven't had a major cold yet this season and I hope I didn't just jinx that fact.

Semibusy work week with finishing a proofread and working on two copy edits. I'm hoping to have some projects to work on over the holiday break. I'm not great at having a week or two off then trying to gear back up into work mode.

Fairly decent week of viewing. I'm trying to decide what new show to add to my usual slate of viewing fare. I'm leaning toward Beyond Paradise, but I'm not completely sure yet.

Caught another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I hadn't seen much if any of this episode and I enjoyed it. I think I have a handful of episodes left before it'll be time to switch to another show.

Watched another episode of London Kills and tensions are running high. The case ended up being very interesting and Viv and Rob are pushing the line by investigating David. Looking forward to more of this one.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Part one of a two-part arc and the lead-in to the show's one hundredth episode. Loved seeing Camille at the end and can't wait to watch the next episode. I've seen almost all of it and loved it.

Finished up season two of Elementary. I still think Mycroft is an ass even if I get why he did things the way he did. I'm a little on the fence about where Sherlock and Joan left things. I'll be interested to see where they pick up with season three.

Started the two-part series finale of The Batman. I don't remember if I actually watched this before or not but it was a good episode. I think I might move on to Batman Beyond after this.

Also watched another episode Classic Rugrats. I hadn't seen either of the vignettes and enjoyed both.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Winning Hand, a sexy short that sees a couple go from friends to lovers.

Here's the miniblurb:

A night of poker takes a sexy turn when Hahn Canedy ups the ante and wagers a night of hot sex as his tithe. Tawni Capps can't resist calling the bet—either way she'll have the winning hand.

And a snippety peek…

Tawni tilted her head to one side when Brett and Ellie scooted away from the table. "You're not quitting now, are you?" She'd just lost most of her Skittles to Hahn.

Robin and Dav cut out after about five hands. Both headed to their separate rooms to turn in. Robin had a report to review and Dav … probably had a new love interest. He didn't get into specifics but mentioned talking to someone new.

Ellie yawned. "I'm beat. And I refuse to open another bag of candy so Hahn can win more from me." She stretched and grabbed her cup. "I'm going to refill my water and head to bed." She leaned down and gave Tawni a quick hug.

Brett lifted his chin. "Same. Only not the water part." He slapped Hahn on the back. "Enjoy your bounty, my man." He nodded toward the pile of colorful blobs on the table. "Tawni, I'll wager you won't have any Skittles left by the time you're done." He smirked and blew a kiss in her direction.

Tawni rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I've got a bag stashed if lose it all." She propped her feet up on a newly vacated chair. "'Night, peeps." She shifted her attention to Hahn, a little thrilled to find him studying her with narrowed eyes.

Maybe he'd taken her hint from earlier…

Which she somewhat doubted because they'd kept each other in the friendzone for … well … ever. She had some reservations about crossing the imaginary line separating them, but she also wondered if Hahn might be what she actually wanted but feared getting. She'd never know if she didn't push against their boundaries.

She arched her brows. "Looks like it's you and me. Your deal." Tapping the deck in the middle of the table, she followed by pushing it toward him.

He handily shuffled the cards and dealt two hands.

She picked hers up and quickly discarded a few. "Two, please." When Hahn gave her the requested number, she adjusted the positions and carefully kept her features blank.

Hahn would have a hard time beating this one.

He rearranged his cards then glanced upward. "What's your wager?"

Tawni leaned back in her chair. "I don't know. Depends on if you're taking any cards or not." Maybe she could test the waters with a different kind of wager.

Hahn rolled a shoulder. "I'm good." He set his cards facedown on the table.

Tawni straightened again, swinging her feet off the chair and leaning forward. "You're not taking any cards?" Hmm … he must have a great hand also. "In that case, I guess I'm all-in." She moved the rest of her Skittles to the center of the table.

Hahn's lips kicked up in a smile. "Well, now I'm not sure what to do." His eyes narrowed on her again.

A bolt of something wickedly sexy burst through her. "Need a little help deciding?" She made her tone suggestive and playful.

Hahn blinked and shook his head. "If you're all-in, what do you have left to lose if I raise?"

A great question … one she couldn't wait to solve.

Tawni will definitely get her chance to issue a challenge to Hahn and she'll be very happy with the outcome.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Winning Hand

Super-heavy workload this week. I'm actually thrilled to be scheduling on my planner again, color-codes and everything. It's been a while since I've had to use a hard copy for keeping track of my projects. I like being busy.

Had a bit of limited viewing time this week. More so from having a bout of insomnia and taking naps at weird times during the day.

I watched an episode of Star Trek: Discovery and I love how things are coming together. There's been so much packed into this season and I'm amazed by the storytelling. This is such a good show.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. Gotta say Will gets himself into some tricky situations. I'm kind of annoyed with the FBI agent being such a drama queen over everything. Also feel terrible for Rhodes. Between having his dad on the board and the new ED doctor, he's got a lot on his plate.

Caught another episode of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. This is such a great show for young science nerds who love anything to do with space.

Enjoyed another episode of Cuffs. I'm kind of intrigued by the various relationships and I quite like how they intercut the scenes. I'm liking this one.

Watched two episodes of Classic Who. We're getting close to the end of the season and I have sneaky suspicion the Master is going to rear his ugly mug at some point. Should be interesting to see if I'm right.

Finished up season sixteen of Silent Witness and, yep, we lost Leo. So sad to see his end. Kind of wish Harry had come back for that but I loved Nikki's eulogy. Started seventeen and, eh, not sure I like the new guy. Jury is out on that one.

Caught two episodes of Aliens in Alaska. I love getting into what people see and how the experience shapes them afterward. This is a good show.

Started Muppets Now and I kind of like it after watching two episodes. They've brought back some older characters and it's a very updated and modernized variety style. Fun stuff.

Watched two more episodes of Harrow and, dammit, they killed off one of my favorites. I'd actually like to see one of the other characters go but won't hold my breath on that one. I really enjoy the dynamic between Harrow and Fairley's niece. The blending of the case of the week and overarching mystery works well with this show.

Got an episode of Peak Practice in and it was a sad one but with other happy moments woven in. Loved the ending with the new doctor grieving with Joanna.

Caught two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. I love how she covers scope when she talks about design. She's done some very interesting work and I'm learning a lot from watching her classes.

Watched two episodes of Young Wallander. It's a little uncanny how closely the plot line mirrors stuff going on right now and this show is set in Sweden. I love the lead in this one. He's understated and quiet but actually kind of funny and deep also.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I should be close to the end of season two and getting ready to start on three. I love revisiting this show. I'm pretty sure they leave out a few of the best episodes when they run encores of this.

Caught a bonus short for Queens of Mystery. The recap of season one had some pings that I'll look forward to playing out in season three, especially the ones that weren't solved in season two.

Last but not least, I watched another episode of Blue Heelers. An interesting dive into coming home after being gone for a long time and how some people don't wear or show their feelings for everyone to see.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Winning Hand, a sexy short that puts my characters on the path to love with a hot wager.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A night of poker takes a sexy turn when Hahn Canedy ups the ante and wagers a night of hot sex as his tithe. Tawni Capps can't resist calling the bet—either way she'll have the winning hand.

And a snippety peek…

Ground rules. Shit, he had no idea what they should be.

Hahn shrugged. "Look, I'm okay if a single night is all you're willing to have, but…" Fuck it, I might as put it all on the table. "I'm also open to more if you're interested." He had been for years.

Tawni gave him a shy smile. "I'm interested." She took a deep breath. "I'm tired of random hookups—I know, shocking, right?" Sitting on the edge of the bed, she met his gaze. "Think I'm ready to try an actual relationship." Her voice went husky and soft.

His eyes widened. "On the turn of a card?" They had different ideas of how to progress forward.

She frowned. "Well, no. Not really. If Dav had made that bet, I would have folded—definitely not interested in sex with him." She grimaced. "Love the guy, but no." She got up and paced a little. "But this, the one night thing, gives you an out. Me too. We might have one incredible night and decide that's all." She shrugged. "If that's the case, we stay really good friends and go our separate ways on Monday. And no one has to pick sides." She snorted. "Because that rarely works out well." She stopped and met his gaze again. "The staying friends thing is a deal breaker. Number one ground rule."

He nodded. "You're thinking about when Robin and Brad landed in Splitsville and we never see him anymore." Not a big loss if anyone asked Hahn.

Brad never really fit the group anyway.

Tawni huffed out a breath. "Yeah, not that I miss him. I mean, instead of manning up and telling Robin he wanted to bail, he let her catch him banging the server from Meathead's bar." She made a disgusted face. "What a dick."

Hahn remembered that trip vividly. The whole situation got really ugly, really fast. Robin almost got arrested for punching Brad, the server got fired, and Dav, Brett, and Hahn loaded up Brad's SUV and escorted him off the property.

Tawni ducked her head for a moment. "It's one of the reasons I've been reluctant to ever attempt anything, especially with you." She lifted her chin and met his gaze. "And, honestly, I'm not afraid to admit I love everyone in our group, but you mean the most to me because we grew up together. And, well, if this goes south, it might cause problems, because we all know just a little too much about each other sometimes."

Hahn didn't disagree or argue her point. They'd been a group for a long time and, yes, they'd go to the mat for each other, but they also knew who had skeletons hiding in closets and monsters under the bed. He could only make an assurance he intended to keep.

He reached out and pulled Tawni close. "I've waited a long time for this, and I can promise you, I don't ever see me shagging anyone but you for the foreseeable future." A bold statement, but one he needed to get out there.

I love writing friends that become more and this is a fun way to get them past a hurdle neither felt comfortable leaping over.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Winning Hand

Welcome to the last post of 2019. I hope everyone had a terrific holiday or the best they could have given the trash fire that has turned into a raging wildfire of possible corruption and back channel maneuvering in the RWA. I'm not a member of the organization but I stand with marginalized authors. Period. Full stop.

I believe I made it through the mild case of the flu. I'm still a little stuffed up and achy, but otherwise doing well. I caught some decent television time also.

I watched an episode of Riverdale and thoroughly enjoyed it. Once again, the play on theme of the episode title worked so well. I'm sad because it's almost the end of the season and that means no more Luke Perry soon.

I finished Dirty Sexy Saint and ended up really liking it. I also caught the new Quickie, The Naughty List and loved that also.

Caught another episode of Murdoch Mysteries and enjoyed the different approach. The episode played out almost like a dinner theater murder mystery and I'm totally there for that.

Frankie Drake also had a different style of episode and I loved it. The cold opening had me wondering for a few moments if we'd lost a major cast member. Well done.

Watched an episode of Midsomer Murders and, weirdly, it reminded me of Doctor Who if only because two of the actresses in this episode guest-starred on the series. I've been watching some of the marathon leading up to the New Year's premiere of the new season.

I'm finishing out the week with a full arc of Sapphire and Steel. I started season three and since there's only one assignment for this season, I'll have it finished up later today.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Winning Hand, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A night of poker takes a sexy turn when Hahn Canedy ups the ante and wagers a night of hot sex as his tithe. Tawni Capps can't resist calling the bet—either way she'll have the winning hand.

And a snippety peek…

Hahn deposited Tawni's luggage on the trunk at the end of the bed. "She packs light." Then again, she had efficiency down to an art form.

Anything extra clothing she needed would be foraged for in town. And promptly donated when they packed up to head to their various homes. Hahn respected Tawni's mindset when it came to not hanging on to things she wouldn't use until the next time they met at the lake.

Then again, she'd always been pragmatic. "Since elementary school."

She'd moved to their hometown in second grade and made his parents' diner her home away from home. Her mom worked at the local hospital—the same place Hahn now worked as a physical therapist—and Tawni stopped in before and after school while her mom worked twelve-hour shifts.

Hahn ran a hand over the battered, oversized bag. "And stupid me fell in love with her on day one." Of course, Tawni had no clue how long he'd carried a torch.

Maybe she never would.

He headed back out to the main room where Dav and Robin were setting up a table for their traditional welcome-back poker night. Ellie had Brett pouring liquids, a mixture of fruit juices, soda, and alcohol, into a huge bowl. And Tawni held court by sitting on the counter in the kitchen observing the antics unfold. She glanced up and met Hahn's gaze, holding it for several long moments.

He'd trade a paycheck to know what wandered through her mind. No doubt something downright dirty if her wicked smile gave any hint. The idea her thoughts might involve him had his dick twitching to life.

Great. She's not here five minutes and I'm already working a set of blue balls.

The sexy grin grew wider and something a little speculative entered her gaze. Hahn swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. But his lips curved in a wide smile before he went to help Dav finish setting up the poker table.

With a little luck, Hahn might turn the speculation into something smoldering and hot.

This is a fun story where the timing finally seems right for friends to cross over the line to lovers. But Hahn's fondest wish is more than just a summer hookup.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Winning Hand

Bleh. I'm feeling under the weather today. Allergy season is in full swing and my sinuses hate me right now. LOL

Got caught up on the premiere of Killjoys but haven't been able to watch the other two episodes yet. I hate it when On Demand makes me wait. Might have to see if they're available on SyFy. One of my favorite things about Dark Matter is how trippy they get with episodes sometimes. I love it when I have to keep up or get lost. Wynonna Earp… wow. Seriously, just wow. This show gets better with each passing episode. It's crazy, batshit, and over the top and I love every single moment.

Hoping to get into Orphan Black later this week. With five or so episodes ready, I'll have a good amount to binge watch.

I'm excited to see they've started filming season six of Arrow! Can't wait for the new season to start.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Winning Hand, a sexy short that got a start with the two-word prompt "dream big".

Here's the mini-blurb:

A night of poker takes a sexy turn when Hahn Canedy ups the ante and wagers a night of hot sex as his tithe. Tawni Capps can't resist calling the bet—either way she'll have the winning hand.

And a snippety peek…

Tawni Capps grinned when she turned into the Atwood Lake park entrance. "Finally… can't wait to catch up with everyone." The year had flown by.

She followed the winding road, soaking in the natural habitat of huge, old trees and a gorgeous waterline. July on the lake. Didn't get much better, especially with the group of tightknit friends she'd met in college.

Pulling into the gravel drive of cabin ten, she flashed another smile. "The gang's all here." Ellie, Robin, Davin, Brett, and Hahn—her pulse kicked up a notch when she spotted his truck.

Shutting the engine off, she relaxed, tension from work, the drive, and life draining away.

"Boo!" Davin stuck his head in her window.

She jumped, startled. "Dammit, Dav. Cut it out." The guy never changed, immature but too cute to stay mad at.

He flashed a cheeky grin. "About time you got here." He yanked her door open and reached for the trunk release. "Lemme help you get your gear." Not waiting on a reply, he hustled back and pulled the cooler out.

Tawni slid out and followed him around. "You always start with the food and beverages." She shook her head, her lips twisting in a smile.

He gave her a "duh" look. "Hell, yeah. I'm not taking any chances with your girly stuff." He hefted the cooler onto his hip and started up the path to the cabin. "Never know what weird ass objects might fall out of a suitcase." He shuddered for good measure.

Tawni laughed and grabbed her bag. She didn't blame Davin for getting a little wigged out. The last time he helped Robin take her gear into the cabin a dildo fell out of an outer pocket—in front of everyone. Davin turned twenty shades of red and steadfastly refused to unload any more suitcases to avoid having way more information than he needed about his roommates.

Tawni closed the trunk, started for the cabin and smacked into a wall of solid muscle. Her gaze flew upward to meet the warm hazel one of Hahn Canedy. He reached out to steady her, grasping her elbows, which kept her up close and personal with one of her oldest friends and a secret fantasy.

Her lips curved in a wide smile. "Hahn, how's it going?" She brushed a kiss over his cheek. "How're the 'rents?" His folks ran the best roadside diner in their hometown.

Hahn gave her a slow once-over, a lick of heat entering his eyes. The always there spark zinged between them. Tawni hovered on the fence over whether to do anything about it.

"The parentals are great. They're off on a month-long excursion along the east coast." He took the bag from her and draped an arm over her shoulder. "Unlike Dav, I don't get all twitchy with device envy." He rolled his eyes.

Tawni barked out a strangled laugh. "Geez, Hahn. Did you two start the bro brawl already?" She walked up the landscaped path with him. "Wait. Hold up. Who's in charge of the diner while your mom and dad are gone?" Surely they wouldn't close the place down while they were away?

Hahn slid her a sideways glance. "Would you believe Tyler?" He paused outside the door.

Tawni blinked. "Your brother Tyler?" The younger Canedy had a severe allergy to anything work-related. "No way." She shook her head, not quite believing Hahn.

Hahn chuckled. "Yes way. He finally pulled his head out of his ass and decided to try the whole adulting thing." Pulling the door open, he let Tawni enter first.

Everyone swarmed around them. Robin and Ellie squealing their welcome, Dav and Brett doing air high fives. Tawni shot Hahn a quick look and mouthed the word "later". He gave a nod and started toward the remaining open bedroom with her case.

Tawni hugged the girls, but her mind strayed to later, once the sun went down. She and Hahn had a lot of catching up to do and possibly some unfinished business to sort out. If Tyler Canedy could finally grow a set and take some responsibility, Tawni might have to do the same and find out where she and Hahn really stood.

I love to write friends who become more than friends and Tawni and Hank are fun to work with.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Winning Hand

Holy crap. The ending for Bitten's latest episode is going to make waiting for the new one very difficult. I'm dying to see the last three episodes.

The Flash and Arrow also have me on the hot seat, impatiently awaiting the next showing. The Flash kind of messed with my mind and I really hope there's not a huge misstep coming up that's going to disappoint me. Arrow, on the other hand, can usually do no wrong, so the whole deal with Palmer and his meddling has me a little less concerned. I am a little twisted up over Lance falling back into Camp Opposition, but I have a feeling that's not going to last long. *fingers crossed*. I'm also wary over the fate of one of my faves. It's a gut thing and I hope I'm wrong… we'll see.

The Walking Dead season is almost over and I gotta say, this has been one of my favorites. It's so different from what we've had and I love it. Very sad about the loss of one of the new characters, but loved to see Eugene step up in a big way. Very curious about Gabriel and what's going on with him.

Enough television. Tonight's post is from Winning Hand, a sexy short where the outcome of a card game leaves the two participants with the winning hand.

Here's the tagline:

A night of poker takes a sexy turn when Hahn Canedy ups the ante and wagers a night of hot sex as his tithe. Tawni Capps can't resist calling the bet—either way she'll have the winning hand.

And a snippety peek…

Tawni smirked. "Come on, Hahn. Dream big and up the ante." She shrugged. "Or call. I wanna see what you've got."

He quirked a brow. "I've already won the big pot, tonight. Can't dream much bigger than that, you know." He fanned the cards in his hand, marveling at his lucky draw.

She chuckled. "Duly noted. But we're playing not playing for money right now. It's down to you and me so get on with the game." Her feet landed in the vacate chair to her right. "I don't have all night."

Of course she didn't. Probably had at least one meet-up planned and would end up closing down one of her favorite dive bars. Just once, he'd like her to stick around after poker night instead of flitting off to meet 'the girls'. Or worse, some random guy who would scratch the itch he wanted to relieve. They teased and flirted, but never moved beyond banter filled exchanges. For whatever reason, neither wanted to make the first foray into something more.

History and past experience sucked balls.

Maybe if he put his cards on the table, metaphorically speaking, and tested the waters…

Yeah, he'd go all in.

Straightening the hand, he laid it face down on the table and leaned in. "Okay, I want a hot night of sex if I win." His voice lowered. "One night. That's it."

Tawni's eyes went wide and she blinked before tilting her head to one side. "I'm sorry. Did you just say you're wagering sex?" Her head jerked back and forth. "No way. Uh uh. Not gonna happen." She gave one more emphatic negative shake. "No."

He settled against the back of the chair. "Hey, you told me to dream big. That's my ante." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Call or fold 'em."

Gotta love a great tension filled challenge, right? LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin