Sunday Snippet: Veritas

November 3, 2019

Hello, November. The temperature dropped significantly, which kind of sucks for my household since we can't get our new furnace until the middle of next week. That said, with some careful placement, space heaters are doing an excellent job of keeping the house comfortable. As long as we don't dip into single digits, we're golden.

Not a bad week for television. I have a heavy workload right now but still squeezed in some decent viewing.

I started out with Riverdale and, wow, what a great episode. I'm still catching up from last season so this episode featured FP's fiftieth. Cole Sprouse and Skeet Ulrich brought their A games. Also loved the linked montage of Archie's king of the mountain battle with Cheryl and Toni's hot session in the speakeasy. The breakup ended up being a lot more painful than I anticipated but excellent work from the women. Reggie and Veronica's falling out also packed a punch. Reggie is very much growing on me as a character. A few random notes… I absolutely hate the entire farm storyline. I also dislike Hiram with the passion of a thousand suns going supernova. Don't see that changing anytime soon.

I finally got to sit and watch Arrow's season finale. I can honestly say the ugly crying didn't stop after the credits rolled. Everyone acted their collective asses off—Stephen and Emily in particular. Stephen, quite frankly, blew me away. Watching him evolve as Oliver over seven seasons has been a true joy. Seriously… I'm going to miss this show so much. My one main disappointment is not getting any scenes with Oliver and Mia. I'd love to see the two actors interact.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murdoch Mysteries. Nice to see George's family tree expand and with such a terrific character (pun intended). I have so much fun watching this show.

Frankie Drake Mysteries also made me smile. I'm still getting used to the new opening and the somewhat different shift in the show's dynamic. That said, it's growing on me and I like the fabulous foursome and their interactions.

Caught a new story arc on Sapphire and Steel. This show is usually background noise for me when I'm working and I have the horrible feeling I'm really missing a lot. I'm going to make an effort to really focus when I start the third assignment.

Watched the beginning of series nine with Classic Who. The daleks returned to be a huge pain, per usual. I always enjoy episodes that feature them.

Should be catching another episode of Midsomer Murders in the very near future.

That's it for this week. Tonight's post is from Veritas, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tillie Cruz has a moment of veritas when she shoots Faxon Jarvis in a friendly fire incident. The realization she wants a life with him may be too late because Faxon has a new relationship and Tillie doesn't want to mess it up. But she may not have to—her bullet may have done the trick.

And a snippety peek…

Tillie leaned into the window of the car. "Thanks for the ride." She pounded her fist lightly on the door then turned and started for the precinct house.

"Hey… can I get your number?"

Tillie closed her eyes and paused. Damn… so close to a clean getaway.

She pivoted and went back to the car, only ducking down this time. "Look, I thought I made it pretty clear and we agreed to scratch each other's itch. Let's leave things there, okay?" She met his gaze, trying like hell to even remember his name.

Max. Right.

Max rolled a shoulder. "Didn't hurt to try. Look me up again if you need another scratching post." He put the car in gear and rolled away from the curb.

Tillie breathed a sigh of relief. Six months out from her break up with Faxon and she still had zero desire to get tangled up with anyone else. The guy du jour thing worked just fine.

No it doesn't.

Tillie yanked the door to the precinct house open and ruthlessly ignored her inner voice. Her pushy inner self could get bent. Tillie would focus on her career and prove Faxon wrong about everything.

Why does it matter if he doesn't anymore?

Tillie tossed her bag into her locker. "Argh. Shut up." Dragging out a fresh shirt, she quickly tugged the one she wore over her head and traded it with the new one.

Jensen Gates poked her hear around the end of the row. "Uh… I didn't say anything." She gave Tillie a raised eyebrow. "Rough night?"

Tillie rolled her eyes. "Depends on how you define rough. The sex was fantastic. The drop off this morning not so much." She sank down on the bench and grabbed her work shoes.

Jensen's lips quirked. "That's the third one this month. Are you sure you're telling them you're only interested in a one-time, mutually satisfying romp?" She braced her shoulders against the opposite row of lockers.

Tillie shook her head. "Always." Shoving her foot inside a closed clog, she reached for the other one. "Maybe I'll see what's available in undercover work right now. I need something different." She smoothed down her pants, pressing against the fabric.

Jensen nodded. "You could also look into some task force openings. I heard there were two spots coming up." She fell into step beside Tillie after they exited the locker room.

Tillie pursed her lips. "Hmm. I like the sound of that. I'll check into it." She parted company with Jensen at the causeway. "Thanks, Jen."

Either area—task force or undercover—would take up time and give her focus. She'd check with her lieutenant to see if he'd put in a good word for her.

You're still trying to fill a Faxon-sized void.

Tillie growled. "Shut. Up."

If she didn't know better, she'd swear her inner voice guffawed.

I like Tillie's inner voice. It's so much fun to write internal conflict, especially when the inner self is snarky and almost always right.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Using Tongue

Bleh. I found out we need to get a new furnace because ours is old, horribly inefficient, and very dangerous. Fun news I didn't really need or want. The good news is the new furnace will be super energy efficient and probably save us a buttload of money overall. I definitely won't complain about that.

Had a semi-decent viewing week. I caught two episodes of Midsomer Murders and should be ready to start the final series. I'll be sorry to see Cam go. I liked her.

Caught episodes of Murdoch Mysteries and Frankie Drake Mysteries. I'm kind of on the fence with the new season of Frankie. I liked the first episode but it feels like a very different show. I loved the first season, enjoyed the second season, so I'm hoping I'll fall into a groove with the third. We'll see how it goes.

Finished up the first story arc of Sapphire and Steel. I rather like the show. I'll give the rest of the season a whirl and see how it goes with this one too.

Watched the rest of Classic Who's season eight. I'll be starting season nine this week.

I should also be catching the final episode of Arrow's season seven run. I'm trying to savor every last moment because season eight is the final bow.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Using Tongue, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community challenge.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Joss Hellenburg hates licorice and Lisa Getz aims to show him why he should learn to love it—by using her tongue during a hot and steamy kiss—which sets up a series of sexy embraces while the two try to outdo each other.

And a snippety peek…

Joss carried the big stock pot they'd served the stew into the kitchen. "Seriously, Lisa. Are you addicted to that stuff?" He grimaced when she stuck another piece of licorice into her mouth.

Lisa grinned. "Nope, just wanted to finish off this bag." She tossed the crumpled plastic toward the trash can.

Joss shook his head. "I don't understand the appeal of something that tastes like cough syrup on steroids mixed with stinky feet." He put the pot in the sink and started rinsing it with the spraying hose.

Lisa's eyes went wide. "Which one of your friends knows what stinky feet taste like?" She snorted. "Never mind. I don't want to know." She shuddered for effect.

Joss glanced over his shoulder. "Ha-ha. For your information, it was Bennie. He hates the stuff." Then again, Bennie didn't like anything remotely exotic… not that licorice really fell into that category.

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Bennie has no taste. And you should make up your own mind." She grabbed the newly cleaned baking sheets and stowed them in the lower rack of the counter.

Joss shrugged. "I have to get past the whole blob of ink thing first." Putting the hose back, he filled the stock pot with hot, soapy water.

Lisa gave him an innocent smile and retrieved a new bag she'd hidden behind the cupboard. "You can always give it go right now." She shook the package back and forth.

Joss made a gagging sound. "No. Way." He scrubbed the steel pan until it gleamed again.

Lisa sighed. "Fine." She stashed the bag back inside the cabinet then walked over and leaned against the counter.

Joss rinsed the pan and grabbed a towel to dry it off. They'd been busier than usual tonight and he couldn't wait to get home, grab a shower, and probably fall into bed. After he put the pot away, Lisa snuggled up behind him and wrapped her arms around his torso.

He turned and cupped her face. "Ready to head out?"

She nodded and lifted her chin, leaning in for a kiss.

Joss dropped one on her nose. "Nice try, Leese. I'm not falling for it." He flipped the light switch off and eased away from her.

Lisa laughed. "Dammit. You know me a little too well sometimes." She chewed the piece of candy she had in her mouth.

Joss chuckled. "And yet I still love you." He grabbed their coats and handed hers over.

She shrugged it on with smirk. "You'd better."

This is such a fun little romp between Lisa and Joss. I'm usually the one who doesn't like to try new things when it comes to food so writing Lisa is an adventure.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Up the Ante

Well, another homecoming house party is in the books and I'm so thankful we had such a great group of kids to host over the last four years. A few faces came and went, but for the most part, the core group has remained the same. I'm looking forward to seeing what this group of kids ends up doing in the future.

It's been a crazy week with a ton of work projects coming in and I'm truly thankful to be busy. Sometimes my projects dwindle a little in the fall and that doesn't seem to be the case this year.

A limited week of television, but some good progress made. I started a new classic British series called Sapphire and Steel. It's pretty decent with some time-wimey elements.

I also started a new arc of Classic Who. I didn't realize quite how much of a role the Master had in the third doctor's run.

Caught an episode of Midsomer Murders and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm almost through with series nineteen and have the final season to watch.

Watched another episode of Arrow and should be ready to start the new limited season eight in the near future. I started the penultimate episode but had to pause to get ready for homecoming. I'm going to miss this show so much when it's gone.

Also viewed an episode of Murdoch Mysteries and quite enjoyed it. I'm a little wary of what they're possibly doing with Julia, but we'll see how things go.

Finished up Frankie Drake Mysteries second season and look forward to starting the third. I'm pretty excited to see where things go from here.

Caught another episode of Riverdale. I can honestly say the whole farm thing really kind of annoys me. That said, this show tends to pull off a few twists that end up making me like what I didn't before. With the exception of Hiram. I love the actor but truly hate the character.

Also started another episode of Blue Heelers but have to pick it back up this week. Ran out of time to finish watching it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Up the Ante, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mutual satisfaction starts at the poker table when Vianca Berry and Fritz Hattenfield begin a flirtatious game that ups the ante of their new relationship.

And a snippety peek…

Fritz entered the office space of the clubhouse and settled behind the desk. "Man, I gotta find a way to move the needle on this thing with Vi." His best hire ever had his dick in a constant state of readiness.

And he wanted to see if mixing business and pleasure could turn into something more. "'Bout damn time." After years of being a loner, he'd met someone he wanted to spend more than a night with.

He didn't care if the other guys might rib him for it. From his point of view, finding the right person didn't make someone weak. It enhanced their stability.

He blew out a breath. "I'm ready. She's the one."

Vianca turned more than a few heads when she showed up looking for work. Fritz took a chance, figuring if she didn't work out in the shop, she'd be a solid addition to the bar.

She ended up being both. The woman got shit done.

He laughed. "And she's got the paychecks to prove it." Hell, she'd increased business at the shop because one got around about the female mechanic at Hattenfield's.

Most of the club members loved her. She only had a few detractors and only because none stood a chance with her. Then again, none of the other members had a shot. Fritz called dibs immediately after hiring her. Yeah, a sexist move, but one made to protect her until she got her legs under her. If she showed any kind of interest in one of the other members, he'd relinquish his rights.

So far… she flirted and bantered with the guys, which kept everyone happy, but only had eyes for Fritz.

He snorted. "And that's the only reason she gets away with calling me Fritzie. I fucking hate that name." Somehow, when she used it, she made it sound dirty and sexy at the same time.

And damn if he didn't want to find out what else she could make sexy and dirty.

I'm having fun with this story. Fritz and Vianca are sexy and funny and kind of conflict-free, which is nice to write sometimes.

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: Under the Influence (a South of the Border novella)

Boo! It's the month of Halloween and creeptastic treasures! I love October. That said, it's also the time I need to start thinking and doing my holiday shopping. I do not want a repeat of last year when I waited way too long to get stuff done.

Had a busy week driving all over the place with my daughter. We had a college visit on Monday. I picked her up from the district tournament for golf on Wednesday. And I picked her up from her band competition because she needs to be up and out early in the morning. I forgot how much windshield time driving gives me. LOL

Not a bad week for television. I haven't started any of the new seasons of my faves yet. But… I did finish up Peter Gunn. I have a few ideas of what to replace that slot with but haven't landed on a specific one yet.

I caught two episodes of Blue Heelers. I'm still at the beginning of season two but I love this show. It has a great cast.

I started season nineteen of Midsomer Murders. I can honestly say I took the death of Sykes really hard. Seriously. Which is actually kind of sad but, man, that was one cool dog. The new one, Paddy, is also fun, but I had years' worth of Sykes antics to enjoy. Anyway… I like the new DS guy but I miss Charlie. I'm watching an episode with Jones in it and it kind of makes me nostalgic.

I got to watch two more arcs of Classic Who. The Claws of Axios and Colony in Space. I'll be starting a new one this week.

I also plan to watch the new Passionflix movie that released this week. I'm looking forward to it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Under the Influence, a South of the Border novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When her father dies, Lilith Jans inherits a piece of hotly sought after property in Mexico. She also unknowingly takes on an unpaid debt, which puts her life in danger. Hayden Knoxville makes her an offer she wants to refuse, but can't—sell to him and he'll deal with the men coming to collect payment.

And a snippety peek…

Kiernan loved how Lars always asked the right question. Never took him long to get up to speed. Working for a covert military unit didn't hurt… made him think fast on his feet.

Kiernan gave him the shortest version of the answer. "According to Maria, the no-good Lester killed Juanita when he crashed their car after leaving another bar he owned in California." She grabbed another cold one and twisted the top off. "Lilith wasn't with them when it happened and Lester never had a controlling interest in Juanita's business so her shares went to Lilith." After taking a nice, long swallow of the icy beverage, she finished up. "Now that Lester's dead, Lilith owns the bar outright."

Lars paused on his next drink, lowering the bottle. "So… what's the problem?"

Kiernan snorted. "Lester didn't own controlling interest in the California club either." She met Lars's gaze. "And he borrowed heavily against his stake." She stopped there, letting Lars fill in the blanks.

His lips twisted. "Which means he died owing money." He straightened, scooping Kiernan into a sitting position.

Kiernan nodded. "Ding. Ding. Ding." As usual, he got it in one.

Lars took another stab. "So… Maria is worried Lester's business partners will come after Lilith to collect." His eyes got dark with anger.

Kiernan dipped her chin, acknowledging his guess. "Yep. And they're not exactly the kind of guys who'll let the court systems in two countries figure everything out." They weren't the type to respect laws anyway.

Lars put his beer down and leaned in close to Kiernan. "Well, then. You'd better plan on getting Maria over for dinner so we can talk about how to keep Lilith safe."

Kiernan grinned. "I love you." She slid her hands up to his biceps.

Lars rolled his eyes. "Of course you do. What's not to love?"

She laughed and pushed him backward in the lounge then landed on top of him to snag his lips in a steamy kiss.

She loved everything about Lars.

I always enjoy going back to Kiernan and Lars from Down in Mexico. Working a few of their friends and colleagues into the mix lets me show the progression of Keir and Lars's relationship, which I love to do.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Under the Impression

Had a crazy busy week with multiple projects coming due and, thankfully, I made the deadlines. I'll freely admit there might have been some wine to help along the way. More as a reward at the end of the week than during the actual crunch time.

I made a lot of progress on the three shows I'm currently watching. This means I haven't seen any of the premieres of the new seasons yet. I'm weirdly out of sync with everyone else and I'm not eager to dive into the new stuff yet.

I continued with season three of Peter Gunn and have a handful of episodes left to watch. Season three marks the end of the run and I'm not sure what I'll replace this show with, but I think I'd like to go with another classic television series. We'll see what I can find.

I'm through season seven of Classic Who and have a start on season eight. I'm in the Mind of Evil arc. The Master is now a nemesis and it's fun to watch how the long-standing rivalry started between the Doctor and the Master.

I've also finished up series eighteen of Midsomer Murders and should start nineteen soon. That leaves about twelve or so episodes left before I finish up the entire run. Not sure what I'll replace this one with either. I might finish The Coroner if it's still available.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gris Ravenswood, owner of the hot nightspot, Impressions, has it bad for his lead bartender, Kari Dans, but she's in a relationship with a semi-pro golfer. When Kari imbibes too much at an afterparty and puts the moves on Gris, he thinks he's finally got a chance… until Kari receives a text and runs off to be with the guy who always leaves her behind.

And a snippety peek…

She's not for you.

Gris headed down to the cellar for the inventory count. "Yeah, yeah. I always get all hot for taken ones." Not the first time he'd fallen for someone already involved.

And, no, he didn't plan to examine the why of that too closely.

Grabbing the scanner, he started logging the barcodes of his bourbon supply. Two years. Kari had been dating the golf pro since opening night at Impressions.

He paused. "No forward progress." She's still only dating him. "Why the hell haven't they done something like move in together?" None of your business, dumbass.

Too true.

But, shit. If Gris had someone like Kari—vivacious, sexy, and funny as hell—he'd want to spend as much time with her as possible. Wishful thinking, much? Maybe… but he definitely wouldn't want to spend most of the week away from her. You don't have to, asshat. She works for you. She worked her ass off for him, but even if she didn't, he'd want someone like her to stop by for drinks as a customer.

He snorted. "Or at least I'd take her to dinner." Maybe breakfast, given the crazy hours they worked. And having her spend the day in bed wouldn't be bad, either. Gah. His inner voice needed to shut the hell up.

Still… he'd swear something didn't quite work between Kari and her golf pro. The guy never talked about anything other than himself or golf when he came in. When Kari brought up her family, or lack thereof, Mr. Golf Pro didn't bite to ask questions. At least not in Gris's presence. Which didn't mean jack because Gris didn't like the guy. But Gris at least had the story about Kari's only living relative. An uncle in Nebraska. But the relationship of your head bartender is none of your—

"Yeah, yeah. Not my business." He filed the niggling thought away and got back to work.

His infatuation with Kari would amount to nothing.

I'm kind of enjoying writing Gris's side of this story. It's a little bit of a twist on the way I originally envisioned things unfolding and I love it when that happens.

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