Sunday Snippet: Tell Me More

Happy Father's Day to anyone celebrating. For those not for whatever reason, I hope your day is filled with peace and calm and you find your joy.

It's been a really rough week. I definitely didn't make it through the worst the week prior. I had a lot more yuck to get through. Thankfully, I'm now down to some nagging congestion, but I can breathe again and I'm not coughing every five minutes, which makes me happy because we're due for some awful heat this week.

Managed to stay mostly on top of my work projects. I'm not as far along as I'd like to be, but I'm within my window to meet my deadlines. Not being 100 percent isn't fun but at least I can work around being less than my best. If I had a job with set hours, I'd still probably be fighting through the slog of upper respiratory yuck.

Had a very slow week of viewing. I didn't have the brain power to get involved in much of anything but comfort shows like Perry Mason and Midsomer Murders.

I did catch another Best in Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed the introduction from Don Warrington. It's fun to hear him speak without the Caribbean accent.

I also watched another Death in Paradise and it's one I only saw bits and pieces of when it first aired. Nice to see if from start to finish.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Hopefully I'll be back to somewhat normal for next week's entry.

Tonight's post is from Tell Me More, a novella that explores how a couple comes together after being at cross purposes.

Here's the miniblurb:

Shannon Tewes and Webber Dillon work for a premiere event planner and don't always see eye to eye. Shannon has a knack for putting Webber on the hot seat whenever their boss is around, and Webber has several ideas of how he'd retaliate if he ever got Shannon in a compromising position.

And a snippety peek…

"Fuck my life with a blow torch." Webber kicked the structure, praying it stayed together.

Miracle of miracles, it did. Thank whatever ruled the universe.

Hot, sticky, hungry, and irritated because the first three frames didn't want to cooperate, he finally found the method to the madness of constructing the tunnel so it could be erected and torn down quickly, but also safe for guests to walk through. And he only lost two hours of his life on that part. Now, he had to gear up to lose the next seven days to this cluster-fuck project.

Dragging a hand through his hair, he growled. "Damn Shannon and her stupid-ass ideas." Especially when she put him on the hot seat.

If he refused and said he wouldn't do the work, Marjorie could always find someone else. They wouldn't have the same high standard, but Marjorie didn't always care about the quality. She did care about sticking him between a rock and an immovable force … namely her.

He sighed. "Why do I do this to myself?"

Right. Not a hard answer. He loved the steady work she provided. And he'd grudgingly admit the tunnel idea would rock the wedding reception. But no way did Shannon have any concept of how much time went into figuring out how to make shit sturdy yet keep it light enough to haul back and forth to a location. Someday, he'd sit her down and explain—in excruciating detail—how difficult her brilliant ideas made his life.

Dragging another arch over, he started the process of getting it connected. How many times had he pulled off a last-minute miracle? Marjorie never wanted to hear what couldn't be done, so he inevitably made Shannon's vision happen.

He snorted. "I seriously wonder if Shannon spends her days visualizing ways to wreck my life?" He hadn't gone out on a date in months.

Who had time? Fantastic Fetes kept growing. Its reputation as the event planner to use, built on a lot of his sweat, made the phones ring and online contact forms flow in at a steady pace. As long as he got paid and didn't have to cave in to Marjorie's twisted bargain, he'd deal.

Shannon probably had lots of dates. He had several notions of what he'd like to do with her, if he ever got her in a compromising position. Because annoyance aside, he actually liked her. Super hot, she never used her looks to take advantage of situations. At least not with him. And he wanted to admire her serious creativity but tended to get stuck in pissed-off mode because her genius usually meant hard labor for him.

Because of Marjorie and her insane desire to blur the lines between personal and professional. Shannon had no clue about their boss's sexist bargaining. And he'd like to keep her in the dark. No one else needed to know how low he'd gone to get the job.

Lost in thought and work, he didn't hear the pounding on his door…

I'm having so much fun writing this one. Webber is ready to lose his mind but Shannon might have just the thing to keep him together.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Suspect Elimination

Ugh. Still feeling terrible and under the weather. The respiratory yuck that's going around in my area is awful. I think I'm through the worst. Fingers crossed!

Had a whole slew of new projects land in my inbox this week. I'm so thankful for the work and truly hope I can get back to a normal schedule where I don't crash several times a day and need to rest.

Slow viewing week, mainly due to the aforementioned rest periods. When I only got about two to three hours of sleep at a stretch, those nap sessions were super important.

I started the fifth and final season of Suspects. Wow, brutal opening episode and kind of a heartbreaker. I have a feeling Jack is going to go completely off the rails. And Charlie needs to have a moment to grieve and wrap her head around everything.

I finished the tenth season of Brokenwood Mysteries. I love this show so much. I'll look forward to the next season with lots of anticipation.

Caught another episode of Best in Paradise. I rather liked meeting Humphrey's dad and rewatching this episode ended up being a great reminder of how fierce Florence could be.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. I'd watched a little of this one and I'm glad I got to see it from beginning to end. Very twisty plot threads in this one.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Nice to see Mycroft again. Loved the new dynamic between the brothers. Gotta say I'm on the fence with the whole Watson sleeping with Mycroft deal, but we'll see if I come down on one side or the other later.

Caught an episode of The Batman and it's one I remember from my original watch. I liked seeing Dick in school and the double-cross by the Riddler ended up being fun. The ending, though, topped everything.

Enjoyed a Classic Rugrats episode that departed from the normal two to three vignettes. "Finsterella" was such a fun episode of the show.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Suspect Elimination, a novella where a couple is brought together by solving a mystery.

Here's the miniblurb:

On a college campus, someone is pulling some not-so-nice pranks that escalate to a dangerous level on a group of friends. Elena Houghton and Oscar Scanlon aren't going to put up with the nastiness anymore and take it upon themselves to eliminate the suspects to find the culprit. Along the way they discover a mutual attraction for each other.

And a snippety peek…

Elena Houghton unlocked the doors to Caldwell Hall. "Nothing like covering the six a.m. slot." Being the program director for both the college radio and television stations meant filling in when she couldn't delegate the responsibility to someone else.

She snorted and rolled her eyes. Caller ID sucks sometimes. Especially when no one wants to come in at the ass crack of yuck o'clock. When Suz Heslip texted to say she couldn't make it due to illness, Elena tried four different people and none of them responded to her calls or texts.

Pocketing her keys, she started toward the corridor leading to the radio studio. "That leaves me." She'd get the news recorded and review the announcements.

At least the early show only lasted sixty minutes. She could probably catch a nap before her class at eleven. If nobody else called in sick.

She passed the media classrooms and made the turn to get to the studio. She'd grown used to the tomblike atmosphere of the lower level of Caldwell and the maze of academic offices, lecture rooms, along with the studios. The building also housed the Thompson Theater—her other home away from home at the university—and quite possibly where she'd catch some additional shut eye.

Almost to the studio, her steps slowed. "What the hell?" The door stood open, which should not be the case.

The first thing she learned as a freshman two years ago? Never, ever leave the studio unlocked or let the door stay open. Had one of their incoming crop of students missed that memo? Who knew? But the responsibility of making that message heard landed at her feet.

A skitter of apprehension slid down her spine but she shook her head. "Stop it. You've been in this building alone more times than you can count." Then again, her recent film study of classic horror movies had creeptastic images running through her head.

She made a tsking sound. "Dammit, just go in already." Nothing lurked in the darkness.

Ignoring how stupid she felt, she crossed the threshold into the inky blackness … and let out a startled shout when a heavy figure dropped down from above glancing off her shoulder. She swung wildly and pushed hard against … something.

Biting back a terrorizing scream, she fumbled along the wall until her fingers found the light panel. Flipping every switch on, she spun around, blinking against the suddenly bright room but ready to do battle…

With an effigy?

"What the actual fuck?"

Someone had gone to a buttload of trouble. A large, stuffed form dangled from the ceiling braces surrounding the tiles. Dressed in a pair of jeans and a flannel with a set of headphones over the head, the macabre thing swiveled back and forth.

Pissed off and heart still pounding, Elena dragged her phone out and fired off a group text. "Mandatory meeting at Caldwell. 7am. Don't even think about not showing up." She sent the message then headed over to record the news, glad to have anything else to focus on.

During a break, she'd contact the professors and, shit, probably the campus police … because even if Mr. Creepy had been meant as a joke, someone still broke in. At the very least, the culprit created a dangerous situation.

Heaving a sigh, Elena dragged a hand through her hair. "There's goes my nap…"

I'm just starting this one and I'm excited to see where things go. Elena is so much fun to write with her focused and ordered personality. Oscar will have a slacker energy that drives her bonkers but also offers unexpected insight.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Surf's Up

Welcome June and another month where time will probably fly by too quickly. Doesn't help that I'm under the weather right now and feeling yucky. Hopefully whatever this is will pass quickly and I can get back to normal.

Had a solid work week. Finished up a cozy mystery proofread and made progress on a developmental edit. Also got a lot of writing done, which makes me happy because I've been hitting walls lately.

Fairly good viewing this week. Managed to go through my show list twice. I might start adding in a few more shows but I like this current group.

Finished up the fourth season of Suspects. I'll be starting the fifth and final season this week. Looks like a banger ending for this series.

Caught two episodes of Brokenwood Mysteries. Both were excellent. Very fun to see how Halloween is celebrated in New Zealand, especially since it's spring there instead of fall. Very cool.

Watched two episodes of Best in Paradise. I'm enjoying the intros by the actors and I'm enjoying their picks for favorite episodes.

Also enjoyed two episodes of Death in Paradise. I'd seen bits of both episodes but not the whole thing. Loved the one with the zoo. Also like how much Jack is becoming a part of the community.

Caught two episodes of Elementary. Interesting to see Gregson's personal life on a bit of a display. Also thoroughly enjoying Sherlock's interactions with Joan as he fully sinks into the partnership.

Watched two episodes of The Batman. Fun to have Harley Quinn introduced. And I very much enjoyed the New Year's Eve episode.

Also enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I'd forgotten they started to work three vignettes in after the movie. Not sure if I really like that in hindsight.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Surf's Up, a novella that shows a couple finally crossing the line between coworkers to lovers.

Here's the miniblurb:

Marla Siff and Farley Osbourne protect a wealthy businessman as part of his entourage. People assume tech geek Farley is the muscle, but Marla is the combat trained protective detail. When a threat looms, they retreat to the private shores of their client's own island and Marla and Farley fight their attraction to keep their boss safe.

And a snippety peek…

Marla woke with one prevailing thought.

So, sex with Farley happened. Really, really good sex.

She rolled over to find Farley scrolling through security cam footage. "Anything interesting?" Aside from the change in their status.

Farley's lips turned down. "Like what?" His fingers scrinched the screen then swiped to the next frame of footage.

Marla huffed out a breath. "I don't know. An invasion of sea creatures? Or something similarly amazing." Kind of like the romp they had last night.

Farley side-eyed her. "Sea creature invasion?" He snorted. "Lane would try to lock them into a contract." He swiped to the next section of security screenings.

Farley wouldn't be far off base. Lane tried to get anyone—or anything—unusual he could use to further Pennylane's reach. His midas touch did a lot of convincing.

She propped her chin on her hand. "So … what's next?" She might as well poke the elephant in the room.

Farley didn't look up from the tablet. "Depends on Lane's schedule." He switched from exterior footage to interior.

Marla ignored the stab of disappointment. "I mean with us, you moron. How do we navigate this—working and sleeping together?" She'd never had the experience of sleeping with someone she worked so closely with.

Farley frowned. "Sex is sex. Work is work. It's not that hard." He opened a new window and typed something onto the screen.

Marla blinked. "Ouch. Okay. Put like that, I feel stupid." She sat up, ready to make a quick exit.

Farley's gaze shot to hers. "What? Why?" His eyes closed, and he shook his head. "Never mind. I realize how that sounded now." He set the tablet aside and faced her. "Let me try this again." He grabbed her free hand. "We work great together. That shouldn't change just because we're great in bed, too. And we'll always put Lane's safety first."

Marla chewed his words over. "And you don't see our feelings getting in the way of that?" She paused. "What if one of us is compromised?" They couldn't assume it would never happen.

Farley held her gaze. "You have to mean what if I'm compromised, because you're more than capable of getting out of a jam." He let go of her hand. "But you obviously don't think I am." A hard note entered his voice.

Now she got to rewind and realize how that question sounded. Not at all what she meant.

Marla reached out for him. "No, you're wrong. I thought maybe the different dynamic would be a problem. But it looks like it won't be." She eased back down and curled up close to him. "We are gonna need to communicate though. Misunderstandings are easy to create." But at least they made it through their first one.

Farley wrapped an arm around her. "Yeah, I see that now. Lots of stuff can get lost in the translation from work to sex." His lips brushed over her temple. "We should go for a beach walk and lay out some contingency plans."

Marla smiled. "We're definitely on the same page now."

This story is a lot of fun. Marla and Farley aren't a typical couple and I love writing the vibe between them.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Summer's Eve (Organic Nature)

May is winding down and it's been kind of a whirlwind month. Or I might be hitting that age where time seems to fly by faster every day.

Not a bad work week. I finished up a project and jumped back into one that had been sitting on the back burner for a while. Also started a new one. Got some writing done also, which makes me happy because the sages have been on an extended vacation.

Pretty good week of viewing also. I managed to go through my slate of shows twice and finished up an episode I left hanging a few weeks ago.

Watched two episodes of The Brokenwood Mysteries. Thoroughly enjoyed both. I'm so excited this show is back for another season. I love the characters so much.

Caught two episodes of Death in Paradise. Finished up season seven and ended up liking it a lot. Starting season eight this week.

Started watching Best in Paradise, which features the favorite episodes of the cast. Got two viewed, and I think I'll continue watching. They have fun intros from the cast member and why the episode is one of their favorites.

Watched two episodes of Elementary and I really love how Joan is being fleshed out and using her knowledge. Also kind of happy to see some growth with Sherlock.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Batman. I remembered both and enjoyed each one. Really fun to have Robin and Batgirl working together to take down the rogues.

Caught one episode of Suspects and it ended up being a twisty affair, which I love. I have two more episodes of season four and then I'll start the final fifth season.

Watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Finished up the lead-in to the movie and caught the first episode post wedding. Fun stuff.

Also finished an episode of Peak Practice I started a couple of weeks ago. The later seasons seem to be a little hit or miss for me. Can't wait to finally get to season twelve.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Summer's Eve, an Organic Nature sexy short.

Here's the miniblurb:

The beginning of summer means Vin Derbish is chest-deep into his busy season. Eppie Collins is used to not seeing much of Vin during the month of June but suggests a spontaneous camping trip when the weather turns nasty with thunderstorms. A few days in a cabin with pouring rain as their soundtrack can't be a bad thing.

And a snippety peek…

Eppie stood on the porch, enjoying the light show. "I love a summer storm." Especially when being naked would otherwise be an issue.

The warm temperatures and humidity meant the gusty wind cooled more than chilled her skin. And being on the porch protected her from most of the steady rainfall. The fine mist blowing through the newly added screening tantalized and heightened her anticipation of Vin's arrival.

The slam of a vehicle door had her lips curving upward. "Incoming in five…" Her mind pictured Vin entering the front door and striding through the main room. "Four…" He'd toss his keys on the counter and toe off his boots. "Three…" Probably glance up to the loft and find it dark… "Two…" Then head on through the kitchen and to the back door. "One…" She turned to find Vin standing in the nude with a very hard dick.

No doubt he left a trail of clothes from the front of the house to the back.

His breath whooshed out. "Sweet mercy, Ep. You're gorgeous out here." He moved forward, a wolfish glint in his eyes.

Eppie arched her brows. "And you're raring to go…" Her hand fisted his hard-on. "Out here … in the elements?" She wanted him buried deep while the thunder rolled and boomed.

Vin's lips kicked up on one side. "Oh, yeah. A quick one to take the edge off." His hands skimmed up along her sides to cup her breasts.

His thumbs brushed over her taut nipples before his head dipped down to capture the right peak between his lips. Eppie's head fell back, and she tugged on the rod of flesh in her palm. If possible, he grew bigger and harder. A low rumble of thunder rolled in the distance and the spotty, sputtery rain turned into a full-on downpour.

Vin straightened and nudged Eppie around to face the screens. "Perfect timing…" His hot breath fanned against her neck.

She grasped the back of the rattan loveseat, placed her knees on the cushion, and leaned forward, sticking her ass out. "Absolutely perfect as soon as you give me what I need." She wiggled her hips.

Vin didn't disappoint. He moved forward, palming the globe of her butt with one hand. He used the other to run his length up and down her slick folds to get her good and ready for his smooth thrust of entry. He slid deep, bottoming out when his groin met her ass.

Eppie made a hum of satisfaction at the same moment a streak of lightning flared in the sky.

Perfectly perfect timing…

Eppie and Vin are a joy to write. I love writing an established couple and showing their ups and downs on the page.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Stone Cold Sober

Had a solid week of getting stuff done. This makes me happy. Got a garden planted. Okay, my husband got most of the planting done. I only did one thing, but I call that a win anyway.

On the work front, I did fairly well also. I'm hoping to launch a new venture in June, and I finally got back to setting that up. I also finished up a copy edit and started a proofreading project.

Solid week of viewing also. I'm in a bit of a groove and sticking with a cluster of shows. I still have a weird urge to binge watch a marathon of something, but I've resisted that urge. It's so easy to fall down a rabbit hole and not get anything done.

Ended up getting two episodes of Death in Paradise watched. One featured a Day of the Dead tie in, which is notable only because I'm watching a different show today that has a Day of the Dead tie in.

Also got two episodes of Elementary in. Started season two and got to meet Mycroft, which I enjoyed. Also got some additional Joan backstory and I'm glad to see some of that.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Batman. Both were ones I remembered from my original run through the show. Season three is different as I don't feel as connected to the characters, but it's a pretty solid season so far.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I've started season eight and I'd forgotten it's a lead up to the Rugrats in Paris movie and all the episodes are interconnected.

Watched two episodes of Suspects. I finished up season three and started season four. The premiere of four had a very twisty case and I really enjoyed that one.

Started season ten of Brokenwood Mysteries. I love this show so much. There's a terrific cast of characters and I love that Frodo and Todd have found both bodies so far this season.

Also enjoyed the finale of season twenty-six of Silent Witness. I'm finally one hundred percent caught up with the series. Now I play a waiting game until season twenty-seven.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Stone-Cold Sober, a novella with one of my favorite tropes … meeting the wrong guy first.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Tansy Jons meets West Tamesin, they have an instant connection, but she's dating one of his oldest friends. A drunken evening and almost hookup with West has Tansy examining what she feels as soon as she's stone-cold sober.

And a snippety peek…

Tansy exhaled on a jittery breath. "I'm really not sure about this." A little nervous about meeting with West, but the place would be perfect for him.

The little bungalow had everything he wanted. Not too big, off the beaten track, but close enough to town for convenience and good utilities. And the price, even if it didn't matter, wouldn't set him back too much.

The crunch of gravel drew her attention to the window. West drove up the long lane, and Tansy fought a kick to her heart when she went down to greet him at his vehicle. He exited the car, and she noticed the abrasion on his cheek.

She winced. "David's handiwork?" Why hadn't she thought of that possibility?

Coming between best friends would never rank as her finest moment.

West grunted. "I deserved it." He shut the door and shoved his hands in his pockets.

The cargo pants suited him. And she really needed to stop that thought right there. She wouldn't traipse down that road.

She shook her head. "No, you didn't. And I'm sorry." She owed him the apology.

West cocked his head and asked a point-blank question. "Why did you dump David?"

Tansy boldly told the truth. "Because I'm stone-cold sober and can't get you out of my mind." She grimaced inwardly. "And I haven't two-timed any man yet … I'm not going to start with a nice guy like David." If she couldn't stop thinking about West, she couldn't be with anyone else.

West mulled her words over and gave a nod. "What do you want?" He didn't add from me, but the implication resonated.

Tansy opted for honesty again. "You. All over me." Why not go for broke?

His eyes widened. "Damn. Didn't expect that answer." He huffed out a breath.

Tansy backed off a little. "Look, I know it's awkward, but I'm being truthful. I find it's better than playing games."

West grumbled with frustration. "I want you. I won't deny I don't." He met her gaze. "But I have something of a code…"

Never date the ex of a best friend. Yeah. Bro code all the way.

Tansy inclined her chin. "I get it. No problem." She gave him the contact info for the rental office and keys. "I hope you like the place." She made her way to her car before she could do anything stupid.

Like beg West to reconsider.

I love to tackle difficult subjects and navigating the fallout after realizing a hard truth is one of my favorite things to do.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Standing Room Only (a Black Unicorn Comics novella)

Happy US Mother's Day to those who celebrate. For those with parental issues, I hope you find joy and peace.

Had the rare experience of seeing the northern lights in Ohio. I can honestly say I haven't been so excited about something in a long time. The mysteries of space are awesome!

Fairly busy week with work projects and other odds and ends. Finished up a couple of manuscripts and started a new one. I have another ongoing developmental edit that I need to dive back into this week.

Not a bad week of viewing even with a few distractions. I'm at a weird place with watching right now. I'm kind of leaning toward doing binge marathons again and I'm not sure I want to fall down that rabbit hole again.

Caught two episodes of Suspects and enjoyed both. This show is kind of choppy and that adds something to the experience. I love the cases and how things are rarely what they seem from the initial starting point.

Finished up the third season of Madame Blanc Mysteries. I'd love to see another series of this show. The cast is a lot of fun.

Watched two episodes of Silent Witness. I've realized that after the next one, I'm completely caught up with the show. I really like the current cast and I'm excited to see what the next season brings.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. This is one I hadn't seen before and I liked the case. I'm also enjoying Jack's tenure as DI.

I think I finished out the first season of Elementary. I'm actually thrilled with how the Moriarity plot played out. I love seeing Joan kind of step in to the role of consulting detective with ease and grace. The things she sees that Sherlock doesn't is always interesting.

Watched another episode of The Batman. Nice to see Ethan back again. I'm a little bummed we haven't seen Chen for a while and I can't remember if she comes back or not.

Enjoyed the Valentine episode of Classic Rugrats. I do remember this one but not everything about it. Nice to see some longer length episodes also.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Standing Room Only, a Black Unicorn Comics novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

The crew from the Black Unicorn Comic Company is celebrating their award-winning event from a convention at a local pub. The entire group is in fine form and, with their significant others in attendance, it's standing room only at the bar with Lucy and Brian holding court.

And a snippety peek…

Lucy Sanderson stumbled out of the crowded venue and threw her arms open wide. "I can't believe we won in every category!" She whirled around, sashaying her hips.

Her better half, Brian Wells, laughed. "You're the one who said we would." He gave her a cheeky grin.

Lucy paused her antics. "Well, yeah. But that was me being overconfident. I didn't really think we'd do a sweep." She put her arms down then wrapped them around Brian. "Congratulations, by the way." Her lips brushed over his.

Brian hugged her close. "I can say the same." His mouth met hers for a lingering kiss.

The rest of their Black Unicorn coworkers spilled out of the auditorium and onto the sidewalk. Zapf and Els had their heads together. Reg and Ana quickly ducked to the side, Ana's baby bump showing proudly through her form-fitting twin set. Ana's sister Josephine wore a wide smile, loving the vibe of their group. Harry followed with Louanne—his date for the evening. He had her hand tucked into the crook of his elbow. Randy and Sosh walked out arm in arm with eyes only for each other.

Probably a good thing because last but not least, Chelle exited the building with her date, Hans Heinmiller, the owner of Black Unicorn's biggest rival, Dark Mirror Comics. Sosh had history with Hans but Chelle either didn't care or thrived on the potential for drama.

Lucy rolled her eyes but kept a biting comment to herself.

Brian leaned in close. "It's killing you, isn't it?" His hand drifted down her back to cup her butt cheek.

Lucy tilted her head back. "What's killing me?" She absolutely knew what he meant, but loved putting him on the spot.

Brian arched his brows. "Not saying whatever is sitting on the tip of your tongue. My guess is you're dying to take Chelle to task for showing up with Hot Hans." His nose wrinkled.

Lucy barked out a laugh. "I swear if she calls him that one more time, I'm going to douse her desk with the strongest tobasco sauce I can find." Or make a bouquet of ghost peppers.

Brian sputtered with a chuckle. "Okay, I'm giving you too many ideas. Let's get this group down to the Jolly and we'll buy a round to celebrate." He waggled his eyebrows.

The Jolly Jester catered to ex-pats like Reg and Brian. A traditional English pub with stout ales and lots of football and cricket on the telly. And, lucky them, located half a block from the awards venue meant they could all walk.

Lucy gave a nod and Brian turned around, issuing a sharp whistle.

Everyone but Chelle quieted down.

Brian jerked his head toward the direction. "Drinks on us at the Jolly. Let's keep this celebration going a little longer, yeah?" He tugged Lucy closer to his side.

A chorus of agreement went around, and everyone started down the sidewalk.

Lucy bit back a grin then leaned up to whisper in Brian's ear. "We're buying one round then we're heading home to have our own little party."

Brian's lips curved upward. "Let me guess … naked and in bed, yeah?"

Lucy lifted her chin. "Absolutely. It's the best way to celebrate."

I have so much love for this series. Brian and Lucy are an amazing couple to write and following their antics is a lot of fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: St. Patrick's Day Seduction (Organic Nature short)

Had a super emotional day yesterday with my daughter graduating from college with a bachelor's in media production and theater. She starts grad school in the fall for arts administration. I'm so proud of her! And … considering she had a drive-through high school graduation, getting to see her walk for her bachelor's made me very happy.

Had another good week of work and writing. I finished up two manuscript edits and a proofread on the work front and wrote several scenes in three or four of my WIPs. I'm not quite where I want to be on my writing, but I'm getting back to form.

Actually had a solid week of viewing also. Maybe the planets are aligned where I need them to be right now. Who knows?

Watched two episodes of Elementary and, wow, I rather like what they did with the Moriarity thing. Looking forward to seeing how that ends up. I think I have one more episode of the first season.

Started season three of The Batman and watched two episodes. I remembered both and enjoyed each one.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I think I'm at the end of season seven where the two vignettes are actually one episode. Kind of liked that format. I think the new theme starts with season eight. I'll find out this week I think.

Started a new season of Suspects. Loved the opening episode. It did not go where I thought it would and I love that.

Watched another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Broken-hearted for Gloria. I kind of hope there's more to the story about Cooper. I kind of want to find out what his whole deal was with Gloria.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I don't remember this one at all and actually loved it. Definitely a twisty one.

Caught the first part of Silent Witness. I'm excited to see where this one goes. There's definitely more than meets the eye for this case. I'm not thrilled with the new addition to Jack's life. I love his niece, but the mom is a piece of work and I don't like her at all.

Started a new episode of Peak Practice. I'll try to finish it up this week. Not sure what's up with Sam but I assume the seeds are being planted for his departure and that's why he's being such a prat right now.

Last but not least, I started a documentary called Broken Horses, mainly because it features the author of one of the books I've been working on and his stance that the drugging of horses needs to stop. I can honestly say it's a hard watch and my personal thought there might be a trainer who should never, ever be allowed to participate in the sport ever again. But that's just me.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from St. Patrick's Day Seduction, an organic nature sexy short.

Here's the miniblurb:

Eppie Collins and Vin Derbish survive a visit from Eppie's nefarious ex and she's ready to try something new with Vin—something she's never done before. Eppie takes some time to prepare then sets the stage for the romantic encounter—where else but in the chic shed Vin made for her.

And a snippety peek…

Eppie sat cross-legged in the middle of the bed. "This stuff smells amazing." She released a healthy amount of oil into her palms.

Vin perched on the edge of the mattress, his back on display. "Almost, but not quite, as good as the alfredo earlier." He shifted to the side and worked his shoulder up and down.

Eppie cocked her head. "Let me start right here." Her fingers glided over his skin before she pressed harder with her thumbs.

Vin groaned. "Ahh. That's nice, Ep." He slumped forward, his head dipping low.

She smiled and kept massaging Vin's muscles, enjoying the way they played under her fingertips. "You need to be horizontal. I wanna get my hands on your thighs." She loved the corded sinew he displayed from the physical labor he did.

Vin titled sideways, turning to lay flat on his stomach, swinging his legs up. Eppie added more oil and started in on his calves. Her hands pressed and lightly squeezed the hard flesh. She inhaled, the aroma of spicy citrus tantalizing her senses.

Moving upward, she gripped the hair-roughened skin of Vin's thighs and kneaded deeply.

He let out a long sigh. "You're working magic. Feels amazing."

Eppie grinned again. "I love doing this. There's something powerful about making the person you love experience something that feels wonderful."

Vin angled his head around. "Not to cut this short because I love it, but I also love watching you get off. Let's work the vibe in soon." He waggled his eyebrows and sat up.

Eppie couldn't deny looking forward to some stimulating play, especially with the new items. But first things first. She handed Vin the bottle of massage oil.

Vin took it without comment and squeezed a generous amount into his hand. "On your stomach, Ep. Time for me to work out all your kinks." His lips twitched.

Eppie laughed and rolled over onto her tummy. "More like indulge all my kinks, which is always fun." She exhaled on a long breath when his palms smoothed over her shoulders and down her back.

Vin stroked to her ass then returned to her upper torso. "Indulgence and fun go hand in hand with us." His fingers glided along her ribs.

Eppie closed her eyes and gave herself over to Vin's soothing touch. The warmth of his skin against hers never failed to relax stress away. Several minutes later, the telltale buzz of the vibrator had her lips twisting in a smirk. Relaxation time is over…

She eased over onto her back and gazed up at Vin. "Grab the sleeve while I get a little jumpstart with this." She took the slim device and ran the tip along her leg before settling it against her clit. "I have a feeling neither of us will last long…"

I love writing this couple so much. It's a joy to explore the ins and outs of this relationship.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin