Sunday Snippet: Tell Me More

February in Ohio can be an angsty monster. Two days ago we hit almost eighty degrees. Yesterday, we had a fifty-degree drop in temperature and snow. Seriously… Mother Nature has a warped sense of humor. Just saying.

I'll be skipping this week's The Walking Dead but thoroughly enjoyed last Sunday's episode. I'm always up for Daryl and Carol being in the same space.

The Flash ended up being pretty good, but I need to rewatch. Too many distractions going on while it aired. I did get to see most of Legends of Tomorrow and I'm torn between really hating Rip as a bad guy and kind of enjoying it. I'm very fickle sometimes.

Arrow ended up being awesome! Thea moving behind the scenes to protect her brother is terrific, even when she goes too far. The Merlyn blood is strong in her. I loved Oliver comparing her to Moira, too. A nice, subtle reminder of her other role model in life.

Riverdale got real with the Blossom family secrets. I loved getting some dark background on them. Also enjoyed some of the other undertones pinging in the background. I'm a little confused about Fred's marital status… didn't he say he and Mary split up but they're civil to each other? Oh well, whatever adds more drama, right?

I'm halfway through season two of Daredevil and still enjoying it. It's not as tightly written as the first season, but I love where things are going.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Tell Me More, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "don't stop".

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Shannon Tewes jolted awake and sat up, scrambling for her sketchpad. "Holy crap. This is perfect." Her fingers traced out a design, lightly shading in the gauzy effect that her brain conjured while sleeping.

She wanted to get as much detail on the page as possible before adding the new concept to her presentation.

Five minutes later, she leaned back and held up the pad. "Wow. This will be amazing." She'd drawn a long tunnel draped in a crepe-like fabric. "Add some lights, probably red, and some candelabras to line the path and, viola, a stunning entry for the guests." The Halloween-themed wedding would go down as one of her favorites.

Crawling out of bed, she crossed over to her small workspace and got her laptop going. She opened the project file and scanned the sketch into the computer. She'd flesh out the idea after she made some coffee.

She'd pay for this burst of inspiration when she came down from the creative high. And she didn't need Marjorie to lose faith in Shannon if she nodded off during the meeting later today. She'd already be pushing the limits of Marjorie's patience by adding in a large-scale, last-minute stroke of genius.

Mercurial by nature, Marjorie walked the gamut when they made changes close to a deadline. Which they did all the time. Fantastic Fetes earned its reputation for pulling off the impossible.

Working the mouse to fill in the color, Shannon grinned. "It's a good thing Marjorie could sell snow to Santa Claus." Unlike Shannon.

She preferred to be well behind the scenes. But Marjorie had mad people skills when it came to clients and getting them to part with their money. With her employees, she created friendly—usually—rivalries that garnered terrific ideas from her design teams.

Ugh. "Webber's not gonna be thrilled with me." Her counterpart for the Halloween nuptials had cranky down to an art form.

But, damn, between the smokin' hot body and the way he worked miracles by bringing her ideas to life, she hated working with anyone else. She kept her serious crush buried deep and under wraps. Marjorie liked to taste-test the help, but Shannon tried to maintain the separation of personal and professional.

But if Webber ever eased up on the grouch factor, Shannon might consider crossing the line.

She snorted. "Yeah, right. As if that'll ever happen."

Especially when he got a look at her new presentation.

I think I'll fun finishing this one up. Shannon and Webber have a ton of chemistry.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Surf's Up

February 19, 2017

Okay, I ended up watching The Walking Dead and enjoyed having the group back together. As always, The Talking Dead made me happy, too.

An off week for The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, which meant I got to start a binge watch of Daredevil. So far, so good. I have two more episodes of season one to watch and I'm loving it.

Arrow's episode with the origin of Wild Dog ended up being terrific. I'm so happy they got a season six order. Arrow is consistently one of my favorites.

Riverdale continues to be must see for me. It's not perfect, but I like that. Lots of room to grow the characters and plot threads. I'll be waiting patiently for the next person to slap Alice Cooper… or to bring her down. Either is okay with me.

Caught up on Murdoch Mysteries and happy to see Brackenreid back. I enjoy him a lot. Looking forward to this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Surf's Up, a novella that got a prompt from a writing community. I veered a little off course from the main set-up of having the main characters be secret service agents on vacation in Hawaii with the president. But I'm really thrilled with where this one is going.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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 Siff lounged at the loft railing in the VIP section of Amberlane, owned and operated by her employer Lane Pennyworth.

She gazed down at the dance floor and checked the comms. "Farley, security mark-in. Can you hear me from here?" She didn't turn, waiting on her counterpoint's reply.

Farley cleared his throat and responded. "Coming through, loud and clear." He muffled his voice but the blonde draped on his left side asked who he spoke to.

Marla's lips twitched. Farley Osbourne made computer programs, apps, and anything technological purr under his capable hands. Dancing around explanations should give his skill set a boost.

Marla checked in with suit one and suit two, strategically positioned by the steps leading down to the main bar, one at each stairwell. She never remembered their names and Lane rotated about a dozen different burly guys to act as his front men. They could protect him if necessary, but Lane mainly used the "suits" for show. Marla and Farley always took point on Lane's security detail and traveled with him twenty-four seven.

She angled around, pirouetting on her four-inch heels. Lane insisted she and Farley look like part of his entourage. She'd kill to be in boots and fatigue pants right now.

Lane had a buxom beauty on either arm and both women hung on every word coming out of his mouth. Marla didn't bother checking in with him. He rarely remembered to put his earwig in.

She glanced around the VIP section. Not a big crowed, which surprised her. The lower level looked to be standing room only. Usually the bouncer sent up a steady stream of club dwellers to entertain Lane.

Marla filed away the detail and walked the perimeter, stopping to chat with a super-hot six-footer with wavy, dark hair and an impressive physique. His gaze lingered on her cleavage and his hand wandered to her hip. The short hemline of her sequined dress inched upward when he tugged her closer.

Stepping away, she deflected his interest. "Sorry, hot stuff, maybe another time." Glancing back over her shoulder, she gave him a flirty wink.

Movement at the top of the steps caught her attention and she frowned when a waiter breezed directly past suit one. She edged closer to the lounge area, keeping a close eye on the guy while he served drinks. When he'd emptied the tray, he reached into his vest and a flash of silver kicked Marla into action.

She maneuvered into position. "Gun!" Shouting the word sent the guests into a frenzied escape.

As expected, the fake waiter went for Farley, assuming him to be the biggest threat.

Marla smiled and kicked off her shoes. "Never fails."

Farley's physical attributes fooled the best, but his genius lie with the programs, apps, comms, and equipment. Not that he couldn't handle himself in a brawl, but Marla lived for combat situations. She had the special forces training and loved using those skills to thwart anyone after her employer.

With a quick glance to Lane, she indicated he should duck and roll. He immediately complied. Atta boy! Lifting her hand, she struck a trigger point on the fake waiter. His grip loosened and the gun fell to the floor. Farley swept it aside and moved into action, covering Lane while Marla engaged the would-be assailant.

The suits flanked Lane and Farley, getting them to the private, hidden door. One stayed behind, already in communication with local law enforcement. Marla made short work of the assassin and suit two stepped up to keep him subdued until the officers arrived.

Marla led the way down the elevator and out the rear entrance where a limo awaited them.

Marla shot Farley a sideways glance. "Looks like your remote app saved the day." He'd pinged the driver the moment the altercation started.

Farley shrugged. "It's what I do." He got Lane into the car and climbed in after him.

Marla followed but didn't let Farley hand-wave his action. She sent him a pointed look, silently giving him kudos for thinking ahead. And he'd to a lot lately. The attempts on Lane, whether kidnapping or assassination, continued to get more frequent and bolder. The man needed to scale back on his appearances.

And maybe stop pissing people off. His Midas touch often included playing hardball with hostile corporate types and an occasional third-world kingpin. Not taking no for an answer didn't help.

Lane sprawled on his seat, shaking his head. "I think it's time to go to the island. You two deserve a break." Translated, Lane wanted to chill and hide for a while.

Marla couldn't agree more about taking a break. The thing Lane forgot? She and Farley continued to work whether they were on a private island with Lane or in the field.

But she wouldn't say no to a sunny, tropical reprieve.

Marla and Farley might have just a wee bit of time to smell the lush foliage around them on the island. Stay tuned to find out.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Stone-Cold Sober

The Walking Dead returns tonight and I'm torn between wanting to watch and not. I'm feeling very bleh today and might hold off and watch later.

The Flash is getting good. Not that it wasn't already, but I like how much they've upped the stakes and how the Flashpoint 'verse continues to bleed into the current reality.

Legends of Tomorrow also keeps getting better. And it's renewed for season three, which makes me very happy. I'm gutted over Rip becoming a marginalized version of his former self. Here's hoping that changes soon.

Arrow finally had some payoff for the bitchtastic reporter. Oliver just can't pick 'em. I do love the addition of Dinah and look forward to her interactions with the team. Rene and Quinton made me so happy. I love the dynamic there.

Riverdale again had a terrific show. The Betty and Veronica, B & V, team-up kicked major ass and seeing Alice get punched in the face made me happy. I'm kind of hoping we'll get to see what makes her such a harpified menace. Can't wait for this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Stone-Cold Sober, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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 hook-up with West has Tansy examining what she feels as soon as she's stone-cold sober.

And a snippety peek…

Jeff wished West all the best and headed back into the office. West slid behind the wheel and started the engine. His phone pinged and he switched over to Bluetooth before answering.

"David, how the hell are you?" West backed out of his parking spot and drove toward the street.

David laughed. "Damn, West. It's good to hear from you. I'm great." He paused a moment. "You, on the other hand, sounded like shit on the message."

West snorted. "Still call 'em like you see 'em, eh?" David knew West too well.

David snickered. "With you? Always. Seriously, man. What's going on?"

West filled David in while he drove out of the city and hit the freeway. The whole shitty story came pouring out along with the mention of coming home.

Weight dropped off West's shoulders when he took the exit heading for his condo. "So, I was wondering if you know of any place for rent? Something out and away from people?" He turned into his driveway and stopped outside the garage.

David gave a quick answer. "I don't, but let me ask my new girlfriend. Tansy's got an inside line on all the available properties coming on the market."

New girlfriend? He'd been out of touch with his best friend for too long.

West ribbed David. "New girl? I thought for sure you were gonna marry the last one." He'd actually been waiting on David to pop the question and give West a date to be home for the wedding.

David tsked. "Nah. Thought we were headed that way, too. But Greta took a job in a different state and I'm not at a place where I want to move." A long pause followed. "Long distance relationships don't interest me."

A lick of guilt hit West. "Damn, man. I'm sorry. You should've called me." Maybe he had; West traveled a lot over the last year.

David snorted. "Eh, we made a clean break. Haven't talked to her since she moved." He changed the subject. "Met Tansy John at a networking event and we've been hooked up ever since. Going on about three months now."

West leaned back in his seat and cut the engine, waiting on the Bluetooth to kick off before grabbing his phone. "Is it serious between you two?" Rebound relationships weren't really David's style.

David huffed out a breath. "Maybe? I don't know. She travels the tri-state area going to estate sales for the designer she works for." He waited a beat. "But she always comes home after a day or two on the road." Meaning no long distance relationship stuff.

West popped the door and exited his car. "Well, that's great, David. Think a week will give her enough time to put some feelers out?" He'd take a couple of days to pack up and put his condo on the market.

The furniture and big appliances would stay. West only needed his personal items, clothing, bedding, towels, and his coffeemaker, all of which would fit in his car.

David let out a low whistle. "You're not wasting time, buddy. Yeah, I'll get with her tonight."

West thanked his best friend and ended the call. He entered his home and strolled into the kitchen, grabbing a beer from the fridge. Popping the top, he wandered into the living room and sank down onto a side chair. Maybe he should think about finding a good woman and getting settled. For too long he'd had fast fucks or a relationship that lasted no longer than a one-night stand. Hell, he couldn't remember the last time he'd spent an entire weekend with someone.

Couldn't remember that last time he'd wanted to spend that long with a woman.

Moving home could change his mindset. Used to being alone, he could only hope so.

Because he needed something to hold on to now.

I like where this one is going and hope to have it finished up in the next couple of months.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Steamed Up

Hello February! Where the weather in Ohio is like a frigid tundra one day and a balmy spring on the next. Ha! Sometimes we get both in the same day. Yeesh.

Well… Riverdale kept my attention and fulfilled my wishes in its second episode. I don't have shows reach and grab me like they used to so this is terrific! I'm completely interested in what happens next.

Gotham just keeps getting better and better. I'm dying to find out what happens to Penguin and can't wait to see the Riddler come into emergence. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow had great episodes. Even the Legion of Doom didn't suck. Looking forward to seeing new episodes this week.

Arrow also had a great episode. I like where they're going with the new Black Canary. I'm also kind of holding my breath to see whether the DA is going to end up being a good guy or a bad guy. I'm also waiting for the other shoe to drop with a seed planted quite a while ago with Oliver being in Russia.

Got all caught up on Teen Wolf and enjoyed the midseason finale. Not sure where they can go with the final ten episodes, but I'll be there to see them.

Started the new season of X Company and it's terrific. I really love this show and the cast. I have three more episodes on tap and can't wait to watch.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Steamed Up, a novella that got a start with a prompt of writing a scene with sexy times in the shower with someone else watching.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Raina Forbes and Huck Holloway are forced to work together after a spectacular break-up. Their close-quarters job situation has sparks flying between the former couple, and shaky new relationships are tested with Huck's going down in flames. And contrary to popular opinion, Huck doesn't always play nice when he truly wants something… or someone.

And a snippety peek…

"Merch Madness just sold their shares to me and Huck Holloway starts working out of this location today." Hector Wells pranced behind his desk, his chest puffed out with pride. "I consider this the best news in the history of best news."

Raina Forbes groaned, but refrained from calling her boss an idiot.

Hector stopped his victory walkabout and pinned Raina with his beady gaze. "You got a problem, princess?" He resorted to calling names when he didn't want a confrontation.

Considering she and Huck had a spectacular breakup almost a year ago and hadn't spent more than five minutes in the same room since, why on earth would she have a problem? Not like Huck could ride her ass about Hector anymore; not when the man would be Huck's defacto employer now. She'd laugh out loud if the idea of seeing Huck again didn't throw her into a tailspin of memories better left alone.

Raina shook her head. "No, no problem." She'd be peachy or die trying.

Hector snapped his fingers then pointed in her direction. "Better not be. You and that Holloway guy have to learn to play nice."

Dammit. Of course Hector would remember she and Huck had a thing. And of course, he'd say something about it.

Manny Johnson, one of the trainers, shot her a look.

Raina shrugged. "Nothing to worry about." Except it could be if Huck decided he didn't want to be civil.

Any why would he be? You didn't end on good terms.

Tina Lamb, Hector's latest assistant, finally rolled in—late, as usual—and blew Hector a kiss. Hector gave her an indulgent smile and Raina's fellow announcer, Marissa Cathaway, shook her head in disgust. Hector always hired bubble-headed fluff brains to handle his day-to-day busywork. And he always wondered why he went through at least four a year.

Tina preened in front of Manny, but directed a question to Hector. "Did you deliver the news yet?" Her heels made a clacking noise on the tiled floor while she made her way to the desk and not waiting, for confirmation. "You all are going to love Huck Holloway. The man is a force of nature." She put her dainty purse in the top side drawer then flashed a smile. "If I had my way, he'd be in the brawls." Flicking her gaze to Raina, she all but purred. "He's an animal in bed." Bombshell dropped, Tina pulled the chair out and settled behind the desk.

Tina arrived after the spectacular breakup, but she'd heard rumors. No doubt, she wanted confirmation of Raina's previous status as Huck's bedmate. Raina rolled her eyes but didn't rise to the obvious bait. But… her nails left half-moons when her fingers curled into her palms.

Figured Huck would go for a simpering flower like Tina. Someone men would find malleable and agreeable—in bed and out. Unlike Raina who didn't like to be told when found lacking.

Manny nudged her shoulder. "You gonna let her have the last word?"

Raina shrugged. "Why not? She obviously needs a confidence boost." Marissa burst out laughing and Raina decided to make a dignified exit during the distraction.

Manny fell into step beside her. "There's my girl."

Raina's lips curved but she didn't reply. She'd never be his girl. They hooked up on a casual basis, when either needed to scratch an itch.

Raina intended to stick with the status quo. She didn't want commitment right now, even if Manny tried to push for more, which he did sometimes. Building the brand, making a strong presence on the elite spectacle sports circuit—her work—took up most of her time. Hector wouldn't always be her boss. Getting her name on the map and moving up the influence chain would guarantee a chance for her to call the shots one day. Since the breakup with Huck, her goals had solidified—own her own company and be the boss.

Raina would never admit the actual reason she kept Manny at arm's length and shied away from a real connection—Huck Holloway had ruined her for anyone else.

Gotta say, I'm having fun with this one. Raina and Huck are a joy to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Simple Thing

Okay, Riverdale, you have my attention. My high hopes were met and surpassed. Here's hoping the following episodes stay the course. My sister blog, Universes Altered, might pick up a weekly recap on this show. The acting and cast are a terrific mix and I look forward to seeing what this crew does.

Gotham's follow-up episode intrigued me. I'll lay money Leigh made a deal to stay away from Jim to spare his life. We'll see how long that lasts. Having Jerome loose in the city will be chaotic to say the least. If the origin story I think is playing out continues, I'm in. I also love the other two prongs of the cold war between Ed and Oswald along with the mama drama between Selena and Bruce. Thoroughly love how the trio of plot threads are playing out.

The Flash returned and didn't disappoint. Future vibing is kind of cool, but something tells me the crew is going to have burnt asses before it's all over.

Legends of Tomorrow always makes me happy when they visit someone famous before they're, well, famous. Having George Lucas kind of made the show. While I rather enjoyed Malcolm and Damien's team-up, I'm not sure how much fun it'll be if it's overused. I don't, however, think Mick and Stein sharing screen time will ever get old. More of that, please.

Arrow rocked, as usual. I have some doubts about the district attorney really helping Oliver, but we'll see what happens. Having Earth 2 Laurel is an interesting twist. Looking forward to seeing what happens there. Loved the bonding moment between Curtis and Rene, too.

Finished up Strike Back through season three. Holding off on four, but should start it soon. Got caught up on The Librarians, Murdoch Mysteries, and Teen Wolf. I'm thrilled to be current on all three. Whew. Missed the premiere of The Magicians and hope to catch up on that one soon.

Decided to forego watching MacGyver for now. I might binge watch after the season is over. The show just isn't holding my attention like I want it to and the cast shake-ups aren't something I'm thrilled with.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Simple Thing, a novella that got a start from a writing community prompt of making one character lose a bet and having to plant a kiss on another in front of an audience then things get out of hand. I really liked this prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

River Cyd loses a bet and has to have a lip lock with Gus Berkeley. No big deal—they've shared them before. But the simple kiss goes from zero to smokin' in less than a second flat and River isn't quite sure when complicated became the norm between her and Gus.

Here's a snippety peek…

River Cyd wiped down the bar at GoGo's while reviewing her notes for her final exam. Her master's degree within reach, she'd doubled up on her study sessions.  The buzzer sounded by the back door and she frowned. Deliveries weren't scheduled until after one and she'd come in at eleven… fifteen minutes ago.

Tossing the rag in the sink, she made her way to the rear exit and checked the monitor. The craft beer delivery man stood outside, hands jammed in his pockets and his toe tapping the ground.

River keyed the code and opened the door. "Hey, Joe. What's up?" She propped the steel door with the block of wood.

Joe gave her a harried smile. "Boss's wife is in labor and he's closing up shop early. Asked if I could make my deliveries and get back ASAP." He walked around to the front of the truck and grabbed a clipboard from the seat. "If you can sign for the twenty cases, I'll go ahead and start getting them into the bar."

River held up a hand. "Hold up. You need Gus's signature and he's not down here yet." She glanced inside the vehicle, noting the almost empty rear interior. "Are we your last stop?" Her gaze swept over a photo, taped to the sliding door, showing a woman and two dark-haired kids.

Joe nodded. "Yeah. I saved you guys for last." He leaned against the truck, the clipboard tucked under his arm. "You sure you can't sign for the beer? I won't tell my boss if you don't." His lips curved in a lopsided grin.

River shook her head. "No way, Joe. Gus'll have my hide." She tilted her head to one side. "I'll tell you what. Let me run up and see if he's home. Maybe he can come down, sign for the beer, and let you get going." She crossed the alley and dashed up the steps to Gus's apartment.

Joe gave her a thumbs-up. "Thanks, River. Appreciate it."

She waved and knocked on the door. Glancing through the window, she snorted. Gus wouldn't win any housekeeping awards. Clothes were flung everywhere, dirty dishes stacked in the sink, and office paraphernalia littered the table. She banged again and still didn't get a response.

She looked over the railing. His motorcycle sat parked in its usual spot, so he should be home.

River tried the knob. It twisted and she pushed the door open, sticking her head inside. "Gus? You home?" Running water greeted her ears.

Stepping inside, she tried again. "Hey, Gus? You around?" The shower shut off and River opened her mouth to say his name again but the words died in her throat.

Gus strolled from the bathroom toward his bedroom, gloriously naked up to his head, which he had covered with a towel, sopping up the water that clung to the ends of his hair. River gasped and Gus spun around, giving her a full frontal view.

Good God.

The man should pose nude for the sake of posterity. River drank in the sight—broad shoulders with some ink on the left, defined pecs, ripped abs, and—holy heaven above—an impressive cock. Even soft, it had length and girth.

Her gave flew upward, glancing off his and River worked to form words. But her brain got stuck between "I want" and "Gimme". Her fingers curled into her palms to keep from making grabby hands.

This one is fun. River and Gus get hot and heavy without really thinking through the consequences.

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Severing Ties

January 22, 2017

Okay, I finally finished the six seasons of Hawaii Five-0 that were available on Netflix. Only a few small quibbles, the biggest being it makes me insane when actors play two different, unrelated roles on the same show. I love Ingo Rademacher, but don't make him the parent of a kidnapped child in one episode and then call him back to play a prosecuting attorney trying to bring Five-0 down. Seriously? Were there no other actors who could have played one of those roles? Ugh.

And thank the universe the whole Gabriel Waincroft saga is over. Yeesh.

I'm all caught up on Teen Wolf and aside from wanting to throw things because they brought Theo the Asshat back, I'm loving this season.

I'm working on The Librarians and should start catching up on Murdoch Mysteries and Sherlock this week.

Gotham returned and, yeah, definitely happy it's back on my screen. Now I need all my other DC shows to come back. Also looking forward to seeing what Riverdale ends up bringing to the table. That one could be really fun or truly terrible. Fingers crossed for the first option.

And that's it for television. Tonight's post is from Severing Ties, a novella that started with a writing community prompt to write a breakup scene. I enjoyed writing it so much I wanted to build the story leading up to the split.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lucky Block and Booker Severn provide all the crazy antics their small town can take. But when they finally sever ties, the community pulls out all the stops to show the couple they belong together.

And a snippety peek…

Lucky Block glanced at the clock and groaned. "Dammit, Booker is going to be so pissed." Her gaze focused on the project folder spread out on the desk. "Still have at least an hour of work to do." She shot off a quick text, giving him an apology and begging off for their date.

Settling back in her seat, she rubbed at the kinks in her neck. The late night would be the fourth one in a series of weeks filled with overtime. Her phone pinged and she glanced at the message.

"Seriously? Again?"

She rolled her eyes. Figured. The concept of doing something well and not stopping until she achieved perfection ended up being lost on Booker Severn. The man did everything right the first time and never second guessed his work.

Lucky sighed. "If only I had that problem." She typed out a response. "Let's shoot for a date night next week." The deadline for her current job would be met by then.

After five years of meandering through a quagmire of career indecision, Lucky buckled down and vowed to stay the course in her chosen profession. She didn't want to be the butt of the town's jokes anymore.

And she refused to be Booker's charity project. She'd pay her way or die trying.

Funny how living down their past seemed to be getting in the way of their future.

The decade of being on again-off again didn't help.

Her phone beeped. "Yeah, okay. See you at my place later?"

She hesitated a moment, weighing the option of going home and getting some much-needed rest or heading to Booker's and possibly arguing over their broken date. Maybe he wouldn't start a fight. She'd been talking about how this job kicked her ass on a daily basis.

Before she could change her mind, she texted. "I'll be there." Setting the device aside, she straightened and started back in on the work.

Maybe, if she played her cards right, she'd finish up and not be exhausted.

Lucky and Booker have what I call distraction syndrome and need to overcome the obstacles they've thrown up without realizing they're there.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Selling Tickets

Another crazy week with weather. At least we didn't get the huge ice storm the forecasters predicted. Thank the universe.

This week in television saw a lot of Hawaii Five-0. I'm developing a healthy obsession with Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan. I'm working on season six and then it'll be a waiting period until season seven is done airing. Gotta say I'm pretty pleased with the continuity on this show. That said, I do have a couple of questions that haven't been answered yet. Maybe they'll have a resolution later?

Still need to catch up on The Librarians and Teen Wolf. Gotham returns this week, I think. I'm interested in seeing how the death of Mario is resolved.

Missed the return of Agents of SHIELD. Playing catch up on that one, too. So many good shows, so little time.

Tonight's post is from Selling Tickets, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "move along". I had an immediate scene pop into my head and went on a roll with brainstorming.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kurt Trevarthan owns a popular nightclub and trusts Winnie Clay, one of his oldest friends, to keep things running smoothly. He never dreams he'll have to rely on her when his old man shows up—after a decade away—on the anniversary of Kurt's mom's death, but Winnie comes through and keeps the Trevarthan men from killing each other.

And a snippety peek…

Winnifrid Clay cast her critical gaze over the interior space of Solange's, the new club her partner, Kurt Trevarthan, built almost from the ground up. She always did a final walkthrough, looking for missed details. Final inspections were long over, but Winnie hadn't put her stamp of approval on the place yet.

Nostalgia filled her. She'd been with Kurt for a dozen years and this place meant a lot to him. A nudge of wistfulness crowded into her brain. She'd been in love with Kurt since day one. But… while he slept with her on a regular basis, he never asked for more.

And he never would.

Didn't matter she got the reasons he'd decline asking for a life with her. And she did get them, had been witness to the final blowup between Kurt and his dad and helped pick up the pieces. She'd worked alongside Kurt to move forward and stay off his dad's radar ever since.

"But someday, you'll have to deal with him, if only to close the book once and for all."

"Close what book, Win?" The head bartender wore a quizzical look.

Winnie shook her head. "Nothing, Frank. You know I'm always talking to myself." She waggled her fingers and moved along, taking in the DJ booth.

State of the art equipment and a splashy design would keep patrons on the dance floor, which would make them nice and thirsty and boost tab sales. Kurt would start out and stay in the black with this club. After helping him turn two other struggling bars around, Winnie confidently believed he'd succeed with this near to his heart venture.

With or without her.

Yes, she'd created the look for Solange's. She'd followed every step of the process from buying the building, to renovation, to running interference with the contractors and suppliers. Kurt's name resided on the deed to the property purchased outright five years ago with no mortgage, but Winnie's touch everywhere else.

She took pride in the accomplishment…

But the sense of being settled after a job well done escaped her this time. Wanderlust hovered just over the horizon and Winnie stood at a crossroads. Continue working and sleeping with Kurt as the status quo or shake things up and see what else life had to offer.

What do you want, Winnie? Her inner voice kept asking the same question.

"I have no idea and that's the problem."

Okay, she had a general idea. Once the club opening launched, she wanted time. To think, reflect, and decide what her next move would be. Two weeks should do it.

The office door opened and Kurt strode out. Even after a dozen years, her heart still kicked in her chest. Looks aside—because rugged handsomeness only went so far—his intensity and focus drew her in. Dressed down for a day of stocking alcohol for opening night, his jeans rode low on his hips and the black t-shirt clung to his torso and his solid biceps stretched the sleeves.

Make that two weeks… alone. With no Kurt to distract her from thinking clearly.

I'm excited to finish this one and see how it turns out.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin