Sunday Snippet: Baring Skin

Well… another homecoming is in the books and life can return to semi-normal, which is still crazy but less so. LOL

Terrific week for television with shows returning for their fall premieres (and one season ender)!

The Last Ship's finale was everything I'd hoped for. The people I wanted to see not make it died in appropriate ways and they didn't touch anyone on my "better not kill" list, so, yeah, I'm thrilled to bits with how the season ended. And it looks like season five will be terrific! Can't wait for next summer.

I honestly didn't know if I'd like The Flash, but it ended up being a great episode. Cisco keeps things interesting and I like where Caitlyn is right now. Same goes for Legends of Tomorrow. Their reboot after messing up all of time is excellent. Can't wait to see what they end up doing for the rest of the season.

Arrow's premiere rocked. I really didn't know how they'd end up resolving the island explosion and it looks like there will be plenty of repercussions. I'm interested in what happened to the few we didn't see in the opening episode, namely the former league crew. I can honestly say it was awesome to see Raisa back with Oliver, too.

Gotham had another terrific episode. This show just keeps getting better and better. I like how they're beginning to weave Bruce's story into Gordon's… finally. I'm pretty "meh" about the Sophia Falcone stuff but we'll see where it goes.

My Netflix queue random pick ended up being Midsomer Murders. I'm enjoying a nice revisit to this show.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Baring Skin, a sexy short that brings the main characters together through a series of unfortunate—or fortunate, depending on your viewpoint—events.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Rachel Maddox and Jack Luthor work together and avoid acting on their attraction, until they catch each other in compromising positions. But when they do finally hook up they have to decide if they can maintain their professionalism on the job or start looking for a place to transfer.

And a snippety peek…

Forty-eight hours later, the next shift day, proved to be a polar opposite to the previous one. All remained quiet, no tones dropped to announce a call, not a wheel turned, radio silence. Rachel took the time to get a solid workout in. Between the station house and the hospital, she didn't have to purchase a gym membership, one of the perks of the job.

Station five had a climbing wall—which doubled as a rappelling unit for rescue training purposes—and she loved taking advantage of the knobby terrain. She'd made it halfway up when Jack entered with Dobby Newsome and Eric Sailor. The guys critiqued her skill and cracked jokes about how much fun she'd have when the dispatcher finally dropped a call in their laps. As usual, Dobby took things a step too far and trotted out the sexist remarks he loved. Today, he focused his comments on her ass.

Eric shook his head. "Dude, if you don't shut up, Rachel is going to kick your ass. And we'll stand back and cheer when she does." He shot Dobby a hard look.

Rachel snorted. "Wouldn't be a fair fight." She finished scaling the wall and started her descent. "Dobby would need at least two guys for backup." Her head angled over her shoulder, checking to see if her barb scored a direct hit.

Score one! Dobby's mouth flattened to a thin line and his hands balled into fists.

Eric grabbed Newsome and tugged him toward the mess hall. "And with that friendly warning, I think we'll go check on the dinner chow." They made their exit, leaving Jack behind.

Rachel met his gaze and rolled her eyes.

Concern flickered in Jack's eyes. "Someday he's going to get hit up against a woman who doesn't have your fortitude or patience." He glanced toward the mess hall. "He's lucky you haven't actually followed through and cut off his balls."

Rachel continued her downward path, but turned slightly. "Aww, your confidence in me is inspiring." She twisted back toward the wall but couldn't maneuver.

Her sports bra got hung up on one of the rappelling hooks.

She struggled a little. "Dammit. Got distracted. I know better." Rocking back and forth a little, she tried to unhook her snagged brassiere.

A tearing sound then cool air hit her skin. Shit! Pretty much total exposure.

She quickly lowered down to the floor, trying not to laugh when Jack averted his gaze.

Rachel covered up as much as she could. "It's not like you walked in on me in the head, Jack." Unlike when she walked in on him. "You're not even gonna sneak a peek?" She couldn't quite keep a note of challenge from her tone.

Jack's shoulders stiffened a little. "Unless you wanna walk around five house with the girls hanging out, I need to find something for you to wear." He walked over to the small lockers situated along the wall, trying to find an open one.

Duly chastised, Rachel unhooked the line rope and shimmied out of the harness while Jack's back remained turned. He came up empty with his search. Unbuttoning his uniform shirt, he shrugged out of it, leaving him in a sleeveless t-shirt. He then turned and held the light blue garment up for her to put on, keeping his gaze averted.

She stepped forward and slid her arms in the sleeves effectively covering her front. "Thank you." Spinning around to put her back to him, she wriggled the shirt around so she could button it up.

Jack reached out and fixed the collar, his fingers brushing over her skin. An electric zing shot along her nerve endings. Whoa.

Jack's fingers curled into his palm when he withdrew his hand. "That should do it for now." His voice had a husky rasp to it.

Rachel gave a brief nod and barely suppressed a shudder of awareness. "Um, yeah. I'll get changed and get it back to you in a few." Now her voice held a throaty purr.

He inclined his chin, acknowledging her retreat. "No rush."

Rachel walked away with a strong desire to hear his voice in the heat of passion—especially if he uttered her name in a gravelly tone. Holy crap. Had she just crossed over into the need to make that happen?

Probably yes.

I like this one and really need to spend the time to get it all finished up. Here's hoping that happens this year.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Anything Goes

October 8, 2017

And so the crazypants onslaught begins. October starts the official launch of "let's go Mach II with our hair on fire" season. Homecoming is this weekend and my daughter is hosting nine other couples for pictures and dinner. Then we slide into Halloween, followed by the fall sports banquet, Thanksgiving, Christmas, the New Year, and starting January 11, birthdays for all but one of my immediate family. LOL See… crazypants.

So, moving on to what calms me… television. The Last Ship proved, once again, it's never a good idea to mess with a wolf. Seriously, a few nice reveals were dropped and the episode let Fletch redeem himself… kind of. I'm probably in the minority but I'm not quite ready to forgive his transgressions yet.

Still need to watch Teen Wolf's finale. The past week got crazy busy so I didn't have time.

Finished up The Defenders and, yeah, I pretty much loved it. Looking forward to more from the individual series and also to The Punisher whenever it arrives. Heh, if it hasn't already because I'm that far behind right now.

Almost finished with Hawaii Five-0. Truly can't see how season eight is going to be decent without Chin or Kono. I guess I'll play it by ear.

I'm all caught up on Gotham and I love this show. The soft intro of Bruce's alter ego ended up being exactly perfect. Penguin raining havoc is a joy to watch. And poor Jim is getting ready for another round of the absolute wrong woman for him bingo. Falcone's daughter is probably not what the doctor ordered for the guy. Just saying.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Anything Goes, a novella that started as an exercise to write a story via flashback and keep it interesting.

Here's the mini-blurb:

On the eve of Olivia Barton and Luke Johnston's wedding, their friends and coworkers at the twelfth precinct throw a rehearsal 'roast' for the couple. Their unconventional courtship is chronicled for everyone to enjoy and none of the names are changed to protect anybody.

And a snippety peek…

Luke stopped by a cadet whose attention focused on the wall of academy records. She had her dark hair pulled back in a standard issue ponytail and her profile showed determination and a not a little arrogance. Her finger pointed to a name and tapped it.

He recognized the name.

She slid her gaze sideways, her hazel eyes intense. "This guy has the top score in every category." She pursed her lips then let a slow smirk cross her face. "But not for long."

Luke inclined his chin. "Really? Why is that?" He'd arrived at the shooting gallery for some practice and wore his civilian clothes.

She rocked back on her heels. "Because I intend to beat his record." Her voice oozed confidence.

Enough that Luke wanted to her to try, just to see if she could.

He tilted his head to one side. "You know, I'd like to see that. Mind if I join you in the range?" She narrowed her eyes and he quickly amended. "Just for fun on my part. Besides, you need someone to witness your achievement, don't you…" He glanced at her name tag. "Cadet Burton?" She filled out her uniform with a fit frame that had plenty of curves.

He couldn't wait to see how well she handled a weapon.

Cadet Burton nodded. "Actually, yeah. What's the point, if I don't have someone to back up my claim when I win?" She did a slow once-over of him from head to toe and a hint of heat filtered her gaze. "I think you'll do." Directing her head toward the end of the corridor, she motioned for him to precede her.

Luke bit back a bark of laughter. Cadet Burton didn't lack self-assurance and he'd give her props… especially if she beat the record-holder.

Then again… she had no idea Luke held the top score in every category.
I'm really having a great time with this one. Can't wait to see how everything comes together.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Along the Shore

Hello, October. We're getting into the fall season and that means the rest of the year is going to fly by! The beginning of October always marks the start of the holiday season for me. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas / Yule. I'm excited!

The Last Ship had a decent episode. I was so hoping Giorgio got blown up but, alas, not the case. Here's hoping he meets with a satisfying ending sometime in the near future. His whole family can go up in flames and I wouldn't shed a tear.

I haven't watched Teen Wolf's finale yet. I'm not quite ready for its end. But it's going to be terrific. I have no doubt.

Got a few more episodes of The Defenders in. I really didn't see Alexandria's end… if it's an actual ending. You just never know with the Hand.

Hawaii Five-0 said goodbye to Max in a great episode. I'm about halfway through the season and still enjoying.

Gotham's second episode ended up being excellent. I love how everything is coming together. Interesting to see Barbara back on the screen.

That's it for television this week. Looking forward to more of my favorite shows being back soon. Tonight's post is from Along the Shore, a South of the Border tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Vail Ericsson, a freelance security expert and skilled tracker, can find anyone for a price. But when he trails Ellery Quantrell to Mexico, he discovers she's not an escapee but a target and his role changes from pursuer to protector, whether Ellery wants him as a shield or not.

And a snippety peek…

Oh dear, if looks could kill, she'd be in serious danger right now. Okay, more danger. She hoped someone called the emergency services for the booth owner. Ellery liked the woman, Carmela, and had chatted with her almost every day since Ellery had arrived in Mexico.

She risked another glance at the man who'd come after her. He didn't have the countenance of Ivan's usual entourage of bodyguards and hired protection. Then again, he said he'd been tasked with tracking her down and returning her to Ivan.

No way in hell would she return. Not even for her brother.

The man kept his gaze moving, his body angling back and forth until he got a good look at all the upper levels and balconies. He might not be a standard Ivan goon, but Ellery didn't trust him. Not for a minute. The guy had military or mercenary training. With his build, though smaller than Puchenko's usual slabs of beefy, muscled brutes, he would no doubt hold his own. He had dark hair, a little shaggy on the top, so probably mercenary instead of military. His eyes, a rich, dark brown, had a piercing intensity. They didn't miss anything.

And currently, his gaze landed on her like a physical blow.

He quirked a brow and opened his mouth to speak, but frowned instead. His head snapped around just when a soft pop sounded. A bullet struck the stone slab less than two inches from Ellery. She squeaked but didn't scream. She'd grown too used to bullets flying to be completely freaked out.

But she didn't fight the guy when he dragged her from the seat and shoved her in front of him, marching her toward cover. He ducked into the first building they came to and pushed her against the interior wall while he did a quick assessment of their situation.

They were pinned down inside the small gift shop, unless they could exit out a back entrance. If the store had one. Some of the smaller boutiques received their deliveries at neighboring locations. A wash of anger hit Ellery. She'd been free and clear until one stupid man showed up, leading Puchenko's men right to her.

She tapped him on the shoulder. "Exactly how're you going to get us out of this one, Mr Big Shot?" Snarking at him wouldn't help their circumstances, but damn, the sarcasm gave her a needed boost.

The guy narrowed his gaze. "The name's Vail and I will figure this out." He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the shop owner. "You got a back entrance?"

The man held up his hands and shook his head. He didn't speak English. Ellery translated and asked again in Spanish. The owner smiled and nodded, pointing the way to the rear exit.

Vail tugged her behind him, his longer strides making it hard for her to keep up. Ellery followed for now. She'd find a way to lose him once they got back outside and she could make a break for it.

Attractive or not, Vail had brought the hounds of hell to her door and Ellery wouldn't soon forgive or forget.

I'm having so much fun writing Vail and Ellery and it's nice to revisit Lars and Kiernan, too.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: All Day Sucker

What an incredible episode of The Last Ship! I loved the whole storm at sea and the cat and mouse game with the Greek ships. My fingers are crossed nothing happens to Master Chief. I'll be very upset if he dies.

Teen Wolf brought back even more former Beacon Hills faces. I'm excited and a little melancholy about tonight's episode. I'll be totally thrilled if Monroe finally dies a spectacular death.

I'm four episodes in on The Defenders and pretty much love it so far. Even Danny isn't as annoying as I thought he'd be. Jessica and Luke make me happy. Not as a couple or anything, I just love their shorthand conversations. And, of course, Matt is pretty much my favorite, always.

Hawaii Five-0 is pretty terrific in season seven. I like the interactions and pretty much like Steve getting some closure with Katherine. I'm not even halfway through the season yet, but here's hoping the remaining episodes are as good.

Gotham returned! I completely missed the premiere date but got caught up the next day. I LOVED the first episode of the season. I'm thrilled the show seems to have found its footing and delivers great television on a consistent basis.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from All Day Sucker, a sexy short free read set in the Black Unicorn Comic 'verse.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Brian and Lucy have competing comic book series, a friendly rivalry, and a terrific, sexy relationship. When Brian is blocked on his next installment, Lucy provides some steamy inspiration to help him get through it.

And a snippety peek…

Brian Wells stared at the monitor, his pen tapping out a chaotic rhythm on the desk with one hand, his fingers of the other on the keyboard. He waited for the words to flow… prepared either way for however his brain decided to send them.

He blew out a breath. "It's never this hard." Bloody blocked when he needed to get his next installment written so Harry could start the mock-up.

Maybe this whole spinoff idea just sucked balls. He could be back in bed with Lucy instead of sitting here hoping the wicked imps of inspiration would cooperate. No. Brian wouldn't put Lucy through another sleepless night.

At least not for anything other than fantastic sex.

She didn't say anything, but he'd kept her awake last night with his tossing and turning. Muddled and fuzzy images rolled through his mind… more like fast-forwarded. His brain couldn't settle on anything specific and that also never happened. Usually, a clear picture would take shape then an entire scene would morph into view. But this next issue didn't want to come easily.

Brian tossed his pen down. "So much for this spinoff being a grand idea." Reg wanted the entire run nailed down before they launched.

Not too much to ask. Black Unicorn routinely had a six-month commitment for publication and Reg liked to have the series ready to go, giving the artists time to work their magic and letting Chelle get her press kits together.

Brian wanted this project to do well. Maybe the characters decided to stop talking to him because they didn't want to be separated. But… they wouldn't be apart for long.

He sighed. "Just a six-issue run." Okay, six issues to start with.

But he didn't plan to keep them in different places forever.

"Argh!" He slouched down, resting his head on the back of his chair then spun around in circles. "Come on. Talk to me."

Writer's block is frustrating and spills over into the personal side of life. It's a good thing Brian has Lucy to set him back on the right path.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: All Bets Off

September 17, 2017

The Last Ship continues with its excellence. The tough love from Captain Meylan and Master Chief is something Chandler needed. I loved the twisty twist of "Hello, Fletch". I'm very interested in seeing what he does. Can't wait for tonight's episode.

Teen Wolf continues bringing old faces back and I'm so happy! At this point, I'm ready for the guidance counselor to die already. Truly, I pretty much hate her. Gerard is a love to hate character, but the counselor… not so much. She's just annoyingly irritating.

I got started on The Defenders and quite like it so far. The way the four main characters are coming together is pretty terrific and the snark is spot on. Should get at least one more episode in today.

Also started season seven of Hawaii Five-0. I'm enjoying the episodes so far. Not sure I'll be down with a season eight without Chin and Kono so this might be my last season.

I'll be starting the British show Fearless soon. Can't wait to watch Jamie Bamber on my screen again. Which means… I'll probably be binge watching the BSG marathon on Syfy next weekend. LOL

Oh! Terrific news. Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is going super-sized and coming to the big screen. The crowdsourcing campaign reached its initial goal within forty-eight hours and the funds are still rolling in. Can't wait to see what the movie brings.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from All Bets Off, a sexy short where the main characters face their attraction and navigate through a pile of baggage to examine how they feel.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kellen Bairds and Pierce Abbotson make friendly wagers on a regular basis until Kellen won't admit Pierce won their latest round. When he calls her on the lie, she gets angry because no amount of money on earth will make her reveal how kinky her dreams are. Or her feelings for him.

And a snippety peek…

Pierce dropped down beside Barret, which put him across from Kellen. He flashed a quick smile and she returned it. The entire after-party idea came from her and he'd balked at first, but the events brought the crew together and profits rose because of their camaraderie.

Nice for his bank account not to mention helping restore his faith in humanity.

No small feat.

But something about her remained elusive. She engaged with the other but also held back. It made him a little crazy sometimes.

Barret nudged Pierce's shoulder. "Wanna go first, boss?" He waggled his eyebrows for good measure.

Pierce shook his head. "I'll go last. Executive privilege." He chuckled when a chorus of groans greeting his pronouncement.

Truth told, he had an edgy feeling about the night and wanted to go last to see if he could pinpoint the reason.

An hour later, by the end of the first round, he hadn't managed to figure it out.

Winnie turned her shot glass over. "I'm out, guys. Barret's gonna fall over if one of us can't walk back home." She slid her chair out and waited a moment before standing.

Barret had seven glasses lined up in front of him. His propensity for telling tall tales taking him out of the game in the first round. Pierce helped Winnie get him out the door and relocked it behind them. Luckily, they lived the closest to the bar, one street over and a block up.

When Pierce returned to the table, Kinley snorted. "Think those two will ever hook up?"

Kellen lifted a shoulder. "Let's let them figure it out. Barret's not ready to be a one-woman man just yet."

Pierce quirked a brow. "Speaking from personal experience?"

Kellen pinned him with her gaze. "Is that an official question?" Her lips twisted in a sly smirk.

Pierce shrugged. "Sure, why not?"

Her mouth widened into a grin. "Drink up, boss man." The implication being she'd never hooked up with Barret.

Pierce narrowed his gaze. "You're sure?" She dead-eyed him and he picked up the shot.

Yeah, no hooking up with Barret for Kellen.

He downed the liquor. "Next question."

I thoroughly enjoy watching my characters dance around feelings and then get all tangled up in their emotions. So much fun to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Academic Challenge

I'm hoping anyone in the path of a hurricane is hunkered down and safe. I have family in Florida and a best friend in Texas—who survived Harvey relatively unscathed—and they haven't seen the last of the crazy, intense storms.

From what I'm seeing on previews, it looks like The Last Ship will have a huge storm to deal with on screen. They're oddly in step with real world events, which is one of the bizarre yet cool things. Last week's episode ended up being way better than I thought it would be. And Mike didn't die so bonus points for that.

I'm completely caught up on Teen Wolf and, wow, things are getting super intense. Gerard is batshit, per usual, but on a whole new level. And the guidance teacher chick, whose name I never remember, is annoyingly single-minded. Looking forward to tonight's episode to see what new blast from the past appears.

I caught the finale of Killjoys and it didn't disappoint. I'm so happy we get two more seasons of this cast and crew. I'm very interested in where the storyline involving the lady will go. And, of course, I need my Jacobi brother fix… sandwiched or not.

I also got caught up and watched the finale of Wynonna Earp. This show… is total gold. Somewhat like Lost Girl, the show hasn't met a genre rule it won't break and I love it even more because of that. I'm excited to see what next season brings.

I should be starting The Defenders this week and catching up with season seven of Hawaii Five-0. I'm also thinking about starting the British drama Fearless, which stars one of my favorite actors.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Academic Challenge, a novella with main characters who face the challenge of working together with a powerful attraction.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Holly Patz, the newest TA for Professor Sam Ingali, wants to enjoy the experience. But when rumors start swirling about her relationship with the handsome instructor, she has to decide whether to stick around and become his latest conquest or turn the odds in her favor.

And a snippety peek…

Holly gathered up the papers the designated student turned in from the class. She stuffed them into her satchel and got up, ready to head to her office to start grading. Sam had a trio of female coeds peppering him with questions and trying to flirt at the same time.

Holly's lips curved. The man definitely had a fan club. She hefted the strap of the messenger bag over her shoulder and lifted a hand in a quick wave.

Sam ended his conversation, disappointing the three women, and caught up with Holly. "Do you have plans tonight?" He pushed the door open and let her precede him through.

She tilted her head, glancing at him sideways. "Not yet. Why?" A bag of microwave popcorn and action movies didn't qualify as plans, right?

He paused a moment, a rare hint of indecision on his face. "I'm working on a new lecture but can't quite nail it down." His gaze met hers. "Would you be willing to have a working dinner and act as a sounding board?"

She barely kept her mouth from dropping open. After their initial banter-filled meeting, they'd transitioned to a smooth working relationship. She made it a point to have everything required waiting on the professor when he arrived, just as he'd requested. Going above and beyond, on clinic days, she assigned the groups working together and avoided the need for questions about organization and expectations, giving Sam time to start assessing progress almost immediately.

If he noticed her efficiency, he didn't mention a thing about it.

"Holly? If tonight doesn't work or if you're not comfortable with helping, let me know."

She shook her head. "Sorry. Tonight's fine." Her lips curved in a quick smile. "Your place or mine?" The cheeky question brought out a brief grin on Sam's face.

He mulled his reply over a few moments. "How about I pick up some dinner and bring it over to your place."

She nodded. "Sounds good. My last class is over at seven. We can meet at seven thirty if that works for you?" Pausing outside the office door, she waited for his response.

He stopped beside her. "Seven thirty works. I'll see you then." With a quick wave, he continued forward, heading toward the exit.

Holly entered the small space and settled behind the desk. Instead of pulling papers out to grade, she propped her chin on her hands and contemplated what a working dinner would look like with Professor Ingali. Food and casual conversation first? Or a start with the lecture and discuss over cuisine?

Did it really matter? She gave it half a second of thought.

Nope.

"Not like it's a date, Holly." She didn't have to dress to impress…

Or clean her apartment.

Holly grabbed her satchel and pulled the papers out. "Okay, maybe I should at least straighten up." If she hurried through the grading, she'd have just enough time to run home, clear the clutter and make it back for her five o'clock class.

I'm having fun with this one. Holly definitely isn't Sam's usual type and that throws him off more than a little.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zootropolis

Hello, September. I'm always caught off guard when the calendar flips over to September 1. It's like, wait, wait, I'm not ready for the insanity to start yet. Sadly, the universe doesn't care and the days keep marching on anyway.

The Last Ship's second week provided entertaining fare. I can't wait to see what happened after the end of last week's episode.

Caught the finale for Dark Matter and truly hope it's not the actual series finale. Way too many questions left up in the air. Fingers crossed someone picks up the series and it continues on some way.

Killjoys is renewed for two more seasons! I'm up to the episode before the finale and I'm so, so happy we'll get more of this terrific cast and show.

Wynonna Earp keeps blowing me away. I only have a few more episodes to watch before the finale. I'll honestly be glad to see the last of the widows.

I'm caught up on Teen Wolf and ready for tonight's episode. More familiar faces are returning and I'm excited to see what happens this week.

That wraps up television for this week. Tonight's post is from Zootropolis, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of one main character is a caretaker of exotic animals and the other meets them through their work.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mackenna Sycks is looking to raise money for a wildlife refuge in Africa. When Walton Conley offers to back her project, she balks, thinking the hot shot playboy has ulterior motives. He does, but he's also a whiz with fundraisers and surprises Mackenna with gala affair dubbed Zootropolis.

And a snippety peek…

Walton braced an elbow on the open window of the car door. "Carrie, thanks for the ride out to Mackenna's sanctuary and for her contact information." He paused a moment. "I'll, uh, give her a call when I have the time set for the fundraiser meeting." He didn't comment on Mackenna's prickly disposition.

The two women were polar opposites, which meant they probably complemented each other in their rescue endeavors.

Carrie gave him a wry smile. "Mackenzie's bark is worse than her bite. She'll grow on you. Give her time." She leaned toward the window. "Don't think I didn't notice your interested perusal of her when we pulled up. She's not as far off base with the whole playboy persona as you'd like her to be, is she?"

His reputation often became inflated by the gossipmongers, but he couldn't deny the kernels of truth. He worked hard and played accordingly.

But he hadn't expected the direct questioning of his character. "Perhaps not. But this is one instance where I won't be mixing business with pleasure." As if Mackenna Sycks would let him.

Carrie laughed. "Somehow, I don't think you'll stay true to your word on that front." She put the truck in gear. "But Mackenna's bullshit detector rarely fails her. You've got your work cut out with her." She let her foot off the brake and waved, wearing a wide grin, when she backed out of the parking space.

Walton frowned. Okay, he'd own the once-over and even admit an attraction to the leggy Mackenna. The woman had a terrific set of gams. Actually, she impressed the hell out of him overall.

Yet she couldn't have made it more obvious he didn't rate high on her list at all.

He turned and started toward his office. Arriving in jeans and a casual shirt should set the topic of conversation among the staff. He hadn't pulled anything other than a suit from his closet in ages.

 Cutoff cargo pants and a form-fitting t-shirt flashed through his mind.

He shook his head. "Get over it, Conley. She definitely only wants your money." Sort of… and only after he mentioned his grandparents.

Why had he even mentioned them? He never talked about his grandparents. They meant too much to him.

What would it take to bring Mackenna around? To see something other than derision in her gaze?

He stopped, his hand poised to open the door to his office. "Why the hell do I even care?" He snorted and entered the building, greeting the stable of receptionists with a nod, and ignored their open-mouthed reactions.

Strolling to his office, he pushed Mackenna Sycks aside and turned his thoughts toward creating a kick ass fundraising event. Foregoing his desk, he settled in at his drafting table and grabbed a pencil. Clearing his mind, he started sketching.

"Let's see if I can create something wild and wonderful for Ms. Hard-to-Impress."

He blithely ignored the fact she'd crept back into his headspace again.

I like having two characters that find each other attractive but don't start out on the right foot.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin