Sunday Snippet: A Simple Thing

Finally over the ick of the flu and a cold on top of it. Feeling so much better and happy about that. Got a good catch up on work projects and I'm relieved to be back on track.

Had a decent week of television again. I caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries and kind of missed Jared's presence. The episode ended up being pretty good and I enjoyed a twist I didn't quite see coming.

Watched both episodes of Silent Witness and actually remembered most of the plot line. Finished up season twelve and should get started on thirteen this week.

Caught two arcs of Classic Who. The first one didn't really thrill me but the second one ended up being better than I hoped. I'm liking the trio of companions.

Enjoyed two episodes of UFO Conspiracies. The first one had a series of stories about swarms of UFOs. The second had a series about footage caught on camera. Both were pretty interesting and I love seeing how military units in other countries handle sightings.

Ended up watching four episodes of The Muppet Show. Roger Miller, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Lynn Redgrave, and Cheryl Ladd were the guest stars. I loved the Lynn Redgrave episode and the Robin Hood enactment.

Started a new season of Prime Suspect. I have vague memories of this one and look forward to the second half when everything pretty much blows up for Tennison.

Caught the first episode of season five Peak Practice. Andrew is back and Will's significant other had their baby. Pretty good beginning to the new season.

Enjoyed another lesson of Master Class with LeVar Burton. He talked about his storytelling heroes and I appreciated the insight he gave.

Watched another Inside the Episodes: The Witcher. This one took a look at episode six where everything goes to hell for Geralt. Very cool to get some insight into how and why things happened the way they did.

Caught another London Live. This one featured Kelly Clarkson and I enjoyed the songs chosen. Still like Berlin Live better.

Enjoyed an episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Mudd returned and the repeating of the thirty minutes entertained me. Loved how many characters ended up being out of their comfort zone even if Burnham was the main focal point.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med. This one kind of gutted me and I loved it. So glad I'm finally getting to see all of this show. I've said that before, right?

Started the next season of Midsommer Murders. I've kind of been putting it off because it's only two episodes with a few more starting this month, I think. Loved the first episode. I've missed Winter's facial expressions so much.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Simple Thing, a novella where things get a little complicated for my main characters after an accidental naked viewing.

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.

And a snippety peek…

River dreamed about Gus three nights in a row. Gah. She wished she hadn't seen him naked.

Getting ready to crawl into bed, she pulled the sheets back. "Not like I haven't fantasized about him before…" But now her imaginings were practically X-rated. "So not good when I work with him almost every day."

And Kat didn't help. She always had sex on her mind and didn't hold back when sharing details of her escapades. River got a terrific education and a whole list of stuff she wanted to try someday.

But River rarely participated in the kiss and tell sessions. She liked to keep her intimate details under wraps. If only because she didn't have any to speak of recently.

Unlike Gus, who often had women waiting after the bar closed to become his latest overnight guests. Gus flirted with everyone—something River loved and loathed in equal measure. She enjoyed Gus's suggestive banter even if she had to remember the reminder he didn't mix personal with professional. He had a strict no-employee hookup rule.

She got it. He'd had an employee, Gloria Allward, try to sue for harassment. The case went nowhere—Gus kept good records and video footage—and he gave Gloria the straight scoop before they even got started. He didn't want a long-term relationship at the time.

River shook her head. "But Gloria definitely thought she deserved a change in status." And she didn't appreciate learning she wouldn't get any favoritism.

River slid between the sheets. "No wonder Gus steers clear of romance at work now."

Probably a good idea and River respected the reasons. But, damn, her brain sure didn't get the message. Not when she had a vivid Technicolor image taking up residence in her brain.

Her hand snaked down her stomach and dipped under her panties. "Can't hurt to use my overactive imagination to self-pleasure, right?"

Maybe she'd quit dreaming about Gus if she enacted her fantasy for a little solo fun…

This story is fun to write. I love changing dynamics and light bulb moments with characters.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Severing Ties

Still battling the generalized blah left over from the flu. The good news is that I got lots of sleep with naps and getting to bed earlier. The bad news is I'm behind on work projects but I should be able to make up my lost time this week. Fingers crossed anyway.

Had a decent week with television. I caught two episodes of Chicago Med and the second one made me sad. It's kind of the first time I've been hit a little sideways by one of the plot lines.

Enjoyed a holiday episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I always find it cool to see how the holidays look in the middle of summer for shows set in New Zealand and Australia. Also started the fourth season of the show and, once again, I love seeing recurring characters pop up when I least expect them.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and actually enjoyed how it ended. It's another one I'd forgotten.

Watched another arc of Classic Who. I'll be honest, Teegan rather annoys me but I think the character will end up growing on me. I do like Five a lot.

UFO Conspiracies had an interesting episode focused on fireballs. I enjoy seeing how other countries handle sightings.

Caught two episodes of The Muppet Show. Elke Sommer and Sylvester Stallone were the guest stars. I enjoyed the Stallone episode more than I thought I would.

Skated through the season two finale of Prime Suspect. I'd forgotten how awkward and messy that episode ended up being.

Watched the season four finale of Peak Practice. I'm getting into the new partners and I'm glad Andrew is sticking around. Looking forward to starting season five.

Caught another Master Class with LeVar Burton. He talked about podcasting during this lesson and I have an interest in starting one at some point. I got some great information about how to approach the idea.

Enjoyed another episode of Inside the Episodes: The Witcher. Episode ended up being one of my favorites and I loved the behind the scenes insight.

Watched London Live: Jennifer Hudson. I think I like Berlin Live better, but I enjoyed the music from Jennifer.

Caught some New Rugrats episode shorts and a special cast episode. Oddly, there was some footage from episodes I haven't seen yet so I'm hoping that means new ones are on the way at some point. I'll be starting a rewatch of the classic show in the next week.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Severing Ties, a novella that has an established couple breaking up and finding their way back together with a little help from their small-town neighbors.

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's lips turned up in a sad smile. She turned and walked away, her gait slow and steady. She kept her head level and met every eye in the bar room on her way to the exit. She crossed the threshold and didn't look back. Booker didn't follow and she breathed a sigh of relief. She couldn't deal with his forced civility, and it wouldn't be freely given—not anymore.

Sliding behind the wheel of her car, she blinked rapidly. "I'm not going to cry. I won't." She jammed the key into the ignition and started the engine.

Her face flamed with delayed embarrassment. "Nothing like creating a spectacle with a public breakup." Her forehead hit the steering wheel. I'm so stupid.

Needing some distance between her and Booker, she exited the parking lot and drove back across town. She stopped at a tiny wine shop in a strip mall and picked out a bottle of vino. Halfway to the checkout, she turned a snagged another one.

Handing over her debit card, she thanked the cashier then stuffed her purchase under her arm. "Two bottles should get me totally drunk." She definitely wanted to drown her sorrows.

Because her heavy heart felt completely empty and, along with surprise, she discovered sadness. "Never thought about how I'd feel if I lost him lost him." And, dammit, she should have.

Her family had no staying power. They didn't put down roots or make long-lasting connections. Instead, they packed up and moved out, leaving broken snags behind.

Pulling into her drive, she cut the engine. "And I can add one snarled mess to the pile." Not a proud moment but not completely unexpected either.

She got out and slowly walked along the paver stones leading to her porch. By the time she got the door unlocked and stepped inside the foyer, tears threatened again. She didn't resist this time, carrying the wine into the kitchen and grabbing a glass. Hot trails scalded down her cheeks unchecked and Lucky made her way to the couch where she set the bottle on the coffee table then headed for the bathroom to retrieve a box of tissues.

Settling on the sofa, she tucked her feet under her thighs, poured a glass, and slowly sipped. "Here's to severing yet another tie."

Weirdly, I'm having fun with this one. Lucky and Booker need a little help to realize they're perfect for each other.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Selling Tickets

Ugh, so far September is kicking my butt. I've been down with the flu pretty much all week because of course I haven't had a chance to get a flu shot yet. Lots of chills, fever, aches, and long slogs of sleep. Here's hoping I'm over the hump and on my way to recovery.

Very slow week in television. I started the week with New Rugrats and thoroughly enjoyed both episodes.

Also caught another episode of Chicago Med. I think this might be my favorite of all the Chicago shows.

Watched another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. Once again, this show makes me so happy. A great mystery that had a few twists.

Started another two-parter of Silent Witness and vaguely remembered the first episode.

Enjoyed the first arc of Five's run on Classic Who. So far, I have to admit I like the trio of companions and how they're interacting with each other and the doctor.

Caught the second episode of UFO Conspiracies. I'm enjoying how the stories are presented in this series. There's a theme and the conspiracy revolves around it, with usually at least two different scenarios.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Spike Milligan and Leslie Uggams were the guest stars, along with a special appearance by Big Bird.

Last but not least, I started the second season of Prime Suspect. I'd forgotten just how messy Jane could make things and I'm enjoying that angle.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Selling Tickets, a novella that puts my main characters at a crossroad and both have to decide which direction they're going to choose.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kurt Trevarthan trusts Winnie Clay, one of his oldest friends, with everything but his heart. He never dreams he won't be able to rely on her when she decides to take a large step away after the opening of his latest nightclub, especially when his old man shows up—after a decade away—and he needs her now more than ever.

And a snippety peek…

Winnie leaned back against the wide expanse of Kurt's chest. "Mmm. Dinner sounds good." She picked up her phone. "Mind if we order in?"

Kurt shot her a sly grin. "Does that mean we'll be dining naked?"

Winnie laughed. "Isn't that the best way?"

Kurt waggled his eyebrows. "You know it." He jerked his head toward the bathroom. "Gonna grab a quick shower."

Winnie waved him off and placed the order. Disconnecting the call, she chuckled over Kurt's earlier playfulness. They were T-minus about forty-eight hours from opening night and, instead of stressing, Kurt seemed so calm and relaxed.

Then again, they'd done this twice before and Solange's being a labor of love and dedicated to the memory of Kurt's mom meant the world to both of them. Her death still had the power to bring him low. Ten years since she'd died in the car crash. Ten years of being estranged from his dad, Ken. Ten years since Kurt grabbed Winnie's hand and walked away from everything he'd known.

Winnie shook her head. "Giving the ultimate middle finger to his dad must make for a zen experience." Not that she blamed him.

Finding his dad in another woman's bed and discovering he'd been there when Solange died became a defining moment in Kurt's life. He had his eyes opened to Ken's shortcomings in the worst possible way and the effect caused a lot of damage, namely Kurt's inability to make deep emotional commitments. Long-term, casual connections were the best he could do.

And … she didn't want to think about that elephant in the room right now or her current quandary about making a change to their status quo. They had a grand opening to launch and a night of debauchery to partake in.

Pushing aside anything not related to food or dining naked, Winnie quickly changed into yoga pants and a kimono then walked up the steps to wait on the delivery.

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. Kurt definitely has some issues and Winnie is rethinking her role in his life, but they'll definitely have a great night of fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Rustic Affair

Wow. September snuck up on me even though I've been talking about how close August was to ending. 2021 is a weird year, just saying.

Had a solid week of working with a potential new project coming in and several more lurking in the wings. I finished up a great manuscript and can't wait for the book to release. It featured a tornado!

Not a bad week of television. I started with Master Class with LeVar Burton and lesson eight with focused on performative storytelling. I love watching LeVar break down how he approaches telling and sharing stories.

Watched two episodes of Inside the Episodes: The Witcher. The shows broke down episodes two and three. It's very interesting to go back and see where the production side of things is coming from after seeing the entire first season. I'm really looking forward to season two.

Caught two episodes of Berlin Live. The first featured Blondie and I thoroughly enjoyed the string of hits minus one of my very faves. Boy George and Culture Club also put on a great show and I'm love diving back into some music from my formative years.

Enjoyed another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. I'm slowly getting to know the characters and I'm starting to like how everything is coming together. Really interesting to see a character from Star Trek: TOS. Looking forward to seeing if anything comes from that.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med and ended up really liking it. I'm once again really happy to finally be able to watch this show from the beginning and fill in so many blanks.

Caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I love this quirky and fun show even though there's always a murder to solve. As I've mentioned before, having characters that pop up with frequency makes me happy.

Finished out the second episode of Silent Witness. I'm getting toward the end of season twelve. I think I've got four more episodes to go. I'm also remembering why I really liked this show when I watched it the first time.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. This one feature country music, which I always find interesting when it's in another country.

Finished out season eighteen of Classic Who and Four's tenure. Five is taking over the controls of the Tardis and I'm looking forward to seeing his take on the Doctor.

Started UFO Conspiracies and it's not bad. I'm always interested in digging into what other countries experience with UFO sightings and this series seems to include those takes.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Lesley Ann Warren and Danny Kaye were the guest stars. Very fun episodes.

Caught another episode of Prime Suspect and finished out the first season. I'll start season two this week.

Peak Practice had an interesting episode and I enjoyed it. Andrew definitely has some issues and I like how the show is exploring them.

That finishes up this week's television update. Tonight's post is from A Rustic Affair, a novella that has my main characters trying to settle down after a decade or more of living life on the edge.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Necia Sands and Falcon Seaver, two mercenaries for hire who finally retire from the life, try to settle down. Being opposites draws them together, but it also makes them clash over simple things—like finding the right place to live.

And a snippety peek…

Coming up on the end of six weeks, most of the interior work had been completed. They had furniture and appliances and most of their personal belongings scattered about the house. An elevation rested on the kitchen table and they were looking over the plans for the porch repair with an added screened-in room off the kitchen.

She tapped enclosed area on the page. "I like this. We use the porch so frequently it makes sense to have it act almost an extension of the house." She pictured a day bed and maybe a hammock chair.

Falcon's fingers traced the open area. "And there's still plenty of room out on the deck for us to spread out a little if we want."

A rustling drew her attention. Too loud to be nature's creatures. The crunch of gravel made a telltale sign they had company.

Necia's adrenaline kicked up a notch and she went on full alert. "Falcon—"

He raised his hand, cutting her off. Obviously, he heard the sound, too. He made his way to the living room window and scanned the outside with his gaze. Necia followed, staying out of sight.

Falcon flattened against the wall. "We've got movement out there." He peered out through the sheer curtains.

Necia frowned. Who could have found them? It's too soon for this shit.

She nodded. "How many?"

Falcon crept along the wall, rounding into the kitchen. "I counted two, armed, coming in from the drive." He snuck a look out the door. "Looks like two more coming in along the cliff."

Four on two. On a good day, Necia would take those odds. Today? Not so sure.

Falcon kept his voice low. "Gun?" His brow quirked.

Necia shook her head. "Nope. Didn't think I'd need one. They're all locked up for the final move." Stupid. I won't let that happen again.

Falcon nodded. "Knife in your boot?"

Necia unsheathed the blade. "Of course."

Falcon ripped the hammer from his tool belt, hanging on the back of a chair, and grabbed a pipe wrench from the counter, which he handed to Necia. Then he reached for the stiletto in his boot.

He met her gaze. "Ready?"

Necia gave a terse nod. She wanted to deal with the foursome and get back to regular life.

Which she really wanted a lot right now.

This book is so much fun. Necia and Falcon get to see normal life isn't always normal and have fun while doing it.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Rise and Shine

Ugh. A long week again. At least it was more about recovery than ongoing crises. Had a flurry of work projects come in and I'm glad to have some new stuff to dive into.

Had a short week of television viewing. I started with The Brokenwood Mysteries and quite enjoyed the episode, which featured sharks and spiders and I'm not a huge fans of either so there's that.

Finished up an episode of Blue Heelers and started another one. I'm kind of amazed how themes from almost twenty years ago are even more prevalent today. The episode focuses on colonization and theft of indigenous artifacts. Very interesting.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I remembered bits of this one but not all of it. Should finish up the second part this week.

Caught the second to last arc of season 18 of Classic Who. The Master has returned and I'm pretty sure he'll be then end of Four. Sometimes I like not remembering how and when the regenerations occur.

Finished up UFO Witness and enjoyed the series overall. I'll be starting a new series this week but haven't decided what it'll be yet.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Helen Reddy and Harry Belefonte were the guest stars. I really enjoyed Harry's episode.

Started a rewatch of Prime Suspect. I'd forgotten how thoroughly asshattish the men were toward Jane in the early seasons. I wanted to kick all of them in the balls.

Finished out the week with Peak Practice. Can't say I'm a big fan of Will's lady friend but I can't quite put a finger on why I'm not fond of her. Overall a good episode.

That's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Rise and Shine, a novella where a flirtation might end but a romance could begin.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Abram Purdy sees the same barista, Whitney Boone, every day of the week. She always knows exactly what he needs to get his day started. He runs into her on a Saturday jog and discovers she's accepting a teaching position at the local university and Abram decides to see if she'll still make his morning coffee—at his place.

And a snippety peek…

Abram locked his front door and started for his car.

Madelyn Gamber called from her stoop. "Where are you off to, Abram?" She had a bucket of green beans sitting on the lower step and her nimble fingers snapped the ends off each bean.

Abram pulled the passenger door open. "I'm meeting a client at their overseas office. Big problems." That should've been solved the last time he'd been there.

Madelyn snorted. "You ever think your client sits around and thinks this stuff up?" She gave him a knowing look.

Abram laughed. "Honestly, I'm sure he does. He's got a driving need to micromanage everything and when it's all going smoothly he creates chaos so he's got more to control." And he didn't pay Abram enough for the circus sideshow … and he paid Abram a lot.

Madelyn moved the bucket aside and stood up. "This is your fourth trip in six months. I thought you said you were slowing down."

He chuckled. "I tried. Am trying. Just need finish up with this one problem-creating client I'm under contract with." Six more months left then he'd cut the guy loose.

Madelyn smirked. "Makes you glad you don't have any crazy uncles living nearby, doesn't it?" She grabbed the bucket and started up the steps.

Abram rolled his eyes. "Definitely." He tucked his case in the front seat. "I'll see you when I get back."

She waved over her shoulder and entered her house.

Abram walked around and slid behind the wheel. One of the big reasons he'd avoided starting anything resembling a relationship—aside from a messy divorce several years ago—had to do with the crazy travel schedule he'd had. No guarantees he'd be around and he didn't think it would be fair to the other person. His thoughts went to Whitney. She'd be an exception he could make … she totally enjoyed his crazy-uncle stories.

Abram has a solid appreciation for Madelyn because she's so down to earth and having her as a problem-free neighbor is worth its weight in gold.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Rescue Me

Wow, another rough week on the home front. My middle kiddo is really struggling right now and I hate not being able to help him even though he's an adult. He's really tired of landing in the emergency department but we might be getting closer to figuring out what's going on with him. A few specialist appointments in September might help even more.

Didn't get as much television viewed but had a decent amount nonetheless. Started out with The Brokenwood Mysteries and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. I really like seeing previous characters in their recurring roles.

Finished up Silent Witness's second episode and don't remember watching it during my first viewing. Glad I got to see it.

Watched an arc of Classic Who and should be finished up with the season eighteen soon. I think it might be the last one for Four.

Got another episode of UFO Witness viewed and rather enjoyed this one. Still feels staged but I liked the deep dive into whether there's a secret underground base of operations for aliens.

Caught two episodes of The Muppet Show with Raquel Welch and James Coco as the guest stars. About halfway through season three and looking forward to more.

Finished out McCartney 3, 2, 1 and would love to see more. So many great moments and songs in this brief look into Paul McCartney's journey as a musician.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice and ended up liking it a lot. Will can be such a prat sometimes but I like that about his character.

Enjoyed another lesson on Master Class. LeVar Burton focused on reading to children and interacting with them about the source material. Very interesting!

Started Inside the Episodes: The Witcher and loved going back to revisit the first episode. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

Caught another episode of New Rugrats and loved it. I really enjoy the updated version of this show.

Finishing out the week with Chicago Med and it's a heatwave episode. I'm totally feeling that this week. It got hot again.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Rescue Me, a novella that has the characters surviving a crazy-busy day and looking forward to a sexy anniversary celebration.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After twenty-four hours of nonstop runs in two busy station houses, Skylar Darns and Hayes Parrison, two extremely good paramedics, are ready to throw in the towel and have someone rescue them. The one saving grace? They spend the day planning their anniversary celebration—one they may be too exhausted to attend.

And a snippety peek…

Hayes wrapped up the fifth call of the day. "Going for a record, I think."

On the way out to the rig, he bumped into Kevin Wayne, one of the ED doctors.

Dr. Wayne lifted his chin. "Heard you guys have been busy today."

Hayes rolled his eyes. "You heard right. It's been nonstop since we logged on shift." He pushed the cot over to the ambulance.

Kevin followed. "It's been quiet lately. We're probably overdue for a full-on fright night." He propped a shoulder against the metal surface of the vehicle.

Hayes shrugged. "Fright night without a full moon? Not sure I want to see what that looks like." The running joke about calls increasing on the monthly lunar event often proved accurate.

Wayne laughed and held up his hands. "Yeah, same. Hence the reason I'm preparing for the worst." He pushed away from the rig and shook his head. "I'm headed in … I'm sure I'll see you in the near future."

Hayes chuckled and finished loading the cot. He liked Kevin and appreciated the friendly exchange. "Took some time to get there." Mainly because Wayne happened to be Skylar's ex—fly in the ointment of an almost perfect beginning.

Two years ago, Hayes got a two by four to the gut when he brought a patient in and bumped into Skylar. She flashed a bright smile and waved. She'd been on his mind since their steamy kiss a week prior.

He handed off the patient and strolled back out into the corridor headed for the nurses' station. He stopped short when Kevin came up behind Skylar and wrapped his arms around her waist, his lips nuzzling her neck. Her eyes widened and a second later her gaze met Hayes's.

Guilt reflected back in his direction. She's seeing someone. It figures. Angry and disappointed, he turned and left the hospital, climbing in the back of the rig to check supplies.

Grabbing the inventory board, he slapped it against his leg. "Another woman too good to be true." With terse movements and less than gentle handling of the equipment, he ran down the checklist.

The image of Skylar and Doctor Wayne popped up in his mind again. He squeezed the IV bags between his fists. Why did she even meet me last week?

A throat cleared behind him. "Uh, just guessing here, but I assume it's my neck you're feeling between your fingers right now?"

He swung his gaze sideways. "More like my own. For being stupid enough to think I had a shot with you." He tossed the bags back into their designated spot.

Skylar stepped up into the back. "I realize I'm entering at my own risk here, but we should talk." She dropped down onto the bench seat.

Hayes snorted. "You're fine. All the sharps objects are safely stored." He pulled the seat down on the captian's chair and perched on the edge. "The worst I could do would be to restrain you with a five-point harness."

Skylar's eyes widened. "Kinky. I'll file that one away for later."

Hayes shook his head. "Don't bother. Call me old-fashioned but I'm not one to share." He huffed out a breath. "I'm selfish that way."

Skylar leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "To be frank, I'm not much into sharing either. And I'm not a fan of two-timing men. Doctor Wayne has been gone and only returned today. As in literally just got back when you saw us." She met his gaze. "I'm meeting him later to let him know I'm interested in someone else—that would be you—even if you'd rather not speak to me again." She glanced away. "That kiss we shared rocked my world in a way Kevin's never has."

So she didn't lead me on. He wanted to kiss her but respected the fact she needed to be free from entanglements first. Instead, he slid down to his knees in front of her.

He cupped her face with one hand. "I think I'll be talking to you a lot in the near future." He waggled his eyebrows. "What are you doing tomorrow?"

She laughed. "Hopefully making out with you." She put her palm over his for a moment then eased off the bench. "I'll call you."

And she had … the next day after she'd explained things to Dr. Wayne. Kevin took the news well but stayed cool toward Hayes for several weeks. Not that Hayes blamed the guy. Hard to be friendly to the new man in Skylar's life.

But … Kevin bounced back with a sweet-natured radiologist and they were still together.

Closing the doors to the ambulance, Hayes logged back on for calls. Dispatch immediately responded with an emergency at the car dealership three blocks over. Hayes whistled for his partner and slid behind the wheel of the rig.

"Off to call number six."

This one has been so much fun to write. Skylar and Hayes are a great couple and I love writing an established romance with interesting conflicts.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Reflex Reaction

Ugh. Had a rough week in general. My work project is coming along nicely but we had storms blow through and lost power a couple of times, which kind of harshed my vibe in a big way.

I got less television viewed but I did get to finish out the second season of the Passionflix original Driven. Man … what an ending. I'm truly excited for season three next year.

I did catch another episode of New Rugrats. I'm thoroughly enjoying this show and I'll state for the record that I hope there will be another season. So much fun.

Watched a full episode of Chicago Med and started another one. I'm not sure about the new head of Rhodes's department but their interactions are very interesting.

Got another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries out of the way and one of my favorite things about this show is how we see some familiar faces from other episodes pop up. I really like that, especially since they were suspects before in a different case. Very cool.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. Interesting concept on this one and I vaguely remember bits and pieces from the episodes but can't remember how things got resolved. I'll look forward to seeing the second part.

Enjoyed another arc of Classic Who. Interesting concept and the resolution ended up being something I didn't expect. Hope to start a new arc this week.

Caught another episode of UFO Witness and rather enjoyed it. This one had a regression so an abductee could maybe remember what happened to him. Ended up being pretty interesting to watch.

Watched two episodes of The Muppet Show with Liberace and Marisa Berenson as the guest stars. Enjoyed both.

Still loving McCartney 3, 2, 1. I always end up being blown away by something every episode. It's also a lot of fun to watch Paul pick up an instrument and play or see him sing along at the mixing board. Love this show.

Enjoyed another Master Class with LeVar Burton. This lesson focused on the imagination being our superpower. I love listening to LeVar talk about storytelling.

Started an episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and … well … I didn't finish it. I really enjoy most of the characters, especially Hilda and Ambrose, Doctor Cee, Theo, Harvey, and Roz. I like Nick a lot. Even the weird sisters are often entertaining. But it really bugs me how Sabrina started out being decent at communication and now she massively sucks at it. The whole asking for advice then doing the exact opposite—without a really good reason other than it's what she wants to do—is starting to annoy me enough to stop watching for now. I might come back to the show eventually but there are other things on Netflix I'd like to get to so Sabrina can wait for bit.

Watched another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Man. I'm starting to really love this show. There's a lot of nuance, which I enjoy and I like trying to figure out if Lorca is an asshole or a genius … or both. Michael intrigues me to no end. I love mix of Vulcan logic with human foibles. She's such a cool character.

That's pretty much it for the weekly viewing update. Tonight's post is from Reflex Reaction, a novella that features a messy reunion between two characters and the hard road they follow to work things out.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Rory Crame longs for more than her small hometown can provide. She escapes, leaving her childhood sweetheart, Gib Larrison, behind. Seven years later she returns, older and wiser, with a better appreciation for what she walked away from—especially Gib, who doesn't seem at all interested in rekindling their romance.

And a snippety peek…

Gib Larrison took the shortcut from the state route through the beginning of the business district that would take him uptown. "I hate running late for a staff meetings." But he's had a breakthrough with one of his patients. "Even if it made her appointment run long."

He drove by the old service station and did a double take. The realtor sign no longer listed the place for sale, instead proudly displaying its sold status.

"I wonder who bought the old place?" Good to see the rejuvenation incentives bringing some life back to this part of the city.

The college town used to have a mix of industrial professions along with the academia-related work, but they'd gone through a rough five years with three of five outlying factories shutting down. A shift from those factory jobs to some touristy businesses had started coming in.

Gib's inner voice snarked. "Someone once told you the town didn't offer much once the factories started pulling up stakes."

Gib snorted. "Yeah, well, she might have been right, but we're bouncing back. If she'd stuck around, she'd see the downtime didn't last long." And he wouldn't get sucked back into a rewind of the past.

Reliving those memories had kept him from moving forward way too long. He finally got back out and into the dating game. No easy feat when he refused to go the social media-app route. He preferred face-to-face introductions. Reading people came with his job as a physical therapist. So much time saved by gauging interest in-person rather than sifting through online profiles, which tended to be misleading at best.

He huffed out a breath. "Probably why I've been with less than half a dozen women in four years." He had plenty of opportunity—if he wanted to date patients, which he shied away from.

And, hell, he'd admit being gun shy. He'd his future planned, had the person he wanted to spend it with. Too bad she didn't want the same thing. Rory Crame struck a match and lit fire to goals and dreams. She left him standing in cinder ash wondering what the hell to do next.

"Damn you, Rory." Taking the turnoff for the medical complex, he headed for the hospital parking lot.

He couldn't count the number of times he'd said those three words over the last seven years, usually after something or someone reminded him of her. Finishing his physical therapy graduate program gave him a reprieve, but building his practice and reputation put him into contact with people who knew them as a couple. And they were all curious about how he'd moved on.

"More like whether I moved on."

He'd put himself out there again. But he still struggled. Rory burned the bridge—he didn't trust anyone of the opposite sex for a long time. Not after Rory—

His grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Nope. I don't go there anymore." A therapist he worked with gave him tools to cope with the betrayal and he'd be fine.

A knock on his window gave him a jolt. Mava, a pretty nurse from one of the ortho doc's offices stood next to his car. He put the window down and quirked a brow.

She tilted her head. "Are you okay?" A note of concern entered her gaze.

Gib lifted his chin. "Yeah, I'm good. Running late, obviously." He cut the engine.

She smiled. "They haven't started yet. Dr. Osgood had an emergency consult. He's on his way."

Gib rolled the window up and got out. "My last appointment ran over. Did they send you to find me?" He shut the door and leaned against the car.

She laughed and blushed a little. "No, not really. I came to hopefully catch you on the way in." She leaned in and lowered her voice. "Are we still on for tonight?"

He flashed a smile. "Absolutely. I'm looking forward to trying your cooking."

She grinned. "Terrific. I'm excited to have you over."

They walked into the medical complex and headed for the conference room. Mava took her spot at the table and Gib went to get some bottled water. The reminder of his date with her did a lot to dispel his maudlin memories of Rory.

He liked Mava a lot. He'd moved slowly with Mava—coffee, brunch, a pops concert, and a few nice dinners at two different restaurants. Then they had an evening in where she put the moves on him. They'd spent the night together at his place and he enjoyed waking up with her.

As for more … maybe. He'd been feeling an urge to settle down but he'd had that notion before. With Rory. He didn't trust his decision-making skills when it came to women. Not anymore.

Doctor Osgood finally arrived and Gib shifted his focus to work. Taking a seat across from Mava, he sent a quick grin her way. No need to rush anything but he looked forward to having dinner with her tonight.

This is probably the opening story to a three-book series. Two of my side characters are being very vocal about wanting their own features.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin