Sunday Snippet: In Sunny Paradise (Last Best Chance to Get Things Right)

February has been the oddest month. Between weird weather and random catastrophes, it's been a doozy. I'm kind of happy to be welcoming March in this week.

Finished up a work project and made really great progress on one of the others. I'm blessed with authors who turn revisions around in record time. It's very helpful and keeps their work fresh in my mind.

I also made some progress on my new venture. Only a tiny amount, but it makes me happy to chip away at my to-do list. Brings me a wee bit closer to be able to launch.

Didn't get a lot of television watched, but I did finish up Strangest Things. I have so much fun listening to the experts discuss the weird and wonderful artifacts.

I also continued my Battlestar Galactica rewatch. This week's episode was one of my favorites, "Bastille Day." Some truly excellent parallels about picking a side and being true to a set of core beliefs.

I also started season two of The Mandalorian. I hoped to finish up Ms. Marvel before starting another Star Wars show, but I want to be up to date for season three.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from In Sunny Paradise, the follow-up to In a Moonlit Meadow.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jersey and Shaw survived hell to be together and celebrated their love with a quiet ceremony, a rowdy reception, and a moonlit wedding night. Now they're on their honeymoon at a secluded beach in sunny paradise.

And a snippety peek…

With thoughts of the future stretched out before them, they drifted into a contented sleep.

And the universe is pleased.

Jersey Saint's lips turned up in a smile when she thought about the magical wedding night she'd spent under the stars with her brand-new husband, Shaw Barnaby.

Married a month and she still caught herself grinning at the memory. New ones they created on their honeymoon were slowly being added.

She bit back a giggle. "And if my hunch proves correct in a few minutes … we'll never forget this trip."

Something about this place and being alone—away from everyone and everything—had a magical quality. After more than a decade of being on-call, dropping into hot zones, and jumping into harm's way, not taking orders from anyone seemed strange, but also pretty damned awesome. They'd taken advantage of the opportunity to rest and heal from their ordeal by doing what they wanted … no schedule, no plan, no interruptions. Jersey savored the occasion … the lush surroundings invited them to be even more adventurous than usual.

She leaned back in her chair. "Last night for example."

She and Shaw spent it on a secluded stretch of beach, a short trek from the bungalow loaned to them from a friend of a friend. A soft blanket, an ocean breeze, the two of them talking and laughing and loving the night away.

She sighed with happiness. "There's something about the sound of waves during sex that adds an element of specialness." And, of course, Shaw always made things interesting.

Jersey had crawled into bed when they strolled back to the house in the wee hours of the morning. Shaw decided to walk along the beach and watch the sunrise … one of his favorite things to do now that they no longer lived in constant danger. Or had to worry about finding an egress point to make an escape.

Waking up alone at midday, she went to the bathroom and grabbed a quick shower. Padded out to the kitchen to see what Shaw had gotten up to. Found him conked out, under the shade of several trees and surrounded by lush foliage, on the chaise in the garden, his sleeveless shirt open and fluttering in the breeze.

The sight made her happy. "He can sleep a while longer." She had a little time to kill.

She gathered up her art supplies—something she could enjoy now—then sat at the table and worked up a colorful sketch. The green trees and bold hues of the flowers contrasted with the yellow of Shaw's shirt and his denim cargoes.

Using her finger to blur the edges of the finished picture, Jersey glanced at the clock then dropped her gaze to the table. A slow grin spread across her face. Her hunch had been correct. She dropped the pastels in their container and rose to head outside … shedding her clothes along the way.

One of the perks of this place was being able to do exactly that.

Jersey sat on the edge of the oversized lounge chair and watched Shaw sleep a moment longer. Then she trailed her fingers lightly down his chest. He stirred but didn't wake up. Her hand drifted further and stopped when it reached the waistband of his shorts. Using her fingers to work the button fly loose, satisfaction surged through her when Shaw's body responded to her touch. She opened the shorts and tugged them down a little to give him some breathing room.

Finally, she pushed his shirt open further and ghosted kisses from his torso up to his chest and over his shoulder until her lips landed on his smiling ones.

Good … he's awake.

This is a fun couple to write. Jersey and Shaw won't take their happiness for granted, which is a trope I love to experiment with.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: In a Moonlit Meadow (Last Best Chance to Get Things Right)

Had a weird week. The weather is still doing the yucky back and forth stuff, which makes me unhappy. My sinuses go insane when the temperature rises and falls and won't make up its mind.

Still super busy with work projects. I think I'm slowing down productivity-wise and that's disappointing, but I also tend to not work on three projects at the same time.

Not a bad week for television but I didn't get a lot watched. I did finish up the Silent Witness episode I started last week. Nikki ends up in trouble on a frequent basis and I like that she's always willing to put herself out there to solve a mystery.

I started a new season of Strangest Things and should have it finished up later this week. I kind of love digging into weird things from history and watching the group of commenters explain what they think things are.

I also caught another episode of Battlestar Galactica. "Water" is a terrific episode that lays the groundwork for a lot of what follows in the rest of the season. Frankly, the first season of Battlestar is as close to perfect as anything I've seen. There's not a wasted episode in the batch of thirteen. There are stronger episodes, obviously, but every installment has important information and terrific character moments. I'm so excited to watch another episode this week!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from In a Moonlit Meadow, book one of the Last Best Chance to Get Things Right trilogy.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jersey Saint and Shaw Barnaby, private security agents undercover as journalists, survive a terrible ordeal—being held captive by a hostile regime—and realize they're meant to be together. It only took a full decade of getting everything wrong to finally get things right. They don't waste time after they're rescued—they commit to spending their future together in a moonlit meadow.

And a snippety peek…

They both promised forever.

And the universe is pleased.

Not to mention the throng of people waiting for them after their quiet handfasting. Everyone who’d made their rescue happen and those who'd been along for the decade-long ride to this moment. Shaw Barnaby liked to think those that hadn’t survived and had given their lives were still present anyway.

He’d learned a lot about faith from the woman he married.

Surrounded by a group of well-wishers Jersey looked radiant … relaxed … happy.

Beautiful.

Her attire for their ceremony had been casual. They each wanted something comfortable, especially after being held captive for three months in formal wear under the worst circumstances.

She had one of his button-down shirts knotted around her waist, a hint of tanned skin peeked out every time she gestured while speaking. The only thing different from earlier? The leather sandals she’d slid her feet into when they arrived for the festivities at his dad's house.

Watching her from across the room, he decided he missed the bare feet she sported while saying their vows. Shaw wondered how much longer before they could escape so he could see those feet again.

A hand clasped his shoulder and Shaw turned to see his father step up beside him. “She’s something else, isn’t she?” Jersey’s laughter rang out, loud and long, making Shep chuckle at the timing of his words.

Shaw spared his dad a quick glance. “She is, Dad. She’s everything.” It felt good to say it … to be able to voice the feeling he’d held in his heart for so long.

The elder Barnaby smiled. “You’re happy. It’s about time, son.”

Shaw's eyes settled back on his wife. “Thanks, Dad. We are … and it really is.” Ten years of screwing everything up finally resolved.

Also about time he and Jersey took their leave. Especially when she jammed her hands in her pockets, dragging the low-slung jeans down a little further, exposing more skin.

Shaw had to swallow before he could remember to breathe. The hot look she leveled at him didn’t help.

It appeared Jersey might be more than ready to ditch the crowd, too. If it didn’t happen soon … Shaw wouldn't be able to walk comfortably.

His once clueless dad unexpectedly offered the save.

Clearing his throat, he leaned toward Shaw, his gruff voice going soft so only his son could hear. “Go. Grab Jersey and take off. I’ll run interference … you cut out early.” He didn’t wait for Shaw’s response, moving off to mingle with the crowd so Shaw could make his escape.

Looking at Jersey from across the room, Shaw gave an almost imperceptible jerk of his head. Jersey stopped mid-sentence and ducked out of the conversation. She met up with him at a side door, a broad grin on her face.

Stepping up close, her hand snaked out to draw him into a kiss. Her tongue slipped past his lips packing it with some heat. Shaw lost his ability to think. He backed Jersey up against the door, dragging his lips down her throat, his teeth scraping along the sensitive skin. Her hands were on his ass, tucked into the back pockets of his jeans, pulling him forward until he could feel his hardened length pressed up against her.

Geez, he loved her.

His mouth moved back to hers, snagging her lips for a quick kiss before drifting along her jaw.

He wanted her.

Catching her earlobe between his teeth, he bit down gently to feel the shudder rip through her as his hands skimmed up her sides.

He needed her.

Deeply. Desperately. Immediately.

He lifted his head, squinting in the dim light while he worked to undo the buttons of the shirt she wore. So focused on the task, he barely registered the question Jersey asked him even while she untucked his shirt.

"We gonna do this here?"

Here? What's wrong with here?

Here. At the celebration for their marriage.

Shit.

He rested his forehead against hers, gratified her breathing sounded as heavy as his. He snagged her lips for another kiss while he let go of her shirt giving her room to button it up. He stepped back to grab her hand lacing their fingers together.

He matched her sheepish grin with one of his own. “Uh … no. Not here.” Then laughed at how close they’d come to putting on a show for everyone.

Could he help it if being married to Jersey only made him want her more?

Pushing the door open, he led her out into the balmy night air and headed for their truck.

The idea for this series is a collaborative effort with my brain twin. Here's hoping we can get the trilogy in great shape to release together.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: How to Win a Fair Fight

Whew. What a long week. I've got three work projects going and some movement on my possible new venture. And crazy weather that keeps hopping back and forth from super cold to very mild. I'm not a fan.

Had a somewhat decent week of television. I'm not back to my normal schedule because my work projects need solid focus. But … I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things.

I finished up the Midsomer Murders I started last week and really enjoyed the episode. I have a lot of love for Barnaby and Winters.

I caught an episode of Peak Practice. I'm in season nine and what I consider the home stretch since there are three seasons left after this one. Not a bad episode but I do miss some of the recurring characters from earlier seasons.

Continued my Battlestar Galactica rewatch with my friend. Season one starts with what I consider to be one of the absolute best hours of scripted television ever. "33" is in my top ten episodes of Battlestar and probably in my top ten episodes of television. Edge of your seat viewing for the entire episode. Terrific stuff.

Watched an episode of Classic Who and finished out the arc. I have ten episodes left to finish out the full run of classic episodes. I think I'll be starting a Death in Paradise run after I conclude with Classic Who.

Started the first of the final two episodes in season twenty of Silent Witness. I'm looking forward to finishing it up and seeing where things go.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from How to Win a Fair Fight, a novella that brings polar opposites into the same orbit and lets them have some fun.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Karla and Unger are polar opposites but share a tense attraction. When a weekend discussion with their group of friends focuses on what's considered a fair fight, Karla and Unger have differing opinions, which leads to a wager about the rules and the difference between love and war.

And a snippety peek…

Karla Martin tilted her head sideways. "Hold up. Was this a girl fight or a guy fight?" How did they get on this subject again?

Right. Her brother Tom and the new guy Unger Tango got kicked out of Hatter's bar for trying to break up a physical altercation.

Unger blinked at her question. "What difference does it make?"

The group of six—siblings Karla and Tom, Tom's significant other Janie, her cousin Mark, Karla and Tom's cousin Mellie and the new guy, Unger, Mark's coworker—sat around the fire pit on the Martin family property.

Karla arched her brows. "Well, the rules are different depending on the participants."

Unger frowned. "That's stupid. A fight is a fight."

Tom let out a low whistle. "My friend, you're about to get schooled."

Karla stuck her tongue out in Tom's direction then turned to Unger. "You see, that's little sister for fuck you and perfectly acceptable during a sibling squabble, which shouldn't be confused with the greater familial fracas that usually includes cousins like Janie and Mark and, of course, our Mellie." She narrowed her eyes a little. "You're kind of the odd man out here, since you're not related to anyone." Although the way Unger hit it off with Tom and Mark, he'd have the sibling vibe very soon.

Unger grunted. "Fine, but a fight is still a fight." He folded his arms over his chest.

Mellie shook her head. "Maybe for you men, like no hitting below the belt and all that." She kicked her feet out. "But women have a whole different vibe..."

Janie gave a nod. "Yeah, like is pulling hair acceptable? How about using fingernails?" She propped her feet up on one of the coolers. "Mani-pedis can get expensive so it's something to think about."

Unger blinked and huffed out a breath. "You're not serious."

Karla leaned forward. "Why wouldn't we be? Women tend to travel in groups. Is the fight all inclusive or one on one?" She added that to push his buttons.

Unger tsked. "You're telling me, you have a list of rules that are decided on prior to making physical contact?"

Karla rolled a shoulder while Mellie and Janie bit back grins.

Unger cocked his head. "Okay then, where does biting fall on your list of rules? Is that allowed?"

Karla pursed her lips, giving her answer some thought. "What kind of fight?"

Unger clicked his teeth with his tongue. "What do you mean?"

Karla arched her brows. "Is it a fair fight or a kick a bitch to the curb fight?" Janie and Mellie nearly fell off their chairs laughing.

Unger rolled his eyes. "Consider it's a fair fight."

Karla waved a hand. "Then no teeth."

Unger grunted again. "Glad I'm not a woman."

Karla zeroed in to get the last word. "So are we…"

Mark closed his eyes and groaned.

Tom lightly punched Unger on the shoulder. "Told you."

Karla settled back in her chair and basked in the glow of victory, which would be short-lived, no doubt…

I have zero clue exactly where this story is going but it's a fun ride so far. Karla and Unger are going to push each other's buttons and I love writing them.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: How to Tell Off the Boss

Well, February has so far been a crazy mix of freezing, in the teens temperatures and mild almost spring-like weather. Mother Nature is in a mercurial mood right now and it's wild trying to figure out how to dress for the day. I miss being able to get my winter stuff out and not having to bother with warm-weather clothes for a couple of months.

Had a busy week with work projects and have a couple more lined up in the near future. I'm kind of happy they're all different types of manuscripts and none are in the same stage of editing.

Had a slow week of television. I'm still working to get everything from the old PC to the new one and ran into another snag with trying to set up my email accounts. Spent a large portion of the week trying to figure that out and get it working. Bleh.

I did catch the pilot episode of Pennyworth and really enjoyed it. I've heard great things and now that I know season three is the end, I'm going to attempt to watch before it disappears too.

I also watched the second part of the Battlestar Galactica miniseries with one of my friends. I'm so excited to have this rewatch party to look forward to each week. We'll be trying two episodes a week starting with season one.

Got a start on the latest season of Midsommer Murders. Barely got through the opening credits so I'll have to finish up this week.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from How to Tell Off the Boss, a novella that teams up coworkers to solve a problem and they discover they're very well-matched.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Orin Murdoch's boss, the newly installed VP of sales, is driving him insane with new promotions that just don't work. Edda Case, an upstart marketing whiz, takes Orin in hand and teaches him how to tell off the boss with style and how to win Edda's heart in the process.

And a snippety peek…

Edda stayed focused on trying to track Linna's movements for another hour then suggested calling it a night. "My eyes are crossing. That usually means it's time to change gears." She closed the laptop and set it aside.

Orin leaned back and folded his arms behind his head. "I think the lack of a presence on social media means we're on the right track, would you agree?" His eyes slid shut and he exhaled on a long breath.

Edda gave a nod. "That along with the lack of public records. Yeah, we're getting closer." She bit back a yawn.

Orin straightened and closed his laptop. "Thanks. This is above and beyond." He put the computer on the table beside hers.

Edda stretched. "So … you got anything I can sleep in?" A T-shirt would work, or an oversized sweatshirt.

Orin turned to face her, leaning in close and cupping her nape. "I could probably find something … but I don't think we're gonna be sleeping." His lips hovered over her mouth.

She groaned. "That's good news because I'm really hot for you right now."

His mouth crushed hers and he grasped her hands then stood up. She followed, keeping her lips firmly against his. His hands cupped her face, and he backed her toward the bedroom. She loosened her buttons and started on his.

He nudged her inside his room and finally broke the embrace. Dragging his shirt off, he unbuckled his belt and undid his pants. Edda unzipped her skirt and let it slide to the floor. Standing in her lacy camisole and thong, she boldly met his gaze before letting herself take in the sight of him. He stayed fit and had defined abdominal muscles and nicely sculpted biceps. Her eyes drifted lower, and she swallowed at the large bulge hidden by his briefs.

Licking her lips, she unclasped her bra and shrugged it off.

Orin gave her a sexy, sly grin and shucked his knit boxers.

She slid her fingers under the waistband of her thong, but Orin shook his head.

He stepped forward. "Let me…" Hooking his thumbs under the fabric, he slipped the lacy garment down her legs.

Anticipation filled her and Orin didn't disappoint. He scooped her up and deposited her on the mattress then eased down beside her.

I love how this one is unfolding. Edda is a fun character and she's working to bring Orin out of his constant work mode. I think it's working.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Hot Water

I had a jam-packed week of setting up a new PC and transferring files while trying to also stay on top of my work projects. In all honesty, I can't complain about the process. Of course, things went wrong because that's how it always goes. I didn't have the right cable to connect my monitor to the tower, but I found one in my stash of never-throw-away-this-type-of-thing pile of stuff I keep for that sole purpose. And once I figured out how to configure the network, transferring files has gone pretty smooth. I have a couple of final things to work out but I can take some time to do that stuff.

Didn't watch a lot of television because I needed to focus and my desk had several variations before I got the final layout figured out.

I did finish out season three of Batman: The Animated Series. I'm happy I got it done before the great wipeout from all existence. The episodes to complete the series were "Judgment Day," which I loved, "Beware the Creeper," which I also kind of enjoyed, and "Mad Love," which seems like a weird episode to end on because it's all about the Joker and Harley, but it's actually a terrific endcap for the series, because it's also about the role Batman plays in that relationship.

I also started a Battlestar Galactica rewatch with one of my best friends. We're doing weekly viewings and we've started with the miniseries. There were so many little things I'd forgotten and a lot of iconic stuff I definitely remembered. This show had such an impact on me and I'm kind of excited and terrified to travel on the journey again. LOL

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hot Water, a novella where the characters bond over not having enough hot water at the summer camp they work for.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Demi Strange and Nathan Jordan work together at a summer camp, things get heated. The campers use up the water ration, leaving Demi to borrow Nathan's shower and it lands her in more than hot water.

And a snippety peek…

Nathan joined Demi at her table in the dining hall. "Okay if I sit?" He didn't wait for an answer, settling across from her.

She glanced up, smiled briefly, and went back to her salad.

Nathan tucked in to the cottage cheese. "Have you decided what you're going to do after college?" He gave her his full attention because he wanted her to know he enjoyed her conversation.

Demi shrugged. "I have a solid idea of what I want to do, but I'm keeping options open." She finished the pasta in the bowl on her plate. "Carol mentioned you have several interviews this summer." She asked him about the jobs he'd applied for and how the interview process worked for him.

Nate happily explained, but also returned the focus back to her several times. By the time he'd finished eating, he couldn't believe almost forty-five minutes had passed.

Scooping up his tray along with hers, he arched a brow. "I'm not making you late for anything, am I?" He didn't check the schedule before he hit the mess hall.

Demi shook her head. "It's Mitzi's turn to get the girls through the evening bathroom ritual." She walked with him to stow the trays by the washing station. "Hopefully, she'll get them settled with their daily thirty minutes of screen time by the time I get there."

Nathan held the door open and fell into step beside Demi. "Mind if I walk you to the dorm?"

She tilted her head and gave him a flirty smile. "Not at all." She paused a moment. "Am I sensing an effort being made here?"

Nate answered honestly. "Yes. A genuine one. I really like you and I hate how my playboy rep is biting me on the ass because I'd really like a shot with you." They turned down the path leading to the girls' cabins.

Demi laughed. "Gotta admit, I didn't think you had it in you." She stopped at the gravel walkway.

Nate leaned in close to her. "I want to kiss you. Is that okay?"

She gave a startled nod, and he cupped her chin for a quick, hard lip-lock.

Easing back, he inclined his head. "That's to show I'm serious. I hope you'll give me a chance to prove I've turned over a new leaf."

Demi blinked. "Uh, okay. I'm willing to see where things go."

Nate couldn't ask for more. He lifted a hand in farewell and strolled back toward the main camp.

I love how much Nathan wants to prove he's changed and isn't going to be a player anymore and how startled Demi is.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Hot Not Date

Had a fairly decent week with work projects coming together and the upper respiratory yuck staying solidly in the background. I continued improving and the cough is down to a manageable level with over-the-counter meds. Whew.

I'm almost finished with Batman: The Animated Series and then I'll get back to a wider variety of shows again. This week's episodes were "Love is a Croc," "The Ultimate Thrill," "Cult of the Cat," which I go back and forth on whether I like it or not. "Critters" is not one of my favorites. I do love "Animal Act" because Dick gets to revisit his circus family and it's followed by my favorite season three episode of "Old Wounds," which shows the messy breakup of Batman and Robin and how Batgirl played a role. I have a few issues with season three and one of them is the way Bruce / Batman became a complete hardass and, quite frankly, a giant dick a lot of the time.

"Legends of the Dark Knight" is fun because it's a complete departure from the norm and explores a couple of alternate versions of the dynamic duo.

Almost forgot about "Girls' Night Out," with Live Wire and Supergirl guest starring. That's a fun episode.

I finished up with "Chemistry," which is kind of a meh episode for me. I think I have three more episodes and I'll have the rewatch completed.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hot Not Date, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Keefer meets Bryce, she's on a date with Mark and Keefer is bummed she's already taken. But things aren't exactly as they seem and by the end of the night, Keefer discovers his insta-crush may not be one-sided.

And a snippety peek…

Keefer Duncan hung the phone up and turned to his brother. "Yo, Reg, Matize is down with whatever disgusting ick is going around so we're minus a server." Digging into his pocket, he found a quarter.

Reggie grunted. "Told him to stay home, yeah? Don't need him spreading his germs everywhere." He came out from behind the counter and nodded to Keefer.

Keefer flipped the coin and caught it in his fist.

Reggie called his preference. "Heads."

Keefer opened his palm. "You win. I'll serve tonight. We can flip for it again tomorrow." He shoved the quarter back into his pocket, stripped off his chef's jacket, and snagged a Duncan's on the Square T-shirt.

Reggie lifted his chin. "You gonna pay for that?"

Keefer laughed. "Consider it a donation to a good cause." He swapped shirts, grabbed an apron, and logged in to the electronic server.

Reggie shook his head. "You do realize we're down a chef now, right?" He made his way back behind the line prep area.

Keefer rolled a shoulder. "Yeah, but if we ask Dylan to stick around through the rush, we should be okay. I'll have the hosts start prepping salads before the crush really starts and we can shift gears when needed." Not like they didn't have a system in place for this kind of thing.

Reggie grinned. "Good to wade out in the trenches sometimes, too. No job is too small…"

Keefer cracked a smile. "Even when you own the joint." Their shared office, a tiny cubicle by the back entrance, had the slogan painted on its primary wall.

Reggie gave a nod and went back to prepping a veg medley for the special stir-fry on tonight's menu.

Keefer liked the banter with his brother. Reg finally seemed to be having fun again after a rough couple of months nursing his wounds over a breakup. Keefer gave him space and he'd refrained from bringing anyone home since they shared a house as well as the restaurant.

Pushing through the café doors, Keefer figured he might get lucky tonight if he played his server cards right.

Keefer is going on something of a weird trip where he thinks his radar is completely broken and it's going to be fun to watch it unfold.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Hot Action

Ugh. What a week. I ended up succumbing to the upper respiratory yuck that started with my middle kiddo. I took him to the doctor on Monday and by late that evening, I already started feeling pretty ick. Slept most of the day on Tuesday—not kidding, about fifteen hours—and still felt terrible on Wednesday, with worsening symptoms, continuous cough, inability to breathe regularly, and basically everything hurt, up to and including my hair. Got in to see the doctor on Thursday afternoon, got tested for the flu, which came back negative, got something for the cough and came home. Finally got some additional sleep and started feeling slightly better by Friday evening. Continued to improve Saturday and finally think I've turned the corner. Going to take everything nice and slow through Tuesday and follow up with the doctor, but at least I can think clearly again. Definitely a wild ride for a few days.

Did not get a lot of television watched. Well, I did. But I don't remember a huge chunk of it. I did get some additional episodes of Batman: The Animated Series in before falling off the cliff of craziness.

Finished up "Joker's Millions," which I remember but forgot how much I actually enjoyed. Also caught "Growing Pains," "Mean Seasons," a truly excellent episode, "The Demon Within," "Over the Edge," and "Torch Song."

I hope I can still finish up the final season before HBOMax sucks the joy out of life by removing it from their service. Fingers crossed I don't end up with a new yuck thing to deal with.

That's more than anyone wanted to know about my life this week! Tonight's post is from Hot Action, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hans and Sylvia are working together during a summer program and sparks fly. They don't act on the attraction—neither can commit to anything serious because both still have another year of college at different universities. But when Sylvia hears her name coming from the shower area, she can't resist finding out why and her discovery makes for some hot action with Hans.

And a snippety peek…

Sylvia Ramone tracked Hans Medbrook when he carried four wooden crates into the main hall. "Mmm. He's definitely gonna be handy to have around." And very easy on the eyes.

Which would be her major challenge for the ten-week summer program at the state fairgrounds—not falling for the hot guy.

She shook her head and started for the row of tiny trailers lining the north campground where all the participants were being housed. "I have two semesters before graduation. I can't commit to anything serious." Especially since the information hotline had Hans at a prominent university in the southern part of the state and her college campus bordered on the shores of a great lake.

Yeah, too close to being done to start a long-distance commute for a potential boyfriend.

Sylvia entered the small trailer she'd been assigned in the female section of the grounds. Super-basic with a dining sectional that could be converted to a sleeping area, a small sink, counter, stove, fridge along one wall, a storage space, a toilet sans shower area, and a full-size mattress with drawers underneath along the back of the unit. Definitely cramped quarters, but not horrible for a single person.

She unzipped the suitcase she'd stashed inside earlier and started unpacking. Once she had a cute layout, she took a picture and posted it to her social media. First day of orientation in the books! Time to meet and greet my fellow neighbors…

She laughed. "And figure out where the showers are, if they're going to insist on specific times, and whether they're going to be coed or not." So many questions, so little time.

Actually, she'd put her money on the showers being in the middle of the north campground, an even distance for the men and women. They'd try to post a schedule for when the showers could be used, but no one would stick to it. And by the third day, coed would be the norm.

Tucking her personal toiletries into the storage compartment by the toilet, she grabbed her water jug and headed out to fill up the gallon-sized container.

"Maybe I'll get a glimpse of Hans again…"

Haven't quite decided where this story is going … well, it knows where it wants to go but I'm trying not to rush getting there.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin