Sunday Snippet: Yearly Vigil

Whew. Ended up being a long week between work, home, and other projects. The biggest and best one is helping my daughter edit her final paper for her master's degree. I'm so proud of her!

I made a small dent in the great cleanout project. Didn't get a lot accomplished but made a bit of progress, which I'll take.

Finished up two work projects and continued on with two more. I have another two in flux and two new ones coming sometime this week. Excited to stay busy!

Pretty good week for viewing. I got through my full round of shows and finished up one from last week. I'm still working on one of the others.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it was one of my favorite episodes. I love a good masquerade or costume party.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries and enjoyed Gloria and Nick working together. Hope to see more of that in future episodes.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. The run-up to Neville leaving is turning out to be a lot of fun. And always good to see Dwayne back. Looking forward to the next episode.

Finished up the two-part Poirot and loved how the resolution came together. I like it when the infallible Poirot gets off on the wrong track for a bit.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed the mystery. Also enjoyed Joan handling her detractor and Sherlock acting as the support system afterward.

Enjoyed an episode of Batman Beyond. I remembered this one from my original watch. A lot of fun.

Caught an episode of Lower Decks and, again, ended up being equally charmed and annoyed. I think that's my standard for this show.

Finished up the Reacher episode from last week and wow. Gotta say I didn't see the ending coming, which is always a good thing. Hoping I can get a full episode in this week.

Almost finished an episode of Peak Practice. Things are getting very messy in the relationship departments for everyone, and Sam, whew, what a huge pile he's getting ready to step into.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yearly Vigil, a novella that pulls a couple together over a shared loss.

Here's the miniblurb:

Venessa Broyles makes a yearly vigil to the graveside of her former lover, Hamish Blesdale, where she runs into his best friend, Hogan Baird. What starts out as an awkward stroll down memory lane eventually brings two lonely souls together.

And a sneaky peek…

Hell, why do I care?

He cocked his head. "I care because Hamish loved you." And Hogan wanted to understand her mindset.

Why she would refuse the honor of having the flag.

Maybe because she'd killed his best friend. Indirectly, but the responsibility rested on her shoulders. When he figured out how he felt about that specific instance, he might be able to start the grieving process.

Until then, he needed to conduct himself as Hamish would expect. "He'd want you to have the flag."

Venessa shrugged. "I don't need a flag to remember him."

Hogan frowned. "Or to remember your role in his death." Harsh, but the shrug got to him.

She flinched like he'd slapped her, and he regretted the accusation, but he didn't take it back. He did blame her … a little. Might not be rational, but too bad.

Venessa popped the door open. "You're right. I'll never need a reminder about why he died." She moved behind the door, using it as a barrier between them. "Good that you came, Hogan. Hamish deserved to have the people who cared about him most to see him laid to rest." She slid behind the wheel.

Hogan put a hand on the top of the door. "If you change your mind … let me know." He met her gaze. "Take care, Venessa."

She blinked and gave a nod. "Yeah, you too." Then she pulled the door shut and started the engine.

Hogan didn't like the subdued but dangerous look in her eyes. He quickly made his way to his rental vehicle and decided to follow her. No matter how he felt about her role in Hamish's death or her current lack of emotion, he'd make sure she got home okay.

Pulling out behind her, he stayed a few car lengths back. "It's the least I can do for my best friend."

Pretty happy with how this story is coming together. Hamish and Venessa have a long road to travel, and I enjoy this journey.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on this flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yarn Spinning

Another month end is almost in sight. August is gearing up to be a busy month for me and I'm excited and exhausted at the same time. I love being busy and having projects on my calendar but also have to remember to take time to decompress.

Cleanout project stalled again. I had deadlines to meet and also got a new office chair that needed assembly. Have to admit it's comfy.

Had a solid work week with several projects ongoing and two that needed to be finished. I got those out of the way and started a new one that's a long procedural.

Pretty good week of viewing. Made it through a full round of shows and started both of my back-burner ones.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the backstory of Janie and Phryne. Almost through the first season.

Started the new season of Madame Blanc Mysteries and a holiday episode. Looking forward to more of this show.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Kind of sad to see Marlon go. He ended up growing on me. Thrilled to see JP back for a brief appearance. The mystery also gave Marlon time to shine, which is nice for his final ep.

Watched another episode of Poirot, which is the first of two parts. Looking forward to seeing how this one ends. A super-young Polly Walker is a guest star!

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. I haven't quite decided how I feel about Moreland sticking around for a while, but I did like his interaction with Sherlock. The case also proved to be interesting.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and have vague memories of this one the first time around. Always fun to have Shriek back.

Watched another episode of Lower Decks. This show annoys and charms me in equal measure. I did quite like the interaction between mom and daughter even when I rolled my eyes several times.

Started an episode of Peak Practice. I didn't quite manage to finish it but will get it done this week. I hope!

Also started and got most of the way through another episode of Reacher. I only stopped because I couldn't keep my eyes open. That's what watching a show at four a.m. will do.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yarn Spinning, a novella that puts a couple together in an awkward situation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Torrin Becks and Gaelan Van Zant pull duty on the same scout ship, which creates a good bit of tension in the five-man crew. Torrin and Gaelan have something of a history and when the yarn spinning—who has the greatest exploit—starts, Torrin has to decide if she'll call Gaelan out on a big fat fib or let the story stand as the winner.

And a sneaky peek…

Torrin lurked in the corridor hoping to run into her female crewmate, Emlee Natch. If she could talk Lieutenant Natch into trading quarters, Torrin wouldn't have to suffer through the awkward situation with Gaelan. Seriously, who did she piss off to land this duty assignment?

Humming preceded footsteps on the deck. Torrin pushed away from the bulkhead and walked toward the musical sound.

Her first look at Emlee, dark hair, friendly face, and welcoming eyes, eased some of the tension in Torrin's shoulders.

Emlee grinned. "You must be Lieutenant Becks." She thrust her palm forward. "Welcome aboard."

Torrin clasped the other woman's palm. "I am, yes. It's nice to meet you." She nodded toward the bunkroom across the corridor. "You're Lieutenant Natch?"

Emlee nodded. "Yep. But call me Emlee. Except for the captain, we're on a first name basis here. So much easier with this small crew and it's distracting to use rank when we're all lieutenants." She propped a shoulder on the bulkhead. "You getting settled in?"

Torrin would take that opening. "Uh, about that. You wouldn't be interested in switching sides with me, would you?" She hesitated to say more because she didn't want to put Gaelan in a bad light.

Emlee tilted her head. "I sense a story here … one you're not ready to talk about, yeah?"

Torrin grimaced. "Wouldn't be appropriate, but it's not anything terrible. More like awkward." She left her reasoning there to avoid diving too deep.

Emlee gave her a commiserating look. "Understandable. But I won't be able to help." She leaned in and pitched her voice low. "Craig … Lieutenant Lawler … and I are, well, involved. If we weren't, I'd've been happy to switch quarters."

Torrin's head bobbed. "Ah. I see. And I get it. Thanks anyway." She dipped her chin. "Really great to meet you. Looking forward to working with you." Easing back, she turned and reentered her quarters.

Emlee paused at the hatch. "If it helps, I'll trade shifts with you once we're out in the black."

Torrin smiled. "Thanks. Can I get back to you on that?" She might take Emlee up on the offer if Gaelan made things too weird.

Emlee nodded. "Absolutely. Let me know." She stepped away and crossed the corridor to her quarters.

Torrin sat down on the small sofa against the bulkhead.

Gaelan rapped on the door to her side of the bathroom.

Torrin sighed. "Yeah?"

He poked his head inside her space. "Are you moving across the corridor?"

She shook her head. "Sorry, no. We'll have to make do." She drew her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them.

Gaelan grunted. "Right. Okay then. I'm going to grab a shower. Captain wants a quick briefing in thirty." He closed the door, and the water turned on.

Torrin let out a long exhale. "At least he told me." Something Eric wouldn't have done…

She didn't want to think about him. And her newly formed plan would see her avoiding Gaelan as much as possible. Which pissed her off because he based his opinion of her on Eric's description of their breakup.

She had a good reason to split up with him. "And it wasn't easy." No matter what her ex probably told his best friend.

I'm pleased with how this story is coming together. Torrin takes the upper road and it should end up paying off for her.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yanking the Pipe

Getting a late start to my day because my sleep schedule is out of whack. This has affected my great cleanout project, and I'm still determined to get back on track and at least do small things each day. Stay tuned!

On a different note, I did get about ten pounds of ground beef cooked and in the freezer. Also got three bags of grapes cleaned and in the fridge. So, the cleanout project took a back burner, but I did get other things done.

Work is still busy with new projects coming in and I'm enjoying the variety of things I have right now. I've also been able to do some catchup on my own stuff. I've been striving for better balance between my editing work and my writing.

Had a solid viewing week and made a full round of my regular shows and my two back burner shows. I'll be starting a new one this week, I think. Looking forward to picking up with a new season of something.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode and getting some Dr. Mac backstory.

Think I finished up the first season of Art Detectives. I really enjoyed this show and hope to see another season. They left enough seeds to pick up if they get one.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and ended up really loving the mystery. Not a standard path and the twists were good.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. It's one I'd seen most of before and I remembered most of the plot. Good episode.

Watched an episode of Elementary. Gotta say I love Joan being totally unafraid of the elder Holmes. Their interactions were very fun. And her getting the goods on him rocked the entire episode.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered but forgot about. Does that make sense. Great episode too.

Enjoyed an episode of Lower Decks. This show is kind of wonky but usually adorable. Just enough tongue in cheek to keep things interesting and fresh.

Watched the opening of Peak Practice season eleven. Sam is on a precarious journey, and I think his exit is set up nicely. Not really sure about Will and Kate. I'm not really interested in them becoming the new Andrew and whatever his partner's name is.

Also caught another episode of Reacher. Man. This show. If I ever find the time, I want to do a deep dive and dig into some of the themes and tropes I love.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yanking the Pipe, a novella that pulls a couple apart when they choose to travel different paths.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sammie Shields and Firth Fairmountain have fun yanking the pipe—pulling anonymous pranks—until one of their fellow soldiers gets injured. Their commanding officer gives them a choice—transfer to a marine unit to learn discipline or get busted down a rank. Sammie opts for demotion, but Firth chooses the alternate and finds a new mission, which Sammie struggles to accept.

And a sneaky peek…

Sammie moved her belongings to the junior pilot quarters. The roaring in her ears started when reaction finally set in. She didn't quite know how to deal with the idea Firth wouldn't be in her corner anymore.

Their last conversation replayed on a loop in her mind.

Firth scoffed. "I'm not leaving you."

Sammie's eyes widened. "Yes. You are. We won't see each other if you're going to be with the marines." How could he not get that?

Firth frowned then sighed. "You can look at it that way if you want to. But I will still see you." He threw the rest of his stuff in a rucksack and headed out of quarters.

Right. He'd still see her if they bumped into each other in the corridor. Maybe.

She started unpacking her gear.

"Hey, Lieutenant. Welcome to the lower ranks."

"Wow. Does this mean I don't have to take orders from you anymore?"

"This bunkroom operates by seniority. Previous rank doesn't count. You're low man on the ladder now."

Getting ribbed by her former junior officers sucked balls. But she'd have to grin and bear it. She could listen to this for a month … right? Because she didn't plan to accept a demotion for anything longer than thirty days.

Placing her personal belongings in her locker, she faced her new bunkmates. "Get your licks in now. But remember this … my time here will be short, but my memory is very long." She slammed the door shut. "Choose your digs carefully…" With a mock salute, she turned and exited the room.

The next month would be brutal. But she would not dive into the grunt factory and kowtow to a bunch of marines. She couldn't believe Firth opted for the harder route.

One that took him away from her. "Some friend he turned out to be." She wouldn't miss him one damn bit.

I'm happy with how this scene turned out and I'm excited to get Sammie and Firth through this conflict.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yank the Chain

It's very sauna-like outside with muggy weather and lots of humidity. Makes me want a pool in a big way. Went down a big rabbit hole researching what's available that won't break the bank and discovered some genius ideas. It won't happen this summer, but I have a new goal for next summer!

Hit a wall on my great cleanout project. But I'm determined to get back on it this week. Even if I only get a little done each day it's something. I'm thinking I might make a chart and log increments of time spent. If I see the forward progress it helps.

Ended up having a super busy work week. Several projects came back at the same time and a new one started. It's been a plate-spinning couple of months with so many different things stacking up against each other. I love the variety and I think that helps keep me from losing my mind.

I did end up having a great viewing week. I did a full round of shows and got to include the two I tend to keep on the back burner when things are jammed.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm almost through the first season and this is total comfort viewing.

Watched another episode of Art Detectives and I'm really enjoying this show. Shazia is a lot of fun and the mystery with Mick's dad is intriguing. Looking forward to more.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise. Love to see Selwyn with his daughter. The mystery ended up being excellent and the resolution had a nice twist.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I'm kind of fond of the episodes that don't have murders. This one was kind of madcap and that's always fun.

Watched the season four premiere of Elementary. Watson being ready to kick the shit out of the Holmes patriarch is awesome. I loved her interaction with one of the stooges. And the first glimpse of Holmes the Great? So incredible. Excellent choice of actor to play him. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered, and I enjoyed it. Terry and Max are a great team.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks and definitely plan to stick with this one. Even when I'm annoyed by some of the character bits, it's a fun watch.

Got to get the season ten finale of Peak Practice viewed. Interesting to have Kate back, especially since Will is kind of ready to move on. The vehicle accident played out with lots of tension and the two little girls with Tom ended up being better than I thought it would be.

Last but not least, I got to watch another episode of Reacher. This show, man. It's so good. And that ending. Wow. Reacher's big feet keep stepping in steaming piles. Just saying.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yank the Chain, a novella where a couple get to put a superior officer in his place.

Here's the miniblurb:

When pilot Riley Wang refuses to cave in and sleep with an arrogant major, she ends up in hack a week before graduation from flight school. Moss Mordecai bails her out but keeps her from going after her superior officer. If Riley wants back on the roster, she needs a plan and spending more time in the brig isn't a good one.

And a sneaky peek…

Well, fuck. Did not see that coming.

Riley endured the colonel's kiss for several moments then broke away. "Um, I've got someplace I need to be." She ducked her head to hide a grimace and swallow down the bile rising in her throat.

Cabella cleared his throat. "Fine. But don't forget our agreement. And don't be late." He snarled the words.

Turning, she shot a comeback. "Don't forget what has to happen." She headed out of the office and swiped the back of her hand over her lips. "Bleh." Then she slammed into Moss's hard body.

He steadied her, his grip going tight on her bicep. "Cabella is going down. Now." He started toward the office.

Riley shook her head. "No. That's not how we're playing this." She grasped his hand and tugged him away from the door.

Moss stopped and pinned her with his gaze. "Are you all right?" He scanned her face with narrowed eyes.

She suppressed a shudder. "I'll live. Let's go." She started forward, swallowing bile again.

Moss caught up to her. "Back to quarters." He put his arm around her for the short distance.

She preceded him into the bunk area then turned and hauled him close. She didn't have to tell him what she needed. He tilted her chin and caught her lips with his. He backed her up against the wall and the kiss spun out and deepened.

When she finally got the taste and feel of Cabella out of her mind, she eased away. "Thank you for reminding me what a great kiss is like." And wiping away one that sucked balls.

Moss rested his forehead against hers. "Any time, Riley. Ready for the next phase?"

The civilian news team wanted confirmation of her name back on the roster.

She gave a nod. "It's the only reason I stopped you from going after him. He has to follow through or that farce of a lip-lock was for nothing." And she couldn't stomach the thought.

Moss grunted. "Yeah, sorry about that. I wanted to throat punch the asshat." His hands clenched into fists.

Riley made a solemn promise. "If my name isn't where it should be, you can get in line behind me to follow through on that action."

So happy with how this story is coming together. Riley and Moss are setting a huge trap and it's going to be fun to write that scene.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: XO on the Warpath

It's the weekend of trying to keep my doggos from losing their minds. I love fireworks, don't get me wrong, but I feel for all the pets out there that freak out over them.

I continued with the great cleanout stuff this week. Honestly, I did more organizing than cleaning but being organized helps make cleaning and clearing a little easier.

I'm finally at a manageable level of projects. I have a few odds and ends to finish on a couple of them but they're with the authors or the designer and I'm waiting in the wings to review revisions.

Had another decent viewing week. Having a lighter workload does help. And I'm not as scattered on the attention span side of things.

Started out with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm finding new things in the episodes, which is one of the reasons I love to rewatch a series I've seen before.

Watched another episode of Art Detectives and I'm enjoying this show. I'm very interested in the backstory of Mack's dad. I'm also hoping for more backstory with his partner.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Good to see the commissioner's daughter again. The mystery also ended up being intriguing.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Very fun to not have a big murder to solve and see how Poirot uses his skill to ferret out what's going on.

Watched another episode of Elementary and, wow, season three ended on a big downer. I'm still trying to decide if Sherlock ended up relapsing or if he's just horribly distraught from Oscar's machinations. Oscar needs to die in a fire. Just saying.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I remembered. Loved the spin on an urban legend that had a grain of truth in it.

Started a new to me series with The Lower Decks. Enjoyed the first episode and ended up being happy I clocked the relationship between the captain and the know-it-all crew member. I'll enjoy watching more of this one.

Ended the week on an episode of Peak Practice. A lot going on in this one. And the tragic leap Will's patient made kind of surprised me. Kerry finding out the truth about her parentage kind of bummed me out, but I'm also seriously irritated by her parents being such ninnies about the whole thing. Definitely feel bad for Sam.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from XO on the Warpath, a novella about a couple who have to survive a series of mistakes that set one of them off.

Here's the miniblurb:

Garrick Mellark, executive officer of the Methone, is on the warpath. His crew is bucking orders and he's not going to deal with it anymore. Shay Vamper gets elected to soothe the snarly XO into his usual jovial self, which shouldn't be hard considering she's his current flame.

And a sneaky peek…

Garrick left the ship commander's quarters after briefing him on Garrick's zero tolerance policy. "Can't say he's thrilled with me right now." He didn't often cross swords with his superior officer, but he didn't mince words today.

Moving down the corridor to his quarters, he undogged the hatch … and found Shay pacing back and forth inside.

Heaving a sigh, he shut the door. "I can't right now, Shay." He crossed to his duty locker and yanked the latch.

Shay paused with a hand on her hip. "Can't what? Talk? Listen? Or hear what I have to say?" Crossing her arms over her chest, she arched her brows.

Garrick closed his eyes. "All of the above. I'm done talking. I just listened to Warff disagree with my strategy, and you're not going to say anything I'm ready to hear yet." His fingers undid the buttons on his shirt, and he shrugged out of it.

Shay flicked her tongue against her teeth. "So, you're still pissed off and cranky. Got it." She turned to exit his quarters.

Garrick shook his head. "Don't go. Please." He moved and wrapped his arms around her. "Stay with me." His lingering anger drained but exhaustion filled him. "My head hasn't stopped spinning and I'm terrible company, but I'm not mad at you. I'm really not."

Shay turned and rested her forehead against his. "When was the last time you got at least three or four hours of sleep?"

He huffed out a breath. "I don't know. A week ago?" More like a month.

She nudged him toward his berth. "I think you're off by about ninety days, Garrick." Patting the mattress, she waited until he got stretched out then slid in beside him.

Had it really been three months since he'd had a full eight hours of sleep or even half that? He shuffled through his memory. Damn. Pretty much.

Biting back a yawn, he sighed. "Geez. I need a vacation." He tucked on arm behind his head and wrapped the other one around Shay.

She chuckled. "Don't we all? But you … definitely need it the most." She lifted the cover of his shelving unit and set an alarm. "Get some rest. I'll run interference if anyone comes looking for you." Putting her head on his shoulder, she burrowed closer to his side.

Garrick didn't respond. His eyes drifted shut and sleep claimed him.

This story is a fun exploration of how reaching a breaking point can lead to good and not so good things.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Xanthic Flu

Well, the end of June is going to be a welcome sight for me. It's been a long month and yet somehow flew by in a blink.

Work projects are finally slowing down a little and I feel like I can breathe again. I have to play catch-up on some things that I had to let slide while trying to get through the bulk of my work. Hopefully, I'll get back to some cleaning projects and get more writing done.

Actually made it through all of my shows and finished up two that I had on the back burner. We had a lot of rain and some severe storms, but the power stayed on, so I got a lot watched.

Watched another episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it's one I always look forward to. I love getting into Phyrne's history and her time in France explains so much about her.

Enjoyed another episode of Art Detectives. Nice to have a little backstory for the characters. Also enjoyed the mystery of this one. Messy rock-star drama added a nice twist.

Caught another Death in Paradise episode … possibly the one hundredth ep because Camile made an appearance. Excellent throwback to the very first episode also.

Watched another Poirot episode where he's either still on holiday or taking another one. I had seen most of this episode before and it's nice to have all the pieces fall into place.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. Interesting to see Gregson decide to stay with the eleventh and Iiked him seeking Joan's help with vetting his possible replacement. The overarching mystery also ended up being nice and twisty.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond. I remembered this one and liked the team-up of Terry and Max. Bruce had some good lines in this episode.

I think I finished up the Classic Rugrats rewatch. I might go back and make sure I didn't end up skipping a season or two. I'll probably switch over the new episodes.

Finally finished up the episode of Peak Practice I started a while ago. Did not expect to see Sam propose even though I knew it would happen at some point.

Also finished up the second episode of Reacher. Gotta say, I really love this show. Glad I have several more seasons to view!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Xanthic Flu, a novella that puts a couple together in isolation and gives them time to explore what they have between them.

Here's the miniblurb:

Rowan Buel and Fuller Beckett are competitive by nature, but when they contract the Xanthic flu—a nasty virus that turns the skin yellow—at the same time, it takes their game of one-ups-manship to the extreme. Isolated and quarantined together, the duo learns working together can actually be fun.

And a sneaky peek…

Rowan woke slowly, taking stock of her condition.

Cotton mouth?

Gone. Night hydration seemed to be working.

Headache?

Nope. A true bonus.

Yellow skin?

She cracked one eye open.

Ugh. Yep. Still there.

Body aches from the lumpy mattress?

Sweet universe, no.

But … something hard did poke her in the back.

No. Way.

Fuller Becket had a significant erection? While lying next to her?

She turned carefully onto her other side and faced him. Being able to study him while sleeping, she noted his handsome visage … even with the yellow tinge.

His eyelashes cast shadows on his cheeks, with their high bones and slight scruff from needing a shave. His lips were slightly full and very tempting. Kissable, for sure.

She blinked. I did not just think that.

Yeah. She did.

His eyes popped open and widened. His face flushed when realization hit, giving a bit of an orange cast to his skin. He immediately tried to shield his hard-on and his mouth opened but she pressed a finger against it.

She quickly bushed her lips over his. "Thank you. I slept great for the first time since getting into iso." She would not make a big deal out of his predicament.

He shook his head. "No thanks necessary. Glad you finally got a good night's rest." He apologized. "Sorry for … well, for the…" His gaze lowered to his groin.

She palmed his erection. "Don't be. I'm flattered." She leaned in. "And a little turned on. I had no idea I could do that to you." She slid out of the bed. "Do you want the shower first? You know, to take care of anything causing discomfort…" Her gaze drifted to the outlined ridge under his boxers.

If she thought for a moment he would accept, she'd be more than happy to rectify his situation.

His face reddened again. "Uh, no. Thanks for the offer." Sitting up, he swung his legs over the edge of the mattress, his fingers closing over the side with a white-knuckled grip.

Rowan bit back a grin and turned to grab her kit. "If you're sure? I'll be quick." She ducked into the alcove and started the water, setting the temperature to just shy of cool…

Because knowing she had an effect on Fuller made her very hot and bothered.

Writing this scene made me happy. I love the dynamic between Rowan and Fuller.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: X-Ray Tango

If anyone is headed into a major heat wave this week like I am, stay hydrated! And try to stay cool, especially if your location is as humid as mine is. Humidity is a nightmare.

Had a busy and productive week. Making good progress on two of my projects and sliding in some random finishing bits on a few others.

Started a huge cleanup job in the kitchen. My poor countertops need to be reorganized and cleared of clutter. I got the largest one scrubbed down and mostly organized. Still need to find a new home for a few items.

Also have some mundane tasks to plow through this week. Not sure I'll make it but I can't put it off any longer. My procrastination skills are top notch!

Had a decent viewing week. I ended up making it through my usual slate of shows, which rather makes me happy.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode again. The characters in Phyrne's past are always fun.

Caught another episode of Art Detectives and, I have to say, I thoroughly enjoy this show. Looking forward to the next episode.

Watched the season thirteen holiday special of Death in Paradise and enjoyed meeting Neville's mom. Should be fun to watch the last season of Inspector Parker's tenure.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Kind of fun to see him on holiday and solving a murder. I'll admit the resolution came together a little oddly for me but an interesting episode nonetheless.

Caught another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed Sherlock's revelations about friendship. So fun to watch Marcus chill with Sherlock at the end.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. Having the Royal Flush gang back proved fun. Also like Terry making a solid choice at the end to stick with Dana.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats. The holiday themed episode is one I remember and I really need to add it to my holiday watch list if I do one this year.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from X-Ray Tango, a novella that puts a couple together under fraught circumstances.

Here's the miniblurb:

Kellan Gates and Josh Robertson do not get along, constantly vying for top position in their squadron. But when they're transferred to another ship, Josh is targeted by a former nemesis that uses program X-ray Tango to keep Josh in check, which fires up Kellan—no one is allowed to give Josh a hard way to go except her.

And a sneaky peek…

Aw, fuck.

Josh heaved a sigh. "Not really, but you deserve to know what we're heading into." Where did he start?

Probably the beginning.

Josh glanced around to make sure they didn't have an audience. "The CAG of the Achilles and I go way back. Taylor Bradford is an old nemesis. Let's just say there's some bad blood between us and leave it at that for now." He met her gaze. "I'm not being an ass when I say you'd be wise to stay away from him. Not that you need a warning." Or would appreciate one.

Kellan narrowed her eyes. "You know, that won't be hard to do. If he's who I think he is, I don't like him either." Her lips twisted with distaste.

Josh's eyebrows arched. "Where did you meet him? If you don't mind me asking." Bradford got around but also gravitated toward the higher ranks.

Kellan snorted. "Flight school."

Josh's eyes widened. "You were a year behind us, right? Wonder what brought him back." Didn't seem to fit with Taylor's one-step-ahead plan.

Kellan huffed out a breath. "He came in as a guest lecturer. Very full of himself. And so condescending we all hated him." Her fingers curled into a fist.

Josh gave a slow nod. "Ah. Makes sense. He'd view running a class as his divine right to share how everyone could benefit from his colossal intelligence." Bile rose in his throat just saying the words.

Kellan chuckled. "The only thing he actually showed was his ass. And only for a day. He didn't get invited back the following week." Her lips curved in a smirk.

Josh could literally picture Bradford strutting around the class, spewing all kinds of so-called wisdom but coming off more like a pompous dick. And … if Taylor hadn't gamed the finals, Josh would've been the guest lecturer. No doubt, Taylor got the tap because he'd been top of their flight class. But Josh didn't need to share that information with Kellan.

Why give her ammunition?

Kellan snatched the orders and shook her head. "This is going to suck on multiple levels." Her gaze met his. "Adding your history and hell … even mine … with him to the mix adds to the challenge, right?"

Josh couldn't disagree so he nodded. "Probably."

Kellan sighed and got up, mumbling something about hating change before she headed for the exit.

Josh watched her leave. "This is one time I'm not down with it either."

But at least she didn't give him shit about anything. Maybe they had some common ground they could meet on.

Gotta say this story is coming together in ways I didn't expect. Kellan and Josh are keeping me on my toes.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye