Sunday Snippet: The Cockpit

I'm happy to say I managed to pull off a surprise birthday celebration for my husband with the help of our daughter and a few other very good and awesome friends. I held it at the elementary school where he works as a custodian and surprisingly got everything and everyone in to the cafeteria without him finding out. I'm so happy we surprised him!

That party capped off a very busy week between trying to figure out what the weather is going to do from one moment to the next and work projects dropping from the sky to not feeling the greatest because of said weather. We're gearing up for some additional snow so that should be fun.

As mentioned, work projects are piling up and I'm happy to be busy. I have a good mix of genres at the moment and I enjoy the variety. I should have two finished up this week and two more starting. I'm excited and hope this trend continues!

Had an okay week of viewing. I managed to get through my usual schedule of shows and caught a little more of the Olympics. I'm not a rabid fan, but I do enjoy amazing athletes compete for their countries.

Started the week with Midsomer Murders and finished up season 25. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this season. The writing kind of blew me away and the humorous moments made me happy. More of this please!

Caught the premiere episode of Foyle's War season seven and it's one I remembered. I do miss the sergeant and kind of hope he ends up showing up again.

Finished season twenty-eight of Silent Witness and I love ending on the wedding on Jack and Nikki with the hint of where they'll be going in the next season. The new team is amazing, and I'm thrilled they'll be sticking around.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot and loved how Hastings and Poirot were concerned about Miss Lemon but ended up not having to be because of a cat.

Elementary had another great episode. Kind of fun to see Sherlock wake Joan up with a violin. I also think Sherlock nudging Gregson to get married actually made sense. Sherlock's awkwardness always makes me smile.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it isn't the last one of the series. I have several more to watch before having to decide which show to pick up next.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and rather enjoyed the new vibe between the characters. I have to admit, I'm kind of meh about the Ransom character. We'll see if he grows on me the way Beckett did.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Cockpit, a novella that offers one of the main characters a glimpse of something new.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lark Fisher pulls R&R and hits the most happening bar on Virgonon, the Cockpit. Imagine her utter stupefaction when she finds out its owner is not only an old friend, but the one who got away.

And a sneaky peek…

Fox had her just off kilter enough she could only blink. Damn.

Lark shook her head. "Not in the bar. Can we go somewhere else?" She needed a minute to get back on track.

Fox grabbed two bottles and held out his hand. "I've got just the place."

She clasped his palm and he took her through a small, winding hallway and stopped outside a battered metal door.

Fox paused a moment. "You need to know, you're one of the few people I've invited into my home." He keyed in an entry code.

Home!

Fascinated, she gave the area a closer look. "The entrance reminds me of an old arms locker." The kind they had on the old class-B ships.

A small grin quirked his lips before he turned the knob and pushed the door open.

Lark's jaw dropped. "Holy shit." She entered his home slowly, her eyes trying to take everything in.

Fox's interior sprawled out over a space almost as big as the bar. The loft-like area had a suspended second floor with—

Her head whipped around. "Are those hanger deck steps?" They led upward on both sides.

He nodded. "Yep. Got them off an old ironsides that went down for scrap." He moved past her and set the bottles on the table in the seating area.

She noticed several other items he'd obviously picked up. About a dozen port holes, several obs deck windows repurposed as skylights, two galley prep stations as an island separating the kitchen from the living space.

Turning, she met his gaze. "You've got the best of both your worlds, don't you?" She kind of loved this place.

Fox glanced around his home. "Yeah, I really do." He opened one of the bottles.

Lark gave a slow nod. "You've found your niche, haven't you?" Something she longed for but had no clue how to attain.

Fox rolled a shoulder. "More like filled one here." He moved to the bar and retrieved a couple of glasses.

Lark gazed outside. "Exactly what you wanted, right?" She hated the wistful tone in her voice.

Fox moved to stand behind her. "Pretty much." Placing a hand on her hip, he handed her a glass then directed her to the plush sectional in the seating area.

She dropped down and let him pour her a full tumbler. She raised her drink then took a sip. How did she go about getting something similar to what he had?

Gotta say, I'm having fun with this one. Lark is at a crossroads, and she's not sure what to do next. Having to face her past and her future at the same time is fun to watch.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Clubbing on Space Station Delta

Halfway through the month and it's nonstop gangbusters. I'm planning a super-secret thing I can't talk about for this Friday. I seriously hope I can pull this off.

The weather is warming up a little, so the snow is finally melting. That also means it's muddy and squishy outside during the day and slippery and slidey at night. I have a pond in my driveway when it's sunny and an ice rink when it gets dark.

Work projects are steady and still coming. I finished up a nightmare project—I hope—and I'm glad to move on from that one. Completed a copy edit and started a new one. Had some hourly editorial review work I started and finished this week. I had another one going that I'm making headway on and I'm finishing up a developmental edit, which I hope to have completed by next week. I also have a backburner project that I need to jump back into. All in all … yeah, it's been busy.

I did manage to get through my usual slate of shows. I even watched some of the Olympic events, but I'm not really following anyone or anything. The skeleton events fascinate me. My idea of fun is definitely not jumping on a tiny sled while going seventy-plus miles—headfirst—down an icy super-slide of death. That said, kudos to the athletes who make it look easy. And scary.

Started the week with Midsomer Murders and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. I've been waiting for this one, because the previews were intriguing. Death by cuckoo clock is a wild way to go. Just saying.

Finished up season six of Foyle's War, and I'd forgotten how bleak the end of the war ended up being for everyone. I mean there was obviously a call for celebration, but the uncertainty for all the characters, or most of them, is very strong.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and quite enjoyed Jack and Nikki realizing they don't have a lot of friends outside of their work. I'm very interested in the little beat about Nikki maybe leaving the Lyell to start a new facility. That could prove interesting for next season.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. It's always fun when Miss Lemon saves the day with research. And really nice to see Poirot support a young woman's dreams.

Elementary ended up being very interesting. I love how much Joan wants to help her former patient, but she also didn't discount the aunt's concerns. And Sherlock's ruthless takedown of the CEO ended up being a chef's kiss moment.

Caught another Batman Beyond episode and I believe I'm near the end of the series run. Not sure what I'll pick up next, but I might dive into another Batman series.

Watched the opening episode for season three of Star Trek: Lower Decks and thoroughly enjoyed seeing Beckett interact with her dad. Also loved seeing everyone else in civilian mode. Season three should be a fun ride.

That's pretty much it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Clubbing on Space Station Delta, a novella that shows perceptions are made to be changed.

Here's the miniblurb:

Macie Gunn discovers a very different side to Nix Handleman, her commanding officer, when they get some downtime on Space Station Delta. Macie likes what she sees but wonders if Nix will keep the stick out of his ass once they return back to duty. Nix loves taking Macie by surprise but doesn't quite trust her enough to take things further … after all, Macie never met a secret she didn't want to spill. Each has to show some trust in the other's ability to change, and they only have a weekend to do it.

And a sneaky peek…

Macie clocked the moment Nix entered Club Loco, but she played things cool by staying at the bar, twirling her club soda in the glass.

Nix made his way to her side. "Mace, care to dance?" He propped an elbow on the gleaming surface of the bartender's workspace.

Macie lifted on shoulder. "Eh, maybe." Nix should have to work a little after leaving her hanging last night.

Nix's eyebrows arched. "You're not really gonna play the angry card, are you?" He reached out and ran his finger over the coaster under her drink.

Macie frowned. "I'm not pissed…" She lowered her voice. "More like restless and frustrated." Not a good mix.

Nix gave a commiserating nod. "Yeah, I feel that. In fact…" He leaned in closer and put his mouth next to her ear. "I couldn't sleep until I rubbed one off because I kept picturing you sprawled naked on my bed."

His words and voice made her hot and tingly. "Shit." He amazed her a little with the admission.

He grunted. "Yeah, I can't share the details of my dreams. I'd get arrested." He pushed away from the bar and nodded toward the dance floor. "Join me?" He swiveled his hips and moved his feet to the beat of the music.

She definitely saw Nix in a whole different light now.

Sliding off the stool, she grabbed his hand and followed him to the squared off space filled with writhing bodies. Nix kept pushing boundaries, altering her perception of him. He got a little kinky on the dance floor, grinding his groin into her ass, letting her know exactly how much she affected him. Her temperature kept climbing and her body vibrated with need.

An hour later, they found a corner table to quench their thirst and catch their breath.

Nix scooted closer after they gave their order to the server. "I've been trying to imagine what you've got on under your skirt…" His hand slid down to her thigh.

Macie smiled. "Maybe I don't have anything on…" Not true, but she loved the flare of heat in his gaze.

His palm inched under the skirt and a grin spread across his face. "I'm gonna go with red … because, while black is sexy, you're a trailblazer and dance to your own tune." His fingers slipped under the lacy fabric of her panties.

Macie sucked in a breath. "Whew. Not that I don't love seeing this side of you, but I'm a little surprised." She purposefully didn't confirm his guess.

Nix gave her a sly look. "Assumptions can get you into trouble."

Her face flamed. "Point taken. It's hard to wrap my head around the idea you've got something of a kinky nature." And she loved it.

Nix rolled a shoulder. "Figured you'd be okay with it." He removed his hand but left her skirt ruched up.

Macie nodded. "Definitely okay." She tilted her head. "Still a little shocked."

His lips quirked. "Look, I don't blame you. But you know a thing or two about pushing boundaries. This is my way of breaking through and doing something a little wild."

Macie gave a nod. "I think I understand. The question now is, can you trust me to keep my big mouth shut?"

Nix arched a brow. "Can I?"

Macie gave him a slow, wide grin. "Absolutely. You've given me a whole new way to push the envelope." One she would very much enjoy.

Nix leaned in close again. "Then let's get out of here." She started to get up but he halted her progress. "Leave the panties behind."

Her heart tripped over the thought.

She shuddered but complied, slipping the scrap of fabric past her hips and down her legs. She placed the lingerie on the seat between them. Nix flashed a grin because he'd guessed the correct color, then scooped the panties up and tucked them into his pocket.

Macie slid out of the booth and headed toward the exit almost vibrating from the thrill of what would soon follow.

I love writing Macie and Nix. Nix is so much fun because Macie is an apt pupil and he enjoys tilting her world sideways.

 

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

 

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Close Quarters (Scorched Galaxy book two)

February is going to be a wild month. It's already shorter than average and my project load is intense plus I have two birthdays hitting a week apart. A big one for the husband, which involves a super-secret aspect that's challenging to pull off.

Ohio is still deep into its cold spell, which I'm actually okay with. We're also still digging out of the huge snowfall we got last week. It's hilarious that I get stuck in my own driveway. But I do.

As mentioned, work projects are falling out of the sky right now and that's not a bad thing. But it is a bit of a hurdle to manage making sure they're all getting the attention they need. I'd love to have about five more hours each day.

Had a better than normal viewing week. Some of my projects involve tedious busywork, and it's nice to have something on in the background. I even got to one of my back-burner shows.

Started off with Midsommer Murders and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. It also made me want to take up lawn bowling. I remember playing something like that, along with croquet, when little.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War and it's one I remembered well from the original watch. I have one more episode in the sixth season and I'm looking forward to watching it this week.

Watched the second half of Silent Witness and whew! So many twists and turns. And, of course, the obnoxious asshat is the actual target … yet somehow manages to come through partially unscathed. Really loved the team doing what they needed to do regardless of the consequences.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. Loved how he got a chance to revisit a murder he wasn't allowed to solve the first time. Lots of twisty turns.

Elementary didn't disappoint with the opening of the fifth season. I love that Joan probably saved her former patient by offering a helping hand. Also love that Sherlock recognized she needed something more.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and kind of loved the teamwork with Gotham PD and taking down the poacher. I'd forgotten about this episode.

Watched the season two finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks and, wow, what a way to end the season. Looking forward to catching what happens next.

Also started another episode of Peak Practice. It's painful to watch Sam completely fall from grace. I might end up forwarded through some of it because it hurts to watch.

That's pretty much it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Close Quarters, the second book in a spicy space opera trilogy.

Here's the miniblurb:

After trying to outmaneuver their crew mates who bet on whether they'd ever hook up, Molly and Sloan discover an abiding love and embark on a committed relationship. Their biggest problem? Trying to figure out how to live in close quarters without making each other insane.

And a sneaky peek…

Sloan let Molly tug him into the bedroom. She hadn't given him an answer, but he wouldn't complain. If a nice, hot romp got him any closer to having a living space he could at least walk through, he'd be stupid to question it.

But … he wouldn't let incredible sex distract him from his final goal.

Something about being surrounded by reams of paper made his skin itch.

When Molly leaned back on the bed, he removed his shirt, watching as she slid down her pants. "So, what's the plan, Molls?" He shoved his trousers down and Molly sat up, removing her final bits of clothing … still not answering him. "Are you aiming to make me forget the mess in the next room?" Kicking his pants off, he arched a brow.

She shrugged one shoulder and scooted back on the bed. Using her finger, she made a twirling motion, suggesting he get his butt moving and join her on the mattress.

He crawled over top of her and gazed down at her smiling face.

She finally answered with a question. "Is it working?" She made her eyes wide and tried to look innocent.

Sloan shook his head no.

Molly blew out a resigned sigh. "Oh, well, worth a try."

Sloan grinned then leaned down and brushed his lips over hers, teasing them open with his tongue. Once he gained access, the kiss deepened and the familiar fire flared between them. As far as distractions went, she picked a good one.

And … now that Molly had what she wanted—namely a postponement to deal with the chaos—he didn't doubt they'd be working the rest of the night on getting things organized.

A small price to pay to maintain his sanity.

Even if it meant staying up until the wee hours.

I have so much love for this series and I've been working on it for, well, a really long time.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Climate Control

Man, January felt like it flew by but also seemed like it lasted a full decade. It's so weird how that happens. It could also be because I've been fighting a yucky cold and I'm not enjoying that at all.

Ohio has been in the longest cold spell I can remember. Highs only in the teens and lows in the single digits or below zero. Usually, we'll get that for a day or three. But this has been going on for over a week. At least I haven't had to go out much and deal with the brutal temperatures.

Had a fairly busy work week. Finished up the romantasy copy edit and did a little more on the manuscript that needed TLC. I'm digging into the memoir and getting it ready for a copy edit by another editor. I struggled through endnote hell with my regular author's project. Weirdly, I've had significantly more projects with footnotes or endnotes lately. It's not a trend I enjoy, but it's a new challenge, which I do like.

Had an okay viewing week. I made it through a full round of shows, which included starting a new season of one of my regulars. If possible, I might try to add a random backburner show this week.

Started season twenty-five of Midsommer Murders, and the opening episode didn't disappoint. Someone mentioned on BlueSky that this season is filled with humorous moments and that makes me so happy. Looking forward to more.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War with the opening of season six. A full year passed with Christopher no longer working as a policeman. Of course, he got sucked back in and the team is back together.

Watched the first of a two-part Silent Witness and, whew, what an episode. I have a fairly good idea of where this one is going and it's not pretty. Nikki is going to have her hands full when she's back at the Lyell.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I love how many pursuits Hastings has. Hunting, golf, driving, and of course, working with Poirot. And Miss Lemon is a true gem.

Elementary ended it's fourth season with an interesting twist. I kind of enjoyed the whole Moreland Holmes arc. I'm looking forward to what season five brings to the table.

Watched another Batman Beyond and it's one I remembered. Bruce's dip in the Lazarus pool made a great episode, especially with being able to fight off a group of thugs with Terry. Such a fun episode.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and enjoyed it. Very fun to see Klingon and Vulcan lower deck crews. And the end scene with the Borg lower deck was kind of funny.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Climate Control, a sexy short that brings a couple together when their ship's climate control goes wonky.

Here's the miniblurb:

When the climate control on their ship goes haywire, Ned and Lakin have to cool things down then heat things up. During the wait for a fix, they discover a mutual attraction, and the temperature goes from chilly to blazing in record time.

And a sneaky peek…

Lakin paused just outside the spray of water, and Ned reached out to clasp her palm. "Come on. Get in here." He gave her a playful tug, dragging her closer to the blast of cold water.

She let out a laugh that she quickly swallowed with a harsh intake of breath once the chilly stream pelted her. "Holy shit, that's cold." She shuddered a little.

Ned's hand slid up her arm. "Yeah, well, you're so hot I'm surprised the water isn't making steam rise off your skin." Good cover for his slip of the tongue.

Lakin Pope made his temperature … and other things … rise whenever she walked into his orbit. Definitely not a hardship to share the shower with her. Even when they each had goosebumps now peppering their bodies.

Lakin ducked her head under the spraying stream. "Whew. Talk about a cool down." She swiped her hand over her hair, clearing it from her eyes.

Ned's lips quirked. "I'd say we maybe have five minutes before everyone else is crowding in here and mucking up our little slice of wonderful." He backed under the water, letting the stream flow over his back and shoulders.

Lakin's gaze went to the changing area. "Not sure we'll even have that long." She grimaced.

Sure enough, the door flung open and four people walked in. Ned shared a wry smile with Lakin and cut the water. She snagged a towel from the shelf and handed it to him, then grabbed one for herself.

Ned wrapped the rectangle around his waist and waited for Lakin to cover her torso. They made their way to their lockers, sidestepping the others in their mad dash to hit the stalls.

Lakin pulled her locker open. "I'm going with the bare minimum." She retrieved a pair of hipster briefs and a sports bra.

Ned nodded. "Yeah, good plan." He grabbed a loose-fitting tank and knit boxers.

Once dressed, he shoved his feet into a pair of nonslip mesh shoes.

Lakin's head bobbed up and down. "Yeah, great choice." She slipped a pair on. "Nothing worse than wearing boots when it's ninety degrees." She took her towel and rough-dried her hair.

Ned shut his locker and jerked his head toward the exit. "Ready to see if we can find somewhere semi-cool to wait out the heatwave?"

Lakin snorted. "A challenge if there ever was one." She inclined her chin. "Maybe if we turn the lights down in quarters, it'll be bearable." She palmed a deck of cards and arched her brows.

Not a terrible idea. Too damn hot to do much else.

Ned grinned. "I think we have a plan." He swept his arm out, indicating she should precede him out of the head.

Lakin smirked but didn't argue. And … if he didn't miss his guess, she added an extra swish to her hips while walking toward quarters.

Which meant he very much enjoyed the view. How did I not notice how great her ass looks?

This is such a fun little story. Lakin and Ned are a cool soon-to-be couple.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Chasing the Sun

Whew. We got hit with a ton of snow last night and this morning. About fourteen inches. My county is under a rare level three snow emergency. I had to drive out this morning and, it wasn't horrible but I definitely drove slowly. And we only had about seven inches at that point. So glad I don't have to go out anymore today.

Had a crazy-busy work week. A project came back that needed some extra TLC after numerous author revisions. I'm still working on the memoir, and I started a new project with one of my regular authors. Also working on a long romantasy novel and hitting the series book when I can.

Had a slower week of viewing with everything else going on. Prepping for the snowstorm took up some time and I needed to focus on the work stuff.

I did watch Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears. I thoroughly enjoyed this fan-backed movie project. A very cool way to cap the series.

Also caught an episode of Foyle's War that finished out the fifth season. I'd completely forgotten Foyle actually resigned from the police force. Looking forward to starting the next season.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness. Again, the twists and turns were amazing. So many red herrings. And a side story that ended up being compelling.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. This one had an interesting side plot with Miss Lemon that I loved.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Chasing the Sun, a sexy short that explores the downside of following orders.

Here's the miniblurb:

Chance Martin and Rena Chavez are best friends, and maybe something more, if their work will stop getting in the way. But when Chance can't deal with a set of orders to remove an admiral with lethal action, he starts a downward spiral he can't stop. Rena has to pull him back from the edge, no easy task because she always follows orders.

And a sneaky peek…

"Chance!" Rena shook him.

Trapped in a nightmare, unable to fight his way out. She had experienced that agony more times than she wanted to remember. First as a child with alcoholic and combative parents.  Then as a teenager in care after the same parents lost their lives—and almost took hers—in a drunk-driving crash. From that point onward, Rena learned the value of following the rules.

She jostled Chance again. 

The night terror still had Chance in its clutches. His muscles tensed and bunched, and his head twisted back and forth.

And he called her name … over and over.

He scared her, because she couldn't reach him. And it meant Chance had issues bigger than she'd imagined.

She cupped his face in her hands to still the thrashing of his head. "Chance. Wake up." Rena pitched her voice low, her tone calm and soothing. "It's a dream. Chance." Her thumbs stroked his cheeks, and she repeated the same words once, twice more before he jerked awake.

Unfocused eyes darted back and forth and the last remnants of whatever unknown horror he'd been in fought to hang on. When his gaze finally settled on her face, she breathed with relief.

Gone were the stormy, terror filled eyes.

In their place, startled but clear blue stared up at her.

She kept her voice low, almost a whisper. "Hey, welcome back." Rena moved one of her hands down to lace her fingers with his.

They were like ice even though his skin was slick with sweat. He didn't respond but, his breathing calmed from erratic bursts into shallow inhales. His heartbeat raced, and Rena wished she'd paid closer attention to his plight instead of getting freaked out.

She shouldn't have left this situation for so long. How selfish of her … to not push harder to make him talk. She wanted to kick herself for leaving him to stew and brood.

No more. She'd get him through this rough spot. She owed it to him.

And to herself.

Happy with how this one is coming together. The sages are feeding the plot to me out of order but sometimes that ends up working out well.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Call to Come Home

Whew. What a week. Between everything going on in the US, most of which is terrible, and the yucky weather, I'm exhausted. One of my goals for this year is to take better care of myself, so I'm making some plans to do that. Getting better sleep is topping the list right now.

Work projects are stacking up and I'm happy to be busy. February is shaping up to be another good month for editing! I also have two birthdays to prepare for and one of them is a big one!

Had a decent week of viewing. I made it through my usual shows even though I tried to get to bed earlier than usual.

Finished up my rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries regular season shows. I'll be hitting the movie this week.

Started the fifth series of Foyle's War and forgot how much of a banger the opener was. And a holiday episode to boot. But very glad to have the whole wife thing out of the way.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and look forward to finishing it up this week. The two new characters are growing on me. I love the newest tech, and the new head of the Lyell is finally settling in.

Caught another episode of Poirot and thoroughly enjoyed the many twists and turns. Gotta say I miss it when Hastings and Miss Lemon aren't in the show, but it's fun to see Japp and Poirot on their own also.

Elementary didn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to seeing how the season ends and what the resolution will be between Sherlock and Joan, Moreland, and the offshoot of Moriarity's group.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I didn't remember or only have a vague recollection. Ended up enjoying.

Also enjoyed another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. I'm kind of feeling like the show finally found its groove. Or at least I found my groove with the show.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Call to Come Home, a novella that brings a couple back together after they went their separate ways.

Here's the miniblurb:

Hollace is on a mission in enemy territory to retrieve power cells to keep their temporary base station running. She bumps into a man she shares a past with the presumed dead son of her commanding officer. When Verge refuses to leave with her, ignoring the call to come home, she takes matters into her own hands to reunite father and son … and to pick up where she and Verge left off.

And a sneaky peek…

Verge Olafsson called a halt to a training exercise. "All right. Let's stop here for today." He waited until everyone huddled closer and gave out a list of assignments. "Marins, take a group of five out and scout for survivors and scavenge for more equipment. Maybe over by the campus? We haven't cleared all the buildings yet." Grabbing a clipboard, he started to read down the list of other things he needed to accomplish today.

Josh Marins held up a hand. "You want us to bring equipment back or take an inventory?" He tagged five people, a mix of his regulars and two new individuals.

Verge frowned. "For now, figure on an inventory. Unless you find other survivors and they're in good enough shape to help haul anything back." He'd give a lot right now to have more vehicles that wouldn't attract the wrong kind of attention.

Marins grunted. "You got it." He led his team out of the commons room in the abbey.

If anyone told Verge he'd be the de facto leader of a ragtag group of men and women, he would've laughed. That they'd become something of a resistance group and major thorn in the side of the enemy combatants trying to destroy the planet still blew his mind. But they wanted to throw sand in the gears, and they looked to him to help them do it. His old man would shit himself if he found out his son actually used the military training he'd gone through before he bumped to reserve status to pursue a degree in eco-preservation.

Verge snorted. "Guess it wasn't all for nothing." Not that he'd ever be able to tell his dad.

Or that the man would care.

Two of his female members approached, no doubt wanting a task for the day.

Layla flashed a quick smile. "Where do you need us today?" She bounced on her toes, raring to get started.

Verge checked a box on his list. "You and Rosario can harvest what's ready in the solarium." He'd created a makeshift greenhouse in the little room in the abbey's main house.

The women each nodded and headed for the exit.

Verge gathered the remainder of the group and led them to the chapel area where they'd help sort through clothing and personal items then store them for anyone else that joined them.

He made his way to small cottage nestled behind the larger church building and left the door open to let the weak sunlight stream in. He might as well take advantage of the first non-rainy day they'd had in over a week and save the candles and lanterns as much as possible.

The good thing about making their base of operations at the Abbey of Dawnton? Aside from being fairly easy to guard because of the circular perimeter of the buildings and the extensive stone walls surrounding the property, the place had a huge store of supplies to make candles, fill lanterns, and stoke fires.

But those things wouldn't last forever, and Verge had no idea how or even if they could hold up in this location, or if they could even survive on the planet with an occupying force set on destruction. At some point, he might have to consider finding a way to get off this rock and maybe evacuate to one of the orbiting anchorages. He shied away from that idea for now.

Settling in behind the desk, he leaned back in the chair. "More important to keep these people grounded and pull in as many supplies as we can." And survivors.

There had to be more out there. He wouldn't leave anyone behind … not if they had any hope of starting over somewhere.

Or remaining here … where all his memories of what could have been were all around him.

Pretty pleased with how this one is shaping up. Verge is a challenge but I enjoy writing him.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Call the Ball

Today is my middle kid's birthday. Something fun to celebrate in the middle of January when the weather is often full of yuck, which it is today.

It's been a weird, wet week in Ohio. Mostly rain, but we got some snow last night and early this morning. We'll have more snow and rain throughout the week with maybe one day of no moisture falling from the sky. We also had some back-and-forth temperatures again, which makes my sinuses cranky.

Work projects continued with good progress. I have a new project starting this week and a catch-up call with an author on when to get their new book started through the editing process. Also making great progress on the memoir and series developmental edits.

Had a solid week of viewing. I made it through the full slate of shows I normally watch and hope to do the same this week. I'm close to being able to start the new season of at least one of my fave shows and I can't wait.

Started out with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it's one of my favorite ones. I'll be watching the finale this week and then move on to the movie.

Ended up watching the whole episode of Foyle's War, which I actually remembered. It's also the last one in season four, because it only had two episodes. I'll be starting the new season this week.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and, whew, it definitely had some twisty turns. Such a good episode! Starting a new two-parter this week.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Interesting to have a plane involved in the mystery and fun to know Poirot isn't any fonder of flying than he is of sailing.

Watched an episode of Elementary and thoroughly enjoyed watching Moreland and Gregson go head-to-head about Sherlock and Joan. Kind of glad Moreland didn't actually have his employee killed. Also quite love that he didn't clock Joan as being as sneaky as she is.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and loved seeing Inque again. I remembered this one and enjoyed how it ended.

Enjoyed an episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. I'm finally warming up to Mariner. The dual storyline with the chief engineer ended up being a lot of fun.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Call the Ball, a fun story of how a couple ends up together when one gets a bump in rank.

Here's the miniblurb:

Gwen keeps a tightly controlled leash on her feelings for Tag, thinking if she gives up control, she'll get lost in the passion. But when a simple game throws them together, she has to take a chance to see if sparks fly and, if so, how to quench the flame.

And a sneaky peek…

Tag didn't have to say anything else. Everyone—even Biggie—gathered their stuff and left to find other entertainment without argument. Tag had the best group of officers in the galaxy.

He turned to face Gwen. "Still want—" He didn't get to finish the question because Gwen lifted her chin to meet his mouth in another steamy kiss.

Before it got too heated, she eased away. "Yes. I want." She frowned. "But where?" She sent a pained look toward the small space they'd just shared.

The idea of going back in the locker obviously did not appeal.

Tag grasped her hand. "I know just the place." His skin tingled where it touched hers.

She had him hot and raring to go. Might be a one-time thing and he'd be okay with that … even if he wanted more. He wouldn't push her too hard or fast. Not when he'd finally made headway.

They exited the rec room with their fingers barely touching. He liked the contact but didn't want to put her on the spot. Not when the corridors had random crew members milling around.

Taking the steps down to the next deck, he went deeper into the ship. Gwen gave him a side-eye but didn't question him. His lips twitched a little. He hoped she'd appreciate the place he had in mind.

When he stopped outside one of the simulation rooms, she narrowed her gaze.

He quickly keyed in the entry code and undogged the hatch. "It'll be nice and quiet in here and no one should bother us." Ducking inside, he flipped the minimal lighting on then tugged her inside the space and redogged the hatch.

She glanced around. "Why did you pick the sim room?" Walking further into the dimly lit area, she trailed her fingers over the nose of the practice plane.

Tag grinned. "You like to be in control, and this is the closest we'll get to a cockpit right now." He moved up close to her and propped a shoulder on the metal simulator.

Gwen laughed even as her face reddened. "Talk about a variation on a theme." She hooked her fingers over the waistband of his fatigues and put her forehead on his shoulder.

Tag wrapped his arms around her. "I hoped you'd like the location."

Gwen mumbled against his shirt. "I do. It's perfect."

I have a lot of fun with short and sexy stories. Tag and Gwen are a joy to write.

 

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

ML Skye