Sunday, July 28, 2013

Sunday Snippet: Mia's Choice

July 28, 2013

Hello!

It's been a great writing week…for organizational stuff. LOL I've spent almost every day working on taglines, plotting story ideas, adding to characterization charts, and fixing small details in several thisclosetobeing finished manuscripts.

I feel so productive!!

Tonight's post is from one of those almost there stories. Mia's Choice is stretching into a something close to a novel, but I think it'll remain a novella. Especially after I get through the final round and ruthlessly edit unnecessary stuff. J

Here's the tagline:

Mia Sinclair finally got her doctorate and embarks on a work trade assignment to a new space station. But when she runs smack into Hal Manning, and her past, she has to face her demons, which isn't easy because she promised she'd never be under any man's control again.

And a sneaky peek…

Hal Manning sat behind his desk and heaved a sigh. Dealing with a mix of military and civilian crew gave him the worst headache. He wondered, not for the first time, whose bright idea it had been to combine the two and send them out into deep space to construct a new outpost.
Probably someone with a pay grade much higher than his.
He pulled out the log reports and sifted through the pile of complaints. Could the commandos do their drills somewhere else? Could the science geeks conduct experiments that made the ship reek of indescribable aromas in the hold instead of on the same level as living quarters? And could they both just stay out of each other's way?
Maybe he should lock everyone in the cargo hold and let them duke it out.
Better yet, barricade him in and let the inmates run the asylum.
Yeah, wouldn't happen.
Hal worked steadily for the next hour on the logs, writing orders, confirming information and filing memos. The name on the last report caught his attention.
Mia Sinclair.
Check that. Doctor Mia Sinclair. The woman took every opportunity to remind him and his crew of the fact. She had zero appreciation for the common use of last names as a greeting or acknowledgement of presence.
So very different from the girl he used to know.
When she boarded the Queen Amalie he'd been stunned stupid. Sinclair happened to be her married name so it hadn't pinged for him on the manifest.
Hal sat back and let the memories roll through his mind. They'd grown up together. Dated. Fallen in love. They'd had a chance once…a long time ago. But Mia cut it short. Carved him out of her life and sent him packing.
Okay, not entirely true. More like she'd boxed up and checked out.
He'd known her as Mia Furlough. Way back when they'd been wet behind the ears and barely out of primary school. She'd been vibrant, lively, and fun. He'd fallen for her completely and without reservation.
Thought it had been the same for her. But he'd been so very wrong. She didn't come close to being the person he'd thought she'd been. Not after her grandfather died.
Mia went from free spirit to gilded bird in a matter of weeks. She cut herself off from everyone, stopped hanging out with the kids after classes and refused to see Hal or return his phone calls.
A couple of months later, she disappeared. Moved away. Didn't come back. He finally heard she'd left for a position in the prestigious Academy of Science on Mars. Her father pulled some strings to get her in. Or so Hal had been told.
The hometown connection kept him sporadically up to date on Mia. She'd graduated with her degree later than expected due to her marriage to a top scientist. She'd cared for both ailing parents until their deaths three years ago. The nasty divorce that followed apparently set the social and scientific communities on their ears.
He'd been bowled over when she boarded his vessel as the science liaison, newly assigned to Space Station Alpha.
Hal shook his head, clearing the memories, and leafed through Mia's report. About halfway through, he sat up straight in his chair and re-read the last two paragraphs. The ship had what wrong with its water supply? Three weeks into their journey and a major cock up like this?
A bunch of scientific terms he'd probably need a translator for muddied up the page. The part he didn't need a degree to read simply stated one of the reserve water containment tanks had been contaminated and could not be used. How in the hell had that happened?
Could she be wrong?
Hal doubted it. Doctor Sinclair had meticulous down to an art form. She filed her reports on time. Showed up for the daily briefings precisely five minutes before they started and from what scuttlebutt he heard about her, ran a tight ship in the lab.
He sighed. He'd have to talk to her about the contamination. He considered the subject too important for him to delegate. The fact he found himself avoiding her whenever possible didn't sit well with him anyway.
Combing his hair back from his face, he rose, gathered the report and exited quarters.
Might as well get the good doctor in for a visit and get it over with. He was pretty sure he knew where she'd be. Holed up in her quarters or working in the lab. She rarely went anywhere else. He'd find a junior officer and have them escort Mia down from the lab deck.
Wouldn't she just love that?
Heh. Nope. Mia is not going to be thrilled she has to meet Hal in his quarters, but she'll deal. J



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

ML Skye

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Sunday Snippet: Matchmaker's Men

July 21, 2013

Whew. Whirlwind weekend in Columbus, Ohio. My husband's region won their company's highest honor and we got a lovely dinner with fun entertainment and a night in a downtown hotel. Caught up with some old friends and finally, finally got to see my brother's house just south of the Brewery District. He's only lived there ten years and it's my first visit. LOL

Tonight's post is from Matchmaker's Men, a short, sexy story about two pilots who really need to be together and how the crew makes it happen. So much fun to write. :D

The tagline:

Nova Anell and Matz Yarmacher belong together, but neither wants to be the first to admit it. But when their crew mates start working behind the scenes to put Nova and Matz together, they have no choice but to face what they feel and decide what to do next.

And the sneaky peek…

Standing outside the head, waiting on Matz to arrive for his post-CAP shower, Nova verged on thinking the whole thing beyond a bad idea. On a good day she could cut the sexual tension between her and Matz with a knife. Gods damn Hot Sauce for recognizing the pull and running with it.
She shouldn't be tense with anticipation. Nothing would happen between her and Matz, right? She shouldn't be this anxious over a shower, should she?
A small sigh escaped before Nova could stop it. She shouldn't be…and she knew it. She didn't want to screw things up with Matz…they were at a great place. If only she could convince her body it would only be a shower—things would be peachy. And yet, she had a standing on a bunch of hot coals feeling—jittery and jumpy.
Pacing back and forth only added to the anxiousness, but standing still proved worse. It gave her brain too much time to conjure up images she didn't need to have in her head. Argh!
Turning to walk the short distance back across the corridor, she smacked directly into Matz, muttering a startled curse. "Shit, sorry about that." Backing away, she noticed he had his shower gear in hand. "'Bout time you showed." She didn't mean it to sound bitchy, but it did—even to her own ears.
Gods, she needed to get a grip.
Matz's quick smile of greeting faded to a questioning glance.
Nova made another hasty apology. "Sorry." She spun around and entered the head, not relishing the idea of having an audience watching her come completely unglued.
Having no choice, Matz followed her in, dogging the hatch behind him. It took Nova a few moments to realize he hadn't started undressed or anything to get ready for a shower. In fact, he hadn't moved at all, except to lean back, his shoulders braced against the bulkhead.
The bland look on his face only irritated her more. "What? Do I really have to undress you, too?" She took a step toward him, but stopped when Matz held up his hand.
I always enjoy writing characters that fight their attraction and get help from others to move things along. :D



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

ML Skye

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Sunday Snippet: Luck Runs Out

Howdy!

After crap tons of rain, we got a really steamy, summery day today. I forgot how the humid air can blast you in the face when you go outside. LOL Relearned very quickly today. J

Tonight's post is from Luck Runs Out, a short novella with characters from Queen City, Mars. This location also features briefly in the Furlough 99 story, Shyler: Finding Home. The sages are whispering they'd like to see Shyler and Marsh, but the story hasn't lent itself to having them make an appearance yet. Maybe a bonus scene/free read can bring the couples together. J

Here's the tagline:

Domino Montgomery and Webb Wellesley are totally different personally and professionally, but they work seamlessly together. When they land an off world transport assignment, they have to babysit a condemned prisoner and deal with an impish captain who's hiding a wee bit of a secret of his own.

And the sneaky peek…

"Wellesley! You got a minute?"
Webb ducked into his captain's office. Even if he didn't have time, he'd make it. He owed the man a debt for choosing Webb's name from the long list of personnel waiting to get into one of the busiest station houses in Queen City.
Captain Bilar Christian sat behind his desk and looked up from the ream of paper, pointing to a chair, indicating Webb should take a seat.  
Webb dropped down and nodded. "What's up, Captain?" His eyes noted the large file and Webb hoped it meant they'd get a new recruit in soon.
It sucked being the new guy for two years running.
Christian leaned forward and got right to the point. "We just received notification regarding a prisoner transport to Venus."
Webb groaned. He'd rather spork his eyes out than spend several days babysitting a criminal on a drop run. He wouldn't be the only one either…no one like making them.
Maybe the captain wanted him to take over as shift supervisor. "And?" He wouldn't voice the question, might jinx himself.
The captain gave it to him straight. "You're going."
Webb leaned back in the seat. "Shit." He sat forward again. "Did I do something to piss you off, Captian?"
Bilar laughed. "No, Webb. You're name popped as next up for the haul. Luck of the draw, I'm afraid."
Webb sighed. "Who's my lucky partner?"
The captain sat back in his seat. "Montgomery."
What? No way.
Webb gave his superior officer a sharp look. "Now I know I did something to make you mad." A thought occurred. "Wait, isn't she on leave?" Anyone would be better than Domino for a transport run.
The captain gave him a grim smile. "Just got back a few hours ago."
Well, shit. Webb made an attempt to squirm out of the detail. "Are you sure someone else—"
Bilar interjected. "Already told her, Webb. She's packing, check that, repacking, as we speak." He rose and gathered the stack of papers. "Go grab her and we'll have a briefing in fifteen."
Poor Webb. He's actually got it bad for Domino…he just won't admit it. LOL



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

ML Skye

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Sunday Snippets: Lover's Day

Hello!

I hope everyone enjoyed the Fourth and got to see incredible fireworks and eat great food. I'm lucky enough to have another grand extravaganza to attend next weekend. Really looking forward to an awesome show.

Tonight's post is from the short story, Lover's Day. In sticking with the fireworks theme, the main characters have been friends forever and finally have a chance to make some sparkly firecrackers go off. J

Here's the tagline:

Maxie Yearns is a woman on a mission who wants things with Nate Northampton to go back to normal. Without Martin Comico to act as their buffer, they struggle to find their footing again, but with Lover's Day fast approaching and a lucky draw at the card table, Maxie has just the plan to test the waters with Nate.

And a sneaky peek…

Nate Northampton couldn't believe his rotten luck. His four on a quad had been trumped by Maxie Yearn's full ride. He pulled the most incredible hand he'd had in years and his best friend, otherwise known as the new bane of his existence, topped it.
Seriously, how did she do it?
Maxie had a nasty habit of always ending his hot streaks. Until she'd entered the game, he'd been up over everyone. At least he'd achieved his main goal of letting off steam. He'd accomplished that and then some. The fact Maxie now had every last bit of his bounty couldn't take that away.
He watched her scoop up her winnings, accept a round of congratulations, and down a freshly poured shot. Nate decided to take his leave before she started crowing about coming out on top. They'd both had enough to drink that the innuendo wouldn't stop if it got started. And that could take them places they didn't need to go. They didn't have Martin to keep them on the straight and narrow anymore.
He'd learned that lesson a long time ago. Never get started with Maxie if Martin didn't have his back. One would think he'd have remembered the other important bit…never, ever bet against Bombshell…no matter how great the cards in his hand.
The woman had more good fortune at wagers than anyone he'd ever met. Whatever looked out for her in the universe did a damn fine job. Nate almost wished she didn't have a buttload of skill to back up the rest.
He'd almost escaped to the hatch when Maxie cleared her throat to get his attention. "Hey Slapshot…you still have to pay up."
Damn. He'd almost made it out, too.
Turning around, Nate raised an eyebrow. "You're wanting all ten favors now, then?" He had a sinking feeling she'd be very creative with the debt he owed her.
Maxie pretended to ponder the thought then smirked. "Nah, just making sure you didn't forget what the bet was." She grinned, listing out the terms. "Anytime. Anyplace. Anything."
Nate snorted. "Don't worry. I won't forget." As if she'd let him.
Turning, he made his way toward the hatch. He needed to get out while the getting was good.
~:~
Maxie grinned at Nate's retreating back. She could have so much fun with the wager. Poor Nate. He'd bet against her with a kick ass hand and lost. How she ended up with a full ride, she'd never know. Possibly some type of divine intervention.
Chuckling, she waited until someone topped off her glass again and Nate had just reached the exit before delivering a parting shot. "Be prepared, Nate. Remember, you have to do anything and everything I ask." He raised his hand in acknowledgment, but didn't look back.
Maxie tossed the shot down, a thoughtful look on her face. She and Nate had been doing a slow tug of war for equilibrium since they'd lost a third of their trio. Martin Comico used to act as a balance beam between her headstrong impulsiveness and Nate's stubborn fastidiousness. Without him, she now tended to bump heads with Nate and didn't like it.
They'd lost the intimacy they used to have. Sure, they were still friends. Not like Nate went out of his way to avoid her. But he held back and Maxie missed having fun with him. She'd given him ample opportunity and openings for the banter they used to toss back and forth, but he didn't even nibble at the obvious bait.
And she knew why. Martin wouldn't be there to rein them in. He'd always kept her and Nate from doing or saying anything truly stupid or irrevocable. But there had to be a way to draw Nate back, get closer with him again. Sometimes it felt like she'd lost two friends, instead of one.
She wouldn't be above giving him a big ass nudge. But she'd have to use a soft touch. Nate did not appreciate a hard approach. No, he always went for subtlety if he could. Finesse, he called it.
Not really her thing, but she could probably pull it off.
Ten favors wouldn't be a bad way to start. 

Maxie and Nate get to discover what crossing the line from friends to more can do for them. Let the fireworks begin!!



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

ML Skye