Sunday Snippet: First Time Laid Eyes on You

February in Ohio can be an angsty monster. Two days ago we hit almost eighty degrees. Yesterday, we had a fifty-degree drop in temperature and snow. Seriously… Mother Nature has a warped sense of humor. Just saying.

I'll be skipping this week's The Walking Dead but thoroughly enjoyed last Sunday's episode. I'm always up for Daryl and Carol being in the same space.

The Flash ended up being pretty good, but I need to rewatch. Too many distractions going on while it aired. I did get to see most of Legends of Tomorrow and I'm torn between really hating Rip as a bad guy and kind of enjoying it. I'm very fickle sometimes.

Arrow ended up being awesome! Thea moving behind the scenes to protect her brother is terrific, even when she goes too far. The Merlyn blood is strong in her. I loved Oliver comparing her to Moira, too. A nice, subtle reminder of her other role model in life.

Riverdale got real with the Blossom family secrets. I loved getting some dark background on them. Also enjoyed some of the other undertones pinging in the background. I'm a little confused about Fred's marital status… didn't he say he and Mary split up but they're civil to each other? Oh well, whatever adds more drama, right?

I'm halfway through season two of Daredevil and still enjoying it. It's not as tightly written as the first season, but I love where things are going.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from First Time Laid Eyes on You, definitely a working title for the novella, which got its start from a prompt about seeing someone for the first time.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nadia Blunt takes one look at Bart Uppermark and decides they'll make a great team in the air and on the ground. But when Bart shows zero interest in working together—she takes too many risks for his comfort zone—Nadia pulls out all the stops and proves him wrong.

And a sneaky peek…

Bart Uppermark brought the fighter in for a smooth landing and waited for the plane to be lowered to the hangar deck. His wingman, Alex Mallet, followed right behind. Once secure, Bart popped the canopy and handed his helmet off to a crew specialist.

He nodded to Alex. "Nice flying out there today." They finally completed the mapping of an asteroid chain.

Alex flashed a smile. "It'll be nice to fly straight and smooth for a while." He rolled his shoulders. "Tricky maneuvers day after day gets old, man."

Bart chuckled. "You're not wrong." His kinks had kinks on them.

A hot shower would do wonders to get rid of the bunched up muscles.

Alex fell into step beside Bart. "Hey, you got a minute? I've got some news." He jerked his head toward the briefing room.

The shower could wait for a few. "Sure." He entered the space and unzipped his flight suit.

Alex crossed his arms over his chest. "This is harder than I thought it would be." He held Bart's gaze then spit it out. "I got the call up for squadron leader on the Capacia." His arms dropped. "I'm transferring to a new billet as soon as we reach the space station."

Bart's eyes widened. "That's great, Mallet." He hated to lose the experienced pilot, but Mallet deserved this chance.

Alex heaved a sigh of relief. "You're not pissed?" He leaned against the bulkhead, much more relaxed.

Bart snorted. "That you're moving into a position you're more than ready for? No way." He thrust his hand forward. "That I'm losing the best wingman I've ever had? Hell, yes, I'm pissed." Alex grasped Bart's palm. "Congratulations, man. You've earned this." Alex had worked three years to hone his skill and Bart pushed the pilot hard to test his limits.

Mallet straightened. "Only because of you. You made me the pilot I am." He tugged Bart into a back-slapping hug. "Thank you. Seriously."

Bart laughed. "For riding your ass all the time? No problem." He started toward the exit. "It's a special talent of mine."

Alex fell into step beside Bart. "That it is. And mine's pointing out the obvious."

Bart frowned. "Okay, I'll bite. What's the obvious?"

Alex pulled ahead to the junction of the corridor. "You're gonna need to choose a new wingman." With a pithy salute, he headed in the opposite direction.

But his words stayed with Bart. Because, damn, he did have to find a new partner to fly with. Shit. No downtime for him once they reached the station.

Instead, he'd be reviewing fitreps and putting in requests for personal interviews with the candidates.

Bart entered the head and stripped down. "Stating the obvious, my ass. More like opening the door for a massive headache." Stepping under the shower head, Bart turned the faucet to hot.

He had some serious thinking to do about what he wanted in his new wingman.

Bart will think he knows what he wants, but someone is going to come along and show him differently.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fireworks

February 19, 2017

Okay, I ended up watching The Walking Dead and enjoyed having the group back together. As always, The Talking Dead made me happy, too.

An off week for The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, which meant I got to start a binge watch of Daredevil. So far, so good. I have two more episodes of season one to watch and I'm loving it.

Arrow's episode with the origin of Wild Dog ended up being terrific. I'm so happy they got a season six order. Arrow is consistently one of my favorites.

Riverdale continues to be must-see for me. It's not perfect, but I like that. Lots of room to grow the characters and plot threads. I'll be waiting patiently for the next person to slap Alice Cooper… or to bring her down. Either is okay with me.

Caught up on Murdoch Mysteries and happy to see Brackenreid back. I enjoy him a lot. Looking forward to this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Fireworks, a novella with one of my favorite tropes—sibling rivalry.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Adelle Lizt and Zeth McKibbet are a volatile mix—neither gives quarter when they know they're right. But with two sides to every situation, they find some common ground in a very interesting place—the guest quarters on base.

And a sneaky peek…

Adelle Lizt dragged in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "Better get to it." She rose and tucked the fit rep under her arm then strode to the door to poke her head out. "McKibbet, you're up." She didn't wait to see if his expression when he left his classmates.

Instead, she walked back to her desk and waited for him to enter and be seated. She hated this part of her job. Delivering bad news ranked right up with a visit to the psychiatrist and having dental work completed of things she didn't enjoy.

Keith McKibbet remained at seated attention, his gaze focusing on the wall in front of him.

Adelle propped a hip on the edge of the desktop and opened his file. "Cadet McKibbet." When he met her gaze, she continued. "I'll give it to you straight. You're not going to qualify for finals. Your current scores are too low." She handed him the folder, something she didn't have to do.

But she found letting the student see their marks in black and white usually helped them accept their fate.

Keith scanned the documents, doing the math. He closed the fit rep and returned it to her.

She placed the packet on the desk and crossed her arms in front of her. "Do you have any questions?" Again, she didn't have to give her students the opportunity to discuss her decision, but she tried to let them have a chance to vent.

Keith pursed his lips and gazed in her direction for several moments. His displeasure rested between his set shoulder blades, his clenched jaw adding to the tension.

Flicking a glance out the window, he voiced a question. "What's it going to take for me to stay in?" He met her gaze again. "I need to qualify and there has to be something I can do to make the cut." His knee bounced up and down, an additional sign of his frustration and anger.

Adelle shook her head. "I'm sorry, Cadet. There's nothing. You don't have the chops for this program." He had above average intelligence but lacked the coordinated skill and quick reaction time it took to fly.

His tension snapped and he jumped up. "You can't be serious. I waited forever to get into flight school. You can't fail me." He paced back and forth, working up a good head of anger. "What is your problem with me?"

Adelle straightened. "With you, specifically? I don't have one." She tapped the file on the desk. "The numbers speak for themselves. You're not cut out to fly fighters and I won't put anyone else at risk by putting you in the air or out in the black. You'd be a danger to yourself and them." She struggled to keep her voice even and not let her rising irritation show.

Keith snorted. "I think you mean I'd be a danger to your perfect career." He whirled around and stepped closer. "That's why you're failing me, isn't it? Can't have your next promotion delayed, can you?" He sneered the words and took a step back.

Adelle bit her tongue to keep from lashing out. "My record speaks for itself. You're not the first cadet I've failed and you won't be the last. Moving up the ranks has nothing to do with anything. You saw your scores." Dammit.

He gave a slow nod. "Oh, yeah. I saw them alright. You've got discretionary control. I'm close enough you could bump me a few points up."

Adelle managed to keep her jaw from dropping. "So, basically, you're asking me to fudge the numbers." No way in hell would she start something like that now.

McKibbet shot her a hot, angry glance. "I'm not asking you to do anything. I'm saying it's in your power to do something." He rolled his eyes.

She moved and stood toe-to-toe with him. "Yes, well, it's not going to happen. I don't plan to start cutting breaks anytime soon." Why start now?

Keith gave her a smirk. "Yeah, I figured as much." He started toward the door but glanced over his shoulder. "You haven't heard the last of this yet. I've got some pull of my own and I do plan to use it." He sailed out the door, not bothering to wait for a response.

Adelle blinked, caught between being stunned at the total disrespect he'd shown and being pissed she'd let him get away with being an ass. She turned and rounded the desk, yanking the chair out before sitting down.

Picking up the folder, she grabbed her stamp and inked the spot in bold, red letters for failure. Flipping the file shut, she placed it in her drawer and got ready to move on to the next cadet—one who'd be going on to the qualifying run next week.

But her mind strayed back to Keith McKibbet's parting words. Surely, he'd let his anger make an empty threat. He'd calm down and move into a field better suited for his skill set.

Right?

She could only hope.

I ended up being very happy with how this scene came together. I'm looking forward to diving in and getting this one done.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Finding Calm

The Walking Dead returns tonight and I'm torn between wanting to watch and not. I'm feeling very bleh today and might hold off and watch later.

The Flash is getting good. Not that it wasn't already, but I like how much they've upped the stakes and how the Flashpoint 'verse continues to bleed into the current reality.

Legends of Tomorrow also keeps getting better. And it's renewed for season three, which makes me very happy. I'm gutted over Rip becoming a marginalized version of his former self. Here's hoping that changes soon.

Arrow finally had some payoff for the bitchtastic reporter. Oliver just can't pick 'em. I do love the addition of Dinah and look forward to her interactions with the team. Rene and Quinton made me so happy. I love the dynamic there.

Riverdale again had a terrific show. The Betty and Veronica, B & V, team-up kicked major ass and seeing Alice get punched in the face made me happy. I'm kind of hoping we'll get to see what makes her such a harpified menace. Can't wait for this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Finding Calm, a sexy short about reuniting with the one person that makes life complete.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hank and Sunny have danced around finding happiness together so many times. Sunny botches it and learns a hard lesson at the hands of a crazed kidnapper. She finally wants to meet Hank on equal footing but the timing never seems right. Surely her cosmic bad luck has to take an upswing sooner or later.

And a sneaky peek…

Josh mistook the four-day tryst as more and wanted to hop the station when Sunny disembarked. She tried to be as gentle as possible, letting him down. She had a life to get back to and he couldn't be part of it. She left him behind without much of a thought, her mind back on her job and Hank. She needed to see his face, after hearing his voice. Tuned out the niggling drone of reason and went with her heart. Caught sight of Hank heading toward her in the empty landing bay and rushed into his open-armed embrace. He picked her up and spun her around like a whirlwind. She laughed and it felt so damned good.

He set her back on her feet. "It's good to see you."

She grinned and the gesture felt foreign. "What about quarantine?"

Hank scowled. "Screw it. If they find anything in sickbay they can keep me with you." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Besides, someone will have to keep you from driving the med team insane."

Sunny reached up and twined their fingers together. "And you volunteered? What's the occasion?"

Hank got serious. "I missed you. When we thought you'd been lost—" He didn't finish the statement.

Probably a good thing. Sunny didn't know if she could handle deep emotion at the moment.

She let him lead her toward sickbay. "I've got intel. Need to debrief."

He nodded. "As soon as you get checked out."

She tensed. "And if they find something wrong?" Her mind went to the second scar she'd discovered.

Hank shrugged. "You'll go in the Iso-Unit and they'll debrief you there."

Sunny stopped walking, halting their progress. "They? Where are you going to be?"

He cracked a sheepish grin. "My guess? The brig. I don't exactly have permission to be here."

His admission warmed her. "You're an idiot. I'm not important enough for you to buck protocol." She started down the corridor again.

He frowned. "Yes, Sunny, you are." He grabbed her shoulder and tugged her to a stop. "Look, you've been through a bitch of a time. I couldn't let you come back to an empty landing bay. We're family and that just doesn’t happen."

Sunny thought about chastising him, but couldn't. It meant a lot to her that he'd been there. Probably more than it should… and she loved him for it.

Her stomach did a ridiculous flip flop. She loved him. Loved him, loved him.

The knowledge bowled her over. It could never work, not really. But sure felt nice to think about for a while.

Hank preceded her into sickbay. "Doc. I've got your favorite patient on my heels."

Doctor Gearhart shook his head. "Oh no. What've you gone and done, Major?" He swept a curtain back and ushered both into an alcove. "You're not supposed to have contact until she's cleared." Gearhart shot Sunny a blistering glance.

Hank stepped up. "Look, Doc. She didn't set off any of the sensors for immediate isolation, so what's the harm?"

The doctor lifted a brow. "Did you go off and get a medical degree when I wasn't looking?" He handed Sunny a patient smock and thrust one in Hank's direction.

Hank blushed but stood his ground. "You're really gonna make me go through quarantine, too?"

The doctor smiled. "Damned right I am. Drop trou, Major. And be quick about it." He waved to one of his med team. "Gonna have to have full decon initiated of this alcove and the corridor you used to get here." He exited the alcove, muttering about stupidity and insanity.

Sunny chuckled. "I have a feeling you're going to be present during my debrief after all." She shucked her pants and lifted her shirt over her head.

Hank shrugged. "Guess it's better than spending time in the brig."

Sunny laughed. God, she'd missed him.

I'm having a lot of fun with this one.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fevered Pitch

February 5, 2017

Hello February! Where the weather in Ohio is like a frigid tundra one day and a balmy spring on the next. Ha! Sometimes we get both in the same day. Yeesh.

Well… Riverdale kept my attention and fulfilled my wishes in its second episode. I don't have shows reach and grab me like they used to so this is terrific! I'm completely interested in what happens next.

Gotham just keeps getting better and better. I'm dying to find out what happens to Penguin and can't wait to see the Riddler come into emergence. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow had great episodes. Even the Legion of Doom didn't suck. Looking forward to seeing new episodes this week.

Arrow also had a great episode. I like where they're going with the new Black Canary. I'm also kind of holding my breath to see whether the DA is going to end up being a good guy or a bad guy. I'm also waiting for the other shoe to drop with a seed planted quite a while ago with Oliver being in Russia.

Got all caught up on Teen Wolf and enjoyed the midseason finale. Not sure where they can go with the final ten episodes, but I'll be there to see them.

Started the new season of X Company and it's terrific. I really love this show and the cast. I have three more episodes on tap and can't wait to watch.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Fevered Pitch, a sexy short bonus read that will hopefully be on my website in the near future. Featuring Hal and Mia from Mia's Choice, I have to wait until that book is all polished and pretty.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After six months apart, Hal and Mia are finally reunited at the new space station. But Hal is unknowingly exposed to a virulent virus and brings it along from his last planetary excursion. He succumbs to the raging illness and Mia makes a fevered pitch to her former husband to save Hal's life before she surrenders to the same infection.

And a sneaky peek…

Mia stayed true to her word. The moment they entered her quarters, she backed Hal up against the wall and covered his mouth with hers. Oh… she loved the way he kissed her. Possessive and passionate, he gave everything he had and expected nothing in return.

Which made Mia hot and bothered.

Her hands slid up his chest and she nimbly worked the buttons of his uniform loose. "You have…" She needed another kiss. "Too many…" Ah, and another. "Clothes on." Her fingers grasped the sides of the fabric and pushed it off his shoulders.

Hal shrugged the garment off then tugged his undershirt over his head before swooping in for another lip-lock. "And now I'm ahead of you." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders then swept his other under her legs. "Better play catch up, my love." Tossing her on the mattress, he popped the button on his fatigues and gave her a smoldering look.

Mia wriggled out of her pants, kicking her legs free then yanked her shirt up and off. "Looks like I'm ahead now." Clad only in a pair of panties, she scooted back on the bed, quirked a brow, and beckoned Hal with a crooked finger.

Hal did a slow once-over of her while shucking his pants, revealing nothing but skin and a hard cock under the twill trousers. "Now who's got who beat?" He crawled up on the mattress, grabbing her ankles to pull her under him.

Mia twined her arms around his neck. "Thought you might like to have the honor." She writhed below him, seeking the long shaft nestled between her legs, the satin scrap of fabric wet and slippery against her core.

Hal made a low humming sound. "You're hot, Mia. All for me?" He hooked his thumbs under her waistband and tugged the panties past her hips.

Mia worked one leg free then gasped when Hal's tongue trailed along her folds. "Yes, Hal. Only for you." Her hips bucked, seeking more friction from his mouth.

Hal didn't disappoint, pressing his lips against her click before sucking it with gentle pressure. Mia shuddered, hovering close to the edge. The man made her lose control faster than anyone else ever had. But she wanted his hard dick buried deep before she came.

She fisted the sheets. "Hal…" Her tone held a warning.

Hal grinned against her inner thigh. "Impatient, my love?" He trailed kisses over her hip and along her torso before taking a nipple between his lips.

Mia hissed out a breath. "Yes. Very." Her hands sought his ass, urging him to enter her. "I need you, Hal." She always would.

Not long ago, she might have stabbed a fork in her eye before admitting she needed a man, let alone wanted one.

Looking forward to finishing this one up and getting it out there.

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

ML Skye