Sunday Snippet: Personal Involvement

April 29, 2018

I'm amazed we're at the end of April. I think because the weather has been so winter-like in Ohio, it doesn't feel like we should be four weeks away from summer vacation. Even yesterday, the chilly weather felt more like a warm winter day than spring. LOL

At least the ramp up to season-enders on television seems to be worth staying inside for. That said, I have to play catch-up. The lead up to the school musical took a lot of time this week along with several editing projects.

I'm almost finished with Blindspot's second season. I have one more DVD to watch. My only complaint would be how slippery Shepherd continues to be. I truly hope the takedown is worth watching and, you know, actually happens.

I'm catching some new to me episodes of Midsomer Murders and I'm excited to see what else Acorn TV has to offer. Also caught an episode of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD and enjoyed both. Nice to Casey move up the rank chain. Also great to have Antonio back at District 21.

I'm up to episode nine of Jessica Jones. So far, the second season has been a little slower than the first, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's given me time to really, really want to bitchslap Trish. I haven't decided how I feel about that yet. Usually it's Geri I want to smack really hard. LOL

Finally got to watch the musical episode of Riverdale. Watching Cheryl get her groove back? Excellent. I'm kind of on the fence about Hal and Alice. I had some investment in FP maybe finding some happy moments, you know? Archie and Fred being kind of on the same page made me happy, along with Betty and Veronica burying the hatchet. The ending though? Wow. Definitely some twisty shit.

I like Krypton. Seriously, the pacing is terrific so far with backstory being woven in with current plots moving forward. So far, so good. Also caught another episode of Ghost Squad and I'm a little on the fence with this one. The end of the episode threw me a little.

Endeavor is keeping my interest. I rather like seeing how Frost grew into his big shoes. Also started a subscription to BritBox and watched The Coroner. Really terrific first episode.

Today, I'm catching up on The Flash and hopefully Arrow. Also started Constantine: City of Demons. I'm gearing up for the character to be a regular on Legends next season.

That's it for television. Tonight's post is from Personal Involvement, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of writing a scene set around a disciplinary hearing.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tarin Glade gets caught up in a nightmare when she's brought before a disciplinary council for her personal involvement with a student who failed basic flight. When Ellis Spector, the brother of the complainant, speaks on Tarin's behalf, it rocks the foundation of his family—especially since the commandant who brings the charges is Ellis's father.

And a sneaky peek…

Ephram threw up his hands. "I just don't understand what you see in that woman. She ruined our family." He paced back and forth in front of the fire.

Ellis sighed. "No Dad, she didn't. That woman saved it." Why couldn't his father see what Tarin had done? "If you want to hold someone responsible, look at Eddie. Then look at me and you." He waved his hand between them. "We let him breeze through life too much and never held him accountable." Pinning his dad with hard stare, Ellis dared the man to deny the facts on the ground. "I'm guilty and so are you. That woman, Tarin, has more honor than the three of us put together. She didn't back down, didn't take your shit, and didn't even tell the court Eddie broke up with her. All to save my family name." Which happened to be Ephram's, too. "She recognized Eddie's lack of commitment and did what she had to do. She might use unorthodox methods to teach, but she's got the courage to back it up. And I've got news for you, Dad. She's got the balls to match that courage." He snorted out a laugh. "Anyone who can stand up to you and come away unscathed definitely has a brass set." And Ellis would Tarin against his dad any day.

Ephram's lips thinned. "Well, you helped out a little there, didn't you?" His voice lacked its usual censure though.

Ellis nodded. "You're goddamned right I did. You had no business butting in and trying to strong arm her into playing it your way." He moved to stand beside his dad. "If you took two seconds to talk to her first, you'd have saved everyone from the fiasco of a tribunal. But you did what you always do—charge forward with your guns blazing—and it backfired this time." Ellis wouldn't even get into what Eddie had done, taking a page from Ephram's book and trying to stack the deck by dating Tarin.

Ephram sighed. "Yes, it did. There's a very good chance I'll never make admiral now." The elder Spector gazed into the flames.

So, not the point, Dad. But Ellis would fight that battle another day.

Ellis put a hand on his father's shoulder. "There's also a good chance if you stop being a horse's ass, you could. Get over it." Or go down in flames.

Ephram's record should speak for itself once the sting to his ego went away.

Ephram angled his head toward Ellis. "You really have it bad for her, don't you?" A hint of resignation crept into his tone.

Ellis only waited a beat before answering. "Yeah, I think I do." He slid his dad a sideways glance. "And I don't give a shit if you have a problem with it. She's the best woman I've ever met and I mean to let her know that as often and frequently as possible." And show her… in a myriad of different, hopefully erotic, ways.

Ellis waited for the inevitable lecture about picking the wrong woman and how horrible Eddie would treat Tarin.

It didn't come.

After a quiet moment, Ephram sighed. "Then I wish you luck. You're gonna need it, I think." He slapped Ellis on the back and chuckled.

Ellis flashed a smile and returned his gaze to the fire. His dad's unexpected seal of approval gave Ellis hope. But the toughest challenge lurked in the shadows.

Keeping Eddie from trashing everything.

This one is still in the beginning stages, but I love the dynamic between the Spector men. Family drama is so much fun. LOL

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Point of Distraction

Whew. What a week. We had prom catastrophes averted and a halfway decent Saturday for the big event. My daughter's dress needed some alterations and my wonderful aunt and my next door neighbor came through like the awesome women they are and got the dress in prom-worthy shape. I'm biased, but my girl looked lovely.

Even with all the crazypants running around, I got a lot of television watched. Finished the second "season" of Vixen and enjoyed the episode. Finished up the first season and started the second of Blindspot. I like the introduction of Jane's family and having more of her background in the mix. Not sure about the addition of the NSA character, but I'll hold off on judgment. Definitely interested in who the new mole in the FBI is. I have a feeling I know who it'll end up being and not sure I like it. LOL

Got an episode of Gotham in and, seriously, season four is kicking so much ass. It's twisty and turny and I love how many levels of crazy there are. I truly hope there's another season of the insanity.

I still have so many mixed feeling about this season of The Flash. I want to love it, I really do, but I'm just not there. We'll see if how things play out in the finale. Maybe it'll have the elusive element I'm looking for to turn things around.

Missed both Black Lightning and Riverdale this week so I'll have to play catch up. I'm looking forward to both.

Arrow rocked. It's nice to get the full backstory of a villain. That said, Felicity and Diggle could use some of that love. We know a few of the things that shaped both characters and that's terrific, but each could use some additional rounding out. Just saying.

Started a new-for-me series called Ghost Squad. The premiere episode hooked me and I'm definitely interested in catching the full first series. Also started Endeavor and I like it. Nothing beats a good BBC crime drama.

Last but not least, I started Syfy's Krypton. Loved the first episode. Here's hoping the momentum continues and I fall in love with this series!

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Point of Distraction, a sexy short that started with a prompt of trapped in an elevator. I changed it up a little to a holding tank instead of an elevator to keep things interesting.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Nisa Bight is trapped inside a holding tank with Ives Vanderhouse, she reveals a little known secret—she hates confined spaces. Ives points out she's a pilot and cockpits are very cramped quarters, but his sound reasoning falls on deaf ears and Nisa starts to lose her grip. Ives gets inventive and finds several points of distraction to help Nisa deal.

And a sneaky peek…

Holy hell. The man kisses like sin might go out of style.

Nisa ended the embrace, blinking in confusion. "Why did you do that?" Definitely not a complaint, but, yeah, not an Ives thing to do either.

Ives backed away a little. "You were freaking out. Thought it would get your mind off—"

She pressed two fingers against his lips. "Sshh… yeah, I get it." Didn't need the reminder of why she'd been flipping her shit. "And… well… it worked." Man, oh, man, did it work.

Her blood thrummed in her veins and her nerve endings crackled with anticipation. Kind of like being in a cockpit.

Ives' lips curved in a sexy smirk. "It did? Good." He angled in for another lip-lock.

Nisa didn't draw away, but tilted her head to one side. "Do you really think this is a good idea?" His lips traveled along her jawline.

Ives rumbled against her ear. "What better way to keep you focused on something else?" He paused, drawing back a little. "Unless you don't—"

She stopped him with a quick back and forth of her head. "No, no. Definitely not a problem with wanting. Just getting my head around the idea." And liking the thoughts and images that came with sinking into the concept of Ives and her—together—in a steamy clinch.

He moved in again. "In that case…" His mouth hovered close to hers. "Let's pick up where we left off…" His lips caught hers and his tongue slid inside, exploring with exquisite thoroughness.

Nisa bit back a moan. How did she not know Ives could melt any thought of resistance with kisses that burned hotter than an inferno? Had she missed the scuttlebutt? Probably so.

His hands curved along her face, tilting her chin to deepen the embrace. The heat raised another notch. Nisa grasped his biceps, digging her fingers into his skin.

Images of getting him naked filled her mind and her palms moved to skim down his chest. She gripped the hem of his shirt and started to lift. Ives broke the lingering kiss.

He eased away from her, giving her a long, steady look, a hint of a question in his gaze. Nisa brushed the taut skin of his abdomen, waiting to see how he'd respond. Ives took one step back, relaxing his stance, then lifting his arms above his head.

Nisa grinned and quickly pushed his shirt up, over, and off. Her mouth watered. The man had a prime physique. No surprise, considering the work he did on the maintenance deck along with keeping fit for flying.

But, wow, being up close and personal with the muscles, ripples, and cut indentations? Nisa suppressed a shudder of desire. She wanted to trace every plane and valley with her tongue.

Ives reached out, tugging on her shirt. "Is this a mutual unveiling?" He dragged the edge of her hem up a few inches.

Nisa didn't wait for him; she stripped the garment off and tossed it aside. "Definitely mutual." To keep things fair, she discarded her bra too.

Ives let out a harsh breath. "Damn." A sexy tilt to his lips matched the appreciation in his gaze.

Nisa flashed a smile. "My first thought was 'wow'." She chuckled and boldly popped the button of his fatigues. "Wonder what my second one will be?" Inching the zipper down, she swallowed hard when his rigid shaft came into view.

Figured he opted to go commando. Her mind filled with erotic images. Smoky, steamy, sinful pictures of their bodies joined in sex.

She blinked and met his gaze. "Yeah, sorry, no thoughts, just sensory overload."

Ives skimmed his hands from her shoulders to her wrists, moving to dip his fingers into her waistband. "My turn." He unbuttoned her pants, lowered the zipper, and pushed them past her hips.

He caught her panties on the way down, letting the garments drop to her ankles. She quickly kicked the clothes aside, standing nude before him.

His cock swelled and pushed out from his fatigues. Ives shoved the fabric down, stepped out of the pile, and nudged it away. When he reached for her, Nisa didn't hesitate to mold her body to his.

Oh… she could get used to having the hard expanse of him up close and personal. Her hands explored wherever they could reach. His warm flesh gave under her fingertips and goose bumps rose when she skimmed her palms along his arms.

He didn't ignore her either. One hand cupped her nape, drawing her lips toward his. The other trailed over her shoulder and down her back to grasp her ass in a gentle grip.

Nisa flicked her tongue along the seam of his mouth and Ives groaned. His head dipped and he trailed nibbling kisses along the column of her throat. Nisa shivered, the flame of desire catching hold and growing hot.

She wanted him. Buried deep inside and his mouth gasping against her neck. Fanning the urgency then quenching her need.

Ives worked a line up to her ear. "You're incredible." He grasped her hips, trapping the long line of his cock between them.

The spark flared brighter and Nisa moaned, ready to throw any and all reservations to the side and jump Ives. Gossip be damned. Who would know if they hooked up or not?

Ives brought his hands up, cupped her face, and held her gaze. "Are you sure about this?"

Oh, hell, yes.

I'm having fun with this story. Hoping to add a twist here and there to make it really pop.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Poetry in Motion

Well, we had a semi-nice weekend. Today is rainy and chilly but Friday and most of Saturday was sunny and beautiful.

I got a lot of television watched this week. Dipped into CW Seed's Vixen and thoroughly enjoyed the first "season". I'm almost finished with Blindspot's first season and I'm looking forward to starting season two. Watched another episode of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD this week. Not sure how much I like seeing Hank defanged on Chicago PD but I'm in for the ride either way.

Legends of Tomorrow delivered an awesome season finale. I'm thrilled with where the characters ended up and having Constatine and Gary drop their little gift on the team made me laugh.

The Flash had a decent episode. I'm actually ready for the season to be over and Devoe to be defeated. Still need to catch up on Black Lightning. I'm hoping to find time this week to watch the episodes I've missed.

I did catch an episode of Riverdale and, yeah, talk about uncomfortable. No one is having an easy time of it right now. Definitely concerned about Cheryl. Her mother is a piece of work. Fred running for mayor… that's gonna be interesting. Just saying.

I got another episode of Gotham out of the way and things did not go where I thought they would. Sofia is a piece of work. I did love the overall theme of getting people back together. "Reunion" is a perfect title for the episode.

Arrow truly continues to amaze me. I'm saddened Oliver seems to be breaking ties with everyone so he can focus on the mission, but I'm also pretty interested in how the rest of the season plays out. I'll go out on a limb and say the councilman is on Diaz's payroll, too.

I'm almost finished with season two of Jessica Jones and I'm truly thrilled we'll have a season three. That said, I hope it's a little more cohesive. It's nice to have Jessica's backstory but I'd like to see her truly throw down with a villain. Just saying.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Poetry in Motion, a sexy short that started as a scene prompt from a writing community.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Ian Flannigan, a talented athlete, wants to take the crown on the planetary Sky Dawg circuit. But when he inadvertently causes the death of a competitor, he has to decide if he can keep it together enough to win, which won't be easy with the coach's daughter constantly pushing for him to lose control.

And a sneaky peek…

Ian threw the towel across the gym. "I think I'm done. After this season."

Well, that answered how heavily the guilt still weighed on him. Too much.

Wayne DuPres shouldn't have lost his life.

Her powerful attraction for Ian warred with her desire to kick his ass. She'd worked with the Bruce long enough to see what he saw. Buttloads of potential. But Ian's control freak persona doomed him. The man kept a tight lid on himself. Feared letting go. Took on way too much responsibility.

But to consider giving up? Oh, yeah, that pissed Reagan off.

She snorted. "You're an idiot."

He paused with his shirt halfway up to his head. "Excuse me?" Yanking the garment on, he planted his hands on his hips.

If only covering up ruined his appeal. It so didn't.

But she pushed on. "Do you have any idea how much wasted time and effort we've used on the investment in you?" She started pacing, trying to keep a lid on her anger, and think of a way to tell Ian his main problem. "Christ, Ian. You're not responsible for DuPres. Everyone who signs on the bottom line for this sport knows, knows, the risks." And if they didn't, they were too stupid to live anyway.

Ian threw a hand up. "It's not that simple, Reagan." He started a slow walk back and forth, keeping pace with her. "Yeah, we all get it's dangerous, but our choices on the course affect more than the win-loss column."

She rolled her eyes. "God, you're not responsible for the world, Ian. Why can't you see that?" No one blamed him, except him.

He stopped and faced her. "I do. And you've got a point. A big part of why I want to get out now has to do with Wayne's death." He glanced away and then back again. "Because every time we push the rules and boundaries, the potential to kill someone is there." He held her gaze, all but daring her to argue.

And she wouldn't, not on that particular topic. She'd never change his mind. She'd alter her tactics instead.

She made an angry choking sound. "You're too by the book to ever win a championship anyway." Pacing back and forth again, she went for broke. "You know why no one trash talks you? They know they don't have to." If he didn't react to that bold statement, she'd give up.

He frowned. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" His hands curled into fists.

Exactly what she wanted. "You think too much. You psych yourself out faster than any one of those goons out there could." Her voice lowered. "Shut your brain down and let it roll, Ian." Just once…

He grabbed her arm. "What? Like you?" Snorting, he shook his head. "You have no control, Reagan. How many skeds have you destroyed this season alone? And you don't even race." His brow quirked.

Wow, okay, way to put the focus on her instead of where it needed to be.

She flung her free arm out. "Who the hell cares? That's what we have the lane crews for." Pulling away, she put some distance between them. "They take care of the machines… we take care of winning." She widened her eyes… how could he not understand?

Ian sighed. "What do you want from me?"

She huffed out a breath. "A win, Ian. I want you to win like I know you can."

Frustrated and way too close to being pissed, Reagan turned and walked out of the gym.

I kind of enjoy writing scenes where the characters are at a fundamental cross purpose. Neither is wrong, but they're on opposite ends of the spectrum.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Perfect Conversation

Ugh. It's been decades since I've had snow in April and we got two days of it last week. LOL

Anyway, television this week had a great run. Legends of Tomorrow continues to make me happy. Actually titling an episode about a guest star is brilliant. Seriously.

I missed Black Lightning's new episode but plan to catch up with everything with a binge watch in the near future. Also need to get caught up on Riverdale, but I have watched two of my saved episodes. Gotta say I'm so interested in Alice's past and who Chic's dad is. Considering she drove me insane last season, I like this newfound curiosity. Also loving the whole Blossom family drama. Seriously, Riverdale is hitting on all cylinders with me right now.

Arrow's episode ended up being better than I hoped. It's probably not a bad thing to have Oliver's leadership tested and questioned. It's not often I get to see a character actually have to progress through a moment of growth. That said, I hover on the fence with Laurel. I know what I'd like to see happen but I won't hold my breath.

Got another episode of Gotham in and rather liked having Bruce call Alfred. With so much going on, I'm always surprised how well all the plot threads mesh together.

On the other hand, Jessica Jones feels so disjointed sometimes. Not saying it's a bad thing… the overall theme of season two sort of begs for the disconnect. All in all, I'm happy with how things are playing out, with maybe the exception of Trish. My hope is season three will serve as a redemption platform for the character. If not, well… yeah.

Watched an episode of the current season of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. I'm working my way through to catching up on these. Also watched more of Blindspot. I'm up to the point of new episodes and literally cheered out loud when Jonah Fisher got his comeuppance. I loathed his character. I also wonder if anyone else kept hoping Kurt Weller would go Damien Scott on Fisher's ass? No? Just me? Okay. I can live with that. LOL

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Perfect Conversation, a novella that started as a missing scene fanfic and evolved into its own story.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gigi Morse ran away from Scott Alamead because she didn't want to risk losing him. But when she returns, a very different Scott greets her and Gigi realizes she's right back on the hot seat.

And a sneaky peek…

At least Scott hadn't thrown Ian Radek in her face. First time since she'd made the mistake of sleeping with the guy. Hell, she snuck out under the cover of last dog watch and accepted a crazy mission to get away from the constant reminders. Thinking about it, she figured too much other crap swirled around them at the moment, making everyone's tempers flare. Scott would get around to dragging her one-night stand—okay, weekend fling—back between them. And she probably deserved it, but geez, she'd already owned the stupid mistake.

It might not have been such a drama-inducing event if she and Scott weren't crazy attracted to each other. They went back a long way and the undeniable chemistry simmered under the surface from the day they met. The timing to act on it? Not so much.

She'd be footloose and raring to go and Scott would have a steady liaison going. Or he'd be at loose ends and she'd be knee deep in a relationship. They never got to resolve that underlying tension, but they did form a solid friendship.

And hell, they'd seen each other through break-ups, make ups and everything in between. But they'd never been single at the same time. Gigi didn't think it a bad thing. She'd never had a friend like Scott… one she knew inside out and upside down.

Only one, tiny problem with that. He had the same deal with her. And, holy hell, had he used the knowledge. The fling with Radek wouldn't have been a big deal under normal circumstances. But she'd grown even closer to Scott. Talked about being at loose ends at the same time. Discussed testing the waters. She found it so easy to be with him… and it freaked her out. Gigi didn't know if the comfortable vibe would be lost if they hooked up. Hadn't trusted they could have anything lasting after they acted on the crazy attraction.

And Scott saw right through the self-sabotage. Pissed off, jealous, and very disappointed he called her on her bullshit.

She winced at the remembered conversation.

Scott confronted her, all but yelling. "You can't risk it, can you? Your heart. Not even to me." He spun around and paced back and forth. "How many times have I picked up the pieces, Geege? How long have I been there to catch you when you fall?" He stopped and pinned her with an angry stare. "And you can't see? Can't believe I might be different?" He made a garbled choking sound of disgust.

She flushed, her face hot. "Scott, I—" What? He'd laid it out. Everything she felt, he'd nailed… exactly. "It didn't mean anything. And I knew it wouldn't." Her shoulders slumped, the admission sounding hollow.

Scott snorted. "And that makes it worse, Geege. Because it meant nothing except a way to run away." He smiled, sadly. "From me." Sighing, he shook his head. "And you know what? I won't stop you. If you're too afraid to take a chance… fine. I'll be the friend you can count on… nothing more." His tugged her forward and caught her mouth in a devastating kiss. "But you're selling us both short."

And she had. Scott had it right. She let her fear get in the way. The tiny, little part of her that questioned everything. What if they couldn't make it work. Did she only want a warm body for comfort? Did Scott? How would they work together and have a relationship? What if one of them got killed in action?

Ding. Ding. Ding.

That one always tripped her up. The hurdle she could never quite get over. What if she lost Scott?

I'm very happy with how this one is progressing. I need to brainstorm the rest of the story and I'm looking forward to seeing how it finishes up.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Passing Ships in the Night

Hello, April. Nothing says spring like a very chilly Easter. According to the weather, snow might be in Ohio's forecast. Yay.

No worries, though. Cold weather makes for great television viewing. And this week didn't disappoint.

A great episode of Legends. Getting some information about Ava was kind of great. And Gary is awesome. I love that guy. I'm even kind of down with Damien being pretty funny for such a warped and twisted villain.

After griping about The Flash in my last post, I have to admit to thoroughly enjoying this week's episode. Nice to see Jessie back and also have a hint about a possible new Flash from another earth. Also great to have the team close to figuring out how the pocket 'verses work.

I'm still behind on Riverdale, but I did catch up with an episode. I like the interesting twist of having Clifford's brother added to the mix. But, yeah, Cheryl's not going to be in a good place. Someone needs to buy that girl a friend.

Arrow had a kick-ass episode. Giving Thea a dynamic out with Roy and Nyssa made me very happy. I'm not sure I'll like the John / Oliver direction, but I trust the writers to make it work. Having Curtis lament not having a good bantering partner also made the show.

Got a few episodes of Gotham in. For now, I'm trusting the new version of Ivy is a good thing. Having three different actresses play the role kind of makes me wary. We'll see if it's a plus as I get more episodes in. I loved the twists with Riddler / Ed and the direction Alfred and Butch's storylines are going in.

Finished up season five of Chicago Fire and got a start on six. Still loving it! Also started Blindspot on DVD. I'd already watched the first few episodes, but I'm glad to revisit them to get a refresher. Finished up season eleven of Murdoch Mysteries and, wow, even without a cliffhanger to end on, there's a buttload of tension to start season twelve. Gotta say I'm on the fence about the manipulations of Miss Hart. We'll see if that ends up being a good thing or not.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Passing Ships in the Night, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of set a story in a shipyard. This is a sci-fi group so the prompt spurred lots of ideas.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Renny Spur and Chad Raxton have something of an understanding—they meet at the Moonstar shipyard whenever they're in the Milky Way galaxy. When Chad's late for a connection, Renny gets angry and makes a bad choice—one Chad has to decide if he can overlook.

And a sneaky peek…

Renny Spur exited the small transport at her first real shipyard. "Wow… incredible." Her head craned around and she tried to take everything in.

A huge hangar bay housed multiple ships in every size. Battle frigates, transport hoppers, cabin cruisers, and luxury liners warred for space. The mix of military and civilian a sight to behold.

Renny moved forward, still gawking, and smashed into a wall of muscle. She dropped her rucksack and let out a muffled oath.

Big hands grasped her shoulders. "Hey there. Watch where you're going." The deep voice drew her attention to the person speaking.

A baby-faced guy who shouldn't have such a low timbre made her smile.

She stepped back, apologizing. "Yeah, sorry about that." Grabbing her rucksack, she hoisted it to her shoulder.

He flashed a dimpled smile. "First time, yeah?"

Her face flamed but she nodded. "Absolute freshboater, yes." Embarrassment crept up her spine.

The guy winked and stuck his hand out. "Mac Raxton. I was in your shoes about two weeks ago. Welcome to Moonstar Station."

Renny grasped his palm. "Renny Spur. Nice to meet you." She glanced around again, lost and bewildered.

Mac caught her reading the ticker boards. "You staying in a post here or passing through?"

She pushed down her overwhelming confusion. "Passing through. I'm picking up my ship assignment in the morning." Why did the signs have to be so chaotic?

Mac grabbed her shoulder and turned her in the opposite direction. "Okay, let's start with an intro to basic shipyard signage." He pointed out the color coding and the arrival and departure information.

In essence, he gave Renny a crash course, something she would have appreciated when she shipped out.

Mac rolled his eyes. "Are you kidding? The brass can't be bothered with giving the new recruits all the pertinent information. That's why they have guys like me."

Renny cocked her head to one side. "You're stationed here then?"

He nodded. "For the next four years. I'm apparently really good with logistics."

"Then why can't you ever find your ass unless it's handed to you?"

The question came from a guy standing behind them. Mac turned and his face lit up. Renny would've been ready to throw down over the insult.

Mac reached out and grabbed the guy into a huge bear hug. "Chad! Damn, bro, why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

Bro? As in brother? Okay, Renny got the resemblance after Mac stepped back. And… wow… good genes ran in the family. Built with lean muscle, Chad had the same height as Mac, but lacked the hulking frame. Where Mac had bulk and physical stature, his friendliness radiated from the boyish countenance. But Chad… could stop traffic with his handsomeness. Renny hoped like hell she managed not to gawk. But, geez, the guy should come with a warning label. Dark hair, chiseled cheeks perfect in the angular face, and eyes that probably didn't miss much in a shade of honeyed brown that no doubt warmed people from the inside out.

Chad nodded in Renny's direction. "Care to make the introductions, Mac? Or did you forget the manners Mom tried to drum into us?" His gaze lingered on Renny's face, giving her no doubt about his interest.

Score one for the freshboater.

Mac's lips quirked. "Yeah, yeah. Renny Spur, this is my older, pain-in-the-ass brother, Chad. Don't let his good looks put you off. He's a fairly decent guy when women aren't falling all over him." He gave Chad a smug look.

Chad snorted. "Don't listen to him. I'm a decent guy all the time. Mac's the one who's hit or miss." He flashed a smile and stuck his hand out.

Renny chuckled. "Nice to meet you. But I'd have to argue your point. Mac's been a huge help with figuring out where I need to go and when to be there." She grasped Chad's palm and got an instant zing.

A dangerous dilemma. Renny didn't always have the best luck with hot guys.

Chad's eyebrows rose. "First time on station?" He shot his brother a sideways glance. "Do you mind if we add one for dinner tonight?"

Mac flushed. "Uh… sorry, bro. Can't do dinner. Since I didn't know you'd be here, I made a date with a smokin' armory sergeant and he's buying." He sent Chad a sheepish grin. "Been after this guy for a while now."

Chad held up his hands. "By all means, say no more." He focused on Renny. "The invitation stands, unless you have other plans, too."

She shook her head. "Uh, no. No plans. But you don't have to do that—"

Mac cut in. "Trust me, Renny. Chad hates to eat alone." He leaned in close to whisper. "I'll vouch for him. He doesn't bite."

Chad nudged his brother on the shoulder. "Shut up. I can make my own dates." He met Renny's gaze. "He's right though. I'd rather have company for a meal. But I'll understand if you'd rather not eat with a stranger."

Renny feared she'd want more than a meal with Chad, but what the hell? "No, I don't mind. I just need to find my quarters and drop my gear there." And maybe run a brush through her hair and attempt to look presentable.

Chad crooked his elbow. "Then, please, allow me to escort you there and then I'll show where the good food can be found."

She grinned and wrapped her fingers around his bicep.

Chad glanced at his brother. "Catch up tomorrow?"

Mac nodded. "You know where to find me." He turned to Renny. "If he misbehaves, track me down and I'll handle it." He gave her another wink.

Renny laughed. "I'll do that. And thanks. You've got a friend for life after helping me figure everything out."

Mac waggled his eyebrows. "It's a gift. Freshboaters are my specialty." He lifted a hand in farewell and left her with Chad.

He snorted. "You'd think he'd been on Moonstar for years when it's only been a few weeks." He led Renny from the hangar deck out into the main station. "By the way…" He lowered his voice and leaned in close. "I really don't bite… unless I'm asked to."

Renny almost burst out laughing, but managed to keep a straight face. "That's good to know." She tightened her grip on his bicep for a moment.

Dinner and whatever came after should prove to be an interesting affair.

I'm excited to see where this story goes. It's coming together in small increments, but the sages like pondering what comes next.

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

ML Skye