Sunday Snippet: Zinging Barbs

July kind of flew by in a series of weird weather and crazy work schedules. I'm oddly okay with that. The weather is what it is… and will probably keep acting like an angry toddler. My work calendar is bursting at the seams and I'm excited about my new projects.

But… my television viewing is sporadic, which isn't a bad thing. I'm just so used to doing rundowns each week I feel like my blog is naked if I don't have a full slate. LOL

I did get a few shows watched. I started with Midsomer Murders and got a holiday episode. There's a new detective sergeant or maybe it's detective constable, but either way, I'll miss Jones. I loved that character. Which isn't to say the new guy won't grow on me. He's not bad. Good mystery also.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and it's rather different and I like it. I'm not sure how long the first season is, but the series is something like fourteen seasons and it's nice to have variety in format.

Caught two more episodes of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. I'm kind of excited to watch a live-action episode with Two. So far, it's been six animated episodes.

Finished the final episode of Blade. I have to admit to still being disappointed with the outcome on my rewatch. Sometimes I can have a change of heart when I've got a few years of distance when viewing a show's run.

Frankie Drake Mysteries had a great episode. I'm starting to like Grayson a little more and it'll be fun to see if Frankie's mom sticks around.

Watched the fifth episode of Daredevil and, eh, this is something of a slow-moving season. I do like where things are going and it's great to see Karen kind of have to face what she did in a previous season. That said, I'm enough of a Fisk non-fan to really not want to watch a bunch of scenes with him. And the FBI agent annoys the crap out of me. I actually think he's too smart to be playing things so stupidly. So, yeah, I hope the rest of the season evens out.

Started Riverdale's Bizarrodale episode and hope to finish it later today. This season has been dark and twisty and I like it.

New episodes of Killjoys have started and I'll be hopelessly behind on those, but I can't wait to watch this final season.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Zinging Barbs, a sexy short bonus scene featuring Reagan and Ian from Poetry in Motion.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reagan Bruce won't slow down, not even when she's seven months pregnant and Ian Flannigan decides to walk away from competing to keep Reagan healthy. The couple exchanges some zinging barbs until they work out their issues.

And a sneaky peek…

Reagan Bruce planted her hands on her hips, her pregnant belly on prominent display. "Where you go I go." Ian Flannigan would not leave her behind.

Ian gave her stomach a pointed look. "The wee one inside you disagrees." He met her gaze. "And so does our doctor." He always used inclusive words… like it meant he shared her burden-slash-blessing more than he actually did.

Or could.

As if.

Reagan brought her hands forward to palm her protruding stomach. "Yeah, well, my doctor doesn't always make the right call. I'm seven months pregnant. Of course I'm tired a lot." And, okay, her energy levels came in short bursts, but she got shit done when they came.

Ian blew out a harsh breath. "You're being stupid, Reagan. You make it sound like you have a choice when you don't." He threw his hands up. "And I'll be damned if I'm going to watch you push too hard and put yourself and our kid in danger."

Reagan refused to give in to the tears pricking behind her eyelids. Stupid hormones turned everything into emotional drama. The one thing she hated about being pregnant.

She could do crazy drama without hormones.

Ian broke into her internal monologue. "Look, Reagan. I'll make this simple. I love you and our kid more than I want to be a champion." He moved forward and cupped her face.

Reagan went from blubbery sad to red-hot pissed off in less than a millisecond. "Now who's being stupid, Ian?" She pushed him away. "You're at the top. You can't walk away now." Why the hell would he want to?

Oh, right. Her. And their unborn kid. Dammit.

Ian quirked a brow. "Oh, yeah? Watch me." He went to find his phone.

She had to stop him. If he called and canceled his next bout, he'd never forgive her. Hell, she wouldn't forgive herself.

She grabbed his arm. "If you quit now, we're done. I'll leave you." What? Sometimes she hated the way her brain worked.

Ian closed his eyes but not before she caught the flash of anger and rage in his gaze.

He yanked away from her. "No, you won't." He grabbed his phone and keys. "Because I am." Taking the five steps to the door, he slammed it shut behind him.

Reagan carefully walked to the sofa and sank down. "Stupid fucking hormones." But she couldn't blame everything on her body's chemistry.

Being told she couldn't do something never sat well with her. Yes, she balked at being left behind. Hated the horrible timing of everything. But she didn't want Ian to give up his chance to take the championship because her insecurities wouldn't take a back seat at the moment.

Closing her eyes, she massaged her stomach. "I really, really hope you're more like your dad, little person." An answering kick nudged against her fingers. "Yeah, yeah. I'll go find him." She got up and crossed the living room to retrieve her keycard and phone. "I have a feeling I know where he went."

I love writing small sexy peeks into what's going on after a couple has supposedly worked through their drama and settled into their happily ever after.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zero Sum

Man… the heat has been horrible this week. I hope everyone has a cool spot and is dealing with the high temperatures safely. Ugh… it's miserable. Watching the Irish Open, I truly wanted to be there. I mean they were wearing sweaters and jackets. I could go for that right now. And, yeah, everyone needs to remind me when I'm griping about how cold it is in May next year to shut up and deal. LOL

Slow week for television viewing. I had a full slate of work and needed to focus so I didn't get as many shows watched.

I did catch another episode of Daredevil. I missed watching one last week. Not a bad episode but too much Fisk for my liking.

Krypton had a great episode. I'm in deep and want to know what happens next. I'm honestly not sure if I care whether Lyta is redeemed or not but I do want to see her reaction to the reprogramming.

Watched another episode of Painkiller Jane and the pieces started to fall into place. Only about three or four more episodes left of this show.

Last but not least, I caught another episode of Durham County. Man, Michelle Forbes can really play the barely hanging on by a thread character better than a lot of actors. She's scary good at those roles.

That's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Zero Sum, a novella that started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sabrina Delft and Carrick Stafford have a zero sum relationship—whenever one gains something, the other has a corresponding loss. But when they're stranded on an abandoned mining colony and forced to rely on each other, they learn to balance the good with the bad and end up with a total win.

And a sneaky peek…

Carrick put his feet through the legs of the suit and glanced up to find Sabrina frowning with her arms crossed over her chest. "What? What now?" Just once, he'd like to have a plan she didn't question.

Sabrina shook her head. "I should go. I'm smaller and won't use as much of the O2." She planted her hands on her hips. "As you pointed out, we don't know if there's breathable air out there or what condition the outpost is in." She made a "gimme" motion for the suit.

Carrick didn't relent right away. "You have a point, but what if you can't get in? Brute force might be necessary." No way would he tell her the idea of her going alone didn't sit well with him.

She'd laugh her ass off.

Sabrina pursed her lips. "Look, if I can't get in, we'll have to risk you going back alone.  But it's smarter to send me first." She turned and gathered up a few tools, including a pair of metal cutters. "If there's any kind of lock, this should get through it, but I kind of doubt they even bothered." Facing him again, she quirked an eyebrow.

He handed the suit over. "Fine. I'll do some diagnostic work in the cockpit. Radio as soon as you're in and give me a sitrep." He assisted putting the oxygen pack on her back. "I mean it. If you don't contact me within thirty minutes, I'm coming for you, breathable air or not." After half an hour, she'd be down to half her supply.

Sabrina rolled her eyes. "Can I go now?" She put the helmet on and plugged in the tubing from her pack.

He gave a nod and grabbed a comm headset. "Thirty minutes." Following her to the airlock, he pressed the release so she could hit the outer hatch.

An orange glow filled the small area when Sabrina stepped outside. Sunrise? Sunset? Hard to tell until they got their bearings. She pushed forward then gave a thumbs-up.

Once the hatch closed behind her, she checked comms. "Break one, check one." Her voice came through on a burst of static.

Atmospheric interference, but minimal. Not a bad sign.

Carrick responded with a quick reply. "Check. Mark." Her thirty-minute countdown began.

Carrick backed away from the airlock. Watching her wouldn't get the diagnostic work started. And Sabrina wouldn't appreciate the concern niggling along his spine.

Not that he'd ever admit to having any.

At least not out loud.

This story is still in its beginning stages but the outline is complete with additional brainstorming added in. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zen State

Whew. What a week. The weather has been all over the map with storms moving through my state. In our small town, a tree fell on a house in the back end of town, where I happen to live, and we lost power for a few hours. Honestly, not bad all things considered.

A so-so week in television viewing. I got a few more episodes of Blue Heelers in and still really enjoy this Aussie drama.

Also caught Midsomer Murders and quite enjoyed the episode centered on a school's history.

Watched two episodes each of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. I've started the second doctor's arc with the animated Dalek episodes.

Caught another episode of In the Dark and enjoyed it. I'm actually quite thrilled with where the show is right now.

Watched an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries and liked how the show played out.

Riverdale never fails to go in directions that blow my mind. Watching Archie implode is painful but also riveting. I'm also enjoying Betty's conversations with her dad. I'm still wondering when Alice will get her brain back.

The Lost Canary episode of Arrow proved very entertaining. I'm so, so, so going to miss this show when it's gone.

Caught another episode of Classic Roswell. The introduction of Tess still underwhelms me.

Caught a holiday-themed movie on Pluto TV and enjoyed it. It was hot and sticky outside and viewing a Christmas movie definitely cooled things down a little.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Zen State, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Rue Chambers and Blaise Watkinson have secret fantasies about each other all the time, but don't act on them. At least not until both are trying to achieve a zen state by self-pleasuring and end up in the same place at the same time.

And a sneaky peek…

Blaise took the shortcut from the command center down to crew quarters. "Better check on Chambers, see if she's okay to get some sleep or not." He entered the corridor and made his way to the mess hall.

He ducked inside but didn't see Rue. He started to exit but bumped into another officer on her way in.

Grabbing her elbow, he helped keep her upright. "Damn, Blume…er, Joanna. Sorry about that." He stepped back, giving her room to get past him. "Hey… have you seen Rue? Lieutenant Chambers?" Moving to the side of the door, he quirked an eyebrow.

Joanna shook her head. "Not since morning briefing, but I've been in training all day." She cocked her head to one side. "Why? Is everything okay?"

Joanna and Rue were friendly rivals. They ribbed each other but also did a lot of hanging out together. Blaise weighed giving her a brief rundown.

He propped his shoulder on the bulkhead. "She mentioned having a tough time getting to sleep last night. Have you noticed her having trouble?" Might as well dig a little deeper to make sure he wouldn't have a problem pilot.

Joanna's eyes widened. "Uh, no. She hasn't mentioned anything either."

Blaise frowned. "Okay, thanks. I'll check the rec room, then quarters. Thanks." He headed toward the recreation area but didn't find Rue after a quick peek inside.

Making his way to the crew quarters, he entered and found Rue standing in front of her locker. Her hair dripped from a recent shower and she had underwear with nothing else. Geez… he shouldn't stare, but his brain definitely didn't get the message. His eyes feasted on the gorgeous woman with curves and muscles and so much skin.

She pulled her arm out of the metal storage unit. "Success!" A gray sports bra dangled from her fingers. "Knew I had another one in there." She glanced up and blinked in surprise. "Uh, Captain. What brings you to my little corner of the universe?" She quickly donned the bra then grabbed a towel to dry her hair.

Blaise recovered his faculties. "Wanted to make sure you're doing okay. No coffee after shift tonight?" Now that he'd come down, he questioned his sanity.

Would he do the same for any other pilot?

Probably. But Rue lit something in him… his curiosity for certain, but also something else. Which he would not examine too closely right now.

Rue looked confused for a moment but then she flashed a grin. "Nope. No coffee with grub. I ate, grabbed a shower, and here I am, ready for bed." She stopped and grabbed her clothes. "Okay, almost ready for bed." Flinging the towel over the door, she made short work of getting into a pair of shorts and a tank top.

Blaise nodded. "Good to hear. Sorry for the intrusion. Just wanted to check in." He started toward the exit.

Rue laughed lightly. "What? No bedtime story? I'm disappointed." She settled on the side of her bunk.

Blaise couldn't resist a little bantering. "I only know scary nightmare tales and we want you to sleep not toss and turn all night." He braced his shoulders on the bulkhead.

Rue swung her feet up into the bunk area and shook her head. "You're the worst, sir. Getting my hopes up then dashing them to stardust." She folded her arms over her chest and gave him a mock pout.

Blaise laughed. He liked seeing the playful side of her.

Pushing away from the bulkhead. "Sorry about that, Chambers. I'll wish you happy dreams instead." Turning, he ducked out the door.

Rue's voice followed him. "For the record… I love scary stories!"

Blaise chuckled.

He really liked her sass.

This is a fun little foray into what I hope ends up being a sexy little glimpse into what if. So far, I'm pretty pleased with how it's going.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yummy Goodness

I'm always blown away when July arrives and I realize half the year is really gone. The whole time speeds up when we get older thing is absolutely a thing.

Fairly busy week but stayed caught up with most of the shows I'm watching. Started out with In the Dark and watched two episodes. My heart kind of breaks for everyone on this show. And, again, I keep going back to how messy everything is. The episode with Murphy and Max on the run truly ended on a cliffhanger. Need to watch another episode soon.

                   

Caught an episode of Blade, the penultimate one. This series was ahead of its time and I wish it had the chance to realize its full potential.

Also caught the season finale of Chicago Fire, which ended on a cliffhanger. I literally had to call my dad—a retired fire chief and still active in our local department—to decompress. He's also a fan.

Watched another Classic Roswell episode. This one started moving the plot forward and tightening the bonds between the group. That means it's almost time for a wedge to show up and pull them all apart.

Frankie Drake Mysteries had a great episode. I loved how the women pulled all the threads to solve their case and it's interesting to see Frankie end up with a new enemy. Lots of fodder for future episodes.

Once again, Riverdale pulled out all the super batshit crazy it could find. I do love, love, love that FP is now the new sheriff. I'm dying to know what Hermoine meant when she said it's finally time. There better be a payoff there. Alice makes my head spin with her insane loyalty to the farm creepies. I truly hope I end up enjoying that storyline because I have a feeling that shit isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Kind of sad Veronica practically ran back into the fold when Hiram got shot but it makes for good conversation. Almost fell out of my seat when Tallboy arrived back on my screen. Can't say I'm upset he didn't stick around.

Watched an episode of Arrow and, wow, quite a few revelations. Having Emiko be the leader of the dark knights is just the kind of twist I like. Kind of sad she's pushing Laurel back toward her dark persona. That'll be interesting to see next week.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers and can't say I liked the creepy dude they had to bring in to nab the home invaders. Kind of glad Doyle sent him packing and didn't fall for his creeptastic come-on lines. Geez. Also started a new episode but only got the first few minutes watched.

Krypton had a great episode. Glad Seg is free of Brainiac, or at least I hope he is. I love how twisty this show is right now. It's very hard to tell who is playing against who and I like that. Never knowing which direction a character will turn is fun.

I'm almost finished with Painkiller Jane. The standard groundhog day episode ended up being better than I remembered. I don't always love those kind of episodes.

Watched the season two premiere of Durham County and, yeah, this show is still dark and twisted. I love it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Yummy Goodness, a free sexy short featuring characters from Mia's Choice.

The mini-blurb is still a work in progress…

But here's a sneaky peek…

Mia Sinclair rubbed her forehead, hoping to ease the headache behind her eyes. "How long before you get here, Hal?" Only hours away now, but not soon enough.

From the garbled sounds, Hal shuffled the handset. "Looks like two point five hours." His voice dropped a little. "You'll have real food again as soon as the teams get the supplies unloaded from the ship's hull."

Mia closed her eyes. "Sounds lovely." Four weeks with nothing more than protein bars and powder mixed with the limited amount of growable vegetables made her want to groan. "At least we know the station crew can pull together and get creative." Although their efforts didn't amount to much.

Hal chuckled. "Not sure you're gonna be happy to see me or the food." He paused. "I mean, come on, the protein bars aren't that bad, are they?"

Mia rolled her eyes. Of course Hal didn't know how horrible those things were. The military rations were ready-to-eat food packs. Maybe not the tastiest things in the galaxy but way more appealing than bland, no-flavor, only-there-to-sustain-life emergency bleh.

Maybe Hal needed to find out how horrible the last four weeks had been?

Mia laughed lightly. "Oh, you know. We managed. Just need a break from the same old thing." She lowered her voice this time. "And you know I'm always happy to see you, Hal. We'll be undressed and between the sheets before your ship's engines are even fully shut down." At least they had been the last three times Hal had been on station.

Hal groaned. "Now I'm the one who wants time to speed up. I've missed you, Mia."

She smiled. "Missed you too. Not much longer until we can be together for good." She actually couldn't wait.

And if anyone other than her inner voice had told her she'd be ready to settle down with a man again, she'd have laughed them out of the room. But Hal made loving someone easy, unlike her first husband, Fredric the dick. However… being in love with Hal didn't mean she couldn't prove a point, right?

Hal sighed. "I have to sign off, Mia. We're entering the no-call zone."

Her lips twitched. "Okay. I'd forgotten about that. We're still working on getting those relays positioned, hopefully by your next run out here." Interference from the asteroid belt around the station made the final leg of the journey radio silent.

Hal said his farewell. "I love you, Mia. Be there in two point two five hours."

Mia responded. "I'll see you soon, my love." After replacing the handset, she picked it up again and placed a quick call to the galley. "Hi, Chiane. I need a favor…"

Hal could have a not-so-wonderful taste of the yummy goodness Mia had been experiencing for the past month.

I'm hoping to have this one ready to go by the time I finish up Mia's Choice. There's another sexy short featuring Hal and Mia that I'd like to get ready for a release day blast.

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

ML Skye