Sunday Snippet: Matchmaker's Men

It's been a weird week but also a productive one. I can't quite believe March is almost over. My middle kid has gallbladder surgery on Tuesday and my youngest kid has a long weekend coming up and I'm kind of excited to have everyone home.

Very slow work week so I got to focus on writing again. Made a lot of progress on the back end with a good bit or organizing and updating files. I got some new projects launched and made a big dent in some older ones that have been on the back burner. It's always nice to feel productive.

Also got some cleaning done, which is terrific and long overdue. I've been setting a timer and sticking with one area for that timeframe. Seems to be working well so far. I pick a room, set the limit, and get busy. Makes the job seem less daunting.

On the television front, I got three arcs of Classic Who watched this week. I'm almost finished with season fourteen and I miss Sarah Jane but Leela is pretty fun. I don't think I've seen any Leela episodes so it's kind of fun to see new fare.

I also watched several more episodes of The Muppet Show. I'm about halfway through the first season and other than remembering how annoying Miss Piggy's karate chops are I'm having great memories.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and finished out the ninth season. I'll be starting ten this week.

Got another episode of Peak Practice in and should have one more for the second season then ready to start the third. I'm not sure how long Jack and Beth will be sticking around but I'm really enjoying this show.

I also got to catch an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I'm behind on the new season, but I like to binge this show so I'll get caught up soon.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

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 a sneaky peek…

Dammit, he's right. She hadn't thought to ask if he wanted any of the crap she'd been doing. "Why didn't you say something?" She propped her butt on the table.

Matz shrugged and sat next to her. "Good for morale. Everyone was having so much fun … I didn't have the heart to stop it." He nudged her shoulder with his own. "Sorry about that."

Nova snorted. "Yeah, well, they were enjoying themselves." At her expense, too. How often did that actually happen?

Matz turned toward her. "You don't have to do this, you know." He glanced at his watch. "Your forty-eight hours ended about fifteen minutes ago."

Nova opened her mouth to correct him when it hit her. "You were late on purpose." He didn't deny it and Nova didn't know how she felt about that. Kinda pissed actually, especially after working herself into a damn frenzy over the whole thing. "Why?" An unpleasant thought hit her. "Wait … you don't want the whole shower thing, do you?" As much as Nova hated to admit it, the idea disappointed her.

Matz answered honestly. "No." He frowned and realized that must've come out wrong. "Wait, I mean yes." He winced and his mouth worked, opening and closing. "Geez … what I mean is having you as my personal shower assistant wouldn't be a bad thing." His lips quirked up in a half smile. "As if." Rising, he turned toward his locker and yanked his tanks over his head. "But if you're gonna play that role, I'd rather it not be a payoff for a debt." Lowering his shorts, he stepped out then turned back around.

She'd quickly made a decision about how to proceed but needed to see his reaction to see if she'd made the right one.

His head cocked sideways and he blinked … probably wondering if he might be seeing things.

Nope. He's definitely not.

I like this story and it's a lot of fun to write Nova and Matz. And their crowd of friends sticking their noses in where they don't belong.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Manifest Legend

I did get my vaccine this past Tuesday and only had mild side effects, for which I'm very grateful. I'm glad it's out of the way and look forward to everyone else getting theirs and finding a new normal.

Had another slower work week and caught up on more writing. It's nice to focus for longer periods when I'm able to. Had a few distractions involving family member health issues but both of those were expected.

Television ended up being fairly decent this week. I finished a new arc of Classic Who and it might be the last one with Sarah Jane Smith. I'm not sure but should find out this week.

Caught an episode of Peak Practice. Jack and Amanda finally got married and had some drama prior to the wedding.

Caught the last two episodes of No Offence's first season and, wow, what a great ending. A little twisty and turny but very satisfying. Also caught the deleted scenes and a behind the scenes meeting of the cast and creator. Worth the watch.

Watched a couple episodes of The Muppet Show. Again, I had some great memories of watching as a kid. I'm enjoying diving back into the show.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers but haven't made it very far yet. Looks like a good episode so far.

Caught another episode of Silent Witness. Almost at the end of season nine. This looks like another good two-parter.

Did a binge marathon of Hawaii Five-0 and watched a good portion of season nine. I'll have to revisit because I missed some key points, but it's a decent season so far.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Manifest Legend, an introductory bonus read for the Insula Ara universe.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Insula Ara is a mystical island offering sanctuary to those in need, but when she reveals herself for the first time, Cedric Edward Teasdale, former crewman of a privateer, almost blows his chance for refuge … and a reunion with his lost love.

And a sneaky peek…

Ceet rose and strolled down the path to the shoreline. He looked out at the inlet and said a sad farewell to his former mates. They were a good crew and he'd miss them.

A quiet hush fell, all around him, and Ceet shifted his eyes around slowly. An eerie feeling trickled down his spine and he jumped when a loud crack reverberated and a deafening roar burst through the skies. Thunder boomed and lightning danced all around him. Even the trees seemed to scream their fury.

Ceet threw up his arms, fists punching toward the sky. "Now just you calm down! I ain't a going anywhere." He shouted, raising his voice as loud as he could. "We had a deal and I aim to keep my end. Now, stop this nonsense!"

He flung his arms down and the noise ceased. Peace and quiet returned.

"Just like a woman, it is."

Ceet ambled over to the encampment area and built up a fire. Nightfall would come on soon. He'd have to start thinking about building permanent shelter right away.

His eyes scanned the coastline then he turned and looked at the dense foliage behind him. Dusk settled around the island, he wouldn't make much headway tonight. He gathered up the foodstuffs left behind and set about making dinner.

After eating, he secured his camp—more out of habit than concern for safety. He strung a hammock and started to climb onto it when a winking glint caught his eye. Over by a small outcropping of rocks there looked to be something bobbing up and down in the water.

He'd check it in the morning. The day had been long and his body and mind needed rest. Ceet crossed his ankles and lay back in the canvas bed. His eyes closed and he waited for sleep to claim him.

The nocturnal rest eluded him. Even with his eyes shut the blinking was noticeable. It reflected off the large leaves of the trees above him.

With a heavy sigh, Ceet rolled out of the hammock, lit a lantern, and made his way toward the group of rocks. Might as well discover whatever the island wanted him to find. And Ceet knew it was Sanctuary that made the flashing brighter when he tried to sleep.

Getting closer, he realized he'd have to wade into the surf to actually retrieve the object. "You jest couldn't let me get me rest, could ye?" The water was still on the warm side when he went in.

It was also up to his chest by the time he got to the spot. Lantern held high, he checked for creatures before sticking his hand inside the group of rocks. Feeling around he found what the island had for him and pulled the object out to get a better look.

A compass.

Ceet harrumphed. "I've got one of these. I don't need another one, do I?" The device grew warm in his hand. Ceet turned it over and tried to find the source of the heat.

This is a fun origin story to write. Ceet is a great character and very adaptable, which is important to the other books.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Make the Call

Well, I think I get my vaccine this week. I'm actually rather excited they made it to my age range. I'll look forward to being able to be out and about more than I currently am.

Had a slower work week, which ended up being nice to get caught up on some writing and start some new projects that have been waiting in the wings. Also caught some television.

Ended up watching two arcs of Classic Who. I am in season fourteen and but I'm not halfway as I originally thought.

Caught two episodes of No Offence. I'm almost finished with the first season and it's getting really good. I'm thoroughly enjoying this show.

Watched the first part of Silent Witness and started the second. It's actually kind of a creepy episode.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice, which ended up being really good. I'm near the end of the second season and almost ready to start the third.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and it continues a bit from the previous episode. It's getting a little more into the personal lives of the characters.

Also watched several episodes of The Muppet Show. I'm having some seriously fun childhood flashbacks.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Make the Call, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gia Pimm has everything she wants, but a reminder from her mother—that Gia will always suffer when good things happen—makes her walk away from Nolan Curry. But when she needs antibiotics, she swallows her pride and makes a call to the man who has them—Nolan.

And a sneaky peek…

Nolan shifted restlessly on his bed, inching closer to a terrific orgasm. "Damn, Junie, you're amazing."

The woman, Junie Bly, sent a quick glance upward but kept her mouth firmly wrapped around his dick. Her hand fondled his balls and her tongue swirled around his shaft. Wouldn't be long now … then he'd return the favor.

Next would be some bunk gymnastics that should leave both sated and spent. If things went really well, by morning they'd have sex in the shower before she disembarked to head back planet side. He rarely deviated from his established routine and he never, ever had the same woman twice. Not since—

The comm unit on the wall beside his bed buzzed. Nolan frowned. No one should be disturbing him. He'd given orders to his XO not to contact him unless the ship caught fire or they were under attack.

He snatched the handset. "What?" Junie surprised him by continuing to suck his dick, which he kind of appreciated.

His XO, Kato MacMillan huffed out a breath. "Sorry to interrupt your quiet time with the flavor du jour, but there's a call you need to take." He emphasized need.

Nolan growled. "This better be important." Sometimes he and Kato didn't define words the same way.

Kato snorted. "I think you'll find it so. Wait one." He didn't give Nolan a chance to reply, which his XO would pay for later.

The line clicked and Nolan opened his mouth to grumble but the voice stopped him cold.

"Nolan?"

Gia. Son of a bitch.

"Yeah." He said nothing else because too many questions bombarded his brain.

She hesitated. "Um, I have a favor to ask and Lila suggested I call you directly." The words left her mouth in a jumble.

Translation. She had no other choice. Sweet irony? Or a bitter victory?

He had no idea. He'd fallen into sensory overload between the lips and tongue working their magic and Gia's voice invoking memories that slammed into his brain, which had his balls drawing upward and pumping his release into Junie's mouth. He bit down hard on the inside of his cheek to keep from groaning Gia's name.

First, because Junie did the work. Gia only sped up the process and—shit—he didn't know what the hell to do with that fact. Except ignore the fuck out of it.

"Nolan? Nolan?" Gia's voice cut through the static in his brain.

Nolan gripped the receiver harder. "Yeah, what?" He shook his head, clearing the erotic imagery from his mind. "A favor, right? What is it?" He'd be honor bound to provide whatever she wanted, because of Lila's involvement.

Junie sat up, curling into his side. Nolan wrapped an arm around her. He had every intention of seeing to her satisfaction … as soon as he got rid of the intrusion.

Gia briefly explained the situation. "If you could see your way to providing one allotment of antibiotics, it would be helpful." She left off there.

Nolan trailed his fingers over Junie's shoulder and indicated he'd be right back. He couldn't really discuss the matter with another civilian taking up space in his bed where she could overhear everything.

Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, he got up and ducked into his small bathroom. "Just to make sure I have it straight. Lila's basically in a position of needing a back channel to get medication because she can't show preferential treatment for your significant other?" He paused. "Is that the gist?" And, yeah, he twisted the knife a little.

Gia bit out one word. "Yes." She sighed. "Can you help?"

Those three words cost her, he had no doubt.

Raking a hand through his hair, he gave her the answer she needed. "Yeah, I can help. Give me until the morning to requisition the meds and get things smoothed over with the quartermaster. I'll contact central communications when they ship out and they can contact you when they're ready to be picked up." He exited the bathroom and made his way back to his bunk.

Gia sucked in a harsh breath. "Copy that. I mean, okay." She waited one beat. "Nolan, thank you."

He bit back a small grin at her slip-up. "Yeah, I'll be in touch." He ended the call and replaced the handset.

Junie came up behind him. "Everything all right?" Her hands skimmed over his shoulders.

Nolan gave a nod. "Right as rain." He nudged her backward and crawled between her legs. "Where were we?" His head dipped and he pressed a trail of kisses along her thigh.

Junie gave a low moan and draped her calves over his shoulders. Nolan went to work, flicking his tongue over her clit. He'd finish out his session with Junie then arrange for the antibiotics. He planned to deliver them himself.

Because hearing from Gia showed him one untenable thing—he'd never get her out of his system, no matter how many flavors du jour he hooked up with.

And the damn fool woman should have to suffer the way he did. Giving her the meds she wanted, face to face, would likely piss her off and, frankly, he wanted her scathing mad.

This scene ended up being harder to write than I thought it would be. Nolan's in a dark and twisted place and it's hard to keep him there.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Major Issues

Hello, March! It seems weird that a year ago next week, I went out with friends to celebrate birthdays and a week later we started the state shutdown. It's been both the longest and shortest time span between the two. I'm not sure that makes sense, but it's definitely how the last twelve months have been for me. LOL

My middle kiddo, who is actually a grown adult, ended up being admitted to the hospital on Monday. He's got some health issues going on and he's really tired of trips to urgent care, the ED, and various doctors. I'm hoping he eventually gets a solid diagnosis and starts to find some relief soon.

Had another fairly busy week with work. My projects have slowed down a little since last June, which is a blessing and a curse. I like having more time to hit some side projects but I also like to stay busy so I don't lose my groove.

Not a bad week for television. I caught a couple episodes of Silent Witness. Season nine started on such a downer but one of the things I love about British dramas is how they explore the journeys characters take. US television doesn't do that as often.

Watched another episode of No Offence. I'm still enjoying this show. I like the overreaching arc of a serial killer and the case of the week stuff also. Good show.

I caught another episode of Peak Practice. I'm almost finished with the second season and I'm looking forward to easing back into this show on a regular basis.

For fun, I started watching The Muppet Show series. I remember experiencing the original run with my two brothers. It was one show we all agreed on and watched together without fighting. Brings back good memories.

Caught a binge marathon of Hawaii Five-0 and I'm almost at the point where I stopped watching regularly. Not sure if seasons eight through the end will be on, but I'll try to finish out the series.

Finally, caught another arc of Classic Who and started season fourteen. I can't remember how many seasons the fourth doctor had, but I think I'm at the halfway point.

And that's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Major Issues, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Ellis Wright, a damn good pilot who works hard at her job, runs into an old nemesis—Major Anton Bernhard—and he tries to put her on the defensive again. But Ellis isn't the same raw cadet from five years ago. This time around she'll bring in her backup—Trey Shuttleworth—if she can convince him the rumor about her affair with the major isn't true.

And a sneaky peek…

"Ellis Wright, lieutenant. Reporting as ordered." Ellis stood at attention in front of the officer's desk.

The officer faced away from her, the tall back of the chair only showing a dark head of hair.

"Lieutenant Wright, I see you're still bucking orders." The seat spun around to reveal none other than Major Anton Bernhard. "Looks like you didn't learn anything from our previous association." He tapped a stack of folders—her fit reps—on the desk.

Ellis swallowed down the bile rising in her throat. Her worst damned nightmare back to haunt her life. She wouldn't sit back and comply this time.

Staying rigidly formal in her stance, she kept her tone respectful. "I learned you're the worst kind of officer, sir. The type that abuses their rank, power, and subordinates." She gave him a sweet smile even though her blood pressure soared.

Bernhard smirked. "Hard to prove though. Especially when you're caught trying to fudge the stats."

A blatant lie, which he knew then and now.

Ellis snapped. "I earned those numbers. The right way. But you tried to take it away." And she'd been stupid enough to let him.

Major Bernhard shrugged. "You were an easy mark. You wanted to get out of Delphius so badly you believed me." He got up and came around the desk to stand almost toe-to-toe with her.

Ellis got up in his face. "Damn straight I wanted out. And you thought you'd stop it from happening." She fought hard not to revert back to the terrified cadet she'd been then.

Bernhard shook his head. "Here's the thing. I couldn't have even if I followed through. Your scores were so damned good, they'd have busted me back down to ensign before they'd let you get away." He smirked again. "The fact you fell for the ruse made my victory over you all the sweeter."

Ellis wanted to punch him in the face. "Well, good for you. But I'm a hell of a lot smarter now."

He waved her fit rep back and forth. "Doesn't look like it. Admiral Cain doesn't appreciate officers who buck the system. I can make sure she doesn't find out." His suggestive tone slithered down her spine.

Ellis snorted. "Right. What do you want this time? Something tells me a blowjob isn't gonna do it for you."

Bernhard sneered. "You assume correctly, Lieutenant." He cocked his head and frankly appraised her. "Nothing less than access to your entire body will prevent me from going to the admiral with what I know."

Ellis briefly considered her answer. "I don't think so, Major." She moved to stand toe to toe with the superior officer. "I'm in a relationship." The irony of those words hit hard.

I'm having fun with this one. I'm liking how Ellis is keeping her confidence with the major even if she's still flying by the seat of her pants.

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

ML Skye