Sunday Snippet: Cupid's Folly

February has been the oddest month. Between weird weather and random catastrophes, it's been a doozy. I'm kind of happy to be welcoming March in this week.

Finished up a work project and made really great progress on one of the others. I'm blessed with authors who turn revisions around in record time. It's very helpful and keeps their work fresh in my mind.

I also made some progress on my new venture. Only a tiny amount, but it makes me happy to chip away at my to-do list. Brings me a wee bit closer to be able to launch.

Didn't get a lot of television watched, but I did finish up Strangest Things. I have so much fun listening to the experts discuss the weird and wonderful artifacts.

I also continued my Battlestar Galactica rewatch. This week's episode was one of my favorites, "Bastille Day." Some truly excellent parallels about picking a side and being true to a set of core beliefs.

I also started season two of The Mandalorian. I hoped to finish up Ms. Marvel before starting another Star Wars show, but I want to be up to date for season three.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Cupid's Folly, a novella that charts the somewhat fraught course my main characters take to their happy ending.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jinx Jersey just signed on as the XO of the Cupid's Folly, captained by Alrick Cates and he's given her fair warning she picked the worst time to start her new post and develop an attraction for him. The pleasure ship is booked solid for the couples' cruise and they don't have time for romance.

And a sneaky peek…

Jinx tamped down her nervous excitement and entered the captain's office. "Jinx Jersey, reporting for duty." She set the temporary transfer papers on his desk.

She kept her gaze on him, resisting the urge to let it dart everywhere. She loved getting familiar with new ships. And she had a new one she could check off her list—a great big civilian cruise liner.

Basking in the happy vibe, it took her a full minute to realize the captain, Alrick Cates had yet to greet or even acknowledge her presence. He sat behind his desk, a less-than-thrilled look on his face, and studied her. His brows furrowed and his mouth set in a deep, angry slash.

He tossed a hand up. "Unbelievable. I can't believe they sent someone like you." He rose and came around the desk, propping his butt on the edge. "This is the worst time to sign on. The couples' cruises get crazy and I don't have time to babysit someone who's too pretty for the work."

What should've sounded like a backhanded compliment instead sounded like Alrick Cates giving her shit. All before he'd even introduced himself. What a guy.

Not one to back down in the face of asinine rudeness, Jinx narrowed her gaze. "Excuse me?" How did they get off on the wrong foot when she'd only been aboard the ship for ten minutes?

Shaking his head, Alrick did a slow circle around her. "You're going to get hit on nonstop." He paused in front of her. "That magnificent rack of yours will act like a honey trap and, no doubt, have men frothing at the mouth." He made a disgusted sound.

Jinx ignored the blatant baiting. "It's a couples' cruise. My name is not included on the passenger manifest." Her job didn't include getting down and dirty with paying cruisers.

Alrick grunted and lifted his chin. "Right. The point is to become a couple while on the trip. Most of the passengers don't care if they hook up with other cruisers or crew." He sent her a withering look. "As long as they hook up."

Okay, fine. She didn't have experience with the horny crowds, but getting a solid gander at Alrick's physique had her wondering what had his shorts in a twist. Unless he thought she'd cramp his style.

Jinx rolled her eyes. "You can't tell me you don't receive a lot of attention. I mean look at you..." She let her gaze travel from his boots to his still-unhappy, but extremely handsome, face.

Broad shoulders, chiseled cheekbones, muscles in all the right places. Yep. He'd draw a good deal of attention. Until he opened his mouth.

He frowned. "I'm very good at putting women off." He waved a hand.

Jinx gave him a bland look. No doubt he is.

She tilted her head. "You're very cranky for a guy who hasn't hit thirty." She folded her arms over her chest. "Look, my record speaks for itself. I can handle—"

Alrick gave a rude snort. "Your record is notated by horny old men who can't see past your tits and teeth." He shook his head. "I can't believe they assigned you—"

Jinx didn't let him finish. She drew her arm back and let her fist fly. First impressions be damned.

I love this couple so much. Jinx won't take any of Alrick's crap and he's due for an education on how not to piss off his new XO.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Crash and Burn

Had a weird week. The weather is still doing the yucky back and forth stuff, which makes me unhappy. My sinuses go insane when the temperature rises and falls and won't make up its mind.

Still super busy with work projects. I think I'm slowing down productivity-wise and that's disappointing, but I also tend to not work on three projects at the same time.

Not a bad week for television but I didn't get a lot watched. I did finish up the Silent Witness episode I started last week. Nikki ends up in trouble on a frequent basis and I like that she's always willing to put herself out there to solve a mystery.

I started a new season of Strangest Things and should have it finished up later this week. I kind of love digging into weird things from history and watching the group of commenters explain what they think things are.

I also caught another episode of Battlestar Galactica. "Water" is a terrific episode that lays the groundwork for a lot of what follows in the rest of the season. Frankly, the first season of Battlestar is as close to perfect as anything I've seen. There's not a wasted episode in the batch of thirteen. There are stronger episodes, obviously, but every installment has important information and terrific character moments. I'm so excited to watch another episode this week!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Crash and Burn, a novella that puts a sibling rivalry as a conflict and hurdle for a happy ending.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Pepper Strand met the wrong brother first and when her personal feelings get in the way, she takes the easy way out. When it leads to the death of Bax's sibling, she drowns her guilt with alcohol and Bax decides to make her crawl out of the bottle and into his arms.

And a sneaky peek…

Pepper didn't want to talk. She wanted Bax in her bed, preferably naked.

She blinked and swayed a little. "I want you." Her mouth ghosted kisses along his jawline.

A rumbled huff escaped his lips. "I can tell." He gently guided her backward until her legs hit the edge of the bed. "And I'd love to be with you…" His mouth finally caught hers in a lingering kiss. "But let's slow this down a little."

He started undressing her, but in a clinical way. Jerky movements, barely any touching, and zero eye contact. At least it seemed that way to her inebriated brain. And, dammit, she wanted the steamy movie playing in her head.

Pepper grumbled. "Don't wanna slow down." She made a bold move and cupped his groin when he stood up from helping her get her legs out of her pants. "You don't wanna either." His dick, hard and ready, couldn't lie.

Bax grasped her hand and brought it up to his chest. "You're right. I'd love to continue." He pressed a kiss against her fingers. "But I want you to be fully present and participating completely when we're together." He eased away from her and reached out to turn the bed cover down.

When. He said when we're together.

He drew her forward. "Let's get you to bed, okay?" He patted the mattress.

Pepper didn't argue, she put a knee on the surface but paused. She didn't want to be alone. Not when her emotions were raw and jumbled.

Angling her head around, she met his gaze. "Join me?" She tried to make it clear it wouldn't be for sex.

He studied her for a long moment, tilting his head to one side, then glanced at the door.

She added a quiet plea. "Please." Tears prickled behind her eyelids, but she wouldn't cry.

She wouldn't.

He gave a nod. "Yeah, okay. I'll stick around." He shucked his pants.

She crawled onto the bed and slid between the sheets. Bax settled in beside her, staying on top of the cover. She didn't care. She curled up to him, putting her head on his chest, content to listen to his heartbeat until she drifted off.

I could get used to this…

I'm excited to finish this one. Pepper and Bax don't take a traditional route to become a couple and that's so much fun to write.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Covert Hearts

Whew. What a long week. I've got three work projects going and some movement on my possible new venture. And crazy weather that keeps hopping back and forth from super cold to very mild. I'm not a fan.

Had a somewhat decent week of television. I'm not back to my normal schedule because my work projects need solid focus. But … I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things.

I finished up the Midsomer Murders I started last week and really enjoyed the episode. I have a lot of love for Barnaby and Winters.

I caught an episode of Peak Practice. I'm in season nine and what I consider the home stretch since there are three seasons left after this one. Not a bad episode but I do miss some of the recurring characters from earlier seasons.

Continued my Battlestar Galactica rewatch with my friend. Season one starts with what I consider to be one of the absolute best hours of scripted television ever. "33" is in my top ten episodes of Battlestar and probably in my top ten episodes of television. Edge of your seat viewing for the entire episode. Terrific stuff.

Watched an episode of Classic Who and finished out the arc. I have ten episodes left to finish out the full run of classic episodes. I think I'll be starting a Death in Paradise run after I conclude with Classic Who.

Started the first of the final two episodes in season twenty of Silent Witness. I'm looking forward to finishing it up and seeing where things go.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Covert Hearts, a novella that puts an established couple in a terrible spot.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An impossible task. A couple sworn to carry it out or die trying. One big test of the depth of their courage and love.

And a sneaky peek…

Emma arrived at the scheduled time. She ran a hand over her sleek ponytail, checking to make sure the simple style stayed in place, and then knocked on the door.

"Enter." The chancellor's voice, even when muted by solid wood, held authority.

Emma entered briskly and stumbled to a stop, catching sight of Rick seated at the conference table enjoying breakfast with her boss.

The chancellor rose. "Ms. Wells, prompt as usual." He nodded toward the empty seat at the table. "Join us, please."

Emma made her way toward the men, wondering what the hell, but hoped she might finally get some answers. "Thank you, Chancellor." Her lips turned up when he pulled out the chair, waiting until she'd settled on the seat before gently pushing it back in.

Rick the Asshat hadn't bothered with the customary gesture of rising when someone new joined the meal in progress. Instead, he lifted a brow and smirked. Emma bit back a nasty retort and smiled sweetly in his direction.

The chancellor didn't waste time. He poured her a cup of coffee and got down to business. "Emma, you've been with me how long?"

She didn't hesitate. "Five months, sir." And she'd enjoyed the time.

McBride repeated her words. "Five months." He nodded. "And you've met Mr. Mannix how many times?" He steepled his fingers.

She answered honestly. "Several. We bumped into each other at a gala fete we each attended. Not long after that in your office. And last night. In my apartment." The thought still pissed her off.

McBride inclined his chin. "Ah, yes. That particular meeting has caused quite a conundrum for me." He met her gaze. "It shouldn't have happened, and I'm afraid I have to take action." He casually picked up his mug of coffee.

Take action?

Her eyes narrowed. "Disciplinary action? With all due respect, what for? It's not like I invited him over for drinks." Although he'd certainly helped himself. "Frankly, sir, he's lucky I didn't shoot first and ask questions later."

The chancellor shot Mannix a sideways glance. "I'm aware Mr. Mannix dropped by uninvited, Emma. I'd like you to tell me why." He snapped his attention back to her.

Shit. Truth time.

She rolled a shoulder. "Something's off, sir. I don't trust him, and my job is to make sure your bases are covered. To that end, I've had him under surveillance for the past few days." On her own time and off the books.

McBride pounced. "I don't recall giving you an order to keep tabs on Mr. Mannix."

She glanced away. "You didn't, sir." Her voice lowered. "I'm sor—"

Mannix interjected, "For gods' sake, Dad, let her off the hook."

The rest of her apology squeaked out. "ry, sir." Her head jerked upward. "Wait. Did you just say, Dad?" Her gaze met the chancellor's sheepish one.

He heaved a sigh. "Ah, Rick. You had to jump the gun, didn't you?" Rising, he moved to stand by his desk. "Emma, effective as of ten seconds ago, your security clearance has been raised to A1." He opened a folder and turned it toward her.

She blinked. "A1?" She didn't know such a level even existed. "What the hell is going on here? And exactly how much trouble am I in?" She barely waited a beat before adding, "Sir."

Rick finally rose from his spot. "You're not in trouble. You've been promoted to the inner circle, Ms. Wells." He held out his hand. "Agent Rick McBride. Deep cover ops."

Emma automatically shook the extended hand. "Well, shit. That explains a lot." Her face flushed with heat. "Um, sorry. Need a minute to digest everything."

The chancellor had kindly given her exactly sixty seconds to wrap her head around the buttload of information before handing her a pen and launching into a full scale debrief on what his son did and her new job duties.

Emma hadn't looked back since.

Al did indeed mean the inner circle, with less than five people having that level of clearance. Working closely with highly classified information and witnessing the intense drain on the chancellor's time and energy changed her. She made a conscious effort to get through the red tape and nail down details before the chancellor had to get involved in anything. After her promotion, she got involved on a personal level with the younger McBride and had zero regrets.

The object of her thoughts entered his dad's suite and crossed the floor. She pressed the link on the communication unit to buzz for the chancellor. He'd been expecting his son for an important debrief.

Rick nuzzled her neck, wrapping her in his embrace. "Not much longer until our handfasting." His lips brushed her temple.

She didn't get a chance to reply. The chancellor entered and they got down to business.

The elder McBride gave Emma a nod. "Your report on the summit location needing more security is spot on. I'm glad I can rely on your strategies—your gut instinct rarely leads me wrong."

Rick gave her a quick smile then updated them with the scuttlebutt he'd overheard in the elevator.

The elder McBride frowned. "You have a go to be more intrusive."

Rick leaned forward. "I have to deliver lunch to Hix's suite today."

McBride nodded. "Go early and use an amplifier to catch anything you can."

Emma made a note and signed a requisition. Things were getting hot and her gut didn't like where that heat might lead.

I love to write a couple that has a solid foundation then shake things up to see how sturdy it is.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Come Here Often

Well, February has so far been a crazy mix of freezing, in the teens temperatures and mild almost spring-like weather. Mother Nature is in a mercurial mood right now and it's wild trying to figure out how to dress for the day. I miss being able to get my winter stuff out and not having to bother with warm-weather clothes for a couple of months.

Had a busy week with work projects and have a couple more lined up in the near future. I'm kind of happy they're all different types of manuscripts and none are in the same stage of editing.

Had a slow week of television. I'm still working to get everything from the old PC to the new one and ran into another snag with trying to set up my email accounts. Spent a large portion of the week trying to figure that out and get it working. Bleh.

I did catch the pilot episode of Pennyworth and really enjoyed it. I've heard great things and now that I know season three is the end, I'm going to attempt to watch before it disappears too.

I also watched the second part of the Battlestar Galactica miniseries with one of my friends. I'm so excited to have this rewatch party to look forward to each week. We'll be trying two episodes a week starting with season one.

Got a start on the latest season of Midsommer Murders. Barely got through the opening credits so I'll have to finish up this week.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Come Here Often, a novella that explores how a couple reconnects and moves forward after a troubled past of not being on the same page.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Neely survives a war but not without considerable emotional damage. When Ace offers her everything she's ever wanted, she turns him down, believing they can't pick up where they left off. Ace aims to prove they don't have to.

And a sneaky peek…

Ace had a reputation for digging in with his heels—and teeth—when a situation warranted the extra effort. Neely's freedom did.

Hence the heated discussion he found himself in with the base commander, Brett Jones.

Jones shook his head. "I'm telling you it's not going to happen." He folded his arms over his chest.

Ace laid his objection out. "Neely deserves her freedom. She's earned it." She'd gone through every test, every interview, every fucking thing the brass asked of her.

Then did everything all over again with the government delegates.

Brett sighed. "I don't disagree, but I'm also stuck. The peace accord is still new. Ink's not even dry on the page yet. I can't, in good faith, just let Neely wander around unsupervised."

Ace rolled his eyes. "Bullshit. You can do what you want." The guy had a set of iron-clad stones.

Jones lifted one shoulder. "To a degree, yes. But the delegates won't risk the hard-won peace by letting a former POW roam free to wreak havoc if the enemy decides to start up the fighting again." He made a disgusted sound.

Ace got his commander's dilemma, but he'd keep pushing. "Neely is slowly losing hope. She doesn't trust herself and half the battle of making sure she can't be used is making sure she's healthy on a mental level. Tell me you get that."

Brett jerked his head. "I do. And I agree with you, but I can't promise the delegates will."

This time, Ace folded his arms over his chest. "Who do I need to speak with to make this happen?" He'd go through all twenty-five if he had to.

Jones arched his brows. "You're serious?"

Ace gave a nod. "Completely." He only needed a name.

The base commander cocked his head. "Enough to guarantee you'll keep a constant eye on her?"

Ace schooled his features. "You want me to spy on her?"

The commander lifted his chin. "In a word? Yes."

Ace frowned. "She won't like that." He leaned forward. "Frankly, neither will I. It's a betrayal of trust." And he didn't want to jeopardize their current status by keeping things from her.

Brett rolled a shoulder. "It's that or she waits until the delegates, namely Rian Weylon, are certain she won't be used as a weapon."

Ace growled. "Shit. This sucks." He sighed. "Fine. I'll keep an eye on her and report regularly—but only to you." He'd figure out what to do about Weylon if necessary.

The base commander inclined his head. "Deal."

I like where this story is going. It's a bit of a departure from the norm for me and I'm pretty sure there's going to be a follow-up book once this one is finished.

 

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

 

ML Skye