Sunday Snippet: Kick in the Burn

November is continuing the crazy weather tradition. Warm a few days then frigid a few. The whiplash roller coaster is in full force. Please keep arms and legs inside during the ride and make sure you've got plenty of allergy meds and mucus relief tablets on hand.

Had a somewhat light work week and got to focus on writing, which is kind of great considering it's Nanowrimo month.

Also got some decent screen time this week. I didn't do a double rotation, but I did make a full run through of all my shows with a little overflow.

I caught two episodes of Agatha Raisin. Season two is a bit different with longer episodes and different titles. So far, I'm enjoying the fallout from the aborted wedding … and the mysteries of course.

Watched the second half of Silent Witness and started a new two-parter. I'm enjoying the kind of messy storylines. Considering this series has been around for twenty-three years, it's interesting to see how much it's changed from the beginning.

Enjoyed two episodes of Death in Paradise and finished out season three. Kind of nice to see Humphrey's wife and get an actual end to their relationship. Also great that neither really ended up being the bad guy.

Caught another episode of Only Murders in the Building. Loved how the trio finally got to work together … sort of. That might be the only thing that really sticks out as being a little off for me this season. Otherwise, I'm enjoying the mystery.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. I like seeing the villains kind of double up and then double cross each other.

Got another episode of Classic Rugrats in and remembered both vignettes. Thoroughly enjoyed both. It's so much fun going back to this show and thinking about watching when my kids were little.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Kick in the Burn, a novella that brings a couple together during a marathon work session.

Here's the miniblurb:

Jaden Scratch and Ridge Quartermain spend a lot of time comparing notes about flying. Working late into the night filling out fitreps on their pilots, their conversation takes a very personal turn and kick in the burn takes on a whole new meaning.

And a sneaky peek…

Ridge got his shower and changed into a uniform. He bumped into Petty Officer Jansen in the mess when he stopped to order the coffee for what would surely be an all-night session.

He apologized for breaking their not-date. "Um, duty calls. I won't be able to make it tonight."

Maria shrugged. "I understand. Maybe we can get together another time." She zeroed in on a marine lance corporal and quickly took her leave.

Ridge started to make his way down to the office … not horribly upset about the missed opportunity, which surprised him. Even if Jansen completely fit his type—easy on the eyes and lacking gumption. But, eh, lately the easy-pickings, high-wattage sex drive package didn't make for satisfaction. Having a night off to take stock and go through a million fitreps—especially with Jaden—might be more stimulating.

Ridge had to own being a little intimidated by Lieutenant Scratch. She had looks, brains, and a natural ability to fly, all things he admired. What his dad called a total package. Jaden also had a sterling reputation, getting along with everyone. And … she seemed to know exactly what she wanted from life.

Aside from flying, Ridge had no clue. His dad wanted a son who moved up the ranks—and Elliot Quartermain made that happen. A friendly conversation here, a glowing reference letter there. Ridge didn't have to do more than show up for duty. Sometimes the interference chafed, but sometimes it came in handy—like now, when he ended up being six weeks behind on fitreps.

Ridge entered the office to find Jaden setting stacks of reports out. Her casual attire threw him for a moment. He assumed she'd be in uniform—her by-the-book reputation almost warranted fatigues at the very least—since they were on duty. Instead, she had some flirty ensemble in two shades of purple. The color suited her.

And made him drool a little.

She glanced up and caught him staring.

He flashed a smile. "Did I miss the memo? The one that changed this to a casual work session?"

I love writing this couple. Their story has been a lot of fun to dive into and it's coming together nicely.

 

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

ML Skye