Sunday Snippet: X-Ray Tango

If anyone is headed into a major heat wave this week like I am, stay hydrated! And try to stay cool, especially if your location is as humid as mine is. Humidity is a nightmare.

Had a busy and productive week. Making good progress on two of my projects and sliding in some random finishing bits on a few others.

Started a huge cleanup job in the kitchen. My poor countertops need to be reorganized and cleared of clutter. I got the largest one scrubbed down and mostly organized. Still need to find a new home for a few items.

Also have some mundane tasks to plow through this week. Not sure I'll make it but I can't put it off any longer. My procrastination skills are top notch!

Had a decent viewing week. I ended up making it through my usual slate of shows, which rather makes me happy.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode again. The characters in Phyrne's past are always fun.

Caught another episode of Art Detectives and, I have to say, I thoroughly enjoy this show. Looking forward to the next episode.

Watched the season thirteen holiday special of Death in Paradise and enjoyed meeting Neville's mom. Should be fun to watch the last season of Inspector Parker's tenure.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Kind of fun to see him on holiday and solving a murder. I'll admit the resolution came together a little oddly for me but an interesting episode nonetheless.

Caught another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed Sherlock's revelations about friendship. So fun to watch Marcus chill with Sherlock at the end.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. Having the Royal Flush gang back proved fun. Also like Terry making a solid choice at the end to stick with Dana.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats. The holiday themed episode is one I remember and I really need to add it to my holiday watch list if I do one this year.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from X-Ray Tango, a novella that puts a couple together under fraught circumstances.

Here's the miniblurb:

Kellan Gates and Josh Robertson do not get along, constantly vying for top position in their squadron. But when they're transferred to another ship, Josh is targeted by a former nemesis that uses program X-ray Tango to keep Josh in check, which fires up Kellan—no one is allowed to give Josh a hard way to go except her.

And a sneaky peek…

Aw, fuck.

Josh heaved a sigh. "Not really, but you deserve to know what we're heading into." Where did he start?

Probably the beginning.

Josh glanced around to make sure they didn't have an audience. "The CAG of the Achilles and I go way back. Taylor Bradford is an old nemesis. Let's just say there's some bad blood between us and leave it at that for now." He met her gaze. "I'm not being an ass when I say you'd be wise to stay away from him. Not that you need a warning." Or would appreciate one.

Kellan narrowed her eyes. "You know, that won't be hard to do. If he's who I think he is, I don't like him either." Her lips twisted with distaste.

Josh's eyebrows arched. "Where did you meet him? If you don't mind me asking." Bradford got around but also gravitated toward the higher ranks.

Kellan snorted. "Flight school."

Josh's eyes widened. "You were a year behind us, right? Wonder what brought him back." Didn't seem to fit with Taylor's one-step-ahead plan.

Kellan huffed out a breath. "He came in as a guest lecturer. Very full of himself. And so condescending we all hated him." Her fingers curled into a fist.

Josh gave a slow nod. "Ah. Makes sense. He'd view running a class as his divine right to share how everyone could benefit from his colossal intelligence." Bile rose in his throat just saying the words.

Kellan chuckled. "The only thing he actually showed was his ass. And only for a day. He didn't get invited back the following week." Her lips curved in a smirk.

Josh could literally picture Bradford strutting around the class, spewing all kinds of so-called wisdom but coming off more like a pompous dick. And … if Taylor hadn't gamed the finals, Josh would've been the guest lecturer. No doubt, Taylor got the tap because he'd been top of their flight class. But Josh didn't need to share that information with Kellan.

Why give her ammunition?

Kellan snatched the orders and shook her head. "This is going to suck on multiple levels." Her gaze met his. "Adding your history and hell … even mine … with him to the mix adds to the challenge, right?"

Josh couldn't disagree so he nodded. "Probably."

Kellan sighed and got up, mumbling something about hating change before she headed for the exit.

Josh watched her leave. "This is one time I'm not down with it either."

But at least she didn't give him shit about anything. Maybe they had some common ground they could meet on.

Gotta say this story is coming together in ways I didn't expect. Kellan and Josh are keeping me on my toes.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wounded Birds

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, mentors, and father figures out there! And if this is a rough day for anyone, please find peace and joy where you can.

Seriously busy week and I didn't feel the greatest. Heading in for an annual physical soon and hope to nail down why I'm kind of down right now. My guess is my sleep schedule is horrible at the moment.

Somewhat good progress on work projects. Friday and Saturday ended up being challenging days because of not feeling well. I'm a little behind on two and hope to make that up in the next couple of days.

Spent a couple of days doing tedious personal life stuff, but I made it through my standard slate of shows this week. I'm considering a new addition to the lineup but haven't made up my mind yet.

Enjoyed an episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. The plot's twisty turns are fun and it's nice to see the tentative partnership with Jack and Phryne taking root.

I totally lied when I said I caught the season twelve finale of Death in Paradise. It had one more episode, which I ended up enjoying a lot. I'll be starting thirteen this week.

Caught another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. This one had some twists but it was fun for Poirot to have a case in his own backyard … or building as the case may be.

Started a new series called the Art Detectives and liked the first episode. The leads have great chemistry and I'm looking forward to the next episode.

Watched an episode of Elementary and enjoyed Sherlock coming to terms with being friends with Alfredo and not just sponsor and sponsee. Joan was really great in this episode also.

Enjoyed another episode of Batman Beyond. It's fun when Terry has to be a big brother and I love how he handles Tim. The big bad was also interesting.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. Both were new-to-me vignettes and I liked them. The one with DeeDee's college class was a lot of fun.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wounded Birds, a novella that forces a couple into isolation after a big goof on their part.

Here's the miniblurb:

When weeping sickness hits a space carrier hard, pilots Minka Kovak and Channing Santclar are two of the first to go down, which creates a problem since the fleet relies on them to keep the planes in the air. But when the duo gets through the worst of the virus—without killing each other—they end up working from their isolation alcove to shuffle the schedule and fill the flight roster.

And a sneaky peek…

Minka finished the next flight rotation schedule and closed the file.

Her eyes narrowed when she glanced up to find rolling privacy panels being wheeled to surround the iso chamber.

She slid her gaze sideways toward Channing. His head remained bent while he pored over some after-action reports. How did he not notice the commotion going on outside?

Or did he…

Minka got up, planting her hands on her hips. "What the hell is going on?"

His head lifted and he cast a quick scan around the now enclosed space.

Minka arched a brow. "Don't keep me in suspense. What did you do?" No way would Nameth think to give them some actual privacy.

Channing gave her a wide grin. "Me? I didn't do anything more than work a little magic." He got up and held out a hand. "We've got eight hours of downtime." Clasping her hand, he nudged her toward the beds.

Her eyes went wide. "What? How?" She settled on the edge of her mattress.

Channing rolled a shoulder. "Remember when we got the schedule all straightened out?"

She nodded. "Of course. We saved the day." And then some.

He sent her a smug look. "I used that as a bargaining chip to get some privacy and some quiet time." The lights dimmed. "Right on cue." He reached out for her and patted his bed with his free hand. "Come join me."

She couldn't believe he pulled this off. She got to her feet and crawled onto the bed with him. He scooted over and brought his legs up onto the surface.

She turned sideways and snuggled in close to him. "Okay, how did you manage this without me knowing?" They literally lived in each other's pockets.

He smirked. "I used a comm panel and put a request in with the XO. Told him we'd worked hard to solve the flight schedule and didn't deserve to be a public spectacle anymore." His lips curved. "The XO forwarded my comments to Nameth and the doc messaged me. Called me a pain in the ass but figured we'd finally suffered enough."

She laughed. "About damned time." Her fingers worked the buttons of his shirt loose. "This is amazing, and I'm duly impressed." She'd had no idea Channing put anything in motion.

What a surprise!

Minka and Channing got themselves into a mess but they're figuring things out as they go along.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Words Not Necessary

It's been a long week with a lot going on. My dad turned eighty last Sunday and my oldest turned thirty-two. Yep. They have the same birthday. My brothers always give me a bunch a grief over getting my dad a grandson for his birthday.

We had a nice reception for my dad, and I got to reconnect with a lot of people I hadn't seen in a long time. So nice to catch up.

Work projects continue to keep me busy. I'm making good progress but often feel like I'm spinning my wheels because they're big projects that take a lot of back and forth. This isn't a complaint; it's more an observation.

Had a slow viewing week but did manage to get through my main group of shows. The backburner ones didn't make the cut this week.

Started out with Batman Beyond and enjoyed it. I have memories of this one where Terry's secret is exposed and he finally has something of an ally.

Watched another Classic Rugrats and both were new-to-me vignettes. Thoroughly enjoyed the shopping one and the one with the snow was fun also.

Enjoyed another episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. As a comfort show, the amazing cast is always ready to help me slide into a happy place. Even if there's a murder to solve.

Caught the season twelve finale of Death in Paradise. Good to see Neville's team work hard to clear him of the professor's death. Nice to see the dangling plot threads tied up also. Looking forward to starting thirteen this week.

Watched another episode of Poirot and rather enjoyed the mystery. A lot gets packed into the hour-long episodes and sometimes feels a little rushed.

Really enjoyed the episode of Elementary with the dual mysteries and some insight into the captain's daughter and how she operates.

Also watched what I think is the first season finale of Return to Paradise. I'm really enjoying this show.

I think I found the new show I'm going to start this week, but I'm not absolutely set. Stay tuned.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Words Not Necessary, a novella that explores how a couple communicates without words and make other wonder how they do it.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sometimes an outside observer can provide a lot of insight on a couple's relationship, even if they'll never understand it. London and Braun are so in tune with each other they rarely speak, yet their communication is evident for anyone to see.

And a sneaky peek…

Special kind of strange definitely described them. But also maybe … a strange kind of special. Because Braun knew things about her she'd never put a voice to.

Like how much she loved the way he nuzzled her throat. She hadn't told him how much the action heightened her awareness.

Especially like now, when his breath fanned against her ear showing how much he wanted her before he tipped her sideways and maneuvered around to get more comfortable.

And the way the rasp of his tongue over her nipple shot heat straight to her core? Never one had she mentioned how hot that made her.

And now … when he drew a pebbled tip between his lips, she squirmed with anticipation and need to have him buried deep.

Or the way he'd press openmouthed kisses down along her torso, each glide of his lips over her skin creating a tingling eagerness the lower he moved.

When his tongue dipped into her navel, the question of whether he'd go further down … or make his way back upward … flashed in her mind before he settled between her thighs and started the journey in reverse.

Up it is…

She met his mouth, welcoming the way it quieted her moan when he entered her with a smooth thrust. Her hands smoothed down his back, cupping his ass. Something else she loved … the feel of muscle and sinew under her fingers. The way they came together proved to be a tactile delight, always starting slow and easy then gaining momentum, building friction until they reached the best part…

And her favorite … the way he grasped her hips when he got close to his climax. When his fingers dug into her flesh, and his breath came in short, static bursts, she let the pleasure spiral and nudge her over the edge into orgasmic bliss.

And he'd fly right after her. One thrust … another … and a gasping shudder when he tipped over. He collapsed to his side, spooning up behind her, his lips ghosting over her shoulder. She turned and he eased onto his back, giving her space to burrow close to his side.

Wrapping an arm around his waist, her head rested on his chest … her favorite pillow … and she drifted off to sleep … sated and content.

All without saying a word.

I'm happy with how this story is coming together. It's fun to balance actual dialog with the unspoken discourse.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wires Crossed

Had a super busy week between work projects and personal projects and, whew, I'm exhausted. Also, the weather is being contrary with lots of rain and chilly temperatures. I don't think we got above sixty degrees with the exception of Thursday when we topped out at seventy.

I'm still juggling six work projects but two are in a state of simmering on the back burner, which isn't optimal, but it does help manage the load.

Had a slow viewing week and didn't quite make it through my usual round of shows. Too much going on that needed my full attention.

I did end up catching an episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. It's one of my favorites with Phyrne showing off her flying skills.

Also watched an episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. A holiday episode that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm kind of bummed there aren't any new episodes until the next season.

Death in Paradise kind of blew my mind. I knew what would happen and it still caught me a little off guard. I think because Neville acted so out of character. I have a really good idea of who killed the professor, and I hope I prove myself right.

Got another episode of Return to Paradise viewed and I'm really enjoying this show. I'm very on the fence with Glen's engagement to Daisy. I really think things could get very messy.

Finished out the week with another Poirot episode. I kind of pegged who the kidnapper was from the beginning, and I loved the razor-sharp way Poirot called the guy out.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wires Crossed, a novella that pulls a couple who don't see eye to eye together to work their issues out before someone gets hurt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Vanessa Twill and Justin Hardwick don't always see eye to eye and the tension between them is thick and taut. When a training exercise goes bad, the duo is grounded until they get their act together. Forced to communicate, they work out some issues and realize they didn't have their wires crossed … a saboteur did. Literally.

And a sneaky peek…

Chastised and humbled, Vanessa never wanted to face another stinging rebuke from the CO. But she needed to know what the hell happened? Staying angry obviously wouldn't help.

Justin didn't offer any discussion, but he couldn't be happy with being grounded either. One of them would have to break through the wall of silence they'd erected between them. And waiting wouldn't get them any closer to being back out in the black.

Vanessa ventured a comment first. "Why did you change the plan?" She kept her tone quiet and non-accusing. "I honestly thought you followed orders to a painful level." Which often annoyed her.

Justin stopped a moment. "I didn't change the scenario. And I tried to tell you before the CO grounded us." He raked a hand through his hair. "I mean, think about it. When would I have had the time?" He started forward again. "I thought you altered the game plan." Frustration came through his voice but no heat.

She stopped and grasped his arm. "If you didn't and I didn't. Then…" Her stomach churned with something nasty and bitter.

Justin frowned. "Who did?"

Vanessa gave a nod. "Obviously someone and that's a problem." A big, huge shiny one.

She ducked into a small conference room and dragged Justin in behind her. They didn't need an audience right now. Or eavesdroppers.

Her voice lowered. "Look, we've had our wires crossed in the past … are you sure you didn't decide we should run option C?"

Justin folded his arms over his chest. "I'm sure. You said A. I didn't agree, but I let it slide. Like you said, I follow orders." His eyes narrowed. "No matter how painful the level is."

Yeah, okay. She probably deserved to have her words handed right back to her.

Vanessa sighed. "Well, I didn't like option B so no way would I have changed it—not even to spite you." And definitely not to put their recruits in danger.

Justin lifted his chin. "Which brings us back to who did and how we ended up with such a cluster fuck?"

Yeah, she wanted to get whoever tampered with their scenarios alone for five minutes. But they had to figure out the who and how part first.

Vanessa met his gaze. "How do you wanna go about this? Should we work together?" It would save time, but she wouldn't blame him if he didn't want to be anywhere near her.

His eyebrows arched. "You're asking?" He relaxed his stance and propped a hip against the conference table.

Vanessa nodded. "Well, yeah. This affects both of us. I mean, I want answers now, but that might not happen if we're both poking around on our own … so…" She shrugged. "If we coordinate our efforts…"

Justin finished her thought. "We'll smoke out whoever made the change, and hopefully do it before they can cover their tracks." His head bobbed up and down. "Yeah, we figure it out together." He thrust his hand forward.

Vanessa's lips quirked and she clasped his palm. "Together." She squeezed his fingers then let go. "I have a maintenance shift to get to, but I'll be free later." She hoped he'd have time to get started today.

Justin grunted. "I'll find you. Since I'm free, I'll ask around and put some feelers out." He pushed away from the table and headed for the hatch but paused before leaving. "We'll get to the bottom of this." He held her gaze a long moment then exited the room.

Vanessa had a new appreciation for Justin. Because she believed they absolutely would solve the puzzle of what happened.

Here's to the beginning of a new path forward for Vanessa and Justin. This one is very fun to write.

 

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

ML Skye