Sunday Snippet: Zipped Lips

Ugh. I'm fighting something, a cold, a virus, some other kind of ick. Not having fun with it at all. I have two client calls this week and I'm hoping I can manage both.

We got back up in the high eighties this week. Supposed to have some rain on Monday or Tuesday and I'm kind of excited for that. We definitely need it. The drought has been upgraded to moderate.

Not a bad work week. I'm almost finished with one of my work projects and making solid headway on another that should be complete by the end of October. I start a new one sometime early in October and I'm looking forward to working on that one. I'll find out if another new project will be starting on Tuesday.

Had a semi-decent viewing week. Between not feeling the best and trying to finish up work projects, I didn't know if I'd be able to watch much. But I made it through my usual shows and got to watch the back-burner ones also.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and quite enjoyed the rewatch. It's one I remembered from my original run through. Being in the US, it's fun to watch how footy affects those that have a long, long history with the sport.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War. This show is so well written, and I love the cast. So many super young actors who have gone on to amazing roles.

Watched a new Death in Paradise. I'm slowly coming around on Wilson. I think he might make a good addition to the team. The new police officer is also kind of growing on me. I love that he kind of came up with the solution to keeping Selwyn in his job.

Enjoyed another Poirot. Kind of leading everyone on a merry chase but keep them from going to France was very entertaining. Loved how Japp kept thinking he'd be losing his pension.

Caught another episode of Elementary. I very much like the Joan and Sherlock vibe this season. Really not sure what's going on with the stalker detective but I hope Joan watches her back.

Watched another Batman Beyond and didn't really remember this one. I have a vague memory of the conversation between Terry and Barbara but that's kind of all I remembered.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks. The opener for season two ended up being entertaining. I really do appreciate the callbacks to all the other series. Fun bit with Boimler at the end.

Finished up the episode of Peak Practice I started a few weeks ago. Sam is going to be in a lot of trouble and I'm not sure I'm going to like how things go down with him.

Also finally started season two of Reacher. I'm almost finished with the first episode, but I had to pause because of the whole cold / virus / yuck thing going on. Should finish it up this week. I think the very best moment so far is the Terminator easter egg. Kudos to the writer of the episode for that!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zipped Lips, a sexy short that pulls a couple together in a fun way.

Here's the miniblurb:

Details of intimate encounters are spilled during a rousing card game and recent hookups are brought to light, but Keavy Smart and Gresham Young have the best secret—trying to keep quiet is half the fun and zipped lips means none of the crew is the wiser.

And a sneaky peek…

Super-secret hookup spot. You really aren't hooking up with anyone right now…

Gresh paused, the washcloth hovering over the table. He had no idea where the conversation would end up. But he could play seek and find for a while.

He shrugged. "Maybe I am just really good at staying quiet." And maybe she could see right through that lie.

Her lips twitched, but she stayed silent. Okay then. She had a crystal-clear view of his untruth.

Did he admit he'd love to break his dry spell with her? Or dig a little deeper to gauge her interest? Maybe test the waters a little…

Gresh prodded. "How about you? This is a personal question … but what's your stress relief?" Probably a long list of ready and willing options.

Keavy grinned. "My fingers and a hot, fantasy man…" She waited a beat. "Who will remain nameless." Her eyes dared him to ask who.

He didn't take the bait. Let her cast a line this time.

Gresh inclined his chin. "Fair enough." He went back to wiping down the table.

She didn't wait long to dip her toe into the water.

Keavy quirked an eyebrow. "How about you? Do you use any of the crew members as fantasy fodder?" Her voice went soft and husky.

His dick got hard. Probably time to put his cards on the table.

Gresh paused and glanced up. "Only one." He gave her a good, long look, leaving no doubt as to who he envisioned when jacking off.

Keavy shuddered. "Shit. Okay same. And on a frequent basis." Her eyes darkened a shade.

Damn. More than he'd hoped for.

Gresh's eyes widened. "So … what do we do about this mutual attraction?" He tossed the washcloth in the basin on the chair.

He had an entire list of things he'd love to do with her.

I'm having fun with this one. Keavy and Gresh are going to heat things up in a big way.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zinging Barbs (Sci-Fi)

Whew. It's been a week. I won't comment on the political spectrum at the moment but it's mentally draining to say the least. The good news is I got a couple of projects finished up and I'm taking that as a win because of the whole brain drain.

Our weather last week was very fall-like and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We're back to higher temperatures again but that's pretty typical. We definitely need some rain. I'd even take a nasty thunderstorm to get some at this point.

As mentioned, I finished up two projects and have a small break before the next one begins. I'm taking advantage to dive deeper into a couple of my manuscripts. It's fun to revisit what I've already completed.

Had a decent viewing week. Even if a little distracted. I made it through my usual stable of shows for the most part. Did not get to either backburner shows.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. One of my favorite episodes for Jack and Phryne chemistry. I also love how deep of a hole Hugh digs for himself.

Began a rewatch of a favorite comfort show with Foyle's War. It's been years since I've seen any of the episodes and I'm looking forward to diving back into this show.

Caught another Death in Paradise and I have to say I love Darlene so much. Her interactions with Patterson blew me away. The mystery ended up being pretty interesting also. Kind of a heartbreaking moment with Wilson but I think there's more to the story of his mom's death.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Fun to see the FBI show up to work with Japp and very fun to see Hastings think fast on his feet when creating a diversion for Poirot.

Elementary had a very interesting episode. I'm so intrigued by Moreland's journey this season. I haven't quite figured out if he's genuine or not and I kind of feel like he's not completely sure either, which I like. A lot.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I have vague memories of, mainly because it was a fun episode. Nice to see Howard back also.

Finished the first season finale of Lower Decks and after a rough start rather enjoyed the episode. And it left off with enough of a what just happened vibe that I'm interested in season two. My one hope is Mariner won't annoy me so much in season two. We'll see what happens.

Still hoping to get season two of Reacher underway this week. A lot will depend on what the work calendar ends up looking like. I have two client Zoom meetings and have no idea how long either will last.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zinging Barbs, a sexy short featuring characters from Poetry in Motion.

Here's the miniblurb:

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 exchange some zinging barbs until they work out their issues.

And a sneaky peek…

Reagan didn't know what to expect after her admission, but it didn't take long for Ian to respond. He crushed his mouth over hers, his tongue slipping past her lips. Reagan melted into the kiss, laughing when the leather gloves tried to cup her face.

Ian growled and flicked his gaze to the side. His teeth caught the fastening and ripped them back on both gloves. Ian flung first one, then the other to the floor.

She loved it when he broke his rules—to always take care of his equipment—and went with his gut.

He scooped her up into his arms and started for the door.

She squirmed around. "Ian, wait. Put me down a moment." She couldn't get distracted yet.

He paused, setting her carefully on the floor. "Did I hurt you?" Concern clouded his gaze.

She smiled. "No, but I hurt you, and I'm sorry." She leaned in, wrapping her arms around him. "I'm not going anywhere, and I will behave—do what the doctor says and stick close to home." She grasped his biceps. "But you have to keep going. You've got a shot, and I don't want you to lose it." She'd never forgive herself if he did.

He folded his arms around her. "I love you, Reagan. We're going home." He shuffled them into a transport pod—another no-no—and had them standing in their living room within seconds.

She tilted her head back. "You know how much it turns me on when you break the rules." Because she inadvertently made him do so.

Ian flashed a grin. "I do, yes." He swatted her on the behind. "Let me grab a shower and I'll relieve that itch I know you're dying to scratch right now."

She shivered and palmed his erection threw his pants. "Make it a fast shower. I'll be waiting for you." She slipped her fingers under the straps of her sleeveless dress and stood nude before him.

Ian laid his palm on her belly. "Your mother's impatient, little one." He met Reagan's gaze. "Five minutes. Don't start without me." He headed for the bathroom.

Reagan smirked, cleared her throat loudly, and waited for Ian to take the hint.

He dropped his pants, and she relished the sight of her husband's naked ass strutting away from her.

Placing her hands on her stomach, she sighed. "He's right. I am impatient … but he's so worth the wait."

I love this couple and writing a bonus scene for them is so much fun.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zero Sum

September is starting off with a bang. And crazy busy. Also a full blood moon, which is always fun to see.

Spent all day Saturday in Hocking Hills with a group of cousins on my mom's side of the family. We have so much fun when we get together. We're already planning the third annual gathering for next year.

I finished up two work projects this week and made progress on two more. I have a new one starting this week also. Possibly two. I'm hoping the due dates are a little more staggered.

Had an okay viewing week. I made it almost all the way through my usual slate of shows with the exception of Lower Decks. I started it but need to finish it up. It's the first season finale so there seems to be a lot going on.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it's one I really enjoyed on my original run through. Always fun to see Dot stand up for not only herself but others.

Finished up season four of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Very happy to see Jean and Dom work through their issues. Loved how Dom proposed and how everyone knew they were meant to be together.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm interested in where things will go with Selwyn. The new officer is going to be fun. I love the vibe he has. DI Wilson might or might not grow on me.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. The entire trip to the coast just to hear good things instead of bad from Japp is such a Poirot thing to do. And the side plot with Lemon was fun.

Elementary had an interesting case along with an interesting side case. I like how Moreland reached out to Joan, and she figured things out with what's going on with him. And I love that she told Sherlock. Also really thrilled Sherlock met the character on the autism spectrum at her level, seemingly with care and patience.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and I didn't remember much of this one. Ended up quite enjoying it.

Started the Lower Decks episode. I do enjoy how many easter eggs are in this show. Mentions of other characters and episodes from all the various series are so much fun.

I didn't get to start season two of Reacher. I'm hoping I have the time this week, but I'm not going to rush in. I like to be able to focus on this show.

Also didn't get to finish up the Peak Practice episode I started, but I'll get back to it soon.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zero Sum, a novella that pulls a couple together when they have to crash land.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Sabrina stretched her neck from side to side. "We should stop and rest." She didn't know how many hours they'd worked but longer than a normal shift.

And they hadn't argued once.

Carrick didn't disagree; he pulled out a seat and settled at the table. "Now that the suits are operable and we've got plenty of O2, let's decide where we'll hunker down." He flexed his fingers, probably trying to loosen up the stiff joints from holding them in one position for most of the day.

Sabrina wanted to explore and take an inventory of the camp. "We should stay here, at the colony." She really wanted to figure out what kind of supplies they had available.

Carrick didn't immediately deny the thought, but he did counter. "One of us should stay on the ship. In case we get a call from another fleet vessel." A wary look crept into his eyes.

She didn't blame him. Normally, she'd be all over his push back. But … he made a valid point. She'd hate to miss contact if it came.

A stroke of inspiration hit her. "You know, a simple solution would be to rig a cable from the signal to the intercom system. If it's triggered, an auto response will generate, giving us time to get to a comm unit to reply." Her shoulders slumped. "But, ugh, I don't have the energy to deal with making that happen right now." She didn't relish putting the suit back on at the moment.

Carrick huffed out a breath. "Huh. That's genius." He riffled through the pack he'd brought over and pulled out two MREs. "We'll get on that first thing in the morning. Don't know about you, but I'm wiped out." He squeezed the package, activating the heating element inside. "Terrific solution though. Why don't I stay on the ship for tonight until we can get the line set up?" He tore open his dinner.

Sabrina blinked. "Um, okay." She nodded. "Yeah, that sounds good." She grabbed her MRE and mimicked Carrick's actions, a little stunned to have the arrangements resolved so quickly.

She didn't quite know how to deal with full cooperation from him.

But she liked having it.

I have this one pretty much plotted out and outlined. I'm excited to see where things go as I continue to write.

 

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

ML Skye