Sunday Snippet: Clubbing on Space Station Delta

Halfway through the month and it's nonstop gangbusters. I'm planning a super-secret thing I can't talk about for this Friday. I seriously hope I can pull this off.

The weather is warming up a little, so the snow is finally melting. That also means it's muddy and squishy outside during the day and slippery and slidey at night. I have a pond in my driveway when it's sunny and an ice rink when it gets dark.

Work projects are steady and still coming. I finished up a nightmare project—I hope—and I'm glad to move on from that one. Completed a copy edit and started a new one. Had some hourly editorial review work I started and finished this week. I had another one going that I'm making headway on and I'm finishing up a developmental edit, which I hope to have completed by next week. I also have a backburner project that I need to jump back into. All in all … yeah, it's been busy.

I did manage to get through my usual slate of shows. I even watched some of the Olympic events, but I'm not really following anyone or anything. The skeleton events fascinate me. My idea of fun is definitely not jumping on a tiny sled while going seventy-plus miles—headfirst—down an icy super-slide of death. That said, kudos to the athletes who make it look easy. And scary.

Started the week with Midsomer Murders and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. I've been waiting for this one, because the previews were intriguing. Death by cuckoo clock is a wild way to go. Just saying.

Finished up season six of Foyle's War, and I'd forgotten how bleak the end of the war ended up being for everyone. I mean there was obviously a call for celebration, but the uncertainty for all the characters, or most of them, is very strong.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and quite enjoyed Jack and Nikki realizing they don't have a lot of friends outside of their work. I'm very interested in the little beat about Nikki maybe leaving the Lyell to start a new facility. That could prove interesting for next season.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. It's always fun when Miss Lemon saves the day with research. And really nice to see Poirot support a young woman's dreams.

Elementary ended up being very interesting. I love how much Joan wants to help her former patient, but she also didn't discount the aunt's concerns. And Sherlock's ruthless takedown of the CEO ended up being a chef's kiss moment.

Caught another Batman Beyond episode and I believe I'm near the end of the series run. Not sure what I'll pick up next, but I might dive into another Batman series.

Watched the opening episode for season three of Star Trek: Lower Decks and thoroughly enjoyed seeing Beckett interact with her dad. Also loved seeing everyone else in civilian mode. Season three should be a fun ride.

That's pretty much it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Clubbing on Space Station Delta, a novella that shows perceptions are made to be changed.

Here's the miniblurb:

Macie Gunn discovers a very different side to Nix Handleman, her commanding officer, when they get some downtime on Space Station Delta. Macie likes what she sees but wonders if Nix will keep the stick out of his ass once they return back to duty. Nix loves taking Macie by surprise but doesn't quite trust her enough to take things further … after all, Macie never met a secret she didn't want to spill. Each has to show some trust in the other's ability to change, and they only have a weekend to do it.

And a sneaky peek…

Macie clocked the moment Nix entered Club Loco, but she played things cool by staying at the bar, twirling her club soda in the glass.

Nix made his way to her side. "Mace, care to dance?" He propped an elbow on the gleaming surface of the bartender's workspace.

Macie lifted on shoulder. "Eh, maybe." Nix should have to work a little after leaving her hanging last night.

Nix's eyebrows arched. "You're not really gonna play the angry card, are you?" He reached out and ran his finger over the coaster under her drink.

Macie frowned. "I'm not pissed…" She lowered her voice. "More like restless and frustrated." Not a good mix.

Nix gave a commiserating nod. "Yeah, I feel that. In fact…" He leaned in closer and put his mouth next to her ear. "I couldn't sleep until I rubbed one off because I kept picturing you sprawled naked on my bed."

His words and voice made her hot and tingly. "Shit." He amazed her a little with the admission.

He grunted. "Yeah, I can't share the details of my dreams. I'd get arrested." He pushed away from the bar and nodded toward the dance floor. "Join me?" He swiveled his hips and moved his feet to the beat of the music.

She definitely saw Nix in a whole different light now.

Sliding off the stool, she grabbed his hand and followed him to the squared off space filled with writhing bodies. Nix kept pushing boundaries, altering her perception of him. He got a little kinky on the dance floor, grinding his groin into her ass, letting her know exactly how much she affected him. Her temperature kept climbing and her body vibrated with need.

An hour later, they found a corner table to quench their thirst and catch their breath.

Nix scooted closer after they gave their order to the server. "I've been trying to imagine what you've got on under your skirt…" His hand slid down to her thigh.

Macie smiled. "Maybe I don't have anything on…" Not true, but she loved the flare of heat in his gaze.

His palm inched under the skirt and a grin spread across his face. "I'm gonna go with red … because, while black is sexy, you're a trailblazer and dance to your own tune." His fingers slipped under the lacy fabric of her panties.

Macie sucked in a breath. "Whew. Not that I don't love seeing this side of you, but I'm a little surprised." She purposefully didn't confirm his guess.

Nix gave her a sly look. "Assumptions can get you into trouble."

Her face flamed. "Point taken. It's hard to wrap my head around the idea you've got something of a kinky nature." And she loved it.

Nix rolled a shoulder. "Figured you'd be okay with it." He removed his hand but left her skirt ruched up.

Macie nodded. "Definitely okay." She tilted her head. "Still a little shocked."

His lips quirked. "Look, I don't blame you. But you know a thing or two about pushing boundaries. This is my way of breaking through and doing something a little wild."

Macie gave a nod. "I think I understand. The question now is, can you trust me to keep my big mouth shut?"

Nix arched a brow. "Can I?"

Macie gave him a slow, wide grin. "Absolutely. You've given me a whole new way to push the envelope." One she would very much enjoy.

Nix leaned in close again. "Then let's get out of here." She started to get up but he halted her progress. "Leave the panties behind."

Her heart tripped over the thought.

She shuddered but complied, slipping the scrap of fabric past her hips and down her legs. She placed the lingerie on the seat between them. Nix flashed a grin because he'd guessed the correct color, then scooped the panties up and tucked them into his pocket.

Macie slid out of the booth and headed toward the exit almost vibrating from the thrill of what would soon follow.

I love writing Macie and Nix. Nix is so much fun because Macie is an apt pupil and he enjoys tilting her world sideways.

 

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

 

ML Skye