Sunday Snippet: Covert Heart

What a week. Our weather went completely insane and we got a wild mix of rain and wind. We lost power on Friday afternoon and finally had it restored on Saturday after about eighteen hours. Thankfully, it didn't get super cold overnight.

Work projects are moving along. I finished up the memoir and have two new potential jobs. I'm still working on a proofread and have some final touches to put on a copy edit. I'm hoping to get to a developmental edit that I put on the back burner last month because it's a manuscript that will launch an amazing series.

Had a limited viewing week. I managed to get through a couple of my usual shows but didn't get through my whole slate. Too many things pulling my attention and focus.

Started with My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. Always fun to see Will and the sibling relationship he has with Alexa. Per usual, Madison had some great scenes.

Caught most of an episode of Foyle's War. I'd forgotten he kind of got pulled into the spy scene. Really fun to see his interactions with Sam after her marriage. Kind of bummed they recast the guy who played her fiancé in the previous season.

Watched an episode of Return to Paradise and it's one I remembered. I love the quirky interactions Mackenzie has with everyone but I really, really love when she has to deal with her messy emotions. Watching her apologize to Glen almost physically hurt to observe. Very good moment between them.

Started an episode of Poirot but didn't get a chance to finish it before I crashed. I'll finish it up and start the round of shows again.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Covert Hearts, a novella puts a couple on the brink of their happy future in peril.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Rick McBride stood with his arms wrapped around Emma Wells and let the realization of what they were about to do wash slowly over him. They’d just had the conversation, and he promised to have her back.

And he would … regardless of whether he questioned the right to assassinate a government official or not.

An argument could be made that he’d once held a gun to the head of a superior, but he’d counter that his decision had been spur of the moment, enacted to keep his cover, and not likely to result in the actual shooting of said official.

But this … this action would be cold-blooded murder—order or not. And, of course, Emma would not refuse since the old man issued the orders. And the elder McBride knew it.

Why else would he dismiss Rick before giving Emma the assignment?

And leave it to Emma to try and give him an out. She knew this operation wouldn't sit well with him. And it didn't. Not one bit.

But he wouldn't accept her offer. He'd never let her go it alone on something like this.

Yet what did she do?

Thanked him.

That alone told Rick she had doubts, even if she pretended to be okay with the order.

And while his brain warred with itself, he drew her closer. The summit should be their salvation. Instead, it had become their curse. Every single official at the meeting would be armed … they'd made it a requirement. The uneasy truce they all agreed to didn't extend to any kind of trust. No one thought they'd achieve peace without everyone using their own weapons to discourage a coup attempt. But getting them all in one place had to bring them one step closer to a cease fire.

Dammit, he and Emma should be talking about the endless options they could have after a treaty had been signed … not standing together in an empty room holding on for dear life.

But they couldn't discuss future game plans … there were none. Neither would be coming back from this.

They’d never make it out alive.

Stepping back, his gaze slowly met Emma's. Her eyes held the same knowledge. And acceptance. She would give her life to end another.

And he would give his life so she could.

Wrapped in that understanding, Rick didn’t speak. Moving his hands forward, he cupped Emma's face. Her gaze didn’t waver from his as the moment stretched out between them.

Slowly moving his hands to rest on her shoulders, he took comfort in her palms resting on his hips. Neither spoke as their eyes held, saying things they’d never utter aloud. Not now.

This is it.

Emma's hands slid forward to undo the buckle of the holster he wore and removed it, heavy with its side arm. Still looking levelly at him, she didn’t blink when he followed suit. The sound of both weapons thudding softly to the floor created noise in the quiet space.

No turning back.

Rick's fingers trailed lightly up Emma's arm before settling on the topmost button of her blouse. He caught the gleam in her eye before she mimicked the motion. The breath hitched in his throat right before he slid the button loose from its slotted opening. The line between past and future crossed, right now became their only option to say all that needed said.

We’re gonna do this.

This one has been fun to dive into. The narrative is a little different, but I'm enjoying the way it's coming together.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Come Here Often

Whew. Long week filled with so many things going on. And, of course, weird weather. I also didn't sleep well at all … probably due to the upcoming time change. It's like my body and brain knows it's coming and tries to resist accordingly.

Ohio started the week with cold weather then warmed up to seventy degrees yesterday. We also had a lot of rain. Which gave us a lot of foggy mornings. Bleh.

Work projects are less backlogged than they were. I mostly finished up the developmental edit on the memoir, which feels good. A few small things left then it's off for a copy edit and proofread. This is such a great book! Also finished up a copy edit and started a new one. The new one is first person, which I'm not fond of. I also started a new proofreading project on a nonfiction book. I love being busy!

Had a decent viewing week. Made it through my usual slate of shows and did a little binge watching when I needed some background noise.

Started off with another episode of My Life Is Murder. Very fun to see a familiar face in the guest stars. One of the things I love about watching shows from New Zealand and Australia are the amazing actors who pop up frequently.

Ended up watching another Foyle's War episode instead of finishing the previous one. It's one of my favorites and finished out the season. Looking forward to starting a new season this week.

Caught another episode of Return to Paradise and enjoyed watching it. Mackenzie trying to find her footing while avoiding the landmines of being back home is kind of compelling. And the supporting cast is fun.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I like it when it's actually kind of easy to figure out the who then watch how the what and why happen.

Elementary had another great episode. I'm very interested in Joan's relationship with her former patient. My hope is he ends up not falling back into old and bad habits. The case also ended up being interesting with a twist or two I didn't expect.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I only partially remember. It's a two-part episode and I'm looking forward to the resolution.

Star Trek: Lower Decks had a great episode. It's always fun to see rivalries pop up and to learn interesting things about the other characters. The relaxation planet thread of the story ended up being very entertaining.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Come Here Often, a novella that explores several phases of a relationship between the characters.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Neely woke with a startled jerk. "I dreamed about being captive." Her hand rubbed at her temple, a dull throb radiating outward to her hairline.

She only had fuzzy and blurry memories—nothing concrete. But she remembered bits and pieces—flashes, really—of her time in captivity. Something she hadn't done before.

Sliding from the bed, she walked to the bath and brushed her teeth, staring at herself in the mirror. Head tilted to one side, she couldn't quite decide if her dream meant anything. Why now? She'd been blessedly blank even though the inability to recall what happened drove her mad. Finishing up, she washed her face, splashing cold water to shake the cobwebs loose.

She followed the smell of coffee and found Ace in the kitchen, holding a mug, one hip propped against the counter. After pouring a cup, she settled at the table and stirred some cinnamon into her brew. Ace joined her and she wanted to keep the quiet camaraderie they had … especially after last night's revelations.

She hesitated mentioning her murky dream to Ace, but the fact she'd had one had her gut screaming something didn't feel quite right. What if she'd been triggered by their conversation? Could she risk saying nothing and possibly turning on those she loved?

Short answer. Nope.

Still stirring her coffee, she raised her gaze to Ace. "Do you trust me?" Simple question but loaded nonetheless.

Ace answered immediately. "Always have." He scooted down in the seat, showing his lack of hurry.

Neely pushed for answers about his response. "The man who always needs a reason suddenly doesn't?" She left no doubt about her confusion over his utter acceptance and zero queries about her return. "Why?"

Ace shrugged. "It's a faith thing. Even when we haven't been on the same page or, hell, not speaking to each other, I've always had faith in you. That never wavered." He took a sip of his coffee.

Neely pounced. "Even when I was gone?" How could he not have doubts?

He shook his head. "Not even then. And not because it didn't drive me insane. More because if anyone could survive, it would be you." One side of his mouth twisted upward. "If for no other reason than to prove you could."

Neely huffed out a breath. "Guess that makes sense." She leaned forward, resting her forearms on the table. "Okay, then. I need to tell you something that can't go in your reports." She waited a beat. "Do you still trust me?"

Ace arched his brows. "I think a better question is whether you trust me?" To his credit, he didn't look away, keeping his steady gaze on her.

Neely exhaled slowly. "Honest answer? I'm not sure, but I do believe you'll protect me—and our side—even if it means turning me in…" She paused for a brief moment. "Or killing me if necessary."

Ace's brow furrowed. "What's going on, Neels?" He straightened in his seat and reached out for her hand.

She told him about the dream and the unsettled, bad-vibe feeling she had about it.

He leaned back but kept her fingers in his. "Why now? What triggered the vague memories?"

She shrugged. "Not sure, but until I know more, I don't want anyone but you to know. Can you deal with that?" She hoped he could.

Ace nodded. "Yeah, I can. I want to get to the bottom of what happened to you … for your sake." His hand squeezed hers.

Neely nodded. "Yeah, same. And it needs to be soon."

This story took a turn I didn't expect but I love how it's adding a layer to the relationship. There might end up being a sequel also.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Come Back to Me

Geez, I can't believe we're into March. February ended up being a complete blur for me. Then again, it's such a short month, even if I think it's weird how two or three days can make such a big difference.

Ohio weather is still acting like a drunk toddler. Warm one day, cold the next. Snow. Rain. Sunny skies. I am excited that it's getting light earlier, especially when I have to leave at six thirty to play taxi service.

Work projects are still rather backlogged. Well, maybe not backlogged more like stacking one on top of the other. I love being busy, but I have to admit, I've been a little overwhelmed lately. Then again, it's a good problem to have.

My viewing stayed on course for the most part. I made it through most of my usual shows. I've been itching to start something new but haven't quite decided what I want to watch yet.

Started the week with the fifth-season premiere of My Life Is Murder and once again, this show doesn't disappoint. Such a fun episode.

Watched most of an episode of Foyle's War. It's one I remembered and I enjoyed it, but kept getting distracted so I'll finish it up this week.

Another newish show for me is Return to Paradise. I've watched most of the first season but not in order, so I started the series from episode one.

Caught another episode of Poirot and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and seeing Poirot in his native surroundings.

Elementary ended up being a fun watch. I like it when Sherlock and Joan are on opposite sides of an issue but aren't nasty about it. And the case they solved was really interesting.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and remembered it after I got started on it. I enjoy seeing how far Terry has come since the beginning of the series.

Star Trek: Lower Decks had a great episode. Kendi is such a fun character and I love her. Also great to see Boimler, Mariner, and Rutherford in action together. It's been a while since they had a good adventure.

That's pretty much it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Come Back to Me, a novella that helps a couple find their footing by righting a wrong from the past.

Here's the miniblurb:

Tania and James love each other deeply but have a complicated relationship. When Tania has a chance to right a wrong, James has to trust she'll keep her promise to come back to him.

And sneaky peek…

A buzzing sound filled Tania's ears, but she shook the sensation away. "Denny." Of course he'd be a prisoner causing problems.

James let go of her hand. "She gets it in one."

The room spun and went black for a second before adrenaline kicked in. "What aren't you telling me? This is my chance to do something." She could maybe right her wrongs.

James's mouth thinned to a grim slash. "He's causing too much trouble and the Carmites plan to execute him by the end of the week." Tania jumped up and started pacing back and forth. "Then we need to get out there and stop them." No way should more people die.

James shook his head. "What's your plan, Tania?" He folded his arms over his chest and arched his brows.

She shot him a look. "Right now? Find the commander and convince him to send a team out to get Denny." Pausing she turned to face him, ready to do battle.

His hands settled on her shoulders. "You know that won't work, right? The brass won't give a go to save one guy."

She whirled away, walking back and forth again. "I don't care." She spun back around. "I want him home."

James flinched but quickly schooled his features. "If you go off half-cocked, they'll never give a go." His voice lowered. "Let me approach the commander and see if we can find a way to get an op approved."

She snorted. "Let you go to our CO?" She flung her hand out. "Why? So you make sure any opportunity to rescue Denny is squashed under a pile of red tape?" Regret filled her as soon as the words left her mouth, but she wouldn't apologize.

James gave her a level stare. "Do you really think so little of me? Of us?" He squared his shoulders. "If I really wanted Denny dead, I could've kept his situation to myself." Lifting his chin, he quickly and quietly exited quarters and let the door shut behind him.

Tania drew her lower lip between her teeth. Did she really not trust James at this point? Her heart said she should.

But her mind? Well … her head had too many warring factions doing battle to listen to anything else right now.

This story is shaping up nicely. I'm excited to see where things go as I fill in more of the blanks.

 

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

ML Skye