Sunday Snippet: Game of One

A very long week with wild weather and lots of things going on, including back-to-school shenanigans, roadwork, and tons of laundry.

Kind of a repeat from last week with thunderstorms rolling through the state and a day or two of plain old rain, which is actually kind of nice … except for flooding, which we didn't have but other areas in the state did.

Work stayed busy. Still removing images from a manuscript to get it ready for a copy edit. But the good news is I should finish up today or tomorrow. I put the project aside when we had storms because I won't change losing all the work put in so far.

Pretty decent viewing week even with the wild weather. Made it through my full slate of shows and had a couple of binge watches of Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise.

Started with an episode of Marple and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very different from another version and a great cast.

Finished up Coastal Ireland and loved it. Especially enjoy watching someone who loves the country show their favorite locations.

Caught another episode of Beyond Paradise and I'm truly wondering how things will end up working out with Anne being on the committee overseeing the police. Here's hoping she finds a way to keep the team together.

Watched another episode of Poirot and, whew, what a very twisty mystery. And a great cast made it all work.

Elementary had another great offering. I enjoy seeing Sherlock not at his best but also watching Joan kind of rally behind him. And he's still got a leg up on everyone else even with the post-concussion stuff he's going through.

Caught another episode of Young Justice and quite enjoyed watching the team work together while defying orders.

Enjoyed another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and I'm so happy the lower deckers are back together. Also loved seeing T'Lyn going the extra mile to fill the gap Tendi left and then join in the celebration when she returned.

No backburner shows this week. We'll see if there's time week, but probably not as I have a long day on Saturday to meet my cousins for our annual get together.

That's the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Game of One, a sexy short that brings a couple together over a game of darts.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lacie Brooks's annual Valentine's Day tradition of getting laid and letting off steam is cut short when she shoots her mouth off to the wrong superior officer. Stuck on base, she finds a way to pass her restricted time with Ren Blankenship by playing a Game of One. Too bad for Lacie, Ren decides to turn the tables on her and win for a change.

And a sneaky peek…

Ren thought he might be in trouble when he found himself alone in the rec room with Lacie. She turned toward him with a sly grin and produced a bottle of Andromedian whiskey. Oh yeah, she had something planned. The question he should ask? What would it cost him this time … credits or a strip of dignity?

Raising an eyebrow, he figured he'd probably better find out.

Smiling wide, Lacie pulled two tumblers off the shelf, placing them on the table. "You play darts?" Nodding toward the set on the next table, she looked up, slowly unscrewing the cap off the bottle. "The name of the game is—one bull's eye or one shot—you miss, you drink." Lacie topped off two glasses. "You up for it?"

Oh … definitely.

He didn't know why, especially when she seemed to know more about him than comfort allowed, but Lacie didn't seem to be aware he held the record at the Io Academy for most bull's eyes in a row.

This could be fun.

The trick would be not letting her know that.

Keeping his face impassive, Ren took a moment before answering. "So … I don't hit the target, I down a shot, right?" He considered the board for a full minute as if contemplating his decision, then glanced down at the full shot glasses before lifting his gaze to hers. "I don't know, Lacie … this could be all kinds of trouble." For her.

Lacie's voice dropped low, daring him. "C'mon, Ren. It's called the game of one … and it's just for fun…" Her head tilted sideways, eyes full of challenge. "Don't go soft on me now." The smirk she sent his way decided it for him.

He had no doubt she made the name of the game up on the spot. And … he'd bet she planned to get him drunk, make him do something bug-ass stupid, then crow about it for all eternity. Lacie had worked that way for as long as he could remember.

He might just have to turn the tables on her just this once. Possibly in more ways than one. She thought she had the upper hand, but he'd walk away the winner this time out. And maybe his prize would be sitting her down for a heart-to-heart.

But first, Lacie Brooks would go down in flames.

Feigning reluctance, Ren heaved a sigh. "Still think this is a bad idea…" He scooped up the darts, weighing them in his hands, getting a feel for them. "But okay … I'm in." Separating the missiles by color, he held up both sets to let Lacie choose. "Why don't you go first … show me how it's done?"

Stepping back, he caught her wink at him then watched while she settled into a relaxed stance as she concentrated on the target.

Breathing in, she fired off the three darts in rapid succession, exhaling when the last one landed.

The first two hit close but missed. The third found its mark … hugging the outer most edge of the center circle … but still a bull's eye.

Turning toward him, Lacie wore a huge smirk, but she didn't say anything. Ren shrugged as if admitting potential defeat.

Picking up his darts, he nodded congratulations. "Nice shot." He took his place behind the line and quickly fired off his three … purposefully missing this time around … and it gained him Lacie's cackle of laughter.

Lacie slid one of the shot glasses his way, the look on her face saying it all. She thought she'd have him drunk on his ass in under ten rounds. Good thing he wanted her to think she had the advantage. He tossed back the liquid.

Lacie attempted commiseration. "Don't worry … first shot's always the hardest." She grinned at his answering snort … the double meaning not lost on him.

She'd get hers.

All in due time.

He flashed a smile. "Just throw your darts, Lacie." She laughed and turned around, focusing her attention on the board again.

Maybe the quiet in the rec room unnerved her, with only the two of them present … or maybe the way he leaned casually against the wall watching her with unabashed interest threw Lacie off, but she missed the bull's eye this round.

With a good-natured shrug, she picked up the glass. "I was thirsty anyway." After downing the shot, she refilled it then waved her hand indicating Ren should take his next turn.

Ren stared at the target, drew in a breath and let his darts sail … again missing the center circle, but not by much.

Lacie shoved the glass toward him. "Oh. So close." Strutting past him, she took her place behind the line then looked back over her shoulder. "And yet so far away." She squared her shoulders to take her shot and completely missed the raised eyebrow and quick shake of Ren's head.

Failing to hit the bull's eye again, she drank … but only after she sent a mock toast in his direction. Ren decided to enjoy turning the tables on her. The shots he'd downed were making him very mellow, and he was having more fun than he'd had in a very long time.

Of course, most of that had to do with Lacie. It never mattered what frightfully stupid payoff she came up with; he usually ended up carrying out her instructions to the letter … just to watch her face. Her insane need to put him in awkward situations gave her so much glee it always lit up when she presented her latest method of torturing him.

He could almost be disappointed she wouldn't have the chance this time. Almost.

Ren landed his second dart in the center ring … the other two hit the wide area between the inner and outer circles. Cocking his head sideways, he looked at the target, playing it off as a lucky shot.

They were drink for drink and even up for now, but the next three rounds had Lacie belting back two shots to his one.

This story is so much fun and Ren having the upper hand is a rarity to the savored.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fyre's Masquerade (a Specter Space Station novella)

Yeesh. I'd really like Ohio weather to calm the eff down. We've had storms all week and we're getting hammered today. Severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado warnings, it's wild.

We did have a break in the yucky weather on Friday and got to attend a fun concert to benefit our local botanical garden and a local pet shelter. We had a truly great time and my extended family participated in the musical lineup.

Had a busy work week filled with some tedious little stuff and some technology problems. I did manage to get a copy edit finished up and worked on formatting a family history book that has a ton of images in it. That one is kind of challenging because the copy edit can't be done with the images in the document and I'm pulling them out and adding design tags.

Not a bad viewing week. I made it through my usual slate and started a back-burner episode. The weather kind of affected being able to finish that one. I also did another binge watch of Death in Paradise on Ovation.

Started with an episode of Marple and enjoyed it. I rather liked the cast of characters in this episode and, whew, did it have some twisty turns.

Started a new series for me with Adrian Dunbar's Coastal Ireland. I love seeing the landscape and shorelines of the country. It's so beautiful.

Caught an episode of Beyond Paradise and I'm so bummed that Humphrey has to reduce his staff by one. I hope it ends up working out by the end of the season. I also wish I understood more about why Esther doesn't want to be happy with Archie. Maybe they'll delve into that a little more.

Watched an episode of Poirot and truly enjoyed it. Always nice to see old friends and the behind-the-scenes machinations were interesting.

Elementary had a great opening to its sixth season. Sherlock's struggle post-concussion adds an interesting layer of conflict and I'm happy with Joan's response.

Caught an episode of Young Justice and enjoyed it. Great to see the team pull together and also nice to see the Justice League's trust in their ability.

Enjoyed the season opener of Star Trek Lower Decks season five. Very fun to see a mirror of the crew and how different things could turn out.

Watched The Thin Man again because I was in the mood for something fun. I need to find the other Nick and Nora movies somewhere, because they're so enjoyable.

Started an episode of Peak Practice but the thunderstorms put a halt to finishing it. I'll maybe get to it later this week.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fyre's Masquerade, a novella the in the Specter Space Station universe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Balek Fyre made his fortune mining asteroids and just became a principal owner of Specter Station. He's ready to enjoy a new stage in his life—until the Yuli family descends on his base of operations for the galactic midyear celebration with only one thing on their minds … getting him to marry their oldest daughter, Serena. The only problem? Balek would rather spend time with her sister, Scout.

And a sneaky peek…

Balek arrived at Specter Station and docked his ship in his very own private location. "Nice to have my own section." Over a dozen landing bays occupied his sector. "I've only got three ships."

Good to know his friends believed he'd need room to grow.

He grimaced. "Which I can't do if I'm stuck with a wife." He engaged the landing cables and called the crew to the bridge. "You all went above and beyond. Expect bonuses in your pay packets when they hit your accounts." After giving them a few moments to celebrate, he went on. "You'll ship out on Fyre's Wisdom in three weeks. Enjoy your downtime."

He followed them off the ship only to be greeted by his friends—and new partners.

Wicek stepped forward and clapped Balek on the back. "A celebration is in order, and I'm not referring to your supposed impending nuptials."

Balek winced. "Give me five minutes to enjoy my new home before we tackle the subject of my non-wedding." He shook hands with Wicek then Roman and Maddox. "What are we celebrating?"

Roman spread his arms wide. "Your official arrival to our base of operations." He leaned in a little. "Just in time for the mid-year masquerade."

Maddox lifted his chin. "It's scheduled for week after next, and we thought it would be a good opportunity to make the formal introduction and welcome you to the fold in the most public way possible." His lips twitched.

Balek rolled his eyes. "You mean the most torturous way, right. You'll make me say a few words and all that." He shuddered.

Wicek grinned. "Absolutely. And, hey, if you're really stuck for something to say, you can always introduce your bride-to-be."

Roman thwapped Wicek on the back of the head. "Stop it. His five minutes isn't up yet." Roman met Balek's gaze. "You're in for an interesting day, my friend." His tone had gone serious.

Balek glanced toward Maddox. "I take it the Yulis are less than thrilled with their accommodations?" He rather hoped they were.

Maddox gave a nod. "To say the least. Every one of them have asked to be moved … with the exception of the younger sister." His lips spread wide. "She seems to love where we put them."

She did?

Balek quirked a brow. "They're in the lower quadrant?" His curiosity piqued about this younger sister.

Wicek laughed. "Yep. The mother, Zara, considers it very far beneath their stature." He stuck his nose up in the air.

Balek smiled. "Good. That makes me happy." The more uncomfortable they were the easier it should be to get rid of them.

Roman cut in. "Did you review the file I sent? My legal team couldn't find a contract regarding a promise to marry."

Balak nodded. "There isn't one. It's possible they knew my parents, but if they have documents I'd bet my next ship they're forged." He paused. "The report on their finances is the key to this whole scenario. They think I'm going to be their new purse-holder and they're going to find out I won't be." Not with how the father let his business slide into shambles.

Maddox's lips curved. "When do you plan to inform them?"

Balek flashed a smile. "After I get about a full day of sleep." They could suffer another twenty-four hours.

I love this series and Balek is so much fun to write. I can't wait to finish these and put them out into the world.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Founder's Day Flames (a Capital City Seasons novella)

Had a fun time at my high school reunion on Saturday … even though it was very hot and super humid. Got to see people I haven't seen in absolute ages. So nice to catch up with everyone.

Weather has been a little wild. Big temperature swings again. We've also had some rumbling thunderstorms with interesting lightning. We're supposed to have a very rainy week with more storms rolling through so that should be fun.

Had a busy work week with a few projects coming in for final touches and should be getting close to the finish line. Made more progress on the developmental edit I've been working on and might be close to finishing that one up also. Finished up a proofread and started a new copy edit. Not a bad week.

Made it through my usual slate of shows so had a good viewing week also. I even got to finish up one of my backburner shows. I'll be starting a new series this week and I'm looking forward to picking one out. I also did another Death in Paradise binge on Sunday.

Caught an episode of Marple and rather enjoyed the twists and turns. It was kind of fun to have the show set during the holiday season but not be overtly holidayish.

Finished up Ireland Coast and Country. Enjoyed the dip into some of the country's locations and remarkable scenery.

Started season four of Beyond Paradise. Fun episode setting up a big quandary for Humphrey. I'm kind of excited to see what hijinks Humph and Martha get into with renovating their new house. Very happy to be revisiting Shipton Abbot.

Caught another episode of Poirot and actually enjoyed seeing him in a very different setting. The mystery had some interesting twists and I liked that.

Elementary ended on a concerning note and I'm glad I can drop right into the next season without a long wait. Happy to have the Shinwell murder resolved, and I'm truly thrilled that Moriarty isn't the mystery woman, even though her identity makes me sad.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and enjoyed watching the team come together even when they were on the outs.

Finished up season four of Star Trek Lower Decks and, seriously, I'm going to miss this show so much. I loved everything about this finale … except one thing. Losing a team member sucked but at least there's a chance she'll return.

Also finished up an episode of Peak Practice. It ended up being a pretty good one but had a lot going on. So happy Tom finally owned his feelings!

That's the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Founder's Day Flames, a novella in the Capital City Seasons universe.

Here's the miniblurb:

An arsonist strikes Capital City, setting blazes, each more devastating than the last, on the lead up to the Founder's Day holiday, which falls on Beltane. Graham McClain is called on to analyze the firebug's actions and help get a handle on his next move. Fire captain Prima Alton reluctantly works closely with Graham and together they discover she plays a role in the culprit's twisted fantasies.

And a sneaky peek…

Graham slid his gaze toward the lovely woman walking next to him. Her almost military bearing actually kind of turned Graham on. Which … yeah … not what he came her for.

Get your mind on the job, dumbass.

She paused by a door marked with the words situation room. "I'm Prima Alton, by the way." She thrust her palm forward. "I can't say it's nice to meet you because you already know how I feel about you being here." Her gaze met his.

Graham's lips quirked. "Graham McClain, as you know. And there's nothing like total honesty. I'm actually a sucker for being in on the secret." He clasped her palm. "I appreciate knowing what I'm dealing with because it inevitably saves time." Following her into the situation room he couldn't hide his surprise. "This is amazing … er, do you prefer being addressed as Captain?" His gaze swept over the stacks of files up to the maps with pinpoints in each location of previous burns.

His counterpart made a stuttering step before she smoothly turned to face him. "I don't really have anything specific I like. Rank is fine or my name." Her gaze darted to the slowly closing door. "If we're going to be working closely, names are probably best." She focused back on him. "Um, unless you prefer to stay with professional titles." Her fingers flexed almost as if she fought the urge to make fists.

Graham lifted his chin. "You haven't quite decided if we're going to be working together close or otherwise yet. But I'm happy for first names." He walked over to the large map of Capital City hanging on the wall to give her a little space.

She'd flushed a plucky shade of pink when he called her out on how their relationship would or wouldn't go. He could read the room well enough to know she didn't want interference with her work. And he completely got why she wouldn't.

That said, he had a job to do and taking credit from her didn't have to be part of the task.

Prima cleared her throat. "I'm making the worst first impression and I don't know why it's bothering me." She moved to stand beside him. "But it is, and I'm sorry. This … you … kind of came unexpectedly and I don't always react well to surprises." Angling her head, she nodded toward the table. "If you're ready, we can get started on reviewing what I have so far."

Graham moved to the table and waited for Prima to pick a spot before he settled in. He liked that she took a place at the head of the table, leaving him to sit with everything facing him. He retrieved the first pile of folders and opened the top one.

Prima sat quietly, while he skimmed through the information. Occasionally, he had questions about data and she responded with clear, concise answers. He found a kindred spirit in the notes and files.

Graham finished reviewing her charts and graphs. "I'm seriously impressed with your research." He glanced upward. "You get it, don't you?" He'd never really met anyone else who did.

Prima tilted her head. "Get what?" Her gaze narrowed a little.

Graham swept his hand over the piles of folders and notes. "The way information has power and a vibe all of its own." And data held the answers they would need.

Her eyes widened. "Yes." She leaned forward. "That's what you mean by it talks to you, isn't it?"

He grunted. "Yep. And if you listen closely, all is revealed." Patterns emerged and pieces fell in place.

She sat back. "Huh. I never thought of it that way." Her gaze met his again. "I'm surprised by your easy manner. I haven't been very welcoming and that would put a lot of people off." She shook her head. "But you aren't put off at all."

Graham shrugged. "It's hard to have someone come in and scrutinize your work. Especially with a ticking clock getting louder and louder in the background." He pulled three of the folders out and placed them in the middle of the table. "I'm not here to dampen your efforts. My goal is to add a second set of eyes and ears and collaborate with you to resolve this before anyone else gets hurt." He tapped the middle file.

Prima's gaze focused on the information. "You think I missed something…" Her shoulders drooped.

Graham made a back-and-forth motion with his head. "No, I think there's an avenue you haven't explored yet, which is not the same as missing key details." He paused, waiting for her reaction.

Her response would determine how he'd handle his next step.

I'm having a lot of fun with this one. Graham and Prima are going to do wonderful things together.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fortune's Dawn

August is starting out with a weird vibe. The temperatures have been very mild and I'm wondering how much we'll pay for that in the fall months or the winter. Thrilled for the kiddos going back to school in a week or so because they might not roast during the first few weeks like they normally do.

I'm still trying to get some things that I've been putting off in the checked boxes. I did manage to fix the leak in my bathtub, which was way overdue. Should help with my water bill. I got the part needed to fix the washing machine and that's a project for this week. I hope.

Work projects are going somewhat smoothly. I did have the book that won't go away come back one more time. The developmental edit I've got on the back burner is heating up again. I'm also working on a coaching project that's part pull the manuscript together and part help the author get it ready for a copy edit. Had a solid week with copy edits and proofreads also.

Had another good week for viewing. Nothing extra but made it through my usual slate of shows. Also did another Death in Paradise binge of older seasons.

Started with another episode of Marple. I kind of like the actress playing Jane. She's kind of snappy and a little punchy (not physically) with her dialog and I love it.

Also watched another episode of Ireland Coast and Country. I'm really enjoying this series. I now want to make vermouth. Just saying.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise and finished up season fifteen. I ended up kind of liking the niece. Looking forward to the holiday episode if there is one this year. And also kind of excited about the next season. I really love this show.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. The mystery ended up being kind of twisty and I loved seeing Poirot's author friend again. She's a hoot.

Elementary ended up being really good. The whole thing with the woman who leads meetings and Sherlock kind of came from left field, but I'll hold out to see what happens with that. I'll be disappointed if she ends up being Moriarty. The whole take down of the gang is really interesting. Can't wait to see what happens there.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and pieces are falling in place. Nearing the end of the first season and I'm interested in seeing what happens to the team.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and love how the season-arc mystery is coming together. Also enjoyed the Cerritos team pulling off a ruse to get what they needed. And the name drops from other shows always make me happy.

That wraps up the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fortune's Dawn, a follow up to Dance with Destiny.

Here's the miniblurb:

Quillan and Jeb answered fate's call, discovered an ancient prophecy that led them to dance with destiny, and now they're setting out to find their lost colony before the cyborgs do.

And a sneaky peek…

Jeb would never take being with Quill for granted. "It's good to have you home." From the moment he'd reached out to her through mystical forces, the concept of what created a happy dwelling space shifted on a core level.

Quillan's head lowered. "And we'll be staying here, together, with each other." Her lips ghosted over his jawline.

Jeb clasped her thighs and raised his pelvis. "Yes, we will." No more singular side journeys.

Wherever she led, he'd follow. Or maybe that should be the other way around.

Quill nuzzled his throat. "Less thinking … more moving." Her hips rocked and her mouth met his.

Jeb's hands smoothed upward along her back. His fingers threaded through her hair. She meant everything to him. And he'd lay the groundwork for her to blaze a path to their future.

Quillan eased back, planting her hands on his chest. Her head dropped back and her breathing went shallow. He flexed underneath her, bringing his palms up to cup her breasts. A sharp hiss escaped between her lips followed by a low moan.

When her pace increased, so did the internal pressure on his cock. He groaned and rose to meet her rocking motion. Wouldn't be long now … her slick back and forth and the dip of her groin against his amped up the friction.

Her fingers curled into her palms, and her fists dug into his chest. "Love you, Jeb. So much." Her core tightened around him, a shudder tore through her, and she gasped through her orgasm.

Jeb's gaze met hers. "Love you too. Always." He gripped her thighs again and let the wave of pleasure wash over him.

Quill collapsed on top of him then shifted to the side to snuggle in close. "You always give me what I need. Always." Her finger traced lazy circles on his torso.

Jeb wrapped an arm around her. "You do the same for me." He pressed a kiss to her temple. "We'll start on more translations after a good rest."

She nodded against him. "Yeah, that works." A yawn escaped before she could stop it.

Jeb dragged a cover over them. The perilous stuff might be behind them, but they had a lot of work to do. Sleep could get scarce the farther they dug into the ancient texts.

This one is still in the very first stages of coming together but I'm having so much fun with it.

 

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

ML Skye