Sunday Snippet: Gut Punch Feeling

It's so weird to be almost halfway through the month already. Time is weird. Last week felt like it dragged on forever but also had a lot of stuff jammed into it.

Weather ended up being crazy with a tornado warning that thankfully went north and east of us but did touch down in several places in our county. We've got more volatile weather headed our way this week. Maybe. It makes me bonkers how not accurate the weather reports are now.

Work projects ended up being a little exhausting this week. I had a project that should have been simple but spiraled into a bit of a mess. We finally got that one all figured out, I think. I finished up a copy edit and started a new one. And I got to dive into a new nonfiction book project that I'm excited about.

On a small side note, I've been feeling the pull to get my side project launched and ready to go. To that end, I'm working on some Halloween shorts that I hope to have ready to go in October. Fingers crossed!

Had an okay viewing week. I did make it through my regular list of shows and did more binge watching of Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise.

Thoroughly enjoyed an episode of Marple. There were so many twists and turns but I loved the ride.

Caught another episode of Britain's Most Scenic Counties and continued the exploration of Kent, which I'm enjoying a lot.

Watched the finale for Beyond Paradise season four. So happy with everything. My frustration with Anne turned out to be for naught. She really kicked everything on its side. So glad Smith is not going to be around anymore. Truly loathed that guy. Thrilled to bits that Esther and Archie are giving things a go and that Kelby has a sweetheart. I cried when Zoey left on her adventure, but I loved her maps bringing Esther and Archie together.

The Orient Express episode of Poirot hit weird for me. Such a stellar cast but things felt a little off and I'm honestly not sure how I feel about the ending, which is quite probably by design. I think visually filmed plays out differently than the visual that reading creates. I don't know.

Elementary had another interesting episode and I'm wondering how the escalation is going to go with Sherlock's meeting guy. Very glad the captain and Detective Bell are aware of what's going on with Sherlock's concussion situation.

Caught an episode of Young Justice that I vaguely remember watching during the show's run on television. With so much going on with three different story points, I actually enjoyed the action.

Watched another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and, once again, thoroughly enjoyed the antics of the crew. A lot of fun seeing them confront past issues on Starbase 80.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Gut-Punch Feeling, a novella that brings a couple back together after they parted ways.

Here's the miniblurb:

Evie Roth, a soldier explorer, keeps her promises. But when a sinister plot threatens those she loves, especially Parr Romanoff, she'll break a vow she made long ago … to herself.

And a sneaky peek…

Parr had no idea how long Evie cried. He didn't care. Not until she shifted against him and wiped her face on her sleeve.

He loosened his grip on her. "Are you good?" He didn't have to explain what he meant.

Part of the shorthand they developed a long time ago. Something he'd put aside for … well, reasons.

Evie gave a nod. "Yeah. For the moment." She slid away from him and slowly got to her feet.

Parr followed her, standing upright. "You need some rack time. You're off shift until you get a solid eight." He hoped she wouldn't argue.

Evie dragged in a deep breath. "Walk with me?" Her gaze met his, her eyes still watery but filled with questions.

Which he couldn't answer right now. For the moment, he wanted to be there for a friend who'd been handed a steaming pile on a plate. Anything else … would be figured out later.

Parr lifted his chin. "Be happy to. Let's go." He fell into step beside her and ran interference with hard looks and facial expressions.

No one bothered her on the way. She stopped by the head and splashed cold water on her face, sticking her mouth up to the tap and gulping the cool water.

Parr shook his head and grabbed a cup from the cabinet and filled it. "Take this with you." He filled another one then held the door open for her.

She made the short trip to quarters and found her berth. After placing her glass on the shelf, she slid beneath the blanket and propped up her pillows. Then she heaved a weary sigh.

Parr set the cup he carried beside the other one then sat on the edge of her mattress. "Look, I know this isn't going to help, but Steven wasn't the enemy. He didn't know what he was until the very end." When he tried to take Evie against her will.

She shrugged. "Neither did I but knowing that doesn't change the facts." Her voice grew stronger. "And while my brain understands and comprehends, my heart is taking longer to catch up…" Her eyes focused in on Parr. "Not because I loved Steven. It's more because I should've guessed. I mean he never got hurt or had injuries. But I didn't see what stood right in front of me." Her gaze dropped. "Because I was too distracted by … well … everything."

Parr grunted. "And by everything you mean us and how we always go sideways instead of straight ahead."

Her lips curved. "Yeah, pretty much." She exhaled on another sigh. "But us going sideways all the time foiled their plan and that I'm absolutely okay with."

Parr didn't ask the questions spinning in his brain. She had enough to deal with right now. But he definitely had a health curiosity.

Parr reached out and clasped her hand in his. "Get some rest, Evie. You can unpack the baggage later." He squeezed her fingers then scooted back to stand up.

Evie grasped his arm, tugging him forward. "Thank you. I mean it. Thank you for being here." Her hand twisted in his shirt, pulling him closer and her mouth slanted against his.

The kiss lasted longer than it should have … but she caught him so off guard he couldn't do anything else but respond. At least until she suddenly broke away and quickly turned onto her side facing the bulkhead.

Parr blinked and got to his feet. He didn't quite know what to think but he wouldn't read too much into Evie's action. He figured they'd just gone sideways again but with a twist this time.

This one takes a few twists and turns and I'm having a lot of fun writing them.

 

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

ML Skye