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

Sunday Snippet: Clubbing on Space Station Delta

Ugh. What a week. I ended up succumbing to the upper respiratory yuck that started with my middle kiddo. I took him to the doctor on Monday and by late that evening, I already started feeling pretty ick. Slept most of the day on Tuesday—not kidding, about fifteen hours—and still felt terrible on Wednesday, with worsening symptoms, continuous cough, inability to breathe regularly, and basically everything hurt, up to and including my hair. Got in to see the doctor on Thursday afternoon, got tested for the flu, which came back negative, got something for the cough and came home. Finally got some additional sleep and started feeling slightly better by Friday evening. Continued to improve Saturday and finally think I've turned the corner. Going to take everything nice and slow through Tuesday and follow up with the doctor, but at least I can think clearly again. Definitely a wild ride for a few days.

Did not get a lot of television watched. Well, I did. But I don't remember a huge chunk of it. I did get some additional episodes of Batman: The Animated Series in before falling off the cliff of craziness.

Finished up "Joker's Millions," which I remember but forgot how much I actually enjoyed. Also caught "Growing Pains," "Mean Seasons," a truly excellent episode, "The Demon Within," "Over the Edge," and "Torch Song."

I hope I can still finish up the final season before HBOMax sucks the joy out of life by removing it from their service. Fingers crossed I don't end up with a new yuck thing to deal with.

That's more than anyone wanted to know about my life this week! Tonight's post is from Clubbing on Space Station Delta, a fun little space romp where perceptions are turned on their head and fun ensues.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

By the fifth song, Macie needed to quench her thirst, and maybe something else ... if she read Nix's body language correctly. And she rarely missed when it came to mutual attraction. She simulated downing a drink and sashayed to the bar.

Nix followed and dropped down on a stool beside her. "You've got some moves, Macie." He ordered a tonic water and juice.

She cracked a smile. "High praise coming from you. I'll take it." She downed the shot and ordered a glass of juice.

Nix's lips quirked. "Gotta replenish the system after all that gyrating."

She laughed a little. "That and I have the early shift on watch." She yawned. I gotta call it a night. I didn't have time catch any sleep before heading out." She slid off the barstool.

Nix got up also. "How about I walk with you to your quarters. The first night of leave usually brings out all the bad ideas." He fell into step beside her.

Macie squashed a thrill and couldn't resist a comeback. "One person's bad idea is another person's idea of fun." They crossed the entertainment hub lobby and headed for the turbolift.

She spoke too soon, because when they exited the lift, a group of crewmen were weaving and swaying and jostling each other. Nix grasped her arm and edged her close to the wall. The rowdy bunch took up most of the corridor and Nix draped an arm over her shoulder to shied her from the horseplay.

Macie welcomed his arm around her. "Thanks. Guess I didn't realize I landed on the party floor." She gave Nix the room number of her quarters.

He got them to the door and she pressed her keycard to the monitor. The door lock snicked and Macie turned, hoping to extend her time with Nix.

Leaning in, she lifted her chin. "Thanks for the escort." Her lips covered his.

Nix responded, deepening the kiss and slipping his tongue past her teeth. The embrace nearly melted her brain. Not only could the man dance, he had lip-locks down to an art form also.

Easing away, she invited him in, thinking the night would have a very satisfactory conclusion.

But he shook his head. "I gotta decline."

Stymied and frustrated, she blinked. "I thought you wanted me."

Nix put a hand on the wall beside her. "It's not about want, Mace…" He pressed the hard ridge of his cock against her. "The want isn't lacking. It's about trust. And we're not there yet."

She moaned, her eyes sliding shut. "I thought maybe the whole what happens in Loco stays in Loco…" She glanced down, eyeing the hard bulge. "Could apply to Delta, too."

Nix flashed a smile. "I'm not saying it can't. But your track record with discretion is pretty much nonexistent." An arched eyebrow dared her to deny his statement.

Macie groaned. Hoisted by my big, damn mouth.

She met his gaze. "So … you don't trust me?" She honestly couldn't blame him.

He leaned in and his mouth nuzzled her throat. "Mace, I want and need you." His lips brushed over hers. "But, no, the trust isn't there yet." He eased away from her.

Macie sighed. "What can I do to convince you?" Short of committing murder, she'd do just about anything.

Nix lifted his chin. "Meet me at Loco tomorrow night. We'll talk more."

Macie weighed trying to cajole him to come into her quarters against letting the tension build a little.

Nix decided for her.

He caught her lips in a kiss. "Good things come to those who wait, Mace." Backing away, he headed down the corridor.

She opened her door and shuffled inside, stripping off her skirt and shirt and falling into bed. Dejected and disappointed, she drifted off to sleep with plans to prove he could count on her to keep her mouth shut.

This story went in a direction I didn't think it would. Nix had a definitive idea of what he wanted and wouldn't let me deviate from his chosen route. I love it when that happens.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Clubbing on Space Station Delta

Welcome to the last post of 2019. I hope everyone had a terrific holiday or the best they could have given the trash fire that has turned into a raging wildfire of possible corruption and back-channel maneuvering in the RWA. I'm not a member of the organization but I stand with marginalized authors. Period. Full stop.

I believe I made it through the mild case of the flu. I'm still a little stuffed up and achy, but otherwise doing well. I caught some decent television time also.

I watched an episode of Riverdale and thoroughly enjoyed it. Once again, the play on theme of the episode title worked so well. I'm sad because it's almost the end of the season and that means no more Luke Perry soon.

I finished Dirty Sexy Saint and ended up really liking it. I also caught the new Quickie, The Naughty List and loved that also.

Caught another episode of Murdoch Mysteries and enjoyed the different approach. The episode played out almost like a dinner theater murder mystery and I'm totally there for that.

Frankie Drake also had a different style of episode and I loved it. The cold opening had me wondering for a few moments if we'd lost a major cast member. Well done.

Watched an episode of Midsomer Murders and, weirdly, it reminded me of Doctor Who if only because two of the actresses in this episode guest-starred on the series. I've been watching some of the marathon leading up to the New Year's premiere of the new season.

I'm finishing out the week with a full arc of Sapphire and Steel. I started season three and since there's only one assignment for this season, I'll have it finished up later today.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Clubbing on Space Station Delta, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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.

And a sneaky peek…

Nix has had the stick up his ass for too many years.

Nix replayed Macie's offhand comment over and over in his mind. He didn't mean to eavesdrop on her conversation with Jenna, but it had been hard to avoid. Once the briefing room emptied out, voices carried.

He shook his head. "I don't have a stick up my ass." Then again, he didn't exactly burn through good times like he once used to.

Not since his best friend Eick Nambi died because of a stupid barroom brawl.

Maybe that should change. Eick's death had been eight years ago. Nix advanced up the ranks and made captain.

He snorted. "By working my ass off, not by shoving a stick up it." Cutting through the mess hall, he stopped outside his office.

Macie's observation stung more than he wanted to admit. He liked her, the newest member to his squadron. She'd transferred in almost six months ago.

Keying in the entry code, he nudged the hatch open with his shoulder. "I should get to know her better." A matter of pride… especially now.

Not like he didn't have the general basics down. Her remarkable skill in the cockpit put her ahead of some of his seasoned crewmen. And she believed in working as a team, sharing glory and accolades. Vivacious, witty, and gorgeous, she didn't let the beauty go to her head.

Hooking up with her wouldn't be a hardship and the relaxed regulations no longer made fraternization a forbidden taboo.

Nix huffed out a breath. "Discretion is crucial though." Which could be a problem.

Because… Macie loved scuttlebutt. She enjoyed nailing her fellow pilots with embarrassing information and drawing attention to them. And she rarely missed an opportunity to offer an opinion on the latest and greatest fodder from the rumor gristmill.

Even if Nix wanted to pursue something more with Macie—and he didn't right now—he wouldn't trust her to keep her big yap shut.

Leaning back in his chair, he tapped his pen on the desk. "Doesn't mean I can't shake up her perception a little." And prove he most definitely did not have a stick up his ass.

This story is so much fun! I love writing characters who have to move past preconceived notions. Macie is in for a big surprise.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Clubbing on Space Station Delta

Well… Blonde Ambition finally showed her true colors on The Last Ship. About damned time. LOL I'm going to be really super pissed if anything happens to Kara because of Allison's machinations. I almost dread watching tonight's episode. Almost. :)

Killjoys. Wow. Took a very dark turn and I love it. The way the cast works together amazes me. There's tension, usually understated, and buttloads of chemistry with everyone. I hope this show lasts for a good long time.

Dark Matter had a very trippy episode with an alternate 'verse. The showrunners have crap tons of experience with the concept, coming from the Stargate stable. The possibilities of the blink drive makes for lots of interesting scenarios. Looking forward to seeing what they do with that.

My Strike Back and Babylon 5 rewatches took a nosedive. My schedule exploded last week and I had zero time to watch either. Hopefully I'll get to reconnect this week.

Looking forward to several new shows this fall and, obviously, my returning favorites.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Clubbing on Space Station Delta, a novella built on a prompt from a writer's group—a bunch of pilots have leave time and instead of just hitting the watering holes for drinks, they go clubbing to dance their asses off. I truly couldn't resist the pull of this one.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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.

And a sneaky peek…

Macie Gunn slid into the last open seat right when Nix Handleman began his briefing.

"All right, people, we're docked at Delta for the next seven days." His gaze scanned twenty-two expectant faces. "We're on mandatory leave while the ship undergoes repairs. Get your gear and report to Echo Sector for room assignments." Nix closed his folder and tucked it inside the podium.

A round of cheers went up in the briefing room. Macie fist-pumped the air. Seven freaking days of rest and relaxation. Okay, not a full week—everyone would have to pull watch shifts while the ship remained in dock. Still… a four-hour stint once or twice couldn't be beat.

Nix motioned for everyone to quiet down. "Okay, okay. Lock it up or no one gets to leave." When the room settled a little, he flashed a grin. "Daily watch schedule will be posted on your panels. Make sure you check them. If you don't show up for your shift, you'll be confined to quarters or serve time in the brig when we ship out." Stepping out from behind the podium, he propped an elbow on the side of the surface. "Have a great time… but stay out of trouble." With a lift of his chin, he finished. "You're dismissed."

Another round of raucous noise and whistles coursed through the room. Macie snorted. Nix Handleman wouldn't know a great time or trouble if it bit him on the ass. She hopped up and made a beeline for Jenna Blu, one of Macie's fellow pilots and closest friends.

She nudged Jenna's shoulder. "Seven days of freedom. Ready to get your debauch on?" Falling back on their old code word for drinking and being up to no good, Macie laughed.

Jenna crinkled her nose. "How can you even ask? I'm always ready." She glanced over her shoulder. "Think the CO will be joining us for merriment and mayhem?" Her gaze did a slow once-over of Nix. "Could be fun to see if he'll loosen up a little."

Macie rolled her eyes. "Are you serious? Nix has had the stick up his ass for too many years. No way." She shook her head. "Mingle with the masses? Uh-uh. Not gonna happen."

Jenna quirked a brow. "You might be surprised, Mace." She slid Macie a sideways glance. "Yeah, who am I kidding? You're right."

Macie smirked and exited the briefing room. "Usually am, Jenn." Too bad.

Nix Handleman, drop-dead gorgeous and a former bad boy, could melt hearts all over the station. But he'd probably hunker down and remain in his room, doing boring Nix things, for the duration of the trip. The man had uptight down to an art form.

What a waste of a truly hot man.

Yeah, so Nix might have a few surprises he'll pull out on Delta. Can't wait to see Macie's reaction.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Clubbing on Space Station Delta

Hello!

Happy Easter to those who celebrate.

Lovely week in TV. Arrow had a rockin' episode. I love it when Oliver doesn't get things right and makes huge mistakes. S.H.I.E.L.D also had another awesome episode. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they end this season. Also? Orphan Black returned!! I love this show SO MUCH!!

And seriously? What an opening episode. I have sooooo many theories and I can't wait to see if I'm on track or totally off the rails. LOL The writing never fails to keep me coming back for more and the acting just blows my mind. If you're not watching this, you should be. J

Tonight's post is from a funky little novella called, Clubbing on Space Station Delta.

Here's the tagline:

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.

And here's a sneaky peek…

Macie had no idea someone as uptight as Nix could cut loose and dance. He had some moves, too. Interesting to see a very different side to him.

A good time. They'd all gone out to have a good time. Blow off steam. Relieve tension. Who knew Nix Handleman could actually get the stick out of his ass and have fun? Macie certainly didn't. Okay, not entirely true. She remembered Nix before Eick's death. Back when he used to smile and get jokes, and even crack a few. But the Nix she'd come to know recently didn't do that often. In fact, he'd gone so all business, all the time, she wondered if maybe her imagination had gotten away from her about that earlier time.

It hadn't. But her surprise and, well, utter shock, in the Club Loco discotheque couldn't be contained. When the hell did Nix learn to bust a move on the dance floor? The guy had some skill, too. Trying not to let her mind get totally blown, she found it very interesting to see such a different side to Nix.

The man danced with confidence and an odd grace. He could do the old school stuff. His mom made him and Eick take lessons one summer. But the current shake and shimmy style, hopping up and down and gyrating to the beat of the drum tracks… yeah, she had no clue he had it in him. How could she not know something so delicious?

The fodder would keep her loaded on zingers for months.

"Don't even think about it, Mace." Nix's voice caught her by surprise.

And sent a shivery tingle down her spine.

Macie angled around and faced the bar. "Think about what, Nix?" How did the guy know she'd been counting the ways she could use tonight's discovery back on the ship?

He dropped down on the stool to her right. "You know exactly what. And I'll say it again." He signaled the barman for two shots. "Don't even think about it."

Her cheeks went hot. "Come on, Nix. You can't expect me to unsee what I'm seeing here tonight." She slid the glass closer, but didn't drink… yet.

Nix downed his shot. "I don't, but even an upstart like you knows there are certain unwritten rules you don't mess with." He lifted two fingers, ordering another round.

Macie tossed her drink back, swallowed the bite and the burn, then slid her gaze toward Nix. "And what cosmic law are you referring to?"

Nix leaned in close. "The one that states that what happens in Loco stays in Loco." He hopped off the barstool and danced his way back to the middle of the floor.

Macie's mouth dropped open. "Totally didn't see that one coming at all." She tilted her head to one side, keeping her gaze fixed on Nix who danced and weaved through the crowd of revelers.

Reaching back, she grabbed her second shot and drank it down. "I wonder if Nix's analogy goes for the whole space station."

Gotta say, I had a huge smile while writing this brief scene. J

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

ML Skye