Sunday Snippet: Escape on Equinox

I'm looking forward to seeing the end of May. It hasn't been a bad month or anything. It's nice to feel like I'm starting with a clean slate.

We've had some rainy weather but it's keeping the temperatures mild, which I love. Really hoping the cooler weather sticks around for another week or two. I have some yard and garden work I want to do.

Work ended up being pretty okay. I still have the wordsmithing author making changes, but I think the project manager is putting a stop to that. Hopefully, we'll be able to get the proofread over the finish line. I'll be finishing up the science book proofread this week. And I have a copy edit that should finish sometime tonight or tomorrow. It's the twisty mystery thriller and it's definitely been a wild ride.

Not a bad week for viewing. I got through my usual list of shows but didn't end up adding any of my reserve ones.

Started out by finishing up the episode of Foyle's War. I have one episode left then some bonus material to watch.

Caught another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries and quite enjoyed it. Very interesting to see Mike move house and how the transition worked into the case.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness. Super happy to see Jack accepted as a professor. Also rather liked the resolution of the case.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. Always fun when he's kind of on his own. The case was very interesting also. I like it when he's solving old ones.

Elementary ended on an interesting note. I'm wondering if the mention of Sherlock's dad is going to come into play for the second half. Also fun to see Kitty again.

Watched an episode of Young Justice and I'm intrigued. The addition of Artemis could prove interesting. I'm leaning toward double agent.

Caught another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. Fun to see Boimler handle his first away mission. Also really fun to watch the other three try to outsmart their superior officers.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Escape on Equinox, a novella in the Capital City Seasons series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Jim Hodges, an elite officer in a specialized tactical unit, finally meets a woman with a sweet disposition and a naughty sense of humor. But when she's taken hostage and his team is called in, he's determined to make sure a quick resolution takes place, which won't be easy because he's ordered to step aside and let his fellow members handle everything.

And a sneaky peek…

Roz gave a cautious answer. "Uh, yeah. I'd like to do something." She hesitated on being specific. "Can I call when I finish up? Maybe see what we have time for?" Hedging gave her a little wiggle room.

Jim nodded. "Sure. And no pressure. If you have a shit day and want to postpone, we can." He took a large gulp of his coffee. "Gonna hit the shower. I left a go cup on the counter. Help yourself before you leave." Setting his mug on the nightstand, he headed for the bathroom.

Roz stopped him by clasping his forearm. "You're seriously too good to me." She leaned up and brushed her lips over his. "Thanks for not pushing."

Jim wrapped his arms around her. "Not my thing. You know that." His mouth briefly melded over hers. "Let me know what you decide." He started back toward the bath.

Roz ducked out of the bedroom, hit the kitchen, and poured more coffee into the disposable cup. Placing the cap on, she grabbed her bag and headed out to her car … waiting for the fear to settle in.

Except it didn't.

Her gut didn't churn the way it used to after her ugly split from Walter Heinz aka Walter the wacko.

Sliding inside her vehicle, she started the engine. "Not sure split can be considered the right word." They hadn't really dated.

They spent one weekend together, and Roz didn't like the vibe. She turned Walter down when he asked her out again, thinking that would be the last she'd see him. I was so wrong. For six months, he'd stalked her. To the point, she'd finally moved to another province.

She figured that would be the end of things. Nope. For three more years, he found her no matter where she went. He finally got arrested when he tried to kidnap her. He now served a mandatory fifteen years because he had a weapon.

Merging into Capital City traffic, her lips quirked. "Now, Jim. I liked the sparks from the word go." And considering she'd more or less jumped him at their second meeting … probably a good thing.

Her mind spun back to the moment she'd run out of the hospital after a harrowing experience in the emergency department. She spied Jim coming out of the administrative hub and a burst of adrenaline collided with the array of emotions rolling through her and she didn't think. She reacted and knew exactly what she wanted.

Jim caught sight of her and headed in her direction. "Roz, hi. Are you okay?"

No. Not at all.

She grabbed Jim and shoved him into a supply closet in the parking garage. "Not really. Just lost a patient." And the death hit her hard.

The cold weight of loss settled over her like a shroud.

She had his pants undone and cock out before he could think straight. Didn't take him long to catch up. He yanked his shirttail free and undid the buttons.

He asked one question. "You sure this is gonna help?"

Her head bobbed up and down. "I need to feel warm again. I can't stand the cold I'm feeling right now."

He didn't waste time. He covered her mouth with his and used his tongue to tease and tantalize. They didn't have a lot of room, but he lifted her up on the small counter and cupped her ass.

Hard and ready, he asked one more time. "You're sure?"

She gave him a jerky nod. "Please, Jim. Now." She couldn't say or do anything else.

Jim lifted his chin and slid her scrub bottoms down and flung them over his shoulder. He slid her panties to one side and thrust forward, going deep. She came alive, her nerve endings humming and her blood pumping through her veins. With every push of his hips, she rose higher from the frozen depths of despair to the heated ceiling of the passionate encounter.

Reaching out, she grabbed the sides of his shirt and hauled him closer, her mouth crashing against his. His lips blazed a path along her jawline up to her ear. She shivered when he bit down lightly on the lobe.

His breath fanned against her skin. "This is intense and I'm not gonna last long." His voice rasped. "You gonna come for me, Roz?"

Her core tightened and he groaned, his pace kicking up a notch.

Roz gasped. "So close. Just a little … more." Her heels dug into his ass.

His head dropped to her shoulder. His hips surged forward and he ground against her. The extra bit of friction sent her over the edge and she shuddered through an orgasm.

His breath hissed between his teeth and he followed her over, his arms going taut to stay upright.

Roz blinked to clear the pinpoints behind her eyelids and looked into his hooded gaze.

She unwrapped wobbly legs from around him and pulled her scrubs from his shoulder.

Holding them to her chest, she whispered, "Thank you." When he eased back and away from her, she slid down to her feet.

Instead of feeling as awkward as she should, she had a buzzing energy flowing through her. Stepping into her pants, she smiled. Bizarre place aside, having sex with Jim might have been the best she'd ever experienced.

I love this series so much and I really need to finish up the three books to finish out the quad series.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Escape on Equinox (a Capital City Seasons novella)

Celebrated my thirty-fourth anniversary this weekend! We had crappy weather, so we brought Chinese home and stayed in for the evening.

 

Had another busy work week and I'm so thankful the projects are rolling in. Working on a terrific manuscript and I'm so excited to dive into the story. This will be a fun one!

 

Had a so-so week of viewing television. I'm still focusing on the great cleanup and spent a good amount of time reorganizing and rearranging things in my living room.

 

I did finish up Wednesday and I enjoy this show so much. I'm excited to see where things go from here.

 

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. The autumn leaves one is fun. I love how much this show still appeals to both kids and adults.

 

Watched the premier episode of Brokenwood Mysteries season nine. This is another show I have a lot of love for. I miss a few of the original recurring characters but I'm enjoying some of the newer ones. Trudy in particular ends up being fun.

Enjoyed an episode of Endeavor. I'm kind of sad to see Thursday falling in with the new crew. But I'm hoping there might be a twist to this thread. We'll see what happens.

Caught another episode of Classic Who. I'm nearing the end of the classic episodes and I'm happy I did a full rewatch. There are a bunch of episodes I either missed as a kid or completely forgot.

Started a new Silent Witness two-parter. I kind of like seeing Nikki in therapy. Not really sure what's going on with Jack, but he's never boring. Thomas is another one I'm not sure about. His interaction, or lack thereof, with his daughter left a lot to be desired. Clarissa is awesome as always.

Enjoyed another episode of Battlestar Galactica. This is another one of my favorites because Lee Adama steps fully into the role of being a badass.

Also needed some background noise and I ended up watching the Surf Now channel and The Forgotten Coast. Ended up enjoying it a lot.

Started another episode of Strangest Things. Kind of an odd mix of topics with this one, but very interesting so far.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Escape on Equinox, a Capital City Seasons novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jim Hodges, an elite officer in a specialized tactical unit, finally meets a woman with a sweet disposition and a naughty sense of humor. But when she's taken hostage and his team is called in, he's determined to make sure a quick resolution takes place, which won't be easy because he's ordered to step aside and let his fellow members handle everything.

And a sneaky peek…

Roz collapsed and burrowed into him, nuzzling his skin. "God, wake-up sex is so very great." Her lips brushed over his shoulder.

Jim stretched and flexed his legs. "It is pretty damned incredible." He kind of decided Roz made it that way, but kept his mouth shut.

He'd only managed talking her into spending the night twice. She usually bolted around midnight. But … she had an early shift at the hospital today, and he lived closer.

Roz groaned and sat up. "Okay. Shower, coffee, work." She glanced toward the kitchen. "Auto-timer?"

Jim's lips turned up. "The caffeine will be hot, ready, and waiting for you."

Roz leaned down and snagged his mouth. "I think I love you." Sliding from the bed, she padded across the floor to the bath.

Jim laughed. "I think you love the coffeemaker."

The water kicked on, but Roz poked her head out the door. "That, too. But the sex is way better with you." She smirked.

Jim snorted. "Get your shower or you'll be late." He propped a pillow behind him and flipped on the news.

"Breaking news. The Iron Heights Correctional Facility is under lockdown due to rioting inmates. Sources inside the maximum-security prison say the unrest is contained to two cell blocks and the situation is under control."

Jim frowned. "For now, maybe." He grabbed his phone and called in.

The Alpha Team leader, Chris Renfer, laughed. "Isn't it your day off?"

Jim chuckled. "Yeah, but … I don't have plans." At least nothing he couldn't work around.

Renfer tsked. "That's why they call it downtime, Hodges." He shuffled some papers. "But consider yourself on standby. The correctional staff does have the situation under control. But we both know that could change in an instant. Our current orders are if someone breaches the perimeter and escapes, we'll be called in." Renfer paused a moment. "I'll give you a shout if we need you."

Jim gave a nod. "I'll be available." He ended the call and set his phone aside.

The footage on the screen showed smoke billowing out of the center of the building, possibly from the yard. Jim didn't have a good vibe about the situation. Once prisoners started setting fires, things tended to go bug-ass gonzo.

Roz came out of the bathroom, toweling her hair dry. "What's going on?" Her gaze flicked to the screen.

Jim filled her in. "Prison riot. Right now, the correctional staff has the situation under control." He slid to the side of the mattress and swung his legs over the edge. "You want me to drive you in? Just in case." Traffic would probably be a bitch.

Roz shook her head. "Nah. I have to run a zillion errands after work and need my car." She sat on the bed and eased in for a kiss. "Appreciate the offer, though." She rose, grabbed her stack of scrubs, and started dressing.

Jim got to his feet and headed for the kitchen. Sure enough, the pot sat full and ready. He poured coffee and took two mugs into the bedroom. So … after errands, any plans?"

Roz lifted a brow. "Are you going for two nights in a row?"

Jim chuckled. "Doesn't have to be overnight. Was thinking more like grabbing something to eat and maybe watching a game or something."

If he didn't get called out to track fugitives.

Poor Jim won't get called out to track fugitives, but he will get sucked into a tense situation.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Escape on Equinox

April is almost over and it doesn't feel like we should be moving into the summer months. Seriously, the weather is still chilly, there's a pandemic making everything seem more lopsided and crazy, and it really just feels like we're still stuck in 2019, right?

Anyway, slower than usual week in television, but I did get several things watched. I started out with finishing up the Roswell, New Mexico episode and it ended up being pretty solid. I really want Maria to know what's going on with everyone. Make that happen soon, dammit.

Caught another episode of The Heart Guy and, seriously, this show is growing on me. I'll have to recommend this one to my brother, another fan of Aussie dramas.

The main reason I didn't get a lot of my regular shows watched is because I got completely sucked into the Battlestar Galactica marathon on Syfy. It was so much fun catching up with cast members and seeing them reminisce about the show. The marathon also made me long for the old days when Syfy used to marathon shows on a daily basis. I miss those days so much. I literally loathe the crap they show during the day now. Ugh.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice, the final one for the first season. A familiar face popped up, the man who plays Brackenried on Murdoch Mysteries. That was fun.

Watched two episodes of Danger Man for some background noise. Both were episodes I didn't remember seeing in my initial viewing of the series.

Also caught another arc of Classic Who. I have one more arc left with Three then will be moving on to the fourth doctor.

Watched another series of Cirque de Soleil shows. The talent the performers have amazes me. And the theatrical costumes and plot also blow me away.

Started the second episode of Picard, but the streamer kept crapping out with error messages. Frustrating as that seems to be happening a lot lately with various platforms. With so many people trying to stream shows, I guess that's to be expected.

Same thing keeps happening with Strike Back. I'm almost finished with the fifth episode, but it's taken my three days to get that far. Very annoying. But patience is a good thing.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Escape on Equinox, a Capital City Seasons novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jim Hodges, an elite officer in a specialized tactical unit, finally meets a woman with a sweet disposition and a naughty sense of humor. But when she's taken hostage and his team is called in, he's determined to make sure a quick resolution takes place, which won't be easy because he's ordered to step aside and let his fellow members handle everything.

And a sneaky peek…

Jim tucked his shirt back into his waistband. "Uh, not to be stupid, but why me?" He glanced toward her with a sideways look.

A fair question. And he deserved an honest answer.

Roz straightened her scrubs after slipping her feet into her clogs. "Jess told me about you two. How you almost hooked up." What a story!

Jim's gaze skidded away. "Yeah, not my best moment."

Roz shook her head. "Actually, I disagree. It sounds like a really good moment where you put her emotional state ahead of what your dick no doubt wanted." She leaned back against the counter. "I don't know many guys who wouldn't try to take advantage in a situation like that—especially after Jess practically had you on the edge." Hell, Roz's previous experience with Walter would've ended very differently than Jess's with Jim.

He rolled a shoulder. "She needed a friend not a hard-on." His lips kicked up in a half-smile.

Roz reached out and planted her hand on his chest. "And that's why you. I needed the opposite today—which, ugh, makes me sound like I just used you for a hard body. But Jess trusts you and, well, I saw you and remembered what she said about how you were with her, and—" She stopped talking for a moment. "God, I'm making a mess of this." If he walked out and never wanted to see her again, she wouldn't blame him.

Jim grasped her hand and curled his fingers around it. "No. I get it. You had a terrible day and wanted to push that aside but needed someone to help out. Who better than a guy who almost hooked up with one of your best childhood friends." He paused and grimaced. "Shit. Now I'm the one messing up. What I mean is—"

Roz laughed. "I know what you mean. You nailed it. The rest of the guys on your team? Uh-uh, no way. They're a great bunch but I couldn't have hauled any of them into this closet without it getting out less than five minutes later. I'm not worried about that with you." She gripped his shirt and leaned in close. "Besides, you're beyond hot and the sex was spectacular." Her lips brushed over his. "Thank you."

Jim gave her a sheepish grin. "Happy to help out." He nodded toward the door. "I'll check, make sure no one's around out there."

She appreciated his thoughtfulness.

He popped the door a little then opened it up wide. "Coast is clear." She left the closet first and he followed.

Making a quick decision, she stopped by her car and dug out her phone. "Can I get your number? We still need to get coffee or something." She'd really like to build a friendship with him.

Jim took her device and punched his contact info in. "I'd love to hear from you. Call anytime." Giving her a salute, he turned and headed for the emergency center doors.

I love this series and Jim's story is one I'm excited to tell. I had fun with him in Midwinter Crises and couldn't wait to find someone for him to fall for.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Escape on Equinox

December 18, 2016

Only one week until the merriest day! We still have to decorate our tree, but we always wait until about a week before the holiday. Should be done by this evening.

The Great Holiday Show Binge Watch Extravaganza continued this past week. I finished up NCIS, moved on to NCIS: LA and NCIS: New Orleans. Then followed with MASH. Last night I started the X-Files.

Teen Wolf had a great episode. The season feels a little choppy but I'm enjoying. The Librarians and MacGyver had good episodes. Enjoyed the holiday-themed flavor on MacGyver.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Escape on Equinox, part of the Capital City Seasons series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jim Hodges, an elite officer in a specialized tactical unit, finally meets a woman with a sweet disposition and a naughty sense of humor. But when she's taken hostage and his team is called in, he's determined to make sure a quick resolution takes place, which won't be easy because he's ordered to step aside and let his fellow members handle everything.

And a sneaky peek…

Pre-dawn, the sun barely starting to come up, had to be the best time in the world for sex. Jim Hodges woke up to warm lips wrapped around his cock. His accompanying grin turned to a groan when Roz's tongue swirled around the hard shaft. The woman created serious magic with her mouth.

His hands fisted in her hair, tugging gently. Roz released his erection and angled around to meet his gaze, brow lifted.

Jim loved the way her hair fell forward. "Um… not that I don't appreciate the wake up call, but I want way more than that sweet mouth of yours."

Roz gave him a sexy smile and flicked her tongue over the tip of his dick. "Just getting you warmed up." Her head dipped down and her lips brushed over his hip bone. "Primed and ready so to speak." She licked a trail over the taut skin of his torso.

Jim hooked his hands under her shoulders and hauled her forward to straddle his hips. "I'm definitely ready." He cupped her breasts, relished the heavy feeling in his hands.

Roz rocked her hips, wet and hot, but Jim wanted to tease a little more. Roz had two hours before she had to be out the door for work. He planned to draw things out and keep the pace nice and leisurely.

Roz had different ideas. She had no desire to wait. Leaning down, she caught his lips, lifted her hips, and sank over his hard length. Jim grasped her thighs and raised his ass, thrusting deeper. Sometimes changing a plan on the fly paid off with spectacular results.

Roz broke the kiss and tossed her head back, shuddering with pleasure. "Ah, god. I love it when you do that." Her hips rocked against his groin.

Jim hissed out a breath. The heat and warmth of her surrounding him took his breath away.

He lifted his head, running his lips over her smooth skin. "You're hot and wet this morning. Feels good." His chin rubbed against her breast, the stubble raising goose bumps.

Roz moaned low in her throat. "Mmm. More." She pushed him back, planting her hands on his chest.

Jim obliged, skimming his fingers along her sides to cup her breasts. He rolled his thumbs over the taut nipples. Roz got more slick and wet, and kicked up the pace, riding him with ease.

Hoping to focus on finishing up this manuscript and releasing sometime in 2017. I love this series and need to get it back on track.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Escape on Equinox

Hello again!

Found out my favorite actor has a new series he's filming in the UK. And it sounds like a great series. The Smoke is all about firefighters, which is near and dear to my interests. Half my family is involved in the fire service. :D

Looking forward to seeing how it's done in the UK. :D

Let's see, on a similar vein, tonight's post is about Escape on Equinox. Not sure if it'll be the second or third book in the Capital City Seasons series, but it'll feature characters we met in the opening book.

Here's the tagline:

Jim Hodges, an elite officer in a specialized tactical unit, finally meets a woman with a sweet disposition and a naughty sense of humor. But when she's taken hostage and his team is called in, he's determined to make sure a quick resolution takes place, which won't be easy because he's ordered to step aside and let his fellow members handle everything.

And here's the wee sneaky peek…

"Hey, Lieutenant, check out the hot, new nurse."

Jim Hodges shot a sideways glance toward the person in question. He never knew if the guys on Alpha team were setting him up. They would find it vastly amusing to point out an attractive male, even though they knew Jim played it straight.

Okay, not a male. Jim's eyes widened at the definitely hot visage in front of the hospital. The nurse had a long mane of red hair, scooped back from her face in a loose, messy ponytail. Even in scrubs, her evident curves indicated a sultry figure. Jim tried to keep the drool from escaping his mouth.

"Wow." He honestly couldn't think of anything else to say.

Red Mackinee slapped him on the back. "Thought you might like the view." He jerked his head toward the lovely woman. "Might wanna play it very carefully, though."

Ah…he'd found it—the catch. She probably had a partner, or something else not quite right. Maybe the gorgeous woman didn't do men. Figured the guys would dangle a seemingly perfect woman who couldn’t be touched.

"She taken or something?" He regretted the question as soon as it slipped out. Now they knew he had an interest.

Red scoffed. "Naw. But she's got a reputation for handing guys their asses on a plate." He shook his head. "Damn shame, it is."

Frustrated, Jim growled. "Then why point her out?" He tired of the games his teammates like to play. A recent transfer, Jim still had the new guy smell and the guys didn't let him forget it.

He wondered how long it lasted. Good natured for the most part, he'd grown weary of waiting it out. Not like they hadn't known him prior to his post with the team. He'd trained with them not long ago.

Red finally answered his question. "Well, see. We've all struck out, but figured you might have a chance, being new like she is."

Jim nodded slowly. "Right. What you're really thinking is how much entertainment you can eke out while watching her snap off my head." He shook his head. "No thanks."

Red tried to look affronted. "Now why would you think something like that?" He angled in. "Sure you don't want to at least attempt conversation?"

Jim hefted his rucksack over his shoulder. "Not in this lifetime, no." He turned and started for the van.

The main doors opened and Jessa Muldoon walked out. "Yo, Hodges. I've got someone you should meet." She jerked her head toward his object of interest and dragged him over to make the introduction. "Roz Mayfair, this is Jim Hodges—an incredibly great guy you should really get to know." She winked at Jim. "Hodges, this is Roz. We grew up together."

Jim stuck his hand out. "If you're friends with Jess, I like you already."

Roz laughed and pulled him into a quick hug. "I have a feeling there's a story here." She leaned in and whispered for his ears only. "And knowing Jess, it's a good one."

Her warm breath fanning against his ear did crazy things to his libido, but Jim nodded. "You called it. Maybe we can—" He broke off when the Mackinee shouted for him.

"Hey, lover boy, we gotta go. Make a hook-up with the hot nurse later."

Roz chuckled. "A hook-up, huh? Jess didn't mention you like to move fast."

Jim started for the truck. "Don't listen to them. They're morons." He turned back. "But coffee or something sounds great…if you're interested."

Roz blew him a saucy kiss. "Oh, yeah. Consider me exactly that." She waved and turned to head back into the hospital.

Jim barked out a laugh and climbed into the van. Roz Mayfair. Who knew he'd meet the hottest woman ever on a routine trip to go over training protocols?

So…there is a story about Jim and Jess, but you'll have to read Midwinter Crises to discover what it is if you don't want to wait for Escape. :D

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

ML Skye