Sunday Snippet: Fevered Pitch

I can't believe we're at the end of May already. The year is flying by a lot faster than I want it to. Then again, it's been busier than usual for me, so time is kind of relative right now.

Had a great week with work projects. I'm making steady progress on both and still enjoying them. It's so much fun when you love the work.

Had a somewhat limited viewing week. I'm trying to figure out the whole HBOMax is Max now and, oh, yeah, it includes Discovery+. I have both so I have to figure it all out. I won't be paying twice for the same thing.

I watched a double-header of Battlestar Galactica with the second and third episodes of season two. I can't say enough about how strong the first ten episodes are. This show rarely missed in the first two seasons.

Also caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I have so much love for this show. It also makes me happy when people pop back up. I kind of miss a few of the original recurring characters but it's nice to have the continuity this show tries for.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Who. I think I might have one or two left to finish out the classic run of episodes. Not sure if I'll start a new rewatch of the New Who or not, but I'm excited for the new doctor and the anniversary specials.

I'll be starting the second part of Silent Witness this week. I'm also going to change up how I do my viewing. I normally scroll through my streaming services and watch one show from each, but that hasn't been cutting it lately. I think I'll start watching whatever strikes my interest and go from there.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fevered Pitch, a bonus read featuring the characters from Mia's Choice.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After six months apart, Hal and Mia are finally reunited at the new space station. But Hal is unknowingly exposed to a virulent virus and brings it along from his last planetary excursion. He succumbs to the raging illness and Mia makes a fevered pitch to her former husband to save Hal's life before she surrenders to the same infection.

And a sneaky peek…

"Well, hello, Mia. It's lovely to hear your voice."

Mia swallowed a gag at the sweet tone her ex-husband used. "Can't say the same, Fredrick. But I appreciate you taking my call." As if he didn't already expect it.

Fredrick's tone changed after her greeting. "Why did you call, Mia? I've got a full schedule today."

Mia explained the situation and added her suspicions. "I have no doubt you're behind the virus, Fredrick. This whole thing smacks of your tactics." Especially since the planetary scans were clear.

Fredrick made derisive hum. "Regardless of where the virus originated, you must truly love this Hal if you're making a call to me of all people. Especially after the last time we spoke."

And that, right there, gave Fredrick's whole game away.

Mia gave a quick answer. "Make no mistake, Fredrick. I'd call the demon who rules the underworld if it means saving Hal's life. But your scheme backfired. Hal isn't the only one who's ill. If half the station goes down there will be a full-scale investigation, which won't bode well for you."

Fredrick tsked. "Such passion. If only you'd shown some when we were married."

Mia snorted. "If only you were worthy." She waited a beat. "But you weren't. Especially considering the way you treated me. Holding my father's position over my head to use and objectify me with your friends. Switching out test results to keep him beholden to you and keep me on a short leash. Contaminating the water supply of Hal's ship to put me in my place. And none of it worked."

Fredrick countered. "It's really too bad, my dear, that you have no proof of my misdeeds. You left with nothing but my name. But you took everything that belonged to me. "

Mia smiled. "You're right. But you just confirmed every horrible thing you did on a recorded line, and I won't hesitate to broadcast to the entire universe if you don't come through." She paused a moment then hammered the final nail. "Where will your precious research grants come from if that happens?"

Fredrick snarled. "You bitch. I'll make you pay for this."

Mia shook her head. "No, you won't. Never again. You can't touch me anymore." She straightened in the seat. "And you can consider the length of our marriage as payment in full for this little favor. And you have exactly twenty-four hours to provide the formula." She ended the communication to the choked sputters of Fredrick and the cheers of Jessup Main.

This started out as a bonus read but may end up as a sexy short. The characters have things they want to accomplish and they're stretching out the word count.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mia's Choice

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. We're having a low-key day without a lot of fanfare. That's exactly the way I like to celebrate holidays and my middle kiddo had his gallbladder removed earlier this week so being kind of quiet is a good thing.

Had a decent week of television viewing. My work schedule is still sporadic and I've been able to catch up on a few more writing projects. I'm also taking some time to organize my works in progress and then I hope to plan out a tentative schedule to finish up the ones that are close to being done.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers and, so far, it's pretty good. I'm a little confused about the new character being in uniform but hopefully that will resolve itself by the end of the episode.

Watched the first episode of No Offence's second season. Really nice setup for the overarching storyline. I really love Viv and Dinah's dynamic. This show is so excellent.

Caught the opening episodes of the tenth season of Silent Witness. Really liked the first two-parter. I've started the third episode and I think it's going to be a twisty one.

Watched the final arc of Doctor Who's fourteenth season. Pretty solid storyline and I'm starting to like the dynamic between Four and Leela. I like her.

I ended up with a free six-month trial of Discovery+ so I started a show called UFOs: The Lost Evidence. I love diving into theories of visitors from outer space.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Both were very funny. I've discovered I really enjoy the ballroom dance segments. Considering I'm not a huge comedy fan, this is high praise.

And that's pretty much it for this week's update. Tonight's post is from Mia's Choice, a novella that is pretty much complete. At least the first draft is. Edits are next and I'm eyeing a release sometime this summer.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mia Sinclair finally got her doctorate and embarks on a work trade assignment to a new space station. But when she runs smack into Hal Manning, and her past, she has to face her demons, which isn't easy because she promised she'd never be under any man's control again.

And a sneaky peek…

"Doctor Sinclair." Stepping back, he indicated she should enter. "Thank you for coming."

Mia gave a terse nod. "I assume this is about my report."

She entered his quarters and glanced around. He had a large space, broken into sections. A desk, littered with paperwork, sat in one corner, a lamp shone brightly over a stack of files.

A sleeping area, tucked into another corner had a partition separating it from the living space. And as the captain, he had a small bath area with a toilet and sink. Very efficient, even if tiny.

Moving further into the room, Mia glanced at the desk with comfortable looking chairs facing opposite. She hoped Hal would go in that direction.

He didn't.

Instead, he chose to sit on the somewhat rugged couch, covered in brown leather, and left room for her. She opted to sit in the chair positioned at its arm so she'd be close, but not too close. She crossed her legs at the ankles and smoothed down the front of her lab coat. His gaze settled on her and nervous tension kicked in her veins. She ruthlessly tamped it down. No more cowering under a male gaze.

"You have concerns about the water?" Of course he did. He wouldn't be the leader of the crew if he didn't. Stupid question.

But it served to break the ice and draw his attention away from her.

"Yes. You need to find out how it happened."

Mia bristled, but showed no outward sign of it. "What do you mean?" What difference did it make how the contamination occurred? And why did she have to figure it out?

Hal turned to face her. "I mean, I want you to run some tests to see how and when our supply became tainted. You can do that, right?"

His sarcastic tone irritated her. "Um … I suppose." She had zero time to add anything to her workload right now.

Hal quirked an eyebrow, probably because she didn't sound certain.

Mia shook her head then nodded. "Of course, but why?" Again, he had her at a loss.

Hal considered her a moment, probably unused to having his orders questioned. "Why? Because I need to know if this was a general fuck up before the water was loaded onto the ship or if it happened right here." His voice had risen and he made a controlled effort to bring it under control. "If it happened here, was it a mistake, or are we looking at sabotage?"

Mia snorted at the thought. "You can't be serious?" She couldn't believe Hal or the paranoid track his mind latched onto.

Hal didn't blink. "I'm very serious."

Mia shook her head. "It figures the military would jump to the conclusion that someone would taint the water supply on purpose. Let me guess … you think it's one of the civilians on board."

Hal took offense at her words. "I don't think anything yet. I know my crew, but you can bet your ass I'll be looking at them just as hard as I look at everyone else." He leaned forward. "And by the way … what the hell is your problem? This isn't a small, trifling issue. Why are you so damned obstinate and stubborn when asked to do something?"

"Because I don't respond well to orders and you don't ask. For too long, I had choices made for me. What school I'd attend, who I'd marry, how long I'd have to put my profession on hold—" She bit her tongue to keep from saying more than she wanted.

Hal quirked an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.

Dragging in a deep breath, she finished. "I didn't even choose to be on your ship. And I'm done. Done having no say in my life. If you can't deal with that … too bad. I have a will of my own and it's about damn time I use it. You want something. You can make a request."

Ugh, she sounded stupid. Of course he wouldn't make a request. The man held rank in the military. He issued orders. Sinking down, Mia put her head in her hands and blew out a calming breath.

I'm so excited this story is finished!! Hal and Mia are dear to my heart and have a couple of bonus sexy shorts they'll feature in. Looking forward to polishing this one up and getting it out there.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yummy Goodness

I'm always blown away when July arrives and I realize half the year is really gone. The whole time speeds up when we get older thing is absolutely a thing.

Fairly busy week but stayed caught up with most of the shows I'm watching. Started out with In the Dark and watched two episodes. My heart kind of breaks for everyone on this show. And, again, I keep going back to how messy everything is. The episode with Murphy and Max on the run truly ended on a cliffhanger. Need to watch another episode soon.

                   

Caught an episode of Blade, the penultimate one. This series was ahead of its time and I wish it had the chance to realize its full potential.

Also caught the season finale of Chicago Fire, which ended on a cliffhanger. I literally had to call my dad—a retired fire chief and still active in our local department—to decompress. He's also a fan.

Watched another Classic Roswell episode. This one started moving the plot forward and tightening the bonds between the group. That means it's almost time for a wedge to show up and pull them all apart.

Frankie Drake Mysteries had a great episode. I loved how the women pulled all the threads to solve their case and it's interesting to see Frankie end up with a new enemy. Lots of fodder for future episodes.

Once again, Riverdale pulled out all the super batshit crazy it could find. I do love, love, love that FP is now the new sheriff. I'm dying to know what Hermoine meant when she said it's finally time. There better be a payoff there. Alice makes my head spin with her insane loyalty to the farm creepies. I truly hope I end up enjoying that storyline because I have a feeling that shit isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Kind of sad Veronica practically ran back into the fold when Hiram got shot but it makes for good conversation. Almost fell out of my seat when Tallboy arrived back on my screen. Can't say I'm upset he didn't stick around.

Watched an episode of Arrow and, wow, quite a few revelations. Having Emiko be the leader of the dark knights is just the kind of twist I like. Kind of sad she's pushing Laurel back toward her dark persona. That'll be interesting to see next week.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers and can't say I liked the creepy dude they had to bring in to nab the home invaders. Kind of glad Doyle sent him packing and didn't fall for his creeptastic come-on lines. Geez. Also started a new episode but only got the first few minutes watched.

Krypton had a great episode. Glad Seg is free of Brainiac, or at least I hope he is. I love how twisty this show is right now. It's very hard to tell who is playing against who and I like that. Never knowing which direction a character will turn is fun.

I'm almost finished with Painkiller Jane. The standard groundhog day episode ended up being better than I remembered. I don't always love those kind of episodes.

Watched the season two premiere of Durham County and, yeah, this show is still dark and twisted. I love it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Yummy Goodness, a free sexy short featuring characters from Mia's Choice.

The mini-blurb is still a work in progress…

But here's a sneaky peek…

Mia Sinclair rubbed her forehead, hoping to ease the headache behind her eyes. "How long before you get here, Hal?" Only hours away now, but not soon enough.

From the garbled sounds, Hal shuffled the handset. "Looks like two point five hours." His voice dropped a little. "You'll have real food again as soon as the teams get the supplies unloaded from the ship's hull."

Mia closed her eyes. "Sounds lovely." Four weeks with nothing more than protein bars and powder mixed with the limited amount of growable vegetables made her want to groan. "At least we know the station crew can pull together and get creative." Although their efforts didn't amount to much.

Hal chuckled. "Not sure you're gonna be happy to see me or the food." He paused. "I mean, come on, the protein bars aren't that bad, are they?"

Mia rolled her eyes. Of course Hal didn't know how horrible those things were. The military rations were ready-to-eat food packs. Maybe not the tastiest things in the galaxy but way more appealing than bland, no-flavor, only-there-to-sustain-life emergency bleh.

Maybe Hal needed to find out how horrible the last four weeks had been?

Mia laughed lightly. "Oh, you know. We managed. Just need a break from the same old thing." She lowered her voice this time. "And you know I'm always happy to see you, Hal. We'll be undressed and between the sheets before your ship's engines are even fully shut down." At least they had been the last three times Hal had been on station.

Hal groaned. "Now I'm the one who wants time to speed up. I've missed you, Mia."

She smiled. "Missed you too. Not much longer until we can be together for good." She actually couldn't wait.

And if anyone other than her inner voice had told her she'd be ready to settle down with a man again, she'd have laughed them out of the room. But Hal made loving someone easy, unlike her first husband, Fredric the dick. However… being in love with Hal didn't mean she couldn't prove a point, right?

Hal sighed. "I have to sign off, Mia. We're entering the no-call zone."

Her lips twitched. "Okay. I'd forgotten about that. We're still working on getting those relays positioned, hopefully by your next run out here." Interference from the asteroid belt around the station made the final leg of the journey radio silent.

Hal said his farewell. "I love you, Mia. Be there in two point two five hours."

Mia responded. "I'll see you soon, my love." After replacing the handset, she picked it up again and placed a quick call to the galley. "Hi, Chiane. I need a favor…"

Hal could have a not-so-wonderful taste of the yummy goodness Mia had been experiencing for the past month.

I'm hoping to have this one ready to go by the time I finish up Mia's Choice. There's another sexy short featuring Hal and Mia that I'd like to get ready for a release day blast.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mia's Choice

November 19, 2017

The weather in Ohio is truly crazy. We had flooding from rain yesterday and snow today.

Television this week ended up being pretty terrific. The Flash pulled in a bunch of Harrys to help save the day. Legends of Tomorrow had a fun episode with old Hollywood.

Riverdale had an interesting episode with some changing dynamics. I'm still on the fence with Hiram and whether or not I like him. I'm coming down on the not liking side but he gets some interesting snark lines so that pitches him into the fun column.

Arrow remains probably my favorite show. If the team can't be together, I like having two storylines that run along a similar theme. Also very glad John's secret is out in the open. Having Curtis work on a solution is excellent.

Catching up on Gotham today. I'll be glad to see the last of Professor Pyg. It's good to see Bruce again, too. There's never enough Alfred on the screen. LOL

I'm behind on Murdoch Mysteries. Having issues with my laptop and I usually watch via the website on that device. Here's hoping I get it fixed this week.

That's it for television. Tonight's post is from Mia's Choice a novella that reunites a former couple with one character having a lot of baggage to get rid of.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mia Sinclair finally got her doctorate and embarks on a work trade assignment to a new space station. But when she runs smack into Hal Manning, and her past, she has to face her demons, which isn't easy because she promised she'd never be under any man's control again.

And a sneaky peek…

Mia Sinclair paced back and forth in her small suite of rooms across the corridor from the lab. The three box-shaped areas were almost cell-like, but she appreciated the symmetry, realizing a quick rehab job didn't allow for much in the way of aesthetics. She'd had no idea how she'd be getting to the outpost for Space Station Alpha when she signed on the bottom line for the work exchange program, only that a ship big enough to provide square footage for a lab and experimentation would be commandeered for the joint project.

She also had zero clue whose cruiser she'd end up on. When she found out upon boarding, she wanted to expire on the spot. And if she could have left, she would have.

Not that she minded the trade-off—this expedition would pay for her degree. But the main reason she'd signed on for the job had been to get away from everyone she knew and truly stand on her own. If she'd realized she'd be walking smack dab into her past, she might have looked for another way to repay her debt to the Science Academy.

Of course, Hal Manning hadn't been a commanding officer when she'd applied for the program. But a lot could change in two years. She'd never dreamed how much.

"Damn. Damn. Damn." Mia stopped pacing and faced her reality again.

After everything she'd endured, been subjected to, and fought her way out of, she ended up in a place she didn't want to be. Okay, make that with someone she didn't want to see. She wanted a clean start. It couldn't be too much to ask.

Her parents were dead. The divorce she'd fought so hard for, granted. Her joy over that detail marred only by the amount of time she'd had to spend with Fredrick the Dick in the first place. She could finally claim to no longer be under anyone's thumb—or any other part of their anatomy.

She'd earned her freedom.

She'd prepared for it, worked hard to gain it. Why couldn't fate or destiny or whatever ruled the universe cut her a break?

Just once, it would have been lovely.

No such luck.

She ended up being thrust into the orbit of the only person she ever regretted telling good-bye.

Except she'd never told him.

Not really.

Instead, she'd withdrawn. Descended into a personal hell. And never looked back.

Now she had to face the mistake.

And him.

God, so not fair.

And she couldn't do it. She avoided Hal Manning whenever possible and kept things very professional when not.

As if that would work, or keep her safe from dredging up things she didn't want to deal with.

But hadn't it?

Hal had taken her cue and gave her wide berth. He only spoke to her when duty required it. Or if he couldn't delegate the responsibility to someone else.

She wanted that, right? Needed it?

Anything else would crumble her carefully constructed and rebuilt self.

She had to do things on her own—make a new life, walk away from the past.

And it had been going so well aboard the Queen Amalie… until a random test showed the contaminated containment system. If she'd guessed correctly, they'd be seeing a number of sick people in the near future.

Which meant she'd be receiving a visit from Captain Manning.

Hal.

"Shit. Shit. Shit." She paced again.

The knock on her door… hatch… whatever they called it, didn't surprise her. She walked over and spun the release so she could open it. Stepping back, a fresh-faced petty officer greeted her with a polite smile.

"Doctor Sinclair. Petty Officer Oliver Jones, ma'am. The captain requests your presence in his quarters. I'm here to escort you."

Not what she expected, but why wouldn't Hal want this meeting on his own turf? Mia heaved a sigh. She might as well get it over with. Crossing over to her small desk, she picked up a file and gave the young officer what she hoped to be a pleasant smile.

"By all means, let's not keep the captain waiting." She shrugged into a lab coat, deciding she needed it for armor, and exited her rooms. "I wouldn't want you to get reprimanded."

The young man fell into step beside her. "That's okay, ma'am. The captain isn't a stern taskmaster. And he did say to come at your convenience." He led her down to the next deck.

Mia clicked her tongue thoughtfully. Hal had always been very even-tempered. It appeared that hadn't changed.

"Now is as good a time as any, PO Jones."

The petty officer grinned bashfully. "We're almost there, ma'am." He made a left at the next intersecting corridor.

Mia followed his lead, wondering how the crew didn't get mixed up sometimes. She'd been on the ship for a couple of weeks and still got turned around if she didn't pay attention.

Her guide made a right and stopped halfway down the corridor. He rapped on the outside of the hatch.

Mia waited, a little nervous at her first one on one meeting with the captain since she'd boarded.

The hatch clanged open. "Thank you, Petty Officer. You're dismissed." 

Jones saluted his commander then turned to Mia. "You're all set, ma'am. Have a nice evening."

Mia nodded in his direction, hoping she didn't look as freaked out as she felt. "Thank you." She sucked in a deep breath and acknowledged Hal. "Captain."

I love this story. Mia and Hal are very dear to my heart. Can't wait to finish this one up and put it out there for everyone to read.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fevered Pitch

February 5, 2017

Hello February! Where the weather in Ohio is like a frigid tundra one day and a balmy spring on the next. Ha! Sometimes we get both in the same day. Yeesh.

Well… Riverdale kept my attention and fulfilled my wishes in its second episode. I don't have shows reach and grab me like they used to so this is terrific! I'm completely interested in what happens next.

Gotham just keeps getting better and better. I'm dying to find out what happens to Penguin and can't wait to see the Riddler come into emergence. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow had great episodes. Even the Legion of Doom didn't suck. Looking forward to seeing new episodes this week.

Arrow also had a great episode. I like where they're going with the new Black Canary. I'm also kind of holding my breath to see whether the DA is going to end up being a good guy or a bad guy. I'm also waiting for the other shoe to drop with a seed planted quite a while ago with Oliver being in Russia.

Got all caught up on Teen Wolf and enjoyed the midseason finale. Not sure where they can go with the final ten episodes, but I'll be there to see them.

Started the new season of X Company and it's terrific. I really love this show and the cast. I have three more episodes on tap and can't wait to watch.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Fevered Pitch, a sexy short bonus read that will hopefully be on my website in the near future. Featuring Hal and Mia from Mia's Choice, I have to wait until that book is all polished and pretty.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After six months apart, Hal and Mia are finally reunited at the new space station. But Hal is unknowingly exposed to a virulent virus and brings it along from his last planetary excursion. He succumbs to the raging illness and Mia makes a fevered pitch to her former husband to save Hal's life before she surrenders to the same infection.

And a sneaky peek…

Mia stayed true to her word. The moment they entered her quarters, she backed Hal up against the wall and covered his mouth with hers. Oh… she loved the way he kissed her. Possessive and passionate, he gave everything he had and expected nothing in return.

Which made Mia hot and bothered.

Her hands slid up his chest and she nimbly worked the buttons of his uniform loose. "You have…" She needed another kiss. "Too many…" Ah, and another. "Clothes on." Her fingers grasped the sides of the fabric and pushed it off his shoulders.

Hal shrugged the garment off then tugged his undershirt over his head before swooping in for another lip-lock. "And now I'm ahead of you." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders then swept his other under her legs. "Better play catch up, my love." Tossing her on the mattress, he popped the button on his fatigues and gave her a smoldering look.

Mia wriggled out of her pants, kicking her legs free then yanked her shirt up and off. "Looks like I'm ahead now." Clad only in a pair of panties, she scooted back on the bed, quirked a brow, and beckoned Hal with a crooked finger.

Hal did a slow once-over of her while shucking his pants, revealing nothing but skin and a hard cock under the twill trousers. "Now who's got who beat?" He crawled up on the mattress, grabbing her ankles to pull her under him.

Mia twined her arms around his neck. "Thought you might like to have the honor." She writhed below him, seeking the long shaft nestled between her legs, the satin scrap of fabric wet and slippery against her core.

Hal made a low humming sound. "You're hot, Mia. All for me?" He hooked his thumbs under her waistband and tugged the panties past her hips.

Mia worked one leg free then gasped when Hal's tongue trailed along her folds. "Yes, Hal. Only for you." Her hips bucked, seeking more friction from his mouth.

Hal didn't disappoint, pressing his lips against her click before sucking it with gentle pressure. Mia shuddered, hovering close to the edge. The man made her lose control faster than anyone else ever had. But she wanted his hard dick buried deep before she came.

She fisted the sheets. "Hal…" Her tone held a warning.

Hal grinned against her inner thigh. "Impatient, my love?" He trailed kisses over her hip and along her torso before taking a nipple between his lips.

Mia hissed out a breath. "Yes. Very." Her hands sought his ass, urging him to enter her. "I need you, Hal." She always would.

Not long ago, she might have stabbed a fork in her eye before admitting she needed a man, let alone wanted one.

Looking forward to finishing this one up and getting it out there.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fevered Pitch

EEK! I just realized we've only got around ten days before out school year starts. I'm both thrilled and freaked out. Thrilled because the structure is great for the kids. They know where they have to be and at what time. Freaked out because we still have supplies to buy and I'm booked solid and jammed up until after the first day. Poor planning on my part. LOL

As usual, some great TV this past week. The finale for Dominion left so many new questions and I hope we get a second season. I'd love to see more of this show. Really loving the twists and turns in Defiance, too. And The Last Ship is steadily becoming one of my favorite shows.

Filming has started on Sons of Anarchy, Bitten, Arrow and Flash. Fall can't quite get here soon enough.

Tonight's post is from Fevered Pitch, a free bonus read featured Hal and Mia from Mia's Choice. If all goes well, Mia's Choice will be finished sometime in October or November.

Here's the tagline:

After six months apart, Hal and Mia are finally reunited at the new space station. But Hal is unknowingly exposed to a virulent virus and brings it along from his last planetary excursion. He succumbs to the raging illness and Mia makes a fevered pitch to her former husband to save Hal's life before she surrenders to the same infection.

And a sneaky peek…

Hal exited the Queen Amalie, rubbing the kinks out of his neck. An achy tension worked through his shoulders, but he figured a long night spent in the arms of his old flame—and current wife—would do wonders to improve his space lag.

His gaze scanned the landing bay, hoping to see Mia. Six months apart, he couldn't wait to get his hands on her. The deck crew quickly finished securing the ship and Hal finally spotted his brainy brunette. She stood back, watching the action, a small smile on her face. She glanced in Hal's direction and the grin spread wide. She lifted a hand, waved, and started dodging the crewmembers between her and Hal, picking up speed the closer she got.

Three feet away, she launched herself forward and Hal caught her, lifting and swinging her around. Her mouth met his and her arms wrapped around his shoulders. She eased back when she needed oxygen.

Settling her on her feet, he cupped her face. "It's damned good to see you, Mia." He leaned in closer. "Can I take you to quarters and ravish you? Or do you have more work today?"

Mia winked. "I'm all yours for the next forty-eight hours."

Hal grinned. "You cleared your schedule for me?" His hand slid down to grasp hers and he tugged her against his side. "You must've missed me."

She wrapped an arm around his waist. "You know I did, Hal." She started forward. "And I don't plan to waste a moment of my free time. Let's go."

Just a brief little look. I hope you enjoyed!

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mia's Choice

July 28, 2013

Hello!

It's been a great writing week…for organizational stuff. LOL I've spent almost every day working on taglines, plotting story ideas, adding to characterization charts, and fixing small details in several thisclosetobeing finished manuscripts.

I feel so productive!!

Tonight's post is from one of those almost there stories. Mia's Choice is stretching into a something close to a novel, but I think it'll remain a novella. Especially after I get through the final round and ruthlessly edit unnecessary stuff. J

Here's the tagline:

Mia Sinclair finally got her doctorate and embarks on a work trade assignment to a new space station. But when she runs smack into Hal Manning, and her past, she has to face her demons, which isn't easy because she promised she'd never be under any man's control again.

And a sneaky peek…

Hal Manning sat behind his desk and heaved a sigh. Dealing with a mix of military and civilian crew gave him the worst headache. He wondered, not for the first time, whose bright idea it had been to combine the two and send them out into deep space to construct a new outpost.

Probably someone with a pay grade much higher than his.

He pulled out the log reports and sifted through the pile of complaints. Could the commandos do their drills somewhere else? Could the science geeks conduct experiments that made the ship reek of indescribable aromas in the hold instead of on the same level as living quarters? And could they both just stay out of each other's way?

Maybe he should lock everyone in the cargo hold and let them duke it out.

Better yet, barricade him in and let the inmates run the asylum.

Yeah, wouldn't happen.

Hal worked steadily for the next hour on the logs, writing orders, confirming information and filing memos. The name on the last report caught his attention.

Mia Sinclair.

Check that. Doctor Mia Sinclair. The woman took every opportunity to remind him and his crew of the fact. She had zero appreciation for the common use of last names as a greeting or acknowledgement of presence.

So very different from the girl he used to know.

When she boarded the Queen Amalie he'd been stunned stupid. Sinclair happened to be her married name so it hadn't pinged for him on the manifest.

Hal sat back and let the memories roll through his mind. They'd grown up together. Dated. Fallen in love. They'd had a chance once…a long time ago. But Mia cut it short. Carved him out of her life and sent him packing.

Okay, not entirely true. More like she'd boxed up and checked out.

He'd known her as Mia Furlough. Way back when they'd been wet behind the ears and barely out of primary school. She'd been vibrant, lively, and fun. He'd fallen for her completely and without reservation.

Thought it had been the same for her. But he'd been so very wrong. She didn't come close to being the person he'd thought she'd been. Not after her grandfather died.

Mia went from free spirit to gilded bird in a matter of weeks. She cut herself off from everyone, stopped hanging out with the kids after classes and refused to see Hal or return his phone calls.

A couple of months later, she disappeared. Moved away. Didn't come back. He finally heard she'd left for a position in the prestigious Academy of Science on Mars. Her father pulled some strings to get her in. Or so Hal had been told.

The hometown connection kept him sporadically up to date on Mia. She'd graduated with her degree later than expected due to her marriage to a top scientist. She'd cared for both ailing parents until their deaths three years ago. The nasty divorce that followed apparently set the social and scientific communities on their ears.

He'd been bowled over when she boarded his vessel as the science liaison, newly assigned to Space Station Alpha.

Hal shook his head, clearing the memories, and leafed through Mia's report. About halfway through, he sat up straight in his chair and re-read the last two paragraphs. The ship had what wrong with its water supply? Three weeks into their journey and a major cock up like this?

A bunch of scientific terms he'd probably need a translator for muddied up the page. The part he didn't need a degree to read simply stated one of the reserve water containment tanks had been contaminated and could not be used. How in the hell had that happened?

Could she be wrong?

Hal doubted it. Doctor Sinclair had meticulous down to an art form. She filed her reports on time. Showed up for the daily briefings precisely five minutes before they started and from what scuttlebutt he heard about her, ran a tight ship in the lab.

He sighed. He'd have to talk to her about the contamination. He considered the subject too important for him to delegate. The fact he found himself avoiding her whenever possible didn't sit well with him anyway.

Combing his hair back from his face, he rose, gathered the report and exited quarters.

Might as well get the good doctor in for a visit and get it over with. He was pretty sure he knew where she'd be. Holed up in her quarters or working in the lab. She rarely went anywhere else. He'd find a junior officer and have them escort Mia down from the lab deck.

Wouldn't she just love that?

Heh. Nope. Mia is not going to be thrilled she has to meet Hal in his quarters, but she'll deal. J

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

ML Skye