Sunday Snippet: A Thousand Reasons

Greetings!

Another great TV week. The 50^th anniversary of Doctor Who truly made my entire week. Sooooo nice to watch a show I love on BBC America and not get stuck with ninety-seven episodes of some Gordon Ramsay show and/or Top Gear. Don't get me wrong, both shows are okay, I'm just really tired of how often they're on during the day. The BBC has a HUGE library and I used to love watching all the various offerings before the network got overrun with a chef and three car enthusiasts. *sigh*

Anyway, Arrow delivered and provided several off the charts levels of awesome. Seriously, I live for Wednesdays. Let's see, Sons of Anarchy brought some good stuff to the table. Sometimes I think if certain people would shut up and other certain folks would sit down and have an actual conversation, things might go a whole lot easier. I may have a nice, long post on my TV blog—which rarely gets used—once the season is over.

I could go on but since it seems like next week is hiatus for the Turkey Day holiday, I'll save some reactions for that post.

Tonight's snippet is from A Thousand Reasons, a short story about an established couple who have an issue to work out.

Here's the tagline:

Dix Benson wants life to finally settle down after he passes the advocacy exam. But when Willow Gold decides to accept a job flying missions in a very hot zone, he can think of at least a thousand reasons it's a very bad idea. Convincing Willow will be the challenge.

And a sneaky peek…

The new opportunity had Willow excited. Something she really wanted to do. She loved consulting but hated the red tape and endless waiting for parliament to play its political games. She knew how important it had been for him to take a shot at the legal process… knew how much he loved it. Could he really hold her back from something she loved as much?

The question answered itself as the final sputtering gurgles indicated the coffee was finished brewing. Flying was her passion just as the law was now his. Willow needed to get back to what she did best… pull it out of the fire while the iron was still hot.

And he'd be right here waiting every time she came home.

All the frustration, hurt and anger dissolved while he poured two steaming mugs of the freshly brewed liquid. Picking them up, he made his way back up the stairs feeling a little sheepish at how quickly his reaction had pushed them into a full blown argument, complete with flying pillows and a slammed door, which was now cracked open. 

Glancing down the hallway, he noticed the bathroom mirror steamed up from a shower. With a mug in each hand, he used his foot to nudge the door open and swallowed hard. Willow stood making the bed… naked… except for a towel wrapped around her hair. Looking up, she caught the look on his face and straightened, gauging the atmosphere. She didn't say anything… didn't have to… knowing instinctively he wouldn't give her any more grief over her decision.

She moved around the bed, coming to a stop in front of Dix and she smiled as she took one of the mugs, closing her eyes when the aroma hit her. Bringing the cup to her lips, she watched him and blew across the surface before risking a long sip of the fortifying brew. He doubted it would be sexy to anyone else but him, but god, it made him hard. Lips quirking appreciatively, he took a bracing gulp from his own mug letting his eyes close in satisfaction.

When he opened them, Willow's lips were curved wickedly as she placed her mug on the dresser. Doing the same with Dix's, it freed his hands to cup her face… his fingertips working under the edge of the towel loosening it until it fell to the floor. He leaned in to kiss her as she hooked a finger in the waistband of his jeans, tugging him toward the bed, undoing the buttons of his fly on the way. Bumping up against the edge brought her breasts into contact with his chest and she moaned appreciatively, breaking the kiss. Dropping his hands, he helped her push his jeans out of the way. Unable to resist, he snagged her lips again.

Needless to say, a resolution should be coming soon. :D

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Personal Involvement

Hi!

Okay, I can't discuss Strike Back just yet, but I will say I love shows where NOBODY is safe. Speaking of no one being safe, Sons of Anarchy returns Tuesday and I'm ready to start marking the death toll. LOL

Now for something a little less morbid. J Tonight's post is from Personal Involvement and features one of my favorite angsty set-ups…personal involvement in the military and the fallout that smacks the characters in the face. J

Here's the tagline:

Tarin Glade gets caught up in a nightmare when she's brought before a disciplinary council for her personal involvement with a student who failed basic flight. When Ellis Spector, the brother of the complainant, speaks on Tarin's behalf, it rocks the foundation of his family—especially since the commandant who brought the charges is Ellis's father.

And a sneaky peek…

Ellis rose from his spot behind Tarin and strode to the docket. "Admiral Chekwick, Ellis Spector for the defense."

The admiral blinked and cocked his head. "Just a moment, Lieutenant Spector, you're here to give testimony on behalf of the defendant?" He shuffled the pages in the file folder. "But your brother is the complainant."

Ellis gave a terse nod. "Yes, Admiral."

Chekwick lifted a brow. "Care to explain that one, young man?"

Ellis heaved an inward sigh. "Sir, Ensign Glade, upheld her sworn duty. She recognized a lack of true commitment on Cadet Spector's part and wouldn't forward him on to the qualifications test." He paused. "She did this in spite of being under pressure from Commandant Spector to send his boy to earn his wings."

Ellis kept as much heat out of his voice as he could and prayed he'd succeeded.

The admiral studied Ellis. "You have strong feelings about this."

He made it a statement, but Ellis clarified. "I have strong feelings about my brother's life—which Ensign Glade saved by not passing him." He glanced toward his brother. "Regardless of the cost to her career, she wouldn't cave on her decision."

The admiral's mouth thinned to a straight slash across his face. "Lieutenant, are you daring to assume you know the outcome of this tribunal?"

Ellis shook his head. "Quite the contrary, Admiral. I'm speaking solely about the fact she'll suffer a black mark on her record whether she's cleared here or not." Ellis shot his father a direct look.

The admiral took notice. "Your old man has a lot of pull, Lieutenant."

Ellis nodded. "Yes, Sir, he does. And he's earned every bit of it." He stopped there, keeping his tone respectful.

The admiral's lips quirked. "He has. Let's hope he chooses to use that sway to the betterment of Ensign Glade's career instead of making it detrimental."

Ellis wanted to pump his fist in the air. Tarin would walk away from the tribunal free and clear. And the admiral basically laid it out for the old man. Don't screw with her—even commandants can earn black marks.

Checkwick asked an additional question. "Lieutenant, can you confirm, for the record, that the break-up between Ensign Glade and Cadet Spector has nothing to do with the flight qualifications?"

An unexpected turn, and possibly a tricky situation to avert. Ellis took a moment and gathered his words carefully. "If I may speak freely, Sir?"

The admiral nodded. "Go ahead, young man."

Ellis nodded toward his brother. "My brother entered Ensign Glade's class after they started dating. I can't state why he kept his enrollment a secret from her, but I can confirm she had no preconception he'd be there on the first day, and was, in fact, shocked to see him."

So shocked she'd all but dragged him out of the classroom to dress him down for not being where he should be.

Ellis continued. "From that first day, she informed Cadet Spector he wouldn't receive any kind of preferential treatment and would have to pull his weight or risk failure. I was headed for the classroom to wish Cadet Spector luck when I witnessed that conversation."

The admiral inclined his head. "Go on, Lieutenant."

Ellis finished his statement. "I can't, in good faith, say the break-up has nothing to do with the qualifications. I think it has everything to do with Eddie not being allowed to go forward. But he's the one who initiated the split—after Ensign Glade refused to sign off on his simulation scores."

Eddie stood up. "I never told you I'm the one who broke up with Ensign Glade."

Ellis prayed the admiral would take the opening provided.

The superior officer asked. "Were you, Cadet?"

Eddie realized his mistake too late. He had no choice but to answer truthfully or risk court martial for lying under oath.

Shoulders slumped, he answered. "Yes, Sir."

The admiral pressed forward. "When, exactly, did you inform Ensign Glade you no longer wanted to be in a relationship, Cadet?"

Eddie shot the elder Spector a sideways glance. "The same day Commandant Spector spoke with her and she refused to let me take the flight test."

Ephram rose, turned on his heel, and exited the room. Ellis had hoped for the reaction, wanting his dad to understand Eddie's deceit and put Tarin in the absolute clear. Ellis met the admiral's gaze, hoping the man understood why Ellis had taken some liberty with how he presented the facts. His old man needed to have his eyes opened and realize Eddie played both sides against the middle. And couldn't be allowed to do it anymore.

The admiral motioned for Ellis to be seated. "Ensign Glade."

Tarin rose from her seat and faced the admiral.

"The charges before me are hereby dismissed and you'll return to active duty at 0700 tomorrow morning." He lifted the gavel, ended the proceeding.

Ellis risked a glance toward Tarin. She kept her eyes ahead and shoulders straight even though she'd been cleared. Ellis admired the discipline she exhibited. So not her style, but maybe she'd learned a little something from tangled aftermath of dealing with his brother.

Once the admiral exited the room, Tarin turned and made her way to Ellis. "You're an idiot, but I can't thank you enough."

Ellis grinned. "Yes, you can. Have dinner with me then come to my place for movies and popcorn."

She chuckled. "A free meal and entertainment? How can I refuse?"

Ellis shook his head. "You can't. I'll pick you up at seven."

She laughed. "Make it five. I have an early day tomorrow."

He smiled. "Five it is." He started for the exit. "Carpathian seafood?"

Tarin nodded. "It's my favorite. And action movies. None of those lame comedies."

Ellis paused by the door. "I have an entire shelf of them. We'll go alphabetically."

He left to the sound of Tarin's peals of laughter.

Ahhh, seems like all is well, right? It's not. LOL But that's another post on a different day.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Five by Five

Greetings! Finally got a great day of weather today! *throws confetti*

Tonight's snippet is from Five by Five, a completely fun to write story about Vasha and Deke. They're well on their way to their happy ending. With a roadblock or two to get through first.

Here's the tagline:

Vasha Eick has everything she wants. Deke Vitali would be the cherry on top. An old rival shows up, shifting the dynamic and Vash has to stake a claim or get out of the way.

And here's the sneaky peek…

Vasha Eick grinned. "You're on. I call."

Deke Vitali's hand couldn't be beat…at least not by much. For once, Valkyrie would go down in flames. A red letter day and no one else would witness it. Deke decided he could live with knowing he'd finally beat her. And he'd have bragging rights…couldn't forget that.

He displayed his cards, one by one, on the table. Then leaned back, with confidence, and sent Vasha a smug smile. Her turn. He couldn't wait for her to show hers. And collect a long awaited payoff.

It took everything he had not to rub his hands together with anticipation. A hot kiss, with tongue, from Vasha…in front of the entire crew. He'd put the wager on the table, never dreaming she'd accept and he'd end up the winner.

If the damn fool woman ever laid her cards down, he'd be one step closer to claiming his prize. His brow lifted and she sighed, shuffling the cards in her hand around. Stall tactics. He had her beat.

His first clue should have been the slow smirk her mouth curved into. The second, the way she laid her cards out with a flourish, one by one. But the final straw? Vasha holding the last card between her thumb and forefinger, flipping it back and forth. No reluctance, only a teasing little grin, before she dropped it beside the others.

Oh…no way. His mouth dropped open. She did not…

With a blink Deke sat up. Fuck it all. Her hand topped his.

The word 'No!' echoed through his mind. Several times. He'd been so damn certain he had her beat.

Deke stared at the cards placed on the table. "That's just…wrong! There's no way you could have a hand that good." He couldn't believe he'd have to pay up.

And it would be a doozie of a show, too. He'd have to…shit…

He should have known. Never, ever bet against Valkyrie unless you had five by five, the best hand in the lot. Apparently not even four on the floor would be good enough when playing against her.

Mouth still hanging open, he glanced her way. She sat across from him, a gleeful grin on her face.

It just couldn't be. Now he'd have to…

Looking down at the cards again…something clicked. His eyes shot back up to hers and he stood, rifling through the discard pile until he found it…a duplicate to one she'd played. There shouldn't be one of those.

"You cheated?!" Disbelief shot through him.

Vasha's laugh burst out in full-blown glory. "Hell yes, I cheated…" She caught the incredulous look on his face and quickly added. "Sorry, Deke…couldn't pass that up." Standing up, she snagged the extra card from the table…probably because she might just need it again. "There's not enough entertainment around here…and a chance for the entire crew to watch you give your next briefing naked? Well…" She let the excuse hang and glanced toward the exit.

Oh, no. She didn't get to escape. Vasha Eick, ace pilot and card shark, had some big ass explaining to do. Deke started around the table and Vasha beat a hasty retreat toward the door.

She stopped and shrugged. "Hey, you can't blame a girl for trying." She dashed out into the corridor to haul ass away from him…laughter bouncing off the bulkheads.

Evil wench. Deke shook his head and took off after her. "Oh…yes I can."

Vasha jumped right into the fire by trying to pull a fast one on Deke. Then again…she's sort of known for doing exactly that. LOL

Hope you enjoyed!

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Boyfriend's Brother

Greetings! Week number three and still on target. Seriously, it sounds stupid, but I'm deliriously happy the posts are becoming a habit.

Snippet Sunday this week features a scene from a manuscript thisclose to being finished. A few more scenes and off to the beta readers it goes.

I'll be honest, the story for this could be a little triggerish for some, but it does have a great conflict, if I do say so.

Here's the tag line:

Mix a potential marriage proposal, a close call, and her boyfriend's hot brother and Chloe Timmons might possibly come away with something very wonderful.

And now a wee sneaky peek at Boyfriend's Brother…

Jason envied his brother. Marc could be an immature brat, but he'd found the woman of his dreams. And Jason actually liked her, even after a completely bizarre introduction where he mistook Chloe Timmons for an exotic dancer.

In his defense, she had been practically giving Marc a lap dance at the time.

Jason winced when he remembered the scathing set down he'd delivered to Marc and the 'dancer'.

He'd roughly pulled the woman straddling his brother's legs off and gave her a nasty look. "I'm not sure what he paid you, but he's not gonna get his money's worth. Unless you want to finish with me." He raked his eyes over the prettier than expected dancer. "I'm always up for lewd displays in public."

Turning, Jason glared toward Marc. "As for you…I come here to meet your latest and greatest and instead you've got a hot piece of ass gyrating on your lap." He shook his head. "Are you stupid…or did the woman of your dreams finally wise up and dump you?"

The dancer laughed. "Wow. I would have been insulted enough to punch you if you hadn't gone all chivalrous at the end." She stepped in front of him and stuck out her hand. "Chloe Timmons. You must be big brother, Jason."

Jason automatically shook her hand, a hot flush of heat burning his face.

She looked in Marc's direction, whispering with exaggeration. "Your brother thinks I have a hot ass. I like him already." Glancing back, she raised a brow. "Woman of his dreams? Is that Marc's description or yours?"

Honestly? Chloe is so much fun to write. Here's hoping I can get this one finished up and submitted soon.

123RF Stock Photos

Up next week? A snippet from another almost completed manuscript.

Catch everyone on the flip side,

ML Skye