Sunday Snippet: Off the Hook

Had a super emotional day yesterday with my daughter graduating from college with a bachelor's in media production and theater. She starts grad school in the fall for arts administration. I'm so proud of her! And … considering she had a drive-through high school graduation, getting to see her walk for her bachelor's made me very happy.

Had another good week of work and writing. I finished up two manuscript edits and a proofread on the work front and wrote several scenes in three or four of my WIPs. I'm not quite where I want to be on my writing, but I'm getting back to form.

Actually had a solid week of viewing also. Maybe the planets are aligned where I need them to be right now. Who knows?

Watched two episodes of Elementary and, wow, I rather like what they did with the Moriarity thing. Looking forward to seeing how that ends up. I think I have one more episode of the first season.

Started season three of The Batman and watched two episodes. I remembered both and enjoyed each one.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I think I'm at the end of season seven where the two vignettes are actually one episode. Kind of liked that format. I think the new theme starts with season eight. I'll find out this week I think.

Started a new season of Suspects. Loved the opening episode. It did not go where I thought it would and I love that.

Watched another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Broken-hearted for Gloria. I kind of hope there's more to the story about Cooper. I kind of want to find out what his whole deal was with Gloria.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I don't remember this one at all and actually loved it. Definitely a twisty one.

Caught the first part of Silent Witness. I'm excited to see where this one goes. There's definitely more than meets the eye for this case. I'm not thrilled with the new addition to Jack's life. I love his niece, but the mom is a piece of work and I don't like her at all.

Started a new episode of Peak Practice. I'll try to finish it up this week. Not sure what's up with Sam but I assume the seeds are being planted for his departure and that's why he's being such a prat right now.

Last but not least, I started a documentary called Broken Horses, mainly because it features the author of one of the books I've been working on and his stance that the drugging of horses needs to stop. I can honestly say it's a hard watch and my personal thought there might be a trainer who should never, ever be allowed to participate in the sport ever again. But that's just me.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Off the Hook, a novella where a couple goes through a trial by fire when they don't fully agree on how to handle a situation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Esti Warf's relationship with Wyatt Corben is tested when she agrees to give his younger brother a chance to pass basic flight. Wyatt knows in his gut his brother doesn't have the chops, but he can't get Esti to budge on her decision, especially when his old man pressured her into accepting Wilton as a cadet. Both are on the hook, trying to keep peace in the family and still maintain their bond as a couple.

And a sneaky peek…

Vivid imagery filled Wyatt's head. "Gonna hold you to that." He motioned for Esti to get naked.

Then he got to work on his pants, pushing them past his hips before she took a firm grasp of his cock and gave him a heated look, flicking her tongue over her bottom lip.

Anticipation might be my favorite feeling in the world.

Check that. Maybe second favorite.

Almost nothing beat Esti's mouth surrounding his dick. Except maybe full-on sex with her. She hollowed her cheeks and applied continuous suction to his shaft.

His fingers threaded through her hair. "Es, you know what that does to me." His last word hissed out when she made a low hum in her throat.

The things she could do…

Her hands cupped his ass drawing him closer. She took his length deep, swallowing before pulling back to suck on the head. Licking the sensitive underside, she teased a groan from him. The swirl and swipe combined with the firm pressure had his thighs trembling to keep from pistoning his hips in a race to the finish line. As much as wanted to get off, patience would be rewarded.

Esti wanted to have her wicked way with him and then he could return the favor. Blowing her mind with the same exquisite torture would give him almost as much pleasure as she currently unleashed on him. The hard fight to stay in control crumbled when she fondled his balls, jostling them lightly between her fingers.

He erupted, letting out a low moan. "Gah, Esti. You're killing me." In a great way, no doubt, but he couldn't stay upright. "Fuck." Stumbling forward, his hands shot out to grasp her shoulders.

She gave a throaty chuckle, eased away from him, and a sly smile curved her lips. "Gonna be able to follow through?" She tilted her head to one side.

Wyatt growled and hooked his palms under her shoulders. He twisted and toppled backward, hauling her up with him. He maneuvered her around until her hips were over his face and her legs were splayed with her knees bracketing his upper torso.

Blowing a hot breath over her core, he slid his tongue through her folds. "See if this works for you…"

I love having a sexy bit before the storm blows through. Wyatt and Esti have a big challenge coming and showing how much they care for each other before it hits makes me happy.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Off the Hook

Long week with a zillion phone calls to settle everything on getting a new vehicle to replace our totaled one. Happy to say as of Friday it's all taken care of. Yay!

Not a bad week with work projects and a solid week of good television. Started out with Street Legal and I'm ending with another episode of the same. Starting to really enjoy this show.

Caught another episode of the Ready Room and thoroughly enjoyed Evan Evagoria's interview. Such a great character he played. And he's a huge fan of the franchise and that came through so much.

Also watched another episode of Chicago Med and enjoyed the three threads playing out during the episode.

Enjoyed another episode of No Offence. This show … man, it's so good. Not sure if there will be more episodes, but I'm so glad I found this one.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness's two part episode. Yeah, they're all two part episodes, I know. This was a really great one and I liked how everything came together by the end.

Watched another arc of Classic Who. They're still on the trail of the time key components and this episode ended up being more fun than I originally thought it would be.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and it's got some drama, which seems to be woven in more than usual. Great episode so far.

Caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused around UFOs and US presidents. Actually pretty interesting viewing.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Dom Deluise and Bernadette Peters were the guest stars. I'm still nostalgic for the first season, which is probably my favorite.

The Hardy Boys had a great episode. The tall dude is finally—maybe—done for. Liked getting a little more information on Laura's past and I'm trying to decide if I want the grandmother to be super bad or a red herring of goodness.

I viewed another Master Class with David Carson on graphic design. This one had another lesson about color and I found it fascinating.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is going to some interesting places. I can't decide if I want Sabrina to really twist everything on its ass or if she needs something to blow up in her face. I'll find out by the next episode if that happens.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Off the Hook, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Esti Warf's relationship with Wyatt Corben is tested when she agrees to give his younger brother a chance to pass basic flight. Wyatt knows in his gut his brother doesn't have the chops, but he can't get Esti to budge on her decision, especially when his old man pressured her into accepting Wilton as a cadet. Both are on the hook, trying to keep peace in the family and still maintain their bond as a couple.

And a sneaky peek…

"Hey, bro. Dad pulled rank and got me into Esti's class."

Wyatt Corben gripped the phone tighter in his hand. "He what?" What's the old man thinking?

 Stupid question. Wharton Corben wanted both sons to follow in his footsteps. No matter what.

Wyatt had a few doubts about his brother's ability to handle a five-ton craft in the darkness of space. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" Frankly, the idea made Wyatt's stomach drop to his toes.

Wilton had keen intelligence, but he rarely did well on written tests, hence the reason he failed to get into flight school in the first place. "You know I'll back you if you want to study something else."

Wilton hemmed a little. "Eh … I don't know."

Wyatt grasped at the first thing that popped into his head. "What about the corps of engineers? They've got a fantastic program."

Wilton snorted. "Duh. I don't test well, remember. You know how hard that exam is."

Solid point, but Wyatt had a trump card. "True. But your practical knowledge is off the charts. Half the test grade is applied knowledge."

Wilton didn't respond. Probably not because he didn't want to, but the easy road had already been laid out for him.

Wyatt tried one more option. "What about intelligence? The way you manage to keep details straight in your head and your skill with blending in would make you a good fit."

For someone who didn't manage to do well on exams, Wilton had an almost counterintuitive ability to forget nothing. For some reason, something got lost between his brain and filling in the answers on a test. Wyatt often envied the way Wilton adapted to situations and fit in easily. Every time they moved to a new base, Wilt made friends within the first few days.

Wilton sighed. "I'll keep those ideas in mind, Wy, but I gotta give flying a go. You know the old man won't accept anything else."

The door opened behind Wyatt and Esti entered their quarters. Maybe he could talk some sense into her before his old man dropped the bomb.

Wyatt closed his eyes. "Yeah, I know. Just consider everything, okay?" He ended the call and slipped his phone into his pocket.

Esti sank down on the sofa and Wyatt shook his head. How the hell did he approach this with her? She wouldn't appreciate him sticking his nose in but, dammit, his brother's life could be on the line.

Esti glanced up, her face unreadable.

"My dad pulled rank and wants Wilton in your class."

"Your dad stopped by and asked me to enroll Wilton in my class."

They spoke in unison.

His gaze met hers. Her mouth snapped shut and she folded her arms across her chest. Shit. He might be too late.

Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly. "What did you do?" Too much to hope she told his dad to take a flying leap off a cliff.

She lifted her chin. "I said yes."

Well, fuck.

I love writing the family dynamics in this one. I'm hoping no one comes off as a bad guy and I think I'm getting the vibe I want on the page.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Off the Hook

February 11, 2018

Greetings! Ohio has crazy weather patterns rolling through the state again. I'm at the point with winter where I'd be happy if it made up its mind and either stayed cold or got warmer. The back forth is hell on my sinuses.

Great week in television. The Flash had a good episode and I'm interested to see where things go now. In all honesty, the slow reveal of evil plans is getting to the point of annoyance. Get on with it already.

Black Lightning, on the other hand, is staying on form. I like the world building of this show. Keep on keeping on.

Riverdale is going down another dark road and I like it. I have to watch this week's episode but I caught up on last week and Archie continues to fail in spectacular fashion. I love all the bad decisions he makes.

Arrow did not go where I thought it might and I'm happy about that. I'm thrilled with the left turn the plot made. It's always the quiet ones people need to watch out for.

I'm moving along on Chicago Fire and I've started season four. I'm slowly but surely getting caught up to the current season. I love having the crossover episodes on the DVDs and following the storyline all the way through. Nicely done.

I'm caught up for the most part on Murdoch Mysteries. I loved the cooking competition episode. One of my favorite things about Murdoch is taking a modern trend and making it a trope in the show's setting. And it's always fun to have the spy versus spy episodes.

Need to catch up on Frankie Drake Mysteries and I might have time later today. Legends of Tomorrow returns this week and I'm excited to see what's next for the legends.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Off the Hook, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of writing a scene about a character's crash.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Esti Warf's relationship with Wyatt Corben is tested when she agrees to give his younger brother a chance to pass basic flight. Wyatt knows in his gut his brother doesn't have the chops, but he can't get Esti to budge on her decision, especially when his old man pressured her into accepting Wilton as a cadet. Both are on the hook, trying to keep peace in the family and still maintain their bond as a couple.

And a sneaky peek…

Esti glanced up when knocking drew her attention from the entrance exams. Wharton Corben stood, one shoulder propped on the door jamb. Esti placed the tests aside and waited for her superior officer to state his reason for being there.

Wharton entered and closed the door behind him. "Lieutenant, how's my boy treating you?" He took a chair across from her and settled into it.

The closed door clued Esti in about which son he wanted to discuss. Wilton. The youngest, the one who'd failed his entrance exam into flight school. Granted, he'd missed the mark by two points, but he hadn't passed and Wharton would have problems with the fact. Besides, the elder Corben had no reason to doubt his oldest son's treatment of Esti. They'd had dinner with Wharton last night.

Esti cut to the chase. "Since Wyatt and I saw you less than twelve hours ago, I'll assume the small talk is perfunctory. You're here to discuss Wilton's test, aren't you?" Thankfully, she didn't bear the responsibility of giving him the failing grade.

Wharton nodded. "I've always appreciated your ability to cut through the niceties and get to the point." He leaned forward, resting his forearms on her desk. "I want you to accept Wilton in your basic flight class." He met and held her gaze.

Esti blew out a slow breath. "Permission to speak freely, sir?" She settled back, feigning a relaxed stance she didn't feel.

Wharton waved his hand. "As if it's necessary to ask. Granted, Lieutenant." He didn't give an inch, electing to stay leaned in close.

More or less directly in her face.

Esti shook her head. "I don't think you've thought this through. Putting Wilton in my class is going to set the scuttlebutt off the chart." Not to mention put her in the universe's most awkward position. "It's one thing to pull strings to get your son into basic flight after he missed the mark on the entrance exam; it quite another to drop said son into the class of your other son's significant other." She hesitated a moment. "You're setting both of us up to fail." Maybe a little harsh, but she'd be on the hook for Wilton's advancement.

Wharton narrowed his eyes. "You're suggesting I don't know what's best for Wilton?" Phrased as a question, his meaning still came through.

Put Wilton in her class. If she didn't, there would be repercussions. When it came to his younger son's flying or not, her relationship with Wyatt wouldn't protect her.

Esti shook her head. "I wouldn't presume to do so and you know it. But you're putting my career on the line, not to mention Wilton's and yours. You'd better be damned sure of this request, because you're not giving me room to say no." He wouldn't appreciate her harsh tone, but he'd given her leeway to speak plainly.

Wharton relaxed his stance. "I'm confident you'll give him a fair shot and that's all I care about. From experience, we both understand the entrance exam isn't foolproof. Sometimes it weeds out good candidates." He settled back in the seat. "Wilton doesn't test well. He never has. I want him with someone who believes everyone deserves a shot. I want him with you." Their conversation over dinner last night took on a whole new significance.

The crafty bastard well and truly set her up and nailed her to the wall.

Esti inclined her chin. "So be it, then. I'll add him to the class roster and issue an acceptance letter this afternoon." She reached for her stack of tests, ones where a command officer wouldn't be able to pull strings if the cadet didn't make the mark.

Yes, the gesture basically dismissed the superior officer. Yes, it probably pissed Wharton off. Esti didn't care at the moment. She had a job to do and Captain Corben's interference just made it one hell of a lot harder.

The scrape of the chair legs on the floor didn't pull her from her task. Wharton walked to the door and opened it. She breathed a little easier. She could vent some serious frustration when he left.

"Esti."

Of course he'd go personal before he made his exit.

She glanced up, tapping her pen on the page in front of her.

"Thank you."

She held his gaze. "Don't thank me, sir. As you know, there're no guarantees he'll pass."

He gave her a brusque nod and left her office, his footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Esti growled and flung her pen across the room. "Dammit."

The next six weeks are going to suck.

Esti is not going to have fun with her new class. The men in her life are going to complicate things on a grand scale.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Off the Hook

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. Happy chocolate overload day to those who don't.

So… finale for The Walking Dead last week? AWESOME! My middle kid and I stayed up spinning random theories for a good, long time after the episode ended.

The Flash and Arrow have my brain working overtime, too. I've missed television that makes me stay engaged after the show ends. Keep finding myself getting snared with 'Oh! How cool would it be if [insert random plot bomb here] happens. I can sort of say the same about Agents of SHIELD, but not to the same extent. I did kind of love how the last episode ended though.

Bitten only has one episode left and I can't wait to watch!! Really loving the second season and looking forward to watching on Syfy in a few weeks. So surprised and kind of thrilled to see a character pop back up. The guy is sooo good and I enjoy his work.

And last but not least regarding TV, The Last Ship has it's summer air date. June is looking up. :D

Tonight's post is from Off the Hook, a novella where my couple gets stuck in the middle of family drama.

Here's the tagline:

Esti Warf's relationship with Wyatt Corben is tested when she agrees to give his younger brother a chance to pass basic flight. Wyatt knows in his gut his brother doesn't have the chops, but he can't get Esti to budge on her decision, especially when his old man pressured her into accepting Wilton as a cadet. Both are on the hook, trying to keep peace in the family and still maintain their bond as a couple.

And a sneaky peek…

Wyatt spun around and pinned her with his gaze. "Are you completely insane? Why would you accept Wilton into your class?" He glanced away, pacing back and forth. "If nothing else, it's a conflict of interest. Everyone knows we're together." He stopped and braced for impact.

Esti hit him with both barrels. "Right. And because I suck your dick, I can't possibly keep my professional judgment intact." She whirled around and started for the door.

Damn the man for pissing her off enough to be rude and crude.

Wyatt grabbed her arm, halting her progress. "Dammit, Esti, you know that's not what I mean. You're professionalism isn't in question." His fingers trailed down her arm, lacing with hers. "Everyone else's is."

Wyatt had a point. Tongues would wag because Wilton Corben didn't score high enough on the admission exam for acceptance into the flight program. Instead, he had someone pull strings and call in favors. And Esti couldn't say no…

She sagged against him. "But that's not really the problem, is it?" Mixing personal and professional topped the list, but not because she and Wyatt had sex on a regular basis. "Your dad's expectations are." Esti admired and respected Wharton Corben, but she didn't much like him at the moment.

With their fingers still entwined, Wyatt wrapped his arms around her. "He's putting you in an untenable position, Es. All because his ego demands Wilton become a pilot. And—" Wyatt broke off, not finishing the statement.

Esti supplied the rest. "You don't think he's got what it takes." She eased away. "I get that, Wyatt, but I have to give him a chance. I do the same for every cadet who walks into my class." She turned, facing Wyatt. "How he got in doesn't matter. And far be it from me to play the bitch card, but like your dad, you're having a hell of a time keeping your personal drama out of the equation." Her hand cupped his face. "Give Wilton a chance and let me do my job, okay?"

Wyatt frowned. "Don't have much choice, do I?" He pressed a kiss to her palm. "But I am sorry for being such an ass hat." Drawing her close again, his forehead met hers. "You're not gonna have an easy go of it. I won't add any more bullshit to the pile."

Esti chuckled. "Much appreciated. I wouldn't want to find a new place to sleep." She nudged Wyatt backwards, toward their room. "We're not going to let this whole deal keep us from our favorite form of relaxation, right?"

Wyatt grinned, his worry erased for the moment. "If that's a hint you'd like to have your wicked way with me, then hell no, I'm all for forgetting about the old man and my brother for a while." He swept his arm under her legs and deposited her on the bed.

Esti smiled, big and wide. "I definitely want to have my very wicked way with you." Her finger hooked over the waistband of his pants, tugging him forward. "Then you can have yours with me."

I'm looking forward to how this story plays out. The challenge is to keep the conflict going but still have them function as a couple. I enjoy that kind of story.

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

ML Skye