Sunday Snippet: Zinging Barbs (Sci-Fi)

Whew. It's been a week. I won't comment on the political spectrum at the moment but it's mentally draining to say the least. The good news is I got a couple of projects finished up and I'm taking that as a win because of the whole brain drain.

Our weather last week was very fall-like and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We're back to higher temperatures again but that's pretty typical. We definitely need some rain. I'd even take a nasty thunderstorm to get some at this point.

As mentioned, I finished up two projects and have a small break before the next one begins. I'm taking advantage to dive deeper into a couple of my manuscripts. It's fun to revisit what I've already completed.

Had a decent viewing week. Even if a little distracted. I made it through my usual stable of shows for the most part. Did not get to either backburner shows.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. One of my favorite episodes for Jack and Phryne chemistry. I also love how deep of a hole Hugh digs for himself.

Began a rewatch of a favorite comfort show with Foyle's War. It's been years since I've seen any of the episodes and I'm looking forward to diving back into this show.

Caught another Death in Paradise and I have to say I love Darlene so much. Her interactions with Patterson blew me away. The mystery ended up being pretty interesting also. Kind of a heartbreaking moment with Wilson but I think there's more to the story of his mom's death.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Fun to see the FBI show up to work with Japp and very fun to see Hastings think fast on his feet when creating a diversion for Poirot.

Elementary had a very interesting episode. I'm so intrigued by Moreland's journey this season. I haven't quite figured out if he's genuine or not and I kind of feel like he's not completely sure either, which I like. A lot.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I have vague memories of, mainly because it was a fun episode. Nice to see Howard back also.

Finished the first season finale of Lower Decks and after a rough start rather enjoyed the episode. And it left off with enough of a what just happened vibe that I'm interested in season two. My one hope is Mariner won't annoy me so much in season two. We'll see what happens.

Still hoping to get season two of Reacher underway this week. A lot will depend on what the work calendar ends up looking like. I have two client Zoom meetings and have no idea how long either will last.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zinging Barbs, a sexy short featuring characters from Poetry in Motion.

Here's the miniblurb:

Reagan Bruce won't slow down, not even when she's seven months pregnant, and Ian Flannigan decides to walk away from competing to keep Reagan healthy. The couple exchange some zinging barbs until they work out their issues.

And a sneaky peek…

Reagan didn't know what to expect after her admission, but it didn't take long for Ian to respond. He crushed his mouth over hers, his tongue slipping past her lips. Reagan melted into the kiss, laughing when the leather gloves tried to cup her face.

Ian growled and flicked his gaze to the side. His teeth caught the fastening and ripped them back on both gloves. Ian flung first one, then the other to the floor.

She loved it when he broke his rules—to always take care of his equipment—and went with his gut.

He scooped her up into his arms and started for the door.

She squirmed around. "Ian, wait. Put me down a moment." She couldn't get distracted yet.

He paused, setting her carefully on the floor. "Did I hurt you?" Concern clouded his gaze.

She smiled. "No, but I hurt you, and I'm sorry." She leaned in, wrapping her arms around him. "I'm not going anywhere, and I will behave—do what the doctor says and stick close to home." She grasped his biceps. "But you have to keep going. You've got a shot, and I don't want you to lose it." She'd never forgive herself if he did.

He folded his arms around her. "I love you, Reagan. We're going home." He shuffled them into a transport pod—another no-no—and had them standing in their living room within seconds.

She tilted her head back. "You know how much it turns me on when you break the rules." Because she inadvertently made him do so.

Ian flashed a grin. "I do, yes." He swatted her on the behind. "Let me grab a shower and I'll relieve that itch I know you're dying to scratch right now."

She shivered and palmed his erection threw his pants. "Make it a fast shower. I'll be waiting for you." She slipped her fingers under the straps of her sleeveless dress and stood nude before him.

Ian laid his palm on her belly. "Your mother's impatient, little one." He met Reagan's gaze. "Five minutes. Don't start without me." He headed for the bathroom.

Reagan smirked, cleared her throat loudly, and waited for Ian to take the hint.

He dropped his pants, and she relished the sight of her husband's naked ass strutting away from her.

Placing her hands on her stomach, she sighed. "He's right. I am impatient … but he's so worth the wait."

I love this couple and writing a bonus scene for them is so much fun.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zinging Barbs

I'm not quite sure where the month of September went but it's almost over. The weather in Ohio is currently fall-like. Not sure how long that will last. I could actually get behind having it stick around for a while.

Pretty decent week of viewing. I'm back on my usual schedule for the most part. I'll be starting a new show on one of my streamers, but I'm not sure if I'll stick with it or give up that slot for now.

Watched another episode of Ted Lasso. Gotta say, I definitely see the appeal and how so many people have utter undying love for the show. I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

Caught another episode of the Agatha Christie Hour. I loved the twists and turns in this one. Good intrigue without being a full-blown mystery.

Enjoyed the first part of Silent Witness. There's a good mysterious vibe in this two-parter and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out this week.

Started season twenty-six of Classic Who and loved seeing the colonel back again. I'm looking forward to the next episode.

Watched another Strangest Things episode and learned about desert glass. Well worth the view for that alone.

Caught an episode of The Book of Boba Fett. Geez, a lot happened and I'm still trying to process everything. Definitely need to catch up on season two of The Mandalorian to fill in the missing blanks. Looking forward to doing that.

Only Murders in the Building is such a terrific show. The pacing is excellent and the reveals are pretty much perfect. Hat tip to all involved in the writing and acting.

Enjoyed another episode of Blue Heelers and it actually ended up breaking my heart a little. One of the scenes hit a little too close for comfort involving a pet that had to be put to sleep.

Caught another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. She discussed finding an agent and what to pay attention to when dealing with contracts.

Watched another Umbrella Academy episode. I'm definitely getting hooked on this one. I love the characters and how they interact with each other and outsiders. Klaus is a wicked-fun gem. Also nice to see Luther before his transformation. Felt horrible for Diego and my heart really goes out to Vanya. Loved the scene with Allison, though. Great stuff.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. Two of my favorites were in this bunch. Anytime Angelica is foiled by Susie is worth the watch.

Also caught another episode of Batman: The Animated Series. This ended up being a good one. I like the episodes when there isn't a major villain from the rogue gallery for Batman to deal with.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zinging Barbs, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reagan Bruce won't slow down, not even when she's seven months pregnant and Ian Flannigan decides to walk away from competing to keep Reagan healthy. The couple exchanges some zinging barbs until they work out their issues.

And a sneaky peek…

Ian took his anger, worry, and frustration out on the punching bag, glad he had the gym to himself. "How do I get her to see reason?" He wouldn't do what she did to him—push every button he had until he finally pushed back.

He jabbed the bag. "She made me lose control and follow my instincts." And now he had a shot at being a champion racer for the Skye Dawgs.

Maybe he should take his concern to the Bruce. No. Reagan's dad ran the Dawgs but he'd never, ever been able to run her.

He added a kick to the heavy bag. "I don't want to risk losing her." The sked races were notoriously dangerous and Reagan wouldn't be confined to the spectator area.

Why the hell did he get tangled up with her?

Punch, punch, kick. "Because I love her, dammit." Even when she pissed him off so much he couldn't be near her.

The door to the training room creaked open but he didn't stop his workout. No doubt, Reagan had tracked him down.

She paused by the row of lockers. "Wish that was my face?" Her hand rubbed over her stomach.

He still didn't stop. "Nope." He wished he could explain how much he loved her and wanted her to listen to the doctor.

Reagan slowly walked around the perimeter of the gym, her other hand massaging the small of her back. "You know, I've always loved watching you spar."

He kept pounding the bag, unwilling to engage right now. He still had too much anger to work through.

Reagan didn't let his silence deter her. "The play of muscle, the sound of your gloves connecting with their object, the rhythm of your feet on the floor." She sighed. "Poetry in motion, Ian." She waited a beat. "And it makes me so damn hot for you I can't stand it." She stopped behind him.

He stopped, turned, and stared. Is she serious right now?

She shrugged. "I know, right? But I knew I was a goner when I first watched you in the ring with my dad." She moved closer. "And I'm still a goner now." She sent him a wry smile. "A crazy, hormonal, utterly in love with you goner."

This little peek into how Reagan and Ian deal with a disagreement is so much fun to write. The novella that gets them together begged for a bit of a follow-up.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zinging Barbs

July kind of flew by in a series of weird weather and crazy work schedules. I'm oddly okay with that. The weather is what it is… and will probably keep acting like an angry toddler. My work calendar is bursting at the seams and I'm excited about my new projects.

But… my television viewing is sporadic, which isn't a bad thing. I'm just so used to doing rundowns each week I feel like my blog is naked if I don't have a full slate. LOL

I did get a few shows watched. I started with Midsomer Murders and got a holiday episode. There's a new detective sergeant or maybe it's detective constable, but either way, I'll miss Jones. I loved that character. Which isn't to say the new guy won't grow on me. He's not bad. Good mystery also.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and it's rather different and I like it. I'm not sure how long the first season is, but the series is something like fourteen seasons and it's nice to have variety in format.

Caught two more episodes of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. I'm kind of excited to watch a live-action episode with Two. So far, it's been six animated episodes.

Finished the final episode of Blade. I have to admit to still being disappointed with the outcome on my rewatch. Sometimes I can have a change of heart when I've got a few years of distance when viewing a show's run.

Frankie Drake Mysteries had a great episode. I'm starting to like Grayson a little more and it'll be fun to see if Frankie's mom sticks around.

Watched the fifth episode of Daredevil and, eh, this is something of a slow-moving season. I do like where things are going and it's great to see Karen kind of have to face what she did in a previous season. That said, I'm enough of a Fisk non-fan to really not want to watch a bunch of scenes with him. And the FBI agent annoys the crap out of me. I actually think he's too smart to be playing things so stupidly. So, yeah, I hope the rest of the season evens out.

Started Riverdale's Bizarrodale episode and hope to finish it later today. This season has been dark and twisty and I like it.

New episodes of Killjoys have started and I'll be hopelessly behind on those, but I can't wait to watch this final season.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Zinging Barbs, a sexy short bonus scene featuring Reagan and Ian from Poetry in Motion.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reagan Bruce won't slow down, not even when she's seven months pregnant and Ian Flannigan decides to walk away from competing to keep Reagan healthy. The couple exchanges some zinging barbs until they work out their issues.

And a sneaky peek…

Reagan Bruce planted her hands on her hips, her pregnant belly on prominent display. "Where you go I go." Ian Flannigan would not leave her behind.

Ian gave her stomach a pointed look. "The wee one inside you disagrees." He met her gaze. "And so does our doctor." He always used inclusive words… like it meant he shared her burden-slash-blessing more than he actually did.

Or could.

As if.

Reagan brought her hands forward to palm her protruding stomach. "Yeah, well, my doctor doesn't always make the right call. I'm seven months pregnant. Of course I'm tired a lot." And, okay, her energy levels came in short bursts, but she got shit done when they came.

Ian blew out a harsh breath. "You're being stupid, Reagan. You make it sound like you have a choice when you don't." He threw his hands up. "And I'll be damned if I'm going to watch you push too hard and put yourself and our kid in danger."

Reagan refused to give in to the tears pricking behind her eyelids. Stupid hormones turned everything into emotional drama. The one thing she hated about being pregnant.

She could do crazy drama without hormones.

Ian broke into her internal monologue. "Look, Reagan. I'll make this simple. I love you and our kid more than I want to be a champion." He moved forward and cupped her face.

Reagan went from blubbery sad to red-hot pissed off in less than a millisecond. "Now who's being stupid, Ian?" She pushed him away. "You're at the top. You can't walk away now." Why the hell would he want to?

Oh, right. Her. And their unborn kid. Dammit.

Ian quirked a brow. "Oh, yeah? Watch me." He went to find his phone.

She had to stop him. If he called and canceled his next bout, he'd never forgive her. Hell, she wouldn't forgive herself.

She grabbed his arm. "If you quit now, we're done. I'll leave you." What? Sometimes she hated the way her brain worked.

Ian closed his eyes but not before she caught the flash of anger and rage in his gaze.

He yanked away from her. "No, you won't." He grabbed his phone and keys. "Because I am." Taking the five steps to the door, he slammed it shut behind him.

Reagan carefully walked to the sofa and sank down. "Stupid fucking hormones." But she couldn't blame everything on her body's chemistry.

Being told she couldn't do something never sat well with her. Yes, she balked at being left behind. Hated the horrible timing of everything. But she didn't want Ian to give up his chance to take the championship because her insecurities wouldn't take a back seat at the moment.

Closing her eyes, she massaged her stomach. "I really, really hope you're more like your dad, little person." An answering kick nudged against her fingers. "Yeah, yeah. I'll go find him." She got up and crossed the living room to retrieve her keycard and phone. "I have a feeling I know where he went."

I love writing small sexy peeks into what's going on after a couple has supposedly worked through their drama and settled into their happily ever after.

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

ML Skye