Sunday Snippet: Morning Sickness

Well, March definitely enters the year with a roar. We've had the crazy weather that hops back and forth between warm and cold along with snow showers, thunderstorms, and thirty-degree temperature changes in twenty-four hours. Weirdly, it's somehow fitting that March is my birth month. Volatile and a wee bit mercurial.

 

My focus is still all over the place, but I have multiple work projects, which helps when I need a change of scenery. It drives me batty when I read the same paragraph over and over because I keep getting distracted by everything. Being able to hop from one manuscript to another helps in a weird way.

 

Had a decent week of viewing. Still not quite getting a full slate in, but I'm happy with the shows I'm keeping up with. I'm having issues with one of the streamers on a device, but I got the show watched despite the tech glitches.

 

Started out with the finale of Agatha Raisin. I have a bonus behind-the-scenes episode to watch then it's on to a new show. I'll miss this one. I've had so much fun watching the characters interact and solve mysteries.

 

Caught another Silent Witness episode. So sorry about Jack's dad. And the whole deal with his mom is beyond sad. Very nice to see Nikki be there for him. I'm wondering about Simone at the moment and Sam is playing a very cagey game.

 

Enjoyed another Death in Paradise. I'd seen most of this one and enjoyed it the first time. I love Martha to bits and can't wait to finish Humphrey's run to start Beyond Paradise in the near future.

 

Watched another episode of Elementary. Interesting episode and I'm almost sorry the FBI lady will live to show up again in the future.

 

Caught an episode of The Batman. I had vague memories of watching this the first time but not everything. I'm still not sure how I feel about Batgirl. I think I end up liking her better once Robin enters the show.

 

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I didn't remember either of the vignettes, which I'm kind of happy about. The later seasons were kind of hit or miss for us when the kiddos were young.

 

Finished the second season of The Secret Life of Amy Benson and I'm really hoping we get a third. I'm invested in the characters and want to see what happens next.

 

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Morning Sickness, a novella that explores what happens when a couple isn't quite ready for parenthood.

 

Here's the miniblurb:

 

Dava Whales has all the classic signs of pregnancy, except she can't possibly be with child—she's a solider in the middle of a war and religiously takes her mandatory birth control shots. When Warren Carter suggests Dava get checked out, the pricklier than usual officer goes ballistic—especially since Warren is the other half of the parental equation.

 

And a sneaky peek…

 

Warren braced for anything when Dava waved a paper in front of him. "What are you giving me here?" He took the sheet but didn't look at it.

Her lips twisted. "Not a kid, so you can relax." She plopped down into a chair across from his desk and slumped against the backrest.

Warren didn't visibly react, but relief filled him … and maybe a twinge of disappointment. "Then what's going on with you?" A kick of worry crawled down his spine.

Did Dava have some kind of serious illness?

A vice tightened around his heart at the thought. He couldn't lose her … Wait, no, he couldn't lose his friend and pilot. They weren't anything more than that, with the exception of the benefits package they took advantage of.

Dava waved a hand toward the paper she'd handed him. "It's all right there on the page. I'm one of the lucky three percent of the entire population with a very specific reaction to the new birth control shots." Her shoulders slumped. "They make my body think it's pregnant … hence the morning sickness and crazy symptoms." She grimaced.

Warren finally glanced at the fitness report. "So, the mood swings, bouts of fatigue, and throwing up are because of the shots?" Damn, it sucked to be her right now.

Dava snorted. "Let's not forget the whole crazy impulse to jump you whenever you're within five feet of me. I mean—" She broke off, her eyes welling.

Warren put the report down, backed away from the desk, and rounded the edge to kneel in front of her. "Talk to me, Dava. Come on, let's work through this." He caught her hand in his and tugged her up and over to the small couch in the corner. "Tell me what's wrong." He got her settled then eased down beside her.

Tears spilled over lashes, and she shook her head. "Nothing. Everything. I have no idea." She rubbed at her cheeks.

Warren wrapped his arm around her, and she buried her face in his shoulder. He stroked his palm over her head, letting her cry because he could only imagine the emotional roller coaster she couldn't stop. Hell, his head spun, and he didn't have the excuse of pinging hormones.

When she finally exhausted the waterworks, her head lifted. "Geez, I'm such a mess." She dabbed at her eyes with her shirtsleeve.

Warren huffed out a laugh. "At least we know why." He hugged her close. "I'm sorry you're going through this. What can I do to help?"

She raised her chin and held his gaze. "Brace for impact. Because Kellerman said it'll be three months before they can get the old version of the shots." She patted her pocket. "I have meds to keep me from throwing up, but everything else…" She exhaled on a long sigh. "Is still going to be a problem." Her lips twisted in a wry smile.

Warren let out a low whistle. "So … the mood swings and fatigue…" Damn … for three months.

Dava gave a nod. "Yeah, they aren't going anywhere for a while." She flashed a smile. "On the flipside, neither is the impulse to get you naked so there's that." Her eyebrows waggled.

Warren's lips quirked. "I'll try very hard to be accommodating whenever the urge strikes." The least he could do.

Their life would be rather interesting over the next ninety days…

 

Warren is in for a bumpy ride, but Dava is worth the rollercoaster experience.

 

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

 

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Missing You

February kind of flew by, which isn't actually a big shock since it's a short month anyway. But, man, I kind of wish it went by a little slower. I'm always scrounging around for time and short months make me feel like there's less to be had.

Still had trouble focusing this week but I got a lot accomplished on my work projects despite my distraction. Luckily, I have more than one project going so I can hop around when I start to lose my concentration.

Had an okay week of viewing. I have to figure out what's going on with one of my streamers. That could take another week. But I did get through most of my usual shows.

Started with My Life Is Murder and actually got two episodes watched. I like the pickup with Alexa's brother again. I wondered if we'd see him this season. Also enjoyed both cases Alexa had to solve.

Watched the first part of Agatha Raisin. Poor James. I can't wait to find out who offed his bride. I love the interaction between all the characters, but I'm sad Roy isn't in this one. At least not yet.

Caught another episode of Silent Witness. Kind of enjoyed having another case mixed in with the ongoing saga of Sam Ryan. I'm really not sure what's going on with her and I'm not going to be super surprised if she ends up being in the clear. Also loved Nikki and Jack's date. Nice to get some backstory with Simone, too.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. I remember bits of this one and I'm glad I got to see the whole thing from start to finish. Not a bad opening for season six.

Watched another episode of Elementary. I liked seeing Sherlock realize he'd way overstepped with the NYPD. Also loved having the captain kind of take some of his dignity back.

Caught another episode of The Batman. I'm not as fond of this season and I remember feeling this way when I watched originally. The new format grew on me, and I'll settle back in and enjoy, but I really loved the first season of this show the most.

Enjoyed the penultimate episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. Everything is coming to a head, and I can't wait to see how this ends.

Also rewatched the Battlestar Galactica resistance webisodes. Groundbreaking at the time, there's a lot of story packed into ten mini-episodes. And twenty years later, I'm still stunned at how prescient the writers were for what's going on in the world today.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Missing You, a novella that brings a couple together after a lot of ups and downs.

Here's the miniblurb:

Clara Small, the best undercover operative in military intelligence, tends to burn bridges instead of building them. But when she destroys the one she needs the most, she has to find a way to make amends, which won't be easy because Wes Elliot rarely gives second chances.

And a sneaky peek…

Ah damn, I'm tired.

Too tired.

Clara tossed over from her stomach to her side. She and Xen met up with a resistance group just outside of Delphinia and, luckily for them, got invited to crash for a while at their base of operations in the former hospital.

Basic needs … food, water, and, oh yeah … a shower, met, Clara just wanted to sleep and not wake up for a week.

Except she couldn't sleep.

Damn it all to hell.

She rolled to her back and stared at the ceiling.

Why wouldn't her brain shut the hell up? Not even a tri-net game with a hot guy—who cared if he looked an awful lot like Wes—or her usual chin-ups seemed to break through the tension.

Oooo-kay. Run it down then.

She jumped back here … Deimos … under need-to-know orders … for what? Some epic deep cover mission to infiltrate the enemy camp only to get her ass kicked by some raven-haired amazon before she'd barely even left her ship.  

Geez … she still had aches from that little set down.

But Clara had the last laugh. She walked away … Richter—1, Raven Bitch—0.

And Xen. Thank the universe for Xen. She hadn't expected an ally, but she got one. Thank the universe he hadn't been killed in action as reported. They needed everyone they could find on their side.

At least she hoped she had an ally. Xen had been hooked up with Sharee, a possible enemy agent or maybe just someone who played both sides to their own benefit. When the other woman ripped off Clara's ride, Sharee didn't leave Xen with much of a choice but to throw in with Clara.

Her gain. Sharee's loss.

So … why did she feel like shit?

Because I fucked everything up again. She didn't like how things were left with Wes. Which explained her edgy, jumbled-up feeling that wouldn't let her sleep.

Clara's in a deep, dark place, and when she finally realizes Wes is the light at the end of her tunnel, things get really interesting.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Midsummer Mayhem (Capital City Seasons)

It's been a rough week where my brain wants to do anything but focus on work. We also got eight inches of snow on Friday and the temps dropped way down again. My sinuses are not happy at the moment.

Not a bad week of viewing television. The whole distraction thing kind of kept me from getting a full slate watched. I did get through most of my normal shows.

I started out with My Life Is Murder. I kind of like the new assistant but I'm wondering what's going on the Maddie. I also love seeing actors from other shows pop up on this one. I didn't realize how much Australian and New Zealand shows I've been watching.

Caught another episode of Agatha Raisin and finished up the two-parter. Kind of wigged out that James is getting married to someone else. But I loved the interactions in this one.

Continued the eight-part, I think, Silent Witness. This season is very intriguing with a lot of twists and turns. I'm looking forward to seeing how everything plays out.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise and didn't remember seeing any of this one. Happy to have it in the watched pile.

Watched another episode of Elementary. The introduction of Moriarity is something I've looked forward to. Not sure how I feel about Joan lying to Sherlock, but I'll reserve judgment until I see how it rolls on screen.

Caught another episode of The Batman. Enjoyed seeing Scarface again. Also liked peeling back the layers of Hugo Strange. He's an intriguing character.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I don't remember either of them from the original run and liked both. Such a fun show.

Also watched another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. Very interesting twist with Maggie coming back. I can definitely see how the books this series is based on would captivate readers. I do think there's a little loss of translation from the page to screen, but I really love this series a lot.

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

Here's the miniblurb:

Chris Renfer, alpha team leader for the strategic tactical unit, falls for Melanie Pramble at first sight, but she's new to the city and wants to get her bearings. But when Renfer's team is stuck in a bad situation, Melanie is the go-to person for negotiation and Chris can only hope their beginning doesn't end before it makes headway.

And a sneaky peek…

Chris knocked on Jess and Murph's door two minutes before seven. "What the hell am I doing here?" He didn't really want to unload his personal issues on two of his closest friends.

Jess greeted Chris with a sheepish smile. "Come on in. Slight change in plan…" She led him into the entry space. "We're still having drinks, but we've got company." She nodded toward the living room.

Chris held up a hand. "Look, no problem. We can reschedule." He'd take the unexpected out and thank the universe.

Jess shook her head. "Uh-uh. Stick around." She led him into the living area.

Murph glanced away from his conversation and lifted his chin. "Chris. Glad you could make it." He thrust his palm forward.

Chris shook hands then got a glimpse of their additional guest. A gorgeous woman turned and flashed a very brief smile. Chris sucked in a harsh breath but recovered and grinned.

Ben made the introductions. "Chris, this is Melanie Pramble. She's hopefully going to be joining Margo and Graham as a new partner." He slid his gaze toward Melanie. "No pressure, of course."

New partner? As in she might be sticking around? Chris sincerely hoped so.

He automatically put his hand out. "That's great. Welcome to Capital City."

Melanie clasped his palm. "Oh, I'm not staying. Yet. I'm headed back to New Boniface first thing in the morning." Her voice betrayed her doubt about signing on with Ben's team.

Chris cocked his head. "Lovely area. I can understand your reluctance to leave." But he'd be the first to hope she decided to do so.

Jess stepped in. "Melanie missed her transport out of town so she's staying at one of Angus's apartments. We're waiting on the keys, which Angus is having sent over." She looped her hand around Chris's elbow. "Why don't we get you something to drink?" Guiding him toward the kitchen, she leaned in a little close. "Really sorry about this mix-up. Murph will take Melanie over to the apartment then you and I can talk." She headed to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of ale.

Chris took another look in the living room and decided his restless itch had met its match in Melanie Pramble.

He took the bottle from Jess and tugged her off to the side. "Yeah, about that? My deal earlier? Might not be as bad as I thought."

He glanced toward Melanie again. He couldn't seem to stop looking at her. Yep. Things definitely looked up.

Jess followed his gaze and shook her head. "Chris, my man, you better not mess this up for Murph. She hasn't said yes to the offer, yet." She frowned. "She's got some reservations."

Chris tsked. "Why not? Seems like she'd be a great fit." Not that he would know, considering he'd met her five minutes ago.

Jess lifted a shoulder. "Full disclosure? She's worried things will be awkward. She met Ben when we were split, and they almost hooked up." She met Chris's gaze. "So, don't scare her away. Murph really wants her to join the team."

Chris narrowed his eyes. "I don't care if they almost hooked up. Are you okay with him possibly working with her?"

Jess's lips quirked. "Honestly? I have no idea. But I'll use Ben and Jim as a guidepost. If they got past any weird vibes, I'm confident Melanie and I can do the same."

Chris flicked his gaze toward the living room again. "Here's hoping."

I have a lot of love for this story. Chris is one of my favorite characters from the first book.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Matchmaker's Men

Happy Valentine week to those who celebrate. I'll throw in Galentine, friends with benefits, and all things hearts and flowers, too. February is a short but sometimes brutal month. Celebrate whatever you can.

Very busy work week with some great projects. Ran into a few glitchy things in a manuscript and that slowed my flow down. I actually enjoy that sometimes. Makes me stop and think about the story and how to suggest better changes.

Semi-decent viewing week. Made it through my shortened list of shows but had no time for my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica.

Started off with the season three opener of My Life Is Murder. Still enjoying this show so much. I think three is the last season so I'm going to savor it.

Started a new two-part Agatha Raisin. Very much enjoyed the antics of Wilkes and I'm a little bummed that Bill and Toni aren't really connecting. Also kind of wish Roy had more to do.

Watched the season twenty-five opening episode of Silent Witness. Kind of cool to see Sam Ryan again. I think this season is focused around one main case and I'm kind of excited to see where it goes. Also kind of great to see Nikki and Jack maybe get their bookmark on the same page. We'll see how that goes.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Very interesting premise for this one. Enjoyed the unraveling of the case to find out who did it.

Enjoyed another episode of Elementary. I like Joan's resistance to staying with Sherlock but it would be more interesting if she actually said why she didn't want to stick around.

Watched another episode of The Batman. I'd forgotten about this one and kind of loved how Barbara figured out who Batman is then decided she had it all wrong. Fun episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. I have vague memories of the two vignettes and rather enjoyed both.

Got another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson in and pretty much loved it. The story is moving along and I'm excited to get more details to her past.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Matchmaker's Men, a sexy short that's somewhat Valentine's adjacent.

Here's the miniblurb:

Nova Anell and Matz Yarmacher belong together, but neither wants to be the first to admit it. But when their crew mates start working behind the scenes to put Nova and Matz together, they have no choice but to face what they feel and decide what to do next.

And a sneaky peek…

Matz only wanted to ask if she understood what he meant.

He almost swallowed his tongue instead.

Nova Anell stood in front of him completely naked. No way is that a mistake.

Of course, he'd seen her nude before. The military didn't designate between sexes. A soldier either got with the program or they got pushed out. But showering after a shift didn't have the charged atmosphere of truly seeing her and taking a good, long look.

She fit his ideal picture. She had a toned physique but also had soft curves that complimented the angular lines defined by the physical toll of their work. Not perfect because why would anyone want a cookie-cutter partner. He sure didn't. He wouldn't change one thing about her.

Am I dreaming? Did the air suddenly get sucked out of the room? The pressure in his head exploded outward, filling his entire being with a combination of lust and full-on admiration. How is this really happening? And how long had he actually wanted something more with Nova?

Long enough to avoid thinking about the idea lest the universe would implode. He wondered if the deck would drop out from under him if he moved … because his luck would run in that direction. But his feet itched to challenge reality even if he woke up from whatever strange dream he lived in right now.

Unable to resist testing the theory, he slowly headed in her direction. So far, so good. No faded imagery, no obnoxious alarm buzzing to wake him, and no mushroom cloud hovering in the background.

Stopping inches away from her, he held her eyes. "You're sure?"

He needed her to understand he couldn't go back. He wanted her to be okay with the change in dynamics. There would be a lot more than a shower happening from this point onward.

Matz lifted his chin. "Be really sure…"

I love this story. It's fun to write a group of friends and colleagues pushing two people who belong with each other together.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Manifest Legend

Well, the shortest month is off to a banger start. I had a full slate of projects and managed to get through two before their deadlines. The other two aren't due until midweek, and I have two more starting this week. I'm so excited to have a full calendar!

Had a semi-solid week of viewing. Made it most of the way through my current round of shows and I'm hoping to continue the same this week. We'll see if the workload allows for it.

Started off with a My Life Is Murder behind the scenes interview with Lucy Lawless. Ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Should be ready to start season three this week.

Finished up the two-part Agatha Raisin. Somewhat disappointed with how the storyline played out with James and Agatha. But also really enjoyed the mystery. I love the reveals from Sarah's past and Bill and Toni better stay together or I'm going to lose my mind.

Caught the second half of Silent Witness and I'm rather happy my fear did not come to light and the grad student didn't drug Nikki's drink. I also love that she basically said, yeah, no thanks to him. I would not mind if Nikki and Jack took their shot. We'll see how that goes.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. I really don't remember any of this one, so it was nice to have no expectations going in. Actually enjoyed the mystery unfold.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. Very fun watching Sherlock interact with Joan's family and the way her mom kind of planted the seed for Joan to stick around and work with Sherlock.

Caught another episode of The Batman. I remember watching this the first time around, but I guess I was thinking Batgirl didn't show up until season three. So wrong on that count.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. Again, these were two vignettes that I didn't remember, so it was nice to have new to me stuff to watch.

I'm enjoying the second season of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. Episode two had some good reveals and I'm kind of excited to see where things go in the next one.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. I'm really, really not interested in the whole Andrew and Kate saga. The ex-husband is a total dick and Andrew is a blockhead if he can't figure out Richard is behind everything. Will be skipping the next episode and moving on to Will's return.

Didn't have time for my Battlestar Galactica rewatch this week and I skipped VIP because I wanted to get Peak Practice in. I'll try to pick up with those if time allows.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Manifest Legend, a prequel setup for the Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island universe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Insula Ara is a mystical island offering sanctuary to those in need, but when she reveals herself for the first time, Cedric Edward Teasdale, former crewman of a privateer, almost blows his chance for refuge … and a reunion with his lost love.

And a sneaky peek…

A warm hand smoothed the side of Ceet's face, and he turned over in his sleep. "Dammit, Emaline, ye haunt me even in my dreams."

Feminine laughter filled his ears. "Well, Cedric, you deserve no less. Leavin' me the ye did. But I'm not ahauntin' you, ye daft man. I'm sitting right beside you." A sharp pinch on his bicep followed the statement.

Ceet bolted upright and scrambled to the edge of the bed. "Emaline? What? How?" He blinked and shook his head. "This can't be possible." Or could it…

He reached under the pillow and retrieved the compass. Did you bring my love back to me? The device grew warm under his palm.

Ceet threw the covers back and slid to the edge of the bed. "Emaline Gruder, I've missed ye, I have." His hands cupped her face. "And I love you." His vision grew misty, and his head dropped.

Emaline threw her arms around him. "And I you, Cedric." She eased back. "And if I understand how this is supposed to work, we'll have all the time we ever wanted to be together." She hugged him close again.

Ceet wrapped his arms around her. "Ah, Emaline. I surely hope so. I surely do." He shifted his position and patted the bed then tugged Emaline down beside him. "This island, Sanctuary is her name, is wonderous and full of marvels you've never imagined." His gaze went to the rafters of the room. "She can create buildings, like this here abode. And she made a barn and provided animals for my use." He met Emaline's gaze. "But you have to be certain about what you want, my love. Once yer committed, you can't leave. At least that's how it works for me." And he didn't regret his choice … except for the loneliness.

Which seemed to be resolved.

Emaline placed her head on Ceet's shoulder. "My darling, Cedric. Why would I want to leave? I've wanted to spend my life with you for as long as I can remember. When I got ill and you didn't return, my heart broke." Her voice grew thick and heavy. "And then I was somewhere in between. Dead but not. Wavering but tethered because I didn't get a farewell from you." She clasped his hand. "Now I'm here and we can have a life together…" Her head angled so she could meet his gaze. "But it's a little different for me. When someone else needs the island, I'll have to go away. But I'll always return to you. Always." She straightened and glanced around the room. "And to my new sanctuary … Insula Ara."

Ceet hauled her close. "Then it's time to start our life together…" His mouth claimed hers and everything in his world turned bright and brilliant.

This one is almost complete and I'm excited to get it out there and maybe spark some interest in the Insula Ara universe.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Make the Call

Geez. I can't believe January is almost over. It's been a month. Hell, it's been a year and we're only through the first month. Heh.

Had a crazy-busy work week and I'm so thrilled! Several new projects are in my calendar and I'm moving full steam ahead on my new venture. Truly hoping I'll have it ready to launch in the next few weeks.

Solid week of viewing. Didn't quite make it through my full list of shows, but the new work projects are taking priority and I'm totally okay with that.

Started with My Life Is Murder. So much fun to see Renee O'Connor acting with Lucy Lawless again. A great episode.

Enjoyed another Agatha Raisin episode. Nice to have James back even though I have a feeling he won't be a permanent fixture. The episode ended on a cliffhanger so I'm looking forward to picking back up this week.

Watched the first of a two-part Silent Witness. The tension building in this episode ended up being excellent. I'm a bit disappointed in Nikki's story thread. The student seriously screamed creepy stalker from the first moment he popped up on screen. I have a very sneaking suspicion he did something and if true, I really want a major repercussion. I'm also hoping like hell Jack's family isn't going to be smaller by the end of the next episode.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and had seen bits and pieces of this one. So glad I got to watch the whole thing. I like getting backstory for the island cast.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. Kind of loved Sherlock sort of being there for Watson at the end. The dynamic between the two characters is fun to watch. Getting a glimpse of Jane's backstory is also nice. Makes me wonder about the lawyer guy though. I'm not a fan of fast and loose storytelling.

Started season two of The Batman. I remember being so disappointed they changed the theme song. I do rather like the introduction of Batgirl.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. Loved this the first time it aired and thoroughly enjoyed again. So much fun.

Starting my viewing schedule over again. The Secret Life of Amy Benson, VIP, and Battlestar Galactica will hopefully get a watch this week. I also need to pick back up with Peak Practice in the near future.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Make the Call, a novella that puts a former couple back on track to a reunion.

Here's the miniblurb:

Gia Pimm has everything she wants, but a reminder from her mother—that Gia will always suffer when good things happen—makes her walk away from Nolan Curry. But when she needs antibiotics, she swallows her pride and makes a call to the man who has them—Nolan.

And a sneaky peek…

After finishing his call to the ship, Nolan turned at the sound of someone entering the yurt much sooner than expected. "That was a lot—" He broke off when the colony leader gave him a brief smile.

Lila lifted her chin. "Will I be seeing transfer paperwork for one of my best protégés?" She nodded toward the couch and followed Nolan over to sit.

Nolan winced. "Er, yes. And I should've talked with you before calling up top to get the process started." He shrugged and kept his mouth shut, unwilling to dig a deeper hole.

Lila sighed. "This isn't a complete surprise. Gia hasn't been happy down here, even if she's been an asset to the committee. Her experience on both sides of the fence gives her a unique perspective to work from." Leaning forward, Lila rested her elbows on her knees. "So, I have to ask if you're sure about letting her reenlist." She pinned him with her gaze.

Nolan didn't blink or waver. "I'm sure. Always have been. Gia's the one you should probably ask about being certain." His words lacked heat, but the undercurrent couldn't be missed.

Lila tilted her head, studying him a moment. "Do you know why she cut ties and ran?" She straightened and settled back against the cushions. "Have you ever wondered what she's afraid of?"

Nolan's head jerked back. "Gia?" He snorted. "Pretty sure she has no fear. Have you ever seen her in action?" Gia held her own better than most men.

Lila's lips curved. "I have, yes. But I'm not talking about being a soldier or even a leader down here. I'm referring to her past." She sobered. "I'm not breaking a confidence or anything. My question stems from watching her with you on the way here then observing her with Rand down here. Mr. Simpson is what I call a safe bet. He makes no demands on Gia, and he definitely doesn't challenge her status quo. Instead, he takes passive aggressive action by doing the exact opposite of what he should." Lila met Nolan's gaze. "That's why he's in medical. And it's why she's finally ready to face the truth. They're not meant to be together."

Nolan narrowed his eyes. "Then why?" He stopped and shook his head. "Actually, never mind. I think I get the point you're trying to make." Pausing a moment, he turned her words over before continuing. "To answer your original question, no. I can't say I've given thought to what she might be afraid of." But he would be now.

Lila nodded. "I kind of figured. That's why I wanted a few moments with you. I don't care about the proper protocols for Gia returning to the military. But I do care about her." She gave him a sheepish smile. "And you, too. The protection you provide by staying in orbit is paramount to our success with this project. I want you and Gia to be happy together."

Nolan lifted his chin. "I appreciate the insight you've given me. It's probably way past time for Gia and me to have a heart-to-heart conversation." He tamped down the embarrassment of not ever doing so before.

Lila arched her brows. "I assume you won't be dipping into the population for your endless supply of female companionship anymore?" Her lips twitched … just a little.

Nolan flushed hotly, but he refused to squirm under her scrutiny. What happened between consenting adults shouldn't concern Lila. And he made sure anyone who came to visit had a clear definition before they set foot on his ship.

He shrugged. "After Gia left, I swore off getting entangled with anyone else." He focused back on Lila. "With her coming back, my time will be spent working on our relationship."

Lila grinned and patted his hand. "I'm very happy to hear that."

I love writing couples who find their way back to each other. Nolan and Gia have a journey to take and they're finally heading in the right direction.

 

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

ML Skye

 

Sunday Snippet: Major Issues

Still bitterly cold in Ohio, but by midweek, we'll see high forties and low fifties and lots of rain. We're going to have a lot of sick people in the near future. The back-and-forth weather is horrible for keeping folks healthy.

Busy work week again, which I'm so thankful for. I'm also working on my new venture and should have news soon. I'm hoping by February.

Decent viewing week. I didn't quite make a full run-through of all my shows, but I got very close.

Started with My Life Is Murder again. Very interesting episode with some fun backstory. I love getting more information about the characters.

Watched a holiday episode of Agatha Raisin. This one kicked off season four and it ended up being a lot of fun. I loved the mix of characters.

Finally continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with the feature of Razor. We had to backtrack a little to pick up with this one. I'd forgotten how much I loved Lee in this special feature.

Caught an episode of Silent Witness, which finished up a two-parter. I feel for Jack, and I loved getting some more details about his family. I feel for what Ryan's been through, but I'm glad Jack is finished covering for his brother.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. This is another episode I didn't get to see, and I quite enjoyed following the clues. Looking forward to another episode

Enjoyed another episode of Elementary. Lots of twists and turns in this one. Also loved Joan trying to find Sherlock a sponsor and him not quite being able to just say he doesn't want her to leave at the end of her contract.

Caught the final episode of The Batman season one. Excellent finale with three of the big bads trying to unmask Batman. Also loved the introduction of Commissioner Gordon. Looking forward to starting season two.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. Both vignettes were ones I didn't remember so nice to have something new to me.

Started season two of The Secret Life of Amy Benson and rather liked the first episode. I'm a little curious how much book detail is being left out, but I don't think it takes away from what we're seeing.

Also started an episode of VIP but didn't get to finish it. I'm not even sure what's going on yet.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Major Issues, a novella that cements a couple's relationship by pitting them against an old foe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Ellis Wright, a damn good pilot who works hard at her job, runs into an old nemesis—Major Anton Bernhard—and he tries to put her on the defensive again. But Ellis isn't the same raw cadet from five years ago. This time around she'll bring in her backup—Trey Shuttleworth—if she can convince him the rumor about her affair with the major isn't true.

And a sneaky peek…

Trey Shuttleworth stood outside his dad's quarters ready to knock on the bulkhead. But his hand paused midway to the metal framing. The elder Shuttleworth had the handset to his ear and his head bent over a fitness report.

Trey lowered his arm and waited … interrupting Will Shuttleworth, commanding officer of the ship, never went well. Not even if Trey happened to be related to him.

"Yes, admiral. I've got the jacket right in front of me. Ellis Wright, ensign." He flipped through several pages. "Looks like she's more than qualified. Her scores are damn close to my son's."

Trey's eyes widened. "Shit. I'd like to meet this Ensign Wright." Especially if her stats almost matched his.

Because he worked his ass off to top the roster when he went through flight school. Anything less would've been untenable. When your dad sets the bar high, you learn to hit altitude at an early age.

That had been his reasoning. He wondered what Ellis Wright had to prove…

"She did what with whom?"

Trey risked a quick look inside his dad's quarters. His dad quickly flipped to the last page of the file and scanned the contents. Trey bit back a groan when Will frowned.

Not a good sign.

Will leaned back in his seat. "Is this information verified? With qualifications like hers, she wouldn't need to—" He broke off and listened for a moment. "Right. Okay. I appreciate the heads-up, admiral. I'll keep this in mind." Another pause then a quick nod. "Yes. Thank you." He ended the call and heaved a sigh.

Trey tried not to form any judgments about his dad's new pilot, not when he only had one side of the conversation. But the part he'd overheard sounded pretty damning. Whatever Ensign Wright did and who she did it with—and frankly, it wouldn't be much of stretch to guess—an admiral felt the need to warn her new commanding officer.

His dad pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head.

Trey took the opportunity to knock on the bulkhead. "Hey, Dad. Did I catch you at a bad time?" He took one step into the quarters.

Will glanced up with his eyebrows arched. "You're here early. You made good time." He closed the file and absently tapped it with his forefinger.

Trey tucked his cover under his arm and nodded. "I did, yeah. I can come back later if this is a bad time." He'd like to catch up with his old man, but only if he wouldn't be distracted.

Will lifted his chin. "Why don't I meet you in the mess? I've got a couple of things to check on then I'll be free to visit." He rubbed his palm over the file.

Trey put his cap back on. "Sure, Dad. You want the usual spicy noodles with stir-fried veg?"

Will's lips curved. "Sounds good. Thanks." He glanced down to the fitrep again.

Trey turned and headed for the hatch.

His dad picked up the handset but called out. "Hey…"

Trey angled his head around. "Yeah?"

Will gave him a tired smile. "It's good to see you, son. I won't be long."

Trey flashed a quick grin and exited quarters. His mouth twisted into a frown as soon as he cleared the threshold. He had a new mission as soon as he got back to his ship … track down whatever information he could get on Ensign Ellis Wright.

I like how this story is coming together. Trey is going to have a lot of fun trying to figure Ellis out.

 

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

ML Skye