Sunday Snippet: Cupid's Folly

February has been the oddest month. Between weird weather and random catastrophes, it's been a doozy. I'm kind of happy to be welcoming March in this week.

Finished up a work project and made really great progress on one of the others. I'm blessed with authors who turn revisions around in record time. It's very helpful and keeps their work fresh in my mind.

I also made some progress on my new venture. Only a tiny amount, but it makes me happy to chip away at my to-do list. Brings me a wee bit closer to be able to launch.

Didn't get a lot of television watched, but I did finish up Strangest Things. I have so much fun listening to the experts discuss the weird and wonderful artifacts.

I also continued my Battlestar Galactica rewatch. This week's episode was one of my favorites, "Bastille Day." Some truly excellent parallels about picking a side and being true to a set of core beliefs.

I also started season two of The Mandalorian. I hoped to finish up Ms. Marvel before starting another Star Wars show, but I want to be up to date for season three.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Cupid's Folly, a novella that charts the somewhat fraught course my main characters take to their happy ending.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jinx Jersey just signed on as the XO of the Cupid's Folly, captained by Alrick Cates and he's given her fair warning she picked the worst time to start her new post and develop an attraction for him. The pleasure ship is booked solid for the couples' cruise and they don't have time for romance.

And a sneaky peek…

Jinx tamped down her nervous excitement and entered the captain's office. "Jinx Jersey, reporting for duty." She set the temporary transfer papers on his desk.

She kept her gaze on him, resisting the urge to let it dart everywhere. She loved getting familiar with new ships. And she had a new one she could check off her list—a great big civilian cruise liner.

Basking in the happy vibe, it took her a full minute to realize the captain, Alrick Cates had yet to greet or even acknowledge her presence. He sat behind his desk, a less-than-thrilled look on his face, and studied her. His brows furrowed and his mouth set in a deep, angry slash.

He tossed a hand up. "Unbelievable. I can't believe they sent someone like you." He rose and came around the desk, propping his butt on the edge. "This is the worst time to sign on. The couples' cruises get crazy and I don't have time to babysit someone who's too pretty for the work."

What should've sounded like a backhanded compliment instead sounded like Alrick Cates giving her shit. All before he'd even introduced himself. What a guy.

Not one to back down in the face of asinine rudeness, Jinx narrowed her gaze. "Excuse me?" How did they get off on the wrong foot when she'd only been aboard the ship for ten minutes?

Shaking his head, Alrick did a slow circle around her. "You're going to get hit on nonstop." He paused in front of her. "That magnificent rack of yours will act like a honey trap and, no doubt, have men frothing at the mouth." He made a disgusted sound.

Jinx ignored the blatant baiting. "It's a couples' cruise. My name is not included on the passenger manifest." Her job didn't include getting down and dirty with paying cruisers.

Alrick grunted and lifted his chin. "Right. The point is to become a couple while on the trip. Most of the passengers don't care if they hook up with other cruisers or crew." He sent her a withering look. "As long as they hook up."

Okay, fine. She didn't have experience with the horny crowds, but getting a solid gander at Alrick's physique had her wondering what had his shorts in a twist. Unless he thought she'd cramp his style.

Jinx rolled her eyes. "You can't tell me you don't receive a lot of attention. I mean look at you..." She let her gaze travel from his boots to his still-unhappy, but extremely handsome, face.

Broad shoulders, chiseled cheekbones, muscles in all the right places. Yep. He'd draw a good deal of attention. Until he opened his mouth.

He frowned. "I'm very good at putting women off." He waved a hand.

Jinx gave him a bland look. No doubt he is.

She tilted her head. "You're very cranky for a guy who hasn't hit thirty." She folded her arms over her chest. "Look, my record speaks for itself. I can handle—"

Alrick gave a rude snort. "Your record is notated by horny old men who can't see past your tits and teeth." He shook his head. "I can't believe they assigned you—"

Jinx didn't let him finish. She drew her arm back and let her fist fly. First impressions be damned.

I love this couple so much. Jinx won't take any of Alrick's crap and he's due for an education on how not to piss off his new XO.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Crash and Burn

Had a weird week. The weather is still doing the yucky back and forth stuff, which makes me unhappy. My sinuses go insane when the temperature rises and falls and won't make up its mind.

Still super busy with work projects. I think I'm slowing down productivity-wise and that's disappointing, but I also tend to not work on three projects at the same time.

Not a bad week for television but I didn't get a lot watched. I did finish up the Silent Witness episode I started last week. Nikki ends up in trouble on a frequent basis and I like that she's always willing to put herself out there to solve a mystery.

I started a new season of Strangest Things and should have it finished up later this week. I kind of love digging into weird things from history and watching the group of commenters explain what they think things are.

I also caught another episode of Battlestar Galactica. "Water" is a terrific episode that lays the groundwork for a lot of what follows in the rest of the season. Frankly, the first season of Battlestar is as close to perfect as anything I've seen. There's not a wasted episode in the batch of thirteen. There are stronger episodes, obviously, but every installment has important information and terrific character moments. I'm so excited to watch another episode this week!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Crash and Burn, a novella that puts a sibling rivalry as a conflict and hurdle for a happy ending.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Pepper Strand met the wrong brother first and when her personal feelings get in the way, she takes the easy way out. When it leads to the death of Bax's sibling, she drowns her guilt with alcohol and Bax decides to make her crawl out of the bottle and into his arms.

And a sneaky peek…

Pepper didn't want to talk. She wanted Bax in her bed, preferably naked.

She blinked and swayed a little. "I want you." Her mouth ghosted kisses along his jawline.

A rumbled huff escaped his lips. "I can tell." He gently guided her backward until her legs hit the edge of the bed. "And I'd love to be with you…" His mouth finally caught hers in a lingering kiss. "But let's slow this down a little."

He started undressing her, but in a clinical way. Jerky movements, barely any touching, and zero eye contact. At least it seemed that way to her inebriated brain. And, dammit, she wanted the steamy movie playing in her head.

Pepper grumbled. "Don't wanna slow down." She made a bold move and cupped his groin when he stood up from helping her get her legs out of her pants. "You don't wanna either." His dick, hard and ready, couldn't lie.

Bax grasped her hand and brought it up to his chest. "You're right. I'd love to continue." He pressed a kiss against her fingers. "But I want you to be fully present and participating completely when we're together." He eased away from her and reached out to turn the bed cover down.

When. He said when we're together.

He drew her forward. "Let's get you to bed, okay?" He patted the mattress.

Pepper didn't argue, she put a knee on the surface but paused. She didn't want to be alone. Not when her emotions were raw and jumbled.

Angling her head around, she met his gaze. "Join me?" She tried to make it clear it wouldn't be for sex.

He studied her for a long moment, tilting his head to one side, then glanced at the door.

She added a quiet plea. "Please." Tears prickled behind her eyelids, but she wouldn't cry.

She wouldn't.

He gave a nod. "Yeah, okay. I'll stick around." He shucked his pants.

She crawled onto the bed and slid between the sheets. Bax settled in beside her, staying on top of the cover. She didn't care. She curled up to him, putting her head on his chest, content to listen to his heartbeat until she drifted off.

I could get used to this…

I'm excited to finish this one. Pepper and Bax don't take a traditional route to become a couple and that's so much fun to write.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Covert Hearts

Whew. What a long week. I've got three work projects going and some movement on my possible new venture. And crazy weather that keeps hopping back and forth from super cold to very mild. I'm not a fan.

Had a somewhat decent week of television. I'm not back to my normal schedule because my work projects need solid focus. But … I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things.

I finished up the Midsomer Murders I started last week and really enjoyed the episode. I have a lot of love for Barnaby and Winters.

I caught an episode of Peak Practice. I'm in season nine and what I consider the home stretch since there are three seasons left after this one. Not a bad episode but I do miss some of the recurring characters from earlier seasons.

Continued my Battlestar Galactica rewatch with my friend. Season one starts with what I consider to be one of the absolute best hours of scripted television ever. "33" is in my top ten episodes of Battlestar and probably in my top ten episodes of television. Edge of your seat viewing for the entire episode. Terrific stuff.

Watched an episode of Classic Who and finished out the arc. I have ten episodes left to finish out the full run of classic episodes. I think I'll be starting a Death in Paradise run after I conclude with Classic Who.

Started the first of the final two episodes in season twenty of Silent Witness. I'm looking forward to finishing it up and seeing where things go.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Covert Hearts, a novella that puts an established couple in a terrible spot.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An impossible task. A couple sworn to carry it out or die trying. One big test of the depth of their courage and love.

And a sneaky peek…

Emma arrived at the scheduled time. She ran a hand over her sleek ponytail, checking to make sure the simple style stayed in place, and then knocked on the door.

"Enter." The chancellor's voice, even when muted by solid wood, held authority.

Emma entered briskly and stumbled to a stop, catching sight of Rick seated at the conference table enjoying breakfast with her boss.

The chancellor rose. "Ms. Wells, prompt as usual." He nodded toward the empty seat at the table. "Join us, please."

Emma made her way toward the men, wondering what the hell, but hoped she might finally get some answers. "Thank you, Chancellor." Her lips turned up when he pulled out the chair, waiting until she'd settled on the seat before gently pushing it back in.

Rick the Asshat hadn't bothered with the customary gesture of rising when someone new joined the meal in progress. Instead, he lifted a brow and smirked. Emma bit back a nasty retort and smiled sweetly in his direction.

The chancellor didn't waste time. He poured her a cup of coffee and got down to business. "Emma, you've been with me how long?"

She didn't hesitate. "Five months, sir." And she'd enjoyed the time.

McBride repeated her words. "Five months." He nodded. "And you've met Mr. Mannix how many times?" He steepled his fingers.

She answered honestly. "Several. We bumped into each other at a gala fete we each attended. Not long after that in your office. And last night. In my apartment." The thought still pissed her off.

McBride inclined his chin. "Ah, yes. That particular meeting has caused quite a conundrum for me." He met her gaze. "It shouldn't have happened, and I'm afraid I have to take action." He casually picked up his mug of coffee.

Take action?

Her eyes narrowed. "Disciplinary action? With all due respect, what for? It's not like I invited him over for drinks." Although he'd certainly helped himself. "Frankly, sir, he's lucky I didn't shoot first and ask questions later."

The chancellor shot Mannix a sideways glance. "I'm aware Mr. Mannix dropped by uninvited, Emma. I'd like you to tell me why." He snapped his attention back to her.

Shit. Truth time.

She rolled a shoulder. "Something's off, sir. I don't trust him, and my job is to make sure your bases are covered. To that end, I've had him under surveillance for the past few days." On her own time and off the books.

McBride pounced. "I don't recall giving you an order to keep tabs on Mr. Mannix."

She glanced away. "You didn't, sir." Her voice lowered. "I'm sor—"

Mannix interjected, "For gods' sake, Dad, let her off the hook."

The rest of her apology squeaked out. "ry, sir." Her head jerked upward. "Wait. Did you just say, Dad?" Her gaze met the chancellor's sheepish one.

He heaved a sigh. "Ah, Rick. You had to jump the gun, didn't you?" Rising, he moved to stand by his desk. "Emma, effective as of ten seconds ago, your security clearance has been raised to A1." He opened a folder and turned it toward her.

She blinked. "A1?" She didn't know such a level even existed. "What the hell is going on here? And exactly how much trouble am I in?" She barely waited a beat before adding, "Sir."

Rick finally rose from his spot. "You're not in trouble. You've been promoted to the inner circle, Ms. Wells." He held out his hand. "Agent Rick McBride. Deep cover ops."

Emma automatically shook the extended hand. "Well, shit. That explains a lot." Her face flushed with heat. "Um, sorry. Need a minute to digest everything."

The chancellor had kindly given her exactly sixty seconds to wrap her head around the buttload of information before handing her a pen and launching into a full scale debrief on what his son did and her new job duties.

Emma hadn't looked back since.

Al did indeed mean the inner circle, with less than five people having that level of clearance. Working closely with highly classified information and witnessing the intense drain on the chancellor's time and energy changed her. She made a conscious effort to get through the red tape and nail down details before the chancellor had to get involved in anything. After her promotion, she got involved on a personal level with the younger McBride and had zero regrets.

The object of her thoughts entered his dad's suite and crossed the floor. She pressed the link on the communication unit to buzz for the chancellor. He'd been expecting his son for an important debrief.

Rick nuzzled her neck, wrapping her in his embrace. "Not much longer until our handfasting." His lips brushed her temple.

She didn't get a chance to reply. The chancellor entered and they got down to business.

The elder McBride gave Emma a nod. "Your report on the summit location needing more security is spot on. I'm glad I can rely on your strategies—your gut instinct rarely leads me wrong."

Rick gave her a quick smile then updated them with the scuttlebutt he'd overheard in the elevator.

The elder McBride frowned. "You have a go to be more intrusive."

Rick leaned forward. "I have to deliver lunch to Hix's suite today."

McBride nodded. "Go early and use an amplifier to catch anything you can."

Emma made a note and signed a requisition. Things were getting hot and her gut didn't like where that heat might lead.

I love to write a couple that has a solid foundation then shake things up to see how sturdy it is.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Come Here Often

Well, February has so far been a crazy mix of freezing, in the teens temperatures and mild almost spring-like weather. Mother Nature is in a mercurial mood right now and it's wild trying to figure out how to dress for the day. I miss being able to get my winter stuff out and not having to bother with warm-weather clothes for a couple of months.

Had a busy week with work projects and have a couple more lined up in the near future. I'm kind of happy they're all different types of manuscripts and none are in the same stage of editing.

Had a slow week of television. I'm still working to get everything from the old PC to the new one and ran into another snag with trying to set up my email accounts. Spent a large portion of the week trying to figure that out and get it working. Bleh.

I did catch the pilot episode of Pennyworth and really enjoyed it. I've heard great things and now that I know season three is the end, I'm going to attempt to watch before it disappears too.

I also watched the second part of the Battlestar Galactica miniseries with one of my friends. I'm so excited to have this rewatch party to look forward to each week. We'll be trying two episodes a week starting with season one.

Got a start on the latest season of Midsommer Murders. Barely got through the opening credits so I'll have to finish up this week.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Come Here Often, a novella that explores how a couple reconnects and moves forward after a troubled past of not being on the same page.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Neely survives a war but not without considerable emotional damage. When Ace offers her everything she's ever wanted, she turns him down, believing they can't pick up where they left off. Ace aims to prove they don't have to.

And a sneaky peek…

Ace had a reputation for digging in with his heels—and teeth—when a situation warranted the extra effort. Neely's freedom did.

Hence the heated discussion he found himself in with the base commander, Brett Jones.

Jones shook his head. "I'm telling you it's not going to happen." He folded his arms over his chest.

Ace laid his objection out. "Neely deserves her freedom. She's earned it." She'd gone through every test, every interview, every fucking thing the brass asked of her.

Then did everything all over again with the government delegates.

Brett sighed. "I don't disagree, but I'm also stuck. The peace accord is still new. Ink's not even dry on the page yet. I can't, in good faith, just let Neely wander around unsupervised."

Ace rolled his eyes. "Bullshit. You can do what you want." The guy had a set of iron-clad stones.

Jones lifted one shoulder. "To a degree, yes. But the delegates won't risk the hard-won peace by letting a former POW roam free to wreak havoc if the enemy decides to start up the fighting again." He made a disgusted sound.

Ace got his commander's dilemma, but he'd keep pushing. "Neely is slowly losing hope. She doesn't trust herself and half the battle of making sure she can't be used is making sure she's healthy on a mental level. Tell me you get that."

Brett jerked his head. "I do. And I agree with you, but I can't promise the delegates will."

This time, Ace folded his arms over his chest. "Who do I need to speak with to make this happen?" He'd go through all twenty-five if he had to.

Jones arched his brows. "You're serious?"

Ace gave a nod. "Completely." He only needed a name.

The base commander cocked his head. "Enough to guarantee you'll keep a constant eye on her?"

Ace schooled his features. "You want me to spy on her?"

The commander lifted his chin. "In a word? Yes."

Ace frowned. "She won't like that." He leaned forward. "Frankly, neither will I. It's a betrayal of trust." And he didn't want to jeopardize their current status by keeping things from her.

Brett rolled a shoulder. "It's that or she waits until the delegates, namely Rian Weylon, are certain she won't be used as a weapon."

Ace growled. "Shit. This sucks." He sighed. "Fine. I'll keep an eye on her and report regularly—but only to you." He'd figure out what to do about Weylon if necessary.

The base commander inclined his head. "Deal."

I like where this story is going. It's a bit of a departure from the norm for me and I'm pretty sure there's going to be a follow-up book once this one is finished.

 

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

 

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Come Back to Me

I had a jam-packed week of setting up a new PC and transferring files while trying to also stay on top of my work projects. In all honesty, I can't complain about the process. Of course, things went wrong because that's how it always goes. I didn't have the right cable to connect my monitor to the tower, but I found one in my stash of never-throw-away-this-type-of-thing pile of stuff I keep for that sole purpose. And once I figured out how to configure the network, transferring files has gone pretty smooth. I have a couple of final things to work out but I can take some time to do that stuff.

Didn't watch a lot of television because I needed to focus and my desk had several variations before I got the final layout figured out.

I did finish out season three of Batman: The Animated Series. I'm happy I got it done before the great wipeout from all existence. The episodes to complete the series were "Judgment Day," which I loved, "Beware the Creeper," which I also kind of enjoyed, and "Mad Love," which seems like a weird episode to end on because it's all about the Joker and Harley, but it's actually a terrific endcap for the series, because it's also about the role Batman plays in that relationship.

I also started a Battlestar Galactica rewatch with one of my best friends. We're doing weekly viewings and we've started with the miniseries. There were so many little things I'd forgotten and a lot of iconic stuff I definitely remembered. This show had such an impact on me and I'm kind of excited and terrified to travel on the journey again. LOL

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Come Back to Me, a novella that explores what happens after a couple reunites but a blast from the past returns to possibly wreak havoc.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tania and James love each other deeply but have a complicated relationship. When Tania has a chance to right a wrong, James has to trust she'll keep her promise to come back to him.

And a sneaky peek…

James didn't want the conversation to end and Tania didn't disappoint.

Tania tucked her feet under her thighs. "Denny couldn't adjust, knowing on a deep level I would always love you." She glanced away. "And I'm ashamed to admit it, but I catted around. Mainly because I couldn't settle. I was always restless because of my feelings for you." She sighed. "Denny deserved a chance for a normal life and now he won't get it. He probably never would have either because of me."

James cocked his head. "You don't think, given enough time, you'd have found a way to make it work?" Tania has an almost pathological will to never admit defeat.

Tania shook her head. "No, but I could have set him free … would have if he'd come back from the raid … but he didn't." Her voice went still and quiet.

James gave a grim nod. "I'm truly sorry."

Tania's palm curled into her fist. "And now, when I want to fix my mistakes and be with the man I want, it feels wrong. Why can't I ever get the timing right?" She smacked her thigh.

James jumped in. "We can't get it right. There're two of us, here."

Tania snorted. "Would you wanna be that guy? The one who jumps right back in?" She tsked. "Kind of seems like winning on a technicality, right?"

James shrugged. "Maybe, but it's not a competition." He paused. "Or is it? Am I competing with Denny's memory?"

Tania frowned. "No. And it sounds stupid when you put it that way."

James shook his head. "I don't mean to make the idea or you sound dumb. I guess I want to know what you want here. From me. For us." He cupped her shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

Tania moved closer. "I want us to be together but I don't want tongues wagging because we are."

James cocked his head. "Why does it matter?" Being grist for the rumor mill usually didn't bother her.

Tania huffed out a breath. "Because, for once, I give a shit about the fallout and what that does to you."

Touched she cared, he countered. "Look, we've wasted a lot of time. If we're ready and finally on the same page, can we walk away?" He couldn't.

Tania sighed. "No."

James clasped her hand. "Then we live our lives and be together. No fanfare. No grand announcements. Just you and me."

Tania squeezed his fingers. "You can't really think it'll be that simple."

James shrugged. "I don't care. People can talk all they want, but eventually they'll find something else to discuss." Took him a long time to figure that out.

Tania's eyes widened. "And you're okay with that?"

James tugged her closer. "I let outside influence drive us apart once before. I don't plan to let it happen again."

Tania gave him a happy smile. "Then let's start living now." She straddled his lap and leaned in close.

James did the one thing he'd wanted to do since she came back aboard the ship … he caught her lips with his and melted into the embrace.

I'm so happy with how this story is unfolding. Tania has some ghosts floating in her past and that means James is also haunted by them.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Cockpit

Had a fairly decent week with work projects coming together and the upper respiratory yuck staying solidly in the background. I continued improving and the cough is down to a manageable level with over-the-counter meds. Whew.

I'm almost finished with Batman: The Animated Series and then I'll get back to a wider variety of shows again. This week's episodes were "Love is a Croc," "The Ultimate Thrill," "Cult of the Cat," which I go back and forth on whether I like it or not. "Critters" is not one of my favorites. I do love "Animal Act" because Dick gets to revisit his circus family and it's followed by my favorite season three episode of "Old Wounds," which shows the messy breakup of Batman and Robin and how Batgirl played a role. I have a few issues with season three and one of them is the way Bruce / Batman became a complete hardass and, quite frankly, a giant dick a lot of the time.

"Legends of the Dark Knight" is fun because it's a complete departure from the norm and explores a couple of alternate versions of the dynamic duo.

Almost forgot about "Girls' Night Out," with Live Wire and Supergirl guest starring. That's a fun episode.

I finished up with "Chemistry," which is kind of a meh episode for me. I think I have three more episodes and I'll have the rewatch completed.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Cockpit, a novella that features a character at a crossroads when she runs into her past and it helps her decide her future.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lark Fisher pulls R&R and hits the most happening bar on Virgonon, the Cockpit. Imagine her utter stupefaction when she finds out its owner is not only an old friend, but the one who got away.

And a sneaky peek…

Lark soaked up the atmosphere of the bar but wondered what took Fox so long. She downed another shot. How long does a shower take on Virgonon?

An ugly thought hit her. "What if Fox has someone?" Shit.

She didn't stop to think he could be married, or living with someone. Dammit. She needed another drink.

She caught Charlie's attention and held up two fingers. He brought a couple of glasses and filled each. She picked one up and tossed it back, waiting for the burn to subside. She repeated the process, then met Charlie's amused gaze.

She shrugged. "What? I needed to drown out a horrible thought." She glanced over her shoulder then back to Charlie. "So … thirty minutes to shower?"

Charlie folded his arms over his chest. "No, he's not involved with anyone right now."

Lark frowned. "I asked about the shower. I didn't ask about a significant other."

Charlie rolled his eyes. "You didn't have to." He refilled her glass again. "His last girlfriend accepted a transfer to Cecil-778 six months ago."

Lark lifted her chin. "Ah. Is he nursing a broken heart?" None of her business, but her curiosity burned with questions.

Charlie snorted. "Not likely. But the boss can tell you himself." He glanced over her shoulder.

Lark spun around and sucked in a breath. Holy shit. Hair still wet from his shower, Fox took her breath away. Low-slung pants in a soft caramel shade hugged his thighs and fit like a glove. His brown T-shirt—a rich coffee color—accented his muscular arms and molded to his torso, hinting at the toned abdominals underneath. His bouts in the ring obviously kept him in good shape.

Mouth dry, she tapped the bar behind her and Charlie filled her glass, chuckling.

She shot him a sideways look. "Shut. Up." He laughed and made his way to the other end to fill a drink order.

Fox quirked an eyebrow but said nothing when he settled onto the stool next to hers.

Lark swallowed the liquid. "Your bartender is in the wrong business."

I like how this story is coming together. Lark is getting ready to face what her future could look like and Fox is going to cautiously help.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Clubbing on Space Station Delta

Ugh. What a week. I ended up succumbing to the upper respiratory yuck that started with my middle kiddo. I took him to the doctor on Monday and by late that evening, I already started feeling pretty ick. Slept most of the day on Tuesday—not kidding, about fifteen hours—and still felt terrible on Wednesday, with worsening symptoms, continuous cough, inability to breathe regularly, and basically everything hurt, up to and including my hair. Got in to see the doctor on Thursday afternoon, got tested for the flu, which came back negative, got something for the cough and came home. Finally got some additional sleep and started feeling slightly better by Friday evening. Continued to improve Saturday and finally think I've turned the corner. Going to take everything nice and slow through Tuesday and follow up with the doctor, but at least I can think clearly again. Definitely a wild ride for a few days.

Did not get a lot of television watched. Well, I did. But I don't remember a huge chunk of it. I did get some additional episodes of Batman: The Animated Series in before falling off the cliff of craziness.

Finished up "Joker's Millions," which I remember but forgot how much I actually enjoyed. Also caught "Growing Pains," "Mean Seasons," a truly excellent episode, "The Demon Within," "Over the Edge," and "Torch Song."

I hope I can still finish up the final season before HBOMax sucks the joy out of life by removing it from their service. Fingers crossed I don't end up with a new yuck thing to deal with.

That's more than anyone wanted to know about my life this week! Tonight's post is from Clubbing on Space Station Delta, a fun little space romp where perceptions are turned on their head and fun ensues.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Macie Gunn discovers a very different side to Nix Handleman, her commanding officer, when they get some downtime on Space Station Delta. Macie likes what she sees, but wonders if Nix will keep the stick out of his ass once they return back to duty. Nix loves taking Macie by surprise but doesn't quite trust her enough to take things further … after all, Macie never met a secret she didn't want to spill. Each has to show some trust in the other's ability to change and they only have a weekend to do it.

And a sneaky peek…

By the fifth song, Macie needed to quench her thirst, and maybe something else ... if she read Nix's body language correctly. And she rarely missed when it came to mutual attraction. She simulated downing a drink and sashayed to the bar.

Nix followed and dropped down on a stool beside her. "You've got some moves, Macie." He ordered a tonic water and juice.

She cracked a smile. "High praise coming from you. I'll take it." She downed the shot and ordered a glass of juice.

Nix's lips quirked. "Gotta replenish the system after all that gyrating."

She laughed a little. "That and I have the early shift on watch." She yawned. I gotta call it a night. I didn't have time catch any sleep before heading out." She slid off the barstool.

Nix got up also. "How about I walk with you to your quarters. The first night of leave usually brings out all the bad ideas." He fell into step beside her.

Macie squashed a thrill and couldn't resist a comeback. "One person's bad idea is another person's idea of fun." They crossed the entertainment hub lobby and headed for the turbolift.

She spoke too soon, because when they exited the lift, a group of crewmen were weaving and swaying and jostling each other. Nix grasped her arm and edged her close to the wall. The rowdy bunch took up most of the corridor and Nix draped an arm over her shoulder to shied her from the horseplay.

Macie welcomed his arm around her. "Thanks. Guess I didn't realize I landed on the party floor." She gave Nix the room number of her quarters.

He got them to the door and she pressed her keycard to the monitor. The door lock snicked and Macie turned, hoping to extend her time with Nix.

Leaning in, she lifted her chin. "Thanks for the escort." Her lips covered his.

Nix responded, deepening the kiss and slipping his tongue past her teeth. The embrace nearly melted her brain. Not only could the man dance, he had lip-locks down to an art form also.

Easing away, she invited him in, thinking the night would have a very satisfactory conclusion.

But he shook his head. "I gotta decline."

Stymied and frustrated, she blinked. "I thought you wanted me."

Nix put a hand on the wall beside her. "It's not about want, Mace…" He pressed the hard ridge of his cock against her. "The want isn't lacking. It's about trust. And we're not there yet."

She moaned, her eyes sliding shut. "I thought maybe the whole what happens in Loco stays in Loco…" She glanced down, eyeing the hard bulge. "Could apply to Delta, too."

Nix flashed a smile. "I'm not saying it can't. But your track record with discretion is pretty much nonexistent." An arched eyebrow dared her to deny his statement.

Macie groaned. Hoisted by my big, damn mouth.

She met his gaze. "So … you don't trust me?" She honestly couldn't blame him.

He leaned in and his mouth nuzzled her throat. "Mace, I want and need you." His lips brushed over hers. "But, no, the trust isn't there yet." He eased away from her.

Macie sighed. "What can I do to convince you?" Short of committing murder, she'd do just about anything.

Nix lifted his chin. "Meet me at Loco tomorrow night. We'll talk more."

Macie weighed trying to cajole him to come into her quarters against letting the tension build a little.

Nix decided for her.

He caught her lips in a kiss. "Good things come to those who wait, Mace." Backing away, he headed down the corridor.

She opened her door and shuffled inside, stripping off her skirt and shirt and falling into bed. Dejected and disappointed, she drifted off to sleep with plans to prove he could count on her to keep her mouth shut.

This story went in a direction I didn't think it would. Nix had a definitive idea of what he wanted and wouldn't let me deviate from his chosen route. I love it when that happens.

 

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

ML Skye