Sunday Snippet: Storm Down the Drain

Had a fun time at my high school reunion on Saturday … even though it was very hot and super humid. Got to see people I haven't seen in absolute ages. So nice to catch up with everyone.

Weather has been a little wild. Big temperature swings again. We've also had some rumbling thunderstorms with interesting lightning. We're supposed to have a very rainy week with more storms rolling through so that should be fun.

Had a busy work week with a few projects coming in for final touches and should be getting close to the finish line. Made more progress on the developmental edit I've been working on and might be close to finishing that one up also. Finished up a proofread and started a new copy edit. Not a bad week.

Made it through my usual slate of shows so had a good viewing week also. I even got to finish up one of my backburner shows. I'll be starting a new series this week and I'm looking forward to picking one out. I also did another Death in Paradise binge on Sunday.

Caught an episode of Marple and rather enjoyed the twists and turns. It was kind of fun to have the show set during the holiday season but not be overtly holidayish.

Finished up Ireland Coast and Country. Enjoyed the dip into some of the country's locations and remarkable scenery.

Started season four of Beyond Paradise. Fun episode setting up a big quandary for Humphrey. I'm kind of excited to see what hijinks Humph and Martha get into with renovating their new house. Very happy to be revisiting Shipton Abbot.

Caught another episode of Poirot and actually enjoyed seeing him in a very different setting. The mystery had some interesting twists and I liked that.

Elementary ended on a concerning note and I'm glad I can drop right into the next season without a long wait. Happy to have the Shinwell murder resolved, and I'm truly thrilled that Moriarty isn't the mystery woman, even though her identity makes me sad.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and enjoyed watching the team come together even when they were on the outs.

Finished up season four of Star Trek Lower Decks and, seriously, I'm going to miss this show so much. I loved everything about this finale … except one thing. Losing a team member sucked but at least there's a chance she'll return.

Also finished up an episode of Peak Practice. It ended up being a pretty good one but had a lot going on. So happy Tom finally owned his feelings!

That's the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Storm Down the Drain, a novella with a bit of suspense with the romance.

Here's the miniblurb:

On a dark and stormy night, Brooks Algonquin knocks on Velvet Strong's door and asks her to help him find the Burmesian Raven, an antiquity with magical qualities. Velvet takes his case, but quickly learns Brooks has ulterior motives for acquiring the artifact stolen from his family.

And a preview snippet…

Velvet's appearance bowled Brooks over when she entered the bistro.

Brooks bit back a groan of raw need. "She's absolutely perfect." And she dressed to draw attention.

Just shy of tartish without going over the top, her makeup showed a woman who didn't mind getting noticed. Nothing demure or sweet, but oh so elegant. She made a statement in the lilac dress that stopped just shy of her knees and the purple heels that made her hips sway when she walked. She'd piled half of her blonde tresses on top of her head, and his fingers itched to remove the pins and plunge through the silky strands. And the white stole and silver clutch added a bit of airy shine to the whole package. Yeah … she created a bombshell vision.

Velvet sauntered to the bar and ordered a drink. The bartender took his time backing up to get the ingredients. He placed the small tumbler on a napkin in front of Velvet.

Brooks placed a large bill on the counter. "The lady's drinks are on me." He enjoyed this role-playing thing.

Velvet gave him a sultry smile. "Why should I let you pick up my tab?" She added just a touch of huskiness to her tone.

Brooks held her gaze. "Because you're a beautiful slice of heaven I needed to see after a hellish day." He turned to face her at the bar.

Her mouth twisted in a coquettish curve, and she ducked her head a little. "In that case, happy to be of service." Her lips wrapped around the short straw and drew the amber liquid up through the opening. "And thank you."

Brooks reached forward, tracing a random pattern on the back of her hands. "Would you have dinner with me?" He nodded toward a smoky corner of the bistro.

Her eyes widened a little. He'd gone off script with the invitation to dine with him. But the moment called for something secluded where they could converse.

Velvet leaned in close, placing her palm on his thigh. "I think I'd like that very much." She slid off the barstool and snagged her drink.

Brooks led the way to a table for two tucked in a corner surrounded by leafy potted plants. He held her chair out until she got settled then found his own seat across from her. They didn't have a moment to converse before a server arrived.

Brooks ordered an intimate meal, which they made banal small talk over. By the time they finished, the trio of musicians had arrived and started their first set. Brooks asked if she'd like to dance.

Velvet gave a nod and he stood, holding his hand out. She clasped his fingers and smoothly followed him to the center of the small squared-off area close to the dais. She played her part as a woman on the brink of falling for him so well.

The night took on a magical quality. Brooks couldn't remember the last time he'd enjoyed himself as much. They might be creating a fiction where Velvet would become his mistress, but Brooks almost wished it were a fact. He could easily envision swaying with her on a nightly basis.

Her body molded to his as they traversed the floor to the beat of the music. Her alluring curves sent his imagination into overdrive. He could picture her naked, writhing underneath him while he drove into over and over. His cock throbbed and she noticed, giving her hips a twist against his groin.

Brooks put his mouth close to her ear. "Before things get out of hand, we should probably make our exit…" His hand moved lower on her back. "You're playing with fire, Ms. Strong."

He got a kick of gratification when she shuddered in his arms before they left the bistro.

I love writing with a flair of noir and this one is a lot of fun. Brooks and Velvet will definitely heat things up.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye