Sunday Snippet: Muddy Up the Waters

It's a long weekend in the US for the Memorial Day holiday and also graduation weekend for our local high school. Seems like a great time to have lovely weather, right? It's Ohio so the answer would be probably not. It's cloudy with a chance of rain. But at least the temperature is in the high sixties instead of the low fifties, which is more like March instead of May.

I'm making headway on the multiple work projects. Two have shifted off my plate for the next step in the publishing process and the other six are coming along. I should have at least two more finished up this week. YAY!

Had a pretty solid week of viewing. I did make it through my regular slate of shows and got started on my two new ones. Or, one new one and one that always seems to simmer on the back burner.

Enjoyed another episode in my rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. The first couple of episodes do such a great job of setting up the dynamic between the characters and I thoroughly enjoy the actors so much.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and like how awkward things are between Selwyn and his daughter. I also kind of enjoy Katherine being in his face but I also think she kind of oversteps sometimes.

Caught another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. I often feel like the relationship between Poirot and Japp is shortchanged because we don't really see how that started, but the interactions are fun.

Enjoyed another Brokenwood Mysteries. Kind of weird but awesome the victim is someone we met in an earlier episode. And the mystery took some wild turns, which is always fun.

Watched another episode of Elementary and loved the interactions with Joan and Sherlock. The ice cream touch at the end is perfection.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I don't really remember much of but also one that I quite enjoyed. There's nothing like a storyline where a character is trapped in a computer and wants to escape to the real world. It's a weird trope that I love.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. The two vignettes are ones that were new to me, and I liked both. Weird bit with some out of order information as the Finsters were still calling their dog puppy instead of Pepper.

Watched another episode of Return to Paradise and I'm still enjoying this one. I'm very interested in seeing what happens with Mackenzie and her ex-fiancé. There's a lot of good potential to be very messy with this situation.

I got started on a new episode of Peak Practice but didn't make it all the way through. I'll try to finish it up this week.

Also started a new episode of Reacher, but paused because I need to pay attention and couldn't focus like I wanted to. I'll definitely finish this one up this week.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Muddy Up the Waters, a novella that reunites a couple after three years to see if they can work out their issues.

Here's the miniblurb:

Fiona and Warrick can't quite get their timing together long enough to be on the same page when it comes to making a commitment. Instead they expend their energy on playing a game of who can hurt who the most … until one decides enough is enough.

And a preview snippet…

Fiona attempted a smooth landing but failed on an epic level. Instead of gliding into Warrick's place, she crash-landed in a heap in the middle of his first floor living space.

And found him hot and heavy with a blonde, her legs wrapped around Warrick's waist, up against a wall with him driving into her. That'll teach me to show up unannounced. She ignored the rising bile in her throat and ruthlessly tamped down the hot burn of jealousy thrumming through her veins. She had zero claim on the council head.

Warrick's head snapped around at the disturbance. "What the hell are you doing here?" He used his shoulders to block her view of his … bedmate?

Or maybe life partner?

Again, she swallowed down the nasty taste in her mouth. "Excuse me? You demanded my immediate presence." Gathering her broom, she tucked it under her arm and got to her feet. "So … here I am." With a snort, she added, "Next time, consider giving a specific time when issuing orders … if only to avoid anything like this happening again." She sent her best innocent look his way.

Warrick's nostrils flared. "Whatever. Since you're here, go wait upstairs in the solarium." He tilted his head toward the woman. "I'm a little busy at the moment."

Fiona rolled her eyes. "Ten minutes. Then I leave the way I came." She stomped over to the stairs and clomped each step until she reached the top.

The solarium beckoned her at the end of the hall. She'd loved this room … before Warrick accepted the position as head of council. Before he lived here and called this space his own.

She wondered how many changes he'd made. Her hand stilled over the knob and trembled a little. Facing the past she'd wrecked and walked away from didn't give her any kind of right to be disappointed.

Sucking in a deep breath, she twisted the handle and pushed the door open.

Soft light from several sconces greeted her when she entered. The three walls and partial ceiling of windows opened the space up to nightfall outside. The slipping sun of burnished orange dipped below the tree line. Her feet moved across the polished wood floor, through the mix of plants and tables and shelves lined with books, bottles, and baubles steeped with the history of the glade.

She came to a stop beside the wingback chair Upton Morse used to occupy. The previous head of council left a huge empty spot when he succumbed to his injuries from a battle with a long illness. She still missed him … even if she no longer called the glade home.

Continuing forward, she gazed through the expanse of glass with memories shifting in her mind not unlike the sway of the shadowy treetops dancing in the twilight. Warmth cascaded over her … the familiar surroundings creating a warm glow that sparked to life in her heart and soul. She had no illusions about Warrick leaving the space untouched for her. But she appreciated the lack of change anyway.

Exhaling on a sigh, she closed her eyes. "I've missed this place so much…"

"It's not like it went anywhere. You would be the one who did that."

Squaring her shoulders, Fiona braced for a battle and turned to face Warrick—fresh from a shower if the damp hair and unbuttoned shirt were indicators. "Why am I here, Warrick?"

I'm not completely sure where things are going with this one, but Fiona and Warrick are going to crash into something that will make them work together and I can't wait to write that for them.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Muddy Up the Waters

January kind of flew by for me and I'm not quite ready for February yet. That said, I did establish a few new habits or routines and I'm a little thrilled I kept them up for the entire month.

Had a very solid week of television viewing. I kind of let the housework slide to stay caught up on work projects and had a chance to cycle through a bunch of shows.

Ended up getting in three episodes of Chicago Med. I'm almost finished with the third season and I'm still thoroughly enjoying this show so much.

Watched three episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. These little shorts are fun and quick to get through. Nice to have something that works as a timed break when it's needed.

Finished up The Madame Blanc bonus episodes and eagerly await another season of this super engaging mysteries series.

Ended up catching three episodes of Silent Witness. The "Fear" two-parter ended up being really terrific and I don't remember watching it before. Looking forward to the next two-part episode.

Enjoyed the final two episodes of the Classic Who arc with Two and Six. Kind of fun to revisit the former doctor, especially since many of Two's episodes are lost to time.

Got two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle in. One focused on a lost flight and the thunderbird legend and the other about Mount Hope and a possible secret base, which had remote viewing involved and that subject fascinates me.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppets. I'm still finding my way with this show. It's entertaining but really lacks the charm of the original.

Finished up Fosse Verdon. Even though I knew how things ended, I still felt like someone punched me in the gut when the final moments aired. Hat tip to the cast of this terrific limited series.

Caught the final episode of Peak Practice season six and started season seven. Sad to see Erica no longer with the practice but looking forward to some new interactions with whoever takes over for her.

Watched two more lessons of MasterClass with Bill Nye. I have a bonus episode to watch then I'll start a new class. No idea what I'll pick up next but look forward to diving in.

Enjoyed a couple of extras for The Witcher. Started out with the making of season two and then caught the characters of the continent special. This week I'll probably dive into the beasts and monsters they deal with.

Caught a couple episodes of Classic Rugrats. Season two ranks as probably my favorite overall. That might change as I get further along, but right now, I'm remembering how many of my faves are in the second season.

Watched another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I like the new guy even if he's not quite as quirky as Breen. As always, it's fun to see recurring characters pop up in the course of the investigations.

Star Trek: Discovery continues to amaze me. I'm enjoying the red angel saga and how intertwined everything is. Nice to have Hugh back even if he's not quite himself. Should be fun to see how that plays out.

Started the second season of Queens of Mystery. I'm rather disappointed that Matilda and Daniel aren't anywhere close to being together. Miscommunication can be a blessing or a curse and I'm hoping it ends up being a blessing. We'll see how the season goes.

That's pretty much it for the television update this week. Tonight's post is from Muddy Up the Waters, a novella that stacks the odd against the characters even though they want to be together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Fiona and Warrick can't quite get their timing together long enough to be on the same page when it comes to making a commitment. Instead they expend their energy on playing a game of who can hurt who the most … until one decides enough is enough.

And a preview snippet…

Warrick Lawton led Brigitt—no, Byrony—into his apartment above the fae council chambers. The old brick building had three fours and he lived on the top two. Perks of being the head of council.

Byrony's gaze darted around, taking in the living area and library. "Wow, nice space." A calculating gleam entered the flashing brown depths of her eyes.

No doubt she had some ideas on where she might put her stuff. He'd put a stop to any thoughts like that right away. He always did.

Warrick stepped in front of her, bringing her focus solely on him. "Don't do that. Don't plan ahead. This is a one-time thing." His hands grasped her shoulders. "I'm always honest about what I'm looking for and forever isn't it." He waited until she met his gaze. "If you want something more, I'm not game. The choice is yours." His hands dropped and he stepped back to give her room to make a decision.

Byrony gave him a slow, sultry smile. "I get it, Warrick. I'm sure I'm not the first or only woman who entertained a brief but bright wish she'd be the one to tame you." Her fingers went to the hem of her shirt. "I'll take what you're offering and walk away happy." She tugged the tee up and over her head.

If only another certain woman had taken what I offered and didn't walk away.  But, no, Fiona Freeman full-on rejected having a place at his side then fled the glade without a backward glance. Served him right … for thinking she'd want forever with him. Fiona didn't do forever.

And now, neither did he.

Dropping her shorts, Byrony arched a brow. "Planning to join me?" She grabbed his shirt and tugged him close.

He braced his hands on the wall behind her and lowered his head to snag her lips in a heated kiss. She moaned against his mouth and worked the button open and the zipper of his pants down then shoved them past his hips. Pressing her back against the paneled surface of the wall, she grasped his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his waist. He didn't hesitate, thrusting forward, going deep and grinding against her. Keeping one palm against the wall and the other cupping her ass, he nuzzled her throat.

She nipped at his ear, rocking her hips. "Not gonna last long, Warrick. I've wanted you too long." Her head lolled to one side and her breath came out in short, gasping pants.

Warrick gave a grunt of acknowledgment, focusing on getting her off. The least I can do considering she'll never have an opportunity for another round. And he'd take care of a basic need so he could convene the council without wanting to do bodily harm to the members.

Not exactly win-win, but he'd left that mindset behind the day Fiona left.

Warrick isn't really in a good space at the moment and he's going to get a big blast from the past in the near future.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Muddy Up the Waters

Whew. Very long week where focus became a huge hurdle. Without getting into a whole too much information thing, hormones are a total pain in the ass and not a lot of fun to deal with. Bleh.

Decent viewing week in television. Caught another episode of Endeavour and it ended up being pretty terrific. Two more episodes of season five then a wait for season six.

Next up… Roswell, New Mexico. This show has been eating my brain in a really good way. I caught up on all the back episodes and started a rewatch already. Seriously, I haven't had a show do this to me since Battlestar Galactica and Arrow. I'm going to be so disappointed if Roswell, NM doesn't get a second season.

Started an episode of Midsomer Murders and it's rather interesting to see Jones sporting a beard. The character looks so different, especially when glasses are added to the mix.

Caught another episode of The Sarah Conner Chronicles and it's one I'd forgotten about. Only six or so more episodes before the end of the line. Also caught the next to last episode of Birds of Prey. I'll finish up that series and head back to Blade on CW Seed.

Watched the fifth episode of Strike Back and loved the twist and reveal of who Kingfisher actually is. Gotta say I didn't see it coming and loved not knowing. Things will get very tricky now, or more tricky because this show doesn't do anything else. With luck, the DEA agent will meet with a satisfying end. Just saying.

Caught an episode of Chicago Fire and have to comment how nice it is to not have the squirrely deputy commissioner in my face anymore. I'll keep saying that in the hopes he'll never grace the screen again. I'm still kind of "bleh" about Stella and Kelly's breakup. A little too contrived and disappointing.

Watched a Classic Roswell episode. I'd forgotten how much of an ass Kyle is in the first season. Geez.

Also caught a couple Classic Who episodes. Getting ready to watch the Time Meddler episodes, which should be fun.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Muddy Up the Waters, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "That's right."

Here's the mini-blurb:

Fiona and Warrick can't quite get their timing together long enough to be on the same page when it comes to making a commitment. Instead they expend their energy on playing a game of who can hurt who the most… until one decides enough is enough.

And a preview snippet…

Fiona Freeman paused beside her vehicle parked outside the shop she owned. "What the hell?" A charmed message floated above the windshield.

The magical missive freaked her out. Not because anyone could see it, only she could. But because it had been almost three years since she'd had contact with anyone in the glade.

Well, anyone of importance anyway. She maintained several friendships with fringers, people with one foot in and one foot out of the supernaturally protected environment. Fae creatures, shifters, magical and preternatural beings all found sanctuary and purpose in the glade—if they abided by the rules.

Fiona snorted. "Not exactly my strong suit." She unlocked the car and stowed her bags.

Then she used her witch blood to guide the message closer so she could review it.

Time's up. You're needed in the glade. Now. Warrick

Warrick Lawton. Ex-mentor. Ex-best friend. Ex-love of her life. Current head of council—the main reason they were no longer together—and all-around jerk.

Loosely translated, the brief command demanded she stop playing in the real world and get her ass back home. The unnecessary "now" only served as a needling dig. Which, okay, she might deserve. A little.

Because she'd made it clear when she left the only way she'd return would be by demand. "Looks like my self-imposed exile is over." Fine. Life on the outside didn't thrill her that much anyway.

But she did love the whimsical store she owned. A quick text exchange with her lone employee, Lyla, covered the week's hours. Enough to let Fiona sort out the summons. She hoped.

Taking a quick glance around, she thought about moving her car, but decided to send off another text and ask Lyla to drive it around to the alley behind the shop in the morning. For extra security, Fiona placed a quick ward around the perimeter to avoid any unwanted attention. Anyone who tried to mess with the car would get a nasty surprise.

Stepping back, she considered how to make her entrance to the glad. A wickedly wonderful idea took shape in her mind. If Warrick needed her immediate presence, she'd comply. Didn't mean he'd like the way she showed up.

She smirked. "After all, wouldn't want to keep the big man waiting, right?" Her lips curved in a wider smile. "Time to break out the broom." Snapping her fingers, the object appeared.

Fashioned to look like one of the original handmade relics, Fiona's broom had an ash handle with sage and thin branches from a fire bush making up the brush. Hoisting a leg over the long end, she muttered a cloaking spell and straddled the rough-hewn sweeper.

Once she'd taken flight, she squared her shoulders. "Get ready, Warrick. The witch's wrath knows no bounds."

Honestly? I'm enjoying this story. It's still in the early stages and not everything has gelled yet and I love the process of discovery, figuring out where the next scene comes from and how it fits.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Muddy Up the Waters

YAY! The Last Ship premieres tonight and I’m very excited! In other television news, it's definitely summer and I've only got two active shows going until later this evening.

Wynonna Earp is crazy good. I need to watch this week's episode, but last week's twist caught me off guard. In a totally great way.

Orphan Black's lead-in to the finale proved excellent as always. Rachel continues to grate on my nerves, but kudos to her for playing Evie Cho and outmaneuvering her with such brutal precision. And, of course, the surprise at the end made the episode kick ass awesome.

I started a rewatch of Babylon 5 and Strike Back. I know, opposite ends of the spectrum but both are terrific shows. I need to find something else to watch after these. Any suggestions… let me know.

Tonight's post is from Muddy Up the Waters, a novella that got a start with a two word prompt of "That's right".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Fiona and Warrick can't quite get their timing together long enough to be on the same page when it comes to making a commitment. Instead they expend their energy on playing a game of who can hurt who the most… until one decides enough is enough.

And a preview snippet…

He expected the kiss when it came, but not the intense backwash of emotion that smacked him in the face. Yeah, Fiona usually got him revved and ready in record time, but her mouth worked magic on his lips. She gave freely and poured soul into the embrace.

Definitely unexpected.

Fiona did smoking hot sex. She did fast and dirty and out of this world. She did not throw exposure of her feelings into the mix. She always held back, kept a barrier around her heart.

But the way she kissed him, right now? Full-on physical contact with a lot of something more? Blew his mind.

His fingers tangled in her hair and he fully engaged. Each brush of her tongue against his kicked up the lust and love flowing through his brain. He didn't even realize they were moving until her back hit the wall and she pushed up onto her toes to wrap her legs around his waist. Warrick quickly grabbed two handfuls of her ass and carried her to the nearest flat surface—the window seat in the middle of the exterior wall. Perching on the edge, he continued moving his mouth over hers, but the painful throb of his cock became a distraction.

He eased away from her. "Fi, a little help here." His gaze dropped to the hard outline nestled against the apex of her thighs.

She blinked, her eyes dazed with passion. "What? Oh. Yeah, no problem." With fumbling fingers, Fiona popped the button of his jeans and dragged the zipper down.

He lifted his hips, giving her room to shove the denim past his hips. He breathed a sigh of relief, until she circled her fingers around the rigid flesh. Damn. He couldn't wait to be inside her.

He groaned and slid his hands under the waistband of her leggings. "God, I need you." Pushing the material down, he lowered the pants.

She wriggled back, kicking one leg free then scooting forward and lifting up to sink down over his shaft. The heated, slick warmth enveloping his dick felt like home and he never wanted to leave. Digging his fingers into her thighs, he exhaled slowly, fighting to stay in control.

Fiona made a satisfied hum. "Mmm. You feel so damned good." Her hips rocked forward and her head fell back.

He moved a hand to her nape, tipping her chin forward. "Not gonna last, Fi. It's been too long." He held her gaze, tilting his pelvis upward.

She sucked in a breath. "Don't care. More later." Grasping his shoulders, she bucked against his groin.

Warrick gave her full rein, letting her set the pace. More later meant she'd stick around… at least for the night.

Gotta say, I had no clue where this one was headed until recently, but this scene poured out in one sitting. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Muddy Up the Waters

Hello!

Whew. Whirlwind weekend in Columbus, Ohio. My husband's region won their company's highest honor and we got a lovely dinner with fun entertainment and a night in a downtown hotel. Caught up with some old friends and finally, finally got to see my brother's house just south of the Brewery District. He's only lived there ten years and it's my first visit. LOL

Tonight's post features a brief scene from Muddy Up the Waters. Fiona and Warrick play a wicked game of one-upmanship and tend to be on opposite sides when completing their fae related duties. They love each other, but sadly never seem to get their timing right.

Tagline:

Fiona and Warrick can't quite get their timing together long enough to be on the same page when it comes to making a commitment. Instead they spend expend their energy on playing a game of who can hurt who the most…until one decides enough is enough.

And the preview snippet…

Warrick sneered. "That's right. Walk away, Fiona. Run and hide instead of facing your truth."

Fiona paused mid-step. "And what truth is that, Warrick?" She slowly turned and faced him.

He smirked. "The one where I'm what you want even if you're too godsdamned stubborn—no terrified—to admit it."

Fiona exhaled on a hiss. He scored big time with that one.

She tilted her head to the side. "Is that what you want, Warrick? For me to own how I feel?" She straightened. "What about you, hmm? I don't hear you making any loud declarations."

He opened his mouth, but snapped it shut again.

She quirked a brow. "What? Nothing to say?" She angled back toward the door. "I thought so. End of conversation." She took a step to leave.

Warrick grabbed her arm and swung her around. "No. Not end of." His grip tightened. "You want a loud declaration. Try this one. I'm tired. Of the bullshit. The back and forth. The you hurt me so I hurt you insanity we put each other through." He made a low growling sound. "Hell, what we put other people through." He paused, disgust creeping into his eyes. "Do you even remember the name of the last guy you screwed?"

She couldn't. Mick. Mike. Mark. Something with an 'M'. She wouldn't respond anyway. Warrick on a roll? He'd bulldoze through whatever she offered as a reply. And hit the reason on the head. The damned man always did.

"Fi, do you know the guy's name?" He loosened his hold, sliding his hand down her arm to grasp her wrist.

She barely suppressed a shudder. When Warrick spoke in low tones—smooth, seductive, sexy—his voice made her hot. She fought the urge to rip his shirt open and press her ear against his chest just to listen to the sound.

His fingers lifted her chin. "No answer?"

She shrugged. "Does it matter? I screw who I want."

He snorted. "No, you don't. Because it's not me."

Her eyes widened. "Really? What about you? That hot blonde you had wrapped around you the other night didn't measure up then?"

He shrugged. "Nope. She truly didn't. I wanted a fiery red-head whose prickly-thorned barbs make my dick hard." He cupped her face. "My perfectly imperfect woman."

Okay. Damn the declarations. Admissions were absolutely awesome.

Don't worry, the epic moment isn't the end of the story. It's a brief interlude when Fi and Warrick get it almost right. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye