Sunday Snippet: Fancy Meeting You Here

Had a superemotional day yesterday with my daughter graduating from college with a bachelor'sin media production and theater. She starts grad school in the fall for artsadministration. I'm so proud of her! And … considering she had a drive-throughhigh school graduation, getting to see her walk for her bachelor's made me veryhappy.

Had another goodweek of work and writing. I finished up two manuscript edits and a proofread onthe work front and wrote several scenes in three or four of my WIPs. I'm notquite where I want to be on my writing, but I'm getting back to form.

Actually had asolid week of viewing also. Maybe the planets are aligned where I need them tobe right now. Who knows?

Watched two episodesof Elementary and, wow, I rather like what they did with the Moriaritything. Looking forward to seeing how that ends up. I think I have one moreepisode of the first season.

Started season threeof The Batman and watched two episodes. I remembered both and enjoyedeach one.

Caught two episodesof Classic Rugrats. I think I'm at the end of season seven where the twovignettes are actually one episode. Kind of liked that format. I think the newtheme starts with season eight. I'll find out this week I think.

Started a newseason of Suspects. Loved the opening episode. It did not go where Ithought it would and I love that.

Watched another episodeof Madame Blanc Mysteries. Broken-hearted for Gloria. I kind of hopethere's more to the story about Cooper. I kind of want to find out what hiswhole deal was with Gloria.

Enjoyed another episodeof Death in Paradise. I don't remember this one at all and actuallyloved it. Definitely a twisty one.

Caught the firstpart of Silent Witness. I'm excited to see where this one goes. There'sdefinitely more than meets the eye for this case. I'm not thrilled with the newaddition to Jack's life. I love his niece, but the mom is a piece of work and Idon't like her at all.

Started a new episodeof Peak Practice. I'll try to finish it up this week. Not sure what's upwith Sam but I assume the seeds are being planted for his departure and that'swhy he's being such a prat right now.

Last but not least,I started a documentary called Broken Horses, mainly because it featuresthe author of one of the books I've been working on and his stance that thedrugging of horses needs to stop. I can honestly say it's a hard watch and mypersonal thought there might be a trainer who should never, ever be allowed toparticipate in the sport ever again. But that's just me.

That's pretty muchit for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fancy Meeting YouHere, a novella that brings a couple together under fraught circumstances.

Here's theminiblurb:

Jonni Mars and Val Janison are enforcers for two opposingmage families and have a friendly rivalry. When Val, a member of the rulinghouse, shows up at Jonni's favorite underground dive, she's both infuriated andintrigued, and more than a little surprised to meet him under almost normalcircumstances.

And a preview snippet…

Dammit. She hated being called onher bullshit.

Taking a deep, cleansing breath, shelisted her issues with black and white. "That's an encapsulated version."She flung out a hand. "But you've got a point. I don't disrespect you.The snark and biting comments are my defense." Pacing back and forth, shemuttered. "I'm trying to stay out of you head the only way I know how."But she didn't have to be a complete bitch.

Val lifted his chin. "I getit." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "But … can we call a truce?The whole reason we came to the Warwick is to unravel the connection, figureout how and why it's happening." Leaning against the wall, he crossed onebooted foot over the other.

Jonni calmed down. "Okay.Yeah. We should get on the same page." She huffed out a frustrated breath."But I have no idea how to even start." Or where.

Val pushed away from the plasteredsurface and made his way to the couch. "I suggest we walk back to thenight we fought Philan. That started this." He slouched down, kicking hisfeet out.

She reluctantly agreed. "Yeah,okay. But I still don't know what happened or how it did." She'd never hada slip like that, not even with Rochelle and they'd been like sisters.

Val rolled a shoulder. "Look,I'll own having an instant attraction to you. Maybe that's at play?" Hislips turned down, which showed his discomfort with the idea.

Jonni admitted the same. "Yeah,there's a spark there. Like I've known you for years … which I sort of do."She planted herself in the chair opposite the sofa. "Everyone knows themajor players in the three clans." At least everyone that worked with orfor ruling families.

Val grunted. "Yeah, but it'smore than that. I've got a reputation for being very cool under pressure, but I'vebeen on edge since you invaded my mind." He shook his head.

Jonni got defensive. "Not likeI tried to do it." The reply sounded lame, but she really didn't have aclue how she'd mindslipped into his consciousness.

Val met her gaze. "Okay. I believethat." He straightened and leaned forward, placing his forearms on hisknees. "Maybe see if you can do it now."

What did they have to lose?

Jonni probed but couldn't getthrough. "I've got nothing." Hope filled her. "Progress?" Gah,she hoped so.

Val gave a shrug. "Possibly. Let'swait a while and see what happens." He leaned back against the cushionsagain.

Jonni arched her brows. "Seriously?I've got things to do." Like figure out why she kept hitting dead ends.

Val folded his arms over his chest."Tell me about them." He gave her a look that dared her to deny hisrequest.

Jonni sighed and explained abouther false leads and frustration. They talked a little more and she gotcomfortable. Val had some solid ideas about picking up the cold trail. And hedidn't appear to find her lack of progress overly concerning. It took time torun down leads and false starts were part of the job.

She started to comment but got avery vivid image of being sprawled naked on a featherbed, her legs splayed wideand Val's head between them. His hands grasped her hips and he drew her closerto his delving tongue. A hot flush washed over her, and she gasped.

Pissed off, her gaze flew to his."What the hell, Val?" She shot up off the chair and ran a handthrough her hair.

Val gave a grunt. "See … you'restill doing it." He smirked, an unrepentant look on his face.

She whirled to face him. "Dammit!Why? I do not want to be in your head." Huffing out a harsh breath, shemade a hard admission. "It's distracting—even when I'm not traipsingthrough your thoughts. The fact I can constantly buzzes around in mybrain." Why did this happen now?

Val gave a slow nod. "I agree.And we need to figure this out." He leaned forward again. "I say weeither order something in or get takeout. Because it's gonna be a longnight."

Jonni grabbed her jacket. "I needsome air." The whole mindslip thing had her twitchy. "I'll get thefood." She didn't wait for a response, heading out and dashing down thestairs.

She didn't think twice about whatshe ordered. Not until she headed out of the restaurant.

She had no doubt she had exactlywhat Val wanted.

I love how thisstory is coming together. Jonni and Val are a fun couple to write.

 

That's it for thisweek.

Cheers!

Skye