Sunday Snippet: Red Tape

August is being verymercurial. Instead of sweltering hot temps, which we did have last week, we'vegot—I'm not kidding—almost fall-like weather. I had to put a jacket on lastnight to take the dogs out. Granted, it was still sixty degrees, but we had astrong breeze blowing and it was chilly. Please note, I'm not complaining. But …does this mean Ohio will have blazing hot temperatures in October? Probably.

Super-busy workweek again. Finished up the mystery manuscript copy edit. Started a proofread ofa memoir on a prominent thoroughbred racing family. I still have two othermemoirs in the wings, one of which should start this week. I also have aromance to copy edit. I love being busy!

But … that means Ididn't have a lot of time for viewing television. I did, however, find out oneof my favorite actors has a new movie coming out in September and might havewatched the trailer two or three (okay, more like twelve) times. I'm excitedbecause this movie will totally be my shit and I now have something to look forwardto in a month or so.

I finished up the MyLife Is Murder episode I started last week. Again, a fun episode whereMadison got to shine. I love this cast so much.

I also started thenew series of Signora Volpe. This is another series I thoroughly enjoy. EmiliaFox is iconic for her role in Silent Witness and it's so lovely to seeher doing something new and fresh and very unlike Nikki.

That's pretty muchit for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Red Tape, anovella that follows a couple when they transfer to a new ship and have tofigure out a way to still be together.

Here's the miniblurb:

Noelle Phame and Dirk Santias are given a temporary dutyassignment to a new space cruiser and quickly realize how different thetraditions are on an admiral's flagship. Once they figure out the red tape,they're free to fraternize all they want.

And a sneaky peek…

Dirk's spare pair of boots dangledfrom his fingers while he waited for Noelle in their usual spot. "Nothinglike the smell of grease, oil, and rubber cappers." The rarely used storagelocker held the recycled-parts canisters and crates for the engineeringmaintenance crewmen.The out-of-the-way location made itthe perfect place to get up close and personal with Noelle. His lips curved.How she thought of the spot, he'd never know. But … he also wouldn't complain—evenif the pungent aroma left much to be desired.His first choice had been thecauseway leading to the water treatment hub. Too bad the limited patrolled areaended up being a favorite for others seeking a quiet place to hookup. By thethird interruption, the age-old pair of boots to signal the occupied status becamethe norm. And Noelle suggested the storage locker, which as far as he knew,remained theirs alone.Noelle strolled around the cornerof the corridor and flashed a wide smile. "Right on time. I kinda worriedyou'd get called into a briefing since we're heading out in the morning." Shekeyed in the entry code for the hatch.Dirk set the boots beside thethreshold. "Why me and not you?" He followed her inside and doggedthe hatch behind him.Instead of answering, she nudgedhim against the bulkhead. "Later. I've been waiting for this allday." Her mouth meshed with his.Right. Who needed conversation?Making out took precedence over everything. Especially if they might not have achance to get hot and heavy for a while.His hands inched her shirt upward.Hers loosened the button of his fatigues. His lips blazed a trail along herthroat. Her fingers traced the length of his erection before shoving his pantspast his hips. He eased her tee over her head and dropped it beside them. Sheshimmied out of her warmups and toed off her boots. He shrugged out of hisshirt and let it fall to the ground while stepping out of his boots and uniformpants. So many times, they'd stripped the layers of clothing off. Sometimesquick and fast with hurried movements when short on time … but not tonight.Her index finger skimmed from hissternum down to his groin. The featherlight touch stirred his blood and had himcraving more. He cupped her breasts, brushing his thumbs over her nipples. Hereyes closed and she shuddered a little.Her mouth kicked up in a grin."You always know what'll get me even hotter for you." She grasped hiships, closing the gap between them. "But I don't wanna flare out too fast.Don't know when we'll get to do this again." Her tongue licked a path fromhis pectoral up along his collarbone.He loved it when she fell back onpilot speak. A flare-out happened when someone hit their thruster too quicklyafter exiting the launch tube. The resulting backdraft usually ignited, causinga flash and burn of the engine. Only supremely skilled pilots could get thebirds back online and in formation. Most had to scratch and return to the ship.He rested his forehead againsthers. "A flare out would be tragic tonight. Slow and steady to savor themoment." His mouth hovered over hers. "Starting now…" Tiltinghis head, his lips slanted over hers and his tongue slid past her teeth.She responded, wrapping her armsaround him, her palms flat against his back. He nudged her toward the smalldesk and urged her to sit up on the surface, which had been covered with ablanket to protect the glossy wood underneath. She splayed her legs, and he bentover, pressing open-mouthed kisses along her thighs. He crouched, leaningforward, and blew a hot breath over her mound.Noelle moaned low in her throat."You are going to drive me wild, aren't you?" She dropped back on herelbows.He met her gaze. "Damnstraight." Lowering his head, he flicked his tongue over her clit andslipped a finger inside her core.

Noelle and Dirk area fun couple to write. I also love having an external conflict that might keepthem apart for a while.

 

That's it for thisweek. Catch everyone on the flipside.

 

ML Skye