Sunday Snippet: Strategic Wagers

It's been a wildweek of big letdowns in my area of the universe. I'm not sure where things willland but I have decided to launch my side project sooner than expected. Moredetails to follow in a separate blog post.

I started a newwork project and picked up with one that's been on the back burner. I also tentativelyscheduled three new projects for November. Here's hoping they all pan out.

Had a pretty goodweek of viewing. I got most of my current slate of shows watched. But … I alsogot distracted by *waves at everything going on right now*.

I caught an episodeof The Batman and rather enjoyed the Green Lantern guest spot. Also enjoyedhaving one of Batman's rogues nose his way into the storyline.

Watched anotherepisode of Classic Rugrats and it was the Rugrat's Kwanzaa. I'll have to findthe other Rugrats holiday episodes and get ready to rewatch.

Enjoyed anotherepisode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. It featured a behind-the-scenes look at a theatershow, which is fun for me because my daughter majored in theater for undergrad.

Caught the firstseason finale of London Kills and, wow, some twisty-twists and big turnshappened. Looking forward to a behind-the-scenes special this week.

Watched the seasonten opener of Death in Paradise. I'm still annoyed by DI Parker and sad to seeRuby no longer with the team. Thrilled to bits to have Florance back. Lookingforward to seeing more.

Started a new two-partSilent Witness. Terrific guest stars in this episode. I'm very interested inseeing where this case goes.

Enjoyed most of anElementary episode. I'll get it finished up today and start over with a new runof my current episodes.

That's pretty muchit for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Strategic Wagers, a sexyshort that brings a couple together over a series of bets.

Here's theminiblurb:

Onyx West and Lev Thorogood, friends and fellow crewmates,have the best kind of friendly rivalry. But when Onyx decides she can best Levat a game of strategy, something he rarely loses, she pulls out all the stopsto win.

And a sneaky peek…

"Dialing it backand taking some time. A novel concept." Onyx flopped back on her rack andswung her legs inside the berth. "And one I've got almost zero experiencewith." She pulled the curtain so she could focus on her thoughts.Onyx didn't quite knowwhat to make of Lev Thorogood. He had all the right moves. Great pilot.Incredible physique. Strong in the brains department.And he appeared to havea solid interest in her. The last bit completely threw her. She had crap-allluck with guys. Her winning streaks only lasted at the card table. Men nevertook the time to figure her out.She rolled over ontoher stomach and pushed the pillow under her chin. "Instead, guys go forthe fast lay and hot sex." She could live with that … hell, she obligedthem more often than not.But why didn't theyever try for more? Just because she didn't dump her life story out or put herpersonal life on display didn't mean she had no worth.Some day she'd meetsomeone who'd want to listen and take the time to get to know her. The realher. Not the one hidden behind bravado. Onyx kept people at arm's length untilshe thought they could be trusted. It didn't always work to her advantage. Shegot labeled with tags like bitch and ball buster on a regularbasis.The thing about Lev… "Hedoesn't get pissed when I play counterpoint to his point." Nope … he'dstudy her for a few moments then ask why.Or … if it happened tobe a hot-button topic, he'd walk away until they had time to speak with coolerheads. She respected the hell out of him for that.She sighed. "Buthe never makes a move." Sexual tension pinged back and forth between them,but he kept his hands to himself.Onyx snorted. "I can'tdecide if it pleases or insults me." She leaned toward pleased.But how long would herpatience last? She'd have to wait and see when it went up against slow progressand taking some time. But maybe … the dialing it back thing would be worth thewait. She wanted someone to take an interest in her … and Lev certainly seemedto be willing to dig deeper instead of only scratching the surface.The funny part? The onething she didn't plan on when she found a guy who might put some effort intoknowing her? Her being the one that wanted to move things along at a fasterpace.

I'm having a lot offun with this one. Onyx and Lev are well-matched but very different.

 

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

ML Skye