Charmed & Dangerous (5 page)

Wednesday, 9
P.M
.

Sweet, Texas

Charms: 1

I’
m a nervous wreck. Sam will be here any minute and—

I went to meet him at his office this morning, bright and shiny, with cinnamon rolls and hazelnut coffee from Lulu’s. I waited in the truck outside, confused about my next move. Should I try the door? Was he even there yet?

Geez, I’m a high witch with more powers than an entire coven combined and I couldn’t seem to get up the nerve to walk up to the door. How sad was that? While I pondered, he pulled up in his black SUV. I jumped out and met him in the front of the gothic-style building.

“Wow, to what do I owe this great honor?” He turned the key in the door and flipped on the lights as we stepped inside.

“You’re the doctor, figure it out.” I laughed, holding up the bag of food.

He offered a confused smile.

“Well, you know better than anyone that growing boys need a healthy breakfast to start their day.” I handed him the bag with the rolls and put the coffee on the reception desk.

“True.” He opened up the appointment book. “Looks like we have at least a half hour before my first patient. Why don’t you come back to my office and we can discuss my nutritional needs.” His voice was sexy with innuendo.

“Okay.”

He grabbed all the food and I followed him back to his office. I’ve got a thing for cherrywood and obviously so does he. A huge desk took up a third of the room, and the walls were covered floor to ceiling in bookshelves. One wall had a large window with black-and-white photography displayed on each side of it. For a small-town doc’s office, it had a very midtown Manhattan feel.

He put everything down on a small table between two leather chairs facing the desk and grabbed my hands. “So, tell me why you are really here, and why are you so nervous?”

I’m a pro at hiding emotions but hadn’t thought to do it around him. I keep forgetting his intuitive nature and the fact he’s a warlock. “If I tell you, well, you may have to keep me for observation.” My voice was husky with need.

He frowned and touched a hand to my cheek. “Are you feeling ill?”

I laughed more from being nervous than anything. “No, no. It’s silly really.” I stepped back and sat down in the leather chair. Had to do something with my hands so I pulled out a roll and handed it to him along with one of the cups of coffee. He sat down opposite me and stared intently.

I took a bite but didn’t really taste it. Now don’t get me wrong, cinnamon buns from Lulu’s are heaven. But I was having a tough time sorting through all the emotions rumbling in my brain. I’d just experienced one of the most intense love-making experiences of my life and the man hadn’t even known he was there.

I slid my tongue across my lips to get the icing off and he watched intently.

“Bronwyn?” He smiled. “Just tell me whatever it is.”

“A dream.” There. I’d said it out loud.

“Um, a dream?” He sipped his coffee.

“Yes. A very intense dream—a sensual one.”

He choked on that bit of news.

I continued. “Okay, so I know this is totally inappropriate, but I’ve never experienced anything like it. And I’m not one of those women who is good at holding back and keeping secrets. I like things out in the open with my relationships.” I held up a hand. “Not that we have one, but I think we sort of have something.”

He raised his hand to talk, but I waved him away.

“Anyway. I had this intense dream, so real. I can’t even begin to tell you how it made me feel. And when I woke up, I couldn’t believe you weren’t there beside me. My problem is, I’m afraid that I may have slipped into your dream accidentally. It happens sometimes when my shields are down and I care about someone. And if that happened and it was your dream too, I’m sorry.”

He just sat there staring at me. My nerves were on edge and I jumped up out of the chair and tried to escape. So much for honesty in relationships. Secrets and lies are good things and emotions should be repressed.

I tried to open the door but he shut it again with his hand above my head. He grabbed me from behind and wrapped his arms under my breasts.

“Did the dream begin like this?” he whispered in my ear and trailed kisses down my neck.

My breath caught and he squeezed me tighter as I leaned into him.

We did share the dream.

“Yes, it started just like this.” I still faced the door.

“Turn around, Bronwyn.”

I did what he asked and he grabbed both arms and pulled them above my head. As his eyes narrowed his lips crushed mine in a passionate kiss. That whole wiggly-knee thing happened again. His body pressed tight against mine was the only thing that kept me from sliding down the door. Our magic mixed and sent waves of heat through my body.

His tongue probed and he tasted of coffee and sugary sweet pastry. I didn’t think it possible but it was even better than the dream.

While he still held my arms above my head, he brought one hand down to cup my breast, running his thumb over the hardened nipple. I tilted my head and his kisses left my lips and he nibbled on my ear and neck.

I was ready to drop my pants right there and wrap my legs around him when a knock on the door made us both jump.

“Doctor?”

He pulled me to the side of the door and cracked it. “Yes, Carmen?”

“Oh, you are in. Just checking to make sure everything was all right.”

“We’re fine, thanks.” He chewed on his lip to keep from laughing. “I’m, um, in a consultation right now and I may run over a few minutes. Tell Mr. Blaine I’ll be with him shortly.” His mouth covered in lipstick and his cheeks pink with emotion, he smiled at the other woman.

“Yes, sir. He’s not in yet but I’ll let him know.”

He shut the door and we both laughed at the absurdity of the situation.

I fanned my face. “Why, Doctor, as the twins at Lulu’s like to say, I believe I have the vapors,” I told him in my best Scarlett O’Hara imitation.

“You and me both.” He led me to the chair and I sat down. I gulped some of the coffee, while he moved his chair in front of mine and grabbed my free hand.

“Obviously,” he began, “there is something between us. And I’m not angry that you slipped into my dream. Although, I’ll ask that you not make a regular practice of that.”

“Not a problem.”

He smiled and took a deep breath. “So, can I see you tonight?”

“If you don’t, I might just explode.” I didn’t add that the only thing I wanted to do right now was climb on top of him in that chair and ride him till I couldn’t think anymore.

“Why do I have the feeling there’s more going on in that head of yours than you’re sharing with me?” He stood and brought me to him.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Doctor.” I winked. “But maybe when you come courting tonight I’ll share some of my wicked ideas with you.”

“Courting? Haven’t heard that in a hundred years, but I can hardly wait.” He kissed me again, not quite as hard as before, but just as passionately. Then he straightened the curls around my face and buttoned the top of my shirt.

“I have a feeling this is going to be a very long day,” he said as he walked me to the door.

“Anticipation is a good thing.” I turned and put a hand on his chest. “A very good thing.”

When I walked out he laughed and I noticed the bulge in his pants. “You might want to take a moment to, um, compose yourself.” I pointed at the evidence.

He shook his head and shut the door. I’m pretty sure Carmen knew just what kind of consultation the good doc had given me, but she wished me a cheery good-bye just the same.

I spent the day working through the Book of Shadows looking for some special wards to protect the prime minister’s and Sheik Azir’s homes. I think I found something good. But it involves a few ingredients I’ll have to order.

Cleaned the house from top to bottom and did whatever it took to not think about tonight. Will it be as good as the dream? Am I really in a relationship with a guy I met a week ago? I don’t care that he’s a warlock. I don’t care if he ends up killing me. I just want him.

There’s his car. Aaaah!

Thursday

New York City

Spells: 1

Dead guys: 1

It’s amazing what can happen in twenty-four hours. Well, I’m sort of used to strange events in my life, but I’d put this day right up there with the best of them.

Last night with Sam began a bit awkward but turned out really sweet. Not what I expected at all. He brought white wine, which went well with some of Ms. Helen’s chicken potpies I’d picked up that afternoon.

Before he got there I’d made the house look like a seduction zone. Candles everywhere and a fire going. Vanilla permeated the air. I wanted it so delicious he wouldn’t be able to resist.

We ate and talked about everything except sex. It’s funny. Kept waiting for him to make his move. I may be a modern woman, but once in a while I like the guy to take charge. We discussed our favorite films and I brought up a particular scene in that old movie
Blue Velvet,
which honestly isn’t my favorite, but is very hot. He reminded me about scenes from
Wild Things
and
9½ Weeks
. That’s when things took a turn for the sexy.

We were naked and doing the nasty on the floor, the kitchen counter, the stairs, and finally in my bed. Whew! And I didn’t think it possible, but it was even better than the dream.

By three this morning my body was a vibrating mass of nerve endings, and I’d never felt so satisfied.

He woke up early and fixed me breakfast and then drove me to the hangar so I could get the jet to New York. He waited while I did a flight check and then kissed me good-bye. I’m more confused than ever, where he’s concerned. I like him. A lot.

Got into New York just as a winter storm hit and found myself stuck for the rest of the day and night. Called Miles and left him a message that I’d be a day late. He won’t be happy about the news but there isn’t a darn thing the jerk can do about it.

Called the pilots, and we decided to check in around six tomorrow morning and file a new flight plan. Mom and Dad live here now, but are out of town for a medical conference in Hawaii. Lucky them.

Decided to use my key and crash at their brownstone until the storm clears. The house was chilly but I turned up the heat and went in search of warmer clothes. I’d packed for Saudi and traveling in the desert, which meant light cotton shirts, sandals, jeans, some slacks, and small summer tops. Not one thing to take the chill out of my bones.

I borrowed one of Mom’s cashmere sweaters and a kicky pair of Jimmy Choo boots. I noticed she had added at least four more pairs of Manolo Blahniks to her shoe collection. My mom has terrific taste in shoes, and Dad forgives her one vice.

Since they were spending a couple of weeks away, the kitchen was bare. I grabbed Mom’s shearling coat and gloves from the hall closet and walked down to the café on the corner. The place was filled with people who didn’t seem to mind the wicked weather outside.

After waiting about fifteen minutes I ordered the tomato basil soup, a turkey sandwich, and a cup of orange tea. The tea smelled like a heavenly potpourri and made me think of Christmas. Sat by the window at a small table and people-watched.

The couple in the corner were having an intense conversation and things didn’t look good for the man of the house. Sounded like he might have a gambling problem because she kept ranting about his using the rent for a poker game.

I felt sorry for the guy. Poker’s so addictive. Every time I play Texas Hold ’Em I get caught up in the game. Thankfully, I’ve got a lot of dumb luck and I haven’t lost too much. Which is good because I’m a really bad player. I could cheat and read minds, but that takes all the fun out of it.

I’d finished my meal when I sensed a warlock walk in. My eyes darted around the room and I spotted him at the same time he did me.

Tried to read his mind but he blocked me. I pushed through his brain and gave him a warning that I’d harm none as long as he behaved.

“You can’t tell me what to do, witch!” he screamed from across the room. Everyone in the café turned to see about the commotion. The warlock, dressed in a business suit, raised his arms as if ready to go to war.

“I’m asking you nicely to please put your magic away.” My voice stayed calm, but inside my body trembled with fury. Have I mentioned how much I detest warlocks? Well, with the exception of Sam.

“I don’t take orders from you,” he snarled.

I started a protection incantation to keep the patrons safe. The energy burned in my solar plexus and tingled out to my arms and fingers.

Everything happened in slow motion. He threw something black and nasty at me and I tossed him up against the back wall. Only a little of his magic seeped in, but it was enough to really piss me off.

“Come on, warlock. If you want to fight let’s do it. But outside.” With my mind I opened the door and tossed him onto the street. Contrary to popular belief, I do try to get people to see reason before I kill them. But sometimes they don’t give me much opportunity to save their lives.

This was one of those times.

“I don’t want to kill you, but I will. Turn yourself in to the local coven and we’ll call this over,” I explained.

“You don’t get it, witch; I’m here to kill you and I will do it.” He stood facing me as if in an old Wild West showdown. Hands on his hips, chin jutted out. If he didn’t look like he’d just stepped out of
GQ
with his blond businessman haircut and Armani suit, I might have taken him more seriously. “You’ll die today, witch, and I’ll become an even richer man.”

I shook my head no. “Not gonna happen, pal. I don’t know who’s paying you to track me down, but you should have done your research. I can hurt you way more than you can me.”

“Not true. My black poison has already invaded your body and your powers grow weak. You cannot defeat me.”

Where in the hell did this guy come from? I wanted to blow him up but that causes too much karmic debt. I could just beat his head into the street until his brains oozed out through his ears, but then someone would have to clean it up. And again there’s that old what-goes-around-comes-around rule.