by Deanna Chase
She nodded. “Help yourself.” When Yvette returned, she found Miranda sitting at the table with her feet up on one of the chairs and a cup of tea in front of her. She handed the author the makeup remover. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” The woman batted her mascara-laden eyelashes and waved at her face. “This was going to be a major mess.”
Yvette sat across from her. “I can see how that would be a problem.”
Miranda took a long sip of tea as she eyed Yvette. Then she put her cup down and leaned forward, watching Yvette intently. “He’s fragile, you know.”
“Who?” Yvette asked, surprised. “Jacob?”
“Yes. Has he told you what happened?”
“Some,” Yvette said, uncomfortable with the conversation. She didn’t know this woman. Nor did she know how close she was to Jacob. He’d gotten her number easily, but it wasn’t as if he’d had her in his contacts. Besides, whatever relationship Yvette and Jacob were starting, she was certain he wouldn’t appreciate anyone butting in, much less one of his ex’s friends who was close enough to have been one of her bridesmaids.
“So you know he was heartbroken,” she said, leaning back. “And betrayed.”
Betrayed, yes. She’d known that. Heartbroken? Yvette hadn’t gotten that impression. Not specifically anyway. Angry, hurt, and jaded, yes. But she hadn’t considered he might have been devastated by Sienna’s betrayal. “I don’t think Jacob would want us talking about this.”
Miranda let out a humorless snort. “I’m certain he wouldn’t. But that’s not going to stop me. I’m his guardian angel, you know.”
Yvette raised her eyebrows. “You are?”
“Oh, yes. He’s been on my project list since before he met Sienna. I told him she wasn’t the one, but he didn’t believe me.”
Miranda was so serious, Yvette couldn’t help but wonder if the writer actually believed that guardian angels were real or if she just thought herself a gifted matchmaker. Yvette stared at her, not sure what to make of the eccentric woman. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because, Yvette, it’s obvious he’s smitten with you, and I want to make sure you’re not going to stomp all over his heart the way Sienna did.”
It was Yvette’s turn to let out a snort. “I assure you, his heart has nothing to fear from me. In fact, I’m fairly certain I’m the one in danger here.”
Miranda’s expression softened, and she covered Yvette’s hand with her own. Light reflected off the impressive collection of silver rings on her fingers as she squeezed lightly. “You care for him.”
Of course she did. “We just started dating,” she said lamely.
Miranda chuckled softly. “From my perspective, it looks a lot more serious than that. Listen, I already made one mistake when it comes to Jacob. I can’t afford to do it again. I don’t want to lose my wings.” She winked. “Angels only get so many chances, you know.”
“Um, okay,” Yvette said, suddenly wondering if it was safe to have someone who seemed not quite right in the mind staying at her house.
“It’s probably best that you know Jacob’s the only reason I decided to do this signing on such short notice. No offense to you, of course.”
“None taken.” Yvette had been surprised when the author had said yes to such a last-minute request. But now that she knew Miranda thought she was some sort of steward for Jacob’s love life, it made more sense.
“I had a feeling he’d met someone. When I spoke to him, I could just sense it in his energy. So here I am!” She raised her arms in the air as if she were showing herself off.
“Here you are,” Yvette echoed half-heartedly.
“And I needed to see for myself if he’d chosen wisely this time.”
Yvette gritted her teeth, hating that she was clearly being judged. “This is really none of your business. Like I said, Jacob and I just started seeing each other.”
“I know.” Her expression turned serious as she peered at Yvette. “All I’m trying to say is that I know Jacob comes off as an incredible flirt with lots of self-confidence, but there’s a whole lot more to him than that. Don’t mistake him for just another guy who’s only interested in having a good time. There’s a huge heart underneath it all, and he deserves someone great. Someone who isn’t afraid of his baggage.”
What baggage? A crazy ex? Yvette could relate. She had one of her own. Or at least Isaac had been acting crazy lately. Yvette opened her mouth then closed it, not at all sure what she should say to this woman. Finally, she decided Miranda was just being a protective friend and said, “We all have baggage, Miranda. Trust me. That doesn’t scare me. But I think you’re worrying prematurely. Jacob and I have only known each other a week.”
“Sometimes that’s all it takes, Yvette,” she said with a small smile. Then she uncurled from her chair and floated upstairs.
It was a long time before Yvette got to sleep that night. And when she did, she dreamed of Jacob and a tiny little girl with dark curls.
“Wow,” Miranda said, peering out the window of the bookstore at the crowd. “Are they all witches?” She was all dressed up in a short purple-lace dress, striped stockings, and pointy black boots. To complete her witchy attire, she had an eye pendant tied around her neck and dark, shadowy eye makeup.
“No,” Yvette said, thinking the woman was totally over the top in all the right ways. “Some of them, sure. But most of them are here just to be wowed by the festivities.” All of the businesses along Main Street had pulled out all the stops for Keating Hollow’s New Year Witch’s Festival. The windows had been spelled to wow the tourists, and the witches inside were showing off their magical talents, all with the explicit goal of keeping the tourists happy and their wallets open.
The festival had been Noel’s idea a few years back. January in Keating Hollow could be awfully slow and rough on the local economy. But now that tourists were making the town an annual January trip, all of the businesses had increased their first quarter bottom lines.
“Oh, look, people are already lining up for the signing,” Miranda gasped. “Oh, my gosh. I’m so glad I said yes to this.” She hurried back over to the table Yvette had set up for her and quickly started loading Miranda Moon bookmarks, pens, pentacle-shaped bottle openers, and other swag onto the table.
“I’m about to open,” Brinn said. “Ready?”
“I think so,” Miranda said. “Let’s do this.”
Brinn unlocked the door, and from ten a.m. until well past four o’clock, there was a steady stream of people who worked their way through Miranda’s line and the bookstore itself. Miranda powered through it all with only two wardrobe changes. Just before noon, she’d changed into a Glenda the Good Witch-type outfit that was silver from head to toe. And then just past two in the afternoon, she’d changed again. Her final outfit consisted of a leather skirt and corset, with black fishnet stockings and spiked six-inch heels that had a spider-web look. She’d put her hair into a high ponytail and braided it, making her look like a serious badass.
“And that’s the last Miranda Moon book,” the author said, standing up and grinning from ear to ear. She held up her hand and stretched her fingers as if working out the kinks. “That’s gonna hurt tomorrow. I don’t think I’ve ever signed so many books.”
“They’re gone?” Yvette gasped out. “You’re kidding. All of them?”
“All of them. Unless you have some hiding in the back,” she said.
Yvette shook her head. She’d personally moved all the books out onto the floor the day before, figuring she’d get Miranda to sign the leftovers so she could advertise them online. “Whoa.”
“Whoa is right!” A woman with long platinum-blond hair said as she scooted behind the table and held her arms open for Miranda. She was dressed all in white and floated like an angel.
“Kasey!” Miranda said with a squeal. “You made it!”
The two wrapped their arms around each other and rocked back and forth with excitement. When they broke apa
rt, Kasey said, “You killed it, girl. My goddess, I can’t believe you moved that many books.”
Miranda narrowed her eyes. “How do you know how many I moved? Did you sneak in here earlier and not say hi to me?”
“Guilty!” She grinned. “The line was so long, we decided to head out for lunch at that great brewery just down the street.” Kasey waved to two other women. One was short and round with stylish gray hair, while the other had dark skin and beautiful, tight dark curls. Both of them were dressed in jeans, fur-lined boots, and warm sweaters. Clearly, Miranda and Kasey were the fashionistas of the group, while their two friends were happy to blend into the background.
“All three of you are here!” Miranda ran over to the other two women and gave each of them a quick hug. Grinning, she turned to Yvette and said, “Yvette, these are my three besties, Kasey Willis, Leann Viking, and Georgia Exler. They’re all writers as well.”
“Well, hello there.” Yvette offered her hand to each of the women. Once Miranda had introduced them, Yvette knew instantly who they were and what they wrote. “It’s such a pleasure to have a store full of such talented paranormal romance writers. Welcome to Hollow Books.”
“I just adore that window display,” Kasey said. “Any chance we can work something out for my next release?”
“Absolutely,” Yvette said. “Interested in doing a signing?”
Kasey’s grin widened. “You bet I am. So are my girls here.” She waved to Leann and Georgia. “We could do a group one or…”
“Let’s go into my office and take a look at the schedule,” Yvette said. She turned to Miranda. “Do you need anything? Something to drink? A snack?”
“Brinn’s already taking care of it.” Miranda waved at her three friends and then turned her attention to a couple of teenagers who were clutching worn copies of her earlier books.
“Look, Miranda has fangirls,” Kasey said.
“The paranormal genre is hugely popular around here,” Yvette said. “Probably for obvious reasons.”
“I should say so,” Leann said, patting her gray curls. “And that’s why all three of us came to check out your bookstore. I have to be honest, the store itself left a little to be desired.”
Yvette’s eyebrows shot up as she tried her best to not scowl at the woman. How could anyone not adore the old Victorian cottage? The moment Yvette had stepped foot into the place, she’d instantly fallen in love with the wood floors, the built-in bookcases, and the gorgeous crown moldings. “Really? What is it you think would make it better?”
“A display of my books would go a long way in sprucing up the place.” Leann grinned and gave Yvette a teasing smile. “Actually, the place is lovely, and I’m jealous as a hell cat of Miranda right now.”
The other two authors laughed at their friend, and Yvette chuckled as she led them into her office. “I see. Well, let’s change that.”
“Really?” Leann asked. “Just like that?”
“Just like that,” Yvette said. “We’re already scheduling more events. What I’d like to do is feature your next release and have you come do a signing during one of the town’s many festivals. What do you think?”
“Yes,” the three authors said in unison.
Yvette’s stomach did a little flip. All three of the authors sitting across from her had large audiences, and she knew she was onto something big for their store. She flipped her calendar open, grabbed a pen, and said, “Excellent. Let’s get all three of you on the schedule.”
Chapter Thirteen
Norm’s assistant opened the door to the plush office and waved Jacob in. “Norm will be right with you.”
“Thanks, Penny.” He strode across the office and stopped at the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out over the city. Off in the distance, the sun bounced off the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean. There’d been a time in his life when he’d loved southern California. The sun, the surf, the whirlwind business opportunities, it’d all made his blood hum. Now he felt nothing.
All he wanted to do was head back to his house on the hill, to where the fog rolled off the northern coast over the redwoods. He’d only been living in Keating Hollow for about two weeks, but he’d been making the mental shift for over a year. The small town was starting to weave its way into his being… or was it Yvette that was taking hold of him? He saw her face swimming in his mind, and it became clear to him that L.A. was his past, not his future.
“Jacob,” Norm said jovially as he swept into the office. “You’re right on time just like always.”
“I try.” Jacob strode over to his family friend and attorney, holding his hand out.
Norm took Jacob’s hand with both of his and shook it warmly. “How was the trip down?”
Jacob shrugged. “Fine. Do you know what this is about? I thought the paperwork was already in order.”
Norm frowned. “Unfortunately, no. Ms. Teller just said that she needed to speak to you in person before she’d sign anything. Presumably, she’ll be ready to finalize everything once she’s had a chance to meet with you.”
“Right.” Jacob ran a hand through his dark hair, not believing for a minute that the day would end with him finally being free of his ex. But he had to try. He was more than ready to move on. “When will she be here?”
“She’s already in the conference room down the hall,” Norm said. “She’s ready when you are.”
Jacob took a deep breath and nodded. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”
“All right. Just remember that if she tries to change the terms of either agreement, do not commit to anything. Just tell her you’ll need to run it by your lawyer. Got it?”
He let out a snort of derision and in an unmistakably bitter tone, he said, “Why would she change anything? She’s getting everything she wants.”
“Except you,” Norm said.
“She doesn’t want me. Trust me on that one.” Jacob squared his shoulders. “Don’t worry, Norm. I won’t promise her anything past what we’ve already worked out.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
Jacob followed his lawyer to the corner conference room. The moment they walked in, he heard her suck in a small gasp. He turned his gaze on Sienna and wondered how he’d ever thought her the most beautiful woman in the world. There was no denying she was attractive. Her long dark hair was as sleek and shiny as ever. Her makeup was flawless, as was her designer-label, perfectly tailored pantsuit.
Sienna’s lawyer stood and walked over to Norm. “Ms. Teller would like a moment alone with Mr. Burton before we move forward on the settlement.”
Norm glanced at his client. “Is that all right with you, Jacob?”
He gave his lawyer a half shrug. It was no less than he’d expected. She wouldn’t want the lawyers listening in on whatever BS she would try to lay on him. “I guess.”
“Thank you, Jacob,” she said from her spot behind the big conference table.
He didn’t answer her.
“I’ll be right outside,” Norm said and followed the other lawyer out into the hall.
Jacob turned his gaze to his ex-fiancée. “What is this all about?”
Her bottom lip trembled as she stared up at him. “I thought…” She blew out a breath. “I think we need to clear the air.”
Jacob shook his head. “What happened is ancient history, Sienna. All I want is to sell the house and get untangled from your business. Any—”
“Our business,” she said faintly.
“Our business?” he echoed. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Enchanted Bliss was never mine. You didn’t take one suggestion I made, didn’t ask my opinion on anything. All you wanted was for me to write the checks. Well, you got what you wanted. It’s yours. And all you have to do is start paying off the investment capital, interest free, within one year of making a profit. You got your dream funded, my best friend, and half the appreciation on the house I bought for us. What more do you want from me?”
She stared down at the folder on the table, and Jacob sta
rted to wonder if she’d finally found her conscience. “Nothing, Jacob,” she said, her voice wobbly. “I don’t want anything from you.”
He clenched his hands into fists and had to hold back the strong desire to punch something. “Then what are we doing here, Sienna?”
“I…” She glanced away, her face pale.
He moved closer, clutching the back of one of the chairs as he really studied her for the first time since walking into the room. Beneath the heavy layer of makeup, he noted the dark circles under her eyes and a new worry line creasing her forehead. Her eyes were tired, and her complexion was pasty, despite her efforts to disguise it. “Sienna?” he asked, suddenly worried. “Are you sick?”
She glanced up at him, tears in her eyes as she shook her head. “No.”
Alarm made his heart start to race. Either she was lying, or something else was seriously wrong. He’d seen Sienna cry before. She didn’t hesitate to use tears as a weapon when it came to getting what she wanted. But he didn’t think that was the case in this instance. He’d seen that little act of hers enough times to know that this situation was different. Whatever was going on with her, she was really upset.
Jacob walked around to her side of the table and pulled out one of the chairs. He sat, leaning forward as he held her teary gaze. “What is it, Si? What’s happened?”
The tears were coming faster now as she shook her head and desperately tried to wipe them away. “I’m sorry. This isn’t… you don’t deserve this.”
She was right. He didn’t. But he had cared for her once, and he couldn’t just walk away while she was so obviously upset. He took one of her hands gently in his own. “Whatever it is, you know you can trust me. I’m here.”
She gave him a watery smile and choked out, “Only because I forced your hand.”
“That doesn’t matter now. You obviously had your reasons. Why don’t you just tell me what you came here to say? I’m not going anywhere until you do.”
She glanced down at the folder in front of her then back at him. “I um… I owe you an explanation.”
