Impulsive Magic: A Snarky Paranormal Romance (Modern Magic Book 4)

by Nicole Hall

  His offer was oh, so tempting. Once upon a time, Keely would have jumped on it, but times had changed. She’d changed. Her family was so proud of her. The success story. The one who’d made it.

  A shiver worked through her. What would they think if they knew her whole life was a lie? That she’d traded herself for success and then lost that too. Maybe it was time to take some of herself back.

  An empty main floor greeted Keely when she went inside, but music blared upstairs. Samantha would never blast music loud enough for others to hear, so Dru must be home. Perfect. Keely had a few things to say to her.

  Dru didn’t notice right away when Keely opened the door. She bopped along to a country song with a pen in her mouth and two pencils stuck in her dark bun. The bane of an artist must be losing writing utensils with alarming regularity. Keely shut off the little speaker on Dru’s nightstand, and silence echoed in her ears.

  Dru spun around, her hand on her chest. “You scared me.”

  “Why? If I were here to murder you or steal us blind, I wouldn’t turn the music off first.”

  “Yeah, but my lizard brain doesn’t know that.” She started stacking up the loose papers scattered over her bed.

  Keely moved closer to get a better look at the papers. “What’re you doing?”

  “I got a new project today, so I’m organizing the images.”

  A paper slid to the ground, and Keely picked it up. “These are all blank.”

  Dru shrugged. “I know what goes on what page. They’re numbered, see?” She pointed to a tiny grey number in the corner of the paper.

  Keely squinted at it. “Seventeen? This must be a big project.”

  “You have no idea.” She grabbed the errant page and dropped the stack into a plastic storage tub at the foot of her bed. “Nick recommended me to someone and suddenly I’m drowning in work.”

  “It’s funny you should bring that up. We’ve lived together for over a year, and you’ve never once mentioned Nick.”

  Dru collapsed back on her bed with a sigh and tucked both her legs into a lotus position. The woman took bendy to new levels.

  “We’re talking about this now?”

  Keely’s irritation rose, but she pushed it down, aiming for a neutral tone. Dru hated confrontation, but she’d have to suck it up this time. “Yes. Samantha informed me today that we were getting a new roommate. Your best friend, Nick, who I’ve never heard of before this despite the many, many margaritas consumed between us.”

  Dru winced, and Keely saw the conflict in her green eyes. “I’m sorry. Nick was… He helped me through some bad stuff my freshman year of college. After that, we were inseparable until last year when I took the job here.” She looked down at her lap, her fingers plucking at a loose string on her yoga pants.

  Keely sank down next to Dru on her bed. “He sounds like more than a best friend.”

  She shook her head. “It’s never been like that with us. We just clicked. Besties for life. I’m not sure how to describe it, but he’s always been there when I needed him. Leaving him behind left a big hole in me, so I tried not to think about him at all. It hurt too much.”

  Keely put her arm around Dru’s waist, and the other woman cuddled closer, dropping her head onto Keely’s shoulder. “And now he’s moving here?”

  “He found a job in Manhattan, but he doesn’t have enough saved up for a place yet.”

  “Why don’t you sound happier about that?”

  “Because I’ve been ghosting him for a good year. I’m a terrible friend, and I’m afraid he’s going to hate me.”

  Keely rolled her eyes, thankful Dru couldn’t see her. “Clearly you’ve talked to him. If he’s moving in here, he doesn’t hate you. Sweetie, I love you, but don’t be that girl. Have a conversation with him about it.”

  She sighed again and lifted her head. “You’re right. You’re always right, but this time you’re really right. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you before Samantha.”

  Keely rubbed her back once then shifted away. She understood. Dru didn’t want any hate from her either. “It’s fine, but now it’s my turn for a confession.”

  Dru smiled. “Is it sordid? Please tell me it involves naked man chest.”

  Keely lifted a brow. “You talk to Nick with that mouth? Also, maybe pick up a book that has clothed people on the cover.”

  She waved the idea away. “Nonsense. All the best books have half-naked people on the cover. You should be ashamed of yourself as an editor for not knowing that.”

  “Well, shame on me then. My confession does not involve naked man chest.” Keely’s smile dropped. “I’m moving out.”

  She’d expected dramatics, but Dru only searched her face for a second then nodded. “If that’s what you want.”

  “Really? That’s all?” A pang of hurt had Keely straightening off the bed and returning to her side of the room.

  “Yes, that’s all. I sprang a new roommate on you with no warning, and let’s face it, three of us in this room is ridiculous. I don’t want you to leave, but with your new promotion you can probably afford a room of your own now.”

  Keely shoved a hand through her hair. “Yeah, I didn’t get the promotion. The asshole fired me.”

  “What?” Dru jumped off her bed with her hands clenched into fists. “How could he do that? You’re the only real employee.”

  “He gave the job to his nephew. Ugh, I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

  With nowhere to vent her anger, Dru paced back and forth, eating up the tiny floor space with her long legs. “How are you moving out if you just got fired?”

  “A new opportunity presented itself, but I’m not sure if I should take it.”

  Dru stopped with her hands on her hips. “Take it. Whatever it is, take it.” She frowned. “Unless it’s a sex slave thing. That might be a little dark for you, so maybe pass on that one.”

  An image of Seth with his wet shirt plastered to his sculpted chest flashed through Keely’s mind. She tried to stop the warmth rising from her core, but Dru’s gasp let her know she’d failed horribly.

  “You’re blushing. It is a sex thing!”

  “No. It’s a special project this guy wants me to work on. He offered to let me stay with him rent-free for as long as I need in exchange.”

  Dru’s eyes narrowed. “This sounds like a sex thing. Is he hot?”

  Keely snorted. “God, yes. Tall, muscles everywhere, unruly reddish-brown hair, but like russet not orange.” Dru nodded, an artist to her soul. “Cocky smile. And these amazing golden eyes. They’re unlike anything I’ve ever seen.” He was also sometimes an invisible llama, but she couldn’t tell Dru that.

  The other woman sighed and slid to floor in a graceful boneless heap. “This is almost as good as naked man chest.”

  Keely remembered the feel of being pressed against his chest, and of his lips against her fingers. She had to clear her throat to continue. “Yeah, and he offered to let me be his roommate if I helped him with his project.”

  Dru speared her with a knowing look. “Take it. Then take a lot of pictures and send them to me. Preferably fresh out of the shower, but I’m not picky.”

  “You don’t think it’s sketchy?”

  “Oh, it’s sketchy as hell, but you can’t rise out of the ashes if you don’t take a risk. And me, Nick, and Samantha will be right here if you need backup.”

  Keely leaned her cheek on her fist and stared at her brilliant, gorgeous, soon-to-be ex-roommate. “Don’t tell Samantha, but I’m going to miss you most of all.”

  Dru smiled at her and waggled her eyebrows. “You’re going to take it.”

  “I’m going to take it.”

  She squealed and launched herself at Keely, knocking them both back onto the bed. Dru wasn’t heavy, but she was tall, and there was a lot of her squashing Keely into the mattress. “Okay, okay. I need to breathe to supply you with pictures of my new roommate.”

  Dru rolled over so they were lying side by side, their leg
s hanging off the edge of the bed. “When are you leaving?”

  “I’m not sure, since I haven’t told him yet. But he’ll probably want to get started right away, so as soon as I can pack my things?”

  “Should we celebrate at dinner? Freedom from that terrible job and a new, hunky man. Not too shabby for a day’s work.”

  Keely laughed, feeling some of the stress release now that she’d made a decision. “No, thanks. You guys go out and have fun. I think I’m going to stay inside and pack.”

  “Okay, but so you know, I was fully planning to return any of your clothes you find missing. I just don’t know where they are right at the moment.” Dru gave her a nudge with her hip then vaulted off the bed. She waved on the way out the door, and Keely rolled to her side to survey the room.

  Tears threatened, but Keely had made her decision. She wasn’t going to waffle about the rightness of it; she was going to be the best damn fake mate Seth could ask for. Goal, plan, execute. The goal was clear. Time for a plan.

  Step one had to be telling Seth she’d decided to accept his offer. Keely sat up and frowned. Contacting Seth was going to be hard if she didn’t have his number. Or his last name.

  Doubt started creeping in, but Keely refused to second-guess herself. She grabbed her phone, and to her surprise, she had a text from an unknown number.

  I can be there in the morning with a truck.

  Keely let the phone fall to the bed. It had to be Seth. She’d expected the cockiness, but how had he gotten her number? Magic? Sleight-of-hand? Her brother? Keely rolled her eyes. Of course, the answer was her brother. She needed to stop jumping to the conclusion that everything Seth did was magical.

  She saved the number and hit reply. I accept your humble offer. What time in the morning?

  Three dots appeared, stopped, then reappeared before the next message came through. 10?

  Ten was fine. She could sleep in for once. For a second, Keely wondered what he’d originally been typing. I’ll be ready. I don’t have a lot of furniture. Or stuff, really. It should only take one load.

  The response was much quicker this time. I’m not worried.

  She was, but she’d have to deal with it. Her phone vibrated, making her jump. She’d thought their conversation was over.

  Are you okay?

  The words made Keely suck in a breath. She’d have to remember that Seth was more perceptive than he seemed. And maybe more kind.

  She hesitated, then chose her words carefully for once. I’m nervous. This could all go horribly wrong.

  It could, but I have faith that you’ll make the best of the situation if it does.

  What if I don’t?

  Then I’ll have to have enough faith for both of us.

  Keely tapped the phone with her thumb. Was he playing a game? He’d already gotten what he wanted. The thought that Seth had faith in her was both dismaying and exhilarating. She didn’t want to let him down, but she didn’t need the extra pressure either.

  Her phone vibrated again. That didn’t help, did it?

  She shook her head. That’s okay. I appreciate you trying.

  How about this…what’re you wearing right now?

  She giggled, then blushed. Same thing as earlier, only mostly dry now. You?

  Would you believe I’m walking around my apartment naked because it might be the last chance I have for a while?

  A delicious image of Seth in all his glory lingered in her mind. Yes. I’d believe that. I also believe that my presence won’t stop you.

  The three dots appeared again. What would he type next?

  That depends entirely on you, trouble-maker. You never answered my question earlier.

  Her heartbeat picked up, and goosebumps erupted all over. What question was that?

  Does my touch make you tremble?

  Keely trembled now, imagining the words in his rough voice. That’s not the question you asked.

  It’s the one I’m asking now.

  Heat coursed through her and eradicated every trace of the chill from her wet clothes. Nothing stopped her from inviting him over. She’d heard the door slam earlier as Samantha and Dru had left, and her body wanted to throw out a welcome mat. Keely’s mind, though, balked at how little she knew about Seth.

  Answer my question and I’ll answer yours.

  There was a pause, and she could almost see Seth’s grin. Ask.

  Why not try to find a real mate?

  The pause lasted longer this time. I’m not sure I’m built for a mate. It takes a selfless connection, among other things, and I’ve never been good at being selfless.

  His honesty surprised her. She’d expected a flippant answer that she’d have to mine for the truth. Seth sounded self-deprecating, and Keely had the feeling he’d accepted his reasoning a long time ago. She wondered who’d convinced him he wasn’t good enough for a mate.

  You could try.

  I could, but finding a mate happens once in a lifetime. My kind have extensive lifetimes. I’m not willing to wait that long. Your turn.

  Keely was so focused on the mate question that she’d forgotten how they’d started. He wasn’t looking for his mate, apparently possessive and singular, and he had no intention of starting. What did that mean for her?

  Nothing. It had to mean nothing. She was there to fill a role, and as tempting as he was, Keely intended for Seth to be off-limits during the ruse.

  They were already dangerously close to the line she’d drawn for herself. She didn’t think she could play fake mate alongside real sex. Flirting seemed as natural as breathing for Seth, and she wasn’t immune. Languid warmth filled her body and her nipples tightened from only his words. Did he make her tremble?

  Yes. Keely turned off her phone before he could respond.

  4

  SETH

  The next day, Seth shoved the last of Keely’s belongings into the truck as she said a long, tearful goodbye to her roommates. The tall one had given him an appreciative look when she’d come down the stairs to help, but for once, he wasn’t interested. The other one, who had to be the alpha roommate, sized him up then dismissed him. As a matter of course, he stayed out of people’s minds without an invitation, but something about her made him want to pry.

  She had too much knowledge in her eyes to be human.

  Keely slammed the passenger door, and Seth shifted uncomfortably in the driver’s seat. He’d kept his hands busy while they’d loaded her two pieces of furniture and unending boxes, but now that she sat mere feet from him, the urge to touch her built into a driving need. If the last few hours were any indication, the next few weeks would be a very special hell.

  He watched her out of the corner of his eye as he drove. The farther they got from the row house, the lower Keely sank down in her seat. Seth searched for a way to ease her mind.

  “Are you ready to have your own room again?”

  Her face crumpled, and he winced. Bringing up the thing bothering her was probably a bad idea. Keely didn’t answer, but after a moment, she took a deep breath and sat up straight. The position showed improvement, but she still stared out the window with a frown. Time to try again.

  “I offered to pay you for your time, but we never discussed an amount.”

  Her head swiveled toward him. “I don’t need your money. My savings will last a lot longer if I’m not paying rent. At this point, I’d take a cabinet under the stairs if it was free.”

  “I insist on paying you, and my place is nice. No stairs, unfortunately.” A small smile flittered across her face, and Seth felt like he’d slayed a lion.

  Keely turned in her seat to face him. “Is this your truck?”

  “No. I borrowed it from a friend.”

  Her silence made him glance over, and she gave him serious side-eye.

  “What? I have friends.”

  “Friends who let you borrow a fancy truck at the last minute after not seeing you for at least a year?”

  He chuckled. “They’re used to me disappeari
ng. How about five hundred a week until this is done?”

  Keely’s eyes widened. “Dollars?

  “Yes. You could be looking for a job, and instead, you’ll be my…assistant.”

  She snorted. “We are not calling me that. If nothing else, I’m your partner.”

  “Partner, then. Five hundred dollars a week from now until we’re back.”

  “Back from where?”

  Seth slowed the truck and parked in the loading zone in the front of his building. “Aecantha, where I’m from.” Her brow furrowed, but he’d rather not talk about his forbidden homeland out on the street. Time for a distraction. “Welcome home.”

  Keely turned to look out her window, and her jaw dropped.

  A lull in traffic let him hop out and circle the truck while she goggled. The doorman, Jeff, started forward, but Seth waved him off. He’d owned an apartment here for decades, but he didn’t stay very often. The old-world architecture appealed to him, as did the view from his windows on the thirty-fourth floor.

  Keely didn’t immediately get out when he opened the door for her, so he took her hand and pulled her to a stand. Her neck craned up, and she squinted. “Are those gargoyles?”

  “Yes. They’re the reason I live here. You never know when the protection from a gargoyle will come in handy.”

  He’d made the comment with a straight face, but Keely shifted her squint to him. “Fifteen percent truth?”

  “All truth. I never discount added protection.”

  Keely cast another glance at the ornate building and pulled her hand free to plant both fists on her hips. “Are you messing with me right now?”

  Seth’s blood raced from the brief contact. His fascination with touching her didn’t seem to be in a hurry to go away. Keely looked like she’d deck him if he reached for her again. Might be worth it, but Jeff probably wouldn’t appreciate the violence on his watch.

  He ran a hand through his hair instead. “I live here. Now, you live here. As soon as we get your stuff inside.”

  The doorman approached again, not willing to be dismissed a second time. “Would you like a trolley, sir?”