Now You See Me
Page 18
She ordered herself not to cry. “I’m not really sure what there is to say. You made yourself pretty clear a couple of weeks ago.”
His hands slid down to cover hers. “I was an ass.”
“Takes a big man to admit that.” Because he stood so close to her she could feel every inch of his body behind hers, she didn’t dare turn around. Putting herself within the circle of his arms would only be detrimental.
“Miss Elliott, does that door mirror need to go?” one of the movers shouted from the entryway.
Before Kate could speak, Brad barked, “Just take everything.” Then immediately apologized. “Sorry. Patience…”
“Yeah, I know. Never one of your virtues.”
“This isn’t the right place for this conversation. Can we go somewhere?”
The suggestion did make her turn then, and she realized she’d been right about the wrong move. She pressed her hands against his chest. “No, we can’t. I’m right in the middle of moving, in case you missed it.”
The sharp edge to her tone didn’t dissuade him. “The Sold sign on the front lawn really clued me in. Fine.” He took hold of her arm and propelled her down the hall and into a vacant bedroom.
Once he released her she folded her arms, giving him a mutinous look. If he thought he could sweep in, apologize, and make the past few weeks disappear, he didn’t know her very well. She held grudges. Admittedly not one of her best traits, but at least she was honest with herself.
“Look,” she checked her watch, “I have about forty-five minutes before that truck is due back to the rental company, and probably two hours’ worth of stuff to be moved. So if this can wait until after I’m done…”
“It can’t. Kate,” he cupped her grimy face, “don’t you think you’ve waited long enough? I know it was my fault you decided to move, that I pushed you away. Hell, if I could have pushed myself away I would have.”
He lowered his hands to her shoulders. “I’d lived so long in a bubble built from anger and guilt that I didn’t even realize what I was missing until you walked into my life.”
Kate’s throat clogged. Those damnable tears were close, and she really didn’t want to cry. Hadn’t she given him enough of her tears? But the way he stood there looking at her, the pain she saw in his eyes, softened some of her inner torment. Slowly the grudge began to melt away. That had never happened before.
She drew in a deep breath and took the plunge. “Brad, what is it you want? You’re going to have to spell it out for me this time.”
“Fair enough.” He pulled her close. “I want to kiss you again. I want to hear your voice on the other end of my cell, to walk into my house and smell your perfume. Mostly, I want you, Kate. We can take it so slow snails pass us by as long as you’re willing to give me another try at this.”
Damn. The last remaining vestiges of the grudge faded. She tipped her head back to get a better view of his face. “I don’t want to go that slow.”
He smiled. “You set the speed.”
“Moderately fast.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. “Maybe a little faster.” Her arms went around his neck.
Brad buried his face in the curve of her shoulder. “What about the move? Do you already have a job somewhere else, because I can put in for a transfer.”
Her heart leaped at his words. He was willing to move for her. Good thing she wasn’t interested in moving slowly. She raised her hands and framed his face. “I don’t really have any set plans.”
“So no new job?”
“No, but I have an old one that really wants me back.” She looked around the empty room. “Of course, I’m going to have to find another place to live.”
“I happen to have a guest bedroom that works very well as I recall.” Brad squeezed her a bit tighter. “Or if you prefer, there are other rooms.”
“You wouldn’t happen to be referring to the master suite with the king-size bed, would you?” The mere thought of Brad’s bedroom filled her mind with so many images her mouth went dry.
Brad studied the ceiling. “Hmm, let me think about it a minute. Yeah. I believe that is the one.”
Kate’s grin matched his. “Thanks for the clarification.”
For several moments they stood just grinning at each other until Brad whispered, “Let’s get out of here.”
A thump outside the room served as a reminder to Kate, and she lowered her arms. “No, I can’t. The movers, remember?”
“Damn.” He peeled off his coat, surveyed the room. “Two hours, you say?”
“At least.”
“Lady, you’ve never seen me move when I’m motivated.”
“Then I’m looking forward to the show.” And she didn’t doubt he could give one.
“If you think this is the show, I’d hate to think what kind of movies you’ve been going to.”
Her hand on the small of his back, she shoved him out the door. “Long, boring foreign films.”
Brad spun, caught her in his arms and kissed her slowly, drawing the attention of the two movers, who stopped and clapped. When Kate buried her head against his chest, he laughed. “Good thing they won’t be around for the actual show. I think we’d earn an encore.”
His lips left a wet imprint on the side of her neck and Kate shivered. “I really hope you’re as good at moving as you say you are.”
“You have no idea how good I really am.” He gave her a smile that made her want to send the movers home.
Hand in his, Kate walked out with him, hope lifting her heart. She wouldn’t lie to herself by thinking everything would be easy from here on in. They both had some issues to face, a past to put to bed, but having someone to walk the journey with always made life a little easier.
When he winked at her Kate forgot all about the extra rental fees. She backed him against the hall closet and kissed him again and again, each kiss hotter and lasting longer than the one before. Until additional applause reminded her they still had an audience.
Both out of breath, they staggered into the living room, traded glances and got to work, moving at almost inhuman speeds.
They managed to pack the truck in thirty minutes.
About Rachel Carrington
I started writing years ago, and my first attempt was a contemporary romance that will never see the light of day. I think I may even have thrown it away by now. It was absolutely horrific as I knew nothing about, well…anything to do with writing.
After that, I started writing fantasy romances about wizards and wizards, and once those took off, I segued to paranormal romances (hello, vampires and ghosts) and romantic suspense. I also write articles for various magazines.
I’m fortunate to make my home in historic Charleston, South Carolina. Beautiful city. Beautiful people. When I’m not writing, I love to read, create videos, keep Target in business, play visitor in my city, and drink lots of coffee.
You can find me all over the internet, please feel free to connect with me on any of them! And be sure to sign up for my newsletter as I love hosting giveaways! You never know what you can win!
Rachel welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email addresses on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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Also by Rachel Carrington
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Hot Magic 2: Unchained Spell
Hot Magic 3: Breaking the Spell
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‘Til We Meet Again
Print books by Rachel Carrington
Choices
Hot Magic 1: Indigo Spell
Hot Magic 2: Unchained Spell
Ho
t Magic 3: Breaking the Spell
In This Life
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
www.ellorascave.com
Now You See Me
ISBN 9781419942211
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Now You See Me Copyright © 2013 Rachel Carrington
Edited by Ann Leveille
Cover design by Syneca
Cover photography by Dragonfly Studio, Terry M/Shutterstock.com
Electronic book Publication August 2013
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