"Torr showed up." He glanced back at the television screen. "Guardians are only allowed to observe and try to protect. They can't interfere on a mission like this."
"They deserve to know what's going on. We're invading their territory."
"I assume you told her."
"Of course."
"And you were in invisible mode?"
She nodded.
"I wish I had that power. I would've looked like an idiot talking to myself."
She laughed. "I did that to Torr before I went inside. You should've seen the looks people walking by were giving him."
"I can imagine."
Saffron sat down on the couch next to him. "You intimidated her."
"How?"
"Your presence. Were you playing 'I'm the big, bad, protective angel again'?"
He shrugged.
She laughed. "You were." Her gaze shifted from him to the television. "Who's playing?"
"Penguins vs. Devils. The Pens are winning."
The doorbell rang. "The pizza is here."
Zach got up and paid the delivery man. He placed the pizza on the coffee table. "The pizza guy's guardian angel looked freaked out."
"I calmed down Rosemarie, Leah's assigned protector." She sighed. "Just what we need, more freaked out guardian angels. I'll go to the local hall in the morning."
"I thought Abidan or Ebenezer would've informed them of us being here."
"It doesn't seem that way."
"They're slipping in their old age."
"Don't tell them that. You'll get lectured again."
He took a sip of soda. "Why are they freaked out anyway?"
"Our reputation precedes us. They're also nervous that something bad is going down."
He grabbed a piece of pizza. "Big deal for them. It's just another mission for us."
She shook her head. "So you say."
****
The morning rush was going to start soon. Leah felt like she was walking in a haze. It was difficult for her to focus. This was one morning she wished she could've slept in. Strange dreams of fire and white light haunted her sleep again. In one, she thought she was flying through a changing sky of blue, clouds, and fire. At the moment, her body felt heavy and earth- bound. She trudged over behind the counter. Time for a cup of coffee. Maybe, I'll wake up.
Her sister stared at her and snorted. "What are you doing back here?"
Leah blinked. "Excuse me. It's my bookstore. I'm allowed back here."
"It's partly mine too. Grandpa left me forty percent and you sixty percent."
"I know we have an agreement about you running the café and me running the bookstore." The older sister yawned as she grabbed a cup and poured herself some coffee. "I'm getting a cup of Irish cream coffee. I'm really having a hard time waking up this morning." Why did Tabitha have to be in an arguing mood?
Tabitha smirked. "Why? Did you have a hot date?"
"No, bad dreams again." I can't be the only one on the planet to have bad dreams. Tabitha certainly didn't seem to have them.
Her sister snapped her fingers. "I should've known." She glanced around before whispering, "That hot guy is back."
Leah looked down at the counter. "I know." She had seen him the moment he walked in this morning, he wore the same tan trench coat as yesterday. Underneath was a simple buttoned-down blue and white shirt and blue jeans. His light brown hair was mussed in a sexy way. He had said he was new in town. She wondered what brought him here. Was it a new job, a sick relative, a change of scenery? Did he come to town alone? She didn't see a ring on his left hand but some men didn't wear wedding rings.
Her sister gave her a gentle shove. "Go talk to him."
"He looks like he doesn't want to be bothered." Unlike Tabitha, Leah didn't flirt with every man that walked through the door.
"Don't be so sure. He's coming this way." Tabitha hung her apron on the hook. "Watch the counter for a minute. I need to go to the ladies' room." She walked away.
Leah let out a sigh of frustration. Nice timing, little sis. You left me all alone on purpose. Ulrich wasn't coming in for another hour. She glanced around the bookstore. At least it's slow for the moment.
He smiled at her. "Can I get a cup of coffee?"
"Sure. What kind?"
"Regular."
No fancy flavors? "Try the mint coffee. It's the flavor of the month for March." It was a big success on St. Patrick's Day. I'll have to ask Tabitha about making a permanent addition to the menu. Leah poured the coffee into a cup. "On the house."
"Thanks." He extended his hand. "I'm Zach Aurelius."
"Leah Blanco."
"Nice name." He turned around and looked out the window. "It looks like it might rain today."
"Weatherman on television this morning said it was going to be sunny all day. There wasn't anything on the radar map."
He winked. "We'll see." His eyes turned solemn. "I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble yesterday."
"You weren't the one. It was that other guy."
His posture and eyes became serious. "Watch out for him."
She nodded. "Are you a police officer?"
"Sort of. I handle special assignments. That guy has been in trouble before."
She nodded. "I could tell." I hope I never see that man again.
He blinked. "That's odd. Most people are quickly fooled by him."
Time to change the subject. "Did you enjoy the books you bought yesterday?"
"Yeah, I did. I like to know about the place I'm assigned to." He smiled at her. "Would you like to have dinner tonight? You can name the place."
Her jaw dropped as she stared at him in disbelief. His tone was so gentle. He wasn't the least bit intimidating or demanding like that guy he almost fought in the store yesterday. She felt comfortable talking to him. There was something about him she trusted. Also, it wasn't like she was going to be totally alone with them. They would be in a public place.
"Sure. Meet me back here at seven-thirty."
Zach smiled at her. "See you then." He grabbed his coffee and walked out the door.
Tabitha threw on her apron as she appeared by her sister's side. "Thanks to me, you've got a date tonight."
Leah stared at her in disbelief. "What do you mean, thanks to you? Were you listening the entire time?"
"No." A sheepish expression crossed her face. "I gave you and that guy a chance to talk."
"He could've talked to me out on the sales floor." Leah drank her cup of coffee. "I've got to make a book order."
Tabitha followed her out to the shop. "What are you going to wear?"
"I don't know. Jeans, a sweater."
"You should wear a skirt."
"It's a casual date."
"Let me go shopping for you," Tabitha whined. "Please."
Leah looked over at the café. "No, you've got a customer."
Tabitha turned around and waved. "I'll be right there." She looked back at her. "You're no fun." Leah watched her stomp back behind the counter.
Chapter Five
A few hours later, the store became crowded. Leah leaned over to pick up a pile of books someone left on the floor. When she looked up, Torr was standing beside her with a silk red rose. He wore the same black leather jacket. It was unzipped, revealing a black T-shirt. His black boots were scuffed. The jeans looked well worn and were tight. Women were staring at him with hungry looks on their faces as they passed. She was tempted to tell him to go talk to one of them.
"I wanted to apologize for yesterday." He had a hopeful smile on his face. It made him look boyish.
Her body stiffened as she took the flower. She didn't hear or see him come in. Strange, he got me a silk rose and not a real one. His cologne was giving her a headache. The room was suddenly warm.
She picked up a booklet of events and fanned the air around her. "Why are you here?"
"I wanted to see you again."
She rolled her eyes and placed the rose on top of a bookcase. I should've asked Zach if
this guy has a criminal record. She walked away to put the books back in their proper place. It wasn't a surprise to her when he followed.
Torr leaned on the bookcase next to her. "Are you free for dinner tonight?" he asked with a seductive smile.
"No."
His jaw dropped. "What do you mean, 'no'?"
Leah stared at him, wondering if he was for real. I have a feeling he doesn't get turned down too often. Or he's that arrogant. You're being told no now. "I already have plans." No need for an excuse. It was the truth. I would've said that if I didn't. Based on yesterday, I doubt he'd like whom I'm going out with.
"Drop them. I'll make it a night you'll never forget." His hand caressed her cheek.
She jerked away as though she'd been burned. I bet he says that to all of the girls. She shook her head. "Sorry, but the answer is still no." She filed a book on the shelf before walking away.
He was right on her heels. "How about tomorrow night?"
How am I going to get rid of him?
Fortunately, a short older man wearing a dark gray business suit approached. "Pardon me. I need to find a Spanish dictionary."
She nodded and began to walk in the direction of that section. "Follow me, please."
"My wife and I are going on a trip to Spain."
"Sounds like fun." She secretly wished she could travel. Maybe I'll save up for my birthday next year.
Irritation filled her as Torr followed them. "¿Cómo están ustedes?" he asked.
The man laughed. "I didn't understand a word you said. My wife is better at Spanish than I. That's why I need a dictionary."
Torr smiled. "I asked, how are you?"
The man turned to Torr. "Good."
"You're supposed to reply, 'bien.'"
"How soon is your trip?" Leah asked, wishing Torr would go away.
"In a few weeks."
"Here's a traveler's pocket dictionary. And here's a Spanish book for beginners."
The man beamed at her. "Thank you so much."
Leah nodded and fixed the books in that section. Maybe he'll get the hint that I'm busy.
Torr leaned close to her. "Spanish is a romance language."
Or not. "I know." She tilted her head. "Hasta la vista."
"Very funny. You got that from a famous movie."
"I also took Spanish in high school."
"Fascinating, I'm learning more about you." He took her hands in his. "Can't you see why I want to have dinner with you?"
More customers meandered around the store.
"Can't we go to lunch or something?"
She pulled away. "I have to work."
"Let me take you to Spain. You'll like it there. " He moved closer to her. His voice became low and seductive as he said in her ear, "I can take you anywhere you want to go. Just name the place. Where do you want to go?"
Leah closed her eyes and could envision standing on a beach in Hawaii. Palm trees rose majestically up to the clear, blue sky. The waves crashed against the white sand. She could feel the warm breeze against her skin. It was more vivid than any dream. A baby's crying filled the air. She slowly opened her eyes. The beach faded away, books and the smell of coffee filled the air.
"What just happened?" she asked.
"We could go right now," he said.
She shook her head. Everything was clear once again. The fantasy was over. She laughed. "I can't drop everything and leave." That was something Tabitha would do. She waved her hand. "Look around you. I have a business to run."
"It'll be fun. You could use that in your life. Couldn't you feel the sand between your toes?"
She stared at him. "How?"
"I'm learning many things about you."
She snorted.
"Come on. You look so serious. Don't be that way." His lips formed a pout. "I bet there's a party girl screaming to get out."
"You've got the wrong woman." That was my sister. One party girl in the family was bad enough. "Seriously, you should go."
He stared into her eyes. "You don't mean that."
She stared back, unafraid. "Yes, I do."
He shrugged. "I'll be back."
She turned away. Please don't.
****
Torr stomped out of the shop. He couldn't believe he was striking out with the mortal woman. That never happened before. Women always fell at his feet. Why was this one any different? I thought yesterday was a fluke. My bosses will fry my rear if I fail on one this big. What a time to lose my mojo. He looked around. Two college age women were walking into a restaurant. He smiled seductively at them. The duo smiled back, then turned to each other and giggled. It's not me, it's her. I can't let anyone know about this. My reputation is at stake. I'll be the laughing stock of demons if this gets out.
The blond-haired woman stepped forward. "We're going to lunch. Come join us."
He nodded. "Sounds great." The blonde looped her arm through his.
"Don't hog him." A brunette took his other arm.
He kissed the brunette's cheek, then the blonde's. "Relax ladies, there's plenty to go around." They entered the restaurant. Every woman turned and stared at him as they passed.
Even if Leah hasn't come into her powers yet, she's no ordinary mortal. I have to step up my game and try a different approach with her. For now, I'm going to have some fun.
****
Leah stood by the front door and read a Jane Austen book. The registers were counted and the money locked up in a safe. For once, the store didn't have straggling customers. It was ready to be locked up for the night. Leah refused when Tabitha told her she could wait with her. The last thing Leah needed was her flirty sister there when Zach arrived. She saw a male figure approach and knock on the door. She placed the book behind the counter and went to the door. A glance at the clock revealed he was on time. She turned off the lights and set the alarm.
He smiled. "Shall we go?"
"Yes." Leah locked the door behind her and shoved the keys into her purse. She took his extended arm. They walked down the street to a bar and grill type restaurant.
His presence was comforting. Not all disturbing like Torr. They didn't have to wait long for a table. The hostess led them to one as soon as they walked in.
Zach helped her with her chair. "How long have you lived in Ohio?"
"All of my life. Where did you grow up?" Leah glanced over her menu.
"Here and there. My family traveled a lot and still does."
The waitress approached their table. "Are you ready to order?"
Leah looked at Zach and he nodded. "Ladies first," he said.
"Soda, chicken mushroom pasta, Italian dressing on the salad."
The waitress looked at Zach. "Soda, the fish dinner with fries." She nodded and left.
Leah looked at him in surprise.
"I used to go fishing a lot with my parents, brother, and sisters." He shrugged. "Did you ever go fishing?"
"No. My father isn't much into fishing." She laughed. "You could never get my sister Tabitha to touch a worm or a fish."
The waitress brought their drinks.
"Thank you," Zach said.
Leah noticed the angel-wing pendant peeking out from his shirt. "What's that?"
"A good luck charm. My parents presented it to me on my eighteenth birthday."
"It's pretty. Is your ring also a good luck charm?" She pointed to the large turquoise ring on the index finger on his right hand.
"Turquoise is said to be one of the most ancient gemstones and it's also a protection stone. I wear it because it reminds me of the sky." He gazed into her eyes. "Do you believe in angels?"
"I believe there are guardian angels that watch over us."
****
Zach nodded. That was good to know. She seems like she has a good heart. I wish I could tell her about the true meaning of my pendant. Maybe soon. I don't want to freak her out.
The waitress came by with their dinner.
Zach looked up. "Thank you." He took a bite of his fis
h.
"How is it?" Leah asked.
"It's okay." He leaned forward and whispered. "No one can cook fish like my mom." Lent was sometimes a pain. How he always wanted a steak.
It was cute the way she giggled. "The chicken is good."
He smiled. Her company was enjoyable. Dinner went by quickly.
The waitress came by the table. "Would you like dessert?"
Zach looked at Leah. "We could split a piece of chocolate cake," she suggested.
"Good idea."
The waitress came back with a slice of cake and two forks.
****
After a lovely dinner, Zach escorted Leah to her car.
"I had a wonderful evening," she said.
"I did too. Goodnight." Zach leaned down and softly brushed his lips against hers before pulling away. She smiled at him. Never did that happen with an assignment before. She got into her car and drove away. The last thing Zach wanted to do was for this to be a real date. It had turned out that way.
Chapter Six
Torr entered the club. He felt the lustful gazes of women as he passed them by. The one woman he wanted to see was dancing in the middle of the floor. Her blond hair tossed in the air as she moved. Tabitha wore a short skirt and a silvery shirt that showed the start of her cleavage. She looks like she knows how to enjoy herself. My kind of girl. Too bad she's not my assignment. It would be a piece of cake. He made his way through the crowd and over to her. A dark-haired man stood next to her, glaring at him. Stupid guardian angels. He felt like flipping him the bird. The guardian angel wouldn't be the only one who saw it. No doubt, Tabitha would and not understand who it was meant for.
"Hey Torr," she screamed over the pulsating dance music.
He leaned in closer. "Is Leah here?" Stupid question. He would've felt her in the room.
She laughed. Sweat glistened off of her body. "Of course not."
Normally, the party would've been fun. Tonight, he had to think about business. I need a quieter place to talk to her.
Angels in Turquoise Skies Page 3
