Moonlight Mist: A Limited Edition Collection of Fantasy & Paranormal)

by Nicole Morgan

  Jeff had flowers waiting on Hallie’s desk when she arrived at her cubicle. That was at least one good thing that would happen today. Hallie set her things down before answering her phone that was already ringing. The senior art director wanted to make last minute changes. Halie was going to have to scramble. She grabbed her purse and rushed out the door.

  Hallie watched the photo shoot with rapt attention. All her energy went into the last minute details. It was up to her to make sure this went exactly the way it was supposed to. The photographer was starting with the first model. This was going to be a long day. They had two models with two outfits each and a set change. Hallie sighed checking her watch.

  One of the crew walked past carrying a crate. Normally Hallie wouldn’t have cared or even noticed. This guy though was built. He was over six foot tall with the arms of Greek sculpture. Hallie could only guess what the rest of his body looked like. He had blonde hair and blue eyes in a perfectly chiseled face. It was enough to make any woman stop and stare. Hallie shook herself. She had to focus, not drool over some new crewman. She took one last look before focusing on the shoot once more.

  “Maybe next time you should ask your photographer to take a picture.” A voice behind Hallie said making her jump.

  Hallie hadn’t expected anyone to come up behind her. She faced the unknown voice and couldn’t believe her eyes. It was the new crew member. It was everything Hallie could do to keep her mouth from hanging open. “Sorry,” she apologized lamely.

  “Don’t be,” he shrugged surveying the shoot. “Maybe someone should tell those women carrots are for rabbits.”

  Hallie laughed a little. She couldn’t help it. He meant what he said. He didn’t see anything wrong with it either. He had a slight accent which meant he didn’t grow up in the States at least. If Hallie had to guess she’d say Ireland. “That’s what sells,” Hallie shrugged.

  “Then you Americans are daft. I like a little meat on a woman’s bones.” He turned and headed off once more giving Hallie a good look.

  Faolin

  Faolin found the mortal easily enough. His guardian was able to help track her down. Getting hired at her work wasn’t hard either. She, however, was going to be more challenging than he thought at first. He found out from the rest of the crew she already had a suitor. She also had her own residence which meant she was independent. What would she need him for?

  The look she gave him though was unmistakable. She was interested. That was something in his favor at least. Most mortals found it hard to resist the Fae. Still, he had a few obstacles in his way. Now that she noticed him Faolin needed to get her attention.

  One of the male models was headed towards the table of food. Faolin grinned as he waved a hand and looked away. There was a crash behind him and a lot of concerned voices. Faolin slowly got up from the table with everyone else to see what happened. The poor man tripped and fell. He couldn’t put any weight on his ankle. What a shame Faolin agreed with his co-workers.

  Hallie was surveying the situation and making notes. She had the injured man taken to medical help and the mess at the buffet cleaned up. She had a crew member clear the aisle. In less than five minutes everything was sorted out; everything that was except the missing model.

  Hallie scanned the list in her hand and made a phone call. Then she talked to the photographer. There was another phone call, and Faolin thought she might throw her phone. Faolin struck up a conversation with the crewman beside him although he was keenly aware of where Hallie was. She marched straight up to him and tapped him on the arm.

  “I need a word with you,” she more demanded than asked. “please,” she said as an afterthought. It wasn’t what Faolin expected. He thought for sure she’d be a mousy little woman. He hated to admit it, but this was a turn on.

  Faolin excused himself stepping aside to speak with Hallie, “I need you to step in for the missing model. Can you do that? All you have to do is wear the clothes smile and do what the photographer says.”

  “It seems really hard. I think I can handle standing there and looking pretty though.” Faolin told her as he crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Sorry I didn’t mean it like that. I meant it's not something everyone wants to do. Some people feel silly. I hate having my picture taken.” Hallie apologized.

  Faolin relaxed. “Apology accepted.”

  “Thanks, you’re a lifesaver Mr.…” Hallie prompted.

  Faolin had the sudden urge to tell her his real name. Why he had no idea. Names held power over the Fae and were rarely told to anyone save King Oberon and family. Why would he have the urge to give her that kind of power over him? He offered his hand instead “Liam Martin,”

  “Thanks again Liam,” she shook his hand. It was soft, and he couldn’t help noticing how good she smelled. Hallie cleared her throat as she let go. “I’ll show you what’s going on.” She turned away quickly. Faolin was sure she was blushing though. This may not be as hard as he thought.

  Hallie

  Hallie didn’t know who hired the Irish Adonis that saved her shoot on Monday. She owed them a steak dinner though. Without Liam, she’d have been sunk. Jeff didn’t think it that big of a deal. He’d never dealt with a modeling agency before or models. She couldn’t get one at a moment’s notice. The senior creative director wasn’t budging either. He liked the replacement though. He was so pleased he was recommending Hallie for a small promotion.

  Jeff saw Hallie’s career advancement as an opportunity to progress their relationship as well. He wanted to move in together. Hallie wasn’t so sure. Moving in with Jeff was a big step. She’d have to give up her place with Jenny, and she wasn’t sure she was ready to do that. Hallie didn’t know why he was in such a rush. They’d only been dating a year.

  Thursday afternoon Jeff sat on the corner of Hallie’s desk waiting to go to lunch. He told her about yet another apartment he found. Hallie let him talk. She didn’t want to bring up a sensitive subject at work. She grabbed her purse as she stood up. Liam chose that exact moment to walk past with a ladder. Hallie tried not to notice. How could she not though? He was gorgeous.

  Jeff asked if Hallie was even listening. She tore her eyes away focusing on Jeff once more. Hallie insisted she’d been listening to him prattle on about an apartment she didn’t want to move into. Jeff stopped. He looked at her a moment a little shocked. Hallie mumbled an apology and said maybe a different one. Jeff took her hand as they walked out.

  Hallie plopped into her chair after lunch. It was a disaster. She meant to talk to Jeff about not moving in together. Instead, she looked at ads for five different places. Hallie put her head down on her desk with a groan. She still felt guilty about snapping at Jeff earlier. It kept her from telling him the truth.

  “If you don’t want to move in with him, you should just tell him.” A voice told her.

  “I know,” she half whined.

  “You’re an independent woman. There’s no shame in that.” The voice told her.

  Hallie looked up into Liam’s smiling face as he leaned on her cubicle wall. She was so embarrassed. “You heard us earlier?”

  “Sorry I had to fix the light.” He nodded towards the light above the two cubicles next to her. “He should understand if he cares about you.”

  Hallie sighed. “I know, but Jeff has this picture of where he wants to be in five years, and he wants me there with him.” Hallie rubbed her temples. “He says this is the first step.”

  “But is it your picture, Hallie?” Liam asked.

  Hallie sat up and looked at Liam. That was mistake number one. He took her breath away every time. Mistake two was actually talking about her problems with him. She didn’t even know him. Why did she feel like she could tell him anything? Hallie told Liam how focused Jeff was on his career. It never bothered her. Hallie’s job was just that. Sure she enjoyed it, which was a major bonus, mostly though, it paid the bills. If Hallie had her choice, she’d be a full-time artist.

  Glancing at the clock
, Hallie realized she’d prattled on for 15 minutes. Hallie hastily apologized. Liam shrugged. He insisted he didn’t mind, it kept him from fixing a broken chair a little longer. Angela from the art department buzzed into her cubicle talking about their next project. She didn’t even notice Liam until he picked up his ladder and walked down the row of makeshift offices. Angela stopped to stare then. Hallie knew how she felt.

  Chapter Two

  Hallie

  Two weeks later Hallie sat in a meeting with her boss, a senior creative designer. Sharon was a nice woman outside of work but a real pain to work for. Everything had to be done to her exacting standards, or there was hell to pay. Now, Sharon, had her mind made up that Liam had to model in her newest campaign and he didn’t want to. She knew Hallie got him to model once and gave her the task of doing it again.

  Hallie sighed as she got up. She’d only seen Liam in passing the last several days. How was she going to find him now? She shut down her laptop and reached under the table for her bag. Under the left table leg was a wadded up piece of paper keeping it from wobbling. Hallie shook her head. Then she sat up. Why had she been so stupid? They worked at the same company.

  Back at her desk Hallie strummed her fingers on her desk as she waited. She was nervous. Why was she nervous? Liam came down the row of cubicles, and she couldn’t think about it. Hallie sat up smiling cheerily. She tried not to ogle him this time and was only partially successful. Liam pretended not to notice.

  Liam leaned on her cubicle making Hallie nearly forget why she needed to speak to him. Deciding to get it out as quickly as possible, she cleared her throat and said it all in one rush. Liam stared at her a moment as he absorbed what she said.

  “So this Sharon, your boss, wants me to model again and sent you to ask me?” Liam considered. “I don’t know, “ Liam hesitated.

  “We’ll pay you, of course,” Hallie assured him.

  “I’m not worried about that.” He shook his head. “I’m supposed to keep a low profile.” Hallie was confused. “It’s a family thing.”

  “It’s a small ad campaign. I’m sure it won’t make it to anyone important.” Hallie tempted. “I would be a huge favor for me.”

  “Oh, in that case, we can settle the score straight away. Have dinner with me Friday night.” Liam suggested.

  “Liam I have a boyfriend.” Hallie protested.

  Liam smiled, “That wasn’t a no,”

  “No,” Hallie insisted.

  “What’s wrong Hallie?” Jeff asked making her jump.

  Hallie stood up her cheeks blazing red. “Um Jeff, this is Liam. He helped out on that ad campaign.” Hallie explained. Jeff thought a moment then took Liam’s hand thanking him. “Sharon wants him in another ad. I was just asking him.”

  “And I was just refusing unless the company treated me to dinner. And Hallie would have to personally fill me in as we ate.” Liam explained.

  “You can do that Halle,” Jeff shrugged.

  “He means alone, Jeff.” Hallie clarified as Liam grinned.

  Jeff pulled Hallie to the side. “It’s one evening Hallie, and this is what Sharon wants. Be professional and get him to do the shoot.” Hallie stared at him. She couldn’t believe he didn’t care that she’d go out with another man. “Come on Hallie, this was a great opportunity don’t blow it. I trust you.”

  Hallie sighed as she pulled her arm out of Jeff’s grip. “When and where?” She asked Liam.

  “I’ll meet you at your desk after work on Friday.” He smiled again.

  “You are doing the shoot right?” Hallie asked.

  Liam sneered, and she wondered why. “I gave my word,” He confirmed as he walked away.

  Hallie looked at Jeff who shook his head. Neither of them knew what that was about.

  Friday evening took forever to arrive. Hallie was nervous. She didn’t know what to expect at dinner. Was Liam asking her out on a professional level or personal? She wore a nice dress to work and slipped on the heels she brought. At least she looked nice.

  Liam stopped at her desk at precisely 5:30pm. He wore khaki pants and a light blue button-up shirt. He’d changed from the jeans and plain black tee he wore earlier that day. Hallie thought he was handsome before, his sex appeal just ratcheted up several notches. She forgot to breathe for a moment. Liam said hello and offered his arm.

  Hallie reluctantly took Liam’s arm. She was still so unsure what he wanted. Liam smiled though and acted like a perfect gentleman. The restaurant was only a few blocks away. It was a gorgeous evening, and Hallie never minded walking. She wasn’t so sure about his choice though. Hallie had a budget for work expenses. This place looked like it would be a whole month’s allowance. Sharon did say she wanted Liam whatever Hallie had to do though.

  Liam held the door for Hallie. The food smelled amazing. However, the line at the hostess station was ridiculous. It didn’t seem to bother Liam though. He saw a waiter and waved him over. A few quiet words and they were in. Hallie couldn’t believe it. The waiter sat them at a booth in the back of the restaurant. He pulled a reserved sign off of it as he left. Hallie had to say she was impressed. When she asked about it, Liam said he used to work there. Hallie wasn’t convinced, but she let it drop.

  It didn’t take long for their server to come over for their order. Hallie had no idea what to order. The entire menu was in French. Liam smiled and offered to order for her. What else could she do? An older man with greying hair and cunning eyes came out with a bottle of wine. He barely glanced at the table as he presented the bottle to Liam. When he accepted the wine though, the steward’s eyes grew wide. He stared at Liam like he’d seen a ghost. Before the steward could utter a word, Liam asked him to pour the wine and leave.

  Hallie never saw Liam be rude before, to anyone. Why would he treat that poor wine steward so cruelly? She couldn’t understand it. Maybe Liam had worked here, and there was bad blood between the two. Whatever it was, it wasn’t her concern.

  Liam asked her the most random questions as they ate dinner. Most people ask where you grew up. Liam asked where her family was from and what her heritage was. He wanted to know if she had any family traditions and who she took after. The questions were a nice departure from the norm, but it was still odd.

  Hallie had to admit Liam was good company. He was kind and friendly; well friendly to most. He was charming really; although she would never tell him that. Hallie reminded herself constantly that she was with Jeff and this was just business. A man like Liam would never be interested in a woman like Hallie.

  Toward the end of dinner, Hallie managed to steer the conversation where she needed it to go. The photo shoot. Liam sat back in the booth sipping his wine. He picked at a crack in the wall as if bored. Finally, he faced her. He was annoyed again. Hallie wasn’t going to take it. She’d done nothing wrong. She told Liam as much, and he began to laugh. He assured her that he would do the photo shoot now that she held up her end of the bargain.

  Hallie breathed a sigh of relief. At least this dinner wasn’t a waste. She played with the gold chain on her neck that she always wore. Her father’s pendant was a reassuring sight as it swung free. Liam glanced at her and sat up straighter. Hallie had no idea why.

  Faolin

  Faolin was annoyed. He set up this whole dinner hoping to get some answers from Hallie. If that failed, he hoped to at least get her attention. He received neither. She was only interested in the damn photo shoot. He sat back enjoying the last of his wine as she brooded across from him. This night hadn’t gone at all as he planned.

  A glint of gold in the dim light caught Faolin’s attention. Hallie wore a necklace he hadn’t noticed before. She played with the chain now making the pendant dance. It was an odd choice for a young woman: a small grey-blue stone encircled by a small wire cage. It could be exactly what he was looking for.

  “That’s an interesting bauble,” Faolin commented motioning to Hallie’s pendant.

  She let it drop to her chest. Faolin followed the stone to
where it rested on her blouse. Perfectly shaped breasts moved below the cloth, and he had to tear his eyes away. “A family heirloom.” She shrugged. “It was my father’s. He brought it with him from Ireland and always insisted it was lucky.”

  “Where did he get it?” Faolin asked. He leaned forward waiting for her answer.

  “From his father. I told you it was a family heirloom.” Hallie shook her head.

  Faolin decided not to push Hallie further. She didn’t know where the stone came from. If he could get closer Faolin could tell if it was linked to Underhill in some way. The waiter brought the bill, and he paid it without looking. He was sure their employer would have purchased their meal. Faolin was trying to make an impression though. Letting the company pay for their meal wouldn’t bode well towards that image.

  Hallie protested of course. Faolin could tell she was relieved though. She was also interested in how he managed it, handymen didn’t get paid well. Faolin ignored it hoping the curiosity would pass. He offered his arm as she got out of her seat. Hallie’s rich scent washed over him again drowning out the rest of the room. It took him a moment to focus on his objective as her small hand wrapped around his forearm.

  The small stone around Hallie’s neck looked like any other aside from the odd color. That wasn’t enough to confirm Faolin’s suspicions though. He needed concrete proof. Magic was always the key to Underhill like attracted like. Faolin released a small amount of magic. It wasn’t enough for anyone to notice but it showed him what he needed to know. The stone drew the magic in like a dry sponge. It confirmed it came from Underhill. It did not tell Faolin how Hallie had it or if she knew how to use it.

  “Are you a dreamer Hallie?” Faolin asked hoping to get some information from her.

  “I’m an artist. We’re all lost in some fantasy or another.” She half laughed. “Some are more real than others.” She shrugged then glanced up at him. Quickly, Hallie looked away. Faolin thought that was interesting. Perhaps he wasn’t misjudging the situation. “I’ve had dreams so vivid I thought they were real.” She smiled wistfully.