Magic After Dark: A Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Novels

by Margo Bond Collins

  “I was so mesmerized by you that words didn’t seem appropriate at the time.” He sits next to me. “I’m Colin Moore, by the way.”

  “Yes, I’ve...my cousin, Nadya told me.” I peek at him through my hair.

  “Nadya is your cousin?” His voice crackles a little. He clears his throat.

  I nod. “Do you know her?”

  “They live down the street.” He points toward the darkened road. “We let her brother hang with us sometimes. He’s kind of our mascot.” He chuckles. “Are you adopted?”

  I look him straight in the eyes. “I’m not adopted. What kind of question is that?”

  He shrugs. “I suppose I don’t see the family resemblance.”

  “Wait, how did you know I’d be coming to the bus stop? Have you been watching me?”

  “I saw you in the diner and I didn’t see you driving, so I assumed you’d take the bus after work. You’re late though. The last bus took off fifteen minutes ago.”

  I look up and down the road. “Really?”

  “Last bus leaves at eleven.”

  “Damn.” I look at my watch.

  “But, it’s your lucky night. I’m your knight in shining armor.” He holds his arms up and I visualize him beating his chest like Tarzan...I need to reign in my imagination.

  “I, umm...I can walk.” I mumble, and stand. “It’s not too far.” I hope.

  “You don’t sound too sure. When did you get into town?”

  “Last night.”

  “You never told me your name.” He stands, facing me.

  “I didn’t?” Why am I so flustered around him? “It’s El... Alice.”

  “You sure that’s your name?” He laughs.

  “I think I know my own name. It’s Alice.” I purse my lips, more angry with myself.

  “Alice doesn’t sound like a Rom name. And you’re related to the Kepi clan?”

  “How did...how do you know their last name and why call them a clan? What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Why are you so easily offended?” he asks. “I told you Emilian hangs with us. We know the family.”

  “We, meaning your clan?” I cross my arms. “Does your clan start with a Klu and a Klux?”

  He stares into my eyes and although I want to stay angry with him, my resolve melts as if the rain washes it down the drain.

  “Come with me. The night’s young.” He holds his hand out.

  Not taking my eyes from his, I slide my fingers into his hand and a static shock runs through my body. Even though I’m sure he felt it, he doesn’t flinch.

  Wrapping my fingers in with his, he leads me to his truck.

  “Where are we going?” He opens the door. I’m instantly flustered as to how I’m supposed to hoist myself up that far. He grabs my waist from behind. The smell of an oceanic musk drifts up my nostrils and I want to press back into him, but I stiffen. He lifts me as if I’m as light as a doll, and places me on the running board. I climb into the cab and put on my seatbelt.

  “I’m not sure yet, but might as well get to know each other better before I bring you home.” He winks and shuts the door.

  This day is not turning out the way I thought it would. First, a family I don’t quite know how to explain, then a job with the dreamy Kyle and now this...what is this? I’m accepting rides from a perfect stranger who tried to run me over but I’m so incredibly drawn to...and who Nadya thinks is a...werewolf. I’m suddenly mentally exhausted and my head throbs.

  “Colin, do you mind taking me home? I’m tired from a rather crazy day and I don’t think I can take any more surprises.”

  He nods. “Where do you live? Are you staying with your cousins?”

  “No, I’m at this campground down the street.” I close my eyes and place my palm against my forehead. “I can show you.”

  “The one where your other aunt lives? Or is that your mom?”

  He knows a lot more than I thought. “It’s my aunt, too, and yes, that’s the one. I’m staying in a cabin.”

  He starts the engine. “That’s rustic. I like it.”

  “I wouldn’t call it rustic, but it’s a nice little place.” The deal Deena made with me is extremely lucky. Dad would like it.

  “Where did you move from?” He turns onto the darkened road leading to the campground.

  “Louisiana.” My chest aches and a slow rain falls.

  The windshield wipers screech across the window. “I guess it’s probably not a good night to be out after all.”

  “Guess not.” My emotions take a turn for the worse as the thought of Dad weighs on my mind. That Hunter who showed up in New Orleans said she would take me to him. Does that mean he’s still alive? Are they using him to find me? Many unanswered questions float through my head.

  “Which cabin?”

  “Huh?” I squint out the watery windows to see we are at the campground. “Oh, it’s the first one there.” I point.

  He parks in front of the cabin. “Do you work tomorrow?”

  “Yes, but not until five o’clock.” I gaze into his obsidian eyes. “I’m working the late shift there five days a week.” God, why the hell am I being so forthcoming with answers with this guy? I unbuckle the seat belt wanting to get out before I say something I’d regret.

  “That’s cool.” His hands grip the steering wheel. “Spend the day with me tomorrow?”

  “What?”

  “I’ll be here at eight in the morning.”

  “Colin, may I ask you something strange?” I bite my lower lip.

  He turns toward me.

  “Are you—do you live around here?” I couldn’t ask what I wanted to. It sounds too stupid in my head to say aloud. Colin, are you a werewolf? Yes, excessively stupid.

  “Yes, that is a mighty strange question. It’s probably one of the most bizarre questions I’ve ever been asked.” He laughs and I join in.

  Not as strange as what I really want to ask you.

  “I live about ten minutes east of here.” He grins. “Is that all you wanted to ask me?”

  “Yes...for now.” I touch the door handle. The rain lightens. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I don’t know why I agree to spend the day with him, but something tells me I’m not the only one in for any surprises.

  “Alice?”

  I turn back toward him. “Hmm?”

  “Don’t tell anyone else you’re Rom or related to the Kepi family for now. Let’s keep it between us.”

  “Why?”

  “They are a bizarre group and people around here are judgmental. I wouldn’t want anyone getting the wrong impression of you.” He shrugs.

  “I learned a long time ago to not care what anyone thinks of me.” A smidge of irritation courses through me. “And if you want to be my friend I’m sure you wouldn’t care what others think of me either, would you?”

  The thunder rolls in.

  “I would never.” His hands cross over his heart. He grabs my left hand and pulls it up. “But, it’s not always safe for the Roma here...even in a town where strange is accepted.”

  He kisses my hand and jumps into the drizzling shower. He rushes around to my side and opens my door.

  Helping me down, he pulls me close to him. My body slides down his as he sets me on the ground; our faces are only inches apart.

  “Till tomorrow.” He pulls away and rushes back to the driver’s side door, leaving me breathless.

  His truck pulls out of the campground. I stand on my small porch. It’s not always safe for the Roma...Was he warning me?

  Chapter 10

  Butterflies tickle my stomach when he knocks on the door; instead of Colin standing to greet me at the cabin door, it’s Kyle.

  “Hi.” I force a smile.

  “I ran into your cousin this morning getting coffee. She told me where you were staying.” He runs his hand through his hair, pushing some stray hairs back. “I was wondering if you’d like to get breakfast, but I see you have plans.” He looks at Colin grinning as he leans against his
truck.

  “I...umm...we ran into each other last night. I think he’s trying to make up for almost killing me yesterday.” I fumble through the explanation, wringing my fingers. “He’s trying to be nice by showing me around, since I’m new to town.”

  “Colin and nice don’t go together.” His brows lift. “Alice, please be careful.” He opens his mouth as if he wants to go on, but he presses his lips together.

  “I will. See you later at the diner?”

  He nods. “See ya.”

  The guys exchange passing glares as Kyle walks to his Jeep, but neither of them says a word. Kyle’s Jeep’s tires throw up dirt as it takes off, bringing a cloud of dust toward Colin’s truck.

  Day two in Cassadaga and things are already becoming complicated.

  “Look at you...already making friends.” Colin smirks. “Should we have invited him out with us?”

  I lock the cabin up. “You’re not funny.”

  “And you’re gorgeous.” Colin stands close to me when I turn around. My breath catches in my throat. He brushes my hair behind my right ear. “How about seeing the Atlantic today?”

  Breathe Elysia. “The beach?” I exhale. “I don’t have a bathing suit.”

  “You move to Florida without owning a bathing suit?” He smiles. “We will have to rectify this situation.”

  He grabs my hand and leads me to his truck.

  Glancing down the street, I notice Aunt Simza watching us through a window. When she sees me, she quickly closes the curtain.

  Deena waves as we pass the campground storefront.

  “How do you know Kyle?” I ask.

  “Huh?”

  “It seems as if you two know each other.” The passing trees lining the street become a green blur. “You don’t seem to like each other either.”

  “I guess you can say we were schooled together, and you’re right, we don’t see eye-to-eye.”

  “Schooled together?”

  His eyes stay on the road.

  “Did you go to school together?” I recall the way his passenger kept watching their exchange yesterday.

  “We hung out in different circles.” Colin wets his lips. “He never liked my friends and I’m not particularly fond of his.”

  “I see.” A gut feeling itches at me...he’s not completely forthcoming with information. It’s not often these feelings come over me, but when they do it’s bothersome. They’ll drive me nuts until I squeeze every last drop from him.

  “There’s a little shop close to the beach that sells bikinis.” The corner of his mouth lifts. “It’ll be fun seeing you try them on.”

  “What makes you think I’m a bikini girl? Maybe I’m a one-piece, cover-up type.” I’m definitely a bikini girl. I have...had this adorable purple and blue stripped bikini. Will he notice I only have three outfits? This part of moving and starting over sucks. I should be out shopping and rebuilding my life, not jetting off to the beach with a mysterious guy.

  “I’m sure you’re a bikini girl.” He winks.

  A short twenty-minute ride and I see the blue ocean with not a cloud in sight. The small waves crash against the coppery shore. It’s different from the whiter sand at Panama Beach.

  The swimsuit store isn’t far from the shore. Colin parks his truck in two spots, backing in so its tail isn’t sticking out in traffic. While he pays at a meter station, I close my eyes and listen to the sounds of the waves hitting the sand mixed with the seagulls squawks and the occasional passing car.

  “Daydreaming?” Colin stirs my thoughts.

  “Making memories through the sounds.” We cross the street. “You should try it some time.”

  “Yeah, that’s real manly.” He rolls his shoulders, pressing his chest out. “Did you mistake me for a metrosexual?”

  “Heavens, no. I would never.”

  He whirls me to face him, bringing me close to him and his natural, musky scent. “Good, because my ego would be bruised if you had.”

  “Big truck, rugged look...not screaming metrosexual. But…” I haw.

  “But what?”

  “Your metrosexual side could be hiding in a closet, screaming to get out.” I run my hand down his chest, giving him a pat. “It’s been known to happen.”

  He leans closer to my ear, his breath tickling my neck, sending shivers through me. “I don’t think it’ll happen today,” he whispers. He pulls back. “Here we are.”

  Disappointment bubbles within me. Each time he gets close I think he’ll lean in and kiss me. Each time he doesn’t and I’m filled with disappointment. Seriously, what is wrong with me? I just met this guy and already I want to— I cut off the distracting thought as I walk into the bikini shop. It is glorious. There must be a million suits hanging on racks throughout and against the wall, they go all the way up to the ceiling, every color, pattern, and style.

  “Unbelievable. I thought you said it was a little shop?”

  He smiles. I browse, picking up a bathing suit here and there, as he follows me around. Once I gather enough, he sits in a cushiony seat while I try them on in the dressing room.

  “Aren’t you going to show me?” he hollers.

  “No.”

  “What’s the point of me bringing you bikini shopping if I can’t see the merchandise?” He laughs.

  “Fine.” I open the door to show him the first one. He nods with each subsequent suit I try on. “What’s the point of having your opinion when you approve of each one?”

  “Maybe you should buy them all and change every fifteen minutes for me.” He laughs. “I like the teal, polka-dotted one.”

  “Me, too.” I admire it in the mirror before taking it off. “And, I’m only buying one.”

  The price is as much as my groceries would cost for two weeks. My stomach growls realizing I haven’t eaten.

  “I’m going to the truck to get the blanket and towels. Meet you out front.”

  “Okay.”

  He’s out of the store by the time I change and leave the dressing room. After putting the others back and deciding on the teal one, I dig out my money at the register.

  “It’s already paid for.” The cashier unclips the security device and places the suit in their paper-handled bag.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Your boyfriend paid for it before he left.” She smiles. “Have a great day.”

  My boyfriend? “Thank you.” I take the bag, half relieved and half infuriated. “Can I change in here?”

  “Sure thing.”

  I hurry back to put my bikini on under my jeans, thinking about the expensive gift Colin bought me. Why did he do that?

  He sits on a bench next to a basket, a blanket, and a couple of towels.

  “You didn’t have to buy me the bikini. I could’ve bought it myself.”

  “I know.” He picks up everything. “All you have to do is say thank you.”

  “Thank you.” I follow him.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “What’s in the basket?”

  We walk next to each other, down a sand bank lined with wild looking plants I’ve never seen before. It’s impossible to keep the sand from getting in my sandals.

  “It’s a surprise.”

  I follow him further down the beach until we hit a cozy alcove surrounded by plants. The few people here are further north, giving us more privacy. I’m not sure if this is a good thing or not. “This is nice.”

  Colin spreads the blanket out and places the basket to the side. He takes off his shirt, revealing chiseled, slightly hairy chest. “See something you like?”

  I avert my eyes and look toward the sea. “Yes, the ocean is quite lovely.”

  “Are you going to wear your jeans all day?” He stretches on the blanket, making it harder and harder to concentrate on anything else but his body.

  His aqua blue swim shorts complement my bikini...the bikini hiding under my jeans and tank top. All of a sudden, a self-conscious feeling erupts inside me, making me feel unworthy of his companionship
. He belongs on a GQ cover and I belong on the pages of a Tampax ad.

  “Come into the water with me?” I peel off my jeans and toss my tank top on the blanket. “I’ve never been in the Atlantic.”

  “Is that a fact?” He rises. “Then let’s go.”

  Colin grabs my hand. We run down to the shore. The water feels icy. He lifts me out of the cold, pulling me to his bare chest and falls back into the incoming wave.

  Blinking away the soft salt sting, I splash him and swim further into the shallow depths of the ocean. His hands find my waste and stop me from swimming out farther.

  “Where are you going?” He pulls me to him. “Trying to escape my evil clutches?”

  We stare into each other’s eyes for what feels like an eternity, neither saying a word. Our bodies move up and down with the flow of waves as if we are one with the water. The sounds dissolve and there’s nothing and no one but us. It’s the most intimate moment I’ve ever shared with anyone...it’s the perfect time for that first kiss.

  Out of the corner of my eye I spy a white raindrop, falling fast. It lands on his head and drips down his face.

  “Colin, I think a bird pooped on your head.” His lips curl into a smile and he laughs. He splashes at the sky, missing the bird that’s flying too high.

  “He’s laughing at me.” Colin dives underwater to erase all evidence of the bombing. “That was probably the least romantic attempt ever.”

  “That seagull had it in for you, no doubt.”

  “Are you hungry?” he asks. “I’m feeling like chicken about now. You hear that, bird? I’m going to eat your friend.”

  “I’m starving.”

  The sand clings to my wet feet as we make our way back to the blanket.

  Colin opens the picnic basket to reveal chips, fried chicken, and a container of fruit. “I didn’t know what you would like.” He tilts it to offer me first choice.

  “I’ll take some...all of it please.”

  “A woman after my own heart.”

  “Look who’s here.” A strange, deep feminine voice booms.

  “Jesus.” Colin mutters.

  Blocking the sun with my hand, I see Colin’s friends standing over us with my cousin, Emilian.