Legacy of Magic

by Denise Carbo

  “Yes.”

  “Fair enough.” Melanie looped her arm around Cory’s. “So, can I make a play for him then?”

  Cory laughed. “Be my guest.”

  Melanie sighed. “Unfortunately, I think he’s pretty focused on you, but maybe once he gets the message it’s not going to happen I can heal his broken heart.”

  “His heart will not be broken, Mel. We had one date.”

  “He’s awfully persistent after one date, don’t you think?”

  Cory gazed at Sebastian as they approached the table. “Maybe he has ulterior motives.”

  Melanie squeezed her arm. “You think he’s dangerous to you?”

  “I’ll explain later, okay?”

  Melanie nodded and pasted a wide smile on her face as she slid into her chair. “So, who’s ready for dessert?”

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Holy shit!”

  Melanie and Cory sat cross legged on Cory’s bed facing one another with a plant between them. Cory had just finished explaining all about the puzzle boxes, the vision, and her powers. She had demonstrated her abilities, by making the plant grow.

  Her best friend stared hard at the plant. “You’re not messing with me, are you? A film crew isn’t hiding in the closet ready to jump out and say, gotcha or anything?”

  “Come on, Mel, you know me better than that.”

  “Yeah well, never thought you were a witch either.” She leaned over and slapped Cory’s knee lightly. “Dang girl, you’re a witch! How awesomely cool is that!”

  Laughing, Cory shook her head. Melanie always made her laugh when she started talking in slang. It was so incongruous with her prim looks.

  “You really think Sebastian is a witch too, and might be pursuing you as some sort of couple of centuries year old grudge?”

  “I know it sounds insane, but what other explanation is there for the aura? I’m probably grasping at straws here. Even if he does have power, it doesn’t mean he has anything to do with the ones who were after Josephine. But, he is being persistent, and honestly I never got the feeling he was all that into me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He says the right things, and is incredibly charming and attentive, but I get the impression it’s a show. Everything he does seems orchestrated for a purpose.”

  Melanie scooted down to lie back against the pillows. “Some people are like that, have to plan every decision and step, but I see what you’re saying. You think there is no real emotion behind his words or actions?”

  “Like that time he kissed me, it was very pleasant, but it also felt rather practiced. You know what I mean?”

  Cory got up and put the plant away. Melanie rolled to her side and leaned on her elbow, propping her head up with her hand. “I think you need to avoid him until we figure all this out. There’s no reason to take any unnecessary chances. It’s obvious you aren’t that into him anyway. He’ll get the message.”

  “And if he doesn’t?”

  Melanie stood up and hugged her friend. “Then we’ll figure that out too. One step at a time. Now, the first step is to do some major research on the down low, of course. Which just so happens to be my specialty. Melanie Proctor, Librarian extraordinaire, at your service.”

  Her confidence buoyed Cory’s spirits. She didn’t feel so alone in this anymore. Confiding in Melanie was the right decision. A fresh pair of eyes, ears, and brain might help her make sense of it all.

  Avoiding Sebastian seemed the safest plan, but if he did have powers, and if he was pursuing her because he suspected she did too, then what was she going to do? What was his motive? Could he really be connected to what happened to Josephine almost two centuries ago?

  If she could see his aura, it stood to reason he could see hers too.

  ****

  Finn hesitated a second before opening his front door with a yank. He was a straight forward kind of guy, he said what he meant, and he did what he said he would. He’d said he would stop by before Melanie left today, and that was what he would do. All the mixed signals Cory sent his way had him questioning his every move, and that needed to stop. He didn’t have time for that kind of bullshit.

  Her words said she wasn’t interested in a hook up, but now and then her eyes hinted at something else. She sure hadn’t liked her friend flirting with him yesterday, but the question was if it was because she was jealous, or if she was watching out for her friend. That was a bit insulting to both of them though.

  He stalked across the yard between their houses and knocked on the back door. His mood wasn’t exactly conducive to a visit, but his word was his word.

  “Finnegan, what a nice surprise. Come in, come in.” Addy stepped back and walked to the stove. “The girls are in the living room. I was in the process of making some tea. Would you like some, or anything else?”

  “No thank you. I just stopped by to say bon voyage to Melanie. I told her I would.”

  “Oh, that’s sweet, dear. You run along to the living room. I’ll be in in a minute.”

  “Anything I can help you with?”

  “No, no, it’s just a cup of tea.” She shooed him away, so he meandered into the living room.

  Cory and Melanie had their heads close together on the settee and were whispering about something. Almost immediately, Cory’s midnight blue eyes spotted him. She tapped her fingers on Melanie’s thigh, and Melanie stopped whispering as her gaze met his. He had caught the word Sebastian, but he had no idea of the context. A deep grin bloomed on Melanie’s face, and she rose from the cushions and sashayed her way over to him.

  “Finn, I was hoping you’d show up.”

  He glanced from her to a still seated Cory, who was frowning. He dragged his gaze back to Melanie. “Told you I would. When are you heading out?”

  “After lunch. You’re a man of your word, are you Finn?”

  He shrugged. “Sometimes it’s all a guy’s got.”

  She tilted her head to the side and perused his face. “I like you.”

  He choked on a laugh. “I like you too.”

  She grinned and grabbed hold of his arm. “Come sit. Tell me something about yourself, Finn. You’re a mechanic, aren’t you? What led you in that direction?”

  Melanie led him to the sofa and directed him to sit in the middle. She sat down so he was sandwiched between her and Cory. Cory’s warmth branded his side. He resisted the urge to lean into her. The woman sat rigidly with her arms clenched around her middle.

  Finn cocked his head toward Melanie. “I grew up working in my uncle’s garage. I had a knack for fixing cars. Worked as a mechanic in the Air Force. After I got out, I attended school for it, and started working on high end sports cars.” He shrugged. “One thing led to another. I decided I wanted a change of pace and place. Found a garage for sale and bought it.”

  “Everyone has a story. It always fascinates me how the circumstances of someone’s life shapes their decisions. For instance, if you had never had an uncle with a garage, would you have discovered your talent for cars, or would your life have gone in another direction?”

  Finn smiled at her. “Can’t really say for sure, though I gravitated to them from as far back as I can remember. And you? What do you do? What circumstances shaped you?”

  “Books. Love them. They were my escape growing up and continued into adulthood. I’m a librarian.”

  “You don’t look like any librarian I’ve ever seen.”

  Melanie laughed. “I’ll choose to take that as a compliment.”

  “You should.”

  Addy entered the living room with a cup of tea. “You sound like you’re having a good time. Can I get anyone anything?”

  They all answered negatively, and she sat down in the wing back chair facing the settee. “Girls did you tell Finnegan about your finds yesterday?”

  “Finds?”

  “We shopped at this marvelous antique store in town. I spent entirely too much money, but I am thrilled anyway. Cory even found a lovely waterco
lor, didn’t you, Cory?”

  He glanced at Cory. She gave him a narrow-eyed look. “Yes.”

  “We ran into Sebastian in town and had a delightful lunch with him.” Addy sipped her tea as both Melanie and Cory remained silent.

  “Did you? He manages to pop up a lot. When does he work?”

  Melanie snorted softly next to him, and he glanced at her to see her frowning down at the floor. Did she not like Sebastian? Was that what the two of them had been discussing when he walked in? Melanie telling Cory to steer clear of the slick talking lawyer? His estimation of her rose by the minute.

  “Melanie, I hope you will be able to come back and stay for a longer visit this summer.”

  “Thank you, Addy. I hope to come back in a few weeks, maybe for a few days instead of only a weekend. We’re changing the computer system at work, so it’s been a bit hectic lately. It should be finished within in the next week or so though.”

  “It would be nice if you could take that week off you’ve been mentioning for what seems like forever. You need a vacation, Mel.”

  Melanie sighed. “I know, but no one manages the library exactly like I want them too. I may have a tiny control issue.”

  “May have?”

  Melanie leaned forward to stick her tongue out at Cory. Cory laughed and returned the gesture. Finn shifted in his seat. He could supply a few other suggestions for Cory’s tongue.

  ****

  Cory’s eyes filled, and she cleared her throat. She stood next to Melanie’s loaded car while Melanie started the car and then hopped out to stand in front of her. “Don’t you dare cry. If you do, I’ll be bawling the whole way home.”

  Melanie had already said her goodbyes to Aunt Addy inside the house. Finn had left a little while ago, and Melanie had given him a big hug which he returned.

  “I’m going to miss you, Mel.”

  “Ditto, but I am going to take that vacation, so I’ll be back. Hopefully, with a ton of answers for you and your little problem.”

  “Little problem?” Cory laughed. Melanie always made everything seem so doable.

  “Yes, and I expect daily updates. We’ll compare notes on what we’ve discovered.”

  Melanie wrapped her arms around Cory and rocked back and forth. “Love you.”

  “Love you too, Mel. Drive safe.”

  Melanie blew her a kiss and got into her car. She shut the door and rolled down the window. “Cory, I also expect to hear you’ve jumped that man’s bones.”

  Cory blinked. “What man?”

  Melanie smirked at her. “Please, you know dang well, what man. Finn.”

  Cory swiveled to look behind her at his house. There was no movement that she could see. It didn’t look like he was home, but she wasn’t taking any chances. She stepped forward to the car. “Hush, what on earth are you talking about. You know I have enough on my plate. Besides, he no longer has an interest in me.”

  “Uh huh. I notice you’re not denying you have an interest in him. Listen friend, that man’s eyes devour you every time you look away. He’s definitely still interested, and so are you.”

  She opened her mouth to deny it, but snapped it closed. She couldn’t.

  “You never know what surprises life has in store for you. Just take a gander at your life recently. I don’t want you to let something or someone slip on by because you’re afraid of making a mistake or getting hurt. Life is full of possibilities, we need to be open to them.”

  Cory glared at her friend. “Pot calling the kettle, Mel.”

  She laughed. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m much better at giving advice than taking it.” She put the car in reverse. “Take a chance, Cory.”

  She waved and stood there until her friend’s car disappeared out of sight. She glanced at Finn’s house before walking back inside her aunt’s.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The car drove into the garage and after a moment the lights turned on in the house. A war of indecision had plagued Cory all day. She couldn’t concentrate on anything else.

  Her aunt had long since gone to bed. Cory had tried to sleep. She’d gone through the motions of changing into her nightgown and getting in bed, but sleep had eluded her. She was restless.

  She had gotten up after the headlights had shown briefly through the window. His bedroom light came on, and suddenly he was there staring up at her.

  Cory tensed for a second. Could he see her? Her light wasn’t on. She couldn’t make out his expression from this distance. He stood with his hands on his hips.

  She swallowed hard when he tugged his shirt over his head and walked out of view.

  Pacing the length of her bedroom and back several times, her skin felt on fire despite the blast of cold air from the air conditioner in the window. She glanced out the window again, and then at her door. Cory made her decision.

  Tiptoeing down the stairs to avoid the creaky spots, she eased open the front door. She slowly walked across the front porch to the side facing his house. Gripping the railing she bit her lip. Was she being ridiculous? Was she contemplating making a huge mistake? Adding even more turbulence to her life?

  His front door opened, and he stood bathed in light. Shirtless, he leaned against the doorway and folded his arms across his chest. Waiting for her to make up her mind.

  The cool, soft grass tickled her toes as she traipsed across the lawn. The full moon guided her steps. She hesitated as she stepped into the pool of light shining from his house. His gaze ensnared hers, and he straightened in the doorway, watching her, but still not saying a word.

  The brick step was rough against her feet as she gripped the iron railing and took the first step. His gaze raked her from head to toe.

  Finn strode forward and wrapped his arm around her waist. Lifting her over the last couple of steps and into his arms as his mouth captured hers in a devouring kiss.

  Cory slid her arms over his shoulders, and behind his neck. Her fingers delved into the thick strands of his hair while her body melted against his.

  He backed her into the house, kissing her the entire time. Closing the door, he leaned against it—dragging her pliant body flush to his. Every inch of his hard body plastered the front of her.

  Strong hands stroked her flesh, massaging her shoulders and back. Then inching their way around her hips, up her abdomen, and cupping her breasts. Shivers of pleasure danced over her sensitized skin.

  Their tongues battled as their hands explored. The heat from his skin warmed her palms as she smoothed them over the hard muscles of his shoulders and back.

  Finn palmed the cheeks of her butt and compelled her against him as he switched their positions against the door. She gasped when sandwiched between the cool metal door and the heat of his aroused body. He lifted her thigh and wrapped her leg over his hip for a tighter fit. A tingling, hot pleasure spread up her body. Cory moaned. She wanted more of him.

  His hands delved under her baby doll nightgown to her unfettered breasts. He shaped and molded them as his mouth left hers to trail across her cheek and down her neck. His teeth grazed across her skin, and she clutched his shoulders.

  Finn nipped gently on her shoulder before lowering his hands and lifting her up. She wrapped her arms and legs around him as he carried her down a short hall to his bedroom.

  As he set her down on the bed, his hands gripped the edge of her nightgown sliding it up. She raised her arms to accommodate him. His gaze never left her as he hastily removed his jeans and briefs. She leaned back on her elbows to appreciate the view.

  Placing one knee on the bed on the outside of her leg, he traced a hand up the inside of her thigh, while his other hand supported his weight as he lowered himself over her.

  Cory stared into Finn’s eyes as his hand began to play with her, wringing gasps of pleasure from her lips. Her eyes slid closed, and her hips surged against his hand as the intensity built.

  The wet heat of his mouth encircled her nipple and tugged. He divided his attention between her breasts as bliss ra
ced along her nerve endings. A soft cry erupted from Cory as she melted against the bed.

  Finn quickly sheathed himself in a condom before returning to her. Inch by inch he filled her. She raised her knees and opened to him even more.

  Her hands surveyed his chest before clenching over his back when he began to thrust. His mouth seized hers in a devastating kiss.

  Ecstasy surged inside Cory. She wrenched her mouth from his and gasped against his shoulder as the orgasm exploded inside her.

  A harsh groan rasped her ear as he followed her over. Finn held her close as the fervor mellowed.

  “I’m going to be really pissed off if this is just a wet dream.”

  A shocked instant of silence held her motionless before a full-blown laugh escaped from Cory.

  Finn chuckled, and kissed her shoulder before he got up to dispose of the condom.

  Cory scooted up to lean against the pillows while she caught her breath. He was back before the smile died from her face. He leaned over her to kiss her thoroughly. “Guess you’re real after all.”

  Her hand slid down and pinched his butt. “Very real.”

  “Now you’ve done it.” He started tickling her which evolved into a wrestling match, and before long they were both much more interested in seeing if the pleasure of the first time was just a fluke.

  It wasn’t.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Cool, black potting soil surrounded her fingers. A thin, green and white tendril wrapped around her pinky finger. Cory laughed. The plant behaved like a small child wanting to play or show affection. The roots sought her touch as she transplanted the spider plant to a larger pot.

  Memories of the night before with Finn warmed her cheeks. He’d walked her to her door and left her after a scorching kiss. She wasn’t sure where this attraction between them was going, but she didn’t regret last night. Even if it turned out to be a onetime thing, she was glad for the experience. At least that was what she told herself. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

  The chime of an incoming email sounded from her phone. She checked the sender. Melanie. Her friend had thrown herself into exploring the magic world and helping Cory in any way she could. She’d been sending her copies of obscure texts with spells and legends while also trying to trace her ancestor and any information surrounding her.