All eyes turned to Luna in surprise. She rarely spoke unless directly spoken to and had little to say even then. Dia smiled at her timid cousin. “He does.”
Luna smiled wistfully. “I love Superman movies. He’s awkward like me until he removes his glasses. Then he’s beautiful, and strong, and fearless. Sometimes I wish things were that easy to change.”
Dia felt a flash of pity for her cousin, wishing Luna knew how truly beautiful she was, even if it was mostly on the inside by magazine standards. As far as Dia could fathom, Luna’s introverted nature was what prevented people from noticing her. It also didn’t help that, unlike the genetic blessings of all the other Cavanaugh children, Luna was the only one plain in feature and form. Not that it mattered to anyone. They loved her just the way she was.
Dia sighed, wishing she could do something to help her cousin, but the truth was she couldn’t even help herself.
“I’ve found things aren’t always easy either. Which brings me back to my situation.” She looked around the room, and all eyes were once again on her.
“Like I said, Ryan wears glasses, and to be honest, I really find them attractive on him.” The heat filling her face mortified her, and she had no idea why she’d revealed her crush on the man to her entire family, but there was no going back now. “Anyway, once he discovered his nearsightedness had cleared up, he realized his farsightedness changed too, but not nearly as much. He can use his glasses for distances, but it isn’t completely clear either.”
“Oh dear. The poor guy,” Haven said. “Maybe I’ll go see him and see if I can fix the other. I certainly don’t want to undo the good that has been done.”
“That would only make it more obvious we have power. Do you want to make this worse?” Destiny demanded.
“Well, don’t go getting your panties in a wad, it was just a thought.”
“Maybe you should keep your thoughts to yourself until you think them through!”
“Sisters!” Rayne injected, silencing them both.
Dia closed her eyes, knowing her actions were causing the sudden friction in the room. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think letting him drink the water would matter.”
Rayne shook her head. “It shouldn’t have, honey. Of all those who have vacationed here, no one has ever reported anything happening. You know each of the rentals gets water from the same source as we do, and your dad and Uncle Logan have never had any kind of a reaction other than liking it…a lot.” She turned to Tom Whitehawk, who was looking at Dia speculatively.
“Tom?”
He shook his head. “You are correct, Dia. Drinking the water shouldn’t have had any effect on him. So it must be something else. Have you been trying out any spells on him?”
Dia nearly choked but forced herself to speak. “No. I didn’t do anything to him!”
Tom’s smile was gentle. “I wasn’t accusing you, honey. But you do have a tendency to try one thing, and something else results when you do your experiments.”
Dia stared at him, debating whether to share the other predicament she’d placed herself in. First things first. “Well, I didn’t do anything to him. All I did was give him a drink from my hands.”
The adult’s eyes lit up, and Dia looked from one to the other. “What?”
Rayne moved closer to her. “Have you noticed anything else strange lately?”
Dia grinned as excitement filled her. “Just today I noticed a couple of things. I think I know my gift.”
Rayne smiled. “Go on.”
“Well, I ride my four-wheeler all the time, and never thought anything about how smooth the path always was for me, or that a launch-shaped boulder would appear when I wanted to feel like flying. But today I noticed those things. Mostly because I was trying not to. If I don’t acknowledge the plants I pass by, they seem sad and wilt a little.”
Rayne laughed. “Thank God! You finally see what we’ve all known for some time!”
Dia stared at her mother. “Are you serious? You knew and didn’t tell me?”
Rayne’s smile eased but didn’t disappear. “It was yours to discover. If you hadn’t been so focused on trying to claim Sapphire’s gift, you would have noticed it sooner.”
Dia nodded. “You’re right. It wasn’t until I decided I wasn’t going to try to perform magic any more, last night, that I noticed all this today.”
Surprise lit her mother’s eyes. “Really? What made you decide to stop?”
Dia frowned, but kept her gaze on her mother. “I’m happy to learn I’m Elemental, like Aunt Haven, and I guess I just had one too many failures trying to be Celestial. But those aside, I’m still concerned about Ryan.”
“Well, of course you are, honey. But never you mind. There is no way he can prove his sight change had anything to do with you or the water.”
Dia looked from family member to family member, determined to come clean. “It’s more than that. Jaspon came to the stream while we were there. I didn’t want to insult the Lycan, so I introduced them. Of course Ryan just thought I was introducing him to a wolf.”
Rayne stared at her before speaking. “Maybe he didn’t think too much of it. Sometimes animals accept locals, even people besides us.”
Dia knew her mother was throwing her a lifeline, but she couldn’t take it. “There’s more. I introduced him to Wind Jumper as well.”
Jewell rose slowly, using the arms of her chair for leverage. Once she finally made it to her feet, it was clear the triplets inside of her were taking a toll. She frowned at Dia, and her emerald eyes sparked with anger. “Why would you do that? You can’t really know this man! He’s either going to think you’re crazy or going to want to know why some pretty blond recluse speaks to animals. You are endangering all of us!”
Dia’s heart nearly stopped as Jewell’s eyes filled with tears and she fled the room as fast as her waddle would allow. She looked to the others, knowing she deserved her sister’s scorn, but she still hadn’t expected it.
Not from Jewell.
“I’m sorry, you all. But it was like I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t lie to him. Or even evade his questions. I tried. I really did, but every time I started to lie, my mouth said just the opposite.”
It was clear her mother wanted to go after Jewell, but she stayed. A concerned look passed between her mother and aunts, and Dia was afraid she was about to hear something ominous. Instead, they smiled a little at each other before her mother pulled her into a hug. “It will all work out, sweetheart. I’m sure you’ll fix this. Just don’t turn him into anything we can’t undo. I need to go check on your sister. And don’t mind Jewell right now, she’s about to drop those babies and is frightened.”
As her mother hurried to catch up with Jewell, Dia looked from her aunts, to her uncle, and finally at her cousins. Destiny announced food would be ready as soon as everyone had washed their hands.
A bit dumbfounded that everyone rose immediately and followed the matriarchs, Dia stayed where she was. She hadn’t finished. She’d planned to tell them the why of all this. She’d wanted their support and, if she was honest, a little sympathy that her dream had been blown into glittering dust. But no one seemed interested. Let down, but just as relieved the meeting was over, she followed the rest, wondering what to do.
When she entered the kitchen, plates were being piled high, Jewell was being settled into a chair and handed tissues, and everyone was ignoring her to the point she knew she’d angered the entire family. Destiny’s many chiming clocks sounded off, reminding Dia of the time, and she was glad for the excuse. “I have to go.”
Several heads turned her way, and other than a nod here and there, no one questioned her, or even inquired as to her need to leave. Hurt, and more confused by the minute, she left the room, snatched up her purse, and headed to her car. She looked back once, but no one had followed her out, and for the first time in her life, she felt truly alone.
****
The trip back to Ryan’s cabin was filled with self-doubt a
nd as time went on, anger developed and grew. Since when did her family condemn one of their own? It wasn’t as if she’d meant to expose them in any way. It wasn’t like she’d purposely shown off to impress. In fact, she’d told the truth. For some reason she couldn’t lie to Ryan. Taking several deep breaths, she tried to remember just what she’d done to get her in the position she was in, but nothing added up.
Sure, she was attracted to him. Very attracted. But that shouldn’t have mattered to her family. It wasn’t like she’d slept with him or anything, not that they had ever condemned for that either. She’d been a part of their female get-togethers, and sex was something to celebrate, not scorn. And none had ever belittled her, save Sapphire, because she’d wanted more than what was hers to have. So why now, of all times, had both her uncle and her mother mentioned her inability to perform magic in a way it was meant to be performed?
“Fine! You all be mad at me!”
Saying the words out loud did nothing to ease her anger or hurt. As Dia turned into the long driveway, she knew she’d have to try to help Ryan without spending any more time with him than necessary. Were it not for the mess she’d made of his sight, she’d ignore him altogether. But even as she had the thought, sadness swamped her, overriding the hurt and anger until she pulled up and saw him standing on the porch.
Like a balloon inflating she was suddenly filled with pleasure. She pulled to a stop and let thoughts of her family melt away when he squinted and smiled at her.
Dia stepped from the car and greeted him. “I’m sorry. Am I late?”
Ryan frowned as he looked down to navigate the steps and was still squinting when he looked back up. “Are we awake?”
Dia stayed where she was. “What?”
“Right now. Are we awake?”
Thinking he was making a joke, she smiled. “I am. I’m not so sure about you.”
He nodded. “I took… I mean, were you here earlier?”
Completely perplexed since he seemed serious, she nodded. “Yes… Why are you asking me this?”
Ryan looked at her warily. “Did the water from that stream change my eyesight?”
Dia swallowed. What had happened since she dropped him off? He hadn’t questioned anything earlier. “I don’t…think so.”
He frowned. “Did you talk to a wolf and a large buck?”
Shivering inside, Dia nodded. “You were there. Why are you asking me this now?”
Ryan shook his head. “So I was really awake. It wasn’t a dream?”
As much as Dia wanted to laugh it off and lie, she just couldn’t. But she could evade. “You thought you were asleep?”
Ryan nodded. “Are you a witch?”
Thankful she could answer that truthfully, she shook her head. “Nope. I wish I was one, but life doesn’t work that way.”
The relief in his eyes turned to amusement. “I’m sorry. I’m just confused. After we got back earlier, I lay down and fell asleep, and when I awoke, I thought things would be back to normal. But my eyesight is still messed up.”
Dia moved toward him. “That’s…strange.”
He grinned suddenly. “Well, I guess you’re going to have to be my driver until I can get a new prescription for glasses. I hope you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all.” She looked into his eyes, desperate to change the subject. “I was afraid I was running late.”
He shook his head. “No. Perfect timing, actually. But I have to admit, I’ve been waiting for you ever since I realized I probably hadn’t been dreaming.” He laughed at himself. “I hope this doesn’t sound creepy, but I missed you.”
Relieved there was someone who was happy to see her, Dia sighed. “I’m glad. But I’m sure it’s only because I’m the only person you know here. Besides your dad.”
An odd flash of something crossed Ryan’s face but was immediately gone. He shrugged. “I barely even know him. In fact, I only met him yesterday.”
Dia couldn’t imagine not having known her father her entire life. But she wasn’t about to pry. The less they knew about each other, the better. “I’m sorry.”
Coming close he pulled out his glasses and scanned the trees. “Right now I’m more concerned about my sight. I don’t want to be a burden on you. Would it be possible to take me to an optometrist while we’re in town?”
Dia nodded, relieved he’d thought of a solution on his own. “Sure. But it isn’t a burden. I’m kind of free and frankly have no idea what to do with myself.”
“Have you considered vacationing somewhere else?”
That’s right. She’d declared herself on vacation. “No, I hadn’t even thought of that.”
She frowned as she considered leaving Mystic Water as an option to divert her troubled mind. Sure, the thought of going somewhere else to be entertained sounded really good. But the timing just wasn’t right. Even though Jewell was mad at her right now, she loved her sister and wouldn’t dream of leaving the area with her so close to going into labor. And she couldn’t leave her cabin. What if someone broke into it or her shed and discovered her books of spells and potions? Then there were the animals and the plants. They needed her. Not so much for their day-to-day care, but because she was their friend.
Dia inhaled deeply, loving the smell of her homeland. But instead of the fertile earth and sweet foliage she knew so well, it was Ryan’s scent that filled her, and she realized she was just making excuses, because what she really didn’t want to do was leave him. He made her tingle inside. He made her excited that…well, he just made her excited in the same way flying across the boulders did; the same way dreaming of successfully casting spells would have, had she ever accomplished that goal. He made her want to reach out and touch him, just as she now knew the plants reached out to her. The truth was she wanted to be with him as much as she could. And she had no idea why that was.
If he had a clue she’d suddenly become so obsessed with him and was looking for any reason to spend time with him, he’d probably run the other way. How could she ever explain something to him she didn’t understand herself? She couldn’t. So she would just have to play it cool.
“I’m glad you aren’t going anywhere else for your vacation.”
Startled he’d broken into her thoughts, Dia looked at him, caught up in his pensive gaze. “Why?”
His smile was uncertain. “Because I really like you.”
Relief swamped her. If the feelings she was experiencing weren’t one-sided, then she could just relax and enjoy the time they spent together while she tried to figure out everything else in her life.
“I really like you, too,” she admitted. “Don’t you think that’s strange?”
Ryan frowned. “Me liking you? Not really. Though I’m actually surprised you like me. I’m pretty much a geek. Now that I know I don’t have electricity or Internet access, I’m not sure what to do with myself.”
Dia laughed. “First of all, I didn’t mean it was strange I liked you. I meant it was strange we both like each other and barely know the other. And who called you a geek? I think you are…” Dia was afraid she was going to make a fool of herself if she said any more, but he looked so pleased, she took the leap. “I think you are great. Do I sound silly?”
Ryan’s smile nearly melted her as he shook his head. “I hope not, because I’m right there with you.”
He frowned. “I’ve never had such a beautiful woman look at me the way you do. It’s…I’m…oh…I’m afraid I’m about to make a complete fool of myself over you, and I don’t want to scare you off.”
Dia had to keep herself from leaping at him and planting a kiss on his lips. She understood how awkward it was to feel such a strong attraction but have no idea what to do about it. As crazy as her family thought she was, the reality was she was a complete innocent when it came to doing anything more than looking at the opposite sex—and wondering what if? Sure, she knew the biology of it all but nothing more. And she was certain, now jittery with nervous excitement and swamped with all k
inds of crazy feelings, there was a lot more.
“I know what you mean. I guess the only thing we can do is be honest about how we feel with each other.”
Ryan nodded and wiped his palms against his jeans. “That will work for me.” He laughed, nervously. “I don’t have a lot of experience with women. I feel like a complete idiot for having admitted this, but it hasn’t been a priority.”
Dia took a step forward before she realized she’d even moved. “Well, if it helps, we are in the same boat together. I haven’t had any experience with men on a deep level. I mean I dated some in college, but I never felt anything for them and never let anything go anywhere.”
“Well, okay, last confession before I completely crash and burn.” Ryan cleared his throat and blew out a breath. “I’ve never even dated. I never had the nerve to ask out the women I was attracted to. I figured they’d laugh in my face.”
Dia was stunned. Did he have no idea how attractive he was? Well, experienced or not, she would make sure he did. She grinned at him and dissolved the distance between them with a couple more steps. She looked into his eyes, forcing her hands to stay at her sides. “Well, Ryan, I find you completely attractive. So, just what are you going to do about it?”
Chapter Five
Ryan looked at the woman before him, wondering how his life had turned so drastically. She was serious. Of that he was sure. And damned if he was going to be a coward, just because she was more beautiful than any woman he’d ever met. He grinned at her and made himself relax. “I’m going to kiss you.”
The resulting lift of her lips was all he needed. Ryan reached out and pulled her toward him but didn’t immediately take her lips. Though he’d certainly kissed a few women, and had been kissed in return, he hesitated, because this time it mattered, more than an experiment for one of his game prototypes. He stared into her eyes, hoping she didn’t find him inept.
Ryan lowered his head and gently brushed his lips across hers. When she just grinned a little, he did so again, only this time he lingered and slipped his arms around her. On his third pass he delved in, and tasted with his tongue, and knew he would come unglued when she slid hers across his. He finally broke the contact and waited for her eyes to open.
Unforgettable Heroes II Boxed Set Page 159
