The Professor Woos The Witch (Nocturne Falls Book 4)

by Kristen Painter

  She looked up through her lashes at him. “You seem to think I do now.”

  He nodded. “You certainly seemed to like kissing me.”

  “I did. I don’t anymore.”

  “You can turn it on and off just like that?”

  “When it means protecting my heart? Yes.” She got up and refilled her coffee, but stayed at the counter. She held the cup in both hands.

  He took a breath, but hesitated, turning his thoughts over in his head before he put voice to them. What if she didn’t want the same things he did? What if… Just say it. “I came over here because I wanted to see how you were but also to apologize for upsetting you. And I wanted to let you know that I’m willing to give us a shot if you’re willing to risk—”

  She stared over the cup at him, unblinking. “No.”

  That wasn’t the answer he’d expected. His gut sank. “No? Really? Pandora, taking risks is part of life.”

  Her gaze dropped. “Thank you for the food, but I think you should go.”

  He stood. “Why are you so afraid of getting hurt?”

  She closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, they held a pain that surprised him. “Because I’ve been hurt. I don’t ever want to feel that way again. And I don’t want to be responsible for someone else getting hurt.”

  “No one does, but—”

  She mumbled something else that he swore sounded like, “Not again.”

  “I’m a grown man. I can take it. Tell me what happened.”

  She shook her head. “Cole, you have no idea.”

  He took a step toward her. He wanted to pull her into his arms, but he didn’t need an equation to show him how that would turn out. “Then tell me.”

  She walked past him and went back to the table. She put her coffee down, picked up her fork, then put that down too. “I had a pretty serious high school boyfriend. He was…a lot like you. He didn’t believe in magic or witches or anything that didn’t have a solid, scientific explanation. My magic was…well, it wasn’t stable. It never has been, but in those days it was early still and everyone thought I was just a late bloomer.”

  She took a deep breath, then let it out. “I couldn’t imagine my life without Ren. I thought we’d go to the same college, get married, have kids and live the white-picket-fence life. I also thought I’d make a believer out of him.

  “We were coming home from one of the football games one night, and it had just started to rain. I had a stupid impulse to show him just how real my magic was. I don’t know why that moment seemed like the right one, but it did. Teenage foolishness, maybe.”

  She swallowed. “I cast a big spell. Way bigger than I had any right to.”

  “What was it?” he asked.

  “An umbrella spell.” She laughed, but the sound was bitter. “How could he not believe if I could make the rain go away, right?”

  She continued, her gaze going to a faraway place. “There was a huge flash of light, and he jerked the wheel and the car rolled.” The color that had started to come back to her face drained out of it. “He was thrown out of the car and killed instantly. I barely got a scratch.”

  She’d lived with this since she was a teenager? He tried to imagine Kaley’s reaction to such a thing. No wonder Pandora’s broken magic was such a big issue for her. “Pandora, it’s not your fault a bolt of lightning startled him. I’m so sorry you’ve been carrying this all these years.”

  “It wasn’t a bolt of lightning. It was my magic gone wrong.” She hugged her arms around her torso. “My magic has been crap all my life. My mother tried everything to fix me. We went to see specialists, she tried to find me an animal familiar, we did cleansing rites—nothing worked. I was born broken. And Ren died because of it.”

  “You couldn’t have predicted what would happen.”

  “I shouldn’t have attempted that spell.”

  “You were a kid.”

  She didn’t say anything for a moment. “I should have been the one who died.”

  His gut clenched at the thought. “I’m so glad you weren’t.”

  Liquid rimmed her lower lids. “I’ve never felt pain like that before. I know I was just a teenager, but I loved him. When he died, I felt so responsible.”

  “I’m sure you did. Anyone would have.”

  She sniffed and blinked the tears away. “I haven’t dated much because of that. I haven’t dated at all, really. I couldn’t bear the thought of being that unhappy again.”

  His heart ached for her. He couldn’t imagine how devastating that loss must have been for her. And to shoulder the responsibility for the accident must have been crushing. At that moment, all he wanted to do was make her smile. “Your magic works around me, so obviously it’s not broken.”

  She picked her head up and looked at him. “And when you leave? I should go back to being broken after feeling what it’s like to be whole? To be who I was meant to be? I can’t do that. I’d rather not know. I’d rather stay who I am now. I’ve figured out how to be that person. I’m…okay with it. But to get a taste of being complete and then having it ripped away…” She stared out the kitchen window. “Let me put it in terms you can understand. I’m zero percent interested in that.”

  He sat back. He could see her point. “We don’t even know if we’re compatible. You’re not a little interested in figuring that out?”

  She glanced at him. “You’re really persistent for a guy with one foot out the door.”

  “What if…what if maybe I was willing to stay?”

  She just stared at him.

  He took a breath. “I like you, Pandora. I can’t stop thinking about you.”

  “That’s just the familiar-witch thing.”

  “Speaking of, I have a lot to learn since my dad isn’t exactly being forthcoming with the information. I thought maybe you’d help me with that. You could tutor me and Kaley.”

  “I don’t know. Familiars aren’t my area of expertise.”

  “We could go through those books in the attic. Maybe figure it out together.”

  “I guess.”

  He finally felt like he was getting somewhere. “I like you, and I’m not convinced it’s completely related to the witch-familiar thing. What if we’ve got some real chemistry going on here? Don’t you at least want to find out?” Then something occurred to him, and he realized what an idiot he was. “You don’t feel the same way, do you?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, I’m kind of nuts about you, and you probably want to friend-zone me. That’s why you agreed to help with Kaley and the house. You like me, but you don’t like me like me.” He shook his head, laughing softly. “I didn’t get that until just now.”

  “That’s not true.” She frowned and yanked a wayward strand of hair behind one ear. “I do like you. Unfortunately. You and your stupid pretty face.”

  He laughed harder. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

  “Oh, shut up. I’m hungover, and you’re trying to have a big discussion. I told you I didn’t want to talk. I don’t know what I’m saying.”

  “Sorry.” But he couldn’t stop smiling. “I know you’re taking Kaley to the meeting tonight, but what are you doing tomorrow night?”

  “Why do you want to know?”

  “Because I’d like to take you to dinner. Anywhere. Even places I have to wear a tie.”

  She scowled at him. “You’re trying to take advantage of my weakened condition.”

  “Maybe I am. So what do you say? Dinner? And we give this thing a real shot. Maybe we’ll have a miserable time, and that will be the end of it. And maybe we’ll find out we really like each other.”

  “What about Kaley?”

  “She’s supposed to go to a friend’s house to work on a group project. I’m sure she can hang out there until we’re finished.” He grinned. So far, so good. “Is that a yes to dinner?”

  She let a few moments go by before she answered. “What if we do like each other? What th
en? Are you still going to move?”

  “If things between us work, I’m willing to explore other options. Do you think there’s any chance I could get a teaching job around here?”

  “I have no idea. Is that more important than your love life?”

  “Not if you’re willing to date a homeless guy. I’m just being practical. I have a child to take care of. I can’t let her suffer for my decisions.”

  Her eyes narrowed and after a long moment, she responded, “You paint such a positive picture, how can I say no? We can give it a shot.”

  “All right!” He clapped his hands together, causing Pumpkin to go skittering out of the room and Pandora to cringe.

  “My head,” she moaned. Her eyes were scrunched shut.

  “I’m sorry, I forgot,” he whispered. “Can I do anything for you? Get you anything? Run you a hot bath?”

  She opened one eye. “We haven’t even been out on a date yet, and you’re trying to get me naked.”

  “I am a man. And even hungover, you’re pretty hot.”

  “Go away before I change my mind about dinner. Or turn you into a toad. I can do that now, you know.”

  He stood up. “You’re adorable. Never change.” He headed for the door. “See you tonight. Call me if you need anything.”

  She grunted something, maybe a word, maybe not, but it reminded him of someone else.

  He stopped and stuck his head back in the kitchen. “Hey, that guy you were with last night. He’s not an old boyfriend, or anyone I’m going to have to fight for your hand, is he?”

  She snorted. “My hand is mine to give as I see fit, but no, he’s not an old boyfriend. Nor does he want to be a new one. And you should be very glad about that.”

  He stood up taller. Sure, the guy looked intimidating, but that didn’t mean he was a threat. “You don’t think I could take him?”

  “In a battle of wits, maybe. Physically? Uh, probably not. He’s a dragon shifter. And a top-ranked mixed martial arts fighter.”

  “Dragon shifter. Got it.” Cole nodded and made a mental note not to tick the guy off. “I’d say I’d try to stay on his good side, but he already didn’t seem to like me very much last night.”

  “I might have told him you’d been leading me on. He’s kind of like a big brother to me. He was the first person I called when I woke up this morning.”

  Well, that sucked. Cole did his best not to react. “Great. You sure it’s nothing I need to worry about?”

  “Not unless you break my heart.” She smiled with the sort of acid edge that almost seemed like a challenge.

  “All right. No pressure.” He gave her a little wave as he left again. Monday night he was going to have to wow her. The last thing Cole needed was Puff the Magic MMA Fighter showing up at his door breathing fire.

  By five o’clock, Pandora had finally begun to feel human again. A hot shower had gone a long way toward making that happen, but, she was reluctant to admit, so had Cole’s peace offering of blueberry pancakes.

  It was like he’d known that was the perfect thing to bring. Was that because he was an awesome guy or the familiar meant for her?

  The whole thing was so complicated she couldn’t bear to think about it for more than a few minutes at a time. Any more than that, and her brain tangled in knots.

  At least there appeared to be some hope for a future for them if things went well. Cole seemed to be willing to entertain the idea of staying in Nocturne Falls if that was the case. But that was kind of a double-edged sword. If she wanted him around, she was going to have to make him fall for her. Make him want to stay.

  She stared at herself in the bathroom mirror. “I’m not sure I need that pressure.”

  She looked down at her cat. Pumpkin was curled up on top of the hamper lid, a place she could reach only by jumping onto the toilet seat first. “What do you think, Fatness Everdeen? Is Cole worth the effort?”

  But Pandora didn’t need Pumpkin’s opinion to formulate her answer. Deep in her heart of hearts, Pandora wanted to love again. She still wanted the white-picket-fence life. A big comfortable house with a tire swing hanging from one of the trees in the backyard. A wonderful husband who was as crazy in love with her as she was with him. Rambunctious, smiling kids who would make too much noise and draw her Mother’s Day cards on construction paper and give her gray hair and laugh lines.

  But that dream required commitment. And she was scared spitless of going through the same kind of hurt and pain she’d endured with Ren. Right next to the part of her that wanted that dream, however, was a part of her that also wondered if finding a new love might heal a lot of her lingering pain.

  But was Cole that guy? Was anyone?

  Cole was tempting on so many levels. He was smart, and she loved smart. He was handy, and wow, that was hot. Physically, there was no question he was her type. That lanky, casually fit guy had always been her go-to dream man. Add to that Cole’s piercing eyes and sexy-geeky glasses, and she was a goner.

  And that was before she factored in the part about him being a familiar.

  A man capable of fixing both her heart and her magic.

  She leaned her forehead against the mirror. She had to give it a shot, didn’t she? The rewards outweighed the risk.

  She hoped.

  Pumpkin jumped down and wound around her legs, making a tiny meow that was precursor to the big song and dance that would follow if dinner didn’t appear shortly.

  Pandora pointed down the hall. “Kitchen.”

  Pumpkin didn’t need to be told twice. She scampered off.

  “That’s right,” Pandora said. “Burn off some of the calories you’re about to eat.”

  She followed Pumpkin into the kitchen and opened a can of diet cat food while Pumpkin went into her frantic “I’m near death with hunger” meowing.

  “All right, already.” Pandora put the dish on the floor and picked up the old one to put in the sink. Pumpkin fell on the food with all the grace and etiquette of a prison inmate.

  The doorbell rang, and a second later, the door opened and a familiar voice called out, “Pandy?”

  “Marigold, hey. I’m in the kitchen.” Pandora ran water in Pumpkin’s old food dish and let it soak.

  “Hey there.” Marigold came in with a pretty bouquet in her hands.

  “Hey there, yourself.” Pandora leaned against the counter. “What brings you by?”

  She held up the flowers. “Deliveries.”

  “I thought you had someone to do those.”

  “I do, but it’s Sunday. I close at five, and this one’s for you.”

  “Really?” Pandora lifted her brows in surprise, then realized who they must be from. “Let me guess. Ivan sent them.”

  Marigold frowned and set them on the counter. “I didn’t know he was in town. And no, these aren’t from him.”

  Pandora reached over and grabbed the card.

  Thanks for giving me a second chance.

  –Cole

  She glanced at her sister. “This is unexpected.”

  Marigold grinned. “He likes you.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “You don’t seem impressed.”

  “It’s not that, the flowers are really sweet. It’s cool that he came in to your shop and got them, but—”

  “He didn’t come in. The order was called in via Floraline. I was the closest fulfillment center to your address. Still, he had them sent, so same gesture. Just a little less personal. What was the but for?”

  “It’s just…I don’t know. Long story.” She stuck the card back in the flowers and opened the fridge. “You want a Coke?”

  “No, thanks, I have to swing by Mom’s and pick up Saffie before the meeting. I can’t stay long. You still bringing Kaley?”

  Pandora grabbed a Coke for herself and popped the top. The caffeine was a necessity at the moment. “Yes.”

  “I’m glad you and Cole worked things out, because I really like him. He’s cute and smart and has the tightest little�
�”

  “You already read the card, didn’t you?” She watched her sister as she took a long drink of the icy soda.

  “Maybe.” Marigold toyed with a loose blonde curl. “What second chance are you giving him? Is this about him moving back to North Carolina?”

  Pandora swallowed the mouthful of Coke. “You’re so nosy.”

  “I’m your sister. It’s my job.”

  “It’s about us going to dinner tomorrow night.”

  “Ooh. Dinner. Sounds fancy.”

  Pandora laughed. “You’re just saying that because you’re a single mother who hasn’t been out on a date since forever.”

  Marigold cocked an eyebrow. “Says the woman who hasn’t been on a date since high school. At least I’ve had sex.”

  Pandora almost spit soda all over her sister. Talk about keeping a secret. “When?”

  Marigold made a face and mumbled something.

  Pandora put her hand to her ear. “What was that? I didn’t quite catch it.”

  Marigold sighed. “I said, nine months before Saffie was born.”

  Pandora laughed. “So almost nine years ago. Yeah, you’ve totally got me beat.” Unable to stop her subconscious, the idea of sex with Cole danced through her brain.

  “What was that look?”

  “Huh? Nothing.” Pandora’s cheeks warmed. “I need to get ready for the meeting. I’m not kicking you out, but I am about to disappear into the bedroom to get dressed.”

  “Yeah, yeah. I need to scoot too.” Marigold headed for the door. “Tell Mr. Second Chances I said hi. If you can stop kissing him long enough.”

  Pandora rolled her eyes. Then decided kissing him wasn’t such a bad idea.

  Never in his life had the impending visit of a woman given Cole the kind of jittery buzz he was currently experiencing. He’d been to the front door twice to look for Pandora’s car. Actually, three times considering this recent trip. But the driveway remained empty.

  “Dad, what are you doing?”

  Cole jerked back. “Nothing.”

  Kaley grinned. “You’re looking for Miss Williams.”