by Linda Wisdom
“Wonderful.” Agnes turned and pushed Floyd so hard he almost fell out of the booth. Or it could have been the three Irish whiskies he had sneaked while she was talking to Blair. “You two go on and enjoy your evening. And thank you, dear. Oh Floyd, there’s Ted. I need to speak to him, too, and see if he’ll provide the lumber for the booths.” She turned back to Jake, who cringed under her thousand-watt smile. “I know you’ll help build them, Jake.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” he muttered, in a tone that hinted the exact opposite, but then few were able to hold out against Agnes. Like Blair, Jake chose his battles wisely.
“I’ll be right there.” Floyd wasted no time in heading for the bar after casting them a look of apology for his hell-on-wheels wife.
“Maybe she should run for mayor at the next election,” Jake chuckled.
“No, she’d hate all the official paperwork that Floyd thrives on. Agnes loves being the power behind the mayoral throne. Plus, if one of her crazy schemes goes wrong, she can proclaim it was the mayor’s idea and she told him he needed to try something else. But if it works out, naturally it was all her doing.”
He grinned and shook his head. He slid out of the booth and stood up, wrapping his hand around Blair’s wrist and pulling her to her feet. “Come on, hexy lady, dance with me.” He led her to the small dance floor on the other end of the tavern. Jake kept hold of her hand while he paused long enough to peruse the jukebox’s offerings. Considering Grady’s varied clientele, his music was just as eclectic, from big band to country western to rock and roll, and even some heavy metal. Jake inserted quarters and punched the buttons. A moment later, “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” flowed out of the speakers.
“Let’s show them how it’s done,” he said, swinging her into his arms.
Blair laughed, enjoying this fun side of Jake. She was used to the somber-faced handyman who wielded a hammer and saw with great skill, with wry humor that seemed to show up more in his canine form; now she was seeing a more playful side, and she liked it a lot. She kept up with him step by step and after the song finished and another started, they stayed out on the dance floor. By the time they’d finished a fourth dance, Blair was ready to sit down to catch her breath.
“You could have warned me what a great dancer you are.” She finished her beer and when Grady stopped by to see if they wanted refills, she asked for a Diet Coke. “I didn’t expect a major cardio workout.”
“I’ll be honest, I haven’t danced too much the past few years. After our dance in the shop, I should have known you could boogie like a professional dancer,” Jake admitted, requesting a Coke for himself. “You also do a great jive.”
“Thanks, you’re not so bad yourself. I never knew a carpenter could be so light on his feet.”
“Uh, no offense, but could you word that another way? I don’t want any of the guys here to think I’m looking to change teams.”
Blair thanked Grady for her drink, then pressed the icy glass against her cheek. “I don’t think that’s something you have to worry about,” she said huskily.
Jake’s dark eyes heated with pure lust as he stared at the glass pressed moistly against her ivory skin. Keeping his gaze on her, he emptied his glass in record time. Blair took her time, even pausing to lick droplets of Diet Coke off her lips.
“You are one dangerous witch,” he growled—a real growl, as only he could.
Blair almost cheered at the thought that she was throwing him off balance. Not that she was expecting to be carried off to his cabin tonight. Although, she wouldn’t protest if he did decide to play the part of the Alpha male to her witchy female and steal her away for some hot and heavy sex. There was something about the Me Tarzan, You Jane scenario that revved her engines. And at that moment Jake was seriously revving her engines.
Plus, she was afraid if she was too forward (heaven forbid she jump his bones on the first date!), that he’d run for the hills—literally—and she’d never see him again. She’d really hate to throw out a bring ’em back alive spell if she didn’t have to. Although the longer she stared back at him, the more tempting the thought became.
She glanced up at the old-fashioned clock that hung on the wall near the dartboard. “I should go. I’m going to have a busy day tomorrow, rearranging the shop.”
Jake nodded and slid out of the booth, stopping to snag his jacket from the other side and then helping Blair on with hers.
They stepped outside and Blair giggled when her breath showed in white puffs in the icy night air.
“Oh yeah?” Jake pursed his lips, and his breath puffed out in perfect circles.
Blair flicked her fingers at him. “Amateur.” She closed her eyes and slowly exhaled, her breath turning into an old-fashioned witch riding her broom with a cat perched on the end. It dissipated in a cloud of silver sparkles.
“No way I can compete with that, and I’m not even going to try.” Jake took her arm in his, tucking it against his side as they walked up the sidewalk. He grimaced at the icy air assaulting their faces. “I guess I should have picked you up in my truck. Are you sure you can walk safely in those boots?”
She shook her head. “There’s no ice. Besides, I know you’re here to catch me if I start to fall.” She shot him a flirtatious smile. “I like to walk when nights are this pretty, even if it’s so cold.”
“One question I’ve always wanted to ask.”
“Ask and I might answer,” she replied.
“Why are you and Stasi are always willing to let them hold the carnival at the lake every winter? I mean, you own that property, and you and the other witches go out there each full moon, so why not find a way to keep it to yourselves?” Jake asked.
“We believe the lake is here for everyone, and it is a lovely spot. All we want is to keep the lake and surrounding area safe from developers. People love having the carnival booths around the lake, even if visitors have to park in town and hike there—it doesn’t seem to deter them,” Blair replied, enjoying the sounds of their boots on the wooden planks that made up the sidewalks of Moonstone Lake. She loved this town. She glanced in the drug store that had been owned and operated by Kenneth Fogerty for the past fifty-three years. Lights showed in the back and she could see rusty-colored tufts of hair on the pharmacist’s head as he worked in the back of the pharmacy. She wondered if the elderly man would ever retire. She doubted it. One morning they’d find his eternally sleeping form seated in the ancient chair behind the counter.
“A sense of family,” she said abruptly.
“Hm?” Jake looked down at her. “Come again?”
“We’re a family. In your terms, a Pack. All of us who’ve lived here in Moonstone Lake for years.” She threw out her free arm in a graceful arc. “How many winters have we been snowed in because of heavy snowstorms? How many summers have we worried about fires, and even rode out a few? No matter what, we’ve always worked together to help each other. We all stuck together even when this was a small mining camp. Yes, there were bar fights and killings over claims, but those of us who wanted a secure and law-abiding town fought for it and we won. So many stayed on and in the process left something tangible for their descendants.”
“Maybe you should be mayor.”
“No way. I like what I’m doing. Finding pieces of the past and giving them new homes.”
Pretty soon they stood at the back stairs that led up to Blair and Stasi’s apartment. Their living space encompassed the entire second floor of the building, with their shops downstairs. Faint barks could be heard from above.
“Maybe Bogie thinks his buddy is out here,” Blair said softly.
“You really love yanking my chain about that, don’t you?” Jake grimaced as he realized there was definitely a pun in there. Luckily, Blair was kind enough not to jump on the opportunity to tease him.
“Thank you for dinner and the dances.” She stood on the second-to-last step, putting herself at eye level with Jake. “I enjoyed myself.”
“I did,
too.” He reached up and brushed away a strand of hair the breeze had caught and left at her lips. As he did, his fingertips rested momentarily against the moist skin and he paused, looking into her eyes that shone with brilliant blue-green light.
“You have the most beautiful eyes.” His words were so soft she had to strain to hear them. “Cute nose. Kissable…” He then chose to take action instead of talking about it.
Finally! Blair tasted sharp yeast and barbecue spices as Jake’s mouth moved over hers. He threaded his fingers through hers, keeping their entwined hands at their sides. She wanted to complain about the lack of full contact, but she found it arousing because Jake had a way of making her forget everything but the feel of his lips, his taste, and the warmth of his fingers. She closed her eyes and allowed her senses to fan out and enjoy it all. The warm, woodsy scent of his skin teased her nostrils, and the warmth of his mouth chased away the night chill. Her tongue danced with his, curling around and inviting him inside. When they finally parted, they were breathing harder than they had after dancing.
“I should have known,” Jake rasped.
“What?” She felt pretty dazed herself.
“That you’d kiss like a dream come true.” And just like that, he seemed to fade into the darkness.
Blair stared into the space where Jake had been. “Ooookay.” She turned around and slowly climbed the stairs. Pleasantly warm air wafted across her face as she entered the kitchen. She leaned down to pat Bogie on the head before the dog drifted in the air toward the family room, where his favorite blanket awaited him. The sound of the TV told Blair she wasn’t alone. “How was your date?” Stasi called from the family room.
“You’re back? I thought you’d be gone another day or so.” Blair nuked water for tea in the microwave, then dropped an orange spice teabag into the mug.
“Trev got a call about an important case he’s been dealing with for the past two hundred years, so we came back here tonight.”
“We’d rather hear about your date,” Trev called out. “Horace said you were smokin’ hot tonight.”
Blair walked into the family room and found Stasi and Trev lolling on the couch. Anastasia Romanov, smartest witch in the class of 1313, sported yellow fleece pajama pants and a yellow thermal shirt dotted with pink beach umbrellas, her golden-brown hair fanning out as she snuggled back against Trev’s broad chest. Trevor Barnes, hotshot wizard lawyer, was equally dressed for comfort in flannel pajama pants and a navy T-shirt as he lay stretched out with Stasi lying between his legs, his arms draped loosely around her waist. Blair glanced at the TV.
“I’m impressed. You got him to watch a chick flick!”
“We flipped a coin,” Trev explained.
“And you lost?”
He nodded.
“What was your choice?”
“The Matrix, but he would have settled for Terminator. Turns out my buttoned-down attorney boyfriend loves those shoot ’em up films.” Stasi reached into the bowl of popcorn that rested on her tummy.
Blair settled in the oversized comfy chair she liked to call her own and pulled off her boots. She stretched her legs in front of her and wiggled her toes. Just like magick, her gold ankle bracelet with its broom charm returned to her ankle.
“I gather from the goofy smile on your face that you had a nice evening.” Stasi tossed a piece of popcorn into the air and slightly behind her. Trev leaned forward to catch it in his mouth.
“Wow, nice trick. Are you guys available for birthday parties?” Blair picked up her mug and sipped her tea. Not that she needed warming up. Jake had jacked up her internal thermostat nicely, but drinking the tea gave her something to do.
“Weddings, funerals, you name it.” Trev reached around Stasi and stole a few more kernels.
“Come on, give. Horace already told us you two went to Grady’s, so just tell us the juicy parts. How does Jake rate as a kisser?” Stasi asked.
Trev almost choked on a piece of popcorn. “Get to the point, love.”
Blair sputtered into her tea. “Stasi! Who even said he kissed me?”
“I only have to look at your face to know he kissed you. I just want details.”
“Wait a minute, is this what you two did when Stasi and I first went out?” Trevor asked.
“’Course not.” Horace ambled into the room and hopped up onto the coffee table. “I wanted facts, I wanted pictures, and I got bupkus. How am I supposed to keep my scrapbook up-to-date if you guys don’t give me something to put in it?”
“Yes!” Stasi squealed, almost upsetting her bowl of popcorn. “C’mon, Blair!”
“We had dinner, we danced for awhile… and Agnes asked if we’d do some witchy stuff to help with the carnival.” She helped herself to a handful of popcorn.
“Witchy stuff as in…?”
Blair waved a hand. “As in using a few spells to obtain good deals from the printer and stuff, since most of the carnival funds were embezzled. I already told her it’s against the rules. Just like last year, she wants to hold the carnival along the lake. There would be booths, and the new owner of Snow Farms told her he’d try to get some professional skaters up here for a skating exhibition. And he’s hosting a formal dance up at the resort. But,” she held up her hand for emphasis, “here’s the biggie. She’s hoping we can bring in some elves.”
“Elves?”
Blair nodded.
Stasi mimed a gagging action. “Why?”
“Beats me. She seems to think they’ll add a festive atmosphere to the carnival.”
“I could see elves running around the town for Yule, but not for a winter carnival. Although I’ve heard that most of the time they’re more of a headache than they are good background.” Trev stretched his arms over his head and yawned, then carefully dislodged Stasi so he could climb off the couch. “Sorry ladies, but this guy’s beat. I’m for bed.” The scorching look he shot at Stasi from his deep blue eyes communicated that he hoped she felt the same. She offered him a soft look of apology.
“I’ll be there in a minute,” she assured him.
He dropped a kiss on the top of Stasi’s head and moved toward her bedroom.
“He’s a keeper,” Blair told her once the wizard was out of earshot.
Stasi smiled. “I know. I think Jake is, too.”
Blair’s snort was unladylike. “If he comes to his senses. Although I have to say, he is a fantastic kisser.”
Stasi threw up her arms in a victory gesture. “And?”
“And he kissed me and sent me upstairs.”
Stasi’s glee left as quickly as it had appeared. “No invitation for coffee at his place?”
“Nope.”
“No asking to come up here for coffee?”
Blair slowly shook her head from side to side. “Good thing he didn’t, since I didn’t know you were back.”
“Did he say he’d see you soon?”
“Stasi, this town has a population of 148. I see everyone who lives here at least twice a week, and sometimes more.”
“So what are you going to do?” Stasi saw the determination in her friend’s eyes and knew the Were didn’t have a chance—once Blair had her teeth in a problem, she didn’t let go.
She sat back with her fingertips pressed together. “I won’t make it easy, but I’m going to make sure he finds out just how much fun this witch is.” The two witches grinned conspiratorially. “And if I volunteer to work on setting up the carnival, I should be able to spend more time with him. Plus find a way to explain to Agnes that elves aren’t a good idea.”
“I wouldn’t worry. After all, how could Agnes find any elves without our help?”
Blair thought about it for a moment. “You’re right. It’s not as if there’s an elf employment agency out there.”
“So what else has been going on?”
Blair brought Stasi up to speed, telling her about Jake showing up scratched and cut after his scrap with a coyote and the strange woman coming into the shop wanting a revenge spell th
at Blair refused to craft.
She finished her tea and rose to her feet. “Go show your sexy wizard you’re not ignoring him. I’ll take care of the lights.” Stasi scooted out of the room grinning in anticipation. With a snap of Blair’s fingers, the lights and TV switched off.
It wasn’t until she was settled under the covers and ready to drop off to sleep that a vague memory teased Blair’s brain.
Wait a minute—there is an elf employment agency.
Chapter 4
“Four more days ’til the full moon.” Blair stared out over the lake’s gentle blue surface, reflecting the late-afternoon sun. She rubbed her nose with her gloved hand, but the warmth only remained a short time before the icy air chilled it again. Stasi stomped her feet against the snow-dotted ground and tucked her hands under her armpits. “Jazz is right, winter is never fun out here. If it gets any colder, we’ll need to find a way to hang portable heaters under our robes, because even long underwear won’t make a difference.”
“You’d think our magick could handle that, but since it doesn’t work I’d say Eurydice has something to do with it.” Blair tugged her leopard-print fleece hat further down on her head, ignoring the fact she’d be stuck with nasty hat hair later in the day. It was Saturday, but since she didn’t have a date, who cared? “It would be nice if she’d hand out a list of dos and don’ts, since she’s so insistent we walk the straight and narrow.”
“The list seems pretty basic. Don’t irritate vampires, Weres, wizards, trolls, gnomes, elves, goblins, Fae, Druids, Mother Nature, or Cupid.” Stasi wrinkled her nose. “Is there anyone left?”
“You forgot the most important one when it comes to our personal well-being: don’t piss off the Witches’ Council.” Blair started to take a deep breath, but the icy cold air reminded her it wasn’t a good idea. She settled for cupping her face in her hands and breathing in and out a couple of times to warm herself.
“I try not to mention them out loud.” They walked side-by-side back toward their home.
“True, big ears and all that.”
