The deal with the tree suggested something else was going on with Erika. His intuition told him she’d stumbled into a situation she wasn’t even aware of.
With his dragon’s fine-tuned ear, he’d heard the guy introduce himself as Cedric Hawthorne of Finnich Glen right before Erika had turned and fled after Kamdyn.
As Erika hurried to catch up to Kamdyn, Marshall stepped further into the shadows. The females crossed the street and traveled right past him, so close he picked up Erika’s earthy scent.
When it appeared safe, he stretched his neck out to view them once more. He appreciated Erika’s long stride and the supple sway of her hips. A block up the street, the women cut into Santa’s Workshop, a faded brick, three-story building. The place had some magical glow going on that kept icicles hanging on the eves all year round. Only in Nocturne Falls. He shook his head.
Considering it was March, and Christmas was a long time away, he wondered what interested the females in there.
He glanced back to wolf-man, who was also eyeing the women. In a smooth motion, the wolf swung its head toward Marshall and stared, his penetrating, green-golden eyes narrowing as if in warning.
Keep your paws off the redhead, buddy.
Cedric caught the wolf’s glare and nodded in Marshall’s direction.
Some research was in order. How long would this guy be in town? He hadn’t seen him before. What was he up to? What was his history? Why now?
* * *
“This looks like a fun place,” Kamdyn announced once the big double doors closed behind them.
Erika took in the huge space filled with toys and goodies both large and small. From the domino games set up to topple at the flick of a marble, to the yellow go-cart positioned to go air-borne over a ramp.
“Yeah, I wish I was a kid again,” Erika said.
They followed a red carpet path deeper into the store. The scent of fresh pine and peppermint filled the air. Twinkling lights covered the ceiling. Holy rock-candy. This was her kind of place. She breathed deeply and felt the solid ground beneath her feet.
A checkout counter occupied the center, where an employee rang up a customer’s merchandise. She smiled as they approached. Her pointy ears peeked through her curls as she nodded her head.
“Erika,” a cheerful voice came from behind them.
Both girls spun around in unison. “Hi there,” Erika said. She wasn’t quite sure how to greet Jayne, since they’d just met the other night, but Jayne solved that problem for her by wrapping her in a friendly hug.
“It’s good to see you. Out shopping?” Jayne asked.
“Not exactly. Trying to get more acquainted with Nocturne Falls.” She made introductions. “Kamdyn is new in town, too, so we’re investigating together.”
“Good for you. Any luck with a place to rent?”
“Not yet. I’m sure something will become available soon.” Otherwise she may have to occupy a tree, the old traditional fairy way.
“What about you, Kamdyn? Are you visiting or looking to put down roots?”
The blonde shook her head. “I’m not staying.”
Her response caught Erika off guard. Her impression yesterday had been the opposite. And what was with the case of the grouchies? Although, this was her first opportunity to really speak with Kamdyn without her parents around. Maybe that had something to do with the change. She understood how a parent’s influence could alter what one said.
“This is some shop you have here,” Erika said.
“Thanks.” She set a few shopping bags on the counter. “Can I help you with anything?”
Erika glanced at Kamdyn, who shrugged. “Just looking.” She revolved slowly in a three-sixty, her gaze touching on each toy until it landed on a hoverboard. Her eyes lit up and twinkled with the first hint of excitement Erika had seen in her.
Kamdyn marched over, plucked the hoverboard from the shelf, and took it to the cashier. “Forget a broom. I’ve always wanted one of these.”
Erika leaned closer to Jayne. “I sense the toys have magical power to connect with their future recipient.”
Jayne lifted a brow and cocked her head. “You do?”
“Oh yes. Very cool.”
“I’m known for my coolness.”
They both laughed. “I get it. Winter elf.”
“Yeah. I figured the earth fairy would.”
Erika’s cheeks warmed as she worked to hold Jayne’s stare, aware she had only revealed her fairy nature and had omitted speaking of the fairy godmother gig the other night. But she wasn’t comfortable with that role yet. And she didn’t think of herself as being able to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Kamdyn skipped over with her new blue hoverboard tucked beneath her arm. “Wanna see me try it out?” She practically glowed.
“Sure.” She glanced at Jayne, giving her a gotta-go smile. “See you later.”
“I’ll let you know if I get word of any rentals.”
“Thanks.”
As soon as they were out on the street, Kamdyn hopped onto the radiating board as it flashed the spectrum of blue and purple hues. She took it for a spin across the street and back. “I wish it could fly like my broom. That thing is so antiquated.”
Erika hesitated, taking a deep breath. Kamdyn had said the “w” word. Now was as good a time as any to put her powers to the test. With a circle of her hand, Erika dusted the board with a hit of glitter. Instantly, the board seemed lighter, more buoyant, levitating higher.
Kamdyn’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“Give it a try.”
Kamdyn stepped on. The board seemed glued to her feet as she rose and skimmed above the buildings, did a flip, and kept going around a stand of trees. After several minutes of play, she returned to where Erika was standing in front of Santa’s Workshop.
“This is so cool!”
“Want to fly back to the inn?”
“Can we?”
Erika considered the street traffic. “I think it would be okay if we stuck to the back streets.” She extended her wings and took off. They’d claimed Nocturne Falls was a place to be yourself. It was time for her to get on board with that. In a blink of an eye, Kamdyn caught up to her. Together they soared back to The Black Rose. Erika was pleased to see Kamdyn in such good spirits.
As the lights of the board dimmed, Kamdyn hopped off, and with a jerk of her foot, flipped the board into her hand. She tucked it under her arm, just as her father tromped down the front steps and halted. He crossed his arms over his chest, scowling.
“I didn’t think you were going to be gone this long,” he snarled, his voice a low threatening grumble.
Erika’s worried gaze shot to Kamdyn. The young woman peered back. “It’s all right,” she said, defensively. “He’s always like this.”
“Sorry,” Erika mouthed.
Turning to her father, Kamdyn pulled herself taller. “I’ve been gone all of three hours. Get over it.” Kamdyn ignored her dad then and trudged past him into the inn, and allowed the door to slam behind her.
“I cannot make her understand her duty,” he snapped, then turned and followed his daughter inside.
The entire encounter was so abrupt it took Erika a second to realize she stood with her mouth open. She closed it and swallowed. Wow. She thought her parents were bad.
She slowly returned to her room. There was plenty of time to shower and feed Whitwell before Marshall arrived to take her to dinner.
Chapter Ten
It wasn’t a good hair day.
She’d taken more time than she should in an attempt to tame her unruly locks. The humid Georgia weather caused her curls to frizz and flip in different directions. Since she hadn’t packed all of her hair products, she settled on pulling it up in a ponytail and combing the front to frame her face.
She stepped back to look in the mirror, admiring the V-neck, navy blouse paired with her short, flouncy skirt of burnt orange. Executing a quick spin, she twirled the skirt, showing off ju
st the right amount of her long legs. He’d said a casual dinner. She was pleased with the look.
A soft rap sounded on her room door, and a zing of anticipation whipped through her as she traipsed across the room, grabbed the door knob, and opened it. As she expected, Marshall filled the frame.
“Hi.” He leaned in, kissing her cheeks in three alternating pecks. Very European.
She was immediately filled with the delicious sense of him, exotic and mysterious.
“Ready?” he asked.
His voice warmed her like soil heated by the sun’s hot rays, and they hadn’t even begun their date. “Almost. Hold on just a sec.” She motioned with her hand for him to step inside. “I need to refill Whitwell’s water. The air conditioning seems to make him thirsty. The bowl emptied quicker than usual.”
Marshall followed her movements as she topped-off the critter’s dish. Whitwell came out from beneath the bed. “Cute. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one as a pet before.”
“It’s my understanding they’re not native to America. I inherited him from one of my cousins. He kind of chose me instead of the other way around. But now, he’s family.”
Whitwell toddled closer to Marshall who retreated a step. Then Whitwell placed his front paws on Marshall’s black, polished shoe, then stuck the tip of his nose beneath his pant leg. “Are the quills sharp?”
“Not exactly. Semi-firm.”
A horrified expression came over Marshall. “I think he’s licking me.”
“Probably anting you,” she said. His brows pinched, so she went on to explain. “It’s a defensive process they use when a new scent enters their territory. They lick the scent and form a frothy paste that they spread on their quills.”
“Hmph.”
Evidently, Whitwell appeared okay with Marshall because he scampered over to his box.
“He’s fast.”
“Yeah. It’s fun to watch him run around when he gets in a playful mood.”
Satisfied the hedgehog would be fine with the provisions she’d prepared, she slung her purse over her shoulder. “Where are we off to?”
He opened the door and allowed her to exit first. “A new place named Big Daddy Bones. It’s a barbeque restaurant with killer ribs. I hope that’s okay.”
She couldn’t help but smile. He’d made a fantastic choice. A man after my own heart…and taste buds. “Sounds good to me.”
Although, she shouldn’t be so quick to go mushy over him. He was a dragon shifter, not the boy next door. Not that the boy next door had ever given her that liquid sensation in her tummy merely from hearing him say hello.
Uncertainty trickled through her. She shouldn’t have agreed to this date. But barbeque did seem yummy.
Almost as yummy as he did in his body-hugging blue jeans, white, long sleeve, casual shirt, and lightweight, gray jacket. He smiled and paused, bringing his hand to her cheek. “I adore your freckles.” He traced over them lightly with the pad of his thumb, then looked into her eyes.
Glad someone does. She swallowed nervously. And I adore your gorgeous brown eyes. “Thanks.”
“Are you warm enough?” he asked.
“Yes.” Especially with him gazing at her like this.
He slipped his arm around her waist and they progressed down the hallway.
Outside, as they strolled through town, she was completely aware of him with every step. People moved to the side when they approached. He wasn’t the largest most solid man she’d ever met, but close to it, just right.
The shirt he wore clung to his biceps as he brushed a swath of dark brown hair from his forehead. The power of the dragon was visible in his commanding strides and taught muscles. His physique seemed at odds with the glassblower career. Or perhaps she was typecasting him. Most of all, she appreciated the intriguing combination of the talented artist and dragon warrior. She wasn’t sure why the latter image came to mind, perhaps from his spectacular sword-fighting skills the other night.
Whatever was going on, she knew she liked him, a lot.
Thirty minutes later, she bit into her final rib. Delicious. She licked the sauce from her finger tips, watching Marshall watch her over the little vase of three flowers atop the red-and-white plastic table cloth. Her gaze fixed on the beautiful cleft in his chin. She imagined licking him on that dimpled spot.
She blinked. What had gotten into her?
“You okay?” he asked.
“This is just so good.” She swept her tongue over her upper lips. “Heavenly.” Then she sucked in her lower lip. “They should call them ‘To-die-for ribs.’”
“In this town, someone else probably already has claims on that name.”
They both laughed.
“How long have you lived in Nocturne Falls?” she inquired.
“About six months. I kept to myself at first, building up my art collections, getting ahead. Then I began selling the pieces. I’ve done the same before in other towns but never had the success I’ve seen here.”
“Your work is beautiful. I wish I had an artistic talent. I like the dragons best.”
“I do, too. I’ll show you how it’s done some time, if you’re interested.”
Suffering sediment. She’d love to see how he produced his creations. For one thing, glass began with the earth, its most prominent element being silica, but it contained other minerals, as well. For another, it fascinated her, and that’s all there was to it. He’d made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. “That would be fabulous.”
“Would you like to see it now? It’s only eight-thirty.”
She shifted her gaze from him for a few seconds. If she said yes, what would that mean? It was their first date. Would he read something into it? She didn’t care. She wasn’t looking for a long-term relationship. Let him think what he wanted. “Sure. Now would be great.”
* * *
Marshall hadn’t really thought she’d agree to take a tour of his studio. He was pleasantly surprised by her answer. It wasn’t something he’d planned. When they’d been talking about his art, the invitation had slipped out.
He didn’t feel totally in control when he was with her.
Her lovely smile knocked him off his feet as if he’d been whacked in his gut with a baseball bat. He was used to being involved with one sort of investigation or another, traveling from town to town, and being alone.
His gaze fixed on the very spot her teeth sunk into her plump lower lip. He longed to kiss her. Discover what she tasted like. Strawberries? Cherries? Pomegranates? All would go with her gorgeous red hair. Women were so hard to read. Plus, he was out of practice. His lifestyle didn’t lend to long-term relationships. Once his boss had enough information, he’d be on the road again.
That had never bothered him before. Love ’em and leave ’em had been his motto. But with Erika, he sensed he may need to guard his heart. Already, he burned to spend more time with her and didn’t want the night to end. A waft of heat rolled off his shoulders at the thought of kissing her.
He anticipated getting to know her better, learning what made her laugh, what made her mad, and what she loved.
Outside the restaurant, he realized his error. Many times he flew into town and changed without bothering to drive his truck. This had been one of those instances.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, obviously reading his hesitation.
“I guess I misspoke. Since the restaurant was so close to your inn, I flew to meet you. I don’t have my vehicle to take you to my place. And it’s too far to walk.”
“Oh.”
“We can reschedule it to a time when I can pick you up.”
The corners of her lovely lips turned down. “But you can fly back there, right?”
“Well, yes. But what about you? How far can you fly?”
She shrugged. “I’m not quite sure,” she said, then added with a blush. “My fairy wings are new. I might be able to fly there, too. Or,” she paused as if uncertain whether or not she should continue. “I could fly with yo
u…by holding onto your back?”
He stretched. He liked the way she thought. “I’m good with either solution. What do you prefer?”
“I’d like to ride the dragon, if that’s okay.” She inhaled as her face grew a deeper shade of pink.
He nodded. “Let’s go around back. I need quite a bit of room.” He held out his hand for her to take.
She slid her palm into his, and he sighed with how right she felt. They skirted Big Daddy Bones, traveling to the far side of the parking lot, where the blacktop segued into a huge vacant lot cleared of trees. He’d flown from this spot dozens of times before, but never with a rider.
He quickly peered back between the buildings. Tourists roamed the streets, and while they accepted the flight-capable paranormals as part of the town’s show, night flights were under some restrictions like do not blatantly change into dragon form in front of the guests. Otherwise, the Ellinghams were pretty cool with flying, as long as one didn’t abuse the privilege. Thankfully, the tourists weren’t engaged in this area at the moment.
“I’m going to change and then you will climb on my back and grab on to my spikes. Okay?”
“Got it.”
“Stand back and give me some room.”
She retreated several steps toward the parking lot.
Chapter Eleven
A thrill ran through her at his boldness. She sensed not an ounce of hesitation in him. He threw off strong, warrior vibes.
He was massive and beautiful and his scales gleamed under the moonlight. As he turned his head, his scales rippled over taught muscles like waves on the Mediterranean at midnight, revealing hints greens, deep turquoise, and a pallet of shades of blue…liquid, iridescent, and shimmering as if he were covered in the earth’s most precious stones all lit with fire.
“Oh my. You’re as big as a small mountain.”
He dropped to his knees, until his belly rested on the ground. The pattern of his scales looked as if they sported armor that jutted outward spines at his shoulders. A similar arrangement of spines ran along his head and neck. Curls of smoke rolled off him dissolving into the air.
The Dragon Falls for the Fairy Godmother Page 6
