Alora's Love Potion; Short Story Collection

by Rosalie Redd

  “Let’s let her decide, shall we?” The guy in the sweatshirt took a step forward.

  Brandon tensed, his muscles rock hard beneath her hand. She opened her mouth to speak, but only a squeak came out. What could she say? That they’d all been sprayed by a love potion? Who would believe that?

  She bit her lip and raised her chin. “I’m with him. Brandon is my boyfriend.” The lie slipped from her lips.

  He pulled her even closer, their bodies melding. “That’s right. She’s my girlfriend.”

  Travis shook his head, and glanced behind him, into the store. “I…I’ve got work to do.” His gaze moved from her eyes to her breasts and back again. Then, he pushed his empty cart into the aisle and around the bend. What work did he have to do without any merchandise?

  The two others picked up their beer and their clearance items. Both held their ground and neither seemed willing to leave, yet neither appeared to want to take on Brandon. The man in the sweatshirt flipped his hood over his head. He focused on Brandon. “You’re a lucky guy.”

  “Indeed, I am.” Brandon relaxed, his grip around her waist loosening just a bit.

  The men turned to leave. Sweatshirt guy glanced behind him one last time. He met her gaze, and the longing in his eyes made her heart ache.

  Brandon ran his fingers down the side of her face and pulled her attention to him. “Hey, you okay?”

  She relaxed against him, the tension draining from her shoulders. “I don’t know, I feel funny…”

  His gaze smoldered with a glow that lit up her insides as it flicked to her lips and then returned to her eyes.

  Before she knew what had happened, he hauled her through the flapping doors and into the warehouse. With a quick tug, he angled her back against the workbench. “What you said out there, about my being your boyfriend—”

  “I…I…want…” She wanted to trust him, but she feared what would be left of her if he ripped her heart in two.

  He stared into her eyes for several moments.

  Her heart pounded.

  He leaned in, and his fresh scent overwhelmed her, melting her insides. With his mouth close to her ear, his breath tickled her, sending a shiver over her shoulder. “Do you remember prom…because I never forgot.”

  Against her will, her body responded and a rush of warmth raced to her core, dampening her panties.

  He trailed his hand up her throat and cradled her head. His soft lips pressed against her skin at the base of her ear.

  She moaned in delight. “Brandon…”

  He pulled back, his gaze searching deep into her soul. When he spoke, his words were husky, demanding. “Let me remind you.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Brandon caged her between his arms and the desk. His eyes gleamed with his desire, and he focused on her mouth. She ran her tongue over her bottom lip, moistening it, preparing for his kiss. His possessiveness sparked a thrilling shiver and a deep craving for what he offered. She closed her eyes.

  He pulled her to him, and their lips met for the first time in over four years. His mouth was as warm and soft as she remembered, and the chemistry blazed between them, reigniting the old flame. His frenzied kiss threaded and weaved a sensual heat throughout her body. She moaned in appreciation.

  He deepened the kiss, tightening his hold around her waist. He nudged his knee between her legs, and she opened to him in silent invitation. His strength overwhelmed her. She mewled, begging him for more.

  He removed his hand from her waist and pushed aside the edge of her coat, trailing his finger over her collarbone and down the side of her clothed breast. Her nipples hardened, brushing against the edge of her bra. He cupped her breast in his hand and gently rubbed his thumb over the sensitive bud, teasing her. She jumped at this touch.

  A satisfied moan reverberated in his chest. His desire fueled hers, and she gripped his biceps, squeezing his firm muscles. He pressed his erection against her abdomen. The heavy weight sent a rush of blood to her core, making her clit pulse in rhythm with her pounding heartbeat.

  She ran her fingers through his hair and pulled him closer, giving him all the passion she’d held bottled inside for the past four years. A deep, sensuous moan slipped from him. The vibration lit up her nerves, sending a tingle down her back, tickling her bottom. He broke their kiss and placed his forehead against hers, careful to avoid her bruise. Their fevered panting echoed in the large room.

  “Em…Em…” He cradled her chin, his thumb gently tracing over her bottom lip. “Why did I ever let you go?”

  His words broke through her walls, stirring a need inside. To be with him now was all that mattered.

  A loud horn pierced the air. She jerked and his grip on her tightened.

  “Wh…What was that?” The fog in her brain dulled her senses to anything other than Brandon.

  He shook his head.

  The plastic door slid against the smooth concrete with a slight whoosh. Travis walked into the warehouse. His gaze locked onto her and Brandon, and his eyes widened. “You’re both still here?”

  Brandon’s features darkened. “Bad timing, man.”

  Travis raised his eyebrows. “You’re kidding me, right? Truck’s here. Gotta unload. You’re off now anyway, aren’t you?” He shook his head and headed to the back door.

  Brandon’s heady scent, the firmness of his chest, and his inviting lips… Emily’s head spun. “Brandon—”

  “Em, we should go. Where…” He met her gaze.

  To my place. A shiver ran down the back of her neck, an odd mixture of desire and fear. Even though she longed to stay in his arms, she pulled away. The lack of contact constricted her chest.

  “Brandon, this all seems so…fast.”

  He rubbed his hand over his face, and his hooded eyes darkened. “Em, this connection between us…”

  A loud screech echoed from the freight door as it rolled up the track. Travis’s voice echoed off the cement walls. “Hey, Josh. How big is the load tonight?”

  “Brandon, can we go somewhere, talk for a few minutes?” She drew her coat close.

  He exhaled, and a slow smile curled his lip. “There’s an all-night Sheri’s across the street. Will that work?”

  His easy-going manner and sincerity broke down her walls just a little more. Her chest expanded and she couldn’t help smiling. With a quick nod, he grasped her hand.

  The chemistry between them sparked anew, and he pulled her in for a passionate kiss. She melded against him, responding to him with her own need.

  The grinding of a forklift echoed through room.

  “Ah, Em, we’ll never get out of here at this rate.” Brandon grabbed her hand and guided her toward the door.

  Her purse was on the floor near the flap. The blue vial stuck out the top and sparkled in the light. Maybe Jo was right—perhaps the bottle contained a love potion.

  CHAPTER 6

  Emily slid into the booth, and Brandon sat next to her. His thigh pressed against hers and his warmth seeped through her skirt and into her skin. A middle-aged waitress, her hair tied back in a bun, placed a couple of menus on the table. With a sly smile, she glanced between Emily and Brandon. “I’ll be back in a couple of minutes to bring you some water and take your order.”

  Emily’s face heated.

  Brandon shifted in his seat and rested his arm over the booth’s back, effectively caging her between him, the booth, and the wall. He leaned in and his warm scent enveloped her, bringing her under his spell once again.

  He studied her with his deep brown eyes. With a gentleness she’d longed for, he trailed a finger down the side of her cheek. Her heart softened at his touch.

  “Em, something’s bothering you. Please tell me.”

  Despite the need coursing through her body, her stomach tightened. “Brandon…I’m scared.”

  “Of what? Me?” He sat back enough to give her some space. His brow furrowed. “Did someone hurt you?”

  Yes. A tremble rippled through her. Justin had shaken her fai
th in men. She yearned to trust Brandon, but could she? What had he done over the past few years? She inhaled. Confusion warred within her. Unwilling to answer him, her own question burned in her mind.

  Before she could get her words out, the waitress strode toward their booth, two glasses in her hand. She set one in front of Brandon and the other in front of Emily. The ice swirled in the water and a drop spilled over the lip. “Do you know what you’d like?”

  Brandon’s gaze searched Emily for a moment before focusing on the waitress. “I’m afraid we haven’t looked at the menu. Do you have any suggestions?”

  His hand landed on Emily’s thigh, and he gave her a gentle squeeze. Warmth spread through her body.

  “We make a mean chicken fried steak—”

  Emily gripped his hand, and her index finger stroked the inside of his thumb. He flinched and drew in an audible breath.

  “—or the burgers are always good.”

  Emily stifled a smile.

  Brandon peered at her. When he spoke, his words were raspy. “Either of those sound good to you?”

  She beamed at him. “Does the burger come with fries?” Licking catsup off the fries gave her fantasies about licking other things—Brandon things. Warmth raced to the spot between her legs.

  His eyes widened then a wicked grin formed on his face. “Indeed, make that two.”

  The waitress’s pencil scratched on her notepad. “Okay, two burgers and fries. Any drinks?”

  Emily shook her head. Brandon glanced at the waitress. “Guess not. Thank you.”

  “Be out in a few minutes.” The waitress winked and headed to the kitchen.

  “Now that I have you alone again, where were we?” Brandon’s eyes blazed with desire.

  Her nerves tingled, both from excitement and trepidation. “There’s something I have to ask. Do you have a girlfriend? I have to know…please, tell me the truth.”

  He exhaled, and his brow wrinkled. “Did someone cheat on you? Is that what happened?”

  Her lip quivered and unable to stop it, she bit the thing. She nodded.

  “I’m so sorry, Em.” He moved a stray hair out of her eyes and trailed a finger down her cheek to her chin. With tender care, he tugged on her, requesting that she look at him. The sincerity in his gaze bore into her and latched on to her heart. A bond formed.

  “No, Em, I don’t have a girlfriend. I had one a while back, but…” He glanced away. His features were drawn, his lips tight.

  “She hurt you. What did she do?”

  A tic pulsed in his jaw, but then a wry smile pulled at his mouth. “Once Katie figured out I had a trust fund, she expected me to buy her all kinds of expensive…” he waved a hand in the air, “things.”

  Emily’s chest ached for him, and the connection between them tightened. “Brandon, I’m not like that. I work hard for my money, and live simply.”

  He studied her for a moment. “Seems like we’ve both made our share of mistakes.”

  The words from the little woman she’d met in the baby aisle crossed her mind. Don’t judge one man by another man’s actions. Brandon was as honest as they came. One question burned in her mind, though, and she couldn’t let it go. “After prom, why didn’t you ask me out again?”

  “I wanted to, Em, believe me, I wanted to.” He exhaled a long breath. “I had to focus on my classes—couldn’t let my parent’s down. You were a distraction I couldn’t handle. Instead, I let you get away. I won’t make that mistake twice.”

  Deep inside, hope stirred. Em touched his shoulder and ran her fingers down his shirt to where his bicep peeked beneath the edge of the material. She loved the way his skin prickled under her caress.

  He gripped her hand and brought her fingers to his lips. With tender care, he brushed his lips against her skin, lighting up the sensitive nerves. “Where do we go from here?”

  My place. There was that unbidden thought again. Only this time, she agreed. She smiled, her chest filling with happiness. “How about my place?”

  He blinked then a slow, sexy smile curled his lips. “I could never refuse you, Em. Not ever.”

  He closed the distance between them and wrapped his hand in her hair, cradling her head in his palm. Her body stirred at the memory, and she lifted her chin to meet him halfway. Their lips met in a bruising kiss, and she melted under his onslaught. When he finally released her, she was certain they had a chance.

  He pulled her from the booth.

  The waitress emerged from the kitchen, and the aroma of french fries and burgers filled Emily’s senses. The older woman stopped in her tracks, her attention sliding from Brandon to Emily. “Oh, leaving already?”

  He pulled out his wallet. “Yes, sorry. We…uh…” He tossed a few bills on the table.

  With quick hands, the waitress pulled out a couple of containers and dumped the burgers and fries inside. She placed them in a bag and handed it to Brandon. Her eyes twinkled with mirth. “You two have fun, you hear!”

  As Brandon pulled Emily out the door, her chest expanded. The “Safeway” store lights lit up the parking lot. Running into Brandon, here, of all places, was something she never expected, but was exactly what she needed.

  She inhaled, and stopped. “Brandon…I forgot the cat food.”

  He smirked and held up the bag. “Does your cat like burgers?”

  She giggled. “Indeed, he does.”

  He gripped her hand and they headed toward her car.

  Emily’s world had changed in an instant, thanks to a small bottle filled with a magical liquid. A warm tingle spread through her chest. I think I owe Aunt Judy a visit…

  REMEMBER ME: A WARRIORS OF LEMURIA SHORT STORY #4

  Jennifer Cane can’t forget the charismatic man she met while on a girls’ night out. Despite the soul-deep connection and pining over the call that never came, she moved on, but every man she’s dated since pales in comparison. After a year on the front line and one battle too many, Shaun returns home to restart his life. He never forgot the sensuous connection with the intelligent, bright-eyed Jennifer, and it might take a bit of luck to reignite the flame.

  CHAPTER 1

  J ennifer unwrapped the towel from around her head and tossed it onto the chair. The card, the one from Troy, fluttered from the breeze then landed softly on her dresser. She picked it up and placed his affectionate note next to the large vase filled with a dozen long-stemmed red roses. Their sweet scent swirled in the air, filling her with a warm sense of peace and security. A slow sigh eased from her lips.

  She grabbed her brush from among the sentinels of old mascara and nearly empty lipstick tubes. After sweeping the bristles through her hair, she reached for a clip. I really need a haircut. As she pinned the wavy lengths in place, she studied her reflection—brown eyes, pert nose, high cheekbones. Her youthful appearance was something her manager, Beth, said would benefit her later in life. But now, at twenty-three, she half-heartedly wished for a few wrinkles around her eyes. Maybe the age-telling lines would give her an air of maturity and the respect that went along with it. Despite wearing professional looking skirts and blouses to her account specialist job at First Tech Credit Union, people still treated her like a kid.

  She glanced at the roses, their petals just beginning to open. Her gaze flitted to the back of her hand and the promise ring that graced her finger. The band curved into the shape of a rose, a small diamond glinting from the center. Jennifer bit her lip. Troy was sweet, dependable, and loyal. She was lucky to date him and now they were a couple, but… The old familiar ache built in her chest. Memories flooded her mind of a man she’d met over a year ago while celebrating Cassandra’s wedding shower at a local wine bar.

  “Name’s Shaun, Shaun Fitzgerald.” The deep timbre of his voice and the depth of his brown eyes had captured her from the start.

  They’d chatted up a storm, covering a wide range of topics from politics and world affairs to their love of Harry Potter and anything Star Wars. Despite her petite stature and youthful app
earance he’d treated her like an equal, but more than that, when he’d quoted some of her favorite lines from Return of the Jedi, she’d known their connection was special. At the end of the evening, he’d asked for her phone number, which she’d gladly given him.

  He’d never called.

  Even now, she still couldn’t get him out of her system. A pang tightened her throat as familiar insecurities beat at her. At twenty-nine, Shaun was several years older. Maybe he’d thought she was too young.

  C’mon Jen, pull it together. She pursed her lips and tossed her brush on the dresser. It clanked along the wood and knocked against her large collection of perfume bottles. One teetered and toppled over, rolling toward the dresser’s edge.

  Her breath lodged in her throat. “Oh, crap.”

  As the small vial careened over the top, she caught it in her hand. The blue-black color of the smooth polished glass reflected the light, casting a strange glint across the room.

  Jennifer’s favorite aunt had given her the unusual bottle. “Your cousin Emily swears it’s a powerful love potion. I dare not use it myself, but I thought you might like it. Jen, take a chance.”

  All her life, Jennifer had walked the easy, safe path, never taking risks. She’d always wanted to prove that she was mature, but deep inside, she was afraid of showing herself, becoming vulnerable.

  “Aunt Judy, you’re so funny.” Yeah, right. A love potion. But…what if? She gripped the vial tight and brought her fist to her chest. Troy’s image with his blond hair and piercing blue eyes formed in her mind. His stability is what I need.

  “Let’s just see what’s in this bottle.” With her fingers curled around the small vial, she pressed her thumb against the lid.

  It didn’t budge.

  She increased the pressure, pushing against the tip with all her might, but the bottle refused to open almost as if it had a mind of its own. A ball of frustration hardened in her stomach.