by Rose Pressey
I put on my black skirt and my white blouse. Next I slipped my feet into the black heels. I felt like getting dressed up a little bit better for work today. I wasn’t sure why, but I just went with it.
It was okay to get dressed up sometimes, and no, it wasn’t for Derek’s sake. I never dressed for a guy, only for myself. I liked pretty things sometimes, but I digressed.
I’d just grabbed my bag, my phone, and keys and headed out the door when my cell phone rang again.
It was the same number. When I answered, it was Mark. I’d known I’d recognized that number. Did I really want to talk with someone who had potentially run me of the road?
“I’ve been trying to call you. Why didn’t you call me back?” he asked.
“Is something wrong?” I asked.
“I am not exactly sure. I just really needed to hear your voice for some reason. I was wondering if we could go out again?”
“I suppose that could be possible,” I said. “I’m free on Friday night.”
He released a big sigh and said, “That long? Can I meet you this morning?”
Obviously the spell had worked. Maybe a little bit too well. I was just on my way to work.
“But this is really important,” he said.
“Are you sure there’s not something you need to tell me over the phone?” I asked.
“No, I just need to see you.”
“Well, I’m stopping for coffee if you’d like to meet me there. I can spare a few minutes.”
“Great, I’ll meet you there. Where is the coffee shop?” he asked.
I gave him the address and hung up the phone.
I couldn’t believe he wanted to meet me right away. The spell had worked just as I had wanted. I guessed now I had a way to see him and ask questions. It was more in my control this time. The last time he’d been totally not interested in me and flirting with other girls. Not to mention the dancing. Now I would have his undivided attention. Sure, he might be dangerous, but this was a dangerous job.
I didn’t like to do spells like that, but it was necessary. Plus, it would be temporary. I’d reverse it when I had what I needed. He wouldn’t remember a thing about it.
I pulled up to the parking lot of the coffee place and parked. Once inside, I walked up to the counter and ordered my tall iced caramel macchiato with extra caramel. I scanned the space, checking the tables and chairs sprinkled about the room. So far I hadn’t seen Mark. Maybe I’d been a little bit too confident in my witchcraft skills. I’d give it a few more minutes though before I began to panic. The barista handed me my coffee and I turned around to look for a seat. That was when I saw Mark.
Had he been sitting there the entire time watching me? It was creepy that the spell was that powerful. I wasn’t sure how I’d done it. Maybe I should do my spells at sunrise more often. I’d always thought under the full moon was the best time.
I walked over to the table and he stood. His blond hair looked as if he’d forgotten to brush it this morning. His jeans and wrinkled black t-shirt looked as if he’d just gotten out of bed. Desire lit up his blue eyes.
“I’m so glad you made it,” he said. “Please have a seat. Is there anything else I can get for you?”
“No, this is all I need.” I held up the coffee cup and then took a sip.
“Oh, I should have paid for your coffee,” he said.
“That’s fine,” I said. “Thanks for the offer.”
He was a rambling mess. I could really have some fun with Derek over this one. Wait until Derek got a load of the way this guy was acting around me. Derek wouldn’t be able to believe it. Would it make him jealous? Did I really want him to be jealous? That wasn’t very nice, but part of me wanted it. I wasn’t quite sure why.
Mark shifted in his chair and twisted his hands. He was definitely acting weird.
“Were you going to get some coffee?” I asked, although by his jittery nerves I didn’t think he needed any.
He waved his hand. “No, I’m good.”
“So what is it that you want to tell me?” I asked.
He looked at me sheepishly. “I suppose it was nothing really. I’m not sure, I just wanted to talk to you.”
I could sit and talk to him more right now, but I had to get my mind around what I needed to ask. It was always a disaster when I didn’t have a plan.
“We can meet some other time. I really need to go,” I said.
“I need to go too, but I just can’t seem to bring myself to do it,” he said with a dazed look in his eyes.
This was getting a little bit out of hand. I grabbed my coffee and pushed to my feet. “Well, call me and we’ll get together, okay? I promise.”
I walked out of the coffee shop and he followed me outside like a lost little puppy dog.
"Where are you going?” he asked
“I’m going to my car. I have to go to work,” I said over my shoulder.
“Oh, maybe I can see you after work?” he asked.
“That soon? I’m not sure that I’d be ready for that.”
I couldn’t believe he was following me.
“I suppose that will be okay,” I said reluctantly.
We reached my car and he opened the door for me. I slid inside, hoping that he wouldn’t run around and get on the passenger side. I cracked the window just enough that he could hear me.
“Okay, so I’ll call you and we’ll arrange to meet tonight,” he said.
I smiled. “I’ll talk to you later.”
I rolled the window up in a hurry and started the car. As I pulled out of the parking lot I looked in the rearview mirror. Mark was still standing there, looking lost and a bit confused. He probably wondered why all of a sudden he was so into me when he hadn’t been before. He probably thought he was losing his mind. I felt a little bit guilty, but I had to do what I had to do. At least I knew this wouldn’t be permanent. Thank goodness.
I would have to reverse the spell as soon as possible. I didn’t want to keep him in this trancelike state for too long. I needed to come up with a plan. I had to get my questions down or else I’d have to end this mission.
For a moment the thought of not being able to reverse the spell popped into my mind. I had to shake it off. I wouldn’t let that happen. No way could that happen.
I had just pulled into my office parking lot when my phone rang again. I couldn’t believe Mark was calling again already. I thought about letting it go to voicemail, but he would probably just call right back anyway. I reluctantly answered.
“Yes?” I said.
“I just wanted to make sure you were okay, and that you got to your office all right.”
Oh, boy.
“Yeah, I’m here. Thanks for thinking of me. That’s really sweet you,” I said.
“I’m sweet? You think I’m sweet?” he asked.
Okay, clearly any nice words he would misconstrue as leading him on and that I really liked him. I would have to watch what I said.
“Call me later,” I said and hung up the phone before he had a chance to say anything else.
I rushed up the stairs to my office door. When I stepped inside, of course, George was there. I could always count on George to be on time, even if I was a few minutes late because of a coffee stop. Derek on the other hand was a different story. But to my surprise Derek was sitting behind his desk. He had that smirky smile on his face.
He eyed me up and down. “Well, well, Cece Cash has decided to grace us with her presence this morning.”
I smirked. “As if you were ever on time. This is a complete fluke. Is something wrong? Did you sleep here overnight?”
Derek chuckled. “No, I didn’t stay here overnight. Is something wrong?” Derek’s voice seemed honestly sincere.
Before I could even answer his question, my cell phone rang again. When I spotted the number I let it go straight to voicemail.
Derek studied my face. “You’re missing someone’s phone call?”
“It’s not important,” I said.
“How do you know?” Derek quirked an eyebrow.
“I just know,” I said.
“Are you dodging someone’s call? Is it because you don’t want to answer in front of me?”
“It’s just a telemarketer, so yes, I guess I am dodging the call.” I watched Derek from the top of my coffee cup as I took a drink.
I knew he was completely suspicious. How he knew, I didn’t know. He was too good at reading me, and I didn’t know how to explain it.
Chapter 21
Derek took me by the hand and led me over to the chair in front of his desk. We sat down. He was still holding my hand.
“You know you’re still holding my hand?” I asked.
He looked down and for a moment held on longer, then he released it. “Sorry, but we have to make a plan.”
“What kind of plan do you think?” I said.
“Well, you’re going to ask Mark about the girlfriend and find out if he’s truly obsessed with her or what their deal is.”
“I don’t think that will be as easy as it sounds,” I said.
Derek patted me on the hand, which was a sweet gesture that I wasn’t used to from him.
“You’ll do just fine,” he said.
My cell phone rang again. “It’s Mark.”
“Answer the call and whatever he wants, make a date with him,” Derek urged.
George moved across the room so that he could hear. “This is making me jumpier than my second cup of morning coffee.”
I picked up the phone. “Cece Cash, how may help you?”
“Hi, Cece,” Mark said in a sweet voice. “Are you busy? I hope you’re not busy.”
I looked at Derek. “No, I’m not busy.”
“Could we meet now?”
“I don’t think I can do that right now.”
“Oh,” he said disappointedly. “Well, how about tonight?”
“Sure, I can meet you tonight,” I said reluctantly.
Derek nodded. “Good answer.”
He was a little bit too excited about this. I was more nervous.
“Okay, meet me at the Sidebar Restaurant tonight.”
That was an expensive place.
“I’ll meet you there at seven,” I said.
“I can’t wait,” Mark said dreamily.
“I’ll see you then.” I hung up.
“Well?” Derek asked.
“I’m meeting him at the restaurant tonight.”
“Perfect.”
***
Later that evening, I got dressed in my little black dress. I had pulled up in front of the restaurant. I was nervous about going on the date, especially alone. I wasn’t sure it was a great idea, but I had to get this information. I grabbed my bag and headed for the front door.
I told the host who I was there to meet and he guided me across the room to the table in the corner. It was all very romantic with dim lights and candles on the tables. Soft music played in the background. It was a stark contrast to the nightclub that we had been to before. How long could I let the spell go on?
Mark stood as soon as he saw me. “You look beautiful.”
Little hearts flashed in his eyes. I felt as if I was on a date with my little brother. This was terrible. I couldn’t wait to get out of there.
“Sit down.” He pulled out a chair.
I scooted the chair a bit away from his and sat down. I took a sip of the water. Nervousness always made my mouth dry. When I looked across the room, I saw a guy trying to hide behind a menu. I couldn’t get a good look at his face, but he looked familiar. I was pretty sure he was wearing a wig. Then I caught a glimpse of his face. What was Derek doing here?
“If you’ll excuse me for just a moment,” I said, holding up my index finger. “I need to use the ladies’ room.”
“Don’t stay gone too long. Please hurry,” Mark said.
I rushed across the room. Mark was watching me, so I slipped over to the side of the table out of sight.
“Derek?” I whispered. “What are you doing here? Get over here.” I motioned.
Derek got up from the table and met me around the corner.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“I just wanted to make sure that you’re okay.”
“So you dress up in this ridiculous disguise?”
“I thought I looked pretty handsome and distinguished,” he said.
“You look weird,” I said.
“Thank you, Cece,” he said.
“All right, just don’t mess things up, okay?”
“I promise I won’t mess it up.” He held his hands up.
Derek went back to his table and I went back to mine.
“Oh, good. I’m glad you’re back,” Mark said. “Are you ready to order?”
I was most definitely ready to order. I wanted to get on with this date so that I could get the information I needed. Then I could get out of there. We placed orders for pasta and while we waited I figured I would start the plan of attack.
“So tell me, do you have a girlfriend?” I nibbled on a breadstick like a nervous bunny.
My question made it sound as if I was interested in him.
“Would I be on this date with you if I did?” he asked.
“I certainly hope not,” I said. “But sometimes guys do things like that.”
“I would never do anything like that to you,” he said.
As we talked I felt eyes still on me. Derek was watching intently. He probably had some sort of bug on the table so that he could eavesdrop on our conversation. That was making me even more nervous.
“So what about any ex-girlfriends?” I asked.
“I’d rather just focus on us.”
“Well, I’d like to know who let you get away. Maybe someday I want to thank her.”
This made Mark extremely happy. He couldn’t stop smiling.
“I was dating this one girl recently, but that’s all behind me now.”
“It’s all behind you now because of why?”
“Well, now that I’ve met you,” he said.
“So she wasn’t good to you?”
“As a matter of fact, no, she wasn’t, but that’s okay. That relationship is over now.”
“Do you mind if I ask what she did to you?” I asked.
“She was dating other people and that was really hard on me. I guess I don’t have to worry about that now though.”
“Why is that?” I asked.
“Well, since I’ve moved on.”
I wasn’t getting much information out of him. I figured I would have to end this date now.
“Thanks for everything,” I said. “I guess I should be going. I do have to work early in the morning, and I suppose you have classes.”
“We haven’t even eaten yet,” he said in a pouty voice.
A strange vibe came over me as I got up from the table. As if he didn’t want to let me go. Maybe it was the way he was staring at me. I ignored his comment about the food.
“We can go somewhere else tonight, if you’d like?” he asked as he followed me out of the restaurant.
“I really should be going. I’m just so tired.”
He should realize that my clubbing days were over. If I had my way I’d be in bed by ten-thirty every night. I reached my car and opened the door, but he was so close that I couldn’t get in. I was beginning to panic. Derek wasn’t far away. I could see that hideous wig anywhere.
“I just can’t stop thinking about you,” he said as he held onto my car door.
Maybe I’d have to drag him out of here. Would he hold onto my car like some kind of clingy leech?
I squeezed into my car. “Well, thanks again.”
I had ignored what he said about not being able to stop thinking about me.
He moved even closer to the car now. “I just have this feeling that we were meant to be and that we will be together forever.”
All right, this was out of hand. I had to rush home and reverse the spell. He was scaring me. His behav
ior was over-the-top. My spell couldn’t possibly have worked this well. He leaned down as if he was going to kiss me. I pushed on him to get him away.
“Don’t you want to give me a kiss?” He narrowed his eyes.
As he moved forward again, I pushed on him again, but that was when Derek grabbed him from behind. Derek yanked him away from the car. Derek’s wig was lopsided on his head, but it hadn’t completely fallen off yet.
“Buddy, I think the date’s over. You can move along now,” Derek said.
The guy turned around and tried to punch Derek, but Derek landed a good one on the Mark’s jaw. He fell to the ground and then Derek hopped in the car with me.
“Just take off,” Derek said.
“Are we just going to leave him on the ground like that?”
“Would you rather go back and deal with him again?”
“No, I guess not.” I punched the gas pedal.
“He’s a big boy. He can handle himself. I didn’t hit him that hard. If I had he would never get up.”
“Derek, I like this side of you, so strong and protective… so manly.”
Derek just wiggled his eyebrows, as if he was excited about what I said.
After going around the block and coming back to make sure Mark didn’t need help, I dropped Derek off at his car. Then I headed for home.
I had to reverse the spell immediately. As soon as I got in the house, I grabbed my things and went back to my cauldron. I tossed them in frantically and started chanting the words that would with any luck break this whole spell. I would never do it again. It was too bad and caused too many problems.
I said the last of the spell and then gathered up my things. I headed back inside. That spell reversal should do the trick. Now I hoped Mark would leave me alone and go back to whatever he was doing before I ever met him.
I had taken a shower and changed into my pajamas when my cell phone rang. Of course it was getting late and I was concerned that the spell maybe hadn’t worked after all. What if it hadn’t been reversed? When I saw Derek’s picture pop up on the screen, I breathed a sigh of relief.
