Paranormal Nights (Paranormal Romance Boxed Set)

by CJ Ellisson

“I sure hope not.”

  The male voice sizzled in her ears. She kept moving but became completely tongue-tied. A few of her students swiveled around. Female voices giggled.

  “He’s definitely not late,” a woman called. “Chérie, I suddenly have something to do.”

  The room erupted with laughter.

  Her body kept moving, march, march, reach, stretch. Her mind took a hike, not even leaving a “back soon” sign. She cleared her throat. “Okay, frog jumps, thirty seconds, go!” The room erupted in leaping bodies. “5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and march it out.” She craned to see the man in the back. “Butt kicks, thirty seconds, go!” She paced back in forth in front of the class. Still can’t see. “And 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and march.” She caught his face through the crowd.

  Cam Tyson grinned at her.

  Her breath caught at the sight of him. Gym shorts and a muscle shirt. Oh my. All that sculpted muscle. She didn’t know whether to smile back so she nodded, all cool like. What an idiot. “Hit the floor, dive bombers, twelve reps, let’s go, let’s go.”

  Cam dropped to push up position and cast his gaze around.

  He doesn’t know this move. “Downward dog, then lower and scoop back into Cobra. Not too far, protect your lower back. Shoulders back, that’s it.”

  Cam spread his legs shoulder width, put an arm behind his back and did a few one arm push-ups.

  Chérie bit her lip and suppressed a smile. Show off. “Stay there. Mountain climbers. Thirty seconds, go!” She cocked her head to the side, watching Cam. He wasn’t even breaking a sweat as far as she could tell. “On your feet. Froggers are next, thirty seconds, arms touch the floor and leap, go!” She watched Cam’s muscled arms bolt toward the ceiling and then disappear as he crouched with the rest of the class. She put them through the rest of the plyometric moves until the room practically steamed from the sweaty bodies.

  The playlist switched to funky pop. “Shake it out, do your thing, everyone dance.” Chérie loved to dance. She trip-hopped to the sound system and jacked it up. “Harlem shake, everyone.” The room exploded in dance moves. Women shook their booties, swayed their hips and bounced around the room. Several of them made a beeline for Cam. A couple backed up toward him, dropped their hands to their knees and started twerking.

  Cam laughed. “Not my thing, ladies. I’m a rock climber.”

  “Oh, come on,” the boldest of the bunch whined. “You’re walking away from this?” She slapped her ass.

  “I’m walking away from that.” He made his way through the sweaty crowd toward Chérie. “Nice moves,” he said to her, once he’d reached the front of the room.

  “Thanks.” She couldn’t keep the grin from her face. She cocked the headset speaker away from her mouth. “What are you doing here?” She turned to the writhing bodies and pulled it back into position. “Start to slow it down. Ease on the brakes and bring your heart rate down.”

  “Someone didn’t answer my texts or phone calls. I figured she lost her phone. I knew she wasn’t trying to avoid me.” His mouth curved in mirth.

  “Uh, could be.” To the class she said, “And bring it down. That’s it. Nice and easy.”

  “I can explain. I swear to you.” His handsome face appeared earnest, serious, pleading.

  She removed the headset and placed it on the speaker. “Not here.” She scanned the sweaty bodies. “And let’s stretch our quads.” She grabbed her ankle and bent her leg back.

  “Bold Buddha?”

  “Other leg. Nice and easy,” she yelled. She glanced at Cam. “Okay. You can explain.”

  A smile lit up his face.

  It made her smile, too. “And bring your arms overhead, take a deep breath and let it go.”

  “I did.”

  “Did what?”

  “Took a deep breath and let go.”

  His gaze wound its way into her heart, snaked into her core and produced flutters of delight. “Me, too,” she whispered.

  “See you in fifteen?”

  “Twenty or I’ll be a stinky, sweaty mess.”

  “Deal.” He pivoted and made his way through the women. “Ladies,” he said, smiling. “It’s been a pleasure.”

  “The pleasure’s all ours,” the bold student called. A couple others laughed.

  “I’ll say,” one of them called.

  Chérie turned to face the group. “And that’s a wrap. See you next time!”

  The participants made their way out of the room. Beth strode up to her, wiping her face with a towel. “Is he the reason you’re so happy? I see why.”

  “No, I had no idea he’d be here. I don’t even know him.” She toweled her face off, too. “I mean, we just met for tea. That’s it. A week or so ago.”

  “He must have wanted to see you. He did come to class.”

  “True.” Chérie ducked her head to hide her smile. “He did.”

  “Did you watch him do those one arm push-ups?”

  Chérie fanned her face. “Did I? I could barely breathe.”

  The two women laughed.

  “Well,” Beth said. “Have fun. He looks like a hunk of love and he fancies you. He didn’t have eyes for anyone else. Even Maria waving her fat ass at him. Her and her twerking.”

  More laughter ensued.

  Beth gave Chérie a serious, somber look. “Have fun, kiddo. I’d like you to be happy.”

  Chérie glanced away. “Who says I’m not?”

  “How long have I been taking classes from you?”

  “A while, but…” Chérie stammered.

  A small smile creased Beth’s face. She shook her head, tapped Chérie’s nose and let herself out, leaving Chérie to stare at the door.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Slow down. Remember what happened last time you were in a hurry? Chérie practically tripped over her own feet as she hustled to the Bold Buddha. She burst through the front door. Cam waited at the same table, grinning in her direction. Her courageous nerve vanished like a puff of smoke. She made her way to the table, eying her feet, the tiles, the chair legs - anything but the sexy man waiting for her.

  “See anything interesting?”

  “My shoes. And the dirty floor. I don’t think the Buddha would approve. Isn’t he all about keeping it clean?”

  “The bat-shit waitress is probably in charge of cleaning. I hope she’s off today.” Cam scanned the room. “Shit. Here she comes.”

  The waitress named Jill clomped to them, sporting a frown. Her hair curled around her face in a frizz like a scouring pad, ready to wipe the smile off of any onlooker. “What do you want?” She banged two glasses of water on the table.

  “Remember us?” Cam asked.

  “No, why? Should I?”

  Chérie studied her arms. Yep, same woman. “We were in here the other day. You were saying all sorts of strange, um…”

  Jill regarded them, perplexed. She scratched her doughy cheek. “We get all kinds in here. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Do you know what you want or do you need menus?”

  “Menus, please,” Cam said. As she walked away, he said, “Wow. Just wow. She has no clue.”

  Chérie giggled. “Yeah, but she makes me laugh. Which I apparently need with you.”

  “Because I’m such a badass, right?” Cam smiled at her.

  The easy, warm smile made her feel appreciated. And seen. Something Jeff and the other losers never made her feel. “Not a badass. Or maybe a badass with a big heart.” She bit her lip.

  “Not sure about that. You didn’t think so the other day.” Cam studied her intently.

  “I didn’t. But here’s your chance to explain.”

  “I was being a jackass. I stopped there to smoke. I got so damn nervous about meeting you. I…I’ve quit again. I didn’t really start. I haven’t smoked in years. I…I…I know that’s a deal breaker for you.” He shook his head before regarding her with his blue, blue eyes. “See what I mean? Nervous as hell. You’d think I’ve never dated.”

  “Have you?”

&n
bsp; “Let’s not go there.” His foot tapped nervously on the floor.

  Chérie extended her foot to his and gently brought it on top of his boot. “You can tell me. I haven’t exactly been a saint.”

  “Thanks for the reminder to calm down.” He smiled. “I’ve been around, yeah. Lots of women, nothing serious. That’s what makes me nervous about you. I…I made a pact with a friend to do something different. I haven’t dated since then.”

  Chérie frowned. “So who were you kissing?”

  “A chick named Britt. I dated her a while back. She got a little ‘stalkerish’ on me. And she kissed me. I’m sitting there minding my own business, trying to get my head on straight. She showed up. She lunged at me.” He wiped his mouth as if to get the taste of her off of him. “I swear on my mother’s grave she’s the last person I wanted to see. We broke up months ago.”

  “I believe you.”

  “You do?” He let out a long, slow breath. “Thank God for that. My hellish experience with Britt prompted me to make a new commitment. Or, a commitment for the first time.” He laughed, nervously. “I haven’t done the best job when it comes to commitment.”

  Chérie shrugged. “I haven’t signed on any dotted lines here. And there are no long term relationships that I’m still pining for in my recent past.”

  “Okay. That’s cool. I’m giving you full disclosure. I want you to know who you’re dealing with. I’ve been known to cut and run.”

  Chérie nodded, thoughtfully. “Well. Since we’re playing Truth or Dare.”

  “Is that what we’re playing?” Cam smiled and covered her hand with his. His thumb caressed her skin.

  “Maybe.” She let a small smile play on her lips. “I’ve been more of a ‘letting guys like you take advantage of me’ kind of girl.” She winced.

  He frowned. “Advantage of you how?”

  She lifted her left shoulder in a shrug. She scrunched up her face. “I’d rather not say. I’m sorry I said anything.” She looked away from him.

  “Hey.” He gently stroked her hand.

  “What?” she whispered. Her eyes darted everywhere, avoiding his gaze.

  “Hey, Chérie. I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad you told me that. I have no intention of harming you in any way whatsoever.”

  “Yeah, well…not the best way to start something with a guy, by telling him your dark secrets. I’m supposed to put my best foot forward.”

  “I like the foot you’re putting forward.” He nudged her foot with his. “I like your candor…your openness.”

  “Thank you,” she said in a barely audible voice. “I like yours, too. You seem different.” Her teeth found her lip again.

  “Can I do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “Bite your lip?” He grinned.

  Butterflies twirled inside her tummy. “Maybe,” she said, allowing a trace of a smile steal across her face. “We’ll have to see.” She let herself grin.

  “You have a beautiful smile.”

  “Thanks. You do, too.”

  His eyebrows lifted. “Do I?”

  “Yes. You do.” She stared hungrily at his lips.

  “I’m feeling the same.”

  She swallowed. “Same, how?”

  “Like I want to kiss you. Isn’t that what you were thinking?”

  “Yes,” Chérie breathed. “Busted.”

  Cam stood, placed his fingertips on the tiny table, leaned across and brushed her lips with his, placing a tentative kiss on her mouth, more like a question. A tender kiss. A soft, pillowy, succulent kiss. He lingered there, as if as captivated by the sensation as she felt. His tongue tentatively reached out and touched the very tip of hers, causing her insides to answer with arousal. It ended far too soon and yet left behind a promise for further exploration.

  “There.” Cam’s eyes shone as he studied her before taking his seat.

  Chérie regarded him with an eager gaze of her own. Jeff’s slimy face floated into her mind like a horrible balloon. A wall snapped into place and wariness colored her gaze. I can’t do this. How do I know I can trust him?

  “What did I do?” Cam asked, concern evident on his face.

  A loud clatter burst from the kitchen.

  “What’s that?” Cam asked. “It sounds like someone fell or a platter of dishes went flying.”

  A waiter ran for the back room. He threw open the swinging doors. When the stainless doors swung wide, Cam and Chérie stared at Jill the waitress, looking much disheveled.

  “I’m okay,” she said to the waiter. Jill staggered into the dining area and waddled to their table.

  “Have you kids decided?”

  “We still don’t have menus,” Cam replied.

  “I’ll bring you something. My treat again.”

  “I thought you didn’t remember us.”

  Jill waved a pudgy hand. “Don’t mind me. Mind like a hair net. Only the big stuff gets caught.”

  “Are you for real?”

  “As real as they come, Neanderthal, so don’t mess with me,” a male voice growled. Jill cleared her throat. “A frog. Nothing but a frog.” She grabbed Chérie’s water glass and downed it.

  Cam and Chérie gaped at her.

  “I’ll bring you a new glass, pronto.” She tottered off, still clearing her throat.

  “Oh my God, you’re right about her. She’s tranny all the way!” She giggled.

  “And bat-shit nuts. I hope they’re keeping an eye on her. Anyway, where were we? I kissed you, right?”

  “Right.” Chérie studied her paper napkin.

  “And you got the same guarded expression that’s on your face right now. What’s up? What did I say? Too much, too soon?”

  “No. I don’t know. I liked it…what we did…the contact.” Her eyes lifted up to meet his. “But I don’t have the best track record, like I said. I need to take things slow and not let Madame Ovaries steer me astray.”

  Cam laughed. “Madame Ovaries?”

  “You know what they say. Ticking time bombs and all that. I’m not of a mind to have kids any time soon and yet, well, you know.”

  “What do I know?”

  “Hormones.”

  “If this were only hormones I’d have already had you on your back. Or your front, whichever you prefer.” He winked at her.

  She stared at him, blinking.

  “Awkward statement. Not what I meant. What I meant was, I’ve rolled with urges before, a lot. It’s fun, it means nothing. You’ve already stirred me way more than any woman has. That’s why I’m so damn nervous. I’m not sure how to play this one. With you. Not sure how to behave.”

  Chérie chuckled. “Same here.” She reached across the table for Cam’s hand and laced her fingers with his. “Is this okay?”

  “Yes. I like touching you.”

  “I like touching you, too. It seems safe somehow. I feel like you see me…like you get me, even though we don’t know one another.”

  “All I know, Chérie, I’m happy to have met you. Would you like to…” He paused. “Would you like to come to my house tonight? I’ll make you supper. I make a mean spaghetti.”

  “I’d love to! I can bring, um, I don’t know, I’ll bring a salad, how about that?”

  “Sounds great.” They both grinned at each other.

  His gaze slid to Jill tromping toward them. “Maybe we can find out where the park is she mentioned.”

  “What park?” Chérie’s face furrowed.

  “You know. The one where people neck. We can hang out at first base a while.” He laughed.

  “I like your laugh, Cam Tyson.”

  “And I like you, Chérie Manhattan. Getting to know you is going to be my pleasure.”

  A silky swirl of moisture slipped from Chérie’s core. This guy made her feel worthwhile. This guy made her feel loveable. This guy made her feel hot, hot, hot. That’s the part that scared her most.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Kayden streaked into the gilded room like a rocket. The
entire room exploded, leaving him and Alpha floating like space debris in a gusty wind. “That…woman…is an ox!” he gasped. “A moron. A complete imbecile.”

  Alpha caught her breath. “The next time you feel like interfering, remember that.” She panted, spiraling like a maple tree helicopter seed, trying to collect her wits.

  “I had to do it! Had to! Did you see Chérie? She started to get with it, run with the program when she remembered that clown of a life form who used her and she…she…she hesitated! I thought we were going to lose the battle!”

  “So now it’s a battle?” She stopped spinning and paused to straighten her mane. Today she had shaped it like the Seven Sisters falls in Hawaii. It even made a soft rippling sound like cascading water. The water droplets vaporized as they fell from her shoulders. “Can you please manifest another room or somewhere we can relax? I was quite comfortable before you blasted in here, er, there, er, wherever it was.” She plucked a scrap of supple velvet from the atmosphere. “It’s hard to come by such a fabric, you know.”

  “I’ll get more,” Kayden said. He dismissed her with a flip of his wrist. “Here.” He snapped his fingers. A replica of the warm, softly lit room appeared all around them. “Here’s your silly illusion of luxury.” He rubbed his arms vigorously. “She’s all over me. She’s like a bloody disease!” He rubbed, scrubbed, shook, combed stardust through his satin tresses and finally relaxed. “There. Ghastly experience!”

  Alpha lounged in a red velvet fainting couch in the corner. “Let’s see what she’s up to. I’m sure the ka will manifest this all by herself, my lord, without your help.”

  “No, she needs me.”

  “She does, but if she truly needs you and wants what you want, doesn’t she need to ‘get with the program’ as you put it, all by herself? I’m sure her desire to remember you exists within her, as much as it does in you. You might hold off next time you feel the urge to meddle.”

  “I never meddle.” Kayden shot a searing gaze her way. “I guide, I inform. I never meddle or interfere.”

  “Okay.” Alpha sighed. “As you say, my lord. Now can you bring up a visual? I need something entertaining to do. Acquiescing to your whim is anything but…”