Witch Out of Water

by Amanda M. Lee

  Oh, now he was turning it into a dare. “I can control my hands.”

  “That’s good. I can control my hands, too. I think we’ll be fine.”

  “I can control my hands better than you,” I muttered, digging in my purse for my keys. “Just you wait.”

  “It’s not a competition.”

  “It is the way I play.”

  “Good to know.”

  I WOKE TO A WARM BODY nestled behind mine, Galen’s breath warm on my ear as he slumbered. I barely remembered climbing the circular staircase to my bedroom – a fleeting worry that May would see us coming in together and disapprove wafting to the forefront of my brain. My heart pounded so hard as I brushed my teeth and hair in the bathroom that I thought it might leap from my chest. By the time I changed into simple knit shorts and a T-shirt and wandered back into the bedroom, Galen was already out and snoring.

  I stared at him for what felt like forever and then sighed before killing the lights and crawling in next to him. His arm automatically came around me, even though he didn’t stir otherwise, and I couldn’t help but lament the fact that he wasn’t more worked up about sharing a bed. Apparently I wasn’t nearly as enticing as I thought.

  Even though I was convinced his proximity would make it impossible to sleep, I dropped off quickly. There was something comfortable about his presence, the warm weight of his body against mine. I didn’t wake once during the night, and now during the light of day I felt a bit iffy about how we should greet each other.

  “Morning,” Galen murmured as he kissed the ridge of my ear.

  I jolted when I realized he was awake. “Morning. I … how did you sleep?”

  “Good.” Galen kept his eyes shut as he hugged me tighter. “How did you sleep? Did you manage to keep your hands to yourself?”

  I was insulted by the suggestion even though I knew he meant it as a joke. “Listen, buddy, if my hands decided to wander during the night you wouldn’t have to ask.”

  “Good to know.” Another light kiss to my ear. “You’re warm in the morning. I like it. You’re also quiet. That rarely happens.”

  “And you’re full of yourself,” I groused.

  “I am,” Galen agreed, finally wrenching his eyes open and meeting my steady gaze. “Thank you for letting me spend the night.”

  When he phrased it like that, I felt a little goofy. “You were tired. It was the neighborly thing to do.”

  “Neighborly, huh?” Galen tickled my ribs before wrestling me so I faced him, his strong arms clasped tightly around my back. “I’m not exactly feeling neighborly this morning.”

  “Oh, really?” I tried to ignore the way my heart pounded and my breath ran short. “Does that mean I win the wandering hands game?”

  “If we were playing a game and my hands wandered we’d both win.”

  “You seem pretty sure about that.”

  “I am.” Galen stared hard into my face for a long beat and then took me utterly by surprise when he gave me a quick kiss and released me. He rolled to his back and stared at the ceiling. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. How about we move this party to the kitchen and I’ll cook you breakfast?”

  I was dumbfounded. “What?”

  “I’ll shower at home, but I have time to cook breakfast.” Galen’s smile was quick. “You’re probably hungry, too. I’ll meet you downstairs.”

  TWENTY MINUTES LATER I WAS still trying to soothe my bruised ego as I descended the stairs and found Galen standing in front of my stove, spatula in hand.

  “You didn’t have hash browns, but I did find a can of corned beef hash in the pantry,” he announced. “I hope that’s okay.”

  It should be criminal to look that good so early in the morning, I internally groused. His hair was messy, his face full of stubble, and his clothes were wrinkled and disheveled. He still looked ridiculously yummy.

  I hated that.

  “Corned beef hash is fine,” I gritted out as I made my way to the coffee pot. “Whatever you want is … fine.”

  Galen lifted an eyebrow. “You seem tense.”

  “Do I? Huh. I have no idea why. I’m in a fantastic mood.”

  “You also seem sarcastic.” Galen leaned his hip against the counter. “Do you want to tell me why your mood shifted so quickly?”

  Not even a little. “I’m simply not a morning person.”

  “You were a morning person a half hour ago.”

  “Oh, you mean before you got me wound up and then turned your attention to breakfast?” I shouldn’t have said that. The slow gleam of Galen’s teeth as he smiled proved that. It was too late to take it back, and I was stuck with my absolutely ridiculous reaction. “Just … never mind.” I turned my full attention to the coffee. “It doesn’t matter.”

  “It obviously matters to you.”

  I didn’t want to look at him because I knew he was having a good time at my expense. “It doesn’t matter. You obviously have other things on your mind. What do you have planned for your day?”

  Galen moved closer, his fingers skirting under my chin and forcing me to look at him. Instead of a smile, though, I found a frown. “I do have a lot going on. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “You didn’t upset me.” That was a ridiculous lie. I was disappointed. I wanted to blame my out-of-control hormones … again … but it was easier to blame him. “I’m fine. I swear it.”

  “I don’t happen to believe that.” Galen released my chin. “If I was a little … um, abrupt … this morning, I didn’t mean it as a slight to you. I just didn’t want things to get out of control.”

  “Fine.”

  “And not for whatever stupid reason that’s going through your head right now,” Galen added. “If we’re going to take that step – and it will be a glorious day when it happens – I don’t want it to be when I have limited time and you have morning breath.”

  My mouth dropped open. “Excuse me?”

  “That got a reaction out of you, eh?” Galen playfully swatted my rear end. “Listen, it’s not that I didn’t want to play a little longer. I simply knew that I wouldn’t be able to control myself if I did and I don’t want to rush things.”

  He made it sound so simple. “I don’t want to rush things either. I mean … I didn’t invite you over for that.”

  “I know. You invited me to stay because I was tired and you were worried about me. I saw it on your face. It was a nice moment.”

  “So … why are we fighting?”

  “We’re not. We’re sparring.”

  “Is there a difference?”

  Galen shrugged. “I don’t want to ruin this by going too fast or doing something we can’t take back. I want this to happen at a leisurely pace. I also want it to happen without hurt feelings.”

  He sounded so pragmatic I could do nothing but feel sheepish. “I’m not angry. I was … thrown.”

  “And I should’ve taken that into consideration. We’re just getting started here. There’s no reason to rush things.”

  “You’re making me feel as if I’m the town harlot or something,” I grumbled. “I wasn’t trying to chase you and beg for sex or something. I just … you lost interest fast. It threw me.”

  “I didn’t lose interest. In fact, it was the opposite. But I want it to be the right time for both of us. I have to be to work in an hour. This is not the right time.”

  “Fine.” I threw up my hands. “Geez. I can’t believe we’re even having this discussion. I’m not upset.” That was true. Mortified was a better description. “Can we please talk about something else?”

  “Sure.” Galen nodded. “So, I’ve been giving it a lot of thought and I’ve decided that I’m not sure Ashley is guilty. There’s a lot of evidence piling up – circumstantial and otherwise – but it doesn’t feel right.”

  The conversational shift was fast enough to cause me to gape. “I … well … I was thinking along those lines, too.”

  “I know. That’s why I want to talk things through with yo
u … but only if you can keep your hands to yourself and try not to tempt me over breakfast. You need to be a good girl instead of the town harlot.”

  I scowled. “I’m never going to live this down, am I?”

  Galen shrugged. “I don’t know. Let’s find out. Set the table. I don’t have much time and we have a lot to talk about.”

  10

  Ten

  “I have to get going.”

  Galen finished loading the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher – he cooked and cleaned, which made him practically perfect – and fixed me with a serious look.

  “Do you want me to applaud?”

  Galen’s expression was rueful. “No. I was simply telling you because we’re in a relationship and it’s always wise to share things with your significant other if you want the lines of communication to remain open.”

  I made an exaggerated face. I knew exactly what he was doing … and I found it annoying rather than delightful. “You’re feeling pretty good about yourself, aren’t you?”

  Galen adopted a breezy expression. “I have no idea what you mean.”

  “You’re feeling good about yourself,” I repeated. “You think I’m all hot for you and it’s making your ego puff out.”

  “Oh, that’s a horrible thing to say.” Galen tapped my chin and grinned. “I’m merely worried that your residual disappointment about this morning’s lack of hands-on experience will leave you sad and pouting all day.”

  Yup. He was definitely full of himself. “I wouldn’t worry too much. It’s not as if you’re the only person on the island who is willing to show me how it’s done. In fact, you kind of fell down on the job. I’m positive someone is willing to pick up your slack.”

  Galen’s smile evaporated. “Do you think that’s funny?”

  I held my hands palms out and shrugged. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I was simply talking to hear myself talk … much like someone else I know.”

  The look Galen offered as he stared into my eyes was stern. “I know you’re trying to pay me back for messing with you – trust me, I get it – but I don’t like jokes about cheating.”

  “Fair enough.” I could understand that. “We haven’t talked about our relationship, so it can’t really be considered cheating.”

  Galen folded his arms over his muscular chest. “How do you figure?”

  “We have to define our relationship. So far, we’ve been on several dates. They’ve been nice dates, don’t get me wrong, but we haven’t talked about dating only each other or anything.”

  “I only date one woman at a time.”

  Oddly enough, even though he was agitated, I was glad to hear it. “I date only one man at a time. However, we didn’t discuss that … or any of it. We’re not at a point where either of us is whining, ‘What do I mean to you’ while looking for hints of unrest. How was I supposed to know you felt that way?”

  Galen opened his mouth and then snapped it shut, narrowing his eyes as he stared hard. His intensity made me uncomfortable.

  “I mean … you should just tell me you feel that way or something,” I added lamely.

  “I’m kind of sorry I started this game,” Galen admitted, taking me by surprise. “It was funny when I could tease you about how hot you were for me. It took some of the pressure off me because I didn’t want to react like an animal this morning.

  “But now you’re doing the typical girl thing,” he continued. “You’re turning what was supposed to be a light morning into something serious. I think it’s going to result in me getting acid reflux.”

  I pressed my lips together, uncertain how to respond.

  “Just for the record, we’re only dating each other.” Galen was firm. “I’m also sorry about messing with you this morning. I was embarrassed by that situation, too. I shouldn’t have put it all on you. That’s hardly fair.”

  “I wasn’t fishing for you to pledge yourself to me or anything,” I muttered, my cheeks burning under his intense scrutiny.

  “I know that.” Galen combed his fingers through my hair. “This is new for both of us. It’s going to take time to iron out all the kinks. For once I want to take the time to do the ironing.”

  My stomach flipped, this time in pleasure. “Really?”

  “Oh, now you’re knowingly fishing.” Galen surprised me when he gave me a long hug and a quick kiss. “We’ll talk about this later if you want. I’m guessing we’re both uncomfortable with the direction this conversation has taken and we’ll likely pretend it didn’t happen when we talk later.”

  I had a feeling he was right. “Will you call me if you get any new information on the case?”

  Galen nodded. “Don’t get your hopes up, though. Ashley has a lot of strikes against her right now.”

  “But you’re going to continue searching for another suspect, right?”

  “Yes.” He gave me another kiss, his shoulders jolting at the sound of someone knocking on the front door. “Are you expecting someone?”

  “Just the other guy I’ve been dating.”

  Galen scowled. “Really? After what I just said?”

  I shrugged. “I have horrible comedic timing. I’m kind of a spaz. You should already know this. What do you want from me?”

  Galen snorted as he moved toward the door. “Whoever it is, he or she has awful timing. I’ll get rid of them.”

  I trailed behind, curious about who would bother visiting this early. If I’d learned one thing about Moonstone Bay, it was that island life didn’t really mesh with early-morning activities. Those who had to get up early to work did so, but they weren’t happy about it. Everyone else slept until at least nine.

  “Whatever it is, we don’t want any.” Galen made the announcement before tugging open the door, pulling up short when he caught sight of Madame Selena. “Oh, it’s you.”

  Even though it was early … and a weekday … Madame Selena was dressed to impress. She wore an ankle-length skirt and had her hair (which I had still yet to see) pulled back under an ornate turban. She wore sparkly shoes, had her overly long fingernails painted purple and had slathered on enough makeup that the Kardashians would’ve been jealous of her Sephora shopping basket.

  “Good morning, Galen.” Madame Selena looked grave as she surveyed his rough-and-tumble appearance. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “Aren’t you psychic?” Galen’s tone wasn’t exactly icy, but it wasn’t welcoming either. “I thought you knew everything that happened on Moonstone Bay. Isn’t that what the sign in your shop window says?”

  “I believe the exact phrasing is that I know all and see all.” If Madame Selena picked up on Galen’s overt dislike she didn’t show it. “As for being psychic, I try to keep my spirit helpers at bay unless I absolutely need them. I don’t want to infringe on anyone’s privacy.”

  “Yes, that’s what I always think when your name pops up,” Galen drawled.

  Madame Selena waited on the other side of the screen for a long moment. Finally, she asked the obvious question. “Are you going to invite me in?”

  “It’s not my lighthouse.” Galen walked away from the door, causing me to frown as I watched him meander toward the kitchen.

  I scrambled to open the screen door and offer Madame Selena entry. “Did I know we were meeting today?”

  “You should have.” Madame Selena was blasé as she glanced around the lighthouse. “I thought you wanted to learn more about your powers.”

  “I do.” That was true. “I just … didn’t know we were meeting today.”

  “No time like the present.” Madame Selena’s smile was so bright it almost blinded me. It was also so fake it was almost painful and forced me to flick my eyes to the kitchen doorway, which Galen happened to be walking through. He’d put on his shoes and grabbed his badge and gun, telling me he was on his way out. “Oh, Galen, are you leaving?” Madame Selena made a tsking sound but didn’t look altogether unhappy.

  “I have work.” Galen put his hand to the small of m
y back and prodded me toward the door. “Hadley, will you walk me out?”

  “Um … sure.”

  Galen didn’t release the pressure until we were on the front porch and could talk without Madame Selena hearing. “Listen, I don’t want to tell you your business … .”

  “But you’re going to.”

  Galen exhaled heavily, as if tugging on his limited patience. “I just want you to be careful. Madame Selena is … odd.”

  “This whole island is odd,” I pointed out. “What is it about her that you don’t like?”

  “I didn’t say I didn’t like her.”

  “Your reaction to her showing up was fairly obvious.”

  “Ugh.” Galen made a growling sound before briefly pressing his forehead to mine. “I want you to be careful. I don’t think Madame Selena is dangerous, but I also don’t think you need her. You’re fully capable of figuring things out by yourself.”

  He had more faith in my newfound abilities than I did. “Three weeks ago I didn’t believe magic was real.”

  “I know.”

  “I don’t know how to move forward with this.” I was at a loss. “I need help.”

  The look Galen shot me was almost pitying. “You really don’t need help, but I understand why you believe otherwise. I swear you’ll figure this out … and I’ll help where I can. If you feel you need Madame Selena, though, I won’t stand in your way. She knows a lot about a great many things.”

  “And yet you don’t seem to like her.”

  “She’s nutty.” Galen smirked as I rolled my eyes. “I’m sorry. She wears on me. Maybe she won’t wear on you.” He leaned forward and gave me a quick kiss. “I will be in touch if I have any information.”

  “Okay.”

  “I will also be in touch toward the end of my shift so we can make plans,” he added.

  “What if my other boyfriend wants to do something?”

  Galen’s expression darkened. “Why do you always have to take it too far?”