Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 67614 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67614 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
We wind our way through tables to a booth in the back against the windows with a beautiful view of the water.
“Well, this is lovely.”
I accept the menu and then smile over at Giles, who watches me through his glasses, his expression serious.
“You look wonderful this evening,” he says when the hostess leaves.
“Thanks. After finishing at the loom, I was a bit of a mess.”
“No, you’re pretty much always hot as hell.” He casually sips his water as if he just made a comment about his favorite football team and didn’t just knock me off my axis. “What’s your favorite thing to get here?”
“I usually go for the fresh sea bass,” I reply, feeling my stomach growl. “In fact, that sounds really good. How about you?”
“This close to Maine? Lobster, of course.”
“Ooh, let’s get both and share.”
“You’re on.”
Suddenly, I feel the hair on the back of my neck stand on end as if someone’s watching me. I glance around the restaurant but don’t see anyone looking our way.
“What’s wrong?” Giles asks.
“I just had a weird feeling. I’m sure it’s nothing.”
He reaches out and takes my hand. “I don’t believe in coincidences these days. What was the feeling?”
“It just seemed like we were being watched.” I shrug a shoulder and reach for my water. “But I’m sure it’s nothing, Giles. There’s just a lot of energy in this room.”
His eyes narrow, and then he glances around but doesn’t say anything before the waitress arrives to take our order.
Dinner passes quickly, full of excellent food and even better conversation. Before long, we’re walking home with full bellies.
“That was amazing,” I say with a sigh as we approach the house. “The food and the company. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
He follows me up the steps to the front door but doesn’t unlock it.
“I’m going to kiss you out here on the porch, the way it should be after a date.”
I grin up at him. “You won’t hear me complain.”
He leans in, brushes his fingertips down my cheek, and lays his lips on mine, gently at first, and then he deepens the kiss.
My back is suddenly pressed to the door, and I let my purse fall to the porch as I loop my arms around his neck.
My goddess, I want to climb him. I want to strip out of my dress and let him have his way with me. I want everything with this man.
When he groans into my neck, nibbling his way up to my ear, I know he feels exactly the same way.
“You’re so fucking amazing.” The whisper is rough and full of need, but before I can respond, I hear a very distinct meow.
Giles lifts his head and stares down at me.
“Do you have a cat?” I ask him.
“No. I’m allergic.” He backs away, far enough for us to look down. Sure enough, a cat sits, staring up at us.
“You’re a witch, and you’re allergic to cats?”
“Yeah. Ironic, I know.” He looks down at the feline. “You’re lost, buddy.”
“He’s not lost.”
Giles’s gaze turns back to me. “What? I didn’t know you had a cat.”
“I haven’t in a while,” I confess, still looking at the black cat staring right at me. “But I’m sure that’s Merlin. My familiar.”
Giles sighs. “I’ll call the doctor and get my allergy meds refilled.”
“Hold on.” I squat and reach out. The cat rests his chin in my hand, the same way Merlin used to do. “Hey there, baby. This is a surprise and not the best timing, but I’m so glad to see you. Did you just know I needed you?”
Meow. His green eyes narrow as he walks over to bump his head against mine. Meow.
“I’ll keep him in my bedroom,” I offer, but Giles is already shaking his head.
“I’ll be fine with some medicine,” he says. “It’s not that bad. How did you know so quickly that it was him?”
“Because I know. A witch recognizes her familiar. He’s been gone for three years.”
“Like, he ran off?”
“No, he died of old age.”
“Familiars reincarnate?”
“Of course, they do.”
He shakes his head, looks at the cat, and then unlocks the door. “You learn something new every day.”
“Didn’t your parents have familiars?”
“No, we’re all allergic.”
“Well, I’m sorry for that, because having Merlin with me is the most comforting and helpful thing I’ve ever had in my practice.”
“I wonder how he found you.”
I simply smile at Giles as I lift the cat and kiss his cheek. “He’s mine, and I’m his. It was inevitable he’d find his way to me.”
“He looks well cared for. No fleas or anything.”
I look down at the cat and smile. “No, you’ve been loved, haven’t you?”
“Maybe someone’s looking for him.”
Meow.
“I don’t think so. Are you sure this is okay?”
Giles shrugs. “It seems there’s not much I won’t do for you, Breena. It’s just fine.”
Chapter Six
His strength grows, rejuvenating him much faster than ever before. It fills him with satisfaction and anticipation. He was able to leave Hallows End without a host, which is a handicap, but something he can deal with.