The Witch's Journey Page 8

  “Yes, we’ll be leaving soon. Thanks.”

  When the server left, he spoke.

  “I admit, I’m uneasy with you payin’ for my food. Are men of this century acceptin’ of women recompensing their dining? You’re also providin’ my meals and lodging.”

  “I did summon you from another time, without your permission and with no money. Please don’t feel badly. It’s accepted for anyone to pay now. I’ll give you some money. Next time you can pay if it makes you less uncomfortable.”

  “It would still be your coin.”

  “I’ll collect what’s due later,” she said.

  “How would that be done?”

  “I’m only joking, Faolan—or trying to. Newt tells me I’m too serious. You can help me deliver the clam chowder and keep me company; that would be payment enough.”

  “I doubt you’ve ever paid for the company of a man—have you?”

  “Me? Definitely not. Newt claims I’m uptight sexually.”

  “You discuss these personal subjects with him?”

  “He’s my best friend. I don’t discuss them as much as listen to him. He’s as worried about my sex life or lack thereof as how little I eat.”

  “Should we let him know you’ve nearly finished all your food?”

  “I’ll take a picture and send it to him.”

  Faolan seemed uncertain so she retrieved her phone, took a photo of the mostly eaten food, showed Faolan, then sent it to Newt.

  “Should I take a photo of you?”

  “Would you like to?” he asked.

  “Let’s do a selfie?”

  “A what?”

  “Stay where you are; I’ll come to you.”

  “I’m much in favor of that notion.”

  She sat beside him and he immediately placed his arm around her, making her warm and tingly.

  “We have to put our faces closer together.”

  “You think I’d need promptin’ for that?” he said moving closer. His jaw, covered with sexy stubble, touched her cheek. She stared into his eyes, nearly overcome with desire.

  “How do we do this selfie?” he asked, though she caught recognizable desire in his eyes, too.

  “You hold my phone, then hit this button.”

  She reached across to show him, and her nose brushed his fabulous chest. His scent was so masculinely enticing, she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes, wanting to be lost in it.”

  “Your eyes are closed, Angel.” His voice sounded raspy with arousal.

  He took the photo, then his lips lightly brushed against hers.

  “Let’s deliver this food,” she said hastily moving away.

  *

  Afterward, they sat back in her kitchen.

  “You’re very good with elderly people,” Angelique said. “How are you with dogs and children?”

  He stared and she turned away.

  “That wasn’t a proposition of marriage, children, pets, a white picket fence and the whole nine yards.”

  “Picket fence? Nine yards?”

  “Never mind.”

  “I didn’t suppose you were proposing marriage when you’ll be sending me back in less than a moon.”

  “Would you like to go listen to Danhoul?”

  “Will you take up with him when I’ve returned to my time?”

  “I haven’t taken up with him in all the time he’s been living upstairs so it’s unlikely.”

  “Did you send your photos to Newt?”

  “Yes, but he hasn’t replied. In fact, I haven’t heard from him since yesterday morning. Maybe I’ll call him.”

  Her call went straight to Newt’s voice mail again.

  “Now I’ll just worry. I’ll have to go make sure he’s okay. Do you want to come with me or are you tired?”

  “I’ll not permit you out alone after nightfall.”

  “I admire the protectiveness of a man from another century.”

  “A man from your time would permit it? Are they all cads?”

  She laughed. “I’d call a taxi so only be alone walking to the street.”

  “I’ll accompany you,” he insisted.

  *

  Riding in the cab, Faolan moved close enough his thigh touched hers. The sound from the gadget she called a phone stopped him from placing his arm around her.

  “Oh good, Newt’s calling. What the freakin’ hell, Newt, why aren’t you answering my calls and texts? If it was the other way around, you’d be sending in the National Guard.”

  Faolan heard a man’s laugh coming from her phone.

  “Probably. I’ve been caught up in a project. Had my phone muted.”

  “You’re not caught up with a lover?”

  Another laugh. “It’s you who apparently has a love interest, Angie. Wow, that guy’s hot! Where’d you meet him? Did you actually eat that whole lobster roll?”

  “Yes, I ate the lobster roll and we’ll discuss Faolan later, unless you want to come meet him?”

  “I’d like that. At your place?”

  “Tell him to meet us at the pub so we can listen to your friend Danhoul,” Faolan said.

  “Did you hear that?” Angelique asked.

  “If he’s keeping you out of the house, I like this guy already.”

  “I like him, too.”

  She said good-bye, alerted the cab driver to the new destination and returned the phone to her satchel.

  “And I like you, Angel,” Faolan said moving closer. “I’d like to show you how much.”

  As he took her in his arms, she melted against him; his lips found hers. The kiss was immediately fervent. She moaned and he pulled her closer.

  “I don’t charge enough to permit that in the back of my cab,” the gruff, middle-aged driver said. “Do you have any idea how many damn condoms I’ve had to dispose of?”

  “I’m guessing a lot,” Angelique said after hastily ending the kiss.

  “What’s this he speaks of?” Faolan quietly asked.

  “Sheaths worn by men during sex. A barrier that prevents pregnancy and disease,” she whispered.

  “I understand. Though not common in my time, they’re much disliked.”

  “I don’t know that they’re liked now, but they’re common and necessary.”

  “And if you possess any, yours are expired?”

  “God, a man who actually listens to me.”

  “Where might one purchase these items if one had coin to do so?”

  “Pharmacies, even pubs.”

  “You’re displeased that you’re blushing.”

  “You can read my mind now?”

  “Maybe a little. Can you read mine?” he asked.

  “I’m trying not to. That’s intrusive.”

  “I’m not bothered if you know what I’m thinkin’ and if that spoilsport steerin’ this coach would permit me to place you in a horizontal position you’d be well apprised.”

  “Okay then,” she said fanning her face. “We’re nearly at the pub, which is just as well.”

  “Why?” he whispered against her throat and she trembled.

  “Because we shouldn’t start something that can’t be finished.”

  “Have you no notion what you do to me, Angel?”

  He kissed her again and she responded with ardor.

  “We’re here,” the driver said. “If you can control yourself long enough to get out.”

  Regrettably, they separated.

  “You’re not much of a romantic, are you, Joe?” Angelique asked.

  “Missy, if you had to clean up as much romance as me, you mightn’t be so keen either.”

  “Probably not,” she said handing him payment.

  “Thanks for the generous tip, missy. Most young people don’t use cash these days.”

  “I’m old-fashioned that way. Here, take this, too.” She passed him another bill. “Buy your wife some flowers. She’s feeling really sad about her sister moving away.”

  “How in the hell did you know that?”

  “I�
�m intuitively gifted.”

  “You’re a psychic?”

  “I suppose.”

  “At least you’re not a psycho. I’ve had more than a few in here. A couple, just two nights ago. They were going on about some shift in time; said something about a portal and transcendent witches. They were damn scary. I don’t mind saying I was glad to drop them off.

  “I swear when I saw their eyes in the rearview mirror, they glowed red. Likely only special effects for Halloween but being a full moon, too, my imagination was working overtime. I’ve watched too much of that damn Supernatural show. My wife likes it—mostly likes those two good-lookin’ young guys.”

  “She knows you don’t care for it, but watching it with her means a lot, Joe.”

  “Do you do readings, missy? My wife’s into that stuff, goes to Salem sometimes. But if you’re this good and right here…”

  “I sometimes do readings at The Third Eye. There are other readers available, too.”

  “I’ll stop in sometime. Who should I ask for?”

  “I’m Samantha.”

  “Maybe we’ll see you sometime. Bet you’ll know when I’m on my way,” he said with a laugh that broke into a deep cough.

  “You need to see a doctor, Joe.”

  “Nah; I’ve had this cough for ages.”

  “Go now while it’s operable,” Angelique firmly said. “Wait too long and it won’t be. Do you have insurance?”

  “On the money I make as a cabbie?” the man skeptically replied.

  “Contact this number. Tell them Angelique says you’re covered for whatever you need. Have them call me. I’ll pay for all costs.”

  She passed him a small paper from her satchel.

  The man stared at it. “Thought your name was Samantha.”

  “That’s my middle name.”

  “Why would you do that for me?”

  “Because I can—because I’m a hopeless romantic and want you and your wife to have another thirty years together.”

  “Thank you,” Joe softly said.

  Faolan knew the man was profoundly moved. When they stepped out of the cab, Angelique was trembling. Faolan took her in his arms and held her close.

  “You’re saddened by this man’s affliction?”

  “No, I know he’ll be okay, but I’m worried about the men he spoke of. I’ve read when a magical veil’s opened sometimes dark things can slip through. I’ve also heard demons’ eyes are red. Maybe when I summoned you, demons came as well.”

  “Hey, Angie, you two look like you’re getting along well.”

  Newt’s arrival stopped their serious conversation.

  “Newt, you must’ve been close by?”

  “Just leaving the gallery when you called.”

  “This is Faolan; Faolan, Newt.”

  “Hello, Faolan.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Faolan said offering his hand.

  “I like a man with a firm handshake,” Newt said. “Angie, you haven’t told me where you two met.”

  “Obviously, you didn’t look closely at the photo I sent or you’d know.”

  Newt glanced at Faolan and his eyes bugged out.

  “Blue eyes, tall, muscular, devoted, Irish accent and…”

  “You can stop anytime,” she warned.

  “Angie really summoned you with a spell?” Newt asked.

  “Apparently so,” Faolan said.

  “From 1773,” Angelique sheepishly added.

  “Are you freaking kidding me?”

  “No,” she replied.

  “How do you feel about that, Faolan?”

  “Honestly, I’ve been a bit conflicted, but just now, I’m feelin’ quite fine about it,” he said staring at Angelique and their eyes locked.

  “He’s obviously got the look of attraction down pat. Have you checked out all stipulations of your spell?”

  “We’ve been together thirty seconds and Newt’s already inquiring about my love life,” Angelique said to Faolan.

  “What requirements regarding your love life were listed in the spell?” Faolan asked.

  “Let’s just go in; I need a cold drink,” she said.

  Chapter Nine

  Sitting in a booth, the three drank and easily talked together for some time.

  “Danhoul’s really good, isn’t he?” Newt said.

  “He’s very musically gifted and has a great voice,” Angelique agreed.

  “Look at the women swoonin’ while watchin’ him,” Faolan said.

  “Women are swooning over you, too,” Newt said. “As well as a few men.”

  Faolan looked doubtful and Angelique only smiled.

  “Would you take us to Maine one day, Newt?”

  “If you like. Do you want Faolan to taste Maine lobster?”

  “Yes and Maine’s beautiful. I haven’t been there in a while. The coastal drive’s stunning in autumn. Maybe we could even stay overnight in one of the lovely B&Bs.”

  “How many rooms would we book?” Newt coyly asked.

  “I’m going to the ladies’ room,” Angelique stated and Faolan stood so she could get by.

  “You really are tall,” Newt said.

  Faolan sat back down, watching Angelique as she walked away. She had a great arse and a damn sexy walk, which roused his male desires once again.

  “You like her?” Newt asked.

  “How could I not? Angelique’s beautiful and intelligent, amusin’ and kind.”

  “She’s really going to send you back?”

  Faolan shrugged. “I feel out of place here. Yet when Angel and I are alone none of that matters.”

  “Have you slept together?”

  Faolan scowled disapprovingly.

  “She’ll eventually tell me. We don’t have secrets. She does look really happy so…”

  “She’s afraid of modern-day coaches?” Faolan changed the subject. “It’s because of the boy who was killed?”

  “She actually told you about that?”

  Faolan nodded.

  “Angie’s mother’s first husband and baby were killed in a crash. Her fear might have rubbed off on Angie. Then Angie was in that terrible crash herself when Chris was killed.”

  “She didn’t tell me she was there,” Faolan said.

  “Angie died and was revived but stayed in a coma for weeks. We didn’t know if she’d pull through. Thankfully she awoke just fine.”

  “Did she love this boy?”

  “No. Angie’s never been in love. She and Chris had music in common, were starting a little band. But he was getting too serious. Apparently she’d just told him she wanted to break up. Chris didn’t take it well. Genny even wondered if he overreacted and purposely drove off that bridge. He was crazy about Angie. Most men are if she even looks their way, which isn’t often.

  “If she’s falling for you and you’re going back, I’m not sure how that’ll go. Not that I’m saying you should stay if you don’t want to. Angie’s trying to deal with losing her mom and she withdraws when she’s in pain.”

  “She and her father don’t see eye to eye?” Faolan said.

  “Wow, she’s opened up about Jim, too? She feels he betrayed her mother. Genny wasn’t the same after she was attacked and admitted she pushed Jim away. Angie doesn’t see it that way and doesn’t forgive easily.”

  “Her mother was attacked?”

  “Raped and beaten in her own home. Angie doesn’t even know the bastards who did it were asking questions about her. Genny confided in me. Afterward Genny and Angie moved to a different neighborhood and changed their names.”

  “Angel’s takin’ a long time,” Faolan said.

  “It’s not like we can go find her. There’s a gender-neutral bathroom, but she wouldn’t be there.”

  “Gender-neutral?”

  “Never mind. Did Angie at least tell you of my sexual orientation?”

  “She said you were gay, though I wouldn’t know it by your appearance or mannerisms. I don’t say so with intent to offend. Angel alre
ady threatened to use my sword on me if I said anything defamatory toward you.”

  “She’s a loyal friend.”

  “Do you suppose she’s unwell?”

  “I’ll get a female server to check, but wait…here’s Danhoul. Hey, Danhoul, you haven’t seen Sam have you?”

  “Hi, Newt, Faolan. Samantha was talkin’ to that guy I saw her with last year.”

  “Jake? That prick’s here?” Newt asked.

  “He’s a problem?” Danhoul questioned.

  “He stalked Sam after they broke up. We nearly had to get a restraining order.”

  “I didn’t know,” Danhoul replied.

  “Point out this cad!” Faolan stood, his hand resting where his sword should be.

  “I’ll go,” Newt said. “You stay put, Faolan. It wouldn’t be good if you get in trouble when you’re visiting from Ireland.”

  “Here she is,” Danhoul said. “You okay, Samantha?”

  She nodded, but Angelique’s face was paler than Faolan had ever seen it.

  “Are you well?” he asked, taking her in his arms. She clung to him.

  “What did that asshole say?” Newt asked.

  “Nothing really. I just didn’t expect to see him. Pubs aren’t really his scene.”

  “He’s clearly upset you, Angel. Tell me who he is and I’ll make him accountable.”

  “Really, I’m fine.”

  Faolan ended the embrace and they sat down. She reached for her ale, her hands shaking.

  “Slainte,” Danhoul said.

  “Slainte,” they repeated lifting their pints together.

  “We’re really enjoying your music and singing, Danhoul,” Angelique said.

  “I’m glad,” Danhoul replied. “Any requests?”

  “Maybe an Irish song. I like ‘The Fields of Athenry’ very much.”

  “I’ll gladly sing it for you,” Danhoul said to Angelique.

  “My turn to get the next round,” Newt offered.

  “Actually, it’s Faolan’s turn,” Angelique said glancing at his jeans’ pocket. He felt for and found the bill inside.

  He smiled at her.

  “Isn’t this an unusual sight?” a man’s voice slurred. “Elsa, the damn ice queen sitting with three men.”

  “Get lost, Jake!” Newt said. “You’ve been warned.”

  “What harm am I doing?” the man replied.

  Faolan stood. The man was obviously drunk, for he grinned, clearly antagonizing them.